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Summary: This book takes you on quite a ride...
Review: It's one of the few fantasy books I've read in recent years that I found really hard to put down. From the frying pan into the fire again and again. I caught myself thinking once or twice that I wanted the pace to slow down so I could catch my breath. You get a deepening appreciation for the characters as the plot moves quickly along and a sense of mystery about what you don't know yet. There is a freshness to the author's style that remindes me of the first time I read about elves, dwarves and such in the Tolkien books. The best comparison I can make is to say that this book has elements of both Tolkien and the early Norton Witch World. But much of what grabs you is the presentation. Nicely done, especially for a first novel. I eagerly await the sequel (predicted may 99 publication) that I just ordered.
Rating: 
Summary: it was great!!!!
Review: i thought this book was one of the best books I ever read. it has action, excitement. it really paints a picture in your mind. I can't wait for the second book to come out. if your older you might not like this book but im 12 and i thought it was great.
Rating:
Summary: Best Fantasy in a long time
Review: If you are a fan of fantasy, run, do not walk, to buy this book. This is easily some of the best fantasy I have read in a long time (and I read a lot of fantasy) The characters are well thought on and enjoyable (both the good and evil.) The creatures are interesting and unusual, and some of the concepts in the book are totally unique. I dare you to read the prologue and keep yourself from being intrigued by the book. A must read for any serious fantasy fan.
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Summary: I found the book fun, creative and criminally engaging.
Review: I gave this book a four but I would like to qualify that. I was delightfully suprised and impressed with the vision and solutions in this book. I thought the making of the blood book, the problems encountered, and the effects of the spell were all fanastic creations and pleasantly imaginative. The two weak points I felt in the story was the use of too many characters, and no real sense of a solid closer. Clemens did a excellent job of weaving all his characters, but I thought there should have been fewer with more detail on each. There is five centuries and an arm that weren't hardly touched that I really wanted to hear about. Lastly, even for a single book in a series, it is possible to bring a sense and feeling of closure to a story, and I didn't quite get that with this book. I do look forward with great anticipation to the sequel. I couldn't put the book down, Supurb writing James!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent! More satisfying than Brooks or Jordan!
Review: I can't believe this is the author's first published piece of work. Wi'tch Fire is such a well crafted piece of work that I can not recommend it enough. The plot is intriguing and moves along at just the right pace. Although the characters of the book are easily recognizable [elves, witches, goblins, trolls etc] they are written in such a unique way that you can't help but admire Clemons originality. I have read many works of fantasy/science fiction and this new author has just jumped onto my list of favorites {ie: George R.R.Martin, Guy Gavriel Kay and perhaps even Tolkien}. So if you want something more sophisticated than Terry Brook's work and don't want to keep track of Robert Jordan's character and plot extravaganza; please, please pick up this book it truly is great!
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Summary: Anyone who loves Fantasy will love this book!
Review: James was chosen, along with 9 other attendees at the Maui Writers Conference, to take part in a special Fiction writing seminar. These attendees had submitted manuscripts that had been selected by the presenters to be critiqued in front of a huge audience at the Conference. When Jame's turn came, the first thing that was said was, "this is a fabulous manuscript!" From that moment on James has never looked back. His future publisher was in that room and signed him for a three book trilogy, the first of which is Wit'ch Fire. I love the book and can't wait for the next one to come out! Enjoy!!
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Summary: Excellent new fantasy novel!
Review: I LOVE this book! This trancends "fantasy" style of book. I simply could not put it down!
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Summary: When will the adventure continue? I can't wait!
Review: Beware!!! You will not get anything done around the house once you have started this book. The adventure grabs you right at the start and catapults you through Elena's world at such a velocity that you will be unable to stop until you have finished. But, I must have more!!! Where will the next book in the Banned and the Banished series take me? And WHEN!!!! James Clemens, you are the BEST!!! Keep the stories coming!
Rating:
Summary: Wit'ch Fire is a GREAT read
Review: Wit'ch Fire is everything I love about fantasy. The characters are instantly likable and you immediately get drawn into the conflict. The pages fly by and leave you wanting more. There's nothing better than dark evil magic brewing, chasing our heros around! Despite the complexity of the flashbacks and detailed mythology, the plot is easy to follow and makes you feel like you are really there. There are many familiar character; Giants, Witchs, Shapeshifters, Ogres, but never have they been written like this before. There is such an immediacy and intimacy with the characters you would just love to live in their world. I don't want to discuss too much about the characters or the plot because it is just too darn fun reading about it and finding out for yourself. I don't think I've dropped a book and said 'WHAT?! Oh that is too cool' so many times in my life. If you love fantasy, you can't miss this one! :-)
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Summary: Fast Paced full of Mystery and Magic, I want More...
Review: For a first time Fantasy reader, I really liked the way the story started and ended. You could see Elena change during the story as you experienced with her the wonders of discovery. I was glued to the various characters as a terrible fate awaited them at the end of their journey. I couldn't envision how they would all meet and get out of the caverns alive, but they did and I couldn't stop reading until the late hours of the night. I can't wait for the journey to continue. My brother and son-in-law both enjoy fantasy, but this was my first book. I enjoy reading almost every type of book however, I think its time to read more like this if Witch Fire is an example of what I can expect. I had a great time sharing the adventure with the characters in the story. It was simply a lot of fun. p.s. I couldn't find any other books by James Clemens. Let me know if he writes any others, I would like to read anything he writes...
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