From highschool through college, I devoured everything that was Magic: the Gathering. So, when this novel came out, I already had it preordered. I tho...moreFrom highschool through college, I devoured everything that was Magic: the Gathering. So, when this novel came out, I already had it preordered. I thought, A story about what happened to the Thran before Urza and Mishra? Sign me up!
The story starts out interestingly enough. Unfortunately, by the time you start to really see what's really going on with everything, it falls apart. King breaks continuity with his explanation of Gix and how he plays into everything prior to his part in Brother's War. Likewise, when we do learn the fate of the Thran (no spoilers here), it's all just kind of summarized in the last two chapters between explosions, fighting, and confusing detail about how it all turns out.
Honestly, I have always seen J. Robert King as the Michael Bay of Magic novels. If you pick up one of his books, you can be sure something is going to catastrophically blow up or be destroyed. Maybe that's a good thing for an expectation, I just wish he could do it in a more enjoyable way.(less)
Applegate's storytelling throughout the Animorphs series can be quickly understood and enjoyed in the very first book. She establishes all of the main...moreApplegate's storytelling throughout the Animorphs series can be quickly understood and enjoyed in the very first book. She establishes all of the main characters introduced here very well in addition to giving them a plausible (if fantastic) backdrop to work on. By wrapping this first trip into the world of Jake, Cassie, Marco, Rachel, and Tobias the way she did, it will make any reader want to continue just to know what happens to each of them in subsequent stories.
Speaking on the series as a whole for a moment, I really like the way she made each character a primary focus in any given book. It keeps the series fresh to see how decisions are made in given situations and how each character reacts to the actions of the others.
All said, this is an amazing series; one I still have on my bookshelf in its entirety for my own children to enjoy. Thank you for writing such great books.(less)
A rare hit (in my opinion) by King. Honestly, with how well this novel was written, I was surprised to look back at it after all these years and see t...moreA rare hit (in my opinion) by King. Honestly, with how well this novel was written, I was surprised to look back at it after all these years and see that he was indeed the author.
The story itself is excellent. The use of description, both for characters and backgrounds, really pulled me into the world and made me want to read more about what happens to the denizens of Tolaria. Similarly, the story wrapped up nicely. Yes, there was the obligatory JRK destruction of a world or two, but at least in this sense he did it such that I really felt it and understood what was happening.
Oh, not a spoiler, but totally a point to watch for when reading this is how everything pans out in relation to Urza. Best chapter in a King novel I'll probably ever read.(less)
My first Piers Anthony novel. I read this in the eighth grade when my mother got it for me while I waited for a new animorphs book to come out. I reme...moreMy first Piers Anthony novel. I read this in the eighth grade when my mother got it for me while I waited for a new animorphs book to come out. I remember she told me it was about a videogame and kids that get pulled into it.
So, I gave it a shot and, as it turns out, really really liked it. The puns that I eventually learned are an everyday aspect of Piers Anthony's writing were hilarious, and I even paused to decipher the riddles when Dug did.
The story was also wrapped up nicely in the end, and I found myself wanting to read more, so I went back and started with book 1 going forward.
A great read all in all, and I can really thank the author for writing it, in addition to my mother picking it out during a lull.(less)
I've Been Deader was a last breath of fresh air. With so many zombie apocalypse novels out there right now, it's hard to imagine one so uniquely diffe...moreI've Been Deader was a last breath of fresh air. With so many zombie apocalypse novels out there right now, it's hard to imagine one so uniquely different that it's worth reading over the rest. This is that novel. I won't go into detail about the backstory, as I'm sure plenty others will/have, but I initially read most of this one on Authonomy and was literally the first to buy my copy. My only regret is that I didn't get back here sooner to review it.
Again, wonderful, unique take on the concept of zombies and who they are. I'll be vigilantly watching for Mr. Sifre's next work, and I can only suggest that you catch this one in time to be ready for the next as well. (less)
Jeff Grubb is by and far one of my favorite authors. After Brothers' War, I was disappointed that he didn't make it back for Planeswalker. Then, Wizar...moreJeff Grubb is by and far one of my favorite authors. After Brothers' War, I was disappointed that he didn't make it back for Planeswalker. Then, Wizards came out with this and the other two novels detailing Jodah and his adventures during the ice age and the years that followed. I remember when I sat down to read this novel, I didn't find myself getting up until I absolutely had to, and even then I was right back into it when I could.
Being familiar with much of the M:tG history, it was so very cool and interesting to see one of the weakest sets in the game receive one of the best stories to back it up. But then, I expect nothing less of Mr. Grubb.(less)
My friends and I have a soft spot for Ertai after reading about him in the Rath and Storm. The way Paul tied this story together for him had me practi...moreMy friends and I have a soft spot for Ertai after reading about him in the Rath and Storm. The way Paul tied this story together for him had me practically in tears before I was done. It all made sense, but argh why did it have to happen?
Hopefully the above doesn't seem too spoilery, rather, I would hope it entices anybody reading this to give the book a good read. Crovax is likewise handled quite well in his relation to Greven, Volrath and Ertai. How they all play out with Belbe at the head of everything is far and beyond amazing.(less)
This was a wonderful break from the chronology laid out in previous novels. The Mirrodin trilogy was good for a stepping stone, but it did include mor...moreThis was a wonderful break from the chronology laid out in previous novels. The Mirrodin trilogy was good for a stepping stone, but it did include more ties to the penultimate story. Granted, there's more to this and its two sequels than just an adventure in asian mythology. All in all, a very well written and thought out plot.
I especially like the use of Kanji as magic and even adapted it to a character I played in D&D for a while. Fun times.(less)
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