Rabe, Jean

The Day of the Tempest (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Better than the first
I hated it
Picking up steam
Day of The tempest
Better than the first book in the series.

The Day of the Tempest (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 2)
Jean Rabe
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Eve of the Maelstrom (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age Trilogy)
The Dawning of a New Age (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 1)
Redemption (Dragonlance: Dhamon Saga)
Downfall (The Dhamon Saga)
Dragons of Summer Flame

ASIN: 0786928573
Release Date: 2002-08-01

Book Description

The Summer of Chaos has ended.

Ansalon’s nightmare has only just begun. The gods have departed the world, heralding a new Age of Mortals. But before the dust of war can settle, vast shadows cover the land. Dragons have come to Ansalon, larger and more powerful than any ever seen, and they will wreak havoc on nations still trembling from war. As the lands themselves begin to change under the dire magic of the new dragon overlords, new heroes arise to lead the fight for freedom.

Customer Reviews:

Better than the first.......2007-01-23

Rabe gets her groove finally during this book. The first one was very clunky with very little character development. The characters become more fleshed out during this book and the plot twists are surprising. I wasn't holding out much hope after the first, but this was actually pretty good. Would have given 3.5 stars, but didn't have the option for it.

I hated it.......2004-10-06

I couldn't get past the first 150 pages of it. I just found myself lossing to much interest in the story to the point where I didn't care what happened to the characters or Krynn. You could skip this trilogy and completely understand what's going on on Krynn during the War of Souls. Rabes style of writing just isnt for me I guess. The first book of the series was good, but not really this one in my opinion.

If you have nothing better to read, then pick this up, other than that I dont think it's worth it.

Picking up steam.......2004-05-04

This book was far better than the first. A lot of important things are now happening in the dragonlance world and everything is going at a break neck pace. I was very pleased to see that the characters from the first book are being given a lot more depth. New characters are entering in from different sources. This pick has a style very simaler to the Chronicles trilogy. There is a LOT that goes on.

Day of The tempest.......2003-04-11

This book is likley to satasfy you even more than the one preceding it, The Dawning of a New Age, though not as good as the book following it ,The Eve of the Malestrom. I recomend this book highly and know any of the people reading this would enjoy every word.

Better than the first book in the series........2003-03-11

The first thing I noticed in this book was Rabe's heavy handed way of recapping the previous book. Presumably, readers will know that this is the second book in a trilogy and will have read the first book. This being the case, Rabe goes into way too much detail in her recounting of what occurred previously. And it wasn't done subtly, either. Authors such as Jordan and Goodkind have taken this type of thing and elevated it to an art. Unfortunately, Ms. Rabe doesn't take that approach here and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

Fortunately, by the time we get to around page 100, it seems that Rabe has finally found her voice. The clunky prose and awkward dialogue that plagued the first book have almost completely disappeared by the end of this one. Her narration becomes much more smooth and her characters speak like actual people. Most of the time. There are still a few rough spots to be navigated, but the improvement is definitely noticeable.

The story itself is very engaging as well. The trials and tribulations of the characters and how they deal with them made me want to keep reading. I wanted to see how everything was going to end up. There is a twist or two at the end that I wasn't expecting and those made me want to immediately pick up the third book and start reading. Rabe is able to accomplish, in the last half of the book, what she wasn't able to do in the first book and a half: get me to care about the characters. Not up to the level of Weis and Hickman, but enough that I began rooting for them rather than just following along.

Readers disappointed in the first book in the series have something to look forward to here. Rabe's writing improves immensely, which makes for a much more enjoyable book. Since this is a pivotal storyline in the new Fifth Age and should be read before moving onto Weis & Hickman's War of Souls trilogy, this is important for all Dragonlance fans. If she continues her improvement, the world of Ansalon will have a great new voice to add to the chronicles of the land and its characters.

The Eve of the Maelstrom (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age Trilogy)
Average customer rating:

A good book but the ending left me unsatisfied.

The Eve of the Malestrom

Best book of the trilogy

An interesting ending...

Disappointment

The Eve of the Maelstrom (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age Trilogy)
Jean Rabe
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Rabe, Jean | ( R ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
( R ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Day of the Tempest (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 2)

The Dawning of a New Age (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 1)

Downfall (The Dhamon Saga)

Redemption (Dragonlance: Dhamon Saga)

Dragons of Summer Flame

ASIN: 0786928603
Release Date: 2002-11-01

Book Description

In an age of tyranny, one evil rises above all others.

The Summer of Chaos swept its devastation across the world of Krynn. In its wake, foul dragon overlords of immeasurable power conquered Ansalon and remade the lands in their own image. But Malystryx, the greatest and most evil of all the dragons, is no longer content with ruling her domain. She wants to ascend to godhood, and only one band of stalwart heroes stands in her way.

Customer Reviews:

A good book but the ending left me unsatisfied........2004-04-12

All in all this book was decent. Certainly was not one of the best Dragonlance books I have read. Some parts of it kind of dragged along without a whole lot of suspense to the point that I nearly put it down. It ended very blandly without a true and proper conclusion. As this book was the third and last of three books in a set it would have been better to end the whole adventure. Instead Jean Rabe pushes it even further to three more books in which after this one I truthfully am not looking forward to. This is still a good book to read I enjoyed many parts of it though so it is still worth a look.

The Eve of the Malestrom.......2003-04-11

This is likely one of the greatest dragonlance books ever written. Any one who misses this great addition to the dragon lance seris will be truely sorry. READ THIS BOOK!

Best book of the trilogy.......2003-03-13

As the trilogy progressed, Rabe's writing just got better and better. It went from being awkward and stilted in the first book to very smooth flowing in this last book. It actually felt like a true Dragonlance book and made for some very enjoyable reading. Yes, some of the characters needed to be fleshed out more and they seemed to get mortally wounded and overcome unbeatable odds more than they should have, but those seemed like minor things.

