Games Books

It startd out as just another run-away investigation. A pretty Paiute girl, sick of her life on the reservation, heads to Hollywood hoping to make it rich in the sex trade. Private detective Jack Lifey won't make her go home to the abuse she faced there, but he does want to talk to her, make sure she's following her own plans.

The invetigation is only one of Jack's problems. His daughter is shot in a drive-by shooting, his girlfriend police detective Gloria Ramirez is havin problems with their relationship and Jack can't seem to get away with his impossible wish to save everyone, even if they don't want to be saved.

Author John Shannon writes a moving tale that goes far beyond a simple mystery. Jack Lifey is a perfect everyman, but also a man who maintains his hope no matter what. The Los Angeles setting comes to life, whether Jack is patrolling the lowest sewers of the porn business or visiting the homes of the elite in Malibu or nearby Rancho Mirage. Fans of Jack Lifey will want to grab DANGEROUS GAME fast. If you're new to John Shannon, you're in for a treat

Whether you're someone who has followed Jack Liffey from his first appearance in print, or a lucky reader who just found this mystery series, you are sure to become a lasting fan. John Shannon brings this character to life with creative writing excellence. Readers are not only caught up in the life and loves of Jack Liffey and his daughter, Maeve, but are colorfully transported in each John Shannon novel through the historic streets of the greater Los Angeles area. This latest John Shannon thriller, "Dangerous Games," keeps the reader emotionally involved from the first chapter through to the exciting end of the read. Don't miss this book. It is John Shannon's best, so far.

First and foremost, Shannon's "Dangerous Games" is a good story well told. The relationships among the ongoing cast of characters continue to unfold around a plot that accelerates to a satisfying conclusion.

Equally importantly, Shannon captures the complexity and contradictions of Los Angeles in a way few writers have. He sees what an ugly and shallow place it can be, and yet still clearly loves it. He recognizes what a magnet it is to the rootless, yet is grounded in its history. He understands what a sprawling megalopolis this place is, yet knows that most of us live in neighborhoods, each with its own character. And, he understands the effects the climate and topography have on our lives. The final scenes, for example, are set in the middle of a Santa Ana condition, so that the edgy danger of the winds and even the color and light in the sky almost become characters themselves.

A good story with a strong sense of place. If you're in L.A. read it before October, when the Santa Anas kick in.

John Shannon's books just keep getting better and better. He's a writer who is not afraid to walk around on the wild side of the brain.

Some books are like candy: you read them, find them delicious, and then hope they didn't leave you too fat or too lame.

Other books are like haggis: they're interesting and intriguing. You like to read about them and you would have liked to have experienced them yourself so you could tell people about them, but when you actually get one in front of you, you don't really want to taste it. Get this thing away from me!

Shannon's books are like a good pastrami sandwich on rye: complex, fun to read, delicious. They fill your brain with wonderful flavors, and--when you are done--you can argue endlessly with your friends about whether this one was as good as the last one and about whether there is a better one out there somewhere or not.

This is a great book. All the books in this series are excellent. They'll keep you pasted to your couch for sure. And they will engage your brain, not just vaguely pass through it as so many mysteries do. All I can say is order one, let the mailman bring it to your table, and sit back and enjoy. I don't recommend you put mustard on it...but to each her own.

This has to be the best book I have read in years. the dialogue is so real you would think you were standing on the corner of Soto and Brooklyn talking to the people that hang out there. I started this and could not put it down until I finished. Shannon is getting better and better.

This books is great! Great ideas and beautiful art. Thank you Dyan for sharing your craft with us!

This book has wonderful photos and lots of GREAT ideas for beginners and advanced gourd decorating enthusiasts! It will surely inspire the artist in all of us!

