Science Fiction and Fantasy Books

Like everyone else on this list, I read this book over and over when I was a child and then misplaced it. I can honestly say that I never forgot it, though I did forget the title and twenty-some years later I was still going online from time to time and doing random hopeless searches for it. But - !I came across my battered old cover-less copy in a storage box over the weekend and reread it, and it is just as lovely as I had remembered, and the illustrations are even lovelier. It is a very simple but beautiful story; I highly recommend it for every little girl. I'm so pleased to have finally found it, and doubly pleased that it's been reissued.

I first read this book when I was eight years old (in the late 60's) and still have my copy of it. It is a great book about a long lost doll that is finally found after many years. I always wanted a grandfather clock because of the one in this story and mine has a proud place at the top of my staircase too. Wouldn't it be neat if there were hidden treasures in every aunt or grandma's house! This is a must read if you love spooky, but not too spooky, old fashioned stories.

bought one for myself and my sister. My first copy was from the Scholastic book sale at school in 1973. This is a very delightful and innocent mystery that captivated me as a child. This is a beautiful book to share with your daughters, nieces, granddaughters,etc. It is nice to sit back and remember when it was very cool not to be whiny, materialistic, over exposed and selfish..when it was wonderful to just to be a sweet, kind, helpful and respectable little lady.
Metaldiva Sez: Buy as many as you can for all the little girls in your family..great book about a tantalizing and gentle mystery..

I had to buy this book! I read this book as a child, but misplaced my copy decades ago! When I realized that I could find it on amazon, that it wasn't lost to me forever, and that I could have my daughter read it, I felt like I was being given a gift. There is nothing like a truly good book when you're a child, and this book is a timeless wonder. I bought one for my daughter, for her third grade teacher, and for her second grade teacher whose daughter is named Elizabeth. Now its magic will inform further generations.

I read this book over and over as a kid of eight or nine - it was an especially good book to curl up with when I was feeling lonely or blue. My dog-eared copy gave out finally, and I never could find another. Often I have been sad that I couldn't share some of the most beloved stories populating my imagination as a kid with my daughter. Imagine my joy when this lovely book came available again! I'm not ashamed to say I was emotional and shed a few tears of happiness (a good book will do it to me every time). And, of course, I bought a copy for my little girl, to whom I'm going to read it aloud.

This book is sweet without being cloying, it's an adventure mystery without villains or violence, it's a puzzle to be solved without competition, it's a "growing up" book without preachiness. It's charm is boundless. Adults will enjoy it, I think, as much as their children. Good reading!

"We must find the heir -- and soon!" - Jasmine, p2. of RETURN TO DEL

The end is here in this thrilling conclusion to the Deltora Quest series. The gems of the Belt of Deltora have been restored, and now Lief, Barda and Jasmine must find the heir... before it is to late.

Who is the King, Who is the spy, who is an Ol. Find out.

In this book lief , jasmine and barda battle numorise monsters in the world of deltora.in the book the chacters are lief , jasmine and barda.
i think this is a good book its filled with adveturs and combat.
the main point in this book is to get all 8 gems and put them back on the belt and find the hier.there are 8 books but there are more colletions.the evil shadow lord cast a spell over deltora lief , jasmine and barda are trying to stop him the 8 gems were taken by the aka-babes they've been live for 500-1000 years.i think you should read this book if u like a advetures.

My name is Andrew. I am 7 years old. (My daddy helped me write this.) I liked when the seven ak-baba swooped down from the tower. And then it was cool when Lief put on the belt and destroyed the Ols and drew away the ak-baba.

You should read this book because it is very interesting and you'll read about a lot of monsters and magic.

This is most defenantly the best book of the series (at least the origanal Deltora Quests)! Others follow closly, but the end of the story and all the secrets revealed takes the cake! The climax gives just the right tone- choas and desparation. Excellent!

