Rating: 
Summary: One of the best in this series!!!
Review: Actually 4.5 stars, this book is nothing short of fantastic, featuring a well thought out plot, and likeable characters. The last book in the series, Ascendance, I felt used magic far too often to forward the plot, that is clearly not the case here. In fact, magic is hardly used at all leading to a much better overall story.It is true that majority of the characters from the previous books hardly appear in Transcendence, but do not let that dissuade you from picking this one up. The new group is 100% different from the one of the previous books. Brynn, the principle character, has an entirely different outlook on a lot of genre cliches, making her a very refreshing character to read. The supporting cast of characters are also not what you would expect, and the villians are equal in cunning to the Father Abbot in the first three books. In recent reviews of Salvatore's work, I have written of predictable as well as inplausible outcomes. This is not the case with Transcendance. You will not know how this book ends until you reach the very last pages. It keeps you guessing in a splendid way, while arriving at a well thought out conclusion. Go out and get this one!
Rating: 
Summary: superb epic fantasy
Review: Although the demon Bestebulziir was defeated in the Demon War, the elves paid a very heavy price for that win. Their beloved land is demon stained and that rot is spreading, threatening to displace them from their home. In the event that this event should comes to pass, the eleven leader Lady Dassleron is determined that the To-goi should once more be in charge of their native land. Presently, the To-goi is a subjugated race under their Behrenese masters. Brynn Pharielle, eleven trained as a warrior, saw her parents killed by the Behrenese when she was only a child. She burns to free her homeland from it's oppressors. She soon finds herself gaining some very powerful and unusual allies, both mundane and magical to go against an army led by a man who is several centuries old, both in age and military wisdom.
TRANSCENDENCE is epic fantasy at it's finest. The heroine, a determined woman who perseveres despite the many obstacles thrown in her path. That makes her a role model and a very likable character. Her courage and conviction enable her to insinuate herself into the hearts of the audience. R.A. Salvatore has crafted such a believable world that readers will find themselves fantasizing that elves and dragons exist on our Earth. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: transcendence
Review: as usual a great read, i cant wait for next in series
Rating:
Summary: Nice work, Mr. Salvatore
Review: I am nearly finished with Mr. Salvatore's book, "Transcendance," and I am once again very happy with his writing. I have read maybe one-third of his books and haven't been disappointed even once. By way of contrast, I have read the complete works of other authors and can say that a number of them did disappoint. I think it's common (and completely forgivable) for any writer, good or otherwise, to turn out a so-so book once in a while, I'm sure I would, but so far as I know, Mr. Salvatore has not. His work is consistently superior. I worked in the same company as Mr. Salvatore when his first book, "The Crystal Shard," was published. He was kind enough to autograph my copy for me. That was back in 1988. I was stunned by the quality of his work, especially for a first effort. We spoke for a while and he mentioned that he wanted to write a "Great" American novel. By this I believe that he meant something other than fantasy. If he has done this, I am unaware of it. However, I would like to say that his existing work is so liberally peppered with wisdom and insight about the human condition that I'd argue that he has, in however piecemeal a fashion, written this Magnum Opus, even if he himself does not recognize it. Transcendence is a wonderful example of this fact. The mystic, Pagonel, is wise and confused at the same time. His new friend and student, Brynn Dharrielle, is impetuous but able to accept her own failings when shown. The Behren leader and the book's antagonist, Yakim Douan, is wise and can show us, the readers, much about ourselves, even though his personal goals are selfish and he himself is ruthless. Yes, there is much to learn from all the flawed, wonderful characters in this book, even from the surprising dragon, Agradeleous. In all of Mr. Salvatore's books that I have read, I start them because he wrote them, I stay for the story, and I leave them with a sense that I have gained from the experience. What else can one expect from any book? I could provide a long list of authors that, in my opinion, Mr. Salvatore exceeds in every respect, but that wouldn't be fair (it would also be against the rules) and anyway it would take too long to write. Whenever I come across one of his books, I buy it. I can only hope that he continues his already impressive career for many years to come. PBP, 02/14/2004
Rating:
Summary: Nice work, Mr. Salvatore
Review: I am nearly finished with Mr. Salvatore's book, "Transcendance," and I am once again very happy with his writing. I have read maybe one-third of his books and haven't been disappointed even once. By way of contrast, I have read the complete works of other authors and can say that a number of them did disappoint. I think it's common (and completely forgivable) for any writer, good or otherwise, to turn out a so-so book once in a while, I'm sure I would, but so far as I know, Mr. Salvatore has not. His work is consistently superior. I worked in the same company as Mr. Salvatore when his first book, "The Crystal Shard," was published. He was kind enough to autograph my copy for me. That was back in 1988. I was stunned by the quality of his work, especially for a first effort. We spoke for a while and he mentioned that he wanted to write a "Great" American novel. By this I believe that he meant something other than fantasy. If he has done this, I am unaware of it. However, I would like to say that his existing work is so liberally peppered with wisdom and insight about the human condition that I'd argue that he has, in however piecemeal a fashion, written this Magnum Opus, even if he himself does not recognize it. Transcendence is a wonderful example of this fact. The mystic, Pagonel, is wise and confused at the same time. His new friend and student, Brynn Dharrielle, is impetuous but able to accept her own failings when shown. The Behren leader and the book's antagonist, Yakim Douan, is wise and can show us, the readers, much about ourselves, even though his personal goals are selfish and he himself is ruthless. Yes, there is much to learn from all the flawed, wonderful characters in this book, even from the surprising dragon, Agradeleous. In all of Mr. Salvatore's books that I have read, I start them because he wrote them, I stay for the story, and I leave them with a sense that I have gained from the experience. What else can one expect from any book? I could provide a long list of authors that, in my opinion, Mr. Salvatore exceeds in every respect, but that wouldn't be fair (it would also be against the rules) and anyway it would take too long to write. Whenever I come across one of his books, I buy it. I can only hope that he continues his already impressive career for many years to come. PBP, 02/14/2004
Rating:
Summary: finally some hope
Review: i love R.A.'s work, but the demon wars sagas have ended in fairly depressing ways. this book provides hope that perhaps it will all work out in the end. good characters, good plot, an enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: RAS does it again
Review: I started reading RAS years ago starting with his Forgotten Realms books. I started reading the Demon Wars Saga, fully expecting to be disappointed - I was rather surprised. In my opinion you get to know the characters in Demon Wars much better and you definately fall in love with the some of the characters and really hate others. I love an author that can bring that kind of emotion and feelings to a book. The Drizzt books are GREAT but The Demon Wars are so much better and a more mature reading. Transcendence was no exeption, definately worth reading! I'm eagerly awaiting the next and hope they keep coming!
Rating:
Summary: RAS transcends to a higher level...
Review: If you asked me two years ago who R.A. Salvatore was, I would have told you the name reminded me of some movie director I couldn't place. That was, of course, before I was introduced to the worlds of Drizzt, Cadderly, and Elbryan. Nearly 30 books later, I sit here yet again amazed by the brilliance that is R.A. Salvatore. He truly is one of THE fantasy authors of the century. His words, characters, and carefully woven tales will remain etched in the minds of hundreds of thousands of people for years to come. Transcendence is another gem to be added to this jewelry store of a collection Salvatore has opened. Having followed the "Demon Wars" series with an open heart, I fell completely in love with Elbryan and Jilesponie. I journeyed with them through battles, heartache, lost and renewed friendships, the culmination of love, political turmoil, betrayal, and even miracles...I felt their pain almost as distinctly as if it were my own. As Salvatore delicately wove their story, and it eventually developed into Pony's story, I became somewhat disheartened...until I realized that the sacrifice that was made HAD to be made, and it only further enriched the storyline. Such is true of Transcendence. No longer is the story centered around Pony or her troubled son Aydrian. It focuses on Brynn Dharielle, the elven trained ranger woman who wields a bow like some form of the Goddess Diana come to life. We witness how she fights her way back to her homeland, through lands of forgotten enemies, a dragon's lair, and a mountain never successfully traversed. She slowly emerges as her people's rightful savior, with the help of her old friend, Belli'mar Juraviel, and three surprising new companions. Her struggle to give her people the freedom they so yearn for is almost painfully human. How much will she sacrifice for her cause? Can she spill the blood of women and children so her people can one again be free? Immersed amongst Brynn's struggles is a religious struggle of epic proportions. The horrible innerworkings of the Chezru religion and its monster of a leader, Yakim Douan, are meticulously detailed. Will their religion survive the unearthing of so horrible a secret...a thoroughly disgusting secret that Douan has covered with lies, murder, and betrayal for hundreds of years? Or will Douan somehow manage to keep it secret, and keep fooling the thousands of innocents who kiss his feet and offer their lives for him? Salvatore winds these two stories spectacularly, all the while reminding the reader of the outside events involving Pony and Aydrian. The end result is a novel that I consider to be one of Salvatore's best to date. It is so amazingly human. I anxiously await Immortalis, because I know the final conclusion of this series will be absolutely breathtaking. So who is R.A. Salvatore? He is an author who I hold in the highest respect. I thank my lucky stars that two years ago, I somehow came across one of his books and decided to read it. Go out and buy "Transcendence." You won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: down a different road...
Review: If you've read my previous review on "Ascendance" you'll know It was a recomended read, but the over all feel of that book kinda of left you wanting more...
With "Transcendence" RAS has stoked up the fire and we've got new characters and stories and for the most part, it's alot better than the first book in my opinion. The way RAS brings some of the new characters into the story is great and you will definately love some of the other characters. This deviation from the series is most welcome and I can't wait for the final book...now.
A definate read and one of the better releases thus far in the "DeamonWars" saga... Justice Delivered
Rating:
Summary: down a different road...
Review: If you've read my previous review on "Ascendance" you'll know It was a recomended read, but the over all feel of that book kinda of left you wanting more...
With "Transcendence" RAS has stoked up the fire and we've got new characters and stories and for the most part, it's alot better than the first book in my opinion. The way RAS brings some of the new characters into the story is great and you will definately love some of the other characters. This deviation from the series is most welcome and I can't wait for the final book...now.
A definate read and one of the better releases thus far in the "DeamonWars" saga... Justice Delivered
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