The Phoenix Guards by Steven BrustMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don't know how it happens that I haven't read anything by Steven Brust yet. I've seen his books hundreds of times. Having passed by his books once or twice, I made a habit of it, I guess.
Big mistake.
It was only when I finished the D'Artagnan romances that I discovered that this group of books is modeled on them but set in his usual fantasy world. That sold it for me. The plot has echoes, for sure, but the most perfect correlation is between his main characters and the original Three Musketeers plus D'Artagnan. With loving satire, he recreates them and their milieu--reimagined, to be sure, but still unmistakable--and, especially, the fearless, nonchalant violence you find in the original.
I loved the cadence of their dialogue, which resembled (and exaggerated, perhaps) the original, but was perfect for their devil-may-care attitude throughout. Here's a sample, with Aerich talking to Khaavren:
"So, you wish to hear my plan?"
"Kieron's Boots! I've been asking for nothing else for an hour!"
"Very well, here it is: instead of taking this road, turn rather to the north."
"How, the north?"
"Exactly."
"That's your advice?"
"In its entirety."
"Yet, I fail to see how that will solve the problem."
"Then I will explain."
"I am most anxious for you to do so."
I laughed out loud many times, but even though it's clever and amusing it's never absurd. There's a perfect internal consistency throughout.
I'll admit, the plot is somewhat ragged. IMO. But the story rolls along with so much to enjoy (like a Dumas novel) that I didn't miss it. Just let the four guards and do their thing.
Recommended 29 years after the fact. Sorry it took me so long. :)
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