Elves

This book was absolutely amazing! I bought it not expecting much but I received one of the greatest works of writing. I defiantly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy books.

It's a wonderful book. I am surprised, like the people who wrote reviews below me, that the book is not very much noticed. My favorite character was Gizur.. and because of him, my only complaint of this book. If one reads the book, they'll understand. This is one of my all-time favorite books.. (my favorite series in all books that I've read is Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings) If you can find this book, and read it, you'll enjoy!

I have found this book exceedingly brilliant. The characters are rich in their own idiosyncrasies and persuasive humour. What I liked about the book was the detailed distinctions between the enemy and the heroes.At times fantasy writers are taken aaway a bit by their won cleverness and weave too intricate a taperstry more than the story warrants. I like the magical confrontations between Lorimer and the rest. What I particularly enjoyed was the battle with the fire jotun and Regin. It was in such beautiful detail i could feel my own facial hairs being signed! Added to an otherwise dire moment, humour was thrown in with precision. Who would expect bumbling Alfars to summon a comet to smash the jotuns?? Elizabth H Boyer will remain one of my favourite writers and i hope she continues the tradition of good fantasy. P.S. What truely amazes me is that most of her novels are stand-alone, yet they are cohesive to the rest of her genre.

Every Season this most wonderful book is appropriately displayed on our coffee table along with double stuffed cookies, a friendly note why the kids were good, and some milk for Santa. It beautifully illustrates and tells how Scribbler Elf wrote the story and other Elves painted the wonderful pictures.

We've found, with a little help of the internet, one of our favorite painter Elves (James Himsworth III) still painting other wonderful children's books at GHLPublishing.com and Dimensions. However, we really wish this classic was more readily available to our neighbors and friends. Many of our neighbors find it difficult to locate. But, thanks to Amazon.com for promoting this fine children's tale!

We recommend this book to anyone who loves Christmas and Santa. Please write and ask Amazon.com and GHLPublishing.com to carry this every Holiday season. Don't let it go out of print, please.

Merry Christmas, The Habermehl Family (Terry 9, Jason 4, Mom)

One of the best stories about Santa Claus I've ever read. I nearly cried when I bought this for my young daughter some years ago as it brought back all the magical Christmases from my youth. Its tale is wonderful and the illustrations are delightful. It will warm the hearts of all ages....

It tells you so much about Santa and the North pole.I love how it tells how he got started!Its just great!A holiday favorite!

I've held my childhood memories of the illustrations from this beautiful book for years, and I've periodically searched for another copy. I was thrilled to see it re-issued, and prayed that the illustrations hadn't been "modernized". What a thrill when it arrived! My five year old daughter is as entranced with it as I was at her age, and will ask to replace her night-time tv program with the "magic fairy book". The stories are somewhat long for small children, but they hold the attention of my daughter very well. When we've finished reading, we keep the book open to look at the beautiful illustrations. Every picture in my mind of "Elves or Fairies" is drawn from this book, and there isn't a better place to find them.

I received this wonderful Elf and Fairy book from my parents when I was 5 and visiting relatives in Phadelphia for Christmas. My Dad read me the stories each night and I was enchanted with the illustrations and the sly humor (and messages) of the wee folk. (Jane Werner's selection of stories and poems was perfectly balanced.) My 1951 edition is also well worn and both covers missing but it is still a treasured childhood friend. I was showing it to a coworker (mentioning sadly that it was out of print) and he said - Are you sure? Try Amazon.com. and then came my Magical Moment - the title appeared and I was thrilled beyond words! My advice: Buy 1 to read, several to give to friends, and one to keep under glass (just in case). I only wish Garth Williams was still with us to see his luminous, enchanting artwork alive and dancing in the imaginations of new generations of children, and the young in heart. Thank you so much, Little Golden Book publishers for the reprinting and cudos to Amazon.com for the price discount. Happy Holidays!

Evidently Elves and Fairies is back out of print. (...) Five star average from 38 reviews? When do YOU think it's time to reprint this book?

Let's write or email the publishers and ask them to respond to the high demand for this treasured classic.

I give this book 5 stars straight up. In my opinion the best one of the first three books. It has a really crazy twist in the end and if your thinking about getting this book and not sure trust me get it and if you don't like it then u must have no imagination. The whole Kingdoms & Elves series certainly hooks you from book one. I have read each book 4 times and I can never get enough! I love how we are introduced to new characters, very interesting! I love how Adrina remembers her past and gets over it. Kudos Robert Stanek!

#3 was just as great as I hoped! I've read a lot of books but none of them have ever caught my intrest like The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches. I used to think harry potter was the best book ever, then, I read this, now I'm dieing for more. The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches is by far one of the best series I've read. The plot and setting are unlike any other book out there, and the characters are quite interesting, especially Vilmos, Seth, Valam, Adrina, Emel, Xith and Myrial. My eyes were glued to the paper, and I could hardly stop reading. I higly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

This was another great read. I really like the character of Myrial, and Edward is a great character. Trios kick, too. Better scenes also with King's Mate.

My class loved these books last year, and so did I. This sequel to The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches is an excellent tale of a young boy who has a strange gift, a great kingdom under siege, a princess with a sad heart, and the people who are or become their friends. It is a story of friendship, and hard times. Vilmos, Adrina and their close friends have many adventures that keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

I recommend this story to anyone of any age who can read. It will keep you entertained the entire duration of the book. For anyone who didn't get hooked with the first book, the good news is that this book is even better. In fact, each book gets better and in my opinion, the Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV is the best book.

I read many books from Harry Potter to Artemis Fowl, the only books I have read twice is Robert Stanek's Kingdoms and Elves. The first book creates the world for you, the second book sweeps you away. I found loved the detail, it was just right.

I am totally in love with Emel and I think Adrina is like a best friend I know here so well. I can completely relate to her as she has a lot of qualities that I have. Plus she speaks her mind. Vilmos made the book more fun though because he's always getting himself into a jam. He is always upbeat about it, I wish I knew more people like him.

I read Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches out of curiosity, thinking it was just a children's book. I was wrong, I found it to be entertaining, imaginative and totally absorbing. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the characters and the plot line. I highly recommend it for adults and children. So many amazing twists it was incredible that's why its gets 5 stars!

Warning! This is not a specifically Heathen runebook. Nevertheless, once you get past that I think you just might like it anyway. First of all, there's the artwork. Brian Froud is the author/illustrator of the well-known and much admired books Faeries and Good Faeries/Bad Faeries. He also collaborated on the films "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth," both of which are favorites of mine. He is a very fine artist, and does particularly well with fantasy, mythological and folklore subjects. When my nephew, who is now twenty, first started learning to read I gave him Faeries to show him there was something out there besides the Southern Baptist fundamentalism he was getting in Sunday School. It worked. He now wears a hammer and is engaged to a young woman who is studying Heathenry, runework, and galdr with me.

The runelore in this book is overall fairly good. Berk stays reasonably close to the historical meanings of the Runes in most cases. The staves are clearly drawn and are the Elder Futhark forms with the occasional use of Anglo-Saxon variants. On the down side, however, he does not present them in the Futhark order and presents the Runes as a sort of code substituting for the letters of the Roman alphabet.

The premise of the book is fascinating. Each Rune has its own section and is treated as a gateway into some aspect of the Elfish realm. Each section consists of a "Charm" to open that Rune's gate, a "Telling" or story, and a "Gift" or lesson from that Rune. This could all be seen as a sort of journeywork, and I have at times used Runes as an accessory for my own journey and Seiðrwork. I have also journeyed to visit areas in the Spae-Realms associated with individual Runes as an internal aspect of my own runework.

It is by no means outside of Heathen belief to think of Elves having access to and using Runes. Hávamál 143 in the Poetic Edda states that after Oðin won the Runes on Yggdrasil, he shared them with representatives of various classes of wights. Among the Alfar, Dáin received the Runes and then presumably passed them on to others of his kind.

Berk makes it clear that the Elfish take on the Runes is not identical to that of human beings. Since each Heathen runester will quite normally develop his or her own slightly different understanding of the Runes, that could certainly be the case when non-human wights work with them.

The lore in The Runes of Elfland is reasonably coherent. Much Heathen religious lore and folklore are included. The bits and pieces brought in from elsewhere are Celtic and occasionally Greco-Roman, which are traditions which were long in contact with Germanic Heathenism and have elements in common, both from borrowing back and forth and from a common Indo-European heritage. Thus, they "clash" far less with our lore than most others would.

Each Rune is accompanied by a lovely drawing of a "faery" or if you will, Alf posed in the stoður of that particular Rune. Obviously, the author and/or illustrator have read enough of contemporary Heathen runework to be aware of the stoðar. This, for me at least, increases the book's credibility somewhat, which is a good thing since Froud mentions that he considers Ralph Blum's Runebook to be very wise. It may be that, but it isn't much of a runebook in the narrower sense of the word "Rune" (a stave of the Futhark as opposed to a "mystery" in a broader sense). Blum also encouraged him to create artwork inspired by the Runes. At least Blum did one good thing; the resulting works are beautiful!

For the adult Heathen reader, I recommend this book for its artwork. The Heathen who is also a runester and/or a seiðhr and spae worker will find much to stimulate the imagination, to open possible new fields of exploration and new working techniques. These would particularly include initiating contact with Alfar, Landwights and Huldfok. These of course should be checked with and informed by lore studies and due caution should be exercised. Such workings and relationships are not always safe, especially to the ill-informed or inexperienced!

For the young Heathen, Froud's art will also be appealing, as will Berk's stories. There are little messages all through the book written in Runes, and since a transliteration key is also included in it, The Runes of Elfland could be a really fun way to teach runic literacy to a young Heathen.

Unlike many of the books I review, this one is in print and readily available at a reasonable price. If you note and move on from the non-Heathen bits of the book, I think you will enjoy it as much as I did!

What can I say? On one page I held my breath. On another, I lost it. One page left me in tears, the longing and the recognition were so poignant. When I went to look for that page again, I couldn't find it, like the gold under the rainbow. It will happen to you. At some point you'll discover the page that haunts your dreams, describes your world, or makes you smile.

Ari Berk's exquisitely informed text and Froud's always extraordinary pictures combine to open the world you know is there but have forgotten how to see. The runes, charms, and stories delineate the bargains, the sorrows, and the treasures of the journey.

Get this book. Get copies for your friends. If you've ever heard the voices under your bed and wanted to know their names, or wept at a sunset for no reason, or considered walking through the door at the back of the wardrobe, just in case--get this book. They're playing your song.

In the Age of Technology, it is a testament to myth's eternal power to inspire that a book like "The Runes of Elfland" by Brian Froud and Dr. Ari Berk has come into being. At once whimsical, passionate, solemn, and joyful, each page is a gift, a fresh breeze that blows across the mind and takes the reader to a special place uncorrupted by that which is easily acquired and jealously owned.

Myth and runes are owned by no one; they are tools by which we can escape into the unexplored corners of our minds, and one could want for no better guides than Froud and Berk. The point and counterpoint of the work is exquisitely displayed as you turn each page and presents something certain to affect everyone who looks at the book, if even for a moment.

As always, there is darkness and sensuality in even the most innocent picture, as Froud's faeries peer out from the corners of the pages, yet even the most sinister picture has some measure of beauty. Berk's words are soaring poetry, written with a deft touch that presents a deep scholarship in mythic conventions without being pretentious or pontifical.

While the book claims to be nothing more than, as Berk says, "a process of seeing, listening, and remembering," this is expert and elegant storytelling that respects the reader and the material. In fact, it is even more because through these words and images, we gain (or re-gain) the power to appreciate not only the "landscapes in [our] memory," but the land itself. No matter your spiritual orientation, there is something to be gained and cherished from the journey you take each time you open this wonderful book.

If you are thinking about reading a new series but are hesitant for one reason or another, let this be the review that pushes you to reading these books.

In the "Keeper Martin's Tales" cycle, Stanek creates a magnificent world and characters. The first book, The Kingdoms and the Elves 1, puts the story in motion, introducing a unique world, unique characters and an even better storyline. We follow Adrina as she pieces together the mysterious happenings in the kingdom, Vilmos as he discovers who he really is, and Galan and Seth as they set out to explore their world.

The second book, "The Kingdoms and the Elves 2," continues the momentum of the story, taking you into the heart of the battle to save Great Kingdom and the elves.

The third book, "The Kingdoms and the Elves 3," digs deep into the characters lives, giving us new friends to enjoy and love and great new adventures. Here we discover Edward, Myrial, Under Earth and King's Mate.

The fourth book, "The Kingdoms and the Elves 4," soars through the realms, giving us spectacular stories of the Ever Tree, the Mouth of the World, the Trios, and the Dragon King.

Keeper Martin's Tales is series for all ages, and is some of the best innovative fantasy fiction. It rivals the best Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and all the others have to offer. What a delight!

This book is splendid. I have to say that it started off slightly differently than the first 3 books, but as you get through the book the begining slowly begins to make sense. Stanek shows genius and artistry as he plots the story of Vilmos, Adrina and Seth story. And he has the ability to make you feel what the characters are feeling. When Vilmos had to make his way to the serpent tower, I litterally felt nervous!! There were times when I got through 2 pages in what seemed like half a second because I was so anxious to know what happened next. Everything is just right in this book. There's suspense, horror, humor, romance, and of course magic. Book 4 seems like a big turning point, and I bet the rest of the series is going to be devoted to defeating Sathar. I recommend this book to everyone, of all ages. I and a lot of my friends love these books. If you are someone who hates to read, or know someone who hates to read, Kingdoms and the Elves may just be what they need.

