What do you think?
Rate this book
Khaim Novellas #2
The Alchemist
Magic has a price. But someone else will pay. Every time a spell is cast, a bit of bramble sprouts, sending up tangling vines, bloody thorns, and threatening a poisonous sleep. It sprouts in tilled fields and in neighbors' roof beams, thrusts up from between street cobbles, and bursts forth from sacks of powdered spice. A bit of magic, and bramble follows. A little at first, and then more--until whole cities are dragged down under tangling vines and empires lie dead, ruins choked by bramble forest. Monuments to people who loved magic too much.
In paired novellas, award-winning authors Tobias Buckell and Paolo Bacigalupi explore a shared world where magic is forbidden and its use is rewarded with the axe. A world of glittering memories and a desperate present, where everyone uses a little magic, and someone else always pays the price.
In the beleaguered city of Khaim, a lone alchemist seeks a solution to a deadly threat. The bramble, a plant that feeds upon magic, now presses upon Khaim, nourished by the furtive spellcasting of its inhabitants and
threatening to strangle the city under poisonous vines. Driven by desperation and genius, the alchemist constructs a device that transcends magic, unlocking the mysteries of bramble s essential nature. But the power of his newly-built balanthast is even greater than he dreamed. Where he sought to save a city
and its people, the balanthast has the potential to save the world entire--if it doesn't destroy him and his family first.
In paired novellas, award-winning authors Tobias Buckell and Paolo Bacigalupi explore a shared world where magic is forbidden and its use is rewarded with the axe. A world of glittering memories and a desperate present, where everyone uses a little magic, and someone else always pays the price.
In the beleaguered city of Khaim, a lone alchemist seeks a solution to a deadly threat. The bramble, a plant that feeds upon magic, now presses upon Khaim, nourished by the furtive spellcasting of its inhabitants and
threatening to strangle the city under poisonous vines. Driven by desperation and genius, the alchemist constructs a device that transcends magic, unlocking the mysteries of bramble s essential nature. But the power of his newly-built balanthast is even greater than he dreamed. Where he sought to save a city
and its people, the balanthast has the potential to save the world entire--if it doesn't destroy him and his family first.
95 pages, Hardcover
First published January 31, 2011
103 people are currently reading
2737 people want to read
About the author
Paolo Bacigalupi
133 books4,860 followersPaolo Bacigalupi is an award-winning author of novels for adults and young people.
His debut novel THE WINDUP GIRL was named by TIME Magazine as one of the ten best novels of 2009, and also won the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, Compton Crook, and John W. Campbell Memorial Awards. Internationally, it has won the Seiun Award (Japan), The Ignotus Award (Spain), The Kurd-Laßwitz-Preis (Germany), and the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire (France).
His debut young adult novel, SHIP BREAKER, was a Micheal L. Printz Award Winner, and a National Book Award Finalist, and its sequel, THE DROWNED CITIES, was a 2012 Kirkus Reviews Best of YA Book, A 2012 VOYA Perfect Ten Book, and 2012 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist. The final book in the series, TOOL OF WAR, will release in October of 2017.
His latest novel for adults is The New York Times Bestseller THE WATER KNIFE, a near-future thriller about climate change and drought in the southwestern United States.
His debut novel THE WINDUP GIRL was named by TIME Magazine as one of the ten best novels of 2009, and also won the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, Compton Crook, and John W. Campbell Memorial Awards. Internationally, it has won the Seiun Award (Japan), The Ignotus Award (Spain), The Kurd-Laßwitz-Preis (Germany), and the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire (France).
His debut young adult novel, SHIP BREAKER, was a Micheal L. Printz Award Winner, and a National Book Award Finalist, and its sequel, THE DROWNED CITIES, was a 2012 Kirkus Reviews Best of YA Book, A 2012 VOYA Perfect Ten Book, and 2012 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist. The final book in the series, TOOL OF WAR, will release in October of 2017.
His latest novel for adults is The New York Times Bestseller THE WATER KNIFE, a near-future thriller about climate change and drought in the southwestern United States.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
June 6, 2011
Chances are good that you checked this book out of the library accidentally, and you actually wanted The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I mean, it is understandable: slim novellas of the same name by two dudes with similar Italian-sounding names (Paolo/Paulo! What are the odds?). Count yourself lucky -- you got the good one. The other one is full of bullshit, no matter what that lady at work keeps telling you.
Paolo Bacigalupi loves to remind you how much people suck. Indeed, that could have been the subtitle to The Windup Girl. That or "Everyone is Fucking Up the World, and No, They Don't Really Care." Which, again, also works for The Alchemist. The novel is sci-fi and this novella is fantasy, but though the trappings are different, they are of a piece thematically, even if The Alchemist goes about things a bit more subtly.
In this world, magic exists, but carries a very real price -- every time a spell is cast, a sprig of thorny, magic-seeking bramble (think Sleeping Beauty) sprouts from the ground surrounding the city. A long time ago, everyone used magic a lot, to do whatever they wanted: yeah, castles are cool, but flying castles are where it's at. The great civilizations crumbled, choked by the plant, their cities poisoned and destroyed by their refusal to recognize that actions have consequences.
Civilization recovered (as they seem to do), but the problem still exists: magic use is outlawed, but people just can't help themselves, and the bramble encroaches ever more on the city's boundaries. And really, would you want to stop using magic? I mean, sure, you don't need to ride your flying carpet to work, but a little here and there won't hurt, as long as you have a really good reason (curing the sick! You are richer and more powerful than everyone else! Flying bridges are neat!). The problem is that everyone has a reason.
There is a real world parallel here. Something... I can't quite put my finger on it WHAT COULD IT BE?
This could be a really preachy story, but its removal into a fantasy context tempers the stridency somewhat. And it is certainly an elegant way to illustrate the problem, isn't it? We tell ourselves that the choices were make don't really contribute to the problems that are much larger than ourselves, try to forget the fact that everything large is made up of a lot of things that are very small.
This is a companion piece to The Executioness (they were originally bundled together as audiobooks), but aside from the shared setting, you don't need to read them both to enjoy either. You'll probably want to though.
Paolo Bacigalupi loves to remind you how much people suck. Indeed, that could have been the subtitle to The Windup Girl. That or "Everyone is Fucking Up the World, and No, They Don't Really Care." Which, again, also works for The Alchemist. The novel is sci-fi and this novella is fantasy, but though the trappings are different, they are of a piece thematically, even if The Alchemist goes about things a bit more subtly.
In this world, magic exists, but carries a very real price -- every time a spell is cast, a sprig of thorny, magic-seeking bramble (think Sleeping Beauty) sprouts from the ground surrounding the city. A long time ago, everyone used magic a lot, to do whatever they wanted: yeah, castles are cool, but flying castles are where it's at. The great civilizations crumbled, choked by the plant, their cities poisoned and destroyed by their refusal to recognize that actions have consequences.
