Book Description
The people of Prince’s Crossing called him the old maggot. Not just because he was despicably rich, nor because he owned all their farms, or sired the wild young men who tore up the roads with their galloping horses—it was because they could not pronounce the word magnate, which Mr. Skegg assuredly was.
Lady Bythewaite, his common-law wife, had a devouring love that filled her entire existence, but never affected her iron will and the implacable destiny that led from it. Only Clarence of the three sons could claim the Skegg name, and at the first opportunity he ran off to New York to change it. When he came back, it was with a new name, silent picture fame, and a deadly vengeance to act out. Owen Hawkins was the “acknowledged” son who lived with Lady Bythewaite. A delicate lad, his world included each of his family, with a devotion that was frightening. Aiken Cusworth was the bastard. A great hulking horse-tamer with the smell of the fields and animals on him, he had a single bent that yanked man and beast to the line of his terrible whim. Together, they lived in the house of the solitary maggot.
Customer Reviews:
Glorious!.......2005-04-28
This book heads us back in time to the early years of the American 20th Century, a small town dominated by the character of Nora Bythethwaite (surely some tribute, if tribute is the right word, to Dame Edith Sitwell who first promoted James Purdy's writings to the world). It's an aristocratic American family which takes dysfunction to such an extreme it becomes its very life-force .. like people chewing each other up, spitting each other out, yet turning the taste sensation over and over in their mouths for the intense and immediate nostalgia of it. It's somewhat like a novel existing in a landscaped womb which holds all of its characters - the outside world is vivid yet somehow irrelevant as the family members become the pain and the glory and the meaning of each others' lives. This is one of the century's most wilfully wayward and daring productions (a fusion of Ibsen and Samuel Beckett perhaps?), and it's tremendous that we have it in a new edition to herald our way into the increased madness and dysfunction of a new millennium. Hooray!
Product Description
The second novel after "Jeremy's Vision" - 1970. Fine in a fine dust jacket. A
Book Description
Since their takeover of Obernewtyn, the community of Misfits has flourished, protected by their remoteness. Believing they have time to marshal new forces before the confrontation with the totalitarian Council, they work hard to develop their forbidden mental abilities. But it is foreseen by a futureteller that the fate of Obernewtyn is inextricably bound up in their quest.
Customer Reviews:
"There are some things no barrier can hold away".......2006-02-28
This is the second novel in Isobelle Carmody's Obernewtyn series about a post-apocalyptic world thrown back into a middle ages full of fear and doubt. Even before the great battles that brought the world to the brink of disaster, science had begun to investigate the possibilities of humans with enhanced mental powers. But the aftermath of the war triggered a massive increase in skills that the 'normals' saw as a great threat. Labeled misfits, they were healers and coercers, farseers and beast speakers, and hated by those who believed that the way to be safe from the mistakes of the past was to destroy any living reminder.
Hidden in this dangerous world are the misfits of Obernewtyn, led by Rushton and Elspeth Gordie they mark the beginnings of a new force in the paranoid world around them, one that that can stand up to the Herder Priests and the Council. But the challenges are many. Elspeth has sworn to discover and destroy the machines that destroyed the world of the beforetimers, but first she must see to the survival of Obernewtyn. And so a small group of misfits sets out to find an ancient library, and to discover more misfits to help at Obernewtyn.
Posing as a gypsy troupe, they seem to careen from danger to danger. First the camp of the Druid's men, then a rescue from herders, and then the threat of capture by the Council's soldiers - danger lurks everywhere. And the land itself is full of threat, tainted and haunted. But they must succeed. To fail means the end of Obernewtyn, and the very really danger that the old weaponmachines will be found again and bring about a second, and final apocalypse.
Isobelle Carmody's world is both threatening and fascinating. The skills of the misfits, animals that can mindspeak, places of darkness and great power, the story tells as if it was fantasy, but it is much more. Carmody displays considerable skill in blending the worlds together and making what you read immediate and compelling. Elspeth is perfect as hero, adventurer, and young woman facing a daunting task. Highly recommended.
