Customer Reviews

Wit'ch War (The Banned and the Banished #3)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you have not read any of the Wit'ch series, don't start with Wit'ch War. The other books in the series are better and darker. In fact, what set this series apart is its dark story and some very wicked characters. Unfortunately this novel seems like the middle of the series. The plot advances, and it is usually interesting (although at times it sounds like so many other fantasy stories). When it was over, however, I felt as thought the whole novel was simply getting everyone in place for something more.

If you've read the other books in the series, you may feel a bit let down by this one. Given the strong first two novels, I will acknowledge that middle acts are often the most difficult, and I look forward to Mr. Clemen's next novel. This one certainly didn't turn me off to the series.

If you are thinking about starting this series, you may want to consider a few matters. As I mentioned, the bad guys are very bad. Sometimes what happens to their victims is described in graphic detail; if this turns you off, you might want to consider another series. Also, these novels are not overly long. This is not a novel that describes every loose board in every country inn. I like the fact that the story moves along, but some readers might want more detail. This pace, however, means that some characters get cursory treatment, and some potential plots are left undeveloped.

At the end of this novel, the author says that we should leave the characters to rest and prepare for their next adventures. More than anything else in the novel, that passage sums up Wit'ch War.

A tale of good and evil, black magick versus white magick, treachery,betrayal,tragic loss, love...it has it all. This series was my introduction into the fantasy genre. I had it on good authority ;-) that I would probably enjoy this series and I admit I am pleasantly hooked. This third installment is by far the best in the series thus far in my opinion, where Clemens demonstrates the full potential of his writing skill and his very vivid imagination. Being an avid reader, I can truly say authors of this calibre are few and far between, someone who can paint detail into his story to the point where you can imagine yourself there, where you're angry right along with the characters, where your stomach lurches in a few scenes (think squidlike skull beasties), where you feel the emotion between Sy-wen and her bonded Ragnar'k/Kast (my personal favorite character), where you hate Kral to the point of a private cheering when he gets exposed for being a shape shifter.... A wonderfully intricate plot where you find yourself completely immersed in this epic tale of classic good versus evil. You simply don't want it to end...

Well, I have just finished reading the third installment of what I now consider the BEST fantasy series I have ever had the pleasure of laying my hands on and the only bad thing I can say is that the fourth book cannot possibly be out soon enough.

Wit'ch War is most definitely only for those who have read the previous two books. If you're considering this book, I implore to go back and first read Wit'ch Fire and Wit'ch Storm before buying this one...if you do so, you WON'T be disappointed. Wit'ch War, like it's predecessors grabs hold of you and doesn't let you go. Clemens continues to blend rich story lines and characters with an amazing nack for suspense. Though the tale of Elena and her companions is now well set, there are STILL surprises around every corner. Just when you think you've discovered every last thread of the plot Clemens throws a new twist into the roller coaster ride that is the chronicles of the banned and the banished. I especially loved this book for it's emotional impact. This book, more than the previous two, clutches at the reader's emotions, wrenching them this way and that until you can't help but feel what the characters are feeling. I don't believe I have ever felt the pangs of loss or the joy of love so strongly in any other novel I've read. Clemens has written this third installment so well that I actually found tears rising to my eyes at the trials of Elena and her friends. This is truly a book for lovers of adventure AND for lovers of romance.

Starting with "Wit'ch Fire," James Clemens introduced the character of Elena. A young woman born a wit'ch (a woman with the abilties of great magicks), she is of a mixed prophecy - either the savior of the world, or its death.

That was the beginning of the "Banned and the Banished," series. Since then, Clemens has rounded out the cast of his books with wonderfully drawn characters: rich in elemental magics that don't overpower their characters and personalities.

In this third book in the series, Elena's group of friends and protectors is mostly scattered, and one of them, as told in book two, "Wit'ch Storm," has been corrupted by the Dark Heart. A very worthy read, the new characters complement the old, and we gain much more depth in the entire cast, not just Elena. Particularly, we delve more into Kast, Sy-wen, and Joach. This third book was definitely worth the wait, as the quality of fantasy writing has stepped up a notch.

A climax of sorts, this is still not the end of the series. While part of me wonders if Clemens can keep up the pace and the exceptional writing, I'm willing to wager on it and look forward to the fourth book.

