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Loading... The Phoenix Guards (original 1991; edition 1992)by Steven [cover art by Sam Rakeland] Brust (Author) carol. | Nov 25, 2024 |   In all reviewer honesty, I've had this book for a number of years now (fine; since I bought the paperback release in 1992. Yes, Grasshopper, I'm that old) and have re-read it more than a few times since. I'm re-reading it now with Fantasy Aficionados, so it's time to trumpet its virtues. Apparently in the style of [b:The Three Musketeers|7190|The Three Musketeers (The D'Artagnan Romances, #1)|Alexandre Dumas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320436982l/7190._SY75_.jpg|1263212] (which I have not read), Brust goes one better by setting it in an interesting fantasy world and giving us a female fighter in the foursome. Like Dumas, Brust uses the background premise of a manuscript by another author, only in this case, the book is a "notebook" created by a historian surrounding events that preceded the fall of the Empire. It is part of a stand-alone duo set in the same world as the Vlad Taltos series, centering on events that contributed to the Interregnum, a significant world-event that continues to have consequences in Vlad's time. The plot centers around four young adults heading to the capital city to join the Dragon guard, seeking fame, adventure or a trade (alas, no fire-breathing dragons here). The narrative chiefly focuses on Khaavren, an impoverished country noble seeking a trade. Lacking the sorcerery skills of Tazendra, the deviousness of Pell, or the quiet thoughtfulness of Aerich, he relies on his interest and open demeanor as he finds his way in the city. Together the four are formidable. Though not blood-thirsty, preserving honor is important and they are involved in more than their share of duels defending themselves or each other. Although they don't realize it, they are about to play a role in the politics of the nation as one of them seeks to win a lady's affection. There are swords, and sorcery; plots to overthrow the throne, and plots to support it. Hands will be kissed, brigands defeated, friends made, and rescues attempted. Dialogue is formal and ornate, with much verbal fencing: "'It is not a word,' said Pel, tossing his cloak over his shoulder so that the elegant hilt of his blade was visible, 'that pleases my ears.' 'Well,' said the lady who had spoken first, 'I confess that your ears are of only a little concern to me.' 'But,' said Pel, bowing politely, 'your tongue is of great concern to me.' 'For my part,' said Khaavren, 'I am concerned with her feet.' 'How,' said Aerich, who stood between Pel and Khaavren. 'Her feet?' 'Indeed. For if she will use them to move from these cramped quarters, well, I will do her the honor of showing her what my arm can do.'" With a fair amount of sly asides and subtle banter, this isn't really a laugh-out-loud book; rather it acknowledges the occasional humorous note in clever word-play. For instance: "'It's amazing!' he [Khaavren] cried to his companions. Pel smiled complacently, but Tazendra touched his arm and said in a low voice, "Come! Not so loud. Everyone will think that you come from the duchies.' A puzzled look crossed Khaavren's countenance. 'But I do come from the duchies.' This time, the look of puzzlement crossed Tazendra's features, while Aerich smiled." I remember on first read, the initial sections with Paarfi, the self-absorbed and pompous 'chronicler,' as being confusing and distracting. I found them more amusing on the second and third reads. Brust uses a potentially risky technique here of referencing popular works/events within the world of the book, so although the reader remains clueless as to the actual reference, the meaning usually comes clear. "The creation for the first time of forts and fortresses (the distinction, certain comments by the Lord of Snails notwithstanding, having nothing whatsoever to do with the presence of breastworks, nor the size of buttresses)." Also, if this is your first entry into Brust's Dragaeran Empire, the social structure takes awhile to piece together. While basically a feudal society, people are members of one of seventeen Houses, or genetic lineages that tend to specific characteristics and traits. Part of the challenge the first time through is piecing the social structure together. The plotting is complex, and sheer perfection when it comes together at the end. This is a well-crafted book that should appeal to those who love a complex epic fantasy (Malazan, anyone?). It only improves with re-reading, as the extent to which the characters are subject to behind-the-scenes forces becomes clear. When coupled with the Vlad series, it provides a fascinating historical insight into a complex world. Four and a half comradely stars. Ps. I'm fairly certain there is a sneaky little homage to The Princess Bride tucked away in chapter twenty-six. "'You use that word again, Garland.' 'Well, and is it not a perfectly good word, your ladyship?' 'Oh, I have no quarrel with the word.' 'And then?' 'But its application in this case.' 'I must hold to it, your ladyship.' 'And yet I declare that the thing is impossible.'" Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/the-phoenix-guards-by-steven-brust-adv... (  ) carol. | Nov 25, 2024 | "I have been wondering." "What have you been wondering?" "You would like to know what I have been wondering?" "I almost think I have been asking for it for an hour!" "Well, then I will tell you." "And I shall listen attentively." It's just delightfully mannered and utterly ridiculous, especially when it happens in the heat of an ambush in which there cannot possibly be time for all that and you have to wonder how much else our Very Reliable and Unimpeachably Historical Narrator is completely making up. I adore it. (  ) zeborah | Oct 11, 2024 | I also have to say that, even if I love these kind of D&D styled classic Fantasy stories (we meet at the bar, get a quest, go and stab people), I also love stories that are deep, and just have to note that I find the depth lacking here. Due to the writing style the friendship seems less interesting to me and the tension between Khaavren and Illista at least in my eyes is barely there at all. Still an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the rest. (  ) Hexenwelt | Sep 6, 2023 | On a reread, I found it to be a completely different book, one with depth that is incredibly funny. However, I found myself at times wanting to throw this book at the wall due to just how...... annoying that Paarfi of Roundwood writes. However, don't let that keep you from reading it- its all part of the fun. ( ) TheDivineOomba | Aug 12, 2023 | The first novel only involves a few faces we're familiar with (Adron among them), and mainly concerns events some time before Adron's disaster. It mainly serves as build-up for the next book, which is a little more relevant for fans of the Vlad Taltos books. Of course, these novels are laced with Brust humor, so they're all fun. Be warned: each novel is LONG (as in a) thick, b) thin pages, and c) tiny, close lined text), and there are FIVE of them. Also: Brust modeled these after Alexandre Dumas' "d'Artagnan Romances" (which includes "The Three Musketeers"). The series share many things, including book long, writing style, thematic elements, and plots. Brust himself has called these a blatant rip-off of Dumas' series. So if you've read any of the ones from Dumas, you know about what to expect. But it's Brust, and it's Dragaera, so it's a lot better than that. These are worth reading, the others more so than this one. But if you want to read the others, I highly suggest you start with "The Phoenix Guards", because things will make a LOT more sense. ( ) AnonR | Aug 5, 2023 | Uhhh... The thing is - I really enjoyed the Dumas-inspired 3rd section of [b:Tiassa|8705465|Tiassa (Vlad Taltos, #13)|Steven Brust|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1441504889s/8705465.jpg|13578278] . The archaic dialogue patterns and different writing style was a lot of fun. For the 1/3 of a book. Having that style filling up an entire book is a bit too much. I've looked ahead and I see that the remainder of the Khaavren Romances series is all written in the same way. So I'm done. I'm eagerly awaiting more Taltos books. But I can't bring myself to read any more of this one. (  ) KrakenTamer | Oct 23, 2021 | Then a friend pointed out that the florid, long-winded, purple style was part of the joke. I reread it with that in mind and quite enjoyed it! It's a delightful comedy of manners, politics, intrigue, and honor in the world of [b:Jhereg|133454|Jhereg (Vlad Taltos, #1)|Steven Brust|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328204364s/133454.jpg|1521838], set hundreds of years before Vlad Taltos comes on the scene. I doubt it would work for people coming to that world cold: not that you need to know any specific information from those books, but they do a better job of introducing the world to a new reader. This book assumes you already know about humans (Dragaerans), Easterners (humans), the Seventeen Houses, and so on and so forth, and proceeds to play out the elaborate tale within that world. (It's also an homage/sendup of Dumas' Musketeers, but you can definitely appreciate it without having read them.) ( ) VictoriaGaile | Oct 16, 2021 | ) haloedrain | Aug 3, 2019 | ) akaGingerK | Sep 30, 2018 | This is set in the same world as the Vlad Taltos books, but written in a very different style: the story is narrated by Paarfi, an historian writing about events a thousand years ago. I haven’t read The Three Musketeers so I can’t comment on the ways in which The Phoenix Guards does, or doesn’t, echo that, but I’ve seen is described as “Dumas pastiche”. I found Paarfi’s style amusing, occasionally delightful and occasionally tedious. His omniscient narration meant it took me most of the book to really warm to the characters - it wasn’t until I had seen how they responded to a variety of challenges that I felt like I knew them in more than a superficial way. Given how long I took to finish The Phoenix Guards (I spent all year reading bits of it in between other books), I had concluded that I wouldn’t read the sequel. But now that I’ve finished The Phoenix Guards - satisfied with the way the pieces of the story