An interesting entry in the series, with a more unsettled conclusion than most. Thraxas is at home as a detective in Turai, or as a soldier on the march, but being a detective in a marching army is a very different task. While the central mystery - or at least, the central *case* - seems explained by the end of the book, there's a broader wrongness at play. Thraxas is contemplative throughout, even philosophical as he muses on past events; and both he and other key players seem to have lost their edge. To my mind, Martin has done well in evoking some of that slightly foggy feeling in the narrative. In some ways it feels more Noir than much of the series set in the mean streets, which is quite an achievement.

It's not surprising that the atmosphere of the novels has shifted with Thraxas' (and Turai's) changing fortunes. Compared with getting a payout for a job in Turai, iesolving a murder while marching to a cataclysmic battle isn't going to leave the same closure and time-to-make-merry feeling in his or the reader's mind. The narrative ends with them heading into battle, leaving the tension of their fates unresolved, as well as the unanswered questions surrounding the case.

Despite the changing scenery and Thraxas' slow evolution, this is still the same old characters in the same old relationship - and I mean that in a positive way. While I could believe in war transforming Thraxas into a disciplined and professional warrior, this depiction of him unable to shake off lifelong habits seems more believable. ( )

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Title: Thraxas of Turai
Series: Thraxas #11
Author: Martin Scott
Rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 172
Words: 58.5K

Synopsis:

From the Publisher

Thraxas, perhaps the doughtiest warrior ever born within that city's walls, (as he describes himself) is almost home. The army led by Lisutaris reaches Turai, ready to retake their city. Thraxas begins the book in some trouble, having been flung in the stockade following a disreputable brawl, but will soon be back in action, investigating a politically awkward murder while making ready for battle. At his side is Makri, whose mathematical skills are called upon for some complicated sorcerous calculations designed to bring down the walls. There are dragons in the sky, hostile forces ahead, and, worst of all as far as Thraxas is concerned, a general beer shortage. When this is all over, Thraxas intends to spend the rest of his days sitting comfortably in his favourite tavern. But first, he has a city to retake.

My Thoughts:

I just re-read my review for the 10th Thraxas book (Thraxas and the Oracle) and most of the same issues apply here. This book ends with Thraxas being the first soldier back into Turai and then just ends. Scott is obviously leaving himself openings for more books but really, who is going to read any more of this series? I won't be.

Thraxas as drunken, bumbling Private Investigator just isn't funny any more. Even though it has been 3 years since I read book 10, it felt like it was just yesterday and that I hadn't had any break from the infantile behavior of Thraxas. He's moved from grouchy and curmudgeonly yet still amusing to just plain old annoying. I won't be reading any more Thraxas books.

At 175'ish pages, Scott could have written another 50 and wrapped the series up. At some point an author needs to accept that his creation has run its course and it's time to finish the story. Do yourself a favor Martin Scott/Milar, end the series and stop embarrassing yourself.

★★✬☆☆ ( )