Cruz Books

This book was really a God send. Some friends and business associates have all sorts of jelly palm squezzers or religious mantra calanders to help relieve stress during the course of a hectic day. Since I purchased my first copy of The Official Spanglish Dictionary it hasn't left my desk. Whenever the day starts heating up and getting crazy, I close my office door, kick my feet up and open this hilarious book to any page. There is no better therapy than laughter and wow do I laugh when I crack this book open. I have purchased at least ten copies and given them to friends and family. Hats off to the writers and I can't wait for the follow up.

Ron

This book has become one of my favorites. I do not speak Spanish but can still fully appreciate the humor in this book. I just wish I had this book years and years ago when I first met and married my husband. You see, his father's family is from Cuba and this book would have helped me understand some of the sayings one hears in Miami. When I read excerpts and words from this book, my family-in-law adores it! They too think that it's an entertaining book. I find it's especially good for the children whose parent(s) emigrated to the USA from Cuba in the 1950's-1970's - "baby boomers" and such. Buy it & enjoy!

The spanish language is only one, if it is in the Royal Academy Of The Spanish Language then you can consider you speak spanish, if not, dictionaries like this one are just [weak].

This book is funny as hell, but it seems a bit short. Any Spanish-speaking gringo's going to get a kick out of this book. I thought English had some funny expressions, but a few of the lines out of this book are just so messed up I almost passed out laughing. Even some of the things that almost make sense are just so bizarre that you can't quit laughing. A must have for any Spanish student or bilingual Gringo.

This book is truly like no other..If you're parents are Cuban, you can relate to the entire book... I felt as though the authors had lived with my family... It's hilarious.. You will enjoy this book and it's great to see that you are not the only one, whose parents believed and said all of the sayings in this book!

I won't try to add much to what the Editorial Review says, because it really does cover a lot. Mr. Mahaney's book certainly does approach the cross of Christ from a God-centered viewpoint, not a man-centered one, which is exactly right (cf. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' pamphlet called The Cross: The Vindication of God). What Mahaney does so well is to walk the reader through Gethsemane and onwards to Calvary; to evoke a sense of some of the physical and spiritual pain Christ was experiencing as he took these steps towards his substitutionary death on our behalf. It's a book that demands many more re-reads than Mahaney's little book The Cross-Centered Life, as good as that one is. Christ Our Mediator must be read many times in order to soak in all the subtle nuances of our Saviour's sacrifice on the cross.

CJ is one of my modern day heroes. Through his humility and teaching, the Lord has given me a new vision of the Cross. This book can help you no matter where you're at in your spiritual life. Whether a new believer (easy to understand), someone who doesn't believe (life changing), someone who doesnt like to read (only 95 pages), or a scholar who thinks this is below him (very deep and penetrating). If you're serious about God, this is the kind of book to help you love your Saviour more. "Let the cross always be the treasure of your heart, your best & highest thought...and your passionate preoccupation." page 94.

This little book is a very powerful one. The book is summed up in one of C.J. Mahaney's quotes when asked by a Starbuck's barista, "How are you doing?" C.J.'s response? "Better than I deserve." This quote is the essence of this book. C.J.'s focus is entirely on the cross and what Christ went through spiritually as He prayed in the garden and left alone and forsaken on the cross.

C.J. hammers home the point of quite the opposite of what is usually focused on: Christ's physical suffering to refocusing us on Christ's spiritual suffering. C.J. then applies this to the reader's suffering in life, joy and proclamation of the Gospel.

There is absolutely no fluff in this book, it keeps coming straight at you over and over again. One quote I absolutely loved is:

"If one were to weigh their suffering in this life, their sin would far outweigh it."

C.J.'s point is that when we go through suffering we should not focus on ourselves but in the redemption and suffering at the cross.

