Review From The Comments' Section Of This Blog
Finally, I have just finished Beatrice. Did not take too long to read, but had taken months to find the time! It is a great book. Bob guides you gently through the story. I hate books, where right at the start you are inundated with characters and information. You spend the next half dozen chapters, playing catch-up. This was different, a lovely gentle read, which took you through all the complex twists and turns of the story. Looking forward to reading the Black Grotto next. Happy days from Inverness.
Enjoyable Read!
A real page turner as I couldn't wait to see what happened! Being from Scotland myself it was enjoyable to read about familiar places. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
New Review Just In From A New Reader In Scotland!
Just finished Beatrice. I really enjoyed it. It was one of those books, after reading a few chapters, I was so tempted to have a sneak preview at the end.....BUT, I didn't, I resisted. Loved the plot, characters and the fact that you mentioned so many places I know. The 'Port 'O' Leith' pub for example. I was sad the book ended, but I see you've left an opening for a sequel.....next one on the cards, I hope? Would be good to see what happens to little B. Great ending with that little twist to the tale.....I didn't see that one coming at all.
New Review From Amazon: Wonderfully Written A Must Read
I don't usually read a lot of fantasy or mystery type books but the cover sounded interesting so I thought i would give it a try, I am sure glad that I did, I absolutely love it. The characters were wonderful, the setting was great and the book on a whole was very exciting and interesting. Mr Stegner can write and I have a feeling we are going to be seeing a lot more of his work. I look forward to reading anything he writes.
While Pondering The Larger Questions Of Cosmic
Balance and the Interplay of Good and Evil...
The mysterious events in a contemporary Scottish
family leads the reader into exploration of modern spiritualism and its ancient
roots. One finds themselves intriqued by the story on one hand, while pondering
the larger questions of cosmic balance and the interplay of good and evil on
the other.
The reader is left with the questions about the
characters and their future on a simple level--wanting to know more about the
ancient European pagan beliefs/practices on a historic level--and wanting to
dialog with the characters and author about the nature of good and evil on an intellectual
level.
A sequel--I hope.
A must read for people who love an
exciting fantasy wrapped within a mystery
I've never read a fantasy/mystery quite like this
before. I loved it! I really enjoyed all of the characters, and the setting in
Edinburgh, Scotland was a superb choice for the content of the story. The plot
was exciting, intricate, beautifully written, and the ending packed a punch and
left me wanting more. I couldn't put it down! My congratulations to the author
for successfully writing yet another story that not only entertains but also
speaks to our capacity as humans to either hinder or advance our evolutionary
growth through the choices we make. Can’t wait for the sequel!
This was a great read and it kept me guessing...
This was a great read and it kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. This novel is unique because it has an interesting way of time sequencing events from the eyes and perspectives of all the main characters, including the really nasty ones. Everyone will enjoy the twists and turns and the unexpected ending to this book - I do believe there will be a sequel - there better be - I want to see what happens to "Little B".
Beatrice was my first book of Bob Stegner. From the very beginning I was sucked into this great story. I love Scottish culture, and the author did an amazing job promoting it. I love the mixture of fantasy and history of this ancient Celtic culture. Strong and interesting characters, dynamic action, and really unexpected ending made this book one of my favorites. I truly appreciate Stegner's talent of describing places. I have always wanted to visit Scotland, now I desire it even more. I would love to see some of the places described in Beatrice. I strongly recommend this book. I had a lot of fun reading it, and cannot wait for its continuation!
Quite a good read
Quite a good read. Twists and turns and expertly told.
Rooms: Adult Science Fiction
Goodreads' Review
A very moving and thought-provoking read. The author really draws attention to the current ecological problems that the world is facing, and weaves a fascinating story.
Goodreads' Review
I won this book on goodreads, and I'm glad for it. The book is science fiction(I hope.) Earth is dying, and the "Chosen" have decided to leave the planet. Now, people live in life globes. They cannot go outside to get any fresh air, because there is none. Rooms were invented to give the people entertainment. They were very addictive. One Room is very special. This room had been made to change the course of human history.
Goodreads' Review
Rooms by Bob Stegner is a book I won from Goodreads. Thanks so much. It has a very interesting plot line and interesting characters that are well developed. The first part starts a bit slow but it does pick up and get better. I love the concept completely. It seems to be a teen novel and lacks some depth I like but it still is a great sci-fi book.
Here is a review of Rooms from a reader who read both it and the second book in the series, The Chosen.
"I very much enjoyed the two books. I have to admit I was intending to read Beatrice first, however, I was curious about Rooms and thought I'd take a peek at the first few pages, then I was hooked. I don't read many science fiction books, but it's nice to have a change. My only complaint is that they weren't long enough. I could have read on and on.
