This book starts with one of the greatest opening lines I've read in awhile. "As I stood there with the sword in my hand, the blade dripping blood on the floor, I couldn't help but wonder if the blood belonged to my father." Thus, Apropos is introduced, along with his tragic lineage. I know it seems strange to call a book with something as horrific as a gang-rape a "comedy," but David writes with such a deft touch that you will find yourself laughing at the appropriate times, and being horrified at the appropriate times. He's that good of a writer, as he's shown in his other books and the comics he writes. Apropos narrates the tale as if he's speaking to the reader, and when he's talking about both his being conceived and his childhood in general, he relates the tale in a very off-hand way, as if he's repressing his emotions about it a little bit. Because of that, you don't get just a narration of the events as they take place. Instead, you also get a bit of a psychological insight into him.

Apropos is not a very likable character. He's self-centered, looking after his own skin when the going gets tough. He gets involved in things because they will benefit him, not because it's "the right thing to do." A lot of times, he ends up doing the right thing anyway, or at the very least hiding the fact that he was looking after himself when he did it. When his boyhood friend Tacit jumps into a clearing to save a weaver (wizard) from being burned at the stake by 20 villagers, Apropos holds back because that's suicide. When Tacit is about to meet a heroic death, Apropos comes up with a plan that has as little risk to himself as possible. Yet he's deemed a hero when it works. If you're the type of reader who has to actually like the protagonist, then you may have to go elsewhere.

The other characters in the book are interesting as well. The most important ones are Entipy, the princess that Apropos must rescue, and Tacit, Apropos' boyhood friend who he drives away and then meets again later in his life. Tacit and Apropos' destinies are intertwined, and it's very interesting how Apropos deals with that. It also isn't very likable, so see the paragraph above if that bothers you. However, it's fitting, not only because of Apropos' personality, but also because it's about time a fantasy novel was written where the protagonist isn't all sweetness and light.

Entipy is a possibly psychotic arsonist who is suspected of burning down the convent where her parents had placed her. The relationship that develops between her and Apropos on their journey also bucks all fantasy conventions. Entipy is not a damsel in distress, but a very tough, but spoiled, young woman. She develops a love-hate relationship with Apropos: he thinks she's insane, she thinks he's an idiot and beneath her. Not to mention the fact that she's waiting for her place in destiny to fall into place. She doesn't realize that Apropos has hijacked it. It's entertaining to watch Apropos slowly fall in love with her, even though he can't tell her that it all shouldn't be happening as it is.

Since Apropos is narrating the book directly, it is filled with wry asides and observations on life, people and society. David is one of the best writers of this sort of thing. You may find yourself laughing hard and then find that you agree with what Apropos is saying. Or maybe you won't, but you'll still be laughing. There are a couple of atrocious puns to watch out for if you hate that sort of thing. Personally, I like them even when they're cringe worthy. There's a military general saying "You all know my motto: Live fast. Die young. And leave a good-looking corps." Fair warning to you pun-haters.

The other problem with the book, though, is something that David usually handles well. I say above that he handles the combination of horror and comedy very well. That is usually the case, but at times the juxtaposition is a little too jarring. It's a bit understandable when Apropos is discussing his childhood, because you can tell he's repressing a bit, but certain events later on are pretty horrific and they jar with the light tone of the novel. It's nothing really major and it doesn't ruin the enjoyment of the book, but it does make you stop for a few seconds before continuing.

For the most part, though, it is a wonderful book. It makes great summer reading, as it doesn't feel very deep (even though, when you look at it, it is). If you already like Peter David, you will love this. If this is your first introduction to him, I think you'll still love it. And it's a definite must-read for sword & sorcery fans everywhere.

David Roy

It is a whole story. It has a definite end. But it can also be seen as the first chapter in a series of books. Peter David is considering writing a sequel. I am very much hoping he will do that.