The Prisoner of Zenda and Rupert of Hentzau (Penguin Classics)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Prisoner of Zenda
  • Zenda-A Classic Romance
  • Fast-paced, well-written, light adventure novels
  • Who names their kid "Rudolf," anyway?
  • The book that started it all for me!!!
The Prisoner of Zenda and Rupert of Hentzau (Penguin Classics)
Anthony Hope , and Gary Hoppenstand
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 014043755X

Book Description

Anthony Hope's swashbuckling romance transports his English gentleman hero, Rudolf Rassendyll, from a comfortable life in London to fast-moving adventures in Ruritania, a mythical land steeped in political intrigue. Rassendyll bears a striking resemblance to Rudolf Elphberg who is about to be crowned King of Ruritania. When the rival to throne, Black Michael of Strelsau, attempts to seize power by imprisoning Elphberg in the Castle of Zenda, Rassendyll is obliged to impersonate the King to uphold the rightful sovereignty and ensure political stability. Rassendyll endures a trial of strength in his encounters with the notorious Rupert of Hentzau, and a test of a different sort as he grows to love the Princess Flavia. Five times filmed, The Prisioner of Zenda has been deservedly popular as a classic of romance and adventure since its publication in 1894.

Download Description

On a jaunt to the small European nation of Ruritania, an English gentleman discovers thai he bears more than a passing resemblance to the King. Through a series of intrigues and adventures, he finds himself impersonating the king to defend him from a treacherous plot...and falling in love with the king's love. Princess Flavia.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Prisoner of Zenda.......2007-05-08

This book is the basis of the movie. The story of a happily apathetic Englishman, descended of a scandalous affair between one of his ancestors and a member of the Ruritanian Royal Family, who decides on a whim to visit Ruritania to see the coronation of their King. The king and our hero turn out to be as like as a set of twins, which comes in handy when the king is kidnapped by his evil half brother and the fate of Ruritania lies in jeopardy. Throw in a beautiful princess, the dashing villain Rupert of Hentzau, and plenty of intrigue and you have one of the great adventure stories. FYI the book is written in the first person, which gets you more personally tied up in the action/emotion. It was a great read. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure stories.

4 out of 5 stars Zenda-A Classic Romance.......2007-03-09

The Prisoner of Zenda is a fast-paced adventure romance that rewards the reader with clearly defined characters and moral values. If you want a story that leaves you feeling good at the end, this is a good one to read. The language is a bit archaic at times and some of the dialogue is stilted. But these failings do not materially interfere with enjoying the book.

4 out of 5 stars Fast-paced, well-written, light adventure novels.......2006-09-27

This is a quick review of the Penguin edition, which contains both the classic original novel and its sequel. Both are good reads though quite different. Personally, I preferred the darker and more dramatic sequel; in "Zenda" everything just kind of works itself out and I thought it was just a tad campy.

Well, they're light adventure novels set in the mid-19th century or thereabouts. Not sure where exactly the fictitious kingdom of Ruritania is supposed to be, but I would guess in the neighborhood of Austria or Hungary. The novels feature swordplay, gunfights, romance, and plenty of plot twists (especially the sequel). Very well penned, written in a direct style with outstanding word choice.

In both novels, Rudolf Rassendyl gets himself neck-deep in Ruritanian politics despite the fact that he's a foreigner and total stranger to the people. What enables this is that he's a spitting image of the king, also named Rudolf. This remarkable coincidence is at the heart of the plots of both novels.

It's interesting comparing these novels with "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Dumas, which I'm now reading. "Count" is deeper, more descriptive, paced much slower, and requires more thought. Well, in my book, those elements are part of what it takes to make a five-star novel. "Zenda" and "Rupert" are too on the light side to hit the top of my scale. But I still enjoyed them and recommend them to those looking for a fast-paced yarn set in bygone times.

I finished this book on a flight to Bulgaria a month ago and just left it in the seat pocket. I hope someone found it and is enjoying it now!

5 out of 5 stars Who names their kid "Rudolf," anyway?.......2005-10-06

A good swashbuckling novel is indispensable. Fencing, fighting, swimming across moats, humor, true love, red hair... and of course, there's a sad ending, so we've got all the essential elements of good literature here.

5 out of 5 stars The book that started it all for me!!!.......2005-08-17

I have been an avaricious reader since I was in the second grade; a bout of mononucleosis and the discovery of the Hardy boys in the third grade sealed the deal for me, and I have been reading furiously ever since. This book, perhaps more than any other I had read in those formative years, thrilled me to my bones and forged me into a lifelong committed adventure reader. They say you never forget your first love, and I have never forgotten the Prisoner of Zenda. It has EVERYTHING a young boy could desire in an adventure book: travel to a distant country, nefarious villains, royalty, beautiful damsels, dashing military officers accoutered with flashing sabers and charging steeds, castles, kidnappings, escapes, swashbuckling....my knees buckle a little bit just thinking about it again. This book literally imprinted me for everything I have read in the genre since then and stirred in me a desire for travel and adventure that has led me all around the globe several times in my life. I do not think it is a stretch to say that this book may very well have changed the course of my life, nudging me into certain dreams and hopes that I have happily chased ever since. I've ordered it today, desiring to read it again and compare it to my 8 year old memories of it, but, more importantly, I also wish to present it to my son and hope it opens the world to him the same way it did for me.
The Prisoner of Zenda
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Exciting Adventure Novel
  • A Grandfather to James Bond
  • Beautifully written escape novel
  • The book that started it all!!!
The Prisoner of Zenda
Anthony Hope
Manufacturer: House of Stratus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

19th Century19th Century | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0755107098

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Exciting Adventure Novel.......2006-04-25


This is an excellent novel by Sir Anthony Hope. I first read it at school as a young man and I loved it. I particularly enjoyed the fast moving action which kept me wanting to read more and more to see how this remarkable story unfolds. I rediscovered this book at a second hand book recently and immediately grabbed it. Reading it again confirms that this is a timeless adventure classic novel.

This is a fantastic adventure novel that is well written and has a very interesting storyline. This is recommended reading for adventure lovers.

4 out of 5 stars A Grandfather to James Bond.......2006-04-01

The Prisoner of Zenda, by Anthony Hope

Sir Anthony Hope Hawkings was a successful London lawyer who wrote this 1894 novel about foreign intrigue and an Englishman in a fictional Balkan country. It inspired many such stories, and was filmed four times. It may have appealed to the growing interest in Continental politics and the future effect on Britain.

Rudolf Rassendyll is a 29 year old bachelor gentleman with red hair and a nose that is unusual for his family, but comes from the Elphburg side (the royal house of Ruritania). This came from an 18th century scandal. Rudolf had been to a German university, and spoke French as well as his English. He then decides to visit Ruritania for the Coronation! Rudolf stops at Zenda rather than the crowded capital of Strelsau, and stays at a small inn. There is a conflict between Prince Rudolf and his half-brother Duke Michael. When walking through the woods, Rassendyll meets Prince Rudolf. But a problem arises that will prevent Prince Rudolf from appearing at his Coronation that day. Colonel Sapt thinks of a solution: Rassendyll will double for the Prince at the Coronation! We learn that the poverty-stricken people of Old Town favor Duke Michael. The Coronation succeeds with no one suspecting a double. But when Rassendyll leaves to return to England a new problem arises. Rassendyll must continue to act as the King of Ruritania.

The story tell show Rassendyll, Sapt, and the others succeed in rescuing Prince Rudolf from captivity, and restore him to the throne and marriage with his cousin Princess Flavia (also of the Blood Royal). Duty triumphs over love, Flavia will stay and Rassendyll will go, never to return. [Is this story a simplified version of "The Man in the Iron Mask?] It recalls pre-WW I Europe when no passports were needed to travel freely. This swashbuckling tale of adventure is well suited to a film where there is more action that talk. The limited number of characters would keep costs down.

The book "Royal Babylon" by Karl Shaw tells the uncensored history of European royalty, not the bowdlerized version in this novel. The earlier reference to a position in the Diplomatic Corps suggests Rassendyll may have joined the British Secret Service and been assigned to work on the Ruritanian succession. His job is to eliminate Michael from the throne (the masses liked him) and ensure Rudolf's succession (a weak man given to drink, and controllable by his British friends). There was no mention of Ruritania's importance as an ally or commercial partner to Britain.

5 out of 5 stars Beautifully written escape novel.......2005-08-22

Being in my mid-fifties, I initially thought this book would be too silly for me. Boy, was I wrong! Not only is the text fast-paced and thoroughly engaging, it is splendedly written in a style befitting the aristocratic adventure-romance it portrays.

Somewhere between Don Quixote and Harlequin novels, "Prisoner" offers an affirmation of the noble in each of us, particularly in our own day of ethically-flat efficiency.

5 out of 5 stars The book that started it all!!!.......2005-08-16

I have been an avaricious reader since I was in the second grade; a bout of mononucleosis and the discovery of the Hardy boys in the third grade sealed the deal for me, and I have been reading furiously ever since. This book, perhaps more than any other I had read in those formative years, thrilled me to my bones and forged me into a lifelong committed adventure reader. They say you never forget your first love, and I have never forgotten the Prisoner of Zenda. It has EVERYTHING a young boy could desire in an adventure book: travel to a distant country, nefarious villains, royalty, beautiful damsels, dashing military officers accoutered with flashing sabers and charging steeds, castles, kidnappings, escapes, swashbuckling....my knees buckle a little bit just thinking about it again. This book literally imprinted me for everything I have read in the genre since then and stirred in me a desire for travel and adventure that has led me all around the globe several times in my life. I do not think it is a stretch to say that this book may very well have changed the course of my life, nudging me into certain dreams and hopes that I have happily chased ever since. I've ordered it today, desiring to read it again and compare it to my 8 year old memories of it, but, more importantly, I also wish to present it to my son and hope it opens the world to him the same way it did for me.
Not Really the Prisoner of Zenda: A Guardians of the Flame Novel (Tor Fantasy)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Another solid Guardians novel
  • Bravo!
  • I have read this whole series
  • A ~great~ story, but Rosenberg frustrates me...
  • Domestic Disturbances
Not Really the Prisoner of Zenda: A Guardians of the Flame Novel (Tor Fantasy)
Joel Rosenberg
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Rosenberg, JoelRosenberg, Joel | ( R ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0765340127
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Book Description

Kethol is an adventurer with an easy smile, a man who is quick with a quip and quicker with a sword.

His partner, Pirojil, the ugly one, looks impressive and deceives people into thinking he's stupid to their sorrow-for his might and loyalty are worth a kingdom.

And the fledgling wizard Erenor, a man who tries to stay two steps ahead of his enemies, as well as one step ahead of his friends.

Loyal retainers they are, sworn to Jason Cullianane, a man who walked away from a crown, and who has been trying to convince all the almost-warring factions that he doesn't want the job back. Their lives aren't very easy, what with keeping Jason from getting killed by yet another conspiracy, rescuing some damsel or whatnot in distress, and squirreling away something for the ever-diminishing prospect of retirement.

And now it looks like our heroes might wind up succeeding in none of their schemes, for there are plots within plots, and Kethol has been forced into a disguise not of his own making. There is magic aplenty in the air (and on the ground), and in order to save a kingdom, they may have to pull off a complicated scheme that could kill them all--or land them in positions of supreme power.

But, hey, whoever said that a soldier's life was a cakewalk?

Set in Joel Rosenberg's bestselling Guardians of the Flame series, Not Really the Prisoner of Zenda is the third adventure of the journeymen soldiers of Castle Cullianane (and their sometimes ill-fated leader) in all their raucous glory. A fun, fast-paced read, it's a rollicking roller coaster of a book that will have fantasy fans reaching for more.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Another solid Guardians novel.......2005-09-27

This latest entry in the Guardians of the Flame franchise provides an enjoyable read. As long as Mr. Rosenberg keeps writing them, I'll keep buying and reading them.

5 out of 5 stars Bravo!.......2005-08-25

I first got turned onto the Guardains of the Flame series ten years ago and have really enjoyed reading all ten books. What first hooked me was the original premiss of modern people being transported to a fantasy world. It is a fantasy that many of us have had. But, in his recent books Rosenberg seemed to forget the original premiss and get caught up with this story arch involving characters who had no dirrect tie to the Otherside. While I still very much enjoyed the books I was lonnging to have the earlier concept picked up again and to find out the answers for some of the questions Rosenberg seemed to have forgoten.

