Shadow Books

This wonderful book has fantastic illustrations that compliment the creative story about a boy and his dachshund. It is the best book I have found for children that involves a dachshund. As a dachshund owner, I looked far and wide for a wonderful book for my grandson, and when I found this one, I was finally satisfied. He loves the story and all the illustrations since he is not only in love with my puppies, but also with dinosaurs which are featured in the story. A definite Winner about a Weiner! You won't be disappointed! Adults and Children will love the book!

There are a lot of children's picture books about dinosaurs, but among them all "Shadow of the Dinosaurs," by Denis Nolan, is definitely something special. "Shadow" tells the story of Jesse, a young boy, and Shadow, his loyal dachshund. Shadow uncovers a bone. But the bone turns out to have paranormal powers, and soon the little dog is having a hair-raising encounter with a bunch of dinosaurs!

The paranormal element to the story is very well done, and gives the book a "Twilight Zone" meets "Jurassic Park" feel. The colorful illustrations blend realistic detail with memorably imaginative images. "Shadow" is also interesting in that the dog is really the main character of the book; Jesse is a supporting character. And the resourceful Shadow is quite an admirable heroine. Overall, this book is a fine blend of suspense, fantasy, and dinosaur science.

My two-year old daughter found this on our last trek to the bookstore, and fell in love with story of Shadow, a plucky dachshund, who finds a dinosaur bone in the woods, and later wakes to find that the bone has unleashed a return of the dinosaurs. Trees transform into sauropods, and boulders metamorphose into ferocious theropods. Soon the two factions of dinosaurs are at war, an enormous volcano erupts, and Shadow must find the dinosaur bone and bury it to put a stop to the destruction. The pictures are magnificent, and while the story is simple enough for a toddler, it is also rich enough to interest much older children (and adults). People think it is hilarious when my daughter recites the names of the various dinosaurs (brachiosaurus, allosaurus), and I'm thrilled that we may have a natural historian in the family. This is a terrific, entertaining and informative book for anyone who loves dinosaurs (and who in their right mind doesn't?).

I read "Shadow of the Hawk" yesterday. It is a lyrical, well-written tale--it exudes love of and knowledge of the mountains and the South. With some good publicity, in my opinion it has the potential of being a best seller of the"Cold Mountain" or "Bridges of Madison County" caliber. You created some memorable characters and they ring true. The tale is tightly woven and holds your interest.

I read "Shadow of the Hawk" yesterday. It is a lyrical, well-written tale--it exudes love of and knowledge of the mountains and the South. With some good publicity, in my opinion it has the potential of being a best seller of the "Cold Mountain" or "Bridges of Madison County" caliber. You created some memorable characters and they ring true. The tale is tightly woven and holds your interest.

Your description of seeing a willow tree go to seed was dazzling, scintillating, and wonderful. It will surely be used universally in English classes all over the country, just as soon as it's seen.

No writer has EVER drawn such clear characters! They're just stunning. Every writing school, everywhere should use your works in their advanced classes. I'm just blown away.

And then there's the plot.

I'm overwhelmed. I just hope you can stand the pressure when "they" find out about you.

The Shadow of the Hawk is the best written book I've ever encountered! What else can I say? It's a treasure, a masterpiece!

I just finished, and I'm awed.

The stories follow hunters, and their families, as they live, work and hunt on the North Slope of Alaska. Whales, seals and even the birds play their part in the life of the Tareogmiut, people of the sea, and these stories show how harsh and wonderful life may be. There is no good or evil, just cold that must be dealt with and family who must be protected and cared for.
We follow the hunters as they go out onto the ice to hunt bears and seals. We follow the women as they care for the children and fish. These stories are not for kids. They are full of blood and harsh scenes of survival.

Nelson has written an engaging account of the year round subsistence activities of the Inupiat Eskimos of Alaska. From whaling in skin boats to chasing caribou with a dog sled, Nelson takes readers into the every day life of people who have developed the skills to not only survive, but thrive, in one of the harshest environments on Earth--the Arctic.

Nelson takes you inside the mind of the Inupiat Eskimo like no other author. It as if you are right there hunting on the pack ice, at fish camp, and picking berries.

I picked it up and could not stop reading. The characters are real and believable. Truly a wonderful read!

