mikepalumbo's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cugel's Saga picks up where The Eyes of the Overworld left off, with a similar plot and structure - after his latest encounter with Iuconnu the Laughing Magician, Cugel the Clever once again finds himself far from Almery, and after coming into possession of a powerful relic, the Skybreak Spatterlight, seeks a way home so that he might take revenge on Iuconnu. Where this book diverges from its predecessor, however, is in its execution. On his first journey home, Cugel left a trail of dead bodies and ruined lives in his wake. This time around, he lives up to his moniker, using treachery and deception to manipulate merchants, officials, and assorted scoundrels into aiding him on his voyage.
Cugel is still an antihero here, and unfortunately still lacking in depth, but I found him easier to root for, and the stories more enjoyable. I attribute that to the tonal shift from The Eyes of the Overworld to Cugel's Saga; the former felt mean-spirited at times, while the latter has a sense of fun and "punching up" that was previously lacking. I'd describe it as "Looney Tunes as a baroque comedy-of-manners;" Cugel's antics border on ridiculous at times, but you can't wait to see what happens next.
Highly recommended for fantasy readers looking for a fun, occasionally funny read, where the protagonist relies more on wits than physical prowess to achieve his goals.
jvendrell's review against another edition
3.0
sisteray's review against another edition
4.0
crowfood's review against another edition
4.0
It was a pleasure watching Cugel always manage to land on his feet despite repeated hardships, most or all of which he brought upon himself.
btony's review against another edition
5.0
Lots of strange places and people
The story follows a repeating formula but its fun so I do not care
Cugel is not a deep character but he is fun so I do not care
Lacks the atmosphere of the first book but its strange enough
I really really like this book
metaphorosis's review against another edition
5.0
Jack Vance
Dying Earth, #3
5 stars
This is Vance at his classic best. The dastardly Cugel once again must fight his way back across the Dying Earth, over hostile regions, past weird and unnatural creatures, and, worst of all, through the endless shades of human culture and habit. Vance is at his literary best, with beautiful, original language sketching characters and actions from base to idealistic, with the would-be urbane Cugel taking it all in stride. Yet, however he schemes, whomever he cheats, he always seems to come off worst. What's a bombastic rogue to do?
Work, mostly - through situations bizarre and farcical, abd usually of his own making. This book is one of the treasures of fantastic writing, and one of the best parts of the Dying Earth sequence. It's far more entertaining than Mazirian and his stuffy magicians, and just as caring as "Guyal of Sfere", if in an unusual, off-kilter way.
Structurally, the story is simple - Cugel gets in trouble, gets out of trouble, gets out of trouble again. And there are a couple of places where an edit would have made for a smoother transition between chapters. But those are minor caveats in what is simply one of SFF's great masterpieces.If you haven't read Vance before, this is a great place to start, though the story starts in the predecessor volume Cugel the Clever, which is just as much fun. If you have read Vance, and you somehow haven't read this book, buy it right now! In fact, whoever you are, buy this now. Even if you somehow manage to hate it, it's a classic. And most of you will like it a lot.
CVIE VI
diesmali's review against another edition
4.0
Highly imaginative and funny!
morganquaid's review against another edition
5.0
The Character of Cugal is simply priceless; a lovable rogue that the reader can’t help but empathize with, despite his many indiscretions. The consummate salesman, Cugal speaks with flowery words of little substance, managing to sway the actions of others just long enough to dig himself a suitable hole in which to fall headlong. There is a circular quality to Cugal’s adventures (enter the scene - find a way to swindle the host – swindle – get caught out – leave with nothing – rinse and repeat) which gives the book it’s strong fable-like quality and makes the Cugal character even more endearing. Time and time again he repeats the same mistakes, but there is also a hint of broader, cosmic events at play; as though the fates themselves have chosen to visit endless calamity upon poor Cugal (not unlike Job of the Bible).
To me the most appealing aspect of the book are the many fantastical ideas that are hinted at, but never fully explored. They serve to furnish the Cugal story with a rich backdrop and fire the imagination.