Rating: 
Summary: Overwritten and brilliant
Review: Althogh a big Vlad Taltos fan, these fantasies are my favorite Brust novels, and rank among my favorite comic fantasies (including Jack Vance's "Lyonesse" and John Barnes' "One for the Morning Glory," but not including anything by Piers Anthony or Terry Pratchett.) The fictional author Paarfi is supposedly paid by the word (like his alter-ego, Alexandre Dumas) and it shows: this is one of the most verbose, long-winded and pompous novels I have ever read, yet Brust is obviously having such a good time with the language that I was drawn in inexorably and found myself munching through the long book at an incredible pace. Brust can spend ten pages saying absolutely nothing, yet it remains facinating. I dont want to give the impresion that nothing happens: there is lots of action, subterfuge, and plenty of weaves and twists. Longtime Taltos fans will be thrilled to finaly meet the elusive Mario. Yet the fictional author spends plent of time in the detials, in the characters, and in self-absobed preening. If you want a fast, bang-em-up hack and slasher, do not buy this book. If, however, you are a lover of rich, textured language and the ludicrous, then buy this book. Right now.
Rating: 
Summary: long-winded is not for everyone
Review: Although this author has an interesting story going, you have to wade through pages of annoying chatter to find it. It has been noted that this author can take ten pages to say absolutely nothing, and this is true. At time his condesending prose directed at the reader is a bit irratiating and one longs for his return to the story.
Rating: 
Summary: Brust is brilliant, and I don't use that word loosely
Review: As a fantasy buff, I can't believe I'd never heard of Steven Brust before stumbling across this book's predecessor, _The Phoenix Guards_ (with its striking cover) in the public library. If there were justice in the literary world, you'd think he'd have received more acclaim and notice than a certain Mr. J-----, also a TOR author, as Brust's writing is crisp and lively, his pacing excellent. As explained in an "interview" with the book's pompous narrator, Brust writes for those who love to read, i.e. those who enjoy a good vocabulary, good grammar, good phrasing, and (indeed) a good story. This is not some "page-turner" to be engulfed at one-sitting; if you did that with a box of Godiva chocolates, you'd become ill and lose the appreciation for each one. Just so with each of the book's chapters. The plot does slow a little too much in places--often due the musings of the intruding, over-erudite narrator--but there are worthy adages, tales and metaphors therein; don't miss them. This is a fine, fine work. The swashbuckling spirit of _The Phoenix Guards_ remains intact, but partially cloaked by ominous portents. Do not miss these two books if you enjoy a good tale (fantasy or otherwise). I'll eagerly await the third. (Postscript: Perhaps best of all, the story ends! Take note, Messrs. J----- and G-------.)
Rating:
Summary: Brust is brilliant, and I don't use that word loosely
Review: As a fantasy buff, I can't believe I'd never heard of Steven Brust before stumbling across this book's predecessor, _The Phoenix Guards_ (with its striking cover) in the public library. If there were justice in the literary world, you'd think he'd have received more acclaim and notice than a certain Mr. J-----, also a TOR author, as Brust's writing is crisp and lively, his pacing excellent. As explained in an "interview" with the book's pompous narrator, Brust writes for those who love to read, i.e. those who enjoy a good vocabulary, good grammar, good phrasing, and (indeed) a good story. This is not some "page-turner" to be engulfed at one-sitting; if you did that with a box of Godiva chocolates, you'd become ill and lose the appreciation for each one. Just so with each of the book's chapters. The plot does slow a little too much in places--often due the musings of the intruding, over-erudite narrator--but there are worthy adages, tales and metaphors therein; don't miss them. This is a fine, fine work. The swashbuckling spirit of _The Phoenix Guards_ remains intact, but partially cloaked by ominous portents. Do not miss these two books if you enjoy a good tale (fantasy or otherwise). I'll eagerly await the third. (Postscript: Perhaps best of all, the story ends! Take note, Messrs. J----- and G-------.)
Rating:
Summary: Fun! Witty! And a darn good yarn!
Review: Brust's style throughout is flowery... so if that turns you off then don't bother reading this fantasy written in the dramatic and flowery style of Dumas. Loads of fun. A good book to curl up under the covers with, with interesting and convincing characters, a well-conceived universe, and thought-provoking ideas. I can't wait for the next one in the series!
Rating:
Summary: Not for everyone
Review: I faithfully followed Vlad Taltos' adventures as they got progressively more depressing, and gave this book a shot because I loved the first few of those. It was a mistake. I thought the thing would never end. What a waste of time.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as Vlad, but still Steven Brust
Review: I found this book to be entertaining, action packed and well written. I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoy the vald series, but it's still a great story. The style he wrote it in was refreshing from the usual blabbing of other fantasy books. I can't wait to read more of his writings.
Rating:
Summary: where's the sequal?
Review: I really liked this book. I thought the style was pretty nifty, in fact. But in looking in the front, I noted something like this: The Viscount of Adrilankha* *forthcoming. What's that about? Is there a sequal, or is Brust just pulling my leg?
Rating:
Summary: It ain't classic Vlad, but it's classic Brust...
Review: If you're looking for a Vlad Taltos tale, this is not the one.
If you like Steven Brust's more lucid writings, this is fantastic
and it does nicely set in the slowly emerging world of Taltos the assassin.
It's a nice history/action piece, but it's tough to really get in
to the characters.
Rating:
Summary: Sparkling with literary magic
Review: It seems clear from this book that the author had in mind his own enjoyment as much as that of the reader. This self-contentment is reflected in the intricacies of the characters' interplay and the multi-layered, satisfyingly complex plot. For me, it is the author's best work, although the self-referential mythology may put off the casual reader, as may the romanticised style utilised. It is darker in tone than the previous Phoenix Guards, but the harder edge is matched by the richer flow of emotion from all concerned.
It is an exciting ride, and one on which you feel the author is a fellow traveller rather than leading the way.
|
