X Books

The fates of those who sacrificed during the 60s to make America a more perfect union were varied; Some were cut down by assassins. Others re-defined the struggle by securing historic victories at the ballot box. Most simply returned to anonymity, choosing to bear the scars of battle in silence.
While many of these heroes remain unsung, the legacies of the more prominent among them have been well-documented in mainstream media outlets dutifully marking civil rights anniversaries as a way of gauging how far we've come since then. In some cases, these stories have now been re-told so often they seem dated and stale.
But John Blake's compelling new book, "Children of the Movement" traces those human blood lines forward and breathes life into these intimate -- but largely unknown-- family portraits. His interviews with the sons and daughters of those who fought for America's soul are at once inspiring, depressing, universal and utterly unpredictable.
Blake's sparing but effective writing frames each vignette, putting them in context without overwhelming you with tons of historical detail that might have detracted from the narrative. His book is not only a pleasure to read, but also informative, captivating and timely.
Most of all, "Children of the Movement" reminds us that while the struggle for civil rights has changed much in a generation, it is still far from over.

This is really one of the most fascinating books to deal with the civil rights movement in recent years. The author does not rehash old ground, but instead strikes out to see what happened to the next generation born of the activists, heroes, martyrs--and even the repulsive racists--of the 1960s. The older generation that we all know in another context turn out to have been parents ranging in quality from wonderful to awful--and those who knew them 40 years ago may sometimes nod their heads knowingly and say "Told you so!" It adds a human element to our knowledge of that great movement that shaped modern America and inspired the world.
I should add that I took this book with me on two hurricane evacuations this year (you can see that I am from Florida, The Hurricane State), and I could not have wanted for a better literary companion. I recommend it highly.
It does not pretend to tell the whole story of the civil rights movement--but it does tell an aspect of it that no one before John Blake has put between hard covers. No library dealing with that era is complete without this book.

As a child born in the late 70's, I've often felt, in some sense, that the Movement was something in the "past tense"...something that was really (according to History Books) only associated with MLK and other "icons".

After reading Children of the Movement, I realize I was reading the gaps of my childhood history books. I was also hearing the story told from the children...the youth of the 50s/60s...the ones that essentially "gave up" their fathers and mothers for the cause.

Wow...what sacrifice...John Blake makes you look at MORE than the leaders we often hear about, but forces the reader to face how the movement affected children of the time and how the pain and loss weighs on all of us today.

The only way to ensure this perspective is HEARD is to recommend this book to an educator you know...a History professor, a Social Studies teacher...someone who can truly ensure that children today absorb this rich perspective...

This book should be required reading for anyone from the age of 10 to 100, but particularly for those members of the last several generations who may take certain freedoms and rights for granted. For anyone who may be only slightly familiar with the struggles, sacrifices, pains and scars of those who fought for civil rights in America, Blake's book is a vital history lesson, presented in fascinating narratives that captures the reader's attention from beginning to end.
By focusing on the children of the movement, Blake gives a fresh and often unpredictable view of the civil rights movement. The extensive use of photographs was an important compliment to each and every chapter.

John Blake's book, "Children of the Movement," provides a powerful, if painful, glimpse into the heart and soul of the Freedom Movement of the Sixties, as, an insightful portrait of its legacy, through the lens of some of its children--one of whom is my own daughter, Ericka Abram. Blake's tenderly-written report reveals many common themes in the perspectives and lives of these offspring, the most compelling for me being that Movement parents seemed to have been so committed to our cause and protecting our children from the social ills we fought, we forgot to tell them what and why we were fighting. The resulting common disconnection between parents and children is more broadly reflected in the confusion and despair of today, in dealing with unrelenting racism and poverty and oppression, that stand in the stead of the clarity of purpose and commitment of the past. Blake's book opens the door to a healthy discussion toward healing familial wounds and easing generational divisions so as to bring us together in a new effort to finally find freedom in America.

Every parent of a newly diagnosed child with Fragile X should read this book. Mary Beth and Megan each have two sons with Fragile X. Their letters tell the story of two families' lives: the heartbreaking experience of searching for and finally finding a diagnosis, the simple joys of appreciating these children and their individual accomplishments, and the stories of husbands and wives adapting to their own kind of "normal." The difficulty of raising 2 children with Fragile X cannot be overstated. The coping methods shared by these two women are sometimes difficult to read, and sometimes just hilarious. But the overarching message is that you can find and new "normal", and that life gets better. When you think no one has experienced what you are going through, pick up the book and read about how alone these women once felt and what they each did to connect to other Fragile X families. Their individual accomplishments are astounding.

It is simply a WONDERFUL BOOK.
Many thanks to the authors for their courage to share with the readers their inmost feelings and unique personal experience of fragile x challenges.

Dear Meagan was an interesting read regarding Fragile X. The form of the book is through letters written by two women, both of whom have two sons with Fragile X. It is very personal, and the letters give information and research-based facts regarding Fragile X; however, it is intimate as it describes family situations, concerns, and details.

I've just listened to Mary Beth and Megan on the Diane Rehm Show and was very moved by their openness in describing their sons with Fragile X and their life with them, how they parent these sons, searched for the best education and medical care for them, and how they have found meaning and joy in their sons, despite their severe disabilities. Their book is an inspiration to all parents with disabled children.

This is the book that all of the families in the Fragile X community have been waiting to read. These letters between two women tell us the story of their personal griefs and triumphs; but they tell us so much more. The chapter called Dropping Bread Crumbs explains Fragile X for the layman more clearly than you've ever heard it explained before. We will all relate to the devastating news of the diagnosis in the chapter called Diagnosis and Dealing. And we will admire the courage of Kelly Randels' chapter on the hearbreak of facing an abortion. These women have the courage to tell us what we need to know; and the talent to keep you riveted throughout their journey in a world that has been defined for them by Fragile X. A extraordinary accomplishment.

I thouroughly enjoyed the book and found it well written. The Shih are the absolute characters I have seen in the World of Darkness.

I've had this book for a while now and from reading through both books, it far exceeds Hunter: The Reckoning. Just based on that, and the fact that I know Demon Hunter X is a very excllent sourcebook, I'd highly recommend it over Hunter: The Reckoning...this is just what my opinion and current course of action though. Do with it what you will...

Let me Just say WOW!!! First of all Demon Hunters are incredibly powerful. it has great describtions of the Shih and the Strike Force Zero(aka SF0). Both have intresting pasts and present about how they deal with the Shen>. And as an added bonus it has Great art work (even though a little graphic) but still "DA BOMB". Now if only they rest of the World of Darkness was Anime.....

this is another must buy supplement for anyone wishing to play in the east. whether you play one of the shen or wish to play one of the hunters, demon hunter x adds a whole new dimension to gaming. when will white wolf get the hint and make KoE a division of its own.

Demon Hunter X details a lot of information for running a Kindred of the East campaign for Vampire. The Shih are well detailed as is Strike Force Zero, and one is hard pressed to choose which to play. Not everyone takes the Shen lying down, and both the Shih and SF0 are at odds on how to truly deal with these demons. A great opening story and lot of info on how the Shih and SF0 hunt down and destroy the Shen, this book is highly recommended to anyone even remotely interested in the hunters in the Middle Kingdom.

Detachment X-Ray written by Jess Parker is a fascinating account of a young nineteen-year-old soldier who finds himself in the middle of the Korean War behind hostile lines. Jess Parker vividly describes the conditions under which our soldiers lived, fought and died. Jess Parker brings the people he served with to life on the pages of this book and as you read you can almost see in your minds eye what this author is vividly describing. Detachment X-Ray will make you realize just how much our soldiers must endure to protect our freedom. These are stories that you will not hear in the media, but ones that need to be told. Even though the book does have language that some people would find offensive, it does add to the color and the sense of reality to the people he served with. I highly recommend this book, as it will give you the respect and admiration that our soldiers need and deserve.

Tom Ward, author
The Enemy Within
Outposts of Hell or Portals to Heaven

In this fast paced action thriller Jess Parker gives us a personal birds-eye view of the action in Korea.
Evolving from ordinary fighting men, Detachment X-Ray is born to perform specific, necessary duties; jobs that cannot be accomplished with direct confrontation in combat.
This well written story is up close and personal; both gut wrenching and thought provoking.
I am looking forward to more adventures of Jake Green by this astute author.

