Radford Books

This book is so good it keeps you up until 4 am reading so you can find out what happens. Tom Mach's book is believable and spellbounding. It is a great book to read whether you like to learn about the Civil War or not. Jessica's story of faith and survival are truely inspiring to all who read this book. It's the best Civil War book I have read in a long time.

Sissy! is an I-can't-wait-to-see-what-happens-next civil war era novel. With spellbinding characters and action, the author, Tom Mach, draws us through the pages. This is no fluff story, though. Showing us perspectives from slaves fighting for freedom, to women trying to run businesses, Mach gives us a message that is as relevant today as it was in the 1860s. This skillfully written, obviously well researched novel, weaves a tapestry of lives together in a compelling drama. I wish history books were half this interesting. Sissy is a well written book that leaves us wanting the sequel, and soon.

Anyone who enjoys Civil War history will love Tom Mach's award-winning novel Sissy! (Publisher: Hill Song Press (January 1, 2004)ISBN: 0974515922) This is a five star book and an excellent first novel from Mr. Mach. Every library in the USA should have Sissy! on the shelf. Sissy! is solid from beginning to end. Solid characters, solid plot and a great setting. Sissy is highly recommended. 5 BIG STARS *****
John Weaver , Editor Booksandauthors.net

There are few books I've read that are true page-turners, but Mr. Mach's Sissy! is definitely in that categoy. I was instantly drawn into the 19th century and found the characters and surroundings so descriptive, I felt as if I were personally in the story seeing all of the action first-hand. I was with Otto and the Underground Railroad, risking my life to resuce a slave. I was there with Jessica Radford, disguised as a man, worrying with her about being able to fight in the war. I was there with Penelope when one of the Quantrill raiders pointed a pistol at me, demanding to know where I was hiding men escaping from the terror. I was there crying with Pelathe the Indian who had tried in vain to warn Lawrence about the attack. This is a remarkable book, full of interesting twists and turns, and I can't wait until I read Mr. Mach's second book of his trilogy. Anyone who reads this novel, whethe r or not they enjoy the Civil War, will be certainly captivated by Sissy! It's truly a great read and I'd recommend it to anyone

First, I would like to applaud the author for a book that holds a wonderful storyline yet is packed full of fascinating facts of the time era. Set in Kansas during the start of the Civil War, we are whisked into the reality of the happenings of that time.
Taken into the life of a young woman named Jessica, her family and her adopted sister Nelle, who was the lost child of a slave woman, we are thrown into the murder of her parents and the abduction of Nelle by a man consumed with hatred. The war, beginning to touch the free state of Kansas will change all their lives forever.
We are immediately drawn into the hatred that is harbored in so many hearts for the black race at this time and we are drawn into the battle of not just slavery but deep seated emotions that are cresting in our beloved land.
I loved the spiritual aspect that the author gently weaves in this work. The appearance of the Angel named Sissy that was the source of help and comfort for our black girl Nelle was truly heart touching. I think this novel touches on the aspect that even at that time in our nations history we clung to the words of the Bible. They may not have been interpreted correctly in some instances, but still they were revered as an important factor in decisions made and opinions within people.
To be honest with you I am not a big fan on Civil War novels, but the characters were so vivid that I felt as if I were a part of their life. The storyline was superb and the historical value of this book was exceptional..
Sissy, a well crafted book that has depth and meaning and would be enjoyed by all ages. Recommended!
Shirley Johnson

THIS BOOK IS ON A LEVEL BY ITSELF. WORDS REALLY CANNOT EXPLAIN THE FEELING YOUR GET FROM READING THIS BOOK. IT WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH, IT WILL MAKE YOU CRY, IT WILL MAKE YOU REALLY THINK ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL REALTIONSHIP WITH GOD. THIS IS A FIVE STAR BOOK YOU HAVE TO READ IT TO KNOW. I GIVE IT TWO THUMBS UP........ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS!

This book motivates you to cherish family, health, friends, talents, and one's life. But most of all cherish The One who gives us precious life --- our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This book inspires you to listen to that still small voice and to not dismiss dreams. God speaks to us many ways and as a child of God He communicates to His children. Thank you Rhonda for having the courage to share the revelations God gave you and sharing your families spritual journey.

The Dream Maker is truly an inspiration to read. While reading the book, the events and experiences seem to leap off the page and become so real.

Have you reached a dry period in your walk with God? Then read this book. It is so uplifting and adventurous. The events in this book reminds me of the Book of Acts in the Bible. The Miracle working power of God.