I whole heartily recommend this book to all. Return to the cross

This short cross-centered book (you can read it in one sitting)is a helpful reminder of the glory of God's rescue of sinners from his own righteous wrath through the gift of his precious Son. Mahaney reminds us that it was our own personal sin that nailed Jesus to the cross and our own face in the crowd that cried "crucify him! crucify him!" And he points us to the joy and assurance that comes from trusting the love and grace unleashed through Jesus's substitutionary work. One piece of advice: combine your order of this book with "Songs for the Cross-centered Life," a CD produced by the ministry which C. J. Mahaney leads. Your heart will soar with the songs which express the truth of this book.

Having written The Cross Centered Life, in which he exhorted believers to keep the gospel the main thing - the central focus of the Christian life - C.J. Mahaney now stops to reflect on Christ's sacrifice. Christ Our Mediator follows hard on the heels of many similar books timed to coincide with the popularity of The Passion of the Christ. Mahaney begins the book by asserting (correctly, it seems) that a visual presentation of Christ's crucifixion simply is not enough - we must also be told about the content of the story of the gospel. "The gospel message isn't visual; it's truth. It is truth to be believed, not simply a collection of images to be viewed" (page 10). Knowing that many people have seen the how of Christ's death, Mahaney sets out to bring sense to the why of it.

To explain the cross, Mahaney presents a handful of reflections or meditations on Christ's suffering and death. Drawing on Scripture and the teachings of great Christians of our day and days past, he presents the gospel in all its force and power. He presents the message that people hate to hear, yet so badly need to hear. This message is the only thing that can save the soul, and Mahaney presents it with that sort of urgency.

This little book, weighing in at only 95 pages, will stir your heart with renewed love for Christ. We could wish that it was a little bit longer, but clearly it was meant only as an introduction to this important topic. Mahaney is sure to recommend, as further reading, other excellent books dealing with the subject. He recommends The Gospel for Real Life and The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges, The Cross of Christ by John Stott, Saved From What? by R.C. Sproul, The Passion of Jesus Christ by John Piper and The Message of Salvation by Philip Ryken. To that list I would add The Cross He Bore by Frederick Leahy, a wonderful book of meditations upon the cross.

Another challenging little book by C.J. Mahaney, Christ Our Mediator is a welcome sequel to The Cross Centered Life and one I heartily recommend. It provides a great introduction to the importance of the cross and will lead the reader not only to understand why Christ had to die, but to want to know more.

I love this book. It's taken me from Ireland to France, Belgium, England, Wales, the Neathelands and countries in-between. It's tiny and is filled with helpful phrases in an easy-to-read format. Also, it's very durable. I love all Lonely Planet books!

Helpful tip: I always cover my phrasebooks with a plain cover to avoid standing out as a tourist.

An excellent quick reference for all your travel language necessities in Europe. And it's a handy little size too.

If you plan to travel all over Europe, this book may get you through and save the time and trouble of carrying a different phrasebook for each country. It is small, just slightly larger than the average palm and full of basic phrases.
It doesn't cover every language but DOES include Basque, Catalan, Welsh, Spanish, Turkish, Italian, Dutch, French, German and a wealth of others.
WHat I especially liked:
1. The tips on how to break the ice in each country and join in conversations
2.Menu decoders and suggestions for each country
3.Essential words to get you through transportation checkpoints and on your way
4. Some of the basic sports and festivals in each country.
5. Written FOR the traveler with a strong emphasis on the most essential situations when a phrasebook might be needed.

This book has several advantages over other phrasebooks:
* Its got most of Europe (except Eastern) covered, including Irish!
* It is small - about the size of two decks of cards.
* It has the english phrase, the phrase in the translated language and then in blue how you actually pronounce the phrase. The pronunciations are spot on - the best thing about this book.
* It has phrases on absolutely everything - I even got to use my Greek phrase for "I would not like it extracted please" when I spoke to a greek student at the Oktoberfest who was studying dentistry. Everything's covered: getting on buses, going to the laundromat, getting directions, etc. About 20 pages on each language with everything that you will need to get by for a while.
* It's cheap and all in one book.
* A must have for anybody going to Europe who doesn't speak all their languages - I think that's everyone.

it is great to see the smaller langauges of Europe in this guide!!

