Rating: 
Summary: Great book and it's not all folks
Review: Great book. And I also read Cook's interview, where he says that he is now writing Garrett novel, but then it will be another Black company novel. So get ready. By the way, go to amazon.com/uk and order S.Ericson <Gardens of the Moon> and <Deadhouse Gates>. If you like G.Cook- these are the books for you. Believe me. I am still slack-jawed after finishing Ericson
Rating:
Summary: A mournful ending to the Glittering Stones
Review: This has to be Cook's grittiest, most sorrowful entry to the Black Company saga. While the trademark humor is still there, the tone is a deaply introspective as Croaker witnesses the deaths of so many of his friends and foes--some of my favorite characters.The end of The Black Company? I think not. There are enough loose threads here to betray a hoard of Stranglers.
Rating:
Summary: Welcome Back, Croaker
Review: In my estimation, the Black Company books, collectively, represent the best of the genre. Nothing else even comes close. Although some aspects of the book may be troubling to devoted fans (the attrition of characters near and dear from previous books, in particular), its more troubling aspects are its greatest strengths. This book may be one of the blackest, bleakest, and most blighted of any in a series that has distinguished and distanced itself from the "young woman struggles to unlock the frightening but wondrous powers buried within her" trash that has come to typify contemporary fantasy. It has the moral ambiguity appropriate to the conclusion of an anti-epic like Glittering Stone, and the gnawing sense of futility that infects Croaker's narration makes the sacrifices of an aging mercenary seem more, rather than less, redemptive. All the things diehard fans demand from a Black Company novel are there, but as Croaker (to my mind, the heart and soul of the Company) sees himself as increasingly remote from the latest incarnation of the Compnay, his feelings on his fallen comrades mirror our own feelings on our favorite vanished characters (Goblin, Silent, Elmo, even the Limper). The ending (if it is truly an END to the Black Company) was, as another reviewer put it, "very disturbing." I agree, but would argue that the ending was perfect, even necessary, for the series, and that it exemplified what it is that makes the Black Company so different from everything else out there, and so worthy of the outlandish affection its fans feel for it.
Rating:
Summary: Then end or a new beginning
Review: A book of sadness and joy. The ending of the glittering stone saga and perhaps the beginning of a new black company. Glen Cook is at his best between twisting plots and dramatic characters. You hope and wish for the best, but delivered reality as it exists the worlds of the black company. The story is penned by Croaker as he assumes the role of annalist again. Soldiers Live, but what of gods? My only question is, does Tobo become the new Dominator?
Rating:
Summary: Amazing book
Review: I just finished this book not 5 minutes ago. It seems that this book is more exciting than the past book of The Black Company. The best part may be that croacker is the narrator once again. After reading it, you feel like you know what it is like to be Croaker, especially after the way it ends. Granted, some loose ends are still there, but there's nothing that can really be done to safe face with that. Anyways, this is a FANTASTIC book and everyone should read it. It bears gritty realism that one would expect from Cook along with his well-known sarcasm which cracks a smile on every readers face once in a while. Soldiers live.....And wonder why :-)
Rating: 
Summary: 3 1/2 but I'll round up
Review: This is Cook's house-cleaning book: Tidy up a lot of loose ends, explain some things, add a few new touches. Some surprises. Leave room to add if he wants to start a new cycle. But I found the plot being allowed to force characters into things they would not have done according to previous books. Some 'conveniently' overlook things blatantly told them. Military-trained soldiers walk into obvious ambushes. Please! I know some of these characters are older but that doesn't mean they're senile! A decent book, but I think he could have done a lot better. He has in the past.
Rating:
Summary: soldiers live is Cook at his best
Review: I must say that this is the best Company book in a long time. I have loved the series since it started but this book stands out. Glen Cook captured the old flavor with Croaker writing this Annal. You get a "feeling" of closure. A death march possibly as it is common belief that this is the last book. You understand the age of the characters by their view points and comments. You see the world from an alien perspective of someone out of place, or out of time. some parts I knew were coming but others caught me by suprise totally. Completely engrossing book and a true crown for the series. Buy this book if even if you have been disenchanted with the Company. This brings back all the magic that caught your attention before. Do not abandon us Glen. If the company still lives in your head, then get them out of there and put them on paper. We will keep buying... and get your publisher to promote you more. So many more could enjoy the experience as I have if only people knew.
Rating:
Summary: Soldiers live. And wonder why.
Review: There were dreams. I remembered everyone who had gone before me. I remembered the places and times. Cold places, hot places, weird places, always stressful times, swollen with unhappiness, pain and fear. Some die. Some did not. It makes no sense when you try to figure it out. Soldiers live. And wonder why. Oh, it's a soldier's life for me. Oh, the adventure and glory! -Croaker This one paragraph (actually two) really some up the entire book. I spent a lot of time thinking of a some way to tell you all what this book was about without giving anything away, because I wouldn't want it. I can say this, you will be suprised at the changes that all the characters have gone through. I spoke with the author in Minneapolis, and was told that there might be another book about the Black Company. The publishers are demanding another one, he hasn't made up his mind yet. Defintely a good read.
Rating:
Summary: Soldiers Live
Review: Somebody says this ties up loose ends? Gee, I don't think so. For me, this was another heady excursion into the World of the Black Company that leaves us with still-unsolved issues and outcomes. Of course, that's the way most of us like it. I didn't see this as the last book in the series. But I do believe it is the last book of the 'Glittering Stones' era. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Rating:
Summary: Disturbing to say the least!
Review: Wow! What else can really be said, it is about durned time that Croaker wrote the book again. This book is most probably the last of the Black Company series I would suppose. It ties up all those loose ends you have been worrying about, though the end is very very very disturbing. Insanity rules the day, as it usually does. This book also contained the sarcasm and wit that endeared the original to most of us, and it is supported by strong characters and heavy duty sorcery. I am still amazed by this book. It took me two days to read it, and that being only at night, engrossing is the word.
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