Product Description
Learning that he has less than a year to live, young knight Will Odosson rushes to the side of his betrothed, only to be waylaid by such horrors as a man-eating troll, carnivorous mermaids, and a magic-wielding dragon. Reprint. SLJ. Amazon.com Review
Hours before he is to be knighted, Will Odosson is told thathe will not be his father's heir: he will meet death, and his youngerbrother will inherit. Doomed, how should Will spend the life thatremains to him? He leaves home as planned to fight in tourneys, anddeath strikes all around him as he travels toward his betrothed'shome.Will intends to release Isobel from her vow, figuring she won'twant a foredoomed husband, but before he can explain his visit, Isobeldisappears. His search for her entangles him in plots andmagic. Prepared as he is to meet death, Will has a lot of living to dofirst. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Not quite enough
A Knight's Wyrd was a great tale of fantasy and adventure, though very lacking in a few areas.It 'wasn't quite enough'.

The premise was great, and there were many very imaginative and original situations (like the sword situation in the bandits' forest - brilliant).The story-line was very strong, despite some of the characters being a bit on the cardboard side.

The worst thing about this book, the most annoying thing, was the pacing and the too-clip style of writing.Everything was cut very short, as if the author was in a hurry to write this book and shell out another average fantasy novella.For instance, the initial conversation between Will and his fiancee, which had been built up as an important situation, was only a few paragraphs long.An encounter with an enemy might be built up for a few paragraphs, then ended in a paragraph or two.Dialogue lacked the volume of reality.This clip style was prevalant throughout the entire book, becoming its most annoying in the last third.

This book would have been SO much better if it were ... well ... more fleshed out.If only the author had taken what was there and given a little more: more description, more dialogue, more characterization, etc.With the strong and highly imaginative premise and story-line, a little more substance would have made this not only more enjoyable for its intended audience (adolescent males), but more enjoyable for well-read adults.

Cool cover art.

A melding of traditional and modern
This book starts as a modern fantasy novel, but becomes more and more like a folktale as it progresses.It's a smart, addictive book--very well written.

One of the best books I've read this year.Highly recommended.

It's a wonderful "Wyrd"
Wizards, knights, ogres and mermaids -- a typical fantasy tale, right? Wrong! Debra Doyle and James MacDonald take a typical sword'n'sorcery tale (heavier on the swords) and spin it into a slam-bang adventure tale that will definitely cause thrills and chills for both kids and adults.

In one of the dukedoms of Anglia, young William is about to be knighted, which is theoretically one of the best days of his life. But it's overshadowed when a wizard tells him his wyrd -- his future destiny -- that he won't succeed his father because he will encounter Death before a year has passed. Horrified, William sets off on a perilous journey to tell his betrothed, Isobel, that he can't marry her because he's going to die.

But his preoccupation with his impending death is overshadowed when he finds out about political machinations that threaten his life. And with a dubious circle of allies around him -- from an indebted ghost to a cryptic dragon to some murky mermaids -- William must somehow defeat the deathless ogre whose fate is somehow entwined with his -- and with Lord Death's.

"Knight's Wyrd" is pretty standard and only somewhat engaging for the first two thirds of the book, then it rapidly respins itself into a complex and thought-provoking action-fantasy. Shapeshifting wizards, carnivore mermaids, and an ex-fiancee who is not quite what she seems add an element of mystery. To make the book even more interesting, Doyle and MacDonald subtlely include elements of medieval honor and debt.

The writing is stark but very evocative, which gives an extra punch to scenes like the one where Will kneels down, only to find a ghost on either side of him. There's no swearing or smut, but there is a lot of darkness and violence, ranging from a hideous long-armed troll being dragged out of a river to the sharp-toothed mermaids trying to eat Will. Younger kids will probably find this frightening, but older kids will enjoy a fantasy story with some genuinely gruesome beasties -- not to mention the appearance of Lord Death himself, who adds the final kink to a very complicated plot.

"Knight's Wyrd" is a dark, fun, intense read for both kids and adults. Doyle and MacDonald should write a sequel to this gem.

Why Not Just Give Your Kids the Best
Obviously much effort has gone into this but the Harry Potter books are a much better read, particularly for children.

Knights Wyrd
When I first started reading Knights Wyrd I found it somewhat interesting but not that great.It had some action and suspense but not a lot just mostley minor adventures. It appeared to be nothing more than a tale of wizards and warriors.
Then as I continued to around page 150-200 I could not put the book down.It bacame a tale of betrayal, friendship, loyalty, and facing your fears. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of short stories highlights lycanthropy with a twist and includes contributions by R. A. Salvatore, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Peter David, Craig Shaw Gardner, Julia Ecklar, and Jody Lynn Nye. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Way too predicatable
Quite simply, plot twists are fun. Most stories need them to be exciting. The plot twist of all the stories is that someone turns into another creature. You usually can figure out what they are going to turn into in the first page. Most authors in here use that as thei main plot twist and the results are tedious. There are some good stories in here, particularly towards the back of the book. If you have nothing else to read I would start reading from the back and give up about halfway through. Overall this book is a waste of time and money.

One Interesting Spin on Lycanthropy After Another
I must say that I picked this book up initially just because I was bored, but it delivered much more then I thought it would.From the lighthearted "Stag Party" to the highly intriguing and thought-provoking "The Way Things Should Be", this book had more twists on the were-mythology then any compliation I've seen.Brilliant.Simply Brilliant.

mostly light-hearted, quite entertaining
Bought this book as an airplane reader... had a few hours to kill.I thouroughly enjoyed it.it was perfect for what I was looking for.There's some serious stuff in there, but it's mostly light (were-guppy???).

You've never read a changer book like this!
Once upon a time there was a werewolf! Now, well this is the nineties! We have moved beyond a wolf, and realized that we can be anything! An elephant, a tiger, a left-wing republican ... Read more

Product Description
The further adventures of Roland, a journeyman wizard, and his two companions, the knight-errant Walter and the minstrel Lys, as they journey into Elfland to try and bring out the High King's daughter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great series -- best one!
My kids love it when I read it to them.I love it when I can add the accents and dramatize the story.Whole series emphasizes values: honesty, integrity, loyalty.High King's Daughter is the best written of the series (not to diminish the other four).

A Fitting Finale
This is the sixth and final book to the Circle of Magic set, and a wonderful journey it is!We meet our 3 heros again, Randal, the wizard-in-training, his cousin Walter, a knight, and his friend, a thiefturned minstral, who is a girl around his own age, named Lys.They meetfriends and foes they encountered in the previous books and a new cast aswell, with a plot that stands on its own.They must defeat a powerful andevil wizard and bring the rightful queen to her throne.The major strengthof the story is Randal, because he is flawed, filled with doubts and fears,but determined to do the right thing anyway. His growth of both power andconviction become more evident as time goes by yet we never lose the ideathat he is simply human and can always make mistakes.This character, setagainst a story of action and adventure, makes it all a lot of fun besides!

A good starting point for young fantasy readers
The Circle of Magic: The High King's Daughterwas a bookwhich I read when I was younger. It introduced me to the world of magic, knights, elves, princess and wizards. I enjoy reading this book even though I bought it alone and thus lost some important part of the plot. I would recommend anyone who wish to read this series to read the first book and continue tothrough the rest of the series before reading the last book:The High King'sDaughter.The Circle of Magic series follows the traditional path, we havegood and bad wizards, knights,minsterals and a princess. However, it iswell written and easy to read. The characters are memorable and for mostpart a good introduction to the world of fantasy. However, it might notdeal well with fantasy readers of older age as its effect is lessen and itis frankly, not in the league of Harry Potter.In short, this series isgood for young children who is hoping to try fantasy and I am sure theywill find it a good read. ... Read more

Product Description
Now the most powerful Mage-circle ever is determined to walk to those worlds, to reunite humanitys sundered branches and make a fortune in the process. But blood will be spilled, and dynasties thrown down, before the worlds of mankind are again united. For the first time in living memory, the Mages will go to warwith themselves. The Stars Asunder is science fiction in the vein of Star Wars: epic, adventurous, rooted in myth and touched with mysticism.Amazon.com Review
If you like science fiction fantasy on the scale of ThePhantom Menace, discover the Mageworlds series by Doyle andMacDonald. The Stars Asunder is Book 6, but readers can starthere; it's set 500 years before the others (next is The Gathering Flame,then The Price of theStars, Starpilot's Grave,By HonorBetray'd, and The Long Hunt). It'sgrand space opera--interstellar war, swashbuckling heroes, anembattled queen, and mystics on both sides using supernaturalpower--but in this installment the authors focus on the Mageworlds,enemies of the protagonists in the previous books. For series fans,The Stars Asunder adds a new dimension to the conflict betweenthe Republic and the Mageworlds.