Navy Seaman Jake Green left the reasonably secure confines of the Tin Can Navy for a special exercise during the Korean conflict. His life would never be the same. He goes from a combat Marine to a POW then to a member of an elite fighting force.
This is an adventure Junkie's kind of book. From the rain and snow of a Korean winter to the sunny beaches of Florida, Mr. Parker takes you there and beyond. The characters in this book remind me of friends I served with during my 14 years in the Navy. Outstanding Job Jess. Keep up the excellent work.

Recommendation: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Tim Hancock is the Director of MWLA, a Reviewer and Author

Jake Green was a US Navy Seaman. He was caught up in a battle front advance in the Korean War. Even though he had never trained for battlefield duties, the Marines assigned him as a radioman and gunfire spotter with a forward echelon unit led by Captain John "Silvertip" Silvers. The unit became surrounded and held out for five days with heavy battle situations. There were only a few survivors.

When Green returned to his ship he was told that the situation he had been in had never occurred. Green, and a select few others he had never met before, were sent back to the United States for "special training" and Detachment X-Ray was formed. This secret organization had a chain of command that reached back to the White House. The members never knew where they their mission would be until they got there, nor what their mission would entail.

Only mission was important!
Trust no one!

***** W-O-W! I cannot express how wonderful this book is! You have to read it to believe it. The author managed to show how awful war could be, as well as, how far a person would go when pushed beyond their limits. The author injected military humor even during the survival training sections. Highly recommended reading! *****

DETACHMENT X-RAY
By Jess parker

Reviewer: Margaret Chapman

Review
Detachment X-Ray offers a look inside a covert government operation that begins during the Korean War and continues through recent history. The first part of the book is interesting and builds steadily, though it falters slightly in the middle and relies heavily on old clichés of fighting `communists.'

Those would be the things I didn't care for though. Author Jess Parker draws heavily on his own experiences in the US Navy to give the story an authentic feel. In many cases I was drawn into the story enough to forget everything and become engrossed in the plot. The story will take you through a series of emotions from fear to rejoicing, back to fear and onward to disgust and find yourself pulled deeper into the web Jess Parker so masterfully weaves with his main character Jake Green,

Former military men, conspiracy theorists and lovers of a good thriller will all enjoy this book. Overall it was good read with very few flaws to interrupt a great performance by the author.

Dr. Leeds' Selection of Popular Epic Recitations was published in 1999, but I want to review it now. Not just because one of my pieces of rhymed poetry is included in his collection, but also because I am still amazed by the talent of this man and his devotion to rhymed poetry. The book contains favorites we all know: Annabel Lee, Gunga Din, Oh Captian! My Captain! Casey at the Bat; poetry that would NOT have lived on for years had it not been rhymed. Dr. Leeds' own story is worth a book. Author, poet, lecturer, professor, adventurer, explorer, soldier of fortune, mercenary, engineer, sailor, aviator, parachutist, muscian, dreamer, etc. He is a force to reckoned with. I highly recommend this book, and any anything else authored by Robert Leeds, to your readers. They contain everything a reader is looking for: poetry, adventure, humor and more, all wrapped up in the writings of just one man. He is my hero. My poem, Never Spend the Principal, was included amongst his choices of well-known poets. I am honored to have my work placed among such esteemed company. Dr. Leeds' acceptance of my poem encouraged me to go further in my writing career. I am now the author of "Dancing in the Dark." a creative non-fiction memoir, my short story titled, "Uncle Ben," was published by REMINISCE MAGAZINE" and I am also a freelance writer and regular contributor to MY TIME, a local newspaper in San Diego. I am now working on my second book. "A Different Kind of Memoir: The Meter of my Life." I want to thank, Dr. Leeds, for his contribution to literature and to his inspiration and support, and encourage everyone to read his books.

a truly enjoyable book of poetry - with so many great old poems - rhyming poems at that. one would have to brouse through many books to find them all. and they are all here under one cover. they make great reading.

As an English major from several decades ago, I have often found that the classics are tossed aside. In this age of "out with the old", it is so refreshing to find an anthology which encompasses the classic epic poetry of all times and intersperses it with new voices. The tried and true poets of all times are well represented, but it is so nice to find work which represents today. I highly recommend this collection - it is a poetry book for everyone.

