New Umbra

The primary action of the novel takes place in the city of New Umbra. It is a city controlled by The Smoke and although there is very little crime, a continual sense of fear hangs over the citizens. The Smoke's control is far reaching and his men, The Directions have their eyes on everything. The police are expected to look the other way when the Directions move around the streets extorting money from the city shopkeepers.

In Reuben's particular neighborhood within the city, Lower Downs, life is a somewhat difficult as the local residents are poorer, the buildings are run down and everyone is concerned about the basics of supporting themselves. Middleton is the city's retail district were there are lots of shops and a cleaner, brighter environment. Mrs. Genevieve's clock shop is located in this section of the city, although several blocks off the main shopping...