Radford, Irene Books

The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume I

Irene Radford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

I think the anthology edition makes this a far better series than it would have been as single books 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I love anthology editions. Especially when the books combined are kind of short, it makes so much more sense to just by three or so of them at the same time for much less. So I was immensely pleased when Irene Radford's "Dragon Nimbus" series came out in anthology since I'd always wanted to read it.

In the end it was good I managed to buy three books for roughly the price of one since they did not meet up to my expectations-at least as individual books. In this first book of the three part anthology (7 individual books in all) the trilogy makes a coherent whole but I can't imagine reading these books on their own, perhaps waiting for the next to be published, that the story would be anywhere near as good or complete. The novels themselves almost come off as longish short stories.

But together the whole presents a decent and very interesting fantasy with a good premis, nice back-story, magical beats, romantic entanglements and dangerous enemies, who like in real life, are not as easily foiled as we hope.

I'm sure after reading this I'll get around to the rest of the nimbus books eventually but I can't say I'm terribly compelled to rush off and read them right now. And since the next books focus on a different era I don't think anything will be lost in the time lapse.

Overall this anthology is four stars. Taken as individual books it would be a much lower rating.

Editorial Review:

The first three novels in Irene Radford's highly popular Dragon Nimbus universe. Set in a world where dragons and magic are closely linked, the kingdom of Coronnan faces a terrible crisis. For someone is waging a deadly campaign to seize the crown of Coronnan.

The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume II

Irene Radford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

not the best, not too bad 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I am a big fan of fantasy, and was looking for a new series to get into. I came across this one, and it looked interesting. The premise is very good - people tap into the energy flowing through the earth, or that comes from the dragons, and channel it to work magic. But it isn't the best written series I've come across. Sometimes the flow seems awkward, like when she has one character tell another character something they already know, and you realize she's really just saying it to let the reader know what's going on. Or when characters fall in love very quickly and conveniently. The story is also somewhat predictable, for all its originality.

Overall not a bad series, but it's not the best of its kind. And you don't need to read Volume I before you read this - this set of stories actually takes place before the ones in the first volume.

You might want to check out George R.R. Martin's series, A Song Of Ice and Fire. That one is spectacular.

Editorial Review:

The Dragon's Touchstone is the first novel in the prehistory of Coronnan. The kingdom is caught up in a war of magic, and the dragons decide to intervene, making their presence known to mortals through the healer Myrilandel.

In the second novel, The Last Battlemage, the great Battlemage Nimbulan seeks to create permanent protection for Coronnan. His search will lead him to the discovery that the dragons are in terrible danger...

The Perfect Princess (Dragon Nimbus)

Irene Radford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

blah 2 out of 5 stars.
12 of 22 people found this review helpful.

I wouldn't say this was a BAD book--well, not an AWFUL book--but it definitely was not a very compelling story. I didn't finish it (I know, you're thinking, "don't knock it till you've read it!") but this is one of the few books that has EVER failed to hold my interest until the end. It's not romantic, even in the love scenes; it's not exciting, even in the chase scenes; it's not filled with interesting concepts, even in the "magic" scenes... It's just bland, bland, bland.

It was very exciting! I couldn't put it down! 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 16 people found this review helpful.

The Perfect Princess was full of magical mystical events! It was also very suspensful! I would recommend this wonderful book to anyone who enjoys fantasy and magic!

Enveloping 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 7 people found this review helpful.

This book, the series, are incrediable. They are amazingly accurate, every happening seems to be researched, every thing is thought out. The way this series describes magic is so belivable, so...logical. the book, as all the books in her series, is so intense, i always seem to be thinking how the hell are they going to pull this off? and she makes it fit together perfectly. If you love magic, dragons, fantasy, mystery, you will love all of her books.

I fully recommend this series!

Editorial Review:

The throne of Prince Darville is threatened by rogue magicians who try to take advantage when his dragon protectors depart, and the prince realizes that he and his bride are threatened by dark magic that threatens his kingdom and their lives. Original.

The Dragon Circle (Star Gods #2) (The Star Gods)

Irene Radford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

excellent fantasy 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

The Galactic Terran Empire considers the O'Hara brothers (Konner, Kim and Loki) as smugglers. The imperial military police (IMPS) were in hot pursuit of them when the siblings entered into an uncharted and unusual wormhole that took the trio to an unfamiliar part of space. There they found a colonized world that devolved into the Bronze Age. Because of their visitors' advanced technology, the natives thought the O'Hara brood had to be gods. However, the jump damaged the crystal that powered the ship so Konner had to grow new crystals.

While in his ship, Konnor notices a beacon, one that will lead the IMPS to the world that the O'Hara brothers have come to love. He knows his ex-wife Melinda is behind this because she wants to prevent him from reaching her planet and gaining custody of their son. When they go to destroy the beacon they find an old enemy is still alive, walking in the form of a trusted friend. Between fighting him and the IMPS, the O'Hara brothers chances of survival are slim to none.

Once again Irene Radford has written a riveting tale that will appeal to any reader who loves science fiction. The world the O'Hara brothers have come to call home is also populated with wise dragons with superior brain power, who only interfere in human affairs when they are in need of aid. Readers will love this world that enhances psi powers. The protagonists of THE DRAGON CIRCLE are true heroes, willing to face any danger to preserve a world that is in harmony with itself before the outsiders arrived.

Harriet Klausner

Editorial Review:

Book two of the star gods series

Continuing the tale that began in The Hidden Dragon, this is the story of three Terran brothers who discover a fascinating world where dragons are real-and worshiped as gods.

The Hidden Dragon: The Star Gods #1

Irene Radford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Good material, but there's just something missing here 3 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Irene Radford has written a number of dragon-related novels, but The Hidden Dragon, Book one of The Stargods series, is basically serving as my introduction to her work - so I can't compare this to her earlier Dragon Nimbus series entries. This particular novel is entertaining and features a couple of fascinating magical creatures, but several things marred my enjoyment of the story.

The three O'Hara brothers (Loki, Konner, and Kim) are running one final smuggling mission for their Mum when authorities descend upon their spaceship. In desperation, the Brothers make an uncoordinated hyperspace jump, winding up in the vicinity of an unclassified planet that appears green with vegetative life. In their own world, nature is largely a thing of the past, and the brothers know that their own private planet full of naturally grown food could net them a fortune in the domed, bio-controlled world they come from. They basically have no real choice about landing, as their narrow escape from authorities resulted in significant damage to their ship. Setting foot on the lush planet, the brothers find a world that had been partially terraformed at some point in the past. It is populated by a society of primitive men and women led by a bloodthirsty high priest, Hanassa, who demands blood sacrifices for the dragon god Simurgh. The head-strong brothers destroy the hateful altar of sacrifice, decry Hanassa's lust for blood and power, and soon split the population into opposing tribes. Hanassa sees many of his villagers leave to follow these new Stargods who arrived on a white dragon - including Hestiia, the young lady he covets for himself. None of this makes this evil fellow very happy.

This world is a magical place. The brothers confront the impossible when they meet up with a dragon and a flying cat that seem to communicate with one another. Stranded on the planet for at least several months, the brothers take it upon themselves to help their new followers survive and prosper - initially out of self-interest on their part. Of course, they form a bond with the people as time goes on - and they have to defend their villagers from the constant challenges of Hanassa and his stalwart magical powers. The brothers find magic of their own with which to meet the challenge, as their natural psi abilities are magnified greatly in this alien environment. The bulk of the story revolves around the brothers' conflicted emotions over their prior commitments to their distant mother and their new commitments to these primitive villagers who look upon them as gods.

Radford's plot is a little repetitive: the brothers are attacked by Hanassa's warriors, they seemingly kill the dangerous high priest, and then a short while later the whole thing just repeats itself. The brothers themselves also aren't fully-developed characters in my mind. I oftentimes had trouble distinguishing one from another, and there were many occasions when one said something I would have expected another one to say. Their motivations are also somewhat suspect - even though Radford goes on and on about the brothers' obligations to their Mum back home. They seemed to have the same conversation on a regular basis, and the moralizing that goes on every time they have Hanassa in their clutches but refuse to take a human life grows old (and foolish) after their first couple of violent encounters. There isn't much of a sense of closure as the novel ends, either, giving the reader the impression that this tiresome pattern is only going to be repeated anew in the next volume of the series. Additionally, the dragon plays less of a role here than you might reasonably expect, the flying cat all but disappears midway through the story, and none of the other characters (apart from Hestiia) are all that interesting. Radford's attempts to introduce humor into the story, especially in the brothers' dialogue, also don't come across all that effectively.

Reading this novel, I just felt as if some important dimension was missing. The story retained my interests, and I basically liked the characters, but I never felt connected with this world or its inhabitants. There is definitely enough material here for a successful series, but I think the author just needs to sit back and let the story tell itself.

Editorial Review:

Acclaimed author Irene Radford returns to her beloved Dragon Nibmus universe with book one of The Stargods. Here is the tale of the first Terrans, gifted with both psi powers and technology, who discover a world where dragons are real...and are worshiped as gods.

"A mesmerizing storyteller." (Romantic Times)

"High fantasy...rousing adventure." (Library Journal)

The Loneliest Magician (Dragon Nimbus)

Irene Radford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Stunning! Absolute must read for the fantasy genre! 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 12 people found this review helpful.

I have never read a series as magical, mesmerizing, amazing, or beautiful as this. The way the author makes you feel as if you're part of the book; I could close my eyes and be flying right along with the dragons and casting spells right beside the magicians; I loved the heroes and hated the villians; I cried along with the sad times and laughed with the happy times. I lost alot of sleep over this series. I couldn't put it down. This is an ABSOLUTE must read for anyone who likes fantasy. Do not pass this up! You would regret it.

Excellent - Even after the 6th Re-read 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful.

I have been following the Dragon Nimbus for quite a while. Inadvertantly, I began with the Dragon Nimbus History, therefore The Loneliest Magician was the last one I read before I had to start waiting on sequels. I admit that I thought those books were somewhat light and a little bland, but this particular one stole onto my favorites list almost of its own volition.

Krej was a great bad guy (I love the weasel thing!) and Rejiia picks up the burden nicely. The strain with Brevelan and the ambiguous paternity of her first son puts a little realism into all three characters involved.

Mikka and her cat...I don't believe I have ever read anything quite that original(from a cat person's perspective) and I look forward to the resolution of that.

Jack or Yaake (whatever!) is my favorite of the whole series (with the possible exception of Amaranth the cat/bird!) and his journey of self-discovery was fascinating. Katrina was a poignant one and I found myself admiring her greatly. You end up wanting those two to meet so much...

All I can say is read it. Read all of them (Including the History - they grow on you). This series may lack some of the depth and general gothic darkness of the more popular epics but they're sweet and well worth the time and they made me smile repeatedly to myself! A must for cat fans!

Editorial Review:

Forbidden to use the dragon magic that is their only defense against their enemies, the people of Commune place their hopes in the hands of untested young magician Yaakke, who can discover his true identity from the dragons. Original.

Guardian of the Promise: (Merlin's Descendants #4)

Irene Radford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

superb historical fantasy 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Griffin Kirkwood was supposed to be this generation's Pendragon but he turned his back on his magical heritage to become a catholic priest. His twin brother Donovan was too weak to pick up the mantle so the Pendragon skips a generation. Griffin's daughter Deidre and Donovan's son Hal journey to France with familiars to prevent the massacres that are imminent. While working the spell, Hal is captured by El Lobison and turned into a werewolf.

He escapes and keeps his distance from the family for many years while Deidre becomes a spy for Queen Elizabeth I. Time after time Deidre helps prevent the plots of Mary, Queen of Scots to oust Elizabeth. Mary eventually goes too far and forces Elizabeth to act. Knowing that if Mary is executed, Philip of Spain's armada will launch, Deidre begs Elizabeth to stay her hand. When her efforts fail, Deidre is willing to use powerful magic that may end up killing her to keep England safe but Hal refuses to see the love of his life die.

The Merlin's Descendants series uses magic to explain pivotal historical events that played a key role in the history of Great Britain. Although never formally invested with the title, Deidre is her generation's Pendragon because she puts England's need above her own, willing to give her life to see her country stay free. Hal is more of a tragic heroic figure who doesn't succumb to his werewolf nature and is a proper mate for Deidre even if they are first cousins. Irene Radford's latest novel is a magnificent fantasy epic using real historic events and people to make the story line seems believable.