This is the first book I purchased on the way to becoming a gourd crafter--I chose it not only because of the unusual and beautiful designs, but for Dyan Peterson's easy and encouraging approach/tone which other reviewers have pointed out. For me,the most valuable suggestion from this book has been to "branch out" and try unusual designs. Dyan Peterson's style (earthtones, natural designs and embellishments) is what originally attracted me. I'm not one for santas and cute pumpkins--these projects are somewhat more art than craft-oriented. I highly recommend this to seasoned gourd crafters who want to try something new, or to artists like myself who are interested in painting, sculpture and pottery and are looking for a new medium (an addicting one at that!) to experiment with. As Dyan Peterson would say, Happy Gourd Days!

As a novice in crafting with gourds this book gave me all the information from choosing a gourd to cutting, staining or painting, and creating texture to a gourd. Worth the money for anyone starting out on gourd crafting. Excellent resorce.

Awesome book! All around very detailed directions & photos for many beautiful projects. Plenty of inspiration to go around too, take a technique & expand. Wonderful book!

Like most rulebooks, this book reads like stereo instructions. It is, however, everything a DM or player of basic D&D.

I can't say too much from my own experience. I bought this as a gift. But the recipient was thrilled and says he 'had a weekend long "geekfest" because of this book'! :) (Those were his exact words, I swear!)

This is a very good resource book for not only D&D, AD&D, but also newer versions of the game. I use it for ideas in running a Castles and Crusades game. It is one of the best gaming books ever printed by TSR, possibly the best period. Find it and buy it!

The Rules Cyclopedia is the type of rulebook that 3rd Edition D&D lacks. Rather than requiring a library worth of books, everything you need to play the game is contained in this one, straightforward and well organized volume. Character, Monster, Treasure and Adventuring rules are all contained within these pages. This book, plus pencil, paper and dice are all a player and DM need for an evening of fantasy adventure. If Wizards of the Coast produced a book like this for 3rd edition, I would buy it in an instant.

The D&D Rules Cyclopedia is undoubtedly a classic. Every rule from the Basic to Masters boxed sets is covered in a very easy-to-read format. Multiple coloured maps of major Known World countries are in this book, along with brief descriptions. Additionally, an entire coloured map of both the Known World and Hollow World. A multitude of monsters are presented, including ones inhabiting the outer planes of existence. Every piece of information you could want about beginning any character and advancing to the hghest possible level also here. Tips for the DM on starting and running a campaign. Every other rule concerning combat encounters (very easy-to-understand) evasion, movement (both on foot and on any conceivable other mode of transportation, from ship to wagon, to horse etc.) Many treasure and magical item tables are very useful. Information on how players advance by acquiring treasure etc. One of the most useful things is a "Balancing Encounters" table which, although optional for the DM, allows him/her to always create fair encounters that will challenge players. Whether you're experienced or a newcomer, this book is truly a must-have, a reference work for D&D players of all levels and DM's.

Long, long ago a company known as FASA was busy going way against the flow, releasing all kinds of highly original roleplaying material that went against the standard Dungeons and Dragons norm. In 2001 FASA quit producing games, and instead licensed their products out to other companies. Earthdawn was FASA's crowning fantasy achievement, an incredibly detailed completely original world with it's own special flavor and feel. The basic concept behind Earthdawn is that most of the peoples of the world have taken to hiding for over four hundred years. Creatures known as Horrors have come from deep out of astral space and are systematically destroying everything and everyone. As the magically adept of the world had prior knowledge that this Scourge was approaching, they built vast underground cities, in hopes that they could wait until the horrors either died or returned to their home realms. People are now returning to the surface to find a wild and untamed land. Adventurers-a-plenty will be needed to search for survivors, plunder destroyed cities, and fend off the few remaining Horrors.

The races in Earthdawn have much more of their histories, backgrounds, and tendencies described than can be found in most other roleplaying games. There is the standard elves, dwarves, and humans, but also races not normally used by players like orks, trolls, obsidman (a human like race made of stone), windlings (tiny people with wings), and the T'skrang (a reptilian species with a flair for the dramatic). There is a good mix of classes, which are known as Disciplines in Earthdawn. The class mix falls somewhere between the simplicity of D&D, which essentially has four class types with a few variations, and the absurdity of the Warhammer roleplaying game, which has hundreds of classes. The Sky Raider, a sort of aerial pirate with a deep code of honor and a variety of cool abilities, is probably the most interesting warrior variant in any roleplaying game.