WE DO EXIST REMEMBER!!

Irish, Scots Gaelic, Welsh, Basque and Catalan take their positions as European languages of note!

All BRITISH and SPANISH people should know some words in THEIR lesser used languages! Otherwise they are not really British/Spanish!!!

To start X-Men is my favorite comic, always has been and always will be. That being said there is alot of malarky that passes for X-Men these days (X-Men 3 and most of Ultimate X-Men for starters) and I am glad to see a comic take on the origin story and be so new and exciting. The characters develop well and the stories contained in this first tpb are nothing short of what an avid fan should expect. Each page was well worth the purchase and in the six months I have had it I have read it three times. Most definetly worth buying if your a fan of the X-Men or for the uninitiated it's a great start.

I do, and this hardcover reminds us of the fact.

Jeff Parker (the same man who brought us sleeper hits like "Goom Got Game!" or "Doom, Where's My Car?") returns us to Stan Lee's roster of the original five X-Men: Marvel Girl, Angel, Beast, Iceman and Cyclops.

They go on wacky adventures like a trip to the Arctic to meet an ancient civilization, or a trip to the Everglades to save Doctor Curtis Connors. There's a lot of humor in the book, and it's very lighthearted, but there's also a lot of heart. Jean, for example, talks to Scott about his power, his burden: "Just like a horse needs to run, you have to use your power." There's also an issue where the teens have to save Professor X, which is very touching about family values and teen power.

All the issues are self-contained, meaning there's a story in every issue that stands by itself. There are delightful easter eggs too, such as when Bobby makes ice claws on his hands, and Jean says "Oh please - big claws would be ridiculous!" or when the demon from the astral realm says "Rahh-jerrr-kruhhhzzz." Roger Cruz on art duties tells the stories well, and Marko Djrudjevic makes absolutely beautiful covers.

If you like fun comics, this is definitely worth your 25 bucks, and at amazon, 17 bucks is a steal. It's a fantastic book for kids as well.

This was not what I had expected but it was still a good read. The stories were very light with not a lot of characterization. The art is very cartoonish, not at all like the cover art. However, the stories are entertaining and worth reading and the book itself is very nicely put together. For a hardcover it was worth the price of buying it used for $10.

Contains the popular 8 issue mini series, that presented what those first years were like for the X-Men. Here the team consists of just Marvel Girl, Cyclops, Angel, Beast, and Iceman. A good book for those new to Marvel Comics.

Jeff Parker and Roger Cruz have constructed a wonderfully modernized version of the classic X-Men team. X-Men: First Class contains everything from iPods to the Internet, and portrays teenagers and life at boarding school exactly as it is, with the addition of super-powers of course. In this series the X-Men are teens who deal with the problems of puberty, homework, secret crushes and exams while simultaneously battling menaces such as the Lizard, demons, rogue computers, and alien entities not to mention other mutants. The characters are easy to identify with and most are likable. My favorites were Iceman and Hank McCoy (Beast), with Angel a close second. Scott and Jean's budding romance is done well, and I found myself enjoying the cleverness of the writing (a particular scene where Prof X sends Iceman on an errand after reading Scott's mind to give him some private time with Jean is especially moving). Action fills the pages along with excellent art and vibrant colors that make the characters leap off the page. Great stand-alone stories and a wonderfully invigorating team dynamic makes this take on the early X-Men the most believable and enjoyable. I am very glad that I got to read about the old X-Men in their very first incarnation again. Three cheers for Parker and Cruz for an outstanding book.

Give's a new insight of the love she had for Cuba, her family, and the music she was so proud to perform.

Anticipate an autobiography which is filled with depth, from the ups and downs of Cruz's life to her musical successes and few failures: CELIA: MY LIFE is an essential library addition considering how many myths and rumors abound about Cruz's life.

In this book we can read the story of Celia Cruz in her own words. She shares important anecdotes with the reader, many of them so emotional that they absolutely will move your heart and you will be able to know the wonderful woman she was.
An excellent example of courage, perseverance, self-esteem and faith to all the inmigrants and all the people of this country!

This is an enjoyable memoir from the great Cuban singer Celia Cruz, reminiscing on her long life of musical creativity and success. She came of age in the rich Afro/Latin/Caribbean musical scene of pre-Castro Cuba, but then had to flee her homeland, never to return, after the dictator took control and ruthlessly suppressed his people's vibrant and colorful homegrown culture. For some reason Celia never hit it big with mainstream American audiences, but she was huge in the Latin community, and hundreds of thousands of fans mourned her passing in 2003. This book is written mostly in the form of positive reminiscences on friends, faith, and successes. There is nothing wrong with that in the slightest, but I can't quite give this book a perfect rating because of some missed opportunities. Celia's life offers many rich lessons on having to flee one's home into exile, and continuing to work for one's people through success in the outside world. Celia has many very wise and compelling things to say about Castro, the suffering of her people, life in exile, and the issues faced by black and Latin women in music. Unfortunately, Celia's experienced and heartfelt remarks on these matters usually appear for only a paragraph or two, and then it's back to the joyful reminiscing. But even though some golden opportunities for real insight are lost, this is still a great story about the life of an outstanding talent and personality. [~doomsdayer520~]

The explosion of Latin music in America did not start with the likes of Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez or even Gloria Estefan. No, the introduction of the pulsating, hypnotic, rhythmic beats of Latin America was started over forty years ago and owes its unveiling in part to the powerful and soulful voice of Celia Cruz. Written by the diva herself, CELIA: MY LIFE AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY is a sentimental celebration of a musical journey that spanned more than half a century.

Born of African descent in Havana, Cuba to a loving family of humble means, music was always a part of Celia's life from the first time her mother sung her a Spanish lullaby. Growing up, Celia was enthralled with the beautiful fusion of the Afro-Cuban music that was drenched within the island's culture. Cuba's musical landscape was quite eclectic and she was captivated by the varied musical styles that swept her homeland. She was influenced by everything, from salsa to samba. Acknowledged by family, friends and neighbors as having a glorious voice, Celia was encouraged to share her gifts with the world. Persuaded by a cousin to enter talent shows, as a teen she began wowing local audiences with her talent. It was just a short time before she became the toast of Cuba.

With the blessing of her friends and family except her father, who wanted her to pursue a more "respectable" profession, Celia began pursuing music. She began perfecting her skills by working the various nightclubs and musical revues in Cuba. It is through Celia's eyes that we are given a front row view of the beautiful and sultry nightclubs that were once part of Cuba's night life. The reader is given a rare look on and behind stage from Celia as she allows us to experience the exhilarating thrill of her performances. Through Celia's narration we are also given a bird's eye view of the changing politics of Cuba and the rise of Fidel Castro. She frankly discusses how she witnessed the political turmoil that nearly tore her homeland apart and ushered in a dictator. Disenchanted with the political changes in Cuba, with a heavy heart Celia decided to escape from the communist nation; sadly she left all she knew and loved behind. Upset and humiliated that one of the nation's most celebrated entertainers had defected from his country Fidel Castro forbade Celia from ever stepping foot on Cuba's soil again.

Despite being banished from her homeland and a few personal and professional setbacks, CELIA: MY LIFE AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY is a joyful testimony of a legendary singer's triumphs in life and within the music industry. Celia Cruz recently passed on leaving behind a catalog of wonderful music that will continue to be enjoyed by her legions of fans for years to come. Her voice will forever inspire and invite future generations to celebrate and treasure the pulsating beats of Latin music.

Reviewed by L. Raven James
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

El libro es bueno pero no de los mejores. No es tan bueno o tan motivante como los de Alex Dey.

this book is one of the best, a great story has change my life. read it would change your life

Tuve el privilegio de escuchar la historia de la vaca directamente del Dr. Camilo Cruz en una convencion y en uno de sus CD's.

Esta historia de la vaca se la he repetido a varios amigos y familiares y todos han quedado facinados y terminan pidiendome que se la cuente a alguien mas.

El Dr. Cruz, con este cuento de la vaca, hace ver de una manera sencilla como la mayoria se queda conforme en la mediocridad. La moraleja de el cuento de la vaca me ha inspirado a nivel personal a salirme de la caja de comfort y estirar en varios aspectos de la vida. A pricipio del 2008 mi esposa y yo matamos a nuestra vaca.

Date la oportunidad de aprender de esta historia. Suerte!!!!

Generalmente caemos en el error de buscar que los demás apoyen nuestras decisiones...NO¡¡¡ Si queremos hacer algo, se debe hacer, pues nosotros somos los más importantes y los únicos responsables de nuestras acciones. Algunas personas se especializan en matar sueños...¿Cuantas cosas ha dejado de hacer usted por un comentario negativo de alguien a quien le comentó su idea o sueño?

Este libro toca esos temas, es bueno y entretenido y demuestra que en la vida se deben tomar decisiones.

¿Deseas alcanzar el exito YA? Debes cambiar tus pensamientos y este libro te ayudará a lograrlo. No importa lo que hayas pasado en tu vida, fracasos o de donde vengas, el Exito está en tus manos. Mata tus vacas y nos vemos en la cima.

I have enjoyed others written by Laura Crum and applaud new writers in the genre (equine mystery). But I found myself highly doubtful of the storyline. I just couldn't accept that an experienced equine vet with an experienced packer for a boyfriend would head off alone into high country with inexperienced horses, making as many dangerous mistakes as Gail did. It really got in the way of an otherwise good read.

Slickrock is the first Laura Crum book I've read, and I will definitely read more. The characters remind anyone whose ever met a cowboy about their way of life. I love the independence that the main character shows. This is definitely the book for all horse lovers out there.

"Crum spins a solidly built story that pits the independent and savvy woman against the heedless natural world and some nasty humans.... Some finely drawn portraits, a tight plot that keeps its secrets until the end and a spectacular assist from Mother Nature make for memorable reading." Publishers Weekly

I've published a number of stories myself and If I could write this well, I'd die happy. This book is absolutely first-rate, with a fascinating main character, marvelous use of the language, a tremendous setting, and an interesting mystery. I collect first editions and it's off to the auction site to start collecting Laura Crum's. This could be the best book of the year!

I discovered Laura Crum by accident and have read all her books. This new one is the best yet! The mystery is interesting and believeable right to the surprising twist at the end. A great read, especially for those who like horses and the high sierras.

The Age of Apocalypse satisfies the inherent "What-If?" cravings that most readers are prey to: what is professor Xavier had died and his dream along with him? The Age of Apocalypse answers this questions in the most dramatic way possible.

First off, the technical issues: as mentioned, although this is labeled Book 2 by Marvel, it is in fact "Book 1", with the actual Book 1 containing one-off or self-contained stories that are not continuous in the main storyline. You may pick up this book without the previous one and not feel like you just jumped in midway.

... assuming you are already familiar with the X-Universe. There are at least 50 Characters in this Graphic Novel, almost all of whom are modified versions of existing characters in the mainstream Marvel Universe. As a casual comics reader (I'm 30, so my comics peak was in the late 80s) I could follow the connections between most of the characters, but Wikipedia came in handy on more than one occasion. True X-book readers will get more out of this one than I did, as I'm sure there are a ton of Easter Eggs lovingly planted for the long-time fans.

You're certainly getting good bang for your buck with this comic: it's almost 400 pages, about twice the length of ordinary graphic novels that retail for about the same price, and the art is beautiful. The story is also engrossing and not for the faint of heart: a genocide being perpetrated on non-mutant humanity is not a tale for small children, and the relationships between the characters are complex, even more so because they often subtly refer to the relationships between their mainstream counterparts.

Readers uninterested in the Marvel Universe should stay away: there are much more accessible superhero comics out there that are more unified, such as Alan Moore's Watchmen. But for anyone who enjoys Mutants and world-shattering storylines, it's hard to beat the Age of Apocalypse. On to Book 3!

Premetto che considero una piaga, per il fumetto popolare americano, l'abuso di statagemmi (o meglio mezzucci) narrativi quali universi paralleli, viaggi nel tempo e stravaganze di tal fatta. Questi espedienti ammorbano la vita degli X Men sin dai tempi di Dyas of Future Past, dove però Claremont e Byrne l'avevano risolta con classe e discrezione.
Anche il prologo dell'Era di Apocalisse risulta quanto meno pacchiano: un viaggio indietro nel tempo di Legione, folle figlio di Xavier che nel tentativo di uccidere Magneto finisce per assassinare il genitore; il cristallo M'kraan che cristallizza tutta la realtà...
In un mondo dove Xavier, morto, non ha potuto addestrare giovani mutanti l'immortale En Sabah Nur, alias Apocalisse, ha avuto buon gioco nel sottomettere l'intero Nord America e nello sterminare gran parte della popolazione civile in campi di concentramento. Il suo credo, la "legge del più forte", è portata alle più estreme conseguenze, ma rimangono dei paladini alla causa dell'umanità: gli X Men addestrati e riuniti da un Magneto che, in questa realtà, lotta per il sogno di integrazione genetica propugnato da Xavier.
L'atmosfera è cupa come non mai, gli eventi spesso eccessivi ma assolutamente giustificati dal clima di terrore e disperazione che si respira sotto il guanto di ferro di Apocalisse.
Di gran livello il lavoro di scrittori quali Lobdell, Loeb, Nicieza (giusto per citarne alcuni) e di disegnatori in ottima forma, tra cui spiccano i Kubert e uno Ian Churchill in una forma a mio avviso smagliante.
Che si tratti di una delle saghe più importanti degli ultimi anche risulta chiaro anche dal "Ritorno all'Era di Apocalisse" (per la verità assai meno intenso e interessante del suo predecessore) proposto dalla Marvel per festeggiare i dieci anni dell'evento.
Qualche nota sul confezionamento: l'intera saga è raccolta in quattro corposi volumi di cui il primo consta di qualche racconto autoconclusivo, di una miniserie e di un prologo tutt'altro che imprescindibili per la comprensione degli avvenimenti. Il cuore del racconto si sviluppa negli imperdibili volumi 2, 3 e 4, ma se avete qualche soldino da parte e siete collezionisti con la C maiuscola dubito vi farete sfuggire anche il primo tomo.
Insomma, secondo la mia umile opinione si tratta di uno dei lavori più interessanti degli anni '90, che va assaporato per la drammatica parentesi che rappresenta più che per il suo apporto a una continuity mutante assai barcollante e priva di idee realmente innovative.

Of all the stories in the Marvel universe the Age of Apocalypse is one of my favorites. I highly suggest that everyone who enjoys the x-men read it.

With the tenth (that's right, tenth!) anniversary of Marvel's epic X-Men storyline, the Age of Apocalypse, Marvel has released three massive volumes of the various issues released in that time. Volume 1 featured various one-shots, mini-series, and the X-Men Chronicles issues, and wasn't worth your time unless you're an AoA completist. Volume two however finally gets some things right by featuring the first couple issues of the various series' as well as the jump off point X-Men: Alpha (Vol. 3 will contain the concluding issues and the ending X-Men: Omega) that introduces the readers to this dark, alternate world where Charles Xavier never lived long enough to form the X-Men, and the evil Apocalypse rose to power and conquered most of the world. X-Men: Alpha introduces us to Magneto's team of X-Men: his wife Rogue, son Quicksilver, as well as Sabretooth, Wild Child, Storm, Nightcrawler, Sunfire, Banshee, Morph, Iceman, and Blink. The team is split up in the issues of Astonishing X-Men and Amazing X-Men as they take on various forces of Apocalypse. Weapon X introduces us to the one handed Logan and his lover Jean Grey as they unite with the Human High Council to save the world. Factor X gives us a glance at Apocalypse's main mutants; Sinister, Cyclops, Beast, and Havok. Gambit & the X-Ternals introduces us to the heroic thief and his team of mutants (including Jubilee, Lila Chaney, and Strong Guy) as they begin their quest into space to retrieve a piece of the M'Krann Crystal. Generation Next finds Colossus and Shadowcat training a group of young mutants and leading them on a mission to save Colossus' lost sister. X-Man (written by Jeph Loeb) introduces us to Nate Grey (this universe's version of Cable); the genetic offspring of Cyclops and Jean Grey, and he's the most powerful mutant on the planet. X-Calibre finds Nightcrawler going solo to find the msyterious mutant Destiny. All the storylines are great, and Generation Next, Astonishing X-Men, and X-Man are the absolute best. The only downside is that if you've never read any of the AoA material before, you are going to be left hanging a lot, and you'll be salivating to see how it all ends. The art throughout is excellent, and the stories are surprisingly gripping; something that is shocking to say the least considering that this is 90's X-Men we're talking about. All in all, the AoA storyline was a masterwork, and while how this TPB is collected isn't perfect, it's certainly better than Volume 1.

First a plea to any new readers who might have been hoodwinked into purchasing the first volume of the AOA-Epic: PLEASE forget that cruel marketing trick and give this one a shot, this is the true (beginning of the) Age of Apocalypse, the crown jewel of the 1990s X-Men run that was so astounding that it took nearly a decade before another worth-while X-Men story would be written again.
In the Early '90s the X-Men reached their zenith of popularity, and although there were certainly low points in the early '90s run of the X-Universe (followed by an abysmally unreadable period of just under 10 years) it is unquestionably one of the time periods that justified the X-Men's place as the consistent top-seller, then and now. The Age of Apocalypse was the culmination, and the bristling climax, of one of the greatest eras in the X-Men's existence.

Synopsis: Forget volume one, everyone else but the marketing flunkies at Marvel did (or the poor saps who paid money for a collection of B-level story lines that leeched off of the glory of a truly well done comic book masterpiece). Here we are taken into a world that throws the importance of Xavier's dream right into our faces, a world where that dream was aborted and replaced with a blood-drenched nightmare. The Dark Lord Apocalypse threatens the globe, from his base from what was once America, with the aid of his Four Horsemen (Sinister, Holocaust, Abyss, and Mikhail Rasputin) and his mutant elite (including Cyclops, Havoc, and Beast). In Europe, humanity is meekly defended by a Human High Council (Brian Braddock, Emma Frost, Moria MacTaggart and Trask) that ratters a saber in the form of an army of Sentinels and nuclear missiles. The only true source of salvation lies with Magneto and the meager yet potent network of mutant resistance that he has thrown up against the genetic supremacist régime of Apocalypse that makes mass genocide and blasphemous dark science everyday occurrences. Despite their best efforts, Magneto, the X-Men and other heroes of this Dark Age are fighting a losing battle, and the hordes of the Dark Lord begin to crush even the most stalwart of spirits; and then one man, Bishop, delivers them the glimmer of hope needed to march on in their defiance of seemingly omnipotent armies of evil. In another world Xavier's dream was made real, and Apocalypse never rose to power.

