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Saloninus #1
Blue and Gold
also appears in the collection Academic Exercises
'Well, let me see,' I said, as the innkeeper poured me a beer. 'In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon, I murdered my wife.'
For a man as remarkable as the philosopher Saloninus, just another day.
Of course, we only have his word for it, and Saloninus has been known to be creative with the truth. Little white lies are inevitable expedients when you're one jump ahead of the secret police and on the brink of one of the greatest discoveries in the history of alchemy. But why would a scientist with the world's most generous, forgiving patron be so desperate to run away? And what, if anything, has blue got to do with gold?
Cover illustration by Vincent Chong
'Well, let me see,' I said, as the innkeeper poured me a beer. 'In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon, I murdered my wife.'
For a man as remarkable as the philosopher Saloninus, just another day.
Of course, we only have his word for it, and Saloninus has been known to be creative with the truth. Little white lies are inevitable expedients when you're one jump ahead of the secret police and on the brink of one of the greatest discoveries in the history of alchemy. But why would a scientist with the world's most generous, forgiving patron be so desperate to run away? And what, if anything, has blue got to do with gold?
Cover illustration by Vincent Chong
99 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 2010
3 people are currently reading
1216 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Parker
134 books1,685 followersK.J. Parker is a pseudonym for Tom Holt.
According to the biographical notes in some of Parker's books, Parker has previously worked in law, journalism, and numismatics, and now writes and makes things out of wood and metal. It is also claimed that Parker is married to a solicitor and now lives in southern England. According to an autobiographical note, Parker was raised in rural Vermont, a lifestyle which influenced Parker's work.
According to the biographical notes in some of Parker's books, Parker has previously worked in law, journalism, and numismatics, and now writes and makes things out of wood and metal. It is also claimed that Parker is married to a solicitor and now lives in southern England. According to an autobiographical note, Parker was raised in rural Vermont, a lifestyle which influenced Parker's work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
November 22, 2017
This novella turned out to be a ton of fun. I'm glad I gave K.J.Parker another chance as I've failed in the past with his début book and with a Tom Holt book I tried in my younger days. I'm usually a one flop and done sort of guy but this was just a novella and the blurb was really appealing. Lucky for me this story delivered on the promise of that awesome blurb!
“Well, let me see,” I said, as the innkeeper poured me a beer. “In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon, I murdered my wife.”
So begins the story of the alchemist Saloninus, who may or may not have discovered how to turn base metal into gold and who may or may not have killed his wife! The whole tale was told in Saloninus's own words and he proved an engaging and compelling narrator.
I wasn’t happy about being manhandled, but then I thought about the man whose skull I’d broken and decided not to make an issue of it. Memo to self, I thought; must make special effort not to hurt people.
Albeit not a narrator particularly high in morals or all that trustworthy!
The story proved a good mix of humorous and compelling and Parker threw in enough twists and turns to keep things interesting.
I'll definitely be picking up the sequel to this story and probably Parker's other novellas as well.
Rating: 4 stars.
“Well, let me see,” I said, as the innkeeper poured me a beer. “In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon, I murdered my wife.”
So begins the story of the alchemist Saloninus, who may or may not have discovered how to turn base metal into gold and who may or may not have killed his wife! The whole tale was told in Saloninus's own words and he proved an engaging and compelling narrator.
I wasn’t happy about being manhandled, but then I thought about the man whose skull I’d broken and decided not to make an issue of it. Memo to self, I thought; must make special effort not to hurt people.
Albeit not a narrator particularly high in morals or all that trustworthy!
The story proved a good mix of humorous and compelling and Parker threw in enough twists and turns to keep things interesting.
I'll definitely be picking up the sequel to this story and probably Parker's other novellas as well.
Rating: 4 stars.
May 13, 2011
This book is a joke.
No, really. I'm not being mean. K.J. Parker is just messing with you: this is a story told by an unreliable narrator who is upfront about being unreliable, and the entire narrative is just a setup for a punchline that doesn't arrive until you've read the final two words.
There's a really great first line:
"Well, let me see," I said, as the innkeeper poured me a beer. "In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon, I murdered my wife."
Both of those things end up being not exactly true, but they aren't really false either. Saloninus claims to be the world's greatest alchemist, and maybe he is, but you can't exactly take him at his word. Sometimes, he tells you how something happened. Then he tells you how it could have happened, if he wants to makes himself look good. Then eventually, he admits what actually happened, which is closer to the first version, but now you know why. With the justifications this guy comes up with for his actions, you can see why he lies and embellishes.
It turns out that I like novellas. It's a good length -- more beef than a short story, but not so long that it milks all the life out of an idea (beef, milks... is that a mixed metaphor or not?). I can handle a character changing things up on me for 99 pages. Any longer, and I'd be ready to punch the book in the face. This is the second K.J. Parker novella I've read, and while I think it is just as good as Purple and Black, I'm taking away a star because it's basically the same idea: both books string you along and then pull the rug out from under you. They're all setup, but this time I knew the punchline was coming. I mean, I still laughed.
Or did I? You'll just have to take my word for it.
No, really. I'm not being mean. K.J. Parker is just messing with you: this is a story told by an unreliable narrator who is upfront about being unreliable, and the entire narrative is just a setup for a punchline that doesn't arrive until you've read the final two words.
There's a really great first line:
"Well, let me see," I said, as the innkeeper poured me a beer. "In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon, I murdered my wife."
Both of those things end up being not exactly true, but they aren't really false either. Saloninus claims to be the world's greatest alchemist, and maybe he is, but you can't exactly take him at his word. Sometimes, he tells you how something happened. Then he tells you how it could have happened, if he wants to makes himself look good. Then eventually, he admits what actually happened, which is closer to the first version, but now you know why. With the justifications this guy comes up with for his actions, you can see why he lies and embellishes.
It turns out that I like novellas. It's a good length -- more beef than a short story, but not so long that it milks all the life out of an idea (beef, milks... is that a mixed metaphor or not?). I can handle a character changing things up on me for 99 pages. Any longer, and I'd be ready to punch the book in the face. This is the second K.J. Parker novella I've read, and while I think it is just as good as Purple and Black, I'm taking away a star because it's basically the same idea: both books string you along and then pull the rug out from under you. They're all setup, but this time I knew the punchline was coming. I mean, I still laughed.
Or did I? You'll just have to take my word for it.
May 16, 2022
4.5 ⭐
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
September 11, 2016
KJ Parker revisited the character of Saloninus, introduced here, in 'The Devil You Know,' which I read a few months ago. I understand why - it's a great character! (Imagine if Leonardo da Vinci had been an amoral conman and alchemist?) If you've read either one, some of the details here will be familiar to you.I did think that 'The Devil You Know' was slightly better, but this one was great too.
KJ Parker's wry cynicism regarding human nature is on display in top form, in this story.
The narrator tells you upfront that he's unreliable: a liar, a criminal, and not to be trusted. He also tells us that he discovered the secret of transmuting base metals to gold, and that he murdered his wife. Should we believe either of these things?
Along the way, Saloninus' stories shift a bit - sometimes more than a bit - but they're always entertaining. I liked the commentary on how discovering the secret of how to create gold might not really be the best thing for its discoverer... along with many other gems.
KJ Parker's wry cynicism regarding human nature is on display in top form, in this story.
The narrator tells you upfront that he's unreliable: a liar, a criminal, and not to be trusted. He also tells us that he discovered the secret of transmuting base metals to gold, and that he murdered his wife. Should we believe either of these things?
Along the way, Saloninus' stories shift a bit - sometimes more than a bit - but they're always entertaining. I liked the commentary on how discovering the secret of how to create gold might not really be the best thing for its discoverer... along with many other gems.
July 23, 2014
"Blue and Gold" is the short 100 page novel by KJ Parker tbp late 2010 (or novella - though like Purple and Black this one has a feeling of completeness while for example the excellent A Rich Full Week from the Swords/Dark magic anthology has the novella episodic feeling)
I actually read it several times to get all its nuances since it's packed with stuff whose true meaning becomes apparent only gradually; a first person narration from self-confessed unreliable narrator, philosopher, writer, criminal and genius alchemist Saloninus aka Nino, former college chum and current court alchemist and brother-in-law to prince Phocas who rules the respective country; the prince wants to find the secret of transmutation (base metals in gold), while his ambitious, beautiful and vain sister Eudoxia wants the elixir of immortality Saloninus hinted at in one of his famous works, while Saloninus wants only to get away, or so we are led to believe...
Things are much more complicated and there are layers of meaning and past happenings that are only slowly and exquisitely unraveled but the first lines are just superb:
"...In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon I murdered my wife"
Of course Saloninus is a self-confessed unreliable narrator...
Just awesome
I actually read it several times to get all its nuances since it's packed with stuff whose true meaning becomes apparent only gradually; a first person narration from self-confessed unreliable narrator, philosopher, writer, criminal and genius alchemist Saloninus aka Nino, former college chum and current court alchemist and brother-in-law to prince Phocas who rules the respective country; the prince wants to find the secret of transmutation (base metals in gold), while his ambitious, beautiful and vain sister Eudoxia wants the elixir of immortality Saloninus hinted at in one of his famous works, while Saloninus wants only to get away, or so we are led to believe...
Things are much more complicated and there are layers of meaning and past happenings that are only slowly and exquisitely unraveled but the first lines are just superb:
"...In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon I murdered my wife"
Of course Saloninus is a self-confessed unreliable narrator...
Just awesome
August 23, 2020
“In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon I murdered my wife.” Unmistakable mister Parker ;))
Just like in “The Two of Swords” he brings to life some heck of a character: “I’m Saloninus, by the way. And I tell lies, from time to time”.
Well, that ‘time to time’ is pretty relative. Up until the end you have no idea what is true or not. And even now that I finished it, I’m not quite sure he told the truth in the end. After all, Blue and Gold, Reality and Utopia blend in too tight to tell them apart.
Saloninus the philosopher is also an alchemist and a very modest one: “Considering my situation dispassionately and in depth, I was forced to the conclusion that I’d have to be brave, resourceful and imaginative. Depressing. I hate situations that bring out the best in me.” He gets himself into all sorts of troubles, apparently by chance. Apparently…
Anyway, if you read something by KJ Parker, you know what to expect. And you won’t be disappointed. The story has so many hidden meanings and I think everyone will find something new to discover.
Just like in “The Two of Swords” he brings to life some heck of a character: “I’m Saloninus, by the way. And I tell lies, from time to time”.
Well, that ‘time to time’ is pretty relative. Up until the end you have no idea what is true or not. And even now that I finished it, I’m not quite sure he told the truth in the end. After all, Blue and Gold, Reality and Utopia blend in too tight to tell them apart.
Saloninus the philosopher is also an alchemist and a very modest one: “Considering my situation dispassionately and in depth, I was forced to the conclusion that I’d have to be brave, resourceful and imaginative. Depressing. I hate situations that bring out the best in me.” He gets himself into all sorts of troubles, apparently by chance. Apparently…
Anyway, if you read something by KJ Parker, you know what to expect. And you won’t be disappointed. The story has so many hidden meanings and I think everyone will find something new to discover.
April 1, 2020
7,5/10
Más que una novela es un relato no demasiado largo. Interesante el protagonista de la historia y el modo en el que piensa y ejecuta sus planes para salir del atolladero en el que se encuentra. El trasfondo parece que podría ser interesante, pero no da tiempo a desarrollarlo y el resto de los personajes más de lo mismo.
En cualquier caso recomendable, aunque no pueda contar mucho más de lo que nos dice la sinopsis.
Más que una novela es un relato no demasiado largo. Interesante el protagonista de la historia y el modo en el que piensa y ejecuta sus planes para salir del atolladero en el que se encuentra. El trasfondo parece que podría ser interesante, pero no da tiempo a desarrollarlo y el resto de los personajes más de lo mismo.
En cualquier caso recomendable, aunque no pueda contar mucho más de lo que nos dice la sinopsis.
April 13, 2024
Saloninus is such an arse!
- I bloody love him.
That's saying a lot. I "met" him in Pulling the Wings of Angels and his genius pissed me off because of the earth shattering affect it had on that world's belief system. But Science must, after all, pull down the curtain of magic and superstition. He was their Newton-Tesla-Heisenberg and so much more.
And yet, starting here at the beginning or some ways to the beginning - I can't help but like this unreliable narrator. His truths are indistinguishable from his lies. I found myself shocked 😮into forced understanding on so many pages. Saloninus The Philosopher is a lying liar who liars. A liar, an accidental killer, a genius all round - literature, science, art and most importantly, Saloninus the Liar is the Alchemist to beat and blend and change all other metals into something priceless and magnificent.
K.J. Parker built a world from our world that is so rich in things that make worlds well...worlds that I keep forgetting none of them are real. I found myself trying to find the books of these philosophers and alchemists and scientists mentioned and couldn't find them on Goodreads or google.
Shot to the heart - they don't exist this side of the dimension.
Characters: Two Sentences or less:
Phocas: Patient murderer or more to the point, a royal serial killer with the façade of being a friend and protector.
Saloninus: Alchemist, Thief, Criminal, Philosopher, Author, Inventor, Magician, Priest, Lying Liar who Lies.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:
Saloninus holds a Funeral lecture on the elements of the Human Body being burnt at the stake. This is his eulogy and honestly it is romantic in an academic way.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “Time melts. In its liquid form (aqua temporis), it seeps and penetrates, like a thin mineral oil, and pools, and floods, under the influence of heat (the agency of fire, passim). Withdraw that influence and it congeals, like hot fat in a pan, and in its solid state undergoes a kind of slow transmutation into a gooey mess, in which you get stuck.” (Saloninus alchemical view of Time)
🖤 “It’s probably a mistake to teach logic to the young. Logic is a weapon as well as a tool. You learn it, you master it, you can’t wait to go out and use it on someone.” (Father Saloninus being wise and spitting facts)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts:
■The Alchemist: Saloninus
■ The Invincible Sun moves in orbit of Earth. Curious indeed.
■Philosophers, Scientists,
■ Ichor Tonans
■A walnut-sized gob of pulveus fulminans
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Speculative Fiction Books by 2025
That's saying a lot. I "met" him in Pulling the Wings of Angels and his genius pissed me off because of the earth shattering affect it had on that world's belief system. But Science must, after all, pull down the curtain of magic and superstition. He was their Newton-Tesla-Heisenberg and so much more.
And yet, starting here at the beginning or some ways to the beginning - I can't help but like this unreliable narrator. His truths are indistinguishable from his lies. I found myself shocked 😮into forced understanding on so many pages. Saloninus The Philosopher is a lying liar who liars. A liar, an accidental killer, a genius all round - literature, science, art and most importantly, Saloninus the Liar is the Alchemist to beat and blend and change all other metals into something priceless and magnificent.
K.J. Parker built a world from our world that is so rich in things that make worlds well...worlds that I keep forgetting none of them are real. I found myself trying to find the books of these philosophers and alchemists and scientists mentioned and couldn't find them on Goodreads or google.
Shot to the heart - they don't exist this side of the dimension.
Characters: Two Sentences or less:
Phocas: Patient murderer or more to the point, a royal serial killer with the façade of being a friend and protector.
Saloninus: Alchemist, Thief, Criminal, Philosopher, Author, Inventor, Magician, Priest, Lying Liar who Lies.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:
Saloninus holds a Funeral lecture on the elements of the Human Body being burnt at the stake. This is his eulogy and honestly it is romantic in an academic way.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “Time melts. In its liquid form (aqua temporis), it seeps and penetrates, like a thin mineral oil, and pools, and floods, under the influence of heat (the agency of fire, passim). Withdraw that influence and it congeals, like hot fat in a pan, and in its solid state undergoes a kind of slow transmutation into a gooey mess, in which you get stuck.” (Saloninus alchemical view of Time)
🖤 “It’s probably a mistake to teach logic to the young. Logic is a weapon as well as a tool. You learn it, you master it, you can’t wait to go out and use it on someone.” (Father Saloninus being wise and spitting facts)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts:
■The Alchemist: Saloninus
■ The Invincible Sun moves in orbit of Earth. Curious indeed.
■Philosophers, Scientists,
■ Ichor Tonans
■A walnut-sized gob of pulveus fulminans
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Speculative Fiction Books by 2025
March 11, 2016
Blue and Gold is my first full length (I use the term loosely as it is a novella) read from K.J. Parker (or Tom Holt for that matter). I have read one his shorts in the anthology Swords & Dark Magic, and really enjoyed it. And like that short, this is a clever and imaginative story.
The story is told by an unreliable narrator (he tells you he's not to be trust right from the beginning) from the first person view. Because of this, and despite a rather simple premise; a man on the run from the law for killing his wife, Blue and Gold is filled with many subtle twists and turns that keeps the reader's interest piqued and engaged. And though the subject matter is rather weighty, murdering one's spouse, the story is told with a certain amount of levity and humour, which adds a uniqueness and enjoyment to the whole affair.
Due to the length of the material we get to learn just enough of our protagonist to be able to relate, but without learning his whole history, hopes and dreams as we would in a longer work. It's a quick read, and just the right size and pace for a story of this kind.
Not too much depth, but a darn fun read overall. 3.75/5
The story is told by an unreliable narrator (he tells you he's not to be trust right from the beginning) from the first person view. Because of this, and despite a rather simple premise; a man on the run from the law for killing his wife, Blue and Gold is filled with many subtle twists and turns that keeps the reader's interest piqued and engaged. And though the subject matter is rather weighty, murdering one's spouse, the story is told with a certain amount of levity and humour, which adds a uniqueness and enjoyment to the whole affair.
Due to the length of the material we get to learn just enough of our protagonist to be able to relate, but without learning his whole history, hopes and dreams as we would in a longer work. It's a quick read, and just the right size and pace for a story of this kind.
Not too much depth, but a darn fun read overall. 3.75/5
March 13, 2019
Parker is a genius. His books offer not only a clever, intelligent entertainment but also food for thought. Blue and Gold is a darkly humorous novella told by an unreliable narrator - Saloninus. He claims to be the greatest living alchemist who’s just poisoned his wife Eudoxia. He finds himself on the run from Paraprosdocia and justice, hampered by his lack of resources and a broad array of enemies.
I won’t call him a good guy, but Salonimus has plenty of charm and even when his actions and confessions make you pause you can’t help but like the amoral bastard. He teases readers with bits of alchemical theory and his breakthrough works in the field of philosophy. The story develops in a linear way but the gradual reveal of Saloninus past crimes, motivations and discoveries adds plenty of complexity and nuances.
Saturated with wry humour and strong (if slightly predictable) twists it thrilled me. I don’t know how Parker does it, but he does it much better than most fantasy writers out there. It’s as simple as that.
I won’t call him a good guy, but Salonimus has plenty of charm and even when his actions and confessions make you pause you can’t help but like the amoral bastard. He teases readers with bits of alchemical theory and his breakthrough works in the field of philosophy. The story develops in a linear way but the gradual reveal of Saloninus past crimes, motivations and discoveries adds plenty of complexity and nuances.
Saturated with wry humour and strong (if slightly predictable) twists it thrilled me. I don’t know how Parker does it, but he does it much better than most fantasy writers out there. It’s as simple as that.
April 10, 2022
This is a real tongue-in-cheek story of Saloninus’s end years mostly. It begins with a band: “In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon, I murdered my wife.” He is such a liar that you don’t know whether or not he’s telling the truth.
“I’m Saloninus, by the way. And I tell lies, from time to time. Which goes to prove the old rule; never entirely trust a man who talks about himself in the third person.” You just don’t know what’s up or down with him until late in the book.
There’s all kinds of sassy philosophical remarks: “ethics is an excuse for a deficiency in vision and outlook.” “Mortality is the constant that defines our existence.”
I am looking forward to continuing Saloninus’s journey in the next book.
“I’m Saloninus, by the way. And I tell lies, from time to time. Which goes to prove the old rule; never entirely trust a man who talks about himself in the third person.” You just don’t know what’s up or down with him until late in the book.
There’s all kinds of sassy philosophical remarks: “ethics is an excuse for a deficiency in vision and outlook.” “Mortality is the constant that defines our existence.”
I am looking forward to continuing Saloninus’s journey in the next book.
April 17, 2016
4 Stars
"I’m Saloninus, by the way. And I tell lies, from time to time. Which goes to prove the old rule; never entirely trust a man who talks about himself in the third person."
Blue and Gold by K.J. Parker is the first in the Saloninus series. It is a whimsical fantasy about the world's greatest alchemist and probably also liar. This is a short and fun read about a likable asshole. Saloninus is quite unreliable...literally.
I love how the story was told, the way in which it unfoldes, the way the plot twisted and turned, and of course the way it had to be told again as it was full of lies. I enjoyed the characters of this book and would like to read more about him.
"It’s a central paradox that love and rape both find expression in the same act. For two years, I raped science, trying to give Phocas and Eudoxia what they wanted, gold and youth. Couldn’t be done, of course. Not possible. But they both had blind, unlimited faith in me; like being in love, or believing in God. I think I could’ve endured that. I might just possibly have been able to keep going, trusting that sooner or later the faith would start to crack and break up, they’d realise I wasn’t nearly as clever as they thought I was, and they’d eventually let me go, or kill me..."
This story and main character reminded me a great deal of Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard. They share in their level of despicability, and crazy machinations. I think that Saloninus would be a brother to Johannes.
This is a fun read by an author that I really enjoy.
"I’m Saloninus, by the way. And I tell lies, from time to time. Which goes to prove the old rule; never entirely trust a man who talks about himself in the third person."
Blue and Gold by K.J. Parker is the first in the Saloninus series. It is a whimsical fantasy about the world's greatest alchemist and probably also liar. This is a short and fun read about a likable asshole. Saloninus is quite unreliable...literally.
I love how the story was told, the way in which it unfoldes, the way the plot twisted and turned, and of course the way it had to be told again as it was full of lies. I enjoyed the characters of this book and would like to read more about him.
"It’s a central paradox that love and rape both find expression in the same act. For two years, I raped science, trying to give Phocas and Eudoxia what they wanted, gold and youth. Couldn’t be done, of course. Not possible. But they both had blind, unlimited faith in me; like being in love, or believing in God. I think I could’ve endured that. I might just possibly have been able to keep going, trusting that sooner or later the faith would start to crack and break up, they’d realise I wasn’t nearly as clever as they thought I was, and they’d eventually let me go, or kill me..."
This story and main character reminded me a great deal of Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard. They share in their level of despicability, and crazy machinations. I think that Saloninus would be a brother to Johannes.
This is a fun read by an author that I really enjoy.
December 31, 2022
First time reading Parker and I was suitably impressed.
This novella was a masterclass in the use of an unreliable narrator. Straight out of the gates our protagonist, Saloninus informs us that he tells lies and to "never entirely trust a man who talks about himself in the third person". The clever part is that Parker still makes you trust the sequence of events that unfold before flipping reality on its head on more than one occasion.
I really liked how much heavy lifting in terms of theme and use of metaphor was achieved in just 99 pages, particularly considering how much of the page count was devoted to alchemical nomenclature and detailed description of experiments. Possibly Parker was trying to show that people can also change their state, or indeed status just as much as the base metals in the alchemist laboratory.
We also get to ponder on the implications of when an item of scarcity and source of wealth were to become commonplace and how those in control might attempt to prevent that from occurring.
I will probably read 'Purple and Black' or 'The Folding Knife' next as I have copies of these, but let me know if you have any other K J Parker recommendations...
This novella was a masterclass in the use of an unreliable narrator. Straight out of the gates our protagonist, Saloninus informs us that he tells lies and to "never entirely trust a man who talks about himself in the third person". The clever part is that Parker still makes you trust the sequence of events that unfold before flipping reality on its head on more than one occasion.
I really liked how much heavy lifting in terms of theme and use of metaphor was achieved in just 99 pages, particularly considering how much of the page count was devoted to alchemical nomenclature and detailed description of experiments. Possibly Parker was trying to show that people can also change their state, or indeed status just as much as the base metals in the alchemist laboratory.
We also get to ponder on the implications of when an item of scarcity and source of wealth were to become commonplace and how those in control might attempt to prevent that from occurring.
I will probably read 'Purple and Black' or 'The Folding Knife' next as I have copies of these, but let me know if you have any other K J Parker recommendations...
October 14, 2021
Really interesting novella with an unforgetable protagonist in Saloninus. A very smart, cynical and funny alchemist who has a tendency to lie to everyone, including the readers. We jump righ into the story of Saloninus with no previous set-up but we gradually get to know what's going on and by the end we come to understand the protagonist's main motives.
It's a small story so don't expect some epic adveture, but Parker's writing and Saloninus comical and thought provoking interpretations of ethics got me invested in this world, enough to keep going with the series.
It's a small story so don't expect some epic adveture, but Parker's writing and Saloninus comical and thought provoking interpretations of ethics got me invested in this world, enough to keep going with the series.
August 26, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5
What a fun little read! For so short a story, it's really a testament to the author's skills as a writer to make such a likeable character in just under 100 pages. And I think this all works quite well as a novella, and makes me question why so many authors these days muddle down their works with overlong and overworked pages...
The only reason for such an average score is that I felt this story came off more as a sequel to another work. You're immediately thrown into the story of Saloninus, and though the plot flowed quickly yet smoothly, it could've been dealt better as a sophomore effort. I believe there should've been a novella before this to get some of the more expository material out of the way. The way it's written, progression-wise, didn't hinder it at all, really. I just wish I had had a bit more backstory before diving in.
Regardless, I'll surely be picking up the second novella in this brief series, because this was a very entertaining read.
What a fun little read! For so short a story, it's really a testament to the author's skills as a writer to make such a likeable character in just under 100 pages. And I think this all works quite well as a novella, and makes me question why so many authors these days muddle down their works with overlong and overworked pages...
The only reason for such an average score is that I felt this story came off more as a sequel to another work. You're immediately thrown into the story of Saloninus, and though the plot flowed quickly yet smoothly, it could've been dealt better as a sophomore effort. I believe there should've been a novella before this to get some of the more expository material out of the way. The way it's written, progression-wise, didn't hinder it at all, really. I just wish I had had a bit more backstory before diving in.
Regardless, I'll surely be picking up the second novella in this brief series, because this was a very entertaining read.
July 10, 2017
May the topic not be of the utmost interest for me, Parker's writing and the intricate layers sure made it a worth reading.
January 7, 2022
I don’t know how he does it. Time and time again. Full review to come soon.
December 18, 2010
ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.
Talk about unreliable narrators! If you like that technique, you’re sure to enjoy K.J. Parker’s Blue and Gold. It’s a fast, intense, and dramatic little book that will entertain you for an afternoon.
Saloninus is probably the cleverest alchemist who ever lived (or is he?). After publishing several important (?) papers and losing his tuition money, he drops out of the university and begins a life of crime, then gets commissioned by the prince to figure out how to do two things: 1. Produce the elixir of eternal youth and 2. Turn base metal into gold. During the process, though, he accidentally (?) poisons his beautiful and brilliant wife, so now he’s on the run and he’s pretty stressed-out.
Blue and Gold’s plot is told in a series of scenes that take place in the present and past as Saloninus gradually fills in more and more detail and occasionally corrects his previous misstatements. His scientific, yet unethical (perhaps even sociopathic), voice is fascinating. He doesn’t let us in on some important facts, and every time he adjusts the story we get a fresh — but not necessarily more accurate — perspective. It’s hard to know whether we’re supposed to be for or against Saloninus; all we know is that we can’t trust him. How can you trust someone who knowingly publishes scholarly papers based on faulty logic? And who won’t tell you who he is or what his goals and purposes are? It’s good that this novella is short, because this might not work in a longer story. Fortunately, Saloninus comes clean in the end, so you needn’t worry about an ambiguous conclusion.
I enjoyed the setting of Blue and Gold. It’s that cozy academic scene that I love: writing theses, studying, attending lectures, consulting advisers, gaining life-long friends. I’ve washed plenty of beakers, weighed my share of powdery chemicals, and sat at numerous lab benches. It felt so real here. I don’t know who K.J. Parker is, but (s)he knows what (s)he’s talking about. Throughout Blue and Gold, the science of alchemy is used as a metaphor for the passage of time, spending money, rising and declining social status, personality development, falling in love, and death.
Blue and Gold is a fast-paced, gripping, excellently written story, which will be especially enjoyed by those who appreciate unreliable narrators and who feel nostalgic about academic settings.
Talk about unreliable narrators! If you like that technique, you’re sure to enjoy K.J. Parker’s Blue and Gold. It’s a fast, intense, and dramatic little book that will entertain you for an afternoon.
Saloninus is probably the cleverest alchemist who ever lived (or is he?). After publishing several important (?) papers and losing his tuition money, he drops out of the university and begins a life of crime, then gets commissioned by the prince to figure out how to do two things: 1. Produce the elixir of eternal youth and 2. Turn base metal into gold. During the process, though, he accidentally (?) poisons his beautiful and brilliant wife, so now he’s on the run and he’s pretty stressed-out.
Blue and Gold’s plot is told in a series of scenes that take place in the present and past as Saloninus gradually fills in more and more detail and occasionally corrects his previous misstatements. His scientific, yet unethical (perhaps even sociopathic), voice is fascinating. He doesn’t let us in on some important facts, and every time he adjusts the story we get a fresh — but not necessarily more accurate — perspective. It’s hard to know whether we’re supposed to be for or against Saloninus; all we know is that we can’t trust him. How can you trust someone who knowingly publishes scholarly papers based on faulty logic? And who won’t tell you who he is or what his goals and purposes are? It’s good that this novella is short, because this might not work in a longer story. Fortunately, Saloninus comes clean in the end, so you needn’t worry about an ambiguous conclusion.
I enjoyed the setting of Blue and Gold. It’s that cozy academic scene that I love: writing theses, studying, attending lectures, consulting advisers, gaining life-long friends. I’ve washed plenty of beakers, weighed my share of powdery chemicals, and sat at numerous lab benches. It felt so real here. I don’t know who K.J. Parker is, but (s)he knows what (s)he’s talking about. Throughout Blue and Gold, the science of alchemy is used as a metaphor for the passage of time, spending money, rising and declining social status, personality development, falling in love, and death.
Blue and Gold is a fast-paced, gripping, excellently written story, which will be especially enjoyed by those who appreciate unreliable narrators and who feel nostalgic about academic settings.
March 24, 2018
This book is a fun read. The only other book I’ve by Parker was the Folding Knife which I really liked. This novella is completely different and very funny, especially the way it starts out. But it’s funny in a very dark way. I imagine this is something more similar to what he writes as Tom Holt. It is only 99 pages so it is very short and light reading. I finished it in one day easily. If you want to get a feel for his style but don’t want to read a full length novel to start out then this would be a good start. It is about an alchemist who is trying to turn base metal into gold. He does not succeed in this endeavor but it is a fun adventure with a lot of twists and turns jam-packed into these short pages.
July 22, 2016
Incredibly short novella that I fell right into from the first page. The story was drawn out beautifully, and I love my some anti-hero MCs.
January 11, 2017
Characters 4*
Plot 4*
World building 2.5*
Total: 3.5*
An intriguing short story that was a good quick read. The writing style was a bit dense, but the concept was enjoyable.
Plot 4*
World building 2.5*
Total: 3.5*
An intriguing short story that was a good quick read. The writing style was a bit dense, but the concept was enjoyable.
March 8, 2025
Blue and Gold” by K.J. Parker is a novella that features a reoccurring character Saloninus, a philosopher and alchemist renowned for his cunning and moral ambiguity. This story is primarily about Saloninus, who has been known to tell little white lies which are inevitable expedients when you're one jump ahead of the secret police and on the brink of one of the greatest discoveries in the history of alchemy. Why would a scientist with the world's most generous, forgiving patron be so desperate to run away? And what, if anything, has blue got to do with gold?
The main strength of the book is the unreliable narration, Saloninus’s storytelling is marked by his many contradictions and often downright lies. It certainly kept me engaged and questioning just what is the truth. I like this narrative technique as it adds depth to Saloninus’s character and enriches the plot. Parker captures the essence of scholarly life, from thesis writing to laboratory experiments, providing a realistic backdrop that enhances the story’s authenticity.
If you never read Parker before and you like dark humour, which is Parker’s trade mark. Saloninus has plenty of sardonic wit, a cynical yet entertaining perspective on his life and the pursuit of knowledge- like turning based metal into gold!
On the downside, Saloninus’s amoral and self-serving nature may be a problem for some readers, making Saloninus challenging to empathise with.
The plot is intricately layered with truths and lies, which demands careful attention, to get the best out of the story. It certainly isn’t a straightforward narrative. Parker for me, is one of the most unique fantasy writers and Blue and Gold” is a thought-provoking novella that combines unreliable narration with a richly depicted academic setting.
While its complexity and the protagonist’s moral ambiguity may not appeal to all, readers who appreciate intricate storytelling and dark humor will find it rewarding.
The main strength of the book is the unreliable narration, Saloninus’s storytelling is marked by his many contradictions and often downright lies. It certainly kept me engaged and questioning just what is the truth. I like this narrative technique as it adds depth to Saloninus’s character and enriches the plot. Parker captures the essence of scholarly life, from thesis writing to laboratory experiments, providing a realistic backdrop that enhances the story’s authenticity.
If you never read Parker before and you like dark humour, which is Parker’s trade mark. Saloninus has plenty of sardonic wit, a cynical yet entertaining perspective on his life and the pursuit of knowledge- like turning based metal into gold!
On the downside, Saloninus’s amoral and self-serving nature may be a problem for some readers, making Saloninus challenging to empathise with.
The plot is intricately layered with truths and lies, which demands careful attention, to get the best out of the story. It certainly isn’t a straightforward narrative. Parker for me, is one of the most unique fantasy writers and Blue and Gold” is a thought-provoking novella that combines unreliable narration with a richly depicted academic setting.
While its complexity and the protagonist’s moral ambiguity may not appeal to all, readers who appreciate intricate storytelling and dark humor will find it rewarding.
August 11, 2020
9 out of 10⭐✨
Despite a short novella, this was a very enjoyable read.
Keywords: unreliable narrator, alchemy, morally grey, novella, fantasy, comedy
Blue and Gold tells a story about an alchemist named Saloninus, who is in the run after accidentally murdered his wife. It is written in first person point of view of him. But alas, he is not just an alchemist but also a conman and criminal, so we can't differentiate what are truths and not from what he tells us.
The main genre of this book is perhaps comedy, it's full of funny remarks from Saloninus here and there. The narration remind me a lot of Percy Jackson narration. But perhaps the questionable morale version of Percy lol.
The main character of this book, Saloninus, is very charming. He is a (self proclaimed) genius alchemist, witty, melancholic but yet also a dumb troublemaker at times. As the story unfolds we got to see some his past life and we got more and more attached of him.
The pace of this book is slow. It is also full of alchemical explanation (which I couldn't understand since I am a muggle and this is not Atelier games) and philosophical thoughts that make me questioning Saloninus morale even more. Nothing flashy happens, so this book might be best to read when you're relaxed and have a lot of free time.
I'll recommend this book to anyone seeking a casual read (bacaan ringan), those who love comedy (and Percy Jackson) and anyone obessed about finding fantasy novel with alchemist in it like I did.
Despite a short novella, this was a very enjoyable read.
Keywords: unreliable narrator, alchemy, morally grey, novella, fantasy, comedy
Blue and Gold tells a story about an alchemist named Saloninus, who is in the run after accidentally murdered his wife. It is written in first person point of view of him. But alas, he is not just an alchemist but also a conman and criminal, so we can't differentiate what are truths and not from what he tells us.
The main genre of this book is perhaps comedy, it's full of funny remarks from Saloninus here and there. The narration remind me a lot of Percy Jackson narration. But perhaps the questionable morale version of Percy lol.
The main character of this book, Saloninus, is very charming. He is a (self proclaimed) genius alchemist, witty, melancholic but yet also a dumb troublemaker at times. As the story unfolds we got to see some his past life and we got more and more attached of him.
The pace of this book is slow. It is also full of alchemical explanation (which I couldn't understand since I am a muggle and this is not Atelier games) and philosophical thoughts that make me questioning Saloninus morale even more. Nothing flashy happens, so this book might be best to read when you're relaxed and have a lot of free time.
I'll recommend this book to anyone seeking a casual read (bacaan ringan), those who love comedy (and Percy Jackson) and anyone obessed about finding fantasy novel with alchemist in it like I did.
September 2, 2024
Reread #1
Dropping my rating to 4 stars. This time the mentions of the chemicals Saloninus was using to create different things like his explosives or elixir to preserve beauty forever were boring to me. I'm also realizing that this was probably a 4 star for me the first time I read it anyway because a lot of it didn't stay with me. It was some of his lying ways and sarcastic tone that I loved the first time. I still liked that this time.
4.5/5...I just can't go the full 5 stars because I save my 5s for my own definition of perfection but this was pret-ty close!
This blurb got me and I HAD to know:
Saloninus has been tasked to turn base metals into gold....but does he do it? Who is paying him for this feat which may or may not have been accomplished? And what happened to his wife??? Saloninus also admits that he doesn't always tell the truth. We get the story through his own words as he talks with the King, tells us of his exploits in university as well as a bit of alchemy (which kinda went over my head).
I found out there are 2 more books in this "mini-series" featuring Saloninus and I'll definitely be reading those soon!!
Dropping my rating to 4 stars. This time the mentions of the chemicals Saloninus was using to create different things like his explosives or elixir to preserve beauty forever were boring to me. I'm also realizing that this was probably a 4 star for me the first time I read it anyway because a lot of it didn't stay with me. It was some of his lying ways and sarcastic tone that I loved the first time. I still liked that this time.
4.5/5...I just can't go the full 5 stars because I save my 5s for my own definition of perfection but this was pret-ty close!
This blurb got me and I HAD to know:
'Well, let me see,' I said, as the innkeeper poured me a beer. 'In the morning I discovered the secret of changing base metal into gold. In the afternoon, I murdered my wife.'
Saloninus has been tasked to turn base metals into gold....but does he do it? Who is paying him for this feat which may or may not have been accomplished? And what happened to his wife??? Saloninus also admits that he doesn't always tell the truth. We get the story through his own words as he talks with the King, tells us of his exploits in university as well as a bit of alchemy (which kinda went over my head).
I found out there are 2 more books in this "mini-series" featuring Saloninus and I'll definitely be reading those soon!!
June 3, 2015
This novella was loaned to me by a friend, and I'm so pleased he recommended it. Blue and Gold has one of the best unreliable narrators I've ever read. It's a delightful, twisted tale that takes full advantage of its morally negligent characters, yet still has you somehow rooting for the main character to succeed (and this despite his untrustworthy personality). Parker's attention to detail is so thorough and realistic that it immediately pulls you into the world of Saloninus the alchemist, and doesn't release you until the last page. Highly recommended for fans of more cynical fantasy.
August 30, 2012
This was a very good novella. Parker's writing style is very good and entertaining. I got more quotes out of those 60 pages than I usually get out of whole huge novels. The main character, the unreliable first-person narrator, is quite interesting. Even though often done by many authors, Parker gives a fresh take on that style of narration. The plot is complex with lots of twists and surprises but it felt a bit fragmented at times. All in all, I recommend this novella and I definitely intend to continue reading Parker's other works.
February 12, 2017
Pretty good read, with some amusing lines.
Saloninus (who I actually read first about in the sequel) is really a remarkable character. He lives like a king, then lives like a beggar, it's a genius in a moment and a con artist in another, and so on.
Parker also summarizes very well, not an easy skill to develop. He also likes to portray the element of luck and chance in his stories, but I think on this one these elements went a bit too convenient in the character's favor, contrary to his other stories I've read.
Saloninus (who I actually read first about in the sequel) is really a remarkable character. He lives like a king, then lives like a beggar, it's a genius in a moment and a con artist in another, and so on.
Parker also summarizes very well, not an easy skill to develop. He also likes to portray the element of luck and chance in his stories, but I think on this one these elements went a bit too convenient in the character's favor, contrary to his other stories I've read.
March 16, 2011
That's the funniest gem of a book I ever did read! I had to read it in a single sitting - there was just no way to put it down! My recommendation, get a nice comfy chair, your favorite beverage, and treat yourself to the hour or so needed to read Blue and Gold. Just wonderful!
January 10, 2022
Man I really love K.J Parker's stories. His humor and wit really shines in this book. The story is about a philosopher/alchemist who is forced to turn metal into gold. But what really makes this story amazing is that the narrator is a liar, a criminal and is completely unreliable. Right off the bat you don't know if he's lying or telling the truth and as the story progresses so does the narrators story. Its a fun read however I don't think I grasped the whole story. Then again I don't think I'm suppose to, J.K. Parker's writing style is very sharp and if you don't read closely enough you could get lost in it. Definitely looking forward to the next book of this trilogy, its a lot of fun.
"I’m Saloninus, by the way. And I tell lies, from time to time. Which goes to prove the old rule; never entirely trust a man who talks about himself in the third person."
"I’m Saloninus, by the way. And I tell lies, from time to time. Which goes to prove the old rule; never entirely trust a man who talks about himself in the third person."
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