The Safe-Keeper's Secret (Firebird)

Book Description

Damiana is Safe-Keeper in the small village of Tambleham. Neighbors and strangers alike come one by one, in secret, to tell her things, knowing that Damiana will keep them to herself. One night, a mysterious visitor arrives with an unusual secret— a newborn baby. Damiana names him Reed and raises him side by side with her baby daughter, Fiona. As the years pass and the two children come of age, they must come to terms with who they are—and who they may be. The Safe-Keeper's Secret is the first of a satisfying, beguiling trilogy.

Customer Reviews:

A Touching, Beautiful Fantasy.......2006-12-31

This is a beautiful book about a young woman, Fiona, and her love for her friends and family. A quick, delightful read taking place in an imaginative fantasy world. This is the only one of the series I have read, having finished it today (also having started it today - it's a very quick read) but I fully intend to read the others. I love how Fiona's feelings are portrayed, how she longs to help others while still struggling to keep the secrets entrusted to her.

A Tale of Two Children.......2006-10-27

The Safe-Keeper's Secret (2004) is a standalone fantasy novel. One night, the King's own Safe-Keeper came riding through Tambleham, stopping at the Safe-Keeper's house on the other side. There he left a baby and a secret.

Safe-Keepers exist only to keep secrets, some for just a short while and others for all eternity. Conversely, Truth-Tellers exist only to relate the literal truth. Dream-Makers exist to fulfill wishes through their magic, but cannot control the gift.

In this novel, Elminstra the herb witch comes to the Safe-Keeper's house early the next morning with food and milk. She knocks on the door, calling out to the two sisters, then pushes it open after no one responds. Angeline comes to answer the knocking with a child in each arm, telling Elminstra that the girl is her sister's newborn and the boy has been left in their care.

Angeline is the Safe-Keeper for Lowford. She has come to help deliver the child of her sister Damiana, the Safe-Keeper for Tambleham. Damiana will raise the two children as if they are both her own, although the whole village knows that only one is hers. In fact, everybody else thinks that Reed is the illegitimate son of the King.

Reed and Fiona grow up as if they were twins. They even look alike. But Reed is full of energy, while Fiona is much more sedate. She remains calm even when Reed brings in a snake to show her and even looks for a box to keep it in for a pet. Yet Fiona always goes out to see any new thing that Reed finds in his roaming.

Reed isn't sure what he wants to be, but he is willing to try anything once. Fiona has always known that she will be a Safe-Keeper like her mother and grandmother. Thomas the Truth-Teller tries to tell Fiona that she will not follow in her mother's footsteps and she hates him for it. Like most people, she seems to hate disagreeable truths.

Fiona and Reed love the annual gathering in Damiana's house. Angeline and Thomas always come, as does Isodora the Dream-Maker. They make wreathes to burn on a great bonfire in the front yard and cook feasts to devour until they are all sated.

In this story, Fiona and Reed live together with Damiana as their mother until death takes Damiana away. Then Elminstra insists on her granddaughter Allison moving in with Fiona, even though Reed is away learning new trades much of the time. Every time he returns, Fiona feels like a missing part of her life is now
filled.

This story is without adventure, has very little suspense and almost no conflict. Deaths occur, but only Damiana's passing is dwelled upon and, even then, only for its affect on Fiona. This story is mostly about the growth and development of two children and their relationships with older friends. Nevertheless, it is a deeply satisfying story with a very moving conclusion.

This story is very much a fantasy without any chance of being mistaken for reality. Yet one can only wish that it were true. Some things should be real, even if only for a little while.

Highly recommended for Shinn fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of loving relationships and surprise endings.

