Quite possibly the book of the year for me. It is definitely not for everyone and I can easily see why some people will not connect. It’ll be a quick Quite possibly the book of the year for me. It is definitely not for everyone and I can easily see why some people will not connect. It’ll be a quick hard pass or a slow unfolding of pure excitement. Unique and memorable and fun for this history nerd and fantasy fan.
Ford makes no concessions for his readers. They're expected to know the real historical records being recreated/changed and the literature that ties into it. Pay attention to what is said, how it is said or you will miss a lot. Close reading and detail recall helps.
Clever, layered, and dense with allusions and double meanings -- it made me feel dumb and I loved it for that. This story engaged my entire brain. It ties Byzantine politics to Medici banking to the royal succession in England to Welsh independence movement -- with some vampires running around and magic on the side.
Recommended knowledge of: Shakespeare's English plays esp Richard III, Byzantine history, and a good grasp on the events/people of the War of the Roses.
There's so much unexplained subtext (historical, emotional, political) that it makes the world feel very real but it doesn't make the most accessible for all readers. It is well built enough to work without going in informed -- but Byzantium/the War of the Roses/Medicis are some of my favorite subjects to see in fiction. I also v much enjoy Billy Shakes so this hits the perfect spot of fantasy x history for me....more
An older, somewhat wiser (finally the Archmage!) but no less adventurous Sparrowhark. Most straightforward of the Earthsea plots so far — disappearingAn older, somewhat wiser (finally the Archmage!) but no less adventurous Sparrowhark. Most straightforward of the Earthsea plots so far — disappearing magic across the islands, a long exiled royal line long overdue — and thus the most easily predicted. ★★★½...more
A bit simple and dated, given to telling, and short on characterization. That said, the world is fascinating & enjoy the writing enough to continue. CA bit simple and dated, given to telling, and short on characterization. That said, the world is fascinating & enjoy the writing enough to continue. Can see why it’s a classic even if it doesn’t hit all the notes for me personally....more
Cordelia Naismith (view spoiler)[Vorkosigan (hide spoiler)], I couldn’t love you more. A solid sci-fi story with a romance building in the offing - BuCordelia Naismith (view spoiler)[Vorkosigan (hide spoiler)], I couldn’t love you more. A solid sci-fi story with a romance building in the offing - Bujold balances each plot line with care and ease. I definitely want more time spent with Aral and Cordelia as an established couple but this was a stellar introduction to a beloved series. ...more
Jessie Leigh
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