Written on the Dark by Guy Gavriel Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's really quite fascinating to see how my reactions to a handful of authors change over the years. The first book I read by Kay left me with a sour taste in my mouth, but it also happened to be one of his first, most popular works.

But later? I kept giving him a shot (being pleasantly surprised), and another, and another--and sooner, rather than later, I was utterly enthralled, lost in the writing. I became so thoroughly immersed in the world and the people who journey there that I was literally enchanted away from the real world. Kay's writing has real magic in it.

In this particular book, we follow Thierry again, the poet who ALWAYS gets into trouble in a world near to, but not quite France, starting with first a murder investigation, and ending in massive, massive changes for a character I'd grown to love over the previous volumes.

But more, it's about his growth rather than the certainly interesting historical-adjacent happenings that reward students of history. Joan of Ark, anyone? But don't be deceived. This novel isn't about her. It's very much about seeing the world through a growing poet's eyes, encountering both danger and kindness, and ultimately... well, I think you ought to read it. It's a very beautiful book.

Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

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