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Book reviews for "Wurts,_Janny" sorted by average review score:

Sorcerer's Legacy
Published in Mass Market Paperback by HarperCollins Publishers ()
Author: Janny Wurts
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Brilliant step into the Fantastic
This is a wonderful read... The lyrical quality of Janny's writing, pours visions into the mind's eye as one is reading, literally painting scenes with her fluid grasp of words... The carefully created world to which Elienne is carried away by the sorcerer is perfectly rendered, with its own political hierarchy around which the plot swivels gracefully; and there is also the beautifully conceptualized system of magic and sorcery, which adds to the strength and 'realism' of this fantasy realm.

The pages literally turn themselves!

A Shimmering Star in Science fiction.
Janny Wurt's careful structure makes Pendaire pass in flowing images of reality, then the reader is cast into the enchantment of shinning sorceries swept over and beyond her charater's awareness and deep into the heart of her readers.Allowing the feelings of her characters to seep into a readers soul and and blossoms into the sudden reality of our own real lives. I have but one question:who forced the Seeress to take her own life?I am still consumed with admiration, If I could write as well. I would be happier than any young author.Eileen and Darion create a powerful and gripping tale of love and betrayal that is irresistable to any reader. Ms Wurts, you have my admiration and congratualations on such a piece!!!!!!!

Magnificent, fast-paced, unpredictable.
Fantasy is one of the fields in which a pool of a few basic concepts are regurgitated repeatedly and it is very rarely that one comes across a truly original fantasy novel. Sorcerer's Legacy is one of the few examples of true originality in the fantasy field. With a novel system of sorcery, an unparallelled addressing of the problems of time travelling and a plot that cannot be predicted even if one wishes to to. An as for its style, rapid paced, marvellously characterised and in this and her other books Wurts' use of imagery is of the best in the field


Fugitive Prince
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Harper Mass Market Paperbacks (1998)
Author: Janny Wurts
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Not as captivating as other Wurts novels, still a good read.
By far the best of Janny Wurts' works is this series, however I must admit that at times I found this chapter in the series a trifle boring.

I suppose I am expecting the same very high standard that marks her previous novels. She is by far my favourite author, and this novel simply falls short of her standard - however, it is still a very good book and worth the read - just don't expect too much, like I did ;)

This novel focuses on the growing power of Lysear's Alliance, Koriathian plots and intrigues, and Arithon's efforts to escape their traps and manipulations. The novel does provide a lot of valuable information that will no doubt become instrumental in the following novels.

I have one big complaint though - There was certainly not enough about Elaira. Am I wrong to assume he is the lead female character? When, (Oh when!) are we going to learn more about her, and her experiences. And when will she meet Arithon again?

One thing I must praise Mrs. Wurts about - her excellent and unsurpassable talent for creating deep, vivid and beautifully captivating characters. People that are very hard to forget. I simply cannot wait for the next instalment!

oh well let's be philosophical about it
Hi! Just would like to admit that I am a Janny Wurts fan, all the way from Sorceror's Legacy. Didn't really enjoy this book though. I must admit that certain criticisms levelled at the book are true it can be convulated in language and ponderous in tone, but that's the whole point of reading Janny Wurts. She has a distinctive flair for writing fantasy. It's different from the other usual fantasy greats. ( Okay, the language can be too complicated and heavy at times but it is worth it.) I must admit I didn't finish the book the first time round. I only picked it up again when Grand Conspiracy came up and I had to plow through the whole thing to get going again. I really wished that she would follow the pacing of Warhost where ponderous language and whatnot did not deter the action and bore the reader. In Fugitive however, the pacing is really really bad and the reader gets put off with it. The plot thickens but there is little action to offset the dullness of the whole thing. It only picks up a little at the end. Still having read this in hindsight, it's worth plowing through this massive book just to get to the end. Don't be put off by it, especially if you love the plot because the next in the series is definitely better and so is the pacing! Anyway, back to the book, it gives all the little background details to the other characters and some airtime to Lysaer and other characters like Talith who have been neglected in favour of the more popular Arithon. Perhaps that is why it is so dull sometimes because one is rather used to the vivacity of Arithon than the other characters.

This is definetly the most captivating and thrilling series.
When I first saw the book....CURSE OF THE MISTWRAITH, I was in for the full ride. Wurts makes you wonder with her opening...."How bad can this Arithon guy be?" Then she takes your heart on a power trip with admiration, and then love of the misjudged Arithon. Lysaer....you could really learn to hate a guy like him. Sometimes I find myself yelling at him, and consoling Arithon. Even the devious Dakar has won my true affection and admiration. Definetly the very best series I will ever read. My one question,"How fast can you get the GRAND CONSPIRACY, to my door!!"


The Master of White Storm
Published in Paperback by New American Library (1992)
Author: Janny Wurts
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Amazing Character Development!
When I began reading this book, I found it very dry and boring. Yet the more I read, the more amazed and intrigued I became. Janny Wurts was able to masterfully write a story in which the readers know almost nothing about the protagonist until 2/3s of the way through the book! The main character is extremely deep and human; in my opinion, he rivals Raistlin Majere as being one of the most intriguing fantasy characters ever created.

A black sheep in the fantasy genre...
I read this book at the behest of a good friend of mine. I was very impressed with the book, even though it bore a resemblance to the sword-and-sorcery fantasy fiction such as Conan, which I am not fond of. Ms. Wurts creates an interesting character in Korendir that is so different from the lecherous Conan. This book is well worth the read and I reccomend the book to fantasy fiction readers needing respite from long, dull sagas such as the Wheel of Time

Highly original and well written fantasy
This book has a hero who takes a unique approach to problems. He does not triumph through superior magic or a magical sword, or aid from a dragon or a wizard. He uses his brain, reminding me of a fantasy MacGuyver. By all means a hero, but he triumphs in ways the enemy (and the reader) would never expect or predict. A very good single volume fantasy, it has one of the best characters you will see anywhere. Janny Wurts is an author to watch!


Cycle of Fire Trilogy
Published in Paperback by Harper Prism (1999)
Author: Janny Wurts
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Starts well, but ...
The first book in this trilogy is good - perhaps very good. But it's all downhill from there, sadly. The prose gets more and more involuted; the dialogue migrates from 'wooden' through 'strained' all the way to 'frankly preposterous'; and the descriptions (especially of the 'magic') strain analogies well past breaking point. The final few chapters are a strain to read :-(

Conclusion - if you enjoyed Daughter of the Empire et al, read them again and leave this one alone.

A brilliant melding of Fantasy and Sci-fi
When I originally read this series, I found I couldn't put the books down. A couple of days, and much lack of sleep, later, I had found a new favourite fantasy author. The plot keeps moving, there are enough twists so that you keep guessing, while also providing enough foreshadowing so that you don't feel left out of the story. I have since reread the series a number of times, and I still enjoy it just as much as the first time. A lot of people consider it sacrilege to mix the sci-fi and fantasy genres, this is possibly because it is generally done in a pretty tacky way, but I felt that this series had exactly the right mix, none of this sword versus lasergun stuff, just a subtle merging of technology into a world that has forgotten it's previous glory. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who likes stories that don't follow the traditional way of doing things. If you like your fantasy completely Tolkienesque, and your Sci-Fi to be hard SF, then you probably won't like this book, but if you enjoy Sci-Fantasy, then this is the book for you.

Read It
This book was wonderfuly vivid. it is a high action fantasy book.
a (Just cant put down)of witch there are all too few. she just pints a picture in your mind. as soon as you think you know whats going to happen she turns it 180 degrees. but it is just as good on the other side.


Stormwarden
Published in Hardcover by HarperCollins Publishers (23 March, 1989)
Author: Janny Wurts
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What kind of magic is that??!?!?
OK, I liked this book as well as the whole trilogy. The plot was solid (even if there was a little too much sailing), the characters were interesting, and the story moved along pretty good. That being said, this has to be THE WORST explanation of magic in any story I've ever read!

Magic coming from a crashed spaceship whose AI implants living crystals into your body is about the lamest idea I have ever read. AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!

Not as good as I expected
The problem, I think, lies in the fact that read the Wars of Light and Shadow before I read Stormwarden. Although there is no doubt that Ms Wurts is an excellent writer, I found this book somewhat unoriginal. Both Taen and Jaric are represented as handicapped children who overcome their problems and find strength when confronted with their fates, which sounds like a typical children's fairy tale. For some reason, I find myself unable to relate to these characters. The rapid development of Emien, Taen's brother, becoming an "evil" character is also unrealistic. A further, rather disappointing surprise, is the fact that the Vaere is a computer, mixing fantasy with unimaginative science fiction (and I'm afraid I'm a fantasy fan). Compared to the Wars of Light and Shadow, Stormwarden remains in the shadow.

I wonder why she's not more popular than she is!
An excellent novel about the coming of age of 3 children and their destinies. Although the plot is not entirely unique, Ms. Wurts has a knack of vividly portraying her characters that makes us love them. This is even more evident in her more recent series, the Wars of Light and Shadow. In any case, the adventures of Jaric and Taen inspire hope and keep us in suspense, and this remarkably talented author manages to create a world without too much of the dreary detail that encumbers many other epic fantasies. A fresh and vivid tale that inspires the imagination. (Ms. Wurts' apparent fondness of the ocean is rather a distinguishing trait of her works, don't you think?).


Grand Conspiracy : Alliance of Light
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Eos (2001)
Author: Janny Wurts
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Yet another page turner
Wurts has done it again in my opinion. True, the book didn't have as much action as the others did, but it did hold enough to keep me wanting more and more...and to keep me reading it much as I have the previous books in this wondrous series: over and over again. I was quite satisfied at how this book turned out, and very glad that the series is still going. One of my favorite aspects of Wurts' writing is how she manages to put plots within plots and to make each book, though long, a very interesting one. Her characters are so vivid and real, one finds themselves rooting for some, and beginning to distrust another. You can find similar qualities as yourself in many of them, and then at the same time, dearly hope and pray you don't have qualities of the others. Her descriptions are exquisite...she paints the story as well as she does the cover art, mastering both in sweeps of the pencil or brush. She definitely has talent which is brought out by this series. And of course, this book helps serve to show that. Though she may not sometimes have every page filled with action, she fills them with scenes that help explain and keep the reader well-informed so there will be little to no confusion later on. Yes, it may be a bit of a filler until the next book, but I think it works very well at that, making "Grand Conspiracy" a very interesting read.

Beautiful fantasy written with the grace of a Master
Ahhh..I have the dubious honor of being the person to review this book. Where to start? I have been reading fantasy for almost 20 years, and this is without a shadow of doubt a work of High Fantasy of which there are very few equals. With all due respect to feminist fervor which may label me as sexist, there are a handful of women who can write fantasy such as this. I will go as far to say Ms. Wurts is THE BEST. There is no other. Not even Marion Bradley can come close.

The plot of the entire Mistwraith series is not easily surmised, suffices to say that it is beyond the grasp of the reader, until the author wishes it otherwise. I wish, I could keep reading and reading, very few things in life have held me enthralled like this.

All praise aside, I do have one regret; that the interaction of Arithon and Elaira is barely documented. Elaira is rarely mentioned in this book as well as the one before it. We want to see her more, if not see her finally reunite with her beloved. The reunion at the end is so brief, one can barely savor it.

This one critique set aside, I cannot wait for the sequel. Two years to wait is an awfully long time. Oh well, I will bide it, and reread the whole series thrice over, and throw in ...of the Empire series for good measure.

Thank you Janny, for providing us with a world that can entrance for days on end.

Many levels
Wurts has created a work that transcends Fantasy. Her suberbly crafted writing stretches our vocabulary, weaves a brilliant imagery, and gives deep insight into the human spirit. The intricacy and scope of the plots and sub-plots leaves plenty to the imaginations of those who delight in unravelling mysteries and guessing future developments in the novel.

It's rich in character development. I have followed Arithon's development as a character with the same enjoyment as I did Ursula K. Le Guin's character, Ged. She has real skill with major and minor characters, using them to continually reflect new angles and interpretations of the themes and characters of the series.

Wurts harkens back to a time when the land was held as something sacred. The Paravians represent lost innocence, and the compact a reminder that we borrow the land from future generations. Her descriptions of magic are multi-sensory journeys that take us towards a more subtle understanding of what world consciousness is and touches on the oneness of everything.

What I found most valuable in these books was the portrayal of the causes of conflict, and the machinations of war. She puts war and greed under an unforgiving spotlight, but also refuses to typecast. Lysaer is portrayed both as liberating leader and protector of the people and deluded tyrant. Arithon is at once freedom fighter and terrorist. We are not asked to choose a side and blame the other, but encouraged to have compassion and understanding, and to see the whole picture. We are shown graphically that war leads to further wars, there is never an end to them, unless there is dialogue and an attempt towards mutual understanding. We are not allowed to give into euphoria after 'justice' has been served, but read on and discover the horrific consequences. It makes us question what is true justice, and whether there is a place for human compassion in it.

The curse itself is an accurate and menacing metaphor for blind, ignorant prejudice that has the same effect on the leaders and followers of this world, as it does on Athera. She powerfully describes the effects of illusion and delusion that create mobs and narrow-minded communities. She neatly portrays blinkered opinion and assumption and shows how they develop into reasons for wiping out other ethnic groups.

When you read her books, suspend judgement. Don't get lost in plot and in trying to interpret the Black Rose Prophecy. Use a dictionary for the more difficult words. Let her writing take hold of your imagination and leave youself open to seeing the parallels of Athera to Earth. Identify with the characters, experience them as aspects of yourself. Make it a journey of discovery. Read each book twice.


Curse of the Mistwraith
Published in Mass Market Paperback by New American Library (1994)
Author: Janny Wurts
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Oh, the drudgery...........
This refers to the paperback edition. I'm about halfway thru the book, and I can say that it's taken me a long time to get here. The setting, historical background, etc., had enormous potential in my mind. The description of the land under the influence of the Mist seems so much like where I live in Feb-April, when it is always cloudy, rains almost every day, and everything is gushy and mushy mud, etc. Imagine if it never stopped. Fascinating. The personalities and interaction of the brothers also were fascinating to me as well. Unfortunately, the sheer length and complexity of sentences, while I can understand them, make reading this more like studying my technical literature than leisure and enjoyment. It's like the author has to prove how verbose she is. Also, many sequences in the book are difficult to follow, as if this book had to have a prequel that the reader had to have read prior. I had this same feeling when I read the 'Lord if the Rings' having not read 'The Hobbit.' Basically you just felt lost sometimes. For me, it just seems like work to try to follow this book. It is definitely not fast-paced. Thank God for the glossary in the back with descriptions, or it would be hopeless for me. Also, the map in the front is scaled down so much most of the writing is illegible. Thus, even if you had some idea where a location in the book was on the map, you likely would not be able to read it. Only the plot and storyline, and the character development keeps me going with this one. This is one that is easy for me to put down. I had great hopes for this after the Empire books, but then again, Ray Feist's books are fast-paced, don't bog you down with unnessarily long descriptions, and are just plain fun to read. Have to be dedicated to stick with this one.

Enjoyable and original
Despite the difficult language of this book I enjoyed it very much. I liked the idea of a fantasy series based on two people who manage to liberate a world dominated by the mistwraith and after being cursed by it, manage to turn the world into chaos. It is so unlike the idea of some other series where some hapless mortals are fighting against a 'big baddie'. I also found the characters very life-like, and many of them very likeable. Despite the books grim contents it is often very funny, especially in the scenes whe Dakar is involved. The one thing that does marr this book is its complex and difficult language. I had to use a dictionary to look up a lot of words, and normally I don't have to do that often. I also had to re-read several sentences to work out their meaning. This is a book that you have to spend a long time reading.

Hang in there for the rest ...
Like many people, it cost me a lot of effort to "plow" through this book. Nevertheless, I was completely swept away by the powerful characters and fascinating story line. This book is unlike any other fantasy book I've read. Although the plot is based on the usual good vs evil, Ms Wurts uncovers very complex themes and heros. One moment you like Lysaer, the next you know that he's turning but you don't want to admit it, and then finally you have to face the fact that he's really not likeable at all. Arithon is equally difficult to make out at first, and needs to grow a reader's trust and respect as he's ever elusive. Yet, although we never find out enough about him, Arithon sweeps us off our feet, like the mysterious boy next door. The Fellowship of Seven are hilarious old men, and my grandpa would have fit right in.

This is a complex book, with many details and it's easy to miss changes in the plot unless you read carefully. However, it is a brilliant set up for the rest of the series, where the characters are further explored, their humanity uncannily realistic and grow into personalities. Readers will learn to love some characters, sympathise with others and dislike a few, as you would in real life.

If you can grit your teeth and cling on to follow the plot through the verbose jungle, then you find your energy and time well spent ... for the rest of the series.


Peril's Gate (Wars of Light and Shadow, Book 6)
Published in Hardcover by Eos (2002)
Author: Janny Wurts
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The finest Wurts' book to date - follow Arithon's journey
Peril's Gate is the finest book written by Janny Wurts. Peril's Gate continues the Wars of Light and Shadow series and is the third of four books making up the Alliance of Light sub-series - the fourth being Stormed Fortress.
Peril's Gate takes up where Grand Conspiracy left off with Arithon and Fionn Areth having just escaped Jaelot, Morriel is still camped in the Skyshiels having upset Athera's lane flux which threatens the fabric of Athera as the overstretched Fellowship battle to keep the grimwards and other protections intact. Arithon and Jieret dominate the subsequent action, carrying the reader with them on a journey that will thrill, exhilirate, appal and make them cry. This is not a book for light reading - this book will leave you shaken and disturbed because of where Arithon and Jieret take you. The grand wheel of the Wars and Light and Shadow rolls on as the wider elements of the story are evolved at a cracking pace, but the immediacy, emotion and sacrifice of the lead characters will stay with you after you put the book down.

And all this without having mentioned that in this book we meet Davien, Elaira starts to take control of her destiny, a Paravian or two appears, the Fellowship battles to keep the Mistwraith contained and Kevor continues to win the hearts of his people.

Peril's Gate is not simply a good book, it marks a new level in the intricate writing of Janny Wurts. A must have.

Moving onwards and upwards
Wurts'latest book in the Wars of Light and Shadow series is, in a word, magnificent.

After a somewhat repetitive period in the last few books that focused on the exile of Arithon and pursuit of his half brother, Lysear, Wurts has in "Peril's Gate" created a new scenario. This time, Arithon is not successful in his attempt to seek solace on the wide blue ocean. Instead, due to circumstances beyond his control, he is forced to stay on dry land. As such, Lysear is able to feel the pull of his half brother through the curse they share, and orders a relentless pursuit of Arithon.

Peril's Gate moves paces ahead in the story of the two half-brothers. Wurts draws readers deeper into the troubles of the world and the roles the magicians play in saving it. In "Peril's Gate", we experience the growth of Dakar the Prophet, soul-searching of Arithon, a renewed love for Arithon by Elaira, mysterious events that occur around Lysear's wife and son, and we learn more of Davien the Betrayer.

The book is brilliant, pace-y and brings renewed interest and focus to Wurts' world. It is a step up and forward from previous dallying. It is darker, heavier, more serious; but all the more pleasurable to read.

I can't wait for the next book, as we reach a pinnacle and pivotal point of the story of the Master of Shadow.

A series for the 21st Century
Peril's Gate, the third volume of The Alliance of Light, continues to realize the promise set forth in the previous volumes. Delving into the mystical aspect of the world of Athera, this volume takes you deep into the psyche of Arithon, Master of Shadows and lays bare the reasons he has lost his mage sight. Additionally, another layer in the intricate machinations of Desh-thiere, the Mistwraith, is revealed as Arithon struggles against an array of foes fielded by his half-brother Lysaer as well as against his own self.

Peril's Gate deepens the plot and broadens the scope of the story and the characters. No fantasy novel that I have read prior to this one shows in such vivid detail that there is a price to be paid for killing, even for the hero. Other books allow the hero the dispensation of shrugging off the deaths because they are just evil creatures or evil humans. But this book puts the question squarely to the protagonist and through him, to the readers. And the question is... you'll have to read the book to find out.

A tour de force, Peril's Gate will take you on a journey that will have you asking questions about your own existence and your place in the universe.

This book and the previous volumes are a must own for anyone who has undertaken to walk the path to personal enlightenment.


Servant of Empire
Published in Paperback by HarperCollins Publishers (31 December, 1989)
Authors: Raymond Feist and Janny Wurts
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