This dark incarnation of the X-Men's' world is thoroughly explored in-depth, and the characterization is so well done that it even gives invaluable insight to the characters as they appear in the main-stream world of the X-Men. Some who were heroes break under the evil that has infected their world while others turn from their own paths of darkness when shown the extreme consequence of blind self-serving ambition. As death and horror flow in Apocalypse's wake and the leaders of humanity grow intent on mimicking his evil to feed their own thirst for revenge, Magneto and the X-Men will fight to the bitter end to save their world from this ultimate evil.

Yet if the gripping story is not enough to sell you, the art work is mouthwatering at best and breathtaking at worst.

Enjoy!

i read some of this book for a class.. but it is well written.. but its history,,,, so its boring.. u know?

I purchased this book from Richard Taylor and received the book in a speedy manner. The book was in new condition and it was stated on Amazon.com that the book was in new condition. I had questions about the order and emailed Mr. Taylor. He responded to my email in a speedy, excellent manner! I'm very happy about my purchase.

The reading structure allow the reader to visualize and understand American History from outside and inside. Wonderful maps, statistical charts, great photos, and a very good section titled: historical question. If you are the type of person in exploring new perspectives of the American History, do not hesitate to look this book.

As far as textbooks go, it was the formatting that make it what it is. Lots of pictures & primary sources compliment the information being covered in the text. Makes it not as boring a read as most history books. You actually find yourself reading all the little extras.

What makes this series truly great? The fact that they give you a choice on book format to purchase. In a college this textbook would be for a US history 1 & 2. You can chose to purchase the expensive and heavy Hardback if you know you are going to take both parts. Or you can buy a softback of Vol 1 or Vol 2, depending on which class you are enrolled in.

As an adult student, who only recently returned after over 10 year gap I had no reason to want to buy the big textbook. Already had US History 1 credits from the last time around. Through Amazon.com I was able to find the correct edition of the book, while the college bookstore refused to carry it!

Thankful that Amazon.com exists. :)

Here is a woman leading a very interesting life. She loves her job as an equine vet She has a lovely little farm where she keeps horses, a dog, a cat, and assorted other animals. She has garden full of antique roses and a tiny house she lavishes much care upon. Just reading her observations about her daily routine was enjoyable. Then the mystery slowly unfolds--and a very unusual mystery it is. A really good read, don't miss it.

I really enjoyed this book, it was face-paced, well thought out and moving. If you like horses and mystery, try it.

While I found the basic premise of the book a little hard to believe (or maybe I just didn't WANT to believe it - to give the author credit, she says that it is loosely based on an incident that actually occurred at a barn where she boarded her horses), it offers Crum's usual mix of suspense, veterinary information and background in the world of horse people, along with a surprise culprit. I didn't figure this one out midway through the book.

Crum's books offer my favorite combination - horses and mystery. My only complaints are that her books are too short and there is too much time between releases!

In Santa Cruz County, California, Veterinarian Dr. Gail McCarthy feels depressed about her personal life since her boyfriend Lonnie Peterson left town. Her work has not helped her mood and dating Clay Bishop fails to pick her out of her gloom. She does make a new friend, artist Nicole Deveraux, but the circumstances under which they first met are nasty. Someone tied up Nico's docile mare and apparently "raped" the horse, leaving behind a substance that looks like semen. Because the European Nico is an illegal alien, she rejects calling the police.

Gail's friend Kris Griffith becomes the owner of the second horse victim as her mare is sexually abused and her daughter knocked out. This time the police are called and verify the fluid left behind is semen. Apparently, the culprit is becoming more compulsive and the question is whether women will be next and if yes will he kill to remain hidden?

BREAKAWAY spends most of the plot following Gail as she battles with depression. The who-done-it does not form until two-thirds of the tale is finished. Thus, Laura Crum's novel is more of a character study with even the mystery tying back to Gailí's present psychological woes. If you prefer an Affirmed - Alyder horse race, this is not your Triple Crown winner. However, fans that enjoy a leisurely paced horse ride will want to read BREAKAWAY.

Harriet Klausner