Pance Babunski Babunski itibaren Faye, 87400 Moissannes, Fransa
i read this on the way home from sweden- first on one 3 hour flight and then a 5 hour one. it's got a lot of respected fantasy/sf authors proclaiming its importance on the cover, and the trilogy it's in (the fionavar tapestry) is on several lists of the best fantasy books in the 20th century. however, i was kind of bored. maybe it's because i'm just not interested in this kind of book anymore, or maybe it's not that good? there are 5 modern day characters who get pulled over (by a mage of course) to another world, where they become wrapped up in the magical/social/political events that are occurring. some of them become very powerful people and some get hurt. i didn't see much new or interesting in the story. it's reminiscent of Tolkein in that there are long legends to recount and origin myths which are pertinent, magical objects with long stories and immortals with longer. the characters are interesting, but i didn't find them really compelling, and there are so many "and then this amazing thing happened which had never happened before" that i found it annoying. george r.r. martin does this better and robin hobb also, and they each manage to cause me to reflect on modern day life (politics, relationships, etc.)- but not this. sorry mr. kay. however, i might pick up the next one if i find it lying across my path.
Written by my Brother-in-law, he's been writing this for years and is definitely excited to be finished with it. I'll read it when he sends me a copy (hint, hint).