The King of Attolia...

[fajrdrako]

I loved The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner, just as I loved the first two parts of the series, The Thief and The Queen of Attolia. Warning: for best impact, read these in order. It's so much fun to see the developing plots.

Of course I loved it: it's about one of my favourite themes, palace intrigue. Mostly I love Megan Whalen's writing style, which grabs my attention and keeps it, sentence by sentence. But I also love the plotlines, which are based on twists and surprises. And I love the characters, especially the hero, a master of lies and deceptions .

The setting is a fantasy world similar to that of ancient Greece, with a dollop of the Italian Renaissance thrown in.

The viewpoint character in The King of Attolia is a young soldier named Costis, a guard at the Queen's palace. Costis and always has been loyal to the queen, but he hates her upstart new husband. One night on the palace battlements Costis loses his temper and strikes the King.

The punishment of course should be death, but the King instead forces Costis to his personal service. So Costis finds himself caught in the middle of palace intrigue - complete with rebellious barons, pranksters mocking the king, foreign invasion plans, and a situation where nothing is what it first appears to be.

It is high praise of Megan Whalen Turner to say that the relationship between Costis and the King reminded me of that between Jerott Blyth and Lymond in the Dunnett novels.

I do hope Turner is working on another book in this series. I want more.

Comments

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

Again, utterly unrelated, but I'm loving Father's Day. Great Rose/Doctor stuff, and really brilliant, crisp dialogue.

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

... That was Rose's Dalek episode, wasn't it? I love the flip-paradox of the two: Rose doesn't see the Doctor's cruelty, down in the cell with the Dalek, and probably wouldn't believe it of him, because she's not that sort of person and doesn't think he is either. The Doctor, however, immediately accuses her of using him to get back to her father-- which would mean all the love they carry for each other is based on one big, nasty... not lie, not exactly, but definitely one big nasty information-ommitted-for-personal-gain. He sees the cruelty immediately, but, of course, it's not there, because Rose isn't that sort of girl, and the only reason the Doctor sees it is because he is. Does that make any sense at all?

And, of course, the more immediate parallels: they're even. They've each caused the death of the other-- not directly, not really, but in their own heads they've each had to deal with killing the other one, and that's pretty weighty stuff. Rose has also now officially Killed People-- through ignorance, through selfishness, it doesn't matter-- and that puts her on more of an equal playing field with the Doctor and his Time War-related guilt. It turned out for Rose all right in the end, of course, which means she'll be able to wear it easier than the Doctor, but still. It's a good movement for her. It's damn good. It's good that it happened and it's good that it's not going to fall on her shoulders as hard as it has with him... I suspect the Doctor needs her faith.

All right!

Wow, I love this show.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

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<i.... That was Rose's Dalek episode, wasn't it?</i>

Yes, that's a good way of putting it. But it's also only the beginning. This has Rose beginning to understand about consquences. I see it as a sort of coming-of-age story for her. She never regains the innocence she had before that.

<i>The Doctor, however, immediately accuses her of using him to get back to her father-- which would mean all the love they carry for each other is based on one big, nasty... not lie, not exactly, but definitely one big nasty information-ommitted-for-personal-gain.</i>

It would mean she was using him. And yes, your reasoning makes sense. But there's another level to it, too - several, maybe - like whether the Doctor is more central to Rose's life, or Pete is. And which one of them she is really willing to lose.

<i>Rose has also now officially Killed People-- through ignorance, through selfishness, it doesn't matter-- </i>

And it's clear that her choices have an effect on the lives of others. She isn't just choosing for herself when other people end up dying because of her choices.

It also shows limits to what the Doctor can fix. Sometime things are broken and there's nothing he and his sonic screwdriver can do about it.

<i>I suspect the Doctor needs her faith.</i>

He needs her to learn, too.

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's a good way of putting it. But it's also only the beginning. This has Rose beginning to understand about consquences. I see it as a sort of coming-of-age story for her. She never regains the innocence she had before that.

Good heavens, that's rather Philippa, isn't it? He offers her nonsense rhyme and a rooftop chase, and, like Philippa, she takes a little more than what was offered, and, like Francis, he gets a little more than he bargained for. And, of course, she grows up along the way, because that always has to be a part of the story too.