Read the Book, The Dream Maker!

Wow, well what can I say? This book can not be described in words, all I can say is that one must experience it for ones self. It was simply breath taking, so much so that I could not stop reading it and I hated for it to end! This book is a journey in its self. I recommend the reading of "The Dream Maker" to any and everyone.... WOW!

This book is Outstanding! One of the best books that I have read about personal testimonies and will appeal to both Christain readers and those who may not profess to be Christians. The Dream Maker grabs hold of your interest and makes you thirst for more. It challenges your faith ...embraces your heart ... and is written with such style and honesty that you are literally transformed. This is a must read for those who are seeking to understand their plan and purpose in this world,and especially for those who need answers when "bad things happened to good people". This book will help you gain new insight so that you can strengthen others who may be hurting. Thank you, we hope there is more to come.

Appreciative Leader In the Eye of the Beholder

Book review by Dr. Elaine Sullivan, 1998 National Principal of the Year

In this very readable book the editors present the theory and practice of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) for the practitioner to immediately use. The fruitfulness and promise of AI come to life in the unfolding stories from a wide range of organizational fields. The stories each had various aspects that resonate for me in how to lead from the positive frame. For me, the Appreciative Leader creates clarity of theory, principles, and concepts while strongly anchoring and grounding them in the real life work of leading and following from the positive and strengths-based approach. The success and flow of AI as a way of life and leading and doing jump out at you even when the stories get you in the trenches and even into the day-to-day minutiae of work and the hard stuff that drags you down and can move you to that negative place. In reading and re-reading the book, I find myself saying "Oh, I've seen someone do that" or "I do that" which connects the reader to the theory and principles written about in the Appreciative Leader.

The sections on the AI Principles provide one of the strongest explanations of what the Principles are, how they work, and how they relate to the research. The editors' thorough descriptions and explanations of the principles establish a foundation for making them more meaningful. The AI Principles are much clearer to me through reading this section.
The Appreciative Leader is a must have book for your AI library! This book sets the big picture of leading through appreciative inquiry. As a high school principal this book set me on my journey of intentional appreciative leadership and an affirmation of my leadership strengths. I just wish that I had discovered it earlier in my career and met sooner the colleagues who are also on the same journey.

It was inspiring to read the compiled interviews of appreciative leaders. The stories which emerge portray not lofty idols on a pedestal but quite the opposite. The leaders are remarkably human and the kind of people you would like to engage in a conversation. Their authenticity provides a resource for those who wish to develop strengths and abilities as a leader. The editors expand on the interviews by including additional data and developing a Model of Appreciative Leadership which captures characteristics of appreciative leaders.

A fresh concise readily readable book on the management paradigm of appreciative leadership. A thorough discussion of this management model with a visual construct on page 159, a chapter linking theory and practice, and inspiring interviews with both renown and unsung appreciative leaders from a variety of organizational arenas. Use it to inspire , to train, to teach ,to motivate managers,staff, studentsand others. This book has both wisdom and vision for the future, edited by women of wisdom and vision, themselves appreciative leaders .,

I have to admit that the appreciative inquiry movement is new to me. "Appreciative Leaders: In the Eye of the Beholder" was recommended by a friend and, after reading it, I am eager to learn more. Is this book the best place to start for anyone who wants to get up to speed fast on this exciting process beginning to transform organizational life? I can't imagine why not.

As a member of the Washington Ethical Society, whose mantra is "Elicit the best," I am naturally intrigued by the repeated promise of appreciative inquiry to bring out the best in human beings and their organizations. In this book, a number of leaders achieve this goal with what means are available to them. Apparently they all seek, consciously or not, to join and enhance their associates' strengths while rendering their weaknesses immaterial.

Marjorie Schiller, one of the book's three editors, points out the three core elements of appreciation: acknowledging what is special; recognizing the ordinary or expected; and appreciating what is painful and difficult in many of life's experiences. How these are used by appreciative leaders is examined again and again in the book with leaders whose habitat ranges from large industrial corporations to health care and community support organizations.

The editors invited 110 people to propose stories for this book and chose 15. Each author interviewed and wrote a rich profile of men and women who demonstrate appreciative leadership in action. Appreciative leaders, the book suggests, are a new breed for a new era. We all have the opportunity to be leaders in some fashion; but effective leadership is "in the eye of the beholder." The relationship of leaders to others -- and their mutual appreciation -- define its reality.

