Owens Books

Bunyan's rich description of Christian's journey to the Celestial City is replete with powerful spiritual lessons at every turn. The book paints a thorough picture of Bunyan's view of Christ and what it means to follow Him completely. Whether it is the characters Christian meets along the way, the dangers that befall him or the reflections of the dreamer, Bunyan uses every facet of this book to challenge his readers to deeper, more authentic discipleship. While admittedly somewhat clumsy to read stylistically, this book deserves a prestigious place among the spiritual classics. Highly recommended.

This is one of the most over rated books in history, with the Holy Bible really under rated. It's about a man named Christian wh o starts out alone by himself and builds it into a ministry. Anologizing that for starting out in like the 1640s, the pilgrims are a way ahead because these other modes of thinking are like a thousand years out of date. The ;pilgrim's philosophy- take over the drugg riddled and weak and leave them for dead. These simple methods of living made a lot of technology obsolete. PC's? Word of mouth.

i am excited about reading this christian classic. The shipment arrived as sscheduled and in great condition... will order again soon

"No other work in English, except the Bible, has been so widely read over such a long period." When I read something like that about this other work, "Pilgrim's Progress", I was curious. I got a copy and paged through it. At first I was disappointed, because I suspected that even if I forced myself to plow through the whole book slowly I probably would not understand the reasons for its popularity. But then I read the excellent 57 page introduction. And that gave me the education about "Pilgrim's Progress" that I was looking for. W.R. Owens's analysis and explanation of John Bunyan's classic satisfied my curiosity completely.

An allegory of a Christian's life as a pilgrimage towards our heavenly destination. The characters are personified weaknesses and strengths, which make the story quite entertaining and fun, specially to see how they react to the misfortunes and fortunes along the way, and also to each other as they meet.

The book is divided in 2 parts. In the first Christian sets out from the City of Destruction by himself: his wife and kids didn't want to go with him (plain and simple). It's the most interesting part because of the novelty of the road, the suspense of the unexpected hangs over the way. In the second part it's the wife and kids who depart to Mt. Zion, following trailblazer Christian.

The tone is didactic but not lecturely, quite colloquial, I'd say. Sometimes discussions get a little too entangled, too elaborate. Young people and kids might enjoy this read if they hang on to it and read it at a small pace and with meditations. It serves as a mirror into our own souls more than about the way per se.

A classic of Christian literature of its own right, that stands the test of time. Written for entertainment as well as for our learning and warning. Ideal for parents-children discussions and bible studies.

this is a very basic book, not sure what its purpose is, just get an informed guide

Extremely informative and to the point.Covers the basics+++...A MUST READ for every Medic...imho

This is an Excellant Must Have Book. It presents the most common types of emergencies that medics get called to in a easy to understand way.

New medics in particular should grab up this book. I eagerly await a second edition but I have found no other book that cuts to the chase and explains differential diagnosis of about 40 common EMS conditions as well. I strongly encourage new EMS folks to buy this book as the wealth of information that is in here is amazing. While some of the information is old -- I don't think it has been updated since the ACLS changes of 2000, it still has a great deal of good information throughout and should be added to required text lists of NREMT-P and NREMT-I programs.

Well, I have to say...I'm duly impressed. It's not often that I find a medical reference book that is as clear, concise, and step-by-step as this one. Even though it's geared towards the EMT-P, it could be a very helpful guide to anyone in health-related fields...from trauma nurse to home health aide to first responder. Although the book does assume you have the basic knowledge of the advance EMT, it can contain valuable insight for all. It's also well organized; it's easy to look something up and find your information in a short time.

As the First World War becomes more of an afterthought, its legacy may actually rest in the countless poems it inspired. During one of mankind's worst armed conflicts, Britain saw a poetic flowering with some of the most delicate verses ever written. And these poems are not frozen in time, either; they still have major social relevance today.

Those who are curious about these writers will find satisfaction in another of Dover Thrift Editions' low-cost books. 'World War One British Poets' is a 71-page survey of 16 writers both male and female, with apt editing by Candace Ward. While not an in-depth study of the poets, it gives a strong introduction to some of Britain's greatest literary minds.

'World War One British Poets' is nicely arranged and brings the poems into historical context. There is a short introduction to the war's beginnings and how these poems were a natural response to the chaos that ensued. Each poet is dealt with attentively and a short bio prefaces the selection of his or her work. To Candace Ward's credit, this anthology gives attention to names both major and minor. Besides Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon - considered the titans of First World War poetry - there are easily-forgotten personalities like Charles Hamilton Sorley, Robert Bridges, and Walter de la Mare.

The anthology includes two female poets: Alice Meynell, known as a social activist during the Victorian era, and May Wedderburn Cannan, who was educated at Oxford and served as a Red Cross volunteer in France. Disappointingly, the book omits such poets as Edmund Blunden and Richard Aldington, but there is only so much ground that can be trod in 70 pages. The book will certainly motivate readers into looking for more works by the poets who filled this era.

