The Traveler in Black

Very sadly long out of print, it's well worth it to track a copy down... An overlooked classic.

An interesting look at a world through the eyes of a character who functions as a Deus ex Machina. I enjoyed it.

The eponymous traveller winds his way through a strange and bizarre world, maybe of the future, maybe of the past, 'tidying up' the chaotic beings he finds there - imprisoning capricious and vicious elementals, punishing the wicked and granting the wishes of the high- and low- born. .. but none of the recipients of the wishes get *exactly* what they want ...

This is one of the most wonderfully incitefull fantasy books I have ever read. It is very unfortunate that this book is out of print but if you can get your hands on it, well, do. You will probably keep them there if you like intellagent fantasy is seeped with understanding of the human condition.

This is one of the most evocative, intriguing and thought provoking books in modern fantasy I have ever came across. Brunner creates a unique character in a unique world in a truely masterfull way. Recommended for all those who loved Gaiman's Sandman and similar novels, and people who like to think about life in general. The magnetic opening line says it all: "He had many names, but one nature, and this unique nature made him subject to certain laws not binding upon ordinary persons. In a compensatory fashion, he was also free from certain other laws more commonly in force."