Rosenberg starts another 'dual' series here, but with enough of a different spin than the Guardians of the Flame saga that it doesn't feel like he's done it all before. I'm always impressed with the way he gives the reader insight into the history of his characters without being overwhelming. A great mixture of action and insight, the 'what' and the 'why' of what's going on in the story.

And as usual with Rosenberg, the story is excellent. Thorian the Younger and Ian Silverstein are both worthy young heroes, and happily enough carry some baggage with them that actually affects them both positively and negatively throughout the story.

The Keepers series, in my estimation, doesn't quite measure up to _D'Shai_ and _Hour of the Octopus_, but it's definitely in the same ballpark. Solid, entertaining writing, definitely recommended for fans of Rosenberg or fantasy in general.

Rosenberg does an excellent job wafting us right into his interesting "otherworld" where fertility godesses live in their retirement and Odin runs a ferry. He identifies a little too much with Ian, I think, and spends just a little too much time on small details, but then again the details add to the richness of the setting, so long as they don't bog you down. All in all, an excellent read, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in the series. I hope he can keep up the freshness of the ideas and vitality of the characters better in this series than he did in Guardians of the Flame.

A trip home from college with friends turns into a nightmare with attacking werewolves and a journey to a mythical land..Once again Joel Rosenberg creates characters that you feel you know right down to their soul..Once you read this one you'll have to have the next 2 in the series & they won't dissapoint you..

This is the one that breaks all the rules and still follows them to the letter. Most sequels grow weaker as they drift away from the original work (ie: the fourth sequel being weaker than the third, both weaker than the second, etc) but The Road Home draws on it's own wellspring in addition to the previous books, combining new and strange with old and familiar to weave a tapestry stronger than it's threads.

Walter's recurring nightmares and flashbacks seem superflorous at first, but weave together into a climax that could only be created by a master craftsman such as Rosenberg.

I'd better shut up before I give away the story, but I think most readers will associate with 'The Big Car' and, like me, find themselves re-reading the showdown and reliving their own memories every time they hear Walter smiling to his enemy with the words, "You lose."

I finally found a copy of this and The Road to Ehvenor, and now I see what the fuss was all about.

Terrific books. Best in the series, and that's a lot to say.

Rosenberg's flair for character interaction has produced one of my favorite characters: Walter Slovotsky. I have enjoyed re-reading the series many times. He HAS left some aspects of the series unfinished as of yet and I eagerly await their conclusion.

Let's face it, if you're reading this you probably already like Joel Rosenberg's novels. This one doesn't disappoint. It's fun, and while nothing too heavy, it has its moments. And as always, it doesn't let up until the last page.

Emperor Thomen has plenty to worry about already, but now has looming another major crisis to contend with involving the death of the very important Baron Forinel (see NOT QUITE SCARAMOUCHE). The heir to the Barony, Miron is a nasty individual who does not allow morals or scruples to stand in the way of his achieving his aspirations; fidelity to Miron is to one person: himself.

However, on the positive side, very few people are privy to the fact that Forinel died. Cullinane loyalists to the crown come up with a rather simple solution. They use magic to transform warrior Kethol into looking like Forinel so he can serve in that post. However, malevolent Miron will not allow the return of his half brother from thwarting his goals and he has an ally at the emperor's court, the Dowager Empress Beralyn.

Fantasy readers know that when Joel B. Rosenberg releases a new tale it is an automatic winner. His latest "Not" tale is the usual intelligent, exciting Dumas like action fantasy story that makes magic seem real through strong characters whether they are the "good guys" or the thugs. NOT REALLY THE PRISONER OF ZENDA is a superb story set in a vivid realm. The return of the "Not Exactly the Three Musketeers" is a welcome treat even if they are frustrated because they see their hope of opening their dream establishment diminishing. This novel and its predecessors are books not to be missed.

Harriet Klausner

After reaching the midpoint of the book I was wondering just what had happened. When I added it all up, it didn't come to very much. Sure Ian is attracted to Torrie's mom, but do you have to tell me over and over and over again? And do we really need *all* those 4-letter expletives which don't add much to either the dialogue or the mood? I'll buy and read the 3rd in the series, but I certainly hope that Rosenberg picks up the pace a little, and that we don't have a repeat of the downhill spiral we saw in his Guardians of the Flame series.

One of Joel Rosenberg's best! Now, if you folks at Amazon can't eliminate all the "repetitive" comments (apparently from the same troll) can you at least remove the one who says he's me? I know you have done this before, but he's back...

Thanks.

Dale Rosenberg

This is a typical Joel Rosenberg book, filled with fresh takes on classical ideas (dwarves as Neanderthals!!), terrific characters (Arnie Selmo agan threatens to steal every scene he's in although Ian Silverstein shines through again) and a some of the best action scenes I've ever read.

Joel Rosenberg manages to continue his old storyline without any special new inventions. The old heroes is dusted off (I guess that Joel wanted to retire them entirely a couple of times during the books 1-3) and used again. Some 2nd role actors are killed off, together with the main characters in the end of the book. I could just feel Joels urge to finish the tale thoughout the book, and managing barely. Only to change his mind because of sentimentality for the well-known characters, and making a strange sortie and opening for next book...

