BOOK REVIEW: Night's Master - Tanith Lee
Nov. 16th, 2009 07:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
porphyrinFor those familiar with the gorgeous, evocative writing of Tanith Lee, the tales of the Flat Earth are likely well known and well loved. Night's Master, the first volume in the Flat Earth series, has been reprinted by Norilana Books, and deservedly so.
Ms. Lee carries the reader along effortlessly through a series of linked short stories, the center of whom is Azhrarn, Lord of the Underworld, king of demons, beloved and hated and feared, and about whom the lives of so many mortals revolve-- whether they will it or not. Night's Master, I think, is the sensual sister to the Brothers Grimm-- or perhaps, the courtesan cousin of the old Norse myths. The writing is opulent and full of splendid images, and yet Ms. Lee uses the contrast of the occasional stark phrase to deadly effect.
Norilana Books has chosen a simple, near-monochromatic piece of art for the cover of this particular edition. The artwork upon the cover is rendered in what on first glance appears to be grey and black. A closer inspection shows hints of red, topaz, and even aquamarine within the cover art. Given the imagery and vibrancy contained within, the restraint of this choice makes it perfect: the most brilliant jewels are shown against black velvet, after all. [ETA: I am told the image was created by Ms. Lee and her husband, and that they will be creating the cover art for all of the titles in the TaLeKa imprint.]
The volume is relatively slim, but has a pleasing weight in the hands, and unlike so many of the paper books I read these days, is easy on the eyes, with a clear font and spacing that does not make my head ache to read it.
Overall, this is an impressive offering from a smaller publisher; if you do not own this volume already, I would encourage you to obtain it... and to support a small press while you are at it. :)
(Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with an ARC for the purposes of review.)
Ms. Lee carries the reader along effortlessly through a series of linked short stories, the center of whom is Azhrarn, Lord of the Underworld, king of demons, beloved and hated and feared, and about whom the lives of so many mortals revolve-- whether they will it or not. Night's Master, I think, is the sensual sister to the Brothers Grimm-- or perhaps, the courtesan cousin of the old Norse myths. The writing is opulent and full of splendid images, and yet Ms. Lee uses the contrast of the occasional stark phrase to deadly effect.
Norilana Books has chosen a simple, near-monochromatic piece of art for the cover of this particular edition. The artwork upon the cover is rendered in what on first glance appears to be grey and black. A closer inspection shows hints of red, topaz, and even aquamarine within the cover art. Given the imagery and vibrancy contained within, the restraint of this choice makes it perfect: the most brilliant jewels are shown against black velvet, after all. [ETA: I am told the image was created by Ms. Lee and her husband, and that they will be creating the cover art for all of the titles in the TaLeKa imprint.]
The volume is relatively slim, but has a pleasing weight in the hands, and unlike so many of the paper books I read these days, is easy on the eyes, with a clear font and spacing that does not make my head ache to read it.
Overall, this is an impressive offering from a smaller publisher; if you do not own this volume already, I would encourage you to obtain it... and to support a small press while you are at it. :)
(Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with an ARC for the purposes of review.)
