Rating: 
Summary: Beautifully done
Review: I've been waiting since last summer for this book to come out in paperback. I picked up the hardcover at the bookstore because it seemed like a remarkably beautiful book, and so many people had recommended it, but just couldn't manage to stretch the budget to swing it. Besides, I try not to buy first time authors in anything but paperback. Finally this is here! Even for a paperback it is beautiful and high quality, with a color map on the inside cover! Now I'm going to have to get each book in both versions, the hardcovers for the shelves and the paperback for the train.I am only halfway through, but I am thoroughly enchanted. The characters [my favorite is Grunthor] the writing and the new and ever-changing plot are unique and fascinating. I now have a new favorite author.
Rating:
Summary: Among the best fantasies EVER!
Review: This book has received a lot of hype, but it's justified. This novel is outstanding, with beautiful (but never pretentious) passages, excellent characterizations, an unflagging page and a superb and original story. You will get absolutely lost in this one and have a great time doing it. Warning: Rated R for explicit sex and absolutely gruesome violence. A+++.
Rating: 
Summary: Good start to a new series by a new author-
Review: When I first read the opening pages of this book, I was a little wary, the name Meridon and and an instrument known as the Time Editor just seemed a little hokey to me. Boy was I wrong. This is one of the best debut fantasy novels I have read. There are many of the conventions that are common to fantasy novels: Magic, Time Travel, Ogre-like beings (Firbolgs), Evil Being, etc. While these are common in the landscape of fantasy, Haydon's approach to each of these is her own. The world building is good as well, we have a good sense of the world in which these characters live, from the magical Sagia tree to the home of the Firbolg. Haydon's rich descriptions are not TOO descriptive as the reader still has the leeway to leave some of the world to their own imagination. The system of Magic is handled very well and looks to be well thought out. The Magic Systme in this world is set to vibrational fields that can be manipulated by singing to and matching particular vibrations. For Example: If a Singer were to come across a plant that was wilting away, he/she could begin singing and attune to the life frequency of the plant to help heal it. The title character's talent is that she is a Singer, having acheived the high level of a Namer. A Namer can also determine the 'true' name of something, thus knowing the power and truth behind it. Also as a Namer it is impossible for her to lie. Rhapsody is a former prostitute who decided to leave that profession and purse a life of Singing and 'historical' study. If there is any flaw in her character, she seems a little too perfect at times. But as the main character of the novel, that is sometimes the case. She comes off as a strong, smart character while avoiding being annoyingly Bitchy. She sometimes comes off a little naive, and that is good since it balances out her other strenghts (beauty, intelligence, strength magic, etc). The other two characters again, seem like stock fantasy characters, but Haydon manages to make these characters new and fresh. Achmed the Snake formerly known simply as 'the Brother' is an assassin in the company of Grunthor, a Major of the Firbolg (Haydon's name for Ogres) Army. When Rhapsody first comes accross these two, she is on the run from a former client. Asking if the two would 'adopt' her, they say yes and she informs her chasers that Achmed the Snake, as she just named him then and there, is her brother. Since the two have just adopted her, she is not lying. Grunthor is a very likeable character and in keeping with Fantasy Literature Tradition, is deep down a soft hearted beast. With this in mind, Grunthor is a good character. He brings humor to some of the more tense situation. He is very supportive of both Achmed and Rhapsody. My favorite character just happens to be Achmed. Once these three characters meet up, their adventure begins as they enter the Sagia tree fleeing from Achmed's former master as well as Rhapsody's pursuants. The Sagia tree is the mythical root of the world and the companions travel and come out on the other side of the world, many, many, many years later seemingly reborn. Haydon uses the descent and rebirth myth and molds her characters in it to create some great scenes and events that set the table for the rest of the story. As the story progresses the way these three characters grow together as a 'family' is very good as well. There are only minor flaws in Haydon's storytelling. To avoid spoiling the story and any surprises I will not mention them specifically. A commendable debut: a good story; fun, interesting characters; and a world that comes alive. The story leaves the path open for the remaing two volumes in the trilogy, while giving a sense of closure.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant and funny
Review: This book has it all--great characters, wonderful writing, and a plot that is gratifyingly different from the standard fantasy fare. What is totally unique about it is the sense of humor. So many fantasy authors treat their text like it was sacred scripture, or frat-house jokes. Haydon achieves a wonderful balance of humor with all the other emotions she draws so well. I found myself suffering through the Root with the characters, cheering their victories, worrying about them in tense spots, and especially laughing with them. What a fantastic book! Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Dazzling Debut!
