Fantasy book reviews
Tastes vary but reviews help with the process of selecting the next fantasy book you want to read. I share here my fantasy book reviews for some popular fantasy novels. As a reader devoted to the fantasy genre, my opinion may prove useful to you.
My fantasy book review ratings are based on a perfect score of 5 swords or other objects relevant to a specific novel. Partial swords may be awarded with lesser weapons such as daggers, throwing stars, and so forth.
Ivan and Marya by Anna Kashina
Review Rating: 4 bottles of love potion
On the Summer Solstice a virgin girl must die in the Sacrifice Pool to fuel the immortality of Kaschey. Marya the Mistress of the Solstice brings the victim to Kaschey every year. Ivan the Fool takes on the impossible quest to end the brutal sacrifices and turn Marya away from evil. Go to full fantasy book review...
The Weaving by Gerald Costlow
Review Rating: 4 Cat claws and a swishing tail
A dangerous fantasy adventure with a sense of humor. Enjoy fun twists on traditional elements like witches and black cats, plus so much more. Go to full fantasy book review...
Shadows & Light: Tales of Lost Kingdoms edited by Alva J. Roberts
Review Rating: 5 Swords
Excellent anthology with an emphasis on the darker elements of the genre. A superior collection of short stories by talented writers. Go to the full fantasy book review...
The Gateway by Glenn G. Thater
Review rating: Four swords
Solid heroic fantasy by an independent author. It's the opening novel of a whole series. For readers desiring battle with beasts of a chaos lord, this is good reading. Go to full book review
The Summoner by Gail Z. Martin
Review Rating: Three Swords and a Chastity Belt
Exciting quest-style fantasy with a good cast of characters and a solid plot. Entertaining but its blades are dulled by a few flaws. Go to full book review
A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Review Rating: Four Swords and a Kiss
Awesome fantasy world building from one of the original masters of pulp sci fi and fantasy. Readers get high stakes relentless action and epic love on a dying planet. Go to full fantasy book review
The Valley of the Horses by Jean M. Auel
Review Rating: Five Stone Spears
Humans once shared the Earth with other intelligent races and the megafauna of the Ice Age. Fantasy readers should consider the fascinating sagas of prehistory that share many of the same thrills and perils as fantasy fiction. Go to full book review...
The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel
Review Rating: Five Mammoth Tusks of Ivory
Prehistory is the domain of fiction. The scattered physical facts discovered by archeologists are fleshed out into a gripping epic by a masterful author. Our dim unwritten origins in which early humans once struggled share a kinship with fantasy writing in which people meet the raw elements of a magical world with courage and love. Go to full book review
The Plains of Passage by Jean M. Auel
Review Rating: Four Spears
In love with Jondalar, Ayla chooses to follow him back to his home in distant Western Europe. With their horses and wolf, they set out alone across a vast landscape filled with people good and evil. Go to full book review
Review Rating: 5 Swords
Fantasy readers will find a rewarding experience when they delve into Martin's epic fantasy series. Find out how this leading fantasy genre author captivates readers with diverse characters and thrilling plot twists. Go to full fantasy book review...
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
Review Rating: 5 Swords
Masterful storyteller George R.R. Martin has built upon the grand momentum that started his A Song Of Ice And Fire epic fantasy series. The second fantasy novel in the series rewards readers with powerful surprises and awesome characters. Go to full fantasy book review...
The Briar King by Greg Keyes
Review Rating: 3 Swords, 1 Dagger, & 1 Throwing Star
Duels, fast-paced adventure, monsters, and sorcery fill a fantasy novel that provides a promising start to a new series. Judge whether you want to read The Briar King with this story background and fair criticism. Go to the full fantasy book review...
The Charnel Prince by Greg Keyes
Review Rating: Four Swords
The author uses his spurs and keeps this novel running. Plenty of action, palace intrigue, monster fighting, and a brilliant court composer combine in an expanding epic series that provides diverse characters, many of which are quite appealing. Go to the full fantasy book review...
Shadowmarch by Tad Williams
Review Rating: 2 Swords & 1 Walking Stick
Fairy folk on the march, transvestite eunuchs, drunken poets, and a hardened guard captain with a crush on a princess reveal Williams' mastery of creating diverse characters. But a well-padded slow pace and a plot that is more tease than please burden a novel that could have been better. Go to the full fantasy book review...
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
Review Rating: Five Wizard Staffs
Dragons, true names, the salty smell of the sea, magic, and the original wizards' school...this classic fantasy tale is brilliantly told. Through thoughtful writing you'll join Ged as he leaves behind the arrogance of youth. Go to the full fantasy book review...