came together and curious about what happens next to these characters - I think I might. Khaavren said, “My lord, we are prepared to assume our duties.” “That is well,” said the Captain. “Are you aware of what these duties consist?” “No, my lord,” said Khaavren frankly. “But we hope to learn,” said Aerich with a slight bow. “Then I will tell you,” said G’aereth. “There remain two more days of festivities in the city. Those who enjoy these festivities may, in their enthusiasm, become a menace to the other more restrained citizens. It falls upon us, then, to make certain there are no, or at least few, needless injuries. We must also strive to our utmost to see that the dueling code is upheld.” They nodded. “Very well,” said the Captain, “you are to enforce the laws of the Empire.” “And what laws are these, Captain?” asked Aerich. “Heh,” said G’aereth. “Use your judgement. If it looks illegal, then it probably is.” My favourite of the chapter titles was Chapter the Eleventh: In Which the Plot, Behaving in Much the Manner Of a Soup to which Corn Starch Has been Added, Begins, at Last, to Thicken. ( ) Herenya | Jan 1, 2018 | The Phoenix Guards is written with a framing device where it is the account of a historian living sometime after the setting of the story. The style also adheres to Dumas, and it seemed similar to what I remember from reading The Count of Monte Cristo. However, I do not think the style will work for everyone. The sentences are long and windy, and the writing borders on ponderous at times. I found the use of the style and framing device interesting, but I also thought it hampered the pacing of the novel by slowing everything down. At times I felt like I was skimming to get through the prose. I should probably reread The Count of Monte Cristo and see if I have the same reaction to Dumas’s writing. The protagonist of The Phoenix Guards is Khaavren of the House of Tiassa, a young man from a defunct noble house who wants to make a living by joining the Phoenix Guard, the imperial guards who serve in the capital of the empire. Shortly into his journey to the capital, he befriends two other adventurers who also decide to join the guard: Tazendra, an impetuous and warlike noblewoman, and Aerich, a quiet and thoughtful nobleman. Later on, they are joined by the mysterious Pel. None of the characters were particularly memorable, but they were all distinct from each other and had defining personality traits. However, they don’t have much depth beyond those defining traits. The plot takes a long time to show up. Eventually, it becomes clear that there is a series of conspiracies in court revolving around a famed artist who outside the boundaries of a duel kills a duke who criticized her masterpiece. Various fractions in court have different plans for her, and Khaavren becomes involved at the behest of a lovely lady. I found it a bit jarring how casually people died and killed each other, but if I remember correctly from the Vlad Taltos novels, resurrection is a common practice in the Dragaeran Empire. The Empire also has a very distinct social structure comprising of many different houses. Thankfully, I was already familiar with it from Jhereg, but I don’t doubt that it would be confusing for someone new to the world. In the end, I found The Phoenix Guards entertaining enough. I think a lot of people will either love it or hate it, depending on how they react to the writing style. If you are a big fan of Alexandre Dumas, you’ll probably get a big kick out of it. You’d probably also enjoy it if you love the Vlad Taltos novels and want to know more about the backstory of the world. Originally posted on The Illustrated Page. (  ) pwaites | Dec 14, 2015 | This might all sound faintly familiar, and it's meant to: this is a tongue-in-cheek and affectionate fantasy pastiche of The Three Musketeers, set in Brust's world of Dragaera. Having never read any of his books before, I was slightly at sea at the beginning; and for the similarly uninitiated I'd recommend a quick read of the Dragaera Wikipedia page to explain some of the background. But it's thoroughly enjoyable stuff. Brust writes with great wit, utilising a dual-level narrative in which the story is told by the pedantic historian Paarfi, with Brust lurking behind him in the authorial shadows, obviously enjoying himself immensely. Full of panache, affairs of honour and exquisitely polite adversaries, this is thoroughly recommended, either for those who already know the Vlad Taltos series, or for those who've stumbled across this from a more swashbuckling angle. For a full review please see my blog: http://theidlewoman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-phoenix-guards-steven-brust.html ( ) TheIdleWoman | Jan 6, 2014 | Full of dense prose (four hundred and ninety pages worth), this is a book to be savoured, not rushed. Brust explains in the afterword that he wanted to write in the style of Dumas, who was paid per word. While it is certainly entertaining (characters have a sort of archaic Shakespearean style of speech), and an interesting concept, it does make for slow reading. In the 25th chapter, for instance, in introducing a character (Kathana), it takes the supposed author / historian two pages to explain that he does intended to introduce the character, and not keep her 'off stage' for the entire text, before he actually introduces her. And then the 'two words' which would be enough to describe her turn into (only - for a wonder!) several sentences before he digresses in yet another direction. I actually liked the device (even though I intended reading it quickly as it was overdue at the library) and I do see it might irritate some readers; I found it well written, consistent and funny, and the action (though not necessarily fast) is furious. I almost couldn't put it down, though I did need a few breaks to digest that much verbosity. In the chapter after we meet Kathana: ... a sacrifice, if we may say so, to the god Brevity, whom all historians, indeed, all who work with the written word, ought to worship. We cannot say too little on this subject. I found the whole story amusing and read it with a smile on my face; in fact it made me chuckle out loud quite often. Khaavren is preparing for a duel, with a friend as witness: "I do not think this gentleman will give you much sport." I like the conceit at the end, where, in the author's afterword, Stephen Brust explains his style of writing and that of the assumed author, Paarfi - and then there is a second afterword where Paarfi introduces us (disbelievingly) to Brust. The only problem I had with the story was the different races; though human, they live for millennia, and are also members of distinct Houses (seemingly races) which are instantly identifiable to other characters, which puzzled me. I suspect that I was missing something by not having read other books in this universe. I picked this book up as the first in a series, and because the blurb on the back said it was about events that occurred a thousand years before Vlad Taltos; however, that should have been my warning. Although there are class / race distinctions, with everyone slotting happily into their stereotypes, ladies do seem to be on an equal footing with men. Not only do they hold political positions on par with men (warlords, empresses), they sign up as soldiers with no distinction between the sexes, and enter into duels on their own behalves. Recommended. (  )1  humouress | Jan 17, 2013 | Alexander Dumas's Three Musketeers meet Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead in Stephen Brust's excellent fantasy-intrigue world, rolling trippingly off the tongue. ( ) dknippling | Dec 16, 2011 | ) woakden | Sep 11, 2009 | ) Karlstar | Sep 6, 2009 | If they tried to put this in prison libraries they would be sued for cruel and unusual punishment. Ever read the Eye of Argon? this is *almost* as stupid. Don't waste your time. 1 iayork | Aug 9, 2009 | )1 pauliharman | Mar 16, 2009 |  )1 TadAD | Jun 20, 2008 | ) Anduril85 | May 15, 2008 | I would give a kidney and a lung to be able to write like this. Quite possibly some other, less redundant and hence more valuable, organs too, could I be assured of survival for long enough to complete my magnum opus, or even a modest opus. While I have not yet read Dumas doing Dumas, I shall be sure to read our copy of The Three Musketeers in fairly short order for comparison, I think. (Alas, this does not aid me in reducing the capacity of my to-read shelf - shelves. Well, it would not have done so anyway, since I would merely be replacing it there with the sequel, Five Hundred Years After, but now I must replace it there with two books.) The plot, also, which I gather is patterned on that of the classic work, is a very satisfying swashbuckling tale, but really, the gorgeous language and the narrator's foibles are the things that really made this book stand out to me. Very highly recommended, and I fear I shall have considerable difficulty in not picking up Five Hundred Years After almost immediately. But we shall see. ( http://weblog.siliconcerebrate.com/cerebrate/2008/04/the-phoenix-guards-steven-b... ) ( )1 libraryofus | Apr 23, 2008 | ) archphoenix | Mar 20, 2008 | startredder | Dec 1, 2007 | On the other hand, if you love classic prose, well-crafted writing that was done for its own sake, you might love this. I think it's brilliant, hilarious, and a little awe-inspiring in scope. And the story is superb; inspired by Dumas' "The Three Musketeers" but far better written. A familiarity with the world of Dragaera (from his other novels) is a very definite plus, but probably not crucial. I would look at this book before buying it. If you make it through the first 5 or 6 pages without getting impatient, you'll absolutely love it. If they feel like "work," just move on to one of the Vlad Taltos books, which move fast as lightning and are much more accessible. As for me, I loved it. ( )4 vidroth | Nov 7, 2007 | ) Jinjifore | Sep 30, 2007 | |
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In all reviewer honesty, I've had this book for a number of years now (fine; since I bought the paperback release in 1992. Yes, Grasshopper, I'm that old) and have re-read it more than a few times since. I'm re-reading it now with Fantasy Aficionados, so it's time to trumpet its virtues.
