The Ladies of Mandrigyn (Unschooled Wizard 1)

Rating:
Summary: "What in the name of the cold hells is this?" --Sun Wolf
Review: This is the most gripping, vivid, richly colored book I have ever read. And this is only the first; the last (The Dark Hand of Magic) is easily on the same level. I've read the series six times and will read it again. Not because I am some kind of sick twisted individual, but because this novel seduces the die-hard fantasy reader, seizes one by the throat and drags one through "the dust and blood that hangs on everybody," as Adam Duritz says (albiet on a totally different subject). I love the weighty richness of Tad Williams, and I think TW's writing is of a higher order. But this book isn't trying to be a masterpiece; rather, it is what every good fantasy story should be--raw emotion barely contained. It's a roller coaster. You'll get choked up; you'll laugh with joy; you'll feel the rush. No, this story won't hold your hand as it slowly weaves another world. It drops you in this other world. And Hambly uses beautifully original description for a genre that has been as stale as crouttons for... well, since Tolkien I guess. There's simply nothing else like it.

Rating:
Summary: THIS IS A GREAT BOOK
Review: Why? Because there are so many fantastic female characters! Instead of being stuck choosing between the roles of damsel-in-distress, wicked stepmother, or femme fatale, Hambly's female characters are diverse, powerful, and human. Which is not to slight her men! They, too, are excellently fleshed out characters with a combination of endearing and repulsive traits. While the plot is somewhat predictable, there are enough twists to keep you turning the pages. It's a shame that Amazon reports this book being out-of-print because it's one of Hambly's best.

Rating:
Summary: Women will love this book
Review: Why? Because there are so many fantastic female characters! Instead of being stuck choosing between the roles of damsel-in-distress, wicked stepmother, or femme fatale, Hambly's female characters are diverse, powerful, and human. Which is not to slight her men! They, too, are excellently fleshed out characters with a combination of endearing and repulsive traits. While the plot is somewhat predictable, there are enough twists to keep you turning the pages. It's a shame that Amazon reports this book being out-of-print because it's one of Hambly's best.