Frank Burns reviewed Phoenix by Steven Brust
4.5 here with strong themes about change
4 stars
A very strong 4.5 here as Brust finishes the changing of his protagonist from mafioso boss/assassin. In this one Taltos is summoned by his goddess and given a mission to go kill a king. Which he does and then chaos ensues. This book has a lot of fun with unintended consequences. Firstly, it makes the points that even gods get it wrong (this is undeniable, have you seen the state of the world?). Secondly, he continues with the themes of development and change that were strongly began in Teckla. Finally, there is an acceptance that change means sacrifice, something has to give. This is a very adult, and in places a little sad, book that still delivers as a bit of a thriller. Recommended.