Customer reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
6 global ratings
5 star
49%
4 star
17%
3 star
17%
2 star
17%
1 star 0% (0%)
0%
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Review this product

Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to a new series
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2004
The various city-states in the Isthmus have never known wholesale war but that is about to end. The ruler of Felk, Lord Motokin has planned for years to conquer the city- states and become Emperor of the Isthmus. He amassed a large army and trained in his own college a group of powerful wizards who would give that army instant transportation and communications. He places them under the command of a two hundred and fifty year old general remembered in the history books as Dardas the Butcher.

The city states of Windal, Callah and Sook fall immediately and the entire population of U'delph are killed, the city leveled to the ground. Although Dardas knows he needs periodic rejuvenation spells from a wizard under Motokin's command, the general is plotting to turn the magician's loyalty towards him. However, there are plans in the works from an assortment of people to stop this madness. One man is raising up a resistance in Callah while the leader of the powerful city-state Petgrad is trying to unite the city states so there's a chance they can win against the horde that is coming for them.

This story is told from the perspective of many individuals including a mercenary, a scholar, a collaborator, a resistance fighter and Dardas. Once the reader adjusts to the changing points of view, the transitions between these various viewpoints are smooth and makes for a fascinating reading experience. With the exception of the collaborator and the general who are deliberately made despicable, the audience will like the other characters and feel close to them. That Robert Asprin and Eric Del Carlo can accomplish such a feat is a testament to their tremendous talent.

Harriet Klausner
Read more
Enrique
4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting..
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2006
I read this book about a year ago and since then I have been anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. I won't go into plot, but I will tell you this, the ending will force you to buy the next book in the series.

Very intriguing use of Magic and politics in this book. It's not "Game of Thrones", but its a quick and dirty read.

4 out of 5: Very good book for the weekend.
Read more
Nemo
2.0 out of 5 stars A rare miss for Asprin
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2011
Robert Asprin is a great writer. That being said, I didn't love this book. It just wasn't my cup of tea. While it had good writing, it never spoke to me. Which is odd since most of Asprin's books hit me like a bullet right between the eyes.
Read more
S. Johnson
3.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2005
I am a huge fan of Robert Asprin's, ever since my Uncle handed down the Myth series books. I was excited to see a new series from him, and was drawn into the story. I do have to agree, though, with the "6 mini stories" in the book. I sometimes had to go back to figure out where that character left off... which got frustrating at times. However, I still enjoyed the story, and while the theme has been done before, the style of writing that the authors use makes it unique.

Recommended
Read more
Dave Carper
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2014
none
Read more
See all reviews