Return of the Guardian-King (Legends of the Guardian-King)

Book Description

The powerful finale to the Christy Award-winning novels in the LEGENDS OF THE GUARDIAN-KING series Believed dead by all but the handful of supporters who rescued him from his Mataian enemies, Abramm Kalladorne has fled his homeland to the high mountains of northern Chesedh. Traveling under a new name with a group of bitter and increasingly desperate fellow exiles, Abramm hopes to reunite with his wife in Chesedh, where he will offer his services to her father in fighting the invading armies of the Black Moon. But with every step he is hindered, delayed, and diverted from the direction he desires to go, and it soon becomes clear Eidon has other plans for him. In the royal city of Fannath Rill, Maddie alone believes Abramm still lives. But since she has no proof, her friends, family, and public opinion press her to remarry. With its neighboring realms now under enemy control, Chesedh has become the last bastion of Eidon’s Light. Desperately overmatched, it cannot survive on its own. Yet the rich, handsome eastern warlord who is openly courting Maddie has a vast fleet of galley ships that could turn the tide in Chesedh’s favor....

Customer Reviews:

I loved this series!.......2007-09-19

This is a great ending to a wonderful story. Karen Hancock has my vote for Great Modern Writer of Christian Allegory.

A Tour de Force!.......2007-07-08

I have loved Karen Hancock's books ever since discovering The Light of Eidon. Except for The Lord of the Rings, I rarely if ever read sci/fi or fantasy, but once I opened the first page of the first of her 4-part series, I was enthralled with Abramm Kalladorne and his spiritual journey. Each book in the series has been a wonderful tale of adventure, friendship, spiritual growth and maturity, with all the things that make for good storytelling--heroism, valor, sacrifice, great secondary characters, wonderful edge-of-your-seat cliffhanger chapter endings, against-all-odds battles, romance, you name it, Hancock knows how to deliver!
But the best part of all is her underlying spiritual themes. It's the 'pilgrim's progress' of an individual's coming to know the Truth and then learning how to walk in truth. I was brought to tears in so many places during her narratives as her characters went through testings and then received great rewards.

Finale not to be missed.......2007-06-04

Karen Hancock's final book is spellbinding and a fitting end to this wonderful fantasy/allegorical series. The faith and love of Abramm, Maddie and Trap are tested more than ever before and their responses are genuine and heartfelt. The reader has little difficulty imagining the land, the people and the intricate politics of the warring countries as Karen's writing is of the highest calibre. The characters' individual struggles are portrayed so well that I was fully invested in the outcomes of their choices. The tension between Trap and Carissa and their languishing marriage was excellent and juxtaposed beautifully with Abramm and Maddie's seemingly unfounded commitment to each other despite their physical separation. Staffids, shapeshifters and the purging of physical evil by the cleansing light of Eidon are vivid allegorical descriptions of our own lives.

Return of the Guardian King is engrossing, entertaining and challenging. The message at it's heart is powerful and not to be missed. This is a landmark series to be enjoyed more than once.

Good Conclusion.......2007-05-27

An enjoyable end to the Legends series. Lots of action, romance and well done Christian allegory. The writing could have been a bit crisper and i missed the political intrigue of the earlier books. It is always hard to read a final book because you know the hero wins its just a question of how and who dies along the way.

The Review Unwritten.......2007-05-23

I finished reading it late last week and I cannot get it out of my head. I envision shadowspawn in my laundry basket, I see dragons in my dreams. I have so much to write, but my hands are bound. I can't spoil it for you! That would just be wrong. So, I'll say nothing. Nothing at all.

Well, okay. Just a little.

You will never forget the simply delicious new character, Draek Tiris. Handsome, eloquent, rich, and set to win Maddie. And to think he's - Uh oh! There I go. I can't tell you or it will ruin everything.

Okay then, here's something. There are so many emotionally poignant moments. I broke down and cried when Maddie discovers her sons are - Oh! I can't tell you that either! Never mind.

But I can tell you about Abramm, of course. Abramm and the importance of the dragon insignia on his coat of arms, and the same emblem tattooed on his arm. Remember that? From the first book? It is all woven together so beautifully and comes to a magnificent climax when - No!

Gillard! You'll be blown away, truly blown away by Gillard's - Sigh. Not even that.

I can't tell you anything, except read it. Read. It. And if you haven't read the previous books, you should, but you don't necessarily have to, to enjoy this one, but why wouldn't you? Just read them all.

Average customer rating:

One of the best editions ever!
Wonderful Book... Worth Every Penny
Good, if You Like this Genre
Lord of the Rings boxed set review.
One "Ring" to rule them all

The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R. Tolkien
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0618260587

Book Description

Three-volume boxed set edition lavishly illustrated in full color by Alan Lee

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, The Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth still it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell, by chance, into the hands of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins.

From his fastness in the Dark Tower of Mordor, Sauron's power spread far and wide. He gathered all the Great Rings to him, but ever he searched far and wide for the One Ring that would complete his dominion.

On his eleventy-first birthday, Bilbo dissapeared bequeathing to his young cousin, Frodo, the Ruling Ring, and a perilous quest: to journey across Middle-earth, deep into the shadow of the Dark Lord and destroy the Ring by casting it into the Cracks of Doom.

The Lord of the Rings tells of the great quest undertaken by Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring: Gandalf the wizard, the hobbits Merry, Pippin and Sam, Gimli the Dwarf, Legolas the Elf, Boromir of Gondor, and a tall, mysterious stranger called Strider.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best editions ever!.......2007-08-01

What else should I say? Alan Lee is t h e perfect illustrator for this epic work of literature!

Wonderful Book... Worth Every Penny.......2007-07-23

I recieved this book and the artwork on the novels in fantastic. It really gives the books a great look and I have had fellow friends and family comment on how wonderful the artwork is too.

The whole Lord of the Rings novel is split into the three parts making it a trilogy, like the movies. This makes for easy handling of the book while reading instead of readind and trying to hold a 1000 or more page novel in your bed or in a chair.

This novel has a great story to it. Anybody looking for a great long novel would definetly enjoy this one. It gives a lot of background into the characters and really helps their image develop in your mind.

This product is an A+ for me and they couldn't have done it any better.

Good, if You Like this Genre.......2007-06-14

You can't say you didn't get what you paid for. These colossal books, filled with adventures, can certainly keep a person occupied, but as a general warning, these aren't those "glove-fits-all" books. You have to be in the mindset for an epic fantasy battle, and though I wasn't, my classmates who read the entire trilogy absolutely adored the stories. I would highly recommend reading The Hobbit before attempting to digest the trilogy, just so the concepts of hobbits, wizards, and Middle Earth, will be old hat.

Lord of the Rings boxed set review........2007-05-14

An mesmerising tale beautifully presented in this illustrated boxed set. The Lord of the Rings is the ultimate tale of good versus evil set in the enchanting landscape created by Tolkien that is Middle Earth.
I would recommend this edition to anyone who wants to embark on this wonderfully exciting quest with Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin.
An excellent edition!

One "Ring" to rule them all.......2007-05-06

Though J.R.R. Tolkien was not the first or most critically-acclaimed fantasy writer, he remains the most beloved and influential, even though "Lord of the Rings" is decades old.

Now with the epic movie trilogy based on this book, new waves of readers are discovering the unique power of the "Lord of the Rings." Tolkien's classic is a timeless tale of good and evil, written in a detailed, powerful style, set in a fictional world of staggering detail and haunting beauty.

Following up on events in "The Hobbit," "The Fellowship of the Ring" opens with the hobbit Bilbo Baggins departing from the Shire, after many years of living as the town eccentric. He reluctantly leaves his treasured ring of invisibility to his adventurous nephew Frodo, and vanishes into the wild with some dwarves.

But Gandalf the wizard, informs Frodo that the Ring is really the Ring of Power, a powerful item that the demonic Dark Lord Sauron has poured his essence and power into. And if Sauron can regain the Ring, he will be able to conquer Middle-Earth. Aghast, Frodo joins a fellowship of Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, Men and a wizard, to go to the one place where the Ring can be destroyed: Mount Doom.

"The Two Towers" begins directly after "Fellowship," after Frodo Baggins flees with his friend Sam into Mordor, with no one to protect them. His cousins Merry and Pippin are kidnapped by orcs from the renegade wizard Saruman. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli begin a frenetic search for the hobbits, and receive unexpected help from unlikely allies. Meanwhile, the Ring weighs more heavily on Frodo, as he is forced to get help from one of the people he most despised: the Ring's slave Gollum.

"Return of the King" brings the trilogy to an action-packed, slam-bang and ultimately poignant finale. Sam barely rescues Frodo from Sauron's orcs, and the two resume their journey to Mount Doom, barely escaping Sauron's forces. As Aragorn leads the desperate battle against Sauron's armies at the city of Minas Tirith, Frodo falls increasingly under the seductive spell of the Ring.

"Lord of the Rings" is indeed a powerful book, and its timeless messages and quests have shaped the fantasy genre, and crossed the boundaries of literary fiction. At its core it's about the fight of good versus evil, and how "little people" can have a strength and willpower that the great and mighty can't even begin to understand.

And Middle-Earth is a pretty astounding universe -- not just because Tolkien created a rich back-history for it, but because of the feeling of mystery that hangs around its corners, whether it's dead soldiers or slumbering tree-men. And of course rich cultures of Men, ancient wizards, the stately melancholy elves, and the tough dwarves -- as well as the idyllic Shire, a sort of ancient British countryside which is threatened by corruption.

Tolkien's writing is evocative and descriptive, though not to extremes; an elf rider is simple described as shining like a light behind a veil. The story is wrapped in a wide range of dialogue -- from Sam's folksy chat to the Elves' ethereal, formal songs -- and the pacing is slow and gradual, but kept alive by sudden twists of the plot. The first several chapters are kind of slow-moving, but by the time our heroes get to Bree, the pace picks up.

Frodo Baggins is an everyman hero, who dreams of adventure but begins to treasure the simple, boring life that he had once he is deprived of it. His deteriotation is saddening, all the more so because he is aware of it. The equally vibrant cast also includes Gandalf the crabby grandfatherly wizard, Sam Gamgee the loyal gardener, and a variety of kings, elves, dwarves, and more lovable little hobbits.

Even after all the years, J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" still rules the fantasy genre and has become an integral part of modern literature. It's an epic for all ages, and few books have even come close to equalling it.

Ultimate X-Men Vol. 6: Return of The King

Average customer rating:

Magneto is back for his rematch with the Ultimate X-Men
The Ultimate Tale of The Ultimate Heroes
Contains "Ultimate X-Men" issues 26-33 (Not Just for Kids)
Covers Ultimate X-Men # 26-33
X-cellent!

Ultimate X-Men Vol. 6: Return of The King
Mark Millar , David Finch , and Adam Kubert
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Ultimate X-Men Vol. 5: Ultimate War
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ASIN: 0785110917

Book Description

Magneto, the X-Men's deadliest villain, returns. They've faced the Weapon X program, Proteus and even the superhuman strikeforce known as The Ultimates. Now, still licking their wounds from their prior battles, can Xavier's mutant team possibly survive the return of their most powerful foe?

Customer Reviews:

Magneto is back for his rematch with the Ultimate X-Men.......2004-02-28

One thing that was always impressive about the X-Men was that it was one of the few superhero comic books where the definitive villain popped up in the first issue. Of course we are talking about Magneto the Mutant Master of Magneticism. The same thing was true for "Ultimate X-Men," where Marvel essentially restarted the series in contemporary times, reconceptualizing some of the core elements. For example, this time around the original X-Men combine Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast and Iceman from the first lineup with Storm and Colossus from the second (with Wolverine being recruited from the dark side so that he can appear on every cover of the trade paperback reprints). The result is a lot of familiar items are condensed into each story arc, which is then collected into a trade paperback.

"The Return of the King" is Volume 6 in the "Ultimate X-Men" series and the title, of course, refers to Magneto. In the first volume in the series the X-Men fought Magneto and not only defeated him, but also apparently killed him. However, this turned out to be one of Professor X's mind games; he convinced Magneto that he was Erik Lensheer, unaware of his past life as a mutant terrorist. When the Brotherhood of Mutants discovers Magneto is still alive they find him and remove the mental blocks Xavier had placed in his minds. We are now back to the beginning in many ways, except this time around both Magneto and all the homo sapiens are very wary. In fact, the Bush Administration has Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. going after all the mutants, including the X-Men. Since they already have Xavier in custody, stopping Magneto is going to be a problem.

Actually, stopping Magneto is always a problem. For a long time I have been convinced that Magneto would actually win and the reason I liked the first volume of this series so much was that I thought it recognized this fact by having Professor X and the X-Men going up against Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants go at it just once for all the marbles. In the end Magneto should have been dead because he should be unstoppable in a rematch; indeed, look at what ends up doing in this one, extending his magnetic reach across the entire planet. Besides, if you can explode nuclear reactors, why stop at just one? Magneto is simply the most dangerous super villain in the Marvel (or Ultimate) universe. When they were retooling him they should have ratcheted down his power level a couple of notches (Actually, they should do the same thing for Xavier as well).

