The story of this book is pretty straight forward and about a young girl named Tenar who is taken away from her family at the age of five. She has been determined to be a reincarnated priestess and is brought to the tombs of Atuan to fulfill her role as she has supposedly done for a thousand years.

One very remarkable thing about this story is the immense and complex labyrinth that lies under the temple of Atuan. This labyrinth is the central part of the story and holds many secrets and many treasures. Tenar spends much of her time wandering the dark corridors of this labyrinth and as a reader you will find yourself flipping to the map of the labyrinth at the front of the book. You will be drawn into the labyrinth and you will refer to the map often to track Tenar’s progress as she explores the treasure room, the painted room, the room of bones, and much more.

This story starts out gentle and slow and it takes a little time to really get the feel for the main character and for what is happening but after thirty or forty pages you are going to come to the realization that you have come under the influence of quite a remarkable spell of writing that has been cast upon you. This book, and this story is just remarkable in its beauty. If you love fantasy and are looking for something special to read then I recommend this book highly.

About the World of Earthsea

The story takes place on one small island in a large world called the Archipelago of Earthsea. It is a vast array of islands that are populated with many different people and cultures. Some of the islands even have dragons.

Does the story stand alone?

Being the second book in a series of books the question comes up as to whether or not the book can be read alone without reading the other books and the answer to that question is yes. It can be thoroughly enjoyed as a sole reading adventure. Everything in the story ties up very neatly by the last page. But a character in the first novel of the series (A Wizard of Earthsea) plays a central role in this second novel. I do highly recommend you read the Wizard of Earthsea before you read this novel.

The books have been reprinted many times and you can purchase the first three books as a complete set. And there are currently six books in the Earthsea cycle. The Other Wind is the sixth book and it was published in 2003. You will be drawn into the world of the archipelago and Earth Sea because things happen in this book that have an effect o the rest of the world and you are going to want to explore more of the world that LeGuin has masterfully crafted.

Theme and the Story within the Story

The book can be characterized as a young girls coming of age story but it is much more than that. It probes into the questions of reincarnation, balance and harmony in the world, and through the metaphor of the labyrinth it peeks into the mystery of everything. All of this is packed into 150 pages? Yes, and more. The book itself is a perfect example of a central theme of Earthsea – words and names are important. More words don’t mean much. What is really important is the right words, and the right names of things. And LeGuin parallels this perfectly in this novel. It does in 150 pages what is often attempted in 800 pages.

For more reviews and Guides to Fantasy books visit the authors website:
The Fantasy Guide – Your guide to Fantasy Books

Will Kalif is the author of two epic fantasy novels and a fan of all things fantasy and medieval. You can check out his blog on these subjects at: Heroic Dreams – Never Give A Sword to A Man Who Can’t Dance

Author: Will S. Kalif
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The Dragon Queen tells you about each of the Guardians, the Ancients, the talismans and which elements each Guardian was linked to. How did a Guardian become linked to a flyte of dragons and why. Who betrayed the Guardians and why? The story will tell you why the kingdoms were shattered and by whom. The Dragon Queen is a story of courage, and adventure, betrayal and love.

This is definitely a book for pure reading enjoyment. I cant wait for the third book.

Catherine Dahrens is the owner of Far West Books and Gifts at http://www.booksatfarwest.com

Author: Catherine Dahrens
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In ‘Twilight (Twilight Saga Book 1)’ Isabella (Bella) Swan moves to Forks to stay with her father where she meets Edward Cullen who is a vampire. She falls in love with him and defying all odds he is equally in love with her.

‘New Moon (Twilight Saga Book 2)’ sees Edward leaving Bella for her own good. Bella finds solace with her childhood friend Jacob Black who loves her very much. Jacob transforms into a werewolf & due to a series of events Edward is back in Bella’s life.

Eclipse (Twilight Saga Book 3) sees Bella in a lot of emotional turmoil. She is torn in between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob. She commits mistakes and acts selfish, in the course of which she hurts both, Jacob & Edward. Bella tries to keep a balance of Edward & Jacob in her life, as a soul mate and as a best friend; trying to forget their true identities of a vampire or werewolf & their life long enmity.

She later on realizes that she has fallen in love with Jacob too. Bella feels so selfish and tortured, but Edward is that much understanding and patient. He is not jealous or angry with Bella. He knows that when he left Bella, she was extremely hurt and totally broken. It was Jacob who helped her to heal again; in the process of which he left some part of him in Bella. Since Edward has seen Bella in so much pain when he had last left that now he has decided not to leave her until she asks him to do so. Hence Edward and Jacob both want to be with Bella till she actually makes a choice; making it a very well thought after decision for her rather than just a spur of a moment, compulsive one.

Eclipse throws light on how the Cullens became vampires and how the werewolves came into existence. These parts blend in well with the storyline of Bella being still hunted by the revenge seeking vampire Victoria.

Victoria has formed an army of “new born” vampires to fight against the Cullens & kill Bella. The vampires with the help of the werewolves plan to fight against this army and end all the killings once and for all.

Does Victoria succeed in killing the Cullens or Jacob and the werewolves?

Will it leave Bella regretting all her life that they died protecting her?

Stephenie Meyer keeps you on the edge wanting to read it all. Let us see what lies in store for Edward and Bella in the next book – Breaking Dawn

http://chanakyaspeaks.com/category/book-review

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The cargo ship was full of Chinese refugees who were being smuggled and the crew had been murdered. It looked like a professional assassin did the job. In fact one man had an eight-inch blade embedded in his chest. Who could have done this and why?

Cape Weathers is a P.I. and he decides to find out what really happened. The one thing that keeps running through Cape’s mind is that his partner, Sally, could have possibly done this job. There is a dark secret in her past. The only problem here is that she has gone missing. When Cape starts to ask questions about her past, he soon finds a dead body in his trunk.

Will Cape be successful at finding out what really happened and if his partner, Sally, was involved in the murders?

This book is loaded with colorful characters and moves at a fast pace that will take you back and forth from Sally’s life to the current investigation. The author does an excellent job of setting the atmosphere with the descriptions of places the investigation takes the reader – from Chinatown and the people in control there to the secret societies of Hong Kong. Stealing the Dragon will keep you turning the pages. The reader will definitely want to read the next book in this series. This one is highly recommended.

Nancy Eaton – Owner of:

http://www.bestsellersworld.com
http://www.mysteriesgalore.com

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The Amber Wizard introduces you to Gerin Atreyano, the Crown Prince of Khedesh and his family. Gerin has become the Crown Prince when his father ascends to the throne. As he is learning his new position, a wizard shows up and tests Gerin for magical powers. Gerin turns out to be the Amber Wizard foretold of over a thousand years ago. Gerin now has to learn to be a Crown Prince and a wizard. Gerin has a drive to succeed beyond expectations, which leads to family conflict, jealousy, danger and death.

David Forbes has brought together everything needed to make a fantasy that people can relate to. He has sibling conflicts, a parent wanting to have what their child has accomplished, family love and devotion, and sacrifice. It is not the perfect family, which makes the characters more believable.

The Amber Wizard started out as a fast read in the beginning with a lot of interaction going on. It slowed down a little in the middle and then picked up again ending with a satisfying conclusion. You will not have to wait to find out what happened because the story ended, but you will want to find out what happens next in the life of Gerin Atreyano.

Catherine Dahrens is the owner of FarWest Books and Gifts located at http://www.booksatfarwest.com You can contact Catherine at Catherine@booksatfarwest

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The author’s unusual use of sounds, sense of touch and texture for descriptive scenes is a skill that has helped her stand out among her peers.
Nancy Farmer went to great lengths to ensure that the language, places and even some characters, poetry and so forth were as fitting and authentic as possible for her novel. Certain battles in The Sea of Trolls really did happen, some of the religions, tribes, warriors and even the Bards and Wise Women really did exist during the era that the book is set in.

The setting for this epic fantasy is around 793 A.D. and involves the areas that we know today as England, Iceland, Sweden and a few other regions on that side of the globe. The lead character is an eleven-year-old Anglo Saxon boy, Jack, who is destined for greater things than farming. Berserkers attack the village in a violent raid and steal this young Bard-apprentice and his small sister, Lucy. Soon, his ability as a Bard reveals itself and saves Jack from a servant’s fate. An action-packed high-sea adventure leads Jack to the kingdom of the Vikings where he is sent on a quest to the land of Trolls.

The appendix section for this book includes wonderful little history lessons that are certain to renew the reader’s interest time and time again. The Sea of Trolls will be a favorite on my family’s bookshelf alongside Star Tide Rising, Hawkwood’s Voyage, The Road of Silk and On Stranger Tides.

I give this book the highest rating possible and recommend it to anyone who enjoys learning while reading and being entertained with fantasy adventure stories that involve magic, battles and sea travel.

Author: Nancy Farmer
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0-689-86746-8

~ Lillian Brummet: co-author of the books Trash Talk and Purple Snowflake Marketing, author of Towards Understanding; host of the Conscious Discussions radio show (http://www.brummet.ca)

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Born Evil is a compact, 150-page book that is printed on acid-free paper – which may be of interest to the environmentally conscious consumer. I would categorize this book as a chilling horror, which involves an infant that is born evil. Traumatized by early experiences, only compounds Jonathan’s natural inclination – a cruel desire to cause harm. Unprepared for a disturbed child, his adopted parents are continually wallowing in deep pits of overwhelming uncertainty. Rick suspects the truth, but Trish finds it very hard to imagine or even accept that little Jonathon is capable of such hateful acts.

