Rating: 
Summary: Now here's a great book!
Review: This was a great story. To start, I'd like to say that I read almost all of the reviews of this book and I would like to tell you, the future reader, that almost every single bad review on this book on this site came from people that obviously didn't really pay attention to what they were reading. I'm not saying that people couldn't dislike this book, but these specific reviewers missed so much that it is hard to believe they did more than skim through the book. If there is one thing that Stanek does good, it is making sure that everything that happens can happen in his world and nothing is overly far fetched.Stanek does seem to take a lot from George Martin. However, Martin could take a few lessons from Stanek too. The overall story is compelling. I spent hours upon hours reading this book because I couldn't put it down. To me it seems like anything can happen and does happen. Sometimes things are rushed and there are things that don't seem all that important, but the pace is always fast and you always want to know what happens next. I must admit that I had a hard time getting though Adrina's first scenes and there were a few boring parts but trust me when I say it is the best part of the book after you get past those few chapters. If you're a fantasy reader and are patient, you'll love this book. My best advice though is you should read large chunks at one time or in a day. If you try to read Stanek and only read ten pages at a sitting, you will not get the full effect of the book. With everyone I talk to it is the same. Some read it slow and hated it. I told them to go back and read more at a time and after that they got right into it and loved it.
Rating:
Summary: Fast-paced intelligent adventure!
Review: Stanek's book explores a new mythical world. This book reads as a thriller a la early Robert Jordan with ancient societies, mythic creatures and lore. Stanek's protoganist, Vilmos, is a 12-year old with dark powers who has a habit of getting himself into trouble and doing things he shouldn't. The beautiful co-protagonist, Adrina, starts a daring adventure of her own when she departs Imtal, capital of Great Kingdom. This book is a rollicking good read from start to finish - and you should only start reading when you have plenty of time since you will find yourself compelled to keep reading just one more chapter into the wee hours of the night.
Rating:
Summary: It really is that good
Review: I've read a lot of fantasy, and I must say, Stanek is one of my favorites. Despite the skeptics, Stanek really has proven that he is one of the best authors in his field. The book itself is a very fluid read, and it captured my imagination. I finished Kingdom Alliance yesterday and now I await its sequel hungrily. If this is your first Stanek book, then I can't see any problems one might have with picking this story up. Buy it and enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent story
Review: This was the first ruin mist book I read... and wow! Keeper Martin's Tale focuses on the life of three peoples, the kingdomers Adrina and Emel and Myrial, the elves Seth and Galan and the souterners Vilmos and Xith. THey are a wonderful characters and exploring their lives are well worth the time. I especially like that there are more of these stories.
Rating: 
Summary: puzzled
Review: The Ruin Mist chronicles are [bad], plain and simple. The story has a good plot but only buy the second book or the last (Elf Queens Quest or Kingdom Alliance) The first three books retell the tale over and over again, slightly more detail is added each time. The beginning chapters are almost identical in each book, sometimes word for word. Stanek should have written one book but it was like he was practicing on how to write a book and decided on the third try it was good enough. Buy George Martin instead and save yourself the frustration and boredom.
Rating:
Summary: What a great story
Review: Having survived a lonely childhood in which her mother died and her father was emotionally distant Princess Adrina suddenly has to face the great changes sweeping her world. Ever since the arranged marriage of her sister fell apart Great Kingdom has been falling apart as well, and now she must face her darkest fears and greatest hopes as she begins to really see the world around her. Add in the face that a great foe covers the throne of Imtal and the changing loyalties aspirations of friends and foes alike and this makes life very dangerous for her and her kin. As her world begins to crumble around her, the mutual loyalty she shares with Emel and others is put to the test. Strong characters in a believable, fast moving plot. Simple, yet elegant prose that describes motives and scenery succinctly. And most importantly, neatly tying three adventures together...what more could a reader ask for? Read this series. Mr. Stanek is a great storyteller. JD
Rating:
Summary: Highly disappointing
Review: Suprisingly weak. Stanek's created several transparent characters. The books lack suspense and plot. However, while the first book was poor, the next books are even worse -- less than 1 star. All in all though, I would deffinetly not recommend this series to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: A good book in a great series
Review: Suprisingly good. Stanek's created several wonderful characters. The books are suspensful, and while it isn't as good as Tolkien, I enjoyed reading it. However, while the first book was good, the next books are great -- better than 5 stars. All in all though, I would deffinetly recommend this series to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Amaturish
Review: No, this is not on par with Martin and Jordan, not even the last few books by Jordan. This is not even of average quality. For one thing, it is aimed at a much younger and less discriminating audience. The characters are completely flat, the story is nearly skeletal, and the book reads like fan fiction or a college writing assignment. The grammar is awful as well, and Stanek does things like use the word "mute" where he means "moot" and use the phrase "false sarcasm" twice. Indeed. Keeper Martin's Tale is the second worst book I've ever read. Once I realized that it wasn't going to get any better, I couldn't wait for it to be over and reading it became a chore.
Rating:
Summary: Ruin Mist: Keeper Martin's Tale
Review: It's fast paced and held my interest the entire way. I'm tired of people bashing this book for no good reason. It is a good book with a lot of action. I can't wait to get the entire series it is going to be great! My verdict is that this book is worthwhile, the entire series is. It is much better than many first books by other so-called great fantasy authors. So Stanek's a newcomer to fantasy -- SO WHAT. Each book DOES get better and better and that's hard to say with most series. Stanek provides the beginnings of a great epic. Lots of adventure. The characters of Vilmos, Emel, Adrina are some of my favorites in all fantasy and the world of Ruin Mist is simply terrific.
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