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18th out of 155 books
—
132 voters
Fable: The Balverine Order (Fable)
by
Peter David
FABLE: THE BALVERINE ORDER Will Include An Exclusive Game Code To Unlock An Exclusive Weapon in Fable III. Read more...
A new novel based on the worldwide video game phenomenon!
The days of magic and adventure are fading away, giving way to the age of industry and science. As the aged last Hero sits upon the throne of Albion, two friends—the privileged Thomas and his loyal s...more
A new novel based on the worldwide video game phenomenon!
The days of magic and adventure are fading away, giving way to the age of industry and science. As the aged last Hero sits upon the throne of Albion, two friends—the privileged Thomas and his loyal s...more
Paperback, 416 pages
Published
October 5th 2010
by Ace
(first published October 1st 2010)
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I'd've rather given it a 1.5, but maybe I'm... I dunno.
I always wanted to play Fable and so this book caught my attention.
Let me back up---I never really wanted to play Fable. I liked the idea of it, the good and evil aspects. What I wanted was to watch someone else play it.
Turns out, it's not as much fun to read that.
Just, wow. I mean, there were times I could hear video game music, I swear.
And the reason it did more than just catch my attention? The reason I bought it instead of just giving it...more
I always wanted to play Fable and so this book caught my attention.
Let me back up---I never really wanted to play Fable. I liked the idea of it, the good and evil aspects. What I wanted was to watch someone else play it.
Turns out, it's not as much fun to read that.
Just, wow. I mean, there were times I could hear video game music, I swear.
And the reason it did more than just catch my attention? The reason I bought it instead of just giving it...more
As a boy, Thomas Kirkman witnesses his brother’s death at the claws of Balverines. But no one believes in Balverines anymore, or Hobbes or Hollow Men. Even Heroes are in short enough supply to make people question whether they really grow horns or glow from within. Thomas spends each day studying such fantastic creatures while his father despairs about having a son unwilling to take over the family business. Finally a cruel deathbed revelation from his mother spurs Thomas to action; he’ll travel...more
I went into reading this with slightly low expectations. Reason being that only ever so often does a book entertain me enough if it is based on a video game. Anyway, I recommend anyone reading it go into it with low expectations as well, though not because it is bad, but because it will certainly be more enjoyable to you if you do.
Do not let this review turn your mind, but only to give you enough consideration to possibly read it. The story was good, funny and only slightly predictable. Though i...more
Do not let this review turn your mind, but only to give you enough consideration to possibly read it. The story was good, funny and only slightly predictable. Though i...more
Every point made by the author was cliche and well-known. It was funny at points, but certainly not throughout. The characters were all annoying at some point, except for (in my humble opinion) Lady Molly Newsome, because she actually seemed interesting. All the characters were the usual archetypes, though, but the two main characters in particular had some key traits (that were supposed to separate them from being good and bad) that only showed up occasionally. I wasn't expecting much consideri...more
Probably would say 3.5 stars if it were an option...
A fun read. The plot itself was somewhat generic, though I don't say that in a bad way. A tie in to the video game of the same name I expected as much. But I have to say in all the fantasy I read that it was nice to have a one and done stand alone that focused on a couple individuals instead of a large cast within an epic. Peter David did a great job with the characters, the dialogue and the pacing. Things moved along so readily that even withi...more
A fun read. The plot itself was somewhat generic, though I don't say that in a bad way. A tie in to the video game of the same name I expected as much. But I have to say in all the fantasy I read that it was nice to have a one and done stand alone that focused on a couple individuals instead of a large cast within an epic. Peter David did a great job with the characters, the dialogue and the pacing. Things moved along so readily that even withi...more
It is quite a shame this book turned out the way it did. From the beginning I saw strong and compelling characters in Thomas and James-the two protagonists. The story was entertaining all the way through right up until the final three chapters in which Peter David felt the need to add cliches from the Fable video games. I do not know if this was the result of executive meddling or not, but it ruined a good story. The ending was anti-climactic at best and characters became cardboard cutouts of th...more
While not a book I will remember over the years it was still a light, fun read. I'm all for James :D while Thomas got on my nerves near the end. It was surprisingly true to the game while beging able to create its own story.
I've never read anything by Peter David, and my expectations for Video Game knock off books is always very low. This one surprised me with its fun story.
