Book Description
An East German writer, awaiting a call from the hospital where her brother is undergoing brain surgery, instead receives news of a massive nuclear accident at Chernobyl, one thousand miles away. In the space of a single day, in a potent, lyrical stream of thought, the narrator confronts both mortality and life and above all, the import of each moment lived-open, as Wolf reveals, to infinite analysis.
Customer Reviews:
Captivating!.......2000-06-30
I read this book as part of a German Lit. in Translation class. Wolf was by far the best author we read. The book pulls the reader right into the story so you feel like it is happening to you. Wolf challenges readers to think about the way we are treating our world and question whether we are making the right decisions. What is particularly interesting about Wolf is that she is so blunt about the world's problems but she still has hope. The book left a strong impression on me.
Book Description
Every man in England wanted her...
She was called “the Crimson Lady.” But Fiona Byrne wants no part of the notorious life she was compelled to lead, adopting instead the disguise of a simple seamstress. Then she is discovered by Braedan de Cantor, a desperate and daring stranger who threatens to expose her. Never has there been one so dangerous to the peaceful life she'd fought to achieve. But the greatest peril of all lies deep in her heart.
One man would have her...
Robbed of his good name and fortune, and cast among England's criminals, he sought the legendary lady outlaw to save his sister. But the many tales of her extraordinary beauty and cunning did not do the Crimson Lady justice, and Braedan soon finds himself falling under her enchantment, even as he forces Fiona to re-enter the dark world she dreads. And though danger beyond reasoning awaits them, he will let no harm befall the passionate, incomparable woman who now so completely captivates his heart and his soul…and offers them both a future more magnificent than either dared to imagine.
Customer Reviews:
Something missing.......2006-07-04
There was just something about this book. Braedan may have been just a little too perfect. I'm not sure. There just didn't seem to be enough conflict between the two. It just seemed too easy. I guess that I've come to expect a bit of a struggle.
The villain was well written but I thought the last 1/4 of the book was just too dark. I hate when authors make you feel all sunshiny and bright for most of the book and then you are plunged into dark despair for the remainder. Too jolting.
Good, but not the best I've read.......2004-09-14
It is, however, better than The Maiden Warrior as a whole, in my opinion. I'm rating it at 3 stars, but it's more like 3 & 1/2 -- just not quite 4.
Braeden is excellent--noble, determined, kind. Fiona is wounded, then healed by his love for her. The conflict between them is interesting. Themes include not judging based on heresay and people aren't what you expect. The book is often sweet and Braeden's kindness slowly tames Fiona's wariness.
McCall presents a good villain and an engaging climatic situation. Some scenes resonate beautifully, and her writing is always clear and rich. But something was missing; I could not put my finger on it. If I still had the book, I'd flip through it again to try to discern the proble. Perhaps it simply wasn't compelling enough emotionally, but mostly I think I simply tired of the heroine's personal struggles. McCall writes very sensitive heroes, but her heroines are too bristly and begin to irritate me long before they realize how wonderful their men are.
What a story! A deep love with a villan you cannot forget!.......2003-09-27
Great story...ranks right up there with Madeline Hunter's medievals. Although my first choice in historicals is always a regency historical, I loved this medieval romance. It pulled at my heart strings. The heroine, Fiona, was feisty and smart while the hero, Braedan, was strong yet tender. Man! it's been a while since I've read a book with such a nasty villan! Contrary to an earlier review, I feel that the glimpse we saw of our heroine's time with the villian, Draven, was enough. I think it was a great choice to focus on the love between Braendan and Fiona rather than dwell on the ugly past with Draven. ...Read this, you won't be disappointed, as off I go to find books on Ms. McCall's back list....
A moving, romantic, interesting story!.......2003-08-13
As a general rule, I rarely even read romance anymore, opting instead for political debate, history, or anthropology. But out of a desire for escape, I picked up this book at my local grocery store, not expecting such an engrossing tale! I give credit where credit is due, though - hence, this review:
This book, as others have noted, has real emotional depth, something which is often lacking in other romances. The characters are completely believable and easy to identify with. The love scenes really reflected genuine feeling and were descriptive without being pornographic or corny. And to top it off, the book contained really interesting information about London of almost 1000 years ago - I had no idea prostitution was legal!
