Fantastic! Christopher Stasheff has done it again; the wizard of fantasy has proved his mastery of science fiction in a fascinating reality. This explains the origins of the Gramarye colony featured in the Warlock series, complete with a few puns. I highly recommend it.

This is one of those books that you assume cannot work: an anthology of fantasy-science-fiction-Christmas stories. Somehow it manages to, despite a large gaping flaw near the end.

It kicks off on a strong note with Julian May's heartrending "Star of Wonder," in which a saddened starship commander comes to Earth on a fateful night, and encounters a certain baby born in a desert stable. Dennis McKiernan's "Ornament" is sweet and poignant, although readers may not fully absorb the point of Rufous the fox and the Pysk Tynvyr without reading his other works. Andre Norton provides a sweet "Very Dickinsy Christmas," in which a young woman encounters a ghost at a Christmas ball.

Christopher Stasheff provides a delightful "What are we going to do with Grandfather?", in whichwe see a funny, endearing SF story about charity and Christmas cheer. "I Sing of a Maiden" displays Judith Tarr's great skill in atmosphere and beautiful language, where a young intellectual encounters Thomas Becket, who helps bring the spirit of Christmas back to her. Gael Baudino's "Tidings of Comfort and Joy" is the only blot on this collection: its only purpose seems to be to let her obnoxious, self-absorbed Wiccan protagonist sleep with a Catholic priest. The main character seems to have no identity beyond being a witch; virtually every thought and sentence reflects that. Fortunately the collection sprinmgs back into style with Richard Christian Matheson's "Holiday," complete with a sunbathing Santa.

If you can bypass Baudino's disgusting story, this is a sweet collection of heartfelt, inspired stories about Christmas. Delightful read for Christmas and fantasy buffs alike.

This is a good book that shows how much of a pain having telepathic abilities can be. Magnus is hidding in a bedlam (a mideval insane asilum) when one of his largest strengths become his biggest weakness.

Firstly, please let me say that I am a fan of Stasheff's work, and count some of it among the best written and most enjoyable books I have encountered.

I have only one criticism, and that relates to Stasheff's ongoing series - he keeps turning them out long after he has run out of anything fresh to say. This is the case with the Feline Wizard.

The early books in the Wizard in Rhyme series were fresh, well characterised, well plotted, with reasonably consistant internal logic. All in all, they developed a believable world with an interesting and likable cast of characters.

For the last three books in this series, this trend has weakened to the point where - for a series reader - the series is no longer viable.

Errors in the series internal logic and premise have grown. Matthew Mantrell and friends are frankly tired - with no real effort at character growth or development.

Frankly, at this point the plot is banal. What started out as a reasonably fresh series, has finally degenerated into a piece of mass market pablum.

I can only assume that Stasheff is as tired of it as I am.

I cannot recommend this book, I cannot recommend the two immediately prior to it in the series. I very heartedly recommend the first three as excellent reads.

Please don't judge the series or the author by this book - both are capable of SO MUCH BETTER.

THE FELINE WIZARD is one of the latest, the eighth I do believe, in C. Stasheff's the Wizard in Rhyme series and it doesn't disappoint. The secret to keeping a storyline fresh and interesting over an extended number of volumes can be tricky but Stasheff had demonstrated that he has the knack. One such trick is to change the focus or main character of the story while still keeping the same "universe" that has been built up over the past few years. In FELINE WIZARD Balkis, Matt's former apprentice and now princess of Maracanda is the main protagonist having been kidnapped and transported far away from home much to the dismay of the ... Kala Nag who wanted to keep her as far away as possible from "the Other." As with most fairy tales you can guess where the winds of fate took her!

FELINE WIZARD doesn't have the power, originality or freshness of HER MAJESTY'S WIZARD or THE OATHBOUND WIZARD but what would you expect? In all it's a nice, pleasant read filled with action, suspense and romance, a pretty good combination if you ask me.

I'd RECOMMEND it, especially for those who have been following Matt Mantrell for the past few years.

Continuing the "Wizard in Rhyme" adventures of the Lord High Wizard of Merovence and his friends and family, this volume pairs our hero with a young, female apprentice (with the self-protective ability to transform into a cat and a difficulty coming up with endings for her spells) in order to retrieve his children from a vile kidnapper. Like all the novels in this series, Stasheff does a wonderful job of combining medieval myths and legends with lively, likable characters. However, the story is marred by errors in proof-reading (changing the names of characters or cities back and forth, often several times within a few pages, where paragraphs from earlier drafts with different names seem to have been incorporated without correction). Enjoy the story, but beware those editing mistakes.

As an avid fan of the Warlock books for many years, and a reader of the Heirs to the Warlock series, I was excited about reading this book. However, it fell short of my expectations. As other reviewers have mentioned, the plot involves monsters coming out of mist to plague Gramarye. This comes across as very contrived, however, since it is only a way for the author to develop the relationships between the soon-to-be-related characters. (Alloutte must deal with the distrust of nearly everyone except her fiancee.) Bouts of fighting terrible monsters are interspersed with soul-searching conversations.

I found myself skipping huge portions of the book out of boredom. If you're a person who loves to read about fights against monsters, you'll love this book. For me, it got old fast. The end explanation behind the monsters was also, in my opinion, ridiculous. Obviously these are fantasy books, but nonetheless I had come to expect convincing plots from Christopher Stasheff. I was left with the sense that the events of this book hadn't _really_ happened to the characters.

The book does have its moments, though, in a few scenes that I enjoyed mostly because of the characterization. I liked the ending overall, but as I mentioned the final explanation left something to be desired. There is not much interaction between the engaged couples, and except for a few predictably wide-eyed peasants there are hardly any other characters (besides the 3 couples) significantly involved in the story. I did like the side plot in which Diarmand follows his brother (don't worrry, it's mentioned very near the beginning of the book; I'm not giving much away).

This story reminded my of "The Warlock Rock" because of its absurdity. I would say that this is not worth buying, but if you can get it from a library it provides some entertainment. Christopher Stasheff used to be my favorite author; this book is one of the reasons that he no longer is.

When his fiancee sees a vision of a monster invasion, Gregory gathers his brother Geoffrey and their friend and future brother-in-law, Alain, Crown Prince of Gramarye to investigate. Their respective fiancees, however, are hardly the type to stay at home and worry. Alouette, Cordelia (sister to Gregory and Geoffrey), and Quicksilver set off to watch over their men and perform any rescues that may be needed.

Someone, or something, has launched a plague of monsters on Gramarye--a plague that seems to have some purpose beyond terrorizing the natives. As they confront and defeat each of the monsters, the two groups of travellers begins to gather hints of that purpose and of an intended invasion of their world. Defeating local monsters is one thing--defeating an extra-dimensional invasion is something else.

Author Christopher Stasheff was one of the originators of the funny fantasy with his wonderful THE WARLOCK IN SPITE OF HIMSELF--the first novel in this series. As with many continuing series, the Warlock series seems to consist of a mix of essential novels and novels that could be missed. HERE BE MONSTERS falls into the second category. It contains plenty of puns, a bit of character growth, particularly on the part of future king Alain, and your basic magic and sword fighting. Unlike the original WARLOCK or earlier novels in this HEIRS series (where each of the Warlock's children finds their mate), HERE BE MONSTERS lacks the real emotional impact that makes for a powerful book.

HERE BE MONSTERS is a pleasant light read. Fans of the series will want to read it. Fantasy fans who haven't discovered the series yet would do better to start with one of the other novels in the series.

If you enjoy the Warlock series of books you should enjoy this. Personnally i think Stasheff stretched HERE BE MONSTERS from a good short story into a full book. While it promises the mass wedding of the Warlock children. All it really does, is deal with the latest crisis. With the wedding not even really happening. I thought this was going to be Excellent. But IMO it's nothing but another mediocre novel in the series. Stasheff is capable of great work. This is'nt one of them.

Takes one of the dumber planks of the religious right and tries to make a story around it. Some Christians think rock and roll music leads to evil. Apparently Mr. Stasheff is one of these.

I own every book in the Warlock series except this one. I have read and enjoyed it however. I felt that this book dealt more with a fun aspect of modern culture invading a medieval one instead of an evil aspect. I sincerely hope they reprint this one as well as some of the other earlier books in the series. This author is always one of my recommended reads. Even if you don't agree with all of his views, he always makes you think, even about the affects of rock and roll.

