MAIA

Rating:
Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Review: About 7 months ago, I discovered this prequel to my all-time favorite book, SHARDIK. Since then, I've read this 1200-page masterpiece twice.

MAIA takes place 8 years prior to SHARDIK, and is set in the same, richly-developed Beklan Empire. Read the other reveiws for a plot synopsis; let me just say that this is a book you won't regret picking up, if for no other reason than Richard Adams' incredible storytelling. The language he uses in his novels is just amazing; his descriptions of characters and places and his use of simile and metaphor are unlike any other author I've read. His writing talents have quite literally spoiled me. :)

My recommendation would be to first read SHARDIK, and then read MAIA. And then read them both again. Having just finished SHARDIK for the first time since reading MAIA, I was amazed by how many times I stopped in the middle of a passage and said "Ah, yes! I remember that from MAIA!"

If you can't find a copy of SHARDIK, read MAIA anyway. It's an incredible book by itself, and more likely than not, I think you'll agree.

Rating:
Summary: Epic complexity and beauty illuminate this masterpiece
Review: Adams's Maia rivals the "greats" in its ability to create an entire world of believable characters, religions, and politics. The complex world in which the novel's action takes place is breath-taking. The novel actually serves as a prequel to Adams' previous endeavor, Shardik (itself an underrated and beautiful work), but Adams takes his Beklan Empire to new levels of epic sophistication with the introduction of the naive and good-hearted Maia; the grotesque and unforgettable Sencho; the wise and gutsy Occula; and the erotic, ambitious, and evil Fornis. Perhaps the only works of fiction more encompassing and completely original in their creation of an entirely new reality are Frank Herbert's Dune novels; however, Adams work maintains a beauty and sensitivity that is lacking in those science fiction giants. Overall I have to rank Maia as one of my all-time favorite works of fiction. I have read it three times and have to stop myself from picking it up again too soon in order to preserve the rewarding pleasure I receive from reentering Adams amazing world.

Rating:
Summary: Stunning
Review: An absolutely enchanting and stunning piece of writing. I read this book when I was in 10th grade. To read this book is to live and breathe the world of Bekla. When I turned 23 (last year), I decided to give this cherished story another read and it was almost like reading it for the very first time again. Absolute bliss. This book remains my most favorite ever.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent. Entirely wonderful. Absorbing. Fantastic.
Review: Beautifully written, engaging, richly textured, one of those books that transports you to its universe and leaves you reluctant to turn the pages knowing that it will end all too soon. I can't recommend this book highly enough!

Rating:
Summary: A terrific sequal to Shardik
Review: Bekla comes alive again in this bitter-sweet story of passion, war and intrigue. Vivid, powerful characters and a tightly-woven plot make Maia an outstanding book, destined to become a classic.

Rating:
Summary: The Finest Fantasy Yet Written
Review: Don't freak out and spout the Tolkien line.....Mr. Hobbit is still the King and I love his work as much as everyone. However, one on one, Maia transcends any single work of fantasy by any author. The richness of storytelling, the depth of submersion you will slip into this story and the absolute believability of the world Mr. Adams has created is absolutely breathtaking.

I don't believe in giving a synopsis of the story. I'm a book fanatic and pitch my tent in the camp that believes a recommendation is good enough. If I for instance had based my decision of whether or not to read this book on a synopsis of the story....well, I wouldn't have read it. Good God I'm lucky I didn't. Instead I'll ask a question. You of course know the feeling of having just finished a book you enjoyed reading. Well, have you been lucky enough to (rarely, even for book fanatics) experience the 'tears in your eyes' joy of having just read a book that you actually feel lucky to have found? I mean those very few times that, having just closed the book after reading the last page, you actually notice a few minutes later that you've been sitting there, in silence, still clutching this thing that's all at once no longer just paper and ink bound by glue? Yeah? Well that almost describes the soul deep satisfaction I feel each and every time I read this book.....and I'm not one that usually ever feels the need to read a book twice no matter how much I enjoyed it.

Go out of your way to find this book. I mean get in your car and scout used book stores. And then once you've found it, buy at least two more. I'm not joking. Always keep two for yourself in case one falls apart (trust me, you'll understand the feeling). That third copy.....share it. Please share it. It's just too damn good not to.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly excellent
Review: I had never read anything by Richard Adams apart from Watership Down, and so when I bought this used, through Amazon, I had my doubts.

I don't want to give the plot away, but it started off slow and somewhat failed to keep me interested. This however soon changed.

It's quite amazing what a girl with a bit of beauty and lots of luck and courage can accomplish. Richard Adam's ability to bring a world to life and his insights into people's personality is quite amazing.

I am looking forward to Shardik.



Rating:
Summary: One of the best!
Review: I happened upon this book at a used book store and so glad I did. This is probably one of the best 5 fiction books I've ever read, this coming from a lifelong bookworm. I'm currently reading it for a second time and still can't put it down (again).

Rating:
Summary: Classic Literature--Adventurous Tale: Intrigue Fantasy & Sex
Review: I often think of this Classic tale of Intrigue, Fantasy, Sex, Slavery, and Freedom--set in a Romanesque Empire, in a harsh world of Constant Struggle for Survival.
I read this book approximately ten years ago, and I still think about it often. Richard Adams writes a very Compelling tale that should be placed among the Greats, such as Tolkien. Unfortunately, when I was young, I turned books in for credit on new books and I have not seen a copy since that time. I searched for this book, today, to make absolutely sure I have a copy for my library.
I cannot wait to share this book with others, and I strongly hope it stays in print. This novel deserves far more shelf space that it receives.
I have never forgotten the Characters in "Maia." They are truly well-written and the story grabs you, pulls you in and does not let-go. This is one of those rare books that you do not want to End.
Lately, I have been reading "The Light Bearer," and it reminds me of "Maia." It seems anyone who likes one would like the other. "Maia" has that Romanesque feel, in the capitol city--and other, even more Dangerous lands are explored.
This is an Epic Adventure Tale, that you will never forget.

Rating:
Summary: Exceeded my expectations
Review: I read MAIA to my husband aloud in the car during a long trip (He is a fan of Robert Jordan / Larry Niven and the like.) We thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story is incredible! I know I will read this one again and again. I am constantly amazed at Richard Adams writing ability. It is a very good sign when you find yourself thinking about the story and characters long after the book is finished. They live in our hearts. This one was consuming. Loved it!