Author: Dave Duncan
Cover Artist: E.M. Gist
Publisher: Tor Books
Binding: Hardcover
Publication Date: August 2008

Ill Met in the Arena, a new novel by Dave Duncan, is described on the author’s website as a story, “told in an odd fashion.” Indeed it is, and it defied my initial expectations to deliver a solid, entertaining fantasy work.

The first thing a reader will notice is the unusual presentation – that of a first person, present tense narrative. In most cases I find narratives that depart from past tense or use first person to be tiresome. They come across as relying on a gimmick. With this novel that was not the case. In spite of myself, I found the delivery aided in maintaining a high energy level in the story. Indeed, it added to the overall experience in a positive way, while still allowing the writing and plot to stand on its own. The action sequences in particular were enhanced by this narrative style.

The storyline serves up fantasy, action, and mystery. Rather than relying on swords and sorcery, the fantasy elements of the book stem from the psychic abilities of the noble caste of society. Nobles with the purest bloodlines are also capable of the greatest feats of power. Men compete in the arena against each other, employing psychic power to entertain the “ordinaries,” powerless members of the lower classes. The arena games are also the means by which noblemen showcase their suitability as mates to noblewomen.

The society Duncan creates for us has flavors of both the Roman Empire and French nobility. There are huge estates, sharply divided castes, far-flung provinces, and political intrigue. There is a matriarchal slant to the culture, due to the differing natures of male and female psychic gifts. Male powers dominate the realm of physical manifestations, while females have control over human minds. This is somewhat illustrated by descriptions like this:

“A noblewoman of high or middle class has only to lay a finger on a man to read his memory like a scroll.”

There are also instances in which women “adjust” men, making permanent changes to their minds, further advancing the notion of a society in which women wield supreme power. However, the story remains essentially centered around masculine characters and their interactions.

As a first person work, the story primarily concerns one character, Quirt. An older heroic figure, Quirt is a veteran arena competitor and former noble with a mysterious past. As Quirt’s life is gradually unfolded for us, his adventures introduce many other well-developed characters, as well as providing an entertaining look into psychic arena combat. His personality focuses on the strength of experience as he contends with younger, stronger adversaries. Intertwined throughout is a clever murder-mystery, including drama, romance, and family tragedy.

Additionally, Duncan clearly went to significant effort to create an interesting backdrop for his story. This is mostly a good thing, and the deeper details serve to further immerse the reader. I found some products of this a bit tedious, however, like the confusing calendar and time measurement system.

In summary, if you are looking for an interesting change of pace from standard fantasy fare, you will enjoy Ill Met in the Arena. Duncan shows his experience as a fantasy craftsman and brings us a book with a little of everything packaged in a refreshing format.

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Topics: Dave Duncan, E.M. Gist, Ill Met in the Arena, Tor