The Shard: Chronicles of Xax

Great story. A bit slow to start, but definitely picked up pace later.A few thoughts, the repeated change of perspective lead to a lot of frustration at the start, before every character was at the same place.Also, even though the action was good, it felt a little stretched. Although it is understandable, that to set the background and foundation of a novel, some amount of pages must go in building up the settings. In this book, however, that building of setting seemed a bit too long, and may lead the reader to drop the book in the middle, as it gives an impression that the story is apparently going nowhere.I persisted and at the end feel that it was a good and satisfactory read.

Really enjoyed this book. Was able to keep up with the different characters and watch them grow from who they were to who they become

Many books now emerge with glowing 5 star reviews which are almost a precis of the book but dont match my views once I've read it. So, it may be my fault, but I no longer trust reviews much. I'm writing this to assure you that although it isn't the best fantasy work out there, it is most certainly worth a read. In a refreshing change the main characters are not teenagers with wonderful powers and skills.OK it has it's faults but then so do many fantasies... the supposed immortality of elves etc...but maybe I'm just envious. The book reads as a novel, there may be more to come but at least no cliffhanger ending to pull you into a series. I like that, its rare nowadays and I would probably buy the 'next' should such a thing appear.So solid book, I enjoyed it. Minor gripe, chapters should have numbers as well as names...sometimes you want to go back and check something, difficult with this book.

Stunning fantasy. Cross is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. He weaves such a well thought out and fantastical novel that I struggle to put his books down. My favorite character here is Midas, a nobleman with a strong and caring heart, who struggles like all mortal men and who sees the world before him with persevering clarity. The hardships he endures strengthen him as a man, a father and as a character we consistently root for. The reader finds themselves more and more invested in him and the world around him. The other characters in this book are equally as engrossing and entertaining. I finish the read wanting to know where Cross will go next and hoping that he revisits this realm. The best part of The Shard is towards the end. I want to give it away so badly, but I will refrain. It shows the brilliance of Cross' mind. I am a reader and fan for life.

I just finished reading "The Shard" and it is now one of my favorite "Epic" like works. For me, the characters are easy and fun to identify with, both, in their joyful and sorrowful experiences. The storyline was interesting and the results or conclusions to different subplots were not very often predictable and foreseen but had satisfying conclusions. Unfortunately, I couldn't read the novel in one sitting but when I came back to it after interruptions, it was easy to continue on. I found the story based on strong family ties, Midas and his sons and friendships Antos, Alekas and Geldrath; Edo and Orcbait, all whose relationships I value highly. There were enough unusual encounters that I was intrigued and couldn't second guess the outcome. It was a great read.

Once you understand that this is an homage to Tolkien and accept it as such, this is an enjoyable read. Bear in mind that it is not written in the style of Tolkien, but rather its plot is simply very much like the Hobbit and LOTR mixed well. The characters were not as solid as I had hoped and I found myself not getting very sad at their loss (the body count is high in this book), with the exception of the core characters whose back stories and personalities were fleshed out a little better. I really like the back story of the Wizards' origin, but of course those details were purposely held back for another book. Overall, you'll enjoy this book if you like Tolkien-esque fantasy.