But since Magneto winning would mean coming up with a new title for the comic book, Magneto has to be defeated. Once again the key is getting his helmet off of his head and while I like the way that happens this time around, I still do not really buy that anybody could get close enough to actually do it. Besides, as is often the case with these Ultimate titles, things end up reflecting the blockbuster movies (e.g., Magneto, living in a plastic cage). Clearly one of the defining elements of the X-Men today is the relationship between Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr and the first issue of "Return of the King" provides an encapsulated version of their history (as well as a new explanation for how Xavier ended up in his wheelchair). Certainly there is something to be said for the ongoing debate that the pair have been having for over a decade.

Collected in "Return of the King" are issues #26-33 of "Ultimate X-Men," written by Mark Millar, and illustrated by Adam Kubert and David Finch, with Ray and Ben Lai. The most interesting addition to the X-Men mythos this time around is the sub-plot in which Wolverine finds a way to get Cyclops out of the way so that he can make a move on Jean Grey, especially given the intriguing idea that Logan and Scott are Charles and Eric, the next generation. Most of the relationships between the Ultimate X-Men (e.g., Colossus and Wolverine, Beast and Storm) are more interesting as well. Sometimes I think the "Ultimate X-Men" is overloaded with ideas, but for those who remember Marvel's Mery Mutants from the very beginning the changes are always something to think about.

Final Question: Since the Ultimate version of Nick Fury is African-American (apparently there were Howlin' Commandos in the Vietnam War), does that explain why Colin Powell was omitted from the White House discussions while Dick Chaney and Donald Rumsfeld were not? Just curious at that rather interesting omission.

The Ultimate Tale of The Ultimate Heroes.......2003-11-26

This TP collection contains the finest story arc yet for The Ultimate X-Men. Magneto is loose. The Ultimates want him after he has massacred hundreds of innocents in bridge collapse, and they figure the best way to get him is through The X-Men. Meanwhile, romantic jealousies lead to tragedy and betrayal as the Wolverine, Scott Summers , Jean Grey triangle goes over the boiling point. This series coincided with The Ultimate War, which you should read as well. Heck, read The Ultimates so you understand what this is all about. Great art, breathtaking plot twists and the great dialogue that only Mark Millar can provide. Don't miss this collection!

Contains "Ultimate X-Men" issues 26-33 (Not Just for Kids).......2003-09-03

I have the hardcover "Ultimate X-Men" volumes 1 and 2 [covering issues 1-25] and the paperback, "Ultimate War". The title page includes a brief synopsis that should help you understand what's going on if you haven't read the earlier volumes. If you want a roll call, this volume includes the "ultimate" line versions of Magneto, Professor X, Dr. Moira MacTaggert, Nick Fury, Sabretooth, Multiple Man, Mastermind, Nightcrawler, Forge, the Blob, Iceman, Colossus, Storm, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Cyclops, Shadowcat, Rogue, and a mutant called Detonator whom I have not run across in the regular Marvel X-Men, but I'm still catching up. There's also a cameo by another mutant, but I don't want to spoil the surprise.

This book opens by showing us how Magneto and Prof. X worked together, how their friendship deteriorated over several years, and, in more detail, how Magneto crippled Xavier. Then it moves into the present day and Magneto's progress on his refuge for mutants as well as the unpleasant scene where he deals with plans for a satellite mutant tracker. Meanwhile, the X-Men-in-hiding are dealing with Magneto's brotherhood in the hope of rehabilitating their image.

Is the rumor that Wolverine deliberately left Cyclops to die in the Savage Land true?

In the grand tradition of comic book villains, Magneto tells our heroes something of his frightful plan for eliminating the human-mutant relations problem. The X-Men have only a week to find Magneto's hiding place and save the world. (Let me just say that a machine, different from and much more powerful than the one used in the first X-Men movie, is involved.) The final battle certainly kept my interest.

During most of the action, Professor X is being held prisoner in a S.H.I.E.L.D. detention camp for mutants suspected of being terrorists. He refuses to betray his students, of course. I reread his words of encouragement to a fellow prisoner after rereading earlier volumes and those words became a little unnerving near the end. Why?

Because of what Prof. X tells Nick Fury and what he tells Magneto when they meet again late in the book. You won't have to have read the earlier volumes to speculate on whether or not Xavier is telling the truth. I'm afraid that he *is* telling the truth. If so, that would explain a couple of his moves in earlier volumes that I found incredibly stupid -- and would make this version of Prof. X a little scary.

Ignore the "9-12" age group recommendation. While they might enjoy the action, I think you need to be older than that to fully appreciate this book.

Covers Ultimate X-Men # 26-33.......2003-08-29

First keep in mind that this should be considered an alternate universe version of the X-Men. That way you won't be screaming about the differences from the regular comics. If you've already read through volume 5, "Ultimate War", the opening does not pick up where that left off. It traces the rise and fall of the partnership between Professor Xavier and Magneto for the first 20 pages or so.

Magneto is getting ready to destroy the entire human race, except for a token man and woman. The X-Men are in hiding, although they do make an attempt to rehabilitate their image and track down Magneto. Prof. X has been moved to that detention unit for mutants in Cuba that was threatned in "Ultimate War". Cyclops is not dead (was anyone expecting he would be?), but he's not in good condition. Of course the X-Men will save the day, Prof. X will escape, and Magneto will be foiled, but there'll be plenty of fighting, explosions, and a threatened nuclear meltdown.

Loved the part where Storm meets the Beast's parents, not to mention having my suspicion about Xavier's cat confirmed.

The final scene between Xavier and Magneto is my favorite part of the book.

X-cellent!.......2003-08-17

I enjoyed this volume greatly! This picks up from the very badly drawn volume five, the X-Men are recovering from their attack from the Ultimates, and Professor X is still held captive. Many things are revealed in this volume...and the action is extraordinary! I was a bit disappointed that the cover isn't how it's viewed on this page (of course it has Wolverine on the front; but that pic wtih Magneto rocks), but I got over it. Buy your copy today!!!

The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

Inglis' Narration is the perfect complement to the perfect trilogy
Not Free SF Reader
SUPERB!!!!!!
Gold
The Greatest Climax and Longest Falling Action of All Time

The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, Book 3)
J.R.R. Tolkien , and Rob Inglis
Manufacturer: Recorded Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0788789848

Book Description

In the third volume of The Lord of the Rings trilogy the good and evil forces join battle, and we see that the triumph of good is not absolute. The Third Age of Middle-earth ends, and the age of the dominion of Men begins.

