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Authors Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Authors
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Keeper Martin's Tales Series, Book 1)
Published in Paperback by Reagent Press (2002-02)
Author: Robert Stanek
List price: $14.00
New price: $3.23
Used price: $2.44

Average review score:

Good But Continue on to the other books
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 21 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-04
I first read The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches as a ninth grader and remember loving it. I then continued on to books 2, 3, and 4, which were excellent. I decided to re-read The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches books this summer since I found I had forgotten the majority of the story. After re-reading it now as a college freshman, I enjoyed it even more.

Clearly it's a remarkable story. Though it lacks the nonstop action of Stanek's In the Service of Dragons books, the story is full of wonder and adventure. There are mysteries and thrills around every corner.

I maintain The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #1 is an effective introduction to Stanek's writing style and works well as an entryway for the original books to build upon. I recommend Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #1, but I strongly also suggest continuing on to read the books in order to appreciate the full value of Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #1 as it works with the rest of the series. When you finish the kingdoms books don't forget the best is yet to come with the In the Service of Dragons books.

Wonderful, heart-warming stories by a wonderful author
Helpful Votes: 14 out of 24 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-03
My boys have read all the books by this author and they love this book! As a mother I was happy to find the story is well written and does not have sex or violence. Bravo Mr. Stanek on a job well done!

Excellent, Beautifully Written and Wonderfully Illustrated!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-21
About a year ago I decided to start reading 'The Kingdoms and the Elves' series because I had heard so much praise about them. When I read the first one, I was totally amazed and by the second one Robert Stanek was my new favorite author.

In this opening volume, Stanek takes you into the unforgettable fantasy universe of Ruin Mist. Ruin Mist was once ruled by mighty dragons and titans, but now ages have passed and most have left the world of men and elves.

His writing is so descriptive that you can imagine everything perfectly in your mind's eye. It has something for everyone, including action, adventures, battles, deception, intrigue and will make you care about the characters you are reading about.

I definitely see why this book has become a classic. It really is one of the best books of all time. If you haven't read it yet, I highly suggest you get a copy and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

Self promotion
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-05
I got fooled by the reviews for this book. It's pure fantasy! Just do some research on the web for yourself before you buy these books. If an author is so good why does he not register on wiki? Come on Amazon, your review system is being exploited.

Great listen AND a great read!!!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-17
My library carries this book on Playaway and it was recommended to me by the librarian as "an entertaining, well-written fantasy story for all ages." I found out the book was also highly recommended by Voya and is something of a pop phenom as it is also mentioned in "Complete Idiots Guide to Elves and Fairies" and "Ancient Art of Fairy Magick".

I enjoyed listening to the story so much I decided to buy the book. The audio was wonderful and I loved how the characters came to life and the reading was excellent. Like the audio, the book is of exceptional quality with its dozens of full-page illustrations and illustrated end notes.

The story revolves around three central characters: Adrina, Vilmos, and Seth. It tells their story as the story of their imperiled worlds unfolds. Adrina is a young princess who has everything and nothing. Vilmos is a mischievous village boy. Seth is a powerful warrior elf.

Stanek has a strong command of language and his prose flows well. I liked that he doesn't bog the story down with unnecessary detail. Because of this wonderful book and its sequels, Stanek is now my favorite author. I highly recommend The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales) and the sequels

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales)

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales)

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales)

Over all an excellent series and like C. S. Lewis's Narnia this is one story everyone should read at least once in their life. If you are looking for a good read or listen, I don't see how you can go wrong with this one.

Authors
Boy's Life
Published in Paperback by Pocket (2008-07-01)
Author: Robert McCammon
List price: $16.00
New price: $9.53
Used price: $9.00

Average review score:

Hardy boys with a bit of Harry Potter sprinkled in...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-13
This is the first book I have read by the author and what a great introduction. Considering this book was written in the early 90's, the 12-year old Cory M. main character, was a harbinger of the "magical boy"
at the edge of adolescence. Ala Harry Potter, Cory has the sixth sense. Though there are elements of horror, this is mainly a autobiography of kids in the 60's. The feel of the time is right, with boys on bikes looking for adventure and trying to escape the misery of school. And surely one can remember that magic did seem to be in the air at that age. The characters are well-developed and the mystery, who is the drowned man in the lake?, is nicely woven through, but not always the main focus. More importantly, Cory and his friends begin to glimpse the adult world, maybe just as scary as the horror stuff. Dad loses his job, Mom is a worry-wart, and Cory faces love and death. Did not want it to end and felt the post-script of life in the 90's, did not add. A different type of horror/mystery story and great change of pace.

