Scan barcode
A review by songwind
A Star-Reckoner's Lot by Darrell Drake
5.0
Wow.
Darrell suggested I read his book for TBRindr, and I'm darn glad that he did.
I like unusual in my fantasy, and this book delivers it in a ton of ways. First of all, the setting. The Sasanid empire is unusual as a choice. The only other books I've read that even touch on the setting are Eric Flint and David Drake's Belesarius books. And you can tell the author has done his homework. From the political geography through religion and customs, the world feels very real and lived in. The concepts of Zoroastrianism (fantasized, ofc) are spread through the book and form a pervasive part of the lives of both antagonists and protagonists.
Second, the protagonist. The choice to use a young widow, who's only marginally competent at her job, and who suffers from a debilitating condition similar to RA or Fibro is certainly unusual. Her unique attitude and behavior toward the divs (djinn/demon-like creatures) she is meant to control also adds interest.
Her character's development is also great to read. Her change in attitudes, confidence, power and more keep her interesting. And the big twist that occurs in the third act is handled great. Drake does a good job of giving you enough hints to think "could it be?" without giving the game away. I was ready for it when it happened, but it was still nothing I'd have expected in the early stages.
Similar things could be said about her companions.
And the denouement was beautiful, fitting, and heartbreaking. When I read the last page, I just sat for a while.
Was it perfect? Of course not. I had my quibbles and pet peeves, but the overall experience of the book was more than enough to make up for it. I found some of the transitions that leapt over significant time were not handled clearly, for example. And I thought the characterization of Ahriman was rather trivial and juvenile for the Great Adversary. But these things are fairly minor parts of the story so they didn't greatly diminish my enjoyment.
Darrell suggested I read his book for TBRindr, and I'm darn glad that he did.
I like unusual in my fantasy, and this book delivers it in a ton of ways. First of all, the setting. The Sasanid empire is unusual as a choice. The only other books I've read that even touch on the setting are Eric Flint and David Drake's Belesarius books. And you can tell the author has done his homework. From the political geography through religion and customs, the world feels very real and lived in. The concepts of Zoroastrianism (fantasized, ofc) are spread through the book and form a pervasive part of the lives of both antagonists and protagonists.
Second, the protagonist. The choice to use a young widow, who's only marginally competent at her job, and who suffers from a debilitating condition similar to RA or Fibro is certainly unusual. Her unique attitude and behavior toward the divs (djinn/demon-like creatures) she is meant to control also adds interest.
Her character's development is also great to read. Her change in attitudes, confidence, power and more keep her interesting. And the big twist that occurs in the third act is handled great. Drake does a good job of giving you enough hints to think "could it be?" without giving the game away. I was ready for it when it happened, but it was still nothing I'd have expected in the early stages.
Similar things could be said about her companions.
And the denouement was beautiful, fitting, and heartbreaking. When I read the last page, I just sat for a while.
Was it perfect? Of course not. I had my quibbles and pet peeves, but the overall experience of the book was more than enough to make up for it. I found some of the transitions that leapt over significant time were not handled clearly, for example. And I thought the characterization of Ahriman was rather trivial and juvenile for the Great Adversary. But these things are fairly minor parts of the story so they didn't greatly diminish my enjoyment.