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azm0's review against another edition
2.0
I’m not sure if I was expecting well-developed characters or good writing, but I didn’t get either. This felt like, and is, a collection of short stories tied together with an interesting take on how magic might be manifest in a fantasy realm. For the impact that his work had on the famous game by Gygax and Arneson, Vance definitely gets credit, and I did enjoy that mechanic of his work. Another item of interest is that this was released prior to LOTR, so it was nice to have a fantasy land devoid of the typical elves, dwarves, and orcs. I don’t feel it’s enough to save the book, however, and I don’t understand all the high marks it gets. Maybe Vance gets better, and I certainly have enough of his work to find that out. Please tell me, does Vance get better???
calypte's review against another edition
3.0
Cugel the Clever (!) isn't a very likable hero. His odyssey-like quest to get home following a quest imposed by a justly angry wizard is filled with self-pity and unwarranted self-righteousness, during which he inflicts harm on a very many others purely for his own needs and wants.
The whole thing again reads like a fable, or indeed a Greek myth, short on depth and with a plot heavy on the 'mission'. Oddly, it's quite refreshingly in its slightness, but a marvel of making you read despite the horrible central character.
The whole thing again reads like a fable, or indeed a Greek myth, short on depth and with a plot heavy on the 'mission'. Oddly, it's quite refreshingly in its slightness, but a marvel of making you read despite the horrible central character.
akirathelemur's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely wonderful book. Hallucinatory writing. A cheerfully amoral narrative. One of the more compelling settings in speculative fiction. But man, Cugel is just a straight up fucking psychopath, isn't he? Not exactly an antagonist to root for. Still, a hell of an entertaining read.
farilian's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
pryme's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
seventhson's review against another edition
4.0
Probably the best of the Dying Earth series, Cugel the Clever is the man you hate to love. One of the better anti-heroes, he proves time and time again that too much is never enough, and spends most of his time takin advantage of others or being taken advantage of.
jgerman's review against another edition
4.0
I went searching for some of the roots of Dungeons and Dragons and did not come away disappointed. It's not just the system of magic you find in Vance's Dying Earth books, but the weird locales and odd creatures. The book reads very much like early modules.
This was my fifth Vance book in a row. While I respect his imagination and ability to paint a picture I did realize his characters are are pretty flat. They are immature, selfish, and psychopathic across the board. Most of them are fairly childish in their thoughts and actions. I wouldn't go so far as to say that this is a problem, but it definitely becomes apparent when you're on a steady diet of Vance.
I really like that the book(s) take place on an Earth so far in the future that the sun is about to 'go out'. There's something evocative about the implied history of the planet and the cultures and people that are there at the end. It's difficult to describe why, but it definitely fires up your imagination.
This was my fifth Vance book in a row. While I respect his imagination and ability to paint a picture I did realize his characters are are pretty flat. They are immature, selfish, and psychopathic across the board. Most of them are fairly childish in their thoughts and actions. I wouldn't go so far as to say that this is a problem, but it definitely becomes apparent when you're on a steady diet of Vance.
I really like that the book(s) take place on an Earth so far in the future that the sun is about to 'go out'. There's something evocative about the implied history of the planet and the cultures and people that are there at the end. It's difficult to describe why, but it definitely fires up your imagination.
therewithal's review against another edition
3.0
Like with the first Dying Earth book, I love the imagination and worldbuilding and use of language, but the antiquated sexism spoils it. Also, Cugel was an utter sociopath (rapist, traitor, murderer with no redeeming qualities) and I couldn't stand him, even if that was the point.
seano's review against another edition
4.0
Jack Vance was the last great Golden Age Sci-Fi author. He writes a fun story with lots of great images. He's got some of the best and precise vocabulary I've ever read.
This was my first novel of his and I think he's right up there with Asimov and Heinlein.
This was my first novel of his and I think he's right up there with Asimov and Heinlein.
kaylynn's review against another edition
1.0
This was just awful. It's some of the worst fantasy I've read.