Title: Maledicte
Author: Lane Robins
Format: Novel
Published/Free: Published
Length: 464 pages
Status: Complete
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Violence and disturbing content
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Maledicte-Lane-Robins/dp/034549573X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1308615529&sr=1-1
Summary: Seething with decadent appetites unchecked by law or gods, the court of Antyre is ruled by the last of a dissolute aristocracy. But now to the kingdom comes a handsome, enigmatic nobleman, Maledicte, whose perfect manners, enchanting charisma, and brilliant swordplay entice the most jaded tastes . . . and conceal a hunger beyond reckoning. For Maledicte is actually a woman named Miranda–a beautiful thief raised in the city’s vicious slums. And she will do anything–even promise her soul to Black-Winged Ani, the most merciless of Antyre’s exiled gods–to reclaim Janus, the lover whose passion still haunts her dreams. As her machinations strike at the heart of Antyre’s powerful noble houses, Miranda must battle not only her own growing bloodlust, but also her lover’s newly kindled and ruthless ambitions. As Ani’s force grows insatiable and out of control, Miranda has no choice but to wield a weapon that may set her free . . . or forever doom her and everything she holds dear.
Review: Okay, confession time.... technically, this is not slash, since Miranda is biologically female. However, the persona of Maledicte is held for about 95% of the book, and is so complete that the male pronoun is used throughout, even in scenes from Maledicte's point of view (and in scenes where s/he is having sex with Janus- so there's your sort-of slash). Honestly, for most of the book, I forgot that Maledicte was actually Miranda.
However, the main reason I'm reccing this is not only because it's suspenseful and well-written, but because of the character of Gilly. Gilly is Maledicte's valet, and, despite only ever having been attracted to women before, is in love with him. Gilly is unaware of Maledicte's real gender. Gilly also provides the moral and emotional center of the book. As morbidly fascinating as watching Maledicte sink into madness is, the book would be relentless without Gilly, whose character development is one of the novel's best parts. He's both horrified at Maledicte's actions and helplessly in love with him. His struggle to reconcile the two- and to keep Maledicte alive and sane- was what kept me reading this into the small hours.
I hope somebody else likes this book, because the fandom is teeth-gnashingly minuscule.
(Original Post)