As human institutions become more organized operationally from within and from the base to the top, rather than the opposite, successful leaders are those who are and must be appreciative.

Since Forbes Magazine has chosen Bob Stiller of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as Entrepreneur of the year, I think the authors, in choosing him as an appreciative leader, were right on the money. The leaders they describe are inspirational people who are enjoying success in business using simple but effective relational skills. These important ideas which support positive and authentic interactions should help shape the leaders we need for the future. I found this book to be a very accessible introduction to the field of Appreciative Inquiry. I'm excited to have discovered this beneficial little book and I've already recommended it to several people. It was well worth my precious reading time.

Although it's been mentioned as the "best book" for plant identification in the Southeast by reviewers, this is simply not accurate and any true field botanist can attest to this. It's a wonderful manual for an OVERALL coverage of Carolinas, parts of Virginia, Tennessee, and portions of Alabama and northern Florida. In regards to wetland plants, Godrey & Wooten's work remains the gold standard for the entire SE. Andre Clewell's "Guide to the Vascular Plants of the Florida Panhandle" is better even without illustrations and covers many, many more species. As you move away from the Jacksonville, FL area and move westward toward the panhandle (and still well within the heart of the SE) Radford, et al. becomes hit and miss and doesn't cover the much more species rich area of the Florida Panhandle and adjacent southern Alabama and SW Georgia.

Radford, et al. still remains an invaluable book for those within the heart of it's range and then some. As for the outdated names, any competent plant taxonomist can find a list of synonyms and cross reference their identifications, so this is hardly a criticism of a work of this caliber.

As a botany major, I have to say this is the most important book to have in your collection. I use it for classes, I use it for the field, I use it for reference. Some things are outdated and need to be corrected, but for the most part it is essential for anyone dealing with plants. One concern I have is that it may be hard to use for people who are not knowledgeable in plant vocabulary. The keys are sometimes difficult for even advanced botanists to use, and not always because of the plant in question. It is a must-have for anyone dealing with plants, but a good plant dictionary is something I heavily recommend.

Though the Green Bible has been the best in the southeastern US for the past 30 years, and is still the best published manual for the Carolinas, it's in dire need of updating. Taxonomy for many of the species has changed, many more species have been discovered in the Carolinas since it was written (some native, some exotic), and the dot maps reflect what was know about species 30-40 years ago and don't necessarily reflect what is known about current ranges (also, the county dots aren't always backed up by occurrence records deposited in herbaria and thus are difficult to confirm)... overall, a wonderful publication, but one in need of a modern overhaul.

I have gone through 4 of these in the past 26 years and I heartily recommend it for anyone with a more than passable amount of knowledge concerning plants.

I have used this book for almost 30 years, and there is none better for the Southeast. Even if you use other guides, this one is the final authority! I cross reference everything through this book.

What a wonderful and insightful book this is! The tempi recommended are what blows me away-every one suddenly makes the song fit like a glove. The comments and background info for the composers and individual pieces are very thorough-I only wish there was every French melodie in there, I feel so much more secure with the songs that are included!

In the Foreword Bernac modestly says that the book "does not claim to be anything more than a guide for English-speaking singers who wish to study a repertoire which may not be very familiar to them". It is in fact far more than that, and French-speaking singers will find his suggestions for interpretation, tempo, expression and dynamics to be invaluable. He has an unerring instinct for when a song merits a few general comments for its interpretation and when it calls for a detailed phrase-by-phrase analysis. His choice of repertoire for inclusion in this relatively compact book is surprisingly comprehensive. Particularly useful are his suggestions for when to use the liaison (final consonants being sounded before a word that begins with a vowel, which happens more frequently in poetic language than in normal speech) and when not to. Liaisons are not always intuitive or obvious, even to those who were born and brought up in French.

This book is an essential resource for singers or teachers of singing by someone who knows.

I bought an interpretation of French Art Song book, it came perfect condition. Very happy with the transaction! C'est magnifique!

Pierre Bernac's book is an invaluable resource for all classical singers, voice teachers and vocal coaches. His writing is eloquent and graceful and the facts he offers on French diction and song interpretation are easy to comprehend. The poems of major French poets, set to music by many foremost French composers, are analyzed with guidance on elision and liaison, breath points and interpretation.He also includes a poetic English translation of each poem. Having been fortunate enough to have worked with Pierre Bernac earlier in my singing career, I have complete confidence in his artistic thoughts on all aspects of diction and performance of the French mélodie. My book is falling apart after all these years and I will most certainly buy another! You voice students out there who are interested in performance-GET THIS BOOK!

