Smith Books

I'm a longtime fan of Pullman's "His Dark Materials" series who recently read "The White Mercedes". Upon reviewing that rather interesting book, Amazon showed me this little book in my recommendations. The excellent price and intriguing description made me purchase it. I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed in the least.

"The Broken Bridge" is a really great novel for young adults about fitting in and dealing with family. Ginny's life, which she's rarely questioned, comes into question when she discovers a brother, a best friend's older sister, and her own past. Ginny is a pretty cool character, in that she's really easy to relate to. Her awkwardness at times and fears are realistic. Her anger makes sense. She's a perfectly constructed person, living inside a book. Other characters are equally real.

I liked Ginny's development over the summer, emotional and otherwise. She's a bit impulsive and that makes for an interesting read. Thankfully, this novel is very teen-friendly (minus a few swear-words) and should pass any "appropriateness" test, though it deals with serious subjects very well. It will capture the reader quickly and strongly, until you really want to know what happens. And the ending does not disappoint.

"The Broken Bridge" manages to deal with a number of serious issues quite well. Ginny, as a mixed-race teen, faces a number of racial insecurities, living alone with her white father and white community. Her strong artistic bond to her mother is meaningful as well, and this artistic aspect to the novel should draw in (no pun intended) artists as well. The way she views the world is quite special and unique.

Mysterious, well written, and absolutely enjoyable, "The Broken Bridge" is not the same fantasy Pullman, but still the same fantastic Pullman. Highly recommended!

Not up to the same standard as 'His Dark Materials' but it's aimed at a different market, I guess.

I found the writing good, creating that dreamlike, unreal, almost nightmarish feeling when your world is suddenly turned upside down.
The book grips you and you feel dragged along with our heroine as she tries to make sense of what is happening and the 'visions' she has; the only failing is the ending which seems a bit of an anticlimax.

Nevertheless, a very good read.

This is a wonderful book. I think it will resonate with many readers, who might relate to it even though the circumstances are unique.

Philip Pullman has a powerful gift. It convinces us to not only enter into the minds of his protagonists with sympathy, but to emerge actually caring about them. I really miss Ginny now, having finished the book. I try, in my imagination, to watch her grow up. I think she'll be brilliant, just like many of the readers who can relate to her and her step-brother.

As you begin reading the book, you're not told a whole lot; and I liked that. It made me more alert to cues in her thinking, watching her moods and the things that happen around her that she doesn't quite pay enough attention to.

On the other hand, the things she *does* notice are with the eyes of an artist, and one with a creative imagination. Readers who also like to draw and paint will find lots to like about the way Ginny thinks. It's a view of an artist's way, from an artist himself... and just like the best art, it moves something in us in a very subtle but profound way.

The book deals with feelings of isolation, which many of us encounter through race issues but everyone *could* understand, given a writer like Pullman. And then there's the matter of growing up. What happens when Ginny's secure world seems too small, but getting out of it is too scary? What happens when what she thinks she knows is not half of what's really there beneath her nose? Pullman makes her story a lot like our own story. We're hooked.

Her growing awareness of others' lives, her ability to move from a genuine and thoughtful sympathy to actual empathy - putting herself in their shoes, rather than looking at their shoes from her perspective, so to speak - is handled so well, I can't help but think we readers all benefit too.

Philip Pullman will probably always be best known for the "His Dark Materials" trilogy. This may be appropriate, as this trilogy - The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass - are superior fantasy. But there is more to Pullman than these three books. The Broken Bridge is a standalone novel that shows Pullman's skills go beyond just a single genre.

The Broken Bridge is the story of Ginny, a black (actually mixed-race) sixteen year old girl living in Wales with her white father. Despite the disadvantages of having a long-deceased mother (who came from Haiti) and being one of the very few non-whites in her coastal community, Ginny is reasonably well-adjusted. This stable life comes to a close, however, when a social worker appears at her house. Shortly thereafter, her father reveals something that will completely upset her life: her father had a son by another woman; the woman is dying and soon her half-brother will be living with them.

This revelation is only the first of many that will completely turn Ginny's life upside-down and make her question everything and everyone she has known. The most damaged relationship, however, is with her father who still has a number of other secrets that are beginning to leak out. But there are other truths that will be learned too, regarding her friends, her grandparents and her mother.

This is classified as a "young adult" novel, as most of Pullman's books are, but like his other works, these can actually appeal to any adult readers. I would guess it gets this classification because it is tame from a sex, violence or language standpoint, but the topics - including racism, adultery and even murder - are not exactly "childish."

Pullman is as a good a writer as always. The only disappointment readers are likely to experience is if they expect something like His Dark Materials. Outside of possibly one scene, this story is completely non-fantasy. But if you realize that Pullman can do more than just that one genre, you will find this is another is another good book by him.

The Broken Bridge is a beautifully written book about a girl named Ginny Howard, who is one of the very few black children in Wales. Ginny lives with her father, striving to reach her goal of becoming an artist. Then she finds out that she has a white half-brother named Robert. Even worse, she is illegitimate. Knowing that her father may not be telling her the whole truth about her own life, Ginny decides to find out all that she can about herself and her mother. The plot is embellished with Ginny's unique ideas about herself and also her artistic views. This book was very inspiring and I find that I can associate many of the things discussed in it with my own life. I am definitely better off from reading it.

Candle is a gentle, refined Basenji who "brought a glow into human hearts when she was near." Her story explains several Basenji physical traits as relating to the birth of Christ and her journey with the wise men. This must have been written by someone who loves a Basenji as much as I love my Basenji companion. The care given to the illustrations and the joy within them captures the Basenji spirit and soul. It may seem like a child's Christmas story but anyone who loves a Basenji will delight in it. It is a small cost for something that brings deep joy and although I bought it on a whim it has become one of my most treasured books. If you know a Basenji lover, scoop this one up.

A must for a Basenji lover's library.

This story is not only wonderful for children, but also adult basenji lovers. A must for ever family who has ever had or known a basenji. Candle will find a place in your heart forever!

A delightful story for all ages, this beautifully illustrated tale of the little Basenji who shares in the joy and wonder of the first Christmas is truly a timeless classic!

A basenji friendly household boasted of a pair of breeding basenjis and their two adorable puppies. The senior basenjis told their puppies the story of Candle, a basenji ancestor who really did show everyone the way.

An African breed that boasts of a more than 2,000 year history, the famed "barkless" dog (basenjis yodel and make laughing noises instead), these dogs were the loved pets of Egyptian aristocracy and nobility. The story of Candle takes place in Egypt.

A lovable young basenji named Candle is the adored pet in a royal household. Basenjis, naturally intelligent and curious were aware that something wonderful and miraculous was about to take place. The "basenji network" were aware that the days of excess and idolatry were soon to be challenged; a miracle was on the way.

Candle and her owner, a young Egyptian gentleman saw the Star shining brightly in the East and knew they had to follow it....

Readers will yodel with delight as well. This is truly a wonderful family bonding book and it is certainly a beautiful illustration of love and faith. I can't recommend it highly enough. I love it! The lovely illustrations and the gentle story will captivate readers of all ages.

Candle will light a path to the hearts of all who read her story.

Too early to evaluate at this time. First reading indicates that I am satisfied with the purchase.

Excellent cook book, very easy to follow and the meals are lovely. Very user friendly.

I originally saw Michael Smith on TV while on vacation in South Africa. I could not wait to get the book and I have not been disappointed. I love the way he helps you through recipes and encourages you to add your own touches to make the dish your own.

From the very first day I saw "Chef at Home" I was immmediately addicted...this is a book highly recommended for the "can't cook, won't cook" folks like myself, as well as the seasoned pros. Don't leave this book on a coffee table!!!

Every recipe (most of which I have seen created on the show) is easy to follow (there are some ingredients I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole, like mushrooms), and the stories behind them are fascinating. I especially enjoyed the personal tidbits Michael included along the way, and the marvelous photos of him with Rachel and Gabe - wish I had that little boy's palate when I was his age!

Thanks Michael for sharing your life and vision on cooking with your fans.

