The first three fantastical adventures of assassin Vlad Taltos—now in one volume.A welcome addition to any fantasy fan’s library, The Book of Jhereg follows the antics of the wise-cracking Vlad Taltos and his dragon-like companion through their first three adventures—Jhereg, Yendi, and Teckla. There are many ways for a young man with quick wits and a quick sword to advance in the world. Vlad … wits and a quick sword to advance in the world. Vlad Taltos chose the route of assassin. From his rookie days to his selfless feats of heroism, the dauntless Vlad will hold readers spellbound—and The Book of Jhereg will take its place among the classic compilations in fantasy.
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Fantasy adventure, assassins with consciences, a large dose of crime noir whodunit, and liberal sarcastic wisecracking will make this series an enjoyable ride. Vlad Taltos is a complex, moral (for an assassin), and funny character you will want to follow through Brust’s wide ranging realm. I read these back in the 80s and encourage any fans of Butcher and Sanderson to give Brust a try. There are now 14 books in the series that starts with Vlad and his wise cracking familiar and they all explore nuances of human nature within the fantasy adventure framework, offering great escapes and good insights. Steven Brust’s world is wholly original and creative, not a re-tread of medieval times like so many. Brust has also written some side stories and other stand alone stories that I have enjoyed as well, but I am still waiting for him to finish the rest of the promised books in the original series. I am certain it will be worth the wait!
(Review of just the first book. I haven’t read the rest…yet)
This was quite an enjoyable read. It starts out like fairly standard 80’s fantasy, but after the first chapter, everything changes. it’s actually more of a hitman/crime novel, but it has a surprising amount of worldbuilding for a short book. It’s also very progressive for the 80’s, with well balanced female characters, and a main character that’s not afraid to rely on others. One minor point I really enjoyed: at first I thought the concept of instant telepathy with anyone the characters know was sort of a magic cheat, until I realized Brust had introduced cellphones into his fantasy, with better technology than the real-world equivalent at the time!
I’ll definitely be looking into the rest of the series.
Rereading the Vlad Taltos books between other things, since I can’t remember much from when I read them years ago. Short, to the point, and first-person narrative done fantastically right.
One of my all-time favorite fantasy book series. Vlad and Loiosh are a perfect tandem. Steven Brust doesn’t skimp on character development, but he has a gift for fitting it in without slowing down the pace of the story. Start with Jhereg and you’ll be hooked.
Vlad Taltos is a cool and sophisticated hero with more than enough flaws. I adored the series from the first three books and follow it to this day.
Set in a world of sorcery and paid assassinations, Vlad Taltos is a human living in the land of the Dragera, who despise him for being a human.
Fun characters in an interesting world.
I loved the characters. Found a new twist to fantasy genre.
I am curious abt the next adventure so off to the next installment. Can’t wait!!!
#1 Favorite fantasy author is R A Salvatore but believe I might have located #2 (?).
If those that follow this book are as entertaining as this one then definitely found #2.
THX FOR A ENJOYABLE SERIES.
GOTTA GO LOL ANOTHER GOOD READ IS CALLING MY NAME.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
AKITA-GIRL SIGNING OFF
This is an old favorite of mine. Vlad is a mafioso in an alternate world where humans are ruled by Dragaerans, a different humanoid species. While trying to keep his ‘businesses’ going (think criminal activity), Vlad is actually busy solving murders with the help of his dragonlike and very mouthy familiar, a jhereg named Loiosh. Lots of fun, well-written, the characters are a blast and the world is enticing.
Loved re-reading this series.