What Do You Say To A Naked Elf?

Rating:
Summary: Hoo-boy Ho-Hum
Review: Except for the occasional witty wisecrack, I honestly found this book boring. I managed to get through about 85 pages before I started skimming through large sections just to finish it. The ending didn't intrigue me enough to want to go back and recapture the pages I skipped. Obviously others have enjoyed this book, unfortunately, I am not one of them. ZZZZZZzzzzz

Rating:
Summary: A real pleasure
Review: Fantastic! And even better -- loads of fun.

I was prepared to dislike Jane, the herione, after her introduction (first impression: grating -- and ungrateful to the people who saved her) but I kept on reading. I am so glad I did.

Sterling manages to create an intricate world complete with elves and other magical creatures without a single stereotype (or over-the-top dramatic flourishes that give a fantasy that comic book feel) And she manages to convey a complex universe without sacrificing the story.

Her characters are as good as the story. Even Jane quickly shows that she's determined rather than bratty. She and Charlie are a great match. Sterling's people and her story were lively, interesting and did I mention -- FUN. Exactly the sort of escape one needs during a dreary winter storm. Warming to the core.

Rating:
Summary: A fun romp
Review: Jane Drysdale is driving her car when a blowout causes her vehicle to land in a ditch. Before she can call for assistance, elves arrive to rescue her. However, their rescue turns into more of an arrest when they take the bewildered human to the magical land of Lowth where she is on trial for murder.

Jane quickly discovers that on this world she has the ability to use magic. As her hybrid (half human-half elf) lawyer Charlie defends her, Jane learns that she has a mission to save her new world from total destruction. With Charlie at her side (and a few other hovering places- what can you expect with a distant pair of wings?), Jane begins the quest to rescue Lowth, a seemingly impossible mission.

In a sense this fabulous epic romantic fantasy is a coming of age story starring a terrific if somewhat bewildered heroine with her champion (though she does much of the rescuing) at her side. Jane is a terrific protagonist and Charlie brings honor and ethics to the legal profession (lawyers are too easily a fall group for doing their jobs representing people). The mythological species that populate Lowth come across as genuine in this sterling tale that showcases the talents of a delightful imaginative author. Read this fine book to learn how the heroine answered the title question in this It Happened to Jane adventure tale

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: Hmm...
Review: Jane Drysdale's life was radically altered when she hit a bunny with her car. At least, it looked like a bunny- but it wasn't, it was an elf who shape shifted into one. Now she' son trial for his murder, with a too die for lawyer as her defense. That is only the tip of the ice berg. Secrets buried since before she was born begin coming to light, making all she knows about the past false, and both her and her stalwart defender's futures something they never imagined.

**** The title would make one believe that this is light weight fluff, but it's much more. Many elements come together, making this a great way to keep your resolution to only read good books this year. ****

Rating:
Summary: Do yourself a favor...Read This Book!
Review: Ms. Sterling's vivid imagination and clever dialogue pull the reader into the story from the very beginning and don't let go until the last page. The world of Lowth and its inhabitants are so richly envisioned, I'd like to find my own portal and go for an extended holiday! Start the new year off right, and treat yourself to the wonder of magic, laughter, adventure and true love and find out just what one does say to a naked elf!