And now for something completely different...
... at least, for this author.
This Week's Recommendation
The Raven Tower ~ Ann Leckie
If you've read the Ancillary series (and I highly recommend that you do), then you'll already know that Ann Leckie excels at creating unusual - yet compelling - narrative voices. The Raven Tower is a deeply satisfying example of her narrative skill.
The kingdom of Iraden is protected by a god known as the Raven, contingent on an agreed-upon service and sacrifice arrangement with its chosen human ruler, the Raven's Lease. When the Raven's Lease disappears under mysterious circumstances, a new Lease takes power, disrupting the expected line of succession. But the picture is so much bigger than a simple grab for a throne...
I loved the story-telling style of this book. I loved Eolo - who is one of the steadiest protagonists I've had the pleasure to meet in the pages of a book in some time, without being unnecessarily noble and dull. I loved the steady pace of it all unfolding, and I loved how even the pace of the story is a piece of the character of narrator.
Even if you devour fantasy and science fiction alike, even if the world building and the sweep of gods, wars, mysteries and epic quests is your bread and butter - when you pick up The Raven Tower, be prepared to settle in. Take your time. Look for the clues about the narrator, for the things said between the lines of the already admittedly excellent prose. Enjoy!
The kingdom of Iraden is protected by a god known as the Raven, contingent on an agreed-upon service and sacrifice arrangement with its chosen human ruler, the Raven's Lease. When the Raven's Lease disappears under mysterious circumstances, a new Lease takes power, disrupting the expected line of succession. But the picture is so much bigger than a simple grab for a throne...
I loved the story-telling style of this book. I loved Eolo - who is one of the steadiest protagonists I've had the pleasure to meet in the pages of a book in some time, without being unnecessarily noble and dull. I loved the steady pace of it all unfolding, and I loved how even the pace of the story is a piece of the character of narrator.
Even if you devour fantasy and science fiction alike, even if the world building and the sweep of gods, wars, mysteries and epic quests is your bread and butter - when you pick up The Raven Tower, be prepared to settle in. Take your time. Look for the clues about the narrator, for the things said between the lines of the already admittedly excellent prose. Enjoy!
Read if: You want a solid, satisfying, stand-alone epic fantasy. You aren't particularly invested in reading a romance. You like slow build and a well-deserved come-uppance.
Warnings: Violence. Death. Betrayal. Revenge.
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