5 comments about Crossroads of Twilight (The Wheel of Time, Book 10).

1. I have read the entire series of the Wheel of Time and I have to say I look forward to the end. So why read it at all you ask? I do like the story, but the books are getting monotinous in the telling. I picked up The Eye of the World in 2005 out of curiousity (since I love fantasy) and got hooked on the story. I began reading the books in sequence and am about to finish Crossroads of Twilight shortly. I honestly feel that if Mr Jordan had ended the series two books ago he would have done a justice not only to his fan base but also to the story. The beginning of the last three books have been very well done, capturing the readers interest and drawing them into the plot of the book. Unfortunatly the story takes a turn for the mundane about chapter five or so in each book and doesn't pick back up until the last four or five chapters. Everything inbetween is pretty useless and could be edited down into a few chapters that keep the reader on edge and interested instead of a lot of empty filler about who is doing what and wearing which dress with what hair piece and so on and so on. Also the inner thoughts of who has the hots for who and what it makes them feel is pretty far from the original premise I found in the first three books. I guess to sum it up, this is a good book if you can muddle through the middle and concentrate on the beginning and the end. I have about three or four chapterts to go and the story is picking up as I expected. I expect the next two books (the story is supposed to end with book 12 I hear) will read much the same. I only hope the conclusion is exciting and unexpected. I can dream can't I??



2. Worth reading, but only to appreciate these reviews, the majority of which are infinitely better written and more entertaining than the primary source.



3. The rubber soles of my shoes had touched the dusty hardwood floor of the bookstore when I had walked into the bookstore. I took one step. I took another step. And finally, I was at the white bookshelf, when I found an ounce-thick book called Crossroads of Twilight.
   
   My fingers and the soft palm of my hand had touched the book and all the dust flew off the book as I had moved the book from the shelf all the way over to the counter. I had taken the money I needed to pay and placed it onto the wood counter. When I had gotten home, I sat down on the dark red leather couch and I opened the book and the first chapter. I had began reading all the words on the page because it was part of a story.
   
   A week later, I had finished the book and all the thoughts were in my mind about how awful this book was. I had placed the book down on the shelf, and my mouth moved as the words came out of it about how awful it was. Then my feet had touched the floor as I walked over to the chair where my laptop was, and I placed my rear on the chair as I began to sit down and use it. Then I placed my hand on the mouse, and my fingers had touched the keys on the keyboard which typed in the adress to a website called Amazon. Words poured out onto the screen as I then began writing this review.



4. Is it bad that I now keep a highlighter in my hand as I read the WoT books? I go through and highlight every time someone gets their coat, cloak, shawl, dress, skirts, or stole described, is tall for a Cairhienen, is short for an Aiel, fingers their weapon, or adjusts anything. No joke, in one of the books one of the characters stops herself in mid-thought to ask herself "Who cares about dresses?" Even better than describing someone's coat, I just read a passage where he said someone wasn't wearing a coat! Hardly a page goes by that I don't have a passage to highlight. I'm actually re-reading the series just to see if it's really as bad as I've complained...and it looks like it is. I hear 11 is good. I sure hope so.



5. 3.5 stars. The events in the beginning of this book, told from Mat, Perrin, and Elayne's perspective, occur simultaneously with the ending scene of the previous book, Winter's Heart. The last several books, beginning with A Crown of Swords, have slowed down time-wise considerably with events occurring a few days to a week after the conclusion of a prior book. Therefore, the plot also slows down, and it is still winter in the WOT world. Probably 2 years since everything unfolded in the first book, The Eye of the World.
   
   Now, that said, what did I think of this book? I agree with many others that the plot slows to a crawl in this book. In fact, not much action occurs, not much plot development takes place (of what has been introduced already in the series) in Crossroads of Twilight.
   
   However, that doesn't meant there isn't anything going on in this book. There are several plot threads introduced that cause interest and speculation** (**Note: I will discuss this further at the end of the review). As there are only 2 books left, (well, possibly 3 books if the final book is split into 2 volumes, but as B. Sanderson is currently at work on the final book, I can't say for sure), you can be sure that major plot-lines will be tied up in the next book or the final book. I look at the 10th book, Crossroads of Twilight, as the lull before the storm.
   
