The Silver Stone (Keepers of the Hidden Ways, Book 2) (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The second installment in Rosenberg's Norse saga depends too heavily on its predecessor, The Fire Duke (1995). Fencing instructor Ian Silverstein is drawn back to Tir Na Nog, a parallel world manipulated by the trickster god Odin, who is no longer all-powerful but still meddles malignantly in human affairs. Odin sends Silverstein and two faithful friends to quell an incipient war between the Dominions and the blustery Vandestish, who supply the fiendish ritual by which Ian is supposed to prove his heroic mettle. Following Ian by a Hidden Way in the basement of a North Dakota farmhouse, Ian's friends Torrie and Maggie, as well as Torrie's father, pursue a meandering secondary quest that allows for some steamy groping and a few flare-ups of feminist commentary. Rosenberg draws his small-town Norwegian-American culture faithfully, but the portrait clashes with clumps of fencing lore and colorless, faux-Tolkien characterizations. The undergraduate fantasy market at which this novel seems aimed might go for Rosenberg's imaginings, but they're hardly tantalizing or rewarding adult fare.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Ian Silverstein returns with his friends to the magical realm of Tir Na Nog via the hidden portal in Hardwood, North Dakota. Rosenberg expertly blends Irish and Norse mythology to create a world in which a contemporary young man from a dysfunctional family becomes a hero. Highly recommended for fantasy collections.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books; 1st edition (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380973227
• ISBN-13: 978-0380973224
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #364,116 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Read it. Read the next one, too., December 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Silver Stone (Keepers of the Hidden Ways) (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a typical Joel Rosenberg book, filled with fresh takes on classical ideas (dwarves as Neanderthals!!), terrific characters (Arnie Selmo agan threatens to steal every scene he's in although Ian Silverstein shines through again) and a some of the best action scenes I've ever read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book -- I want the next one now!, September 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Silver Stone (Keepers of the Hidden Ways) (Mass Market Paperback)

This is Rosenberg's best yet, and that is saying something. The characters and scenes seem to leap off the page and into my mind.

Strongly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, June 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Silver Stone (Keepers of the Hidden Ways) (Mass Market Paperback)

This one blew me away. Rosenberg increasingly reminds me of Frank Capra: not only does the story have impact and scope, and not only are the major characters deftly drawn, but the minor characters shine like stars. I'll never forget Arnie Selmo or Dr. Sherve or Maggie Christianson.