The last half of the book seemed like fight scene after fight scene with minimal rest in between. Rabe has a knack for writing suspenseful battles, despite the fact that they can be a little unbelievable at times (5 people taking on 3 dozen Knights of Takhisis and winning). Her handling of the dragons and the intrigue among them in this book was very well done. I especially enjoyed the introduction of the shadow dragon. There was also an interesting exploration of the undersea kingdome of the sea elves, Dimernesti.

The conclusion, however, seemed a little flat. It seems as if the author wanted to set up another book, be it one of hers or some other author's in the Dragonlance saga. Maybe it continues almost directly into Weis & Hickman's War of Souls or into her own Dhamon Saga. Guess I'll find out when I get to those books.

My only complaint was the need for some serious proofreading. Typos, missing words, incorrect words ("to" instead of "too"), and missing punctuation got to be really excessive. I was surprised at how bad it was. There were pages where I found three or four of these. Of course, this was the previous edition that I read, so maybe they fixed these in this new release.

All in all, a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Even if you hated the first book, I think you'll like this one (just make sure you read the second installment as well).

An interesting ending..........2002-06-24

The Eve of the Maelstrom, by Jean Rabe is a fine conlusion to an otherwise intresting series. Rabe does a great job bringing the heros together to fight against something that has been a problem throughout the whole trilogy: The Overlords.

I happened to find this trilogy exciting and worth the read. It definately leads nicely into Wies and Hickman's War of Souls Trilogy. Granted, Krynn is different in these books. But that doesn't make it any less interesting. In fact, I found these books just as interesting as the Chronicles trilogy that started the Dragonlance world. While these aren't AS good as previous Dragonlance books, they are still quite entertaining.

If you pass up these books cause of the poor reviews that it gets, then you are going to miss an exciting series. The adventure and action seems to never stop in these books. New mysteries are revealed, while others are solved. Finally the heros strike back against the massive Overlords. This book is definately worth the read. Don't pass it up. It sheds light onto the new face of Krynn. A Krynn without the gods.

Disappointment.......2001-12-06

After reading most of the Dragonlance books, I finally bought this trilogy. I wasn't expecting much, and I didn't get it. It's a bad sign when your book has 15 pages left with no resolution in sight. Or when you have a "slideshow" telling what happened to the characters because you ran out of space. How many times did these paperdoll characters get burned, scarred, run through and mortally wounded just to get revived by the healer? How many times did we get detailed descriptions of their new outfits but not real personalities? Despite the good idea of dragon overlords, how come no one deals with the problem of food? At the rate they eat, Ansalon should have no people or livestock left. But that, along with so many plot points, is just part of the mystery. Maybe that mystery is why five dragons let a band of humanoids poke, prod and wound them, then let them leave. It's too bad Jean Rabe had to introduce unbeatable, unkillable monsters and found them more fascinating than the characters we had to read about for three books.

Average customer rating:

A step in the right direction..
Smashing well-paced story Rabe rocks!
great, wonderful book
Twists and Turns kept my head spinning!
the last book was good this one is better

Betrayal (The Dhamon Saga, Volume II)
Jean Rabe
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Anthologies | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Family Saga | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Redemption (Dragonlance: Dhamon Saga)
Downfall (The Dhamon Saga)
The Eve of the Maelstrom (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age Trilogy)
The Day of the Tempest (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 2)
The Dawning of a New Age (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 1)

ASIN: 0786927186
Release Date: 2002-04-01

Book Description

How much is an act of betrayal worth?

Worth the price of a soul?

Dhamon Grimwulf and his band of mercenaries greedily eye a long-forgotten treasure concealed beneath a grassy plain. Legends promise riches too numerous to count, wealth too grand to be believed. But in a shifting world of secrets and deception, such fortune comes at a high price, higher even than the searing agony Dhamon suffers under the curse of a dragon's scale.

High enough to cost Dhamon his life.

The paperback version of the sequel to Downfall, the first book of the Dhamon Saga. Betrayal continues the adventures of characters featured in the USA Today bestselling Dragons of a New Age trilogy.

Customer Reviews:

A step in the right direction.........2002-07-30

Jean Rabe is probably one the most notorius writers in the Dragonlance world. People don't seem to like what her books tackled in her Dragons of a New Age trilogy. I for one am a fan of Rabe. I was immensly pleased with her DoNA books and looked forward to reading her Dhamon saga as soon as I had time.

This book starts where "Downfall" left off. Other than a short cameo in the beginning and end of the book by Rig and Fiona, the story mostly settles around Dhamon, Maldred, Riki, and an interesting draconian. Dhamon and Maldred are searching for a treasure, that when found, will hopefully help Dhamon find a cure for the cursed dragon scale in his leg.

"Betrayal" is full of enough adventure, excitement, backstabbing, and intrigue to keep any Dragonlance reader hooked. Rabe has really grown as a writer since her DoNA books. They just keep getting better. There are plenty of twists in this book to keep you guessing the whole time. The ending is a shocker and will easily keep you thinking about it until long after you are done, and will keep you begging for more. If you are a fan of Dragonlance, this book is a must.

Smashing well-paced story Rabe rocks!.......2001-06-26

Rabe gets too much flack from Dragonlance fans. Many automatically brand her books with the mark of the Beast simply because she is not Weis nor Hickman.

Instead she gives us a good RABE book, her own style. With characters that are risky to write and even harder to pull off, and she does it.

The book takes us on many adventures throughout the realms of the evil Dragoness Onysablet, called Sable by we mere mortals.

We see the suffering of humans becoming monstrous spawn, repitilian slaves of the Overlord. We see towns and characters put to the crucible and sword and feel their suffering.

Rabe's writing grows a lot. Her plot pacing is not fast but subtle. She uses wording that is differnt and unique.

I must say that I found this book to be a great supplement to the War of Soul in that it fleshes out Krynn for me ....It helps me see the Fifth Age through the eyes of people other than the Heroes of The Lance... Rabe's books stand out as being every bit as strong, but different than Weiss and Hickman!

