Kakaku：259 saved$2.59
Random House Trade Paperbacks
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (What's All the Fuss About This Novel?) 『I had been really excited about reading "The Winter Queen" for three main reasons: I am a huge fan of Russian literature, I loving reading books in the mystery genre, and because of all the great reviews written about this novel.
In a nutshell, I was sorely disappointed with this novel. "The Winter Queen" starts out great with its first scene of a young gentleman committing suicide in a park in front of several witnesses..... Plus the main character, Erast Fandorin, has some great adventures though out this novel.
But as a whole, this novel wasn't great. There are plenty of slow/boring scenes in the novel and many scenes didn't flow well together. Plus the last chapter/ending of "The Winter Queen" sucked!! I've noticed that some of the reviewers of this novel have read "The Winter Queen" in Russian, so perhaps there is something to be said about reading a novel in the language in which it was actually written.
I also thought the main character, Erast Fandorin, to be likable, but an unexpected main character for this novel. He is 19 years old and just out of the academy. So, Erast Fandorin is a total newbie on the police force.... Yet he has quite the detective skills to outwit his superiors in being about to determine that there was more to the young man committing suicide in the park than met the eyes.... Fandorin uncovers a lot of information that no one else uncovers, which I find unbelievable for someone his age and with such little experience in his field..... Intuition can take you only so far in this life, before you need some experience to go with it..
More incredible is the fact that Fandorin's superiors allow him to travel across Europe along without any back up in search of a lead to the case. This young man is barely out of the academy and has little experience being a police office, so why send him out to investigate a lead on his own???? The point is that as a lead character, Erast Fandorin, doesn't seem to be very credible, which is another reason why I didn't enjoy the book that much.』
(All the little children) 『In Germany it was student duelling - with sabres, as Mark Twain so vividly described. In late 19 century Russia it was suicide, sometimes performed in bizarre ways - one loaded chamber in a revolver [the reference to "American Roulette" is delicious]. In this case, the victim is a new orphan, having inherited a vast fortune. He doesn't leave life intestate, however. His will stipulates the property and money go to a British aristocrat who operates an international network of "progressive" orphanages. This raises a host of questions which will be sorted out by a new member of Moscow's Criminal Investigation Department.
In this rollicking story of a Moscow generally beyond our ken, Akunin introduces Erast Fandorin. He's a young man of aristocratic lineage lacking the financial security of Kokorin, the youthful suicide. Erast must make his way with his skills, and these are many. Language, in particular, is a significant talent, which is why he's sent to London seeking more information. He stakes out The Winter Queen - a down at heels hotel - because one of his contacts, the gorgeous Amalia Bezhetskaya seems to be using the hotel as a "drop". Tracking down people in London is risky at the best of times, but Fandorin, who is clearly too trusting, falls into one trap after another in his quest. He's also, in the best Russian tradition, too respectful of the nobility - until they prove unworthy of it.
Akunin is able to mix plot and characters with seamless talent. He builds this story and those involved with a deft touch. At less than 250 pages, to incorporate so much into such a limited space takes a rare skill. Nor, even with the economy of words, does Akunin leave anything out. The story flows and builds, starting from an incident in a Moscow park and culminating in a global conspiracy. It's a stimulating read and one which any "mystery" reader would enjoy - as would nearly everybody. stephen a. haines - [Ottawa, Canada]]』
(A young policeman investigates deaths in nineteenth century Czarist Russia.) 『This period novel is mostly to be appreciated for its atmosphere. It is set in Czarist Russia with a brief detour to nineteenth century London. Erast Fandorin, a minor functionary in the Imperial police, investigates a series of curious suicides/murders. Successes lead to rapid advancement and promotion within the service. It is the first book in a series about Fandorin's adventures. The style reminded me a little of The Three Musketeers and other Dumas novels, with regard to the use of helpful coincidences. It also resembles some of the writing of Arturo Perez-Reverte which captures the atmosphere of period Spain. Most fascinating was the description of the hierarchy of Russian society. An appendix lists thirteen ranks with civil and military equivalents, so readers do not get lost. The international conspiracy elements, on the other hand, struck me as anachronistic, speaking more to a modern paranoia. Interestingly, the book is politically disengaged. Perhaps avoiding politics and religion is the best way to retain readers. The Soviet Revolution is looming yet neither rich nor poor express monarchist, revolutionary or any religious sentiments. Apart from these criticisms it is a fine read for lovers of historic novels and international literature.』
(Interesting opening book) 『I knew nothing of Erast Fandorin nor of Boris Akunin, nor of Grigory Shalvovich Chkhartishvili, the actual author of the series until this first book. I had heard of it from LibraryThing discussions. I had asked for recommendations from the peopl on that web site for an intriguing mystery read. Someone suggested the Erast Fandorin series. I have been reading motly police procedural mysteries that are st in the modern day world. This was kind of stretching it for me. I was glad I took the chance.