A must read.......2004-09-29
This book explores how life at Obernewtyn is undertaken after Rushton becomes the master. It tells you in more detail about the mind talents the misfits have. It is well written and action packed. The characters have become more mature and you can really relate to them. The ending is fantastic and thought provoking. A must read! However, it is better to read Obenewtyn first (otherwise you have no idea what half of the book is about).
Isobelle Carmody improves with this book.......2004-09-09
I am reading Farseekers now, and have noticed that the characterization and plotting have improved in Farseekers as opposed to Obernewtyn. I still find the grammatical and word choices distracting. Also, I would like to echo what another reviewer mentioned about the heroine, Elspeth having every possible convenience when it comes to her mental powers. It makes the whole premise less believable to me. Also, people come and go with too much convenience to the plot and not enough motivation. All this is very distracting, but the story idea is interesting, and it appeard that the writing level is improving. Hopefully the next book will be even better.
Farseeker!.......2004-04-02
Ok, I have to say that Isobelle Carmody is one of the most talented writes out there. The character Elspeth Gordie, is described well, and I feel I can relate to her. I recommend you read this book (not before Obernewtyn of course) and travel through a world of the future with Elspeth as she discovers the hardships of being a `misfit' and uncovers new talents. Its weird to think, that you never know, some thing like this could be our future Earth. This book, most definitely deserves 5 stars(or more!)
ENGAGING SERIES - COULDN'T PUT EACH BOOK DOWN!.......2003-05-11
This is an unusually well-written series, with unique characters and a fascinating story line. Isobelle Carmody is a gifted writer. I have read a lot of fantasy/scifi, and often the plots or aspects of the plot are similar from one book to another (find a portal, travel to another world/time, etc). This series is not only creatively different, it is thought-provoking. I could not put down each book in the series, reading late into the night (which I usually avoid doing). I will not recapitulate the plot here, because so many others have done so. I do want to contradict one of the reviewers cited above (Publisher's Weekly), who stated that the book was more likely to appeal to adolescent females. I am a 45-year-old woman, and I have found this series to be one of my all-time favorites. There is nothing adolescent about it, except the ages of some of the characters. However, they do not act or think in particularly adolescent ways. Of course, I think the series would ALSO appeal to adolescent females, as well as to advanced pre-teen readers (since the plot is complicated). Order your copy of Obernewtyn today, and set some time aside!
Amazon.com
In the '80s, American music experienced an Australian invasion, and the '90s brought a literary Australian invasion, with prominent Down-Under SF/fantasy writers like Stephen Dedman, Greg Egan, Sean McMullen, Lucy Sussex, and the late George Turner receiving new or greatly increased American exposure. Award-winning author Isobelle Carmody, whose Obernewtyn (Book One of the Obernewtyn Chronicles) is finally available in the U.S, belongs in these ranks as well.
Appropriate for adult and young-adult readers, Obernewtyn is a fine post-apocalyptic novel in the tradition of Andre Norton, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover series, Leigh Brackett's classic The Long Tomorrow, and the post-disaster novels of John Wyndham (especially Re-Birth) and John Christopher.
After the nuclear holocaust of the Great White, the surviving humans condemn all Misfits (mutants) to either death by fire or exile to Obernewtyn, a remote mountain institution where mysterious experiments are performed on some exiles. Elspeth Gordie is a Misfit, struggling to hide her mutant mental abilities and earn a Normalcy Certificate. But when her secret is betrayed, she is sent to Obernewtyn, from which no one has ever escaped. At Obernewtyn she finds not only dreadful experiments, but ambitious overlords who seek to use the Misfits' paranormal powers to recover the devastating secrets of nuclear war. --Cynthia Ward
Book Description
The Obernewtyn Chronicles - Book OneFor Elspeth Gordie freedom is-like so much else after the Great White-a memory. It was a time known as the Age of Chaos. In a final explosive flash everything was destroyed. The few who survived banded together and formed a Council for protection. But people like Elspeth-mysteriously born with powerful mental abilities-are feared by the Council and hunted down like animals....to be destroyed.Her only hope for survival to is keep her power hidden. But is secrecy enough against the terrible power of the Council?
