Goddess of the Ice Realm- Book 5 (Lord of the Isles Saga) (Lord of the Isles, 5)

David Drake is no where near George RR martin but does a great series with the Lord of the Isles. He makes Jordan look like another King pumping out books just to get paid. Drake actually likes his characters and that makes for a good read.

This is a complex story, beautifully plotted and well told. It is hard to put down. The good guys win in the end, but you are really going to be amazed at the artistry with which Drake keeps you on the edge of your chair, as it all comes seamlessly together at the last instant. Buy the whole series and read them all! Tour de force!

Drake's writing ability once again shines, but I would really like him to stop going to the same plot-well over and over. Yes, it has served him in the past, but it's time to branch out a little. That said, he is a master storyteller with a fine grasp of the art of smooth and entertaining prose, and this is more of a quibble than anything else. And his characters certainly do spring off the page and lodge themselves in your mind, which is why this one is a keeper.

This fifth installment in the series is much like the rest of them:the main characters go their separate ways for the bulk of the novel and reunite for the subplot. The plot, in fact, is becoming rather predictable, with only details changing from book to book. There is very little of the "epic" in this fantasy series, as the plots of the now five books just don't seem to be driving at anything.That being said, the book IS entertaining, and I even found myself laughing at points. That's more than can be said for some of the other big names in fantasy at this time. While not intellectually stimulating, "Goddess of the Ice Realm" will provide a number of hours of good reading, and is certainly worth purchasing for readers of the series.

Fantasy and sci fi fans get in line - Paul Michael gives a dynamite reading of the fifth in David Drake's popular series charting the mishaps and adventures of two young brother and sister pairs. As many learned in "Lord of the Isles," Garric and Sharina and Cashel and Ilna have left the relatively safe environs of a small town to embark upon a trek to the capital. Their hope is to reunite the island kingdoms of the Isles. Now, we learn that Garric and his band have reached the island city of Carcosa. Garric's rule is thwarted by giant insects to say nothing of unimaginable enemies. Forces beyond their knowledge appear to be united against the foursome. Ilna is sent to investigate a mysterious impediment to shipping, while Cashel is magically thrust into another world and Sharina relegated to one more eerie place. They've much to overcome which provides excitement and action aplenty for listeners. - Gail Cooke