Fantasy Books

I absolutely loved this series of books and I can read them over and over! While yes it is a little hokey and rather unbelievable when it comes to an actual follower of Wicca, it is still a fun series. As long as you don't take it too seriously and remember to just have fun with it you will get swept away by the characters and their struggles and triumphs.

Even though not greatly written, the book is captivating. Morgan, who is still struggling with the knowledge that Ciaran MacEwan is her father, has to deal with the council now too. They want her help to stop Amyranth from destorying another coven with the dark wave. To do that she has to get in contact with Ciaran -- the man who killed her mom and tried to kill her. I won't saw more! It's a great book, one of my favorites in this series!

Morgan thinks shes poison, so she breaks up with Hunter :( and shes very sad about it. A council person comes to Morgan called Eoife (i think...) and she thinks that Ciaran (who is morgans dad) is going to send a dark wave or something to Starlocket, which is Alyces coven. Morgan has to find Ciaran and if possible stop him. Killian, who comes in to the story in the calling, also adds a little mischief too... Ciaran and morgan turn into wolves and their prey is... do you think i would spoil it?!? Just coz everyone else has.

Apart from the 9th book, this was definately one of the worst books in the series. Book 7 was terrific but this book was just annoying. Firstly, The whole good-evil thing is just getting irritating. I am glad Morgan and Hunter "finally" got back together again, but I thought that Morgan wanting to kill Hunter when she was a wolf was possibly the worst storyline yet. I love Killian he is v. cool, Ciaran also has alot of class and Eoife was also a really great character, I wish she'd stayed through book 9 instead of Erin. At one part in the book, Hunter mentioned to Morgan how he also had "struggles" between good and evil but I would have been more convinced if he'd given an example. I think that this series is overall very good, but it lacks alot of balance, everything is so dark, there's never any light.

Yes, a black wave may be coming and it looks like it will be directed against Starlocket (the coven of the magic shop owner). Because of Morgan's history, the International Council of Witches asks her to risk everything to try and get closer to the source of the evil (the evil witch who tried to kill her in New York City).

To do so, Morgan witch calls Killian to come and see her. He shows and his exuberant personality takes Morgan and her coven on a roller coaster ride of partying. But eventually Morgan does run into the evil witch and more plot developments follow.

This is really the first time that Morgan is going up against a threat not targeting her specifically. Somehow she must help the Council, avoid detection, keep her grades from slipping further, deal with Hunter and maybe, just maybe, get a chance to breathe.

Some reviewers feel that the series weakens after book 7 but I feel that this one shows a nice maturing of the story. Having Morgan acting and not just reacting is a pleasant change. I do look forward to the next book.

This is the first

Everything Ms. Engdahl writes is gold. Not only does this book have a great storyline and characters, it also is thought provoking. She centers around themes about the importance of spacetravel and innovations in science. Even if you aren't usually a fan of science fiction, you will love this book!

This was one of the most capitvating books I've ever read. Though Noren's world initially seems far removed from our own, his struggle is profoundly relevant. What is faith, is it positive or negative, and why? If these questions interest you, I strongly urge you to read this book. It helped me find a resolution to such questions after struggling with them most of my life.

When I originally read the first book (on its own; this volume is a collection of all three books in the trilogy), the revelation at the end had me opening the book again the moment I finished it to read it over again. Another point left me feeling so betrayed and angry that it was like it had actually happened to me in the real world. The stakes were set so high that I wondered how it could all possibly come together, but then it comes to a masterful conclusion.

It's a shame that this book did not get more attention. I certainly will tell everyone I can about it. It's true that it's not an action-packed book, but if you enjoy thought-provoking stories of great moral and emotional complexity, definitely give this one a try.

I first read these books (now book) over 10 years ago. They have remained among my favorite books. The book is appealing to people young and old. Ms Engdahl's writings have a way of staying with one always.

This trilogy serves as a thought provoking journey through the relationship between society, religion, and science. It starts out with one man challenging the foundation of his society, to him embracing it, and back to him challenging it yet again, but for a completely different and selfless reason. Ms. Engdahl paints a wonderful picture of a futuristic and simultaneously primitive world whose advances and way pique the imagination.

Ms. Engdahl throws a taste of her intergalactic society into the final installment, but no one recognizable from Enchantress from the Stars or The Far Side of Evil.

Overall, I was really impressed with this book. At times it goes a little slow, but Engdahl made up for it in the wonderful plot of the book. The surprising things, is that Noran, the main character, would actually be considered a static character, which is not typical of an engaging main character. His views do not change, nor does his personality or goals throughout the entire book. What keeps the reading turning the pages is the strangeness, and the fact that this sci-fi book could in fact be based on events that could happen one day. Another aspect of the book that was really engaging was the originality of the ideas used. It was not the typical sci-fi book that included space-crafts, aliens and the like. The ideas were extremely original, and fact-based. The other reason I enjoyed the book so much was that throughout the entire thing there was a mixture of sci-fi writing, and science. Sections of the book were devoted to explaining the concept of genetic engineering, which if you are interested in, is used very well in this book. The fact that a good book can incorporate aspects of reality, in the form of genetic engineering, is amazing, and makes the novel that much more notable.

I would recommend this book for people who won't get frustrated with the sections that are very slow-paced, but who are dedicated to reading each and every page, because they all add to the entire meaning of the book as a whole. It is not a typical sci-fi book, so don't expect lots of space-ships and people from different planets, but instead look forward to a well written novel about a culture struggling to re-build its self. You will follow Noran as he struggles to find his place in a world that he feels is wrong, and corrupt. Be open to twists in plot, and strange themes brought up again and again throughout the book, and you may enjoy it as much as I did.

Noren is a young man who is frustrated about the class stratified society that he lives in. When he decides to challenge the system, he finds himself on a perilous journey . . . facing truth as he has never imagined. When I read this story many years ago in junior high, I realized for the first time that it was possible to have a perspective on life that did not encompass a large enough view of the truth. This story challenged my views on the limitations of my own perspectives. It is science fiction at its best. This book is a compilation of the trilogy that begins with "This Star Shall Abide".

the story isnt bad but it seems like there are a few parts missing, but all in all I didnt mind it. if you want lots and lots of sex your not going to get it. theres only a few sex scenes, maybe three the most I think.

I absolutely LOVE this manga! The artwork is one of the best out there. The story is very well thought out. It has a good mix of adventure and humor in it. The Crimson Spell is one of the more graphic yaoi manga I've read, lots of explicit scenes, if you like lots of sex scenes, it's a must own!

The best word for this book is Beautiful. The art is amazing and the story is great. I love it and I cannot wait for the second one!

Love, love, LOVE it!

I enjoyed this story. I am eager to see how it ends. Havi is a no nonsense, trash talker. There are no wasted words here. Everybody speakes his mind. Vald is a good substitute for Bald, namewise. The linguistic slippage between B and V is common.

This was my first yaoi purchase pretty much ever, so I was a little nervous about what I was getting. Was it hardcore and no plot or softcore with a heavy plot? I was pleasantly surprised to find a nice balance between the two when I opened the cover of "Crimson Spell."

Ayano Yamane has a gift when it comes to drawing gorgeous men, especially so in the case of Prince Vald (earlier versions print his name as "Bald," but I believe this has since been corrected) and Halvir the wizard, or Havi, for short.

The plot is simplistic at first, deepening as the two men find themselves growing closer and closer, though not ithe way one expects. Prince Vald's curse forces him to turn into a monster, and the beast is only appeased through bloodshed or, you guessed it, sexual gratification (because this wouldn't be a yaoi otherwise <3). Since Havi is the only other hot hunk around, you can assume what goes on between them......without Vald's knowledge. Dun dun dun!

Everything ties in with a quest to find a cure for Vald's curse, including conquering a dragon, taking in an animal spirirt, fighting bandits, and even being captured by an entire army of semi-wizards! The story leaves off with a cliffhanger, but it was so awesome, I have no problems waiting for a sequel.

Now, the artwork itself is absolutely stunning, and I still can't get over how well Ayano Yamane illustrates hands and facial expressions (among other things, heh heh). Clearly this is an author who takes pride in what she does, and handles anatomy as professionally as possible.

Of course, let it be known that the sex scenes are pretty hadcore, as well as uncensored. That's right, uncensored. This turns some people on more than others. For those of you who could care less about the sex, I refer you to the cute plot and side adventures.

All in all, this is the perfect addition to any yaoi fan's collection. Easily one of the best purchases I ever made. I hope every one who purchases this yaoi enjoys it as much as I did.

