Tag Archives: Trickster

Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Trick of the Light (Trickster, #1) by Rob Thurman

Title: Trick of the Light
Author: Rob Thurman
Series: Trickster #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Tricksters, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 16th – 18th May 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Roc Fantasy
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: It was new.

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Synopsis

An underground chamber is exposed in a seedy, dilapidated house. In the dark cellar, a ritualistic display is revealed: a human skull rests on a cauldron, surrounded by slain chickens and bizarre figurines.

Called to the scene is forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan. She determines that the skull is that of a young, black female. But how and when did she die? Just as Tempe is closing in on answers, another body is discovered: a headless corpse carved with Satanic symbols.

As local vigilantes begin a witch-hunt, Tempe struggles to contain her emotions. But the eventual truth proves more shocking than even she could have imagined.

Thoughts

This has been sitting on my shelf for ages, waiting to be read. Now I’m seriously not sure as to why it took me this damn long to read I love trickster stories. I love tales where all is not as it seems… and this novel managed to combine both of those loves in one gorgeous, neat, little package. One that left me feeling very happy and seriously irritated that I have no other Rob Thurman books on my shelves…

I had already read Snakeskin, a short story about Trixa before I picked up this novel. Which, in hindsight, was a little bit annoying. Because although I think I may have guessed at the twist reveal at the end… I didn’t actually get to guess. The reality of Trixa’s world was already stated very clearly in Snakeskin and made those final moments a little less exciting. Although, there was still a great reveal that I hadn’t quite expected…. Which made me quite happy.

I knew that I was going to love Trixa in this story because of the short story I’d read in the past. What I wasn’t sure of was the supporting cast and storyline that drove along the battles that were faced. Zeke and Griffin are just amazing – I did like Zeke a whole lot more, but I seriously love the tragically flawed characters anyway. Leo is also amazing, but since Zeke and Griffin are in this a whole lot more, it’s their journey and confusion that I appreciate so much. Especially as their past comes out more and more as the tale unfolds.

Trick of the Light is amazing, it is one of the few trickster stories that I’ve read which truly encompasses the idea of a trickster. A being that isn’t good or bad. Isn’t malicious or benevolent. But, rather something in between. A character that is entirely about balance. That has no sides but their own. And that you really just can’t help but love, although, maybe, hope that you don’t quite meet one…

<- SnakeskinTalking Trash ->

Image source: Goodreads

Snakeskin by Rob Thurman

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Kicking It

Title: Snakeskin
Author: Rob Thurman
Series: Trickster #0.5
In: Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Tricksters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Billionaires are a special breed, and an old horny billionaire is going to want a young thing with tits done by Dr. Double D and the only lines on her skin the ones shown by her Brazilian wax.

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Synopsis

Trixa agrees to help a woman deal with her very rich husband. But, when she is double crossed, things take an interesting turn.

Thoughts

I love stories about Tricksters – they are completely amoral, always entertaining and beautifully symbolic of the balance between good and evil. Plus, where they travel, chaos follows. Which is always entertaining, and provides great conflict in and of itself. The introduction to Thurman’s Trickster series is no different.

Trixa is the very embodiment of chaos – she is neither good nor evil and, while straddling both realities, she is able to help keep the balance. The playful light and twisted humour within which she tells the story drew me in from the first point, and I was never quite sure what game she was playing. Until the very end that is. The tone of the piece perfectly reflects the chaotic and perverse way in which Trixa deals with the world and those around her.

<- More Rob ThurmanTrick of the Light ->

Image source: Penguin

Nawat by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Nawat
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Trickster #2.5, Tortall #26
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women, Tricksters
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Nawat propped her up, silent, holding her tight.

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Synopsis

Nawat is a short story of the Tortallan Universe and follows Nawat Crow as he has to make one of the most difficult decisions of his life.

Thoughts

Nawat and Aly have been my favourite Tortall couple since I first cracked the spine of Tricker’s Choice. There is just something so fascinating and unique about them that has led me to read the Trickster series again and again and again. In fact, it’s one of my most read series, and I’m going to have to replace my copy soon…

Alright, I got a little off topic there, but all that this means is that a follow up short story to the Trickster duology was quite possibly the most perfect tale that I could think of. Writing it from the quirky point of view of Nawat only helped to add to the flavour. It was also wonderful finally seeing his love for Aly through his eyes – after all, he did become a man for her.

