Goosebumps Boxed Set, Books 25 - 28: Attack of the Mutant, My Hairiest Adventure, A Night in Terror Tower, and The Cuckoo Clock of Doom

Customer Reviews:

Really Cool books with great plots........1999-02-04

I thought these books were so cool when i first read them. In these books, R.L stine combines imagination with fiction and horror.

Average customer rating:

This one is good....dark and fun!
A twist on a classic novel with Ravenloft horror mixed in

Tower of Doom (Ravenloft Book)
Mark Anthony
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786900628

Customer Reviews:

This one is good....dark and fun!.......2002-12-13

This book was an over all fun read. The main character of the story (Wort) gets his revenge on the many people who treat him so badly, which made for some fun revenge hungry reading! This story has a very dark feel to it, and many of the characters are selfish and greedy (which added to the dark atmosphere). Some of the positives of the book would have to be

1. The characters
If you have not read this book yet look for Lady Jadis the WerePanther- SHE IS COOL!Also Azalin makes an appearance along with some other cool new charecters.Wort plays some what of a villain in the later half of the book, and you love him for it! I give the characters 5 stars.

2. The revenge
If you enjoy sweet revenge or if someone has ever made you feel bad about the way you look you'll love this!Theres Nothing better than good paybacks!

3. The author
I had not read any of Mark Anthony's work before reading "Tower of Doom". He is a talented writer, and I was very impressed by the way he fine tuned the book.
The only negative input on the book is the whole Hunchback in the Bell Tower thing. Its a little bit Notre Dameish. (But thats OK right?)

With Zombies,Hunchbacks,Gnomes, and Were Panthers and a Dark classic Ravenloft setting....Its hard to dislike this book. Give it a try.

A twist on a classic novel with Ravenloft horror mixed in.......1998-08-24

I read this book shortly after finishing Death of a Darklord, as I wished to read more on Azalin, whom supposedly makes a cameo in the novel. Indeed, he does, but not like I expected. The book is fantastic, anyway, and it had some of the greatest characters and plot twists I'd ever seen.

In the end, you pitied the protagonist, loathed the villain, and felt for the two female leads, whose different paths merged to put them both on the path to ruin. The most intriguing character (and the one who surprised me by NOT doing what I thought he'd do), though, would have to be the gnome, Pock, whose comic relief was welcome in some parts.

Book Description

Here is the book that Tolkien fans have needed for half a century--a detailed, book-length chronology of J. R. R. Tolkien's complex tale. Whether you are a serious Tolkien fan or simply someone who enjoys reading the story over and over again, this is the book for you. It's the first totally new reference for The Lord of the Rings since the 1970s.

Beginning over 1400 years before the major events in Tolkien's epic, it describes, year-by-year, the amazing and imaginative background history that Tolkien created for his masterpiece. Then for the main narrative, it becomes a day-by-day reference, describing what each character does on that day and all the places where those events are described in Tolkien's writings. You can find out, for instance, what Merry and Pippin are doing as Sam perpares rabbit stew on the morning of March 7.

Probe deeper into Tolkien. See why someone as serious as Gandalf was interested in fun-loving Hobbits. Discover an exciting new plot, based on Tolkien's notes, that begins when Aragorn captures Gollum. Follow along as the Black Riders and Gandalf race for the Shire. Decide for yourself whether Sauron and the Ring have any ties to Hitler and Stalin. Explore what Tolkien believed about nature and technology.

A few facts illustrate how helpful this chronology is. Most of narrative is a deliberately confusing sea of next days and third days that leave readers as confused as the tale's main characters.The middle 60 percent of The Lord of the Rings gives the current date only once. In the narrative as a whole, the date is given only 23 times, or once for every 43 pages, and most of those come when the plot is moving slowly. That's why those who want to dig deeper and understand better what Tolkien was saying will find this book a must-have.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Resource.......2006-12-10

Perry has done a wonderful job in untangling the very intricate tale woven by J.R.R. Tolkien. Of particular help are the copious margin notes which reference exactly where Perry is drawing the information contained within that section of his book. The commentary made by the author is a welcomed pause for reflection on the events that are taking place and keep the book from being a mere listing of dates and events. I teach a course on J.R.R. Tolkien and have found Untangling Tolkien a valuable resource, since it covers the entire history of Middle-earth: what comes before The Hobbit and what takes place after The Lord of The Rings. Bravo Mr. Perry, I look forward to reading your other books.

Knits up the ravels.......2004-10-31

An amazing accomplishment by a dedicated Tolkien fan.

That is how I'd sum up the book Untanging Tolkien. Michael Perry has first unraveled all Tolkien's "dates" -- which can be extrapolated from phases of the moon -- and then knit them together again in a cohesive outline, presented in much greater detail than Tolkien's own timeline (found buried in Appendix A of LOTR). By incorporating information from other Tolkien writings, the author of Untangling Tolkien collates additional facts about all the characters and the circumstances surrounding the War of the Ring, folding them all into this detailed chronology. He includes material that sheds light on possible parallels between Tolkien's work and events that were contemporary, and he provides original commentary that suggests some additional motivations for Tolkien's characters. Sidebars offer references to every source for the information presented and for each conclusion the author has drawn.

I found the format, with quick-reference bulleted lists and clearly delineated sections and subheadings, well-organized and easy to use.

NOTE: I read the third printing that was published in May 2004. Apparently the author has corrected many of the errors that David Bratman objected to (below). You won't find a better overview or a more throrough treatment of time and dates in LOTR than Perry provides in this book.

A Radiograph of LotR........2003-12-27

This book is layed out as a chronological record of the events covered by Tolkein's masterpiece with prefaces that explain the calender system created by Tolkein and its conversion to our more mundane (and possibly inferior) system. The type is clear, and margin citations clear and present for every entry. It's primary utility, at which it succeeds admirably, is as a kind of radiograph of Tolkein's work that reveals its astonishing complexity more clearly and allows one to admire, and more importantly, explore the book itself more quickly, easily, and deeply.

The book also contains copious notes inline with the chronology. These vary from informative to tangential, but at worst do not detract from the book's primary function. Mr. Perry is perhaps foremost as Lewis scholar, and so C.S. Lewis, a close acquaintance and friend of Tolkein, makes a number of appearances. Also making appearances in the notes are William Shakespeare and Winston Churchill.

All in all, a unique book which will save anyone who wants to do an in depth study of LotR a lot of time.

Splendid Tolkien Reference Work.......2003-12-21

Superb, exhaustive chronology of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga. Perry does a superior job in untangling a number of thorny chronological issues in Tolkien's narrative, and he employs some fine literary detective work in reconstructing what events are happening across Middle Earth on any given date. Especially admirable is his reconstruction of how much moonlight there was during each day of Frodo and Sam's journey into Mordor.

In addition to chronology, Perry supplies a lot of background information about Tolkien's themes and sources, as well as biographical tidbits about Tolkien. For example, there are fascinating discussions of Tolkien's views of technology, freedom, and totalitarianism. Perry also discusses Tolkien's stance toward the misuse of Germanic myths by the Nazis.

This is a great resource for Tolkien-lovers everywhere.

a giant mass of undifferentiated trivia.......2003-12-21

A year-by-year, later day-by-day, chronicle of the war against Sauron from the founding of the Shire to the glorious conclusion seems at the outset like a good idea. Perry calls LOTR's Appendix B, the Tale of Years, "far from complete" but it covers the whole period: what he means is that it's not detailed enough for him. Appendix B won't tell you which day Sam cooked coney for Frodo; Perry will.

But alas, the book does not stop there. The entries are written as bullet lists like a PowerPoint presentation, and many add pointless little flowcharts such as two-generation family trees. They reduce Tolkien's magnificently complex subcreation into a giant mass of undifferentiated trivia. And each yearly or daily entry comes with its commentary, whether directly relevant, side points, broader considerations, or dogmatic essays in applicability. The unrelieved banality and inappropriateness of these must be read to be believed; as also the author's clumsy, grammatically inept style, and his smug superiority to the characters. (He frequently criticizes the good guys' "blunders," all of them more complex than he implies.)

There's actually some good chronological analysis and speculation hiding in here. But how can someone who knows his Tolkien that well say that the wizards were Valar, or that Rohan gave Isengard to Saruman (it wasn't theirs to give, and Saruman was made its warden, not a freeholder), that Boromir and Faramir had a sibling rivalry (Tolkien specifically says not), or suggest that Galadriel should have sent daily eagles to check up on the Fellowship?

These are not isolated examples: the bloopers and misconceived ideas go on and on. The whole book is like that: it has the soul of a PowerPoint presentation. I can't recommend it on any terms.

Average customer rating:

Great read

Not like the first book

Literally Laughable

Like a poke in the eye with a sharp stick

The train wreck continues.

