Wells, Martha

Average customer rating:

Excellent conceptually
Anurans and Squamates and Crocodylia! Oh, my!
Herp Textbook
Best of what's available

Herpetology, Third Edition
F. H. Pough , Robin M. Andrews , John E. Cadle , Martha L. Crump , Alan H. Savitsky , and Kentwood D. Wells
Manufacturer: Benjamin Cummings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Eastern & Central North America (Peterson Field Guide Series)
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ASIN: 0131008498

Book Description

In this revised edition of Herpetology, the authors provide the only treatment of amphibians and reptiles that integrates information about evolutionary relationships with ecology, behavior, and physiology and provide up-to-date references to the primary literature. KEY TOPICS The book is broken down into four parts and explores these specific questions: what are amphibians and reptiles; how do they work; what do they do; and what are their prospects for survival. MARKET This book is ideal for professionals such as zoo and aquarium curators, animal keepers, reptile and amphibian hobbyists, wildlife managers and conservationists who are looking for an integrated approach to the ecology, behavior, morphology, and physiology of amphibians and reptiles, presented in a phylogenetic and organismal context.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent conceptually.......2006-01-24

It's certainly not complete or perfect, and as a reviewer notes, contains some omissions and errors. However, while a textbook should strive to be as good as possible in those areas, it's no substitute for the primary literature in peer-reviewed journals and shouldn't be viewed as such, and instead should be seen as more of a conceptual introduction, in which I feel it does well. It avoids the tempting parade-of-taxa style, and instead focuses on the important concepts uniting reptiles and to an extent all animals, such as osmoregulation, feeding, locomotion, reproductive strategies, etc.

The section dealing with my primary focus, locomotion, is rather sparse, and contains some outdated information, but nothing that can't be corrected with a quick read through the literature. With any luck, my own work will be in the next edition.

Anurans and Squamates and Crocodylia! Oh, my!.......2002-11-19

This is easily the best herpetology text book out there. It is informative, yet not full of the boringness (if that's a word...) of many textbooks. You might say that it's...fun to read.

Herp Textbook.......2000-05-03

I have just finished an undergradute course which used this book as the main text. I agree with the previous reviewer that there is considerable overlap and occasional contradiction. The early chapters tend to use a lot of technical jargon, and seem to be written for people who already understand the material. I was not so impressed with phylogenic descriptions which frequently failed to discuss unifying characteristics within families. Later sections, including locomotion, water balance, and mate selection are well written. This book would benefit from a glossary, more relevant tables and figures, and a more inclusive index. Overall, editing is rather sketchy.

Best of what's available.......1998-10-22

Despite some fairly serious errors and omissions, this book is the best academic treatment of the field of herpetology yet written. It is a multi-authored text which allows people to write on what they know best, rather than making authors stretch well beyond their fields of expertise. This unfortunately means there's a lot of repetition between chapters, and some flat-out contradictions. It does a fairly good of reviewing the literature in a number of sub-fields of herpetology, and so provides more up-to-date reviews than you're likely to find in "Biology of the Reptilia". It is a good choice for a herpetology course for undergraduates--in fact I plan to use it for such a course in summer 1999. Amazing omissions: dinosaurs!! birds!! biogeography!! Notable inclusions: good chapters on foraging ecology, classification (too short), & thermoregulation.

Average customer rating:

Essentials of Economics
Paul Krugman , Robin Wells , and Martha Olney
Manufacturer: Worth Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Stargate Atlantis: Reliquary (Stargate Atlantis) (Stargate Atlantis)

Average customer rating:

time-lines in the stories
Great Book
treat for Wells fans as well
One of the best TV Series books I've read
Pushed All My Fandom Buttons

Stargate Atlantis: Reliquary (Stargate Atlantis) (Stargate Atlantis)
Martha Wells
Manufacturer: Fandemonium Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0954734378

Product Description

While exploring the unused sections of the Ancient city of Atlantis, Major John Sheppard and Dr. Rodney McKay stumble on a recording device that contains a new Stargate address. The address leads them to a world with a mysterious ruined city that may be part of an Ancient repository, or it may just be yet another trap for the unwary.

Customer Reviews:

time-lines in the stories.......2007-05-19

I found the books really good, but the entire time they were messing with the months and moments in every single story. For example this one takes place about four months after the issue with the teams biggest human enemy the Genii and after they did battle with a crazed wraith on another planet a couple of weeks later. I mean if they want to make the books they should do them in the order that the tv series played in rather then going back and forth and tossing certain details that they never mentioned in the show. But all in all this was a really good story, I especially got a kick when they mentioned the details of sheppards first conversion before he went through it a second time in season 2. I recommend this to any who like the tv show.

Great Book.......2007-04-16

I bought this book to read it in the airport while on a trip, It was a great book, kept me very entertained.
Love how well the author got the characters, got a few laughs on Rodneys comments and Sheppard's attitude.
I recommend it, is a short book, good jepardy.