Civilization recovered (as they seem to do), but the problem still exists: magic use is outlawed, but people just can't help themselves, and the bramble encroaches ever more on the city's boundaries. And really, would you want to stop using magic? I mean, sure, you don't need to ride your flying carpet to work, but a little here and there won't hurt, as long as you have a really good reason (curing the sick! You are richer and more powerful than everyone else! Flying bridges are neat!). The problem is that everyone has a reason.
There is a real world parallel here. Something... I can't quite put my finger on it WHAT COULD IT BE?
This could be a really preachy story, but its removal into a fantasy context tempers the stridency somewhat. And it is certainly an elegant way to illustrate the problem, isn't it? We tell ourselves that the choices were make don't really contribute to the problems that are much larger than ourselves, try to forget the fact that everything large is made up of a lot of things that are very small.
This is a companion piece to The Executioness (they were originally bundled together as audiobooks), but aside from the shared setting, you don't need to read them both to enjoy either. You'll probably want to though.
February 28, 2011
3.0 to 3.5 stars. Paolo Bacigalupi is one of my favorite SF writers working today and his first novel, The Windup Girl, is on my list of “All Time Favorite” books. So when I heard he was going to write a fantasy story, I was like:
.
.
.
Add to that wonderful piece of news that Paolo was going to team up and create a shared fantasy world with another of my favorite authors, Tobias Buckell, and all I could think of was…
.
.
.
.
.
.
Well in the first of these shared world stories, Mr. Bacigalupi introduces us to a world in which magic exists but its use has been savagely curtailed as a result of the devastating effect that the use of magic has on the environment. As explained in the story, the use of magic has caused the growth and spread of a ubiquitous and fatally poisonous “bramble” that is slowly encroaching and choking off each of the cities in which magic was once a common occurrence. As a result of this deadly relationship between magic and the bramble, anyone caught using magic of any kind is immediately put to death by the “Executioners” axe.
This description sets the stage for this novella and as usual Bacigalupi’s prose is excellent and his characters are engaging, especially the relationship between the main character Jeoz and his daughter, which is superb. In addition, Bacigalupi employs his gift for “environmental” fiction in showing a world slowly dying as a result of its own actions and the selfish refusal of those in power to take the necessary steps to explore solutions when it is contrary to their own selfish interests. However, to his credit, this “don’t destroy the environment” message is never heavy handed and its delivery never bogs down the story.
With this story, I think it is safe to say that Bacigalupi has shown himself to be able to effectively write genre fantasy and I hope to see more from him in the near future. As for the 3.0 to 3.5 star rating, the reason I did not rate this story higher is really more the result of what I saw as a fundamental flaw in the use of the short fiction format for this story. I think this story would have been much better if the author had written it as a full length novel and taken the time to be able to further describe and detail the world. It is very good for what it is but I just felt like I never had enough of a sense of place to be fully engaged in the novella. Thus, good to very good but not quite as excellent as his previous work. Recommended!!
Next Up: The Executioness by Tobias Buckell.
.
.
.
Add to that wonderful piece of news that Paolo was going to team up and create a shared fantasy world with another of my favorite authors, Tobias Buckell, and all I could think of was…
.
.
.
.
.
.
Well in the first of these shared world stories, Mr. Bacigalupi introduces us to a world in which magic exists but its use has been savagely curtailed as a result of the devastating effect that the use of magic has on the environment. As explained in the story, the use of magic has caused the growth and spread of a ubiquitous and fatally poisonous “bramble” that is slowly encroaching and choking off each of the cities in which magic was once a common occurrence. As a result of this deadly relationship between magic and the bramble, anyone caught using magic of any kind is immediately put to death by the “Executioners” axe.
This description sets the stage for this novella and as usual Bacigalupi’s prose is excellent and his characters are engaging, especially the relationship between the main character Jeoz and his daughter, which is superb. In addition, Bacigalupi employs his gift for “environmental” fiction in showing a world slowly dying as a result of its own actions and the selfish refusal of those in power to take the necessary steps to explore solutions when it is contrary to their own selfish interests. However, to his credit, this “don’t destroy the environment” message is never heavy handed and its delivery never bogs down the story.
With this story, I think it is safe to say that Bacigalupi has shown himself to be able to effectively write genre fantasy and I hope to see more from him in the near future. As for the 3.0 to 3.5 star rating, the reason I did not rate this story higher is really more the result of what I saw as a fundamental flaw in the use of the short fiction format for this story. I think this story would have been much better if the author had written it as a full length novel and taken the time to be able to further describe and detail the world. It is very good for what it is but I just felt like I never had enough of a sense of place to be fully engaged in the novella. Thus, good to very good but not quite as excellent as his previous work. Recommended!!
Next Up: The Executioness by Tobias Buckell.
April 30, 2011
Okay, that's it, I'm offically a fan-girl for Paolo. The Alchemist is one of a pair of novellas (the other by Tobias Buckell,) set in the same fantasy world, where magic is destroying the Kingdoms by fueling the growth of a magical and deadly bramble.
The titular character devotes his life to finding a way to defeat the bramble and restore the ability and right for all to use magic. Unfortunately, he runs afoul of those in power who use the threat to carry out their own bloody agenda.
It all follows a classic storyline: good man does good things at great sacrifice, is discovered, becomes a pawn for those who do bad things... I don't know about anybody else, but I read genre fiction because I want the classic stories. What I'm looking for is prose that pulls me into the world, makes me care about the people drawn therein, and makes me feel what they are feeling.
On all counts, The Alchemist delivers. My only complaint, as with all good stories, is that it ended too soon.
The titular character devotes his life to finding a way to defeat the bramble and restore the ability and right for all to use magic. Unfortunately, he runs afoul of those in power who use the threat to carry out their own bloody agenda.
It all follows a classic storyline: good man does good things at great sacrifice, is discovered, becomes a pawn for those who do bad things... I don't know about anybody else, but I read genre fiction because I want the classic stories. What I'm looking for is prose that pulls me into the world, makes me care about the people drawn therein, and makes me feel what they are feeling.
On all counts, The Alchemist delivers. My only complaint, as with all good stories, is that it ended too soon.
September 9, 2012
I didn't expect to like The Alchemist more than The Executioness, since I didn't like Paolo Bacigalupi's work when I last encountered it, but actually I preferred it by quite a bit. It has a male main character whose life revolves around taking care of his daughter, so in this case I actually enjoyed the protective parent trope. The whole world felt more real to me, too -- I caught on to the ideas quicker. It probably doesn't help that apparently this one is meant to be read first and I did it the other way round; this one does make a better introduction.
The magic system is quite unique, too, which is fascinating -- it's rare for something to surprise me at all in the fantasy genre, and there was something fresh about this one.
Character-wise, I probably liked Tana better, but I preferred the plot of The Alchemist.
The magic system is quite unique, too, which is fascinating -- it's rare for something to surprise me at all in the fantasy genre, and there was something fresh about this one.
Character-wise, I probably liked Tana better, but I preferred the plot of The Alchemist.