I really thought that cooking shows were mainly blase' affairs; that is, until I saw the Chef at Home show featuring Michael Smith. This in turn caused me to purchase his cookbook or cooking reference by the same name! Now, I can easily read his comments and follow up on dishes I think I would like which were featured in the show by looking at this book.

If you need cooking inspiration, something to make it fun, then this book is for you!!!

The only thing wrong with this is that it's not long enough. It was wonderful hearing the voice of the brilliant, funny, and seemingly very kind author of so many gentle and entertaining books. Anyone who loves his books will enjoy this. Absolutely charming especially when he laughs at his own silliness.

I have always thoroughly enjoyed the audio books by Alexander McCall Smith. Although I enjoyed listening to him on this CD and he has a "Very" infectious laugh, there was very little substance here. He kept going off on tangents and at times I found that my mind was wandering. Thankfully it is a short CD and I did not pay very much for it.

I really enjoyed reading many of McCall Smith's novels and so I was very interested in listening to the author himself speaking! He has such an infectious giggle that it made me giggle to hear him. He did have trouble getting started, I thought, but once he got into the heart of his message, it was very good. You know, he does that when he writes too, has his characters go off on tangents of thought. If you like his books, you will enjoy this inside look into the author's life. If you have not read or do not care for McCall Smith's books, (and not everyone does ) skip this item. As for me, I am glad to own it. I'm sure I'll listen to it again.

Funny, witty. To listen to him is fall in love with the person who created this very much needed good read series about africa and goodness in man.

In addition to being an extremely talented writer, Alexander McCall Smith is very funny in person. I found his lecture very entertaining.

writen as well as the music, in depth from early school days to 1989. beutiful pictures not just for a cure fan but for anyone wants to read about interesting people.

This book is the "definitive version" of the first ten years of the band we all know and love, The Cure. It takes us from Robert's early school days to the height of 1986, without leaving anyone behind. By far, the best biography to date, but another is in the works.

Ever since I became a Cure fan I had always wondered if Robert or any of the other band members had a biography, marking the major turning points of their musical careers.... And I guess that my question has been answered ever since I first heard about this crucial book. It lives up to what everyone has said about it, and I just got it yesterday from my friend Ben actually!(Thanks again! You're a sweetie!!)
What can I really say that hasn't been said already? It starts out in the late 70's, the original band members were in the middle of high school and already showing major signs of music excellence. Robert showed obvious signs of his intrest in music around his 10th grade year, and this book clearly highlights his journey to the top. I personally think it's quite intresting to read about their rise to fame and the obstacles they had to encounter along the way. I don't want to give out any spoilers so you all will just have to find out of yourselves the stories in here (oh yeah, there's a hilarious one that concerns Lol and Billy Idol... I almost fell over laughing!!)
This treasure is full of surprises and just about anything else you won't expect to hear. And, lets not forget the oh so needed eye candy!! It's practically exploding with tons of rare, great pictures... Color and black and white. The cute as hell baby pictures are a perfect ending. I especially love the color on the cover. Just because it says it's "paper-back" does not mean that it's not durable or good-looking. First time I saw it I thought it was a hard back because the front is glossy.
The pages are made out of nice quality paper and it's really thick, so you'll have hours to spend reading it. It's a fairly large book as well, I'd say around the size of a good-sized magazine (the width being roughly 8 1/2 in. and the length being 11 in.). This book is generally hard to come across(if not impossible), so I highly urge any Cure fan who is considering on buying this to second-guess no more.
You WILL NOT find any and I mean ANY other Cure book that will be more on the mark than this one. Take it from me and millions of Cure fans alike, this book will easily become one of your most valued possesions. Also, it's important to note that this is the only site on the 'net where I've seen this book for sale (new and used).
I've tried bidding before and no matter what, I was always outbidded by like, 12 other people so just save yourself some time and not to mention money and buy this now! I wish that I would've done that a long time ago. I promise you won't be disappointed in the least!

This book is not just a The Cure fan's book, it just a great book. In depth from cover to cover with every thing from school times to kiss me kiss me kiss me. In a few words: Lovable, interesting, and just wonderful.