Andrea

I am actually looking for a new one to read on the trip back.

treat for Wells fans as well.......2007-04-06

The other reviewers have covered this book from the point of view of Stargate Atlantis fans (and also mentioned the huge wait you can expect for this book)-- but as someone who's a Martha Wells fan first and foremost, I wanted to add that her readers won't be disappointed by this book in any way! She does a wonderful job of catching the rhythm and voices of the characters from the show, but there is also the tight plotting and somewhat gothic feel that her readers are used to-- in particular the scenes in the abandoned, haunted city and being hunted in the underground labyrinth are reminiscent of scenes from the Ile Rien books-- but with Sheppard and McKay standing in (hilariously) for Gil and Ilias. In other words, she's brought all her strengths to this project, and even if you love Wells but don't watch this show regularly, I think Wells fans will find it an entertaining read & a worthwhile addition to their collections.

One of the best TV Series books I've read.......2007-02-15

Although this came highly recommended by friends who are Stargate Atlantis fans, I was reluctant to get it - I've been burned by horrible pro fiction based on other series, like Trek. However, this book was exceptionally good. The plot was tight, the characters were very well done, and the twists kept me turning the page to the end. It was everything I love about the series, and more. I would highly recommend this book to any fan of the show.

Pushed All My Fandom Buttons.......2007-02-06

I chose this particular book over the other titles available in Stargate Atlantis novels because the plot of the book is not a reminiscent of an already-done SG:A episode. This is the first book from Martha Wells that I've read, and I am already waiting impatiently for her next SG:A novel, Entanglement (projected for March '07). She's obviously aware of the slash fanbase in this fandom and her writing has more than enough Rodney/Sheppard interaction to leave a slash fan happy while keeping them in-character.

Wells explored and expanded the concepts behind the ATA gene, especially its mind-reading and psychological component and how various Ancient technologies interact with it. Her wonderful concept underlines the great potential that the ATA gene have. Definitely a must read for slash fan and non-slash fan alike.

Excerpt to the first chapter is available from the author's website (.......) if you are unsure if her characterization and writing style would suit you.

Average customer rating:

This revised edition is even better
Best Fantasy Writer
Good fantasy, but not great.
Amazing
A Fun and one of a kind book!

The Element of Fire
Martha, Wells
Manufacturer: Martha Wells
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0615135714

Book Description

The Element of Fire was first published in the US by Tor Books in 1993, and has been published in six languages. This edition has been revised by the author. The kingdom of Ile-Rien is in peril, menaced by magical threats and court intrigue. As the weak King Roland, misled by treacherous companions, rules the country, only his ruthless mother, the Dowager Queen Ravenna, truly guards the safety of the realm. But now Urbain Grandier, the dark master of scientific sorcery, has arrived to plot against the throne and Kade, bastard sister of the king, has appeared unexpectedly at court. The illegitimate daughter of the old king and the Queen of Air and Darkness herself, Kade's true goals are cloaked in mystery. Is she in league with the wizard Grandier? Or is she laying claim to the throne? It falls to Thomas Boniface, Captain of the Queen's Guard and Ravenna's former lover, to sort out who is friend, who is foe in a deadly game to keep the Dowager Queen and the kingdom she loves from harm.

Customer Reviews:

This revised edition is even better.......2007-04-03

The original edition of Element of Fire was loads of fun, and this revised version is even better. Ms Wells has tightened the writing even further and eliminated a few inconsistencies (left over from earlier drafts?).

The setting resembles the 17th century Paris of The Three Musketeers, but with sorcery, magic, and the perils of Faery added. The result is a rich, original and fascinating background. Add a break-neck plot and a cast of cynical, witty and fully realised characters, and you have an instant classic.

Best Fantasy Writer.......2007-01-12

Martha Wells is really the best fantasy writer of our time. The plot is engaging and the characters are well developed. Set in a medeival backdrop, Martha Wells creates a believable world where magic and wit play into the power struggle of a kingdom.

I am really grateful that the publishers finally decided to reprint this book after it had been out of print for several years. After reading Wheel of the Infinite, I immediately fell in love with her style of writing. She is witty and intelligent and so are her characters. Best of all, the plot takes several twists and turns that make the book hard to put down.

I would give it 6 stars if I could.

Good fantasy, but not great........2006-01-06

I'm glad I read "Death of the Necromancer" first, or I probably wouldn't have given Wells a second look after this book. The characters are ok, the writing is well done and the fantasy world is different enough to be interesting, but it never quite gets beyond 'good.' There's a bit too much action which, combined with the fast pacing, makes it a bit difficult to follow. Some of the settings and locations feel a bit tacked-on and I'm still not sure I completely understand what Kade's castle looks like or how the secret passages in the palace work. This is a minor issue that's easily ignored during the first half of the book and easily countered by the interesting characters, witty dialogue and complex intrigues. However, by the time the protaganists are fleeing a battle (their 6th) on an urgent mission (their 4th) through a poorly-described setting (the 27th) while nursing their wounds (dozens each) in order to thwart the new villain (the 3rd so far) it starts to wear a bit. The book is definitely worth reading, but after charging out of the gate it plods to the finish in an unexceptional and workmanlike manner.

