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Ruin Mist Chronicles #1
Keeper Martin's Tale
Ruin Mist was featured in Publisher's Weekly Cover Story. Also recommended by the YA Librarians at VOYA Magazine, Foreword Magazine and in The Complete Idiots Guide to Elves and Fairies, Ancient Art of Faery Magick, Popular Series Fiction for Middle School and Teen Readers: A Reading and Selection Guide, and more.
Major marketing, print advertising, publicity and promotion. All new edition for 2003! Bestselling author Robert Stanek delivers an epic fantasy adventure that'll open your mind and your heart. After the Great War that divided the peoples, the kingdoms of men plunged into a Dark Age that lasted 500 hundred years. To heal the lands and restore the light, the great kings decreed that magic and all that is magical, be it creature, man or device, shall be cleansed to dust. Creatures born of magic were hunted to extinction. Any who dared call magic to their hands were butchered in the streets and afterward their kin were cast out of the known lands or hunted in the blood sport. The cleansing raged for so long that no human could recall a time without it and it is in this time that the Dark Lord Sathar returned from the dark beyond. The one hope of the peoples of Ruin Mist was Queen Mother, the elf queen of old. She saw a way out of everlasting darkness, a path that required the union of the divided peoples. Yet the Elves of the West did not share her vision. They thought her mad and answered her call for help with a call to arms. Now for the first time in recorded history the armies of the West are marching toward the sacred city of the East and an unholy war where elf must fight elf is inevitable. To turn back the tides of one war and prepare for another, Queen Mother must send her most trusted warriors on a perilous journey across the Great Sea, but what the elves will find if they can reach the far shores cannot be known for certain.
Major marketing, print advertising, publicity and promotion. All new edition for 2003! Bestselling author Robert Stanek delivers an epic fantasy adventure that'll open your mind and your heart. After the Great War that divided the peoples, the kingdoms of men plunged into a Dark Age that lasted 500 hundred years. To heal the lands and restore the light, the great kings decreed that magic and all that is magical, be it creature, man or device, shall be cleansed to dust. Creatures born of magic were hunted to extinction. Any who dared call magic to their hands were butchered in the streets and afterward their kin were cast out of the known lands or hunted in the blood sport. The cleansing raged for so long that no human could recall a time without it and it is in this time that the Dark Lord Sathar returned from the dark beyond. The one hope of the peoples of Ruin Mist was Queen Mother, the elf queen of old. She saw a way out of everlasting darkness, a path that required the union of the divided peoples. Yet the Elves of the West did not share her vision. They thought her mad and answered her call for help with a call to arms. Now for the first time in recorded history the armies of the West are marching toward the sacred city of the East and an unholy war where elf must fight elf is inevitable. To turn back the tides of one war and prepare for another, Queen Mother must send her most trusted warriors on a perilous journey across the Great Sea, but what the elves will find if they can reach the far shores cannot be known for certain.
- GenresFantasy
424 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2002
4 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Robert Stanek
311 books48 followersAlso writes as William R. Stanek and William Robert Stanek.
Robert Stanek has been a writer for over 30 years and is the author of over 50 books. The most popular series by Robert Stanek include the Ruin Mist books, the Magic Lands books, the Bugville books, the Bugville Jr. books, and the Bugville Learning books which area all available via Amazon, Audible, Playaway, OverDrive, and more than two dozen other retail and library partners. Join Robert Stanek and 200,000 fans on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RobertStanekA....
Robert Stanek has been a writer for over 30 years and is the author of over 50 books. The most popular series by Robert Stanek include the Ruin Mist books, the Magic Lands books, the Bugville books, the Bugville Jr. books, and the Bugville Learning books which area all available via Amazon, Audible, Playaway, OverDrive, and more than two dozen other retail and library partners. Join Robert Stanek and 200,000 fans on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RobertStanekA....
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 25, 2010
This is a poorly written self published book. I normally wouldn’t even bother to waste time writing a review about it, since it is just a self published book pretending to be greater than it is. However I’m angry that I was tricked into buying this crap.
This book is not a “modern day fantasy classic”. It is not “better than Harry Potter” or “Star Wars with elves”. Robert Stanek is not “America’s Tolkien”. Where did all this over-the-top hype come from? One can only guess (or risk censor from this site)
This book is full of stale, poorly descriptive writng. A short boring episode of what threatens to be some endless drawn out cliché (there are books 2, 3, 4 and then a “sequel series” (?) that goes on and on). This book is so unimaginative that there is even a “dark lord” and a “middle earth” thrown into the mix.