Heartily Recommended.

great, wonderful book.......2001-06-20

this book is going to be a great classic and leaves you hanging waiting for the next book, which comes out in june 2002 if i am not mistaken truly a good book, the whole benedict maldred episode puts a nice touch in.

Twists and Turns kept my head spinning!.......2001-06-20

I have to admit that I like surprises, and there were plenty in this book. I felt sorry for some of the characters, and angry at others. I like it when a book gets me to feel something.

I probably shouldn't give away the ending, but it surprised me. I am looking forward to the next book to see how it all turns out.

the last book was good this one is better.......2001-06-18

If u thought the last book in the Dhamon Saga was good..........

The Dawning of a New Age (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Don't waste your time
Excellent story, mediocre characters
Work better left for another author
Takes a few pages to get started
A slow start that gets better

The Dawning of a New Age (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 1)
Jean Rabe
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Day of the Tempest (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 2)
The Eve of the Maelstrom (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age Trilogy)
Downfall (The Dhamon Saga)
Redemption (Dragonlance: Dhamon Saga)
Dragons of Summer Flame

ASIN: 0786928425
Release Date: 2002-06-01

Book Description

The Summer of Chaos has ended. Ansalon's nightmare has only just begun.

The gods have departed the world, heralding a new Age of Mortals. But before the dust of war can settle, vast shadows cover the land. Dragons have come to Ansalon, larger and more powerful than any ever seen, and they will wreak havoc on nations still trembling from war. As the lands themselves begin to change under the dire magic of the new dragon overlords, new heroes arise to lead the fight for freedom.

The first book in a rerelease of a key trilogy in the Dragonlance saga, this trilogy covers key events that take place between Dragons of Summer Flame and the bestselling War of Souls trilogy. Will all-new artwork and cover designs, these books tie in with The Dhamon Saga.

Customer Reviews:

Don't waste your time.......2006-03-18

The dragonlance series has been a personal favorite since the chronicles. I have read every book margaret and Tracy had to offer. Since I began the series in middle school, I have re-read them several times, each time enjoying it just as much as the last. It has been a long journey into the world of Krynn!

The fact that margaret and tracy let other authors use their world, and completely destroy it, angers me. Publicity and money must be worth more than the fans....

This book was ridiculously painful to read....A terrible plot....underdeveloped characters....and a seemingly disproportioned writing style don't just bore the reader, but if they are a dragonlance fan, angers them.

This BUTCHERS the series....if you are a fan, steer clear...if you are a first timer to the series, Stick to Margaret and Tracys' books ONLY.

If i could give it negative stars, I would.

Excellent story, mediocre characters.......2005-05-13

The bad reviews are an unfortunate result of Weis & Hickman's amazing ability to develop characters. In fact, the world of Dragonlance is a fantasy world. If you have read as many series as I have, you understand that there is a draw to this well developed world that is familiar, fun, and exciting. So all of us reviewing this have read the Chronicles and Legends. We love the characters, and all of us were blown away at how well the characters became entire worlds unto themselves. And then the other books, and stories, were so easy to be drawn into because of this.

Now comes the Fifth Age (don't worry, no spoilers). It's different, all the old characters are gone. Now we (the readers) don't feel like you're in the same world. Before, it was so easy because we saw so many characters walk through Ansalon, and learned and experienced Ansalon through their eyes. Many Dragonlancers will agree that the character development in the Chronicle/Legends were superior in quality, well above _ANY_ genre of books (and I love Steven King). The reason Dragonlance is so popular is (arguably) because of the amazing character development that Margret Weis and Tracy Hickman did. And I'm not gonna lie to you, the character development in this book and the series is NOT as good as the Chronicles/Legends. That being said,

SO WHAT. This is a series. None of the 50+ books in the Dragonlance series has been as good as Chronicles/Legends. Okay, enough about character development. Don't compare it. These books are good. They keep you on the edge, and they are fantastic stories about the history of new Krynn. If you're like me, you'll love reading what happens next the absorbing stories. The conversation is sub-par. But the interaction, the storyline is still very fun and exciting. Don't read this book expecting Chronicles/Legends. Read this book expecting the next exciting story of the Dragonlance world.

Work better left for another author.......2004-11-30

Perhaps the biggest tragedy associated with 'The Dawning of a New Age' is that there is vital 5th age information contained within its pages, but the reader must plod through Jean Rabe's drivel to get to it. An outline would be better.

It's time for Dragonlance/Wizards of the Coast to replace Jean Rabe... w/Chris Pierson? He showed potential with his Kingpriest Trilogy. I don't foresee myself ever purchasing one of her books again (and from the reviews below it seems that many longtime Dragonlance fans share this sentiment). If the Fifth Age is to take hold it definitely needs a new voice.

To anyone who gives this book 4 stars: I encourage you to read earlier Dragonlance novels (Chronicles, Legends, Elven Nations, etc) or other contemporary Dragonlance trilogies (Ergoth). That's 4 star writing.

Takes a few pages to get started.......2004-04-29

This book reminds me a lot of the first of the Dragonlance Chronicles. I didn't like it much until I got into the second book. I'm now almost done with the second book in this series and I like it a lot. 350 pages isn't enough to do it justice. I'm always a big fan of making BIG books to completely tell a story. I think with a few hundred more pages this book could have been spectacular. As it stands, I'm pleased with this book,
I liked the idea of the Dragon overlords, I liked the links that are being made to other Dragonlance stories, but felt the characters were not very fleshed out. And the action scenes were rushed.

A slow start that gets better.......2004-03-27

Jean Rabe constantly takes abuse from Dragonlance fans around the globe for a plethora of reasons. Some I've found to be just, others, I believe are unfounded. It was because of this harsh critism that I remained hesitant for a good while to read this book. After finishing every other book I owned and reading some for a second time, I grudgingly began this read.

At my own admission, this book began very slowly. The first 100 pages seemed plaqued by choppy writing, and seemingly overly fantastic ideas. Given this is a fantasy book, I still found some of the happenings in the book a bit hard to swallow.
My biggest critism of the book,however, has to do with the how willingly the author let years go by without description(literaly decades). It seemed to me that the amount of time that passed in te early portion of this book really didn't mean much to Mrs. Rabe. I have to say I was seriously starting to doubt whether or not I would finish this one.

