Wizard Kings Reviews

Dealing with Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book One

Published in Hardcover by Jane Yolen Books (1990-09-18)

Author: Patricia C. Wrede

List price: $17.00

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Average review score:

One of my favorites

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-26

This is an enchanting story that once again captures the spirit of the perky princess who had no desire to be the traditional damsel-in-distress. So, what's a contemporary woman trapped by royal traditions to do? Offer herself up to the dragons in the first place.

It's a whimsical tale that gives fairytales sly winks and twists at every corner. The characters are rich, and move the story along with their quirks.

This is not just parody, either. Ms. Wrede had managed to create her own intelligent, dragon-and-knight infested tale that creates as much fairy tale as it borrows.

Well-written, Unique YA Fantasy World

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-29

I enjoyed this story, and the sequels, as a young girl. Wrede creates a magical world that has a unique feel while incorporating common elements from fairytales. I've read in several times since and still enjoy it. Dealing with Dragons is very much a girl power book - almost all of the good main characters are female, Princess Cimerone rejects the staid life society thrusts upon her and charts her own course, and the King of the Dragons ends up being a female (King is just the title of the job, designating nothing about gender). It is well written, something that can certainly not be said of all fantasy novels written for this age group, and the story is fun and engaging.

Delightful

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-22

An excellent book for young children that enjoy fantasy with an odd twist. Highly recommended.

Childhood favorite

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Review Date: 2008-06-08

I loved this series in middle school and would highly recommend it as a fun leisure read for children in that age bracket.

on audio

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-16

Princess Cimorene is tired of embroidery, etiquette, and protocol classes. She wants to take Latin, fencing, magic, and cooking lessons instead. But, that's just "not done." So to avoid a betrothal to a handsome and charming (but not particularly bright) prince, she runs away to become housekeeper for a dragon. As a dragon's princess, Cimorene gets the freedom to cook and clean and to organize libraries and treasure rooms. She also has to fend off persistent knights who come to rescue her, and investigate the actions of a couple of sneaky wizards.

Patricia C. Wrede's Dealing with Dragons is a refreshing change from some of the more recent fantasy epics aimed at teenage girls. It's light, fun, and often hilarious as it pokes fun at several fairy tales and fantasy clichés. The plot moves rapidly and the writing is clear and precise. The dialogue is particularly good.

I listened to Dealing With Dragons on audiobook. Listening Library does an excellent job recording this with a full cast of actors; I highly recommend this format. --FanLit.net

Talking to Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles (Turtleback))

Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (2003-07)

Author: Patricia C. Wrede

List price: $15.20

New price: $15.20

Average review score:

Childhood favorite

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-08

I loved this series in middle school and would highly recommend it as a fun leisure read for children in that age bracket.

good

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-30

The last book of the enchanted forest chronicles, it is as funny. It is a sequel to Calling on Dragons and the end of the story is a happily ever after for a lot of characters and a not so happy ending for others. It is a book that should not be missed.

ALWAYS be polite to dragons!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-23

My daughters often read the four books from the Enchanted Forest series by Patricia C. Wrede. They came across the books a couple years back. They seem to check out the books and audio tapes every couple months. Over the last year I have listened to bits and pieces of the series.

Talking to Dragons is was the first book published, but it is really the fourth in the series. The hero of the story is a 16 year old boy by the name of Daystar. For the first 16 years of his life he lived on the edge of the Enchanted Forest with his mother. Then one day his mother gives him a sword and sends him out into Enchanted Forest. His mother tells him he has a mission, but won't tell him what the mission is.

Fairly quickly Daystar bumps into a fire-witch. They are both in trouble with wizards, and decide to stick together. Daystar was taught to always be polite to dragons. They come across a young dragon. Daystar is very polite and the dragon joins the group. Near the end of the book Daystar finally figures out his mission and helps save the day.

This is a fun book. It moves along well. I stayed up till midnight to finish it. If your children like fantasy, you might have them try this book.

Oh no a dragon

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-09

Talking To Dragons Jane Yolen Books,
Patricia C. Wrede ISBN 0-15-284247-0

Talking to Dragons is a great book about kings, princes, princesses, dragons, and wizards by Patricia C. Wrede. It takes place in Enchanted Forest. The narrator of the book is the main character, Daystar.
One day Daystar's mom tells him to go on a quest that he knows nothing about. He started out on a quest and meets new creatures and people, some of them become his companions and some his enemies.
His companions, a young fire witch named Shiara and a young dragon, become really good friends with him. They help him on his quest. After a while he started to figure out that the sword his mom gave him was important because everybody wanted it. People called it "The Sword of the Sleeping King." All he knew is that he needed to go through a cave to be where he was supposed to.
At the end he found the Sleeping King and everybody was reunited. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and also a happy ending. I recommend reading the first three books Dealing With Dragons, Searching For Dragons and Calling for Dragons.

PR28

SO much fun!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-25

All the Enchanted Forest Chronicles are so much fun! Definitely at my top of Harry Potter fan recommendations. They're just such an amusing read; I even teach with them. Don't forget to read "The Frying Pan of Doom."

The Enchanted Forest Chronicles: Dealing with Dragons / Searching for Dragons / Calling on Dragons / Talking to Dragons

Published in Paperback by Magic Carpet Books (2003-07-01)

Author: Patricia C. Wrede

List price: $23.95

New price: $13.50
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Average review score:

Still a cherished favorite

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-02

I first read these books aeons ago when I was in middle school. Now, being 26, I still secret my copies among my much more mature literary fare and pull them out to read every so often when I can't sleep or need an instant pick-me-up. I can't tell you how many times I've read this series, but my paperback copies are all in sad need of replacement. I want to buy a set to tuck away to read to my (future)children and hope they love these funny adventurous fairy tales as much as I do.

great series

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-12

this is about a princess who's captured by a dragon, and then chooses to stay with the dragon rather than wait to get rescued by a prince. in fact when a prince comes to rescue her in the first book she turns him away, all of them. the series follows the pattern of a typical 'princess story' and the princess is put in a bunch of stereotypical princess situations, but then she defies the stereotype and takes charge of her own life and makes things happen for herself. basically she beats up her own bad guys, with her brain. there are boys in the series, but she isn't waiting for them to save the day, she takes them along for the ride. the dragon who kidnapped her ends up being one of her good friends.

it's a fun series i really enjoyed in elementary school, but it an appropriate read for anyone interested in the plot (as are all stories... age ranges close your mind). a light fun read, i recommend.

A enchanting tale

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-01

This is one of favorite series. After lending this book out and never getting it back, I was recently able to order it again and it is still great 15 years after I read it the first time. Would definetley recommend to anyone who likes fantasy with humor.

m.a.c

Magical!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-29

This is such a lovely series. Miss Wrede has a great talent for creating fun, witty characters that are instantly likeable. Humor is abundant and the story is delightful!

Wonderful Books!!!!!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-21

I loved this set. It wasn't like I thought it would be from what I read about it, it was better! This is a very unique set and I must say that if all of Patricia Wrede's books are as surprising as this one, I would love to get more of her books. This is definitely a fairy tale, but it has so much comedy mixed in with it, plus there's the romance and all the other good stuff you want in a book. Buy this set, and you won't be sorry. Unless, of course you're the type of person that just wants the same boring fairy tale stuff.

Time Streams (Magic the Gathering: Artifacts Cycle, Book 3)

Published in Mass Market Paperback by Wizards of the Coast (1999-04-01)

Author: J. Robert King

List price: $6.99

New price: $59.00
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Collectible price: $19.40

Average review score:

The story of Urza Planeswalker continues. Possibly the bets MTG book out there.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-01

This third book in the tale of Urza the Planeswalker is much better than the second, Planeswalker, and possibly even better than the excellent The Brothers' War. Picking up where PLANESWALKER ended, TIMESTREAMS tells of the continuing war between Urza and the minions of Phyrexia. Similar to the previous two books, this one spans around 50 years of time, skipping multi-year periods in which armies are built and characters grow older, resulting in a action-packed and exciting read. J. Robert King is a very talented writer, bringing the world of Dominaria to life like few (if any) other MTG authors have.

Most of this book is taken up by battle sequence after battle sequence, with Urza's armies of students and artifacts fighting off a never-ending stream of attacking Phyrexian mutants. While there is action galore, this book also introduces some great and intriguing characters. Jhoira, Teferi, and Barrin are Urza's disciples and proteges and are each developed into believable and highly individual characters that you'll really get to know as the story progresses. Karn, a silver golem that appears in a number of other MTG books (Rath and Storm, Mercadian Masques, and others), is created by Urza in the first chapter, and much of the book is devoted to developing his personality and purpose. The idea of Urza's Legacy, including Karn and the Weatherlight, is also developed here.

Perhaps the most intriguing thing about this book is the exploration of time rifts, where the flow of time is either faster or slower than normal. King does an excellent job of making this concept seem somewhat believable and uses the rifts masterfully to make this story one you're not likely to forget. I'd feel comfortable saying that this is the best MTG book I've ever read.

Highly recommended.

Great addition to MTG

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-03

This is where so many of the characters are developed that lead to the other series. Seeing the obsession of Urza as he seeks a way to destroy Phyrexia and his interaction (or lack thereof) with those around him made the story compelling.Great addition to the cycle; I just wish Jeff Grubb or J.Robert King had done the second book in the Cycle.

Pretty Good Book

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-25

This book was pretty good,... I felt that this novel was very choppy. Years would pass all of a sudden, leaving you to wonder what happened during that period of time. I'd lose interest sometimes, leaving the book to sit for weeks before picking it back up again. Despite these faults, I really liked the concept of the "Alliance" of races, and I thought the battles were well written. I'm glad Yavamaya finally got some attention as well. Hopefully Bloodlines will keep my attention better.

This book is one of, if not the best book in the MTG series.

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-02-07

This book is so refreshing. Some of the recent MTG books I've read have been rather dissappointing (Mirrodin cycle and Kamigawa cycle) compared to the beginning of the entire series (Brother's War, the Thran, the Ice Age cycle). This book is one of the best of the series... I think I enjoyed it more than the Brother's War.

It gives the a good glimpse into Urza's mind and world post-"insanity." His research is interesting, his artifacts are very cool, and his "relationships" with his students is ever awkward (but then again, how in the world can Urza Planeswalker carry on with mere humans). The metal golem, Karn, also plays a very powerfuly role in the book, exploring his purpose in the world and his role in Urza's plans. He is trying to discover, dare I say, his "humanity."

The whole time manipulation plays a very interesting role in the book, and as always the phyrexians are punks to the very core. I thought it was so facinating how the phyrexians were in a different time speed than Urza's school and the problems that resulted because of this.

I recommend this book to everyone, MTG fan or not. It is fun and interesting. J.Robert King writes a very compelling story with relatable characters on the verge of destruction.

Very Enjoyable

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-02

I read this book during my lunch breaks while I was teaching SUmmer School. I found it extremely enjoyable and I particularly liked the way he used time paradoxes when he described the Time Bubbles.

Very Good. My students liked it too.

100 Years of Oz: A Century of Classic Images

Published in Hardcover by Harry N. Abrams (1999-09-09)

Author: John Fricke

List price: $29.95

New price: $20.39
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Average review score:

Oz-some book!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-21

This book is a 7 course meal for the eyes and mind! You will love the photographs of the rare Oz treasures, which are organized by decade.

This book is one of my favorite Oz reference books! John Fricke is truly the leading Oz expert!!

The best pictorial of "Oz" past and present

Helpful Votes: 11 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-17

With Willard Carroll's Oz collection as a backdrop, John Fricke has cataloged the fabric of Frank Baum's stories of Oz. I am certain that Frank Baum could not have been aware this fabric would become a great tapestry upon which the world could identify what it meant to be human. Oz has permeated our society with its influence. It is found in our languages, our politics, human behavior, and is probably used more often as a simile than any other imagery in our language.

From the opening pages of this book to the last, the book is a compelling journey through Oz. The collection of Mr. Carroll's Oz memorabilia is so large that it is like trying to comprehend the distance between stars or that a few people actually have a billion dollars. This colligation of Oz collectibles somehow unites every civilization, geographic location, and human condition. It is one of the few things that have true universality.

After reading John Fricke's take on Oz, of course, based on Willard Carroll's collection, I am left wondering how history would be different were it not for Frank Baum's Oz?

The pictures are glorious, the layout intelligent and thoughtful-I will never see Oz in quite the same way again. John Fricke's writing is stellar. Willard Carroll's collection ---what can I say, WOW! 100 years of Oz is entertaining, educative and provides a new look at Frank Baum's Oz through the other end of the spyglass. This is a visit to a museum with a very knowledgeable guide through an unforgettable exhibit. Thanks for the tour. I'll be back again.

This book is a must for all collectors.

Fabulous!