Eileen Davis, Author of: Sing French, Diction for Singers

. I recommend this book for his discussions of the media and of advertising--his critique of AOL is worth the price of admission alone.
. When Radford is addressing the press, he's right on. As he accurately points out, the media's efforts to keep the populace worked up and scared yields some untoward results, for example, fear legislation. He's right on the money.
. His crusade, that we as Americans are lacking critical thinking skills, is an accurate assessment. But when he addresses matters of science and law, he's sometimes off the mark. Although he labels himself as a skeptic, it seems much of his approach is that of the modern American cynic--if you can attribute an action to base motives, then you must be right.
. On matters of law, I wish he and other writers would understand that the making of a claim, or even the filing of a lawsuit, is evidence of nothing beyond the claimant or counsel could afford the filing fee. A court judgment means something. A settlement sometimes does and sometimes doesn't. But filing a complaint means nothing.

I have to be honest, I don't watch a lot of news programs. I don't watch my local news nor the endless parade of talking heads that work the 24 hour news desk on any of the big cable news channels. There is a good reason for this . . .I was able to recognize much of what Ben Radford mentions in his book - cross pollination of products and their producers, advertising disguised as news, and that not all experts are as objective as they should be.
While Ben writes about the problems in the journalism and advertising trades, there is also the suggestion that the integrity and objectivity we desrve from the media at large will only be offered if we demand it.

Written in the spirit of Vance Packard and Ralph Nader, Ben Radford delivers a blistering critique of the subtle media forces that vie for our hearts, minds and wallets. Acerbic and witty, this is a provocative, engaging book that would be ideal for college media classes.

Robert E. Bartholomew, Ph.D.

By far one of the most useful books to be published in recent years, Media Mythmakers provides essential information that all people, especially those living within the USA, should arm themselves with.

The media is a powerful force in our lives - in our thoughts, our beliefs and most importantly, our actions. Radford examines this force with a critical and objective eye, dissecting its elements and penetrating the motivations, meanings, and effects it has upon civilization. Even the most cynical reader may be horrified by what Radford uncovers. Fascinating examples are provided throughout this well-written book. Best of all, however, are the realistic solutions for change.

As an editor, Radford is more than qualified to examine this realm and he does so with great skill. I was happy to discover that the book was extraordinarily well organized and written. I can see it used as a basis for many high school and university courses in journalism, communication and critical thinking. In an improved world, it might also be used by activists, media professionals, decision-makers, politicians - even concerned parents and students of life.

The reader is left with a media literacy that will serve them well throughout life and is necessary in our time. I highly recommend this book to one and all.

The fourth estate is supposed to expose nonsense in the public interest, but in this book, Radford exposes how the media itself purveys nonsense, betraying its contract with the American people.

Should be required reading for everyone -- arms you with the weapons you need to defend yourself from the daily onslought of error, half-truth, and ratings-pandering fake news.

There are hundreds of examples in this well-researched book of how the media distorts facts and displays its bias (not liberal or conservative, per se, but a coporate bias that panders to viewers who want spectacle, not facts).

Not since Neil Postman has there been a media critic who is so on the side of the critical thinker and so incisive in his critiques of the power of the media.

Highly recommended.

A riveting story from start to finish. A book that was truly impossible to put down. The characters were realistic and vividly drawn. I had complete empathy for the main character, Kieran. The reader is drawn into his story and his reasons for the actions he undertakes. A treat for those who are unfamiliar with Roger Radford's work.

Roger Radford, I have a bone to pick with you... Shame on you, Roger, you have no pity for your readers who are going to become so engrossed in this novel that the world could pass them by. Seriously though, I want to commend you on writing an insightful and thought provoking book. I kept thinking while reading this, "If only we could get the powers that be to read this". Your characters are so vivid and real. I felt like I really knew Kieran and felt deep empathy for him. For those of you who have not read it, you have a treat in store. CONGRATULATIONS, Roger, on a beautiful job.

Roger, I have a bone to pick with you. My morning was shot and it is all your fault. Last night I was reading "Informed Consent" until I could no longer keep my eyes open. When I awoke this morning I grabbed the book off the nightstand and, without even getting coffee to fortify myself, I started reading. I could not stop until I had finished the book. As a consequence, I didn't get a shower or have breakfast until after 12:30pm. Shame on you, Roger, you have no pity for your readers who are going to become so engrossed in this novel that the world could pass them by. Seriously though, I want to commend you on writing an insightful and thought provoking book. I kept thinking while reading this, "If only we could get the powers that be to read this". Your characters are so vivid and real. I felt like I really knew Kieran and felt deep empathy for him. For those of you who have not read it, you have a treat in store. CONGRATULATIONS, Roger, on a beautiful job.

Roger, I have a bone to pick with you. My morning was shot and it is all your fault. Last night I was reading "Informed Consent" until I could no longer keep my eyes open. When I awoke this morning I grabbed the book off the nightstand and, without even getting coffee to fortify myself, I started reading. I could not stop until I had finished the book. As a consequence, I didn't get a shower or have breakfast until after 12:30pm. Shame on you, Roger, you have no pity for your readers who are going to become so engrossed in this novel that the world could pass them by. Seriously though, I want to commend you on writing an insightful and thought provoking book. I kept thinking while reading this, "If only we could get the powers that be to read this". Your characters are so vivid and real. I felt like I really knew Kieran and felt deep empathy for him. For those of you who have not read it, you have a treat in store. CONGRATULATIONS, Roger, on a beautiful job.

We all know that 'mistakes' can happen in hospitals. Roger Radford's Informed Consent is a fictitious story which begins with of one of those possible 'mistakes.' The story is of a woman who suffers devastating consequences following an epidural for 'painless' childbirth. Her husband, a former IRA hit man, plots revenge against those he holds responsible for his wife's suffering. Until the very end the reader is held in suspense wondering if he really means to carry out his threat. Despite Kieran Kelly's violent past, this reader found herself sympathising with his mental torture and almost willing him to succeed in his mission.

The author dramatically writes this story revealing facts about what has been described by many as one of the British Government's best kept secrets. Informed Consent intelligently combines both fact and fiction.It tells of medical and pharmaceutical cover-ups (which, I believe, threaten to stir many guilty consciences), and brings awareness of the little known disease of Arachnoiditis. Roger Radford has deliberately taken the opportunity of exposing the sad reality behind so much unnecessary suffering, and this is very well portrayed through the characters in this story. There is nothing exaggerated in his description. There are sadly many who can relate to this suffering and who will share the pain and anger through every written word.

This is Radford's valuable contribution to society. A book that everyone should read, because this story, based on reality, informs its readers of the truth behind certain dangerous medical procedures. Hundreds of thousands of patients have become victims of toxic injections (with no informed consent) or so-called failed back surgery. In the guise of a thriller, the author has provided the public with important information that is otherwise denied it. It is a book which could prevent a lot more suffering.

There is no-one more qualified to write a novel on this subject than one who has suffered the agony of this little- known disease, and Roger Radford is one of its many victims. He has dedicated his book to the many silent victims of invasive spinal procedures, with acknowledgement to members of COFWA (Circle of Friends with Arachnoiditis) whose courage and fortitude gave him inspiration to write this novel. Informed Consent comes from the heart and deserves to be a bestseller and cries out for a film to be made.

Janet Kraal

Author of Released from the Web.

This book is of the high quality we have come to expect from Irene Radford. It is worth it's weight in gold. The Last Battlemage is a great look into the history of Kardia Hodos. It is well thought out and well written. Read it!

I've read lot's of fantasy book's, some good some bad, this is on of the better ones I've read.. This is the second book by her I read, and I still enjoy reading her work..so far she is in class with eddings&jordan It's a book you have to read if you are a fantasy fan. waiting for the next.....

MS.RADFORD WROTE A TRUALLY WONDERFUL BOOK AND I HOPE SHE WILL WRITE ANOTHER. I HAVE READ ALL OF HER BOOKS AND CAN'T WAIT FOR ANOTHER.

I have read the entire history of the Dragon NImbus and I crave more. I enjoyed how she tied this strange princess theme together with "The Perfect Princess". I would like to see many more stories involving the Varns, maybe some more on Hanassa and the machines. Or the plague that affected the Varns. A new type of magic or the restoration of the ley lines eveywhere would be exciting. And some more exploration of the world Outside of Cronon. All in all Mrs. Radfords booksend wonderfuly. The epilouge was heart raising. It brought the book to good close, but not the epic. I want more.

This was a book that kept me intrigued through out the entire thing. The characters reminded me of well me. Myri may be my name but I am more likeYassima then anything. Lan is a great man to bad about his talent. Youwill have to read to find out what I mean. I love this book all the way down to the core. I would neve3r giv it any less then a 5 star reveiw, (...)

I must say that this is one of the best books that i have read in a very long time!! Irene Radford draws you into the story,so it is like you are living the story yourself.I would and have recommended this book to everyone.And I have gave this book to family and friends for birthdays and christmas. Wonderful reading!!! I can't wait to read the next one!!

THE STORY HAS AN AWESOME WAY TO ATTRACT MY ATTENTION. AND TO MAKE MY IMAGINATION RUN WILD. EVEN AT 18, I STILL HAVE A WILD IMAGINATION FOR A SENIOR

Many believe darkness engulfs England due to the capricious, ironhanded leadership of the monarch. The Barons hate King John, who they blame for the Church Interdict that robs them of the grace of God. Neither John nor the Barons realize that an older force exists. John's half brother Radburn Blakely has the blood of Trylith, Demon of Chaos, running through his veins. Blakely plans to wrest control of England from his sibling and the Barons.

Other powers exist that run counter to Blakely's plan. Resmiranda Griffin descends from Arthur and Merlin, which gives her the power of the former and the magic of the latter. She is the Pendragon and the only living wielder of Excalibur. Blakely knows he must obtain her cooperation or exterminate his only viable opponent. Though he pulls the strings on his puppet John, she has allies such as her lover Robin Locksley. The fate of a nation and perhaps a world depend on the upcoming duel between Blakely and Resmiranda.

Gifted storyteller Irene Radford can hold her own with the giantesses of fantasy writing such as Norton, McCaffrey, and Kurtz. Using King John's Medieval England as a backdrop, Ms. Radford writes a delightful tale that freshens up Robin Hood and King Arthur in one brush. The novel works as the mundane blends with the magical into a novel that deserves an award even as it will provide a large cross- genre audience for Ms. Radford.

Harriet Klausner

I just finished reading "Guardian of the Trust" and "Guardian of the Balance" in record time...and I am a fast reader! I found myself staying up very late because I just could not put these books down. I have read many versions of the Arthur legend and enjoyed Bradford's original perspective. Her characters are very well-developed with just the right amount of detail. Like Marion Zimmer Bradley, her female characters are strong, articulate women who know their mind. While I love the story of King Arthur I sometimes grow tired of the Eve-like portrayal of the female chracters. Usually the reader is left with the thought that if it wasn't for the women....Not so with these novels. I highly recommend their addition to any Arthurophile's library!

This is the latest of the series and the action moves to the USA just before the Boston Tea Party. We see much of the action through the eyes of one of Merlin's female descendants, Georgie. The family traditions have changed and the male descendants seem to think that they are the only ones who can lead. Georgie fools them all and assumes a male alter ego. She becomes a Mason and also joins other secret fraternal organizations. The book documents some of the ways these organizations played a part in the founding of our country. Magic abounds as usual and I hated to finish the book. I wish the author would get busy and write the next installment. I do hope this isn't the end of the series.

This is a great addition to the Irene Radfrod series on Marlin's Descendents and makes you wish for more. The Pendragons are finally brought to America, this time in the years leading to the Revolution.
Interesting in the way it is handled and riveting in the writing.

Since the time of Merlin, the Pendragons have been charged with keeping Britain safe from her enemies. Drake Pendragon is the present head of the family and the society of magical practitioners; however King George III, unfamiliar with the British heritage, does not believe in the power of the Pendragon. Drake's sister Georgina, unwilling to stay a helpless female, runs away and hires herself as a mercenary to England's enemies.

Her brother suffers from ill health and relies on his distant cousin Dr. Millen Marlowe who has the ear of the king. Marlowe wants to bring his eldest who was killed in the colonies back to life but to do that he must enter the archives that are heavily guarded by wards. Another son Barclay, a soldier in King George's army in the New World, has summoned a demon to cause chaos; when the time is right, he will grab he power his father covets. Georgina fights for the rights of the people who choke under English rule while across the sea; her cousin Emily does her best to keep Marlowe and his minions in check. A magical battle looms and if the forces of good lose, England will dissolve into chaos.

The fifth book in Merlin's Descendants retains the freshness and excitement as the previous books contained. Georgina would be more at home in the twenty-first century with her ideas of women's rights but her love for the mortal Major Roderick Whythe keeps her grounded and happy and he is wise enough to give her the freedom she needs. Irene Radford uses actual historical events and intertwines then with the Pendragon magic to create a fascinating and riveting tale.

Harriet Klausner