Not just a Boys Life
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-23
I am a huge fan of Robert McCammon and this book is one of the best reasons why. The writing is so engrossing that you can get lost in the story and not even want to find your way out. The characters are all richly drawn and can stand on their own, not just as sounding boards for the main character, Cory, an 11 year old boy. If you have read the reviews this far down you will already know the plot, and all I can add is that if you take a chance and read the book you will be better off for the journey. The beautiful writing will break your heart and make you laugh out loud. What more could you ask for?

one of my all time favorite books
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-22
i have to wonder about anyone that gives less than four stars for this book. i have been giving copies of this book to friends for years. this i think is hands down the best book of growing up in the south since to kill a mockingbird and that my friends is high praise indeed. i would not hesitate to reccomend this book to anyone, ever! the man can write and the book is absolutely fantastic! treat yourself to a great read and get this book. also like another reviewer stated dan simmons "summer of night" is pretty darn good also! read and enjoy.

Awsome Book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-12
Robert McCammon really did an awsome job writing this book. It expresses everything in a young boy's life. The dissapointments such as: loosing a friend to a bullet, your dog dying, and having your dad layed off from work. On the other hand it also tells about great things such as: getting a new bike, catching a criminal, going to a circus, and many other things. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that will keep you reading till the last page.

A great read. How did I miss this one???
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-06
Great characters, great plot, great setting- this book is fun to read. Think Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and the film The Sand Lot!
I haven't read any other McCammon novels and I'm not sure he could write a better one then this. Aside from reading The Grapes of Wrath, this was the best book I read this summer!

Authors
Sex and the Perfect Lover: Tao, Tantra, and the Kama Sutra
Published in Hardcover by Atria (2005-10-18)
Author: Mabel Iam
List price: $19.95
New price: $5.95
Used price: $11.42

Average review score:

Hot intimacy and amazing sex
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-14
I used to read other sex books with my wife but she surprised me one day and bought Sex and the perfect lover by Iam... was a complete different thing all together, far far the best one I've seen. It's simply Amazing. My wife seduces me with the techniques in the book and I please her through the advice in the book. A reference book for your bedside table we have learn how to have fun and intimacy together, without just merely have sex put us on ground now. We have learnt how to have fun and intimacy together, without just merely making love.
Everyone wants to have a great sex life and some may even think that they know everything as I did! but this book will take your sex life to new heights.
I'm the one now that insists that we read one chapter every night, and then practice!
I am right now ordering several copies to give as a gift to my friends.

Wow. this is the perfect book for busy people
Helpful Votes: 14 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-14
Wow. this is the perfect book for busy, active people who want to keep their sex life alive, but who don't have time to spend learning. When I thought there were not any more sex "techniques" I could learn from a book, this book just amazed me. This book just transformed my sex and it is never going to be better than after reading it. I've read my share of sex books but this one is very informative, gives great advises and covers many areas of relationships that are not covered in other books.

I'd give it six stars if I could.
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-15
M. Iam seriously addresses intimacy issues and provides a step-by-step deep relationship-nourishing format that begins with the art of exploring the pleasures of the Kama sutra from the vantage point of the couple's balanced physical, mental and emotional energy. In addition to initiating and maintaining the purely sensual aspects of love-making.

Everyone should read this book. I have read a lot of relationships and sex books. This one, by far, is the best for me. Was almost like a total
pleasure, I am giving it as a gift for special occasions and recommending it to everyone I know.