   Everything seems boring and you can't see anything big happening that's obvious, but what new developments *does* occur is behind the scenes. It's subtle, and you have to be patient, as this book provides more clues about various characters. Sure, I love action-filled scenes as much as the next reader, but the political intrigues and twists are a big part of this world and its characters. Depicting such matters can be slow-moving, as all the players have to be set up on the chess board in such a way that will come together at the end.
   
   If you've reached this book and haven't realized by now that this was one of Jordan's intentions for this world (that people, even when they *know* the end could be coming, they're still looking out for # 1), well I'm saying it now.LOL. The scheming, changed loyalties, questionable motives, the insular nature of people to mention a few, are all what make this fictional world fascinating to read about. For example, something called "The Game of Houses" (manipulation, plotting, and scheming of noble houses) is played to a large extent in one country, Cairhien, but to a smaller extent everywhere else as well. Saying one thing, meaning another, all in subtle tones. At one point or another, *every* character in this series has engaged in some form of manipulation and scheming, and hiding of a secret or two. Every character has a secret. Every character is more than he or she appears on the surface.
   
   The twists and turns are intentional on the author's part, and in order to get from point A to C, you'll have to navigate the murky waters of point B to get there. That's how I view this book, it's set up and geared toward major stuff going down later on, so that is what I meant when I said this book is like the lull before the storm.
   
   A brief summary of where the previous book, Winter's Heart, left off: An incredible feat was struck against the Shadow, with Rand and Nynaeve cleansing the Dark One's taint from saidin and the Forsaken unable to prevent this from happening, slinking away in defeat. Mat sneaks out of Seanchan-controlled Ebou Dar with his group, which includes the kidnapped heir to the Seanchan throne, Tuon (who also happens to be his future wife, not that he's pleased about that!), Perrin is on the rampage to locate his wife Faile held by the Shaido, and Elayne is in Camelyn securing her claim on the Lion Throne.
   
   In Crossroads of Twilight most of the chapters are devoted to Perrin, Elayne, Mat, and Egwene with little of Rand (there are brief chapters told from his perspective). Winter's Heart leaves you on a cliff-hanger, after all that happened, you expect Rand to be in the front and center as you learned in Winter's Heart there were Darkfriends in the Black Tower, and that his second-in-command, Taim, in charge of the Black Tower could be a Darkfriend as he ordered Asha'man to kill Rand in book 8, The Path of Daggers. Not to mention, the fact Rand cleansed saidin.
   
   With the other characters, Perrin is still searching for Faile, Elayne is still trying to secure the throne of Andor for herself, Egwene is still on the march with her army and trying to figure out how to get control of the White Tower and Tar Valon, and Mat has escaped from Ebou Dar and is hiding out at a traveling circus (this group will be familiar, as Nynaeve & Elayne hid in this group in book 5, Fires of Heaven).
   
   **Despite the fact there weren't any forward developments of the plot in each of the character perspectives, I still enjoyed this book. While it's not the best book in the series, there were several plot-lines that caused me to wonder what will happen next. I love figuring out puzzles, trying to understand what the answer to various character motives, basically, what is the agenda or goal here?
   
   For instance, a new character is introduced in the prologue chapter (he was given a brief scene in a prior book, but I didn't find importance in this character at the time), and it made me wonder what role he will or might play in the future. Another character seen before, Logain, another false Dragon, is seen planning "something" and I'm very curious to know where that plot thread will go. One of Rand's generals, Bashere, seems to have something going on the side, a secret that maybe Rand doesn't even know and makes me question his loyalties to Rand when I didn't before. He seemed to be solidly with Rand, but now it seems up in the air how loyal he is to Rand.
   
   Those are just a few unanswered questions, new ones that have cropped up, so I don't think this book is the bust that so many are making it out to be. Yes, compared to earlier books (The Shadow Rising or The Fires of Heaven), the book is *very* slow-moving but I do think it was needed. It is the book that sets up what will come in the later books. So while the book can drag in some places, overall I enjoyed the book. One more book to go, Knife of Dreams, and then it's a long wait for the final book to be published!

