Rating: 
Summary: Fine fantasy, but aimless
Review: The Sword and the Chain, while still a quick, entertaining read, lacks the unique appeal that The Sleeping Dragon had. The characters, having been imported into a Dungeons & Dragons world from our own, are now completely ensconced and resigned to staying. There is no longer any disconnect between the characters and their setting and, except for a certain sense of greater superiority, there is little to distinguish our heroes from any other fantasy character. Also problematic is that the narrative focus has shifted entirely onto Karl Cullinane, leaving the far more interesting Ahira in a side-kick role. There is, however, an intriguing plot development involving erstwhile professor Deighton, whose resolution appears to await later books.Like The Sleeping Dragon, The Sword and the Chain is an incredibly quick read. It's not always enjoyable (do we really need to read about disembowelments that sound like a wet fruit exploding?), but it is a fine distraction from our own daily lives. A worthwhile read for any fantasy fan.
Rating:
Summary: Fine fantasy, but aimless
Review: The Sword and the Chain, while still a quick, entertaining read, lacks the unique appeal that The Sleeping Dragon had. The characters, having been imported into a Dungeons & Dragons world from our own, are now completely ensconced and resigned to staying. There is no longer any disconnect between the characters and their setting and, except for a certain sense of greater superiority, there is little to distinguish our heroes from any other fantasy character. Also problematic is that the narrative focus has shifted entirely onto Karl Cullinane, leaving the far more interesting Ahira in a side-kick role. There is, however, an intriguing plot development involving erstwhile professor Deighton, whose resolution appears to await later books. Like The Sleeping Dragon, The Sword and the Chain is an incredibly quick read. It's not always enjoyable (do we really need to read about disembowelments that sound like a wet fruit exploding?), but it is a fine distraction from our own daily lives. A worthwhile read for any fantasy fan.
Rating:
Summary: Fine fantasy, but aimless
Review: The Sword and the Chain, while still a quick, entertaining read, lacks the unique appeal that The Sleeping Dragon had. The characters, having been imported into a Dungeons & Dragons world from our own, are now completely ensconced and resigned to staying. There is no longer any disconnect between the characters and their setting and, except for a certain sense of greater superiority, there is little to distinguish our heroes from any other fantasy character. Also problematic is that the narrative focus has shifted entirely onto Karl Cullinane, leaving the far more interesting Ahira in a side-kick role. There is, however, an intriguing plot development involving erstwhile professor Deighton, whose resolution appears to await later books. Like The Sleeping Dragon, The Sword and the Chain is an incredibly quick read. It's not always enjoyable (do we really need to read about disembowelments that sound like a wet fruit exploding?), but it is a fine distraction from our own daily lives. A worthwhile read for any fantasy fan.
Rating: 
Summary: FOR PEOPLE WHO ENJOY SIMPLE, BUT EFFECTIVE STORY TELLING!
Review: The Sword and the Chain The Sword and the Chain by Joel Rosenberg is about Karl, Andrea, Ahira, Walter, and Lou. Who are all from present day America. They have been transported to the past, a mystic world in which magic, not science prevails. Bound by their pledge to the Healing Hand society, they cannot return home until they give freedom to each and every person in the world of the past. After intercepting a few slaver caravans, Karl, Andrea, Ahira, Walter, Lou, and their new recruits (the slaves they freed) settle down in a remote valley. Because all of them are wanted criminals or slaves, the valley that no one knows about is the perfect place to settle down. Now, it becomes a race against time to make their valley civilization grow to a sufficient size (so they can protect themselves) before they are discovered. This book would only be interesting to people who like to read fantasy stories. The book is especially interesting because the author puts ideas of the present (freedom and equality of all people) into a book about the past (a time when slavery was widely accepted). The language in the story is very easy to understand if you know the meanings of words used in fantasy and fiction books about medieval times. Although some terminology is unique to this type of book, the author uses a lot of dialogue, a simple show don't tell technique. Since the book has many characters, following the story may be difficult; however, as the reader gets to know the characters, the story becomes clear. The characters in the book are very believable because they fit into the plot of the story. Each character plays a unique roll, making the story very lively. Although the characters play a unique roll, they are dependent on each other to seem real. The Sword and the Chain is for people who enjoy simple, but effective story telling. Because this is a typical fantasy fiction book (about medieval times and magic which contains battle and profanity), I recommend it to young adults, but not young children. The book is exciting, and delivers an important message about freedom.
Rating:
Summary: FOR PEOPLE WHO ENJOY SIMPLE, BUT EFFECTIVE STORY TELLING!
Review: The Sword and the Chain The Sword and the Chain by Joel Rosenberg is about Karl, Andrea, Ahira, Walter, and Lou. Who are all from present day America. They have been transported to the past, a mystic world in which magic, not science prevails. Bound by their pledge to the Healing Hand society, they cannot return home until they give freedom to each and every person in the world of the past. After intercepting a few slaver caravans, Karl, Andrea, Ahira, Walter, Lou, and their new recruits (the slaves they freed) settle down in a remote valley. Because all of them are wanted criminals or slaves, the valley that no one knows about is the perfect place to settle down. Now, it becomes a race against time to make their valley civilization grow to a sufficient size (so they can protect themselves) before they are discovered. This book would only be interesting to people who like to read fantasy stories. The book is especially interesting because the author puts ideas of the present (freedom and equality of all people) into a book about the past (a time when slavery was widely accepted). The language in the story is very easy to understand if you know the meanings of words used in fantasy and fiction books about medieval times. Although some terminology is unique to this type of book, the author uses a lot of dialogue, a simple show don't tell technique. Since the book has many characters, following the story may be difficult; however, as the reader gets to know the characters, the story becomes clear. The characters in the book are very believable because they fit into the plot of the story. Each character plays a unique roll, making the story very lively. Although the characters play a unique roll, they are dependent on each other to seem real. The Sword and the Chain is for people who enjoy simple, but effective story telling. Because this is a typical fantasy fiction book (about medieval times and magic which contains battle and profanity), I recommend it to young adults, but not young children. The book is exciting, and delivers an important message about freedom.
Rating: 
Summary: Quite possibly the best fantasy novel ever written!
Review: With the brilliant and broad array of characters, from dwarves to the ex-wizard Ricetti, this book sets the stage for many more great Rosenberg novels to come(I hope). The fact that the main characters aren't really warriors or wizards tends to fade away, until you are reminded that they are merely college students in a compromising situation. The mixture of swords-and-sorceries with the tease of developing technology, like simple firearms, is brilliant! Sehr gute, herr Rosenberg!
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