Shardik

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The only book I've failed to finish. - Rated
Sorry to say that despite being an avid reader, especially through my twenties, this is the only work of fiction that I have started and then failed to complete: once in my late teens, again in my late twenties and finally in my early thirties. I did manage to finally complete the book at the 3rd attempt but only through extreme determination. This has to be the most unengaging piece of fiction I've come across. So utterly forgetful that the title is about the only thing that remains in my memory 10 years later...mainly as the barometer by which I measure many other modern 'epics'.

Brilliant - Rated
I can't believe that no-one hasn't written a review of this ,well I'm going to put that right,this is a powerful story of a mans destiny through his religious belief that a giant bear found fleeing from a fire is the reincarnation of god,the story portrays all of mans greed and mistaken beliefs in worshipping religion in a grippng tale of war and love and finally fulfilment,I read Watership Down first but believe me there is no comparison this is far and away better and it deserves to be a modern classic anyone reading this will be amazed and moved by the sheer power of the narrative and like me will read it more than once and find new marvels,Richard Adams best book by miles

give it 300 pages and you will be blown away. - Rated
the character genshed the evil slave owner is great. and the final chapter with the civilised envoy is sublime writing.