-Arthur W. Jordin

A real treat for all ages.......2006-08-29

I am a long-time fan of Sharon Shinn - since The Shape Changer's Wife, and somehow missed this and the other two books in the set - perhaps because they were marketed for the YA set. Although the story lacks the physical drama of Sharon Shinn's "adult" works, this tale is not childish at all. The characters are richly drawn and the storyline rings true, and if the ending seems a bit too much like a fairy-tale, it is also deeply satisfying.

secret's safe.......2006-07-08

Another of Shinn's fantastical fantasies, this is a tale of people who live with Safe-Keepers and Truth-Tellers in a rural England-like setting. The Safe-Keepers are keepers of secrets. When someone needs to lighten their burden, they can find a safe-keeper and tell them all, without fear of anyone else finding out - at least, not from the Safe-Keeper. Damiana is a Safe-Keeper, and upon the birth of her child, she is entrusted with the life of another child, a child whose life is in danger. She raises the children together, until her death from illness when the children are 15. Fiona has decided that her calling is as a safe-keeper, and Reed tries a little bit of everything. But with or without a Truth-teller, the truth comes out, eventually. As do secrets. This is a great story, more on the young adult side, but I really enjoyed it. I followed it with The Truth Tellers Tale.

well...mmmhhh....its not that bad..........2006-04-21

but not that good either.
I like these kind of stories, qualm and equipped with self-assurness
buuuut, I found it a little boring too.

Also they way some characters were described, the setting in this world..made me kind of uneasy. The persons and the places seemed a little bit out of time and space. And in this case I don't mean this to be positive.
Just felt not real enough, and yes I know, this book is supposed to be fantasy ...

Also I did not like the writing style (by the way, sorry for mine ;-) so much. I read other books of her, and they seemed to be mor e mature...or more defined

Resumee:
I liked the book, I liked the idea, but some plots were to constructed and some not defined enough,
some of the caracters were not deep enough, and
the end of the book came to soon, like Sharon Shinn ran out of ideas at the end, and just wanted to FINISH the book..

Decide for yourself

Rehoboth (Keepers of the Ring Series, No 4)

Average customer rating:

Not the best of the series...
Another wonderful book!
Awesome! It brought to life the early American struggle !

Rehoboth (Keepers of the Ring Series, No 4)
Angela Elwell Hunt
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0842320156

Book Description

A brother and sister search for each other after being separated by an Indian prince and his war. . .

Gifted adult-fiction author Angela Elwell Hunt continues her exciting American historical Keepers of the Ring series. In book 4, Rehoboth, Daniel Bailie takes his children, Mojag and Aiyana, to minister to the praying Indians. Mojag, however, abandons his father's ministry, feeling that he's been led to serve the heathen Indians, who are on the brink of war with the colonists. Travel back to an amazing period in America's past as Angela Elwell Hunt teaches us how to witness to the world without becoming a part of it.

Customer Reviews:

Not the best of the series..........2007-03-13

Although all of Ms. Hunt's books are well written and researched, this particular book was not as well written as the rest of this series. It didn't capture your attention in the same fashion and seemed a bit wordy. It's worth the read if you have read the others, but doesn't stand on it's own very well.

Another wonderful book!.......2000-03-02

Mojag's faith and commitment to Christ was very strong and he was obedient to what God called him to do, even through much oppostion from all sides. I'm looking forward to #5!

Awesome! It brought to life the early American struggle !.......1998-08-23

Clinton, take notes.... this book shows how real men and women of America should represent their country!

In the Service of Dragons II (Keeper Martin's Tales)

Average customer rating:

Very good book
Terrific sequel!!
This is a really good book READ IT!!!!!!
WOW!!!
Read it!!!