5 comments about The Wee Free Men (Discworld).

1. The witches of Discworld are identified by their practicality and ability to manipulate people. They believe in using as little magic as possible, and Tiffany Aching is no exception. This entry in the Discworld pantheon follows Tiffany dealing with the loss of her magical Grandmother, an invasion from the realm of faerie, becoming kelda of the Nac Mac Feegle, and rescuing her little brother from the evils of the faerie.
   
   Terry Pratchett has ever been a favorite author of mine, and I've converted many family and friends to his work. But "The Wee Free Men" has taken him too new heights of reader entertainment. The adventure of Tiffany Aching is a beautiful combination of magical machinations and practical solutions. When your main weapon against the forces of darkness is a frying pan, hilarity must ensue. Toss on the pictsies in the form of the Nac Mac Feegle, who are less pixie and more scottish Pict, (a historically implacable foe and epitome of barbaric Scotland), and the fun just keeps on rolling.
   
   In all, I heartily recommend this book for younger readers and old alike. The common, earthy european humor of Pratchett's other novels is left out of this one, which makes it all the more kid friendly.



2. Of all Terry Pratchett's wonderful, whimsical books, his witch books (Wee Free Men, Hat Full of Sky, Weird Sisters) are my favorites, and of all his witch books, this is absolutely the best.
   
   Nine-year-old Tiffany's introduction to witchhood - as I said, Pratchett-style witchhood - is just one amazement followed by another. Pratchett's witches are wonderfully practical creatures, with First Sight and Second Thoughts (never mind that "second sight" silliness). Under the impetus of her own sense of rightness, and the knowledge that she is the only one who can do it, Tiffany sets out to save not only her sticky and annoying little brother, but her entire world, from an invasion of the Fairy.
   
   Along the way, she has several revelations about the nature of a true witch, the lack of glamour associated with this most responsible position (a witch takes care of her people), and the satisfaction of making things right.
   
   Tiffany also has several revelations about the nature of the Nac Mac Feegle, a small bright blue barbarian-like gang of anarchists ("No King, no Quin, we shall never be fooled again!") that just love stealing, fighting, and drinking, but mostly fighting. But somehow, the little terrors have managed to learn respect for witches - and lawyers - and supply this nine-year-old with bright blue nearly invisible muscle.
   
   Additionally, the story of Tiffany is tied into the story of her Granny, who, despite her humble life as a rough-n-tough shepherdess, clearly was the witch who cared for Tiffany's people before her. So, along with its madcap air of adventure, and the gales of laughter, the book has a gentle whiff of nostalgia, and an undercurrent of deep respect for the past. The blend comes out just right, producing a balanced book that manages to end with a profound sense of just-rightness, without ever losing the ability to surprize the reader every time a page is turned. It is perfect.



3. Pratchett really shines in his young readers stories of Tiffany Aching. Tiffany is a 9 year old girl born and raised on the chalk, where her family tends sheep. While she tries to cope with her sorrow over the death of her grandmother (a witch who never said as much), it becomes clear that she has inherited her granny's talent for witching. This is the first book in the Tiffany Aching series, which delves into the world of the tiny Mac Nac Feegle, tattooed blue sprites with flaming red hair and tempers to match. Here the MNFeegles help Tiffany with the general business of witching, and the specific business of rescuing her sticky little brother Wentworth from the Queen of Faerie.
   
   Like all of Pratchett's books, The Wee Free Men is laugh-out-loud funny (almost too clever for young readers), and a joyous romp through the crazy Discworld that Pratchett has created.
   