Located in Mineola, New York, Dover Publications has mastered the 'thrift' edition by printing books at the lowest costs possible while keeping prices super-cheap. 'British World War One Poets' currently retails at $2.50; there are anthologies better detailed than this one, but for the low price, you can't find better value.

This is a good anthology, although somewhat limited in scope. As a research tool, it is barely adequate. As a review of the most famous poetry, Ward gives a good range of poetry, and the reader will get a flavor of WWI poetry.

I'm not a big fan of poetry. When this book was assigned for one of my classes, I was afraid it was going to be a huge chore to get through it. However, I was pleasantly surprised by many of the poems in this book...there were several that I took a strong liking to, including the classic "In Flander's Field," among others. I found many of the poems quite touching.

And an added bonus, they're all pretty short.

I am not a poetry reader. Perhaps due to a lasting revulsion of forced readings in various literature classes during my tenure in public school, poetry used to be a real turn off. Until I picked up this slim book of poems of British World War I poets, that is. After a few pages of some of the excellent poetry in this book, the pulse quickened, the lights came on, and poetry suddenly seemed useful.

World War I (1914-1918) is pretty much a forgotten war today. Occasionally, you'll see a documentary containing grainy footage of men in strange helmets climbing out of trenches, usually moving at a freakishly quick pace due to the inadequacy of the early film process. WWI is further overshadowed by the mega-death body count of WWII. But WWI had its own unique horrors as the nations involved resorted to poison gas, mechanized warfare, and attrition strategies to kill off some 15 million people. The new methods of mechanized warfare failed to stifle the human element of war, and this is where these poems come into play. Some of the soldiers involved in the conflict were poets and writers, and they used these talents to document the battlefield horrors for the folks back home.

There are male and female writers here, and those who were there and those who stayed home. Those who served in the war do the best jobs with their poetry. Even May Wedderburn Cannan, a woman who served as a nurse at Rouen, writes better poetry about the war than such distinguished literary figures Rudyard Kipling and Thomas Hardy (both of whom write from the safety of the home fires).

Keeping in line with the subject matter, most of the poems are grim and violent. Many of the poems focus on the incongruity of nature and violent acts of war. In one stanza, birds are chirping, the sun is shining, men are singing, and all seems right with the world. The next stanza is filled with sudden mutilations, violent death, and the shriek and scream of shells and bullets. Some of the poems deal with the anguish of watching someone die or killing another human being, as Wilfred Owen writes in "The Target" about a possible meeting in the afterlife with an enemy he's killed:

"Well, if they get me, first I'll find
That boy, and tell him all my mind,
And see who felt the bullet worst,
And ask his pardon, if I durst."

A few of the poets speak in favor of the war, seeing it as a call to glory or a defense against barbarism (see Rupert Brooks, John McCrae, and Rudyard Kipling). Others rail against the rulers and the senseless attrition warfare (Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen, and Isaac Rosenberg best represent this viewpoint).

Regardless of ideological viewpoint or writing style, all of the poems have a beauty that comes from dealing with horrors beyond the comprehension of the individual. The overwhelming power of the poems should make the hardiest soul's eyes mist over with tears of frustration, agony, and profound sadness.

The two cultural features from the First World War that have survived the test of time are its popular music and its poetry. While the music is generally remembered as peppy and cheerful, much of the poetry serves as a dark and grim counterpart. As it is, some of the greatest 20th Century poets derived their inspiration from those tragic years.

This book is an excellent and inexpensive sampler of World War One-era poetry. Most of the major battlefield writers are represented, including Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen, Robert Graves, Isaac Rosenberg, and John MacCrae. Other important writers who were inspired by the war are also included, such as Rudyard Kipling and Thomas Hardy. Two women, Alice Meynell and May Cannan are also represented. The editor included a balanced number of patriotic works and anti-war poems.

Each writer has a mini-biography, followed by a sampling of his or her works. The quantity varies from a single poem, up to 11 works. The selections are representative of the authors, and many of the best-known titles are here, including Dulce et Decorum Est and In Flanders Fields.

This primer is hardly comprehensive nor is there much critical analysis of the poems or poets. But it is not meant to be. This book combines a well-rounded selection of poetry with an extremely low price to make it an attractive introduction to World War One-era poetry. This is not the best anthology out there, but it is a perfect introduction for those who are curious about First World War poems and don't want to pay a hefty price.

Wow, the title of the book gave me no idea how wonderful it was going to be reading it. The sites and scenery make me want to visit the Outback and do a "drive-about" like the characters did.

The romance part of the book was exceptional. The fact that Jason develops a relationship, and helps a youngster come of age as a gay man was fascinating to read. The absence of tons of "wanton sex" helped build the romance between the characters.

I like a good, warm book to entertain me, and this one fit the bill nicely! Enjoy reading this Chris Owens book.

To do this book justice I decided to write my review outside, sitting in the sun. Why? Because this book is not only a very genuine love story between two adoring characters, but also a detailed and fascinating description of the beauties of Australia. Chris Owen has a way with words that lets you visualize the deserts, the tropical areas, the beaches, the cities, the people and the animals directly in your head. You almost expect that if you look up from the pages of the book, you'll see all of this in front of you. And as I'm living 14400 km (8950 mi) away from Uluru I thought by enjoying the sun and the nature outside I would be a little bit better enabled to describe the feelings this book provoked in me.

So here goes. Jason and Ryan, the two main characters of the book, are both at a turning point in their lives when they meet in the Outback of Australia along the Stuart Highway. For Jason heading out to the Outback was a plan and a dream postponed for five long years, years which have been filled with dark experiences for him. But he finally decided to go on this trip to see the desert, because he knew that otherwise he would never make his dream real and because he needed to leave the past behind him.

Ryan on the other hand is a 18 year-old boy who has lived a sheltered life in a loving family and who went on this trip through Australia to get a break before starting the final stages of his PhD. When Ryan and Jason meet on their trip and decide to become travel companions, this triggers the process of Ryan's coming-out. And Ryan couldn't have found a better man to help him along this process.

They both become lovers, even though they know that their affair can only be a summer love as Ryan has to finish his PhD in Canada and Jason has a life in Sydney. But their affection for each other deepens and as they continue their trip through Australia they come to the point where they can't deny the depth of their love for each other any more.

But then a terrible tragedy befalls Ryan and threatens their love for each other as much as Ryan's looming return to Canada.

Loved this book, loved the way Chris Owen literally made me able to watch the love affair between Jason and Ryan blossom, loved her lush descriptions of Australia's natural wonders. I highly recommend this book as a reading experience that simply leaves you feeling good.

But be careful, this book is really able to cause an aching for the faraway, too. ;-)

It was as while he was still at school that Jason Stuart realised he was gay, but when he announced this to his best friend, and later his mother, it did not go down well with either. At the first opportunity he planed to leave home in Winnipeg, and so it was at the age of twenty one he set off for Australia. He had had a rough time initially in Sidney included a period as a whore, but thanks to Alex, who made a habit of straightening out wayward youngsters, he was now back on track. So it was that at the age of twenty six he set of to go walkabout in the Australian Outback, taking with him his paints and canvases.
As he set of driving he soon picked up a hitch-hiker, Ryan, a very young Canadian student. Although they part company, they soon to meet up again, and eventually Stuart suggests Ryan join him on his travels. When Ryan confesses to Stuart that he thinks he might be gay, Stuart reveals that he is gay and promises to help him, and before long Ryan invites Stuart to seduce him. They spend the next few weeks together, and fall in love, but following a disaster in Brisbane, they are soon on their way back to Sydney and Alex. Can Alex help them overcome their problem?
This is a genuine love story and a sheer pleasure to read. Stuart is an admirable guy, having experienced the ups and downs of life and come through it all, he behaves very responsibly towards Ryan. Ryan is an absolute delight, he is a very intelligent and full of boyish energy, he "bounces" with enthusiasm, and he is cute with it. They become devoted to one another, but of course they must face the fact that Ryan will return to Toronto to complete his PhD. The pleasures they bring to each other are beautifully related, and while the descriptions of their indulgences between the sheets or wherever else to choose to enjoy themselves are not detailed or graphic, they are nonetheless at times quite erotic.
What makes this so enjoyable is that the story avoids the almost clichéd failures and disasters that beset so many lovers in gay literature; here is a truly positive tale with a heart-warming outcome. Highly recommended.

Owen, Chris. "Adagio". Casperian Books, 2006.

Beautifully Writtten

Amos Lassen and Literary Pride

Chris Owens has written a wonderfully readable novel with "Adagio". It is the story of Jason Stuart who arrives in Australia to embark on a "walkabout" in the Outback. His friends think he is crazy or perhaps slow but Jason feels that this adventure will make him fulfill his dreams and come to terms with his past. He imagined that this trip would exorcise his past but instead of facing his past, he is forced to rake a good hard look at his future.
When Jason meets an unexpected travel companion, he realizes that there is no need to deal with the past any longer and that what awaits is more important than what was. As Jason comes of age and finds romance, he gives a beautiful description of Australia and in reading we confront the burgeoning romance between the two men.
The descriptions of Australia are incredible and you almost feel that if you look up from the pages of the book that you are there. Own has created larger than life characters. As you meet the characters, you meet their minds and as you watch the love affair between the two men blossom, you feel as if you are part of the relationship.
The prose is beautiful and Chris Own has a way with the English language. As the tale is spun, the reader is taken into a beautiful story. This is an interesting book that has something for everyone---romance, suspense, comedy. The author runs the gamut of emotions and we are right there enjoying.

This romance starts as two people looking for themselves. Jason had a history of not making the right choices and regretting the consequences. Ryan had yet to admit he was gay. They meet and fall in love, knowing that it can only be a summer romance, both having a different direction in life. However, life can throw you a curve ball, and their love grows, in part to their need of each other, in part to a tradegy that befalls Ryan. One that changes Ryan, but does not consume him (a pleasant surprise). In the end, they cannot be apart.

This well-research, accessible analysis of the legendary "disappearance" of the notoriously shy author is a must-read for every Christie fan, as well as a treasure-trove of informed speculation and fact for students of the pathology of unhappy marriages.

There have been many books written about Agatha Christie since she died 32 years ago and I place this brilliantly researched biography second only to her own autobiography. A number of events, not least the famous disappearance, were completely ignored and left out of her autobiography - either at her own discretion or that of her immediate family's since it was published after her death. Jared Cade's objective and affectionate accounts fills in the missing blanks and unravels what happened when she disappeared. His biography is particularly merit-worthy because it is the only biography to be officially endorsed by Agatha Christie's sister-in-law's side of the family. The same relatives also featured with him in a television documentary based on this book. If you missed it, don't despair. Buy this book instead. A great book that deserves a place on any self-respecting Christie addicts bookshelves.

Fame and wide acclaim came to Agatha Christie in 1926 when "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" was published. In the same year, however, her disappearance and the eleven-day search for her attracted even more attention. Subsequently in interviews and in her own autobiography, Agatha Christie refused to explain or refer to the incident. It was inferred that the breakdown of her first marriage had been one aspect of the mystery, and her reluctance to refer to anything so painful was respected.

Since her death, she has been the subject of several biographies. None that I have read, even that of her second husband, Sir Max Mellowan, provides a satisfactory motivation or time table for the eleven missing days in 1926.

It seems remarkable that a young writer from the smallest state in Australia should be the one to adequately research the subject and to have access to the best informants. Jared Cade knows Agatha Christie's novels, plays, poetry and short sories well, and demonstrates how insights into this major crisis in Agatha Christie's life reside in them. His theories are sound, his rebuttal of false and misleading explanations is strong, and his judgments - even of Dame Agatha herself - are balanced.

Interest in what happened to the world' best-selling author back in 1926 may no longer be strong, but it is good to read something that at last sets the record straight. It is, moreover, a fascinating and focussed biography of someone who tried to keep herself away from public scrutiny. I like the compliment paid to the author by his principal informants, descendants of Agatha Christie's best friend: "This is the only biography that tells Agatha's life as it really was. Your insight into her life and personality is unsurpassed."

I bought this book for my fifteen year old son. He enjoyed it so much that I read it too. I've read many books about the life of Agatha Christie but I've never read one more honest and well researched. Although the book does concentrate on the Agatha Christie disappearance in the 1920's it also covers all of her life. You'll learn about her upbringing, her daughter, her friends and her two frustrating and disappointing marriages. This is a not to be missed book!

On December 3, 1926 Archie Christie told his wife, Agattha, that he was in love with someone else and wanted a divorce. He then left for a weekend party.

Later that evening, Agatha got in her car for a drive. Her car was found off the road with her coat inside but she was no where to be found.

It was 11 days before she was found. The official story was that she was suffering from amnesia.

But now, family members from someone who knows what really happened have cooperated with telling the true story.

It's fascinating, believable and a thoroughly absorbing look into the life of one of our most famous authors.

I really enjoyed this story. The romance was cute and tender, though somewhat unrealized. That might just be due to the time period. Historical M/M romances are always bittersweet to me, since men fall in love but aren't allowed to show it due to society's restrictions.

The sex is spicy hot. I was not expecting this level of steam in a British historical. There's mild kink, threesomes, and a bit of D/s.

The story itself is clever and the dialogue is witty. I love a book that doesn't take itself too seriously.

However, a few things kept me from giving this 5 stars. First, I think this book would have been much better in third-person POV. I enjoy first-person POV in a few contemporaries and urban fantasy but it just doesn't fit in a historical, especially in what was supposedly Regency England. First-person is a very informal POV and Regency England is extremely formal, so they clash. Also, the dialogue felt a bit too contemporary at times, and not in line with the time period. Lastly, I found the D/s theme unrealistic in this particular setting. It was mild and inoffensive and even pretty sexy, but I didn't feel like it felt natural in a Regency piece.

Despite those minor issues, I found AN AGREEMENT AMONG GENTLEMEN to be an entertaining and satisfying read. This book is worth having in any M/M romance collection.

This is a great story,and it's well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's romantic and interesting, and it kept me coming back for more.

As all other reviewers I came to this book after reading the beautiful Bareback by the same author.

