Stone Books

This is an amazing book to read after reading Barbara Tuchman's "The Guns of August." Both books deal with the psychology of war but Susan Griffin addresses modern war on the level of the individual; telling stories of both the victims and the perpetrators of war's atrocities. Susan attempts something new in her style that is very effective on one hand but difficult for the reader on the other. She asks "Who are we?" and then answers that there are so many strands to a story and one must trace every strand. She literally takes this idea as her form and weaves the threads of several stories together on the same page. I found each "thread" fascinating but ultimately I ended up reading each separately so that I would not lose my grasp on the story. I found Chapters 1 through 5 to be fascinating. The last chapter entitled, "Notes Toward A Sketch for A Work in Progress" is just that--an abrupt departure from the main body of the book. It's what's left over in her journal that she didn't quite fit into the book but still wanted to include anyway. It's interesting but not as engaging as the first 5 chapters. The book is gloomy and yes, Susan Griffin has a depressing outlook on life, but even doomsayers can be valuable soothsayers in our society.

So much of history is centered on warfare. And then, so much of warfare is historically rooted in a traditional perspective of leaders, politics, and other "big" events. Is there a deeper and more complex truth to all this?

Now, here comes Susan Griffin, and her ideas flow freely out of the conventional boxes of interpretation. In "Chorus of Stones," she examines "small" events, and especially the internal dynamics of family relationships, and then links them to the "big" events -- like the invention of the hydrogen bomb or the decision to fire-bomb Dresden. In the process, she shows the reader how such wide-sweeping historical catastrophes like wars are inextricably connected with small, often trivialized realities whose real significance can go unnoticed, or even be repressed. If you ever thought about the old adage that "we won't understand war until we understand why couples argue with each other," then this book will fascinate you. It's a real shame that it hasn't received more attention, for it challenges so many of our notions about the separation of "personal" and "public" lives. Fascinating through and through!

In this book, Griffin explores the connections between subtle violences and small denials, and horrible huge violences such as war, especially the second world war with the holocaust and the use of the atomic bomb as a weapon. One could say that this material has been covered before, but my description really does not do her work justice. The book is a highly imaginative meditation on the connections between events at different times and at different parts of the world, and between internal and external events. She traces the lives of a few historical figures including Gandhi, Himmler, and a British general, woven into the rest of the book. Also, there are some poetical descriptions of biological processes, mostly at the cellular level, and as a cell biologist, I must say that she has her facts straight, which gives me more confidence in the other parts of the book which I know less about (historical events). I feel Griffin does what an artist should do - put into words (or some form that we can understand) thoughts and feelings that are just beneath our own threshhold of consciousness.

I came across this book by chance - an obscure reference in a popular psychology book.Susan Griffin has captured the interconnectedness of life, war, relationships and evolution in a scope so vast, so all encompassing that it left me breathless. An amazingly successful synthesis of conveying the macrocosm by studying the microcosm. It had me scribbling down 'quotable quotes', until I soon realised that almost everything she says is profound, well thought out and corresponding to all my notions of truth. In a time when the USA is contemplating war, everyone would be well served by reading this book. Susan Griffin's work is one of startling intellectual scope written in a language that is as sparing as it is poetic. I am in awe of A Chorus of Stones and am saddened by the fact that it seems to be relatively unknown - particularly in Australia.

all i can say about this book is that at times it was so powerful i had to put it down, i just couldn't take it

In 1932, Philip Johnson and Henry Russel Hitchcock held a retrospective of European modern architecture at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. They coined the term "International Style" to describe this newly emerging style. This show captured the imagination of many of the United States' best young architects and designers. They soon began to put an American spin on the new "International Style" of architecture.

Eight years after the MOMA show, James and Katherine Ford published, "The Modern House in America". The purpose of the book was to draw attention to this new style of architecture as it was being developed in the United States. This volume was in turn republished by Dover Press in 1989 and retitled, "Classic Modern Homes of the Thirties".

