Allison Books

Perfectly written, full with examples and figures. Very helpful for my post-graduate studies in Athens,Greece.

Pretty thorough text for anyone learning or brushing up on their skills...quite intuitive.

This book is used in the course of Business Statistics at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. This is a useful and understandable book. The questions are well-prepared.Also,the statistics program PhSTAT is given with this book. I advise you to buy.

This book is okay, but it could definitely be better. For a basic statistics class, this book contains WAY too much information to digest in a semester of college. No professor I know of has ever gotten past chapter 8. Further, the problems are quite wimpy as far as the amount of thought required for them. Quite wimpy. Could be better. The only good thing is that for doing it on a spreadsheet, the data comes on a CD, so that you don't have to re-type it, thankfully.

NPR's "Lost and found sound" features a robot voice, droning narratives, and strange fade-in/fade-out effects. And then there are the lost and found recordings themselves, none of them the type of audio artifact the majority of humans would find in their attic, basement, disc storage box, or the like. This is the collection's first cheat--that there is hardly any of the vernacular focus promised by the tone of the project. The second cheat is that the majority of recordings are presented in snippets, with voice-overs, or side by side with NPR's library of annoying effects (pounding, syncopated percussion and the like), so that the listener cannot always tell what is fabricated and what is authentic. Not that it matters much, because few of the artifacts are very compelling, save for an account of the Gettysburg Address read by an eye- and ear-witness and a fragment of an Edison recording that I hope I have the chance to hear sometime. Noah Adam's narration (the robot voice mentioned above) lacks the warmth of an average weather-cube forecast, and the various civilian (non-NPR) narrators are allowed to push the art of redundancy to its limit. "People talking about lost and found recordings" would have been a more accurate title, overall. Personally, I would feel royally taken in had I been one of the probably many people who answered NPR's call for home recordings, only to find that the vast majority of offerings never had a chance of being considered in the first place. "Audio snapshots" from the periphery of everyday experience hardly offer much of a picture of the previous century.

Quirky - odd - historical - rich - multi layered - surprising - intimate - sweet - intriguing......are words that come to mind when I listened to this collection of stories. Cigar Stories was incredible! Tennesse Williams - fun, funny, compelling - Someone recording the sound of Aurora borelais? how bizarre ! how fantastic ! The pitchmen in Carnival Talkers... LBJ and the helium filled astronaut ! - The Gettysburg eyewitness account... I found this a most amazing collection. Beautifully produced stories - great listening

From beginning to finish
I was struck by its simplicity and familiarity.
Heartbreaking voice of a little girl who will not live to reach adulthood.

The everyday neighborhood sounds brought back my own childhood.
The song by the 'coal girl' incredibly beautiful.
The role cigar workers played in employment improvements by having been read to while working by the literate and knowledgeable among them. Well done. A masterpiece.

I love this cassette and would not part with it for any price.
I found it in a local 'Dollar' Store.
I've gone online only looking for Volume two?

Releases of this type always have to stand up to the "repeated listening" test, and this one certainly does. Lots of compelling stuff here to keep you coming back from time to time. Fans of this CD/radio series ought to seek out a couple similar releases from a few years back called "Lucas & Friends Discover A World Of Sounds" and "One Of One: Snapshots In Sound," both of which artfully document the world of home-made audio recordings, as found in thrift stores and garage sales.

From the back cover:

Holiday stranger?

She was beautiful, aloof...and the only thing Sawyer recognized since the accident that had stolen his memory. Instinctively he knew they weren't strangers--not when his emotions reacted so strongly, and not when he could almost feel being intimately close to her. But what was Dr. Rebecca Morehouse hiding from him?

Rebecca was denying she'd ever seen Sawyer before--and was frantic to keep the incredibly appealing Navy SEAL out of her life. Because even if Sawyer's memories had been taken, her own were all too real. After all, she had her own reminder of their very passionate encounter!

