Wizard Books

This book is a must for any dragonlance fan. Have you ever read one of the dragonlance books and wondered how does Otik make his potatoes so that they are known all over.....well this book has the recipe in it but also the music from the songs that are in the books.This book also has some short stories that were never told in any of the novels. I love this book, no dragonlance collection is complete without it.

This is a wonderful addition to any avid fan's collection of DragonLance. I, found myself actually making the recipes, trying out the music and just having a great read over all. I found it gave additional insight into the characters and the world of Krynn. This is my second second time buying this book, lost the first one a while ago and I had to get it again.

Along with the Dragonlance Atlas, Leaves from the Inn of the Last Home sourcebook is a must have for those who are in love with the novels...yes the novels! I believe this is a book to supplement the AD&D RPG game for a DM to enrich the game with but its not your typical Sourcebook with rules etc. It is like a supplement to the novels choke full of stories and straight facts about the world of Krynn...this is a treasure! I guess another way to describe it would be: this source book could very well be what a shared author references when writing in the world of Krynn and you can own it!
Some info you can look forward to:

-Learn about some of the Ages
-Details on how the Companions met
-Read about some of the various artifacts including: Dragon orbs, Hammar of Kharas, Wyrmslayer,etc.
-Maps
-Songs
-Various legends and tales
-And various essays and much more!

If you are eating up the world of Dragonlance and want more of the details and you want them quick you got to grab this out-of-print gem and pick up the Atlas as well.

After a long search (and learning once the Ms. Weis herself hadn't manged to get a copy), I finally got my hands on a copy of this. It provides a great additional source for the history and world of Krynn, as well as some excellent songs, and my personal favorite, recipes (I particularly love the Kender Travelling Kiffles...difficult to make, but addictive). I hope they bring this one back into print as it's a great addition for the collection of anyone with ANY interest in the Dragonlance series.

Being a fan of Dragonlance for many years, but also being unlucky to not get this book the first time it was published, I was very happy to see that the publishers decided to put this book up for sale again. "Leaves from the Inn of the Last Home", is great if you want to know more history on the Dragonlance. It has a lot of info on the Gods of Krynn. There is deeply detailed information about the past of Krynn. Including wars, gods, dragons, and anything else you could possibly want to know.

There are also songs, poems, and recipes. Many of the songs and poems were published in the original Chronicles or Legends. But it is nice to have them in one place in easy reach. The recipes range from Gully Dwarf Stew to Otik's spicy potatoes. This book is definatley an entertaining companion to the Dragonlance world. People looked for it everywhere when it out out-of-print. So what better time to get it than now when they are publishing it again.

OH this book is wonderful. You should also list it for Young Adult readers on Diversity. Many schools and other programs are always looking for books on teaching the lesson of different but worthy. I love the story line and the illustrations just added the right touch. Anyway iI thought you might like some unsolicited praise. Many Kudos to you! ! ! !
Dana M Burns, Mystic

A wonderful, new twist on the classic fairy princess story. The book is great fun to read and then surprises you with its depth.

KANDIDE is a welcome, refreshing change from the trend of dark, edgy YA faerie books. First time author Diana S. Zimmerman introduces a rich fantasy world full of enchantment, beauty, charm and themes that are deeply relevant to our times. Australian faerie artist Maxine Gadd's colorful illustrations bring the characters into vivid life. A must read book for faerie lovers of any age - and the first of a trilogy too!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3BFJ0QPHCZSV3 Diana Zimmerman is an enchantress. In her spectacular 25-year career as "America's Foremost Female Magician," she created and performed amazing acts (many of which have continued on by her friends Lance Burton and other magicians). She now has turned that mystical power into writing and "Kandide and the Secret of the Mist" is a lovely story with a wonderful lesson.

I had the opportunity to interview Diana on her national book tour and she was indeed inspiring! Such a nice person with a glowing, positive energy and her book shows it. It is an enchanting book - just like Diana.

Diana also believes not only in the faeries in her books but also in the females in her life who bless her with their support and friendship. She gave the perfect girlfriend interview to Girlfriendology.com. Thanks Diana!

Sparkling, enchanting, captivating. When you pick the book up, be prepared to travel to a dimension of wonder that you won't want to leave.

I was hooked from the very first chapter. I bought a copy for my sister and told my friends about it. I believe that young people could easily get lost in the story and wish they were right there with the characters. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens to everyone. Keep up the good work.

If you've ever read a book about magic and liked it, this is the book for you. Not only does the magical atmosphere and simple wonder of this book draw every young and old reader inside it's pages, its original and exciting storyline holds them there. There's a character in there somewhere that everyone can relate to and they wide variety of magical-life can put a smile on anyone's face! Most people's minds will immediately go to Harry Potter if they hear about a book about magic, but don't be detered by that! This book is completely orignal and it's ideas are refreshingly new. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down, and I only wish I could've given this reveiw sooner!

The Stormholder, by Tricia Boone and Melissa Thomas:

Reviewed by C.S. Marks

Katie and Jack seem to be fairly typical eleven and thirteen year old kids; they play soccer, they argue with their parents about having to learn herb lore, and they tease and play and poke fun at one another. But there is one thing that separates them from most `ordinary' children: they are learning magic. It seems that Katie and Jack have a destiny awaiting them...one that leads them into the richly-imagined world of August in search of their missing parents.

August is peopled with strange and intriguing creatures, and it would be both difficult and undesirable to describe them here, as part of the joy of the book is in the discovery. Every page introduces a new and fascinating life-form (to my delight); it was as though I was opening up a new and exciting doorway with each successive chapter.

I would prefer to not reveal much of the story here, only to state that this is a tale of exploration and discovery, both of the new and magical world, and of Katie and Jack's abilities, history, and destiny. All is not as it has appeared, nor as they would have ever imagined.

This book is suitable for nearly any age reader...provided one enjoys tales of wizardry and magic. It flows well, and moves along at a smart pace. There is, at times, a distinctly Hogwarts ambiance, but not to the point of obscuring the book's own unique flavor. I enjoyed the exploration of wizardry in August, and found myself turning the pages to ask: `What's next?'

As to the actual execution of the book, I noted several points of interest. It was written by two authors, and at times I thought I could detect slight differences in style and word usage between them. The writing is generally solid and is an easy read. The use of words is colorful and rich.

The principal characters are interesting and well developed. One can tell that the authors understand young people; the dialogue and mannerisms of Katie, Jack, (and their friends, including my favorite character, Abby) is realistic and appropriate.

I believe that this book would be a welcome addition to the library of young people (as well as adults who enjoy YA fantasy), particularly if they are into magic (with a little bit of whimsy), wizardry (with a hefty dose of intrigue), and the enchantment that comes with a good, light-hearted story. Recommended.

A great story for everyone, you'll like the way it hooks you in. The Stormholder is a book about two normal kids, or so it seems. The Stormholder is filled with many twists and surprises. the way the author shapes the story is remarkable! The way the book ends will want you to read the next book.

My friend said......Marie, I think you will like this book.
Well, my fingers stuck to it as though Raam were barring me from entering a forbidden portal! A hint of C. S. Lewis and a smidgen of J.K. Rowling. This is analogous, however, to comparing Liz and Linda based on the fact that they both have blue eyes. "The Stormholder", aside from the "hint" and the "smidgen", is a whimsical fantasy both unique and original.

From the onset, the story pulls one into a magical funnel. "The Stormholder" introduces the young reader to herbs, to astronomy via Andromeda, to inspiration via Maya Angelou and physics via Einstein.....at times succinctly, but significantly.....at other times constructively didactic. Youngsters will revel in the mystery of the Black Hole and ponder the existence of the Wormhole whilst conjuring up images of elves, giants and witches. This book is more than delightful reading, it is a true learning experience. There will be those who dash to the computer or to Mom and Dad for more details, and there will be those who simply continue reading. The latter, most assuredly, will retain those golden nuggets deeply imbedded in their gray matter only to recall them in later studies. "The Stormholder" is, quite simply, a gem.

