I bought this book recently, and as happened with another of this author's books, found that I'd owned it before, in the 80s. The story of young woman who loots a tomb and is then followed home by an enigmatic armored warrior. Once the warrior leaves she (deciding that her life is one she doesn't want..think about it) she follows the warrior...but meets someone else. She meets two people sworn to "destroy" Roh (the warrior). You see, they explain Roh is actually not Roh, but possessed and they are on quest. And on and on and on. They have perused him through a gate left by an older civilization, there are two on this world....and off we go.The story moves on in what I find to be a pretty standard mannor and it never drew me in. I couldn't get into any of the character's minds and I just didn't get to where I cared what happened to them.Skimmed through, skipped to the end finally. Some will like it I'm sure, but as I've said before, I've read better by the author. She apparently isn't one whom I like everything by. I find that my take on her works is that they run hot and cold. if you like this one great. the synopsis sounded good and drew me in, but I just couldn't get into the story...but maybe I'll remember it this time and not buy it again.
The word 'misery' and its variations are used quite a bit. The world of the Shiuan Gate is drowning. Each year more land is claimed by the sea: field becomes poisoned marsh, hills become islands, and villages are abandoned when sea walls fail. Fatalism and retreat and diminishment as the people slowly migrate to the highest land available, and all know that the world is doomed. The gray misery of the people is on every page (perfectly suited to this week's weather: the cold wet drip of late March and a deluge of thaw) and tinges everything. It's a Dying Earth story of a sort, a wet, bonechilling November, whatever the season really is.Morgaine and Vanye--Morgaine especially--march relentlessly on a quest that few if any will thank them for. In this case, they close the only escape from this sadly unpleasant planet. Where in the land of Ivrel's Gate this task had an air of heroism to it, a worthy deed to accomplish, here it is a heavy doom upon the inhabitants. Morgaine is merciless, holding the long view of events, and trailing destruction. It is not surprising that her name becomes a curse in the lands she has traveled. Especially in this case, where her passing triggers long-awaited social upheaval and a final accounting for many.
What do You think about Well Of Shiuan (1978)?
Nhi Vanye's travels with Morgaine continue on the other side of the Gate. This time they've come to a world that is slowly dying -- drowning, apparently, in tides caused by a rogue moon. And this time they face adversaries more familiar with the Gates Morgaine is sworn to close, coupled with foes who are the result of Morgaine's own past actions.These are not happy books. This particular world, as mentioned, is dying. Vanye is bound to Morgaine by oaths, but their relationship is prickly at best -- he feels compelled to honor his bond, but Morgaine is ruthlessly single-minded in her quest, willing to sacrifice anything or anybody if it will put her closer to her goal. And there's no knowing how many Gates await them, or whether they'll even realize that they've reached the final one.They are, however, very, very good books -- compelling, character-driven drama in a vividly-realized world -- and I look forward to following Vanye and Morgaine through the Gate to see what's on the other side.
—Joseph
