Alphabet of Thorn

Rating:
Summary: Another good one from McKillip.
Review: The only complaint I have with McKillip's work is that it's over too soon. I'll have to go back and re-read the book a couple more times, slowly savoring the language. Like everything else I've read of hers, there is no sense of reading, simply images unfolding and exploding in one's mind. Noone I know of, except Ray Bradbury, has her talent for imagery.
This isn't one of her best works, however, it's still a wonderful story and well worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: Dreamy
Review: The only thing I can truly praise about this book is the dream-like spell it casts over the reader. McKillip's prose flows gently along like water babbling over rocks in a brook - quiet, effortless, and beautiful. Her writing has a certain poetry about it that is memorable, and the book is worth a read if simply for her unique, calm tone that is as enthralling as a spell. As a work of fantasy, the novel acheives an effective air of mysticism and magic, but falls short on plot and characterization. As the first of McKillip's books I have read, I am curious to try some of her previous works in hopes of being more satisfied with the story as a whole.

Rating:
Summary: Rebirth
Review: The Riddle of Stars is my favorite work of fantasy. This comes close to that great work. A wonderful trek through the minds of the main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rating:
Summary: Love it!
Review: This is a great book from a great author. If you love real fantasy, other world books, you've got to read this one. Its fantasy, romance and mystery in one. You should also take a look at Ombria in Shadow, another book of hers. She has a wonderful way of making you feel the story, rather than just reading it, like your dreaming it up yourself. Go ahead escape into a world of adventure. ;)



Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: You don't just read McKillip's books, you savor them. The way she writes is just beautiful - more so than any other author I've read. This was a wonderfully designed book with two plots that take place in different times. It was beautifully written, and I was really impressed with how the characters developed through the story. I was also delighted with the entire Alphabet concept...it was a lot of fun to visualize it.

I highly recommend it.