Series Books

If your a Java 2 developer then you need this on your bookshelf. It contains an enormous amount of useful information, examples, etc. for all the classes in java.applet, java.awt, and java.beans. You gotta have it!

The 1.st sentence of the preface says: "This book is intended as a reference rather than a tutorial". Well for an experienced Java programmer this is certainly true, but for a novice who has just grasped the fundamentals of the language and starts to write down his first lines of code this book is an excellent tutorial. Every class has a description and practically every method of every class has its example code where nearly every line is documented, with links to related methods. Looking into these examples one can quickly learn tips and tricks smoothing the learning curve a lot. The Chan's book is miles ahead, in my opinion, the unuseful example codes one can freely download from the Sun's internet pages, full of magic words comining from blue skyes not documented at all, where one has to figure out what any of them is useful for and where you are on your own. One more time: what I say is true for a novice; the senior Java programmer may feel at his ease with the API's documentation of the Sun's JDK.
My last warning: since in Java things change often this kind of books goes into obsolescence quicky. For instance: my copy is the 5th edition (October 2001) and it lacks completely the new Collections class framework.

This book really helps with a huge amount of information and examples for all of the classes in java.io, java.lang, java.math, java.text, and java.util. Wonderful reference book!

This is required on every Java developers bookshelf. It is a wonderful reference.

I strongly recommend this book to all Java users of all levels because no other book describes all classes of java.lang, java.io, java.net, java.util, java.text and java.math packages better. Every class, every method and every exception is explained by very understandable language with good and useful examples. There is no Java language problem you cannot solve with this book.

I love most of the Little House on the Prairie books, as well as the stories of Laura's great-grandmother, Martha, her grandmother, Charlotte, her mother, Caroline, and her daughter, Rose. I've read every one I can get my hands on. My all-time favorite of the all the series is These Happy Golden Years. This tells of Laura and Almanzo's courtship, and it is so chaste and sweet.

This book definitely belongs on my 10 favorite children's books.

I would rate this book 4.5 stars. It tells of Laura Ingalls years between the age of 15 to 18, and her first teaching job where she goes to live with a family where the wife doesn't treats her shabbily. It's a good story but it mostly told more of her and Almanzo than her teaching.

Although the "Little House" books do not appear to be quite as popular as they were a couple of decades ago, I shared all the books with my grandchildren in the form of audio books. We would listen to them as we drove on both long and short rides. They, and I, enjoyed the first three books(Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, On the Banks of Plum Creek) but then felt the next three were just fair to listen to. When I first started These Happy Golden Years, I heard a grumble or two from the g'kids, but as the story unfolded their listening delight picked up. Soon they were begging me to drive the longer way home so they could find out what happened next. These Happy Golden Years is a sweet love story full of interesting historical facts, plus enough action to keep my grandson interested. The only flaw we found with the audio version of the book is the singing of the actor (Cherry Jones) that did the reading. It was a bit grating at times when she pretended to sing as Pa. (Poor Ma if Pa really sang like that) Other than that it is a five star recommendation.

Now fifteen-years-old, Laura Ingalls can't help but crave getting a job in order to help her family. Ever since her first taste of earning her own money, she is determined to find another position that complements her skills. Besides, with Mary away at college, as much as Laura misses the companionship of her beloved sister, she can't help but feel compelled to assist her family in keeping Mary in a place where she is learning, and happier than ever. To do that, however, she'll have to do what she can to find the perfect job. Now that she has her teaching certificate, she'll be able to do just that.

It seems like only yesterday that Laura Ingalls was racing around the schoolyard with the boys, playing ball and sharing secrets with her friends; now she is basically all grown up, and beginning her career as a schoolteacher. But being a teacher isn't as easy as Laura hoped it would be - especially when many of the students are older than she is. And, to add insult to injury, she's forced to contend with boarding with a couple who spends the late nights hurling insults at one another, and living in miserable conditions. The only consolation is that Almanzo Wilder drives in to town each and ever Friday, to pick her up and bring her to her folks house for the weekend, before she must start another grueling week. It is during these long rides that Laura begins to spend more and more time with the older man. But it also makes her question why he is so willing to drive the twelve miles to her aid each week. Laura is unsure of his motives. She is also too tired and busy to spend much time thinking about them. Instead, she thinks of the paycheck that will soon come her way; and the beauty and splendor of the items she can buy for her family as time goes by.

With each and every book in the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE series, I have seen Laura get older and older. I have also grown to love her as much as an old friend. Laura is such a responsible, mature individual - quite different from the little rascal she was during her younger years. She seems so caring, and eager to assist her family, and see that her sister gets the education she has always craved. It is so refreshing to see a character who puts others ahead of herself. Like in LITTLE TOWN ON THE PRAIRIE, the reader has the opportunity to learn more about Almanzo Wilder; however, the more you learn, the more you see just how much older he is than Laura, and how strangely the relationship between the two of them develops. Another winner from Ms. Ingalls-Wilder!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

"These Happy Golden Years" is one of the best books I have ever come across. (And I have come across a lot, so don't doubt my taste!) Everything is detailed in an interesting sort of way, and the emotions and lovering part is kept well under control so it's not an immensely disgusting romance novel but not exactly a plain sensible book either. Laura Ingalls Wilder allowed the sequence to be somewhat unpredictable but it exemplifies a good plot that a true book-lover would cherish.
The plot is about fifteen-year-old Laura, now leaving home to teach school. It is a rather big challenge as the weeks drag by, but she learns to deal with unruly Clarence, pouty Martha, shy Charles, and the little ones, Ruby and another boy whose name I cannot remember. And at her boardinghouse, she has to learn how to cope with fussy and quarelly Mrs. Brewster, and spoiled baby Johnny. But the highlight of this part is every Friday Almanzo Wilder comes to pick her up to go home and back again on Sunday. When the term is finished, something has happened and soon Laura finds herself subconsciously in love with handsome Almanzo, and he with her. Of course, they don't just go ahead and marry, because a long-time rival of Laura's, Nellie Oleson, is also after Almanzo, and Laura's older snotty sister Mary is taking all her teaching money to go to college and Pa's claim must be fixed up before the winter. But these things soon pass, and Laura learns the joy of early womanhood as she and Ma make dresses, Laura learns how to deal with money, and realizes Almanzo is really the guy for her. And soon they are engaged. And that is just the beginning of a whole new chapter of Laura's life as a pioneer of America.
This heartwarming little book provides all the things you could want, some romance, a girl's troubles and hopes, and most of all, a glimpse to the daily life which we now look back to as precious American history.

i like all this book series.. i bought this book secondhand (used) and the seller very proffesional, they carefully packed the books fre each one.. all the books are in mint condition (with name written on the cover but i think its fine). if i'm going to buy another used book. i definitely will buy from this store.

Daniel Handler is one of the best children's authors around. He has a turn of phrase unique to himself and he treats children as young adults. This is literature for the young and is a worthwhile addition to your library. I bought these to read for myself, and am now waiting to introduce them to my children.

Sometimes guardians can't be trusted! The Series of Unfortunate Events will prove that to you. These books are for ages 8 and up. These books couldn't be better if you ask me. They are some of my favorite books and I have every one that goes in the series. Each book takes the kids to a new guardian's house each time. The kids end up in a new towns, and cities, mills, and schools often. When Sunny, Violet, and Klaus Baudelaire were at the beach their parents were at home and then a friend of their parents walks up to them on the beach and tells them that their mansion burnt down and their parents died. Nobody knew how the fire started, but it wasn't caused by something, it was caused by someone. Count Olaf burnt their house down and killed their parents because he was a relative and wanted custody of the kids only because he wanted the enormous fortune that their parents left behind. Count Olaf did get custody. But when the kids told someone what he was doing to them and the police found out, they got a new guardian. Count Olaf then disguised himself so that he could kill or injure all of the kid's new guardians. He wanted to get the kids and their enormous fortune back. But you have to read the series to find out what happens next in these books filled with suspense

I like these @ first, but then I just stopped reading them, and I have no idea why.

Klaus is the middle child in this trio. He is amazingly smart. Violet can build inventions out of anything! And the youngest person in this trio is a girl named Sunny, who has amazingly sharp front teeth.

I love the plot of these books. Count Olaf is a great character and I love to hate him!

I juat have to read the twelfth book and then I've read them all. I definetely plan to read the next book in this series.

The books by Lemonity Snicket are wonderful. They are stories that keep you reading. I have enjoyed reading them. They are stories about three young children who lost their parents in a fire and are sent to different places to live. The first place was with a distant relative....who is Count Olaf. From then on there have been many more places they have had to live and exciting but unfortunate events have happened to them. I would recommend you read them from the first story called, "A Bad Beginning" to the last one which is book #12. I have yet to read that one and do not know what it is called...but they are wonderful stories and will keep you going.