There are a lot of stories (novellas, and short stories) that display motherhood, childbirth and everything in between as beautiful and glorious. Which I’m sure it is, but I can’t imagine that the actual act of childbirth will ever be a beautiful, life-affirming moment. Painful is the word that truly comes to mind, and Pierce shows this amazingly. Aly’s hormonal fluctuations, frustration and overwhelming throughout, and immediately following, the birth of her children is so realistic that you just want to reach through the page and give her a huge hug. The creation of their family is still a life-affirming and beautiful moment, but at no point is it portrayed as easy. A realism which I definitely appreciate and think needs to be bought forth more often when discussing such a huge change in a woman’s life (both physically and mentally).

<- Trickster’s Queen Review Lost Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Trickster’s Queen by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

tricksters-queenTitle: Trickster’s Queen
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Trickster #2, Tortall #25
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women, Tricksters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Aly spared a glance for a small, pudgy man who whispered in Rubinyan’s ear until Tkaa reached the prince.

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Synopsis

Aly’s adventure continues…. No longer a slave, Alanna’s daughter is now spying as part of an underground rebellion against the colonial rulers of the Copper Isles. The people in the rebellion believe that a prophecy in which a new queen will rise up to take the throne is about to be realized. Aly is busy keeping the potential teenage queen and her younger siblings safe, while also keeping her in the dark about her future. But Aly, who is usually adept at anticipating danger and changes, is in for a few nasty surprises.

Thoughts

The rebellion that began in Trickster’s Choice reaches its climax (and conclusion) in Trickster’s Queen. Whilst the speed of the story really picks up, it is still filled with Aly’s humour and wit. There are still moments of beauty and enjoyment amongst the dramatic events of rebellion. The connections that the characters make to one another, and the loyalty that they feel jumps from the pages, and will suck you into their world further and further with every word.

Although I loved the excerpts that began each chapter in Trickster’s Choice, it was nice to miss this throughout this novel. The faster pace, and the more intense storyline required a better flow, and the format of this tale worked beautifully for this. As did the shorter chapters, heightening the feeling of suspense. Following Aly throughout this, while giving a bird’s eye view of her life, also helped to further connect with her plight.

Although the main storyline of this story focuses upon the rebellion of the Copper Isles, for me it was more so about the incredible loyalty that each of the key members show to one another. Sarai’s flightiness and love forces her to follow her dreams, while it is Dove’s passive outlook on the world and ability to care for other’s beyond her own needs that shine throughout the story. Ulasim, Chenaol, and Fesago’s ability to accept the changes in their plans, and take Aly’s advice because they are doing what is right, not what will keep them alive. I don’t ever want to experience any of this turmoil in my own life – but the idea of having a group of people that loyal to one another in my life… that is what swells one’s heart and makes a person feel comfortable with themselves, and their pseudo-family.

<- Trickster’s Choice Review Nawat Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Trickster’s Choice by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

tricksters-choiceTitle: Trickster’s Choice
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Trickster #1, Tortall #24
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women, Tricksters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Those aren’t hay bales!’

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Synopsis

Alianne is the teenage daughter of the famed Alanna, the first lady knight in Tortall. Young Aly follows in the quieter footsteps of her father, however, delighting in the art of spying. When she is captured and sold as a slave to an exiled royal family in the faraway Copper Islands, it is this skill that makes a difference in a world filled with political intrigue, murderous conspiracy, and warring gods.

Thoughts

Of all the women in Tamora Pierce’s world of Tortall, Aly is the one that I always most identified with as a teenager. As someone who, as a teenager, never quite fit in, was more than a little difficult, and found that a lot of my peers often looked at me a little funny, Aly seemed like a literary version of myself. Albeit without a sword welding mother, and a talent for daggers and subterfuge.

Most of the Tortall series, in fact, all up to this point focused on a country and people based (I assume) on medieval Europe. Swords and kings; lords and ladies; it all paints a picture of a snow-swept country that is (luckily) guarded by the righteous. This is not so with the Trickster series. Aly travels to a land that was taken over by white people 300 years before. The story of oppression and conquest is retold through the raka (native people’s) plight. I loved that there was a different twist, and aspect to the realm of Tortall. Although the Copper Isles were mentioned in the Song of the Lioness Quartet, immersing this story in their culture and land was a great new introduction to a new land.

Aly is not only a suitable heir to the Song of the Lioness Quartet, but she is a great, and refreshing new take on the women of Tortall. She chooses to fight with her wits, rather than weapons in a gruelling battle to protect an innocent family from the rigours of violent, political court. The loyalty of not only the raka, but those who answer to the Balitang family quickly create a discourse in which you constantly hope for Aly to succeed.

<- Tortall: A Spy’s Guide Review Trickster’s Queen Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki