Posted by Peter R Booth on February 28, 1998 at 00:19:40:
In Reply to: Comments on Vance Villains posted by The Professor on February 27, 1998 at 23:06:28:
Two villains that come to mind are Aila Woudiver of Planet of Adventure fame and King Casmir of Lyonesse fame.
Woudiver would have to be one of the most cunning and self-assured bad guys I've encountered in a book, absolutely corrupt and planning craftily ahead at all stages. You really feel for Adam Reith and his two companions as their earnest attempts are met with sly denials at every stage. Put it this way; I wanted to throttle Woudiver myself.
Casmir is more calculated and plans far further ahead, in keeping with his job as a king. He's thoroughly despicable, but seems, contrarily, a fair man up front. You actually have an admiration for Casmir as he plots and plans one deviation after another.
Of the Demon Princes none really struck me as a villain, Treesong you felt sorry for in the end and Viole Falushe was admittedly one sick individual.