"Futuristic fantasy"
Over three thousand years ago, the powerful ancients gave
every citizen a rose gold ring when they turned twenty.
However, scientists realized the error and tried to rectify
the mistake by destroying all but an octet of rings. Their
desperate effort proved futile and civilization shattered. In modern times, egomaniac King Karas of Alor-Satar
stumbles across the rings and learns how to harness the
power. He begins plans to rule the world. However, one
ring escapes his notice. Through a series of events the
FIFTH RING ends up on the finger of teenage fencing expert
Mathew Lewin. Mathew quickly realizes that the ring
contains powers that he slowly learns to use though he
fears the jewelry. Between his rings and allies like the
Orlocks, Karas starts his war with the only hope of his
foes being an eighteen-year-old lad with no ancient text to
guide him. Title aside to Professor Tolkien, this novel is quite
different than the Hobbit. The keys to this exciting
futuristic fantasy reside in the prime characters seeming
real and the alliances forged between nations feel
authentic (similar to pre World War I). As detestable as
Karas is he behaves like some twentieth century despots who
lost no sleep over genocide. As heroic as Mathew seems, he
will remind readers of people they know whom always care
what happens to those around them. With a powerful story
line that never allows the audience a moment to rest even
for a pit stop, fans will demand that Mitchell Graham
provide a sequel or two rather quickly. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 15, 2003
|
