Rating: Summary: One of my favorites from back in the day. . . Review: I was looking at the ages this is recommended for 9-12? What?! This is one of the most serious Fantasy series I have ever read. Weis and Hickman have created a VERY rich and complex world that I personally feel would be above most adults nevermind children. I am not saying they couldn't get anything out of the story, but this is not your average children's tale, let me tell you. I love this book, the world of magic is like a dream that slowly decends into nightmare, but you remember the dream, and you almost want it to continue on, even at the expense of the characters. I am not sure if Simkin is introduced in this book, I haven't read them in a while, but if you read the series only for him, you will not go away disappointed. To this day I quote him and he always brings a smile to my face. I actually don't like the later books as much because too much "reality" ends up destroying the "dream." It's very sad the end, but worth getting to.
Rating: Summary: Early stages of Weis/Hickman Review: If you want a lot of interesting, evolving plot, this book has it. It's an early trilogy by Weis and Hickman and it shows. It's a fantasy meets sci-fi piece that is just right for the early 80's *LOL*. I throughly enjoyed this series. I read it once in High School and now that I'm in Graduate school, I re-read it. Great trilogy. It's a classic tragic hero story that you can't put down.
Rating: Summary: A slow read, but worth the effort... Review: It was only by a fluke that I even picked up the Darksword trilogy, but I must say I enjoyed it thoroughly. It took a lot of effort to get through the first book, but by the time I finished it, I found myself completely engrossed in the story and insatiably curious about the other two books. This is a world that I love, and characters I can relate to!
Rating: Summary: Got me into DragonLance Review: My Mom Bought the first two books for Easter. I love to read and I ate this story line up. Love the idea of technology and magic, and also it shows a bit of racissim. BY that those with magic originally lived with those that have tech and were prosecuted by them. But those with magic left and have there own world then they prosecuted those born with out magic. Read these novels will give you an idea about courage and some reality that everyone is equal.
Rating: Summary: a very worthwhile read, but... Review: seven and a half would be a better rating. This series was much like the rest of the two authors works, captivating and entertaining, but lacking something. It is a definate must read for fantasy folk, but dont expect too much in the way of detail or intrigue. Simpkin is a marveouls character and Joram is admirable as well, but they lack the depth that is so easy to obtain with a fantasy character. The story is decent, but its fast pace and lack of complexity cause it to fall short of being anything for the halls of fame. If you are sick of Robert Jordans constant introductions to new problems and lack of soultions to the ones that are already there then read this series, it is a refreshing excape from complicated storylines. If you enjoy intricate characters and twisting storylines then you may want to rethink spending 7 bucks.
Rating: Summary: Pure fantastic enjoyment Review: The authors put me into another world. I was amazed how the characters and the surrounding were developed throughout the book.Every chapter had a little secret mystery behind it which made me read on and on and on. I definitly loved the character,Simkin. I found him to be a very cocky and funny person. i laughed whenever he spoke because he was never serious. Kinda reminded me of one of my friends. hehe.
Rating: Summary: The book was great but, Review: The book was almost 400 pages long. That was the only drawback. It didn't stop me any. It kept my nose in it for 4 weeks. I really get into books. Sometimes I read fast, but somtimes slow. The book was one of the best (not to mention longest) books I've ever read. There is still two more left to read. The other two should be just as good. That is the best part anyway!
Rating: Summary: Excellent Start to a Wonderful Series Review: The Darksword Trilogy has long been a favourite of mine and this book is a wonderful start to it. Though borrowing from Xanth in concept, it takes this concept to a new level and adds a serious overture (even the fop character of Simkin plays into this). Highly recommended.DHC
Rating: Summary: I couldn't make myself stop reading Review: The time was 11:00 p.m. I was just delving into page one of the Darksword Trilogy I: Forging the Darksword. From then on til 4:00 a.m. the time just flew by, not something that happens often but I simply could not make myself stop reading. It was quite happer's chance that I even took the book home. Judging by the looks of it and its title I was expecting something mediocre, if not downright cheesy. Funny, I didn't even notice that the description said "...born withOUT magic..." I was thinking, "born with magic" what's the big deal in that? Thankfully I was in a hurry to leave the library so I was in a mind to grab anything that looked semi-bit-interesting. It didn't take long to get into the book. It all began with a crying baby, very much alive yet even his mother, the Empress, weeps tears of crystal for her dead son. We are introduced to the catalyst Saryon, born to serve and uncomfortable with himself, wanting nothing more than to possess the "mysteries" of the more powerful wizards. In a world where "love" in outlawed, his curiosity will leads him on a journey into a world as alien to him and to us. He will bond with Joram, a tortured young man born without magic, and together they set out to forge the magic absorbing Darksword and forever change the face of the world. The world is vividly realized, painting dream-like images on the expansive canvas of the mind. I can still envision Merilon in all its glory and it creates a wistful mood which I can't properly describe...at least not intellectually *wink*. Most of the characters are well portrayed with interesting and diverse personalities. The jovial Simkin reigns as not only my favorite character here, but perhaps the most amusing character I've ever encountered in literature. He made me laugh out loud on several occasions and there is a great mystery element concerning him. We don't really know who he is, where he comes from, or what his true motives are. His presence leaves a lasting mark on the trilogy, which wouldn't be the same without him. Overall, while it won't compare to the likes of George R. R. Martin in shear literary value; there's plenty here to satisfy and its perhaps one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I've ever had. I would recommend it to anyone. I couldn't wait to pick up the second book in the series which proved to be almost equally enjoyable. 5 out of 5 stars.
Rating: Summary: Why didn't I give up on reading this sooner? Review: The world of Merilon is one where magic is life -- individuals are born into their station and rank in life according to their magical abilites. However, more and more, Dead babies (babies lacking magic) are being born to the nobility. They are left to the Deathwatch, to leave this world they were not supposed to be born into; yet, Dead babies are hidden by grieving parents, or smuggled away, and are raised in the world ... This is the story of the intelligent but tormented Catalyst Saryon, the outcast Dead murderer Joram, the lovable trickster Simkin, the bumpkin Mosiah, and the greedy and deceptive Bishop Vanya. Sent away because of an infraction against the Church seventeen years prior, the Catalyst Saryon must locate and turn in the murderer Joram. This quest takes him from a small farming village, to the dread Camp of the Technologists, science being the forbidden Ninth Mystery of the world. Drawn instantly to Joram, Saryon and he create the Darksword, a weapon with the power to drain an individual of all magic, with which one can rule the world. Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, authors of novels in the popular Dragonlance saga, have written another excellent mind-consuming novel. I have read this work many times, and never tire of it's page-turning suspense! This is the first of four Darksword books. Originally written as a trilogy, a fourth book was brought out because so many people wanted to know "what happened next." "What they do not understand, they fear. What they fear, they destroy."
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