Swerling sweeps readers into a
grand and entertaining saga of
New York on the brink of war. She skillfully blends history, suspense,
a treasure hunt, treachery and love
into a sprawling story, captivating readers who will beg for a sequel.
It's so hard to let such appealing
and unique characters simply disap-
pear once the book is closed.

The sequel to City of Dreams is set in Manhattan as the city struggles with the consequences of the British blockade. Gorant Blackman, a secessionist, and Joyful Patrick Turner, a skilled surgeon who lost a hand in the war, face off when Joyful discovers Blackman has kidnapped Manon Vionne, the woman he loves. Joyful must expose Blackman as a traitor and rescue Manon. This isn't as easy as it may seem since a fabulous diamond, brought into the city on one of Blackman's ships, evades the blockade and is at the center of a treasure hunt that involves Joyful, Blackman, Manon's father and a fortune. Excitement builds as the war closes in on them. (Simon and Schuster, Jan., 496 pp., $25.95)
Reviewed by: 
Kathe Robin