   - C.A.Wulff author of Born Without a Tail



4. Finally a book with just the right mix of heart, action, fantasy, humanity and wacky unpredictability! This was my first voyage into Pratchett land and what a journey. I'd heard about his Discworld books but never got round to actually cracking the spine of one. Honestly, I have no idea if Wee Free takes place on Discworld or not. But no matter where the story takes place, Tiffany is a great, active heroine and the Wee Free Men are an absolute riot! That said, for our own wee ones, some of the under 10 or 11 set may have trouble figuring out just what the Nac Mac Feegle are saying as Pratchett has them chatting with their Scottish brogues fully intact. Things like, "...Crivens, we dinna want tae answer..." and "The Quin'll get tired o' the wee lad after a coupla months, mebbe." After a few pages of the Free Men's dialogue, though, it does get easier to understand and by your third page of it, those crazy little blue guys in kilts will have you rolling of the floor.
   
   Keep 'em coming Terry, you crazy old coot.



5. Another delightful adventure in the discworld of Terry Pratchett. I absolutely love the Nac Mac Feegles. There are times that I start laughing so hard that I can't continue reading.

5 comments about Batman: The Man Who Laughs.

1. I bought this title for a few reasons:
   
   1) Amazon had a great price of 13.59 and free shipping on combined orders over $35. The original prestige edition was 48 pages (only $5 or so) and sold out a long time ago and now sells for over $50.
   
   2) It was ranked #22 on a list of the "25 Greatest Batman Graphic Novels".
   
   3) Heath Ledger's Joker in the movie "The Dark Knight" is partially based on this story.
   
   Overall, the Joker story was pretty good. However, I didn't like the art style that much. As noted by another reviewer, the story ends abruptly and the final fight betweent Batman and the Joker is anti-climatic.
   
   As I didn't grow up with the original Green Lantern, I didn't like the character that much. However, the 2nd half of the story does delve into the detective aspect of Batman and contrasts it with the Green Lantern.
   
   Overall, to me it was worth buying for the reasons that I listed above. However, better value could be gained by buying other Batman graphic novels. In fact, many of the others from the top 25 list sell for $20 or less on amazon.com.



2. Don't get me wrong, I did like "The Killing Joke". But I think that this story is so much better. The Killing Joke seemed so rushed to me, and this one didn't feel that way at all. I read the first joker story from Batman #1 (1940) before I read this, just because I wanted to see where the joker started. I liked the story a lot, and thought then that a modern version would be great. Well then I heard about this "The Man Who Laughs" and knew right then that I needed to get it. I looked online and found out that it was out of print, I couldn't even get the stores to order it. Then I went to my local comic book store and they had 4 copies laying right there. I bought it right away, after I read it I was so surprised, they kept the same story from the original and added more flavor to it, more plot. Needless to say, I love this book. This is when Gotham learned to fear The Joker.



3. Buy this book to read Ed Brubaker and Doug mahnke excellent redux of the Joker's first encounter with batman. In a shocking turn, DC hires a great artist to do a high profile Batman tale. I only fault this story on being too short.
   The Man Who Laughs was orignally published as a 48 page soft cover graphic novel, but deserves the hardcover format. Sadly, the cover graphics are not very well done. The white spine with the ugly blue at the bottom doesn't look good on the book shelf, particularly next to it's natural companion, the recently released Killing Joke hardcover.
   As a filler, a Batman/Golden Age Green Lantern story is also randomely reprinted here. This story originally appeared in Detective Comics which Mr. Brubaker wrote for a little over a year. I remember his run as well written (as most of his work is), but laden with poor fill-in art unworthy of his scripts. The artwork by Mike Lilly is just OK, but I fail to see why it was included in this hardcover.
   It would have been much better to reprint the Joker's first two appearances from Batman #1, as well as Dennis O'Neal's Legends of the Dark Knight #50, from 1993, which retold the same story of Batman's first encounter with the Joker. Dennis O'Neal wrote a spot on story with some great moments, but the particularly bad art from Brett Blevins is not something which should be seen again. At least the theme of the book would have been consistant.



4. This is the first thing I've ever read from Brubaker, so I don't have much to go on in terms of how different or new it is from his other stuff. What I can say, is that it's a much better written Joker story compared to a lot of the other ones out there. The book builds nice tension up until the last confrontation Batman and Joker have; which I felt was very lackluster and not even close to as memorable at The Killing Jokes end. The Joker taking over televison and what not is old at this point. However, the additional story of the Green Lantern I thought was great, that managed to invoke more emotion from me than the TMWL. What is top-notch here is the art. I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of the Joker as it is a short and fun read.



