Title: Agyar
Author: Steven Brust
First published January 1, 1993
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780765310231 (ISBN10: 0765310236)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
In this captivating paranormal novel by Steven Brust, delve into the life of Agyar, a man cursed with immortality after a chance encounter with a woman’s blood-red lips. With over a century of life under his belt, Agyar leads a frivolous existence, indulging in the pleasures of women and the passing of time.
But when he finds himself in a quiet Midwestern college town, he is forced to confront the consequences of his immortality. Will he choose the path of salvation, or will he succumb to the seductions of destruction?
Find out in Agyar, a thrilling tale of the price of eternal life.
About the Author
Steven Karl Zoltán Brust is an author who specializes in fantasy and science fiction. He has Hungarian roots and has been associated with The Scribblies, a writers’ group that consists of Emma Bull, Pamela Dean, Will Shetterly, Nate Bucklin, Kara Dalkey, and Patricia Wrede.
Additionally, Brust is a member of the Pre-Joycean Fellowship. You can see a photo of him taken by David Dyer-Bennet.
Editoral Review
In the realm of vampire literature, Steven Brust’s Agyar stands out as a unique offering. Published in 1993, Agyar tells the story of a seemingly ordinary man who becomes entangled with a group of vampires in the midwest of America.
Known for his quirky and inventive writing style, Brust delivers a compelling tale that explores themes of identity, love, and the nature of power. The story follows a young man named Agyar who works as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company.
One night, he meets a woman named Janos, and they begin a passionate love affair. However, Janos is not what she seems, and Agyar soon discovers that she is a vampire.
As Agyar is pulled further into Janos’s world, he must confront his own mortality and decide whether to embrace his new life or not. Brust’s writing style is characteristically witty and clever.
He makes use of unconventional narrative techniques, such as using footnotes and jumping back and forth in time. While this may be disorienting for some readers, it adds to the overall charm of the novel.
The characters are well-developed, and their relationships are nuanced and complex. The interactions between Agyar and Janos are particularly compelling, as they explore themes of power dynamics and manipulation.
One potential flaw of the book is that it can be slow-moving at times. Brust spends a lot of time building up the world and establishing the characters, which may be frustrating for readers who want a fast-paced narrative.
Additionally, some readers may find the ending unsatisfying, as it leaves many questions unanswered. That being said, Agyar is a must-read for fans of vampire literature who are looking for something different.
Brust’s inventive writing style and complex characters make for an engrossing read. The book is also worth exploring for its exploration of power dynamics and the nature of identity.
Overall, Agyar is a solid four out of five stars.
