Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: The best I've seen in a long time Review: I wasn't sure what to make of this book when I first saw it. The picture on the amazon website does not do it justice. Instead of the childish looking art that usually is on this kind of book the Royo cover is beautiful and sophisticated. It sets the whole tone for the book itself.Elizabeth Haydon is an extremely talented writer. She writes with humor, intelligence and a command of language. The plot is unique and different from the standard fantasy story. Grunthor and Achmed and two of the best characters in any fantasy I've ever read. I can't wait for the sequel!
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: The best book I've read in many years Review: I am not a reader of epic fantasy any more, having been disappointed with the current crop of offerings which all seem to be variations on the same theme. I was given this book by a colleague who urged me to put aside my ambivalence and give it a try. This is the first 5 star rating I've ever given a book, and will probably be the last for some time to come. As authors go, Elizabeth Haydon is one of the most accomplished I've ever read. She has a true gift for subtlety and humor; her characters talk like individuals and do not all sound the same. Rather than resorting to the cheap techniques many fantasy writers use, like cliff hanger chapter endings and a constant state of emergency to build action, she understands the stops and starts of storytelling. This is an amazing book, and one of the best in any genre out there.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: What a phenominal book! Review: This book was great! i couldn't put it down. I am sixteen and love to read, and Rhapsody was like eye candy to me. The trio of characters were funny and touching and just great, and the story and the world it takes place in even more amazing! Buy this book!
Rating: ![3 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-3-0.gif) Summary: After reading the reviews, I expected a better book ... Review: Elizabeth Haydon's first novel demonstrates real potential as a fantasy writer, but this book disappoints in several ways. It is just too typical--female singer of magical power becomes a warrior, and she just happens to be compellingly beautiful too. The plot bogs down in the middle and never really recovers. A main character is restored from inevitable death by magic (deus ex machina). A silly companion (Jo) is added to the group who adds nothing to the group's chemistry nor to the plot. Etc., etc. Yes, I was disappointed. Don't believe the Tolkien hype. This book is not even in the class of Guy Kay or George Martin. But Haydon has potential and I look forward to her next book.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Completely different from the ones before Review: it is so rare to find a totally original fantasy. I keep hearing those words applied to books that aren't original at all, like Farland's Runelords series. This one fits the bill. It's not a rehash of someone else's ideas, but new and exciting. I can't wait for the sequel.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Great new author! Review: I was so impressed with this book, then of course I went to the store to find it and had so much trouble, it became my first online purchase ever. Anybody who likes fantasy, or romance, or good, well written books in general, will like this. It will keep you interested, but it is definitely not candy. I thought the characters were the best I have seen in any type of book in a long time.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Fantastic Book Review: RHAPSODY by Elizabeth Haydon is a treat for the eyes. Besides the beautiful art, there is a real sense of language and of plot. It is a unique book filled with magic. It is not a candy-read, it takes some attention, but it is humorous and witty and extraordinarily well written. I recommend this to everyone I know. I'm now a dyed-in-the-butternut-hull wool Elizabeth Haydon fan!
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Wow! Review: I thought perhaps this was a hype situation. I was wrong. This book is wonderful and funny and magical. Buy it. You will believe too.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Best Book in Decades Review: This is the best, most literate, best written fantasy book, maybe ever. Even Tolkein didn't draw characters this sharply. If you have trouble finding it in a store, complain. It's worth making a scene over. This book also has real cross-over appeal, unlike most fantasy, and really blows away the competition across the board, mystery, romance, etc. It includes all of them. I have never anticipated a sequel so eagerly.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: I loved it! Review: I just finished Rhapsody last night, and I read the last hundred pages nonstop. My favorite character is Grunthor. Like Tad Williams, Ms. Haydon obviously likes to leave you hanging until the next book in the series. I was transported by her lovely descriptive writing, and thoroughly amused by the interrelationships between the main characters. All of her characters are true to life, but you'll find that you want to spend more time with Rhapsody, Achmed, and of course Grunthor. I can't imagine anyone not loving the book, and I wait with baited breath for the next in the series.
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