To spice up your sex life
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-01
Sex and the Perfect Lover is a guide for those who wish a relationships with love pleasure, and intimacy, This is by far the best book I have ever read. The style of the book is easy, clear and perfect to understand and the illustrations of the kamasutra are excellent. The exercises and illustrations are creative, playful, and unusual, such as rewriting a recipe in sexual imagery to create an appetizing and erotic plan.
I've shared it with some friends. I'm definitely going to give a copy of this book to my friends.

Don't believe the hype
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 23 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-11
I have to admit, the only reason I chose this book was because of the 240+ rave reviews here at amazon. How could 99% of the reviewing public be wrong, right? Well take it from me, whoever translated this book into english (it was originally written in another language) did a pretty shabby job, unless their goal was to suck the life out of every paragraph. It is thoroughly boring, utterly useless and embarrassingly void of anything that anyone could apply to their sex life. I guarantee you 110% that you will be disappointed with this book, and after reading it you'll be looking somewhere else for the answers you were seeking. This was my first foray into a "better sex" book, and I most definitely made the wrong choice.

The chapters are so short, they feel like you're reading an outline. There is no content. There is so much filler in this book, you start to catch on by about page 50 that you're going absolutely nowhere -- page after page, chapter after chapter. She mentions some interesting ideas and concepts, but never once does she show any hint of knowledge or expertise in this subject area. Her solution to EVERYTHING is that with proper practice and techniques, you too can achieve an explosive orgasm -- but she tells you absolutely nothing about how to do anything. It's so ridiculous I was laughing out loud by chapter 10. Really, this book is a complete waste and joke.

Authors
Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual, 16th Edition: How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book (Self Publishing Manual)
Published in Paperback by Para Publishing (2007-03-25)
Author: Dan Poynter
List price: $19.95
New price: $11.21
Used price: $11.85

Average review score:

Self Publishing? You Need This Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-28
When I self-published my book, "Welcome Home: A Guide for Foster, Adoptive, and Treatment Foster Parents," I used Dan's book religiously. It's so worn out, I have to order a new copy for my forthcoming book [tenatively titled, 'Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment of Foster and Adopted Children, 2009]. I sold 5,000 copies, though two editions. Could I have done this without Dan's book? Perhaps, but he walks you through every step of the way. If you're self-publishing a book, this one gives you more information and guidance than you could ask for. You'll still have to do the leg-work, but he makes it less daunting.

I LOVE THIS BOOK
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-16
FOR ANYBODY WHO HAS THE DESIRE TO BECOME A SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR, SHOULD OWN THIS BOOK. THE BOOK IS JUST THE BEGINNING...BUT IF YOU GO TO HIS WEBSITE, READ, STUDY, AND ORDER HIS INFORMATION KITS AND ARTICLES. YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO THE TOP!

A must read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-29
Don't self publish a book without first reading this one. It's the best. I also loved the grammar book from Jim Woods Two Dozen Lessons from an Editor

MY FIRST SELF PUBLISHING BOOK
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-10
This was my very first self publishing book and one of the best. I have only come across three that are priceless!

Seat Belt for Sef-Publishing
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-05
Step by step Dan Poynter takes you through writing and publishing your own book. He doesn't promise that it will be easy or that you will be successful, but he does explain the process.
The real work begins once your book is printed--you are on your own and he gives you an extensive rundown of the markets you can tap. For the novice author first you must make sure you have the best product that can be produced--a professional editor, which is one area he handles in marginal fashion though there is a list of editing services in the back. Make sure you obtain both a line editor and a content editor which are two difference birds. It is very difficult to spot the little mistakes because you read what should be there not what is actually on the page.
This is the grandfather of them all and an excellent survey of the field. All of the books attached to this review are self-published books, which have received strong reviews and sold well.
Writing as a Small BusinessQualifying Laps: A Brewster County NovelUnder the Liberty OakGuns Across the Rio: A Texas Ranger in Old Mexico

Authors
Paradise
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Pocket (1992-06-01)
Author: Judith McNaught
List price: $7.99
New price: $3.98
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

Recommended
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-29
I don't really go for contemporary romance but this I can appreciate. I really love the new cover as well and how Meredith and Matthew finally realise they still love each other and manage to overcome all obstacles, it just warmed me to my toes! I've read all Judith McNaught's books and can't wait for more!