Not Really The Prisoner of Zenda didn't pick up on those old storylines but it brilliantly finished off a three book long subplot. And, at the same time he reminded the reader that he hasn't forgotten the the old intreagues. Jason Cullinane finally once again picks up the subject of the Sword of Arta Myrdhyn. Wow was I relied. The Old Emperor and father of Jason, Karl Cullinane, had died just after finding out about the sword and then the subjuct wass almost complete dropped. We've been waiting for severl books to find out about this sword and while this book doesn't deal dirrectly with the sword at least Rosenberg lets us know that the theme will once again be picked up.

This was an excellent book with terrific twists and turns and an encouragement to fans of the series who were afraid that story plots had been dropped never again to be found.

4 out of 5 stars I have read this whole series.......2004-10-19

And enjoyed each and every book. I found this one equally enjoyable but more frustrating that the others, somehow. An awful lot of angst and introspection. It's not bad, but it's so often repetitive. If you're read the other books - which you must in order to understand anything ehre - you don't need the constannt repetition of how ugly poor Perijol is, or Durine's untimely death, the Old Emperor's death , et, etc. I figure half the book was reminiscing. And someone here mentioned too many details...yup, too many. I don't consider this an end to the series. There's this new stuff with Eranor, who is he, what's his game? And Jason. We have several books setting up great fates for Jason and we're still up in the air there. Which series was this supposed to be an ending of? No, too many loose threads. This was not the book I hoped it would be and waited for, however much I enjoyed the read.

4 out of 5 stars A ~great~ story, but Rosenberg frustrates me..........2004-08-10

This book was possibly the best "finisher" book of a series (the three-book story arc in what is an eight book series right now) that I've had the pleasure of reading.

Joel Rosenberg has some amazing talent. He's also incredibly trying and frustrating to read, sometimes. There are scenes in this book where Joel's describing every door, every wall, every dust bunny in the scene, regardless of whether these things are involved in the story. That irks me, because it's obvious how good a writer he can be.

The last eighty pages of this book had me flipping through them like a fiend, muttering to myself as I forced myself to read one line at a time, so as not to give anything away.
I distracted my girlfriend from her video game. This often takes an Act of the Cosmos.

The end of the book made my jump and cheer, and I was utterly amazed at how appropriate it was.

Joel's characters are good, if all a bit overly-suspicious and yet fatalistic. There's a dark edge to this series that I appreciate, and I think it does an excellent job of smudging the line between light fantasy and dark fantasy. Real things pop up, minor things go wrong, amazingly beneficial things go right, and you never know what it's going to lead to.

Despite Joel's need for a stern editor, he was able to take me through the gamut of emotions as we bid farewell to a long friendship, watch the death of a noble and witness the greatest Just Desserts scene I've ever read.

If you've read the other Guardians of the Flame novels, especially the last two before this, you will not, must not, miss this book.

If you liked Glory Road, Not Exactly the Three Musketeers and/or A Game of Thrones, you will probably love "Not Really the Prisoner of Zenda".

5 out of 5 stars Domestic Disturbances.......2004-05-08

Not Really the Prisoner of Zenda is the tenth novel in the Guardians of the Flame series, following Not Quite Scaramouche. In the previous volume, Pirojil, Kethol, Erenor, Leria and Ellegon searched for Forinel as the heir presumptive of the Barony of Keranahan, hoping to block the succession of Elanee's son Miron. They found Forinel in Therranj, happily married to an elven woman. Although Forinel refused to return to the Middle Lands to claim the barony, Erenor persuaded the elves to use their wizardry to change Kethol to be his exact duplicate. When Kethol returned to Biemestren as Forinel, he was named to the Barony by Parliament and was betrothed to Leria, a smart lady who is quite satisfied with her fate.

In this novel, Forinel returns to Keranahan after Parliament to claim his new estate. But first he and Leria drop off at Dereneyl to visit Treseen, local Imperial governor, and find Miron there before them. After a few words, they take Miron with them to the Residence and start making domestic arrangements. Pirojil and a disguised Erenor stay with them for the time being to guard Forinel and Leria.

