Jhereg

Vlad Taltos, Book 1

By: Steven Brust

Narrated by: Bernard Setaro Clark

Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Dragons, Assassins, and Intrigue

The book of Jhereg is something of a detective story in the midst of a fantasy world of dragons, elves, and of course humans. It follows the antics of wise-cracking assassin Vlad Taltos and his dragon-like companion, called a jhereg, in the Dragaeran city of Adrilankha. Vlad Taltos is human; he is also a mobster and assassin and is the narrator of the book; for those familiar with the Dresden Files, he loosely reminds me of Harry.
Jhereg is book one of a series in which the writer, Steven Brust creates a very credible fantasy world. Originally published in 1983, I was curious to hear how it would sound in audio format and was pleased; I thought the narrator, Bernard Setaro Clark, gave a good performance bringing the characters to life. I would recommend this series for those who like this type of genre.

Smart, witty and full of intrigue.

What did you love best about Jhereg?

The author throws you into a world that is fully realised and slowly reveals the details.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jhereg?

The banter back and forth between Vlad and his familiar Lyoush

What about Bernard Setaro Clark’s performance did you like?

Bernard did a tremendous job reading this book with wonderful pacing and atmosphere.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Assassins Creed meets Lord of the Rings

Any additional comments?

I recommend this author to ANY fan of fantasy.

Very cool

Interesting characters and a thoughtful world. really makes you think along with the characters.

Boring start exciting end

The only reason I didn’t return this book is because I bought it to long ago. So I decided to give it a chance. The beginning half of the book was hard to get thru but the ending made it work it. I’m not sure when I will take the next book but I do plan on getting it.

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.

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.

A nice break

What made the experience of listening to Jhereg the most enjoyable?

One cannot listen to the Vlad Taltos books without appreciating the history of that world and how it plays into current events. Further, the speaker is really good at providing different voices for all the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoy Kragar and Loiosh - both of these characters have their own, unique form of adding humor to the story. Yet, at the same time, they both possess that ability to go from a humorous character to a more serious role as their jobs within the story develop.

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

Still gotta go with Kragar and Loiosh. These two have very distinct voices that make them easy to identify.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

My initial step into this world was this book and I did not intend to finish it in one sitting. However, I do realize after finishing this one that these books would make excellent road trip accompaniments. I have finished some of the later books in one sitting and had no problem doing so.

Any additional comments?

The only issue I have with this and the other books I've read in the series are the sometimes scant details describing a person or place. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, and it can keep the book short. As such, one of my favorite times to listen to a Vlad Taltos book is when I'm needing a break from a heavier, more involved book. It's a nice break.

A little bland

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