Customer Reviews

The Fifth Ring

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

The Fifth Ring is a fun read. Its pacing is fast and the sparse dialogue and storytelling aids the flow.

Perhaps most intriguing is the book's premise: a boy finds a magical ring that gives him powers -- but instead of being truly magical -- and thus not needing explanation -- the ring is actually a remnant of high technology from a civilization lost eons ago in an apocalyptic war. Furthering this premise is Graham's admirable attempt to make the ring scientifically limited. The wielder of a ring can only manipulate energy, and is limited by his knowledge of the physical world. There are many examples provided in the book, but the incident where King Karas's sister kills a man by stopping his heart illustrates the concept well: not only did the sister have to know what a heart looked like, she also had to understand how it functioned. She stops the man's heart by imagining the heart and then constricting its major valves. Unfortunately, this great concept was carried only halfheartedly and Graham dropped science for plot device.

I put off buying this for quite awhile because I couldn't "look through" the book on Amazon.com, nor could I find it at the local bookstore. I decided to jump in and am glad I did.

To paraphrase an earlier poster, don't expect this to be a Pulitzer Prize winning novel. It's not. But it still makes for a good read, with interesting characters and well-written battle and sword fight scenes. There's also a dash of sci fi sprinkled throughout, as when certain characters refer back to The Ancients, who built different types of machines which were destroyed in some cataclysmic war that killed off most of The Ancients.

IMHO, the most interesting character is Father Thomas. Yes, he's a priest, but he's no ordinary priest...and part of his past life, which hints that it was anything but dull, emerges in this book. Quite a character, and I'm sure we'll get to know more about him as the series continues.

BTW, I agree with the poster who took umbrage with the poster who questioned the "sexual advances" made by Lara toward Mat (Mat is the chap on the cover). I really don't know where this came from; there's some flirting between the two, and Mat starts to notice and feel certain things about Lara, but isn't that normal for a guy in his late teens?

One more thing: There is a slight twist near the end of the book which took me by surprise, happening when it did. I'm sure this is the strand which the author will use to help flesh out the next book in the series.

In short, if you're looking for War and Peace, this ain't it. But if you're looking for a decently-written fantasy that will keep you turning the pages, this should fill the bill.

My dad got me this book for my birthday and I really loved it. I love science fiction and fantasy and this was one of the best ones I have ever read. The Harry Potter books are my currently favorite, but this is a close second. I actually think that it's just as good in about every way.

The bad guy in this story is named Karas Duren and he'll give you the creeps. He is a mass murderer, who doesn't like the sight of blood.

I thought all of the main characters were excellent too and I loved the battles.

There are a few things I can say about this book.

First, I really enjoyed it and read it quickly. Mitchell Graham's style is smooth, polished and flows well.

Second,it has very little nothing to do with the Lord of the Rings except in the broadest sense. There is magic of a sort, but it's based on a machine the Ancients created. There is a dark lord and the tale is an epi, but that's where it ends. One of the best things about THE FIFTH RING is the detailed world-building --really excellent. Another is the interesting relationships between characters. They're fun and enjoyable.

Several things I liked a lot were the touches of humor (very well placed) and the fight scenes. If there's a writer out there who can do it better than Graham (he's a champion fencer himself) I've yet to meet them.

I'd have no trouble strongly recommending this book to anyone.

I've been reading fantasy books since I was a kid and was blown away by this one. The humor was a hoot and the soaring action scenes are just amazing. I'd also have to say everything about the story worked really well from the characters' friendships to the villians.

The plot isn't anything new, but it was fun and enjoyable to read. The only problem is that it's a trilogy and I have to figure out a way to hold my breath until the next installment. According to the publisher that will be in December.

I couldn't find any negatives in new author Graham's work and can recommend it without reservation

I have told myself about a thousand times, so I'll tell it to you. This book is great! When I picked it up I didn't expect it to be so good.About the book itself. Stars out and you get a passive backround on whats been going on the past three-thousand years. Apperently mankind reached the pinnicle of civilization and for some reason or another destroyed itself. At the time the story is taking place all that is left of man's greatness are ruins and legends.Saying much more might spoil the story, which after reading for the fourth time din a week is still great. At the end of the book I get the impression that there may be a sequal to it. I sincerly hope it is half as good as the first book. I have dhigh hopes for Mitchell Graham and hope for a continuation of the first story.

"The Fifth Ring" is a great book in many ways. The characters are alive and the world is rich in detail.

I truly enjoyed the story. It wa sfast paced and hooked me from the get go. The females are not as interesting or as colorful as the males, but there is lots of room for them to grow in the sequels.

Being a writer myself, the highest compliment I can give a book is when I put down my own stuff to read someone else's work. That's what happened here.

What are you waiting for? Go get this book now and enjoy!

I loved this book. I've been trudging my way through Robert Jordan and finally gave up (from exhaustion). Jordan is a great author, but Graham beats him any day in the week. This is one of the best fantasy I have ever read.

I initially had trouble finding this book because every Borders store I went to told me that it was sold out. Eventually, I gave in and ordered it on line.

It's a fair thing to say that I really enjoyed the story. Some of the actions move so quickly, I found myself putting the book down and picking it up a half hour later.

I loved the touches of humor the author drops in here and there as well as the relationships between the characters. The battle scenes are just great too.

I will definitely buy the sequel.

I got this book based on a recommendation of a friend. Quite frankly, I've never been as captivated by a story before. Graham's style of writing is detailed and intimate. He paints a wonderful picture of a world that's easy to get lost in.

If you're a fan of fantasy, buy "The Fifth Ring." You won't be sorry you did.