Rating: 
Summary: The End?
Review: This book (and the second trilogy, for that matter) is neither as visually arresting nor as emotionally involving as the first one. Of course, it could be that the novelty of the gimmick (reading someone else's mail) is wearing off, but I think it is also because Matthew and Isabella are simply not as interesting as Griffin and Sabine. As for the art, it's still lavish, but it lacks the sort of dream-/nightmare-like quality that made the first series so compelling. In other words, there doesn't seem to be much spirit in this series.And unless Nick Bantock has plans of coming up with a 3rd trilogy, I'm afraid the question will linger in my mind is: "What was THAT all about?" I wish he'd stopped at The Golden Mean--at least there were so many interesting theories about the series at that point (my personal favorite is that Sabine was a malevolent force that drove Griffin to madness). But now, there are no good theories. Hardcore fans of Bantock's art will no doubt enjoy this series. But those hoping for a story worthy of the first series may be disappointed, as I was.
Rating:
Summary: Try it again Nick
Review: This book looks beautiful, but it tells nothing, explains nothing, just leaves the story hanging aimlessly. Please Mr Bantock, give us another volume- something that will satisfy us.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautifully trite
Review: Usually, I find Nick Bantock's books enchanting and full of visual and literary surprises. Unfortunately, _The Morning Star_ cannot be counted as one of these delights. The only thing that keeps it from being a complete waste of time is all the captivating collage and mail art. The story itself wraps up the series in a very expected, ordinary manner that's not worthy of all the luscious art. Bantock has told us this story before and he's told it much better (when he gave us _The Venetian's Wife_). You won't have the sense of satisfaction that you read the final chapter of a wonderful series, you'll just feel cheated.
Rating:
Summary: And The Point Was.......?
Review: When a sincere Bantock admirer, a faithful purchaser of his books, AND a fairly bright woman can't "get" it, well, something is amiss. The impact of his art remains fresh with all its texture, depth and excitement, but...ummm....what was the point? Maybe I'm overthinking the work in trying to link it to Yeat's great beast slouching toward Bethlehem, or Nostradamus' quatrains, or...for goodness sake, just the simple nod towards male/female union. But Yikes! It took six books (and years & years) to tell the tale, and I honestly don't know what the tale was. A body of work this wonderful ought not be leaving the reader feeling empty or stupid. My two-star ranking was a compromise: five stars for the art and minus three for the story. Sorry, Nick.
Rating:
Summary: And The Point Was.......?
Review: When a sincere Bantock admirer, a faithful purchaser of his books, AND a fairly bright woman can't "get" it, well, something is amiss. The impact of his art remains fresh with all its texture, depth and excitement, but...ummm....what was the point? Maybe I'm overthinking the work in trying to link it to Yeat's great beast slouching toward Bethlehem, or Nostradamus' quatrains, or...for goodness sake, just the simple nod towards male/female union. But Yikes! It took six books (and years & years) to tell the tale, and I honestly don't know what the tale was. A body of work this wonderful ought not be leaving the reader feeling empty or stupid. My two-star ranking was a compromise: five stars for the art and minus three for the story. Sorry, Nick.
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