Revelations Books

Excellent price and quality. This was a gift and the reciever loved it!

The whimsical artwork is good, but where this deck really shines is in its concept: there is no way to see a card as being upside down, as artwork goes both ways. People who aren't very familiar with tarot often get anxious about card reversals, as if the card's direction implies bad outcomes if upside down. This deck elininates that hurdle entirely, and encourages readers to show that reversals are merely the other side of the coin. Very nice.

While waiting for a movie to start I went to a bookstore and bought this deck. First off I admired the artwork. I would have liked to see a little more elemental coloring in some of the minor arcana, but over all the artwork is gorgeous. The cards have a white border and the artwork would have, in my opinion, really popped out at you if it had a black border.

Okay, having said all that, I like the deck and will probably use it in my own readings from time to time. If one is looking for simple readings then this deck will do fine. However, I noted that there did seem to be some lack of depth as far as magical theory or hermetic knowledge is involved. This is not a deck if you are wanting a depth of symbols that tie in to each other at different levels. If you want to equate a card with a meaning, then this will work.

Some of the upright meanings in the book are a little lacking. I would turn from one card's age to another card's and compare sentences and phrases to find what the author meant to be the essential core differences. You can't say two people are authority figures, give out rules, and head an organization, when one is an elected official and the other is the head of a military coup. This entirely misses the differences. The upright meanings, I felt, had to much emphasis on the easily seen characteristics and not the core differences. The World is not a suped-up version of The Wheel of Fortune.

The reversal meanings are, as noted elsewhere, the strongpoint of this deck. A lot of decks seems to be following the trend of not observing reversals. I've always done reversals and it is in the back of my mind when using a deck that doesn't. Each deck has it's own feel and characteristics that I must get to know. The reversals in this deck were much more well written than the rest of the book. Perhaps one can learn these card better by skipping the upright meanings and reading first the reversal meaning of a card and then considering what the upright meaning would be on your own.

Overall, I give it a 3. It is better than some I've used, and not nearly as complex as others. Right in the middle. If you are a collector, then you'll want to get this deck. If you want one for readings but tend to draw on lots of imagery and symbolism... then this deck might be a little lacking. If you just want a straightforward deck,then this one should work just fine.

The Visconti-Sforza Tarocchi (circa 1450), The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (circa 1909), and the Revelations Tarot (circa 2005), represent the avant-garde of their respective eras. Yes, that is pretty remarkable company to put a relatively unknown Tarot deck in, but if there is a better conceived, or more beautifully delineated Tarot deck than the Revelations Tarot out there we have never seen it. Created by Zach Wong, this is a passion illustrated, a body of effort that one would expect to have taken the Tarot culture by storm, but somehow has become lost amidst the inundation of nugatory Tarot decks of recent years.

This is a humbling deck from every aspect for any Tarot reader. Mr. Wong has redefined the most significant symbology in an uncannily accurate and relative way. Each card is dramatically illustrated in colors and hues from one of the most daring and exciting palettes ever chosen for a Tarot deck. And most remarkably, he has given Tarot readers a 78-card Tarot deck with 156 clearly defined representations to interpret from. For the first time that we are aware of, each card of both the Major and Minor Arcana are fully illustrated for both upright divinatory meaning, and the reversed meaning. As is often the case with most significant discoveries, we happened upon this deck quite by accident while looking for something else, and were immediately drawn to it. There are some slight variances from the traditional interpretations in some of the cards, but the Tarot is by its very nature a dynamic instrument of divination.

Reminiscent of stained glass by design, the Major Arcana is captured as the repetitive journeys contained within the larger journey of existence itself. All 22-card portrayals are a clear representation of its corresponding archetype, cleverly depicted as Gods amongst us, hidden only by their masks. Although potentially confusing to the novice reader, the imagery is quite to the point, for example; The Lovers card upright depicts romance, honorable relationships, and a virtuous approach to choices, with a benevolent angel overseeing a couple in love. When reversed you find lust, temptation, infidelity, relationships for gain, and on the card reversed is a temptress orchestrating a couple in the thralls of passion, clearly prurient but not salacious.

The Judgment card, succinctly put, describes "time of reckoning" in the upright position, and "time of reckoning" in the reverse position, with the principle difference reflective of how one feels about being judged. In the upright position the man welcomes the opportunity to be judged, as the angel of judgment trumpets the moment of truth, and the peripheral angels raise their hands in happiness. Viewing from the reverse the man is wrought with fear of the moment while the trumpeting angel's head is cocked in pity, and the peripheral angels throw down their arms in empathetic anguish.

The Suits are every bit as inspiring as the Majors, all the way through to the Court Cards, which are, dare we say, more movingly illustrated than just thrones and horses. The King of Swords represents an ultimate power, often in the form of intellect, and the quite necessary control of it. This King of the Revelations deck is quite adept at using his great power both assertively and passively. Depicted in the upright position you find the winged being, with confidence upon his face, and the sword held abreast by one steady hand. On the reverse you find the winged being holding the sword with two hands across his face. Unlike his upright counterpart who controls his power, this King uses his power for control, and with his face hidden strategically behind the sword you can be sure that his motives cannot be trusted.

Among the Pips of the Revelations deck, the Two of Cups, which represents partnership, balance and harmony, is depicted here with an intertwined couple, merpeople actually, holding a cup full of their love for the union. They each use both hands to show their strong desire for the relationship, while the great force of their desire to be together watches over them. On the reverse the couple have turned inward, holding their pride and needfulness of winning in higher regard than the partnership. In two equal acts of stubbornness they have turned their backs on each other while the empty cup falls away, and the great force raises its hands to the heavens in hopelessness. Another example is the most exquisite Five of Pentacles, which represents a most desolate time, the after effects of losing a job, or the separation from a spouse. Drawn as a person in desperation crawling across the peak of the pentacles stacked in the pattern of a star. On the reverse the person has turned to see something to give hope. Raising one hand in a gesture of at last, while a smile breaks across their face, clearly depicting the end of hard and difficult times.

Included with the deck is a companion book, written and illustrated by Zack Wong, which defines the upright and reversed meanings of the cards, and his thoughts behind the images and symbols he chose. The book offers a well-described association with each card that makes understanding his methodology very easy. Mr. Wong describes in the preface of his companion book how he created the Revelations Tarot deck after a fruitless attempt to connect with the current market of decks. Although Mr. Wong has a degree in architecture and works as a graphic designer, this deck has a genuine feel about it, unlike so many decks today that in reality are just 78 little pictures in a box.

Not everyone will like this deck, but it isn't a niche, genre, or theme deck, it is quite simply a Tarot deck. If you have, or intend to have, an interest in the Tarot, you must consider this deck. We feel as if this deck represents a new chapter in the history of Tarot divination, and speaking in the repetitive, should be considered on the level of Visconti and Rider/Waite/Smith. Yes, we think that it is that good!

[...]

This is a succulent, sumptious and eloquent deck, or should I say work of art. From the minute I removed the cards and slowly looked through the deck drinking deep from the gorious images, I have been awed. The swirling colours, energy, play of light, images chosen are top notch. Every little thing in this wonder has meaning. You can feel the loving craftmanship that went into the execution and drawing of this deck, it's amazing!

I don't really read with reversals per se, I prefer to think of each card always containing it's entire spectrum of meaning depending on surrounding cards. But the seamless joining of upright and revered images is stunning.

The colours! A complete and total feast for the eyes. Rarely have I seen such striking and gorgeous use of colours symbology and mixtures.

I love the smaller size of the cards. I really do not like large cards, and these to me are just the perfect size. Cardstock is good, very slippery and the backs a pleasing purple swirl.

As others have said, even if you can't read with this deck, get it! It's an artistic masterpiece. I myself am reading wonderfully with it, very very evocative and intuitive. The companion book is basic but very informative of the images, smbology and colours use.

I have used this book side by side with translations from better known translators such as Yusuf Ali and found it to be more easy to understand because it uses the English language that is spoken today - and not the old Shakespeare-like English that most other translations of Quran use that makes them much harder to fully understand. You will be amazed by it if you compare it side-by-side.

If you are a Kindle owner, there is a Kindle Edition of this book available through Amazon.com. Here's the link: The Quran - A Pure and Literal Translation

Peace,


I have this book, and when I pick it up it is so hard to put it down. I have read so many other English Translations and did not understand much at all. This book is so clear and concise, that not only do I understand it,, but I actually remember it. I would definitely reccomend this book to anyone who can read. It has changed my life being able to read the Quran in English where the meaning comes through not the busy parenthesis that confuse matters. I like it simplistic language without commentary and literal translation. Beautiful. absolutely beautiful. Glory be to God!

The first thing is, the language it's written in is good. Quite simple and clear. The reader will often notice the translation differs in many areas compared to traditional translations, which is a good thing most of the time as it gives you an alternative view. Definitely worth a read.

You can download it online for free if you want, just search for it.

What separates this translation from others is

1) No parentheses
2) A literal translation

This is what makes this translation the best I have used (I have used Yusuf Ali, Mohsin Khan, Pickthall, Khilafah ). This translation is done by people who believe that the Quran is the only revelation that should be followed as an Islamic source of law and hence are not interested in trying to denigrate it to a secondary source of law subservient to the books of Bukhari et al as many other translations are.

The lack of additions creates a clarity and focus to the translation which is lost in other versions.

This translation is a good one to be read and compared to more traditional and literal translations, expecially for the non-Muslim reader. An interesting method and results. Certainly worth the purchase price, even though there are free versions available on the web.

All books by Hal Lindsey are excellent and worth reading. He does a great job of explaining and also his material is verified.

This is a promising analysis of the Book of Revelation and a welcomed addition to anyone's apocalyptic library. The study of the end times and Revelation is important to anyone, as this book, among others, shows what is to come and the what ifs. In the end, we should be happy that we are going home soon. For those interested in similar titles, I also recommend reading Apocalyptic Secrets of the Hebrew Sanctuary, which analyzes the relationship of the Biblical books of Daniel and Revelation.

This is a MUST READ in order to understand the present Middle East situation.

Excellent! All of Hal Lindsey's books are worth reading. He goes by scripture of God's word. A must read.

In the last thirty yeas, this twit has predicted the end of the world about 5 times now. You would assume any rational human with an IQ greater then that of a dog, would start to doubt this fellow, but somehow the real magic is in how many times one can fleece the same flock, and have them still support you.

A must read for those who seek to deepen their relationship with God. As always, clear and concise teachings from Dr. Charles Stanley.

As a pastor I like to read other pastors, for they have a tendency to sprinkle their writings with life experiences. I have come to appreciate this dimension in Dr. Stanley's writings.

This is a wonderful books that seeks to exalt the Word of God and keep the believer sensitive to the leading of God in everyday life.

Charles Stanley delivers an excellent guide for everyday Christians.

Deeply rooted in God's Word he explores the Bible and shares personal testimonies on finding out God's will for our life.

This is one of the very best books written on this subject... and this subject can actually mean the diferrence between success and failure for a Christian.

Get this book, study it, and study the Word of God. Knowing the Word of God, the Bible, is actually one the most accurate ways to know what God thinks about an issue. Charles Stanley adds more insight into areas like, being in peace in your spirit, having good counsel and so much more... in the end if you seek the Lord's will, you will know, but knowing how to pray and where to look for his will will help you in your journey.

Five Stars... definitely worth every penny and even more.

Jose L. Hurtado
Toronto / Canada

This is a list of the bad reasoning in this book:

1) On page 9 he says, "if our relationship with him is a one way trip and the Lord Jesus Christ, then there isn't much fellowship." The problem with that is that only applies to non-Christians, Scripture however teaches that the Holy Spirit does communicate with our spirit and intercedes on behalf of it. Furthermore he implies that if there is no audible communication or extra-biblical communication that we aren't fellowshipping with God, however that isn't what Scripture teaches. According to the Christian Scholar and educator James Strong (author of the famous book Strong's Concordance), fellowship means:

1. fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse
a) the share which one has in anything, participation
b) intercourse, fellowship, intimacy

2) He said, "The second reason God still speaks today is that we need his definite and deliberate direction for our lives" yet strangely, Charles says that the Bible is direction for our lives. But is the Bible not deliberate or definite? It's NOT accidental and indistinct is it?

3) He said, "I realized that God was trying to get my attention through my body, but I wasn't listening." And what's his evidence that God was trying to say, "Hey Charles you feel worn out because I want you to rest and stop talking about me." That's not a sentence in the book but I say it to make a point. Charles doesn't give any evidence as to how he knew. But then goes on to say, "after I spent several weeks fasting and seeking to know the mind of the Lord" does anyone see anything wrong with that? I can: You can know the mind of the Lord from Scripture, the whole book shows how God thinks and what how he wants us to live. He then says, "I had been rather restless in my spirit and knew God was up to something but I didn't know exactly what." Again, what's his evidence that God was "up to something". That sentence also implies God ceases to have control over things, wrong, as Scripture teaches, God is always in control, he doesn't stop now and then (and the rest on the seventh day was him resting from CREATING, not controlling.)

4) He then said, "Then one night, out of desperation, I cried out to God, asking his purpose." Besides that being a badly worded sentence (God doesn't have a purpose, he always existed, no one created him, but obviously Charles meant what God's purpose for him was), he claims he doesn't know God's purpose (for Charles.) Hello? This is what God says, "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." - Ecclesiastes 12:13, and what commandments? Love the lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself, and to "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." - 2 Timothy 4:2. There, that's our purpose in life. But Charles isn't content, no, he's shows he's full of anxiety.

5) After that sentence Charles said, "God replied quickly and bluntly, 'I am going to move you.' I said, 'When?' In a split second the word September flashed across my mind, and immediately my burden was lifted..." Well it sure would be lifted if you felt you finally got what you were looking for.

6) He then said, "God revealed Himself, not because I was seeking a vision or a dream, but because I was seeking his mind." Well, so, Charles sought his mind but got a VISION of "Semptember", and so Charles contradicted himself. So the "mind of God" was on Charles moving in September, and this is what Charles was dying over and fasting? Wow, that's really deep. Does Scripture give any examples of people going nuts like this in Scripture? NOPE, just the opposite, they were given, without asking, God's word or what they asked for.

7) He then said, "It was a vision" see, he admits it was a vision "nevertheless, it was something God used to convince me He was involved in the business at hand." Once again Charles shows forgetfulness that God is always involved, always in control, already told us how to live.

8) Then, on page 15 he says someone asked him how much he was willing to sell his property for, and claims that God said to him, "Don't answer that" and that he later settled on a price for it and said, "I feel that the outcome was the one that pleased God." So, Charles, assumed "move" meant move his property to live somewhere else, not move to a hotel for a few days to preach the word. He FELT not KNEW that what happened was what God meant by move. Well that is really assuring isn't it, to be told to do what cults do, to merely rely on your heart and a guess.

9) Charles also claims in this book that you can know God's will by circumstances (which is a seemingly common teaching used by many good pastors unfortunately.) The problem with that teaching is that it is only true if Scripture refers to the circumstances, for example specific signs, but if you see 10 red cars in a row, what is God saying by that, that he wants you to buy ten red cars?

Does it say anything about God audibly saying anything to a person's physical body, or chatting with him? No, because that isn't what it is, and God does not say to seek to "hear / listen" to him in such a way. It amounts to fortune telling of a sort.

I'm just finishing reading this book. I've been reading this book as a read along with the Bible. On a daily basis of reading the Bible and "How to listen to God" I was made to feel like I was in better understanding of the word. I learned to take the word by the letter. And, listen to Him. This was all accomplished by following what Dr. Stanley says in this book. It's a must read.

I thought that this was an excellent book. The people chosen for interviews were good choices. As stated in some of the other reviews, the questions asked may not be hardball, but that's not the point. The point is opinions and history, not a hard-hitting interview. The pictures are great too. There are a lot of great live shots and a ton of fliers and artwork. Good stuff. The book is interesting too. I'm not heavily into this era of hardcore like some people are, but there was a time when I was, so I have the knowledge neccesary to make this book a good read. This book might not be the best for people with little or no knowledge of the scene that it talks about, but if you know a little about it you will probably enjoy it. Don't listen to that review that complains about who was interviewed. I don't see how guitar players and drummers are any less important than vocalists. They believed in what the songs were about too and were just as much part of the scene as anyone else. Your review sounds like a sad litte jealous rant because you and your friends didn't get included in the book, because, hey, you're so much more "core," than the people interviewed because you bought records first. You sound like a 12 year old.

Beth did a fantastic job of capturing every aspect of the original hardcore/sXe movement.

She interviews band members, club owners, and even some non-edgers to get every detail concerning hardcore.

Contains pictures and flyers aswell. A great read for anyone interested in the scene.

Sociologists and anthropologists might find this book a useful peek into the minds of socially dysfunctional, middle/upper middle class white kids prone to gang/crowd-mentality and testosterone charged music. Straight Edge is definitely one of the more bizarre underground cultures to emerge in America over the last 20 years. It has little or no political agenda; a bizarre lifestyle code and its followers seem to operate in cultural vacuum. It's circular philosophy places emphasis on all the things you would expect from bored teens desperately seeking an identity. Straight Edge hoists all the familiar flags: alienation, persecution, unity, etc. The strange part is that the participants in this scene insist on championing values and ethics that are already espoused by the economic-bracket and social class they come from.

This book does a good job examining the straight edge/anti-drug hardcore scene.

Not a bad book, lots of pictures (a hell of a lot of Youth of Toady) some interesting interviews, lots of uninteresting interviews. Some of the plus points are Ian MacKayes interview which is quite interesting in that he goes through his own personal history, the D.C. community and his own involvment in straight edge. Other good interviews are with No For an Answer, Ray and Porcell, Raybeez (it's interesting to read how concerned he was in the whole idea of the 'community') Jon Anastas and Pete Verbal Assault. The guys from Gorilla Biscuits didn't have all that much to say of any interest though it's quite amusing reading the interviews with former members of Bold (who I guess are no longer 'nailed to the X') Also I would have liked to read a little more from 7 Seconds who were one of my favorite bands.

Yes, some of the questions asked were not shall we say 'challenging' (ranging from "when did you start listening to hardcore" etc) but not a bad book at all.

One big negative though and this is to anyone thinking of buying this book who either does not know an awful lot about straight edge or was not around mid to late 80s in hardcore/punk. This books gives little or no background, it is assumed you already know the bands, know the people, know something of early 80s hardcore and you are reading this as something of a 'what happened to them after' kind of thing. (which is pretty much how I was reading it)

I say this because otherwise you will be reading this book thinking "who was that" "who is he talking about" "when did that happen"

For me it was an interesting read but I can see that for others it could be a damn frustrating one.

This book is a sociologist's dream as well as a hardcore music fan's dream come true. While Beth could have taken a more sociopolitical look at the straight edge movement, she decided to interview the icons of the movement and let them do the talking. Those unfamiliar with the hardcore music scene will find it difficult to read, but if you are interested in learning about youth counter culture then by all means check it out. If you are personally (or polically) straight edge yourself, you have no excuse not to read this book.

I found this a very eye-opening book, one that I had really waited all my life to read. Basically I agree with most of the other reviewers: Dr. Gardner is a shrewd detective but leaves a number of questions unresolved (which is understandable and - in my opinion - also the most honest thing to do...) however, the paramount question arising after reading The Magdalene Legacy is the very one I auspicate someone should soon bend upon and write an equally enthralling book about.

If Jesus was the heir in a lineage of orthodox priests, and far from being a mystic figure with supernatural powers he was instead a religious/monarchic heir, designated to unite Israel against the roman invader, if he was a prince of great riches* etc. etc.

then WHAT have we been believing in all our lives? What is the heritage of Christ?

Then give me Che Guevara, Gandhi, Garibaldi, even Napoleon: for the same money we know more about them and their teachings.

I urge anyone, but in particular catholics, to read this authoritative book. And to consider how Christianity is really not at all what we thought it was (but we had hints...)

*one of the aspects that I really miss in Gardner's analysis is the financial power of Jesus family. After all, according to Gardner's findings, they should have been surrounded by servants, maids and perhaps even slaves, as well as by accountants, superintendents and other administrators. In order to set up a reign in exile Maria Magdalena and her following should have brought along a conspicuous, stately fortune with which to thrive for years...
And the Templars?...
How many royals have rusted away unseen and forgotten for lack of money? This is obvious, if we consider that lineage, power and money are the elements not of any form of mysticism or spiritual research but of worldly power.

A real eye opener. Its refreshing to read another point of view, which for all we know could be speculation, but it rings more factual than the other religious books available. I called refreshing because for centuries organized religion has been sowing the seed of deceit, and hiding the truth from people. Once again it proves that religion is no more than a private club thatgets away with all sorts of discrimination, sexual abuses, and murder.

What makes this a top notch exploration of Mary Magdalene's role in the ministry of Jesus and her life and its impact is how well the author has researched the material.

The sheer linquistic analysis alone is worth the read, as well as the logic applied to discussing complex sequences of events involving cultures and traditions totally foreign to us who live today.

I have to admit, I was stunned in several places but totally convinced, and not because the book told me to believe something but because it laid out the facts and let me reason it out for myself.

The only thing which saddens me is the unwritten but probable end of the line of David when the Merovingians finally ceased to exist. Which is not to say a bloodline didn't go foward, but the line of King David can only go through the father to the son, and that failed at the end of the Merovingian dynasty.

This book is worth its weight in monatomic gold.

Laurence Gardner is an excellent writer, and who doesn't like a good story, especially a conspiracy. The problem is that his latest book, The Magdalene Legacy isn't meant to be a novel, but an historical text. As such, it falls way short of even the most minimal standards. There are two main problems with Gardner's text: the plethora of errors and the theories that he presents as facts. Here's some examples:

* "In the NT Gospels, various female companions of Jesus are cited on seven occasions (p. 1)". Not true. The lists occur at Mark 15:40, 15:47, and 16:1, Matthew 27:55, 27:59, and 28:1, Luke 8:1 and 24:10, and John 19:25. That's 9 lists, not 7.

* "Magdala was a fishing town on the Sea of Galilee (p. 9)." By all accounts, there never was a city called Magdala. The city Gardner refers to had many names, including Magadan, Dalmanutha, Taricheae, and Migdal Nunaiya, but never Magdala.

* "She [Mary] anointed him with spikenard oil on two separate occasions (p. 16)." In fact there is only one anointing, described differently in all four gospels, but nonetheless only one.

* "They [the Hebrews] also objected strongly to the fact that Jesus wanted to share access to the Jewish God with Gentiles (p. 29)." Of course we can't be sure where Gardner gets this information, but his comment flies in the face of Matthew 10:5 ("Go not in the way of the Gentiles, and into the city of the Samaritans enter ye not"), Galatians 4:4 ("God sent forth his son...to redeem those who were under the law"), Matthew 15:24 ("...I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel"), etc.

* Talking about the Talpoit ossuaries, Gardner claims that "the ossuaries were individually inscribed...Mary...Joseph...and Mary (p. 33)." In fact these ossuaries were inscribed Marya, Yose, and MariamnekaiMara, and there is considerable opinion that none of the females refer to family members of Jesus, since they are not written in Aramaic, but instead in Latin and Greek.

* "Herod was an Idumaean Arab (p. 56)." Herod was a Jew from Idumea, not an Arab.

* "...the Essenes evolved from their Hasidic base to become a monastic, Egyptian-style healing community known as the Therapeutate (p. 57)." The Therapeuts were a completely separate sect, as Philo and Josephus both indicate. It's true that they had many similarities with the Essenes, but they were different.

Beyond these obvious errors, Gardner seeks to rewrite history to his own curriculum. For example:

* "...Nero, who had executed Peter and Paul (p. 22)." Of course it's possible, but it surely isn't history. We have no idea how Peter and Paul died, and while it is commonly believed that Peter perished in Rome, Paul is said to have died in Spain. Apparently Gardner has access to facts no one else has.

* "...in Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus refers to Jesus again...(p. 31)." Virtually every Josephus scholar agrees this is a later addition by Christians and not original to Josephus.

* "The Nazarenes were a sub-sect of the Essenes (p. 53)." That's certainly possible, but many scholars consider these two groups are separate groups.

* "...when the priestly caste of Hasmonaean Maccabees (Mary Magdalene's ancestors)...(p. 56)." No one knows who Mary Magdalene's ancestors were. This is Gardner's theory, but he presents it as fact, with no documentation.

* "The Essene community was referred to as Nazrie ha Brit and it was from this name that the term Nazarene derived (p. 53)." That's also possible, but there are a half dozen other theories about the origins of the term.

You get the idea. All these errors and the re-writing of history should not suggest that Gardner's book is completely worthless. There's lots of interesting information about ancestral lineage and artwork, and occasionally he gets it right about Mary Magdalene.

The book has excellent illustrations, many of them in full color. It has a long list of footnotes and a good reference list. In addition there is an appendix with lots of good material, although mostly about Jesus. And, of course, there is a genealogical chart.

Beginning students should steer clear of this book. It's too difficult for them to distinguish between the errors and the facts. But anyone with a good knowledge of the life and times of Mary Magdalene will be able to sort through the nonsense to get to some of the useful contributions that Gardner offers.

Having read all of Gardener's books, and having heard him speak a number of times, I admire him for his ability to put together a book such as this in such a short time. Gardener was originally hired by the Council (perhaps that is not quite the term) of Princes in Europe to trace their genealogy. Since he was paid to do this, I am suspect as to the validity of this research and especially since they opened their archives to him. However, Gardener writes well and presents a believable story. For those wanting to know more about Mary Magdalene, I suggest reading Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls.

The majority of mainstream Fundamentalist Christians accept Dispensationalism uncritically. In truth, there is nothing new about L.A. Marzulli's thesis. This book is a combination of the 70's "Satan Is Alive and Well on Planet Earth" by Hal Lindsay and the 70's conclusion of the Spiritual Counterfeits Project that the entire UFO phenomenon is a demonic effort to "deceive the elect (if it were possible)." Marzulli has wisely qualified many of his assertions with the "belief" or "opinion" disclaimer for the benefit of those who do not share (a) his eschatalogical commitments for interpreting Old and New Testament prophecy or (b) his over simplification of a vastly complex world of extra biological entities.

However, given that a signigicant group of Fundamentalist Christians accepted Frank Peretti's This Present Darkness and Tim LaHaye's Left Behind without flinching, this explanation should be plausible to them as well.

Give L.A. Marzulli some credit here. At least he takes the road less traveled. Most Evangelical or Fundamentalist Christians (yes, folks there is a difference) dismiss the UFO phenomenon altogether. "Where the Bible is silent, we remain silent" is the usual path of resistance. Marzulli shows vision and proactive awareness by not denying the UFO phenomenon, but making a brave, biblical case for the existence of aliens and why they are here.

I actually agree with Marzulli:

(1) That a certain segment of Grays and Verdants (from a dominant collective who are major players in abductions) the will be the featured disclosure race and will pretend to be open to evangelism on the surface in order to complete their forced breeding program without interruption.

(2) That David Jacobs, et. al. are important resources for understanding what is going on behind the abduction scenes.

(3) That governments will have little choice but to go along with the deception because of prior agreements.

I disagree with Marzulli:

(1) That aliens are fallen angels or demonic personalities. Marzulli will be hard pressed to explain the metaphysics, physics and biology of fallen angels (demons) impregnating a human. The testimony of retired military personnel, scientists and many civilian witnesses remains on record that the aliens taken from various wreckage are extra BIOLOGICAL entities with physical DNA, not just demonic light beings. The biological material to be revealed at disclosure will bear this out.

(2) That the vast, galactic, exopolitical domain of at least 57 (and probably more) species of EBEs or ETs or aliens interacting with governments on earth can be simplified into a single-file fallen angel (demonic) masquerade party.

(3) That the only characterization of aliens, ETs or EBE's is doom and gloom. Accounting for a single (but indeed dominant) group of aliens within a certain collective does not do justice to other races who have extremely positive values and insights. What if the ultimate outcome could be a truly redemptive turn around in civilization thanks to the input of a superior race of ETs whose wisdom and technology could actually help our planet? What excludes this possibility? The circular argument that "aliens are demons, therefore aliens must be demons" just might.

Christians will respond in many ways to UFO disclosure. The Fundamentalist, Dispensational - "end timers" will likely buy into Marzulli's pre-determined, simplistic, demonic aliens model. The implications of the alternative are just too devastating to a Fundamentalist Christian belief system. Less critical, less informed Christians will be attracted to the wonder solutions of the disclosing collective (of some but not all Grays/Verdants), while ignoring reports of their abductions and forced breeding programs. A third group will see inadequacies on both sides and look for long term assistance from truly benevolent races--the identity of whom has already been documented by scores of former, credible military personnel and highly privileged government "ops" personnel. In other words, there are more witnesses to the benevolent races than just Billy Meier.

If you share the Dispensational, Millenarian, Zionistic assumptions of L.A. Marzulli, you will find this book to be meaningful, and possibly convincing. If you are less convinced by Fundamentalist, biblical hermeneutics and would like to consider a broader discussion as to the meaning of UFOs, encounters with EBEs and genuine disclosure--and the challenges that come with it--you may be better off looking elsewhere.

This book is very real although some of the scenarios are stretched. I do believe in Genesis however and have personally encountered some of the entities he decribes in his book. I am glad to see someone out there willing to get the truth out. They are the ones behind the Illuminati, our government today, our media and even our churches..I do completely believe the Nephilim in paticular are he to reproduce and wreak havoc. I do believe it is the antichrist and his legion up to no good. For those of you who don't believe it sorry! I was once like you until lived in a haunted/possessed house. Wake up!!![...]

Very plausible arguments for what may seem at first to be ridiculous assertions. Very interesting, a real page turner!

In spite of the judicious observations found in this book, it is of rather annoying reading. It is a good example of what the Internet can give to authors who, in another way, would have few things to say. The most part of developments of the author are or borrowing in other books or of 'copy and paste' informations gleaned on the net. The problem remain that one can assert everything on the net. Readers longing for assured knowledge have to refrain.

Although its a little slow to get going, the final section of the book, where Marzulli's knowledge is at its greatest concerns the Nephilim and what the author speculates on what is both happening now and what is very likely to happen as part of a great End Times deception.

It IS a little alarming, but forewarned is forearmed, so if you have any interest in UFO's/Abductions/Genetic Engineering or Bible Prophecy, you owe it to yourself to explore this book.

I certainly agree that not only is it possible that Jesus sought spiritual masters from the East (including Indian), that it is highly probable. And I very much appreciate the in-depth discussions about various insights this would have on understanding the New Testament.

I deducted a star because the author occasionally showed his culturalism by saying things like "India is the mother of religion." The vast majority of the discussion is presented in an intellectual fashion and such generalizations stick out like a sore thumb.

From the outset, the author tells hurtful lies about Christianity. He writes that the saints have been "perceived...as a threat to institutional authority" (p 10). This is a lie, and a cruel one to those of us who admire the saints.

"Saint Joseph of Cupertino...repeatedly...performed the miracle of levitation, an act which embarrassed his less-saintly superiors. After fifteen years of virtual incarceration...he was carted off--not once, but repeatedly...in the dead of night to a succession of small, distant monasteries" (p 11).

I have always admired St. Joseph of Copertino and I am very hurt to read such a terrible lie.

The truth is far different. St Joseph of Cupertino left one monastery after another because he was hounded by people who wanted to stare at him. Yes, he did levitate many times, from a few feet into the air to over forty, in the open air and in buildings. This was seen and sworn to by thousands of people. One such person was the pope, who was a good friend of St. Joseph's. It is recorded that the pope saw St. Joseph levitate three times.

One hurtful lie follows another in this book. The author writes that "the saints...have decried the spiritually dampening effect of the concept that no man can hope for perfection. St Teresa of Avila told her nuns that their duty was to strive to become saints" (p 25).

St Teresa of Avila, whose many books are readily available even now, and who was also another saint who levitated, taught and believed that only God was perfect but that every human being on earth could attain Catholic sainthood. To claim anything different is a lie and can be easily disproved by reading her works.

Her last words were that she died in the arms of the church.

Of all the many lies in the book I think the one that hurt me the most was the author's contention that the God of Christianity is "like the image of an old man with a long, white beard" (p 41). And again, "Science has shown us...a universe too vast to have been created by any human father figure" (p 40).

I am profoundly insulted and hurt by those words. Furthermore, they are lies. God may have been portrayed by artists as an elderly man with a white beard in order to reveal the "I-Thou" relationship asked of us. There has never, ever, been a claim that God is anything other than pure spirit, infinitely greater than any of his creations, and we are scarcely capable of comprehending God.

I worship an omnipotent and loving God. I do not worship a silly image of man in a long white beard. Furthermore, without God there is no justice in this world, no redemption, and I believe there will be eternal consequences for us if we chose not to love and obey God.

I do not believe you should try to sell your religion by telling lies about the religion of other people.

While I certainly enjoyed this book, as there are many worthwhile "nuggets" to be uncovered, I find the author to have been far too frivolous with his use of words. In many instances I'm not at all sure that the ideas expressed were Yogananda's or the authors. Also, many times the author repeats himself, but not to re-illustrate a point from a different angle, he just repeats himself. The book, though fraught with long winded diatribes is of high value due to the richness of the core content and the beauty and joy it evokes. It could have been better written.

This book is a great book for all sincere followers of Christianity. It revels the true meaning of Jesus Christ's words which are mostly misunderstood by the West for over two thousand years. It takes deep spiritual insight and experience to write such a book.

This book helps us to rediscover the true meaning of the teachings of Jesus Christ. I would highly recommend this book to all sincere Christians who are shaken by their faith of Christianity because of material science.

Please be aware that Paramahansa Yogananda was NOT the author of this book. Only titles published by Self-Realization Fellowship are authorized writings of Paramahansa Yogananda. The author of this book, Swami Kriyananda, was a student of Paramahansa in the early 1950's before Paramahansa's death. You will additionally notice that websites and other information disseminated by Swami Kriyananda typically mis-spell Paramahansa Yogananda's name as "Paramhansa".

I LOVED IT WAITED YEARS TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN WITH TOPAZ AND MS.NINA, AND THE GANG.JUST DIDN'T LIKE THE ENDING TO SAD.PLEASE GO GET ALL IT WILL BE WORTH IT.

Man this novel was something else. What the heck is Sabre's problem? This book grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go til the end, and what an ending it was...Gosh, why Germain? Nina, Kyle and the rest of the cast brought back memories although I'll have to read "A Chocolate Affair" and "Chocolate Star" over again to really jog my memory like "Diamond Life" did.

I was so dissapointed in the ending although I was crying like a baby while reading the last few chapters. I just couldn't believe it. I just knew that Topaz and Germain were going to live happily ever after. It was too sad. Other than that I enjoyed the rest of the book! I had to re read the earlier chocolate series to remember what was going on. I think she definately left the story line up for another book!

I'm a fan of this series and I must say...*sigh*...after waiting two years for this book I'm just speechless. I loved the book, the story was great. But Ms. Copeland, "Why did you end it the way you did?" I was not liking the ending at all. However, the ending did leave open the possibility of another installment, but I think that this story has ran it's course.

Overall, great read! I loved the story; however, I just couldn't get past that ending.

APOOO Rating: 4


Diamond Revelation by Sheila Copeland brings us back into the life of cousins, Topaz and Nina. Topaz has been living the family life with her husband, Germain, and their two children, Chris and Turquoise, who decides to go by Baby Doll. Sabre Cruz, once a part of the girl group, So Fine, is now venturing out for her solo career. She grew up wishing to become like her idol, Topaz. The dream seems to be becoming reality. Only after meeting Topaz and performing with her, does Sabre eventually start to think that she is better than the "throw-back" singer. Nina, now CEO of Revelation Music with her husband Kyle, signs Topaz and she releases a comeback CD that soars to the top.

Nina and Topaz have a secret that no one can ever find out about. Not their closest friends or even Topaz's husband, Germaine. It starts to put a strain on the both of them, as they start to get inquiries about the truth. Sabre's jealousy can prove to be the one thing that can reveal this secret and ruin everyone's life in the Black Friends, as Sabre calls them.

Copeland's Diamond Revelation, thrust us back into the life of the music industry. We see jealousy, lies, manipulation, and people who are willing to do anything to be, and stay, on top. Even if you have not read any of her other books, you will enjoy Diamond Revelation and all of the characters. This is definitely one to add to your collection.

Donnica Copeland
APOOO BookClub

I was a little surprised to read the parts about the author and her sexual orientation and how she related her past to the women on death row. The stories of the women have stuck with me and left me wanting to know more.

This book is not recommended because the title and introduction do not reflect the actual content. It is a steamy autobiography in disguise and a sad disservice to the women whose stories were buried beneath the author's personal disclosures. I felt violated by Ms. O'Shea's unexpected and explicit disclosures of sexual experiences with an underage girl and other women, and also by her treatment of the subject, as if she had been seduced by the 16-year-old girl. Beyond that, while the author writes well enough, she never draws a big picture. The women on the row never become characters with clear identities. Their personal recollections are mixed together in such a fragmented way with the author's story that their voices are disembodied, like the background voices in a crowded room.
Women On the Row: Reflections From Both Sides of the Bars

I wish this book had been more about the lives of the women on death row and not mostly about the author. I was disappointed because I was not expecting to read about a nun's lesbian affairs. When I saw her interview and her book was mentioned, nothing was said about it being an autobiography.

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A reviewer, A reviewer, September 3, 2003,
More Alike than Different
Kathleen O'Shea does something with this book that no other has ever done for me. She shows clearly how similar we all are as human beings with what we hope for and dream about, who we love and why. She tells the stories of the women on death row, and generously and vulnerably offers up her own. In the 'listening', I realize how easily - with just a slight shift of circumstances here or there - even I could end up defenseless and alone behind bars, facing a death penalty. Regardless of your political persuasion, you cannot help but be moved by the voices of these women on the row. I applaud Kathleen O'Shea for sharing her own life's journey and how these women have affected her. It is obvious to me that the subjects of the book felt confident in sharing their experiences with this author because she so graciously opened the door with the offering of her own tragedies and triumphs.

This radiant memoir is a blend of O'Shea's own story with excerpts from life stories of women on death row. O'Shea is a lesbian and former nun who has been researching and talking to women in prisons across the United States, especially with those on death row. This is her third book on the subject, but the first that is told from her own point of view. With remarkable technique, O'Shea shows us the universality of human experience and closes the gap between us and those whose freedom has been taken away. I found the book utterly radiant, so far it's my favorite memoir of the year.