Doctor Leeds' Selection Of Popular Epic Recitations is a wonderful anthology of narrative, story-telling poetry that ranges from the well-known sagas like Paul Revere's Ride to obscure works such as The Preacher's Vacation. This marvelous compendium is a true delight to merely browse through of an evening. But be forewarned! These poems are addictive and a few minutes of browsing can quickly become hours of deep immersion. Doctor Leeds' Selection Of Popular Epic Recitations is simply one of those volumes of poetry so easy to pick up and so difficult to put down!

Congratulations to Dr. Leeds. I loved the poetry by the famous poets and especially the poems by the 13 newly published poets. In particular, I enjoyed the poem by Rosalie Kramer about not spending the principal. My husband is a poet and I am giving him a copy of this book for his birthday - what a wonderful gift for any occasion.

It is fascinating to compare the record of hospital care fifty years ago with modern conditions. The physicians in this book spend hours with patients, performing tasks that nowadays would be done only by nurses in an intensive-care unit. House calls, unheard of today, were routine. Women spent days in hospital after giving birth, while today, a healthy mother and child might find themselves discharged a few hours after the baby is born. What has not changed is the feeling that there is more work to be done than time to do it in, the same now as it was then.

The book takes the form of a tape-recorded journal, supposedly edited for clarity. One wishes for less casual speech, such as "oh, I almost forgot" and "maybe I'll find out about that later." It's hard to believe that a skilled writer like Nourse left these in unintentionally; more likely, he deliberately inserted them to make the book more "journal-like."

The book is a thoroughly enjoyable record of an intern's experiences in an American hospital at the midpoint of the last century.

I found this book on a bookshelf in the house I inherited from my grandparents, and couldn't imagine I would get so into the story. I was simply fascinated all the way through and couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what happened to this patient or that one. I never thought reading about a particular field could be so interesting, however I do love medical shows and books like ER, etc. so maybe thats why. I wish there were more books similar to this one, I really hated for it to end!

An interesting juxapostion.

I have never before read things that absolutely shocked me, in regards to the medical community. Sticking together, mistakes that are made, etc . . .

And I have never read such things; coming away with complete **empathy** towards the medical community - for the impossible task they have undertaken in assisting others. A fantastic read. Before anyone becomes overly critical of the medical community, I would suggest reading this book.

Great book, tells it as it was. I knew the author; was
our family physician for several years.

I first stumbled upon this book over 20 years ago at the library, and upon finding it used some years later, snapped it up. I've nearly memorized it and I never fail to find something I missed last time I read it.

Until I learned the actual identity of the doctor (Dr. Alan Nourse, renowned juvenile sci-fi writer and longtime health columnist for Good Housekeeping), I wondered if he ever wrote anything else and was thrilled to learn he had. Upon doing so, I raided the magazine archives at my local library and yes, this book was a huge best-seller (although long out of print, it isn't hard to find) and got a lot of press when it was released.

Dr. Nourse died way too soon, in 1992 at age 64.

Jim Paluch has written a part novel, part self-help book that even the most stubborn of readers would have trouble putting it down. It tells the story of Eric Carlton and what happens when he is forced through sheer exhaustion to stop working and is faced with the most important project in his life that he had long ago forgot to complete: a book examine the "5 Important Things". The transformation that he and his family goes through is amazing, and should inspire all who read this book to evaluate just how well they are doing to follow the principals thought :Continuing to Learn, Appreciating People, Attitude, Setting Goals, and Not Quitting

I have no doubt that any author of self help books, including Jim, will agree with me that regardless of the limitless amount of self help books out there, they are all useless unless APPLIED - including this one.

You can get caught up with the character in this story-Eric Carlton- and learn how he progresses through learning the 5 important things: Continuing to Learn, Appreciating People, Attitude, Setting Goals, and Not Quitting (i.e. following through till completion). However, the story is not about Eric, it's about YOU. It's not about how he changes; it's about how YOU change.

We at LifeApps! at Yahoogroups are constantly looking to how to apply the concepts that are brought up in these wonderful books. Are you ready to transform and APPLY the concepts that are in this book? If you are then welcome on the journey that millions have taken and have enjoyed, you will not regret it. Don't apply it and all you would have done is to have read another book. This can be either a ho-hum experience, or a major positive life changing experience. How do you want to use it? YOu have the tools with this book, use it wisely, but USE IT! DO IT NOW!

Five Important Things is more than five important things. It is the most important five things that anyone needs to know to be a more effective and loved person. It's energizing to read and difficult to read slow. I found myself going back and re-reading just to absorb and bask in the thoughts several times as I raced through. I bought several copies to have on hand for gifts throughout the year.

A fantastic novel that pulls the reader along with suspense and a unique storyline. A must-read for any young (or old) person preparing for a successful career!

This is a well written book. It is a short novel but is PACKED with so much information. It speaks of the "5 Important Things" but intertwined throughout are themes of perseverance, family, commitment, and most important FOCUS!! This is a GREAT book for anyone who wants to make a DREAM reality!

Godschild Covenant
Godschild Covenant, written by Marshall Masters, is a very unique, poetic and uplifting book. In it, Mr. Masters shows great insight into the immense strength of the human spirit, insight which many people alive now have been unable to notice, whether it be because of their busy lifestyle or their aspirations toward a specific goal.
From beginning to end, Godschild Covenant demonstrated moving, poetic tenderness. While restricted by circumstances, the story of the sexual love between Anthony and Tanya was shown to be heart wrenching and full of the emotional beauty of a love between two soul mates.
This unique book is futuristic, yet full of truth. It uplifts the reader from the normal, mundane, everyday existence to a place that all of humanity will eventually reach. Ahead of his time, Marshall Masters is giving humanity a message, a prediction, which will soon come to pass. Meanwhile, Marshall, with his mastery of imagination and narrative skill, leads the reader through entertainment to the truth of a realistic, yet hopeful land, the land of the Godschild Covenant.
This story surpasses all other novels and works of fiction.
It is an immensely rewarding journey; it is so inspiring, so enticing that it makes one want to reach the last word of the book, while still feeling sorry for the fact that the book is drawing to an end.

Ming Friedman
April 27, 2003
...

Godschild Covenant, the return of Nibiru, presents the reader with a rip-roaring good read combining the best of several genres. Classification is difficult as it's as much a science fiction novel as well as an adventure novel. Combining the two genres as well as including several aspects of new age spiritualism and being able to hold the whole thing together would seem rather difficult in perspective. Marshall Masters has managed to do it all. From factual technical aspects to fine points in descriptive narration the author manages to do a top job. Recommended for all ages this is a fine debut novel.
Howard Crawford - April 2003 Darringtonoutback.com

This is a superb novel!

Marshall Masters has excelled himself with his first foray into fiction. With vivid imagination he has successfully combined the genres of action, thriller, sci-fi, murder and romance into one, fascinating, action-packed, hard-to-put-down book.

The characters are so life like and the environment the book is set in is so real-to-life, that I was completely drawn in, feeling as though I was actually there, experiencing every moment and emotion.

The story focuses on the power of the human spirit and it's will to survive in the face of desperation and destruction upon Earth. I was taken on a journey with Anthony Jarman, a seemingly ordinary but spiritually gifted man who struggles to accept his new responsibility within society as an ELMO (End of Life Management Officer); joined him on his dangerous quest to find his one and only son, kidnapped by extremist politicians; and followed his gentle, heart-wrenching discovery of true love with his soul mate.

This is a powerful and uplifting novel, which will provoke readers to ponder the actual reality of a higher realm of existence; a topic, which is so often taboo in today's society. It has elements of historical fact; describes scenarios that almost mirror current real life events and takes the bold step of sending out a message to readers about our own future and what it may hold.

A must read for all avid bookworms!

Mobipocket Review
http//www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/BookDetails.asp?BookID=11321

Godschild Covenant, written by Marshall Masters, is a very unique, poetic and uplifting book. In it, Mr. Masters shows great insight into the immense strength of the human spirit, insight which many people alive now have been unable to notice, whether it be because of their busy lifestyle or their aspirations toward a specific goal.

From beginning to end, Godschild Covenant demonstrated moving, poetic tenderness. While restricted by circumstances, the story of the sexual love between Anthony and Tanya was shown to be heart wrenching and full of the emotional beauty of a love between two soul mates.

