Rating: Summary: Not that bad Review: This book continues the story begun in Aurian, and is quite an engrossing read. While the story on occasion is a little confusing, the basic plot elements mesh well with each other. Aurian and Anvar's relationship is becoming more interesting, and the betrayals and unfinished subplots makes a person want to scream. I simply cannot wait for the final book in this series
Rating: Summary: A neverending story Review: Although the book is nice, it is a pity that the story has an open ending. All the books from this serie is one big story. You must read all the books before you know how it ends. I was not satisfied after each book, sure it is a good marketing strategy for the writer. You must buy every book but it is not nice for the reader! The story however is a real Furey one, nice...
Rating: Summary: Best of the sequels so far Review: I really enjoyed this one. I thought the sub-plots and action was so much better than the second novel, and the author's exploration of many of what were minor characters until now was a great read. I've gone through this series non-stop, which is unusual for me, and I'm glad I bought the final book in the series with this one!
Rating: Summary: The never ending story Review: I started reading Maggie Furey's book with "Aurian", never knowing that I would finish 3 books later and still be left hanging for a conclusion. I am disappointed that Ms. Furey creates a wonderful story, but always leaves the reader with "To be continued....."
Rating: Summary: Unnecessary Sequel Review: I think this book could have been condensed into one of the other sequels. Sword of Flame just made me NOT like Aurian more because she became more self-centered and EVERYTHING relied solely on her. As the book cheesily states, she is "the One". She has a strong cast of supporting companions that I'm sure could have competently taken care of their problems without her, but the author makes it so that Aurian waltzes in, fixes everything and gains adoring fans along the way. Although the author tries to make her more flawless, Aurian becomes more flawed. You can call her ambitious and wishing to fulfill her quest, but there were times I wished she would step back and take more time with her son and lover, who should've gotten more attention than her new friends! It was like once she had a new toy, she was bored with the old..even though she occasionally came back to them. Though I am aware of those not wishing fantasy books to become cheesy romance novels, the relationship she possessed with those she claimed dearest to her made it seem as if they were merely friends, like the rest of the gang. If the author was going to take a step that way, I don't see why she couldn't have made it more heartwarming. However, I did enjoy the previous two books, Aurian and Harp of Winds, and this one for its detailed descriptions (though it did get long-winded at times) although it doesn't leave me as curious to know how everything fares out, for I'm sure the One can make everything right anyway. Nevertheless, I, like many others who can't stand not to finish a story (no matter how disappointing), have hope for the last sequel, Dhiammara. Overall, the writing is definitely not bad, aside from those items I've noted, and I hope to read some more improved books from Ms. Furey.
Rating: Summary: Unnecessary Sequel Review: I think this book could have been condensed into one of the other sequels. Sword of Flame just made me NOT like Aurian more because she became more self-centered and EVERYTHING relied solely on her. As the book cheesily states, she is "the One". She has a strong cast of supporting companions that I'm sure could have competently taken care of their problems without her, but the author makes it so that Aurian waltzes in, fixes everything and gains adoring fans along the way. Although the author tries to make her more flawless, Aurian becomes more flawed. You can call her ambitious and wishing to fulfill her quest, but there were times I wished she would step back and take more time with her son and lover, who should've gotten more attention than her new friends! It was like once she had a new toy, she was bored with the old..even though she occasionally came back to them. Though I am aware of those not wishing fantasy books to become cheesy romance novels, the relationship she possessed with those she claimed dearest to her made it seem as if they were merely friends, like the rest of the gang. If the author was going to take a step that way, I don't see why she couldn't have made it more heartwarming. However, I did enjoy the previous two books, Aurian and Harp of Winds, and this one for its detailed descriptions (though it did get long-winded at times) although it doesn't leave me as curious to know how everything fares out, for I'm sure the One can make everything right anyway. Nevertheless, I, like many others who can't stand not to finish a story (no matter how disappointing), have hope for the last sequel, Dhiammara. Overall, the writing is definitely not bad, aside from those items I've noted, and I hope to read some more improved books from Ms. Furey.
Rating: Summary: Great but so unfinished! Review: Loved every line of the whole set, but eveything needs tying up. And so we all sit in suspense. Please Maggie write the last one, and many more. We cannot wait to read it. Anyone with news, let us know.
Rating: Summary: A "flaming" story! Review: Sword of Flame is a very exciting book!! But i thought that the final battle was overwith to fast!! The whole serie about Aurian is very good, and I hope that someone will make a film out of the books soon!!
Rating: Summary: Great, but NOT the end of the series! Review: The Aurian series is, for the most part, a lot of fun. I particularly like the handling of the characters in this installation. The plot twists and turns in directions which can quite easily catch even the most perceptive reader off-guard. If you're reading this review, you probably already have some knowledge of the series. If you don't, I offer you this warning: Sword of Flame IS NOT THE FINAL BOOK IN THE SERIES. The fourth book, Dhiammara, has already been published. I can't go into details, but I strongly suggest having it on hand when you finish this one!
Rating: Summary: Flame, Flame Review: This book could have been excellent with half the description cut out. It reads like an unfortunate breeding between a bodice-ripper romance novel and the sort of roleplaying-world adventure where you can practically hear the clatter of dice on the table. Lines like "It was a small, faint hope, but it warmed the heart of Vannor's indomitable daughter," are the rule rather than the exception. "Parric tore himself away with an incoherent shout of anger, his hand on the hilt of his sword." I don't have to search the book for these examples; I open the book at random and pick from the rich selection of over-ornamented purple prose. It does have some strong female characters (Aurian, a mage; her mother; the strong-willed Zanna, daughter of Vannor, who winds up rescuing her father), and the story is intricately plotted. The strong characters are the saving grace; the plot could be less Byzantine. Only Robert Jordan tangles things more. I did wind up finishing the book, but I was perilously close to declaring, "I don't care what happens to these people!" and flinging it into the bathtub. Bottom line? Find it at the library first.
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