Rhialto the Marvellous by

Rhialto the Marvellous delves into the intricate world of magicians in the 21st Aeon, where personal and political conflicts abound. The arrival of Llorio the Murtha, a formidable female force from a bygone era, disrupts the natural order, leading to a power struggle that turns the other mages against Rhialto. To reclaim his rightful place, Rhialto embarks on a perilous journey across different aeons to restore the Perciplex, a crucial artifact that upholds the Mostrament, the constitution of their association. In his final adventure, Rhialto faces his old adversary, whom he had previously wronged, and must commit further misdeeds to restore order. This epic tale blends magic, time travel, and political intrigue in a richly imagined fantasy world.

Reviews

Fantasy Literature · 2025-10-21

enjoyable 3.50

Rhialto is more passive compared to other characters like Cugel the Clever, but the stories are still enjoyable. The book contains three tales featuring Rhialto's interactions with his colleagues.

The reviewer notes that Rhialto is more passive than other characters in the series, such as Cugel the Clever, which might be a drawback for some readers. However, they still find the three stories featuring Rhialto's interactions with his colleagues to be enjoyable. The reviewer appreciates the unique dynamics and adventures presented in each tale, even if Rhialto's character is not as proactive as others. They highlight the book's ability to maintain a sense of wonder and intrigue throughout.

Quick quotes

Rhialto is more passive than Cugel the Clever and lacks his drive and ambition.

The stories are still enjoyable, featuring Rhialto's interactions with his colleagues.

The book maintains a sense of wonder and intrigue throughout.

Speculiction · 2020-10-31

subtle 4.50

The book is described as the most subtle tale Vance has ever told, bringing the solar system's downfall to bittersweet life. The narrative is filled with intricate plots and amusing moments.

The reviewer praises Rhialto the Marvellous as the most subtle tale Vance has ever told, highlighting its ability to bring the solar system's downfall to bittersweet life. They appreciate the intricate plots and amusing moments that fill the narrative, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes the book's unique blend of humor and adventure, which keeps the story engaging throughout. They find the character of Rhialto to be intriguing and well-developed, adding depth to the overall narrative.

Quick quotes

Perhaps the most subtle tale Vance has ever told, the idea of the solar system's downfall is brought to bittersweet life.

It tells of Rhialto, a sorcerer of great power and cunning, who navigates the complexities of a dying world.

The narrative is filled with intricate plots and amusing moments that keep the story engaging.

Bibliorex · 2010-08-27

whimsical 4.00

Rhialto's character is portrayed as powerful and cunning, which is sufficient for the story. The narrative is engaging and filled with the whimsical humor typical of Jack Vance's work.

The reviewer appreciates the sparse yet effective characterization of Rhialto, highlighting his power and cunning as key traits that drive the narrative. They find the story engaging and filled with the whimsical humor that Jack Vance is known for. The reviewer enjoys the adventurous and imaginative elements, even if the character development is not as deep as in other works. Overall, they find the book to be a delightful read that captures the essence of Vance's unique storytelling.

Quick quotes

Rhialto's personality is sparsely sketched: we know he is extremely powerful, cunning, and a bit of a rogue. That's probably all we need.

The narrative is engaging and filled with the whimsical humor typical of Jack Vance's work.

The book captures the essence of Vance's unique storytelling.

Appears in Lists

Speculiction's Top Ten Jack Vance Books of All Time