The Chaos Curse (Forgotten Realms: The Cleric Quintet, Book 5)

Book Description

The quest is over. The hero returns home.

A weary Cadderly makes his way back to the Edificant Library, where he can begin to rebuild his shattered life. But the Chaos Curse has one last surprise for him.

If he fails to meet the challenge, his beloved Danica will be lost to him forever.

Customer Reviews:

Inept Readers Perhaps..........2006-07-13

So many bad reviews, I think the problem lies not with the book, but with the readers. This book is what it is, a closing to a 5 book series. The reader should know better then to jump into the story at book 5 and expect indepth character development and the logical development of a villain. This book is meant to end the story of Cadderly not begin a new one.

The Clerical Quintet is a series that overall bears a 5 star rating and is one of the best fantasy reads you can find. This book lacks in areas and is not as enthralling as the first 4 but it closes the story well regardless of whether people liked the ending or not. If you continue to read the Drizzt's series books that procede this book on the Forgotten Realms timeline you will run into Cadderly once again and find more information about what happened to him that might change your perspective on the story teller.

Salvatore is a master at painting a picture in everything he writes. If you purchase this book, purchase the entire Quintet and be prepared to be whisked away and immersed into the world of the Forgotten Realms by one of the best fantasy writers of our time...

Should have been a quartet..........2006-03-10

Seriously, with this as the final volume, I think the Cleric Quintet would have been better as the Cleric Quartet. If you've read the rest of the series (which is excellent) you'll want to read this one just to know how it all wraps up. The series deserved a better ending though, one that wasn't so painful to read.

Only one reason to read this series.......2003-10-07

The Bouldershoulder Brothers. They are the funniest characters in the forgotten realms. Everything else in the series is blah.

A worse waste of time has yet to be written.......2003-08-17

I generally love the work of Salvatore, however this book was a disappointment. Instead of the usual "couldn't put it down", this one I "couldn't bear to pick it up". I have a rule that I always read a book cover to cover once started, incase it had a slow start with a fantastic ending or profound message. This book had

- no character developement

- non-logical villian developement

- a let down ending

and the writing style was atypical of Salvatore. His usual in depth descriptions were just glossed over intimations of what he meant.

I'll freely admit that I'm not a huge fan of the dwarven characters in his novel. They are slap stick comedy relief and make a mockery of dwarven values and characteristics. The concept of a dwarven druid is great, but he is basically portrayed as a mentally challenged dwarven druid.

Take my word on this one. This book was terrible.

Okay conclusion to interesting series.......2002-08-12

... there are some interesting elements here. As hinted at in some of the previous novels of the series, Cadderly has something a reformer attitude. He believes his order has strayed away from its tenets and that it is too consumed with ritual and dusty tomes rather than helping people etc... Cadderly's religious order is headed up by Dean Thobiscus who, in Cadderly's view, personifies the ritualistic and power politics that have corrupted the order. This conflict had potential to be developed more, but this did not happen.

There was one improvement over the previous book in the series. Cadderly finally faces a foe that he finds difficult to combat. Obviously, I don't want to reveal who this last villain is but it was reasonably done. There is also some genuine risk involved here as Cadderly's lover, Danica, is captured. Where is the setting for this confrontation? The Edificant Library which has been overcome by the forces of darkness. Also, he faces an important choice near the end; to follow the calling of his God completely or continue his relationship with Danica.

Book Description

The Bifrost Guardians is the bold and original five-book series that launched the career of Mickey Zucker Reichert. This epic saga of an American soldier sent from Vietnam through time and space to a battlefield where the weapons are not bullets and grenades, but swords and spells, is now reintroduced to readers through Daw's new omnibus collections.

In this second volume, which includes books four and five in the series, the forces of Chaos are unleashed-in a strangely altered, modern-day America.

