https://www.stevedrice.net/ 2026-04-24T17:29:48+00:00 https://www.stevedrice.net/ https://www.stevedrice.net/_media/wiki/dokuwiki.svg text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/10 Review of 'Lord of Chaos' Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan 6th book in the 'Wheel of Time' series Yet another instalment in the epic that is the Wheel of Time series. This novel finds Rand trying to cope with the results of his previous conquests in Cairhien and Caemlyn while the Aes Sedai from both Tar Valon and Salidar try to curry his favour. Perrin and Loial return to Rand offering their support. Matt continues growing his army in support of Rand as they advance on Salidar. Egwene is m… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/79 Review of 'Ronan the Barbarian' Ronan the Barbarian by James Bibby Ronan is a barbarian on a quest to avenge the savage murder of his parents. On the way he befriends a blood-drinking donkey, a drunk and a beautiful warrior. This novel attempts the humour and wit of the HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Red Dwarf but does not entirely succeed. Humourous in parts this is a fairly light fantasy. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/80 Review of 'Magician' Magician by Raymond E. Feist 1st book in the 'Magician' series Following the story of Pug who is in search of his destiny and secret “power” Magician has interesting “science fictional” aspects including the idea of a gateway between two worlds of, essentially, the same development but with vastly different ideologies. Though his first work, Magician is quite well written and a very interesting read. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/81 Review of 'Silverthorn' Silverthorn by Raymond E. Feist 2nd book in the 'Magician' series The kingdom is once again threatened, this time by evil demons determined to kill Arutha, Prince of Krondor. During a botched attack on his life, the Princes bride-to-be is instead the victim spared only by a spell set to freeze her in time. A journey to find a cure is undertaken with the Prince including Jimmy the Hand text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/82 Review of 'A Darkness at Sethanon' A Darkness at Sethanon by Raymond E. Feist 3rd book in the 'Magician' series The final book in the “Magician” series finds the kingdom threatened by the feared Murmandamus and the mysterious Dragon Lords. A great page-turner if you have read the previous novels text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/83 Review of 'Good Omens' Good Omens by Neil Gaiman, and Terry Pratchett This is the story of the apocalypse. According to Graiman and Pratchett. Namely, not going exactly as you might expect nor with the seriousness one might attribute to the end of the world. A famous book amongst those fans of the authors, they do not disappoint with the pages full of humourous lines and situations. Having said that, this is perhaps it's greatest flaw as the story is a bit disjointed and not terribly cl… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/84 Review of 'Faust Among Equals' Faust Among Equals by Tom Holt Faust Among Equals is a satire of the whole Faust story including veiled attacks on corporate politics, DisneyLand, etc., etc. I found this book a fairly difficult read in that the puns and jokes seemed to often get in the way of the plot making it hard to follow. Perhaps it was the wordy prose in particular that caused this situation, hard to say. Anyway, a funny book with amusing characters worth a read. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/85 Review of 'The Path of Daggers' The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan 8th book in the 'Wheel of Time' series Book 8 in the series finds things going not exactly to the Dragon Reborns plans with the Seanchan attempting another invasion as well as the manipulations of those around him. Elayne is on her way to Caemlyn to take the throne that is hers while Egwene continues on her advance to Tar Valon along with her small army (now getting bigger with her allowing anyone to be apprenticed as Aes … text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/86 Review of 'A Crown of Swords' A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan 7th book in the 'Wheel of Time' series Book Seven finds the Dragon Reborn with lots of problems including how to deal with the Aes Sedai who seem determined to still him no matter what the cost. Egwene, now raised as an alternative text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/88 Review of 'Only Human' Only Human by Tom Holt Another book from the British humourist Tom Holt I found this a bit hard to follow and only occasionally funny as the author guides us through the mayhem caused when God's computer falls into the wrong hands text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/89 Review of 'Eye of the World' Eye of the World by Robert Jordan 1st book in the 'Wheel of Time' series Rand, Matt and Perrin were simply minding their own business in the small town of the Two Rivers when all of a sudden their village is attacked by Trollocs and they are told by two mysterious travellers that one of them could be the saviour of the world as they know it but little do they suspect the Dark One has unleashed his hideous minions in an attempt to stop them. There is nothing for … text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/90 Review of 'The Great Hunt' The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan 2nd book in the 'Wheel of Time' series Book two finds Rand on his way to deliver the Horn of Valere to the Lord of House Shinowa (Ingtar) to allow him to summon an army of fallen soldiers to fight against the dark one. Needless to say it is not as easy as that as the horn (and dagger, needed by Rand's friend Mat in order to prevent him from a fate worse than death) has been stollen and taken to the other side of the world in Arad Do… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/91 Review of 'The Dragon Reborn' The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan 3rd book in the 'Wheel of Time' series Another installment in the Wheel of Time series that tells the stories of the main characters as they go on their serparate journey's: Rand as he makes his way from Almoth Plane with Perrin, Morraine and Lan chasing after him in his delusional state, Mat on an erand to Caemlyn, and the three young women now in training to be Aes Sedai are off after the Black Ajah text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/92 Review of 'The Shadow Rising' The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan 4th book in the 'Wheel of Time' series Yes, the story goes on (there are six more after this one!). Rand continues to struggle with his destiny as he travels into the Aiel Waste to attempt to unite the various clans of the Aiel. Perrin returns to his home of The Two Rivers in an attempt to stop the town from being destroyed by Trollocs while he is also persued (at a different level) by Faile. There is also trouble brewing fo… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/93 Review of 'The Fires of Heaven' The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan 5th book in the 'Wheel of Time' series The story continues as Rand Al Thor, the Dragon Reborn, journeys out into the Aiel waste to unite the Aiel people as his destiny unfolds. His efforts are somewhat hampered by a pretender to the Dragon's destiny: Couladin as well as a high spirited lady of the Aiel, Aviendha who is determined to ensure that Rand only has eyes for Elayne (daughter-heir of the thrown of Andor). In the m… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/96 Review of 'A Game of Thrones' A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin 1st book in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series This is definitely a book of political intrigue and not really a lot of fantasy (though the closing sequences...). Very well written the story follows the Startks as Lord Eddard is appointed as the text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/98 Review of 'The Colour of Magic' The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett 1st book in the 'Discworld' series On the flat disk of a world balanced on top of the backs of some of the biggest elephants you will ever see who are on turn riding on top of an even bigger turtle heading for goodness knows where a fire spreads, for the most part, unchecked through Ankh-Morpark, one of the Discworld's largest cities. This is largely due to the mis-adventures of Rincewind, a rather inept magician who onl… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/99 Review of 'The Light Fantastic' The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett 2nd book in the 'Discworld' series The direct sequel to “The Colour of Magic” this follows on from where the first novel left off. The story follows Rincewind and Twoflower as they continue their blundering around the various places of Discworld as the giant turtle the world rests on heads for certain (!) doom by being attracted to a star. The story is difficult to follow at the best of time but is full of the humour an… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/100 Review of 'Feet of Clay' Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett 19th book in the 'Discworld' series A murder has taken place with few clues and no suspects. Commander Vimes of the City Watch has his work cut out for him what with a dwarf intent on wearing female clothing (granted, she is a 'she', but it is just not normal for a dwarf text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/101 Review of 'Hogfather' Hogfather by Terry Pratchett 20th book in the 'Discworld' series The Hogfather has gone missing and Death has decided to have a hand in delivering Christmas presents forever mentally scaring and unfortunate children who happen to witness his visit. Why this change of events? Where is the Hogfather? Drawn into this tangled mess is a truly nasty member of the guild of assasins, the tooth fairy and the truly amazing (but not the way you might think) professors of the Un… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/102 Review of 'The Fifth Elephant' The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett 24th book in the 'Discworld' series Another rather amusing romp through Discworld this time with a visit away from Ankh-Morpork in an attempt to establish diplomatic relationships with a foreign land. Quite well written with a typical lack of any tremendous climax making social comments left, right and centre (literally and figuratively). Note: The fifth elephant only makes a passing appearance. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/103 Review of 'The Truth' The Truth by Terry Pratchett 25th book in the 'Discworld' series Another Discworld novel (number 25) this time following William de Worde as he starts publishing a newspaper in the midst of a crisis - did Lord Vetinari (the Patrician) attack his clerk or not? Of course, this is just a premise to take another amusing trip to Ankh-Morpork and, as per normal, the story-line does not really get in the way. As per normal for Mr. Pratchett, this book is confusing to follow … text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/104 Review of 'The Science of Discworld' The Science of Discworld by Terry Pratchett, Jack Cohen, and Ian Stewart A strange mixture of science fact and a light Discworld story. The wizards of the Unseen University create a “pocket universe” and as we are guided through the story each alternating chapter of the book focuses in on some aspect of what has been discussed in regards to real science. Some of the science chapters are a bit heavy and I found the book, as a whole, quite difficult to r… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/105 Review of 'The Golden Compass (Northern Lights)' The Golden Compass (Northern Lights) by Philip Pullman 1st book in the 'His Dark Materials' series Lyra is a mischeavious child living in a strange and intriguing world. A world of armored bears, personal daemons and gateways to other dimensions. Magic abounds and is demonstrated throughout the book. I must admit to not being terribly attracted to Lyra but you cannot help but encourage her through the difficult times. One of Rowling's comp… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/106 Review of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling 1st book in the 'Harry Potter' series Ok, with all of the hype, this is one of THE fantasy books now to read both for children AND adults. Harry has grown up believing he is just like other children but one day after a visit from an owl, does he realize that both of his parents were wizards and he is not a text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/107 Review of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling 2nd book in the 'Harry Potter' series This is the second in the Harry Potter series and finds Harry returning to Hogwarts for year two of his magical training. This time there is a mysterious attacker who is turning students (and animals) into stone. Will Harry be able to save the day once again? I will not tell (!). This story follows the same pattern as the first book as we lear… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/108 Review of 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling 3rd book in the 'Harry Potter' series Book three and this time Harry is the target of an escaped prisoner from the wizard prison of Azkaban. In this story we learn a lot more about Harry's parents and about Hogwarts. The familiar story elements are all here (will Gryffindor win the Quidditch cup?) as well as all of the characters (and a new text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/109 Review of 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling 4th book in the 'Harry Potter' series Harry Potter is back again in this book four of the famous series. This time around sees Harry witnessing the International Quidditch Cup and then the Triwizard Tournament lands at Hogwarts pitting Harry up against three other wizards-in-training. By far the longest book in the series (so far), this is perhaps also the best written with the various stor… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/110 Review of 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling 5th book in the 'Harry Potter' series Book five in the series find's Harry returning to Hogwarts a very different young man with a temper to match! This year sees Harry and his friends struggling to cope with the increasing workload placed on them by the school in preparation for their OWLs (Ordinary Wizard Level tests). Harry is increasingly disturbed by dreams where he sees wh… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/111 Review of 'The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King)' The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King) by J. R. R. Tolkien The classic. Though a big lagging in parts the shear scope of Tolkien's seminal masterpiece is incredible. The different lands, people and cultures describe are intricate and delicious in their detail. Though the last part is quite short (excepting the rather exhaustive… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/112 Review of 'The Misplaced Legion' The Misplaced Legion by Harry Turtledove 1st book in the 'Videssos Cycle' series I had to check to see that this book was classified as “fiction” since the very premise of the book is very science-fiction in nature (when the swords of the leaders of a roman legion and a gaul one touch the roman legion and the gaul are transported to another planet where the magic is commonplace). The story is a good one with a lot of discussion about war and politics but int… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/113 Review of 'Bored of the Rings' Bored of the Rings by Henry N. Beard, and Douglas C. Kenney Following the adventures of Frito, Spam and the wizard Goodgulf this is a mindless bit of fluff with enough of a resemblence to the Lord of the Rings series to make sure that people familiar with the series should find this mildly amusing (the text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/180 Review of 'Night Watch' Night Watch by Terry Pratchett 27th book in the 'Discworld' series Another romp through Pratchett's Discworld this time with Commander Vimes as he is accidentily sent back in time to teach his younger self how to be a “proper copper” text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/184 Review of 'Titus Groan' Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake 1st book in the 'Gormenghast' series This is the first, and arguably the best, book of the Gormenghast series by Peake. It is set in the mythical kingdom of Gormenghast which is ruled from Gormenghast Castle whose inhabitants are bound by tradition. Lord Sepulchrave is the ruler who is obsessed with books and mindlessly follows the rituals found in books religiously studied by Sourdust, the lord of the library and adviser to the Groan dyn… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/185 Review of 'Jingo' Jingo by Terry Pratchett 21st book in the 'Discworld' series Yet another installment in the Discworld series and Pratchett is operating at his best with this story of the island of Leshp which mysteriously appears between Ankh-Morpork and Klatch beginning a story of personal ambition and politics not all that different from our world text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/191 Review of 'Winter's Heart' Winter's Heart by Robert Jordan 9th book in the 'Wheel of Time' series The 9th instalment in the epic that is the Wheel of Time and Jordan continues weaving his magic. Rand is determined to remove the taint in saidin but along the way he has to deal with what Elayne, Min and Aviendha. Of course, Elayne has her own problems in Andor with her claim to the throne still unresolved. Mat has problems of his own owing to the distractions of his lover in Ebou Dar text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/192 Review of 'Crossroads of Twilight' Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan 10th book in the 'Wheel of Time' series Book 10 find things getting more and more complicated in The Wheel of Time. Rand seems to have successfully healed the taint in saidin with a beacon visible by all across the land. Elayne has problems of her own with her continuing struggles to claim her rightful place on the Lion Throne of Andor in Caemlyn. Egwene, having brought her faction of Aes Sedai to just outside of T… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/198 Review of 'Gormenghast' Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake 2nd book in the 'Gormenghast' series The second book of the Gormenghast trilogy is the most elaborate and expansive of the three. This is the story of Titus as he comes of age and the continuing rampages of Steerpike through the main characters (with many bloody murders scattered throughout). We see the anticipated redemption of Flay and the fate of Steerpikes ambitions in addition to Irma's attempts at finding a suitable husband. Peake'… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/203 