There could have been no major change: here we are led into Victorian England, among the gentility and the tone is necessarily completely different.

Edward Munrow comes to wealth in an unexpected way and is not entirely happy about it because his new position forces him to take those responsibilities he has carefully avoided until then.
The fact that ignites the plot feels unlikely enough to make it difficult for the reader to suspend disbelief; once suspension is managed somehow, the reader is thrown into a plot who develops consistently giving enough room for the three main characters to shine.

Mr Owen's writing is good as ever, yet I found the characterization rich but unfulfilling. It seems to me that the novel, rather short in fact, is constantly on the verge between the nicely written but light-hearted erotica and the full fledged gay historical novel: sex scenes are many, graphic, well done and take a large number of pages but there are several hints at deeper issues which are never dealt with, leaving me dissatisfied.
The most thorny issue is perhaps the threesome that develops among the three characters: it is nicely done and sexy but I really could not understand how the three come not only to have sex together but even to love one another so much that the expected exclusion of one of them from the "happily ever after" never takes place.
Among the others undealt with issues one could quote the characters of the duke and of the bride to be, not to mention the rather sexy topic of dominance and sexual play in xix century England.

As all these undealt issues are rather interesting and could have led to a very interesting narrative, I found myself rather dissatisfied at the end of the book.

A thing I appreciated is the complete lack of self loathing among the gay characters who only struggle to come away with law and society and are utterly inddifferent to moral constraints.

Four stars, but I think I should appreciate a second, edited edition taking a more clear direction.

Edward "Ned" Munrow is content with his life of no responsibility and all pleasure until his friend unexpectedly gives him an estate and a great deal of money. He's not particularly pleased with the development, especially when a Duke blackmails him into a marriage he definitely doesn't want. The Duke sends his heir, Henri, Viscount Langton, to spend the summer with Munrow, so they can pretend he's seeing if the young man will make a suitable heir. To his surprise, Munrow discovers that he actually likes Langton. Things get even more confusing (and exciting) when an old lover enters the picture.

Don't let the Victorian setting fool you, An Agreement Among Gentleman is an incredibly hot book! Munrow is an unashamedly sensual character and I enjoyed watching him slowly become motivated by more than just temporary pleasure. The supporting characters in An Agreement Among Gentleman added a great deal to the story. They provided comic relief and much more. The relationship between Munrow and his valet was especially amusing. As for the love interests, Langton was sweet, passionate, and eager, and Munrow's old lover Truitt was absolutely delicious! The attraction among these three gentlemen just about burned up my laptop. Chris Owen has written a wonderfully sexy historical which will have a permanent spot on my reread shelf.

Cassie
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

'Gentlemen-ly' is a good (invented) word to describe the tone of this book; the arousing rawness of Owen's earlier novel, "Bareback" it has not. Perhaps it's 'gentlemen-ly' to the point that the following says it best: You just don't as often get the overwhelming "Bb sensation" of being so caught up you feel you're 'going down for the last time'.....yet all the while knowing there's a love there that's gonna pull you back up.

In this newer Owen work, the men of "Aaag" are of their time and place, in many ways being correct and restrained.....nothing wrong with this, it's historically correct (and a harder write). Further, it doesn't mean they never "break loose sexually".......though there's definitely less of a feeling given the reader of building anticipation. The following provides additional clues to this situation. While older lead character, Edward Munrow (too infrequently called a more informal 'Ned'), and much younger protege/lover, Viscount Langton (also infrequently called a more informal 'Henri'), become "vivid" lovers, there's a "formality" thrown up between them (as indicated by near continuous use of their correct names).....a "pulled-backness" in their relationship that's not found between the leads of "Bb." It really boils down to a seeming lack of drive to "commit to one another," a drive most strongly felt in Owen's first(?) novel. This reader gets the feeling that what is happening, on the part of the considerably older man, is a "preparation" of young Langton for a life together with a third party to these proceedings: Christopher Truitt, Munrow's earlier trained "protege" and someone much closer in age to the young Viscount. Realistically I know, of course, that much of this "writing approach" likely relates to the novel's earlier England setting.

Finally, another most important thing yours truly found lacking is a "sense of falling in love.......of being in love and, significantly, a sense of growing love" between the two leads....something that "Bb" has coming out its pores....something that this reader drastically missed here.

Which is best? Unsurprisingly, Chris (and other readers), the one that'll get pulled off my shelf for a re-read every so many months will be none other than your firstborn: the inimitable "Bareback." And that read'll take place out in my ole Arizona bunkhouse, where there's a saying that starts each day: 'Let's saddle up, Pard.'

Fond regards,


A Reading Fan
Living-you-know-where

****

I was really impressed with the color illustrations of the artists. I was surprised to see that Leonardo Davinci's art was the worst of any artist in the book. I had heard that David Attenborough had not made enough comments in the book according to one Amazon reviewer, but I found that that was not the case. He certainly is the main author of this book.

