The Winds of Khalakovo (The Lays of Anuskaya) [Paperback]

Bradley P. Beaulieu (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2011 | Series: The Lays of Anuskaya

Among inhospitable and unforgiving seas stands Khalakovo, a mountainous archipelago of seven islands, its prominent eyrie stretching a thousand feet into the sky. Serviced by windships bearing goods and dignitaries, Khalakovo's eyrie stands at the crossroads of world trade. But all is not well in Khalakovo. Conflict has erupted between the ruling Landed, the indigenous Aramahn, and the fanatical Maharraht, and a wasting disease has grown rampant over the past decade. Now, Khalakovo is to play host to the Nine Dukes, a meeting which will weigh heavily upon Khalakovo's future.

When an elemental spirit attacks an incoming windship, murdering the Grand Duke and his retinue, Prince Nikandr, heir to the scepter of Khalakovo, is tasked with finding the child prodigy believed to be behind the summoning. However, Nikandr discovers that the boy is an autistic savant who may hold the key to lifting the blight that has been sweeping the islands. Can the Dukes, thirsty for revenge, be held at bay? Can Khalakovo be saved? The elusive answer drifts upon the Winds of Khalakovo...

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Debut novelist Beaulieu paints a detailed and realistic portrayal of individual fates bound up in social responsibilities as well-grounded cultures clash. Prince Nikandr Khalakovo, facing an arranged marriage, also suffers from a wasting disease plaguing the Anuskaya islands. When the rebellious Maharraht loose a fire elemental and kill the visiting Grand Duke Stasa Bolgravya, civil war erupts, and all factions seek to capture a mysterious autistic boy who straddles both the spirit and the material worlds. Beaulieu skillfully juggles elements borrowed from familiar cultures (primarily Russian and Bedouin) as well as telepathy, airborne ships, and magical gems. Viewpoint shifts are occasionally confusing, but the prose is often poetic—airborne skiffs under attack "dropped like kingfishers" and "twisted in the air like maple seeds"—and the characters have welcome depth. (Apr.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Review

The Winds of Khalokovo is filled with clean prose, intelligent language, and brilliant imagination. Reading this fantasy was like sinking my teeth into a rich and exotic dessert. --Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show

Elegantly crafted, refreshingly creative. --C.S. Friedman, Bestselling author of The Coldfire Trilogy

Well worth exploring... --Glen Cook, Bestselling author of The Black Company

The boldly imagined new world and sharply drawn characters will pull you into The Winds of Khalakovo and won't let you go until the last page. --Michael A. Stackpole, New York Times bestselling author of I, Jedi

Exactly the kind of fantasy I like to read. --Kevin J. Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of The Saga of the Seven Suns

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Night Shade Books; 1st edition (March 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781597802185
• ISBN-13: 978-1597802185
• ASIN: 1597802182
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #453,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bradley P. Beaulieu began writing his first fantasy novel in college, but in the way of these things, it was set aside as life intervened. As time went on, though, Brad realized that his love of writing and telling tales wasn't going to just slink quietly into the night. The drive to write came back full force in the early 2000s, at which point Brad dedicated himself to the craft, writing several novels and learning under the guidance of writers like Nancy Kress, Joe Haldeman, Tim Powers, Holly Black, Michael Swanwick, Kij Johnson, and many more.

Brad and his novels have garnered many accolades and most anticipated lists, including two Hotties--the Debut of the Year and Best New Voice--on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist, a Gemmell Morningstar Award nomination for The Winds of Khalakovo and more:

* Top Ten Book and Debut of the Year for 2011 on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist for The Winds of Khalakovo
* Best New Voice of 2011 on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist
* 2011 Gemmell Morningstar Award Nomination for The Winds of Khalakovo
* Top Ten Debut for The Winds of Khalakovo on Ranting Dragon's Best of 2011
* Top Ten Debut for The Winds of Khalakovo on Mad Hatter's Best of 2011
* Honorable Mention for The Winds of Khalakovo on LEC Reviews Best of 2011
* Top Five Book for 2012 on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist for The Straits of Galahesh
* 2012 Most Anticipated for The Straits of Galahesh on Staffer's Book Review
* 2012 Most Anticipated for The Straits of Galahesh on The Ranting Dragon
* 2013 Most Anticipated for The Flames of Shadam Khoreh on The Ranting Dragon

