A review by assaphmehr
Blood and Ivory: A Tapestry by P.C. Hodgell

4.0

I've recently decided to re-read this excellent epic fantasy cycle, and review as I go.

What to Expect

This is an anthology of mixed short stories by PC Hodgell. There's quite a variety:

  • Three short stories (one practically a flash piece) written specifically for the anthology, set right after Seeker's Mask. These provide alternative view points that help humanise some of the "villains" in the main narrative by explaining bits of background.

  • One story of an alternative Jame, set in a post-apocalyptic setting

  • A short story that was the original idea for God Stalk (reads like some bits towards the end of a novel)

  • A short that reads like a missing chapter from God Stalk

  • A short that is set some years after Seeker's Mask (and To Ride A Rathorn too)

  • A short about Sherlock Holmes and Watson (which does a credible job of imitating the style of Conan Doyle, though it's more Gothic than Detective in theme)



What I liked

I liked the "main continuity" shorts, as they present some extra information about the series and the characters.

What to be aware of

Some of the writing is very early, and rough around the edges.
The stories are in no way essential to understanding the main plot progressions in the novels.

Summary

If you're a true Hodgell / Jame fan, the kind that watches DVDs' extras, this anthology provides bonus material about the wonderful world of the Kencyrath.
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[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1518065419p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1457914061s/29500700.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.