Although apparently teeming with unlimited peril, the Interweb can often be a force for freedom of choice, and the presence of Grim Tides is a proof of this concept. When the publisher of the previous Marla Mason titles foolishly decided to give up on the series, author Tim Pratt refused to let his creation die. The last published title had ended on a cliffhanger, and he knew that his readers were keen to know what happened next. The solution was an appeal for funding via the crowd source phenomenon that is Kickstarter. A whole lot of work and goodwill later, an amount comparable to a publishers advance was raised, and in due course, Grim Tides arrived. Happily, publishing in this manner has done nothing to diminish Pratt's capacity to produce darkly amusing action oriented adventure, and the appeal of his main character stays intact. There is still something vulnerable and likeable about Mason, which is one thing that sets her aside from the testosterone poisoned horde of screaming women stomping through fantasy fiction these days. In terms of the story itself, Grim Tides is not quite business as usual due to the fact that Marla is literally out of her element. It's quite a wrench, not unlike how finding Harry Potter forcibly transferred to a new school might have felt. But the scenario does allow the character time to think, and begin a life change. This book is very much about casting off the old and finding that new direction. Some elements of the story, such as Marla playing detective, feel half-hearted and there mostly to fill space until the real plot begins. When the main story does get going, it's every bit as much fun as previous Marla outings, and ultimately points the character in a direction that offers broad horizons. Tampering with a previously successful formula is never a decision to be taken lightly, but in this case it works like the literary equivalent of a rejuvenating tonic. Almost all of what made Marla Mason appealing -- and set her that vital notch above the competition -- is retained, while at the same time stripping away that which was on the verge of becoming stale.

While T.A. Pratt is still very much involved with mainstream publishing, he has shown with this publication that it's a realistic and achievable aim for authors to continue producing their favoured works, even if the juggernaut of publishing says no. At least, those who either already have a fan-base, or can manage to work one up. More projects using the same methods are planned, thus continuing Marla Mason's story into what may be its most interesting and variable phase yet. Grim Tides is a worthy addition to what has gone before, and due to the change it represents, can also be taken as a new starting point.