Customer Reviews

One For The Morning Glory

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I work in a bookstore and I read quite a bit of science fiction/fantasy. I must admit the art by Charles Vess drew me to this book, so I picked it up and read the back. The idea of a young prince, missing one side of his body, going on adventures with fiendly but mysterious companions intrigued me. About three months after buying it, I finally got around to reading it (as I stated, I work in a bookstore, hence I buy and read many books). After the first page and a half I was hooked. Mr. Barnes writing style was very fluid and much like a classic fairy tale. The reference to the Spinx's riddle and to J.R.R.Tolkien's "The Hobbit" was also very enjoyable. This would have to be the best stand-alone fantasy I have read in at least two years! When I tried to think of a way to describe this book to my friends, the phrase that came to mind was that it reads like watching the "Princess Bride". In closing I'd like to add that three of my friends now own a copy and at least 3 customers I have shown the book to were very pleased with it and have picked up other novels by John Barnes. Thank you for your time

I read this book and loved it. Like the best John Barnes books I've read (e.g. Earth Made of Glass), the author resists the temptation to just give us what we want, which would result in a much shallower book. With Barnes' superb writing and ability to draw the reader in, a shallower book would probably be very entertaining and possibly more popular. I'm glad he went for a meatier treatment, though. I believe that One for the Morning Glory isn't so much about Amatus and the fantastic world he lives in as it is about fantasy and reality and how fairy tales were originally written to instruct rather than to entertain, and possibly about many other themes which I haven't grasped yet. My wife recently read the book, and we had the most amazing conversations afterwards. This is a book to make you think. If you're looking for simple entertainment, read Patton's Spaceship. If you want to be entertained and also inspired to think about the world in new ways, read One for the Morning Glory.

Barnes, better known for his science fiction, here turns his hand to fantasy, in a Princess Bride-like self-aware fairy tale. The book genuinely captures the magical, inexplicable atmosphere of a real fairy tale while simultaneously playing with the genre. Part of this inexplicability is the consequent of a plot whose depths eluded my understanding, admittedly; but even the sense that there was something I wasn't grasping added to the feel of the story. The charming atmosphere is likewise enhanced by Barnes' quirky wordplay -- where else will you see a soldier carrying an escree? -- which serves to delight rather than confuse.

I've found most fantasy reading to be worse than romance novels. The plots, ideas and characters are so predictable that I skirt the library's fantasy section like a hospital wing full of plague victims. However, Barns' "One for the Morning Glory" is a real gem. Much like Goldman's "The Princess Bride" it plays upon the horrid stereotypes of the genre with great wit and charm. The story employs the usual cast of goblins, witches etc, but remains original and captivating while never taking itself too seriously.

If you like "The Princess Bride" but skipped through the many monotonous parts, "One for the Morning Glory" is definitely your kind of read. It moves quickly through a series of action packed adventures which reinvigorate this tired genre. It's a much better and frankly easier read than "The Princess Bride" and boasts equal amounts of charm, exploit and humor.

As a casual fan of sci-fi and fantasy, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was the first book I read by Barnes, and the only one of his I liked. It is a witty and humorous tale of the life of the main character, from toddlerhood to kingship. Mostly lighthearted, with moments of darkness, it is a tale in some ways reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm. Yet, the tale itself is a sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious jab at old folk tales, as well as stories with morals (though it has morals of its own).

Barnes has managed to effectively combine elements of the classical romantic (falling in love, ancient science, magic, and exploration) with post-modern storytelling and a solid splash of wittiness and puns.

It's a shame that this charming, intelligent and mostly honourable book is his only crowning achievement.

One of the best fantasy fairy tales out there; witty, touching, and self-referential as it consciously tries to define its own fairy tale rules. Though Barnes is much better known for his hard science fiction, I actually enjoyed his quirky foray into fantasy even more.

I picked up "One for the Morning Glory" off of the remainder table at my local bookstore. I, too, was attracted by the cover art. I was completely unfamiliar with John Barnes other works. I love fairy tales and this is an excellent story. I could not put the book down once I started reading it. Another reviewer complained that the identity of the Four Companions was never explained. I think if you consider what Amatus needed to complete himself (and I'm not talking about his physical self) you will understand the Four Companions. A great book for lovers of fairy tales.

I have to say. One for the Morning Glory is probably my favorite book. I love the way it is written so playfully. The characters know they are just part of a fairy tale, and commonly used words are given new meanings. This book was so much fun to read.

"One For The Morning Glory is one of the most underrated fantasy novels of all time. It litteraly made me laugh out loud, gasp in astonishment and cry all at the same time!

The cover art by Charles Vess drew me to this book, but the opening lines hooked me. I bought it, got home, and couldn't put it down for the next day and a half. Reading this charming, smart fairy tale made me feel as though I was little again, my sister reading me a chapter of "Alice" each night before bed... If you enjoyed fairy tales as a child and felt that perhaps you've outgrown them, read this book. You'll be 5 again and in a completely wonderful world.