Having all seven gems, our three heroes are on their way home to announce the heir, with seven chosen ones to guide them.Each chosen one represents a gem and together thay are the belt.The last book is a confusing and long book.There are betrayals, secrets, mysteries and hopes.All beleifs will be clashed as loved ones will be killed, and all may be lost.But this powerful and beautiful world will show its triumph as they pass the lake of tears, and it's deaths as they pass the evil city of the rats.Lief, Barda and Jasmine have many ideas on who the true heir will be.They search all areas, up in trees and down in tunnels, and also in the imperial palace.Where hope will be lost, hope may be gained in this thrilling book.This book concluded the whole series extremely well, and for once I was truly satisfied.

this is one of my favourite charmed books!!! as it shows true halliwell spirit. basically prue gets the oppertunaty for a front page photo. but the camera she uses sends all the models and pheobe into hades. in the effort to get there sister back piper and prue have to go through loads of greek mythology gods and creatures. this book is a must have for all charmed fans

As far as I'm concerned, ALL other good Charmed books (The Queen's Curse, Whisper's from the past, Dark Vengeance, Mystic Knoll, Inherit the witch, Something Wiccan [just to name a few]) are small potatoes in comparison to this superbly penned Charmed book!!! NO other Charmed novel could possibly be better than Soul Of The Bride!!! Elizabeth's work here, is a masterpiece!!!!

What makes this story stand out from the other Charmed books is her impeccable blend of Greek Mythology and the Charmed ones tale aptly blended in. She mixed the two geneologies flawlessly, very well blended, I should add. Every single tiny detail added in is beneficial for the Charmed ones, and that's what stands out in this book. Alot! For example, the part where Piper takes a quick glance at Prue and realizes that she is still wearing Piper's necklace, makes Piper remember that she had to pay Charon the fee to take them over to the other side of River Acheron, which is taking the letter opener and mother-of-pearl inkwell, just in case. Turns out that the letter opener is useful in impaling the Sirens!!!

I'm not going to reveal details of the story, but I guarantee, whether or not you know about Greek Mythology, you will definitely enjoy this story. Soul Of The Bride is a must-have for all Charmed fans!!!!!! My fave bit is when Phoebe is determined not to give up and succumb to the tasty grub kept in Hades, only to realize they are tainted to make people an empty-headed party animal. Also, all 3 sisters had a vital part to play, and with their team work, girly (and sisterly) support, all the loose knots are tied, the i's are dotted and its a happy ending for them.

My only thumbs-down about this story is just that its seems like a pretty huge coincidence that Nikos had known about Prue's photo shoot and sent Mitchell to make sure Prue's topic is on Victorian Portraiture, using Greek Mythology, which then lures Phoebe to Hades. In the Charmed Universe, coincidence is extremely rare, unless Nikos had known it all along, and places a spell on the them to find out.


But other than that, it is 100% recommeded, you WILL love it, like I did!!!
I paid $9 for this book and every single cent was worth it!!!!

This one of the best Charmed books ever written. I loved the combination of Greek Mythology and Charmed. Unlike the 'Oh My Goddess' episodes, this book blends both genres together effortlessly. The writing is top-notch... it really pulls you into what's going on. I had a hard time putting this book down (finished it in a couple days.. even with work).

HIGHLY recommend this to Charmed fans. You won't be disappointed :).

I am a huge, HUGE fan of charmed, I love the series, but ANY OTHER BOOK PALES IN COMPARISON TO THE SOUL OF THE BRIDE!!! It follows the story of the power of three flawlessly!!! If you are interested in any kind of mythology, or even if you're not, the soul of the bride is a MUST-HAVE!!!!

i have read all the books in the charmed series and this is one of my favorites. it combines the greek mythologies with modern day life, which i think is quite creative. i highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys greek myths.

This story is a great allegory for young and old. I read this to my son when he was young and he has always remembered the story of a young boy becoming a hero through a series of events in his life. It has wonderful character building lessons and will leave an imprint on your heart.
I bought this for our son for a Christmas gift (he is now 25 years old). He was ecstatic when he opened his gift. He is now reading it with his fiance. Her mother read it and has bought 3 more copies to give as gifts. I highly recommend this for all ages.

My son andI read this book together. The lessons in it are incredible. The story is interesting and the opens the doors for great disscusion about life issues.

