Authors Books

The story was written well although it was told as if the main character was being interviewed. (Couldn't get into that part of the story). The rest of the story was well written - it makes you relate to the characters. You feel very sad in parts, you can picture this being someone in your family, and you cry in others. It gets very emotional towards the end (if anyone knows anyone incarcerated) - you can imagine that this is what it must feel like. I think all younger males should read this story - it almost reads as a testament to the street life our young men may have to face or if they idealize the thug life - this story really tells them the ups and the downs of that life without lecturing....

I was expecting it to be better than what it really was. This story is mostly about the struggles a young man face while being wrongly convicted of a crime he did not do. So most of the storyline deals with the main character being behind bars. There were a lot of twist in the storylines which held my attention and made the book an OK read. There is a part II to this book and I will be starting it next. Hopefully it will be better than part I.

Crystal takes you on a journey through the transformation of P's life...from a boy to a man. P makes some bad choices and he pays for them. Will he learn from his mistakes?

I connected with P and actually felt his pain.

After reading Hood Rich, make sure you read Big Tymers...it's even better.

Wow the book had me speechless, it did start a little slow but when it starting going I could not put it down. This told a tale of a young man nicknamed Prince cause that was his last name and he had some kingpins in the family that he looked up to. He was young and ready to live the fast life too soon and with that being said he ended up going to jail for fifteen years at the tender age of seventeen and there he learn just what being loyal was, how to survive, having faith, endureing hurt and pain, dealing with the lost of loves one and most of all how to hold on. This book reflected a lot about family. This was a good story you never know whats gone go down next. And Prince is real likeable I enjoyed his personality. Barvo Crystal......

I bought this book because of all of the rave reviews I saw online. I couldn't wait to crack it open and dig in! The mistakes (grammar/punctuation/spelling, etc) really turned me off to the storyline, which I thought was a really good premise overall. It gave me a sneak peek into the life of a criminal who was trapped in the gritty world of the justice system. I really felt Prince on some levels, but I felt like the story fell short on many points. The beginning of the book was hard for me to follow, with all of the lyrics thrown in - it was difficult if you weren't familiar with the songs that were quoted. The ending was better, because it was unexpected, but overall, I could have passed on this book.

One amazing thing, I will say, though - the book cover and packaging was done very well. It really made you want to buy the book. I will give another of Crystal Perkins-Stell's books a try just because this was only her second book, and I can see potential, maybe with better editing, a later book will be much better! I will review one of her later books once I read one!

Wonderful illustrations and a book that will not bore an adult. Great learning tool for young readers.

This book was recommended to me on a recent sailing trip thru the Great Lakes. I bought it for my hometown library as it was a wonderful geography lesson. Truely a dateless book and a lovely present for a child or library.

I couldn't say enough good things about this book and the series.

I have used this book as a child, with my children, as a teacher, and now with my grandchildren.
The book offers many educational experiences, entwined within a fine story.

I read Paddle-to-the-Sea as a child (I was born in 1942), and its story, illustrations and maps have left lasting impresssions on me. It blends social studies, geography, 20th Century American history and wonderful artwork into a gentle, loving tale. It ought to be required reading for all American youths.

I LOVE all of Holling Clancy Holling's books, but I have to admit that Paddle to the Sea is my favorite. The story of a little boy who carved a little man in a wooden canoe, and the adventures encounterd by the little man just captured my imagination. I never knew the Great Lakes until after feeling as though I had been there with Paddle to the Sea. H.C. Holling books are works of art packed with wonderful facts from science and geography. Any teacher's dream curriculum because you'll have the children enrapt attention! My sons love them as much as I do, and even now, they remember reading them as great memories.

This book is a page-turner right from the beginning. I loved reading in this time period when men spoke to women like this (from page 23):

"See the two meadow flowers, the yellow and the violet? One is as different from the other as day from night. Yet who will say that one is more beautiful? Oh, a fool might. But only a fool... But do you know what may determine the desirability of one over the other?... The fragrance!"

Be still my heart! If you love that kind of subtle romance, you will love this book.

Anna shows such strength despite the overwhelming tragedies (one after the other) she faces in her young life. And even though she is a Countess, she is very down-to-earth and sensitive to those "under her" although it was a no-no for those of such high society. Her tenderness and innocense makes her so very likable.

The book goes back and forth between family life and what's politically going on in Poland during the late 1700s with the underlying romance throughout. You're always wondering about what will finally happen with Jan Stelnicki. At no point was this book boring!!!

