Customer Reviews

Exile

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

 

 

It was a delight to once again immerse myself in the world Logston created in Guardian's Key. Knowledge of that world is crucial to the reading of Exile, as the story gains strength from its oppositional bent -- instead of Dara's naive entrance into the Crystal Keep, we now have Neve's naive exit from it. I was particularly impressed with how Logston handled the temptations (and assumptions) of the Keep's power. As with the Shadow books, I feel this is a world that can be repeated without losing any of its original charm.

It was readable but I did almost give it up at one point in boredom. Neve's "strength" is her adamant and childish desire to become the next Guardian, so whenever she rises to the occasion so to say, you have to read through her spoiled-brat resolve, but otherwise she's an okay kid. I admit that I didn't find the story at all romantic. I disliked Ash, the "hero", too much. I had just finished rereading Guardians' Key in happy anticipation of this sequel, and I guess that was a big mistake, because it reinforced standards, and made Gespry, the monkey-demon, much too fresh in my mind for me to digest Ash in a romantic light(he's a sailor with monkey-like feet and Gespry's way of talking). It was like reading a version where Dara hooks up with Gespry, except that I liked Dara better than Neve, and the setting of Guardians' Key was obviously more fascinating, as was the plot. When I was finally done with this book I did have a question: why doesn't Neve seem to consider herself Dara's daughter? Sure she thinks of Dara as 'mother', but when she thinks along the lines of who's child she is, she always thinks of the Nexus and Vanian. (BTW: It WAS nice having a few scenes with him in, though I wish those scenes included Dara, since I so love the way they interact). I'm sure I've by now made it evident that my liking for Guardians' Key has perhaps made Exile so disappointing, but Exile doesn't just suffer in comparison. The plain fact is that Exile is not a "good book". It's not exactly horrible though either. Still, I suggest you merely reread Guardians' Key if you want to revisit the Crystal Keep and reread Lord Vanian and Dara's adventure if you want a fragile romance.

I always loved this book and all the author's other stories. I wish she had written more books. Her characters are approachable and yet approriatley foreign. The land is just obscure enough to not be ours but yet relatable enough to makeit viable. I love her humor and her characterization.

After reading Firewalk, I was very excited with Anne Logston's more mature style (as compared to her earlier books). But then after nailing Firewalk, Logston went too dark and earthy with Waterdance and then swung too far back into "safer territory" with Exile, a juvenile, start-and-stop book. I was expecting something along Firewalk's greatness and then I got a junior book trying to sound more adult. It didn't work. While I still like Logston as an author and will still most likely read her next book, frankly I'm rather frustrated. I hope the next one is better.

This was the most disappointing book I've read that was by Logston. The plot continues in a loop, it was all too predictable, the characters seemed to be those in all the other books that you hated. I just wish someone had written a review before me so I wouldn't have bought it just because it was from Anne Logston. I mean, try reading it yourself. See if you don't think it's a third-grade book yourself.

I loved Exile. As a sequel I would say it was disapointing but I never liked the first one, Gaurdians Key. It's more like Daggers Point or Water Dance (other excellent sequels) where the main character must undertake a journey to find out who she is and where she belongs. The writing is rich and descriptive allowing you to feel like your there. Also to those who have read other Logston books there are tie-ins which make her world so much more complete. I liked Ash. He was a stronger (yet still caring) character than most of Logstons leading males. The romance, again like her other books, isn't hot and heavy. It's more like a mutual caring for each other which keeps the book light and enjoyable. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves Logston - and even to those who don't!

Yes, Exile is one of Logston's simpler books, but it is definitely a fun read, moves along nicely, and is interesting. I enjoyed Guardian's Key more, but I thought that this next generation sequel was a great return to this interesting world. I would have liked the book to have been longer, though, with the conclusion more drawn out and better explained.

I enjoyed this book by Anne Logston. It was a fun romp and read with very little pretense at trying to be anything but entertaining. It was consistantly thought out to suspend your disbelief so you could emerse yourself in it without too many -- "huh?"s. It also stands on its own from its predecessor since I hadn't read the earlier work based in the same fantasy universe.