Most helpful customer reviews
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good story., Jun 12 2009
Aenarion the Defender was the first of the Phoenix Kings. After dying for his elven people most believed his son, Malekith, would take up the crown. Aenarion had raised his son with that assumption and trained Malekith in warcraft and ruling. Malekith also inherited his mother's gift for magic. Morathi, the Seeress, taught Malekith how to harness and use the power of Chaos for the good of Ulthuan's people. However, the First Council passed over Malekith and decreed Bel Shanaar to be the new Phoenix King.
Morathi, the queen-regent, is furious that her son has been overthrown. For the sake of peace, Malekith abides by the First Council's decision. Malekith gives the stewardship of Nagarythe to Morathi and sets off on an expedition to the lands of the east. Malekith's actions and battles make him legendary. Not only does he discover and fight beasts unknown to the elven people before, but he also meets the short and fearsome dwarfish people. Prince Malekith and the High King Snorri Whitebeard spend decades fighting at each other's side against trolls, giants, beastmen, and more. They even swear an oath of brotherhood. All is well while Bel Shanaar cared not for the colonies and stayed in Ulthuan. But after one thousand two hundred years, Bel Shanaar comes to meet the dwarfs' ruler, Snorri. With only a few sentences, Bel Shanaar takes credit for all Malekith's actions and negotiations. Bel Shanaar declares to Snorri that Malekith is only the Phoenix King's "embassy". The slight does not go unnoticed by Prince Malekith or his mother, Morathi. She has never stopped telling Malekith that he should return to Ulthuan and claim his birthright as Phoenix King. Malekith's bitterness begins to grow ...
**** FOUR STARS! My synopsis must stop there. To tell more would be to give major spoilers. Much more is going on than I reveal. There are more beasts, battles, magic, dark cults, back stabbing and ancient artifacts than I even hint at. The story is written in two parts. Most of the writing is narration style. The ending feels rushed to me and Malekith's actions unwise. I, as the reader, feel that the ending should have been crafted better. Yet as a whole, this "Time of Legends" story is full of action and adventure. A very good read indeed. ****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Deep and subtle, this fantasy novel is delightful., Jun 6 2009
This is an extremely rich, beautiful and finely written fantasy novel. Not only it offer a deep character study of Malekith, the book present also a remarkable story subtle and deep in the character's interplay. The whole course of actions of this saga that encompassed Malekith and the Elves nation at large is weaved masterfully by the author. Bravo!
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