The Fionavar Tapestry – By Guy Gavriel Kay
A review of the classic epic fantasy written by Guy Gavriel Kay.
As an avid sci-fi/fantasy reader I’m always on the lookout for a great epic fantasy story. Any time you read a great epic you don’t really have a choice but to compare it to The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein. Almost all comparisons end up being how Tolkein did it better or how the author in question took one of Tolkein’s themes and changed it slightly to make it their own. Since The Lord of the Rings has become such a byword in epic fantasy and is so well written, 99% of the books compared to it pale drastically in comparison.
Image via Wikipedia
The Fionavar Tapestry by Canadian author Guy Gavriel Kay is perhaps the only story I would put above The Lord of the Rings in terms of pure, emotion-wrenching storytelling. It takes the reader on a journey through the brightest and darkest regions of the human soul. Kay creates characters so real, so intense, it becomes hard to separate yourself from them. It is a page turner in the truest sense of the word because to stop reading is to stop feeding your soul.
I won’t say too much on the books (written as a trilogy) for two reasons. First, many writers better than I have extolled on the virtues of these books. Marion Zimmer Bradley, famous fantasy author, said of The Fionavar Tapestry, “It’s one of those rare books that change your perception of the world forever afterward.” Never have I heard words so true nor read a book that impacted me so much emotionally.
Second, the book speaks for itself. I’ve read it at least twenty-five times from cover to cover, and I still tear up, or full out cry at least a dozen points in the book. Even if you know it’s coming, the writing grabs a hold of your heart and wrenches in ways you never thought possible.
Image via Wikipedia
If you haven’t read this book, you need to. Go buy it right now. Believe me, you’ll want to buy it. There’s a good chance you’ll read it several times. There’s a good chance it will change your life.
I also highly recommend taking a look at Guy Gavriel Kay’s authorized website:
Liked it
You have certainly made me interested.
I enjoyed your book review. I love reading. I will have to look for the book.