But there's another level to it, too - several, maybe - like whether the Doctor is more central to Rose's life, or Pete is. And which one of them she is really willing to lose.

That was most of the layer cake, I think, the real meat-- or flour-- of it, and I admit that's really what got me, at an emotional level. I mean, I'm a little tender on the subject of fathers, but that really didn't affect me terribly. Saw it coming, and all that. It was the Doctor and Rose's dynamic that teared me up. I'm quite sure I don't have to explain to you why. *grin* Again, I was reminded of Francis and Philippa-- not on the same scale as those two, but a similar sort of feeling that has more to do with earth-shattering friendship and companionship and acceptance than it does romantic love.

But I loved that the Doctor is, in the words of Sam Vimes, "a really suspicious bastard", and they reveal that in all kinds of subtle ways. Just one more clue that he isn't quite just the grinning fool with the heart(s) big enough for the whole world he is on the surface. Or rather, he is, but he's other things, too.

...his sonic screwdriver...

I love that thing. I love how attached he is to it. I love how it can do, like, anything, but is never really terribly useful. I like how it's a minor freeform plot device, that they could totally abuse, but they don't.... like the "triple the flammability of this alcohol" thing. I very much wanted to groan and roll my eyes and yell, "CHEATING!", but it was brilliant, because he was bluffing, and no, the screwdriver wasn't going to get them out and open a plot hole big enough to drive a truck through.

He needs her to learn, too.

Yes, but not the same lessons he has-- if she had killed people, and it hadn't worked out all right, it would have been a hell of a lot harder on her, and would have made her more like him. Which is, I suspect, exactly what he doesn't need.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

that's rather Philippa, isn't it?

Yes. I can see parallels. He has the guilt and the past, she has the experiences she needs to undergo before she has real insight rather than just clever intuition. He is a mercurial, dangerous clown and she is his ballast. Hmm.

I'm a little tender on the subject of fathers, but that really didn't affect me terribly.

It isn't just the choice between the men... It's the choice between one world and another, and the choice between taking responsbility or not.

but a similar sort of feeling that has more to do with earth-shattering friendship and companionship and acceptance than it does romantic love.

A developing relationship that has many dimensions.

I love how it can do, like, anything, but is never really terribly useful.

Yes. It can be handy but it never just saves the day for them, which would be cheap. There's a wonderful exchange about the sonic screwdriver in "The Empty Child".

... would have made her more like him. Which is, I suspect, exactly what he doesn't need.

I agree absolutely. They're both at their best when their contrasts are emphasized.

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

I also love how Rose is the only one who calls the Doctor on his bullshit. "I wasn't really going to leave you", as if it's some great big gift or revelation, and she's just like, "Dude, I know."

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

she's just like, "Dude, I know."

She doesn't have his experience or knowledge but she's very good at the intuitive wisdom and very good at not letting him get away with certain types of manipulation.

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

I also love the way they're really awful to each other on occasion, but neither ever plays the really big cards, the unforgiveable ones-- like, Rose never says, "It's all your fault!" to him, even if it totally is, and the Doctor, when she's being naive, never once makes a remark about, "'Cause I'm nine hundred years old and you didn't even finish high-school, that's why you should listen to me!", even though it's totally true.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

he Doctor, when she's being naive, never once makes a remark about, "'Cause I'm nine hundred years old and you didn't even finish high-school, that's why you should listen to me!", even though it's totally true.

He does mutter about 'tiny little ape brains' but he never makes it personal. In fact, I think it's clear that he actually respects Rose and her thought processes. It's one of the reasons he likes her.

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

Exactly! And he never does the, "Because I'm an adult and you're not!" thing, even when he's angry enough to glare daggers at infant!Rose (which was hilarious, and creepy.)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

even when he's angry enough to glare daggers at infant!Rose (which was hilarious, and creepy.)

Yes, that was a good moment.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Uh-huh. I love the way in Father's Day nothing is quite the way Rose expects, especially her father. And she's willing to risk everything for him, and then it turns out to be the wrong choice, and she loses everything because of it, even the Doctor. And she deals with that.

I think this was the first episode where I came to really appreciate Rose.

