R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 3/20/2021 + 1440 more book reviews

In the first novel of the Deathgate Cycle, the assassin Haplo has been hired to kill a royal child on the world of Arianus. He finds a world with porous rock islands floating on gas lighter than air occupied by elves, humans and dwarves. Transportation for elves is by airship while humans ride dragons. Reader understanding of this world is enhanced by the author's inclusion of maps and diagrams.

Elves, humans and dwarves live with dwarves occupying the lower level as slaves to the elves serving the Kicksey-winsey. There are plots and more plots by humans who are sorcerers, elves, and elves who are pirates as well as dwarves plotting to overthrow Elven rule. Haplo finds himself allied with the child he was hired to murder by the king himself to resist and unsnare the plots and hopefully save the world

This book is so full of fascinating characters that it's hard to put down. From Patryn, Haplo,to Xar, and Zifnab, readers find the characters remarkable and rememberable. One reader states that "When you've grown used to Alfred, the reader can feel like other characters' when he faints in the face of danger. The dwarf couple, Jarre and Limbeck, are driven to upend Elven control. And, Dog is endearing, to Haplo and reader alike. Bane, is a self-serving child. And, not to be forgotten is Hugh the Hand.

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