Phoenix

3.5 stars. Originally posted at Fantasy Literature.

Phoenix, the fifth novel in Steven Brust???s VLAD TALTOS series, is a turning point in Vlad???s story. By the end of this book, his life will have changed drastically. The story begins as Vlad is stuck in a situation that he might not be able to get out of alive. In desperation, he calls on Verra, his patron goddess, for help. She saves him (or so it appears), and in return she demands that he sail to the island kingdom of Greenaere and assassinate its king. Vlad can???t refuse, and so he goes. This sets off a series of events that eventually lead to a Teckla revolution in Adrilankha. During all the turmoil, both Vlad and his wife Cawti, a member of a rebel group, are captured and rescued more than once, and both have reason to believe they don???t have much longer to live. The usual crew is there to help, though, including Kragar (Vlad???s assistant), Loiosh and Rocza (his jhereg... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/reviews/phoenix/