Although all seems to be right at the estate, the guard force is mostly too young or too old and not well trained. Forinel finds, however, that his yeomen are competent with the bow and may stand up to armed opposition. He takes some of them out bandit hunting and is well pleased with their actions.

Forinel is also well pleased with his betrothed, who overcomes his shyness with noble ladies with a well planned seduction. Moreover, her words of advice are informed and shrewd, just what he needs to carry out the impersonation. Unfortunately, she is called back to the capital by the Dowager Empress, leaving him alone and lovesick.

While she is away, an assassin penetrates the Residence security and reaches the master bedroom. But he is frustrated in his attempt to murder Forinel by the wizardry of Erenor. Although the assassin dies without providing any information, Forinel and his friends decide that the instigator was probably Miron or somebody else in the capital and they leave for Biemestren.

In this story, intrigue and treason is the game du jour. The Dowager Empress is still trying to kill off Jason Cullinane to protect her son, yet not being very successful. Baron Tyrnael has been frustrated in his attempts to give the barony to Miron, but now he seeks to marry his daughter to Thomen and thus gain the throne for his grandson. Miron is busily outwitting everybody, winning sword matches, and playing the innocent. Meanwhile, Kethol (not Forinel) is itching for a chance to cross swords with Miron.

This story is a tour de force worthy of Anthony Hope or even Dumas, but with a more cynical and realistic approach. The surprise ending is not foreshadowed in the slightest, but is still fully satisfying. The author's writing improves with time, but can he produce an even better sequel than this volume?

Highly recommended to Rosenberg fans and to anyone else who enjoys tales in the style of Hope, Sabitini or Dumas, but with more than a touch of cynical realism.

-Arthur W. Jordin
The Oxford Bookworms Library: Stage 3: 1,000 Headwords The Prisoner of Zenda (Oxford Bookworms)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The Oxford Bookworms Library: Stage 3: 1,000 Headwords The Prisoner of Zenda (Oxford Bookworms)
    Anthony Hope , Diane Mowat , and Tricia Hedge
    Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0194230120

    Book Description

    'We must leave for Zenda at once, to find the King!' cried Sapt. 'If we're caught, we'll all be killed!' So Rudolf Rassendyll and Sapt gallop through the night to find the King of Ruritania. But the King is now a prisoner in the Castle of Zenda. Who will rescue him from his enemies, the dangerous Duke Michael and Rupert of Hentzau? And who will win the heart of the beautiful Princess Flavia?
    The Prisoner of Zenda
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Prisoner of Zenda
      Anthony Hope
      Manufacturer: 1st World Library - Literary Society
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      ClassicsClassics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      LiteraryLiterary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      Collections & ReadersCollections & Readers | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      ASIN: 1421829282

      Book Description

      I wonder when in the world you're going to do anything, Rudolf? said my brother's wife. "My dear Rose," I answered, laying down my egg-spoon, "why in the world should I do anything? My position is a comfor-table one. I have an income nearly sufficient
      Academy Award Theater - Young Mr. Lincoln and Prisoner of Zenda (2 Shows, Audio CD) Oldtime Radio Shows
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Academy Award Theater - Young Mr. Lincoln and Prisoner of Zenda (2 Shows, Audio CD) Oldtime Radio Shows

        Manufacturer: Radio Revival
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
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        ASIN: B000TQ3ZZ2

        Product Description

        This is an Audio CD of Academy Award Theater, an oldtime radio show from the 1940's. If you love a good drama, you'll love these. Here are the exciting episodes on this disc: Young Mr. Lincoln Prisoner of Zenda This is an audio CD, so it will play on a standard cd player such as what you have in your car or home. No special equipment needed other than a CD player.
        Adventure Classics, a Signet Gift Pack (a Signet Gift Pack)
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Adventure Classics, a Signet Gift Pack (a Signet Gift Pack)
          Robert Louis Stevenson , Baroness Orczy , Daniel Dafoe , and Anthony Hope
          Manufacturer: Signet
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
          Stevenson, Robert LouisStevenson, Robert Louis | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 0451909011

