Synopsis: This sequel to Bloodtide continues to tell the Icelandic Volsung Saga in a future London where humans and machines not only co-exist but are merged to form mixed beings, through technological wizardry and cloning. The story here is of Sigurd, a god-like hero who slays the dragon Fafnir. The consequences are wide-reaching.

Review: It is best to have read Bloodtide first and also to have some knowledge of the Volsung Saga. This really enriches understanding of the plot and the masterly way in which Burgess transposes it to a future, and very bleak, London. The Volsung Saga is also known in German literature, so here we encounter the Nibelins (Nibelungen), and Sigurd himself is the German Siegfried, while Brynhildr here becomes Bryony.

Burgess creates a situation where the dragon Fafnir, has modified itself so much that it is completely impregnable to attack. [In the saga, just being a dragon is enough to be safe from attack!] Sigurd, however, has a sword given him by the gods, which has also been improved by his faithful servant Regin. Sigurd manages to work out the way to overpower the monster dragon, but at a terrible price. Details of the Volsung saga are well described, for example the naming of Sigurd’s part animal, part machine horse, Slipper (originally Sleipnir). The magic of the saga is here achieved by technology, enabling Sigurd to forget Bryony (he is cloned) and then to assume the shape of Gunar in order to win her for him. Burgess does not stint on the blood in his titles, and those of a nervous disposition may be put off. Sex is also a fairly regular part of the proceedings in these books, although not gratuitous. Readers should know this, but it is not stated on the cover. The book is a magnificent testament to the art and craft of story-telling. In Burgess’s hands we learn so much of power, love and the great truths that have been handed down in these ancient tales. The book deserves a wide readership, but is a meaty read.

2006-11-30