Steven was given a number of comparisons to Zelanzy, whom I also enjoyed very much. His enduring protagonist, Vlad Taltos, is the Han Solo of sword-weilding, magic-throwing, dual-jhereg and accomplished ex-Thief. I like the mix of characters, and how Steven has built up a world that is quite believable in some aspects, yet wholly alien in others, with a variety of different races, each race playing a role in society whether they like it or not. I like the enigma of Vlad's past, how he is mysteriously connected to powerful characters like the Kieron's. I have enjoyed the development and unraveling of the "master" god-like race, and learning little bits and pieces of another of the elder races. And Vlad is just enjoyable as he is.
While I am not always satisfied by Steven's individual books (you can't please everyone), there are a few that have stood out. I liked the last one ("Issola") but really wanted more meat out of it, instead of the appetizer that it was. Steven has also written in a completely different style (following in the footpaths of Dumas?), for which I respect. While hard to read, the tale is amusing and true to Steven's universe.
Even better, Brust has been spotted in forums and blogs, which tells me he is keeping his ears to the ground and listening to his fans. Kudos!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment