Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Donaldson strikes again. Review: After owning this book for many years, I just read it the third time, and it just keeps getting better. The characters, though complex, lack the suicidal tendencies that seem to be so popular in Donaldson's other works, which makes for a more entertaining read. The system of magic, one based on mirrors, is original and well thought out. Donaldson has a knack for taking improbable hero's and putting them through the paces, and "The Mirror of Her Dreams" is no exception. We begin the book to find a land with a king apperantly too far gone in his old age to understand what is happening, an assembly of magic users frozen by inner turmoil and deception, and a country beset by forces both natural and magical from all sides. From here unfolds an incredible story of love and hate, deception and need. I can't recommend this book enough.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: An avid reader rates Mordant's Need an all-time favorite! Review: I refer to this book as Mordant's Need rather than The Mirror of Her Dreams because the latter absolutely must be read with A Man Rides Through--in actuality, they are one book, one story, and NO ONE could read Book 1 without continuing on to Book 2.
In Mordant's Need, Stephen Donaldson weaves an amazing tale of another world, one which is connected to our own in an incredible way. The scope of Donaldson's imagination is without parallel, as he uses an ordinary, inanimate object from our world--a mirror--as an instrument of magic and mystery in Mordant. This complex tale is related in a superb fashion which crescendos to the most masterful conclusion I have ever read. Regardless of the genre you generally enjoy reading, you will walk away from this book with feelings of elation and satisfaction never before produced by a work of fiction.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: an entrancing fantasy masterwork Review: This book is one of those "hard-to-put-down" classics that will leave you hungry for the conclusion. If you read it, you will have no choice but to read the sequel. Stephen Donaldson has a marvelous talent for character personification. Terisa, Geraden, Myste, Elega: all of them make you grieve for hurts against them, experience euphoria at their triumphs, and suffer indignation at injustices committed to them. On the other hand, don't read this book if you are not planning to be totally absorbed by the convoluted story line and elusive climax(es). The realism of this book, in spite of Imagery, an unheard of practice in our world, is so compelling that it will drive you to return to this book again and again
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Order the second book when you order the first. Review: I highly recommend this book, with two warnings: order the second book when you order the first, and don't start reading this book at 10 p.m. if you have to get up at 7 the next morning. (You may still be UP at 7.)
I am fairly certain that this is the book that Shannon Lucid got from her kids, midway through her stay on Mir. Either her kids hadn't read it, or they were just plain sadistic. If you read it, you'll know why
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Engrossing, entertaining fantasy novel. Review: A truly memorable novel that will grab your mind and never let go.
Stephen R. Donaldson details the adventures of a heroine as she travels into another
dimension. Every character is elaborately detailed both in body and mind.
As a result you feel as if you personally know everyone in this book.
It is truly a must read -- as is the book that follows.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: One of the best books I've ever read. Review: This book, as well as the second and final book in the series, will stay with you for a long time after you are through reading it. Mr. Donaldson creates a world that is so vivid and believable, it is very hard to leave it behind when you finish the series. I've read them both about three times, and it's been a while, so I'm read to start over again, something I almost never do with other books. My only complaint, if you can call it that, is that I wish there were more books in this series. They definitely leave you wanting more.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Donaldson is the best Review: Stephen R Donaldson is one of the greatest authors of our time. The Mordants Need series is one of my favorite series (I've probably read it ten times) it has an intriguing plotline, very real characters and tons of adventure. Anyone who likes to read should try these books.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Almost There Review: I'm reviewing this book on the first novel alone, as I understand that many people are considering the duo when casting their votes. I loved the concept of this novel. The characters, situations, landscapes, etc. were all very original and wonderfully created. I saw so much potential and was naggingly dissapointed about some major things throughout the book. The main character in the novel is supposed to be a young, beautiful, twenty something woman. She reads like she's ten. The idea is that she never really had a personality or true character before she is brought over to a new world. Thus, her past reads very flat and we're expected to believe that she's never been kissed, never looked at another man and thought he was attracted, and for all her obvious beauty, not a single person on the street ever looked at her. This is all supposed to go hand in hand with the new feeling of purpose she has upon her mirror crossing. I don't care, I just kept wanting to either smack my head in frustration or smack her for being an idiot. I can't decide. My other beef: conversations and inner monologues seem very forced and unrealistic, but at other times don't seem to have a problem.
Overall though........I do enjoy the story for its sheer originality and the fact that Donaldson only has momemnts that don't detract from the whole book.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Discovering the self and genuine love Review: Donaldson depicts the despair and confusion that result from lives turned awry: in Teresa's case by childhood abuse/neglect and in Geraden's case by an inability to understand and use his gifts, in the realm's case by a hero-king who has suddenly stopped defending the kingdom. These confusions lead the characters into mistakes and dilemmas so true to life that I have read every one of Donaldson's long-winded words in the two Mordant books for the gift of better understanding despair and hope, confusion and clarity, seduction and care, and the redemptive possibility of hope. I find Donaldson's other series dark and lacking in the hope and genuine love that make this tale one of my all-time favorites.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Mirror of my soul Review: Mirror of her Dreams and A Man Rides Through are two of the best books I've ever read. They were my first introduction to fantasy and I've spent the last 15 years trying (and failing) to find their equal. I don't care for fantasy stories that are too fantastic. These aren't. They depict a world ripe with conflict and intrigue without ever becoming confusing. The characters are complex and interesting. These books are well worth the time to read. I've read my copies so many times, they're falling apart.
|