Customer Reviews

World Without End (Moontide & Magic Rise)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this a great story. I primarily read fantasy literature, but found this to be more a 16th century mystery with the allure of fantasy to come. We, along with the main character, Tristam Flattery, are following a destiny quite unclear, unfolding as it goes. I found the language quite rich, both by using vocabulary of the 16th century throughout and later by adding nautical terms which were unfamiliar to me and which I couldn't wait to look up and explore. I enjoyed the stretch.

Always one to enjoy the journey of reading rather than reaching the conclusion, I did not find this an unnecessarily lengthy book at all. I felt that I was 'in' the adventure right along with the other characters. My only disappointment was that the book concluded midstream, without any resolution. I'm ordering the next book as I write this so to learn more. I'm encouraged by the reviewers that find the next book even better. "The pleasures of the day to you all." ... Bill

This work has more in common with the adventures of Horatio Hornblower than Bilbo Baggins. Particularly in this first half of the duology, there's little hint of any fantastic elements whatsoever. The non-fantasy feel is further accented by Russell's creation of a world that is so clear, specific, and well-grounded.

There's politics, travel adventure, and a bit of love(lust?) interest-- this could almost be a costume drama set in 18th century France! If you can relax and let this work take you where it will without waiting for a big furry mgic something to pop up, the work has some rewards-- strong characters, grown-up plot, intrigue, and sailing adventures. Just don't expect full-scale fantastic special effects.

this book was definitely a 4 star book. I have heard tell the sequel was better but as I haven't read it I cannot say. The ONE thing that stopped this book from being a five star book was that it was a wee bit boring towards the middle. The romance with the Duchess went on FOREVER, I can't tell you how relieved I was when he finally came to his senses.wewh.
A summary of this book would be: Tristam, a naive but educated man is called from his peaceful life so he could be of service to the King, whose very life depends opona plant's amazing healing powers. But alas, this plant was slowly dying out. Tristam's friend and mentor Professor Dandish died. With his death Tristam discovers that the Duchess, a completly irrisistable woman who is the favorite of the king, had hired Dandish to look into Tristams problem years ago. Dandish left Tristam a message, torn in half, that said Dandish had discovered an answer, and knowing something Tristam couldn't guess at, had destroyed his plants. The Duchess and Tristam embark on a 2 year voyage to get Kingfoil from it's original land. On the way Tristam notices that there is a white hawk following him. The main part of the crew of the ship think him a mage and it doesn't help things that his uncle was himself rumored to be one. Tristam discovers that he does indeed have a spark of something, although of what he is not sure:end of summary.
The political intrigues of this book are astonishing as is the complex plot of this book. There are characters we know nothing about, only that they serve a purpose, but it is that foreplanning that makes me envious of this writers talent.This book is great and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes science-fiction and fantasy.
Note: this book is a cliffhanger so buy the second book along with the first.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book (and the following book Sea Without a Shore). Russell does an excellent job of building a plausible, detailed and slightly divergent world. I think one of the things I enjoy most is the fact that Russell is adept at telling a story in two books (as opposed to the umteen books certain other fantasy authors require).

Having read Sean Russell's Wa Duology, this is the third book of his that I've read, and I'm very pleased to find that I haven't been let down yet. Like in his Wa books, Russell has created a complex world, filled with hidden plots and fascinating characters, this time set in a world based on Darwinian England. I know I shall go on to read the rest of his books, and am very relieved to find an author of quality writing in this genre. Russell deserves more attention.

Sean Russell's World With Out End is one of the most thought provoking works of fantacy ever put to paper. His ability to inter twine the spritual and scientific struggle of our own world into a tangable work of fantacy adventure is masterful. As the reader envelpes himself in the political schemeing of the Dutchess Of Morlan, Sir Rodrick Palle, and the other courtiers he can truly begin to antcipate the growing squall that has become Tristam Flattery's life. The spellbinding plot unfolds before us as if we, the readers, live a life of toil about the Entide Sea. Sean Russell's narative is truly poetic drawing the reader into the story making her feel as if she were Tristam's own family. The political strugle between the Entonne, and Farland nations is the hammer that drives the nails of the plot. National, political, and personal agendas push Tristam on a quest to unravel an age old mistery, while in the same instance giving him the life destined to him by the Gods. Never before has there been a supior work of fantacy ever writen!

As an avid reader of epic high fantasy it is always a delight to discover a "new" author. Sean Russell is one of those authors that has recently garnered much deserved recognition (see Locus Magazine for details). For those of you waiting on new releases by some of your favorite authors (Raymond Feist, Robin Hobbs, Janny Wurts, Katherine Kurtz, Katharine Kerr, etc.) I highly recommend World Without End and its sequel

I know, that's a little confusing, but it's true...this is an absolutely fabulous fantasy novel that doesn't have a hint of fantasy in it! Oh, there are hints of possible fantasy to come in volume 2, and I suppose that some who read this book might say I'm wrong - that there are elements of fantasy here.

That doesn't detract from the fact, however, that this is the best fantasy novel I've read in a long time. It was long, as another reviewer has already said, but I didn't skip a word (in fact, I had to look back several times to check some things out!)

There are many things to like about this series. The political intrigue, for one - exactly what is going on behind the scenes, and what is the ultimate goal of Sir Roderick Palle? For another, what exactly is Kingfoil (besides obviously being an addictive drug of some sort)? And finally, exactly who and what is Tristam Flattery?

I'm intrigued enough that I'm not going to order volume 2 via Amazon. That would take too long. I'm going out to my local bookstore and buying it as soon as possible.

Sounds like a good book? You bet. I won't give away any of the plot -- the main reason is that the plot is so intricate, and woven behind threads of lies, half-truths, mis-direction, conspiracies and lack of clarity that not only the reader is drawn in trying to piece the puzzle together, but the main character is as well. Intrigued? Get the book. I promise you'll be drawn into the lush landscape, the fully-realized characters, and the mystery of the Kingfoil.

This is the feel of this book. Young tristam is more than a scientist but everyone knows it but him. He becomes a pawn in a political game following a plant with reputed magical properties to a tropical island.

The characters are brightly written even if a bit cliche. The innocent hero, the manipulative dutchess, the psychopathic noble and the rought but good hearted sailors. However the author keeps the voyage alive by hints and descriptions of what is going on. At the end you still don't really now what Tristam is but you known that he is more valuable than the plant they seek. It does dry out a bit in places but not to loose your interest in the story and inspires you to read the next book