Praise for The Bifrost Guardian series:

"Refreshingly daring...funny, touching, sad, impelling, and ultimately satisfying...I hope it marks a new trend in fantasy."-Thrust"Ms. Reichert has a master's touch for provoking curiosity and for drawing dynamic characters...keep the reader turning the pages."-Rave Reviews

"Inventive, fertile imagination...appealing characters."-American Fantasy

An Enemy Reborn (Realms of Chaos: The Second Book)

Average customer rating:

Ugh, this is just painful.
A Great Book!
It's not great but not that bad either..
THIS WAS A SEQUAL TO A HERO BORN?
a question to Mr Stackpole

An Enemy Reborn (Realms of Chaos: The Second Book)
Michael A. Stackpole , and William F. Wu (contributor)
Manufacturer: HarperPrism
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0061056812

Customer Reviews:

Ugh, this is just painful........2006-06-30

I can look past the fact that Locke, the main character from A Hero Born, is featured prominently on both the front cover art and the description on the back cover when in fact he only shows up at the end of the book. Sure it's disappointing, but as long as the story is good, that's all that matters.

I can also look past the fact that Michael Stackpole, whose novel Talion: Revenant I credit with awakening me to the world of fantasy fiction, is listed as the book's author when in fact it is his pal William Wu who is responsible for most of the story. Again, disappointing, but as long as the story is good, that's all that matters.

I can even look past the fact that one of the book's major characters comes from "our" world, even though this type of plot device almost never works well (Guy Gavriel Kay's Fionavar Tapestry being the obvious exception). Besides, as long as the story is good, that's all that matters.

BUT THE STORY IS NOT GOOD!!!

Seriously, I'm supposed to accept this as the sequel to the very enjoyable A Hero Born? Everything about this story screams amateur hour. I'm tempted to launch into a tirade about every flaw I encountered in An Enemy Reborn, but it all comes back to the same thing: the story just isn't good. I hate writing such a negative review of a (sort of) Michael Stackpole novel. I consider him one of the better fantasy fiction authors out there, and he seems like a nice guy too. But this novel is beneath him. Here's hoping it remains out of print.

A Great Book!.......2001-02-24

I read all the reviews on this book, and saw alot saying it was horrible. I don't agree. I got it to read for a book report in English, and ended up reading it twice! *and this is a big step for me, because most books I read have no more than 250 pages in them*. I also hope to buy it, so I can read it as many more times as I can. I do want to read the first one as well. I do wonder about the back of the book, where it talks about Locke, but I don't worry much. I like the whole thing with Len as well. Len, Jhesti, and Fitz are 3 of my fave people, with Lord Disaster being my 4th fave. I reccomend anyone who likes long books to read this. No matter what others miht say, I think it's great!

It's not great but not that bad either.........2000-10-11

This book is definitely not as good as A Hero Born. It's entertaining, but the sense of flow and characterisation that made the first book so good are lacking in this sequel. But that can't totally be blamed on Michael Stackpole. The thing to remember here is that most of this story was written by William Wu and not M.Stackpole. The story concept and characters are Wu's. Stackpole only made modifications to the story so that it could get published, so technically it's not really a Stackpole original piece. But nonetheless, it's still worth a read.

THIS WAS A SEQUAL TO A HERO BORN?.......2000-07-24

THIS BOOK IS A FAIRLY GOOD ONE. HOPEFULLY, YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING TO READ ABOUT THE SAME MAIN CHARACTER. THE MAIN ONE IN THIS ONE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FIRST BOOK. THE ONLY REALLY PITTIFUL PART IS THE VERY END. SO IF YOU LOOSE IT WITH JUST A FEW PAGES LEFT, DO NOT LOOK FOR IT.

a question to Mr Stackpole.......1999-12-27

Although, the concept and the idea of the book are very intriguing; the storyline has a lot of gaps which makes the details somewhat confusing. " ! warning a spoiler a head ! " A question to Mr Stackpole. If Xoayya has a vision where she's is getting married and Len is at this wedding. How is Len going to return to Realms of Chaos to attend that ceremony if he was send to Earth? Plus, why is the description on the back cover talks about Locke and how he "must become the very hero that he seeks" when Locke only enters the storyline ten pages before the end of the book ?