All the critism aside, after the first 100 pages or so the plot settled down and the writting began to become enjoyable. I was finally able to get involved with the characters and wanted to see what would happen to them next. By the end of the book I was left wanting more. When all is said and done, that to me is the most important part of a book in a series.

I really admire the guts that it took for Jean to step out on a limb and write this series. I've found that many DL fans can be very critical, and unmoving in thier willingness to branch out and discover new things. Jean did something that was very difficult, in filling the gap that is the beginning of the Fifth Age. Kodus to her!

All in all, I think this book is a enjoyable read that will leave most readers wanting more. For those diehard DL fans it is a must read. Looking back, my gripe about the passage of time allows, hopefully, other authors to fill the gap with other tells of heroism and valor.

Don't go into this book expecting the kind of greatness that is the Chronicles series or maybe The Legand of Huma(my personal favorite), because you won't find it. There isn't a ton of depth and you probably won't develop a strong attachment to the characters. DoNA starts slowly, but levels off into a nice story. I believe if you press on and overlook the choppy writing at the begining you will leave this book pleasantly surprised. I did.

Gamemastering Secrets Second Edition
Average customer rating:

Food for Thought

A book full of ideas

Gamemastering Secrets Second Edition
Aaron Rosenberg , Sam Chupp , Hilary Doda , Ann Dupuis , Lee Gold , Matt Forbeck , Kenneth Hite , Larry D. Hols , Steven S. Long , Steven Marsh , Frank Mentzer , John Nephew , John R. Phythyon Jr. , Jean Rabe , and Mark Simmons
Manufacturer: Grey Ghost Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

Robin's Laws of Good Game Mastering

Fudge, 10th Anniversary Edition

The Fantasy Roleplaying Gamer's Bible 2nd Edition

Terra Incognita: The NAGS Society Handbook

Exalted, Second Edition

ASIN: 1887154116

Book Description

In Gamemastering Secrets, Aaron Rosenberg and guest contributors cover everything about running a roleplaying game, from choosing a game system to closing out a long-running campaign. They give tips on how to handle various situations, pointers on potential dangers and how to avoid them, and advice on how to get the best gaming experience for everyone involved.

If you've never GM'd before, they teach you how to go about it, where to start and how to proceed, and enough tricks to convince anyone that you're a veteran.

If you are an experience gamemaster, they give you new tricks, ways to keep your players on their toes, and ways to spice up your games.

For use with any roleplaying game (examples are drawn from the d20 and Fudge systems).

Featuring John Kovalic's "Dork Tower" comic strips, and Same Chupp - Gamemastering for Kids, Hilary Doda - Women at the Gaming Table, Ann Dupuis - The Science and Art of Mapmaking, Lee Gold - NPCs: Not Paper Cutouts, Matt Forbeck - Running a Con Game, Kenneth Hite - The Joy of Research, Larry D. Hols - Throw 'em to the Wolves!, Steven S. Lng - Genre and Setting Simulation, Steven Marsh - Treasure, Frank Mentzer - Trust at the Gaming Table, John Nephew - The Beginner's Game, John R. Phythyon, Jr. - Creating Memorable Villains, Jean Rabe - Winging It, Mark Simmons - Gamemaster's Flowchart 101, Lester Smith - Campaign Troubleshooting, James M. Ward - Campaign World-building, Ross Winn - Character Creation

('d20 System' and the d20 System logo are Trademarks owned by Wizards of the Coast and are used with permission. The Fudge System logo is a trademark of Steffan O'Sullivan, used under license. Logo design by Daniel M. Davis.)

Customer Reviews:

Food for Thought.......2007-01-17

This book is a collection of essays by notables in the gaming field, and their thoughts about the purpose of the Gamemaster, and ideas on how to make the roleplaying experience better for all. While it does have some "try this" tips, it really isn't a "how to do gamemastering" book, in the sense of checklists and steps.

A book full of ideas.......2007-01-05

This book is a good resource for Dungeon Masters to gain a different voice in ideas in creating stories for your players. It is a good addition to a DM's library

Average customer rating:

seventeen fun new science fiction tales

Time Twisters

Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Short Stories | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Futures Past
Cosmic Cocktails
If I Were An Evil Overlord
Fantasy Gone Wrong
Slipstreams

ASIN: 0756404053

Book Description

A new anthology by some of the top names in the genre. <br/><br/> Time travel and the dangers of altering the time stream continue to fascinate readers. This book offers 17 new stories of daring adventurers who meddle with time including: a science fiction fan who warded off an alien invasion of Earth through contemporary culture...Joan of Arc's training in future history...and an FBI hunt for a Mafia don who found his way back to the age of knighthood.

Customer Reviews:

seventeen fun new science fiction tales .......2007-01-05

These seventeen new science fiction tales focus on time travel and the related paradoxes including the impact on the present by changing the past and meeting one's self or ancestors, etc. The short stories are fun to read, but the mode of delivery never allows any of the entries to go deep into the seemingly impossibility of time travel. Still fans of the topic like this reviewer (EC comics hooked me during my prehistorical period - the late 1950s) will find all are Wells with this anthology. All the entries are fun for those who enjoy reading TIME TWISTERS; especially enjoyable are "Yeshua's Choice" at Masada, "Downtown Knight" (the mobster meets the Templar on the latter's turf), nineteen years old conscript Pheidas of the Philistine army who has "Occupation Duty" in Gaza and "Voices" as Joan of Arc learns combat strategy with a modern day military unit. The rest are well written fine contributions to a delightful compilation with all the time in the world to stroll down a not so "Mundane Lane".

