Silverheart

At first glance, Michael Moorcock and Storm Constantine would appear to be uneasy bedfellows for a science fantasy novel. While both are specialists in vauntingly imaginative narratives, their styles are radically different, and one would have thought that a collaboration was a recipe for disaster. Not so: Silverheart turns out to be a winner, even if both authors have done better work alone. The plot is playful and quirky. In only six days Max Silverskin, renowned thief and prankster, is obliged to discover the secrets of his heritage or he will die from the witch mark (the eponymous Silverheart) on his chest which will consume his heart. The daughter of the leader of the Clan Iron in Karadur, the city of metal, steam and ancient secrets, finds herself having to work with Max as she tries to discover the secrets that will save the city. This is an outrageously operatic SF fantasy novel that pulls out all the stops in its colourful, fast-moving narrative. Max is a nicely vulnerable anti-hero, always vividly characterised, but it's the world making, always consummately handled, that makes Moorcock and Constantine's joint effort such a joy. There may be few missteps, but after a few pages of this very few readers will be able to put it down. (Kirkus UK)