I was supposed to read this book last year as part of my failed Booktuber Recommends Project, wherein I requested twelve booktubers recommend me a novel. I would then read one a month over the course of a year. If you're reading this Michael, I'm sorry! I'm slowly making my way through that list now. I have read Guy Gavriel Kay's Fionavar Tapestry series and was anxious to see how this would compare.
Since this is my fourth of Kay's works, I have to say that I wouldn't recommend him as a place to start for Fantasy. I find the worlds beautiful and detailed, but often dense and sometimes grandiose. The Gods, Goddesses, and fates can be a little overwhelming. If you are willing to put lots of concentration into your reading, you will be rewarded.
There were interludes I found unnecessary, only to realize that Kay quite intentionally placed them there for a purpose in the masterful ending. I'm lucky enough to have the ten year anniversary edition. In the Afterword, Kay discusses his influences, references, and themes. The intensity of memory, love of family, the meaning of a culture, and the emotional toll of war are such themes. Kay highlights that most people are not wholly good or bad, but both in varying degrees. The relationship between Brandin of Ygrath and Dionarra was perfectly developed, and showed that the line between love and hate can be thin indeed.
While I was lukewarm for the first 100 pages, my awe grew at the unraveling of the story. Kay's endings are extremely strong, with the conclusions appropriate and meaningful. Kay discusses his surprise at the strands of the story coming together in the way they did, feeling like fate. I think this deserves to be a classic of Fantasy. We can learn so much from about human nature and honor, as well as a slew of other life lessons from these high fantasy elements.
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