Best Historical Fantasy
With her now-classic novel Outlander, Diana Gabaldon introduced two unforgettable characters—Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser—delighting readers with a story of adventure and love that spanned two centuries. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as shocking as the events that gave it birth: the secret of an ancient circle of standing stones, the secret of a love that transcends centuries, and the truth of a man named Jamie Fraser—a Highland warrior whose gallantry once drew the young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his. This time-traveling romantic adventure will please fans who have been waiting for the further adventures of Dr. Claire Beauchamp Randall, a 20th-century American who goes to Scotland in search of her 18th-century husband, virile Scot Jamie Fraser, whom she met and married in Outlander ( LJ 7/91). Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. An engaging time-travel romance, the second of a trilogy (after Outlander, 1991), that animates the people and politics of a pivotal period in history--while turning up the heat between an appealing modern heroine and a magnetic romantic hero. But this espionage is only the beginning...A most entertaining mix of history and fantasy whose author, like its heroine, exhibits a winning combination of vivid imagination and good common sense.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Not only did she write this long novel (plus seven more, plus some related novellas and such), and keep it endlessly entertaining with vivid characters and fresh plot twists galore. They are the kind of verbal jewels that make any author gasp and say "I wish I wrote that." The odds are slim that anyone will encounter this five-star review in the vast ocean of existing appreciation for this delightful book and its author. If, perchance, a live person actually reads this review, please let me know with a "helpful" vote."
"With the the portability and ease of reading electronically I am reliving the stories of Clare and Jamie and Brianna and Roger et al again. Diana delivers the emotion, sights, sounds, smells, triumphs and failures with her words. She always finds alliterative and clever phrasing to bring everything alive - whether it is a trip across the sea or a dangerous encounter or mundane every tasks or Clare and Jamie enjoying the delights of each other intimately."
"I am reading again so I can be up to date (in my wee brain) on what will be happening in the TV series on Starz."
"Claire and Jamie are fun to read about, and spending time in 18th century France and Scotland is a blast."
"The book starts with the heroine in Scotland just after WWII and she accidentally goes back 200 years in time. I can see a wide range of complaints from too much romance, violence, torture, sex, intrigue, too many characters, too much discussion about medicine, the scenery and the weather."
"This is my second time reading this series."
"While I truly relish D. Gabaldon's writing, I feel that the tale is greatly enhanced by Davina Porter's as narrator. Suffice it to say that this is the continuation of the story of the lives of Claire Beauchamp and Jamie Fraser after they're forced to marry. When I'm feeling industrious I intend to look this up and check the facts against the plot line."
The dazzling fifth volume of Diana Gabaldon’s extraordinary Outlander saga, featuring 18th-century Scotsman James Fraser and his 20th-century time-traveling wife, Claire Randall. The fiery cross, once used to summon Highland clans to war, now beckons readers to take up Diana Gabaldon's fifth installment in the Outlander series featuring the time-traveling Frasers. Historical fiction fans who have waited four long years since the publication of Drums of Autumn will thrill to Gabaldon's trademark detail and sensuality, both displayed liberally throughout the nearly 1,000 pages of The Fiery Cross .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Not only did she write this long novel (plus seven more, plus some related novellas and such), and keep it endlessly entertaining with vivid characters and fresh plot twists galore. They are the kind of verbal jewels that make any author gasp and say "I wish I wrote that." The odds are slim that anyone will encounter this five-star review in the vast ocean of existing appreciation for this delightful book and its author. If, perchance, a live person actually reads this review, please let me know with a "helpful" vote."
"With the the portability and ease of reading electronically I am reliving the stories of Clare and Jamie and Brianna and Roger et al again. Diana delivers the emotion, sights, sounds, smells, triumphs and failures with her words. She always finds alliterative and clever phrasing to bring everything alive - whether it is a trip across the sea or a dangerous encounter or mundane every tasks or Clare and Jamie enjoying the delights of each other intimately."
"I am reading again so I can be up to date (in my wee brain) on what will be happening in the TV series on Starz."
"Claire and Jamie are fun to read about, and spending time in 18th century France and Scotland is a blast."
"The book starts with the heroine in Scotland just after WWII and she accidentally goes back 200 years in time. I can see a wide range of complaints from too much romance, violence, torture, sex, intrigue, too many characters, too much discussion about medicine, the scenery and the weather."
"This is my second time reading this series."
"While I truly relish D. Gabaldon's writing, I feel that the tale is greatly enhanced by Davina Porter's as narrator. Suffice it to say that this is the continuation of the story of the lives of Claire Beauchamp and Jamie Fraser after they're forced to marry. When I'm feeling industrious I intend to look this up and check the facts against the plot line."