I loved it.

I loved this book. There are so few novels on the market about Poland and Polish history (I don't know of any others!). This is indeed a rare find. The characters are well developed, the descriptions of locations and activities are wonderfully detailed and passionately written. The setting and content about the significant historical moments are woven in expertly. It really is a history lesson embedded in a very fast-moving and dramatic story. Yes, sometimes it may be a bit overly dramatic, but I really enjoy that rich, gossipy style. So cool that it is based on REAL journal entries. These characters come alive and will stay with you well after you are done reading. Great ending, too.

Looking forward to reading Chrimson Sky.

I found this historical fiction text to be absolutely enthralling! It has not only provided me with hours of enjoyable, page-turning reading, but has also given me great insight into my Polish ancestry and heritage. The strength, spirit, and heart of the Polish people--MY people--is wonderfully portrayed within the pages of this book. I'm so looking forward to receiving Mr. Martin's sequel, Against a Crimson Sky. I'm sure I'll not be disappointed!

I found the book very engaging. I loved the characters and can't wait to find out what happens next.

This is the best book I've read in a long time. Martin's vivid descriptions and the depth of his characters made this book an incredibly interesting and fulfilling read. I could not put it down. I love "Push Not the River."

Treasured Misfortunes, is a book that I read many years ago. This book of poety has touched my heart. The illustrations relate to the poetry so well, that I often think of them as much as the words they depict. I have become a different person because of the extent the poetry has affected me in my life. I recommed this book to everyone who needs an awakening to their consienceness.

As I read the book,my every emotion of love became awakened with it's reality.Amazon did great job in allowing the readers to express their thoughts and feelings.I love the book and told as many people about it as I could.I would love to meet the great lady who wrote the book.I am waiting to read more of her books.Good luck.

As I was reading the powerful poetry of Treasured Misfortunes
I became to value the real meaning of sincere love between a mother and her child.I was very educated. The book was full of many emotional issues,that are very deep and sacred to the poet soul. I enjoyed the book very much,as well as appreciated Amazon .com for it's great way in allowing me to express my thoughts. I am actually waiting to read more of her books, She is just an outstanding lady of great talent and wise expressions that are very healing.

Many people read many books but not always do people remember what they read and react to it with tears and sincere emotions.
Until this day some of the poems I read still effect my heart when I remember them.The poems in the Living Through Faith chapter is just beyond my ability to express.It is a great book,I really would like to read other type of poetry which she writes about.I wish fo every perso who desire poetic reality to purchase Treasured Misfortunes.

Reading Treasured Misfortunes was a great reality of deep love,that taught me how to never miss a minute without counting my blessings.I deeply thank Amazon.com for allowing me to express how much I love the poetry in that book. The title held my heart captive to its meaning. I would love to read more of Sammer Ghouleh's work. Throughout the book I was just amazed by the power of it's message. I really wish her success and good health for her daughter. I look forward to buying her books.

As a freshman in college, the concept of religion can be a very distant one. A man who is a leader of a spiritual organization on campus highly recommended CS Lewis, beyond the Chronicles of Narnia, and finally I decided I would see what the interest was about. I cannot believe I waited so long to experience such a fantastic author and truly wonderful books. If you are a life-long Christian, someone open to the concept of religion and looking to explore, or just someone who wants several great stories to read, this collection is unbeatable. Over 750 pages and seven stories that will challenge the reader, both spiritually and intellectually. I highly, highly recommend this book.

While it seems that many of C.S. Lewis' works have been compiled into collections since their initial publications, this particular collection might be one of the best available at the moment. That is, this collection might offer a comparatively larger bang for one's buck. Each of the titles contained within this single volume are more than worth their weight in gold, making the collection as a whole priceless. One should realize, however, that if the collective work is approached as one large, continuous reading, it might be seen as a tremendous undertaking. As large as the actual book might be, one should not be intimidated by its size, and feel comfortable tackling each of the separate texts as if it were independent from the larger collection if not only to avoid rushing in an attempt to reach its end.

To avoid an unnecessarily long review, one might be best served, if at all interested, to examine the reviews available for each of the individual titles contained within this compilation. Beyond this it should be mentioned that while these are appropriately dubbed Lewis' signature classics, much of his work is omitted from this collection. A few additional suggestions if one is interested in this author are The Four Loves, Surprised by Joy, Letters to Malcolm, and God in the Dock among many, many others. Again, this collection is a legitimate bargain considering the wealth of knowledge it contains and the comparative price of purchasing each separately...or never inquiring at all.

