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Liked It “I rather enjoyed this trilogy and personally think it better than the second trilogy he wrote which continues the story some decades later.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “I had a hard time enjoying this book. The author definately has created a large world with a deep history (along with maps) to help make the world seem real. He also spends time on the details (sometimes a bit too much perhaps). My first real problem with this book was the pacing. It starts off...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“I rather enjoyed this trilogy and personally think it better than the second trilogy he wrote which continues the story some decades later.”
Stranger Fork wrote this review 11 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Two thousand years past, the Destroyer stole the secret of eternal life from the Most High. In the intervening centuries, he has learned much, conquered and been set back, and has readied himself for the next blow. This time, he will rule the land. This time, he will outwit the Most High. But against his world-dominating schemes, the Most High has raised up a most unlikely group of heros: small men and women from a village all but forgotten by the rest of the world. A band of five, plus friends, whose determination to save those they love may yet break the shadow looming over the world.
Aelvana wrote this review Sunday, November 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
In a way, the plot almost takes backstage to the overwhelming descriptions of nature. From high mountain peaks with villagers who eke out a living during the short summers and 8-month winters to the farmers in the valley to the peoples of the moor, each kind of terrain has bred its own inhabitants even as the people have conquered their terrain. It's like listening to a 700-page National Geographic documentary, following cameramen through the wilderness. The prose perfectly frames extravagant landscapes.
The plot and characters, unfortunately, were not nearly as impressive. It's a long, slow, agonizing chase, and the book chronicles every step. And just when the chase seems to be over, it turns into another chase. Though the characters have a few surprises, not much space is devoted to actually developing character. More space is reserved for fireside stories of the First Men and the Most High, the origins of the Destroyer, and the legends about various parts of the land. The Most High is obviously involved quite a bit with the present journey and the history of the people, but not much detail is ever given about how people currently worship the Most High, if they do at all. The religion is as straightforward as the characters.
Overall this is an incredible journey, but I find the only piece I'm looking forward to is figuring out Hal's role in the whole thing. Leith spends much of the time sunk in his own concerns; everyone else is mostly transparent and simple. It's a good story that is executed well, but has little that would draw me back for a second read. I rate this book Neutral.”“a huge and interesting story and trilogy i picked up in new zealand”
emma s wrote this review Saturday, October 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I had a hard time enjoying this book. The author definately has created a large world with a deep history (along with maps) to help make the world seem real. He also spends time on the details (sometimes a bit too much perhaps). My first real problem with this book was the pacing. It starts off reall slow and slowly builds toward the end. The main thing that annoyed me about this book was how the character development was handled. At one point the group that the story follows gets into a fight with another group of people. In this small battle the young female character (who came from a small farming community) kills a member of the opposing group. Her reaction to taking a human life? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. No thought process of "I just killed a human" or even a reference to how killing someone made her feel. Many of the characters also lack any response to killing other people. Now if they had killed orcs or some other type of monster this would make sense. It should be noted that they were defending themselves from attack but I would still expect some reaction out of the characters. For me that is what made this book unenjoyable for me.”
Pete S wrote this review Sunday, June 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Much better than the first. I am really into the story now, and actually looking forward to book three.”
Johnny Brooks wrote this review Saturday, April 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“If you enjoyed the Lord of the Rings, you will enjoy the Fire of Heaven Trilogy. I like the way Russell Kirkpatrick has created his characters and let them grow and evolve as they travel. A little heavy at times on detail but fast paced enough to carry you through. I am enjoying the series.”
Sinjin2 wrote this review Thursday, February 21 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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