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Vlad Taltos #4-5
The Book of Taltos
In a world where other races live centuries, human Easterner Vlad narrates. Loiosh, fatally venomous jhereg dragonet, distracts and attacks from assassin's shoulder.
4 Taltos - Thief Kiera teaches, gives him vial of goddess blood. Philanderer wastes assassin wages on girls. Morrolan and vampire Sethra trick him to fetch their ancestor Aliera from gods in the Halls of the Dead. Goddess Verra helps.
5 Phoenix - By order of patron Demon goddess Verra, Vlad assassinates King of Greenaere island, where sorcery does not work, provokes war. Drummer Aibynn may be a spy, but Morrolan and Aliera rescue all. Wife Cawti supports rebels and rejects lovelorn Vlad. Kragar keeps business going. Dragonet Loiosh has mate Rocza.
4 Taltos - Thief Kiera teaches, gives him vial of goddess blood. Philanderer wastes assassin wages on girls. Morrolan and vampire Sethra trick him to fetch their ancestor Aliera from gods in the Halls of the Dead. Goddess Verra helps.
5 Phoenix - By order of patron Demon goddess Verra, Vlad assassinates King of Greenaere island, where sorcery does not work, provokes war. Drummer Aibynn may be a spy, but Morrolan and Aliera rescue all. Wife Cawti supports rebels and rejects lovelorn Vlad. Kragar keeps business going. Dragonet Loiosh has mate Rocza.
389 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
153 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Steven Brust
99 books2,305 followersSteven Karl Zoltán Brust (born November 23, 1955) is an American fantasy and science fiction author of Hungarian descent. He was a member of the writers' group The Scribblies, which included Emma Bull, Pamela Dean, Will Shetterly, Nate Bucklin, Kara Dalkey, and Patricia Wrede, and also belongs to the Pre-Joycean Fellowship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/steven...
(Photo by David Dyer-Bennet)
http://us.macmillan.com/author/steven...
(Photo by David Dyer-Bennet)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 27, 2018
For whatever reason, I had a difficult time getting through this. I was initially planning to read the whole series, but I think I’ve seen enough.
February 15, 2014
"I sometimes wonder if my entire adult life has been spent in an effort to avoid dirty dishes. One could, I suppose, have worse goals" p 7. Smiles are reasons to read, not really criminal not-hero. "Ummm" p 21 blunders, "I never have understood" why grandad insists no blood sacrifice to gods p 41 bring him down to earth, more believable. On both quests he is unwilling, forced.
Confusing on many levels. Vlad is "human", Easterner, Jhereg, therefore shunned. If Dragaerans are from House of Dragon, one of 17, all long-lived, otherwise different physically, culturally, geographically, why is "Dragaeran -- an Orca and probably a seaman .. pretty old .. at least a couple of thousand years" p 49? Dragaerans beat up Vlad since he was a kid, so he hates them all. Except two.
Morrolan and Sethra have Great Weapons. #4 they apologize for trick to meet, repeatedly save lives. By #5, fast friends. So he transfers hate to Empire, he says. Yet he tries to save Empress and negotiates peace with enemy. Orb, source of sorcery magic, rotates above head of Empress, protects her, shows by color Vlad "telling truth" p 306, but Empress knows he prevaricates. Vlad is philanderer in #4, but in #5, he bemoans rejection of wife Cawti.
Italics are also for conversations with Loiosh, fatally venomous jhereg on shoulder. Why not just say dragonet? Imagine my rant. 2002 Pronunciation Guide 1-pg is mostly proper names. Level of wit "Shut up" p 6. Loiosh comforts, helps - diversion, weapon.
Is foretelling intended to encourage buying sequels? Rather annoys. #4 Aliera "less than a thousand years old" p 146 and Vlad both "seemed to recognize" p 147 Kieron "old as the Empire" p 146. #5 Devera toddler with gran Verra hides from Aliera "Mama see me .. might upset things" p 378.