I think this book is beautiful. It's exactly what I expected. I'm a biology nut and I love old botanicals. These are very unique pieces and I really enjoy them. My 5 yr. old thinks this book is amazing! She asks tons of questions about all of the drawings and is learning a lot about biology in the process.

I saw a review of this book in a magazine, and just had to have it. It's everything I thought it was and more. I'm savoring it, taking my time with the great illustrations--reading it is like going to a private museum.

I had a great shopping experience also--came in a timely manner, and saved a little by using Amazon.

As a botanical illustrator, I purchased this book to learn from the masters, and be able to see these vibrantly colorful illustration in full size. I was not disappointed. The book is beautifully printed on creamy paper, the colors look true, and the design is very elegant. I have returned to it time after time to see the different details, and always find something new. It's a great addition to my botanical wonders library.

I must admit being a little misled by the fact the name David Attenbourough appears above this book's title. I am so fascinated by his Telvision works and the accompanying books, that I buy almost anything with his name on it.
While the book itself is well illustated and well written, I was dissapointed that Sir David's only contribution was the Introduction.
This is a good book for someone with a deep interest in Natural History illustations, but may be a little much for someone with a more fundamental interest in Natural History documentaries.

Smaller, cheaper books are available which give the basics of Japanese braiding. They make the art seem dry and unattainable unless you devote years to it. But this book explodes the boundaries! Mr. Owen shows the worldwide history of braiding. Then he makes the art easily accessible by offering different types of equipment. The text is clear and straightforward, the photos are inspiring. This book will be a classic in its field. Well worth the price.

At first I greatly enjoyed this book. It not only gave instructions on how to assemble your own equipment, it also had numerous braid designs with color photos and step by step instructions of how to make each. However, once I fiddled around a bit an got more serious and creative with my samples, I found that some of the more advanced techniques (such as the different ways to finish a braid) were lacking in their description and instruction. But, overall, a great book for beginners.

This book was my complete introduction to complex braids. I wanted to make unique brains for use in jewelry and purses. This book tells you everything you need to know to get started and also to explore more advanced fields. Square braids, triangular braids, flat braids, round braids. Stuff you didn't know you wanted until you saw it!

My one beef with the book is that the steps for getting set up to make a particular braid aren't always intuitive. You'll want to do, say, a braid in the middle of the book, but there's some special technique which was only explained once, for a different braid pattern. But, once you've puzzled it out or if you don't mind making braids that are not "perfect" to the author or masters of kumihimo, you still get really great results.

A most excellent book on braiding. Not only does he have pictures and instructions on each braid, there is a nice suprise for cheapska---I mean people who live frugally. In the equipment section Mr Owen offers three choices: The "proper" equipment (beautiful but rather expensive to build), a cheap version made out of multiple pieces of cardboard, washers and plastic bottles and a really really cheap version made out of a single piece of cardboard. This is nice for people with shallow pockets or if you are just seeing what this braiding stuff is all about. If you don't like it you are only out one piece of cardboard. People with multiple children will be happy too because each child can make their own "braider". Teachers take notice! A class project that includes art, motor skills and recycling old cardboard, washers and little plastic bottles too.

Detailed instructions are included on each design and how to make it on each type of braider.

This book does indeed have a great many patterns, although the title is somewhat misleading - he attributes most of the patterns to Peru or UK, and only a few to Japan. However, they all seem to share such similar roots that it may have been better to not attribute them to any country or region at all.

It's nice to see a large selection of instructions for the kumihimo card, as most of the books are written in Japanese and only available through select sellers. However, because his instructions are so specific, you almost can't use the commercially available kumihimo card at all and instead have to spend some tedious hours constructing your own out of cardboard. And as a further warning, it's not just one card that you have to make; he has several different cards for various braids.

The photographs of each braid are clear and well-magnified so you can easily see the finished product but the instructions, especially for more complicated braids, aren't always very clear and even seem unnecessarily complex. It may take several read-throughs and a good memory to understand. If you are looking to start kumihimo, Jacqui Carey's Beginners Guide to Braiding is far better. If you have an understanding of the basics of kumihimo, then you can probably figure the instructions out and create some stunning braids.

I like food recipes or videos where they give the real stuff, any improvisations should be left for those who are making it so that at least we have a good idea what a food should taste like. This book is great as it gives you the real stuff, not the quick fix generic stuff, the stuff fantasies are made of. It brings you voyeur pleasure to read this book. Really good.

When I ordered Curry Cuisine, I was looking for a couple of decent curry and rice meals that I could make periodically for my family. I assumed that the majority of the recipes in this book would include hard to find ingredients that would make cooking these dishes only useful as a special treat every now and again. As is often true with the most flavorful foods, I also thought that I'd be looking at long cooking times.

