Matt read the forbidden runes and found himself in a world where reciting verses worked magic. He got himself locked in a dungeon, created a fire-b...
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reviews
Dec 27, 2008
Willa
rated it: 
I ran across this a few days ago in a used bookstore and remembered it from my young adulthood, so I bought and re-read it. It's a fun little story about a graduate student from our world who gets pulled into a parallel universe where he has the Gift of magic, which in that world is shaped by poetry, and where Good and Evil are more obviously active than in our world. I say obviously, because I absolutely believe Good and Evil are real and active here and now but in that world, there's no way to
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Sep 22, 2011
Angela
rated it:
Overall, not a bad book. If possible I think I would give it a 3.5/5.
One thing that I like is the very interesting mesh of Medieval Catholicism and beliefs meshed with a fantasy setting - as well as the concept of that alternate universe may have a different set of rules guiding it.
The book was a quick, funny light read and I was able to finish it the same night I got it. The plot is just intriguing enough, the characters interesting and likable and the story easy to follow More...
One thing that I like is the very interesting mesh of Medieval Catholicism and beliefs meshed with a fantasy setting - as well as the concept of that alternate universe may have a different set of rules guiding it.
The book was a quick, funny light read and I was able to finish it the same night I got it. The plot is just intriguing enough, the characters interesting and likable and the story easy to follow More...
Sep 18, 2011
Vincent
rated it: 
When this book came out 25 years ago, I read it over and over till I the scotch tape could not hold the book together any more. Its a great tale about a ordinary grad student who gets swept away to a world where he is extra-ordinary. It has all the standard trappings of a traditional fantasy novel: wizards, sorcerers, damsel in distress, a kingdom at risk, giants, dwarfs and dragons. Two decades ago this was my favorite book of all time, and now that I am re-reading it its destine to become that
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Jul 20, 2011
Candace
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
May 14, 2009
Nathan
rated it:
I had truly loved this book when I was younger, and forgotten both the author and title, and in fact everything about it except that it was a fantasy book in which magic works by poetry (a concept I still believe to be excellent). Unfortunately, little besides the concept has stood the test, not of time, but of age.
I can still see why I liked it so much. It's breezy and action-packed, the main character is honest and self-deprecating despite his new-found magic, and there is a strong More...
I can still see why I liked it so much. It's breezy and action-packed, the main character is honest and self-deprecating despite his new-found magic, and there is a strong More...
Jul 25, 2011
Cheryl
rated it:
Her Majesty's Wizard is great book. It's a fast read, because it keeps you wanting to know what will happen next. It introduces the reader to some fantastic poetry and prose modeling as 'spells', and throws in some bad doggerel as well. There's a little bit of science and a bit of philosophy all painlessly ingested while enjoying a wonderful adventure. I've read this book, and this series several times, and enjoy it every time.
My only caveat is that only the first book and the last More...
My only caveat is that only the first book and the last More...
Nov 15, 2011
Tess
rated it: 
This book takes an english major out of his world and into a medieval and magical world where things are vastly different from his home. The man meets many very odd characters, all of who have their own flaws. He goes on an amazing adventure and rescues a princess and makes himself a hero. All the while he creates magic using poems. I have learned that poetry and prose can be combined in interesting ways to create unique elements to a story. As this book uses poems to create in the world th
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Jan 07, 2012
Lauren
rated it:
So far the book is intriguing and has piqued my interest enough to continue. My only criticism is that it seems so rushed. The description of the places, especially in the beginning, when they are being compared to historical places just seems to spurt out in a jumbled rushed mess. Its as though Stasheff was running and out of breath trying to speak and deliver the lines as quickly and with as much detail as possible. I do admit a bias when it comes to description of places, I love details about
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Dec 09, 2009
Andrea
rated it:
re-read again in Dec 2009 after having read it...10 yrs ago?
Not as good as I remember. I liked the characters less, and they were more flat than I remember. This is influenced by that fact this is not what I wanted to re-read at the time.
Not really a spoiler:
A medieval fantasy where Christianity's concepts of God and evil are prominant--it's the only book I read where "good" magic is either assisted and backed by prayer and Christian monks and priests More...
Not as good as I remember. I liked the characters less, and they were more flat than I remember. This is influenced by that fact this is not what I wanted to re-read at the time.
Not really a spoiler:
A medieval fantasy where Christianity's concepts of God and evil are prominant--it's the only book I read where "good" magic is either assisted and backed by prayer and Christian monks and priests More...
Aug 10, 2009
Eymol
rated it:
First time I read it, it was amazing. The second time.. meh. Then I read it again later and pow it was amazing again.
This book starts out fairly predictable and the overall plot also feels predictable; however, it is the little events that really throw you off. You know how the book will end, just not how. If you enjoy being lulled into a sense of comfort only to have water poured on your head, then you will throughly enjoy this book.
This book starts out fairly predictable and the overall plot also feels predictable; however, it is the little events that really throw you off. You know how the book will end, just not how. If you enjoy being lulled into a sense of comfort only to have water poured on your head, then you will throughly enjoy this book.
Apr 09, 2008
Jared
rated it:
Matthew Mantrell (if I remember his name right -- it' been a few years since I've read this) is a graduate student when he runs across an old manuscript. He reads it and ends up transported to a world where Good and Evil are very literally manifest. Matt finds that in his hands (or voice, anyway), poetry has magical effects in this new land. Matt ends up fighting on the side of Good in a massive battle for ownership of the world, despite his imperfections.
