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garunar's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
hadeanstars's review against another edition
4.0
This was, for me, a trip down memory lane. I read it many, many (many!) years ago, and simply loved it. Vance is a remarkable writer who is able to describe an entire world with such remarkable detail, colour, and viviacity, that you cannot help but marvel at his vision, and his execution. It is a very well-written, beautifully conceived work of high fantasy and as such it is the perfect avenue for escape on a rainy afternoon. The world of trolls, goblins, witches, princesses, and wicked kings and queens is so remarkably complete and cultured, it is a great work, and highly enjoyable.
issabeau's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
fluister's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, and War
vreyone's review against another edition
4.0
Kings plotting against each other, beautiful prose, fairy tale - like storytelling, awesome setting. Add to the mix little dose of tragedy, many likeable characters, and voila ... you got a really enjoyable read.
nigellicus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
5.0
I think this fantasy trilogy may well be my favourite. It's one I still reread with pleasure, probably because it is so clearly written for adults, though when I first read it as a teenager the violent indignities inflicted on Christian missionaries and the fate of poor Suldrun scared me off after the cosy safety of Middle Earth and Narnia. Luckily I went back to it. The dangers and cruelties of the Elder Isles anticipate the modern hard-boiled fantasy epics of Martin, Abercombie et al, yet the language is that of high chivalry, arch wit and sharp irony. Even the most horrible monster is highly articulate and argues with logic and reason. For every danger and cruelty, however, there is wonder and kindness and joy. The books, also, are unashamedly drenched with magic and crowded with fey personages, possibly the best fictional representation of fairies I have ever read, wonderful creatures utterly without conscience.
The story is long and strange and always unexpected. Our protagonists suffer sudden changes or reversals of fortune at every turn, and it's only about halfway through before a narrative begins to take proper shape. Vance's evocation of a fantasy landscape is unparalleled. For the first time, I noticed that there was something missing from the detailed descriptions of meals and feasts and scavenged scraps and quick repasts: no potatoes. Because, of course, they haven't been brought back from the Americas yet. I don't know why, but that little detail made me unaccountably happy.
The story is long and strange and always unexpected. Our protagonists suffer sudden changes or reversals of fortune at every turn, and it's only about halfway through before a narrative begins to take proper shape. Vance's evocation of a fantasy landscape is unparalleled. For the first time, I noticed that there was something missing from the detailed descriptions of meals and feasts and scavenged scraps and quick repasts: no potatoes. Because, of course, they haven't been brought back from the Americas yet. I don't know why, but that little detail made me unaccountably happy.
suzemo's review against another edition
4.0
Classic high fantasy.
After all of the werewolves, vampires, angels, and urban-fantasy, it's nice to settle down with a classic high fantasy novel.
Set in the mythical land of the Elder Isles, before the time of King Arthur, this novel has everything I needed to cleanse my fantasy palate. Good and evil knights, good and evil wizards, evil kings, tortured princesses, good heroes. Lots of magic and magical creatures and a hearty adventure weaving multiple lives together.
It is the first in the trilogy, but it wraps up the story lines it focuses on well enough.
My only caveat is this: It's an older book, and it *feels* and reads like a high fantasy some old white dude wrote. It does take place in a classic European setting with more than its fair share of raping and "erotic" activities, but nothing terribly graphic. Don't expect any progressive ideals or adventures, but sit back and enjoy the classic fun if you'd like.
After all of the werewolves, vampires, angels, and urban-fantasy, it's nice to settle down with a classic high fantasy novel.
Set in the mythical land of the Elder Isles, before the time of King Arthur, this novel has everything I needed to cleanse my fantasy palate. Good and evil knights, good and evil wizards, evil kings, tortured princesses, good heroes. Lots of magic and magical creatures and a hearty adventure weaving multiple lives together.
It is the first in the trilogy, but it wraps up the story lines it focuses on well enough.
My only caveat is this: It's an older book, and it *feels* and reads like a high fantasy some old white dude wrote. It does take place in a classic European setting with more than its fair share of raping and "erotic" activities, but nothing terribly graphic. Don't expect any progressive ideals or adventures, but sit back and enjoy the classic fun if you'd like.
jmaddren's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think I will truly appreciate this book's masterpiece until I read it again.
hyunraejones's review against another edition
4.0
Lately I am into high fantasy and this book/saga seemed quite intestesting and I decided to give it a try. And I am happy about my decision, because it has really amazed me. I didn’t expect this story the way it’s written (I have to say it’s my 1st time reading this author) and this made me enjoy it way more than expected.
However, I’ve given it 4 stars, because although the story and some characters are amazing… I felt there were no well-written female characters. These kind of details are really important for me and it bothered me enough for not giving the 5 stars. (And I sadly feel this problem will be there also in the following parts…).
However, I’ve given it 4 stars, because although the story and some characters are amazing… I felt there were no well-written female characters. These kind of details are really important for me and it bothered me enough for not giving the 5 stars. (And I sadly feel this problem will be there also in the following parts…).
shoba's review against another edition
3.0
An epic tale of kings and knights, wizards and fairies and ambitions and betrayals.
The Princess Suldrun of Lyonesse, is under house arrest and forced to consider an undesirable marriage.
“‘Suldrun refused to look toward her father. "I am made out to be something I do not choose to be."
"You do not enjoy the admiration of men?"
"I have done nothing admirable."
"Nor has a rose, nor a sapphire of many facets."
"They are ornaments; they have no life of their own.’”
Prince Aillas, Suldrun’s betrothed, and father of their son, Dhrun, fights to regain the throne of Troicinet and to find his son. Aillas, with the help of the magician Shimrod, seeks Duke Carfilhiot, the man who is holding his son hostage.
"….My own quest can wait an hour or two." The Never-fail still dangled from his wrist. He glanced at the index, then again, incredulously. "Look you at the tooth!"
"Now it points south!"
Aillas turned slowly to Shimrod. "Carfilhiot drove south with two children: what are their names?"
"Glyneth and Dhrun."
Duke Carfilhiot is defeated and the now King Aillas is reunited with his son. However war with King Casmir of Lyonesse, father of the now deceased Princess Suldrun, seems imminent.
“‘Did you find his face familiar?" An arch and meaningful smile trembled along Brother Umphred's lips.
Casmir glared at him. "As a matter of fact, I did. What of it?"
"Do you recall the young man who insisted that I marry him to the Princess Suldrun?"
Casmir's mouth sagged. He stared thunderstruck, first at Brother Umphred, then out across the sea. "I dropped him into the hole. He is dead."
"He escaped. He remembers."
Casmir snorted. "It is impossible.’”
The Princess Suldrun of Lyonesse, is under house arrest and forced to consider an undesirable marriage.
“‘Suldrun refused to look toward her father. "I am made out to be something I do not choose to be."
"You do not enjoy the admiration of men?"
"I have done nothing admirable."
"Nor has a rose, nor a sapphire of many facets."
"They are ornaments; they have no life of their own.’”
Prince Aillas, Suldrun’s betrothed, and father of their son, Dhrun, fights to regain the throne of Troicinet and to find his son. Aillas, with the help of the magician Shimrod, seeks Duke Carfilhiot, the man who is holding his son hostage.
"….My own quest can wait an hour or two." The Never-fail still dangled from his wrist. He glanced at the index, then again, incredulously. "Look you at the tooth!"
"Now it points south!"
Aillas turned slowly to Shimrod. "Carfilhiot drove south with two children: what are their names?"
"Glyneth and Dhrun."
Duke Carfilhiot is defeated and the now King Aillas is reunited with his son. However war with King Casmir of Lyonesse, father of the now deceased Princess Suldrun, seems imminent.
“‘Did you find his face familiar?" An arch and meaningful smile trembled along Brother Umphred's lips.
Casmir glared at him. "As a matter of fact, I did. What of it?"
"Do you recall the young man who insisted that I marry him to the Princess Suldrun?"
Casmir's mouth sagged. He stared thunderstruck, first at Brother Umphred, then out across the sea. "I dropped him into the hole. He is dead."
"He escaped. He remembers."
Casmir snorted. "It is impossible.’”