Amazing.......2005-08-31

Martha Wells continues to be the best fantasy writer out there. It's too bad this book is no longer in print - not just because it is such an amazing book, but because I won't let anyone borrow mine for fear they lose it and I could never find another one. The book describes Thomas, the perfect action hero. A great fighter, brave... Although this type of hero is found in almost every book, only Martha Wells can get the reader to truly like him and admire his abilities. Also Kade, one of the better female heroines in any book, helps set the stage for witty dialogue and well fought battles with the fay. This book also sets up "The Death of a Necromancer" which is also worth reading. If you can find a copy of this for an affordable price, buy it immediately.

A Fun and one of a kind book!.......2005-04-19

I love the fantasy genre but I hate how most fantasy publishers think that fantasy readers like the same formula (a superhuman who fulfills a prophecy only after he becomes convinced of his destiny when he finds a magic sword from a mystical figure...I've seen it many times).
However, Martha Wells was a breath of fresh air for me. She actually injects her story with intrigue and it reads like a 17th century political chess game. The action flows throughout the story and she realistically throws characters in situations that don't always work out perfectly. Yes, there is talk about fairy and magic, but it doesn't detract from the main story. It's apart of the story and not just something to wow you while reading. This book is hard to find so I would recommend going to the library to read a copy. I recommend all of her other books which are even more accomplished than this gem (especially check out "Death of the Necromancer" and "Wheel of the Infinite").

Practical Mathematics in Nuclear Medicine Technology

Average customer rating:

Review of everything you need to know!

Practical Mathematics in Nuclear Medicine Technology
Patricia Wells , and Martha Pickett
Manufacturer: Society of Nuclear Medicine, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 0932004679

Customer Reviews:

Review of everything you need to know!.......2003-02-10

I had to order this book for my clinical year. I found it extremely helpful. The book reviews simple units and conversion factors to detailed calculations. It offers many practice problems and their answers worked out for you. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone starting out in the field - especially if math is not your strongest point.

Average customer rating:

A break from the pattern
Decent for a first book
Well-written, but rarely rises above mediocrity
Well Worth Reading -- and Reading Again
Archaeological mystery

City of Bones
Martha Wells
Manufacturer: Tor Fantasy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812567080

Customer Reviews:

A break from the pattern.......2006-10-12

This book seems to generate more diverse opinions than most Martha Wells books, and for good reason: to the extent that there is a pattern to Ms. Wells' books, this one diverges most from that pattern.

It starts with the setting. Most of Ms. Wells' other books are set in locales that while original are easily comprehensible. This is due to her use of historical archetypes as inspirations for her invented settings: 19th century England and France for the Ile-Rien books; Southeast Asia for "Wheel of the Infinite." "City of Bones" on the other hand is a wholly original setting, a post-holocaust city rising out of the desert with its own history, class structure, racial prejudices, and magic system. There's thus a bit more description, a bit more explanatory exposition here than in Wells' other books. Those less interested in world-building as a source of wonder may find it slow, but I loved this aspect of it.

The nature of the setting ties neatly with the plot, an archaeological mystery that gradually reveals some of the past history of the land even as it takes the characters from slums to palaces, desert ruins to universities. One aspect I really enjoyed about this book is that it isn't rushed -- some of the more recent books Wells has written ("Wheel of the Infinite" and "Gate of Gods" come to mind) have felt like too much new material was introduced in the last 50 pages. "City of Bones" really builds the story so that the end, while impressive, feels like a logical, understandable outcome of all that came before, and it gets the attention (and page count) it deserves.

The hero, Khat, is an Indiana Jones-type: capable as an adventurer but someone who'd rather be studying the mysteries of the Ancients. While not amoral, he's roped into the story not by any great need to do good, but by a desire to learn and (as a racial minority relegated to the slums) to simply earn enough money to survive. The heroine, Elen, is perhaps a bit less capable than the women in other Wells books, relying a great deal on Khat for assistance early on. Much of her weakness however is psychological, and part of the enjoyment of the book is watching Elen grow into her abilities. There is an element of romance in the book, but less so than in most of Wells' other books, and it's handled differently here -- there's more a focus on the things that can keep people apart than the ways they can be brought together. Both characters grow throughout the book, but both end -- in a good way -- as still far from finished products: this is a fantasy that "feels" very realistic and true.

That trait carries through to the villains of the book. There is ultimately a source of opposition, but not all characters that look fair are, not all characters that feel foul are, and those that are foul have believable, thoughtful reasons for being so. This is not a grim or gritty book, but politics and shades of gray do figure just as strongly here as Saving the World from True Evil.