Review: Rhapsody is astonishing debut fantasy novel and I suspect the author will have a bright future in the genre.This book has very original story with memorable characters, lyrical writing, and witty dialogue.I especially like Grunthor, fire bolg who is one of the most colorful and hilarious character every made!He is equal parts mirth and menace.Haydon has consirable skills in the world-building department as she and her characters give you a guide tour through this fabulous world and it's beauty and wonders! I can't wait to read the sequel!
Rating: 
Summary: A good writer in the wrong genre
Review: Elizabeth Haydon is a good writer. However, her style belongs more in the ranks of New York Literary Fiction than in Fantasy. Her descriptive style can sometimes get in the way of the story, making it a difficult read. Hardcore fantasy enthusiasts will find nothing new here, but it's a pleasant ride. Wait for the paperback, but definitely pick up a copy.
Rating:
Summary: Great Suprise!
Review: I am very leary to try out new authors. There are a few that I am "loyal" to Robert Jordan, Steven Brust, to name a few. Of course, since they write a book once every few years I need to try out new ones. Many that I have tried have been bad or boring. However, this book is one of the best that I have read in a fantasy in a while. As the other reviews attest, I has it all: action, mystery, romance, etc. It has a strong story and a well thought out history and culture to the world. It ends with you having great anticipation for the sequal. Hopefully, it will be out soon!
Rating:
Summary: Addicting
Review: Get this book! I couldn't put it down. You'll find youself up late every night. Three cheers for Elizabeth Haydon. I'll be waiting for the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: The best in many a year
Review: This book has it all--great writing, characterization, action, magic and mystery. The plot makes sense, the emotions are real, and it is entrancing. The marketing copy on every fantasy book that comes out heralds its author as the new master. This one actually could live up to that title. Achmed the Snake has to be one of the all time great characters in recent fantasy literature. Flawed, cranky and brutal, he nonetheless rises to greatness in a real and plausible transition through the long trek the three main characters make within the pages of the book. Grunthor is great as well, the comic relief sidekick that also has a very realistic, very serious side. I was reminded of noncommissioned officers in the military when I read about him, the men who follow a leader without question. This rang very true to me, and made the story even more poignant. The relationship between these two men, who often communicate without needing to use words, shows that Haydon is a keen observer of human behavior. I found the characters of Rhasody and Jo refreshing. Jo is an obnoxious teenager, and anyone who has a child or siblling this age will recognize the behavior at once. While you many not feel fondly for her, she is certainly amusing and a great foil to the other three. Rhapsody represents a great risk for an author to take, a heroine who is strong yet flawed, and who is dealing with powers of a magnitude she can't understand. I found this more realistic that the standard Richard Rahl type, who gets handed a sword and suddenly goes from humble wood guide to war wizard in the blink of an eye. You get to see Rhapsody struggle to learn how to fight, to feel out of place in a land where her skills are not wanted. This is brilliant, risky stuff. People who are only comfortable with cookie cutter heroes and heroines will probably not like this book and these characters. And while taste differs, and I respect that, I don't get these people who feel the need to tear down a book without any good reason. Ignore anyone who duns this book without giving you any specifics. They haven't read it.
Rating: 
Summary: Not worth the paper it is written on
Review: Wher can I start? This is a story that could have been great. The plot and the book, if written by an experienced writter, could have made you awestruck. However, Haydon makes you wonder if the publishers even read the book before it was printed. So many loose ends, so many plots within plots, made my head spin. If you are one of the few lucky patient ones, you will get a little bit of surprise at the end of this first volume. But it is a surprise that is just not probable. I am not going to spoil the book for those who still want to read it so I should stop right here. A word of warning, I know that there are not many good fantasies being published lately, but you can wait a bit longer and spend your money on better things for now.
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