Review: The greatest compliment I can pay is that this novel will live on in my memories for years to come.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 30, 2014
In preparation for this book, I reread the other two novels and what a ride I have been on. Each one brings the reader deeper into the world of Dante and Blays, each one adds new dimensions to the characters' creative relationships, and all of the books are a true joy to travel through.In relationship Robertson's other two novels, I feel that The Black Star is the most mature in the trilogy. The fun banter between our heroes is nonsexist as they don't even see each other for much of the book. Not to say that there is no comedy in the book, but it is a clear departure from the first two. Now, where the jokes and verbal repartee is lacking, the novel makes up for it with moral, spiritual, and emotional depth that the first two take only glancing blows at.As I have mentioned before, I reread the first two novels before embarking on this final road, and the conclusion I have come to is that Roberton has taken his readers on the classic heroes saga, complete with Campbell's heroic stages.Dante has traversed from a character who justifies his murderous acts with mental and verbal gymnastics, to someone who weighs the deaths he is forced to commit with the social and moral implications that they result in.Blays likewise grew in wisdom and character from hired street tuff, powerful sidekick, to master schemer and without a doubt the character with the most acute moral compass.The trilogy is a fantastic work of fantasy and great character writing. While the ending of the novel is practically perfect in every way, I am sad that I will not be able to join with these adventures anymore. However, they will live on in my mind; and I hope, that that stands as the greatest compliment that I can pay to this wonderful and gifted writer.