Rating: 
Summary: About what I've come to expect....
Review: Beginning with the fact that I've never been overly enamored of Ms. Cherryh's writting style (never having figured out why she tends to write "waked" instead of "awoke" among other things), it's surprising how many of her books I own--not to mention enjoy. While I have personal problems with her word choice, I find myself drawn in by her storytelling and the depth of her characters and settings.Instead of hashing out what others have already said--specifically the plot--I'd like to focus on my disappointment at Ms. Cherryh's poor recollection of her own facts. Granted, things like standards and the disposition of horses don't weigh that heavilly into my enjoyment of a good story, but I still find myself asking, "Hey, wait a minute! Wasn't Gery a MARE? And wasn't Petelly '... a big fellow, fair fast.'?" I've seen people laud Ms. Cherryh in her attention to detail and it's quite possible that I'm picking nits here but such things do tend to detract from my enjoyment of a novel. In spite of any such minutiae, I found the story and the characters to be as absorbing as ever. The Mystery of The Changing Standards never once compelled me to put the book down or even slow down a bit. Overall, I'd say that Ms. Cherryh has produce yet another example of excellent story telling.
Rating:
Summary: A good book.
Review: Book one, Fortress in the Eye of Time, was excellent. Book two, Fortress of Eagles, dragged on a bit but I put it behind me. Book three, Fortress of Owls, picks up the pace again though Cherryh wastes a bit too much time on politics in the court. I skimmed most of the chapters on life in Guelessar and problems with the Quinalt... boring, that. I'll buy book four when it comes out just to see how things Unfold for Tristen. I'll be praying that Cherryh focuses on magic and action and cuts back on the political details associated with keeping the Northern barons happy.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular!
Review: C.J. Cherryh has done it again. I was mesmorized by Fortress in the Eye of Time, and this book has lived up to its predecessor. It is a little slower, but it must be remembered that it covers a very brief expanse of time. Cherryh's inclusion of the political and religious rivalries of the north, while annoying, are a necessary evil. Our own world is wrought with politics and politicians. Why would another world of Man be any different? Politics are a fact of life, and they do get in the way of doing what is right very often. This book focuses on the development of Tristen as a Man, yet he continues to be more than a man, a Shaping. It amazes me how Cherryh can convince me of Tristen's continued innocence even while finally beginning to come to his own. Tristen is forced to make some difficult decisions, but it becomes clearer and clearer (to me, if not to him) that he was meant to rule as he becomes more and more comfortable with the use of his extraordinary magical abilities. I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone that has the patience to watch the transformation of this poweful character. He has much to teach Ylesuin and more to teach us as readers.
Rating: 
Summary: Slow, ponderous, boring
Review: Fortress of Eagles is about the two weeks preceding the wedding of the young King, Cefwyn. It is approaching winter and there is talk about preparations for war the following year with his fiancee's rebellious countrymen. What attracted me to the first book, Fortress in the Eye of Time, was the drama of the child-man Tristen, and his growth from innocence to adolescence in a time of war and unrest. I though this would be the natural continuation of the sequel, developing his character further and providing insights into his origins. The book is more about palace and provincial politics in an obscure fantasy planet, and not what I was looking for. Too bad.
Rating:
Summary: The Fortress series
Review: I enjoyed the book and the series. One central character "Tristan" is unique in that he has just been brought into the world by wizardly actions, and his innocence and curiousity is neat. He has a job to do and as his past life knowledge unfolds to him he strives, along with his friend the king, to steer an effective course through increasing challenges. Unlike the Chauner series which it more seat of the pants action this series deals some with larger questions the characters have to make in regard to their relationships to each other and about how to carry out their offices as regents of their society.
Rating:
Summary: The Fortress series
Review: I enjoyed the book and the series. One central character "Tristan" is unique in that he has just been brought into the world by wizardly actions, and his innocence and curiousity is neat. He has a job to do and as his past life knowledge unfolds to him he strives, along with his friend the king, to steer an effective course through increasing challenges. Unlike the Chauner series which it more seat of the pants action this series deals some with larger questions the characters have to make in regard to their relationships to each other and about how to carry out their offices as regents of their society.
Rating:
Summary: It's Not Pulp.
Review: I picked up this book on the day of the WTC attacks. I needed some pulp fantasy to put me to sleep, or else I was going to have nightmares. Instead, what I found was a well drawn plot, with complex characters. Cherryh definitely did a good job of drawing me into her world, and helping me to forget about mine. The author certainly seems to be going for more than quick dollars in this novel, and her blurring of the lines between good and evil is quite a refreshing change. It's good escapism, and a worthwhile read for any fantasy fan.
Rating: 
Summary: Least memorable of the four, but essential to the whole.
Review: I think the title says it all. Definitely a second-in-a-series, but very essential to the continuation of the rest. Lots of small details and intricate innuendos. A quick read though to get to the third book.
Rating:
Summary: Least memorable of the four, but essential to the whole.
Review: I think the title says it all. Definitely a second-in-a-series, but very essential to the continuation of the rest. Lots of small details and intricate innuendos. A quick read though to get to the third book.
Rating:
Summary: Lots of fun-- now where are the NEXT two books??
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to Fortress in the Eye of Time. Fortress of Eagles is intelligently written, contains a good balance of humor and drama, and does a great job of continuing the characters' development from the first book. I recommend it to people who liked Fortress in the Eye of Time with very few reservations, though I'm not sure what someone would make of it who hadn't read that book. My only real complaint: too short. I almost got the impression it was the first half of a much longer book--the ending didn't quite feel like an ending. But I'll try to be patient and wait for the other books....
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