Overall "City of Bones" is a thoroughly enjoyable book, one I'd recommend to anyone interested in reading something that while "light" manages to push the bounds of genre fantasy. I'd especially recommend it to those who have read other Martha Wells books, as this one really illustrates the breadth of imagination that she's capable of.

Decent for a first book.......2006-02-26

The barebone plot is certainly not bad and the indepth world is convincing. Yet, there are too many details that do nothing for the book, many sentences being long and overly technical. Much of the background information would be better relegated into a stuffy old history textbook!

I would've preferred more action scenes, more story behind the characters; more lines for everyone. The ending wasn't too bad except I couldn't believe the characters would "escape from their feelings" after making it so far. At least put in some more effort, man, before calling it quits! I know Wells was trying for realism but *hint, hint*: in situations like these, a bit of "out of character" would lend some humour and make the reader go "awww".

Well-written, but rarely rises above mediocrity.......2006-01-06

Wells is good, but it's clear that this is a first novel - start with "Death of the Necromancer" instead. City of Bones gives us just a little bit too much of everything: too much action, too much history, too many characters and too much of a fantasy world. As a result, everything gets skimped on. We know just enough about the characters to wish we knew more. We know just enough about the setting to wish we knew more. The only thing we really don't want more of is the action; after the 15th skirmish things start to blend together and we start seriously questioning the ability of the characters to withstand this much punishment. Wells whets our appetites for information by littering the text with tidbits, but there aren't enough to do anything other than leave us frustrated by the book's end.

Having said that, the writing is very good, the world is (potentially) fascinating and the pages turn quickly. You won't be bored, but you won't be as entertained as you will be when reading her later books.

Well Worth Reading -- and Reading Again.......2005-05-19

"City of Bones" evokes a fantasy world that is thoroughly imagined, with vivid landscapes and nuanced social dynamics. Each character resonated emotionally with me and remains memorable long after I put down the book. Others have described the plot line and the characters in detail, so let me add only that "City of Bones" gets even better on the second and third reading.

The ending is particularly satisfying in a fantasy: the hero avoids the heroic fallacy and chooses real life.

Archaeological mystery.......2004-07-11

I usually can't read fantasy, because I can't suspend my disbelief enough to accept what I'm being told. Elves, magic, dragons, all that's fine; what I can't believe are the ridiculous societies and implausible politics that too many fantasy authors fall back on.

I loved City of Bones because it presented me with a society that worked coherently, drew sensible conclusions from the information presented to the reader, and provided an archaeological mystery which the reader can try to solve right along with the characters (which is a HUGE plus in ANY novel, as Ellery Queen readers can attest).

Book Description

Ile-Rien has fallen to a ruthless army of sorcerers intent on conquering all civilization. Now a small band of heroes aboard a majestic rescue ship must undertake an epic journey to preserve the remnants of a once-great land and drive the heartless invaders back to the shadows.

But there are other evils -- far more terrifying than the Gardier foe -- alive in this world in chaos. And they're closer than a whisper.

Download Description

But there are other evils -- far more terrifying than the Gardier foe -- alive in this world in chaos. And they're closer than a whisper. "

Customer Reviews:

A Quarrelsome Quest.......2006-04-27

Martha Wells's beautifully written "Ships of the Air," the second in the author's "Fall of Ile-Rien" trilogy (and you really have to read the first novel, "The Wizard Hunters," before you tackle this one) surpasses the first in its utter looneyness. We meet once again the spectacularly neurotic Tremaine Valliarde (who has, thankfully, gotten over her suicidal impulses), as she and the companions she met in the first volume explore the world she now finds herself in as they attempt to learn more about the Gardier, who have been wreaking havoc on Tremaine's world. In order to do so, Tremaine engineers an alliance between one of the tribes of this world, the Syprians, and the Rien, after which they attempt to discover just where the Gardier are coming from.

At the end of the volume, after quite a trip, they do.

Once again Wells's elegantly flowing prose style smoothes out the rough spots caused by her tendency, as was the case in the first volume, to write herself into a corner, creating problems for herself that don't really matter. (I suspect that, like her heroine, Ms. Wells makes things up on the fly--perhaps working from only the loosest of outlines. And that's not a complaint.)

Whatever. The completely dysfunctional quest is bizarre fun. Tremaine has leadership foisted on her after she gets married mainly on a dare, and although she hasn't a clue, she's certainly plucky and lucky. The tale, which features sorcery and electricity in equal proportions, moves quickly from land to a converted luxury liner and thence to "flying whales," which is what some of the characters call this world's version of hot-air balloons. (They're filled with hydrogen, not helium. Oh. Oh.) And despite the fantasy elements, much of the novel is grounded in reality. Wells describes perfectly what is bound to occur when a group of ill-assorted people are forced to go sallying forth together. They quarrel; they fight for dominance; they all think they're right. It's quirky fun. For readers anyway.

Exciting.......2006-01-03

I loved the story, kept me interested throughout. Wells is a good author who has a good idea how to keep the reader turning the pages. I hope there will be more from her as I look foward to experiencing more of what she has to offer.

