Rating: 
Summary: This is the best book of the trilogy.
Review: Although flawed in the same ways as the other two books, The Silver Hand stands slightly above its siblings. There is relatively little of the modern world invading this title. Instead, the focus is firmly on the Otherworld, the setting which is the meat of this series.Even though it is slightly better than the rest of the series, it is probably not worth picking up. Its contents would not be particularly intelligible without slogging through the other two books.
Rating: 
Summary: The Silver Hand
Review: Great trilogy, ive read the books over and over and still cant keep them down, i must have read the story over 50 times a great book about an unlikely ruling in another realm, much like the tales of narnia.
Rating:
Summary: Step two of a great journey through an ancient world
Review: Here we are again, Lewis Gillies has returned to the land of Albion to complete unfinished business. King Meldryn Mawr is dead and his killer must be brought to justice. These two things begin the second leg of this intriguing journey through Albion. No longer the awed American scholar. Lewis has a new name, Llydd Ap Dicter (Anger, Son of Fury) and has found new life among Albion's people. Llydd is soon forced to face a monumental decision and realizes that in order to do that which he originally set out to do, he must bend himself to the will of wise bard and friend Tegid Tethal regarding a crucial subject. Now that Meldryn Mawr is dead, Albion and her people need a new King. Therefore, due to his closeness qirh Meldryn, Llydd is chosen King and given the name Llew. Naturally the dawn of Llew's Kingship does not sit well with others among the populace and stiff opposition is faced. During the conflict, flight, and journey that ensues Llew will grow to be called Silver Hand, for a reason that is self-explanatory but I will not divulge it. Read it yourself and see how it fits into the story well.
The meat of this book is the story of the quest to oust a villainous claimant to the throne of Albion. Again, it is filled with rich examples of Celtic legend and lore. Tegid's use of songs and stories to convey lessons is quite effective and touching. The love between Lady Goewyn and Llew Silver Hand is explored again, after being hinted at and begun in THE PARADISE WAR. The friendships, relationships, and love (and hate) between various characters is written convincingly and engagingly. All in all this is a great book and a worthy sequel to THE PARADISE WAR. Again you may find it difficult to put it down and wish that you never had to leave the world established by this book and this series. But that's just the mark of a great writer taking you on a journey through a great story. And that's just what THE SILVER HAND is, step two of a wonderful and engaging story.
Rating:
Summary: Lawhead's Lore Lives On
Review: In this second book of the "Song of Albion" series, Lawhead fleshes out his landscape and characters, yes, and even the villians. For some reason, he switches narrators and unnecessarily forces the reader to make a mental jump, but once that jump is made, the story breezes along. Tegid, the bard, and Llew, the reluctant king, set about carving a new life for themselves while Meldron, the usurper, thinks they're dead. They have time to rebuild and form a company of sorts, but when Meldron catches on to their survival, we know the showdown will eventually come--and to mostly satisfactory results. Lawhead fills his story with rich details and memorable scenes, but, as in the first book, he makes some apparent blunders. Though I was intrigued by the re-appearance of Nettles from the first book, his character never played a true role in the events of the story. Lawhead seemed to set him up for significance, then let me down. This type of thing happens occasionally in Lawhead's writing, whether due to poor plotting or forgetfulness, I do not know. Overall, though, I have to give this book a glowing recommendation. Once finished and set aside, I couldn't get it out of my mind. The scenes were still there, the characters still breathing, the questions still rumbling through my thoughts. Maybe, in this fictitous world come to life, like the real world we inhabit, people and events don't always react or go as planned. Maybe, there are bigger purposes, as of yet unknown to this reader. Maybe, I don't care...I just want to believe the Otherworld is out there, and the Song of Albion is being sung, bringing life to all who hear it.
Rating:
Summary: Lawhead's Lore Lives On
Review: In this second book of the "Song of Albion" series, Lawhead fleshes out his landscape and characters, yes, and even the villians. For some reason, he switches narrators and unnecessarily forces the reader to make a mental jump, but once that jump is made, the story breezes along. Tegid, the bard, and Llew, the reluctant king, set about carving a new life for themselves while Meldron, the usurper, thinks they're dead. They have time to rebuild and form a company of sorts, but when Meldron catches on to their survival, we know the showdown will eventually come--and to mostly satisfactory results. Lawhead fills his story with rich details and memorable scenes, but, as in the first book, he makes some apparent blunders. Though I was intrigued by the re-appearance of Nettles from the first book, his character never played a true role in the events of the story. Lawhead seemed to set him up for significance, then let me down. This type of thing happens occasionally in Lawhead's writing, whether due to poor plotting or forgetfulness, I do not know. Overall, though, I have to give this book a glowing recommendation. Once finished and set aside, I couldn't get it out of my mind. The scenes were still there, the characters still breathing, the questions still rumbling through my thoughts. Maybe, in this fictitous world come to life, like the real world we inhabit, people and events don't always react or go as planned. Maybe, there are bigger purposes, as of yet unknown to this reader. Maybe, I don't care...I just want to believe the Otherworld is out there, and the Song of Albion is being sung, bringing life to all who hear it.
