Customer Reviews

Painter Knight

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A very good story plot ruined by the all-too-constant attempt to persuade the reader into sharing the author's view that homosexuality is normal.

I would give this book, in comparison to all of the other Fiona Patton books I've read thus far, an 8 on the scale of one to ten. However, compared to books in general, I would give this book about a six or a six point five. The reason being that the plot is so-so, and too cookie-cuttered to hold interest for long. The details were saturated with cliches, and the descriptions of things too thin. I don't know how to explain it, except to compare it to using veggie broth blocks instead of an actual chicken when preparing chicken noodle soup--it tastes different. Basically, too much of what's said in Paiter Knight has already been said a million times by other people decades before.

This is a wonderfully written book that has beautifully portrayed characters. Its presentation of homosexual love is sensitive and not mocking (people in this universe do not care about sexual orientation - the people are bisexual). It has a fine mix of humor with seriousness. This book can be read alone from the other books in the series (the books are standalones within the same universe), and is probably the best in the series (although The Stone Prince completes for this honor).

Once again, I enjoyed reading "The Painter Knight" as much as "The Stone Prince" and "The Granite Shield". Though I read them a little out of order, I was taken by her style and fluidity of storytelling from the first book. Fionna Patton brings yet another era in the life of the Flame to life, the power of the Gods in the lives of It's followers drawing you in. The rich descriptions of events and the depth of the characters, makes reading the book all that more enjoyable. I was pulled in from the start. I'm very eager to see what she comes up with next.

I truly enjoyed reading this book! This is a must for any fantasy fan. I really appreciate the way that Fiona Patton sets up her societies and makes well rounded characters that you fall in love with instantly. If you want an action packed, romantic, and often adorable story to read, I highly reccommend this book!

One of the things I most enjoyed about Patton's first novel, _The Stone Prince_ was the richness and depth of setting. One knew that she had reams and reams of notes about customs and history. In _The Painter Knight_ she tells us of one of the darker chapters in Branion's history.

The level of intrigue and backstabbing in this novel is matched only English history. The intense story filled with its wonderfully human characters (who have vices in proportion to virtue) kept me enthralled.

If nothing else, Patton reminds me a bit of Robert Jordan in her ability to create dynamic women characters. And I give her all due homage for not sidestepping the issue of human sexuality.

But, I did find one or two things a bit annoying. Kassandra's lisp and childish talk grates after about 20 pages, and though she's a bright child, I cannot believe that a 4 year old can make some of the incredibly adroit political moves she pulls off -- she acts like a 20 year old at times.

Despite that, I've put noticible wear and tear on my copy, which is perhaps the greatest praise an author could ask for.

A rarity: a good fantasy novel that doesn't leave you waiting for the next book to find out what happens! A very well crafted story, with colorful characters. Buy it!

I enjoyed the book, I found that the characters were engaging and that it was very easy to get drawn into the book. The plot and the richness of the storyline was quite impressive. It is rare that I find so good an author, and one that I want to keep going back to.

Wow. I must say, it's been a long time since I've read a book that I've had to pry from my hands so I'll STOP reading it! The characters are so engaging it makes even a conservative like me overlook their strange roles in the society she's created. A must read!

This book suprised me by how good it was. The author does an extremely good job with character development. I read it from cover to cover almost in one sitting.