Reviewed:
My second review of this authors' tales in a week. This one, to me, is a solid 10 through and through, and I couldn't put it down!
That's not to say it's perfect, but the very few, minor, editing overlooks are completely overshadowed by the quality of the writing, the solidity of the key characters, and the believability (within the fictional universe inhabited) which rings true throughout.
The tale doesn't start with a waif found, trained and primed in the 'usual' fashion of these type of tales, but concentrates it's beginning into the centre of the main protagonists story. I nearly didn't get hooked, but the pace quickly moves, and I was hoping it wouldn't finish! From a slow, gritty start, it picks up pace and relentlessly strides forward, with peeks backward, in the main characters timeline as required.
Central to the tale is the "Celestial Way", which feels familiar and I am sure something analogous has been used by a dead tree author over 40 years ago. No matter, it literally anchors the tale, as well as enabling movement between realities, and the appearance of fell foe.
There are several sub plots, and as is traditional, critical wisdom is imparted by three 'bit parts' that hold things together as the tale winds towards a long expected but sufficiently hidden conclusion. The manner of the progression, and the twists of the story do drag the reader compellingly onwards, and in/out of side quests, until the final chapter.
I am not alone in thinking that the passage of time at the conclusion leaves the reader discombobulated, and aching to know the detail of the twists the previous chapter had thrashed out, but it is satisfying, it does close the tale, and it leaves SO MUCH SPACE for more stories in and around this one.
Please, sir, can I have some more?
Recommended wholeheartedly,
Myth
Reviewed: - (Review Updated: )
Tl,dr: Good Stuff.
This is an excellent fantasy of manners that could have been published as a paperback original in the 1990s alongside Martha Wells’ The Element of Fire, Elizabeth Willey’s The Well-Favored Man, and Ellen Kushner’s Swordspoint (okay that last is ’80s). Snappy pace, quick dialogue, clashes of court manners and mage-warrior ethos, and an appealing MC who’s out of place but has the intestinal fortitude to step up. Well-written, too, which is always a bonus. The tag #competence-porn would not be out of place. I love the Yellow Jester, as we’re supposed to.
FWIW, that “based loosely” on the song is extremely loose—no knowledge of the original is needed and might even be disrecommended.
Try it. There’s a good chance you’ll like it.