Inside, you'll discover the breathtaking world of Ruin Mist where the mystical and the magical abound, and you'll fall in love with three heroes: a...
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reviews
Dec 01, 2008
Katy
rated it: 
Finished listening to this book on my iPod while commuting to work. I've started on the second book, so it must be at least mildy entertaining. It's not really very creative, and it drones on and on without coming to any conclusions. I think it's meant as an epic. This is only book 1, and it ends in the middle of turmoil, like the Star Wars movies. Unless you really have nothing better to do, I'd recommend listening to this while you do something else rather than reading it, as it is really
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May 26, 2011
Meg
rated it: 
I'd read "The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches" back when I was starting high school, so a lot of the particulars of the tale faded from my mind over time. Not the overall story or the basic characters though, but certainly some of the story, minor characters and plottings. Between the first reading and this second, the author has come out with new books.
Reading the book again after all this time had some surprising awakenings - I'd forgotten that magic was evil in Vilm More...
Reading the book again after all this time had some surprising awakenings - I'd forgotten that magic was evil in Vilm More...
Dec 28, 2010
Kisha
rated it:
Where to start? Second only to Harry Potter, these are my favorite books of all time. (yes, all 8 and 10 if you count the new ones)
All of the Ruin Mist books are overflowing with fantastic imagery - so well painted that you can see the shape shifters and dragons for yourself.
I can't even begin to tell you all that these books and I have been through together. They have been on so many trips with me, helped me through tough times, and just given me unspeakable joy. And in More...
All of the Ruin Mist books are overflowing with fantastic imagery - so well painted that you can see the shape shifters and dragons for yourself.
I can't even begin to tell you all that these books and I have been through together. They have been on so many trips with me, helped me through tough times, and just given me unspeakable joy. And in More...
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(4 people liked it)
Mar 25, 2010
Cathy
rated it: 
This is a poorly written self published book. I normally wouldn’t even bother to waste time writing a review about it, since it is just a self published book pretending to be greater than it is. However I’m angry that I was tricked into buying this crap.
This book is not a “modern day fantasy classic”. It is not “better than Harry Potter” or “Star Wars with elves”. Robert Stanek is not “America’s Tolkien”. Where did all this over-the-top hype come from? One can only guess (or r More...
This book is not a “modern day fantasy classic”. It is not “better than Harry Potter” or “Star Wars with elves”. Robert Stanek is not “America’s Tolkien”. Where did all this over-the-top hype come from? One can only guess (or r More...
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(10 people liked it)
Mar 30, 2011
Kelly
rated it:
After reading The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches I also listened to the book on audio. There are very few books that I will read more than once but this is one that makes my list. Robert Stanek's talent is that he brings his characters to life in ways that make you feel as if you know them. Stanek includes adventure, intrigue, suspense, mystery, action; all of the components that would entice you to want more of the story. If you like fantasy this book will make you lose yourself in its p
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(1 person liked it)
Dec 31, 2010
Candice
rated it:
This is the Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches by Robert Stanek. It takes place in a world called Ruin Mist where magic is outlawed and evil. One boy and one girl will change that. So the book is about the fall of the kingdoms of men. But also about redemption.
I liked this book a lot because of the story line and the characters, some were serious and some had a little sense of humor in them. Although it is mainly about the breaking of the world, I got more of a romantic adventure More...
I liked this book a lot because of the story line and the characters, some were serious and some had a little sense of humor in them. Although it is mainly about the breaking of the world, I got more of a romantic adventure More...
Mar 18, 2010
Olga
rated it:
The literary elements that make the Kingdoms and the Elves books so compelling are the densely plotted story lines, the puzzles and intrigues, and the characters. In this novel, the characters are particularly interesting, especially Vilmos and Adrina. Joining them are Seth, Emel, Father Jacob, Keeper Martin and others. Carefully wrought details, like strange visitors in the night and creepy creatures running through dark forests make the fantasy world seem very real. This book examines the them
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(4 people liked it)
Dec 17, 2010
Tobias
rated it:
My copy is falling apart from being read and re-read... I love it. If a book's popularity is measured by number of readings... this is the most popular book in my entire library. So many of my friends are discovering and loving the books too but one things wrong. It says here Keeper Martin's Tales is four books. It's really not. It's eight books. The whole story is told in *8* books. The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches books and then the In the Service of Dragons books. I like this path--w
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May 21, 2011
Laura
rated it:
I was surprised to find this guy on here, but seriously, he's notorious for his sockpuppet astroturfing. He's got a great TvTropes page , though.
This is the guy that Photoshopped himself alongside Brian Jacques and claims himself the recipient of awards that don't exist. There's sporking of his stuff online, and you don't need to read much of it to know why this guy is so terrible. His name is fast becoming synonymous with "how not to market a book."
You've been warned, f More...
This is the guy that Photoshopped himself alongside Brian Jacques and claims himself the recipient of awards that don't exist. There's sporking of his stuff online, and you don't need to read much of it to know why this guy is so terrible. His name is fast becoming synonymous with "how not to market a book."
You've been warned, f More...
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(3 people liked it)
Apr 17, 2010
MJ
rated it:
Our current daily commute audio book. So far I don't like it all: It's like the audio equivalent of watching paint dry but it's still very early in the book so I have hope since the book received a lot of positive reviews on Audible.
Update: The book never really got any better. Neither my son or I liked it. I would describe it the audio book as the auditory equivalent of "watching paint dry." Part of it has to do with the narrator (who was very flat), but the biggest probl More...
Update: The book never really got any better. Neither my son or I liked it. I would describe it the audio book as the auditory equivalent of "watching paint dry." Part of it has to do with the narrator (who was very flat), but the biggest probl More...
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Nov 09, 2010
Junnal
rated it:
Worth sticking with. It starts fast with the author spinning three stories together and then going along the path of each. Don't start unless you want to read all 8 (there's 4 kingdoms and the elves and 4 in the service of dragons and they go together). The characters are what make it so great. Adrina is my favorite. She's a girl bored with her life, longing for change and the change that comes is very dark. Vilmos is another favorite. His magic is tainted with evil and it causes the dark priest
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Oct 28, 2010
Celisti
rated it:
I love the first book in this series. It is great to be introduced to the characters and how their stories start. I have to say one of my favorite moments is learning about the underworld and about the mysterious lady of the forest. This is one of my favorite series to read and love my annual re-reading of them. If you have not read the books--you really should whether your young or young at heart!
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Nov 25, 2011
Rob
rated it:
This is a great book. Everyone who doesn't like it just doesn't understand this. This book is great for all ages and all levels of reading skill. The Kingdoms and the Elves is probably one of my favorite books reading. Even if you are new to fantasy or aren't a big fantasy person, you should still read this.
Oct 05, 2011
Anna
rated it:
It really is a good book. If it wasn't so good, Rothfuss and GRRM fans wouldn't have spent so much time and effort picking apart the author. Best for those who like YA books. An interesting mix of characters, settings, and stories. Do read it for yourself.
Mar 26, 2011
Wendy
rated it: 
A must read. Surely everyone should know Ruin Mist. No? Get out from under that rock and read about Keeper Martin, the children he entrusts his world to and the adventures they have in that fantasy realm full of mythical beasts and strange creatures.
Jan 04, 2011
K.C.
rated it:
Adrina tan sólo tiene trece años, pero ya está marcada por el destino. Pero descubrirá que el mundo donde vive es mucho más complejo de lo que ella creía, y para cumplir con su destino deberá reunir todo su valor.
Dec 08, 2010
Stu
rated it:
Stanek has woven a tale full of characters that are so believable you feel like you've known them all your life. The world he paints is as real as our own... This is a must read but only the beginning of a much larger story.
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Dec 20, 2010
Mandy
rated it:
Excellent, the first in a series of four and one of my favorite books in the whole world. I first read it when I was 16 years old. I have read it so many times that I almost know it off by heart.
Oct 26, 2009
Bettie
rated it:
work mp3 - let's have a go with this one...
A reasonable read as background to real life (remember that? lol) but I would have been a tad bit miffed if I had shelled out for the book. Won't be actively searching out the next book.
A reasonable read as background to real life (remember that? lol) but I would have been a tad bit miffed if I had shelled out for the book. Won't be actively searching out the next book.
Mar 28, 2009
Natalie
rated it: 
worth sticking with. Plot moves jerkily but battle scenes and unfolding drama of the roles people play in a conflict between peoples is worth reading on for.
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Jan 11, 2012
John
rated it:
Excellent beginning for a series. I really liked this book. I had a couple of very late nights because I just couldn't put it down. Great pace and great story.
Nov 23, 2011
J
rated it:
Stanek takes you into the world of the Kingdoms. Filled with magic and on the brink of war and disaster as King Andrew fights to keep his power and defeat all who want his kingdom. Follow the life of Vilmos through his development as the first wizard of his generation. As Vilmos goes on his journey at first to escape those who hunt him, his sadness, all of his emotions, can be felt through his thoughts. The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches is a must read even if fantasy is not something tha
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Dec 17, 2010
Scarlett
rated it:
This is a classic story with morals and heart. I'm so glad my son Peter is reading these. Anna will be reading soon too once her reading levels improve.
Dec 16, 2011
Lisa
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"The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches" is an excellent book. Definitely a cliff-hanger, cant't wait to see what's on the next page type read.
Dec 21, 2010
Yuki
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I really liked this series it always kept me wanting to find out what is going to happen next. Honestly I read the entire series in about a week.
Jan 02, 2011
Becca
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Really enjoyed this book. Hard to put down. Not my usual genre, but liked it so much I bought the next 3 books to read in the series.
Dec 19, 2010
Rachelle
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Robert Stanek is my all-time favorite author! Elves of the Reaches had me wanting more and more, and I read it and the next book in 3 days!
Mar 17, 2010
Simon
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Where to begin with this marvelous book! I loved it. I've read it 7 times already. I think it's the best book I ever read.
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May 06, 2011
Eric
rated it:
Self published, poorly written, bad illustrations. Boring, even for kids who like fantasy.
Dec 18, 2010
Ringo
rated it:
Pretty great read but ends abruptly so you'll want at least the second one too.