One Of The Best...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-09
I have a read a lot of books, and yet Paradise is still among one of my favorites. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book!! It is full of so many different emotions, that you don't know whether to cry, laugh, be angry, be happy, because it is full of ALL of those!! I highly recommend this book and trust me, you will not want to put this book down!!

Rollercoaster worth riding
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-21
Deceit from outside forces pull these two young, tragic lovers apart but after 11 years, Matt & Meredith find that they were never truly divorced. Discovering the truth about what really happened and finding that they never stopped feeling for one another makes this story simply wonderful.

Matt's "proposal" to keep his wife was absolutely brilliant. McNaught does it again!

too much business ... a little of love
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-20
This is my first McNaught contemporary and based of all reviews here, I expected more. But this is not Paradise at all. Too long, too many details about business ... Yes, there are some typical Judith's traces just like big misunderstandings, strong tough hero, beautiful heroine, loving/brutal relatives and so on, but I felt something missed. And - sometimes I had a feeling I read about characters I've already known: Miss Stern is like Lucinda Throckmorton-Jones, Joe O'Hara like Jake, Patrick Farrell like Duncan, all from Almost heaven which I absolutely love. I think McNaught should stay at historical, but I'll give her another try with Perfect.

The very best
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-08
This is one of the best romance novels I've ever read if not the THE best. I loved both Matt and Meredith and all the supporting characters are special. I couldn't even hate her father even though it's more than warranted.

This my go to book when I'm feeling down. I recommend that everyone that loved contemporary romance read this book

Authors
Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Signet (2006-09-05)
Author: J.R. Ward
List price: $7.99
New price: $3.87
Used price: $3.85

Average review score:

Best in the series so far
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-25
I hate to admit it, but I had 13 year old fan girl moments in this book!
I absolutely adored Zsadist and Bella. What a stunning relationship.

This was the most enjoyable book of the series so far.

I would rea it all over again..
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-14
Zsadist was just such a powerful vampire, but his past held him captive made him uneasy to be around, hard as stone, and very dangerous...until Bella made him feel worthy. This novel held everything..it was captivating, drama filled, griping, a tear jerker, and heartfelt...oh so touching(I felt like I was watching a TV movie). He was so sexy, thuggish, strong, a straight up ruffneck. I would read it all over again just to catch some of Z's world..the struggles...the pain..the tenderness...the awakening...the challenge of change.....the growth... the tears...the love.

3rd book and stll going strong!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-08
J.R. Ward has got to be one of my new favorite authors. Her Black Dagger Brotherhood series is fast past, full of action and hot romance, and this third installment does not disappoint. This story revolves around Zsadist, a former blood slave, and the scariest memeber of the brotherhood. As he fights the Lessers to save and protect Bella, he begins to reawaken himself to feelings and sensations other than anger and pain. Loved it and can't wait to move on to the next one!

Highlight of the series
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-06
I don't see how JR Ward could top this book. Zsadist's story was absolutely fasinating. His history, his unpredictable actions, and his character growth. There was so much going on in this book, there was never a dull moment. I knew from Dark Lover that he was going to be the most intruiging of the guys. I loved this book...it will probably be my favorite. I can't wait to read about Phury though...

Good story and family of characters, but because I wanted it to be over, I gave it 2.5 stars.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-04
I was surprised that I wanted it to be over, because I love the family of characters and the conflicts with the bad guys. I'm having a hard time trying to define what I would change. I was impatient with Z's actions. Bella loved him and wanted him, but he kept refusing her throughout almost the entire book. He told her she deserved better than he, and he did mean things to her to break things off between them. Finally she moved away. This frustrating romantic development was a little too drawn out for me.

I don't mind the author switching around among three different stories, as long as she finishes each scene before switching to another. Most of her scene switching was ok, but there were a few that annoyed me. Two of them follow. On page 118, O stabs himself, and then the author immediately goes to two other stories. Ten pages later the author returns to tell what happened to O after the stabbing. This happens again on page 310. Phury is shocked at Z's appearance and tries to tell Z what is different, but Z walks away. We don't learn what is different until eleven pages later.

Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: nine. Setting: current day Caldwell, NY. Copyright: 2006. Genre: paranormal romantic suspense.

For a list of my reviews of other books by this author, see my 5 star review of "Dark Lover" posted 1/09/08.

Authors
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Published in Hardcover by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (2000-02-01)
Author: Doreen Cronin
List price: $15.95
New price: $5.94
Used price: $2.97
Collectible price: $15.95

Average review score:

Perfect for Preschoolers
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-22
Absolutely for preschoolers. My son loved this book almost as much as I did. Everything about this book was adorable- the silliness, the electric blankets, and the diving board. He and I couldn't stop laughing. The reader (most likely the adult) will love how often the neutral party isn't neutral at all. I'm an animal lover, so this book will always have a soft spot in my heart.

A Fantastic Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-07
Your political leanings, notwithstanding, Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin, is a wonderful book that will have children and adults laughing out loud. Farmer Brown is angered when he learns that not only does he own literate cows, but that they can type, and type they do with a daily list of demands to make their life more comfortable. Soon the cows are joined in their endeavor by the chickens, along with their demands, and more fun ensues. At first Farmer Brown refuses to deal with what he sees as recalcitrant bovine, but reconsiders when the animals enlist the aid of a duck mediator. Through a series of negotiations the cows and chickens get their demands met, but alas, the farmer learns too late, ducks also know how to type.

I don't know if this book really teaches children about mediation and cooperation as some reviews suggest, however, I do know that it will teach children how to laugh. The story is aided by wonderful watercolor illustrations by Betsy Lewin. Her very simple renderings add to the humor of the story, and the expressions on the faces of animals is worth the price of the book alone.

Quill says: This fantastic book also earned the Caldecott Honor in 2000, and is worth revisiting.

Very enjoyable book, we read it often at the children's museum
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-06
This is just a book of sheer silliness.

The cows, having obtained a typewriter, unionize for better conditions (they want lights and electric blankets).

When the farmer finally gives in to their demands... the duck runs off with the typewriter. (They want a diving board.)

There's no pretense of a moral here, it's just a silly book about a silly situation. Just what's needed sometimes :)

Click Clack Moo Cows that teach!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-23
My students love this story (ages 7-12)! And I use it to teach students about the democratic process. This is a wonderful story about the options open to people in a democratic society. I have used it to talk about strikes, expressing your opinions and negotiations. DO my 7 year olds get all that from Click Clack Moo, not that they can articulate but they are getting it on some level. And it allows me to explain what a typewriter is. Do not underestimate what young people are picking up from a story such as this.

Great letter book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-14
Every year, I use this book to help teach fourth graders to write letters- they really get it from this book! It's funny and appealing. I highly recommend it!

Authors
The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2)
Published in Paperback by Reagent Press (2002-04-01)
Author: Robert Stanek
List price: $14.00
New price: $5.35
Used price: $1.83

Average review score:

It's a fantastic book to read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-24
Better than Potter and Narnia! I love this series as much as my kids (ages 16, 13, and 10) and this is the book when I knew this would be my favorite series for a long long time. Robert Stanek doesn't have flowery prose but he does have incredibly great writing. The characters and the world are what I loved the most, but I also love all the twists and turns. Like Harry, Hermione and Ron, you can't help but love Vilmos, Adrina and Seth. But the incredibly good cast of characters doesn't end there. There's also Emel, Myrial, Xith, Galan and more. The villains come out in this one too. With the evil shapeshifting queen making many appearances. Bravo Robert on a job well done.

Even better than the first one!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-17
My library carries this book on Playaway and it was recommended to me by the librarian as "an entertaining, well-written fantasy story for all ages." I found out the book was also highly recommended by Voya and is something of a pop phenom as it is also mentioned in "Complete Idiots Guide to Elves and Fairies" and "Ancient Art of Fairy Magick".

I enjoyed listening to the story so much I decided to buy the book. The audio was wonderful and I loved how the characters came to life and the reading was excellent. Like the audio, the book is of exceptional quality with its dozens of full-page illustrations and illustrated end notes.