This book told of the demise of one of the best characters in this genre's history. I still haven't forgiven the author for it. Speaking as one who was with this series from the beginning, I must insist you start with the first book ("The Sleeping Dragon"). "The Heir Apparent" also tells of the coming of age of another main character, while continuing to build on established characters. In context, this story is the perfect "swan song" for the character who has grown so much as a warrior, a leader and a person. To be honest, I couldn't tell you what the book would be like read out of context. All I *can* say is...If you've never read any of Mr. Rosenberg's "Guardians of the Flame" series, you better get crackin'! Half the fun/agony is waiting for the next one!

Another great book in an incredible series. Rosenberg maintains the image of the characters, and keeps with the spirit and soul of the books. A fitting end to a truly exciting hero in Karl Kullinane. This, along with the three previous entries, are must reads for all fantasy fans

It seems the majority of my favourite authors are just cranking out books per contract lately, and this one is unfortunately no different. Like Joe Haldeman and Stephen King, it seems Joel Rosenberg has been getting by on reputation in his past several books. I loved Rosenberg's early work, and was hoping some of the old Joel would shine through in this break from the Guardians series. This non-"skiffy / fantasy" novel doesn't break the trend for Rosenberg.

As a Midwestie I found the "East Dakota" bits compelling enough, and I was actually quite interested in those parts of the book. Other than that the character development and main plot (particularly the ending) were embarrassingly contrived. The book reads like a movie written, directed and *narrated* by Stephen Segal.

It seems this book is going to be the first in a series -- I'll probably buy the subsequent novels out of a sense of duty, but I don't expect to enjoy them unless Rosenberg stops mailing in his work. And please, Joel, for the love of God, put the Guardians series to rest.

I was a little hesitant purchasing this title. I've enjoyed the author's fantasy novels and Home Front is a departure from that genre. I was pleased to find that I fell right into this story and never looked back.

Not only does it have a great opening line that hooks the reader immediately, the protagonist is highly likable (in a crotchety kind of way). Those familiar with Mr. Rosenberg's "Keepers of the Hidden Ways" series will recognize many of the colorful residents of Hardwood, ND. I enjoyed seeing Doc Sherve and Jeff Bjerke again.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the dichotomy between the ways of Hardwood and the attitudes of Minneapolis.

The story ended a little abruptly, for my taste, but left me wanting to hear more about this great cast of characters.

As a recovering Midwesterner, I was fascinated by the depth and accuracy with which Rosenberg shows small-town life on the plains.

And then there's the characters. Small towns are filled with characters, and Ernest "Sparky" Hemingway is as fun a curmudgeon as you'll ever find.

My only criticism of this book is that the sequel isn't out yet. There will be a sequel, I hope? Many of them, if Rosenberg can maintain this level of quality.

If you are not sure what path you want to take, this book is for you. If you do know what kind of midwife you want to be, this book will show you other perspectives. Has good information about political issues and a good history of all types of midwifery.

This book is an absolute *MUST READ* for women (and men!) interested in becoming any type of midwife. This book is chalk full of the perfect information from beginning to end. It begins with general information on how to get started with educating yourself, from schooling and self-motivation, to a couple of very inspiring birth stories! There are request forms, and there are directories for school and programs galore. Your library is lacking without this *schoolbook*. I highly recommend this book! I couldn't have done without, and trust me, you really can't either! =)

I truly loved the first three Guardians of the Flame novels, which is why it was so sad reading this book. This new book starts off slow, continues on at a plodding pace until the last 80 pages, and just when it starts to get good, it's all over. The characterization is wonderfull, as always. Joel Rosenberg is a master of that. Unfortunately, the plot has fallen by the wayside. A description of many tiny misadventures that befall the heroes seems to be a substitute for a plot: you hear all about their trip in excruciating detail. You keep waiting for the plot to advance, and it hardly budges until the very end. The first three Guardians of the Flame books were great, but this one has the feel of 'a day in the life of three soldiers loyal to Barony Cullinane' rather than offering a fast paced and interesting plot that initially made this series so enjoyable. I would give it one star, but since the characterization is of the same high quality I expect from Rosenburg, I give it two.

I skipped work to gobble this one upyesterday and then reread it today.

Rosenberg keeps surprising me with the Guardians of the Flame series. The first books were well-done swashbuckling [sp?] fantasy series, with well-above-average characters, the best damn fight scenes in modern fantasy, and a quirky bloodymindedness that kept me wondering if Karl Cullinane could still be alive.

Then the second series, the two Walter Slovotsky books, turned things inside out and made it all close and personal.

Now, with the (eighth?) latest book in the series, Rosenberg seems to be reinventing heroic fantasy with almost casual ease.

No, they're not exactly the three musketeers. If you want a Dumas pastiche, read Steve Brust's Parfi (sp?) books.

This one is something else, as though Rosenberg is trying to reinvent what Dumas and ERBurroughs and Sabatini were getting at in their time.

My only question for "Jayar" (I caught the cameo appearance by Rosenberg in his own book -- very sneaky, Mr. R!) is:

When's the next one?

Joel Rosenberg returns to my favorite ongoing fantasy world with "Not Exactly the Three Musketeers" It is both a departure and a return for the author. The departure is that the characters that we have read about for seven previous novels are background material in this novel. Previous backround characters are now the focus.

The return is in that the authors incredible flair for heroic fantasy is back. His descriptions of battle and the warriors that fight in it are exemplary. He shows the motivations behind all these "heroes", and that is what truly makes this, and all the Guardians books, wonderfull.

I was a bit disappointed not seeing Ahira, Ricetti or Andrea at all. Walters role, while prevalent was smaller than we have come to expect. None of the lingering questions from previous books were addressed in this novel.

I for one look forward to the next addition to this series. Anyone that wants to chat, comment or speculate with me on the series, please mail to jerric@mediaone.net

This is my second series by Rosenberg, and I fear it will be my last. The one thing all his books seem to have in common is an upward trend in Rosenberg's use of vulgar language... all of which is unnecessary, offensive, and highly distractive to this reader. And while his use of foul language has steadily increased, Rosenberg's storylines have just as steadily decreased. The plots have thinned dramatically. Very disappointing.

I truly enjoyed the first book of this series. The second one had, to me, decent pacing, and an ending that got dropped in at the last minute.

This book has laggardly pacing; major activities happen off-scene and are simply alluded to, or brushed over towards the end.

I'd rather have had more action and less meandering over the scenery, and less introspection on the parts of newer characters. In the first book, it was clear that this was a "buddy flick" -- Thorian Thorsen was the primary character, Ian was a strong secondary character. The second book brought Ian into the spotlight, and sort of shoved Torrie into the "Dumb Blonde Swede" role, which may be fitting for Ian's perspective. Torrie still comes off as being slow witted, if likeable.

This book spends more time with the local cop for Hardwood ND than it does with either of the characters we established earlier in the series, and at the expense of the action in Tir Na Nog. The closure on the book feels terribly contrived, like it was done to either trim the novel down by a few thousand words, or because he ran out of time to write it before his deadline came up.

The fencing scenes in it have the details more or less right, and if there are fewer in there than I'd like, well, it may change later. The overall plot is good, if a bit overpadded. The scenes from Torrie's dad's perspective are lovely. The homily on tolerance for homosexuality, while germane, and important to the author, came off as being heavy handed.

All in all, I'd recommend it if you've read the first two...and I can hope that Mr. Rosenberg has more time on the next one.

I've read Joel Rosenberg for more years than I care to admit and this book is right on par from what I've come to expect from him. These Hidden Ways stories are great reading, they have an originality to them which I've found in most of Rosenberg's series. The only complaint I had with this book in the series was that the story itself was a little simplistic compared to the previous two. I still enjoy reading about this world and characters and enjoyed this book all the same. I hope for more in this series real soon and would recommend it to all.

Magic's deadly edge.

The stronghold called Home was prospering and Karl's dream of bringing freedom to everyone in this land peopled by wizards and warriors, lords and slaves, dwarfs and elves and dragons was at last coming true. But by attacking slaver caravans, by offering Home as a haven to any eager to throw off their chains, Karl, Andrea, Ahira and their comrades had made many powerful enemies.

Led by the evil Ahrmin, the Slaver Guild was stirring the kingdoms into a bloody war in which Karl and his friends might soon have to choose sides. And the elfin kingdom of Therranj claimed Karl's valley sanctuary as part of its own territory and was demanding both tribute and loyalty from the people of Home.

Caught between slaver forces armed with a magical new weapon and elves attempting to steal the treasured secret of gunpowder, could Karl's human, dwarf , elf, and dragon warriors keep the walls of Home standing for long?

The Silver Crown is no worse and no better than The Sword and the Chain. Like its immediate predecessor, it seems to have no real theme other than the use of violent means to achieve noble ends. The promising theme of The Sleeping Dragon - the adaptation of people from our world to a fantasy world - has been all but abandoned. What we are left with is not much more than entertainment; enjoyable but neither provocative nor moving.

To be fair, there is a suggestion that the true plot of the series is a long-term effort by erstwhile professor Deighton to control the fantasy world. Deighton even makes an appearance in The Silver Crown. It could be that an incredibly complex storyline is about to emerge, in which case my opinion of books two and three may have to be revisited. For now, however, I remain of the view that The Silver Crown is a harmless read that should be enjoyed by most fantasy readers who don't mind a bit of violence in their stories.

Joel Rosenberg has cemented his status in the fantasy-fiction world with his third installment of the Guardians of the Flame Series. The title in itself is prophetic, and to have Karl leading the region is somnething no one could have expected. As I said earlier in another review, Mr. Rosenberg does not mince when it comes to the question of likeable characters getting hurt seriously or killed off. There were many times in this book that I was upset about what happened to a favorite character, but I realize that Mr. Rosenberg is putting as much "reality" in it as possible. Characters do NOT live forever, and yes, sometimes the favorite ones get killed.

Once again, Mr. Rosenberg has outdone the preceeding edition, and I am sure that he will continue to do so.