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| Mordan't
Need
BY STEPHEN DONALDSON A personal review by Greg Hamerton The first seven pages of Mordant's Need demonstrate Stephen Donaldson's mastery of storytelling. It's a wonderful opening. I am screaming 'tell me more! tell me! tell me! let me in! I want to know what happens!' He starts with an overview, humorously, telling us of a fairy tale, then introduces the hero and heroine, as stuff-ups, though INTENSELY human. They are loveable because they have problems everyone can identify with, realisations of mortal fears. Geraden is clumsy to distraction, but he's loveable because he is loyal, he tries immensely hard. Terisa is unsure of her own existence (lots of people have an aspect of this self-doubting). They are both very quirky. They are both shown with rich, powerful images that characterise them in an instant. Geraden knocks things over and feverishly devotes himself to a heroically stupid task. Terisa has mirrors to remind herself that she exists. Then we are shown a dream, and she acts marvellously, intriguingly. He is in danger. He fights like a hero. She ventures to shout 'Look out!' which shows character development already. Then we wake up, and Geraden, our hero, is still in danger! The narrative split is achingly well-placed. I have to read on, because I must save Geraden. But I know I've glimpsed the whole story too, for I know that Terisa is not a hero, she is non-existant. And I guess that through the tale she will come into her power and act, though only at the last. Geraden will do heroic things, purely through his loyalty, not his mastery of any skills. We have a hint of conjury, with mirrors. |
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that's all I need. I am hooked. Stephen Donaldson's characters don't just say and do things, they wrestle with their emotions all the time, and finally spit out a sentence which just makes them more naked, almost as if Mr. Donaldson is trying to destroy the outer shell of his characters and let us see ever more deeply into their hearts. We are fed little bits of information all the time, and it makes for a wonderful ride. The story continues in the second book A Man Rides Through and have a very satisfying conclusion. One of the best books I have read, MORDANT'S NEED is an absolute must-read in the fantasy genre. |
 ABOUT THE REVIEWERGreg Hamerton has been writing fantasy since 1999. His Lifesong cycle begins with THE RIDDLER'S GIFT. |