Joel Rosenberg (1) (1954–2011)

What made this series different is that it was the anti-high fantasy. In the very first book of the series, seven role-playing college students are transported to the world of their game as their alter egos. Those who survive stay and bring technology--and a crusade against slavery to their new home. I do often love sword and sorcery but you know what? The historical truth is that medieval societies suck. So hell yeah, I did adore the idea of those college kids from contemporary America show more messing with that world, trying to bring to it the Industrial Revolution, democracy, and with it the end of slavery. And I liked the characters--Karl, Walter, Lou, Ahira, Andrea--and the snarky dragon Ellegon. That made this fantasy series different, but...

Well, I feel mixed about the ending of this book--and obviously I'm not alone given other reviews. In a way I do feel it takes guts to have a Jossian ruthlessness towards your characters, that Rosenberg makes it clear no one is safe. (And I did like the reappearance of Doria Perlstein.) On the other hand, somehow this did break the momentum for me. This book is also a coming of age novel for Jason, Karl's son, and passes the baton on to the next generation. I did get the next book in the series, but it just wasn't the same. show less

What this book does very right:

It's almost a three musketeer's kind of tale without the humor, a close band of mercenaries working their way across Feist's world until they get trapped by circumstance and some nasty Baronial politics and a snowstorm. Much later on, it DOES become a murder mystery, but the title is misleading, masquerading as big plot point without ACTUALLY being the reason for the novel.

It is, however, a pretty damn delightful novel full of great details, very well developed show more characters, and a slow burn that reminds me of an enormously entertaining backstory for a series yet to come. I'd read a LOT more of these guys if I ever get the chance.

The murder mystery DOES make sense, however. Being a mercenary and keen on keeping one's skin really can be a job for someone bright and analytical, and I definitely saw a lot of that throughout the novel. You might say that this is the beginning of a great Mystery series that just happens to be set in a fantasy world.

The genre mix was really pleasing. It just might not have been packaged right. Or readers may have wanted something more LIKE the other Feist novels.


The bad, assuming you think it is bad:

This is almost nothing like the other Feist novels. There is no big magic, big battles, demon invasions, or recognizable characters... except in passing conversation. If I wanted nothing but Feist, I might be disappointed.


If I wanted good fantasy with a careful and slow progression of characterization and depth of story, then I really needed to look no further. :) show less

A very predictable, yet enjoyable, little sword and sorcery yarn.

That being said, I have to admit, the whole slavery thing is really irking me. To be specific, why in the world do these characters from our world care about freeing slaves? The world view presented by the author doesn't make that[a world of freedom, of non slaves] viable. Slavery happens because people believe that they are NOT equal. Without a God who created them all, making them of equal worth because of their worth to Him show more [not to other created beings], people AREN'T equal. To simply say" that they are denies the differences we all know exists.

The "lets free all the slaves 'cause that would be good" idea is just presented way too simplistically for me to swallow, as well as running counter to the core world beliefs of the main characters." show less

What makes this series different is that it's the anti-high fantasy. This is the third book in the series. In the very first, seven role-playing college students are transported to the world of their game as their alter egos. Those who survive stay and bring technology--and a crusade against slavery to their new home. I do often love sword and sorcery but you know what? The historical truth is that medieval societies suck. So hell yeah, I did adore the idea of those college kids from show more contemporary America messing with that world, trying to make it a better place. And I liked the characters--Karl, Walter, Lou, Ahira, Andrea--and the snarky dragon Ellegon. That makes this fantasy series different, and this book continued to give all the adventure of sword and sorcery while not pretending that kind of world couldn't use some shaking up. show less