The book is a page-turner More...
The book is a page-turner More...
Nov 20, 2008
Maurean
rated it:
This story proved to be an interesting take on the good vs. evil theme that is prevelant in this genre.
I was a bit uneasy with the author's quick enterance into this
"world" in which the story takes place, but once I let go of that fact, the story was entertaining.Enough so, that will most likely look to finish out the series.
I was a bit uneasy with the author's quick enterance into this
"world" in which the story takes place, but once I let go of that fact, the story was entertaining.Enough so, that will most likely look to finish out the series.
Oct 23, 2009
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it:
This was an enjoyable read. It's well written. Stasheff is more well know for his "Warlock Inspite of Himself" but I actually like the books in this series better.
The title Wizard in Ryme will give you some idea of the base "hook" in these books. They're well written and sometimes fun.
The title Wizard in Ryme will give you some idea of the base "hook" in these books. They're well written and sometimes fun.
May 25, 2010
Joshua
rated it:
It is one my favorites, it's got a guy named matthew mantrell, he come's from our world. He was transported while doin his dissertation to get his phd, to merovance where magic works by rhyme. Also the battle between good and evil is real there meaning god and the devil.
May 03, 2008
Misti
rated it:
The start of Stasheff's Wizard in Rhyme series which follows Matt of Newark to a parallel dimension where there's no science, only magic worked by poetry. I love this book, it's one of my all-time favorites. There's a strong focus on the application of poetry as an active creator of actions. I love the concept that reciting the inscription on the Statue of Liberty suddenly brings dirty, longing 'teeming masses' to surround you.
The Christian allegory is a bit strong in all Stasheff's More...
The Christian allegory is a bit strong in all Stasheff's More...
Apr 28, 2010
Aaron
rated it:
Quite enjoyable book, that I read when I was a lot younger. Kind of "fluffy", somewhat amusing, a bit preachy, but I still recommend it.
I know I've read more by him, but heck if I can remember, and I know this was my favorite.
I know I've read more by him, but heck if I can remember, and I know this was my favorite.
Feb 15, 2011
Arwen
rated it:
Read this series back in the 90s. He does a good job of including the importance of religion during the medieval period. The characters, with the exception of Stegoman, are a little bland.
Jan 18, 2012
Jennifer
rated it:
Totally nerdy for me to admit, but I read this book for the first time in eighth grade and have read it several times since. It's about a man from modern times who deciphers an old manuscript and it takes him back to an alternate middle ages era where magic works but science doesn't. Looking for a nerd book? This is the one to read!
Jul 27, 2010
LaserWraith
rated it:
A great book. Only one POV, and the main character had some great powers. The only think I didn't quite like was the magic system. :)
Apr 29, 2008
Robin
rated it:
This one had been on my shelf since about 1997, I think. I bought it used in Bellingham when I completed grad school. It was one that I kept hearing people talk about as fun and humorous. It was just okay for me. It moved a little slow. I was not a fan of the wishy-washy (though kind-hearted) doofus of a hero. And really, I just wasn't that into it. Fortunately, it was a quick read. And that's about all I can say since I remember very little else about it at this point. (Sigh... that's what I ge
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Mar 16, 2011
Arthur
rated it:
This is one of my favorite books. It is certainly tied for the best "otherworlds" story of all time - at least for me. The author wanted to see a certain type of tale and since none were forthcoming decided to write it himself. It was a success. What if morals made a difference? A real difference? What would that be like? What was a real medieval take on life? Especially amidst fantasy creatures? This is a great mix of plot, flawed characters, hope, love, and spirituality. I will conti
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Jan 16, 2011
Susan
rated it:
Somebody was watching too much 'Saturday morning television' before getting down to the work of writing this book. Even in audio this comes across as a pop-up book. I have a mental image of the cut-out castle with the princess in the dungeon and a wise dragon, and the wicked sorcerer, and the weirdly evil king. Oh my!
I've endured it for two and a half hours and that's enough.
I've endured it for two and a half hours and that's enough.
Sep 08, 2007
Cindy
rated it:
Matt found a mysterious rune while working on his dissertation. After weeks of study, he's sure he's got it figured out. But when he reads it aloud, he finds himself transported to another land where is has magical powers, the country is in turmoil, and an evil sorcerer is out to get him.
Lots of fun. I'd never heard of this series, so I'm pleased to have discovered it.
CMB
Lots of fun. I'd never heard of this series, so I'm pleased to have discovered it.
CMB
Aug 31, 2011
Jim
rated it:
I reread this on vacation (last read more than 20 years ago.) I had forgotten how much fun a Stasheff book could be!
May 09, 2007
Helen
rated it:
This used to be one of my favorite books in middle school/high school and was probably one of the reasons I really got into fantasy/scifi. Looking back on it, the writing isn't so great, and the later books are pretty bad/use the typical fantasy formula. All in all a good fun read, and of course there's a love story.
Jun 21, 2008
Cait
rated it:
This book is rather ridiculously fun, in that certain nerdy way. It's distinguished from the typical guy-from-our-universe-is-a-fantasy-wizard run of things by having the fantasy wizardry depend on both actual poetry and actual religion.
re-read 8/2008
re-read 8/2008