5. The book arrived quick and in good shape, just what my son wanted.

4 comments about The Discworld Graphic Novels: The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic.

1. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pratchett's Discworld series, HarperCollins has published this hard bound compendium of the first two Discworld novels, "The Color of Magic" and "The Light Fantastic," in their 1991 renditions as graphic novels. Pratchett's writing skills have grown far beyond these early pastiches and satires, but there are real pleasures and genuine belly laughs in these two early books.
   
   The Discworld rides on the backs of four giant elephants, who in turn stand on the back of planet-sized Great a'Tuin, the Star Turtle. "Hertzsprung-Russell Diagrams" are used to classify stars by colors, size and age. The Great a'Tuin is the only turtle to ever appear in a Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram. Trust me, if you are an astronomy student, it's a real groaner. But the great part about these stories is that there are puns, jokes and gags enough for everyone and every taste. The home of the quarrelsome, meddlesome gods of the Discworld, for example, is called Dunmanifestin... Ouch.
   
   The drawings add interest. While the characters don't much resemble the pictures in my head, let alone the actors in Sky One's recent movie based on these novels, they aren't bad. Only the beardless Cohen the Barbarian seriously disappoints. Some cherished scenes have been clipped out; it's probably unavoidable, but I did miss Bravrd and Weasel, pastiches of Leiber's Fafhrd and Mouser, the bureaucratic evil of Ymper Trymon, and the very brief flight on TWA. But there's plenty of Pratchett humor left.
   
   The drawings have a distinct charm and consistency. They add to the story, without distorting it. Those old paperback graphic novels, long out of print, are very hard to find; if you want a complete set of Pratchett, this volume is essential.
   
   The madcap punning - persons robbing music shops must be "luters" - and throwaway lines - "We've got a wizard and we're not afraid to use him" - are there, and the drawings make them more fun still. These first two novels didn't have much of a plot but they definitely had their moments. This graphic novel gives you a chance to enjoy those moments again. And those new to Pratchett may find the graphic novels more accessible. Strongly recommended.



2. PTerry fans rejoice! If you are a Discworld fan, this is a MUST HAVE. The art is all hand-painted, and its never boring.



3. I've long been a fan of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels, and this graphic novel was a lot of fun: a great way to revisit some of the early stories. The artwork is quite nice, and by and large they did an excellent adaptation that is both true to the original work and true to the adopted medium. All in all, very enjoyable.
   
   That said, whoever did the lettering managed to insert a number of errors into the text - basic stuff like its/it's mistakes, the sort of thing any editor off the street would catch and fix. Mr. Pratchett's books have always been conscientiously edited in this regard, and this sort of thing is an insult, just poor craftsmanship. I hope future editions can manage to avoid this sort of thing.



4. Brilliant. I have read all of the Discworld novels and I look forward to the reinvention of the rest of them through the graphic format. The pictures are lively but they still carry a bit of the darkness with them. A must read for A'tuin fans.

5 comments about The Winter King (The Arthur Books #1).

1. The Winter King, first in the Arthur Books, started a wonderful five days of continuos reading. Not being able to put this book down did not apply because as soon as I put this book down there was a second and a third book to be devoured. It was a great five days of Camelot.



2. Now, you self annointed internet police can begin yelling at me for not posting a real review.
   
   Kindle editions of his Saxon series were great, can't understand why not these?



