Maledicte
by Lane Robins
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Book Summary Information
Author: Lane RobinsEdition: Paperback
Published: 2007-05-29
ISBN: 034549573X
Number of pages: 464
Publisher: Del Rey
Book Reviews of Maledicte
Book Review: unenjoyable
Summary: 2 Stars
While undoubtedly finely written and far superior to the disappointing rubbish spattering the panorama of contemporary fantasy fiction, this debut novel is deeply and inexcusably flawed to the point I could not not only enjoy it but even finish it without forcing myself which is not exactly the effect fantasy books (and fiction in general) are supposed to engender.
Maledicte, the main character and her lover Janus nearly never come to life to me: they act consistently, their set of mind is well drafted but nothing Ms Robins writes about them is able to make me forget or condone how unpleasant their motives and their actions are: throughout the novel I could feel no anxiety form them, robbers and murderers they were born and they stayed to the last page.
One could say that a writer does not need to portray likeable characters nor to have the evil ones punished for their crimes, but while I admit that flawed personalities make for better character developments and that larger than life villains make for better fun, I will neither deny my personal urge to identify with the character I am supposed to read and care about.
My limit, perhaps.
Small compensation is that Gilly, the third main character, is finely wrought, likeable and good natured and that all side characters are not bad at all.
Further than this Ms Robins has a fine sense for situation sketching.
Set in the usual kingdom rotted to the core and devoid of salvation, surrounded by enemies and mined by conspirators (a xvii century England comes to mind), the novel contains many a memorable scene, sort of tableaux vivants (living pictures) sketched ably and with surprisingly deft hand: servant quarters, brothels, balls, duels, all come to life through a nice economy of words.
Most scenes where characterization is attempted instead fail to attain their goal and slow the narrative to dragging halts.
The writing itself is always professional, routine pages alternating with some splendidly drafted ones and a few where the attempt at fine literature turns out clumsy.
While the issue of gender -a woman masking herself as a man coming to think about herself as such (and pronouns follow suit) without losing her deeper femininity- is satisfyingly dealt with, those of love, trust, friendship and supernatural are far less convincingly dealt with.
Because of the constant bloodshed and the complexity of themes I would not recommend this book to teens.
Summary of Maledicte
From a dazzling new voice in fantasy comes a mesmerizing tale of treachery, passion, intrigue, betrayal, and an act of pure vengeance that threatens to bring down a kingdom.Seething with decadent appetites unchecked by law or gods, the court of Antyre is ruled by the last of a dissolute aristocracy. But now to the kingdom comes a handsome, enigmatic nobleman, Maledicte, whose perfect manners, enchanting charisma, and brilliant swordplay entice the most jaded tastes . . . and conceal a hunger beyond reckoning.
For Maledicte is actually a woman named Miranda–a beautiful thief raised in the city’s vicious slums. And she will do anything–even promise her soul to Black-Winged Ani, the most merciless of Antyre’s exiled gods–to reclaim Janus, the lover whose passion still haunts her dreams. As her machinations strike at the heart of Antyre’s powerful noble houses, Miranda must battle not only her own growing bloodlust, but also her lover’s newly kindled and ruthless ambitions. As Ani’s force grows insatiable and out of control, Miranda has no choice but to wield a weapon that may set her free . . . or forever doom her and everything she holds dear.
Dark Fantasy Books
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