I was introduced to this book as a kid at a summer camp in PA and later as a college student at a weekend conference I was re-introduced to it. It is a fabulous collection of stories for children and adults alike that mirror biblical principles. Later when I returned to PA as a camp counsleor I read it aloud to my teenage girls and they loved it! They would ask each night if I would read to them. You won't be disapointted in this book, or the other two that make up the series!

David & Karen Mains' Kingdom Tales consist of three volumes: Tales of the Kingdom, Tales of the Resistance, and Tales of the Restoration. First published in hardcover in 1983, 1986 & 1996 with delightful illustrations by Jack Stockman, these three books have been reissued in softcover in 2000, but now with a limited number of black-and-white illustrations by Linda Wells which don't do much to enhance the text. Each volume consists of twelve fantasy short stories, set in a city ruled by an evil Enchanter who has usurped the throne from the true King. The stories are all separate events often involving different characters, but are bound together as part of a larger story as the Enchanted City is rescued by the exiled King and becomes the Bright City, leading to a joyous conclusion as the people of Great Park and Bright City begin the Great Celebration at the conclusion of the Restoration. The main returning character is Scarboy, an orphan boy who escapes from the Enchanted City with his brother, Little Child, and becomes Hero in the service of the King.

Although the stories have distinctive allegorical qualities, they are more like religious fables or fairy tales, drawing on the imagery of the kingdom that Jesus Christ Himself taught in His ministry. Under the influence of the evil Enchanter, the people of the Enchanted City prefer darkness to the light, and so sleep during the day and work at night. But the King is at work delivering the city and rescuing the poor and needy and bringing them to the Great Park. Even though the Enchanter's men proclaim "There is no such thing as a King", the King's men know "that "Things are not what they seem." They realize that even though the Enchanter had said "Seeing is believing", reality is different: "You have to believe in order to see." Christians will understand that these are important spiritual truths about faith and serving the King Jesus Christ.

Each volume has some stories that were especially memorable. Volume 1 describes how Sarboy escapes the Enchanted City, where orphaned and handicapped children are enslaved. In the Great Park he discovers the wonderful truth about God's kingdom. One of my favorites in this volume was "The Baker who Loved Bread", which describes the King's Baker who bakes the King's Bread, but withholds this bread from poor and needy people, thinking he is doing a service to the king by doing so. When he beats a person whom he believes to be a thief about to steal his bread, he discovers that he has actually harmed the King himself, and learns an important lesson: "Love for the King is measured by one's love for his people. So the Baker fed the hungry and fed them well - lest the One he loved the most should starve." This concept is very clearly based on Christ's teaching in Matthew 25.

How successful these stories are on their own apart from the underlying spiritual truths is hard to tell. The moral of the stories is generally quite transparent, although in the case of a few tales it is rather obscure. But on the whole the message about serving and honouring the King Jesus Christ comes through loud and clear. I found the stories thoroughly enjoyable particularly because of this deeper meaning. I suspect that those who don't appreciate the deeper meaning will find it hard to enjoy the tales as stand-alone stories for their own sake. The concept is similar to the Narnia Chronicles, although not with the same degree of success, because the Narnian stories can also function on the level of stories alone. But although the world isn't as fantastic as C.S. Lewis' Narnia, Narnian fans may find themselves appreciating the Kingdom Tales of the Mains for the same reasons: the spiritual depth. They will certainly lead to a greater love for the King and His Kingdom! -GODLY GADFLY

I came to Amazon to purchase a copy of TALES OF THE KINGDOM by David and Karen Mains. There were several reviewers that were disappointed in the illustrations of the newer editions. So, I sprung the extra money to buy an older copy. BELIEVE me, the old illustrations by Jack Stockman are only "fabulous" if you have some childhood memories to make them special. Otherwise, they are rather ordinary and do little for the stories. The stories themselves shine and shine. Such excellent stories. If I had to do it again, I would buy the newer edition and save my $$ for other books.

I received this book over twelve years ago by a relative when I was five years old, and it still remains a treasure on my bookshelf. There are some books that embody a sense of magic well beyond their words and after long putting this one down, the images, love of tales, and the pure passion of the myths stays with you. James C. Christensen's work very obviously could stand alone. The brilliant rich colors and original imagination very nearly breathe life into an eloquent, albeit essentially simple story. You end up `seeing' the adventure as it pans out, on the decks of the Basset as it goes sailing, looking for magic.

The story has always remained dear to me, having characters that not only do you empathize with and care for immensely but end up seeing little bits of yourself entwined in. I love the subtext with the science in a world where physics and rigid rationalities are not shunned out, but rather melded together in an appreciation of what an untamed imagination has to offer a world that works within rules and boundaries; an ideology that I have long since held with reverence and respect. That without the ingenuity and sparks of original thought, the very fuel and passion of science and humanity's natural need and compulsion to understand, would be left lackluster, without the same benefit, and without the very essence that makes us who we are.

It is a quiet little book that has interwoven themes in a light manner and stays in a genre all its own. Someone obviously cared deeply about the origins of the myths, tales, and creatures, and through the perspective of Professor Aisling you shall find footnotes telling of their backgrounds and stories. As a kid this is why I fell in love with reading, the type of thing that leaves a dreamlike quality in the waking hours and sends shivers down the spine.

As that child, I saw the excitement and adventure that often keeps a young one entertained, though also growing up through the last twelve years I have drawn depth out of it. Originating from someone young who cared little for the sensible, polite etiquette of today's society (Cassandra), to now someone who roots and thrives and builds their life off of the science of the world (Miranda), I can see myself in both daughters. I have been both daughters. The book has a story of loss in its pages, and contributes to how our dreaming and imaginative nature is often lost in light of trauma and death, and also how it can wither or steel over as we grow older; as we come to understand the world expects a certain sense of propriety out of us. The two girls here are the split halves of a sphere; the pure willingness to believe with the mind of a child, and the sensibility and maturity of a questioning nature. Neither science nor the imagination is on some level complete without the other, and here they are personified in two strong females rooted in the deep bond of family.

This will be a book to give a child that will most likely appeal to their tastes, though will always remain something accessible to those older, and something that one will never tire of picking up. It's the sort of thing that will always hold something new with each stage of life and therein lays my ardent affection for the mythology, calm wisdom, and art within its pages. A golden and heartfelt story awaits you on a neglected dock. Credendo vides, my friend.

I think that my favorite part of this book were the illustrations. Then again, I hesitate to call the pictures in this book illustration; they step into the realm of artwork. Christensen's artwork is beautiful! The colors are vivid and alive, and sometimes I couldn't turn the page because I wanted to soak in every detail. They were so real, that I had a hard time looking at Medusa's eyes because it almost seemed that they would turn me into stone if I looked.

I loved the way the story and art went hand in hand to tell the voyage of the professor and his two daughters. If you love daydreaming about fantastical journeys, this is the story for you! Everything from Greek Mythology to Mideival Legend is found by sailing with the crew of the Basset.

What great story would be complete without having an equally great message! The message of this book is as beautiful as the story and its artwork. For fear of spoiling anything, here it is in the latin: "cresendo vides!"

If you love fairy tales then this book is for you! with an excellent story and beautiful pictures, I open my book at least once a week! I highly recommened this book to all ages! A true classic!

This is my favorite book. I have read it so many times. The drawings are beautiful. The story is so interesting that you almost feel like you are in the book, that you are Cassandra. There are so many mythical creatures discribed and drawn out for you on every page. My favorite part is when they meet the Manticore and the Sphynx falls in love with him. It is a very cute book that reads easy.

A story about a family coping with heartache and struggling to pick back up the pieces of their torn lives. Full of whimsical illustrations and imagination. For kids and the kid at heart, the only thing you will regret is not going on this fantastic voyage of distant shores and mythical creatures.

I remember reading this book to my daughter 20 plus years ago. Now I want to get a copy to read to her children and cannot find it anywhere except at "collectors" rates. I just want the book - doesn't have to be a first edition or anything. Please someone reprint this book!

