Two Queens too many.

A pretty average science fantasy, or that is what it becomes, afterwords, anyway.

An inter-generational conflict over power develops, and three of the old stalwarts are caught in the middle.

Things look bad until some of the old technology produces reinforcements thanks to a Giant Brain.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2008/04... ( )

The Pastel City, set in the world of Viriconium, is an early novel from M. John Harrison. It's a sword and sorcery story, basically, but with the sorcery replaced by ruins of ancient high technology. Queen Jane of Viriconium tries to defend her kingdom against the forces of ruin and destruction, with the help of old warriors, methvens. Their enemy is armed with mysterious and dangerous forces, and ruin seems inevitable.

Yet there's a strange metallic bird, with a strange message, offering a chance to survive. In the middle of a lost war, curious events unfold. Viriconium is an interesting world, unlike any other. While the story isn't that remarkable, the setting is interesting and this short book is worth reading for that alone. (Review based on the Finnish translation.)

(Original review at my review blog) ( )