I highly recommend to everyone, read something that one of your friends adores. Not only will they truly enjoy the discussion, but ... it shows you care.
That's enough of my sob story, though! So let's get to Mercedes Lackey's Magic's Pawn.
 Author: Mercedes Lackey Format: Mass Market Paperback Available Formats: None Page Count: 349 Genre: Fantasy Publisher: DAW Pub. Date: June 6, 1989 ISBN-13: 9780886773526 |
Knowing what I've the story about why I'm reading this novel, I warn that I may be completely biased in my following review.
Plot: 3.75/5
Vanyel is born to a wealthy, noble family. Vanyel's father fully expects him to "man up" and start taking his sword lessons seriously; however, Vanyel's mother coddles Van and his musical talent. Vanyel is unhappy, as he is constantly berated by his father and the arms master, without truly understanding why the two men seem to be out to get him... After Vanyel's arm is broken, Vanyel's father decides to send the boy away to a sever aunt for disciplining...
Aunt Savil is a Herald-Mage in altruistic service for the country Valdemar. What can she do with the haughty nephew when she has no time to ascertain if his arrogance is a front or truly how he is? When her male protégé, Tylendel, takes an interest in helping the boy, she may not have to worry after all.
Characters: 4.25/5
Lackey's characters are richly drawn and lovable. Had any other author created the silver-eyed, black haired Vanyel, he would have turned out too perfect (or Mary Sue-ish, if you're familiar with the term). Instead, Vanyel's character is complex and lovely and human. In fact, all characters--Savil and Tylendel and Jervice (the arms master) and Liss (Van's sister)--are all human, though some are more lovable than others. Truly a fantastic cast with unique attributes and distinctions.
Writing: 3/5
Honestly, the writing is very reminiscent of a young adult novel. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, in this particular case it was disappointing. Despite rich characters and an interesting plot, the simplistic style and approach left me wanting more. Especially in regards to evil and antagonists, Lackey simplifies to the point of silliness. There are good people, then there are evil people and there are good people, the lines between are not at all blurred.
Originality: 4/5
Considering the time the novel was released, I believe that Magic's Pawn was quite original. Though, perhaps now the book will shock us readers less. The country and details of Lackey's world is admirable. The way Lackey approaches the homosexual relationship that the novel revolves around, too, is not only well done, but done sweetly.
Book Cover: 4/5
I usually don't put much stock into 80s fantasy art. (Seriously, think of all the stereotypical 80s book covers. They're horrible.) Magic's Pawn is definitely an exception. The scared and weary protagonist clinging to his Companion's neck (the white horse) with specters of death and destruction looming in the margins is just gorgeous.
Final Score: 3.8/5
3 responses:
Merecedes Lackey & Valdemar I think will always have a place in my list of favorites. She was one of the first fantasy authors I started out reading, and sometimes a trip to a world where everything is that simple is a nice change of pace from other things I'm reading.
You comments on reading something a friend enjoys is really very timely for me. In an attempt to encourage my friend to read more, I told her I would read what she was reading so we could talk about the book, and I am currently in the midst of the Women's Murder Club, which is completely out of my normal kind of genre, but I am enjoying them a lot, and enjoying talking about them with her even more.
Hi there.. I am so sorry about your friend.
Outstanding review as normal.
I love Lackey's Valdemar books and really enjoyed this series.
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