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Book Reviews


Welcome to my Book Review page. I've read a lot of books over the years, mostly relating to sword and sorcery, and high fantasy, and I wanted you to see what authors have influenced my writing style. Plus, I wanted to recommend some memorable novels that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading, as well as warn you of some disappointing ones.


To locate a particular book review, click below on the first letter of the author's last name!!

  A B C D E F G H
I J K L M N O P Q
R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Anthony, Piers

BATTLE CIRCLE

ON A PALE HORSE

BEARING AN HOURGLASS

WITH A TANGLED SKEIN

WIELDING A RED SWORD

BEING A GREEN MOTHER

FOR LOVE OF EVIL

AND ETERNITY

Del Ray / Avon Fantasy - 1968-90

"These novels represent only a few of Piers Anthony's works (he has over 100 novels in print), but they are outstanding each in their own right. Battle Circle is exemplary - never have I experienced the peaks and valleys that Piers takes you to throughout this novel. On a Pale Horse was so inspirational to me that I wrote him a letter of gratitude and he wrote me back! We've been corresponding for several years, and he's helped me developed my writing style and offered advice on my novels. Highly recommended."

D

Donaldson, Stephen R.

LORD FOUL'S BANE

Del Ray Fantasy - 1977

"There was a lot of people recommending this book over the years, but I didn't read it until recently.  While it was a truly unique story, it wasn't a page-turner for me. Not taking away the genius of Stephen Donaldson's craft - it just wasn't my cup of tea."

E

Emery, Clayton

JOHAN - MAGIC LEGENDS CYCLE

WHISPERING WINDS

SHATTERED CHAINS

FINAL SACRIFICE

SWORD PLAY

DANGEROUS GAMES

MORTAL CONSEQUENCES

STAR OF CURSRAH

TSR / Harper Fantasy - 1995-99

"Clayton Emery's MAGIC The Gathering trilogy (starting with Whispering Winds) is fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed how he was able to tie the storyline together throughout the series while keeping the same level of excitement in the books. His Netheril trilogy (starting with Sword Play) was good, but not as good as his MAGIC trilogy. I would read his MAGIC trilogy first. Highly recommended."

F

Feist, Raymond

SHADOW OF A DARK QUEEN
RISE OF A MERCHANT PRINCE
RAGE OF A DEMON KING
SHARDS OF A BROKEN CROWN
MAGICIAN: APPRENTICE
MAGICIAN: MASTER
SILVERTHORN
DARKNESS AT SETHANON
Bantam / Spectra Fantasy - 1982-86
"These novels were steeped in chivalry ~ royal intrigue, kingdoms, dukes, princes, kings, squires and the like. But Raymond Feist does something that is very hard to do ~ creates simple characters you can relate to and follows their story in a complex setting. I grew very close to the protagonists throughout these novels, and that's hard to do with a single novel let alone several that tie together. The author has captured the essence of elves, dwarves, good and evil ~ and it's refreshing to read. Highly recommended."
Forstchen, William R.

ARENA

Harper Fantasy - 1994

"Arena was the first novel published in the ongoing MAGIC the Gathering series. It was an excellent novel and really kept me involved throughout the entire story. I'm hopeful that William Forstchen will write another novel again soon - I'd definitely read it."

G

Gemmell, David

MORNING STAR

KNIGHTS OF DARK RENOWN

LEGEND

WAYLANDER

QUEST FOR LOST HEROES

THE KING BEYOND THE GATE

GHOST KING

LAST SWORD OF POWER

WOLF IN SHADOW

THE LAST GUARDIAN

THE LEGEND OF DEATH WALKER
THE REALM OF THE WOLF
THE FIRST CHRONICLES OF DRUSS THE LEGEND
WINTER WARRIORS
HERO IN THE SHADOWS
SWORD IN THE STORM

Del Ray Fantasy - 1986-2001

"David Gemmel is a legendary british fantasy author, but his works have only recently been released in the US.  I have enjoyed many of his books up until recently, where his work has shifted to more science fiction than fantasy - I prefer more sword and sorcery - less guns and modern-day regalia. I highly recommend his books I've listed here."

Goodkind, Terry

WIZARD'S FIRST RULE

STONE OF TEARS

BLOOD OF THE FOLD

TEMPLE OF THE WINDS

TOR Fantasy - 1994-98

"Terry Goodkind burst onto the fantasy scene a few years back and has had tremendous success.  You'll see why after you read Wizard's First Rule. He's created a truly unique world with three-dimensional characters you can't help but be drawn to. The Sword of Truth series these novels are a part of are page-turners. Highly recommended."

