Rating: 
Summary: NEVER lend this book!
Review: You know, it's one of *those* books. You may find a paperback of Brust's masterpiece about the Fall Of The Angels (or was it a push? or maybe even a leap?). If you do, hang onto it, treasure it, write out long-hand copies if you absolutely must pass it on. The late, sore missed, Roger Zelazny wrote in his forward of the amazement as you read this book: a new writer who is, yes by gods and devils, a true *master* of dialogue; of plotting; of characterization; and a wordsmith of the Grandest Cordon. And then it sinks in, just what story he's retelling, and you think, "No way!" As the kids say, "Way." It's fun. It's fantasy, maybe, or call it theogenic science fiction. It never takes itself heavily, but it does take itself seriously; there *is* an evil at work, but it has nothing to with magic or demons, sadly it's all too real. I'd love to drop in a quote here, maybe from the scene where Yahweh notices that things look different with different numbers of eyes, or just really any random segment of this wonderfully written book. I wish I could even tell you who published it, so they could be swamped by the curious throngs and forced to put it back in print. But you see, it's one of those books... Susan in Old Field, I want my copy back!
Rating:
Summary: Unique tale
Review: I don't read a whole lot of either fiction or science-fiction anymore, but this early book by Brust is a surprisingly good tale of the battle that raged in Heaven between the original archangels (such as Michael and Mephistopheles) and their descendents and the evil forces of chaos that threaten to destroy heaven and the universe. Brust avoids all of the pitfalls such a religious drama could fall prey to (such as excessive preachiness or getting too involved with the fine points of the theology), a notable feat in itself in a book like this. The different archangels and lesser angels also come alive as individuals and personalities themselves, one of the most charming aspects of the story, although I don't know if there was a real scholarly basis for these characterizations or not. For example, Michael is portrayed as one of the inherently most powerful archangels in terms of his ability to resist the deadly iliaster (you'll have to read the novel) although he's not necessarily the smartest angel around. Brust keeps the action moving throughout without getting bogged down in the occasional politics and intrigues or the theology, although there are some funny revelations there about that. Apparently angels envy humans, who, although we aren't one-thousandth as strong and powerful as they are--nevertheless we have souls--which the angels oddly enough do not. This makes us lowly humans the angels' spiritual superiors and masters in heaven in God's eyes, which they don't like one bit. Very funny, although again, I don't know if there is a real theological basis for this or not. Overall, a good read and a very unusual if not unique book from the standpoint of the story line. Brust pulls this outrageously different novel off in style.
Rating: 
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.
Rating:
Summary: Fun read, if you don't take it too seriously
Review: If you have a very basic understanding of the accepted hierarchy of angels and other assorted beings in Heaven, and if you don't try to read this book as some sort of theological discourse, you'll love the book. Great scenes of conflict on a gigantic scale, with consequences that will surprise you. It's hard to go into much detail without giving away the story, but imagine this book as a look at how all of Creation might be the result of political infighting, poor communication, and assorted domestic disputes.
Rating:
Summary: Not what it seems
Review: It would seem that this book would be full or moralistic overtones and stylistic theological references, but instead it creates a new "ontological mythology" and within its pages, one learns of the sensitive side of the Devil and his minions. It follows the story of the angels, who were created from the "cacoastrum", and built the first heaven as a shelter from this nothingness chaos. Yahweh has a plan to preserve the angels forever by building another heaven, but it will cost the lives of some of those made to work. Satan is tasked with trying to coerce angels into doing the work, at which he arrives at a moral dilemma, through which the story takes shape. It is through the undermining of the angel Adbiel that everything falls apart, pits Satan against Yahweh and the creation of the earth finally occurs. A gripping novel with more sarcasm and literary puns then one can shake a stick at - from the Angel Ariel in the form of an owl who speaks in iambic pentameters, to the loyal Bezelbub, the golden retriever at Satan's side, speaking with an accent of haughty royalty. An interesting read, great character development, and wonderful subtones makes this book the book of the group, winner of the Imdateless.Com Book of Three award.
Rating:
Summary: Not what it seems
Review: It would seem that this book would be full or moralistic overtones and stylistic theological references, but instead it creates a new "ontological mythology" and within its pages, one learns of the sensitive side of the Devil and his minions. It follows the story of the angels, who were created from the "cacoastrum", and built the first heaven as a shelter from this nothingness chaos. Yahweh has a plan to preserve the angels forever by building another heaven, but it will cost the lives of some of those made to work. Satan is tasked with trying to coerce angels into doing the work, at which he arrives at a moral dilemma, through which the story takes shape. It is through the undermining of the angel Adbiel that everything falls apart, pits Satan against Yahweh and the creation of the earth finally occurs. A gripping novel with more sarcasm and literary puns then one can shake a stick at - from the Angel Ariel in the form of an owl who speaks in iambic pentameters, to the loyal Bezelbub, the golden retriever at Satan's side, speaking with an accent of haughty royalty. An interesting read, great character development, and wonderful subtones makes this book the book of the group, winner of the Imdateless.Com Book of Three award.
Rating: 
Summary: Good book, I'm surprised it was out of print.
Review: It's very appropriate that Roger Zelazny wrote the intro to this novel, as the novel itself uses a concept prevalent in Zelazny's works: that of pulling the myth out of a mythology and presenting it in another genre (such as Lord of Light, Creatures of Light and Darkness). In TO REIGN IN HELL, Steven Brust tells the story of the revolt in Heaven from a fantasy perspective. This is the first book I've read by him, and I'm definitely impressed. He provides you with an answer for everything you were shushed for asking in Sunday school: "How was God formed from Chaos? How was Heaven created? What would cause a group of angels to rebel? Why would God let them rebel?" The outcome is the same, of course, but Brust's version of the story is great reading. All the expected (and a few unexpected) players are there, and Brust does a fantastic job of giving each of them very real personalities. The way he gives every character a distinct form of speech is brilliant, and he doesn't stumble once. An especially nice touch is the ongoing dialogue between two lesser angels, Sith and Kyriel, interspersed throughout chapters, which provides a "common man's" perspective on the events in the book. The middle of the book does get a bit slow here and there, but the beginning and end are very well-written and will grab your attention.
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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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