Joris of the Rock

The Neustrian Cycle #2

by Leslie Barringer, George Barr (Cover Art)

1976 1st Print Newcastle

Genres: Fantasy

318 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1976

Reviews

[Marie Winger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Nuestrian series. The action begins before that of "Gerflacon" and continues beyond it. I didn't like this one nearly as much mostly because I never really warmed to the main character, Joris of the Rock. Joris is a ruthless bandit. You are supposed to feel sorry for him because he became a bandit through tragic circumstances, but he is really ruthless. When he gets frustrated he steals and pillages and burns local peasants farms and villages. He robs and kills merchants and travels silly nilly. All the while suffering from unrequited love of the notorious Red Anne. Raoul of Ger from the first book makes occasional appearances. I think Joris gets exactly what he deserves.

[Matthew Morrese · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sequel to Gerfalcon, Joris gives further insight into characters mentioned, but not followed, in Gerfalcon. While some of Joris is grittier and more realistic, the story itself is less captivating than both Gerfalcon and Shy Leopardess (the third in the cycle). Still, I recommend reading it.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barringer's second Neustrian book has most of the strengths of the first, but the characters aren't as interesting: in particular, Joris's lack of complexity makes him a great off-stage presence but not much of a lead.

[Ronald Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good ending to a trilogy of books that all stand alone well as their own stories but greatly enrich each other in the neustrian world.