Jhereg

Vlad Taltos, Book 1

De: Steven Brust

Narrado por: Bernard Setaro Clark

Vlad Taltos is a mobster and assassin in the magical metropolis of Adrilankha. A member of the Great House of Jhereg (named for the tiny dragon-like creatures native to Dragaera), Taltos is given the largest contract of his career but the job is even more complicated than he expects.

The first book in Stephen Brust's "Vlad Taltos" series, Jhereg has also been adapted into a graphic novel by Marvel Comics. Here, Bernard Setaro Clark brings the tale to life in a rousing performance.

©1983 Steven K. Z. Brust (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Definitely worth a listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Steven Brust presents an hierarchical world, based on genetic associations with fantastic animals, through the eyes and mind of Vlad Taltos, a human hero of sorts (he is an assassin, after all) in a society that ranges from arrogant haves to criminal have-nots (the criminals are more fun), with humans the ultimate underdogs.

Subterfuge and intrigue, spiced with magic and sorcery (not the same in this world), sneaky violence and bold mayhem in a medieval-ish setting with colorful characters and swashbuckling action. What could be better?

I read much of the series years (and years) ago. A rerun in audible form is most satisfying, and with Bernard Setaro Clark's reading, my memory of the tale comes to life in a most entertaining voice.

What did you like best about this story?

I was first drawn to the story by the concept of the mental connection between the human Vlad and his jhereg Loiosh, a small winged reptile companion/bosom buddy with a smart mouth, psionically speaking. I had read Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern for much the same reason. With Brust, I get to enjoy the sarcasm and snarky comments that pepper the mental connection and often end with, "Shut up, Loiosh."

Any additional comments?

Bernard Setaro Clark captures the various voices very well. The jhereg a slight accent, boredom or contempt is nearly tangible in the tones of some Dragaeran characters; in short, each is distinct and notable. Good job.

A little bland

For an Assassin story, it felt “light”. Narrator seemed stiff and a little monotone. I may look into the graphic novels.

I liked it. 4.5 stars. Give it a try!

Well written tale of assassinations, trickery, risks, a little mystery/detective work, problem solving, political complexities, diverse skills of allies and enemies, and powerful magic. No romance or over the top blood and gore or rape or anything done for shock value; just a good story very well narrated. Kept me interested. Didn't end on a cliff hanger but made me want to hear more stories of these characters in the future. I' put the next few in the series in my wish list and hope to catch them on sale. I recommend this if this fits one of your preferred genre.

thoroughly enjoyed the story and narator.

Enjoyed as much now as first time reading it in in 1985. Naration was great.

It's a heist story

It's been close to 40 years since I first read this story. It's still one of the best.