Written when Tanith Lee was in her twenties but not published until 1994, Eva Fairdeath includes an introduction by the author, which is a fascinating insight into how she views writing, and her own earlier work.

Set in a post-apocalypse age, Eva Fairdeath is the story of an albino girl who escapes her small village, and the prospect of marriage to a local oaf, with a killer she calls Steel. Steel is also an albino, and they stay together briefly in Oiltown before Steel leaves to kill again. While she waits for his return, she meets Sail the thief, physically similar to Steel, yet outgoing and roguish.

Tanith Lee has created a convincing new world, peopled with mutants and ruffians, set with poisonous water and barren landscapes. Eva herself is fey and confusing, but in a realistic fashion. Steel is cold and mercilessly fair, while Sail is cheeky and emotional. The interactions between them are skilfully choreographed, with their emotions and actions fleshing out characters that are easy to sympathise with.