ungoliant1234's review
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Undoubtedly the best of the Vlad Taltos books so far. The ending sequence is not at all inferior to the famous behemoth epics that dominate the genre.
avery_switch's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
composed's review against another edition
4.0
I think so far, every fantasy series I’ve ended up loving has either been pretty gay or ended up having a strong sci-fi influence. Could use more gay stuff here...
cheezvshcrvst's review against another edition
5.0
This is (to date) my fifth time rereading this wonderful entry in the Vlad Taltos series and it certainly does hold up. The One Big Thing that happens in this book is no less emotional, and certainly not “predictable” in the classical sense of the word. What would be any other sff rpg side quest is in fact a huge plot progression that does a solid job of giving us a LOT about the overarching story without actually TELLING us what’s what. We’re given a lot here: humor, exposition, violence including but not limiting to a cosmic battle or two or several (I won’t be exact), philosophical meandering by way of exploring notions of courtesy (this is also the plot structure, by the way, so eat your hearts out, swords and sorcery fans!), cute (shut up, Loiosh), and klava. Brust continues to develop Vlad as a character with more endearing nuances than mere wit and bravery. In fact, he positively infuses our anti-hero with some Big Damn Hero Attributes to wonderful effect. Issola deserves 4.5 outta 5 or better for being a page-turner that isn’t a mere popcorn action flick.
geofisch's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
krakentamer's review against another edition
5.0
Well it's obvious to me why this is the highest-rated of the entire series. So much new information, so many new mysteries. Some tragedy and heartbreak. Great stuff.
nlord's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katmarhan's review against another edition
5.0
How did I avoid the Vlad Taltos books for so long?
Glad I finally started reading this series, and this installment, the ninth, is one of the best so far. Many typical laugh-out-loud moments, thanks to Vlad's voice, especially his exchanges with Loiosh. Add a few thoughtful conversations, some revelations about some of the recurring characters, and plenty of action, and you end up with this thoroughly entertaining book.
10/10
Glad I finally started reading this series, and this installment, the ninth, is one of the best so far. Many typical laugh-out-loud moments, thanks to Vlad's voice, especially his exchanges with Loiosh. Add a few thoughtful conversations, some revelations about some of the recurring characters, and plenty of action, and you end up with this thoroughly entertaining book.
10/10
devon_marie's review against another edition
5.0
I have read most of this series three or four times, but I think I’d only read Issola once before this reread. I remembered the major points and that’s about it. This reread, though, taught me I’d done myself a great disservice, because I absolutely loved this story. Not only has Vlad gotten himself into some ridiculously serious trouble, AGAIN, but it’s got the adventure and humor of his original stories. And the ending is both beautiful and heartbreaking. This is a turning point in the series for sure.
redheadbeans's review against another edition
5.0
It's probably really ironic that this is one of my favorite of the "Vlad Taltos" books. The reason is a spoiler so I'm not going to write it here. It's a close tie with "Orca", which makes more sense.
I'd been waiting for Brust to go into Lady Teldra's life/personality, and this is sort of what we got in the book. Her relationship with Vlad is cute and quite humorous. Brust always makes me burst out laughing early and repeatedly in these books and he's in top shape for "Issola". Most of my favorite quotations in the series come from this book. Lady Teldra is an interesting character once she's allowed more of the spotlight and I liked how she 'stood' up to Vlad and we get to see how the other characters react to her as more than an ornament.
The plot is fun and Vlad is up to his mischief back with the regular gang than wandering on his own. This book marks a big change in recent plot developments, so be prepared. Overall I love it.
My suggestion isn't to start with this book, but rather at "Jhereg". While you could pick up any of the books as stand-alone and publishing order is different than chronological order, I don't think a lot of this book would make any sense if you read it first, second or even third. It's a good treat when you get to it in chronological order, though. And of course read the rest of the series. I love it to bits.
I'd been waiting for Brust to go into Lady Teldra's life/personality, and this is sort of what we got in the book. Her relationship with Vlad is cute and quite humorous. Brust always makes me burst out laughing early and repeatedly in these books and he's in top shape for "Issola". Most of my favorite quotations in the series come from this book. Lady Teldra is an interesting character once she's allowed more of the spotlight and I liked how she 'stood' up to Vlad and we get to see how the other characters react to her as more than an ornament.
The plot is fun and Vlad is up to his mischief back with the regular gang than wandering on his own. This book marks a big change in recent plot developments, so be prepared. Overall I love it.
My suggestion isn't to start with this book, but rather at "Jhereg". While you could pick up any of the books as stand-alone and publishing order is different than chronological order, I don't think a lot of this book would make any sense if you read it first, second or even third. It's a good treat when you get to it in chronological order, though. And of course read the rest of the series. I love it to bits.