Character creation is focused firmly on roleplaying, with a whole section devoted to fleshing out a character's personality traits, phyiscal attributes, and moral/ethical beliefs. Essentially all characters in the game are magic users to some extent (called Adepts), as most skills require the use of minor magic. The actual spell casting classes are divided into four types - wizard, illusionist, ethermancer, and elementalist, all of which cast their spells slightly differently. The magic system itself is rather complex, and is intimately tied to everyday life in Earthdawn, which keeps it constantly just at the back of everyone's minds. The only downside to playing Earthdawn is the rule system, which is much more complex than Dungeons and Dragons, and will take some getting used to if your group has been playing D20 games. Once you get the hang of them, though, the style of play is quite fun. A host of supplemental resource books were created for Earthdawn, which are all out of print now. If you can get your hands on them, you'll find a very rich and detailed setting where the characters will have a chance to play an important role in either uniting or causing strife between the various countries and governments emerging from underground. If political intrigue isn't your cup of tea, remember that there is all kinds of dungeon diving mayhem to be had in Earthdawn as well.

If your roleplaying group is up for a change, definitely give Earthdawn a try, as it is one of the best fantasy role-playing games out there.

I had not been roleplaying rpg's in awhile until a friend of a friend told me about Earthdawn, and how great it was. Great it is! The mechanics of gameplay are all based essentially on a single step table that makes the game easy and complex. Overall a worthy addition to any fantasy roleplaying enthusiast. Only problem is Earthdawn is out of print! so get it while it lasts - (or get the main rulebook and create your own!)

For all you Earthdawn fans out there who don't already know this great game has been picked up by Living Room Games and they'll be releasing a 2nd edition starting this Spring. You can reach Living Room Games website at http://www.lrgames.com be sure to keep an eye out for them. Let's all rejoice in the return of the greatest RPG ever and continue to give Earthdawn our full support.

Buy it, play it, feel it! FASA takes you to a new dimension in fantasy role-playing. Get it while it's still available!!! The thing that makes Earthdawn so special is that it captures all the elements that is needed from a cutting-edge role-playing game. Mystique, adventure, unexplored frontiers, lurking evil powers, conspiracies etc. FASA has made the land of Barsaive come to life unlike anything I've ever experienced before (and belive me, I've been around!). From the bottom of my heart I urge you to buy this product and join me, and many more around the globe, in the gaming experience of a lifetime!

Earthdawn was FASA's brilliant attempt for an original roleplaying game in a fantastic sword and sorcery (and more sorcery) fantasy settings.

The game's premise is that the different civilizations are returning to surface life after 400 years of living in underground citadels. Their ancestors had fled to these citadels to escape an invasion of monstrous beings that had been brought by the rising tide of magical energies in the world.

The setting is rich, with tremendous roleplaying potential. Player characters may interact in the re-emerging governments and politics. They may serve as diplomats or warriors in nation disputes over land that has been unclaimed for centuries.

The setting also provides the best justification for ancient ruins and dungeon-searching adventures of any system I have encountered. An unknown number of citadels were overcome by the invading creatures during the 400 year period and even more were lost when their inhabitants attempted to return to the surface too soon. Players may be contracted to clear out the caves, or search for an artifact. The book offers a listing of several common foes, including soldiers of the different races but also several variants of the evil supernatural beings that have been left behind in their species' recent exodus.

The character races feature standard fantasy faire: orks, humans, elves, dwarves, trolls, and also some added variety with a lizard/human race, a species of rock men, and faeries.
The professions are even better, with over 10 to choose from. Each profession uses magic in accordance with its associated skills, from warrior abilities for toughening skin to thieving skills to make the person nearly undetectable.

The only drawback to the system is the complexity. There is a steps/ranks table for handling all skill uses (including spells and combat), and I have no complaints for it. But character advancement becomes complicated because of the character customization. However, I personally view the trade-off as more than worthwhile.

