Showing posts with label fantasy series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fantasy series. Show all posts

Ruby: The Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 1) Review

Ruby: The Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 1)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Ruby: The Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 1)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Ruby: The Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 1). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Ruby: The Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 1) ReviewMy 4 year old found out about these books from a friend of hers. We've read the entire Rainbow fairy series out loud as bedtime stories.
I am a believer in encouraging children to read. If these books do this for your children, great. I could easily see how this could be the case. The author clearly understands 4-6 year old girl psychology and exploits it fully to create truly addictive series.
However, as a mom reading aloud to her child, I would have to say that the adventures in the books are almost nonsensical even given the premise of fairy magic (at least taken as a series--this particular book is not so bad), the dialog and vocabulary insipid, and the characters uninspiring.
Rachael and Kirsty solve problems not with common sense, bravery or ingenuity, but by using magic fairy bags given to them by the Fairy King and Queen. Their biggest challenges seem to be 1) running away from goblins (which look about 5 inches high in the illustrations) and 2) remembering to use the magic fairy bags when the goblins frighten them too much.
I also feel exploited. These books are $7 each, in series of addictive stories which could each easily be fit in one book. The Rainbow series alone will set you back $7*7=$49 if you pay the cover price of $6.99, and there seems to be no end in sight to the collections. Each book can easily be read in 1-2 sittings, so $6.99 doesn't get you much.
Another aspect which bothers me is this: the Rainbow fairies wear trendy teen age type clothing and are stick-thin. Rachael and Kirsty are extremely thin and trendy looking too. My 4 year old will be bombarded with these kinds of unrealistic body images by the media as it is. I don't want them appearing in her bedtime stories.
My advice (at least to parents who are going to read these aloud): don't start. There are so many better choices. Once you start, your child won't let you stop. So if you are going to read these, get them from the library. Make sure you can get the whole series since these are fast reads, with each story encouraging your child to read the next one.Ruby: The Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 1) Overview

Want to learn more information about Ruby: The Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Rainbow Fairies, No. 1)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

The Reluctant Swordsman (The Seventh Sword Trilogy Book 1) Review

The Reluctant Swordsman (The Seventh Sword Trilogy Book 1)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy The Reluctant Swordsman (The Seventh Sword Trilogy Book 1)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Reluctant Swordsman (The Seventh Sword Trilogy Book 1). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Reluctant Swordsman (The Seventh Sword Trilogy Book 1) Review"The Reluctant Swordsman" (Seventh Sword, Book 1)introduces the characters and world/universe the author continues with in "The Coming of Wisdom" (Seventh Sword, Book 2)and "The Destiny of the Sword" (Seventh Sword, Book 3). This is a brilliant trilogy which remains at the top of Dave Duncan's impressive body of work. This third book doesn't just follow the first two. It reveals things which the author put there all along, giving the reader a new appreciation of the characters and events. That sounds confusing, but read it and see.
The characters remind me of Dungeons and Dragons Roll Playing Games (D&D RPG's). The hero is a 7th level swordsman who picks up a 7th level priest as a travelling companion. There is the same satisfaction of watching a companion swordsman advance through the ranks as there is developing your own character's skill levels in an RPG. There are also some other character types familiar to RPG's (archer's are held in contempt). This is not one of those cheap knockoffs on a D&D game though. This is just one element of the world the author has created which is kind of fun.
The author created a universe with a multitude of gods, like the Greek and Roman gods. While this is very common in the sword and sorcery genre, Dave Duncan has made the gods active participants in his story. One god makes repeated appearances, talks with the hero, and performs the occasional miracle. The author is able to keep the gods from completely overshadowing the human characters by stressing how they value "free will" for their own purposes. The author's brilliant use of deity characters (a recurring element throughout his best series) adds facets to this story which lift it above a simple Conan type "guy with sword" story.
This trilogy has a detailed, multi-leveled plot which twists enough to keep you in suspense right up until the ending. And the ending reaches the appropriate dramatic climax, then has a satisfying denouement where the characters reap their rewards and the author ties up any loose ends. When this book ended, I was left saying, "Wow, imagine that!"
The only thing I can even think of that I didn't like about this trilogy is that it ended. The author really wrapped things up for the characters. It would be almost impossible to continue the story. I do hope that Dave Duncan comes back to this world with some new characters though. Maybe the old characters can have a cameo in the new story . . .The Reluctant Swordsman (The Seventh Sword Trilogy Book 1) Overview

Want to learn more information about The Reluctant Swordsman (The Seventh Sword Trilogy Book 1)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

