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Tor, Jun 2003, 24.95, 383 pp.
ISBN: 076530046X
Emperor Thomen has plenty to worry about already, but now has looming another major crisis to contend with involving the death of the very important Baron Forinel (see NOT QUITE SCARAMOUCHE). The heir to the Barony, Miron is a nasty individual who does not allow morals or scruples to stand in the way of his achieving his aspirations; fidelity to Miron is to one person: himself.
However, on the positive side, very few people are privy to the fact that Forinel died. Cullinane loyalists to the crown come up with a rather simple solution. They use magic to transform warrior Kethol into looking like Forinel so he can serve in that post. However, malevolent Miron will not allow the return of his half brother from thwarting his goals and he has an ally at the emperor's court, the Dowager Empress Beralyn.
Fantasy readers know that when Joel B. Rosenberg releases a new tale it is an automatic winner. His latest “Not” tale is the usual intelligent, exciting Dumas like action fantasy story that makes magic seem real through strong characters whether they are the “good guys” or the thugs. NOT REALLY THE PRISONER OF ZENDA is a superb story set in a vivid realm. The return of the “Not Exactly the Three Musketeers” is a welcome treat even if they are frustrated because they see their hope of opening their dream establishment diminishing. This novel and its predecessors are books not to be missed.
Harriet Klausner
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Harriet Klausner, Resident Joel Rosenberg Scholar
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Overall Review
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dozens of literary elements, all of which are searchable.
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence - 10% planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30% Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20%
Tone of book
- suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- fantasy world/fantasy past
Political power play
Yes
Political plotlets
- factions fight within govt for control
Lifeform altered?
Yes
Kind of alteration:
- Magically turned into another being
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Family relations
Yes
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- warrior/knight
Age:
- 20's-30's
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Strong but gentle sense of humor
Intelligence
- Very much smarter than other characters
Physique
- very athletic
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 40's-50's
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- very athletic
Setting
Earth setting:
- general past
Takes place on Earth?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
How much dialogue?
- significantly more dialog than descript
