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mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
4.0
This is the ninth book in the Vlad Taltos high fantasy series. If you are considering trying the series, I highly recommend it, but would suggest beginning at the usual starting point, "Jhereg." The central character in the series is Vlad Taltos, a young human assassin in a society dominated by far longer-lived Dragaerans. Most of the books are narrated by Vlad in a dryly witty fashion that I find considerably entertaining. Most of the books have a fun tone, despite varying amounts of destruction. Several of the books have quite intricate plots, and the series has satisfying overarching threads with intermittent revelations.
About this book in particular, I will say (a) that it expands the scope further in a way that I found fine but not a particular plus point, (b) that it furthers the character of Lady Teldra in a way that I found a strong plus point, and (c) that I found the closing few chapters very effective.
Four out of five spellbreaking stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
About this book in particular, I will say (a) that it expands the scope further in a way that I found fine but not a particular plus point, (b) that it furthers the character of Lady Teldra in a way that I found a strong plus point, and (c) that I found the closing few chapters very effective.
Four out of five spellbreaking stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
suzemo's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a bit different than the rest of the series (so far) in that the mytharc is really big in this one, much more so than even the Paths of the Dead storyline (in the Taltos series, not the other novel by Brust).
In it, Vlad needs to rescue Aliera and Morrolan from the Jenoine with the help of Sethra, the Necromancer, Verra (! yes, the demon goddess), and Teldra (?!).
It's bonkers, and a pretty solid read. Lots of action, plenty of Vlad's snark, and he levels up, so I hope we get to be done with wandering in the woods (it's been a while, I can't quite remember the rest of the story arc).
In it, Vlad needs to rescue Aliera and Morrolan from the Jenoine with the help of Sethra, the Necromancer, Verra (! yes, the demon goddess), and Teldra (?!).
It's bonkers, and a pretty solid read. Lots of action, plenty of Vlad's snark, and he levels up, so I hope we get to be done with wandering in the woods (it's been a while, I can't quite remember the rest of the story arc).
hagbard_celine's review against another edition
3.0
Back on track with forward chronologic progress. What a weird series.
shreela_r's review against another edition
4.0
We learn a lot more ancient lore, so of course there's new enemies, and their unique magic to overcome.
mrawdon's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jensbrede's review against another edition
4.0
Up to now to [b:Vallista|33517532|Vallista (Vlad Taltos, #15)|Steven Brust|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485795392s/33517532.jpg|54280295], [b:Issola|140143|Issola (Vlad Taltos, #9)|Steven Brust|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386925073s/140143.jpg|1059] is my favorite installment of the saga, entailing also my favorite moment:
“Cute,” said Aliera e’Kieron. “Cute,” said Morrolan e’Drien. “I am cute,” said Loiosh.
Some of my thoughts on the Taltos series are here.
Spoiler
“Cute,” said Aliera e’Kieron. “Cute,” said Morrolan e’Drien. “I am cute,” said Loiosh.
Some of my thoughts on the Taltos series are here.
ungoliant1234's review
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Undoubtedly the best of the Vlad Taltos books so far. The ending sequence is not at all inferior to the famous behemoth epics that dominate the genre.
avery_switch's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25