I think the book makes a good point that some people are simply born with a desire to do harm, with no abusive situation to attribute these urges to. Readers are also shown how these urges can easily be encouraged through socially acceptable entertainment and through being witness to violent acts.

While reading Born Evil, I experienced a wide range of emotions from anger to sorrow and shock. The conclusion was exceptional and I look forward to J.P. Ransom’s sequel.”

Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of J.P. Ransom’s book (ISBN# 1410788520) may find it useful to do an Internet search on the author. Reader may order the book in at any retail or online bookstore or through their local library.

~ Lillian Brummet: co-author of the books Trash Talk and Purple Snowflake Marketing, author of Towards Understanding; host of the Conscious Discussions radio show (http://www.brummet.ca)

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It Opens With A Curse

The setting of the fantasy novel is twenty two centuries into the Age of Everon that began when humans defeated the Skasloi, a powerful and mysterious race that enslaved humans and put them through cruel labors and tortures. The Skasloi were defeated after much epic struggle by the Born Men, who were people from outside the enslaved societies of the Skasloi. Genia Dare, known as the Born Queen, led her fighters beyond the killing fields of grim struggle and used the sedos power to defeat the Skasloi.

In her moment of triumph, though, the Skasloi lord beneath her boot heel declared that she had cursed her heirs by using the sedos power. The day would come when the world would rot and consume humanity. Genia Dare cares little for his prophecy because the Skasloi are despicable and to vanquish them is good.

Faded Legends Come To Life

After a stunning opening in which this crucial scene between Genia Dare and the Skasloi is revealed, the novel begins anew over two thousand years in the future. The power of the sedos still exists in certain places, but the curses of the Skasloi have faded into legend. Keyes does a good job of weaving into the novel bits of folklore and songs that describe the ancient forces that are soon to trouble the land. For example, the Briar King is known in some regions as Baron Greenleaf, which is a nice touch that adds to the depth of the story because regional differences in myth and legend typically occur.

It is within the vast King’s Forest that the first rumblings of trouble emerge. This forest was originally set aside as a reserve for the Briar King, and if his forest is violated by human encroachment which has been happening he will wake and crush humanity and remake the world.

In this forest Aspar White, a gruff and dependable character, serves as the guardian of the land and enforces the law of King William Dare. When Aspar begins to investigate the mysterious murders of some forest squatters, he assumes it will be a routine mission. But then he finds the gruesome leavings of human sacrifices and encounters a beast called a greffyn. Its very image is poison and even touching those who were killed by the greffyn can kill a person.

Meanwhile, as supernatural horrors are brewing in the King’s Forest, multiple conspirators plot against the Dare Dynasty, led by King William. His younger brother Prince Robert presents himself as a fairly obvious villain, but men apparently under the direction of the Church are plotting the deaths of the entire Dare family as well. They want to kill the Queen and all the Dare heirs, especially the female heirs. Presumably this ties in somehow with the belief that a queen must be present when the Briar King wakes. Whether the presence of a queen will help, it is not made clear and the motives of the assassins are murky.

The youngest daughter of King William, Anne Dare, is a major character in the book. She has appeal as a headstrong teenage female character. Anne’s strong will should be endearing to readers because the author managed to create a spoiled princess that is not annoying.

The rest of the characters also come across as genuine and several are interesting and entertaining, especially Stephen Darige and Cazio. In some instances, however, a character will fall flat and feel like just filler, like Winna, the love interest for Aspar White.

A Fantasy Novel With Light Wounds

The Briar King has more complexity to its plot than what can be described in this review. The story unfolds comfortably as Keyes lets the reader know just enough to stay interested without getting frustrated. This book blessedly avoids the propensity of many fantasy novels to keep everything a mystery until the fourth book. Yes, you will get to see the Briar King.

Although this is an enjoyable and intelligent fantasy novel, my main criticism is the author’s overuse of the device in which a character reaches a crisis and then the narrative jumps to the person waking up in someone’s care who then explains how the character escaped death. It would have been better to simply read how the action played out. This happens several times in the book.

Then, near the end, the narrative gets choppy. Some of this is understandable because it is difficult to interweave action sequences of numerous characters in multiple locations all in crisis on the same night. However, there was an overuse of the device of leading up to an interesting conflict or meeting and then switching to something else. The narrative was trying too hard to force me to keep reading when I was already interested in reading. I would have preferred fewer interruptions and bouncing around. Whether Keyes did this or an overzealous editor had at it, I don’t know.

Aside from a few forgivable flaws, The Briar King is an exciting story placed within a well thought out and creative world of magic, religion, politics, and myth. I would call it an above average fantasy novel but not place it in the awesome category.

Further recommended reading for fantasy readers includes The Rys Chronicles an epic fantasy in which multiple characters vie for high stakes power and wealth. Fantasy enthusiasts can also indulge their fascination with dragons or learn about how to buy swords.

Author: Tracy Falbe
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