well written, excellent storytelling
580324
i remember years ago when this came out a friend told me to read it. i ended up reading one of the spinoff books first and then went back to read this one. excellent storytelling, fast paced, beautifully developed characters.
4026219
Sensational. It becomes clear as you proceed the required time it took to write this book, near ten years I believe. Was not expecting to marvel as much as I did, and it is definitely worth a re-read. Written simply and beautifully, great storytelling, sympathetic characters of interest. A palpable grayness with little light. Moved deftly between worlds and time periods. Its depth will continue to be revealed on re-reads. This book can be completed in a day or two. Given the numerous white space between chapters (most are three pages) this book is about 100 pages less than the its numeric length.
3244358
I'll admit I'm just a little more than halfway through this book, but I find the writing excellent (The author is an excellent story-teller) and the characters well presented. I'll finish the book soon, but I know my rating for it will not change. When I first realized what the novel dealt with I was discouraged and thought I'd wait until I was more ready for something I expected to be long and boring. Luckily, I started it at once and found it to be a much-needed portrait of a country and people by an author who well knows what he is writing about.
1340396
I found this book to be an excellent read.  I found myself completely draw into the main character (Jaz) and carried along through the story with him.  The author's storytelling creates an intimate connection between the reader and the characters.  The story ended far too soon for me.  I found the main character's teenage  British voice to be very fast and easy flowing, which is quite an accomplishment, considering that I am American and considerably older than 16.

I could relate to everything that happened in the book, Jaz's thought processes, his emotional responses and state-of-mind, and the way he interpreted the world, all capturing how a 16 year-old-boy's mind typically works.  It was realistic and believable.  This is a very difficult thing for an adult author to pull-off so successfully.

I highly recommend this book.  I also very much look forward to his next book, which I hope is forthcoming.

The main character of the book, Jaz, has his own MySpace page at [...] (set-up by the author).
3354712
Fantastic writing! Excellent character development and story flow. The author has a natural talent for description, perfectly blending the emotional, social, and physical elements of the story. The descriptions of the Roman Metropolis are vivid in the extreme, while not neglecting to give an insight into the lower levels of plebian society. I appreciated that the more unsavory elements of society were handled tactfully, and that he was not too profligate in his use of foul language.

It is apparent early on that the author has military experience. His vivid descriptions of combat and the military fraternity can only come from someone who has lived through such events and places. *MILD SPOILER WARNING* I was brought to tears by the death of one the protagonist's comrades. The brutal mortality and hopelessness of the situation as his comrade slowly dies is conveyed to the reader as only a soldier can tell.

My only problem with the book was that I stayed awake all night to finish it, and that I have to wait for the next one to come out! I'm eager for the next one Mr. Davis!
3254879
The combination of a talented storyteller with an excellent writing style make this book a great read.  The descriptions and characters are so vivid you can easily imagine the book as a great movie too!
3631087
I normally disdain so many shifts in time, flashbacks. But the writing was so good, the premise captivating enough to hook me, that before I knew it, it simply seemed right that we let the narrative sweep us along in style. Great plot, with exciting twists and turns and a perfect resolve. One aspect may have been slightly predictable--"Chloe and Owen" falling in love--but perhaps because I'm a romantic and wanted that outcome. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Sorry, but I've long since tired of the expression "good read". This was just great storytelling!
3009349
I enjoy reading tales in this genre, but this is no run of the mill story. The author engages throughout and the characters come to life as they should at the hands of a good writer. Even better, one is left wanting to know what happens next, and grateful for the knowledge that this is part of a trilogy.
3693775
Like Alien/Invasion stories with a strong protagonist?  Then this book is for you.  It was really well written. Yes, the teen angst and love story can get a bit heavy handed at times, but this was a really good story with excellent writing, so I could get past it. I Haven't enjoyed a book such much since "The Fifth Wave."  Don't want to give too much away.  It ends at just the right place to make one really look forward to Book Two. I can highly recommend this book.
3879465
Excellent storytelling, captivating, clever plot twisting and turning, spellbinding all the way to the end. One of the best books I have read.
3998952
The writer is a storyteller, not a literary blue stocking, and this is a story well-told.  Looking forward to anew series.
3496602
Well written story that leaves you wanting more.
1323514
This is an excellent book with well created characters and superior overall storytelling. The plot flows with rapid pacing and best of all, plausibility. Many books with a 'monster' as a character require the reader to suspend disbelief. "Thaw" makes you see what good original storytelling can bring to the genre. Buy this book and you will be looking forward to Bryan Dunn's next book the moment you finish the last page. And by the way, this would make a great movie, too, so buy and read "Thaw" before it comes to a theater near you.
383122
As a first experience of Ms. Fairchild's writing I was delightfully intrigued by the sample chapters and totally bowled over by all that followed.  Overall, the story is solid, the pacing excellent, the dialog sumptuously suited to the characters, and atmosphere -- ooh it is luscious.  Secondary characters are well drawn and essential to the tale without stealing the thunder or devolving to cut outs.  Ms. Fairchild's  writing involves all the senses, all of them, wow.  Some readers might find this distracting if they are used to staccato descriptions and rapid fire dialog mingled with introspection all of which seems to have a specific formula based on current marketing trends that I, as a mere reader, have yet to figure out.

[I believe there must be an algebraic equation out there that defines these parameters and many a ragged writer sits at her word processor trying to make the story fit the factors until she decides - screw this, I'm gonna go scrub the toilet]

Lord Ramsay's Return has an engrossing narrative, internal thoughts that fully but not repetitiously explore conflict and show growth.  There is angst slathered with good common sense, liberally basted with period appropriate stiff upper lip, plus there is more than enough humor to make you chuckle out loud. [Beware the fork of retribution!]  There is a Big Misunderstanding near the end of the book but considering circumstances, I did not feel manipulated.  The sensual tension is very well done without once referring to anyone's member or velvet sheath, or those words you see on bathroom walls.  Also, I love that Ms. Fairchild used Brighton as the setting.  The very name of the place is loverly and the history interesting.  Based on her narrative, I was actually able to find all the locations she describes on an old map, now that is an author worth reading!  Despite the meticulous attention to detail regarding the setting, this is a character driven novel.  Those are my favorite.

As a caution, I think many readers that come upon this book with only the perspective of the last 10 years of historical romance will be as bewildered as Prudence was by Charles.  So used to lust at first sight, all disagreements settled by a quickie in the carriage, the pull and tug of antagonism that masquerades as the opposites attract myth have dulled us to the subtleties of wooing, of learning to move from two to one flesh that, ironically enough, must involve more than the physical.  This is the type of love I want for my daughters, for my sons, for everyone that yearns to be more than a cut out of societal expectations droning through the motions of life.

I had two quibbles.  One was the improper use of title as last name. They would not be the Ramsay brothers if he was Lord Ramsay, it jarred me repeatedly.  Two was the speed of the romance.  I actually was on the second read through before I realized how quickly the romance developed.

I balance the quibbles and cautions with two things.  One we were not tormented with an epilogue which makes me a happy reader. Two, Ms. Fairchild accomplished what only Jo Goodman has previously achieved, she had me re-reading the book in less than 24 hours because I just wasn't ready to let go....

You can read a non-spoiler, expanded review of this and other books at pagetraveler dot blogspot dot com
3184134
I picked this up at work (I'm a librarian) and didn't expect to like it.  The storytelling method hooked me more than the initial story, but I soon needed to know and understand what had happened to Louis to place him this precarious position.  The characters are multidimensional, and the plot (though somewhat predictable) moved well given the mutiple narrators.  I was left with a feeling of hope and redemption, and a curiosity about the characters' continuing lives.
4902030
Excellent, well written story. I very much enjoyed it.
315685
What an enjoyable read! Excellent story-telling.