Books Books

Although Mr Rodale is known for his studies in the area of organic gardening, his synonym finder is excellent. Easy to use, without having to do cross referencing, the book has numerous words to choose from.

This is an amazing book which is the last word in Thesauruses. It is over 1,350 pages. I have written three books using this Synonym finder and have found it to be invaluable! My copy has so many dog ears I probably need to open a kennel.

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

Although this is an older title I still use it quite frequently. If you do any kind of writing, whether academic/legal/leisure I highly recommend this book. Sometimes I just can't find the right word to convey the intended message so I open this up and 9 times out of 10 I come away with the word I'm looking for.

This book is a must if you are thinking of writing anything. Great buy, great condition - Thanks for the fast and honest transaction!

The Synonym Finder is an excellent resource and should be on every writer's desk. This book was recommended to me and I am so pleased!

I first read these books when I was in 6th grade and every now and then I still reread them and i am 25 now. Even though they are for young adults I have always loved these books and will continue to read them over and over.

I bought this book in a second hand book it is a briellient story and enjoyed reading it very much.

I first read these in high school and now atleast every 2 or 3 years I read them again. This time around (I'm 27 now) when I had the urge to read them I couldn't find them. I really wish they would make them into a movie trilogy! It's just a great read if you love nature and magic and remember being 16 and in highschool. I hope I read this until I am an old grandma and can get lost in time and pretend I am cassie!

I love this trilogy. I've loved it since I was about ten, and I still love it. It has pride of place on my bookshelf, and every now and again, I go back and re-read it.

In this first book, Cassie Blake, a highschool junior, finds herself suddenly uprooted when her mother moves them back to the tiny Massachusetts town of New Salem. They move in with her grandmother, and before long, a girl at Cassie's school has been murdered and Cassie has taken her place in the mysterious 'Club', a group of teenage witches who can trace their lineage all the way back to the days of the Salem witchcraft trials. Add to that is the menacing and beautiful Faye, Cassie's growing attraction to her best friend's boyfriend, and the search for the coven's lost Master Tools, and you have yourself a gripping and fast-paced start to a thrilling young adult trilogy.

That's not to say that the story doesn't have its problems, one of which is the somewhat underdeveloped secondary characters. Even this is excusable, however, given that there are eleven of them in the coven itself, not to mention various relations and townspeople. If nothing else, most of the coven members are clearly defined and given at least a few pages of close attention, such as the bike ride with Deborah in the second novel. Overall, a very satisfactory read, and well worth buying.

When I was about 13 or 14 I read and re-read these book over and over again. I even recorded them on tape so that I could listen to it while I was out and about.

I loved this trilogy.

Everyone can relate to Cassie in feeling different in a group and in this day and age magic is really popular, so this trilogy is the best for those that are coming of age in this time period when we are obsessed with darkness and magic, etc.

I plan on buying a new set because I wore my old set (given that was 13 years ago) out.

A must have book for any star gazer.For either the amateur or the professional.

I always wanted to own a telescope. This was the year. I talked to people, read reviews, joined online forums...thought I knew what I was doing and bought the thing. First night out I realized - I have absolutely no clue what to look for up there!!! This book is the perfect answer to that question, as well as an extremely good beginner's guide. There is enough detail to give you the sense that you are learning a lot, but not so much detail that you feel overwhelmed and intimidated. My recommendation is buy this book BEFORE you buy a telescope or binocs or any gear whatsoever. Use the book for a while just to learn your way around the sky. They have great suggestions for where to go and how to get there after that. Highly recommended!!!

An absolutely wonderful book; however, the numerous printing imperfections encountered (odd smudges, smears, and stains) have significantly detracted from the reading experience.
The book states that it was printed in China and it shows--really bad for a new book.
Perhaps whoever printed the book thought that one would be reading it mainly in the dark and would not notice the blemishes.
A five-star rating for content and 0-stars for print quality equals 3 stars total (more of less).

I bought this book some years ago, to see if I wanted to try amateur astronomy again. I had been given a department store telescope as a kid, and was discouraged by the fact that you really couldn't observe anything other than the moon with it. This book gave me the confidence to go out and buy a reasonably expensive telescope, and get it up and running with almost no assistance from anyone else. It opened up a wonderful hobby.

I strongly recommend giving this book to anyone with an interest in amateur astronomy. It is the best guide to getting started in something I've ever seen in my life.

If you are a beginner, buy this book immediately. It is probably fabulous for the rest of you, too. :) I am just getting started myself and have spent just a short time with it. I look forward to learning and appreciating it even more. Beginners absolutely need it. Try to read before you get a telescope, but even if you have made a purchase, will be able to help you make best use of it and help you avoid frustration.

This book is first of all beautiful with many color photographs to enhance the comprehensive text. The content is engaging and easy-to-understand.

Buy, enjoy, and have fun. Also, the book is worth the $35.00 price, but Amazon has a great discount.

I bought this book for my grandson's 3rd birthday which is coming up soon.
I'm sure he will love it. I bought a different book for my Granddaughter about the night when she was born. I like this one much better. It is geared more toward the young child.

This book is for any parent who's head over heels in love with their little blessing! The message in this book is great. It reminds your child that they are a beautiful, wonderful, unique gift from God and that there never was and there never will be another child like them.

My son received this as a gift for his 2nd birthday and we both LOVE it! It will be my "go to" book for any baby shower from now on! My son likes pointing out the different animals in the pictures and the loving words always bring a tear to my eye. In fact, I love it so much, I just bought the baby book The Wonder of You by the same author for my 6 month old.

This book was a gift from my mother in law to my daughter shortly after she was born. The first time I read it to her, it moved me so much that I could hardly finish. The story is simple, beautiful and still brings to me tears every time that I read it to my daughter. It is rare to find in someone else's words the complete expression of how much I love her and how happy I am that she was born into our family. The story tells how special the baby was to the world and how the earth celebrated her birth.

The artwork is stunning, the words lyrical, and I can't think of a book that I enjoyed receiving more since my daughter was born. She's not old enough to enjoy it as much as she will later & we have to be careful of the paper pages so they don't rip as she helps me turn them. Regardless of that, it's a wonderful thing to read & express to your baby how special she is to you.

This is a beautiful book & story! Every child should have it read to them over & over. Later in life they will remember the images and feel love, support & comfort.

I have purchased this book several times for new parents and they have all loved it. The pictures are lovely and the words flow nicely. Very nice book to read aloud, starting when the baby can sit on your lap and listen. I predict you will love it if you buy it!

Sins of South Beach is sizzling. Every time I turned the page, my fingers were burning! Sins of South Beach will ignite the big screen when it is made into a feature film. I can see it right now. Johnny Depp could win an Oscar for burning the screen down playing Mayor Daoud as the bad boy with sometimes good intentions that every woman wants and every man wants to be.

When I read about this book coming out in a local publication here in South Beach where I live, I went to my local bookseller and asked if they had a copy of "Sins of South Beach" to which the clerk replied sarcastically "must be a big book".
When I finally landed a copy from Amazon I could not put it down. Daoud captures the essence of how being on top with idealistic goals initially can end up with those ideals becoming corrupted by people under you above you and all around you to the point where you find yourself dissilusioned for joining the crowd and going with the flow-after all, if you don't, you are a threat, not a team player-all the other labels you can think of. Whether it be a Beach Town playground like Miami, a corporate entity or a local librarian you have to go along with the group or you can find yourself out of a job (or worse facing jail time)without a reference or a prospect for re-election.
The "cocaine cowboys" 80's era where this book takes place coupled with other events such as the Cuban crime wave courtesy of Fidel may sound exciting and eventful and maybe even romantic for some. Daoud connects allot of dots and puts the whole era in perspective because he lived it as the three time mayor of Miami Beach. This is not another Scarface motivated distortion of the era, rather it is a truthful memoir from the man who lived it as the mayor of Miami Beach.

Sins of South Beach is the true story of violence, corruption, murder, sex, drugs and the making of Miami Beach. This true-life narrative describes the history of Miami Beach told through a thrilling expose of the political corruption that spawned one of the most spectacular redevelopments that any city has ever undergone and the seedy underside that fueled its fire. The author Alex Daoud is an excellent, talented author who was a three time Commissioner and three time Mayor of Miami Beach. This is the best non-fiction narrative I have ever read. I highly recommend this book.

Facinating, fast-paced, first-person account of the mechanics of bribes and payoffs in City government - written by a former practitioner of the art ! Doesn't matter that you don't know or are not from Miami Beach, you will be captivated by the explicit descriptions of how the deals were done - and who paid the money, and what they got in return. In the middle of the book, the sections about the day-to-day workings of Daoud's months-long Federal criminal trial - and the pressures put upon Daoud to take a plea and become a Federal witness against others, or face 30 years in prison - makes for riveting reading. A great book, fast read, very entertaining.

This book is a sensational read by a courageous and uncanny mayor who was instrumental in rebuilding this city to a show place, after
being riddled with decedence drugs and violance.

this book was very good! i love historical fiction and A Coal Miners bride is just that! I fell in love with Leon the the romantic boy! it has a sweet ending and not like many romance books it is appropiate which is very important to me. i will admit some parts were a little boring but that can be easily forgotten with leon.

I really enjoyed the book, because it was historic and romance. I read the book in one day because i really wanted to know the ending. The begining is a little slow, but it starts getting intresting. It's tempting to know what will happen with her and stanley, her and the girls and her and america.

this book is very boring. I was assigned to read it for English class and found it to be terribly dreadful. The only reason for continuing to read page after page was knowing that i had to. Although i do find the story of Anetka and Leon wonderful. I would not suggest this for a pleasure read

I fell in love with the Dear America series last year and since then I've read most of the series. So far this book is my favorite. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction, this book has great descriptions and information about coal mining in the late 1800's. The story is about Anetka Kaminska, a fiery 13 year old who moves to America with her younger brother to be with their father who is working in the mines. Accompanying them is a Russian soldier named Leon who Anetka cannot stand because he is in the Russian army and teases her. But he is detained when they arrive. Anetka has an arranged marriage with man who turns out to be twice her age-- and a widower with 3 daughters who does not love her. Anetka struggles with the work of living as an immigrant in a country and being a mother to the 3 girls. Her troubles become even more when the Black Maria arrives with to tell her that her husband has been killed in the mines. I loved the second half of the book because of how we see Anetka's character develope, and also the beautiful and very sweet love story. This book wasn't boring for one second and the story was just wonderful. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good -but very dark at times- read.

A great story about a Polish girl who immigranted to America as a mail ordered bride. It takes a lot of courage to marry someone you have never met. To become an instant wife and mother. The mother part Anetka didn't find out about until she met Stanley. Anetka is full of amazing courage and strength. To go through with the marriage, raising three little girls and becoming the sole responsiblity upon her husband's death. She truly is a wonderful charactor and you can't help but root for.

A terrific book, especially for those going to Africa. A must for hunters especially those who will hunt in Africa. It was the book my Professional Hunter had me read the first time I visited southern africa. It was not only great reading but very sobering and helped me gain the proper respect for these magnificent and dangerous animals. Also a great book for those who may not go to africa but want to experience it, get closer to the dark continent and closer to the adventure and danger that lies there. Hightly recommendedThe Man-Eaters of Tsavo and Other East African Adventures (Webster's Spanish Thesaurus Edition)

i thoroughly enjoyed the chapter on lions and snakes , while elephant and leopard were a bit extravagant and lofty . At times it Appeared capstick was trigger happy and I couldn't help feeling for the animals . Sounded very exaggerated at times . But why kill antelopes and elephants when they are so harmless and non interfering .
the written script was a bit jargonic and slang difficult to comprehend at times , I would prefer Kenneth Anderson books any time .
All in all the death in the long grass was full of mixed feelings.

Hemingway, Ruark, and Sanchez are all pale imitators of the great Peter Hathaway Capstick. Try to imagine an American walking away from a Wall Street career to hunt as a professional guide in Africa. Now imagine that this guy could write WAY BETTER than Hemingway, and you're still not there.
A small snipet from the chapter on leopard.
"...the bark of the tree, when, suddenly, your gazing into two yellow-green eyes as evil as poison gas."
I'm not a hunter myself, but reading this book makes me wish I was.

"Death in the Long Grass" is my favorite of all Capstick's stories. Note, I didn't say "the most accurate or honest", but simply my favorite. He makes fearful episodes with wild beasts believable but, I suspect that Capstick put many second-hand stories into the first person.

I spoke to one long-time professional hunter in Zambia, old Rhodesia and Zimbabwe, "What do you know about Capstick?" At the time I was an avid reader and believed every word like scripture. He told me, "All I've heard of him is that he was a cook in a hunting camp in Zambia." Then again, my professional hunter friend may have had insufficient information. Another time, in one of his book, Capstick seems to quote me, personally. I will paraphrase, "I met a young African hunter who gave me his philosophy on hunting, 'It's better to spend small amounts of money and go on many safaris than to spend a great deal of money and go on only a few'." This is, in fact, an accurate quote...but...I never met Capstick. But this was and is my personal philosophy and, because of it, I have hunted all over the world and taken everything from doves to elephant.

Another friend, who reportedly knew Capstick in his later years, told me that Capstick said words to the effect, "Everybody believes that I am a liar." My friend responded, "It doesn't matter what people think. You are a great writer and you've done more for big-game hunting than any man alive." I quite agree with this, by the way.

In one of his books, Capstick tells the exciting story of hunting down a maneating leopard. It's truly a gripping tale. Late in his life, Capstick--for a fee--offered his company on African safaris. I read the account my one of the men who hired Capstick. Once again, I'll paraphrase, "It's a remarkable thing that Capstick, who had guided so many hunters in the killing of leopards, had never actually shot one himself. I therefore gave him my leopard permit and Capstick did the shooting."

Hey, Capstick was a fascinating writer, had a great ear and made the reader live the adventure. Were all his facts exactly straight? I don't know and doubt it really matters.

Ron Braithwaite author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Conquest of Mexico.

I first read this book years ago, but that copy got lost and I was overjoyed to find it again. My siblings and I all wanted it when Dad gave away his library.

Mr Capstick is a wonderfully descriptive writer! Each one of the big eight African game animals has a chapter; and each is the very worst way to die. Capstick does not skimp on the gory details, but he is entertaining and real. He spent many years in the Africian bush and obviously knows each of these animals very, very well.

I worked with a gentleman who met Capstick while in Africia and he reported that the man in the book is the same man in real life. If you want a different view of Africa from the Disneyification of wildlife this is the book for you.

I have to admit, I'd never heard of the Johnstown Flood and found this book recommended by Amazon when I was reading the reviews for "John Adams", also by David McCullough. "The Johnstown Flood" is well researched, easy to read and a real page turner. I highly recommend this to all history buffs.

The Johnstown flood of 1889 was a subject I knew next to nothing about. McCullough traces the development of the town, the nature of the earthwork dam that breached on May 31, 1889, and the people who in one way, shape or form were connected to this event. In the end, probably over 2,000 people died due to the flood. The personal stories are shocking and heartbreaking.

David McCullough excels in describing the central elements of his story, which is a talent that makes his works so popular. The nature of the town of Johnstown, its citizens, the railroad and the industries that were critical to is being, and the rivers and natural geography of the area are examples of where description comes into play. The exclusive South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club which included such notables as Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick and others on its list of members also is a central element of the story. In essence, the dam created the lake that became home to this exclusive club. As the author discusses, especially at the end of his book, the nature of the work done to repair the dam during the club days certainly represented man's role in the cause of the flood, but as the author also mentions, so did the rains.

Leaders in the Pennsylvania railroad, the Cambria Iron Company and other folks from various backgrounds figure into this story. The description of the aftermath of the flood are also well told and the resulting work done to aid the victims and clear the debris. All sorts of groups contributed to the rescue of Johnstown and its people, including such groups as the Red Cross under Clara Barton's leadership, but we also learn of the journalists who inundated the area, the thieves and scoundrels who took advantage of the plight of the town, and others. The events during the flood and after are by far the most powerful parts of the book.

Obviously the search for blame figures into the last part of McCullough's narrative, as I briefly hinted at earlier. The author takes several factors and thoughts into consideration, which is only fair. Though we often seek to blame somebody or some group, it isn't always that easy. Some people left the town for good, others stayed and tried to rebuild their lives. Those who lost their families, as the author discusses, often had less reason to stay. It seems strange that these type stories make for such good reading; in fact, it seems perverse. But perhaps stories like these can offer us valuable lessons and can help us better understand the human condition, where it is good and where it is flawed.

I want to start out this review by saying, I did not find 1776 or Adams to my liking and although well written, there are many books better than 1776 and I did not, in the least enjoy the story of Adams and felt that Mr. McCullough was more interested in creating a textbook.

Having said the above, now that I have read The Johnstown Flood and The Great Bridge, I must admit that these are two of the best books I have ever read.

The detail was perfect, not overdone like in Adams and the mood of those affected by the Flood as well as the thoughts of those in nearby cities and towns rendered as though you were there. While I have not yet read his book on the Canal, these two books, in my opinion, exemplify the best of how a writer of American History should approach the topic of interest. I read both of these books in days as I could not put either down.

I am not a big fan of the period of American History (more of a colonial, Revolutionary War through Jefferson fan) that this book and The Great Bridge covers which, in my opinion, makes these two books even more incredible. I have begun many books of this era only to put them down after a few chapters. These two stories were compelling and made more so by the fabulous presentation of Mr. McCullough.

This was a Father's Day gift that he really enjoyed. McCullough's 1776 was great, and this seemed to be just as good, even though written a number of years ago & given a new cover.

There is a saying, not original to me, that events are of record, but reality is a construct. McCullough does the research necessary to state the essential facts of this historical event. This is no mean task, given all the disinformation and misinformation in the historical record. But what is even more impressive is McCullough's ability to show why there is so much inaccuracy in the writing about this event.

The power of the new media, the insatiable appetite of Americans for a story, and the raw class tensions and social issues of the time combine to create all sorts of varied efforts to construct a reality to explain the Johnstown events. Those constructs often tell us more about ourselves than they do about what really happened in Johnstown.

The early constructions magnified the death toll tenfold and seized upon all sorts of fantastic survivor stories that were patently untrue. Some shades of 9/11 here. Then the focus turned to the responsiblity of the owners of the resort on top of the dam that had rebuilt the dam. This was the class card -- rich guys who had nothing better than to do than pursue leisure (a novel concept at the time) and isolate themselves from other Americans (tapping into ancient American attitudes against elites) running a poorly built dam doomed to fail and to kill the groundlings below. This story resonated with Americans.

McCullough is exceptionally balanced and thoughtful of his treatment of the issue, and picks apart the crudest and most inaccurate attacks against the dam owners. In the end, however, there is some core truth to the theme that the rich owners' neglect contributed to the tragedy. The dam had been originally built by the State, but the reconstruction job by the resort owners was poorly engineered. The biggest flaw was the lack of any way to control the level of the dam with outlets at the bottom of the dam to let out some water. Screens at the top to keep the fish in that led to a blockage and contributed to the problems, while the most strikingly callous measure (they cared more about fish than human life), probably was a minor matter in the whole tragedy.

What's also fascinating is that the rich were not brought to account. Tort and corporate law at the time allowed the rich owners to shield personal liability behind a shell owner of the facility and difficult issues of causality rendered all the lawsuits unwinnable. Today, there would be a different result, as McCullough points out. Those decrying the "flood" of litigation in modern days may do well to consider the real floods that fear of liablity (and the concomitant insurance, risk prevention, government regulation, and professional reviews such fears engender to prevent tragedy from occurring in the first place) has prevented. The failure of the press (who were owned by some of these rich guys) and the legal system to call the owners to account tells us a lot about the entrenched power the ruled the country at the time.

McCollough tells the tale of the flood vividly, corrects the record to tell events truthfully, and then deals with the larger social issues raised by the event. This is a extraordinarily good book

This incredibly rousing conclusion left me breathless! I started reading this series because my library carries the books on Playaway and it was recommended to me by a librarian as "an entertaining, well-written fantasy story for all ages." I also learned the book was highly recommended by Voya and is something of a pop phenom as it is also mentioned in "Complete Idiots Guide to Elves and Fairies" and "Ancient Art of Fairy Magick".

I listened to the first two books and the audio was so wonderful I decided to buy the entire series. Like the audio, the books are of exceptional quality with its dozens of full-page illustrations and illustrated end notes.

In this fourth book, Robert Stanek doesn't hold anything back. He continues to deliver an incredible story about an imperiled world and those whose destinies are tied to the fate of the world. The story begins with Vilmos in the bizarre underworld. Meanwhile Adrina tries to make her father and her people understand the true meaning of the elves return after their long absence. Emel has his own adventures as he journeys back to the south.

Like the others in the series, this book continues to take the reader to magical destinations spread all across the magical fantasy universe Robert Stanek has created as the backdrop for the stories. I'm amazed at how much the world itself seems like a character and it too becomes a favorite like the characters themslves.

Robert Stanek is an incredibly gifted writer with a true talent for writing believable characters and bringing new worlds to life. He gives enough details to see everything that's going on but not so much to slow the story. The dialogue continues to be excellent as well and it's one of the reasons the story works so well in audio.

I highly recommend The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales) but don't miss the others. You need to start with The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales) and continue to The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales) and The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales) to understand the story.

This is the best book I have ever before read, everything you would want in a book is right here it is so good at painting a mental picture in your head it will have you yelling out loud throughout this entire book if I could give it more than 5 stars I would I say INFINITE STARS FOR THE KINGDOMS!!!!

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV
ISBN: 15754550658
Magical ---- Literally!

I became intrigued by the phenomena of Ruin Mist awhile back, and this review is a long time readers perspective. In many respects, I'm probably the last person who would enjoy this book. I'm a cynic by nature, and my reading habits lean more toward more mature series and more literary works. Or at least I should say it used to before I discovered this wonderful series and learned how fun fun reads like this one could be.

As someone who grew up reading C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, I had a soft spot for a good fantasy tale when I was younger, and tended to read fantasy from time to time. This series however, has made a new fantasy lover out of me. Why?

Robert Stanek has created a delightful world of magic and mystery, with a compelling cast of characters you'll come to love (or hate) almost instantly. He captures the imagination with spare prose that draws his readers in. The concept of a elves and such isn't exactly new, but the ideas of parallel worlds of magic, alternating histories, elves and men as enemies, magic as evil, and more were breathes of fresh air.

There are times early in the series when it is obvious that this is the author's first major work of fiction. His other previous work (as an international bestselling nonfiction author) however, helps him writes tight prose, a balanced amount of detail with a story well-paced and well-plotted.

Overall, this is a very impressive series. Each character in the story as unique and real as their intertwining storylines. Plus, I like to think that some of the wonder and enjoyment I felt reading the pages of the early books came from the sense that the author was also experiencing this world and its characters for the first time while writing them.

The world of Ruin Mist has multiple levels of reality called UnderEarth, MiddleEarth, and OverEarth. UnderEarth is a place without sun, moon or stars. It has bloodred skies and is a dark place where many strange creatures dwell. MiddleEarth is the place of the kingdoms and reaches. It is where men and elves live. OverEarth is place of the skies. It exists above the clouds of the kingdoms and reaches.

The three main storylines provide glimpses into different parts of the world. Vilmos Tabborrath is an unassuming village boy who doesn't want to follow his father's path. He has a dark gift of magic and as magic is considered evil this puts him and his family in grave danger. He tries to hide his gift but one day it slips out when he is surprised by a bear and this is the beginning of the end of his life as a simple village boy.

Vilmos is intriguing becuase he is different from his peer group and mistreated by those around him. He recounts a story of getting beat up by an older boy and the harsh treatment by his father. Children often feel isolated and mistreated, as do adults, therefore most people can relate to this situation.

Adrina Alder is the youngest child of a king. She remains heartbroken over the death of her mother some years ago and longs for change. Her wish for change comes with dark visitors in the night but is not in any way what she hoped it would be.

Adrina is intriguing because she is someon just about anyone can identify with. She feels sad and alone in the world. She's bitter about not being able to do what she wants and longs for adventure. Children often feel sad and lonely, as do adults, therefore most people can relate to this situation too.

Brother Seth of the Red is an elven warrior and sworn queen's protector. He is old in human terms yet at the same time childlike in his ways as he is young for an elf. He doesn't understand what is happening or why he was chosen by Queen Elf to undertake a dangerous journey. His journey takes him to the land of men at a time when men and elves are the bitterest of enemies.

Seth is intruiging because he is so powerful yet so flawed. He is a trained fighting machine. It is all he's known and it is why he knows so little of anything else. He also has the urges of adolescence and finds his first love though he doesn't understand his feelings as he's been isolated from ordinary elves and the lives they live.

Other aspects of the writing itself are:
* The books are unique and readable.
* He takes time to set up the characters, plot, and scenes. He takes care in introducing Vilmos, Seth, and Adrina because of their hardships we know why they act the way they do when they leave their homes.
* He does not talk down to his audience of young adults.
* The same story elements that appeal to a child, appeal to an adult.
* His characters grow, change, and make decisions based on their own motives.
* Life is not simple. People get sick, people die.
* Good and evil exist, as they do in reality, and they have many guises.
* It is easy to read. The text flows naturally, even with strange words and unusual names.
* His creativity and descriptions bring life to the story. He creates mystery and keeps you wanting to know more.

For me, the real test of a book's strength is whether or not I want to read it again. Most books get read once and traded in. I've already read this series three times and have upgraded to the special editions as they've been published. And the best part is that the series gets progressively better with each new volume. As good as book 1 is, book 2 is even better, so if book 3, and book 4 is a real treat.

Younger readers certainly don't need me to point out something they already know, but hopefully this review will help persuade some like me who still cling to the notion that a children's book can't possibly be enjoyable to us adults. Stanek created a marvelous story that has captured readers from all age groups. His writing has been compared to JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling and CS Lewis. He deserves all the success he's achieved. I can't wait to see what he writes next.



Max H.

This was a great book! It made me feel like I was experiencing the adventure. I liked the excitement and action. I was hooked on this book from the start. I can hardly wait for it to be made into a movie!

I loved this book!! I could really imagine what was going on! It was full of adventure and magic!

This would rank up there as one of the best books I have read. I would say that Stanek ranks up there with some of the best authors including: Jk Rowling, Jrr Tolkien, RA Salvatore, and Brian Jacques just to name a few of my favorites.

If you like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, you will LOVE this book! A 5 star winner!

The Knitting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask I love this book. I am a long time knitter who needs good directions and don't always get them. Hopefully, this book will fill the need to help me interpret some of the questionable directions I have found in pattens and make knitting a more enjoyable and productive hobby for me.

I've been knitting forever, and have lots of books and magazines on the subject. This book is now my ultimate resource for clear instructions and tips for nearly every step of a project. There is no wasted space; every single topic is concise and logical. The question-and-answer format was a little annoying at first, but there's a good index in the back. BUY THIS BOOK before stocking up on more expensive, larger books that may not have the clear answers that this one does.

As I am teaching myself to knit and crochet, many questions keep popping up during my projects. Though I have purchased a multitude of books, I find that only this book has the answers to the perhaps "offbeat" or unusual questions that I generate.

Have yarn but am not great at remembering all of the different special stitches. This will be my reference as I start small projects. Need to get back in the groove. Great, clear reading and good illustrations.

I admit that I carry this book in my knitting bag, and use it often, but I find it very frustrating to do so. I'm surprised at how highly it is rated by so many knitters. I bought it to be a reference quide that would be informative and thorough--more than a glossary, but still small enough to be carried in my knitting bag. It is thorough, informative, and compact, but as a reference guide it is lacking. For me, as a reference guide, the question and answer format is clumsy and gets in the way of finding information. That's not a big deal and I would overlook that if the index was robust and enabled me to look things up quickly, but that's the frustrating thing about this book. I'm not a novice, but I'm not always sure exactly what an abbreviation means or maybe I need to brush up on a technique I haven't used in 6 months or I wonder if there is a better way to do something. So I go to the index with a keyword in mind, but too often, it's not there; I have to think about what broader topic would include the information I'm looking for and work backwards. Given the way the information is organized, that isn't always easy and I've found myself skimming chapter after chapter to find something that should be an easy thing to look up.

As I said, I wanted more than just a glossary and when I do find what I am looking for I appreciate the detailed instructions and clear illustrations. I'm impressed with the amount of info in such a small book and there are lots of answers here. The problem is that most of the answers will only be found if you sit down and read the book chapter by chapter. If you have a specific question in mind, it will be hit or miss trying to find the answer. I realize that this book can't be all things to all people, but I have to think that because it is small, at least one of the intentions is that it be a portable reference guide. If that's true, then the content needs to be a lot more accessible. If the index was beefed up, I would recommend this book with 4 stars and feel that it's worthy of taking up space in my crammed knitting bag.