Wizard Books

A fun read, this book caught my attention with its clever hero and suprise ending. Overall, it is an excellent book which starts a lovely fantasy series. Read it, I think you'll like it.

This book was very cool.It really sparks the ol' imagination.Daniel Hood really did good

Before starting this series (this is the 2nd book) I had expected an amusing light fantasy. I didn't get it but that's ok because I got something better! Hood is crossing genres with a vengence and I thoroughly enjoy it. In the first book (Fanuilh) he weaves fantasy and hard-boiled-detective. A tricky combo but well done. When I started this book I expected more of the same. Surprise! This time he whipped together fantasy and Sherlock-Holmes-style mystery! (What was so unusual about the behaviour of the Gryphon? The Gryphon DIDN'T bark in the night) I hope he continues the genre-crossing in the other books in this series. Perhaps fantasy and police-procedural is next?!?

Wizard's Heir continues the tale of the adventures of Liam Rhenford and his dragon familiar, Fanuilh. Liam awakens one morning to find that three of the magical artifacts left to him by the wizard Tarquin have been stolen - but how? and why? He reports the theft to his friend, the Aedile (the Sheriff), but he has his own problems. Someone tried to rob the temple of one of the new gods in town. Liam decides to investigate his own theft because the Aedile is too busy. Little does he know that this will lead to infiltrating the Thieves' Guild, a ghost wandering around in search of his body, a master swordsman with an incurable disease, and a caged gryphon...

This was a fabulous book in that Daniel Hood continues his excellent development of characters and beautiful writing style. The story was easy to follow (maybe a little too easy...), but full of fascinating characters and descriptions. Buy the book A Familiar Dragon and get the first three books in one hardbound edition (available used online for about half the price of a normal hardbound) - it is well worth your time and effort!

Despite what is written on the cover of the book, this is NOT a standard fantasy story. Liam Rhenford, the main character, has been everywhere and done everything. After inheriting a familar from a dead wizard friend and a magical house with air conditioning and an endless supply of food from a magic oven, he is set to learn magic. Then someone robs him. They steal stuff only a wizard could use. His city of Southwark is convinced that Liam is the only wizard in town, just ask anyone. Then the newest temple in town is illegally entered and the head of the temple assaulted. The head of the temple wants to fight EVERYONE. Inter-temple violence threatens. How can the two events be related? The local sheriff wants his help. Liam consults the local Thieves' Guild, but it is too poor and disorganized to help. You CANNOT guess who the thief is until the author tells you or even WHY all the running around is going on. If you like fantasy, this book is a step above the normal.

Finally, a fantasy book that focuses on what a great story should have- characters. All too often, other fantasy books bore you with endless descriptions of costumes, camps and castles. Not here- instead you will be rewarded with believable characters trying to make sense of their world. Casual and critical readers will enjoy this book.

This new author has delivered a fantastic tale full of rich descriptions, great magic, and enjoyable characters. I love the main character's struggles within themselves, and their growth through the story. I enjoyed the many peoples of different lands (Tolkienesque), and the use of many mythical creatures. I was very engrossed in the story and spent many nights reading later than I should have because I couldn't put it down!

If you enjoy fantasy with some depth, and dragons with spunk, try this!

The Wizard's Legacy is an enjoyable tale with really fun and interesting characters (Mimic is great!). The author's take on the personality of dragons is very unique and interesting. I was happy to add this novel to my large library of fantasy books. I recommend you check it out!

Ashley Simmons has done the nearly impossible; for not since Robert Heinlein has someone developed characters so well. No other novel I have read recently has the same capacity for pure entertainment. This is a notable story, a great and fun tale for everyone. Perhaps Ashley Simmons has started a whole new and healthy trend.

One of the best fantasy novels to come out in a long time. Right from the beginning the author pulls you into the story with believable characters that have depth. Everyone will be able to relate to the emotional challenges the main characters face and how they deal with them. The story is well-paced and grips the reader, while the action keeps you wanting more. It was entertaining from the beginning to the end.

Susan Dexter has done it again. Every prediction I had about the plot in this story turned out to be WRONG, much to my enjoyment! I had dragged my feet on purchasing this book due to the dismal review given it on Amazon, and finally ordered it when I ran out of everything else this author had written. I literally could not put this book down. The plotting is deft and the humor is wonderful. I found the protagonist to be delightful--down to earth, simple, self-deprecating, loyal to a fault. Other characters came clearly into focus as the book moved along until the startling revelations in the last few pages. As an old "Ring of Allaire" fan, the nod given to her previous Tristan trilogy made this a special treat as well. I haven't had this much fun with a book since... well maybe since the Riddle Master trilogy!

