A review by cheezvshcrvst
Jhereg by Steven Brust

4.0

I’ve read and reread this book a few times since 2005, and what is most striking about it is the audacity of Steven Brust to tell a fun, cunning tale (a caper-of-sorts, no less!) full of fully-realized characters in a rich world of detail and rules that open up a myriad of imaginative and realistic possibilities. “The Cool Stuff Theory of Literature” indeed, Mr. Brust! Here we are, with Vlad’s “first” adventure: he’s got powerful and loyal friends, his own wit and skills, and there’s plenty of violence and problem-solving to be had. Throw in a dash of unexpected philosophical musing and a quick plot, and you’ve got a science fiction adventure tale in the tradition of Zelazny while remaining remarkably its very own thing. If you want laughs and badassery and an anti-hero that learns as the story goes along (true character development in a fantasy series written by a dude? Gasp!)? Give this book a go. Is it the best novel to start the Vlad Taltos series with? Shrug. Have fun with it! I always do.