Shadows of Doom (Iron Tower Trilogy)
Dennis L. McKiernan
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Darkest Day (Iron Tower Trilogy)

The Dark Tide (Iron Tower Trilogy)

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Dragondoom

Tales of Mithgar

ASIN: 0451451031

Customer Reviews:

Great read.......2005-07-26

I've been reading Fantasy for years. From Jordan through Erikson, Marco and a ton others. McKeirnan continues to be one of the BEST story tellers. His skills are amazing and in the Iron Tower Trilogy anybody can see what keeps McKeirnan on the top.

Buy it. Read it. Be happy!

Not like the first book.......2005-05-10

The second volume of The Iron Tower Trilogy picks up right where the first one left off. In fact, McKiernan is considerate enough to provide a synopsis of the first book for the reader who either hasn't read it or doesn't remember it. As the book opens, the lovely Laurelin, betrothed to Prince Galen, is in the last waggon train of refugees being sent to safety from Challerain Keep. Escorted by the Prince's younger brother, Prince Igon, they hope to escape the Dimmendark and Modru's Horde and rally the High King's Host from the southern realms. Unfortunately, their greatest fears become reality and Laurelin is captured and taken to the Iron Tower, Modru's stronghold. Meanwhile, back at the doomed Keep, the small band of Warrows, including Tuck, Patrel and Danner, has been separated during the chaos surrounding the final battle. McKiernan follows as each of the characters goes their separate ways and new groups of allies are formed. Elves, Dwarves, Warrows and Men all form alliances to fight the encroaching evil. The High King's forces are embattled on every front and the situation looks dire for our small band of intrepid heroes.

Once again, McKiernan has written a fast-paced, interesting story. I especially liked the Warrows' outlook on life. No matter how dreary the situation, they are still able to see the silver lining. This ability allows them to find humor in all but the worst scenarios. The plot may be familiar, but the characters are likable and you can't help but cheer them on. In this volume, McKiernan provides more information about Modru and the forces driving him on. By the end of the book, the situation is looking grimmer and grimmer for Tuck and his friends, but they fight gamely on, determined to resist the Horde and turn it back. As with the previous novel, the main plot line is left unresolved. However, this is one of those novels where the journey is half the fun. Knowing that there is a third and final book in the series, I don't mind waiting for the next installment to find out how our heroes will fare.

Literally Laughable.......2004-12-07

This book was a discard I picked up at the library. Unfortunately, this was one book that truly deserved to be discarded. I am never critical of Tolkien-esque books solely because they are Tolkien-esque. This book was not only a rip-off, but also badly written to an extreme extent. It takes cliche to a new level, showing why the fantasy genre has had a reputation as "not good literature". This book's wimpy, unrealistic, cliche characters, painful use of fake "Olde English" grammar and sentence structure, and poor writing style in general made it unreadable. Perhaps because I am an actor, I always pay attention to dialogue. This dialogue is so incredibly melodramatic that I literally burst out laughing at several points. Imagine someone actually saying this stuff, or trying to act it! I kept wondering if this was being written seriously- was McKiernan perhaps trying to spoof bad Tolkien copies? Even the descriptions are fantasy cliche. And you can read one paragraph and count at least one stupid made-up name (usually with apostrophe!) per sentence. Ridiculous and unbelievable. Please, please read _The Tough Guide to Fantasyland_ by Diana Wynne Jones to find out just how pathetic and unoriginal this book really is.

Like a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.......2004-11-21

McKiernan in his foreword tells us that he is paying homage to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Homage? Hmm. According to the American Heritage® Dictionary "homage" is defined as: "Special honor or respect shown or expressed publicly." I fail to see the "honor" to Tolkien in McKiernan's "The Iron Tower" trilogy. While it is true it is said that imitation is the highest form of flattery, McKiernan's books are less like flattery and more like regurgitation. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind if a writer is heavily inspired by the work of another. Even Tolkien himself drew much of his thematic elements and ideas from other ancient and mythic sources (Beowulf for example), but he reconstituted those ideas in such a way that they seemed fresh; not copied or reprinted. He was reinventing not simply rewriting.
Unfortunately, such is not the case with McKiernan's work. His ideas are directly lifted from the pages of "The Lord of the Rings" without any attempt at originality.

In McKiernan's story, a Warrow (Hobbit) named Tuck Underbank (Frodo) embarks on a quest to defeat an ultimate evil, Mordu (Sauron) who dwells in the evil land of Gron (Mordor). Along the way he encounters a dwarf called Brega (Gimli), an elf named Gildor(Legolas), a human warrior (Aragorn), etc, etc, etc...The Tolkien plagiarism's go on and on.

He even includes a scene where some of the main characters have to pass through an abandoned Dwarf city called Kraggen-Cor. The city is abandoned because some terrible monster (Ghath) drove all of the dwarfs out long ago. The only way into the subterranean city is through some magical doors that they have some difficulty getting open. While waiting at the doors, a monstrous squid/octopus-like creature attacks them. And yes, there is even a battle with the Ghath in the dwarfin city on a narrow bridge over a bottomless cavern.

I have a one hundred page rule when it comes to books; if the book can't engross me, can't keep my interest by the hundredth page I give it up. In this case, morbid curiosity kept me reading these books; like a horrible car accident, I couldn't tear my eyes away. Page after page I kept telling myself "it can't get any worse" and page after page I was proved wrong.

As bad as the plagiarism is, the writing is even worse.

The epic scope of Tolkien's story is GONE. Tolkien's writing was marked by mystery, grandeur and a poignant sense of loss and realism. All of this is missing from McKiernan's work. The characters in "The Lord of the Rings" (and the "Hobbit" for that matter) were three-dimensional; they seemed almost to have stepped out of the history books and not a novel. Tolkien made us care about his characters and what happened to them. McKiernan is incapable of doing this with the cardboard cutouts that populate his world. For example, Tuck Underbank is written to be a tragic/heroic figure and spends A LOT of time crying and sobbing about this or that. The narrative, time and time again, tries to make us feel sorry for him. After a while, I just started rolling my eyes and hoping someone would put him out of his misery. Throughout the story the dialogue is stilted, completely unnatural and pathetic. This may be one of the only times in history where a story would have been improved if none of the characters spoke.

Rather than "honoring" Tolkien with "The Iron Tower" trilogy, McKiernan dishonors the great writer. For those looking for a well written, enriching story in the style of Tolkien or just a good epic fantasy: Look elsewhere.

The train wreck continues........2003-05-06

Reading Dennis McKiernan's "Shadows of Doom" is not unlike watching a train wreck as it occurs... in slow motion. The first book of the Iron Tower trilogy, "Dark Tide," was irritating and poorly-written, full of elements lifted straight from "Lord of the Rings." One would expect that it couldn't get worse in "Shadows of Doom." Astonishingly, it does.

Picking up where the previous book left of, the Spawn attack the wagons leaving Challerain Keep, killing everyone except Igon (who almost dies) and Laurelin, who is captured and taken to Modru's dungeons. Elsewhere, Patrel and Danner return to the Boskydells, only to find that Modru's Horde has attacked. Galen, Tuck and Gildor set out to find the armies of the late king, teaming up with a very rude dwarf named Brega along the way. Being pursued by Vulgs, they have no choice but to venture into the evil-filled dwarf citadel of Kraggen-Cor.

Not only does the pace slow in "Shadows," but the characters become even flatter and duller and the elements become even more blatantly Tolkienesque. The writing is terrible, the dialogue laughable, and the derivative elements aren't helped by poor plotting. A pivotal plot point appears most of the way through the book, utilizing the cliched villain-gloats-and-explains-his-evil-plot tactic; the attack on the Boskydells has no real impact on the plot, except to make Tuck cry.

The Warrows are copies of Tolkien's hobbits, but lacking in the enthusiastic charm of those particular "wee folk," which the quality that makes people love them so much; the Warrows lack charm, strength, or courage. Similarly with the derivative Elves, who are immortal, cultured, elegant, and dull as ditchwater. Dwarves are crabby and crusty, lacking in personality; medieval human Men are even duller than Warrows or Elves, and the assorted evil beasties who menace our heroes (copies of orcs, uruk-hai, Nazgul and wargs) are not-so-veiled copies of Tolkien's works. Moria, the Dwarves (or as he calls them, the Chakka), the squid-beast, and the Balrog -- in "Shadows," you can find unexciting copies of all of the above. At a certain point, you stop goggling in horror and just find it all immensely funny.

