Sabatini Books

Tom Blair writes a colorful story that is an easy read for teenagers in middle school and above. The book keeps the reader's attention at all times and allows for the reader's imagination to take hold and grow with the story.

Tom Blair creates each character and story line with great detail and life, and manages to connect each to form a happy ending to a great book.

I enjoyed this book immensely and I'm looking foward to the sequels.

I gave The Sabatini Prophecy to my 11-year old niece -- a big Harry Potter fan -- as a Christmas gift. Shortly afterwards I visited with her and she exclaimed "I read the whole book in three days -- I couldn't put it down!" She is eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.

Although thematically similar to the Harry Potter series, Blair has created a completely original story in a setting that is all american. The protagonist, Davey Boehm and all of his friends are brilliant characterizations of american icons: young boy temporarily transplanted into a small southern town, the local young girl, the indian boy from the neighboring reservation, the local town toughs, and the town's patriarch and titular ruling family, not to mention the local flora and fauna. As an adult captivated with the "Potter" books, I was immediately swept away by "The Sabatini Prophecy", and I can't wait for the sequel(s).

You had better pick up the pace Rowling, because Blair is nipping at your heels.

Being in the book business myself I read a lot of young adult fantasy books. Ever since Harry Potter invaded all of our worlds we've all been looking for the NEXT Harry-like series. I'd like to tell you, this is it! This is a sensational debut teen fantasy novel that is sure to be enjoyed by people of all ages 9-90. The author blends magic and fantasy, family love and devotion with loyal friendships, then adds a mysterious aura of Cherokee mysticism and legend for a winning combination that should result in bestseller status if promoted and marketed properly. Thomas Blair has created a more advanced novel for the age group with multilevel plots and sub-plots, and has written this with more of an adult style which is also a breath of fresh air in teen literature. Our young hero learns early on in the book that he has a talent for talking to animals and soon learns he is a decendent of a secret line of Italian magicians. Davey's magical powers start out slow and simple and steadily grow throughout the book keeping readers totally riveted and engaged page after page, until the end where we find a young man with magical abilities that is a force to be reckoned with. The story revolves around a magical tree, a very spirited squirrel, some kamakazi ravens, a flying gypsy wagon, a kidnapper, a wise indian chief, a school bully turned hero and a Native American boy who loves to talk like Crocodile Dundee. How much more can we ask for in a book as fun as this? Hopefully word of mouth with spread the news that this novel is a hit!

For all of you Harry Potter fans this is another wonderful fantasy about Magic! A fast read and very exciting. The story keeps you engaged and entertained. An interesting side benefit is some insight into the lives of the Cherokee and their ceremonial activities. The story is centered on three children in their awkward years and the fight between good and evil--with a heavy dose of nature tossed into the mix. Many twists and turns that keep you wondering just how the characters will get out of some pretty tight situations.
A fun read for all children between the ages of 10-90. This is a good book for vacation entertainment. I cannot wait for the sequel!

I have yet to read a Raphael Sabatini novel I didn't enjoy. I would rank this book among my favorites (the others being The Sea Hawk, Love-at-Arms and The Sword of Islam). Set when Henry Morgan, governor of Jamaica, is charged with clearing the Caribbean of the pirates that used to be his brethren, The Black Swan is the story of Henry's trusted lieutenant who, supposedly en route to his retirement, runs into the last pirate at large, and finds himself and the beautiful governor's daughter traveling on board at his mercy. To save his life (and hers) he convinces the pirate that he's turned against Morgan and that the lady is under his protection. What follows is an adventure fraught with peril and suspense as our hero tries to balance his story and actions against a pirate determined to double-cross him at the first chance he gets, for the treasure and the girl.

It's a great story. The Maureen O'Hara - Tyrone Power movie is a toothless, fluffy version of the story. A better movie to compare the feel of this story to would be "The Glass Key" with Alan Ladd. Our hero is as cool-headed and calculating, and never loses sight of his ultimate goal.

I collect Sabatini novels, and when I occasionally re-read a few, The Black Swan is one of the first I'll revisit. It bears almost no resemblance to the Tyrone Power/Maureen O'Hara film; in fact, it's much better. While traveling from a British Caribbean colony to England, Priscilla Harradine and family friend Major Sands encounter Sir Henry Morgan's lieutenant (and former buccaneer) Charles de Bernis just before they are all captured by the notorious pirate Tom Leach. While de Bernis sets about convincing Leach he's on his side, Priscilla quietly falls for the Frenchman and Sands reveals himself to be a pompous old fool. In the end, of course, the hero de Bernis has something up his sleeve and things work out in typical Sabatini fashion.