The book begins with a very young very green Erast, our hero. The author puts him through a number of predicaments, as ll mystery writers are bound to do, but he does so in a very Russian and a very different way. The key attraction to this book is that no one is as they seem they are, in other mysteries, one can almost always discern the villains from the allies by the way they are described. Some obfuscation are always present, but the usual modus operandi is to inject doubt into every character. In this case the characters are written in a neutral enough or a generally positive manner. So much so that when the characters do turn, one is shocked by the turn of events.
The other attractive thing about this particular book is in its descriptions of imperial Russia and its description of the people who populate this landscape. It is all quite intersting and pulled me into the narrative.
My only probleminvolves the last little tidbit at the end of the mystery. I thought that last little episode was patched on and felt very forced and extemporaneous. The mood and the tempo of the story was disrupted unnecessarily bu the addition of the last 10-15 pages. I would assume that this last bit is going to affect the rest of the series, or else I would be quite ticked at Boris Akunin for adding that last bit.』
("American Roulette" indeed!) 『I have to say that the translation of this book is horrible. There are numerous errors that are definitely distracting. More than that, it seems there has been very little effort made at all to take into account the considerable grammatical differences between Russian and English. Sometimes the book reads like a badly translated web page by an auto-translator. There are many long run-on sentences that verge on the incoherent and while this may read fluently in the original Russian - it just seems plodding and inexpertly done in the English language.
The translation aside and even trying to be generous, I find myself marveling at all the glowing reviews. The story itself isn't particularly original. The plot seems implausible. The "hero" seems relatively dimwitted and it seems like the story becomes (as one other reviewer put it) "sillier and sillier" as the story progresses.
I also found the historical inaccuracies very distracting - like the recasting of Russian Roulette as "American Roulette". The book blithely recounts the origins of this dangerous and suicidal game by the elder inspector declaring "I read somewhere its called American roulette. It was invented in America, in the goldfields. You put a single shot in the cylinder, give it a twirl and then - bang!" A little later in the novel, at a party - someone asks if someone knows what "American Roulette" is in reference to the youth who had previously committed suicide by these means. The response was: "It's common knowledge...You take a revolver and put in one cartridge. it's stupid but exciting. A shame the Americans thought of it before we did." I find myself wondering what the point of this is - for Russian Roulette wasn't invented in America - not in the gold fields nor anywhere else... But the beginning part of the novel is littered with references to what everyone else in the Western world know to be Russian Roulette, except that the author always calls it "American Roulette". If the rest of the book didn't seem so confoundedly earnest, I would think this was only a joke... but aside from the chapter titles, the book seems to take itself almost too seriously really, though I've heard other readers commenting that the novel is "tongue in cheek" - which leads me to wonder if this is yet another nuance that is lost in translation. But the misrepresentation of historical facts in a period novel is more than a little annoying, regardless of the motive. To be fair, there is apparently no specific evidence (that I was able to find) that "Russian Roulette" was ever actually "played" in Russia. There are many references to it in early Russian literature, but it could have been solely a fictional invention. (That's not to say that someone hasn't tried it once the idea was put out there...but that the story may have preceded anyone's actual attempts at such dangerous "historical" reenactment.) But even so - even if it *is* only a fictional invention, it is still not an American one.