The Warlock rock is the first book I have read in this series, but I like what I've seen. The characters are convincing, and the plot is very inventive. I reccomend this book to both fantasy and science fiction lovers.

I have been a fan of Christopher Stasheff since the book "The Warlock In Spite of Himself". I loved the story line of this book, and the characters were likeable. The writing, in my opinion, was a little of the bland side for this author, and the characters could have used just a little bit more rounding out. I think the author did a decent job with this book despite the two minor short falls I mentioned above.

If you've read Stasheff before, you know what to expect. A pleasant mix of science fiction and fantasy, with some philosophy, political science, and religion thrown in. Stasheff has been amazingly productive this year, publishing something like four books in six months. I would say that this is a wonderful thing, since I love his books and always look forward to reading the next installments in all his series, except for one thing...

There were some strange little mistakes the kept cropping up. To tell the truth, they appear to be more in the nature of poor editting than hurried writing. A character would say something, and the other would answer with a phrase that almost fit, but not quite...or the second character would echo the first character, with an extra set of quotes and all, except the first character never said that exact word. It seems like an overzealous editor changed part of a conversation without making sure to keep all the dialogue consistent.

If you're holding your breath waiting for Magnus and Alea to resolve things...breathe. You'll have to wait for at least one more book. A new friend has joined them, and the world they are visiting bears a striking resemblance to Magnus' home planet in many respects...local life forms interracting with human psi-powers, large numbers of local espers.... They use the Tao to help the planet overthrow their cruel overlords.

The story was fun, and I definately can't wait for the next adventure (not the least because I'm waiting for Alea and Magnus to resolve all this sexual tension...), but I was surprised and disappointed to see the strange little inconsistencies in the writing...such things jar me out of the story and ruin my ability to immerse myself completely in Stasheff's wonderful stories.

Magnus D'Armand,AKA Gar Pike, is the son of Rodney D'Armand, the greatest agent SCENT has ever known. He has, or rather he will have with the aid of his family, changed a medieval society of telepaths into the strongest force for Democracy ever known. While Magnus was an aid to SCENT in the beginning, he soon realized that Democracy was not the answer for ALL cases... and with this point in mind he left SCENT under rather poor circumstances... this is Magnus' mission. To reform oppressive societies using that system which will most benefit the people of that planet.

This time Magnus arrives with not only his good friend and constant companion Alea, but an additional stowaway as well. He finds a planet that mirrors the developement of his homeworld in that they have empathic and projective telepathy that reacts to the environment of the planet producing... ghosts. He finds a feudal society that manages it's serfs through fear, and exists solely to grab the land of other lords. The power is either technology mastered through ritualized rote memorization, or low level psionic control of the ghosts. What to do? What is the Way?

This book sees control and creativity begin to seep away from Magnus and Alea, as their "silent partner" gives them subtle urgings throughout the campaign. Magnus fails to see his own manipulation, and that of his travelling companion.Their ideas come to them in dreams... hello? Magnus DID that trick! On the up side, Alea becomes more aware of her attraction to Magnus, while Magnus, always aware of his attraction to Alea, continues to sublimate his own desire. This is well done... realistically. Magnus is repressed, as well as deeply emotionally scarred. He can not easily overcome these scars, and it will take some time for Alea to get over her own scars enough so that she can help meet him halfway. I would like to see Magnus become aware of his stowaway and/or restore Alea's memories... both WELL within his awsome capabilities...

While I did not enjoy this story as much as the last, I did find it less formulaic than some in this series, and because of this it was still an enjoyable read. I will continue to devour anything Stasheff continues to spend some time on producing, and can only suggest that, if confused or dissatisfied by this work, one start earlier on in the series. Please take this as it was meant, a constructive critique by one who enjoys the Warlock series and the Rogue Wizard series... thank you for your time...

Christopher Stasheff is an author who's works I usually enjoy reading. Unfortunately, "A Wizard and a Warlord" was a rather disappointing read for me. The story was rather mediocre at best, and I found it difficult to really care about the story or what was happening to the characters. Not really much else to say about this book; I can only recommend that fans of the author should skip over this book and read one of his other more enjoyable works.

I personally don¡¯t enjoy reading very much; however, Wizard and Warlord opened up a new image of fantasy to me. The characters with fascinating features and the medieval space colony time period¡¦. Combinations of these things used by Christopher Stasheff are more than enough to get you going! Simply sensational!

