The Ring of the Dark Elves :

Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: Even though I am a fan of all things Norse and Viking, I was a bit hesitant to read this book, mainly cause my brother was pushing it on me. But he was right!! This was a wonderful book! I didn't put it down, until I was more 3/4 of the way through it and that was at 5 AM. A really good job by Victoria Randall

Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: Even though I am a fan of all things Norse and Viking, I was a bit hesitant to read this book, mainly cause my brother was pushing it on me. But he was right!! This was a wonderful book! I didn't put it down, until I was more 3/4 of the way through it and that was at 5 AM. A really good job by Victoria Randall

Rating:
Summary: So easy to read, so engrossing a story!
Review: I really enjoyed The Ring of Dark Elves. I was effortlessly sucked into the story by the second page. The Norse Gods are familiar, and Mrs. Randall fleshes them out with wonderful, relevant touches. There was just enough humor and romance to keep me jolly, and the pace was perfect! I was able to pick this book up, and put it down again effortlessly. The storyline moved seamlessly, and kept my interest level high. I got a kick out of the Gods aging rapidly, at the beginning, and I loved everything to do with the lovely and luscious Brynhild! A great book for a busy person to get lost in, without disturbing their routine. I'd read another book by Victoria Randall.

Rating:
Summary: An epic, enthralling tale
Review: The Ring Of The Dark Elves is a work of fantasy by Victoria Randall who draws from Norse legend for her story. Utilizing the same mythic conflicts that drive Richard Wagner's immortal operatic cycle, "The Ring of Nibelung", The Ring Of The Dark Elves tells of Oden's efforts to hold off the onset of Ragnarok by ensnaring Sigurd's service and using him to regain the ring of power from the ruthless dragon Fafnir. An epic, enthralling tale, The Ring Of Dark Elves is entertaining and imaginative storytelling and a highly recommended addition to personal and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections.

Rating:
Summary: Well-written retelling
Review: The Ring of the Dark Elves is the latest novel by author Victoria Randall, and this award-worthy offering is a fantastic read. The story is a retelling of the Norse myth of dragonslayer Sigurd Fafnirsbane. She adroitly weaves together a story that is part epic fantasy, part mythology, part romance, and full of heart-rending tragedy.

The plot is prodded on by Odin One-Eye, the leader of all the immortals who dwell in Asgard. Strong as he is, he cannot escape the strands of fate which have decreed that the end of the world, the dreaded day of Rangarok, is coming to engulf them all. His willingness to sacrifice anything dear to him to put off this day as well as his need to enforce the laws of the world cause grief for god and mortal alike.

Soon the dark elf Albric manages to oversee the formation of a magical ring. Now, new events are set in motion, for it is an object of beauty and power like no other. Odin and Loki manage to steal the ring by treachery, and Albric lays a curse on the ring and whoever bears it. The troll turned dragon Fafnir manages to win the ring from Odin, and Odin must swear that neither he nor anyone under his command will try to recover the ring.

Undaunted, Odin now turns his attention to the Volsungs, the race of humans whom he both loves and torments above all others. From there, aloof, he must direct their development into mighty warriors, which is not always to their benefit. Sigund is the last of the Volsungs, and the only man ever to be completely without fear.

Randall's prose is a joy to read. One gets the sense that she has spent a great deal of time on the work, choosing each word carefully. When she can't seem to find the perfect word, she makes her own compound words. The reader immediately knows both what she was trying to say and that the word is the perfect fit for the situation. Thus, we read about the 'puddles gleaming with reflected starshine' the time when 'cold-bladed fear struck his
heart' or when Brynhild was 'heartscalded within by grief and wrath'

This is one of the best fantasies that I have read in years. In the tradition of the Brothers Grim, these fairy tales are more for adults and older children. The story is marked by violence, sexual situations, and heart-wrenching sorrow. Although not as well-known as some other tragic myths, Randall's new retelling will do much to make the story of Sigund as cherished as that of Oedipus, Romeo and Juliet, and other tragic heroes.

