I have read many many fantasy books, but few have been as disappointing as this work was. I say work because that was what it felt like when i was reading it. It was boring and the most exciting parts were mediocre compared to most any other decent fantasy novel.

I like Tigana, and I like the idea, but I liked A Song for Arbonne and The Lions of Al-Rassan more. I haven't read The Sarantine Mosaic, Last Light of the Sun, or Under Heaven. Ysabel is a good read and I think it's possibly on a par with Tigana.

I can't believe that this book would get negative comments.
It might not have the epic scope of the lotr trilogy... but I don't recall ever being so personally and emotionally invested in the characters of a story... and so many of them too! I agree that the way Brandons character was introduced and evolved was great, and unexpected. I highly recommend this book to any fan of fiction.

I bought this book and I'm actually trying to force myself to finish it. Much more of a traditional fantasy tale in the most predictable and clicheed sort of way. I loved most of the others on this list.

An enjoyable story, with a novel approach to some of the characters (for me at least). Not sure about the tears, but well told tragic element to it. I liked the angle taken on the cost of magic, with a taste of the different types.
I wouldn't put it at #5, and it's not in same league as Tolkien, but it should be on this list and it is worth the read.

I absolutely loved this book. I think it should be higher in the rankings. Its a stand alone book in a group of series books, which means the author had to be more concise and creative to tie the whole story into one medium sized book. I loved the sexual energy scattered throughout the storyline. You were able to emotionally connect with his characters.
I'll admit it was hard to get into, but after the first 20 pages or so, it's EXTREMELY hard to put down.
I wish he had physically described the men as much as the women, I was often left wanting for a more elaborate mental picture of them.
The story is wonderful, so different that alot of the fantasy series out there.

To be honest I was disappointed. To rank this book above any of Tolkien's work is some sort of sin, but perhaps my expectations were to high...
I appreciated that the author was able to finish the story all in one book, but I'm not all that shocked as looking back I have to echo Alex's sentiments about the lack of major events. I found myself plodding through most of the novel knowing I had invested too much time to turn back now, but desparately praying for the end to come swiftly...

I agree with Frank that Tigana is not Kay's VERY best work (my vote for that one goes to A Song for Arbonne) but it's definitely a close second. Kay is one of the most talented and underrated writers out there. His gift for beautiful and moving language is hard to match.

good choice, but not his best book imho. He doesn't have any bad books, but The Lions of Al-Rassan is my fav of his.

I actually despised this book. I didn't finish it because the prose was so horribly overwrought and pretentious. Do yourself a favor and read the negative reviews of the book on Amazon before you buy it.

I read this based on the recommendation on this site and I loved it. I've recommended it to others now as well. This site is great. It's so hard to know what to pick up in the hundreds of authors at the book store. I haven't been disappointed yet.

Kay is my favourite living fantasy author and Tigana is my favourite fantasy novel after Lord of the Rings.

To like fantasy and not read Tigana is madness!

To be honest, i regard tigana as one of Kay's mediocre works. The sarantine mosaic by far outshines tigana, as does a song for arbonne.

I thought this whole series was well written and rich in imagery and emotion.

Thank you for including this in your list. I never would have looked for it otherwise. Was looking for a fantasy book that actually had an ending (haha I'm always afraid of the authors dying before properly ending their sagas). I loved this book. Dianora and Brandin has now topped my Romantic Couples in Fantasy list.