I found myself wondering how much one could get out of this book without appreciating that it is at heart a revisionist, and rather fulfilling, fantasy of Richard the Third. The writing is good, the story exciting, the fantasy characters sympathetic and the historical immediately recognisable and great fun, so I'm sure you don't need to know much about the Wars of the Roses to enjoy the story, but if you do, you should definitely give the book a try.

A stand-alone book that I wasn't ready to be finished with. A reluctant hero, a tricky dead wizard who might not really be that bad (but who is definately inconvienient), the true (but unknown) villain, and a journey to find the answer to the burning mystery of who killed the magician. It was not the typical plot and has the advantage of covering the fantasy, adventure, supernatural, and mystery genres well. It is similar to Robert Asprin's "Myth" series - Ya gotta love it and I gotta read it again!

Crocken the peddler knew that he made a bad bargain the instant he agreed to the wizard's "request", but he really had no choice. If he did not agree to take the murdered wizard's shadow to the distant country of Armyn, the wizard would let him die of starvation. Crocken grudgingly took the wizard's shadow instead of his own and set out to make the best of it. With the shadow literally hounding his every step, Crocken made the long journey and finally arrived in the country of Armyn only to be faced with the seemingly impossible task of gaining entry into the fortress of Axe-Edge and gathering information from the royal court that resided there. As luck would have it, Crocken managed to save a princess from a wild boar and he found himself hailed as a heroic merchant-adventurer, instead of a luckless peddler without a penny to his name. Crocken thought that he had amply fulfilled his part of the bargain, but the shadow needed him and was not ready to release him.

So Crocken found himself drawn into the intrigues of the court and trying desperately to understand why the shadow bore such hatred for the steward-protector, Rhisiart, who seemed to be a noble and honorable man. Nor could Crocken understand what Prince Kieron was. He appeared to be a man, but evil deeds followed in his wake, always cleverly covered up by his mother, the dowager queen Sulien, but the court heard whispers of deaths and strange habits. Then there was the lovely Mistress Ivy, handmaiden to the princess betrothed to Prince Kieron. She seemed to be privy to more information that Crocken, but he was not sure if he wanted to be involved in her schemes, either. As Crocken finds himself more and more involved in the lives of the ruling class of Armyn, he risks everything that he has to make a difference and to bring some sense of peace to the wizard's shadow so that they both can move on...

This was another wonderful book by Susan Dexter. I simply loved the main characters and was definitely not ready to let them go - I would love a sequel to this book! Anyway, it was also fun to find out that the princess was one of Tristan's daughters (The Ring of Allaire, The Sword of Calandra, and The Mountains of Channadran) so that we had a brief glimpse of what he was like as a father. The plot flowed well and had plenty of intriguing little subplots to keep the reader occupied and busy trying to guess who was doing what and where to whom and why. I inhaled the book and now will have to go back and enjoy it again!

An excellent concept. The book had enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and your attention focused. I was hoping for a sequel; wondering what would happen next.

Shipped really fast, and the book was good for a paper i had to write

This is a truly great book and you won't be sorry if you get it, but I want to clarify that it is not huge and heavy. It is 8.5 x 11, normal paperback edition size and weight. The Judy Portrait in Art and Anecdote book, now that is huge and heavy!

One word can adequately describe this book. FANTASTIC. I was in heaven (Oz) while reading this book. It is the best book ever written about the making of "The Wizard of Oz". Jay Scarfone has out done himself. I have gone back many times to look at many of the rare photo's he has included in this book. I got it for Christmas and it was my favorite gift. Want to learn something about the making of this beloved classic GET THIS BOOK NOW!

Now in a newly revised and expanded edition, The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic is a colorful companion to the 1939 classic movie that brought Baum's famous children's classic of a magical world to vivid life. Black-and-white as well as full-color photographs and a text that explores the movie's creation from its initial design concepts to casting, shooting, and release in theaters. The expert collaboration of Jay Scarfone and William Stillman, The Wizardry Of Oz is a superb treasure filled from cover to cover with little-known behind-the-scenes stories and is most especially recommended for dedicated movie buffs with fond memories of going over the rainbow and entering Oz!

