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Fantasy

Alvin Journeyman
Author: Card, Orson Scott
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Good
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:Book 4 in the Alvin Maker series. This series remains strong. This time around, Alvin returns home to work as a blacksmith and teach others how to become a maker. He works toward his vision of the Crystal City and the reader can get a sense of where this series is headed.

American Gods
Author: Gaiman, Neil
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: OK
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:Being a big fan of Gaiman's other work, I was disappointed by this book. He explores some wonderful themes and creates some entertaining concepts. But the main character did not draw me in and I had a hard time getting through this book. I didn't necessarily enjoy reading it, but I could appreciate it when I finally finished.

Enchantment
Author: Card, Orson Scott
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Excellent
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:Another one of my all-time favorites, Enchantment is a fabulous modern day fairy tale. The protagonist discovers a magical portal in the forest which transports him across the world and to a different time period in which he must save his princess. An all-around brilliant, very fun, witty fairy-tale.

Harry Potter Series
Author: Rawlings, J.K.
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Good
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:As a first-time author, Rawling has created a wonderfully intriguing world. Although the Potter series is targeted towards children, the stories are intricate enough to also entertain adults. Rawlings is creative, witty and very clever with word-play. Although like many fantasy writers, as the series goes on, the books have gotten longer. She is clearly fascinated by the world she has created and can't help but go into delicious details. Her world is fascinating, so I don't mind all the detail but it does begin to detract from the plot.

Heartfire
Author: Card, Orson Scott
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Good
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:Between the title and the cover image, many might mistake this for a romance novel. But thankfully, it's another book in the charming Alvin Maker series. Alvin, Peggy, Calvin, and others continue their adventures where they left off in Alvin Journeyman.

Jurgen
Author: Cabell, James Branch
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Excellent
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:Jurgen, the protagonist, regains his youth, and encounters a number of wild adventures while searching for his lost wife. The flawed romantic, Jurgen falls in love half a dozen times, encounters both God and the devil, explores alternate pasts, and travels wondrous lands. In this brilliant fantasy, Cabell is erudite, imaginative, allegorical. I could reread this book dozens of times before discovering all of its hidden meanings.

Neverwhere
Author: Gaiman, Neil
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Excellent
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:A fascinating adventure. It's been awhile since I've read this, but I recall it being a wild adventure in a wonderfully fantastical world in the underground sewers below London. Gaimain creates unique characters, explores dark themes and has a lot of fun along the way.

Prentice Alvin
Author: Card, Orson Scott
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Excellent
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:Another great installment in the Alvin Maker series. Unlike most fantasy writers, as this series goes on, the books remain concise and the story stays strong.

Red Prophet
Author: Card, Orson Scott
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Excellent
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:The Alvin Maker tale continues in book 2, Red Prophet. In this installment, Alvin uses his power to influence the political struggles of the time - strained relations with the Indians, competing European nations for fronteir lands, corrupt governors of remote territories. Card's compelling characters keep you turning the pages to untangle the political turmoil and discover the elaborate intricacies of a world in which magic is part of every day life.

Seventh Son
Author: Card, Orson Scott
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Excellent
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:The first in the Alvin Maker series, Card introduces great characters and opens a fascinating story set in fronteir America. Card creates an alternate history which almost could have happened, except in his world, folk magic works. People have knacks, make charms, and some can even foretell the future. All of this is weaved into an otherwise normal world and provides a magnificent setting for a wonderful adventure.

Stardust
Author: Gaiman, Neil
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Excellent
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:One of my all-time favorites. Gaiman masters the art of modern day fairy tales. The protagonist, Tristan Thorn, ventures off into the magical realm just beyond his village wall, in search of a fallen star. In this sweet fairy tale, Gaiman creates an enchanting land filled with magical beasts and wondrous items. A quick read, very fun and quite imaginative.

Sword of Truth Series
Author: Goodkind, Terry
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Excellent
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:The Sword of Truth series is often compared to Robert Jordon's Wheel of Time series, but really there is no comparison. Goodkind is a far superior writer. His character development is far more accomplished. Unlike Jordan's series, as this series goes on, it continues to stay strong. Each book is a good novel on its own. There are many parellels in Goodkind's fantasy world and Jordan's. But Goodkind tells a more compelling story and creates fewer and more well-rounded characters.

The Crystal City
Author: Card, Orson Scott
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Good
Last Read: January, 2004

Review:I thought this was the last installment of the Alvin Maker series. Many have told me otherwise, but I thought it was a suitable ending to the series. Same great characters from earlier books in the series. Like most Card books, a page turner, although not as compelling as earlier books in this series.

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
Author: Tolkien, J.R.R.
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Excellent
Last Read: Prior to 2004

Review:Tolkien's word of Middle Earth filled with Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves and many other fabulous things is incomparable to anything else in the realm of fantasy literature. Tolkien, a mythologist, more than a novel writer, created an intricate world in which a heroic tale emerges. Follow Bilbo, Frodo, Merry, Pippin, Aragon, Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas, and many others as they strive to protect mankind from the evil of Mordor.