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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
Lia M in Santa Cruz has commented on (3) products
Assassins Apprentice Farseer 1
by
Robin Hobb
Lia M in Santa Cruz
, November 09, 2014
There are now seven books featuring the first-person narrator of this book, and I would give any of them five stars. I read them straight through, then did something I haven't done in decades: I immediately started reading the books again. The characters are so vivid, and their relationships so compelling, that I just could not let go of them. Even on second reading, I am hooked to the point that I give the books all of my free time. Hobb tells the story with great skill and delicacy, focusing on unusual relationships. In the Farseer trilogy, of which this is the first, she creates an intense bond that leaves the reader rooting for the evolving relationship of a young man and a wolf. (This is the perfect series for anyone who love animals.) The Tawny Man trilogy, which picks up the story 15 years later, repeatedly choked me up with its portrayal of bonds beyond friendship. There is a romantic interest in the books too, but it is secondary to other forms of love and loyalty. There is plenty of action and certainly much originality in the plot, but it's the relationships that make the story, for me. Hobb has made me care very deeply for these characters, and I recommend this trilogy and the four (eventually to be six) following books unreservedly.
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Emperors Blades Chronicle of the Unhewn Blades Book 1
by
Brian Staveley
Lia M in Santa Cruz
, October 21, 2014
This is a gripping story, beautifully written from the alternating points of view of two princes sent away as children to immerse themselves in very different disciplines, one mystical and one martial. Their hard years of toil to master their skills and live up to their father the king's expectations become crucial when, in young manhood, they are stalked by conspirators who've murdered the monarch. As they try to rescue each other and the kingdom, despite great distances between them and mortal danger to all around them, the author accelerates the tension not just through action (though there is plenty of it) but with excellent characterization. I think this is the start of a series that will become a fantasy classic.
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Lions of Al Rassan
by
Guy Gavriel Kay
Lia M in Santa Cruz
, April 13, 2014
This fast-paced fantasy reads like a fine historical novel. The political intrigue is as detailed and character-driven as anyone could expect from an excellent history. The characters are impressively fleshed out, with relationships that become increasingly thought-provoking as wars are averted and fought. Their complexity adds emotional weight when alliances shift, often with religion as both pretext and true motivation. The story's politics seem real and realistically twisted, with fascinating takes on allegiance and loyalty. It also has interesting things to say about love, from the bond between friends made enemies by war to the warlike passion of some lovers. I liked Guy Gavriel Kay's Tigana a little bit better than The Lions of Al-Rassan, but I highly recommend this one, too.
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