This is truly a life changing book. What an incredible mind C S Lewis had. It has been an honor to have the opportunity to read this collection. I won't stop until I have read everything I can find about, or by C S Lewis.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in C.S. Lewis!! Very handy to have all of these classics in one volume. Easy to read print also makes it hard to put down!! If you've long enjoyed the works of C.S. Lewis, or if you are new to him (like me!), you will not be disappointed with this purchase!!

C. S. Lewis held such a brilliant God-given imagination, that ALL his works tickle the mind in places that one didn't even know existed! His writings will have you laughing until you hurt one minute, and the next minute so full of spiritual sobriety that the on-going, unseen (yet very "felt") battle raging around us becomes crystal clear.

It is far and few between when a book will call me back to it when I walk away. It is not often that I find such joy and delight when I can finally pick it up again--almost feeling a guilty pleasure when there are so many chores to do and work to be done!

What a brilliant mind this author had. What a blessing he was to our planet! My children love his works.

Carrie Lynn Jones
Author of: It All Began... When Jesus Gave Me Sneakers

The idea for this story is really interesting, but the writing felt flat--serviceable, certainly, and accurate--but the scene didn't really come alive to me. In the second chapter, the boat trip to Hawaii, the transitions from past to present were smoothly done and fleshed out the course Laura's life is about to take against what she so suddenly lost with the deaths she left behind. Still, her grief mixed with fear for what lay ahead, weren't palpable. Given the fascinating premise for this story, I can only hope the writing style becomes more emotional, even florid, when Laura reaches Hawaii, to match the lush tropical setting, but somehow I doubt it. This arm's length rendition doesn't do the subject justice. It reminds me of how Arthur Golden related that readers of an early manuscript of Memoirs of a Geisha considered it interesting, but dry. He rewrote the story in first person--and you know the rest. Perhaps that same approach would breathe life into a story with the great potential this one has.

This from the few chapters I read it appears that this novel will be a an excellen addition to the many manuscripts written about Hawaii and picks up some unkown information that is illuminating for those of us that love the Islands. I would recommend this to others once completed.

I was immediately engaged! A wedding dress is a great way to start a story! Additionally, I got an instant picture of Laura as someone who is more interested in comfort than in style. The author tells us a lot in just a sentence or two.

I wondered just how Laura thought she was going to control her pregnancies.

"hard for ships to reach there, like trying to sail to stars in a vast, dark sky." beautiful.

Great descriptions of San Francisco and the teeming populace.

"Laura felt a sense of coming to a crossroads, turning in a new direction where way leads into way and what was, got left behind, distorted by shimmering time ... like a mirage." Another beautiful description.

Wonderful details!

I loved how the boy kept asking another question every time his mother said, "Please, no more questions."

And I was glad how Laura realized she had lost her chance to get to know her father better, and would never know about his experiences.

I felt like the line "What would it be like to live a missionary life among the savages of Hawaii?" Should have its own paragraph, because this pushes the story forward and shows just how much everything is changing for Laura. It's really important.

Aww, that was sad where Laura remembers seeing her mother's coffin.

Darn! The excerpt ended! I wanted to read on! Darn it!

Thoroughly enjoyed this expert writing and the developing story. Hope it makes the upcoming 100!

The first chapter and a half of Gaellen Quinn's "The Last Aloha" has captured my interest and imagination. It promises a great story which satisfies the double purpose of entertainment and enlightenment about a past that was veiled in misconceptions by the colonizers of Hawaii.

The very first line of the story, where the heroine stands in front of the mirror, promises the reader an adventure into the unknown which will lead young Laura, and hopefully the reader as well, towards increased self-awareness and maturity. To emphasize this theme Laura comes across "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass" in the library on board the steamer which will bring her to the shores of Hawaii. She knows nothing about her destination and very little about her father's missionary family with whom she is going to live. Incorrupt by prejudice as she is, we sense that she will meet her new experiences with an open heart and allow herself to be affected by them.

The reader becomes immediately aware of a discord between Laura's personality and her traditional social environment. About to get married, she is a strong and independent woman who is determined to shun society's expectations that she put marital life and motherhood first. However, her dream of going to medical school is shattered on the very first pages of the book when her father and fiancé die in a street accident and she is left without resources to pursue her goal. Thus she is forced to fulfill her father's last wish and go live with her relatives on the Hawaiian island Oahu, missionaries from Boston with whom she has had no relationship and who we suspect are not going to receive her with a warm and loving heart.

