Overview
Inventor, girl genius Tinker lives in a near-future Pittsburgh which now exists mostly in the land of the elves. She runs her salvage business, pays her taxes, and tries to keep the local ambient level of magic down with gadgets of her own design. When a pack of wargs chase an Elven noble into her scrap yard, life as she knows it takes a serious detour. Tinker finds herself taking on the Elven court, the NSA, the Elven Interdimensional Agency, technology smugglers and a college-minded Xenobiologist as she tries to stay focused on what's really important - her first date. Armed with an intelligence the size of a planet, steel-toed boots, and a junkyard dog attitude, Tinker is ready to kick butt to get her first kiss.
Synopsis
Inventor, girl genius Tinker lives in a near-future Pittsburgh which now exists mostly in the land of the elves. She runs her salvage business, pays her taxes, and tries to keep the local ambient level of magic down with gadgets of her own design. When a pack of wargs chase an Elven noble into her scrap yard, life as she knows it takes a serious detour. Tinker finds herself taking on the Elven court, the NSA, the Elven Interdimensional Agency, technology smugglers and a college-minded Xenobiologist as she tries to stay focused on what's really important - her first date. Armed with an intelligence the size of a planet, steel-toed boots, and a junkyard dog attitude, Tinker is ready to kick butt to get her first kiss.
Publishers Weekly
Wit and intelligence inform this off-beat, tongue-in-cheek fantasy from Spencer (Alien Taste, etc.), set in near-future Pittsburgh-or rather, the part of Pittsburgh that's been translated to the Faerie world of Elfhome by a faulty hyperphase gate created by the Chinese. After 18-year-old tech genius Tinker saves Windwolf, the elven governor of North America on Elfhome, from a pack of nasty wargs, Windwolf in gratitude turns her into an elf and makes her his consort. In her new and important position, Tinker becomes the target for a conspiracy of humans, elves and oni (Japanese demons that control their own part of Faerie) who are trying to build another gate for use in conquering Earth and Elfhome. Furious action, including a memorable car chase, good characterization, playful eroticism and well-developed folklore all help lift this well above the fantasy average. The routine jacket art, of an elven biological dirigible, probably won't help, but Buffy fans should find a lot to like in the book's resourceful heroine. (Nov.) FYI: Spencer has won the 2003 John W. Campbell Best New Writer Award. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewWhat would happen if a 50-mile chunk of modern-day Pittsburgh existed mostly in Elfhome, a magical realm ruled by elves? And what would happen if a royal-born elf fell in love with the ingenious proprietress of a scrap yard? Read Tinker to find out!
When an elf named Lord Windwolf is chased into Tinker's scrap yard by a pack of wargs (pony-sized wolves) and almost ripped apart, Tinker does everything in her power to save him. As it turns out, this is the second time Tinker has saved Windwolf's life. Now, as Tinker and Windwolf forge an unlikely relationship -- and learn more about their respective worlds -- they must battle enemies in the elfin court, the EIA (the Elfin Interdimensional Agency), and criminals trying to smuggle illegal technology across the border between the realms.
Popular literary butt-kicking female protagonists like Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake and Robin McKinley's Rae "Sunshine" Seddon -- as well as television's Buffy the Vampire Slayer -- need to make a little room for fantasy's newest heroine. Paul Goat Allen
Publishers Weekly
Wit and intelligence inform this off-beat, tongue-in-cheek fantasy from Spencer (Alien Taste, etc.), set in near-future Pittsburgh-or rather, the part of Pittsburgh that's been translated to the Faerie world of Elfhome by a faulty hyperphase gate created by the Chinese. After 18-year-old tech genius Tinker saves Windwolf, the elven governor of North America on Elfhome, from a pack of nasty wargs, Windwolf in gratitude turns her into an elf and makes her his consort. In her new and important position, Tinker becomes the target for a conspiracy of humans, elves and oni (Japanese demons that control their own part of Faerie) who are trying to build another gate for use in conquering Earth and Elfhome. Furious action, including a memorable car chase, good characterization, playful eroticism and well-developed folklore all help lift this well above the fantasy average. The routine jacket art, of an elven biological dirigible, probably won't help, but Buffy fans should find a lot to like in the book's resourceful heroine. (Nov.) FYI: Spencer has won the 2003 John W. Campbell Best New Writer Award. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.Short in stature but long on intelligence and creative ability, 18-year-old Tinker and her cousin Oilcan run a junkyard in a near-future Pittsburgh, now mostly in the Elven dimension. She saves Windwolf, a high-ranking elf, from an attack by foo dogs and becomes embroiled in the race to perfect a permanent "gate" between the dimensions: elf, human, and tengu (nasty cousins of the elves from Chinese folklore). Packed with action, romance, and humor, this should satisfy most spirited fantasy fans looking for something new and different. Tinker is a hero of the highest ilk, who doesn't just use her head—she isn't afraid to kick butt, too. The language and slightly erotic scenes will limit this to older readers. Clearly the start of a new series: one we'll be watching for new installments! KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2003, Baen, 438p. map., Ages 15 to adult.
—Sherry Hoy
The arrival of the city of Pittsburgh in the land of the fey creates problems for the inhabitants of both realms. Into the mix comes Tinker, a young woman with an abundance of technical skills and practical knowledge. Aided by a handsome elf named Windwolf, Tinker attempts to ease the confusion on both sides and fight off any dangers. Fast-paced action, a feisty heroine, and a rousing plot combine to produce a novel that belongs in large sf collections. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.