Average customer rating:

Realm of Chaos (Warhammer Armies)
R Priestley , and T Pirinen
Manufacturer: Games Workshop Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

A Hero Born (Realms of Chaos: The First Book)

Average customer rating:

Fantastic
Good start...where is the end?
Truly unique
Science-Fiction Fan
All Right!

A Hero Born (Realms of Chaos: The First Book)
Michael A. Stackpole
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0061056804

Book Description

An apprentice swordsman, Locke has ridden the narrow trail to the City of the Sorcerers to see with his own eyes the Ward Walls that hold back the realms of Chaos. It is Locke's dream to become a Chaos Rider, and seek his destiny beyond the Wall. It is Locke's hope that somewhere, in the wildness where time and change rage out of control, his lost father still survives.

But more than just survival is at stake. For on the other side of the Wall awaits a Darkness beyond all ken--and evil inchoate that will test the steel of one young hero and, indeed, all of that bold and foolish race called humankind.

"Stackpole spins tales which grab you by the heart, throat, and imagination." -Dennis L. McKiernan, author of The Drogonstone

"Magic, action, adventure, romance...Michael

Stackpole has it all." -Jennifer Roberson

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2003-07-04

First of all, do yourself a favor and don't skip ahead in the book, you'll ruin it. This story is Stackpole at his best. An original setting, convincingly and logically written. The author clearly considered the implications of the environment he created. The foreshadowing was available without being obvious; characters were well described and seemed to stay within prescribed personalities. The only qualm I had with this book was that toward the end it was hard to keep track of who was alive, who might be dead, and who was really dead. Fortunately, that's all explicitly stated close to the end of the novel.

An excellent read, order it and enjoy. If you want further excellence from Stackpole read The Dragoncrown War cycle, starting with Dark Glory War.

Good start...where is the end?.......2002-07-26

This book is pretty good...very readable. Only problem with this book is that it is a start of a Trilogy that does not end. The second book does not have the main character in it but is also a very readable book despite the shift of spotlight.

Truly unique.......2002-07-14

Yeah, I've never come across a book quite like this. Stackpole really managed to create a very unique and fascinating setting. The characters are fleshed-out individuals too. See, a long time ago, some wizards screwed up a massive ritual. Now, except for a nation that the wizards reclaimed from the destruction, most of the world is ruled by a twisting wave of chaos, that inevitably and unpredictably changes everything it touches--including adventurers. Yet, there are those who for one reason or another feel compelled to venture into that chaos. Such a one is the hero, Locke. Locke seems like the flattest of all the characters in the book, but trust me, he's not. Meanwhile, the other 'chaos-riders' are amazing examples of characters. Magicians, mutants, and warriors, one way or another each character gets drafted into Locke's mission. And the best part is, you don't figure out the answers till the very end!

Though it's good, the second book in the series focuses on a different character, which I find unfair. So here's hoping another one turns up soon!

Science-Fiction Fan.......2001-12-21

When I read all the books my 8th grade teacher had available (the books my teacher we like a 6th grade reading level to me), I went in search of a book. Not just any book. I was looking for a challenge and I came upon this book. I picked it up thinking, what a weird cover. I started reading it and immediatly got hooked. I bought it from the store, took it home, went to my room, and never came out for hours. When I finished the book I read it again. I can't wait to read the second book! Michael A. Stackpole is now my favorite author. Keep up the good work!

All Right!.......2001-08-04

I loved this story! Very well written, suspenseful, with some interesting twists and a good healthy dose of versimilitude. The main characters weren't necessarily invulnerable, which I feel is very realistic. EXCELLENT BOOK!!!

Average customer rating:

Awesome book!
Great fighting fantasy book!

REALM OF CHAOS (Grail Quest, No 6)
J.H. Brennan
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0440973252
Release Date: 1987-07-01

Customer Reviews:

Awesome book!.......1999-01-22

This book (and the whole Grail Quest series) is not just straight reading; it is actually an incredibly fun game, making use of dice, pencils and paper to record things as you read and make choices that lead to the fate of the hero Pip (played by you). You battle monsters and try to solve brain teasing riddles and puzzles (Brennan has a real nack for them). The writing style is exquisite: very humorous, descriptive and easy to read. The plot is incredibly imaginative, original, exciting and even complex. Although I originally read it when I was young, it is not at all too childish to be read by an adult who enjoys fantasy adventure. A final descriptive note on what they are like: very similar to the Lone Wolf series by Joe Denver but far more engaging than "Choose your own adventure" books. I once had two others of the series including "Kingdom of Horror" and they were every bit as good. I have since lost them all and am desperately looking to replace them and collect the whole series!