Harriet Klausner

Average customer rating:

Read at your own risk
Different style, with different character types
Dragonlance: Downfall the legend of Dhamon
Very Enjoyable
this book is not good

Downfall: Dragonlance (The Dhamon Saga)
Jean Rabe
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Redemption (Dragonlance: Dhamon Saga)
The Eve of the Maelstrom (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age Trilogy)
The Day of the Tempest (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 2)
The Dawning of a New Age (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 1)
The Lake of Death (Dragonlance: Age of Mortals)

ASIN: 0786915722
Release Date: 2000-06-01

Amazon.com

It's not easy being Jean. For some Dragonlance fans, the world of Krynn ended with Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Dragons of Summer Flame. Many Lancers would just as soon forget Jean Rabe's famously awful Fifth Age kickoff trilogy (The Dawning of a New Age, The Day of the Tempest, and The Eve of the Maelstrom), and that's putting it nicely. (Imagine the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons saying, "Worst fantasy author ever," and you'll begin to understand the enmity that Rabe has generated for herself.)

But Weis and Hickman returned triumphantly to the Fifth Age with Dragons of a Fallen Sun, proving that the reports of Krynn's death were, at worst, an exaggeration. So maybe--just maybe--Rabe deserves a fresh start in Dragonlance, too. Downfall begins a trilogy revolving around Dhamon Grimwulf, former Knight of Takhisis, ex-Hero of the Heart, and erstwhile co-protagonist of Rabe's aforementioned Dragons of a New Age series. Dhamon is on the outs, running around robbing the sick and the weak in cahoots with a kobold, a tattooed half-elf floozy, and a suspiciously powerful thief-wizard named Maldred. (Hmmm, there's something fishy about that guy...) In rolls plate-mail babe Fiona (a spit-shined Knight of Solamnia) and pirate-turned-good-guy Rig Mer-Krel, presumably to clean up Dhamon and set him on the straight and narrow. But faster than you can say "Charm Person," the entire crew ends up on the road together, heading off to bargain with an ogre chieftain, rescue a herd of goats, and ransom Fiona's brother from the black dragon overlord Sable. Or so they think. Quite a few switchbacks and blind canyons here, enough to keep you wondering what's around the next corner, but don't expect emotional, involved Weis-and-Hickman fare: while many Dragonlance fans would consider it damning praise, Downfall reads a lot like a decent Forgotten Realms adventure. --Paul Hughes

Book Description

How far can a hero fall? Far enough to lose his soul? Dhamon Grimwulf, once a Hero of the Heart, has sunk into a bitter life of crime and squalor. Now, as the great dragon overlords of the Fifth Age coldly plot to strengthen their rule and to destroy their enemies, he must somehow find the will to redeem himself. But perhaps it is too late.

Customer Reviews:

Read at your own risk.......2005-06-10

I should start off by saying that this is the first Dragon Lance book I have read so if there was some great back story that would have given life to these characters it was lost on me.

The Good

The story moves along at a decent pace with plenty of action and battles.

The Bad

A good story has to have a degree of logic behind it, things have to make since. Like if you knew where a valley with priceless gems just laying about was would you waste time robbing patients at a hospital? If you see a guy cozying up to your fiancé would you allow them to be alone together all the time? If you knew a spell that would allow you to explore a cavern without going into it would you wait until you were ¾ of the way in then use it?

Character problems. The characters over all came across as relatively flat. Maybe it is just my perception but perception becomes reality. I always pictured elves as graceful, intelligent, reserved and honorable even if they are only half elf. The one in this book comes across like a stupid red neck and is quite annoying.

Annoying writing habits. The author was apparently in a contest with someone to see who could use the phrase pommel of his/her sword and the word pommel the most time in one book. Jean Rabe wins! The phrase and word are repeated so often that I began to get mad every time I read it. I thought writers were supposed to be creative and use their extensive vocabulary to mix it up a little. Also why is everybody hissing everything? "Shut up" Rikali hissed. Also everyone always mouths something. "Wow" Maldred mouthed. No one ever just thinks something.

Anyways I could go on and on. Only read this if you have nothing else to read and no money to buy anything else.

Different style, with different character types.......2005-03-27

I have read a few types of reviews about Jean Rabe's books, but to get the best opinion, you should read for yourself.
My own opinion is high. I like the detail about the atmosphere and suroundings the characters find themselves in. This detail really makes the scenes pop and come alive for me, and I appreciate it. The characters are not developed like in other Dragonlance novels, but whether you can fault Rabe, or not, is another matter. These characters are definately not like the originals, such as Caramon or Goldmoon. They are quite a contrast, struggling with good and bad, right and wrong. A solamnic ammong theives, a fallen hero, a pirate questioning life; these characters are much more delicate, and as such, require a different way to bring them to life. Is Rabe's way the best? I can't say I know what the best way is, but I found her style well done, and this book a good read. I recomend it, and await reading the next in the series.

Dragonlance: Downfall the legend of Dhamon.......2004-01-23

Downfall by Jean Rave is very well planned out. The plot is easy to seperate from the details of book. The adventure in the story is engrossing. and mysterious. While teh characters are journeying around and the events take place, no matter what the story alwyas stay on track of it's main plot. It's a good stroy, but it's like a movine-if you miss a poart, then it doesn't make sense at all. The plot of the story is clear and easy to follow. While reading the story, I admit it was hard to remember all of teh hundreds of citeis that they had traveld to. But it was also easy to understand the past of teh main character. Since the book is part of a saga, the ending that led to the sequels wasn't too vague. The antagonist and the heros of the book aren't all that hard to seperate, but they could use a little work. It was really amazing to me how the author how the author made you feel like you were part of the story. The book also described the characters very vividly. I could easily picture each of the characters personalities. The way the book was written, it felt like something important was always happening and that none of the information was there just to make it look long. The author made all of the creatures come to life and made a wonderful book to read.

Very Enjoyable.......2003-12-30

After having spent the last couple years reading text books for school, I was ready for a great adventure. Although Rabe's Downfall was not the greatest book in the world, it did satisfy my immediate needs. The thing I thought was hokey is a couple times when one of the main characters, Maldred, uses magic to win the heart of his traveling companion, Fiona, and all I could think of is that it's the Jedi Mind Trick all over again. Oh well. The book had it's moments and was good enough that I ordered the other two books in the series.

this book is not good.......2003-11-20

Downfall was the first book I read from Dragonlance realm, big mistake on my part. But I didn't learn and thought the second book of this series, betrayl, would be better. BoyO', I was wrong.

