Rating: 
Summary: Creative, dark and fascinating
Review: Mr. Stanek did a great job on this book. This is terrific read, set in a very imaginative world. Stanek's characters are as well thought out as the world.This book is at the top of my recommended reading list. If you haven't read it yet, go for it. You won't regret it. This is one of those books that you start out with and slowly get drawn in until you get to the point where you can't put it down any more. Every glimpse into the minds of the characters makes you want to know more about them. They soon feel like friends.
Rating: 
Summary: Where's the next one?
Review: This book was awesome. A great read. I want to know when the next one is due? This is a 'thinking person's' fantasy. Fantasy often is compared to the masters like Tolkien, but few modern fantasy writers measure up. So many of the bestsellers write long, drawn-out battle scenes or write endless deviant sex to hold your interest. Tolkien did none of that. The battle scenes in LOTR are sparingly written and quick, with sharp prose that paints a distinct picture. Robert Stanek's Keeper Martin's Tale has strong characterization, flawed protagonists, beautiful descriptions, clear and compelling language, and a sense of sadness that victory won't fix everything that's wrong with the world. The book is not chock full of battle scenes but those that are there are priceless. I think the scenes with Emel, Adrina are some of the most exciting ever written in fantasy, especially the encounter with the Lady and these aren't battle scenes. When it comes to the later battle scenes, the action is fine and true, like the scenes with the wolmerrelle. So, why all the 5 stars? Because there still are readers who recognize excellence when they see it.
Rating:
Summary: A truely remarkable work
Review: A very good book, and it can be so difficult to find a good quality fantasy. Stanek is telling powerful epic fantasy complete with a large cast of characters, extensive backstory, great world setting, terrific action. I noticed that reviewers seem to give either 5 stars or 1 stars. I have read several books recently with stellar reviews that were absolutely terrible: spelling errors, grammar problems, no plot, etc. This is not one of them. The book has no editing or grammar mistakes and the author's writing style is truly exceptional. How deep you get hooked will depend on how much you like the characters, and care about their lives. Stanek has a rotating point-of-view where each section is told through different characters. It works really well. Each chapter gives you a peice of the story, everything starts to come together. The events are masterfully done. Most of the characters are compelling, some aren't so likeable but still genuine. Adrina - the heart-broken princess. Seth, the clever elf. Vilmos the troubled boy with a dark past, deeply conflicted. Keeper Martin's Tal largely concerns the power plays between King Jarom, the king of a southern kingdom, and Alder family, the ruling family of Great Kingdom. The king, Andrew Alder is old, not in as great a favor as he once was. The death of the queen changed everything, including the lives of everyone in his family. As you might expect, it all ends up in a war, but it's all well-crafted and meaningful. I have not read the other books in the series yet, however, I plan to. It's a series I want to read to the end. It seems there are much worse dangers ahead: The dark lord who's returned to the elvish lands, the breaking of the alliance, the whole issue of elves and men being mortal enemies.
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: #1 in the series and in my heart. In Keeper Martin's Tale we see the beginnings of what looks to be a truly great series. I think this is Robert Stanek's "Hobbit/Sword of Shannara". That's not meaning to say that this remotely resembles anything in those books rather that this is the starting off place for an expansive world where the wonderful and fantastic abounds but we enter that world slowly and it unfolds before us as we read getting ever deeper. After reading Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches Book 3, which picks up after this one leaves off (yes, I know it's the YA version but I couldn't wait for Keeper Martin's Tale Part II: Kingdom Alliance due out in March 2003), I have a better though still not complete understanding of Mr. Stanek's notion of light and dark paths (or as I think of it the creative retelling of history). As I said before I haven't liked a series this much in a long, long time. EQQ and KMT are a pair of books that go hand in hand. One is a reflection of the other; the two together a set. The book's publisher was very nice when I inquired about the books, pointing me to the web site for more information and providing some interesting tidbits on Robert's concept of alternative histories (paths). Maybe I'm looking to deep into this but I very much liked the books and want to know more. I was also told about Ruin Mist Heroes and Legends which is due out in September 2002. The books central mysteries are unravelling wonderfully. One of my favorite characters is the mysterious Midori, though we don't see much of her, and the newest fun character Myrial (introduced in Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches book 3). When you add these to the already great people that populate ruin mist you have a truly great place to visit. My questions remain after a second reading of these books. If Lillath and Vil aren't the parents of Vilmos, who is? What secret past do Emel and Adrina have (they've hinted)? Who is the lady of the forest? What's Midori's connection to Talem and others? Is Xith good or evil? I have others but they'd be spoilers. This is worthwhile reading. I enjoyed this. Mr. Stanek definitely understands how readers read (and reread) their favorite books. Problem is I'm not sure who to root for anymore; maybe that's the point, to keep you guessing.
