Comments on: Book Review: Ariel by Steven R. Boyett

By: Estara

Estara — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:07:03 +0000

Well if we're talking about a merging of danger and unicorn, what about P.C. Hodgell's Rathorn in her Jamethiel Dreamweaver series (or should I say Chronicles of the Kencyrath)? I always thought the Meisha Merlin cover showed the concept best but the new BAEN interpretation on the upcoming fifth book is cool, too. And then there's the original author version created by Pat Hodgell herself which BAEN put on the ebook edition. Concept: a carniverous bone-plated predator whose horn eventually grows around into its head as it ages and whom nobody can ride (and of course Jame has to help the process along, so that the suffering of that particular older rathorn mare doesn't last too long, not knowing she's got a foal...) This starts in book 2 I think and then comes home to roost in book 4 and onwards. Thanks for the review of Ariel, it's firmed my impression of wanting to read it - having been of like age when it was first released but never having heard of it.

By: ms ulat buku

ms ulat buku — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:34:58 +0000

Ariel sounds like a good book. I’ve a been collecting and reading a number of post apocalyptic books lately. Just read The Forest of Hands & Teeth and just got myself a copy of The Hunger Games. Might just get myself a copy of this. Btw, is your giveaway worldwide?

By: Andrea S

Andrea S — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:56:26 +0000

I’m interested in this very much. I’m really looking forward to reading this after this review.

The first book that comes to mind when I think about unicorns is The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey. It’s not so much about unicorns, but there are very memorable unicorns. They’re more of the “very stupid lapdog” variety. Fun.

By: Amy @ My Friend Amy

Amy @ My Friend Amy — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:45:24 +0000

I want to read this book ever since the editor said at Comic Con it was one of her favorites. Thanks for the review!

By: Rhiannon Hart

Rhiannon Hart — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:44:25 +0000

I’ve never even heard of this book before so thanks for bringing it to my attention. Sounds boysy, but hey–apocalpse with unicorns. Interest is piqued! Love the old cover–my fourteen-year-old self is crushing on Pete.

By: MaryK

MaryK — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:44:31 +0000

I just recently heard about this book and was interested in spite of being a wimp about the post-apocalyptic genre. I’ve been looking forward to your review to help me decide, but now I’m even more undecided. I developed a prejudice against young authors after trying to read Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Will have to give it some thought.

By: KMont

KMont — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:57:29 +0000

I’m very much looking forward to this one. Flaws aside, it does seem worth pursuing. I had no idea the author was so young when it was first written. It’s interesting that, with the book being so old, the publishers didn’t choose to rewrite it a little. I suppose maybe its cult classic status might account for that, but I’m betting more readers will feel parts needed cutting as well. Why not cut them out and make the story stronger? Heh, maybe the publisher didn’t feel that way.

By: Cara Powers

Cara Powers — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:43:01 +0000

Someday, I’m going to write reviews this good. It’s a goal anyway.

By: Gerd Duerner

Gerd Duerner — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:14:17 +0000

There was a trilogy about Guinevere from Gillian Bradshaw(?) that had a Unicorn.
But that’s all that comes to mind.

Love that Post Apocalyptic cover, not so sure about the Unicorn comes to America cover, although the latter is probably more fitting.
The whole premise reminds me much of old “Shadowrun” novels (only sans the tech).

By: Karen Mahoney

Karen Mahoney — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:02:53 +0000

Fabulous review! *high five*

I read ARIEL recently and really enjoyed it. The huge ‘Afterword’ helped me to put some of *my* concerns (a lot of them similar to yours) into perspective. Overall, I was carried along by the story and loved the relationship between Pete and Ariel. I’d give it a solid 7, too, only missing out on ’8′ because of the parts that really needed cutting.

Kaz