The story - also as has been noted - could have been developed with more detail. I kind of got the sense that the author didn't want to lose the attention of her audience by lengthening the book, but I definitely don't think that was a danger - I think she could have added another 2-300 pages of details regarding the heroine's experience under Draven, the outlaw activities the couple took part in, and developing the characters - and the ending - even more. It also wouldn't have hurt to add another love scene, since the author is quite adept at that! :) Overall, though, this was a beautiful, unique story that I think even those who aren't fans of romance would enjoy.
An exciting, original story with wonderful characters........2003-06-24
This is a great read. It isn't the same old, same old story line but a new approach. The writing is rich and never lags. I totally agree with the HK review above.
Average customer rating:
- Stubborn Heroine Almost Gets Her Due!
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The Crimson Lady (Signet Regency Romance)
Margaret Summerville
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
Signet Regency Romance | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books
Regency | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0451185226 |
Customer Reviews:
Stubborn Heroine Almost Gets Her Due!.......2005-04-01
Miss Phillipa (Pippa) Grey and her family smell of the shop. Gentle born Mrs. Grey married outside her sphere and has been rejected by society. Her husband, a very wealthy shipper, agonizes over that fact and wants his wife to succeed in introducing their daughter and son to society. Using his great wealth, he convinces an impoverished Viscount to lend a hand at easing the way. Viscount Allingham, a respected arbiter of fashion, feels he has no choice but to take the money. He meets the family and offers his advice to each member. Bertie, the son, hangs on his every word and follows his advice without hesitation. Mrs. Gray likes Allingham, follows his advice, and they all are embraced by the ton again. Only Pippa is belligerent and bent on doing the exact opposite. His request that she not wear red results in Pippa making an entire wardrobe of the color. The ton dubs her "The Crimson Lady." She also takes to being seen with the very people Allingham advises her not to associate with.
As the Grey's become enmeshed with society, Allingham reluctantly finds himself falling in love with Pippa. She will only think him a fortune hunter and he tries to deny his attraction. Pippa, in turn, cannot understand why she is so drawn to him and yet enjoys going against his wishes. This gets her in trouble since she frequently finds herself in company with the amoral Lady Granville and despicable Lord Seagrave. Even the Grey's son Bertie finds himself in a bit of trouble when falling in with bad company.
This romance is filled with provident rescues and endearing domestic animals. Secondary characters, both friends and foes are well fleshed out and interesting. The only problems I felt were that society accepted the Grey's a bit too readily and Allingham and Bertie seem to reform too quickly. I liked the stubborn heroine and there is the usual happy ending. Well worth reading.
Average customer rating:
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Pink Ladies & Crimson Gents: Portraits and Legends of 50 Roses
Molly Glentzer
Manufacturer: Clarkson Potter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General | Flowers | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Reference | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0307352730
Release Date: 2008-04-22 |
Amazon.com
The Galactic Patrol has been given the ultimate weapon in its war against the evil pirate Boskone: The Lens. But even though the Patrol's Lensmen are the most feared peacekeepers in the galaxy, they aren't quite sure how to use their unique gift. Things are about to change, however. Kimball Kinnison has just graduated from the academy, and now that's he's earned his Lens, he's determined to figure out how it works. Kinnison begins his journey of discovery by taking command of the Brittania, an experimental ship that's as likely to kill him as it is the Boskone raiders it was built to fight. That leads him on a series of whirlwind adventures that include a visit to the planet Arisia--where the mysterious creators of the Lens make their home--and end up in a confrontation with Helmuth, who may well be Boskone himself. Although this is the third book in the Lensman series, it's the novel where, as SF critic John Clute puts it, "the story has started, and it does not stop." This is a rip-roaring tale of heroes, aliens, space battles, and bold deeds, the stuff that Golden Age science fiction was built from. --Craig E. Engler
Book Description
The Galactic Patrol's Lensmen are the most feared peacekeepers in the Galaxy. The "Lens," a telepathic jewel matched to the ego of its wearer, is the ultimate weapon in the war against the merciless pirate Boskone and his forces of lawlessness. The only problem is the Galactic Patrol isn't sure how to capitalize on the Lens' incredible powers, but new graduate Kimball Kinnison is determined to learn. Taking command of the experimental fighting ship, the Brittania, Kinnison and his crew set off on a journey of harrowing adventures, coming face to face with deadly space creatures, and the evil pirate Helmuth...who may be the dreaded Boskone himself. Read by Reed McColm. 9 CD's 10 Hrs.
