The Still [Mass Market Paperback]

David Feintuch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998

Compelling...charged with plenty of action. -- Publishers Weekly

"A complex, unconventional fantasy from a writer who isn't afraid to take risks". -- Peter Heck, Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine

Young Prince Rodrigo is the heir to the throne of Caledon -- and the powerful magic that belongs to the kingdom's rulers. When his mother dies, leaving him at the mercy of his scheming uncle, the arrogant crown prince and his brother flee the castle, seeking support from the nobles of Caledon. On his journey, the fledgling king learns that friends are far more valuable than royal trappings, and that reclaiming his empire will require courage, statesmanship -- and winning the fiercest battle of his life.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When Queen Elana dies, underaged Rodrigo's status as the rightful king is instantly threatened by the ambitions of his uncle. Despite his personal shortcomings and manifest lack of readiness to rule, he has loyal friends and allies and they help him first to flee his uncle and, gradually, to fight and win the most important battle of the war for Caledon: the struggle to command himself. Only then can he begin to claim his kingdom.

This isn't a sanitized Fantasyland, nor is it a comfortable story. David Feintuch doesn't flinch from the violence and roughness of his medieval setting, and his depiction of Rodrigo's striving for self-confidence and the respect of others is hard-hitting and hard to put down. There's room for a sequel, but no real need: the coming-of-age story is the heart of this book, and it beats vividly. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

After the sudden death of his mother, young Prince Rodrigo of Caledon has to fight for his right to rule rather than be subjected to a regency he probably would not survive. Unfortunately, he also appears unfit to rule. He is callow, selfish, and burdened by the requirement to remain a virgin (with women, anyway) in order to wield royal power. Thanks to a fascinating array of friends (including his companion and lover, Rustin) and enemies (including his uncle and half the nobility of Caledon, plus foreign invaders), Rodrigo slowly and painfully matures. The process may be slow and painful for some readers, too, for Feintuch is definitely prolix in large parts of this book. On the other hand, the maturing of an adolescent ruler in a fanciful medieval society has seldom been handled in such painstaking detail. Not quite up to the level of his Nicholas Seafort series, Feintuch's latest is an intelligent and ultimately admirable book, nevertheless, and it hints strongly at a sequel. Roland Green --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Aspect; First Thus edition (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446605514
• ISBN-13: 978-0446605519
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,174,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of those books that just gets to you..., February 20, 2003

By 

Empyreal (LA, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Still (Mass Market Paperback)

The Still is the coming of age story of Roddy, the future king of Caledon and wielder of the Still - a magical power. After having his uncle take regency, Roddy is forced to undergo a quest that will start him on his trek to maturity. Having had no discipline his entire life, he's a petulant child who often displays tantrums like those of a two year old. Only after enduring churlish situations, pain, love, loyalty, and betraying quite a few people is Roddy actually able to take a few steps towards being a decent man.

I had never read anything like fantasy before The Still. I had read Feintuch's other books (the Seafort saga) and immensely enjoyed them so I gave this a shot. Boy am I glad I did! It wasn't easy though... although it's an awesome book, I detested Roddy so much that by halfway through the book I had the intense urge to throw the book against the wall. Feintuch is one of those rare authors who can make you hate a character so much that you want to throw the book against the wall in frustration. At the same time, I absolutely loved Roddy's loyal friend Rustin.

The book was well-written, and it's incredibly enjoyable. A definite page-turner! I'm reading the Seafort saga again, but I plan to re-read The Still and The King as soon as I'm through.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging but Enjoyable, February 3, 2005

By 

Yuki Shinobu (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Still (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is both.
Challenging for some people, as we've seen from the reviews, to understand and sympethize. Rodrigo is a tough character to attach yourself to - he's moody, cocky, direspectful, selfish and uncaring. Despite all that, I couldn't help it but to feel bad for him at times. He is obviously confused and lonley, but it took so long until he figured it out himself.

His relationsip with Rustin is very frustrating since you don't know whose side to take. Rustin bullies Rodrigo phisically (within reason most of the times, but still), while Rodrigo abuses him emotionally. And Rodrigo's insistance over his virginity really started to bug me because he is cheating and sleeping with Rustin. Yet, he still wallows in self pity and treats Rustin like an object to use rather than a person.

The thing that made is more frustrating is that Rustin really is in love with Rodrigo, while the Prince confesses he is ashamed of what they do together and that it would stop as soon as he could have a woman. This is where his character remains shallow throughout the book, while in other points he matures remarkably.

His adventures, his trials and his sufferings transform Rodrigo into a worthy King. I love the character of Genard, and how Roddy always calls him Garamond. I don't know why, but things like that made me burst out laughing every time. ALso, when Roddy falls off his horse and starts screaming and cursing the horse and then abruptly calls him "good boy" for returning. Perfect for Rodrigo's character, and entertaining as well.

The last part of the book is so gripping that I almost had to hold my breath. I couldn't believe how things twisted around and I was so angry at what happened to Rodrigo. The ending was absolutely perfect, with the exception of the whole virginity obsession. I really think that Rustin should find someone who isn't afraid to love him for what he is (a man).

Overall, this book was amazing and I enjoyed it throughly from start to finish. I hope that Mr. Feintuch will continue writing in this saga and delight us with more of Roddy's (and Rustin's) adventures.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow....I could kill Roddy., August 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Still (Mass Market Paperback)

I had to read a science fiction book for my physics class, and I was fortunate enough to have my teacher recommend Midshipman's Hope. I really enjoyed that book and so when I saw Feintuch's name in the library, I was aggreable and took out the book. I started to read at 9 at night and didn't put it down till I finished. The reason was that I, along with most of the other reviewers, hated Roddy. I wanted to kill him. And I still don't like him. I found him to be immature and emotionally, a wreck. However, I believe Feintuch's intention was to make a character you hated so much, you had to finish reading the book to make sure he became better. I needed to find out that Rodrigo could change and become a better person. He does get progressively better and I now eagerly await a sequel so that I can be assured of his continue development into the monarchy. I loved this book and am planning on buying my own copy. It's great.