Customer Reviews

GemQuest

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A well crafted convergent novel is a joy to read and I found Gary Wassner's GemQuest, The Twins to be just such a book.

The book begins by showing us a world whose very survival is threatened. There are characters who are trying to save this world and an evil lord who is bent on destroying it so that he may reign.

The evil lord seems to have the upper hand as the only hope lies with a boy who is hidden, unconscious, and untrained.

There are many characters who must assemble to train the boy to assume his role. The book's chapters move from character to character as each makes their journey to the boy. At the same time the dark lord is plotting first to kidnap the boy but failing that to launch an all out seige against the city where the boy is supposed to be.

Each character's strength and conviction is tested during their journey. During the final battle they must combine their strengths in order to overcome an overwhelming army of the dark lord.

Gary Wassner's writing style keeps you anxious to get through each chapter so that you can discover what has happened and what will happen to each of the characters.

As in the real world there is no final resolution of the conflict between good and evil but this book is not about the end point but rather it is about the journey.

GemQuest, the first novel by new author Gary Wassner, is a literate, well crafted and intricately woven original fantasy, with well thought out characters and settings. Using vivid imagery the author pulls the reader in, taking him on a journey filled with emotion and bitter conflict.

The story centers around the search for the gem of eternity, for he who acquires this will rule all the world. The great trees of the land, the Lalas, and their human mates, known as the Chosen, are dying, and no one knows why. The Chosen are an elite group, at birth granted the right of having a great tree of their own. The trees are their teachers and their protectors. Along the way we are introduced to a varied group of travelers who are called to the city of Pardatha to educate Dav, the heir to the throne of Gwendollen.: Lady Filaree par D'Avalain and her friend, Cameron; Robyn dar Tamarand and Cairn of Thermaye and Calyx, his steadfast companion. On their journey each meet new people from other lands, develop new and treasured friendships, and learn to respect each others strengths and accept each others weaknesses. Of course, impending disaster follows some, as the Dark Lord, Colton wreaks havoc and death leading the bloody battle of the kingdom of Pardatha.

The book is replete with people, cities and worlds brought to life with descriptive language. The author envelops the reader right from the beginning of the story, making him want to read more. The characters are introduced as the author weaves together their lives and histories, and introduces us to the ultimate challenges and struggles each comes up against, creating a truly enjoyable reading experience. One chapter was so beautifully written that I cried as I read it - the unspoken love, trust and devotion between the characters was heartbreaking.

And by the way, if after finishing this novel you find yourself wanting a tree of your own, you are not alone.

This is the best fantasy novel that I have read since the Robert Jordan Wheel of Time series came out. A I am excited for the next part in Whell of Time, I am just as eagerly awaiting the publication of part two of Gem Quest by Gary Wassner. It was clear to me that this novel was outstanding when all I could do was bounce in my seat as I read the book, wanting to know what happens next, but never wanting it to ever end.
The descriptions of the characters, the landscape, emotions, moods, the language and conversations make the reader feel like they are experiencing everything for themselves.
The world created by Gary Wassner is as real as the one that we live in today. The trees, some of the oldest creatures in our world, become a central figure of the world created in Gemquest. The trees hold the world together, but the characters and their lives make the story.
At the onset you can feel the tension between good and evil. You find yourself routing for the good, but wondering what this evil being is going to conjure in order to do his bidding.
The novel takes every aspect of a fantasy novel that a reader can dream of and eloquently and intelligently ties it together to depict a world that could only be imagined. It was near impossible to tear myself away from reading this book, even to get a bite to eat.
I recommend this book to anyone who reads fantasy novels, including those by Robert Jordan, Tad Williams, Terry Brooks, Mercedes Lackey, and the list goes on.

I feel that the author has used very complex ideas and deep thoughts in his writing technique. he fully describes all the characters, landscapes, and situations. I have been waiting quite some time to read such an interesting novel. i feel that his technique is one-of-a-kind, spectacular, phenomenal! this book should be put in all schools, libraries and bookstores immidiatly. I am expecting a sequel twice as good. i cannot wait.

I just finished GemQuest and can't wait for the sequel. Growing up reading Tolkien, LeGuinn, Herbert I find myself having very little patience for novels in this vein that fall short of my somewhat higher expectations, but GemQuest was so well developed on every level, including the depth of the characters, the visual complexity of the environment in which GemQuest exists and the twists and turns of the story line itself, I was totally engrossed and thoroughly enjoyed the book. It all worked towards creating a fascinating experience and I recommend the book highly. The book also screams to be made into a movie as well, although I feel that the authors technique makes me feel like I already saw it in it's film version.

i loved it! great storyline, great characters! a lot to think about in this book, aside from the quest for the gem and the battle between good and evil. it was very thoughtful and very intelligent. i read all the fantasy that i can, and this was fresh and new, exciting and emotional...everything that i look for in a good fantasy novel. i am glad that there are still new authors coming out with books that are a little different. everyone who loves fantasy will love Gemquest! just remember - you have to think when you read this one. but, even that was worth it this time.

My apologies to the author, but this book was just not worth it. I got through about 60 pages and just could not go on. If you want good fantasy try George R. R. Martin "Storm of Swords."