However, this book does have some unintentional funny bits. I had to laugh when I was told that “middle earth” was a realm between lower and upper earth. And the author clearly is confused about the meaning of many words, such as when a frightened princess speaks COYLY to a supernatural apparition.
I would suggest reading the 1st chapter on the Amazon preview feature - or doing an internet search on the author - before buying or getting this book.
This book is not a “modern day fantasy classic”. It is not “better than Harry Potter” or “Star Wars with elves”. Robert Stanek is not “America’s Tolkien”. Where did all this over-the-top hype come from? One can only guess (or risk censor from this site)
This book is full of stale, poorly descriptive writng. A short boring episode of what threatens to be some endless drawn out cliché (there are books 2, 3, 4 and then a “sequel series” (?) that goes on and on). This book is so unimaginative that there is even a “dark lord” and a “middle earth” thrown into the mix.
However, this book does have some unintentional funny bits. I had to laugh when I was told that “middle earth” was a realm between lower and upper earth. And the author clearly is confused about the meaning of many words, such as when a frightened princess speaks COYLY to a supernatural apparition.
I would suggest reading the 1st chapter on the Amazon preview feature - or doing an internet search on the author - before buying or getting this book.
May 6, 2011
Self published. The "adult" version of Kingdom/Elves/Reaches, but it is just the first two books of that series combined into a book with a different ttlte (and minus the corny pictures).
See http://conjugalfelicity.com/robert-st... for more details about the "interesting" promotional tactics of this author.
See http://conjugalfelicity.com/robert-st... for more details about the "interesting" promotional tactics of this author.
February 4, 2013
Perfect snarkbait.
This book actually won 1st place... for Worst Fantasy Book Ever Written!
(http://bestfantasybooks.com/worst-fan...)
This book actually won 1st place... for Worst Fantasy Book Ever Written!
(http://bestfantasybooks.com/worst-fan...)
October 21, 2012
I got this back in my early days of trying to find decent new fantasy to read after Tolkien, Jordan, and Brooks, and the 5-star reviews led me to believe that this was going to be real quality fantasy on a par with Tolkien himself. Unfortunately, it is not, and instead I was often - baffled. The writing is contradictory and confusing, and I found myself re-reading passages to try to visualize what was going on, but then giving up and pressing on just to finish.
The only reason I continued reading the series is that I was foolish enough to order them all at once instead of waiting to see if I liked the first one, and I was also foolish enough to hope they'd get better. I read four books from this author and instead of feeling like I at least got my money's worth, I just felt like I wasted a bunch of time as well as money.
The rave reviews are why I hoped it would get better, thinking it must be me and everything would click into place at some point. Unfortunately it never happened and I was extremely disappointed not to have discovered 'the next Tolkien.' The writing is too confusing, and the story fails to meet its potential.
It's a shame, but I did try, and I read all four books with an open mind. I am not just bashing the author out of spite. Reviews are opinions, and I feel that other readers should be able to consider my opinion as they choose whether or not to read any book. I really don't mind if someone disagrees with me - if you enjoyed the books, I am happy for you. I honestly couldn't.
The only reason I continued reading the series is that I was foolish enough to order them all at once instead of waiting to see if I liked the first one, and I was also foolish enough to hope they'd get better. I read four books from this author and instead of feeling like I at least got my money's worth, I just felt like I wasted a bunch of time as well as money.
The rave reviews are why I hoped it would get better, thinking it must be me and everything would click into place at some point. Unfortunately it never happened and I was extremely disappointed not to have discovered 'the next Tolkien.' The writing is too confusing, and the story fails to meet its potential.
It's a shame, but I did try, and I read all four books with an open mind. I am not just bashing the author out of spite. Reviews are opinions, and I feel that other readers should be able to consider my opinion as they choose whether or not to read any book. I really don't mind if someone disagrees with me - if you enjoyed the books, I am happy for you. I honestly couldn't.
June 15, 2013
Oh God, where do I start?
Okay, so I found out about this guy from a few of my friends, they were all laughing about how 'bad' his writing was, but I always thought of it like this: well, it can't be THAT bad. If he can at least get published,then I guess I could give it a go.
To this day, I regret ever doing that. Ever. Grammar and spelling mistakes to the limit. Plot is confusing, characters are cardboard cut-outs, and bland as hell. Everything is boring and seems to be going no where. I got a few chuckles out of it though, especially when Vilmos pissed himself... No, I'm serious, he literally pisses himself.
"Terror gripped Vilmos’ mind. Warm urine raced down his legs."
The only thing I worried about in the next few pages when I read that was if he got the time to change his pants or not, because I would hate to walk around smelling like piss.
