Crown of Vengeance, Mercedes Lackey, James Mallory

Crown of Vengeance

( Dragon Prophecy #1)

by Mercedes Lackey, James Mallory

fantasy

copyright 2012

started reading in April 2024

rated 6/10: read to pass the time

I've only started reading. I expect that I'll read to the end. But... it seems a good idea to document my strong first impressions:

Is this "high" fantasy? I think that's right.

The story is set in "the favoured lands" or some such. Favoured by one hundred families who are constantly at war against each other. hmmm

Each family has a name that is complex, unpronounceable and instantly forgettable. Ditto the names of individuals.

Fortunately, the heroine seems to be the only person whose name begins with V and the possible hero has a simple, distinct and memorable name. Apart from that, a cast of dozens who are difficult to distinguish.

The plot is driven by a curse on the heroine. At the pace at which secrets are being revealed, I guess that the reader will need to read several books before the curse is revealed.

( Though one major surprise seems to be revealed in the back cover blurb).

The heroine grows up as a well-treated orphan servant. As soon as she discovers her family name, her sense of self-entitlement kicks in; she swears vengeance and a return to personal power. Very much like people in real life.

Then she has a few years being trained as a servant and being told that she can never enter her "rightful" Life as a princess. So, standard fantasy.

I may sound cynical (I am) but the book is still good fun. A complex world, revealed ever so slowly but promising lots of future blood and thunder and magic.

I fully expect to enjoy the rest of the book. Even if I never know who all those people are. Who knows, I may even get to like the power-obsessed heroine.

And now, back to the book....

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===


Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood
   

world shuffler, Keith laumer

world shuffler

by Keith laumer

(lafayette o'leary #2)

fantasy

copyright 1970

not read in April 2024

rated 3/10: so bad it's embarrassing

It's possible that this book is meant to be funny. it's not.

the hero is an idiot. the sexpot is a fool. everyone else, as far as i can be bothered reading, is both stupid and ugly.

the plot is a string of nonsensical ridiculous incidents with, so far, neither logic nor point.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===


Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood
   

Fwd: Dumas, Alexandre, The Three Musketeers

Subject: Dumas, Alexandre, The Three Musketeers

The Three Musketeers

by Alexandre Dumas pere

historical action,

first published (in French) 1844

read (in English) March 2024

rated 6/10: read to pass the time

... but 7/10 (well worth reading) if you believe that a classic should actually be read.
This book is a "swashbuckler": with heroic, chivalrous swordsmen who fight for justice. That's according to wikipedia.

The story is well-known... until I start reading.
Yes, the heroes are heroic. They are also brave and clever. And broke.
They fight for honour, fame and... fortune. They have no money. they convince other people to invite them all to meals.
They are scrupulous in the fairness of their duels against other gentlemen. They beat their lackeys. Other peasants are ignored.
Women are seduced. Yes, for sex but mainly so that the woman will use her husband's money to pay the musketeer's expenses.

There are four key villains. The Cardinal, who threatens, admires and rewards the heroes. There is Milady, the only truly evil villain.
And the shadowy Rochefort who eventually, well, read it for yourself. His end is surprising but entirely suitable.
I was expecting a book of slashing swords and altruistic heroism. The swords are there but very little altruism. Dumas himself, writing 200 years after the time of the story, notes that attitudes had changed. In another near 200 years, attitudes have (perhaps) changed even more.

If you want a book with a similar story, similar characters -- but all a lot more fun -- try The Phoenix Guards.

02apr24: Although... I do prefer my heroes to be honest, upright and, well... heroic. The Disney version perhaps. I do not like the Dumas Musketeers.

Perhaps they are more acceptable for other readers... or to the modern-day French. It's their classic after all.

Still, Phoenix Guards is more fun :-)





Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper

Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===


Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood