T Books

I have read this book at least five times and will read it again, because it is quite simply the best read on the subject. It is not a verse by verse commentary, but a theological commentary that is reader friendly, but one recognizes the depth of research and understanding of history that Bauckham pours into this book. He has another book called The Climax of Prophecy that carries much of the same subject matter, but this one is an easier read. This book completely changed my thinking on the book of Revelation. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a serious approach to Revelation and not the canned stuff that you get from the Left Behind series. This book will leave you hoping for Bauckham to write a verse by verse commentary on Revelation. Until he does read Craig Koester's book Revelation and The End of All Things along with this book. Bauckham makes sense of the 144,000, the two witnesses, the goal of history and how the book centers around the worship of God and Christ. I recommend this book for everybody from scholar on down.

Bauckham's essay of Revelation is thought provoking and spiritually challenging. His analysis of Revelation through the lens of "apocalyptic genre" gives pause to readers who are of a dispensational bent. He has a strong grasp of the 1st century influences that seemingly competed with Christian piety. To put it plainly, this book puts Revelation in context from beginning to end, while defying the more popular interpretations of today. It is a definite read for the seminary student, scholar, and layman alike.

Bauckham offers the interested reader relentless and inspiring insights into the Theology of this often misunderstood New Testament book. I found I had to put down the highlighter because I was highlighting entire pages. This book is excellent for both the serious student as well as the everyday reader.

Bauckham's work here is a fresh of breath air in the midst of a lot of choking misunderstanding. He reads Revelation appropriately in context while recognizing the highly phenomenal language of apocalyptic literature. One of the monumental strengths of this book is the way that Bauckham seamlessly weaves theology and exegesis. He explains the complexities and intricacies of the book contextually and then develops an extremely clear theology. In addition, Bauckham's treatment of Revelation in relation to the OT is clear and indispensable to really understand this book. He allows the OT scriptures to form the paradigm from which he understands John's language, imagery, even his prophetic role. With imaginative application of a paradigm-shifting book, Bauckham's work must be read and continually referred to in order to understand the richness of such a beautiful, and so often misunderstood book. Bauckham is a scholar of the highest rank, and yet his writing is both engaging and accessible. I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to seriously understand Revelation.

This book came as required reading for a class in graduate school and helped reveal the overarching messages in the book of revelation. This book has been one that has perplexed me since I was a young believer. Is this book to be taken literally? Is the book figurative? Is it somewhere in-between? Bauckham falls into a general examination of the book, looking at the genre, the big issues, the themes, and specific issues that scholars debate in all circles. This book is not an exegetical painful process, rather a good look at the big picture of revelation. How should we apply it today? Are we afraid that we will be 'left behind?' Thank goodness Tim Lahaye made a DVD for those people who will be 'left behind.' Anyway, on a more serious note, this book is a great introduction to the book of Revelation and will help almost anyone get around the book without feeling overwhelmed or lost. Highly Recommended - Joseph Dworak

It's been a while since I read a book that I loved this much. This book was exquisite. It's a simple story, but that doesn't mean it's boring, not by any means. It's gloriously interesting. Even the littlest words, the tiniest snippets of dialogue, are intriguing. Well, I was intrigued, anyway!

I fell in love with the characters in it right from page one. And that meant I cared what happened to them. The birds, the trees...they all had unique and well-developed characters. (I cannot remember reading a book where I fell in love with the character of a tree before, but it happened here!) And thankfully, there were no 2D characters here, and no cliches. The characters took me on a deeply emotional journey, and I returned changed. Not many books can do that.

Kids will love the exciting, fast-paced story with gorgeous animals in it. Adults will be intrigued by the story as well, but will also be impressed by the psychology of the tale. It's a happy story on the whole, but it's also a story of love and loss, and how what happens in moments of grief or adversity can stay with us for a lifetime.

I would thoroughly recommend this book, not just for kids but also for adults who want to read classic YA fantasy.

I would also suggest that people ignore the laughably inaccurate Editorial Review on this website that is written by Publishers Weekly. Seriously, when I read that review, I was forced to wonder if the reviewer had even read the book, because if they had, they would have understood Anna's resemblance to Mellwyn's daughter. The book could NOT have made the reason for that any clearer!

This is a well-written story of a young girl trying to learn of her roots. At nine years old she knows little about her mother or father. She lives with an old fisherman. The old man has told her he found her in the woods, but warns her to stay away, or the ghouls in the forest will get her.

Young children, especially girls, will enjoy this story.

*warning, major spoilers*

T.A. Barrons writing carves a magical story about Anna, a 9 year old girl who desperately wants to know of her past, though all the fisherman she lives with will tell her is that he found her under the branches of the High Willow, which now seems to call to Anna. He forbids her to ever go into the forest, for fear she will be torn apart by the murderous "tree ghouls" But one day when the fisherman is out at sea, the curiousity gets the best of Anna, and she wanders into the forest, where she finds only magic and beauty. She soon befriends a bear cub, who later turns into a boy who claims to be a "tree spirit".
Anna's new friend takes her to the high willow, but the fisherman finds her and furiously drags her back home, and forbids her to leave the cabin.
Anna one day realizes how very much her fingers look like willow branches, long and thin, and how the high willow calls so longingly to her, and suddenly figures out exactly where her mother is.
But when her tree spirit friend returns to take her back into the woods, in trying to prevent Anna from going the fisherman injures himself badly on an ax, and Anna must choose between the man who fathered her since before she could remember, and her destiny.

With beautiful writing that will weave you tightly through this story of love, magic, and family, T.A. Barron will enrapture you, I couldnt put it down. I highly reccomend this book to everyone, of all ages.

T.A. Barron wrote a wonderful book, Tree Girl that will blow you away. In the book you meet a little girl named Anna. She lives with her grumpy old father Mellwyn in a little one room cottage by the sea and forest. All day long Anna will play with Old Master Burl, the tree in her back yard. Through the friendship she has with Old Master Burl, she became inspired to meet the High Willow in the forest to unlock the secrets of the past.
If you love fantasy this is the book for you. Every minute you read this book you feel like you are with Anna seeing her story with your own eyes. The author's great sense of words bring the characters to life. No one is stuck behind in your head. With the words, T.A, Barron pulls you in the book; you won't want to get away. You can't go to bed without dreams about what will happen next, will the wind show her the way and much more. This is a must read.
After you read this book you will never forget the message in the story. Millions of kids all over the world find out that it is better to be where you belong and not where you feel weird. If you find your place you will be happier than ever!

I loved reading Tree Girl. You feel like you're really there. I have dreams about this book. If I could put up more stars,I would.

This purchase saved me a lot of money compared to the price in the campus bookstore.

Of the eight books I bought, it was the most expensive (cost per page) for all that I received. Although it was in great condition, so were some of the others.

I was totally pleased with the entire process. The book arrived surprisingly quickly and was in perfect condition.

This book was pleseant to read because Socrates was accused of corrupting of young Greek people's mind. Socrates made mockery of his trial. Eventually, he was convicted and was order to drink poison to die.

This is a must for anyone who is interested in the writings of Plato and what little we know about Socrates. The footnotes provide excellent refrences to phrases, gods and place names that the average reader may not be familiar with.

After having to climb through so many books looking for the information I required to understand the issues and response to terrorism I came across Understanding Terrorism by Maniscalco & Christen. What a relief to find a comprehensive, cohesive and no nonsense book.

These authors have done a remarkable job with synthesizing complex data and rendering it into a discussional and informational manner easily comprehended by all emergency planners and responders. The constant reinforcement of "system" play and interoperability as well as a function rather than an agency approach lent great assistance to my team being able to immediately apply the knowledge to the crafting of our contingency response templates.

Great job by the composers, fantastic text for you or your organization!

This book is fantastic. It articulates the issues in a discussional format and make sense of the many confusing topics of terrorism planning and response.

I like the fact that the authors have taken the time to include a very robust reference appendix section. It has proven to be unquestionably my go to book on this subject matter.

In addition to the front matter which is invaluable, I now have to only grab one book to reference the myriad of references, case in point is the streamlined access to federal response plan, MSDS sheets, radiological references etc.

If you are an operator, supervisor, manager, planner or instructor this text is for you!

A lot of books on terrorism response have been written by 'experts'; fine folks who understand the theory, but in reality lack the practical experience. This book is NOT one those.

The authors are well organized, show their writing experience, as well as their provider and leadership experience.

The book is a comfortable read, not a scholarly tome that is an alternative to Xanax. Illustrations are good.

If you have a need to plan for medical response to terrorism, this book is an excellent resource to aid in your preparations.

The authors of Understanding Terrorism have done a great job with presenting complex and difficult material in a manner that is easy for all responders to understand.

This book covers all the bases and met all of my expectations. It has become a permanent fixture in my response bag should I need a ready reference. Frankly, this is perhaps the best book on the subject for emergency responders that I have seen to date. A great value for the price!

I was skeptical at first about another book on terrorism. After being disappointed by several other terrorism response books allegedly written for emergency planners and responders, I was very satisfied with Understanding Terrorism and Managing The Consequences.

This book is a breath of fresh air that restores my confidence that responders who have the experience and background of planning for & operating at terrorist events are sharing their expertise & knowledge.

Understanding Terrorism provides you the VITAL information you need to perform your duties as a responder as well as provides security directors & safety managers expanded knowledge on what is expected for their functional areas in times of terrorist events.

The information is provided in a cohesive manner that aids the users with easy comprehension and utility of the material. It also compiles all the needed references under one cover to make your job easier.

The approach the authors have adopted with this book is a big bonus. Frankly I am tired of books that adopt a "shotgun" approach or use theoretical [terminology] to convey the message of safe and effective response strategies; they fail to address the implementation and operational application issues effectively. THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH UNDERSTANDING TERRORISM. This book helped me each step of the way as well as provides me with the benefit of being a "one book" planning and response reference.

Public or private sector emergency managers, responders or security officials, if you are responsible for the emergency response, Understanding Terrorism is the one book you should own, read and use.

Cool alphabet book. I didn't even realize that the illustrations were paintings and not photographs until I read some reviews! Encourages kids' imaginations, encourages them to notice their surroundings, gives an opening for a geography/history lesson or an opening for an art discussion -- all kinds of uses including the most important one of all - simple enjoyment.

Great book when teaching the alphabet, students can see that letters are not just in the classroom but also in real life.

Reading these exciting words: "The paintings for this book were created with pastels, watercolors, gouache and charcoal on hot pressed watercolor paper" I feel a deep urge to take a plunge into doing art. Luckily we can see "it" everywhere, not just New York City.

Stephen Johnson dedicates "ALPHABET CITY" to his parents "for their constant belief in me and my art." Besides instilling confidence & joy, they must also have helped their son develop a sense of color & texture, humor and even x-ray vision! Now he has his first Caldecott award.

This is a joy-filled book. Children spontaneously shout the letters but also share their own made-up stories as they see beneath the surface of the paints. "M" is a favorite of mine, and "W" and "Y" (and on & on!). Who could choose a better image than the "A" of sawhorses to lead to "Z"? Sometimes obvious, and other times subtle, the contrasts in color and season are lovely and great fun. Many eyes will open much wider after experiencing "Alphabet City."

Reviewer mcHAIKU is crazy about art AND this book.

How successful an alphabet book is relies entirely on how well it conveys the alphabet to children. Sometimes books of this nature are so wrapped up in their own cleverness (like the wearily look-at-me-aren't-I-a-visual-delight, "Graphic Alphabet" by David Pelletier) that they forget who alphabet books are supposed to be FOR. Now "Alphabet City" is clever too. No question of that. But what Stephen T. Johnson has done here is whip up a book that inner city kids will immediately recognize and cling to. How many alphabet collections are there out there that form letters out of pastoral or countryside setting? Plenty. Johnson turns the idea on its head with near photo-realistic paintings of recognizable city objects and places.

In his forward to the book, Johnson explains that the roots of this project are based in his own love of the, "particular energy one senses in the people, sounds, and structures, old and new, that constitute a city". While out for a stroll on day, he found he could find letters in the most basic city structures, like fire-escapes and sawhorses. "Alphabet City" is the result. Each letter, always a capital, is presented as part of the environment around it. So the aforementioned sawhorse is the very first picture, with kids being able to readily recognize the "A" hidden in its crossbeams. No letter is going to be immediately easy to find. Johnson doesn't outline them in darker paints or even necessarily point them out in any way. The "R" hidden in leaf covered cobblestones is evident if sneaky. He also cheats a little here and there to get just the right shape. To find the "C" in the cathedral's beautiful window, a late afternoon shadow covers part of the circle. By and large, however, Johnson executes an extraordinarily clever conjunction of images. I would have thought it near impossible to find a "Q" in the city, but the wheel well of a stationary train proved me wrong. Johnson also flits back and forth between different kinds of light and shadow. You'll find yourself quite taken with his mysterious and towering "T", or the snow-covered bench that provides an "O". It makes for perhaps the most interactive alphabetic picture book out there.

This book does work on the premise that the children reading it already recognize the alphabet as it stands. How hard would it have been for Johnson to have place a large black letter in the corner of each page, allowing kids the chance to learn as well as explore? If you're a four-year-old and can't remember if "Q" comes before or after "R", this book will be no help to you. That said, for those kids already familiar with the shapes in this collection, "Alphabet City" can become a game in their off hours. They can walk down the street pointing out the letters they see in their own neighborhoods. Some pictures admittedly feel like Johnson is cheating. He obviously could have located an "L" anywhere, but did he have to make it so difficult for the readers by constructing such a convoluted image? Try flipping randomly to some of the pages and see whether or not you can figure out what letter you're on. Betcha bottom dollar you don't guess "F" or "G".

I complain, but only because I love. Truth be told, "Alphabet City" blew me away. There are all kinds of seasons here and a true love for city living that rings true. Johnson has a keen eye for the beauty inherent in urban living. Rust and peeling paint and moldering iron and missing tilework all combine into truly beautiful portraits. The alphabet has never been done so eclectically. Alphabet books with a designer bent always leave me a touch cold, but "Alphabet City" is different. Like its sequel, "City By Numbers" it's original and lovingly rendered. Consider pairing it with "Achoo Bang Crash" by Ross MacDonald and "New York, New York: The Big Apple From A to Z" by Laura Krauss Melmed for a truly urban and urbane alphabetic threesome.

Stephen T. Johnson's Caldecott Honor Book (1996) Alphabet City is a wordless book depicting paintings of scenes from urban life cleverly depict each of the letters of the alphabet. Each letter (and painting) has its own page, such as an "E" in a side view of a traffic light, an "M" in the arches of the Brooklyn Bridge, an "R" in the cracks in the sidewalk, and a "T" in the negative space between two tall buildings. The paintings are photo-realistic in style and view scenes from a variety of unique vantage points, some showing an entire landscape while others focus on a small detail. The large size of the book and the high-quality glossy paper display the paintings to full effect. Children who have newly learned their letters will enjoy showing off by spotting the letters "hidden" in the everyday settings and will likely begin spotting more letters in their own surroundings. There is a secondary message in this book about the prominence of language in our daily lives and that we are surrounded by letters and language.

I really enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, the engaging style that invites the reader into the world of Octavian and many of his contemporaries such as Herod the Great, Tiberius, Cleopatra, Cicero, Livey, and many others. You come away from this book feeling as though you experienced something of the past. It is though you were there and lived through it yourself. Second, this book is a history of religions in that it focuses on the world religions of the first century all over the world. You learn about the religions of Rome and how they were evolving, as well as Judaism, Christianity, Buddism, Mithraism, Hinduism and many more besides. The story of the Roman and Greek gods are told. Third, festivals and there meaning are focused on. This is particularly true of December 25th and how the various religions treated this date. Other festivals are taught about as well, like the Jewish passover. Fourth, the calendar and how it come into being is another great feature of this book. One learns about astronomy and astrology as well as how all of the months and days of the week that are currently used in the west were named. Fifth, the founding and history of various cities are told. Finally, one can not leave this book without sensing that he has taken a trip back in time. The one negative about the book was that the author takes a religious stand that "all roads lead to god". There is very little negative treatment of the various religions. Most people and religions are cast in a very positive light. Octavian was likely a little meaner and cold hearted than he comes off here. Of course, if Octavian was telling the story himself then he may have told it like this since we are all the hero of our own story.

One of the best all-ages history books. :) Gorgeous illustrations, useful family trees, all told in a friendly and familiar style; not dry and academic at all.

What a wonderful book and introduction for a young person to learn about the Romans, and the way they lived! I remember first being introduced to this book in the 9th grade, when I had a mild obsession with the Roman Empire. This book has stuck with me for a long time. It is written in an entertaining manner, and makes these people seem more real and human than some stale 3rd person account of how things were. Each historical figure is depicted as people with the same basic fears, hopes and desires as everyone else, in relation to the society in which they live. It of course being for children is toned down as far as some of the facts we know or speculate today about these people (ie I, Claudius) but it gives a great account of how an individual of the day might have lived, and it is not just about Octavian/Augustus himself, but the people around him and alive at the same time, sometimes even in another country. This was the world of that time, and was a fascinating period of history. This type of book can easily open up a historical interest for a young person for life. I myself searched 10 years ago to find a used copy of this gem, remembering it from high school over 10 years prior, and successfully found a copy in an old book shop. I was thrilled to death to read it again, even after reading several translated histories from the Roman Empire.

I cannot say enough good things about this book! I just finished reading it before using it for homeschooling, and am amazed at how much I learned! If only they used history books like this in when I was in school, I may have had an interest in history.

The books covers from Octavian at age 18 (when his uncle Julius Caesar is killed), through his death. The beauty of this books is that it covers world events during the time period as well as daily life in Ancient Rome. It's wonderfully well rounded and the illustrations are a nice bonus.

I will absolutely read her other historic fiction books and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one!

One of the great bonuses of parenting is that you get to introduce books to your own kids that wowed you when you were a kid yourself. Sometimes your children love the books as much as you did; sometimes they don't. But in either case, you get to revisit with old friends and see how much you and they have changed and retained over the years.

Some of my best book friends when I was a kid were the wonderful illustrated histories of Genevieve Foster, and the one I loved most was *Augustus Caesar's World.* I recently introduced it (and a few others: *Washington's World*, *Lincoln's World*, *John Smith's World*, *Columbus's World*) to my 8 year old, and he's discovering the magic in them I did so many years ago.

There are three qualities to *Augustus Caesar's World* that make it so entertaining and educating. The first is that it's incredibly well written. Foster has the gift of breathing life into historical accounts. In reading about Cicero's execution or the life of Siddhartha, for example, one experiences all the dreadful waste of the one and the liberating wonder of the other. Second, the book is wonderfully illustrated by Foster herself. The illustrations are themselves instructive: along with individual scenarios, she provides time-lines, illustrated most fetchingly, that conveniently encapsulate events and persons. Finally, Foster's histories are really world histories. In *Augustus Caesar's World,* she focuses on the events leading up to the end of the Roman Republic and the establishment of the Empire (roughly, 44BCE to 14 CE). But she doesn't limit herself to Roman history; she also examines events taking place across the world during the time frame in which she's working: the druids in Gaul, Hindus in India, Confucius in China, Mayans in the Americas, and so on. She even includes intellectual history: the origins of Christianity and Buddhism, the Upanishadic culture of the Hindus, etc. Her aim is to give the reader a wide angle of vision, and she succeeds wonderfully.

I'm grateful that Foster's histories are being republished. They don't patronize kids by resorting to silly gimmicks that supposedly make learning more palatable (or at least more marketable). Instead, they make history fascinating the old fashioned way: by showing that it's a great story in its own right. They're a great discovery for my son, and a great rediscovery for me.

As manager of a small IT shop in a not-for-profit organization, the overhead of a rigorous application of the PMI methodology is often overkill for our projects. Many of our projects are run by small team that need to focus their time and efforts on accomplishing the work and moving to the next project rather. The Bare Bones philosophy provides sound project management principles in a format that is easy for any project manager to understand, regardless of his or her project management experience. The principles are easy to apply and all but guarantee a successful outcome to the project.

There are very few reference materials that I will carry with me on any business trip but this book is one of them. Mr. Lewis is so well versed in his subject that his distillation is refreshingly concise and complete. It's an excellent "airport read" on your way to your project's kick-off meeting. Get this book before you need this book!

An excellent summary of the key steps to successful project management. Somehow Bob Lewis manages to write in an entertaining fashion, with flashes of his trademark humor, cover the basics, and throw in useful tips all in just 52 pages. If you're not an experienced project manager, do yourself a favor and take an hour to go through this book before tackling that "hot potato" project your boss just handed you!

Where was this book when I first needed it. This book is indispensible for a first time project manager or even for project team members. This book is a great combination, short enough to quickly digest, readable so its points are easy to understand, detailed and relatable to be put immediately into action, and comprehensive enough to cover all the major issues. Project management training is the most useful training I have received, and frankly, this book does a better job of distilling the finer points of good project management than my two week intensive courses, and was a lot more enjoyable to experience.

Most project management books explain a methodology in detail. When managers read those books, they think they need to cover every section, create all possible documents. Bob Lewis' Bare Bones book isn't about a methodology of project management; it is about how to manage projects to get them done. At every step of the way, the _reason_ for creating the documentation or making the decision is first and foremost. If it doesn't help the project, don't do it. He still covers all the aspects of a project so you don't accidentally miss an important step but he helps the reader maintain focus on the managing of the project, not on the methodology of managing the project.
Buy it for your boss or for people on committees in charge of overseeing projects. Things may improve.
The book is definitely worth the money. It's a good read chockful of pithy information.

I am a business owner interested in the Managed Services market space. I have read so much about Managed services but have not found a step by step guide on how to implement the managed services business plan or sell those services to clients. What I needed were step by step guides on both the topics. I was introduced to Erick's books by another associate. This book and "The Guide to a Successful Managed Services Practice" by Erick were exactly what I was looking for. Erick is not just a subject matter expert in Managed Services but has practiced and implemented his teachings and recommendations. He explains several key concepts and best practices on Managed Services, Deliverables, Pricing, How to identify clients, sell, support and maintain the services and build a long term win-win relationship with the clients. The coverage on How to Hire and Train your sales staff is worth its weight in gold. Included along with these 2 books are several forms, analysis tools and documents which make the sales process a whole lot easier with predictable results. These are the bibles for my managed services business and I refer them frequently. If you are serious about building a profitable managed services business, you must have these books.

At a recent VAR meeting I attended, several successful IT services CEOs were asked what one thing they did to build a stable successful business. Every single one of them said marketing was the key to their business' success.

Most small IT services firms don't market. That's why they stay small. If you want to grow a consistent services business, buy this book and start marketing now. You will recoup several times this book's cost with your first marketing campaign.

Received this book at approximately 10:30am read the first few pages and cancelled my schedule for the day (first time I've done that in 13+ years in business) to read it from cover to cover in one sitting - and then again before the weekend was out just to ensure and assure I had gotten as much as I could before starting out on this amazing adventure. - Two (2) suggestions for you the reader of this review: 1) buy this book today - you would not be reading this review if your were not considering it - just do it. You will NOT be dissapointed. 2) Do Not skimp on the shipping you will kick yourself for every day you wasted!

This book is jam-packed with valuable insight to assist IT VAR's in selling and marketing to Small Business. It is required reading for my company's sales and marketing staff. I highly recommend it to anyone whether new to the business or an old veteran.

We are excited to get started practicing what The Best I.T. Sales & Marketing BOOK EVER! has to offer. I believe that it is going to provide us exactly what every SMB IT Solution Provider despartely needs which is SALES & MARKETING KNWOLEDGE & EXPERIENCE. The way I look at it is if MICROSOFT listens to what Erick Simpson is saying, I better start listening to Erick Simpson and Intelligent Enterprise.

I totally loved the first book in this series, The Begotten. It was fabulous. The second book in this series, The Betrayed was just as good. I recommend reading the series in order. There was a point in the middle of The Betrayed when I put this book down due to other commitments, but when I picked it up again I was pulled right back into that world.

The brutality the "gifted" experienced was as powerful as the miraculous events. I couldn't believe how many times they were captured after trying to get free. And being pursued like that had to make them crazy. I found the parallel between the "dark" lord and Satan quite interesting. He would get furious when Daria quoted scripture during times of suffering, yet that was the one thing that sustained her. For me, another profound conclusion from this story was how God will sometimes allow others to suffer alongside us to provide encouragement.

I loved the message about God's perfect timing and tuning into his voice. And the strategies that the evil Lord, Sorcerer Abramo, used to try to break them were so similar to the devil's. First he tries luring you in with your own lusts and weaknesses. If that doesn't break you he goes after your flesh (like with sickness) and if you still refuse to curse God in the midst of that pain he tries the ultimate tactic of hurting those you love. What a wicked enemy we have!

Bergren did such a fabulous job of making me see how the enemy works through this parallel story. It makes me want to memorize more scriptures that I can use when I need encouragement and when I need to fight off the enemy's attacks. As far as the edgy factor goes? I'd rate this with 8 out of ten stars for edgy content. If you want to experience an adventure that will both thrill you and at the same time cut you to the very marrow of your bones, you will love this book.

After reading THE BEGOTTEN I was hooked and quickly located THE BETRAYED to read. Then I realized the third book wasn't out yet and am still on the edge waiting for it. Bergren has a way of weaving her story with history and religion that makes me want to learn more. Not only is the message important but the way it is presented is exciting enough you can't put it down. HIGHLY recommend "THE GIFTED" series by Lisa T. Bergren.

Hard to believe Lisa Bergren could out do herself, but she did! The 2nd of the Gifted Series is even better than the first. If any drawback, its that I found these before the 3rd book was out. I am counting the days to see how this plays out. Excellent characters and storyline. And nothing beats the message!

This is a great continuation of the Gifted's journey through Italy to battle against evil and heal the sick and innocent. It kept my attention through all the twists and turns. I recommend you read the first book in the trilogy before you read this one.

The Gifted continue their quest for St. Paul's lost letter, seeking the guidance they need to fulfill their roles in the prophecy and to serve God. Even as they come closer to their goal, the forces of darkness assemble against them, and now it seems might have won a victory. Betrayal delivers them into the hands of a sorcerer who is determined to make the Healer, Daria, his own. Alone with the enemy, it will take every amount of faith and grace available to the young noblewoman to resist the pull of temptation to give in to her fears. Will her friends be allowed the grace to deliver her?

**** Gripping suspense and action abound in this sequel, proving that Christian novels need not be tame and blah. Ms. Bergren brings spiritual warfare to vivid life in a rich setting that will appeal to fans of not only stories with a message, but of history as well. ****

Amanda Killgore

This was an excellent book on breaking free from the things that hold us back. Beating the strongholds in life goes beyond the natural into the supernatural. This is a must read for beleivers who are struggling in life.

Very good book for people who want to be free from evil thoughts and know who to live with Jesus in a free and biblical way. Very usufel book as it lets you know who really you are in Jesus Christ and you are hollified and justified in Him, you just need to believe in this fact that whatever you are, you are a king and one of the knig's sons. It reveals facts which the enemy alaways to keep them away from our mind that Jesus Christ came for me and every one has a big folder in His mind. I recommend that book for everyone who wants to take very serious decisions in his life as that book taught me that first I should be purified by the Holy Spirit from my sins, then I will be able to take my decisions without any bondage.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for spiritual freedom. Learn how to overcome negative thought patterns, irrational feelings, addictions and habitual sins. It's just packed with great information.

This is not a book you can skim through, but if you only have a limited time, or you need to break some major bondage fast, read chapter 13.

If you want to help others break free of the bondage of sin, I recommend putting together a small group and using the study guide that goes with this book.

The Bondage Breaker is a book I'll read many times and get something new out of it every time. I give it my highest recommendation.

This book is like going to a revival. I've been delivered from smoking

after 10 years of this horrible addition. It's just gone no desire. Oh, yes,

I've been tested, the desire to smoke is not apart of my life anymore.

This book helps you to understand clearly the steps you need to take to

restore your life-in Jesus Christ, not the way the world loves. In the

way the heavenly Father loves you, through His Son. The true deliverer

from demonic strongholds that no one else can help you with.

The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson is a tough book for Christians. Many don't want to acknowledge the active spirit world or Satan or demons as real forces within it, because it seems illogical. Christianity has enough of a fight in today's culture without adding possession and spirit caused illnesses. I've been lukewarm about the issue in the past, but when I got the book, I decided to give it a shot. Anderson's stories of people he's worked with whose lives have been changed by defeating demons are amazing. He lays Scriptural foundation as to why we can believe that spirits are active today and why it's dangerous to ignore them. The book is rock solid in its premise, and the anecdotes are powerful and moving. The last seventy pages or so of the book are steps to take on your own to banish the demons that may be affecting your health, physical and mental. I split the reading up over several nights, and what I saw and felt was unbelievable. After the first night's reading, my husband and I suddenly found ourselves arguing. After a week of feeling very blessed with my life in all circumstances, all I could see was the negative. It took a couple more days of reading before I made the connection: I was under spiritual attack. There are difficult steps to take: make a list of everyone you need to forgive and then forgive them one by one out loud for their crimes against you; listing every place where you have allowed Satan access to your life; asking forgiveness for a multitude of sins. It's a tough book to read, but when I finished, I felt fifty pounds lighter. No more sob sessions or inexplicable fights with my husband. When I start having thoughts attacking my peace of mind, I recognize them for what they are. This book is an invaluable tool for Christians.