The third book in the Fire Dancer series. It is an excellent series with strong, well written characters, and this book leaves you dying for more. I wish Ann Maxwell would hurry up and write another one! I want to find out what is happening with Rheba and Kirtn

I have enjoyed all of Ann Maxwell sci/fi books. I wish she would finish this series. I want to find out what happens in the Fire Dancer's story. I believe Ann Maxwell's sci-fi stories were one of the best I have ever read and i wish she had continued this series and any other sci-fi.

I just discovered this series and I really enjoyed it! I didn't realize the trilogy wasn't complete though so I hope another book will be added SOON!

This series is intense, wonderful, and thrilling, but I NEED CLOSURE...PLEASE!!!! If I died tomorrow I wouldn't be at peace, not until this story-line is wrapped up.

O.K...I'm not too proud...I WILL BEG!! I am begging Ms. Maxwell, I have waited years...and I need another installment or at least a conclusion to this series...You have a great story here...please continue it for all of us sci-fi and romance addicts out here...

The rest of the reviews give beautiful summaries of this book.
I just want to add a few things. On the technical/storytelling side, Mr. Owens writes extremely well and this facilitates the excellent storyline that keeps the reader engaged.

Concerning the spiritual/Christian side of the book. This is the deepest book that I have read by a Christian author. By depth, I mean his representation of spiritual warfare is right on. Though many call this book a fantasty -- it is not fantasy but reality when it comes to the things of God.

So -- Mr. Owens, if you read these reviews. I just want to say thank you -- God is using you mightily and I am looking forward to your next book!

I really enjoyed Mr. Owens' book. Kept your interest and leaves you interested in the characters-wanting more. For all those who are looking for other good authors while waiting for next novel-check out Stephen Lawhead.

All the previous reviews tell you what the basic premise of this book is, a tantalizing bit of plot, that it is well-written, AND that it is an excellent first novel for author Owens. I agree with those statements.

But what is not told here is that new Christian fantasy is far and few between (his publisher put out four. Will there be more?) The Christian publishers--for years--stayed away from it and only re-published C.S. Lewis' Narnia or sent you to read Lord of the Rings and general market fantasy. A smattering here and there, but not a stronghold as a genre.

This book is well done, and if you appreciate Christian fantasy, you should be buying this. Why? 1. Because you like the genre and we all have said it's good. You'll enjoy it if you like Christian fantasy and a good story. 2. To let publishing companies know that we want more. 3. I really like it that there is a strong woman character and she meets her match in every way--definitely can appeal to women.

I hope Miles Owens is writing more of this sort of book. He'll only get better, and is already a really strong writer. More, Miles, more!

This book was an excellent first novel. I cannot believe the publisher has not picked up the trilogy! I keep checking back in the bookstores, but no second book has appeared. With the great need for engaging Christian fiction, this book stands a league above some of the other trite books that call themselves good reading! I implore Strang Communications to reconsider and publish this series.

In Miles Owens's book Daughter of Prophecy, a battle between good and evil is looming. At the center is Rhiannon, a girl who at her birth was prophesied to be the Protectoress of an Ancient covenant. At first she believes her prophecy to be literal and she trains with her brothers in sword fighting. But as the story progresses, she realizes the Eternal might have something entirely different in mind. Helping her in this process is a repentant religious leader and her foreign teacher. Meanwhile, the Mighty Ones are sending winged horrors determined to destroy her before she can fulfill the prophecy.

There are subtle christian messages throughout this book. The Eternal can use us only if we let go of all our wants and desires, and He is always standing by to help. Evil is truly evil and powerful, yet prayer can help destroy it. Owens does a good job of developing the characters and allowing them to grow in the story line. There are many characters, yet Owens makes it easy to keep track of them. Even the secondary character's actions will have an impact on the outcome of the battle.

Daughter of Prophecy is a great christian fantasy book. I look forward to reading the sequel.

CSFFC Ratings:
Teen Friendly: A
Christian Message: A
Crude or Profane language: A(none)
Drug or Alcohol: A-
Sexual Content: A(none)
Writing: A-(Solid writing. A few editing mistakes)

JoEtta Dingman
Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Central Reviewer

For some years I was familiar with the name Philip Wylie as one of the authors of the disaster story "When Worlds Collide". I was also surprised to find that one of his books ("The Gladiator") influenced the creation of the hero Superman. "The Disappearance" (1951) is the first book I've read by Wylie.

In the introduction to this edition of "The Disappearance" Robert Silverberg thought it more appropriate to regard this book as fantasy rather than science fiction. Bizarre happenings in science fiction stories are usually "explained" and rationalised in an effort to achieve plausibility. The mysterious phenomenon that occurs here - the world suddenly splitting into two realities where men and women exist separately - is never actually explained, although characters in the story try to attribute it to things like mass hallucination or divine intervention.

From two perspectives, male and female, we see how events unfold following the disappearance of the opposite sex, and the way it has affected society in either world. The basic message is that one can't live without the other. The all-male society slides into violence and aggression, atomic weapons devastate certain cities, and martial law is declared. The all-female society is little better off, because most of the women lack such practical skills for things that were once (in the 1950s at least) considered "mens work". Anything technical or scientific was outside the women's experience, considered too rough or complicated for their abilities. Gradually though, the women adapt and attempt to live off the land despite such crises as lawlessness, disease and starvation.

"The Disappearance" is an entertaining story, and quite philosophical (which is appropriate since one of the main characters is a philosopher). For anyone who enjoyed this book I also recommend John Wyndham's novella "Consider Her Ways" (1956). In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Wyndham had read "The Disappearance" because the premise is quite similar: a regimented all-female society in the future where men have been rendered extinct by a virus. In Wyndham's scenario women are coping quite well on their own and believe they're far better off without men. They also found a way to reproduce without needing a man. One character argues that in a two-sexed society women were conditioned to be unthinking consumers and parasites, that it suited commerce to trick women into embracing a life of slavery and serving the household. The bait used to entice women into this trap was called "Romance". Philip Wylie discusses these issues and others in more detail in his own work.

Although society has changed a lot since "The Disappearance" was first published in the 1950s it is still very readable. I've heard some feminists say that even now, in the early twenty-first century, women still lack equality in a world that is still considered male-dominated. Whatever the case may be, "The Disappearance" is a book that deserves to be read.

I read Philip Wylie's The Disappearance about 40 years ago. I am currently rereading it from my original paperback copy which has been held together with rubber bands. As I read each page I put the page aside. I am surprised and pleased to find in the reviews I just read that I am not alone in searching, for the most part unsuccessfully, for a reasonably priced copy. I would urge the powers to be to give us a reprint....soon!

One of the most remarkable novels ever written, The Disappearance must have caused a sensation in 1951 when it first appeared. I won't belabor the plot, because others have already recounted it. But its frank analysis of the way in which our society separates men and women, teaches children to be ashamed of their bodies, teaches men and women NOT to fulfill their potentials and destinies but to fill the paths set down by our narrowminded forebears, is every bit as poignant today as it was then.

Wylie's two protagonists -- Bill Gaunt the philosopher and is wife Paula -- a PhD in languages -- are three-dimensional and fascinating. His assessment of the world of men without women disintegrating into lawlessness is frighteningly real. His world of women discovering that very few of their number have been trained in the rudiments of running the society is sobering. And although women have come a long way in that respect since 1951, the glass ceiling still exists. The perception of the "role" of women or men in a particular situation hasn't gone away.

The whole story is told with insight and a wicked sense of humor. Just look at his picture of the wives of the government officials trying to run the government of women. Unfortunately, politicians do not always choose wives for their intelligence but for a host of other attributes and skills that do not help them to cope with the catastrophe. And the showdown between the American and Soviet women will leave you breathless and laughing.

To me, the best example of the way Wylie chose to tell this story is Chapter 13, which does not further the plot at all. Bill Gaunt is asked by the President and a committee of scientists and other thinkers to prepare an essay assessing what it all means. Chapter 13 is that essay. Even the title of the chapter lets impatient readers know that if they skip it, they will lose none of the sense of the story. DON"T SKIP IT!!

Not for the faint of heart, but DEFINITELY for the inquiring mind. Those of us who have already read this one (several times) are pleased it is back in print so we can replace the lop-eared copies we have been reading for years.

Note to Hollywood: Wouldn't this make a fascinating subject for a movie? Probably not. Its subtleties and interweaving of plots and events would go beyond Hollywood's ability to translate it without succumbing to the temptation to mess with it. So I guess we'll just have to read it again.

One cautionary note: Be aware that the novel does have one bit of baggage that is left over from the time it was written. Its Cold War politics may seem out of place today, but it carries the story forward. Aside from that small anachronism (from our point of view), the novel could have been written yesterday.

If you've never heard of this one, give it a chance. You'll be as amazed as I was.

There's good reason this book is out of print. Wylie's story, THE DISAPPEARANCE, doesn't stand the test of time. Back in the '50's this startling plot certainly impressed the reader-no more. Now we expect some plausible, physical or psychic explanation for this split world phenomena. In fact, Wylie's principle character, Bill Gaunt, spent four year searching for an answer but could only come up with psychological mumbo jumbo.

In fact, contrary to the premise of this story-that the two sexes lack appreciation for each other-the battle of the sexes, for many, could be the only factor that keeps life interesting enough to live. Wylie's disdain for homosexuality is now as antiquated as slave ownership.

Whatever putty holds the material world together came unglued for four years while the males and females found themselves on two ships at sea, never passing. The happy ending, the reuniting of the sexes, was a pure and simple cop out. The reader expects some plausible explanation but never gets it. Perhaps Wylie brewed up a fine stew here but provides nothing to sharpen your intellectual teeth on.

Having just finished the book, I can heartily recommend it for its prescience and message. The ending is especially fitting and uplifting. Despite its somewhat anachronistic style and vocabulary, "The Disappearance" is a must-read for feminists and misogynists everywhere.

This book is one of my favourites out the whole series. Unlike alot of readers, I really like Alisa - I think she adds a strange kind of innocence to the books that instead of being annoying is quite good - it adds some light for a change. Even though the way in which she finds out about being a half witch is very repeative and simliar (and a bit cheesy) to how Morgan found out she was an adopted blood witch, i still liked it because like I said, I like Alisa and the innocence and light she adds to the story. I think it was a very good idea to have Alisa save the day rather than Morgan for a change. I think that it was a good idea of Cate Tiernan's to have the spotlight shared by two characters because she has avoided the irritating predictable problem some books suffer from where there is always one heroic character who saves the day every time. This time, it is alot more varied.

So this book, eclipse, is really good! It shares the point of view with Morgan who is ususally the narrator, and Alisa, who you haven't heard from. Alisa's relationship with Morgan is that she is Morgan's little sister Mary K.'s best friend (getting a little Jerry Springer...) anyhow, Alisa is a blood witch. Mordan's killer father, Ciaran McEwan is trying to destroy Widows Vale with the *ominous music* DARK WAVE! Morgan finds Ciaran and her boyfriend, Hunter, stripps his magick. But the dark Wave is still coming! Will they be able to stop it in time? *FORESHADOWING*

I purchased the Sweep series for my 13 year old daughter in the hopes that maybe she would read. "She hated to read." Well I was amazed, and could not get her to go to sleep, as she would spend the whole night, with a night-light on reading these books. She enjoyed them so much, and could not stop talking first about Cal and then Hunter, that I had to see what all the fuss was about.
Well after two weeks, a book a day, for a girl who hated to read, it sparked my curiosity, so I started reading, and was surprised to find out how enjoyable a Teen book about Teen Witches could be. I am not really into Wicca, but these books are really enjoyable. I am on my fifth book, and my daughter read each twice, and is know on the Circle of Three Series. I have to highly recommend these books to those parents who can not get their daughters to read. These are excellent stories, full of fantasy, horror, and fun.

over here in the uk sweep is called WICCA. i am a wiican and 14 and im a beginner and i do like these books. it is fantasy wicca but it is buult over fact.
if u want real wicca after u have read these books check out silver ravenwolf, starhawk, dorothy morisson etc.
These books are great 2 read even if ure not wiccan they are action packed.
this book in particular is probably one of the best and at the time of writing this is the latest one published in the UK but i know the other 2 plus super edition will be even better.

Morgan is back and so is Alisa. For those who don't remember, Alisa is the girl who is scared by Morgan because strange telekinetic things happen when they are together and she feels Morgan is unable to control her power.

One day, at practical magic, Morgan picks up a Book Of Shadows from the seventies. This is actually on we have seen excerpts from in a previous book. But when Alisa is visiting Mary K. (Morgans younger sister), she steals the book.

The book winds up revealing things about Alisa's family and just who Alisa is. As Alisa begins to deal with her situation, she gets caught up with Morgan, Hunter and Hunter's father as a new and serious danger threatens them and much of Widow's Vale.

The story switches back and forth from Morgan's point of view to Alisa's. There are no excerpts starting each chapter, but there are some interesting quotes. A good book that seems to really move the series towards a conclusion.

On a side note, does anyone else thing the town should change its name to Widowers Vale? Morgan, Alisa and Hunter are all missing mothers. Plenty of widowers and no widows.

Creo que uno de los libros mas lindos que he leido. Es un libro que podes leer a cualquier edad, tendo 18 años y recien lo lei.
Es una aventura muy linda que algun dia espero poder leer a mi hijos :)
Les recomiendo este libro a todo mundo.

It is definitely the best book I have ever read, and I read many great books throughout my life. I read it about six times, the first one when I was little. I still remember. Now I got it for my own children. It has amazing principles, and wonderful teachings. I wich we could all see life the way "El Principito" does. What a great lesson!

It's been one of my favorite books since I was in 6th grade, great life values in this story! Great for kids! and people of any age.

This is a lovely story, and I wanted to own the book to follow while I listen to the story in Spanish on my ipod. Children's stories in Spanish are a delightful way to study for the mid-level student.

T.William Waltrip, M.D.

A BOOK THAT INFLUENCED MY LIFE

The book that has influenced my life is "The Little Prince". This book iis basically about a little blond boy that meets an adult with who he will become friend, somewhere in the world, dunno where.He discovers, during a trip, adults, who will allow him to understand adults world and life on hearth In the begining of the story, the pilot crashes in a desert and thers were the story begings.This story has many characters, but the two main ones are the pilot (the narrator), and the little prince.One of the main settings are the dessert were the pilot meets the little prince, and the planet were the little prince lives, but this story has many settings.

I read this book because my mother told me that every kid must read this book, so she gave me the book and i read it when i was almost 12 years old. This book has influenced my life in many ways. Every time i read this book it makes me think, about pepole and friendship, it makes me cry, laugh, and be a better person and a better friend. It also makes me be more pacient, and this is a thing that im not so good at, but every time im in a cituation were i have to be pacient, since i read that book, I have teach myself to try to understand people, and why they are like that. This book is in a prose/chatter way written, in this way it was easier for me to understand the meaning of the words. This book you have to read it more than once to get the meaning of the words.



By Avira Arreola.

Wow! This book has everything! A colorful new world explodes off of the pages. Enter Jay: a runaway from an orphanage looking to find a place where he could fit in. Brought to this magical place by Patty; the Sugarplum fairy, he takes on a quest to save King Otto, the Gingerbread King from the clutches of Queen Beatrice and her army of Stingers. The bumbling henchmen and Lord Vermin are classic villains while Stretch (Man of Taffy), Arach-Ned (Spider) and Prince Hans (Gingerbread Prince)fill out the courageous cast of characters. I don't want to ruin the ending, but it is quite amazing. Cliffhanger chapters and an easy read suitable for both kids and adults. Page turning adventure from start to finish. Judging from the artwork, this would make an excellent movie.

I think it should have five star's because it's a great book. It is one of the best book's I had read. I think you should read this book.

I think this book would be available from ages 4-86.The book was
interesting you always wonderd what was going to happen next.
Above all I think 3rd graders would like it best.

Hello, I'm 9 years old and I chose 5 stars because I think this book is a fun and exploring book. I think it is the best book my teacher read to us this year. I say if you read this book you probably can not stop reading it. We had a blast reading it in my class.

THE GINGERBREAD KINGDOM is an interesting and intriguing fantasy novel that combines elements of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 100th Anniversary Edition (Books of Wonder) with those from the child's board game Candyland. Filled with realistic characters, fantastical creatures, and a fun storyline, this is a book that's perfect for younger readers. It's also filled with enough action and adventure to keep older readers, especially those who are reluctant to pick up a huge novel, completely captivated.

Holman Orphanage, or "Hopeless Orphanage," as the children who live there have named it, is a sad place filled with little joy. The children who call it home know that every rule must be followed to the letter. No one knows that better than Jay, a boy who has born the brunt of Headmaster Holman's anger on more than one occasion. When he gets in trouble, yet again, for leaving the bathroom faucet dripping, he knows that he won't be able to survive another day spent in the cellar.

So he decides to get away from "Hopeless Orphanage" once and for all. Amid the cries of his roommates--Ben, Sam, and Timmy--Jay runs away from the Orphanage with nothing but the clothes he is wearing. He promises that once he finds a place to stay, he'll come back for the other boys. And then he's gone.

Except Jay finds more than he'd bargained for outside the walls of Holman Orphanage. The world outside is a strange, fascinating place, filled with magic. There are men made of gingerbread, Sugarplum Fairies, and even giant bees. Soon Jay finds himself caught up in a plan to save the Gingerbread King, King Otto, from the evil Queen Beatrice and her army of
Stingers. How is it that Jay ran away from one horrible situation only to find himself caught up in a battle of good versus evil?

Readers will find themselves rooting for Jay and his magical friends as he attempts to thwart Queen Beatrice from taking over the Gingerbread Kingdom. They'll also find that this small boy, once under the hard ruling thumb of a bitter Headmaster, just might have a few tricks up his sleeve to save King Otto from harm. An interesting book for all lovers of fantasy!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

This is easily my favorite Classic work of literature. Unlike many of the other classics, such as the Odyssey, Iliad, Aeneid, and others, this book kept my attention the entire time and I couldn't wait to finish. Robert Graves does a tremendous job of translating it into an easily readable version.

book includes the original story of Cupid (Pysche). perfect gift for lovers possessing a sash of intelligence.

Everyone should read The Golden Ass, especially this translation. Just reading it can deepen a person. It's one of those books to be treasured and re-read every few years, finding new insights and humor. The Cupid and Psyche portion is rousing and sly and stands alone. I've given copies as gifts over the years and notice my friends still hang on to them long after.

Apuleius' The Golden Ass, or Metamorphoses, is the only Latin novel to survive in its entirety. Composed in the second century, this picaresque work tells the tale of Lucius, a man whose curiosity in magic and indulgence of sexual pleasures leads him to accidently transform himself into an ass. What follows are the various trials and hardships he endures as well as the tales he hears throughout his travels. It is not until the intervention of the goddess Isis that Lucius is transformed back into a man, and he devotes the rest of his life to her cult.

Apuleius' storytelling is lively, witty, an often sexually explicit. Indeed, many forms of fetish are showcased within the pages, including beastiality. More often than not, the novel indulges readers in their guilty curiosities while also providing hilarious and adventurous prose, with a splash of red-streaked violence thrown in for good measure. However, despite being written nearly two-thousand years ago, what may shock the modern reader most is how approachable and familiar is not only the humor but also the sentiments and sensuality of these Roman characters. It is not difficult to imagine Lucius' world.

The Golden Ass offers readers a romp through ancient Rome through the eyes of a contemporary while also entertaining. It is also a highly revealing documentation of religion and magical belief in Greco-Roman polytheism, and contains the only complete description of the initiation into a Mystery cult. The true essence of the novel is that it is a fable culminating in the religious transformation of the individual and the embrace of salvation (soteria). However, the pagan salvation was not one of the afterlife, but of this life, and involved changing one's perspective of the world and also of life and death. The ass in the ancient world was seen as the most base of animals, an utter slave to its desires, and Lucius' transformation at the end should be read as symbolizing his overcoming of those passions.

The Golden Ass is bawdy and shocking, but also intelligent and satisfying. Graves' translation is fluid and easy to follow. The prose is as enjoyable (and perhaps rewarding) to read today as it no doubt was nearly two-millennia ago.

This is certainly an entertaining reading experience and Robert Grave's translation makes this 1800 year old novel come to life for modern audiences. The book is full of stories within stories, a device that I found very entertaining and reminded me of the best works of A.S. Byatt. The story within a story approach allowed for multiple wild digressions of the most fantastic types. Stories of magic, murder, rape, incest, poison, bribery, theives, beastiality, orgies, homosexuality, and all other manner of hair-raising encounters populate the multiple stories within stories.

Yet there is certainly a strong central theme and storyline in the plight of poor Lucius, the attorney turned into a donkey. The world and humanity are seen anew through the eyes of an ass.

The book does take one major departure with the longer story of Cupid and Psyche, skillfully told. The book ends with another change of pace when Lucius devotes himself to the gods, especially the goddess Isis/Diana/Artemis, the White Goddess.

I think the book was excellent and would never have survived so many centuries if each age did not find the human condition to be much unchanged despite the wild and wooly tales encountered here.