The Still

This book is both. Challenging for some people, as we've seen from the reviews, to understand and sympethize. Rodrigo is a tough character to attach yourself to - he's moody, cocky, direspectful, selfish and uncaring. Despite all that, I couldn't help it but to feel bad for him at times. He is obviously confused and lonley, but it took so long until he figured it out himself. His relationsip with Rustin is very frustrating since you don't know whose side to take. Rustin bullies Rodrigo phisically (within reason most of the times, but still), while Rodrigo abuses him emotionally. And Rodrigo's insistance over his virginity really started to bug me because he is cheating and sleeping with Rustin. Yet, he still wallows in self pity and treats Rustin like an object to use rather than a person. The thing that made is more frustrating is that Rustin really is in love with Rodrigo, while the Prince confesses he is ashamed of what they do together and that it would stop as soon as he could have a woman. This is where his character remains shallow throughout the book, while in other points he matures remarkably. His adventures, his trials and his sufferings transform Rodrigo into a worthy King. I love the character of Genard, and how Roddy always calls him Garamond. I don't know why, but things like that made me burst out laughing every time. ALso, when Roddy falls off his horse and starts screaming and cursing the horse and then abruptly calls him "good boy" for returning. Perfect for Rodrigo's character, and entertaining as well. The last part of the book is so gripping that I almost had to hold my breath. I couldn't believe how things twisted around and I was so angry at what happened to Rodrigo. The ending was absolutely perfect, with the exception of the whole virginity obsession. I really think that Rustin should find someone who isn't afraid to love him for what he is (a man). Overall, this book was amazing and I enjoyed it throughly from start to finish. I hope that Mr. Feintuch will continue writing in this saga and delight us with more of Roddy's (and Rustin's) adventures.

The Still is the coming of age story of Roddy, the future king of Caledon and wielder of the Still - a magical power. After having his uncle take regency, Roddy is forced to undergo a quest that will start him on his trek to maturity. Having had no discipline his entire life, he's a petulant child who often displays tantrums like those of a two year old. Only after enduring churlish situations, pain, love, loyalty, and betraying quite a few people is Roddy actually able to take a few steps towards being a decent man. I had never read anything like fantasy before The Still. I had read Feintuch's other books (the Seafort saga) and immensely enjoyed them so I gave this a shot. Boy am I glad I did! It wasn't easy though... although it's an awesome book, I detested Roddy so much that by halfway through the book I had the intense urge to throw the book against the wall. Feintuch is one of those rare authors who can make you hate a character so much that you want to throw the book against the wall in frustration. At the same time, I absolutely loved Roddy's loyal friend Rustin. The book was well-written, and it's incredibly enjoyable. A definite page-turner! I'm reading the Seafort saga again, but I plan to re-read The Still and The King as soon as I'm through.

This is definitely Feintuch's best work - better than the Seafort Saga. In the Seafort Saga the main character whines through 6 books about how unworthy he is and never seems to understand why people follow him. In "The Still", Prince Rodrigo is the opposite. He is spoiled, arrogant, and egotiscal and believes he deserves loyalty because he is prince. However there is also depth to him and you see flashes of what he could be. It is the secondary characters that make the story complete. These characters see something in the spoiled prince that makes them want to follow him and risk their lives to protect him. The story is well written and I read it straight through the first time - I literally couldn't put it down. Feintuch draws you into the story and even though you can't stand the spoiled prince, you want to keep reading to see how he will change and what he will become. The beginning is a little slow, it took about 50 or 60 pages for me to be drawn in and the prince can be tedious at times, but it is definitely worth the time.

I had to read a science fiction book for my physics class, and I was fortunate enough to have my teacher recommend Midshipman's Hope. I really enjoyed that book and so when I saw Feintuch's name in the library, I was aggreable and took out the book. I started to read at 9 at night and didn't put it down till I finished. The reason was that I, along with most of the other reviewers, hated Roddy. I wanted to kill him. And I still don't like him. I found him to be immature and emotionally, a wreck. However, I believe Feintuch's intention was to make a character you hated so much, you had to finish reading the book to make sure he became better. I needed to find out that Rodrigo could change and become a better person. He does get progressively better and I now eagerly await a sequel so that I can be assured of his continue development into the monarchy. I loved this book and am planning on buying my own copy. It's great.

For the first 200 pages I hated the main character of the book. He is a spoiled, obnoxious, self centered brat. I wondered when he was going to be killed so the REAL story could take place. By page 250 I began to think "maybe he's not so bad" and by page 350 I realized the story is not about magic and swords but about growing up and learning to lead. Oh, all of the usual elements that make up a fantasy exist: war, love, magic, and mystery. But the book uses those to fill out a rich tapestry of human relationship and growth. This is a book that pulls few punches - but has one of the most honest characters I have ever read in fantasy. No perfect heros, villianous villans, or swooning lovers will be found. If that's what you are looking for go somewhere else. But if you do you will miss what, by the end of the book, is one of the best fantasy books I have read in a long time. Take the plunge and read the book, in the end whether you like the Prince or not, the book is one you will find unforgetable!