In the Service of Dragons II (Keeper Martin's Tales)
Robert Stanek
Manufacturer: Reagent Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1575450909

Book Description

In the Service of Dragons is the continuation of Robert Stanek's multilayered epic fantasy adventure for young adults begun with The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches and continued through The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches 2, 3, and 4. In his acclaimed The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches books, he introduced us to the story of Ruin Mist, an extraordinary world of magic, adventure and intrigue. Now in the eagerly awaited follow-up, he once again proves himself a wonderful storyteller with a gift for fast pacing and believable storylines. Already hailed as a classic, Robert Stanek's powerful series has been enjoyed by readers all over the world. The Elves of the Reaches returned from exile, bringing grave news. War came to the Kingdoms. Many perished in the turmoil and unrest. An attempt was made to kidnap a princess and assassinate a king. Now, from the ancient past a dark power returns. "The Fourth Wind blows across the mountain tops," they say. And the Twelve Clans emerge from myth and memory. Bold, inventive, brilliantly imagined, In the Service of Dragons is a novel of magic and wonder-a tale of pure excitement you will not soon forget.

Customer Reviews:

Very good book.......2006-12-25

This is a great book. I read all kinds of books and this one is very near the top. I would venture as far as to compare Robert Stanek to J.R.R. Tolkien.

Terrific sequel!!.......2006-11-05

In the Service of Dragons contains some of the most powerful scenes I've ever read, especially the sweeping, epic scenes. It swept me away, and this second book was no less powerful in its imagery. The author doesn't let you miss a moment of the action, and it only gets more intense as the story goes along.

The mighty titans and great eagles have returned from the ancient past and contineu to work to stop the darkness. Noman, the mysterious keeper of the City of the Sky, has seen the signs and he is gathering those who can stop the darkness. Meanwhile the Great Kingdom is in turmoil with the heir to the throne gone across the sea to battle a distant enemy when another enemy has returned closer to home.

I bought this book and then read it in print it is so great! The time starts flying, flying right from the start. If you like scifi/fantasy like I do you will love this book too. The best book for any Eragon, Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings fan to read!! It's not Tolkien, but it is very good!!

Jake Jr.

This is a really good book READ IT!!!!!!.......2006-10-17

This book tells the story of the men of the kingdoms and elves of the reaches. It is the story of Vilmos who has a secret gift of magic, Adrina a princess from a dying land, and Seth a great warrior who is trying to save his people and the world. In this story, Prince Valam Alder has traveled to the lands of the elves to try to stop a war, but meanwhile war starts in his own lands, and everyone he cares about is caught in the middle. This book combines combat, suspense, magic, hidden love and more into an adventure-filled and exciting book.

WOW!!!.......2006-08-16

This is a terrific book. More along the lines of 'LORD of the Rings' than Harry Potter. Great characters from heroes like Prince Valam Alder and his men to the young wizard Vilmos to the mysterious Xith and the lovely Adrina and her sisters plus the dragon Tnavres. Great writing, terrific adventure, a MUST READ for any fastasy fan.

Read it!!!.......2006-06-11

This book in my eyes is so much more captivating then the LOTR trilogy. In the LOTR trilogy there were points where I had to put the book down, so far, in the "kingdoms and elves" and "service of dragons", I havent found a point where i wanted to. The author gave the reader a world to sink into, and characters with real personalities. Overall one of the better fantasy books I have read.

In the Service of Dragons IV (Keeper Martin's Tales)

Average customer rating:

The best book in the WORLD!
I love In the Service of DRAGONS!
BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN
This WAS GRREEAATT!!!!!
Totally amazing

In the Service of Dragons IV (Keeper Martin's Tales)
Robert Stanek
Manufacturer: Reagent Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1575450941

