Adam Books

He has a perfect way of helping sales people seeing selling as a gentle conversation in the world and what they do that scares people and causes them to hide from us. He demonstrates that selling is not a killer sport... it's not about pushing and shoving people

You don't have to have the title of "salesperson" to get a lot out of this book. Anyone who has business development as a part of their job will find the techniques helpful. I'm a woodworker, but I still have to find and win new clients. This book has given me some great ideas that I'm already putting into practice. It also taught me quite a bit about fishing. It's a fast, fun read, but packed with helpful ideas and tips.

Joe DiMisa marries two age-old activities, sales and fishing, to come up with a guide that appeals to every person who makes their living by selling. Mr. DiMisa uses "life" advice from his successful fishing father-in-law to walk the reader through concepts from prospecting to closing. The Captain's Logs are successfully interjected throughout the guide to tie the two topics, sales and fishing together. By the end of the book, the readers wish they all had a Tarpon Willie to guide their boat and guide their lives. In addition, Mr. DiMisa calls on past experiences as a successful sales consultant in side-bars titled "This ain't no fish tale!" These anecdotes and examples are real-life experiences that allow the reader to match the concepts to reality.

Whether the readers are fishermen are not, each person will be able to take away several ideas to propel them in their sales career. Mr. DiMisa's guide should be required reading for companies that survive on sales and customer experience.

The book gives incredible insight into the importance of really understanding your customers and their needs. All managers and their staff should utilize this book as a fun and breakthrough way to better interact with clients.

As a sales director you sometimes can become removed from your front line sales reps. Reading Joe's book forced me to re-examine the traits of an effective sales rep and an in-effective rep. It helped me understand some things I could do in order to break down barriers for my sales staff so they could more easily "catch" new customers. I've made it required reading for my sales managers so that they can use some of Joe's experiences to better their sales staff. I've already seen great results!

Bobby Rice
Advertising Director

My mom used this book along with her women's Bible study. Everyone really enjoyed it! The book provided plenty of opportunities for interesting discussion and offered wonderful insight into who David was and who God is. Beth Moore is a talented writer and this book is no exception!

Reading this book is like eating Thanksgiving dinner. You read until you are stuffed with so much information. Then you have to stop and ingest it. You have to pray over what you have learned; soaking in all of the extra insight and knowledge. Then after the feeling of fullness begins to subside, you go back for more...and more...and more! This book is not only a glimpse at the life of David. It also explores other people who were important in making David the man that God intended for him to be. While exploring David's life, you will begin to explore your own life...your own ministry. None of us are worthy or perfect by any means. This book explores David's weaknesses in a way that you can compare your own short comings and know that you can be a person after Gods own heart.

Beth's book is a wonderfully written journey through the life of a man who sought God's own heart. She fluctuates between humorous observations on the actions of the Biblical characters I thought I knew so well, and touching parallels to the life of the ultimate "Son of Man". This book held me captivated from the introduction to the final period. I look forward to more books like this from Beth.

A few years ago the women's Bible study in my church went through the video version of "A Heart Like His." I heard glowing reviews from one lady after another, speaking of how pertinent and powerful the material was. Unfortunately, it was then geared exclusively to women, so I never watched the videos myself.

With the memory of those glowing reviews still fresh in mind, I decided to purchase the book version and see for myself if Beth Moore's teaching lived up to its reputation. I was certainly NOT disappointed. This book is an outstanding treatment of the triumphs and the tragedies of Israel's most famous king.

Moore takes practically every significant incident from David's life and applies the spiritual principles to life today. Through her exposition here, the reader gets to know David much better, and learns why he has been called "a man after God's own heart." The author's treatment is chronological, starting from the events surrounding David's emergence on the Biblical scene as a young boy to the transfer of his throne as an old man to his son Solomon.

I recommend this book very highly to anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of the life of King David. The book is very easy reading, yet is profound in its insights. Men and women, clergy and laity alike will benefit from Moore's painstakingly thorough work.

Beth Moore chose to delve into the life and times of David, a mere shepherd boy who was chosen to be the leader of Israel. In A HEART LIKE HIS, Moore poses the practical questions as to how a person can be forgiven and restored after sin? How a person can continue to be faithful when nothing seems to be going his way? How can a person find God when feeling lonely? How important is God's influence on our family?

