On discovering the writing of Michelle Sagara West

[bibliogramma]

I have recently discovered the writing of Michelle Sagara West, and this is a good thing, even though, since she is a prolific writer who has been writing for some time, I now have a lot to catch up with.

I began with the first book in the Sun Sword series, The Broken Crown, and found that it had many of the things I really enjoy in fantasy writing – strong, interesting characters, many of whom are women, lots of political intrigue, and people faced with issues that require them to figure out who they are and what they stand for, and to make nuanced ethical decisions in the midst of complex sets of loyalties, obligations and responsibilities. Oh, and also magic, and people with swords who know how to use them – I like that, too.

Having fallen in love with Sagara West’s universe for this series, and not wanting to miss anything, I then skipped back to read the Sacred Hunt duology - Hunter’s Oath and Hunter’s Death - that takes place in this universe before the events of The Broken Crown. A very interesting perspective on the responsibility of rulers to the people and the land they rule, and on the nature of divinity, and an exciting story of friendship, loyalty and sacrifice, these books confirmed my interest in Sagara West’s writing.

So I acquired and have now finished the second in the Sun Sword series, The Uncrowned Prince, and will now have to toddle off to buy and read the next four.

I like finding authors that write things I like to read. Michelle Sagara West’s books make me happy.

Comments

[sauscony.livejournal.com]

I also recently discovered Sagara West with her Luna books (much lighter than her Sun Sword and Sacred Hunt books, according to the author) and I've also collected her other four books written as Sagara. I'm a bit daunted by the length of her West books though, so I haven't begun to acquire them yet, although I plan to after I buy a house.

[morgan-dhu.livejournal.com]

The Sun Sword books are rather lengthy, this is true, but it's a very complex story she's telling in them, with a very large cast of characters all with their own motivations. I find that immersing myself in that particular universe for long enough to read one of the books helps me get a stronger picture of who everyone is and what they're done at this point to get to wherever it is they seem to be headed. Telling the story in smaller doses would, I think, dilute it somehow.

[devilwrites.livejournal.com]

She's on LJ, but I can't think of her LJ name to save my life. I'm not sure she updates it any more.

Haven't read her yet either. Want to. I've been eyeing her series from LUNA.

[morgan-dhu.livejournal.com]

She's msagara, and she posts infrequently, but is still posting.

I'm looking forward to reading the Luna series, myself. But I want to get through Sun Sword first. It is slow reading (comparatively - it takes me more than one day in which I am not working to read one of the books) but it's addictive.

[ceria-taliesin.livejournal.com]

*waves hi*

Have you found the short stories yet? There's one about a Maker, another about Kallandras, the Warlord... I just drew a blank on his name, and one about Cynthia's child. I have the names if you need them.

[morgan-dhu.livejournal.com]

Hi. Thanks for dropping by (this is bibliogramma commenting under my other handle).

So far I've only read one of the short stories - "The Black Ospreys" in Women of War. I shall have to try to hunt down the others, becasue her chacaters are so fascinating.

Fortunately, Sagara West has a list of where her stories have been anthologised on her website. I just hope none of the anthologies are out of print.

What is really annoying me right now is that I've discovered that volume four of the Sun Sword series is out of print - used copies are selling for $50 and more. I'm kind of hoping that, since volumes one, two and three are in print, this means the publisher is re-issuing them and volume four will be back in print soon.

[indongcho.livejournal.com]

I recognize this book. I've never read it or bought it, but the cover art always attracted me to it. I find the clothing especially interesting- the dress looks similar to a sari, while the hairstyle is distinctly Chinese...

Next time I buy new books I'll keep this one in mind.

[morgan-dhu.livejournal.com]

I've since finished the series - although I haven't as yet had time to put any further comments in this journal - and I enjoyed it right to the end.

One of the societies in the series (there are several very distinct socities with different cultures, values, styles of government and so on), while not directly based on any specific Asian cultures, is definitely Asian-influenced. in a number of ways, including aesthetics.