Luck of Relian Kru

The Luck of Relian Kru by Paula Volsky is a charming fantasy adventure tale that doesn't take itself too seriously. The story begins with Relian Kru, a young man who is cursed with the most terrible bad luck imaginable. He travels around the world hoping to find some way of ending his sufferings. Things take a turn for the worst when he stops in Neurance, a country where clothing's color is used as another form of expression. Of course, Relian inadvertently insults Neurance's ruler the Dhreve with his dark green coat and white stockings. The Dhreve sets his personal assassin after him and Relian is on the run. However, a local sorcerer then discovers previously dormant magical capabilities in Relian and kidnaps him for his own enigmatic purposes.... If it all sounds crazy it is. Relian flies from one wild adventure after the next just trying to stay alive. But that's part of the stories madcap charm. How many books combine cloning, poisonous forests, magical warfare and egg stealing? The characters are also memorable and appealing in the wild variety. There's the long suffering Relian Kru, (who doesn't take his ill fortune lying down by the way- he's no milquetoast ) the mild mannered court assassin Scivvulch the stick, the jolly but sinister evil sorcerer Keprose, the sycophant automation Crekkid just to name a few. Magic does play a significant role in the plot but technicalities remain rather vague, which to me was both slightly bothersome and a nice relief. Also like many of Volsky's works, the dialogue is most enjoyable. Volsky excels in writing witty banter and the verbal sparring is delightful. I'd recommend The Luck of Relian Kru for any fantasy fan looking for break from high fantasy door stoppers. Yes it's silly, but in an The Importance of Being Earnest sort of way. It's light, fun but also intelligently and engagingly written. Alas, like most of Volsky's other works The Luck of Relian Kru is out of print.

I was lucky to happen upon The Luck of Relian Kru. I'll have to read everything Paula Volsky has written now. The characterizations are timeless (Skrivvulch the Stick, the court assassin, is a classic), and the dialogues are witty and at times hilarious. My sons and I have been quoting the book now for months, and we've loaned Relian Kru to every reader we know here in our little port town of Xiamen (formerly Amoy). Thanks, Paula, for showing us there is something new under the sun after all--the writings of Paula Volsky. I wish I'd known sooner.

"The Luck of Relian Kru" is a fortunate book indeed! Every feature works, from the plot to the characters, from the worldbuilding to the romance, from the cover painting to the back blurb. The story follows Relian Kru as he bumbles through the world, followed by the worst luck imaginable. He has just been condemned to death by assassination for dressing wrongly, and has fled for his life to the Sorcerer Krepose Gavayne to reverse his curse. But lo and behold, Relian's ill-luck holds and Krepose enslaves our hapless hero (and thus unwittingly saving young Kru from Skrivvultch the Stick - the tireless Neuranci assassin). Combining her usual politics, strange creatures, hint of horror, mind-magic, and a well built subtle romance, "The Luck of Relian Kru" is an excellent offering from one of the genre's most innovative authors. Those who enjoyed "The White Tribunal," or her earlier works will especially enjoy this book.

THE LUCK OF RELIAN KRU was the first book that got me truly hooked on Paula Volsky's delightful characterizations and use of language. It is humorous without being silly (how many books with a three-armed baby can say that?), and a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is often difficult to find now, but it is worth the hunt.