Book Description
Fans of Lillian Jackson Braun and Rita Mae Brown and cat lovers everywhere will delight in this newest mystery featuring two furry felines on the scent of a killer.
Famous novelist Elliot Traynor is temporarily living in Molena Point. He and his wife don't have much to do with the villagers, which is fine with them since no one particularly likes Vivi. But their arrival has coincided with some peculiar happenings in the town, culminating with a botched burglary in the home of 60–something Susan Brittian. Susan is a friend to feline detectives Joe Grey and Dulcie and they aren't going to let this crime go unpunished. With whiskers twitching they investigate the crime and soon find themselves on the scent of a killer.
Customer Reviews:
Joe gets the last word.......2006-05-26
Imagine what would happen if a cat was able to understand written English, speak English and even read and type English? What if that cat was not alone but part of a group of three cats who had that ability? Now, take that group and put them together in a small village on the California coast and attach them to a small group of people who know their secrets. Finally, turn those cats into sleuths who enjoy solving murder mysteries and you understand the basis of the Joe Grey mystery series. This book is one of the books in that series.
In this particular volume, an elderly woman's house is ransacked in a robbery but a wounded man is left bleeding on the carpet. As it happens, the woman finds this out as she comes back from a walk on the beach. While she calls the police, the man manages to escape and disappear. Other strange events start occurring with some long time village residents as well as some newcomers or part time visitors. One thing leads to another and a murder is committed while another elderly woman is beaten and ends up in the hospital.
While all these strange events are going on, the cats get involved. Each of the three play their role in unraveling what is going on and we are treated to some harrowing episodes as the cats are attacked by Raccoons can cars. The cats also make friends with some of the police officers that they help and spend a lot of time talking to each other as they try to figure out what is going on. Eventually, the main hero, Joe, has a hunch which unravels the whole mystery. To convey his hunch to those humans who need to follow up, Joe lugs a cell phone and makes calls like a pro!
Since this is a single volume in an ongoing series, it is no surprise that the murder mystery elements are only one part of all that goes on in the book. The major part of the book is actually concerned with the evolving lives of several main characters that make repeated visits in the pages of this series. In this book we get treated with more information about the love lives of Clyde (Joe's "owner"), and Charlie. We get to learn more about Wilma's and Cora Ann's passions and interests, and see more of Max Harper, the police chief, and Ryan - Clyde's current love interest. In a sense, the murder mystery serves merely as a casing for the ongoing soap opera of the various characters lives.
The book is very well written and is very entertaining. While the mystery itself did not take much to figure out (I thought the main plot line was very obvious), there is much pleasure in tracking what is going on in the village and observing the interactions between the main characters. We get descriptions of the various restaurants in the village and their specialties as well as updates on the construction of the new police department building and a look inside the community theater.
As someone who has enjoyed other books in this series, I enjoyed reading this one. The mystery was not much of a challenge but getting to catch up on old "friends" and what is happening with their lives was fun. The main idea for this series (talking cats) is still fun and fresh.
The cats solve another case ..........2006-03-29
Normally, Joe Grey and Dulcie have a murder to solve but this time they're just trying to figure out why Richard Casselrod assaulted Cora Lee at a yard sale and took the box she bought. Later the cats learn that Susan's house had been burgled that same morning and all the things the Senior Survival Club has bought to sell on eBay had been broken, tossed, or pawed through. The cats think the incidents are related and are determined to figure out what's going on.
Since this is the seventh in a series of books there's a lot of sub plots involved: Clyde is thinking of selling his house and that has upset Joe Grey; Clyde's girlfriend Kate Osbourne is not talking to him; Max Harper and Charlie are now an item; Garza's niece has moved to town and Clyde is attracted to Ryan Flannery; famous author Elliott Traynor and his wife Vivi have moved to Molena Point so he can oversee his play (Thorns of Gold); Vivi Traynor is alienating just about everyone in town; Cora Lee wants the part of Catalina in the play but so does Fern Barth.
As these threads intersect and twine about, Joe Grey, Dulcie and the Kit find themselves looking for a missing burglar, trying to find out why Elliott Traynor is avoiding his editor and seems to have lost his ability to write. That's when we finally get a murder and the cats race to find out who is to blame before one of their human friends is hurt.
