Tigana has been one of my favorite fantasy books since the first time I read it fifteen or more years ago.

It has far more depth than most fantasy books, both in the the complexity of the characters it presents and in the politics of the world that it presents. But that depth doesn't in any way hinder the main plot. For all the darkness and sadness the book somehow remains a light read.

At it's core the book's plot turns on two things: pride and memory. Guy Gavriel Kay gives us example after example of pride and the things it makes people do but it is often memories that feed that pride.

There's really no hero in the traditional sense and not precisely a villain either though one of the two tyrants is clearly the more selfish, both of them do despicable things.

But so do the protagonists. Lying, manipulating, killing. They do whatever they feel they must in the service of their cause. Are they good because we are made to sympathize with that cause?

Not really. Kay plays a clever trick here and soon has us sympathizing with one of the tyrants too. Even while horrifying us with the depth his need for revenge.

And in the end there is no evidence that anyone really learned from their experiences. Right up to the end Brandon the tyrant feels that he is a victim. "See what you make me do!" he cries out.

But this is background. You can enjoy the book on the surface even while these elements play out. There is a simple and exciting adventure story overlaying the deeper elements of the plot. And if there is tragedy, there are also signs of hope.

The book is steeped in magic, but it isn't about magic. In fact we really never find out how magic works in this world. There's a depth to the culture too, much of it never fully explained. It is background that enriches the story without getting in the way.

In the end Tigana is sophisticated fantasy that doesn't need to beat you over the head with its sophistication. It's also a must read for any fantasy fan.