Valentinian III, Emperor of Rome, has just been assassinated. His widow, the Empress Eudoxia, has been given an ultimatum by his murderer, Maximus. She must marry him and bring Constantinople's support for his reign. She must also give her elder daughter, Eudocia, in marriage to his elder son, so that his power can be secure. Intrigue runs rampant within Rome while the Empress tries to find a champion. But Valentinian's cruelty has estranged everyone, and there is no one willing to come to his widow's aid. Eudoxia's chief minister Eutropius secretly invites the Vandal King Gizeric, to support Eudoxia's claim to the Throne. Gizeric, once a ward of Eudoxia's grandfather, the great Warrior-Emperor Theodosius, hastens to Rome.
But Eudoxia does not want this dark, dangerous Vandal King's aid. She viciously spurns him, and thus begins this great saga of love and revenge. THE SHADOW OF THE PHOENIX spans about 120 years of history during the tumultuous years surrounding the final eclipse of the Western Empire and the fateful siege of Constantinople by the Avars. Gizeric carries the Royal Family into exile in Africa, leaving Rome without a ruler. While Goths and Sueves scramble in bloody disarray for the shadowy power, Gizeric strengthens his hold upon Africa, the first independent kingdom in the history of Empire. He and the Empress embark upon a secret affair that produces a son who will profoundly affect the future of the Vandal kingdom. Unaware, their elder son and daughter fall in love and marry, also giving birth to a son who will just as profoundly affect their nation's destiny. Roman and Vandal struggle in a fight to the death, their battleground shifting from Italy to Africa to Constantinople, to their children and even into Eudoxia's private chambers. Through their actions and intrigues, their destinies are welded together, and all their descendants and their very kingdoms are drawn into their fateful clash of wills.
THE SHADOW OF THE PHOENIX is a rich, densely populated novel that spans the final collapse of the Western Roman Empire and the fledgling rise of the Medieval Ages. The imagery is compelling, as are the characters. Eudoxia and Eudocia, mother and daughter, carry the first half of the book titled "The Founders." Eudoxia will not forsake her Roman identity and remains Empress, but her daughter gives herself to the Vandal kingdom and becomes its first Queen. The second part of the book, titled "The Inheritors," follows the Vandal ruling House through the turbulent years during which Rome reclaims Africa for herself. Rica and her daughter Alarra and finally their last descendant, Meridia, live their lives within the pressure-cooker of the continuing tension between Rome and her barbarian invaders.
Well detailed and researched, THE SHADOW OF THE PHOENIX is built upon solid historical fact and abundant action and intrigue. But it is also the story of love and redemption played out upon the fiery funeral pyre of Rome's collapse. This book will appeal to many readers from young adult to seasoned Romancer. The men are iron-willed, but so are the women. There are no flimsy personalities here, the times would not allow it. There are great achievements and spectaular defeats, and an intimate study of human aspirations and the risks they will take for love, all overshadowed by the powerful personalities of Gizeric and Eudoxia. I recommend this highly. This is a good read!

Set during the period of the fall of the Roman Empire, Shadow takes its readers back to a time of decadence, strife, and glory with a dramatic story spanning several generations of a particularly colorful family. At Shadow's core are the women of this family, who come to life with vivid force. These characters remain imprinted in the readers' mind as the tales of their lives portrayed through allegorical symbols and plot twists, keep the reader very interested and also challenged as to understanding the intentions behind the characters' behaviors and life-changing decisions. The author's writing style is extremely intelligent and fast-paced, and not 'overdone'. This is an achievement as I find many historical fiction novels to be a 'heavy' read, whereas with Pheonix, it is almost like listening to a Motzart Symphony. The author's command of words is like that of Motzart's with notes.... light, delicate melodies combined with dark minor chords and riffs, being played through characters rather than musical instruments, resulting in a grand masterpiece. Some authors create a story where the reader is looking in. With Shadow, it is as if you are there in the story, living and breathing it with the characters. They are so lovely and each so strong in identity; it is as if each character is a muse, uniquely chiseled from the author's mind and beautifully portrayed through her art of writing. Shadow is an epic work and a fast read with an imaginative storyline. It is the type of book that you can't seem to stop thinking about as you are reading it, and then once you've finished it, you will want to read it again.

Another touching story from Sylvia Rochester--this time a paranormal set in 1870 in the Cascades. When the boy in a set of twins is born terribly disfigured and near death the frantic father makes a drastic decision which will forever affect his family.

As the boy Matthew grows up in the isolated wilderness world of a trapper and his wife, watched over by the protective she-wolf who rescued him from death as an infant, his sister Rachel grows up with their parents in nearby Lizard Creek. Yet there is the invisible bond of twins between them, sometimes glimpsed as an eerie shadow that weaves through both their lives. Even as the two siblings are drawn together, there are those who want the dark secrets of the past hidden and the twins permanently separated. Only the shadow of their souls can overcome the evil that threatens them and reunite a haunted family.

You won't be able to put this book down!

Sylvia Rochester has written a novel that reaches beyond the norm. Matthew Calder is born terribly disfigured, as a baby, his own parents abandon him He is found and raised by a mountain man and his Indian wife. His best friends are a she-wolf and a phantom spirit who seem to guide his direction. These garner Matthew's confidence, help him see beyond the surface.

In his quest for his family, Matthew discovers a twin sister who is also in touch with the same phantom spirit. Shadow of the Soul is a wonderful inspirational story. A story of a boy who even with his awful abnormality has found his twin sister, a mother's love, a community that cares for him and a father who, in the end, he hopes will repent of his betrayal.

This book pulls your heartstrings; bring a box of Kleenex.

This is a five star winner. ANOTHER MUST READ
Jacqueline McGuyer - Auther

Few writers dare to make their heroes less than perfect but Sylvia Rochester reveals a new dimension to her writing skills when she breaks the rules in Shadow of the Soul. Sylvia offers the reader a poignant story of a young man's trials in dealing with a severe disfigurement. Reared by a mountain man, befriended by a she-wolf, and guided by a phantom spirit, Matthew Calder's search for acceptance tweaks the heart strings when he discovers a twin sibling, a mother's love, and a father's deception.

A truly wonderful story--one well deserving of five stars.

Eleanor Cocreham
WingsePress Best Sellers ---CHOICE MAKERS---RISK TAKERS

Say hello to John Condenzio! A relative newcomer to the realms of vampires and succubi, Mr. Condenzio has delivered a coupled masterpiece, a book that is impassioned and romantic, gothic and fantastic. Energized and lyrical, it smacks of the old masters. A must read, I think, for anyone who loves good horror, or gothic in the way that it used to be done. Wonderful.

Say hello to John Condenzio! A relative newcomer to the realms of vampires and succubi, he has delivered a coupled masterpiece; a book that is impassioned and romantic, gothic and fantastic. Energized and lyrical, it smacks of the old masters. A must read, I think, for anyone who loves good horror, or gothic in the way that is used to be done. Wonderful.

In this first novel, "the Shadow of the Succubus", a writer checks into a Vermont Inn to recover his muse. He gets more than he bargained, not only with the colorful townspeople but there is a haunted hotel thrown in, to boot! In the second novel, "the Eternal Thirst" Condenzio has an outstanding story of a demon hunter. Forget "Van Helsing: The Movie". This is the blood chilling drama without the over-the-top Hollywood camp. In both I found the prose robust and articulate (reminds me of the late Clark Ashton Smith) and the characters and scenes were vivid. Whether you like Josh Whelan's "Angel" or just like neo-gothic suspense, then this one is for you. If "Shadow" is patterned after Wilde, I found in "Thirst" homage to his friend "Stoker".

I have owned several sets of this trilogy over the past 30 years. I keep loaning them out and they never return! I've talked people into buying the first book and they ALWAYS come back and buy the other two.

Shadow of the Swan continues the story with the same intensity and depth as the first. Trilogys often feel like a single book stretched with fluff and filler. This one avoids that and builds your interest and desire to discover what happens next in the lives of these people.

I wish Wren would write more in this genre.

This is a great read!

I read this series on the recommendation of a friend of my mother, and she was right about how terrific the series is. It is extremely well-written and the mix of "history" with the ongoing action of the novels is fascinating. M.K. Wren creates an entire world and makes it completely real for the reader. The characters really come alive in the series, and you really can understand their emotions, and you care about what happens to them. Now that the books have been reprinted, it is easier to find copies, and it's worth the price. I have read a lot of sci fi trilogies over the years, and this is one of the best trilogies I have ever read. Even my husband, who generally does ot read sci fi, read this series and enjoyed it. I highly recommend it.

I read the first of these books when I was in 7th grade. It took me two years to locate a copy of the 2nd book and two more to find the 3rd. It was well worth the wait and I stayed up all night to read the final book. The characters are wonderfully crafted, the story line is multilevel. The only books I have read more times are "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Lord of the Rings". If you can locate a copy of these in a used book store, buy them! Don't let the romance novel apperance keep you from enjoying these great books.

This book is imaginative with vivid illustrations. I would recommend it to any cat lover.

"So this is the infamous Pit Bull Pass, Jonathan thought even as he felt his tail fluffing out in alarm. He dug his claws into the leaves and began to sing in order to ward off his fear. But just as another long howl rang out almost beside him and the last rays of the sun vanished beneath the treetops, there was a loud rattle of chains and an oddly hollow clucking noise. Out of the blackness appeared a dark carriage drawn by two pale chickens and driven by a rat." - From the book

If you're familiar with the work of Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov--the creative force behind Prague's baba studio--you know how expertly these geniuses combine wicked wit, arresting images, and incisive observations (about either cats or humans).

In the macabre but oh so engrossing 92-page book Shadow of the Vampuss, Karen and Alex take us on a wild ride brimming with brooding atmosphere, vampiric sensuality, and gothic madness.

Beautiful costumes, shadowed corridors, gorgeous scenery, lavish illustrations, and anthropomorphic feline expressions make Shadow of the Vampuss a truly special book. Masterfully re-crafting the classic horror tale, Karen's Count Scratchula both intrigues and horrifies. I simply could NOT put this book down!

I'm not one to have nightmares (in fact, I can't think of the last time I had one), but after reading Shadow of the Vampuss--I had a nightmarish dream inhabited by vampiric cats! Ack!

Bloodlust, melodrama, and bizarre goings on--as the book cover says, this tale is not for under-age kittens!

However, fans of baba studio, cats, graphic novels, vampires, or classic horror, Shadow of the Vampuss does not disappoint, providing anxious amusement, a bit of dread, and an utterly fulfilling scary story.

And the story's ending? Purrrfect! (I want a sequel!)

(To visit the Vampuss, visit http://www.vampuss.com/ Check out the cool animated version of this tale!)

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

This is the perfect gift for the cat-obsessed, whether that's you or someone else. Guaranteed, your gift won't be run-of-the-mill, no matter what your favorite cat lover has already collected!

SHADOW OF THE VAMPUSS follows, with wit and truly unique artwork, the classic tale of Count Dracula... rewritten to substitute cats for the humans of the original work. As an example, here's an early excerpt: "But Jonathan's ears lowered slightly as he added, `Unfortunately I must leave for Transylvania tomorrow morning.' He took a letter from his jacket. `Mr. Slaughter has asked me to renegotiate a contract on the old Whiskers Manor, right here in Kitby.'"

Some of the artwork is uncanny; for instance, the shrewd expression of Count Scratchula on page 84 is spot-on, and that goes for both human and felines. On page 74, the pose of Van Helsing is just so, from the point of his toe on the stair to the calculated curve of his tail... and page 26 captures perfectly the tilt of a feline head in every wrinkle. This may sound bizarre until you take a look at the artwork yourself--you'll see what I mean.

The publisher didn't stint on quality. Although the cover is a bit glossy, fine details abound: a scored spine prevents cracking, and there's a thick cover stock, a paper bookplate adhered to the inside of the front cover, smooth and substantial interior paper stock, full bleeds, and vivid color throughout.

If you're looking for a gift for your family member or friend who has everything and he/she loves cats, collecting unusual books, or a certain sly sense of humor, you're golden! It would also work marvelously as a book for older children. (And if you're a fan of both cats and the metaphysical, judging from a sample card included with the book, this publisher also produces some exquisitely detailed tarot cards--you guessed it, also featuring cats.)

I feel very confident giving this book five stars for creativity and a high-quality execution. I know my mother-in-law is going to love her gift--and since she's an elementary school schoolteacher, I'm pretty sure her students each year are going to enjoy it as well!