Sudden changes from #4 to #5. Vlad from philanderer to lovelorn rejected husband. Dragonet Loiosh has mate Rocza. No wonder doesn't matter whether read in order of chronology or publication.
4 Taltos Jumps around present, past, drags out single spell to escape Halls of Death. Girls are either a continual stream of names, diversion where narrator Vladimir Taltos wasted high assassin wages, or the one to save the world, Aliera. Weak, but stubborn, she will not leave without Morrolan despite his willingness to stay, sacrifice life forever. Neither will Vlad, after they save each others' lives repeatedly.
Italicized paragraphs about spell preparation and following sleep precede main text, which diverts into biography of narrator. Maybe intended to compress tension. Rather sucks oomph like balloon deflating.
Past is important for friend Kiera to train in thief skills and ask him to keep small vial of goddess blood on neck cord. Grandpa Noishe-pa teaches him witchcraft, chants, tools, unlike sorcery, wave of hand teleport. Nausea is boring every time, till finally stone suppresses #5.
"Cousins" Lord Morrolan and vampire Sethra Lavode, last alive "fifteen thousand years ago" p 8 have Great Weapons; named black Morganti swords suck souls. She can't leave Black Castle, so they fool Vlad into coming, but apologize after. As "human" Easterner, he can pass wards that protect staff where her soul has been trapped for centuries, and leave Halls of Dead when restored to life by gods Lords of Judgement - probably. Verra is on their side, opposes her lover Barlan "Tough cookies .. You damn betcha, feather-breath" p 136, but still escape depends on Vlad.
5 Phoenix Demon goddess Verra orders Vlad to assassinate King of Greenaere island, where sorcery does not work. Except it does, a bit, just in time. Vlad suspects drummer Aibynn is a spy, but frees him as well. Morrolan and Aliera "preferred a good battle to a good meal .. young .. less than five hundred years old" p 233 rescue them.
From #4 philanderer, Vlad now has wife Cawti, in same house, estranged. Her need to support rebels is stronger than their "love". Whine: I still love you BUT. Not believable. Both help rescue other, but rift is permanent, for now. Meet again? Don't care.
Confusing on many levels. Vlad is "human", Easterner, Jhereg, therefore shunned. If Dragaerans are from House of Dragon, one of 17, all long-lived, otherwise different physically, culturally, geographically, why is "Dragaeran -- an Orca and probably a seaman .. pretty old .. at least a couple of thousand years" p 49? Dragaerans beat up Vlad since he was a kid, so he hates them all. Except two.
Morrolan and Sethra have Great Weapons. #4 they apologize for trick to meet, repeatedly save lives. By #5, fast friends. So he transfers hate to Empire, he says. Yet he tries to save Empress and negotiates peace with enemy. Orb, source of sorcery magic, rotates above head of Empress, protects her, shows by color Vlad "telling truth" p 306, but Empress knows he prevaricates. Vlad is philanderer in #4, but in #5, he bemoans rejection of wife Cawti.
Italics are also for conversations with Loiosh, fatally venomous jhereg on shoulder. Why not just say dragonet? Imagine my rant. 2002 Pronunciation Guide 1-pg is mostly proper names. Level of wit "Shut up" p 6. Loiosh comforts, helps - diversion, weapon.
Is foretelling intended to encourage buying sequels? Rather annoys. #4 Aliera "less than a thousand years old" p 146 and Vlad both "seemed to recognize" p 147 Kieron "old as the Empire" p 146. #5 Devera toddler with gran Verra hides from Aliera "Mama see me .. might upset things" p 378.
Sudden changes from #4 to #5. Vlad from philanderer to lovelorn rejected husband. Dragonet Loiosh has mate Rocza. No wonder doesn't matter whether read in order of chronology or publication.
4 Taltos Jumps around present, past, drags out single spell to escape Halls of Death. Girls are either a continual stream of names, diversion where narrator Vladimir Taltos wasted high assassin wages, or the one to save the world, Aliera. Weak, but stubborn, she will not leave without Morrolan despite his willingness to stay, sacrifice life forever. Neither will Vlad, after they save each others' lives repeatedly.
