Wise-cracking mobster/assassin/witch/sorceror journeys the Halls of the Dead and ticks off his wife while trading ironic quips with his mini dragon familiar(s). ( )

http://community.livejournal.com/50bo... ( )

Vlad Taltos is the main character of these stories, which jump around to various points in his sordid life as a hired assasin, mob boss, and errand boy for his patron Goddess. Vlad and his familiar--a leathery winged jherig--somehow manage to bluff and wise-crack their way through every dangerous situation the author throws at them.
I only mildly enjoyed this adventure, which seemed to jump around a lot. Vlad is a man's man, and his blunt ways were not to my taste, but those who enjoy gritty fantasy stories with snide humor would like this one. ( )

Taltos This book never really felt particularly coherent, it felt just like an interlude in the middle of the series (although it's actually chronologically near the start). The interleved timelines were well constructed but actually left the ending of the book feeling like an anti-climax. It's an important story for the series, but not particularly interesting compared to the murder-mystery style first three books. All that said of course, it's Brust writing Vlad so it's quite amusing to read.

Phoenix This is the first major tipping point in the Vlad universe (at least by my definitions) and marks the point where Vlad changes his life. There's an element of train wreck about it as the reader (and Vlad himself) watch events unravel without the ability to stop them. There are some genuinely shocking moments and character choices along the way, but for the most part everyone is just a passenger on this journey. It's kind of depressing, but also kind of amazing. ( )

This is an omnibus containing Taltos and Phoenix

A novel in three parts, or streams. Vlad is involved in some heavy duty witchcraft, is looking back at his earlier life in some greater detail than in earlier books, and is also showing us how he met Morrolan.

As far as the latter goes, a complicated sorcerous plot leads Vlad and Morrolan on a decidedly dangerous mission to Deathsgate Falls and the Paths of the Dead.

A couple of the important magical artificats appear : Spellbreaker, for Vlad, and Aliera's Great Weapon.

4.5 out of 5

Vlad gets himself into quite a lot of poo owing to his desire to keep his estranged wife Cawti from being executed as a revolutionary.

Before that, though, he makes a deal with his patron goddess of witchcraft, and the two end up being related via the kingdom of Greenaere, some 'work' and possible war.

Vlad ends up on the lam from the Jhereg because he testifies about their goings on to the Empress.

4 out of 5

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2007/01... ( )