Science Fiction Fantasy Books

The book is gorgeaous, like the other titles of the same saga. The only problem is that now it's finished... A++++

I recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a story that has a lot of twists and they can escape into. It made me laugh, cry, everything. I loved it. At first I was a little iffy because I was just so surprised. I guessed that Bella would end up deciding the fight against the Volturi with her shields since the second book but Nessie came as a surprise, but a good one. I also thought Bella's reaction to being pregnant was very Bella. She's such a selfless person and she loves so completely. I also liked seeing Edward and her through Jake's eyes. They're flawed and i liked seeing it, I liked getting annoyed with them and I liked that this book had a satisfying ending.

I seriously don't get what everyone's problem is with this book. It's fiction. Stephenie never said that she was writing to send good messages to teens so if you want a book for your kid that does that then pick up a Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul and get over it. She is writing a fictional story, the story that she had in mind since the beginning, and I thought she did it very well. Who cares if she got everything. Some people actually do so you can't say that NO ONE gets a happy ending. And didn't she go through hell and back to get it? I thought she did.

For the most part I'm satisfied with this story because this was a story that Stephenie said that she had written for herself. That's all that I can ask of her. Nessie, Bella's marriage, Jacob imprinting on Nessie... that was all planned since the beginning. This is a book you either love or you hate. I ended up in love.

unlike most readers, i started the entire saga just as she released "Breaking dawn", so reading from twilight to the last one was a seamless transition. most people reading the reviews aren't reading to see if this book is worth purchasing; it's to see what other people think. so instead of a lengthy and verbose review with a grip of spoilers, i'll just state my opinion on this saga.

i don't think this is the end of bella and edward. or rather, the cullens. i think meyers will write more about the olympic coven - or even some of the other covens she introduced in this series. this was just the start of all the many stories (and fans and pay checks and movies and endorsements) to come.

she had and has the potential to create more stories because the characters she created can be possibly interesting. if she makes them two dimensional, maybe not. for an example, i felt that she overly simplified rosalie and jasper's stories. and there's also the mystery of alice that can be further explored. and emmett can't be all brawny jock-vamp. carlisle. esme. there's more... and jacob and his imprint on nessie... how nessie reacts to this as she matures. (though i thought if jacob imprinted on tanya or some other vampire, it would've been much funnier. nessie was just too expected.)

reading things from jacob's perspective in this book was interesting. he's different from bella. his sarcastic and cynical perspective on everything is refreshing, since i was getting nauseous toward the end of "Eclipse" when she was hiding away with jacob and edward and later seth and her view on all of this. his voice in this book initially made me a bit weary, as i hoped to read the entire book from her perspective, but i have to say, i appreciated his thoughts.

somehow, and i don't know if it's because bella suddenly became an immortal teenage vampire mother/wife, but the dynamics and intensity of her relationship with edward just became distant from the reader. it suddenly felt like we're not supposed to know the inner workings of married couples or something. sorta a downer, after three previous books of "omg, i can't live without him/her!" and because it just felt goopy and sloppy at the end, i can't exactly find myself feeling like the series has come to an end. there's too much potential she's letting go of.

oh well. who knows? she might just go and add on and create the cullens chronicle, where the twilight saga - about bella and edward - is just one saga of many. that'd be nice. i can live with that...

...because i'm reading the host right now and i keep falling asleep. as simple as the whole twilight saga was, it was easy to read and be absorbed in. in some way, a female, regardless of age, will want a man who loves her that much and has that much mystery about him. if meyers establishes something for many readers out there, it's that it's possible that most men in this day and age are just dull/boring. or at least, that's what she makes it sound. heck, i'd like myself a volvo driving vampire that blings out in sunlight. i'll take two to go, with a side of fries, thanks.

but for now, i'll wait. i wish this book ended with a stronger note. the whole face-off with the volturi seemed weak - what, suddenly bella is wonder woman? good grief. for all the fear that meyer was trying to establish about the italian coven, it was just a hollow bark.

i'm not exactly sure why she's coming out with the official guide (was this saga THAT difficult to comprehend???), but she might just want to spend that time starting on a new saga based on the cullens. ok, i'm done for now. :)

I loved the first book, liked the second book and threw the third across the room. I read the fourth hoping it would redeem the ending in the third. I agree with most of Breaking Dawn's critics. Bella drove me crazy with her whiny immature behavior throughout all of them. Edward reminded me of a stalker (come to think of it so did Bella). Reneseme?? Good God! And ditto everything else that's been written . . .

ON THE OTHER HAND, I did read Breaking Dawn, and despite it glaring problems and the occasional bouts of boredom I suffered through, enjoyed it regardless. But, and I think this is a big but, I did have to remind myself throughout that I was reading a YA novel. I'm 37 and do not have a daughter (I came across the book browsing in the YA section with my son). If I did have a daughter I'd talk to her about what a lousy example Bella sets.

But if I was sixteen, I would have loved the ending. And I'm fairly sure I wasn't so impressionable that Bella would have made me want to run out and meet a boy who'd take care of me at all times (gack), ditch college, and have a baby. It's like sex. Fantasy is called fantasy for reason. And most of us know that.

I think people have lost site of the fact that the series, and latest book, were at least initially written for a young crowd. Bad role-models aside, some stories just aren't meant to teach us all a lesson. And thank god for that. The YA crowd is entitled to a mindless escapist story like the rest of us message seeking grown-ups. And Stephanie Meyer is darn good at giving them that.

If you're an adult, I think it's wise to keep in in mind that Breaking Dawn is teenaged fiction, despite its crossover status. Do that, and I'm pretty certain that the book, and love story, will entertain you.

Yeah, no pun meant by the title.
In this book none of the characters stayed the same and all of the things that Twilight stands for were lost. The plot and characters were weak. And anything that happens in this book and makes SENSE all the fans predicted MONTHS ago. Any hints about what was to come that Meyer drops meant NOTHING in this book. Oh and by the way, Edward is now a Incubus (by Meyer's definition) and all the werewolves are now "shape-shifters". Now there is nothing wrong with her religion, but if you are going to tell us of your views in your writing, please let us know before millions of fans buy it.. Because not all of us believe what you believe (that means that I think men do not need to always protect women, being married and having a kid at 18 is not more important than school and women should ALWAYS have a choice to have or not have a child). Yeah, so Twilight is a trilogy.
This book killed Twilight and needed a LOT of editing. It was really really really bad. This was not Twilight. And if by some strange twist of fate you are reading Meyer, I hate Breaking Dawn and you. (:


P.S. Meyer says it herself when a person becomes a vampire all bodily fluids become venom. If the venom is melting her contacts how could Edward make Bella have a child? Yes, Meyer also says that this does not make sense.

Awesome book! I couldn't put it down - read whole book in two sittings. Have purchased other three books in set and am just finishing up book 3. Stephanie Meyers is a terrific author.

great book, I loved it, can't wait to start read the second in this series!

I started this book simply to see what all the hoopla was about. I finished it (all 498 pages) in less than 24 hours. Then I devoured New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. It took more than 4 days, but I did have to break away and sleep, do laundry and feed the family, darn it. I could not put these books down. And I couldn't wait to talk about them with a friend who had read them. They were very well written, and a classic love story. These are books that I will keep in hardcover version on my shelves. And that is a huge compliment. Most books go to the reseller. Hat's off to Stephenie Meyer. Fantastic books! PS I'm a mom in my 40's.

I find a guilty pleasure in reading young adult fiction, especially if it has a female protagonist. There's something appealing about seeing the world in black and white, finding a soul mate at 16, and the view of oneself as the heroine of one's own story. Some of the things that the other reviewers complained of I didn't even notice, like Bella constantly glowering. I didn't think that she was portrayed as too loving or too generous or too beautiful. She was just doing what most of us hope that we would do, sacrifice ourselves for one that we love.

Is it really a surprise that a 16 year old girl falls instantly in love with a handsome vampire? Really, where would the story be if not for that? Since we're in a world where destiny brings star-crossed lovers together, I have no doubt that Edward's inability to hear Bella's thoughts is a factor in his love for her, along with her apparently irresistible smell. I'm hoping that we'll find out why this is the case in one of the subsequent books.

All in all, I thought that Stephenie Meyer has created a pretty great vampire universe. Many modern ones have the vampire having to exchange blood with the victim in order to procreate; this is not the case in Twilight. Although I am not enough of a vampire aficionado to know for sure that it is original, I loved her explanation of why a victim once bitten will then transform into a vampire herself, assuming, of course that she survives.

Bottom line: an enjoyable read as long as you're expecting it to entertain and not preach to teenagers. I look forward to reading the next book.

I read this entire book on a flight back and forth from Newark/San Francisco and I enjoyed it enough to read the next 3 on several other business trips. I would have given it 5 stars but the writing was just a touch juvenile for me. It was, however light, fun reading that kept me entertained and oblivous to the rest of the passengers around me - just what fiction (ie - not based in reality) should do. And thankfully I didn't try to read any messages for my life or anyone else's into any of the books either.

the book looked almost new without any bends or creases like it was described. thank you again, and would like to do business again in the future.

It's been a long time since I got hooked on a series of books BUT these did it. I just got Eclispe and almost done... ready to start Breaking Dawn by tomorrow. What will I do until the next one is out??? I only hope Bella and Edward live forever...............

I bought this book for my 12 year old granddaughter. She is reading the series and sent me an e-mail asking for it because it was the one she didn't have. She loves it! "Granny, you have to read these books, they are awesome!" What more can I say, she said it all.

once again that effortless flow from one volume to another without loosing your interest. great read

Stephenie Meyers twilight series is an automatic addiction, prepare to be living and breathing edward and bella!

Having read most of Ann Rice's books, I experienced how the Vampire books got from good and erotic to verbose and boring.

Ms. Stephanie Meyer is unfortunately the later version of Ms. Rice.

I believe that the audience Ms. Meyer is witting for is high school girls, which might explain her poor performance.

Bella's story takes off from the first book. After causing havoc in Edwards family over her human blood, Edward decides to break up with Bella. We go on for what seems to be an eternity on how sad she is.

She then makes friends with Jacob Black who turns into a werewolf. As it is the custom, werewolves protect the reservation from vampires. Bella figures out that Jacob is a werewolf and befriends the pack.

She starts doing daring things because she hears Edward's voice every time she's in danger. The werewolves save her from a vampire named Laurent who was going to kill her. But there is another Vampire, Victoria who has vowed to kill Bella.

The werewolves then use Bella as bait to kill Victoria, but one day as Bella is waiting for Jacob, she decides to jump off the diving cliff the werewolves had showed her.

Alice has a vision and tells Edward that Bella committed suicide. Edward goes off to Volterra, Italy to get killed, because he can't bare the thought of living without Bella (I swear, there is more drama than in a bad soap), so Alice and Bella have to go to Italy to stop Edward from having the Voltari family (vampire royalty) kill him.
After more drama, Edward is saved and Bella is torn because she has two sworn enemies--Jacob the werewolf and Edward the vampire--as his best friend and boyfriend.

More drama.

Again the book is too long (over 550 pages) and disappointing. I don't know if I will be able to read the third sequel."

I read Twilight and wasn't really impressed but I'm continuing on with the series. Reading New Moon was like reading one book for a while and then turning the page to find a different book in its place.

We start off with Edward leaving and then Bella getting closer to Jacob. Edward is cold with hard strength (always described "like ice" and "like marble"), Jacob is hot and strong (always described "like a rock"). Edward glorifies in his own perfection and is too serious with little substance, Jacob takes it easy, laughs often, and has useful skills and hobbies. I do not understand what Bella sees in Edward when Jacob is so much better. Who wants to cuddle up with cold marble when they can have warm and cuddly?

And I do not understand what they both see in Bella. She has little substance. And she says she's not worth of Edward so often that I believed it too. Why are they a couple?

The plot jump was ridiculous. They're in Forks, hunting Victoria (who's hunting Bella) and then suddenly they're escaping Volturi in Italy to save Edward. The two plot lines didn't go together well. I was also put off at the end when Bella says she wants to be a vampire and live with Edward forever but she doesn't want to get married to do it. How does that make sense?

This book, along with Twilight, feels like Meyers wants to tell a vampire romance story but can't settle on a good enough plot. There needs to be a smoother weaving of story lines. If you're going to read the series, get it from the library. And keep in mind there are better vampire series out there.

As a sequel I wasn't really sure how much I would like this book. But it went far and beyond any expectations I had for it. I ended up not being able to put it down. I felt for Bella through her ups and downs. I'm not a teen, but I love these books!

great book, I read it so fast and couldn't wait to get my hands on the 2nd book!

This series is amazing. I fell in love with Edward right along with Bella. It keeps you on your toes and wanting to read more!! You won't be able to put it down!

I was so eager to get the book and start reading it. Unfortunately, it didn't arrive until after I had returned from vacation, after which my Mother 'appropriated' the book from me to read before I had even had a chance to start reading it.

I love Stephenie's way of writing. She captivates readers, drawing them into the unique and believable world she's created in The Host. Reader's can feel the tension, the confusion, and the wonder. Definitely a good read!!!!

I picked up "The Host" after finishing "Breaking Dawn". While the story and setting are very different from the "Twilight" saga, I was not disappointed at all. The beginning focuses mainly on character development, while the action picks up rapidly towards the middle of the book and does not let up. Stephenie continues to develop her characters well throughout the book. I was so involved in the story that I cried towards the end, and I don't cry easily. This is not a sad story; it is a very good story. I look forward to Stephenie's future works.

One of the best novels I have ever read. One of those stories that you continue to ponder long after you have turned the last page. I will re-read this one over and over.

Do yourself a favor and ignore the negative reviews. This is one of those books that deserves individual consideration. It's fantastic, in more ways than one.

I had read Twilight and liked it, but didn't do the series as it was too 'teenish' for me. I was SO excited when I finished The Host! It was so good for me! I finished it a month ago and still feel 'incomplete' and am hoping this one is a series, as I will surely be in line to order the rest!! Loved it!

I enjoyed this book. Unfortunately i began reading it promptly after i finished reading the twilight series (recording breaking time of 1 week!)So i couldn't get that book out of my head and kepting wandering off track. The book itself was a great story and i enjoyed it. Although, it wasn't as good as Twilight.

This was a very good book, but it wasn't the best in the series. I would recommend for people who like to read science fiction.

I really enjoyed the Time Paradox, it was extremely amusing, the plot was very well thought out, and I would love to read more of Eoin Colfer.
My only disappointment was the fact that the French girl, Minerva Paradizo did not return. Otherwise the book reached all my expectations and more. The Time Paradox is exceptionally well written and most entertaining.

If you have read the previous Artemis books, this one holds up perfectly. I'd recommend this series to anyone at any age, and this book doesn't disappoint.

The latest book in the Artemis Fowl series continues to shine. The latest installment does an excellent job of bringing its reader into the Artemis Fowl world while stretching our imagination with its time paradox theme.

It's a reasonable book, but for those familiar with the series it will feel like it covers the same areas as previous books; ironic bearing in mind the title.
I have to say the biggest let down is that it isn't narrated by Nathaniel Parker and is poorer because of this.
If you've already got the rest of the books then it's worth getting, if not, get one of the others instead.

No technology, no living animals except man (and much of mankind is little more than animals), no living plants, the world in the midst of a prolonged winter. It's depressing to think the world could come to this. The book still sends chills down my spine weeks later.

The Road is an excellent book. Through a unique writting style the author allows you to live the simply raw terrifying experience of a father care for his on a post apocalytpic america. It stirs and meddles in our most basic instincts of protection of our young vs. a scenario of complete dispair.

I did not have sky high hopes for this book. I've been through that and knew better. My hopes were moderate. Even so, they were dashed. I realize that the minimalist approach the author took was meant to create a haunting atmosphere and it did work, but there was SO MUCH MORE he could have done with the 'story'. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. Heck, I kept waiting for ANYTHING to happen. Unfortunately, the entire book can be summed up as follows;

We have to keep walking.
Okay Papa.
We should eat.
Okay Papa.
Okay.

And that's what passes for a 'great book' now in our TV, WalMart, McDonald's culture.

Here's what "The Road" is not. It's not science fiction. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic America but it doesn't bother to go into any detail about what happened. It's not an adventure story. Our protagonists don't fall into the hands of an evil army and forge a daring escape. It's not a traditional story. If you're looking for a three act arc with beginning, middle and end it's not here. You get a beginning and maybe an end, that's it. So what is it? To me it's about us; as a race, as individuals. Ask you're self what would happen if the world changed tomorrow? Changed in such a way that everything we know, our cars, our food, our friends, our sky were all gone. How would you adapt? How would you survive?

In McCarthy's "The Road" we follow a man and his son down a road as they move east towards the sea, their world reduced to themselves and a shopping cart which they push slowly forward. Through their eyes we see the planet as it has become, a forever gray sky, humans reduced to cattle, giant fires that sweep across the land. The writing, the dialogue, even the punctuation is minimum. Often it felt repetitious and too simplistic, but I was still drawn to their struggle. After some time reading, I knew I wasn't going to get a predictable "Hollywood" story. Rather, I was just going to get their story; a story that anyone of us might face some day, utterly lacking in adventure, predictability, and even dialogue but a story that reeks of paranoia, fear, and uncertainty.

Is "The Road" a classic? I don't know if that's for us to decide, but it's a perfect read for those in high school and on up. So maybe some 12th grade Lit. Class will debate the "classic" question, because people seem to be debating it now. And the fact that they're debating now tells me that McCarthy doing something right.

I've been trying to read this book for about six months, and I can never get more than 1/3 of the way through. It's frusterating because I have yet to read a negative review, so I assume it must just be because I am stupid that I don't like the book.

It's the end of the world and a father and son are traveling down a road. That's it? Yes, that's it. Maybe if the father's narrative used proper grammar and actually said things that made sense, it might have had more meaning, but as it is it is just meaningless garbage.

Every other page is a description of them building a fire and burning a tin can of food, and almost every paragraph ends like this: What is it, Papa? I don't know.

Eventually, I decided not to waste another minute of my life reading it and built a fire with it, keeping myself and my child (each the other worlds entire) warm as we ate from a tin can. What is it, he asked? I didn't know.

I've been a Brooks fan since I was like 6 years old. I've read every book he has except World (which isn't really a "book"). I got this one with eager anticipation.

For those that don't know, this is the third book of the "Genesis" series from Brooks. I reviewed Armageddon's Children, and warned people to read Word and Void series first. Well, now I'm saying that even if you read Armageddon's Children, this book will lose you.

What?

Let me start off by saying...this book confused me to no end. Brooks is all over the place with the writing, and as S. Banks mentioned, there are way too many "in my head" details put in the book. Obviously Brooks wants us to feel and think what the characters are feeling and thinking, but there is such a thing as overkill, and this book is it. A lot of IMO unnecessary descriptive context really detracts from the focus of the story and in truth, makes the book probably 50 pages longer than it really needed to be.

Additionally, characters are interjected, emphasized, then tossed aside with little remorse or consideration. Then they're reintroduced with no consistent flow. For example, a key character in Elves of Cintra (the predecessor) is incapacitated in this book by what is described as being similar to a Vulcan neck pinch by an Elf. What? Mind you, this character is supposedly a magic-imbued being who has protections against attacks and the ability to fight and defend themselves, yet a female version of Spock comes along and does a pinch and all of a sudden the character is knocked out for at least 3 chapters. O....kay.

Then we have another character who, while not directly important in this story, was quite unique and interesting in Elves of Cintra...and in this story, is taken out with one sentence in the book by a tentacle out of nowhere, not detected by aforementioned mystical character. Mind you, this unique character is blind and supposedly has enhanced awareness against danger, since they've survived alone in the mountains all this time. Yeah, okay.

Then the book jerks back to a group of people with bird names, and that's when it just falls apart. I won't even go into explicit details, but I mean you've got vehicles with lizards who are allegedly the previous owner, kids that die and are revived with no real explanation, and then of course, the subtitle of the book (who is such a lithe staple through the book that you almost forget about it) is a character that it's hard to care about, because it doesn't do anything.

I really wish Brooks would focus back on Shannara. The REAL Shannara, not a bastardization of Word/Void and Shannara. Elves of Cintra was well written, but it's really unappealing overall as a series. I want to see Brooks write about the first war, the development of the magic, the creation of the Forbidding, the first voyage to Safehold for the Bloodfire, the creation of the Ellcrys, the start of the Druids, the conversion of Brona, etc etc...

I just can't recommend this story unless you're sick of Shannara, really. If you're not really a fan you might like this, but reading Elves of Cintra and Armageddon's Children is a prerequisite.

I have read everything that Terry Brooks has written over the last almost thirty years and I am so glad that he is still at the top of his game. I do not want to give any spoilers but let me simply say that the writing in this book is so good that it is comparable to his award winning "Void" series. It is a testament to Mr. Brooks that even when he is writing about the end of civilization as we know it, he sees the brightness and love that can be found in humanity. Thanks again.

Two years ago, Terry Brooks set out on epic undertaking to merge his wildly famous Shannara Series with his urban fantasy Word and the Void Trilogy. The result is the exciting and breathtaking Genesis of Shannara Trilogy which now comes to a powerful conclusion.

The boy named Hawk has fully embraced his role as The Gypsy Morph, a human created from wild magic who is destined to save a remnant of mankind from the coming apocalypse. Joined by Logan Tom and Angel Perez, the last two Knights of the Word, Hawk will now lead this group to their new home, all the while fighting off the army of demons and once-men who are out to stop them.

Meanwhile, Kirisin Belloruus, one of the mysterious Elven people, is charged with saving the Elves from the imminent destruction. He must place the Elves and their ancient city of Arborlorn within the magical Loden Elf stone, and then protect them until he can meet up with Hawk and the others. Unseen dangers and death lie around every corner and an entire race of people depend on his survival.

For years Terry Brooks has been considered one of the most important fantasy authors of our time and The Gypsy Morph reminds us why. No one mixes fantasy, suspense, mystery, and intrigue like Brooks and all of these elements are on full display here. Merging two series that were never intended to be merged is quite a feat, and Brooks not only succeeds but does so in brilliant fashion.

As always, Brooks gives us memorable and engaging heroes that stir our hearts as they face insurmountable odds and death defying challenges. The villains are everything we've come to expect: ruthless, evil, and utterly frightening. Terry Brooks also proves once again that no character is untouchable and he refuses to sacrifice good storytelling for the sake of the characters. Unlike many other contemporary fantasy writers, Brooks reminds us that good storytelling doesn't have to be saturated with profane language, sex, and unnecessary gore.

The Gypsy Morph gives us just the right amount of closure for this trilogy. However, fans will be pleased to know that the story is not over. Terry Brooks has stated that there are at least five or six more novels to come as he continues to tell the story of Shannara's early history. We'll have to wait a while longer though for the next Shannara book. Next summer Terry Brooks will treat us with a long overdue Landover novel that is sure to please his die hard fans. If you are looking for epic fantasy done right then look no further.

I can only give this book (and series) a solid 2 stars. Its keeps you on the edge of your seat at times but it could have been SO much more. Terry has attempted to join his 2 successful series (Knight of the Word & the Shannara series) together to tell the epic story of the Great Wars - the wars that sundered the planet and ended civilization as we know it and gave rise to the world of the Shannara books. The problem is it doesn't feel very epic. I have been reading Terry's books since the first ever Sword of Shannara release - thats a long time ago! My kids are older than I was when I first read that book!

Terry spends a lot of time inside his character's head on trivial details that aren't relevant to the epic end of the world story this should be. We have 10 pages on Panther's emerging feelings for the half breed Kat and 2 pages about Findo Gast - the antagonist of the entire series! We get a lot of pages with useless, irrelevant dialogues like this:

"Panther stands at edge of the campfire and stops when he sees the plate of food. How had it gotten there? Who had left it? Was it for him? Surely he was hungry, having been on scout patrol all day. But something seemed odd. This food seemed to appear out of nowhere, or had he simply not noticed before in his weariness. He approached the food cautiously. Maybe if Kat were here she could tell him what to do. He missed her, more and more. In a swift move, he picks up the plate of food and eats it down. It tastes good, really good. "Man this is good food, really good", he says to no one in particular. But then he comes to a stunning realization - though he has eaten the food - he will need more tomorrow!"

So, now to be fair I made that sample up (grins) - but there are hundreds of pages of that encompassing that level of minutiae - and honestly - do we care? I want to know about the demons, the elves, the elcrys, the lady of the word, the end of the world - but we get page after page of this. Its like Terry was having problems thinking of what to say and needed to stretch it out. At times its like reading a juvenile fiction book. The demons are barely covered and we barely get to see Findo in this book at all.

---------

Terry really misses the opportunity to blend these 2 series together better. It feels more like a TV episode where a guest star from 1 series that stops by on another series - interesting - but incongruous. Its like Kramer from Seinfeld stopping by on Friends and doing his Kramer thing and then leaving. Example: We have 2 sets of demons - the elves' fantasy genre demons that are locked away in the Forbidding. These are the more fantasy demons that want to rule the world and such. Then we have the human form demons from the Word & the Void series - but they don't mix well. In fact we don't even address why they are separate? I thought maybe we'd learn that the human form demons were minions of those in the Forbidding - here to push the human into destroying the world. But no, sadly we are left with 2 separate races of demons that seem to have similar goals but don't see to have anything to do with other.

Then we have the Lady of the Word and the Elcrys - I thought surely we'd discover they were one & the same. They are both semi-relgious, mystical figures that personify themselves as female to their chosen ones and ask them to carry out vague and dangerous quests. Surely I thought when the elven city was restored Logan would stand before the Elcrys and realize this was the Lady he served. It makes sense? The elcrys presents herself as a human woman to her human chosen so they would accept her more? And she has done this as she needs help from the humans to save the elves & life in general. But no - the elcrys and the lady are just 2 entirely separate semi-relgious, mystical figures that personify themselves as female to their chosen ones and ask them to carry out vague and dangerous quests. What a waste of an opportunity.

--------

Last note: the book just ends. Yes the children and elves and few adults do arrive safely at the happy valley and are shielded from the nuclear destruction of the rest of the world. But we never get to see the elves receive their thanks from the Elcrys. The Knights of the Word never receive their pardon & thanks from the Lady. Its just over. I guess they stay in the valley for a few hundred years while the radiation subsides? This isn't really a Genesis of Shannara - there is no mention on anything Shannara - related. I thought we'd find out that Logan and Cimarlin would marry and their bloodline would produce the Shannara lineage - the combination of elfstone magic and the magic of the word but no. There is no real connection between these books and the Shannara books other than the omnipresent elf stones & the king of the silver river.

I guess we'll get another book series soon picking up where this one stopped abruptly. I don't mean to be so critical but for a series that chronicles events that Terry has eluded to for over 20 years, it falls pretty short where it could have soared.

As with every single Terry Brooks novel I've read, I enjoyed "The Gypsy Morph" immensely. My work schedule only allows me to catch up with my reading in the evening, and since starting this book a few days ago, I've become an insomniac! Reading well into the night until the words are all but blurred and swimming on the pages. Even now, it's past one o'clock in the morning, and having just finished the book, I'm still thinking about it and can't get it out of my head!.

"The Gypsy Morph" brings you through a wide range of emotions: joy, fear, anger, and sadness. At one point in the story, I found my self grinning from ear to ear, while in another, on the verge of tears. Only a handful of masterful writers can involve you in the characters so deeply, that you experience their emotions right along with them. And Terry Brooks is certainly a master of his craft.

Without fail, for every one of Terry's books I've read, I've always been disappointed to turn the last page and find that there's no more. He has this uncanny ability to wrap up his stories without closing them completely. He gives you just enough to get his point across and leaves the rest of the story open for the reader to come to his/her own conclusions. Although I admire this, it can also be very frustrating!

But that aside, it was a wonderful, exciting trilogy. And Gypsy was a fantastic end. I can't wait to visit Landover again next year! It's about time!