The Mageworlds are separated fromthe rest of the galaxy by a huge, interstellar gap. Arekhonsus-Khalgath sus-Peledaen ('Rekhe), son of a noble trading family,joins Garrod syn-Aigal and his Demaizen Circle of Mages. Their goal:to reunite the galaxy, blazing a trail through the Void of hyperspaceand setting a beacon to guide Mageworld ships. Discontent at home andtragic errors when they meet the technologically advanced but warlikepeople on the other side combine to set the scene for many years ofconflict. 'Rekhe inherits Garrod's position and his mission, toreweave the pattern uniting the worlds.

So settle back with a cooldrink and some stylish, escapist fun in a galaxy far, faraway. --Nona Vero ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

What Came Before
The Stars Asunder (1999) is the sixth novel written in the Mageworlds series.At this time, however, it is the first in internal chronological sequence.This series has evoked a mysterious past from the very first volume.While Doyle and MacDonald have filled in some of the backstory in The Gathering Flame, now we are told the story of Arekhon Khreseio sus-Khalgath sus-Peledaen, the Professor, at a time 500 years before The Price of the Stars.

The eiran seem to be silvery threads to those with the ability to see them.They are the forces of life and luck and can be manipulated by Mages.Long ago, individual efforts of many short-sighted individuals have caused a Great Sundering of the eiran, leaving The Gap Between separating the survivors and their worlds.In the Mageworlds, circles still manipulate the eiran, but, in the rest of the human worlds, the Adepts consider the eiran as a force of nature and manipulation of the threads is believed to be an abomination.

Garrod syn-Aigal is a Void Walker, able to cross even interstellar distances through the Void, and Yuvaen syn-Deriot is his Second.They are determined to perform a Great Working to bridge The Gap Between and make whole the broken eiran threads within the galaxy.They begin by recruiting Mages for a new circle based at Demaizen Old Hall and the eiran brings them from all walks of life.

Among the new Mages are Iulan Vai, Narin Iyal, Ty, and Arekhon.Iulan Vai is Agent-Principal of the sus-Radal family, working in the shadows to gather information.Narin is the First of the Amisket Circle, protecting the fishing town and its fleet.Ty is a young nobody's-child from the Port Street Foundling Home, who has to find a means of livelihood.Arekhon, the younger brother of Natelth, the head of the sus-Peledaen family's senior line, is leavimg his family business to become a mage.Each is facing an uncertain future before the eiran brings them together.

The Demaizen Circle is the only remaining independent Mage circle that is performing Great Workings.All the others are bound to the noble houses or doing only minor workings.The Demaizen Circle is beholden only to Garrod, who is the last of his family, but their efforts may provoke even the Gods themselves against them.

The Mageworlds stories belong to that gray area between science fiction and fantasy, mixing Technology and Talents, much like the interstellar adventures of Andre Norton and Lisanne Norman.Recommended for all Mageworlds fans and anyone who enjoys stories of great magic, political intrigue, and exotic cultures.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Les Mediocres...Like A Treadmill -- Ending Up Nowhere
Again, very choppy overall. My hope of discovering something was disappointed by the average to poor writing and disjointed reading experience. One would think two people could keep each other interesting but maybe the converse holds true. This genre seems to suffer from inbreeding. It's chock full of aspiring writers who consider themselves expert because they've read luminaries. They then strive to be writers, the drive is out of ambition, and they end up criticizing each other into monotony. Les Mediocres remain peripheral to talent as long as they spend too much time picking apart each other and the craft. The question that addresses the problem may be, where are the editors who keep this level of blah from congesting the shelves. I suppose it's all right that the sentences and puctuation are correct if you just want to engage your mind like being on a treadmill, ending up nowhere.

Boring
This book is like a patchwork quilt with the seams way too obvious and disratcing. It was cobbled together, forced, lacking spark. Stick to the greats.

A fascinating SF series
...For myself, I love stories about magic and super alternative universes. In this book a tough subject of how much mages must devote of themselves in order to effect the desired magical result is addressed. This includes sacrifice of one's life due to their belief that blood is a powerful enhancer of magic rituals.(a notion founded in pagan lore). Apparently the act of physically striking at/upon one another with magically enhanced wooden staves enables them to create the kinetic energy that will knit the "eiran" and create a weave that aids their people in achieving a form of harmonic balance in their universe, even with the bad guys stirring up mischief. The authors' use of the term "Eiran" suggests "aura" or "ley lines", used inmetaphysical literature.

