Book Review: Sweep of the Heart

Sweep of the Heart is a worthy addition to the Innkeeper Chronicles. Andrews continue to up the scope and stakes while keeping the story's heart around a girl and her magical inn.

The book is packed with detailed descriptions hallmark to the authors' style; Andrews can't seem to resist describing every scale on a new alien's face before they've uttered a single word. Normally a welcome addition, this story introduced 14 or so new races right in the beginning. Describing them all made for a very slow start where I'd be lying if I claimed I didn't skim over a few paragraphs (or pages, in some cases) to finally reach some dialogue or anything to move the story along.

Once that was out of the way, however, Andrews didn't disappoint. Innkeepers are renowned for catering to their guests' needs, regardless of species, and Sweep of the Heart lays the groundwork for the biggest cross-section of aliens yet. Dina and Sean have their work cut out making sure each delegation are not only comfortable, but don't kill the other delegations, all so they can rescue their missing friend Wilmos. My favorite were the Dushegubs, a race of emotionless plants who would kill you as soon as look at you, and who certainly kept Dina on her toes. Best of all, we learn more about Gertrude Hunt's long-term resident, Caldenia, and about the mysterious inter-dimensional nature of inns themselves.

Fans of the series shouldn't hesitate. Despite the slow start, Andrews keeps the pace moving and finishes with not one but two big climaxes. Recommended.