Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: The Wizard's Ward (Luna) by Deborah Hale ISBN: 0-373-80205-6 Publisher: Luna Pub. Date: 01 April, 2004 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.9 (10 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Not bad for a first Fantasy attempt
Comment: I've been a huge fan of Deborah Hale's romances for quite some time, as well as an avid reader of the lighter forms of fantasy. This book highlights Hale's wonderful ability to create characters who are overall realistic, with just a hint of melodrama to elevate their plight to the level required for romantic fiction. Both the hero and heroine of the Wizard's Ward captured my interest and sympathy, right from the beginning. In addition, the elements of a midieval-type culture were obviously well-researched, just as they were in Elusive Bride and Border Bride--they were presented matter of factly and in appropriate detail, which lent the setting of the narrative a comforting degree of familiarity despite the fact that the story takes place in a completely different universe.
However, the fantasy element is a bit weak, as is the plot. Maura learns of her destiny within the space of a few pages, right at the beginning of the book. We don't really get to see the opression of the Umbrians or the cruelty of the Han, and there's almost no time to learn about Maura herself before she goes tearing off on her quest. Maura's arsinal of magic seems pitifully small, judging by the number of times she resorts to the same four or five spells--in the follo-up story, due out sometime next year I hope to see a bit more diversity.
That being said, the action scenes do get better as the novel progresses and there are several all-around great scenes--specifically I'm thinking of the chimoney clogging episode.
If I were to offer one criticism overall, it would be that the entire story from start to finish could have used about seventy-odd more pages of detail, filling in the gaps in the narrative and acquainting the reader a bit better with the circumstances that serve as the background to the plot. Overall though, it's a fun read if one is willing to use one's imagination to fill in the gaps, and I would encourage fans of Hale's romances to give it a try. Don't expect hard-core fantasy though, or even something as detail and plot oriented as the Elizabeth Hayden series. Perhaps the second book will do more for the fantasy lovers.
Rating: 5
Summary: Beautiful debut
Comment: Deborah Hale is a greatly loved author of historical romance with a huge following of fans. I couldn't wait to read her first fantasy novel, as I have loved her previous books, and I was not about to miss this one, which I enjoyed immensely. If you're a fan of Deb Hale, don't miss this book, as she delivers a fast moving story full of adventure and romance. As always, her characters are genuine and interesting, and the story is full of atmosphere and neat twists, and at the same time it's a fresh and different style for her. If you haven't tried Deb Hale, this is a great time to start.
Rating: 5
Summary: Lots of action and romance
Comment: I am a long time fantasy reader and I really enjoyed this book. Being more of a fantasy reader I enjoyed the action sequences best (the original escape through the woods and the final battle at the mines). I preferred the subtle romance scenes. This had the best hero I have seen in a long time. This is the best of the Luna books I have read so far!
 |
Title: In Camelot's Shadow by Sarah Zettel ISBN: 0373802048 Publisher: Luna Pub. Date: 01 March, 2004 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
 |
Title: The Charmed Sphere by Catherine Asaro ISBN: 037380203X Publisher: Luna Pub. Date: 01 February, 2004 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
 |
Title: Silver's Edge (Luna) by Anne Kelleher ISBN: 0373802072 Publisher: Luna Pub. Date: 01 June, 2004 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
 |
Title: The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey ISBN: 0373802021 Publisher: Luna Pub. Date: 01 January, 2004 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
 |
Title: Charmed Destinies: 3 Novels in 1 by Mercedes Lackey, Rachel Lee, Catherine Asaro ISBN: 0373218338 Publisher: Silhouette Books Pub. Date: 01 November, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.50 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
