Against my better judgment, I picked up Fool's Fate to read this week. The reviews had warned me that I would ultimately be disappointed.
And they were right. The story is compelling (I stayed up until much too early in the morning to finish it in one sitting), but taken as a whole it contradicts the fiction that had already been established in this world.
Problem #1 - the magic follows the Robert Jordan model of scholastic aptitude. The characters never learn to do any magic; worse, they are frustrated by their learning until they need to accomplish something, and hey presto, it's possible.
Problem #2 - the magic has no limits, no memory, and no tactical application. We've got these spell casters who can communicate, real time, practically limitless distance. This is, of course, a TREMENDOUS advantage, but too mundane to be applicable in fantasy. It can be used to fog the mind of your opponents, but this is never remembered when it would be useful. But raising from the dead? No problem.
Problem #3 - if the magic is going to be dangerous, especially to those who are untrained, then either (a) the mages must demonstrate extreme caution, or (b) the mages must suffer the consequences. Taking a time out after the climax of the tale, to be rescued Dragon Ex Machina doesn't count.
Problem #4 - If your magic has a rule, that people tend to bond to animals that share their traits, or that the young tend to be drawn to bond too quickly, that rule ought to be applied consistently.
Problem #5 - Oh, and the great mage with astounding versatility in a lost form of the magic cannot be one known to have rejected the magic, especially when you have the testimony of those who must know whether or not he is using the magic.
Problem #6 - if a major theme of your work is inflicting suffering on your protagonist, you may be able to manage happy ever after, but you can't give him back everything he sacrificed.
Problem #7 - planting an apprentice spy in the castle without ever having her contribute to the story is rude. Ample bosom or not.
Problem #8 - having two master spies shown up by a prophet, you can maybe get away with. Having two master spies shown up by a stable master? Go back and try again. Also, it helps if the master plot is consistent with the behavior established by the conspirators.
Problem #9 - Prince Joshua. If you don't catch this reference, have somebody describe the prince's fate at the end of Memory Sorrow and Thorn.
Problem #10 - there should really only be one spell to bring statues to life. Loopholes are a cheat, especially those that start to mess up causality.
February 15, 2004 10:15 PM
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