The series does not have to be read in order, since each book stands by itself.

The third and fourth books are also loosely connected, after which each book stands alone.

Would this book stand a chance of being published today?

Others say the 783-page book could have stood a heavy edit.

But how does the book stand on its own merits?

Again, if anyone else had read them, these books might have stood a chance, but nobody had, so they didn't.

The book stands as proof once again that every writer needs at least one editor, and sometimes five or six is no bad idea.

With all the comparisons, the book stands alone as a period novel set at the turn of the 20th century.

The latest book in particular would hardly stand as fantasy fiction on its own.

This book will, however, stand the test of time.