This isn't to say that I'm some American flag-waving patriot who thinks somehow that America can do no wrong... I know that America has many, many embarrassing and even horrific legacies - but they're not ones I'd likely pin on another country just for the sake of telling a story - unless the story itself was clearly one of those historical "what if" stories - like "What would have happened if Hitler had won the war?" where it's obvious that the author is playing around with historical "facts" to the point where the novel can be considered more of a fantasy piece than it would be a historical novel. But for period pieces, purposefully misrepresenting facts seems odd, especially when done so casually and so consistently. It just makes it seem like some kind of cheap jab at America or some pointless tidbit of propaganda that is squeezed between other elements in the story, almost asking the reader not to notice such a howler. Indeed, when I was looking for other reviews of this book, one reviewer quipped "We learn the origin of American Roulette", without remarking on how inaccurate this is. And if I felt this misrepresentation advanced the story one bit, I might be willing to forgive or overlook this absurdity - but instead it's just repeated with certainty, as if the reader will readily accept it if it is repeated enough times.
All that aside, I wonder if later books are better - but I also wonder if it would be worth the effort for me. I still have yet to discover why others are praising this novel so much. It almost makes me feel like I should reread it in order to see more why so many others would sing the book's praises... But if I wasn't being influenced by other people's opinions, I would still give this book a D. I've read far worse novels and even worse translations. But I still can't give this novel a very high recommendation, despite other positive reviews.』 『Moscow, May 1876. What would cause a talented student from a wealthy family to shoot himself in front of a promenading public? Decadence and boredom, it is presumed. But young sleuth Erast Fandorin is not satisfied with the conclusion that this death is an open-and-shut case, nor with the preliminary detective work the precinct has done–and for good reason: The bizarre and tragic suicide is soon connected to a clear case of murder, witnessed firsthand by Fandorin himself. Relying on his keen intuition, the eager detective plunges into an investigation that leads him across Europe, landing him at the center of a vast conspiracy with the deadliest of implications.』
Kakaku：279 saved$2.79
Ballantine Books
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (not what I thought when I bought it) 『I thought I was getting a historical based book. Not what I expected, but it got me hooked.』
(One of the Best Books I've read all year) 『The Dark Queen: A Novel
If you are one of those hardcore has to be perfectly accurate historical fans-- then please don't read and rate this book.
This book has historical componets, but mostly follows the lives of three sisters: Ariane, Gabrielle, and Miribell Cheney, which are figures of the authors imagination-- hince: historical FICTION.
With that out of the way, Carroll writes in such a way, that it is almost impossible to put the book down! There were no "laggy moments" as I call them-- (you know those parts where your mind wanders and you seriously consider putting down the book and not finishing it) and instead found the book to be very well written and seamless storytelling.
I don't usually read novels a second time, but I just might have to start!
The book takes place during a time when witchcraft is a frightening notion, and the three sisters find themselves caught up in all the madness, a wedding proposal + an evil witch of a queen + one of the bloodiest nights france has ever seen = one good book.
I would encourage any fan of the FICTION genre to give it a go
』
(BEST READ IN LONG TIME) 『this is a great book to take to the beach ,sit back and enjoy.it's fill of magic ,romance and historical figures.once pick up this book you can't put it down.』
(The Dark Queen) 『Wow. When i first got this book i thought it was going to resemble Philippa Gregory's 16th century English Historical books, only in France instead of England. I couldnt have been more wrong! But i am not dissapointed! This novel is more a romance novel than a Historical fiction, although it does teach you a few things here and there. And it actually didnt have much to do with The Dark Queen, as its title suggests. I loved this book. The entire thing! I could hardly put it down. I would deffinitely recomend this book. The love story tugs at your heart and puts a smile on your face!』
(The Dark Queen(my opinion)) 『I haven't finished the book yet(being very busy),but I liked it from page 1 and I am going to read the sequels too,in due time.』 『From Brittany’s misty shores to the decadent splendor of Paris’s royal court, one woman must fulfill her destiny–while facing the treacherous designs of Catherine de Medici, the dark queen.
She is Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, one of the Cheney sisters, renowned for their mystical skills and for keeping the isle secure and prosperous. But this is a time when women of ability are deemed sorceresses, when Renaissance France is torn by ruthless political intrigues, and all are held in thrall to the sinister ambitions of Queen Catherine de Medici. Then a wounded stranger arrives on Faire Isle, bearing a secret the Dark Queen will do everything in her power to possess. The only person Ariane can turn to is the comte de Renard, a nobleman with fiery determination and a past as mysterious as his own unusual gifts.
Riveting, vibrant, and breathtaking, The Dark Queen follows Ariane and Renard as they risk everything to prevent the fulfillment of a dreadful prophecy–even if they must tempt fate and their own passions.』
Kakaku：280 saved$2.80
Back Bay Books
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Iced Heat) 『A strange and ultimately haunting story that kept me turning pages into the night. The eeriness of it is striking. Hoffman did a fine job in all aspects of this work.』
(The Ice Queen) 『This book grabbed me from page one. It starts off with an 8 year old girl who lives with her mother and older brother, it is January and thier house is cold, the heat is off, they are poor. The mom is going out with her two friends to celebrate her 30th birthday and the daughter begs her not to go. The mom goes anyway, and the little girl makes a wish to 'never see her mother again'. The mom dies that night in a car accident. The girl always blames herself for the accident. She and her brother go to live with their grandmother in New Jersey.
As an adult, the brother, Ned, eventually moves out and ends up becoming a teacher and marrying one as well. The girl winds up becoming a librarian and lives with her grandmother until her grandma's death. Being left alone now, the girl moves to Florida, where Ned lives. She is a loner, works at the library and has no outside life other than that. One day while talking to Ned, she wishes out lout to be struck my lightning....soon after, she is.
I found this aspect of the story to be odd and fascinating. She is struck by lightning while at home. It almost kills her, but she survives, and is really sick, the equivalent of having radiation poisoning. She loses her hair, cannot eat, hears a 'clicking' sound in her head and becomes color blind to the color red.
The woman in this story always believes that if she makes a wish, it will come true. So much tragedy has happened in her life this way, by making wishes. She considers herself an 'ice queen', so no one can touch her, she has a heart made of ice. I won't give anymore details on the story, exept that it is fascinating. I liked the main character, whose name is never given. I liked her brother Ned alot, and her relationship with him, especially in the end of the story. Her close friend Renny is another character that is well written and likeable. 』
(Sobering, but a very memorable story!) 『Honestly at first the tone of the book is so dark I wasn't sure I was going to keep reading. Next thing I knew, while there is not even a hint of a "Disney ending" - I could not put it down.
Seeing life through the eyes of the main character was illuminating and will stay with me for quite some time!