This unique book is futuristic, yet full of truth. It uplifts the reader from the normal, mundane, everyday existence to a place that all of humanity will eventually reach. Ahead of his time, Marshall Masters is giving humanity a message, a prediction, which will soon come to pass. Meanwhile, Marshall, with his mastery of imagination and narrative skill, leads the reader through entertainment to the truth of a realistic, yet hopeful land, the land of the Godschild Covenant.

This story surpasses all other novels and works of fiction. It is an immensely rewarding journey; it is so inspiring, so enticing that it makes one want to reach the last word of the book, while still feeling sorry for the fact that the book is drawing to an end.--Mobipocket.com

I wish to add one more statement to an earlier review of Godschild Covenant.

Marshall's insight from Godschild Convenant that described the 3-Gorges Virus shows exactly what is happening in China - the spreading of SARS. According to the Indian News, China has created this virus from its Bio-weapons lab. This is another of Marshall's phrophetic warning from his book.

There are four books in this series, and each new volume makes you look forward to the next. Wonderful book for children who enjoy mystery and codes!

If you like scanvenger hunts you'll like this book. In this book Andrew and Evie have to find their lost mother by getting the thing that matches what they have to get the clue and to finish the mission.

This is a truly great novel. The plot is enticing, the characters are astonishing,and the amount of description is amazing. The series as a whole is good, but this is my favorite book thus far in the saga.

this book was better than the first book i think.
this book is about andrew and evie wall who lost there mom!!i love how they r always do all these codes to find there mom.

I have read the first book of this series and loved it right away.I have not had time to read the second book but I am going to get it read by the end of this year.I want to find out if they find their mother before their next birthday so she can be their.I really can't wait to read this one and then the third one when they come out with it.I hope they do not run into any more trouble with the bully at school.I can't wait.This was my favorite book this year.

In the Empire's Service is one of those parts in the Rogue Squadron series that has healthy doses of action, camaraderie, suspense and a "feel" to it.

The stand alone stories have ended. It's time for Ms Isard to claim the Imperial throne, time for Rogue Squadron to show their flying skills, time for the performance to really kick in. Unlike other issues, this one has a genuine feel to it, where power and politics have some major characters decide the day.

The art is similar to Battleground:Tatooine, which I didn't think much of in that issue's review. Here, where you don't have Tatooine and Ryloth deserts to inhibit your artistry, the lush vista of Brentaal saves the day. Character faces just aren't rendered in enough detail, and at times the features in the frames just look a bit small in size.

That notwithstanding, Fel makes up in dialogue what his rendered art misses. A brilliant but loyal pilot straddled with a fool for a superior that's too-often semi-attired and looks quite like a roman emperor, you feel for him. The Rogue pilots don't miss out on their lines too, and a range of emotions are showed which help to convey the seriousness and delicacy of the mission.

Action is hot and intense, and even though Imperial politics is what allows the Alliance to take more and more of Brentaal, you can bet Fel's going to make them fight for it. This is war, and it reflects well in how the captions were chosen. A level in the N64 Rogue Squadron game was based on the last mission here, so it's fun to view it differently. The Telsij lady you briefly meet---and gasp at---from her sight in Mandatory Retirement is explained here.

Dendo is back, armed with his flashy cape and quick-finger trigger. New Rogues are featured to make up for attrition, and you'll like Koyi Komad's interaction with them. Her character, short as her appearances are, just shines out from the page.

Overall, the sketchy feel of the art had me rating this a star less, but In the Empire's Service is just too good to give any less. It has it all, what you could want, and certainly worthy lightening your purse a few Imperial credits less indeed.

In The Empire's Service is the sixth Rogue Squadron comic series, and it happens to be one of the, if not the, best. Taking place not long after the comic "Mara Jade: By The Emperor's Hand," this is the first title in the "Rise of Isard" story arc which will link all of the remaining comics in this series, and lead into the novel series. And it is just a great and classic story. No more of those stories where the Empire is thrown in only as a convoluted plot twist, where various rogues and scoundrels uncover secret caches of Imperial ships and weaponry. This is a straight up Alliance vs. Empire story. It's full of good art, good dialogue, a plethora of dogfights, and lots of humor.