January 18, 2014
I loved this short novella, my first book by Bacigalupi. Written in the expressive, lyrical language, it depicts a world rich in detail and traditions that have a slightly Eastern flavor. Although the plotline is rather uninspiring, the magical system is original, the pacing fast, and the protagonist as real as my neighbors.
Vulnerable and weak, naïve as a dreamer and definitely not a hero, the main character in this story cares mainly for his six-year-old sick daughter. He would do anything for her, break any law, sacrifice his integrity, even subvert his talent to the service of evil.
Despite his faults and his flexible morals, I like the guy. As a mother myself, I understand his dilemmas and I accept his choices, however reprehensible they might seem to others.
This little tale reached deep into my emotional core and touched my heart. I swallowed this book in one sitting, something I rarely do.
And I’d like to add that the illustrations by J.K. Drummond are gorgeous.
Vulnerable and weak, naïve as a dreamer and definitely not a hero, the main character in this story cares mainly for his six-year-old sick daughter. He would do anything for her, break any law, sacrifice his integrity, even subvert his talent to the service of evil.
Despite his faults and his flexible morals, I like the guy. As a mother myself, I understand his dilemmas and I accept his choices, however reprehensible they might seem to others.
This little tale reached deep into my emotional core and touched my heart. I swallowed this book in one sitting, something I rarely do.
And I’d like to add that the illustrations by J.K. Drummond are gorgeous.
September 18, 2016
Actual rating 2.5 stars
Okay! So let's start off by saying that this book really really.... unusual?. The plot was very original. Paolo Bacigalupi's quick little novella tells the story of a world trapped in the midst of a rather difficult quandary: while magic is possible (accessible, even), it has a price. Every time it's used, it spurs on the growth of a deadly bramble that has already destroyed a good part of the world and continue to threaten to overrun the city of Khaim. Magic has consequently been outlawed, but it's use is still widespread and justifications abound. The Alchemist tells the story of Jeoz, the titular alchemist who thinks he's found a way to decisively beat back the bramble and restore his world to its previous grandeur.
It's a pretty clever idea, and Bacigulpi has created a pretty distinctive world. Everything has a vaguely eastern vibe coupled with an early-modern/Renaissance feel which makes for a fun setting (and there are hints of flying castles!). It also avoids being too overtly preachy, which would have been easy given the subject matter. So yea, it was very unusual... I was like "it's cool, but really?" that sort of thing.
Things in this book happened too fast and the parts that were boring too slow. Pila was my favorite character and I wished that she was the main character of the story instead of an inmature father. Because yes, he was an adult with a 6 year old daughter that behaved like a completely teenager at some points. However, deep down he had really good intentions and it was clever the way he got out of the situation he was involved in. Pride is something he has to work out with because he got in lots of trouble because of it.
Then we have Jiala, the alchemist's daughter, that behaved like her age obviously but sometimes talked like she was 15 years old. I mean what the heck?!
What were the good things about this story? Well, there was something about the writting that made me want to keep going. I don't know, there was just this vibe...you know what I mean? Some chapters ended in such a way that made me thing "oMG what's next?!" so yea that happened....
Too bad there's a second story of this...because they could've merged it into one instead !!! And what's weird is that the second novella is written by a different author...what the heckkkk....
Okay! So let's start off by saying that this book really really.... unusual?. The plot was very original. Paolo Bacigalupi's quick little novella tells the story of a world trapped in the midst of a rather difficult quandary: while magic is possible (accessible, even), it has a price. Every time it's used, it spurs on the growth of a deadly bramble that has already destroyed a good part of the world and continue to threaten to overrun the city of Khaim. Magic has consequently been outlawed, but it's use is still widespread and justifications abound. The Alchemist tells the story of Jeoz, the titular alchemist who thinks he's found a way to decisively beat back the bramble and restore his world to its previous grandeur.
It's a pretty clever idea, and Bacigulpi has created a pretty distinctive world. Everything has a vaguely eastern vibe coupled with an early-modern/Renaissance feel which makes for a fun setting (and there are hints of flying castles!). It also avoids being too overtly preachy, which would have been easy given the subject matter. So yea, it was very unusual... I was like "it's cool, but really?" that sort of thing.
Things in this book happened too fast and the parts that were boring too slow. Pila was my favorite character and I wished that she was the main character of the story instead of an inmature father. Because yes, he was an adult with a 6 year old daughter that behaved like a completely teenager at some points. However, deep down he had really good intentions and it was clever the way he got out of the situation he was involved in. Pride is something he has to work out with because he got in lots of trouble because of it.
Then we have Jiala, the alchemist's daughter, that behaved like her age obviously but sometimes talked like she was 15 years old. I mean what the heck?!
What were the good things about this story? Well, there was something about the writting that made me want to keep going. I don't know, there was just this vibe...you know what I mean? Some chapters ended in such a way that made me thing "oMG what's next?!" so yea that happened....
Too bad there's a second story of this...because they could've merged it into one instead !!! And what's weird is that the second novella is written by a different author...what the heckkkk....
January 1, 2012
In all my reading, I do my best not to compare books unless they are written by the same author. Despite mentally bludgeoning my brain with punches, I couldn’t help it. The fact that I took to reading this book within minutes after finishing a novel that left me disappointed, Bacigalupi’s The Alchemist unexpectedly lifted my mood. I was charmed by the contrast in plot, characters, and writing style—so much so that I might suggest you consider the influence this has over my four-star rating. (Although I assert indifference, I secretly harbor waves of emotion that occasionally reach the surface. Ergo: If I go on a date with a man whose bad behavior tops Charlie Sheen (i.e., the disappointing novel), I just might mistake my next date for Ewan McGregor (because no one can break my McGregor love) when he’s really just another, though not-as-bad, Sheen (i.e., The Alchemist). In other words: do I honestly think this is a good book, or am I on a high because my previous read left me flirting with the idea of breaking its spine?)
So I read it a second time.
And then I read it a third time, at which point I decided, "Yes. This is good."
Truthfully, I did not expect much from a book only 95 pages long. That said, I’m impressed by what Bacigalupi’s writing manages to accomplish in such short length. Through the entirety of this story, not only can I solidly grasp the characters—their relationships, emotions, behaviors, surroundings—but there are quite a few passages that I find impressionable. The story begins:
And just a couple more examples:
While I read, I pictured everything vividly (minus the device used to kill bramble, I’ll admit) like a movie playing out in my head. There are parts that I feel occur almost too suddenly, such as how the relationship between Jeoz and Pila strides onto a new level within a mere sentence or two. This is, however, a short, short story—not a novel that spends time elaborating and exploring its characters. (I won’t deny that I did enjoy imagining this as film, picturing various character relationships and events play out as the plot trots along, unfolding.) Although brief, Bacigalupi provides you with enough detail to visualize and understand without scarring the story with poor or choppy execution.
The Alchemist was recommended to me over the summer, yet it took five months to get around to the part in which I actually read it. This is a shame, really, only because I could have taken delight in experiencing this book—which I describe as captivating and equally engaging—sooner. All in all, I am rapt by lure of this book. If your local library has it, check it out; if your favorite bookstore has it, buy it. You shouldn’t feel disappointed. I'm rather picky about which books I purchase, and I would not mind this little gem sitting on my shelf.
For a more concise, short review on what this story is about (without divulging too much), I direct you here.
So I read it a second time.
And then I read it a third time, at which point I decided, "Yes. This is good."
Truthfully, I did not expect much from a book only 95 pages long. That said, I’m impressed by what Bacigalupi’s writing manages to accomplish in such short length. Through the entirety of this story, not only can I solidly grasp the characters—their relationships, emotions, behaviors, surroundings—but there are quite a few passages that I find impressionable. The story begins:
It's difficult to sell your last bed to a neighbor. More difficult still when your only child clings like a spider monkey to its frame, and screams as if you were chopping off her arms with an axe every time you try to remove her.
And just a couple more examples:
It's easy to fail yourself, but failing before another, one who has watched you wager so much and so mightily on an uncertain future—well, that is too much shame to bear.
I held up my torch, staring. Even at the perimeter of the balanthast's destruction, the bramble growth hung limp like rags. I stepped forward, cautious. Struck a damaged plant with a gloved hand. Its vines sizzled with escaping sap, and collapsed.
While I read, I pictured everything vividly (minus the device used to kill bramble, I’ll admit) like a movie playing out in my head. There are parts that I feel occur almost too suddenly, such as how the relationship between Jeoz and Pila strides onto a new level within a mere sentence or two. This is, however, a short, short story—not a novel that spends time elaborating and exploring its characters. (I won’t deny that I did enjoy imagining this as film, picturing various character relationships and events play out as the plot trots along, unfolding.) Although brief, Bacigalupi provides you with enough detail to visualize and understand without scarring the story with poor or choppy execution.
The Alchemist was recommended to me over the summer, yet it took five months to get around to the part in which I actually read it. This is a shame, really, only because I could have taken delight in experiencing this book—which I describe as captivating and equally engaging—sooner. All in all, I am rapt by lure of this book. If your local library has it, check it out; if your favorite bookstore has it, buy it. You shouldn’t feel disappointed. I'm rather picky about which books I purchase, and I would not mind this little gem sitting on my shelf.
For a more concise, short review on what this story is about (without divulging too much), I direct you here.
August 15, 2018
Interesting but not great. Writing was fine but the story seemed thin--characters were good or bad, not much in between. Power corrupts theme. I liked the Windup Girl better.
June 19, 2012
Paolo Bacigalupi's quick little novella tells the story of a world trapped in the midst of a rather difficult quandary: while magic is possible (accessible, even), it has a price. Every time it's used, it spurs on the growth of a deadly bramble that has already destroyed a good part of the world and continue to threaten to overrun the city of Khaim. Magic has consequently been outlawed, but it's use is still widespread and justifications abound. The Alchemist tells the story of Jeoz, the titular alchemist who thinks he's found a way to decisively beat back the bramble and restore his world to its previous grandeur.
It's a pretty clever idea, and Bacigulpi (along with Tobias S. Bucknell) has created a pretty distinctive world. Everything has a vaguely eastern vibe coupled with an early-modern/Renaissance feel which makes for a fun setting (and there are hints of flying castles!). It also avoids being too overtly preachy, which would have been easy given the subject matter.
Unfortunately, the story never really takes off. The characters all remain really, really flat (the daughter is nothing but a plot device / pity machine, Pila does absolutely nothing for the first half of the novella then weirdly/abruptly becomes a love interest who does mostly nothing except be generically supportive, the villain actually has a monologue about how much he loves absolute power, etc.). The plot also seems forced on occasion, as if people are doing things because the story needs them to do them more than because they're natural things for the character to do. Basically, its reads like an outline more than a published novella. I think it could have been a really interesting novel - the world was there, and the themes, and with some extra breathing room the characters could have grown into interesting figures. But as it, it left me feeling mostly indifferent.
It's a pretty clever idea, and Bacigulpi (along with Tobias S. Bucknell) has created a pretty distinctive world. Everything has a vaguely eastern vibe coupled with an early-modern/Renaissance feel which makes for a fun setting (and there are hints of flying castles!). It also avoids being too overtly preachy, which would have been easy given the subject matter.
Unfortunately, the story never really takes off. The characters all remain really, really flat (the daughter is nothing but a plot device / pity machine, Pila does absolutely nothing for the first half of the novella then weirdly/abruptly becomes a love interest who does mostly nothing except be generically supportive, the villain actually has a monologue about how much he loves absolute power, etc.). The plot also seems forced on occasion, as if people are doing things because the story needs them to do them more than because they're natural things for the character to do. Basically, its reads like an outline more than a published novella. I think it could have been a really interesting novel - the world was there, and the themes, and with some extra breathing room the characters could have grown into interesting figures. But as it, it left me feeling mostly indifferent.
December 12, 2012
Mulle meeldivad fantasy zanrist kõige rohkem jutud, kus leitud maagiale ka tasakaalustav punkt. Mingi konks, mis ei lase süüdimatult lõputus kogustes spellida vaid asjal on taga ka omalaadne konks või tagasilöök. Siin jutustuses oli olemas nii nutikas tagasilöök, kui ka samavõrra lahe idee selle neutaliseermiseks. Kõik see lahedas tumedates toonides kirja pandud ja tõlgitud Tartu ulmekirjutamise töötoa veterani Martin Kirotari poolt.
April 26, 2014
An alchemist has been working desperately to discover a solution to the fast-growing bramble that is engulfing his nation. He's bankrupted his family in pursuit of his research - but finally, he may be on the verge of a breakthrough.
The poisonous bramble is fed by magic - every time someone casts a spell, the dangerous plant grows a bit more. And everyone uses magic, even though it's illegal. Even the alchemist uses spells - without them, his beloved young daughter would die of her tubercular illness.
Like most (all?) of Bacigalupi's work, this story is a cautionary tale. The metaphor is clear: this is about environmentalism, and the seductiveness of doing the small, easy things that in conglomeration are destroying the planet. It's also about politics, and the reluctance to take any action out of altruism, even when the benefits to all are starkly obvious.
While it's got a pessimistic view of human nature as a whole; many of the individuals involved, while they may not be admirable, are treated with understanding and empathy.
Apparently, there's a companion piece to this, 'The Executioness' by Buckell. I haven't read that one yet, but I may - this world is fascinating. However, I'm really just hugely a fan of Bacigalupi's writing.
The poisonous bramble is fed by magic - every time someone casts a spell, the dangerous plant grows a bit more. And everyone uses magic, even though it's illegal. Even the alchemist uses spells - without them, his beloved young daughter would die of her tubercular illness.
Like most (all?) of Bacigalupi's work, this story is a cautionary tale. The metaphor is clear: this is about environmentalism, and the seductiveness of doing the small, easy things that in conglomeration are destroying the planet. It's also about politics, and the reluctance to take any action out of altruism, even when the benefits to all are starkly obvious.