"I was finding that I would stop reading now and again to think about some of the terrible things that are going on in our present day situation. For example, when the people of Loon wanted a peaceful solution to Harlequin and her cronies, I couldn't imagine how you were going to do it. I was delighted with the ending.
"I think you brought pretty much everything in to the books, power hungry, evil, greedy, selfish characters, as well as amazing heroic, kind, loving and caring characters. ...lots of heroes in there. Rad obviously being the favourite."
Beautiful Story With A Timely Message
This book offers a timely view into a future
brought on by the consequences of corporate greed and war. As I journeyed with
Rad through the Old One's Room, I was not only entertained. I felt Rad's joy
and reverence for the Earth and it's people. I felt his growing desolation as
he witnessed the slow destruction of the Earth within each successive level of
the Room. I struggled with him as he worked with Sparks and Zeer to bring
health and hope to the demoralized Terran population.
Since the author left this story open to a
sequel, I will be excited to see how his writing style evolves and how he ties
the planet Loon (where The Old One and Zeer reside) to Earth and the other
human outposts scattered throughout the universe.
Great Read!
Beautiful, deep story that captures your
imagination. As you read the book, more and more elements of the plot come into
play. The unique feature of the book is that it is not only a story written to
entertain a reader but is also a complex, wise and touching story that will make
you think about the world that we live in and what should be really important
in our lives.
It shows human life from a distance, how it has
changed over time and how human beings were altering the earth. At the same
time, the story carries a lot of hope.
It also has scientific facts and touches on many
world wide issues. It's not just a story that you forget after you finish it.
This story moves you deeply and stays on your mind for a long time.
Great Ride!
What a great ride and adventure! You see people
give books reviews all the time where they say they couldn't put the book down,
well don't start reading unless you want to stay up all night with this one.
Excellent writing style, you really get to know and care about the characters.
It also really makes you think about what if. Loved it!!
In the process he has also created just a darn good
story. It engaged me in ways I did...
I started Rooms one evening and found the story
line engaging and the characters interesting. The next day I picked it up again
planning to read for a bit. A third of the way in I couldn't stop--reading all
day until finished. The characters became more and more real. The diversity and
fullness of the plot held me.
Stegner touches on many issues--environmental,
political, social, moral & spiritual. In the process he has also created
just a darn good story. It engaged me in ways I did not expect and left me
wanting a sequel!
The story/line plot found in this novel grabs you
from...
The story line/plot found in this novel grabs you
from the very beginning and holds your attention to the point you cannot put it
down. It has twists and turns that will take a reader by surprise. The book
highlights many important social and cultural concerns that really need to be
addressed today as our world moves forward through time to an uncertain future.
This novel is destined to become a movie - Order it now --- you are in for a
very interesting ride through time and space.
Beautifully Written
I just finished the newest version of Rooms. Beautifully written! The story is engaging and holds your interest until the very end. I feel I know all the characters well. I care about them, and if I had not already read the second book in the series, I would be very interested to know what happens to those characters next. I also feel that the first book in the series segues very well into the second.
WHEATGRASS: An Irish Young Adult Fantasy
(Out of Print)
Beautiful Tale!
A unique fantasy based in Ireland. Beautifully
written. The characters seemed very real to me. I didn't want the story to end.
Excellent Fantasy Tale - A great read for any age
group
Excellent fantasy tale with lots of twists and
turns - leaves you guessing near the end as to how it will end. Excellent read
for any age group -- buy it - you will like it!!
Excellent Short Story
This is a beautifully written short story with well
developed characters and a great story. I enjoyed reading it immensely and
think its' intended audience will love it!
Wonderful Tale
The plot is about a strong female character who
finds a way to fight her fear. I ejoyed reading it a lot. The story is light,
easy to read and teaches important values.
Finally, I have just finished Beatrice. Did not take too long to read, but had taken months, to find the time! It is a great book. Bob guides you gently through the story. I hate books, where right at the start, you are inundated with characters and information. You spend the next half dozen chapters, playing catch-up. This was different, a lovely gentle read, which took you through all the complex twists and turns of the story. Looking forward to reading the Black Grotto next. Happy days from Inverness.
ReplyDeleteHave just enjoyed another epic story from Bob Stegner: Merlin & Arthur, The Awakening. Loved the way it jumped between the different characters and timeline. I am not keen on blood and gore, so this simple trick, kept me on board and enthralled. Having experienced tears towards the end of Black Grotto, I did not expect to have more with this story. How wrong could I have been. The last couple of chapters, had me tissues in hand, and struggling to read through the tears. Thank you for weeks of happy reading. On a final note, considering that this story was written pre 2020, and published early 2020, is it just coincidental that it is about a pandemic? Or is Mr Stegner actually a Seer?
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