Another book readers of Ships of Air would possibly like is The Unsuspecting Mage by Brian S. Pratt. Slightly different from hers, still not too bad.

The Wizard Hunters (The Fall of Ile-Rien, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Finding the funny in the scary
A fast paced novel about a world under siege
interesting series start, second book is an improvement
Close But No Cigar
Sure As I'm Sittin' Here

The Wizard Hunters (The Fall of Ile-Rien, Book 1)
Martha Wells
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Wheel of the Infinite
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ASIN: 038080798X
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Book Description

Once a fertile and prosperous land, Ile-Rien is under attack by the Gardier, a mysterious army whose storm-black airships appear from nowhere to strike without warning. Every weapon in the arsenal of Ile-Rien's revered wizards has proven useless.

And now the last hope of a magical realm under siege rests within a child's plaything.

Customer Reviews:

Finding the funny in the scary.......2005-03-20

Martha Wells has made a career by working at the boundary between magic and science, and in "The Wizard Hunters," she returns her readers to Ile-Rien, a place she's brought us to twice before.

The setting in this volume seems to approximate the Europe of the 1920s. There's electricity, telephones, and automobiles, as well as wizards, wards, and spells. And the land is faced with an alien invasion in the form of "the Gardier," conquerers from elsewhere who arrive in spellbusting dirigibles that can wreck things made of metal. Like guns and electronic equipment.

But where is elsewhere? The author's heroine, Tremaine Valiarde (daughter of Nicholas Valiarde from "Death of the Necromancer"), is enlisted--well she enlists herself really in order to avoid her suicidal impulses. As Florian the young witch tells her: "It's like you're two people. One of them is a flighty artist, and I like her. The other one is bloody-minded and ruthless and finds scary things funny and I'm not sure I like her very much."

Whatever she is, she, along with her magical sphere that seems to have a mind of its own and can provide a counter-attack against the Gardier, turns into one of the most fascinatingly capable (if neurotic) protagonists you're likely to meet on the pages of any book. And in addition you'll meet not only her and the young witch, but also a host of people, from several societies on two different worlds. And there are plenty of scaring things to be encountered also.

The author's burnished prose moves along in a stately fashion, overcoming along the way a few apparent deficiencies in the plot. Ms. Wells occasionally manages to write herself into a corner, forcing her to create side quests to resolve plot issues that she needn't have created in the first place. On the whole, though, the author delivers on her promises.

Notes and asides: "The Wizard Hunters" is, yes, the first of three; but it concludes satisfactorily. It's BOOK 1 of the Fall of Ile-Rein alright; not a thinly disguised PART 1 that will leave you dangling. So fear not; read it now. No reason why you need to wait for the conclusion.

A fast paced novel about a world under siege.......2004-10-06

This is the first book in The Fall Of Ile-Rien trilogy. It wasn't until I had started reading it that I realised that there is a prequel called THE DEATH OF THE NECROMANCER that features many of the characters prominently mentioned (but not actually there) in this story.

Tremaine is the daughter of Ile-Rien's greatest thief and spy. She's also the owner of a sphere that was given to her as a child which may prove the last salvation of their people in the three year long war against the Gardier. This war and Tremaine's world of magic and technology give her home a feeling of either first or second world war London under siege. Her people are on the verge of loosing everything to an enemy that they seem to have no defence against.

As an introductory novel to a trilogy this is a good read. It moves along at a fast pace and the final chapters bring unexpected knowledge to all the characters. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 in this series, THE SHIPS OF THE AIR.

interesting series start, second book is an improvement.......2004-08-07

Wizard Hunters has a great opening line. Unfortunately, it never quite lives up to the promise so tantalizingly held out to us. The good news is the character we meet in that first line, Tremaine, holds up well throughout the book. In general, the characterization is one of the book's stronger points. The story premise is also a highlight, offering up an unusual meshing of cultures--one with magic and science/technology working side by side, another where technology has yet to form and magic is evil, and yet a third (the Gardier), set on invading the first two through a malevolent combination of science and magic.
The side-by-side use of modern technology and magic adds a welcome freshness to the fantasy, as does the conflict between two cultures, one employing magic and one fearing it, that seemingly must unite to face a common foe. That conflict and alliance is played out on a small scale in the Wizard Hunters, focusing on a small band of characters thrown together into hostile territory.
As mentioned, characterization is strong throughout and the main character is especially well-drawn and an enjoyable presence. A few characters could use some more depth, as could the entire Gardier, a weakness Wells addresses in the second book (ships of air).
The major flaws in Hunters belong to the plot. It is at times a bit repetitive, but the smooth flow, often breezy tone, and likable characters make this a relatively minor fault. A larger one is the overreliance on deus ex machina (literally) through Tremaine's use of the mysterious sphere given to her as a child. It too often pops out just when needed, lessening the sense of tension at some of the more climatic moments. Happily, this happens much less in the sequel which is overall I think a better book. The Wizard Hunters is a solid start to an interesting set-up and if the improvement between the first and second book is any sign, the series should only get better. A solid recommendation with a nod the idea of reading ahead to the second book.