This second book continues right where the cliffhanger in the first book left off. Again, the story revolves around three central characters: Adrina, Vilmos, and Seth. It tells their story as the story of their imperiled worlds unfolds. Adrina is a young princess who has everything and nothing. Vilmos is a mischievous village boy. Seth is a powerful warrior elf.

As with the first book, this second book has many twists and turns that make for wonderful reading. Stanek continues to show a strong command of language and excels at building mystery and intrigue. The reader can't help but feel they are right there in this rich fantasy world. You feel for Adrina as she starts to see the world in new ways. Your heart wrenches for Vilmos when he is chased by shapeshifters called wolmerrele. Your gut aches when Seth is betrayed.

Stanek has a knack for writing strong prose. There are enough details to see everything that's going on but not so much the story is bogged down. The dialogue continues to be excellent as well and it's one of the reasons the story works so well in audio.

I highly recommend The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales) but don't miss The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales). You need to start with the first one to understand the story.

I also recommend

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales)

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales)

Over all an excellent series and like C. S. Lewis's Narnia this is one story everyone should read at least once in their life. If you are looking for a good read or listen, I don't see how you can go wrong with this one.

A world of it's own.
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-02
This book created a beautiful picture of a world that every child has or will dream of. The Kingdoms and the Elves #1 is one of those please don't end books. You would think there is no possible way Book #2 could be better but it is. This is a book is for all ages to sit down and enter a world full of magic.

Great second part to an awesome quartet
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 28 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-01
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches 2 is a wonderful book with an epic story and detailed environments. The author, Robert Stanek, describes the world of Ruin Mist with such detail that you can envision every place in the book easily, every character as if they were right in front of your, and every event as if they were unfolding right there before you. The book starts with the divided companions coming together, some for the first time. Previously, Adrina and Emel had split up, Xith and Vilmos were separate, and the elves were struggling to stay afloat. The story is amazing and immediately sucks you in so you have to see what happens at the end. I give it five stars out of five stars.

BEST series of the decade
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 32 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29
To sum it up in one word: AMAZING!!! I discovered this author about four years back when I read his "The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #1." I've since read everything he's written and have multiple editions of each. My favorite editions of the illustrated ones - all of the illustrated ones are top shelf.

Many reasons to like a good Stanek novel have been pointed out in the reviews. His prose is spare yet his descriptions are sharp. He is a master storyteller and able to create whole worlds and whole characters. The plots of his books are well paced with many twists and turns.

In this book, the many threads finally come together fully and the reader finds out exactly what's happening (at least part of it). Adrina meets back up with Emel. The elves arrive. Vilmos gets to use his magic. Lots more. I was surprised when I got to In the Service of Dragons and found some of the things foreshadowed here come to fruition.

Highly recommended.

Authors
A Twist Of Fate
Published in Paperback by Lushena Books (2001-08-20)
Author: Robyn Williams
List price: $15.00
New price: $15.00
Used price: $8.77

Average review score:

Hated it.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-06
I absolutely did not enjoy this book. I found myself skimming through it about a third of the way. It wasn't keeping my attention and there was way too much going on and I found it tedious to be expected to follow it all.

Couldn't have said it better
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-30
There was so much that I loved about this book! I loved author's writing style. I loved the chemistry between Sam and Ashela, between Ashela and her best friend, Kyliah and how so much detail went into telling what made the characters turn out the way they were. Although it took much too long for Sam to be introduced into the story, I still thought it was worth the wait. The love scenes were explicit yet tasteful, you certainly felt as if you're right there in the midst of the passion! Also, as long as this book was, when I finished it I kept wanting to read more. I was left with so many questions that I wonder if the author intends to write a sequel.

A Twist of Fate is definitely not a Christian lit book, so don't be tricked or fooled. It's a passionate, graphic and sometimes brutally honest look at the twists that peoples lives can take. If you're searching for a steamy romance with a thick plot, this is it!

Someone in my bookclub said this was going to be made into a movie. If so, Denzel would make the perfect Sam Ross!