Moore begins the journey into David's life in the book of 1 Samuel. She uses several Biblical references and provides background into the trials and tribulations David faced. With God's assistance, David rose from basic obscurity into a position of amazing power. When he operates outside of God's will, he makes an unwise decision that will prove to unravel his long reign and have dire consequences on his family. In his earlier times, Moore depicts David who continually seeking God's guidance and is quick to offer praise to God. Yet, David was a man with a weakness for beautiful women. Although he was married, David enjoyed the attention his power garnered him from the fairer sex. Moore enhances the reader's understanding of how David's adulterous conduct with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband cast David out of God's will. On this subject, Moore states that David had a "far away heart." It was not until David was "bankrupt in spirit" over the death of his illegitimate son that he repented for his sins. Moore reminds the reader that although God will forgive us of our sins, He will pass judgement on us.

In A HEART LIKE HIS, Moore does a very good job of setting the scene. She takes us back to the beginning even before David had knowledge of the greater things in store for him. The book's lessons are based mainly on 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. A HEART LIKE HIS would be a great tool for individual or group study. Each chapter is laden with cross-references to other Biblical references. At times, it was confusing because the complete Biblical citation was not used in the text. However, this was not distracting enough to detract from the great presentation of King David's reign.

Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I bought this book back when I was graduating from College in 1994 and followed all of its suggestions. It gives you a great framework to follow for success and shows you all the basics. Since that first job, I have been working in the staffing industry, helping people find jobs all day long, and now reccommend this book to everyone I find who is looking for a job. It is worth every penny. Buy this book and squash the competition in your interview. Hint: Most hiring managers have read this book or a similar book (especially the interview questions part), so should you.

It's not every day that you run across a book that actually lives up to its reputation. This one does, and more. Martin Yate's Knock `Em Dead series has spawned numerous bestsellers. Here's the original, in an all-new, updated edition. The core of the book is a catalogue of strategies for answering the wide array of questions you could be asked during a job interview. The book also includes plenty of other job-hunting advice. If you don't get the job after following this book's advice, it can't be because you flunked the interview. We from getAbstract recommend this book to all job-hunters and to those who think they may be out looking anytime soon.

I had a different attitude in interviews and meeting with CEO `s during my life.But this book changed my style, made me look different , answered a lot of worrying questions and opened my eyes on so many hidden tactics in winning a job.

I read the book during applying to a job and when I was placed second best I used the last chapters techniques & advise and was ranked first.So I got the job I always dreamt of!!!

Thanks to Martin Yate.

I tried to contact him on line to his address in the book but could not reach him.If you ever reach him send him my regards.

I beleive this book is important to every one who is looking to get a job and to every one who is hiring people.

Abdelfattah Toukan
00962-77883123

I've taught at colleges where graduating students were offered placement services as well as having to interview people myself for a job. The contents of this book are of more value than the entire program at the college. Filled with brilliant ideas for how to organize and prepare your resume as well as how to get an interview and how to answer the interviewer's questions it is a valuable resource for the job seeker.

I especially like the way that the book details how to handle situations where the interviewer asks right up front how much you are expecting to make, or when your years of experience don't match the number they are looking for, or when your education is not at the level they are looking for and similar situations. Things that are an interview killer are covered in detail as well as how to get past them unscathed.

Better than any placement program I've seen, some of the most detailed advice that you will find anywhere, and up to date with modern technology and techniques, this is your best source for competent advice on how to actually get the job you want. Don't send another resume, make another phone call or go to another interview without reading it first.

I bought my copy in 1995 at a low point in my job hunt -- 10 months looking (I was already employed), a few interviews but no offers yet. I happened to have an interview lined up for the following week and did not want to blow it -- again! I used the information on how to answer common interview questions and was offered the job. I actually wrote the author a thank you letter afterwards. Two years later I was promoted and had to start hiring people. I turned to his book "Hiring the Best" for help and would also recommend that to anyone job hunting to get inside the interviewer's head. Now, I am getting ready to job-hunt again and plan to use "Knock 'Em Dead" once more.

Having read this book, the author has put a great deal of effort in researching many individuals who have experienced several life changes and the way they have coped and responded
to different circumstances.

I was surprised to learn of the different ways men and women handle situations.

I did come across familiar episodes which have proved that many of all react in the same fashion.

I have enjoyed reading this book and have been enlightened by it. It has helped me look at life in a whole new way.

This is a refreshing new view on relationships and helped me look at men and relationships in a differnt way! Men Head East, Women Turn Right takes a look at how the two sexes approach life. The idea that men and women see things in different ways is not new, but the authors present it in a stimulating way. This book helped me look at the men in my life with a more productive framework.

This easy-to-read manual on how differently men and women approach change helped me refresh my life. I now give it to friends who are in the midst of change, and I use it often in my executive coaching practice.

A MUST FOR ANYONE WANTING TO CHANGE THEIR RELATIONSHIPS. Every woman I know puzzles about how men are so hard to predict. Men Head East, Women Turn Right has helped me create new ways to approach the search for finding interesting men... and it's working! I've been giving it out to all of my friends...Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this!!!!

Wow! "Men Head East, Women Turn Right" provides great insight into how men and women cope with change. Plus, it offers guidance and practical steps that each of us can use when facing change. With examples of how others have successfully dealt with change -- as everday as a new bus schedule for a child or as life-altering as retirement or the death of a spouse -- authors Sabra Brock and Joseph Dooley give us all hope that we can successfully transition the changes in our lives as well. The Brock Method for increasing your change skills provides a valuable framework for addressing life's challenges. The practical examples give that framework reality. Friends have asked to borrow my copy. I won't let it go; I'm ordering additional copies to share.

Book in perfect shape. Arrived in very timely manor. Thank you for your great service.

This is a very good book. It has may good points about tricks and teaching your dog.

It is definitely for beginners. The authors explains every detail about everything so you will be succesful in teaching which tricks you want and doing it correctly and efficiently. It displays a few pictures of dogs performing the tricks but its not a visual book, but more of a guide book that you have to read most of to understand who to do things properly. All in all its an amazing book if you want to teach your dog great, fun things.

I've purchased many dog behavior and trick books over the years. This little gem is definitely the best trick book. My golden and I have had many great times learning some of the tricks. Easy to follow and the progressive technique makes great sense. I'm amazed at how fast he can learn following the simple directions. Patience and consistency as always is the key.

This was a great book. Easy to follow steps. Needs more pictures. A DVD to go along with it would be better.

This is a good book for beginners on Peoplesoft. Some of the core concepts are well explained. I am told there are not many books around on peoplesoft that are good and this one ranks high..

I am a DBA and wanted to work on building a warehouse for PeopleSoft HRMS along with generating reports for the client. This book really helped me and my team to understand the hr/payroll concepts quickly. If you are a DBA/developer working in Peoplesoft environment, good to have this book in your library.

It is truly a thorough documentation of every important part of PeopleSoft HRMS. It is a handy-dandy book for anybody working in HRMS. Thanks to the author for taking time and putting thoughts to write such a gem.

I have been working with Peoplesoft product since last five years,I have seen may books in the market but this is the only book I have seen which has very usefull information which helps the begenners a lot to understand main tables and also gives overview of HRMS functionality.

I strongly recommend this book for Begenners and is useful as a reference book for any one.

This book is a treasure for anyone who needs to get quickly up-to-speed on the PeopleSoft HRMS data architecture and the most common tables against which queries and reports are executed. This alone would make the book invaluable because of the confusing PeopleSoft documentation and the thousands of tables. However, the author goes well beyond by breaking down the most important tables, grouped by function, into attributes and explaining how to create highly useful business reports from them.

In addition to the thorough coverage of the data architecture, the book also provides an excellent compendium of information and tips for using SQR to its fullest potential. Although my main interest is in the tables, I considered material on SQR to be a bonus and learned a great deal from this section.

If you are working with PeopleSoft on either the technical or functional side this book will probably be your most used reference. The author deserves the highest accolades for clear writing, technical knowledge and the ability to distill the essentials into one of the best references and tutorials I've read in a long time.