Winner 2016 Readers' Favourite Award for Epic Fantasy. Winner 2015 LYRA Award for Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Winner 2015 CIPA EVVY Award for Fiction/Fantasy. Winner 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award for Fantasy. Winner 2016 Audible Best Fantasy Audiobook. Runner-up 2016 IPPY Awards and 2015 Great Midwest Book Festival for Sci-Fi/Fantasy. #1 Bestseller in Epic, Historical and Coming of Age Fantasy. The plot is dynamic and there are many highs and lows for Aedan and his companions, which keep it from getting boring with its length. "Renshaw's talent for building unique worlds and characters, and simply letting them loose to face their circumstances, is on full display. It's the kind of story where you say "I think I'll give this a try for three paragraphs and then move on if it doesn't work out" only to find yourself unable to put it down even for your doctor's appointment. His elegant, poetic prose turned a very good story with themes that touched my heart into one that is wondrous. One of the finest fantasy novels I've read in the past few years, period." "Dawn of Wonder foregoes 'quick and saccharine' for the satisfying choice of 'long and compelling', building the details of a vast production. If this first story is any indicator, it will be along the lines of a Robert Jordan 'Wheel of Time' epic series."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"For those of you who wish to know how it's possible that one book can forever change the lens through which you view the genre of fantasy and the metric and standard through which you measure it, read on. Renshaw explores some of the most difficult subjects I've ever seen an author attempt to address in the fantasy genre. Were a boy gifted Renshaw's incredible ability to convey emotion and thought, I imagine the result would be strikingly similar to the almost impossibly accurate articulations found in "Dawn of Wonder." Just as our fears were made exponentially more terrifying and just as our losses and failures were so keenly exacerbated by our lack of maturity, so too were our feelings of triumph, simple joy and wonder made boundless and larger than life by the creativity and impossible (yet no less real in our thoughts) beliefs we allowed our minds to indulge in. The experiences we're privileged to witness through the lens of Aedan's young mind allow our own minds to harken back to those days where it was possible to find a pirate's treasure in your own backyard, and when our worlds were so black and white that we believed our feelings on certain subjects would forever be set in stone. Despite this lengthy (and frankly somewhat pretentious) review, I have only addressed the skill and care through which the story is told and not the story itself. But these petty sentiments only led me to respect the nearly flawless and never lazy way in which Renshaw crafted a mind, a world and a story in perfect synchronicity. The wonderful world and colorful characters that inhabit "Dawn of Wonder", and Aedan's interactions with both, challenge the notions of what it means to be family and what it means to find love and friendship. I doubt I will find a more compelling and poignant mixture of storytelling and character development in my reading adventures, and in that sense by the end of "Dawn of Wonder" I found myself saddened, when I would ordinarily be excited, at the prospect of searching for another book to read."
"In order to get the most from this review, you need a base of what kinds of books I enjoy. I love Brandon Sanderson (The Stormlight Archive is my favorite series currently), The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, and The Gentleman Bastards by Scott Lynch to name a few. Within 50 pages, the author has the character besting 5 other trained individuals and by the end of the series, they might as well be facing the army by themselves. I believe the author said it took 10 years to write this book (with a job on the side) and you can tell he put it to good use."
Best Humorous Fantasy
According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (recorded, thankfully, in 1655, before she blew up her entire village and all its inhabitants, who had gathered to watch her burn), the world will end on a Saturday. Except that a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon -- each of whom has lived among Earth's mortals for many millennia and has grown rather fond of the lifestyle -- are not particularly looking forward to the coming Rapture. First published in 1990, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's brilliantly dark and screamingly funny take on humankind's final judgment is back -- and just in time -- in a new hardcover edition (which includes an introduction by the authors, comments by each about the other, and answers to some still-burning questions about their wildly popular collaborative effort) that the devout and the damned alike will surely cherish until the end of all things. The minor characters along the way (Famine makes an appearance as diet crazes, no-calorie food and anorexia epidemics) are as much fun as the story as a whole, which adds up to one of those rare books which is enormous fun to read the first time, and the second time, and the third time... They set out to find the Antichrist and avert Armageddon, on the way encountering the last living descendant of Agnes Nutter, Anathema, who's been deciphering accurate prophecies of the world's doom but is unaware she's living in the same town as the Antichrist, now a thoroughly human and normal 11-year-old named Adam.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is a witty, funny, somewhat irreverant book."
"I had as good a time reading it as the authors had writing it and I'm sure they had a blast."
"It's not "American Gods," but it has humor and fun and enough quirky characters to keep you turning the pages."
"Like anything, books are a matter of taste, but this book...well let's just say, I'm on my second read."
"This book is brilliantly silly."
"The characters were interesting and the story moved along at a good pace."
"Amazing novel."
"Clever, sharp, and entertaining."
Best Epic Fantasy
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. When Bilbo reached his eleventy-first birthday he disappeared, bequeathing to his young cousin Frodo the Ruling Ring and a perilous quest: to journey across Middle-earth, deep into the shadow of the Dark Lord, and destroy the Ring by casting it into the Cracks of Doom. The Lord of the Rings takes place in a fantasy world that is not too unlike the English countryside, though it has characters that range from hobbits to Elven creatures. Widely regarded as one of the genre's most loved works, The Lord of the Rings has garnered worldwide acclaim and praise from critics and fans alike. Originally broadcast in 1981 on BBC Radio, this full-cast adaptation of Tolkien's epic trilogy is justifiably regarded as a classic; unfortunately, in 2008, it faces inevitable comparison with Peter Jackson's films. Ian Holm (who appeared as Bilbo in the films) offers a mature, nuanced portrayal of Frodo that is far truer to the text than Elijah Wood's wide-eyed innocent approach.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I did a ton of research and decided upon this version (ISBN 116-1749849-2513827), illustrated by Alan Lee and published by Harper Collins in June 2014 (I am adding these details because the Amazon.com site does not make it clear what this version is). The only drawback is that the facsimile pages of the Book of Mazarbul was not included, which I found to be surprising and a bit disappointing Also, the ring inscription and the Gandalf "rune" are printed in black rather than silver and red. Probably the main issue is the clear plastic slipcover, which is barely bigger than the book itself, and it is difficult to slip the book back inside it after taking it out."
"I'll keep it brief, this is not a review of the actual story but of this specific edition."
"The font size seems to be based on the length of the books, the longer the books are, the smaller the font is (I suppose this was in order to keep them pocket-sized as well as consistent with the sizes of the other books throughout the set)."
