School Library Journal: YA In Merovingen a watery canal-laced city much like Earths Venice society is segregated along class lines between the lower and upper cities. Against her better judgment Altair Jones 17 rescues an unconscious man from a canal near her poleboat. She is fascinated by Mondragons good looks and elegant ways and begins to fall in love with him. Even though she knows there is no future for a water rat like herself with such a man she decides to watch over him and rescue him from his enemies; enemies who turn out to be the most powerful people in the upper city. Cherryh is well known for her skill at creating complex and believable societies and worlds as is shown by this books 40-page appendix of maps and essays that cover everything from Merovingens history to its monetary system. This meticulous background work shows up in the reality of her descriptions of the city through which readers can almost feel the rotting dampness of the canals. The plot has some gaps it is never completely clear why Mondragon was being pursued but the exciting boat chases and fights with various malefactors keep the story moving along at a fast pace. Altair is a girl-woman half worldly-wise half naive but full of bravery and honesty who should appeal to teenage SF fans. Betsy Shorb PGCMLS Md.