Review: Breath of Earth by Beth Cato

In an alternate 1906, the United States and Japan have forged a powerful confederation—the Unified Pacific—in an attempt to dominate the world. Their first target is a vulnerable China. In San Francisco, headstrong Ingrid Carmichael is assisting a group of powerful geomancer Wardens who have no idea of the depth of her power—or that she is the only woman to possess such skills.

When assassins kill the Wardens, Ingrid and her mentor are protected by her incredible magic. But the pair is far from safe. Without its full force of guardian geomancers, the city is on the brink of a cataclysmic earthquake that will expose Earth’s powers to masterminds determined to control the energy for their own dark ends. The danger escalates when Chinese refugees, preparing to fight the encroaching American and Japanese, fracture the uneasy alliance between the Pacific allies, transforming the city into a veritable powder keg. And the slightest tremor will set it off. . . .

Forced on the run, Ingrid makes some shocking discoveries about herself. Her powerful magic has grown even more fearsome . . . and she may be the fulcrum on which the balance of world power rests.

Paperback, 400 pages

Published August 23rd 2016 by Harper Voyager

As the story does take  place in a alternate United States I felt a bit confused in some places with our connection to other countries and the current political leaders. There is a lot of focus on the San Francisco area specifically because of the setting, but as far as what the world situation was I didn't quite get a good grip on who was ruling and where.

What I can tell you that I loved was the constant movement throughout the story and how during a time of war, the author does not shy away from being a bit, grotesque. My mouth literally fell open at one part that caught me off guard, yet really gave a good visual. As Ingrid is running for her life she goes on a wild adventure, there is constant action from the ground, the sky and under water. The way her abilities are able to save her and others during different situations was always interesting to see. I also really enjoyed the fact that the love story takes a bit of a twist, yet it all turns out very exciting. Although Ingrid is far from being a girl in distress she finds herself in several situations where her companions must help save her life. All four of them become a great team and I really enjoyed each person for their own unique person.

Even though I did get a bit confused, I really enjoyed where the story went and how much we learn about Ingrid and her family. It is really the characters that kept be going during the story, and they are the reason I am looking forward to reading the next book. This is one that I do recommend, it's an exciting read.