The plot isn't as complex as most of Sabatini's other works, and it is one of his later books. But while it's a bit lighter, it's still an entertaining read. One interesting difference from the author's other works is the near absence of the misunderstanding between the male and female lead characters that keeps them apart for a while.

This is definitely one I'd recommend.

Rafael Sabatini's The Black Swan takes you through the jadegreen waters and tropical islands of the Caribbean into the violent,adventurous world of pirates and buccaneers. Priscilla Harradine is on her way to England after her father's recent death, accompanied by Major Sands, a devoted but pompous and dull-witted friend of her late father. Just before the Centaur, the ship on which they are traveling casts off, a tall dark stranger bound for Guadeloupe boards. Major Sands resents the presence of the dashing Frenchman, especially after learning that he is a former buccaneer. Priscilla however, much to the indignation of the Major who hopes to marry her, is fascinated by Charles de Bernis. She and the mysterious adventurer enjoy each other's company in the short time before he is to be put ashore at Sainte Croix. But the tranquility of the voyage is soon shattered when Monsieur de Bernis sights a dark image from his past on the morning horizon... The Black Swan is an intriguing, well written book that will keep your attention riveted to its pages. Readers who enjoy it will also like The Sea Hawk and Captain Blood by the same author.

Perhaps the best pirate novel ever written, Sabatini takes you right there, to feel the salt and sun, the fear and the joy, the fearsome loyalty. A classic adventure, magnificent wordcrafting and verbal choreography. When Sabatini describes a swordfight, you hear and see every clash, grunt and splash. They don't write like this anymore. Only George McDonald Fraser comes close these days.

Rafael Sabatini was scoffed at by many critics of his day who did not enjoy his melodramatic historical novels but remained popular with the public. (Just goes to show that sometimes the public is right. His best working period were the teens and early twenties of the twentieth century during this time he wrote the Sea Hawk, Captain Blood, Bellarion and Scaramouche. His later books have not quite the ramantic charm but they are still quite a lot better than your average modern historic novel.

The plot is basically a contest of wills on a south sea island between a French corsair who is defending a lady passenger and a rather nasty English pirate. The suspense is well portrayed and there is a rather good suprise ending. (It's not giving anything away to say that no one could forget the severed head scene) I found the heroine to be somewhat dim-witted at times but I really liked the hero, Charlie.

The movie version of this book does not follow it at all (it only borrows a few characters names) so viewing is no substitute for reading the real thing.

This is a great book! It has a great hero, who thinks circles around his enemys: Bellarion is the brilliant boy raised in a monastary, who is always the chivalrous gentlemen, protects ladies and always does what is right. The whole book keeps you guessing at the plot, and is very well written. I have read several other books by this other and so far this is my favorite. It is my present favorite book right now, up there with "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "Freckles". This is not a quick read;it is a story you will want to savor. I highly recommend this book!

Wnen I was a girl, I read all of Sabatini's novels, and this was my favorite. Sometimes Jane Austen's Fitzwilliam Darcy was my ideal man, and other times Bellarion was. I just reread Bellarion more than fifty years later, and I still love him. He was fortunate, always escaping by the skin of his teeth, but also misunderstood. So brave, so self-effacing, so brilliant. Of course, it turns out all right. But on the way, one worries so about that strange but loveable boy who sets out to walk to school in Padua in the fifteenth century and ends up in all kinds of fixes, meanwhile becoming the leading condottiere in Italy. The most fascinating part about him is his inventive and slippery mind. A really good read.

I agree with the other reviewer (ralo91) about what makes the title character so interesting, and I would add that this is one of the author's three or four best works. Bellarion begins as a scholar out of a monastery and in the world for the first time, ending up a nobleman and the leading mercenary in early fifteenth century Italy. All throughout, he prevails through strategy and cleverness instead of brawn or force of arms. As one character observes, Bellarion never aims where he looks.

The glory and honors he accumulates are the last thing on his mind, though. Every step he takes is to advance the cause of Princess Valeria of Montferrat--"sheer knight-errantry" as Sabatini calls it--made all the more interesting because Valeria wants to believe that Bellarion isn't the venal opportunist she perceives him to be, but for the longest time she can't get beyond appearances.

Highly recommended, especially if you enjoyed Captain Blood, Scaramouche, or The Sea-Hawk.

