Athyra

Vlad Taltos, Book 6

By: Steven Brust

Narrated by: Bernard Setaro Clark

Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Vlad Taltos is very good at killing people. That, combined with two faithful companions and a talent for witchcraft, makes him an assassin par excellence. But lately his heart just hasn't been in his work, so he decides to retire. Unfortunately, old enemies have scores to settle with Vlad. So much for retirement!

©1993 Steven Brust (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

A different point of view. Get used to it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Athyra is told from the point of view of a Teckla boy just entering manhood. It is interesting to see Vlad from someone else's point of view for a change.

Which character – as performed by Bernard Setaro Clark – was your favorite?

The Jerheg, Rocsa is performed admirably - she doesn't translate into words and Mr. Clark does a good job conveying the reptilian brain at work.

Any additional comments?

I was first put off, then enthralled by the change of perspective. Throughout the series reader's have seen the Dragerans through a human, 'easterner' perspective. The subtle difference between them and humans comes to the fore as we see the main character not as what he is to us but what he is to them.

(Please disregard spelling mistakes as audio books do not lend themselves to writing out fantasy names and races).

Hi-dee hi-dee ho-la!

The book itself is good, although the tone is quite a departure from the previous books, since the narrator isn't Vlad. Clark, the audiobook reader, is... fine... same problems as before persist, but I can't stop laughing over Clark intoning "Hi-dee hi-dee ho-la" with all the gravity of a satanic ritual. The falsetto for the POV character begins to grate after a while, too...

The Past Catches Up (Almost)

Enjoyable continuation to the series. I enjoyed hearing the story from Savn's and Rocza's points of view, and found the change refreshing. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Stephen Brust Does It Again!

Where does Athyra rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not one of my very favorites, but still quite excellent,

Who was your favorite character and why?

Vlad Taltos. I never expected to become sympathetic to an assassin, but the character is very finely drawn.

What does Bernard Setaro Clark bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mr. Clark was the perfect choice for this series. I enjoyed his narration for the same reasons I enjoy all audio books, because reading in silence is simply a different (and sometimes a lesser) sensory experience.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

NO SPOILERS!

Any additional comments?

I appreciate this whole series. The prose is surprisingly clean for a book about an assassin. This character would be a challenge to meet in Veritasia. Rated PG-13,

not my favorite

Where does Athyra rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Vlad is out of his element in this book, which makes for a nice change of pace but the entire perspective shifts from first person narration and you lose some of the wit and humor that characterizes the other books. The story is pretty slow paced as well. I'm hoping the next one goes back to the good stuff.

just as good as the read.

I really enjoyed the audio novel. having read and re-read the novels, it was great to hear the audio interpretation!

Refreshing Change of Perspective

I'm re-reading the entire series, but first time listening to the audio books. I've really enjoyed Betnard's narration. I'd forgotten that this book was not from Vlad's point of view and I really enjoyed seeing him through someone else's eyes. I have to admit, this time through the series (first read in my 20's and now I'm in my 50's) I have not really "liked" Vlad as much. I remembered being somewhat disappointed the first time I read Teckla, but this time round, his inability to remain connected with CAUTION really had me shaking my head. I think Brust did a really daring thing to take us out if Vald's head after several books, but for me it really worked to make me want to know more about him again. I highly recommend not reading this book too early/out of order, as it is a kind of grounding/palette cleanser, if that makes sense. Anyhow, enjoy!