Anyone who has ever read any of Karens books knows that there is no other writer in this day and age that hits every emotion that we all go through in this life, in our own search for why we are here, who we are, and the battles that can and do happen in this life.

The number one moral is that Gods Love and our love for others is the strength to keep us all carrying on in this journey in life. There is hope in all of her books.

It is such a "blessing" to read a book, that everyone whether a believer or not in God who touches our lives in everyday situations with family and friends. There is not one of her books that I have ever been disappointed in. Once you read one of her books you will be "hooked" and can't wait to read the next one.

Seagull
<><
Las Vegas, NV

A friend got me started on Karen's books. Now I have read almost all of her books. When I start one, I find it very hard to put it down - I just want to keep reading to the end. All the books in this series and her other series' are great. I can't wait to find out what will happen to the Baxter family next.

The book is a wonderful nonfiction that displays God's awesome faithfulness and presence through the continued story of The Baxter Family. I was so taken that I could hardly put the book down and I'm eager to begin the Sunrise Series. These books are encouraging in my life as well, reminding me of God's promises and truths in my own life. Thank you for encouraging me in my walk with Christ!

This is one of Karen Kingsbury's best books, and certainly her best love story. An award winning book, it's also by far the best of the Firstborn series. She's crafted the characters in the Baxter family so well that you feel as though you are a member of this family. I highly recommend Forever! The Candidate: A Novel

I thought that this new part of the series was packed with excellent marriage advice that is both practical and Biblical. I love this series, and how Kingsbury portrays God's graciousness and mercy.

The story of Christy Miller goes from her preteen years up through college and finally to her wedding. (This book is the first in the series.) It's a coming-of-age story of a Christian young woman. Themes include purity, relationships, romance, school stress, family issues, and negative influences.

Each story in the series has a moving ending, is uplifting, entertaining, and makes you feel as though you are friends with each person in the story. Well written and enjoyable - I highly recommend.

This series was is one of my favorite teen series. The first book really got me hooked, then the next three still kept me reading. I really liked Christy because she was kind of insecure and shy, but she blossoms throughout the books. Todd was such a sweet guy, but sometimes he was a little slow when it came to Christy. I really got involved with the characters, and I felt Robin Jones Gunn did an amazing job of making the characters. They were 3 dimensional and so realistic. I recommend this series!

After many failed attempts during the past few years to find a book or series of books for her to read for pleasure, I gave this book to my 14 yr. old daughter, Amber, in June hoping she would enjoy reading it this summer...I am thrilled to say that she couldn't put it down!!! Not only have I also purchased Vols. II, III and IV for her (she is currently reading Vol. IV)...she has shared her love of the books with her friends and now they have the series and are reading them!!! This has made me so very happy...especially since these are Christian based books with valuable life lessons for our teens. What a wonderful gift to be able to give to our teenage daughters in this challenging & confusing world we live in~~~Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Robin Jones Gunn...from the bottom of my heart!!!!

The first three books in this series are great! It's really hard to put the book down once you've started reading. The three books are fresh, invigorating, very realistic and heartfelt. They really bring you closer to God. I love them!

In SUMMER PROMISE, the first book in Robin Jones Gunn's Christy Miller series, a farm girl from Wisconsin is invited by her aunt and uncle to spend the summer with them in ritzy Newport Beach, California. However, upon arrival, Christy Miller realizes that she certainly does not fit in with the glamorous crowd that inhabits the town. After rejection and embarrassment, Christy's Aunt Marti suggests that she undergo a makeover; perhaps a transformation is all she needs to make some new friends. With an expensive new wardrobe and a stylish haircut, Christy finds that she indeed captures the attention of Todd and Shawn, the classically good-looking surfer boys, as well as Alissa, a stunning older girl who has lived all over the world.

All seems to go well until Christy realizes that her new friends may have an entirely different definition of a good time. Shawn invites Christy to a party, and she soon learns that it may be unlike any party she has ever been to. After being ignored or laughed at by most of those in attendance, and uncomfortable with the presence of alcohol and drugs, Christy decides to get out. While she makes a wise choice, others do not, and the night soon ends with a tragedy that will change the rest of the summer. Afterwards, Christy begins spending more time with Todd, who opens up to her about his strong faith in God.

Although she has gone to church all her life, Todd introduces her to a new group of people who are serious about faith in a way she has never experienced before. At the same time, Aunt Marti's constant nagging and desire to "improve" Christy begin to eat away at her self-esteem. As her world seems to move faster than it ever has, will Christy be able to live up to the promise she made to her parents not to do anything she will regret? Will she finally be able to figure out how gorgeous, sensitive Todd really feels about her? And why is she being forced to suddenly return home?

SUMMER PROMISE is an excellent beginning to the Christy Miller series. Fans of TV shows such as "The OC" and "Summerland" undoubtedly will appreciate the familiar beach setting and situations. Gunn does an excellent job of filling the book with a plot that is not quite as predictable as those usually found in teen fiction, as well as keeping up with the latest pop-culture references. It tackles many issues, such as self-image and family problems, but underlying all of this is Christy's newfound ideas about God. SUMMER PROMISE is a great read, with an ending that does not resort to the contrived and surely will have readers eagerly awaiting Christy's future adventures.

--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

With only a casual tinker in Dreamweaver split view under my belt starting out, I learned how to hand code XHTML and CSS with this book alone (well, and some web research here and there and CSS Mastery is an excellent follow up). It's written clearly and gives multiple solutions for each case, while explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each. I cannot recommend this book enough, as even after I finished it, it remains close by as an invaluable desk reference that I refer to here and there.

Web Standards Solutions is reasonably solid title that discusses the benefits and approaches of using web standards in the design of (X)HTML markup. CSS is also covered as a means to remove presentational elements from web page markup. Lists, tables, headings, hyperlinks, forms, quotations and layouts are all covered to a foundational level.

The information covered in the book is especially suited to new web site designers who are yet to understand these concepts. Web application developers - who might not focus their craft on the quality of their markup, would also benefit greatly. For others already possessing an basic understanding of semantic markup and presentation through CSS, the book might contain a few useful tips only.

Throughout each chapter the book doggedly follows a pattern that can become tedious. For each chapter, non-standards approaches are considered before the 'correct' standards based approach is shown. After this the 'extra credit' portion of the chapter provides practical applications of the given solution. Whereas the correct solution and extra credit sections are useful, the repetition of the defective non-standard approaches for in every chapter is sometimes repetitive and slightly contrived, and could be discussed more casually as required without dominating the format of every chapter.

Having said that, the book is easily read, has examples and practical applications, covers the breadth of the topic well and could certainly be used to bring anyone up to speed on the basics of standards-based approaches to the web page markup development.

This is an excellent book that all web designers should own. When I look at people's sites, I often validate them just out of curiosity, and it is so rare that I ever find a valid site. I always pay attention to validation, and this book just validates (for lack of a better term) my opinions on the importance of following web standards. This book is good for helping with workarounds for certain browsers (cough, IE) that don't support standards that most others do.

Through simple illistrations and small code snippets this book covers pretty much what one would need to know in order to create great web 2.0 sites.

This book is the 2nd one by Dan Cederholm that I bought and can be used as "Advanced Chapters" to his short but overall excellent "Bulletproof Web Design" (ISBN-10: 0321346939). These two combined will surely set your brains straight about standards-based HTML/CSS development.

It explains how to make your markup short. It shows why using purposeful HTML tags (such as "label") is preferred to using generic divs with classes. It destroys new and "hip" myth about tables being "taboo" for modern HTML.

This was my first Hornblower book after a recommendation from a friend. Could not put this book down especially after the mutiny.
The details of life in the English navy in the 18th century and then in London are richly told with details such as the "press gang" that goes out rounding up sailors for His Majesty's ships, the slim pickings of naval officers during the dreaded peacetime, the caste system of well healed officers playing whist to keep themselves in food and housing.
I found it a fascinating book and it increased my knowledge of naval history.
A spellbinding book from a military and social perspective.

Lieutenant Hornblower occurs second in the series by internal chronology, though it was the seventh-written book. Unlike every other book in the series, this one is related from the point of view of Lieutenant William Bush. This alternate point of view allows Hornblower to be presented as a legitimately heroic figure, though it does deprive the reader of the internal thought process of the series' protagonist. The text provides solid background on Hornblower's early career as a lieutenant. Written as a novel, it paces well and has an authentic texture. Indeed, the small-scale combat action is so gripping that in many ways the book eclipses volumes in the series which deal with Hornblower's later career.