You will be hard put to find any writer who can jack up your heart rate the way Adam Hall manages to in these relatively few pages. His story is a marvel of relentless pacing. With sentences that read something like Hemingway under the influence of bad speed - a steady drumbeat of monosyllables, phrase after short phrase linked by "and," an economy of language - and a first-person voice that Hall maintains pitch-perfectly from start to finish, this book is one of the best-written thrillers ever. It doesn't resort to bloated descriptions of technical gadgets or exotic locales; nor is its protagonist a super-hero. (He is smarter than the average bear, and physically tougher, too, but believably so.) It does use the Nazi-comeback formula - imagine how many millions of paperbacks in how many hundreds of airports the ancient swastika image has helped to sell all these years! - but I imagine that in the early 1960s, it was actually one of the first books to explore this now-overused plotline.
Hall's description of Quiller's foe-induced, near-psychotic drug experience is particularly gripping - I've looked repeatedly, and I still don't understand how he made this description so convincing that it would likely persuade any reader to just say no.
I look forward to reading more in the Quiller series.

Brainy and impassive Quiller in the strasses of suspicious Berlin. Must get close to the nest but not too close. Don't let Oktober and his werewolves know the location of your own base.

I liked "The Odessa File," "Marathon Man," and "Boys from Brazil," but this beats them all. Quiller is a ruthless loner in the mold of the protagonist in "Eye of the Needle." Unusually, in a book written before the age of political correctness, he refuses to carry a gun. His story is basically that of a man who finds himself in a dark tunnel, unarmed, knowing there are predators but not knowing who or where they are. The book has plenty of action but is basically an extended intellectual puzzle in which you must not only figure out the moves but who the actors are and whether they can be trusted. Since Quiller seems constitutionally inclined to trust no one, this unending procession of double- and triple-crosses suits him well, but even he is surprised by revelations about one of his friends.

The book is dated, of course, and someone like Quiller could not win today by exactly the same methods as those in the book because of the development of technology, but the portrait of a man alone, who accepts his essential aloneness and is prepared to live or die by his wits is well drawn and a story to keep and hold the attention of the reader. It is very dark, and if Daniel Craig were not already playing Bond, I would suggest him for Quiller.

Speaking of that, if you enjoy the book, do not make the mistake of watching the movie, whose producers seem to have misunderstood the book completely. George Segal was cast to play Quiller in the movie as a smirking, simpering pretty boy who resorted to flip comebacks and petulant retorts to make his way; his character had nothing to do with this book.

Read the book instead and savor the story. It sets up a universe that is very bleak and stays with you a long time after you finish it.

Whether of not you've seen and enjoyed the movie version of "The Quiller Memorandum," you are in for a rare treat. The novel is different, but in many ways even better than the film. Adam Hall's Quiller is a cold-eyed realist (colder, more introverted and more introspective than that played by George Segal) working for an unnamed and unacknowledged British agency in Cold War-era Berlin. Ordered to infiltrate and expose a ring of old and neo-Nazis, Quiller attempts methodically to probe the depths of a secret organization that is bent on resuscitating the Third Reich. This work is dangerous, and is made more so by the uncertain allegiances of some of the characters. Although the novel takes place twenty years after the end of World War II, it was still unclear where certain characters, even those in high government positions, stood.

The detailed descriptions of Quiller's reasoning and analyses demonstrate the workings of the mind of a master spy. What makes Quiller so compelling is that while he is brilliant, he is flawed. Quiller makes mistakes, sometimes tragic ones, sometimes avoidable ones. I disagree with the view that the characters lack depth and are one-dimensional. Inga, for example, is as complicated a character as one is likely to see, for biographical and psychological reasons that are well-explained. Rothstein is not quite what he appears to be on the surface, either.

But the true joy of this novel is its detailed descriptions of the "how" of spycraft -- how messages are transmitted; how they are received; how the emergency backup works; how one loses a tail; how one endures interrogation under pressure. The psychological reasons why certain characters behave as they do are also intriguing. Yes, the references to the "id" and the "ego" are a bit dated, but the kindergarten-level Freud-speak does not detract from the real mind games that the characters are playing here. Overall, "The Quiller Memorandum" is an outstanding spy novel that is one of the best of its genre.

As a reader, I've always been fond of thriller, police and crime stories. They are often - undeservedly - considered a lesser genre, none the less they present an extraordinary opportunity to test logic skills, appraise different possibilities and sometimes also exercise in virtual history.

The Quiller Memorandum is no exception.
It has even a pedigree, as winner of the Edgar Allan Poe for Best Novel in 1966.

Basically it is the story of a secret agent employed by the British intelligence in the '50s to track down former Nazi criminals hiding under respectable new identities, who comes to confront a dangerous German neo-Nazi secret association, the Phoenix, trying to regain power.

Many of the situations described bring to mind "The Odessa File" by Forsythe and "Fatherland" by Robert Harris, and I guess that this novel has been an important inspiration - if not source - to both of them.
None the less both "Fatherland" and "The Odessa File" are far more consistent and superior.

I believe the book is a bit out of date to the modern reader and shows the marks of time: under some aspects it is a typical product of the late '60s, with its faltering hopes and gloomy expectations.

The hero is James-Bondlike but not so successful and formidable, and neither so optimistic: unlike Bond he doesn't seem able to be able to control the outside world, while is an expert in self-control, that is psychoanalysis (there are some dull remarks about Es and Ego), mnemotechnics and psychology.
There's pervasive pessimism in the usefulness of reason and logics and a suicide-like attitude in many of his actions (the mythological image used is the Greek tauromachia, the man who fight the bull with his bare hands) that is kind of self-destructive mysticism.
His adversaries appear to be all-pervasive: they are ghostlike and always in advantage, but they too finish to act irrationally.

Unlike classic thrillers, this is mostly the description of a nightmare. The scene is reduced at minimum (we know it happens in Berlin), the individuals are reduced to primeval pulsions (pure masochism in Inga, sadism in Oktober, multiple personalities in Zossen, revenge in Rothstein and so on), time can contract or expand according to the needs and logic may be faultless but of no use to forecast what will happen.

With these cautions, the novel is still readable and can offer a few hours of interesting time off

I hope my impressions may have been of help to you.
You are truly welcome if you can suggest other readings or just share ideas and comments!
Thanks for reading.

This book gives insight into the plight of children who live with domestic abuse, alcholism, and other "hidden" issues. Sometimes it isn't obvious to people what children are living through. Rachel is a perfect example of how children will go to great lengths to protect their families from outside scrutiny. It also gives insight into the feeling of waiting for "the other shoe to drop"! Unless you've lived in a environment with substance abuse and violence, you may not be aware of this feeling and the struggle for the other family members to predict and/or prevent the next outburst. I recommend this book to counselors, teachers, and anyone dealing with children. It is also a great read for children because it may let the other "Rachels" in the world know they are not alone.

This book makes me want to be a teacher just so I can include it in the curriculum. The author handles the deep and sensitive subjects of domestic violence and alcoholism with compassion and care. When I read this book I shed a tear, but it was one of hope. Highly recommended to all ages.

If this is the first in promised series about a group of children from a single classroom, then the series is off to a very strong start. This is not your typical "issue" book, because even though Rachel has a terrible family secret she is hiding, the book is less about the secret, and more about Rachel's ways of dealing with it. The author really captures what it is like to be a kid in a troubled home: if you can find anything else to focus on, you will, and Rachel does, delightfully. The school scenes, with Rachel's very cool teacher, Mr. Juarez, capture the power of a great classroom to help a student through bad times. Rachel's friendships and school projects are every bit as engaging as the more suspenseful family plot line. I found myself wanting to be in her class. The book also deals with an obviously gifted child, and without resorting to the "nerd" stereotypes found in so many books and movies. The book moves at a very fast pace and is over far too soon. I'll be recommending it to my own students!

Thank you Cindy Lovell Oliver! What an incredible book. After reading it, I couldn't wait to share Rachel's story with my class. I'm always looking for books that will help open the lines of communciation about topics that are not measured on a standardized test but are real life. This was it! Several kids in my class related to Rachel's life, and this book helped them realize they were not alone. Cindy Lovell Oliver is a gifted and talented writer whose insight and wisdom have created a story that lends itself perfectly to a myriad of lessons and class discussions. I cannot wait until the sequel comes out! If you are an educator, you owe it to yourself and your class to read about the life of Rachel Mason.

That's what Mark Twain said while he was on that steamer traveling the world~ and these pages...Jimmy Buffet sings it as he follows the equator...and Rachel Mason feels it...deeply...as only a child can...Rachel Mason is good...and she knows how to keep a secret...a terribly painful, embarrassing secret...consequently, she is lonesome...for anyone who has ever loved a child, this penetrating book is one of the most beautiful stories of gentle courage and childlike goodness you will ever read...Cindy Lovell Oliver respectfully addresses dificult themes through the eyes of a wonderful little girl who never deserved her fate...be good and you will be lonesome... be lonesome and you will be free...there's a gift for everyone in Rachel Mason. This book deserves a quiet afternoon and some tea, an easy chair and a footstool...every moment spent with Rachel is a worthy moment...but don't just take my word for it...allow yourself the experience.

Arthur Koestler has called this novella "a minor masterpiece." He writes, "[The use of the word 'minor'] was meant to refer to the small size of the book, and to the impression that although its theme was the ugliest tragedy in man's history, it was written in a nostalgic minor key" (Introduction, Fontana Books edition, 1977). Having now read this amazingly moving journey of a friendship, I can only agree with Koestler's assessment of this work as a masterpiece. Mr. Uhlman has keenly expressed the depth of friendship with all of its joys and fears. His descriptions reminded me of the beauty of Hesse's own romantic language: "...the Black Forest where the dark woods, smelling of mushrooms and the tears of amber-colored mastic, were threaded through by the trout streams with sawmills on their banks." Mr. Uhlman has also deftly expressd the philosophical wanderings of two young men who attempt to find meaning in the world around them as their understandings are transformed because of the naturalness of their friendship. This terribly good story is not over-emotional, nor melodramatic. It conveys some seriousness and a touch of irony. This is indeed a marvelous--albeit brief--masterpiece.

I read this (short) novel originally as an assignment in high school, more than twenty years ago. It moved me then, and as I reread it today I still think is a powerful book. The protagonist of the story is Hans Schwarz, a Jewish boy in high school in the Germany of the early 30s. Hitler is about to take power. The novel narrates as the boy (and his family) slowly starts suffering creeping discrimination, from the teachers and from his fellow students. One of the few friends he has is the aristocratic Konradin von Hohenfels (clearly inspired by Hitler would be assassin Claus von Stauffenberg, as it becomes clear in the last pages of the book). There's not much to it plotwise, but what I like about the book is the sad, melancholy undercurrent throughout the book, as we see a tragedy slowly happening. The book is written as if it were an autobiography, but it is not. Author Fred Uhlman was born in 1901, so it was impossible for him to be a schoolboy in the early 1930s. Note: in 1989, a not so good film version of the novel starring Jason Robards was made.

A simple tale that leads you along the edges of evil, the ugly gratuitous possibilities that lurk within the human personality, and also reminds you breathtakingly that each person is an opaque mystery. A very important read for an evil-infatuated age.

A short, excellent novella about the relationship of two boys on the eve of Hitler's rise to power in Germany. On of the boys, Hans Schwarz--the narrator--is the son of a doctor (and former officer in the Imperial Army), a descendent of rabbis and shopkeepers, whose German roots go back hundreds of years, and whose Jewishness is little more than a matter of heritage, not faith. He feels himself to be as German as anyone can be, but even moreso, like many Germans, a citizen of a region (in this case Swabia), of which he is fiercely proud. At school--and exclusive school for the elite--he befriends Konradin von Hohenloh, a member of one of the most noble of aristocratic families. Despite their difference, a friendship ensues--but is brief and idyllic. Soon the outside world, of which they had remained largely ignorant, begins to creep into their lives, and their friendship is unalterably effected.

Reunion is an excellent short study of this tragic time, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

I read some of the other reviewers' comments before buying this book. I thought: 'come on...! it cannot be that good'. I was wrong, Reunion's even better than that. The book was a delight to read, but the ending devastated me like no other book in 30 years of reading has even come close to. I cannot think of anything (Tolstoi's Hadji Murad, Kafka's Concerns of a family man, Shakespeare's Lear) that has the same emotional impact of this little book. I know, I know... It's too much. Well, read the book and see.

All Ben Arnold wants in life are Mongolian Fighting Fish. The day he walks into Mr. Dodds's Pet Emporium with enough money to buy them should be the best day of his life. Except that he walks out with a cat. It's not really his fault. After all, the cat made him do it.

Ignatius Sorvo Coromandel, Iggy for short, also known as the Wanderer, has quite a story for Ben. He is from another world, a world called Eidolon. A world full of exotic, mythical, talking creatures. A world that is slowly dying and losing its magic. Someone is stealing creatures out of Eidolon and selling them in Ben's world. Each time a creature leaves, the magic is less. And each time one dies, which happens shortly after they enter our world, more magic disappears.

The most amazing part of all, aside from the talking cat thing, is that Iggy claims Ben's mother is the Queen of Eidolon! That's why Ben can understand Iggy, and the other strange creatures that are beginning to appear in random places. That means that Ben is a prince and his two sisters are princesses! And that's why Ben's mom is getting sick.

If Ben can go to Eidolon, he might be able to help save both the world and his mom. First, he'll have to escape Mr. Dodds and Awful Uncle Aliester, who are bad enough in the regular world and ten times worse in Eidolon. Not to mention Cousin Sylvia and her creepy hairless cat. Then he'll have to navigate a completely foreign land where he can't be sure who to trust.

Mythical creatures and huge battles are all well and fun in books, but living through them is a whole different story!

I love this book, in every way possible! The plot is interesting and moves along at a perfect pace, fast enough to keep you interested but not so much so that you get confused. It's written simply, but never in a way that makes you feel silly. The characters, even the creatures, are extremely interesting and realistic. The part I like best though, is that there is a great sense of humor throughout the story.

I love it. My six-year-old nephew loves it. My ten-year-old niece loves it. You can't ask for more than that.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

Though it may seem like something of a ripoff of Harry Potter, The Secret Country: The Eidolon Chronicles truly stands alone as a brilliant novel, seemingly 'inspired' by Harry Potter, Tolkien etc.
Written in third person, Jane Johnson A.K.A/ Gabriel King A.K.A/ Jude Fisher, takes the reader through an enchanting tale of the adventures of a boy named Ben Christopher Arnold, who, in his infancy, accidently changed the color of his right eye. Then, some years in the future, he sets his sights on two Mongolian Fighting Fish. When he finally raises the money, he is 'convinced' by a talking cat, to buy it instead. The cat, Ignatius Sorvo Coromandel, (you can call him Iggy) turns out to be from another world, and 'wandered' into Ben's (Note: This does take place on earth) world, where he was promptly kidnapped. Everything from there onward is perfect blend of adventure, humor, horror, possible romance, and friendship. This is a genius book for both boys and girls, and a sequel is in the making. This is a must read for anyone who likes: fantasy, action, cats, dogs, most magical creatures and talking cockroaches.

This story is about a boy named Ben Arnold who is relatively normal, but then he buys a talking cat named Iggy. Iggy is from a magic country called Eidolon, where there's dragons, magic, talking animals, and fairies. Ben finds out that his mother is the Queen of Eidolon, so he is prince, even though is father is from earth. "The bad guy" in this book is the Dodman (who exists also in the human world) and Old Creepie (who is someone VERY close to Ben, but I won't tell who) and they are trying to take over Eidolon and it's magical creatures. This book was soooo good, I finished it in an hour because I just HAD to figure out what would come next! :)

Twelve-year-old Benjamin Christopher Arnold (Ben, to his friends) has always been quite an ordinary boy. Like many other boys of his age, Ben is going through the typical gawky stage - long, gangly legs; big feet; hair that never stays in place. There is one thing slightly abnormal about Ben, however. The fact that he has one brown eye, and one green eye; the result of an accident when he was a mere child in a stroller, where he fell victim to a nasty bruise upon his head. And, after an emergency trip to the hospital, emerged with one brown eye, and one green eye. Peculiar indeed, but no cause for worry. Ben's ordinary boy status is thrown for a loop, however, the moment he enters the illustrious Mr. Dodds's Pet Emporium. Drawn into the shop by an advertisement for Mongolian Fighting Fish, Ben sets his sights on the prize, and does everything in his power to earn money for the two floundering fellows - from doing laundry, to mowing the lawn. But when he arrives at Mr. Dodds's Pet Emporium, clutching his freshly-made savings, Ben falls victim to a change of heart. And, as opposed to emerging from the store with his Mongolian Fighting Fish in tow, he purchases a scruffy, talking tabby cat by the name of Ignatius Sorvo Coromandel - also known as Iggy, or the Wanderer. It wasn't that Ben was interested in purchasing the cat. Quite the contrary, actually. But Iggy insisted that Ben take him home, and, feeling a sense of compassion towards the badly mistreated yowler, Ben hands over his savings, and retreats. According to the story Ben is told, Iggy has been kidnapped from his homeland known as the Secret Country. The Secret Country is a parallel world, where mythical animals run free, and beautiful scenery is plentiful. Teaming up, Ben and Iggy soon learn that Iggy is not the only resident of the Secret Country to find himself in the real world. In fact, it is quite obvious that various other creatures have become the victim of Mr. Dodds's get-rich-quick scheme of the mythical creature trade. In fact, with a little investigating, the two learn that Mr. Dodds has been stealing the creatures of the Secret Country, and selling them to England's rich socialites. It doesn't sound too horrible, but Ben soon learns that Mr. Dodds's actions are more harmful than even he realized. According to Iggy, the longer these creatures - whose connections to the Secret Country are quite more than skin deep - are away from their homeland, the worse things become for the Secret Country. In fact, as these creatures are removed, the Secret Country falls under an immediate threat, that could harm their existence. Ben doesn't want to see anything happen to these exotic creatures, but he feels that there is little he can do to assist them in their plight. When he learns that his mother is the long-lost queen of the Secret Country, and that Mr. Dodds's actions are contributing to her deteriorating health, however, he vows to save the creatures, and the country. Now, with his mother's in limbo between life and death, Ben accepts his role in the ancient prophecy of the Secret Country, and begins his quest to prove that he is more than worthy for his title as the Prince of Eidolon.

So often the synopsis on the back cover of a book promises thrilling adventure, spectacular characters, and a fantastical journey to an unexplored world. Yet, when you begin reading, you find that the story falls flat, and leaves you searching for more. So is not the problem with Jane Johnson's debut THE SECRET COUNTRY. Reminiscent of J.K. Rowling's lyrical language, Johnson has penned a tale that leaves you gripping the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Ben is an irresistible character, whose ordinary ways of life are relatable, and quite refreshing in a sea of novels depicting the "lifestyles of the rich and famous." His oddly colored eyes, and ability to see things differently through each one are imaginative and exhilarating to learn more about; while his penchant for succumbing to the pressures of the creatures and family around him make the reader not only sympathize with his character, but cheer on his bravery, as well. His oft-times tumultuous relationship with the snippy, bossy, yet totally lovable tabby, Iggy, is humorous, and quite refreshing. Iggy is fun, yet quite ornery at the same time. His determination to not only save, but to protect his beloved homeland is admirable; while his constant confusion regarding direction often makes the reader question how, exactly, he received the title of the Wanderer. While Iggy and Ben dominate the story, Johnson has also created a wide array of supporting characters, who certainly work to hold their own throughout the tale. From the evil Mr. Dodds - whom you can't help but love to hate - to the gorgeous selkie, Silver, whose unique identity, and ability to transform from seal to human girl - even if she's not yet a pro at the transformation yet - makes for an interesting character. Ben's family is also quite fun to learn more about. His father's constant cluelessness is humorous; while his Uncle Aleister is despicable in a way that makes you loathe and love him at the same time. And his mother - the long-lost queen of the Secret Country - is quite a confusing character, often causing the reader to raise their eyebrows as they struggle to learn more about the illustrious parent; while Ellie - Ben's older sister - and her love of garish make-up makes for a strikingly frightening, yet funny addition to the cast. An engrossing roller coaster ride that combines mythological and fantastical elements to create a thrilling debut. Bravo Ms. Johnson!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Gotta love a "children's" story that introduces the basics of platonic ontology (not entirely guised, either!) to my kids! Started reading: ran into talking creatures, then a world that is "more" real (via magic) than the "shadow" world that our protagonist lives in (socrates' analogy of the cave), where suffering and evil conflict as compassion and love eventually engages and empowers our just-your-average-kid hero into a reluctant but necessary struggle to keep the powers of blinded brute force at bay. Started reading as bedtime story (anyone else use that excuse to keep reading our kids' books??) but had to finish book myself just because it was impossible to put down. From notes on author (whose other great gift to us was helping JRR T. get published?!) could expect no less...Still was completely blown away by how engaging the narrative was! Have read Magyk and Septimus of late, and found that this was an wonderful cross (between harry potter's England and the fantastical magical world of the former. BRING IT ON! Need more in this series please...and a couple of movies would be just honky dory fine. ENCORE! ENCORE!