Customer Reviews

The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2)

5 star:		(142)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I have racked my memory for an example of a worse novel, but I am at a loss to do so. The characters are wooden, the storyline derivative, and the writing itself is so trite and dull, that I actually fell asleep reading it, which I have never done in my entire life before this boring book.

I know that self-publishing isn't necessarily resorted to only by untalented hacks, but that appears to be the sad story in this case.

The book is physically ugly. It is so ugly and so poorly put together that I imagine I could have put something together myself with a stapler and glue that was more attractive, and sturdier. I discovered it at a laundromat, abandoned by its owner, with the words "This is the worst garbage I have ever read, whoever finds it can keep it," scrawled on the inside, so I started to read it as my socks dried. I should have just watched my socks spin in the dryer, it would have been more interesting.

I would give negative stars if possible.

The reviews are so inexplicably praiseworthy for this book that I suspect that many of the reviewers are shills, unwitting or otherwise. Of course, I can't prove this, but that is my honest opinion.

Avoid at all costs.

I'm a fan of Harry Potter who just discovered this series, and I'm glad to have something to fill the "void" until the final Potter book comes out. Looking forward to continuing the saga with the third book.

This is the story of three heroes named Vilmos, Adrina, and Seth.

Vilmos's whole life changed when he accidentally used his forbidden magic but when the dark priests came to get him he escaped into the night with the help of his tutor. His tutor takes him through the woods to safety and this is when he meet Xith, a mysterious stranger who has been in his dreams. When Vilmos decides to flee with Xith to the northlands, his training as a wizard begins.

Adrina's life changed when she determines to get beyond Imtal, the only place she's ever learned. Little did she know her secret yearning to get away would cost her so dearly, because she is soon tangled up in a web of deceit and trickery with Emel being the only one she can trust.

Seth is an elf, he is great warrior and queen's protector. Seth's life changes when the queen of the elves charges him to travel across the great sea to the lands of men. As men and elves are ancient enemies and the elves themselves are at war this is a perilous journey.

I love fantasy; Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Artemis Fowl, The Golden Compass, A Wrinkle in Time - bought them, read them with my son, loved them. This book cannot compare in any way to those books. Those books were exciting, this book is boring. ...
This is not a good book.

I found this book full of the writing that captivates you to the point where you want to read the whole book in one sitting. A great book for those of us that put are selves into the characters and feel right alone side them. Great book. This is a well written, well developed story. I immediately purchased the next two after completing this book.

This series keeps getting better and better! The book starts with the race to reach Alderan before the city falls into enemy hands. An assault on the beseiged city follows. A horrific capture of our good friends by the evil doers. All followed by an epic battle to save Great Kingdom! Wow doesn't say enough. The storyline and plot of the book is incredibly mysterious and gripping. All of the books are full of great mystery, but this is the greatest.

This is the "Star Wars" of fantasy! Robert's message is clear: good can triumph over evil and those who do the work of the light will be rewarded if they persevere. Although the book contains serious parts, there are many fun, exciting, and entertaining moments! This is a book that no adult, teenager, or child will want to miss out on. This is a one of a kind novel. Get it while it lasts!

My only complaint is that this has a very confusing listing. The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches Book 1 with ISBN 1575450593 February 2002 has same links as The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches Book 2 with IBSN 1575450607 April 2002. You have to point to More or All Editions, click, to see and buy the second book. I don't know why this is but first time I spent more than a few minutes trying to figure this out. All the reviews for the two books seem to show up on both listings too. Despite that, a highly recommended series!!!!!

I'm a fan of quality children's writing. Stanek's original book in the series was exquisite. I was completely surprised and thrilled. The second book is again wonderful. The author weaves a unique story that is compelling, strong and quite extraordinary. So far, I've found 5 books in the series: Kingdoms and the Elves Books 1, 2 and 3, and Elf Queen and the King Books 1 and 2. I've read Kingdoms and the Elves 1 and 2 and Elf Queen and the King 1 and 2. The author has a wonderful approach and the plots are able to surprise (even me). It was great to not get the same formula over and over as many other children's books tend to do. The books, though set an a fantasy world, do deal with emotions and the characters each have their own charm. One of the issues a character is dealing with in the book is the death of her mother. The message is clear: It's okay to grieve and sometimes, the healing process can take a long time. Writing about such deep feelings and emotions in a careful way that respects children and their real concerns, provides them with a forum to relate with their own fears and anxieties.

And Adrina is only one of the many bright and wonderful characters in these stories. Your children will have plenty to cheer about for sure (and you may as well). In the books, you'll find elves, dark creatures, and all the stuff of dreams (and nightmares). The author takes us to a dream world in many powerfully painted scenes where the boy Vilmos must battle an inner darkness. I suppose some of this might be misinterpreted by some parents, but the writing is so good and the underlying lessons are there to put things in perspective. Kids love when they can identify with the heroes, and they love it when the heroes are children like them.

The second book doesn't disappoint. In fact, it makes me love the story even more. I highly recommend buying these terrific books. Read them with your children if you have any reservations

I read reviews that call this the Star Wars of fantasy. I say NOT so. This is STAR WARS WITH ELVES and this book proves it. it is the most awesome action packed book I've read EVER. I got the book 1 and book 2 for my birth day. Stanek has created a world where fantastic creatures are everywhere and theirs a lot to hold your attention. I cared about the characters right from the start. I highly suggest this book and I can't wait to get the next book!

I just couldn't put the darn book down! Like the first one, the story took hold of me from the first page and wouldnt let go until the final word. I found myself wondering what would happen next to the characters when I had to put the book down for any length of time. Thus I finished the book in only two days. Stanek is fast on his way to becoming one of the best Fantasy writers, on a par with Narnia and Harry Potter. Better than Eragon/Eldest. Those who love fast paced Fantasy novels will definitly not be dissapointed!

The second book is my favorite of the first two. I picked up 'The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches' because I wanted to find out what all the talk was about. Of course, after reading it, I can see why so many people have been touched and captivated by Stanek's amazing and extraordinary imagination. The truth is that you won't know what all the talk is about until you've actually read at least the first two books. Certainly, I haven't read anything this good or anything this enthralling since Lewis's tales of 'Narnia.' Simply put, this book made me smile. Vilmos, Adrina, Seth, Xith and the others are amazing characters. Words cannot adequately or justly describe who they are and this book like the first one made me think. I feel so strongly connected to Vilmos and to Adrina. If any words can describe this book, I'd have to say that this book and the characters it represents are destined to become a genre in itself. 'The Kingdoms and the Elves' made me think, made me feel, which are testaments to all the well-deserved accolades it has received. This book will appeal to just about any age-group. Definitely, there's something about The Kingdoms and the Elves. For those who have not picked these books up: Find out what all the talk is about, and discover the magic because this ones even better than the first one.