Ixalan

by Alison Luhrs, Kimberly J. Kreines (Editor)

Genres: Fantasy

Unknown Binding

Published October 18, 2017

Reviews

[MajesticalLion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gotta say, this was one of the better Jace stories. It's fascinating to see how much Alhammarret changed him. Without any memories, he's kind, selfless, unguarded. I've said for years that reading minds has to be one of the worst super powers, not because it's weak, but because of the mental toll it takes on the user. Then you add the ability to alter someone's mind, to break it. Jace's abilities are frightening, even to him. Vraska was also a highlight. Until this point, I had only really read short one-shot stories that featured Vraska, and I just hadn't connected with the character in that amount of time. Getting to really sit with her and learn what kind of person she is, see the nuance, she's definitely up there for me now. Looking forward to the conclusion in Rivals of Ixalan!

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Magic The Gathering short stories continues with a visit to the plane of Ixalan; a world inspired by the ancient Mexicans of Aztecs and Mayans, and home to pirates, Planeswalkers, vampires, dinosaurs and several native tribes searching for the fabled lost city of Orazca, the city of gold where the Immortal Sun, an immensely powerful artifact that is said command over nature and eternal life, which is rumoured to be hidden in the lost city.

The collection of short stories follows the race to finding the Immortal Sun mostly through three viewpoints; Huatli, Warrior-Poet from the Sun Empire, Vraska the Gorgon, a Planeswalker last seen on Ravnica and now pirate captain of The Belligerent, and Jace Beleren, Planeswalker and member of the Gatewatch, who finds himself on Ixalan with no memory of how he got there or who he is.

I liked the camaraderie between Vraska and Jace. Despite there being history between them (as read in the Magic short story, 'The Gorgon and the Guildpact'), due to Jace's memory loss, they effectively start fresh and a friendship blossoms as result.

I also liked Huatli's perspective in the story, one of one of the native tribes. Her ambition to become the Warrior-Poet of her people, the Sun Empire, plus it's pretty cool that she can summon dinosaurs from the jungles of Ixalan too.

It's another fun read from Magic The Gathering that drops more hints about the evil Planeswalker Nicol Bolas' plans. As such, I'd say it's beneficial to have read the previous stories in this long storyline, at least the more recent Kaladesh and Amonkhet stories anyway. The fact that it's got pirates, vampires and dinosaurs in it, gives it an added bonus. Looking forward to seeing how this story is wrapped up with the concluding collection.

[Quinton Baran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these seven short stories about Ixalan, with three main viewpoints: Jace, Vraska,
and Huatli, with some other perspectives added as well. I really like Vraska's character, and I enjoyed Jace more than I thought I would (even though I had enjoyed him in the Shadows over Innistrad story as well). I think that I identify most with Vraska, and I am looking forward to how this piece of the story will conclude in the Rivals story line.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

+1 star that Jace couldn't quite act like Jace because he forgot he was Jace.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ixalan and Rivals of Ixalan is probably my favorite set of MTG stories. I love the characterization of Jace and Vraska: loosed from other bonds - Jace had his memory wiped on Amonkhet and is free to know himself without the interference of guilt over past mistakes or responsibilities of being the Guildpact; Vraska is in a leadership position on a world that has no inured prejudice against gorgons and is receiving respect, affection, and security for what might be the first time in her life - they are allowed to grow beyond the bounds of what would have been possible under other circumstances. Add to this the interesting setting (I do love pirates), cool native characters (Huatli and her journey are great), and driven action (both by immediate concerns regarding the Golden City of Orazca and by larger issues concerning multiple planes) and the whole story is a hit. I originally listened to the production from fan-produced Voice of All (which is excellent and I highly recommend it), have read it several times since, and will continue to read it.