While it's got a pessimistic view of human nature as a whole; many of the individuals involved, while they may not be admirable, are treated with understanding and empathy.
Apparently, there's a companion piece to this, 'The Executioness' by Buckell. I haven't read that one yet, but I may - this world is fascinating. However, I'm really just hugely a fan of Bacigalupi's writing.
dnf
July 24, 2012Rather flat and lifeless. I expected more from Bacigalupi. Actually, EVERY short story of his is better than this, IMO.
March 14, 2023
К творчеству Бачигалупи у меня довольно теплые отношения, потому что 9 лет назад я прочитал его "Заводную", которая мне очень понравилась, и примерно в тот период я начал читать фантастику. До сих пор к этой книге я питаю особенные чувства и думаю, что нужно как-нибудь ее перечитать, чтобы освежить ощущения. Вдруг я уже по-другому смотрю на литературу, чем тогда?=)
Потом я еще читал "Водяной нож" Бачигалупи, но этот роман не смог меня удивить. Хороший сценарий для задорного боевика про экологическую проблему. Отдохнуть за книгой можно, а вот восхититься - это вряд ли.
Данная же книга - это сборник рассказов. А рассказы, как известно, легко могут гулять по восприятию, и, как правило, в одной книге всегда хватает и неплохих произведений малой формы и очень даже проходных.
Но начинается книга с одноименной повести - "Алхимик". Сюжет интересный - в одной империи увлечение магией вылилось в появление опасных для жизни сорняков. Один укольчик шипами и ты труп. Чем больше магии творится, тем гуще растут эти кусты сорняков. Но один ученый, кажется, придумал средство борьбы с опасными растениями. Вот только в плохих руках это средство может стать оружием... Поначалу повесть показалась проходной, но чем больше разворачивался сюжет, тем больше он захватывал.
Но я немного боялся, что хороший бодрый старт может дальше продолжится чем-то более унылым. И мои опасения были абсолютно напрасны, ибо далее идут 3 шикарных рассказа, одному из которых я поставил 10 баллов.
"Полный карман дхармы" - о китайском мальчике, который случайно не по своей воле стал владельцем необычного куба с секретом.
"Девочка-флейта" - о двух сестрах, ставших жертвами биоинженерии.
"Народ песка и шлаков" - этот рассказ я читал раньше в сборнике про постапокалипсис, и именно ему я поставил 10 баллов, потому что люблю животных.
Еще одна "девятка" ушла от меня рассказу "Хлоп-отряд", который играет на струнах продолжения человеческого рода.
Только 4 рассказа были мной не очень поняты и оценены на 5 и 6, но их только 4. Остальные же рассказы прекрасны со всех сторон. Отличный сборник рассказов на любимые темы Паоло Бачигалупи - экологическая катастрофа, биоинженерия, выживающее человечество и трансформация ценностей в ближайшем будущем. Пока что это лучшее, что я читал в 2023 году.
Потом я еще читал "Водяной нож" Бачигалупи, но этот роман не смог меня удивить. Хороший сценарий для задорного боевика про экологическую проблему. Отдохнуть за книгой можно, а вот восхититься - это вряд ли.
Данная же книга - это сборник рассказов. А рассказы, как известно, легко могут гулять по восприятию, и, как правило, в одной книге всегда хватает и неплохих произведений малой формы и очень даже проходных.
Но начинается книга с одноименной повести - "Алхимик". Сюжет интересный - в одной империи увлечение магией вылилось в появление опасных для жизни сорняков. Один укольчик шипами и ты труп. Чем больше магии творится, тем гуще растут эти кусты сорняков. Но один ученый, кажется, придумал средство борьбы с опасными растениями. Вот только в плохих руках это средство может стать оружием... Поначалу повесть показалась проходной, но чем больше разворачивался сюжет, тем больше он захватывал.
Но я немного боялся, что хороший бодрый старт может дальше продолжится чем-то более унылым. И мои опасения были абсолютно напрасны, ибо далее идут 3 шикарных рассказа, одному из которых я поставил 10 баллов.
"Полный карман дхармы" - о китайском мальчике, который случайно не по своей воле стал владельцем необычного куба с секретом.
"Девочка-флейта" - о двух сестрах, ставших жертвами биоинженерии.
"Народ песка и шлаков" - этот рассказ я читал раньше в сборнике про постапокалипсис, и именно ему я поставил 10 баллов, потому что люблю животных.
Еще одна "девятка" ушла от меня рассказу "Хлоп-отряд", который играет на струнах продолжения человеческого рода.
Только 4 рассказа были мной не очень поняты и оценены на 5 и 6, но их только 4. Остальные же рассказы прекрасны со всех сторон. Отличный сборник рассказов на любимые темы Паоло Бачигалупи - экологическая катастрофа, биоинженерия, выживающее человечество и трансформация ценностей в ближайшем будущем. Пока что это лучшее, что я читал в 2023 году.
January 15, 2018
Jau senokai žvalgiausi į šitą autorių, bet vis kažkaip apeidavau. Metas vis dėlto susipažinti. Ir pasirinkau tam sau neįprastą būdą. Paprastai pirmiausiai griebiu stambiausią naujo autoriaus veikalą – kokį nors epinį ciklą, trilogiją, ar bent jau romaną. O tada jau, jei susidomiu, atsigręžiu ir į smulkiąją prozą. Šįsyk velniai žino kodėl pradėjau iš kito galo.
Taigi – „Alchemikas“ (pagaliau į klausimą „Ar skaitei „Alchemiką“? galėsiu atsakyti teigiamai – nebūtina gi visiems aiškinti, kad tai visai kito Pauliaus „Alchemikas“, ane?), tokia postapokaliptinė fantasy apysaka. Pasaulis,kuriame magija gali viską. Išgydyti mirtiną ligą, pastatyti skraidantį miestą. Bet ką. Viena bėda – paaiškėjo, kad tai turi savo kainą. Kuo daugiau naudojama magija, tuo labiau plečiasi brūzgynai, prarydami visa, kas gyva, stumdami žmoniją vis labiau ir labiau.
Apie siužetą nesiplėsiu – juolab kad jis anaiptol ne naujas. Valkiotas ir nuvalkiotas. Bet keliais šykščiais potepiais pateiktas pasaulis – gyvas. Dėmesys detalėms, gyvas nenuobodus pasakojimas. Nenuobodus, netgi atsižvelgiant į tai, kad visi siužeto vingiai nuspėjami nesunkiai.
Aukščiausio vertinimo gal nenusipelnė, bet ketvertas gana tvirtas toks. Čiumpu apsakymų rinkinį. Žiūrėsim, kas ten toliau.
Taigi – „Alchemikas“ (pagaliau į klausimą „Ar skaitei „Alchemiką“? galėsiu atsakyti teigiamai – nebūtina gi visiems aiškinti, kad tai visai kito Pauliaus „Alchemikas“, ane?), tokia postapokaliptinė fantasy apysaka. Pasaulis,kuriame magija gali viską. Išgydyti mirtiną ligą, pastatyti skraidantį miestą. Bet ką. Viena bėda – paaiškėjo, kad tai turi savo kainą. Kuo daugiau naudojama magija, tuo labiau plečiasi brūzgynai, prarydami visa, kas gyva, stumdami žmoniją vis labiau ir labiau.
