The Tangled Lands

Tobias S. Buckell, Paolo Bacigalupi — 2018

WINNER OF THE WORLD FANTASY AWARD FOR BEST COLLECTION From award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors Paolo Bacigalupi and Tobias Buckell comes a fantasy novel told in four parts about a land crippled by the use of magic, and a tyrant who is trying to rebuild an empire—unless the people find a way to resist. Khaim, The Blue City, is the last remaining city in a crumbled empire that overly relied upon magic until it became toxic. It is run by a tyrant known as The Jolly Mayor and his devious right hand, the last archmage in the world. Together they try to collect all the magic for themselves so they can control the citizens of the city. But when their decadence reaches new heights and begins to destroy the environment, the people stage an uprising to stop them. In four interrelated parts, The Tangled Lands is an evocative and epic story of resistance and heroic sacrifice in the twisted remains surrounding the last great city of Khaim. Paolo Bacigalupi and Tobias Buckell have created a fantasy for our times about a decadent and rotting empire facing environmental collapse from within—and yet hope emerges from unlikely places with women warriors and alchemical solutions.

Reviews

Kirsten Simkiss@vermidian

Sep 12, 2022

It's depressing. Among the trigger warnings are sexual assault and suicide, though there are certainly others. It's a very dark and depressing world state. The world concept was so cool sounding that I picked up the book, excited to read it. None of these stories end particularly happily. You could argue the first one does, to some extent, but it's open ended and you have no idea if they really get to the copper mine where they might be safe. I left individual reviews on the first two stories, but here is my review of the ones contained within this book. My favorite of the bunch was the Executioness. While it doesn't end happily, the story of the character Tana is by far the most compelling to me. I really enjoyed her character arch and the choices she makes as she is faced with new challenges. All of the stories seem to have the quality of a fairy tale or a fable about them, particularly tinged with a southern/eastern Asian vibe - which is odd considering both authors are white men. Tobias S. Buckell also writes as two female characters, however I found he wrote them well. Still, the overall tone of suffering in this world is oppressive. I'm not sure which of my friends I would feel comfortable suggesting this book to, aside from the Executioness. On the whole, this was not a win for me.

Cindy Lieberman@chicindy

Mar 26, 2022

Short stories set in the same place - a land where the use of magic is now forbidden by all but the highest-ranking sorcerer. Absorbing stories of love, family, community and sacrifice. Also political patronage, bribery, perversion and how the 0.1% can act without regard for morality or justice. Disturbing and unsettling.

Daphne Schellen@lifebydaph

Jan 4, 2022

it took me over 2 years to finish lmao, i just couldn't get into it