** spoiler alert ** 
 In a writing group, a question came up about books that do non-linear timelines well. I cited this novel based on what I remembered and found myself wanting to revisit it. 
 Since I brought it up, let's start with the extent to which the novel plays with its timelines. Strictly speaking, Taltos has three linear timelines that are all woven together. Each chapter begins with Vlad progressing through some kind of witchcraft ritual. From there, in each chapter we shift back and forth between two timelines: "the present" and Vlad's past. There's one other way that Brust plays with time here: this is the fourth volume of the series, though chronologically the events of "the present" happen before the other three volumes. 
 One negative effect, I suppose, of this choice is that the stakes are lowered considerably. The quest at the heart of the story involves Sethra and Morrolon getting Vlad to help them retrieve Aliera's soul and get her reincarnated. There's tension between Vlad and these two powerful Dragaerans... except that we already know that Vlad becomes good friends with both... and with Aliera. So yeah, no surprises there. 
 That said, there are some good little in-jokes between Brust and the reader because we know things that Vlad, as the narrator, doesn't. I think, too, that the book would work in a different--but still satisfying way--if the reader used this as an entry point into the series. 
 The three strands interweave nicely. We realize eventually that the ritual Vlad is performing at the start of each chapter is actually all occurring, chronologically, at the start of the last chapter. And the narrative of Vlad's early life not only gives us insight into Vlad's character, it also provides a crucial piece of the solution to the characters' dilemma. 
 The real joy of this work, as it so often is, comes from Brust's writing and Vlad's voice, which are absolutely compelling. He (take your pick, author or character) tells a story so well that it doesn't matter in the least that you already know how it ends.