Jerlayne

Rating:
Summary: An excellent crossover book for non-Fantasy enthusiasts
Review: While I wouldn't call it literature, this book is a spellbinding, if deeply flawed, depiction of a well conceived and well fleshed-out world that even those not fond of the elf/fairy/gnome genre will enjoy. I found it extremely enjoyable and resonant in the way that good mythology is, but you have to stick it out through the first hundred pages or so to get to the good stuff. What sets this book apart is its refreshing injection of an unflinching and boldly drawn modern-day mortal realm into the otherwise mostly bland and sweet Faerie. It's like adding rocket boosters to the story. Look to meet a character you won't soon forget. My biggest problem with the book was the unevenness of the writing and the lack of emotional payoff (at least for me) at the end. Sometimes the dialogue is so good it crackles; other times it is confusing or ingenuine. Some of the plot elements seem forced as well. Author Lynn Abbey does such a skillful job in the book's thick middle section of building a strong plot and character conflict that I expected the resolution of those elements to be of comparable high quality. But Abbey seems unsure how to resolve them, especially the lopsided sexual/romantic competition for Jerlayne's love between heroic Goro and tender but weak Aulaudin. Abbey goes to great lengths at the end to counter Goro's strong presence and appeal (ladies, prepare to fall for him) by bolstering Aulaudin's manliness, but it is not convincing, and ultimately Jerlayne's character becomes lackluster as Abbey fits her to remain happily with Aulaudin. Throughout most of the book, Jerlayne's character is quite likeable, even if her "cluelessness," as another character puts it, sometimes makes her seem less than heroic, and she seems to stumble across the truth more than she seeks it out. Her claim of being the one who "changes the world and saves Faerie" is also dubious considering that it is another character's willingness to pay the ultimate price that seems to save it; look for some sometimes disturbing Christ imagery. It is also dissatisfying that this character's sacrifice seems to go unappreciated by the other characters. However, there is a fairly satisfying redemption of another character, and a grisly death for another. The supporting characters are often richer and more interesting than Jerlayne, and you will find that you care about some of them most, including the fierce and mournful Evoni; tormented Cuz; loyal Joff; mischievous Maun; other characters that it would blow the plot to disclose; and Goro, who is the most vividly and sympathetically drawn. If the plot falters sometimes, nevertheless the story is always interesting and complex. Abbey also includes some "cool" concepts such as riding shadows and skirting two realms to shorten traveling distance. With all its faults, this book is a page-turner and I have found myself rereading my favorite parts over and over again. And writing long reviews. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!!
Review: Wow! Certainly not the elves of myth or Tolkien! An excellent concept with many twists that kept me turning pages and left me wanting more. Someone please talk Ms. Abbey into a sequel *and* a prequel!!