Speak to the Devil [Hardcover]

Speak to the Devil, the first novel in Dave Duncan's new The Brothers Magnus series, is set in Jorgary, a fictional country inserted smack in the middle of late 15th-century Europe. Aside from this new country, the second main divergence from the actual history is a form of magic called Speaking, which involves asking saints (or according to the Church, demons) for intercession.

Anton Magnus, a young and ambitious hussar in the Jorgarian army, asks his squire and younger brother Wulfgang for some help catching the eye of the rich and powerful during a royal hunt. After all, the Magnus family is desperately trying to raise money to ransom Vlad, yet another brother, who was captured during a recent war -- and if that involves asking Wulfgang for a risky display of the forbidden Speaking magic, so be it.

After a suspiciously spectacular feat of horsemanship, Anton definitely draws the court's attention, getting him involved in a wildly dangerous mission... which may lead to unheard-of rewards. Eventually Marek, another Magnus sibling who has been imprisoned in a monastery because of his Speaking ability, and even Otto, the oldest brother and head of the family, also become involved in the adventure.

Speak to the Devil starts off as an enjoyable courtly adventure. Anton is a fun main character: cocksure, witty and brashly likable. The story is so smoothly narrated that the pages practically turn themselves. The dialogue is often funny, occasionally to the point of being glib, as if the author were more concerned with "what would sound funny here?" than "what would this character really think or say?". The novel is airily plotted; it's definitely best not to take things too seriously or question people's motivations too closely. Just grab some popcorn and enjoy the ride, as improbable as things may seem at times.

Plotting and characterization may be on the thin side, but the realistic descriptions of meals, travel and living environments, and the usage of era-appropriate vocabulary, definitely display Dave Duncan's knowledge of the historical period. The author also accurately portrays the changed nature of warfare, due to the advent of gunpowder siege weaponry and the increased role of mercenaries. It's unfortunate that this level of historical depth isn't matched by the rest of the novel, because that aspect of Speak of the Devil is top-notch.

Because of its hectic pace and entertaining characters, the first half of Speak to the Devil is an enjoyable (if shallow) read, but the story becomes increasingly improbable as the novel progresses. The ending is a bit abrupt, but clearly sets things up for the next volume in The Brothers Magnus, tentatively scheduled for May 2011. Despite some flaws, Speak to the Devil is a fun, breezy novel that should please fans of Dave Duncan, as well as readers who are in the mood for a light, fast-moving adventure.

Dave Duncan excels at creating alternate worlds with internally consistent systems of magic. As his "Venice" trilogy ("Alchemist's Apprentice" et al.) demonstrates, Duncan also shows a deft touch at bringing to life alternate versions of European history with just enough magic to keep the reader guessing. In "Speak to the Devil," the first in a new "Brothers Magnus" series, Duncan re-imagines feudal Europe as five brothers, two with magical powers, must contend with an inquisitorial-esque Catholic Church, schismatic priests, evil enemy magicians, and a greedy European neighbor seeking to conquer their principality. Much of the focus of the first book is on the youngest two brothers: dashing hussar Anton Magnus, and youngest brother Wulfgang, who can alter reality with the intercession of saints (according to Wulfgang) or the Devil, according to the Church. The book is a highly enjoyable mix of political intrigue, action scenes, mystery (we are along for the ride as Wulf discoveries the possibilities as well as the limitations of his powers), and sex/romance (depending on the brother!). Lively and believable dialogue, sympathetic characters, and tight and fast-paced plot make this another worthy Dave Duncan book.

For Duncan fans, this has elements of his "Kings Blades," "Venice," and "Children of Chaos" series. Enjoy!

"Speak to the Devil" is a mix of alternative history and fantasy genres.
The reader is transported to a version of Medieval Europe, and will travel through it with knights, squires and Speakers (those who hear Voices and able to use them).
As expected, there would be fights, love and magic - choose your mix.

(For a full summary of the plot, refer to the review by H. Klausner) .

It is a good reading, but I liked it much less than the earlier books by Duncan, for a couple of reasons:
1. The ending didn't feel like an end to me; the closure wasn't there. If Duncan writes a second book in the series, than "Speak to the devil" is OK as a first book in series. However, it didn't work for me as "stand-alone" novel .
2. I might be getting used to new worlds invented by Duncan, but "Speak to the Devil" is a little bit flat and less original than Duncan's other books.

Overall, 3.5 stars, but I'll round it up for one of my favourite authors.


P.S. One year later - of course, there is a second book in the series! "When the Saints" is going to be published in October 2011. Now it all makes perfect sense.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 9 reviews  4.6 out of 5 stars