β Scribed by Steven Brust
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
In which our heroes are reunited a mere five centuries later⦠just in time for an uprising that threatens to destroy the Imperial Orb itself!
This is the story of the conspiracy against the Empire that begins in the mean streets of the Underside and flourishes in the courtly politics of the Palace where Khaavren has loyally served in the Guards this past half-millenium.
It is the tale of the Dragonlord Adronβs overweening schemes, of his brilliant daughter Aliera, and of the eldritch Sethra Lavode.
And it is the tale of four boon companions, of love, and of revengeβ¦a tale from the history of Dragaera, of the events that changed the world.
This sequel to Brust's The Phoenix Guard comes close to crossing the line into self-indulgence but is saved by ultimately becoming a rollicking good read. Initially, however, the narrative is buried in such a flow of periphrasis that the reader begins to suspect the dialogue is a metaphor for the Dragaeran Empire's decadence. The suspicion is belied, however, when even Khaavren--the supposedly terse guard captain, who with companions Pel, Aerich and Tazendra is a main protagonist--rambles on. The action accelerates when the Emperor Tortaalik I becomes more imperial and several characters fall in love with Aliera, daughter of Lord Adron (who has his eyes on Tortaalik's throne). The dialogue picks up to keep pace with mounting tension. The author's delight in his creation is ultimately contagious and there is certainly enough adventure to satisfy most readers. If these characters often seem more cautious and world-weary than they did in the first volume (excepting the delightful Tazendra), and the novel is occasionally trying, it is nevertheless a first-rank addition to Brust's works.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Intrigue in the emperor's palace and revolution in the streets of the underside drive Phoenix guard Khaavren and his longtime companions to action in defense of an empire that may be near the end of its cycle. Full of flamboyant action and arch dialog, this latest adventure in Brust's popular "Dragaeran" novels pits sword against sorcery in classic swashbuckling style. Deliberately reminiscent of the romantic adventures of Dumas, this lush tale of conspiracy, love, magic, and swordplay should enjoy a wide readership.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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In which our heroes are reunited a mere five centuries later just in time for an uprising that threatens to destroy the Imperial Orb itself! This is the story of the conspiracy against the Empire that begins in the mean streets of the Underside and flourishes in the courtly politics of the Palace w
In which our heroes are reunited a mere five centuries later... just in time for an uprising that threatens to destroy the Imperial Orb itself! This is the story of the conspiracy against the Empire that begins in the mean streets of the Underside and flourishes in the courtly politics of the Palac
Khaavren, Pel, Aerich, and Tazendra meet again after five hundred years, just as an uprising in Dragaera threatens the Imperial Orb and begins to change their world.
From acclaimed author, Noah Milligan, comes a short story collection, Five Hundred Poor. The title comes from Adam Smithβs The Wealth of Nations, βWherever there is great property there is great inequality. For one very rich man there must be at least five hundred poor, and the affluence of the few