Plot Summary (with spoilers):
The novel takes place from May 1800 to March 1803 aboard a cruise of HMS Renown, a 74-gun frigate. The ship's captain, Sawyer, is dangerously paranoid and believes the lieutenants and warrant officers are plotting mutiny against him. To circumvent their putative desire, Sawyer panders to the crew, encouraging them to be lazy and insolent, and issues additional rations of grog. The situation becomes untenable as Renown reaches its cruising grounds near Haiti. Even so, nobody will take the decision action of attempting to remove Sawyer from command.

Fortunately, Sawyer falls down a hatchway and receives a serious injury. There is intrigue surrounding his fall, but no actual witnesses to the accident. Upon Sawyer's physical recovery it is evident his mind is gone--he sobs hysterically and cringes away from everyone. Buckland, the senior lieutenant, takes ostensible command. The unimaginative Buckland botches the ship's primary mission, but disaster is averted when Hornblower proposes an audacious recovery.

From that point forward, it is Hornblower who guides the ship as he influences Buckland subtly but correctly. Indeed, the theme of Hornblower leading his superior officers is a dominant thread in the narrative. The ship carries out other duties with great success until Hornblower is placed aboard a prize--whereupon Renown is almost seized by prisoners. Hornblower once again comes to the rescue and recaptures the ship. The novel ends with Hornblower losing his job because of the Peace of Amiens. He takes up lodging in a public house, makes a meager living by playing whist, develops his friendship with Bush, and meets the young Marie Mason.

Forester's key book on the times...the made-for-tv series episode parallels this book very closely. And I am very picky when it comes to sea books. Definitely at the same level as the Bolitho series!

This is the sixth Hornblower book I've read, although it's only the second in terms of the chronology of Hornblower's naval career. And I must say, it's one of the better books. CS Forester could be a compelling writer, but some of the Hornblower novels feel a little disjointed. Not this one.

Lieutenant Hornblower is written from the point of view of Lieutenant Bush, whom Hornblower meets in this book. The result is that Hornblower is a more interesting character. It also, unlike some of the other books in the series, primarily covers a single plotline dealing with Hornblower's last mission as a lieutenant, so it hangs together very well. The result is a book that I had trouble putting down until I had read the whole thing. I wholeheartedly recommend this installment of the Hornblower series.

C.S. Forester created a superb naval drama that gave me an inside look at the life of a sailor serving in the Royal Navy on the wooden war ship Renown. With Hornblower, and his companion Bush dealing with their befuddled Captain and fighting off the attacks by the Spanish this book kept me reading page after page. I believe this is one of the best books in the Hornblower series and I would encourage anyone with an eye for historical novels to check this series out.

This series is FANTASIC! I highly recommend it. Very compelling, you won't want to put it down.

This books is so, so, so good! Rain Tairen Soul has spent 1000 years suffering from the negative effects of something he did when his heart mate was killed during a big war. He is desperate because his people & their creature/companions are dying out so he consults a crystal that shows him that their only hope for survival rests on his true mate, Elysetta. He has to convince a shy, mortal girl that she is his true mate & queen, get her to acknowledge her powers & role in his culture. He's a real hottie, she's nice (although her innocence gets rather annoying at times), and the adventures going on throughout the book are addictive. Can't say enough good things about it!

I, like a few others, do not normally read paranormal/fantasy romances. I purchased both Lord of the Fading Lands and Lady of Light and Shadows. I'm so glad I did because once Lord was over I couldn't wait to jump in to Lady.

I LOVED the language you created. "Ver reisa ku'chae. Kem surah, shei'tani." This author took a few words and made me think of them long after I put the book down. I'm my opinion, that's creative genius!

Thank you for taking me into the world you created and leaving the bonds of my very average world behind. I'm anxiously awaiting the next 2 books in the series.

Everyone- buy these books!

Do you remember when you were a child, that you would just know when something magical and wonderful was about to happen? Perhaps it was your mother reading a story that started "Once in a land far away there lived"......., or going to the movies and hearing "Once Upon a time in a land far away"........?

All of these memories and feelings came rushing back as I started reading Lord of the Fading Lands; all of the joy, the hope, the expectation of a momentous story that would become a lasting memory, an old friend to visit, and re-visit frequently. I realized that I had found a treasure, and with my hopes high, I read straight through the night, abandoning dinner preparation, hubby left on his own, and sleep was nothing to even think about until this fabulous story was finished.

Rainer, Tairen Soul, King of the Fey, knew that his people were dying, as were the Tairen, the dragons of the Fading Mists. Daring death, Rain Tairen Soul grasps the Eye of Truth, seeking help to stop the extinction of the Tairen, and the Fey. In the midst of great pain, the Eye shows Rain a glimpse of a woman's face, then fire raining down over the world, and that he must travel to Celieria, a foreign land, to save the Fey and the Tairen.

In Celieria, a young woman, Ellysetta, promises to take her younger sisters to see the procession of the Fey as they enter the city, and to see Rainer,the first visit of the King of the Fey in over a thousand years. While traveling, nearing Celieria, Rain has a soul reach out to his, crying out in fear and pain. Rain is shocked. A woman has called to him, and it seems that she is his "True Mate". Transforming instantly into Tairen form, Rain takes to the air to protect his mate. The call is abruptly cut off, and Rain is left circling Celieria looking over the city for any contact with the soul that had called him.

Elly takes her sisters to watch the entrance of the Fey to the city, and to see the king circling over his warriors in Tairen form as he warns the people not to get to close to the marching Fey. Ellysetta's youngest sister falls, injuring herself. As Elly kisses the pain away from the injury, the circling King, in Tairen form, starts pouring fire into the sky, frightening the citizens, and causing Elly to fall, and be injured. Dropping out of the sky, landing at Elly's feet, Elly expects instant death at the hands of the Fey King. But Rainer has found his true mate; now to convince this shy, humble young woman that she is his mate, the other half of his soul, and that she will become the queen of the Fey. Needless to say, complications are inherent as Elly's family tries to deal with the life altering changes that is brought into their lives by the King of the Fey.

Rainer begins his courtship of Ellysetta, hoping to woo her affections while trying to build alliances with the Celierans. Rain knows that the evil power in the north is rising again. The Fey need the support of the Celierans to overcome this evil, as they had once, a thousand years ago, defeated the very same dark Mages of the north that are rising again to destroy the Fey, and the Celierans.

Ellysetta and Rainer's courtship, with the adventures of a thousand year old immortal wooing a young maiden, plus dealing with the dissention in the Celierian Court that is full of doubters, brings many changes to Elly and Rainer's lives. Their romance is beautiful, and poignant. The fey are heroic, and Ellysetta's growth is wonderfully detailed.

I highly recommend this novel. I am so thankful that I picked up this book on a whim. Please become a part of this adventure. There are 2 books out, with 2 more coming within the next few months. I can hardly wait!

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Rain Tairen Soul is the king of the Fading Lands, still suffering from the loss of his mate in a battle a millennium ago. In his agony at the loss, he scorched all the land with the fiery breath of his Tairen Soul, and he still suffers the consequences. The end of his people is near, unless he can overcome his past and save them from their enemies. When he comes out of his self imposed exile to re-enter the world he finds a shocking discovery.... His truemate, the other half of his being is close by, living with the humans. How can a Tairen have a non-Fae mate?

Ellysetta "Ellie" Baristani has never quite fit in with the others in her village, Celieria. From her flaming red hair to her perception of others, everyone besides her adoptive family finds her a bit odd. Den Brodson, butcher's son, has realized however that being different can be a good thing, and he wants Ellysetta for that elusive something that sets her apart. However when Rain flies into town, he knows Ellie is meant for him and too bad for anyone who gets in his way.

When ancient enemies of the Fey, the mages of Eld, seem to be rallying their forces for a new war, Rain needs the calm Ellie would bring as his mate to defeat them. She must accept the bond willingly or Rain will go insane. As Rain tries to find a way to legally break Ellie's unwanted betrothal to Den, more enemies enter into the fray and Rain and Ellie must bond completely or be destroyed at the hands of their enemies. Love conquers all, but only if it is accepted in time...

There is so much story to the Tairen Soul that it doesn't surprise me Lord of the Fading Lands is just the start to a series. We had a lot of ground to cover here as CL Wilson builds her world and introduces us to the rules of the societies there. The foundation of the mythology tends to bog the story down here and there, but to the author's credit, there's really no way to stop that from happening once in a while with as much as we need to know to understand the story behind Rain. However, even with all the history I still found myself having a hard time keeping all the differences straight in my mind between all the different kinds of magic wielders, good or evil. This is likely an aftereffect of information overload since so much world building needs to be done.

