Blackbelly: A Novel

Average customer rating:

A true Pleasure

Heather, you rock!!

I Want to Read More Like It!

truly a page turning story

Tough Underbelly in Blackbelly

Blackbelly: A Novel
Heather Sharfeddin
Manufacturer: Bridge Works
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Westerns | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Mineral Spirits: A Novel

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Twelve Sharp (Stephanie Plum Novels)

ASIN: 1882593979

Book Description

Blackbelly is a contemporary western that suspensefully traces the consequences of a crime of bigotry. It is the story of an unjustly accused sheep rancher's struggle to reclaim his life, and that of a woman close to him, from perils imposed by a domineering father and the culture of a remote Idaho town.

Customer Reviews:

A true Pleasure.......2005-12-09

Have you ever hit a dry spell with the books you read? When everything you pick up is missing that special something that hooks you in and holds you until the last word?
I was in just such a dry spell when I picked this book up after having seen in reviewed in the Idaho Statesman. I am so glad I did!
I will wait as patiently as possible for this author to write another novel.

Heather, you rock!!.......2005-12-03

I know Heather Sharfeddin personally. I raise Blackbelly Sheep. I grew up in rural Idaho just a few miles from where Heather grew up. With all that being said, I loved this book. I read it in one day just days after it was released. I didn't want it to end. I still think of the characters and wonder how they are and what they are doing. As I was reading the first few pages, I kept thinking how amazing it was that Heather was the writer and that I knew her. It was not long before she took me away from that and led me into the lives of her characters. I am buying this book for almost everyone on my Christmas list. One of the best reads ever--and I read a lot!!

I Want to Read More Like It!.......2005-11-13

This book is a real page turner that is masterfully written. I am eagerly awaiting a second novel from this author.

truly a page turning story.......2005-10-26

I lived in Idaho for three years and her story brought back many memories of the area. The characters were so interesting. I needed to keep reading to find out more about them. I am glad she wrote the ending she did and I am looking forward to her next book! Mary Sue Moore

Tough Underbelly in Blackbelly.......2005-10-12

Funny things happen when you face the truth: people begin to feel better about themselves. That's how it is in Blackbelly, a book full of small-town angst. Set in Sweetwater, Idaho, population "a long way from a shopping mall," the book's voice and cadence fits the landscape: plainspoken, unassuming and natural. Author Sharfeddin has crafted a compelling story around Chas McPherson, a 41-year-old who wants to be left alone to tend his flock of blackbelly sheep and do the right thing -- which includes helping his dad live out his last days at home. Intimidating as he is fragile, the senior McPherson is dying from late-stage Parkinson's. You can feel sorry for him, but it's not easy to like him. His freakish past as the town's fiery pastor includes calling people out for their sins. Now that he's mute and expressionless, we don't know what he's thinking, but he's apparently more alert than the people able to walk and talk around him. His silence looms large, adding dimension and tension between he and his son, and he and Mattie Holden -- the youngish nurse willing to put up with just about anything. Sharfeddin romanticizes nothing. The old ranch and house are a dump, the sheep are dirty, and the drinking gets hard. Above it all is an earnest sheriff who's trying to figure out who burned down the house of an Iranian-American family that -- good lord -- doesn't celebrate Christmas. Nicely drawn is how the characters' personal certainties unravel. Particularly touching are nurse Mattie's one-way, slightly awkward conversations with the old man, where she keeps him going by talking about everything from 16th-century fashion to random Bible passages, which she knows little about. She works hard. And she puts up with Chas, a small man on the exterior, but a big one inside. Why would a nurse take a job in the middle of nowhere? Why is Chas the town's number-one suspect for the arson? It's why I recommend it. Throw in never-die prejudices and the complexities of political correctness, man-made sins, forgiveness, and Sharfeddin delivers an even-handed novel that touch the truths of remembering too much.

Average customer rating:

Montana setting, robust plot, good-hearted protagonist
Mineral Spirits
Kept me reading past midnight
Another excellent novel

Mineral Spirits: A Novel
Heather Sharfeddin
Manufacturer: Bridge Works
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Police Procedurals | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1882593987

Book Description

In Mineral Spirits, Sheriff Kip Edelson investigates the story behind a woman's skeleton that a young boy stumbles across on a river bank. He gets a tip that her name was Chris and he knows her death was not accidental-but little else. As he traces Mineral County residents with similar names and seeks clues to who might have killed her and why, a story evolves that includes drug dealers, a shootout, an abandoned boy, and the sheriff's own marital strains.