Eagerly await a re-visit to Coffer Cove and August. Precipa Mundo !
CMHD (Color Me Hook-ed)

THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ! Even better than the classics the teacher in my school tells me to read. I really liked reading this book, wish it were longer even though it's already 300 pages, but I wished it went on forever because it was really good. I haven't read a book in more than 3 months and this book got me back to reading. After I finished, I was kind of upset I finished the book, it's too good. I'm so glad I bought this book!

I read this book when I was young and read it again recently. It was even better. I have read many books and none have given me the feeling of this one. The review that calls it "slow building horror" is right on the mark. Completely engrossing and unsettling. Here is a VERY short description. Bryce moves to an isolated old boomtown. Ancient legends, town history, and an old indian woman who "sees" things all take part in unfolding the truth of a horror that Bryce sees is gaining power as events in town get stranger. Although the novel is aimed toward young adults, the plot and idea of this book would be interesting for anyone. Also, if you read this, is it just me or does it seem that Steve Zell makes a lot sexual references that are sort of creepy and off and definitely don't go with the book? When I read it I was trying to see what the relevance of some were and just couldn't see any even though they are blatant and numerous. That was the only thing about the book that I didn't like. Email me at scoulo1@lsu.edu if you agree because I really am curious to know if I wasn't the only one.

The story was suspensful and fun. The characters were well defined and the surroundings and events were very well described. I could taste the warm, Indian bread! I seriously could not put the book down. I truly enjoyed this book!

The story was suspensful and fun. The characters were well defined and the surroundings and events were very well described. I could taste the warm, Indian bread! I seriously could not put the book down. I truly enjoyed this book!

From the title "WiZrD", I assumed I would be reading a fantasy book. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this is a horror novel set in modern day Arizona, includes a cast of humans (alive, dead, and undead), and incorporates colorful, actual legends from both the Navaho and Anasazi cultures. The book gave me many of the positive impressions I had while reading "It" by Stephen King, e.g., teenagers battling supernatural forces, characters you care about, and some spine-tingling imagery. However, unlike "It", "WiZrD" builds, from the start, to a thoroughly fitting and imaginative ending. Zell has a real talent for creating a large cast of characters, each of whom are unique, each fitting like a puzzle piece into the overall story, and each contributing to the eerie climax. In general, I was very impressed with this book and highly recommend it. Zell shows great storytelling skills that I hope will only improve in his next work.

This novel is certainly one I would recommend to everyone. The overall story is incredible and keeps you glued to the book down to the last page. I truly respect Scott McGough for his brilliant literature here. The way he wrote not only brought wonderful (or dreadful) images to your imagination but made you feel like the world and characters actually existed. He used so much detail in everything that it all seemed to come to life. To top it all off, everything he wrote here ran so fluid and was so easy to follow regardless what interruptions would be around you. After having read this book twice now and still enjoying it greatly, I recently purchased more novels by this author. I hope they turn out just as beautiful as this one. This is pure art...

What a great book! One of the few books that I have ever read and literally not been able to put down. Think it took all of about three hours to read this for me I was so enthralled. The entire series is good, but Torment is a shining example of how a rough sketched story can be turned into a true literary gem by a talented writer.

Great, captivating tale.

That's not saying much considering I don't read a lot, but this book is awesome. The parts with Llawan and Laquatus are kinda boring but they don't ruin it by any means. I didn't really like the ending, but overall the book was 5/5 for me. This is one of the few magic storylines I've actually given a crap about. (The other being weatherlight.)

Even though the Odyssey cycle has been gone for over 2 years, you should definately still pick this book up.

This is my 2nd favorite book I have ever read in my life. This is the 3rd Magic book that I read, and after this I was captivated by the MTG novels, I have now read over 10 of them in only 4 weeks, and these are great books, Torment is my favorite so far. From beginning to end, it is AWESOME. There are a few boring parts when it follow Empress Llawan, but they are all worth it because they lead up to make a valuable point. I reccommend this book to anyone who enjoys fiction, such as Harry Potter or MTG, it also reminds me of LOTR a little bit.

This was a superb read. It is, by far, the best of the three Odyssey block books.

In a nutshell, the first half or so covers the same timespan as Odyssey, just from Chainer's point of view. While Kamahl is off chasing the Mirari, Chainer is developing his magical skills and is rapidly ascending the ranks as the Cabal's best dementist. With the aid of the Mirari (he is the only person so far who has been able to control it), he seems virtually unstoppable. The view into the Cabal's dark intentions is quite entertaining, as we learn more and more about the mysterious Calchexas, the Cabal Patriarch. The book ends in a big climax and leaves readers with an excellent starting point for Judgment.

This book earns a well-deserved 5 stars.

I got this book yesterday afternoon and I have been gobbling it up! Right from the start I identified with the writing. I, too, had a feeling that my evening at the outdoor amphitheater that July 26th night in 2005 could change my life. I didn't know how and so I ignored my irrational feelings. I went to the ballet and although we were sitting inside I must have picked up the tick as we walked across the lawn to the amphitheater. 10 days later, almost to the hour, I was very, very sick. The Lyme crossed the blood brain barrier and I have had neurological and emotional problems. My stupid neurologist says I am "in the normal range" even when I have vertigo and was falling back on my head walking down the street, have huge memory gaps, sometimes make no sense, etc. I told him it wasn't normal for me, but ended up getting nowhere and leaving his office in tears.
My boyfriend of 12 years (with whom I attended the ballet that night) became very frustrated and angry. I am no longer the same woman he signed up for. We separated in the Fall of 2007. He felt I was not "trying hard enough" to get better.
My family thinks I am mentally ill. In fact over the last 9 months I have been misdiagnosed with either depression or Bipolar II disorder and mis-medicated, which DID make me pretty crazy. I am now convinced I ought not to be on any medications but treat myself holistically. I have been medication free for one month and that has made a huge difference for me.
So, I am so thankful for the book! I am finding out that I need to listen to myself and not depend on doctors to be able to fix me or even diagnose me correctly. I have been changing my diet and using it as my medicine. I have been making sure to get outside and walk or recently I can bicycle again! Soak in some sun. Surround myself with positive people--no angry boyfriend--as much as possible. I am painting again.
I think I was already headed in this direction -- after 11 months of putting my hope and trust in, then floundering in, medical offices, hitting my head against (figurative) wall after wall. Laura Bruno's book gives me such strength and hope for this journey.

I actually was only going to read this book to prepare myself for the radio interview with this author (May 29, 2008 on In Short Order at [...]). Instead, I found myself glued to the pages of valuable information from a patient's view. By reading this book, those who know or take care of a person with a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) will be better able to understand what the victim is going through - a better handle on things makes for a better friend/family member or care provider. Those who treat TBIs would benefit from this book more than most - what you can't see on tests can be learned here and therefore validate the diagnosis more quickly so that treatment can begin at an earlier stage. For those with a TBI, Lyme disease, or any disabling affliction, this book is your pair of ruby slippers.

Bruno equates a TBI to The Wizard of Oz classic. Although I have Lyme disease (which in many cases can be likened to a TBI), and can relate and benefit from this book, I never saw it put so simply - and well written. Just as Dorothy is whisked to another place, it is the same with most injuries and illnesses. We leave the life we know for a place we have never been before (and few want to make it a vacation spot). Come take the first step on the yellow brick road - where the journey to recovery begins.

Glinda (as we remember as the good witch) starts us on the path. Contacting organizations and support groups is an important step. Who doesn't need support, information, and to hear from others on virtually the same path? There are many things to do to prepare us for the first steps to recovery, but often we forget where we need to begin. Order is the way to end chaos. Support is the way to end aloneness. And information is the way to the next steps that must be taken if recovery is the goal. And don't forget, some who have grown accustomed to your disability-state may not want you to recover - learn why in "If I Only Had A Brain Injury."

There are the ruby slippers and the wicked witch. The information in this section is most helpful because it starts us focusing more closely on ourselves. Here we can begin to turn the injury or disease into a new beginning. When we beat ourselves up or refuse to accept what we cannot change, we slow or halt our journey. Forgiveness and identifying change are good things.

Okay, we're on our way. We may not be skipping yet, but we can add pep to our steps when we look at what can remove some of the stumbling blocks that have been preventing us forward movement on our road to recovery. Bruno learned that buying quality electronics (a computer monitor) cut down on her headaches and dizziness; which allowed her to work; which enabled her to earn a paycheck; which helped her to feel she was still in Kansas.

There are more ideas that are presented in this work - classical music, relationships with animals, and cultivating new friendships, to name a few. These will open new doors in the land of Oz and you may even discover new things about yourself that you never knew existed.

In "If I Only Had A Brain Injury," Bruno has given us a map of the Emerald City, introduced us to the Munchkins, and provided a beacon for anyone who is associated with injuries and disease. It is a one-of-a-kind book.

This a must read for all, with hopes that you find an owl in your life, too.


Sue Vogan
[...]

If I Only Had a Brain Injury is a beautifully conveyed book that is not only practical, simplistic, and full of easy to apply tips and tremendously helpful, thorough resources, but is also an artistic expression of genuine experience and compassion that takes one on a journey through Oz. Utilizing Dorothy and her friends' experiences to illustrate our own unfolding life processes creates a tangible and easily understood analogy, and coupled with Laura's own personal experiences, truly hits home and creates a relateability that transcends all boundaries. This is not only helpful for those with TBI and medical challenges as listed, but truly is a guideline and means of support for any and all challenges in life that can be simply applied. Finding myself challenged in overly mental focusing and truly not having the desire to do so either, I found Laura's book wonderfully supportive to this. It was easy, quick, and very clear, with nothing to have to read between the lines or mentally figure out. One can open the book to any page and find something valuable easily without it feeling out of context. This works well for people like myself who either don't have time to read, don't have much desire to read, or little focus to do so. You can pick up and leave off at any point and never feel lost and get exactly what you need at every turn. Laura is a beautiful example and expression for us all and one can only look forward to more wonderful books to come from her.

Injury took some mental abilities away.
Through that loss, author Laura Bruno,
finds an alternative path to health and
trusting herself. She demystifies many
medical mysteries all the while reassuring
those in similar situations not to suffer alone the
embarrassment and self consciousness of a
brain that is learning to function again -
perhaps differently. If I Only Had a Brain
Injury is a compendium of spiritual and
emotional support. It includes 52 healing
hints while leading its readers to become
wizards of their own healing. It offers
support to the caregiver and acknowledges
how events changes all involved.
Ultimately Laura Bruno wants everyone
to find their own deeper meaning of
injury - an opportunity to connect the
mind and heart - to live deeply, meaningfully,
and creatively through one's
essence.

I wish I'd had this book when I was searching for my road to recovery from CFS! It is an excellent resource for people with TBI, MS, CFS, FM, Lyme Disease or other debilitating "mysterious" chronic illnesses and injuries. It's also an excellent resource for care givers and health providers.

It doesn't take long to discover that this book offers than tips for feeling better. Using The Wizard of Oz story as an extended metaphor for finding and taking the road home to recovery, author Laura Bruno presents a "traveler's guide" with 52 suggestions for the journey from disease to integrated healing on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels of our being.

The book is user friendly, especially for people with brain fog that impairs their ability to read and comprehend written material. Laura's writing style is straightforward, concise, and easy to digest. The chapters are short and can be read and absorbed as units within the whole. Key points are presented in bold type, suggestions are in "bullet" format.

With compassion, warmth and humor, Laura tells her story and invites readers to follow our "Yellow Brick Road." She points out some of the bends along the way, turns that may seem scary but are actually opportunities to change aspects in our life that no longer work and may be hindering recovery.

The book includes special sections for health providers and caregivers, and some great inspirational stories from survivors of these kinds of life-changing illnesses and injuries.

I highly recommend this book!

The best book I've read since Deathly Hallows!
It's a great start to the series, but not much info about the outside world. Otherwise, it's amazing. Basil the wrathmonk shrinks Measle down to the size of a paperclip. By the time he's back to normal... well; you should read the book!

Throw in an ordinary boy named Measle, a completely insane dark wizard, a mysterious train set, 6 very small people, 1 very little brave dog, and a whole dump truck full of danger and you've got a wonderful adventure story with non-stop action and magic.

Out of all the books I've gone through, this is by far the best in all aspects of reading. If you don't believe me, read it yourself. =)))

My 1st grader thoroughly enjoyed this book being read to him, he found Measle's dog hilarious. We have just bought the next two, Measle and the Dragodon, Measle and the Mallockee.

Measle and the Dragodon is the sequel to the successful Measle and the Wrathmonk and the second in Ian Ogilvy's epic Measle series of book which chronicle the adventures of Measle Stubbs. These books are very entertaining as they are a bit like Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events but with magic. The second book is sort of an epic, quest type of story in which Measle is living with his doting parents in glam Merlin Manor when they are kidnapped by a gang of Wrathmonks [mad warlocks] who want revenge for the death of Measle's ex-guardian, Basil Tramplebone [he got what he deserved]. The Wrathmonks take Measle's parents to the Isle of Smiles, a sinister abandoned theme-park in the middle of the ocean. The Wrathmonks are being manipulated by a creature whose name isn't revealed but who is the last survivor of a powerful race of beings known as the Dragodons. Now Measle must go on a quest to the Isle of Smiles, into the catacombs and engage the Dragodon in an almighty battle with the fate of the world at stake.
A dramatic climax, a good villain, a convincing plot and rather disgusting [Roald Dahl disgusting, not vulgar disgusting]humour make Measle and the Dragodon an entertaining book to say the least. I'm currently on the third in the series, Measle and the Malockee.

I really really like this book and have read it several times. I hope other readers won't be intimidated by the creepy cover and title because trust me, if you read this you'll want your own copy. This book is really exciting and suspenseful.

It's been a long time since I have enjoyed a great adventure story such as this! With this book, I recaptured the same experience I had when I first read the "Hobbit". I sincerely hope Paul Kidd,if possible, would consider a second book! Kudos to the others reviewers who have been more eloquent than I!

Mus is one of my favorite books, so I thought I'd share it with a teacher at my school; little did I know it would take a lot of effort to find a new copy of my own. This book is one of the best examples of fantasy I can think of, and I just adore it. It's on my top 5, and that's saying a lot. Let's get it back into print! It deserves it a lot more that most books out there now.

I have already left a message here, but I feel that something else is necessary. After I left a review here, the author was kind enough the email me and thank me. I was too shy to email back and thank him. But I would just like to say that I love this book and that I hope it returns to print. It should,it really should. Even after a couple of years, It is stil my favorite book, and I have read many books. The other people here have reiterated their wonder in the quality of this novel so I will not be redundent. But, let me say that I find the book a sort of sanctuary where I can return to after I grow weary or depressed. Not that I am obsessed or anything. I only read it about 6 times :0)

When I first saw the cover, I thought it was Reepicheep from the Dawn Treader, the talking mouse of Narnia. It had a feather on its head, a needle of a sword and it stood on its hindlegs. This book deserved better attention, unlike blood and gore and cynical world weariness which seemed to pervade most fantasy books today.

Mus of Kerbridge is almost like one of Grimm's or Han Christian Anderson's fairy tales - of knights and castles, ladies and love, magic abound and courage renowned.

In a magical world which was not named, centaurs, humans, satyrs and harpies dwelt together within the same kingdoms. A political intrigue led to an accident which created another sentient race - the mouse of which Mus was the first. Mus was forced to infiltrate the chamber of Miriam, a centaur lady. Turning against his tormentor, and swore to protect his lady.

As war threatened the kingdom, Mus became the source of inspiration to battle-weary soldiers to rally against the invaders.

This book is very much written to relate to children, but cynical adults could learn a lot from it, if only to open themselves to the possibility of beauty and kindness.
Paul Kidd managed to re-create the fantasy feeling of childhood days in an expanded puss-in-boots fantasy.

From the website of original publisher TSR regarding Paul Kidd: "Up and coming novel releases may include... Mus of Kerbridge (2nd release by Streamline)..."

Those of us who have taken immense pleasure from reading and re-reading "Mus of Kerbridge" will be glad to see a second printing hit the shelves. Notice the quote says "may include" - it would be helpful if Mus fans wrote to Mr. Kidd via TSR and to Streamline to help facilitate this reprinting!

