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Title: The Ring of the Dark Elves by Victoria Randall ISBN: 0-595-27235-5 Publisher: iUniverse Pub. Date: 01 May, 2003 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $20.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.83 (6 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: An epic, enthralling tale
Comment: The Ring Of The Dark Elves is a work of fantasy by Victoria Randall who draws from Norse legend for her story. Utilizing the same mythic conflicts that drive Richard Wagner's immortal operatic cycle, "The Ring of Nibelung", The Ring Of The Dark Elves tells of Oden's efforts to hold off the onset of Ragnarok by ensnaring Sigurd's service and using him to regain the ring of power from the ruthless dragon Fafnir. An epic, enthralling tale, The Ring Of Dark Elves is entertaining and imaginative storytelling and a highly recommended addition to personal and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections.
Rating: 5
Summary: Well-written retelling
Comment: The Ring of the Dark Elves is the latest novel by author Victoria Randall, and this award-worthy offering is a fantastic read. The story is a retelling of the Norse myth of dragonslayer Sigurd Fafnirsbane. She adroitly weaves together a story that is part epic fantasy, part mythology, part romance, and full of heart-rending tragedy.
The plot is prodded on by Odin One-Eye, the leader of all the immortals who dwell in Asgard. Strong as he is, he cannot escape the strands of fate which have decreed that the end of the world, the dreaded day of Rangarok, is coming to engulf them all. His willingness to sacrifice anything dear to him to put off this day as well as his need to enforce the laws of the world cause grief for god and mortal alike.
Soon the dark elf Albric manages to oversee the formation of a magical ring. Now, new events are set in motion, for it is an object of beauty and power like no other. Odin and Loki manage to steal the ring by treachery, and Albric lays a curse on the ring and whoever bears it. The troll turned dragon Fafnir manages to win the ring from Odin, and Odin must swear that neither he nor anyone under his command will try to recover the ring.
Undaunted, Odin now turns his attention to the Volsungs, the race of humans whom he both loves and torments above all others. From there, aloof, he must direct their development into mighty warriors, which is not always to their benefit. Sigund is the last of the Volsungs, and the only man ever to be completely without fear.
Randall's prose is a joy to read. One gets the sense that she has spent a great deal of time on the work, choosing each word carefully. When she can't seem to find the perfect word, she makes her own compound words. The reader immediately knows both what she was trying to say and that the word is the perfect fit for the situation. Thus, we read about the 'puddles gleaming with reflected starshine' the time when 'cold-bladed fear struck his
heart' or when Brynhild was 'heartscalded within by grief and wrath'
This is one of the best fantasies that I have read in years. In the tradition of the Brothers Grim, these fairy tales are more for adults and older children. The story is marked by violence, sexual situations, and heart-wrenching sorrow. Although not as well-known as some other tragic myths, Randall's new retelling will do much to make the story of Sigund as cherished as that of Oedipus, Romeo and Juliet, and other tragic heroes.
Reviewed by Bill Pottle, Author of DreamQuest
Rating: 5
Summary: Wow
Comment: Even though I am a fan of all things Norse and Viking, I was a bit hesitant to read this book, mainly cause my brother was pushing it on me. But he was right!! This was a wonderful book! I didn't put it down, until I was more 3/4 of the way through it and that was at 5 AM. A really good job by Victoria Randall
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Title: Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1) by Christopher Paolini ISBN: 0375826688 Publisher: Knopf Pub. Date: 26 August, 2003 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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