3. I finished this book late last night after a very quick, very intense tear through the novel; I could not put it down. I will be starting book 2, Enemy of God, of this trilogy today.
   This is definitely not your typical Arthur. Oddly enough, there is little proof that Arthur existed in the great way he is now known in legend to have been. Obviously, the magic, Excalibur, Camelot, the Round Table and the 'Holy Grail' type additions were very well used literary tools to create a legend bigger than itself in many tales. What Cornwell has accomplished in this novel is to bring the story back down to earth in a very real and incredible way; this is an Arthur who lived in a real world, with superstitions and gods of many religions, but no magic to speak of, rather just man's overwhelming ability to allow fear and misunderstanding to create belief in magic, spells, wizardry and monsters. To be fair, that may disappoint Arthurian legend lovers of the mystical tale. This is not the stylized Arthur that we read about in most literary works or, in more recent years, we see on film.
   The tale is told by an elderly monk who, before becoming a Christian, was an orphan raised by Merlin (not a Wizard in this tale, rather a Druid leader of Britain). He, our storyteller, was Derfel Cadarn, Derfel 'the mighty', and he was a fierce and feared warrior, a Lord of war, a leader of men, a sworn man of Arthur, and a mighty killer. He is also an excellent storyteller who weaves a tale of 5th century Britain, a land at war with itself whilst also being invaded by the Saxons (who the author Cornwell also writes about in his excellent Saxon Chronicles which I highly recommend). This was an island of many nations and many kings, before it was England, just after the departure of the Romans and just as the island was at its lowest point in history, the beginning of the dark ages.
   The fact that not much is known about the people that became so legendary in myth and tales of magic, allows Cornwell to weave a book of fiction that represents the period very well and freed him to create a tale that he did not have to meld in to history. In other words, Cornwell was able to create an entire story, using famous names that have no story, thus allowing us to experience a completely different version of the tale.
   I avoided this trilogy for a while because the Arthur tales are a little too fantasized for me; I prefer more historically based fiction. Thankfully, I came to my senses and read this book. It was excellent. I read a review below that stated that someone struggled with this book because of all the characters, a claim I don't understand. Cornwell kindly provides a list of ALL the characters and a short summary of who they were, at the beginning of the book so you can always flip to the front if you don't remember a name. A detailed map is provided in the back to give you an understanding of where the many characters are from and where they go.
   I definitely recommend this book. Although our storyteller does tell Arthur's tale, the book does tend to be more Derfel's tale and how he experienced life as a sworn man of Arthur. It follows Derfel to Amorica (Britanny, France) where he spends years fighting in Arthur's place for the kindom of Benoic (which reminded me of Jonathan Swift's kingdom of Laputa, the floating island where everyone was more interested in learning and beauty, where, in this tale the king spent all his money on knowledge all his money on knowledge and allowed the kingdom to crumble around him). This is Derfel's tale of Arthur and it is a wonderful story.
   Enjoy!!!



4. How can I say this without revealing too much detail? One thing that really touched me about this book is how incredibly real the narrator is. Derfel Cadarn, a very real man now in his last days of life, telling the story of a very real Arthur. A man who I believe many will be able to relate to. Of course the unique style of Cornwell shines. He has a knack of painting a beautiful mosaic and then desecrating it with the harsh reality of tyranny, war and life in a harsh period. The Winter King gives a very vivid and convincing vision as to what fifth century Britain was like. A Britain plunged into turmoil with religion, war and savage barbarism. A post-Roman Britain seeking some way of resolve and peace. A Britain that saw the real Arthur.



5. Probably Cornwell's finest work - the Arthurian legend brought to life as it was, or as it would have been, had it been true. Set in Britain circa 490AD Cornwell paints a magnificent picture of a mediavel fantasy transplaced into the gritty reality of the Dark Ages. There is no classic Camelot and knights of the round table, but a grittier tale using a familiar host of characters that makes for an absolutely gripping read. I challenge any one to read this book and not feel compelled to purchase and read the whole trilogy.

5 comments about The Belgariad, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Castle of Wizardry, Enchanters' End Game.

1. Fantastic Book, one to read over and over. I never tire of reading this wonderful series.



2. I have read the series several times and still find something new in them! They ARE my favorite books



3. First of all, in my experience with David Eddings readers, they are either in love with the story or not. As such, this review is for those unsure as to whether or not to continue their literary journey over to Volume 2 of the Belgariad Series.
   
