Traitor's Moon by Lynn Flewelling
I finished rereading Traitor's Moon last week, so decided to round off the series here. This is the third of Lynn Flewelling's Nightrunner books - of which there are currently three published, with another two in the works. The fourth, Shadows Return, will be out in June 2008. Where Luck and Stalking Darkness were joined by an overriding story arc, Traitor's Moon stands alone plotwise - it's still advisable to read it after the other two, however. I gather that the fourth and fifth books will, like the first and second, be linked.
...Apologies if that made no sense. On to the fangirling!
Traitor's Moon begins about two years after Stalking Darkness ends, with your friendly neighbourhood spies Alec and Seregil living fairly nomadically until the dying Queen calls on Seregil's aid. Skala's war with Plenimar is in full swing, and the former will almost certainly lose without the aid of its one-time ally Aurenen. Although he was exiled as a boy, Aurenen is Seregil's homeland and his knowledge of its customs are needed in the diplomatic mission; so, accompanied by Alec as always (hurrah!), he joins the delegation. Amidst trying to sway opponents to the Skalan cause, dealing with the hatred of Seregil's old enemies, exploring the sacred city of Sarikali and meeting with the mysterious rhui'auros at the heart of Aurenfaie ("'faie") magic and religion, two Skalans are poisoned and various plots and plans unravel. This time the book's finale involves the solution of murder and a race to stop a threat to all that's been striven for, rather than a battle against dark magic; nonetheless, the build-up and climax are satisfying and suspenseful. Although the novel isn't left on a cliffhanger, there is a definite opening for and foreshadowing of future adventures.
Aurenfaie politics reflect Aurenfaie lives: the negotiations are slow, meandering, and prolonged. Readers are only privy to the necessary parts of this, however, and the book is overall a mixture of exotic 'faie magic, intrigue and murder, steeped in descriptions of a unique culture and landscape. Lacking is the presence of Micum Cavish, sadly; however, old friends such as Beka, Klia and Thero are there and, as with earlier books, time is given to peaceful dinners, idle conversation and amusing jokes and side scenes as well as to political intrigue and battle. Readers see how Alec and Seregil’s relationship has been affected by their getting together and living two years off-screen as a couple: it’s interesting to see how they’ve kept the old friendly banter and comradeship, but built on that with, shall we say, new kinds of interactions. Plenty of scenes to please the diehard shipper.
I’ve read Amazon reviews that complain about the long, unpronounceable Aurenfaie names and convoluted clan politics. Personally, I didn’t find this a problem. As long as you pay attention to who’s who, everything you need to know is basically explained; the few things that were unclear to me the first time through were resolved during this reread. The third-person point of view allows readers access to scenes between schemers (besides the protagonists, that is); although this does not spoil the solution to the mysteries, it does provide a more informed picture of what’s going on.
Although the characters remain as likeable and the writing style as accessible as ever, Traitor’s Moon is different from its predecessors. Time has passed, relationships and scenery have both changed, and there are no creeping necromancers or ancient prophecy within the immediate vicinity. No more nightrunning in the streets of Rhiminee: both the location and circumstances are new, and though the protagonists are far from idle and spywork still plays a major part, there strikes me as being more talk and less burglary. I’ll be interested to see where the emphasis lies in the next book, since Alec and Seregil’s situation has by the end of Traitor’s Moon become more like it once was.
Overall, the book leaves readers as ravenously desperate for more as Lynn Flewelling’s other books; it’s a thoroughly enjoyable, immersing read, with humour and great characterisaton as well as a proper plot and fascinating backdrop. Definitely recommended (as if you were surprised).
…Oh, and for traditionalist fantasy fans: there are dragons in this one. :D
Links
Same as always, with the author's homepage being your best source of information.
...Apologies if that made no sense. On to the fangirling!
Traitor's Moon begins about two years after Stalking Darkness ends, with your friendly neighbourhood spies Alec and Seregil living fairly nomadically until the dying Queen calls on Seregil's aid. Skala's war with Plenimar is in full swing, and the former will almost certainly lose without the aid of its one-time ally Aurenen. Although he was exiled as a boy, Aurenen is Seregil's homeland and his knowledge of its customs are needed in the diplomatic mission; so, accompanied by Alec as always (hurrah!), he joins the delegation. Amidst trying to sway opponents to the Skalan cause, dealing with the hatred of Seregil's old enemies, exploring the sacred city of Sarikali and meeting with the mysterious rhui'auros at the heart of Aurenfaie ("'faie") magic and religion, two Skalans are poisoned and various plots and plans unravel. This time the book's finale involves the solution of murder and a race to stop a threat to all that's been striven for, rather than a battle against dark magic; nonetheless, the build-up and climax are satisfying and suspenseful. Although the novel isn't left on a cliffhanger, there is a definite opening for and foreshadowing of future adventures.
Aurenfaie politics reflect Aurenfaie lives: the negotiations are slow, meandering, and prolonged. Readers are only privy to the necessary parts of this, however, and the book is overall a mixture of exotic 'faie magic, intrigue and murder, steeped in descriptions of a unique culture and landscape. Lacking is the presence of Micum Cavish, sadly; however, old friends such as Beka, Klia and Thero are there and, as with earlier books, time is given to peaceful dinners, idle conversation and amusing jokes and side scenes as well as to political intrigue and battle. Readers see how Alec and Seregil’s relationship has been affected by their getting together and living two years off-screen as a couple: it’s interesting to see how they’ve kept the old friendly banter and comradeship, but built on that with, shall we say, new kinds of interactions. Plenty of scenes to please the diehard shipper.
I’ve read Amazon reviews that complain about the long, unpronounceable Aurenfaie names and convoluted clan politics. Personally, I didn’t find this a problem. As long as you pay attention to who’s who, everything you need to know is basically explained; the few things that were unclear to me the first time through were resolved during this reread. The third-person point of view allows readers access to scenes between schemers (besides the protagonists, that is); although this does not spoil the solution to the mysteries, it does provide a more informed picture of what’s going on.
Although the characters remain as likeable and the writing style as accessible as ever, Traitor’s Moon is different from its predecessors. Time has passed, relationships and scenery have both changed, and there are no creeping necromancers or ancient prophecy within the immediate vicinity. No more nightrunning in the streets of Rhiminee: both the location and circumstances are new, and though the protagonists are far from idle and spywork still plays a major part, there strikes me as being more talk and less burglary. I’ll be interested to see where the emphasis lies in the next book, since Alec and Seregil’s situation has by the end of Traitor’s Moon become more like it once was.
Overall, the book leaves readers as ravenously desperate for more as Lynn Flewelling’s other books; it’s a thoroughly enjoyable, immersing read, with humour and great characterisaton as well as a proper plot and fascinating backdrop. Definitely recommended (as if you were surprised).
…Oh, and for traditionalist fantasy fans: there are dragons in this one. :D
Links
Same as always, with the author's homepage being your best source of information.