The story is set in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The historical setting and the ambiance of the time are rendered in delicate detail, often revealed through dialogue, or as seen through the observing eyes of Laura. The language is beautiful and descriptions are frequently imbued with a poetic aura. The astute use of symbols and forebodings lends depth to the narrative that I find satisfying.

When it comes to painting word pictures, Gaellen Quinn is Michelangelo. There's a deft touch for the telling detail and a grasp of the big picture as well. As we meet Laura Jenning's she is trying on her wedding dress and making plans to go to medical school--tragedy intervenes and she finds herself on a ship for Hawaii, heading for a place and relatives she doesn't know.

In addition to creating a lively character, the author has melded research and imagination to bring the full sense of her historic era to life. From the street scene in San Francisco to the shipboard library, a complete era is recreated. The scholarship of the author is a gift to the lazy reader, who is educated with no effort. To have your fun and then be able to sound intelligent afterwards is just paradise for a reader.

I saw a post about this series on the discussion forum, comparing it to Janet Evanovich's Plum series, read the blurb and reviews, and was interested. Natasha is a gutsy bodyguard who is committed to her job and client, Roger Valentine. She tends to overdo, which gets her into some pretty funny situations. The addition of Pit and Bigun, the two Samoan bodyguards, adds more humor. I own a Weimaraner, so was delighted to see one added to the wacky mix of characters in this book. One of my favorites is Stevie, Natasha's perimenopausal mom. Do I ever know what that's about!

If you like quirky, offbeat characters, a mystery plot, romance, and a bit of suspense, give this one a try. I'm anxious to read #2 in the series.

I have been a fan of this writer since her first book came out. I love her!!! Take my word for it all of Ms. French's books are fantastic stories! If you have not had a chance to read any of her books well then this book is the perfect book to start with...so, what are you waiting for...order your copy today!!!

Through my library's book group, I've become a dedicated reader of this author. Although she writes about darker subjects, I like her romantic comedies the best. And this introduction to The Bodyguard is a winner. Natasha Chamberlain wants to be an investigator, so goes about it by entering through the backdoor: as a bodyguard to Roger Valentine, a multimillionaire software king. Natasha's boss, Jonce Striker, quickly regrets his decision to include Natasha as a protection specialist to his good friend, Roger. All of a sudden, Roger's appearance is changing and Natasha and her two colleagues, Pit and Bigun, are having too much fun hanging out at Roger's mansion. Not to mention, Natasha is way overzealous in protecting Roger. And is she starting to crush on Roger? Although Striker doesn't know it, Natasha has the hots for him and is determined to get his attention. Then ends up getting too much of his attention through her bungled attempts to keep Roger from harm.

Great start to what looks like a fun series. I like that this protagonist is so young, which means, I'm sure, that we'll see plenty of changes with her as she develops in her career.

Yes, "be prepared" is the operating phrase for The Bodyguard by Christy Tillery French. Early twenties something, Natasha Chamberlain, is a wild and crazy girl, similar to Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, but more extreme...is that possible??? Anyway, Natasha has been working at an agency whose raison d'etre is to protect the lives, behinds and resources of various and sundry individuals, some of whom may be of questionable character.

When the story opens, Natasha is the office manager of the agency, wears suits to work, a subdued hairstyle, and glasses. Then, one day, she is called upon to serve as a bodyguard for the very good friend of one of the agency owners. After that, all hell breaks loose. Her superiors do not tell Natasha that her services are only intended for one evening, for a glamorous dinner where the object of the protection, one Roger Valentine, is to be the honoree and who needs protection from someone who has threatened to kill him. Well, Natasha proceeds to make a real mess of things at the dinner, but has the presence of mind to have Roger sign an agreement (before attending the dinner) that he will require her body guarding services until the individual who's threatened him is discovered. So when her bosses attempt to relieve her of her bodyguard duties and put her back at a desk, she explains, as only she can do...belligerently...that she has no intention of returning to office manager duty and shows them the signed document.

You will need a great deal of energy to keep up with Natasha's antics and the patience required of Jonce Striker, one of her bosses (and the guy who makes Natasha's heart go thump-thump), as they attempt to protect Roger. A romance develops between Natasha and Striker, Natasha fights with her mother (constantly) and the agency's two primary bodyguards, Bigun and Pit, provide additional comic relief, as if any more is needed. This book is fast moving, full of spitfire dialogue, and oozes tantalizing escapades. Have fun with it!

