Literary Reviews
"There is mystery, however, epic battles, an echo of ancient times long forgotten, all adding up to a fascinating tale well worth the reading...I really must say that this book is a classic. Well written, with excellent pacing, Phillip has accomplished something remarkable here."
Robert Treskillard
Author of the "Merlin's Blade" series
Click here for the whole review.
"[O]n the whole, I rate this book very highly and recommend it. It is especially good for teenage boys who will appreciate the action and combat. It's a fairly violent book, but the violence is of the epic variety and not gratuitous. The style of the writing is quite different from the typical page-turner prose we often see in modern fiction, so it may take some getting used to, especially for younger readers. But if you enjoy heroic tales of war told with the rhythm and and style of the ancient epics, you will most certainly appreciate Tale of Manaeth."
Tony Schiavo
Arx Publishing
Click here for the whole review.
"When I speak or write on the topic of literature, the one comment I always get is, "I need book ideas for boys!" I've written on this topic countless times and still people ask me, "What are good books for boys?" So, when my friend Phillip Campbell gave his new book to me, Tale of Manaeth, I just knew I'd have to tell you all about it. If you have boys, buy this book. Gosh, if you have girls, buy this book. The boys will love the blood, guts, and gory war scenes. The girls will love the fact that the hero is a girl."
Maureen Wittmann
Speaker, Author, Co-Founder of Homeschool Connections
Click here for the whole review (and here for a similar review).
Speaker, Author, Co-Founder of Homeschool Connections
Click here for the whole review (and here for a similar review).
"Tale of Manaeth is an old school fantasy epic written in the narrative style like the Illiad or Tolkien’s Silmarillion. The scope is not as ambitious as Tolkien’s work in this style, but does cover a period of history around two centuries in a pre-Christian world full of both Pagan virtues and vices...The mythic elements are quite interesting though this is not the standard fantasy world staffed with various races. The best parts are the battle scenes with intricate strategies and memorable warrior characters. The title character is almost a kind of Xena, but without the silliness and a much more serious warrior working against the odds. The style of the book in some ways reminded me of Tolkien Children of Hurin, there is a sadness that envelops the characters — though not as overwhelming tragic as the Children of Hurin..."
Reader Reviews
"Although the writing is stylistic, it is not particularly dry or difficult to read, and often rather lovely...Tale of Manaeth is very successful at being what it attempts to be - a new contribution to the genre of historical-style epic - and I hope it may find its audience and give them as much pleasure in the reading as the author obviously found in the writing."
"Although the writing is stylistic, it is not particularly dry or difficult to read, and often rather lovely...Tale of Manaeth is very successful at being what it attempts to be - a new contribution to the genre of historical-style epic - and I hope it may find its audience and give them as much pleasure in the reading as the author obviously found in the writing."
Kate, age 27
"I just finished this book. It was a beautiful tale, definitely written in the style of the Greek epics. It will be passed on to my soon-to-be 14 year old to read. This is a definitely keeper in my dwindling library (dwindling by choice.) I appreciate the fine balance that Phillip gives to the heroine's strength of character, and her femininity. She is at once a heroic leader, and a woman of the type we are called to be."
Yvonne, Homeschool Mom
"Mr. Campbell weaves a dense yarn with the Tale of Manaeth. In its brief span, the Tale portrays a rapid succession of utterly serious matters in a distinctly fresh and violent world. Tracing the triumphs and travails of whole peoples, personified by their mythical leaders, Mr. Campbell pays sincere and evident homage to worthy influences including the Old Testament, Tolkien, Homer, and Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur. The characters' frequent exclamations buoy the gravity of the plot in the manner of Robert E. Howard’s Conan. The author efficiently describes settings, circumstances, and conflicts, inviting multiple readings and the thorough exercise of one's imagination. In short, the Tale of Manaeth is a promising introduction to a burgeoning world. 'By the Beard of Manx!'...the story will continue to unfold."
Damon, age 30
"The Tale of Manaeth is a wonderful story of epic adventure. It is full of engaging characters with varied characteristics –who when taken together form that diverse complimentary band of heroes we as readers of fantasy, mythology, and adventure fiction have come to most eagerly enjoy. The story is driven by monarchial oppression, diplomacy, warfare, international feuds and the determination and unwavering convictions of a heroine of mythic proportions. Clearly Mr. Campbell is well educated in studies of history, politics, tactical warfare and mythology. He has eloquently crafted a very enjoyable read."
Brian, age 29
"The most striking element in Tale of Manaeth is the manner in which it is written. The tenor is epic and feels very organic. From start to finish, Mr. Campbell's tale of courage and triumph over persecution and betrayal (not to mention tremendous odds), is indeed inspiring. The players and the setting are truly unforgetable. This work will definitely satisfy those who have an appetite for adventure."
Bill, age 30
"Readers of the Lord of the Rings or the Silmarillion will find Tale of Manaeth a favorite. With fierce enemies and epic battles, you will be entranced by this author’s illustrious style of writing."
Daniel, age 13
"So many popular fantasy novels that have been published in recent years are not worth reading. Mr. Phillip Campbell has brought forth a work that brings to mind the ancient Greek myths and is seasoned with his own originality. The Tale of Manaeth has been an inspiration to me in some of my own writing, and I find myself eagerly awaiting more chronicles that he has yet to publish."
Christopher, age 15
"Tale of Manaeth is a classic that will be shelved in a place of honor with works of art such as The Silmarilion, The Song of Roland, and the Iliad. The characters are larger-than-life, heroes and villains that you can't help but admire, and the battles are such that you find yourself gripping he pages in rushing excitement, begging the author to make it all end alright, and that not to many heroes will fall in battle.
"The fights are as intense as any movie, and the pictures awakened in your head are as vivid as Narnia or The Lord of the Rings. The plot twists and turns delightfully in unexpected directions, and always, you wait for the turning of the next page. To cap it all, the heroine is the good, pure woman that is so often unshown in today's literature, a warrior queen that fights for freedom from a land bent of conquest. The work is a masterpiece of the archaic format, and beautiful even to the last epic battle. Glorious in the warrior tradition, rich in description and style, Tale of Manaeth is classic that will make your heart beat faster even to the final page."
Daniel, age 16
"The Tale of Manaeth: an epic romance of the kind that one just does not see any more. I look forward to the sequel!"
Ethan, age 16