Book Description

Readers everywhere are discovering the works of Robert Stanek. Robert's books are published in over 20 countries around the world and beginning in 2005 the first of many translations will be published. In the Service of Dragons is the continuation of Robert Stanek's multilayered epic fantasy adventure for young adults begun with The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches and continued through The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches 2, 3, and 4. In his acclaimed The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches books, he introduced us to the story of Ruin Mist, an extraordinary world of magic, adventure and intrigue. Now in the eagerly awaited follow-up, he once again proves himself a wonderful storyteller with a gift for fast pacing and believable storylines. Already hailed as a classic, Robert Stanek's powerful series has been enjoyed by readers all over the world. The Elves of the Reaches returned from exile, bringing grave news. War came to the Kingdoms. Many perished in the turmoil and unrest. An attempt was made to kidnap a princess and assassinate a king. Now, from the ancient past a dark power returns. "The Fourth Wind blows across the mountain tops," they say. And the Twelve Clans emerge from myth and memory. As prophecy becomes reality, the factions struggle for control, only to further divide the lands. Some would say that King Andrew Alder foolishly agreed to support the Elves of the Reaches, sending men to aid their cause when the causes of all Men in all lands were being put to the test of steel. And in the North, men back their words with action. Against a backdrop of treachery and intrigue, murder and mayhem, the price of freedom is high. Many will pay with their lives. Many will succumb to imprisonment and enslavement. For when alliances shatter, old hatreds rise anew and the plotting and scheming begin. Bold, inventive, brilliantly imagined, In the Service of Dragons is a novel of magic and wonder-a tale of pure excitement you will not soon forget.

Customer Reviews:

The best book in the WORLD!.......2006-12-09

If you are ever bored, pick up this series, and start reading. Usually when I read books, I read in short segments. But when I picked up the first one, it was different. When I started, I couldn't stop until the end of the fourth one! It is action packed, and has so many adventures. Plus, it is suspenseful! I highly recomend this to EVERYONE!

I love In the Service of DRAGONS!.......2006-10-19

This book was amazing. I started reading this series because the kid across the street was already reading it. So then I picked up the first one and kept going and going It's like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars all rolled into one. It's really entertaining and I couldn't stop reading. I read all 4 in 2 weeks. I'd recommend this for anyone who likes fiction.

BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN.......2006-10-17

All 4 dragon books are filled with mystery, suspense, adventure and action, but this is by far my favorite. I've read the Kingdoms and Dragons books about 10 times each (I'm not exagerating). These books are better than Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings combined. I liked this more than Eragon and Eldest. I love all the battles and action but nothing prepared me for this one, HOLY CRP!!!! I was glued to the book the first time I read it and totally blown away!!! This book is amazing and everyone who I've talked to says its great too! Read it you won't be disappointed.

This WAS GRREEAATT!!!!!.......2006-08-19

This Book was Great AND the best of the series. I never read anything like it. On my favorite books list this ones on the top #1. If you love adventure and you've already read Potter and Lord of the Rings, give this book a try.

Totally amazing.......2006-07-07

This book was awesome because of how much fighting, adventure, magic, and excitement Robert Stanek put into the story. It reads fast. If you like dragons this is your kind of book.

In the Service of Dragons III (Keeper Martin's Tales)

Average customer rating:

YES!!
A Thrilling Book!
This book is beyond fantastic... please read it!!!!!
Awesome!
A thrilling novel

In the Service of Dragons III (Keeper Martin's Tales)
Robert Stanek
Manufacturer: Reagent Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1575450933

Book Description

Over-Earth is the home of dragons and titans. But don't forget about the eagle lords. Those three are the great races of Ruin Mist's past. At the dawn of the First Age, it was the titan Ky'el who gave the lesser races (men, elves, and dwarves) their freedom-at a great cost to himself and his people. Before that, the lesser races were slaves to the greater races (dragons, titans and eagle lords). Over the millennia, knowledge of Over-Earth's existence faded from the memory of the living, even that of the long-lived elves and dwarves. Most believed it was a place of myth and legend, and that it never truly existed at all. But that was before cloud-shrouded top of Solstice Mountain was revealed, and before the titans and the eagle lords returned to the lands. Now men and elves battle for the very heart and soul of the land alongside the legendary titans and eagle lords. The dark lord's reach grows and the fate of all hangs in the balance.

Customer Reviews:

YES!!.......2007-04-13

Finally a book that really grips my attention. This book ROCKS! I would recommend it to ANY reader. I now have Dragons #4 too. Robert Stanek is right up there with the other true master authors!! Thanks Robert for such wonderful writing.