Again the story is well told. The actions of these amazing cats is very catlike though crossed with 'human' level intelligence but then most cat lovers know how intelligent their cats are. While these are mysteries with a fantastical element in that the cats can talk, they are at heart about friendship, loyalty, and understanding.
Murder is the least of the mysteries.......2004-09-30
In a departure from Murphy's usual pattern, this seventh Joe Grey mystery doesn't really turn on a murder--there is one, but it doesn't occur till halfway through the book. Nevertheless, Molena Point is certainly suffering through some weird goings-on. Why is the famous author who has come to live in the village not writing up to his usual standard? Who vandalized Susan Brittain's home, and why? What is the attraction of a battered old wooden chest found in a local yard sale, for which a village antique dealer is willing to commit assault? And what does would-be stage star Fern Barth have on author Traynor to make him insist that she be cast as the lead of the Little Theater's production of his novel? Only Joe, his partner Dulcie, and their stage-struck protege Kit could assemble the information and put it together so the humans could act on the hidden truth. Meanwhile, Joe must put up with the angst of human housemate Clyde Damen, who has lost his casual girlfriend, Charlie Getz, to his lifelong buddy, Police Chief Max Harper, and is pondering the possibility of selling the cottage that has become Joe's beloved base of operations. Among the most delightful scenes in this book are those involving little Kit, who manages to nab a prominent part in the play. And Joe, with "the freewheeling approach [that only] a cat could employ," ends up with the last laugh indeed.
A charming book!.......2002-11-24
I think this is the best book of this series. There are 7 of them and each succeeding one has been better than the last. This series of books is about cats that are of a different sort than the usual pet cat. They are able to speak and read human language and are intelligent on a par with humans - at least. Ms. Murphy is a good writer and is obviously well acquainted with cats. The book's main charm is anyone who is well acquainted with cats should feel that if there were cats of this sort in the real world, they would act and perform in just the way the book's characters do. The cats have become interested in police work on the sly. They are able to go places and see things that human "cops" can't. They call in anonymous phone tips to put the police on the right trail and always ferret out things in an entertaining way. Molena Point, their town must be the best town in America except that it really has a lot of murders and other crimes for its size. It sounds like the ideal community and with such a wonderful "Feline Police Dept." to handle crime, why worry. The interaction between the cats and their human "house mates" is interesting and about what one would expect from sentient cats, if any did exist. The details of how the cats trail after clues and how they can go anywhere and do so many things is always entertaining and often humorous. The author has a finely tuned sense of humor.
FELINE GROOVY.......2002-08-21
What really makes Ms. Murphy's novels so much fun is the way she knows cats. Joe Gray, Dulcie and the tortoiseshell Kit are fun to spend a few hours with. They seem so "human" in their dialogues, and the way Murphy gets them to do the crimesolving continues to be clever, resourceful, and highly imaginative. Now, if that were only true of the humans! The Senior Survival Club is a nice gesture, but all five ladies are basically interchangeable and sometimes I found myself forgetting who was who. Vivi Traynor is such a caricature, derivative of any dumb blonde in any mystery novel. The real mystery is pretty easy to follow, and solve, IF you remember what goes on when Charlie sneaks peeks at the so-called great novelist's current work. I don't know why Murphy keeps Kate Osbourne's character---she's used very rarely and her connection to the cats, which is pretty awesome if you remember from previous books, is never fully utilized. Also, there is a little too much description of the areas, the houses, the women's dresses, etc. I am not trying to be a spoilsport or a nasty critic. I love cats...our 20 year old feline recently passed away, and we've acquired three new delightful kittens. I wish I could communicate with them! But, this book is definitely worth reading if you've followed the series. And thanks to Ms. Murphy for her knowledge of cats and sharing it with us feline lovers!
Average customer rating:
- Entirely Wonderful Series by a Talented Writer
- Four !! Hot !! Stars
- This book is ,HOT,HOT,HOT!!!!!!!!
- Wonderful begining...
- Good, erotic read
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Shadow of the Dragon: Dragon's Kiss (Book 1)
Tielle St. Clare
Manufacturer: Ellora's Cave
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Brianna
ASIN: 1419950371 |
Download Description
Lorran has studied dragons for years, hoping to find a way for the wild creatures and humans to live in peace. She knows better than most the devastation caused by a dragon bite. And when Kei the Dragonslayer appears on her doorstep, torn and bleeding, she knows he has only weeks to live. Kei has been a dragon slayer all his life, but when he becomes the victim of a dragon bite, he turns to Lorran, the only woman who might be able to save him from sure death. As the dragon venom flows through his body, the desire and need for Lorran's touch fill his every thought. Though he doesn't understand it, he knows - Lorran belongs to him. As his desires grow stronger and wilder than ever before, it seems only Lorran can ease the powerful sexual urges created by the dragon's kiss.