Harriet Klausner

Editorial Review:

Now in paperback, the fourth novel in Irene Radford's acclaimed saga of Merlin and his descendants follows the children of twin brothers Donovan and Griffin, in a magic-fueled struggle to protect Elizabethan England from enemies-both mortal and demonic.

Guardian of the Balance (Merlin's Descendants, Vol. 1)

Irene Radford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Deaply moving, fabulous writing -- EXCELLENT BOOK!! 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 14 people found this review helpful.

I have never before read an Irene Radford book -- oh what I've been missing! Ms. Radford's writing is so fabulous, that you can actually feel the ground beneath your feet when she describe's Wren's contact with nature.

This not just a retelling of the Arthur story, so much more! It goes deeply into the heart of the main character, Merlin's daughter Wren. You learn to care about what happens to her and how she feels -- truly the mark of good writing!

I highly recommend this book to anyone -- fantasy reader as well as all those who enjoy good fiction. Buy it, read it, you'll be glad you did!

Editorial Review:

In volume one of Irene Radford's magnificent new saga, Merlin's Descendants, Merlin's daughter, Wren, is more powerful than even The Merlin can perceive. And she must learn to master these talents, for soon she will be called upon to serve as both sword and shield for The Merlin, for Arthur, and for the people who would be put in her charge....

"An ambitious project that should have certain appeal for fans of Aruthurian legend..."--Library Journal

Guardian of the Vision (Merlin's Descendants, Vol. 3)

Irene Radford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Lyrical and exciting saga 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Since the time of King Arthur, a Pendragon has always guarded England and its shores. The descendants of Merlin also try to keep the peace, but when war occurs they react quickly to end the conflict as soon as possible. In 1553, Raven is the current Pendragon and will soon name her grandson Griffin, the older twin brother of Donovan as her heir.

During a border skirmish with the Scotts, Griffin has a religious epiphany that leads him to the abandonment of his powers, his titles, and his birthright. He becomes a Catholic priest. Donovan picks up the mantle of the Pendragon, but though he understands the role he does not have the power to perform the job. Roanna, descendent of the Sorceress Nimue, has called forth a demon, but her summons fails as the demon of chaos Tryblith controls her. Only a Pendragon can stand in their way of spreading chaos throughout the world.

The third installment in the Merlin's Descendents series places a magical spin to true historic events. Irene Radford enchantingly brings to life the early Elizabethan era so that the audience will think that the author contains Merlin's genes. The battles on the mundane and mystical planes propel the story line forward, but the characters make the novel so fascinating that the good, the bad, and the ugly compel the reader into a one sitting session.

Harriet Klausner

Editorial Review:

Now in paperback, the third novel in Irene Radford's acclaimed saga follows Merlin's descendants to Elizabethan England-where royal rivalries are complicated by the unexpected arrival of magic, witches...and the Demon of Chaos.

The Glass Dragon (Dragon Nimbus)

Irene Radford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Not worth buying 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book is, at best, okay. I'd give it 2.5 stars, because I didn't completely dislike it, though it contained a lot I did dislike.

The characters intrigued me, but then, as someone else stated, things started getting cliche. If done properly, cliche can work out to be okay, but this wasn't done well at all. There's a little love triangle between the three main characters. I'm going to give a slight spoiler here to show one of the many weaknesses of this book.

When the girl and the other male lead character think their friend is dead, he comforts her and they wind up having sex. Um...it seems to me that if you're really love someone that much and are that upset, sex isn't going to be on your mind. It was rather stupid.

Tambootie isn't given a great explanation, the older mage that we see a lot of seems rather conflicting at times. Part of me is curious to see what happens, but another part of me doesn't want to because of the mediocre writing in parts.

This book had potential, but it went down the drain abouta third to halfway through. If you really want to read it, borrow it from a library, don't spend the money on buying it. If they don't have it at your library, ask about interlibrary loan.

Editorial Review:

Finding the much-needed magic in their world dwindling with the depopulation of dragons, journeyman wizard Jaylor and witchwoman Brevelan begin a quest to discover who is destroying the dragons and why. Original.