Review of 'Titus Alone' Titus Alone by Mervyn Peake 3rd book in the 'Gormenghast' series In this the final book in the Gormenghast trilogy Titus has left his ancestral home of Gormenghast and responsibility as the 77th Earl of Groan to “find himself” in the bigger world. It is a strange world indeed populated with unusual characters and places with Titus blythely stumbling his way through all of it. The picture is not altogether a pleasant one with the characters and the world seeminly out… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/204 Review of 'The War of the Flowers' The War of the Flowers by Tad Williams Things are not going very well in Faerie with the great families heading inexorably to another War of the Flowers led by the power-hungry Lord Hellebore. Meanwhile, in our world Theo Vilmos is leading a very unsucessful and depressing life losing his mother to a dreadful disease and his girlfriend to his inability to handle successful relationships. Things change when a sprite saves him from certain destruction when… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/215 Review of 'Neverwhere' Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman A chance encounter with a woman in distress by Richard Mayhew leads to his discovery under the streets of London of another London -- one of fantasy and violence. Richard's life and reality is turned on it's head as he goes about trying to return to the world he knew. If you know a bit about London this novel is even better than it already is (I can't stop thinking about the Black Friars text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/218 Review of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling 6th book in the 'Harry Potter' series The sixth in the ever-popular Harry Potter series. This one finds Harry in his sixth year at Hogwarts with a number of strange things going on. Where is Dumbledore disappearing to late at night? Is Harry really the text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/221 Review of 'Going Postal' Going Postal by Terry Pratchett 29th book in the 'Discworld' series Moist von Lipwig has just been hanged...or would have been had Lord Ventari not got to him first and giving him the choice between filling the long-vacant position of Postmaster or text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/225 Review of 'Thud!' Thud! by Terry Pratchett 30th book in the 'Discworld' series The aniversary of Koom Valley is approaching and the dwarfs and trolls of Ankh-Morpork are getting a bit...disruptive. The situation is not helped with the finding of a murdered dwarf in a tunnel under the city. It is up to Vimes and the rest of the City Watch to quell the unrest and solve the murder. Along the way Commander Vimes has to deal with a new recruit (a vampire), an audit of the Watch text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/226 Review of 'The Carpet People' The Carpet People by Terry Pratchett A special edition of Terry Pratchett's first novel: The Carpet People (published initially when he was 17) this edition has been edited by the more experienced Pratchett of the modern day. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/227 Review of 'Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell' Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke It is the beginning of the 19th century in England. Mr. Norrell, an opinionated and self-centered magician is called upon to help is country in it's war against the French. Mr. Strange is the younger man who excels at anything he puts his mind to text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/229 Review of 'Knife of Dreams' Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan 11th book in the 'Wheel of Time' series Book 11 of the long-lasting Wheel of Time series (which Jordan promises to conclude with book 12) sees war springing up everywhere. The Dragon Reborn is still struggling with the mantle of destiny and the burden of authority. Egwene, now an apprentice in the White Tower, sows her seeds of discontent against Elaida while Elayne seeks to unite Andor. Mat has his own problems with his wife-to… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/230 Review of 'New Spring (A Wheel of Time Novel)' New Spring (A Wheel of Time Novel) by Robert Jordan As a reader of the Wheel of Time novels by Robert Jordan I was interested to read this novel. Despite being a Wheel of Time novel it does not require the reader to be familiar with those books as everything is explained and the story really stands alone. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/232 Review of 'Un Lun Dun' Un Lun Dun by China Miéville All lost things of London end up in UnLondon. It is a magical place where buses fly and broken umbrellas have lives of their own, where spirits live on and trash comes alive. It is also a place of great danger. Two young girls, Zanna and Deeba, stumble across UnLondon and find that they are propelled into an escalating conflict with the Smog text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/234 Review of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling 7th book in the 'Harry Potter' series The wait is over in this, the final book of the heralded Harry Potter series. Harry is very troubled with the death of Dumbledore and deciding not to attend Hogwarts he goes on in search of the Horcruxes text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/238 Review of 'Making Money' Making Money by Terry Pratchett 31st book in the 'Discworld' series The latest in the Discworld saga sees the return of the reformed Moist von Lipwig as he is persuaded by Vetinari to work the magic he performed at the Post Office (see text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/240 Review of 'The Subtle Knife' The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman 2nd book in the 'His Dark Materials' series The second book of the “Dark Materials” trilogy we find Lyra now in a new world, that of Cittàgazze where Spectres turn adults into zombies and children run amok. She befriends Will, a 12-year old who knows his way around the various worlds connected by portals. It is with Lyra that they come across the Subtle Knife text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/241 Review of 'The Amber Spyglass' The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman 3rd book in the 'His Dark Materials' series The final book in the Dark Materials trilogy that seeks to finish up the series on a bit of a bang. And, indeed, it does. The threads that Pullman began weaving in the first book are all tied up fairly neatly, if a bit controversially. text/html 2025-03-08T14:26:37+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/243 Review of 'The Brightonomicon' The Brightonomicon by Robert Rankin The main character of The Brightonomicon is having a bad day. Having been thrown off the end of the pier in Brighton he awakes to the ministrations of Hugo Artemis Solon Saturnicus Reginald Arthur Rune without any knowledge of his own name nor where he comes from. Mr Rune indicates that they have not met by accident and convinces the forgetful man to help Rune solve 12 mysteries text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/252 Review of 'Watchmen' Watchmen by Dave Gibbons, and Alan Moore A classic of modern graphic novels, the Watchmen certainly deserves the praises heaped upon it (including appearing in the list of the top 100 best novels in Time Magazine). A modern take on the superhero story we see in Watchmen what might happen in a society where masked vigilantes take the law into their own hands and what happens to those text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/266 Review of 'Unseen Academicals' Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett 32nd book in the 'Discworld' series }Yet another Discworld novel from the mind of Terry Pratchett. It is no wonder that every time a new book comes out here in the UK he goes to the top of the bestseller list. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/272 Review of 'The Gunslinger' The Gunslinger by Stephen King 1st book in the 'The Dark Tower' series Roland is the last “gunslinger” as he journeys towards the Dark Tower in a land very similar to the “wild west” of early 20th century westerns. We follow him through a series of small adventures as we find he is tracking the text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/275 Review of 'The Drawing of the Three' The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King 2nd book in the 'The Dark Tower' series Book two of the Dark Tower series sees the story picking up where it left off with Roland, the last gunslinger, left on a beach in the world that is quite different, but not entirely, than our own. Very early in the story he suffers attack from some local sea life then an odd tale gets even odder as he encounters a door hanging in mid-air that allows him to see through the e… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/276 Review of 'The Waste Lands' The Waste Lands by Stephen King 3rd book in the 'The Dark Tower' series Roland, the last Gunslinger, and his two companions, Eddie and Susannah finally properly begin their long journey to the Dark Tower and yet something is missing text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/277 Review of 'Monstrous Regiment' Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett 28th book in the 'Discworld' series Borogravia is fighting a losing war with Ankh-Morpork but what is a patriotic barmaid, whose brother appears to be lost in battle, to do? Polly Perks decides there is nothing for it but to cut off her hair, put on some trousers, call herself text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/278 Review of 'Wizard and Glass' Wizard and Glass by Stephen King 4th book in the 'The Dark Tower' series This forth story in the Dark Tower series sees the story picking up exactly where the previous novel (The Waste Lands) left (yes, don't even think of picking this up if you have not read the previous instalments). Roland and his fellow travellers manage to escape Blaine the train and start in earnest their journey to the Dark Tower. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/280 Review of 'Wolves of the Calla' Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King 5th book in the 'The Dark Tower' series Roland and his fellow gunslingers are distracted from their quest to the Dark Tower when they come across a village in the Calla who are terrorized by the periodic appearance of text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/281 Review of 'Song of Susannah' Song of Susannah by Stephen King 6th book in the 'The Dark Tower' series Events are coming ahead as the gunslingers are split into two groups as they leave the Calla - Jake, Father Callahan and Oy go to New York to chase Susannah, now under the control of Mia, who is about to give birth to text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/283 Review of 'The Dark Tower' The Dark Tower by Stephen King 7th book in the 'The Dark Tower' series And so it comes to this, the final novel in the Dark Tower series, the series that King himself has suggested is his masterpiece. This book, of course, contains a number of endings and strangely, beginnings as well. With this novel, even more so than the other novels, it is important to have read all six previous chapters in the tale of Roland and his ka-tet. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/285 Review of 'Rivers of London' Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch Peter Grant is a newly minted constable in the Metropolitan Police Service in London assigned to a largely ignored section of the force devoted to the exploring of the, shall we say, not quite normal as he has had a rather constructive conversation with a witness to a murder - The odd bit being that the witness is, in fact, no longer living. Peter is guided in his ever deepening understanding of magic by the head of the unit … text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/286 Review of 'Towers of Midnight' Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan, and Brandon Sanderson 13th book in the 'The Wheel of Time' series The wheel turns and we come ever closer to the final battle between The Dragon and the Dark Lord with several of the many storylines coming to a climax if not ending altogether. Whereas the previous book, The Gathering Storm, concentrated very much on Egwene with her struggles to become the Amyrlin Seat in the White Tower this book sees the focus shift slight… text/html 2025-03-08T14:26:37+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/287 Review of 'Armageddon the Musical' Armageddon the Musical by Robert Rankin The earth has survived a nuclear apocalypse mankind is holed up in bunkers spending their time watching television. The prime show to watch is the one staring Dalai Dan (the 153rd reincarnation of the Dalai Lama) whose shows incredible brutality. From a distance an alien race watches The Earthers - a soap opera that consists of filming humans in their current situation. Rex Mundi has been hired by the Dalai to inf… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/291 Review of 'A Memory of Light' A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan, and Brandon Sanderson 14th book in the 'The Wheel of Time' series I have been reading the Wheel of Time ever since I was volunteering in The Gambia where I had lots of time on my hands. During my time there I was able to get through the first 8 or so Wheel of Time books that had been released to that point. I was drawn to the characters and the various story arches that, although often confusing and long-running, were noneth… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/300 Review of 'The Day Watch' The Day Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko 2nd book in the 'Night Watch Trilogy' series First off, I have to admit, I have not read the first book of this series but I have two mitigating factors - One, I have seen the Night Watch movie (a long time ago, mind) and two, I won this book in a contest! Having said that I can roughly remember the premise text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/301 Review of 'American Gods' American Gods by Neil Gaiman Shadow is serving time for hurting someone. Release from jail he finds his wife has died and, not only that, has been cheating on him. Without much to live for he is approached by the mysterious Mr Wednesday text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/302 Review of 'The City & The City' The City & The City by China Miéville Tyador Borlú is an inspector for the Extreme Crime Squad in Beszel who is called to investigate the murder of a woman whose body was dumped in a skateboard park. It soon becomes apparent that the murderers passed over the border from Ul Qoman so he finds himself having to travel to Ul Qoman in search of the murderer. So far so average, right? Wrong. Ul Qoman and Beszel geographically occupy the same physical area with… text/html 2025-03-08T14:26:37+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/304 Review of 'Nostradamus Ate My Hamster' Nostradamus Ate My Hamster by Robert Rankin Another bit of fluff from Rankin. Set in Brentford (again) sees Russell, the not-so-appreciated (and ever-taken-advantage-of) employee of a local supplier of unusual props to film-makers, stumbling across a device from the future (delivered by Nazi technology, of course) that generates holograms of long-dead actors. Hoping to revive the fortunes of the prop-house (or those that run it) a plot to create a mo… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/311 Review of 'Nation' Nation by Terry Pratchett Mau is a native of an island in “The Great Southern Pelagic Ocean” (the equivalent of the South Pacific in our world) returning from a trip to another island to prove his manhood when a giant wave kills his entire tribe. The wave also brings a schooner crashing into the forest, the text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/321 Review of 'Pawn of Prophecy' Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings 1st book in the 'The Belgariad' series Garion is a 14-year old in the care of his Aunt Pol working on a farm in rural Sendaria. When “Wolf”, a story-teller comes visiting and a spy is found in their midst they are forced to flee for their lives in search of the Orb that formerly protected the kingdoms of the west. Garion is very confused since no one seems to want to talk to him - Who is he really? Who were is parents? Who re… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/324 Review of 'The Ladies of Grace Adieu (and other stories)' The Ladies of Grace Adieu (and other stories) by Susanna Clarke This collection of short stories is set in the same world as Clarke's “Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell” (though you do not need to have read that first - though it would certainly help the appreciation of this second instalment) - England in the 19th century where magic and faeries are, if not common, accepted as real. Indeed, in this book we see Mr Strange make an appe… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/326 Review of 'Anansi Boys' Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman Fat Charlie is an average bloke who, on the death of his father learns that his father was not so average being Anansi, the trickster spider-god, and he also learns he has a brother, the aptly named, “ text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/328 Review of 'Dragonflight' Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey 1st book in the 'The Dragonriders of Pern' series A classic of modern fantasy...and I have finally been able to sit down and read it having sat on my bookshelf for quite a number of years. In a far away galaxy is the planet of Pern that was populated a long time ago by humans. Here there are text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/330 Review of 'Chronicles of Amber' Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelany The land of Amber is one step removed from the reality we see around us. Their king, Oberon, is missing and his children squabble amongst themselves to attempt to control the kingdom. The royal family all possess magical powers such as the ability to walk between the shadow world that separate Amber from other realities. They also are able to make use of a set of cards, text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/331 Review of 'The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents' The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett Maurice has it made in the shade: A talking, intelligent cat with an equally intelligent (ant talking) group of rats along with a rather dim young boy with a pipe. They go into a town, have the rats terrorize the populace then offer to rid the rats using the young boy. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/340 Review of 'May Contain Traces of Magic' May Contain Traces of Magic by Tom Holt Chris Popham is a salesman. He sells magical devices to people that have little idea of what they do...mind you, he has little idea either. One day he realizes he has been talking to his text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/372 Review of 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire Elpheba is born to a couple of “Munchinlanders”, the husband a religious zealot and her mother a bored housewife having an affair with a glassblower. Born with green skin Elpheba is initially marginalized by her family and the local people which goes onto shape her entire life. This persecution based on her appearance allows her to sympathise… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/379 Review of 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman Remembrances of an unusual childhood summer full of tragedy and mystery where the young author learns about the meaning of life and the value of friendship. Forced to take borders the due to his family's financial problems, a South African opal miner staying with them tragically commits suicide at the end of the lane. On discovering the body the young man is confused and upset so a young girl, Let… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/383 Review of 'Titus Awakes: The Lost Book of Gormenghast' Titus Awakes: The Lost Book of Gormenghast by Maeve Gilmore 4th book in the 'Gormenghast' series I can't say I was a great fan of the last Gormenghast book written by Mervyn Peake, “Titus Alone” (see text/html 2025-10-11T13:51:10+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/407 Review of 'Something Rotten' Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde 4th book in the 'Thursday Next' series Thursday Next is an employee of the literary police force Jurisfiction whose job it is to “maintain the continuity of the narrative within the pages of all the books ever written. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/425 Review of 'Into a Dark Realm' Into a Dark Realm by Raymond E. Feist 2nd book in the 'Darkwar Saga' series “Into a Dark Realm” is the second book of the “Darkwar Saga” which is concluded in the final book “Wrath of a Mad God”. Since I did not read the first book but am familiar with other Riftwar novels it was not too difficult to pick up the story quite quickly. Being the middle chapter this book serves as a bridge between the other chapters with not a lot really going on text/html 2025-03-08T14:26:37+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/446 Review of 'East of Ealing' East of Ealing by Robert Rankin “East of Ealing” is the third novel in “The Brentford Trilogy” (currently consisting of ten novels). In this instalment the high-tech financial network “Lateinos and Romiith” are taking over the world with their diabolical plans to bar-code every person on the planet and have built their massive headquarters in the middle of Brentford (at a geographic stretch text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/447 Review of 'Automated Alice' Automated Alice by Jeff Noon “Automated Alice” is the erstwhile third book in the Alice “trilogy” (following “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There”) by noted cyberpunk writer Jeff Noon though, do not be deceived, this is fantasy through and through with little in the way of cyberpunk references with Noon well and truly channelling the spirit of Lewis Carroll. text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/453 Review of 'The City of Brass' The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty 1st book in the 'Daevabad Trilogy' series In 18th century Cairo, the young woman Nahri survives by being a swindler but also has a talent for healing. When she meets a djinn warrior named Dara her view of the world is shaken as they travel to text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/467 Review of 'Kingdom of Souls' Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron 1st book in the 'Kingdom of Souls' series Despite the best efforts of her grandmother, an Aatiri chieftain, Aarah is unable to perform magic despite her coming from a long line of witch-doctors. Her mother, Arti, is a powerful magician and Ka-Princess is disappointed in her daughter's lack of magical gifts. It is a confusing and frustrating time for Aarah not only with the magic but also her long friendship with Rudjek all confus… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/479 Review of 'The Fairy Caravan' The Fairy Caravan by Beatrix Potter One of Beatrix Potter's lesser known works, “The Fairy Caravan” tells the story of a guinea pig whose friends help solve his hair problems by applying a tonic leading to excessive locks. Feeling more confident in himself Tuppenny decides to see the world, soon joins a miniature travelling circus. As Sandy the dog, Paddy Pig, Jenny Ferret and Pony Billy travel around the countryside we are treated to a number of small storie… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/492 Review of 'Earthsea: The First Four Books' Earthsea: The First Four Books by Ursula K. Le Guin This is a collection of the first four “Earthsea” books by Ursula K. Le Guin: “A Wizard of Earthsea”, “The Tombs of Aruan”, “The Furthest Shore” and text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/519 Review of 'Seal Team 666' Seal Team 666 by Weston Ochse When out and about at bookstores and conventions over the years you end up with free books that you have picked up sitting on your shelves for years. Some times I never bother reading them but rather send them straight off to charity but often I, eventually, sit down and actually read the book that I had only really picked up because it was free. text/html 2025-10-11T13:51:10+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/535 Review of 'First Among Sequels' First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde 5th book in the 'Thursday Next' series Literary detective Thursday Next has retired from the BookWorld police force heading out every day to work at Acme Carpets...or so she tells her husband but in reality she is even more active in BookWorld where she is working with her fictional self the meek-mannered text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/543 Review of 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen, and Seth Grahame-Smith Are you a fan of Jane Austen or, perhaps, of her style of writing? Perhaps the works of the Bronté sisters? The 19th century style of writing that concentrates on the personal lives of the wealthy as a sort of gothic soap opera? No, well, this is probably not the book for you. For myself I have to say this is not my cup of tea and several times I have attempted to start rea… text/html 2023-04-30T18:21:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/563 Review of 'Falling Sideways' Falling Sideways by Tom Holt David Perkins has long been, shall we say, overly fascinated by the 17th century portrait of a woman in an art gallery. It is of Philippa Levens who was accused of being a witch. Perkins buys a lock of Levens' hair and, as you do, takes it to text/html 2023-05-17T21:03:13+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/574 Review of 'The Book of Lost Things' The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly David is a young boy living in World War II Britain who has lost his mother, now living with his father, stepmother Rose and his half-brother, Georgie who he resents. David retreats into his own world attracting the attention of the Crocked Man who is looking for another soul to steal. When a German plane crashes into his backyard David finds himself in a twisted fantasy world where traditional fairy tales are tu… text/html 2025-03-08T14:26:37+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/624 Review of 'A Dog Called Demolition' A Dog Called Demolition by Robert Rankin Something odd is going on in Brentford...though, perhaps, something odd is always going on in Brentford? Sam Sprout discovers that all humans appear to be possessed by alien invaders but has died, seemingly, penniless in unusual circumstances due to the lack of a battery in his hearing aid and an overboiled pot. His text/html 2025-07-26T12:13:34+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/632 Review of 'Around the World in 80 Days' Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne Wealthy English gentleman Phileas Fogg has his life run according to a strict timetable with much of his time spent at the Reform Club in London. Having just fired his valet for bringing his shaving water at the incorrect temperature he hires a replacement, Frenchman Jean Passepartout. One evening at the club he has a disagreement with club members about the ability to circumnavigate the ever-connected worl… text/html 2025-07-26T12:13:34+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/633 Review of 'Robur the Conqueror (or "The Clipper of the Clouds")' Robur the Conqueror (or “The Clipper of the Clouds”) by Jules Verne Flags begin to appear atop tall historic landmarks around the world. At the Weldon Institute in Philadelphia they firmly believe that lighter than air craft will rule the skies rather than heavier than air with their construction of a massive dirigible called the text/html 2025-07-26T12:13:34+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/634 Review of 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne In Hamburg, Professor Otto Lidenbrock and his nephew Axel discover a cyphered note written in runic script written by 16th-century Icelandic alchemist, Arne Saknussemm. Deciphering the script they learn that Saknussemm found the entrance to a cave near Reykjavík that led him to the center of the earth. The two set out to Iceland to see if they can duplicate the journey, hiring eiderduck hunter … text/html 2025-07-26T12:13:34+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/635 Review of 'From the Earth to the Moon' From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne Verne's classic novel sees the Baltimore Gun Club, a group of idle American Civil War artillery enthusiasts, devise a plan to build a giant cannon capable of shooting a projectile to the moon. The first problem is funding the project so their president Impey Barbicane heads up campaigns throughout the US and the rest of the world. Funding in place the plans call for a vertical shaft to be dug into the ground … text/html 2025-07-26T12:13:34+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/636 Review of 'Around the Moon' Around the Moon by Jules Verne Sequel to From the Earth to the Moon, “Around the Moon” sees the passengers on the projectile blasted from a cannon toward the moon surviving the launch but missing a moon landing, instead finding themselves flung around it. In the rather elaborately furnished capsule Baltimore Gun Club president Impey Barbicane, armour specialist (and former Barbicane rival) Captain Nicholl, and whimsical, wealthy, French adventurer Michel Ardan t… text/html 2025-10-11T13:51:10+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/641 Review of 'The Well of Lost Plots' The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde 3rd book in the 'Thursday Next' series Ok, CoPilot: “Summarize the plot of the book “The Well of Lost Plots” by Jasper Fforde. Please do so in one paragraph covering the main plot points but no commentary. text/html 2025-12-31T17:30:06+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/645 Review of 'Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City' Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City by K. J. Parker Orhan is, despite appearances, a colonel of engineers for the Robur empire who is reluctantly forced into defending a city from a massive army wearing empire armour. Why would their own army want to attack their own city? How can an engineer with no battle experience hold off an overwhelming force with no army to speak of save his contingent of engineers, the city watch and two groups of … text/html 2026-02-22T17:11:49+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/656 Review of 'Puck of Pook's Hill' Puck of Pook's Hill by Rudyard Kipling This is a collection of interconnected stories featuring two children, Dan and Una, who live in the Sussex countryside. Puck, “the oldest Old Thing in England,” appears to the children after they perform part of Shakespeare's text/html 2026-02-22T17:11:49+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/introduction Fantasy In high school reading fantasy was a great escape from the pressure of the school work. I remember reading endless numbers of Piers Anthony novels sitting in the school library over lunch. Recently I finished the Wheel of Time an altogether much tougher (and longer) challenge yet ultimately rewarding (if a bit overwhelming). Away from the serious I also enjoy a good Terry Pratchett who is always good for a laugh. text/html 2026-02-22T17:11:49+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://www.stevedrice.net/reviews/books/fantasy/list List (by Author)