Customer Reviews

The Element of Fire

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After reading "The Element of Fire", I am ready to declare that Martha Wells is probably the best author of the entertaining 'Swords and Sorcery' type of fantasy alive today. Although this was her first novel, it was the third one of her books that I've read. All of them have been well-written with excellent imagination. So why are her books so much fun to read?

Lots of action. Even though her novels are relatively short, they each contain several large-scale action scenes and plenty of individual sword fights. Wells has clearly studied medieval weaponry and warfare closely enough to know what she's talking about. Her fight scenes are very realistic and easy to visualize.

Surprises. "The Element of Fire" has lots of courtly intrigue and unpredictable plot developments. There's back stabbing, double agents, triple agents, plots, counterplots, and mysterious deaths of major characters right when you least expect it.

Tough characters. Looking for pathetic little reluctant heroes who have to whine for hundreds of pages before they can do anything? Look elsewhere. Wells provides truly hardcore, brave, and loyal characters who aren't afraid to fight and die for what they believe in. I particularly enjoy how Wells gives them humorous dialogue, such as when characters taunt each other before a fight.

I love the fantasy genre but I hate how most fantasy publishers think that fantasy readers like the same formula (a superhuman who fulfills a prophecy only after he becomes convinced of his destiny when he finds a magic sword from a mystical figure...I've seen it many times).
However, Martha Wells was a breath of fresh air for me. She actually injects her story with intrigue and it reads like a 17th century political chess game. The action flows throughout the story and she realistically throws characters in situations that don't always work out perfectly. Yes, there is talk about fairy and magic, but it doesn't detract from the main story. It's apart of the story and not just something to wow you while reading. This book is hard to find so I would recommend going to the library to read a copy. I recommend all of her other books which are even more accomplished than this gem (especially check out "Death of the Necromancer" and "Wheel of the Infinite").

Martha Wells continues to be the best fantasy writer out there. It's too bad this book is no longer in print - not just because it is such an amazing book, but because I won't let anyone borrow mine for fear they lose it and I could never find another one. The book describes Thomas, the perfect action hero. A great fighter, brave... Although this type of hero is found in almost every book, only Martha Wells can get the reader to truly like him and admire his abilities. Also Kade, one of the better female heroines in any book, helps set the stage for witty dialogue and well fought battles with the fay. This book also sets up "The Death of a Necromancer" which is also worth reading. If you can find a copy of this for an affordable price, buy it immediately.

I have nearly finished rereading this book, after having read it once about 5 years ago. I had remembered it as being pretty good, but nothing to write home about. Impressive is the word that I would use now. Martha Wells must have a wide knowledge of both Arthurian legend and traditional Celtic mythology because she combines them skilfully in an unusual and interesting way in this book. What I liked most about it was that though it is a traditional Arthurian style fantasy (king, fay half-sister, unfaithful queen, etc.) Wells made it into her own story with the addition of Thomas Boniface, sardonic Queen's Guard, and his romance with Kade Carrion, the fay half-sister. Why not 5 stars? Mainly because I didn't like very many of the characters--they were all very well drawn, but only a few were sympathetic. If you don't like cliches, don't read this book, but if you can appreciate new, humorous, intelligent reinterpretations of cliches, read on!

The original edition of Element of Fire was loads of fun, and this revised version is even better. Ms Wells has tightened the writing even further and eliminated a few inconsistencies (left over from earlier drafts?).

The setting resembles the 17th century Paris of The Three Musketeers, but with sorcery, magic, and the perils of Faery added. The result is a rich, original and fascinating background. Add a break-neck plot and a cast of cynical, witty and fully realised characters, and you have an instant classic.

Martha Wells is really the best fantasy writer of our time. The plot is engaging and the characters are well developed. Set in a medeival backdrop, Martha Wells creates a believable world where magic and wit play into the power struggle of a kingdom.

I am really grateful that the publishers finally decided to reprint this book after it had been out of print for several years. After reading Wheel of the Infinite, I immediately fell in love with her style of writing. She is witty and intelligent and so are her characters. Best of all, the plot takes several twists and turns that make the book hard to put down.

I would give it 6 stars if I could.

Wonderful, devious, swashbuckling fun! The characters were fantastic and interseting, the world alive and the story kept moving. A beautiful example of what a fantasy tale ought to be, and full of wit and twists and politics and magic and a suitable dash of swordplay. I cannot gush about this novel enough.

Finally, a orginal fantasy that combines excellent story, great characters, and a wonderful world that isnt over done. Great book. Books like this should get more attention.. Espically compared to the likes of authors who are over glorified.. Eg Goodkind. Read this book..

Very well written. Some part were hard to follow, but maybe it was because I was reading so fast. I really enjoyed it. Kade was my favorite character.

This is Martha Wells' revision of her first published novel and it is well worth seeking out. Her characters are compelling and her stories are great. Highest recommendation.