[Nero]

I've seen her books lately, and I just don't know if I should start them or not. There are about five books in the series, and I'm worried if it's turning into another multi-volume dragfest. They look interesting enough; a medieval setting with some fascinating characters.

So is she worth a shot?

[phedra n delaun]

Yes she is. In her own words gleamed from her latest interviews, she will publish the final volume in this series in the fall mabye the beginning of 2004. No worries that she is another Jordan or Goodkind. Thank god!

[Nero]

That's good to hear. I'm going to pick up the first book the next time I go.

[Hobbit]

There are old threads that cover this writer, Nero. Try:

Kate Elliott (http://www.sffworld.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=217) and The Gathering Storm (Book 5) (http://www.sffworld.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4945) for example.

Here's a review I did quite a long while ago, but covers the first book, King's Dragon: Kings Dragon Review (http://news.diversebooks.com/article.pl?sid=01/08/01/184223)

Hobbit

[Rob B]

Ah, the Hobbit beat me to the punch with the links. I'll just chime in with my recommendation as well. The series is pretty good, if a bit longish, only a minor complaint for an otherwise excellent saga.

The characters are well drawn and I think the church and world she created was very much alive.

[Dominus]

How long is longish exactly? Is it length of series, or her style?

[Hobbit]

Ah, the Hobbit beat me to the punch with the links.

Sorry, Fitz! :D

Dominus - the first book I have is hardback and 532 pages - they get a little thicker after that. Book 2 = 580 pages, book 3 = 755, book 4 = 850, and the latest, Book 5, is a similar size (hasn't arrived yet - on the way!). Therefore with one to go, the series is over 3500 pages in length!

Hobbit

(who can't believe he's actually just been to check those page numbers...)

[Hans]

yep, a really good series. Her world building is really well done, character are fleshed out, though one or two characters start whining a bit too much later on in the books.

Can't wait for the final volume.

[Calandra]

I am currently reading the 3rd book, and enjoying the series. Do note however that some of the threads regarding Kate Elliot on this site contain unmarked spoilers that diminished my enjoyment of the second book somewhat.

In my opinion, the main strength of the books so far is the character development. I think that the world is somewhat less vividly drawn than that of some other authors, but by book 3 the magic elements start to get more interesting and some of the plot threads start to converge. The heavy religious elements took some getting used to also.

I add my recommendation that you give these books a try.

[Khallandra]

I liked the series and Book 5 is a whopping 900 pages and is a little tedious at times. At the front of it the author assures us it is a 6 book series :)