Lord Quillifer

Quillifer #3

by Walter Jon Williams

“For all of you who need some great fantasy to read while you're waiting for The Winds of Winter ...try Quillifer , by Walter Jon Williams. WJW is always fun, but this might be his best yet, a delight from start to finish, witty, colorful, exciting and amusing by turns, exquisitely written.” —George R. R. Martin, author of the Song of Ice and Fire series

“Chock full of derring-do, blood and thunder, swashbuckling, and other good stuff.” —Paul di Filippo, Locus

“You have risen as far as you can, and from this point, you may only fall. The matter is inevitable, and I need not intervene.”

Quillifer’s archenemy, the beautiful and vengeful goddess Orlanda, predicts his inescapable fall from power, and Quillifer has to admit that she may be right.

Quillifer has risen high at court. The butcher’s son is now a lord, and now is the confidential agent of the state, the caretaker of the kingdom’s secrets, and the secret lover of the young and brilliant Queen Floria.

He finds himself surrounded by perils. The nobles are at odds with one another, but united in despising Quillifer. Someone has brought deadly poison into court, and Quillifer fears the Queen may be the intended victim. Another assassination plot is aimed at Quillifer himself, and an enemy nation has landed troops intending to topple Floria by force. Quillifer must solve every mystery, meet every danger, and discover every secret in order to guard himself and his love, Floria, from the dangers that beset them.

Lord Quillifer marks the anticipated return of Walter Jon Williams, a New York Times bestselling author and multiple award-winning fantasy author.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Adventure

528 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2022

About the author

Walter Jon Williams has published twenty novels and short fiction collections. Most are science fiction or fantasy -Hardwired, Voice of the Whirlwind, Aristoi, Metropolitan, City on Fire to name just a few - a few are historical adventures, and the most recent, The Rift, is a disaster novel in which "I just basically pound a part of the planet down to bedrock." And that's just the opening chapters. Walter holds a fourth-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, and also enjoys sailing and scuba diving. He lives in New Mexico with his wife, Kathy Hedges.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable conclusion to the Quillifer trilogy, though it does leave it open for further future adventures. Quillifer is older, more serious, responsible, and mature, and less of a fun-loving, womanizing rake in this volume, though he certainly has more than his share of military adventure in the second half of the novel. I was reminded more of Martin's Tyrion than Cabell's Jurgen this time around, especially in the first half of the book where Quillifer is more of a clerk and spymaster than a soldier or adventurer. Williams pays off the predictions and problems from the origin book, and everything wraps up in a somewhat somber and subdued manner, which we see was almost inevitable in retrospect. There's less of a supernatural presence, and more political philosophy and strategy, but it's a very involving, well-written story; not at all your standard fantasy doorstop book. I think the book would stand well on its own, but would suggest reading the other two books (Quillifer and Quillifer the Knight) first, in order to appreciate the gradual changes the character experiences.

[Don Dunham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written Trilogy (so far, it doesn't seem finished but). Williams is a good friend and comrade to George RR Martin. So you never know, when "this" is all you going to get.
It is witty and clever. You are riding with Quillifer (and Orlanda) the whole time through mountains and valley's. The story takes place in a magical universe, but magic is extremely rare.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC of this book available to me.

Quillifer is maturing a bit, no longer the womanizer he has been in the past, and now totally devoted to the woman who he helped put on the throne. He's even become something of a politician, although he doesn't exactly play by the rules even there and still isn't accepted by most of the titled crowd that he has to deal with. But fear not, Quillifer also has a few little exciting adventures along the way, and the last quarter of the book shows him at his best while defending his kingdom (and lady fair) from the evil invaders. Luckily for us, the ending of this book leaves us hope for further adventures of this grand character.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. **

First I have to admit I didn't realize this was book three in a series. However, even jumping into this world at book three, I had no problem understanding the world and the relationships and the characters. Who are all amazingly well done. The author has a definite talent for world-building and description. It may have seemed a little over-descriptive at times but not enough to bother me. The story, the world and the characters came alive on the page and now I will definitely need to go back and read the first two books so I can re-read this one after catching up on all the details I missed!

[Arseni Kritchever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book that's this much of a page turner deserves five stars in my book! Although it's somewhat weaker than the previous two novels, "Lord Quillifer" still delivers plenty of intrigue and action. This time Quillifer has risen as high as he possibly can but his ambitions and blind love for Queen Floria just might finally lead to his downfall. There are murder investigations, huge battles on land and sea, a grim siege, palace intrigue, carriage chases in the night, and more. Really what this book lacked was a tighter focus, as many of its subplots are either red herrings or go nowhere. The ending also felt too abrupt and left me wondering whether Williams will conclude Quillifer's adventures or whether this is it for our hero. I really hope he'll bring Quillifer's story to a satisfying conclusion one day.

[Geoff Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most unreliable narrator of all is back! Thank goodness. Everything would fall apart without him.

I've always loved Williams' thoughtful worldbuilding (along with his beat-perfect plotting). I'm not sure how to do it justice other than, after reading this a while, I thought "oh yeah, right, there are aliens in this world."

Quillifer is a hero for our time, and for all time. A hero with an entourage, complete with balladeer and playwright. A hero who understands that it's important to take credit for the ideas and leave the implementation to others.

This book made me wonder whether the mystical parts of this world are real. Including the woman who this epistolary narrative (is that a thing? I just made it up) is addressed to.

[Chris Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkably enjoyable novel. Walter Jon Williams continues to follow the exploits of the scoundrel gentleman Quillifer in "Lord Quillifer" and the stakes have never been higher.

I've always been a fan of the author's writing style and this novel is no exception. Vivid and fully realized characters, complete with a past, current conflicts and future goals. A world "congruent" to 17th century Europe but not quite. Exquisite details of everything from naval battles to dinner feasts - this novel quite literally has it all.

Highly recommended for those yearning to read something just a little bit different than what is typically on the market. Great fun to read.

[John Decaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quillifer Never Disappoints

The adventures of our pseudo-Elizabethan fantasy hero continue with swashbuckling gusto. Quillifer balances being the Queen's secret lover with his role as her defacto intelligence chief, while also putting out fires across the kingdom on behalf of the Crown. The reader will see a maturing more serious Quillifer, while still being entertained by court plots, intrigue and military adventure. A thoroughly engrossing read - all of us Quillifer fans hope it will not be the last!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is engaging and complex just like the previous volumes in the series. With the war currently going on in the Ukraine I had a more difficult time reading this tale especially as I approached the end of the story. I am looking forward to the next installment of the series to find out what Quillifer will do next.

[Eric Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suitably energetic finish to one of the cleverest and most entertaining fantasy series of recent years. Well written and full of the usual intrigues and battles. As narrators go, Quillifer may be a smug bastard, but he somehow manages to remain appealing and sympathetic.

At least, I think this is the finish. The book leaves the door open for a 4th volume.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good entry in the Quillifer trilogy. The story is strongest in its action scenes, whether they are naval battles, rooftop chases, or siege warfare. The MC is once again witty, competent, inventive, and brave enough when needs arise. Where the book is weakest is the extended descriptions of court life with its intrigues and endless feasts. Still, if you enjoyed the previous volumes, you will probably find this one a proper divertimento.

[Tisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy on Goodreads and didn’t realize it was book 3 of a series. This book was a bit slow in plot for me. I did love the writing and the Lord Quillifer character. I give it 3.5 stars rounded up.

[alistair gunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

light fluff 8-). Clearly inspired by queen Elizabeth, except the eponymous quillfer doesn't wind up in the tower. He should have, and his queen is not as clever as the late Elizabeth. shame, but still amusing.

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun. Slightly more pathos, or at least more emotional depth this time out, which wasn't bad. There's something breezy and fun about this series that is wonderfully enjoyable. It's just a good time out with our boy Quillifer, what more can you say.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t really enjoy this installment - I mean - I love the writing - but you can sense from the first page where this would lead and I love the MC so much it made for a foredoomed story.

Rating: 4/5
Cover: 3/5
Narration: 5/5
Favorite Line: NA

[Ashley Reel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The general plot was interesting and I enjoyed the side stories interspersed through it. The first- person perspective is not my favorite but it works with this book. However, I was definitely sick of the numerous “said I” phrases.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated all the books 4 stars, but this was the best of the three. Say 3.75 stars for the first two, 4.25 for this one. Oh and this isn't a trilogy, Quillifer's story is clearly not done, so there's got to be at least one more book coming.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amiable tale, with the author’s mastery of quaint and antique vocabulary on shining display. Here the jumped up adventurer/merchant wins a naval battle, saves a besieged city, survives several assassination attempts, and winds up far from his royal lady love.

[Brendan Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition

Another great addition to Williams' pseudo s historical fantasy! Engaging story, and an intriguing style of prose. I can't wait for the next book!

[Mercuzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book from beginning to end.

[Athom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series and the third volume did not disappoint. I eagerly await the fourth book.

[John Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solidly good but not great latest adventure of Quillifer.

Sets up further episodes very well. Looking forward to those.

[William R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty and engaging

Quillifer is a character you will come to love. He's unstoppable and slightly unstable. Definitely the underdog you will root for

[Clyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the Quillifer series.
If you like high fantasy, Quillifer is a must. You could read this one stand-alone, but why would you skip good reads? Start with the first book.
4+ stars.

[Sam Bartholomew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, bittersweet. I do hope there's more; I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to Quillifer just yet.

[Smith Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pales in comparison to the first book in the series—which is one of my all-time favorites—but still tremendously enjoyable once you get past the novel’s slow start.