The Ships of Merior

I have rarely ever read a book in which I enjoyed the main character and his struggles as much as I did in this book. Very vivid and very emotional plotline. As with any epic series, the story does move very slow at times, but by the end you are still wishing to read the next book to find out what happens. I will be very eager to read the newest edition in the series when it goes on sale this fall.

Those who felt Curse of the Mistwraith was good better hold on to their hats; Ships of Merior takes the series to a new level.The groundwork has already been laid in Curse of the Mistwraith, now we begin to see the results of that curse. You also begin to see a little more about the various characters Janny has introduced to us. The polarization of the world begins as different factions find themselves taking sides.But things are not always what they seem as you will see plots and counter plots draw you deeper and deeper into the story.While it is possible that this book could be read first, I highly recommend that the series be read in order because you gain a better understanding of the intent behind the scenes.

It has normally been my experience that when an author begins an epic series with a book as long as Curse of the Mistwraith, the tale normally ends in a never ending list of badly written sequels trying to profit from the interest generated by the first. Happily, my experience with Ms Wurts in terms of the Wars of LIght and Shadows allow me to revise such an opinion. The characters merely deepen their appeal in the subsequent novels, rather than follow a series of shallow plot twists and revelations. Arithon merely becomes more pitiable and noble as time goes on. What can't you say about him? He is one of the most memrable fantasy characters that I have ever read about...and I have read a LOT of fantasy novels! This series is worth every star it can get, and you can email me at [email protected] if you would care to talk more about it.

The tale of the two half-brothers continues in volume two of The Wars of Light and Shadow. A carefully balanced alliance has been shattered by actions not in the control of either brother. Actions that not even the Fellowship of Seven are able to counter. Move and counter move proceed across the continent of Athera as Lysaer moves town Mayors and armies in his never ending desire to see the destruction of Arithon. Arithon flees back to the ships that served himself so well as a pirate on his home world of Dascen Elur. But Lysaer pursues him closely. Into this mix comes a character from CURSE OF THE MISTWRAITH, Dakar the Mad Prophet, he of the West Gate prophecy. Devoted to his cups and wenching. Desiring nothing so much as to be left to his own devices he is entwined into the fate of the two brothers. Ms. Wurts weaves a deft tale that reveals incredible depths in these characters. You care so much about each of these that it is hard to take sides. But take sides you will. Lesser characters shine in the roles of friends, lovers or opponents. Stroke and counter stroke are described with a delicate nicety that leaves you wanting more. Events of such striking compassion occur that you will be forced to lay the book aside, but not for long, and contemplate the results.

The tale of the two half-brothers continues in volume two of The Wars of Light and Shadow. A carefully balanced alliance has been shattered by actions not in the control of either brother. Actions that not even the Fellowship of Seven are able to counter. Move and counter move proceed across the continent of Paravia as Lysaer moves town Mayors and armies in his never ending desire to see the destruction of Arithon. Arithon flees back to the ships that served him so well as a pirate on his home world of Dascen Elur. But Lysaer pursues him closely. Into this mix comes a character from Curse of the Mistwraith, Dakar the Mad Prophet, he of the West Gate prophecy. Devoted to his cups and wenching. Desiring nothing so much as to be left to his own devices he is entwined into the fate of the two brothers. Ms. Wurts weaves a deft tale that reveals incredible depths in these characters. You care so much about each of these that it is hard to take sides. But take sides you will. Lesser characters shine in the roles of friends, lovers or opponents. Stroke and counter stroke are described with a delicate nicety that leaves you wanting more. Events of such striking compassion occur that you will be forced to lay the book aside, but not for long, and contemplate the results.