The only quibble is, as always, those stupid apostrophies. Wit'ch. D'warf. El'vin. Eb'onstone. Gosh they're annoying. It seemed, however, that they're not as prevalent as before, and mostly just repeats of the ones we've seen previously. Perhaps Clemens has realized that they're really distracting.

Don't skip this book. If you've not read Clemens before, treat yourself to the whole series. He puts Robert Jordan to shame, and mirrors the deep characterizations of George R.R. Martin.

'Nathan

Note to Mr Johnsen of July 27th... "A good critic reviews the book, not the other reviewers' opinions." Have your opinion and I'll have mine. The world would be a very boring place if everyone agreed on everything.

My opinion of this book? It's a gem. It ranks right up there with Tolkien if you ask me. That is my personal opinion! To each his own. This book had everything I was looking for...fantasy, magic, interesting characters, adventure at its best. The writing style is tight and edgy, the plot is wonderfully intricate. And I very much look forward to the remainder of the series. The series is well deserving of my five star vote!

WOW! What can I say but this guy can write or what? This 3rd adventure was action-packed and fast-paced as all of his novels, whether he is writing fantasy or thrillers - James Clemens,aka James Rollins always gives you a run and fun read. The one thing I don't understand is how on earth can anyone give this writer a 1 or 2 star review!? The pace is always on the go and the action plentiful. All the characters are colorful and more than a one-dimensional character. He may not be inventing the wheel - but the wheel is always rolling! I love some of the twists and turns he always plays with in every one of his novels. Are all the good guys good? Are all the bad guys bad? Sometimes you just don't know. Kral really changed in this book - literally! I really dont write reviews by telling the people what happened to who and when, because that gives it away for others and thats not fair. You hardcore fantasy fans as well as all you others,- its simply this - if you like strong characters of all kinds mixed with lots of action and adventure, a story that moves along like a freight train - well this one should not be passed! Read all of this guys awesome books by both his alia's and take it from someone who has been reading just about everything for over 35 years - he's a winner and a must read author!

This Book was excelent. I loved All three of them! When James Clemens wrote and published these books so that people could read them, he was also allowing people to read his soul. When you read something that someone has written you learn how that person thinks or how they don't think. For example if some of the characters in the book have bad tempers and in the story the main character is always annoyed with them then you might get the idea that the author doesn't like people with tempers. I enjoyed the way he wrote it. he gave his apinion in every way and it made it great!

I just finished the third installment of this series, and I have some mixed emotions. I agree that the books keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was actually sitting there cursing as Mycelle lead the traitors back to Elena; I was wincing with concern that she would be betrayed by one of her own. I also enjoy how the various strings of fate wove together to reveal prophecy come true.

However, I thought if one more character muttered or mumbled, I was going to scream. I don't know when everyone forgot how to speak out loud, but the book is plagued by the overuse of the words. Also I feel that the character development of the main party was brushed over, although Kast and Sy-wen were well-developed. I read the second book just a couple of days ago, so I don't think I'm off in my judgments. Clemens took a break from the characters to advance the plot for the entire last book of the novel. Also I was startled that he so easily gave away the key to the mystery of Chi. To have so much of the plot shrouded in suspense, he let that one go too easily.

Overall, I still give the book four stars. It is a fine addition to the series, but not as carefully written as the previous two. I still look forward to watching fate unwind in the fourth novel.

If you like your fantasy rich with characterization, action, and plenty of twists and turns, this is the book for you! While in many other fantasy series the middle book will sag with boring sub-plots and slow pace,Wit'chWar keeps you completely enthralled. The flow of the book never wanes and the characters are so interesting that you can hardly wait to get back to them whether they are the main characters (Elena or Er'ril - my absolute fav!) or the supporting cast (Sy'wen or Cast - a close second to Er'ril). Mr. Clemens has a way of making each character stand out, no matter their alliance or size of their role in the greater scheme of things, each is memorable. But the thing that keeps me coming back for more of the Banned and the Banished is how involved the plot and characters are. Sure you can read this book as a stand alone, but to truly feel the emotional ramifications of the sacrifices made you should really read the other two books first. I can hardly wait until the next two!

I can't imagine an author keeping me wanting for the next book....but James Clemens is an artist....painting pictures of characters in my mind and leaving their personalities in my heart.....this third book is as spellbinding as the first two...and I am hoping Mr. Clemens can keep up with the want of the fourth.....well done! A Magical Mystery Tour with characters that I relate too....... A definite Must!