I have been a cure fan for as long as I remember and own several cure books, but I must say this is my very favorite, one of the most interesting I have ever read on this band."Ten Imaginary years" takes you on a journey from the very begining of the band (it even mentions how Smith and Tolhurst meet) and ends around the late 1980's when the cure play in Orange, France.
Members of the band talk about their experiences with being in the world of music,their musical inspirations, life on the road, bad managment,fights,bar hopping, drinking binges (hilarious!!!), making of their videos, family life and the very unusual characters and situations they have been in along the way.
This was one of my first cure books , so I absolutely recomend it to the new cure fan and for the old cure fan, its a must have. It has great pictures (including childhood pictures form all members!!), a discography at the end of the book and lots of information about the members I had no idea about. Most important of all this book is extremely humorous.This book is the real thing, it revelas all unapologetically. You will love it!!!!!

Love can be found in our happiness, sadness and our desires. In D & D POETRY the author puts his poetic skills, of soulful love, to pages of honest and emotional prose. With 15 thoughtful expressions of love, he tantalizes readers with poems to edify the deepness of one's heart when they find themselves in love. The poems cover love that is unrequited, love so deep nothing else matters, love gone astray and sensual love.

Alexander Smith has put his honest emotions regarding, love, into some in-depth poetry. The prose at times is lyrical and features a nice cadence throughout the collection. I enjoyed the different ways love is expressed because I could feel the pain, joy, sadness and desire in most of the poems. Although not all the poems reached my emotional depths, it is a fine compilation. D & D POETRY extols the multifaceted sentiments of love, being loved and love lost.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I've read the reviews on this book at Barnes and Nobles, but the place to buy it is here at Amazon. I put this book on my coffee table and it always sparks a discussion. Very well done! I truly loved it!

My girlfriend introduced me to this book over the past weekend. I still haven't been able to part with it. It's nice to know that men are capable feeling to this level. This is a must read!

I borrowed a copy from a friend and then immediately went out and purchased this book. Every man in this world, regardless of his ethnic background, has been here before in his life. If women wonder how we feel, think, or love, this is a must read. The author really hits the nail on the head. Awesome!!

This book renewed my faith in MEN IN LOVE. I couldn't put it down. Whenever you need confirmation that men actually feel emotions not related to sports or their jobs. Read this book!!!!! Alex definitely says what women always wondered and doubted about men. They do have feelings and emotions. I am not a poetry reader but these really spoke to me.

I like this book because its about a cat. It's a cat named Desser. I think that the book is a litle sad.But in the time it gets way beter.I think other kids should read this book too.I like books like this because they always have happy endings.

This is my most favorite children's book, hands down! It's sweet, humorous, touching and sad --all in one--and the pictures are so beautiful and expressive. We originally borrowed it from the library and as I read it by myself (because I couldn't stop looking at the beautiful pictures) and cried my eyes out remembering all 3 of my dear kitties that have passed on, I knew I had to have my own copy. My four year old daughter loves it as much as I do... and I know she sees our current cat through different eyes now!

If you love this book, then let me suggest the book, "Florence the Goose: A True Story For Children of All Ages." They both share "true stories," animals who change the lives of the narrators immeasurably, a sublimly painful detailing of loss and exquisite artwork!

A perfect book for cat lovers and children, especially those dealing with the loss of the beloved family cat. The illustrations and text bring to life the cat personality and the interactions between young children and cats. I am ordering one for me and one for each of my siblings because it so reminds me of our childhood cat King Topence, who was almost human by the time he died at 18 years old.

Our 14-year-old kitty died recently and for my two children, ages 4 and 7, the loss was devastating. I checked this out from the library (along with Cat Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant, another fantastic book) and I cannot believe how much this book helped soothe the pain of her loss. My four year old asked to read it several times a day, and we got to the point where we laughed more as we read it than cried. It's a touching, sweet story, worth every penny.

Fanny Trollope (1779-1863) wrote over 35 novels and several non-fictions books in her effort to rescue her family from poverty. However, the most read of all her books is "Domestic Manners of the Americans" which she published in 1832. It was in that distant year that Fanny and two of her children traveled across the Atlantic Ocean. Her purpose was to join a utopian community in Tennessee whose denizens were freed slaves.
Fanny left her impecunious and feckless husband the barrister Thomas Trollope back home in England. Her famous son Anthony did not make the trip as he was a student at Harrow School. Fanny knew her husband would join her in the USA when money became available. Later the family would flee to Bruges to escape creditors. Fanny eventually lived out her life in Florence near her son Thomas Trollope.
After leaving Tennessee the Trollopes settled for two years in the Queen City of the West Cincinnati, Ohio. Fanny did not like America or the American people! She found us xenephobic; boastful, prideful and violent.She hated the hypocrisy of life in Midwest Ohio although she did attend such cultural attractions as opera, plays and lectures. She favored the state Anglican Church of Great Britain not caring for America's separation between church and state.
This book could well be read alongside Charles Dickens' "American Notes for General Circulation" based on his 1842 six month trip to the USA.
Both Trollope and Dickens found the Americans crude, lacking in manners
and eager to make a quick buck. Listen to Trollope at her most scathing:
"..among the rich and the poor, in the slave states, and in the free states...I do not like them. I do not like their principals, I do not like their manners, I do not like their opinions." (p.314).
Fanny Trollope's book is more interesting than Dickens since she discusses colorful characters and shares anecdotes about her sojourn in our young republic. Like Dickens she hates the odious practice of tobacco chewing and the mangling of the English language. Trollope found us Yankees to be too serious and viewing us as poorly read. Unlike the wealthy and famous Dickens, Mrs. Trollope was a middle-aged woman fighting off poverty with her pen. I enjoyed her descriptions of nature such as those she paints of the Potomac River, Northern Virginia and the Niagra Falls area in New York and Canada. She is aware of flora and fauna and describes them with knowledge and in beautiful prose.
Dickens and Trollope give us the eye to see America in the days prior to the Civil War when the curse of chattel slavery ruled the land. Since those days America has granted freedom to all citizens. I wish both Fanny and Charles could visit us again in the 21st century. Their remarks would be of great interest to this reviewer and countless others!

This is both a great read and an important historical document. Fanny Trollope was the mother of Anthony Trollope, perhaps the most prolific English novelist of the nineteenth century and my favorite. Fanny's husband was ineffectual in the breadwinning department, but fortunately for the family, Fanny herself was energetic and enterprising. She took one of her sons (not Anthony) and an artistic young man to the United States. She was planning to join a friend of hers who was a mover in setting up the utopian community in Harmony, Indiana, but the place turned out to be squalid, and she didn't stay long.

Fanny spent most of her time in the U.S. in Cincinnati and in her book is very hard on the city and its inhabitants. She especially objected to the pigs' role as garbage collectors. (In those days, pigs roamed the streets freely, like sheep grazing.) Fanny felt most of the people she encountered were loud, dirty, vulgar, and fanatically patriotic. It is her vivid descriptions of the physical conditions and the people that give this book its historical and entertainment value.

While she was living in Cinci, she opened a retail emporium and filled it with rather shoddy merchandise sent from England by her husband. She also attempted to bring culture to the inhabitants. Not surprisingly, both ventures failed.

After Mrs. Trollope returned to England, she supported her family by writing novels that were quite popular at the time, though they haven't become the classics her son's have. She spent her final years living in Italy with another son and his wife.

This is an extremely entertaining commentary on American manners and well written. I agree, however, with Mrs. Trollope's son, Anthony, who commented that Mrs. Trollope is a keen observer but she understands little. Certainly her complaints about the lack of gentility among Americans is valid but she completely missed the wonderful lack of class restraints endemic to English society which afforded Americans "class mobility"--freedom of opportunity (except for native Americans and slaves).

