This book is largely a series of tall tales about the title character, connected with an amusing framework where a flabby and unheroic, but not stupid, wealthy young man goes to a tavern in search of an almost mythical swordsman called Cyrion, who he believes is the only one to extricate him from imminent peril. His enquiries about how to find Cyrion elicit stories that people have heard about him, but swear to be true, rather than concrete information on his whereabouts.

As we learn more about Cyrion's almost unnatural speed and sword skills, complete with his intelligence, wit and ability to unravel the most obtuse mystery and overcome perils galore, we and the young nobleman, Roilant, come to expect that one of the characters in the tavern who are latching onto Roilant for free drinks and food in exchange for their own contribution must actually be Cyrion in disguise. Because the tales also reveal that Cyrion is a master of disguise and a master or arcane disciplines learned from the desert nomads.

If the book had continued all the way through with that set-up I would have awarded it 4 stars. The stories are entertaining and interesting, and sufficiently varied and short enough not to flag. Unfortunately just over halfway through Cyrion is finally uncovered and we then learn why Roilant has been looking for him. In the final section of the book, Cyrion travels with Roilant to the derelict mansion where Roilant's cousins live, to confront the danger in which he is entrapped.

Sadly, that part of the book dragged for me, and I wasn't convinced by the dysfunctional family, the exaggeratedly derelict state of the place and the revelation of what has been going on for countless years in caverns below the place. The characters in that sequence reminded me of something out of Monty Python. And the theme in previous stories of characters who were duplicitous and not what they seemed tipped me off about one character in particular. Because of that the overall rating has to drop to 3 stars. ( )

This is a collection of stories revolving around the titular character, who, on his travels, encounters various people and situations where he needs his wits to get him through. The stories are more like mysteries in the vein of Sherlock Holmes or Edgar Allen Poe's Dupin tales, but taking place in a fantasy setting. A pretty good read with some clever moments. ( )

Great fantasy stories. ( )

The format of this book was interesting. The premise is that a rich merchant is looking for the mercenary/sorcerer Cyrion and he hears a lot of stories about his target while sitting in a tavern. As the stories progress he learns that Cyrion is very intelligent, good at solving mysteries, and a great swordsman, as well as being a master of disguise. He keeps thinking that one of the people in the tavern might be Cyrion, but the author bluffs and double bluffs us. Once Cyrion is found, he's hired to help the merchant survive his wedding to a sorceress, and that novella ends the book. Interesting ruminations on how people appear to others and how they can craft that reputation. It felt almost like a fantastic Sherlock Holmes in places, we find out what Cyrion did or deduced after we see the effects of his actions. ( )

A collection of interconnected short fantasy stories about the title character, Cyrion. It's an enjoyable read if you focus on Tanith Lee's gorgeous (as usual) description, but ultimately I wanted more about Cyrion. He's comparable to Francis Crawford of Dunnet's Lymond Chronicles, but Lee doesn't flesh out Cyrion like Dunnet does her main character. (However, we see Crawford over a span of seven books, so this comparison isn't really fair. My comparison actually takes root in the fact they're both blond, sexy and badass. It's obvious, right?!) Overall, the problem with this book is that it leaves you wanting more, and as far as I know Lee hasn't written anything else starring Cyrion. The prose and oh-so-twisting plots were enough to hold my attention; it's a very pleasant read as long as you don't expect to learn much about the mysterious leading man. Fans of Tanith Lee should like it. ( )