This book is the greatest book I've ever seen on the 1939 MGM musical masterpiece. Any OZ lover will be in heaven over the vast amount of rare, and NEVER before seen photos -- all presented in top-notch quality, many of them looking astounding crisp and clear, like never before. Even the PAPER used in the book is thick and rich. The book is huge and heavy, and must be one of the bargains of the century. Only $19.95 list price? Astounding. You simply will be OVER THE RAINBOW when you read the insightful history of the production. These gentlemen are THE top authorities on OZ, and it shows. Click on the Buy Now button, and you will be so happy you did. If Ever Oh Ever a BOOK There Was, THIS One's THE One, the WIZARDRY one, Because, Because, Because, Because, BECAUSE : Because of the WONDERFUL Book It Is!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marcel is a powerful wizard. He has contacted the leader of the vampires Jean Bellaiche to try and form an alliance against Pascal Serrier - a powerful dark wizard. Alian Magnier is the wizard Marcel sends to meet with the vampires. Orlando St. Clair is the vampire chosen by Jean to meet with Alian. There is an immediate attraction between Orlando and Alian. When Alian offers his blood as a sign of good faith, something magical happens between them - a strong connection forms. Orlando can feel Alian's power flowing through him. The vampires and wizards discover that the unique and powerful bond that has formed between Orlando and Alian may happen for other wizard/vampire pairs. One effect of the connection is the vampire's ability to withstand the sun when he feeds from the wizard. This could make their alliance that much stronger. As they work to find suitable matches between their races, Serrier is planning his next attack.

Alliance in Blood is an emotionally charged story. Orlando's insecurity and his need for acceptance and love is tangible. Alian is so good to and for him. They make a very loving and passionate couple. Orlando's past is filled with violence and pain. The images he recalls are heartbreaking. There is a scene in Alliance in Blood that brought tears to my eyes because of its heart- wrenching poignancy. Alliance in Blood is dark, erotic, and very well written. I love the concept of this story. It's very cool and very different. Alliance in Blood is the beginning of what promises to be a terrific series.

Nannette
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

What a great story - suspense, romance, love, sex, vampires.... the baddies want to take over the world, mages and vampires must band together, ebem though reluctantly, and ... best yet, the book is a first of a sequel!
Worst thing about the book is that I have to wait till 2009 for part two.

Ariel has hit this one right out of the park. Just when you think you have read every different take on vampires, Ariel comes along and gives us a new and different approach to this age old tale. The fact that there is a reflection of the real world in the characters as two of them at least are gay, just makes it more endearing. Highly recommend this work to anyone who loves gay fiction or things that go bump bump in the night!

Ariel Tachna has, once again, left me amazed by her writing. Whenever I think I've read everything homoerotica has to offer she comes out with yet another amazing book! And her skills go much further than just smut, the plot is solid and just as interesting as the between-the-sheets moments (though those leave little to be desired too!) It's a great read and the characters, despite being less than human, are relatable and lovable. I only hope I can wait (somewhat patiently) for the next installment in november. This book is DEFINITELY worth every penny.

Arianna Kelt and the Renegades of Time is the second book in the Wizards of Skyhall. The book continues the story of Arianna and her friends and others from Skyhall as they try to protect the universe from evil warlocks and dark creatures.

The story is a wonderful blend of futuristic scifi and fantasy with plenty of action, mystery and humor. I enjoyed reading the book and was especially surprised by the growth of this young author's unique voice. His writing in the first book, Arianna Kelt and the Wizards of Skyhall, was strong and showed he was highly creative. In this one, King shows he has true talent as a writer.

The best parts of the story feature Digorence, the onery, flatulent gnome. The sharp wit and humor throughout is refreshing, and the book itself is on par with anything written by adults in the genre. Kudos to the young author on a job well done!

Arianna Kelt, the brilliant former-thief turned wizard created by author J R King, returns for another adventure in Arianna Kelt and the Renegades of Time, Book Two of this exciting new series. King's magical world features an entire universe and alternate dimensions populated by humans, wizard beings, gnomes, and other fairie folk who frequently find themselves at odds with demons, warlocks, trolls, golems and other beings from dark dimensions.

This book, like the first one, offers a perfect blend of magic, fantasy, conflict, and humor. Readers are sure to enjoy the fast-paced adventures of Arianna and her friends. Digorence the gnome is hilarious! As soon as you turn the last page of this book, you'll be hungering for the next one. I sure was.

My kids and I couldn't wait to get this second book in the Wizards series and it is excellent just as good or better than the first one! My son read Arianna Kelt and the Wizards of Skyhall over and over again, but once the other kids discovered the book he had to share it. The action and humor are what they loved about the book and I did too. This book has action and humor aplenty too!

I think that Arianna Kelt and the Renegades of Time is a very great story. Ever since I read the first book, I wondered what about Digorence and the other wizarding worlds. I'm glad that J R King decided to let him have a bigger role in this book. One of my favorite chapters is The Butterfly Effect because his antics are so hilarious and fun to read about. I like the characters of Arianna and Ranth as well. I'm sure that other people will enjoy this book. This series is e a must-have for a family library. Like the Harry Potter series they are very imaginative and addicting for readers of every age. Books like this make readers out of non-readers and offer hours of family conversation.