Customer Reviews:

Montana setting, robust plot, good-hearted protagonist.......2007-06-02

I take a special delight in reading novels set in remote locales, far from the madding crowds and the usual suspects. MINERAL SPIRITS is a fine example. Ms. Sharfeddin's second novel, a literate and humane contemporary western, is a pure gem. Sheriff Kip Edelson is the lawman of Mineral County in Montana, near the Idaho border. He finds the skeletal remains of a dead lady. His only clue is an anonymous phone caller identifying the lady corpse as "Chris". At the same time, Kip's wife Robin decides to move to Missoula and resume her college education. Kip is lonely until he befriends ten-year-old Gray Dausman who's destined for a tough row in the foster care system. An elderly lady, Mrs. Sherwood, takes an interest in Kip and Gray. They form an ad hoc family in this bleak, frigid wintry landscape. Events carom to the pitch-perfect climax, Kip's showdown with the local bad guys including killers and dope dealers at a deserted school. Fans of C.J. Box, Craig Johnson, and the masterly Tony Hillerman should find MINERAL SPIRITS a rewarding read.

Mineral Spirits.......2007-02-18

This exciting new author really hooks you quickly into her storyline. Her characters, while flawed and resistant to relationships, develop into people you wish you could write a thank you letter to for allowing you into their world. Ms. Sharfeddin captures Montana perfectly with just the right mix of one foot in the past and one foot in modern times and leaving you uncertain which way you would like to see it step next. Mineral Spirits has just the right mix of pathos, humor, possibilites and heartbreak. A gem of a book

I totally enjoyed her first book "Blackbellies" and am anxious to read whatever she next releases. 4 thumps up!

Kept me reading past midnight.......2006-10-11

Sharfeddin's latest book kept me turning the pages until the wee hours on a work night. I enjoyed the intricate plot, the beautiful descriptions of rural Montana, and the fast-paced action. Kip Edelson is a complicated man--tough sheriff on the outside, yet complex and emotional in ways he tries to hide from everyone, including himself and those he loves. A satisfying ending and a great read. I can't wait for Sharfeddin's next book.

Another excellent novel.......2006-09-28

This is 2 for 2 good novels from Heather Sharfeddin. I recently read Blackbelly which I really loved. The imagery was fantastic and the detail made it so real. I was not disappointed with the next novel, Mineral Spirits. This book follows one of the more likable characters from the first book, Sherriff Kip Edelson to a new location in Montana (Mineral County). Kip's character is well developed here and is given more depth. He becomes emotionally entangled with a heartbreakingly trusting but neglected young boy in the course of the investigation into a skeleton unearthed by the young man. Kip is drug through an amazing range of emotions during the course of this book, tenderness for Gray, the young boy, and for the sweet old lady who needs them as much as they need her; hurt and betrayal from his wife with a good dose of confusion; terror and measured response upon meeting up with members of a drug ring and sadness at the way people (including himself) can treat each other. Thrown into the mix is an almost school boy giddiness at meeting an intensly interesting but unapproachable woman who he continually devises ways to approach. On the periphery and intertwined in the story are other characters who are equally interesting. The tavern owner with his secrets and occasional glimpses back to the romantic wild West Montana is captivating. I highly recommend this fast read and can't wait to see what's comming next.

Book Description

Three new stories of timeless love and tantalizing fantasy . . .

"Counting Crows"
by Mercedes Lackey

In Lady Gwynhefar's dark, lonely court, her only ally was noble Sir Elloran, a warrior willing to fight for her honor. But would her powerful spell capture his heart -- or tumble the kingdom into chaos?

"Drusilla's Dream"
by USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Lee

Every night Drusilla Morgan dreamed of courageous and handsome Miles Kennedy. Their quest: to battle evil and find true love. Yet when the sun rose, would Drusilla's fantasy man become a reality.

"Moonglow"
by Nebula Award-winning author Catherine Asaro

In a world where kings married for magic, Iris Larkspur was required to wed the prince -- despite the spell that kept him deaf, mute and blind. Healing her bridegroom would take a power greater than any she'd ever known -- one only two bonded hearts could provide!

Customer Reviews:

be forwarned..........2006-04-03

others have detailed the gist of the three stories very well. My main thing I want to get across is that in the first story, Counting Crows by Mercedes Lackey, the heroine, is brutally RAPED by her husband, in shocking detail.

I was not expecting that in a romance, and it ruined the entire book for me. If reading disturbing scenes like that would bother you, then I highly suggest you either skip this book or at least skip Miss Lackey's story.

Excellent job!.......2006-01-05

I actually really liked this collection. I think my least favorite was Drusilla's Dream, with Counting Crows after, but all the stories were great, engaging, and a really nice length. Each was original and touching with good characters.

Excellent storytelling and well written characters.......2005-12-23

Charmed Destinies brings together three talented authors telling stories of romance set in rich, vibrant fantasy worlds. Okay, so two of the authors do this.

The novel begins with "Counting Crows" a story by Mercedes Lackey. My absolute favorite author, Ms. Lackey doesn't disappoint with this unique tale of a magically talented heroine betrothed to a neighboring lord. I loved the heroine's resourcefulness, which turned what could be a fairly run of the mill plot into an engaging page-turning read. The hero of the tale, not the foreign lord by the way, comes across as a soft, engaging gentleman, and the twist which brings them together is masterful storytelling.

Rachel Lee's story "Drusilla's Dream" takes place in a real life cube farm during the graveyard shift. While the story of a woman working at a drudgery job in order to support her dream (heck, I do this), is admirable, the actual story lacked imagination and skill. A shared daydream between her and a systems engineer a few floors above puts them both in a trite fantasy world, and although the heroine seemed quite well-rounded as a character, the hero fell flat. This story is by far the clunker of the three; however, the other two stories more than make up for this one's failings.

The final story, "Moonglow" by Catherine Asaro, is so sweet and tender that it's an awesome story. I found my breath taken away by the relationship between Iris and Jarid. His disabilities are played with thoughtful insight. I found the characters, and their relationship to be most powerful, and the geometric based magic intriguing. This novella makes a stunning finale for this collection, and introduces us to a most wonderful world.

All in all, this anthology makes an excellent introduction to the world of Luna fantasy novels, and is well worth the read, especially for fans of Asaro and Lackey.

All stories could be fleshed out and improved, though still worth the read.......2005-09-16

The first story, "counting crows' was a rather poor romance. I couldn't feel any chemistry and saw plenty of chances for the author to build the tension. Also, the main character, Gwynn was too accepting of her harsh treatment. I couldn't believe she would be so placid. So that really brought down the realism of this story. I hated that actually, Lackey failed miserably in this respect.

yet overall I like counting crows, and the rhymn behind it.

'Drusilla's dream' fell short of what it could have been. The fantasy was too symplistic and childlike for me to truly be mesmerised by the tale. Though I love the technique of having the tale a 'daydream' of Druse, it reminded me of myself when someone disturbs me when I am daydreaming or reading... i tend to get bitchy like Drusie here, so I could relate to that.
The creatures and wizard seemed like some ridiculous kid's tv show, though i did see the real life connections the kolkoul(sp?) was a vending machione and the bohemoth was rather like a computer. the characters were simplistic and without the depth i would've liked.

Overall, the romance needed fleshing out and the fantasy is pleading for less cliche and more originality. I did enjoy the real life romance much more than the fantasy, though I would imagine Druse blushing due to the fact of what happened IN the fantasy... I would've.

Far the best was Asaro's "moonglow" i LOVED this story, and I felt the frustration, hate, love, vulnerability and tenderness along with the characters. Though I would have liked more on Jarid's guilt and what that felt like.
I was left with a sense of incompleteness, the characters were amazing and I really hope the Charmed Sphere had more on Jarid and Iris- as I really hated Mullen and Chime.
This book is worth buying for the last story, Asaro has outdone herself here. it would be hard to write a story with a man without sight, hearing and a voice and her work here added another dimension.

Overall, I luvvvved it! Get it, if you are anything like me(a romance/fantasy buff) you will enjoy all, even if the first two have deep flaws in the story line and characters.

Three delightful fantasy stories.......2005-08-30

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Counting Crows by Mercedes Lackey starts out this collection of fantasy tales. Gwynnhwyfar has just been wed via a "glove" marriage to a man she doesn't want. Unfortunately, it is the only way to protect her father from a greedy neighboring landowner, and save herself from being forced to marry that same man. Upon arrival at the faraway land of her new husband, she finds her marriage to be far from a dream come true. With only her trusted maidservant and an old friend in service to her new husband, whom she loved with all the passion of her girlhood, she sets out to make the best of a bad situation, with a lot of magical help.

This story is a look marriage in olden times and how little power women had but with the twist of powerful magic added to it. Gwynn is a proud young woman, brave and loving, who will do anything to protect those she loves, even if it means sacrificing herself. The twist at the end of the story will surprise readers, as it is quite unexpected. One especially interesting aspect of this story is that the beginning and ending of the story are told from the point of view of a crow that just happens to be there. Reading about the humans from the perspective of a scavenger bird, puts a different spin on the tale.

Next up in this trio of stories is Drusilla's Dream by Rachel Lee. Drusilla Morgan is a data entry tech on graveyard shift at GalaxyCom who passes the monotony at work by spinning daydreams in her mind. In this particular fantasy she is a princess on a quest to find a magical key that will save her kingdom from destruction. Along the way she meets up with an animal tamer who surprisingly enough resembles Miles Kennedy, night time computer security, who is responsible for keeping all the computers running smoothly. What happens when these two get together, even if only in her imagination? Or is it only a dream?

This reviewer feels this was the weakest story of the collection. The premise is interesting, having the entire story take place as a daydream, with occasional interruptions from real life. Unfortunately it fell flat. Some parts of the daydream came across as being clichéd, with a little bit of everything one would expect in a fantasy all just thrown in to add to the story. Some parts were quite original though, such as the master of the rivers, which add something extra to the novella. Also, the ending was unique, in how our hero and heroine are brought together. Yet it just didn't quite come together for this particular reader.

The final story in this book is Moonglow by Catherine Asaro. Iris Larkspur is a young mountain girl who was born with powerful mage abilities. When Della No-Cozen, Head Mage to the Royal family, discovers her no one expected what was to come. Iris has not been able to grasp how to cast spells for her power comes from a different place than most mages. Once she finds the key to her magic, her life is irrevocably changed when she is betrothed to the heir to the throne of Aronsdale. However, Prince Jarid is a tortured young man, captured in a prison of his own making as a result of something he did as a young boy. Will Iris' magic... and their love... be enough to free him once and for all?

This story takes place in the same world as Ms. Asaro's The Charmed Sphere. What is especially enjoyable is that this story actually takes place at the same time as some key parts of the full-length novel. Those who have read both stories will enjoy seeing some of the exact same scenes through different points of view. This story in itself is not especially deep. Had this reviewer not already read the other book, Moonglow would likely have left her feeling unfulfilled. Iris and Jarid are fascinating characters, flawed in many ways and having doubts in themselves. It was enjoyable to get a more in depth look at them. The magical land of Aronsdale is a wonderful place to visit, with an extremely distinctive kind of power.

If readers are looking for a brief escape from reality and an adventure in another world, these stories will fit the bill quite nicely. Each one is different, written in different styles, but all sharing the common factor of magic in another land.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, August 2005. All rights reserved.

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Charmed Destinies: 3 Novels in 1
Mercedes; Lee, Rachel; Asaro, Catherine; Law, Stephanie Pui-Mun Lackey
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OXBGRO

Amazon.com

Fifty-seven years have passed since the events of Phantom Menace, 25 since A New Hope, and 21 since the Empire's final defeat over Endor. The still-fragile New Republic, rocked by internal conflict, now faces a potentially overwhelming challenge from beyond the known galaxy: the Yuuzhan Vong, a sinister race of warriors using highly advanced (and creepy) organic "devices" and vehicles, whose immense strength and technological edge lets them fight toe to toe with Jedi. And who better to flesh out these powerful and malevolent aliens, so dismissive and disdainful of humanity, than R.A. Salvatore, the author who almost single-handedly popularized Dungeons and Dragons' equally awful bad guys, the Drow, with his Drizzt Do'Urden books.

In kicking off Del Rey's five-year New Jedi Order story arc, Salvatore must endure the predictable hazing of any new Star Wars author. But an accomplished storyteller backed by legions of fans, the Dark Elf author proves to be up to the task and thankfully sensitive to the well-loved characters he's borrowing time with. Vector Prime sets up the early stages of the covert Praetorite Vong invasion, giving us a closeup glimpse of this nefarious new race and following our heroes' attempts to combat them. Luke struggles with whether to revive the Jedi Council; Mara still fights her deadly disease; Lando is back helping Han, Chewie, and Leia; and Leia and Solo's kids finally come into their own. Prepare yourself, though, for when a major, beloved character gets ceremoniously smushed. (Although we've seen Boba Fett come back from worse.... ) --Paul Hughes

Book Description

Twenty-one years have passed since the heroes of the Rebel Alliance destroyed the Death Star, breaking the power of the Emperor. Since then, the New Republic has valiantly struggled to maintain peace and prosperity among the peoples of the galaxy. But unrest has begun to spread and threatens to destroy the Republic's tenuous reign.

Into this volatile atmosphere comes Nom Anor, a charismatic firebrand who heats passions to the boiling point, sowing seeds of dissent for his own dark motives. And as the Jedi and the Republic focus on internal struggles, a new threat surfaces from beyond the farthest reaches of the Outer Rim--an enemy bearing weapons and technology unlike anything New Republic scientists have ever seen.

Suddenly, Luke Skywalker; his wife, Mara; Han Solo; Leia Organa Solo; and Chewbacca--along with the Solo children--are thrust again into battle, to defend the freedom so many have fought and died for. But this time, the power of the Force itself may not be enough . . .

Customer Reviews:

No one here gets out alive.......2007-08-23

Vector Prime, the first installment in the massive New Jedi Order series, may just be the most criticized book in the Star Wars canon, which is quite understandable since the author had the audacity to kill one of Star Wars' most beloved characters (I know it's been 8 years, but a spoiler is still a spoiler, so I'm not saying who got killed). For me though, Vector Prime was a breath of fresh air after what seemed like dozens of Star Wars novels in which nothing ever happened that would ever change the precious status quo. Zahn's Thrawn trilogy, Anderson's Jedi Academy trilogy, and Stackpole's X-Wing series aside, every Star Wars book seemed to follow the same basic formula, with everything back to normal by the last page.

Vector Prime changed all that. Things happen in this book. Big things. Characters, even major ones, die, planets are destroyed, and the good guys start to lose. The series' principal antagonists - the Yuuzhan Vong - are introduced here, and more disturbing than their organic weaponry and "Force invisibility" is the fervent religious zeal with which they carry out even the most mundane tasks. I don't know if the author modeled the Vong's ideology on any specific religion, but when reading the book in a post-9/11 world you can't help but draw some parallels to certain forms of religious extremism.

Salvatore seems to understand the Star Wars characters quite well, given the fact that this is his first foray into Lucas territory, and his story sets the stage for the catastrophic events that would follow. I definitely felt the loss of the fallen character, but it was integral to the story and served as a wake up call to Star Wars fans. From this point on, there is no status quo. Nothing and no one is safe. The events in this series are real, and have lasting consequences to the Star Wars Universe. All I can say is that it's about damn time.

I know some Star Wars purists had apoplectic fits after this book, but those who were open-minded enough to see the New Jedi Order through to its conclusion were rewarded with one of the best, and most important, Star Wars sagas.

a new beginning.......2007-06-29

For those of you who are unaware, this is the book where Chewbacca dies. Apparently, writer R.A. Salvatore received death threats for this. Personally, I wouldn't have sent him a death threat for that but for his overall hackiness. Not that the book wasn't readable or enjoyable, but there were things about his style that grated on me. For one thing, he actually described someone as being "ruggedly handsome." I didn't honestly think that writers outside of the romance genre still used that phrase. For another, on no less than three occasions, he referred to characters "talking about everything and nothing at all." I'm sure this sounds profound to junior high kids, but even they would roll their eyes by the second time they read it. Also, he didn't really spend a lot of time developing the characters--which I can understand, since there are a ton--or narrative. After all, I would imagine that it's far easier to sell a nearly-400-page Star Wars book than a 700-page Star Wars book. Still, it ended up making everything feel a bit distant, like I was never really in the moment.

I suppose Chewbacca's death was handled about as well as it could have been, but I felt it happened far too early in the series. I imagine, though, that he's a hard character to write for,--unless of course, you're Brian Daley, in which case you are unfortunately no longer with us--and authors who write subsequent entries in the Star Wars saga will be grateful for not having to find myriad different ways to denote Chewie's barks, grunts and roars. (There's something about the onomatopoeiaticizing--if that's not a word yet, can I please have credit for coining it?--of non-speaking characters' dialogue (Chewie, R2-D2, etc...) that always irritates me.) Also, it's much easier to sell the first book in a new series with a well-known character's death than, say, the fifth.

I have mixed feeling about the Yuuzhan Vong. While I do believe it's a good thing that it isn't yet another reiteration of a coup by the former Empire, the Vong themselves feel like a million different Star Trek villains all at once. Another reviewer described them as representing modern, grim, gritty and grotesque sci-fi, fighting against the more pulpy, golden-age-style sci-fi represented by the original Star Wars characters. This may be an interesting dichotomy, but it comes at the expense of the Star Wars feel. Plus, the all-powerful conqueror races often feel like a bit of a cop-out. Would it have been that difficult to give them another motivation for invading aside from just doing so for its own sake? As the series develops, I'm sure the good guys will eventually figure out how to repel them. I just hope it isn't implausible. They've established that these suckers are hard to kill, so they'd better stick to that and come up with ingenious ways for the heroes to win their battles.

The main reason I decided to read this is because I'm interested in the Legacy of the Force series. Yes, it's quite an undertaking to read one 19-book series for the sake of reading yet another multi-book series, but at the same time, it's Star Wars, so I hope that means it won't be a painful process to go through the series. I am glad, though, that Salvatore only wrote this entry. The next is by Michael A. Stackpole, whose previous Star Wars efforts I have rather enjoyed. Unfortunately, Karen Traviss--whose Republic Commando novels are among the best Star Wars books I've read--had no involvement with this, but I look forward to her Legacy work.

disappointing.......2007-05-18

I read this as this book was the first post marriage book published and I wanted to see how they handled that....

I read Vision of the Future and Survivors Quest first...I was hoping for more tough Mara...NOPE

Luke marries a great warrior woman....and what do they do???find ways to weaken her so she can't fight!!!!!! ANNOYING!! They hate women or what??

Other reviewers have said the fighting with the EMPIRE was getting boring/tiresome..Probably right...

So what do they do...ONE more super enemy..YEAH thats new and different!!!
Maybe they should have figured it was the WARRING that was getting boring! Lukes been fighting NON-stop for 30 years !!!!!enough...

At the end of Vision Luke and Mara talk of exploring the new Thawn opened region..with the empire of the hand..or actually with the Empire remnant....NOW that would have been fun!!

I will read some more of these novels cause I want to find out about the baby Mara and Luke have...but thats it...

I'll just have to re-read Zahns books and wait for his post Legacy series Mara/Luke/teen-age Ben book I guess....

How could you not love this book!!!.......2007-05-15

First let me state that I am a true Star Wars fan and have read every book up to this point. I absolutely loved this book! It was so nice to read something a little darker than the usual "Oh the Emipre's back again! We've defeated them countless times but how will we do it again" or "there's yet another super weapon out there! how will we ever survive!" This was starting to wear a little on my nerves to be honest. This book has a NEW self mutilating, warrior race, immune to the force enemy that is hellbent on Galactic conquest. It has the death of a major character(come on people sooner or later somebody had to go!) and it was written after Episode I was released so there is mention of the old ways with the Jedi Master/apprentice relationship as well as talk of restoring the Jedi Council. I don't know why all these supposed "fans" hate this book so much. It doesn't hurt to keep an open mind every once in a while. In short give it a chance, you won't be disapointed!

Did Salvatore fish this out of a dumpster?.......2007-05-09

This was without a doubt, THE WORST book I have ever read!

The author had NO feel for the characters, NO familiarity in the SW genre, and frankly NO writing style.

You killed Chewie. How dare you just waltz into a genre that you don't belong in and kill off one of the best characters?

And what is with the Vong? Did he even READ anything about the nature of the Force? Life creates the Force. The Vong shouldn't be invisible on in, if anything they should RADIATE the Force since everything they have is biological in nature.

Ugh, this was just so terrible, I had to FORCE myself to finish reading it.

Do yourself a favor and pass this one by.

Star Wars The New Jedi Order Vector Prime (Star Wars: the New Jedi Order)

Average customer rating:

Star Wars The New Jedi Order Vector Prime (Star Wars: the New Jedi Order)
R.A. Salvatore
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVJ0GA

Star Wars:Nueva Orden Jedi. Vector Prime

Average customer rating:

Star Wars:Nueva Orden Jedi. Vector Prime
Unknown
Manufacturer: UNKNOWN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 8495070308

Average customer rating:

SW: NJO-Vector Prime (AU Star Wars)
R.A. Salvatore
Manufacturer: RH Audio Price-less
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
ASIN: 0739316583
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Star Wars: The New Jedi Order; Dark Tide I and II, and Vector Prime

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Star Wars: The New Jedi Order; Dark Tide I and II, and Vector Prime
Stackpolr and Salvatore
Manufacturer: Lucas Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000KX5TCG

Vector Prime (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 1)

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Vector Prime (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 1)
R.A. SALVATORE
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVC68E

Vector Prime :New Jedi Order 1 Star Wars

Average customer rating:

Vector Prime :New Jedi Order 1 Star Wars
R A Salvatore
Manufacturer: UNSPECIFIED VENDOR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UCHHPE

Book Description

Eugene H. Peterson speaks to Christians who realize the necessity for prayer and yearn for it but who find their prayer unconvincing and unsatisfying. Addressing the causes of this dissatisfaction, Answering God offers guidelines for using the Psalms as dynamic tools for prayer.

Customer Reviews:

A good start for praying the psalms.......2007-01-10

I've found Peterson's work very helpful and a good introduction to praying the psalms. I wish that it would include more of a corporate sense of worship rather than a private or individual approach. This reflects my own bias that our faith in the west is too often centered on the individual rather than the body of Christ.

Read the psalms out loud as a prayer to God.......2006-06-25

Certain parts of the book helped me to desire reading the Psalms as prayers to God. If you are into lecture type reading then this book is for you. What I like to see in books is the person's walk with God - his reading of the Psalms and how they affected him in learning to trust and love God. I did not finished the book, BUT I am reading the Psalms as prayers to God.

This is the book that set me free to pray.......2005-07-20

Until I read this book, I felt that I ought to pray, even wanted to pray, but when I sat down to do it prayer seemed so complicated and burdensome, and I would come away with a haunting feeling that I never got it "right". This book taught me that prayer means listening, and responding to God--not just talking at him, or coming at him with lists. It set me free to rest in the presence of God, something I often enough ended up doing anyway, but then would feel guilty for. After all, wasn't I supposed to be "praying?" Thank you to Eugene Peterson for this beautiful, well-written, well-expressed book, which is a joy to read. I have heavily underlined and re-read my copy 3 times. It is fresh each time.

open the door..........2001-08-25

I have to agree with the reviewer of August 7, 2001's enthusiasm for this book. I first read "Answering God: The Psalms As Tools for Prayer" when I checked it out of a local library. The book so moved and changed me that I had to stop midway, turn the book back in at the library, and order a copy.

"Answering God" is the kind of book that helps the reader open doors that have always be locked to them. In my case, it has revolutionized the way I pray while giving the Psalms greater meaning to me.

It is a small book of great depth. It looks at the Psalms--warts and all. It digs deep into the topics it discusses. It looks at the basic questions of what a Psalm consists of. It then teaches what prayer is and how it affects those who pray. It follows this by teaching the reader how to pray the Psalms.

This book is full of practical advice and direction. Eugene Peterson is the perfect person to write this book. He is an expert in the field of prayer...not because of any degree he holds but because he is a deep person of prayer (this will be crystal clear to anyone who reads the book). Peterson is a trusted guide for the sometimes unforgiving terrain of the Psalms.

I give "Answering God" my most heartfelt recommendation. I urge you to get a copy today.

New Insights on Prayer and the Psalms.......2001-08-08

I just placed an order for six more copies of this book to give to friends and family ... and that's only a start. Am I new to the Bible? Not hardly. I'm one of those "veteran" Christians who has been active in church and other ministries all my life. Even so, "Answering God" introduced me to the Psalms in a way I've never before experienced. I'm excited about using the Psalms to help me develop a deeper, richer prayer life. As Peterson writes: "Prayers are tools for being and becoming ... The Psalms come from a people who hear God speak to them and realize that it is the most important word they will ever hear spoken. They decide to respond." So have I.

Answering God Leader's Guide: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer

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Answering God Leader's Guide: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer
Eugene H. Peterson
Manufacturer: Harper San Francisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0060665157

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