The Bronze of Eddarta

This third book in the Gandalara Cycle is a fluent, competent novel that advances the plot, introduces new characters and new developments, and climaxes at the end with an exciting finish.

It seems to be doing everything right; and yet for me it lacks the kind of compelling scenes that motivate me to reread a book. I bought it 30 years ago, read it then, and this is the first time I've bothered to reread it for many years—out of mild curiosity, because I no longer remembered anything about it.

It's readable and I have no trouble getting through it, but I'm sorry, it doesn't turn me on. Clearly it has more effect on some other readers.

It's a rather strange sensation to read a novel that seems to go through all the right motions, but leaves me emotionally unstirred. Unfortunately I can't explain the problem or suggest how the book's power could be boosted.