When Strange Gods Call

Book Description

This is a Shakespearean love story of old family rivalries that threaten a pair of ill-fated lovers who defy generations of animosity. It is set in the tropical paradise of Hawaii, the island temptress that lures the lovers back, and becomes part of this tale of love lost and rediscovered. It is a combination of "Romeo and Juliet" and Abie's Irish Rose with an Asian-Western twist.

When Strange Gods Call takes place in the 1970s, a decade after Hawaii has reached statehood, a time of transition, when, among the older generation, the Confucian ethics of family, honor and scholarship are challenged by the American values of individuality and assertiveness.

The central characters in this forbidden love story are Miki Ai'Lee, the great-granddaughter of the Chinese advisor to the Hawaiian monarchy, and Alex Demming, whose family have lived and grown wealthy over the generations as island ranchers. Their childhood romance ends as Miki flies off to become a professor of art in San Francisco, and Alex leaves for Cambodia where he stalks high stakes international art thieves. Years later, back in Hawaii, their paths cross at a time when both are faced with difficult decisions, strong parental expectations at odds with their own desires, as well as the clash of cultures. For Miki, this means Chinese traditions, in which there is enormous pressure for a young woman of thirty to follow in the footsteps of two thousand years of the history of her people.

Poignant, lyrical, heart-rending and heart-warming, When Strange Gods Call is alive with the spirits of a land lush full of ghost stories and magic, a land powerful enough to reach across the seas and call its children home with the voice of its gods, the "Night Whispers."

Customer Reviews:

excellent read.......2005-06-06

loved the book. I've never written a review before, but this book is beautifully written and completely captivating. I totally shared Miki's angst over family obligations vs. true love. EXCELLENT.

Delicious Modern Day Romeo & Juliet Kind of Story.......2005-02-17

Miki Ai'Lee and Alex Demming were high school sweethearts, but were forced to break it off because of a feud between their families. In the past the Demming family stole some land from the Ai'Lee family and they Ai'Lees have never forgiven them. Miki leaves her love, she leaves Hawaii too and moves to the Mainland where she teaches Art history at a University in San Francisco. However her grandmother takes ill, so after twelve years Miki comes home.

Circumstances in Alex's life also cause him to come home to work the family ranch. It's been twelve years since they've seen each other, but Miki still has feelings for Alex, but as far as the family's are concerned any relationship between the two is still taboo.

One might think that after all this time the two adults might be able to get back together, but life isn't always easy and theirs is further complicated by the fact that Alex's cousin and Miki's brother are both contesting the position of the governor's deputy commissioner.

Miki, now thirty and unmarried, must face the new realisation that her life is more important than the feud that has held her back for all these years and she may be helped or hindered by dark family secrets that have been long buried.

Ms. Chun has written a book that not only will tear at your heartstrings, but she delivers the kind picturesque description of Hawaii that will have you wanting to book a flight. I could literally taste the air, smell the flowers, see the ocean blue. What a delicious and warm book.

So much history..............2004-10-21

Pam Chun takes you on a ride through this novel. She describes her characters so well. You will not be able to put this book down. Having lived in Hawaii for 5 years it brings back many memories......the smells of the flowers when you enter the airport terminal, the smell of salt in the air from the ocean, the colors of the ocean, and the many neighborhoods she describes. You will become addicted to the story of Miki and Alex till you get to the end to find out what has happened.
Will Miki and Alex be able to overcome their family feud/curse? Miki's family does not want her to have anything to do with Alex because he is a Demming. Many years ago the Demmings took a piece of land from the Ai'Lee's....then they cursed the Demming family. Will time repair these wounds, release the curse, and help with forgiveness? Miki was a headstrong girl who didn't understand the way her family treated her.....and catered to her brother. She felt they didn't care about her wants and needs. She has now come back to the islands after 12 years of living on the mainland, to spend time with her ill grandmother. But what she finds on this vacation home is herself and how to control her own life. Miki is still head strong and doesn't realize her own feelings for awhile since she's been doing what her family has wanted her to do and not listening to her own feelings. Miki also learns some secrets of her family.
Alex is back to the islands also....after some losses in his family. He's back to help his father with the ranching on Kauai. Does he still have feelings for Miki? Or does the curse affect those he loves?
I finished the book in two days. I couldn't get anything done till I finished this book. It was so good. It described island life with their many cultures, so well. I hated for the book to end. I wanted to hear more about Miki and Alex's life. I wanted to hear more about all the aunties and uncles. I wanted to hear more of driving over the Pali highway to Kailua. But the book ended. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Book Description

