Customer Reviews

King Kobold Revived

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

 

 

"King Kobold Revived" has undergone remarkable changes from the original King Kobold novel. As the authors note says in the beginning he has had around 12 years to think about the book and ways to redo it. The story itself follows the same basic plot lines; invaders that can wield the `Evil Eye' are invading the shores of Gramarye. None can stand against this weapon that can freeze soldiers in their tracks. Rod and Gwen Gallowglass as soon called to the rescue of the Gramarye. However, when a power greater then either Rod's or Gwen's seems to freeze even them, the real trouble begins. Now to deal with the changes that have been previously mentioned. Though I agree with other reviewers that some characters are either notably missing or have had their roles reduced drastically, the way it was done has made them nonessential to the redone story. Even with the plot changes, none of which effect any references made in later novels, and a totally redone ending, this novel is still wonderful and more then worth the reading, or rereading if you have read the original version. I assure you if you have read the original King Kobold, some of this story will seem similar, but most will strike you as a totally new book. Even if you are still unsure having read mixed reviews I highly recommend it for the introduction of some characters that appear in later novels, and to gain a insight into some `firsts' that are taken for granted as the series progresses. Allay your fears and uncertainty for even with the novel taking on a virtually new plot from its previous incarnation, it is another one of Christopher Stasheff's masterpieces.

I first bought 'Warlock in Spite' and 'KK' at a stall in Cannon Street station , must be mid 1970's . Still have them , in the the same thick paperbacks , and still read them . I bought the rest of the series (up to 1989) while I was working in Sunnyvale . It felt good to catch up with Rod , and to get more knowledge about Father Al , but nothing ever matched the first novel . I loved the wit , and the tongue in cheek send up of all the SF llamas at the time . It never made it much beyond a clever student joke though . A pity . With TV it could have become a Babylon 5 , and with the right war another Tolkien .

I intend to replace the volumes I've lost , mainly in Doncaster , but I won't cry if I can't . If you like Frazier , you will love Stasseff , or whatever his name is . If you ever played D&D , it may help you to admit it at your next dinner party - especially if you are catholic.

It is interesting to see how the story develops with the addition of a major character. The original book, King Kobold, is so obscure it wasn't published in the USA. This book is an excellent example of a second try at the same story line.

I like Stasheff and this book is not exception. The one thing it did, however, was make me wish that I could get my hands on a copy of the original book so I could compare it with the rewrite!

I loved this book and am very impressed with the way the characters have evolved throughout the series. I did not read the first King Kobold, but only because I am still trying to locate a copy. Worth every penny you need to spend.

JReliga is incorrect. King Kobold was published in the USA but did poorly in sales. I had a copy and am trying to locate another. The rewrite did away with some key characters who show up in subsequent books, and so gives us no exposition of those characters.