Science Fiction Books

Marine officers are often required to read this book during The Basic School (the six month infantry-focused training all lieutenants undergo after OCS or the Naval Academy). I have read that some Army schools also list it as required reading. Swinton takes a simple issue, the defense of a small swatch of land during entrusted to a young officer, and uses dream sequences to illustrate shortcomings of various tactical approaches to the problem. The officer realizes via hindsight the solutions to each problem and the reader becomes engaged in a sort of Monday-morning quarterbacking of his methods. Just when you think you have the answer, Swinton tears your theory to pieces with the next report of failure. After reading all of the scenarios, one realizes that the answer was so simple and some basic but careful analysis would yield the answer. That is the heart and core of tactics. Making a quick decision with limited information but moderate knowledge in order to come up with a 90% solution. Not only is this book a must-read, it yields new lessons every time I go back to it. It's one of those books you buy and come back to every few years. Highly recommended for the military historian, NCO or junior officer.

A perfect primer for every small-unit leader and above. Learn guerilla tactics and how to counter them from the series mistakes in a series of dreams of another young Lt. The story is a fast-paced and entertaining story and provides lessons learned by real combat experience. Though the setting is the Anglo-Boer war, the lessons are universal and well thought out. An enjoyable primer on small unit leadership of counterinsurgency.

A timeless classic of Military instruction set forth in simple and fast reading manner. It is truly amazing how many principles never change. If you are an instructor make your students read it, if you are an NCO memorize it, if you have a new junior officer assigned to you tie him down with 100 mph tape and read it to him. Any individual who does not learn anything from this text should be reassigned to a position where they cannot influence or harm soldiers in the field.

Hypothetical Lt Backsight Forethought has 50 men and a mission to hold a drift in South African territory during the Boer War of 1899-1902, and he starts his mission fresh from officer training and being totally unaware of the realities of combat. In the first trial he gets beaten really bad but he analyzes his faults and learn from them. He also gets beaten in his second, third, fourth and fifth trial, every time making different mistakes which the enemy does not forgive. Finally, when he has a sixth chance to re-fight the battle he puts up a splendid performance making his opponent to pay dearly and holding the drift until friendly reinforcements arrive. It is a very enjoyable little book and although it was written a hundred years ago it is still very useful for anyone who wants to learn about the core of tactical prowess in infantry battle.

Swinton is a military professional with experience in the Boer War who wrote this famous short book based on a series of thoughts he had on how a infantry unit with only 50 men could defend a river crossing. A young Lieutenant has the role but you are given his perspective, the terrain features, the political situation, conflict with civilians and limits on your own military support. There is a brief history of the war with the "Dutch" and then your Lieutenant receives his assignment. With the use of maps, there are six scenarios of the Lieutenants approach to defending the crossing (drift). Each scenario is acted out and with each of the first five scenarios there are several lessons learned such as the effect of enfilading fire, the limitations of a simple trench, the use of the military crest versus being located on top of the hill, the effect the local sympathetic population may have on aiding guerrilla fighters, the effect of surprise, disguising your defense from view, proper posting of sentries and responsibilities, how to combat artillery, dealing with multiple directions of attack, using the terrain to advantage and on. As the Lieutenant in each scenario learns from his mistakes, he alters the outcome to his advantage but only incrementally. Only at the end and sixth scenario does he get it right but with realistic loss. The same map is introduced in each scenario with defense features matching the new defensive tactics. Fascinating book for all interested in basic infantry tactics, which has been used as a training manual for militaries world wide. This is a very readable book that can be read in less than 2 hours time. Applicable to any war but this book would be interesting to read with an account of Rappahannock Station, which was a spearhead position held by Confederates in advance of Lee's line on November 7, 1863 where Meade's forces overwhelmed the defenders and took almost 3,000 prisoners. Duffer's Drift would be very applicable here.

This writer is very clever in the evaluation of Harry Potter. The author comes up with many different scenarios based on facts in the first six books and gives deep thought to all possibilities. This book is a great read for the Potter fan that is anxiously awaiting Book 7!

I've read three HP 'prediction' books, and this was definitely the most enjoyable read. The author clearly has given this a great deal of thought; he not only discusses his ideas on 'the big questions' that we all have (and came up with some fascinating twists to think about!) but also presents a number of small details that I guarantee never occurred to you, but once you read them you can't stop thinking about them and where they may lead. I especially loved that he referenced books with page numbers for every assertion he made, so that I could go back and reread in more detail. It was fun to reread parts, after having been given additional insight to their meanings.

I also greatly liked the friendly, very personal style of writing. I see why other reviewers said it felt like having a conversation with a (similarly obsessed) friend. Reading this made me that much more impatient for Deathly Hallows!!!

I thought I had studied the Harry Potter books, but the author of this book has really done his homework. The book addresses predictions for Book 7, important questions that must be answered in this last book, set-ups from previous books in the series that must pay off in Book 7, and the all-important issue of whether Snape is good or evil. CasaBianca supports all of his predictions and theories with evidence culled from the Harry Potter books themselves, and published interviews with JKR. He freely admits that some of his theories are going to be wrong, but you have to concede that they all make sense.

The book is written in a very conversational tone; it's kind of like having an animated discussion about Book 7 with an old friend over a butterbeer. A very enjoyable read.

If you are like me, having read books again to glean hints from previous HP books to see how it all ends, this is an exciting book. Louis CasaBianca has systematically gone through and has formed speculative answers how our favorites end up.
I simply do not want the series to end, and I am no kid. Hallows looks to be a violent scary book. In a perfect world, good conquers evil, but I guess in the real world the balance doesn't fall that way. This book gives predictions of what the clues from Book 1 on have to say.
While this book doesn't calm fears about what Rowling will do to our favorite Hogwart friends, it does give an educated theory on what will happen in Hallows.
Worth cost of the book.

As Harry Potter fans everywhere gear up for the release of the seventh and final novel in the septology, devoted fans and authors are throwing in their final two cents on what they think is going to happen in the coming book "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". What secrets and mysteries are going to be explored and explained? Which characters are going to survive the final battle?...and which aren't? What set-ups that have spanned several books are finally going to pay off? How does it all end?

Most H.P. fans know that half the fun is in exploring these possibilities and theories while eagerly awaiting the arrival of the one book that is going to give us all the answers. Louis CasaBianca, author of "Defogging the Future: Unauthorized Speculation about the Seventh and Final Book of the Harry Potter Series" is the most comprehensive, insightful, and down-right entertaining foray into answering the unknown, and theorizing just what the heck J.K. Rowling is up to!

Within this book, the author fearlessly explores the remaining mysteries, and attempts to weigh in with their well-educated and well-researched guesses at whats going to happen. Half of the book is dedicated to the enigmatic and confounding issues surrounding Severus Snape (Is Snape good or evil? What are his true motivations for his actions? Why does Snape think, act, speak, and behave the way he does?), while the remaining half of the book is dedicated to the myriad of other remaining mysteries.

At the beginning of the book the author clearly makes 33 fearless predictions for Book 7, and then proceeds to support these predictions (some of which will have you going "What!? Why on earth would he think that!?), while others are obvious and easy predictions to make. Just to wet your appetite, here a few predictions included in the author's original thirty:
**Voldemort gave Lily Potter several chances to live as a reward to Peter Pettigrew for betraying the Potters. Pettigrew betrayed the Potters because he wanted Lily for himself, under the Imperius curse or dosed with a love potion. (Those of us who have already read Book 7 know that this prediction is wrong, but it is still fun to read the author's support for this idea).
**Sometime during Book Seven we will return to the Ministry of Magic, to the Death Room and/or the "Locked Room". The Locked Room is almost surely the "Love Room," and is the most probable site for the final battle between Harry and Voldemort.
**Fleur Delacour will kill Fenrir Greyback, while transformed into one of the Veela-birds described in "Goblet of Fire". (This is one of the predictions that was admittedly a little off the wall, but it's fun none-the-less).
**We will spend much more time reviewing the memories of Severus Snape -- and the author was very correct with this one!

After exploring his 33 predictions, and the evidence he has discovered to back up these predictions, the author also discusses 20 burning questions that remain, along with examining 12 different set-ups that have yet to pay off. Bottom line, this is a must-have for H.P. fans, and no one will be disappointed with this intriguing and delightfully humorous book!

I'm still reading this book and it has brought many good things to light for me. I'm sending my copy to a friend so she can read it and understand more things about herself.

This book was so inspiring and at time overwhelming... It will make you cry with the poetic reverence, and laugh with its abunding charm.... It give great insight on comming out, and It helps you to decide when is right for you to enter into your own journey on the road to being free.. to being OUT

This book unites the coming out experiences of black women from different socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds.
This collection of 49 short stories/poems/essays and interviews offers an insight into the complexities and issues surrounding women of colour as they search for and claim their identities. The selections which are fictional and non-fictional, are personal, daring, honest, funny, moving and thought provoking.
In short, this is a powerful book which easily transcends the Women's Studies/African American Studies and the Gay and Lesbian arenas, making it the quintessential "must read" for all.

READING THIS BOOK WAS AN INSIDE PEEP AT WHAT GOES ON INSIDE THE HEART AND SOUL OF EVERY WOMAN WHO EVER THOUGHT ABOUT LOVING ANOTHER WOMAN....IT CONFIRMED THAT THE WARMTH, INTIMACY, CLOSENESS, SISTERGIRL CONNECTION THAT I FEEL WHEN IM WITH MY SPECIAL FRIEND IS NOT SICK, OR IMMORAL BUT SPECIAL AND WORTH HOLDING ON TO DESPITE WHAT PEOPLE WHO CANT RELATE MIGHT THINK. THANK YOU TO ALL THE WRITERS AND ESPECIALLY LISA C. MOORE. LOOKING FORWARD TO DOES YOUR POPS KNOW ? (SMILE)

"Does Your Mama Know?" was worth the time and effort that I spent visiting four different bookstores and walking a total of four miles or so. "Does Your Mama Know?" is like "The Color Purple," "The Women of Brewster Place" and "Zami" but better. Similar to these books, Moore's book validated my experiences as a lesbian of color. Her well-chosen stories highlight almost every conceivable coming out experience. Although the book is VERY hard to find -- there are only 8,000 copies floating around the world -- I would recommend this to any black lesbian, regardless of nationality.

I am not even done with the first book in the series and have already decided that Melanie Rawn is my favorite author and this is the greatest series ever written. If you doubt your purchase, think again. If you like fantasy, this is the king. You'll love it.

I piced up the first and second books of this series used at a local book/music store. I really never had much intention to read them, especially after being turned off by the first 2-3 pages. But when I ran out of other reading material, I picked The Dragon Prince up and by chapter 2 was completly there. Currently my favorite books, I would recommend them to anybody who has even a remote intrest in fantasy. I have never been so drawn to and repelled by charictors before. Everything is real to me. I was pleasently suprised, and I think you will be as well.

The Dragon Prince trilogy is truly an epic saga. Melanie Rawn has created characters you care about, embroiled in a struggle that you can't help but be caught up in. Exciting love stories, family relationships, friendships, The Dragon Prince trilogy has it all. Rohan is the prince every woman dreams of - strong, compassionate, sexy, decisive; Sioned is the ultimate combination of beauty and brains; Pol strives for unattainable perfection. These characters and a multitude of others will transport you to a world you'll never want to leave.

While reading these books, Melanie Rawm has made me live through every emotion I beleive she meant me to! I read all six books in 1998 and I'm about to finish the series for the second time. Since my first reading, I've turned a handful of friends on to her, and the word is..........Its all GOOD!

So few times has a book taken us to another place, that when it happens it seems stick with you for the rest of your life. This has been the case with myself. The imagery so touches you that when you recall the book, you feel as if it where one of your memories. I first read the original trilogy in 1988, first intreged by the title, and still haven't forgotten every event in each of the 6 books since. The books open by introducing you to the characters and the events that shape their lives in the unique way that Melanie Rawn has made her trademark. She pulls you into their world as if it were your own. There is a balanced feeling of your emotions throughout each of the books; joy, fear, anger, and sadness but it is the freedom found in many places that will spellbound you. Add a large dose of magic, war, love, character depth and you have "The Dragon Prince" and "Dragon Star" trilogies each with the same characters you will come to love.

As with all Donkitas books, it is exciting and imaginative. I wish she could keep writing stories for this series.

All of the Dragon books by Donita Paul are well done. The characters are loveable and exhibit many of the struggles, doubts, introspections, etc. that all of us as regular humans experience although our lives are not set in an imaginary world like theirs. This book has a bit more sadness in it than the others but it is presented in an interesting, vulnerable and satisfying and grace filled manner.

We are enjoying these tales of multi races and critters as they interact in their adventures. They may have been written for young people, but even in our seventies, we like them. These tales are truly fantasy, with only a little relationship to real life. And that's what make them fun to read. If you like dragons, you'll find several different kinds and sizes here.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each successive story in the "Dragon series" by Donita Paul has been more fleshed out, complex and satifying. I can not wait for the next book to be released. Thank you Donita for creating a world for both young & old to enjoy.

it draws you in and can't let go. couldn't till i read all four that i have

Having just returned to this series after a long hiatus, I have to admit that it was a pleasure to spend a little more time with Relkin, Bazil, the other legionnaires, and the various ancillary characters. And it gradually occurred to me that this seemed to be the novel's reason for being; a place-holder, to keep the "franchise" alive. The dragons; their dragonboys; Lagdalen; Lessis; Captain Kesepton; each character gets his or her turn on the stage, in the service of defeating an enemy who is constantly described as more powerful and deadly than any they have faced before, yet who is dispatched in a rather perfunctory manner.

If the book has a weakness, that's it: that at no time does Rowley really convince the reader that the heroes are in lasting danger, and even the most willing suspension of disbelief isn't enough to make us think that the bad guys might win. The novel has a very generic feel that is perfectly encapsulated in the title (which couldn't be less specific to this particular nook if it tried), and the action all takes place within spitting distance of the dragons' home base, with the most exotic locale being a country house that the villain has appropriated as his headquarters (a cobbled-together "civil war" serving as impetus for the fighting within the legion's home territory).

Though I haven't yet gotten around to the final volume, Dragon Ultimate, I get the impression that my enjoyment of it probably wouldn't be hampered much if I had skipped The Dragons of Argonath altogether. Mind you, I wouldn't dream of skipping it; and that, in truth, is the best comment I can make. I wouldn't think of missing a chance to listen to the dragons brag or their dragonboys bicker and fight; I only wish that their actions mattered more this time around.

if u want to read a seires that will u reading all night long just to see what happens next, then this is defiently it. the only sad part about this is that i just found out that there is a book after this one and i now have to go and find that book. well one word of advise for Rowley is write more books!

This is the best one yet.

as i have said the best series i have ever read. However, one of the things i look foward to reading about is the places they go see, and this, just wasnt very exciting. The story stayed very local, and that was a dissapointment, but again the action that was written, was excellent, as usual. i do hope that if you have read all the books thus far that you keep going, because the best is yet to come. and each book adds a little more to the story.

THE STORY GETS BETTER AND BETTER. HAVE NUMBER SEVEN IN THE SERIES AND I AM RE-READING THE WHOLE SAGA OVER AGAIN. YOU NEED TO READ THESE BOOKS, AND SOMEDAY SOMEONE SHOULD MAKE A MOVIE OUT OF THEM.

What makes great science fiction? To me it's a combination of new ideas, a well told story, and memorable characters. The two books the comprise this series "The Pinch" are both great, in fact the only complaint I have is that there are only two books.

The world created here isn't entirely new, but I have yet to read science fiction that doesn't borrow something from a tale told previously. It does have enough new and unique elements that provoke some thought to be entertaining. The story is definitely well told with pacing and plot well matched.

If there is any weak point it might be the characters. They are well enough drawn, but just don't grab attention like a Bilbao Baggins, Vlad Taltos, or Ganoes Paran. Still this book is good enough to deserve a 5, though it isn't quite perfect.

It is nearly impossible to understand what is going on without reading "Palace" the first book of the "Pinch" world. This isn't a bad thing because "Palace is a great book too and you'll be pleased to read both.

I know it sounds impossible, but The Eyes of God is better than Palace! Againt everything experience taught! Why do I say that?

Well, for starters, it took up where Palace left off ( more or less ), and kept right on going! It really is a page turner!

There are lots of supprises, especially toward the end.

I thought the pace was slightly on the slow side in the beginning, although it really took off during the last few chapters! Mark Kreighbaum didn't focus as much on the characters in this book: understandable, as the events make the story.
The style of writing in this book is also different than in Palace, and it suits the story well! The events flow logically and without any jarring contradictions right out of Palace.

This book is a masterpiece! Why it is out of print I cannot comprehend! Well worth reading.

After searching for what seemed an age I finally found a copy of the second book in the brilliant `Pinch' series. To say that it was well worth the wait would be an understatement! The deep, twisting story that Katherine Kerr and Mark Kreighbaum started with `Palace', Mr Kreighbaum continues with explosive and deadly results. Utterly captivated from the first paragraph, I found myself swept along with the characters in their race to find out the true identity of Riva, the role of the L'Vars and of course, whether all would come good for our two heros, Vida and Rico. I must say that I truely admire the way Mr Kreighbaum weaves and binds many complex plots together successfully to complete what, as far as I am concerned, is only the first arc of the `Pinch' story. `The Eyes of God' may have provide us with all the answers to the questions that remained with us after reading `Palace', but I was definately left wanting more and felt that Vida and Rico's story had only just begun. I hope that someday I will be able to read the books which continue this series and follow them accross the stars.
I would recomend this series to anyone with a love of books and I guaranty that they are one hell of a read!

In this sequel to Palace (written jointly by Mark Kreighbaum & Katharine Kerr) Mark Kreighbaum goes solo and brings this tale to it's long awaited conclusion. I definitely recommend your having read Palace prior to starting Eye of God as the book leaps right in where Palace left off and doesn't waste time explaining back story to those who don't know it. In fact, even if you have read it a re-read is a good idea, as you'll find many themes and hints followed up in Eye of God that you may have forgotten.

Without spoiling too much of the story and the surprises I'll give you a small overview. Rico and Vida are still in love and struggling to cope with her marriage and Rico's investigations into Riva, which have disastrous consequences with a surprising twist. Cybersorcerers after all? The Peronida family continue their political machinations, against each other and anyone in their way, regardless of the possible consequences. Dukayn's instability, only hinted at in Palace, comes to the fore when Sister Romero discovers Karlo's deceit. Dukayn's obsession will not allow his `God' to be threatened, by anyone. Jevon's misery is compounded and brought to an ugly conclusion and to top it all off the secret Lep movement guided by Riva achieves it's horrendous goal, bringing the Map to it's knees and endangering the lives of everyone on Palace.

Eyes of God has a much faster pace than Palace, it's riveting with so much intensity and build-up putting down the book is something of a struggle! You discover so much more about each character and all the skeletons come tumbling out of those closets! Not a book to pike out with a syrupy ending, Eye of God isn't afraid to kill off characters for realism, even the ones you really liked! I found this added to the drama and enjoyment, nothing like the odd tissue moment in a good story. It becomes a real thriller with a gripping conclusion that satisfies all those hanging ends. I still feel vaguely abandoned though, as while that story is over there's still so much more, the Garang Japat for instance. There's a story there and what happens with the saccules? Mark Kreighbaum may have finished up one great story but he's definitely left the door open for more. I'll be keeping an `eye' out for future novels from The Pinch.

This book is superb, it started a little slow the first twenty pages or so then suddenly it picks you up, throws you round a bit and kept me up all night!

Palace left me feeling like I had read a very good introduction to the usually good five book sci fi series, I was then astounded to have to wait so long to eventually get a copy of this title and to discover that there are no more books out from this series yet???

The plot is excellent with lot's of twists and turns and the characters really grow on you and are, as the best authors make them, very believeable and real, hence my comment of wanting more....

To conclude I have read sci fi for the last twenty years and would say this one is up there in my top twenty - Thank you.

This book is got to be THE BEST I have ever read- Its got allkinda action- humor- pimpin- everything! I tell u what though- Notonly could Lou Wang kill anything in his path in this book but he got 3 girls all @ once! The only bad thing about this book is that I cant be in it...:(

I read this book in 1998 and i couldn't put it down my teacher would have 2 take it from me because I would not stop reading it. This book is great for almost all ages well at least 10. Over all i must say if you like acation pacted books this one is for you.

This is one of the most riveting, action-packed novels ever written! The plot is SO cool - and the storyline is awsome! Great characters and setting. Highly recommend this book!

I have to say that this book one of the most exciting books I have ever read. This book is well written and full of action.

Shadow Warrior is an action book about a modern-day ninja named, Lo Wang, that wants to get revenge and recover a powerful device able to destroy the world. The action is intense and bloody. In the first chapter of the book, some assassins try to kill, Lo Wang inside a sushi bar. Lo Wang, dispatches the baddies real quick and tortures the last one for information; he cuts a piece of the bad guy's nose and shows it to him. Yes the action is brutal and really not for kids (okay for teenagers). Lo Wang, the star of the story is ruthless against his enemies and yet has a snappy sense of humor. It was full of very funny one liners and it had me laughing out out. Very few books can deliver this type of excitement and humor, but Shadow Warrior: For Dead Eyes Only, has best of both worlds. I highly suggest buying it!

A myth-like story about an ancient race of female warriors and one girl in particular who would be Queen, beautifully written. A fantastic YA novel for teens and adults. The best by Hoffman I have read so far.

One of Alice Hoffman's few YA books, this story of an Amazonian princess will capture you like no other read. The ways of the women warriors are brutally intense, and for the first time are questioned, by Rain, who vies for her mother's attention but still attempts to defy the ways of tradition. The characters are strong, each of them contributing to the choices made by Rain, for good or bad.

The Foretelling is a gripping book from beginning to end. Your care for the young princess grows as you learn more and more about her destiny, and her will to change the fate of her people to peace. Her strong connections with horses and bears seem spiritual, and make this story of pain and violence almost gentle and compassionate. I guarantee everyone will enjoy it.

This book is short and that's unfortunate because I think the story could have been made longer but regardless it was a very compelling story. I liked how it was written and Rain I instantly loved as a character. Amazon women I have always heard of and reading about them was really interesting and fun.

The characters were strong, the dialogue was always short and to the point, and the story telling itself in Rain's eyes kept you hooked. I also read Practical Magic and that's how I got to know the name Alice Hoffman and I'm glad I did because both Fortelling and Practical Magic were worthwhile books.

In this intense yet complicated fantasy story, Rain attempts to gain her mother's notice and acceptance by being the best of warriors in their Amazonian tribe. The product of a rape when her mother, Alina, wasn't much more than a child herself, it is hard to gain the Queen's approval. Although Rain knows that she's been raised by Deborah, the wise priestess, to one day be Queen herself, she also pays attention to Deborah's promises of a much grander destiny.

Rain doesn't totally understand the Queen's desire to so thoroughly destroy her enemies, even though her own cousins, Astella and Asteria, are two of the fiercest warriors in the tribe. When Alina takes Penthe as her companion, and Penthe's daughter Io seeks to be Rain's sister, matters become even more complicated. Rain wants nothing more than to ride her horse, Sky, to garner her mother's approval, to earn the place as rightful Queen that will someday come upon her.

On her first journey alone, Rain comes upon a bear cub, which she takes back to camp. She names him Usha, and together with Io the two girls raise the cub as if he were a horse. Although Rain and Io soon discover the mistake of doing so, it's too late--Usha is killed in battle, and Rain still doesn't have the love and acceptance of her mother.

THE FORETELLING is a coming-of-age story set in a fantastical land of the Amazons. Rain is a compelling character who, although she tries so hard to be vicious and fierce like her fellow tribe-members, always leans more towards peace for all men and compassion towards her enemies.

Not to be missed by lovers of fantasy stories!

My name is Doug Hiser, author of the 2006 novel,The Honey Bee Girl. I have been reading and collecting Alice Hoffman books since I discovered Turtle Moon. I have read them all and The Fortelling is my favorite. I loved her narrative and moving story. In some ways it reminded me of Clan of the Cave Bear and also of mystical ancient cultures that we see only in dreams. Alice Hoffman's prose is the main reason I fell in love with her books. She is the magic realism of writing the way Michael Parks is of the dreamlike reality of art and Frank Frazetta is the master of fantasy painting. The Fortelling is a short work of literary genius accessible to everyone. She has deep intense knowledge of the emotions and feelings that most people can only guess about. Discover her writing through this compelling work and then find your way into her other books. You won't be disappointed. Doug Hiser

A exceptionally well written book dealing with the ever befuddling question of "where do we come from?" Or better yet, "What happens if..?". If you are a person that likes to think about such things, you will really enjoy this book. It is told in the context of a fantasy story, but the basic underlying concepts and ideas are there. A wonderfully spun story of dealing with self-discovery and with circumstances beyond control.

All seven of this wonderful series will keep you intrigued. Full of mystery, color and wonderfully sarcastic cats, the surprise ending with shock you. I never saw it coming and in a day where everything is so cut and dry, something as creative as this is a diamond in the rough. I was lucky enough to find all seven book at a half price book store and was shocked to now discover them out of print. These series should be on the shelves for ages to come.

My husband and i, always avid scifi readers, devoured all seven of these books in the early 1980's. At that time, these books .. this story .. were among the most satisfying i had ever read (that august catagory includes the likes of Tolkien's stuff, the Dune books, etc). We moved recently and in the process of readying ourselves for that upheaval, we went through the bookcases and tossed books we'll never open again (gasp! heresy! ). During that process, however, i came across these books and sank to the carpet, caught immediately. Now i'm fully immersed in this world again and lost in this great story.

I can't believe they're out of print. That's just wrong.

I picked up the first volume in a yard sale, and couldn't put it down. The entire series is amongst my most treasured titles, and I feel lucky to have found them all. PLEASE re-release these titles (preferably all in one hardcover) so others can enjoy!

These books depict a journey both physical and spiritual. The hero, Rikardon, and his partner Tarani make many discoveries about themselves and the world they inhabit. Many of the discoveries are a surprise and I won't give them away.

Suffice to say this series is very well written with well fleshed out characters (both human and non), a good historical background woven into the story, and a fast paced and detailed storyline which makes the book(s) hard to put down. They should not be out of print.