<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Just can't put it down
Review: As an avid fantasy reader, I found the negative ratings to be very much on mark. The promise of the story only leads to the disappointment. It is unfortunate that children aren't exposed to better writing, use of grammar, and editing. Furthermore, the characters are poorly defined and the story lacks direction. Comparisons to the outstanding Tolkien (an unparalled literary genious) and Rowling (whose books are always cleanly written and edited and well paced) are simply ridiculous.
Rating:
Summary: Strong first book in series
Review: I am a HUGE Robert Stanek fan. I love the magical world he creates in the Ruin Mist Chronicles. This book takes the first half of Keeper Martin's Tale and makes it a bit easier for younger readers. As the father of two young readers, I couldn't wait to introduce them to these books. Both are already fans!
The Kingdoms and the Elves is for readers 9-12. The books have print that is easy on the eyes and the approach is much easier to read and tote around. These split versions of the books are great because your kids are much more likely to finish and then want the next book and the next and so on. Mine certainly did. They started with The Kingdoms and the Elves book 1, went on to book 2, then The Elf Queen and the King book 1, then The Elf Queen and the King book 2.Now my kids are waiting for The Kingdoms and the Elves book 3 due out in August. The funny thing is that I am too. According to the description, book 3 picks up where Keeper Martin's Tale left off, meaning it should be the first part of the 2nd Keeper Martin book. Heck, I'm there. You don't have to tell me any more. Beats waiting! I'm really glad Robert took the time to make adult and children's versions of his books. I actually preferred the children's version of Elf Queen's Quest (The Elf Queen and the King books I and II) to the adult version. The children's version has a completely different organization, which makes it flow more logically (IMHO). Whatever version you choose, regardless, you're going to have fun. Fun reading it what it's all about. Enjoy! Happy, happy, happy reading.
Rating:
Summary: Great start to top-notch series! #4 is coming!!!
Review: I have to admit, I enjoyed The Kingdoms and Elves of the Reaces #1, #2, #3 and will soon be starting Book #4. It is by far the best and most original epic fantasy that I have read to date and I have read alot of them. I actually held off reading this book when it first came out. At the time I couldn't believe that some new book could be better than Rowling's Harry Potter. I was wrong. I bought the first book, and after 50 pages I knew why everyone who reads this book loves it. What makes these books so great is that the characters are not flawless. They are human with very real personalities. Some likeable characters are blinded by their pasts and can't seem to escape it. Another thing about this book that is refreshing is the "magic" built into the world but there aren't "all powerful" wizards running around rather there are those with special abilities and unique powers. But bottom line is once you start to read it, I will bet that you have a hard time putting it down. Definitly BUY this book -- buy the whole series! Not to lessen the greatness of Rowling, Tolkien or any of the others, the series is on a different level. I know that as you read this you may be sceptical, like I was. But if you just try The Kingdoms and Elves I think you'll like it. It is a very unique book. Stanek's style of writing is unique, gets you. The characters get you too...
Rating:
Summary: The Kingdoms and the Elves
Review: I just finished reading The Kingdom's books for the second time! Mr. Stanek's Ruin Mist is has its own creatures, history, and magic. We meet new friends like Vilmos, Seth and Emel and a few we aren't too sure about. It's got elves, gnomes, shapechanging wolmerrelle, watchers, wizards and men. Stanek very subtly points to dark forces at work, Sathar who has survived the dark journey, war in the elven kingdoms but that's not the focus. Those things are looming on the horizon. A dark "change" is coming to the lands of men as well but again its not the focus. This first book is the start of a great adventure. Lots of unexpected twists and turns. After an opening with a series of strange events, the journey stars. I have never read a series that has kept me turning pages so far. Mr. Stanek's characters are so believable. You can relate to them. I like Vilmos most. It's a fantasy series that is like no other I've read. It centers on things that make this novel more enjoyable than the most other fantasies. I recommend reading the entire series. It does get better and better as others have claimed. Stanek is a great new voice in the genre for sure. This book sets the stage. Things really take off in the next 2 books. I will not bore you more details. I will say that no matter what your age you should give it a try.... It is a very entertaining, well written and easy to enjoy book. It is a great change of pace. My best suggestion is to quit reading this and read the book. Remember 2 and 3 is where things get going best. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: A Book You Never Want To Put Down
Review: Incredible. These have got to be some of the best fiction novels on the planet and have really helped inspire me. I've read each Kingdoms book nearly straight through the first time and the only reasons I stopped were for little things like sleeping, eating and school. I've also read them all at least five times. They're that good. The books follow the story of Vilmos, a twelve year old boy, Adrina, a girl coming of age, Seth and Galan, the mysterious elves, and their friends. Vilmos, a boy who's spent his whole life living a lie. Until one day he finds out that his dark power can't be gotten rid of. He's a wizard, and not just any wizard, the first human mage in a thousand years. Adrina, a girl who longs for change from her dull and boring life. Until one day the change comes and it isn't at all that she hoped for. The characters, writing, and story in these books in superb and the entire series will leave you shocked, surprised, and eager for more. If you haven't yet read The Kingdoms this is a great time to start.
Rating:
Summary: Better than five stars!
Review: Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches has my family saying Harry Potter's history? WHO can CARE about Volde and Harry when Adrina, Vilmos, Seth and Emel are in trouble??? Read it and you'll be saying the thing.
In all my years of reading I never found a set of books like these. Robert Stanek is a master wordsmith. Read these masterfully written books once and your in for terrific rides. Read them a second time and you are in for so many more surprises (especially if you'rereading closely.)
Mr. Stanek is a master at foreshadowing events too and he puts down so many subtle clues and hints to the story you can only pick them up the second time. In fact I'll go so far as to say the second reading for me (and for my younguns) was even better than the first!
Beyond the many many many insider secrets you pick up on the second reading there are the little things Mr. Stanek throws in like his making the Kingdom colors Green and Gold. The little insider secret straight from the author himself? Green and Gold are the colors of the Green Bay Packers his homestate team. Green and Gold are also the colors of the Ducks in Oregon where Mr. Stanek lived while writing these books. Any fan of the series knows green and gold are the colors featured heavily on the book covers as well (both sets). The field colors of the opposing team er enemy? White and red. Completely brilliant!
Besides being extremely well written The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches are packed with action. Books 2, 3 and 4 are practically non-stop action and it is all terrific reading. We took turns reading the books aloud after dinner and it was a hoot!
Anyone who hasn't read this is missing the best books of the decade. Just like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (which was mostly introduction to JK Rowling's world) Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #1 is an introduction to Robert Stanek's world. Everything past the first is simply amazing!
Rating:
Summary: fantastic!!
Review: My brother John and I absoluteley fell in love with this book. We read it over and over. Every time we read it, we always find something new we missed. I think this is the greatest book.
<< 1 >>
| 