Over the years, I have bought a pile of "How to" books on After Effects,Première Pro, Photoshop and Illustrator and I did not feel any urge to write anything about these books before buying Ms Hartman's Illustrator guide.

I liked the writing : unpretentious, simple with a warm tone that clicks with the reader.

The first lesson in itself, is worth more than half the price of the book.

This book honestly is like a guide line. Especially if you need to look up something you can't remember, you can probably find what you need in the book.

This book really showed me, step by (illustrated) step, the way to make the most out of using Illustrator. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the hands-on approach to learning. In the very first lesson, the author helped me create a logo that was really great looking, which gave me a boost of confidence to go on and do more. This book is just great for a beginner, to learn all the essentials of Illustrator.

This book is a guide to learning Adobe Illustrator CS and digital illustration. The approach is divided between reading sections and step-by-step exercises. Each chapter is divided into several short lessons with accompanying images describing the steps. The key combination and minor interface differences for Mac and windows are explained when necessary.

Overall, this was a good book that provided a smooth experience to learning Illustrator and design in general. The basics of Illustrator are easy to understand through the reading and exercises provided. Although the lessons are short, there is plenty of opportunity to practice on your own. You are initially walked through an exercise, but then usually given a chance to finish part of it on your own. The "Exploring On Your Own" sections provides extra practice and places to look for more information on the various topics discussed. The rest of the book in dedicated to providing useful information on design concepts such as color chords and art principles (line, fill, value etc). The color chords such as analogous, dyad or monochromatic will definitely help on my color choices on my next project. The CD provides all the needed lesson files and any additional samples for practice.

As for problems, most were really minor with this book. There were only a few minor errors spotted such as steps with missing detail or incorrect menu paths. Also, I did think the review questions at the end of each chapter would have been more helpful if the answers were provided. Actually, the biggest issue I had with this book was the novel sized format it was published in. The book is small and the pages are difficult to keep open. Even my document holder was barely able to keep the pages open. For most of the book I had to use one hand to keep it open while working the mouse with the other. I am probably just being a little finicky since most of these minor problems had little effect on actual content.

In the end, this is still a fine book to quickly get up to speed with Adobe Illustrator. The coverage on related design principles was just a bonus. Since this is a short book, do not expect deep coverage on Illustrator techniques. If you need more advanced concepts and/or less on design, then another book will probably work out better. However, the material that is covered is done so well and it should provide a good start for any beginner.

I am a computer programmer/web designer familiar with adobe photoshop, but I wanted to learn more about designing with illustrator. I knew how to get around the program, but was not confident in using it. This book was wonderful - it's great for beginners, and I love how it encourages you to use keystrokes to get things done, instead of the mouse (much faster).

Extraordinary Putting is a masterpiece of instruction and life lessons combined. Every time I'm on the green I think of the lessons learned. I've dropped strokes in this critical area of the golf game. At the same time, I've been inspired by Fred Shoemaker's wisdom and ideas on how golf mirrors life in so many ways. Excellent read!

Explore your mind and become truly aware of yourself with these golf tips to help you open up your game. There are also great exercises to help you relax.

This is likely the best book I have read about the sport of Golf so far.
A great book, that is well worth the money (and time reading it more than once). The excercises in the book are great and easy to follow with amazing effects.

Although I see several different philosophies woven into the authors work, what you call it doesn't matter. Reading this book is an essential for any golfer. You will learn things about yourself you didn't know, why you play golf....and, it will be an aid to improving your game. I have not practiced all the exercises, but just by reading the book, my swing and thought process has changed. My swing is more free, my thoughts are more free, and I am free from worrying about the result. I can't wait to read "Extraordinary Golf" next.

Awareness. It is something I never really experienced before playing golf. Being in the now and enjoying the sensations of the game will definitely be my goals for the upcoming season. Reading this book is like having a hypnotic session. You can start to see inside and outside of yourself and become amazed at how you work. I only wish that I was taught these things 20 years ago when I first started playing.

its good but i didnt beat the game, so i thus didnt use the whole stragey guide so i dont know since i didnt dive into it that much

It was nice to have some over view maps of the caves and castles. It help prevent the access use of potions and death of party members at early levels.

This is the most helpful book ever. It has maps, stats for characters and bosses and the eastiest way to beat them. The book tells you what is in each chest if they're guarded and by what. And it has what monster you'll find in certain areas and there stats. It show all the wepons armor and items and their ablities. This book is great. I used it after i beat both and i was amazed at some of the things i missed or did wrong. Personnally though i'd rather spend more time on the game and find the stuff without help it just more fun that way. But when it comesd to strategy guides this is a the top!

Wow, this book's got everything! Bestiary, secret items, boss strategies, everything. If you seriously are having trouble, get this guide. You won't be sorry, you'll be like " Wow this thing DOES have EVERYTHING!"

I was VERY impressed with this guide when I bought it the other day and I have to say that it's helped me cover alot of material. I had already beaten FF1, but FF2 was probably the hardest for me to complete alone and I'm sure that this is the same for everone else who's played it as it is said to be the HARDEST one in the FF franchise! Without it, I probably wouldn't have gotten as far as I thought. The guide covers both games and includes info on magic, dungeons, Boss strategies etc. and just about anything else you'd expect to know from a Final Fantasy game. And well, thanks to an excellent walkthrough through FF2, I finally beat both games with just about everything covered. (except for 'Normal' mode in FF1)

OVERALL: I give it a 10/10! Excellent coverage for both games and a nice way to get through the hardest dungeons in case you get lost. I HIGHLY recommend this book if you are having trouble getting through either game because it will REALLY REALLY help! Never have I seen strategy this good in a long time! BRADYGAMES is the BEST co. to offer these, so I say BUY TODAY!!! You won't regret it! ^_^

Well, this is a great book, a peace of work, i don't know a player over 2700's, who can write better than shirov style, other GM, give many dizzy and infinite lines, and this is borned.

The people who believe meet Shirov, knows that he is a great tactical player, secrifices materia for dinamic game, always to pursuit a dramatic ending, and are games accourding this style, but Also is a graet ending player.

In this book, Shirov share, personal tips, that helps to improved chess result in tournaments, also gave its own opening lab, in this case he approach Botvinik opening.

The games were selected from 1979 to 1996, its showed the flesh style of Shirov, with a great tactical instint and his sacrifices, blaze the board, he always pursuit the path to performed a artistic manuoevre.

Shirov's approach are nice, he explained with detailed, easy to understand.

For any person who is coaching a child(parents, coach)this book help for the goal and is a nice gift, better if your child loves tactic.

For beginer player, this book contains top player games, but Shirov's approach is very easy, so don be afraid that you could not taste this book.

For Intermediate player, Shirov, gave nice tips about self preparation, and lab opening, you could find interesting. Too bad that this book has not pic's.

I hope my review could help you

Please read the other reviews carefully. Like the man said, this book is NOT for beginners. Its NOT an instructional book. (Maybe an advanced manual for GM Tactics?) It is a book for the very discriminating connoisseur of the Royal Game. And you should be a fairly good chess-player with an above average grasp of chess tactics to "really get" whats in this book!

I found a few errors in this book. I also found one instance of the same line being analyzed twice with a different conclusion in each case! (Transposition.)

But for the most part this is an incredible chess book, crafted with great loving care by the authors. While it is probably over the head of the average chess player, the earnest student of the game will find much pure Gold here to mine!! Another warning: if you are the lazy type of chess player, you probably won't get much out of this book. Buy it ONLY if you are looking for a real challenge!!!(Understand: I am a Master, and many times the variations left me just scratching my head!!) This is the one chess book that, "Is looking for a few Good..." (To borrow a phrase.)

Shirov is one of the strongest grandmasters in the world today, and this is his magnum opus. It's right up there with the collections of Tal, Fischer, Keres, and Larsen. Don't even think about passing it up!

Don't believe those reviews that describe this book as suitable for advanced players only. I could enjoy this book without a board and pieces. The prose is somewhat limited.

