To the average reader, Flamesong is a rompful adventure, set in a fantastic, alien – yet fully developed – world. The passage struck me as an artifact from some early draft of the work, which should have been removed as work progressed.īut it is impossible to hold these isolated flaws against Flamesong, which – in every other aspect – deserves respect as a fantasy novel of preeminent quality. Not only does this disrupt the pacing of the book’s end, but it is also completely unnecessary – the Eyes have already been well established previously in the book. Second, the end of the book derails briefly around page 380 into “treatise mode” as we receive a solid block of exposition concerning the mystic “Eyes” of Tékumel. Fortunately, these are severely muted in comparison to their overwhelming presence in Man of Gold - and quickly disappear entirely, to be replaced with a far more interesting exploration of the relationship between love and lust.
For example, I could go my entire life without having a character “eyeing her angular nudity”. They end up, coincidentally, book-ending the text:įirst, early in the book there are still certain salacious impulses drawn from the worse side of pulp cliches which put in an appearance. Indeed, there are essentially only two noticeable flaws in Flamesong’s quality. The characters are interesting and drawn from a broad, believable palette – at times alien, at times familiar yet always compelling. The plot is better conceived and structured in a more interesting and involving manner. The prose here is stronger, demonstrating a nice flow, balance, and development. Certainly there is a raw potential there, but it is sadly muted.įlamesong, on the other hand, is where that potential has been realized. Contrary to the typical mediocre fantasy novel – in which good writing is undermined by poor world-building skills - Man of Gold had poor writing set within one of the best worlds of fantasy to ever grace speculative fiction. Man of Gold, Professor Barker’s first novel set on the world of Tékumel, was an effort composed of many flaws. This review will discuss Flamesong, the second novel written by Professor M.A.R. The first review was a general overview of the Tékumel setting, publishing history, and other miscellaneous information while the second review discussed Man of Gold, the first of two novels set on Tékumel.
EMPIRE OF THE PETAL THRONE NOVEL DOWNLOAD SERIES
This review is the third in a series of reviews designed to analyze the Tékumel product line in depth. For additional information, please visit The world of Tékumel is an exciting, interesting, detailed setting - and Flamesong is the perfect showcase of its dynamic potential and rich development. Barker and are used with permission of the Tékumel Foundation. As a captain in one of their armies, will you play as male or female, gay straight or bi? A brave and forthright soldier, a hedonistic intriguer with a heart of gold, or scheming double agent? Tékumel™ and Empire of the Petal Throne™ are trademarks of M.A.R. The princes and princesses of the Tsolyáni empire vie for their father's mystical Petal Throne, tearing the nation apart with civil war and political intrigues.
Barker's world of Tékumel™ is a fantasy universe like no other, where South American, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures collide. It's entirely text-based-without graphics or sound effects-and fueled by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination. In the Empire of the Petal Throne™, will you find glory, or a knife in your back? "Choice of the Petal Throne" is a 124,000-word interactive fantasy novel by Danielle Goudeau, where your choices control the story.
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