Rating: Summary: A good, quick read Review: "Dagger" is an above average modern-fantasy/occult novel that you can polish off in a few hours. It's a bit like an old episode of "Columbo" -- you already know whodunnit, watching the good guys unravel the bad guys' plans is where the fun is. The dialog is a little hokey (Peregrine's new wife tells him that their lives are "inextricably entwined" -- I'm almost 30 years old and have never said the word "inextricably" out loud). Also, "Dagger" would flow a little better if the author didn't stop to describe what kind of car everyone drives or the accent (or lack thereof) of the head bad guy. These are minor quibbles, though, and shouldn't stop you from reading it, especially if enjoyed the first three books in this series.
Rating: Summary: Biggles style Boys Own Adventure blather... Review: ...which I *hope* the authors were doing deliberately. If you're looking for 3-D characters, meaningful exploration of mystic tradition, and a strong thrilling plot, this series is not for you. However if an easy Hardy Boys style book is what you're after, and you're under 16, this series is a bit of fun. Now the negative points. The magic shown suffered a lot from what seemed to be the authors constant grandstanding of their own personal beliefs, and apparent concern at frightening the reader off. This is supposed to be a *fantasy* book, despite using a variety of real mystical systems as a basis, yet there is constant and wearying reassurance to the reader that all is subject to Christian vetoing. This black and white quality serves to remove a great deal of tension and any and all character conflicts/developments that could have happened. Next: I am honestly confused as to whether either author has ever visited the UK. I'll write it off as part of the hopefully deliberate Biggles syndrome, but all the tweed and pearls and och aye the noo, really grated after a while. There was a constant sense of 'Oh look, honey, ain't this quaint?' throughout. I actually thought the books were supposed to be set in the 1950's for a moment there, so unrecognisable are their characters. Weirdest of all is the near-constant class snobbery-- far from being the inbred partying/bloodsporting berks most UK'ers expect from their aristocracy, they're all highly intelligent, and magickal to boot. All the poor plebs are (of course) ignorant serfs who look to Adam and co for guidance, with Mcleod providing a token working class touch. Then there's the lack of any decent female characters. I wanted to vomit every time Julia's 'gentle doe-like demeanour' was mentioned. The main flaw in these books however, is the lack of conflict and action. None of the main characters ever seem even mildly imperilled. They're never upset, they're never angry, they never have sex, they never swear, in short; they're not recognisably *human*. And that is what makes these books a readable curiosity, a variation on the Nancy Drew theme; perhaps good for 12-16 year olds, but nothing more.
Rating: Summary: Didn't quite work for me. Review: A bit like reading a Hardy boy mystery, only the boys have occult powers. Seemed a bit juvenile. If you have some youngsters around the house that you would like to introduce to the occult then maybe...
Rating: Summary: Good read but no resemblance to synopsis Review: A book I enjoyed reading but was surprised by the blurb on the jacket & your synopsis which have no relation to the content. The story concerns Adam Sinclair and his 'team' rather than a prequel concerning his mother !
Rating: Summary: A novel worthy of the series. Review: Although the book bore no resemblance to the synopsis whatsoever, I found it to be a most enjoyable addition to the series thus far. Readers of the previous novels in this series will find themselves able to jump right in where they left off, with little or no refreshing of their memories. I have only two issues that I feel are worth mentioning. One, there is a point in the book where DCI McLeod is waiting for a phone call from a fellow Detective. A misprint will confuse the reader, as Noel says that he will ask "Scanlan" a question that needs asking. Unfortunately, "Scanlan" is not the name of the detective Noel is waiting to hear back from. It is the name of the victim in the case they are working on. If the reader is not sharp, this error will cause a bit of confusion for a moment or two. Secondly, I feel that the story line involving Sir Adam's hit and run patient was left glaringly unfinished. Perhaps we will see this story line brought to some sort of conclusion in the next installation of the series. All-in-all though, minor quibbles aside, I would have to say that Kurtz and Turner-Harris have supplied another wonderful addition to the series. I polished it off in a matter of hours and found myself re-involved in the lives of characters that I hadn't visited in months. It was enjoyable, fast-paced and intriguing. Well done!
Rating: Summary: Ludlum Fans Take Note Review: Everything you could possibly want in a Thriller... and then some! Take all the elements of a classic Ludlum thriller: Nazis, evil cults, etc., then throw in some otherworldly exploits by our hero Sir Adam Sinclair, the Adept and Master Huntsmen. The mix makes for a surprisingly entertaing yarn, the fantastic elements in the story are handled well and are never far outside the realms of belief. A true "modern fantasy", with an intriguing cast of supporting characters and dastardly evil villians
Rating: Summary: Astonishingly gripping read! Review: Fantasy fiction generally holds very little of interest for me, but this book is mesmerizing. It's well written, very well researched, and accurate in its descriptions of Scottish sites. The main characters are human and intelligent enough to make me read all five installments written thus far and hope for more.
Rating: Summary: Offensively Dull Review: For some reason, the author is far more concerned with what her characters are wearing than with what they are doing. The magic portrayed in the book is a smarmy and very dull brand of Western Mystery Tradition occultism. The portrayal of Scottish people is sterotypical and patronizing, and in Gaelic areas of Scotland the characters are not portrayed as Gaels, but as the same stereotypical lowland Scots. Every scene was so agonizingly dull that to continue reading was almost literally painful. In other words, I don't recommend this book!
Rating: Summary: Great reading for all ages! Review: Great first novel. Good plot, with a well placed minimum of the usual wierdness that only true science fiction/fantasy readers can enjoy. It's like a Hardy boys novel with an adult twist. Involving, gripping, and yet an easily digestible plot, with lots of great writing on the side..
Rating: Summary: It's one of the best books I've ever read Review: I decided to read this book because I've enjoyed others by Ms. Kurtz. I must say this is one of the best of her books I've read. It combines mysticism, suspense, fantasy, and detective work in one unique and fascinating whole. I couldn't put it down.
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