Customer Reviews:
I don't get what the fuss is about .. :-S.......2007-03-03
2.5 starts: It's not a bad book, I've certainly read worse, but why such rave reviews?
I picked this up after seeing it recommended on Amazon, I believe. Fully expecting some original sci-fi/fantasy series that I could get my teeth into. Very disappointed! The concept of the beforetime and aftertime measured from an earthly apocalypse is not very original, but that's not a major criticism.
My major disappointment is with the way the plot/storyline unfolds. It shows a certain naivety as if no prior thought has gone into writing the next paragraph. The main character, Elspeth finds herself in situations with no solution when she suddenly discovers a new mental power that had never been apparent before - miraculous! Also there is no justification for these mental powers that her characters have inherited, things just 'happen' for no apparent reason.
Other flaws:
- as others have pointed out, her characters just are not developed enough, most appear flat with no personality.
- she makes a couple of mistakes, one time she mentions that few animals survived from beforetime, yet all the animals we encounter are immediately recognisable today with one exception.
- why does she rename the compass, but nothing else? She spends a paragraph explaining (i forget what she calls it) that this is a compass, but maps are still maps, doors are still doors.
- the first special power we discover is her ability to speak to animals. Yet all the animals she speaks to have equal or higher imtelligence than most of her human characters. Is this a result of the apocalypse, because it's not explained?
- finally, and this is not necessarily a criticism, but when is it necessary to write a characters speech phonetically and when should their speech be spelt correctly? One of her characters she demonstrates as having a thick accent by misspelling his spoken word to emphasize the accent, and very tough to interpret it is too. Yet none of the other characters have their speech mispelt - do they all speak with exactly the same accent?
In summary, her writing on the whole is easy to read, a bit 'Harry Potterish' in terms of how complex it is to follow. Unfortunately I will not be rushing out to pick up any of the sequals, but if one happens to end up on my bookshelf and I have nothing better to read I will persist with the series.
Les.
A Cat in the Snow.......2005-11-06
A friend wrote about this book some time ago and I ordered it on speculation. Unfortunately it is the fate of the compulsive book buyer to occasionally lose a book in the bookshelf wilderness and it has rested in a forgotten nook for nearly 5 years. Discovered in a rare fit of housecleaning is was its time to be read.
Isobelle Carmody is best known as a children's writer in her native continent of Australia. While I wouldn't precisely call Obernewtyn a young person's book, it has a transparency of style and subject that makes it accessible to many ages. The book has it's own rhythm's and there are few missed opportunities to bring each thread to conclusion.
This is the tale of Elspeth Gordie, a Misfit, condemned to be outcast, servant, or worse, burned to death, for talents to which she was born, and which she hardly understands herself. Elspeth's world is post-apocalyptic. Technology is feared and has, for the most part, disappeared. But remnants of poison and pollution have hastened mutation, and in a bucolic world filled with the fear of the council and the fanaticism of the herders those who are born with 'gifts' are spurned.
Elspeth, already orphaned, comes under the eyes of the seekers who search for Misfits and she is sent to Obernewtyn, where she will be locked away as a day laborer, watch her friends be twisted to strange uses, and eventually find herself at great danger as Council, Herders, and the Masters of Obernwtyn all see to use her for their own dark purposes.
Given that I'm not particularly drawn to post-apocalyptic stories of young women with paranormal powers. It is exceptional that I should fund this a compelling story. But Elspeth is a strong character who rings true, the suspense builds steadily as the layers of Obernewtyns onion are peeled away one after another and Isobelle Carmody demonstrates a facility with supporting characters that is pleasing to say the least.
