Characters Books

I am continually impressed by this author. Her characters are wonderfully developed and the stories fast-moving. She just gets better and better.

Love the character, love the stories that only get better with each book, love everything about it. Can't wait for the next one.

Barbara Seranella, No Man Standing (Scribner's, 2002)

If you're looking for something to take to the beach, look no further. Talk about a quick read: I started it between a wedding and its reception on Saturday and finished it Sunday evening, despite having the reception, post-reception drinks, and a brunch the day after that turned into a five-hour affair.

The fifth Munch Mancini novel begins with Munch's old friend Ellen Summers getting out of prison the day after her mother and stepfather are killed in a rather gruesome fashion. Ellen has an explanation of why someone would have been after her mother, but the explanation has too many holes in it to completely make sense. Combine this with Ellen's real father coming back into the picture, a crazy woman stalking Munch, a new romantic interest (on the police force, no less), and you've got yourself a novel.

Quick, witty, and absorbing, No Man Standing is pretty much the perfect beach novel; easy, fun, and with short enough chapters that you know, when you finish one, it's time to expose a different side to the sun. ***

I discovered Munch Mancini on a rainy, dreary Friday while cruising www.Amazon.com and went to the library and checked out all the books in the series and had a spectacular weekend Munch read-a-thon. I loved every single book. She gets better and sharper with each consecutive story. Ms. Seranella's stories have the flavor of hard-core reality with just the right touch of suspense and plot twists. No writer I've ever read has the drug scene down the way she does....you can feel the despair and hopelessness of the characters radiating from the pages....and then comes Munch, a ray of hope as one who escaped the druggie lifestyle, a true survivor. Thanks Ms. Seranella for a great series. Keep 'em coming!!

In NO MAN STANDING, ex-bad girl Munch Mancini is now eight years down the straight and narrow after giving up alcohol, drugs, sexual promiscuity, and bikers. An ace auto mechanic and owner of a struggling limo business, Munch is moving into a new house with her adopted daughter, Asia, when an old friend in need shows up.

Ellen Summers was Mancini's best gal-pal in the rough old days, and is just released from her latest stint in the California Institution for Women, a penal facility. Summers is being sought by vicious killers who want returned a very large sum of counterfeit Franklins that she found and hid before her most recent imprisonment. The first bodies in a growing pile are those of Ellen's Mom and stepfather. Meanwhile, Munch is being harassed by the jealous ex of a poor choice of lovers, and she doesn't need the heavy baggage that Ellen has brought to her and Asia's doorstep.

By design or not, assigning Ellen a major role in this fifth book of the Munch Mancini series was true inspiration by author Barbara Seranella. Summers is at least a pale reflection of Seranella's protagonist before she became a contributing member of society. For those steady readers of the series, who perhaps thought that Munch was becoming too middle-class, or for those being introduced to Munch for the first time, Ellen is a much-needed reminder of Mancini's former low-life edginess. That aspect, plus the ending plot twist of NO MAN STANDING, extends my interest in the series as a whole, the storylines of which will need to be unpredictable to keep me returning for more. While the last chapter gives a too obvious hint to the evolution of Mancini's love life in the next book, I trust the author will surprise us.

The back flap of NO MAN STANDING reveals that Barbara Seranella ran away at fourteen from the showcase upper middle-class enclave of Pacific Palisades, CA, joined a San Francisco hippie commune, rode with outlaw bikers, and became an auto mechanic. Since I also spent several idyllic childhood years in Pacific Palisades before my uneventful and unrebellious teens, I wish we could sit and compare notes to determine where I went wrong.

I feel that this book is a very well written book. It has pictures that follow the plot of the book and this helps younger children. I know that many children would relate well to this book because they do not like to see their toys locked up in a box. When I read this book it reminded me of when I was younger and I had a bear that got put in a box and I went and got it! So I feel that this is a good book to read to younger children from toddlers to third graders.

One day, Bramwell Brown remembers his friend Old Bear who was put away in the attic. Bramwell and the other stuffed animals decide to get him back.

What follows is a series of failed attempts to reach the attic until finally one succeeds and the toys are united.

I like this story because it does show the process of thinking through a problem as well as perseverance (even when Duck thinks there is no hope). As with many children's books there are a few logic problems, but overall it reads very well.

Look for the other Little Bear stories as well.

"I knew it was going to be a special day." said Bramwell Bear to himself. -Duck, Rabbit, Little Bear, and Bramwell Bear struggle to capture their long lost, and forgotten friend, Old Bear. Old Bear has been stored in the attic for a while because the children played roughly with him.

Old Bear's friends are really caring friends, especially Little Bear, my favorite character. Little Bear climbs from the airplane into the attic and recovers Old Bear. -True friendship.

I remember reading this book plenty of times 11 years ago, and always treasuring it. If you like cute books with good illustrations and a group of brave, loving stuffed animals, you should read this book!

From the first day I brought this book home, my daughter has loved it. "Old Bear" was one of the first phrases she said. This book teaches that by trying new ideas and working together, you can accomplish anything. It's a wonderful life lesson for toddlers, with captivating drawings and warm, loveable characters. I would highly recommend this book, along with any others by Jane Hissey, to all parents.

Every morning our eighteen month old daughter starts the day by exclaiming 'Old Bear!' - the cue that one of us must read it with her without further ado. If it's not left in her cot at night, she often says, 'Oh dear, Old Bear?'. In short this book really wins the toddler vote. Our toddler learnt how to wobble by reading this. She also learnt the meaning of 'sad'. Old bear is a story of lasting friendship, teamwork among stuffed toys, and a daring airborne rescue bid. Contrary to one review, the pictures are not 'sugary-sweet', Our very discerning daughter loves them, and actually, so do I. We have found that we've read the book so often that the words are imprinted in our memories - but amazingly we don't mind. All together now: 'One day the toys were sitting by the window when they remembered their friend Old Bear...'

I put off reading this book because for some reason I did not think I was going to enjoy it. Boy was I wrong!! Great book, well written, excellent characters. I enjoyed it immensely.

I loved the very real characters in this book. From page two I was so hooked I knew I had one wonderful book in my hands. And it was! I'll be reading all the Alafair Tucker mysteries by Donis Casey. Life is too short to miss out on such an enjoyable experience.

I usually don't care that much for mystery books but the time period & the title drew me to this book. I wasn't disappointed. I loved the family & all the children. A little romance mixed in makes this book really good. Don't miss the next one by this author with the same family & another good mystery.

I was very pleasantly surprised by the genuine seeming characters and accurate historical (1911) setting of this mystery novel. The book's unique title and Oklahoma setting (where I once lived) attracted me to the book. Farm wife and mother Alafair is a very appealing heroine and though I never quite got all of her nine living children totally straight most of the other minor characters are also well developed. The book has an authentic flavor of rural Oklahoma from the "down home" cooking to the speech patterns. The mystery is solid (though my eyes may have glazed over a bit when it concerned guns) and though I guessed the real murderer well before the book's end I didn't predict the full circumstances surrounding it. I am glad to see Ms. Casey has all ready published the second in the series of Alafair's detective adventures (HORNSWOGGLED) and according to her web site a third will be published this fall.

This is a great story. The characters become real immediately. Interesting. Smiles. Real life. Surprising, but reasonable, ending. I first checked this book out from the library, scooping up a bunch of new mystery books. I got a kick out of the title. Liked this one so much, I bought it. Looking forward to this author's subsequent books as well. My mother at first refused to read this book (she didn't like the title). Later, after I'd purchased it, she started to read it, became engrossed in it and hardly put it down until finished.

I can't wait until the next book in the series! It is a page turner.

I have benn a long time fan of Yasmine Galenorn's books, both fiction and non-fiction. This instalment into the lives of Emerald and friends was fast and furious! Right out of chapter one she had me hooked on the fast plot and tight twists and turns of Em's wedding and Murry's freaky stalker! I love this series! The characters are well written and have developed over time. I hope this isn't the last in the series as a previous reviewer hinted at! Please write more! Well Done!

This was the most delicious final book in her series. I loved the way everything came together at the end, and the darker tone was perfect.

Read the entire series -- it's a definate winner!

I am pleased to write that this offering in the C 'n C series completely exceeded my expectations...and more importantly, made me anxious for more. Ms. Galenorn has allowed the main character, Emerald, to grow into a more realistic 21st century powerful pagan. The previous novels had left me just a bit annoyed with Emerald's somewhat self-centered personality. "One Hex of a Wedding", though, offered some credible glimpses of vulnerability and willingness to reexamine long-held opinions -- just like a real woman as she grows older and, hopefully, wiser. The cast of supporting characters is becoming more fascinating to me, and they seem to have more dimension now. Heck, I even cried at some of the truly poignant moments in the book!

If you've not read any of the previous books, this could definitely stand alone. But do yourself a favor and read the earlier four anyway. If you find yourself, like me, vaguely annoyed with Emerald O'Brien by book three, don't worry -- you'll grow to love her again in "One Hex of a Wedding", a wonderful treat of a novel.

Another great book in the Chintz & China Mystery Series. Emerald learns more about her ex-husband (and why their marriage ultimately ended) while trying to get through the wedding planner's worst nighmare that leads up to her wedding to Joe. Her maid of honor is cursed and stalked, her other bridesmaid is juggling a job and a new baby while her husband is headed off for an extended job on the road, and her daughter struggles with first love. That doesn't even include the family dynamics brought about by the wedding. Even Nanna makes an appearance. Emerald's reactions are real (why does this have to happen when I'm getting married) and fun (when a photographer tries to pair a swimsuit model with Joe for a calendar shoot). Can't wait for the next book!

My son, who loves his hat, loves to substitute his name in for Peedie's. We have the entire family of Gossie and her Friends and never tire of them!!!!

My son absolutely loves this book especially the end where Peedie finds his lucky red baseball cap again. He now has a lucky red baseball cap of his own like Peedie.

My 6 month old daughter loves Peedie. She gets so excited when she sees the simple white cover with yellow Peedie and his special red hat. The pages are nice and simple and the story is also nice and short which should fare well for the upcoming toddler attention span! I am looking forward to picking up the rest of the Gossie and Friends books for her enjoyment.

This is the cutest book. The story is short and very simple. Each page has only one or two short sentences which will keep a small child from becoming too restless. If I read this book to my daughter I can usually count on reading it two or three times because whenever the story is over she says "more, more". It is such a cute story I don't mind reading it a few times. I am planning on buying a couple other books by the same author.

Right from the first two books about Gossie, my grandson and I were taken by Olivier Dunrea's books. They are colorful and uncluttered with simple honest lessons for little ones about sharing with friends and how no one is perfect. Peedie with his little red hat is no exception. I was able to read it to my grandson through our web cams and the pictures showed up beautifully.

This is NOT your father's self help book. :-) Dr. Ireland's book is awesome. Perfecting Your Purpose is chock full of biblical patterns and principles that are empowering me to deal with life's challenges-- on a daily basis. This book, with its humorous stories and plentiful bible references, glorifies God first, not the author; as a result, my relationship with God has become so much more meaningful and fulfilling...
My perspective is changing. For example, I now look at my job as part of my overall purpose, so I view the time that I'm toiling away as an opportunity for being salt and light in the workplace, and my work product, attitude and relationships have been significantly enhanced. I now see my wife and two children as my primary mission field for ministry and not just a financial burden, and my home has become more of a sanctuary and less of a source of stresss.
For maximum effect, this book should be read (i) with a journal for taking copious notes and addressing the life issues that are discussed in each chapter and (ii) with AT LEAST one other person.
I'm a big believer in the principle that you get what you expect out of life, so I strongly encourage all readers of this book to expect to be changed dramatically, and for the better.

This book is a life workbook. It's the kind of book you should use to write your annual goals. It asks you questions and gives you tools to create an action plan. The way this book is written it creates a safe place to ask ourselves questions about where we are, what we want to do with our lives and where we plan to be in 2-5 years. If you don't have the money for a personal life coach, buy the book.

Pastor Ireland's book is an excellent resource in developing a relationship with God. Through a relationship with God we begin to understand our true purpose. Pastor Ireland does a credible job providing the reader with a roadmap towards their true purpose. Like a roadmap, the book provides step-by-step guidance on the journey towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life. The book should continuously serve as a reference for future reflection and direction.

I highly recommend "Perfecting Your Purpose" to anyone who wants to discover his or her destiny. David Ireland is definitely a man of tremendous insight and great wisdom. If we follow these simple principles that he outlines in this book we can really find clarity and direction for our lives.
Some people are trying to be an eye when they are really called to be a hand and they don't realize that these misconceptions are hindering them and sending them in the wrong direction. He teaches us how we can apply these simple steps that he offers to our personal life as well as our spiritual life. Many of us have made wrong decisions in our lives but after reading this book you will realize that no matter how old you are, you can still get back on the right path.
David Ireland is a man of integrity and I believe the best teacher that I have ever heard. Everyone who read "The Purpose driven life" will definitely want to read this sequel to that book. It will help you comprehend the full measure of success God has prepared for you that will dramatically change your life as you discover your purpose in life. None of us are here by accident. If you are unhappy with the way your life is going, you can make a decision today to change your direction. This book is very easy to read because it is meant to be read over a period of forty days. I highly recommend this book to EVERYONE.

Because of the word purpose and the 40 day commitment, this book may appear to be similar to Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life." However, after reading "Perfecting Your Purpose," there is a clear difference between the two books. To compare both books would be a disservice to both authors, as each book has different goals. Rick Warren's book helps you to question and search for your purpose. Dr. Ireland's book "Perfecting Your Purpose" enables you to flush out vagueness and state your life's purpose in one sentence with clarity and conviction.

Dr. Ireland's "Perfecting Your Purpose" has three goals, which are:
1) To help confirm your life's purpose through self-discovery exercises
2) To help perfect your purpose
3) To present the benefits of practicing 40 day habits

Goals fulfilled after reading "Perfecting Your Purpose":
1) The self-discovery exercises truly help the reader solidify his/her purpose.
2) With a clear understanding of your purpose, the book guides you by providing exercises such as "Sampling the Fruit," which challenges you to seek and engage with people and/or programs to enhance your purpose.
3) In practicing 40 day habits and fasts, the reader will gain new insight of God's power in his/her life's purpose. Dr. Ireland writes a remarkable explanation describing how God influences and transforms biblical heroes during a 40-day interval.

"Perfecting Your Purpose" is a helpful resource that brings the reader closer to God. Dr. Ireland's book will help stimulate ideas and prayers that reveal specific tasks to fulfill your life's purpose and serve God's Kingdom.

"In A Promise to America: God's Guarantee, Carolyn Corbin gives me hope for our country. It makes me realize the important role that Christians play in protecting America from harm and in building a land of freedom wherein our children, their children, and generations to follow can realize the hopes and dreams that only God can provide. Although God never made a specific promise to America, He did make one to His people. And, as His people, Christians are critical in the healing of our land. This books tells me how I can help my country to be morally whole again."

Our small Bible study and discussion group in Las Vegas, Nevada, finished the book "A Promise to America: God's Guarantee" and had our last discussion recently. Actually, it probably wasn't our "last" discussion, as we all felt compelled to take some sort of action. We will be each other's accountability group now.

Following are some of the comments from our group:

"I had never really considered the present happenings in the world as something I could be involved in or have an effect on. After reading the book, I find that God is speaking to all Christians to follow His steps and help bring about His promise to heal our land. I want to see the America Carolyn describes at the end of the book become a reality. I am going to post that description as my prompting to pray. Our church is about to begin '40 Days of Purpose' and certainly our group has had our hearts and minds prepared for this churchwide study by "A Promise to America: God's Guarantee." --Carol Wayne.

"I have been involved in the goings-on of the world. I listen to 'Talk Radio' every day. I can now see a call to action for Christians." --Ron Wellman.

"We all have been watching the moral decay of our society, and felt there was nothing that could be done to stop it. After reading the book, I feel that there is hope that we can have an effect." -- Dave Halligan.

"I don't know if there was anything 'profound' in the book -- certainly all this should be familiar to Christians who are in the Word--however I appreciate how well she tied the Old Testament to Today." --Harlan Wayne.

"I have always recognized the call to action from God's Word in relation to my own life. I now see there is also a call to action on behalf of my country." --Susan Brager-Wellman.

"The Church has been uninvolved for quite awhile with politics and world events. I believe this a 'wake up call' for us all. Already I am hearing Christians beginning to say 'we won't just stand by and let this to happen,' and I believe this book will spur more on." --Phil Gingrich.

Submitted by

Harland and Carol Wayne

Carolyn Corbin, in A Promise to America: God's Guarantee, has reached into the depth of an Old Testament teaching to bring truths into today that should be more prevalent in our society. Carolyn's futuristic eye is able to see ahead and bring others to the awareness of God's promises, not only on a personal level, but also on a national level as well.

I have passed this book to several other people to read. I have also read it to a friend who is a resident of a local nursing home.

It appears to me that the words of wisdom Carolyn shares in this book as an action call to Americans, is also and maybe even more importantly a reminder and demand to each individual to heal his/her own private world, and that one by one we can, with God's help and guarantee, heal our neighborhood, town, city, state, country and world. Thought-provoking, and written with the obvious passion of her faith journey.

I count it a privilege to be a part of the group who taught from Carolyn Corbin's new book, A Promise to America, over the past several weeks. It was truly an inspiration to me to be a part of the first group to use the free Leader's Guide. I know everyone who used the guide felt it was very complimentary to the book.

As I read Chapter 8, God Will Heal Our Land, I felt the Holy Spirit directing me in a very unique way. The author's approach to 2 Chronicles 7:14 was so concise and direct that I felt the need to compare it to another great book, the Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10). The author has taken a single verse and analyzed it so well that it spoke to me in much the same way.

One of the things that impressed me the most is the Old Testament examples based on the Children of Israel and the New Testament application based on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I pray that Carolyn Corbin's effort in preparing this book will be an inspiration to Christians throughout the United States. I feel she has done her part, now it is our turn to put our faith into action.

The book is short, engaging, and easy to read. It makes a strong case for keeping sexual sins out of your life and offers practical advice - as well as Biblical encouragement - for developing a lifestyle free of sexual misconduct. This book was well-received by my non-Christian friends, too, so don't hesitate to buy extra copies for them! Well worth the read.

When it comes to Christian purity books, there seem to be two categories: The impure "purity" books, and the fluffy purity books.

Since the first group believes "knowledge is power," the aim is to inform the reader in great detail about every kind of impurity on the market. Rather than being equipped to deal with living in our sex-saturated culture, though, the reader only comes away with step-by-step instructions of what not to do. It's about as affective as an anti-drug campaign that teaches kids how to make homemade narcotics.

On the other side of the purity books scale, the goal is to show how romantic purity can be, rather than how painful, devastating and destructive impurity always is. They promise their readers a "happily ever after" if they'll just follow God's plan for their love life and relationships. Purity then, sadly, becomes a means to an end - a happy marriage and romantic bliss - rather than the pursuit of God Himself ... a life of holiness.

To my surprise and delight, Randy Alcon's book The Purity Principle: God's Safeguards for Life's Dangerous Trails falls into neither of these two common categories.

The Purity Principle is a small book, but it packs a punch. Chock full of Bible verses, real-life examples, and sound biblical advice, it answers questions like, "What exactly is purity?" and "Why does it even matter?" This is a wonderful book for older teens and adults of any age, and any relational status, who would like to gain a better understanding of what biblical purity is, and why it's important.

Much like the book of Proverbs, instead of giving you the lowdown on what not to do, or painting an overly romanticized, fluffy picture of purity, Randy Alcorn removes the glimmer of sexual immorality by sharing the real-life stories of men and women who fell into sin by slowly choosing to walk down the wrong road - one small, fatal step at a time.

The Purity Principle shows how the fear of God and the consequences of disobeying His holy law should be what "drives the sense into us" rather than out. And how this fear of God should be what makes us alert, diligent, watchful and drastic when it comes to protecting our own purity and making sure we don't allow even a hint of sexual immorality into our own lives.


Because The Purity Principle doesn't take a let-me-tell-you-what-not-to-do approach to purity, and it's biblically solid, it could be a helpful book for someone who's currently struggling with issues of morality, while still being an excellent choice for someone who wants to learn how to safeguard their life so they don't find themselves needing to do an about-face later.

Recommended Age: 16+

A 90 page book that pulls no punches. It asks the tough questions and asks us to look at our life and our sexual purity. From the male perspective no matter if you are young or old, single, dating, married, divorced or whatever. In a way it is a quick read but at least for me... made me think alot about the little things that I let slide or try to rationalize so in that I don't have to deal with those situations or issues. I would highly recomed this book to any guy wondering how and or wants to stay sexually pure.

I do a LOT of reading, and this book is second only to the Bible in the way it deals clearly and succinctly with the subject of sexual purity. This title is a good one to keep handy, especially for men, in this day-and-age of slipping sexual morality. Alcorn addresses Biblical sexual conduct (and lack of it) in a frank yet tasteful manner. This book is an excellent investment towards the reader achieving and maintaining sexual purity. It's definitely a keeper!

Most Christians would look at this book and think, "Hmm, I'm okay, why would I need a book like this?" If that's your attitude, then perhaps you should take a couple of hours and read this short, but powerful treatment of a critical Christian subject.

Randy Alcorn doesn't just deliver a screaming screed, but a thorough examination of the reasons for purity and the keys for achieving it. Its not a call to prudishness or legalism. He's not laying out a new set of do's and don't.

Instead, Alcorn takes Scripture and firmly weaves together a portrait of purity and why Christians must work so hard to maintain it in their lives.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to Christians of all ages, expecially those who are serious about getting all they can out of their years on this earth.

...this author did to the spy thriller--don't be put off by the number of pages, each is fast-paced and the writing style is both accessible as well as being completely original--with all the hoopla over Brosnan quitting the Bond series, Broccoli and co. could do no wrong using this character and series as a template--HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Quiller is a spy who uses his wits. His body and mind are his weapons. The stories are seen through Quiller's eyes. If you like tense spy dramas, the Quiller books are the best and Adam Hall is a master. We want more!

I have never read such an action packed book. Nor has my heart raced this much. This is an excellent spy book. I love that Adam hall chose first persson for this book. It gives you a better understanding of the character. And Quiller is an unforgetable character who uses his wits to get out of tight situations. Without that you know this character could not have survived in the depths of Russia. A good read, definetly reccommed it. And yes it is hard to find in the bookstores. Can't understand why this work of art isn't being ordered.

There is not a better writer of espionage anywhere. Read these books

Absolutely right, Quiller is one of the best literary characters & the only espionage character who didn't end up totally ridiculous or pathetic or just plain unreal. Quiller though, with his meticulous task solving a cerebral activity together with his ability in close combat ooze reality. This one has a special twist to it: from the very beginning we sense (through Quiller's thoughts) that there's something wrong with this mission & not because of the usual danger attached to such things. Just sit back & follow him in the maze of dnager while he unravels step by step the mystery & realizes how those who he should be able to trust betrayed him. (And then check out Quiller's Run for the immediate follow-up: Hall hardly does this, but he must have thought that this issue needed to be resolved.)

I don't know about making it a movie though. It's the reading & Quiller's inner thoughts that make it such a perfect read. Trabslated to action it may lose part of it's appeal - &who's going to get all that karate right without turning it into Crouching Tiger or something?

I cannot say enough about Dorothy Dunnett's Series, THEY LYMOND CHRONICLES AND this one from the series THE HOUSE OF NOCCLO. All the books are great reads and I truly loved this one. I am on THE UNICORN HUNT, now and am enjoying it just as much. I will keep reading until I have finished all her books and then find some other good authors. These are filled with terrific characters that just grab you as well as lots of information from history that I am drinking in.

niccolo continues to learn how to use his power, and how to mittigate its impact, as he searches for meaning and love and fun

On this, the third chapter in the Niccolo series, we fin Nicholas has been "kidnapped" by the 'presumptuous' King of Cyprus who is actually trying to recover his kingdom from his sister.

Nicholas is able to help the king and at the same time obtain franchises in his dye works and sugar fields. He meets with Katelina, the mother of his only child, only to lose her once more after they reconcile. Finally, once the island is secure to King Zacco, Nicholas is allowed to return to Venice, where he faces once more his rival family, the de St Pol and Riberac.

In this chapter of the story the author makes great use of description in her scenes and they are so vivid! the characters, the settings everything is so masterfully blended with reality and fiction.

I loved this book and I have already started the fourth chapter. Good!

Ah, the frustrating pleasure of reading a Dorothy Dunnett novel :-) Her writing is dense, her plots are complex, and her characters (especially the male ones, which IMO are infinitely easier to like than the female ones) are nothing short of psychological studies. Often, while reading this book, I felt like I was way in over my head. And yet, I kept going, and the reward of Dunnett's writing, and her story, are well worth the effort, in my view.

In this third part of the eight-part Niccolo series, Nicholas is kidnapped and taken to Cyprus to fight with King James for control of the island, against his legitimate half-sister Carlotta. We meet the engaging courtesan Primaflora, who becomes Nicholas's mistress. We also see some old friends, such as Tobias the physician and Captain Astorre and the faithful Loppe. We meet Nicholas's cousin Diniz, and are reacquainted with the vengeful Katelina van Borselen.

But the vortex, as always, is the dynamic, ingenius, amazing Nicholas vander Poele. In this chapter of the story, we see how Nicholas deals with the stress of so many demands. We see how he deals with the love of two women whom he does not love in return, and the guilt associated with that. We follow him as he tries to play two sides (and sometimes more) of a dangerous game, all so that he can come out the winner. Nicholas is difficult to understand, but fascinating to read about. And in Race of Scorpions, Dunnett ensures that readers will not fail to follow him into his next adventure.

This is the third book in the House of Niccolo series. We join Nicholas as he is trying to move to a new stage of his life after the tumultuous events of Trebizond. Alas, Nicholas and his skills are too well known and he is being courted by many while still being hunted by his enemies.

During this particular journey, Nicholas becomes involved in the battle for Cyprus between the Lusignan 'Scorpions' Carlotta and James. At the same time, Nicholas becomes involved in all manner of affairs and events and also discovers some truths along the way.

Highly recommended. Lady Dunnett brings the history of this period alive while at the same time continuing to develop an enigmatic hero whose skills and abilities (and possibly an occasional flaw) are magnificently showcased.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith