Dzur (Steven Brust novel)
 first edition cover | |
| Author | Steven Brust |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Vlad Taltos novels |
| Genre | Fantasy novel |
| Publisher | Tor Books |
Publication date | October 2007 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 288 pp (first edition, paperback) |
| ISBN | 0-7653-4154-9 (first edition, paperback) |
| OCLC | 181587774 |
| Preceded by | Issola |
| Followed by | Jhegaala |
Dzur is the title of the tenth book of the Vlad Taltos series, originally published in 2006 by Tor Books. It takes place immediately after Issola. The novel was originally intended to be called Tiassa, after another Dragaeran House. The book entered the New York Times Bestseller list for Hardcover Fiction on August 22, 2006.[1][2]
Plot
While eating at Valabar's, Vlad is indirectly asked to help his ex-wife, Cawti, resolve a problem in South Andrilankha, the Easterners' Quarter. While investigating, Vlad determines that the Left Hand of the Jhereg, the sorceresses, are actually trying to muscle in on the territory. Inadvertently destroying the soul of one with his Great Weapon, Lady Teldra, Vlad is targeted by the Left Hand. To escape and resolve the situation, he must act like a Dzurlord, putting himself up against uneven odds in a battle he has little chance of winning, for what he thinks is right.
This novel features the first in-person appearance of Mario Greymist, an assassin of great reputation who is also Aliera's lover. His reputation as the greatest of assassins was established by killing Emperor Tortaalik I, an event that helped cause the temporary dissolution of the empire. Mario makes himself available for hire, revealing that his contact and front man is none other than Vlad's long-time friend and former second-in-command Kragar.
The novel also introduces Telnan, the newest and possibly only member of the Lavodes in training. Telnan is young (for a Dragaeran) and uncommonly cheerful (for a Dzur). His conversation with Vlad helps to clarify the motivations behind a Dzurlord's behavior. He possesses, coincidentally, a Great Weapon: 'Loci for different levels of energy from various phases of existence'. He prefers to call it 'Nightslayer', because it sounds 'dangerous, and evil, and like that'.
Notes
- ↑ "Hardcover Fiction". Best Sellers. New York Times. 27 August 2006.
- ↑ "SFFH Books on General Bestseller Lists". Locus. 22 August 2006.