The People of the Mist (Webster's English Thesaurus Edition)

Great Book (2010-06-03) : 5/5
For me, most classic writers aren't really that interesting. But with this book, I've found a "new" author that I really like. I'll definitely be buying his collected works on the Kindle.
Why don't people write like this anymore? (2010-05-28) : 5/5
What a great story! Haggard wrote adventure fiction like no one else. His pace is slow but it feels right. He isn't in any hurry. He sometimes spends a paragraph or two with stunning descriptions, painting a picture in the mind. But the unfolding plot is totally gripping, and I don't mind the time it takes to make it through.

Haggard's characters are lovable. It is what makes his stories so effective. If you don't genuinely care about the characters, then you won't care about all the dangers they encounter. Watching Leonard, Juanna, and Otter face death over and over is gripping because you like them.

Haggard's settings are fantastic! He really knew how to create a vivid fantasy world. His descriptions are carefully integrated into the plot too. At one point in the novel, Leonard (a "guest" of the People of the Mist) is led by natives through a dark tunnel to a wide-open space in pitch blackness. Leonard can hear the sound of water rushing as if far below. He can hear the murmuring of crowds of natives as though from afar. Leonard waits the coming dawn when the natives will perform a ritual. How Haggard slowly doles out information as the dawn slowly breaks is amazing. While it is still dark, Leonard probes around with his foot. He discovers that about 2 feet in front of him is a drop-off. Then as the light begins to dawn, he can see that he is suspended far above the ground with snow capped mountains all around. Then as the light increases, he realizes he is standing on the outstretched palm of a huge monstrous idol he had seen from far off. The palm isn't nearly large enough for comfort, and a hundred feet below him is a river and a crowd of natives. He looks up to discover that his love, Juanna, whom the natives think is a goddess, has been placed a hundred feet above him, on the head of the idol. Once this weird stage is set, the action is ready to begin, and its action you'll never forget.

Haggard was also a thoughtful man. He often has poignant insights into the human condition: desire for love, the nobility of sacrificing yourself for a friend, loyalty, and the impossibility of complete happiness in this life, to name a few.

I have read 5 or 6 Haggard novels now, and People of the Mist may be the best yet. If you like adventure, fantasy, romance, with a touch of philosophy and humor thrown in, you'll love Haggard. My question is, why don't people write like this anymore? And another question, Why hasn't anyone done a film of this story? It would beat out "Indiana Jones" any day of the week.




dreamy (2010-05-11) : 5/5
beautiful book. as usual love the way Haggard describes nature, takes you away in dreamworld. if you like his style, highly rec.
people of the mist (2010-05-06) : 4/5
I found the book entertaining and fast paced; it was pure adventure...but it was also about honor, friendship, love and treachery a good read and one that I would recommend.
A fun read! (2010-03-30) : 5/5
Loved this!! Full of action and adventure, I swear that I could hear the Indiana Jones theme playing in my head as I read along. I have never read this author before but I will for sure try another of his works. Give it a try, it is great plus it is FREE for kindle.