About the AuthorHenry Rider Haggard (18561925) was an English writer of adventure novels set in exotic locations, predominantly Africa, and a founder of the Lost World literary genre. His stories continue to be popular and influential, including the much-loved Allan Quatermain and King Solomon's Mines. how can i read books online for free Ayesha: The Return of She
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Not Spectacular, But a Good YarnBy GypsiShe, the first volume of the "She" stories, ends with a thrilling conclusion. Ayesha begins shortly after that, with Leo seeing a vision of where he can find Ayesha now. He and Horace spend 16 years hunting for the place of the vision. Leo faces a great trial, a fantastic battle occurs, and Haggard gives another of his excellent endings.Ayesha is not as well-plotted, nor as exciting, as She. At times, it seemed to lag, and I even found my attention roaming a bit in the middle. The divinity and mortality of Ayesha , to my disappointment, was not resolved. What I would really have liked was more of the 16 years of travel, and less of the daily life in the College of Hess.The battle was excellent though, and the supernatural elements were just creepy enough to satisfy. I also enjoyed the uncertainty of just where this story was going, of what Ayesha would do, and the tension this created.I like Haggard's novels, and while this wasn't his best, it was still a good yarn. I highly recommend She, and only then should Ayesha be read--with the understanding that it's just not as good.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Unquenchable DesireBy David SwanAt the end of She, Ayesha perished after stepping into the Flame of Life. I don't mean maybe perished, I mean thousands of years of aging heaped onto her within moments and she withered away. Unfortunately for Holly and Leo there is no escape even from a Ayesha, dead or not. Even when you are home safe and sound. Once she is seen without her veil no man can resist her beauty and no passage of years can diminish the infatuation. Leo is now in his 40's but still a specimen of manliness. However he cannot live without Ayesha and declares to Leo his intention to end his own life so that he may possibly join her. Holly convinces him to carry on but when Leo has a vision that Ayesha may still exist the two begin a quest across the world to find her.This book was written in the era of the archetype, the cardboard characters. Leo is the classic handsome, swarthy adventurer who beats up the villains and gets the girl. There was almost no attempt in the first book to establish any characterization for Leo which made it all the more shocking when he was entirely seduced by Ayesha the moment he saw he face. He declared his devotion to Ayesha even as he literally stood next to the body of the woman he had intended to marry; a woman Ayesha murdered in front of his eyes. This is not supposed to happen to the manly archetype. Their search for the clearly dead Ayesha fells both tragic and pathetic.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must readBy LDRI must say I have not read a Haggard novel that I haven't enjoyed. There are at times the narratives in the stories are "long winded", but that is that manner in which novels were written during that time period. Anyone who enjoys historical sci fi should enjoy Haggard novels.