Travis Books

This is a very well written book. The characters were entertaining. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Being an avid history fan and a Civil War reenactor, I expected Dale's book to be another recounting of famous battles, famous generals and the everyday life for the Horse Soldier. Oh, was I wrong! Stories of the "War Between The States" have been written by many, but never with such a twist. The story captures you on the very first page and never releases until "The End." Or is it the end? Only Dale and Travis know for sure! A great read and a must for any reenactor

Have you ever wished you could step back in time to a selected era?
In the book Tales of Travis Hawkins McCleod, Hawk McCleod will escort you back into the middle 1800's. You will see life through his eyes and vicariously experience the excitement of riding with him first as a Texas Ranger, then as a Confederate cavalry scout and courier. You will meet the hated Yankee up close and personal at sabre point. You will laugh, you will weep, you will experience the thrill of ante-bellum romance. You will understand what it is like to be a soldier on the loosing side. You will have a vivid picture of the devastation of the South and the horrors of war. Not often has the story of this era been so well told.

I enjoy history and I enjoy fiction. It was, therefore, not a large jump for me to get into historical fiction. Historical fiction is really only successful when the writer understands the period towhich he is writing. This is evident in Dale Roberts' work as he is truly an enjoyer of the period this work takes place. It is also pleasurable that this work reads extremely quickly with the central character, Travis McCleod, moving through one incredible adventure to the next and adding much to the percieved dimensions of the historical characters encountered.
As a kid I would dream of going back in time to a more bygone era where chivalrous deeds took place, where folks labored in the great outdoors instead of an office, in other words, that may have been tough but a time that someone could slow down and appreciate and real heroes existed. If you have ever done the same dreaming then you will enjoy meeting Travis Hawkins McCleod.

I enjoy a good story that includes fiction with historical facts and this tale by Dale Roberts is at the top of my list. The author has a skill of writing that makes the fictional character of Travis Hawkins McCleod come alive on the pages. If you enjoy fictional/historical drama, stories of goodness and gallantry of southern men and the elegance of southern women who lived during the Civil War period, you will love this book.

Wellness is a whole way of looking at the world of health and well being and it is really about lifestyle change. Jack Travis & Regina Sara Ryan's Wellness Workbook stands alone as THE reference for anyone in the wellness field who wants a total picture, a sound theoretical foundation, and engaging & practical ways to make healthy changes.

The illness/wellness continuum, the "iceberg" model of health and disease, and especially the model for understanding the wellness energy system are absolutely essential for any professional to truly understand what wellness is and how it works. Travis has always "gotten it" that wellness is about many things, not just diet and exercise. His emphasis on the psychological factors are critical for without self-understanding and motivation behavioral change is most unlikely.

As the field of wellness coaching grows those delivering these services need this book at arm's length on their shelves.

Michael Arloski, Ph.D., PCC Author of Wellness Coaching For Lasting Lifestyle Change

I love this book! and am grateful for its reintroduction into the marketplace. With its new look and updated content I can now use the Wellness Workbook in my college health classes without fear of being labeled out of date. The Wellness Workbook was one of the original shapers of the Wellness Movement in the early 1980s, and promoted the idea that health was more than the absence of disease. Authors Travis and Ryan encouraged, and still encourage, readers to think, "Why settle for getting by, when your one precious life could be so much more?" They present Wellness as a jouney, a way of living and thinking, rather than a destination. The Wellness Workbook gracefully suggests that we take a mindful look at our lifestyles, and consider the impact our lifestyles have, in every fine detail, on ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world.
When most people hear the word "Wellness," they think healthful diet, exercise, and maybe a little stress management. This book goes far beyond the standard superficial health advice found in most books with Wellness in their title. The Wellness Workbook presents the most holistic and integrated view of wellness I have ever found in my twenty plus years as a health educator. As an example of this, take a look at the chapter on Wellness and Eating, where Travis and Ryan encourage you to consider the many meanings of hunger and nourishment. Along with a discussion of Eating for High-Level Wellness you will also find sections on Food as a Pain Reliever, Filling Up the Emptiness, and Food as Emotional Insulation. Although these sections may sound somewhat gloomy, the thoughtful writing is nonjudgmental and interesting, and the humor found throughout the book allows the book to "walk its talk" and consider the many sides of every issue, and understand how the many facets of Wellness are related one to another.