Horror stalked the Four Lands as the Ildatch, ancient source of evil, sent its ghastly Mord Wraiths to destroy Mankind. Only Druid Allanon held the magic power of wishsong that could make plants bloom instantly or turn trees from green to autumn gold. But she, too, was in mortal danger, and Ildatch waited for Brin to fall into his trap....

Download Description

An ancient Evil is stirring to new life, sending its ghastly MordWraiths to destroy Mankind. To win through the vile growth thatprotects this dark force, the Druid Allanon needs Brin Ohmsford -- for she aloneholds the magic power of the wishsong. Reluctantly Brin joins the Druidon his dangerous journey. But a prophecy foretells doom, as Evil nursesits plans to trap the unsuspecting Brin into a fate far more horriblethan death.

Thus continues the enthralling Shannara epic, a spellbinding tale ofadventure, magic, and myth. The Wishsong of Shannara is thefourth volume of the classic series that has become one of the mostpopular fantasy tales of all time.

Customer Reviews:

Other Books.......2007-09-03

Bad books need bashing, unfortunately through singing.

The descendants of the elf boy etc. in the first couple of books are now needed to save the place from a Tome of Evil. Of course, your manipulative magic druid guy is still around to make suggestions Inheriting magical talents is one thing, but having to sing them? No thanks there, ancestor people. Each book in this series gets worse.

A fitting end to a fabulous trilogy!.......2007-04-24

The third and final book in the trilogy is wonderful book. I don't think it's quite as good as the Elfstones of Shannara but it's a pretty exciting tale nonetheless. Allanon is back yet again to fight a new (sort of) evil that has showed itself with the intention of destroying the lands of Shannara. There are two main stores in this book, the journey of Jair Olmstead(?) and Brin Olmstead(?). Both are extremely interestesting and exciting. There is a ton of action but not so much that they don't have time to develop the main characters. It was awesome to see both Jair and Brin mature through the book along with Slanter, the gnome.

If you are looking for an exciting trilogy that you will have a hard time putting down, if you are looking for great action, plot, great characters and a little romance then this is the series for you. All three books are exceptional!!!

This series is great for younger readers as well, while there is a lot of action and battle scenes there is no swearing and no sex, implied or otherwise. It just goes to show that you can make a great action series without filling it with garbage.

I can't wait to read more form Terry Brooks in the future!!!

bibliokleptomaniac says:.......2007-02-01

Es Cantabile! it sings for me! the world of elves and men and dwarves and trolls...ect, is the most magnificent in this story. When a young girl finds that she has innate power due to her father's meddling with magic, she is swept away in attempt to destroy the evil lurking in the world. I loved it, i love it still, and you will too!

Enchanting.......2006-11-24

This book is a funny mix of amazingly creative stuff and a sense of deja vu. After reading the other Brooks Books, this one comes to lack originality in such things as characters and enemies being replicas of the ones before, with new names. The storyline is great however, and I love the plot twists involved in following Jair and Brin on their seperate quests, with a dark but compelling ending.

That said, some things in the story really seem outa place, like why they have such a hard time getting allies for battle when one generation earlier Jair's FATHER was involved in an epic war with demons. Who forgets that fast? Also, I thought the Lizard creatures were a great addition, but it is spoiled in the fact that they are mentioned only in this book, and then they disappear from the series. It tends to take away from the story when things like entire races can dissappear.

Definately worth reading, regardless of the repetativeness, there is enough fresh stuff to keep the reader intrigued.

A solid close to the original Shannara trilogy.......2006-08-21

Brooks proved himself capable of writing an original story with the first two books of the Shannara Trilogy, and he never falters here. While I didn't like this story as much as the other two novels, it was still well worth the read.

The history of the Four Lands and the origins of the Druids unfold in good fashion; Brooks paces the unfolding of mysteries that become revealed to a great extent here. Brin seemed to me to be a little less developed than her brother and counterplot protagonist, Jair.

While I appreciated the struggles that Brin, Allanon, and Rone went through, the staying power of this story was in Jair and the characters that surrounded him. Brin didn't really go through enough struggles to grow as a character as much as Jair did.

Allanon has always been a stable character that continually pleases the reader with his knowledge and abilities to overcome his enemies and his charges. Rone seems to be a shadowy copy of Menion, though...same temper tantrums...same brashness. As I said before, Jair was the lifesaver. He went through so much, and I could instantly empathize with his love and concern for his sister. His relationship with his kidnapper-turned-comrade Slanter is new and refreshing to the Shannara series, and the favorite of the book seems to be the Weapons Master, Garet Jax, who has been Brooks most "neat-o" butt-kicking good guy to at this point in the novels...with the exception of Allanon, of course.

The best part of Brin's journey was the meeting of Kimber and Cogline. Cogline was a humorous and fresh addition to Brooks line-up of original characters...and his importance to the Shannara children makes his appearance here classic. Jair's comrades such as Helt, Elb Foraker, and Edain are all well-developed characters that remind you of the comraderie of the first book, and the most descriptive scenes are those in which Jair and his protectors fight against Gnomes and Mord Wraiths.

The change that comes over Allanon and the closing of the trilogy are skillfully done, and Brooks still left me wanting more.

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The Wishsong of Shannara
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Wishsong of Shannara

Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRQ5NI

The Shannara Trilogy: The Sword of Shannara + The Elfstones of Shannara + The Wishsong of Shannara

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The Shannara Trilogy: The Sword of Shannara + The Elfstones of Shannara + The Wishsong of Shannara
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey - Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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WISHSONG OF SHANNARA
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Futura
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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WISHSONG OF SHANNARA
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Futura
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Average customer rating:

The Wishsong of Shannara
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Average customer rating:

The Wishsong of Shannara
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Wishsong of Shannara
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ASIN: B000PCBBXS

Average customer rating:

The Wishsong of Shannara
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Eddie Brock is down on his luck. He lost the girl of his dreams and his job at the Daily Bugle. He's jealous of how Peter Parker seems to have it all. But everything changes when Eddie discovers a secret—Peter Parker is Spider-Man! And if Spider-Man won't wear his new black suit . . . Eddie will.

Customer Reviews:

I Love This Book!.......2007-06-10

I love this book because it tells you a little bit about Spider Man 3 and if you love the movies, you'll love it too. It's about Eddie Brock who gets a job at the DAILY BUGLE and then loses his job. He likes Gwen Stacy and goes over to ask her out. He then goes to a church and then feels goo drop.(It's really symbiote.)He realizes Peter Parker was taking the symbiote off himself. He gets it on him and he becomes Venom. He wants revenge on Peter Parker. Hopefully you found this helpful.

Average customer rating:

I Am Spider-Man
Easy book to get beginning readers interested
i am spider-man review

Spider-Man: I Am Spider-Man
Acton Figueroa
Manufacturer: HarperFestival
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0694016446
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Book Description

I used to be Peter Parker ... Now, I am Spider-Man!

Everything changed for Peter Parker after a genetically altered spider bit him. He used to be a scrawny high-school student who struggled to defend himself against the bigger, stronger guys in his school.

He doesn't have to struggle anymore.

With his new spider-like abilities, Peter can spin webs, climb buildings, and sense danger before it happens. Peter can do everything a spider can do, and more. Find out what it's like to be a superhero along with Peter as he adjusts to his new life as Spider-Man.

Customer Reviews:

I Am Spider-Man.......2005-08-30

My son absolutely loved this book, deals w/ bullies Spider Man encountered.

Easy book to get beginning readers interested.......2005-03-19

Maybe you've heard of me.
Maybe you've seen me.
I am Spider-Man.

