Monsters of the Earth

The Books of the Elements #3

by David Drake

Drake, David

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy

368 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2013

About the author

David Drake is an American author of science fiction and fantasy literature. A Vietnam War veteran who has worked as a lawyer, he is now one of the major authors of the military science fiction genre.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monsters of the Earth is the penultimate volume of Drake's Elements quartet, following Fire and Water. The plot is a little formulaic on the surface (the four heroes set off on separate quests to oppose evil and finally come together to defeat it in a grand finale), but I thought he kept it quite interesting by introducing new bits of mythology-inspired variables. The books are set in Carce, an analog that's almost but not quite our version of ancient Rome, the major difference being that magic works there. What sets it apart from so many other similar fantasy books is his richly described detail of what the civilization and society was like, and the day to day lives of the citizenry. The main characters are Hedia, wife of a very rich and powerful member of the ruling class, her step-children Alphena (who shows some interesting growth and development in this volume) and Varus (a scholarly wizard), and his best friend Corylus (the son of a soldier). I thought Hedia got a somewhat over-the-top poor treatment this time around; (no spoilers) it illustrated what she was willing to do to keep her family and world safe, but still... I'm sure some readers will have negative triggers pulled. Drake is one of the best fantasists due to his historical knowledge and ability to incorporate rich detail in interesting stories.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Drake continues his tales set in Carce (think fantastical Rome) with Corylis and Varus assisted by his step-mother, Hedia, and sister Alphena saving the city and earth by defeating giant crystal worms. This simple summation does not provide the vibrant details that David Drake provides, the visits to the Otherworld, the dangers and companions that they encounter, nor the fun of seeing the plot twist unravel at just the perfect climax. Enjoy where good fantasy is appreciated.

[Megan]

DNS 5/8/23 no longer interested

[David Marshall · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tedious fantasy plot finally emerges fron a tale of alternate history Rome.

http://opionator.wordpress.com/2013/1...

[Duane Enoch · Rating 3 out of 5]

12-24-13