ewan@uw-june (Ewan Tempero) (12/17/85)
Brust's latest book is now out. Put out by.....the same people that
put out the rest of his books. $2.95. About the same size as his
previous books.
Opinion: If you liked his previous books, you will like this one. This
comment is based on the fact that I liked both his previous
ones and this one.
Rating: I don't believe in ratings but for those that do I guess I would
give it 4 on a scale -4 to 4. This means I enjoyed it and will
definately read it a number of times ( as opposed to I enjoyed it
and probably won't read it again except when I'm bored, or, I
didn't enjoy it that much but will probably read it again 'cos it
helps to pass the time.... )
Recommendation: READ IT! One thing that is obvious is a lot of time and
thought went in to this and makes the book very enjoyable.
A comment on the cover ( or maybe the first inside page ) goes something
like "I didn't know where he was taking me but I enjoyed going". This
sums up the way I felt. Most of the questions you would like answered
are answered by the end of the book although there are certainly some
that are *not* answered. The impression I got was that this is a slice
out of the history and everything you need to know is given but not much
more. Maybe this is just me, I'll have to read it again. However this
impression is not displeasing.
"I don't understand"
"Never mind" :-)
Plot Summary ( Potential slight spoiler but how can you give a plot summary
without a spoiler? Most of this can be got from the cover )
Tells the story of a palace that's fallen down literally around the ears of
the inhabitants ( no surprizes here :-)
In particular, it focuses on the youngest of 4 sons. His eldest brother,who
is now King ( due to the Palace ), is a ....little unhappy with the state of
the Palace and when the youngest ( I've forgotten his name and don't have
the book ) comments on said state, he is beaten and forced to flee. This
actions will eventually lead to the youngest son destroying the old Palace
to make way for the new. In fact, it seems that the youngest son never
really has any free will in doing this, even though he makes the decision
to do so...
More Serious Spoilers about the Universe in which this Story is based.
It seems to be the same as in Jhereg and Yendi as jheregs are mentioned
numerous times but only as preditors circling in the distance.
Devera makes a couple of minor appearances *in person*. This suggests
that maybe it's after the time of Jhereg and Yendi except....well read
the book. We are given no more clues as to what shes about. Nor does
her appearance seem that important to the story. I guess Steve will tell
us in good time.
--
Ewan
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Ewan Tempero UUCP: ...!uw-beaver!uw-june!ewan ARPA: ewan@washington.ARPA
I have found a most wonderful proof for P <> NP but net etiquette on the
size of .signature files doesn't allow me to give it here.....