Vol. 1) by Melanie Rawn (1995-11-01) - The Ruins of Ambrai (Exiles

This is most definitly my favorite book ever (besides the second in the series, naturally). I fall in love with all of the characters, especially Collan, and I think the writing is amazing. It is a bit complicated, with the book being set in a world very different from ours. There is a lot of political stuff floating around that some might find confusing. I think if just adds to the realistic way of the book. I recommend this book to everyone!!

One of the greatest reads I've ever come accross. It is definitely up to speed with the rest of MR's works and once again flaunts her abilities to create a whole new and entirely different world, way of life, and view on very real and pending topics in today's society. From homosexuality to mixing political and religious affairs, the whole spectrum is covered with a style of writing that can be called nothing less than a graceful and intricate masterpeice.

Loved this book. Melanie Rawn has invented a world where women are in charge, and does it with more conviction than anyone has ever managed before. I liked the characters, was drawn into the story, and wait on pins and needles for the next one!

This book and its sequel 'The Mageborn Traitor' are very excellent books but I would not recommend them.
There was suppose to be third book in this series. The third book will never be written. This series
came out over 15 years ago. If she hasn't written the third book by now, she will not write it. This
is also the reason I am boycotting her books. To me, she owes it to her readers to finish the series.

The books of Melanie Rawn, make your skin crawl when you finally finiched one and know there is no sequall, her books have paralized me for the 3 days it takes me to read each book, this is the first book I read of the author, I have read all of them, and quite frankly, you get hooked on every one of her books. This one is worth the while, as all her other time shortening wildly adventurous writing. She has an excelent imagination.

This book is so awesome, and has many cool surprises - like the fact that the women rule the world! I mean, what a ridiculous, unheard of notion! I really like the characters, and disagree with the person who wrote one line earlier saying they were one-dimensional. Strong female characters and sexy-looking men - that's all your average fantasy reader needs! Very highly recommended. I've never seen one book get so many five-star reviews!

This book is sooo captivating, even to a teenager. i really enjoyed her putting it in a martrachial world instead, becoming different from other books. Sarra, Glenin, and Cailet were charachters that were hard to understand until your about halfway through the book. Melanie Rawn write well, with complex, twisting plots that hold you spellbound until the end. i recomend this book to anyone who can sit still for a lenghty period of time. this is a must read!!!

I have to say...after reading this book, if kinda made me think more highly of women. The fact that the women control the government in this book is quite interesting. And the whole Lord of Malerris and Mage Guardian idea is very cool. I am certain that the third book will be the best of them all. I just finished reading the the second one...so...I hope to see the third book of the Exiles series soon!
-Ben Baker

Slogged my way through the other series because they were around, but the girly factor in this one was too high to manage to finish. My sister had them, this was the only reason, and unfortunately they did not get any better. Clearly written to appeal to the romance angle I think, which is not my thing. If you like that, and fantasy, this might be a sure thing for you.

Normally I wouldn't bother writing a review for a book. Unless it's as good as Melanie Rawn's Exiles series. I love it! It's definetly kept my full attention since I started reading it. Once I start it's hard to put down. I highly recommend reading this series, and it'll be hard to wait for the third one to come out. Keep it up Melanie!

i love these books.the people in them actually have lives outside of the numerouse battles and confuseing politics.i also love that you watch each one of the main charecters grow into adulthood so they come alive to you.iadmire melanie's great imagination and the strength she put's into her work.

This was the first Melanie Rawn book I have read. She is so descriptive that it made it so easy to see and understand. I really got into all the characters and plot lines. I couldn't put it down. I am a reader, I will read absolutely anything and I can honestly say that this is the first book in a long time I did not put down just a little disappointed. I loved it.

I loved this book!!! it was incredibly amazing. it kept me entertained every single minute that I read it. The characters were strongly, and wonderfully developed, while the twisted plot keeps you waiting for more. if you haven't read this wonderful novel yet, I strongly suggest it!

Okay...so this book was absolutely wonderful! Melanie Rawn takes you in and you KNOW the characters. You will laugh and cry with them, it's amazing. Loved it...Loved the next one...Can't wait for the third! (I wish it wasn't just a trilogy :( )

Melanie Rawn has never failed to awe me! This book was a bit confusing, with geneology and everything, but in all, it took me to a world that I could hold onto in my mind and picture everything as it happened. I cried, laughed, raged and embraced.

Extremely interesting book, the best book I've ever read. This book has it all, romance, political intrigue, and interesting characters, including one who's personality is the most like mine (Collan). No words I could possibly say would do justice to this book, it is simply the best book I've ever read, it has everything.

Ruins of Ambrai is wonderful. However, it is confusing in the beginning with all the different characters, but once you get past that it just flies by. There are many interesting scenes in this book which I won't give away. The storyline is cool and it just kept me wanting to know more.