Rating: 
Summary: A must read for a fantasy fan.
Review: In a word, this book is wonderful. Saberhagen transports the reader to a unique and amazing universe where incredible adventures are taking place. This book features a truly unique blend of science and wizardry which provide the backdrop to an epic struggle of good against evil. This book is so good, I'm sorry I've finnished reading it. If you like Saberhagen's "Swords" books, you will like this too.
Rating:
Summary: He never wrote this well again
Review: In Saberhagens Swords series there are gods, made by men. Actually, they are made by the belief that men have in their existence and power. The more people believe in them, the more powerful they become.
In this novel, set in a much earlier time, we see that man created the god Draffut from technology (and genetic work) essentially taking a dog and creating a superior being. Ardneh, the hidden god is also a product of technology, in a much different manner.
This is an excllent reading book, and althoough it does require you to suspend your disbelief, it still offers a connection to the real world that allows the reader to identify with it.
Overall I believe this is the best offering from this author that I have seen, and I hope that it will be offered in print again sometime in the future.
Rating:
Summary: Another way to make a god
Review: In Saberhagens Swords series there are gods, made by men. Actually, they are made by the belief that men have in their existence and power. The more people believe in them, the more powerful they become.
In this novel, set in a much earlier time, we see that man created the god Draffut from technology (and genetic work) essentially taking a dog and creating a superior being. Ardneh, the hidden god is also a product of technology, in a much different manner.
This is an excllent reading book, and althoough it does require you to suspend your disbelief, it still offers a connection to the real world that allows the reader to identify with it.
Overall I believe this is the best offering from this author that I have seen, and I hope that it will be offered in print again sometime in the future.
Rating:
Summary: A Fundamental Change of Laws
Review: The Empire of the East is an omnibus edition of a fantasy trilogy that includes The Broken Lands, The Black Mountains, and Ardneh's World (the last story is a revised version of Changling Earth). This series follows the adventures of Rolf, a sixteen year old peasant boy in the lands of the Satrap Ekuman. When his parents are killed and his home destroyed, Rolf goes looking for the killers and his sister Lisa. He meets the peddler Mewick, who helps him bury his parents, and then accompanies the peddler until they are stopped by three soldiers of the Castle. While the soldiers are distracted by the contents of the peddler's pack, Rolf goes beserk and throws a rock at the closest trooper. Although he misses, Mewick doesn't, and they kill all three soldiers. However, their actions are seen and they immediately have to run from other soldiers. Through these deeds, Rolf became a member of the Western resistance.In The Broken Lands, Rolf and his teammates search for the Elephant, a very powerful thing or creature of the Old World. In The Black Mountains, Rolf and his teammates follow Lord Chup and a golden charm to the Black Mountains, where they encountered a demi-god. In Ardneh's World, Rolf dreams of Ardneh and the transformation of the Old World of science into a new world of magic, and follows his dreams to Ardneh itself. This series is one of the most enthralling tales of magical adventure that I have ever encountered. All of the Swords and the Gods books are based on this series, but, while quite enjoyable in themselves, the sequels have never really achieved the same level of fascination. Recommended for Saberhagen fans and anyone who enjoys well crafted tales of sword and sorcery.
Rating:
Summary: A Fundamental Change of Laws
Review: The Empire of the East is an omnibus edition of a fantasy trilogy that includes The Broken Lands, The Black Mountains, and Ardneh's World (the last story is a revised version of Changling Earth). This series follows the adventures of Rolf, a sixteen year old peasant boy in the lands of the Satrap Ekuman. When his parents are killed and his home destroyed, Rolf goes looking for the killers and his sister Lisa. He meets the peddler Mewick, who helps him bury his parents, and then accompanies the peddler until they are stopped by three soldiers of the Castle. While the soldiers are distracted by the contents of the peddler's pack, Rolf goes beserk and throws a rock at the closest trooper. Although he misses, Mewick doesn't, and they kill all three soldiers. However, their actions are seen and they immediately have to run from other soldiers. Through these deeds, Rolf became a member of the Western resistance. In The Broken Lands, Rolf and his teammates search for the Elephant, a very powerful thing or creature of the Old World. In The Black Mountains, Rolf and his teammates follow Lord Chup and a golden charm to the Black Mountains, where they encountered a demi-god. In Ardneh's World, Rolf dreams of Ardneh and the transformation of the Old World of science into a new world of magic, and follows his dreams to Ardneh itself. This series is one of the most enthralling tales of magical adventure that I have ever encountered. All of the Swords and the Gods books are based on this series, but, while quite enjoyable in themselves, the sequels have never really achieved the same level of fascination. Recommended for Saberhagen fans and anyone who enjoys well crafted tales of sword and sorcery.
Rating:
Summary: An incredible blend of sorcery and science
Review: This is the book which gave rise the the "Swords" series. An wonderful tale of a peasant boy caught up in a world of magic which is not quite what it seems. This is without a doubt the one of the best fantasy books ever written. It is down to earth (no passing through realms the human mind cannot grasp) but written so well and with such real characters that few books ever compare. Characters are not black and white and a "villan" can later become a "hero" as each person must answer to their own code of ethics. Also any dog lover has got to fall in love with Draffut who perfectly captures the unconditional loyalty of mans best friend. If you enjoy fantasy this is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: An incredible blend of sorcery and science
Review: This is the book which gave rise the the "Swords" series. An wonderful tale of a peasant boy caught up in a world of magic which is not quite what it seems. This is without a doubt the one of the best fantasy books ever written. It is down to earth (no passing through realms the human mind cannot grasp) but written so well and with such real characters that few books ever compare. Characters are not black and white and a "villan" can later become a "hero" as each person must answer to their own code of ethics. Also any dog lover has got to fall in love with Draffut who perfectly captures the unconditional loyalty of mans best friend. If you enjoy fantasy this is a must read.
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