Jeph2005

Most of the Elemental Masters series read like Young Adult fantasies. Sweet, not complicated bits of fantasy fluff that can be enjoyable if listened to with the right perspective. This one was just bad, bad, bad. Seriously the most boring thing I have tried to listen to. Obvious plot, ridiculously stupid characters, and uninspired narration. Yuck. Save your credits or money.

I enjoyed listening to this, but the plot doesn't make a lot of sense. If I was a 2000 year old druid, I think I could come up with better plans than the ones Atticus does in this book. I don't demand a lot of logic from fantasy novels (they are about magic after all), but Hearne doesn't even try to be consistent in this book. Atticus travel for centuries throughout the America's before Columbus but he can't understand when the Dine people speak. Really? He has a perfect memory for everything else. The plot is riddled with holes and seemed directionless.

This book is a refreshing change from many standard fantasy story lines. Thoroughly enjoyable.

This is one of the best Audiobooks I have listened to this year. The main characters are fantastic: warm, funny, brave and vulnerable. I normally hate when the narration of a book is divided between multiple people, but with this book it was a brilliant choice. The writer and narrators' skills combined to create characters that I felt like I was truly getting to know and love.

The back drop of the segregated South and the subtle and overt dangers the main character's faced created a tension that kept me engrossed in the story. I have no experience with which to judge if the portrayal of the humiliations, hatred, affections, bigotry and fear are accurate for that time in the South. It felt real and balanced though.

People need to get over the fact that James Marsters wasn't available to read the book. Too many of the reviews sound like they were written by petulant children. I loved how he read the other books and would have preferred him as the narrator. However, John Glover does a fine job as well.

The novel itself is very much in line with the other books in the series. Similar humor, adventure, and guilt ridden angst. At points, it does seem to be a bit more like a bridge between the story arch of the last book and what ever is coming next than its own novel -- sort of a method for rapid advancement of the other characters. It is compelling though and kept me interested until the very end.

I can see why this book is getting such mixed reviews. I think it needed a better editor to shorten up the plot line a bit. I got tired of listening to it several times but persevered through it to an enjoyable end. The plot lines are completely stolen from better books though - nothing original.

A fun, easy read. Atticus is a great fellow to follow and he is surrounded by amusing characters. You won't find any deep meanings in the text, but if you want a fun urban fantasy you won't be disappointed by this book.

If you enjoy Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden novels, you will enjoy this book.

A fantastic book! Enjoyed reading it in print and was excited to see it on Audible. Lots of action and angst. As usual Mr. Donaldson's use of language is beautiful and flowing. He creates complex characters who are filled with despair but fight for beauty and truth. Unlike many fantasy novels which are just a fun read, Mr. Donaldson's books offer unique perspectives that are thought provoking.

I regret that Scott Brick did not read this version because I think he is perfect for the series. Tim Gerard Reynolds does a nice job, but it seems strange to me that some of the characters sound like they have a vaguely Scottish accent.

If you have never read one of the Thomas Covenant books before, DO NOT READ THIS ONE FIRST. You really have to read the entire series - preferably the two series before it as well. This book starts with a "what has gone before" introduction, but trust me it will not make any sense. I am perplexed that only 2 of the 3 books in the current series are available on Audible.