L Books

Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul; 102 Stories to Give Kids Courage, Hope, Laughter

This book is more than just a book. My friends and I have read it and we agree that it's an awesome book.

My wife loves this book. I get tired of the same fables with pictures. It's nice to read something that peaks the child's curiosity and allows discussion about meaningful things.

I bought this book for my little daughter, but I ended up reading it, too. It had good, inspirational stories about kids. I really enjoyed it.

Chicken Soup for the Kids Soul
JAck Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger, Mitch Claspy
K. Gan
P. 6

This book is what everything a kid goes through. They go through love, friendship problems, family problems and attitude a justment. Every kid should get this book because this book has the answers to your problems. No matter what situation, good or bad, this book does have the answers. This book shares a lot of problems a kid goes through and a lot of good times in their childhood. For me, i don't dislike the book, i really love it!
As I was growing up, I had a lot of problems. One of my problems was the fact that my bestfriend was moving. In this book, it says "But the more i thought about it, the more I realized I wasn't really losing her. The person taught me so much in life and laughter, the person who had helped me grow to be myself, was just going away for a while, to do some growing and learning up of her own." This quote is really true. The person who taught me so much is still here with me. I think that he just needs to keep learning. He was always there for and he made an impact in my life that no matter where he is, he is always going to be apart of me.
This book teaches a kid not to take things for granted. Lately, I been taking time for granted. Me and my brother has been really distance in the last few years. Me and him are seven years apart and we and him never really talked. In one short story in the family section it says " Hey Tova,It's me Sara. I just called to tell you I love you." This quote is a good quote. In this story, Tova is travaling to Egypt to study by herself. Her sister, Sara, is a few years younger then her. Sara wanted to be everything her sister is, so she copied everything she did. On the night Tova left, Sara noticed how quiet it is without her older sister so she cried all night. She then got the courage to call her and say I love you and she did. I wish that I could do this, so this short story gave me the courage too.
I have no favorite part in the book because everything in this book is really usefull in a kids life. This book covers every aspect in a kids life. Turning from a kid to a teenager, this book has it all. I advise every kid to read it because it's really handy when your in need.

I have not read this book, but my nine year old daughter has read and enjoyed most of it. Last night though, she cried herself to sleep after reading graphic stories (near the end of the book) by an incest victim whose father was sent to jail and the daughter of an injection drug user who woke up one night with police pointing guns at her. I'm sure the inclusion of these stories was well-intentioned, but there's no way they are "chicken soup" for the average kid's soul.

Color Me Butterfly is truly a soul stirring book. There were times when reading this book that I flinched. I believe the author told her story in a remarkable way and that it is a testament to both the strengths and weaknesses of women who find themselves in the midst of domestic abuse. The generations went through such violence and immeasurable pain--- yet still "they rise"!! Although painful, Color Me Butterfly exposes the profound truth that abuse can be generational and that suffering in silence brings about more pain and dysfunction. I would highly recommend this book to all in the hopes that it will inspire the "silent sufferer" to break the cycle.

Color Me Butterfly is phenomenal!! It touched my heart and hurt me at the same time. An inspiration to all who had to struggle with domestic violence, forgiveness and letting the pass rest. It encourages a child that is facing this situation that they are not alone, and it is okay to talk about it. Definitely a must read for the year!

THIS BOOK WAS MOST DEFINATELY 1 OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER HAD THE CHANCE TO READ........

I am 11 years old and when I read color me butterfly it was very heartbreaking. Through all the beatings from Isaac, Roy, and Lloyd. It was sad how Eloise,and Angie had died. It had a message to it that life is to short to hold gruges because Mattie and the rest of her brothers and sisters waited to forgive Isaac accept for Rollie and then it turned on them by Isaac passing away.

I don't want to tell the story...this was a great read very emotional story about abuse from generation to generation..must read

I first had this book read to me when I was in the first grade, now I am 25 and still remember the book! Recently I bought it to give to a friend as a baby gift. I read it again and loved it all over again. Its so creative I love it and would recommend it to everyone! Great for a gift for your own children or others.

I teach preschool and used this book as an introduction for our post office theme. The reading level is a bit high for my age group, but they really enjoy seeing the different types of mail that pull out of the "envelopes" in the book. Very interactive and fun to read.