Greenwood, Ed

ELMINSTER: THE MAKING OF A MAGE

ELMINSTER: IN MYTH DRANNOR

TSR Fantasy - 1994-97

"I was drawn to Ed Greenwood's books because of his contributions to Dungeons & Dragons over the years - he's a very prolific and influential contributor to the RPG. His books are as good as I expected them to be - he takes a simple storyline and weaves a pattern of adventure throughout it, and it's an enjoyable read. Highly recommended."

Gygax, Gary

SAGA OF OLD CITY

ARTIFACT OF EVIL

SEA OF DEATH

CITY OF HAWKS

NIGHT ARRANT

COME ENDLESS DARKNESS

DANCE OF DEMONS

TSR / ACE Fantasy - 1983-90

"Gary Gygax, co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, wrote an inspiring Gord the Rogue series of novels in the 1980's.  This is another series of books I enjoyed rereading - and is about as good as it gets for high fantasy. Highly recommended."

L

Lowder, James

PRINCE OF LIES

TSR Fantasy - 1993

"This started out well - a very unique twist of events - but was a disappointment in the end. It just didn't keep me interested, and I struggled to get through it. I guess it's potential in the beginning was not lived up to in my opinion."

M

Martin, George R. R.

A CLASH OF KINGS

GAME OF THRONES

Bantam Spectra Fantasy - 1997-2000

"A well-woven story of great length, but left unfinished! I hate it when a book doesn't complete the story, with no end in sight. I did, however, enjoy the read - just wish it would have closed with more finality, or had a sequel readily available."

McKiernan, Dennis L.

TREK TO KRAGGEN-COR

THE BREGA PATH

THE DARK TIDE

SHADOWS OF DOOM

THE DARKEST DAY

THE EYE OF THE HUNTER

THE DRAGONSTONE

ROC / Signet Fantasy - 1984-92

"Reminescent of Tolkein, Dennis McKiernan crafts epic adventures, and to this day I can vividly remember passages from his work. Highly recommended."

McLaren, Teri

THE CURSED LAND

Harper Fantasy - 1995

"This MAGIC the Gathering novel was released right after the success of Clayton Emery's trilogy, and I picked it up predicated on the fact that it would be as good if not better than his. It wasn't. Actually I stopped reading MAGIC novels after this one. It wasn't horrible, but it was nothing great - just average.   Just goes to show you that the author is who you follow, not the vessel that showcases their work.  Not recommended."

O

Odom, Mel

THE LOST LIBRARY OF CORMANTHYR

RISING TIDE

UNDER FALLEN STARS
THE SEA DEVIL'S EYE

TSR Fantasy - 1998-99

"I'm becoming a big fan of Mel Odom. His first two Forgotten Realm books were outstanding, and I thoroughly enjoyed the world he created. One of the few writers who ventures offshore and provides fantasy adventure on the high seas. Great characters, great storyline. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended."

R
Ruse, Gary Alan

MORLAC:   THE QUEST OF THE GREEN MAGICIAN

Signet Fantasy, 1986

"This is a great concept story.  The concept attracted me to it, and kept me interested throughout the novel's entirety.  Gary Alan Ruse painted vivid characters in my mind with subtle actions, something I try to emulate in my own writing - a very difficult task!"  Highly recommended.
S

Salvatore, R.A.

HOMELAND

EXILE

SOJOURN

THE LEGACY

STARLESS NIGHT

SIEGE OF DARKNESS

PASSAGE TO DAWN

THE DEMON AWAKENS

THE DEMON SPIRIT

THE DEMON APOSTLE

THE SILENT BLADE

TSR / Del Ray Fantasy - 1980-99

"R.A. Salvatore has developed some great protagonists that you can't help but follow from one adventure to another from novel to novel. His Dark Elf Trilogy was terrific, and his recent Demon series has also spawned some memorable heroes. Highly recommended."

Stackpole, Michael

TALION REVENANT

Bantam Fantasy - 1997

"This novel was a unique look at a different kind of bounty hunter - one trained to uphold the law and bring criminals to justice. The story was hard to follow in the beginning, as the author jumped from two different time periods each chapter, following the trials and tribulations of the protagonist. However, mid-way through he had effectively created a strong character and storyline and towards the end I didn't want to put it down.   Highly recommended."

V

Van Lustbader, Eric

THE SUNSET WARRIOR

SHALLOWS OF NIGHT

DAI SAN

BENEATH AN OPAL MOON

Berkley Fantasy - 1978

"The Sunset Warrior Trilogy was outstanding. One of the few that I've had the desire to reread. Eric Van Lustbader has a unique style and creative imagination I envy. Please read this trilogy if you haven't already."

Vardeman, Robert E.

DARK LEGACY

Harper Fantasy - 1996

"This MAGIC the Gathering novel was a disappointment. I was hoping for an exciting conflict of events between three entities, but it went off on several tangents and left me feeling unfulfilled. Not recommended."


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