This book was recommended to my coworker for an adjunt book for teaching a mental health recovery class. We had an older copy. The new revised edition is even better than before. Many of the participants have liked it so much I have purchased additional copies for their own use. It is a great holistic approach towards wellness and can apply to a lot of differant populations.

The New Wellness Workbook, which was new to me with this 3rd edition, is the most comprehensive book that I have ever seen on wellness. Going far beyond cultural and medical ideas of health, the authors inspire us to look at our own wellbeing from the widest perspective, including emotional, social, and spiritual perspectives. As a holistic GP (family MD) I know that this book will be at the top of my recommended reading list.

I am a Certified HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Educator and I am sharing this with every person I know personally and every couple I come into contact professionally. I look forward to sharing it with my young daughter someday 10 years from now [hopefully Dr. Travis & Ms. Ryan will write future editions too]! I ate up each and every page, looking forward to the next. Plus it was easy to read and the index was so detailed that I could locate specific concerns quickly as if Dr. Travis was personally answering my inquiry. I loved the personal pictures from the authors' childhood and the last page [Grand Certificate] deserves to be on everyone's wall. If more parents followed the information in this book, the result would be lots of happier children, better balanced and less angry teenagers and less violent and money/status starved adults in our world. I know I will be referring to my copy for years to come ...or until the cover falls off! Perhaps by then the 4th edition will be birthed. I'm also planning to give copies as gifts since what it better but the gift of health!

The sound effects of the battle are fantastic. I was especially impressed that the script actually used the real names of two participants in the battle for the roles of the 16 year old boy and his friend. I highly recommend this tape to any Alamo enthusiast.

I just got this tape and love it! The story leading up to the battle is just as exciting as the battle - and for the final 12 minutes my speakers were crashing and exploding and cannon balls were flying across the room! The battle is spectacular, and I was right in the middle of it - what an experience! I must point out however, reading another review just after listening to the show, that at no point in the story does Travis "draw the line in the dirt" for the men to cross. This never happens in this "Alamo" program. Also, I have read MANY books on the Alamo, and this show was dead-on! High recommended. I don't know why the program is listed as "Abridged," because it is the complete program.

Radio has been called the "theater of the mind." The Alamo, presented here for the first time as a radio dramatization, is a professional production that uses talented actors, realistic sound effects, and an able musical score to tell a story. Much like a good book, it will transport you to another place and time where you become more than a casual observer.

The story is told from the standpoint of a young David Cummings an actual Alamo defender from Pennsylvania and begins when he, like so many others, answers the call for volunteers in the Texas Revolution. We travel with Cummings to Texas and along the way meet a bevy of characters, some familiar others not-so-familiar.

This dramatization is just that, drama and as such is also entertainment and should not be taken by the listener to be an accurate reference resource. The writers stuck fairly close to history, but in some cases chose to take artistic license for the sake of telling a good story.

For example, our protagonist, David Cummings, who was 27 at the time of the siege, is suddenly 16 years old. I am not sure why the writers did this when they could have easily chosen other defenders who were that young or simply chosen someone else. This is not a detractor from the story because 99.9% of the population doesn't know David Cummings from Adam, so for most part it doesn't matter. The Colonial Radio Theater players are story tellers and boy do they tell a whopping good story.

I was pleased that William Barrett Travis was presented as a young man (he was 26 when he died) but rolled my eyes when they had him draw the line in the sand. This, and "Moses" Rose going over the wall shortly thereafter were the only instances I noted where lore supplanted history. The writers can be forgiven though, because Travis's line in the sand is part of our cultural consciousness and as such, it effectively added to the drama. The Alamo was about choices and the"line in the sand" scene efficiently depicts the ultimate choice. In the end our hero, Cummings, did not want to die, but was willing to give up his life for something bigger than himself. By experiencing it with the characters you understand WHY so many chose to stand and fight when they knew death was a certainty.

