Stephen Lawhead has a way of building a world based on the real one that feels so authentic that you start to believe it's actually real. His grasp of Celtic myth, culture and literature is impressive and helps make the experience immersive and seamless. Also, he writes like JRR Tolkien in a way. He incorporates his world view (a positive one, I might add) into the narrative without being preachy and everything just seems to fit. This is the third in a series and though the ending was a bit sad, it had a hopeful message after all. The only knock was that the descriptions and narrative seem to meander a bit at times, but I was ready to forgive those things in favor of his skills as a writer and the finely crafted story. I enjoyed it like I have enjoyed his other works in the past.
As Silver Hand, the long-awaited champion, begins his reign, cosmic forces of evil unleash one final thrust, and soon the great city of Dinas Dwr is engulfed in flames.
The last book of Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain, it brings to a conclusion the adventures of Taran and his friends. Since I had read the previous volumes, I anticipated a satisfying finish to the saga and I was not disappointed. I can see why this is considered a classic of the epic fantasy genre. Alexander's characters are memorable: heroic, flawed, determined, funny, endearing and courageous all at once. The adventure is truly epic as the heroes chase down the villains for a final confrontation. His prosed makes you laugh one minute, gasp the next and cheer thereafter. The ending, in particular, is satisfying and gives a great lesson in what really matters in life. Highly recommended for fantasy fans everywhere.
The black sword Dyrnwyn, the most powerful weapon in the kingdom, has been stolen by the Death Lord Arawn. The greatest battle in the history of Prydain has begun.
Taran joins the war leaders as Prince Gwydion asks him to raise an army to march against Arawn's terrible warriors. Friends both old and new are willing to fight by his side, and the companions must stand strong as they battle through a frozen wasteland to Arawn's stronghold, Mount Dragon. A deadly confrontation awaits them there, and Taran's true destiny will at last be fulfilled.
I haven't read a lot of Turtledove's work, but Thessalonica is one of my favorites. Set in the late Roman Empire after Christianity, tells the story of a simple artisan called upon to save his city from destruction through extraordinary means. Turtledove does something in this novel that is rarely seen these days - he treats Christianity with respect and doesn't imprint modern-day attitudes onto a different time period. The way he handles spirituality and magic is unique and believable and his characters are first-rate. I particularly liked George (the protagonist) and his relationship with his wife, Irene. Turtledove shows that he did his homework in his depiction of a city of the ancient world and its workings. Also, the way he addresses the clash of cultures/philosophies between the Christian Romans, the pagan Avars and the remnants of Greek mythology is intriguing. While it's probably suitable for teens and older, the touches of humor are pretty funny for the most part and provide some lightness to an otherwise challenging scenario. A fun read overall.
Artisan shoemaker and thinking man George becomes increasingly worried when the pagan forces of the Germanic tribes continue to threaten life in the Roman Empire, and he decides to risk everything for the sake of his people.
Fresh from their victory over the evil Ja’al cult in Whitehorse Peak, the Grey Riders set out to unravel the mysterious prophecy that calls them out by name and predicts heroism, calamity, and a clash of Darkness and Light. However, their efforts are interrupted by new dangers linked to events from their pasts - the murder Andyn's husband and Buck's betrayal by a childhood friend. Pursued by sinister Dark Elves allied with the Ja’al, the Riders have to find a way to clear Buck’s name and defeat Andyn’s nemesis. Meanwhile, the Alenar sisters strike out on a mission of their own far to the south, but Megan and Brandawyn run into problems of their own seeking ancient secrets that could liberate the oppressed people of the Southlands. However, an even greater danger lurks the shadows, predicted by the prophecy. The undead sorcerer-princess, the Dark Rider, waits, her shadowy plots and plans designed to doom them all. Can the Grey Riders exorcise the demons of their pasts and thwart the forces of Evil in time?