Downfall starts off with the main character, Dhaemon, being an uninteresting and very annoying, it ends the same way too. The plot and the characters were very hard to believe and were even harder to like. After finishing this book it left me with nothing, except a strongly dislike towards dragonlance novels and for a couple of years I refused to read them. But don't worry, I like Dragonlance now.

Even if you have read the core books (chronicles and legends) and are looking for other dragonlance novels, stay clear of this one. It's really horrible.

Redemption (Dragonlance: Dhamon Saga)
Average customer rating:

A great book but a bad ending

A great story, but execution is wanting.

Journeys End, A New Begining!

When is book Four? I WANT MORE!!!!!!!

...Jean Rabe, you have hit a HOME RUN with this one!!

Redemption (Dragonlance: Dhamon Saga)
Jean Rabe
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Rabe, Jean | ( R ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
( R ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Downfall (The Dhamon Saga)

The Eve of the Maelstrom (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age Trilogy)

The Day of the Tempest (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 2)

The Dawning of a New Age (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 1)

The Lake of Death (Dragonlance: Age of Mortals)

ASIN: 0786930063
Release Date: 2003-10-01

Book Description

The third and final title in the Dhamon Saga.. This title ties up the story of a character first introduced in popular Dragonlance saga author Jean Rabe's Dragons of a New Age trilogy.

Customer Reviews:

A great book but a bad ending.......2004-02-29

OK, I love Dhamon, Ragh, and everyone in the book, but i was suprised at the ending and the way each character was "resolved," if you can call it that. And the biggedt question on my mind is "What happened to Feril???!!" She was Dhamon's love and she just disappeared. There was specultion in Downfall but nothing was ever concrete. I hope, pray, and beg Jean Rabe to give us something that can answer some of my questions and a new book with just a little more of the story.

A great story, but execution is wanting........2002-09-12

I have noticed two types of reviews of Jean Rabe books. Those who absolutely hate her works because she is not Weis and Hickman, and those who love her books without question and write glowing reviews in defiance of the nay sayers. Hopefully you won't find any of that here.

Redemption is the last of a three-book series. I followed the series with as much eagerness as I pursued the War of Souls trilogy. Jean Rabe is a very promising author and the potential shows in her writing, making her works enjoyable of their own, but her style lacks that certain depth that marks the difference between a fantasy book, and a magical world which you live in vicariously as the story progresses. Redemption is a fantasy book. If this weren't a series, and if Jean hadn't written a series before this I would wonder if this was indeed a first novel.

Jean's overall style is swift and to-the-point. Succinct perhaps to a fault. She usually gives a brief description of the environs followed by thoughts and monologue from a given character. This gives you a sense of being in the character's head, which is interesting. The descriptions of the environs and of actions are all too brief and general, giving you the gist of it all, but rarely going into much real detail. This gives an unmistakable feeling that the book was rushed to meet a deadline and your mind has to work a little more to fill in the blanks. This is why Jean's style takes some getting used to at first, and why Weis and Hickman fans, being so used to the descriptive and full of depth style of the duo, are furious that Jean writes Dragonlance books.

Once you get used to the style, you'll find Redemption an enjoyable read, though there are some glaring inconsistencies. For example, at the end of one chapter Dhamon gives Maldred's great sword away, and Maldred spends the remainder of the chapter being angry about it. Apparently Dhamon must have forgotten that he gave the sword away for in the very next chapter he "hefts the great sword". The Fiona character is another example. I don't want to spoil anything, but as the story went on I wondered why she was even there. She seemed to be nothing but the token female presense in Dhamon's party, taking the place of the absent Rikali, and the constant diversion with her mad antics.

Despite all that, Redemption is a solid book. The story is interesting and full of twists, and Jean has a knack for making her characters come to life. She draws a constant tension between all the characters which is refreshing, though a bit overdone at times. I really cared what happened to the characters and their relations with each other. The only major disappointment had to be the ending. The story concludes with a bang, yes, but it's rather wanting. I found myself scratching my head and wondering "that was it?" On the optomistic side it does open the story up for future Jean Rabe books.

Overall, this is a Solid book and worth adding to your collection. A worthy addition to the Dragonlance world in it's own way. Just don't come here expecting Weis and Hickman. You'll be disappointed.

Journeys End, A New Begining!.......2002-07-14

Amazing. This is by far in my top 10 favorite Dragonlance Books of all time! Jean Rabe does an amazing job of fleshing out her characters and giving them more than just the normal two dimensions.

While reading this book you truly feel that you are in the story itself. The action never seems to slow down that much, but at the same time even with all the action going on the story is what really holds the book together. Plenty of plot twists. Not to mention Jean continues to let us see some of the lesser mentioned creatures of Krynn.

The ending will bring tears to the eyes of most that read it. All in all she ended the Dhamon Saga with a bang, and opens up for many of the characters in the end a new begining.

Hopefully even though this was the end of the Dhamon Saga, it will not be the end of Dhamons stories. Go out and buy this book, I doubt you'll have any complaints.(DL Archives rating = 5 Orbs!)

When is book Four? I WANT MORE!!!!!!!.......2002-07-11

Redemption is incredible. The writing is gorgeous and the characters are complicated and "real." Dhamon is my favorite Dragonlance character. I like his draconian pal, too.

The book moves along quickly, and it puts the characters in a bunch of frightening situations. I liked how it went from one area of Krynn to another -- lots of traveling. I also liked all the surprises. I figured by the name "Redemption," that the book would turn out all happy. But it didn't turn out the way I thought it would. Blew me away!

I want there to be a book four and a book five and a book six.