This is the first of a trilogy (there may be a fourth as well) and will repay pursuit with a great deal of entertainment. Recommended.
Great read.....(I read the Starscape young adult version).......2005-02-16
Obernewtyn is the first in a series of books written by award-winning Australian writer Isobelle Carmody. It is a postapocalyptic story set on an earth in which many children are born with enhanced mental abilities.
Those with these abilities are termed Misfits and are sought for either extermination or service in Obernewtyn. The story follows Elspeth Gordie, a young girl with the gift to read minds and communicate with animals. Discovery of her powers by members of the Council lead to banishment to Obernewtyn where Elspeth must learn to control her powers in order to save her friends, and herself, from the evil being wrought there.
Ms. Carmody's books have just recently made their way across the shores and are among a number of books that are following a recent trend: being printed unabridged in both children's and adult versions. My initial impression was that the book was slow but by the time I finished the first chapter I was really into the story and finished the book in a day. The story moves along at a pace that keeps you interested in what is about to happen without being overwhelming. Ms. Carmody allows the reader to get to know her characters in such a way that you are interested in their respective fates. This is an appropriate story for children aged 10 and above but is by no means a "kid's" story. I believe that the success of the Harry Potter novels has encouraged publishers to market books like the Obernewtyn Chronicles to children as well as adults. I would give the book 4 and 1/2 out of 5 stars...
Outstanding Fantasty/Mystery/Science Fiction Blend.......2004-12-16
A dream book for fans who love multiple genres, particularly those in the fantastic/speculative section of the spectrum. "Obernewtyn" is a detailed, fully constructed 'imaginary' world with its own culture, biophysical characteristics, and social idiosyncracies like a great Fantasy novel but clearly descended from 'our' own world by means of an immense global catacylsm and the subsequent decay and rebuilding of civilization, comfortably co-existing as a Science Fiction standout. Long after the 'Great White' that destroyed the previous planetary civilization, some people are being born with special powers that usually manifest years into life. Called Misfits, they were once all killed off, but in the timeframe of the novel, "all but the most horribly afflicted" are being rounded up and used as glorified slave labor, resulting in Misfits generally trying to keep their natures hidden. It is to an 'orphanage' for such individuals - the titular Obernewtyn - that the novel's main heroine Elspeth is sent, and the dark, mysterious and foreboding nature of the place conjures up images of another genre - a subtle, older-styled horror movie or novel. Add to this plentiful drama, and Elspeth and her allies - including a highly intelligent cat named Maruman who Elspeth can communicate with telepathically - and you have a first-rate novel, descriptively written with flair and equally driven by characters and concept. Superb first volume of a saga, with welcome suspense and originality.
a woderful book.......2004-09-29
Obernewtyn is the start of a fantstic series by Isobelle Carmody. The theme and setting of the book is original and thought provoking. The characters have depth about them and are not usually what they seem. Elspeth (the main character) does not reveal much about herself in this book, but she does when she is older in the following books.
If you like Obernewtyn you will love the next three books in the series. This is because the other books are better written as Isobelle Carmody stared writing this book when she was 14. However, it is a great start to a fantastic series. Please read it as it will change your life!
Book Description
Reminiscent of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover novels, Obernewtyn introduced Isobelle Carmody as a writer to watch and began a series of novels to entice and enthrall readers of all ages. The Farseekers continued the saga of Obernewtyn and its band of Misfits, children outcast from society because of their psychic abilities-and the story of their heroic leaders, Elspeth Gordie, who alone carried the fate of the world on her shoulders.Elspeth's adventures continue as she tries to seal an alliance between the secret Misfit community at Obernewtyn and the rebel forces rumored to be hiding in the capital, right under the noses of the dreaded totalitarian Council.Elspeth travels from the mountains reluctantly, for at any moment the long-awaited summons may come to find and destroy the dormant weaponmachines left by the Beforetimers. Her journey takes her far beyond the borders of the Land, across the sea and into the heart of the mysterious desert region of Sador. Here she discovers that she cannot destroy the weaponmachines alone-she needs the help of the Sadorians. But before her dark quest can begin, Elspeth must learn the truth of her dreams: she must understand why the Beforetimers destroyed their world . . . .
