lackey in her element
342721
Decent story, vintage Lackey. Series of tales woven into a story, satisfying amounts of thought and action. Enjoyable if you like Mercedes Lackey books.
4810574
I just found it fascinating to learn of her loneliness out there in the bleak mining country , where bob Dylan hails from. She's smart , funny but tends to go on & on. Then again there wasn't much out there at the turn of the century for a smart attractive young woman to do. She was kind of trapped. I would loved to have met her; I 've got a little of the Devil in me.
dig?
3770745
This women demonstrated more weaknesses than some others and so, not as inspiring.  An enjoyable read and as always, a walk on the gray side, with just a bit of shock factor
.
4131809
a well written book on the lives these two women had to bare to make it out a live
830969
Great book as usual from Mercedes Lackey, another winning novel in the Valdemar Kingdom universe.
4164064
It was well written and entertaining.  At times I couldn't put it down.  I like the way Ms. Lackey ties everything in and doesn't leave you
"hanging".
1621848
An unsual HP setting where h is a firewoman and rescued Hero'a only child.  The opening pages grabbed my interest in setting up the inevitable attraction that Judd will develop for Lise.  I loved that she is a strong person but has insecurities and falls into habitual role when with her dreadful aunt.  Some good angst, esp when shallow ex-wife comes back into the scenes.  A steady read.
2473917
When I spotted this book at my local bookstore, I immediately grabbed it, as I do with all Mercedes Lackey's books.  I found the story delightful, but much lighter than is Ms. Lackey's usual wont.  It reads very much like a fairy tale, but one with a decided sense of humor, far less serious than her other fairy tales (i.e. Fire Rose, Black Swan, etc.) perhaps because this is not based on any particular tale, but rather references several.  I also found the idea of where fairy godmothers came from rather fun, as well as the concept of fighting Tradition (or forcing it to fit YOUR desires) even better.  I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a light read.
1807080
The problem with most anthologies is that the stories are of uneven quality.  Some of these weren't really Elemental Master stories at all; or at least not what I was expecting, and having no similarities with Ms. Lackey's series.  That didn't keep some of them from being enjoyable.  Also, the last story, by Ms. Lackey herself, was good, but it was also the first chapter from her newest novel.

Overall, it's not a bad book, and if you recognize any of the author's as someone you like, you'll probably enjoy it.  I didn't regret buying it, but I don't see it as essential reading.
4014678
Since I began my own struggle to do what God had created me for, and use those talents for the edification of our society, one thing has remained true,; a woman has to work harder and be better than a male before she gets a sliver of recognition that she truly deserves. It always amazes me how quickly it is brushed past on as barely significant. The women in this novel were very noteworthy, and I hope it encourages others to be their best, whatever your gifts are.
2459217
This is a sequel to Lackey's "The Sleeping Beauty", one of her absolute best in my opinion.  After disentangling themselves from that jumble of fairy tales and Norse myths, Prince Leopold and Brunhilde are on a honeymoon that includes visiting her relatives, slaying a few monsters and, finally, relaxing in a sunny meadow.  Unfortunately, Brunhilde's blond hair leads one of the lesser (in several senses) Olympians to abduct her by mistake.  Luckily neither she nor Leopold is phased by a full pantheon, none of whom seem to have the faintest idea how to solve the problem.

Both plot and writing bear the hallmark of Lackey's accomplished storytelling with throwaway references to previous books in the series and to the mythological background.  You don't have to have read any of the series or know anything about the myths to enjoy the book, though.  Just don't read it on the bus if you are  easily embarrassed by people who stare at you when you burst into gales of laughter.
1351217
She doesn't relate enough the twelfth house with Neptune.  I think that is a weakness
1854264
I reluctantly liked this book. I loved the main character. Her ability to keep her sanity and strength was a good trait to emphasize. I thought it was interesting that she was not unscathed by her treatment. There was no false bravado, just a strong sense of self preservation and tenacity.

I felt it was somewhat of a stretch in the transition from Bones to Crow that she would somehow embrace mistreatment and find pleasure in it. Saying that, I think the author did a good jobs of showing Pearl's struggle with it. It helped in my understanding to see that he gave her a means to gain her freedom.

I am eagerly awaiting the sequels. Great job
375327
I love Lackey's characters and stories. She does a great job as always of weaving all of their stories together and entertaining her reader.
3135080
If you like Mercedes Lackey, you won't like this book. It is very clear that she shopped Lackey's catalog to come up with the structure of her book. If you don't know the work I'm referring to, I won't point it out - you can come to your own conclusions.

The story itself was fairly interesting. She made a stab at describing someone with PTSD. I don't think she did a great job, but she made the attempt. The bad guys are experimenting on people. We don't know how, we don't know how the victims are chosen. There are quite a few loose ends. Why was it necessary to erase her memory prior to kidnapping her? How are the bad guys able to find her if they have no magic of their own? Why does the heroine keep making muddled assumptions rather than having actual conversations?

Frankly, it was odd how her station in life kept changing, and no one had any problem with that. If you have a class system, people are going to guard their privileges quite jealously. Even in the real world. I guess that's what bothered me most about this book. The emotional life around these characters just seemed off. The "enemy" schoolgirl was simply too obnoxious for words. None of the teachers had any doubts about her after a 15 minute conversation.

Readable - but not a second time.
1673831
I agree with others that this is one of Winspear's weaker Maisie Dobbs books. I enjoyed the book but felt it was not well fleshed out. i wondered if Winspear was pressed to meet a deadline or there was somehting else which interfered with her giving the book her full attention.
2809424
Not her best but even her "not so good" are better than average! She writes about family and challenges facing the 2 main characters
and how their relationship starts and where it ends. There is not a lot of conflict but some drama and just enough to hold ones interest.
From a point of view of interesting life styles, alone, and their contrasts, in England, in the 1980's or earlier, the book is interesting . . .