Helpful Score: 6
This book came very highly recommended to me. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. The novel has feeling of short story grown too long, with very little or no character growth from beginning to end. The comedy is banal, with the last scene in the book relying on bathroom humor. Many intriguing themes are left unexplored, such as racism and the meaning of the soul. Another aspect that could have been more interesting was the psionic connection between the main character and his familiar. Instead the pattern is familiar makes a sarcastic comment, and the main character tells him to shut up. This is repeated about thirty times. Finally, and perhaps I am spoiled by the massive tomes that started coming out in the 1990s, it really annoyed me that the author would mention some plant or animal that has an obviously made up name, and then never explain what said plant or animal looked like. I was left feeling like I didnt really know what anything one, any thing, or any setting looked like. I can not recommend this book, and I will not be reading anymore in the series.
Helpful Score: 2
Stephen Brust's Vlad Taltos series is a great account of a hapless assassin that is easy to pick up. Not only is each book so wonderfully written, they are not in any chronilogical order so you can start anywhere and immerse yourself in a world of fantasy that is far from the standard Orcs, Elves, Dragons, Wizards and gracefully rogue Assassins. In fact, Vlad relies on help from his friends including his cynical and sarcastic familiar. Vlad would have been killed off early in his life if not for help and luck that comes from the most unlikely of places. Brust has designed a world that is not only consistent and without afterthought but believable (as much as a fantasy novel can be) and by not including a map he allows the reader the kindness of letting their imagination add what they will to the landscape.
How can one comment on one book in a series that is so consistent and such a wonderful read as a whole story? I am not a fan of spoilers or previews but if you happen to have an opportunity to read any of this series I am sure you will wish to read all of them.
How can one comment on one book in a series that is so consistent and such a wonderful read as a whole story? I am not a fan of spoilers or previews but if you happen to have an opportunity to read any of this series I am sure you will wish to read all of them.
Helpful Score: 1
Lighthearted sci-fi/fantasy about an assassin....Humorous tongue-in-cheek style.
Helpful Score: 1
I am not a big reader of serial novels and this one has that feeling all over it. It reminds me a lot of some of those "chick lit" crime fiction books. The world Brust has imagined is interesting and sometimes fun, but I couldn't get over the feeling that I was in a cheesy soap-opera. Too much talk, the plot is overworked, not enough action. Boring.
Helpful Score: 1
Glad this is a series because the book left me wanting more. Great descriptive detail with adventure and characters you can sit and imagine into being! A fun book to read.
