A review by katmarhan
Athyra, by Steven Brust
5.0
9/10
This book had a decidedly different feel to it than the earlier books in the Vlad Taltos, possibly because Vlad is not the narrator and the story although told in third person, is from the viewpoint of Savn, a rural youth. And that's the other main difference--no city of Adrilankha, no friends and colleagues. No voice of Loiosh--in fact, the sections written from the jhereg's perspective are all from Loiosh's mate, Rocza. So there is far less sardonic humor and far more introspection and struggle to understand by a maturing Savn who is confronted by things outside his experience. But this is an engrossing and satisfying tale, and it is not only Savn who has to wrestle with decisions and consequences.
This book had a decidedly different feel to it than the earlier books in the Vlad Taltos, possibly because Vlad is not the narrator and the story although told in third person, is from the viewpoint of Savn, a rural youth. And that's the other main difference--no city of Adrilankha, no friends and colleagues. No voice of Loiosh--in fact, the sections written from the jhereg's perspective are all from Loiosh's mate, Rocza. So there is far less sardonic humor and far more introspection and struggle to understand by a maturing Savn who is confronted by things outside his experience. But this is an engrossing and satisfying tale, and it is not only Savn who has to wrestle with decisions and consequences.