Issola

Issola (2001) Steven Brust

Issola, for reasons about which I am not quite clear, is one of my favorite Vlad books. I think it’s because I like Lady Teldra so much, but it could also be the fact that Vlad is back to spending time with with Morrolan and Aliera and Sethra Lavode.

Set after Orca, Lady Teldra finds Vlad to ask for his help, because Morrolan and Aliera have both disappeared, and Sethra thinks that Spellbreaker has a connection to Pathfinder that will allow them to find Aliera and Morrolan.

As I said, I very much like Lady Teldra, and I enjoy the conversations that Vlad has with her, especially those on the nature of courtesy and appropriateness.

But you are always, or nearly always, correct in which (action) you choose. And this is not a matter of instinct, but of observation, attention to detail, and experience. Appropriate action meas to advance your own goals, without unintentional harm to anyone else.

Strange as it may be, the Issola–or at least Lady Teldra–is the Dragearan house that I most closely identify with. Does this mean that I’m courteous and appropriate? Nope. (But you knew that already) But that I value these things more than I value the traits of some of the other houses. So perhaps someone who prefers the traits of the Dragon or Dzur might like this book less. Maybe.

Regardless, I really enjoy this book. As with the other books, I love the characters, the storytelling is excellent, and I really like the story itself. Plus we learn a lot of things about the Gods and the Jenoine and Great weapons that I find very interesting.

There are a few slow parts, but within those slow parts are the conversations that Vlad and Teldra have that I like so much, so I can live with them. And the ending is slightly confusing. I had to read it slowly and carefully to make sure I caught everything that was happening, because there is a lot going on, all of which you need to pay attention to.

And again, this is another cover that I particularly like. The jhereg and the issola are a nice touch, and the red cover just somehow seems appropriate, even if green and white are the house colors of the Issola.

If you are looking for a place to start the Vlad Taltos series, I would recommend an earlier book, either Jhereg or Taltos, not because you will find this book confusing without the background of the other books, but because you will find it more enjoyable knowing the past of these characters.
Rating: 9/10

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