Jame is a Kencyr. Kencyrs are not native to the planet where they now live. For thirty centuries they have been the weapon that their Three-Faced God has used against the power of the Perimal Darkling. And though they have fought well, the Darkling has come to planet after planet, and the Kencyrs have moved on.Jame knows this as she stumbles out of the hilly, barren Haunted Lands into the city of … Lands into the city of Tai-tastigon. But she knows little else. She does not remember where she has been or what she has done for the last ten years of her life. Her memory goes back only a week or two—to finding her home destroyed and all her family dead.
In Tai-tastigon Jame begins a new life that seems to be at odds with all that the Kencyrs stand for. Kencyrs are honest and just, but Jame becomes an apprentice to the most renowned thief in the powerful Thieves’ Guild. Kencyrs are confirmed monotheists, yet Jame explores the rituals and activities of the thousands of gods, templed and untempled, in this religious center; she even kills a god and then resurrects him. And at the inn, the Res aB’tyrr, where she lives, she finds herself using the most sacred dances of her people, dances she does not even remember learning, for the entertainment and sometimes the destruction of the inn’s patrons.
Within herself Jame finds power she does not want and doubts she defies her heredity to harbor. She moves through the rich and bloody stew of Tai-tastigon like a hot spice. Her probings, to find herself and to discover what her powers mean to her and her people, combined with influences already at work, very nearly destroy the city. And yet, they bring her face to face with a destiny she must accept.
This is the first of several books.
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Complex, textured, well written page turner. One roller coaster of a ride! It opens with the main character Jame running thru a haunted landscape being chased by haunts (not to be confused with zombies although both are dead things) not knowing who she is, why she’s being chased or why she carrying the items she’s clutching and takes off from there and doesn’t slow down.
Jame falls into situations and meets people usually with disastrous consequences for all concerned thru no fault of her own. Things and people get broken but almost always are those who should be destroyed. She accidentally kills a god out curiosity and then has to figure out how to restore him. Joins the Thieves Guild even though her best friend is a city guard and thoroughly disapproves of stealing (he ends up helping with a theft). Takes down one of the rich and powerful, and out wits a demon.
One of the funniest fantasy books ever! Book one of a series of seven at present, book eight is due out this year and unlike me you’ll be able to follow the misadventures of a unique and hilarious character without interruption. If you’re a die hard fantasy reader or new to genre I highly recommend this one.
Hodgell is a very meticulous writer, making her fantasy world come alive and her protagonist a heroic yet down-to-earth warrior woman. The difficult challenges she faces are sometimes lightened with humor. Readers who love adventure fantasy with women heroes should discover her work.
Book 1 of an excellent fantasy series. Complex, interesting world building, intriguing characters who stay with you and excellent writing.
I loved this one since ’87 when I read it the first time. The city is as much a character as Jame is.
One of my favorite books of all time, to the extent I’ve stalked this author since the 80’s just to get more of this world. Still enjoyable as a 40 year old…lol
This is another book I remembered very fondly from my teenagehood (I even had a limited-edition hardcover), and recently re-read to see how it withstood the test of time (as well as comparing older and newer young-adult fantasy). I enjoyed it tremendously. Below are my thoughts for prospective readers.
*** What to expect
A highly entertaining story, setting up the beginning of an epic fantasy cycle. Hodgell is slowly building the mythology around the people, characters, and places in the world. Hints and back stories are alluded to, giving tantalising tastes of things to come. Structurally, the story takes place in important episodes over the span of a year and a bit. We get to know Jame, her companions, and the fantastic city and world as events interweave and grow in tempo to conclusion.
Allow me to go on a tangent: there is the question of the thieves guild. While this is a fantasy trope (and in Hodgell’s defence, she published this in 1982), one always wonders about how cities can support this. There is the basic predator/pray populations ratio that every biologist will tell you about. Conversely, large enough populations to support such a large guild would be expected to develop mechanisms to cohabitate in close proximity. Be that as it may, this is handled well in the novel.
*** What I liked
Hodgell’s story-telling and world-building are top-notch, her story pacing is excellent, and she balances light and dark themes perfectly. I love the tantalising glimpses into Jame’s past, and the slowly-building tension around her. One can’t help but feel immersed in the story, love Jame’s vibrancy, and wish to learn more.
*** What to be aware of
The story is more or less self-contained, but it’s obvious at the end that it is merely the beginning of a larger cycle. This novel was published in 1982, and I imagine some modern readers might find the style a bit dated. The latest installment (book 8) was published last year — 35 years on. I believe the series is still not complete, though I expect GRRM fans will likely not mind this in the least.
The city of Tai-tastigon is wonderful, but the rest of the series takes place in other locations. Style also changes between novels, although I find the writing consistently excellent (specific notes on each volume are coming as I re-read them).
*** Summary
A highly recommended series. This is epic fantasy done right, with perfect balance of light and dark, and excellent, slowly-building pacing. I’m off to re-read the rest of the series (and read those newer volumes for the first time). If you love fantasy, I strongly suggest you add God Stalk to your TBR pile.
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Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic – for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.