L. E. Bryce is one of those unique voices that makes a reader sit up and take notice. House of the Swallows is an eclectic mix of modern day with the past. We are brought glimpses of the past through an archeological dig at the site of a volcanic eruption. Then the story flips to the past and the developing love affair between the jewel smith Thissol and Irdun, an indentured whore. Irdun works for the House of Swallows, a high-end brothel, and his freedom is held in the tight fisted hand of Laputi. Thissol and Irdun share a special bond, and even though Irdun is a whore, Thissol is convinced that he is in love with Irdun. Irdun tries to convince Thissol differently; after all he is only a whore, and what would a jewel smith want with him? Both characters were finely developed, and the emotional byplay kept me turning the pages. The added drama of their world falling apart because of the imminent eruption of a volcano was just one more bit of spice to this tender, sweet tale. I wish that this story had been a bit longer, because I really enjoyed spending time with Thissol and Irdun and while not a fan of this type of ending, I was happy to draw my own idea of their futures.

Reviewed by: Hayley