'In the Ruins' is volume six within Kate Elliott's epic series "Crown of stars" that contains 7 books, portraying fantasy fiction at its very best and any reader who enjoys reading this particular genre then i urge you to read Kate Elliott's series. This book i love slightly more than the others because of its depth & detail that the author goes into within the storyline and plot, compared to the previous first books where the adventure is just begining and introduced to the reader. It is grand, powerful and a majestic peice of writing that blew me away and which was so gripping that i was utterly spellbound after reading book 1 (King's Dragon). The storyline is completely origional and unique which captures ones imagination instantly, transporting you to a world of magic, mystery and compelling drama. It is a detailed story that is most intricatly woven and which keeps you guessing throughout, so when it came to the finale of book 7 "Crown of Stars" i just did not want it to end! This series is done uncommonly well that poses truly acomplished storytelling, and as a concequence i have nothing but praise for the author as her writing style has a fluidity to it that makes you want to read on and engaes you. This series is an apsolute treasure and you will find yourself enjoying the journey that these books take you on as much as, or more than, the final destination. The human dilemas and drama's that are also very much a part of the storyline cannot help but grip you and add a deeper depth of meaning to the story. I was sitting on the edge of my seat most of the time throughout this series due to the non-stop action, compelling drama, fast-paced action and exciting mystery that made this a truly fantastic read. Kate Elliott is a genious of a writer who has created a series that is so poinant, beautiful and utterly mesmirising and something that many readers will love.
The first time I read King’s Dragon, the first book of this series I wasn’t all that impressed. But for some reason I reread it.And on my second reading I enjoyed it a lot more. But that was more than a few years, and as seems to happen, the Crown of Stars series has ended up a much longer series than it started out. This is book six, the penultimate in the series.I probably should have reread the others before reading this one, but I remembered most of what had gone on, if not the exact details. In the Ruins begins with the world in the aftermath of destruction, as the lost lands of the Cursed Ones have returned to earth. There have been great destructive waves, and volcanoes. And now the ash is blotting out the sunlight. Not only is the natural world in upheaval but the various political factions are still plotting against one another. And in the midst of all this Hugh is still after Liath.This is a fairly solid read. Nothing overly special to recommend it, but nothing to really complain about, apart from the amount of characters and having to keep track of them all. Not enough Sanglant, you’ll say, or maybe not enough Alain, depending on who your favourite character may be.Readable. But, perhaps because this is really one half of a very, very long book, there is not a lot of action. I’ll read on in the series before I make my mind up totally.
What do You think about In The Ruins (2006)?
This book is an entertaining, robust, suspenseful and well written read. She introduces some fascinating dilemmas that were great fun to see play out. It was amazing, and I only wish the quality had been this good throughout the rest of the series!!! I think Kate Elliott's major problem is pacing - it should be half the books it is. It seems every fantasy book has that overlong trial by fire that the main character goes through, given she did it for every major character, it prevented the series from becoming as fully developed as it finally gets in book 6. Not to mention that you don't even start to grasp the full extent of her world until book 3! I thought that keeping it under wraps was clever and made for suspense when you finally began to see clues, I just wish it would have happened quicker.Her strength is definitely in plotting, and that's where this book shines. Now that it seems every major character's story and trials are through and they are the people they must be to grapple with ensuing events, it is well paced action.
—Erin
This is the book where it all starts to become clear! Everyone's point of views are starting to head in the same direction and characters are fully developed. Now is the time when everyone is picking up the pieces left behind by the cataclysm and trying to figure out who is friend or foe. It can seem to drag out a little and the Ashoi are so different because of their time in exile that they seem to be dull compared to the rest of the characters. It shows the change that has happened to both people and Ashoi due to the exile of the Ashoi many years before the cataclysm. Over all I loved this book the most so far.
—Deanne Robin
I'm sure by the end of this series, Ms. Elliott will wrap up all of the loose ends..., at least, I hope so. This book is so fragmented. I really do prefer authors who make their series installments to be stand alone novels, but I am sure that must be very difficult. Of course this plot is convoluted and intricate with a plethora of characters, therefore all the harder to have each book make sense, on its own. She is an excellent writer and I have enjoyed her style immensely but I would rather read individual novels or shorter series than this one.
—Darla