Rating:
Summary: Lawhead's Lore Lives On
Review: In this second book of the "Song of Albion" series, Lawhead fleshes out his landscape and characters, yes, and even the villians. For some reason, he switches narrators and unnecessarily forces the reader to make a mental jump, but once that jump is made, the story breezes along. Tegid, the bard, and Llew, the reluctant king, set about carving a new life for themselves while Meldron, the usurper, thinks they're dead. They have time to rebuild and form a company of sorts, but when Meldron catches on to their survival, we know the showdown will eventually come--and to mostly satisfactory results. Lawhead fills his story with rich details and memorable scenes, but, as in the first book, he makes some apparent blunders. Though I was intrigued by the re-appearance of Nettles from the first book, his character never played a true role in the events of the story. Lawhead seemed to set him up for significance, then let me down. This type of thing happens occasionally in Lawhead's writing, whether due to poor plotting or forgetfulness, I do not know. Overall, though, I have to give this book a glowing recommendation. Once finished and set aside, I couldn't get it out of my mind. The scenes were still there, the characters still breathing, the questions still rumbling through my thoughts. Maybe, in this fictitous world come to life, like the real world we inhabit, people and events don't always react or go as planned. Maybe, there are bigger purposes, as of yet unknown to this reader. Maybe, I don't care...I just want to believe the Otherworld is out there, and the Song of Albion is being sung, bringing life to all who hear it.
Rating:
Summary: The Silver Hand
Review: In typical Lawhead fashion, he has once again written a series of dazzeling books. I enjoyed these even more than the Merlin Trilogy. If you liked these books, you will love the Twilight of the gods (Joens), and the Theyn Chronicles (Hunt).
Rating:
Summary: You'll want to read this series!
Review: In typical Lawhead fashion, he has once again written a series of dazzeling books. I enjoyed these even more than the Merlin Trilogy. If you liked these books, you will love the Twilight of the gods (Joens), and the Theyn Chronicles (Hunt).
Rating:
Summary: Lawhead?s pen keeps singing!
Review: Lawhead continues his stunning "Song of Albion" series with this sequel to "The Paradise War". Once again this effort bears all the hallmarks of good literature - articulate language, imaginative worlds, mystery and suspense, fairy-tale magic, noble kings and princesses, and enduring themes of justice, sovereignty, truth and right. Lawhead creates a fantastic atmosphere similar to the 1001 Arabian Nights, but on a grander and more glorious scale. While fantastic fiction, the passions of sorrow and joy Lawhead arouses with his story are very real. Lawhead has the ability to draw a reader to heights of joy and exuberance, and dash them to the depths of tragedy and tears. Few writers can make readers cry with joy and with sorrow, but Lawhead is certainly one in this class. There are depths of sorrow that make you weep, and heights of glory that make you cry out! The moment when Llew's hand is cut off, and Tegid is blinded stands out as a striking example of literary fiction with the power to create passion. While the first book in the series was narrated by Llew, this novel sees a disturbing shift in perspective as the bard Tegid assumes the role of narrator. This inexplicable shift takes some getting used to, as we have identified with Llew and grown to love him and see the other world through his eyes, but in the end it doesn't detract from the story. Unlike the story of the first book, in "The Silver Hand" the modern world doesn't really enter the picture, and all the focus is on events in the other world of Albion. After the cruel murder of Meldryn Mawr, Llew (student Lewis Gillies in the real world) is chosen by the bard Tegid Tathal as the new king. But Llew's kingship is challenged by Meldryn's son Meldron, who is allied with the king's former champion Paladyr and Llew's former friend Siawn (Simon in the real world). After Meldron slaughters Albion's bards, all of Albion is threatened by his rebellion, enslaved by his depraved desire for dominion, and plunged into civil war. Left for dead by Melron, Llew and Tegid regroup and build Dinas Dwr, a city on a lake, to where the faithful remnant of Albion come and pledge their allegiance. But that's just the beginning. Will Llew prevail and will the true kingdom be restored over against the evil that threatens it? Again Lawhead draws on much Biblical imagery, as the following allusions illustrate: The Psalms: "The Goodly-Wise heard our song and reached down with his Swift Sure Hand and plucked us out of the sea - and out of the grave Meldron intended." (p93); God's providence: "there surged within me a sudden conviction that we had been led to this place; the Goodly-Wise had directed our steps." (p100); The sabbath rest: "In my world, people are granted a day of rest from their labours - one day in every seven. In past times it was a jealously guarded gift, though now it is no longer recognized as such." (p192); The three meeting of the three Old Testament strands of prophet, priest and king in a Messiah figure: "Prydain, Meldryn Mawr, Ollathir, in these three did the essence of Albion reside. And now these three strands met in one person: Llew" (p344); Dependence on God: "I raised my staff as they passed and called upon the Swift Sure Hand to uphold them through the fight; I invoked the Goodly-Wise to guide their steps; I entreated the Gifting Giver to grant them the victory." (p351) All in all, it's classic Lawhead, a thoroughly worthy sequel as the magnificent Song of Albion continues! Lawhead, please keep that pen singing!
