Hambly is one of those amazing storytellers I never tire of reading again and again. I love how realistic everything in this novel feels, even though it's fantasy. The characters all struggle with personal issues. I love the fact that John is something of a self-taught philosopher, always dabbling in old books, searching for archaic knowledge, curious about inventions and how things work. Jenny wrestles with trying to pursue her art of witchcraft, a dedication which usually takes up a person's life entirely, while at the same time raising a family. Even Gareth turns out to be a sympathetic character, though at first he comes off as just a spoiled brat. Another really intriguing thing about the story is all its unexpected turns. Gareth didn't expect to find his hero standing in a pigpen of mud when he arrived in the Winterlands, and it really throws him for a while. John is dismayed to find the court full of conniving elite who don't really care about the dragon- but I love how he handles it! Jenny didn't foresee being able to communicate with the dragon, much less that it would make her a tempting offer, in bargain for its life, one of the most fascinating parts of the story... Well, all I can say is that if you like fantasy, particularly dragon books, I highly recommend this one!
Rating: 5/5 ........ 274 pages, 1985
More opinions at:
Cold Iron and Rowan-Wood
Paper Tiger
anyone else?
The timing of this review is excellent! I've just finished a book on the history of fantasy that caused me to add an insane number of books and titles to my wishlist - Barbara Hambly among them. I confess I hadn't heard of her before, but between this book and your review, I think I'm going to love her.
ReplyDeleteI checked this out of the library last time I was there on your recommendation. I've even more excited to read it now I know there's a character called Jenny! Hurrah for Jennys! :P
ReplyDeleteWhy have I never heard of Hambly before? I am adding this to my must read fantasy list!
ReplyDeleteNymeth- I really think you will. I've only read her Winterlands series, and one book about vampires, but I do mean to read some more someday! My husband has read a few Star Wars books she wrote too, and he says those are really good as well.
ReplyDeleteJenny- I'm so excited to see what you think about it!
Gavin- Well, I'm glad I've introduced her to you! I hope you like her work. Dragonsbane is my favorite so far, but I haven't even begun to dent her large ouvre.
My husband is a big fantasy reader. I'm adding this to his list! Thanks for the review!
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