I bought this for my daughter and later I bought it for friends' children. I'll probably search for it for my grandchildren too. You can probably guess that I like it! Buying for kids is such fun because you get the wow factor, and then you get to see whether they really take to it by reading/playing with it. Kids don't fib about this stuff, do they! I can report 100% success. The enthusiam they have for all the hidden messages, cards, games is so sweet. This truly is a gift that grows and grows on them. See also the Christmas Postman - 5 Stars!

Note - if you have to get a used one, verify all the bits are included. The book wouldn't work without those.

I had this book when I was a little girl and Ive been searching for it for 17 years. Its amazing drawings and creativity in the letters, opens up a little girls imagination so big!!! I absolutely love the story and all the characters. Its a MUST BUY!

The anniversary book is significantly larger than the original and so loses some of the charm. However this shallow dip in nursery fairy tales is fun for both the listener and reader. New shrink wrapped books include stationary and 'postage' to encourage the young to build a habit of writing and mailing notes. The story is from a UK perspective and follows a postman who delivers the mail in a community of fairy tale characters. Some of the humor is dated (good for grandparents). Children will enjoy having the book read to them and opening the many envelopes to extract their contents. This book was a favorite of my children back in the late 1980's.

Warriors is a great addition to the fantasy roleplaying game genre and a boon to anyone seeking resources that can be used to realistically and compellingly expand the capabilities of combatant classes. I ahve used this one in my own game and been very pleased with it.

As a DM, I am always looking for new material to make my games more 'realistic' and different. This book is an excellent resource to spice up the warrior class. I am looking forward to purchasing more material from this company.

This book is full of intriguing ways to flesh out warriors, fighters, and even paladins, rangers, and barbarians. Suddenly, you have a huge number of options to help breathe life into your medieval or fantasy army, or even the local thugs in the streets. The book has a definite historical flavor, which I like quite a bit. I enjoy the references to ancient times, as well as African and Asian history. The prestige classes and the concept of subtypes gives the normally rigid warrior sudden flexibility. Skirmisher has done a great job of turning out a book that I will actually use, instead of something that will collect dust on my bookcase.

This book is great for any DM. Both amateurs and veterans will find this book able to help them create quests and their DMing ability.

This is a great book to add that 'extra' realism to D & D. Varhola's history and writing background, added to the obvious expertise of the other authors, lets the players add a level of realism and history that makes a good game far better //

I love most of the Little House on the Prairie books, as well as the stories of Laura's great-grandmother, Martha, her grandmother, Charlotte, her mother, Caroline, and her daughter, Rose. I've read every one I can get my hands on. My all-time favorite of the all the series is These Happy Golden Years. This tells of Laura and Almanzo's courtship, and it is so chaste and sweet.

This book definitely belongs on my 10 favorite children's books.

I would rate this book 4.5 stars. It tells of Laura Ingalls years between the age of 15 to 18, and her first teaching job where she goes to live with a family where the wife doesn't treats her shabbily. It's a good story but it mostly told more of her and Almanzo than her teaching.

Although the "Little House" books do not appear to be quite as popular as they were a couple of decades ago, I shared all the books with my grandchildren in the form of audio books. We would listen to them as we drove on both long and short rides. They, and I, enjoyed the first three books(Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, On the Banks of Plum Creek) but then felt the next three were just fair to listen to. When I first started These Happy Golden Years, I heard a grumble or two from the g'kids, but as the story unfolded their listening delight picked up. Soon they were begging me to drive the longer way home so they could find out what happened next. These Happy Golden Years is a sweet love story full of interesting historical facts, plus enough action to keep my grandson interested. The only flaw we found with the audio version of the book is the singing of the actor (Cherry Jones) that did the reading. It was a bit grating at times when she pretended to sing as Pa. (Poor Ma if Pa really sang like that) Other than that it is a five star recommendation.

Now fifteen-years-old, Laura Ingalls can't help but crave getting a job in order to help her family. Ever since her first taste of earning her own money, she is determined to find another position that complements her skills. Besides, with Mary away at college, as much as Laura misses the companionship of her beloved sister, she can't help but feel compelled to assist her family in keeping Mary in a place where she is learning, and happier than ever. To do that, however, she'll have to do what she can to find the perfect job. Now that she has her teaching certificate, she'll be able to do just that.

It seems like only yesterday that Laura Ingalls was racing around the schoolyard with the boys, playing ball and sharing secrets with her friends; now she is basically all grown up, and beginning her career as a schoolteacher. But being a teacher isn't as easy as Laura hoped it would be - especially when many of the students are older than she is. And, to add insult to injury, she's forced to contend with boarding with a couple who spends the late nights hurling insults at one another, and living in miserable conditions. The only consolation is that Almanzo Wilder drives in to town each and ever Friday, to pick her up and bring her to her folks house for the weekend, before she must start another grueling week. It is during these long rides that Laura begins to spend more and more time with the older man. But it also makes her question why he is so willing to drive the twelve miles to her aid each week. Laura is unsure of his motives. She is also too tired and busy to spend much time thinking about them. Instead, she thinks of the paycheck that will soon come her way; and the beauty and splendor of the items she can buy for her family as time goes by.

With each and every book in the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE series, I have seen Laura get older and older. I have also grown to love her as much as an old friend. Laura is such a responsible, mature individual - quite different from the little rascal she was during her younger years. She seems so caring, and eager to assist her family, and see that her sister gets the education she has always craved. It is so refreshing to see a character who puts others ahead of herself. Like in LITTLE TOWN ON THE PRAIRIE, the reader has the opportunity to learn more about Almanzo Wilder; however, the more you learn, the more you see just how much older he is than Laura, and how strangely the relationship between the two of them develops. Another winner from Ms. Ingalls-Wilder!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

"These Happy Golden Years" is one of the best books I have ever come across. (And I have come across a lot, so don't doubt my taste!) Everything is detailed in an interesting sort of way, and the emotions and lovering part is kept well under control so it's not an immensely disgusting romance novel but not exactly a plain sensible book either. Laura Ingalls Wilder allowed the sequence to be somewhat unpredictable but it exemplifies a good plot that a true book-lover would cherish.
The plot is about fifteen-year-old Laura, now leaving home to teach school. It is a rather big challenge as the weeks drag by, but she learns to deal with unruly Clarence, pouty Martha, shy Charles, and the little ones, Ruby and another boy whose name I cannot remember. And at her boardinghouse, she has to learn how to cope with fussy and quarelly Mrs. Brewster, and spoiled baby Johnny. But the highlight of this part is every Friday Almanzo Wilder comes to pick her up to go home and back again on Sunday. When the term is finished, something has happened and soon Laura finds herself subconsciously in love with handsome Almanzo, and he with her. Of course, they don't just go ahead and marry, because a long-time rival of Laura's, Nellie Oleson, is also after Almanzo, and Laura's older snotty sister Mary is taking all her teaching money to go to college and Pa's claim must be fixed up before the winter. But these things soon pass, and Laura learns the joy of early womanhood as she and Ma make dresses, Laura learns how to deal with money, and realizes Almanzo is really the guy for her. And soon they are engaged. And that is just the beginning of a whole new chapter of Laura's life as a pioneer of America.
This heartwarming little book provides all the things you could want, some romance, a girl's troubles and hopes, and most of all, a glimpse to the daily life which we now look back to as precious American history.

This book and the other two in this series don't make history less complex but they sure make it readable!

My older sister originally bought me and my younger sister the computer program. That was a few years ago, but it was a nice dry sarcastic, but silly humor.
Then I ordered this book, which has much the same type of humor. I wish it were in color instead of black and white, but otherwise, a fun way to "read" history.

I highly recommend this book. It's well written, it's occasionally funny and very readable. Volumes 1 to 7 starts with the Big Bang, to the evolution, to the first great civilizations (Sumer, Egypt and the Greeks), and ends with Alexander the Great reaching India.

I was so impressed about the presentation that I thought - why isn't there an animated version of this book (and the other volumes)? Wouldn't it be nice for kids to be able to get their history lessons via Cartoon Network?

But then I reached the part about what early Greek women did with their goats and sheep and how the Spartans treated young boys and I thought "well, maybe it's better if it stays in book form".

My only gripe is the lack of an index. Certainly handy when important names and places are regularly mentioned (like any other history book) .

