Book Reports: Blood and Iron by Elizabeth Bear
Despite taking awhile to get into this book, I did enjoy it. I think the problem was that it wasn't like the fantasy books I'm used to reading, or really any genre of book I'm used to. Or rather, maybe it was just that now that I've taken a writing class that helps me understand how plots are built and the general buildup in the plot/story that goes along with that I have certain expectations when I read, and this book really didn't meet those expectations. Overall, the book was working at a much higher level than I'm used to dealing with (one that makes me feel that if this is what is expected of a writer I'm never going to get there). The plot structure didn't feel like it had the same ramp up speed as some other books.... more like you kept moving up levels to plateaus. There was a climax to the story, but it didn't really feel like a big climax, just one more plateau of activity progressing the story along (albeit it did serve to start tying things up). The story was also very deep--more deep than I feel capable of grasping. I think the depth of writing was what was throwing me, along with the writing style, at the beginning. I guess I just don't like to think so much about what I'm reading.

Anyway, I applaud Elizabeth Bear and stand somewhat in awe of her work. I have added her other books set in this same world to my list of books to get. I found the world very interesting: the battle and the balance between humanity and fae, and particularly the fact that neither is truly "right" in any way that we usually want to think about "rightness" so that there is no hero. You understand where the Mages are coming from, but they are blinded by there own sense of righteousness from realizing that their cause is destructive. You empathize with the Fae because of the wonder they add to the world, despite the price, yet know that they are also dark and scary. At least they are honest about what they are. I all this fresh and exciting (but then it may just be that my reading is limited).

What amused me most about this book is the similarities with the books I read before this (The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay). My selection was completely random, but yet again, I found myself reading a book pulling from Arthurian mythology, particularly in the sense of the cyclical nature of the Arthurian story (in terms of betrayal and sacrifice). Yet again, King Arthur awakes. I was also amused to see someone else notice the similarities between the Arthurian myth and the myth of Vlad Tepesh (sp?) and to actually tie those things together. I made that connection long ago (although, I've come to realize that it is one of those universal myths--possibly a universal myth, including the Christ story). In fact, it is probably the story that I find myself the most drawn to, and why I love Arthurian myth, and was interested in Vlad Dracula at one point, and am generally drawn to the concept of sacrifice as a moving element in stories. I just always forget about that betrayal part, which is so very important.

Anyway, next up on my reading list is Bitterwood by James Maxey. I should be finishing it shortly as it was the only thing I had to do while stuck in Cincinatti for over 6 hours when I was flying back from visiting my mom.