Reading Stephen Donaldson is like reading a lesson in writing:
1. First there are brilliant characters--both good, evil, and mixed--which he has no qualms about killing off, because he can just invent more. Esmer--extremely powerful for both good and evil--is one of my favorites at the moment, though I love the protagonists (flawed all of them) equally as much. And She Who Must Not Be Named is one of the most horrible monsters I've run across anywhere.
2. He is master of environments both beautiful and terrible--a favorite at the moment is the crystal room created by the Viles in the Lost Deep. Beautiful and terrible both, it, as do all Donaldson's environments, influences the action.
3. Then, there is his brilliance for creating conflict. It seems like I have been at the edge of my seat for days now, and I am only about 1/3 the way through the book. They are not getting much opportunity to breathe, but even with problems coming as thick and fast as they do,
4. time is still taken for philosophical discussion, for good and kindness and healing to rule, and for strength born of love rather than fear to conquer.
5. And all the time, the language and use of words is poetic, strong, and instructive.
Whew!
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