Great fighting fantasy book!.......1997-03-20

This is a very humorous role playing book, it places you as Pip, the hero and general layabout, trying to save the realm of Avalon. (yes, the one with King Arthur and Merlin and the knghts and stuff...)Point of fact, this book is a summoning spell sent foward in time by merlin to find a strapping young hero (like you!) to fight through hordes of monsters, converse at length with the poetic fiend (an awesome task) solve impossible puzzles (I cheated) and generally do good.This is very humorous, fun and easy to understand book. If you can find the rest in the series, do so, I have them all! They are BRILL

Average customer rating:

Nothing special
Great for the chaos guys

Realm of Chaos (Warhammer)

Manufacturer: Games Workshop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0671784056

Book Description

In the dark and gothic world of Warhammer, the ravaging armies of the Ruinous Powers sweep down from the savage north to assail the lands of men. Realm of Chaos is a searing collection of a dozen all-action fantasy short stories set in those desperate times.

Customer Reviews:

Nothing special.......2004-10-31

The FABULOUS cover art of a black-armoured Chaos warrior really drew me like a magnet to this book. But unfortunately while some of the 12 short stories contained within were okay, I did not find anything that really lived up to the promise of the cover.

"Birth of a Legend" by Gav Thorpe is an okay "first contact" kind of tale between Dwarves and Humans, with an interesting twist at the end for those familiar with their Warhammer history.

"The Hounds of Winter" by Jonathan Green brings together spirits of legend on a spooky night at a remote inn.

"Hatred" by Ben Chessel is about a sinister witch-hunter. I really couldn't find any point to this story.

In "Grunsonn's Marauders" by Andy Jones, editor Jones introduces us to his rollicking band of mercenary adventurers consisting of a Dwarf, an Elf, a Barbarian and a normal human. Not exactly original. (--"Icewind Dale", anyone?) And the whole story in which they go on a quest for a mysterious wizard is just too cutesy and has too much of a pat ending for my tastes.

"The Doorway Between" by Rjurik Davidson deals with two witch-hunters on a mission for a count. Another story I found pretty pointless.

"Mormacar's Lament" by Chris Pramas features Elves and Dark Elves. Not bad, and has a nice twist ending.

"The Blessed Ones" by Rani Kellock is the tale of a university student's brush with some Chaos worshipers. A bit predictable.

"Dark Heart" by Jonathan Green is a story dealing with vampires and a group of mercenaries. It seemed too brief to me and I was hoping for more out of it.

"The Chaos Beneath" by Mark Brendan deals with yet another witch-hunter, this time in the sewers beneath Marienburg.

In "Paradise Lost", Andy Jones once again trots out his cast from "Grunsonn's Marauders". But this time out he manages to get more of a story going here, and I found that I actually quite enjoyed this one. The Marauders get marooned on a desert isle and have a great adventure. Kind of like "Gilligan's Island" meets "Lord of the Rings" meets "The Man Who Would Be King". I'd say it's probably the best story in the book (kind of by default). Quite a fun story.

"Wolf in the Fold" by Ben Chessell deals with a notorious assassin and his final hours. Nothing special and kind of predictable.

"The Faithful Servant" by Gav Thorpe chronicles a post-battle battlefield encounter between representatives of the powers of good and of evil. A classic study in the temptation of Chaos. This one was probably my second favourite in the book, and was much more in the vein of what I was expecting from the other stories in the book. A decent little story.

So overall quite an uneven selection, with stories that I would consider worth reading at a minimum and nothing that I would especially say is a "must read". So I'd say I'd give this book about 2.5 stars, but since I didn't DISlike it I bumped it up to a 3.

For those that haven't read them yet, I would recommend anything in William King's "Trollslayer" series over this book.

