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Rating: Summary: Biggles style Boys Own Adventure blather... Review: ...which I *hope* the authors were doing deliberately. If you're looking for 3-D characters, meaningful exploration of mystic tradition, and a strong thrilling plot, this series is not for you. However if an easy Hardy Boys style book is what you're after, and you're under 16, this series is a bit of fun. Now the negative points. The magic shown suffered a lot from what seemed to be the authors constant grandstanding of their own personal beliefs, and apparent concern at frightening the reader off. This is supposed to be a *fantasy* book, despite using a variety of real mystical systems as a basis, yet there is constant and wearying reassurance to the reader that all is subject to Christian vetoing. This black and white quality serves to remove a great deal of tension and any and all character conflicts/developments that could have happened. Next: I am honestly confused as to whether either author has ever visited the UK. I'll write it off as part of the hopefully deliberate Biggles syndrome, but all the tweed and pearls and och aye the noo, really grated after a while. There was a constant sense of 'Oh look, honey, ain't this quaint?' throughout. I actually thought the books were supposed to be set in the 1950's for a moment there, so unrecognisable are their characters. Weirdest of all is the near-constant class snobbery-- far from being the inbred partying/bloodsporting berks most UK'ers expect from their aristocracy, they're all highly intelligent, and magickal to boot. All the poor plebs are (of course) ignorant serfs who look to Adam and co for guidance, with Mcleod providing a token working class touch. Then there's the lack of any decent female characters. I wanted to vomit every time Julia's 'gentle doe-like demeanour' was mentioned. The main flaw in these books however, is the lack of conflict and action. None of the main characters ever seem even mildly imperilled. They're never upset, they're never angry, they never have sex, they never swear, in short; they're not recognisably *human*. And that is what makes these books a readable curiosity, a variation on the Nancy Drew theme; perhaps good for 12-16 year olds, but nothing more.
Rating: Summary: MORE MORE MORE Review: For some reason, the author is far more concerned with what her characters are wearing than with what they are doing. The magic portrayed in the book is a smarmy and very dull brand of Western Mystery Tradition occultism. The portrayal of Scottish people is sterotypical and patronizing, and in Gaelic areas of Scotland the characters are not portrayed as Gaels, but as the same stereotypical lowland Scots. Every scene was so agonizingly dull that to continue reading was almost literally painful. In other words, I don't recommend this book!
Rating: Summary: Occult fiction at its best, in a modern setting. Review: I first read this book simply because I have enjoyed all of Katherine Kurtz's other works to date. As soon as I had finished it I wanted another one. Kurtz and Harris write a plausible occult novel that is set in a modern day Scotland. I do hope that ours is not like it or that if it is that there are really Hunting Lodges such as that described in the book to help protect people from the Dark side of humanity. As one would expect, the characters are both believable and interesting. You really care what happens to them and want to know more. Fortunately for us they have acceded to our wishes and there are now four books in the series with a fifth one on the way. If you're like me and look for good series to read you won't want to pass up on this one. But even if you're not into reading series you'll enjoy this book. It is both exciting and intriguing
Rating: Summary: Great reading for all ages! Review: I loved "Dagger Magic" and the other Adept novels. I would not recomend it for serious reading, but it is fun and imaginative, and had interesting devolopments of the Adept World View. Some readers may be put off by it's glimpse in the life of Adam Sinclair Style, and the fact that the supposed main focus of the book is stuck in the last quarter of it. I still found my emotions aroused, and my imagination put to the test. Perhaps it should not go down in literary history, but it has inspired me to read the other Adept books, I have already read the first one.
Rating: Summary: Bravo! Review: Katherine Kurtz' amazing talent for creating vivid fiction worlds has certainly not deserted her in this work with Deborah Turner-Harris. Her devotion to accuracy in history and geography are amazing.This FIRST novel in this particular series (although connected to her previous works) is a wonderful introduction to the world of the story, and some very compelling characters. Set aside some time to immerse yourself in the world of the Adept, and enjoy the ride...
Rating: Summary: Wonderfully written Review: Kurtz gives us a story about three men, the powers they hold, and the treausre there trying to keep hidden. While the title The Adept refers to Adam Sinclair, doctor and Master of the Hunt, the story really revolves around a man named Peregrine who discovers a chilling talent that almost makes him commit suicide-the ability to see things as they once were. Travelling all over Scotland Adam, Peregrine, and Adams Second (sorry can't recall his name) they chase a group of evil sorcerers who search for a treasure of power. I now own the entire series and while each book is different they are definatly worth reading.
Rating: Summary: MORE MORE MORE Review: PLEASE PLEASE ............. MORE OF THE ADEPT. ALL OF THE BOOKS ARE GREAT READING.. COULD SPEND HOURS RAVING ABLUT THIS SERICES. PLEASE MORE THAN JUST 5.
Rating: Summary: Fun supernatural thriller Review: So it isn't Agatha Christie. The Adept is still a fun, rollicking supernatural thriller that deserves a second (and maybe a third) look! Sir Adam Sinclair is a shrink and baronet, who secretly battles evil forces in his native Scotland. (He's like Sherlock Holmes, but warmer and not as show-offy). While paying a visit to an old friend, he meets a young artist named Peregrin, who accidently foresees things and hears voices - and it's freaking him out. As Sinclair takes the young man under his wing, a wave of evil sorcerers rise to steal an ancient treasure, using the mystical Hepburn Sword and Fairy Flag. Sinclair must use all resources - earthly and unearthly - to catch them. The writing style lags a bit, and I was uncomfortable with some scenes, such as discussions of reincarnation and bits of divination, as well as a stretched-to-different-body spirit speaking through a policeman. However, the base of the book and its characters will be familiar to mystery fans: the detective and his sidekick, and the friendly policeman (McLeod) who tags along on their adventures. What sets them apart from a Hercule Poirot mystery? The climax is breathtaking after a slower pace throughout most of the book. Fairies (not cute little gauze-winged creatures, as Adam tells us) show up, as does a Ban-sidhe. And there's even a cameo near the end by a familiar "face" that will elicit a chuckle and a cheer from the most hardened reader. The characters are fun to read about: Adam is sexy and suave in his buttoned-up, wry manner. Peregrin is a sweetie with his emotional problems and obvious crush. McLeod is a darling, the perfect endearing Highland chieftain in a cop's uniform. For good spine-tingling fun, this is THE book!
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