Download Description
A YA heroine with strong mental powers continues her quest to save the world from an ancient threat.
Customer Reviews:
Okay but could have been much better........2007-02-21
Considering that I'm 12 years old this may sound funny but this book came across a little immature. I mean the main character Elspeth was so emotionally immature that it made me feel old. Also the story just dragged on and on going no where. The writing style itself is not bad at all, it is the plot and story lines that really lack depth and the moral angles are so cliched and politically correct...it's all too much. I enjoy some of the themes like the psychic stuff but these skills seem to be only glanced over really and they the characters are just so weak when using them. What's the point?
This series just gets better and better.......2006-11-17
I read the first three books in this series over the last week. The first started off a bit rocky, but got much better as the pages turned. The second was even better than the first. The third, Ashling, was amazing!. It is so rare for a series of books to get BETTER as more are added. 100% recommend!
Ashling.......2006-08-08
This book was great! Once I picked the series up, I could barely put it down. The characters are uniquely wonderful and the setting is interesting. The book itself is very thought-evoking in the manner in which it presents our society as a whole, even though the book is set in a plausible future in which much of the earth and its technology were destroyed by a terrible disaster.
bound to be your favorite.......2005-01-04
"Ashling" is the book where all the real adventure starts in the "Obernewtyn Chronicles". Elspeth has been hardened by the loss of so many around her, and the awkward formality between her and Rushton is ever there. The Land around Elspeth is a cold and dangerous place, especially for misfits, and she finds even the rebels may not be on their side. Don't be threatened by the size of this book; it's addictive. You'll be ready for book four before you know it.
The best series.......2004-09-28
Ashling is the best book in the Obernewtyn series. It explores the gypsy group, the 'Twenty families' and Sadoria, the desert land rarely spoke of during the first two books. Elspeth also starts dreaming about Ariel and is told of her quest to destroy the weapon machines before the destroyer (Ariel) does. Elspeth also meets with the rebels and undertakes a competition to see if they are fit to become allys with them. It is a great book, well written and Elspeth's and Rushton's relationship is explored. Obernewtyn is a fantastic series and I am hoping that a fifth book will be released soon.
Customer Reviews:
LOVE HER BOOKS.......2006-09-15
I am a truly a sucker giggle. I paid the 30 some dollars for this book and didn't regret it. I would probably have paid more lol. I loaned the series to my friend who read it and passed it around to her doctor and family. They are all hooked and now in the same position as I am...awaiting book 5. There is one catch with books like these you don't really ever want them to end and yet you can't wait to discover what comes next.
And why does it seem so many terrrific fantasy authors are in Australia and we can't get their books here????? I have resorted to using Ebay and Amazon UK......Spendy..but sheesh what can you do? Enjoy the journey you won't regret the read.
No good if you seek closure.......2006-07-12
This book rounds out the story no doubt, but is overall dissapointing. Carmody gets far too bogged down in the details of guild meetings to focus on a story with clear action. (I don't mean fight scenes either, I mean any story progression that would at least be interesting). After coming so far with the first three we are left hanging with a book overlong and unjustified in it's length. Moreover, it is a story I would desperately like to finish. It is clearly not ended and the promise of a fifth book has not been fulfilled, I read the keeping place in 2000. It is 2006 and I am still waiting. It is hardly respectful to dedicated fans to leave them waiting for the final installment in a young adult fiction series long after they've finished high school.
Overall, worth reading for story progression, but too many characters and too many detailed meeting scenes leaves us wanting. Picture a series of drawn out SRC meetings combined with telekinesis and dreamtrails and you've got the keeping place.
