Latro in the Mist

Rating:
Summary: Probably the Most Original Piece of Ancient Greek Fiction
Review: The soldier series was my introduction to Wolfe. I was sitting around the bookstore reading the backs of random books in an attempt to find a new author. Sure enough the premise of this two-part book caught my attention. The book draws its premise, characters, locations, and themes from ancient greek culture and mythology, but that's were it ends. While the main character may participate in actually historical battles and locations, the actually history isn't the main focus behind the plot line in my opinion. I say my opinion cause there is great debate surrounding whether Latro is a historical statement. Wolfe uses the Ancient Greek setting as vehicle to drive his story and doesn't let the history become the story. Latro moves about Ancient Greece lost and things occur in a very haphazard manner and yet some how Wolfe manages to tie it all together in single stroke. I've read novels were writers write them selves into holes and attempt to end the impossible and fail. Wolfe ends more then the impossible and does it better then I've ever seen it done. Ill recommend this book to any one who enjoys Wolfe, enjoys Greek mythology, or simply hates typical cliché fantasy trash. And if you haven't read Wolfe I suggest grabbing Book of the New Sun, which is more or less considered his finest work.