"Most readers shouldn’t have an issue when you consider how comfortable the book is to hold in one hand. It’s a matte vinyl material that has a leather feel with recessed and stained cover lettering. After reading The Hobbit, with no special care, there were no creases in the outer binding."
"I was SO excited to listen to this as I have read the books and I’ve seen all the movies literally over 50 times."
"The copy I received, however, has a fairly significant manufacturing defect in that the pages of 'The Hobbit' were not cut properly."
Best Romantic Fantasy
Lord Irrik is a depraved dragon shifter. I’ll be uselessly serving potato stew for the rest of my life because I can’t make anything grow. When the king strikes, I’m captured by Lord Irrik. Now, I'm not only fighting for my life . Scarlett Dawn, New York Times bestselling author USA Today Bestselling Authors Raye Wagner and Kelly St. Clare team up in this epic dark fantasy series.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have really enjoyed all of Kelly St Clare's books that I read so far, so I was excited to start this one. I have to admit that when I first saw the cover I thought it would be an adult paranormal romance book with dual point of view, quickly I figured out it would be more YA dark fantasy. Blood Oath is told from first person point of view of main character Ryn. It tells the tale of a kingdom ruled by an oppressive king, the peasants are starving and rebellion is brewing. I felt like so many bad things happened to the main character I just stopped caring at some point. Her whole life and outlook was so bleak I found it hard to care and I had wished for a bit more light and uplifting scenes now and then, but there was little of that. And I do feel like this is a good book, it was mainly just too dark and bleak for me and I had trouble caring about the characters. But if you like a story about a girl who gets beaten and has so much bad things happening, but keeps on fighting then you might enjoy this book. What I thought was very well done was how the authors made me change my opinion about Lord Irrik over the course of the book. But as the book progresses we learn more about his character and understand why he does the things he does and I actually changed my opinion. I did roll my eyes how some of the dragon and pheatyn powers involved kissing, that just seemed weird/ a bit too convenient. There were some plot twists I predicted with ease and for the main character it all came as a big shock. At first I didn't like him at all, but as the book progressed I grew to understand him better and got why he acted that way, although I had wished he was a bit nicer at times and had told Ryn some things. We get to know a bit about the world and the dragon and healer powers, but it's pretty limited as Ryn the main character doesn't know much."
"The main character is supposedly falling in love with one character while she hates another character. And really, the main character only acknowledges that she kissed the character she was supposed to be falling for?"
"I have to say I liked Lord Irrik the whole time and was suspicious of Ryn's other friends from the start but when the ending put it together i felt really bad for both of them."
"This book is the most intense book these authors have written."
"I'm a big fan of both Kelly and Raye's other works, and this one did not disappoint."
"I love anything by Kelly St. Clair and this book is no exception!!"
"It was definitely darker than something I would normally read, but it was surprisingly fantastic!"
"Absolutely amazing!"
Best Arthurian Fantasy
Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father’s gruff stableman. a delightful take on the powers and politics behind the throne.” — Publishers Weekly “This is the kind of book you fall into, and start reading slower as you get to the end, because you don’t want it to be over.” —Steven Brust From the Paperback edition. When the magic in his blood marks him for destiny, he begins receiving secret instruction, by order of the king, in the art of assassination, a calling that places him in the midst of a nest of intrigue and arcane maneuverings. Firmly grounded in the trappings of high fantasy, Hobb's first novel features a protagonist whose coming of age revolves around the discovery of the meaning of loyalty and trust.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This fantasy series is in my top 3 most enjoyable and engaging epic fantasy reads of all time. Prepare yourself, because once you've dug into this first book, you will read the rest voraciously and find yourself feeling bereft when you've run out of books to read that are set in this particular fantasy world."
"The character development is so masterfully done, and the world so vividly brought to life that it sometimes takes my breath away."
"I appreciate your generosity, like I appreciate the local crack dealer giving me my first hit for free. - The storytelling is excellent, describing a universe I can picture real people inhabiting. - The book is about political intrigue, and how power can be used cunningly to make changes and influence people."
"I downloaded the second book immediately after reading so you might want to just go ahead and buy the three-book bundle and save a few bucks."
"World building is rather oppressive because of the amount of details but not entirely believable (even for fantasy standards); the quality of assassin of the hero and his training as such, which should be a primarily source of interest, are sadly lacking definition. To this one must add that characterization is unconvincing: the villain is so incredibly egotistical and stupid no one could believe him capable of such refined treasoning: a real, skilled assassin would have dispatched him after a few pages."
Best Military Fantasy
Expected by his enemies to die the miserable death of a military slave, Kaladin survived to be given command of the royal bodyguards, a controversial first for a low-status "darkeyes." Hard pressed by years of Alethi attacks, their numbers ever shrinking, they are convinced by their war leader, Eshonai, to risk everything on a desperate gamble with the very supernatural forces they once fled. The Cosmere The Stormlight Archive The Way of Kings. Words of Radiance. Edgedancer (Novella) Oathbringer (forthcoming) The Mistborn trilogy Mistborn: The Final Empire. The Well of Ascension. The Hero of Ages Mistborn: The Wax and Wayne series Alloy of Law. Shadows of Self. Bands of Mourning. The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. The Scrivener's Bones. The Knights of Crystallia. The Shattered Lens. The Dark Talent. The world of Roshar is still very close to being a character in its own right (one thinks of Dune), as Sanderson has used the room afforded by a book of this size to build it in loving detail, including the fierce storms that make civilized life difficult even in peacetime. Far below the level of the high command, the rising young slave warrior, Kaladin, learns that the Parshendi have a counterstrategy in preparation, one that portends the destruction of the world unless he can become the founder of a new order of the legendary Knights Radiant.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Ten books, please Mr. Sanderson, don't take as long to finish the series as this book did to finish. I haven't finished it yet, but, almost."