Above is the first page of this beginning reader. The writing is representative of the next 27 pages--contractions and some multi-syllable words add a bit of challenge to one who is just learning how to read, but the best thing about it is that it's fun!

The emphasis is NOT on simple writing. The emphasis is on the story, which is a simplified version of the first Spider-Man movie: the Green Goblin only shows up in one picture and is not named--the book emphasizes how Peter Parker became Spider-Man and what he can do now that he's been bitten by a "man-made spider".

My young son summed it up best when he said, "This is a SUPER book, Mommy. And I can read it myself!"

i am spider-man review.......2002-04-06

hi it's me again. well this book is a fun book to read for anyone. it is based off the new spider-man movie. well anyway it's just a real fun book to read it's like reading the movie before it's even out. i recomend this book to you..yeah thats right i am talking to you! fun book

PETER PARKER, THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN: I AM SPIDER (#133 DECEMBER 1987) (THE CONCLUSION!, PART 3)

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PETER PARKER, THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN: I AM SPIDER (#133 DECEMBER 1987) (THE CONCLUSION!, PART 3)
MARVEL COMICS
Manufacturer: MARVEL COMICS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: B000O56LX6

The Uncanny X-Men #257 : I Am Lady Mandarin (Acts of Vengeance - Marvel Comics)

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The Uncanny X-Men #257 : I Am Lady Mandarin (Acts of Vengeance - Marvel Comics)
Chris Claremont
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

X-Men | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

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Wild Dog #4 : I Am Wild Dog (DC Comics)
Max Allan Collins
Manufacturer: DC Comics
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Binding: Paperback

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Spider-Man #67 : Who Am I? (Web of Carnage - Marvel Comics)

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Spider-Man #67 : Who Am I? (Web of Carnage - Marvel Comics)
Howard Mackie
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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A must read

Doing Pull-Ups on the Raised Bar

Raising the Bar: Ministry to Youth in the New Millennium
Alvin Reid
Manufacturer: Kregel Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Ministry | Ministry & Church Leadership | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Youth Ministry | Ministry & Church Leadership | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:

Radically Unchurched: Who They Are-How to Reach Them

Youth Ministry from the Inside Out: How Who You Are Shapes What You Do

Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry

Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers (Youth, Family, and Culture)

Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture: Bridging Teen Worldviews And Christian Truth

ASIN: 082543632X

Book Description

This compelling book provides an impassioned plea for the church to set higher standards for ministry to teens and their families.

Customer Reviews:

A must read.......2007-05-12

This was one of the best books I have ever read. Every youth pastor, youth worker or a parent of a youth should read this book. It will make you want to raise the bar in your own life and in the lives of the youth in your ministry. It's a very quick and easy read too.

Doing Pull-Ups on the Raised Bar.......2007-02-16

This book is a clear and well balanced look at what youth ministry is currently doing (and not doing), how youth truly are and what can be done to reach the "millennial" generation. It's very easy to be negative about who youth are and the fact that there are so many problems in their culture. Reid doesn't merely give us the "glass is half full" positivism but he presents real, empirical evidence that gives renewed hope and greater motivation to get involved and teach our youth to become great adults!

Reid systematically arranges the facts of our current practices in ministering to youth. He points out that "Youth are underchallenged and treated as children" (p. 20) yet this generation has by the nature of their very existence been forced to live with the fact that "their lifetime has always included AIDS" (p.25). Before reading this book, I had always assumed that today's youth are becoming increasingly more immature when compared with previous generations.

The author takes the time to establish the evidence of our current failed youth ministry paradigm and then closes his argument in order to secure a summary judgment. "Do we see young people as children . . . or as young adults ready to take on the challenges of a complex world they will so quickly face" (p. 41).

This book culminates with perhaps the most important, yet often the most overlooked, aspect of youth ministry: parents. His injunction to parents is clear and unwavering. "Parents . . . need to rediscover the biblical teaching of Deuteronomy 6:4-9. According to God's Word the primary place of spiritual training is not the church but the home" (p.155); raising the bar is for everyone!

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