          Product Description

          This is collection o 5 separate books: Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, The Prisoner of Zenda, The Scarlet Pimpernal, Kidnapped
          Anthony Hope's "The prisoner of Zenda."
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Anthony Hope's "The prisoner of Zenda."
            John L Balderston
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Unknown Binding
            ASIN: B0008CHR8S
            Anthony Hope, "Prisoner of Zenda" (York Notes)
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Anthony Hope, "Prisoner of Zenda" (York Notes)
              A.Norman Jeffares , and Suheil Badi Bushrui
              Manufacturer: Longman
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback

              19th Century19th Century | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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              Literary Criticism & CollectionsLiterary Criticism & Collections | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
              ASIN: 0582782414
              ENGRAVING: "Scenes from Edward Rose's Adaptation of Anthony Hope's Novel a the Lyceum Theatre, New York"...engraving from Harper's Weekly, October 26, 1895 (The Prisoner of Zenda)
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                ENGRAVING: "Scenes from Edward Rose's Adaptation of Anthony Hope's Novel a the Lyceum Theatre, New York"...engraving from Harper's Weekly, October 26, 1895 (The Prisoner of Zenda)
                Anthony) Harper's Weekly Hope
                Manufacturer: Harper's Weekly
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Unbound
                ASIN: B000NKITX2

                Jaws of Darkness (World at War, Book 5)
                Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                • Great series
                • Episode V of a fantasy World War Two
                • The tide has turned
                • YES ITýS GOOD BUT PLEASE LET IT END!
                • Nice But Nothing Special
                Jaws of Darkness (World at War, Book 5)
                Harry Turtledove
                Manufacturer: Tor Science Fiction
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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                Similar Items:
                1. Rulers of the Darkness (World at War, Book 4) Rulers of the Darkness (World at War, Book 4)
                2. Out of the Darkness (World at War, Book 6) Out of the Darkness (World at War, Book 6)
                3. Through the Darkness (World at War, Book 3) Through the Darkness (World at War, Book 3)
                4. Darkness Descending (World at War, Book 2) Darkness Descending (World at War, Book 2)
                5. Into the Darkness (World at War, Book 1) Into the Darkness (World at War, Book 1)

                ASIN: 0765343185
                Release Date: 2004-03-02

                Book Description

                The grand conflict for control of the continent of Derlavai rages on in a battle with all the drama and terror of the Second World War-- only the bullets are beams of magical fire. The tanks and submarines are great lumbering beasts, and the fighters and bombers are dragons raining fire upon their targets.Hope may be dawning at last. The terrible onslaught of the conquering forces of Algarve-- who power their battle magics with the life energy of their murdered victims-- has begun to founder. But though the tide has begun to turn, the conflict is far from over. As the deaths of innocent civilians on both sides continue to feed the flames of war, those who have struggled to survive and preserve their freedom have only their passions to see them through......

                Customer Reviews:

                5 out of 5 stars Great series.......2007-06-30

                Mr Turtledove does it again. I have rarely been disappointed in his books and he keeps up his high standards in this WWII analogue series!

                5 out of 5 stars Episode V of a fantasy World War Two.......2007-02-25


                "Jaws of Darkness" is the fifth part of Harry Turtledove's six-volume reworking of the World War Two story set on a planet where technology is based on magic rather than machines.

                Dragon riders replace aircraft, Behemoths replace tanks, East and West have been transposed, Eurasia has been moved to the Southern hemisphere so that Scandinavia becomes equatorial, and names and superficial national characteristics have all been changed. But this is real history, not alternative history. Again and again the terrible events of the book are based on real historical incidents.

                Some of the changes to racial characteristics are impishly amusing, such as the fact that the people who correspond to the Finns live in an equatorial climate and look like Zulus, while the Saraha Desert becomes "the land of the Ice people," the Gyongyosian people who correspond to the Japanese are physically large, and the Kuusamans who correspond to Americans have epicanthic folds.

                Other changes are rather more biting - the "Kaunians" who correspond to Jews are tall, blue-eyed, and blonde.

                What Turtledove appears to be trying to do with this series is to study how different people responded to a time of great evil. Some people were sucked into taking part in that evil, some fought against it, others just tried to live through it. The changes to the names and characteristics of the participants seem to be intended to give the reader an opportunity to leave behind some of our emotional baggage about the holocaust so that we can try, not to justify the wrongs which people did in terrible times, but to understand how it could have happened.

                All but two or three of the characters in the first four books appear to be fictional - Hitler is King Mezentio of Algarve, Stalin is King Swemmel of Unkerlant, and Marshal Rathar gradually morphs into Zhukov by about book four. In the last two books a few more historical figures such as Eisenhower are recognisable.

                The fact that most of the characters are fictional actually makes the story more exiting, as they are presented well enough that you care about them: we all know how World War II turned out but the readers has no such certainty about the fate of the fictional characters.

                The six books of the series each corresponds very roughly indeed to about a year's real historical events. This fifth book, "Jaws of Darkness", mostly covers events corresponding to those between late 1943 and late 1944, shortly after the fall of Paris.

                The series is best read in the correct sequence. All the books of this series have the word "Darkness" in the title, but the publishers refer to it as the "Derlavi" series, this being the name given in the books for the great continent which corresponds to Eurasia. It is sometimes also described as the "World at War" sequence. The full set of six books in their correct order is:

                "Into the Darkness"
                "Darkness Descending"
                "Through the Darkness"
                "Rulers of the Darkness"
                "Jaws of Darkness"
                "Out of the Darkness".

                Bottom line: the mood is as black as the titles indicate, but the series is a very exciting read.

                4 out of 5 stars The tide has turned.......2004-10-29

                Harry Turtledove's major rewrite of World War Two fought in a world of magic moves to a conclusion, but the story is far from over.

                The aggressor superpower Algarve (Germany) now finds itself on the defensive, having being driven from Unkerlant (Russia) into Forthweg (Poland.) In the east, Algarve is on the run from Valmeria (France) and Jelgava (Greece). Under pressure from Unkerlant, Yanina (Italy) breaks its alliance with Algarve and declares war on its former partner. In the north, Zuwayza surrenders to Unkerlant, and in the south, the Lagoans and Kuusanans begin to use their new magical weapons.

                With all of Turtledove's stories, the individual characters are as appealing as the whole story. Ealstan manages to secret away his Vanai from the Kaunian quarter where she was captured at the end of the last story. Istvan and his comrades are captured by the Kuusanans. Pekka and Fearno are engaged in an affair during their research, and Pekka's husband Leino, who now comes out as a viewpoint character, has martial troubles as his own. Bembo is still fat and taking bribes. Krasta gets knocked up, but by who?

                The series is slowing down, but you still want to read the conclusion.

                3 out of 5 stars YES ITýS GOOD BUT PLEASE LET IT END!.......2003-12-03

                First let's get the platitudes out of the way. It is a good story. It has plenty of action. It is fun for a history buff to figure out which kingdom is which when related to WWII. Realistic detail to the extent that the use of magic seems almost normal. Good stuff eh? Yes BUT...

                IT SHOULDN'T TAKE LONGER TO READ ABOUT THE WAR THEN IT TOOK TO FIGHT IT!!! Too long! My god it won't be finished until book six! And these ain't no little prissy poetry volumes either, we're talking several thousand pages here! But wait that's not all folks, the length of this tome is only exceeded by the number of principal characters he has. I know it's an exaggeration but it seems like hundreds! Just the process of slipping from one viewpoint to another makes you dizzy! Not only that but it becomes extremely difficult to keep all the names and storylines straight without the proverbial program right by your side.

                This whole darkness series is a perfect example of where less is more. Three volumes with about half the characters would have turned a Good series into a Great series.

                I RECOMMEND it but damn it could have been so much better!