Carolyn Rowe Hill

This book is a fair effort and worth a read if you come across it, but I wouldn't quite recommend that you run out and buy it. I picked this book up because I wanted something that took place in Tennessee; I can now tell you that location plays absolutely nothing in this book, in fact it is mentioned once, maybe twice that they are in Knoxville. However, that is not why I gave this book 3 stars, IMHO this book is just that, a middle of the road novel. Enjoyable enough, but not great.

This is one of my favorite horse stories of all time. It is about a young boy who makes a bond with an increadible horse. A must read for any horse lover!!!!

This is my favorite horse story ever! This book stands above all others for me and I will always remember it. My mom read this to me when I was 9 years old and still to this day, I have never read it's equal. Henry's writing is so beautiful, the story so touching and the characters so real. A plot unfolds about a young stable boy in Morocco and his golden-bay stallion who would one day be known as the Godolphin Arabian, who's bloodline still runs in race horses of today. It's quite possible a lot of this book is based on fact. A simply amazing story in all respects! I must warn sensitive readers however, there are some very intense parts of this book, some sad parts which are sure to make most people cry and a few parts where there is fairly harsh abuse and neglect of animals. Maybe not the best choice to read to very young kids, especially if they are the type to get scared easily. Overall, I would say the book has an excellent balance of tragedy and triumph. The ending is a beautiful one, both happy and a little sad but satisfying and well worth reading the story.

King of the Wind is a great book by Marguerite Henry. It is about a mute boy named Agba and his horse Sham. Agba goes with Sham on many adventures together. Agba goes with Sham from the royal stables in Morocco to Gog Magog. Sham also sires many winning foals and when he is gone, Agba goes back to Morocco.
I enjoyed this book very much. I liked it because it is about horses. I also liked it because it was full of adventure. It was sad and exciting and there were many parts where Sham and Agba were seperated. Agba was very brave for a young, mute boy and Sham kept him company with his firy spirit that only Agba could control.
My favorite part was when the cook tried to drive Sham. He wanted to show that he did not need Agba to drive Sham. He left Agba at the royal kitchens then set out. Sham bidded his time till the cart was groaning with goods and a young pig. Then "BAM!" He went wild and ran like the wind, sending the goods, the pig, and the cook into the air. The cook runs after first the pig, then Sham, then the pig, until he is so confused that he catched nither. In the end the apple woman cathes Sham and the cook is so fustrated that he sells Sham to a cruel man. I like this part best because it is so funny and shows Shams firy nature.

All of Marguerite Henry's books are classics, but I think this one, recounting the life of the Godolphin Arabian, a founding father of the American thoroughbred, is my favorite. I bought it for my own children and as I read it to them, I was taken back to the day I first read the story. Even after thirty two years, Sham and Agba still make me cry.

It's writing is simple, the words easy for a child to understand, but the story is so full of awe and respect for the great horse that you can't help but be moved. The illustrations are also some of the finest in children's literature. Wesley Dennis painted watercolor masterpieces for many (all?) of Marguerite Henry's books, but I think the works in this book are particularly inspired. Both the writing and the artwork are true treasures I am honored and delighted to be able to share with my children.

The Christmas I was nine, I got a boxed set of Marguerite Henry novels and while I loved all of them and read them day and night during the break from school, I think this one goes down as my favorite. A few years after I first read this novel, my family moved and I discovered it was also, by a nice coincidence, one of the favorite books of a girl I met in our new neighborhood, who went on to be my best friend to this very day. That connection, too, makes this a special read. However you might come to possess this wonderful book, I think you'll agree, it's one to be cherished.

King of the Wind is the story of a mute boy named Agba, who lives works in the royal stables in Morocco during the eighteenth century, where the Sultan has perhaps the finest collection of horses on earth: maybe the greatest ever in history. Among the animals Agba cares for is a colt who has long been Agba's favorite. This horse was born with a mark called the wheat ear, that is regarded among Moroccans as so unlucky, custom mandates that any foal possessing it be destroyed at once. However, this colt also is marked by a sign of extraordinary good fortune, which reprieves the death sentence and is there to battle the wheat ear in the animal's life: the good in constant yin/yang conflict with the bad.

