Scan barcode
A review by assaphmehr
By Demons Possessed by P.C. Hodgell
5.0
By Demons Possessed is the 9th volume in one of my all-time favourite, long-running epic fantasy series. It's not the end though.
What to Expect
If you've read the series so far, this is possibly the last piece of set-up before the grand finale. (And if you haven't, you need to go back to [b:God Stalk|69169|God Stalk (Kencyrath, #1)|P.C. Hodgell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1287523762s/69169.jpg|1281031] and catch up!). Jame returns to Tai-Tastigon, the wonderful city that is the background of the first (and only the first) novel in the series. While this affords the reader (as well as Jame) some reunions, the tone is quite different.
The events in the book are spread over six days (not like the discrete episodes covering a larger time span, as in the previous books). There is also an almost metaphysical aspect, as Hodgell further explores the boundaries between life and death or lack thereof. It makes sense if you follow the series, as it will obviously provide Jame if not exactly the weapon then the last pieces of the puzzle for the final confrontation.
What I liked
I like Hodgell's writing style, her depiction of martial arts without specifying a single move, the alien-ness and bizarre-ness she imbues the world, the rich historical knowledge and terminology that she brings. The characters and their adventures are always engaging, although -- as usual -- Jame is the centre and others stay in the wings (as much as we'd like to hear more from them).
What to be aware of
As mentioned, this is an epic cycle. Don't jump in near the end and don't skip volumes -- there are just too many references to events in previous volumes.
Summary
A lovely addition to this wonderful series. Looking forward to the next -- possibly final -- volume!
--
[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.
What to Expect
If you've read the series so far, this is possibly the last piece of set-up before the grand finale. (And if you haven't, you need to go back to [b:God Stalk|69169|God Stalk (Kencyrath, #1)|P.C. Hodgell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1287523762s/69169.jpg|1281031] and catch up!). Jame returns to Tai-Tastigon, the wonderful city that is the background of the first (and only the first) novel in the series. While this affords the reader (as well as Jame) some reunions, the tone is quite different.
The events in the book are spread over six days (not like the discrete episodes covering a larger time span, as in the previous books). There is also an almost metaphysical aspect, as Hodgell further explores the boundaries between life and death or lack thereof. It makes sense if you follow the series, as it will obviously provide Jame if not exactly the weapon then the last pieces of the puzzle for the final confrontation.
What I liked
I like Hodgell's writing style, her depiction of martial arts without specifying a single move, the alien-ness and bizarre-ness she imbues the world, the rich historical knowledge and terminology that she brings. The characters and their adventures are always engaging, although -- as usual -- Jame is the centre and others stay in the wings (as much as we'd like to hear more from them).
What to be aware of
As mentioned, this is an epic cycle. Don't jump in near the end and don't skip volumes -- there are just too many references to events in previous volumes.
Summary
A lovely addition to this wonderful series. Looking forward to the next -- possibly final -- volume!
--
[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.