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Tooner's Reviews Creator and designer of FOLKLORE, Tooner has been into Science Fiction and Fantasy novels for over 15 years. Enjoys Fantasy primarily over Science Fiction, and plans to write an epic of his own.
David's Reviews |
TJ's Reviews Co-designer of FOLKLORE, TJ has been an avid Science Fiction and Fantasy Fan for over 23 years. His personal library contains more than 500 titles. He has no preference of one genre over the other.
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"A Crown of Swords", Robert Jordan, ©1996
![[IMG: 5 Worlds Rating]](images/z0000021.jpg)
Review by Tooner, ©1997
![[IMG: Book Cover]](images/z0000183.jpg) |
Tor hardcover edition, 1996 - Jacket Art by Darrel K. Sweet Book seven in the Wheel of Time series, and one of the best so far. In order to appreciate the book, you will have to read the rest of the series, particularly books five and six. "A Crown of Swords" closes up many loose ends and conflicts set up in the previous books. Jordan does have the tendency to be wordy and have lengthy story lines. After all his books are 600 to 800 pages each and each one covers about six months to a year within the plot. However, he writes the stories in such a way that you are never bored, and usually has three or four sub-plots in each book. The characters are very well developed and full of flavor, but not very likable, which adds depth to the story. There is no true hero, and a lot of inner conflicts. Jordan's descriptions of the settings and backdrops are excellent, and you can easily picture every scene in your head. Jordan's books are not for everyone. You have to have patience and enjoy observing things develop and evolve slowly, like in real life. This book is an excellent addition to the series, and I look forward to the next. |
"The Eyes of the Dragon", Stephen King, ©1987
![[IMG: 4 Worlds Rating]](images/z0000020.jpg)
Review by Tooner, ©1997
![[IMG: Book Cover]](images/z0000176.jpg) |
Signet paperback edition, January 1988 - Illustrations by David Palladini, ©1987 World renowned master of horror, Stephen King, took a crack at a fantasy novel. No one was as surprised as I, but the novel is actually very good. Since King has written so many other novels, you would expect excellent writing. King doesn't disappoint with a seemingly simple plot that is full of twists and turns. Most fantasy novels have numerous characters and personal encounters through out the plot. This story follows a few simple characters through dramatic and continuous changes, and you can actually feel some of the emotions portrayed. This is the kind of book you keep forever, reading it over and over again. King has done an excellent job in this novel and I am waiting for him to write another. He did write another fantasy novel, "The Talisman", a collaboration with Peter Straub. |
"Door Number Three", Patrick O'Leary, ©1995
Review by Tooner, ©1997
![[IMG: Book Cover]](images/z0000186.jpg) |
A Tor Book, December 1995 - Jacket Art by Nickolas Jainschigg The number one reason why this book received a "5 Worlds" rating, one word: Style!! While I have never heard of any other works by O'leary, I am extremely impressed with the overall style and feel of the story. The plot of the story is made up of bits and pieces from various other Sci-Fi staples: Alien abductions, time travel, dream communication and shape shifters. Though some of these ideas have been presented better, it's the mesh that O'Leary creates with these topics that makes the story original. While the story hinges on Science Fiction, a good amount of the human condition is woven into the mix. While I do not expect O'Leary to win any awards for revolutionary Sci-Fi concepts, his style pulls you in and won't let go. The story is written like a cross between psychoanalysis and your buddy telling you a great, but weird story. Whether you like the actual plot or not, you will enjoy this book. O'Leary's recipe for success? Add Sci-Fi, psychosis, guilt, your best friend, Jell-O and square nipples. Mix well...
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"The King's Buccaneer", Raymond E. Feist, ©1992
Review by Tooner, ©1997
![[IMG: Book Cover]](images/z0000180.jpg) |
Bantam paperback edition, January 1994 - Cover art by Don Maitz, ©1993 The sixth book in the world of Midkemia but, by far the best of the series. The entire series is excellently written, yet there are extra elements in "The King's Buccaneer" that make it stand out from the rest. In many parts, the story reads like an epic pirate saga than a fantasy novel, though Feist ties all of the twists and sub-plots seamlessly. As with all from this series, the characters are full and believable. Even though the tone of the novel is somewhat gloomy, Feist is able to embed genuine humanity and merriment. I found myself smiling openly, especially during the royal crew's transformation. An enjoyable read, but I highly recommend starting at the begining of the series in order to grasp the full context of the story line. |
"Rise of a Merchant Prince", Raymond E. Feist, ©1995
Review by Tooner, ©1997
![[IMG: Book Cover]](images/z0000181.gif) |
Avon paperback edition, August 1996 - Cover art unknown The second novel in "The Serpentwar Saga" is not what you would expect from Feist. The story is very mundane, mostly about the trials and tribulations of a rising merchant. Only Feist could have taken such a topic and pulled it of without letting the reader get bored. I believe the entire book is a setup for the rest of the series, laying down a history of information to make the story line in the next book more believable. You may not personally like the main character personally, but the part is well written. The story is slow and predictable at times, but enjoyable overall. I prefer "The Riftwar Saga" so far over this latest series. The characters are less enjoyable and the action is somewhat lacking. Also, the transformation in the character "Jimmy the Hand" was expected, but not done well. Feist may have a problem with stretching the plot from one character generation to the next, but I will hold that judgement until the end of the series. |
"A Call to Arms", Alan Dean Foster, ©1991 (Thranx, Inc.)
![[IMG: 3 Worlds Rating]](images/z0000019.jpg)
Review by Tooner, ©1997
![[IMG: Book Cover]](images/z0000191.jpg) |
Del Rey paperback edition, April 1992 - Cover art by Barclay Shaw This book is clearly an example of a story idea with great potential that falls short. The teaser on the back cover peaks your interest, yet the plot never evolves. An Alien alliance, the "Weave", is searching the unknown reaches of the galaxy for allies to help them combat the mind controlling "Amplitur". A Weave expedition happened upon a remote planet called Earth, and encounters a race natural for war, Human Beings. One Human is selected to teach the Weave about our strange civilization. Unfortunately, the pacifist's answers do not match what the Aliens observe daily. The dilemma, what is the cost to the Weave civilization for utilizing such a barbaric race? Fundamentally, the structure of the story line was skewed. Three quarters of the novel were spent with the basic conflict between the main character, Will Dulac, his morals and the alien ambassadors, yet the entire Earth "draft" and subsequent war were covered in a few minuscule chapters. While I realize the main battle was between Will and his believes and paradigms of the Human Race, the sections could have been better balanced. The interesting portions of the story were the alien views of the Human Race, as well as their educated guesses as to the causes of our strange "civilization". They gave insight to us from the outside, which was at times unsettling. |
"Stranger In A Strange Land", Robert A. Heinlein, ©1961
Review by Tooner, ©1997
![[IMG: Book Cover]](images/z0000203.jpg) |
Ace edition, 1987 - Cover Art unknown Heinlein's story of the "Man from Mars" is definitely a Science Fiction classic and it should be read by all Sci-Fi fans. So why not "5 Worlds"? I believe the story becomes convoluted and skewed. The first half of the book deals with the Alien's arrival and submergence into our culture. While not overbearing, it sets a tone for the rest of the book. The second half of the story turns 180 degrees away from that tone and throws the characters into a battle of morality. The entire focus of the book changes to a documentary style look at organized religion and cults. While I do agree with the general populace that Heinlein was an excellent Sci-Fi author and I have enjoyed many of his other books, I must say I was slightly disappointed with the last half of this book. However, Heinlein's writing style and creativity make it a very enjoyable read.
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