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

All right! I admit it! In the past two days I have watched an entire four episodes of Doctor Who! Don't judge me! *weeps* If this stuff became illegal for some reason, I would be out on the street in seconds, rolling in filth and clutching at passersby's ankles and hissing, "Have you got any? Have you? Nine, Ten, I don't care-- even the Eighth Doctor will do-- come on, you know I'm good for it!", and my mum, upon hearing my sad condition, would weep delicately into her lace hankerchief, and my father would say, "Well, it was her own decision. She chose to put those episodes in front of her own eyes", and they would have to cart me away in a van.

Okay, maybe slight exaggeration, but, seriously. Loved "The Long Game" (scary!) LOVED "Father's Day". Loved, with a love that is pure as the driven... uh... uh... the driven... well, currently all we have around here is blazing heat and smog, so "as pure as the driven humidity", I guess, "The Empty Child" and "The Doctor Dances" (!!!!) Am clearly doomed forever to adore people called Captain Jack. Loved the use of dancing as a metaphor for grace and for sex. Restrained self manfully from watering the earth with my precious tears at the Doctor's, "Come on, give me one day like this. Give me this one", but it was a near thing.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I admit it! In the past two days I have watched an entire four episodes of Doctor Who! Don't judge me!

Now, how could I judge you? I'm the person who watched four episodes in one day because I just couldn't stop. That was one before work, three after I got home. I think you probably understand how I just couldn't help myself? There may be a 12-point plan for curing oneself of addiction to Doctor Who but if there is I don't want anything to do with it.

The Empty Child and The Doctor Dances are my favourite episodes for the reasons you mention and more. I think the dialogue is nothing short of brilliant.

Am clearly doomed forever to adore people called Captain Jack.

It can't be just the name, but there's something about the name that attaches itself to magnificent characters....

Loved the use of dancing as a metaphor for grace and for sex.

Yes.

it was a near thing.

I think I cried. Shamelessly.

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

Well, make that five in two days, since I'm currently a bit into "Boom Town", and am trying not to be utterly overwhelmed by the awesomeness of the Rose/Doctor/Jack friendships.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

make that five in two days

hee. Go for it.

I'm currently a bit into "Boom Town"

Love that episode. Have you got to the dinner scene yet? Many wonderful moments there.

the awesomeness of the Rose/Doctor/Jack friendships

Oh yes! (Poor Mickey.)

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

In fact, on some level, I just want the series to end, right there: Jack and Rose and the Doctor in Cardiff with Mickey, bumming around and laughing and holding hands and bouncing off one another in that specialized way that's such a pleasure to behold.

Except mostly I don't, which is why I keep watching.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

on some level, I just want the series to end, right there: Jack and Rose and the Doctor in Cardiff with Mickey, bumming around and laughing and holding hands

Yes. Just preserve that wonderful point in time - where they are clearly and manifestly happy, and together.

It's a high point.

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. Also, poor Mickey.

I also love the way Jack doesn't seem to need to get between the Doctor and Rose (eheheh... not gonna make that joke): he doesn't butt in when they're dancing, just watches with this huge grin on his face, because their sweetness with each other is part of what makes him like them. It's really unusual for something like that to be written so gracefully, rather than in the clichéd, snarly-male pattern (not that the Doctor isn't just a bit, and satisfyingly, protective of her, but it's just enough to be endearing, not, "Oh God, here we go again.")

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

It's really unusual for something like that to be written so gracefully, rather than in the clichéd, snarly-male pattern

I agree, it's part of what makes it so wonderful. And yes, the Doctor is protective of Rose at first, but only when he thinks and knows that jack is a crook who set up a dangerous situation. When that is resolved he forgives Jack entirely and has no qualms - sort of the same pattern as with Rose in "Father's Day". Jack proves himself very much as Rose did.

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

There also seems to be a shift in the Doctor-- he's become something just a tiny bit different since The Doctor Dances. I can't really explain it, and it may be all in my head, but the most obvious thing is he's gone from seeking (and finding) grace to granting it. He seems a step... not a step removed, but somehow a step farther up, as if he's moved from Seeker to Guardian. (Also, that line about, "...every once in a while, a little victim spared. Because she smiled. Because he's got freckles. Because they begged. And that's how you live with yourself", was freakin' amazing. One the most beautifully written and delivered lines yet, I think. I'm thinking of building a shrine to C.E.'s subtle range of expression in my living room.)

Exactly. He knows she's got to do her own thing and is, by and large, cool with that, even when he's not entirely, on a different level, y'know, cool with that. (I'm thinking when she wanders off with Mickey here.) Jack's lovely. Much like the Doctor and Rose, he's got a fantastic grin.

I am super-duper impressed with this show's ability to realize that attraction is not a barrier to friendship. It seems like every time anyone is attracted to anyone else on television, it completely stunts or changes their dynamic and causes problems (even Joss Whedon is guilty of this.) And I realize half the time it's because the plot needs conflict and the attraction is just a vehicle for it, but ye Gods, it's also just not true (and I should know. *grin*) So I love that Jack and Rose and the Doctor can play Happy Families even though Rose thinks he's a hottie and Jack is probably madly in love with both of them (who wouldn't be, eh?)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

he's become something just a tiny bit different since The Doctor Dances.

Oh, yes. It's a turning point - but I'm not sure if it's a definitive turning point, or a progression. He also changes in Dalek, at least in terms of self-knowledge and self-awareness. And there's a whole new level of commitment. Or so I think. And from The Doctor Dances, I see a double progression: on the one hand, he is closer to humanity; on the other, more expressive of his more-than-human nature.

"...every once in a while, a little victim spared. Because she smiled. Because he's got freckles. Because they begged. And that's how you live with yourself", was freakin' amazing.

I think that made me shiver the first time I heard it. The Doctor can be compassionate, but he isn't an easy touch. There's a whole of understanding that I didn't expect because you just don't see it on TV.

I'm thinking of building a shrine to C.E.'s subtle range of expression in my living room.

Good plan.

Well, I now have his picture framed in various places in my bathroom. It's a start. Can't find exactly the pictures I really want, though, being economically deprived. I've stored them in my memory, and heck, if I forget so much as a tensed muscle or a suspicion of a smile, I can always watch the episode again, right?

Much like the Doctor and Rose, he's got a fantastic grin.

He isn't the type I usually like, but to a certain extent he isn't a type at all - like everyone else in the show, he shows a great deal of individuality. Not a standard con man, not a standard hero. I love the way he has the warm sincerity of the con man, and the real sincerity of the hero within him, all wrapped up in the same package. He fears he doesn't know himself; I think Rose and the Doctor trust him more than he trusts himself. And rightly, too.

I also like the little moments where the Doctor keeps him in line, knowing his weaknesses. ("D'you mind flirting outside?")

I am super-duper impressed with this show's ability to realize that attraction is not a barrier to friendship.

And it doesn't make the characters or the themes less interesting... and it doesn't bring everything to a halt. Their mutual attractions enhance them, rather than making them supress their personalities - which happens so often in TV once characters become a couple.

I love that Jack and Rose and the Doctor can play Happy Families even though Rose thinks he's a hottie and Jack is probably madly in love with both of them (who wouldn't be, eh?)

What's delightful is that it's all so free of cliche. Of course Jack loves them, and we know that he's had his share of loneliness too, for all his flirtatiousness. And they accept him in a way they don't accept, say, Mickey, for a large number of unarticulated reasons. This is not to say that Mickey's isn't growing as a character too, and I love his 'outsider' role here. It is to say that the dynamic between any two characters is unique to each relationship.

[widget-alley.livejournal.com]

Wait, so... Jack has handcuffs? Raise your hand if you're surprised....

What, no takers?

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Jack has handcuffs? Raise your hand if you're surprised....

I'm sure Jack has precisely whatever he wants to have. Who could be surprised by the handcuffs?

[tangledwood.livejournal.com]

!!!

I had NO idea she (i.e. Megan Whalen Turner) was writing/had written a third book. You totally just made my day! *glee*

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad to have spread the happy news.

Yes, there is a third book about Eugenides, and it's absolutely brilliant.

Now I breathlessly await a fourth... Dare I hope?

[attolia.livejournal.com]

Oh! I didn't know she had another book out. I'm (obviously) a fan of the first two.

I'll have to go read this.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

You'll love it. It's a wonderful book.