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Summary: it rules!!!
Review: I found Keeper Martin's Tale an overall enjoyable read. I have read many, many fantasy novels, and this was definitely an enjoyable book to read. The strongest point of the story is the characters. I found Vilmos and Adrina very well developed, and I found the friendship/romance between Adrina and Emel depicted much better than in most fantasies I have read. Several of the minor characters, notably the wizard Xith, guardsman Emel, and elf Galan were interesting people with whom I was able to identify with. The plot is fast-paced, and there is not much put in the story that doesn't need to be there, which was a refreshing change from other fantasies I have read. It does have some flaws though, yet on the whole, a decent and enjoyable read though.
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Summary: A book I could not put down
Review: This must be the best book ever. I've always loved fantasy fiction but this has went far beyond anything else. Robert Stanek is the best Fantasy author of all time. I read most of the Wheel of Time series and I found that series of books to be magnificent and I love them but they can't compare to Ruin Mist Chronicles. Yes, it seems like there are a few things that could be better but I don't think I'd like a "perfect" book. Last year I thought that Wheel of Time would be the best series to read ever and it will surely be my second best choice forever but my first choice is Ruin Mist. Keeper Martin's Tale was such a great book. There were places in the book that wanted me to cry and there were also places that wanted me to laugh. Everyone should read this book and this entire series. I mean it.
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Summary: Read the book
Review: These are the words of the House of Alder. The wars with the other races are all but forgotten. Men think only of each other and fattening their belts. The kingdoms of men of breaking apart. The union of centuries is weakening. Kings plot against kings. Almost forgetting about the terrible wars of the past where only the strong union of men saved all. In Great Kingdom, King Andrew Alder sits on his throne, surrounded by the ambitious, those that would bend his ear to their causes. Across the lands, a powerful southern king plots his next moves, carefully planning to overthrow the House of Alder. He'll stop at nothing to achieve his goal. But out of the darkness of the horrible past, a terrible unimaginable force returns to the lands. You will be spell-bound by this! You will gasp and cry! It comes....
Rating:
Summary: the fourth wind blows
Review: This is by far, a great book. It's better than most anything else! The reader is immersed in a culture of kings, of warriors, of peasants! It is the story of a struggle for power, political back stabbing and outright treachery. As with most things the first book in nearly all set up... Dont read these out of order!
Rating: 
Summary: Could have been...
Review: In the hands of a better writer it would have been a great story. Stanek isn't a better writer, however. The world may be good, the plot may be good. The characters are completely unbelievable, however. Let me start with Adrina. She's a princess from Great Kingdom. She's just coming of age and her father the king is arranging marriage for her. Where does that happen???? Did that ever happen? Please! I knew I should have stopped reading right then. On top of that Adrina has a broken heart because her mom died when she was young. I don't know how many years passed since but please again. Does anyone grieve for years and years? Which brings me to Vilmos. Vilmos is a young boy who supposedly has these terrifying nightmares. If his nightmares are so frightening wouldn't he be used to being afraid? Then why does he pee his pants when a bear attacks him in the forest. Does any of that make sense. NO!
Rating: 
Summary: poor...
Review: I, unfortunately, purchased this book based on the glowing reviews. The ...book is very disappointing... Poorly written and disjointed ...
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Summary: Thank you Robert Stanek!
Review: The book Keeper Martin's Take is a timeless addition to the fantasy adventure genre. When I started, I never knew that I would get swept away by Mr. Stanek's words and his fantasy world. I am new to the series, but after this first book, I went out and got the others. This is a great read for anyone looking for a good book. Emel and Adrina are but two people that you fall in love with as you read the book. It was really hard to put this book down. I would recommend it for anyone!!! What a series!
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Summary: Not your average fantasy...remember this is #1 of set
Review: As anyone can guess from the multitude of other reviewers gushing with praise this is an absolutely amazing book, there is simply no other way to say it. I'm an avid fantasy reader but was becoming disappointed with the genre after reading so many awful books with no imagination and the same plot superimposed with different characters. Thankfully Stanek's renewed my faith. This is no book with just some all powerful rulers and villians who want to rule the world. It is an intricate weaving of characters, plots and world. Some people find the many characters a daunting prospect, but you shouldn't Stanek's writing draws you in and after a few chapters you feel like you've known these people all your life. I can't give a summary that would do justice to Stanek's work. The plot twists that yes, really are twists and completely unexpected, take your breath away. So many writers fall into the rut of well the obvious next step is this or this, not Stanek. Each turn leaves you wondering "where did that come from?" and wanting more. One of the greatest things about Stanek's writing is the characters. There aren't any one dimensional characters here. No purely evil or pure good. Please, please give this book a try. Anyone who can't find the joy in reading this book doesn't know good literature when it hits them over the head. Give it a try. The next book is out and doesn't follow the typical sequel slump, if anything it is better! The third book is supposed to be out early in 2003.
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Summary: The best -- THE Star Wars of Fantasy!
Review: Anyone who doesn't enjoy this book most likely does not understand the use of language. Some people may argue that Stanek created hollow characters, that is a falsity. He, in fact, created complex characters. They each have very different personalities and internal torment. Some characters are an exception to this because Stanek doesn't want you to know more about them than the other characters. Xith is one of these for certain. His personality is mysterious, and it would take away from the suprises in the story if it were any other way. Stanek's powerful decription of the world of Ruin Mist gives reality to the story. Without it the story would lack individuality and it is the world that makes this so great in the first place. KEEPER MARTIN'S TALE is NOT weak in any way... It is magnificently entertaining to the last page... I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy epic. Anyone else with the capability to read, don't overlook this book either!
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Summary: The American Tolkien?
Review: This was my first time reading Stanek's work. He grabbed my attention and never let go. His attention to detail is superb. I bought his book Elf Queen's Quest without hesitation after reading Keeper Martin's Tale. If you like great sci fi/fantasy- buy this book.
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