J. Phillips, New Orleans, July 22, 2002,
Terrific characters, marvelous world
Great! Keeper Martin's Tale is set in the wondrous world
of Ruin Mist with tons of likeable (loveable) characters. Stanek's writing style is terrific and the prose flows naturally.
The story begins when Adrina is approached by a mysterious lady that tells her she will go on a journey and of a great darkness
to come. Her story start is followed by the story of Vilmos, a boy of 12 who has dark dreams, by the story of the elves. When
all this comes together you'll be saying 'WOW!' and you'll know why people are calling this the Star Wars of fantasy. I enjoyed
reading Keeper Martin's Tale. It is entertaiing with an intriguing plot. You'll find plenty of twists and turns, the magic
and mystery are spectacular! I recommend this series highly. The books have proved to be great reading and a strong start
to something wonderful.
Also recommended: Elf Queen's Quest
A reviewer (desperado15@go.com), July 22, 2002,
Rare find!
Robert Stanek introduces the world of Ruin Mist, characters that quickly become
friends and a wonderful story. I kept turning page after page. If you're looking for a good fantasy, don't look any further.
Real heroes, great plot. Adrina is grieving over the loss of her mother. Vilmos carries a forbidden magic that could bring
death to everyone around him. Emel who is a bumbling sergeant that's in love with Adrina. Seth is a warrior elf with the moves
of a ninja. The characters by themselves make this a worthwhile read. But under the surface there's real complexity and more
than you'd expect in the first book in a series. This is really three stories intertwined: The story of a princess in a dying
kingdom and her best friend Emel who share a mysterious past that is only hinted at. The story of a boy who has dark dreams
and what happens when his magic is awakened. The story of elves who must start a desperate journey to the world of men to
save their own world.
Also recommended: Elf Queen's Quest any Robert Stanek books
Martin, Kentucky, July 22, 2002,
Ruin Mist: Keeper Martin's Tale
I don't write many reviews, and rarely give books 5 stars
but this is one of those rare books that earns it. I thought this book and the second book in the series were some of the
best, most original books I've read in several years. I give this the highest rating without reservations and urge anyone
who loves lots of mystery, suspense, and action in their fantasy to read this book. It was a true joy discovering the world
of Ruin Mist. Stanek has a gift for giving the genre new twists and really bringing in a breath of fresh air. I'm desperately
waiting for the next books in the series! I love Stanek's unpretentious writing style. The writing style, like the book itself,
is refreshing. Stanek doesn't bog the book down with flowery language and the whole book seems to flow effortlessly. A joy
to read! Highly recommended
Also recommended: Elf Queen's Quest, Magic Lands and Other Stories. Any Robert Stanek
book
MZ (whattaplay2002@yahoo.com), USA, June 3, 2002,
Awesome
Mr. Stanek is one of the best writers you can read! This is awesome!!!! Better than
anything I've read lately and he's such a cool guy to meet! I could believe the fans waiting to get signatures!
jason, May 20, 2002,
More than 5 stars!
Fantasy meets destiny in this epic tale. I felt engulfed in the storyline
plot. I would highly recommend this book to any fiction or non-fiction reader.
A reviewer, Miami, FL, USA, April 26, 2002,
Magical!
Keeper Martin's Tale is a great story. I liked this more than anything else I've
read lately. Thank you Mr. Stanek!
Also recommended: Elf Queen's Quest. Anything by Robert Stanek
mary, April 25, 2002,
Outstanding
This is one of the best fantasy books I've read in a while. Finally a book I
can really get into.
JD Stevenson, California, USA, April 25, 2002,
What's not to like?
Keeper Martin's Tale grabs on to you right away and doesn't let go! This
is an amazing story that is much better than most books I've read lately. The characters are better than the Rowling's Harry
Potter and Pullman's Lyra and Will by a long way and this may scare some peopel. Just think we may actually have a well-written
book by a small press that outsells Harry Potter. I plan to read it again and again and again. I think you will too. Defintely
deserves the strong praise.
Also recommended: Books by Robert Stanek are great! Tolkien books. David Eddings books.
A reviewer, April 3, 2002,
Keeper Martin's Tale is a rare gem!
I really love to read fantasy. Problem is the last few
years I've really had some bad experiences. I lot of the books seem to be so huge and the plots still go nowhere. Keeper Martin's
Tale doesn't have this problem. The book is tightly written, well plotted and the story actually moves, I mean really moves!
I was delighted and that's rare. I've read this book several times already as well as Elf Queen.
Also recommended:
I really liked Elf Queen's Quest also by Robert Stanek. I also see Magic Lands as a Robert's latest book and I've added that
to my must buy list.
James Peterson, March 29, 2002,
Truly remarkable!
I love this book! I read it, then read it again, it was that good.
Also
recommended: Elf Queen's Quest by Robert Stanek is good as well. Narnia Chronicles is good but not as good. Other books by
Robert Stanek.
B. Taylor, Reader, March 29, 2002,
Utterly enchanting...
I've read a lot of books this year but this is the one that I remember
vividly. I enjoyed every moment.
Also recommended: Anything by Robert Stanek seems to be pretty darn good. I'm just
now starting Elf Queen's Quest.
A reviewer (hc_875@hotmail.com), Teacher, March 19, 2002,
Destinied to be a classic!
I've read this story several times already. It is my favorite and the best story
I've read in a long time! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great book.
Also recommended: Robert Stanek's
Elf Queen's Quest. Other books by Robert Stanek
David D., Keeper of the Realm, March 18, 2002,
# 1 fantasy
This is definitely the must-read fantasy of the year! I loved every minute. Much
better than Harry Potter.
Also recommended: Robert Stanek's Elf Queen's Quest. Other books by Robert Stanek
A reviewer, Reader!, March 14, 2002,
Great!
I really enjoyed reading about Vilmos, Seth, Adrina and all their friends! This is
a great story, perhaps even a really great story. I haven't been this excited about a book since Harry Potter
Also
recommended: Elf Queen's Quest. Other books by robert stanek.
Linda, Reader, March 11, 2002,
WOW!
This book was an utter delight! I was pleasantly surprised at every turning and I really
want more...
Thomas W., Professor, March 6, 2002,
Wonderful reading!
Robert was able to draw me into the story very early and keep my attention
throughout. This rarely happens nowadays but it did here and the experience was magical! I highly recommend this book and
you'll definitely be able to get in at the start of something wonderful!
Also recommended: Elf Queen's Quest. For children,
I recommend The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches, and The Elf Queen and the King.