"Since The Stormlight Archive is currently planned to be ten books, there’s so much to explore throughout the whole series that a lot of secrets need to be kept in the first few books before reveals start happening, so at times, this series does seem a bit slower than other series I’ve read. Her role in the series is much more obvious in this book and she gets tied to many more characters and having already ready OATHBRINGER now as well, it’s great to see how much she grows and becomes more involved in each book, looking back on where she first appeared in THE WAY OF KINGS. I still love Dalinar and Kaladin and I’m enjoying their characters even more as the series progresses and the supporting characters, like those of Bridge Four, are outstanding additions to the book to bring some levity, camaraderie, and so much more. Things that I’ve read in other books are really starting to connect in The Stormlight Archive and this series has the most information about this universe, in my opinion. I don’t know if it was a good or bad idea to read the first three books in one year since I’m going to be waiting very, very long for the rest of the series but I’m also glad I was able to do that so I could really get a solid feel for this world and have the characters stick in my mind so well!"
"I am not a skimmer, I always read every word of a story, and this drove me to almost skip entire chapters of the book because it got so tedious to read. All that said if you loved the first book as I did then just muscle through the rough spots and get to the end, it was much more interesting to read. I'm hoping the next book explores more of the world outside the immediate vicinity of the main characters as well as more about the worlds magic, not a complaint there just eager about the next book."
Best Fairy Tale Fantasy
But what happens when you're the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect--pretty, smart, and, worst of all, nice--stepsister is dating the charming, devastatingly handsome guy you've had a thing for since you were nine? This is a new release of an edition originally published by Fire & Ice Books with additional bonus content. ". Fuschia-haired, John Hughes-obsessedmanga artist Mattie has cast herself as the ugly stepsister in contrast to herbeautiful, popular sister Ella, who's dating Mattie's longtime crush Jake. She currently lives with the aforementioned soulmate and their four children in Utah, along with three tiger barb fish, a cat named Tiger, and a recently departed hamster that is buried in the backyard (and has nothing at all to do with tigers).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"She's jealous of Ella because she's a beautiful, blond cheerleader who is popular with everyone at their elite, private school, teachers and students alike. The subcharacters are also vividly drawn, including Ella, Mattie's father, her callously critical mother, the school principal, Mattie's art teacher whom her father is dating, the Mean Girl amusingly named Mercedes Bentley, and Mercedes's equally malicious boyfriend Scott. The author uses a lot of cultural references, but they are never irritating because they are always funny, and they range across a broad period of time, from the 80's forward, so they won't become dated if this little gem of a book becomes a classic. There is a really fun subtext of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice within the story itself simultaneously to Jake and Mattie overtly working as a team on an assignment for their English class, putting P&P into a modern context. The HEA ending is utterly delightful, and the author promises a sequel which occurs four years after this story, in which we will have a chance to experience these wonderful characters again."
"On the one hand I found the main character to be extremely annoying but on the other, I actually kind of liked it. When I saw it was free on Amazon I checked the description and figured why not what could it hurt? The plot isn't anything dynamic or confusing but it's a fun read that had me laughing at some of the ridiculous antics that happened. I will definitely be looking out for more books by Sariah Wilson since her writing style is simple and fun."
"It does not depend on wicked stepmothers, but one mother incapable of loving, a girl with loads of talent who finds it hard to believe in herself, another girl who has to learn that you don't earn love, and a young man who has to decide what kind of young man he wants to be in the light of parental expectations. Some of my favourite authors are Robin Hobbs, Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison among others) Rather, normal young people who have to find their way through the moral mazes and challenges of late adolescence, choosing to overcome challenges and embrace a fuller, richer life with both hands."
"I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found my self laughing out loud, literally, and sighing and "oh no"ing through out the story. I can't wait to talk about it with my sister who at many times made me feel like the "ugly step-sister"."
Best Metaphysical Fantasy eBooks
In the ancient and mystical land of Muirwood, Lia has known only a life of servitude. "Fantasy readers looking for a world that both entertains and engages are urged to read this series.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is a fairly typical YA fantasy where an orphan girl is raised as a servant but discovers something special about herself. This is volume one of a trilogy, The Legends of Muirwood, and you need to continue the story to reach any conclusions; The ending is not a cliff-hanger but doesn’t resolve any issues."
"When a young knight is dropped on her doorstep, she gets pulled into a rebellious, and seemingly suicidal, last stand against an evil King. I read with the constant thought in the back of my mind of "stop me if you've heard this one before..." If you're looking for something that approaches the sub-genre in a new light, this isn't it. The Ugly: I am not educated enough on The Church of Later Day Saints, but I've read elsewhere that Wheeler packs lots of LDS lore into this. Thoughts: I'm kinda done with big honking thick novels of rehashed GRRM grim-dark, so this was a bit refreshing."
"I can understand the parallels that the author is trying to draw behind the Medium and real-world religious faith, but this magic system doesn't make for an interesting story. Instead of working hard to find an innovative solution to their problems, the characters just believe in themselves, and the Medium makes them succeed."