All players deserve to be encouraged to look at his games.

Fantastic games and a good chess writer. I learned (and am learning) a lot about sacrifices and tactics from this book.

Having played only American football and Rugby Union, I have found this book invaluable in learning about the "why's" of soccer/football. This book has given me invaluable insight into the mindset of ref'ing and perspectives on dealing with very dynamics situations on and off the pitch. The stories are wonderful and illuminating.

If you are a ref...this book teaches you how to really BE one and be a PART of the game..not the obstruction to it. YOU NEED this book it is the best referee book ever written.

I just finished reading Bob & Ed's book a fourth time in preparation to teach an Entry (Associate) Level Referee Instructor course in Northern California next weekend, and every time I read it, I find not only things to help me (State Referee) in my game, but also to pass on to new Referee Instructors (State Instructor) in the development of referees.

P.S. I read it a fourth time not only for my up-comming instructor course, but also had State Cup U19 matches last weekend, and it helped!

I agree with my friend Steve Piercy (another reviewer) that this is a great book for all referees, but for referees that are serious about advancing as a referee, instructor, assessor, or even an assignor, it is a must read. Also agree with the other reviewers...if you're interested to improve your game in whatever role you play, do it with this book!

As a licensed but former coach and mediocre player, a great read to see it from the other side too.

For the Good of the Game.

As a Grade 7 referee upgrading to a Grade 6 - State Referee I have read everything I can about Soccer Refereeing. I wish I would have found this book first instead of last. The authors bring wonderful insight to the "sport" of Soccer Refereeing. They have given me so many new and wonderful ideas that I can't wait to try them this season.

Whether you are a new referee or an experienced referee I would highly suggest this book. It covers topics that were never ever discussed in my training sessions. So much so that I actually have a new outlook on how I referee this wonderful game of soccer.

The other books are good and are worth your time but read this book first, then go to the others.

Michael Metz - USSF Grade 7 Referee - AYSO Area Referee

This is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive book about officiating now in print; with apologies to Izaak Walton, it's "The Compleat Referee."

If you're just beginning as a referee, study and learn the Laws of the Game. Develop a relationship with a mentor whom you trust. And read this book. More than once. Despite the authors' significant credentials as FIFA and FA referees, the newest official will find their style enlightening and eminently readable. The book covers the entire gamut of refereeing from pre-match preparation to effectively dealing with every imaginable - and unimaginable! - situation on the pitch. Personal anecdotes from the authors' considerable experience appear throughout each chapter and help clearly illustrate each point.

For more experienced referees, this book delves repeatedly into the very personal subject of player management - the mind game. The authors will repeatedly challenge you to evaluate each match on its own and ensure you're employing the right skills to effectively 'orchestrate' it.

I had the pleasure of attending a day-long presentation by Mr. Evans and Mr. Bellion and can tell you that these gents are every bit as entertaining and informative in their book as they are in person. Their good humor and passion for the game comes through loud and clear. You won't be disappointed!

THIS IS A GREAT RESOURCE IF YOUR DESPERATE AT THE FREE THROW LINE.MOST PLAYERS THINK YOUR CRAZY WHEN YOU TEACH THIS METHOD.

My basketball coach gave me this book in 7th grade to read because I was struggling from the freethrow line! Not only could I easily understand it but it also drastically improved my shot at the line! After practicing the steps I was able to sink my freethrows consistantly within a couple weeks!! I am now a high school senior and am still using the basic steps I read so many years ago!! This book is a must read whether you are struggling from the freethrow line or not!!!

I read the book with great pleasure. Following the guidelines in the book builds up an automatic sequence in your throwing style that definitely improve your results under game pressure!

Dr. Tom is the best at shooting a free throw. He makes it simple for anyone to improve.

I love this book. The methods and thinking demonstrated in the book can be used in other things (other than just basketball.)
It's a short read. You can finish it in less than a day. Go back and review it from time to time.
I buy a lot of books. Most get given away or sold. Some get a permanent place on my bookshelf. This is a keeper.