Chid of the Grove isn't your everyday fantasy book. The plot wasn't where she saved the world single-handedly. The author knew that it is next to impossible and she made sure her readers knew it. The twist was origional.The next one in the series is slightly more pradictable, but it's still unique.

the first bit of child of the grove(about Prince Rael), while interesting and extremely well written, should not have been part of the actual book. It was more of a rpologue type of thing or a prequel. Other wise, it was an excellent book.

This is the first book by Tanya Huff that I bought...and I loved it! I really enjoyed how Mrs. Huff portrayed Crystal, and the problems of what a teenager has to go through (especially if you are one of the only two wizards left in the world) It must not be easy when your young and have to destroy a wizard that is older and almost more powerfull than you are. What I am saying is that this book is a MUST! The characters are imaginable and the settings are real (if it can be defined as real?). Do yourself a favor, when your at the bookstore next time pick up this book, and be taken away to a new world

Child of the Grove is fierce and imaginative, combining the rich mythology of a new country with the problems of being a teenager... with all the little extras, like the power to blow someone up with a wave of your hand. I suppose it doesn't help to have a man, hundreds of years older than you, trying to kill you... This first book of the adventures of Crystal, Child of the Grove, is well-written, with vivid descriptions. It instills a good sense of the rulings of a kingdom, as well as how an immortal might think if she had to die-- part of the introduction. It also includes the ravages of war-- and the eventual outcome that may not be all that you think.

From someone whose favorite reading is non-fiction, I find that the work of this unique team speaks effectively to the imagination. They carry the reader easily into the world that they create, leading one into a landscape that is visually vivid and peopled with characters that one is curious to follow. A good way to escape bad news.

Dr. Robert Goff and his son Micah sure know how to tell a tale and keep it interesting, as well as populated with colorful characters. I have to admit that, at times, some of the language had me going back and forth in the book (there is a brief Knurlish dictionary in the rear) to completely understand the dialogue, but that forced me to concentrate harder. Ereben and Jasper were my favorite characters and being an animal lover I liked Titus, too. By December of 2005, we can expect to read the sequel (part one generously includes the first chapter)and after being "hooked" on this one, I look forward to it!

These authors adeptly create a captivating fantasy that provides insight into modern day charaters and events. The characters are consistent and believable, as if they were your own friends, relatives, or enemies. As the characters struggle through hardships and develop enduring relationships, the reader is continually reminded of parallels with real-world religious conflicts, wars, and revolutions. At times, the authors seem to be commenting on present-day situations, exposing the beauty, humor, irony, hypocrisy, and/or stupidity of people, cultures, nations, and races. The authors have obviously used their own experiences with wilderness adventures, personal relationships, military duty, and travel to other countries, as well as their knowledge of medicine, weapons, and language to make this fantasy feel real. You can't help but be sucked in. I'm waiting to see what happens next!

Guardian of the Ruins kept me up all night! I couldnt sleep until I had consumed every last sentence and now Im hungry for more.

Way to go!!!!

Mary Youmans has created a beautiful fantasy world with a distinct american voice. Not a thee or thou in the whole book! The fast moving plot, palpable excitement and frightening (but bravely meet) situations faced by our heroine Adanta all make for a fun, thrilling book that is written in a manner far better than is typical.

When one thinks of the fantasy genre one usually pictures the well worn paths of dragons, sword and sorcerer, medievil speak, etc. There is an overwhelming sense of Tolkien wannabe (See Eragon). As an American it is refreshing to read a fantasy not limited by that mind set. The story line is a classic child on a quest, but the language, imagination, landscape, imagery, and beauty of thought behind Raven Mocker makes it an outstanding read.

When one thinks of the fantasy genre one usually pictures the well worn paths of dragons, sword and sorcerer, medievil speak, etc. There is an overwhelming sense of Tolkien wannabe (See Eragon). As an American it is refreshing to read a fantasy not limited by that mind set. The story line is a classic child on a quest, but the language, imagination, landscape, imagery, and beauty of thought behind Raven Mocker makes it an outstanding read.

Marly Youman's latest book, The Curse of the Raven Mocker is a perfect introduction to literary writing for the younger reader, so finely worked and that adult readers can fall through the page, forget reading, and watch the story. As in her Catherwood, Ms Youman's descriptions of landscapes and local color is like a mother describing her child or Shackleton describing the cold.
The dearness of the values of family love, acceptance of grave personal purpose, and the courage to muster over again against what is terrible, shown especially in the young as she weaves her story, gives today's readers more than a book to bequeath to our children. This is a minor masterpiece of a handbook on how to live with open-eyed love in an often incomprehensibly dangerous world.
Even with all of that, much of value of The Curse of the Raven Mocker is a born teacher's easy stimulation of a reader's curiosity to need more of the rich background the author respectfully serves. There is plenty of convenient, graspable and interesting material related to Cherokee culture just waiting to be appreciated by Ms Youman's post-Mocker readers.