Crystal Sage (Paperback)

by Kara Dalkey (Author)

4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Product Details

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Roc (MM); 1st thus edition (April 2 1999)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451456408
ISBN-13: 978-0451456403
Product Dimensions: 16.8 x 10.4 x 2 cm
Shipping Weight: 114 g

Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Product Description

Book Description

When two housecleaners arrive at a client's house, they are shocked to discover a strange guitar...one which actually speaks when strummed! It turns out to be their client, who is none to helpful in explaining her predicament. In their search for clues, the cleaning duo find that their client (now a guitar) had been performing bizarre musical experiments on her computer involving ancient Celtic manuscripts. What follows is an offbeat and humorous journey to locate the one man who can help restore their client's humanity...but he isn't so eager to do so!

Praise for Kara Dalkey:

"...quirky and colorful enough to stand out from the crowd." --Locus, for Steel Rose

"A nice blend of humor and drama...an enjoyable light fantasy." --Starlog, for Steel Rose

"[Steel Rose] is contemporary fantasy at its best." --Painted Rock Reviews

"An exotic repast...tempts the palate with tantalizing hints of wonders yet to come." --Publishers Weekly, for GOA: Vol. 1 of Blood of the Goddess

"Splendid characters...a highly auspicious launch." --Kirkus, for GOA: Vol. 1 of Blood of the Goddess

Ingram

When two house cleaners arrive at a client's home, they are shocked to discover a strange guitar, which actually speaks when strummed! It turns out to be their client, who is none too helpful in explaining her predicament. In their search for clues, the cleaning duo find that their client (now a guitar) had been performing bizarre musical experiments on her computer involving ancient Celtic manuscripts. What follows is an offbeat and humorous journey to locate the one man who can help restore their client's humanity. But he isn't so eager to do so!.

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Customer Reviews

5 Reviews

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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Average Customer Review

4.2 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Crystal Sage A Very Entertaining Tale, Dec 22 2001

By	Lyle E Leiser (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

Kara Dalkey is able to develope two well thought out characters for the reader to enjoy. They play off each other throughout the story. I only wished it was longer! The story mixes a modern day setting with fantasy elements, in an plausible and often times humorous fashion. Crystal Sage was a page turner until the end and a satisfying read throughout.

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2.0 out of 5 stars Is that all?, Feb 15 2000

By A Customer

When I finished reading this book I found myself strangely unmoved by it. It never seemed to delve deeply into its own story or my imagination. True, it's a short book, and that could have been part of the problem, but I've read many short books that still managed to leave a lasting impression. This book struck me as almost a speculative fiction equivalent to a cheap romance novel in its shallowness, predictability and overall forgetability.

Not only was this book uncompelling, but the main character was an unlikeable person who was constantly demeaning or insulting her more likeable sidekick--and she seemed to have a major gripe about just about everything else, as well. I can understand some of her objections, but she could stand to give it a rest sometimes. When I read a book, I generally imagine myself in the lead character's point of view, but Joan had such an unpleasant, unkind disposition that it was uncomfortable to ride her shoulder.

I guess I'd recommend this book if you want a quick read and don't want to have to think too much or get involved in the story or relate to the characters, but otherwise save your money.

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5.0 out of 5 stars As good as light entertainment gets, Jul 5 1999

By A Customer

While reading this book I was aware only of being thoroughly caught up in the story. It was when I'd (reluctantly) put it down to for a while that I found myself marvelling at how well Ms. Dalkey wove her themes together. Celtic fairy legends mingle with Native American mythology. And both fantasy elements mingle with a realistic treatment of the very modern clash of values between those who love the wilderness and those prefer the controlled environment of buildings and roadways. It's rare for a book to be both this much fun and this thought-provoking at the same time. If there were a sequal I'd buy it today!

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Most recent customer reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Clever, well crafted and great fun
There's an almost slapstick element to the premise of this book. Yet Ms. Dalkey's approach is too thoughtful for silliness to take hold. Read more

Published on Jun 23 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars A novel idea executed with diamond-cut precision!
Crystal Sage is a beautifully balanced blend of New Age icons and old folklore. The tale sparkles in a marquis combination of wit and the lessons we wish life would teach us... Read more

Published on May 27 1999