Ellie is dedicated to her family and will do almost anything in her power to see them safe and happy. Almost, being that she refuses to allow herself to be bartered off as a bride to a man she loathes. When Rain shows interest in her, she can't understand why he wants her at the same time she is drawn to him. Her history is quite the mystery until Rain and company come to town and start to unravel the mystery. While the reason she is so different from the rest of her town is no great surprise (I knew exactly what her origins were almost immediately) it was interesting to follow the trails with the other characters to see how they figured out who she is.

I liked the magical spin on the story as to who has what abilities and how those abilities work. Each one of the Fey has a special affinity for a specific kind of elemental magic whereas Rain has mastery of all of them due to his being a rare Tairen (shape shifts into a giant flying black cat with lavender eyes and the ability to breathe fire). In addition to the Fey who are elemental magicians, we have Lady Marissya the Truthspeaker, who has the ability to determine if someone lies merely by touching them.

While I know this has nothing to do with the author's story and is something she has no control over, I find I have to comment anyhow since it seriously affected my reading of the book. What is up with that font size, Dorchester? The font is so incredibly small I had an extremely hard time reading the book! I was actually getting headaches and as a result it took me twice as long to read the book. I've got pretty good eyes and this is the first time I ever had to struggle so much to read a book. I feel sorry for folks who already have a hard time with font size. I noticed book 2 in the series is no better, which means I'm going to have to wait a while before starting it to give my eyes a break! Dorchester if you're paying attention, please have a care in typesetting your books and don't make it so difficult for us to read them!

© Kelley A. Hartsell, April 2008. All rights reserved.

i read this book 24/7 because of love the make out seen and paul i think paul is a hottie but he a jerk somtimes but he ok i would love to be a mediator so i can kiss a ghost so it can help me out with my life it would be very awesome!!

I love the mediator books so much and I want them to go to book seven maybe even ten. I've gotten addicted to them and I don't want them to end at 6.

The story line continues and this book is just as exciting and exhiliarating as the rest in this series. I would highly recommend this book and the previous in this series. Excellent read!!!!

This series is a lot of fun to read, but I did feel that the ending was a little too perfect. Everything tied up in a perfect bow. Throughout the book, I felt that the story was lacking a good central plot to work around. From the beginning, we knew Paul was up to something, and shortly after, we knew what it was, but for some reason, Suze couldn't figure out the obvious. Suze was just confused and unsure and shallow most of this book which is very unlike her character. However, the ending was just what the reader would wnat and I am very glad I read the book. I liked the series so much I had to read all of it in one week. Read it, but it isn't the best in the series, but you'll be happy with the ending. I am left wanting to understand Paul better, but maybe that is for another series. :)

I thought the sixth and final book in the mediator books was an awesome book. It solved all the questions I had about what was going to happen in the end, and it answered them in a very unexpected and extremely pleasing way. I totally recommend this book, but I recommend reading the first five Mediator books before reading this one so you have a better idea of what is going on.

A great start to a enjoyable series, I have reread this book till the pages are falling out, the second book was a good follow up was waiting for the third book shawdows past but it looks to have been canceled this is a shame I was really looking forward to reading it.

Both of the Borderlands books were great reads, with a truly innovative world, intriguing characters, and exceptionally vivid imagery. I can't wait until the next book comes out

Interesting and different world and characters, the start of a great series (book 2 is out and great, too), hoping for another book sometime soon!

I was completely surprised at how good this book was, the publisher write up does not nearly describe the scope of this book. I read it in a day and can't wait to start the next one.

Here is where the tragedy starts. Due to what the publisher thinks are low sales numbers Ms. Freeman's third book in this series has been put on hold until further notice!!!

I urge anyone who has read this book and enjoyed as much as I did to contact Penguin Publishing group to rally behind this author and get her books published.

This is one of the many reasons to buy new books when you find an author you appreciate. By buying used books talented authors like this get dumped by their publisher because the sale numbers are high enough.

Support your favorite authors, BUY NEW!!!

By the size of the book, I expected an epic. What I got was a fun run through a new universe. The issues are serious, the genre is fantasy, and the writing is entertaining. The perfect mix for a fantasy novel. This is fantasy but the motives and issues are as real as they are in our universe. What is amazing is the story isn't heavy and oppressive. It quickly became one of my all time favorites.