Just finished Blood of Elves...

[SM]

...and I'm a little bemused as to why it got to the shortlist, let alone won.

My main complaint is that it wasn't a stand-alone book. I know it's part of a series, but in every other series of books I've read (fantasy or otherwise) each part was connected but also a separate entity. Blood of Elves felt like it wasn't finished, as it had a very abrupt ending, with no hint of any of the storylines even being close to a conclusion. This leads me to think that the people who voted for it have read the whole series and voted on that basis, rather than on the individual book.

Also as far as the content is concerned, it was nothing new or special.

So for those of you who voted Sapkowski, what did you think was good about the book?

Also, had you read all or any of the other books in the series when you voted?

[wild_ice]

I loved Brent Week's books as well, although I definitely preferred 'T he Painted (Warded) Man' by Peter Brett and he didn't get onto the short list!

Still.....I can't wait for next years awards!

[JOE CRAWFORD]

You really should read Dark Moon. That one is different, has an SF slant, although the fantasy bleeds thru on every page! If you liked Blood of Elves, you will enjoy Dark Moon i guarantee. try it and get back to me, i would like to hear you thoughts on it.
joe

[helen]

I've read Blood of the elves too. was quite excited to find it, couldn't wait to read it. Couldn't wait to finish it either. Disappointing is all I can say. Jury is still out on whether its a re-read to be sure. Other half and son will read it next then we can disect it. I agree with the comment of how it got onto the shortlist but it may be a slow grower. think I was expecting a spectacular saga like gemmellesk author to win it. Maybe i was biased in that.