Reviewed by Bill Pottle, Author of DreamQuest

Rating:
Summary: Victoria Randall's retelling
Review: Thousands of years ago, the Roman legions took over the known world. As a result, great emphasis is placed on the Greco-Roman myths, and we are left sadly lacking in other areas. Victoria Randall helps to overcome this problem, with her retelling of Nordic saga, The Ring of the Dark Elves. It tells anew some of the ancient myths of the Norse peoples, most notably that of Sigurd Fafnirsbane. This ancient tale is retold by Victoria Randall with skill and beautiful wording. Her good writing is a boon to read, and tells the cycle of tales very well. She captures the cruel-hearted beauty of the daughters of Aegir, the dim and dreary world of the dark elves, the ancient struggle of Odin One-eyed against the sands of Time, and most importantly, the epic sorrow and sadness of the ancient Nordic myths, and the almost overwhelming sense of defeat that lurks under the surface, the complete beauty of these Northern tales. Definitely recommended to any fan of myth, old and modern alike.

Rating:
Summary: Victoria Randall's retelling
Review: Thousands of years ago, the Roman legions took over the known world. As a result, great emphasis is placed on the Greco-Roman myths, and we are left sadly lacking in other areas. Victoria Randall helps to overcome this problem, with her retelling of Nordic saga, The Ring of the Dark Elves. It tells anew some of the ancient myths of the Norse peoples, most notably that of Sigurd Fafnirsbane. This ancient tale is retold by Victoria Randall with skill and beautiful wording. Her good writing is a boon to read, and tells the cycle of tales very well. She captures the cruel-hearted beauty of the daughters of Aegir, the dim and dreary world of the dark elves, the ancient struggle of Odin One-eyed against the sands of Time, and most importantly, the epic sorrow and sadness of the ancient Nordic myths, and the almost overwhelming sense of defeat that lurks under the surface, the complete beauty of these Northern tales. Definitely recommended to any fan of myth, old and modern alike.

Rating:
Summary: So easy to read, so engrossing a story!
Review: Victoria Randall has written a terrific novel. The Ring of the Dark Elves is a tale of romance, enchantment, adventure - and treachery. It is based on Norse mythology, but enjoyment of the story does not require an in-depth knowledge of those legends. For me the novel provided a good introduction to that world. Those who know more about the legends - for example, those who have seen Richard Wagner's operatic cycle - will read the novel with even greater relish.

Before reading The Ring of the Dark Elves, I had heard something about Norse mythology from J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. I knew that both writers had immersed themselves in that world and that it influenced their own imaginations. But I really did not know much about it until reading Victoria Randall's novel. I had heard the names Odin, Brynhild and Sigurd (although in slightly different forms) but did not know who they were. This novel makes those mythical figures live and breathe.

Those who have read The Lord of the Rings - or seen the movies - do not need to be convinced of the worth of epic stories. As Miss Randall says in the introduction:

"Heroic legends and fairy tales are currently seen as fare for children, and it is true that children benefit from being exposed to them early. But in actuality it is adults who need them most, for despite all our wishes to the contrary we live in days as dark as those of early Norsemen, and must deal with the grim realities of the world. Heroic tales give us the courage and the hope that are essential to finding meaning in life."

The Ring of the Dark Elves is a book many will want in their personal library to read - and to re-read - and to fire the imagination of both young and old.

Rating:
Summary: A Novel Based on Norse Legends
Review: Victoria Randall has written a terrific novel. The Ring of the Dark Elves is a tale of romance, enchantment, adventure - and treachery. It is based on Norse mythology, but enjoyment of the story does not require an in-depth knowledge of those legends. For me the novel provided a good introduction to that world. Those who know more about the legends - for example, those who have seen Richard Wagner's operatic cycle - will read the novel with even greater relish.

Before reading The Ring of the Dark Elves, I had heard something about Norse mythology from J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. I knew that both writers had immersed themselves in that world and that it influenced their own imaginations. But I really did not know much about it until reading Victoria Randall's novel. I had heard the names Odin, Brynhild and Sigurd (although in slightly different forms) but did not know who they were. This novel makes those mythical figures live and breathe.

Those who have read The Lord of the Rings - or seen the movies - do not need to be convinced of the worth of epic stories. As Miss Randall says in the introduction:

"Heroic legends and fairy tales are currently seen as fare for children, and it is true that children benefit from being exposed to them early. But in actuality it is adults who need them most, for despite all our wishes to the contrary we live in days as dark as those of early Norsemen, and must deal with the grim realities of the world. Heroic tales give us the courage and the hope that are essential to finding meaning in life."

The Ring of the Dark Elves is a book many will want in their personal library to read - and to re-read - and to fire the imagination of both young and old.