...Jean Rabe, you have hit a HOME RUN with this one!!.......2002-07-05

...I have to say that this book was worth the wait. After getting the book only two days ago from amazon.com I devoured it word for word re-reading certain parts of it not because it was difficult to understand but because... they were just stupendous. The characters don't get along all the time, they are not all cozy and when they bicker I could feel the tension in the air and LOVED IT because I felt I could identify with the characters and their points of view.
This book, nay this trilogy is not only a sequel to Jean's often controversial Dragons of a New Age trilogy but rather can be easily read without that background. The book is the conclusion to a trilogy about a rather tragic yet engrossing man named Dhamon Grimwulf a man who has been put to the crucible and at times succeeded, and at times failed. In other words he is HUMAN and fallible. At times he has given up and now with a book titled, "Redemption," I had to wonder upon opening it... does Redemption exist for this man?
Of course I am not so cruel as to spoil the book, go and get it to find out! All I can say is that the book continues to dissect the land of Dragonlance's Fifth Age and I found it to be exciting. I felt like I was a voyager, traipsing the world on a genuine D and D quest of my own. This is not a campfest though and it is not a book about epic events although things continue to build and build into a very dramatic and tear inspiring conclusion.
...I cared about all the characters in the book, they were all written very well. She continues to take risks as a writer, giving us well fleshed characters that are mythic monsters yet ultimately the cast stays small and is focused. The plot twists and turns but never deviates...
Ultimately it is a book about the journey of one man and his hope to redeem himself for the dark stains in his past as well as to plot out if possible, a new future for himself before he dies... Read it and enjoy. ... you WILL not be sorry.

Average customer rating:

Once More Into the Keep
Another good light fantasy read.
Not the same
A lot of mystery and suprises that really kept me interested
Old Friends Revisited

Return to Quag Keep
Andre Norton , and Jean Rabe
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Silver May Tarnish (Witch World Chronicles)
Beast Master's Quest (Beastmaster)
Quag Keep
A Taste of Magic
Masks of the Outcasts

ASIN: 0765312980
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Book Description

In 1976 Andre Norton was invited up to Lake Geneva to play a new sort of adventure game by its creator, Gary Gygax. That game, Dungeons Dragons, launched the role-playing game industry. Norton took part in an imaginative session of world-building, role-playing, and fantasy-adventuring. When she returned home she wrote the novel Quag Keep, a tale of six adventurers from our world who journey to the city of Greyhawk. Thirty years later, with the help of Jean Rabe, author of numerous TSR books and former head of the RPGA (Roleplaying Gamers Association), Norton returned to these bold adventurers for another questand perhaps a chance to return home to the world from whence they came: ours.

Customer Reviews:

Once More Into the Keep.......2006-11-06

Return to Quag Keep (2006) is the second fantasy novel in this series, following Quag Keep. In the previous volume, the seven heroes have fought their way across the Sea of Dust to the quag surrounding the keep. Gulth provides transportation across the quag to the highland surrounding the keep itself, but oversized fanged frogs dispute their passage. After a final battle with Carlvols and his fighters, the heroes enter the keep and confront the power who has brought them to this world.

In this novel, the heroes have come to a city to regroup after leaving Quag Keep. However, Gulth is dying and Deav Dyne has no cure. They meet with Yeleve, Wymarc and Ingrge to pass on their plans and then leave the city to travel to Gulth's swamps.

Milo and Naile are waiting in the Golden Tankard, hoping to get a job with a merchant caravan. Meanwhile, they are drinking ale and getting drunk. Three other drunken men enter the tavern and insist that Milo and Naile are sitting at their table. One of the three gets very insistent, but Milo and Naile ignore them. Finally they see someone who looks like a prosperous merchant and get up to approach him. Naile, however, accidentally knocks down the most vociferous of the three drunks and a fight ensues.

Milo and Naile have been blamed as the persons who started the fight and thus liable for all the damages. Yeleve and Ingrge get them bailed out of gaol, but they are now indebted to the merchant, Ludlow Jade, and will be working for him without pay as caravan guards. Wymarc stays behind to play in the inn as restitution for the damages.

As the caravan wends its way north to several small villages, Yeleve drives one of the wagons. Milo and Naile walk alongside until they tire and then ride on the wagons for a while. Ingrge scouts ahead and behind to search for the bandits expected by Ludlow Jade. He finds partially obliterated footprints ahead of them and then discovers someone following them.

Just then the caravan is attacked by the Undead buried alongside the trail. Everyone fights back, but Naile changes into his were-boar form and becomes the most effective combatant against the skeletons and zombies. Although the caravan suffers losses in personnel and horses, they continue to the next village.

The man who had been following them is Berthold, a thief and wearer of another bracelet identical with their own. He was himself a gamer and a member of another group seeking Quag Keep, but the others were killed or vanished before they reached their objective. Now he is alone and certain that something is seriously wrong in this world.

Berthold has had a dream about a wizard imprisoned below Quag Keep. Although Milo explains that they had thoroughly searched the Quag Keep tower, Berthold points out that they did not search the underground portions. Milo and Naile agree to travel with him to Quag Keep while the others remain with the caravan.

In this story, Fisk Lockwood is an agent for Pobe, a shadowy and amorphous creature who has imprisoned the wizard Jalafar-rula beneath Quag Keep. Fisk has already killed the others in Berthold's party and now is after Milo's group. He has maneuvered several of them into the caravan and has set up the Undead to test their meddle. Another trap awaits further along the caravan's path.

This novel is more like a roleplaying game than the original story, but Jean Rabe has had considerable experience in the roleplaying field. However, the terrain and vegetation are less vivid that within the original story, but the personas of the gamers themselves are much better developed. In fact, so are the personas of the agents of Chaos. Overall, this story seems more alive than the original.

This story has a more satisfying ending, but still leaves many loose ends. Some of the group have returned to Earth, but others have been left behind in the other world. Possibly there will be another sequel.

Recommended for Norton & Rabe fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of questing, combat and magic.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Another good light fantasy read........2006-07-09

The characters in the Quag Keep books really make the story. Where is the 3rd book in the trilogy? Maybe Jean Rabe will write it now that the Quag Keep books have been re-issued.

