Rating: 
Summary: Great start to a series
Review: This books was a great start to a new series, with interesting characters and concoluted plot twists that can be resolved later. He creates a whole new world that is just begging to be populated. This one is definately worth it. Read a review of the second book before buying it, though.
Rating: 
Summary: An Interesting Book
Review: This is the first book that I've read of Michael Stackpole's. It's the story of a young man named Locke, who is the third son of one of the world's greatest hero's. Locke was a very interesting character that, while young, had a marvelous, logical way of looking at the world and figuring out problems. Locke is sent by the Emperor into the Realm of Chaos to succeed in doing what his father was killed trying to do. Chaos is a fasinating land that changes everyone, including animals, that go to it in physical ways, and the longer the time spent there, the greater the change. It is also a land of many deadly creatures, including various tribes of Chademons. There were a few parts of the plot that I didn't totally understand, but didn't hinder me from enjoying the book, and a few things that I thought could have been a little more clear or focused on a bit more. I won't go into details because I wouldn't want to give away anything. All in all this was a good book that I would recommend.
Rating:
Summary: An Interesting Book
Review: This is the first book that I've read of Michael Stackpole's. It's the story of a young man named Locke, who is the third son of one of the world's greatest hero's. Locke was a very interesting character that, while young, had a marvelous, logical way of looking at the world and figuring out problems. Locke is sent by the Emperor into the Realm of Chaos to succeed in doing what his father was killed trying to do. Chaos is a fasinating land that changes everyone, including animals, that go to it in physical ways, and the longer the time spent there, the greater the change. It is also a land of many deadly creatures, including various tribes of Chademons. There were a few parts of the plot that I didn't totally understand, but didn't hinder me from enjoying the book, and a few things that I thought could have been a little more clear or focused on a bit more. I won't go into details because I wouldn't want to give away anything. All in all this was a good book that I would recommend.
Rating: 
Summary: Meritocracy in a fantasy world...
Review: This was a decent story with an equally decent character. The ending was a particularly good twist, as I enjoy character types of mixed abilities or heritage (if you've ever read Raymond Feist's ideas about a human/Valheru fusion, you know what I mean). What I _didn't_ like about this book was its overemphasis on the badges people wore to indicate their skills (e.g. chessmaster, warhammer, etc...), and the prolific use of magic. Both of these elements remind me too much of the Real World, where credentializing and documentation of merit are worshipped. And too much magic is a major turnoff for a good yarn. After all, its supposed to be rare and used only by the most select group of people, those worthy of being called "heroes." If every average person has magic shoes, magic doors, magic swords, magic this and that, then it begins to read more like technology. I didn't want a sci-fi story, I wanted fantasy. Still, this was a worthy effort, and the dual nature of the main character redeemed the story enough to warrant a rating of three stars.
Rating:
Summary: A fast moving great read
Review: This was the first book I've read by Michael Stackpole, and what a good book! I was given the book as a must read and it is. Stackpole combines all the elements of a great fantasy-uncertainty, the fight between good and evil and a good ending that begs for more, but is enough in its own right. He keeps the ending as a surprise but once you get there you say, Yes, thats what should be. I am looking forward to the next one.
Rating:
Summary: Science-Fiction Fan
Review: When I read all the books my 8th grade teacher had available (the books my teacher we like a 6th grade reading level to me), I went in search of a book. Not just any book. I was looking for a challenge and I came upon this book. I picked it up thinking, what a weird cover. I started reading it and immediatly got hooked. I bought it from the store, took it home, went to my room, and never came out for hours. When I finished the book I read it again. I can't wait to read the second book! Michael A. Stackpole is now my favorite author. Keep up the good work!
Rating:
Summary: Truly unique
Review: Yeah, I've never come across a book quite like this. Stackpole really managed to create a very unique and fascinating setting. The characters are fleshed-out individuals too. See, a long time ago, some wizards screwed up a massive ritual. Now, except for a nation that the wizards reclaimed from the destruction, most of the world is ruled by a twisting wave of chaos, that inevitably and unpredictably changes everything it touches--including adventurers. Yet, there are those who for one reason or another feel compelled to venture into that chaos. Such a one is the hero, Locke. Locke seems like the flattest of all the characters in the book, but trust me, he's not. Meanwhile, the other 'chaos-riders' are amazing examples of characters. Magicians, mutants, and warriors, one way or another each character gets drafted into Locke's mission. And the best part is, you don't figure out the answers till the very end! Though it's good, the second book in the series focuses on a different character, which I find unfair. So here's hoping another one turns up soon!
Rating:
Summary: Truly unique
Review: Yeah, I've never come across a book quite like this. Stackpole really managed to create a very unique and fascinating setting. The characters are fleshed-out individuals too. See, a long time ago, some wizards screwed up a massive ritual. Now, except for a nation that the wizards reclaimed from the destruction, most of the world is ruled by a twisting wave of chaos, that inevitably and unpredictably changes everything it touches--including adventurers. Yet, there are those who for one reason or another feel compelled to venture into that chaos. Such a one is the hero, Locke. Locke seems like the flattest of all the characters in the book, but trust me, he's not. Meanwhile, the other 'chaos-riders' are amazing examples of characters. Magicians, mutants, and warriors, one way or another each character gets drafted into Locke's mission. And the best part is, you don't figure out the answers till the very end! Though it's good, the second book in the series focuses on a different character, which I find unfair. So here's hoping another one turns up soon!
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