Customer Reviews:
Entirely Wonderful Series by a Talented Writer.......2007-06-21
Tielle St. Clare is one of Ellora's Cave most talented writers. She undertstands how to tapped into not just the erotic fantasy of beauty and the beast, but also expands the psychology of the dragon/maiden mythology in itself. The characters are endearing and funny;her dialogue is humorous and perceptive. If you love dragons, knights, maidens, true love, and romance with erotica, then you will love this book. I highly recommend buying the entire series.
Four !! Hot !! Stars.......2007-03-25
Dragon's Kiss made me want to touch myself on more than one occasion. Even though the plot was simple, the book was highly enjoyable. This is a nice, quick read for anyone who does not have much time on their hands (as it is a novella). I dislike the fact that this book is so pricey, being so short in length (as compared to J. R. Ward, whose books are novel length and less-expensive). However, the erotica was great!!
This book is ,HOT,HOT,HOT!!!!!!!!.......2006-11-04
After reading this the first in the series,I had to read all three!Great plot,strong character's ,this auther is a wounderful story teller,who has mastered romantica...hot sex...hot guy...and a woman stronge enough to love both man and dragon,a must read.
Wonderful begining..........2006-04-20
This was my first book by Tielle St. Clare, and let me tell you that I will be buying the rest of the series.
Lorran, was what town people called a dragon's whore, all because she studied dragons to find a way to cure them.
And who does one become a dragon might you ask, easy, just a bite will do.
Lorran has seen what a dragons bite can do, for she saw what it did to her husband.
In the dead of night, a soldier came knocking at her door with another wounded man. That man was known as the dragonslayer.
Kei, dragonslayer and king to his people, was bitten trying to slay a dragon. His brother brought him to the only place he knew of that mihgt be able to help him and that was to Lorrens.
Lorren is facinated with her wounded soldier because she can study him while he goes through the change, but Kei doesn't want to be studied, so they make a deal. Lorren can study him if he can have all the sex he wants.
Kei has a major problem that he can't control, he wants Lorren and he wants her bad. Ok, that doesn't sound so bad, but, it is, because he's in a constant state of arousal, even after he's had her.
What is it about Lorren that has him like this? Why after haveing made love can't he get her out of his system? And why is the dragon demanding that he make her his mate?
I really enjoyed this book. It is definatley going on my keeper shelf.
Good, erotic read.......2005-12-05
I am a big fan of Ellora's Cave books, and this is one of my favorites. I prefer historical/medieval or fantasy romantica (blend of erotica and romance for those new to Ellora's Cave), and this one was right up my alley.
Kei, the heir to the throne, is wounded by a dragon, and it is only a matter of time before he turns into a dragon himself. Kei's brother Riker spirits him away in secret to Lorran's house. Lorran has dedicated herself to studying dragons, and Riker brings Kei to her in hopes that she can cure Kei. For 3 days, Lorran watches over Kei in his fevered sleep, and when Kei wakes, the sparks fly. However, the lovers must race against the clock to try and find a cure for Kei. There are a lot of interesting twists and turns before the end.
I've read many romantica books and often, the characters' emotions or development seemed shallow, cheesy, or cliche. What drew me to the book was the sincerity of the characters' emotions: Lorran's insecurity, Kei's protectiveness, etc.
Definitely a recommended read.
Customer Reviews:
Action, romance, sci-fi, with a touch of mystery and a dash of the paranormal.......2006-08-08
This is action, romance, sci-fi, with a touch of mystery and a dash of the paranormal. The characters are compelling and vibrant.
I got much more than I expected when I picked this book up!
Angel is a strong female lead, which I love. She's an independant mercenary. She's got a kickbut and take names attitude with the kung fu moves to back her up. Her only problem is that emotionally she's a wimp. Marco is sensitive, he respects her and he's just what the psychic ordered. But he's a COP, trying to uphold the laws of a bloated bureaucracy.
Overall, Julie Beard has impressed me with creativity and her ability to keep track of and pull the right threads together.
