Majestrum: A Tale of Henghis Hapthorn

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M_Emrys, May 4, 2009 (view all comments by M_Emrys)
The first full-length Henghis Hapthorn novel, following the events of The Gist Hunter and Other Stories, finds the discriminator (as private investigators are known in the Archonate universe) faced with the unpleasant reality that reality is not what he always thought it to be: logical. The influence of the laws of science and logic is slowly but inexorably waning in favor of the ascending power of sympathetic association (magic). Meanwhile, the Archon has hired Hapthorn to investigate the theft of fragments of an old statue and the related murder of a man from whose body every muscle has been mysteriously removed without leaving a wound.

Matthew Hughes is, as far as I'm concerned, the greatest author of fantasy and science fiction, and this is a fine example of his work. As many critics have pointed out, his novels are derivative of Jack Vance's Dying Earth series; this is not, as some would have it, a strike against him. Matthew Hughes may be similarly loquacious and ironic - which is definitely a good thing - but he is unique in his own right, and the compelling plot of Majestrum is utterly unlike anything that transpired in Dying Earth.

Majestrum does refer back to Fools Errant, Fool Me Twice, and The Gist Hunter and Other Stories - all of which are also recommended, especially Fools Errant - but while it is advisable to read them first, it is not necessary.

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Product Details

ISBN:

9781597800891

Author:

Hughes, Matthew

Publisher:

Night Shade Books

Subject:

Fantasy - General

Subject:

Private investigators

Subject:

Magic

Subject:

Fantasy fiction

Subject:

Science fiction

Subject:

Science Fiction and Fantasy-Fantasy

Copyright:

2007

Publication Date:

20070831

Binding:

TRADE PAPER

Grade Level:

General/trade

Language:

English

Pages:

247

Dimensions:

9 x 6 x 1 in