avery_switch's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-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
gregoryscottdilcox's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
koboldskind's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
geofisch's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
susanatwestofmars's review
4.0
I heard a whisper that Steven Brust has been outed as one of those problematic personalities in the SFF world. That's not a surprise when you read his books.
But I like the books, and Phoenix shows why. There's real (and surprising) sensitivity from Vald toward Cawti, including a few sentiments that really linger with me. I love how their relationship is handled in these pages. I love the images of their past love and how it contrasts against where they are as a couple.
As far as the story goes, it's kind of typical Vlad, and of course it's fun. That's what we come for, after all. The rollicking adventures of Vlad Taltos, and to see how far he can push things. This time? Maybe too far.
Unfortunately, my library does not have book six. I put in a request that they buy it and I'll keep checking, but I might wind up needing to skip it and ugh. It's going to be a pivotal book in the series and I don't want to miss it.
But I like the books, and Phoenix shows why. There's real (and surprising) sensitivity from Vald toward Cawti, including a few sentiments that really linger with me. I love how their relationship is handled in these pages. I love the images of their past love and how it contrasts against where they are as a couple.
As far as the story goes, it's kind of typical Vlad, and of course it's fun. That's what we come for, after all. The rollicking adventures of Vlad Taltos, and to see how far he can push things. This time? Maybe too far.
Unfortunately, my library does not have book six. I put in a request that they buy it and I'll keep checking, but I might wind up needing to skip it and ugh. It's going to be a pivotal book in the series and I don't want to miss it.
wildflowerz76's review
4.0
Phoenix - I have to say that I enjoyed this one better than Taltos. It didn't have nearly as much of the constant flashbacks. I do continually find myself confused since each of these books hops back and forth in time, but it doesn't bother me too very much.
krakentamer's review
4.0
Another fun one that sets up for some big changes to Vlad in the next book.
nlord's review
adventurous
dark
fast-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
4.75
arthurbdd's review
4.0
Continuation of the Dashiell-Hammett-meets-Fritz-Leiber series. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/2007/03/26/vlads-first-five/