All I can say is: what a great read! Who knew? Quite frankly, upon first sight of this book I must admit a bit of dread as the puritanical artwork does not smack of fun and games. Of course, as a literature student, I should know better than to ever judge a book by its cover.
Had I been Fanny Trollope writing such an account of America in the 1820s, I would be hardpressed to say that I would have changed a single word. Trollope has been the victim of many mean spirited caricatures and accusations by Americans and it still continues today, but what is interesting is that no one can do more than attack her person. In other words, no one seems to be able to refute her claims.
Trollope's "bitchiness" seems, for the most part, merited by my standards and while she finds much to complain about concerning an American democracy in its adolescence, she certainly discovers just as many things that she likes or finds beautiful.
Plain and simple, Americans collectively have a hard time taking criticism, especially from an outsider...and at that time, political criticism from a woman was deemed absurd if not audacious.
Last but not least, Fanny Trollope is always sure to preface anything she says with the conscious realization that she can only speak for what she has seen/heard personally and is thereby not judging ALL of America.
Trollope is witty and anecdotal and I think anyone interested in what an outspoken Englishwoman had to say about the New World should certainly pick up a copy. I found particular interest in gender/religious issues but got the most laughs out of her descriptions of American manners (or the lack thereof).
It is always interesting to see how much things have changed, and better yet, how many things have remained exactly the same!

Very entertaining read of the author's trip through 19th Century America, full of wonderful description and enlightening observations. Despite the griping below, Mrs Trollope simply reports what she sees - men spitting tobacco on the floor, ladies off in another room while the guys have a good time, etc. She reports accurately on our forefathers' rugged pioneer spirit, but points out the lack of education everywhere. We want to shout "lies!" but Mark Twain wrote about the same thing, and the aspects of our society that haven't changed much are still being commented on with the same frankness by writers like Saul Bellow, Gore Vidal, Dawn Powell, Paul Theroux and Joan Didion. Many true-hearted Americans will enjoy this book no end. Mrs Trollope clearly loved America and simply wrote truthfully about; she is simply beholden to no one - the essence of good writing. A thoroughly refreshing read.

I find Alexander McCall Smith's stories about Africa and her people to be fascinating. I wondered what his story-telling gift would make of the Celtic god of dreams. The structure surprised me, as the stories moved back and forth between the mythical God and the role of dreams in real life. On occasion, the connections between the stories were wrought with almost sublime irony and meaning. My favorite story in the book is I Dream of You which connects past and present, myth and reality in a most enjoyable way and describes the role that dream therapy can play in helping us.

The sentences in the book often sparkle with wit and wisdom that will leave you thinking about their wider meaning, rather merely wanting to continue reading the story: "They shouted to one another, words of encouragement, words of dismay at missed chances, urging others to run faster, to outwit the other group." That sentence has more imagination, meat, and insight in it than many novels that I read.

I found that the book was overly tied to the myth of Angus, the god. Mr. McCall Smith is much better with writing about people than writing about gods. With a shift in emphasis toward the current world, this would have been an outstanding, five-star book. As it is, the "current world" sections are terrific.

This slim book by the author of the popular Ladies Detective Agency series alternates dreamily between made-up Celtic mythology, maybe a bit fey but original, and some echoing episodes of modern life. I normally don't like this kind of thing at all, and it was, in the reading, captivating. Andrew McCall Smith knows how to tell a story. He's also a skilled writer, so the scenes are sewn together with a light and dextrous hand, moving easily from lyrical description to dialogue. The moral themes of the detective novels are infused rather than read aloud here. McCall Smith seems to have a fundamental optimism about life, and you feel he does not disdain his characters, despite their bad deeds, and various kinds of unhappiness or aimlessness, but rather offers them for our view with love and respect, seasoned with a bit of humor.

Fact: I will read with pleasure almost anything written by Alexander McCall Smith -- some titles with more pleasure than others, but anything with his name on the cover is practically guaranteed to provide gentle humor, sharp but never acerbic insight about people, and a view into worlds new to me.

"Dream Angus" hits all those marks and one more: it looks at the playful serious curious business of dreams and the purposes to which they might be put.

There are all kinds of serious words that can be delivered about a little book like this and probably there are treatises about whether Smith has written down the "One True Angus" or the one that he has simply invented. But I am not an aficionado of myth. What I causes me to recommend this book so strongly is its optimistic invitation to open oneself to possibiliities offered by the good, but perhaps unconventional scenarios of our dreams.

Your minister or mother or physician could issue this invitation (or imperative) to you, but it would not be as much fun.

this book was a breath of fresh air. it exposed me to celtic mythology which i know little of. not only does it focus on the myth of dream angus but on people living daily life and how in the seemingly mundane wonderment can exist in this case the gift if dreaming. we see dream angus in the past and present. we see how he will always have a place. smith's writing is beautifully crafted as always. he seems to have away of making you feel right with the world even with its struggles. if you are a fan of smith's you will not be disappointed and if you aren't you will become one.

For lovers of Celtic mythology and lore, this is a must read. For dreamers (and who doesn't dream?) ... it's a must read.

Alexander McCall Smith has written a gorgeous retelling of the myth of Angus, interlaced with a series of deeply provocative modern vignettes. I read Dream Angus in one sitting, stunned at the beauty & eloquence of McCall Smith's storytelling. For me, the tales provoked tears of empathy with the human experience. I can see myself giving this slim volume as gifts, many times over. It's a tale to read again and again ... either in its entirety, or by individual chapters.

She hasn't continued with it but I sincerely hope she has more ideas in the works for the detective agency of Bradley, Ryan and Davis. These two books (Eyes of the Daemon and Eyes of the Empress) are unique and utterly fascinating. I keep picking one up to re-read a favorite passage and end up reading the entire book all over again. I never know whether to check the Mystery, Sci-Fi, or Fiction sections to see if she's written a third book in this series, so I check them all regularly. A skillful and incredibly talented writer!

I truely hope Bacon-Smith continues with another book of Daemons Inc. This book wsa as great as the first and i would encourage anyone to buy it! Like the first Eyes of the Daemon, the book was never slow and both kept me reader till 2 in the morning. The plot is intriguing and always entertaining, and the complications add flavor to the overall story. To sum-up the book, the private detective agency of Bradely, Ryan, and Davis is called to protect the Dowager Empress Crystals, but before they can start they're gone and Kevin Bradley has become the top suspect! With these and other "family" problems bursting into life, the agency is in for a rough ride, and Kevin maybe in for a greater betrayl...

I picked up this book and the first title "eye of the daemon" together on the off chance that they would be good. I wasn't dissapointed. Both titles are one of the best reads I have had in a long time. A contempoary fantasy that has great characters. You won't want to put either book down. I am looking forward to more books with these characters from this author.

I read a lot of SF, Fantasy and horror and these titles really do stand out from the crowd. Definate 'keepers'.

Evan has got it tough. His dad is a Damon from the Second Sphere where time doesn't exist and his Mom's from the Material Sphere - Earth and that makes hims a monster that's not welcome anywhere. Although the main plot-line of this book is a mystery, it serves only as a backdrop to the real story, Evan's relationship with his Daemon dad, Brad and his Daemon lover, Lily. Evan longs for a family, but the Daemon's just don't get it. Their totally non-human outlook on life is effectively captured by the author when Brad, puzzled by why Evan want's him around so badly says to Lily regarding his son, "He was just . . . interesting, nothing more. I never told him I liked him". Of course Daemon's aren't much better then humans at understanding their emotions and that's the source of much of the fun. What I like most though, is the unabashed celebration of the individual. So many books glorify self-sacrifice and heroics for the common good, by Evan wants to live despite the fact it might be better for all of creation if he had never been. This is the second book in the serious and it read better then the first. It can be probably be enjoyed by itself but will be a lot richer if you have read the firest one. Unlike the first this book contains no gore and no murders, which suits me just fine. Hopefully there will be many more books to follow.

I'd advise having the following handy when you read this book. First, an extremely comfortable chair; you aren't going to want to put this book down anytime soon. Next, a DO NOT DISTURB sign so the world will leave you alone while you chortle or in some cases laugh hysterically at the book's ironic and often sly humor. Finally, a fan for cooling off after you get through the steamier passages. This worthy successor to EYE OF THE DAEMON picks up several years after the first book, with half-human/half-daemon Evan settling into something resembling a happy existence with daemon father Brad and daemon lover Lily. At least, Evan suspects it's a happy existence because neither has tried to kill him lately... he's a remarkably well-adjusted boy. I'm a fantasy and science fiction reader, and I still don't know what genre this book belongs to, but I can attest to the fact that it's the most legal fun you can have without getting into Serious Literature. The humor is wonderful, the premise delightful. Read the other book first if you can because it's more fun that way, but if you can't, don't worry. I look forward to more in the series!