"Child abandoned at a monastery whose overseer is a rather powerful wizard-type (the "magic" system isn't explained too much yet), finds that she can use the "Medium" fairly well with no training. Even though the main character somehow changes the tide of things through "Thinking happy thoughts and relying on the Medium to do the rest", the world is somehow pretty dismal."
Best Classic Fantasy eBooks
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. When Bilbo reached his eleventy-first birthday he disappeared, bequeathing to his young cousin Frodo the Ruling Ring and a perilous quest: to journey across Middle-earth, deep into the shadow of the Dark Lord, and destroy the Ring by casting it into the Cracks of Doom. The Lord of the Rings takes place in a fantasy world that is not too unlike the English countryside, though it has characters that range from hobbits to Elven creatures. Widely regarded as one of the genre's most loved works, The Lord of the Rings has garnered worldwide acclaim and praise from critics and fans alike. Originally broadcast in 1981 on BBC Radio, this full-cast adaptation of Tolkien's epic trilogy is justifiably regarded as a classic; unfortunately, in 2008, it faces inevitable comparison with Peter Jackson's films. Ian Holm (who appeared as Bilbo in the films) offers a mature, nuanced portrayal of Frodo that is far truer to the text than Elijah Wood's wide-eyed innocent approach.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I did a ton of research and decided upon this version (ISBN 116-1749849-2513827), illustrated by Alan Lee and published by Harper Collins in June 2014 (I am adding these details because the Amazon.com site does not make it clear what this version is). The only drawback is that the facsimile pages of the Book of Mazarbul was not included, which I found to be surprising and a bit disappointing Also, the ring inscription and the Gandalf "rune" are printed in black rather than silver and red. Probably the main issue is the clear plastic slipcover, which is barely bigger than the book itself, and it is difficult to slip the book back inside it after taking it out."
"The font size seems to be based on the length of the books, the longer the books are, the smaller the font is (I suppose this was in order to keep them pocket-sized as well as consistent with the sizes of the other books throughout the set)."
"I'll keep it brief, this is not a review of the actual story but of this specific edition."
"I have to give this 5 stars as it is a classic despite the Kindle edition suffering from the same defect as in so many other titles, the illustrations are too small to be read."
"My favorite part will always be when Gandalf and the dwarves invade poor Bilbo’s home and ask for various foods and drinks before starting on their big adventure!!"
"Tolkien is genius with his ability to transport you directly to Middle-earth with his writing, so that you feel as if you are on the journey with the Company as well."
Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
Best Dragons & Mythical Creatures Fantasy
Drow ranger Drizzt Do’Urden, first introduced in The Icewind Dale Trilogy, quickly became one of the fantasy genre’s standout characters. R.A. Salvatore is the New York Times best-selling author of more than forty novels, including the popular Forgotten Realms series The Legend of Drizzt.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Classic Salvatore on of his better series."
"Born on the night when his family is battling a rival house, he is saved from sacrifice by the treachery of a younger brother killing his older sibling."
"For any lover of fantasy, anyone looking to break into the genre, Young, old, whatever, this book is like a warm campfire smore on a chilly night."
"I enjoyed this book very much."
"I like the game and the fiction that is set in those realms, and so I thought it was a good story, but don't expect classic, epic, fantasy."
"Excepting small quibbles with character motivation and continuity within Drow culture, this was a page-turner that leaves me eager to start the second in the series."
"I was really suprised at how well this book was written."
"Well, as believable as a city of dark elves living underground in a twisted society dedicated to serving an evil spider goddess can be."
Best Alternative History
Animal Farm is Orwell's classic satire of the Russian Revolution -- an account of the bold struggle, initiated by the animals, that transforms Mr. Jones's Manor Farm into Animal Farm--a wholly democratic society built on the credo that All Animals Are Created Equal. 'I continue to find the Readers' Guides indispensable for teaching - they really give students a sense of criticsm having a history' - Professor Rachel Bowlby, University of York 'The series looks really excellent - attractively produced, user friendly; and outstanding value for money' - Ronald Knowles, Reader, University of Reading I continue to find the Readers' Guides indispensable for teaching - they really give students a sense of criticsm having a history' - Professor Rachel Bowlby, University of York. 'The series looks really excellent - attractively produced, user friendly; and outstanding value for money' - Ronald Knowles, Reader, University of Reading.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The pigs rewrite history and convince the others that things happened differently to how they remember, and rewrite their '7 Commandments' subtly in their favour and so on. There is plenty of depth if you want to go into the details of the allegory if you are interested, but the main point is pretty obvious really."
"An excellent read which will eternally be applicable to every generation."
"I kept hoping and hoping that the animals would rise up in a second rebellion, or that Snowball would return with some kind of relief force, when I knew very well that this book is based on Russian history and no such thing happened."
"As with any book review, I do not want to spill the plot, but suffice it to say that the (potential future) world Orwell paints in vivid detail is not always a pretty one. At less than 10 bucks for the Kindle edition this set is a true Amazon bargain!"
"My son and I both enjoyed reading this classic George Orwell novel, there are a lot of discussion points to be had at the end of each chapter, and it's a relatively short read - much like this review."
"I loved this, it is one of my all time favorites, and this was a refresher read for next months discussion at the book club I belong to."
"Small print and smaller book than expected."
"Don't waist your time with this printing of such a classic, great the book."
Best Action & Adventure Fantasy
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings , Book One of the Stormlight Archive begins an incredible new saga of epic proportion. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable. Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar's niece, Jasnah. The result of over ten years of planning, writing, and world-building, The Way of Kings is but the opening movement of the Stormlight Archive, a bold masterpiece in the making. This massive tome is the first of a 10-part epic fantasy series from relative newcomer Sanderson (Mistborn), best known for his efforts to complete the late Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. Race-related plot themes may raise some eyebrows, and there's no hope for anything resembling a conclusion in this introductory volume, but Sanderson's fondness for misleading the reader and his talent for feeding out revelations and action scenes at just the right pace will keep epic fantasy fans intrigued and hoping for redemptive future installments.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I usually read a review or three before starting a new book, going all the way back to when only print books were available and reading the blurbs led me to all kinds of new and interesting stories."
"These 10 books take place on a planet called Roshar, a planet with a unique and rich history. The world is a very unforgiving place, with hurricane level storms traveling across the world every couple of weeks, giant crab like crustaceans roaming the world, and trees and other plant life have evolved a rock-like resilience to the elements. Though this book and presumably all books in the Stormlight Archive will take place on the planet Roshar, Brandon Sanderson has done something even more ambitious with his books than other authors have attempted in the past. There are twists in the books that would rate very highly on the M. Night Shamalayan scale. There are very few books that have made me tear up as if someone cut an onion in the room, but for some reason this book (as well as Words of Radiance and Oathbringer) has made me do so. Do yourself a favor and buy this book."
"I feel like I finally understand why people are so impressed with Brandon Sanderson. I really liked Dalinar, as well, although he was the sort of honorable person that just made me worry throughout the book, hoping he would not share the same fate as Eddard Stark. In between each section was an interlude, focusing on Szeth, and two other different characters that played no direct part in the story. I would be sitting there for hours reading about the main characters above, and then I'd hit an interlude and just set the book down. This was an excellent fantasy novel, and it feels as though I've only hit the tip of the iceberg as far as what is going on in that world."
Best Superhero Fantasy eBooks
This box set includes all five books in the USA Today recommended Elementals series and is over 1,400 pages of magic, adventure, mythology, and romance. Nicole Cassidy is a witch descended from the Greek gods... but she doesn't know it until she moves to a new town and discovers a dangerous world of magic and monsters that she never knew existed. When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole and four others -- including mysterious bad-boy Blake -- are gifted with elemental powers. After an ancient monster escapes, it's up to Nicole and the others to follow a cryptic prophecy in time to save the town... and possibly the world. Now, for a limited time, save 50% compared to buying the individual books by reading the entire Elementals series in this special bundle deal! -Kaye, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★. "Michelle Madow has taken us on an enthralling adventure, revisiting the old myths in a modern context. Percy Jackson fans will love this series." "I didn't think anything could compare with the Percy Jackson series, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Elementals is on the same level!" "The Elementals series gripped me from start to finish! The way she incorporates mythology into the everyday life of a group of teenagers takes me back to falling in love with the Percy Jackson series. "I loved every one of the Elementals books and recommend them to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy!"
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"What a great story!"
"Khione does not protect the sword Athena carries it with her and Khione has two brothers and a father and she was a half god then her father Greek god of snow and ice made her a godess."
"I gave this box set a rating of 5 because I loved it."
"I am a "New Age" , "Self Help" fan and came across this series on my Kindle."
"Just plain amazing!!"
"Great book!"
"I really enjoyed this series."
"Great story line."
Best New Adult & College Fantasy
Now, I’ve taken down a Greek Goddess, worn a Horseman’s Mask, and I ride a homicidal unicorn who hates rainbows with a passion. If you like Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Ilona Andrews, Linsey Hall, McKenzie Hunter, or Ella Summers, you will LOVE the eighth installment of the Temple Chronicles. A: I also write the Amazon Bestselling Feathers and Fire Series that takes place in the Temple Universe about a young female wizard named Callie who hunts monsters for the Vatican: Unchained Rage Book 3 – January 2018. The plots twist and turn until the last page, and my twisted sense of humor will have you laughing out loud at things you really shouldn’t be laughing at. Dark Fantasy Supernatural Thriller Witches & Wizards Urban Fantasy Thriller Supernatural Shifter Angels & Demons Science Fiction & Fantasy Paranormal and Urban Romance Supernatural Mystery and Suspense Vampires and Werewolves.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"With every new book more and more secrets are revealed as to who or what Nate Temple is."
"Nate Temple as a character works because Silvers continues to weave believable weaknesses through what would otherwise be a completely overpowered (read as: bland and boring) character and I dig it."
"War Hammer was a slower start than previous Nate Temple stories, but still a very good novel."
"I like Nate and his crew."
"The only bad thing about this book is that it ended."
"This was the best book in the series to date, and I cannot wait for the next!"
"Shayne continues to improve, not only his story telling skills but the mechanics of his writing."
"Once we again Mate and his friends take us on an adventure packed read."
Best Coming of Age Fantasy eBooks
There are many who deny the Dark Lord's return, but Harry is not alone: a secret order gathers at Grimmauld Place to fight against the Dark forces. Visit Pottermore to sign up and join weekly Twitter discussions at WW Book Club. As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. Somehow, over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet ) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teen. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their Ordinary Wizarding Levels examinations (O.W.Ls), devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team lineup, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested. The head of the Ministry of Magic is determined to discredit Dumbledore and undermine his leadership of Hogwarts, and he appoints nasty, pink-cardigan-clad Professor Umbridge as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and High Inquisitor of the school, bringing misery upon staff and students alike. There are a lot of secret doings, a little romance, and very little Quidditch or Hagrid (more reasons for Harry's gloom), but the power of this book comes from the young magician's struggles with his emotions and identity.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"If you're an adult and have not read this series before (even if you've seen the movies), I encourage you to read the books. Whether it's the originals or these, the series is sure to be one of the best you've read and much better than the movies, of course."
Best Sword & Sorcery Fantasy eBooks
NOW THE ACCLAIMED HBO SERIES GAME OF THRONES From a master of contemporary fantasy comes the first novel of a landmark series unlike any you’ve ever read before. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the frozen land they were born to. Readers of epic fantasy series are: (1) patient--they are left in suspense between each volume, (2) persistent--they reread or at least review the previous book(s) when a new installment comes out, (3) strong--these 700-page doorstoppers are heavy , and (4) mentally agile--they follow a host of characters through a myriad of subplots. Martin rewards readers with a vividly real world, well-drawn characters, complex but coherent plotting, and beautifully constructed prose, which Locus called "well above the norms of the genre." The story of these two families and their struggle to control the Iron Throne dominates the foreground; in the background is a huge, ancient wall marking the northern border, beyond which barbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves menace the south as years-long winter advances. Although the romance of chivalry is central to the culture of the Seven Kingdoms, and tournaments, derring-do and handsome knights abound, these trappings merely give cover to dangerous men and women who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This review is primarily to give a feedback on the sizes of leather bound and paperback printed books."
"Going into these books (I read them after the show began but before I'd seen the show...), I enjoyed my share of sci-fi/fantasy along the lines of Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer... fairly light-hearted stuff (in comparison, at least) that always felt grounded in the same world I live in. So when I first saw articles and clips from the HBO Game of Thrones series, I thought it looked like the one type of fantasy series that I would never enjoy. I held out for a looong time, until 3 different friends of mine with similar tastes in books/shows/films promised me that, while they too disliked this sub-genre of fantasty, this series was different, and I HAD to read the books or start the show."
"Extremely pleased with this leather edition."
"I was under the impression it would be the "size of a pocket bible" and the pages were so thin u could see through them like bible paper. All of my pages are here (from what I can tell) and although I doubt the quality of the "leather" it still feel great in hand and is just stunning to look at. I've included pictures to show its beauty and also compare the size to an actual pocket bible and its paper."
"Like so many readers, I was drawn to read the book after seeing the HBO series."
"The video production has been so true to the book, and I appreciate the use of the video series impact over a series of movies."
"Like most people, I have already watched the show before even considering giving the books a chance and wow, I was not disappointed."
"I can't tell if this is the case for the rest of the books, but I'm certainly dissatisfied with the product."
Best Myth & Legend Fantasy eBooks
This box set includes all five books in the USA Today recommended Elementals series and is over 1,400 pages of magic, adventure, mythology, and romance. Nicole Cassidy is a witch descended from the Greek gods... but she doesn't know it until she moves to a new town and discovers a dangerous world of magic and monsters that she never knew existed. When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole and four others -- including mysterious bad-boy Blake -- are gifted with elemental powers. After an ancient monster escapes, it's up to Nicole and the others to follow a cryptic prophecy in time to save the town... and possibly the world. Now, for a limited time, save 50% compared to buying the individual books by reading the entire Elementals series in this special bundle deal! -Kaye, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★. "Michelle Madow has taken us on an enthralling adventure, revisiting the old myths in a modern context. Percy Jackson fans will love this series." "I didn't think anything could compare with the Percy Jackson series, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Elementals is on the same level!" "The Elementals series gripped me from start to finish! The way she incorporates mythology into the everyday life of a group of teenagers takes me back to falling in love with the Percy Jackson series. "I loved every one of the Elementals books and recommend them to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy!"
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Great book!"
"Great story line."
"On the night the Olympian Comet crosses the sky for the first time in 3000 years, Nicole, Blake, Danielle and two other witches happen to get mysterious powers that might be the key to close the portal prison that has opened and where the Titans lay for centuries. After Nicole and Blake were attacked by an ancient monster that escaped it's prison, it turns out that it's up to the five witches to follow the clues of mysterious prophecy so they can save ther world of falling into the Titan's claws. Nicole is a very awesome main characther and the way she devepos through this first volume of the story is very unique, you get to see her while she discovers little bits and pieces about her true identity and about her personality."
"Hard to put down, I did figure out the climax."
"This series is a page turner and if I didn't have to prepare our house for Hurricane Irma then I would of been done reading this a lot sooner!!! I was also hoping that they might have found a way to bring Chris back since his soul was in the Underworld, because of all the sacrifices they made to save the world, if there was a way to restore him, so that Kate could live happily ever after, maybe he could come back as a god, since Kate is a goddess. 🆘🚨 SPOILER ALERTS 🚨SPOILER ALERTS 🚨SPOILER ALERTS 🚨 SPOILER ALERTS 🚨 SPOILER ALERTS 🚨 🆘. I definitely recommend this series because the books are amazing, full of excitement, tears, definitely a page turner, you will not be disappointed 😔☺️😊 so grab your books today!!!"
"I highly recommend this book if you're interested in magick, Greek dieties, and we'll written characters."
Best Fantasy Anthologies & Short Stories
An all-new 120-page Stormlight Archive novella, "Edgedancer," will be the crown jewel of Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection , the first book of short fiction by #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson. “The Hope of Elantris” (Elantris). “The Eleventh Metal” (Mistborn). “The Emperor's Soul” (Elantris). “Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania, Episodes 28 through 30” (Mistborn). “White Sand" (excerpt; Taldain). "Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell” (Threnody). “Sixth of Dusk” (First of the Sun). “Mistborn: Secret History” (Mistborn). The Cosmere The Stormlight Archive The Way of Kings. Words of Radiance. Edgedancer (Novella) Oathbringer The Mistborn trilogy Mistborn: The Final Empire. The Well of Ascension. The Hero of Ages Mistborn: The Wax and Wayne series Alloy of Law. Shadows of Self. Bands of Mourning. * SCI FI NOW * Firefight is filled with a spine-tingling adventure and heart-racing action that promises to satisfy fans both new and old * Fantasy Book Critic * Firefight is a rollercoaster ride of action, entertainment, and humour * Smash Dragons * Firefight is a visual, almost cinematic novel * Buzzy Mag * The stories are complex, fascinating, and filled to the brim with three-dimensional characters * Fantasy Book Review * The world of The Reckoners is suddenly presented in all its glory. * Best Fantasy Books * Full of action * THE SUN * Steelheart is the literature equivalent of a blockbuster; episodic and fast-paced with surprises around every turn. * SCI FI NOW * Fans of Sanderson's other works will eagerly devour this collection, in which familiar characters return and familiar worlds are further explored.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Weighing in at 672 pages, Brandon Sanderson's first short fiction collection not only pulls together various short stories and novellas from across his Cosmere, but organizes them by Shardworlds, complete with essays and illustrations on each. The collection opens with a pair of stories set in the world of Elantris, with “The Emperor's Soul” serving as a standalone tale, and “The Hope of Elantris” taking place following the original novel. Written as a pulp adventure tale, what really makes it work is all the footnotes from the fictional editor who is forced to publish such nonsense. The self-professed crown jewel of the collection, "Edgedancer," is an all-new Stormlight Archive novella that I am pleased to say was everything I was looking for. Each section of the book has an illustration of the solar system in which it takes place, with the character of Khriss (who has written the Ars Arcanum at the end of each novel) providing a short essay on the world."
"Even though I’d already read a number of the novellas included in the collection, it’s still nice to have print copies of them for ease of potential rereading. The story “The Eleventh Metal” gives some backstory to Kelsier, specifically his training right after he gained his Mistborn powers. It’s a fairly short story that was written for an RPG, to give unfamiliar players an introduction to the world. The last Scadrial story was also written for an RPG – “Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania, Episodes 28 through 30.” In the Alloy of Law era books, the newspaper inserts contain fragments of a pulpy adventure serial about Allomancer Jak. Roshar, the home of The Way of Kings, is the only other world with a full length novel to make an appearance in Arcanum Unbounded. The novella Edgedancer is exclusive to this collection and follows one of my favorite characters from the Stormlight Archive series – Lift! Arcanum Unbounded contains an excerpt of the graphic novel and Sanderson’s original first few chapters, but I’ll admit that I skipped these. Besides, I’d rather wait and read the full graphic novel in color instead of the grey scale excerpt in Arcanum Unbounded. It was originally written for George R. Martin’s Dangerous Women anthology, and it has a great female protagonist – Silence, a middle aged mother who’s very much the independent frontier woman. To make a long review short, Arcanum Unbounded is a collection I would highly recommend to any fan of Sanderson’s work."
"Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere is one of the most well thought out story world / universe that I’ve ever found."
"I had already read every entry here with the exception of the new Stormlight Archive story Edgedancer. The main character of it is Lift, who you will have met in one of the interludes of Words of Radiance. Helping curb my appetite for Oathbringer along was worth the price of admission. If you have any questions on my review or the contents of the novel please post me a comment."
Best Fantasy TV, Movie & Game Tie-In
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. When Bilbo reached his eleventy-first birthday he disappeared, bequeathing to his young cousin Frodo the Ruling Ring and a perilous quest: to journey across Middle-earth, deep into the shadow of the Dark Lord, and destroy the Ring by casting it into the Cracks of Doom. The Lord of the Rings takes place in a fantasy world that is not too unlike the English countryside, though it has characters that range from hobbits to Elven creatures. Widely regarded as one of the genre's most loved works, The Lord of the Rings has garnered worldwide acclaim and praise from critics and fans alike. Originally broadcast in 1981 on BBC Radio, this full-cast adaptation of Tolkien's epic trilogy is justifiably regarded as a classic; unfortunately, in 2008, it faces inevitable comparison with Peter Jackson's films. Ian Holm (who appeared as Bilbo in the films) offers a mature, nuanced portrayal of Frodo that is far truer to the text than Elijah Wood's wide-eyed innocent approach.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I did a ton of research and decided upon this version (ISBN 116-1749849-2513827), illustrated by Alan Lee and published by Harper Collins in June 2014 (I am adding these details because the Amazon.com site does not make it clear what this version is). The only drawback is that the facsimile pages of the Book of Mazarbul was not included, which I found to be surprising and a bit disappointing Also, the ring inscription and the Gandalf "rune" are printed in black rather than silver and red. Probably the main issue is the clear plastic slipcover, which is barely bigger than the book itself, and it is difficult to slip the book back inside it after taking it out."
"The font size seems to be based on the length of the books, the longer the books are, the smaller the font is (I suppose this was in order to keep them pocket-sized as well as consistent with the sizes of the other books throughout the set)."
"I'll keep it brief, this is not a review of the actual story but of this specific edition."
"I have to give this 5 stars as it is a classic despite the Kindle edition suffering from the same defect as in so many other titles, the illustrations are too small to be read."
"My favorite part will always be when Gandalf and the dwarves invade poor Bilbo’s home and ask for various foods and drinks before starting on their big adventure!!"
"Tolkien is genius with his ability to transport you directly to Middle-earth with his writing, so that you feel as if you are on the journey with the Company as well."