Close But No Cigar.......2003-08-12

Though not quite up to the standard of Death of the Necromancer, The Wizard Hunters was actually a very good book. It had some plot twists that I was not expecting, but overall I think it could have done a slightly better job of keeping me on the edge of my seat. Still, I highly recommend it.

Sure As I'm Sittin' Here.......2003-07-16

Martha Wells weaves a nicely complicated tapestry of mythology in The Wizard Hunters, the first installment of The Fall of Ile-Rien series. The book's very first sentence indicates exactly how unusual a fantasy epoch Wells writes: "It was nine o'clock at night and Tremaine was trying to find a way to kill herself that would bring in a verdict of natural causes in Court when someone banged on the door."

After hooking the reader's interest, Wells becomes an unrelenting story teller, blending the mythology of a modernistic culture with the mythology of a aborigine culture. In Tremaine Valiarde's possession is a mysterious sphere of unknown power. The sphere is a childhood toy given Tremaine by an uncle who turned out to be a wizard of enormous power.

A bizarre army of beings is besieging Tremaine's homeland. These beings-Gardier-control powerful airships that seemingly come from nowhere to attack Tremaine's homeland of Ile-Rien.

The sphere transports Tremaine and some friends to an island in another world. Coincidentally, the island is a base for the airships of the Gardier. Before Tremaine makes her accidental journey, two brothers from a nearby aborigine tribe journey to the island to see if an enemy sorcerer is still controlling the island. These two young men discover a hive of strange activity and what they initially believe are strange flying whales.

Wells writes an extremely good story that ranks with the likes of Modesitt, Hobb, Haydon, and Douglass. She weaves a colorful cast of characters, story, action, setting, and other elements into a powerful fantasy tale. Tremaine Valiarde is an unusual heroine and it will be interesting to see how she develops as a character throughout the rest of The Fall of Ile-Rien.

The Death of the Necromancer
Average customer rating:

Top Notch

One of the best, most entertaining book I've read!!!

Fabulous introduction to a wonderful author

An excellent and enticing mix of genres

An Amazing Book

The Death of the Necromancer
Martha Wells
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Gate of Gods: Book Three of the Fall of Ile-Rien (The Fall of Ile-Rien)

Wheel of the Infinite

The Wizard Hunters (The Fall of Ile-Rien, Book 1)

The Element of Fire

The Ships of Air (The Fall of Ile-Rien, Book 2)

ASIN: 0380973340

Amazon.com

Nicholas Valiarde is both a nobleman and a thief, perhaps the greatest thief in the kingdom of Ile-Rien, where magic is a part of everyday life. Around him he has gathered an unparalleled band of criminals, including a well-known actress, an ex-military officer, a hardened killer, and a sorcerer with a bad drug habit. Valiarde, in the guise of criminal overlord Donatien, is amassing a small fortune in gold and jewels with one purpose in mind: to take his revenge on Count Montesq, the man who leveled false charges of necromancy against Nicholas's beloved godfather Edouard, leading to Edouard's execution. But Nicholas's band of ne'er-do-wells isn't the only force stalking the dark streets of Vienne, and Nicholas is about to face a real necromancer in a battle whose outcome will affect all of Ile-Rien. Wells has created a fast-paced action-adventure story with a wonderful cast of characters and a twisting, turning plot that will keep you flipping pages well into the evening hours. --Craig Engler

Book Description

Nicholas Valiarde is a passionate, embittered nobleman with an enigmatic past. Consumed by thoughts of vengeance, he is consoled only by thoughts of the beautiful, dangerous Madeline. He is also the greatest thief in all of Ile-Rien...

On the gas light streets of the city, he assumes the guise of a master criminal, stealing jewels from wealthy nobles to finance his quest for vengeance the murder of Count Montesq. Montesq orchestrated the wrongful execution of Nicholas's beloved godfather on false charges of necromancy--the art of divination through communion with spirits of the dead--a practice long outlawed in the kingdom of Ile-Rein.

But now Nicholas's murderous mission is being interrupted by a series of eerie, unexplainable, even fatal events. Someone with tremendous magical powers is opposing him. Children vanish, corpses assume the visage of real people, mortal spells are cast, and traces of necromantic power that hasn't been used for centuries are found. And when a spiritualist unwittingly leads Nicholas to a decrepit mansion, the monstrous nature of his peril finally emerges in harrowing detail.Nicholas and his compatriots must destroy an ancient and awesome evil. even teh help of Ile-Rien's greatest sorcerer may not be enough, for Nicholas faces a woefully mismatched battle--and unthinkable horrors await the loser.