A Review for the Keeping Place .......2006-02-14
This book is harder to get into than the previous three in the series. There isn't as much action so it can be hard to stay focased when reading it but there are a few events that take place which leave you tingling like you get after another clue has been revealed in a big mystery. Overall I think it was worth all the money it cost to buy it from Australia but I wouldn't say it was as good as the previous three. It could drag on sometimes and, like I said, it sometimes it was hard to stay with it and focas on what you were reading.
i love this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-06-12
Things move way more slowly in this book than they do in the previous three, and there are some parts where you get frustorated with the little amount of action in the beggening. BUT JUST KEEP READING IT, this book gets way more intereasting as carmody winds you through Elspeth's intrieging tale. The keeping place is defenitly my favorite book in the series.
Another great book from Isobelle Carmody.......2004-09-29
In this book the characters have really developed into adults. There are many relationships formed bewteen characters which were not there in the first two books. It explores the dreamtrails and you learn more about the past. The rebellion also occours, with mixed results but Elspeth is more focosed on her quest. In this book there are many interesting suprises, such as finding out that Ariel is the destroyer, finding a statue carved by someone from the past looks exactly like Elspeth and Rushton's kidnapping. I am waiting in suspense for the fifth book (The Sending)to be released, which should be very soon.
Average customer rating:
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OBERNEWTYN
Isobelle Carmody
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000SUEYJ0 |
Average customer rating:
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OBERNEWTYN (POINT SF S.)
ISOBELLE CARMODY
Manufacturer: SCHOLASTIC POINT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0590554948 |
Customer Reviews:
One of the finest fantasy novels ever written.......2001-12-30
This is one of a few of Van's novels that on the first reading I thought was absolute garbage, but on second reading I thought it was absolutely brilliant. This is not a book to be read and rationalized, but a book to be enjoyed as one would a fantastic dream. The writings of Lord Dunsany and the Dreamworld saga of Lovecraft are similar to this book's style. The plot is, yes, bizarre and often illogical, but that is a great strength rather than a fault. Surrealism permeats this novel, and when you have finished reading it you will remember it like you would a fabulous hazy dream.
Van Vogt must have had a deadline to meet...........2001-10-01
With its very sloppy plot execution and stumbling, verbose, soap opera like dialog, this has too be one of the most poorly written science fantasy novels that I've ever read. So, you are probably asking why I gave the book two stars? Well, notice that I said "poorly written", but not "poorly conceived". And herein the tragedy lyes, for this really could have been a bonified sci-fi classic worthy of the title had old A.E. taken the time to iron out some of the kinks and do his awesome working concept justice.
Because the average reader (anybody not related to van Vogt by blood or marriage) will have no idea what is really going on in the book until the last twenty pages, here's the scoop...at a point somewhere in the very far future, a person creates a device that will later be called the "God Chair". This cube shaped machine gives the recipients of its energies some rather divine powers: the ability to possess the minds of others; the ability to send one's consciousness into the past (and take over the minds of people there as well); the ability to eventually become a totally non-corporeal energy force ("god"); the ability to make any totally possessed host creature nearly impervious to physical harm; and, last but not least, the ability to make others "poles of God power" (who are kept powerful by other devices called "prayer sticks" that are metallic rods fed by the psychic energies of people in this far future totalitarian society who are under the impression that those with "god power" are literally deities). Now, here's where the conflict arises...the creator of the God Chair (a more or less benevolent chap named Ptath)takes two concubines (Ineznia and L'onee) and makes them poles of god power. Ineznia is a power hungry vixen, and she somehow (we never learn EXACTLY how) banishes Ptath from their own time and he goes into the remote past to "merge with the race" (he ends up absorbing the personality of a dying American tank commander during WW2 named Peter Holroyd). Ineznia is under the impression that there are seven conditions (called "spells") that will make Ptath impotent in the event that he returns to the world of two hundred million A.D. (and most of the crummy plot revolves around Ineznia trying to kill off the reborn Ptath--who has returned in the body of her lover Prince Ineznio, but he's brought along the soul of born freedom fighter Peter Holroyd--while L'onee's physical body lingers in Ineznia's dungeon and her projected soul possesses persons who aid Holroyd-Ptath). All the while, Ineznia is cooking up plots and intrigues to overthrow the nation of Nushirvan (where the God Chair is located) and to prevent Ptath from once again sitting in the chair (an action that will make him undefeatable...supposedly).
The novel works as a piece of socio-political commentary...the take on the nature of hero and dictator worship is rather poignant (celebrities and big wigs are only as powerful as their "subjects" allow them to be, all religion is based on fear and loathing, etc.), and the visions of armies millions strong fighting for their respective super-powers (Gonwonlane, Nushirvan, and Accadistran)--all the while employing flesh-eating bird-like monsters called Screers to mutilate the civilian proletariate by the hundreds of thousands--is sort of awe inspiring.
Besides the awkward pacing, dialog, stumbling "make it up as you go" plotting, and numerous spelling errors, there are other laughable things about this story I should mention! 1) The Earth of 200,000,000 AD will be able to support 85 BILLION persons (any ecologist can tell you that that's impossible); 2) By the time this novel takes place, the plant life has evolved into unrecognizable forms...the animal life has evolved into unrecognizable forms...the very landmasses (continents) themselves have changed form...BUT, van Vogt expects us to believe that human beings have REMAINED TOTALLY UNCHANGED (a very unlikely prospect); and 3) everybody on the planet (judging from A.E.'s descriptions) is apparently caucasian!!! (NOTE: if you plan to read this, here's a geography lesson to help you avoid confusion...Gonwonlane is a supercontinent comprised of the remnants of Africa, Australia, South America, and Antarctica; Accadistran (the home of the fascist "Zard" whom Ineznia possesses to sick screers on her own rebellious, Ptath loving subjects in Gonwonlane) consists of the joined continents of North America, Europe, and Asia; and Nushirvan is a mountainous, volcanic isthmus that will rise from the waves in the far future and connect Accadistran with Gonwonlane.
Yes, this was very heavy stuff for 1943 and the concept itself is still rather impressive, but van Vogt obviously knocked this one off in a hurry and really mucked things up. What you have here is a rough draft for a sci-fi classic that unfortunately falls short of the mark.
Though it hurts..........2000-05-26
I mut say, as much as i admire van-vogt's writing's, that this one is'nt very good. Fast paced, but not deep. Interesting, but not memorable charecters. The plot is somewhat confused, as if babbled without preceeding thougt. It felt as though I've realy read parts of a book instead of a whole one.
An Unusual Novel.......1999-11-08
After seeing this title with only one review rated at one star I feel I have no choice but to add my own opinion of this unusually-laid out book. The version I read (published by Garland) had a number of illustrations, and the layout was sort of half-religious text half-fantasy novel. Set 2 million years in Earth's future, the God Ptath was reborn (as an almost invincible man with total amnesia) before he was destined to arrive of his own accord. He first finds himself near a stream, only knowing that he must get to a nearby city. After running into some people on a nearby road, and then being tricked into imprisonment by the evil Temple Goddess once at the city, he regains his memories from a former incarnation (an American WWII tank commander)and from there it is an all-out struggle - for the hapless man who now finds himself in a god's body 2 million years in the future - for his very survival against the evil Goddess's plans for continuing world domination. Quite an interesting story I thought which anyone who doesn't mind reading something a little different won't regret reading.
Deservedly Out-Of-Print.......1999-08-30
Pedestrian story of an American WWII tank commander who is killed and reborn thousands of years later on a dramatically changed Earth, where he is revealed to be the reincarnation of some strange god. His rebirth poses a threat to the existing powers-that-be and they do their best to eliminate him. Virtually no characterizations worth recalling, and little plot. This was not one of Van Vogt's better books, and if I had read this before "Empire Of The Atom" I would not have bothered with any other Van Vogt books. Read "Empire" for a fun, silly, INTERESTING old-style science fiction fantasy where spaceships, empires, bows and arrows, mutants, etc. abound.