Helpful Votes: 11 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-15

"100 Years of Oz" is a delight for everyone who has ever fallen in love with "The Wizard of Oz" (which includes just about everyone.) The success of the book lays in John Fricke's capabilities as a writer. His words are consise, thoughtful, and honest. The photographs, likewise, catch the eye like flashes of brilliant light. It is not easy to take one of America's most chershed series of books, its favorite film, and 100 years of mechandising and condense it all into one volume. Thankfully, Mr. Fricke has done that- impeccably. Buy this book today. I highly recommend it to everyone as an example of first class research. Above all, it is a time capsule of memories. Fricke will long be heralded as "Oz"'s best friend. Congratulations to all who made this book such a beautiful addition to my library.

5 STARS, AS BRIGHT AS THAT YELLOW BRICK ROAD!

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-30

Lions and tigers an bears? Oh my! Add Munchkins and Winged Monkeys and a Horse of a Different Color to the list. This is Oz Country, and things simply don't get better than this. To celebrate the centennial of the publication of L. Frank Baum's novel (and the 60th anniversary of the classic MGM flick), preeminent Oz historian John Fricke has written a glorious homage of all things fun and fantastical. Not only does the book offer a fascinating chronicle of the Ozian phenomenon, but the illustrations, culled from Willard Carroll's priceless collection of more than 10,000 museum-quality pieces, are breathtaking. Oh Auntie Em, there's no place like home . . . provided you're snuggled up in front a fire with this gem.

Now THIS has EVERYTHING to do with 'Oz'!

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-26

When I first saw this book years ago on "the Inernational Wizard of Oz Club", I wasn't really keen to get it (I guess the front cover looked a little too dull for me), but after seeing it in a bookstore and actually looking through it, I then knew I had to get this book, because (unlike the small "All Things Oz" collection), this book includes things OTHER than Baum's Book and MGM's Wizard, such as an unknown song from the 1904 Musical (not mentioned in "Oz: Before the Rainbow"), the Silent Films, 'Journey Back to Oz', 'The Wiz', both the Rankin Bass & Disney versions of 'Return to Oz', the 4 1987 CANADIAN-Animated Cinar Films (YES!! The mystery of their animation origin is written here!!), "the Wizard of Oz - Animated Series", "Oz Kids", the Asian "Space Adventures of Oz" TV series, "On Ice" Productions . . . it not only has all of this but also INCLUDES the most important and best of all, "The Dreamer of Oz"!! other language editions of the Oz books, and we also get a few 'Baum's Non-Oz' stuff, like his "Last Egyptian" Film and "Queen Zixi of Ix" book (plus a "Denslow's Picture Books for Children",) games/items/figurines, a few design sketches for MGM's Oz props/Emerald City and lots of other things that have to do with 'Oz' too - even though we don't get like 1-full page on info on every particular item, we still get some good information and lots of pictures too. Just like "All Things Oz", this book has lots of written information, pictures in the background/inserts and quotes from "the Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (and I'm glad to say that it doesn't have so many mistakes as "All Things Oz" does). But we also get a glimpse at some not-so pleasant Oz stuff, like the "Oz Comics for Adults" and a horrific Winged Monkey Creature Features model.
The Chapters of this book go by 10 Years (e.g. 1900's, 1910's, 1930's, 1940's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000's, etc.).
This was a pleasant surprise to find on a bookshelf (along with many other Oz books) and it was an absolute pleasure for me to buy it.
Also, what you see is a slip-on cover. The actual front cover is (an Italian poster of MGM's) Dorothy looking at the Crystal Ball and seeing the Wicked Witch of the West flying on her broomstick.
Trust me, get this book, and you'll love it - maybe even more than "All Things Oz"!

The Crown of Kings (Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks)

Published in Paperback by Wizard Books (2003-09-04)

Author: Steve Jackson

List price: $12.40

New price: $8.95
Used price: $7.86

Average review score:

A SEARCH FOR MY FAVORITE BOOK

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-03

Years ago when I was still in high school, I bought the entire four book set, including the magic spells book. . . It was the best game book, I have ever enjoyed.

Yet, at one point I lent the first book to a friend and I never saw it again. BUT I HAVE THE OTHER BOOKS STILL . . . I only need the first. I have been on a dire search ever since!! If anyone reads this, and can help in any way . . . please tell me!!