Was I ever surprised when I actually opened up the Curry Cuisine. In preparation, I wrote down a list of herbs and spices that I needed at the store (the meat and vegetables required were all items I'd normally get anyway). I was completely shocked when I managed to fill my entire list at my local grocery store.

The first night, I planned a few dishes to make for supper. As often happens, I was in a bit of a rush so I had no time to prepare the meat and vegetables beforehand. That's when I realized a few very important things about this type of cuisine. Using these great recipes I could create a complete, tasty, and healthy meal in about the time it takes for rice to cook. Moreover, these recipes were written intuitively. I found myself putting on the rice and then cutting up meat for one meal. While that was cooking, I was cutting up, starting something else, and then going back to the first dish to add spices or other needed ingredients. Then, all the dishes were completed at the same time, like I had actually planned it.

I've cooked a handful of recipes in this book: the Filipino Chicken Adobo, a Mutter Pilau rice dish, a thai red curry beef dish, and a Japanese curry rice dish. The Adobo was excellent, my husband thought it was just as good as his mother's (he grew up in the Philippines). The others I altered depending on what was around the house and were mostly very good. I particularly liked the rice dish. Though I altered the recipe to use a rice cooker instead. Great flavors.

Though the book explains the exotic ingredients very well, unless you have easy access to Asian markets, using this book regularly will be difficult. Unless you are a more experienced cooks who will be able to substitute and use the cookbook for great ideas.

I bought this book in Australia and tried an Indian chicken dish which won rave reviews from my friends. I found that for an Indian palate or for those who prefer their curries spicy, its worthwhile adding extra chillies or peppercorns than stated in the recipe. Otherwise, it would be a milder version more suited to the general palate. Taste wise though, this book lives up to its expectations, and the variety of cusines delights the wannabe chef's heart.

So many books have been written about curries around the world that one might wonder at the need for yet another, but several attributes keep CURRY CUISINE: FRAGRANT DISHES FROM INDIA, THAILAND, VIETNAM, AND INDONESIA exceptional. For one, it provides a pictorial journey exploring curry cuisine from around the world - and adding regional recipes, such as an Alloo Curry from Pakistan or a Burmese Pork Curry with Mango. The focus on spice combinations unique to reach region helps reinforce differences in curry choices between them all, making for an outstanding addition to any lending library strong in Southeast Asian cookbooks.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Gosh I loved this series! It's one of those series you'd like to go on forever. All the characters in this book stayed with me long after the last page was read, and I know I will go back and re-read all 4 books many times in the future. I would recommend all 4 books, this is a series no one should miss!

I felt disappointed in this fourth instalment. These were my feelings regarding Tobias,Noah,Phantom. All three had lost their uniqueness and sexiness. Tobias was not portrayed as the strong DOM that really pushed Noah to his limits.There was one brief scene with sensory deprivation, which wasn't a complete success for Noah, but it was not pursued in the book. It felt like Tobias was 60 years old instead of 40.
Also, why reference the trip to Paris and 'scenes' over there, and not give the reader a glimpse? Why put it in the book at all?
I could not see or feel Noah's sexiness or edginess in wanting Sir to continually 'push' him. That was gone. I did not feel that he dressed sexy for a 'scene' anymore.
And finally Phantom.The very toubled sexy,horny,beautiful boy who needed a strong hand and was looking for more than Bradford could give him.We had a taste of his needs and I hoped that these would have been explored in a more intense way.
I did not think the 'scenes' were as intense as in the previous 3 books. There didn't seem to be the careful attention to detail in setting up a scene for the reader;consequently, for me, no eroticsm coming through in the scenes. It all had the feel of 'a sameness' in the scenes since it was mostly spanking,whipping. Nothing new, nothing interesting, nothing surprising.
Suddenly Noah & Phantom became sweet pizza eating kids, with kisses & hugs for everyone, always a bathtime, soapsuds and cuddles. I 'lost'their ages and uniqueness.
I am not saying this is wrong in a story..but not in relation to the previous Deviation books. I was very disappointed. Of course, relationships,problems had to be resolved in this book - it just left me feeling flat, lost,empty. It lost it's impact.
No trips to the barn,no pushing Noah
The story seemed empty. And when it seemed Owen and Payne had nothing to write about they had Noah and Phantom ordering pizzas!

After an impatient wait I was more than surprised with events and to be honest, a little disappointed in some ways. Phan isn't my overall favourite and I felt he intruded on what has been built up over the course of three books between Noah and Tobias. The writers went some way to convincing me though and by the end and I actually enjoyed it - even though it wasn't quite where I'd imagined the book going.