This volume showcases sixty four designs by such noted architects as Neutra, Gropius, Breuer, Shindler and Soriano. These works are shown with 194 photographs and 128 plans and drawings. It is important to note, these images come from a book published in 1940 and therefore lack the precision and design values that you would find in a book published today. This reprint is not a coffee table style of book. Its value is more historical in nature.

What I found most interesting in this book, is to see how some of the best homes of this period start taking on an iconic stature within a few years of being constructed. Homes that are the subject of recently written monographs are shown as newly built homes.

Mid-Century Modern is all the rage at the current time. There is no better volume to give an enthusiast an understanding of what forces came together to form this look. To really know Neutra, Schindler and Soriano, you have to know what they were building in the late 1930's.

I am so glad to find a reprint of this book! It has been impossible to return the one I have on loan. Some less known but notable architects like Pietro Belluschi are included along with the big names. Details such as floor plans and original cost per square foot are a bonus.

This is a wonderful book combining insight into "modern" residential home architecture of the 30's with a view into the lives of those who designed and lived in them. Like all Dover books, this title is remarkable well printed which allows the reader to easily see all the floorplans, pictures and other images of these homes. The text tells the reader about the family the house was built for, their lifestyle and needs, the layout and construcion details and decorating details of their home. What is remarkable is how fresh many of these homes look today and how much recent modern architecture owes the pioneers who designed these homes. Very enjoyable... anyone who appreciates architecture and history will love this book.

"Classic Modern Homes of the Thirties" is an unabridged reprint of a book first published in 1940, and thus serves as a valuable historic document. But this introduction to the "modern" style of architecture is not just a book for historians: it is visually stunning achievement that will be appreciated by all who have a passion for the art and science of home architecture.

The book introduces the reader to 62 marvelous houses which exemplify the modern style. Architects represented include Gregory Ain, George Howe, Richard J. Neustra, Raphael S. Soriano, and many more. Detailed floor plans, exterior and interior photographs, and details of construction are included. The houses range in size from modest 1- or 2-bedroom homes to expansive, luxurious mansions.

This book is a spectacular introduction to the vocabulary of the modern period in architecture. The photographs and floor plans capture the bold interplay of geometric shapes, the experimentation with glass and other materials, the profusion of balconies and terraces, and above all, the concern with functionality that motivated the masters of the modern.

Co-authors James Ford and Katherine Morrow Ford have included a interesting introduction. Also included is a collection of brief statements by many of the featured architects.

This is a great book for those interested in American cultural history, interior design, home photography, and other subjects. But at its core this book is an excellent record of and tribute to one of the most remarkable movements in the history of home architecture.

A really super book for the price. This is a paperback reprint of a book published in America in 1940. Each house has one or more photos, inside and out, plus a plan (some a bit too small) and details about what the owners wanted, site, cost, materials, exterior and interior details etc. The black and white photos are good considering they have been taken from a printed source.

The authors describe the concept of modern architecture in the short introduction and in the back each architect writes about their views on design. I must have looked through this book dozens ot times and I still love these houses. Unfortunately I bet a lot of them are no longer standing, which makes this reprint even more important as a visual record.

If you are interested in this type of streamline building have a look at 'The Modern House Today' by Nick Dawe and Kenneth Powell, this has excellent color photos of sixty-three houses in England that are still standing, unfortunately the book is let down by the minimalist design. Charlotte and Peter Fiell's massive 576 page reference book '30s and 40s Decorative Art' covers Moderne houses (mostly in the US and Europe) with photos of interiors, ceramics, textiles and lighting. All three books are worth owning.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

This book addresses most of the emotional issues for spousal and chilren who caregive someone with dementia. It shows how you can think your way out of the deep hole you put yourself in while caring for your loved one. Change your thinking and you will automatically make things better for both you and your whole family. Buy this book!!!

so many books out there focus on the person with alzheimers and very few address the caregiver adequately. My ailing mother is caring for my father and her inability to do a good job was fodder for all sorts of of emotional issues - she needed more than a small chapter in the back of a book. This book was wonderful and validated all her feelings and let her know she was not alone. Too bad it's so difficult to find. It has a question and answer format with questions like "I feel so bad when I yell at him for not remembering. I know he's sick but I just get so frustrated! What can I do?". Practical, useful, and true to life.

