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Summary: What Is Up With J.V. Jones?
Review: This is a wonderful start to the author's latest series. However, the big question is: "Where has she gone?"I have read Ms. Jones' books, in chronological order, as they have been published. This has left a tremendous gap between books for this "current" series. This book is so good a read that I actually suggest that you don't read it -- wait until Book Two is out to avoid the frustration that has dogged fans of Ms. Jones' writing over the delay in producing Book Two. Not since reading Tolkien as a child (and the Harry Potter books to my kids) have I found an author who fleshes out a fantasy realm so realistically and satisfyingly. Top to bottom, characters, plot, humor, horror, pain -- it's three dimensional story telling at its best. As some reviewers have noted, this book contains some graphic descriptions. However, I was never "grossed out" or felt that the story was not being served. So the mystery of the missing author is becoming more interesting as time goes by. I won't guess as to what has happened, but if Book Two is as good as Book One, will Book Three be written in my life time? Update: After posting this review, I have had a chance to read other reviews and found that Ms. Jones' has her own website. Thanks fellow readers! Ms. Jones' second book is completely written and the editing/publishing process is busily underway for an April publishing date.
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Summary: The weather as an integral character
Review: Many novels have used variations on extreme weather to challenge and motivate characters. Some have used weather to uphold weak characterizations. J.V. Jones has made the weather of the clanholds a living breathing character with apparant motive and direction. this is a enjoyable twist on the usual sword and magic fantasy.
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Summary: Something you can sink your teeth into.
Review: It may just be that this came out at a time when I really needed a book of substance; this ended up being completely enthralling.
Without giving away any of the plot.
The characters are clearly defined and the story focused. The greatest disappointment is that it ends and you are left waiting for an unidentified amount of time until the sequel is issued in paperback.
Basics are semi nomadic tribes, reminded me of the Viking types, are being influenced by the the cities to the south that have never been able to defeat them in straightforward confrontation. Cities influence internal politics that allow for the bad guy, mole type, to take over the tribe and the good guys to be kicked out. Start wandering and developing a following as the tribes become more and more enbroiled in conflict. Probably in future novels will come back and restore the equilibrium and independence of the tribes in some lesser consolidated form. All in all excellent.
In comparing it to other writing it is a lot like the first portion of "The Wheel of Time" series before it became lost in what appears to be publishing additional volumes because you can.
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Summary: Well-written, yet a bit slow...
Review: ...it is by far a bad book and if you have read and enjoyed Jones' Book of Words Trilogy, then you will also enjoy this, since it is written in the same universe, called the Known Lands.
It has a good, but not new story, we have seen it before, but like in BOW, we hear a lot of the intrigues that goes on in the world, among the clans. What I miss in this book is what I loved in BOW, the dynamic way of writing, I loved that you could follow a lot of different characters in one single chapter...and I loved Tavalisk and Maybor, so obvious I miss them and could wish that they were featured in the new trilogy. But one thing I will say...there is a big surprise for those who loved BOW, for you will meet one whom you have missed... I won't say anymore... Enjoy it.
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Summary: 900+ Pages and it's still too short...
Review: When I first saw this book I must admit that I was a bit hesitant. Stories that get close to one thousand pages tend to mean that the author has gotten a little long winded in their descriptions of the small mundane things. I quickly discovered, however, that this was definitely not the case. J.V. Jones tells a brilliant story full of rich characters and a well thought out world. From page one you will be pulled into the plight of young Raif Sevrance and Ash March as they make their way through hostile lands to purge a force that threatens to release the minions of hell. In the process Raif is banished from his clan by a scheming Mace Blackhail just as his people prepare for war. Ash tries to come to grips with the nightmares and power that she doesn't understand. Along the way they learn that the world they thought they knew is much more then they could have expected and that people they thought they knew aren't who they seemed. Ms. Jones previous books have shown that she can tell a story. "A Cavern Of Black Ice" shows that she can develop characters and a complex world that is visually spectacular. This is by far the best book that I've read in the last few years. The only drawback that I can find is that we still have to wait another eight months to find out what happens next. Do yourself a favor and delve into this one. It will change your view of what fantasy can and should be.
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Summary: Waiting impatiently for a sequel....
Review: This was a very well-written book, and I loved it. I think that the violence could have been toned down a little, but, overall, this story was a great, fresh idea in the realm of fantasy that has been moving slowly lately.
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Summary: It's not perfect, but 932 pages turns like 300.
Review: If you like George R. R. Martin, you'll like this one too. This is the first of J. V. Jones that I've read, and I plan to read more. The characters, in my opinion, are much more full bodied and mature than in many fantasies (i. e. Sword of Truth and Wheel of Time). Yes, it is cliched; the hero(es) suffer pain, sacrifice and endure much to fight some great evil, but I think this is what fantasy adventures are generally all about. Furthermore, this story is enriched by the addition of third parties who haven't really taken sides, but protect their own interests, and either hinder or help the hero(es) by their actions. The description of the setting was vivid enough without getting bogged down; I froze my arse off for 932 pages. However, the degree of coldness is not completely consistent, but this would only be obvious to someone from cold climates. This first installment ends very satisfactorily with the issue immediately at hand being resolved, though we don't know how the real results of the resolution, and we are left with a couple of tasty morsels that will need to be addressed in future books. All in all this was a fun book. I gave it five stars, not because it is perfect, but because I read for enjoyment and entertainment, not to nitpick, analyze and be critical. Do not listen to the naysayers. Lastly, though this book has several truly adult situations, details are simply appropriate, I think. It is not nearly so graphic as G. R. R. Martin's books.
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Summary: JV Jones writes wonderfully
Review: JV Jones is an excellent author. I have enjoyed every book she has written and look forward to more. I just have one warning: JVJ's writing is not G rated. Though this book is not nearly as..descriptive in certain aspects as her previous novels. This is actually one of the things that appeals to me. I love her vivid descriptions, they make the bookcome alive. All characters are well developed even minor ones. Unfortunately this is the first in a series (a trilogy I think) and the second isn't due to appear until 2002. I don't care when though just READ THIS BOOK.
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Summary: Great!!
Review: I could not put it down. I can not wait for the next book in the series to come out.
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Summary: Couldn't put it down.
Review: This was the first of J.V. Jones' books that I had read and once I was finished I immediately went and bought the rest of her work. I was especially impressed by the way the plot continued to move through the book and how Jones kept all of the main characters involved and managed to tie together their stories without making things too outlandish. The only major bone I have to pick is that I felt Jones did not adequately explain why Raif was so compelled to not tell the truth about his tribes actions during the massacre. There was something about clan loyalty but the motivation seemed fuzzy and irritating and could have used a clearer explanation. On the whole an excellent book that I would reccommend to anyone.
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