I have ordered Preconceived Notions and I can't wait to read it.

Spectacular Event!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-15
This book is a spectacular event. This one of the best books I have read in a long while. Ms. Williams has manged to inspire dreamers to dream. I enjoyed this book completely from beginning to end. There is an Ashela in us all. Sam Ross is the true definition of a Strong Black Man. Ms. William's book gives us back the reality that it possible to be happy and successful.
Ms. Williams is truly one of the greatest writers of our time.

Outstanding!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-15
I think that Robin Williams has a way with words. Twist of Fate is an outstanding read, one you can't put down. A I was ready this book I felt like I was actually looking at it on the big screen. That's just how real Robin made her charactors.

Way to go Robin, keep up the excellent work!

A twisty, meandering tale
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-05
This is a very detailed book that is really a coming-of-age tale of Ashela Jordan. It follows her from her childhood through challenging years as an adolescent and young adult into her life as a celebrated musician.

The author writes well and pays great attention to detail. However, there was just too much detail in parts for me and that resulted in the story seeming too long and drawn out. The book started with a very brief introduction to Ashela's love interest Sam before going back to tell her story from the very beginning of her childhood. Although the book visits Sam's rise from child to music executive, its almost 160 pages into the book before Ashela and Sam's stories intersect. Once they unite as adults the story picks up and moves along at a more satisfying pace.

An interesting, but often distracting, literary tool used by the author was the inclusion of many prominent celebrities in the storyline.

I certainly give much credit to author Robyn Williams for her attention to detail and a realistic portrayal of the music business, even though I wished for the plot to move along much more rapidly.

Authors
1001 Ways to Market Your Books, Sixth Edition (1001 Ways to Market Your Books: For Authors and Publishers)
Published in Paperback by Open Horizons (2006-05-25)
Author: John Kremer
List price: $27.95
Used price: $36.72

Average review score:

1001 Ways to ... Say Thanks
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-01
John Kremer's book has answered alot of questions that I had that I couldn't seem to get answered any where else. Now I have the ultimate tool to assist me in putting together a great marketing plan.

I recommend this book to anyone who really wants to make their book a success.

Susie McCray, poet & author
"See What I See"

So many ideas, so little time
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-17
Jam-packed with ideas to help you market your book. Writing amazon reviews is one of them!

Author, "Trust is Everything: Become the leader others will follow"

If your serious about marketing your book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-06
John Kremer's book is by far the best on how to effectively market your books. He gives idea after idea (many of them low cost and no cost) on how to get the word out.

Anyone who is in the know, knows that John Kremer's book is a must have.

You want your book to succeed? Get this book now!

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer
101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door: Success Strategies Guaranteed to Put You Miles Ahead of the Competition

All writers must read this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-05
PROS: Outstanding tips. Excellent advice and ideas. Original.

CONS: A bit expensive, even though it's over 700 pages.

CONCLUSION: Both small and large publishers do a lousy job at promoting their authors. With rare exceptions (usually for high profile authors), the publishers expect the author to do most of the work. Therefore, all authors should get this book if they want to promote their work. Without marketing, most books die a quiet death.

The Bible of Marketing Books!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-27
1001 Ways to Market Your Books is the bible of marketing books. I have read the book cover to cover once and refer back to it again and again.

I used up half of a highlighter and dozens (if not over a hundred) post-it notes to mark the important pages and key points in the book. The title of the book is quite humble. The material actually has probably 2,000 or more ideas to market books.

1001 Ways to Market Your Books covers it all. It addresses the fundamentals, how to open new markets, marketing and selling in bookstores, schools and on the internet. It also discusses selling overseas, selling subsidiary rights, offbeat advertising, promotions and more.

There are so many great ideas that every time I pick it up again I find more marketing ideas to consider. Even if a person cherry picks, there are still enough ideas to keep one busy for years!

What also makes this book a great resource is that is that John Kremer thoroughly researched the work. His common sense approach makes the book a page turner. Although there are 700 pages, there is essentially no fluff.

Thank you John Kremer for providing a path to successfully marking our books!


The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking


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