[Cygnus]

Finally, after much searching, I have found the book that is perfect for me! It is Rhapsody : Child of Blood by Elizabeth Haydon. I've only read the first book of what I think is a trilogy, but I just couldn't be more pleased.

It isn't that the writing or story are amazing or anything (not bad on either count, but not the best I've read), but it just had all the right elelments in all the right amounts for me. Adventure, magic, love, camraderie and humor all combined to make this a great reading experience. It may sound strange, but this isn't my favorite book for all my praise. It is the book that fits me the best though.. it feels comfortable I guess. A book that I will pick up again when I am depressed and need a lift. I laughed out loud many times, much to my embarrassment and the surprise of those around me!

I'm interested if anyone else liked Haydon's work as much, and if anyone has had a similar experience.. finding a book that is a perfect fit for your personality.

[Spawfonk]

ive never heard of this book, when was it published? the title of the book has caught my interest. any opinions?

[Alle]

The book is pretty well described by Cygnus...not a brilliantly written piece, but not bad, with some original elements, good humor, action etc. I only read the first book, but plan to finish the series. I can't say that I liked it as well as Cygnus seems to have, but it was a fun book! Anyway...that is my 2 cents...oh, and its been out for several years. I think all three books of the series are now out in ppb.

[Lani]

I've read all three book and though I don't share your enthusiasm, Cygnus, I actually though of the book as pretty decent as well. I don't know how to express it, but there's something about the book that makes it interesting to read even though there is nothing phenominal in it. I guess I was attracted to it mostly by the sense of humor that suited me very well. I think the first two books were much better than the third one though. I took it out from the library and overall I don't think it would be worth buying for me.

[JohnH]

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[Spawfonk]

Why can't you people leave poor Mr Goodkind alone!?!?! no actually, dont answer that.

[Rob B]

Originally posted by JohnH
Well I will give a dissenting opinion as it were. Bad? Well not really. ... I can list about 100 boks you could walk into any major bookstore and buy that are much better. Much, much better.

I will warn you that Haydon obviously comes from the formulaic school of romance writers as she heavily employs the 'misunderstanding-keeping-bodacious-babe-and burning-hunk-o-love-apart' tool as if it is the only thing keeping her alive.


To an extent I'll agree with the above. I think Haydon is better than average, but the main character with her naivete about herself gets awfully annoying and tiring pretty quickly. Don't know that I'll be picking up her new one, Requiem for the Sun though.

I do think she created a pretty interesting world and though two of the supporting characters (Achmed and Grunthor) are fairly stock fantasy characters, I did enjoy them.

I will give Haydon kudos for her close interaction with her fans on her Web site. She had a contest for fans to write a poem to be included in the series of books, she has give-aways and she donates a good portion (I think all) of the proceeds from her work to AIDS research.

[Lady Fox]

I enjoyed the Rhapsody series, but I agree with some of the statements made in the previous posts. Haydon is kind of heavy handed on some of the romance elements in the book. Parts of the storyline were rather predictable, but readable just the same. However, you can't help but like her characters and world building. One thing that grabs your attention and makes you want to read more is her character interaction and use of foreshadowing. You may tend to figure out where things are going even before they get there, but you can't help but read on anyway. I would classify this series as good, light fantasy. It's worth a paperback purchase, but not the hardcover price, IMO.

[Cygnus]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I'm going to finish the series before I make up my mind on which elements of Haydon's style that I like and dislike. This certainly wasn't the best book ever written for many of the reasons listed, but it was an enjoyable read for me. I think that characterization is the most important element for me, and that's why I liked this book so much as well as about anything by Weis and Hickman. Light reads, yes. Earth shattering, no. But, I refuse to feel guilty!! So there! ;)

[Hobbit]

And you shouldn't need to, Cygnus! :)

I have read the first to be honest and have the next two (including a signed one!) but can't whip up that much enthusiasm for the next ones. They're Ok IMO, but (for a change!) agree with you that I'll wait to finish the series before I make a judgement.

There are others around as good though (or better! :) )

Have you tried Kate Elliott's Crown of Stars series?

King's dragon is the first, review here:

http://news.diversebooks.com/draft/cocoon/reviews/bytitle/Kings%20Dragon.shtml

I think you'd like her as much, if not more, than Haydon.

There are others too, but just a thought!