Book Log #31: The Queen's Bastard, by C.E. Murphy

[annathepiper]

There are times when I read a book so well-put together, so deliciously complex, and so generally OH-MY-inducing that I despair of ever trying to write anything as good, much less sell it. The Queen's Bastard, latest offering from the redoubtable mizkit, is one of those times.

For starters, the setting is quite unusual for a fantasy novel. This thing is basically alternate history fantasy--all the names have been changed, but any reader will definitely recognize Europe of the 16th century here, complete with a queen on one of the pertinent thrones that we all should find very, very familiar. ;) And there's magic--or rather, I should say, very interesting telepathic and telekinetic abilities possessed by the most major characters, the source of which is hinted at to be something rather more appropriate to a science fiction novel.

And the sex... oh my yes, there's sex. But I am quite satisfied (aheh) to note that this novel has, hands down, the most effective use of sex I have read in quite some time. Our heroine cuts a swath through any number of men through this novel, from a lowly coachman clear up to a prince who turns out to share her secret abilities--and yet, every single sexual encounter is a means to an end, propelling Belinda through a web of increasingly complicated intrigue, and some of them come back to haunt her and hard. One scene in particular--you'll know it when you get to it--was quite intense, almost alarming, enough that I found myself genuinely challenged about whether I actually liked the heroine. (I'm still pondering that! Belinda is extremely effective as a character, but all throughout the book I was rather torn between cheering her on and muttering "Bitch!" at the page.)

It amused me, too--and this may well amuse Kit when she reads this--that I got a big Elfquest vibe off of this story. And in particular, a vibe of Belinda as a very young Winnowill. Particularly in that aforementioned intense and alarming scene.

I finished this thing up this afternoon, and am in awe. Awe, I tell you. Four stars!

Comments

[mizkit.livejournal.com]

...I'm sitting here re-reading that first paragraph with a genuine sense of disbelief. Delight, mind you, but disbelief, because...wow. Thank you. That's a hell of a compliment. And there are _so many_ writers whose work makes *me* do that, that...well. Wow. Thank you. O.O

every single sexual encounter is a means to an end

You have no idea how much that means to me, either. That was what I was aiming for. I *know* that book just drips (as it were) sex, but...yeah. I actually thought there were reasons for all of it, and I'm glad you thought so too.

And...damn. Damn, I apparently managed to do what I was trying to do with that book. O.O At least for you as a reader. I didn't necessarily expect people to like Belinda, but I hoped they'd be compelled by her. *does a little dance*

*SHRIEKS* *laughs*! *howls* I can see where you got the Winnowill thing, although I wasn't thinking anything along those lines when I wrote the book. *laughs and laughs*!

Avert your gaze!

[neutronjockey.livejournal.com]

ZOMG Catie wrote about THE SEX!

[annathepiper]

You are most welcome, hon, and I mean every word; this thing was a joy to read and is absolutely the best thing you've done yet.

The fact that each and every sexual encounter was a means to an end in this plot was one of the things I especially liked about it. It was such a refreshing change, given the high numbers of urban fantasy novels out there liberally doused with sex scenes for the sake of sex scenes. I can very contentedly say that not a single one of Belinda's encounters could be easily removed without forcing a rework of this plot.

And oh my yes, Belinda is compelling. Sometimes scarily so. ;)

And hee! I thought the Winnie comparison would make you chortle.

[janne.livejournal.com]

Heeeheee! I've been getting Elfquest vibes too, but that was from all the people showing throat to each other. Well, more of a Twomoons vibe, maybe... =)

[technoshaman.livejournal.com]

You know, many authors can make you laugh. Some authors can make you cry. In my experience it's only the really good ones that can get you pissed off. If you had Anna (Anna, mind, who usually saves her colorful metaphor for really extreme cases, like, say, the current political mess) swearing at the page, this in my book (ahem) is high praise.

I think I got to get me some of this.

(p.s. to Anna: Do you ever give a five?)

(p.p.s. to Anna: I might've asked you this before, but ever consider taking up reviewing as a sideline? This is two books I'm bookmarking on the strength of your reviews, and that says as much about your skill at writing them as it does about the material in question....)

[annathepiper]

My personal scale appears to be 1-4. I have yet to hand out a 5 to anything. :)

And you hadn't asked me that before, no! Would I? I dunno, maybe. I like reviewing books. I sure as hell like reading them. :) But I don't know if anyone would actually pay me for it, which would be the big interesting question.

[raise-a-jar.livejournal.com]

And add yet another book to my list of things to get. Because I'm not sure this is anything Michael will buy. So, I'll just have to buy it and loan it to him! :D

[annathepiper]

Hee! Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did. :)