As a gesture of goodwill, the all-powerful Sultan elects to send a shipment of his finest horses to his friend and ally, King George of England. As the horses chosen for the journey are prepared, Agba is given the chance to accompany these prized animals by ship to the far-off Christian kingdom. One of the colts hand-picked by his Excellency is none other than the omen-marked horse Agba has grown to love. The journey northward upon the ocean is undertaken, but an unscrupulous sea captain has shortchanged the Sultan's agents and not provided food for the equine passengers. Therefore, the cargo of fine desert steeds who are unloaded in England appear little better than half-starved nags, and never find their way to the royal court.

Cast out among beggars and in a strange, cold nation where he knows no one and does not understand the language, Agba refuses to leave his beloved horse's side and the happenings that come to pass in the life of the desert stable boy and the fine, though seemingly run-down stallion, form the basis of a delightful novel that is simultaneously a tale of a boy and his extraordinary horse, and a history lesson in eighteenth-century equine lore. In Miss Henry's story, fact and fiction meet as Agba's horse becomes the celebrated Godolphin Arabian, from whom roughly one-third of all modern thoroughbreds can trace descent.

I guess you can tell I really like this book, and I think almost anyone would as well!

Kingdom Alliance continues the epic story of the kingdoms and the reaches. It is a fiction-fantasy novel with elves, dwarfs and other mythical creatures. One thing I admire most about the stories is the landscape is always changing, the reader is always getting to visit new and interesting places. Plus the characters are fresh you feel like you know them and some of the more interesting characters come alive in this one. The main characters that I like best are Vilmos, Adrina, Emel, Ansh, Myrial, Calyin and Valam. They are well drawn and real. I would recommend the Ruin Mist Chronicles to anyone who likes adventurous books. If you haven't read it, read It!

As a long-time reader of science fiction and fantasy, I've read many hundreds of books, but the one series I keep coming back to is this one. When each new book came out, I read the ones before it. Since then the last book came out, I've read this series several more times.

Fantasy books aren't meant to be literary fiction, but Robert Stanek's Ruin Mist Chronicles are well-written and well-plotted. The writing has just the right amount of detail to keep the story moving while giving the reader a sense they are in the world of the characters.

One of the great things about the Ruin Mist Chronicles is the world itself seems like a character. That's because Robert Stanek does an excellent job of creating a believable world and populating with strange and wonderful things. The history of the world is extensive and rich.

The history of the kingdoms is expertly blended into the plot, so that you effortlessly become emersed in the world. It feels as if this land, with its people, traditions, and history is as real as our own. Each of the deluxe editions of the books end with 50 pages of details on the fantastical world.

Many readers have called Stanek's "Keeper Martin's Tale" his "The Hobbit," and his "Kingdom Alliance" "Fields of Honor" and "Mark of the Dragon" his "The Lord of the Rings." This is because "Keeper Martin's Tale" provides a relatively simple beginning to a complex tale of an epic struggle between the forces of good and evil, and his "Kingdom Alliance" "Fields of Honor" and "Mark of the Dragon" bring the rich world and its very real characters fully to life.

Each of the books includes illustrations of that book's main characters. You get a good sense of the characters from these character studies. The expressions on the character's faces tell you a lot about their characters. The way the characters carry themselves also tells you a lot about them. In this book, my favorite character study is of Edward the Troant. He's the half troll half giant who aids Vilmos in a time of need.

This book, Kingdom Alliance, begins within a few days or weeks of the ending of Keeper Martin's Tale. We find Princess Adrina Alder, daughter of Great Kingdom, returning from the promised visit to Klaive. We find Vilmos and Xith aboard the Scarlet Hawk as the ship makes its way into the Mouth of the World. We find Emel Brodstson and his father Ansh Brodst returning to Imtal, and dealing with the aftermath of the Battle of Quashan'. From there, the story pulls the reader deeper and deeper into the shattering of the titular Kingdom Alliance.

As a work of fiction, Kingdom Alliance is excellent the story moves quickly and has many fantastic scenes where you are completely swept away and many scenes that leave you hanging on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend Kingdom Alliance, and moreover, the entire series to anyone who enjoys reading and likes fantasy.

This is a fantastic follow up to Keeper Martin's Tale - a true joy to read full of mystery and intrigue and action and adventure. Like many readers, I found this to be even better than the first one. The series continues to be entertaining and interesting and has become one of my favorite ongoing fantasy series.

What makes it different from other fantasy series is that fantasy world is as much a character as the characters themselves. Stanek moves between three to five different characters, so its like your in their head seeing through their eyes. So you can be immediately whisked across the land into another battle, another intrigue, another personal struggle at the turn of a page. Often instead of getting just one pov you get two or three different povs and it just makes it all the better.

Stanek isn't afraid to kill of his characters, even some of the most beloved ones get the ax. I like that but it can be difficult to read when your favorite characters is killed off.

It's going to be interesting, that's for sure, to read what happens next. And the best thing there's two more to enjoy: Fields of Honor and Mark of the Dragon.

Keeper Martin's Tale is one of my favorite books, and this was even better. A good read and recommended to anyone who likes fantasy.

This is the second book in the Ruin Mist Chronicles (RMC) series (after Keeper Martin's Tale). Although I truly enjoyed the first one, this is BETTER than the first one. Stanek is really finding his legs with the series. Stanek is a great writer who builds an incredible world with a compelling history. His characters are also incredible.

After the defining battle at Quashan', the heroes find themselves going in separate directions. Vilmos continues his training with Xith and they move on to the Mouth of the World and points beyond. Adrina and Emel return separately to Imtal from the south. Adrina travels from Klaive. Emel and his father return with the elves. What this effectively means in terms of atmosphere is that we have a much clearer feeling that this book has a definite goal in mind and is heading towards that goal with a lot of purpose and a fair bit of pace. With most of the character and world introductions out of the way, Stanek devotes this book to developing the story and characters further, particularly Adrina, Emel, and the elves. Xith remains somewhat of an enigma but what is here is more than satisfying enough. Here, many of the lesser characters and sub-plots begin to connect with the core, in particular Emel and Myral, cameo players in Martin's Tale, become major characters and Stanek doesn't waste too much time achieving that either. By far the most important developments though are the revelations related to Vilmos and the elves.

As with Martin's Tale, Stanek mixes cultures, religions, institutions and languages with exceptional skill. This is excellent world building, applied with a dark, powerful touch that should convince fans of Berg, Brooks, Eddings, Feist, and others to become Stanek fans, too. What I love most about Ruin Mist Chronicles is that it is always tightly plotted. I don't think it gets more tightly plotted than this installment. Kingdom Alliance is a great book, but be warned: this is a continuing story. The story has an ending but not a complete resolution of all the threads as this book is part of a larger series. A great read, great fantasy.

No more excuses. Whether you are a published author, have never written a word, or just want to get some thoughts on a page, Secrets of the Zona Rosa will change your life if you let it.

The lessons in these pages are are powerful, provocative, and positively practical because they are universal. This book is not just for writers. It is for everyone.

Willing students will learn how to free their trapped, inner demons - as well as angels - through the healing, therapeutic power of words in Rosemary's "Exorcises". These wonderful writing tools will allow you to celebrate yourself by helping you reveal facets of your soul you might not otherwise knew existed.

Rosemary Daniell is not afraid of writing and telling her truths. Neither should you be! A marvelous follow-up to The Woman Who Spilled Words All Over Herself, Secrets of the Zona Rosa will make you laugh. Sometimes, it will make you cringe - with a smile. Most of all, it will make you write. Read it, apply it, and gain the power to tell your story!

My hand reached for this book as if it were a divining rod to grab onto something to help me find the way out of the darkness I was in...
Reading other women's stories of finding their true ALPHA voice gave me courage, confidence and broke the isolation of going it alone...
Rosemary recounts stories or events that are sometimes disturbing, painfully truthful, colorful and full of the true paths that many women have been on. Sometimes, the passages I read would haunt me through the day, but motivated me to read on to gain wisdom and life lessons.
You will not be disappointed in this book...it is worth it's weight in gold...!