Anyway, not only that, but Stanek literally self-promotes himself. Most of the 5-4 star raters are all sock-puppets and/or people who can't read. I actually feel sorry for this guy. I tried, really. BUT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO READ THIS WITHOUT GOING TEMPORARILY INSANE!
Okay, so I found out about this guy from a few of my friends, they were all laughing about how 'bad' his writing was, but I always thought of it like this: well, it can't be THAT bad. If he can at least get published,then I guess I could give it a go.
To this day, I regret ever doing that. Ever. Grammar and spelling mistakes to the limit. Plot is confusing, characters are cardboard cut-outs, and bland as hell. Everything is boring and seems to be going no where. I got a few chuckles out of it though, especially when Vilmos pissed himself... No, I'm serious, he literally pisses himself.
"Terror gripped Vilmos’ mind. Warm urine raced down his legs."
The only thing I worried about in the next few pages when I read that was if he got the time to change his pants or not, because I would hate to walk around smelling like piss.
Anyway, not only that, but Stanek literally self-promotes himself. Most of the 5-4 star raters are all sock-puppets and/or people who can't read. I actually feel sorry for this guy. I tried, really. BUT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO READ THIS WITHOUT GOING TEMPORARILY INSANE!
July 6, 2014
Don't believe the hype. This book has not been recommended as claimed in the blurb. It is not a best seller. It has not won awards. It is amateur garbage that has been slickly marketed. It also is not appropriate for children.
In addition the narrator on the version sold through Audible is horrendous.
Do your due diligence before purchasing this one.
http://conjugalfelicity.com/robert-st...
My advice: Don't waste any money or any time on this one. There is no one who would honestly and truthfully believe this trash is a great story.
There are however critiques of it on the web that are pretty entertaining. Find one of those instead if you really want to know what this book is all about.
I recommend this one:
http://conjugalfelicity.com/keeper-ma...
In addition the narrator on the version sold through Audible is horrendous.
Do your due diligence before purchasing this one.
http://conjugalfelicity.com/robert-st...
My advice: Don't waste any money or any time on this one. There is no one who would honestly and truthfully believe this trash is a great story.
There are however critiques of it on the web that are pretty entertaining. Find one of those instead if you really want to know what this book is all about.
I recommend this one:
http://conjugalfelicity.com/keeper-ma...
February 25, 2012
I'm on chapter 8 and having a hard time continuing. So far I have only found really weak writing, and excruciatingly slow story movement. I keep waiting for the story to start...
I'll keep reading it - hoping that the positive reviews are indicative that the end of the book is better than the beginning - but I cannot imagine wading through this again for another book or two.
I'll keep reading it - hoping that the positive reviews are indicative that the end of the book is better than the beginning - but I cannot imagine wading through this again for another book or two.
April 1, 2014
Before I start ranting, keep in mind that all reviews with five stars are made by fake accounts of the self-published failure of an author, Robert Stanek.
The book, is, in every way, trash. If I could show you a map, you could see that he has no grasp on fantasy-map making, with original kingdom names like "Great Kingdom" an ungrateful brat named Vilmos who you would rather stab to death with rusted dirk than see to great heroism and fame. A snobby bitch named Adrino who betrays the trust of her best friends, bullies them, lies to people and though not apparent, whores herself for information (she doesn't actually, but so much of the story is poorly written that we are given the misconception) while some sexual innuendo is thrown in there. He (Robert Stanek) fails to remember that he marketed this self published crap for ages 10+ I would hate to explain to a nine year old what "Bedded the ridemaster" meant. There is also a horny elf, I'm making nothing up. Sexual reproduction is considered strange,alien and bad, and yet he pretty much rapes "Brother" (she's actually a woman) Galan. Sorry, this is a review, so I'll get to the point
This book is shit, don't listen to the good reviews because they are fake and no one but Robert Stanek the terrible writer likes it, I'll end this review with one simple phrase:"The new eye of Argon"
The book, is, in every way, trash. If I could show you a map, you could see that he has no grasp on fantasy-map making, with original kingdom names like "Great Kingdom" an ungrateful brat named Vilmos who you would rather stab to death with rusted dirk than see to great heroism and fame. A snobby bitch named Adrino who betrays the trust of her best friends, bullies them, lies to people and though not apparent, whores herself for information (she doesn't actually, but so much of the story is poorly written that we are given the misconception) while some sexual innuendo is thrown in there. He (Robert Stanek) fails to remember that he marketed this self published crap for ages 10+ I would hate to explain to a nine year old what "Bedded the ridemaster" meant. There is also a horny elf, I'm making nothing up. Sexual reproduction is considered strange,alien and bad, and yet he pretty much rapes "Brother" (she's actually a woman) Galan. Sorry, this is a review, so I'll get to the point
This book is shit, don't listen to the good reviews because they are fake and no one but Robert Stanek the terrible writer likes it, I'll end this review with one simple phrase:"The new eye of Argon"
June 16, 2016
I couldn't even finish it. By the time I got to the middle, I just had to put it down. This is one of the worst books I have ever read.
