Stephen Christiansen

I have heard a great deal of these books and can't wait to read them.  -  Connie

 

I like the books, I really enjoyed them. -TJ

 

 I've read the book, It kept me mezmorized! - Beth

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MC Simon March 16 at 10:53am   ★★★★★ Check out 'Book II Istobarra Rising' from Author Stephen Christiansen "This continues where the first book left off. It was fun to watch the main character grow and develop as she finds herself and comes to terms with who she is. The character's realm starts to change and I can't wait to see how it all comes about."

 

Stormi Ellisrated it 4 of 5 stars Jan 31, 2015

 

Boundless Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, stormi-s-reviews

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I want to start off by saying thank you to Stephen Christiansen for the chance at reading and reviewing this book. I will be honest and say that I have never read books in this genre before so I have nothing to compare this book too.I felt that this book was a good read. It was filled with colorful characters and a good storyline. I love Medri and all the battles and mishaps that she goes through. I also love her show of compassion to some creatures in the book. The ending leaves it wide open for a sequel and makes you want to have that next book right on hand. This book is filled with fantasy, magic, and action. I have always been big on magic and so I enjoyed this aspect. I give this book four stars simply because it wasnt my normal read, but overall, it was an interesting book. Anyone who normally reads fantasy will very much enjoy....Stormi

 

 

12/15/14 Steve Bulla rated it 4 of 5 stars

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If you are a fan of R.A. Salvatore or Elaine Cunningham's Forgotten Realms novels dealing with the drow, or dark elves, then you will likely enjoy this book, which is the start of a much longer saga (approaching 12 volumes now I believe). 

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 You can tell that the author is a fan of all things Dungeons & Dragons, and it is unfortunate that he does not have a licensing agreement of some sort with Wizards of the Coast. I find myself wondering if the OGL also applies to novels or if it is exclusive to gaming products. I digress though... Throughout the book are creatures that are the intellectual property of WoTC, which Christiansen had to rename doubtless to keep the C&D letters from showing up in the mail (examples that I recall are his versions of iconic D&D Underdark dwellers the Aboleth and the Mind Flayer). 

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 Without getting into spoiler territory, I will say that I enjoyed the author's descriptions and the way he paints a vivid mental picture of the environs. The ever-changing city that serves as the home for some of the principle characters is a particularly interesting concept.

 My only real quibble with the book is the fact that I was unable to get invested personally in any of the characters. The (arguable) "protagonist" Medhri is very difficult to like for example. Unlike Drizzt for example, she did not seem to have any redeeming qualities. This might say more about me as a reader than the actual content of the novel though. I do enjoy a good anti-hero... for example Elric of Melnibone is one of my all time favorite characters of the fantasy genre, but even he had some sympathetic traits. I struggle to find the same with the dark elves that populate this novel.

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Finally, I will reiterate that if you are a fan of the dark elf/drow race, and the underground setting they inhabit, then you should give this book a shot. You won't be disappointed

 

8/20/14 Sara Knight rated it 4 of 5 stars

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"Istobarra Commencement" is the first book by Stephen Christiansen in the Orbbelgguren Series. A fantasy/adventure with a few surprises along the way. As with all "middle earth" stories it can take a while to get in to - getting used to name and place names can be difficult but the index at the start did help :) Despite the title, is well worth reading. If you are an avid reader of the fantasy genre and enjoy authors from Tolkein to Jordan to Brooks - you'll love this. I can easily see myself continuing in this series when if I am ever in need of a good read.

 

From a fan: 8/16/14 Chip Snow review of book 1 Istobarra Commencement "Undead fishes?  Brilliant, dear chap.  Brilliant."

 

From a fan: 6/4/14 Joy Barrow-Gales' review of book 1 Istobarra Commencement "...almost half way thru... So far a great read."

 

From a fan: 3/6/14 Chip Snow's review of book 8 Eclavarda "PS Loving the book!  Good job."

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 https://www.facebook.com/OrbbelggurenSeries/posts/626019677469484?stream_ref=10

 

From a fan: 2/5/2014 Jonathan "Goofy" Jarvie of book 8 Eclavarda: I started reading the book in earnest today, I can't put it down, it is that good.

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https://www.facebook.com/OrbbelggurenSeries/posts/612281135510005?stream_ref=10

 

From a fan: 2/3/2014 Jonathan "Goofy" Jarvie of book 8 Eclavarda: I got the book at 3:00, I read the first chapter, and it is amazing, you are a really talented writer.

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https://www.facebook.com/OrbbelggurenSeries/posts/611494742255311?stream_ref=10



 

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