Customer Reviews

Greyfax Grimwald (Circle of Light, Book 1)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I picked Greyfax Grimwald up at a used bookstore once, read it for a couple of hours, and fell in love with it. The book has an intriguing and adventurous plot. The story is about a dwarf, otter, and bear who are tempted to cross a river that transports them to a realm called Atlanton Earth where they are accompanied by the mystic wizards, Greyfax Grimwald and Faragon Fairingay. The dwarf, bear, and otter are instructed by the two wizards to protect a relic that holds power to destroy the darkness of queen Dorini. However, it's not that easy. The three companions will encounter Dorini's evil minions as well as human war and treachery along the way. This book had me staying up late many nights to read it and I can still remember much of it from when I read it over three years ago. I'm sorry to say that this book has become out of print overtime, though. Luckily, this book can be found in many used bookstores that stock science fiction and fantasy. A great book nonetheless, and better than many pieces of literature out there today.

Hancock creates some delightful and humorous characters in this highly entertaining story. The personification of bears, otters and other creatures may sound childish, but the characters are memorable, believable and well developed. Although many of the character's names are simply derivates of Tolkien's, I think this was done for amusement (as the series has very comic overtones and isn't at all dark and dreary). The storyline and characters are unique and Hancock's `Circle of Light' series stands as one of the best fantasy epics - with a humorous twist.

I read this series when I was in high school (I am now 33), and loved it! Hopefully, they will come back into print. I would really like to read this series again. The characterizations and descriptions are wonderful.

I read this book, and the accompanying volumes, several years ago. It held my attention and fascination in much the same way J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series did.

I found this book in a second-hand book store and have spent the last 5 years looking for the others titles in the series. The kind of book you're sad to see come to an end. The fairy tale quality of the book makes it an excellent bedtime story for children and adults. I loved it!

I originally bought the four books in this series back in the mid seventies, and am glad to be able to replace them now with new, much-less-tattered editions.

I highly recommend this series (and Hancock's other Atlanton Earth books) because of the twists he takes on the idea-starved, high fantasy tradition such as sometimes having animals as talking, leading characters, and mixing gun play in with the normal sword and sorcery action. Additionally, Hancock does what many fantasy authors have forgotten: creates a living, breathing world filled with rich characters that you actually care about! Enjoy this series...and hope they bring his other books back into print as well!

This book really astonished me, I had bought the book at a old used book store for 0.25, but if I had known it was this good I would have been willing to pay 8.25. The book kept me interested from the very beganing to the conclusion. The writer was very creative and descriptive, I had a clear mental image all the settings. I recomend it to everyone!

This is the best book I've read in a long time. After reading the J.R.R Tolkien and Harry Potter books I wanted something along those lines. I discovered this book on the discard rack at my school library and snatched as quickly as I could! I was glad I did for now I see that it's out of print...(such a shame) But if you ever come upon this book, don't ask questions just buy and read it! You will not be disappointed by the wonderful journey these three unseemingly friends take you....An absoulute must read and must HAVE!

I, too, read this book shortly after reading Tolkien's LORD OF THE RINGS. And I found there to be many similarities, as well. CIRCLE OF LIGHT is a traditional tale of Light versus Darkness, and its Atlanton Earth has elves, dwarves, dragons, and so forth. Also, many of the names are evocative of Tolkien's: Greyfax, Faragon, Broco, the Arkenchest, etc. But as I got into the book, I found most of the similarities to be at best superficial, because there are many differences as well. For example, there are rifles, gunpowder, talking animals, and multiple spheres or worlds that the action takes place on. There is no doubt that Hancock owes a tip of the hat to such previous fantasists as Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. But this is not just a knock-off of Middle Earth or Narnia. Hancock has fashioned his own distinct setting and characters, and his own poetic brand of storytelling. For people looking for a traditional atmospheric fantasy to read, I recommend this series.

I first read this what seems like a long long time ago now. I read it more recently and still think it's great. Part Tolkien, part "Wind in the Willows," with a dash of philosophy and war experiences. Characters you get to know and care about. I like this a lot better than practically all the fantasy trilogies and such out today. I'm sorry it's lapsed out of print.