If you're caring for an Alzheimer's patient, you already understand how demanding, and often frustrating, the job can be. Olive and Bock understand as well. They approach the problems with true help for the caregiver.

If you don't understand the problems of caring for Alzheimer's, read this book! If you do, read this book! There's real help in these pages!

Phyllis Staff, Ph.D.
author, "How to Find Great Senior Housing"
and
"128 Ways to Prevent Alzheimer's and Other Dementias"

Coping with Alzheimer's is a very practical survival guide for caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's. It is very well written and easily readable, not preachy or "textbooky." Highly recommended.

This is a remarkable and extremely useful book for all caregivers and family members of Alzheimer's and Dementia patients. It utilizes principles of "RET" or Rational Emotive Therapy pioneered by Dr. Albert Ellis. Simply put, the concept holds that one's perception of events will determine the corresponding feeling or emotion. A deceptively simple but powerful concept in battling depression, anger, and frustration. In the case of Alzheimer's caregivers, this premise can be a literal lifesaver and Drs. Oliver and Bock use their own case histories of treating caregivers to demonstrate pratical, powerful "inner dialogues" that can be used when the daily stress and frustrations of dealing with this challenging condition come to bear. Specific chapters are devoted to: Shame,Guilt, Anger, Depression, and even Self-Pity. This book not only provides the means to lift the spirits and emotions of caregivers, but by doing so, potentially change for the better the necessary interactions between them and their stricken loved-one. Highly recommended!

I have read the entire series so far, still haven't read Eagle but will get that soon! Each book has just pulled me right through from beginning to end, very enjoyable. Honor, survival and the martial arts - all good stuff.

This is an awsome book the first one is tiger that one is realy good to. once you read the first book youl be modevated to read the whole seriese. It's about monks at temple and fighting the auther jeff stone writes and creates beutifly, he detailes the fighting so well it's like your there waching it. READ THE WHOLE SERIESE IT'S GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Three companions head down the Yellow River to the underworld of a dangerous city, unaware that their youngest brother is being used as bait in a trap, in this exciting Kung Fu drama which adds to a series with the fourth out of five projected books. Hok has long hidden her identity, but when her old life causes complications in her new world, Hok finds herself allying with other young monks who must use their kung fu skills to survive. Kids who love martial arts will relish this adventure.

An awesome book with the Crane (Hok). It has double the action of Snake, and there are many unexpected turns in the story. I can't wait for Dragon.

My 10 year old has read each book in this series with relish and has now gone back to re-read them all. It has sparked his interest in reading after a lull, and he sped through them in no time. Now we just need to wait for thhe next one...

Katrina introduces the 12 chakra system in this book. She uses higher vibration crystal to activate the chakras outside our body. Crystalline Transmission (transform our physical body to be a crystal!!!) is the goal of crystal practice to adapt the increasing frequency in the Earth. Though this book has be written for 10 yrs, it is still advance for most crystal users.

This is the culmination of her work with "crystals" and should be read AFTER the two earlier books. It is unique in that it is not "Hokey" but well grounded and useful. I studied with her while she was still in Taos, NM and am indebted to her for her insights into the crystalline world.

By the way; It's KATRINA, NOT KARRINA

This is Volume III (1990) in a series of 3 very well written and very useful books by Katrina. Volume I is "Crystal Enlightenment" (19xx). Volume II is "Crystal Healing" (1987). You probably want to read these volumes in order unless you already know some of this crystal and energy stuff. Volume III is a little more "out there" but only to those who are new to this stuff.

