Nightseer

LKH's first novel is arguably better than some of her later books. Unlike the Anita Blake and Meredith Gentry series, Nightseer is set in a "high fantasy" world of magic. Keleios is studying at a magic-wielder's university (no, it's nothing like Hogwarts) where she has to deal with her black-magic practitioner roommate, unwanted proposals, her own dark magical ability, and the terrible prophesy that she just dreamed...Unfortunately this book was never picked up for a series, although the author left plenty of possible character development/loose ends (presumeably for that reason) so it leaves you wanting more. Overall, a very satifying read.

Really, though...this was a good book. It is paced quickly and confusing. Thats what makes it more interesting. No, its NOT like the Anita Blake series (which I may as well have strung up to an I.V. in my arm)..heh..but its not suppossed to be. Hamilton has already announced a sequel at long last. Hurrah. Good healthy sadistic fun? Give it a chance.

Since I've already read Ms. Hamilton's work, I was expecting something a little different. The storyline is great - exactly my speed. But the story unfolds as if there was a prequel, and I haven't been able to find one. The magic and demons are quite interesting, the characters are nicely developed. But again there is the exception because of the feeling that you've missed the first book that sets-up the premise of this magical world. Customs are mentioned, but never fully fleshed out nor explained. The history of characters is also "mentioned", and used to progress the storyline, but without enough detail. Even with this criticsm though, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am really hoping that Ms. Hamilton will discover another adventure of Keleios and Lothor to share with her fans.

What do I say ? Hamilton's Keleios characther is every bit as savvy,tough and powerful as Anita Blake(Vampire Hunter) if not more so. I must say I didn't know what to expect going into this book so many serial authors with great characthers start new ones that are copies of thier old ones or just plain bad all together. I'm pleased to say this is not the case with the Nightseer. Hamilton has got a new lady on the block and like Anita in her world she's "All That" and more. But the best part of this book is the Fantasy land itself. Hamilton has made a world where Good and Evil Sorcerers,Seers,Enchanters and plain old human Warriors can go the same school and be friends?? Where Demons aren't just plain brutes, but have a characther all thier own some good some not so good. Unless your a demon and than your just having some fun. Where being an evil prince doesn't make you a bad guy. And where your college roommate from hell may very well be from there.I hope this is not the last I'll be seeing of Keleios; she's great and I know if Hamilton doesn't give her a book she'll want tobe seeing Hamilton across the sands. For anyone wanting to read this book hold onto your hats Keleios is one badddddd MoMMa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!