And my review:

First off, I should probaby state that I've never read any of the other books in the "Men of the Double C Ranch" series, so that might have influenced my decision a bit. Not that A CHILD FOR CHRISTMAS doesn't work as a stand-alone (it does), but as with most linked books, you always feel like you're missing a little something when you haven't read the rest of the series.

But that wasn't really my complaint with the book. First off, I have a hard time enjoying the "hidden baby" plot, since I find it really hard to respect a woman who would purposely keep a child a secret from his father. It always colors my opinion of the heroine, and the author has to work extra hard to make me like her. And while I won't blast this book for using an extremely overused plot device (amnesia), I will say that I've read books that handle it better.

My main problem was with the hero. I couldn't stand the way he immediately hit on the heroine, and continued to do so, even when she made it clear that she wasn't interested. His ham-handed attempts at gaining her favor came across as sleazy rather than sexy or romantic. I kind of felt like he was just looking for some cheap sex, and maybe to jog his memory, then that he was acting out of any real interest for the heroine. And guys--when a woman says no, it means no! Trying to force her to date you is not romantic, it's creepy.

The hero turned me off so much that I quit reading the book less than half of the way through. I would only recommend this if you are already a fan of the author, and/or you want to complete the series. Otherwise, if you're looking at this because it's a Christmas romance, don't bother. There are better ones out there.

I feel a little guilty giving this book less than a five point rating, because it was a good book. However in keeping with the Men Of the Double C series, as a huge fan of this author and this awesome series I came away a little disapointed with the story of Sawyer Clay. I found that it simply lacked the since of family and also the passion that the other 3 books in the series had. Yes it still mentions the other members of the family, but it just didn't seem the same. However, it still had some great moments which are characteristic of all Allison Leigh books. I can't wait to read Tristan's story and as I have said in my reviews of the other books, I hate to see this series come to an end.

If this book doesn't seem to have the sense of family that the other books prior to it that's probably because the character that it focuses on, Sawyer, has amnesia. He feels very disconnected with his family and as a result they're not going to be in the story as much. Who he does feel connected to in a very powerful way is the only woman he has ever loved, which is a hallmark of the "Men of the Double C" series. This is affirmed at the end when Sawyer sees Rebecca looking at him the same way that his sister-in-laws look at his brother.

The biggest difference in this story is you are dragged more into a darker side of things than you were in the other books. Particularly the shattering loneliness that Sawyer feels in his live. Ms. Leigh does a fantastic job of illustrating this. What makes Rebecca and Sawyer's reunion so satifisfying in the end is that we have been there with Sawyer in his loneliness.

Like the other stories in this series it's a great one. I, too, am sorry that the series ended with Tristan's story, but I suspect that the town of Weaver still has some more stories to tell. Besides, we still don't know what happened to the FIRST Sawyer now do we?

I loved the Navy Seal story with Sawyer and the Dr. in his life and hearing more about the Clay brothers and their families. I am anxious to read about Tristan but do not want the series to end.

In Melbourne, Dicey is depressed as she loses her multi-million dollar business pajama business and her husband Simon who was having an affair; thank goodness loyal Fergus the dog is there for her. Her sister Titch is heartbroken because she is unable to conceive even with IVF and her mate Andrew believes two strikes and your out. Their best friend Sally has broken her leg and depends on painkillers to get around. The three dejected women make matters worse when they see one another as misery loves miserable company. The trio agrees they need solace and where better than their black and white home town Moo.

At home they each try to immerse themselves into the town's needs as a means of avoiding their personal woes. However, delaying what ails them does not make it better. Somewhere along the way each of these females will have to dump their troubles or get off the black and white pot to confront their tribulations.

The lead three females provide readers with a wonderful tour of rustic Australia while coming home to lick their wounds and they hope get a respite from their anxieties. As each one struggles with major problems, the locals bring humor to the mix. Allison Rushby provides a strong character study starring a superb cast including the town in which everything is painted with black and white stripes.

Harriet Klausner

I loved this book. The Australian backdrop of the fictional town Moo, brought so much character to this book.

Dicey and friends travel to their hometown after bits of their lives have fallen apart. The extended vacation in Moo is their way of hiding from the world. While in Moo, the girls discover a lot about themselves, where they came from and where they are going in life.

The book was endearing, funny, and a fun view of Australia.

I am really not sure how I feel about the book because I didn't love yet I didn't hate it. I felt it was a good freshmen effort by the author and I feel as though she will be a great author in a few years.
I felt the charatctors could have been developed more and she left too much at the end to piece together.
But all in all it was cute and worth borrowing from a friend.

'The Dairy Queen' was not all what I expected it to be. It's a story about love, life, facing your demons, and living out your dreams.

Rushby did a great job writing this book and I hope she continues to write more great chick lit.

Deryn Lake is a pseudonym of a well know historical novelist. Among the books she has written are the popular John Rawlings Mysteries, Death in the Peerless Pool, Death at the Apothecaries' hall, Death at the Devil's Tavern and others. As all of the titles are preceded by the word death, (unusual to say the least), this is a pretty good indication regarding the contents of the books and very good historical murder mysteries they are. `Deryn Lake' live near Hastings, in East Sussex

The character of John Rawlings has grown into an old and trusted friend and the author's clear and concise writing style makes the pages fly by. The books are good, well researched historical murder mysteries. They are easy reading and a welcome change from the crash, bang wallop of many of the books being published today. Good escapism for the reader, away from the bumps and grinds of everyday life.

It is the Spring of the year 1765 and John Rawlings, apothecary and amateur solver of mysteries is slowly starting to recover from the loss of his wife. A trip to Hellstone to witness the local dancing, with his young daughter Rose and his lady friend Elizabeth de Lorenzi seems like a good idea. But while there they encounter and intriguing group of fellow visitors, among them are a blind musician, a young child who disappears and to add to the plot a beautiful woman, found dead and a coven.

On top of all of this subterfuge while John is in the process of attempting to solve the mystery, the threat widens to include his daughter Rose . . .

Sadly this is probably the weakest of the Apothecary mysteries: there are, as always in this series, vivid and authentic descriptions of place and customs and some well-drawn, quirky characters. But unfortunately these play second fiddle to the romance between John Rawlings and the Countess. Too little of Joe Jago, Sir Gabriel and London, and too many Heyer-ish flirtatious exchanges take the edge of the story. Let's hope DL will be back on form next time!

Death And The Cornish Fiddler by Deryn Lake is the story of the widower Apothecary John Rawlings and his investigation into the disappearance of a young child in some very peculiar circumstances. The Helstone Floral Dance and a peculiar blind musician add to the mystery as Rawlings uncovers a dark coven and a menacing peril directed toward his own daughter. A popular addition to any community library's "Mystery & Suspense" collection, Death And The Cornish Fiddler is very highly recommended for mystery buffs for its superbly crafted and gripping story that holds the reader's rapt attention from first page to last.

Apothecary John Rawlings, his young daughter Rose and his lady friend Elizabeth de Lorenzi have traveled to Helstone to witness the Furry Dance which dates back to Pagen times. They encounter a wide mix of fellow visitors, an intriguing Gypsy Woman, a blind musician, an irritating child who disappears, a beautiful woman found dead and a coven practicing the dark arts. While John is investigating, the threat widens to include his own daughter.

This is a new author to me and I'm glad to find her. Her depiction of Georgian England is filled with rich details and interesting characters. The pace of the story is a bit slower than I normally care for but not so much that I didn't read the book straight through. Another small annoyance was the author, a woman, had her character, a man, frequently reference the attractiveness of other men. The story was involving and the suspense subtle. I did enjoy the book very much and have ordered the first two books in the series so I may start at the beginning. I believe fans of historical fiction would find this a treat.

Deryn Lake is a pseudonym of a well know historical novelist. Among the books she has written are the popular John Rawlings Mysteries, Death on the Romney Marsh, Death in the Peerless Pool, Death at the Apothecaries' hall, Death at the Devil's Tavern and others. As all her titles are preceded by the word death, this is a pretty good indication regarding the contents of the books and very good historical murder mysteries they are. `Deryn Lake' live near Hastings, in East Sussex

For those who read Deryn Lake's excellent Georgian mysteries the character of John Rawlings is now an old and trusted friend and the author's clean writing style makes the pages fly by. The books are good, well researched historical murder mysteries, they are what they are and do not pretend to be anything else. Good escapism for the reader, away from the bumps and grinds of everyday life.

The newly married and soon to be a father, John Rawlings, Apothecary and sometime sleuth is delighted when his friend, John Fielding the famous magistrate, known to one and all as the Blind Beak invites him to be his companion to the investiture at St. James's Palace where Fielding is to be knighted. John knows it will give him a chance to show off his tailor`s latest efforts. One of John's few weaknesses is his love of good clothes. A trait no doubt picked up from his father.

Unfortunately the investiture is marred by the accidental, or so it seems, death of a nobleman, George Goward, who falls down the great staircase. Although the room was crowded, no one actually saw him start to fall as all eyes were awaiting the entrance of the queen. However John Fielding, although blind, his other senses are razor sharp and he believes that the fall was more than just an accident and as he has on occasions before, John Rawlings with the blessing of the Blind Beak sets out to try to solve the mystery of Goward's death.

I may be at a disadvantage in reviewing this since I haven't read any other books in this series, so bear this in mind!

Apothecary John Rawlings, based on a historical figure, after settling down with his new wife and having no murders to investigate for two years, is feeling his age. Happily, his friend John Fielding is about to be rewarded for his years of service by a Knighthood and Rawlings is pleased to be able to accompany him to St. James's Palace for the ceremony. When the newly knighted George Goward takes a fatal tumble down the palace stairway, Fielding suspects it was no accident and Rawlings is glad to investigate.

Luminaries from the period make brief appearances along with many fascinating characters--particularly Jack Morocco, the dashing black former-page who is treated like a son by a Duchess. Descriptions of the various entertainments and sites of London added to the interest. The mystery was complex with a number of likely suspects. While this was not one of the most engrossing, suspenseful or moving mysteries I've read, I thought it a worthwhile read.

It's been two years since apothecary John Rawlings was last involved in murder or criminal investigation ("Death in the West Wind"), and while he has settled down happily into married life and making his business prosper, he cannot deny that he really misses the thrill he had when he was helping John Fielding (the blind magistrate of Bow Street) and his runners investigate a crime. So that when an opportunity to become involved in another perplexing case offers itself, John enthusiastically throws himself whole-heartedly into the happy work of tracking down witnesses and checking alibis on John Fielding's behalf.

In "Death at St. James's Place," John Fielding is about to be knighted for all his hard work. For the investiture at the palace, Fielding is allowed to bring along three guests. And because his wife is indisposed, Fielding asks John Rawlings, as a close friend who has helped him solve a great many crimes, to take her place at his side. John is moved and excited -- to be invited to step inside St. James's, to see the young king and to stand by his good friend's side as he receives this honour... But the day becomes memorable in an unexpected way when after the investiture, another recipient, George Goward, falls down the palace's great staircase to his death. Everyone thinks that Goward lost his balance and fell, but the newly knighted Sir John Fielding believes otherwise. And he asks Rawlings to help him investigate Goward's death. Rawlings' investigations will lead him to discover certain unpleasant truths about the dead man and his widow, and surprisingly to Brompton Park School which seems to breed bullies and hooligans, and finally to the unappealing and shocking habit that British aristocrats have for farming out unwanted babies and children...

Deryn Lake's John Rawlings mystery series is one of my favourites, and is always an auto-buy for me. And perhaps it is because it is a favourite, that I'm able to overlook those things that irritated the previous reviewer so much. One thing to keep in mind when reading the later John Rawlings installments is that Rawlings greatest love was the flamboyant and beautiful actress Coralie Clive, who chose her profession over a life of domesticity with Rawlings. And while Rawlings truly does love his young wife, Emilia, pretty and intelligent Emilia is quite the antithesis of the vibrant, full bodied and flamboyant women Rawlings is naturally attracted to. Another thing to remember is that Emilia fully understands and accepts her husband's fascination with solving murders, and supports him completely in endeavour to assist Sir John Fielding.

However, even though one can always be assured of a good and entertaining read with any one of the books in this excellent series, I have to own that John Rawlings was not in top form in this particular installment. Perhaps it was because it had been a while since he was involved in any investigation, or perhaps it was because he was experiencing a fear that he was becoming sober and staid with his new middle-class life and approaching fatherhood, but whatever the reason, certain obvious facts about the case completely escape Rawlings' notice, and he jumps to certain conclusions that beggar belief. On the other hand, this was a truly excellent story. The plotting was flawless and the suspense, wonderfully sustained. As usual, the period details was sumptuous and brilliantly detailed. So that all in all, in spite of the few reservations I had about Rawlings' obtuseness, "Death at St. James's Place" was still an engrossing and riveting read.

Apothecary John Rawlings attends the St. James Palace knighting of his friend and collegue Sir John Fielding thinking that all will be pomp and circumstance. Instead, one of the new knights falls to his death from the stairs. A terrible accident? Rawlings suspects that someone might have given the knight a push. Together with Fielding, Rawlings sets off through the upper crust of Georgian England society to find the truth. There is no lack of suspects. George Goward might have been knighted for his charity, but he left enemies everywhere. No one who knew him much regrets his death. Yet, Rawlings knows his job and the veniality of the victim doesn't impact that.

Author Deryn Lake has obviously researched the Georgian period and blends plenty of fun historical tidbits into her story. The gardens, champagne breakfasts, and love affairs of the period all ring true. Lake uses a wealth of historical characters to add authenticity and that spark of recognition to her story, starting with Fielding himself, the founder of the Bow Street Runners (beloved in regency romance) and of modern policing.

An interesting historical period and a clever crime are important ingredients in a mystery. Rawlings, himself, however, is less than sympathetic as a character. He is barely tolerant of his newly pregnant wife, condescending to her wish to mingle with society, ignoring her for days at a time while he runs about his detecting, and openly lusting over other women. Lake also brings in a bit too much coincidence--distracting the reader from the story.

I enjoyed this book, as "typical" as it maybe, I think it's well worth a read.

I found this "typical" novel to be a refreshing read. If you enjoy Crime novels, then you'll enjoy "Find A Victim."

This is a typical private detective book from the post-WWII era. In it, as usual, the hero (Lew Archer) is accidentally involved in a case, and then decides to pursue the case, even though DANGER is everywhere. There is the requisite amount of hero-being-beat-up stuff, combined with hero-beating-others-up. There are the "bad" girls, and the who-knows-what-they-are girls (or 'gals', perhaps). There are the seedy denizens of the seedy town doing seedy things. And those are just the cops! There is also the seedy motel owner and his dissatisfied wife. Also on hand is the young criminal (just graduated from the juvenile delinquent ranks) and the wise old man who has seen much heartache.
I suspect this book was pretty hot when it came out, but it's almost a parody of the genre today, sad to say. I can stand about one Ross MacDonald a year, just to give me some perspective on this part of the mystery/suspense scene, and Find a Victim is it for this year.

Find a Victim is a classic example of California noir. While driving from L.A. to Sacramento, ace private eye Lew Archer stumbles upon a city known as Las Cruces where sordid secrets abound. Archer is a card carrying member of the hardboiled school of criminal investigation. He's a tough customer who can take a beating as well as render one if necessary.
Early in the narrative, a truck driver is murdered. As Archer seeks to solve this particular crime, he soon learns of a complex web of betrayal and deceit which binds together a number of Las Cruces' citizens.
This novel is about the seemier side of life. Illicit sex is a recurring theme, as are greed and jealousy.
MacDonald uses a highly descriptive type of prose, much of which is quite artfully written. And there are several distinct subplots which are all tied together at the story's dramatic conclusion. Though I found the narrative to be more convoluted than necessary, I have no trouble recommending Find a Victim to anyone who likes their mysteries hardboiled.

I've read one other Allison Rushby novel but this book really cements my status as a fan of hers. "Friday Night Cocktails" is a funny, light, interesting chick-lit novel. This was a really fast for me-I read the novel in a day and a half. Gemma is a woman who starts a list about all the men who have done her and her friends wrong on her website based on the list that her and her friend, Sarah and their roomates started in college. The list is of all the men that have done them wrong over the years. Gemma and Sarah think that other women will relate and soon the site is getting thousands of hits and tons of entries. Soon Gemma realizes she needs a PA to do her bidding once she's earning quite a bit of money from the advertisers on the site, so she hires Chris, a male, to help her. Soon Gemma finds that Chris is helping her more than she realizes.
There is only a couple heavier things in the novel but it's certainly not "War and Peace" in tone and writing. But it's a pleasure to read and I found myself hooked. I'm now an Allison Rushby fan for sure and I can't wait to read her other works.

It has taken me months to read this book. I would read a chapter one night & let it sit on my nightstand for two months before I felt the need to pick it up again. I really could not relate to the characters. There were no exciting events in the book. The main character Gemma begins a website called allmenarebastards.com & the website takes off, creating her a new career. She deals with a struggle of an ended relationship & the ups & downs of several friendships. It has a happy ending, but I must warn you: there was no exciting climax, along with no plot. It was not the most boring book I've read, but not very interesting. I don't recommend.

When I had heard what this book was supposed to be about, I was intrigued. I quickly raced down to the bookstore and grabbed a copy. What better premise can you imagine - two women decide one night (after having a few drinks) to put a list of "bastards" on the internet, only to have the list become extremely popular and get out of hand? I knew it would be good. And I was right - it was really good.

Gemma and Sarah have been friends forever. Along with their friendship, a list has survived over the years - a list they fondly call "the bastard list." This list is made up of a the names of guys that had earned the name in one way or another. One night after a few too many cocktails, they decide to put the list up on the internet. Gemma not only puts up the list, but gets the word out to the virtual world about it. Before they know it, people all over the world are viewing the list, adding their own names and stories. Gemma discovers that money could be made from it, and she decides to put the list on a new website and begin advertising. The new name she comes up with is www.allmenarebastards.com. She hires an assistant (a quiet, serious type of guy) and the revenues begin rolling in.

Gemma's friends Sarah and Michael begin expressing their concern over the website. After all, the website was supposed to be based on a list of men who had acted like bastards, not state that all men were bastards, right? Gemma seems to be especially bitter about men lately, it seems. But she has pretty good reason to, or so she thinks.

I absolutely adored "Friday Night Cocktails". It was outrageously fun to read, well-written and irresistable. I loved Gemma, the main character. Although she was flawed in many ways, somehow I still found myself rooting for her. Even when she went off on her "All men are bastards!" tangent. She was a woman to be reckoned with, and I really enjoy that in a main character. As for the plot, it moved along breathlessly and was well executed. And the novel was very funny!

Overall, this book was a highly satisfying and fun read.

I came across this book while browsing at Border's. The back cover really grabbed my attention and I thought this is a funny way to cope with men. The book starts out typical, but quickly turns into self-reflection for the main characters. It's not your typical chick-lit book. I also liked the author's writing style. It was as though she was having a conversation with you. I definitely will read more from her.

This is Burgess's version of the early story of Christianity, beginning at the crucifixion and ending with what appears to be the inevitable downfall of the Christian sect. He bases his work on Acts, Josephus etc, but the best part was obviously the fact that he injects the unapologetic, frequently-shocking, always-honest Burgess style. As such, expect a lot of explicit sex, violence and other things that made those times what they were.

The account is more cynically-historical than reverentially-religious, or at least that's how it appeared to me, however if you are a Christian I don't think this book is *bound* to alienate you, though it may. Burgess also parallels the development of the story of Peter, Paul et al with that of the comtemporary Roman emperors and their lives. This is where it becomes unstuck at some point as there is sometimes no connexion. Besides this flaw, I found it to be a very enjoyable read - an intelligent and ironic take on the past.

Anthony Burgess' profound learning is on display in a fascinating piece of historical fiction, The Kingdom of the Wicked. Picking up just days after the crucifixion of Jesus, we find the founding fathers of Christianity rendered realistically in an often hilarious book. From the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, to the imperial court of the mad Caligula, Burgess' novel takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of the Mediterranean during the first century. Though a well-crafted story filled with luminosities of language, it is the historical perspective that is perhaps most rewarding to the reader. Anyone who has spent time reading the Bible or has heard the stories of early Christendom will undoubtedly, unless a scholarly type, have difficulty referencing them in a real way. The various letters of the apostles provide only subservient snippets of the time while Burgess' novel takes us into the very rooms of the apostles as they write and commences on into their minds while monitoring everything from their lustful proclivities to their bowel movements. The learning combined with the lurid language at hand make The Kingdom of the Wicked a marvel. However, the leapfrogging from one story to another leaves the final storyline disjointed and the reader sometimes perplexed. Also, the learning has a darker side for, whereas details are lavishly furnished throughout, sordid specifics of Caligula's court are enough to make most readers turn quickly to the next page. It's enough to make one claim that some history deserves to be buried, but this is Burgess' bold statement to the contrary.

I have read five books by Burgess, and I must say that this is not his best, that is not to say that it is a bad book though. In fact, I liked it (as my rating shows). It showed his thorough knowledge of ancient Rome, and Jerueselem. The characters were well portrayed, and both people with, and without great knoweldge of the time will find the book quite enjoyable to read, for its descriptions.
I have two complaints, however, the list of characters grows and grows, until I find myself thoroughly confused. Also, the storyline seems to flow together less and less towards the end, and it seems as if Burgess wanted to finish up the novel, so he just wrote down everything that was supposed to happen, without peicing it together with any sort of transitions.
The book still has its charms, the characters are all very interesting, and the descriptions of the ancient empire are very well written.
In the end, I would say that if you have a strong interest in ancient Rome, you should read this, as it tells history while making it enjoyable. I would not, however, recommend that this be the first book by Burgess that you read, as it is longer, and differently written than almost all his other ones.

This is a really hard book to rate. On the one hand, the actual execution -- writing, style, structure and so forth -- is great. The voice, that of a retired Roman clerk, is consistent throughout and the take on the Roman Empire and early Christianity is believable and interesting.

On the other hand, the story really fell short for me. As it went on, it became less of a coherent story and more of a list of (mostly dire and unpleasant) events. While at the beginning it seemed that the characters had some relationship to one another and that the story had a point, by the end it all seemed random and arbitrary. I enjoyed the narrator as a character, but I kept expecting his story to tie in with the main story. It never did, and I was left wondering why it was he felt so compelled to tell the story in the first place. As well, the ending fell flat. I was looking for at least one or two of the characters to undergo some change or experience some kind of redemption. Maybe I missed something, but it didn't seem like that happened. As a result, I was left feeling cheated.

Passed the Cisco security exam using only this book. Has just the right combination of theory, backed by solid examples and explanations.

I use this book to prepare the exam MCNS, it meets what I need. It can give a good overview of network security, and enough information on the FireWall, VPN, AAA, Intrusion Detection. It provides enough examples to illustrate the idea, especially for those commands usage. Don't expect this book can give you much in-depth information on all areas, such as network security design, but still can give you an overview and enough information for beginner to intermediate level.

The Syngress publication "Managing Cisco Network Security" provides a decent collection of concepts pertaining to architecting secured information systems. However, I found the book lacking in examples of creative applications and substantially less comprehensive than documentation available on Cisco System's web site. In this respect, I was disappointed with the publication contents.

I would recommend the book to those seeking foundation knowledge in the art of network security while cautioning that expectations of specific Cisco guidance might be better satisfied through research of Cisco repositories.

Extremely informative. Much better than the "Cisco Press" technically written version.