Perhaps it was the cute and rather silly picture on the cover, but "Mus of Kerbridge" didn't sell nearly as well as the story inside the cutesy cover deserved. I bought it when it first came out, in spite of the cover... and loved it! The story is as enjoyable for adults as it is for children; it has been a well-received and well-read gift many times. It has certainly kept my attention throughout the years and I still enjoy it quite as much as I did the first time!

The dialogue is occasionally a bit overdone in my opinion, but can not detract from the overall charm of this well-told tale. The plot is well-woven and the characters have substantial personalities and emotions. They are admirable people, even the enemy queen, showing strength of spirit and courage and a great lesson in appreciation for life.

I bought this as a gift for my daughter's boyfriend. He had let me borrow the first 2 books in the series which he had read. I was hooked so I ended up reading this one before I gave it to him. My daughter then read the series and she also loved them. It's a great series!

I think the Batimaeus Trilogy is one of the most original series for kids and Ptolemy's Gate is an outstanding conclusion to the trilogy. Stroud is a creative writer who pushes this book to the limits and delivers an unexpected but wonderful ending. It always amazes me when such a complex story is able to wind up so many plots in such a smooth and seamless way. This is a great book and one of the best conclusions to any series.
Enjoy!

This book was very good, even if the ending wasn't totally perfect. I liked the fact that Nathaniel stopped being a total political stooge at the end. And that Bartimaeus and his essence was preserved. Kitty parts in the story weren't as good as previous and I didn't like the fact that she started to like Nathaniel. I think it would have been better if she had just thought of him as a acquaintance. Also, you get two chapters set in the Other Place, the world of spirits, which was interesting. This book brings the trilogy to a close, and even though I assumed what would happen in the end. A good read for all ages.

This was an excellent book, as was the whole series. I just came on to look for more Jonathan Stroud books and decided to give my first book review! I love Bartimaeus and all the sarcasm. Give it a try if you haven't already.

The final installment makes the whole journey worth it. PTOLEMY'S GATE, the third part of the BARTIMAEUS TRILOGY, wraps things up in a satisfying, exhilarating way that won't leave Jonathan Stroud fans disappointed.

A new character is introduced in this novel. Sure, we've still got Nathaniel -- A.K.A. John Mandrake, youthful magician and Information Minister, Kitty -- outcast rebel of the Resistance, Bartimaeus - fun-loving demon of sarcasm who is stuck as Nathaniel's servant, but now our story jumps back to Alexandria, Egypt in 125 B.C. to weave the necessary backstory of Ptolemy and his legendary gate between the Other Place and Earth. The connection between the past and present is the infamous Bartimaeus.

We soon learn that the relationship Bartimaeus and Ptolemy had was incredibly close, filled with trust and loyalty, something Nathaniel knows nothing about. Kitty, however, has been studying magic with the hope of learning more about Ptolemy. Even though commoners aren't supposed to be able to, she hopes to summon Bartimaeus and learn about Ptolemy's Gate. Her theory is that the Gate is the way to bridge the gap between demons and humans, somehow ending the forced servitude and hatred between them and creating peace and equality.

The tensions really get going in this one. The overseas war with America is going poorly. The Resistance is still at large. A traitor high up in government is plotting an inconceivable takeover of the country. Bartimaeus has been on Earth so long his essence is fading and he's close to death. If Nathaniel doesn't squelch the Resistance, his job and prestige will all be lost. And if Kitty's plan doesn't work, she just might disappear into the spirit world forever like Ptolemy. So much is at stake. And none of the players even know about the "rebellious faction of demons"!

Get ready for an intoxicating end to the ride. What THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND began in the first book, PTOLEMY'S GATE finishes up gloriously. Go Bartimaeus!

--- Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens

SOX AND THE CITY IS WRITTEN BY RICHARD ROEPER WHO IS ALSO A MOVIE CRITIC ALONG WITH ROGER EBERT IN CHICAGO AND THEY HAVE A SYNDICATED TV SHOW. I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK. I AM NOT A SOX FAN BUT AN INDIANS FAN AND I KNOW MANY MANY SEASONS HAVE PASSED SINCE A WORLD SERIES VICTORY. ROPER BRINGS BACK MUCH NOSTALGIA FROM BASEBALL IN THE 1960'S TO PRESENT DAY. I REALLY ENJOYED THE SEGMENTS ABOUT THE 1967 TEAM AND DICK ALLEN. I ESPECIALLY RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL SOX FANS AND EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT, THIS IS AN EXCELLENT READ FOR ALL BASEBALL FANS. HE DOES A GREAT JOB DESCRIBING IN DETAIL HOW THE 2005 SEASON WENT WITH SOME GREAT BEHIND THE SCENES STORIES. I THINK THE ONE MAIN THING I ENJOYED MOST WAS HIS EXPERIENCES FOLLOWING THE SOX AS A CHILD WHEN WE ARE YOUNG AND NAIVE AND HOPE IS ETERNAL. A MUST READ.

Roeper writes very well for a journalist (ha-ha), and this book was both funny and captured the essence of being a White Sox fan. He takes you through his personal experience of being fan from his childhood in the 1960s to attending the World Series in 2005. The book would be a fun read even if you were not a White Sox fan as Roeper includes a lot of jokes about pop culture such as movies and music, and many of the stories of being a fan are universal regardless of the team.

Fantastic recap of decades of Sox lore! This book was a quick and interesting read, containing trivia, stats, and facts all interwoven with personal anecdotes and memories. Terrific for new or old fans - a must have for all who know and love the Sox!

Thank goodness the White Sox have southside Chicago native Richard Roeper as a fan! The Cubs and other more popular MLB teams have a much longer roster of both author/fans (e.g. Stephen King and the Red Sox) and A-list celebrity/fans (of which the White Sox have none - sorry Jerry Springer, you're B-list). But the White Sox, with their long, interesting history and their amazing 2005 World Series run, needed someone to step up to the plate and deliver what the fan base needs: a book documenting what it means to be a White Sox fan in the four decades up to 2005. Roeper delivers a solid home run, albeit not a grand slam.

Roeper deftly interweaves three main storylines in "Sox and the City": the highlights of the past 40 years of Sox history; Roeper's own personal experiences as a fan attending more than 1000 Sox games; and the highlights of the 2005 season and World Series run. Along the way Roeper provides a personal, often humorous view of the main topics in Sox history: the different Sox teams that have been assembled over the years; what it means to be a Sox fan in what will always (unless the demographics of Chicago change radically) be a Cubs town, including especially the Sox/Cubs rivalry among the fans (which, because of geography is more passionate - at least on the Sox side - than any other intercity major league rivalry); Harry Caray's move from the Sox to the Cubs; Bill Veeck's attempts to generate excitement (and bring in paying fans) on the southside; Disco Demolition Night; the move from Comiskey to the Cell; and much more.

There is so much White Sox history that it is impossible to capture it all in a single volume, but Roeper hits all the highlights. His prose is very accessible, humorous, and direct. "Sox and the City" is likely to become the definitive guide to what it means to be a White Sox fan in the present day.

Why only four stars? Roeper's done an admirable job in all areas of the book except two: explaining precisely what made the 2005 team different than all other White Sox teams, and capturing the excitement and impact of the Sox's 2005 World Series victory on the city of Chicago. Perhaps the latter is an impossible task to translate into words - you had to be there.

All literate White Sox fans should read this book.

"Sox and the City" is a great read for any baseball lover, but particularly White Sox fans. They say that as a baseball fan you are wedded to one team for life, and live and die with them each season. Or to paraphrase one of those east coast baseball fans, baseball is not life or death, but the [White] Sox are!

"Sox and the City" will most interest Chicagosns, of course. But all baseball fans might enjoy it. After all, being a White Sox fan in a city with more than one team, and an ancient generational rivalry (I won't name that OTHER team) is an experience few living baseball fans still know. the annual highs and lows (and finally triumph) that made the suffering all worth it. Only perhaps New Yorkers share the experience (and even the New York Mets are stand-ins for the old Yankees-Dodgers-Giants rivalry).

If you love baseball, pick this one up!