If you keep in mind that your not really reading a novel on its own and just something for Lionhead to make more money the...more
I've never read anything by Peter David, and my expectations for Video Game knock off books is always very low. This one surprised me with its fun story.
If you keep in mind that your not really reading a novel on its own and just something for Lionhead to make more money the...more
Pretty boring, average YA, I think. I LOVE the 'Sir Apropos of Nothing' series by Peter David, so I was expecting this to be something like it, at least in terms of comedy. Instead it was a humdrum, predictable story with no real meat to it. Although I liked the two main characters and their personalities, they could have been developed a whole lot more; instead they are given interesting traits that show up sometimes but are largely ignored in favor of chivvying the characters to their destinat...more
The story wasn't bad and the action was pretty well-paced but the writing itself had an immature feel to it. For example, this sentence from Chapter 13 where Thomas and James have been invited to Laird Kreel's mansion: "The mansion was almost more cstle than mansion." Really? I can think of three re-writes of that sentence that would have more flavor, and one of them has to do with sherpas.
On the flip side, it IS a book based on a video game so I guess looking for Pulitzer prize winning prose is...more
On the flip side, it IS a book based on a video game so I guess looking for Pulitzer prize winning prose is...more
This is actually one of the better media tie-in novels I've read. I don't think you need to know anything about the Fable franchise to read it. It also served its primary purpose, which was to make me curious about the Albion of Fable III (I'd already pre-ordered the game before I picked up the book). The Albion of the book is more interesting than the Albion of the game.
It's a typical coming of age fantasy story, but still a fun read. I particularly enjoyed the framed parts of the narrative, wi...more
It's a typical coming of age fantasy story, but still a fun read. I particularly enjoyed the framed parts of the narrative, wi...more
I first heard about this book from the Fable III website and I couldn't believe that someone was finally making a book about my favorite video game. I picked this book up the day in hit the stores and went right into reading it. Now I liked the first part of the book while it was explaining how the how boys were and where in Albon they lived. The other thing I loved about this book was that it was this person from the shadows that came to tell the new king a story. I liked how Peter had the king...more
Normally I dread ever even picking up a commercial novel, let alone actually drudging through and reading one, because so commonly they so filled with poorly assembled plots, story lines, and cliches that you spend the whole time reading the story completely distracted by feeling sorry for the author who sold his soul. But, with that said, every once in awhile i manage to stumble upon a commercial novel that is actually so well written that i can actually find myself completely forgetting i'm ev...more
Jan 07, 2011
Michelle (In Libris Veritas)
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of the Fable games
Shelves:
fantasy,
video-game-books
Well if you are a gamer or more specifically an Xbox 360 player then you may be familiar with the game series called Fable. Which is basically a game based on your choices that you make as a Hero during the main story line to take down whatever evil threatens to topple the balance of the world. For instance even though your a Hero you may choose to do evil stuff like steal, raise taxes, kill people, sacrifice people or sell them to slavery, etc. Or you can choose to be the pure Hero who will do...more
This book is a fantastic journey into the realm of Albion, the game world of the popular XBox game series Fable. I was worried that since it was geared towards "gamers" that it would be in a juvenile form, but I was happily mistaken!
An excellent read for all those who enjoy a good fantasy novel, this is one book I was glad I stumbled upon.
An excellent read for all those who enjoy a good fantasy novel, this is one book I was glad I stumbled upon.
First, I should say that I have played and thoroughly enjoyed Fable III. Despite that, I don't think that this book really had much of anything to do with the game, so that didn't really affect my enjoyment of this book.
No one is going to confuse this book with fine literature. There are many predictable plot points, and the character's personalities aren't exactly unique. Despite these failings, it was a very enjoyable read. I think it is perfect for what it is and most video game novels won't...more
No one is going to confuse this book with fine literature. There are many predictable plot points, and the character's personalities aren't exactly unique. Despite these failings, it was a very enjoyable read. I think it is perfect for what it is and most video game novels won't...more
I bought this book for 2 reasons. First, Peter David is the current writer on X-Factor, one of my favorite comics, and secondly because it came with a code for a special weapon. That being said, the book was much better than I expected. Fable isn't known for it's amazing fiction, but Peter David was able to work with it and craft an entertaining story.
A fun, easy little book, poor writing at times, but only in that we can see when the writer has thrown something in to advance story or plot.
Complete fluff, doesn't seem to be any real spoilers to any of the Fable games, unless you count the King of Albion being a former Hero.
Just a fun little book if you enjoy the Fable franchise.
Complete fluff, doesn't seem to be any real spoilers to any of the Fable games, unless you count the King of Albion being a former Hero.
Just a fun little book if you enjoy the Fable franchise.
I'll admit, I've recently become weary of licensed novels, so under normal circumstances I would have left this book on the shelf at the local book store, but two things persuaded me to pick it up: 1)it was written by Peter David, one of my favorite authors and 2) it was 70% off.
I'm glad that I picked this book up. It had travel without feeling like a "travel adventure" book, it had great characters, an awesome build up, and a satasfying finish that has left me hoping that Peter David gets to w...more
I'm glad that I picked this book up. It had travel without feeling like a "travel adventure" book, it had great characters, an awesome build up, and a satasfying finish that has left me hoping that Peter David gets to w...more
Mar 24, 2013
Emily
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fable gamers, fantasy readers, adventure readers
A good book - however a little young for my age group. I read this because I loved the game and wanted more insight into the world of Albion. It's got an interesting narrative and great heroes. It didn't draw me into the story completely - I wasn't thinking about it all the time - but I still very much enjoyed it.
For a regular fantasy adventure story, I'd give this three stars, but for one that takes place in the Fable universe, I thought it was rather clever. It managed to capture the general decision making process that takes place in the game. The pace was kind of weird (the title does come up until more that three quarters of the way in), and there were parts that were explained in detail that I didn't really care about. But I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the game series; people who have ne...more
I know this book is short, but its a great book. The one thing i hate most about alot of books is mid way through u can already predict everything thats going to happen. But this book that didnt happen and thats why I say this is the best game related book yet.
It's really fun and fast to read! Characters remind me of Merlin and Arthur from the Merlin series and it's a plus from my point of view.
I love the idea of the game, though I just can't get hooked on it! (actually with none) and having a book on it was an great idea!
I bought it for my brother (he's no bookworm, but he finished this one in 2 afternoons!) so have to qualify it entertaining, at least.
I love the idea of the game, though I just can't get hooked on it! (actually with none) and having a book on it was an great idea!
I bought it for my brother (he's no bookworm, but he finished this one in 2 afternoons!) so have to qualify it entertaining, at least.
Is it bad that I was more interested in the frame story than the main one being told? The inner story was kinda predictable, and the characters frustrated me in their over-exaggerated archetypes.
Also, totally called it on who the narrator turned out to be. 10 points to me ;)
Also, totally called it on who the narrator turned out to be. 10 points to me ;)
The plot kept my attention as I raced to reach its final page. My employer wondered why I spent so much time in his restroom, and inquired as to weather I was sick. A tale of my own for some other time.
I thought that this book was realy good,it wasn't like any book based on a game that i have ever read. and even if you haven't heard of fable, its a good book to read because it has its own story.
This book took me like six month to read, not that I didn't understand it or anything but it's because of work, gym, marry, and sleep. I thought it was pretty good.
Apr 07, 2011
Keely
added it
i have played all three of the games so i felt that i had to get this book and it was amazing, i really liked. A lot it was a fun book to read.
A quick read of light fantasy. I enjoyed the Fable series of games and gave the book a try.
Cute little story. For those who are fans of the fable series.
While the story itself was alright, the writing was very bland. Everything was over explained and the characters had no depth. The frame story was far more interesting and well written than the fable it was telling.
A good book to take up time, but nothing I would go for again.
A good book to take up time, but nothing I would go for again.
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aka David Peters
Peter Allen David (often abbreviated PAD) is an American writer, best known for his work in comic books and Star Trek novels. David often jokingly describes his occupation as "Writer of Stuff". David is noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real world issues with humor and references to popular culture. He also uses metafiction frequently, usually to humo...more
More about Peter David...
Peter Allen David (often abbreviated PAD) is an American writer, best known for his work in comic books and Star Trek novels. David often jokingly describes his occupation as "Writer of Stuff". David is noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real world issues with humor and references to popular culture. He also uses metafiction frequently, usually to humo...more
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Jan 23, 2012 08:45am