This is the one I would've picked for SHU, because I think it's the most readable and relatable of the list. Though there was some stuff I liked, I felt like I'd read it before by some other author, so in the end it didn't do much for me. It was kind of like, here's a setting, let's put a plot around it, and this one sounds good. But for me, none of it was terribly original.
I'm doing two different reading projects: the SHU reading fantasy reading list and the writer's block/procrastination list. :) Notice how I'm flip-flopping each review? :)
So let me make sure I understand: the OTHER books on the list, besides YSABEL, didn't feel original, or this one didn't, or all of them?
I'm way behind. I read THE PRIVILEGE OF THE SWORD last summer or fall, and don't intend to re-read it for this, because my feeling about it was pretty much the same as yours. I've read this, and none of the rest. . . yet. But I will. I will also say that, in short, I agree with most of what you've said here about YSABEL
I'm getting back into a fantasy swing now rather than the loads of romance I've been plowing through of late. I think I was reading tons of HEAs in reaction to the fact that I have to kill off one of my favorite characters in my novel, but apparently I've come to terms with it now. Anyway, break's over, so it's back to finishing the novel for me!
Very interesting. Kay is one of my absolute favorite authors, his character writing amazes me every time. But I haven't read this book yet because I hadn't heard anything good about it and I was somewhat baffled by his previous one, The Last Light of The Sun. It had beautiful language but it felt sparse and kind of loosely strung together. Reading this review gives me hope though and I'm glad you said it's in trade PB now - I'll be ordering it.
I haven't read any other Kay, so I don't know how this compares, other than the fact I know he usually writes what a friend of mine calls "fake historical fiction/fantasy," so I know this is different setting and plot-wise. I think that's one of the reasons I didn't put it on the "Keeper Shelf" just yet, because I want to see what else Kay is capable of. :)
Haven't read "Ysabel" yet but I plan on it. I'm one of the recommenders of "Tigana", but I'd also recommend his Fionovar Tapestry trilogy. In fact, some of the authors at WisCon this past weekend referred to the trilogy, one went as far as saying that Kay "out-Tolkiened Tolkien", whatever that means. The trilogy might be hard to find in a bookstore since it is fairly old, but still in print.
Oh, I think I still have my old mass markets of Fionavar floating around somewhere. If you want to read them and I can find them in the next few days, I'll drop you a line backchannel.
No worries on either account. Fionavar is definitely still available, and in very pretty trades. :) I'll probably pick them up next time I'm in the store, as well as TIGANA. :)
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This is the one I would've picked for SHU, because I think it's the most readable and relatable of the list. Though there was some stuff I liked, I felt like I'd read it before by some other author, so in the end it didn't do much for me. It was kind of like, here's a setting, let's put a plot around it, and this one sounds good. But for me, none of it was terribly original.
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So let me make sure I understand: the OTHER books on the list, besides YSABEL, didn't feel original, or this one didn't, or all of them?
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But, you know, I'm supposedly finishing my novel this week.
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Hey, you'll get it done. I've got faith. :)
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I'm getting back into a fantasy swing now rather than the loads of romance I've been plowing through of late. I think I was reading tons of HEAs in reaction to the fact that I have to kill off one of my favorite characters in my novel, but apparently I've come to terms with it now. Anyway, break's over, so it's back to finishing the novel for me!
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I remember you not being thrilled with PRIVILEGE. Can't say I blame you now that I've read it. :-/
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I haven't read any other Kay, so I don't know how this compares, other than the fact I know he usually writes what a friend of mine calls "fake historical fiction/fantasy," so I know this is different setting and plot-wise. I think that's one of the reasons I didn't put it on the "Keeper Shelf" just yet, because I want to see what else Kay is capable of. :)
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You went to Wiscon? I'm so jealous. :(
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You can't have Tigana! :-D
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No worries on either account. Fionavar is definitely still available, and in very pretty trades. :) I'll probably pick them up next time I'm in the store, as well as TIGANA. :)
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