Not the same.......2006-04-27

I realize, as a sequel, that this should be different than the first in many ways. BUT, I would hope the characters would have retained some of their charm. The original was a good read and felt, well, original, sadly this sequel feels like the same ole same ole. It might still be in the same universe but seems to have forgotten to follow the rules of said universe.

A hero dying in the first few chapters? And going out as if he had no idea how to use his powers like he did in the first book. He same can be said for the fighters. One went from an interesting, Amazon type female warrior to one that seemed to have been poured into her armor and showing her curves, etc... In other fantasy this is ok I guess, but it just doesn't `feel' right in this setting.

If you're young and haven't read fantasy for 30 plus years, I guess it might be new and exciting but to older readers, it's very much like a typical fantasy. Not that that is bad, there are only so many plots and stories to be told after all, but this does not even feel remotely close to the original. A shame as I was looking forward to it.

Maybe it would have been better if not a sequel and a story of its own in a universe of its own? I guess we'll never know.

A lot of mystery and suprises that really kept me interested.......2006-04-10

A group of adventurers, who have been whisked away from Earth to a magical land much like the one they play Dungeons and Dragons in, are forced to protect a caravan to pay off their debt that they made when they accidently started a bar fight. On their way to one of the towns, one of the scouts, Ingrge, captures a man who was following them. The man tells them he was sent here to, and why they were whisked away here after they touched the figurines. He also tells them that the only way to get back to Earth and to save Earth is to save a wizard locked in Quag keep. The band of adventurers try to make their way to Quag Keep, while encountering more and more dangers, that help them find out the truth of why they are here. Will the adventurers save Earth or even find their way home???

I thought this was a great book. I love fantasy books so this suited me well, and would be great for fantasy readers and Dungeon and Dragon players. This book was confusing, however, because this was the sequel to the first book, so I reccomend reading the first one before reading this. This book really intrigued me because it had a lot of mystery and suprises that really kept me interested. I also thought it was cool because the main characters were regular people like you and me. The authors are very good writers, and they kept me wanting to read more.

Reviewed by a student reviewer for Flamingnet Book Reviews
www.flamingnet.com
Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations

Old Friends Revisited.......2006-02-14

When I picked up RETURN TO QUAG KEEP I was a bit concerned that Ms. Rabe wouldn't be able to fill the large shoes of Andre Norton. I have read lots of Ms. Rabe's works in the past and enjoyed every one of them, but she was working in the shadow of one of the true giants of the fantasy genre. I was working for TSR when Andre Norton started writing the excellent first version of QUAG KEEP. She more than made the D&D game come alive in her pages of that work. I loved the story then and I still like it many years later when I reread it before taking up this sequel.

I found Ms. Rabe's approach to the new story refreshing and quite in keeping with the style of the first book. Being a great fan of fantasy, this book kept me interested from the first to the last page. I found myself wanting to read more, which is high praise to my mind.

I would strongly reccommend this new version to any fans of role-playing in general or Andre Norton's works.

James M. Ward

Average customer rating:

A Taste of Magic
final tribute to one of the greats

A Taste of Magic
Andre Norton , and Jean Rabe
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

From the Sea to the Stars
Beast Master's Quest (Beastmaster)
Silver May Tarnish (Witch World Chronicles)
Star Hunter
Fortune's Fool: A Tale of the Five Hundred Kingdoms (Book 3)

ASIN: 0765315270
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Book Description

"The Green Ones favored me this day."

Thus begins A Taste of Magic, the latest magical world creation by Andre Norton.

Wisteria is magically attuned to the world around her. Her senses relish the tastes of magic that the wonders of nature offer. But the peacefulness of her backwoods existence is shattered when her village is attacked by the raiding force of the bellicose Lord Purvis, who leaves only this twenty-something magic wielder and an adolescent lass as the inadvertent survivors.

Wisteria has pledged herself to a mission. Now she and her young ward must brave the wilds beyond their home in pursuit of the ravager who destroyed everyone near and dear to their hearts.

The woman with the Taste of Magic now has a taste for vengeance, and the blood oath she has pledged must be satisfied with the life of Lord Purvis.

Customer Reviews:

A Taste of Magic.......2006-12-30

I was not blown away by this book. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't fantastic either - it was ok. Took me an afternoon to read it. The book just didn't grab me. You could tell that it was not put together by 2 writers working together - it just didn't flow in parts. I also found certain events, especially reactions to events occurring in the story, beyond believability. It is not a book I will re-read, & I am not waiting breathlessly for its sequel, which I am sure will be written.

final tribute to one of the greats.......2006-11-06

One morning Westeria, commonly known as Eri, goes out hunting deep in the woods and on her return her powerful Wyse magic senses death and bloodshed in her Village Nar. When she arrives at her home she sees that everyone is dead except for Alysen who was protected by a "do not see me" spell by the witch Nanoo Gafna. Alysen claims that the leader of the men Lord Purvis came to kill Eri because her father the food taster for the Emperor is dead as is the Emperor. The empress wants the magic of her line to die with her.

Eri swears a blood oath to kill Lord Purvis but first she must get Alysen to the witches in Mardel's Fen protected by the woods and the earth magic that allows them to keep intruders out. Before they get there they rescue a trapped bird-like creature not knowing it is evil. It orders the two females to take it to a certain place but they destroy it before it can harm Eri and Alysen. After Alysen is put under the care of the Nanoos, their leader and Eri try and rescue Nanoo Gafna who saved Alysen. Eri is then free to complete her mission only she learns Lord Purvis is going to the village of Mardel's Fen; she races against time to stop another bloodbath.

This is the last book Andre Norton started to write before she died; Jean Rabe using outlines, notes and a few written chapters written complete the fine fantasy which contains the same magical feel as all the great author's books seem to have. Readers will sympathize with the heroine who blames herself for the deaths of her loved ones. However the shocker that makes this a delightful read is to learn who her true enemy is.

Harriet Klausner

Authors:

Authors

Authors