Like Rassan then like Arbonne?

[Anomander1]

Hi all.

I read Tigana and absolutely adored it. I then took a risk with Lions of Al Rassan, a risk as there was no 'fantastical' elements (magic, unreal creatures etc) which I usually always enjoy.

I really liked Al Rassan.... even though I would usually avoid such a read. I liked reading about Rodrigo and Ammar. Two strong characters competing.

Now I am wondering if I should try A Song for Arbonne, which again has no 'fantastical' elements. Could anyone give me an idea of how this is pitched in compariason to say Tigana and Rassan? Is it likely that if I liked Rassan I would like Arbonne?

Thanks and Regards

[U-Borat]

Seeing as Guy Gavriel Kay really writes historical fantasy, it probably isn't exactly your cup of tea.
IIRC, there's a smidgeon of magic in The Fionnavar Tapestry.

[Mithfânion]

Is it likely that if I liked Rassan I would like Arbonne?

Yes, I'd say so. Also the Last light of the Sun, and maybe you'd even like the two Sarantium books.

That said if you want more magical elements then pick up the excellent earlier work, the Fionavar Tapestry.

[Nowahs Notsnud]

Is it likely that if I liked Rassan I would like Arbonne?

Absolutely. I am a big fan of Guy Gavriel Kay (having discovered him due to this board), and like you, I really, really liked The Lions of Al Rassan - in fact, it would probably make my all-time top 10 list. I also really liked A Song for Arbonne, so my bet is that you are in for an enjoyable read.

Since you also brought up the subject of magical elements in a story, let me say this - of the GGK books I have read, I rank them in terms of "most magic" to "least magic" as follows: The Fionavar Tapestry --> Tigana --> A Song for Arbonne --> The Lions of Al Rassan. Arbonne does not have a lot of magic, but it does have a little more than Lions. Either way, they are both fantastic books.

I have not yet read The Last Light of the Sun or the Sarantium Duology (I am almost hesitant to do so, because I like having a sure bet good read waiting in store).

[JBI]

I have read Fionovar, Tigana, Al-rassan, and Arbonne, and I would have to say Arbonne is his best work that I have read.

That being said, if you are just into his books for escapism don't bother, but if you really want to feel you are in a sort of mock 12th century Provence, then pick it up. Also, I found the plot absolutely fantastic.

[Evil Agent]

Arbonne is my favourite of Kay's books. I didn't hear much about it, so I was surprised when I liked it more than Tigana or Al-Rassan.

I'd rate them like this:

1. A Song for Arbonne
2. Tigana
3. The Lions of Al-Rassan
4. The Fionavar Tapestry

Fionavar had its moments, but was way too flawed for me. I still have to read Last Light of the Sun, and the Sarantine Mosaic.

[briruc]

As others have said, if you like both Tigana and Rassan, Arbonne is pretty much certain to work for you too. You should go read it immediately, if you haven't started already .

Taken together, I personally think these three books are one of the most substantial achievements in late 20th Century fantasy: at the time they were written, to produce three consecutive stand-alone fantasy novels of such high quality was pioneering stuff. I liked the Fionavar Tapestry, too, but Tigana, Arbonne and Rassan were real eye-openers for me when they were published.

[JonLaidlow]

The two books of Kay's Sarantine Mosaic are as good as Lions of Al-Rassan. I've got Tigana and Arbornne next on my to-read list.

[Amaunette]

...I rank them in terms of "most magic" to "least magic" as follows: The Fionavar Tapestry --> Tigana --> A Song for Arbonne --> The Lions of Al Rassan. Arbonne does not have a lot of magic, but it does have a little more than Lions. Either way, they are both fantastic books.

I have not yet read The Last Light of the Sun or the Sarantium Duology (I am almost hesitant to do so, because I like having a sure bet good read waiting in store).

The Sarantium Mosaic has almost no magic at all, just a tiny smidge. I've read all Kay's work except Fionavar (which I couldn't get into), but I will agree it has the most magic. I would add Last Light of the Sun --> Sarantium Mosaic to the end of your "most to least fantasy" organizational chart

[lovely_elm]

Tigana was my first adult fantasy fic book (LotR notwithstanding!) I absolutely loved it. It opened up the whole genre for me and lead me to the wonderful Farseer books. I read Lions in the summer and loved it too. Ammar and Rodrigo were wonderful characters and I thought GGK could do not wrong.......

That was until I tried to read Foinavar. Hmmmmmmmmmm. I got about halfway through the forst book, decided i didn't care what was happening to any of the main characters (not a good sign) and didn't really know what was going on either. I HATE to not finish a book once I've started but it really was a struggle and I didn't want to be put off GGK for life!

I have Last Light of the Sun and Sarantine on my to read pile and I hope that they are better than Foinavar or I will be most upset!!!!