Emerging Directions in Traditional Fantasy

Another long, long read! Though I recognize the world building is actually not too different from the Golden Compass, what with the bizarre interpretations of Breath (not too unlike Dust, eh?) and otherwise the use of kingdoms and magic, this read was more enjoyable (to me). Maybe because it was more simple, if only slightly. Or maybe because I've played World of Warcraft and enjoyed it, if only for a couple weeks. As discussed in class, this is basically how any fantasy video game would function if written into a book. There is a heavy emphasis on this collectible substance, the good guys, the bad guys, and if you're into things like World of Warcraft, there are a number of story lines to choose from too, though the cover of the book is of one of the two princess sisters (I can't decide which), it is a read that pays attention to at least four people in detail. It's an intricate book that really has a lot going on, but I suppose its primary focus is on Breath, what is gained from it, and why it should be reviled. On top of this, there is a lot of cheap humor, juxtaposed with a few great lines.

Arguably the most interesting thing to me about this book (apart from the hilarious and intriguing Lightsong) is the relationship the two sisters, Vivenna and Siri, share. Their places are switched close to the beginning of the novel when Vivenna's long-planned marriage to a God is unexpectedly passed on to the younger Siri. In this way, before they are really even truly established, their roles are reversed. This is more-or-less a common theme in the world of Warbreaker, the manner in which many of the characters develop, and the numerous red herrings used to allow for these changes to happen. Perhaps these inconsistencies are indicative of our inherent hypocrisies, or of our maturity (whatever maturity means to you). In some cases, it might be acting tough in order to save those you care about. In others, perhaps it is pretending to be nice in order to rule the world. All just typical themes in this book. But continuing on my earlier musing, I think it's interesting how the two princesses always seem to be opposing one another, one more adept with magic, the other still learning, one rather tomboyish, the other somewhat timid. Of course, given the nature of this book, I could be referring to either of them with those descriptions. Hence, why it's an interesting relationship they share.

Religion in this book plays a more pivotal role than it does in the Golden Compass, which focused more on the corruption of the church than any God/s. Gods and kings in Warbreaker work on a level only imagined by, say, the Egyptians. Also as in the polytheistic peoples' beliefs, Warbreaker manages to make zombies (though not mummies) a believable theme. Among other things, like lesser gods, mysterious male leads, and characters with (questionably) questionable intent, it's got a lot going on. To relate this book to social politics is difficult, but it was a very enjoyable, twisty, and pseudo-scientifically fascinating read.