The producers choice of vocal talents was generally good. However, I must admit that I winced at the characterizations of Tejanos or Mexican nationals. It was obvious to this listener that these were not Hispanic actors but rather non-Hispanics actors using a forced accent. (Santa Anna sounded a little like Bela Lugosi.) In fairness, I may be a little picayunish due to my Hispanic heritage and this detail might not be noticed by most.

The Alamo does not contain any colorful language, but sometimes the dialog and action get a little rough. The story also deals with the subjects of death and duty in a realistic fashion and may be too intense for younger children, so I would give this cassette a PG rating. While still a family offering, The characterizations in The Alamo are not unnecessarily sanitized, so you still get the idea that some of defenders were from rough-and-ready stock.

The quality of this digital recording is excellent. The sound effects were realistic and the stereo separation greatly added to the sense of spatial presence, especially in the final battle sequence. The music, as it should, heightens the drama without detracting from the overall production.

If you like the story and drama of the Alamo, then I would recommend this tape. However, if you are looking for historical documentation, stick to books.

Randell Tarin
Managing Editor
Alamo de Parras

An excellent on the ground perspective from one of the men in the trenches. The sound effects are terrific and makes you feel like you are there! The perspective of a 16 year old participant was intriguing and the effect of his last letter to his parents brought a human side to war that is still valid today. A must for any Books on Tape fan.

I received this as a gift, and was really surprised at how enjoyable I found this product to be. I did not know what to expect when I popped this in the tape player, what I got was a very interesting and chilling radio show. The sounds of the battle were unreal. I recommend this for any body who likes good drama, but not suitable for young children as some scenes are quite intense.

Mr. Myers wrote this book in 1948, and based it on careful research into the facts as they were known at the time. THE ALAMO is a story of heroic men, dedicated to the cause of freedom, sacrificing their lives willingly for that cause. Bowie, Crockett, Travis, and all the others with them, were the stuff of legends, and as such we should remember them. This is a story to rival THE ILLIAD in its nobility of character and cause. Sadly, later research has shown that these giants were, like the Trojans, at least partialy the product of myth, and their cause was not quite so noble. But this in no way detracts from the telling of a great tale, and, if the men of the Alamo were not quite as tall as we imagined them, they were still men deservant of our admiration. They died for what they believed in, and this is their story, from the first man who ever bothered to compile the whole thing in one place.

Although written in 1948, John Myers Myers "The Alamo", proves that he did his homework well way back then. As a result, the factual conclusions he arrived at then, dovetail with those arrived at by other Alamo authors in later years, including Walter Lord. Myers writing presents the subject in a historicly accurate manor, but at the same time with the wit and insight of a newspaper editorial, which brings it to life on a human level.

Although written in 1948, John Myers Myers "The Alamo", proves that he did his homework well way back then. As a result, the factual conclusions he arrived at the time of his writing, dovetail with those arrived at in later years by other Alamo authors, including Walter Lord. Myers writing presents the subject in a historicly accurate manor, but at the same time with the wit and insight of a newspaper editorial, bringing it to life on a human level.

John Myers Myers, in the last sentences of his book, The Alamo, perfectly captures the essence of what this story means to America. He writes, "The Alamo isn't a structure now; it is a symbol of valor in the minds of men. It can never fall again." Though he closes with that thought, it is obvious that he wrote this history with the knowledge that this particular event is just as important as myth as it is as history, and that it presents unique challenges to the historian to distinguish between the two. In the forward, he addresses the issue of how hard it is to find solid, historical evidence about the Alamo. The combatants were killed to a man, and as for the non-combatants who survived to tell their tales, none were professional writers, and no historian bothered to interviewed any of them during their lifetimes. He explains in some detail how he decided the veracity of the various surviving source materials: letters, journals, official orders of the Mexican officers, and interviews of survivors. He then launches into the tale.
Myers divides his book into three sections. The first third is devoted to the history of the structure of the Alamo, from mission to military outpost, and to the history of the roots of the conflict between the Texians and Mexico. This is vital information to understanding what happened at Bexar during those fateful twelve days in 1836. The fact that Myers devotes so many pages to explaining this background and placing the story in its proper historical context is one of the books strongest points.
In the second third of the book, Myers introduces the principal players who history associates with the Alamo - Bowie, Travis, Crockett, and Santa Anna. A chapter is devoted to each of them, and Myers does an admirable job of placing each within the context of their own personal histories without resorting to what later became so controversial as detracting "revisionism". He notes that while Bowie and Crockett were already legends in their own time, that Travis' fame is tied exclusively to his participation in the Texian revolution. He solidly establishes who they were as flesh and blood men, rather than the demigods of myth that they became, yet does so respectfully. Likewise, he paints a balanced portrait of Santa Anna rather than simply demonizing him.
In the book's final section, Myers writes skillfully of the siege and storming of the Alamo. It is a tale that comes with its own in-built drama, which requires only an expert storyteller to assure its success, and Myers is indeed an outstanding storyteller. He has an idiosyncratic style of writing that lends itself perfectly to the telling of this particular tale. Throughout, he is generally faithful to the more traditional interpretations of what happened at Bexar, but does acknowledge some of the elements that smack more of legend than of historical fact (such as Travis' saber-drawn line in the sand).
Myers has written a fine history of an event that has become an indispensable part of our national mythology. His research is firm, his writing style captivating, and his tone respectful to both the history and the legend. I heartily recommend it.