   There were many problems that plagued the first three books (the first volume) of this series. Most apparent would be that the book was riddled with cliches (pretend there's an accent on that "e"). And though Eddings fans will rush to say that these cliches were written well, and I do grant them that the writing itself is decent, the less enthused will point out that the story is the same old one. In large part, it is. There's a prophecy, there's a farm boy destined to be king, a princess, the typical "evil" race of soulless warriors, the traveling group of mismatched adventurers, etc. But what I was looking for in Volume 2 was whether Eddings deviated from the tried and true path in front of him. Unfortunately, he did not. Every action is predictable, and even a startling death in this volume is upset by knowing how it will play out later (if you've read enough fantasy that is). As such, this book is somewhat stale. New enough to keep your attention, but cliched and predictable enough to keep you from getting enthralled.
   
   Another issue I found with the the first three books of the Belgariad Series (Volume 1) is that there is little to no character development. For a fifteen year old, I found Garion helplessly daft, and entirely uninteresting. In a similar note, I found the large characterizations of the races in Volume 1 horribly unrealistic. For example, all of race a were sly, under-handed thieves -- no exceptions. In Volume 2, I hoped Eddings would develop the characters and the races more, and thereby giving them a more realistic feel to them. Unfortunately, Eddings fails to deliver on either. Garion continues to show little to no signs of any real, intelligent thought, and goes through his quest with little, true internal conflict. Overall, his character growth seemed stunted at best. Meanwhile, if you know the race of one character, you can predict how they'll act all the way through Volume 2. Some characters, in particular Princess CeNedra, are so petty and carping, and completely lopsided, I wonder if Eddings perceives everyone in that way. Every character here is simple, based off one defining characteristic, and as such unrealistic and boring.
   
   There are other, minor problems I found with Volume 2 that do not detract so much from the offering, but merely annoy. Though some may love it, I personally find the style of Mr. Eddings somewhat dull. And though he does present a diverse and vast world (if not entirely realistic in respects to the people), I sometimes found his extra scenes that tried to inform you of each culture a bit obnoxious. A good example was how in one tavern, a wife was being sold, and the segment lasted a couple of pages with no influence on the plot or any of the main characters. Again, some might appreciate it, but in volume 1 and 2, I did not.
   
   Really, what's so tragic about this series is that there's a lot to like, but not a lot to love. The world is interesting, even if the people are not. The writing is sometimes beautiful, but many times too stiff. The plot runs on cliches and the characters on linear paths. It's enjoyable to some extent, but never quite lovable. For an offering that is such a mix of pros and cons, I give Eddings the benefit of the doubt. It is not a great book as many are praising it as, but it's not a bad one either.



4. While not my favorite fantasy series, this series was pretty good. I think some of the traveling that the characters had to go through was a bit monotonous but perhaps if I had read the books with some break between them instead of all 5 back to back, it may have broken the monotony some.



5. What an incredible series this was. I still wouldn't call it perfect, but it is up there among the best 3 or 4 fantasy series of all time. Frankly, at least for now it would be 2 or 3 on my list. No, it's not perfect, but it was outstanding, and kept me going throughout. I finished the entire series in a week, and now can't wait to start the next set - though I may have to put it off for a brief bit while I attend to other things.
   
   As always, the dialogue is masterful, the pacing was good. I definately recomend this to any and everyone.

5 comments about Galaxy in Flames (Horus Heresy).

1. Ben Counter's description of the massacre on Isstvan III and the last stand of the loyalists Sons of Horus rises to the highest level of military science fiction. He seems to have relied heavily on historical renditions of the battles of Stalingrad and Berlin to create a gritty realism that far surpasses the first two Horus novels.
   
   But his achievement doesn't end with great battle scenes. He accomplishes two things that elevate his novel to a level above "good" military science fiction. First, he captures the camaraderie that develops on the battlefield between fellow soldiers and conveys those feelings with both pathos and warmth. Several set scenes vibrate with such emotion that I found myself comparing them to similar scenes in Homer's Iliad and Tolkien's The Return of the King. Second, he illuminates the rise of the Emperor cult and illustrates vividly (not tells) the attraction of Chaos gods. This illumination is essential to the tension that must exist between Chaos and the Empire.
   
