The Belly Of The Bow

The Belly of the Bow (1999) by K. J. Parker – Orbit

ISBN: 9781857237566
Condition: Good
Published: 1999
Offered by: Crappy Old Books

There are fantasy novels in which noble heroes embark upon magnificent quests, ancient prophecies are fulfilled, and good triumphs over evil just in time for everyone to return home for a celebratory banquet. And then there are K. J. Parker novels, in which people behave like people, good intentions produce catastrophic consequences, and the chances of a happy ending are approximately equivalent to those of winning an archery competition while being pursued by an angry bear.

Welcome to The Belly of the Bow, the second volume in Parker’s acclaimed Fencer Trilogy, where revenge, betrayal, political intrigue and the finer points of medieval weaponry combine to demonstrate that civilisation is an extraordinarily fragile arrangement, particularly when everybody involved is armed.

Following the events of Colours in the Steel, the story continues the adventures and misfortunes of Bardas Loredan, a former soldier and professional fencer whose attempts to escape his past have proved about as successful as trying to extinguish a forest fire with a teaspoon.

Now seeking something resembling peace, Bardas becomes involved in the world of bow-making, an occupation that might initially appear considerably less hazardous than fighting for one’s life. Unfortunately, this is a K. J. Parker novel, and the manufacture of precision weaponry is unlikely to provide a lasting refuge from human stupidity, ambition and the unpleasant consequences of previous decisions.

Parker’s particular genius lies in combining meticulous technical detail with a profoundly unsentimental understanding of human nature. The mechanics of bows, the properties of materials and the practical business of making things are explored with the same seriousness usually reserved for royal dynasties and military campaigns.

And beneath all this craftsmanship lurks an increasingly uncomfortable examination of responsibility, obsession and revenge.

Unlike more conventional fantasy, there are no convenient magical solutions, no kindly wizards arriving at precisely the right moment, and precious little reassurance that anyone will receive what they deserve. Instead, there are complicated people making understandable decisions that gradually assemble themselves into disasters of almost industrial efficiency.

Condition: Good. A respectable surviving copy of this 1999 Orbit paperback, displaying the ordinary signs of previous ownership and reading. It has endured the passage of time considerably better than many of Parker’s unfortunate characters, although admittedly that is setting a rather low standard.

Offered by Crappy Old Books, where we appreciate fine craftsmanship, complicated plots and the occasional philosophical exploration of why humanity seems so extraordinarily talented at ruining everything.

An absorbing, intelligent and frequently darkly amusing work of fantasy, recommended for readers who prefer their imaginary worlds grounded in uncomfortable reality, their heroes thoroughly imperfect, and their medieval engineering described with almost suspicious enthusiasm.

After all, a perfectly constructed bow is a magnificent achievement. What somebody subsequently decides to do with it is quite another matter.

Keep browsing: See more Fantasy books Other books by KJ Parker