Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: More exciting than ever Review: Somehow, without sacrificing character development, Haydon manages to break out enough action for a thriller. I thought she masterfully balanced the cast of new characters with the central people of the story and those who came roaring in from small cameos earlier in her work. She does an excellent job of making characters consistent while developing and showing their growth.There isn't a throwaway in the lot. It is an interesting choice to people a world sparsely, and give more attention to a smaller cast, than rapidly introduce scores of spear carriers. That may be what I like best.One other vicarious thrill is the intensity with which the characters pursue their motives. Achmed is temporarily blinded by his ambitions; the Seneschal would burn a whole continent, and a long-retired warrior lives only to finish a job. Stunning
Rating: ![2 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-2-0.gif) Summary: Promising, but flawed Review: The initial summary of the book is far superior to the actual story. In reading "Requiem", I get the impression that the author isn't sure what story she wants to tell until the half-way portion of the book. The opening portions deal primarily with a political battle over water rights and whether new allies can overcome past prejudices. That in itself could become a quite an entertaining story if handled properly. However, once the water starts to flow from the ancient fountain, (which is somehow able to funnel water washed in by the high tides only once a month from "a thousand miles away", yet Rhapsody experiences daily tidal flucuations later in the book) the assorted friends disperse to their various kingdoms and a new story begins; the capture and escape and search for Rhapsody. Here begin the major flaws I have with this story. The author seems to have great difficulty managing time and distance. Everything seems to be a thousand miles away from everything else and everything takes a thousand years. All the principal characters we come to know any true detail of have all been alive for a thousand years. We're repeatedly told that Rhapsody, Achmed, and Grunthor spent "a thousand years" traveling through the center of the earth. Yet, when they haven't seen each other for what appears to be a year or two, they behave as if eons have passed since they last shared each others' company. The first time Ashe travels to the Basilica he is traveling with a full entourage and it takes rougly a week. Once Rhapsody has been kidnapped by the evil Michael, he and Achmed ride off alone, traveling day and night non-stop, and can only better the travel time by a single day. This makes no sense. Then we have Rhapsody's physical condition. She is presented as being so violently ill she can barely stand after becoming pregnant that we're to believe she is on death's door. Yet she is able to maintain her spirits and good health and there is no mention of her illness at all after having spent "weeks and weeks" floating in an underwater cave? There are entirely too many inconsistencies in character, place, and tempo for this to be considered a quality story. Again, we are told that Achmed is the most feared assassin in the world, yet we never see any indication of his abilities. In fact, he is nearly drowned in the only combat confrontation he has in the entire book. Esten appears to be quite lethal, but only in one instance against an unarmed pregnant woman. Grunthor is little more than terribly stereotyped comic relief. I enjoyed the settings and the varied landscape, but there are simply too many loose ends and inconsistencies in the execution of the idea.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Breath Catcher Review: The story was great! Elizabeth Haydon pulls you farther into Rhapsody's story(past and present). It re-introduces her old tormentor, Michael, with a great twist. You will find yourself holding your breath, wondering what will happen next. Though it lags in some places, I would recommend this to any fantasy reader.
Rating: ![3 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-3-0.gif) Summary: It isn't as good as her first three Review: This book feels like it was a "have to" book, where the publisher/writer feel the need to expand upon their previous successes with characters. The first three books are outstanding (Rhapsody, being the first) and I'd recommend them to anyone. Unfortunately, this one didn't live up to the story arcs or character development provided in that series.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Requiem for the Sun Review: This book is a fantastic follow to the previous three books, Hope there is a fourth to see how Rhapsody and her baby are. There is an appearance from an old foe, great deeds from unexpected people. Over all a great read and highly recommended.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: wonderful story Review: This is a great book for those who have read the first 3 Rhapsody books. If you haven't read them yet don't read this book because it will spoil much of what you read in the first 3 books. At first I found this book to be disjointed. Each chapter was jumping from one plot to another, but after the first 80 pages or so it all comes together to form a wonderful story. I believe this book is setting up a new trilogy, so many plots are not resolved, and those that are have what can only be perceived as temporary solutions. For those who love fantasy I highly recommend this book.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Good - But Not As Good As the First Three Review: This is a great book with a different spin than most fantasy novels. Read the series!
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Fabulous Review: This is a great book with a different spin than most fantasy novels. Read the series!
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Don't judge a book by it's summary! Review: You shouldn't judge a book by what's written on the back, and Requiem is no exception. The summary makes it sound cliche and boring, while it is tottaly unique and hard to put down. I found Requiem the easiest to read so far, I finished it in under a week. (which is extremly fast for ME!) All the charators from the original trilogy are back which is great, and and old bad guy from Rhapsody's past is there as well. If you have read the previouse books, the baddy IS who you're thinking of, it's pretty obvious!! Just like the others, this book has a charming sence of humor and a compelling plot. And Achmed's last words at the end of the book where pretty funny!! Anyway this is the fourth book in the series and I have no idea when the fith, Elegy for a lost star comes out. And I don't know how many books the series will end up having, but one thing I DO know is that I will stay with it to the end!! ...I am not 12! I am much... well I'm a leeetle older.
|