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Summary: One of the best-kept secrets in fiction. Best of its kind.
Review: Steven Brust has turned Christianity upside-down by rendering one the finest stories I've ever read in this (or any) genre.This story would be called a work of fiction, but I think it's one of the most provocative "fictions" ever written.Like any good tale, he snares you within the first few pages and doesn't let go. The subtle wit, the flowing prose, and the wrenching turns in the story combine to catapult this book up to the top of my "Must Read" list.Those of strong Christian beliefs probably should NOT read this book. It could quite easily offend them, as it brings into question whether or not their Holy Scriptures are actually Revisionist History. So, if you are devoutly Christian (or the Pope), please don't read this book. It can only do you harm.Bravo, Mr. Brust. Bravo.
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Summary: The story of the Revolt of the Angels.
Review: The story can now be told. How hell came about, and how Satan was tarnished. But, it was not his fault, and God knew. Steven Brust has written one of the finest books I have read in ages, and does not make a meal of it either, by beign either too cute, or too trite. His story should rank as one of the finest in the world!
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Summary: This is ONE SCARY BOOK, at least in terms reactions
Review: This book is scary. It's the "fall from grace" but, you know, it's the fall from the OTHER SIDE's VIEWPOINT, and this, boys and women, isn't the evil-saturated, nasty thing that most people have been brought up to expect. It provides a whole new view of politics and such. If you're devoutly religious, do NOT read this book, it will upset you. If you are an unbeliever or skeptic, you will enjoy it immensely.
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Summary: Great story...if you can get past the initial frustration
Review: My sister gave me this book after she became too frustrated with it. The Foreword by Roger Zelazny really had me interested (in all honesty I have NO IDEA who he is, but he definitely seemed delighted with the book)...and I must say that having completed it, I'm delighted with it as well. It's listed as "Steven Brust's classic novel of the revolt in Heaven"...having never even heard of Steven Brust I wasn't too sure. However, it's great fun to read. Very interesting, engaging, a great sense of humor (often wry, dry or subtle, but always causing a chuckle). The reason my sister became frustrated with the book is because all of the fighting/animosity/etc is due to a misunderstanding, and the machinations of one conniving, cowardly angel. As Yaweh and Satan begin the novel as great friends, one has reason to assume that things are not going to end well when a misunderstanding is had between them. When everything begins to fall apart, it is a bit annoying, but I found that when I stuck with the book...allowing myself to be annoyed for 30 pages or so in the middle, it became very interesting again. I only wished that I knew more of the pre-creation stories...because I'm sure the author included some jokes regarding Lilith or Yeshuah that I missed. Still, it was a very engaging read and an interesting new spin on heaven's revolt.
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Summary: Unique
Review: The most unique story ever told in the most unique way that only Steven Brust can accomplish! The intertwining story of frustrated suspense, will keep you captivated for one long sitting. I can almost guarentee that you will read this novel in one sitting. I further can guarentee that you have never read a story like this. You will recognize the names, all of which have some deamon, myth, or christine connection. Hence, this story of action, fantasy, and intrigue will inspire you to get every Steven Brust novel available!
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Summary: Junk
Review: I have never thought that Steven Brust was a great writer. My first exposure to his work was the greatly over-rated and the cliche-ridden "Jhereg". But, one book does not an author make. So, after reading the premise of this book as well as the glowing introduction from Roger Zelazny (one of my favorite authors), I decided to give "To Reign in Hell" a shot.I was pleasantly surprised. It was a fast, easy read and kept me geniunely entertained. However, I didn't find it the landmark novel that many are claiming it to be. The premise is very clever and some of the ideas regarding the origin of the angels, heaven and earth are highly original. Some reviewers have even compared this book to Zelazny's "Lord of Light". And certainly, this is the type of story this book TRIES to be. But the execution leaves something to be desired. The writing is terribly inconsistant. Sometimes, Brust tries to pull off Zelazny's minimalst style. Other times, he tries to be grand and epic. Still other times, he tries to use modern dialogue to be edgy. Unfortunately the author doesn't segue these styles into each other well and it feels disjointed. I was left wondering if the author wasn't actually the psuedonym for three different people. There are times however, where his choice of words is absolutely brilliant. And yet those moments are offset by truly bad prose. Sometimes he seems to be making fun of his own lack of articulation (ex: "the page scurried away; pagelike"). Still, if you don't expect much and just read this entertainment purposes only, you'll be satisfied. If you're expecting a mind-altering, life-changing book...read something else.
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Summary: To Reign In Thought
Review: Stephen Brust's work is assuredly a quick, entertaining read about Lord Satan's (inadvertant?) failed coup of Heaven. With sharp prose and a remarkable sense of humor, Brust makes the most of telling the tale that took place before the events of the Bible but weaving consistently throughout his book foreshadowing of what the Bible says happened and has yet to happen. While the book might not find much support among the religious community, fantasy fans can read the book entirely guiltfree and enjoy what a gifted writer can do with a relatively elementary premise.
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Summary: Pratchett + Dante + impeccable timing = Brust
Review: The revolt in heaven as told from all perspectives, this book is written at two levels - one for entertainment purposes, and another as a "historical" lesson. When one can see an issue from all sides, one is more enlightened. Plus, it cracked me up! Pratchett + Dante + impeccable timing = Brust
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