Rating: Summary: Saberhagen is still impressive. Review: Don't start reading unless you have time to finish the ENTIRE series, because you won't want to stop before then. This wonderful book will get you started on a trip that will be impossible to return from. Simply enough written for anyone to understand and enjoy, this work will also cause you to think of much more complicated things; possibly changing your views of our world, but it will definitely keep you entertained.
Rating: Summary: An entertaining and exciting book!! Review: Fred Saberhagen really did it this time. Combining a great plot, wonderful universe, and interesting characters this book will keep you turning pages. I especialy liked the old world tech parts and the Benambra's gold adventure. If your into fantasy, and great writing, then this book is a must read.
Rating: Summary: It was okay Review: I read this book with high expectations, but I was somewhat disapointed. You see, my father had told me that this was one of the best fantasy novels that he had ever read, so I immediatly snatched it up when I found it. It's not that it wasn't a good book or anything...it's just that I was somehow hoping for more, you know? Saberhagen writes really well, but I couldn't get into the story like I usually can get into fantasy novels. The biggest thing that I didn't like was the fact that Saberhagen mixed the Norse, Celtic, and Greek/Roman dieties without any distinction as to which was which. A fanciful read, great for reading on a rainy day.
Rating: Summary: It was okay Review: I read this book with high expectations, but I was somewhat disapointed. You see, my father had told me that this was one of the best fantasy novels that he had ever read, so I immediatly snatched it up when I found it. It's not that it wasn't a good book or anything...it's just that I was somehow hoping for more, you know? Saberhagen writes really well, but I couldn't get into the story like I usually can get into fantasy novels. The biggest thing that I didn't like was the fact that Saberhagen mixed the Norse, Celtic, and Greek/Roman dieties without any distinction as to which was which. A fanciful read, great for reading on a rainy day.
Rating: Summary: Nothing special Review: I'd really give this 2-1/2 stars, mostly because of the very good premise with the Swords and the setup in the first few chapters of Book One (in which the writing is markedly better than in later chapters--deadline rush?). In essence, the god Vulcan forges 12 magical swords, each with distinctive powers, and lets them loose in the world, in the hands of mortals. From then on, though, the story's a rapid, sometimes confusing yarn where things just don't seem to add up. And, perhaps most glaringly in the light of modern fantasy standards, there is _no_ distinctive characterization. The characters are just shells who ride the whirlwind of the narrative: Mark is a bland hero with a mysterious father; Ben is big and strong and not as dumb as he looks; Barbara is a woman who can use a sling; Baron Doon has a Machiavellian, treasure-hunting streak. That's about it. (I think Nestor simply disappears after Book One. What the heck happened?) In sum, it's fun to watch the introduction of each Sword, its power and weakness, but the Swords are much more interesting than the characters. If you're in the mood for fantasical adventure, read something by Fritz Leiber or Robin Hobb instead (or, for a true change, Guy Gavriel Kay).
Rating: Summary: A Definate Must Read For All Fantasy Buffs!! Review: If you are like me and hate to pick up a book that leaves you wishing you hadn't, then Buy this book and its followers! I literally could not put it down. When it comes to good writing and good reading Fred Saberhagen has done it. The Setting reminds me of our "Dark Ages" yet tis much better! And tis not only for the lads out there, but the lasses too.I refuse to give this series away just remember this, Its good reading and a Must Buy for one and all!!
Rating: Summary: This should be required reading Review: If you like a good fast read, that leaves you wanting more, then this book is for you. Luckily, there are stories that follow that are equally fun.
Rating: Summary: This should be required reading Review: If you like a good fast read, that leaves you wanting more, then this book is for you. Luckily, there are stories that follow that are equally fun.
Rating: Summary: Under-rated Review: The book was very good reading material if you just want a story. The characters in the book are a little under-developed but the book still had meaning. If you cast aside the difference of the Roman and Greek names of the gods its a good book. I think the worst part of the book was the ending but i still would recommend it to anyone who just wants to sit down and read a good book without spending an hour analyzing it.
Rating: Summary: An engaging and entertainingly symbolic book. Review: The Complete Book of Swords captures you imagination and draws you right in. But what seperates this book from other engaging fantasy novels is its incredible use of mythology and realism. It acts as a satire for the real world and our views about dieties. This is a must read for fantasy novel fans!
|