Italicized paragraphs about spell preparation and following sleep precede main text, which diverts into biography of narrator. Maybe intended to compress tension. Rather sucks oomph like balloon deflating.
Past is important for friend Kiera to train in thief skills and ask him to keep small vial of goddess blood on neck cord. Grandpa Noishe-pa teaches him witchcraft, chants, tools, unlike sorcery, wave of hand teleport. Nausea is boring every time, till finally stone suppresses #5.
"Cousins" Lord Morrolan and vampire Sethra Lavode, last alive "fifteen thousand years ago" p 8 have Great Weapons; named black Morganti swords suck souls. She can't leave Black Castle, so they fool Vlad into coming, but apologize after. As "human" Easterner, he can pass wards that protect staff where her soul has been trapped for centuries, and leave Halls of Dead when restored to life by gods Lords of Judgement - probably. Verra is on their side, opposes her lover Barlan "Tough cookies .. You damn betcha, feather-breath" p 136, but still escape depends on Vlad.
5 Phoenix Demon goddess Verra orders Vlad to assassinate King of Greenaere island, where sorcery does not work. Except it does, a bit, just in time. Vlad suspects drummer Aibynn is a spy, but frees him as well. Morrolan and Aliera "preferred a good battle to a good meal .. young .. less than five hundred years old" p 233 rescue them.
From #4 philanderer, Vlad now has wife Cawti, in same house, estranged. Her need to support rebels is stronger than their "love". Whine: I still love you BUT. Not believable. Both help rescue other, but rift is permanent, for now. Meet again? Don't care.
January 3, 2013
Reviewing PHOENIX first, then the compilation.
This is my least favorite in the series thus far, although I can't quite put my finger on why. Part of it is that so much time was spent away from the Empire, I think. Another part is that, unfortunately, a character whom I liked in earlier books became one I really can't stand. Also, a couple of minor characters whom I liked bought the farm, apparently permanently. That depressed me.
I will say that Vlad showed a lot of growth in his character. The last third or so of the book really picked up and caught my attention, in a good way. The ending has a lot of promise and makes me wonder what will happen with Vlad next. Overall, four stars. (And I love what Noish-pa did for Vlad. Yes!!)
The compilation: I'd say 4.25 stars since TALTOS is one of the best, if not *the* best, of the series yet. It made PHOENIX seem that much weaker, alas. Oh, and the cover is all wrong, although cool.
This is my least favorite in the series thus far, although I can't quite put my finger on why. Part of it is that so much time was spent away from the Empire, I think. Another part is that, unfortunately, a character whom I liked in earlier books became one I really can't stand. Also, a couple of minor characters whom I liked bought the farm, apparently permanently. That depressed me.
I will say that Vlad showed a lot of growth in his character. The last third or so of the book really picked up and caught my attention, in a good way. The ending has a lot of promise and makes me wonder what will happen with Vlad next. Overall, four stars. (And I love what Noish-pa did for Vlad. Yes!!)
The compilation: I'd say 4.25 stars since TALTOS is one of the best, if not *the* best, of the series yet. It made PHOENIX seem that much weaker, alas. Oh, and the cover is all wrong, although cool.
November 18, 2012
9.5*
What a wonderful and complex character Vlad Taltos is!
In this collection are the books Taltos and Phoenix and in their pages are the stories of Vlad's trip through the Paths of the Dead,mthe origins of his friendships with Morrolan, Aliera, and Sethra and the events leading to a great change in his life. The wry humor, the slightly sardonic tone--both fit the narrator's voice perfectly, yet we still feel his confusion and anguish, even his fear at times.
Burst weaves tales that are compelling and many-layered. Can't wait to read more!
What a wonderful and complex character Vlad Taltos is!
In this collection are the books Taltos and Phoenix and in their pages are the stories of Vlad's trip through the Paths of the Dead,mthe origins of his friendships with Morrolan, Aliera, and Sethra and the events leading to a great change in his life. The wry humor, the slightly sardonic tone--both fit the narrator's voice perfectly, yet we still feel his confusion and anguish, even his fear at times.
