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A review by jandi
The Baron of Magister Valley by Steven Brust
3.0
This was my introduction to Steven Brust, and I will be reading more of his books in the future - I enjoyed the world building and the sense of humour. This is a retelling of [b:The Count of Montecristo|12512180|The Count of Montecristo|Alexandre Dumas|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|391568] in a fantasy setting (and is even more blatant about it than [b:La reina del sur|1673987|La reina del sur|Arturo Pérez-Reverte|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1349035944l/1673987._SY75_.jpg|2302976]). The book is written in a very flowery language by a fictional historian, Paarfi of Roundwoog, with an introduction by a fictional poet, and a prologue by a fictional critic. I don't mind the overly flowery language and lengthy dialog, but Paarfi frequently deviates from the narration to grumble against lack of professional recognition for himself and flaws in the study of history and storytelling from other more favored historians. The first few intrusions were funny, but they got quite grating after a while. I am interested in reading the musketeer series too (I like my Dumas!)
The story itself is a blast. Edmond and Mercedes, I mean, Emerit and Livosha, are a young hopeful couple with a bright future ahead, until some sinister plotting results in his imprisonment (jailing?), and later on, revenge. Livosha was quite a treat - she did not just fade into the background and quietly accepted the injustice against her beloved one, like Mercedes, and instead plays a major role in the story. There is plenty of adventure, including sword fights, pirates, and narrow escapes, when not interrupted by Paarfi's rambling.
The story itself is a blast. Edmond and Mercedes, I mean, Emerit and Livosha, are a young hopeful couple with a bright future ahead, until some sinister plotting results in his imprisonment (jailing?), and later on, revenge. Livosha was quite a treat - she did not just fade into the background and quietly accepted the injustice against her beloved one, like Mercedes, and instead plays a major role in the story. There is plenty of adventure, including sword fights, pirates, and narrow escapes, when not interrupted by Paarfi's rambling.