Julie Beard impressed me!.......2005-11-29
I was pleasantly surprised to find this story written in the 1st person. I don't run across it much anymore, and boy did Mrs. Beard Wow me!
Angel Baker's story is funny, imaginative, action-packed, and did I mention funny? I went out and picked up her sequel and LOVED it! Hope she brings Baker back for a 3rd!
A different sort of futuristic & very interesting!.......2005-10-15
In a not too distant future, Angel is a certified Retribution Specialist (CRS), which means that when the law fails to bring justice, the victims can hire a CRS to bring in the perpetrator of the crime to them to enact their own justice. When a closed case is reopened, Angel is again under investigation for "what happened" the night policeman Danny Black died. On top of dealing with this, her mother, Lola, gets kidnapped, and Angel knows that if she doesn't rescue Lola herself, she might die.
Because she has Detective Marco following her and questioning her movements - from the past as well as during the events he witnesses personally, she starts finding things out about herself she really didn't want to know...like her exceptionally good luck. It may not be luck after all; the physic abilities Lola has may actually be genuine and she inherited them.
KISS OF THE BLUE DRAGON is the second story I've read by Julie Beard, and I actually like her writing style better here. The story is written in first person, which can drive readers batty (me too upon occasion); however, it works here. There is a different "feel" to KISS completely. For me, I can "hear" a narrator filling in the details of Angels' activities. So even though we, as a reader, only get to know her thoughts and impressions of what she sees, we still get to know what is going on around her. You get to know Angel, what motivates her and see how she thinks very well. I also really liked the fact that a lot of simple details of her life are included.
I will admit it was a close call as to whether I would like Angel or not. She almost doesn't seem feminine. However, if you read a little further into the book, you learn what her logic is, how she thinks but more importantly WHY. Angel is tough, spunky, kick-butt heroine and out to help those unable to help themselves. She is fearless and makes her decisions based on what is right rather than whether she will get hurt or not. Angel is one busy lady. She has cases that she maintains during the process of rescuing Lola and I liked the fact that Julie Beard didn't drop some of these issues, therefore the story stays three dimensional.
While the reopened investigation is secondary to what is going on in her life, it is what brings our hero and heroine together. I was happy with the chemistry between her and Detective Marco even if the bedroom scenes take place off of the books pages.
I like the fact that even though KISS is a science-fiction romance, the author doesn't go out of her way to create objects that will stump the reader, or throw off the flow of the novel. For an example: in a time where DNA left behind is what would keep you in jail, rather than using a hollow-tip bullet, a criminal would use a bullet filled with acid therefore destroying the evidence.
KISS is technically supposed to be a romance, but with the way this story ends, we don't have our heroine hooking up with the hero. Because Lola was kidnapped by one of the Chicago mobs there are still some unresolved issues that its sequel might wrap up. Regardless, I didn't feel like major details were left out or the story wasn't well developed. As a reader I didn't find myself wondering, "what just happened"?
I found KISS OF THE BLUE DRAGON very interesting, and look forward to reading the further adventures of Angel in its sequel TOUCH OF THE WHITE TIGER. So, if you are looking for something a little different, check out this story!
An action packed romantic advenure with a kick butt heroine.......2005-08-30
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
Angel Baker is not what typical 22nd century people expect. She's a Certified Retribution Specialist in Chicago, dealing out justice on a contract basis. Her life is full and she's happy with things the way they are, satisfying those more feminine urges with her favorite cyborg Humphrey Bogart. When her estranged mother comes to her for help, Angel takes it lightly, until Lola disappears.
Now Angel must track down the kidnappers and rescue her mother. Along comes detective Riccuccio Marco, who is working towards outlawing Angel's profession and he gets right in the middle of things, and under her skin. The two grudgingly combine forces to find Lola and find out they may have gotten more then they bargained for.
This story packs quite a punch, as does Angel. She is a kick butt, take no prisoners kind of woman who doesn't need any man to foul things up. She's confident in her way of life and is quite content with her friends and lifestyle, if not entirely happy with her family. Lola is a zany fortune teller, has her fingers into many more pies then would be expected upon meeting her. Marco is a throwback to the typical PIs of 40s era movies, right down to attitude and wardrobe. Then there is Mike, the Shaolin monk from China who is Angel's friend, confidante, and personal trainer.
The storyline is expansive with plenty going on to keep readers reading. There is quite a mix of sub plots that all combine seamlessly to create the bigger story. Readers will find run-ins with the mob, kidnapped children, a subterranean city, robots on every corner, and psychic abilities. Action is definitely the focal point of this story, not romance. However, this reviewer finds it refreshing to see believable heroines, with strong minds and bodies who are very independent. There is some romance worked in, but it is much understated so as to not overshadow the real story. Some readers will not like the fact that romance is secondary, but this is what the Bombshell series is meant to be.
Having never read a book by Julie Beard before, this reviewer has nothing to compare this one to, but if Kiss of the Blue Dragon is indicative of the author's skills, then bring on some more! It is also great to know that this will not be the only Angel Baker story, as at least one more is soon to come.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, July 2005. All rights reserved.
This SHOULD have made me happy........2005-08-24
I like a good mystery, I happen to be a sci-fi freak and I don't mind romance in a story. Set around 2100 AD, Chicago, Angel Baker is a Retribution Specialist (people pay her to get back at criminals when the law can't). She is strong, pretty and knows how to handle herself. Sounds great. What went wrong?
Well, the setting seems more 21st Century than 22nd Century with some stuff tossed in hover-that and laser-this, and things kept confusing me. I understand why the Russian Mafia is tough TODAY (they had to deal with the KGB), but the Russian Mafia of the 22nd Century has been in the USA for over a century dealing with a legal system that's in shambles. Why is the author talking about how tough they are because "of relentless suffering in a failed communist economy"? Just how OLD is the members of the Mafia or did Russia try communism a couple more times?
And is the Mongolian gangsters from Mongolia or China? Are they a little of both? Or does she mean Inner Mongolia? And why would they have slavery when they have androids? Why use acid rounds and laser weapons when good, old fashion bullets would do?
Also, the romance seemed rushed (and mostly off-screen/off-page for those of you wanting some action in the bed room). Well, at least the plot made sense (when you ignored the flaws in the setting). Some parts, like the old fashion train being kept as a tourist attraction, seemed to make sense and also added a touch of humor.
I suggest getting it used.
Average customer rating:
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Kiss Of The Dragon (Silhouette Intimate Moments, No 193)
Barbara Faith
Manufacturer: silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Faith, Barbara | ( F ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
Silhouette Intimate Moments | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0373071930 |
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Dragon's kisses: [poems]
John Kolyer
Manufacturer: Branden Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: 0828315892 |
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Kiss a Frog! Jokes About Fairy Tales, Knights, and Dragons (Make Me Laugh)
Rick Walton , and
Ann Walton
Manufacturer: Lerner Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
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ASIN: 0822509709 |
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Kiss of the Dragon (Ost)
Various Artists-Soun Cdvirg 10862
Manufacturer: VIRGIN RECORDS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
Subjects | Books | Arts & Photography | Biographies & Memoirs | Business & Investing | Calendars | Children's Books | Comics & Graphic Novels | Computers & Internet | Cooking, Food & Wine | Entertainment | Gay & Lesbian | Health, Mind & Body | History | Home & Garden | Law | Literature & Fiction | Medicine | Mystery & Thrillers | Nonfiction | Outdoors & Nature | Parenting & Families | Professional & Technical | Reference | Religion & Spirituality | Romance | Science | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Sports | Teens | Travel
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ASIN: 6306505679 |
Average customer rating:
- Very high density of interesting information per page!
- fifteen minutes into everyone else's future
- A nice read, even though we have heard of the road to the Singularity before
- Not my favorite Stross book so far!
- Not Free SF Reader
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Accelerando
Charles Stross
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000EUKQZU |
Book Description
Expanding upon his award-winning short story cycle from the pages of Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, Charles Stross-author of such revolutionary science fiction novels as Singularity Sky and Iron Sunrise-delivers the story fans have been anticipating with Accelerando, a novel destined to change the face of the genre.
For three generations, the Macz family has struggled to cope with the rampant technological achievements that have rendered humans near obsolete. And mankind's end encroaches even closer when something starts to dismantle the nine planets of the solar system in an effort to annihilate all biological lifeforms.
Download Description
"Expanding upon his award-winning short story cycle from the pages of Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, Charles Stross-author of such revolutionary science fiction novels as Singularity Sky and Iron Sunrise-delivers the story fans have been anticipating with Accelerando, a novel destined to change the face of the genre. For three generations, the Macz family has struggled to cope with the rampant technological achievements that have rendered humans near obsolete. And mankind's end encroaches even closer when something starts to dismantle the nine planets of the solar system in an effort to annihilate all biological lifeforms."
