Customer Reviews

The Adept

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I first read this book simply because I have enjoyed all of Katherine Kurtz's other works to date. As soon as I had finished it I wanted another one. Kurtz and Harris write a plausible occult novel that is set in a modern day Scotland. I do hope that ours is not like it or that if it is that there are really Hunting Lodges such as that described in the book to help protect people from the Dark side of humanity. As one would expect, the characters are both believable and interesting. You really care what happens to them and want to know more. Fortunately for us they have acceded to our wishes and there are now four books in the series with a fifth one on the way. If you're like me and look for good series to read you won't want to pass up on this one. But even if you're not into reading series you'll enjoy this book. It is both exciting and intriguing

Fantasy fiction generally holds very little of interest for me, but this book is mesmerizing. It's well written, very well researched, and accurate in its descriptions of Scottish sites. The main characters are human and intelligent enough to make me read all five installments written thus far and hope for more.

Kurtz gives us a story about three men, the powers they hold, and the treausre there trying to keep hidden. While the title The Adept refers to Adam Sinclair, doctor and Master of the Hunt, the story really revolves around a man named Peregrine who discovers a chilling talent that almost makes him commit suicide-the ability to see things as they once were. Travelling all over Scotland Adam, Peregrine, and Adams Second (sorry can't recall his name) they chase a group of evil sorcerers who search for a treasure of power. I now own the entire series and while each book is different they are definatly worth reading.

So it isn't Agatha Christie. The Adept is still a fun, rollicking supernatural thriller that deserves a second (and maybe a third) look!

Sir Adam Sinclair is a shrink and baronet, who secretly battles evil forces in his native Scotland. (He's like Sherlock Holmes, but warmer and not as show-offy). While paying a visit to an old friend, he meets a young artist named Peregrin, who accidently foresees things and hears voices - and it's freaking him out. As Sinclair takes the young man under his wing, a wave of evil sorcerers rise to steal an ancient treasure, using the mystical Hepburn Sword and Fairy Flag. Sinclair must use all resources - earthly and unearthly - to catch them.

The writing style lags a bit, and I was uncomfortable with some scenes, such as discussions of reincarnation and bits of divination, as well as a stretched-to-different-body spirit speaking through a policeman. However, the base of the book and its characters will be familiar to mystery fans: the detective and his sidekick, and the friendly policeman (McLeod) who tags along on their adventures.

What sets them apart from a Hercule Poirot mystery? The climax is breathtaking after a slower pace throughout most of the book. Fairies (not cute little gauze-winged creatures, as Adam tells us) show up, as does a Ban-sidhe. And there's even a cameo near the end by a familiar "face" that will elicit a chuckle and a cheer from the most hardened reader.

The characters are fun to read about: Adam is sexy and suave in his buttoned-up, wry manner. Peregrin is a sweetie with his emotional problems and obvious crush. McLeod is a darling, the perfect endearing Highland chieftain in a cop's uniform.

For good spine-tingling fun, this is THE book!

I decided to read this book because I've enjoyed others by Ms. Kurtz. I must say this is one of the best of her books I've read. It combines mysticism, suspense, fantasy, and detective work in one unique and fascinating whole. I couldn't put it down.

I hadn't read anything by Kurtz until picking up the Adept, though I am a fan of SF&F. I found myself immediately drawn into a beautifully twisted plot filled with excellent characters and wonderful images. I couldn't put the book down until the very end, and found myself wanting the story to continue. (Good thing this is the first book of a series!)

As a practising 32' Mason and an avid adventure reader as well as an author myself,I enjoyed the entire Adept series immensly.Kurtz has the style and the flow of her adventures is intense.The characters are as though pulled from real life,her accuracy on the subject matter is right on.Absolute fun reading,I highly recommend this series. Especially for Brothers of the Order,but also for those who love a rollicking good story. Jacamo Peterson author of A Hard Place and Blademaster of Norda

I usually don't read a book more than once. This entire series I have read twice so far and will probably read again. I only hope that more will be written.

I read "The Adept" because it was written by Katherine Kurtz. I have read some of her works before and liked them alot. Well, to put it frankly, she has done it again. "The Adept" is an occult mystery with attitude. The characters are intelligent and you can't help but like them. The mystery is well written and woven in with the other threads of the story so well, that you want to keep turning that next page. The magic and fantasy aspects are so well crafted that they just could be plausible. Everything in his book works. Nothing is tacked on just to fill pages. "The Adept" might keep you up at night, just like any good mystery should

Great first novel. Good plot, with a well placed minimum of the usual wierdness that only true science fiction/fantasy readers can enjoy. It's like a Hardy boys novel with an adult twist. Involving, gripping, and yet an easily digestible plot, with lots of great writing on the side..