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Markus's Reviews > Ysabel
Ysabel
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What a thoroughly unremarkable book from such an exceptionally skilled fantasy writer.
Guy Gavriel Kay is by far my favourite author of what I'd call historical fantasy. That being said, his historical fantasy can be divided in two, both solidly anchored in our own world, history and legends.
The first type of book that he writes is something set, at least initially, in our own world, where he writes about modern teenagers getting involved in some magical fantasy. The Fionavar Tapestry and Ysabel are both examples of this, they are both blatantly unimpressive and overall an overwhelming disappointment.
The second type is where he creates a new fantastic world based on some narrow and fascinating window of human history, and ends up creating some of the most incredible literary masterpieces of the fantasy genre, such as Tigana and The Sarantine Mosaic.
So when I read Ysabel, although it was a decent book, I wish Kay would just stick to what he is astoundingly good at.
Guy Gavriel Kay is by far my favourite author of what I'd call historical fantasy. That being said, his historical fantasy can be divided in two, both solidly anchored in our own world, history and legends.
The first type of book that he writes is something set, at least initially, in our own world, where he writes about modern teenagers getting involved in some magical fantasy. The Fionavar Tapestry and Ysabel are both examples of this, they are both blatantly unimpressive and overall an overwhelming disappointment.
The second type is where he creates a new fantastic world based on some narrow and fascinating window of human history, and ends up creating some of the most incredible literary masterpieces of the fantasy genre, such as Tigana and The Sarantine Mosaic.
So when I read Ysabel, although it was a decent book, I wish Kay would just stick to what he is astoundingly good at.
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Reading Progress
September 19, 2014
– Shelved
December 12, 2018
–
Started Reading
December 13, 2018
–
Finished Reading
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Gavin
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Dec 12, 2018 06:31PM
I just spotted Kaora struggling with this one so I'll be interested to see what you think about it.
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Gavin wrote: "I just spotted Kaora struggling with this one so I'll be interested to see what you think about it."While I disagree with all the 1-star reviews so far (Kaora's included), I must agree that it's not great, unfortunately.
I'll watch for your review. A lot of my GR's friends do seem to have savaged this one in the ratings. Maybe it was just an off book for Kay?
Gavin wrote: "I'll watch for your review. A lot of my GR's friends do seem to have savaged this one in the ratings. Maybe it was just an off book for Kay?"Ironically, his most award-winning one! Adds to the wonderful image of awards.
Markus wrote: "Ironically, his most award-winning one! Adds to the wonderful image of awards. ..."This one won more awards than any of his others? My GR's friends definitely do not agree with the critics lol. You know I think awards for subjective stuff like books are worthless but I have to admit to being made curious now as to why this was Kay's most lauded book. I might actually give it a go now unless you completely savage it in your review.
Gavin wrote: "Markus wrote: "Ironically, his most award-winning one! Adds to the wonderful image of awards. ..."This one won more awards than any of his others? My GR's friends definitely do not agree with the..."
It's worth reading, I'd say; it's just not a masterpiece like some of his other books.
Celise wrote: "Glad I bought Tigana over Ysabel then."Tigana is the best Canadian book I have ever read, just saying.
Why did I think he was British? Alright then, must bump that up the to-read list.
Celise wrote: "Why did I think he was British? Alright then, must bump that up the to-read list."Yeah, between Kay and Malazan you guys are truly blessed fantasy-wise.
Erikson lived in my city when he wrote the first chunk of MBOTF 😎
Great review, Markus! I'll keep in mind this is classic gateway fantasy rather than regular fantasy like Tigana and Song for Arbonne. The good thing is your review and our chat has actually rekindled my enthusiasm to give this one a try. Did you fee like it was a YA book? I read that in a few other reviews but thought it seemed weird for Kay.
Gavin wrote: "Great review, Markus! I'll keep in mind this is classic gateway fantasy rather than regular fantasy like Tigana and Song for Arbonne. The good thing is your review and our chat has actually rekin..."
Thanks, Gavin! It's GGK's version of a YA book, if that tells you anything. Obviously it is way more intelligent than your average YA book, but the perspective is indeed that of a teenager.
Markus wrote: "Thanks, Gavin! It's GGK's version of a YA book, if that tells you anything. Obviously it is way more intelligent than your average YA book, but the perspective is indeed that of a teenager. ..."I'm actually more curious about this one than ever now that you have confirmed it is a Kay YA. I'm generally fine with YA so the YA-ishness of it all should not be a problem for me:)