Rosemary Daniell is a fascinating woman with wild and unbroken energy in terms of her life and her writing. This energy along with a sharp focus for writing is establishing an example for women around the world to follow. Essentially, she is (and has been for years) writing her way through what, in part, seems to be the unconscious shadow of a civilization who for hundreds of years has not freely admitted the feminine into it most prized corners of culture and art, particularly in the south.
In her books, as in her teachings at numerous talks and workshops across the country and in Europe, Rosemary Daniell lifts the ordinary of life to the sacred and then she brings the sacred back to the ordinary as she connects writers and ideas from all areas of life.
All in all, her latest book, "Secrets of The Zona Rosa How Writing (and Sisterhood) Can Change Women's Lives" presents not only a way to show up for your writing but for your life as well. Rosemary uses numerous quotes from other writers, such as Georgia O'keefee, Natalie Goldberg, and Menander to support the points of stories and ideas that make up the book.
"Secrets" is huge in terms of information for beginning as well as "old" writers. And there is laughter throughout the book, belly laughter rolling off pages of this book even in the midst of a painful story being told by Rosemary about writers and writing.
Carefully laid into the pages of heart-wrenching truths and the gut-splitting laughter are also guidelines and "exorcises" as well as the most sinful but delicious recipe for Strawberry Cream Cake--the Official Zona Rosa Dessert.
This book is so rich with ideas and stories that it will take years for its contents to settle within our culture but when it does, and as it does, it will take hold and become part of the anchoring force of great writers and great women who create (and a few great men who are willing to wear pink and the ZR tattoed across their hearts).
Every women should have this book as a guide for living; every woman writer should stop what she is doing right now and go out and get this book if she doesn't already have the book. Ryder J Finnegan,Ph.D./Writer/ Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Rosemary uses humor and honesty to provide writers with a good dose of tonic that will revitalize their writing techniques and boost their morale. Her exorcises are helpful in discovering one's own creative self. Her book shares her experiences as well as those of some of her fellow Zona Rosans and her determination to help women improve their writing is evident in her book. Her tone is always encouraging and supportive. I found her book to be one I return to again and again.

When you pick up a copy of Secrets of the Zona Rosa, better pick up two or three extra notebooks and a box of pens or pencils because you are about to start writing.

It's hard to imagine not getting itchy writing fingers while reading the intriguing titles in the table of contents: "We are all doors until someone slams us," "If I was really wild," and "If I thought like a guy."

Rosemary Daniell is an intriguing and powerful woman. She writes her own truths and invites other women to do the same. No, she doesn't invite; she insists. And insistence is hard to resist.

I first met Rosemary Daniell in the pages of her 1997 book, The Woman Who Spilled Words All Over Herself: Writing and Living the Zona Rosa Way. It headed this fallen-away writer back on the writing road. For several years, I was a member of Rosemary's Atlanta Zona Rosa group. It is with real joy I welcome this book, as will other readers of this author's works. Those who have not had the fun and challenge of working their way through Rosemary's exercises--and exorcises--will soon share our enthusiasm.

Rosemary took the name Zona Rosa for the writing groups and workshops that she leads from the bohemian quarter of Mexico City, but she gives it the additional meaning of the "feminine zone," where women (and not a few men) explore using writing not only as a challenging, creative activity but also "as a tool for healing."

Secrets explains how her mother's suicide inspired her to explore her own life and truths through writing, and how the knowledge of her mother's frustrations and sadness over a lost ambition to write led her to devote her time and talents to helping other women not only fulfill their dreams of writing, but also to hone their skills in practical ways. Rosemary, already a published poet, was leading a writing workshop for women prisoners when she learned of her mother's overdose.

"I felt once more how little she--like the women in the prison--had been able to tell of her own truths. How little permission she had been given--whether by herself or others--to express them.

Although I didn't know it yet, Zona Rosa was born in that moment; an unrealized passion that would lead me to spend much of the rest of my life seeking to help women like Mother and women in prisons of all kinds to achieve their dreams."

Rosemary does not and did not flinch at telling her own truths. She spent the next three years of her life writing a memoir, Fatal Flowers: On Sin, Sex, and Suicide in the Deep South, inspired by her mother's death. Not long afterwards, Rosemary began leading a small group of writing women. Zona Rosa was born.

This book tells Rosemary's story and more. She looks back over the nearly twenty-five years of Zona Rona writers and shares (with their permission) the moving tales of how their writing has changed their lives. There are sad stories and stories of triumph, all of them fascinating.

This is not, though, a book of stories. We find guidance and guidelines that all writers, novice or expert, use with relish.

While the book deals with serious subjects, it is filled with Rosemary's wit and humor. "Pilates on Paper" first appears in Chapter 1, and the reader becomes the writer before she turns the page. (Remember my warning about new notebooks and pens!) "Book Therapy" appears regularly with reading suggestions and guidance. Writing exercises (or exorcises as Zona Rosans call them) appear throughout. Toward the end of the book, Rosemary addresses "The Emotional Tai Chi of Getting Your Work Out There"--excellent advice on finishing and submitting our work when it is ready (and we are ready for it) to be shared with the world.

Attending a Zona Rosa group or workshop is an exhilarating experience, but so is reading and writing from this book. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

by Patricia Nordyke Pando
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women