Rating: 
Summary: MEDIOCRE
Review: This first of the Renshai trilogy is an interesting mix of some really good and original fantasy aspects blended with some really terrible narration and dialogue. The plot is really quite simple, and the cast of characters isn't all that impressive, I have to say that I really didn't like one character in particular except for Shadimar, because he was the only one whose thought processes didn't dissolve into utter stupidity as all others did. Still, apart from its simplicity, use of gods like Loki and Odin (man that's creative), and its really cheesy dialogue, there are some interesting situations and a couple of characters that make this book worth reading if you are really into fantasy. Depending on what you've read in the past, this fantasy could seem really good or really amateur.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book
Review: This is a great start to a great series. Reichert has mastered the art of the plot twist. You think the story's going one way, then suddenly it goes into a new direction (while still making sense). Fun characters, good world, well written. This series has a sequel series beginning with Beyond Ragnorak, which is even better (although to appreciate it, you'd really have to read this series first).
Rating:
Summary: Enthralling to the point of ecstasy
Review: This is my first review, but how could I fail to comment on such an amazingly complex and engrossing work? I am a definte fantasy novel enthusiast, have read most of the greats in the genre, but this has to be one of my all time favorites. I have swiftly digested all 3 of the Renshai trilogy and am currently waiting for the last of the chronicles to appear. The world created in these books is tight, interesting, complex, hypnotic, and powerful. However, what attracts me most is the captured sensation of elation that exists within the fight scenes. I have trained for more than 16 years in various martial arts systems, and MZR has captured the excitement and true magic that a testing of personal skills can provide and done it more exactly than any current writer with whom I am familiar. While "killing" our opponents is now more of a metaphor for the spiritual death of ego, it is still only through relinquishment of fear for own death that we can open our eyes and hearts to life. Some books can teach without professing to do so and still make the journey enjoyable - this and its follow-up companions are more than capable..
Rating:
Summary: One word: Amazing.
Review: This is poor reading. I got through the first 45 pages but there were too many logic holes and problems with it to continue.Pacing and characterization of the main character were average to poor. If you want real fantasy, read Tolkien or George Martin or Tad Williams or even some of the better DRAGONLANCE. Not this.
Rating: 
Summary: ooooooh, my aching head!
Review: This is poor reading. I got through the first 45 pages but there were too many logic holes and problems with it to continue. Pacing and characterization of the main character were average to poor. If you want real fantasy, read Tolkien or George Martin or Tad Williams or even some of the better DRAGONLANCE. Not this.
Rating: 
Summary: A different look at things
Review: This is the first book that pretty much focusses on the use of swords as a religion. Sure there have been other series that use swords throughout, but never with such intensity such as the way Reichert presents it.
I am reading the sequel to it, The Western Wizard, right now, and to tell you the truth, I am doing it only because I am bored. These are great books, but there isn't all that much action that makes you hold on to them every second. However, this is just my opinion, and I might be looking for something different in a book than you. So, to brief it up, I think this book is definately worth it to read, is has some great characters, and makes you think. If you don't like it, then no harm, just don't continue the series.
Reichert does a good job, and I congratulate him for this book.
Rating:
Summary: A different look at things
Review: This is the first book that pretty much focusses on the use of swords as a religion. Sure there have been other series that use swords throughout, but never with such intensity such as the way Reichert presents it.
I am reading the sequel to it, The Western Wizard, right now, and to tell you the truth, I am doing it only because I am bored. These are great books, but there isn't all that much action that makes you hold on to them every second. However, this is just my opinion, and I might be looking for something different in a book than you. So, to brief it up, I think this book is definately worth it to read, is has some great characters, and makes you think. If you don't like it, then no harm, just don't continue the series.
Reichert does a good job, and I congratulate him for this book.
Rating:
Summary: One word: Amazing.
Review: Well...I really don't know what to say about this novel. I found one flaw that I didn't like (and only one) in the whole book. Reichert built the great war up so much and in the end the battle seemed rushed. It was as if she had a word limit so she wrote it in a few chapters and left. This isn't to say it wasnt good, I just wish she had elaborated on it a bit more. I'm a huge fan of mythology and after reading this I began studying more on the nordic beliefs. What I found incredible is that it seems she took all the prophecies and myths and added characters to tell their story. I was amazed that almost everything presented in the story is straight out of mythology. The renshai were incredible, and to comment on what another reviewer said about the armor. The idea is that the renshai are such amazing fighters they dont need armor. Anyway, this is by far my favorite novel of my favorite series. The only dissapointment was hearing the end of all 6 books (both trilogies) since I would never read more about the renshai again.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent webbed plot with brilliant real-life parallels.
Review: While I do not have the expertise of a Dungeons & Dragons fanatic that didn't understand the book and has the gall to portray that over the Internet, I would still assert that these books are the best ones *I* have read. The story, plot, and characters have already been discussed, but I would add that the philosophies in these books can be taken into real-life. The Law and Chaos perspectives are wonderful in justifying the importance of individuality. The books themselves are a cry against conformity, though that certainly isn't their only purpose. Finally (for lack of time), the Renshai honor is *easily* taken into real life context, and it becomes obvious why Kevral would quote it so much: it's brilliant and brilliantly put. Anyway, those were my favorite facets of the novels. 1,000 words could hardly describe all of them.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent webbed plot with brilliant real-life parallels.
Review: While I do not have the expertise of a Dungeons & Dragons fanatic that didn't understand the book and has the gall to portray that over the Internet, I would still assert that these books are the best ones *I* have read. The story, plot, and characters have already been discussed, but I would add that the philosophies in these books can be taken into real-life. The Law and Chaos perspectives are wonderful in justifying the importance of individuality. The books themselves are a cry against conformity, though that certainly isn't their only purpose. Finally (for lack of time), the Renshai honor is *easily* taken into real life context, and it becomes obvious why Kevral would quote it so much: it's brilliant and brilliantly put. Anyway, those were my favorite facets of the novels. 1,000 words could hardly describe all of them.
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