                4 out of 5 stars Nice But Nothing Special.......2003-08-03

                This is the fifth and next to last book in the World At War series where a modern world war is re-enacted on a magical fantasy world. I think this book was rather ho-hum because I'm getting tired of Harry Turtledove's formula. It seems like he uses the same characters and storylines in all of his series. And the novelty of the war scenario has long since worn off as you mostly know whats going to happen. I'm also annoyed at Turtledove's cavalier treatment of adultery. I just can't respect characters who sleep around because they have "urges." Despite that, I do have to say the characters are refreshingly complex. Nobody's really a saint or a sinner. With the exception of Unkerlant's mad King Swemmel, they're all flawed human beings. And make no mistake, I did like this book. If it wasn't good, it would have taken me weeks to plow through all 576 pages instead of breezing through it in only a few days. To sum it all up, the book was light and fluffy reading. Nice but nothing special.
                Jaws of Darkness :Darkness 5
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  Jaws of Darkness :Darkness 5
                  Harry Turtledove
                  Manufacturer: ST MARTINS PRESS *
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Hardcover
                  ASIN: B000Q1JQOY
                  A Member of the Family by Mary Carter, The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monsarrat, In Darkness by Roger Bourgeon, and Jaws by Peter Benchley.
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    A Member of the Family by Mary Carter, The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monsarrat, In Darkness by Roger Bourgeon, and Jaws by Peter Benchley.
                    Readers Digest condensed books-Volume 2 1974
                    Manufacturer: The Readers Digest Association
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Hardcover
                    ASIN: B000K0EFJW
                    A Member of the Family, The Kappillan of Malta, In Darkness, Jaws (Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Vol. 2-1974)
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      A Member of the Family, The Kappillan of Malta, In Darkness, Jaws (Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Vol. 2-1974)

                      Manufacturer: Reader's Digest Association
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Hardcover
                      ASIN: B000GHTEMW
                      A Member of the Family, The Kappillan of Malta, In Darkness, Jaws (Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Vol. 2-1974)
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        A Member of the Family, The Kappillan of Malta, In Darkness, Jaws (Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Vol. 2-1974)

                        Manufacturer: Reader's Digest Association
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Hardcover
                        ASIN: B000GHUK70

                        Product Description

                        Four condensed versions of four different fictional books.
                        A Member of the Family/The Kappillan of Malta/In Darkness/Jaws (Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Volume 2: 1974)
                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                          A Member of the Family/The Kappillan of Malta/In Darkness/Jaws (Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Volume 2: 1974)
                          Mary Carter , Nicholas Monsarrat , Roger Bourgeon , and Peter Benchley
                          Manufacturer: Reader's Digest Association
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Hardcover
                          ASIN: B000MP8M5S
                          A Member of the Family/The Kappillan of Malta/In Darkness/Jaws (Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Volume 2: 1974)
                          Average customer rating: Not rated
                            A Member of the Family/The Kappillan of Malta/In Darkness/Jaws (Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Volume 2: 1974)

                            Manufacturer: Readers Digest
                            ProductGroup: Book
                            Binding: Hardcover
                            ASIN: B000BTNLOW

                            Product Description

                            A Member of the Family,The Kappillan of Malta,In Darkness,Jaws four great books in one!
                            READER'S DIGEST CONDENSED BOOKS VOLUME 2-1974, JAWS, THE KAPPILLAN OF MALTA, IN DARKNESS, A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
                            Average customer rating: Not rated
                              READER'S DIGEST CONDENSED BOOKS VOLUME 2-1974, JAWS, THE KAPPILLAN OF MALTA, IN DARKNESS, A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
                              READER'S DIGEST
                              Manufacturer: READER'S DIGEST
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Hardcover
                              ASIN: B000VQHU06
                              Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Vol. 2, 1974: Jaws, The Kappillan of Malta, In Darkness, and A Member of the Family
                              Average customer rating: Not rated
                                Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Vol. 2, 1974: Jaws, The Kappillan of Malta, In Darkness, and A Member of the Family
                                Various Authors
                                Manufacturer: Reader's Digest
                                ProductGroup: Book
                                Binding: Hardcover
                                ASIN: B000JFJ4PS
                                Jaws of Darkness
                                Average customer rating: Not rated
                                  Jaws of Darkness
                                  Harry Turtledove
                                  Manufacturer: Pocket Books
                                  ProductGroup: Book
                                  Binding: Paperback
                                  ASIN: B000M64UH6

                                  Books:

                                  1. The Red Tent: A Novel
                                  2. The Satanic Verses: A Novel (Bestselling Backlist)
                                  3. The Strength of the Sun: A Novel
                                  4. The Trouble with Mary
                                  5. The Year of the Hare
                                  6. Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back
                                  7. Three Great Novels: Hard Times; A Tale of Two Cities; Great Expectations
                                  8. Variational and Potential Methods in the Theory of Bending of Plates with Transverse Shear Deformation (Chapman and Hall /Crc Monographs and Surveys in Pure and Applied Mathematics)
                                  9. West of Rehoboth: A Novel
                                  10. Who Is the Beast?

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