Forever Knight: These Our Revels

Rating:
Summary: initially difficult to get into
Review: If you delight in Shakespeare, you will probably like this book a lot. For myself, it was much slower moving than the other two Forever Knight novels, and therefore harder for me to get into. The authors are very good at recreating the time of Shakespeare, and what society was like then; there are many, many details that enrich the reading experience. But it is definitely not a fast read, unless you're the type who is able to race through plays like Hamlet, not bothering too much with the details.

Rating:
Summary: initially difficult to get into
Review: It was hard for me to put down this book. The very first time I read it, I read it straight through, unwilling to let anything stop me. Since then, I've read it and re-read it until I know the story by heart. The authors' ability to take the reader back to Elizabethan England, to Shakespeare and the Globe, to a time when taking a bath really was considered a major deal, is amazing. The style of writing is rich and elaborate -- full of life -- and it brings the characters, mortal and vampire alike, out into flesh and blood. This book is an absolute necessity for any Forever Knight fan (it can even create them) or for anyone who would like a glimpse into the mud and brocade world long gone.

Rating:
Summary: Excellently written -- absolutely beautiful...
Review: It was hard for me to put down this book. The very first time I read it, I read it straight through, unwilling to let anything stop me. Since then, I've read it and re-read it until I know the story by heart. The authors' ability to take the reader back to Elizabethan England, to Shakespeare and the Globe, to a time when taking a bath really was considered a major deal, is amazing. The style of writing is rich and elaborate -- full of life -- and it brings the characters, mortal and vampire alike, out into flesh and blood. This book is an absolute necessity for any Forever Knight fan (it can even create them) or for anyone who would like a glimpse into the mud and brocade world long gone.

Rating:
Summary: Not too good
Review: One fun thing about Forever Knight is the way that Nick always weaves the past into the present. The whole "those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it". This book spent the entire time in the past so several characters were not able to appear. I also thought the book was way too carried away on putting "Thees and Thous" in and neglecting minor things like plot.

Rating:
Summary: Sap.
Review: Shakespeare started his plays with an event meant to capture the viewer's attention. Pity this author didn't learn that in her research. This book has, among other things, the lack of a solid plot. The background of the main character was thrown in, without tact, in the very beginning, and was then restated, for some reason, later on. Many of the known characters engage in uncharacteristic behaviors and new characters come off shallow. Also, Elisabethan English was a literary style, not a vernacular language; common people did not speak in it. Even though it fades away as the book runs on, it still creates confusion. Not that the dialogue is purposeful. Many times, I found myself constantly wondering: "Is this going anywhere?" The book had a few good moments, centering on the three vampires, but they all seemed to end badly. And the parts with the mortals seemed only relevant because of the figures themselves, and not for any real purpose. In relation to the two previous books, this one is a weak attempt. Although apparently accurate in several parts, it lacks in storytelling, in tact, and in interest. But don't take my word for it.

Rating:
Summary: A major disappointment
Review: This book appears to have been written solely for the purpose of providing the author with an excuse to research Elizabethan England. Since I am not an Elizabethan scholar, I cannot judge how well or poorly she has succeeded in this goal. To a non-specialized eye, the dialogue seems appropriately Shakespearian, but it is so stilted and obscure that readers may wish to locate a dictionary of 16th century slang before wading in. Unfortunately, "wade" is definitely the best word to describe any attempt to read this novel. There isn't much of a story, and what there is, is bland, meandering and ultimately pointless. Very little time is given to the Forever Knight characters, period, and none of it does them justice. The original characters fare no better. They remain so lifeless and monotone throughout that it is impossible to develop any interest in their fate. The participation of William Shakespeare and other luminaries of the period amounts to nothing more than scholarly name-dropping. They could be edited out without having a substantial effect on the novel, except to shorten its length. If you enjoy page after endless page of Elizabethan word play for its own sake, by all means, buy this book. If you wish to revisit the Forever Knight universe, buy Susan Garrett's "Intimations of Mortality" instead.

Rating:
Summary: An interesting approach to the vampire theme.
Review: This book surprised me. I expected something like the hack Star Trek novels, but it's in a different class. The author has an amazing grasp of Elizabethan language and a fascinating premise: Shakespeare's new play about Hamlet, who is forced into an action he did not choose by a dominating (ghost) father is juxtaposed to Nick's relationship with his vampire "father." The subplot deals with Nick's fascination with an abused young woman, who is dying. The book could have been much better--I felt this gifted author probably had to produce it in a hurry and didn't do herself justice. She creates an excellent and believable Shakespeare and company. The book can be enjoyed both by Forever Knight fans and Shakespeare buffs.

Rating:
Summary: It was not as good as the other two
Review: This book was not as good as the other two. It felt like it would never end, it had some good parts Vachon was in most of those. Compared to the others it was a disapointment.

Rating:
Summary: It was just bad!
Review: This book was the WORST F.K. book. The style of writing just does not suit this day and age. I think most people would not want to read it in that style! I sure would not! You can make comments to it and the time period, but just don't make the setting of the entire book about it!

Rating:
Summary: Great Ballroom Scene-You'll Love this book
Review: This book was very entertaining and surprising!!! I am a fan of the Forever Knight series but never expected a book in the series to be such a finely woven tale.The books plot is as follows:It's an average day in the life of a homicide detective/vampire(Nick Knight) when he remembers his time working as a player in William Shakespear's plays.The story continues to discribe his adventures with Lacroix,Janette,and Aristotle as they encounter everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Isabella(who the character Ophelia in one of Shakespear's plays is supposedly based on).This book also shows you how Vachon and Screed first meet Nick and his friends and how they nearly reveal vampires to the world.My favorite scene is Lacroix's elaborately planned new years ball. He challenges Nick and Janette to take two mortals who are the grand prize in his wicked game.When it comes to nick just can't...well you'll have to read the book to find out.All the characters and places are accurate to what we know about Shakespear and his life.It's a well-written book that is great for escape reading.If you're a Forever Knight fan or a sci-fi even, you'll really enjoy this book.