Burst weaves tales that are compelling and many-layered. Can't wait to read more!
October 24, 2018
This was very close to a 5 star review. Taltos is an enjoyable prequel exploring Vlad and Morrelan and how they became companions, as well as Liara. It also explores a little bit of the gods of the world. It's enjoyable, but a little light. But Phoenix was amazing - picking up from where book 3 (Teckla) left off, Vlad is sent on an assassination by Verra, and the ramifications of his actions play out through the rest of the book, leading to war, rebellion, and the imprisonment of Cawti on multiple occasions. But even with all that happens (and a lot happens), it's the relationships and the characters that are at the heart of it - seeing Vlad interact with Cawti, and Noish-Pa, and Morrelan and Kragar, and even fascinating new character Aibynn, is wonderful no matter what else is going on. Vlad isn't an omnipotent warrior or assassin - he makes mistakes, ends up depending on friends, and survives more by the skin of his teeth (and the occasional divine intercession), but he makes plans and improvises, and those skills are what help him survive. There are multiple twists and turns, and some of the funniest moments of the series so far in book five, even as it deals with serious subjects and complex characters. I finished the book and immediately wanted more, which is the best I can say for any series.
February 12, 2024
The series remains enjoyable. Continuing to revisit the series in the collected format, though no real need to do so. Since Brust brings up the question of the proper reading order in his intros to these, I feel it worth noting that there may be a continuity error: Taltos is the earliest story in Vlad's chronology (obviously there are other Dragaeran novels even earlier) and in it he talks about Ferenk's, a tavern that features Easterner brandy and reminisces about meeting another friend there before; but I'm pretty sure that meeting happened in a book that may have been published earlier, but described events that happened later in his life. Oh, well, minor point.
Phoenix was more remarkable to me: when I first started reading it I had almost no memory of it, but near the end it was full of some of the most memorable scenes from the first time I read the series. Not that I could anticipate what was going to happen in the story, but everything echoed with familiarity as I read it. And it gets Vlad to the point in his life where I last remember him being; I am pretty sure I read the next three books, but have only an inkling of what else may happen (though one is set earlier in the chronology so doesn't really count).
Phoenix was more remarkable to me: when I first started reading it I had almost no memory of it, but near the end it was full of some of the most memorable scenes from the first time I read the series. Not that I could anticipate what was going to happen in the story, but everything echoed with familiarity as I read it. And it gets Vlad to the point in his life where I last remember him being; I am pretty sure I read the next three books, but have only an inkling of what else may happen (though one is set earlier in the chronology so doesn't really count).
September 9, 2025
A continuation of Steven Brust's Vlad Taltos series, this book continues to deliver on everything that made the first omnibus so great: wit, sarcasm, absolutely insane sounding plots, and just enough of a surreal sense of what's truly going on to keep you hooked.
In "Taltos", there are three different timelines occurring at once, which can understandably be jarring and confusing to read. Also, these timelines are rather slow-paced, which can take you out of the read at times, but I feel it creates a nice dynamic where you can truly learn and explore deeper parts of the characters and the world that they are in.
"Phoenix" was one of my favorite reads so far in the series. The absurdity of the situations that Vlad finds himself in (being tortured by eating potato soup, for example) really made this an enjoyable and speedy read. I found myself audibly cackling at some of the dialogue and character interactions.
Final thoughts: the Vlad Taltos series is still going strong, and if you enjoyed the first entries, you will probably enjoy these as well!
In "Taltos", there are three different timelines occurring at once, which can understandably be jarring and confusing to read. Also, these timelines are rather slow-paced, which can take you out of the read at times, but I feel it creates a nice dynamic where you can truly learn and explore deeper parts of the characters and the world that they are in.
"Phoenix" was one of my favorite reads so far in the series. The absurdity of the situations that Vlad finds himself in (being tortured by eating potato soup, for example) really made this an enjoyable and speedy read. I found myself audibly cackling at some of the dialogue and character interactions.
