Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by nickclewley
Written on the Dark by Guy Gavriel Kay
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It’s always a joy to be back in Guy Gavriel Kay’s “Two Moons” world, though I have to say that as strong as Written on the Dark is in places, and despite still being superior to many other fantasy entries, Kay has set the bar too high for himself with recent novels in this world, so I guess there has to be a least favourite.
The prose is as strong as ever—despite Kay’s increasing tendency to telegraph feelings. Rhythmically constructed, beautiful sentences.
The story, like all recent entries, is about small people in big times, and how despite their lack of power, their decisions have unintended import.
I didn’t feel the stakes as much in this one though, emotional or plot-wise. The story meanders and fizzles at points, and Kay’s usual tangents and asides don’t work quite as well.
That said, I hope there are more times and places to explore in this world.
The prose is as strong as ever—despite Kay’s increasing tendency to telegraph feelings. Rhythmically constructed, beautiful sentences.
The story, like all recent entries, is about small people in big times, and how despite their lack of power, their decisions have unintended import.
I didn’t feel the stakes as much in this one though, emotional or plot-wise. The story meanders and fizzles at points, and Kay’s usual tangents and asides don’t work quite as well.
That said, I hope there are more times and places to explore in this world.