Apie siužetą nesiplėsiu – juolab kad jis anaiptol ne naujas. Valkiotas ir nuvalkiotas. Bet keliais šykščiais potepiais pateiktas pasaulis – gyvas. Dėmesys detalėms, gyvas nenuobodus pasakojimas. Nenuobodus, netgi atsižvelgiant į tai, kad visi siužeto vingiai nuspėjami nesunkiai.
Aukščiausio vertinimo gal nenusipelnė, bet ketvertas gana tvirtas toks. Čiumpu apsakymų rinkinį. Žiūrėsim, kas ten toliau.
May 25, 2020
Не первая моя книга Бачигалупи, да и не последняя наверняка. Собственно, состоит из повести с одноименным названием и сборника рассказов, собранных по принципу "а вот я написал десяток рассказов на разные темы, пора издавать".
Так вот, у автора действительно хорошая фантазия, этого не отнять, но вот концовки ему не очень даются. Алхимик будто обрывается на полуслове, и хоть какая-никакая логическая концовка есть, но все равно остается ощущение, что тебя где-то немножечко наобманули.
Рассказы. Они тут уж очень разные, некоторые дополняют вселенную Заводной, некоторые вселенную Водяного ножа, некоторые просто есть. В основном, конечно, это фантастика, частично с нотками киберпанка, частично постапокалиптичная, частично антиутопия даже, а местами вообще жесткий реализм, триллер, если хотите.
Вообще, считаю, рассказы у Бачигалупи удаются куда лучше, чем более крупная форма, намног�� лучше.
Настоятельно рекомендую ознакомиться если не со всем сборником, то хотя бы с рассказами Pop Squad, The Fluted Girl, The Pasho.
Так вот, у автора действительно хорошая фантазия, этого не отнять, но вот концовки ему не очень даются. Алхимик будто обрывается на полуслове, и хоть какая-никакая логическая концовка есть, но все равно остается ощущение, что тебя где-то немножечко наобманули.
Рассказы. Они тут уж очень разные, некоторые дополняют вселенную Заводной, некоторые вселенную Водяного ножа, некоторые просто есть. В основном, конечно, это фантастика, частично с нотками киберпанка, частично постапокалиптичная, частично антиутопия даже, а местами вообще жесткий реализм, триллер, если хотите.
Вообще, считаю, рассказы у Бачигалупи удаются куда лучше, чем более крупная форма, намног�� лучше.
Настоятельно рекомендую ознакомиться если не со всем сборником, то хотя бы с рассказами Pop Squad, The Fluted Girl, The Pasho.
March 2, 2023
Although Bacigalupi is an economical, if not wholly original, world-builder, probably the strongest argument in favor of reading The Alchemist - and this will sound harsher than I intend it to - is its brevity.
May 27, 2019
Although The Windup Girl has been on my To Read list for a long while already, I ended up chosing this when randomly checking around the shelves of my local library. Seemed like a suitable book for my purse to read while in the bus...
So yes, it was a too short book, it left you crave for more, to know what happened to the world after his invention. And the alchemist himself was a littel naive with his noble hopes. Well, you can be that around Bambies, but not when there are sharks surrounding you. So that disappointed me somewhat, but I also understand it was importand for the developments in the story.
Needless to say, I headed straight back to the library to borrow the following stories from that world. Cause even when it is somewhat depressing with the brambles and their dangerous needles, it's still always fascinating to see how people always find a way out of desperate situations. So apart from being called another planet and from the usage of magic to make the brambles take over the agricultural lands as well as bring cities down to ruins, people are still people and it could just as well be planet Earth with us covering it with garbage and poisoning it otherwise...
So yes, it was a too short book, it left you crave for more, to know what happened to the world after his invention. And the alchemist himself was a littel naive with his noble hopes. Well, you can be that around Bambies, but not when there are sharks surrounding you. So that disappointed me somewhat, but I also understand it was importand for the developments in the story.
Needless to say, I headed straight back to the library to borrow the following stories from that world. Cause even when it is somewhat depressing with the brambles and their dangerous needles, it's still always fascinating to see how people always find a way out of desperate situations. So apart from being called another planet and from the usage of magic to make the brambles take over the agricultural lands as well as bring cities down to ruins, people are still people and it could just as well be planet Earth with us covering it with garbage and poisoning it otherwise...
January 2, 2024
More like 4.5 because I am very impressed.
I randomly found this novella at the library, never having heard of it before, and thought I'd give it a go.
I am thoroughly impressed with how well this world was able to be built in such a short amount of time. Of course, like all fantasy with its own world, you could delve deeper, have a sprawling story over multiple long books, but I didn't feel as if I was missing much information for the purpose of this novella.
It was short but managed to pack an intriguing, thought-provoking, and magical tale into its limited space. The writing itself was also impressive and added to the overall enjoyment of the story.
I randomly found this novella at the library, never having heard of it before, and thought I'd give it a go.
I am thoroughly impressed with how well this world was able to be built in such a short amount of time. Of course, like all fantasy with its own world, you could delve deeper, have a sprawling story over multiple long books, but I didn't feel as if I was missing much information for the purpose of this novella.
It was short but managed to pack an intriguing, thought-provoking, and magical tale into its limited space. The writing itself was also impressive and added to the overall enjoyment of the story.
June 12, 2014
The Alchemist shares a world with Tobias Buckell's The Executioness. It's obvious that these two authors, both masters of world building, had a lot of fun collaborating on this world of forbidden magic, bramble, and deadly politics because it is the strongest part of both stories. Which is not to say that the characterization or plot is lacking in either one, just that it is a slight step away from the rich luster of the world itself.
The eponymous alchemist is a man who has given years of his life and his fortune to finding a way to stop the growth of the bramble and restore the use of simple magics to the city in an effort to save both his daughter and the world she must live it.
Like its' companion piece, The Alchemist suffers a little from a lack of space. Aside from the central protagonist, the characters are two-dimensional with no real substance aside from how they relate to our hero. The plot, likewise, is good, but would benefit from having more space to develop as the conclusion feels a bit rushed. Then again, the final element of the plot caught me by surprise, so what do I know?
At any rate, lest this sound like damming with faint praise, I really enjoyed the novella. I hope both authors write more, and longer works, in this shared world. I kind of hope they open it up to other authors much like the Borderlands or Liavek collections of old.
Highly recommended.
The eponymous alchemist is a man who has given years of his life and his fortune to finding a way to stop the growth of the bramble and restore the use of simple magics to the city in an effort to save both his daughter and the world she must live it.
Like its' companion piece, The Alchemist suffers a little from a lack of space. Aside from the central protagonist, the characters are two-dimensional with no real substance aside from how they relate to our hero. The plot, likewise, is good, but would benefit from having more space to develop as the conclusion feels a bit rushed. Then again, the final element of the plot caught me by surprise, so what do I know?