This book is amazingly good. It is funny and educational and incredibly well drawn. You should BUY it.

You know it takes a comic to get to heart of humanity. In most history books you get a narrow point of view, and one that is usually "politically correct" according to the standards of the day. By making a comic version of history, the author can get around all of the "PC"ness of most history books and really hit home with the way humanity *is* and *always was.* The "sheep love" of early humans was a laugh riot. I never learned so much while having such a good time.

I recommend these for history buffs and non-history buffs. Really it's just a good read period. Forget that it's history.

I gained so much more from reading "Unsent Letters: Writing as a way to resolve and renew" than from reading this book. Compare the two yourself and you'll see what I mean.

Words provide continuity from generation to generation that surpasses our limited life spans to enrich the shared love of friends and family, to bind generations, and to offer hope to the future. Despite the power of words, many people are reluctant writers, uncertain of what to say or how to say it. To that end, authors JacLynn Morris and Paul L. Fair, Ph.D. bring their own writing skills, teaching experience, and research to bear, offering aid to the reluctant writer in FROM ME TO YOU.

Simple, easy to follow steps guide the writer through the process of conveying thoughts and emotions that might else wise remain unanswered and unspoken. Using the five basic elements enumerated in FROM ME TO YOU, writers can add depth and value to their messages. Concise explanations and the generous use of examples accompany each step, clearly illustrating each point. Many of the examples are both poignant and inspiring, aiding the prospective reader in finding their own voices and experiences. Difficult to write messages that reveal secrets or explanations likewise becoming easier to write with the aid of FROM ME TO YOU.

At last, a writing book for everyone! Whether your words are meant as a thank you, as an apology, to offer comfort or advice, or simply to affirm your love, FROM ME TO YOU will aid all writers in expressing themselves. Powerful, personal messages are our legacy to those we love, regardless of the purpose of the note, and can easily be strengthened by following these simple steps. One of the best writing resources I have encountered, FROM ME TO YOU comes very highly recommended.

There are times when conversation cannot convey your deepest feelings. You can hide your true feelings when talking to someone you care about. Written words can be gifts of the heart and the way you present them can make all the difference. The fact that you take the time to find a concrete way of expressing your feelings is what matters!

You might be reluctant to send an e-mail or put pen to paper, however if you follow the steps in this book you will find it is easier than you think. The authors give examples of letters for every situation. These letters go beyond "polite" words and are more honest and genuine. They express goodwill or reveal deep feelings. They also communicate the importance and value of your relationship to the receiver.

"Often, just the fact that a person puts time, effort, thought or originality into something to delight or help us makes a message wonderful." pg. 9

The authors show how you use five basic elements to make a message powerful, intimate, satisfying and meaningful. It doesn't matte if you want to express your feelings, give advice, forgive, answer important questions, thank someone or share a favorite memory. These five elements should be included in your letter.

While this book might sound like it is an emotional roller coaster ride, there are quite a few really funny letters. I loved the story of a mother who writes down the sweet and funny things her children do. She intends to give these memories to her children. I know this was such a delight when my mother showed me her notes of what I said and did when I was very young. It truly will delight any child to know their parents cared enough to find the time to write down these memories. It also helps children remember important details of their lives.

Another idea I really thought was wonderful was a letter an Aunt sent her nephew about all the wonderful books she had read that she thought he would enjoy. Of course she could have just reviewed them, yet she chose to specifically recommend books that had given her enjoyment, knowledge and comfort.

Some of the letters helped bridge the distance between friends and family or helped to heal a hurt. These are real letters people wrote at a time in their lives when hurt, anger or misunderstanding left them feeling as if they were stuck on opposite sides of a tightly closed door.

"Maybe the blur of our lives has left us hungry for tangible ways to hold onto what is and was-even as we move toward what will be." pg. 150

So if you want to connect with the people you care most about, "From Me to You" will show you how to share your memories, thank people who have helped you in life, apologize to those you may have hurt, inspire friends and invite people to think of you with love and a smile.

~The Rebecca Review

This book is a great help for anyone needing to write anything. Your correspondence will forever change to be more meaningful.

