- Mass Market Paperback: 516 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; First THUS edition (4 April 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0060506512
- ISBN-13: 978-0060506513
- Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 10.8 x 2.9 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,116,207 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Intricately plotted, with compelling characters, "The Fifth Ring" by Mitchell Graham is the first volume in an epic fantasy trilogy that tells of a young man's survival against insurmountable odds. Despite a massive defeat decades ago, Karas Duren, Lord of Alor Sator, is again attempting to conquer the neighbouring kingdoms and bring them under one rule - his own. Now the evil ruler holds a weapon of mass destruction: a single ring left over from the Ancients that will allow him to control people and destroy everything and anyone who chooses to oppose him - including his own brother. In a small village, a young boy wins a ring in a fencing tournament. Born and raised on a small farm, Mathew has little contact with the outside world, until the day his father is murdered in front of his eyes. Mat kills the murderer in revenge and must run for his life. Joining him is a mysterious priest, a few friends, and his love, Lara. During his flight Mathew discovers unusual powers in the ring, powers that make him one of the most potent men on the planet - and bring him to Duren's attention...A story of courage, love, and valour, this is epic fantasy at its best.
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First Sentence
KARAS DUREN STRODE DOWN THE HALLS OF HIS PALACE, passing servants and guards alike. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
KARAS DUREN STRODE DOWN THE HALLS OF HIS PALACE, passing servants and guards alike. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Graham's writing is filled to bursting with non-stop action, which takes you into an exciting adventure that is difficult to pull away from. The fifth ring is definitely a very good book but unfortunately it disappoints in some aspects.
I couldn't help relating this book to a Hardy Boys adventure (remember those?) set in a fantasy world. The plot was predictable, basically the same old story, young stable/farm/kitchen/baker boy acquires great power and is hunted across half the world by an extremely evil king or lord. Then throw in a "decides the fate of the world" war between nations and you've got your standard fantasy novel. So don't expect too many surprises. The character development also leaves a lot to be desired as Graham concentrates on only 3 or 4 people, leaving most of the others as one-dimensional puppets.
It would be unfair not to mention that I enjoyed this book and got through it in no time. The writing style is excellent so the story always flows along, sometimes at break neck pace and you might even end up holding your breath. The action scenes are top class and take full advantage of the author's experience in fencing. There is also a good amount of humor which makes it a pleasant read.
I do think that 3 stars is probably a bit harsh, but even though this book was entertaining it doesn't quite make it on par with 4 star books such as the sword of shadow series by J.V Jones. And it doesn't come near 5 star books by Martin, Erikson and Hobb. I believe 3.5 stars is fair.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
THE STORY:
A mad and cruel king has found several powerful ancient rings. As he launches his attempt to conquer the world, however, it becomes clear that another ring has fallen into the hands of a young swordsman who could stand in the king's way.
A mad and cruel king has found several powerful ancient rings. As he launches his attempt to conquer the world, however, it becomes clear that another ring has fallen into the hands of a young swordsman who could stand in the king's way.
WHAT'S GOOD:
This book has all the building blocks of good fantasy; characters who are ripped from simple lives, cruel and monstrous creatures, a mad villain and a great war. Added to this solid mix is the author's own fencing interests, giving the story an extra layer of realism. You'll find yourself sympathising with the heroes and wishing death on the villains, no doubt.
WHAT'S BAD:
This book sticks a touch too closely to the building blocks I've mentioned. The attempt to suggest that the book's setting is our own world post-apocalypse is nothing new either. Ultimately, I felt that most of the book was too strong an echo of other fantasies (it seemed particularly akin to 'The Eye Of The World' to me).
An entertaining fantasy, but nothing groundbreaking.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The evil king is brought a few ancient rings, the product of a vanished society... Our hero, Mathew, accidentally finds The Fifth Ring... and slowly develops "technological" powers - standard fantasy fare. When you read the political background to the war, and realise that the narrative is inconsistent with the map in the front of the book, it starts to be funny. Then Mathew and his pals start "firing" arrows (in the dark, of course, and never missing). But when Mathew goes into the stable and finds that "someone had stacked several large oil drums" it's become a hoot. I just can't put this book down!
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