Alison Croggon

Advantages: Furthers the story of Maerad and Cadvan to a nail-biting conclusion
Disadvantages: We have to wait for the third book!

..., I think, as a fact-filler. We get some more key facts about Bards and their world, as well as giving more details to the past wars. How people can become scarred from experiences seems to be a prominent aspect in the novel as Maerads and Cadvans characters grow closer together, and loss and love and friendship is also visited frequently. How Maerad copes with her growing power, her feelings and her destiny, adds depth and feeling to the plot, where romance is not quite in the fore ground but important. Anyone can see why Alison Croggon has captured readers' hearts again with this book. On many book selling sites, reviewers have mentioned the eagerness for the third book, the Crow, and i can join that group wholeheartedly. I can freely admit that the 3rd book is as good as the first two books, and the series so far is a very good... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastically developed world that she has created
Disadvantages: Long list of characters can be confusing at times

...As a great fan of fantasy books it surprises me to see this book classified as a book aimed at children when it is obvious to anyone who has read the book that this is far from a childs bed time story. This book ranks alongside the great fantasy novels of all time. The author has carefully built up a deep and complex history behind the story, giving her invented world a rich culture, with developed histories, music and societies. This book has the richness and depth that is normally associated with tolkiens 'The Lord of the Rings' whilst being much more easy going. From the moment I picked up the book for the first time I was hooked, finding myself drawn ever deeper into this world that Alison Croggon has made. This book has something for everyone, from fast paced action and heroic deeds to terrible betrayal and the darker sides... Read review

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Advantages: Another fantastic book in the Pellinor series
Disadvantages: Final book not released until September 08

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