Rating: Summary: Magnificent Series Review: Thomas Covenant - Unbeliever, White Gold Wielder. What a book! I thoroughly enjoyed the Illearth War. Stephen Donaldson's protagonist is human, fallible, tormented, cynical and disbelieving of the magic that carried him from his miserable leprosy-ridden 20th century existence, to a world where he is hailed as a saviour. He finds it difficult to believe that this world needs him, that the people rely on him to save them. At times, you want to kick Thomas into action, but the cause of his 'unbelief' is extremely plausible. I did question some of his actions, but there is a tangible element of harsh reality in this saga, and in the long run, his actions have a direct consequence on the story-line. I heartily recommend the book.
Rating: Summary: Pretty good, but there is better epic fantasies out there... Review: Thomas Covenant is an interesting character, one not to be found in other books. He is a leper who is summoned to the Land, and there the story unfolds. I was disappointed in the beginning, but it got better and better as it went on! Personally, I didn't think that any of the characters around Thomas Covenant developed at all, only Thomas did, and he wasn't so 'intricate' either; which was annoying. The other thing that was annoying, but doesn't reflect at all on this review, is the lame names...Lord Foul (I think of Mr. Evil, Supermean...etc), and The Land...I think he could have created better names for some things; but other character names were great! Overall, this book is great! It isn't of 'epic proportions," but it's a great read nevertheless! I strongly recommend my favorite epic fantasy series! That is the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind! The books are Wizard's First Rule (1), Stone of Tears (2), Blood of the Fold (3), Temple of the Winds (4), Soul of the Fire (5), and the forthcoming (August 22, 2000) Faith of the Fallen (6)! Enjoy All!
Rating: Summary: Into the woods... Review: Thomas Covenant is crumbling inside under the stress of tortures no human can withstand. Did he just return from a fantasy world in which he saved the day by using the magic power hidden in his wedding ring, or has the leprosy which has destroyed him as a man and barred him from society driven him mad? A second trip to the magical Land doesn't help his mental state at all, especially when he meets fellow Earthman Hile Troy, to whom the Land has given sight for his blinded eyes and employment for his military genius. Troy cannot understand how Covenant can ignore the Land's need, but the Lords, masters of wood and stone lore as well as the secrets of war and Earthpower, understand Covenant's fear of power and committment. As Troy commands the Land's army, Covenant and the High Lord Elena search for a secret power locked away an age ago as too dangerous, while Covenant still insists he is trapped in a hallucination. And what if he is? Even in a dream, should you try to do the right thing?
Rating: Summary: The Illearth Bore Review: Though this book has its good points, it seems the majority of it is a depressing march across the Land. This is definitely the worst of the six books in the Covenant series, but it's worth getting through to get to the rest of them. Donaldson is not immune to the common failings of fantasy writing, such as giving people or places stupid descriptive names, but that's about the only shortcoming throughout the whole series. The end of the book is pretty good, and the parts between Covenant and Elena are interesting to read. If you liked "Lord Foul's Bane" there is enough here to keep you reading into the third book. If you were only lukewarn on LFB, this one might lose you.
Rating: Summary: Back in the Land Again Review: We come again the continuing saga and epic of the Unbeliever, Covenant. When he awakens to find himself back in what he believes to be "reality," he finds that his leprosy is far more serious than he thought, and when he is drawn again, quite suddenly, to that alternate world, he comes face to face with the truth which he must face - whether this is a delirium or the real McCoy, as the saying goes. This is a deep and disturbing read through rough waters,this book, and it's a stretch for the imagination, especially when one comes into contact with the myriad creatures and magical beings. Incredibly recommended!!!
Rating: Summary: better than any of the others Review: Would Heaven people recognized Donaldson for his tremendous writing capacity. This book darkens the original story and makes things much, much worse than before--all through the heroes' efforts. Donaldson holds true to form in this and leaves the Land a Hell that will get even worse than this before it trudges up any road leading to its getting better.
Rating: Summary: This book kicked *** Review: Yes, a 10. The complexities of this book are amazing, from Covenenant's unthinkable relationship with High Lord Elena; Hile Troy, the blind man who can see in this confounding and beautiful world (who provides the perfect foil to Covenant -- someone who actually believes in what is going on around him); the brilliant telling of a full-scale world war -- this book really has it all. Best of the series, probably the best fantasy book I've read.
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