ONLINE REVIEWS

The Spider Gem: - ReaderViews / AllReaders.com / David Burbidge

The Shimmering Gate: - ReaderViews

---

READER FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS (the important feedback!)

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Ace van Hattem

.... during a week in spain I brought it along to ease the trip..
Forget sun, sea and sand I literally didn't move from my seat until I had finished.
I loved the way all the characters were described, especially the Graav (who reminded me of the titans from Disney's' Hercules) and Fangtor, I am a pretty big dragon fanatic. I really enjoyed the story and nearly burst into tears when ******* died!

***********************************************

Title: The Shimmering Gate
Reviewer: Helen Q

Matthew was reading Tunnels when SG arrived and it's been so hyped that I fully expected him to carry on with it. But as soon as he saw SG he dropped Tunnels! I asked him why and he said that your book was more exciting :)

***********************************************

Title: The Shimmering Gate
Reviewer: Julie Monro

Just wanted to thank you for a wonderfull holiday read. I ordered your book through Amazon and it came throught just before we left for our holiday. After I had stolen it from my son's sleeping hands I settled down for a read .... and didn't stop until i had finished the book. My son and daughter also read it with equal enthusiasm.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Dan B

My mum bought the Spider Gem for me when you visited the Chesham Bookshop.
She told me that you said that you would like to hear my comments.

The first thing to say is that I love your book. It has a real ‘Lord of the Rings’ feeling about it and the landscapes are so vivid and realistic. I have liked fantasy for a long time and have a full bookshelf of those books but this has to be one of my favourites. The races in The Spider Gem are very believable ,I especially like the dwarves. The elves are not mentioned much in this book. Are they in the second? If not then I would like to see them in more detail. One thing I could say is that each race seems to be either good or evil. Perhaps the elves could be neither good nor evil. If you ever find a games workshop in a town they have an army called wood elves that sum up how I see your elves. I love the fire eagles. They are so easy to imagine and I love the idea of them flying into the west when their rider dies. Equally I like the Graav and black eagles.

All books have bad points and I found two in yours. The first is that at certain points the characters who are meant to be close friends speak formally to each other. For instance in chapter 5 Mike says “my dad looked into this”. Being a kid myself, I know that I would say “dad looked into it”. This happens three or four times.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Robin Poole

I have just finished and really enjoyed Spider Gem.
It was very exciting,with the characters chatting one minute and fighting off their evils foes the next. This book is very"alive" and action packed, full of twists and turns so you cannot guess where you will be next. It really keeps you on the edge of your seat, and I would highly recommend it for all ages.When I did my review of 5 books for school recently ,Spider Gem was as good as the Garth Nix latest Lady Friday and it got my vote for best read of the 5. I cannot wait to read the next one, Shimmering Gate, and hope to get it soon. Thank you for a brilliant read

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Daniel Adams

The Spider Gem is set in the magical land of Portalia; home to dwarves, elves, centaurs, wizards, warlocks and dragons.
The name Portalia comes from the magical portals that the wizards created to enhance trade between different species.
The story revolves around three central characters; teenagers called Rhys, Michael and Ashley.
The two boys are Welsh and Ashley is an American.

The plot throws the teenagers into Portalia and the only way home is via the Dargoth portal. In their attempt to return, their passage is impeded by an inpressionable wizard who, like many others, has been drawn towards evil.
After many battles, confrontations and deaths - the teenagers achieve their first step towards their ultimate goal and are ready to set off on the next stage of their journey.

An awe striking adventure of trust, friendship and betrayal. Not to be missed!

***********************************************

Title: The Shimmering Gate
Reviewer: Ian McCurley for ReaderViews.com

Taff Lovesey shines once again in the second book of the “Portal Chronicles” which is even better
than the first, but be sure to read “The Spider Gem.” “The Shimmering Gate” is a real page turner.
As soon as I started reading, it was practically glued to my fingers. The booked grabbed me, pulled
me in and kept me in until the last page. This book is for ages 11 and up who enjoy fantasy. “The
Shimmering Gate” is original and surprising with a complex but ingenious plot and great imagery
and voice.

***********************************************

Title: The Shimmering Gate
Reviewer: Margaret Gill author of The Tyranny Trilogy

As we have come to expect of Lovesey, he creates a world with its own unique geography, peopled by giants of mythical proportions,wizards,sea-elves, shift changers and those remarkably imaginative creatures the Fire Eagles. And this is not forgetting the magic impedimentia of celtic knots,  runestones and, the famous Cormian crystal all creating a fabulous fantasmagoria. Add to this some incredible battle scenes with adamantine warriors and what more could you want?