Rating:
Summary: Lawhead¿s pen keeps singing!
Review: Lawhead continues his stunning "Song of Albion" series with this sequel to "The Paradise War". Once again this effort bears all the hallmarks of good literature - articulate language, imaginative worlds, mystery and suspense, fairy-tale magic, noble kings and princesses, and enduring themes of justice, sovereignty, truth and right. Lawhead creates a fantastic atmosphere similar to the 1001 Arabian Nights, but on a grander and more glorious scale. While fantastic fiction, the passions of sorrow and joy Lawhead arouses with his story are very real. Lawhead has the ability to draw a reader to heights of joy and exuberance, and dash them to the depths of tragedy and tears. Few writers can make readers cry with joy and with sorrow, but Lawhead is certainly one in this class. There are depths of sorrow that make you weep, and heights of glory that make you cry out! The moment when Llew's hand is cut off, and Tegid is blinded stands out as a striking example of literary fiction with the power to create passion. While the first book in the series was narrated by Llew, this novel sees a disturbing shift in perspective as the bard Tegid assumes the role of narrator. This inexplicable shift takes some getting used to, as we have identified with Llew and grown to love him and see the other world through his eyes, but in the end it doesn't detract from the story. Unlike the story of the first book, in "The Silver Hand" the modern world doesn't really enter the picture, and all the focus is on events in the other world of Albion. After the cruel murder of Meldryn Mawr, Llew (student Lewis Gillies in the real world) is chosen by the bard Tegid Tathal as the new king. But Llew's kingship is challenged by Meldryn's son Meldron, who is allied with the king's former champion Paladyr and Llew's former friend Siawn (Simon in the real world). After Meldron slaughters Albion's bards, all of Albion is threatened by his rebellion, enslaved by his depraved desire for dominion, and plunged into civil war. Left for dead by Melron, Llew and Tegid regroup and build Dinas Dwr, a city on a lake, to where the faithful remnant of Albion come and pledge their allegiance. But that's just the beginning. Will Llew prevail and will the true kingdom be restored over against the evil that threatens it? Again Lawhead draws on much Biblical imagery, as the following allusions illustrate: The Psalms: "The Goodly-Wise heard our song and reached down with his Swift Sure Hand and plucked us out of the sea - and out of the grave Meldron intended." (p93); God's providence: "there surged within me a sudden conviction that we had been led to this place; the Goodly-Wise had directed our steps." (p100); The sabbath rest: "In my world, people are granted a day of rest from their labours - one day in every seven. In past times it was a jealously guarded gift, though now it is no longer recognized as such." (p192); The three meeting of the three Old Testament strands of prophet, priest and king in a Messiah figure: "Prydain, Meldryn Mawr, Ollathir, in these three did the essence of Albion reside. And now these three strands met in one person: Llew" (p344); Dependence on God: "I raised my staff as they passed and called upon the Swift Sure Hand to uphold them through the fight; I invoked the Goodly-Wise to guide their steps; I entreated the Gifting Giver to grant them the victory." (p351) All in all, it's classic Lawhead, a thoroughly worthy sequel as the magnificent Song of Albion continues! Lawhead, please keep that pen singing!
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