The story shows a certain politeness in piracy and interstellar business dealings, rather like a good ole boy's club that offers a wink and a nod to ripping each other off. It appears to be a rite of passage or gamemanship mutually agreed upon to enhance the wealth and power of the reining star lords. The pirates take turns boarding one another's vessel to steal their cargo which is all executed with good humor and jovial camraderie. (after all the insurance carrier will have to pony up for the losses). These acts of piracy are then followed by a blow out party onboard the ship undergoing piracy. For this reader, the analogies to current day politics is quite inescapably clear.

This is the first book that I have read in this space opera series and I am looking forward to the follow up book "A Working of Stars" which promises more of the magic and machinations of this fascinating Mageworld.

Interestig filling in of the backplot
This is a good story that kept me riveted.

I would, however, read these books in the order they were written and not in their story-basedchronological order.

The story, while trying not to, seems to depend uponone's previous knowledge of the Mageworlds universe to really beinteresting.

I can hardly wait for the sequel to this book! ... Read more

Product Description
Randal, a journeyman wizard, jeopardizes his powers when he joins Baron Ector's armies in a siege of Bell Castle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

excellent!
i loved this book.my brother stole it from his fifth grade teacher, and i borrowed it to read it.i didn't read any of the ones before it, but that's not important.the story was great!and the characters werewonderful.it is a small book, but the plot can get confusing at parts,but i figured it all out.i would recommend it to anyone to read again andagain. ... Read more

Product Description
A fifteen-year-old journeyman wizard needs all the magic he has thus far learned when he and his companion Lys are drawn into the political problems of a good and powerful prince. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Classics Illustrated + Cliffs' Notes
This digest-sized book reproduces the _Frankenstein_ story originally presented in _Classics Illustrated_ No. 26 (Dec. 1945).Adapted by Ruth A. Roche and with art by Robert Hayward Webb and Ann Brewster, the narrative preserves the spirit of Mary Shelley's story, though it does take some liberties both with the text and its Karloffian representation of the creature.Following the comic story is a 19-page study guide to the novel written by Debra Doyle, PhD, who offers useful information on the life of Mary Shelley, her writing of _Frankenstein_, and a overview of the novel, its characters, and major themes.Doyle also includes a discussion of adaptations of _Frankenstein_ for the stage, film, and television.

Readers may find Doyle's contribution useful, but there are now a number of better adaptation of _Frankenstein_ in graphic novel format. ... Read more

Product Description
After Randal breaks his promise never to use a weapon, he must travel to the faraway tower of a master wizard to be pardoned before he can practice his magic.But a perilous journey is even more dangerous without a sword or magical powers...This second book in the well-written, absorbing fantasy series will have readers clamoring for more.Ages 8 - 12. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Magic? What Magic?
If you want to pass the time and remain unchanged, this series is perfect. This writing team, while promising much (they also teach...Writing!?) offer nothing special. I was left slightly annoyed and want to give my children better. Call it partly a sense of loyalty to real writers. There is so much better to be found in the Harry Potter series, Philip K. Dick, even Morgan Llewelyn. Magic? What magic? I've tried a couple of these now and all I can conclude is, shrug, maybe it disappeared.

A quest, a tournament, and a wizard or two.
It's nice to see a medieval fantasy book where the characters think like medieval people.The only problem is a total lack of religion.No one says anything about faith, even though that was a big part of the medieval mind. ... Read more

Product Description
Word count: 2240. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Faust as an Comic
I really enjoyed the Comic and I think that is quite amusing. But I think a lot of great parts are missing and it isn't even nearly as fabulous as the originals. But I think you may read it in addition. ... Read more

Product Description
Commercial Data International's (CDI) Country Reviews are concise, up-to-date sources for political and economic information on the 190 nations defined by the U.S. State Department as Independent States of the World, plus Serbia and Montenegro. In addition, data on Hong Kong and Taiwan are included in the Country Review for China.

Each Country Review begins with an overview which provides key demographic and geographic information as well as full color regional and country maps by Magellan Geographix. Government and political information is provided in a format which enables the Reader to get an overview of the organization of the various branches of the government, a brief summary of current political conditions, and a list of current leaders, including a biography of the head of government/state. Economic information, compiled and condensed from a large number of reliable sources, is presented in the Country Reviews in statistical tables on key macroeconomic !trends and economic sectors. The economic data is organized in an easy-to-understand format. Foreign investment conditions are also covered along with a capsule description of stock market trends, for those countries where major stock markets exist, a listing of key enterprises. Also included is a summary of current environmental issues, natural hazards, international environmental agreements, and, for most countries, a table with time trends in Greenhouse Gas emissions. ... Read more