Green Pearl Tr

The Green Pearl is the second book in the Lyonesse Trilogy. While the volume stands on its own, I think you'd be hard pressed to get caught up. If you can, read the first volume, Suldrun's Garden, before starting The Green Pearl.The book continues the chronicles of the Elder Isles, the lost islands of fantasy between France and Britain. As is the first book, Vance skillfully weaves together seemingly unrelated stories into a coherent whole. Mostly, the book centers around the adventures of Ailias, now a king, and his efforts to solve the personal and royal problems that beset him.As was the case in Suldrun's Garden, there are long stretches that are almost dreamlike in their tone. A long interlude between Ailias and a barbaric Ska princess is remarkable for its combination of lucidity and dreamlike character; when that particular adventure ends, you very much feel you, with Ailias, have wakened from a dream.The book does suffer the problem of any second book in a trilogy: it's primarily a bridge between the discoveries in the first book and the denouements in the last. But there are enough new characters and new ideas to keep you fascinated. There are comically sinister magicians, recalcitrant nobles, dying kings and a different view of the barabaric Ska. The book is much less obviously derivative than Suldrun's Garden.Altogether a most satisfying read. Strongly recommended.

In my opinion, this is the best fantasy book ever written. Vance shows nearly limitless imagination, and this is Vance at his finest. I must say that it is refreshing to read fantasy that isn't just a copy of The Lord of the Rings. The Green Pearl Draws very loosely on the legends of King Aurthur, but also establishes it's own unique mythology. It is worth reading over and over.

Pearl skillfully unfolds different scenarios and weaves all together similar to some of Shakespeare's plays. Jumping through time and space within the story and with the story's format reveals nimble Vance storytelling magic. It would take a real tugboat not to become involved with the various characters and their quests, loves, hates, and power struggles. Vance salts his story with heroes and humour. He peppers Pearl with plenty of villans, human weaknesses, and humour. I could not get enough of the many absurdities and bizarre creations Vance dreamed into his story. Finishing the book left me with the choice of using my imagination to tie up some unveiled mysteries or mindmelding with Vance or waiting for his next book about this world.

Jack Vance's The Green Pearl is one of the three greatest book I have ever read. I am an avid fantasy reader, but the moment I read Vance's work, I was unable to enjoy any other author. His plot lines are intricate (finally, someone who *works* to make a good story!), and his characters are far more developed than those in any other book I have read. You really get to know who you're dealing with, and he makes you absolutely adore the good guys, while the bad guys you despise, and wish curses upon them as if you yourself were actually part of the story. The setting is beautifully imaginative, and his names are enjoyable to read: Shimrod, Aillas, Casmir, the Forest of Tantrevalles and Swer Smod... the list goes on, but all the names are perfect! I was duely impressed with The Green Pearl, and look forward to reading more of Vance's work.

All of Vance's best qualities are present in this book, along with a less commonly seen depth of characterization, avoiding the tendency he sometimes (with great elan) displays to make his characters examplars of mordant satiric qualities or cruel irony. The characters are sympathetic, the setting intricately detailed, the tortures and jests as pungent as ever, and the underlying sense of mystery quite gripping. It is too bad this book is not currently in print; I look forward to its re-release.