I think Kingdoms and the Elves is an excellent book! It was very suspenseful in some parts and it made you never want to put it down. Robert Stanek, the author of the whole Kingdoms and the Elves series, knows his stuff. He makes you feel like you are right there. Kingdoms and the Elves #4 is the best in the series. The #1 starts slow but so worth with when you are #2 and its all happening! The best part in the book was when Vilmos met Edward the troant and was competing in King's Mate and then when Valam and Seth were in the Trios where they were battling every one. It was, like I said, very descriptive! The things Vilmos and Adrina had to do were fascinating. Robert Stanek has an unbelievable imagination, and is the best author of all times. There aren't really any bad parts in the book, except for #1. I think it is a book series you can't miss reading. It will, most definitely, expand your imagination to a new perspective!

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.

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

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

...ABACAR THE WIZARD is full of wonderful magic and adventure. It will thrill the young kids who are so fascinated with Harry
Potter and bring out the child in any adult who has ever dreamed of magic, wizards, goblins, elves and any other part of Fantasy
they've imagined.

Mr. Erenberger has an unlimited imagination and an awsome writing voice. He accomplished stirring my excitement with his
clever characters and his thrilling storyline.

I only had one small problem with the book and that was the editing of the dialogue. When one character was speaking, it was
hard to figure out which one it was with hardly a break between sentences. I hope this works out better for Mr. Erenberger on
book Two because I for one would love to keep reading his ABACAR THE WIZARD BOOKS! I recommend them highly to
anyone who loves a great Fantasy! Review by: Stacey Bucholz

This story begins in the "Magical Earth," which is just like the normal Earth around 584 AD or so. However the Magical Earth is populated by magical creatures and wizards. An army of goblins and orcs is sweeping across the land. In their path is a dwarven castle/city called Dwarven Pass. The goblins, who are armed with flying warships, wolf-riding infantry, and a hundred thousand orcish infantrymen, attack in a swarm during the night. Only the power of a small boy is able to turn the tide.

I have read several books like this but none of them have so realistically portrayed a midevil battle. Siege machines, bows, crossbows, and even slings are used by the orcs and goblins. If you want to experience a realisic and yet magical battle I would recommend you buy this book.

Take an adventure upon the Magical Earth. The year is 564 AD. The Roman Empire's rule of Europe is being challenged by a fearsome army of goblins. The only power capable of stopping this force is a young wizard named Abacar. Learn how he and his friends travel across Europe in a flying ship, and hnow they deal with dragons, orcs, witches, and other monsters. They also meet many new friends along the way, including elves, dwarves, and a unicorn named Firemane.

(That is what is on the back cover)

This book is chuck full of sword fights. Abacar himself is cool. You have to read the book to know exactly why, but let's just say that he's probably the most powerful wizard ever depicted in any story book. Buy it today you won't be sorry I promise.

The Bridge, Forrest's third and final installation in the story of Tomas the Rhymer, presents a game of intrigue, a game that will determine who controls the pivot-world Midgard (earth). Elfland sickens as it continues to drift from Midgard. The elves grow weaker. On earth, Loki assumes the name and identity of Lucifer. While Loki seeks to sever all ties between Midgard and the other eight realms, Tomas and his allies strive to create a permanent link between the worlds. Owein and Fraine'the twins of the Elves Prophecy'use their unique capabilities to create a bridge that ties Midgard to the other eight realms. This bridge becomes the focal point of conflict. Unable to destroy the bridge, Loki turns to manipulation. The game boils down to a single choice for those who oppose Loki: love or duty? Both bonds cannot be preserved.

A bittersweet novel about choices and perspective, The Bridge brings the story of Tomas to a satisfying end.

For the past week I've been so mesmerized by Jodie Forrest's magical world that I've scarcely been able to concentrate on my work. I love her vivid imagery. I love her rich characters, who seem to be real people, and so much more. I loved the interplay between Tomas and Moira, between Tomas and his twin children, and between the twins themselves. Their relationships were complex and compelling, filled with love and trust and mistrust and rebellion and misunderstanding. This is a book that makes you think about your place in the natural world, in the spiritual world, in your family, among your friends, and in the span of your life.

"The Bridge: The Book of Necessity" is a remarkable, even magical read that satisfies on every level. It surpasses the two excellent earlier volumes of the trilogy, which were also immensely appealing to this journalist whose "fun" reading typically consists of more realistic material. If more fantasy writers had Jodie Forrest's command of language, vivid imagination and ability to develop characters and plots, fantasy would probably become my favorite genre. In addition to its ample entertainment value, Forrest's book feeds the mind. Never "preachy," it gracefully weaves into the narrative issues of the environment, spirituality, the masculine and feminine and more. It's a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding read that goes beyond entertainment to enchantment.