Rating: Summary: The Enjoyment Runs Dry Review: At first, this book gives much promise. Curiosity flows with the adventure of a single woman, giving birth to what seems to be a "monster." This interest continues for the first dozen pages, and then the theme switches. New characters are introduced, and the real plot of the novel begins. I found lead characters to be superbly written, and unique. The actual story of the lives they lived at times seemed to lack sturdiness, as if Sara Douglass, (author) was unsure where to go next with the plot and just decided to fix the problem, lose the suspense, and move on. The characters began to lose their backbones, and didn't seem as real to me as it progressed. Writing quality isn't the best ever, but that still didn't seem to take away from the book. I give this 4 stars because it held my interest long enough for me to finish the book, and even to purchase "Enchanter" - the sequel to this book. If you're getting tired of the old fantasy series that you've been reading for years, give this one a look. Who knows, it could become one of your favorites.
Rating: Summary: Don't take anything for granted... Review: Battleaxe on its own is a fairly standard fantasy, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. Australian author Sara Douglass creates lifelike characters whose thoughts, hopes and feelings enliven the pages of this book and make it worth reading. Combined with a couple of interesting twists of perspective on the usual agrarian feudal social system of fantasy novels, that's enough to earn this book a decent rating.However, the series as a whole incorporates some drastic and surprising shifts of direction which kept me guessing (as well as some predictable ones). In the end, the two trilogies yield much more to the reader than that which is foreshadowed by Battleaxe alone. One wonders (at least, I did while reading) how much of the plot was planned from the start and how much spontaneously unfolded in the author's mind as the books were written. A comment for overseas readers: It surprised me to see that the second book of this series (Enchanter) has just been released on Amazon, as all six books have been available in Australia for about 2 years now. (I suppose it makes up for the delays we often experience in getting titles published in the US and elsewhere overseas!) You may be interested to know that these books were originally released in the form of two trilogies (as I mentioned above). The first trilogy was simply entitled The Axis Trilogy (I believe), while the second trilogy was what originally bore the title The Wayfarer Redemption. Conceptually, the two trilogies are quite separate- although they deal with the same world and many of the same characters, the first three books are complete in themselves, while the second set displays another of those startling changes of perspective- and I recommend treating them as such when reading, rather than as a single series of six books.
Rating: Summary: Epic waste of time Review: Don't kill time trying to wade the horrible drivel of Sara Douglass's Wayfarer Redemption or the other two books in her Axis trilogy. They're way too long and there's no way the author can make you care any these characters. Most of the main characters, including and especially, Axis act like jerks. This makes it very hard to like this book. The hero or heroine discovering some kind of lost or secret heritage is a tired fantasy cliche beaten into the reader's head in this book. Go read something by Elizabeth Hayden or Elaine Cummings if you want a good book by a woman fantasy author.
Rating: Summary: I Finished it. Review: I finished it, and that's the only reason this book gets 2 stars. I just could not really get into it. I bought this book before reading it, since i enjoyed Hade's Daughter and God's Concubine so much. Bad idea.It was slow, and the love story(what love story there was) was just not believable. I liked Azhure better then Faraday, but they were both alright characters. There just wasn't a whole lot in this book that grabbed me.
Rating: Summary: One of my favourites Review: I have read the entire Wayfarer Redemption series 4 times now (yes all 6 books!). The series is definately one of my favourites.
Although i have read reviews stating that the story was unoriginal and boring, i found it highly engaging, causing me many sleepless nights as i found myself reading till 4am, unable to put them down.
I found it very easy to get lost in these books, and was very upset when i had finished them. They transport the reader to a fantastic world full of mythical races and richly developed characters.
I Highly Reccommend!
Rating: Summary: Great series, if a little confusing at first Review: I started with this book apprehensively because of some of the reviews I have read which are not really favourable to the book. However, I realise that all my doubts were for nothing once I really got into the book, which was actually pretty easy. But I have to admit the prologue got me quite confused, and it was only until I was more than halfway through the book that I realise what was going on in the beginning. (Or maybe I'm just exceptionally slow)
The main characters in The Wayfarer Redemption are believable, if not entirely likeable. Axis, the BattleAxe who is arrogant/self-assured depending on how you see it, can be an ass, but there are some points in the story where he proved himself to be a nice guy. Faraday, whose love for Axis must not be known to others in order to protect Axis, appears to be a multi-faceted girl; whiny yet mature, weak yet strong. And the determined and feisty Azhure, who is my favourite character so far.
The story is entertaining, if you do not consider the fact that the hero seems quite typical. The Avar and the Icarii are interesting races, and the book keeps you gripped, so much so that you can't wait to continue with the next book.
And for those like me who confused themselves thinking that the Axis Trilogy and The Wayfarer Redemption series have nothing to do with each other, here's to let you know that The Wayfarer Redemption series has a total of six books: The Wayfarer Redemption, Enchanter, Starman, Sinner, Pilgrim & Crusader. The Axis Trilogy comprises of the first 3 books, but The Wayfarer Redemption is published under the title: BattleAxe
Hope that this has helped those who are not sure of what they are reading. Nonetheless, enjoy!
Rating: Summary: Addictive.... Review: I thought the book was written alright, but the real hook for me was the love story between Axis and Faraday. That kept my pages turning at first, and then the desire continued when I started to side with Axis and really root for him. Definitely one you'll want to give a try, even if the language usage is at times confusing.
Rating: Summary: Satisfying in a traditional, "comfotable shoes" kind of way Review: I was very put off by the odd naming conventions that the Author used in her book, I thought they were giving away too much of the plot. The writing stands alone fine without the need for names like "Axis", "Icarii", etc... Most readers don't need the author to point out that Axis is, well the Axis of the story. The fact that the Icarii are birdmen, well this wanders dangerously close to a humorous choice of names for me. Naming conventions aside, I thought it was a charming book, but I wasn't really convinced until the second book. Read this book, but only so you can read the next.
Rating: Summary: Hang in There, It'll Grab You! Review: I'm always on the lookout for interesting new authors to add to my collection, and I believe Sara Douglass fits the bill! If you can stick with the development of the storyline for about the first hundred pages or so, this book REALLY takes off and doesn't let you go! The hero, Axis, has enough vulnerabilities and mitigating circumstances to make you really become attached to him, as does the heroine, Faraday. Besides these two, there is a supporting cast of many other interesting characters to flesh out the story. The second book in this series picks right up with the action without making you slog through a long rehash and character build-up. I do not want to give anything away, so if you like fantasy I believe you'll be pleased with the books in this series.
Rating: Summary: Hang in There, It'll Grab You! Review: I'm always on the lookout for interesting new authors to add to my collection, and I believe Sara Douglass fits the bill! If you can stick with the development of the storyline for about the first hundred pages or so, this book REALLY takes off and doesn't let you go! The hero, Axis, has enough vulnerabilities and mitigating circumstances to make you really become attached to him, as does the heroine, Faraday. Besides these two, there is a supporting cast of many other interesting characters to flesh out the story. The second book in this series picks right up with the action without making you slog through a long rehash and character build-up. I do not want to give anything away, so if you like fantasy I believe you'll be pleased with the books in this series.
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