This one was different from the previous Cheysuli books, because it did not focus on one main character. The book was a lot weaker as a result, particularly because the three princes focused on are themselves not very interesting or likable characters. At times, this became almost exasperating, but I can't deny that the book engaged me emotionally. For all that I was frustrated, I kept reading. I'm glad that I did, too, because the end of the book makes it all worthwhile. Roberson really delivers. This book, as well as the series as a whole, are both definitely worth reading.

Though I enjoy Jennifer Roberson's Cheysuli Cycle very much, that book was for me a little bit disappointing. There were too many characters instead of one, who'd be better characterised. And the plot was quite similar to these in previous books in the cycle. But, in spite of all, it remains worth reading.

I guess I was in the right mood, because this dreadful "historical reinactment" was just funny to me the way bad sci fi is. Certainly the history owes more to fantasy than fact. However it was nice to see Richie rise again following the inexcusably lame way he was written out of the series (writer burn-out anyone?) The idea behind these books is terrific, but the execution leaves much to be desired. I suggest all these HIGHLANDER novel writers at least watch the entire series through once or twice to get the feel for it.

No one likes to read bad reviews of one's books, but I confess I was startled to see me being accused of poor historical research, and being told to watch the series. I was a HIGHLANDER fan before the novels were even licensed, and watched every episode more than once before writing the book. It was vetted by Bill Panzer, producer, and the rest of the HL production staff. One would think they'd nix a book if it wasn't in keeping with the series, yes? As for research, well, considering my shelves are bowing under the weight of nonfiction about Scottish history, I'm not sure I agree.

Sorry you guys didn't like it. To each his own.

"Alba gu brath."

I couldn't care less about historical accuracy like the previous reviewers. This is fiction...

I like it for the most part. It was an easy read and enjoyable - til the end...

It would have made a good episode... the insane avenging immortal using the guise of Shakespearean plays to manipulate others into doing his dirty work so he can make an easy kill... the reappearance of Annie Devlin, the IRA terrorist... the inclusion of Richie, Joe, and Methos (small part in passing)... even the characterizations were good - right up until the end...

That's the part I hated... the author totally took Annie and Joe out of character in my opinion. Joe to a minor degree - he was never that nice and forgiving... Annie to a greater degree - she may have been passionate, hotheaded and headstrong, but she was never stupid... Their actions in the last scenes just don't fit the shows characters. Now if they were the author's characters she could do anything she pleased with them, but since they already existed she should have been more accurate. OR I may simply be displeased by the ending of the book and nitpicking...

But if you're a Highlander fan you should read the book. I especially liked Richie's theory on Elvis Presley being an immortal...

The remember really enjoying the first four books of the Cheysuli Chronicles the first time I read them as a teenager.

After the omnibus editions came out I re-read the first four so that I could continue on to (previously unread) books five through eight. That, however, might have been a mistake, as I almost gave up, I was so disgusted with the perpetually cycling dynastic plot. Just too many unfulfilled romances, unwilling crown princes and altogether too much holier-than-thou Cheysuli arrogance.

Books one and two are great, and the series gets better, but books three and four are, IMHO, the weakest of the Cheysuli Chronicles.

This is actually the place I started the series the first time around, _Legacy of the Sword_ is the first book I read. Did I not get a few things? Sure. Was I totally lost? Nope. Ms. Roberson is a good writer and she gave enough information in summary that while you knew you missed something it wasn't a plot-stopper. All that being said, this is a great introduction to the world of the Cheysuli. Politics are at a high boil and parts of it are set in an urban enviroment that you don't often see elsewhere in the series, so you get to see what the 'common man' thinks of all the change that is swirling around him.

I like Ms. Roberson's style. Not too lush but not too spare either, she gives you plenty of concrete details to hang your imagination on. I liked this one enough to go read her other series and wait impatiently for her to finish this one. The only drawback is that it is clearly part of a long series and while you can pick up anywhere, you can't really walk away at the end of any one book and feel satisfied. Each generation overlaps the next and the past one, great for continuity, not so great for the wallet.

While the omnibuses are actually reprints of the ealier works, they are still a must for sci-fi/fantasy readers. Jennifer Roberson has created a world full of magic, mystery and prophecy that can easily share a shelf with Tolkien and other favorites in my library. The books span several generations and take you through a realm filled with characters that come to life and take hold of your imagination and never let go. Even though a work of fiction, the trials, tribulations and loss suffered by the characters give the books a feeling of realism rarely found in books where good always wins over evil and everyone lives happily ever after. This series is definetly a must have.

Note: It is best if the books are read in order, as the story can be confusing if you start reading in the middle.

This absolutely sucked. I couldn't stand it. Right from the start I knew this was gonna be bad but I said, hey what the hell, let's give it go. Of course I should have listened to meself the first! I would not recomemed to pre-schoolers. J.Roberson should really give a rest. I give her a star for effort (grunt!!) but not much else..
"Hoolies, my god those HOOLIES!!"

This is the story of a woman to be reconed with! The character, Del, is a woman I would love to be, but could never be. She is amazing, and so is her tale. Jennifer Roberson spun a tale that I still dream about.

This is a pretty good book for people who like to read about sword-fights,romances,and magic. It is a slow story at the beginning and then comes up to speed about halfway through the book. Near the end is when I really got hooked on to the book and it started to get me thinking about what I had read. The reason that I enjoyed this book is simple, it let me find out what had happened in the prvious books. This is the first book of the series that I had read and it was easy to find out what had happened in the previous books. It gave information on what the past had been like for the characters and how different their worlds had been while growing up. I would recommend this book simply because it is an awesome gift to give a child that has an interest in fighting and likes to read about magic.

A tribute to the influence of Marion Zimmer Bradley, Return to Avalon is a collection of short stories devoted to the fantasy genre. Authors include Melanie Rawn, Diana L. Paxton, Laura Resnick, Dave Wolverton, Katharine Kerr, Adrienne Martine-Barnes and others. I mostly enjoyed the book, but felt the publicity was misleading. It was not any sort of continuation of MZB's Avalon stories, nor were most of them connected to Avalon's legend in any way. The main focus in each story was finding strength within, communicating with the Goddess, and early Christians confronting the Old Religion. I feel that some of the authors did not have signficant talent relaying their creative ideas on paper.

It's difficult to tell what these stories have to do with Bradley's work, or what most of them have to do with any conception of Avalon. A handful are interesting, but most are simplistic or muddled--and few show real skill with words. They could easily have been collected under a different title, suggesting that the titular link to Bradley is more a marketing ploy than a developmental reality. I really don't recommend it.

I think that this book was a very good idea, but it is nothing like The Mists of Avalon, the book it was a tribute to. It was, however, a worthy achievement of those authors who contributed to the book. Some of the stories will be forever memorable in my mind. I loved this book, and I hope that all fantasy fans at least give it credit for effort!

Jennifer Roberson's "Chronicles of the Cheysuli" series came highly recommended by two people whose opinions I respect, enough that I sprung for all eight books. After making it through "Legacy of the Sword", the third book, all I can say is that tastes vary. This one is simply not working out for me.

"Legacy of the Sword" focuses on Donal (son of Alix and Duncan) as the central character. Donal is of primarily Cheysuli descent, but has been designated as successor to the Lion Throne of Homana, currently held by Carillon. Donal considers himself unworthy to follow in the footsteps of Carillon, and as the first Cheysuli to hold the throne in four hundred years, he has a considerable struggle of identity between his Homanan role and his Cheysuli heritage. There are, of course the wars with some of Homana's neighbors, and the struggles with the Ihlini, the sorcerers who wish to control Homana.

This book, and the series as a whole so far, pushes the limits on having bad things happen, with it seems too little payoff for the struggles our protagonists must endure. We anticipate truimph for Donal all the way through the book, yet in the final pages of this book he does something that left me feeling like he'd turned his back on all he was, had let his position take precedence over his identity. With five books still to go in the series, I'm trying to decide whether it's worth my time to read them.

I liked this book. This is the third book of the CHRONICALS OF THE CHEYSULI.Well written, I will look for more of the authors books.