In addition to being an L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Award winner, Brad's stories have appeared in various other publications, including Realms of Fantasy Magazine, Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show, Writers of the Future 20, and several anthologies from DAW Books. His story, "In the Eyes of the Empress's Cat," was voted a Notable Story of 2006 in the Million Writers Award.

Brad continues to work on his next projects, including an Arabian Nights epic fantasy and a Norse-inspired middle grade series. He also runs the highly successful science fiction and fantasy podcast, Speculate, which can be found at speculatesf.com.

Novels

THE LAYS OF ANUSKAYA
* The Winds of Khalakovo
* The Straits of Galahesh
* The Flames of Shadam Khoreh

Short Story Collections
* Lest Our Passage Be Forgotten & Other Stories

Novellas
* Strata (with Stephen Gaskell)

Novelettes
* "To the Towers of Tulandan", a Lays of Anuskaya story. First printed in Lest Our Passage Be Forgotten & Other Stories.
* "Unearthed", a Bryndlholt story. First printed in Lest Our Passage Be Forgotten & Other Stories.
* "Lest Our Passage Be Forgotten". First printed in Realms of Fantasy Magazine.
* "From the Spices of Sanandira". First printed in Beneath Ceaseless Skies.
* "Foretold". First printed in Steampunk'd by DAW Books.
* "How Peacefully the Desert Sleeps". First printed in Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show.
* "Cirque Du Lumière". First printed in Fellowship Fantastic by DAW Books.

Short Stories
* "Prima", a Lays of Anuskaya story. First printed in Lest Our Passage Be Forgotten & Other Stories.
* "In the Eyes of the Empress's Cat". First printed in Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show.
* "Sweet as Honey". First printed in Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show.
* "Shadows in the Mirrors". First printed in Dimensions Next Door by DAW Books.
* "Parting the Clouds". First printed in Time-Traveled Tales.
* "An Instrument of War". First printed in Lest Our Passage Be Forgotten & Other Stories.
* "Flotsam". First printed in Writers of the Future XX.
* "Prey to the Gods". First printed in Lest Our Passage Be Forgotten & Other Stories.
* "A Trade of Shades". First printed in Alien Skin Magazine.
* "Good Morning Heartache". First printed in Spells in the City by DAW Books.

Contact Information
Website: www.quillings.com
Podcast: www.speculatesf.com
Twitter: @bbeaulieu
Facebook: facebook.com/bradley.p.beaulieu

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing fantasy July 1, 2011

By V. Hoffman

Format:Paperback

As I've read through reviews at another site, it seems that some readers have a hard time with this book because of the Russian flavor--too many unfamiliar names, they say. Maybe it's because I've read some of the works of Dostoyevsky, Bulgakov, and Turgenev, but the Russian names didn't bother me. It took a little bit to get used to them, since fantasy novels so often use Celtic or otherwise Western European names, but then it was kind of refreshingly different. I did have to look up a word or two that wasn't Russian because I was unfamiliar with the archaic or alternate spelling ("gaoler" for "jailer," for example).

I was worried that the story might be awkwardly pieced together when I saw one of the central characters described in the summary as an autistic savant. That kind of real-world technical term just wouldn't fit in the oftentimes archaic language of fantasy. Thankfully, the book is never so explicit about the boy's mental condition; in fact, I was left not even sure that it's an accurate description, because the character of his mental state is only described (never given a name) and is so enmeshed with the magics of Anuskaya.

I did find the story a little bit difficult to follow at times, but in a good way--it kept me thinking, trying to figure out what exactly was going on. That much actually did remind me of some of the Russian literature I've read. And the mix of technology and magic reminds me of the Final Fantasy rpg series, with airships and summoning and so on.