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Katrina for Alternate-Read.co.uk

I love this book and hope that I am honored with reviewing the remaining books forthcoming in this set! This book is a great read, no doubt about it. It is fast paced but not so fast that you can’t keep up. In fact, at times, I felt as though I was right there with all of the characters. This is definitely a book that pulls you in. As I delved more and more into the book, I began to compare in my head Taff Lovesey with Terry Brooks, as he writes much in the manner. This is quite a compliment. I was saddened when the particular series that I was reading from Terry Brooks came to an end but now I have Taff Lovesey to pull me back into the world of fantasy and provide me an amazing addition to my bookshelf!

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Arthur Mellows School, Peterborough

Thank you for "The Spider Gem".  I chose a year 10 pupil to read your novel to find out how he rated it.  This is what he wrote:-
 
I think that this book was very good indeed as it was original and creative. The inclusion of magic made the book a worthwhile read for me and  the way in which the author keeps you in suspense during the major part of the story was brilliant.   I loved the way in which the characters and monsters were described in great detail and overall I would give this book 4/5!!

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Colin Fant (UK) via email Subject: Fantastic !!

Enjoyed your book The Spider Gem
Get writing again its got me intrigued.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Ian McCurley (Teen) for Reader Views

Highly recommend this fantasy novel The story begins when two Welsh boys, Rhys and Michael, go exploring in Salty's Cave. As they explore the cave, they have no idea that they are about to become part of an extraordinary adventure. With the help of some magic pendants, they are transported into the magical world Portalia. They meet three new friends inside Portalia: Ashley, a girl from Oregon, Lan, a senile old man and Kyrie, a young Centaur.
With the help of the Portalians, they must defeat the evil warlock Shangorth. Shangorth commands an army of Graav, lava rock monsters and, using the Spider Gem, controls a gigantic horde of spiders. He also controls the vicious Black Eagles. The five friends team up with the Centaurs and travel to Forttown where they meet the Pinn Warriors who ride the mighty Fire Eagles.
As they reach the town, they find the Warriors burying most of the town's occupants. No one knew exactly what happened, but all suspected that Shangorth was behind it. They are joined by those who escaped and the army of dwarves led by King Swiftaxe. With the Penn infantry and cavalry plus the added bonus of expert Elvin archers with enchanted arrows that could pierce metal, they prepared for a last stand against the approaching army of Shangorth which would soon lay siege to Forttown.

The emphasis of "The Spider Gem" was that the various peoples of Portalia could come together to defeat a common enemy.
The author was quite straightforward in getting this point across. Taff Lovesey writes very eloquently and is an overall good story-teller. This book is a good read for all audiences. Children and adolescents will love the magical world, and adults will enjoy a brand new approach to an age-old topic. Everyone will like the epic battles, creative creatures and colorful story. My favorite parts of the book were the epic siege of Forttown and when the nasty spiders got squished (I personally hate spiders). I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is interested in fantasy novels. "The Spider Gem" has everything a reader could want.
From colorful characters to a spell-binding story, "The Spider Gem" is an overall good book

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
From Ebay purchaser and book collector orcraider (UK)

FANTASTIC FANTASY BOOK, EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK. FAST SERVICE EXCELLENT

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: JULIE (UK) via email Subject: Fantastic !!!

Just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the book. Sam and I have both finished it and loved it. I'm a huge fan of fantasy and SF books and your book rivals the best. Our only question is..... When is the next one released????? Keep on writing and we'll keep on reading Congratulations on a great book.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Mr. G. J. Edminson "Independentauthors.co.uk" (maidstone, Kent) The Spider Gems fantastic!

Hi everyone, I really like the unique story as it is different than many other fantasy themed books that do tend to have the same types of characters as every other similar books, The Spider Gem is different and I believe it would make a great series of films, I understand from a radio piece the author was on he has two other books in the TSG series being written now, cant wait! For a self published author this guys really got talent, give it a read, you'll be just as pleased I'm sure :) being self published must be difficult but best of luck to him. JK Rowling had to start somewhere! keep it up Mr Lovesey.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Lawrence Mayne "Lem" (West Sussex,UK) (from Amazon.co.uk)

Young reader review aged 12 : Brilliant! My Mum bought this for me as I am addicted to magical adventure books and I also write my own stories as my hobby. What I liked most about Spider Gem is that the world, people and characters are so realistic and the writer describes them perfectly. Whats more is that the book is very creative and once you start the first chapter you'll be absorbed into the book and you wont stop reading. My favourite character is Griff because when all the centaurs were playing football with the humans, he makes Ashley and Michael scared for a moment and then says " I miss all the fun!" What makes this book extra special is that author signed it, Thank you Mr Lovesey! The book is brilliant and it outranks Harry Potter in my opinion and should be made into a film. I cannot wait till the other books come out!

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Deborah Mayne "dollydebs" (West Sussex,UK) (from Amazon.co.uk)

Compelling magical read - has got to be made into a film! This opening book in the trilogy has all the elements needed for a tale which will last the passage of time. Bought for my son and read by the rest of the family (once he let go of it!) it has entranced us all and we eagerly await the next installment. Avid book readers of all ages will enjoy this fast paced story, there are no dull moments nor waffle filler.Once you start reading the book, you are hooked and drawn into a fantastical tale of magic, adventure, danger and friendship. If the rest of the trilogy is of this high calibre then it surely must be made into a film,one that we would pay money to see. I must add that the author is friendly and very approachable and his website very user friendly. A rarity in this day and age. Thank you so very much!

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Mervin James, (from Amazon.co.uk) Spider Gem

A piece of pure magic - a charming, eccentric and powerfully imaginative work of fantasy which particularly captivated my 12 year old son, and will enchant all readers for years to come. Leaving us waiting in anticipation for episode 2.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: J Hunt from Seattle, (from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk) US and UK teenagers united!

As an amateur author myself I sometimes purchase books from new authors. Often I am disappointed but, in the case of The Spider Gem, I have stumbled across the first of a new series of books that I feel will eventually enjoy wider circulation. The Spider Gem is a fast moving story written in a classic fantasy style but given a strong contemporary feel through the use of modern and believable characters. Essentially aimed at the 'young adult' reader, the series should appeal to female and male readers from age 12 through to adult. So if you like your fantasy fast moving and entertaining with a dash of realistic characters which you can relate to then this is the one for you. Well done Mr Lovesey. I'd wish you luck but I don't think you are going to need it.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: Katmann from Portland, (from Amazon.com) Excellent Read !!!!

Pass it on your teenagers will love it ! A friend passed on a copy of The Spider Gem and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this first novel from Taff Lovesey. The story is fast flowing and ideally pitched to interest teenagers but also with enough depth to keep adults guessing and hooked. From the author's web page I see that he is writing book two for release during 2006. I for one can't wait.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: marcojavier from Columbia South America I really love your work, your book is excellent!!!

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: John Evans from Scotland (from Amazon.co.uk) This Gem sparkles too!

A thoroughly enjoyable read for any age group, fast moving and exciting. My thirteen year old son enjoyed this book as much as as I did, and my wife is currently reading it. Once you start it`s difficult to put it down, always the sign of a good read, can`t wait for book two.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: toddb from UK (via email) Fantastic book.

Captured by the tremendous storyline I struggled to put the book down as I wished to discover the outcome of the events throughout the novel. The opening chapter was gripping and the cliffhanger ending more so.
Admittedly I felt that the chapters concerning the introduction of Rhys and Ashley were essential for setting the scene, yet not as interesting in relative comparison to the excitement provided by the rest of the book.
The use of traditional mythical creatures such as centaurs, dwarfs, and elves was superbly complemented by the creation of the Graav, the Fire Eagles, the personification of the dragon, Fangtor, and the shape shifter Ohrhim, which I thought to be a wonderfully imaginative character. The chapters containing information surrounding the battles were very well written as I feel that in some novels, passages concerning scenes of conflict can be poorly written and rushed. However in this book I felt the storyline was very well measured throughout.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: jjohnson from UK (via email)

Excellent novel for teenagers in secondary education. Fast start and pace with lots of depth but accompanied by sufficient information to lead the reader into the story.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: keith foulger from Wales (from Amazon.co.uk) spider gem

Great book, nicely paced, if you like your fantasy books that you can't put down, this book is well worth a look, it's has everything you desire in a book to get you hooked, looking forward to the second part

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: benf from UK (via email)

I finished your book this morning and I think it’s great! Its the best book I’ve ever read and I cant wait for the sequel!

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: daveter from Oregon USA ( email)

A great story which moves along at high speed. Has been read by all the family from 15 to 50! Can't wait for book two.

***********************************************

Title: The Spider Gem
Reviewer: orinoco28 from North Wales (from Amazon.co.uk) A rival to Lord of the Rings

As with all good trilogies, the 'kerpow' of the opening chapter leads into a rounded introduction to the main characters. Already the reader can sense history and mystery unfolding. The pace soon quickens up and almost immediately the book cannot be put down. The dwarves, warlocks, spiders, centaurs, men, and so forth, are strongly identified with characters that are both warming and chilling to the reader. The imaginative plot keeps the reader locked into the story line to the very end and leaves the reader gasping for more. This is a film waiting to be made, beware the spider...horrah the dragons! If you love Lord of the Rings, give this one a try, you'll love it too.