The Keep of Fire (The Last Rune, Book 2)

This second in the Last Rune series was for me entirely more satisfying than the first. The story has more mystery than the blatant obviousness of the first - though the cover doens't help in that respect too much. Grace is fleshed out a bit more, as she truly needed. Travis's passivity is intensified...but he seems to mature a lot as well...he becomes at least a little more pragmatic. Travis is fast becoming a favourite fantasy character of mine, in spite of, or perhaps due to his reluctance to use the power he possesses and his passiveness. This story reveals the true nature of Melia, explains just who Falken is, gives us insights into Durge, reveals a lovely new character - who like all the others is a little shallow at times in this book - wait until the third to see Lileth shine, Aryn matures a lot too, her arm is barely even mentioned in the book, which seems to have lifted a bit of the 2D aspect she had in the first book - a deformed baroness with no chance of - but therefore guaranteed - love. Like the first book revolved around the Magic Stone - Sinfathisar - the stone of Twilight, this Book revolves around the effects of the Stone of Fire - Krondisar...its a better story, with more purposeful moves made against the enemy in this novel...the first had little at all in that respect until right at the end. Overall, this was a great book that I really enjoyed...try it you should be pleasantly surprised.

Like many of the other readers I picked this book up because I needed something to read and, like all of his readers I am sure, was completely blown away. Anthony has created a wonderfully rich story, I believe we have only seen the barest outlines of his delightfully complex plot, with bright, complicated , and still developing characters. I noted with great pleasure the echos of David Eddings in the dry wit of Melia and the whining, on occasion, of Travis. As noted already by others, the influence of other authors can be seen on Anthony's work, but in no way is this a bad thing, we are now all caught up in a grand conversation that only those who are avid readers of fantasy can comprehend. Although there are many things in these books that are innovative I don't have time to comment on them all and would just like to say that Anthony's portrayal of Travis' possible relationship with Beltan is a bit of a relief. It is nice not to be beat over the head with the gay issue, unlike what will happen if you read Mercedes Lackey, and I am curious as to what will happen in the next book, whether a relationship between the two of them would work, or if, perhaps, Grace and Travis have a future (or possibly Diedre and Travis?) hey, you never know what might happen. Anyhow, Keep up the great work Mr. Anthony. There are few books I have enjoyed reading more than yours and I look forward to all the ones yet to come.

Let's face the harsh reality of customer reviews. They're either 5 stars, or 1 star. Benedict, or scathing. I choose the former, or rather, Mark Anthony earned it. Simplicity is the weapon of masters and fools, and clearly, Anthony is a master.His plot is simple, yet enthralling. Gone is the complex plot and multitude of indecipherable subplots. I would take this book to school, and amidst the cackling children and ranting teachers, I found nothing but pure ecstacy, or sorrow, or horror. It is the kind of book that will keep you pensive all night long, pondering over who is the epitome of this vile undertaking, or who Tira really is.His character development is commendable. One moment a character's ignorance almost gets him/her killed, and the next, he/she is the savior of the party.For a budding author, Mark Anthony has displayed a skill in authoring which surpasses that of any other author, either self-promoted or reputably commended. If you are a reader who enjoys a captivating mystery/action book, then I recommend The Keep of Fire and Beyond the Pale. If Mark Anthony lives up to his well earned reputation, then The Dark Remains should par, if not surpass, the entertainment that The Keep of Fire has served me.

The continuation of Mark Anthony's saga was well worth the wait. I found the characters engrossing and likeable. There are enough plot twists in the story to keep it moving, as well as some mysteries that aren't solved until the very end. The hero, although reluctant about using his power, tries to keep his vow in the first book of not hurting anyone with his power. The characters in this book fight to stay true to themselves and what they believe in. In the world of Eldh, magic doesn't fix everything.

I read both books in the series and they were great! Anthony has all the talent to be someone to reckon with in the fantasy field.These novels are the real deal and has all the trimmings for a major fantasy epic:magic,intrigue,menace and it is dripping with atmosphere.While other fantasy authors write continue to crank out books that are clones to the original(like Robert Jordan) Anthony's books are unique to each other and only share the same characters.Do yourself a favor and read these books!The only thing else I have to say I hope the author writes faster because I can't wait to get my hands on book 3!