This book has been on my shelf to review for several months, but so many events took my time and energy that I am just now beginning to find my way back to words. My dad died January 5, 2002, and I gave the eulogy at his funeral. How do you share the love and life of someone so dear, yet bring comfort to others who are also suffering this loss? This book, this wonderful book, helped me to deliver a speech that gave the joy and humor that was my dad to others.

Rarely does a writer's reference book have the ability to encourage and inspire its readers or those who do not take up the "pen," to find the way to express emotions. Yet this book shows the joy and power of honest communications, and provides an easy to follow plan that helps all of us share our dreams, hopes, fears, and love with the important people in our lives. It also helps us realize that everyone is important, and to never take for granted the gift of friendship.

This book is an adventure through emotions, but it is so much more. Follow the principles, write the way you speak, be yourself, get rid of criticisms, and in doing so, you become the better part of yourself. Imagine, if you could read a letter and know what the reader was feeling; this book will help you see the ways to do so because in revealing ourselves, we gain self-knowledge and confidence.

Five stars are not diminished by the only difficulty I had, which was the very small size of the font.

Victoria Tarrani

Readers looking for fantasy will probably like this. I was surprised and delighted a number of times with the author's creative ideas. One wonderful scene is listed under Caution Spoiler below. Ellie is adopted and does not know her genetic heritage. A powerful dark mage is hunting for her. The Fey King Rain learns that she is his truemate. Ellie and Rain will marry when a three week preparation period is over. By the end of the book, the dark mage is still planning to do evil with her, and Ellie is not yet married to Rain. The story is unfinished. There are many questions unanswered, and the reader must purchase the sequel. I did not read the sequel so I don't know if multiple sequels are needed or not.

I was very entertained with Den's role in the book. Den is the local bully who hurt Ellie over the years, but tries to trick her into marriage. The things he does before and after Rain arrives make excellent story-telling.

I personally do not care for straight fantasy stories, so my rating is probably lower than normal for a fantasy fan. I bought this book mistakenly thinking it was fantasy and romance. So, if one is looking for romance, do not get this book.

As far as writing goes, I had a couple of problems. The pace of the story was a little too slow for me. It took too long for events to move along. Some scenes were a little redundant, for example: the author repeating the reasons for Rain's pain and suffering over 1000 years and why he hates the mages.

This is the first time I found myself wishing the author did more telling and less showing. An example is on pages 338 to 357. Ellie and Rain attend a dinner held by the king. The author spends nearly 20 pages showing their arrival at the castle and the detailed conversations Ellie and Rain have with the other guests. A few of the guests offer potential marriage proposals for Ellie's unwed 9-year old sisters. These detailed conversations were not interesting, and they could have been shortened or summarized. After 20 pages of cocktail party small talk, the guests sit down for dinner where more interesting and critical plot events happen.

CAUTION SPOILER:
One scene which I loved and found myself chuckling over several times after reading the book is on page 129. Most of the following is a quote with only a few edits for brevity. Ellie touched Rain for the first time on the back of his hand. Rain drew in his breath at the sudden rush of feelings that sprang from the simple feel of her skin meeting his. The strength of his connection to her went so far beyond what he had felt for Sariel (his deceased wife), he could hardly fathom it. If any dared to harm her, he would shred them without mercy and dance as he drank their blood. Ellie misunderstood the fierce look on his face, because she snatched her hand back and apologized for touching him. "Nei, do not apologize." Rain could barely restrain himself from reaching for that hand and putting it back on his skin. His fingers itched to do so, and he clenched them into fists. He craved her touch, ached for it as only a Fey warrior could. But admitting to his need was the same as admitting a weakness, something a Fey rarely did willingly. "I was merely surprised. You may touch me if you like." But she didn't lay that sweet hand upon him again. He cursed his own unguarded reaction that had cost him such a small but much-desired pleasure and wondered how he might contrive to get it back. He bent his head to her, his gaze intent as he willed her to touch him again. To his disgruntlement, she did not. Rain's friend is laughing at him and sending him silent mind-to-mind communications saying "If you could see yourself, Rain. Pouting like a tzicaida whose lunch just got away. You could always just command her to put her hand back on you." Rain scowled. To issue such a command would be to admit he could not win his desire any other way. It would be the same as admitting defeat, another thing no Fey warrior would ever willingly do. Nei, he was tairen enough to be crafty, to lure his (Ellie) into giving willingly that which he desired without revealing to her how badly he desired it.

Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: two. Setting: unknown time on a planet with two moons. Copyright: 2007. Genre: fantasy.

This series is FANTASIC! I highly recommend it. Very compelling, you won't want to put it down.

This books is so, so, so good! Rain Tairen Soul has spent 1000 years suffering from the negative effects of something he did when his heart mate was killed during a big war. He is desperate because his people & their creature/companions are dying out so he consults a crystal that shows him that their only hope for survival rests on his true mate, Elysetta. He has to convince a shy, mortal girl that she is his true mate & queen, get her to acknowledge her powers & role in his culture. He's a real hottie, she's nice (although her innocence gets rather annoying at times), and the adventures going on throughout the book are addictive. Can't say enough good things about it!

Do you remember when you were a child, that you would just know when something magical and wonderful was about to happen? Perhaps it was your mother reading a story that started "Once in a land far away there lived"......., or going to the movies and hearing "Once Upon a time in a land far away"........?

All of these memories and feelings came rushing back as I started reading Lord of the Fading Lands; all of the joy, the hope, the expectation of a momentous story that would become a lasting memory, an old friend to visit, and re-visit frequently. I realized that I had found a treasure, and with my hopes high, I read straight through the night, abandoning dinner preparation, hubby left on his own, and sleep was nothing to even think about until this fabulous story was finished.

Rainer, Tairen Soul, King of the Fey, knew that his people were dying, as were the Tairen, the dragons of the Fading Mists. Daring death, Rain Tairen Soul grasps the Eye of Truth, seeking help to stop the extinction of the Tairen, and the Fey. In the midst of great pain, the Eye shows Rain a glimpse of a woman's face, then fire raining down over the world, and that he must travel to Celieria, a foreign land, to save the Fey and the Tairen.

In Celieria, a young woman, Ellysetta, promises to take her younger sisters to see the procession of the Fey as they enter the city, and to see Rainer,the first visit of the King of the Fey in over a thousand years. While traveling, nearing Celieria, Rain has a soul reach out to his, crying out in fear and pain. Rain is shocked. A woman has called to him, and it seems that she is his "True Mate". Transforming instantly into Tairen form, Rain takes to the air to protect his mate. The call is abruptly cut off, and Rain is left circling Celieria looking over the city for any contact with the soul that had called him.

Elly takes her sisters to watch the entrance of the Fey to the city, and to see the king circling over his warriors in Tairen form as he warns the people not to get to close to the marching Fey. Ellysetta's youngest sister falls, injuring herself. As Elly kisses the pain away from the injury, the circling King, in Tairen form, starts pouring fire into the sky, frightening the citizens, and causing Elly to fall, and be injured. Dropping out of the sky, landing at Elly's feet, Elly expects instant death at the hands of the Fey King. But Rainer has found his true mate; now to convince this shy, humble young woman that she is his mate, the other half of his soul, and that she will become the queen of the Fey. Needless to say, complications are inherent as Elly's family tries to deal with the life altering changes that is brought into their lives by the King of the Fey.

Rainer begins his courtship of Ellysetta, hoping to woo her affections while trying to build alliances with the Celierans. Rain knows that the evil power in the north is rising again. The Fey need the support of the Celierans to overcome this evil, as they had once, a thousand years ago, defeated the very same dark Mages of the north that are rising again to destroy the Fey, and the Celierans.

Ellysetta and Rainer's courtship, with the adventures of a thousand year old immortal wooing a young maiden, plus dealing with the dissention in the Celierian Court that is full of doubters, brings many changes to Elly and Rainer's lives. Their romance is beautiful, and poignant. The fey are heroic, and Ellysetta's growth is wonderfully detailed.

I highly recommend this novel. I am so thankful that I picked up this book on a whim. Please become a part of this adventure. There are 2 books out, with 2 more coming within the next few months. I can hardly wait!

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Rain Tairen Soul is the king of the Fading Lands, still suffering from the loss of his mate in a battle a millennium ago. In his agony at the loss, he scorched all the land with the fiery breath of his Tairen Soul, and he still suffers the consequences. The end of his people is near, unless he can overcome his past and save them from their enemies. When he comes out of his self imposed exile to re-enter the world he finds a shocking discovery.... His truemate, the other half of his being is close by, living with the humans. How can a Tairen have a non-Fae mate?