In this story, Sate Pestage has basically assumed Palpatine's role at the head of the Empire, and is struggling to hold it while an alliance of various other high ranking Imperials (the "Cabal") is also seeking to gain control of the Empire. Enter Ysanne "Iceheart" Isard, who, while presumably advising both sides as to the best way to defeat the Rebels is actually expertly playing them off against each other. Taking her advice, Pestage vows to hold a wealthy Imperial world, which the rebels promptly start planning to liberate. Thus begins the power struggle between Pestage, the Cabal, and the Rebel Alliance on Brentaal.

As I've said, this comic has an awesome number of dogfights, and it introduces several new Rogues to make up for attrition in the last comic. In addition, it introduces Salm and his wing of Y-wings, as well as Imperial fighter legend Baron Fel and his feared 181st Fighter Group, which is basically the Imperial equivalent of Rogue Squadron. Also, Kapp Dendo and his SpecOps squad show up again. The art is nice and easy to follow, and the pilot chatter is good as always. Unfortunately, Baron Fel is somewhat stiff, starting as just a perfect superpilot, but he does evolve into a more human character by the end of the series. Also, why is Plourr still with the Rogues? Wasn't her return at the end of the previous comic just a very temporary reprieve from her duties on Eiattu?

Just as a note of interest, you'll notice that the main battle in this comic was adapted as one of the levels in the Rogue Squadron 3D game for PC and N64.

Overall, this is an excellent comic, one of the best Rogue Squadron stories out there. Definitely and highly recommended.

This is another good and exciting comics. Finally i get to meet the legendary pilot of the Empire as well as the Star Wars universe - Baron Soontir Fel. He remained a mystery until now, and kept the comic alive and exciting in leading the remarkable 181st squadron.

Stackpole takes over writing the series and immediately kicks it into high gear by throwing the Rogues right into the midst of the war. The Republic is beginning its campaign for Coruscant and starts by heading for the Core Worlds. In this case, the first step is Brentaal, the rich and influential Core world.

This arc is unique in that it gives both the Rebels and Imperials almost equal time. The faces of the Empire are many, and this arc shows a depth to it not acheived in anything else thus far. The scheming by Ysanne Isard is great, while you also see the varying faces of the Empire on Brentaal itself. Admiral Lon Isoto and Baron Soontir Fel are both Imperials, yet completely opposite characters. Isoto is an incompetant, vain, corrupt, lazy, and perhaps even slightly insane man, while Fel is a very smart, strong, moral, yet somewhat flawed figure. He is the greatest pilot in the Empire, and serves that Empire not because of who leads it, but because of simple loyalty to its people. As time goes on, it becomes more and more apparent to him that perhaps his view on things was flawed, and perhaps he need to rectify it. Along with Grand Admiral Thrawn, he is perhaps the best Imperial character to come out of the comics and novels.

The Rebels are interesting as well, and the Rogues are for the only time in the series at full strength. Balancing the stories of 12 pilots is not easy, but as events transpire some paths are split and some interconnect. Some, like Wedge, Tycho, Janson, Ibtisam, and Nrin, get more time, wheras ones like Dar Keyis and Standro are forced into the backdrop. But that's alright, for reason I won't get into lest I spoil things.

The art by Nadeau perfectly fits the whole 'war movie'-type feel of 'In the Empire's Service.' His technology and cityscapes are, as always, superb, and although his faces may be a little choppy at times, each person has his or her own face, which is very important with such a large cast. And David Nestelle's coloring prowess is once again demonstrated. Never slips, always consistent, always fitting the scene perfectly.

And who can forget the cliff-hanger last line of the series?

Bravo to the creators of 'In the Empire's Service'. They've produced one of the most insightful, well-written examples of 'Star Wars' ever published, and the series' lack of sales is truly shameful. Highly, highly reccomended work.

This is one of the greatest SW comics I have ever read.The Art and writing just meld in a perfect mixture. Stackpole's script is awsome, with its comedy, drama, and pain. The essentials of Star Wars are all here. The continuity between this and the X-Wing books is also nice, as this was the first four issue story arc in the 'Rise of Isard' arc of books, comprising a total of 12 issues. The plot is excellent, introducing what has become one of the most popular EU characters, Baron Soontir Fel. Nadau's pencils are great, with facial expressions and explosions all rendered realistically. Nestelle's colors are, as usual, are stunning. This is one book that belongs in all comic lovers and Star Wars maniacs Library's. 5/5.