At any rate, lest this sound like damming with faint praise, I really enjoyed the novella. I hope both authors write more, and longer works, in this shared world. I kind of hope they open it up to other authors much like the Borderlands or Liavek collections of old.
Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2016
This book is a part of a pair of books about the same alternate reality, the companion volume being "The Executionist", by Tobias Buckell. In this world which seems to resemble medieval Europe in our reality, the practice of magic by anyone is forbidden. The use of magic could result in your execution. This is because the more magic is used, the more the thorny brambles grow and thicken, surrounding the town.The bramble can't be cut back and is resistant to fire. There seems to be no way to stop its growth. Soon, access to the one bridge that connects to the outside world may be cut off. Most of the citizens are capable of a little magic and don't hesitate to use it for simple things like quickly boiling water for cooking or bathing. They all individually make the excuse that "just this little bit won't hurt."
But, it does hurt and the bramble thickens more day by day. Enter the alchemist. He has found a way to kill the bramble. The problem is.... it uses magic. So if he goes to the leader to tell of his discovery, he could free the city and/or face execution. How he resolves that is the focus of the last two thirds of this novella. You'll have to read it to find out. If you are a fan of this author, as I am, you may find yourself wondering why he chose to partake in this duology. It is not his best work, but it is good, fast reading and does hold the reader's interest. One does not have to read the companion volume for this one to make sense. It works as a stand-alone.
But, it does hurt and the bramble thickens more day by day. Enter the alchemist. He has found a way to kill the bramble. The problem is.... it uses magic. So if he goes to the leader to tell of his discovery, he could free the city and/or face execution. How he resolves that is the focus of the last two thirds of this novella. You'll have to read it to find out. If you are a fan of this author, as I am, you may find yourself wondering why he chose to partake in this duology. It is not his best work, but it is good, fast reading and does hold the reader's interest. One does not have to read the companion volume for this one to make sense. It works as a stand-alone.
May 28, 2011
I've wanted to read one of Paolo Bacigalupi's books for a while, but the high-concept, dense writing I heard about really intimidated me. This, a bite-size, shared-world novella, went down easily, and convinced me I want to read more by this author.
The world, shared between Bacigalupi and Tobias Buckell, is one where magic produces a nasty invasive vine that is slowly choking out the entire world. The hero of The Alchemist was once wealthy and much sought after in his life as a craftsman, but now he's devoted his life to finding out how to destroy the vine.
It's a tiny little peek into an intriguing world and interesting characters, and I got the sense reading this book that there's a lot more to the world, and even to this character's past. But Bacigalupi puts in just enough information to intrigue, without once infodumping. I've been reading a lot of infodumping, even in mainstream fiction, so it was appreciated.
This was an enjoyable and well-crafted little story, and it definitely made me want to read more by this author. If you, too, are looking for a quick introduction to Bacigalupi's writing, you don't have much to lose in reading a novella that's less than 100 pages. Whether it's representative of his writing or not, I haven't a clue.
The world, shared between Bacigalupi and Tobias Buckell, is one where magic produces a nasty invasive vine that is slowly choking out the entire world. The hero of The Alchemist was once wealthy and much sought after in his life as a craftsman, but now he's devoted his life to finding out how to destroy the vine.
It's a tiny little peek into an intriguing world and interesting characters, and I got the sense reading this book that there's a lot more to the world, and even to this character's past. But Bacigalupi puts in just enough information to intrigue, without once infodumping. I've been reading a lot of infodumping, even in mainstream fiction, so it was appreciated.
This was an enjoyable and well-crafted little story, and it definitely made me want to read more by this author. If you, too, are looking for a quick introduction to Bacigalupi's writing, you don't have much to lose in reading a novella that's less than 100 pages. Whether it's representative of his writing or not, I haven't a clue.
May 21, 2012
Paolo Bacigalupi excels at world-building, and my only complaint about this short young adult novella is that I was more interested in the setting than I was in the plot, which I found a touch too simplistic, even for a work aimed at younger readers. Nonetheless, this is made up for by the brilliant idea of a world overrun by a kudzu-like, poisonous plant, which spreads whenever someone uses magic.
April 24, 2024
This novella was nominated for a Nebula and it is easy to see why. Although I think there are better stories in the Pump Six collection, this is a fine and entertaining read. If you like novellas or fantasy or want to read something quick to cleanse your palate then pick this up. It is available electronically super cheap.
Bacigalupi has become one of those authors whose books I read just because his name is on them. Even his not so great stuff is worth the time and effort, IMO.
Bacigalupi has become one of those authors whose books I read just because his name is on them. Even his not so great stuff is worth the time and effort, IMO.
May 16, 2016
I really enjoyed this lovely little book. The writing had a certain lyric nature to it, and the world was a dreamworld of sorts - I wouldn't mind reading another tale in this setting. Perhaps there is a moral? Those who are Makers don't always remember to consider all the uses to which the things we make may be put...
I will definitely be checking out more of Paolo's writing... probably starting with either "The Windup Girl" or "Pump Six and other stories".
I will definitely be checking out more of Paolo's writing... probably starting with either "The Windup Girl" or "Pump Six and other stories".
April 21, 2011
In spite of the fact that I didn't particularly enjoy this book, I feel like I should give Bacigalupi another chance. This little novella had potential in presenting a philosophical dilemma, but it just ended up feeling a little too quaint and contrived.
December 29, 2020
Hea oli
April 29, 2015
Even with only 95 pages, this is a tight, fully developed story. I was engaged with the plot and emotionally involved with the characters.
