The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2, Special Illustrated Edition) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "We cannot just bed down here surely," came a grumble from a mixture of voices..." (more)
Key Phrases: sectional commander, human magus, lore keeper, Father Jacob, The Elves of the Reaches, Keeper Martin (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dramatic illustrations draw the reader into the Tolkienesque world of Ruin Mist, plunged into darkness after a Great War five hundred years past. Blaming magic for their demise, the Kings of Men have decreed that all things magical be destroyed. Yet despite their efforts, the magical Dark Lord is slowly returning to power. Another bloody battle is foreshadowed for Ruin Mist when Adrina, the spoiled and lonely princess of Imtal, is visited by a mysterious woman who predicts Adrina's ghastly future. Meanwhile in the kingdom of Elves, Seth, devoted First of the Red Order of the Queen Mother Elf, is sent on a journey across the Great Sea to prevent war. Stuck somewhere in the middle is Vilmos, a young magical boy-who-would-be-mage, abducted for his own safety by a Yoda-like guide named Xith. All three journey to an unknown fate against treacherous and sometimes supernatural foes. Stanek augments the beginning of this complex tale with illustrations that are sure to attract fans of graphic novels and classic Tolkien alike-the only weakness in the illustrations is their scarcity. Stanek will likely draw a cult following, but his work is not for the novice fantasy reader. A complicated glossary at the end includes twenty-two pages of "People, Places, and Things in Ruin Mist," complete with geographical references, family lineages, and extraordinary sketches. Despite the sophisticated plot, however, this cliffhanger guarantees fans, and those fans will be ready to wield their swords against the Dark Lord in Stanek's next installment. -- VOYA, February 1, 2007 review of The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Description

The epic adventure continues! Discover the magical world of Ruin Mist and be swept away in the adventure of a life time. The story of three lives and a world transformed forever by fate. Also available in English, Spanish, Turkish, Russian, Korean, Bulgarian, Vietnamese, Trade, Library and Audio, the Special Illustrated Edition of this timeless story includes 65 lavish illustrations, deluxe full-size format, and beautiful white paper. Finally released in the version envisioned by the author 20 years ago, this is the story of Ruin Mist completely unaltered to hint at the story's origins in ancient myth and legend. Readers around the world are discovering Robert Stanek and Ruin Mist. Now in this special illustrated edition of the top-selling title, you can get the ultimate Ruin Mist experience. Distinctive cover art features the wizard Xith and his young apprentice Vilmos, deluxe maps help you explore the realms, lavish illustrations bring the author's words to life, and an expansive guide to the world provides additional background to help you unravel the secrets of Ruin Mist. Robert Stanek has been called a modern day Tolkien, and his books have been called Star Wars with Elves, a wonderful cross between Tolkien and Rowling. Learn more about Robert Stanek at robertstanek.com. Enter the breathtaking world of Ruin Mist at ruinmist.com.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Reagent Press Echo (March 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575455064
• ISBN-13: 978-1575455068
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (173 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,023,323 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth your time..., August 19, 2006

By	Gerald Fujioka - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2) (Paperback)

This is the book that made me a Kingdoms fan. I think if I had stopped at book One, I wouldn't be such a fan, but as I continued on in the series it got better and getter and I was glad I kept going. Plus I was drawn into the story more and more as it went. I loved how this book continues from where the first one left off, especially how the story all comes together.

Stanek's books are powerful and original. The characters are wonderfully portrayed, and the plot lines though complex are easy to follow. If you haven't read the Kingdoms books yet you are missing out on the best fantasy in years.

53 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The adventure continues..., August 24, 2006

By	P. Gunelson (Minnesota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2) (Paperback)

My 12 yr. old son absolutely loves this book and so do I! Everyone who says Robert Stanek is a gifted story-teller is right on. His characters are fully developed and even minor ones are drawn with detail to give their personalities a lasting impression. But what I liked most of all is the complex storyline that Stanek weaves with skill so that a 4 volume epic story of action, adventure, mystery and intrigue is easy to follow. The pieces from the 4 volumes come together in ways you never imagine. You see, hear, taste, and smell everything! It is as if you are standing inside one of the orbs of power and are inside the story watching the events unfold. Plus Stanek is one of those rare authors who can tell a detailed story and keep it moving at a good pace.

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #2 continues the epic story of the kingdoms of men and the elves of the reaches. It tells the continuing story of Adrina from Imtal, Great Kingdom, Vilmos Tabborath from one of the minor kingdoms, and Seth from Leklorall, East Reach. Adrina is the third daughter of the king. She is saddened by the loss of her mother and doesn't see the world as it is. In the first book, her desires and awakening to the world around her cost her dearly, and now she must deal with the consequences of those desires.

Vilmos's future looks as dark and bleak as Adrina's. The powerful, dark magic has awakened within him, and as magic is outlawed in the lands his powers puts himself and everyone around him at great danger. There are those in the lands who would kill him because of his magic and there are those in the lands who would capture him and use him because of his magic. Seth is the leader of the Red Brotherhood of the Elves. He is the queen's sworn protector but the queen assigned him the task of returning to the lands of men. In a time when men and elves are mortal enemies, the journey across the great sea should perhaps have been the easiest part of his journey, but things did not work out that way. Now Seth must struggle to stay alive and to keep his fellow elves alive while trying to keep his oath to his queen.

Highly recommended. You'll want to have all four books on hand.

40 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The magic continues, September 15, 2002

By	"terryk28" (Idaho USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2) (Paperback)

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