Average customer rating:
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Book of Ptath
A E Van Vogt
Manufacturer: Panther
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
| Authors, A-Z
| Books on CD
| Books on Cassette
| Fantasy
| Gaming
| Large Print
| Media
| Science Fiction
| Writing
ASIN: 058602753X |
Book Description
Grilling is the most basic method of cooking there is. It dates back to the time of cavemen -- food plus fire equals good. But when it comes to healthy food from the grill, evolution has been slow, producing lots of nutritionally sound but incredibly bland recipes.
Until now. Bobby Flay's Grilling for Life is, first and foremost, about getting the biggest, boldest flavor possible from food and fire while making healthy choices all the way. Imagine a lifetime of Espresso Rubbed BBQ Ribs with Mustard-Vinegar Basting Sauce; Bricked Rosemary Chicken with Lemon; Chinese Chicken Salad with Red Chile-Peanut Dressing; Grilled Beef Filet with Arugula and Parmesan; Grilled Salmon with Lemon, Dill, and Caper Vinaigrette; and Garlic-Red Chile-Thyme-Marinated Shrimp.
For food that is good for you and full of his signature big style and big flavor, Bobby Flay will teach you how to use herbs, spices, heart-healthy oils, citrus zests and juices, honey, and vinegars in place of sugary commercial sauces and marinades. He'll show you how to enhance flavor by toasting nuts, seeds, and spices on the grill; roasting garlic in a covered grill to add to vinaigrettes and marinades; and grilling slices of lemon, lime, and grapefruit to serve on the side.
Bobby believes that we all need a full and balanced diet to be happy and healthy, so the book has everything you need to keep grilling for life: veggies chock-full of fiber; delicious complex carbohydrates (the right carbs) that not only fight heart disease but break down slowly, leaving you feeling fuller longer; fish rich in omega-3 oils; and, of course, the full range of proteins.
To sharpen your skills by the fire, Bobby Flay's Grilling for Life includes the sections "Equipment" (a very short list); "Fahrenheit 101," a temperature chart that helps you navigate rare, medium, and well-done; "Meals in Minutes," offering suggestions for the time-challenged; and "Party Foods," great party menus for everything from a cocktail party to an Italian feast.
Customer Reviews:
Every recipe has been a winner so far!.......2007-08-10
I bought this book on a whim for my father for father's day. I couldn't have made a better choice. Every recipe he's tried has been fantastic so far and it's really sparked his passion for cooking.
Flay gives easy step-by-step instructions and great advice on purchasing grill accessories, etc. I cook all the time and was able to glean some interesting information from the text as well.
I couldn't recommend this book enough. It's the best grilling book we've found (and we've tried a bunch).
For a novice this is the best place to start.......2007-04-11
The recipes were easy to follow, his descriptions and advice were awesome and the food was absolutely delicious. Highly recommended.
A Great Guide to Grilling.......2007-01-24
This is an exceptional grilling book. The information about how to grill is as important as the recipes. Mr. Flay deserves his excellent reputation.
1 for 1 - so far it's been great.......2006-07-10
I'm by far an inexperienced amateur chef...I tried one recipe so far: Salmon filets w/ pepper relish & anchovie vinaigrette. It took me two hours to prepare a 1/2 hour meal but the end result was great. I'm looking forward to my next conquest. Give this book a shot. Happy Grilling!
Good but misleading!.......2006-02-23
I liked the book but was surprised by the amount of fat in some of the recipes. Although I believe grilling is healthier than pan cooking or frying, I was surprised by the amount of recipes that had nothing to do with grilling. From salads to desserts. I was hoping for more on grilled desserts that are light and fresh off the grill. Liked the book, but was disappointing in many of the recipes and the fat count on alot of the recipes are high!
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