I guess you could say that Volume III is for the person with some crystal and energy knowledge already. Assuming you know about the 7 chakras (energy centers/wheels within the human body), Katrina refers to 8 to 12 (major) charkas, 3 above the crown charka, one in the belly button (in addition to the one in the solar plexus), and one below the root charka. There are also secondary charkas in the palm of each hand, and other places (which those who do energy work already know).

Katrina talks about the predominant power stones: selenite, kyanite, calcite, and hematite and layout using the. She provides information on additional crystals: the Dow crystal, the Tantric Twins (crystal), the Isis crystal, the Cathedral Lightbraries, the Devic Temple crystals, the Time Link crystals and additional healing stones: Blue Lace Agate, Celestite, Charoite, and others. There is even a chapter for crystal healing for the prevention and treatment of Aids.

If you are really interested in stones and crystals and their possible relationship to healing, knowledge and so much more, I suggest this series of all 3 books by Katrina. I also suggest "Love Is In The Earth" by Melody. Yes, that is her name, just like music. Once upon a time, I laughed at the thought of people believing crystals were more than just rocks. Now I have wisdom. (We all make mistakes.)

If you can agree to suspend your disbelief briefly enough to read and absorb this material, you can open yourself up to a whole additional level of understanding far beyond what you ever thought possible. Know that no one book or series of books is going to make you a crystal healer or something similar. These books are part of a path of enlightenment for those who are called to receive this special knowledge.

God bless you on your quest for enlightenment. Namaste'

In this book the third and last of the series, Katrina takes one step by step to the higher levels of crystal work, again intergrating the proper stones for this level. It is a call to enlightment and discusses the transpersonal chakras. Very informative about the intergration of the Soul Star and Earth Star and the Stellar Gateway. Again as always, easy to read, well presented. Highly recommend this book. Gail Fo

This book culminates the crystal trilogy by Raphaell with some pretty powerful tools, descriptions of the last six master crystals, an overview of advanced chakra systems, information about the "predominant power stones," and many new gemstones not covered by the previous texts.

This is a must-have for any advanced worker with crystals. There are a lot of pioneering configurations of crytsals that were popularized because of Katrina's research, and her trilogy represents the best perspective of many of these crytsals. This book helps push the reader to experience many new and exciting developments in the crystal community while expounding upon and expanding older topics, especially with regard to Earth Keeper crystals.

This was such a beautifully written novel. I can't wait for more books from this gifted writer.

I am a sleep-deprived mother of two young boys, and I read this book every spare minute I had, and finished it in three days (quite remarkable for me). Throughout the day, I found that my thoughts overlapped into Miriam's world, even when I wasn't reading the book. The growth we see in Miriam in the end, with her friend Esther, her sister Theresa, is so encouraging. Miriam's relationships with her family and friends are complicated, but real, and sometimes familiar. Though sobering and sometimes heavy, I thoroughly enjoyed journeying along with Miriam in her search for hope and love.

Konkle's book started strong and kept me wanting for more until the end. Miriam is a character I identified with, and I found myself hoping she would find her way through the pain she faced throughout the book. The people, places, and events carried me from one chapter to the next, not wanting to put the book down.

Konkle's polished writing made me feel as if I was in Miriam's world of loss with her. Miriam's pain and loss resonated through the pages. The imagery and choice of words have stayed with me long after finishing the final chapter. It won't be long before I take A Dark Oval Stone off my shelf to read it again.

Exploring loss and grief and their effects on a person's hope and faith, Marsena Konkle's debut novel, `A Dark Oval Stone' is a haunting read that will captivate you from the first sentence to the last.
Its protagonist, Miriam Kovatch, has experienced more loss than one person can be expected to endure. At the point in her life when we first meet her she has already had to deal with the deaths of both her parents and two of her brothers. Shortly afterwards, she also becomes a widow after her husband suffers a fatal heart attack while shovelling snow in their driveway.
But into this loss comes new life when Miriam finds out, mere weeks after losing her husband, that she is pregnant with the couple's first child. Devastated by the prospects of raising this child on her own, Miriam struggles with what it will mean to become a single mother.
Having been raised in the Catholic Church under the thumb of her overbearing mother, Miriam's faith has always been based in fear and out of a sense of duty. She begins to find a more spiritual connection after meeting Svetlana, a former legal client of her husband's, who shows her a different side of the man she thought she knew so well.
During her journey to self-discovery, Miriam also realizes some harsh truths about herself and is forced to make some changes in her life. As Konkle puts it, "She had always believed that others perceived her as she wanted to see herself: as a self-sacrificing and giving person, always on hand to relieve the burdens of others. The self-delusion now popped like a balloon in her chest, radiating real pain."
`A Dark Oval Stone' is an emotional journey in itself. While reading this book, I found myself crying, laughing and hoping with the main character. Miriam came alive and her pain oozed out of the pages like hot syrup bubbling in a pan. She is one of those characters who won't let you go immediately after you finish reading and put the book back on the shelf. She will pull at you, causing you to think about her and wondering how she is doing.
Konkle ends the book on a hopeful note, but there are many unanswered questions. We are only given a glimpse of Miriam's life and I was left wanting to know much more. This is in no way a criticism of Konkle's ability, rather it is a testament to the author's style. I am looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next and getting acquainted with more of her characters. If they are anything like Miriam, they will be added to my list of literary friends.

In her first novel, A Dark Oval Stone, Marsena Konkle begins with an ambition that never fades. Her ambition is not marred by overreaching but runs as steady and true to course as a weighty train on polished tracks. She sets out to create a world of her own, and does, bringing a dead body crashing down in the middle of the first chapter. From that moment there is no letup in the momentum or the growing complexity of interrelationships in her novel. One of her great gifts is the clarity of observation and the precision of her language. There may be a reach to make her story too user friendly and politically correct, so that some of her characters we seem to have seen before--the tense Asian beauty, the gay brother, the understated, understanding priest--but the steady procession of page after page of clear and shining prose moves reservations one might have to the background. The ambition that shines through her book is her dedication to do no more and no less than each scene demands, the sort of understated beauty, running under a steady hand, that is seldom seen in first novels and, indeed, in a good deal of contemporary prose. The glow in the warmth of the prose begins to shine with a greater light of the One we see she pursues. It's a beautiful first book that the attentive reader should not miss.

Diamonds, Pearls & Stones: Jewels Of Wisdom For Young Women From Extraordinary Women Of The World a collection of inspirational viginettes, comforting thoughts, and practical advice from a wide variety of famous, learned, and respected individuals for women in today's increasingly complex and moble society. Sage wisdom concerning everything from finding a career to getting married, having children, ending a relationship, dealing with sexual issues or overpowering emotions, and much more fills this compact, delightful, ideal gift. "Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." -Janis Joplin, singer

What a fantastic collection of wisdom! This book is a perfect opportunity to reflect on deep truths, simple pragmatic ideas, laugh-out-loud humor and just plain common sense that will lift your spirit in these muddled times. The essence of your heart and soul will most certainly harmonize with these finely tuned women.

John W. Parker

Many times when stressed out I can get so emotional and lose perspective on what tools I can use to get through a tough time. This book offers many tools and perspectives. As my husband and I go through a difficult decision about jobs and moving to a new city I remembered the book, opened it to the section on "Making the Right Choices" and "Stepping Stones for Making Choices" and was reconnected to many of my own resources for moving forward with a decision. Thanks for bringing me home to myself.

My nineteen year old daughter often dismisses advice from me about work and men and life and growing up...actually almost everything! Diamonds, Pearls and Stones offers wonderful wisdom in ways she can hear. Hawthorne and Holden seemed to have gathered these gems for her.

Diamonds, Pearls & Stones is a wonderful compendium of elder women's wisdom. The quotes on a variety of topics of special interest for younger women are short, sweet, pithy, insightful as well as delightful! The intention of this book is to stimulate reflection within the heart of the younger woman about herself. Its design affords both solitary and group contemplation. It's a great vehicle to promote a healthy sense of well-being in the young women who take the time to drink in the wisdom that comes from years of experience of the elder women. In our fractured society, with its emphasis on outward appearances, Diamonds, Pearls & Stones is a refreshing contribution.

My kids loooove this book. They have listened (cd included) to it so many times they have it memorized.

My six-year-old was mesmerized with the graphics and narration.
He held on to the book for an hour or two, walking around the house after the first read.
You won't go wrong with this one if you want some fun while the kids are learning about eating right.

The story in and of itself is a masterpiece to say the least with its poetic style and beautiful, playful illustrations. Adding the CD just makes it come alive for the reader or listener!!! As a former classroom teacher I can see so much creative writing coming from it; to say nothing of the unending pictures that will be drawn all about it and the stories from those pictures. It can definitely be used in classrooms as part of extended health/science lessons teaching children about the best eating habits. The CD makes it a MUST HAVE classroom story from Kindergarten to 6th grade and even older. The 6th graders could write a play and act it out for the younger grades on parent's night. Every child should have this book & CD or at least hear this adventure story. I hope the author is contacting every librarian in every school there is and the public libraries too!!!

Our family reads the Doc Broc book together to talk about how living alkaline foods give us energy and help us to "be healthy and strong like Doc Broc". This is an important message for our children who are surrounded by the unrelenting mass marketing of acidic foods and drinks.

Below are reviews from my daughters:

"I am a eight year old girl and I love the Doc Broc book.

My favorite recipes in the book are Vegan Chili and Grapefruit Super Soy Pudding.

I like the part when Big Bad Burger Bully burps in Doc Broc's face! Then Lucious Lettuce ripped off a piece of her skirt and threw it at Big Bad Burger Bully. He got blinded. Then he jumped on his skate board and it lead him straight into a wall. There were pieces of cheese, ketchup, mustard and mayo all over the room, too much of a mess for a mop or a broom.

I learned that health is not only healthy - it is fun as well. I think that other kids deserve a good life too, free from sickness and weight." - Stefanie

And from my five year old...

"I learned that if you eat alkaline you'll feel good that you taked care of yourself good." - Caroline

This story book is a classic! Written like a poem, it's really catchy. Kids will love this book and the parents will too. It's simple, educational, inspiring and carries a powerful message. At last a book that really steps youngsters into understanding the truth about healthy foods and healthy bodies.

I thought the pictures were adorable, bright and colorful and there are some really hysterical details. I like the fact that kids get to journey through and learn about the digestive system on this adventure.

I loved the CD that allows kids to listen and read along on their own if they want to. The background music makes it really impacting and the sound effects will make kids laugh.

The recipes are actually delicious!!! From breakfasts, to dinners, to quick and simple deserts, and there are some really healthy alternatives to fast foods. I'll eat these foods every day, you don't need to be a kid to enjoy this food!

All round, this books a winner!

This book is a very easy to read and understand guide for parents and teachers. It clearly states the signs of Autism and the importance of early intervention in a nonthreating way for parents. The end of the book gives tips for teachers and parents to help their children deal with this condition.

I read this book when our state EI specialists told us that our son had developmental delays, but they weren't sure if he was autistic or not (he had symptoms both ways). It was a great place to start for me and helped me formulate questions for the therapist and the developmental peditrician (our next stop). I really liked the chapter on how to help your child at home. I also enjoyed the real examples and advice from parents.

I work in the field of developmental disabilities and am a follower of recent studies and books that come out on various disabilities. Dr. Stone's book is not only educational, but is to-the-point. It is full of figures/tables to help explain the difference of the different spectrum disorders, frequently asked questions, and examples from parents with a child with autism or PDD-NOS. I would highly recommend this book if you are just trying to educate yourself about autism, or if you are truly wondering if your child does, indeed, have autism. The book is well-written and easy for the "lay person" to understand and interpret.

An excellent book to get you started down what could be a very long road. It might be helpful to know ahead of going to see a developmental pediatrician that your child might have a developmental disorder. However I would not use this book as the end all and to diagnose (and I don't think the author would either).

Once you know for sure (after getting the diagnosis from your Doctor) try "Overcoming Autism" as a next step book. And settle in for a lot of reading. Stay away from the "simple cure" books too. There is a lot (too much) information out there. Take it one step at a time and talk to other parents too.

I am an employee of the school system and work with many youth who have autism. I frequently look for resources to recommend to parents so they can educate themselves about Autism and better help their child in the home environment. Wendy Stone's book would be very helpful for parents who suspect possible Autism in their young child (Under 4 years of age). It discusses what goes into the diagnosis, and emphasizes the point that parents and practitioners can't dwell on one unusual behavior or deficit when considering a diagnosis (as it involves a cluster of behaviors displayed to a certain degree). The book also discusses strategies for parents to help their children in the home environment. A strength of the book, is that it has accounts from a family as they go through the process of diagnosis and treatment. Also, the book informs the reader of what to expect during the evaluation process, and includes frequently asked questions.

I picked this book up at my local bookstore on a whim since I love urban fantasies and this was based in my area of the world. I then didn't put the book down for the rest of the night until it was finished!! Outstanding book, excellent author. I have read all he's put out and eagerly await more!

He takes truth and sews it together with mysticism and fantasy in a thoroughly enchanting way.

Stonefort is a quiet community ruled by legend and two strong clans. The Haskell Witches, mostly women, live in The House, an ancient structure that has a life of its own and hardly tolerates either men or electricity. The Morgans, are descendents of pirates, but the family has other secrets--Ben, the head, has been legally dead for years, but is still around to keep the money supply going. Oh yes, and they shapeshift into seals.

When an evil bruja threatens their community, Alice Haskell and Kate Rowley must band together to put a stop to it. The women are beautifully realized, the action is fast and the fantasy is well worth reading.

The town of Stonefort in Sunrise County, Maine is anything but ordinary although at first glance it looks like a typical New England village. Two prominent families are involved in two different forms of magic. The Morgans have a connection with the magical entity known as the Dragon whose tears turn into the jewels that are worn around the necks of the Morgans so she can see what they can see. They can also communicate with one another. They have the ability to turn into seals and are able to call on the Dragon's magic.

The Haskells are practicing witches with the head of each generation living at Haskell House called The Woman. This is a refuge for women in trouble and they stand guard over the town of Stonefort. The Pratts, drug smugglers and all around criminals are working with the Peruvian drug lord Don Antonio who happens to be a powerful sorcerer. Daniel Morgan becomes Antonio's prisoner as the evil sorcerer wants to use the Dragon in his illegal activities. It falls to Daniel's son Gary, his half sister Caroline and the Haskell witch to save everyone and destroy the sorcerer without getting killed.

This urban fantasy is as good as it gets. The story is told from the views of many characters so readers come to know and understand the main players though that can be a bit overwhelming. The audience will like Gary who matures over the course of the challenge as many revelations are thrown at him yet he still does his best to save his loved ones. James A Hetley needs to write more books featuring the magical town of Stonefort.

Harriet Klausner

Very few books have the ability to keep me engrossed until 4 am. James Hetley's Dragon's EYe did just that. At first I thought this would be a light contemporary fantasy but as the story unfolded, I was stunned at Mr. Hetley's ability to give the reader multi-layered characters that just jumped off the page. I'm going to run, not walk, to the bookstore and pick up everything I can from this talented voice in fantasy fiction.