E. V. Greig and the Legend of Graymyrh: A Deconstruction of Fantasy Tropes

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Legend-Graymyrh-Experimental-High-Fantasy/dp/1508944113/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1433860701&sr=8-3&keywords=e.v.greig E. V. Greig uses the literary form to hold a mirror up to the traditional standards of High Fantasy.There are acceptable levels of behaviour which heroes are allowed to get away with and yet the villain isn't. The Legend of Greymyrh explores the how's and the why's of this theme. There author also uses the book to experiment with literary styles including traditional edda's and folklore. The harsh reality of the setting is pretty grim as well there are few real heroes and most are in it for their own needs or goals. Also not many books open with the destruction of an entire world! The author also delves into language structure and every race has its own tonal setting and descriptors not here will you find your traditional elf, dwarf or human but different shades of similar entities. It is an original text first published last year in a trilogy structure but re-released as a full text now. Did I mention that there are vampires (that don't sparkle) and werewolves who are an actual threat and not some cuddly toy. This book deals with relationships and the difficulties faced by people in day to day life how a person can be assimilated into a marriage and effectively cease to exist, how we turn a blind eye to sexual assault in literature when we shouldn't. At times it can be an uncomfortable read but compared to GRR Martin's Game of Throne's it is quite light tonally. Would I recommend it? Yes I would it is a different form of fantasy and easily falls under feminist fiction the same as the authors science fiction text. Project Nightingale which explores many gender themes and ableism in the workplace. E.V. Greig will take you dark places and raises several questions both are worth checking out.