A Thrilling Book!.......2007-03-05

I couldn't put it down. What a great book. The plot will hold your attention, the characters are vivid and the action is compelling. In it's entirety, a very enjoyable book. I highly reccommend it and it's sequel.

This book is beyond fantastic... please read it!!!!!.......2006-10-17

The ends comes for the men of the kingdoms and the elves of the reaches. The wars they've all been trying to prevent have started, and there doesn't seem to be any hope left, but Prince Valam Alder, and his family are not about to give up. They are going to fight to the end, meanwhile Xith and Noman continue to build the mysterious company they believe can save everyone, and Adrina has a secret key she's told no one about. The dragon is with her and he's trying to hook his claws deeper. It is a great book you should buy it!!!!

Awesome!.......2006-08-19

I loved this book even more than the first two!! I could really imagine what was going on! It was full of adventure and magic and action! If you like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, you will LOVE this book! A 5 star winner!

A thrilling novel.......2006-06-11

The "service of dragons" are by far some of the best books I've ever read, and that's saying something. I'm currently re-reading the set for the second time and am enjoying it just like the first time. It is a MUST read for anybody who like dragons, magic, adventure and climatic endings. It keeps you hooked from the begenning to the end!!! i would give this book a million stars!! Praise to Robert Stanek, he's a master!!

Average customer rating:

This is good but is definitely not a FOREVER KNIGHT story
Forever Knight the novel!
captivating
Not nearly as good as Elrod alone
Loved It!

Keeper of the King
Nigel Bennett
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 067187862X

Customer Reviews:

This is good but is definitely not a FOREVER KNIGHT story.......2005-12-29

One rainy afternoon I was looking through the book store bargain table and came across this. At first I thought that it was a tie-in to FOREVER KNIGHT since Nigel Bennett (LaCroix) was co-author but a glance at the inside flap description set me straight. Still the description looked good so I got it anyway, hoping that I wouldn't be disappointed. I wasn't a bit and will be getting the rest of the series....at full price.

The story opens in Normandy, where Richard, a champion knight is at yet another tournament and realizes that no champion lasts forever...until he finds that there are exceptions to everything. He is brought across and begins a new life as champion and companion to the Lady Sabra and protector of the Holy Grail.

The action then shifts to modern day Toronto where Richard has adapted to the modern world. He soon finds himself called to his Lady's service again to safe guard the Grail. He travels across Canada and then returns to England in his pursuit to locate the Grail and then to save his Lady. Along the way he battles both mortal and immortal foes and finds some unlikely allies.

I totally enjoyed this novel, much to my surprise. At times the story did seem to drag a bit, and there was perhaps a bit too much plot. Both flaws are common first novel problems but do not detract from the story too much but kept it from 5 star status. I look forward to Richard's continuing adventures.

Forever Knight the novel!.......2005-07-22

It's pretty much an episode of Forever Knight. We start back in the middle ages when Richard is made into a vampire and face forward to modern day in the city of Toronto, Canada (best city in the world by the by) and Richard is a security specialist helping to protect Canada's Prime Minister.

My problems with this book are:
1) Unrealistic characters/dialogue.
2) The IRA terror plot is outdated.
3) The vampire is too human and too weak.
4) Not dark enough for a vampire novel.

Still, I like PN Elrod and they can't all be keepers (excuse the pun) but I can't recommend buying a new copy. Get it used.

captivating.......2004-12-03

I was absolutely captivated by this novel. I didn't expect to think much of it, but in fact it was amazing. I received it Monday and had it devoured by Wednesday.
The goddess elements and mythology used were very accurate. I enjoyed the descriptive quality and word usage. It flowed very well. I like to describe the book as James Bond meets Anne Rice. An enjoyable fun read!

