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master_jedi_reader's review
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
mary_soon_lee's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is the seventeenth entry in the Vlad Taltos fantasy series, named for its protagonist. The series is wonderful. I'm puzzled it's not more frequently cited as one of the best fantasy series out there.
All the books are both well-crafted and entertaining (though sometimes also bleak). There's humor and a series protagonist that I've grown very attached to, a protagonist, moreover, who evolves in well-thought-out ways. The series swoops back and forth in time with remarkable prowess. The books vary in tone and have their own individual conceits. This seventeenth volume opens each chapter with an extract from an (invented) musical that is central to the story.
"Lyorn" is a very good book, not one of my favorites in the series, but that is a high bar indeed. It's as expertly executed as the theater production it describes in its pages. I was amused and moved and fascinated.
Four out of five musical stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
All the books are both well-crafted and entertaining (though sometimes also bleak). There's humor and a series protagonist that I've grown very attached to, a protagonist, moreover, who evolves in well-thought-out ways. The series swoops back and forth in time with remarkable prowess. The books vary in tone and have their own individual conceits. This seventeenth volume opens each chapter with an extract from an (invented) musical that is central to the story.
"Lyorn" is a very good book, not one of my favorites in the series, but that is a high bar indeed. It's as expertly executed as the theater production it describes in its pages. I was amused and moved and fascinated.
Four out of five musical stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
pencilled_robin's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
sniperpumpkin's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
piratenami's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mikehex's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pyrona's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lususnaturae0's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
booksandnailz's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have been reading this series since the late 90s, so of course I was super excited to read the latest installment. This is book 17 in the Vlad Taltos series. The series is about an assassin, Vlad, and his familiar Loiosh. There are two races in this world, Easterners and humans, two magic systems, and 17 political houses. Every book is full of snarky dialog, action, political scheming, and food. In each book, Vlad has found himself in a sticky, high stakes situation (which was usually caused by the solution in the previous book), so he has to use his magic, resources, and friends to plot a way out. Burst’s writing style is unique and entertaining. I always look forward to the next book and I highly recommend this entire series.