Good way to get your kids reading

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-20

I bought this book and read the series when I was 10. I didn't read for "fun" or for "enjoyment" before then. Reading at that point in life was either homework or report cards. This is a great book as it has what all ten year olds want...heroes, monsters, magic, swords. It's not tolkien but it's a start. A great way for kids to get clued in on reading.

Great adventure choice! But you must get the other books .

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-25

The fourth and final volume of Steve Jackson's "Sorcery" adventures is by far the best, save for one minor gripe I have.

I love the way this book is written in simple language with minor puzzles to solve and highly entertaining adventures. This is, possibly, the most advanced of the "Choose Your Way" type books I've seen. The plot is very interesting and the rules easy to follow. One VERY nice touch is the little dice markers they include on the bottom of every page, so if you ever find yourself without dice (as if any gamer would find themselves in such a position, ha!), you can still play by doing a random "flip-through" to get a result.

Now for my one gripe about this book. It CANNOT stand on its own...you need to do the others first. While the start of the adventure still makes a certain amount of sense if you haven't read the first three, there are at least 40 entries out of 800 that reference the adventures from one of the first three books. And if you haven't read the first three, you won't be able to make the proper choices...and if you cheat and do, they won't make sense anyway. Some of these entries will even direct you to go back and start over from somewhere back in one of the previous three books!

So...as good a read and play as this is, don't START with this one. Make sure you manage to find the other three before reading this volume.

Gotta catch 'em all!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-31

I warn you now i'm pretty biased: I virtually leant to read with the fighting fantasy books! The books in the Sorcery series have proved to be infuriatingly rare, I got the second and third books first, then a year later I managed to find and buy the one and only copy I have ever seen of the first and eventually found the last on at my local library. Then someone stole it! I haven't seen a copy of it since but have managed to order one now and will soon have the whole lot, yay!
It's not great literature in the normal sense, but it really captures your attention and draws you in; especially if you can start from the start and go right the way through! It's good enough for me and a lot better than some supposedly 'great' dross i've come across!

finest gamebook ever written

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-01

Quite simply, Steve Jackson's Sorcery! series is the finest the gamebook genre ever produced. With 800 entries, stylized artwork and exquisite writing, it put the entire Choose Your Own Adventure series to shame with its elequence and quality.

I feel fortunate to have collected the set, and if you have interest in fantasy gaming, I encourage you to find these books also.

Queen Ferris: Book Two of the Stoneways Trilogy (The Stoneways Trilogy)

Published in Hardcover by Tor Books (2007-10-30)

Author: S. C. Butler

List price: $27.95

New price: $5.75
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Average review score:

Very good

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-19

This is a brilliant follow-up to Reiffin's Choice. Butler's world is as intriguing as it is believable. I can't wait to read the next.

There's an old saying....

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-11

....about not judging a book by its cover. I have to admit, though, that the cover art was what caught my eye first. I'm a great fan of Daniel dos Santos's work - he's also illustrated the covers for Patricia Briggs' "Mercy" series - and I can generally be sure that, when I see one of his cover illustrations, the book will be worth picking up. In this case, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this was in fact the second book in the trilogy, and that I'd have the pleasure of exploring even more of a new author's work. And what work it is! This is a mesmerizing new fantasy series, full of characters who have to confront difficult and painful situations and cope with them. This isn't just about dropping a nasty relic into a volcano or pulling a sword from a stone; the characters must face the darkness within themselves as well as their opponents and somehow prevail. Even more wonderfully, I have no idea how or if they'll do it. S. C. Butler has a gift for keeping his readers guessing, and I'll be eager to follow this trilogy and his future work. Bravo, Mr. Butler, and many encores!

A Wonderful Continuation of the Stoneways Trilogy!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-14

Queen Ferris by S.C. Butler is the second book of the new young adult fantasy series, The Stoneways Trilogy.

Reiffen, Avender, and Ferris have grown to adulthood, and are capable of ruling the land or detroying it. Ferris is wooed by the prince Brizen, whose father (might or might not have) usurped the reign of the kingdoms of Banking and Wayland from Reiffen when he was a babe. Avender patrols the border, guarding the kingdom against the three evil wizards who are about to unleash a war from the north.

Reiffen voluntary returned to the Wizards at the end of Reiffen's Choice; he now serves the wizards. Is he ensorceled or turned traitor? Does it matter? If he leads theWizards' armies, only his death will save the lives of the people of the land. Or so the powerful and wise declare.

But the years have not weakened the friendship between Avender, Ferris, and Reiffen. What do their hearts tell them about Reiffen? What will they do when he, because of love and friendship, willingly gives himself into their power?

I enjoyed Queen Ferris even more than Reiffen's Choice, which is saying a lot. Mr. Butler used the power of description in Reiffen's Choice to anchor the reader in the land. He drives Queen Ferris forward with the power of characterization, for Reiffen, Avender, and Ferris have grown to adulthood.

Everybody always wants to be something they're not," said Ferris. "I'm sure I'd love to be a princess."
Brizen's foot scuffed closer across the brown needles. With a bit of a shock, Ferris realized what she'd said.
"You can be a princess a lot easier than I can not be a prince," he told her.
"I don't love you, Brizen," she replied, trying to recover what she hadn't even known she might let slip.
"I know." He sighed quietly and looked at his empty hands.

In Reiffen's Choice, Mr. Butler hints at a new creation mythos. In Queen Ferris, he develops the creation story more fully. I enjoyed seeing how the story lines arose from and were driven by his creation mythos. Imagining the beginning of a new world that is so different from our own is quite a feat. To logically carry the creation mythos forward so that the story is internally consistent is amazing.

With this volume, Reiffen and Ferris's story is nearly complete. I'm looking forward to the third volume to see how Avender's story comes to completion.

Three Cheers for Queen Ferris!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-05

Having thoroughly enjoyed Reiffen's Choice, S.C. Butler's first book of the Stoneways Trilogy, I was thrilled to discover that Queen Ferris, the second book, stands up just as well. The characters age into young adults in this sequel, which takes place over several years, and become more complex as they move through their world and develop other relationships. In addition to the dark deeds and challenges Reiffen experiences as part of the frightening world of the wizards, Butler layers on the emotional entanglements of family and friends, self-doubts and struggles that are common to all young adults. Once again, Butler balances the dark evil and cruelty of the wizards and their minions with a dose of humor, compassion, nobility and warmth from other characters. Butler's descriptions of the characters and their surroundings are so incredibly detailed and precise, you may begin to wonder if this is really fiction or if he actually lived among the dwarfs in Issinlough, was a captive in Ussene, or spent time in Valing observing the habits of shape-shifting bears. He describes not only the scene of the current adventure but has imagined a whole mythology for the creation of his world. This is a terrific series. While I look forward to reading book three, I dread the end of the Stoneways Trilogy and not being able to follow the further adventures of the characters I have come to love.

Wow.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-04

Everyone who loved Reiffen's Choice - rejoice, for Queen Ferris is here!

As is to be expected, the second book in the Stoneways Trilogy delivers adventure and humor. What readers of the first book may not have expected is that this one also packs a good solid dose of romance. The children have grown up, they are now young adults with young-adult concerns, and everything has become more complicated than it was when they were children together in Valing.

Ferris in particular gets her chance to shine, as she has to juggle loyalties and friendships, balancing the demands of her heart against the demands of her position in society.

Redburr is back, bigger (and funnier) than ever, and a few new characters add depth and realism to this story of magic and its terrible cost.

In this book, the consequences of Reiffen's Choice first become apparent, as everyone in the story has to find a way to live with the decision he made. Don't miss this trilogy, and keep an eye open for the third book next year. This is the best book I've read all year. Absolutely a keeper!

Septimus Heap, Book Three: Physik (Septimus Heap)

Published in Paperback by HarperTrophy (2008-03-01)

Author: Angie Sage

List price: $7.99

New price: $4.25
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Average review score:

very good sequal

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-04

this book is a sequal as well, and it is a very good sequal. kept my interst and I believe it would keep any childs interest as well.

Great Book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-06

These are a great series. I have loved reading them with my kids. They use the imagination and keep you interested. Make sure you read book one first.

Horrid Service

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29

My book was nice. The Amazon staff and shipping were very horrible. I will not be purchasing from Amazon again. The book's cover was literally taped into the OUTSIDE of the box. The customer service was polite but forced me to return the ruined book. This involved me having to give the nasty book to someone for a gift and then replacing it, packaging the damaged book back up and going to the Post Office. This was a lot of gas and work. I deeply resent having to do all of this. Other people do not want a damaged book. Why not just throw it away? It was their mistake and I had to do the work. Bad service.

Great book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-04

I truly enjoyed this book. My grand daughter is reading it now. The
series is terrific - hope there are more to come.

