Wit'ch War: The Banned and the Banished: Book #3

Starting with "Wit'ch Fire," James Clemens introduced the character of Elena. A young woman born a wit'ch (a woman with the abilties of great magicks), she is of a mixed prophecy - either the savior of the world, or its death.That was the beginning of the "Banned and the Banished," series. Since then, Clemens has rounded out the cast of his books with wonderfully drawn characters: rich in elemental magics that don't overpower their characters and personalities. In this third book in the series, Elena's group of friends and protectors is mostly scattered, and one of them, as told in book two, "Wit'ch Storm," has been corrupted by the Dark Heart. A very worthy read, the new characters complement the old, and we gain much more depth in the entire cast, not just Elena. Particularly, we delve more into Kast, Sy-wen, and Joach. This third book was definitely worth the wait, as the quality of fantasy writing has stepped up a notch.A climax of sorts, this is still not the end of the series. While part of me wonders if Clemens can keep up the pace and the exceptional writing, I'm willing to wager on it and look forward to the fourth book.The only quibble is, as always, those stupid apostrophies. Wit'ch. D'warf. El'vin. Eb'onstone. Gosh they're annoying. It seemed, however, that they're not as prevalent as before, and mostly just repeats of the ones we've seen previously. Perhaps Clemens has realized that they're really distracting.Don't skip this book. If you've not read Clemens before, treat yourself to the whole series. He puts Robert Jordan to shame, and mirrors the deep characterizations of George R.R. Martin.'Nathan

Well, I have just finished reading the third installment of what I now consider the BEST fantasy series I have ever had the pleasure of laying my hands on and the only bad thing I can say is that the fourth book cannot possibly be out soon enough.Wit'ch War is most definitely only for those who have read the previous two books. If you're considering this book, I implore to go back and first read Wit'ch Fire and Wit'ch Storm before buying this one...if you do so, you WON'T be disappointed. Wit'ch War, like it's predecessors grabs hold of you and doesn't let you go. Clemens continues to blend rich story lines and characters with an amazing nack for suspense. Though the tale of Elena and her companions is now well set, there are STILL surprises around every corner. Just when you think you've discovered every last thread of the plot Clemens throws a new twist into the roller coaster ride that is the chronicles of the banned and the banished. I especially loved this book for it's emotional impact. This book, more than the previous two, clutches at the reader's emotions, wrenching them this way and that until you can't help but feel what the characters are feeling. I don't believe I have ever felt the pangs of loss or the joy of love so strongly in any other novel I've read. Clemens has written this third installment so well that I actually found tears rising to my eyes at the trials of Elena and her friends. This is truly a book for lovers of adventure AND for lovers of romance.

Note to Mr Johnsen of July 27th... "A good critic reviews the book, not the other reviewers' opinions." Have your opinion and I'll have mine. The world would be a very boring place if everyone agreed on everything.My opinion of this book? It's a gem. It ranks right up there with Tolkien if you ask me. That is my personal opinion! To each his own. This book had everything I was looking for...fantasy, magic, interesting characters, adventure at its best. The writing style is tight and edgy, the plot is wonderfully intricate. And I very much look forward to the remainder of the series. The series is well deserving of my five star vote!

A tale of good and evil, black magick versus white magick, treachery,betrayal,tragic loss, love...it has it all. This series was my introduction into the fantasy genre. I had it on good authority ;-) that I would probably enjoy this series and I admit I am pleasantly hooked. This third installment is by far the best in the series thus far in my opinion, where Clemens demonstrates the full potential of his writing skill and his very vivid imagination. Being an avid reader, I can truly say authors of this calibre are few and far between, someone who can paint detail into his story to the point where you can imagine yourself there, where you're angry right along with the characters, where your stomach lurches in a few scenes (think squidlike skull beasties), where you feel the emotion between Sy-wen and her bonded Ragnar'k/Kast (my personal favorite character), where you hate Kral to the point of a private cheering when he gets exposed for being a shape shifter.... A wonderfully intricate plot where you find yourself completely immersed in this epic tale of classic good versus evil. You simply don't want it to end...

I can't imagine an author keeping me wanting for the next book....but James Clemens is an artist....painting pictures of characters in my mind and leaving their personalities in my heart.....this third book is as spellbinding as the first two...and I am hoping Mr. Clemens can keep up with the want of the fourth.....well done! A Magical Mystery Tour with characters that I relate too....... A definite Must!