Not so much the return of the Captain, darlin', but his "overlooked" adventures in Sabatini's first book, begining shortly after his escape from slavery. Contains all the clever tricks and swashbuckling you've come to expect in a series of short stories. Sabatini's talent really shines in this format and _Captain Blood Returns_ is entertaining to read all at once or bits at a time.

THIS WAS A EXCELLANT STORY OF THE BUCCANEERS OF THE SPANISH MAIN.
I CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME SEE WHY THIS BOOK IS NOT MORE FAMOUS THAN THE ORIGINAL BOOK. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL TO THIS STORY TO CONTINUE THE THRILL ON AND ON.

I was surprised to find there were more books written about Captain Blood. I had read the original Captain Blood and loved it. I think it is high time Hollywood remade the movie too. Captain Blood Returns takes place during the same time as the original Captain Blood story. It is a collection of more adventures that could very well have been added to the original story. I can't wait to read the next book waiting for me--The Fortunes of Captain Blood.

Read this book if you know about Altzheimers. Read this book if you don't. It is presented as a series of short stories revolving around a family and how the failing mental state of one family member affects everybody. Don't read this book in public if you are easily embarrassed by having strangers see you cry or hear you laugh.

"Diamonds, pain, truffles," writes Sabatini, "How can all these things be exquisite?" The stories in this collection are exquisite, told with an insightful mix of reality, hilarity, and hope. The book's richness drew me in, and the muscular strength of the stories themselves--especially the title story, with its breathtaking ending--kept me eagerly turning pages, caught up in the lives of the characters, pulling for them.

Each story describes the characters' attempts to cope as Alzheimer's disease causes a tectonic shift in the geography of their family or community. The book gives a voice to the fears and frustrations of caregivers and family members, while reinforcing the worth of human life. Sabatini borrows snippets from medical textbooks and old Scottish proverbs and weaves them artfully into her narrative to create memories for someone who has no memories left.

When reading Sandra Sabatini's linked stories about the family of a man suffering from Alzheimer's disease there are times when the writing is so beautiful one feels an ache in the heart, and heat behind the eyes. I don't believe I have ever known characters so completely, or felt so in touch with painful and lovely moments in a book of fiction. The stories are perfect, rich, and unpretentious; this book is a gift and a treasure. I hope Ms. Sabatini will write again, and soon. Until she does I will remain delighted and astonished with "The One With the News."

From a few motifs (the housebreaker overhearing something he shouldn't, the trickster tricked, etc), Sabatini works his usual magic and creates a collection of stories that keeps you happily reading, and sad (but not disappointed!) when you turn the last page--which in my mind are the best criteria for fiction. The first half presents a 'rogue's gallery' of various one or two-shot characters in historical dress with all the snazzy repartee and swashbuckling you could imagine. You have everything from a highwayman to a French revolutionary to a Muslim pirate. The second half is the 'fortunes of Casanova' proper--a connected sequence of tales fictionalizing (and Sabatini-izing) Casanova. Strangely absent from his Casanova is...well...the attractions of women. Sabatini, save for the last tale, which is a love affair gone horribly awry, focusses on more 'adventures'--escaping from a notorious and inescapable prison, exposing a false prince, and the like. Absolutely wonderful stuff, and a must-have if you're a Sabatini fan. If you're not, the only reason I can think is that you've never read him. If you like the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise but wished they bathed a bit more, you will LOVE this man!

An outstanding omnibus which collects eleven of Sabatini's "lost" short stories and nine stories which are based on events from the historical Casanova's memoirs. Sabatini's short stories are masterful in their pace and ability to immediately immerse the reader in an adventure (invariably featuring a rascally hero) which ends in total satisfaction for the reader, if not the hero. The stories are all set from the 16th-18th centuries in various European locales and are shining examples of the craft of historical adventure writing.

The thirteenth volume in a series of impressive graphic novel anthologies drawn from classic stories and illustrated by various artists, Graphic Classics: Rafael Sabatini is a black-and-white compilation of tales of pirates, princesses, love, murder, hypnotism, extortion, and much more. The stories and their illustrators are "Captain Blood" by Carlo Vergara, "The Dream" by Rich Tommaso, "The Plague of Ghosts" by Gerry Alanguilan, "The Fool's Love Story" by Milton Knight, "The Spiritualist" by Roger Langridge, "The Valet Mystery" by Stanley Shaw, "The Risen Dead" by Jackie Smith, and a comic biography of Rafael Sabatini written by Mort Castle and illustrated by Kevin Atkinson. An eclectic range of tales with a common theme of excitement and intrigue, Graphic Classics: Rafael Sabatini is recommended as an introduction to Sabatini's timeless tales of high adventure.

I knew next to nothing about Rafael Sabatini before I picked up this latest volume of Graphic Classics. I always did love a good swashbuckler though, and I figured the creator of Captain Blood and Scaramouche was worth a look. Graphic Classics hasn't let me down yet, and this certainly won't be the last time they introduce me to a fantastic writer.

Remembered primarily for the slate of Errol Flynn films adapted from his works, such as "Captain Blood" and "The Sea Hawk," Sabatini is credited with the literary creation of the anti-hero, a rogue who's heroic nature is made heroic only by striving against those more villainous than himself. A host of pirates, charlatans and highway robbers manage to ingratiate themselves to the reader under Sabatini's guiding hand.

"Graphic Classics: Rafael Sabatini" is clearly a labor of love for editor Tom Pomplun, and he has put extra care into its quality. There is not a weak piece in this volume, and the artists are especially well-matched to the stories.

This volume contains:

"Captain Blood" - From a doctor, to a slave, to a free-booting pirate, Peter Blood's story is a bloody swath of adventure. Illustrated in a straight-forward but suitable style, Sabatini's most famous story comes dramatically to life. This one definitely makes me want to get the book and read the full story.

"Desperately Seeking Sabatini" - A hunt for the author,written by a college professor who wonders why Sabatini is not better remembered. Sabatini's story is an eye-opener. I had thought of him as a contemporary of Alexandre Dumas, not someone who was able to go see his own movies.

"The Valet Mystery" - A clever short story in the Sherlock Holmes vein, tense and with an interesting twist.

"The Spiritualist" - A comedic tale of a charlatan and the worlds beyond. Great illustrations to compliment the story.

"The Plague of Ghosts" - Another mystery, where a former con man hires his services to the police to uncover other con men. This time, a haunted castle and a bullet-proof ghost with a blazing skull. Classical art on this one really brings out the mystery.

"The Fool's Love Story" - Artist Milton Knight brings his personal flair to this story of the courage of ugly people, and how their love is no less powerful than the beautiful's.

"The Risen Dead" - A no-account rogue is finally brought to trial, although it is for a crime he didn't commit. A miracle grants him a second chance, but it is up to him to make something of it.

"The Dream" - An creepy tale of a mesmerist seeking to enforce his will upon a young lady of fortune. Her true love intervenes best he can, but the mesmerist's powers are strong.

This story of a young mother explaining to her daughter what happened to baby is so precious and life-affirming; both here and now and in eternal life with Christ! The book makes you feel as good as you imagine you will when you look at the beautiful cover. I love the ability to read this book to my youngsters as they are forming their own opinions and thoughts about life on earth and in heaven. We have Sabatini's first book, Joseph's Hands, and continue to be impressed by her own love of faith that comes through in her stories (which we just don't see as only children's stories!). Amen for such a book.Joseph's Hands

Isabel's Sister will become a most valuable asset in my library of children's books. I am a preschool teacher, and am often asked if I know of any books that could help parents discuss death with their children. It is a difficult topic to address with those of such a "tender" age. Isabel's sister gently answers all the questions children often have when they lose someone dear to them. They wonder where grandma or grandpa are. It is not uncommon for chilren to worry about losing other loved ones, as well as what would happen to THEM if they died. What a hopeful and comforting message! The faithful and true words of Kety Sabatini allow the sunject of death to be discussed in way that children can understand, while also calming their fears. As an adult, I found the story profoundly comforting to me, as well. Thank you, Kety and Marie Sabatini for sharing this lovely story!
Linda Guldi

This may not be Sabatini's best-known novel, but it is certainly among his best. Bellarion (1926) is the favorite hero of many a Sabatini fan, and it is easy to understand why. Here we have the author at his height, indulging his wit with sparkling dialogue and turns of phrase, his thorough knowledge of Renaissance Italy, as well as his penchant for ironic plot twists and surprises. A MacGyver-like character who triumphs almost uncannily by brains instead of brawn, the hero consistently awes the reader by escaping Houdini-like from the direst and most impossible straights. Suspenseful, witty, and ingenious, Bellarion is entertaining for young and old alike (great bedtime reading). But just one problem: I found it almost impossible to put down. Enjoy!

If Sandra Sabatini's "Breath - The Essence of Yoga" were only an inspired guide (with exquisitely simple sketches) to yoga breathing, or if it were only a poetic tribute to the breath, it would teach you something with each reading. It is both. You feel the writer's utter sincerity in every page. She leaves you with a sense of awe for one of our most mysterious functions: the breath - gateway between body and spirit.