Customer Reviews:

Inglis' Narration is the perfect complement to the perfect trilogy.......2007-10-01

I listen to a lot of books on tape. Every once in a while I come across a narrator who is perfectly suited to the work. I don't mean a narrarator who has a good voice, I mean a narrator whose voice brings the story alive. Rob Inglis is such a narrator in all three books in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Each character is clearly identifiable by his uncanny ability produce dozens of distinct voices. I've listened to other audio versions of Tolkien's works. Those narrarated by Rob Inglis are the only ones that I've found worth the purchase.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

While Tolkien's epic has its obvious flaws : the blatant racism,
simplistic politics and superiority of Westerners he beats you over the
head with, the wonderful setting is not to be denied.

Pitched battle as decoy is not too bad a stunt either, as they try and given Sam and Frodo more time to destroy the One Ring.

After this, the repercussions of this war for Middle-Earth are felt closer to home for the four fuzzy short guys.

SUPERB!!!!!!.......2007-08-31

I have bought the lord of the rings in all it's form since becoming interested in all things tolkien 25 years ago and the trilogy in this form is absolutely superb. Rob inglis's voice and narration really complement the book brilliantly. Excellent stuff.

Gold.......2007-07-23

I just finished reading the book, and now I am listening to it starting with the hobbit straight through the return of the king because I read them that way and I think the hobbit is in a way a part of the lord of the rings. its 60+ hours total but its worth it the narrator is great, I would of course recommend actually reading it before listening to it because as the story is a big journey, so is reading the book, its a very long story and part of appreciating it is working your way through it and for those that say "Oh I saw the movies", There is ALOT that the movies left out and gives the story a new feel. Since I read it long after seeing the movies I was not prepared for what I read, there are so many small parts that either were left out or changed slightly that its like reading a story you don't know entirely. I have to say that I love the movies and if not for them I would never have wanted to read the books. If the only way you are willing to experience the book is audiobook only then I still recommend it because they are wonderful books, my favorite actually. If you do read them first, finishing them does feel great, like a journey complete.

The Greatest Climax and Longest Falling Action of All Time.......2007-07-17

At the school where I teach, I've got a very nice little model of Tolkien's city of Minas Tirith on my desk. I'll always love the first several chapters of The Return of the King for its focus on that city-on-the-brink, and for the apocalyptic battle against the witch king of Angmar and his minions. And the great news is, that's just the beginning of the book!

Book V, the first part of Return of the King, picks up with the fate of all Middle Earth teetering on the very doorstep of destruction at the hands of Lord Sauron's most powerful ringwraith servant. Aragorn and company forge a last alliance between the human kingdoms of Rohan and Gondor that serve to stem the Dark Lord's tide while Frodo and Sam inch ever closer to their final destiny ... and the ring's (chronicled in the first three chapters of Book VI).

Just as The Fellowship of the Ring lovingly spent several chapters establishing a world that needs to be saved, this final installment of Tolkien's master trilogy spends several chapters wrapping it up when the major danger has passed. It seems old J.R.R. was reluctant to leave, but don't be fooled (or over-spoiled by Peter Jackson's abridged movie ending). The uprising in the Shire, which serves as falling action and conclusion, does what so few stories of this scope ever do: wraps up every loose end and shuts the door on the story in a way that made it virtually impossible to sequelize. And Tolkien is to be credited for that.

(This review has been posted by Marcus Damanda, author of the vampire fantasy, "Teeth.")

Average customer rating:

Very Cool Story!
deltora quest return to del
The Final Hour
A marvelous return!
Return to Sanity

Return to Del (Deltora Quest, 8)
Emily Rodda
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0439253306

Customer Reviews:

Very Cool Story!.......2006-07-07

My name is Andrew. I am 7 years old. (My daddy helped me write this.) I liked when the seven ak-baba swooped down from the tower. And then it was cool when Lief put on the belt and destroyed the Ols and drew away the ak-baba.

You should read this book because it is very interesting and you'll read about a lot of monsters and magic.

deltora quest return to del.......2006-03-18

In this book lief , jasmine and barda battle numorise monsters in the world of deltora.in the book the chacters are lief , jasmine and barda.
i think this is a good book its filled with adveturs and combat.
the main point in this book is to get all 8 gems and put them back on the belt and find the hier.there are 8 books but there are more colletions.the evil shadow lord cast a spell over deltora lief , jasmine and barda are trying to stop him the 8 gems were taken by the aka-babes they've been live for 500-1000 years.i think you should read this book if u like a advetures.

The Final Hour.......2005-09-04

This is most defenantly the best book of the series (at least the origanal Deltora Quests)! Others follow closly, but the end of the story and all the secrets revealed takes the cake! The climax gives just the right tone- choas and desparation. Excellent!

A marvelous return!.......2005-07-10

Having all seven gems, our three heroes are on their way home to announce the heir, with seven chosen ones to guide them.Each chosen one represents a gem and together thay are the belt.The last book is a confusing and long book.There are betrayals, secrets, mysteries and hopes.All beleifs will be clashed as loved ones will be killed, and all may be lost.But this powerful and beautiful world will show its triumph as they pass the lake of tears, and it's deaths as they pass the evil city of the rats.Lief, Barda and Jasmine have many ideas on who the true heir will be.They search all areas, up in trees and down in tunnels, and also in the imperial palace.Where hope will be lost, hope may be gained in this thrilling book.This book concluded the whole series extremely well, and for once I was truly satisfied.

Return to Sanity.......2005-02-05

I bought these books once with my own money and could not put them down. My life was hectic I was scared and when "The Valley of the Lost" came out and I bought it I was even more scared. That's right I was addicted to Deltora Quest. And when I finished "The Valley of the Lost" I thought some thing was missing...I don't maybe it was the fact the Shadowlord was still there? And then it came the answer to my dreams and prayers: "The Return to Del". I danced I laughed, I threw a party that served sodas! And when I finally read it was the best book I'd ever read in my life. You'll laugh! You'll cry! You'll mostly cry! IN HAPPINESS!!!!!! All you Questaholics (the Skittish term for Deltora Quest lovers) will love it.

Average customer rating:

Amazing
The Once and Future King
Avalon: Intreging
Bland Cliches
Fitting Conclusion to Lawhead's Arthurian Epic

Avalon:: The Return of King Arthur
Stephen R. Lawhead
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Grail (The Pendragon Cycle, Book 5)
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Taliesin: Book One of the Pendragon Cycle

ASIN: 0380977028
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Book Description

The hour fortold has come at last! Edward the Ninth, reprobate King of England, is dead and a proud an venerable institution is to be buried with him. A new political order--encouraged by an ambitious Prime Minister and supported by a public wearied by a succession of royal scandals--is about to render the old obsolete. With signed abdications of all potential throne claimants already in P.M. Thomas Waring's hands, it is a near-certainty that the British monarchy will not survive the twenty-first century.

But in the Scottish Highlands, a young man makes a remarkable discovery that will change the seemingly unaltered path of his beleaguered nation. For Captain James Arthur Stuart is not the commoner he has always believed himself to be, but rather the scion of an obscure branch of the royal family, raised in ignorance of his true station. Even more astonishing, the monarch-to-be does not merely share the name of the legendary King of Summer--he is, in fact, King Arthur reborn!

Claiming a throune, however, is one thing, while holding it is quite another, as James--now ruling the land as Arthur II--turns to those most beloved and most loyal for support, guidance, and assistance: his adored wife, Jennifer; his best friend, Calum; and his enigmantic and mystical advisor, a certain Mr. Embries.. better known as "Merlin." Their road will be rocky and perilous, and there are powerful enemies arrayed against them--not only Prime Minister Waring and his ruthless political machine, but the forces of an ancient, far more potent , destructive evil. For Arthur is not the only one who has returned--and Merlin's magic is not the only sorcery that has survived the centuries.

With Avalon, one of the premier voices in the literature of the fantastic offers us an unparalleled adventure as replete with bravery, treacher, romance, and magic as the beloved tales of the Table Round, yet cast in a setting as recognizably real as that which surrounds us.

Download Description

It has been fortold: In the hour of Britain's greatest need, King Arthur will return to rescue his people.

In Portugal, the reprobate King Edward the Ninth has died by his own hand.

In England, a dark scenario conceived by the power-hungry Prime Minister, Thomas Waring, is about to be realized: the total destruction of the British monarchy in the twenty-first century.

And in the Scottish Highlands, a mystical emissary named Mr. Embries--better known as "Merlin"--informs a young captain that he is next in line to occupy the throne. For James Arthur Stuart is not the commoner he has always believed himself to be--he is Arthur, the legendary King of Summer, reborn. But the road to England's salvation is rocky and dangerous, with powerful waiting to ambush: Waring and his ruthless political machine...and the agents of an ancient, far more potent evil. For Arthur is not the only one who has returned from the mists of legend. And Merlin's magic is not the only sorcery that has survived the centuries.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2006-12-04

A High King has risen out of the midst of his people. By his side stand a wise councilor, a beautiful Queen, and faithful companions. This man has a vision of peace and prosperity, but to make that dream a reality he must overcome a terrible evil and a petty Prime Minister. That's right; Arthur is no longer a mythical figure from the dark ages. He lives on in Steven R. Lawhead's masterpiece about near-future England.
Everything changes when King Edward the Ninth dies and leaves the government with the means to dissolve the monarchy. For most of England, this event comes almost as relief. The monarchy has been in steady decline and nearly everyone is saying "good riddance" to the whole thing. James Stewart only wants to hold-on to the home that was left for him by his parents and which is being battled over by numerous people with claims to the property. When James comes home and discovers a man -who identifies himself only as Embries -his life changes completely. This book does not take the story of King Arthur and magically transform it into a modern tale. It carries it on, fulfilling the prophecy of Arthur's return. "The throne of Britain shall become an iniquity to the nation, and a reproach to the people, ere Arthur returns. But, when Avallon shall rise again in Llyonesse, and the Thamesis reverse its course, then also shall Arthur take up the kingship of his nation once more."- Anerin, the Black Book of Anerin (ca. 643)-preface of Avalon. Avalon goes far beyond the traditions of Arthurian tales, and yet the Old World feel and enchantment remain unchanged. Whether or not he ever drew a breath or sword, Arthur inspired anyone who heard his tale. Now we have a new hero; James Stuart.
Lawhead's genius is apparent in his characterizations. No matter how absurd the idea of a reincarnated King Arthur may seem, James is completely believable. He is confident and modest, and feels like a real person. I found myself wishing that I could be present at one of his awe-inspiring speeches. Arthur's closest friends and allies have also reappeared. Everyone fits into modern society perfectly, while retaining qualities that instantly identify them. Jenny is strong, and supportive; just as before, she is James' backbone. Cal McKay is James' fiercely loyal best friend; "the brother James' parents never got around to giving him." Even Prime Minister Waring is portrayed flawlessly as the ladder climbing politician whose entire life's work is crumbling out from under him.
This book has something for everyone; Arthurian legend, political intrigue, fantasy, romance, adventure -you name it. There are places where suspended disbelief is necessary, but in a book this amazing it doesn't matter. At just over 400 pages, Avalon is not a book for someone looking for a quick read, but once you start, putting it down ceases to be an option.
Stephen R. Lawhead is the author of many other wonderful books. His works include The Pendragon Cycle, the Dragon King Trilogy, and The Song of Albion trilogy. The Pendragon Cycle is recommended for anyone who would like more background on Lawhead's version of King Arthur's tale; it consists of five books, each of which tells a story leading up to or about Arthur, beginning with that of his grandfather; Taliesin. Avalon can certainly stand by itself, but these novels give further insight into the story.

The Once and Future King.......2006-08-02

England is in turmoil. The ineffective king, Edward the Ninth, has committed suicide. Prime Minister Thomas Waring is one referendum away from abolishing the monarcy. And James Arthur Stuart, a Scottish commoner and former army officer, is about to find out that he is the rightful heir to the throne. "Avalon", the final book in Stephen Lawhead's 'Pendragon Cycle', is a fitting conclusion to the Arthurian legend of a king who was, and will be again.

When James Arthur Stuart finds out he is heir to the throne, he is dumbfounded to say the least; and when he is told that he is the legendary King Arthur reborn, he finds himself remembering his previous life in spite of his doubts. It is his task, along with his advisor M. Embries, better known as Merlin, to reignite the British peoples desire for a monarcy and defeat the power-hungry Waring at dangerous cost. Set in a modern/near-future time, "Avalon" is a departure from the rest of the series. Yet Lawhead brings the same intensity to detail and legend to the last book of the series. Mixed into James' life is a cast of characters from Arthurian legend, and the circumstances of his life fall uniquely in line with that of Arthur's own upbringing. While the plots of the previous five books have played out on battlefields full of blood and gore, "Avalon" is played out in the field of politics, an all too telling look at a probable reality.

Lawhead has done a tremendous job at bringing the Arthurian legends to new life. While there are moments in "Avalon" that are trite and push the limits of reality, the story is a fitting piece of the legendary puzzle. Although it already pushes 500 pages, the ending seems to come too quickly for all the previous buildup, and leaves readers wishing for just a little more.

Avalon: Intreging .......2005-08-04

This story is intreging and has an interensting view on the return of King Author. It acts as a prolog to the Pendragon Cycle.