The Dawning of Power Review

The Dawning of Power
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy The Dawning of Power? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Dawning of Power. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Dawning of Power ReviewIt's hard for me to get into fantasy, even though I like to write it.
Yet, though I don't read much of it, it seems lately I've read more than my norm.
My publisher suggested I read The Dawning of Power. He even let me borrow his copy. I'll admit, I nearly put this book down. At the start, I was lost. I wasn't into it. A bit bored. Perhaps it was reading too late at night. Perhaps it was just my mood. No matter, I sat the book down for a week.
Usually, it's over at that point--off to the cemetery of unread books.
I'm glad I gave The Dawning of Power another chance. I found the story to be a solid, intense read. It was thick, in depth, and sometimes over my head.
This book is long--a hefty read. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but be ready and be patient. It was a bit intimidating at first, but I found myself flying through the pages.
My only complaint: The Dawning of Power is mostly a character driven book. Overall, I felt Mr. Rathbone's characters were vivid and alive. Likeable. However, the vast amount of characterization took away from the story at times. I felt it was lacking in drama--tension--the chase. The white knuckle, page turning feeling wasn't always present. However, this didn't distract me, and it was not always the case; I simply felt Mr. Rathbone could have put a bit more emphasis on the suspense. Regardless, it didn't take away from my enjoyment.
Overall, The Dawning of Power is a classic tale, filled with adventure and lovable characters. The writing is passionate, and I suspect we'll see much greatness from Mr. Rathbone in the future as his career progresses.
Vincent Hobbes
[...]The Dawning of Power Overview

Want to learn more information about The Dawning of Power?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Tymon's Flight: Chronicles of the Tree Bk 1 Review

Tymon's Flight: Chronicles of the Tree Bk 1
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Tymon's Flight: Chronicles of the Tree Bk 1? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Tymon's Flight: Chronicles of the Tree Bk 1. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Tymon's Flight: Chronicles of the Tree Bk 1 ReviewThis is a great read, well paced with no boring bits!! You discover the world of Tymon at the start, you see what kind of a life he leads and what kind of a world it is. There doesn't look like too much hope for a boy with few advantages but, suddenly, things start changing for him and Tymon takes fateful steps onto a new path in this strange world that is scattered with mysterious characters, steampunk airships, magical heroes and villains.
Tymon makes plenty of discoveries along the way, faces challenges and overcomes them. He meets rebels and Kings, he wins and loses battles, is resourceful, intelligent and honest. There is also a great heroine he has to fight alongside, a believable courageous girl who is full of shocks, surprises and a touch of mystery. All this taking place in a world of Trees with mystery at it's root.........Tymon's Flight: Chronicles of the Tree Bk 1 OverviewThe World Tree rises up out of the seething clouds like a green mountain, lifting its children up to the light. All creation nestles in its gigantic branches: all take shelter beneath its canopy. There is no world besides this one -- or so the priests in Argos city would have everyone believe. What then if the green God should wither away, or withdraw Her blessings from her children? Tymon is an orphaned boy growing up at Argos seminary, in the lush heart of the Central Canopy. The Argosian priests have declared science to be a heretical pursuit, and banned travel beyond the confines of the Tree. But Tymon yearns to discover new horizons. He longs to break free of the seminary. When he discovers an interloper in the city baths -- a foreigner, a female, one of the stigmatised Nurian pilgrims brought to the town every year as slaves -- his life changes forever. Punished for his temerity and exiled to the dry and forsaken Eastern Canopy to serve out his indenture, he finds that there are different ways of interpreting the cosmos beyond those taught to him by the priests in Argos. He discovers that the heresy of Grafting, belief in the mystic "Tree of Being", still persists in the eastern colonies. And he meets Samiha, the girl who holds the key to his own latent powers, as well as the ultimate fate of his world. rsp20

Want to learn more information about Tymon's Flight: Chronicles of the Tree Bk 1?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Tempting Evil (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 3) Review

Tempting Evil (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 3)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Tempting Evil (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 3)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Tempting Evil (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 3). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Tempting Evil (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 3) ReviewAs much as I disliked Kissing Sin, I liked Tempting Evil. Maybe because there is more substance and action in this book. Riley, almost a full guardian, is placed as the sexual entertainment and fighter (among other women) at Deshon Starr's estate - He is the kingpin of the great crime cartel that is responsible for the breeding labs and the experimental cloning.
Riley's psychic powers are growing, as is her strength. This assignment will prove her mettle as a guardian. Although reluctant, she is determined to stop Starr's cartel, and if possible stop Starr.
The action is nonstop and the story progresses Riley and her guardianship.
Quinn the ancient vampire and Kellen, the alpha werewolf, vie for Riley's heart. Neither will step aside for the other. Both are very strong characters. There is a lot of sex (willing and not) in this book - moreso than the other books.
I will be reading the next Riley Jenson book. She has strengthened and is a fuller character. Although she still is on the finding her were soulmate jag. - I think that Quinn may have a different plan, and that's what makes it interesting.
Tempting Evil is a good read, and the series is back on track.Tempting Evil (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 3) Overview

Want to learn more information about Tempting Evil (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 3)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Adventurers Wanted, Book Two: The Horn of Moran Review

Adventurers Wanted, Book Two: The Horn of Moran
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Adventurers Wanted, Book Two: The Horn of Moran? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Adventurers Wanted, Book Two: The Horn of Moran. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Adventurers Wanted, Book Two: The Horn of Moran ReviewI was eagerly awaiting the second book in the Adventurer's Wanted Series and needless to say it was worth the wait. The story was well told and even filled in some of the gaps about some of the characters that were in the first adventure but not in this one. It was another story with good character development. You can't help but cheer for Alex as he continues to grow during these adventures. I would like to see him face some real adversity and see how he handles it and continues to grow, but that is just my personal opinion. The book is an enjoyable read for the kid in all of us and reminds us how good it feels to do the right thing. Now I am eagerly awaiting the 3rd book--just please make it sooner versus later.Adventurers Wanted, Book Two: The Horn of Moran Overview

Want to learn more information about Adventurers Wanted, Book Two: The Horn of Moran?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Neverwinter: Neverwinter Saga, Book II Review

Neverwinter: Neverwinter Saga, Book II
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Neverwinter: Neverwinter Saga, Book II? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Neverwinter: Neverwinter Saga, Book II. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Neverwinter: Neverwinter Saga, Book II ReviewDisclaimer-If you read the review and feel there is a spoiler in it, please let me know and I will remove that section. Also, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.
Neverwinter is the second book in the Neverwinter saga. The first book is Gauntlgrym. The third book untitled at this time will no doubt be released October 2012.
Neverwinter continues from where Gauntlgrym left off with Drizzt and his new partner getting ready to check on an old "friend". There is still much unrest in Neverwinter and things are about to get more dire for the citizens there. Some subplots involve Drizzt's perspective on this new life and how he feels about his new companion, the seeking of freedom of an old acquaintance, and others that would lead to spoilers.
This novel is not as deep as previous books and is more of a hack and slash type with a plethora of action throughout. So much so that it almost became a bit boring to me, however, once the book gets to the final action sequence, I was deeply involved and not so much for the action itself but the characters involved. The main plot seems more to be just a continuation of that in Gauntlgrym with Sylora trying to create a catastrophe so immense as to feed the dread ring. The characters for the most part do not develop much, but what there is feels right. The pacing is fast, mostly due to all the action taking place and this really sums up mostly what this book is about.
Some criticisms:
1. With all that is going on, I was hoping for more character development. I will say that at least now we don't have Drizzt constantly whining over the loss of his companions and making strives to move on.
2. I really would have liked some rehashing of past events to remind me how certain characters got into the predicament they currently are in, namely Barrabus.
Some positives:
1. As always, Mr. Salvatore brings his excellent descriptions of battles to the forefront that really draws the reader into the action.
2. The detailing of the land around is never overdone and gives the reader just enough to get a picture and leaves plenty to the imagination for the reader to make it their own.
3. For me, this one had the feeling more of the old adventures at the beginning and then the feeling of the newer epic world spanning events in even parts making it more enjoyable. Not only does this book invoke feelings of nostalgia, but also gives the reader the current events of the Forgotten Realms.
I really enjoyed this one and I can see where others may not enjoy it as much. I would actually rate this one with a 4.5 stars and feel for me that it is good enough to bump it up to 5. Though it is not as good as the older books in the series, I do feel it holds a flame to them. For those wanting to tryout the realms, I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series and the same goes for those wanting to try reading fantasy as well.
Happy reading
-Dimndbangr
Neverwinter: Neverwinter Saga, Book II Overview

Want to learn more information about Neverwinter: Neverwinter Saga, Book II?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Amber Magic (Haven Series #1) Review

