Losing Latitude part Three by Cory Cramer

Review of Part One
Review of Part Two

Even though it’s been over a month since I reviewed part two I had no problem at all getting right back into the world and characters when I started Losing Latitude part three.

The tale is definitely getting more emotional. The modern day section finds Lilly, the survivor of a shipwreck that killed her parents, preparing to leave the Naval hospital at Guantanamo Bay to enter the world free and alone for the first time in her life. She’s also developing quite an attachment to Rufus, the nurse who has been helping her survive her lengthy recovery from her own wounds.

In the journal Lilly’s father left behind, which chronicles the story of Buck, a young man being chased by a demon, the plot also picks up. Buck’s tale is far more interesting once the pursuing demon forces him to leave his underage girlfriend behind because instead of wallowing in happy love he’s fighting for something again. Between the sympathetic inclusion and tragic loss of Buck’s only friend in New Orleans, and the knowledge of Miss Mable, the voodooine who finally sheds some light on what the demon is (but not why it’s after Buck) the story definitely picks up here, both in action and in plot.

The sea really seems to be Cramer’s fuel, his knowledge of sailing and fishing among other things lends this section of the story a credibility and touch of realism that balances well with the increase of magic with the increased appearances of the demon himself.

On technical and textual levels Cramer also seems to be stepping into his stride, leaving me hoping he keeps it up and nails the climax and finale.

Review of Part 4 coming soon…