Bland Cliches.......2004-10-25

Stephen Lawhead has always been hit and miss with me. Some of his books I've really enjoyed (The Song of Albion series), others not so much (The Celtic Crusades). This book falls into the "not so much" category. The characters are bland, cardboard cut-outs of previous incarnations; the motivation behind many of the characters is thin at best; and the writing seems like it was called in. If you're a Lawhead fanatic, you'll love this book. If you're a fan of Arthurian legends, there are better choices out there.

Fitting Conclusion to Lawhead's Arthurian Epic.......2004-09-19

Avalon is the final book in Lawhead's wonderful Pendragon series. Unlike the other books in the series, it is set during conteporary times when England is threatened by an evil so great that only a revitalized monarchy can save it. Enter James Arthur Stuart, an army officer, who is told by an old man named Merlin that he is the legitimate heir to the throne. It turned out that he was conceived in secret and his existence hidden, raised by a foster family, in much the same way as King Arthur was. Lawhead adds contemporary versions of Arthur's knights and advisors as well as his enemies. Sometimes this book gets lost in Lawhead's rather grandiosse style which fits much better with the ancient rather than the contemporary, but overall, this is an enjoyable and interesting novel. A fitting conclusion to the King Arthur story.

Average customer rating:

LOVELY
My review
The bedrock of fantasy
Boring.......
A Timeless Literary Classic

The Lord of the Rings
J. R. R. Tolkien , and Alan Lee
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Hobbit
The Hobbit
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The Lord of the Rings. 3 Vol. Set

ASIN: 0395489326

Book Description

The three volumes that make up Tolkien's epic classic The Lord of the Rings are here presented in their standard cloth editions including large format fold-out maps and an extensive appendices. Set contains The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, with jackets and a box designed by celebrated illustrator Alan Lee.

Customer Reviews:

LOVELY.......2007-07-24

Wonderful set! Reading a hardcover by the original publisher is a must. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful

My review.......2006-11-08

Its divine the books are beautifully bound and reasonably priced, definately a must for Tolkien fanatics.

The bedrock of fantasy.......2005-12-28

Yes folks, this was the book (THE book--it wasn't supposed to be a trilogy originally) that started it all. The roots of modern fantasy begin here. Yes, it's also terribly formulaic writing--but it was written to be mythology. Myths and legends are generally pretty big on formula. Beneath that stiff prose, though, is the rich and complex world of Tolkien's Middle-earth...and what an amazing place it is.

Boring..............2005-12-26

Tired of all the hullaballoo surrounding Tolkien I finally purchased LOtR. I enjoy fantasy and tried to give it a fair shake but put the book down from boredom a quarter of the way through. I found myself rereading pages because my mind wasn't getting into his prose. There are better works out there, IMHO.
Everyone sings the praises of him so YOU might enjoy it, but I much prefer George Martin's series A Song of Ice and Fire.

A Timeless Literary Classic.......2005-08-15

I first read the Lord of the Rings when I was in high school. I thought it was a good story, although a bit lofty when compared to The Hobbit.

A few years later, I picked it up and read it once more. I doscovered things in its pages that I had missed the first time around. Now, I read it every year or two out of simple appreciation for Tolkien's vision and the poetic way he described it.

I highly recommend these books to anyone and everyone.

The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Tales

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Courtesy of Teens Read Too
The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Tales...a great read!
New Twists on Old Stories

The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Tales
Gail Carson Levine
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Fairest
Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly
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The Princess Tales, Volume 2 (Princess Tales)

ASIN: 0061130613
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Book Description

Ever since Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine introduced the magical village of Snettering-on-Snoakes in the faraway Kingdom of Biddle, young readers have been laughing their way through her hilarious retellings of famous and not-so-famous fairy tales.

Now, for the first time, the six beloved Princess Tales are together in one magnificent volume:

The high jinks begin in The Fairy's Mistake, which pokes fun at a meddlesome fairy whose plans for good go terribly awry. In The Princess Test, the author spoofs the notion that a pea can prove a person's pedigree. Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep features a genius of a princess, a hundred years of snooze, two princes, and a flock of balding sheep! Cinderella is a boy in Cinderellis and the Glass Hill, and the glass slipper is a glass hill. In For Biddle's Sake, Parsley tries to forget her beloved prince and get used to life as a Biddlebum Toad. The road to happily-ever-after isn't easy when a baker's son and a princess fall in love in The Fairy's Return.

Elements of the classics are woven into these not-so-typical retellings of "Toads and Diamonds," "The Princess and the Pea," "Sleeping Beauty," "The Princess on the Glass Hill," "Puddocky," and "The Golden Goose." The fresh and funny twists on favorite fairy tales will win the hearts and capture the imaginations of young readers everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-02-03

Gail Carson Levine is well-known for taking familiar fairy tales and weaving them with her own magic. THE FAIRY'S REUTRN AND OTHER PRINCESS TALES is no exception. In this collection of the six popular Princess Tales, Levine has rewritten six familiar (and some not-so-familiar) stories until they are virtually unrecognizable.

In THE FAIRY'S MISTAKE, which is based on the fairy tale "Toads and Diamonds," two very different sisters are each granted a gift by the fairy Ethelinda. Ethelinda feels that her gifts are both well-deserved, so it comes as a great surprise when she discovers that neither gift brought the results she had planned.

THE PRINCESS TEST, which is based on "The Princess and the Pea," tells the story of Lorelei, a blacksmith's daughter, and the prince who falls in love with her. However, the prince's father is determined that his son should marry a princess, so he designs a series of tests to ensure the bride's pedigree. Nicholas still wants to marry Lorelei, but how can she ever pass the tests if she's not a real princess?

PRINCESS SONORA AND THE LONG SLEEP is based on "Sleeping Beauty." As a baby, Princess Sonora is granted many gifts, each fairy trying to outdo the others and bestow the best gift. As a result, Sonora is a beautiful, precocious young child, and she decides to wait until the opportune moment to prick her finger, which will put the castle to sleep for one-hundred years, as promised by the fairy Belladonna. Her plan, however, doesn't exactly go as planned.

In CINDERELLIS AND THE GLASS HILL, which is based on "The Princess on the Glass Hill," Cinderellis is a lonely boy inventor who is ignored and made fun of by his brothers. Princess Marigold is equally lonely, and wishes she had someone to talk to other than her cat. When Marigold's father decides that it's time for her to marry, he puts her on a glass hill that suitors will have to climb, and it will take Cinderellis' best invention yet to win her hand.

FOR BIDDLE'S SAKE is based on "Puddocky," and tells the story of Parsley, a young girl who loves eating parsley. Unfortunately, the only place that parsley grows is in the garden of the fairy Bombina, who is in jail for turning too many people into toads. When Bombina is released and Parsley is accidentally turned into a toad, she must find a way to make the most of the situation, and maybe even help someone else along the way.

In THE FAIRY'S RETURN, which is based on "The Golden Goose," the fairy Ethelinda is back, and she's nervous about giving any more gifts. But when a baker's son and a princess fall in love and the king forbids their marriage, she just has to do something! So she hopes that everything goes well and gives the baker's son a golden goose.

All six of these stories were absolutely wonderful, full of humor, magic, and love. If you're a fan of Ella Enchanted (Trophy Newbery) or The Two Princesses of Bamarre, you definitely shouldn't miss this book!

Reviewed by: Andie Z.

The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Tales...a great read!.......2007-01-18

Our ten year old daughter received this book for Christmas and completed reading it in one day. She couldn't put it down! She loved the whimsical tales and is now reading Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg, also by Gail Carson Levine. This book was chosen by a group of 9 and 10 year olds in her book club! Young girls seem to just love Levine's style of writing!

New Twists on Old Stories.......2006-10-05

In this collection of short stories, Gail Carson Levine revisits the remarkable world in which ELLA ENCHANTED took place. Each fairy tale has a modern twist, in which Levine stands the old stories on their heads in fun, enchanting ways...

"THE FAIRY'S MISTAKE" is based on "Toads and Diamonds." The good fairy Ethelinda rewards a young girl for her generosity by making gems and stones drop from her mouth every time she speaks. Proud of a job well done, Ethelinda is shocked when her gift doesn't work out as she envisioned.

"THE PRINCESS TEST" is based on "The Princess and the Pea." Lorelei is a young maiden of a very delicate nature. To those who don't know better, she seems spoiled and lazy. When she captures the attention of a kind prince, things begin to happen.

"PRINCESS SONORA AND THE LONG SLEEP" is based on "Sleeping Beauty." As a month-old infant, Princess Sonora was "blessed" by fairies invited by her parents. She was made beautiful and remarkably intelligent. She was also curse to die after pricking her finger on a spindle. The curse is modified, but Sonora's other gifts may prove to be too much.

"CINDERELLIS AND THE GLASS HILL" is based on "The Princess on the Glass Hill." A young lad named Ellis (then renamed "Cinderellis" by his cruel brothers) loves to invent things. When the king sets up a challenge he can't resist, he'll need all his talents and generosity to pass the test.

"FOR BIDDLE'S SAKE" is based on "Puddocky." Parsley has a wonderful smile, despite teeth green from eating, well, parsley. Raised by a fairy who loves to turn people and things into toads, she has a unique view of things. So when she is accidentally turned into a toad, she uses her head to make the best of things, especially when a nice young prince needs help.

"THE FAIRY'S RETURN" is based on "The Golden Goose." Ethelinda is back, but she's afraid to make more mistakes. But she just has to do something to help the son of a baker when he earns a reward. After a bit of panic, she gives him a golden goose and prays nothing bad happens.

Each story is packed full of fairy-tale magic, laughter, and the requisite lessons (such as the importance of a kind heart). Fans of Levine's other work should pick this up today.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
10/4/2006

4½-Balloons for WUAT Kids!; 5-Stars for Amazon

The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of The Lord of the Rings

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Now all roads were leading to the coming of war, and the onset of the shadow
100000 million stars
The Dark Lord is Watching!
It's better to READ the books first before watching the movies...
The grand, bittersweet finale

The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R. Tolkien
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of The Lord of the Rings
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ASIN: 0618574972

Book Description

For over fifty years, J.R.R. Tolkien's peerless fantasy has accumulated
worldwide acclaim as the greatest adventure tale ever written.
No other writer has created a world as distinct as Middle-earth, complete
with its own geography, history, languages, and legends. And
no one has created characters as endearing as Tolkien's large-hearted,
hairy-footed hobbits. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings continues to
seize the imaginations of readers of all ages, and this new three-volume
paperback edition is designed to appeal to the youngest of them.

In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elvensmiths,
and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with
his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was
taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, still
it remained lost to him . . .

Customer Reviews:

Now all roads were leading to the coming of war, and the onset of the shadow.......2007-09-03

'The Return of The King', by JRR Tolkien is the continuing adventures of the remaining members of the Fellowship as they draw together to meet the coming of the War of the Ring. The power of Sauron, the Dark Lord is stretching out over the land, and the great city of Minas Tirith has fallen under siege. Yet even as those in Minas Tirith struggle to surviv, and Rohan musters for war, Frodo and Sam draw closer and closer to the end of the journey. Yet in the darkness of Mordor the ring grows stronger, and in the gathering darkness Frodo has begun to fall to its influence.

RD Williams, author of 'The Lost Gate'

100000 million stars.......2007-08-07

im sorry but there is nothing i can say about this that hasent been said in the 100000 reviews for this book on amazon! BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE YOU TOLKIEN !!!

The Dark Lord is Watching!.......2006-05-17

If you were trusted with a dangerous object, would you use it? A young hobbit did, and it nearly cost him his life. Frodo Baggins was given the One Ring and was told to travel to mount doom to destroy it. The theme is friendship and strength. An example of strength is when the armies of orcs attacked the last fortress of Rohan, Helm's Deep. you will have to read

It's better to READ the books first before watching the movies..........2006-04-04

Peter Jackson has created an OUTSTANDING masterpiece in it's own right with his interpretation of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy... but Tolkiens books are some of the best literature of the 20th century.

Jackson takes several liberties with some key points of the story line, not the least of which is making Frodo a "Naive Young Hobbit" when in fact, Frodo and his companions didn't set out on their quest to Rivendell until AFTER his 50th birthday. Little inconsistencies like that between the movies and the books aboud, reason enough to pick up copies of the books to see Tolkiens original narrative.

The grand, bittersweet finale.......2004-11-11

"Return of the King" is the worthy climax to J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, the fantasy that created the genre as we know it today. Now, as the blockbuster movie adaptation is over, many readers are checking out the dramatic story that ends Tolkien's masterpiece and life's work.

The story opens where "Two Towers" left off. Gandalf has ridden to the city of Gondor with Pippin (partly to keep him out of trouble), where the forces of Mordor are attacking. There is upheaval in the city itself, as the steward of Gondor is going nuts. Merry pledges his service to King Theoden of Rohan, not knowing what is ahead for the king and his relatives. And Aragorn is seeking out allies to fight Sauron on a military scale, even if they can't defeat him unless the Ring is destroyed. His search will take him to tribes of forest-dwellers, to Gondor -- and even to summon an army of the dead.