Customer Reviews:

Top Notch.......2006-11-13

I only recently discovered this gem, and others have provided complete reviews. This is a wonderful fantasy read set in a world that I find most entertaining, i.e., not outrageously different from our own (no hobbits...). Ms. Wells is very good at her craft and I found the characters interesting and the plot worthy of Sherlock Holmes. Some of the crime scenes were a bit graphic, but in these days of CSI, it was not too distracting.
My only real problem with the book is that I wanted another story with these folks. In the follow on trilogy (the Fall of Ile Rien trilogy) the main characters are not carried over to any great degree . However, in the following books, Ms. Wells creates other intriguing characters to entertain us.

One of the best, most entertaining book I've read!!!.......2006-09-14

This book is brilliant. There is almost nothing in it that I didn't like or that I skipped over. In fact, this may well just be one of my favorite books ever. Yes, it was that good.

First of all is the plot. It never got boring and it never stalled. From chapter one the ride takes off and it doesn't stop until the very end. As the book opens we find ourselves in one of the most lavished mansions where a ball is taking place. Unbeknownst to the attendants, not one but two robberies are occurring simultaneously in that very house. As luck would have it, Nicholas and his friends have a rather nasty run in with a ghoul sent by a powerful necromancer and they barely manage to escape.

From that moment on their lives are complicated beyond belief as they try to put their well thought out plan to bring down the ruthless man who is responsible for Nicholas father's execution as well as trying to escape the clutches of the mad wizard who is after them.

The other thing I loved about this book were the characters. Nicholas is one of the most genuine heroes I've come across in a very long time. Ever since his father was executed he has spent his life building a double persona. One is of a respectable nobleman whom everyone knows as Nicholas Valiarde, son of the late scientist Edouard Viller. The other is Ile-Rien's infamous underworld crime-lord Donatien. He is very adept at keeping the two personalities separated to everyone but his closest friends and allies: Madeleine and Reynard. Only they can see how his vendetta is slowly consuming him and the lines between his two personalities are beginning to blur.

Nicholas comes across effectively as a tortured hero without going over the top. His is a quiet manner yet you never have a doubt that he is anything but a doomed man because of his obsession with revenge. I loved the way that Wells portrays him. Not once does the author trying to convince you the man is tortured or that he is the very best at what he does overwhelm you. It's there in the way he acts or thinks or the way others see him.

Another treat was Madeleine who quickly became one of my favorite heroines. The woman doesn't have one TSTL moment. Ever. Not once does she make a rash and stupid decision. Not once does she falter and wait for everyone to come to her rescue because she got into trouble. She actually thinks before she acts, she is good under pressure and she doesn not doubt the Nicholas' abilities. At the same time you feel the love and the bond she shares with him even without having to read pages of the two declaring their love for one another. I thought this was one of the best things about the novel.

The secondary characters are all brilliant as well. From Nicholas opium addicted wizard friend to his seemingly debauched allied Reynard to even his bodyguards. They all fit their roles perfectly without fading in the background.

The villains are amazing as well. Wells doesn't shy away from showing you just how evil these people really are and that's what makes the danger to our heroes all the more believable.

The one thing I found somewhat lacking is the way in which one of the two villains meets his end. We are lead on a wild chase and the suspense builds up only to be over and done with in the blink of an eye. I would have liked to see exactly what happened but I was satisfied with the way the other, and more important villain, met his demise.

One last thing to note is the setting in which the story takes place. I am a sucker for steampunk type stories where the settings are reminiscence of Victorian, Edwardian or turn of the century Europe. Ile-Rien reminds you of an 18th century alternate France where wizards and magic are a common sight. I absolutely loved it and Wells does a helluva job painting each scene so vividly you feel you are practically there.

This is damn near perfect and I dare say anyone that enjoys a good story will be glued to the book until the very end. A wonderful, wonderful ride.

I give it a solid 5 out of 5!

Fabulous introduction to a wonderful author.......2006-06-24

This was the first Martha Wells book I read, some years ago. I needed something to read while traveling, liked the cover enough to read the inside blurb, and liked the blurb enough to buy the book. So I went in with no preconceptions, never having heard of the author before, and emerged amazed at how entertained I was by the book.

What is there to like? The setting, for one. The city of Ile-Rien and the surrounding areas are wonderfully imagined and carefully described. Wells is an expert at selecting places/eras/ideas from our own Earthly history as archtype backdrops in forming her fantastic worlds, and then adding unique details that make those places seem perhaps even more real. In this case it's a 1800s France-that-never-was, where science (gas lamps, trains, pistols) and magic have intersected -- at times smoothly and at times not so smoothly.

Indeed, it is this intersection which drives the plot, which surrounds mechanical "spheres" created by Edouard Viller that are designed to allow non-magicians to do magic. The wrongful execution of Edouard for the forbidden magic of necromancy during the construction of the spheres drives his adopted son, Nicholas, to the criminal underground in an effort to punish those responsible. While the story broadens to include a threat to the whole city -- indeed, the whole country -- it always remains at heart a very personal one, of Nicholas struggling between his need for revenge and his (at times skewed) sense of right. Along the way we get to explore the sewers and dungeons of the city, the lairs of criminals, the street cafes of the demi monde, and the royal palace, while meeting a fascinating cast of characters at all points.