Customer Reviews:
Very high density of interesting information per page!.......2007-10-07
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The first half breaks out multiple cool new ideas per page, and that makes for a very interesting read. Recommended.
fifteen minutes into everyone else's future.......2007-10-05
Charles Stross is full of mindbending ideas, bur in this book they don't translate into a fully rewarding story. In my edition of the book, the publisher didn't bother to say that this is a collection of interconnected short stories - a factoid that I had to learn elsewhere. Furthermore, interconnected short stories (presented as nine chapters here) are fine in themselves, except in this case they are not fully self-contained because Stross has attempted an overall thematic structure for the whole collection. But the whole collection doesn't come together either, because of the imperfect connections between the chapters. This makes the book rather disappointing and exasperating for the reader, because Stross's great ideas zoom by in snippets making up a fractured overall storyline that becomes increasingly incomprehensible as the book chugs along. I had to read the book jacket blurb several times to remind myself of what this book was really about, eventually resorting to outside sources, because the storyline becomes lost under a parade of futurist ideas, bizarre characters, and strange cyberspace settings that zoom by with hard-to-decipher connections to the main point..
With those complaints being made, the forward-thinking reader will surely discover in Stross a huge imagination and intellect, with cosmology-sized ideas. In this collection of stories Stross reconstructs the universe as made up of infinite quantities of data processors that operate as a cosmos-wide network, with species intelligence as the lynchpin for awakening the artificial intelligence of supposedly inert matter. Stross also has a collection of intriguing tech-savvy protagonists, especially the heavily wired venture altruist Manfred Macx. With all the great ideas on display here, Stross could have expanded these nine interconnected stories into nine self-contained powerhouse novels, That's probably what he should have done. [~doomsdayer520~]
A nice read, even though we have heard of the road to the Singularity before.......2007-09-24
Accelerenado is a nice read. Even though we kind of heard
about the road to the singularity before (e.g. Ray Kurzweil):
One day in this century, machines will have more processing
power than human brains - and that will make for a completely
new society. The singularity.
In Charles Stross' words: "Sometime in this century laboring women
will produce forty-five thousand babies a day, representing
10^23 MIPS of processing power. Also around the world,
fab lines will churn out out thirty million microprocessors a day,
representing 10^23 MIPS of processing power.
After that day most of the MIPS being added to the solar
system will be machine hosted".
And obviously human minds will be connected to
the machines. In accelerando we have the meta cortex -
a distributed cloud of software
agents that surrounds humans in the near future -
a thing which is as much a part of the books characters
than the society of mind that
occupies their skulls.
Eventually, human minds are running more on machines than they
are inside human skulls. Death and biology conquered.
No problem, except perhaps for the legal system. I.e.
"the law didn't recognize death as a reversible process.
people pay for having their heads frozen after their death,
but when they wake up all reconstructed in some simulation
and without any rights - was that what they wanted ?"
And off we go to the fourth decade,
where the machines are up to 10^33 MIPS and rising, allthough
there is still a long way before the solar system is fully awake.
People (kind of) with neural implants, that feel as natural
as lungs or fingers, with half their wetware running
outside their skull in a personal metacortex, i.e. cyborgs,
gets the first alien nessage - on where to find the router to plug
into the galactic internet.
This we also kind of expected - think Timothy Ferris here.
The new stuff (for me) comes with the ceti
- communication with extraterrestrial intelligences -
Surely, you need a piece of software, that you put into
your head to allow you to have a highlevel protocol service that allows you to connect to the (alien) router and start the ceti.
After that you transfer yourself into the alien network -
and find yourself in a simulation where you dont need to simulate breathing.
Oh sure, you dont feel all that human if you dont breathe?
But so what, you are a posthuman now !
Eventually you catch up with other superintelligences.
Or at least you know they are out there.
Superintelligences don't go travelling, as they cant
get enough bandwidth to transport themselves from one place
to another through the routers ... and perhaps
they don't really need the outside input anymore -
having become a superintelligence what is there really to learn
from the outside anyhow? (And so Charles Stross neatly solves
the Fermi Paradox for us!).
The planets are all dismantled and used as materials
to build a Matrioshka super brain.
The only question now is if information from such a superintelligence
will ever become apparent to someone looking in
from the outside (think fred Hoyle here)
- or it will just die living nothing behind.
I don't think we really get the answer form Charles Stross
on that one. But he does make the impact on technology on human society, identity and consciousness totally believable. Of course things are really
going to go down this road. It is inevitable.
Highly readable, techno-babble and all, but not all that new.
We kind of heard it before. So now we are certain thats the way it is going to play out. For sure !
Simon
Not my favorite Stross book so far!.......2007-09-18
When I find an author that I like, I usually buy everything they write and devour it. Very rarely does this fail me, but with Stross I have found him very hit or miss. Singularity Sky was a hit for me. This book was not. I haven't even finished it as the characters are so whimsical and alien to me that I can't really care about their futures.
To credit the people who have written positive reviews, it is CLEVER writing. The concepts are unique and interesting, but I just don't care what happens to the characters.
In short, I like most of Stross' works, but this one didn't do it for me.
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-02
Wow. Mind blowing. Oh, and don't get a cat. It may grow on you slowly at first, but stick with it, it is well worth it. This is the first book I can think of that had lobsters as characters, and I think that was where I first came across the author, in one of the Dozois Year's Best anthologies, where one of the stories that were changed to make this novel was published. The evolution of humanity, society, economics and others via the impacts of technology.
This is Neuromancer and Snow Crash good.
Wow. Mind blowing. Oh, and don't get a cat. It may grow on you slowly at first, but stick with it, it is well worth it. This is the first book I can think of that had lobsters as characters, and I think that was where I first came across the author, in one of the Dozois Year's Best anthologies, where one of the stories that were changed to make this novel was published. The evolution of humanity, society, economics and others via the impacts of technology.
This is Neuromancer and Snow Crash good.
Accelerando : Lobsters [Macx Family] - Charles Stross
Accelerando : Troubadour [Macx Family] - Charles Stross
Accelerando : Tourist [Macx Family] - Charles Stross
Accelerando : Halo [Macx Family] - Charles Stross
Accelerando : Router [Macx Family] - Charles Stross
Accelerando : Nightfall [Macx Family] - Charles Stross
Accelerando : Curator [Macx Family] - Charles Stross
Accelerando : Elector [Macx Family] - Charles Stross
Accelerando : Survivor [Macx Family] - Charles Stross
A way ahead of the curve ideas man helps out some intelligent sea types.
5 out of 5
Man(nie) on the run.
4 out of 5
Two women and a cat? On top of trying to keep up with everything? That's tough.
5 out of 5
Life aboard the Field Circus for Amber, with some occasional advice from dad.
5 out of 5
Cat networking.
4 out of 5
Amber, the Field Circus, galactic routers, and a cat that is a definite worry.
4 out of 5
Family history.
3.5 out of 5
Manfred and Amber deal with resurrection, resimulation, and the ever changing and rapidly evolving galactic situation.
4.5 out of 5
Bad kitty.
4.5 out of 5
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Accelerando
Lisa Loomer
Manufacturer: Dramatists Play Service
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
United States
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ASIN: 0822215950 |
Product Description
To Accelerate the Progress and Development of the Student Pianist
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Accelerando Book 4
Manufacturer: The FJH Music Company Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1569393516 |
Product Description
The Accelerando Series provides a wealth of highly-motivating studies, expertly crafted to support all areas of standard piano technique. Designed for both children and adults, the Accelerando books guide the student's progress from their first lesson to the advanced level. Each book presents clear-cut goals that pave the way for accelerated progress at every age and level.
All subjects and elements studied throughout the Accelerando Series are developed with ample, creative reinforcement that ensures successful results with both immediate and long-term benefits.
Accelerando, Book 7
Robert Schultz and Tina Faigen
Late Intermediate (all ages)
Primary Subjects: 5 principal subjects: melodic scale figures, accompanimental figures, octave & chordal figures, combination studies, and specialized skills.
New Elements: scale figures continue their progression through relative major/minor key signatures with 5 sharps/flats, patterned accompaniments, waltz bass, melodic octaves, full chords, ornaments, finger substitutions, 2 against 3, 4-5 octave slurs, bridging 10ths, legato 6ths, and repeated notes.
Also Includes: circle of 5ths diagram, master the metronome, a table of ornaments, and a glossary.
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Bocon!
Manufacturer: The Dramatic Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0871298708 |
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Accelerando
Charles Stross
Manufacturer: ORBIT (LITT)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GS5IV2 |
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The Bible Promise Book New International Version Bonded Leather Blue
Manufacturer: Barbour Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
New International
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ASIN: 1557483078 |
Average customer rating:
- A Wonderful Resource for Inspiration
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The Bible Promise Book: New International Version, Graduates Edition
Barbour Books Staff
Manufacturer: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Gifts
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ASIN: 1577487052 |
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A Wonderful Resource for Inspiration.......2005-01-21
This is a wonderful resource for Bible verses based on topic. It lists the most relevant verses for the most important issues we deal with in life. It makes a great gift, too.
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Bible Promise Book New International Version Bonded Leather Mauve
Manufacturer: Barbour Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1557481792 |
Customer Reviews:
Scriptural Guidance for Youth and Adults.......2006-01-15
The Bible Promise Book is a wonderful resource for Christian Youth and Adults. The Table of Contents lists common concerns, such as fear, worry, anxiety, comfort, forgiveness, loneliness, guilt, help in troubles and many others. Scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments can be quickly found by turning to the pages indicated in the Contents. This small, attractive paperback book is a ready resource for the Christian seeking God's answers to their particular situation. I like to give this book as a gift to graduating Seniors as they begin their adult life. I also present it to Junior and Senior High School students in my Sunday School class.
Inspiration Arranged by Topic.......2004-05-17
Whatever my need, I believer there is a scriptural answer. Unfortunately, I will not alwasy take the time to find it. That is why I love this little pocket-sized gift I recently received.
This collection of bible verses gives me the guidance I need, when I need it. More than 1,000 verses arranged alphabetically by topic, this book delivers the right message in tim ely fashion.
Although the topics are not inclusive, they manage to cover the broad stokes of my life. Anger, belief, contentment, courage, death, enemies, fear, guilt, honesty, hope, joy, patience, prayer, pride, shame, trust, wisdom and worship are among the topics covered.
This book will never to a substitute for daily Bible study, but it is perfect for my time of quick need.
Selected verses from the Word of God arranged in topics........2000-09-27
This is a blessed book, and I have said that the first time I opened this book in the bookshop which I acquired it. I started reading the book, and tears started forming in the corners of my eyes. The Word of God is powerful, and even more awesome when selected verses about certain topics are collected together in this book.
Topics include Loneliness, Forgiveness, Eternal Life, Fear, Success, Shame, Repentance, Obedience, Worship, and more! There is definitely one topic that will minister to you at any time of the day, whether you are happy, or sad.
This book is even comes with a "Presented to" first page for you to fill in, if you are blessing a brother or sister with it.
Wrong translation.......2000-09-26
The NIV is not translated from the correct manuscripts. Therefore, it is not God's Holy Word, and it contains many contradictions, errors, and straight out blasphemous material. For the truth in God's Word, you must read the King James Version!! you can contact me if you would like to discuss this at:Buzulak@hotmail.com
Helpful Bible Companion.......2000-06-01
I've always owned a Bible Promise book like this one, however, I have another one that I like better than this one. This one doesn't seem to have as many of the promises in it as I would like, & I also prefer the New King James Version of my other promises book. But to each his own, so if you like NIV, & want a promise book that is compact in size, this would be a nice one for you.
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On Your Confirmation Promises for Guys: From the New International Version (Bible Niv)
Zondervan
Manufacturer: Inspirio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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On Your Confirmation Promises for Girls: From the New International Version (Bible Niv)
ASIN: 0310805937 |
Book Description
A user-friendly book for young men who are being confirmed or have recently gone through the confirmation process. Special keepsake format includes a unique presentation page and selected Scriptures and reflections that focus on the celebration of Confirmation.
Books:
- Cold Flat Junction (Emma Graham Mysteries (Paperback))
- Confronting Images: Questioning The Ends Of A Certain History Of Art
- Crimson Joy
- Cycle of the Werewolf (Signet)
- Dark Water Dive: An Underwater Investigation
- Daughter of the Blood: The Black Jewels Trilogy (Book 1)
- Death at Gallows Green (Robin Paige Victorian Mysteries, No. 2)
- Death Waxed Over (Prime Crime Mysteries)
- Deception on His Mind
- DESIRABLE DAUGHTERS: A NOVEL
Books Index
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