Amber Magic (Haven Series #1)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Amber Magic (Haven Series #1)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Amber Magic (Haven Series #1). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Amber Magic (Haven Series #1) ReviewNow this is something different. GOOD and different, a nice combo.
At first, when you are reading this book, you start thinking it is all rather namby-pamby. The characters are so very likeable and the mysterious bad guys you see hanging around at a distance are traditional, Tolkien-type bad guys. But after a while, especially at the end and as you read the sample for the next one... things get kind of creepy. The world is full of baddies that are nightmarish, alien, strange... inhuman. They become really cool. They don't even understand how humans think, they are so weird and carelessly evil. They might dance with you, or kill you, or give you something, all with a smile. And what they do makes sense from their strange point of view. In fact, this series is part horror I would say. Not gory, but disturbing. I guess if there really were elves and dwarves and other races they would be alien and scary, not just short humans who talk like scotsmen or something. I especially liked the Wee Folk, who are funny, strange, sneaky little bastards.
My main complaint was that wished it was longer. There were too many short chapters, too. The later books in the series are longer, but this cheap one was the shortest. I'm used to big fat fantasy books, like Jordan books. I would complain more, but it was so cheap. It's a great fantasy for a buck, and it is different, so I can't complain. I mean seriously, this book cost me less than a bottle of water.
Amber Magic (Haven Series #1) OverviewThe humans have no magic and are hunted for sport, but that is about to change. War is coming....The Sun Dragon spawned nine lesser dragons which devoured their parent for the power the elder possessed. These young dragons fought for choice bits of the Sun Dragon, but each only managed to eat a portion, thus giving them specific powers. Over time, these foul dragons were hunted down and slain by heroes of old. When each body rotted away, nothing remained save for nine Jewels--each the lens of a dragon's left eye. These Nine Eyes, or Jewels, form the basis for all magic in the world.The Haven Series is a fantasy epic about the Nine Jewels of Power, each of which represents a different form of magic. The Red Jewel, known as Sang, gives the wielder power over Blood Magic. The Blue, named Lavatis, can call the Rainbow and rules the Sky. Amber Magic is a short introductory book in this epic series of fantasy novels by bestselling author B. V. Larson.

Want to learn more information about Amber Magic (Haven Series #1)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

The Wicked Day (The Tormay Trilogy #3) Review

The Wicked Day (The Tormay Trilogy #3)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy The Wicked Day (The Tormay Trilogy #3)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Wicked Day (The Tormay Trilogy #3). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Wicked Day (The Tormay Trilogy #3) ReviewIn this final volume, the author seems to be filling space until he can get to the grand finale. The two main characters get into a repetitive series of mishaps. They are caught by an enemy, all seems lost but they manage to escape. After that, they are caught by an enemy, all seems lost but they manage to escape. And so on...
"Don't look back!" but he always looks back. Every time!
The ending is good. However, I think that the best part of the novel is the epilogue. It has an amazing Peter Pan kind of feeling that leaves you wistful and a little sad.
I enjoyed the trilogy and I am more than willing to forgive the author for any weaknesses in the story. I really look forward to reading more of his work.
The Wicked Day (The Tormay Trilogy #3) OverviewThe third and final volume of the epic fantasy saga that began with The Hawk and His Boy, and continued with The Shadow at the Gate, The Wicked Day tells the conclusion of the story of Jute. Tracking the kidnappers of Giverny Farrow, Jute and his friends discover the Dark is on the march. Tormay teeters on the brink of war, and the duchies look to Jute as their last and best hope. But there is an ancient evil waking that even all the power of the wind cannot hope to defeat.

Want to learn more information about The Wicked Day (The Tormay Trilogy #3)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Burn (Celestra Series Book 3) Review

Burn (Celestra Series Book 3)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Burn (Celestra Series Book 3)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Burn (Celestra Series Book 3). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Burn (Celestra Series Book 3) ReviewThis book was KILLER! Addison Moore's storytelling just gets better & better. I am hooked on this series. And the end is a total SHOCKER! I am still in disbelief! I am dying in anticipation for book 4. I am not giving up any spoilers. You just have to read it!Burn (Celestra Series Book 3) OverviewSixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is having difficulties with the living and the dead.With Chloe's diary in her hands, Skyla embarks into the mind of one of Paragon's most twisted former residents. After accidentally kick-starting the faction war, Skyla finds herself in more danger than ever before. So, when Marshall offers her a taste of the gift of knowing, Skyla attempts to use it to alter the outcome of future prophecies. And now that Skyla's love life seems to involve one boy too many, she must choose who to be with. If she waits too long, the decision just might be made for her.About the author; Addison Moore enjoys writing young adult paranormal romance. She often overdoses on chocolate and watches way too much reality TV.Other books in the Celestra Series:ETHEREAL (Celestra Series Book 1)TREMBLE (Celestra Series Book 2) Book 4 in the Celestra Series, WICKED is now available!

Want to learn more information about Burn (Celestra Series Book 3)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...