Rating: 
Summary: 3.5 for the ending, otherwise 2.5
Review: "Jhereg" and "Yendi" were great. The series slowed down a little bit after that. Around "Athyra" we hit the nadir. It picked up a bit, with occasional great moments like the end of "Orca," but we're not back on stride, yet, by a long shot.What's wrong with this book? Well, it only had enough story content for about half of its pages. Though I like science fiction also, I found the "sci-fi" traveling to other dimensions to fight the super-powered alien race a lot less satisfying than the "fantasy" of Draegaera and its politics. There are just too many fascinating subplots already present in these books to need to start a romp through alien worlds. It's not all disappointing. Lady Teldra is great fun. Vlad's mouth is back. We get a lot more snippets of history and background. As for my improved rating because of the ending...because of Godslayer, you think? Not at all; anyone who didn't see that coming for several books hasn't been paying attention. It's because Vlad is back in Adrilankha and perhaps all will be right again very soon.
Rating:
Summary: 3.5 for the ending, otherwise 2.5
Review: "Jhereg" and "Yendi" were great. The series slowed down a little bit after that. Around "Athyra" we hit the nadir. It picked up a bit, with occasional great moments like the end of "Orca," but we're not back on stride, yet, by a long shot. What's wrong with this book? Well, it only had enough story content for about half of its pages. Though I like science fiction also, I found the "sci-fi" traveling to other dimensions to fight the super-powered alien race a lot less satisfying than the "fantasy" of Draegaera and its politics. There are just too many fascinating subplots already present in these books to need to start a romp through alien worlds. It's not all disappointing. Lady Teldra is great fun. Vlad's mouth is back. We get a lot more snippets of history and background. As for my improved rating because of the ending...because of Godslayer, you think? Not at all; anyone who didn't see that coming for several books hasn't been paying attention. It's because Vlad is back in Adrilankha and perhaps all will be right again very soon.
Rating: 
Summary: Back and better than ever
Review: After the last few books in this series, I was a little worried that Steven Brust had lost heart and the ability or desire to connect with the character that is Vlad Taltos. This book truly breathed a breath of fresh air, life, and wit into the series. Thank you Steven Brust. Vlad is alive and kicking. Though as you might well expect precariously so. While Brust may have felt the need to raise the stakes to ungodly proportions, as the Jenoine and Lords of Judgment go head to head as the Sea of Amorphia... Vlad's feet never leave the ground. I have always been impressed with Brust's ability to write Vlad. Such a mix on seemingly conflicting character traits and motivations. Though the heroes tasks are set before him, he remains sharp, witty, fallible, disgruntled, paranoid, and in dire need of a good cup of klava. Never static or content to "deepen" characters by laying down more of the same. Brust reveals new details of yore, which take everything you've ever known about Morrolan and allow him to be seen in a different light. And Vlad continues to change and grow in ways pleasantly surprising. Much which was previously left unanswered is revealed, but even more promising... Many more doors are opened. I bought this book wondering if it'd be the last I'd be willing to read, and now I am actually excited and left wondering: what will Brust do with Vlad Taltos next? If you're wondering, yes there were a few negative things that could be said for the book. As you may know, the original date at which the novel was supposed to be available slipped. I don't know the story behind that, but I'm sure the novel is better for the extra time. If anything, toward the end, the story began to lack a little of the finesse and polish exhibited earlier. A few typos stood out, that probably should have been catched: Page 205, line 15, word 9 "that" -> "what" Page 231, line 16, word 6 "flight" -> "fight" However, all in all, it is a damn good book. If he can keep writing them like that, I'll gladly part with the cash.
Rating:
Summary: The Magic is Back
Review: After Athyra and Orca, I was getting very nervous about the Taltos series. Thank heavens Issola came along to ease my fears! This is classic Vlad (in his own voice -- yay!), with the bonus of seeing our old Dragonlord friends. Don't let the previous books scare you away.
Rating:
Summary: Brust picks up the tempo again
Review: After Athyra and Orca, which I found to be somewhat unfocused (and I didn't care as much for the non-Vlad-Taltos narration), I am pleased to see that Brust still has what it takes. Issola is an interesting, if short, plot, and while in hindsight the ending could have been predicted, there is an interesting surprise at the end. Well done.
Rating:
Summary: Brust picks up the tempo again
Review: After Athyra and Orca, which I found to be somewhat unfocused (and I didn't care as much for the non-Vlad-Taltos narration), I am pleased to see that Brust still has what it takes. Issola is an interesting, if short, plot, and while in hindsight the ending could have been predicted, there is an interesting surprise at the end. Well done.