Great for the chaos guys.......2000-10-25

This book is great for those who play chaos armies in the warhammer game and tell tales of the history of chaos to their opponents to frustrate and demoralize them. It's many short stories combined into a single book, and the stories are all unheard of so it is a must for any dedicated chaos player.

Average customer rating:

Fresh ideas surge onto the scene
Chaosrealm
Great Book

Chaos Realm: the immortals
S.E. Bellian
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1413724760

Book Description

Imagine a world where magic and technology coexist, where the laws of physics are subject to change without warning… Time-travelers, dimension jumpers, demi-gods and immortals live side-by-side in a city balanced haphazardly between creation and destruction and ruled by the illustrious Errida Dynasty. Add a demonic army, hordes of corrupt businessmen, one musical dragon prince, four gossiping courtesans, and a teenaged alchemist. Put the devil in the driver's seat of a yellow cab and you've got… Chaos Realm.“The Immortals” follows the footsteps of one woman's quest for redemption. Summoned accidentally by an amateur wizard, Ireval Ithraedol finds herself torn between her dark past and the brilliant potential that awaits her in a place beyond all imagination where ships fly, animals talk and jellybeans explode. Yet when Ireval's own people discover that she still lives, a great war begins…a war that will ultimately decide the fate of the entire universe.

Customer Reviews:

Fresh ideas surge onto the scene.......2004-09-20

S.E. Bellian's new work is one of the most exciting and fresh novels in the sci-fi or fantasy scenes. Take the classic fantasy of Marion Zimmer Bradley and R.A. Salvatore and add a little Douglas Adams and finish off with just a kick of Niel Gaiman and you have S.E. Bellian. Imagine a world where dragons and fairies wandered the streets of New York, magic was as wide spread as McDonald's, and your wildest dreams were waiting for you around the next corner. This is chaos realm, and the immortals is only a glimps into this wonderous universe. A universe filled we unique and creative characters, which the reader can not help but fall for. This book is a refreshing addition to the world of literature and is a must read by anyone who ever dared to have an imagination.

Chaosrealm.......2004-09-19

I've read the book through the planning stages, and Sarah can really write. She's a wonderful author, and I can't wait for the rest of the books in the series!

Great Book.......2004-09-11

I Love this book and not because im the aurthor best Friend either. It is a Great that Ive reacommed to my family and friend and encourage others to ... it is a wonderful Sci-fi Book that i never wanted to put down.

Average customer rating:

An appealing, visually vivid format is presented.
"Let them join the circus. I want to join real life."
Reviewing the Children's Book- not the Script Book

MirrorMask (Unabridged)
Neil Gaiman
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
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ASIN: B000JJ4OKY

Customer Reviews:

An appealing, visually vivid format is presented........2007-01-07

Helena has been raised in a family of circus performers and dreams of a normal life - until haunting music leads her far from home to a magical world where her real life is stolen. Her only hope is to rescue her new home from a threat - if she can. MirrorMask is a film: Gaiman's story here pairs with artist/director Dave McKean to provide a blend of novella and art, supplemented by images from the film. An appealing, visually vivid format is presented.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

"Let them join the circus. I want to join real life.".......2006-04-10

I personally found the fantastical MIRRORMASK to be an enjoyable read. The story itself wasn't too terribly gripping but I loved the way in which it was written. Neil Gaiman is a master at creating new worlds and painting vivid imagery with his words, captivating me as always. But please note that while this is called the "children's edition" I'd have to say it is more like a young adult read. Granted it's a short book with only 80 pages of storytelling intersperced with illustrations from Dave McKean as well as pictures taken from the movie, in a sense it is too grown-up for real young kids to enjoy.

Reviewing the Children's Book- not the Script Book.......2005-10-12

The Children's book, like all of McKean's work, is beautiful. The story is good and funny, although not as full or deep as some of Mr. Gaiman's work. I wish the movie had wider distribution. My children are enjoying the book.

Average customer rating:

Dark Realms Barony Of Chaos
Ryan S. Johnson
Manufacturer: Guild of Blades Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1582190070

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