Been reading again
I just finished Southern Fire by Juliet McKenna, first book in her Aldebreshin Compass series and it was really good. It's essentially classic fantasy - people like Robin Hobb, K.J. Parker or Joe Abercrombie might be in a similar corner of the genre - but a combination of a very intriguing setting ( vaguely indonesian in flavour ), well drawn and credible characters, and a rollercoaster-ride of a story that grabs you by the scruff of the neck and drags you along made for more compelling reading than any of those. It is immaculately balanced, combining cunning politics, insightful characterisation and all-out action in just the right amounts to keep you wanting more. I noticed that when I read the last few chapters I was so engaged that I could feel my heartrate picking up- the only other time I can remember that happening from reading was at the close of Phil Rickman's brilliant The Wine Of Angels.

This is the first book by Juliet McKenna I've read and I'm going to avail myself of the rest of the series at the first available opportunity. I love that feeling when you first find a really good author and know you have all those pages of goodness ahead of you.

Consider this a strong recommendation.