Rating:
Summary: Issola rocks
Review: After eagerly anticipating Issola since I first heard it mentioned in the trades, I think I can now confidently state that Brust has firmly taken his place beside Zelazny in terms of scope and depth -- perhaps surpassed him;in terms of pure characterization, Issola takes Vlad Taltos places where Corwin of Amber never trod. We have seen Vlad develop an adult moral conscience throughout the series, exploring the psychological nuances of such a punishing profession. In this snippet of the greater Dragearan Cycle, Vlad comes face to face with his faith in Verra, his loyalty to his friends, and the idea that the Dragearans he despises are genetic kin to Easterners. The development of the character of Teldra (a torchbearer from his earlier books) into three or more dimensions brings additional complexity to Issola. Her ultimate disposition and her influence on Vlad help answer questions of both plot and character. While the sarcastic wordplay with his faithful lizard companion come a lyron hair to over the top, Brust never allows a cheap gag to interfere with the basic humanity of the Vlad/Loish relationship. Kudos for the continuing attention to detail -- the klava discussions were priceless. Kudos also for the possibility of Sethra resurrecting the Lavodes (Vlad Lavode?). The scenes with Verra were excellently done and the metaphysical rammifications of a goddess who is also a person were exceptional. And an especial thanks that Brust did not jump into the Vlad-hunting Jhereg assasins, the Cawti relationship, or a premature cross-over with the Phoenix Guards series. This book left me with a good, just-Brusted feeling without worrying about where Vlad will go next. There is still plenty of story out there.
Rating:
Summary: Brust is back in black
Review: As usual, no wasted words, no filler, no needless dream sequences that lead nowhere. Issola is a big winner, and absolute proof that less is often more. Part "The Three Musketeers," and part "Star Wars," the tradition continues. Fans of dark fantasy have a must read. Brust has once again found the flare of "The Phoenix Guards," as he takes Vlad Taltos, the "Eastern" assasin, back into the realm of the Gods, and beyond, with special appearances from the usual but absolutely necessary cast including Aliera, Morolan, Sethra Lavode, and one of my personal favorites, "the Necromancer." There are plenty of surprises and delights along the way, with the usual and ridiculous psychic banter between Taltos and his familiar, and very reptilian jhereg Loiosh, who invents new ways of saying "sure boss," and makes it funny every time. The big surprise here is Lady Teldra, Morolan's personal assistant, who is the vehicle for the big plot movement which "Issola" delivers in the whole Taltos progression. There are big questions answered here as to what Dragaera is as a world, and where its people fit in the Cosmos. Once again Brust flirts with the burning questions of our own existence, and almost bluntly tell us that Gods are just more advanced beings with the ability to see, energize, and rearrange molecules without external devices such as airplanes and space ships. He also points out their flaws, limitations, and their awsome might. Brust's tongue in cheek treatment of major issues in theology and science are well disguised in the banter and action of his characters, but still manage to stimulate thought, for those inclined, beyond the pages of his well crafted novels. The only negative, was that it didn't last long enough. I can't wait for the next installment.
Rating:
Summary: Brust at his best
Review: Before saying how great this story is, let me complain about two things: 1. Savn deserved more than this. 2. It should take less than 17 Cycles between books. Having said that, I can say that there just isn't a better writer than Brust. He enchants without taking himself too seriously, he winks at you without being campy, he takes you where you've never been but to a place you are certain was there before he was. I am most impressed how he was able to maintain the "voice" of each character. The humor in Issola was never contrived, the dialogue between Vlad and Loiosh (not as much as in other books) always rang true, and Sethra was able to re-establish her mystery after revealing so much in Orca. The most important and difficult task that Brust accomplishes is that he takes a Witch - Sorcerer - Assassin in the midst of sci-fi world (going into a mythological world that transcends sci-fi) and somehow keeps him believable, relatable and consistent. The things Vlad can do never overshadow who he is. And so allows the reader to go on the journey with him, even to the edge of a possible apocalypse.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: Brust has been getting better and better. Orca was very good and Dragon was superb. Unfortunately Issola is a dud. The first 228 pages move *slowly*, broken up only by weak snide and sarcastic humor between Vlad and his familiar and vague insights regarding cosmology and deiology. Page 229 has Vlad philosophizing on death, concluding, and I quote:
"Ummm...would you be mad at me if, after all of this buildup, nothing much happens? Heh. Don't worry about it. Stuff happens.". Well the final 25 pages did not, in my opinion, repay me for suffering through the first 230. This is the only Taltos novel I have not been able to reread many times. For those of you who don't want to waste two nights on this book, I will summarize: [major spoiler warning] Lady Teldra, Morolan's receptionist, dies in battle and her ghost melds with Spellbreaker and a Morganti dagger to become a great weapon called Godslayer. Vlad posseses this weapon and uses it to help Sethra, Vera and company defeat a bunch of Jenoine. OK, I've saved you two nights. I hope the next one is better.
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