In all, it's not the easiest read you'll pick up, but if you're okay with that, the story and the characters are quite interesting. An enjoyable read.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Epic Style Fantasy With Too Many Flaws March 21, 2012

By Art

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

In ambition, The Winds of Khalakovo (Winds) is not so different from A Song of Fire and Ice and any of the other well regarded fantasy epics. There are several different POV perspectives, an imaginative magic system and mythos, political intrigue, romance, lots of battles and a lengthy book that appears to contemplate sequels (I have not checked for them). The problems, however, are many:

(1) one paragraph will be in the POV of one character, and the next paragraph will be a POV from another character with no warning. Normally when people mention this issue in other books I am not bothered by it, but here it was kind of a bigger deal, an actual and repeated annoyance. At least give us * * * to denote POV changes. Something;

(2) the "romance" is poorly done - one character basically falls in love because a prince tries hard at a dance;

(3) the politics are very important to the book but thinly sketched (despite the book's length). For example, there is a hugely important rebel faction that is apparently mad because they had their land stolen. I say apparently, because we are never told anything about the history of this conflict, dont know what land was stolen when or anything of that sort. When a war breaks out among the "Landed" (the folks that apparently collectively stole the rebels land) it doesnt feel convincing;

(4) the magic system and mythos has too many very different components, and while parts of it work quite well, the tie in with the overall plot does not. There is a spirit world with powerful fire/water/air/wind spirits and some can bond/control them to an extent.... Other folks have the talent for assuming a sort of astral form when submerged in cold water, and these folks are used for communication, and to help tame the wind currents. Still other folks have the talent for actually manipulating the winds so that ships can fly from island to island. Those parts are fine, and in spots actually work quite well. There are some fun sky-ship battles, for example. But there is much beyond that -- reborn wizards, a seemingly autistic kid, magic gems that get created what feels like randomly, a plot involving the autistic kid, a growing "rift", spirits sucking on souls, a wasting disease, and as you get towards the end, it starts to feel made up as the author went along. Lots of potential and creativity, but the author maybe got a little too ambitious and/or didnt do a good enough job of making his imagination serve the plot. Too many moving parts that dont mesh well enough;

(5) the book really seems to be heading towards a resolution in one volume, and then it just doesnt. What with the overly-complicated mythos, I was just feeling lost and/or like the author was tacking stuff on at the end to try to keep going.

I really feel like this author has a strong imagination, and is *close* to being able to write convincing epic fantasy. Winds has a pretty decent amount of action, and the action sequences seem to be pretty well done. However, I almost gave this book 2 stars, because -- in trying for an epic feel -- this book sets the bar too high. I feel like if the author had just scaled back his ambitions a little and focused on a tighter plot, he could have written something I would give 4 or 5 stars. This, however, is not that book.

Bottom line: Soft 3 star rating. I do not recommend it, but its possible you might like it. Read more ›

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Richly detailed epic fantasy with complex characters and fascinating worldbuilding May 31, 2011

By Courtney Schafer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The Winds of Khalakovo is a richly detailed epic fantasy that focuses on the clash between two very different cultures - the ruling Landed (inspired by Czarist Russia), and the indigenous Aramahn (a nomadic people with religious beliefs reminiscent of Buddhism). A splinter faction of the Aramahn, the Maharraht, is locked in a guerilla war against the Landed, hoping to drive them from the archipelago where the book is set. Beaulieu does an excellent job of depicting the tensions and politics of the world using three main viewpoint characters: Nikandr, a prince of the Landed; Rehada, his Aramahn lover, who is also a spy for the Maharraht; and Atiana, the Landed princess Nikandr is meant to marry. All three are complex, fully realized characters, and Beaulieu handles their separate arcs with wonderful aplomb. Rehada's struggle with the desire for revenge combined with her feelings of betrayal toward her people and her beliefs is particularly well done. The novel has a terrific mix of intrigue and action, and the worldbuilding is fascinating: skyships and gunpowder mix with two separate magical systems: the Aramahn shamans controlling elemental spirits, and the telepathic Matri of the Landed. Best of all is the way Beaulieu deftly weaves the major plot threads together and builds the action to a truly epic climax. If you're a fan of epic fantasy, don't miss this one.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantasy with Personality April 8, 2012