The artwork in this book is beyond belief. The story evokes an imagination that goes on for weeks after the story has been read. As a child I often found myself looking through a Kleen-x to see if the man on the moon would wink at me and on good nights (when my mother was up for it) he 'would' wink, so we would immediately start the spaghetti!

Both the young and the young-at-heart will adore this wonderful and wondrous book. The bewitchingly lyrical text is complemented sublimely by the beautiful illustrations. My two children couldn't put their copies down and nor could I.

Every child should have the good fortune to be gifted with "When The Sky Is Like Lace". This book is a perfect - and delightfully "different" - gift for every occasion, from birthdays to baby showers. It's a rarity amongst children's books - a true keeper that will become a family favorite for generations to come.

So I was ABOUT to pay $132 for an out of print version of this book when I saw it had been reprinted!!! I feel like its Christmas. This was my FAVORITE book as a child. I have an old color photocopy that I have read every day to my 13 months old since he was 6 months old. Its SO battered and falling apart - but he still picks it to have me read to him every time. He LOVES it. If you want for you and your little one to be transported to where everything is strange splendid and plum perfect - GET this book. It is pure magic. I am going to buy copies for everyone I know with kids!

Lewis Carroll lives on in the *BIMULOUS* sky created by Elinor Lander Horwitz and illustrator Barbara Cooney. It probably rates as one of the top ten picture books among readers who agitate for reprints! And how satisfying to report success!

If children as young as three years old clamor to have 'lacy skies' read to them, I wonder if it is primarily for the fascinating, mystical illustrations, OR, are little ones swept away by the language that seems to have descended from the 'nonsense rhymes' of Lewis Carroll? The fantasy in "When The Sky Is Like Lace" is carried along by both words and paintings, and the vocabulary is eagerly, laughingly adopted into the language of children - - and adult readers, too. Barbara Cooney was an author-illustrator with an enthusiastic 'following' who champion favorite titles, such as "Roxaboxen," "Miss Rumpius", "Island Boy." In this lovely book the three girls glide barefoot over grass that "feels like the velvet inside a very old violin case" and svelte otters dance like humans.

"If you see the man in the moon wink - especially through a clean white handkerchief - YOU may soon see a BIMULOUS SKY" and be wafted away to memorable adventures. Brought forth are wonderful RULES - - for what to eat on those nights, what to sing, the kinds of gifts that are appropriate to exchange (my favorite being "anything chartreuse") . All the senses are heightened by the artists's line & color that blends so perfectly with the words of Elinor Horwitz. Reviewer mcHAIKU would write more but on the author's advice I have chosen to ride a camel bareback (while juggling three peaches).

Like others reviewers before this, I'm rather surprised how obscure this wonderful, quirky book truly is.

The story revolves around Toseland, a young child who goes to live with Mrs. Oldknow. He goes to live in a big manor in a country estate (think the estate the Pevensies go to live on in Lewis' THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDOBE). He soon realises there's something odd about the house, and is puzzled why Mrs. Oldknow talks about the history and past inhabitents of the place like they were around only yesterday. It turns out the house is inhabited by children of the past, and he learns of an evil gypsey named Green Noah who he ultimately must confront. This final confrontation is rather scary, and Green Noah is one of literature's most memorable villains that I've encountered in a long time.

The book is a rather charming blend of supernatural meets reality, and there is something very delightfully English about the whole affair. The author's Catholocisim is rather apparent n the book, and she fits a lot of different allusions to literature, music, and history.

For those looking for good Children's fiction, this is a powerful story. It's too bad it's not well known.

I found this to be an excellent novel not only for children but also for adults. There is enough intrigue to hold the reader's interest throughout the novel as well as being a lovely, warm family story.

I first read this book when I was a child (in the 60's) and immediately fell in love with it. It has everything I adore in a book; a little magic, a little ghostliness; an English castle; lovely animal companions; characters from times past; people with manners, morals and down to earth values and last but not least--love. I have re-read this book many times and have just finished listening to an audio-version. This is forever a beautiful and enchanting book.

The book I'm going to talk to you about is called; The Children of Green Knowe, by L.M. Boston. I didn't really like this book. It was a little confusing and hard to understand. There just wasn't a clear point. There was not middle, or a climax and resolution. I thought this book was about a mystery or a ghost story, by the cover and the blip from the back. I was very disappointed in the ending, and that it was appoint-less fantasy, that bored me half to death!

The Children of green knowe was about a boy named, Tolly, who was the age of 8-11,whose parents die (they don't say how),so he was sent to live with hisGreat-Grandmother in Penny Soaky. Her house was called Old Knowe.
Three children, Alexander, Toby, and Linnet, died in Tolly's(the boy's name), Great Grandmother's house many centuries ago. They started appearing around the house just days after their death. They played with Tolly, and went on great Adventures. Enjoy one of Granny's stories every 20 pages, and learn about Tolly and Granny's love for the flute andthebirds.

Other reviewers have praised the book. But then, they also liked Harry Potter, and "Series of Unfortunate Events" as well, so that clearly showed me, as a College Prof, now HS dad, that I might not like this book, as the excesses of sardonic humor, death, magic, and evil, are all too prevalent in this day and age, to encourage the reading of fiction to stuff yet MORE garbage into my children's (or my!) head. As it is said, "Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof...".

But Green Knowe is different- perhaps because it was written in a gentler, kinder time. While there is fantasy, and a sense of the blurring of the dimensions (ghosts that are not evil, a world within our world that has connections to the past, and the interpenetration of them all) overall, this work has as much depth as Potter's does for the adult reader, without all the preachiness of 'PC' dogma which has so marred Rowling's later writings, and has influenced all of the film treatments. One really does not need to rehash Shirer's work on WWII in a Children's fantasy novel, which is all Rowling's works have become at the hands of her American editors...

Boston's world is alive- with literature, history, music, and artistry, which Rowling's is not. For adults, the references to the Restoration, Cromwell, Purcell's music, Anglican Church, and British Christmas customs provide a wealth for any HS parent discussing the period 1660-1700. But, as another reviewer noted, she never GOES anywhere- unless just BEING is enough. Her world is one to inhabit, not to holiday through, as if it were an itinerary of sights to check off. The ONE confrontation is scary, and could frighten younger audiences...but a vision of a redeemed world shines through. I was reminded while reading Boston, of Jame's novella, that Britten set to music in the opera, "Turn of the Screw." NOT "cheery" stuff, that!

If I seem ambivalent, it is because, while there is much to recommend in her writing, and the pictures she paints are very vivid, and full of life, the theological issues of the spirit world interacting with the real world, the malevolent curses of a gypsy long dead, and the subtle hints of either a strong genetic lineage, or a nascent reincarnationalism, coupled with clear Christian imagery and pious sentiment (Do ghosts really sing Christmas carols, without malevolent intent?) bothered me.

Is the book magical? oh yes, in many ways. Is it troubling, as say, Wind in the Willows is not? Oh, yes.. in equal measure. Is it a good read? Definitely. But the rest? I'm not sure....

I thouroughly enjoyed this book series in Jr. High. It has everything you could ever hope for from an original sci-fi story! I'm awaiting a collector's edition collection of all six books in one volume. I would love to see a motion picture adaptation as well...

this book is awsome action packed scifi with a twist i read this in 2 days i just couldn't put it down Tristin a boy who finds out that he was adopted and is trying to find his real identity when he alerts his clone of his presence that could be a fatel mistake find out what happens
-podus

John Peel is one of the best authors i know, and i tend to be picky about books. You can hardly put them down, and they keep you guessing. He has some character backgrounds without making it boring. The character's personalities are very distinguished, and he has a great way of discribing things. in 2099, the whole planet is almost completly run by machines. Devon (who is NOT tristans clone! Tristan is Devons clone. Devon was born first.) is set out making a virus to have complete world domination. It's devons game, and tristan is just another obstacle in his way. Genia, is the 16 year old girl who just happens to get caught in the crossfire. An exellent hacker, raised in the underworld, she manages to a vital key in devon's game. Inspector Shimada ( i think...) is the officer on the case, and is determined to track him down. Tristan is one of the accused, and is a prime suspect to Inspector Shimada, and becomes a flaw in Devons grand sheme. Now devon's out to destroy tristan, as well as the rest of humanity. (i hope i didn't give too much away...) Doomsday and the rest of the series are nothing short of exellent! JOHN PEEL RULES!

This is the best book! I love John Peel. The characters and the suspense is awesome! Tristan is 14 and in big trouble. Ever since he fell off his girlfriends roof his whole world has changed. He found out that he is adopted and has a clone! Devon is Tristans clone and is evil! He (Devon) has created a Doomsday virus that will destroy the world. It's up to Tristan to save it! With the help of Genia, an outcast,and Mora, Tristans ex-girlfriend. Can he save them? Read the book to find out! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fiction, especially science fiction!

This is an excellent book! It's about a kid named Tristan who has to fight for his life from a super hacker. You never want to put this book down. It's the first of 6 in an excellent series. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I had heard good things about this book when I picked it up, but I didn't expect to fall in love with it. The style is delightful, the characters dynamic, and the story creative and new. I look forward to seeing more from Jessica Day George.

This book was the best book I've read in my whole entire life!! I love the characters Creel, Prince Luka, and Shardas! I loved it when Creel knocked out Princess Amalia! I was also very annoyed with how Larkin just took Creel's shoes without asking and just gave them to Amalia! You would love this book if you're into adventurous, funny, fantasy, and action books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
________ Lael sommer !!!

CREEL IS THE HEROIN OF THIS STORY. AFTER HER AUNT TRIES TO MERRY HER OFF TO THE LOCAL LORD'S SON BY BEING A DRAGON'S CAPTIVE SHE DECIDES TO GO TO THE KING'S SEAT AND TRY HER LUCK AS A DRESS MAKER. IN EXCHANGE FOR TALKING THE LORD'S SON OUT OF FIGHTING THE LOCAL DRAGON THE DRAGON GIVES HER A PAIR A DRAGON SKIN SLIPPERS, SLIPPERS THAT CAN CONTROL DRAGONS (UNKNOWN TO HER). WHEN SHE REACHES THE RATH FOREST (I THINK THAT'S WHAT ITS CALLED) SHE GETS ATTACKED BY BANDITS, WHEN SHE CRIES FOR HELP A GOLDEN DRAGON DROPS A GLASS WINDOW ON THEIR LEADER'S HEAD, PICKS HER UP IN HIS CLAWS, AND TAKES HER TO HIS LAIR (SHE FAINTS WHILE IN HIS CLAWS). AFTER SHE SPENDS SOME DAYS WITH SHARDAS (THE GOLDEN DRAGON) HE FLIES HER TO THE KING'S SEAT. TO FIND OUT MORE YOU SHOULD READ THE BOOK OR ASK SOMEONE WHO HAS. F.Y.I. IN THE SECOND LAST CHAPTER CREEL IS KNOWN AS THE HEROIN OF THE DRAGON WAR. AND THE KING TRIES TO MARRY HER TO HIS ELDEST SON MILES. (THOUGH CREEL PREFERS THE SECOND AND YOUNGEST SON LUKA).

I am a grandmother and read all kinds of books. I loved this story and want to share it with all youngsters. It is a great book and very entertaining. It had me in tears close to the end but when I got to the end and realized another book would be in the offing, I was excited and can't wait for the next book. I recommend this book to any one who has a great imagination. Teachers will love this to read to their students also. Thanks for a great story.

What do you get when you mix a sassy damsel, dragons who hoard everything except gold, and some fancy slippers? A page turning fun tale similar to the PRINCESS BRIDE meets DRAGON RIDER.

Creel's aunt suggests sacrificing her to the local dragon in order for the family to get financial gain. True a dragon comes but he's nothing like the village tales. First, he doesn't care to eat humans. Second, he doesn't hoard gold but other things. One of which is shoes. Creel asks for a pair and the dragon lets her have them.

Creel goes to the King's city to get employment as a seamstress. But something is going on with the slippers. Her feet itch something terrible but she ignores them. Once in the city she ends up stepping on the spoiled queen to be, Amalia's, dog. Needless to say Amalia doesn't care for Creel. But the princess doesn't like anything. Nothing that is except Creel's slippers, which she says she'll get.

Little does Creel know that she holds the secret to either peace or destruction for her kingdom.

I really got into this tale. I'm not one for dragon stories but this story kept my interest from the very first page. Creel is spunky and doesn't like it when others, including snotty Amalia, put their noses down at her because she's a common villager.

Creel meets others in her travels. Marta, another seamstress with dream of opening her own dress shop. Luka, the younger prince, who is interested in Creel. Shardas, the dragon who's friendship means alot to Creel even if this means she has to put her life in danger to protect him and the other dragons.

This is a fun tale that reminds me of PRINCESS BRIDE. Readers who love dragon tales with a twist will especially love this story. Now I can't wait for the sequel.

This book was very enjoyable. It shows how Kell, a Klingon infiltrator, learns that the humans are not as cowardly and deceptive as people may think. He learns that Captain James T. Kirk is not a coward as his people think, and that Kirk has the same honor as Kahless. Once Kell learns this, he dreads completing his mission, which is kill Captain Kirk.

A superbly well-written story, that sucks you in and gets you seeing Star Fleet through Klingon eyes a little more. Only 1 major beef: it took 3 years to get the sequel trilogy to the newstands!(Errand of Fury, Book 1 Seeds of Rage). Definitely a great Star Trek book for Original Series and Klingon fans. The way he starts the buildup to Star Trek V is masterful. Lots of good battle stuff, and NO HOLODECKS or overly sensitive politically correct Picard-crew types.

Love ANY Star Trek and this series is very good!

I wholeheartedly agree that this classic Star Trek novel is great! Not only capturing the very feel of the TV series, but propelling us into the "human adventure" created and propelled decades ago by the late/great Gene Roddenberry. But this is not just a great Star Trek novel, for it is sci-fi space opera at its best, just like: "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Puppet Masters", "2001", "2010", "Rendezvous with Rama", "Ringworld", all the "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" books, "Advent of the Corps" and others.

This book started out with two strikes against it; it was part of a trilogy, and it focused on a Klingon. Given that I'm NOT one of the multitudes of Klingon fans among current Star Trek afficionados, and I HATE I HATE I HATE stories that end "to be continued" without finishing what they started, I had low expectations here.

So imagine my pleasant surprise when we actually had a story that finished one full plotline, and ended at a perfectly acceptable point, even if there was an overarching continuing subplot in the background, and one that dealt with the Klingon element in a way that could almost make me, a diehard Original-series, Klingons-are-stereotypical-bad-guys kind of guy, appreciate them.

There are several very large holes in the basic concept, that require a bit more suspension of disbelief than I can manage: the central character, Kell, aka Jon Anderson, is a Klingon infiltrator disguised as a human, much like the character in the episode "Trouble With Tribbles". He is surgically altered to "appear" human, even to the point of having his blood's color changed from lavender to red. But he won't be able to pass any examination from a doctor, as his internal anatomy is essentially unchanged and so he has to go to great lengths to avoid sickbay.

Now, how many ways is this silly? Can a person really expect to be assigned to a starship and NOT get a routine physical exam within 48 hours? Given that the answer to this question is "no", would the Klingons really be dumb enough to try this scam? And if this happened BEFORE "Trouble With Tribbles", and if Kell is eventually discovered (granted, he isn't by the end of this book) wouldn't that have caused the Federation to be more diligent in finding disguised Klingons, thus making it even less likely that THAT infiltrator could have succeeded as far as he did? On the other hand, if it happens AFTER that episode, wouldn't they be even more on guard here? All of this makes the main concept EXTREMELY dubious, but it's such a fun story that I'm at least mostly willing to give it a free ride on the issue. It would have been better, though, if it had been explained that the disguise was good enough to fool a routine physical, but a THOROUGH exam would reveal the deception. That would have been plausible, and have made the suspension of disbelief a LITTLE easier.