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Summary: I sang, I cried, I found a hero.
Review: Chariste is one of my two most favorite characters, my two heroes who only live on paper. (The other is Vanyel Ashkevron.) I found such joy and such strength in this book, in her -- I was able to listen to my own heart more than I had been, and make some changes in my life for the better. Chariste is a tremendous role model (and a better one for being a flawed person, not perfect). I saw a dear friend of mine beginning to wrap herself in layers of Christianity, a tight cocoon of fundamental Baptism, so I gave her my only copy of Gossamer Axe as a gift -- as a last desperate hope that she might see something positive outside her little world. She didn't. Now I've lost her and my book. I miss them both.
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Summary: One of my all-time favorites.
Review: Even though I don't understand enough music theory to really grasp more than half of the "color" imagery swirling around the axioms of magic used in this book, I have to say that this is one of my all-time favorites. Ever since I got my copy almost a decade ago, I find myself coming back to this book over and over again, rereading favorite parts, and visualizing them vividly. The very idea of a bard from ancient Ireland blending the magic of legendary harpers with heavy metal music grabbed me immediately. Baudino takes that idea and expresses it through quiet but powerful characters who work through their tragedies and flaws to come out triumphant -- and gracious in triumph. And the climactic battle sequence has to be one of the best in all modern "urban" fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: One of my all-time favorites.
Review: Even though I don't understand enough music theory to really grasp more than half of the "color" imagery swirling around the axioms of magic used in this book, I have to say that this is one of my all-time favorites. Ever since I got my copy almost a decade ago, I find myself coming back to this book over and over again, rereading favorite parts, and visualizing them vividly. The very idea of a bard from ancient Ireland blending the magic of legendary harpers with heavy metal music grabbed me immediately. Baudino takes that idea and expresses it through quiet but powerful characters who work through their tragedies and flaws to come out triumphant -- and gracious in triumph. And the climactic battle sequence has to be one of the best in all modern "urban" fantasy.
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Summary: Out of this WORLD!!!
Review: G.Boudimo is one of the most versatile writers, this book is not only enchanting it is totally captivating. Never in my life did i feel more alive than after reading this book. Amazing and out of this world, talented to say the very least.
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Summary: G.Baudino is the Pagan author of the millenia
Review: Gael Baudino is an amazing author. Any Pagan is sure to love it. Even non-pagans will like it. Her writing has a crystal beauty to it. She makes you feel the characters, to know them. Adrenaline races through your veins, tears flow from your eyes. When the book is over, it's like a part of your life is over...until you read the next one
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Summary: Enchanting and Exciting!
Review: I am very saddened to learn that this book is no longer available in print. It is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read, and is well worth the time it takes to search it out.At the begining the premise seems a bit strange; a 200 year old Celtic harper forms a heavy metal band in order to save her lover from her fairie prison? As bizzare as it may sound, this is the truth. Christa's lover is imprisoned in a land where music can be used as a weapon, and only music can set her free. After several attempts to free the lover using her harp, Christa decides that only rock and roll is strong enough to win this battle. Social issues of the 80s are addressed clearly; drugs, alcohol, rape, abuse, homosexuality, the church, and people's misconceptions of rock and roll music. A word of warning, there is some strong content here, and it may not be sutible for younger teenagers. Musicians will find this book especially interesting. The theory is all there and correct, everything from modes to circle of fifths. Do whatever you have to to get your hands on a copy of this book!
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Summary: Haunting and alive!!!
Review: I read this book so long ago that the body of it no longer resides in my mind but it's heart, beautiful and hopefull still remain with me. Funny how much it parallels the book "Being a Green Mother" by Piers Anthony. I can only recomend this book and suggest the other to those who have read this one.
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Summary: A sensitive, convoluted, incredibly absorbing tale
Review: This book somehow manages to be both highly entertaining, truly innovative, and deeply profound. The storyline--ancient Druid learns to play heavy metal in order to rescue a long-lost love--sounds almost silly, but Baudino makes it plausible and fun. The exploration of such themes as family ties, sexuality, and religious oppression is done with a light and even hand--though Christians may find themselves a little offended by the (mostly realistic) portrayal of Christianity. Pagans, homosexuals, and anyone who has ever felt like an outcast will find this book to be a healing spiritual experience. I don't suppose I really believe in a Goddess, but when reading Gossamer Axe I felt touched by Her hand. The amount of love and tenderness that Baudino put into this book is truly amazing.
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Summary: A great book for music-lovers.
Review: This early work by Gael Baudino may appear rather hokey at first glance but it is definately worth the read. The main character is a 500 year old Celtic harper who emerges in the 1980's to become a heavy metal guitar virtuoso. The premise may seem bizarre but it gives Ms. Baudino, herself a harper, a wonderful opportunity to discuss a myriad of musical topics within the context of magic, druid spirituality and feminist empowerment. This is a great book for fantasy lovers but it will probably be most appreciated by those with a musical background. And kudoos to Ms. Baudino for her non-judgemental treatment of sexuality -- be it gay, bi-sexual or straight
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Summary: GREAT rock & roll fantasy
Review: This is a beautiful, brilliant rock & roll fantasy about a harper from the land of Faerie who forms a heavy-metal rock & roll band 2 try & blast a hole thru reality & retrieve her lost love from The Other Side -- & it works. The adventures on The Other Side I found kinda boring, truthfully, but the main story is heartfelt, involving, vivid, & Baudino has the rock & roll Dtails down solid. The feeling of Bing in a rock band is perfectly evoked, & the way the heroine's faith, confidence & optimism rescues not only her lover but her bandmates makes 4 a glorious happy Nding. Not sure why this book failed 2 sell a million copies, but it's 1 of the great overlooked fantasies of R time. Fans of GOSSAMER AXE might also Njoy Lewis Shiner's GLIMPSES, which tackles some of the same tuff life-issues in a rock & roll framework.
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