Friday, February 15, 2008

Once Upon an Autumn Eve

Book 3/25

Dennis L. McKiernan's Once Upon an Autumn Eve

The third book in the Faery collection, Once Upon an Autumn Eve continued with an introduction in the first chapter which felt, unfortunately, like the identical opening to Once Upon a Summer Day. I suppose Mr. McKiernan was attempting to allow the books to stand alone, but the remainder of the tales in each require the reader to have journeyed with Camille and Borel and Liaze, previously. The repetition of the description of the twilight bounds and Faery itself was a trying beginning, particularly compared to the dramatic opening of Camille's tale in Once Upon a Winter's Night. Once again, as well, it is the actual Princess of the Autumnwood the story centers around, not an outsider entering Faery (yes, there is a special place in my heart for Camille, and her tale will always be my favorite *-*).

Liaze is a much earthier woman than Camille or even Chelle; she seems to defy the expectation of a virginal Princess, with her past daliances with men. While it fits nicely with her demense, I was a little taken aback at this blatant disregard for the rules of fairy tales. To then cast Luc as the pure swain felt very off-key and out of kilter (particularly regarding Camille's admission when asked how she would have felt had Alain not been "experienced"). It did dim my view of Liaze quite a bit, where I normally would have cheered for such a reversal as the Princess rescuing her love from a curse. I also think it made Luc appear, well, lacking. Even as Liaze journeyed back along his paths, he appeared more weak and timid than the brave knight errant he was cast as. I can understand the reasons Mr. McKiernan may have had, but I think they did more damage to the story than help.

Mr. McKiernan also departed from his own rules, in this particular tale, which shocked me: the Fates did not always demand a service be rendered by Liaze before giving her their redes. Before this book, there was always a service to be done, no matter how simple a task it was; the Fates themselves answered it with rules they were bound by: a service, a riddle answered, and no straight answers given. I was really surprised when Liaze was freed of such strictures. Again, it took something away from the world Mr. McKiernan has created.

The tales and mythos along Liaze's journey were, as always, a delight, particularly the howling castle. The notion of a home forced to repeat every sound within is a writer's dream. The Hunt was a chilling addition, as well, and it went far to providing an insight into Liaze's character. It was nice to have a return to the thoughts and wonders and questions of the main character, which Borel lacked in Once Upon a Summer Day. Perhaps Mr. McKiernan simply writes better female characters than male? *-* Also, Nightshade as an intelligent, though silent, companion was a nice return to Camille's plight. Having a quiet creature to speak to and "listen" to places more magic into the tale, without becoming too fantastical by granting an animal speech.

While events were hinted at in Once Upon a Summer Day, it was nice to return to the tale of Orbane. The true tale is Liaze's search for Luc, but it brought back the warning the Fates had given to Camille, demanding her aid when requested for "the one who would pollute the River of Time." As much as the twilight borders, legends, and magic, it ties the entire series of books together, adding new hints and new information throughout each journey. It also gave more insight into Valeray, who had little to do with the previous stories, despite the role he played in the sealing of Orbane.

The book was enjoyable, and it was nice to see Mr. McKiernan returning to a fairy tale that doesn't appear in the mainstream. I've read "The Glass Mountain" and the tale, alone, is very confusing; Mr. McKiernan leant it the stability and explanation that I think it needed. As usual, his ability to write in this fantastic realm is awe-inspiring; the only true downside is knowing that the end of the series is looming - as if the stories of Faery could ever really end.
Posted by Andria :: 2:18 PM :: 0 comments

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