Kay manages to weave the information into the narrative without ever becoming info-dumpy and eventually you will realize how much you have learned about the world's customs, religions and politics without noticing it. While there are no crazy original ideas here, the amount of attention to detail is superb. The world of Tigana is based on renaissance era Italy, but it's still its own secondary world with a modest amount of magic added in. The characters make this book shine bright. He will make you feel, make you laugh and cry at something seemingly small like Baerd hearing someone speak his province's name. Kay uses at times breathtaking prose filled with vivid metaphors to describe the emotional states of his characters that truly makes this element of the novel stand out. The side characters, while not getting as much screen time, get just enough attention to make them come alive as unique persons with their own path rather than just supports for the main cast. I could empathize with their motivations even if they went against each other. These are flawed, people trying to figure out their path in life not knowing if what they are doing is necessarily right.Īt the end of the book I truly felt I knew them intimately, from the prince Alessan to young musician Devin and poor conflicted concubine Dianora. Kay takes his time to deeply explore all the characters, their history, their thoughts and feelings. There are some side plots that are all neatly tied up in the end, but the basic premise is not very complex and a few times depends on some serendipitous encounters to move the plot along.īut those minor flaws really don't matter, because of the characters. Twenty years after it was conquered, the prince of the eponymous province sets in motion his plan to defeat both tyrants and free the peninsula of their oppression. Two sorcerer tyrants each conquer half of the provinces in a peninsula roughly based on renaissance era Italy. It is perfectly serviceable and straightforward. Let's start with the 'weakest' part of the book, which isn't to say it's bad. My findings: I should have started earlier. About a month ago I finally decided it was time to get around to this writer.

I also always put them down again with the thought that it sounded interesting, but I felt like something else right now. I have picked up Guy Gavriel Kay books in book stores ever since I first started reading English fantasy when I was 15, which is twenty years ago. If you are looking for intricate plots and out of the box worldbuilding, it isn't. TLDR: If characterization and prose are your thing, this book is for you.

Tigana goodreads