The Vlad Taltos reread is nearing its end, but there is still some way to go. Iorich is the twelfth volume. Whereas Jhegaala jumped back in time, Iorich takes place several years following the events of Dzur. Vlad learns that his friend Aliera is in trouble and risks assassination by the Jhereg to return to Adrilankha to assist.
It turns out Aliera is in jail, and Iorich becomes a legal thriller. Now, despite Cawti’s marginal involvement, Iorich is–following the disappointing Jhegaala–enjoyable, given the genre Steven Brust is playing with this time. It does not, however, pace Cory Doctorow’s blurb, contain “enough swordplay and sorcery to fill a dozen Vallejo paintings.” There is, in fact, very little action. But by this point in the reread, we ought to realize that the action-oriented volumes are the exception rather than the rule. Instead we wade deep into the weeds of Imperial politics and law. About midway through, Vlad gets jumped and badly beaten, spending the rest of the book with a cracked rib. Brust’s description of the pain and recovery is, I can unfortunately attest, spot on.
By the time the inciting plot is revealed, I was too involved to complain that it was a trifle implausible. But that’s all right. The convolutions and machinations revealed only help color in the world of the genetically engineered Dragaerans.
Vlad gets to visit his son again, who is–if I recall correctly–now eight. There is a glimmering of a reconciliation with Cawti, who continues her political work. Due to Vlad’s efforts, and those of a dedicated lawyer (huzzah), Aliera is released. And then, finally well, Vlad leaves before the Jhereg get a chance to murder him.
Not the most notable of the books, but it moved along pretty swiftly for its subject matter and length. It is the longest so far, I believe, but this is also the first trade paperback. How that difference affects page count I couldn’t say. Still, I’m looking forward to jumping into book number thirteen. I’m hoping it’s lucky.
If you are feeling lucky, pick up a copy of Arcane Intelligence, with a story by your humble web logger.