Theo Logos

Newer books have been written based on more recently available sources, but this book stands the test of time. It is based on solid research, it doesn't spend entire chapters digressing into, for instance, the ins and outs of the Bowies' business dealings, and it keeps speculation on the motivations of Travis, Crockett, Bowie and Santa Anna to a couple of paragraphs each. Any speculation is just the author's guesswork, and I find Myers guesses to be kept more brief - and more to my personal taste - than, say, William C. Davis' in "Three Roads to the Alamo". It has been said that a revisionist is one who, lacking the notion of honor in his/her own character, cannot understand it when encountered in others. While Myers examines the actions of the three main personalities in a journalistic manner, the enormity of their patriotic sacrifice is never deprecated as is the fashion in modern, revisionist historical writing.

This book remains not only the best single volume on the siege, it provides a great introduction to the historic and social melieu of the era for those seeking to understand the background of the Mexican-American War. -

Tales of the Dark Continent, the first book in Jerry R. Travis' The Alcamean Sword Scrolls series, is a surprisingly enjoyable fantasy novel boasting a number of truly engaging characters, a complex entanglement of conspiracies, plenty of gripping fight scenes, fabulous natural beasts, a wonderful mix of humor, drama and romance, and just a hint of magic. The political and military maneuverings of kings and priests cover several regions of the Dark Continent, but Travers keeps tight control over all of the subplots and never lets the story get away from him. At the heart of it all is a remarkable hero named Asahel, an exiled soldier who established Ravenshold, a city that shines as a beacon to all of the outcasts and slaves of the land, a place of justice and second chances in a world of cruelty and exploitation. Already known for his military prowess, Asahel's fame has only increased as his trading policies and just administration have seen Ravenshold prosper and grow. With his beloved wife and step-daughter beside him, Asahel is a blessed man.

Then, of course, Asahel's world is brought crashing down around him. An act of betrayal sees Asahel turned over to the forces of Hion-Caem, High Priest of the Diamond, and framed as the murderer of a neighboring king, while those in his caravan party are ambushed - his wife, Lamae, brutally murdered. Once Asahel manages to escape his captors, he devotes his life to killing his betrayer and reclaiming the great city he founded. It's a long way back to Ravenswood, however, and Asahel soon finds himself a major player in a contest much larger and deadlier than he ever would have dreamed of. Hion-Caem, in his ruthless pursuit of political power, has allied himself with Arch Priest Carn-Delbath of the Peridot, an unthinkable alliance between traditional enemies. Grand schemes - and armies - are set in motion, only to be temporarily stymied by Asahel's fortuitous reunion with his long-time friend Rothiest, as the two engineer an ingenious capture of a crucial fortress, thus cutting off an imminent invasion of the realm. The laurels of victory fade quickly, though, as Asahel is soon imprisoned for the murder of the neighboring king. It takes more than a jail cell to keep Asahel, Rothiest, and his growing number of warriors down for long, however. A series of military adventures follows, with each step leading Asahel closer to Ravenswood, a city now suffering under the murderous rule of Asahel's betrayer.

