Hooray, Hooray -- New GGK!

[qos]

I just received notification from Amazon that Guy Gavriel Kay's new novel "Ysabel" has been released and is on its way to me.

GGK is one of my all-time favorite authors, but his previous novel, "The Last Light of the Sun", was a disappointment. It felt like the work of a less-skilled person writing 'in the style of' GGK.

"Ysabel" is evidently a departure from his usual genre (which could be called pseudo-historical fantasy). I am hoping the switching of his creative gears will revitalize his writing.

When he is at the peak of his ability, his work is enthralling.

Comments

[a-belletrist.livejournal.com]

I have "Ysabel" sitting on my desk, waiting for me to finish my book club book. Powells sent it out to me early last week, and I trail my fingers longingly over its cover as I walk by.

It DOES seem like a departure from his other books, and I'm looking forward to reading it.

I enjoyed "Last Light of the Sun" a great deal ... I thought it was superior to his Sarantium stories by a fair margin, and I loved the interwoven stories, and the different culture view.

It will be interesting to see what we both think of this new one. :)

[qos.livejournal.com]

That's funny -- because I really liked the Sarantium books. Is "Lions" the only one we agree on so far on our favorites lists? I too will be looking forward to reading Ysabel and comparing notes.

[a-belletrist.livejournal.com]

I also loved both the "Finovar Tapestry" trilogy and "Song for Arbonne," (not even sure I spelled that last correctly), but "Lions" and "Tigana" are my favorites.

I have to say that even a less than optimal story by GGK is better than many other books out on the fantasy market. I'll read them all ... some just seem to grab me more than others.

[qos.livejournal.com]

Fionavar was my introduction to GGK. My sister gave me the first book (a used copy, no less) when I was her maid of honor. It sat on my shelf for a very long time, because I've often found that books about people who suddenly find themselves in other worlds drive me batty. But once I started reading, I was hooked. Every time I re-read it, I am surprised by how powerfully it draws me in, and how willing I am to go along with the Arthurian element. The sacrificial elements always grab me too: both the King Sacrifice and the death of Liadon strike very close to home, in that non-rational place I can only ascribe to past-life resonance.

Arbonne is another favorite of mine, ranking above Sarantium but below Lions and Fionavar.