Apparently in the style of [b:The Three Musketeers|7190|The Three Musketeers (The D'Artagnan Romances, #1)|Alexandre Dumas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320436982l/7190._SY75_.jpg|1263212] (which I have not read), Brust goes one better by setting it in an interesting fantasy world and giving us a female fighter in the foursome. Like Dumas, Brust uses the background premise of a manuscript by another author, only in this case, the book is a "notebook" created by a historian surrounding events that preceded the fall of the Empire. It is part of a stand-alone duo set in the same world as the Vlad Taltos series, centering on events that contributed to the Interregnum, a significant world-event that continues to have consequences in Vlad's time.
The plot centers around four young adults heading to the capital city to join the Dragon guard, seeking fame, adventure or a trade (alas, no fire-breathing dragons here). The narrative chiefly focuses on Khaavren, an impoverished country noble seeking a trade. Lacking the sorcerery skills of Tazendra, the deviousness of Pell, or the quiet thoughtfulness of Aerich, he relies on his interest and open demeanor as he finds his way in the city. Together the four are formidable. Though not blood-thirsty, preserving honor is important and they are involved in more than their share of duels defending themselves or each other. Although they don't realize it, they are about to play a role in the politics of the nation as one of them seeks to win a lady's affection. There are swords, and sorcery; plots to overthrow the throne, and plots to support it. Hands will be kissed, brigands defeated, friends made, and rescues attempted.
Dialogue is formal and ornate, with much verbal fencing:
"'It is not a word,' said Pel, tossing his cloak over his shoulder so that the elegant hilt of his blade was visible, 'that pleases my ears.'
'Well,' said the lady who had spoken first, 'I confess that your ears are of only a little concern to me.'
'But,' said Pel, bowing politely, 'your tongue is of great concern to me.'
'For my part,' said Khaavren, 'I am concerned with her feet.'
'How,' said Aerich, who stood between Pel and Khaavren. 'Her feet?'
'Indeed. For if she will use them to move from these cramped quarters, well, I will do her the honor of showing her what my arm can do.'"
With a fair amount of sly asides and subtle banter, this isn't really a laugh-out-loud book; rather it acknowledges the occasional humorous note in clever word-play. For instance:
"'It's amazing!' he [Khaavren] cried to his companions.
Pel smiled complacently, but Tazendra touched his arm and said in a low voice, "Come! Not so loud. Everyone will think that you come from the duchies.'
A puzzled look crossed Khaavren's countenance. 'But I do come from the duchies.'
This time, the look of puzzlement crossed Tazendra's features, while Aerich smiled."
I remember on first read, the initial sections with Paarfi, the self-absorbed and pompous 'chronicler,' as being confusing and distracting. I found them more amusing on the second and third reads. Brust uses a potentially risky technique here of referencing popular works/events within the world of the book, so although the reader remains clueless as to the actual reference, the meaning usually comes clear.
"The creation for the first time of forts and fortresses (the distinction, certain comments by the Lord of Snails notwithstanding, having nothing whatsoever to do with the presence of breastworks, nor the size of buttresses)."
Also, if this is your first entry into Brust's Dragaeran Empire, the social structure takes awhile to piece together. While basically a feudal society, people are members of one of seventeen Houses, or genetic lineages that tend to specific characteristics and traits. Part of the challenge the first time through is piecing the social structure together.
The plotting is complex, and sheer perfection when it comes together at the end. This is a well-crafted book that should appeal to those who love a complex epic fantasy (Malazan, anyone?). It only improves with re-reading, as the extent to which the characters are subject to behind-the-scenes forces becomes clear. When coupled with the Vlad series, it provides a fascinating historical insight into a complex world.
Four and a half comradely stars.
Ps. I'm fairly certain there is a sneaky little homage to The Princess Bride tucked away in chapter twenty-six.
"'You use that word again, Garland.'
'Well, and is it not a perfectly good word, your ladyship?'
'Oh, I have no quarrel with the word.'
'And then?'
'But its application in this case.'
'I must hold to it, your ladyship.'
'And yet I declare that the thing is impossible.'"
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/the-phoenix-guards-by-steven-brust-adv... (