As intense as the military aspects of the story are, there is much in the way of human drama going on behind the scenes. The story of Asahel and Lamae makes for quite the love story, and the affection Asahel later begins to feel for a princess who has long adored him puts him in emotional turmoil as love and guilt - and the fear of losing another loved one - battle within his heart. There is also Asahel's love and concern for his step-daughter Landi, left alone in a Ravenswood suddenly dominated by the most evil and vindictive of men. Asahel also has to deal with frightening changes taking place within his own mind and body. Always possessed of certain incredible skills, such as the ability to converse with the fantastic animals of the land, Asahel has to come to terms with a surging sense of personal power as frightening as it is miraculous. Something in the way of an explanation comes when he finally learns the real story of his birth, but many questions and fears remain - for he is not the only man to feel the stirrings of a magic that was lost when his ancestors journeyed across the void to establish this new world. A mysterious voice calls to him in his dreams, establishing the foundation for the next entry in this promising new series.

Tales of the Dark Continent is a rich fantasy infused with truly compelling human characters living in a vivid and fascinatingly exotic world of beauty, danger, and mystery. I daresay most fans of fantasy (or impressive story-telling of any kind) will find themselves completely absorbed by this opening novel in The Alcamean Sword Scrolls series.

I read many books of all different generes, I particularly enjoy fantasy adventure. This book is by far one of my favorites.
It has a story you become involved in, characters you can love or hate, and many interesting new concepts. I laughed out loud, gasped in horror, even cried. This book evoked so many emotional responses, it is rare to find a book that can move you in so many ways. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great read, a good laugh, and suprises aplenty! I can't wait for the second book, I am on the edge of my seat.

Didn't take long to get hooked and stay up later than I should. Mr. Travis's characters jump right out and grab you. Good guys, bad guys,sexy woman. It has it all. The animals in his imagination are a delight. I especially enjoyed the bladehorses.
Only rarely do I find a book that I don't want it to end. This is one of them. Luckily, theres more to come.

Jerry Travis's Tales of the Dark Continent has the potential to become a classic Fantasy novel. It has all of the necessary components: a believable fantasy world, engaging characters, and a well-designed plot told through multiple storylines. All of these elements work together to captivate and engage the reader.

It is relatively easy to assimilate into the world of the Dark Continent. There are many parallels with our world, yet there are features that set it apart. A few common, everyday aspects of our lives are novelty to those on the Dark Continent. This makes it easier for us to accept the unique elements which are common in Mr. Travis's world. The real magical parts of this world are as unusual for the book's characters as they would be for us, which lends reliability to the story and aids in connecting with the protagonist.

The most compelling feature of Mr. Travis's writing is the characters. He doesn't just write a story; he lets it evolve through the characters. From the very first paragraph, Asahel and Lamae draw you into the Dark Continent with hints of the history of this world and its people. New characters are introduced through existing characters, like meeting new friends through old friends. Tales of the Dark Continent contains a wealth of fully-developed characters. It is very easy to have one, or several, favorites. Likewise, there are several foes to hate.

With so many characters, there are also several storylines. The parts all weave together to create the whole picture. As the story unfurls, many of the characters weave in and out of different storylines. The end result is a novel with which the reader interacts. As you become familiar with the personalities of the characters, it is tempting to predict the outcome of certain events. However, Mr. Travis does not make this easy; often another slight twist of the plot on the next page invalidates your reasoning while still maintaining the integrity of the story.

In Tales of the Dark Continent, Mr. Travis creates a vivid tapestry of characters and history which supports the plot. It is filled with political intrigue, personal interactions, and religious undertones. Everything is liberally sprinkled with humor. You are pulled into the story with the first sentence, and in the end, begging to know of the future for the characters you've come to love.

This one is good reading and good fun. The author had no trouble taking me to a world like no other. Full of twists and turns, plus a great cast of characters. An indepth story thats guaranteed to envoke your thoughts and entertain you at the same time. A must read for all, but beware, you will be whisked away to the heart of the Dark Continent.

Birtcher's Mike Travis is one of the most refreshing and engaging tough-guy detectives I've found in a very long time. The setting is mostly Avalon (Catalina Island) and Los Angeles, and the plot is full of bizarre twists and turns, not the least of which involves Doors' front man Jim Morrison.