Magnus continues the journey he began over seven books ago... the quest for meaning, self-worth, and companionship. I applaud Stasheff's restraint in not forcing the relationship between Magnus and his companion, Alea, into an overly predictable direction. Each character remains true to his and her strengths and weaknesses. The story, which involves Magnus' continuing mission to help oppressed peoples find the government best suited to them, gives Magnus a world where there appears to be no visible government, or rather, not one he can classify. Like the other books in this series, the story is self contained, and makes you want to learn more about Magnus. To catch the WHOLE story, one should read the Warlock Series which begins in Warlock In Spite Of Himself.

I first bought 'Warlock in Spite' and 'KK' at a stall in Cannon Street station , must be mid 1970's . Still have them , in the the same thick paperbacks , and still read them . I bought the rest of the series (up to 1989) while I was working in Sunnyvale . It felt good to catch up with Rod , and to get more knowledge about Father Al , but nothing ever matched the first novel . I loved the wit , and the tongue in cheek send up of all the SF llamas at the time . It never made it much beyond a clever student joke though . A pity . With TV it could have become a Babylon 5 , and with the right war another Tolkien .

I intend to replace the volumes I've lost , mainly in Doncaster , but I won't cry if I can't . If you like Frazier , you will love Stasseff , or whatever his name is . If you ever played D&D , it may help you to admit it at your next dinner party - especially if you are catholic.

I loved this book and am very impressed with the way the characters have evolved throughout the series. I did not read the first King Kobold, but only because I am still trying to locate a copy. Worth every penny you need to spend.

"King Kobold Revived" has undergone remarkable changes from the original King Kobold novel. As the authors note says in the beginning he has had around 12 years to think about the book and ways to redo it. The story itself follows the same basic plot lines; invaders that can wield the 'Evil Eye' are invading the shores of Gramarye. None can stand against this weapon that can freeze soldiers in their tracks. Rod and Gwen Gallowglass as soon called to the rescue of the Gramarye. However, when a power greater then either Rod's or Gwen's seems to freeze even them, the real trouble begins. Now to deal with the changes that have been previously mentioned. Though I agree with other reviewers that some characters are either notably missing or have had their roles reduced drastically, the way it was done has made them nonessential to the redone story. Even with the plot changes, none of which effect any references made in later novels, and a totally redone ending, this novel is still wonderful and more then worth the reading, or rereading if you have read the original version. I assure you if you have read the original King Kobold, some of this story will seem similar, but most will strike you as a totally new book. Even if you are still unsure having read mixed reviews I highly recommend it for the introduction of some characters that appear in later novels, and to gain a insight into some 'firsts' that are taken for granted as the series progresses. Allay your fears and uncertainty for even with the novel taking on a virtually new plot from its previous incarnation, it is another one of Christopher Stasheff's masterpieces.

after reading many of stasheff's other books like wizard in rhyme series and the warlock series...i've been rather attached to the light-heartedness of his books.

the star stone story, however, is strangely not of this style. instead it is of the serious fantasy mould and what have you? a book that ought to be given a miss. borrow this book from the library instead.

the tale is of lomallin, who seeks to avenge the elder race, for his wife's death. no new elements in this tale, and neither engaging nor humourous. i really can't quite get the point the author is trying to put across with this book. purchase at your own risk! :o)

This was one of the last books I have read, and I have read many. I have read stuff by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, I have read stuff my David Eddings, and Katherine Kurtz, I have read the classics by Tolkein. I belive that Chris gave a good point of view from the Ulin's side. They are elder. They are stronger. Yet a normal human beat them. This book was like one I've never read before, and as I showedabove; I have read a lot of books.

While this book is not like the light entertainment provided by the Warlock series, it is a well written story that uses fantasy as a backdrop for religious and philosophical debate. I have long enjoyed these same traits in Stasheff's Wizard in Rhyme series. I do not reccomend these books as readily to my fantasy reading friends as I do the Warlock books, mostly because I know that not everyone enjoys pondering the nature of good and evil, God, and the universe as much as I do. On the whole, I am impressd enough with this book (which I own in paperback) that I am purchasing a hardback copy in anticipation of many enjoyable re-reads.