A beautiful illustration of The Cycle shows the progression and the qualities of the 17 Great Houses of Dragaera, according to which, Tiassa represents Catalyst and Inspiration. The questions remain, who is inspired to do (or be) what? And what actions will have their threshold energies lowered?

In the hands of the annoyed Jhereg who REALLY want to put paid to Vlad, the silver figurine of a tiassa just might hasten his demise. In the hands of defenders of the Empire, it just might stop the Jenoine from invading. In the presence of an artist or writer, it activates their greatest creativity. In Vlad’s keeping, it sparks the idea for a complex game of table-turning, rather like a poker LARP. In the process, a young prostitute’s life is transformed. And what might it do in the hands of one who has endured soul-rending trauma?

Best of all, this Tiassa has inspired the author to bring back and together many characters from previous novels. Piro and Ibronka, from The Viscount of Adrilankha trilogy, are key players in that poker LARP; Cawti and Norathar reunite for a mission as the Dagger and Sword of the Jhereg, with some surprising assistance from Daro. Khaavren has a very active role, and his friend from the days of The Phoenix Guards, the elusive Pel, appears briefly. Also, Brust gives the mysterious and as yet unborn Devera much more voice. There is even the scene of Devera’s conception.

So in your mind’s eye, imagine you are holding in your hands a silver tiassa: sapphire eyes, wings that ride on light. What next, for you? ~~ Chris Paige