Ellysetta "Ellie" Baristani has never quite fit in with the others in her village, Celieria. From her flaming red hair to her perception of others, everyone besides her adoptive family finds her a bit odd. Den Brodson, butcher's son, has realized however that being different can be a good thing, and he wants Ellysetta for that elusive something that sets her apart. However when Rain flies into town, he knows Ellie is meant for him and too bad for anyone who gets in his way.

When ancient enemies of the Fey, the mages of Eld, seem to be rallying their forces for a new war, Rain needs the calm Ellie would bring as his mate to defeat them. She must accept the bond willingly or Rain will go insane. As Rain tries to find a way to legally break Ellie's unwanted betrothal to Den, more enemies enter into the fray and Rain and Ellie must bond completely or be destroyed at the hands of their enemies. Love conquers all, but only if it is accepted in time...

There is so much story to the Tairen Soul that it doesn't surprise me Lord of the Fading Lands is just the start to a series. We had a lot of ground to cover here as CL Wilson builds her world and introduces us to the rules of the societies there. The foundation of the mythology tends to bog the story down here and there, but to the author's credit, there's really no way to stop that from happening once in a while with as much as we need to know to understand the story behind Rain. However, even with all the history I still found myself having a hard time keeping all the differences straight in my mind between all the different kinds of magic wielders, good or evil. This is likely an aftereffect of information overload since so much world building needs to be done.

Ellie is dedicated to her family and will do almost anything in her power to see them safe and happy. Almost, being that she refuses to allow herself to be bartered off as a bride to a man she loathes. When Rain shows interest in her, she can't understand why he wants her at the same time she is drawn to him. Her history is quite the mystery until Rain and company come to town and start to unravel the mystery. While the reason she is so different from the rest of her town is no great surprise (I knew exactly what her origins were almost immediately) it was interesting to follow the trails with the other characters to see how they figured out who she is.

I liked the magical spin on the story as to who has what abilities and how those abilities work. Each one of the Fey has a special affinity for a specific kind of elemental magic whereas Rain has mastery of all of them due to his being a rare Tairen (shape shifts into a giant flying black cat with lavender eyes and the ability to breathe fire). In addition to the Fey who are elemental magicians, we have Lady Marissya the Truthspeaker, who has the ability to determine if someone lies merely by touching them.

While I know this has nothing to do with the author's story and is something she has no control over, I find I have to comment anyhow since it seriously affected my reading of the book. What is up with that font size, Dorchester? The font is so incredibly small I had an extremely hard time reading the book! I was actually getting headaches and as a result it took me twice as long to read the book. I've got pretty good eyes and this is the first time I ever had to struggle so much to read a book. I feel sorry for folks who already have a hard time with font size. I noticed book 2 in the series is no better, which means I'm going to have to wait a while before starting it to give my eyes a break! Dorchester if you're paying attention, please have a care in typesetting your books and don't make it so difficult for us to read them!

© Kelley A. Hartsell, April 2008. All rights reserved.

... in all aspects. Not only was the story line unexpected and the ending a crazy twist, but the book as a whole was much better than I would have thought to come from a new author and a Christian publishing company. While there was a clear religious undertone, it was subtle and wouldn't detract from the story for those who don't usually like Christian books.

One of the best thrillers I've read. Well written, deep characters and a real surprise ending. Just the way I like a book to be.

All I can say is, "WOW"! This book is my pick for 2007 thus far! Great plot, great writing. The only thing is the author didn't have closure on the father and son relationship, though you are led to believe they made peace with each other and their past.

This book surprised me by being as good as it was. A lot of Christian suspense books get published just because they're "Christian", regardless of quality. But this book is right on par with a lot of suspense authors in the secular market I enjoy. There was excellent character development and the story line kept up a good pace, with a neat twist in the end.

