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Book Review
Aug. 13th, 2021 11:08 pmThe Raven Tower
by Ann Leckie
This subtle and surprising novel is based on Hamlet, but is not really a retelling of it. The kingdom of Iraden is ruled by the Raven's Lease, a human chosen by the god. The Lease is bound to sacrifice himself to the God at the end of his rule. But when the Lease's heir arrives to find a usurper on the throne, things begin to go very awry in Iraden. Eolo, aide to the Heir, stumbles on a the secrets and mysteries at the heart of Iraden's troubles.
I loved this book - it completely drew me in. The story seems simple but becomes more complicated as it unfolds. Leckie makes a bold and unusual choice of narrator, which I loved. Leckie also deftly weaves together the story of Iraden's present troubles and the story of how the past machinations of humans and gods led to them. Both stories bring to light themes around the nature of spiritual power, the relationships between deities and people, and the workings of exploitation.
by Ann Leckie
This subtle and surprising novel is based on Hamlet, but is not really a retelling of it. The kingdom of Iraden is ruled by the Raven's Lease, a human chosen by the god. The Lease is bound to sacrifice himself to the God at the end of his rule. But when the Lease's heir arrives to find a usurper on the throne, things begin to go very awry in Iraden. Eolo, aide to the Heir, stumbles on a the secrets and mysteries at the heart of Iraden's troubles.
I loved this book - it completely drew me in. The story seems simple but becomes more complicated as it unfolds. Leckie makes a bold and unusual choice of narrator, which I loved. Leckie also deftly weaves together the story of Iraden's present troubles and the story of how the past machinations of humans and gods led to them. Both stories bring to light themes around the nature of spiritual power, the relationships between deities and people, and the workings of exploitation.