Tuck is still as annoying as he was before, crying and asking stupid questions, although he's somewhat easier to ignore. Still, the idea that McKiernan is setting this little twerp up as an alternate Frodo Baggins is nothing short of hysterical. Galen's sole moment of character development is some very contrived conflict over who to rescue (a real king would not experience any conflict -- he'd do his duty, no dithering). Gildor is still quite dull; Brega is abrasive and bossy; Danner and Patrel lose whatever shreds of personality they might have had. And Modru was a lot more frightening before we actually saw him.

The female characters are still passive, boring and lacking in any strength, except McKiernan tries to make us think otherwise. Laurelin stabs a Ghul after lying down and crying through a fight scene, then sits and cries for the rest of the book. Merrilee, at the Boskydells, has to be verbally defended by Danner when she proves unable to speak up for herself and her fighting skills, then starts sobbing into a male shoulder after a battle (the implication is that women cry when there's a fight). You go, girl.

McKiernan's writing remains hideously repetitive and weird. As if the readers are incapable of remembering anything more than a page back, he constantly mentions that the Mere is black, Tuck's eyes are "sapphirine" and sparkle, that Brega is gruff, and that Elves are graceful. The characters often act in bizarre ways, such as the escaping Patrel and Danner laughing like a pair of recently escaped mental patients; the fight scenes are absurdly hard to visualize, except for the battle with the Gargon (which is just silly -- how often do heavy footsteps sound like "Doom"?).

"Shadows of Doom" o'ertops "Dark Tide" like a wave of Shadowlight. It's a painful experience unless you stop taking it seriously. Derivative, poorly-written, lacking in any interesting qualities at all.

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3 Titles By Dennis L. McKiernan Iron Tower Trilogy (1-3) : 1. The Dark Tide 2. Shadows of Doom 3. The Darkest Day
Dennis L. McKiernan
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000VS5JWA

Product Description

multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.

Conan, Vol 1 #6 (Comic Book): Tower of the Doom-bringer

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Conan, Vol 1 #6 (Comic Book): Tower of the Doom-bringer
LARRY HAMA
Manufacturer: MARVEL
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QD6JVA

FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION - Volume 70, number 5 - May 1986: Uncle Tuggs; In the Fullness of Time; Ex-Chameleon; Reconn Man in the City; A Transect; Playmates; Tadcaster's Doom; The View From the Top of the Tower

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FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION - Volume 70, number 5 - May 1986: Uncle Tuggs; In the Fullness of Time; Ex-Chameleon; Reconn Man in the City; A Transect; Playmates; Tadcaster's Doom; The View From the Top of the Tower
Edward L. (editor) (Michael Shea; Bradley Denton; Ron Goulart; Felix C. Gotschalk; Kim Stanley Robinson; Chuck Rothman; Phillip C. Jennings; Harry Harrison; Terence M. Green) Ferman
Manufacturer: Mercury Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JHAY1E

The Iron Tower Trilogy - The Dark Tide, Shadows of Doom and The Darkest Day

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The Iron Tower Trilogy - The Dark Tide, Shadows of Doom and The Darkest Day

Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HVNGIU

Product Description

The complete series, offered as a set.

Shadows of Doom (Book 2 of the Iron Tower Trilogy)

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Shadows of Doom (Book 2 of the Iron Tower Trilogy)
Dennis L. McKiernan
Manufacturer: New American Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NXLXH8

Average customer rating:

Jewel Eyes
good stuff!
Like a poke in the eye with a sharp stick

Shadows of Doom (Iron Tower Trilogy)
Dennis L. McKiernan
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0451155653

Customer Reviews:

Jewel Eyes.......2006-09-07

The eyes of the Warrows come in various shades, some have specutlated they are in some way related to the giants that once roamed the world. Whatever the truth, they give them a decided edge in the demondark. They are even able to outsee the elves within its murky darkness.

The story conitues to progress as the Warrows from behind the thornwall are taken from one extreme to another.

AS I stated in my earlier review of book one, it is like Lord of the Rings in many ways. Still, it is enjoyable if you but give it a chance.

good stuff!.......2006-01-01

Another fine offering from McKiernan. Please ignore the Tolkien fanboys. As a guy that has been reading fantasy books for over half my life (I'm 32), McKiernan stands well above the most other authors in the genre. He isn't a Martin/Erikson/Tolikien quality, but he smokes the Jordans and Goodkinds.

The only complaints I've noticed about his works are that they mirror Tolkien (well duh this is a known fact, if you don't like it don't read it) and that he isn't suitable for younger readers since he tends to not be a lite and easy read.

Like a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.......2004-11-21

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