Through the looking glass; Physik takes Septimus beyond...

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-12

Angie Sage keeps the Septimus Heap series going strong with Physik - the third book after Magyk and Flyte. In Physik we have a complex web of plot elements (no spoilers in this review) that take the narrative deep into the history and architecture of the castle and deeper into a an increasingly sophisticated magical realm. There's more about the forms and uses of magyk in this title, and less focus on the weird creatures of this place. Nothing is lost. The central trope is magnetically compelling and there is action and danger and new fabulous characters. The Septimus Heap world keeps getting deeper and weirder with each new title in the series - yet the stories remain page turning romps that don't give kids nightmares. Sage treads the line between thrilling action and stuff that's too scary for kids with brilliant sensitivity. As an adult I don't get the feeling she's condescending - yet I have no qualms giving this to my second grader. He devours these Septimus books with gusto and is well ahead of me in the series.

If you read Magyk and Flyte you'll definitely be reading this on your way to Queste - so it's not vital that I tell you that Physik rocks. It's probably the best title in the series so far.

As for paperback versus hard cover - these are pretty thick chunky books (more than 500 brief quick reading pages) - the paperback adds some much needed lightness and flexibility and saves about 35% of the price. I was the 3rd person to read our particular paperback copy (after my son and wife). It was still in fine condition (no pages falling out or smudged ink). I have no problem recommending this dirt cheap edition.

Merlin and the Dragons (Unabridged)

Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()

Author: Jane Yolen

List price: $8.98

New price: $3.71

Average review score:

Great intro to the world of King Arthur

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-20

This picture book by Jane Yolen is an excellent introduction to the world of King Arthur. The story is shared by Merlin to a young Arthur whose sleep has been disturbed by dreams. The pictures are excellent and the story is well written.

Must Read

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-03

It is about a boy named Emrys. He lives in a small village. One day a cruel and ruthless king named Vortigern wanted to build a watchtower in the village. He told the men to work as slaves to build the tower. When they had finished building the tower it fell! So they built it again and it fell again. What they needed was Emrys's blood. When the guards had found the right child Emrys told them that you needed to kill two dragons. They dug a hole where the dragons lived.
I don't want to tell you what happens next. You'll have to read the fantastic book Merlin and the Dragons. What I liked about the book is that it had a lot of verbs, adjectives, and nouns. What I liked about the illustrations was that they had a lot of detail. I liked the characters because they were greatly drawn and they were very cool. It was a great book and I really enjoyed it. I would compare this book to MERLIN. What ages I would recommend are 6 and up it is also a great read aloud book. The moral of the book is even if you are different you can make a change.

Merlin and the Dragons

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-13

This book you are about to read,will have knights ,dragons,merlin,and kings. this bookis called Merlin adn the Dragons. It is a fantasy book that is made up. The authoris Jane Yolen. It is also illstrated by Li Ming. It has thirtyfour pages in it.
The setting in my book is back in king Aurthers time in a whole bunch of places where there were two dragons eggs and everytime they breath in and out the tower would fall and crumblb to the growned. The story is about dragons and knights, kings and one merlin.They take this kid with them one day at a time and the kid with them for one day and he gets to choose what he wants to be.
I can give you three reasons why I like this book.One it has the stuff that I like.Two is about stuff that my mom likes and threae itha merlins and dragons in it.
I think that peole should read this book because ithas lots of cool pictures. But this is the most important thing is it has cool stuff like the dragons and knights.

A Really Good Book

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-04

(...)

Merlin and the Dragons is a very good book, because there are dragons in this book. Dragons are my favorite animals because they breathe fire, and they look cool.
There were lots of cool action scenes. My favorite action scene was when the tower falls because the dragon's eggs are rumbling.
The illustrations looked real. The illustrations helped me understand the book, because the words aren't very descriptive.
I recommend this book for 7 to 70 years old.
The theme is that some people are sometimes alike.
There were lots of conflicts. There were dragons fighting. And there were kings fighting the dragons.
These are some of the characters. There were the kings armies; they were really strong, because they killed a dragon. There were two dragons, they had red and white scales, long tales, and they breath fire. The king has a gold crown.
Now I will tell you some of the story. Once upon a time there was a boy named Arthur he did not want to be a king yet. One day he had a bad dream so he went to Merlin. Merlin told him a story about another boy, who's a king too, and he wanted to build a watchtower. And the king's workers finished building it and the next day it fell down, then the king's workers built it again and again but it still fell.
Later the king's workers dug under the rocks and they found two dragon's eggs, then the king's workers smashed the eggs and the eggs hatched into fierce dragons.
If you want to know the end read the book.

A fanstastically illustrated Arthurian book for children,

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-16

who will be enchanted by the story of the young Merlin. This is the tale of the boy (Merlin) and his confrontation of Vortigern. The tyrant needs a boy 'without a father', whose blood must keep Vortigern's crumbling tower upright. But Merlin has a dream that foretells of a battle between a red and a white dragon. On his instruction, a lake beneath the tower is drained, and two eggs are found. A red and a white dragon burst forth..they fight.. Spellbinding! Jane Yolen is a renowned writer, and this great book is illustrated beutifully by Li Ming.

The Wizardwar (Forgotten Realms: Counselors & Kings, Book 3)

Published in Mass Market Paperback by Wizards of the Coast (2002-03)

Author: Elaine Cunningham

List price: $6.99

New price: $17.77
Used price: $9.20

Average review score:

Great ending for a great trilogy

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-26

This book was a really quick read: not only was it too short, but I couldn't stop once I started. After reading the first two books, I really wanted to know what the plot would turn out to be and the Wizardwar wraps up everything and each event that happens is important. Even though I didn't skim this book, it only took me several hours to complete. If you read the first two, you would love how this book has a mixture of the two books. I can't stand the ending though! It wasn't bad, its just that the book ended! Overall the book was very well written and a nice creative break from my favorite author, R.A. Salvatore. But honestly, after this book I'm starting to like Cunningham more. The character developement is amazing as they grow and grow on you. I would highly reccomend it to anyone who likes fantasy (and elves: Elaine likes elves) but you should read the first two books (The Magehound and The Floodgate) first!

A Smashing Conclusion!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-15

The Counselors and Kings trilogy is author Elaine Cunningham's best work since Elfshadow. Although they can be taken one at a time, these three novels are best read as one monolithic book. In The Wizardwar, the author brings the intricate plot to resolution, in one of the best finales I've seen in fantasy literature.

Readers of the previous books might have picked up some hints about what will happen in the magical kingdom of Halruaa, but many things are left unanswered. Namely, who is descended from who, and why does this matter? I won't spoil it for you here, but suffice to say that the answers might be surprising, and it indeed does matter. The machinations of the elven wizard Kiva and the efforts of her victims to stop her are both intriguing and exciting. Though the object that is the Cabal was finally revealed in The Floodgate, you'll finally discover exactly what it does.

Cunningham weaves an truly fine yarn, as usual interspersed with excellent characterization and humor. The magical kingdom of Halruaa comes to life in astonishing detail, including a unique cast that is both memorable and believable. For any fan of the Forgotten Realms, this is a must-read.

Wizardwar Grand Finale

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-05

This book is excellent. As a gamer that has been living in the Forgotten Realms for years, I was truly fascinated by a closer look into this new area of the Realms. The book tied up all loose ends and shocked us with several revelations. The introduction of new people, such as the Crinti, have really given gamers fuel for their fires. The characters are deep and complex. I will agree with one other review, it was a bit rushed or short depending on your point of view. If you are a fan of mages in the Forgotten Realms, this series is an excellent place to start. Thanks Elaine for such a great series and I'm looking forward to the next.

A Great Book, but seems a little short.

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-02

This book is everything I have come to expect from Elaine Cunningham. Its very well written, the characters deep and detailed, and the plot well thought out. However, the last 100 pages or so seem very rushed. Like this trilogy likely should have been four books, or book three should have been extended another 200-300 pages. Quite frankly though, when the only thing you can find about a book that is negative is that it seemed too short, it must be a pretty good book. Pick it up. Its well worth the read.

An excellent conclusion

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-07

The Wizardwar brings the Counselors and Kings trilogy to an exciting conclusion. In this book, all of the main plot lines from the previous books are tied up nicely with some good surprises. The main characters really develop in this book and take on new levels of depth. The interesting culture and intrigues of the people of Halruaa are really fleshed out in this book.

Needless to say, if you enjoyed the previous two books, this conclusion will not disappoint you in the least. Elaine Cunningham continues to please this reader with another excellent Forgotten Realms series.

Wizard Kings Books