Customer Reviews

A Hero Born (Realms of Chaos: The First Book)

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

 

 

This is the first book that I've read of Michael Stackpole's. It's the story of a young man named Locke, who is the third son of one of the world's greatest hero's. Locke was a very interesting character that, while young, had a marvelous, logical way of looking at the world and figuring out problems. Locke is sent by the Emperor into the Realm of Chaos to succeed in doing what his father was killed trying to do. Chaos is a fasinating land that changes everyone, including animals, that go to it in physical ways, and the longer the time spent there, the greater the change. It is also a land of many deadly creatures, including various tribes of Chademons. There were a few parts of the plot that I didn't totally understand, but didn't hinder me from enjoying the book, and a few things that I thought could have been a little more clear or focused on a bit more. I won't go into details because I wouldn't want to give away anything. All in all this was a good book that I would recommend.

This was the first book I've read by Michael Stackpole, and what a good book! I was given the book as a must read and it is. Stackpole combines all the elements of a great fantasy-uncertainty, the fight between good and evil and a good ending that begs for more, but is enough in its own right. He keeps the ending as a surprise but once you get there you say, Yes, thats what should be. I am looking forward to the next one.

When I read all the books my 8th grade teacher had available (the books my teacher we like a 6th grade reading level to me), I went in search of a book. Not just any book. I was looking for a challenge and I came upon this book. I picked it up thinking, what a weird cover. I started reading it and immediatly got hooked. I bought it from the store, took it home, went to my room, and never came out for hours. When I finished the book I read it again. I can't wait to read the second book! Michael A. Stackpole is now my favorite author. Keep up the good work!

Yeah, I've never come across a book quite like this. Stackpole really managed to create a very unique and fascinating setting. The characters are fleshed-out individuals too. See, a long time ago, some wizards screwed up a massive ritual. Now, except for a nation that the wizards reclaimed from the destruction, most of the world is ruled by a twisting wave of chaos, that inevitably and unpredictably changes everything it touches--including adventurers. Yet, there are those who for one reason or another feel compelled to venture into that chaos. Such a one is the hero, Locke. Locke seems like the flattest of all the characters in the book, but trust me, he's not. Meanwhile, the other 'chaos-riders' are amazing examples of characters. Magicians, mutants, and warriors, one way or another each character gets drafted into Locke's mission. And the best part is, you don't figure out the answers till the very end!

Though it's good, the second book in the series focuses on a different character, which I find unfair. So here's hoping another one turns up soon!

I loved Talion Revenant, and know people who are also absolutely in love with his Star Wars series. This all just led me to be even more disappointed after suffering through A Hero Born. It certainly had some interesting ideas there, but it was really distractingly cheesy! But give it a read if you think you'll find otherwise, this author clearly is very talented despite my thoughts on this one book.

I read the book, a couple of months ago. the story captivated me, however, the terms used, and the landscape were a little hard to follow. A map and a glossary with defenitions and pronunciations would help. Otherwise, it was a wonderful book. I look forward to reading the next one.

First of all, do yourself a favor and don't skip ahead in the book, you'll ruin it. This story is Stackpole at his best. An original setting, convincingly and logically written. The author clearly considered the implications of the environment he created. The foreshadowing was available without being obvious; characters were well described and seemed to stay within prescribed personalities. The only qualm I had with this book was that toward the end it was hard to keep track of who was alive, who might be dead, and who was really dead. Fortunately, that's all explicitly stated close to the end of the novel.

An excellent read, order it and enjoy. If you want further excellence from Stackpole read The Dragoncrown War cycle, starting with Dark Glory War.

I really enjoyed this book. Even though some say that it may have used too many words from modern language it made the book a little more understandable. After reading this book I read Talion: Revenent which is even a better book then this one. I thought the twist at the end was a good idea and action kept the story interesting all the way through.

I found the book very interesting and fun to read. I have vision problems and so i can't read or look at anything for too long but i couldn't help myself when i got to this book. i couldnt put it down and i had to finish reading it to the end. I found it very enjoyable as i also "fell" for locke and xoayya.

This books was a great start to a new series, with interesting characters and concoluted plot twists that can be resolved later. He creates a whole new world that is just begging to be populated. This one is definately worth it. Read a review of the second book before buying it, though.