Rating: 
Summary: Baffled (...)
Review: After much searching for a new series to read I came across this series from Mr. Stanek. It seemed intriguing and quickly went out to purchase it. What I got was one of the most disappointing fantasy books I've ever read. The plot of the book is decent, if unoriginal and less than imaginative. The development of the story leaves quite a bit to be desired though. The character development isn't horrible, but it never makes you care what happens to the person.The worst part of the book is the poor editing. Typos, poor grammar, and misuse of words distract from the tale itself. It's sounds like a petty thing, but the errors are common enough that it makes you wonder if any editor ever read through this book before publishing it. This book would be a decent read for those who haven't hit middle school yet, but will be a disappointment to those who are fans of high fantasy. If you must read the series I would recommend buying it used.
Rating: 
Summary: Completely enthralled with this series!
Review: I've read many fantasy books over the years. I pretty much stopped reading fantasy for a while but then a friend showed me this book by an author I've never heard of. As it turns out it was Stanek, and it's soooo good! I've read this so many times, I just couldnt leave it on the book shelf. It was that good. This is the only fantasy novel I've read that focuses not only on one character but almost everyone in the book and I was able to understand the different points of view of everyone instead of just a single character. The plot kept me captivated the whole reading. I couldn't seem to put it down! Also, this book doesnt focus too much on magic and sorcery, and I'm very thankful for that. I've had enough of Jordan's One Power, it gets too tedious to read. The story is largely about everyday human principles, behaviors and the struggle for power in a medieval society. It has a lot of depth and was quite engrossing and believable. I can say without a doubt that Keeper Martin's Tale is a great beginning of what looks to be a great series. I cannot begin to say how much I loved this book, and how thankful I am to the friend who recommended it to me. Stanek has woven a truly fascinating and complex story in what at first blush seems to be a simple weave. At first I thought that it would be difficult to follow, and to keep everything straight and there are many characters, locations, and plots within plots but Stanek makes all this seems connected and effortless that its easy to track, everything come together naturally, and flows smoothly. I've had no trouble at all with following the lives and adventures of all the characters. Stanek does an incredible amount of world building and I love the way he portrays his characters. They all have very complex personalities and just when you think you've understood the way a character thinks, and what his/her actions will be, guess what? You are probably wrong. This book takes many twists and turns, and is always refreshing and exciting with never a dull moment!
Rating:
Summary: Great! I've rarely read better
Review: I thought this book was wonderfully written, and enjoyed it. Stanek writes in such a marvelous and intriguing way. You feel, in fact, you're sure that you're right there. I highly recommend this to those readers who like a sense thrill and a lot of suspense. I believe that Stanek has an extremely divine gift for writing, and can't wait to read his new one (Kingdom Alliance).
Rating: 
Summary: Good books well developed
Review: I am well read in almost all genres of literature. I love Robert Stanek's Ruin Mist series. He is not Tolkien but who is. I believe this series is a must read for a fantasy readers as it takes us to a new level. The books are exciting, well written, and classic tales that create their own folklore. Can't wait for the next one! Read and enjoy...
Rating:
Summary: Moves fast, reads good
Review: I got it because I was looking for a new fantasy series. I didn't think this book wouldnt be as good as it was. I've just finished this one and I'm happy I did read it. I just got the second book in the series today I hope that ones just as good. I think it is a must have for any reader who likes fantasy novels. Robert Stanek gets you wrapped up in the story and its hard to put down (mostly).
Rating:
Summary: Keeper Martin's Tale
Review: The 1star reviewers certainly have an agenda. I saw this same type of thing last spring when the book came out -- even before most people had ever read the book. It made me suspicious then, and more so now. Enough is enough. This is a good book. I like it. Alot of my friends like it. I plan to read all the books in this series.
Rating:
Summary: A whole new world awaits
Review: I work in a bookstore and it seemed everyone but me had read KMT. I must say I didn't get what all the fuss was about. I didn't get interested in the book till I saw all the people knocking the book on Amazon. Nothing stirs up contrary positions more than books. I was sure I would be one of the ones to be decidely against this book. So I gave in and read it, admittedly after seeing that the next book, Kingdom Allaince, was coming out. I can say that I wouldn't want to have missed it. I can say that I have never been more drawn in or got more enjoyment from anything I have read, except LOTR. Stanek has created an entire world, complete with landscapes, maps, languages and races all from his imagination. At the heart of the book, you find morality and friendship. The characters are believable and trust me, you will find yourself cheering for them every step of the way. It is just plain fun. I will be reading it again and again. If you haven't read it yet, you are in for a treat. The simple prose yet complex weaving of plots and subplots make this a great read. This book introduces the wonders of a wolrd we are just beginning to see. I now understand why this book has become so popular. I will be recommended this to anyone and everyone. Certainly superior to anything else I've read in a time.
Rating:
Summary: Great start, great series
Review: This book is an amazing introductory into the Stanek fantasy world. I recomend this to anyone who is even remotely interested in reading. The detail are rich and characters quickly become like old friends. This is one of the best books I have ever read. If you really want to read a good book this is the one to start with. As a series opener this is better than most. I would rate this up there with Eye of the World - a book I love. And definitely better than Sword of Shannara.
Rating: 
Summary: Its not a keeper
Review: ... I did not find it to be great. It's not a "throw it in the garbage after reading the first chapter" book, but it is also not the kind of book that you stay up late at night reading so you can see how it comes out. I was also surprised to encounter several simple spelling errors -- evidently this book was not well edited. Finally, it is pricy.ely doesn't follow the formulaic/cliched/overworked standard fantasy plotlines. WHY READ RUIN MIST CHRONICLES: 1. THIS ISN'T YOUNG CHILD GROWS TO GOOD GUY BEATS DARK LORD AND MARRIES BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS. In the typical fantasy, that's what happens and all the good guys live while defeating hords of enemies. I may be exaggerating a bit BUT you get the idea. After reading this type of story over and over that plot cliche gets old. 2. YOU ARE TIRED OF HEROES WHO WALK ON WATER AND CAN'T DIE EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE IN CONSTANT DANGER. Hey in real life, heroes die and magic DOESN'T bring them back either. So why do all the heroes live forever? Heroes in real life have failings/bad habbits and so do Robert's characters. 3. MYSTERY AND INTRIGUE. You are tired of the entrenched lines of good guys and bad guys with stupid villains. You are tired of ONE SIDED bad guys who are PURE EVIL. Life isn't that way, often the nicest people are the worst and the people who seem bad are really good. You want a bit of mystery in your fantasy and Robert Stanek definitely DELIVERS! 4. MULTIPLE VIEWPOINTS. Hey, what one person thinks is bad may be quite the contrary to another. So why shouldn't it be this way in fantasy? If characters have different backgrounds, religions and beliefs they may see good and evil in very different ways. Robert has even created an alternate reality for his alternate reality (AND ITS CALLED RUIN MIST: ELF QUEEN'S QUEST). If you read KEEPER MARTIN'S TALE and then read RUIN MIST: ELF QUEEN'S QUEST or vice versa you'll see how truly different viewpoints can be. 5. LEGENDS OF YORE. Why should the best characters be the ones that are in the here and now? Why can't some of the best characters be in the past? History and legends give the story texture and make it real and exciting! 6. PLOTS & LAYERS Books that end tidily with all plotlines carefully tidied up aren't very realistic, so why do most fantasy books end this way? Real life doesn't end when the fireman saves the child from the burning building--it only begins. RUIN MIST has many plots and subplots, and lots of layers that make it a wildly interesting place to visit. And best of all, you don't always get closure at the end of every book. Some stories are resolved. Some are evolving. 7. CHARACTERIZATION. No matter how rich the fantasy setting, its the characters that we ultimately fall in love with. But in most fantasies characters follow specific archetypes that are easy to read. It like there's this big dividing line between the good guys and the bad guys. Robert's characters aren't like that, they're gritty, deep, dark and we learn many different things that help us see characters in new/different light. 8. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I could go on and on but in the end, you'll have to make the decision. The INVESTMENT IS worthwhile.
Rating:
Summary: What an entertaining ride...
Review: Once I started reading the book, I didn't want to put it down until I was done. It's adventure is great and very catching! I had been searching for books looking for something interesting, that didn't crawl along but still had a compelling story. I found this. I can't stop reading! I am halfway through the 2nd and its great! I defiantly reccommend these great books. Vilmos and Emel, and of course Seth are my favorites. Adrina becomes very, very important. But you will have to read more to find out!! So I suggest you read all the wonderful books!
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