The Lascar’s Dagger by Glenda Larke
The Lascar’s Dagger is an interesting blend of political intrigue, religious debate and illustrations of how stereotyping is seldom a good idea. Glenda Larke writes at a fairly easy to consume level, neither demanding that the reader track complex plot elements nor boring the reader with nothing interesting to say. For the first book in a new series, it’s not bad, but I’m not dying to read the next book in the series either.
Saker is a rogue. By the classic definition, he lies, he cheats, he seduces women and he is a spy for a powerful religious order. He is also incredibly naive, almost to the point that I was left wondering how he had survived as long as he has doing the job he does. Maybe it’s his incredible good looks??
The Lascar’s Dagger follows the misadventures of Saker as he is seduced by the King’s daughter, gets caught spying on a powerful merchant and generally is a bumbling fool who is likable and annoying in equal measures. He’s not one of the greatest main characters I’ve ever read.
The Lascar’s Dagger is really a strange combination because it feels like it was written for a young adult audience, but the sex scenes really make it an adult book. Had the sex scenes not been included I really might have thought it was intended for the 12-16 year old demographic because it felt kind of like early Eddings. The Lascar’s Dagger is not a bad book, but there are many other stories that deserve attention first.
The Forsaken Lands — (2014-2016) Publisher: A theft in a faraway land — with repercussions that reach around the world… The world thinks of Saker Rampion as a priest, a gentle man preaching peace. The truth is, he’s a spy for the head of his faith, posted in the court of King Edwayn. It’s a time of fear — as a mysterious and monstrous disease sweeps the country — but also opportunity — lucrative trade is opening up overseas, and what’s grown on the Spice Islands is rumored to cure the demonic plague. However when the king uses his own daughter as a pawn in trade deals, Saker cannot help but get involved. And for his trouble, he may just end up excommunicated, or even dead…
This is one I’m looking forward to making the time for. I haven’t read anything else by Larke yet, but I’ve heard her works get generally positive reviews, so I was curious enough to accept a review copy of The Lascar’s Dagger. Sucks to hear that it didn’t live up to expectations for you, though.
Ria, can you post a link to your review here when you finish the book? I’d like to know what you think.
I had tried to read the Stormlord series of hers as well and didn’t make it through the first book. So, maybe I just don’t connect with her writing style.