In Mordor, the unconscious Frodo has been captured by Sauron's orcs, and taken to the fortress of Cirith Ungol. Sam is desperate to free his friend, but knows that he can't take on an army, and that Frodo would want him to finish the quest. Sam manages to free Frodo from captivity, but they must still brave more dangers before they can come to Mount Doom, the only place where the Ring can be destroyed. As they travel Sam sees Frodo slipping further and further into the Ring's grasp. Will Frodo be able to destroy the Ring?

Usually, the climax of an epic adventure is a disappointment. "Return of the King" succeeds in almost every way, wrapping up each individual storyline, one by one. The ending has a feeling of finality; this is one story that could never have a sequel; Tolkien shows that in a struggle against evil, there is no true "happy ending." Even if the good guys win, there will still be scarring, and death, and haunting memories of what once happened. And even if a person survives, he will never be the same.

This is the grimmest of the three books in this trilogy. Aside from Frodo's emotional deterioration, we also have Merry becoming almost catatonic after the battle with the Witch King, and Denethor's descent into suicidal madness. There is a lot less humor, though it is still there: Pippin and Merry both thinking about food, Gandalf's reaction when Pippin pledges his sword to Denethor, some choice witty comments of Frodo's in the last chapters, and Gimli's half-joking threats to axe Eomer if Eomer doesn't consider Galadriel the most beautiful woman in the world.

Though a section of the book near the end descends into near-biblical prose, which changes post-Gondor, Tolkien does not waver in his ability to evoke emotion. One of the most touching scenes in the book is when Sam finds Frodo naked, unconscious and being beaten by an orc. Others include Merry's farewell to Theoden, Eowyn's slaying of the Witch-King, and of course the bittersweet final scene.

Frodo is almost unrecognizable in parts of this book. The bright, naive young hobbit of the first book has been worn down by the pressure of the Ring, to the point where he seems to be only a pale shadow of himself. As he grows increasingly attached to the Ring, we even see him doing what seems unimaginable: threatening Sam with a dagger. Yet these actions make chilling sense, even when Frodo recovers his self-control only a moment later. It's a devastating demonstration of the hold the Ring has on him; he tries to resist it while knowing that he's falling too far into its grasp. When he lapses into depression and nihilism, readers will wonder if he can actually give it up.

Sam has come a long way from the shy young hobbit who couldn't say a word around the High Elves. This book has him chasing orcs with Sting, carrying Frodo physically through Mordor, fending off Gollum, and acting as the ultimate pillar of strength for his crumbling friend right to Mount Doom. Merry is exposed firsthand to the horrifying consequences of war, and Pippin moves past his initial flakiness in an effort to be a serious warrior. Aragorn breaks completely from the mold of rugged ranger and into the new status as a king, leading armies (both living and dead) without flinching.

As far as the supporting cast goes, Legolas and Gimli assist as well; their friendship grows deeper, even as Legolas falls completely in love with the sea. Gollum's degenerate journey remains intertwined with Frodo's, even though he betrayed the hobbits in the previous book; and the icily passionate war-maiden Eowyn affects the War of the Ring in a stunning way that nobody could have predicted.

The story doesn't really end on the last page; for more background, especially on Aragorn and Arwen, readers should also read the appendices at the end of the book. Another good addition is "The End of the Third Age," in which the unpublished epilogue of LOTR can be found. Though this is probably not canonical, it nicely concludes the story and is a heartwarming look at what happens in the years following LOTR.

It's difficult, once the story has finished, to accept that one has to say goodbye to Middle-Earth and its enchanting inhabitants. But as Gandalf says, "I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil."

The Return of the King Movie Soundtrack Piano, Vocal, and Chords (The Lord of the Rings)

Average customer rating:

All of the best
Exactly like the original score!
GREAT!!!!
The Return of the King
Better than the average movie sheet music

The Return of the King Movie Soundtrack Piano, Vocal, and Chords (The Lord of the Rings)
Howard Shore
Manufacturer: Warner Bros. Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Two Towers Movie Soundtrack Piano, Vocal, and Chords (The Lord of the Rings)
The Fellowship of the Ring Movie Soundtrack Piano, Vocal, and Chords (The Lord of the Rings) (Pvg)
Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl
The Lord of the Rings for Easy Piano
Music from ""The Star Wars Trilogy: Special Edition""" (Easy Piano)

ASIN: 0757920241

Product Description

Titles include: The Return of the King; The End of All Things; Use Well the Days; Twilight and Shadow; The Steward of Gondor; Minas Tirith Into the West.  

Customer Reviews:

All of the best.......2007-02-25

This sheet music has everything except the Rohan theme.I love the diversity.It's so much fun to play-from the regal Gondor theme to the homey Shire theme.I love the 10 straight minutes of The Return of the King track.And the beautiful music for Arwen is captured in Twilight and Shadow.Overall,a very satisfiying book.A perfect gift for any lotr fan who knows piano.

Exactly like the original score!.......2005-10-25

This book has been very hard to put down ever since I first got it a few weeks ago. I just can't stop playing "Into The West" and "The Return of the King". This book really, really shows the genius masterpiece in its right form, that Howard Shore composed for the Lord of the Rings. Most of the songs are fairly easy to play and great just for your own enjoyment/entertainment but also perfect for solo recitals, or group performances. Buy this together with 'The Fellowship of the Ring' and 'The Two Towers' for your ultimate enjoyment!

GREAT!!!!.......2004-12-20

I love this! It is much better than the Two Towers or Felloship books. Why? Because I'm a pianist, and these solos are actually fun to play. The other two books are covered in my handwritten changes to the extent of looking like a Beethoven autograph. While I still make changes in ROTK, these are much better arranged for the pianist who enjoys playing.

The Return of the King.......2004-10-15

The battle for Middle-Earth rages on, and the forces of good have one final stand against the face of evil. Also, Frodo and Sam go through their hard times together, yet with love being their success. And there is a very shocking surprise for the people of Dunedain. I would call it the most emotionally satisfying book I have ever read.

Better than the average movie sheet music.......2004-07-15

Unlike some adaptations I've seen, this book takes care to transcribe entire tracks from the score, including the ENTIRE 10+ minutes of the "Return of the King" track. This is a huge plus, even if it does lead to some awkward times (like the "melody only" portions mentioned by an earlier reviewer).

I don't have as much trouble with the "Into the West" track not including the melody (I use a keyboard, so can record the accompaniment separately and play along) but it seems to be a symptom of a larger problem, which is that the music is at takes taken down a bit too literally and not adapted properly for the piano/keyboard. There are a few instances of notes which are held for much longer than a piano can normally sustain notes, and one amusing instance where the pianist is asked to crescendo and descrecendo on a held note (hey, if the vocalist can do it...). Overall the arrangements are excellent, but I docked a star for these lapses and the regrettable decision to waste pages on photographs from the movie instead of filling them with more music.

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