The Book of Atrix Wolfe

Rating:
Summary: New fairytale to join the classics
Review: Elegant, whimsical, and dark telling of a wonderful tale. Once again Mckillip redefines the fantasy genre

Rating:
Summary: A gem!
Review: Fantasy readers have come to expect the highest calibre of work from Patricia McKillip, with intricate plotlines, charming characters and some of the most beautiful prose being written in fantasy today. The story and characters of "The Book of Atrix Wolfe" are a match for any other McKillip book, but the real triumph here is in the author's mastery of language. Apparently inspired by a storyline which muses on the power and mutability of words, McKillip creates a world simultaneously rich in sensory detail and drenched in dreamlike atmosphere. Only an author this gifted could take overused themes like the Wild Hunt, the Queen of Faery, and wizard's spellbooks and bring them startlingly and uniquely to life. All of McKillip's work is to be treasured; this is a prize gem in the trove.

Rating:
Summary: Original fairy tale, rich writing, stunning emotions
Review: For all of those fantasy readers out there who have read fairy tale upon fairy tale, here is a familiar feeling original tale which captures all of human emotion and brings you into a dream. It has been said that a composer's power is the ability to bring the listener, unwilling, into his state of mind. And so it is here, as you are drawn in so subtly and powerfully to each moment in the story until a tension so high has built up it is impossible to rip yourself away. The language is stunning, as in all Patricia McKillip books, and yet here she seems to even surpass herself, every sentence a line of poetry, never pretentious but always full of meaning. Even though I myself have read many fairy tales, both the originals and retellings, and admire greatly such authors as Angela Carter and Anne Sexton who brings a wonderful edge and newness to the tales, I was entranced by this book both because of its originality and its homage to the form of a fairy tale or myth. The most wonderful thing, however, is that each character is human, suffering all of the emotions each of us know so well, and therefore the story is always a grounded and effective odyssey. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone who misses magic in the modern world, the sense that the Fair Folk are indeed there, watching us. The feeling that imagination, superstition and dreams are still very much a part of us, and can never truly be forgotten.

Rating:
Summary: Original fairy tale, rich writing, stunning emotions
Review: For all of those fantasy readers out there who have read fairy tale upon fairy tale, here is a familiar feeling originaltale which captures all of human emotion and brings you into a dream. It has been said that a composer's power is the ability to bring the listener, unwilling, into his state of mind. And so it is here, as you are drawn in so subtly and powerfully to each moment in the story until a tension so high has built up it is impossible to rip yourself away. The language is stunning, as in all Patricia McKillip books, and yet here she seems to even surpass herself, every sentence a line of poetry, never pretentious but always full of meaning. Even though I myself have read many fairy tales, both the originals and retellings, and admire greatly such authors as Angela Carter and Anne Sexton who brings a wonderful edge and newness to the tales, I was entranced by this book both because of its originality and its homage to the form of a fairy tale or myth. The most wonderful thing, however, is that each character is human, suffering all of the emotions each of us know so well, and therefore the story is always a grounded and effective odyssey. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone who misses magic in the modern world, the sense that the Fair Folk are indeed there, watching us. The feeling that imagination, superstition and dreams are still very much a part of us, and can never truly be forgotten.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I love fantasy books and I was drawn to this one because something about a 'Wolfe' in it and so far (I'm only on page 75) its great! This is the first Patricia McKillip book I've ever read, and its awsome! A must read!

Rating:
Summary: Certainly does drag a bit, doesn't it?
Review: I loved the ending, but maybe that's just because it took me months to read the middle. I was very excited that it was almost over. I knew who was who (except for one little bit that wasn't nearly as important as the book thought it was), I knew who was going to find who and where they would end up ... yet the book would just keep going, and going, and going. There's only so much description of pot-scrubbing one person can take.

Rating:
Summary: A lovely, gentle fantasy to read and reread
Review: I picked up the Book of Atrix Wolf by chance in the New Titles of a bookstore and read it on a plane. It was a little slow to get into but well worth the effort. The world created is like an Impressionist painting but the descriptions of creating the meals in the kitchen is marvellous - a wonderful counterpoint to the dreamy Pelucir and Chaumenard. I have re-read it several times, always finding more to enjoy. I subsequently read all the rest of McKillip's works and enjoyed them, especially the Riddle Master trilogy but Atrix Wolf if by far my favorite.

Rating:
Summary: A promising start but a disappointing ending
Review: I received this book as a Christmas present. I read it in entirety and was a little disappointed. The end was convoluted (if not near incomprehensible) and there was some genuine character confusion as well. I believe it is still a book worth reading, but not a truly landmark literary accomplishment.

Rating:
Summary: Well...
Review: I thought it was moving too slowly. The constant change of character narrations every few chapters, I didn't mind, but the story didn't seem to be going anywhere for awhile.

Rating:
Summary: Enchanting Spell
Review: I was so deeply moved while reading this book. The frase: 'your worst enemy is your own self' is vividly portrayed.
Started by a mistake done by an old powerful mage, Atrix Wolf that ends a war between Kardeth and Pelucir. A mistake which caused the uproar and tragedy in human world and fairy world.
In the face of the destruction he had caused, Atrix buried himself for 20 years until the heir of Pelucir called him back through a book written by Atrix himself right after the war.

The book itself contained spells seemingly harmless enough for a beginner mage. But when Talis of Pelucir tried to study them, there were actually other meanings behind every words written which endangered both his and his brother, the King's life for the true meaning of the words led to a black terror that had only one intention, Death.

The black terror was made by Atrix's spell and by the destructive spell, he torn the world of fairy, separating the Queen of the Woods, from her consort and daughter. By her, Atrix was forced to finish what he had started years ago.

The language is so enchanting, it almost put a spell on your mind. You can also make up some delicious recipes from here. The description itself made me hungry everytime I read about tha chapters concerning the castle's kitchen.

High recommended