Author: Michael Swanwick
Publisher: Tor Books (2009)
Media Format: Book
Genre: Fantasy
Selection Source: Alex Award
Reading Audience: Older YAs who have read other fantasy titles
Reading Recommendation: 3 ***
Curriculum Connection: none
Summary
For lack of better terms, this book gets labeled a fantasy novel, but it's definitely a next generation fantasy. The post-industrial fantasy aesthetic is nourishment for the imagination. It takes place on Earth in an alternative present. Where Babylon is the leading empire on Earth, and the great Tower of Babel is the center of it all. The orphaned protagonist, Will's village is attacked by a metal, magical dragon, who declares himself king. He chooses the half-mortal Will to be his lieutenant. Of course, being the Lt. of a tyrannical, dictatorial dragon alienates Will from his friends and family. Even slaying the beast does not redeem Will, so he is forced to exile, where his adventures begin. If this ever becomes a movie, it has to be directed by Guillermo Del Toro who would absolutely delight in making the array of fabulous creatures that Will encounters. Potty mouthed centaur mares are the first indication that we're not in Narnia. After half adopting an immortal child who sold her memories for eternal good luck, he heads to Babylon, where he meets up with a donkey eared prankster who plans on putting Will on the Obsidian Throne of the long lost king. Meanwhile Will becomes Lt. of an underground leader who is an elf of high blood who suffers from the ennui of being immortal and perfect, so he conjures up an underground army. After escaping detail he falls in love with a high blooded elf-punk, who could never love him back, because it would put her in a coma. As in most fantasies, Will learns more from the voyage than he does by reaching his destination.
Evaluation
This is really a niche read. Of all the books I've reviewed this one has the narrowest appeal. This book is for kids who've read Lord of the Rings, and its R. A. Salvatore offspring, but are looking to branch out. That doesn't mean it's not good. It's a beautiful story, and some of the plot lines have obvious parallels to modern society. The author does a great job of imagining an alternative world, albeit one where slobs still throw Pepsi bottles on the streets. It does feature strong language and sexual situations.
No comments:
Post a Comment