Thieves’ World, Book 9: Blood Ties

Thieves’ World, Book 9: Blood Ties (1986) edited by Robert Asprin and Lynn Abbey

Thank goodness. Back to normal–or as normal as it gets.

Introduction by Robert Lynn Asprin
Lady of Fire by Diana L. Paxson
Sanctuary is for Lovers by Janet & Chris Morris
Lovers Who Slay Together by Robin Wayne Bailey
In the Still of the Night by C.J. Cherryh
No Glad in Gladiator by Robert Lynn Asprin
The Tie That Binds by Diane Duane
Sanctuary Nocturne by Lynn Abbey
Spellmaster by Andrew & Jodie Offutt
Afterword by C.J. Cherryh

We’re back to the Introduction by Robert Lynn Asprin, which finds Hakiem once again considering leaving Sanctuary. And after the last book–who can blame him?

Lady of Fire by Diana L. Paxson isn’t a happy story–both Gilla & Lalo and Illyra & Dubro lost children in the last book, but Illyra also took an axe to the stomach and lost her son to the gods of sanctuary–he may be alive, but he’s no longer her son. In their anger, they attempt to take vengeance on the city.

It doesn’t go well.

But again, the strength and love Lalo and Gilla have for one another save themselves–and the city.

Sanctuary is for Lovers by Janet & Chris Morris sees the Stepsons again seeing what they can do to leave town and escape the chaos. But first, they have to cobble together a peace, and a security force to maintain that peace–and do a better job than they did of it last time. We also see the last of Roxane, and the undoing of the engagements from the previous books. We also see Tempus and Ischade discussing whether their curses are compatible.

Lovers Who Slay Together by Robin Wayne Bailey is another Chenaya story, and we see Chenaya in her pride attempting to undo the work Tempus and the stepsons did to bring peace to the streets.

We also see her angering both Tempus AND Ischade, with her attempt to steal Tempus’ Tros horse. We’ll come back to this in a moment.

In the Still of the Night by C.J. Cherryh we see the bits and pieces left from the last book. After all they’ve been through, one wishes better for Moria and Stilcho. But we also see the fall out from events in the previous two stories. Tempus and Ischade see if their curses are compatible (they aren’t) and we see their reaction to Chenaya’s stealing of Tempus’ horse. I really do love seeing the difference perspectives in these stories.

No Glad in Gladiator by Robert Lynn Asprin sees Chenaya finally getting a well-deserved dressing down (somewhat literally, as she’s naked at the time) from Jubal.

“I’ve had you watched since you arrived in town, as I do anyone who has the potential of influencing or disrupting the balance of power in this town. So far, your actions have been that of a spoiled brat: alternating malicious pranks with tantrums. I have heard nothing that would give you value as an ally.”

And another favorite of mine:

“You’re just saying that because I’m a woman,” Chenaya protested. “Men do it–”

“That doesn’t make it admirable,” Jubal interrupted firmly. “You consistently take the worst role models for your behavior.”

The Tie That Binds by Diane Duane sees an end to Harran, Mgria, and Siveni–Siveni isn’t doing well, adjusting to being a mortal.

“What’s the use of losing my virginity,” she said, “if I keep getting it back every morning?”

“Some people would kill for that,” said Mgria.

“Not me. It hurts, and it’s getting to be a bore.”

That always makes me giggle.

And I do love the ending to that story (and that chapter of Thieves’ World.

Sanctuary Nocturne by Lynn Abbey takes us back to Walegrin, still policing the streets, and wanting to help his half-sister Illyra and not knowing how. It’s funny how despite everything, Walegrin remains a sympathetic character. Possibly because we actually saw him attempting to defend Illyra.

The final story is Spellmaster by Andrew & Jodie Offutt. We have brief word of Hanse, through the white magician Strick, who has come to Sanctuary to–of all things–help the people.

Afterword by C.J. Cherryh is amusing and gives one a peek at what the writing of this series must have been like.

Asprin/Jubal/Hakiem: Well, I think we have to get a consensus here.
Cherryh/Ischade/Stilcho: Look, I haven’t forgotten about the ten bodies that got dumped on my doorstep. I can’t stand still for that. It’s a matter of professional pride.
Abbey/Molin/Illyra/Walegrin: We want the streets quiet.
Morris/Tempus/Crit: Hell, it’s just a couple buildings we want to take out.
Asprin/Jubal/Hakiem: (as appalled silence falls at nearby table) Hey, those people are looking at us.

I can only imagine how much fun that must have been.
Rating: 8/10

Published by Ace

 
 

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