The Ring of Naar

Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I really liked this book. Very vividly portrayed with gret dialouge. The ending was great. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: A fantasy Tourdeforce
Review: Move over Tolkien, Moorcock and the rest of the old guard; Patrick Catlett has arrived. The Ring of Naar takes the typical fantasy genre to almost unbelievable new heights. It will likely be the defining scifi/fantasy book of this generation and will undoubtedly blaze a new direction in Fantasy novels for this millenium. The story is intricately woven with vivid scenes painted by the authors spirited descriptions. Its truly a captivating read. What takes place is both familiar and surprising with an (ending?) that will stun even the most hardcore fantasy fanatic. Hopefuly the author has not fully spent his talents on this masterpiece as I am looking forward to seeing the story continue. With the recent popularity of the Lord of the Rings movies, this novel should also be considered seriously by up and coming film producers for a potential film version. In any event, I am definitely looking forward to the next in the series..

Rating:
Summary: An original new fantasy novel
Review: Not what I was expecting. Well paced and surprising.

Rating:
Summary: An unpredictable and interesting fantasy jaunt.
Review: On the whole, I liked this novel. In just a few areas I felt it was over-described, but that may be just a matter of taste. I also found it a bit short for a typical fantasy novel.

At times, things did not always go as planned, causing the main characters to need to adjust accordingly. I would have liked to see the spiritual aspects behind Naemon, Teracuss, and Iridan developed more, and the mysterious strangers (The White Man, etc...), after their meeting. The story changed focus around this time, so it wasn't that important. The development of Teracuss and Iridan aside from their involvement with Naemon was well done and in depth.

I found many elements of the fantasy genre present, especially in the description of the siege. The king's reflections upon his situation and his relationships really gave you a feel, through him, for the kingdom of Su'Meeryn. At one point in the story I found it odd that the fantasy idea of a powered object was rejected, yet other themes like those involving a certain creature's actions in a certain situation, and also the creature's ability to speak, were readily accepted.

The way the story ended left many more characters dead than I would have expected, but in a way, the results of the battle were made more realistic and honest in that way. I liked the reflection of one of the main characters at the end and the questions he raised. I would like to have seen a more definite confirmation that he would pursue the answers and challenge others to do the same for the sake of the future kingdom, but I guess that is for the next novel.

Overall, I believe fans of the fantasy genre will enjoy this novel and I recommend buying it.

D.S.Burton

Rating:
Summary: Complex and Intriguing
Review: This story has a few twists to it that threw me for a loop. The journey of the main characters was intriguing. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Well worth the read!

Rating:
Summary: Complex and Intriguing
Review: This story has a few twists to it that threw me for a loop. The journey of the main characters was intriguing. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Well worth the read!