By Nickolas X. P. Sharps VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Being a semi-professional book critic has given me the opportunity to read a lot of books I otherwise wouldn't get to. The Winds of Khalakovo by Bradley Beaulieu had been sitting in my Amazon cart for several months. Chances were I was never going to get around to buying it just because I have trouble keeping up with all my favorite authors as it is. Then thanks to author and editor Paul Genesse and Bradley Beaulieu himself, I was given the opportunity to read a review copy of The Winds of Khalakovo. What I found was a book that distinguishes itself in a genre saturated and somewhat stagnate in the setting department. I found a book with some rough edges and clarity issues, but also the start of a series with prime potential.

Everyone who reads The Winds of Khalakovo can't help but to marvel at the wonderful setting. The story takes place on an archipelago ruled by the Grand Duchy, a kingdom with a culture inspired by Tsarist Russia. From the names to the ceremonies, the Grand Duchy is a genuinely different society from what fantasy readers have become accustomed to. No pseudo-Medieval European setting here. The Grand Duchy is spread across the sea, reliant on majestic airships for trade. Alongside the Russian themed Duchy, is the Aramahn a Middle Eastern centric populace, and the Maharraht a violent guerilla movement that wishes to unseat the Grand Duchy from its throne. The culture clash, alongside varying belief systems and magic, give The Winds of Khalakovo an appealing personality that help carry the story even when other elements flag.

The story is told from in third person perspective.... Broken up between Nikandr, son of the Duke of Khalakovo, Atiana the woman arranged to become his wife, and the prostitute Rehada who is Nikandr's lover and a member of the Maharraht resistance. Nikandr is fun to read, duty bound to both family and the Grand Duchy he makes for an agreeable hero with his fare share of imperfections. Atiana surprisingly became my favorite of the three. Despite conflicting interests Atiana is very active when it comes to influencing her own fate. Rehada, on the other hand, is nowhere near as strong a character as the other two. A lot of the things Rehada does seem contradictory at best and I was never able to empathize with her personal vendetta against the Grand Duchy.

I mentioned some rough edges there at the beginning of the review and the plot is among them. The politicking between the Dukes is a real high point. The alliances and arrangements, the rules enforced by the Matra (the telepathic women who are really in charge of the Duchy) are all very intriguing. What starts with an arranged marriage and ends in all out civil war is by far the most compelling part of the book. I've seen comparisons made between The Winds of Khalakovo and George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. The comparisons are appropriate a degree. Regrettably the supernatural aspects of the book are far less refined and the apocalypse of sorts set in motion by the Maharraht is vague at best.

Here is my biggest problem with The Winds of Khalakovo. Ironically it seems to be the same obstacle my boss, Steve Diamond, over at Elitist Book Reviews had. Clarity. Once you get acclimated to the Russian terms they don't prove to be too bothersome but a lot of the story is indistinct. The magic system in place seems to lack definite boundaries and the mystical events are obscure and difficult to follow. This would be much easier to overlook if the magic wasn't the driving force behind the plot but it really detracted from my enjoyment.

The Winds of Khalakovo is the opening part of a series with limitless potential. I have super high hopes for the sequel, The Straits of Galahesh which was just recently released. Beaulieu has created a tremendously original world inhabited by compelling characters. What is not to love about a fantasy novel inhabited by airship flying Russians? The Winds of Khalakovo is a challenging read but it is certainly worth giving a chance and I am confident that Beaulieu can address the concerns present, and carry on all the stronger.

*The magical Goatfairy grants The Winds of Khalakovo by Bradley Beaulieu, 7 out of 10 cheesewands*
Nick Sharps
Goatfairy Review Blog Read more ›