Final thoughts: the Vlad Taltos series is still going strong, and if you enjoyed the first entries, you will probably enjoy these as well!
October 8, 2018
Well, Brust convinced me. This is an awesome series and I order everyone to buy and read it.
Fully deserving five out of five.
A few things about the character are unnerving, but well, that's the character. Brust has proven that he can handle varying settings, plotlines and characters. I was a little upset with the general topic in this book, but all the more positively I'm surprised how it played all out in the end! He's done a brilliant job with a most challenging topic.
I'm now officially a full blooded Taltos Fan, and hereby announce I shall buy the whole series in print (currently e-book reading) once it's done, and then I'll read it again in chronologically correct order, story-wise.
However, once I'm done with Hugh Miller, I'll be reading some other fiction as well, so maybe then I can come up with more points of pro and con for the next review. Right now I'm fully absorbed with Brusts style, it all just seems natural and fitting - and that, I should say, is a big plus.
Fully deserving five out of five.
A few things about the character are unnerving, but well, that's the character. Brust has proven that he can handle varying settings, plotlines and characters. I was a little upset with the general topic in this book, but all the more positively I'm surprised how it played all out in the end! He's done a brilliant job with a most challenging topic.
I'm now officially a full blooded Taltos Fan, and hereby announce I shall buy the whole series in print (currently e-book reading) once it's done, and then I'll read it again in chronologically correct order, story-wise.
However, once I'm done with Hugh Miller, I'll be reading some other fiction as well, so maybe then I can come up with more points of pro and con for the next review. Right now I'm fully absorbed with Brusts style, it all just seems natural and fitting - and that, I should say, is a big plus.
January 9, 2024
Neste duplo maravilhoso volume temos em Taltos Vlad a conhecer Morrolan e Sethra, para vir mais tarde a salvar Aliera do Paths of the dead. Aqui a presença e importância dos deuses é enfatizada.
E em Phoenix, que é verdadeiramente brilhante temos o momento decisivo da relação com a mulher Cawti e o seu envolvimento numa revolução contra o império e todas as consequências que isso vem trazer para Vlad e a sua vida futura .
Este autor não para de surpreender e faz com que Vlad seja o assassino por quem eu quero torcer, bem como Loiosh e Rocza os Jheregs amigos psiónicos que estão sempre presentes para salvar Vlad nos momentos mais difíceis
E em Phoenix, que é verdadeiramente brilhante temos o momento decisivo da relação com a mulher Cawti e o seu envolvimento numa revolução contra o império e todas as consequências que isso vem trazer para Vlad e a sua vida futura .
Este autor não para de surpreender e faz com que Vlad seja o assassino por quem eu quero torcer, bem como Loiosh e Rocza os Jheregs amigos psiónicos que estão sempre presentes para salvar Vlad nos momentos mais difíceis
June 6, 2025
Two more solid books in the series.
Taltos 3/5
A bit of an origin tale for Vlad that has two parallel storylines: one involving his initial meetings with Morrolan, Aliera, and Sethra, the other about his coming-of-age years and getting into the business. His visit to the Paths of the Dead was hinted at in an earlier novel and further explored here.
Phoenix 3/5
This is only the fifth book in the series, but it felt like a finale. I enjoyed reading Vlad's character development, particularly regarding the outcome. My biggest detraction is the means that set events into motion seemed overly simplistic, as did the ultimate resolution.
Taltos 3/5
A bit of an origin tale for Vlad that has two parallel storylines: one involving his initial meetings with Morrolan, Aliera, and Sethra, the other about his coming-of-age years and getting into the business. His visit to the Paths of the Dead was hinted at in an earlier novel and further explored here.
Phoenix 3/5
This is only the fifth book in the series, but it felt like a finale. I enjoyed reading Vlad's character development, particularly regarding the outcome. My biggest detraction is the means that set events into motion seemed overly simplistic, as did the ultimate resolution.
May 26, 2017
Not my favorite Vlad novel, but pivotal
This is probably the pivotal novel in the series thus far.
