Rating: 
Summary: a decent read, but not very original
Review: I'm a big fan of Mercedes Lackey-- I've read all of her Valdemar books and her Bards series-- but I found myself disappointed with "Joust." The story is well-written enough, and the characters and their moral dilemmas are portrayed very well... but it's just not very original. "Joust" is your typical "young boy overcomes obstacles to triumph" fantasy story with dragons. If you've read Anne McCaffrey's dragon-rider series or Yolen's "Dragon's Blood" series... well, this is basically the same story, rehashed with nothing special to distinguish it but the fact that the characters and places have different names. That's not to say I didn't enjoy reading it (Lackey is, after all, a good writer)... it's just not anything new or special. So if you're just looking for a decent read to pass the time, "Joust" isn't a bad choice... but if you're looking for a really compelling story or an innovative new addition to the fantasy genre, this is definitely not it.
Rating:
Summary: too similar to yolan
Review: I'm a fan of most of her other books, and this one would have gotten a better review if i had not previously read Jane Yolan's "dragonsblood." This book really was shockingly similar, so much so that it made me slightly uncomfortable. I would recommend reading Yolan's book instead, since it had almost the same plot, but written in a more appealing way.
Rating: 
Summary: Not a Lackey lackey
Review: I've always shied away from Lackey's novels in the past. I hate to admit it, but the cover art just really puts me off. But a moment of weakness in a checkout line provoked me into buying this one. Hmm...It had me hooked at first, but halfway through the novel the story line just fell apart. I love a good underdog-makes-good story, but her plot devices required too much of a leap of faith at times; the largest being an eleven year old dragon drudge hiding a newly hatched and RAPIDLY growing dragon under the noses of a strict dragon culture. Nope, didn't work for me. Aside from the fact that a book buddy caught me reading it and teased me unmercifully for days, I just might see what the Valdemar (sp?) fuss is all about.
Rating: 
Summary: A Must Read
Review: If you're into dragons you'll love this book, Mercedes Lackey sets up a whole new world and provides a colorful amount of details putting a realistic spin on things. Once you get started you can't put it down.
Rating:
Summary: Conflict, Intrigue, Dragons... Wonderful book!!
Review: If you've ever wanted something so much that you went to any lengths to get it, than you'll be able to relate to the main character in this book.
He goes from a serf, whos home and family were taken from him by another people who overtook his, to a dragonboy of one of the kindest dragons and Jousters in the compound.
Not only was he so lucky in being saved from his tyrannical master, and then getting paired with said Jouster... but he also manages to make one of his own dreams come true: having a dragon of his own.
You have to read it to find out more, but let me tell you, it IS worth it!
Rating: 
Summary: Very good, but not great
Review: In "Joust," Mercedes Lackey creates a world very similar to Ancient Egypt, but with an added twist. Vetch is a serf, bound to the land, and to his cruel master, when he is rescued by a "Jouster" - a sort of knight-equivalent who rides a dragon. Vetch is a very likeable, pragmatic character, and Ari is a fascinating one; someone who doesn't fit the mould of his society. Lackey really excels at world-building and description, but this book is a little thin on plot. I especially enjoyed "listening" to her characters' ethical reflections and dilemmas, though. This is a very good, interesting read, though not one I would buy in hardcover.
Rating:
Summary: Very good, but not great
Review: In "Joust," Mercedes Lackey creates a world very similar to Ancient Egypt, but with an added twist. Vetch is a serf, bound to the land, and to his cruel master, when he is rescued by a "Jouster" - a sort of knight-equivalent who rides a dragon. Vetch is a very likeable, pragmatic character, and Ari is a fascinating one; someone who doesn't fit the mould of his society. Lackey really excels at world-building and description, but this book is a little thin on plot. I especially enjoyed "listening" to her characters' ethical reflections and dilemmas, though. This is a very good, interesting read, though not one I would buy in hardcover.
Rating:
Summary: Not a Lackey lackey
Review: It was a treat to see Mercedes Lackey leave the familiar world of Valdemar and venture into new territory. The world she has created for her new series has an Egyptian feel, which gives it a unique flavor. Much of the action follows the standard fantasy conventions, but the characters are well drawn, particularly the narrator Vetch. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Solid coming of ages story
Review: It was a treat to see Mercedes Lackey leave the familiar world of Valdemar and venture into new territory. The world she has created for her new series has an Egyptian feel, which gives it a unique flavor. Much of the action follows the standard fantasy conventions, but the characters are well drawn, particularly the narrator Vetch. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Wounderful Story, Good Plot, Medeocre Editing
Review: Joust has wonderful plot development and colorful characters you can relate to. Lackey has done a superb job of putting you right in the middle of the story. I couldn't put the book down. Literally. I finished it in about a day.
But... yes, you knew there'd be a but... the editing in this book (at least the hardback edition) is not so great. There were probably seven or eight places in the book where the punctuation made me pause and do a doubletake. It didn't really confuse the story, but it was very distracting and interrupted the flow of my reading.
I would have given Joust a five-star rating, except for this. There can be many reasons to criticize a book, but editing should not have to be one of them.
Don't let this dissuade you from reading Joust. It's fun, exciting and dramatic.
Here is a must-read for dragon lovers and anyone else looking for a good read.
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