Not nearly as good as Elrod alone.......2004-09-28

At one point in the book the evil bad guy, Charon, points out the many shortcomings of this book's hero, and all of it is true. Richard is over a thousand years old and was a champion fighter even before he acquired superhuman powers, but a drunken lout can whip his ass with no trouble. He is incompetent, boorish, not especially bright, and unscrupulous; and his vampire "mother" Lady Sabra is even more repellent--for instance she uses a human sacrifice for Richard's first feeding.

The writing is bad, the period flavor of the period bits unconvincing (King Arthur tends to lead to problems of anachronism, but it could have been handled better) and the characters, "good" and bad alike, repulsive. This is far below the excellent standard Elrod achieves on her own.

Loved It!.......2002-08-09

What a good book! It is the story of a medival man turned into a vampire. The book is set in the modern world, but flashes back to the time of King Arthur. I don't want to spoil the story for those who have not read it. Suffice it to say that the main characters are realistic and genuine. The story is entertaining with a lot of action. It is a fun read and the writing style is excellent. I hope these authors collaborate on more books in the future. Richard, the main character, is apparently modeled after the LaCroix character Nigel Bennett played on Forever Knight. This book is a must read for Forever Night fans as well as those people who like vampires, but hate the ultra-gorgeous Anne Rice kind.

The Keepers Of The King's Peace (A Sanders of the River Book)

Average customer rating:

The Keepers Of The King's Peace (A Sanders of the River Book)
Edgar Wallace
Manufacturer: House of Stratus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1842326929

North American Sun Kings : Keepers of the Flame

Average customer rating:

North American Sun Kings : Keepers of the Flame
Joseph B Mahan , and Cyclone Covey
Manufacturer: ISAC Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2, Special Illustrated Edition) (Keeper Martin's Tales)

Average customer rating:

The series continued with a sequel better than the first
The first one was great, this one is even better
A Wonderful Continuation To The Series!
Beautifully written and illustrated
Excellent

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2, Special Illustrated Edition) (Keeper Martin's Tales)
Robert Stanek
Manufacturer: Reagent Press Echo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1575455064

Book Description

The epic adventure continues! Discover the magical world of Ruin Mist and be swept away in the adventure of a life time. The story of three lives and a world transformed forever by fate. Also available in English, Spanish, Turkish, Russian, Korean, Bulgarian, Vietnamese, Trade, Library and Audio, the Special Illustrated Edition of this timeless story includes 65 lavish illustrations, deluxe full-size format, and beautiful white paper. Finally released in the version envisioned by the author 20 years ago, this is the story of Ruin Mist completely unaltered to hint at the story's origins in ancient myth and legend. Readers around the world are discovering Robert Stanek and Ruin Mist. Now in this special illustrated edition of the top-selling title, you can get the ultimate Ruin Mist experience. Distinctive cover art features the wizard Xith and his young apprentice Vilmos, deluxe maps help you explore the realms, lavish illustrations bring the author's words to life, and an expansive guide to the world provides additional background to help you unravel the secrets of Ruin Mist. Robert Stanek has been called a modern day Tolkien, and his books have been called Star Wars with Elves, a wonderful cross between Tolkien and Rowling. Learn more about Robert Stanek at robertstanek.com. Enter the breathtaking world of Ruin Mist at ruinmist.com.

Customer Reviews:

The series continued with a sequel better than the first.......2007-07-11

Everything about the first book that made my son and I love it so much returns in this sequel.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, and help to craft a definite image of the world unfolding to your eyes through the lushly detailed text.
My absoulte favorite part of this book, the thing that matters most to me, are the characters. The cast of characters in Robert's writing are always amazing, and they grow even more in this book.
The plot is epic and entertaining, but doesnt try to be more deep than it is, and makes for great reading.
Both my son and I blazed through it, eagerly anticipating the next adventure awaiting us.
For a great fantasy series you can't do better than the Ruin Mist books by Robert Stanek.

