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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 What an amazing new author !!!!, September 20, 2009
Worlds of the Crystalmoon may very well be the beginning of a new era in fantasy writing. Phillip E. Jones is not the next Tolkien nor is he the next JK Rowling and he most assuredly is not the next Terry Goodkind. These other three authors have been my absolute favorites for most of my adult life - but Phillip is without a doubt not the "next" anyone but rather the very first of a new kind of author. I sincerely believe he is ready to stand along side of these three greats and hold his head high as their equal. He says that the worlds he writes about came to him in his dreams - to which I say "please go back to sleep and find out for us what happens next".
From the very first page of Crystalmoon - World of Grayham I was inexplicably drawn into the work. The struggle between good and evil will never be seen in the same light again. I found the book impossible to put down and finished the 600 plus pages in a matter of 3 days. Then I picked it back up and started again from the beginning. This second time thru I savored the intricacies of the storyline and took time to really enjoy the fabulous illustrations. This was necessary due to the fact that the first time thru the story had me so entranced that I simply couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Phillip has built worlds of great depth and peopled them with characters that are believable, lovable and hateable. I have never awaited a next book in a series with more anticipation than I am now waiting for book two of Crystalmoon. The book is touted as being for ages 13 and up - but boy oh boy are there ever plenty of plot lines to keep the adults guessing and laughing.
It was truly a fortunate day for me when I happened to stop at Costco for a couple of things and chanced upon Phillip Jones signing copies of his book and more importantly taking the time to share himself and his story with a fantasy junkie like me. When this book hits the big screen in a few years it will truly be my pleasure to remember that I met the author and read the book before anyone else that I knew and that some of my comments to Phillip might even help to shape the next books in the series. Do yourself a favor - buy this book and welcome yourself to a bright new fantasy world.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
What a good read!, June 9, 2009
Great characters and unexpected twists in the plot will catch you by surprise. What a mixture of good and evil! Kept me going waiting to see what would happen next and to whom. Can't wait for the next book.
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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Pleasantly Surprised, June 20, 2009
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I am not much of a fantasy reader. I kept hearing good things about Crystal Moon and decided to read it for myself. Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. It is very entertaining and unpredictable. I would definitely recommend reading this book.
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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Fantastic, May 27, 2009
I am not usually a reader of fantasy fiction, but after reading the first chapter I was completely engaged and excited to find out more about Sam Goodrich, Shalee and George.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Where can I get one of my own....Precious??!!!!, August 14, 2009
World of Grayham was a little hard for me to get into, as I am normally not a huge fantasy fan. With that being said, I think I may be converted! I am a Shalee fan through and through!! Everyone needs a good, strong female to help kick some...I found myself laughing out load with Helga and Shalee. Actually crying at Helga's demise. Screaming, "don't open the box" when BJ wanted to have one last look....
I am looking forward to book II, now that everyone is pregnant, licking their wounds, planning their next moves...
Bring it, Big Dog!!!
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Love this book and I can't wait for the next one!, August 6, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Phillip Jones has an exceptional imagination and has created a world I love to get lost in. The story line has plenty of twists and turns, I was caught by surprise more than once, and the characters are all different and likeable, even the ones you love to hate. LOL I enjoy the way his writing gives you just the right amount of detail. I had a hard time putting the book down and read it in a few days. I am patiently waiting for the next installment. Great job, Phillip!
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Masterful!!, August 20, 2009
From a master of contemporary fantasy comes a novel of imaginative power unlike any you've ever encountered...
In the field of Science-Fiction/Fantasy, there is no greater accomplishment than creating a unique and intriguing universe. Although well-written books, The Hobbit and Foundation are classics less for perfect prose; than for the creatures, landscapes and societies they introduced. The appeal of the universe ranges outside books, though. It is why Attack of the Clones grossed millions on its opening day and why a lot of people know more about Marvel Comics than they do about any foreign country.
Worlds of the Crystal Moon, by Phillip E. Jones, is a pretty unmistakable, noteworthy attempt at creating a universe. The first of many, World of Grayham; Jones shows his potential. And because of his ambition, his universe creating powers are at a prime. He well may be considered a new Tolkien or Asimov.
The universe of this novel is Worlds of the Crystal Moon; World of Grayham, with summertime kingdoms of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and gods, who come together in a time of grim omens. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Worlds, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of power.
Jones is an outstanding writer who eases readers into the strangeness of World of Grayham and keeps them reading with intrigue that unfolds at just the right pace.
World of Grayham is smartly written and highly entertaining.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
 To read or not to read, that is the question...., September 24, 2009
Crystal Moon, the World of Grayham is a complex fantasy with a lot of twists and interlocking stories. It builds slowly in the beginning but gathers momentum. The story is engaging and entertaining. It really is a book that will make you laugh, yell and cry all within a small matter of time.
Occasionally, the characters feel a little unrealistic. It's an interesting dilemma... characters that are meant to be "special" and "average" at the same time. This is just one example of the authors attempt to create a truly unique story. They are supposed to be representing "talented" but "normal" people, but they aren't... As a fantasy reader, I think you can either embrace it and enjoy the story, or fight it and not.
The descriptions in this book are fascinating. Usually they are simple, but strong and clear. The author has a way of pulling you from one emotion to another, almost seamlessly. It is definitely an interesting technique because, as a reader, you never know what is going to come next.
Personally, I think this book would be best for teens ages 15 and older. The characters and situations in this story are most likely to be enjoyed by a slightly more mature audience.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy or just a good puzzle. Considering this is the unedited edition, I think it has a lot of potential. I am looking forward to seeing the final, (and finally edited!) third edition this December.
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