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Summary: So when's the sequel???
Review: I don't think I will be able to stand it if I have to wait more than a few more minutes to read Elizabeth Haydon's next book. I move that we revoke her citizenship and make her our slave, so that she has no life other than to churn out more of these marvelous books! I know if I took a poll of my friends she would be chained to a desk now, typing furiously!I don't remember caring this much about fictional characters ever before. There is something so deeply likable about the people in this book that I want to invite them into my home, and keep them from undue harm, and make everything all right for them. How many cannabalistic mercernaries, assassins and ex-prostitutes can you say that about? Seriously, this is an amazing achievement, and I recommend it highly. Prepare yourself, however, to lose your heart to this book, this author, and these characters. If ayone agrees with my plan, I'll bring the legirons.
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Summary: Jordan fans, check this out
Review: Ifyou're a fan of robert Jordan you will love this book. you will probaly love it even if you aren't. The action is great, the world is facinating and the characters are as good ro better than RJs. Gruntrhor rules!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: This book is amazing. I couldn't believe how hard it was to put it down for simple things like MEALS or even BATHROOM BREAKS. As an army officer I was touched by the unquestioning loyalty and friendship that Sergeant Major Grunthor had for Achmed. It was so real! There's not a false note in this book.
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Summary: Brilliant use of history, folklore and imagination
Review: I have been waiting for a book like this for a very long time. Finally there is an author who understands some of the great cultural mythos of our world and knows how to use their influence to create a fascinating historical framework around which to build a story. This is so much better than others out there [coughGoodkindcough] who seem to be making it up as they go along. A must-read for every real fantasy fan!
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Summary: I'm refreshed and ready to resume changing the world
Review: Powerful, captivating, and absolutely inspirational; Rhapsodysings songs of hope, perseverance, and triumph. In a world where webecome trapped within ourselves, much like Rhapsody is trapped so far from home, Elizabeth Haydon offers us hope to find a way home. As a professional musician, it is clear the Haydon has a true understanding of the great masters of music. She really gets it and has the ability to inspire music without notes, recordings, or volume. She uses Words!!! Read now and hear a Symphony with your eyes. This story is just what I needed to pick me up through my pre-mid life crisis. Bravo!!! A must read for everyone
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Summary: It's going into my Library of all around good read
Review: This is the sort of book I have been waiting for a long time. To Elizabeth Haydon you have written a brillant book that for once knows how to write comedy and actually make the reader laught out loud.The characters are beautifully made with both the good and the bad sides equally balanced showing the emotions as they are usually felt. The fact she wrote both sexes and didn't make either of them look like imbociles is great.
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Summary: There are not enough stars in the sky
Review: ...to adequately rate this book. There is magic, mystery and adventure on every page. The characters have to be some of the all-time greatest in fantasy literature. Unable to arrange to wrap up a fallen star for your loved one as a present for the upcoming holidays? Buy them this book--it's the closest you will ever come.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I'm stunned by the number of five-star reviews here. Either something's very wrong with everyone else or me. I'm more inclined to believe the former. Far from being the enchanting fantasy so many describe it as, 'Rhapsody' is a tedious meandering story about three characters with no goal, at least not one the reader learns about until page 400 or so. The characters simply exist, their actions have no resonance. Even the turning point of the novel, Rhapsody joining with her 2 companions, is contrived. Why on earth would she stay with these two once safely away from Michael (which is another thing entirely. Why waste so much effort on a character, even writing a scence from his POV, when he disappears so quickly) Haydon's flaws are easy to spot. She imbues her characters with the emotions she wants them to have, usually happiness. The characters are always smiling affectionately at one another. If one snaps angrily at another, the character smiles and apologizes, completely out of character for a merciless assassin and a cannibalistic giant. Haydon's dialogue is stilted at points, particulary chapter 49, one of the sloppiest I've ever read. Haydon writes several scenes in excruciatingly pornographic detail, definitely not what I expected from this book. All this aside, it's a reasonably entertaining book.
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Summary: Well written but a horrid plot
Review: Hayden has the capability to be a great writer, but I will never understand the plot device of spending half a freaking book inside a tree. I kept waiting for something to happen. Worth a try in paperback because it is original.
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Summary: Tolkein's Hip Granddaughter
Review: Reading RHAPSODY was a joy. It put me in mind of my college days delving into the mystical world of JRR Tolkein's famous Ring Trilogy, the Hobbit and the Silmarillion. There is a vividness to the language and a clarity to the characters that I have not seen in fantasy since then. Tolkein's World War II era was, of course, a more staid time. While JRR would not have written with the sensuality that Haydon does, I would guess that he would appreciate her language. The dialog certainly is more modern, but it fits within the lexicon of the world she has created. That and everything else in this story is beautifully consistent and interwoven like tapestry threads. All the claims of Jordan and the others notwithstanding, this is the true Tolkein heir. It seems fitting, since women were cultural window dressing in JRR's time, that one finally gets to take center stage. Do yourself a tremendous favor--get this book in hardcover, read it, and put it in a safe place where you can find it, because you will want to read it over and over again. The first edition will be a collector's item very soon.
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