Customer Reviews:
I can't say enough about these books!.......2002-04-02
The entire series is excellent!!! I have all four and I highly reccomend them. They teach science, literature, native american culture, and give children a respect for the natural world at the same time. (there is even the occasional bit of math thrown in). My son loves doing the activities with me! Excellent for unit studies!
Great for Homeschooling Ecology Unit.......2001-08-02
We use this book as a homeschool social studies/ecology resource. Each section begins with a Native American story related to the topic of the chapter, then moves on to a discussion of the subject matter. Each section also has activities/experiments, questions for review and discussion, and recommendations for materials for further study. My kids really look forward to each lesson in this book, because the information is presented in a fun manner, and the activities are appropriate for a wide-range of ages!
Customer Reviews:
Lovely storytelling.......2007-05-04
These are stories from the various First Nations. They are well told. Get this for your kids. In an age of instant media, the storyteller's art is one that is timeless, connecting us to our oral past. Make sure that it connects to our future, too.
how thunder and earthquake made ocean.......2003-10-03
I thinck this book was a litte shourt and I most whated to read it and it was very good but there needs to be more but it was good about the the village and tunder and earthquake so was ok right on the good marck so that's why I ratind it with 3 stars.
How Thunder And Earthquake Made Ocean.......2003-09-30
The reason I gave it 4 stars is that I liked the drawing
and illustration on the pictures.Also I thought it was
really creative how they traveled all around the world
to make an ocean.I really was into the book when I
was reading it.I learned from that book that you should
always try to help someone that really needs help.I also thought that it was pretty cool how Earthquake and
Thunder made ocean.If you have any qestions about
the book well don't ask me go ahead and read it your
self.
Environmentally Aware!.......2002-06-20
This book is a fascinating way to help children connect with the natural world while teaching important environmental concepts. It comes with a guide to use the book effectively, and is divided into sections of special topics. Each section contains a Native American story, discussion ideas, interesting questions, and related indoor and outdoor activities. These activities can be accomplished without expensive materials, often in or near the home or school. Oh, by the way, adults will learn from this book also!
Great for Homeschoolers.......2002-01-12
I am a homeschooling mom and I bought this book to use with my kindergartener. This is an amazing book that combines social studies and science wonderfully. It contains alot about american indian beliefs and practices, distinguishing between the many tribal groups and traditions instead of lumping them all into one large culture. It uses indian legends as a jumping off point to study the environment, how it affects us and how we affect it.
Book Description
A COOL GIFT for the TEEN in your life ... "KeALOHA - The KEEPER (Book 1)" by M. L. Kamahele.
"An action-packed, vivid submersion into Hawaiian mythology, perfect for action/fantasy lovers, particularly those craving a refreshing thrill!"
Using reader immersion in lieu of traditional storytelling, M. L. Kamahele has literally stuffed a live, screaming movie between the covers of her first novel. Fast-paced, compelling, and bursting with life, "KeAloha - The Keeper (Book 1)" goes beyond any other publication of Hawaiian mythology, penning knowledge and customs which were previously conveyed only through stories chanted amongst the Hawaiian people. And to sweeten the pot for her young readers, M. L. Kamahele delivers an unforgettable 360-degree twist at the end of her delightful, heartwarming tale.
KeALOHA - The KEEPER (Book 1) (Paperback Original, Book 1 of 4, January 30, 2006) by M. L. Kamahele. Neglected by a mysteriously dysfunctional family, a young girl with a great destiny is hurled into the dark, exciting world of Hawaii's gods. Here, she learns what it means to be Hawaiian, and how to live like a Hawaiian, by participating in exciting interactive displays of their history, beliefs, and social customs - and in the end, despite all the hurdles thrown in front of this unwanted child, she learns the most valuable lesson of all ... how to love.
Customer Reviews:
Friends of punctuation and grammar, beware!.......2007-05-31
It's tough when a book with so much potential is sunk by a total lack of editing. The glaring punctutation and grammar errors were so severe and numerous it made it difficult to read this book; the natural flow of thought kept getting interrupted. The disjointed jumps from one scene to another, with little or no transition, made it hard to follow the action. Most characters where undeveloped. Hire a good editor, rewrite the book, and you just might have something worth reading.
Great book for teens (and young-at-heart adults).......2006-03-19
To find a preview (Chapters 1 & 2) of this book, GOOGLE "kealoha the keeper tripod". Here are some Amazon reviews taken from the previous edition of this book:
***** this should be 6 stars
Reviewer: tiffany339 (ny)
omg this is the best book i have EVER read!!!! the first time i read it, it took 3 days cuz i could never put the book down! all this action and excitment keeps popping up page after page and i cant stop reading!!! i would reccomend this book to any other highschooler (i'm a junior this year *YAY*), but read it twice cuz you'll miss a bunch of stuff the first time probly since u hafta read it so fast. cuz then the second time i read it, i figured out all the double chapter meanings and noticed lots of hints that the author dropped that i never saw bfore
...anyway, this book rox my sox!!
***** A nice surprise!
Reviewer: Dr. H. Stone (Massachusetts, USA)
Having read quite a few books on Hawaiian legends and mythology, I expected more of the same, and this was a nice surprise! The author has used a completely different technique to describe her heritage and upbringing, and as the teen before me pointed out, it seems very real. The characters, the events, the knowledge. As though the author has lived the scenes and really does know all the characters. I suspect a lot of this is not fiction at all! Also, there is quite a lot going on in the book. Much more than those unfamiliar with Hawaiian legends will catch on to, and much more than a teen will grasp until they are adults. I'm very interested in seeing how the author progresses through the Hawaiian Akua and rituals in the remaining books in the series. This is definitely a must read for anyone, especially (believe it or not) Christians, despite the fact that the Hawaiians in the book are pagans. And, btw, you WILL be compelled to read the book twice!
***** Entertaining from cover to cover!
Reviewer: Jeff (San Francisco, CA)
This book is the most entertaining book I've purchased in a long time! It's fast, exciting, thought-provoking and just a lot of fun to read! I got it for the plane ride to Maui and ended up having to share it with my wife after the Hawaiian glossary at the beginning caught her eye, she insisted on reading it with me. Which turned out to be pretty cool to have her try to guess what was gonna happen before me! (Neither of us guessed any of the twists, but it was fun to try.) Then our 3 teenage kids fought over the book the rest of the trip! Really the best $20 bucks I've ever spent! Only problem is, now the whole family wants me to take them to the Big Island ! (where the story takes place)
***** make this book a movie!
Reviewer: georgia
ever since i started reading this book, i cant stop thinking about it. its so exciting and all the characters seem so real and i wish i could meet them! they are described so well, and they aren't modeled on people i've met or know (like the characters in most other books). and the scenes are so detailed that i can visualize everything perfectly! and even little details i see make me remember scenes in the book cuz i can picture the scene so well, like i actually went there and saw it! like if i see a mercedes i think of Anna swerving down the center of the road, and when i see fire I think of Pu-pele accidentally setting things on fire. and when i go to sleep sometimes i think of Manna and Mano and how i would react in their sticky situations- and i think if i were Manna, i would suck up to Pu-pele a lot because then she'd give you all her stolen stuff, and be really nice, and get everyone to like you! and she'd always make sure you were pretty and always stick up for you! but mostly, i wish the book was a movie. it would be a really cool movie! and i wish i could be Pu-pele and live in Hawaii, and have a real shark tooth necklace, and a fetcher, and all the candies, and a bento box! and i wish all of my friends were strong and colorful like the girls in this book. this is now my all time fav book!
***** The most thrilling and innovative teen novel
Reviewer: thrill seeker (New York, NY)
The most thrilling and innovative teen novel I've read. Should be on every adult's summer reading list, it's genius. The characters are vivid, the plot is bold and its twists are very tricky. The action is intense and the style of conveying knowledge is outstanding.
Book Description
All new deluxe edition for 2005! This edition replaces the standard edition and has the same price/ISBN. Features deluxe maps, 20 lavish illustrations, guide to the characters, and more.
Readers everywhere are discovering the works of Robert Stanek. Robert's books are published in over 20 countries around the world and beginning in 2005 the first of many translations will be published.
Recommended Age: 9 and up. Unleash the power of your imagination and enter a world you've never dreamed existed! Best-selling author Robert Stanek delivers an epic fantasy adventure that will open your mind and your heart. Perfect for the young and the young at heart! The Kingdoms & The Elves Of The Reaches is a refreshingly unique fantastic adventure where its only limits are the limits of your imagination.
Inside, you'll discover the breathtaking world of Ruin Mist where the mystical and the magical abound, and you'll fall in love with three heroes: a boy who would become a mage, a princess who is fleeing a dying kingdom, and a warrior elf who undertakes an epic journey. The adventure begins with Book 1.
Customer Reviews:
Superb...Wonder-filled!.......2007-10-04
This is the first in a wonderful series of books that seem destined to become a classic. The Kingdoms are a magical place and a fantastic destination. There are no lovelier fantasy books for readers of all ages than the Kingdoms books. The best part about this book, other than the lovely story, beautiful imagery, and wonderful characters, is that its only the beginning of a grander tale. Adventure awaits! Happy reading!
I got to give it 5 of 5.......2007-09-29
Kids, adults. The Kingdoms & the Elves are great. I love the books and how they are presented. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I have read this series 6 times! I know that isn't near as many as others, but it is a lot for me. This series of books are incredible to read, keep you locked in to the end of the last book, and make you want to reread them.
I find Stanek's characters lovable and relateable. There is a character for every reader to identify with in some way. He brings readers on a journey with Adrina, Seth & Vilmos, and what a journey it is. This is a great time to start reading (if you haven't already). This series is great literature, and is compulsively page turningly entertaining. I give them my highest recommendation.
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches are the real deal. This set is fantastic.......2007-09-16
I am totally pleased with this set of books. They are great and get better in the last books. If you're one of the few people who has not yet read this amazing series - or if you're on the fence about getting it for a child - DON'T HESITATE. This isn't half baked or over the top stuff.
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches is a phenomenon because Robert Stanek is an incredible writer. He brilliantly crafts a vivid alternate universe where magical creatures and magic are real. The plots of each book are a brilliant balance of coming of age stories, friendship, danger, and epic good against evil.
There are parallels to the Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia. Stanek has a special affinity for action. With the exception of the first each of the books races and soars until a rip roaring conclusion.
What more can I say about The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches and the fascinating world? It is absolutely amazing as you become engrossed into each book, each chapter, each page, each word. The books have helped me rediscover reading for the last few years. I read all 4 books in 2 weeks. I started the In the Service of Dragons on a Friday and finished all four by Monday afternoon! I recommend all of these books to children, teenagers, and adults alike. There are those out there that are hesitant about the books. I was a skeptic. I had heard great things about the books, but never considered them. Then one day I took a leap of faith and began reading and I've never looked back. Thank you Robert Stanek and I love The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches and the world you created!
amateurish writing and an uninspired plot.......2007-08-27
This book is totally non-noteworthy. I normally wouldn't even bother to waste time writing a review about it, since it is just a self published book pretending to be greater than it is.
This book is not a "modern day fantasy classic". It is not "better than Harry Potter" or "Star Wars with elves". Robert Stanek is not "America's Tolkien". Where did all this over-the-top hype come from? One can only guess.
This book is a stale piece of prose. A short boring episode of what threatens to be some endless drawn out cliché (there are books 2, 3, 4 and then a "sequel series" (?) that goes on and on). This book is so unimaginative that there is even a "dark lord" and a "middle earth" thrown into the mix.
However, this book does have some unintentional funny bits. I had to laugh when I was told that "middle earth" was a realm between lower and upper earth. And the author clearly is confused about the meaning of many words, such as when a frightened princess speaks COYLY to a supernatural apparition.
Great story line.......2007-08-17
i just finished this book and plan to read the rest of the series. N ot on a par with "Potter" or "Lord of the Rings" or "Aslan", but a very engaging story with good characters...
Customer Reviews:
I love these books!.......2002-04-02
The entire series is excellent!!! I have all four and I highly reccomend them. They teach science, literature, native american culture, and give children a respect for the natural world at the same time. (there is even the occasional bit of math thrown in). My son loves doing the activities with me! Excellent for unit studies!
My favorite of all the excellent "Keepers" series.......2000-10-16
While all of the "Keepers" books are excellent in their presentation of Native American stories and activities to enhance learning about the natural world, this one is my hands-down favorite. There is something magical about the night, and we have strayed so far from that magic in our incandescent world. The stories and activities in this book will allow you to try and recapture some of the enchantment of the nocturnal world for your kids and maybe even for yourself.
The stories themselves are very tellable. I have had sixth graders learn and tell these tales. The activities are broken into categories, such as the night sky or nocturnal animals. This is an excellent resource for anyone working with groups such as Scouts or nature centers, wishing to incorporate enjoyable activities and stories into their night-time programming.
As humans have done for eons before us, take this guidebook with you to your next campfire, and share the magic of stories spun by fireside.
Average customer rating:
- Alaskan Heritage
- Thats the way it was.
|
Northern Lights: Tales of Alaska's Lighthouses and Their Keepers
Shannon Lowry
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Pacific
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ASIN: 081170954X |
Customer Reviews:
Alaskan Heritage.......2001-10-10
My grandfather, John DeMan, born in Holland, was enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and stationed at one of the lighthouses in Southeast Alaska. He himself is mentioned and was interviewed by the author.
Thats the way it was........1998-12-02
No one realizes how long a year is untill you have spent one on Cape Hinchenbrook.Try it at 18 years of age,however CHIEF Jackson went back for a second tour and maybe more.Four men eating from a large number 10 can of vegtables, the same can goes on forever.I often wonder what happened to the hundreds of V disc,
the goverment sent us .The book,the book is good easy reading,well written and a trip back in time.My story begins on page 55.If you have any intrest in Lighthouses Buy or rent this coffie table book.signed Charles L.Umpstead a 1948 Hinchenbrook suvivor USCG retiredC.L.Umpstead
Book Description
In the Service of Dragons is the continuation of Robert Stanek's multilayered epic fantasy adventure for young adults begun with The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches and continued through The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches 2, 3, and 4. In his acclaimed The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches books, he introduced us to the story of Ruin Mist, an extraordinary world of magic, adventure and intrigue. Now in the eagerly awaited follow-up, he once again proves himself a wonderful storyteller with a gift for fast pacing and believable storylines. Already hailed as a classic, Robert Stanek's powerful series has been enjoyed by readers all over the world. The Elves of the Reaches returned from exile, bringing grave news. War came to the Kingdoms. Many perished in the turmoil and unrest. An attempt was made to kidnap a princess and assassinate a king. Now, from the ancient past a dark power returns. "The Fourth Wind blows across the mountain tops," they say. And the Twelve Clans emerge from myth and memory. Bold, inventive, brilliantly imagined, In the Service of Dragons is a novel of magic and wonder-a tale of pure excitement you will not soon forget.
Customer Reviews:
Very good book.......2006-12-25
This is a great book. I read all kinds of books and this one is very near the top. I would venture as far as to compare Robert Stanek to J.R.R. Tolkien.
Terrific sequel!!.......2006-11-05
In the Service of Dragons contains some of the most powerful scenes I've ever read, especially the sweeping, epic scenes. It swept me away, and this second book was no less powerful in its imagery. The author doesn't let you miss a moment of the action, and it only gets more intense as the story goes along.
The mighty titans and great eagles have returned from the ancient past and contineu to work to stop the darkness. Noman, the mysterious keeper of the City of the Sky, has seen the signs and he is gathering those who can stop the darkness. Meanwhile the Great Kingdom is in turmoil with the heir to the throne gone across the sea to battle a distant enemy when another enemy has returned closer to home.
I bought this book and then read it in print it is so great! The time starts flying, flying right from the start. If you like scifi/fantasy like I do you will love this book too. The best book for any Eragon, Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings fan to read!! It's not Tolkien, but it is very good!!
Jake Jr.
This is a really good book READ IT!!!!!!.......2006-10-17
This book tells the story of the men of the kingdoms and elves of the reaches. It is the story of Vilmos who has a secret gift of magic, Adrina a princess from a dying land, and Seth a great warrior who is trying to save his people and the world. In this story, Prince Valam Alder has traveled to the lands of the elves to try to stop a war, but meanwhile war starts in his own lands, and everyone he cares about is caught in the middle. This book combines combat, suspense, magic, hidden love and more into an adventure-filled and exciting book.
WOW!!!.......2006-08-16
This is a terrific book. More along the lines of 'LORD of the Rings' than Harry Potter. Great characters from heroes like Prince Valam Alder and his men to the young wizard Vilmos to the mysterious Xith and the lovely Adrina and her sisters plus the dragon Tnavres. Great writing, terrific adventure, a MUST READ for any fastasy fan.
Read it!!!.......2006-06-11
This book in my eyes is so much more captivating then the LOTR trilogy. In the LOTR trilogy there were points where I had to put the book down, so far, in the "kingdoms and elves" and "service of dragons", I havent found a point where i wanted to. The author gave the reader a world to sink into, and characters with real personalities. Overall one of the better fantasy books I have read.
Book Description
In the village of Maldinga, anyone troubled by a secret knows just where to take it -- by following the winding path through the woods to Kalli's cottage. Tailors and farmers, marriage-makers and bakers -- almost everyone comes to see Kalli, for she is the village secret-keeper, and over the years she has stored hundreds of secrets. But one long winter, Kalli falls ill, and the weight of the hidden secrets begins to catch up with her. Spring brings the curious villagers, who wonder what ails their secret-keeper. The time has come for them to help Kalli and for her to learn some unexpected secrets. Is it possible not all secrets are sad? And could someone have a secret that's just for Kalli?
An original fairy tale as beautifully illustrated as it is told, The Secret-Keeper is a book to share with everyone.
Customer Reviews:
4 1/2 Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave".......2007-01-30
"The Secret-Keeper" is a sort of child's version of Nathaniel West's masterpiece, "Miss Lonely Hearts," in which a "helper" is similarly overcome by the demands of those needing help. Of course, as a kids' book, the tone is far lighter and the outcome happier, but they share a theme about the burden of receiving confession.
In a beautifully designed and illustrated medieval/hobbit-like setting, long-haired, quiet "Kalli" welcomes men and women of all ages to tell her their secrets. Some secrets seem relatively innocent ("A plain girl loved a handsome boy and dared not tell him"), some, not so (A bribe induces a matchmaker to makes a bad match), but all of them feel heavy to those who hide them. The magical proceedings, the slightly moralistic tone, and the appearance of hero and heroine give this a classic fairy tale aura, and the arched and rectangular framed pictures (done in lush, ornate design with watercolor, oil, and collage) recall the prototypical illustrations of N.C. Wyeth and other early masters. It's truly a gorgeous book.
The plot revolves around Kalli's unselfish generosity, and how it almost overwhelms her. However, the author doesn't clearly establish Kalli's secret-collecting method, causing some initial unnecessary confusion. "Shed," the baker, admits that he cheats when he weighs his customers' bread. In exchange for her confession taking..."He gave Kalli a basket of fresh rolls and a copper coin." When Kalli hears his secret, she "nodded and caught his words in his hand." Now comes the confusing part: "After Shed trudged away with a sigh, Kalli opened her hand again. Shed's secret was a small grey rock, like a stale breadcrumb. Kalli went inside and tucked the secret into one of the tiny drawers that lines the walls of her cottage.
After a few of these exchanges, it's clear that Kalli has the ability to transform the secret into a concrete object, something that can be stored away. However, author Coombs uses a metaphor, "Shed's secret was a small grey rock," something too abstract for concrete-thinking kids. It's also unfortunate that Ms. Coombs compares the rock to a "stale bread crumb" --did Shed cheat by somehow inserting the small rock into his loaves? A simple and clearer presentation might have been something like, "Kalli took his secret and turned it into a small grey rock." All this becomes clearer after a few more examples, but adult readers might want to supplement the text with gestures or some ready explanations if questioned.
Kalli's transformative powers, while itself a metaphor, also drives the plot. As she collects more and more secrets, changing them into small drab objects, she becomes sick. Slowly the villagers realize that they take much more from the secluded woman than any gold piece cold buy. When they discover her sick in bed, they realize that one can also tell Good Secrets, not just bad ones. As they tell her (it's all very rapid, like townspeople in a Jimmy Stewart movie: "...my husband helps folks." "I married my own true love." "I made up a song," "My mama and I dance in the meadow"), Kalli's strength and spirit begins to return. She takes each of these good secrets and changes them into objects--but beautiful, magical objects: A dragonfly, a rainbow, a meadowlark, and more all emanate from Kalli's hand, all revealed in a series of pictures that resemble tapestries. And, speaking of her hand, the quiet potter's son tells the last secret to the now healthy Kalli: "I love the secret keeper." Some toddlers and early elementary schoolers will love this touching, sentimental romance, others may not be ready for it--know your audience. I enjoyed it, and it's followed by a blissful celebration in the meadow, so idyllic and light that you half expect the love to lift the villagers into the air.
A Very Special Secret.......2006-08-13
While this wonderful story accepts the unhappy and frightening secrets that people can have, it gives life and hope and happiness at its core. An uplifting tale, beautifully told, for all ages. I look forward to Kate Coombs' next book with great excitement!
The Secret of a Perfect Book.......2006-06-27
From young to old, with secrets as innocent as disliking a babysitter to the shame of supreme selfishness, everyone in Maldinga unloads on the secret keeper, Kalli - everyone but the the potter's son, whose secret is the greatest of all. In The Secret Keeper, Kate Coombs uses beautiful language and vivid imagery to weave this tale about the power of secrets. Anyone who likes traditional folk tales, who appreciates rich writing, or who has ever had a secret, will love The Secret Keeper.
I loved it so much, I bought several copies, which I will proudly share as gifts!
Rich with Imagery, Beautiful Wordsmithing & an Enchanting Story.......2006-06-11
I LOVE this book!! The imagery is rich and hidden meanings are on every page (or behind every tree in the forest). Even adults will enjoy the tale's symbolism and happy morale.
The language is so beautiful it's a pleasure to let it roll off your tongue. Even without a reason to read it out loud, you'll find yourself chanting "secret-keeper of malinga" just for the fun of it!
A MUST-READ! You will LOVE it!
I can't wait to see what Ms. Coombs has in store next!
My daughter loves this enchanting and original fairy tale!!.......2006-06-09
Difficult to impress, my 9-year-old daughter is utterly enthralled with this enchanting new fairy tale. She was initially pulled in by the exquisite artwork, commenting on the rich colors and attention to detail. The story itself is captivating and beautifully told, with a richness of vocabulary appropriate for just about any age (although the reading level is listed as 4 to 8). We're thinking of buying more copies to give as gifts. Excellent work!
Book Description
All new deluxe edition for 2005! This edition replaces the standard edition and has the same price/ISBN. Features deluxe maps, 20 lavish illustrations, guide to the characters, and more. Readers everywhere are discovering the works of Robert Stanek. Robert's books are published in over 20 countries around the world and beginning in 2005 the first of many translations will be published. Best-selling author Robert Stanek delivers a story that is perfect for the young and the young at heart! The Kingdoms and The Elves of the Reaches is a refreshingly unique fantastic adventure where its only limits are the limits of your imagination. Inside you'll discover the breathtaking world of Ruin Mist where the mystical and the magical abound, and you'll fall in love with three heroes: a boy who would become a mage, a princess who is just now seeing the world around her, and a warrior elf who undertakes an epic journey.
Customer Reviews:
Recommended reading--oh yeah!!!.......2007-04-28
I started reading The Kingdoms books since me brothers were reading them too. Adrina and Vilmos are my favorites. In my mind I see Adrina and Vilmos growing up like I imagined and they are very good friends to have on rainy days. I like these books but than all the Harry Potter books put together times 100. I like this one best as it is the one where Vilmos meets Edward the troant and its got the Dragon King!!! I love everything about the king's mate game and how edward is half troll and half giatn.
The Best Book!.......2007-02-16
This book was amazing. I was so involede in it that when I went to school all I could think of was Vilmos, Emel, Seth and Adrina. When I went to sleep I had dreams about them. This book is far better than Harry Potter , a real page turner. I reccomend this book to all.
Excellent series.......2007-01-15
It was a great book. It is perfect for Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings fans. It is very realistic and emmotional. Robert Stanek is a wonderful author who can write exactly what a reader likes. What I like so much about his writing is that he isn't overly descriptive, but he describes the scenery enough for the reader to envision what's before them, as well as use their own imagination. Because of this, the story is able to unfold at a much more fluid rate, and that's what makes this an instant hook. I can't wait to read the next book.
# 1 Page Turner.......2006-12-10
THIS BOOK WAS AWESOME!!! This book was pure genuis, a mix of all different books combined. There was magic like in Harry Potter, awesome battle parts like in the Lord of The Rings, and fantasy creatures like in Narnia.
The Best!!!.......2006-10-09
Adrina, Vilmos, Emel, and Seth have more adventures!!! As Adrina and Emel go back to Imtal, they soon find themselves in even more danger as they try to help the elves who have become their friends. Vilmos and Xith continue their travels and journey to many wondrous places like the Mouth of the World and the Free City of Solntse. It is magical and wonderful, and you can never quite guess what will happen next. Try this book!!!!
Book Description
Discover the Magic! Overwhelmingly, readers agree that Mr. Stanek's books are among the best they've ever read. His books have very vocal supporters who aren't afraid to voice their opinion and they frequently do so in online communities and lists, such as at Amazon.Com where you'll find that his books are consistently listed as the top in their class. Strong reader support has led to strong sales. His blockbuster debut book sold over 150,000 copies in 5 editions. His follow up book sold over 100,000 copies in 5 editions. The best-selling series he designed and authored has sold over 250,000 books since its inception in 1999. About the book: Three heroes set out on an epic journey of discovery only to find that at the end of their journey nothing is what they thought it was and that their world and themselves are undergoing a transformation that will change everything. Survival in a changing world depends on their ability to adapt and if they fail, their world and everything they believe in will perish.
Customer Reviews:
The series continued with a sequel better than the first.......2007-07-11
Everything about the first book that made my son and I love it so much returns in this sequel.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, and help to craft a definite image of the world unfolding to your eyes through the lushly detailed text.
My absoulte favorite part of this book, the thing that matters most to me, are the characters. The cast of characters in Robert's writing are always amazing, and they grow even more in this book.
The plot is epic and entertaining, but doesnt try to be more deep than it is, and makes for great reading.
Both my son and I blazed through it, eagerly anticipating the next adventure awaiting us.
For a great fantasy series you can't do better than the Ruin Mist books by Robert Stanek.
The first one was great, this one is even better.......2007-07-10
One of the best things about the Ruin Mist series is that they keep gettin better and better, leading to some astounding conclusions (Kingdom's IV and Dragons IV).
The continuation of the previous book, this epic tale combines great characters, intruiging plot, and lush details and narrations- perfect ingredients for a great book. And a great book it is. Be sure to read all four of the kingdom's books, and the sequel series In the Service of Dragons.
A Wonderful Continuation To The Series!.......2007-04-22
I just couldn't put the darn book down! Like the first one, the story took hold of me from the first page and wouldnt let go until the final word. I found myself wondering what would happen next to the characters when I had to put the book down for any length of time. Thus I finished the book in only two days. Stanek is fast on his way to becoming one of the best Fantasy writers, on a par with Narnia and Harry Potter. Better than Eragon/Eldest. Those who love fast paced Fantasy novels will definitly not be dissapointed!
Beautifully written and illustrated.......2007-03-31
Robert Stanek's The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches has become a fantasy favorite and reading the four books in the series is like entering a fascinating new world of adventure where you never know what will be around the next corner. Robert's writing style has been called a wonderful cross between J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling and the books have been called the Star Wars of fantasy. To me, what this means is that the writing style is full of adventure, humor, and action, and the books have complexity and depth. Many people I've introduced to the amazing world of Ruin Mist have told me what they loved best about the books are the characters and the unique world, the fact each book in the series is better than the one before it, and that the second reading of the series is even better than the first.
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Keeper Martin's Tales Series, Book 1) - is where the story begins. Reading this story, you learn about the many wonders of the kingdoms of men and the reaches of the elves.
The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2) - continues the story right where the first leaves off and brings the first story arc to its dramatic, edge-of-the-seat conclusion.
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches Book 3 (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 3) - is where the story really takes flight and you are propelled into all the wonders Ruin Mist has to offer. This is where you first meet dragons, troants, and other creatures beyond the shapeshifting wolm and their evil queen.
The Kingdoms & The Elves of the Reaches IV (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales (Paperback)) - is where prophecies become reality. You get to walk in the underworld and the dragon tower, join Valam in the trios, and journey to the corners of the lands.
If you are just starting the series, you should read book one first. The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches has several excellent editions.
The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 1)
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 1, Special Illustrated Edition)
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Signature Illustrated Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales)
The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II also has several excellent editions.
The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2)
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2, Special Illustrated Edition)
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Signature Illustrated Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales)
Over all, I would personally rate this series above Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, and the like. The stories certainly approach the greatness of Tolkien in any event. I have purchased the original edition and the special illustrated edition. The many illustrations throughout the book editions are excellent. However, like the special illustrated edition of the first book, the special illustrated edition of this second book has an amazing cover with a full-size color illustration on the front and three color illustrations on the back! Since the book is 8 1/2 x 11 in size, the back cover illustrations are as large as cover illustrations on most paperbacks. The illustrated guide to the world at the end of the book is excellent too.
Don't miss this series... Worst case, hard-core Potter fans will like it much better than Artemis Fowl but not as much as Harry Potter. To me though, it is better than Harry Potter because it has more adventure and magic, plus I liked the characters better. In Harry Potter, I have one favorite character and a few characters I like okay to read about. In the Kingdoms books, I have five favorites (Xith, Vilmos, Emel, Adrina, Seth) and many other characters I love to read about (Erravane, Galan, Brodst, Myrial, Midori, Martin, Jacob, Cagan, Jarom, Sathar, Edward).
Excellent.......2007-03-01
I'm a fan of Harry Potter who just discovered this series, and I'm glad to have something to fill the "void" until the final Potter book comes out. Looking forward to continuing the saga with the third book.
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