Customer Reviews:
Super Reader.......2007-08-27
My mother was reading this book at our grandparent's holiday house. She mentioned some crazy space battles and pirates, etc. "What do they do with the prisoners?" I asked.
"They kill them." she said. I was a little taken aback at this, being about 7, but I thought, fair enough, and read it after she was finished.
A hell of a lot of fun.
There are quite a few more Lensmen now. They are all incorruptible heroes, or they would not be given the Lenses by the Arisians. Think hardcore take-no-prisoners Green Lanterns on a lot lower power scale.
Kimball Kinnison is a young officer, that has just graduated, gained a Lens, being of the right stuff and is given command of a ship with some probably dodgy new technology.
The pirate organisation the Eddorians influence has a name, Boskone. Kinnison's job is to infiltrate. He does, and barely escapes alive thanks to his talents and his Lens.
A bodacious redhead nurses him back to health, and tells him off enough to get his attention. You know what happens next.
A better prepared, trained, and upgraded Kinnison will venture forth as a more powerful type of Lensman to fight the Boskonians some more.
Guilt-ridden whiners or conflicted vigilantes need not apply to the Patrol. A classic of Space Opera, although obviously of its time.
Book Three of the Lensman Series, 237 Pages, Publ 1950.......2006-05-18
This novel contains the first short story of Smith's Lensman series first started in 1939, and is considered by many as the real start to his series. Since I hadn't heard of this series until a few months ago, I started with what's listed as Book 1, Triplanetary. It was written (and condensed of earlier stories) by Smith after the last four books in the series. It is criticized as giving away too much of the series right up front, but I read enough reviews already that I knew of the general plot of the series. The point is the ride along the way, and it's a great voyage through classic science fiction. Whether you start here or with Triplanetary is your decision, but reading Triplanetary eventually is worth while.
Wikipedia gives a nice discourse on the history of the Lensman series. To paraphrase, the dialogue of Galactic Patrol may seem cliched, but they were fresh when Smith wrote it and it was the legions of imitators after Smith that made it cliched. Sure enough, it can feel really dated reading this at times, the use of `spy-rays' brings up memories of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and some of the hokiness of the 50's movies they mock. And the comments of the protagonist views on his girl can feel almost adolescent. But Smith's enthusiasm for the story is evident, and there is non-stop action. The part I appreciate is that it didn't feel like non-stop action for the sake of non-stop action. The protagonist jets to an enemy base and he loses the battle, barely escapes, realizes he needs to prepare himself better for future confrontations, jets to where he believes he will be helped in that regard, and then jets with any knowledge learned to a location he believes will give maximum benefit for the good of the galaxy. These are all interrelated stories for the overall plot and none are superfluous.
For those readers that believe they can get past the datedness of the material, you will probably find yourself caught up in this galactic wide epic tale.
Be warned--this series is dreck.......2005-12-16
It is odd that the Amazon review form has a check-off box to attest that the reviewer is over the age of 13. It is difficult to imagine anyone over the age of 13 having much positive to say about the Lensman Series.
E.E. Smith, who according to John Clute was a food chemist specializing in donuts, wrote this series for the pulps in the 1930's. Its primary audience was clearly adolescent boys. I read it when I was about 17 or 18 and read it to conclusion, even though the writing was dreadful, because it had a propulsive, energetic plot that hooks anyone vulnerable to space opera. The basic device is good aliens versus evil aliens in a galaxy and eons spanning struggle in which humans are anointed to administer the coup de grace to forces of cosmic evil. We are, of course, the center of the universe. Every book in the series ratchets up the stage another order of magnitude. Had the notion of a multiverse been current in the 1930's, Smith would no doubt have written further volumes to involve the other universes as well.
The problem with the series is that aside from the addicting quality of space opera, every other aspect of Smith's writing is just god-awful. He simply has no skills at all in the craft of writing. The dialogue, characterizations, and style are so bad you have to read the books to believe it. Psychology, motivation, wit, nuance, ambiguity. What do those words mean ? I couldn't fairly compare the series to comic books because quite a few comic books these days have literary merit. Perhaps they would be comparable to comic books in the 1950's between the demise of E.C. and the rise of Marvel, but even these probably had better editing.
I am not inveighing against the pleasures of space opera. There's abundance of it out there for your enjoyment by competent authors like Iain Banks or Vernor Vinge, who won't make you wince while you read. Some, like Jack Vance, are master stylists.
I have many times encountered readers with strong prejudices against science fiction and fantasy and have tried to encourage them to read some of the finer writers in the field. It's my hope that readers who aren't sci-fi fans would never open the covers of the Lensman books. They would be permanently poisoned.
Very Entertaining........2005-04-29
"Galactic Patrol" is the third book in the Lensman series, but it is a collection of the first Lensman stories ever written. This material was published in "Astounding Science Fiction" from September of 1937 through February 1938 before being published in book form in 1950. This series was nominated for the Hugo for best all-time series in 1966.
It is the story of Kimball Kinnison, from his graduation into the Galactic Patrol, through his first mission which was more likely to end in death then success, on to his promotion to a Gray Lensman, and his location and destruction of the Boskone command base in our galaxy.
The science in this story is this book's greatest weakness, but that is made up for by the fast pace, interesting characters, and engaging situations. If you are looking for something light and very entertaining to read, this is a great place to start. Sit back and enjoy.
Depends on what you're looking for.......2005-02-25
I read this book on the advice of a friend. Many of the points that other reviewers on this page make are good -- his characterization of aliens is very interesting, parts of his technological paradigm are fascinating (particularly the intertia-free drives), and the scope certainly is grand.
I did not find this to be an enjoyable read however, more because of the plot and the style than anything else. The plot is far-fetched in the extreme (Kim is given opportunities and responsibilities far, far beyond the realm of plausibility; some technological items that are 'invented' in the course of the story *would* have been invented long ago; many other examples), and the style is so laden with hyperbole that it was painful to read. Every page is full of ships moving at "speeds that stagger the imagination," weapons "blasting out at the maximum limit of its almost stupendous firepower," etc. It wears on one.
Neither of these deficiencies are to be found in the other two 'classic' works of sci-fi I have read (Ender's Game and Starship Troopers). I would reccommend both of those much more highly.
Average customer rating:
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Galactic Patrol (The Lensman Series)
E. E. "Doc" Smith
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Lensman
| Media Series
| Series
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Series
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0515052884 |
Product Description
The pirates of Boskone raided at will, menacing the whole structure of interstellar civilization. Masterminded by a superscientist, their fleets outgunned even the mighty space cruiserts of the Galactic Patrol.
When lensmanKim Kinnison of the Patrol found the secret Boskonian base, it was impregnable to outside attack. But a single infiltrator "might" penetrate its defenses - if he wanted to take on million-to-one-odds! Kinnison took them - with the future of the civilized Universe riding on his shoulders! - from book's back cover
Customer Reviews:
Great adventure for kids (and kids at heart).......2004-02-27
...
Bruce Coville knows how to capture a childs mind and make them feel like they are actually the character in the book. It helps so much if you start from the beginning of the series, because you are able to identify with the characters and how they feel and how they see things. He does a fantastic job of this in each individual book as well. Every kid who like sci-fiction, boy or girl, that I have recomended this book to- and others of the series- has loved this book. This series alone brings to mind several kids that hated to read- then loved it. Fantastic job.
I can't express how wonderful this book is...........2001-06-09
take: action, adventure, Rod, Seymour, Snout, Madame Pong, a few new characters, and add suspence, closure (EVERY loose end tied up) as well as a possiblility (a small one) of possible Albright stories in the future.
Coville is a GENIUS! Don't miss this one!
That's the end?.......2001-02-13
I /loved/ this last book. It was as enthralling as the previous three, if not more so. The only problem I had with it was that I didn't feel that the issue of Missing Atlantians was ever resolved.
Other than that, it's a great read. I'm 18, and like his Bruce Coville's other works, they're just as good to read as an adult as they are to read as a child.
The best concluding book!!!.......2000-03-23
I think this is the best book to conclude this series. READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Introducing one of the Best Children's Books in Years.......1999-09-13
An excellent book for the reading child. My daughter loved the charachers. From the grouchy captain Grakker to the diplomatic Madame Pong they all go looking for a snotty little villan named BKR.
Average customer rating:
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Galactic Patrol
E.E. Smith
Manufacturer: RIPPING PUBLISHING
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OJLM7W |
Average customer rating:
- For the cost of this one Easton volume...
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Galactic Patrol (Lensman Saga)
E. E. "Doc" Smith
Manufacturer: Easton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
Lensman
| Media Series
| Series
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000KW89U6 |
Product Description
Brand new! LEATHER BOUND book accented in 22kt gold!
Customer Reviews:
For the cost of this one Easton volume..........2007-09-25
...you can get Vols 1-3 from Easton (actually, a hair more than 3.) The whole set (still available from the publisher) comes out at about $60 per book. Go to the publisher and get the whole shebang.
Product Description
"The incomparable epic of interstellar adventure from the great master of science fiction's Golden Age. -- One of the most beloved and influential science-fiction series of all time, the Lensman Saga set the standard for space adventures and made "Doc" Smith a legend. These volumes reproduce the lauded Fantasy Press editions of the 1940s and 50s and feature frontispieces of those editions' thrilling full-color dust jacket art."
Customer Reviews:
Get the set from Easton for about $360.......2007-09-25
There are far too many unscrupulous types out there selling these at inflated prices. The whole set is still available from Easton Press. It looks like someone got the set and has decided to try and flog it on an unsuspecting Doc Smith fan. Beware.
Book Description
The practical sequel to Mother Earth Spirituality that applies Native American teachings and ritual to comtemporary living.
Customer Reviews:
Rainbow Tribe: Ordinary People Journeying on the Red Road.......2006-06-30
This book pulls no punches about developing a successful and spiritual life. The is serious stuff.
Bridging the gaps in the cultures.......2005-11-17
Once again Eagle Man does a great job in showing that the protection of Nature is a multi-cultural responsibility. He shows that we can bridge the culture gaps and really work together.
exploitation???.......2003-06-06
Ed McGaa, writing about what he is called to write about, has the blessed good fortune to be published. The ceremonies he writes about have meaning to him and he wishes to share their essence with the readers. There is nothing about exploitation in this. What this book does is send a message of hope that people will do SOMETHING in themselves to correct their insane ways and reconnect with the living Spirit that flows through Nature. Small minds need opening. Small hearts need opening. Envy is a disease of the soul. 1000 blessings to Ed McGaa, whoever he is, for his beautiful efforts. Small stones dropped in the water make ever-expanding rings. It is for readers to reflect on the meaning of what is written. Noone has to go out and perform rituals that are not theirs. There is something universal in all people's rituals, however. The wise see it and can work with it. The lazy idiots sit back and sling mud. When has it ever been otherwise? Bright Blessings.
Peddling Sacrelidge.......2002-05-02
Telling people how to perform ceremonies that they have no qualifications for or experience in is sacrelidgeous. Period. Anyone who practices or performs these ceremonies (who hasn't cashed in on their ancestry for twenty bucks a pop) knows this. I have done extensive research on this kind of cultural misappropriation (Ward Churchill has, among many others, an excellent book called Indians Are Us? that contains an essay on Mr. McGaa and other "plastic medicine men"). The person who stated the fact that this book is sacrelidgeous is not close-minded, he or she is aware of the facts. You cannot claim part of someone else's religion for your own.
Stories of people taking the natural way.......2000-09-19
This book is a collection of stories of people taking the natural way instead of the closed minded dogma of most religion.
In this book Mr. McGaa releases more of his distaste for "christianity" I suffered too much at the hands of "christians" as well.
If you are interested in taking the natural way; this book offers some guideposts to follow.
If your mind and heart are closed; as demonstrated by the reviewer from San Francisco below; go back to you dogmatic religion where you are forced to give your power away to the people in power. I wish you peace.
Minds and hearts are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.
Questions or comments E-Mail me. Two Bears
Wah doh Ogedoda
Books:
- Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book One)
- Al Este Del Eden/East of Eden (Granta en Espanol)
- Archaeologies of Vision: Foucault and Nietzsche on Seeing and Saying
- Arrogance: A Novel
- ART OF THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, THE
- At the Eleventh Hour: The biography of Swami Rama
- Best of American Splendor
- Black Mountain Breakdown
- Bone, Breath, and Gesture: Practices of Embodiment Volume 1 (Bone, Breath, & Gesture)
- Boonville: A Novel
Books Index
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Marcovaldo: or the Seasons in the City