The best and worst part of the book are the characters. I found them to be varied, interesting and likeable -- Nicholas with his inner struggle, Madeline the actress as a very female foil to him while also having her own ruthless practicality and high level of capability, Arisilde the flawed but powerful mage, Reynard the disgraced soldier, Ronsarde the aging police inspector, etc. They have enough flaws that we can relate to, they have a complex inner mental life that we're allowed to peek into, and dialog sparkles between them: the way they talk is the way I wish people talked today. The drawbacks to the characters are that at times Nicholas, Madeline and Ronsard all seem a little too capable, meaning their success is seldom in doubt; there are some pretty blatant parallels to other literary figures (Nicholas the crime boss = Moriarty, Ronsarde and Halle = Holmes/Watson) which makes them instantly comprehensible but not overly imaginative characterizations; they are in some ways treated with kid gloves (we never see Nicholas the city crime boss hurting anyone in his crimes, and he never steals from anyone who doesn't deserve it); and, finally, having read Wells' other books, there are a lot of similar romantic dynamics in nearly all her books, a certain wry uncertainty in the relationship between the lead male and female characters.

None of the drawbacks, it's important to note, were things I noticed while reading the book: I was having too much fun. Wells is simply miles ahead of the Jordan/Brooks/Rowling/etc. crowd at crafting sentences that describe just enough to let your imagination take over, without being either overly mechanical or overly flowery in her use of language. This is not a highly allegorical, deeply thoughtful book filled with tremendous inner meaning and complexity; nor is it a multi-volume prophesy-driven coming-of-age epic fantasy with the usual cast of elves, dwarves, and orcs. This is something there is all too little of, a single-volume story of a fantastic world well-imagined and carefully crafted, a smaller tale of individuals and their personal goals. If that sounds appealing to you, I can recommend this (as well as most of Martha Wells' other books) to you wholeheartedly.

An excellent and enticing mix of genres.......2006-01-06

A clever mix of Victorian gothic mystery with a liberal dose of fantasy and some very tight and skillful writing - what more can a reader ask for? The characters are diverse and well fleshed out, the atmosphere is readily apparant, the created world is palpable and the mystery is intriguing. Wells gives us easily-recognized versions of Holmes and Watson, yet tells the story from the viewpoint of a wronged and driven Moriarty. We start out knowing little about this our protagonist's background or his loyal companions in crime, but we gradually pick up tidbits as we hang on for the ride. This results in plenty of 'ah-hah!' moments while reading and makes Death of the Necromancer that much more enjoyable. The pacing is fast with plenty of action (perhaps a bit too much?) and there isn't a dull moment in the book. This works against it when the slightly rushed climax fails to be quite as exciting as previous events, but that's a minor quibble. Highly recommended.

An Amazing Book.......2005-12-14

Ms. Wells won me over in the first few pages of this book, thanks to her stylish but restrained writing, her deft characterization, and appealing characters. After quickly hooking me, she kept my attention with a clever, complicated, and thoughtful fantasy-by-gaslight plot.

This book is in some measure a tribute to Conan Doyle's London, but it's also much more. If you somehow picked this book up without ever having read Conan Doyle, you'd miss that layer of her writing, but it would in no way lessen your enjoyment.

Wells' own gaslit Vienne is quite well developed in ways that are vastly distinct from Conan Doyle's London--her Ile-Rien, as unveiled in six books and several forthcoming short stories set in a variety of different time-periods, is a marvel of world building. She hasn't simply riffed on Victorian London here; she's created a world that evolved organically from her earlier work (set centuries before), the Element of Fire. This world gives a nod to Conan Doyle's London, but there's far more of Wells' own content to it.

Yes, there is a character who plays the Sherlock role, and Watson as well, but they are by no means the main characters; they're there purely for our entertainment, but there's just enough of them, and they're just enough their own distinct characters that you never get the sense that Wells is winking too broadly when she brings them onstage.

Our protagonist, Nicholas Valiarde's Donatien alias fills the Moriarty role in Wells' world, but Nicholas himself couldn't be further from the evil Professor, and Donatien is merely one alias among many--he's in no way the real Nicholas, or, at least, not the whole Nicholas. Nicholas is a fascinating character, and a rich one, as is his companion Madeline, who is a strong co-lead.

This is a great read. It works well as a fantasy, an adventure, and mystery. It's got strong well developed characters, and in Ms. Wells talented hands the plot wends its way through balls, sewers, seances, and pitched street battles with grace, wit, and aplomb.

This book is a very good starting place for those who haven't yet encountered Ms. Wells' excellent books. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Microeconomics & Study Guide
Paul Krugman , Robin Wells , Rosemary Cunningham , Elizabeth Sawyer-Kelley , and Martha Olney
Manufacturer: Worth Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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