   If the Horus Heresy is going to be a great series and I suspect it will be, the reader must understand the attraction of Chaos, otherwise it is just another story about super heroes fighting villians or put another way--good verses evil. I think Ben Counter has found the middle way, fairly describing the attraction of Chaos and the piousness of the Emperor or Order.



2. I am an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction and I can tell you there is no sci-fi like the Horus Heresy. This series is loaded with awesome descriptions of brutal combat. The conversations between characters are philosophical. Reading this is more entertaining than watching a great movie or playing your favorite video game.



3. I was eagerly anticipating this book after reading the first two Horus Heresy books. Ben Counter did an excelent job. I loved this book. It is the best of the Horus Heresy trilogy. The action was nonstop. I could not put the book down. He did a nice job of tying up all of the loose ends of the trilogy. I am now definately a big fan of Ben Counter. Superb work. He did a great job of bringing the space marines and the warhammer 40k universy to life. I am looking forward to the next book in the Horus Heresy line.



4. Good background fluff and intresting reading. If your a 40k player and want background material on the Heresy for your games this must read series.



5. A galaxy in flames is the kind of book that you read like you would grap red twizzlers. You do it without thinking because that is what the author want you to do. Kind of fun but lacks any sembelance of Hard Science Fiction.

2 comments about Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Star Wars).

1. You should read this book because it has a lot of action. I liked how the assasin could put her light sabers together in this story. Great book for ages 8-12 year olds.



2. The teen novelization of the latest Star Wars film, the Clone Wars, is a short but delightful read. Granted, I'm not in the target demographic for this book, but it took me only a couple hours to run through this book and I enjoyed every minute of it.
   
   So as not to spoil anything for anyone, I'll quote the back of the book instead of rambling about the plot of the book: "Was has spread chaos across the galaxy, and the Jedi Generals Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker find themselves leading a massive clone army into battle with Count Dooku and his Separatist Alliance. On the planet Tatooine, deep in the Outer Rim of the galaxy, crime lord Jabba the Hutt's son has been kidnapped. To gain the Hutt's allegiance, an advantage over Dooku, the Jedi have agreed to find and rescue Jabba's son."
   
   Tracey West does a fine job at taking the reader through the events in the Clone Wars movie, almost scene by scene. Very little was added or omitted in this version of the story, unlike Karen Travis' novel which expanded on a great deal of scenes and characterization. But, that's an entirely different target audience.
   
   West's book is easy to read and will no doubt be a delight for the young reader in your home. If your child is a Star Wars fan or if you're trying to convert them, get this book for them. Heck, you might like it too.

1 comments about Lust: Erotic Fantasies for Women.

1. I really, really liked this erotic fantasy book. It's covers just about any given fantasy out there today and some new ones I hadn't thought of. A great read, through and through. I liked it very much, as well as, Sex Scenes: Erotica Excerpts from the Novels of Kim Corum. The two can make for some steamy stuff!!

5 comments about DragonLight: A Novel.

1. This series is one of the best that I have read for Youth fantasy. In fact, this is the first time that I have even written a review, it is that good! I highly recommend it!



2. My son that does not like to read, likes read these books. Thank you to the write.



3. The conclusion to Donita K. Paul's Dragon Keeper Chronicles tends to make you stay up till 3:00 AM reading. Amara is (finally) a peaceful nation under the rule of Paladin. Kale Allerion and her husband Bardon decide to, with the Meeches Regidor and Gilda, to discover the Meech Colony in the Northern Reaches to present Gilda's egg. Little did they know that they would encounter The Followers (a nasty bunch if I do say so myself) and Mot Angra, a black dragon the size of a mountain. The perfect blend of character, humor, and action, Mrs. Paul end her best-selling series with a roar.



4. This was a great ending to the Dragonkeeper Chronicles. I was kind of disappointed that it was ending, but I can't wait for the new series.



5. A heart wrenching story that will take you to places you never thought were possible. This was the perfect ending to the series and is great for all ages. This book has so many elements that I can only scratch the surface of what it is like. To find out more just read the book and have a wonderful time, though it is recommended to start with the first book in the series.