Jude Allman had died, and been resurrected, three separate times by the age of thirty-one. The first time, he fell through the ice in a lake fishing when he was eight, the second time, he was hit by lightning in a field while hiking when he was sixteen, and the third time, he was driving in the ice and snow and skidded into a ditch when he was twenty-four. Jude wrote a book that he wished he hadn't, and combined with the notoriety from his "resurrection tri-fecta", he was very dispirited when he became immensely famous. He tried to hide from his unwanted fame by leaving town and using the name Ron Gress as an alias. As Jude/Ron disengages himself from the world, he becomes so paranoid, that he covers the inside of all the windows in his house with Sheetrock and installs a complex security system as well. Jude/Ron takes a job as a janitor at a school in a small town in Montana, and slides into a shrinking, introverted, paranoid, personality, that develops a natural aversion to human contact. He even has to sleep in a reclining chair because he's afraid to lay down in a bed.

As children start disappearing in towns in Montana, Jude/Ron starts getting strange copper tastes in his mouth, and visions, as a warning of impending danger to come, or as clues to save people already in trouble.

This first time author, deftly juggles multiple scenarios and plots simultaneously, like a seasoned writer. Some of the descriptive phrases he pulls from his writer's tool box are pretty enjoyable: "Streams poured from Jude's clothing as if he were a sunken treasure lifted to the surface after centuries in the murky depths." "A sweaty bald man with a paunch crawled into Jude's circle on his hands and knees. The lottery numbers, he hissed. Gimme the lottery numbers." "His father was talking about things that made no sense to him, scary things that crawled up and down his spine on icy legs." "An icy block of dread began to settle in his stomach." His lungs felt as if they were filled with spun fiberglass." "She felt a cold sliver of ice starting to wedge its way into her spine."


This story will keep you anxiously reading till the last page. This is a thriller that combines spirituality along with horrific modern crimes. I can only hope that this is the first of many more terrific books by this author.

I read "Common Sons" in a day. It was definitely an engaging story and it packed an emotional whallop. It would be wonderful if everyone regardless of their sexual orientation could read this story and understand the challenges same gender loving persons have to face in their quests for happiness and acceptance. Unfortunately, the same fear and ignorance that was demonstrated by some of the residents of Common New Mexico is present all over America. Countless young adults will undoubtedly face the same obstacles as they seek acceptance of who they are and assert their right to live openly without judgement from others.

Overall this book was good. However there were parts where I wondered who edited it, only because sentance flow was not that good. Odds are I would have skipped over the sentance problems if I had really been pulled into the story. Although I had trouble putting the book down after I started, the characters weren't real enough for the story to just suck me into it.

Like I said before, overall this is a good book, and it is worth the read.

The Year is 1965, the location a small town in New Mexico; Joel is seventeen years old and living on his families farm, Tom is a little older, the son of the local church minister; they have been best friends almost since Tom arrived in town about a year ago. But when, sitting around a crowded table of school friends at a local dance, Tom drunkenly kisses Joel (and later consummates his professed love), it unleashes a chain reaction of troubles.
Initially Tom, troubled by his Bible trained conscience instilled in him by his strict father, tries to dismiss the events; but Joel is not so easily put off. His brief experience with Tom, when he compares it to his abortive attempts with girls, brings him to the realisation that he must be attracted to men. But will he be able to convince Tom that they have a future together even if he can get past the curfew Tom's father has imposed on his son for drunkenness? How will their respective parents react if they learn of the boys' true inclinations? How will their friends, Tom's fellow church members and the narrow-minded townsfolk in their small community respond?
The story follows the relationship of the two boys and the reaction of those around them in the year following that careless kiss, the difficulties they encounter as they try to accept their love for one another and remain together. Tom and Joel are each very likeable characters, physically attractive, mature for their years and caring. The characters around them are well described and range from the supportive to the duplicitous and the actively hostile.
This is a heart-warming love story, maybe a little improbable at times, but the overall idea is very appealing. I feel it suffers occasionally in the telling; the writing, while very descriptive, is at times rather dry; but that aside it is well worth reading.

This is my most favorite book I have ever read. I Have read it several times over the last 12 years and enjoy it every time. Ronald(author) takes you there with these boys. It's a movie I love to watch over and over again. Common boys, true love.

Common Sons was a great, easy read. I enjoyed it very much. I think that Common Sons is an important book for the gay community. It inspires hope in the reader. That no matter what we go through, we can make it...We Shall Over Come... Read this book it is fantastic!