Two Oxford grad students find a portal between worlds in the shape of a cairn and find themselves (first one, then the other a few weeks later, which translates to years in the other world) pulled into a world inhabited by, essentially, ancient celts, and then entangled in the warrior ranks and embroiled in a semi-mystical war that may have repercussions in the 'real' world.
This one started out promising but once it transitioned to the other world, it faltered into a big load of meh. The main character/narrator was completely lacking in any sort of personality, so I struggled to care about what happened to him, and the plot was both convoluted and dull. Disappointing. Needless to mention, but I won't be continuing with the trilogy. ( )

The storyline and premise was interesting to begin with: an extinct animal found in Scotland to the delight of a bored, young privileged man at Oxford and then a meeting with the Green Man. However delightful the story may seem, however, the writing must carry it almost singularly, and it certainly did not. There was too much Wilde-esque whinging from the Brit, too much 'meh' and slowness from the Yank and nothing particularly happening. ( )

The Paradise War by Stephen Lawhead, introduced me to Mr. Lawhead and I've been a devoted fan ever since. In this book, he imagines a parallel universe, connected by ancient cairns to England. The hero goes in and finds Albion, an idealization of England at its best. Life is more vivid, more beautiful, more breathtaking. The women are more beautiful, the men nobler, the kings more majestic. There are problems in paradise though. An ancient enemy reawakes and causes devastation. Since this world and our world are connected, disaster in one causes disaster in another. To solve the problems, an Oxford graduate student must change completely and become more than he ever imagined he could be. ( )

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.

As an avid fantasy reader, I was reluctant to try this trilogy because Lawhead is not one of the best known fantasy writers. My husband bought me the book because Lawhead is a Christian and he thought I should try it.

I was very pleasantly surprised! The writing is excellent. The story is interesting, meaningful, and epic in scope while still progressing rapidly enough to finish in three books.

It contains all of the elements I look for in a fantasy: vivid description, many interesting and well-developed characters, problems to solve, quests, romance, war, tension, intrigue, and a happy ending.

I couldn't be happier.
Read more Stephen Lawhead book reviews at Fantasy literature. ( )

Ok read. Not really my cup of tea. Interesting premise though! ( )