Madwand

Rating:
Summary: Wow. Can literature get much worse?
Review: I have one thing to say, and it is a direct quote from this book:

"[The Harpy] flapped in quick patrol about the cavern, defecating profusely, imaginatively."

This book is one of the funniest things I've read in a long time. Unfortunately, it isn't meant to be. If you want to read it, get it for free at a library. DO NOT PAY FOR IT OR SATAN WILL OWN YOUR SOUL!

Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: Maybe not as good as the Amber series, but still an excellent
read (like most of Zelazny's work). Does not have a plausible
magical system? Come on ravenchai8, its a book about magic.
You do have to suspend belief. Its a mater of verisimilitude
not realism.

Ken

Rating:
Summary: A book without a leg to stand on
Review: This book was fairly predictable and run-of-the-mill as far as 'pulp fantasy' books go, which was a little disappointing, considering that I would rate Zelazny's Amber Chronicles at at least a two, maybe a three.

Like the Chronicles of Amber, the writing and characterization is quite weak, but unlike the Chronicles, this book did not have an interesting magical premise to give it life. A book like this needs a plausible magical system that maintains its dignity, instead of this quizzical monstrosity which involves pulling strings and pumping things with one's foot. This might have worked if the story took itself a little less seriously; unfortunately, the reader is obliged to laugh quietly into his hand, without the comfort of having the book laugh along with him.

Rating:
Summary: Madwand Deserves a Read
Review: Zelazny always explored plausible mechanics to magic. In Madwand (and Changeling, the prequel) he introduces the idea that all the fireworks and fanfare is really an illusion over base telekinetic abilities. The idea that each adept has a deeply personal 'system' of perceiving the works and effects of magic around them is quite intriguing.

Pol Detson (the protagonist) was born with a keen natural 'magic' ability. Since he was not trained in the traditional sense, he is considered a 'madwand' by the establishment. Madwands are noted for their raw power, but most become quite insane when they attempt to tune their abilities. The story has some of the most detailed magical conflicts I've read and is quite interesting.

Like many of Zelazny's works, I'm left wanting the story to continue indefinitely. I wish he had time to write a sequel.

Rating:
Summary: Madwand Deserves a Read
Review: Zelazny always explored plausible mechanics to magic. In Madwand (and Changeling, the prequel) he introduces the idea that all the fireworks and fanfare is really an illusion over base telekinetic abilities. The idea that each adept has a deeply personal 'system' of perceiving the works and effects of magic around them is quite intriguing.

Pol Detson (the protagonist) was born with a keen natural 'magic' ability. Since he was not trained in the traditional sense, he is considered a 'madwand' by the establishment. Madwands are noted for their raw power, but most become quite insane when they attempt to tune their abilities. The story has some of the most detailed magical conflicts I've read and is quite interesting.

Like many of Zelazny's works, I'm left wanting the story to continue indefinitely. I wish he had time to write a sequel.