I did end up liking Phan after finding him irritating in book one and him slowly growing on me - his bouncy fizzy personality is hard to dislike. Though the manner of his inclusion wasn't something I was overjoyed to read, and came as a frown of surprise, it was made to work and as such, I enjoyed it more than I expected to. It almost seemd though, that the writers wanted to cure Phan's problems as early on as they could and shoehorn him in with our leads to get on with the hot threeways which was a shame but understandable I guess.

The sex scenes are plentiful and sizzling and the writing is bang on target with the characters well fleshed out, as ever. I can't agree with a fellow reviewer who found Tobias's penchant for switching, off putting - personally I loved it. A strong toppy charcter suddenly submitting or switching, for me, was a delicious and satisfying bonus. It was handled in a way that didn't jar with their natural roles and personalities which is a credit to the writing.

I was disappointed by elements of the book and overjoyed by others: I disliked what happened with Noah's job, I felt it was a big part of his identity and gave him a strength and a strong sense of individuality. The changes at the club and Tobias's new position are great, however and I loved so much seeing a chink more through Bradford's armour.

Personally, forget the Phan spin off and give me more Bradford and Nikki. I would love to delve deeper into Bradford's story after seeing a little more of him and his humour here. His and Tobias's toppy teasing of one another is fun and very sexually charged. As for the rest of the club, it is certainly a melting pot of ancillary charcters begging for expansion - newcomer Tom piqued my interest especially.

Overall, solid writing, highly charged and erotic sex and role play scenes and wonderful characters with a depth not often seen in this type of erotica.

Back from their Parisian vacation, things couldn't be better for Tobias and his submissive, Noah. With a new open-ended contract, plans to move in together, and an intense emotional connection that transcends their D/s relationship, the pair is more stable and centered than ever.

For Phantom, Tobias' former submissive and now Noah's close friend, things are spinning out of control. While making real progress in therapy for childhood issues that caused his split with Tobias, Phan is now forced to make some difficult decisions that could profoundly affect Tobias and Noah. Will Tobias and Noah have the strength, yet again, to take their relationship beyond its limits and come out stronger for it?

Knowing Deviations: Bondage was the final installment of a four book series with which I am completely and utterly in love, I had very high expectations. With Deviations: Bondage Chris Owen and Jodi Payne most unexpectedly gave me everything I secretly wished for. All I can say is just, Yay!!

Ms. Owen and Ms. Payne never fail to astound me. Their stories are filled with rich, authentic characters and real emotional depth. The blistering hot sex only adds to the intensity of the story.

One of my favorite things about the Deviations books is the different levels of Tobias and Noah's relationship and their exploration of roles. Theirs is not simply a straight Dominant/submissive bond. They have evolved into much more. Tobias' yielding to Noah is further explored with sizzling hot scenes, while at the same time their innate connection flourishes and grows.

The captivating Phan shines ever brighter here. I have been fascinated with him since he first licked Tobias' boots in book one. It's his emotional struggle and his seemingly limitless cheek that makes me want to snuggle him up and keep him safe.

For me though, Noah is the true star of Deviations: Bondage. His growth over the four books is amazing. Noah's inner strength and belief in Tobias' love leaves me breathless. He has truly blossomed under Tobias' hand to an astonishing depth.

Emotionally charged and intensely erotic, Deviations: Bondage is a satisfying journey of love. I can't recommend this book, and the Deviations series, enough!! They are an absolute must read!

Cheryl
reviewed for Joyfully Reveiwed

I truly enjoyed the first three books in the Deviations series, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. And, it was well worth the wait. The first two novels concentrated heavily on Tobias and Noah's budding romance while exploring the BDSM world they have chosen. Though the BDSM element is represented just as strongly as in the first three installments, there is more plot development here to build the romance to a crescendo. In particular, Tobias and Noah's jobs start to wear on them and affect their relationship. Noah questions why he became a cop after getting involved in a dangerous situation; Tobias begins to see that he can't be a full-time vet, a full-time Dom and manage his farm. One part that was especially good - readers get to see how complex Tobias' relationship with Bradford is, which subsequently fleshes that character out to be more three-dimensional. And then there is Phantom.

Phantom Shaw, Tobias' former submissive, was a minor character in the first two books. In volume three, his character was expanded upon and impacted the story more. So much so, that I expected him to have his own novel after Tobias and Noah's story was wrapped up. Instead, the authors created an unexpected plot twist for him in this final book. Though I never imagined the story going in the direction it went, it made for a very satisfying conclusion. His issues of self-esteem and addiction to pain take a major role in the story. Noah must examine his own feelings about Phan as well - can he accept that Tobias needs to help Phan? What role can or should Phan have in their relationship? And, does he love Phan too?

Though I am sad to see the series conclude, it was a very good ending. The sex was inventive, steamy and playful. Oh, and did I mention plentiful?! The characters were fully realized and the plot well done. These books have always been more than just "kinky" stories. These could be real people; they have real problems; and, they have real love. Overall, I highly recommend the entire Deviations series.