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A though-provoking, subverted story with very interesting plot, characters and setting (particularly the royal palace, “the haunted palace of the mind��, which plays a role in its own right). This alternate history fantasy is heavily laced with allegory, satire, irony and cynicism; it’s elaborately worded and woven into a tapestry of decadence, ennui, treachery and corruption, but also idealism, philosophy, duty and human misery.

"Gloriana told the story of a woman who personified the State in public but was full of pain, frustration and confusion in private."

Once I fell into the rhythm of the narrative and started to read between the lines, this battle between high morality and low realism, virtue and vice, became very engaging indeed. Most of the characters are truly unlikable –probably with the exception of Gloriana herself, and that’s not saying much-, despicable even, but I was drawn to them with morbid fascination because they felt complex and both the dialogues and the verbal sparring are a thing of wonder.

If this is a testament to Moorcok's writing skills and authority I'll have to look for more of his works, even if such mocking grimness is best served in small portions and far between. As I appreciate some bleak, cold logic and a healthy dose of realism in my books, so I do appreciate redemption, hope, selflessness and all the positive emotions, quieter maybe, that make up the gamut of humanity.

This is not a light read for both prose and themes, but this evocative story about fulfillment is a real delight for a reader who likes English history and criticism on several levels; I couldn’t but be utterly impressed with Moorcok’s bravura storytelling and masterful construction.
I don't necessarily agree with nihilistic viewpoints or with Albion's plight resolution, but this was a most surprising “romance�� book and I was thoroughly entertained.

“It is the business of war to simplify, Tink. Most men prefer it, when it comes, because their lives are far too complicated. Peace throws men into a kind of confusion few of them have the strength to bear for long—responsibilities blossom. Most of the world is made up of weaklings, Tink—and in war they flourish. Oh, how the weak love to fight!��