I was not sure what to expect when I started to read this book. But as I got into it I could not stop reading. I would read this during any free time that I had. I just hope that the author writes another book soon. I am definitely a fan now of Clayton Carpenter and recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

This book was great. I found it to be very funny as well. I certainly recommend it. It keeps your attention. It gets more exciting toward the middle. After reading the first part I couldn't put it down! The writing seems to be very well done. I am a female and wasn't sure about it at first, but then really enjoyed it!

Started reading the book on Thanksgiving and couldn't put it down, was finished the next day. Liked the authors writing style, kept me interested. The evil in some of the characters is frightening. Hope I never have to cross paths will people like them.

Claire, a middle aged librarian works at the Center for Southwest Research at the University of New Mexico. At a poetry reading she arranged, a young woman she met once before offers her a seat and admires her looks. When a belligerent homeless woman bursts into the room, the campus police escort her out and Claire closes the door. The young lady who saved her a seat bolts from the room because she is claustrophobic.

Claire is disturbed when the young woman, who saved her a seat, a street person named Maia, is found dead in the basement, the victim of a heroin overdose. Claire feels connected to Maia and starts researching who she is, a journey that takes her to an Anasazi structure known as Special Rocks and to a commune in Taos. She learns that Maia was running from the man who abused her and Claire is determined that Maia's death will be avenged even though it means putting her own life on the line.

The heroine is a warm caring individual who hates to see a crime go unpunished. She starts a bit on her voyage of discovery because Maia could never willing stay in a room that locks from the outside. She also wonders why the victim was on heroin because she was supposedly clean. Judith Van Gieson weaves very ugly social problems into the main storyline yet still manages to entertain her audience with an absolutely enthralling and believable amateur sleuth novel.

Harriet Klausner

Librarian and rare book expert Claire Reynier is back again. In this one a young homeless woman named Maia body is found dead in the library with a page taken out from a valuable book. Maia apparently died of a heroin overdose, but Claire believes there is more to it.

She researches the illustration from that rare book that had been found with Maia's body. This leads her to artist edward girard who may or may not have been Claire's father, and then on to Taos where she finds that Maia had indeed been sexually abused and this reminds her of when she was almost abused as a child. She'd always felt bad about not turning in her potential abuser, but he was a friend of the family, as is so often the case. Now Claire is on the trail of another abuser and this time she's not going to give up.

Judith Van Gieson has an excellent character in Claire Reynier. She is compelling, compassionate, smart and believable. I really enjoyed this book and I'll be looking for more about Claire.

This unusual mystery touched me because Judith Van Gieson addresses powerful issues that are close to my heart from the power of art, architecture, mythology, books, "library as sanctuary" (the library is where I discovered this book although I have gone on a "Van Gieson shopping spree"), to my daily encounters with people that are homeless and witnessing their struggles here in NYC. The back drop of the stunning visions of New Mexico, Colorado and starry nights that hold clues was a fascinating vacation from my New York landscape and Van Gieson isn't going to leave you down hearted. There is a lot of sadness in this story but I enjoyed the leading character being an intelligent empowered woman who delves deeply into what appears to be a superficial open and shut case that reveals reflections on the universe, human nature, deep dark secrets, guilt or the lack of. The librarian turned sleuth takes the reader on mysteries both internal and outward. As an artist I was deeply moved at how much the author thought out and expressed about artists. When Van Gieson briefly contrasts artists to debate whether there is an on going attachment to one's art, I had a chuckle and a passionate internal response; for me, always. The mystery is about the death of a homeless woman by drug overdose so this is just a hint at disturbing topics addressed. This book surprised me with it's depth yet it did not depress me. I was diverted and interested more than anything on television as I sat and read this book from cover to cover. In fact this would make a good tv movie but I don't imagine any male director for this film. How Van Gieson uses art as a key to the mystery and her finely tuned sensitivity to the passion of "the artist" really was touching. I even had to laugh because I am dealing with a moth infestation here in NYC as does her heroic librarian, Claire, although she takes it all in stride. Bravo for the art homage and the touching tribute to the beautiful humanity of lost souls, sometimes found. Despite the sadness of the story -- this is an entertaining mystery and a quick read.