M. John Harrison Viriconium

Viriconium

M. John Harrison

Bantam, Nov 2005, $16.00

ISBN: 0553383159

VIRICONIUM is a reprint of three excellent novellas and seven related by the city short stories. Each novella is well written with the first one "The Pastel City" the easiest to follow, as it is more of a straightforward sword and sorcery style fantasy. The other two tales combine strong sci fi elements with an intriguing fantasy saga. Each of the novellas can stand alone though they contain many of the same characters.

"The Pastel City". Five centuries have past since the Middle Period collapsed, and much of the technology is lost in spite of the recent efforts of Methven Nian in Viriconium, the Pastel City. However his one error in trying to establish an alliance through marriage with the barbaric northern horde has led to Canna Moidart, queen of the north, claiming the throne when he dies. Her rival is Methven's heir, Queen Jane. Now the north invades with the aging Cromis the Knight and Tomb the Dwarf seek the immortal Birdmaker to save their city.

"A Storm of Wings." Something is wrong with the residents of Viriconium as a lunacy has gripped the Pastel City. Migratory locusts coming from the dark side of the moon are on a flight path that inadvertently brings them into contact with humans. These insects use a telepathic fog to befuddle the mind and ultimately bring death. No one knows how to fight this invincible foe, for this is the Time of the Locust.

"In Viriconium." Ashlyme the portrait artist is renowned for his true life often cruel paintings. However, currently he wants to save the life of ailing Audsley King who is dying from consumption, while plague wracks Viriconium. Making his impossible task more difficult is the arrival of the twin buffoon Gods making demands of Ashlyme.

Harriet Klausner