The first one was great, this one is even better.......2007-07-10

One of the best things about the Ruin Mist series is that they keep gettin better and better, leading to some astounding conclusions (Kingdom's IV and Dragons IV).
The continuation of the previous book, this epic tale combines great characters, intruiging plot, and lush details and narrations- perfect ingredients for a great book. And a great book it is. Be sure to read all four of the kingdom's books, and the sequel series In the Service of Dragons.

A Wonderful Continuation To The Series!.......2007-04-22

I just couldn't put the darn book down! Like the first one, the story took hold of me from the first page and wouldnt let go until the final word. I found myself wondering what would happen next to the characters when I had to put the book down for any length of time. Thus I finished the book in only two days. Stanek is fast on his way to becoming one of the best Fantasy writers, on a par with Narnia and Harry Potter. Better than Eragon/Eldest. Those who love fast paced Fantasy novels will definitly not be dissapointed!

Beautifully written and illustrated.......2007-03-31

Robert Stanek's The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches has become a fantasy favorite and reading the four books in the series is like entering a fascinating new world of adventure where you never know what will be around the next corner. Robert's writing style has been called a wonderful cross between J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling and the books have been called the Star Wars of fantasy. To me, what this means is that the writing style is full of adventure, humor, and action, and the books have complexity and depth. Many people I've introduced to the amazing world of Ruin Mist have told me what they loved best about the books are the characters and the unique world, the fact each book in the series is better than the one before it, and that the second reading of the series is even better than the first.

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Keeper Martin's Tales Series, Book 1) - is where the story begins. Reading this story, you learn about the many wonders of the kingdoms of men and the reaches of the elves.

The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2) - continues the story right where the first leaves off and brings the first story arc to its dramatic, edge-of-the-seat conclusion.

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches Book 3 (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 3) - is where the story really takes flight and you are propelled into all the wonders Ruin Mist has to offer. This is where you first meet dragons, troants, and other creatures beyond the shapeshifting wolm and their evil queen.

The Kingdoms & The Elves of the Reaches IV (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales (Paperback)) - is where prophecies become reality. You get to walk in the underworld and the dragon tower, join Valam in the trios, and journey to the corners of the lands.

If you are just starting the series, you should read book one first. The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches has several excellent editions.

The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 1)

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 1, Special Illustrated Edition)

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Signature Illustrated Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales)

The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II also has several excellent editions.

The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2)

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2, Special Illustrated Edition)

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Signature Illustrated Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales)

Over all, I would personally rate this series above Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, and the like. The stories certainly approach the greatness of Tolkien in any event. I have purchased the original edition and the special illustrated edition. The many illustrations throughout the book editions are excellent. However, like the special illustrated edition of the first book, the special illustrated edition of this second book has an amazing cover with a full-size color illustration on the front and three color illustrations on the back! Since the book is 8 1/2 x 11 in size, the back cover illustrations are as large as cover illustrations on most paperbacks. The illustrated guide to the world at the end of the book is excellent too.

Don't miss this series... Worst case, hard-core Potter fans will like it much better than Artemis Fowl but not as much as Harry Potter. To me though, it is better than Harry Potter because it has more adventure and magic, plus I liked the characters better. In Harry Potter, I have one favorite character and a few characters I like okay to read about. In the Kingdoms books, I have five favorites (Xith, Vilmos, Emel, Adrina, Seth) and many other characters I love to read about (Erravane, Galan, Brodst, Myrial, Midori, Martin, Jacob, Cagan, Jarom, Sathar, Edward).

Excellent.......2007-03-01

I'm a fan of Harry Potter who just discovered this series, and I'm glad to have something to fill the "void" until the final Potter book comes out. Looking forward to continuing the saga with the third book.

Coretta Scott King: Keeper of the Dream (Contemporary Women Series)

Average customer rating:

Coretta Scott King: Keeper of the Dream (Contemporary Women Series)
Sondra Henry , Emily Taitz , and Taitz Emily
Manufacturer: Enslow Pub Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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