All the characters you've come to know and love are here, but Vlad's life gets completely jumbled and this marks the beginning of his downward spiral. It's all just a little painful to watch.
This is probably the pivotal novel in the series thus far.
All the characters you've come to know and love are here, but Vlad's life gets completely jumbled and this marks the beginning of his downward spiral. It's all just a little painful to watch.
October 5, 2017
I purchased this on as I closed a month end with work. Headphones in, having my phone read it back to me. Steven Brust has this knack of developing his characters to be full of sarcasm & wit. I was chuckling like a creep in my office, as Vlad's sarcasm spoke directly to my personality. It only took me two days to power through this book.
April 16, 2019
I still love the world and the main character. I’m getting a feel for Brusts style now as well. Not as much fun as the first three books where I feel I’ve discovered something new but I will definitely stay with this series for a while. The second part of this book (the 5th actual “book”) was a little disjointed for my liking and rushed at the end. Still. Great characters and world.
January 9, 2024
Some good stories
The wild adventure and clever solutions we expect from Vlad, and a lot of changes to his life. We get the backstory on Aliera, and the forward story on the Easterner uprising, in one book. Looking forward to the next one!
The wild adventure and clever solutions we expect from Vlad, and a lot of changes to his life. We get the backstory on Aliera, and the forward story on the Easterner uprising, in one book. Looking forward to the next one!
July 24, 2025
Love the characters and story.
Everything is great with this book, except the author just waves away describing things pretty often by just having Vlad say that he can't remember a fight or what the building's interior looked like. I got over it mostly
Everything is great with this book, except the author just waves away describing things pretty often by just having Vlad say that he can't remember a fight or what the building's interior looked like. I got over it mostly
May 22, 2017
Two of the best Vlad novels. Both involving the gods and impossible missions.
January 17, 2018
It is a good book
November 14, 2018
Loved the way each story is told with a different writing style. Vlad is such a great character.
June 1, 2020
Awesome 😎
November 29, 2020
Written in the same compelling voice as books 1-3, these two lacked depth. 3.5 stars
June 22, 2021
The trama it´s fantastic.
July 22, 2022
The second two Vlad Taltos books add a bit more depth and nuance to the ongoing series. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/200...
February 10, 2023
Book 4 was awful. Book 5 almost made up for it.
May 25, 2023
Great volume to have in this series. Enjoyed both books within. Will for sure be going on towards the next ones.
October 10, 2023
Two of the novels together.
Not bad!
Not bad!
March 22, 2025
Fun rea
Fun escape. Love the idea of an assassin good guy. Nice change if you're looking for a fantasy series that combines the hero assassin and troubled hero.
Fun escape. Love the idea of an assassin good guy. Nice change if you're looking for a fantasy series that combines the hero assassin and troubled hero.
August 30, 2025
So, about this series:
Mostly, the series progresses linearly... as time tends to do.
However, some books jump back in time. Not like a limited flashback, but completely in an earlier time.
This is hit or miss for me.
On the one hand, it's nice to learn how some things came to be. On the other, when you're into the current plot, it's jarring not to be able to continue with it.
These were supposedly written to be able to be read in any order.
People say to stick to publication order, and not do chronological.
Still a great series!
Mostly, the series progresses linearly... as time tends to do.
However, some books jump back in time. Not like a limited flashback, but completely in an earlier time.
This is hit or miss for me.
On the one hand, it's nice to learn how some things came to be. On the other, when you're into the current plot, it's jarring not to be able to continue with it.
These were supposedly written to be able to be read in any order.
People say to stick to publication order, and not do chronological.
Still a great series!
November 7, 2025
I think the Phoenix book is the stronger of the two; the Taltos book, with its uninteresting flashbacks, tried my patience. I am excited to see where Brust takes this world and his protagonist.
November 9, 2025
I love the Vlad Taltos novels. Every time I pick one up, I literally think in my mind, "ah, Vlad. It's good to see you again, my friend." I have read and reread so many of his adventures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews