SPIDERLIGHT

Continuing with my exploration of Tchaikovsky’s books, I was surprised to discover that he wrote “proper” fantasy. The plot follows a quest to destroy a dark lord, accompanied by a giant spider transformed into human form.

This book delves into Tchaikovsky’s unique ability to write from non-human perspectives, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. There’s a touch of humour here, though it’s reminiscent of watching people play Dungeons & Dragons. I enjoyed some of the twists and turns, and I would definitely be interested in reading more books in this genre.

It reminded me a bit of Abercrombie’s “Devils,” which I recently read.

¡Que cosa más entretenida de libro! Tiene un ritmo perfecto y va de situación interesante en situación interesante sin dejarte ni pestañear. Sería muy muy fácil haber convertido el asunto en quinientas páginas más de lore y reflexiones, pero se centra en el par de temas que quiere contar y no puedes más que agradecerlo. Eso sí, novela sólo para los que disfrutan de la comedia autoconsciente.

El gran problema es el mismo problema que tiene Tchaikovsky con todos los libros: personajes planísimos, relaciones pilladas por los pelos y 0 desarrollo. Quizás Enth es el que podría salvarse más de este inevitable, con ese intento de reflexionar sobre la complejidad de las contradicciones humanas, pero queda descompensado con todo el plantel de cartón piedra que lo rodea.

Adrian Tchaikovsky does Sword & Sorcery.

Spiderlight is both a light hearted and a serious examination of the creatures of the light and of the dark dichotomy of the Tolkienish, Sword & Sorcery genre, and it is not subtle about it.

Sometimes too crude, but has a lot of fun and serious moments.

Tchaikovsky gets to examine the concept of an uplifted spider in a fantasy setting.

Shorter than I would have liked, but an excellent read. A reminder that it is our choices—not the circumstances of our births—that make us good or bad in the end.

All glory to Enth, Hero of the Dark!