Phoenix

Each time I get a new installment of the Vlad Taltos series, I can hardly wait to get started, anticipating a fast-paced, clever and completely irreverent ride through a world very like our own, and yet so different from anything we know. _Phoenix_ did not let me down; in fact, this may just be the best book thus far the in series.Cornered and fighting for his life, Vlad half-heartedly calls upon his goddess, Verra, to save him. Much to his astonishment, she does, and in exchange for the rescue, asked him to perform a task for her. That singular task leads to catastrophe for the entire Empire, which in itself would be bad enough, but events revolving around the Teckla/Easterner revolution seem to have Vlad's life hanging by an unravelling thread. Brust skillfully reveals just enough of the plot to answer one question, while bringing several others to light.He also allows us a more intimate view of Vlad's inner life, as Vlad more seriously begins to question his profession and its associated ethics. He realizes that he may not, in fact, loathe the Dragaerans as much as he thinks he does, largely because every time he's in trouble, he turns to two of his closest friends, Morrolan and Aliera. These two Dragonlords are such interesting characters, and are always there to back up their short-lived, human friend for reasons that have yet to be fully revealed, I think. While all of this internal and external chaos is going on, Vlad must also cope with his marriage crashing down all around him, as he tries to save the woman he so desperately loves, but seems to have no use for him anymore. Fortunately, he has Loiosh and Rocza by his side for comfort, and we see a bit more of their respective personalities in this installment, as well as Vlad's Noish-pa, who is a delightful and welcome co-star in the story, rather than a brief cameo as he has been in the past.It's my understanding that this was intended to be the last Taltos book, and the ending would indicate this as well; however, I am greatly relieved that there are many books after this one, as I would hate to see this series end. There are so many questions to answer, and so many hugely varied directions Brust could take the characters, that it would seem to stave off the boredom some authors have set in after a few books in the same universe. I sincerely hope he continues to produce the series for many years; I would miss his detailed descriptions of flavors, aromas, actions and feelings as he weaves his clever tales. I would miss the subtle (and often overt) cynicism through which Vlad experiences the world that so closely mirrors my own. I would hate not knowing "what happened" to these characters who have become virtual companions in my brain - no no, I'm honestly not insane or completely pathetic, I swear! Brust simply does such a good job of bringing them to life, that they occasionally pop into my head to comment on one thing or another. [arching eyebrow]Ok, I can hear you out there, saying "O

Brust really puts what he's capable of in "Phoenix". He incorporates the suspense of Teckla minus the depressing overtone and the more on unbelievable aspects found in Taltos. And of course you get Loiosh's usual comic relief. It starts off with Vlad being saved by his demon-goddess, Verra (Example of the far-out stuff), and has to shine someone for her. It picks up from there. Brust really took his time on the descriptions and Vlad's thoughtshots, esp. in the segment when he is on Greeanare and hides in the tree. Many parts in the island scenes make you want to read on and on until the unexpected happens. You will be surprised at some of this stuff. It all comes down to an unprecedented climax in which Vlad must make a choice that could cost him his life. I'd call it the best in the series.*note: this takes place between Teckla and Athyra

In Steven Brust's sixth novel of the Vlad Taltos series, our "hero" (Vlad Taltos) attempts to come to terms with his role as an assassin, his "racism" and his job as a crime-lord. Vlad begins to realize that, perhaps, what he does for a living is wrong. He then confronts his weaknesses head on. Add to this the fact that everyone in the book is trying to kill him and you are in for the ride of your life.If you want to try something new and you are tired of all the J.R.R. Tolkien clones that make up epic fantasy today, give Steven Brust and the Vlad Taltos novels a shot. This is irreverent "epic" fantasy. And thank goodness for it.Note: I would start with the first Vlad Taltos novel, Taltos, and continue with Dragon, Yendi, Jhereg, Teckla, Phoenix, Athyra and Orca. That wasn't the order they were written in but it's the order in which they take place.

Phoenix was originally intended to be the last volume of this series. Had Brust decided to stick with this decision (and I for one am glad that he did not), he could have retired from writing about Vlad with confidence and pride, because this is without doubt, hands down, no contest the best bloody book in the whole bloody series. The 5-star rating above is a gross understatement. From Vlad's stunning prison-break to the week-long battle through the streets of Adrilankha when the revolution finally breaks out for real, Phoenix never lets up. And neither does Vlad; he manages to bring down the wrath of almost everyone who could do him damage and then some. Also, the pain-wracked soul-searching he began in Teckla comes to a head as he realizes that the reasoning behind his racism, his vindictiveness, and perhaps his very life is deeply flawed. An utterly engrossing, thrilling read, this is perhaps Brust's best work to date.

This book is even better then the first one.I love the way vlad developes.He is the best charectar i have ever read and this is the best book so far. he is witty,morbid, cynical,and very down to earth.even though he is a killer you still cant help liking him.I love this book! Vlad is the kind of person that you want to be but usally end up being afraid of. I recomend this book to anyone who likes a very well written charectar.A+