Rating: Summary: The most relentlessly thrilling book I've read in years! Review: This is not a book for the faint-hearted or weak stomached -- I couldn't put it down. There's much more going on here than meets the eye. I LOVE Caine, and when I finshed the book, I was sorry that the story was over. I hope that there's a sequel. Read. Think. Read.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Novel Review: This is the first novel I read by Mr. Stover, and I would have to say it was a great read. The title of the novel was the first thing that attracted it to me. From then on I loved the book. The crossing of science fiction and fantasy were fantastic. The description was enough to allow you to see everything in the scene, but not too much to make you start wandering off. Mr. Stover give you action, betrayal, redemption and romance. The best thing about Heroes Die is that it is just ONE novel. Not an ongoing series like Jordan's WoT. The only thing I have against the book is the title. Its more like A Hero Reborn...but no matter, its a great book!
Rating: Summary: An unexpectedly brilliant but brutal novel Review: This novel is set in a future were earth's resources are limited and world society has split into a rigid cast system based on the work you do, or what your parents do. Hari Michaelson is an actor and a world-wide superstar. In an alternative earth, known as the overworld, where magic works, he is also known as the assassin Caine where his "adventures" are eagerly watched by billions. When Hari's ex-wife, another actor, vanishes in the overworld Hari is drawn into saving her for what the studio on earth sees solely as another action-packed adventure, but for Hari it is much more importance than that.
This is both a brutal and brilliant novel. You really shouldn't like Hari/Caine. He's not a nice man by most accounts. He swears all the time (lots of the "f" word in this book), he'll kill you as soon as look at you and is outstandingly ruthless. Despite all this, he is a compelling and complex character and this novel easily pulls you from chapter to chapter.
Both the overworld and earth society have been given a great deal of thought in this novel, and both are equally richly detailed to provide a combination of Sci-Fi and fantasy in the one book. I hadn't expected this book to be so well written, based on the blurb on the back, and while I'm disgusted by some of the things Caine does, its also fascinating, a bit like watching a natural disaster on TV - and in effect that is what Caine is to the overworld as he keeps earth mesmerised as he navigates both the politics of home and the brutality of everyday life in the overworld.
Rating: Summary: Wow! Raw, intelligent, creative, and mysterious. Review: This was an excellent combination of science fiction and fantasy, with plenty of mystery that climaxes at the very end. Extremely violent, the raw urges of the hero create a new sense of action.
Rating: Summary: A rare find Review: Though I feel I'm only adding to the many rave reviews already written, I must say that this book grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let go until I had finished it. Despite being a somewhat jaded reader, I found myself surprized at more than one plot twist, and by Mr. Stover's daring... to create a bloodthirsty unlikeable character that his readers can feel good about cheering on to victory. And in between bloody fights, Mr. Stover makes his reader think. Very few books written with this level of depth exist in the SF/Fant. adventure genre. Read this one.
Rating: Summary: A book of adventureing combat. Review: When Hari Miechlosn is found to Assassinate the King. When His Violence comes to Bring the rise of MaKloth. When the Lovely and Deadly Tallan is difficult to fight. When Karl's sword is not around him. When perhpaps someone is betraying them. They are difficult to detect his teachery. His Transport takes on a Urgency of possible Death. For his Wife Pallas Ril. He transports to Ankhara facing the Greatest Foe of Berne. But can he kill his Greatest Enemy on time to Stop his greater Enemy of MaKloth.
Rating: Summary: A book of adventureing combat. Review: When Hari Miechlosn is found to Assassinate the King. When His Violence comes to Bring the rise of MaKloth. When the Lovely and Deadly Tallan is difficult to fight. When Karl's sword is not around him. When perhpaps someone is betraying them. They are difficult to detect his teachery. His Transport takes on a Urgency of possible Death. For his Wife Pallas Ril. He transports to Ankhara facing the Greatest Foe of Berne. But can he kill his Greatest Enemy on time to Stop his greater Enemy of MaKloth.
Rating: Summary: A page-turning epic with something for all audiences Review: WOW!! I just finished readin an advance copy of this book (thanks to Coosin Al- a definite Hero). The setting of the book flips between a fantasy setting, and a harsh look at the future of humans on Earth. Both settings were blandly generic though a few original twists and ideas have been thrown in. The compelling points of the book did not involve the setting. However the characters have been carefully formed and well rounded, and more importantly- realistic. Even the supporting characters have a suprising depth to them, with their own beliefs, desires and plots. "Heroes Die" (listed here in Amazon as "Caine") is a masterfully built book. A story within a story, independant plots and intrigues are woven together for a believable resolution. Romance, grim humor, blood and death thread themselves through the story, creating a complex pattern that will delight and enthrall the Reader. Matthew Woodring Stover has brought us a book with something for everyone. The story is compelling, and the characters will hook themselves into your heart as you find yourself fighting with the main character against all odds. If you want to read an epic adventure that leaves you wanting more, give this masterpiece by Stover a try. This is the first novel I have read by Stover, and I am now planning on going back and reading his prior novels, "Iron Dawn" and "Jericho Moon."
Rating: Summary: HEROES DIE BUT THE BOOK IS ALIVE! Review: WOW!... I read the novel and was totally blown away from the very beginning and it just got better and better! Hari Michaelson is an actor of the future who is transported along with a few other actors, including his wife, to another world and or dimension called OVERWORLD. Here in this fantasy-filled world the actors go on ADVENTURES that are followed back on earth by the populace by virtual reality-based technology. The whole book reminded me of the Matrix but in a fantasy set world. This would make a blockbuster movie idea by the way since this is a mix of sci-fi and fantasy with a writer who has written an excellent and thought-provoking idea that readers will love due to its great characters both good and bad, (and inbetween). The god emperor MA'EL-KOTH, the giant who rules in this fantasy land is a very interesting character and you just can't wait to see what he will do next. Hari Michaelson aka Caine in Overworld is such a rich and engaging character in both worlds is just a plus in this extravaganza of a novel. This si definately a one of a kind, ground-breaking read in both the sci-fi and or fantasy realm. Please do yourself a favor and get this book to read - you won't be sorry!
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