Scan barcode
A review by coronaoflight
In the Palace of Shadow and Joy by D.J. Butler
5.0
When reading fantasy, sometimes one may decide to stray from the norm. Princesses and knights and dragons and serfs become too bland for the taste and a palette cleanser is required. Well, D.J Butler’s book is just that cleanser. Imagine Fritz Leiber’s most famous duo, Fahrd and the Grey Mouser, stuck in a Jack Vance-like city.
Set in a city called Kish, the people that make up its populace are a variety of men. Not any men you’d encounter on the street though. No, instead these men cover a spectacular carnival of physiques, mentalites, and abilities. From the batcharian Grotonk to the D&D style Kobold-like Zatalings, the men stretch the word to an absurd degree. One of these men though is Indrajit, who’s piscine appearance is remarked upon multiple times in the story. Down on his luck, the Retical Thane, as he dubs himself, takes upon a contract to clear all his debts. His partner in this endeavor is the mundane, for besides his eidetic memory his appearance isn’t too striking, Fix. Together they must protect their ward from dangers both obvious and hidden.
The setting is an amazing romp through a vast, and diverse, city that could sit among the greats like Lankhmar. The multitude of odd folks combined with a business world almost like Earth make for absurdly fun times. Not only that, but our two main viewpoints—Indrajit and Fix—are of the old mold of comical companions. Both compliment the other and shine when they’re together. Indrajit is both a naive newcomer while a connoisseur of artistic endeavor, while Fix possesses a strong wit when it comes to business but is lacking in the charismatic department. Together, they immediately join partnership and form a close friendship. On one hand, the author subverted the old ‘butting heads’ trope concerning duos of opposite alignment, but on the other hand their immediate friendship comes almost out of left field. The pair feel too connected, where their immediate casual banter feels too hastily done. Even a bit more exploration between the two would’ve felt more appropriate.
The plot follows Indrajit, who at this point in time used up the last of his money. On the verge of being throttled, Indrajist is saved in the form of a job opportunity. There he forms his partnership with Fix and the duo are tasked with a simple job: protect the lead actress of the Palace of Shadow and Joy. What once begins as a simple job spirals into an interwoven tale of betrayal, politics, and mystery. It's a story juicy enough that fans of old S&S and newcomers alike can enjoy. If you enjoy scenes of comedic fumbles that right outta Fritz Leiber, strange norms and abilities showcased by the races of men, and odd imagery conjured by both characters and settings, then this is the book for you.
Set in a city called Kish, the people that make up its populace are a variety of men. Not any men you’d encounter on the street though. No, instead these men cover a spectacular carnival of physiques, mentalites, and abilities. From the batcharian Grotonk to the D&D style Kobold-like Zatalings, the men stretch the word to an absurd degree. One of these men though is Indrajit, who’s piscine appearance is remarked upon multiple times in the story. Down on his luck, the Retical Thane, as he dubs himself, takes upon a contract to clear all his debts. His partner in this endeavor is the mundane, for besides his eidetic memory his appearance isn’t too striking, Fix. Together they must protect their ward from dangers both obvious and hidden.
The setting is an amazing romp through a vast, and diverse, city that could sit among the greats like Lankhmar. The multitude of odd folks combined with a business world almost like Earth make for absurdly fun times. Not only that, but our two main viewpoints—Indrajit and Fix—are of the old mold of comical companions. Both compliment the other and shine when they’re together. Indrajit is both a naive newcomer while a connoisseur of artistic endeavor, while Fix possesses a strong wit when it comes to business but is lacking in the charismatic department. Together, they immediately join partnership and form a close friendship. On one hand, the author subverted the old ‘butting heads’ trope concerning duos of opposite alignment, but on the other hand their immediate friendship comes almost out of left field. The pair feel too connected, where their immediate casual banter feels too hastily done. Even a bit more exploration between the two would’ve felt more appropriate.
The plot follows Indrajit, who at this point in time used up the last of his money. On the verge of being throttled, Indrajist is saved in the form of a job opportunity. There he forms his partnership with Fix and the duo are tasked with a simple job: protect the lead actress of the Palace of Shadow and Joy. What once begins as a simple job spirals into an interwoven tale of betrayal, politics, and mystery. It's a story juicy enough that fans of old S&S and newcomers alike can enjoy. If you enjoy scenes of comedic fumbles that right outta Fritz Leiber, strange norms and abilities showcased by the races of men, and odd imagery conjured by both characters and settings, then this is the book for you.