Reviews

There were quite a few things about this book that I did NOT like, but when you score six and then lose a point you get five. Simply, this belongs on everyone's must-read shelf.

Whether it was McKillip or an editor, someone took a thousand-page book and distilled it several times until this fine cognac of writing came out. Indeed, I found I had to read it in short bursts, as one might drink cognac. It seems simple, but it is compressed and whisks you forward before you know you are moving.

McKillip does not use contractions in this book. So much so that you have to notice. I was left with the feeling that I was not reading, but rather watching Miss Rumphius explain the story to me.

Of course the writing is otherwise lyrical and smooth. But it's also, um, er, can I say lacy? There are great gaps, we leap over things, plans are made and accomplished offstage, and despite all the missing bits we see the intended image clearly. We still don't know whether Tam can read, do addition, or cook.

I really liked the way the reader sees the problem with where Sybel is headed before she does. Of course we do: most of us were raised more normally than she was. And it appears that any moral/ethical training she received came as riddles that were not meant to be understood till later.

I wish every young person could be so smoothly led to examine "you must not coerce me but it is OK for me to coerce you."

For a while I worried about tropes: grey eyes everywhere, generic dragon, Sybel not eating when she was upset (and she was often upset.)

For a while I wondered about whether Coren had some funky powers he wasn't aware of, and I am still not sure about that.

And as we met the Sirle Lords I had a distinct whiff of Zelazny's Amber books, two of which would have been out when this was written.

Best of all, after hundreds of fantasy books that focused on the kings who want to manipulate the magic user, I get one that's the other way around.

I recommend reading this when you are 18, again at 30, and again at 60+ (I'm 71). It will be a different book each time.

I will now look for more of McKillip's work. Don't know how I missed her before now ...