A review by megan1002
Tigana: Anniversary Edition by Guy Gavriel Kay

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This story was really not what I expected. I honestly came here looking for the political intrigue that often came with books about war and the intricate magic of high fantasy—both of which I didn't get. Instead, what I got is the bone deep and inter-generational trauma of colonization and genocide and the ultimate greyness of humanity's morality. This isn't what I expected but I can't say I hate it. Somehow this story, despite being fiction, felt real. Though, until the end I still felt confusion—as compared to how about 20% through other stories I have enough of an understanding of the worldbuilding to get what's going on—I don't hate it? This books, is filled to the brim with history, not only of its world, but the individual lives in it. There is so much going on, rich stories in every page, interwoven together, and inner monologues of characters that force you to confront the greyness of your own morality, that you just can't help but feel confused. And I think it adds to the experience. That one sex scene made me uncomfortable though.
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