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Once a Hero
by
Michael A. Stackpole (Goodreads Author)
Already an unparalleled creator of fantasy role-playing games and game-related novels, Michael Stackpole now ventures one step further with an original epic adventure. Once a Hero unravels a riveting tale of a legendary human hero, who, in one life, built a kingdom, and who, 500 years later, must be raised from the dead to help save it. An intriguing tale of elven magic an...more
Paperback, 524 pages
Published
April 1st 1994
by Spectra
(first published 1994)
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Community Reviews
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This is my third read through this novel and it comes about 8 years after I first picked it up. It holds up surprisingly well in many aspects, although it's not quite the tour-de-force I remembered.
Once a Hero is a novel about character and friendship and as such it differs from most fantasy novels where the world inhabited is as prominent as the people who move through it. Stackpole doesn't skimp on world-building, but neither is it a focus of the book. As a reader, I think of St...more
Once a Hero is a novel about character and friendship and as such it differs from most fantasy novels where the world inhabited is as prominent as the people who move through it. Stackpole doesn't skimp on world-building, but neither is it a focus of the book. As a reader, I think of St...more
When I was in my high school and early college years, I was really into the science fiction/fantasy genre. I also overspent my budget on books. I refuse just to give away books that I have purchase, so while this is not really my favorite genre anymore, I am still making my way through the books of my youth. Some of them have pleasantly surprised me, transcending the genre and making me want to read more. This really isn't one of those books.
Once A Hero is the story of Neal Roclawzi...more
Once A Hero is the story of Neal Roclawzi...more
My autographed copy of Once a Hero was hidden in my basement game room for years. Now, after two major moves, I found it in my temporary storage area. Asking myself to remember the plot, I realized I'd never actually read the book. Looking at the very static cover art, I realized I had put off reading the book until "later."
So, it was a great surprise to me when I actually read it. I had always thought Mike's "Fiddleback Trilogy" written as game fiction behind the...more
So, it was a great surprise to me when I actually read it. I had always thought Mike's "Fiddleback Trilogy" written as game fiction behind the...more
Possibly Stackpole's finest work; good characters, plot, world building, and battle scenes. An excellent adventure for fans of epic fantasy or historic fantasy.
A pretty generic fantasy novel that didn't really go anywhere. I agreed with someone else's review where they noted that the middle was really the highlight of the book.
If you read a lot of fantasy, this isn't a bad example of the genre and you'll probably enjoy it. If you're looking for a book to convince you of all that is awesome in 'ride around on horses with elves' fantasy, this should not be the book that you pick up.
If you read a lot of fantasy, this isn't a bad example of the genre and you'll probably enjoy it. If you're looking for a book to convince you of all that is awesome in 'ride around on horses with elves' fantasy, this should not be the book that you pick up.
Caryn
rated it
Recommends it for:
adults only
Recommended to Caryn by:
Stephanie
Shelves:
own-it,
to-read-over-again
Did you know that elves are really 5'-10"? They are! This story delves into the history and heritage of the elves, and gives greater insight as to who they are and the powers that they have!
I have never really been into sci-fi types of things, but when my best friend introduced me to this one, I loved it! This is a great story that I have come to love!
I must also admit that there is a "bad scene" in this book, so it is not for kids or youth. I just...more
I had wanted to read this one for a long time. I was slightly disappointed, as I didn't find Neal to be as compelling a hero as Nolan, but the "hero across time" concept was pretty neat. I liked it a heck of a lot, and the braided chapters were cool, as usual.
I think the best part is his compelling 4th elder race (besides elves, dwarves, and Ents). They're well written, and the Reithrese fill a role in the Vedic-sort of mythology that the elder races usually hold; The dwarv...more
I think the best part is his compelling 4th elder race (besides elves, dwarves, and Ents). They're well written, and the Reithrese fill a role in the Vedic-sort of mythology that the elder races usually hold; The dwarv...more
Having read this back in my teen years, and reread several times, I have a special place for this book.
The only thing this book suffers from is that it doesn't really hold up as well to rereads. The first time was excellent, then each successive time little things stand out that you glossed over the first time.
I really liked the split view time writing. Typical Stackpole fantasy humor. Made for a great read.
The only thing this book suffers from is that it doesn't really hold up as well to rereads. The first time was excellent, then each successive time little things stand out that you glossed over the first time.
I really liked the split view time writing. Typical Stackpole fantasy humor. Made for a great read.
Great piece of entertaining Fantasy. Elves, Humans, dwarves, and a 4th evil race that seems a bit like orcs. Magic and Romance destiny themes are prevelant. Uses time skipping to tell two generations of story.
One of the most unusual and engaging books I have read, this would be my favorite Stackpole novel if I hadn't read Talion: Revenant already. Beautifully crafted to keep the reader in suspense.
Very good stand alone novel. One that you wish there were more coming.
a superb fantasy that does not get enough attention
Jonathan Warrington
marked it as to-read
Coucher de soleil
marked it as to-read
John
is currently reading it
Deborah Rice
marked it as to-read-not-bought-yet
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
to-read-maybe,
to-read-not-sure-if-read
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