Rating:
Summary: Let the air out of your pants for just a minute
Review: Just finished Keeper Martin's Tale for the third time. I love the story. It is pure magic. Mr. Stanek has captured a definite wonder. I haven't liked a book this much since I read The Hobbit in the sixth grade. This book proves that the little guy can win too. 3 cheers for Robert Stanek, for deliverying a great story, for proving that the small press can beat out corporate heavyweights, and for not being afraid to ... in the wind. Like another reviewer said, this is a true classic slice of Americana, this is why we cheer for David, for independent films that move us deeply, for everyone that wanted to hit a homerun just once and gave it their best shot. I enjoyed the book more than I can ever express! Read this to have fun, to relax, to get away from the hustle and bustle of your busy life.
Rating:
Summary: Characters grabbed me!
Review: Stanek's writing is awesome! There's lots to like. You quickly identify with the characters. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't read the books. My fav is Adrina. She is troubled over her mother's death. He pain is very real. Another fav is Vilmos. Vilmos has to endure by dark dreams and his while life is changing. Highly recommended!
Rating: 
Summary: The story is Ok
Review: I bought Ruin Mist: Elf Queen's Quest and Ruin Mist: Keeper Martin's tale not realizing it was the same story with a couple of added paragraphs. That was disappointing. The high quality paperback covers curl like no other paperback I've ever owned (at least on Keeper Martin's Tale). That said the story itself is enjoyable and a quick read, although, I found myself rereading many parts of this book to see if I missed something. I will probably read the rest in the series just not sure If I'll finish Keeper Martin's series or try and divine which books follow the Elf queen's quest.
Rating:
Summary: Oh my!!! What can I say that previous reviewers haven't?
Review: In Keeper Martin's Tale, Stanek crafted a remarkable universe. It has a unique approach, fascinating history, a unique system of magic, and characters that you can love. This a remarkable accomplishment! This was sucn an engrossing story that everyone I know LOVED it and was DYING to get their hands on the next book. Awesome!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Misleading
Review: I was unpleasantly suprised by this novel, .... I found the novel to be unimaginative, and not especially well written; I have seen superior diction and syntax in the writings of high school students. The syntax often dragged, Stanek's literary "canvas" was often muted and shaded in grey. The plot was absurdly simple; and I laughed out loud when one reader compared Stanek's writings to those of J.R.R. Tolkien. This book commands no more depth than a wading pool, characters included. True, much of the fantasy of this day is regurgitated nonsense, but hailing this book as extrordinary far more nonsensical. There is nothing to "draw" a reader in, no hooks, no truly effective climax (nor denouement, for that matter). I felt no empathy for the plights of any characters; Stanek failed to jepordize the very essence of his characters (or any character) in order to make the situations of such notable. Stanek has a mob of people milling about in his novel, with the "cookie-cutter" war thronging them- There is nothing that stands to make these characters special within the span of the novel. If bland warfare and obtuse tactics strike your fancy, then you very well may enjoy this novel. I'm still trying to understand how I finished the bloody thing. Do not begin this novel with false hopes or pretenses- I'm not going to tell you whether or not to read this novel- it makes no difference to me. Just don't begin it hoping to read something of the high caliber of Tolkien, Lewis, or even Pullman. Such minds are terribly few in this world. It seems that many fantasy authors are compared to great works, even when undeserving. But that is another complaint for another time. Is Keeper Martin's Tale epic? Of course not. Worthwhile? Now that's for you to decide.
Rating:
Summary: Over a million reasons to love this book
Review: ...I thought it was a good read, certainly better than a lot of the ultra-hyped books by big name authors that utterly disappoint. I think everyone should read this if for no other reason than to go against the grain. Every underdog has his day and this underdog's day is now... While I'm on my high horse, I'm sick of hearing that this series is better/worse than Tolkien. I love, Robert's work but it is in no way true that one compares to the other. Robert's work is very different. It stands on its own, doesn't need to be compared to Tolkien... I was very pleased to discover an entirely new world where the story and the plot is original. Stanek's attention to detail allowed me to become immersed in the story. Even more surprising is that the quality of his writing is maintained throughout the book. Keeper Martin's Tale provides us with an epic that is refreshingly new, a delight to read.
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