Strands of Starlight

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: I picked up this book in a used book-store here in Hong Kong, and it changed my perception of the fantasy world forever...The story has already been described by the other admirers on this page, and I'd just like to say that I agree it's a pity it's so hard to come buy. It is a very, very good book. Not only does it focus on the whole emotional experience of the girl- Miriam- but it also involves you in the situation of the 14th century political work during the Spanish Inquisition. The background is realistic and ultimately draws you in to the darkness of life for the Elves and the Free Towns. Other fantasy novels tend to focus on elves as being a magical, yet superior race that does not intigrate with humans because of their proudness and belief of their Gd's faith in them- in this well-written book we see anoter version of the same mythical race, which was the incentive for ME to read the book. My copy has been worn down to little more than the solid body- the front cover dangels loosely and the backcover is precariously pinned in place, a testiment of how much I like, admire, and enjoy this book. You won't regret reading it if you're that kind of person...

Rating:
Summary: The Best Book I've Read in Years!!!!
Review: I tink that this Strands of Starlight is THE BOOK!!!!! I've read a lot of books but verry few of them enthralled me like this one did!! I can't understand how people don't like it. I can't wait to go and get the other books!

Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: I usually don't reread a book unless I really like it...this is one of the ones that I not only reread, but recommended to a friend. I have yet to read the rest in the series, but this one I know will stay on my shelves and come down from time to time.

Rating:
Summary: This was soooooo good! You may have trouble getting it...
Review: I'm a slow reader. As in, the normal 300 page book takes me about a month. I'm not done with this one, but I'm reading it at about 50 pages/day! This is a really good book. If you like this and the rest of the books in the series, check out Spires of Spirit. It's cool too. It took me the longest time to get ahold of this book. I ordered it at Borders, Barnes&Nobles, nothing. Amazon, still, no book. Finally, I used ABE books. About a week later, I recieved a used (but in very good condition) copy of the book and I LOVE it! I have the rest of the series already and I can't wait until I'm done with this one so I can finish the others! This is a *really* good book, especially for Wiccans, like me, since it portrays Pagans as the good guys. If you want more info, email me.

Rating:
Summary: The Connecting Strands
Review: It is unfortuante that this book has become difficult to come by. This book was perhaps one of the strongest influences in how I see the world now. The main charecter suffers from the indignant perpective of a victim. Through her cathartic and difficult journey she finds within herself an overflowing wealth of compassion and love. Only after having suffered at the hands of those who seek power over body and thought. The book has been trivialized as Pagan thumping propaganda. However charecters like the priest Kay are endearing in their sincerity. The rest of the series does not fully match the power of the original book. However, the series itself is a journey through the darkest of times and finaly into the light of hope. Ms Baudino reflects the natural tendency of reality to move through cycles, always coming around to the same message. No matter what belief system, no matter what line has been drawn to seperate human from human we are all part of the same matrix of reality. What is done to one person affects not one individual put the entire dance of our world. No action is without consequence ,for the lighter or the darker. Strand by strand we are all connected.

Rating:
Summary: A truly excellent book. Shame about the rest in the series.
Review: My sister gave me this book when I was ill. I was enthralled by the plot, but I found that the other books soon after in the series were weak and lacked the same zest as this one. Miriam was wasted, because I expected the series to run with her. Instead we got Natil the harper, who in my view is a weak character.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful. Simply wonderful.
Review: One of my friends gave me this book last summer, and soon I found myself immersed in the world that Baudino created. This is a powerfully written story, and you will enjoy it a great deal. I appreciate the elements of spirituality that are woven into the book, although I wish that Baudino were less hostile towards Christianity. Certainly, the church in that time period deserves a great deal of condemnation, and certainly, this book seems the most positive toward Christianity out of any of her other works, but still I sense a great deal of bitterness. The God and the Goddess are one... Still, you will love this book. Try to find it anywhere you can -- it's incredible.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful. Simply wonderful.
Review: One of my friends gave me this book last summer, and soon I found myself immersed in the world that Baudino created. This is a powerfully written story, and you will enjoy it a great deal. I appreciate the elements of spirituality that are woven into the book, although I wish that Baudino were less hostile towards Christianity. Certainly, the church in that time period deserves a great deal of condemnation, and certainly, this book seems the most positive toward Christianity out of any of her other works, but still I sense a great deal of bitterness. The God and the Goddess are one... Still, you will love this book. Try to find it anywhere you can -- it's incredible.

Rating:
Summary: Out of stock? I think I'm going to cry.
Review: This book is simply magnificent. The characters were involving, and their stories tug at your heartstrings. A spiritual journey of a girl from the Middle Ages, 'Strands of Starlight' combines all of the best aspects of fantasy, history, and character development you can find in modern stories. I've bought this book twice, and both times forced it into someone else's hands so they would have to read it. Coming back now to buy it *again*, I was shocked to see that it's out of stock; of course, I have every intention of being persistent in getting it later. Six or seven copies. I have a new group of friends I want to read it, and I want to have at least one copy for myself.

Rating:
Summary: Could not put it down!
Review: While I am usually the type to complain that I don't have enough time to read, I *made* enough time to read this one! The story, which is surrounded by the Inquisition, is based on the interactions of humans and elves and the particular tale of one woman who suffers at the hands of the Church, and must go through a rebirth to right the wrong that was done to her. Wiccans will find this book especially appealing because of the Goddess element in it (especially towards the end of the book - but I'm not giving anything away!). Overall, an excellent book, and I am very anxious to start reading the next in the series!