kickerdad - , reviewed on 7/18/2017 + 115 more book reviews

It has been over 3 decades since I have read any Michael Moorcock. Ever the consummate fantasy romance writer - that is, fantasy writer with romantic tastes, images, characters . . . not romance fantasy writer, as in mass pulp fiction for the ladies, he successfully penetrates the veil of traditional science fantasy and delivers "Gloriana, or The Unfulfill'd Queen." Part fantasy, part romance, Moorcock portrays a world that is decadent yet stable; morally challenged, yet prosperous and thriving. As I fondly remembered, it is his depth of character that I truly enjoy - intimate, yet not too aware; strong, but not overly self absorbed - exposing themselves enough to have you wanting to know them more only to be left wondering about them as the result of some small, seemingly inconsequential, actions.

Gloriana is the perfect queen of Albion who is adored by everyone, friend and foe, alike. Her personal struggles (I'll leave it there as this is a PG review) reflect her struggles as a ruler, and isn't resolved until she realizes that the two are - intertwined. Enough said.

The story unfolds at a reasonable pace, and is a mix of traditional fantasy, a who-dun-it thriller, a rather bizarre Arthurianesque world complete with knights and Chivalry, and mild/tasteful erotica. While I was surprised by the rather abrupt conclusion, it almost seems appropriate given Gloriana's struggle, ahem (which is a substantial focus of the plot). Good book to let reader relax. [4/5]

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