Great start but slows down
928664
I have to say I enjoyed the first two books but the third one started to drag a bit.  Nothing really seemed to happen in this one and there were lots of scenes that I felt were just fillers.  I was waiting for more action but it didn't really happen.  The book was well written and I enjoyed the storyline, etc., but after finishing book 3 and finding there were 3 more highly priced books to read in this series I found that I wasn't invested enough in the story to continue.  One more book and I would have continued but I just couldn't see how there could be three more.  I have given 5 stars because these books are good and well written.  I probably will finish the series but right now I can't justify the price to complete the series.
3518284
While I loved the start to this story, I felt as though it fell apart in a few places in the second half of the book. The premise of the scarred war hero who is shut down and wounded physically and emotionally and is brought back to life through love is one that I love. It is done well here as Patrick has all the makings of a great character. Ellen seems a perfect fit for him. I found their relationship goes from lust to love a little too quickly and could have been more developed. The second half of the book felt a little jumbled and rushed. While I would still recommend this story, it could have been so much more if the author had taken more time to let us get to know the characters more and fully flushed out the details of the supporting characters and the plot more thoroughly. It would have allowed me to become more emotionally involved in the novel.
3180766
Started out really good but I seemed to get bogged down two-thirds of the way through it (It may be just me). I plan to finish reading it and review previous chapters.
2636717
This first book, which is apparently kicking off 2 new series, is a very interesting start. Its slow for those who love nonstop military sci-fi action.  The authors universe-building and basic sci-fi concepts together with good character and plot-line development are what make this a good read.  I give this 3 1/2 stars.
4777290
A good start and finish but dragged in the middle.
193594
This book started out with a lot of action, but slowed down after the first four pages. It's great to know what characters are thinking and feeling, that's why I enjoy reading more than movies. But this author took it to an extreme.
One line of dialog, two pages later the other person answers with one line, repeat. That's the formula for the whole book! Sometimes it's fun to figure out what they're thinking by words and actions.
I finished it, but started skimming to find the action.
3663016
It was a story that didn't get traction until later in the book. It was a slow starter for me, but I didn't want to put it down during the last half.
899187
I wavered between a 4 and 5 star rating only because the story was slow to get started. However, although the beginning is slow and you don't immediately fall in love with the main character-  once our happens, you're hooked!
66633
I enjoyed the book but not quite enough to pick up the second one in the series. The author writes well with good description and dialogue. The book opens really well with engaging characters and suspenseful scenes. Unfortunately throughout the middle of the book I felt there was too much storyline and not enough character development, and by the end I had lost interest in some of the characters.
3076495
The story started well and quickly hooked me in.  Randall is a young boy growing up in a backwoods neighborhood, where people are superstitious and see people who can work with magic, commonly known as Mages, are evil and touched by the devil.  So Randall is pretty put out when a stranger marks him out as a Mage.  Before Randall knows what's happening, he's forced to travel with the stranger, named Erliand, and become an apprentice.  A large part of the book, especially the first half is taken up with Randall learning different spells and how to use them.  This is fascinating at first and it's clear the author has put a lot of thought into this side of the world he's created.  But ultimately the training starts to drag on a little long for me.

The second half of the book is much better.  Erliand is attacked and Randall is forced to flee with no idea of what ultimately became of his Master.  Randall is forced to travel, staying one step ahead of his enemies.  Unfortunately he quickly realises he has no idea who he can trust and a couple of betrayals force him to flee once more, barely escaping with his life.  The conclusion is satisfying and hints at the possibility of a sequel.
1471430
Terrific start, grabs you but can't hold the momentum and ultimately ends up fairly predictable.
4717936
I'm in the process of reading this book but I'm getting bogged down in the middle of it. It seems to be dragging at times and there are too many characters too keep up with. It was very interesting in the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. I'll keep reading and get back to you. lol
138554
This book could have been a 4-star book - except for the first third of the book. The first part of the book was deadly slow. I almost gave up. Then the book picked up quickly and became a really good book. I loved it.

The I came to the ending. The last chapter was a little bit too much. It was just too sentimental. The good people won and all was right with the world.
3375927
The story started off with great promise and I was excited to keep reading, but when the story began to slide into a desperate attempt to keep the action alive, I felt it should have ended much earlier. I lost interest about half way through the book, but completed it for the purpose of reviewing. I think the writer has great promise, but needs to think the plotting through a little more.
706820
The novel starts off brilliantly. The writing is beautiful. I fell in love with Enza and Ciro, and their beautiful Alpine Italy and their makeshift familes. But not too long after they arrived in America, the writing began to drop off. The plot was great, but the narrator grew distant. I felt as if I were reading a summary of the story rather than the story itself, or that the author was writing the last half in a rush. Loved the beginning, but not the rest so much. I love Trigiani's Valentine series all the way through, so maybe this was just a fluke for her.
4155861
Starts great then slows down to a crawl as it mainly consists of characters talking about what they are going to do. King throws a "twist" about 3/4 in for no real reason. It's not a terrible read. It had its moments and a great concept but is a bit disappointing
3162822
The first half of the book slow, but then the story really picks up. I gave it a three star rating because I found the ending a let down. Yet I can't explain why.