fantasy book reviews science fiction book reviewsbook review Steven Brust, Five Hundred Years AfterFive Hundred Years After by Steven Brust

If there were justice in the literary world, you’d think Steven Brust would have received more acclaim and notice, as Brust’s writing is crisp and lively, his pacing excellent.

As explained in an “interview” with the book’s pompous narrator, Brust writes for those who love to read, i.e. those who enjoy a good vocabulary, good grammar, good phrasing, and (indeed) a good story. This is not some “page-turner” to be engulfed at one-sitting; if you did that with a box of Godiva chocolates, you’d become ill and lose the appreciation for each one. Just so with each of the book’s chapters. The plot does slow a little too much in places — often due the musings of the intruding, over-erudite narrator — but there are worthy adages, tales and metaphors therein; don’t miss them.

This is a fine, fine work. The swashbuckling spirit of The Phoenix Guards remains intact, but partially cloaked by ominous portents. Do not miss these books if you enjoy a good tale (fantasy or otherwise). I look forward to reading the next one.

Publisher: In which our Heroes–Khaavren, Pel, Aerich and Tazendra–are reunited again 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 Underside and flourishes in the courtly politics of the Palace where Khaavren has loyally served in the Guards this past half-millennium. It is the tale of the Dragonlord Adron’s overweening schemes, of his brilliant daughter Aliers, and the eldritch Sethra Lavode. And it is the tale of four boon companions, of love, and of revenge…a tale from the history of Dragaera, of the events that changed the world!