Rating: Summary: J. Ardian Lee has HOOKED me on fantasy fiction! Review: As a professional writer I am extremely picky about the type of books I read for leisure. "Son of the Sword", a fantasy fiction, is not the genre I usually choose but a friend asked me to read it because she found it so well written. I just finished it and I have to admit that J. Ardian Lee has me hooked on fantasy fiction. The writing captivated me from the very first page and only got better with time. Dylan is an average guy, with an average life, who only wants to enjoy his career and his hobbies. Imagine his surprise when he is transported back in time where everything he took for granted is missing, and he is faced with primative societal expectations. I learned an incredible amount about Scotland's history. Lee knows just how much to tell and just how much to let develop on its own to make the story fascinating. From modern day Tennessee, to old Scotland, each page is filled with action, excitement, and emotion. I thought the book would fill my time between appointments; instead I couldn't put it down and read until I completed it. I hope that Lee intends to write more. The style was professional and concise. The storytelling was riveting and I will be watching to see what else comes out with the name J. Ardian Lee. Next time, a friend won't have to mention the author. I will be first in line at the book store! I plan to purchase several copies of "Son of the Sword" to give as Christmas gifts. On a cold winter night, wrapped in a blanket, this story will be a perfect ending to the holiday hustle and bustle.
Rating: Summary: J. Ardian Lee has HOOKED me on fantasy fiction! Review: As a professional writer I am extremely picky about the type of books I read for leisure. "Son of the Sword", a fantasy fiction, is not the genre I usually choose but a friend asked me to read it because she found it so well written. I just finished it and I have to admit that J. Ardian Lee has me hooked on fantasy fiction. The writing captivated me from the very first page and only got better with time. Dylan is an average guy, with an average life, who only wants to enjoy his career and his hobbies. Imagine his surprise when he is transported back in time where everything he took for granted is missing, and he is faced with primative societal expectations. I learned an incredible amount about Scotland's history. Lee knows just how much to tell and just how much to let develop on its own to make the story fascinating. From modern day Tennessee, to old Scotland, each page is filled with action, excitement, and emotion. I thought the book would fill my time between appointments; instead I couldn't put it down and read until I completed it. I hope that Lee intends to write more. The style was professional and concise. The storytelling was riveting and I will be watching to see what else comes out with the name J. Ardian Lee. Next time, a friend won't have to mention the author. I will be first in line at the book store! I plan to purchase several copies of "Son of the Sword" to give as Christmas gifts. On a cold winter night, wrapped in a blanket, this story will be a perfect ending to the holiday hustle and bustle.
Rating: Summary: One of the Best Books I've read in a long time Review: I found this book by accident in the sci-fi/fantasy section of my local bookstore while waiting for my husband. I'm strictly a romance reader, but the plaid, sword and roses on the cover caught my eye. I browsed thru the first couple of pages and knew right away I had to buy this book. It didn't disappoint! The story is imaginative and fresh and J. Ardian Lee has a very "readable" voice that sucks you right in and keeps you going to the very end. If you are a Diana Gabaldon fan, or a fan of the HIGHLANDER TV series, you'll love this book!!
Rating: Summary: Engaging! Review: I just picked this book off the shelf in the public library, having never heard of the author. I found Diana Gabaldon's series hard to put down, and this book is almost as good. I like to curl up on the sofa and get lost in the story - which is just what happened with "Son of the Sword." I am only a little over halfway through the book, and have enjoyed every minute of reading - and can't wait to finish it!! I like reading historically correct romance novels, and as far as I can tell, this one doesn't let you down.
Rating: Summary: Thoroughly Enjoyable Review: I just picked this book off the shelf in the public library, having never heard of the author. I found Diana Gabaldon's series hard to put down, and this book is almost as good. I like to curl up on the sofa and get lost in the story - which is just what happened with "Son of the Sword." I am only a little over halfway through the book, and have enjoyed every minute of reading - and can't wait to finish it!! I like reading historically correct romance novels, and as far as I can tell, this one doesn't let you down.
Rating: Summary: Lively historical fiction Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I usually read historical fiction or mystery, and Son of the Sword combines both with a touch of science fiction and a bit of insight into modern life in Tennessee. Without any obvious information dumps, the book gives us an outsider's view of the history and culture of Scotland. The characters are well-rounded and the romance doesn't interfere with the action.
Rating: Summary: Lively historical fiction Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I usually read historical fiction or mystery, and Son of the Sword combines both with a touch of science fiction and a bit of insight into modern life in Tennessee. Without any obvious information dumps, the book gives us an outsider's view of the history and culture of Scotland. The characters are well-rounded and the romance doesn't interfere with the action.
Rating: Summary: A VERY Good Story! Review: If you are a fan of Scottish history, time travel and Diana Gabaldon you will enjoy "Son of the Sword". I had never heard of J Ardian Lee before I pickup up this book and now I can't get the main character, Dylan out of my mind! Please Ardian write more about Dylan!!! It all starts out in modern day Tennessee, when Dylan Matheson a Scottish history buff and teacher of martial arts and swordfighting attends the local Scottish Highland games. At the games he handles an antique broadsword and through the magic of a fairy is transported back to Scotland around the time of the first Jacobite uprising, 1713. It appears that the fairy believes that Dylan is the hero that can save Clan Matheson and ultimately bring success to the Jacobite uprising. But can he change history when it takes all of his skills plus a bit of fairy help just to survive? Adrian brings the reality of 18th century life,the hardships, the dangers and of course love to a book that is difficult to put down. What I wouldn't give to meet a man like Dylan! Read the book and let me know what you think!
Rating: Summary: A VERY Good Story! Review: If you are a fan of Scottish history, time travel and Diana Gabaldon you will enjoy "Son of the Sword". I had never heard of J Ardian Lee before I pickup up this book and now I can't get the main character, Dylan out of my mind! Please Ardian write more about Dylan!!! It all starts out in modern day Tennessee, when Dylan Matheson a Scottish history buff and teacher of martial arts and swordfighting attends the local Scottish Highland games. At the games he handles an antique broadsword and through the magic of a fairy is transported back to Scotland around the time of the first Jacobite uprising, 1713. It appears that the fairy believes that Dylan is the hero that can save Clan Matheson and ultimately bring success to the Jacobite uprising. But can he change history when it takes all of his skills plus a bit of fairy help just to survive? Adrian brings the reality of 18th century life,the hardships, the dangers and of course love to a book that is difficult to put down. What I wouldn't give to meet a man like Dylan! Read the book and let me know what you think!
Rating: Summary: SGIAN DUBH BUT NO DIRK Review: If you're one to enjoy a very light Highlander story and have already read, Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, keeping with the title metaphor, the claymore of the genra, then Son of the Sword may just barely fit the bill. I found myself alternating from hating the simplistic plodding style and poorly developed characters to enjoying the Gaelic speech and minor history lessons. Another reviewer was agitated at the 4th wall being broken and they're right - periodically characters give history lessons to others, but clearly designed for the reader - the mark of a poor writer. I was surprised at the sudden appearence of Rob Roy and was prepared to be irked by this - however, the book seemed to pick up slightly at this point - but not enough for a more glowing review.
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