July 29, 2014
OH, the things this author does to the trees....
January 23, 2008
It's a fantasy novel so I really like this type of book. It is pretty much ok, but I don't really understand it but I hope I will once I progress through the chronicles.
June 29, 2015
This is perhaps one of the single, most badly written novels I have ever had the displeasure of coming across. I thank the God's of the North that i had only borrowed it on amazon and did not have to pay a single cent.
Stanek's prose is non-nonsensical, weak, and the story itself is mix of over used fantasy tropes. I did some further research on the author an found a myriad of fraudulent practices that he utilized to trick people into thinking they were paying for a book by a well known author.
Stanek is self published, self absorbed, and his work reflects an ego that would give mainstream rapper Kanye West a run for his millions of dollars. If one positive thing can be said about his work and this one particular, it is thus: A bad book can teach just as much about writing as a good one can. Stanek breaks every standard convention of story telling. If you are in doubt about your own skills as a writer, then read it, because if anything it will make you feel better about your own work.
Stanek's prose is non-nonsensical, weak, and the story itself is mix of over used fantasy tropes. I did some further research on the author an found a myriad of fraudulent practices that he utilized to trick people into thinking they were paying for a book by a well known author.
Stanek is self published, self absorbed, and his work reflects an ego that would give mainstream rapper Kanye West a run for his millions of dollars. If one positive thing can be said about his work and this one particular, it is thus: A bad book can teach just as much about writing as a good one can. Stanek breaks every standard convention of story telling. If you are in doubt about your own skills as a writer, then read it, because if anything it will make you feel better about your own work.
November 30, 2021
After hearing how notoriously bad this is, I was curious and decided to check it out.
Oofers.
Oofers.
September 13, 2013
This... (wait for it)... is the *worst* book I've ever read. It's not one of those books that are so bad that they sort of become fun either... no this book has looped beyond that and back to just being a terrible book. The most terrible. The greatest emotion I felt was disappointment at the time I wasted trying to finish the thing.
Allow me to explain: whilst reading this sad excuse for a novel, I had a religiously weird experience.
"THE LORD IS TESTING ME." I screamed to myself.
Than, out of the air came a strange being. It had no face but said it was a Stanek fan and spoke to me thusly:
Then:
Then, "You're human garbage!" (See the comments on poor Allison's review):
Me:
Allow me to explain: whilst reading this sad excuse for a novel, I had a religiously weird experience.
"THE LORD IS TESTING ME." I screamed to myself.
Than, out of the air came a strange being. It had no face but said it was a Stanek fan and spoke to me thusly:
Then:
Then, "You're human garbage!" (See the comments on poor Allison's review):
Me:
July 10, 2019
I read this book many years ago, split into two volumes for children and joined the forum of the author, spending great time here and receiving the special edition as a gift... I was so happy when I received it in one cold winter day and had trouble retrieving it from the posts, because they were curious what is this package from the USA... Then I saw the illustrations and loved them, particularly the Elven warrior Seth. That was almost ten years ago, but I keep the happy memories.
As for the book itself, it has an Elf and a boy wizard teaming up against tw0-headed werewolves! Wacky plot, but that's why you read indy, after all!
As for the book itself, it has an Elf and a boy wizard teaming up against tw0-headed werewolves! Wacky plot, but that's why you read indy, after all!
January 9, 2011
Superbe saga héroïque et un monde extraordinairement travaillé, des descriptions sublimement détaillées, une histoire magnifique. Sans doute la référence du genre, en tout cas, Stanek est pour moi un maitre de la fantasy. Vilmos et Adrina qui voit s'affronter le Bien et le Mal pour la préservation de la Terre.
December 3, 2023
How is this even possible. This is the litarary answer to fraud. Somehow these books were hyped up so much that they were able to be sold and recommended by the automatic search algorithms. This has no narrative, no story and a complete lack of coherance. I get the very strong impression that the author Robert Staneck is laughing behind our backs every time he gets a commission for a sale.
Read
March 25, 2019Abandoned. Badly written - just couldn't understand the flow at all.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews