(24 ratings) Submit Your Own Review More reviews by author A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

Submitted by Cliff 
(Feb 15, 2004)

Absolutely amazing. I've never read a book that has hooked me so fast... I literally couldn't put it down after the first five pages. I'm a big fantasy reader (Shannara, Dragonlance, Wheel of Time, etc.), and this book still blew me away. There's a multitude of plots, and each one is so interesting that I was always annoyed when the author changed subjects. Keyes does an excellent job setting the atmosphere, which reminds me very much of the uneasy, alien feel of Lovecraft. "Briar King" has set the stage for one heckuva' cool story. I can't wait until the next book!

There were quite a few stories lines running through this plot and at times it became confusing trying to keep a track of all the characters.

The magic was interesting, and the unusual myths and creatures were well written giving them a realism.
I admit that this authors writing style is once of the best I have come across and he is very good at showing us the world and lives of this characters. However, there was quite a lot of political intrique in this story, which frustrated me at times.

In the end I enjoyed the mythical and dark elements of this story, but wished for less politics.

Greg Keyes has created a magical world that is so familiar to our own and, yet so unfamiliar at the same moment. The expansive history, dialogue, and language in this novel weaved a captivating story that is hard to put down. The imagery, and detail of the towns and cities leave me yearning to walk their streets and meet the people who live there. His characters are so life-like that the reader is easily able to identify with any of the characters.

When such a spectacular book as this comes along it gives the reader the chance to leave their everyday world behind and fly as high as their dreams will take them. My personal opinion is that Greg Keyes book The Briar King is a must read for anyone who is up for a ride through epic fantasy. The Briar King is so spellbindingly incredible that anyone would be foolish to pass this book over.