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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Different,
By
This review is from: Freedom's Gate (Mass Market Paperback)
While not certain what I had expected from this book, this was not it. I think I bought it expecting a hard-core fantasy. But it was in fact a book that delved on the psychological effects of life on us. Are we able to change our roles or do we stay stuck in the mold of which we have been formed? Of course, it was also a highly enjoyable fantasy read. Twenty-year old Lauria is the favorite aide to Kyros, a powerful military officer. On his authority, she is messenger, observer and spy. Now she is entrusted with a mission more dangerous than any that have come before. After years of peace, word has come to Kyros' compound that the bandit tribe known as the Alashi is planning an offensive. It is up to Lauria to infiltrate the Alashi by posing as an escaped slave - a charge that requires that she serve in the household of a neighboring officer. From there, she will stage an escape and continue on in her guise as a runaway. But posing as a slave - a virgin concubine - may prove the least of her troubles. For even if she does escape and the Alashi do accept her, how can this freeborn woman convince them that she is a slave, not a spy? And, worse, what if her own views are gradually changing, calling everything she believes about her world into question?
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews) 8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best of fantasy writing,
By M. Keating "Avid Reader-MN" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Freedom's Gate (Mass Market Paperback)
Freedom's Gate is a wonderful read. Other reviewers have nicely presented the plot, so I'll write about the writing. Ms Kritzer presents ancient Kazakhstan with a believable fantasy twist. Lots of writers are using the djinn as their entrée to fantasy writing. Ms Kritzer presents the djinn as an intrinsic part of the story rather than the entire story. I'm continually impressed by this author's ability to serve up a dollop of history so skillfully that the reader doesn't realize that she has had a history lesson.
The writing in each of Ms Kritzer's books is beyond criticism. She never takes her readers for granted, her grammar and word usage is impeccable, the editing is sterling. She exemplifies great writing that also entertains splendidly. I heartily recommend this book and each of the previous volumes as well. You might as well buy this one. You'll want to reread it. 7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent writing, and the author doesn't cheat,
By Esther Schindler - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Freedom's Gate (Mass Market Paperback)
Too many fantasy novels are predictable. I'm not speaking only of those wherein the hero or heroine has to collect "plot coupons" (get the sword, pick up the magic stone, take them to the castle or you do not pass Go or collect $200). All too often, the author puts the main character in a situation that is obvious: she has to realize or accomplish Something Important and gosh, you think she will?
In this novel (and in her previous series), Kritzer avoids these traps. Others have summarized the story pretty well: our heroine is the servant of a big cheese among the longtime Greek conquerers (in an alternate history wherein Alexander lived to a ripe old age before ascending to godhood, and wherein djinn have been enslaved). She's sent on a mission to inflitrate the "bad guys"... and ends up rethinking everything she knows about her society. The characters are well-drawn, even the minor ones. The writing held my attention. But what really impressed me was how often Kritzer surprised me: Lauria doesn't take the simple way out, she agonizes over her changing opinions, and at the end she is a very real, believeable character. This isn't a huge tome, either: it's suitable for a fun weekend read, not a lifelong commitment. Recommended. 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
fascinating character-driven fantasy,
By L. Shrake "sfred66" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Freedom's Gate (Mass Market Paperback)
Freedom's Gate is the kind of book that immerses you in the life of the main character, as though Lauria were a living, breathing person taking you along on her journey. I felt as though I had been given a glimpse into her soul, as well as her life and experiences. Her journey, as well as the people she meets and befriends transform Lauria. I really liked the way this first book in the Dead Rivers trilogy had a satisfying conclusion of its own, while it left me wondering what adventures, trials and mishaps would befall Lauria on the next leg of her quest for self-discovery. Highly recommended for anyone who loves character driven fantasy.I definitely plan to check out the next books in her series. |
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