Anne Gray's World

Another reason for visiting and revisiting the Shinn series, is the world she has created. In the first scene, which takes place in a seedy tavern, we get our first glimpse of what the world is like through the eyes of the tavern keeper who also gives us our first glimpse of the main characters.

Later, we see the world through the eyes of these characters, not just as scenery but as they experience it ... as places of safety or danger. When they see a house, it is not just a house but a place with a purpose for them. When they ride through the forest, they experience it for what it promises.

We also learn about the world through scene and dialogue. This is often difficult because of the need to avoid telling someone something they already know ... a danger new writers are often warned about. Shinn has handled this by having a character who is new to the country who needs to know all this. By having two characters working together to give him this information and to discuss various aspects between themselves, the reader learns as the character learns. 

The series is fascinating for the reader but it also uses many techniques that are instructive for a writer as well.