May 24, 2013
This review was originally posted on my review blog (Stomping on Yeti) at http://yetistomper.blogspot.com/2010/... A Few Words: The Alchemist and The Executioness showcase two rising stars in the the genre but aren't completely successful in fully realizing the inherent potential in their shared fantasy world.[return][return]Pros: [return]1) Fast, fun stories that work both in print and audio formats[return]2) The Alchemist is a fantasy version of pitch perfect Bacigalupian exposition[return]3) Bramble ravaged world feels real as the vegetative threat influences the entire culture[return][return]Cons: [return]1) The worldbuilding away from Lesser Khaim is underdeveloped[return]2) Buckell attempts to put too much story into The Executioness, resulting in pacing problems[return][return]The Review: Fantasy is a genre that lives and dies by magic. It's what unifies a thousand different worlds and yet makes each one distinct. Each author imbues their world with a unique approach, relying on the reader�s sense of wonder to make their words come to life. In some stories, magic is re-entering a world that had all but forgotten it. In others, powers relied on for far too long are beginning to wane. In the shared universe constructed by Paolo Bacigalupi and Tobias Buckell, magic not only defines the world, it attempts to destroy it. It�s a world where magic comes at a terrible price, even if it doesn�t earn you an encounter with the executioner�s axe. The world of The Alchemist and The Executioness is slowly being consumed by a poisonous bramble which thrives on magic, encroaching ever closer with every whispered word and forbidden act. [return][return]It may be difficult to sell coma-inducing vegetative growth as a legitimate threat but it�s hard to deny that the two stories are their strongest when firmly entangled in thorns and vines. You can�t write paired novellas (or good ones, anyway) without fleshing out the world in advance. In the case of The Alchemist and The Executioness, the entire world is structured around the bramble, the culture that created it, and its effect on the peoples that resist it. It�s got depth but not necessarily breadth. As a result, when the stories leave the bramble behind, they border on becoming generic fantasy.[return][return][return]Luckily, Bacigalupi�s offering rarely strays far from the heart of the story, detailing the exploits of Jeoz the alchemist as he attempts to engineer a device capable of eliminating the resilient bramble. The intrigue caused by the possibility of this �balanthast� is somewhat predictable but the way that Bacigalupi develops the characters and their collective culture more than make up for the simple story. The interactions between Jeoz and his daughter are genuinely heartfelt and as the story progresses it�s easy to become drawn in. [return][return][return]Bacigalupi�s bread and butter has always been environmental fiction, and it doesn�t take a literary scholar to see the similarities between this imagined world and ours. With the ever encroaching bramble, humanity faces a slow death of their own creation while anyone capable of substantive change selfishly ignores potential solutions for personal gains. While the global warming analogs are hard to ignore, they are never heavy handed. This may be his first foray into fantasy but with it he proves that his trademark style transcends genre. Bacigalupi�s flawless execution of show-not-tell worldbuilding is what earned him the Nebula and Hugo awards. The same skills are present here even if they aren�t quite as ambitiously applied as in The Windup Girl.[return][return]The Executionness has a harder time keeping the story in the deep end of the world. The story begins promisingly as a middle-aged woman is called to do her dying father�s work. Tana reluctantly joins the ranks of the magister�s executioners as the only executioness - a title that sticks with her despite the tumultuous events that change everything else. Before long, Tana is off and running on a quest of vengeance. The problem is that Buckell attempts a novel�s worth of characterization and exploration but only has a quarter of the pages to deliver it. To compensate, he skimps on critical development, resulting in a strangely paced story that feels rushed on more than one occasion. The piecemeal presentation of the final two acts often resorts to what are essentially �training montages� and the scenes in which the novice quickly becomes a master are only missing the bad 80s soundtrack.[return][return][return]This is frustrating because Tobias Buckell has crafted a story worth telling. The middle aged female protagonist is appealing and unique, the villains are more than just cardboard blackhats, and way the story ultimately plays out is memorable. Tana travels most of the continent on her quest for revenge, abandoning the intricate city of Khaim � the same setting that serves as the foundation to Bacigalupi�s tighter, more intimate tale. On said journey, she encounters a variety of interesting factions only tangentially related to the bramble. Because they lack the shared infrastructure of Khaim that links the two novellas, they require additional exposition. Sadly though, there isn�t any room for much more than moving from one set piece to the next. Buckell just lacks the page count/play time necessary to fully develop the elements he has introduced.[return][return]Ultimately, the combination of new characters, new locations, new cultures, and an aggressive plot is simply too much development to juggle in a novella of this length. None are intrinsically problematic but sometimes it�s necessary to cut scope in order to deliver higher quality. Even if increasing the word count wouldn�t have made the already 5+ hour audiobook unwieldy, it would still have the negative result of either inflating the word count of the well-composed The Alchemist or unbalancing the two stories. [return][return]As of this review, I�ve both listened to the audiobooks and read the advance print copies. I�m reluctant to steer readers one way or the other or suggest a definitive reading order. On one hand, the stories were original meant to be read aloud and the dialogue and sentence structure clearly reflect this. On the other hand, if you are anything like me, you will pick up on a lot more of the subtle details that create a cohesive world if you have the ability to easily re-read a line or two. Not to mention the promised interior illustrations from Subterranean Press. [return][return]While the stories are quick and entertaining, it�s difficult to label them complete successes or failures. The Executionness explores an atypical heroine as she travels across a diverse landscape dripping with potential for future narrative exploration. It also gets caught over-achieving at times, trying to do too much with too few words. The Alchemist is less ambitious but the simple tale is brilliantly executed and much more suited to the length and format. Neither would be the same without the other and together they are more than the sum of their parts. When the linked creation actually gets the detailed development it deserves, the magic is plain to see. The key to future entries into this shared world will be maximizing that magic while eliminating the bramble.
December 17, 2017
This one was particularly interesting, because it marks a deviation from Paolo Bacigalupi's sci-dystopia world, and is instead based on fantasy tropes; but the core principle, the spirit, is precisely the same.
Any sufficiently advanced science is indistinguishable from magic. - Arthur C Clarke
Take this conclusion to it's bitter end in the mind that came up with The Drowned Cities and Pump Six, and you have a world that's a post-apocalyptic dystopia once again... except this time, it's the fallout from indiscriminate, unchecked magic use.
Not content with that, he then weaves a world with the rules, the society, and the people that that to live with and live in this dystopia; and he creates a story with people and stories that you can identify and empathize, in a tightly-knit, nail-biting tale of genius, naivete, greed, betrayal, and redemption.
It is a brilliant story.
Any sufficiently advanced science is indistinguishable from magic. - Arthur C Clarke
Take this conclusion to it's bitter end in the mind that came up with The Drowned Cities and Pump Six, and you have a world that's a post-apocalyptic dystopia once again... except this time, it's the fallout from indiscriminate, unchecked magic use.
Not content with that, he then weaves a world with the rules, the society, and the people that that to live with and live in this dystopia; and he creates a story with people and stories that you can identify and empathize, in a tightly-knit, nail-biting tale of genius, naivete, greed, betrayal, and redemption.
It is a brilliant story.
February 9, 2022
I read this as a part of The Tangled Lands in hardcover.
The story is dark. I anticipated some darkness to it, but the overall tone of the book doesn't let up. It almost feels like an Indian myth or something akin to Aladdin and the 40 Thieves at times, which is weird considering both the authors are white Americans. The world concept, which is what drew me in, is really interesting. I can see why these authors gravitated toward it and decided to explore it together because it really is a cool thing. It definitely feels like an allegory for pollution and how everyone participates in it in their own way even knowing it hurts their environment.
The characters were pretty thin, so I didn't really have anything to truly latch onto in that regard. Like I said, it was more mythologically written. I can't say I hated it but I also can't say I loved it either.
The story is dark. I anticipated some darkness to it, but the overall tone of the book doesn't let up. It almost feels like an Indian myth or something akin to Aladdin and the 40 Thieves at times, which is weird considering both the authors are white Americans. The world concept, which is what drew me in, is really interesting. I can see why these authors gravitated toward it and decided to explore it together because it really is a cool thing. It definitely feels like an allegory for pollution and how everyone participates in it in their own way even knowing it hurts their environment.
The characters were pretty thin, so I didn't really have anything to truly latch onto in that regard. Like I said, it was more mythologically written. I can't say I hated it but I also can't say I loved it either.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews