VOYA reviewing Robert Stanek

[Sparhawk]

So, finally the critics noticed RS'wonderful little book.
VOYA, February 1, 2007
Dramatic illustrations draw the reader into the Tolkienesque world of Ruin Mist, plunged into darkness after a Great War five hundred years past. Blaming magic for their demise, the Kings of Men have decreed that all things magical be destroyed. Yet despite their efforts, the magical Dark Lord is slowly returning to power. Another bloody battle is foreshadowed for Ruin Mist when Adrina, the spoiled and lonely princess of Imtal, is visited by a mysterious woman who predicts Adrina's ghastly future. Meanwhile in the kingdom of Elves, Seth, devoted First of the Red Order of the Queen Mother Elf, is sent on a journey across the Great Sea to prevent war. Stuck somewhere in the middle is Vilmos, a young magical boy-who-would-be-mage, abducted for his own safety by a Yoda-like guide named Xith. All three journey to an unknown fate against treacherous and sometimes supernatural foes. Stanek augments the beginning of this complex tale with illustrations that are sure to attract fans of graphic novels and classic Tolkien alike-the only weakness in the illustrations is their scarcity. Stanek will likely draw a cult following, but his work is not for the novice fantasy reader. A complicated glossary at the end includes twenty-two pages of "People, Places, and Things in Ruin Mist," complete with geographical references, family lineages, and extraordinary sketches. Despite the sophisticated plot, however, this cliffhanger guarantees fans, and those fans will be ready to wield their swords against the Dark Lord in Stanek's next installment.

www.amazon.com/Kingdoms-Elves-Reaches-Keeper-Martins/dp/1575450593/ref=sr_1_1/103-5160597-5148613?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173779947&sr=1-1

search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?isbn=1575455056

[xxmarcoxx]

That's so cool!! About time!! Great for RS and all Kingdoms fans!!

[Sparhawk]

I am always happy when RS and KE books are recognized. This is one of the finest fantasy reads in recent years, if not THE finest.

[keeperofdreams]

I didn't know it... How great to see this! Stanek's kingdoms and dragons books are one of the few series I reread regularly. I've collected practically every edition of every book I could find. RS has a rare gift as a storyteller.

[Sparhawk]

I find especially interesting the copmarison between Xith, the wise Shaman and Yoda. I noticed some similarities between them. Both are small creatures, who have incredible power. Both taught great young wizard (Vilmos and Luke), who was tempted by the Dark Side (The Emperor in Star Wars, the dreams, sent by Sathar in Ruin Mist). What do you think?

[dungeonmaster]

never thought of it quite like that. Xith is powerful like Yoda for sure. He is very old and he has other powers besides magic too. Vilmos is tempted by darkness, but unlike with Luke, the darkness is a part of Vilmos.

[Sparhawk]

Yes, but he defeated it.

[Shire Hobbit]

Vilmos defeated the darkness within, but he was also the one who let it in through his magic.

[Sparhawk]

He had no choice, IMO!

[Shire Hobbit]

Fair enough... He was naive too about what his magic meant.

[Sparhawk]

He was kid. There is no way in which he could have foreseen the trap of the Dark Lord. Sathar has prepared this from centuries.

[Shire Hobbit]

The Dark Lord surely outsmarted him but in the end Vilmos surely has to get his due.
That's my wish anyway. We'll have to see how it turns out for surely the Dark Lord is not gone.