The saga that we present to you has two specificities. First, it is written by a Frenchman, Jean-Philippe Jaworski. Like the success that the saga The Witcher, written by the Polish Andrzej Sapkowski, has already demonstrated that fantasy is not the prerogative of the Anglo-Saxons. Let it be said: French fantasy is of high quality and Jaworski is one of its best representatives.
Then, unlike the other sagas in our summer fantasy series, win the war has only one volume – quite substantial, all the same, preceded by a short story in the collection Juana Vera. The two are brought together in a single book, titled Tales of the Old Kingdom, published by Folio SF. The novel received the Imaginales prize for the best French-language novel in 2009. There is a comic book adaptation, signed Frédéric Genêt, published by Le Lombard editions.
What does it say?
In a universe that evokes the Roman Empire, Benvenuto Gesufal is an assassin and spy in the service of the Podesta of the Republic of Ciudalia, Leonide Ducatore, to whom Machiavelli would pass for a Care Bear. The latter entrusts him with a high-risk mission. As in the royal assassin, by Robin Hobb, the story is told in the first person – from Benvenuto’s point of view. The comparison stops there: the henchman of the podesta does not have the nobility of heart and the cases of conscience of Fitz. He’s tough, real, violent, racist, mysogynistic and you can go on. But the dirtiest in history is not necessarily the one we believe.
How is it ?
By his extreme violence and humor, win the war looks like The first law, which we talked about this week. With the flamboyant and precise style of Jaworski in addition. On the political intrigue side, we lean more towards Game Of Thrones.
What magic?
There are mighty wizards and elves in win the warbut magic is relatively secondary in the plot.
Is it adaptable to the screen?
Sure. Who doesn’t like watching a movie or a series with a cynical and cunning killer, who spends his time killing or getting beaten up in the service of a cynical and corrupt magistrate? That aside, Benvenuto’s adventures are highly telegenic, especially this fantastic chase across the rooftops of Ciudalia.