Very inventive and original.

I came to this book after a book store friend of mine turned me on to Birtcher's newest, RUBY TUESDAY. I read that one in one sittng, and had to read ROADHOUSE BLUES. The plot is highly orginal -- a link to the seventies music scene via the always interesting/controversial Jim Morrison, and extremely well written. Birtcher has the ability not only to make characters come alive, but to bring you right into the locale. You can feel the sand in your toes when you stand at the crime scene under the pier at Venice Beach, and feel the pouring rain during the climactic chase scene in Avalon. I loved this book, and felt the same about Ruby. Together, these are TWO OF THE BEST HARDBOILED NOVELS I'VE READ ALL YEAR.

As a mystery writer with my debut novel in its initial release, I salute Baron Birtcher on his first Mike Travis novel. The mystery begins routinely enough with Travis, a former cop, coming out of retirement because of the recent murder of a woman whom he suspects is the victim of a serial killer who got away when Travis was still on the force. From that seemingly routine launch, the plot moves swiftly and unexpectedly. Birtcher writes tough prose and captures the essence of a tough world. ROADHOUSE BLUES is contemporary noir at its best.

Alright, I'll admit it, I bought this book because out of support and curiosity. The author is a family friend and neighbor from my childhood who I haven't seen in 20+ years. But that isn't what kept me riveted. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down! I really like the characters and am excited to see that this is the first in a series - I'm looking forward to the next one. The Southern California settings are familiar and realistic. I've put in an Amazon alert for future works. Baron, congratulations on writing such a great book. Cheers!

I read about this new writer and Roadhouse Blues in the L.A.Times. It is the first in a series about Ex-LA honicide detective, Mike Travis. Being a series reader including all the books by Robert Crais, Dennis Lehane, Lawrence Block, and Steve Hamilton, gave me a base of reference from which to judge. I think that Roadhouse Blues is one of the best books of 2001 and I am surprised that it did not get consideration for the Best First Novel for the Edgars. It's just that good!
Thanks Baron for the Excellent read. Please Keep up the good work.

I think that this is an amazing book that expresses how every father should feel about their children! It has inspired my husband and even myself to be a better parent! I would recommend this book to every parent out there!

This book was so great!! I got it for my husband for Father's Day. I loved it so much that I ended up giving it to him early! I couldn't wait for him to share it with our kids. Travis Griffith really knows the feeling that us parents have for our children. I was glad that this was a book for FATHERS! It is my kids' favorite book now and they want daddy to read it every night. It is so precious to watch them curled up together. If only he COULD be daddy forever!

This is the story of how a father feels about his children. It tells of how as the child grows the love will just grow deeper and deeper. The last line in the book reads : I will be your daddy as long as you want me to. But I will be your father ... forever! So sweet!

There seem to be lots of books that focus mothers and their children. I was glad to see one focus on the father/child relationship!


This is a great bedtime read aloud for fathers to share with their kids.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/06)

"Your Father Forever" is a beautiful poem about a father's love for his children. Travis Griffith is a very talented writer as he tenderly expresses his devotion. Raquel Abreu has beautifully illustrated the meaning behind each line.

From the day a child is born a special bond is formed with his/her father. This helpless, dependent, tiny bundle stirs emotions that are hard to describe. As the infant grows so does the father's love. Together they adventure into the world the father leading and the child following. With father's help the child learns to walk, ride a bicycle, and play on a slide. "We'll celebrate each new discovery as your brilliant life unfolds." "Together we will search for the answers to all of your questions, And I will encourage you to follow the wisdom of your heart." "I will be your daddy as long as you want me to. But I will be your father...forever."

This is a delightful book with a beautiful message. I highly recommend this book for young children. I intend to pass this on to my son so that he can have the pleasure of taking his children on his lap and sharing this loving message with them.

It's about time there was a book, as lovingly written as this one is, about fathers sharing special times with their children. Reading a story about loving mothers and grandparents guiding, laughing, and participating in their children's lives is commonplace, but now (within the pages of this book), our children can also realize that a daddy or father can have the same warm feelings.

