Tigana

Rating:
Summary: characters and plot
Review: I rate Tigana as the best Fantasy book I've ever read.
Finally a book with great multidimensional characters that feel much more alive than almost anything else I've read (the only author I think can beat him is Gene Wolfe). The bad guys feel much more interesting than the entities of pure evil we see in lesser, and more standard, works of fantasy, like Tolkien's tLotR.
Also the plot is liberated from grand almost religous fights between good and evil that so often is seen.
Tigana is clearly GGK's best novel.

Rating:
Summary: Engrossing and deep
Review: I enjoyed reading this novel even more than Kay's Fionavar Tapestry trilogy novels. I do have several complaints: some of the language is a little *high-flown* for my taste and in fact pulls you out of the atmosphere of the work instead of pulling you in to it; and Kay is still introducing characters 500 pages into the book! Other than the previously mentioned caveats the novel is extremely engrossing and emotionally satisfying. Anyone who enjoys big, deep fantasy novels should grab a copy and start reading.

Rating:
Summary: Tigana is one of Kay's best works.
Review: When I started reading Tigana, I had already read the Fionavar Tapestry Trilogy; I admit that I was biased. I was prepared to love this book at all costs, even if it had been terrible. But even if I hadn't already read the Trilogy, I would have still LOVED this novel. A lot of Kay's other books' plots are very complicated, but not so for this one. It starts off quite slow, but once you're into it, you won't be able to put it down! Now, I'm not the emotional type, but I did cry several times throughout this book. Kay describes his characters so well, you feel as if you know them personally. You'll laugh with them, and cry with them. When I had finished reading it, I just had to sit back and say to myself, "WOW!" And so will you, once you read it. If you're into an in-depth Fantasy novel, I TOTALLY recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: This brings back memories...
Review: It has been nearly 4 years since I read Tigana the first and so far only time. It's easy to relive a period of my life, reading these reviews - so many people seem to have fallen in love with this book, just the same as me. It captured me instantly and never let go. I had tried reading Fionavar Tapestry before that, but I ran out of strength after two volumes, though I have to admit that was mostly because of my undeveloped English at the time. But I had no problem with Tigana. It was just the kind of book I wanted back then; romantic enough, cynical enough, never black and white. Compared to most recent fantasy novels, this is pure elegance. And all I can say is that Tad Williams can stuff his epics up his ass when it comes to real skill in writing.

So why only four stars? That's because of the years gone since I read Tigana. I should read it again, I know I should. I just can't do it. What if it isn't as magical anymore? I couldn't possibly spoil my illusion. But read this book, folks; for a moment, it will save your lives.

Rating:
Summary: Calgon, take me away!
Review: I'm not a *huge* fantasy fan, but I truly love Guy Gavriel Kay. Every time I dive into a new book of his, I can't decide whether I want to race through to the end or to savor the book in one-chapter-per-evening installments. Emersing yourself in the world of Tigana is like stepping into a luxurious whirlpool: relaxing, invigorating, and a surefire way of taking your mind off your day-to-day worries.

Frankly, I don't read fantasy novels to pick apart the characters (are they "deep" enough?) or to analyze whether the plot is "believable" (OK, who *really* believes in elves and little green monsters?), but as a means of stimulating my own imagination and as a pleasant way to unwind. Tigana fulfills my expectations perfectly, with its intriguing historical struggles, character portrayals and motivations, and action which sweeps you along from province to province.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written, interesting read ... the strength of emotions Tigana draws forth may surprise you!

Rating:
Summary: Full of Missed Opportunities
Review: I'm an avid SF fan. I've read (and reread) Lord of the Rings and Stephen Donaldson's Thomas Covenant series. I've happily lost myself in big weighty all-engrossing stories where I cry at the end from sadness or from joy. According to other readers (including an online book recommendation service), I should have adored "Tigana." Sadly, no.

Kay writes beautifully, but he seemed to put more energy into fleshing out the "bad guys," leaving the protagonists rather more cardboard in the second half of the book. The women in the story make their way in the world primarily via the bedroom; perfunctory courtships lead to rather pedestrian, seemingly tacked-on romances for the good guys (the villain does far better here).

Too, I was disappointed in the weakness of the plot, which initially promised a great deal of crafty maneuvering and clever ploys on the part of the protagonists. The resolution is far more straightforward than what I hoped for, and relied far more on a "wow, magic!" approach than on the intellectual or physical resources of the characters.

Finally, as another reviewer mentions, it was difficult to root for people who are strongly of the "end justifies the means" school of thought. Kay could have strengthened his story immensely by having his central characters in some conflict over the choices they make. Instead, my final impression of his "heros" is that they have as little regard for human life as the tyrants they battle.

Mine is clearly a minority voice, which indicates that the book is worth a try--with lowered expectations.

Rating:
Summary: Tigana is one of best works of fantasy fiction around.
Review: Tigana was the first book by G.G. Kay that I read. I was immediately hooked by his fine writing style as well as the magnificent characters and the plot itself.

Kay spins a tale about countries trapped in conflict, one of which has been erased from memory by a magician's spell: Tigana. The story follows the lives of several characters who become entwined in trying to end the reign of an evil ruler and thus restore peace to the world, as well as restoring Tigana to memory.

As with Kay's other books, Tigana has historical overtones from our world. Readers will see aspects of several different cultures including Greek, Italian, and Arabic.

Kay is a magnificent writer, perhaps one of the best in recent times. This is a great book to introduce readers to his writing.

Rating:
Summary: The best
Review: The best fantasy novel I've ever read; it made me see the flaws even in other good fantasy writing. I heard somewhere that you cannot truly hate someone you understand; the characters are so richly drawn that by the end of this book, you care deeply about all the main characters, even the "bad guy" -- so much so that the inevitable final conflict is painful to watch. Painful, wonderful, beautiful, beyond words -- just buy it.

Rating:
Summary: Pure genius from an incomparable author
Review: I owe my introduction to the works of Guy Gavriel Kay to mylate uncle. Having been an avid reader of sci-fi/fantasy novels forlonger than I had been alive, I asked him if there was one author he would recommend to a person above all others. He did not even hesitate to nominate Mr. Kay, which surprised me a little, as I had never heard of him, having been weaned on Tolkien, Eddings and the Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks; ie more commercial, or mainstream authors if you like.

It didn't take me long to realise what I had been missing out on. Guy Gavriel Kay is a remarkable author inasmuch as he can fit more detail, more depth of character, more romance (perhaps it does have a place in the genre after all!), and yes, more action and adventure, into one volume than most other authors can after a fully developed trilogy (or more!).

Whilst I must admit that I personally preferred Lions of Al Rassan and Song for Arbonne over Tigana, this does not detract from the brilliance that eminates from this book. I have recommended it to friends that have never forayed into the world of fantasy, and they are now hooked (I'm afraid to say that they may find many other books disappointing now that they have Kay as a frame of reference!).

Anyone who reads Tigana with an open mind, and few expectations (must be difficult after reading these reviews :), will be rewarded with an experience only matched by the other books by this author. People who apparently have reason to dislike this book, are either reading a different book, or seriously need to decide if this genre is for them; perhaps Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys would be more to their liking.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books out there
Review: Awesome book, none of present day super-optimism to ruin a good book. Kay does a good job of bringing together positive and negative aspects essential to any good book.