The Heir Apparent (Guardians of the Flame, No 4)

Rating:
Summary: fabulous
Review: Another great book in an incredible series. Rosenberg maintains the image of the characters, and keeps with the spirit and soul of the books. A fitting end to a truly exciting hero in Karl Kullinane. This, along with the three previous entries, are must reads for all fantasy fans

Rating:
Summary: Realistic close-up fantasy, but not a new ground-breaker.
Review: Joel Rosenberg manages to continue his old storyline without any special new inventions. The old heroes is dusted off (I guess that Joel wanted to retire them entirely a couple of times during the books 1-3) and used again. Some 2nd role actors are killed off, together with the main characters in the end of the book. I could just feel Joels urge to finish the tale thoughout the book, and managing barely. Only to change his mind because of sentimentality for the well-known characters, and making a strange sortie and opening for next book...

Rating:
Summary: Rosenberg does it again
Review: Karl might have won an empire but he has an empire with many problems. From the elves who want to take his land to the slavers guild who want to kill him. Jason his son is now almost grown and will have to take his position as heir to an empire more seriously. Rosenberg does a good job in this book. Some things were sort of confusing but overall a good book.

Rating:
Summary: The end of one era, the beginning of another...
Review: This book told of the demise of one of the best characters in this genre's history. I still haven't forgiven the author for it. Speaking as one who was with this series from the beginning, I must insist you start with the first book ("The Sleeping Dragon"). "The Heir Apparent" also tells of the coming of age of another main character, while continuing to build on established characters. In context, this story is the perfect "swan song" for the character who has grown so much as a warrior, a leader and a person. To be honest, I couldn't tell you what the book would be like read out of context. All I *can* say is...If you've never read any of Mr. Rosenberg's "Guardians of the Flame" series, you better get crackin'! Half the fun/agony is waiting for the next one!