As the story moves along, the reader will completely understand the many ways in which a daddy enjoys and helps his children when they are small as well as when they grow and meet life's difficult challenges. As the illustrations suggest, a daddy can tuck you in at bedtime, read stories, kiss away tears, play outside on warm spring days, and so much more. That's what a daddy does!

***** Nearing the end of the story, we soon come to realize that children will inevitably grow up and away and that life will lead them to many places. When that happens - and a playful loving daddy is not a necessity - it is important to understand and remember that a loving father will always be there - waiting to help them and guide them at any time and at any age. Thus the statement - "I will be your father...forever." *****

Reviewed by Ruth Wilson.

What a book. Mulhauser really taps into the psyche of our generation. Through his characters Mulhauser is able to express highly distinctive human emotions against the backdrop of hilarious/tragic circumstances. A must read for anyone interested in the social dilemmas and conflicts faced by todays generation. I'll be on the lookout for future works by Mulhauser as he looks to be a star in the making! Buy this book now, you won't regret it.

This book is a fantastic collection. The interaction between the characters and their northern Michigan setting was captured phenomenally well. I found the enitre collection funny and entertaining, primarilly because the characters and situations, though compelling, remained believable.

This first book by Travis Mulhauser is fantastic. The stories are thick with tender humor, nuanced human understanding and descriptions of a geography that becomes a character in itself. They read utterly without pretension or self-consciousness, like lived experience. The author has a real ability to understand the interior world of a wide range of characters, and to present it in high-definition dialogue and action. "Brothers" is the perfect, chilling end to this collection, as it makes eerily familiar the transformation of lost hopes into misguided action experienced by so many of the characters and so many of us.

I really enjoyed the book..The short stories were just long enough to get the feeling of the characters..I grew up in a small town in the midwest and I felt like I was reading about my own experiences. I laughed and became sad throughout the entire book. I loved how the stories discribed different aspects of the community. Very good book..I can't wait until Travis writes another!!!

I agree with the earlier noted reader reviews: Mulhauser's short stories and novella are entertaining with dialogue that quickly brings the reader into a rural resort region's service-industry economies of finance and spirit. Having recently read Hemingway's "Nick Adams Stories" (circa 1923-1938), set in the same northern Michigan area, I was intrigued by some similar themes used by both Hemingway and Mulhauser that have apparently survived the past 70 or so years: social and financial tension between the seasonal "resort" population and the "locals;" the local boys who made it big via sports or other celebrity (Hemingway frequently used prize fighters while Mulhauser utilized basketball players and rock stars); shady criminal characters and skirmishes between the story's hero and the law; young (mostly) men learning truths through the "school of hard knocks;" and the cleansing beauty of the lakes, streams, and woodlands. That said, I found Mulhauser's work the more enjoyable of the two!

If you're interested in the history of Faerun, this is a excellent book. It goes into great detail and has a lot of extras, like relics and historical weapons. Great art and a good read.

I always loved the 3.5 (3.0) Forgotten Realms accessories, but I must say that this book is perhaps the best in the series.

This books gives you a +10 competence bonus to your Ancient History(Faerun) skill, as it offers you in-depth knowledge on almost all of the great empires of the past. You can learn all, about the great elven empires, about the history of the Sword Coast, about the phaerimm manace, etc.

Also, you will find some great feats, prestige classes and spells in the book. Some of them are not really for players, but for the DM (and to the NPCs). Players will also find it interesting, if for nothing else, then to add some flavour to the game.

I found it also great that young DMs get some help in a separate chapter to create adventures based on the "ancient theme". Of course, even old DMs, like myself can learn a lot from it.

Very well detailed and has a great amount of information that can be used in adventures. I would give it 4.5 if I could because of the usual lack of REAL MAPS that Wizards of the Coast seems to neglect. Great book though and a must have for DM's and Players in the forgotten realms.

I greatly looked forward to this book and was not disappointed. The Forgotten Realms is extremely rich in history that has been developed over the long years of its publication and this is truly a comprehensive source of that. The authors have touched on just about every area I can think of and they have done it well.

The book is divided into several sections, each dealing with a different geographic or cultural area. For instance, one section deals with the crown wars (wars between elves almost exclusively) and the elven nations involved (which covers a large area of Faerun) while another area covers the North and includes detail on several elven realms that had little part in the crown wars. They have timelines for each section of the book.

To be clear though, these histories are given not as a tool to play during those times, but as reference points to incorporate the locales of these ancient empires into the current timeline and an existing campaign. They bring the histories up to the current timeline and give you a good idea of what is going on in the ruins of these empires and the doings of the decedents of these empires.

On top of all of this rich history and information is a great deal of good crunchiness. There are several prestige classes, all of which seem well balanced and a great section on new spells and magic items. They even have specifics on mythal creation which is just plain cool to me. Going back to the integration of the past to the present, there is a section about Hellgate Keep and there they specify magic items of goodly races know to have been lost by fallen heroes there (items from the PGtF and this book).

All in all, a great tool for ANY dungeon master running ANY Realms Campaign for its information on ruins (dungeon - hint, hint) and its balance of historical information and crunchy bits. By far one of the most useful Realms products for any edition.

I found this title the best supplement ever written. That says a lot, since this series has been around since 1987. At last, in one volume, the history of this magical world is laid bare. I have speculated and wondered in the past why the world is like it is. This volume has given up most of those secret! I stand in awe of most of them. This is the flower of Realms lore. Most are not intended for most gamers. I read the novels and continue my illustrations outside this "gamers" world.

I can only say that the Forgotten Realms have come alive at last with a rich and frightening history in its past. Long live Netheril!

Recieved the book at a signing .. the Milwaukee Massacre .. and read it till it was done .. all the stories are so creepy dark good .. my favorite being ... After the First Step ... Can't go wrong with this one ...and can't wait for more !!

John Everson has done it again. He lavishes the utmost love and care on his darkest fantasies before slowly, torturously executing them before our eyes. As you get to the most juicy parts (which I won't spoil here), you can imagine him grinning. Everson's voice and twisted imagery will stay with you long after you should be asleep. His vivid style made it seem like I was watching a movie inside my mind--he is one of the most evocative modern horror writers I have ever read.

What a thrill to have met this author at the 2008 World Horror Convention in Salt Lake City, casually talk to him about writing and discover John to be a soft spoken, oh yeah he lost his voice traveling to the convention, truly nice guy.

I find when reading a collection of short stories there are usually a few I'm not fond of with but John's collection I found myself turning pages, drinking cold coffee cause I wouldn't put the book down for an instant and realized this is without a doubt one of the best gathering of horror tales compiled into a novel I have read.

Two time Bram Stoker award-winning author John Everson plunges deep into the gory syrup of what makes horror writers wish they had written these 19 stories of "Needles & Sins," and readers of the dark and twisted screech with parched throats as they cradle this treasure of a book.

Having published nearly 100 short stories, winning the Stoker for Covenant in 2004 and Sacrifice in 2007, I suspect he's in line for another with this book

My favorite story, if there is one, OK there's a three way tie, The Char-Lee, "He stood, gore dripping down the hair of his chest like perspiration."
Mutilation Street, "The best part is, when she gets really wicked, she stuffs chunks of his bloody colon into the fridge after he's passed out and then fries them up for him to eat with his eggs in the morning. Talk about a breakfast that sticks to your ribs.
And The Devils Platoon, how Germany almost won the war, with a sacrifice, an alliance with Satan, and the Devil on their side.
Bottom line, you can't go wrong with this one...

If you are a true fan of horror- you need to have this book. It is as simple and short as that. John Everson is destined to be a household name-wouldn't you like to know that you were there at the start.

PS Gifford

Absolutely Excellent! A terrifying journey through the mind of John Everson. Needles and Sin's is a page turner that will keep you up at night. Both for the next tale and hope for just one happy ending that will let you sleep. It never comes. Which is what sets this collection apart from the rest. An angel of vengence, an angel of lust. A forlorn family of murderers, the tragic tale of haunted vanity. If your imagination doesn't come alive during the narative's, then they will certainly haunt your dreams. As if the first fourteen stories in the collection aren't enough, John offers us one more terrifying tale in five acts. Sometimes almost whimsicle, then terrifying. A new addition to the realm of short story horror comes a welcome dose of dread.
-Horror Holocaust www.myspace.com/miikerothfan