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dozylocal's review
3.0
I really didn't know how to rate this book.
Ultimately it was a fun read. Lots of action in a parallel universe of dwarves, elves, magicians, goblins and the like (plus a dragon, of course). There was a quest, an evil wizard, an unlikely band of warriors and an unprepared human hero from another place.
But. And I don't know if this would have been different if I'd read the first book in the series. I couldn't see WHY. Why Ivarr bothered in the first place. Obviously over time as things happened and friendships developed, then it became more natural for him to be invested in helping the elves and, indirectly, saving the realm. But right in the beginning? I couldn't see why at all. And I almost abandoned the book because of it.
Ultimately it was a fun read. Lots of action in a parallel universe of dwarves, elves, magicians, goblins and the like (plus a dragon, of course). There was a quest, an evil wizard, an unlikely band of warriors and an unprepared human hero from another place.
But. And I don't know if this would have been different if I'd read the first book in the series. I couldn't see WHY. Why Ivarr bothered in the first place. Obviously over time as things happened and friendships developed, then it became more natural for him to be invested in helping the elves and, indirectly, saving the realm. But right in the beginning? I couldn't see why at all. And I almost abandoned the book because of it.
geofisch's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cmbohn's review
3.0
This is an old fantasy book that belonged to my dad. Ivarr is tired of being stuck at home, so when he gets the chance to work for a witch, he takes it. He finds that he really enjoys the work, until a powerful necromancer kills his teacher. Ivarr is stuck in the Other World, but he's not leaving until he gets revenge. Then he meets up with a group of elves who need his help. It seems the same necromancer, named Lorimer, has gotten them into trouble too.
Wicked trolls, a disembodied head, an enchanted maze, and a fire-breathing dragon -- this book has it all. It was good fun. I understand that she wrote more, but they might be hard to find. Recommended, and thanks to Dad. 3.5 stars
Wicked trolls, a disembodied head, an enchanted maze, and a fire-breathing dragon -- this book has it all. It was good fun. I understand that she wrote more, but they might be hard to find. Recommended, and thanks to Dad. 3.5 stars
mprov80's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
At first, I had a hard time getting into this book due to the first couple of chapters being fairly uninteresting and cliche. However, I decided to give it a second chance, and... a rare thing happened. I found myself, surprisingly, really enjoying it! When the main character met up with his companions, the book was transformed and I was sold. The group of old, sad, incompetent, bickering, self-pitying outlaw Alfar I found to be instantly amusing and endearing. They proceed on a series of fairytale-esque adventures on their quest to find an ancient sword, defeat a dragon and steal its gold.
There is no romance, no politics, no tedious history/lore, no unnecessary worldbuilding; magic is old-fashioned unexplainable magic, natural humour without being intentional 'comedy', all written in a distinctly British style... It was everything I wanted to read in fantasy book.
It was everything that modern books are not (but not in an objectionable way).
One thing that I did find a bit strange was the way that the Alfar were described was, for me, impossible to imagine as elves. They seemed so much like dwarves (albeit magical ones!) that I couldn't picture them as anything else, even when the book contains actual dwarves. A few parts of the story are also described in a vague and confusing way that made it difficult to comprehend what was going on.
Yes, on the surface this is a typical male hero quest story, with a predictably cartoonish main villain, but the main group was relatable and sympathetic, and throughout their bickering supported and encouraged each other through their hardships. The way they grew from having no confidence or hope to having pride in themselves and discovering their abilities lay at the heartwarming core of this book. In that sense, I felt the story was less about 'Hero Ivarr' and more about the growth of these cast out characters.
As a reader disillusioned with modern fantasy, I appreciated this book a great deal, and can only lament that stories of this style appear to be relegated to the past. :(
There is no romance, no politics, no tedious history/lore, no unnecessary worldbuilding; magic is old-fashioned unexplainable magic, natural humour without being intentional 'comedy', all written in a distinctly British style... It was everything I wanted to read in fantasy book.
It was everything that modern books are not (but not in an objectionable way).
One thing that I did find a bit strange was the way that the Alfar were described was, for me, impossible to imagine as elves. They seemed so much like dwarves (albeit magical ones!) that I couldn't picture them as anything else, even when the book contains actual dwarves. A few parts of the story are also described in a vague and confusing way that made it difficult to comprehend what was going on.
Yes, on the surface this is a typical male hero quest story, with a predictably cartoonish main villain, but the main group was relatable and sympathetic, and throughout their bickering supported and encouraged each other through their hardships. The way they grew from having no confidence or hope to having pride in themselves and discovering their abilities lay at the heartwarming core of this book. In that sense, I felt the story was less about 'Hero Ivarr' and more about the growth of these cast out characters.
As a reader disillusioned with modern fantasy, I appreciated this book a great deal, and can only lament that stories of this style appear to be relegated to the past. :(
rosenectur's review
2.0
The first book I read by Elizabeth Boyer I couldn't put down. The one wasn't quite as good. The characters weren't quite as believable (as far as fantasy characters go.) And I had a harder time getting into it, once the main character crossed over into the other realm.
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