A review by cheezvshcrvst
The Baron of Magister Valley by Steven Brust

5.0

This was Number One on my list of Most Anticipated Novels of 2020, and it did not disappoint! I’ll be brief, if only because Paarfi certainly was not, and say that, surprisingly, he was! Those familiar with the Khaavren Romances will happily find the style intact, but, delightfully, the pacing and bravado of the Vlad Taltos novels are a strong influence here. This faithful adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo is full of thrills and powerful observations, imagery and incredibly well-wrought world-building, memorable and strong characters that will surprise you at every turn of the page. Steven Brust has truly outdone himself with this work of fantasy, and puts on a masterclass of how you defy genre restrictions and expectations by telling a damn fun story in a really cool way that is never once predictable nor tedious. When I wasn’t guffawing, I was intent upon the plot and the dear main characters, and while those familiar with Brust’s impressive career’s repertoire won’t be shocked to discover the world he has built is charming, dangerous, inviting, and appetizing (yeah, you want that kethna) it bears mentioning that it is completely immersive and Brust really shows off here with that. This novel is self-contained, and satisfying, but it definitely makes you want more. And with at least a few more Dragaera/Vlad novels remaining, this incredible work of fantastic fiction proves that Brust is without a doubt peerless in crafting fun, funny, thoughtful, and epic genre fiction.