Brokedown Palace

Welcome addition to my library

It had been a while since I read Steven, and it took a while to get back into his writing style. However, his dry humor and understated narrative works for me, as long as I work to follow it. I found Brokedown Palace to be rather dark and a little less funny that some of his other work. I am also still confused about Brigitta. Possibly because I took about a two month break right in the middle of reading. That being said, I still very much enjoyed this story. I loved the interactions between the brothers and the complex relationship they shared. The way they each evolved as the story progressed. I especially loved Vilmos and his dedication to his Norska. I loved that the conflict seemingly revolved around the condition of the palace, but there was really so much more at stake and at risk. The other characters (Brigitta, Mariska, Sandor, Viktor, Bolk) were at times mystifying, but definitely added depth to the story. I had to learn that I didn't have to understand what was going on when some of these characters said things. I just had to trust that I would understand in the long run. I find that Steven Brust is by no means an easy read, but I for one think it is worth the work to read - and enjoy!

Not his best work, but it will be enjoyable to fans of his other works.

i have been a Fan of Mr. Brust's work for quite some time now, and i have read all the Dragaeran novels. however, this book is notably different, it looks like a first book (although it is not), it does not involve any of the charachters of the other novels, it does happen in the same world, but it could also be hapenning in a totally different place, as almost nothing of the unique Dragaeran universe is used. aside from all that the plot is quite weak, and quite slow. all in all, i would not recomend it..

When Brust is good, he's outstanding. When he's not, he's atrocious. This is atrocious. As an anti-God screed, it still comes over as fingernails on a chalkboard. I love the early Vlad novels; he lost that flickering talent somewhere, and this is some of the slop that took its place. Maybe it's his politics combined with his anti-religious viewpoint that dogs his steps, but I sure wish he'd get a grip. For pity's sake, he killed off Tazendra. ('nother book). Tazendra! I ask you, can the man be other than mad to his marrow?!