Review by Frank Plowright

B. Mure’s ongoing peeks into the world of Ismyre continue with Disciples of the Soil, the fifth in the loosely connected series. During the previous volumes, the previous one being Methods of Dyeing, Mure has introduced a fair selection of characters, many of whom are briefly seen here, although this can be read with no knowledge of earlier events.

Ed and Faustine, introduced in the first of the series, both have large roles in what’s an ensemble outing. The level of government corruption and self-service is a continuing background plot, inducing a growing dissatisfaction among the population, and matters come to a head here. To those with knowledge of the UK’s political situation over the past few years, the inspirations are obvious, but the satire is limited as Mure’s plots have a larger intention. What brings things to a tipping point is the vast expenditure on a new station building and a new train seemingly unsuitable for purpose.

Given the more proactive selection of events, it might be felt that Mure’s storybook illustration is too gentle, and it’s weakest during moments of crowded chaos. A very individual application of colour works against intention via distraction. Otherwise the sketchy, yet detailed style is an acquired taste, but it’s admirably consistent.

Mure’s never been one to shy from tragedy, and despite the sometimes pastoral feel of the series, it’s punctuated by genuinely heartbreaking moments. The lack of sentimentality can still catch readers unaware, and here it’s skilfully undersold.

For the first time Mure ends on a cliffhanger, with matters to be picked up in the next book, and it seems Disciples of the Soil is best read in connection with what follows. Mure seems to be setting things up for the continuation, and the result is a fair amount of time spent with characters whose story amounts to very little here.

Continuing charm and originality will appeal to readers of the original stories, but this isn’t the volume to begin an immersion in Ismyre’s continuing evolution.