Excellent reading!』
(chilly, emotionally distant, unreal) 『The protagonist of this chilly and unsatisfying novel blames herself for her mother's death. When she was eight, her mother said she was going out to celebrate her 30th birthday with friends. The little girl gets angry and says she wishes she will never see her again -- and of course the mother dies. From this day on, the "heroine" is like an ice maiden, emotionally frozen. She makes a second wish -- that she should be struck by lightning -- and that also comes true. She joins a support group for other damaged victims of lightning strikes and hears of one survivor who died for 45 minutes and came back to life. So she seeks out this man whose flesh is so hot that merely touching it can cause second or third-degree burns. This man is so hot he can eat raw food and it gets cooked in his mouth. (Yes, he's a real hottie.) They make passionate love in a bath full of ice cubes. The man has a secret -- but when it's revealed it turns out to be pretty ho-hum. I can't really go on with a description of the plot for to do so would be wasting my time, just as reading the book would be wasting yours. This book has no characters and little plot. Various people flit in and out -- the heroine's brother, another burn victim, the librarian. None has any real character. The reader's guide at the end poses this question: "The narrator's two romantic interests, Lazarus and Jack, are different from each other. What does each of these men offer her?" In fact, they are completely alike in that neither has any character at all. Hoffman apparently isn't interested in men. She doesn't bother describing them. She's not all that much interested in women either. She's interested in mood, in weather, in atmosphere, in words -- and she has talent. But this doesn't add up to a satisfying novel that tells us anything about her characters or the human condition in general. I read Hoffman's "Seventh Heaven" and enjoyed it. It had a certain magical quality even though I thought it was seriously flawed. Unfortunately, I can't recommend this book at all. It started out being depressing and ended up being boring. 』
(A Wonderous Book!) 『It was difficult to find the exact descriptive word for this Alice Hoffman novel. "Spectacular" "Imaginative", "Dream-Like"...I couldn't choose. I found "The Ice Queen" absolutely breathtaking. The tale's core centers around fairytails and the realization that life is more than what you wish for. The main character sees her life in "before and after" terms. A quiet librarian, she's forced into living in an uncomfortable environment and then struck by lightning. Much like being reborn, we see her evolve through relationships with a lover, her brother and her sister-in-law. I really enjoy Hoffman's books and this is one of my fave. You many never look at the color red the same way again!』 『DESCRIPTION: Alice Hoffman's most spellbinding novel yet--the story of a small-town librarian who, after being struck by lightning, is afforded the opportunity to begin her life anew--is now in trade paperback. A magical story of passion, loss, and renewal, THE ICE QUEEN is Alice Hoffman at her electrifying best.』 『A solitary New Jersey librarian whose favorite book is a guide to suicide methods is struck by lightning in Alice Hoffman's superb novel,The Ice Queen.Orphaned at the age of eight after angrily wishing she would never see her mother again, our heroine found herself frozen emotionally: "I was the child who stomped her feet and made a single wish and in so doing ended the whole world‹my world, at any rate." Her brother Ned solved the pain of their mother's death by becoming a meteorologist: applying reason and logic to bad weather. Eventually, he invites our heroine to move down to Florida, where he teaches at a university. Here, while trying to swat a fly, she is struck by lightning (the resulting neurological damage includes an inability to see the color red). Orlon County turns out to receive two thirds of all the lightning strikes in Florida each year, and our heroine soon becomes drawn into the mysteries of lightning: the withering of trees and landscape neara strike, the medical traumas and odd new abilities of victims, the myths of renewal. Although a recluse, she becomes fascinated by a legendary local farmer nicknamed Lazarus Jones, said to have beaten death after a lightning strike: to have seen the other side and come back. The burning match toher cool reserve--her personal unguided tour through Hades--Lazarus will prove to be the talisman that restores her to girlhood innocence and possibility.
Hoffman's story advances with a feline economy of language and movement--not a word spared for the color of the sky, unless the color of the sky factors into the narrative. Among the authors who have played with the fairy tale's harsh mercies (e.g. Margaret Atwood, Angela Carter), Hoffman has the closest understanding of the primal fears that drive the genre, and why, perhaps, we never outgrow fairy stories, but only learn to substitute dull, wholesome qualities like personal initiative or good timing for the elements that raise the hairs on our neck and send us scrambling for the light switch.--Regina Marler』
Kakaku：699 saved$6.99
Bantam
Not yet published IPhone 3G used's review (TOO MUCH DESCRIPTION OF EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE STORY!!) 『I will start saying I love this series, and the story in this book was not so bad. The problem with this book is that it is very hard to read and very hard to follow the sequence of events. There is too much description of EVERYTHING from the plastered walls, to the rooms, the paintings in the walls, in the ceiling, the chairs. Why does Ms Abe spend 3 pages describing a room. At the end of the description you forgot who was in the room and doing what. She does the same with the clothes and the hair and the wigs. And what is this obsession with the smell of everyone and every piece of furniture, please, there was too much pages wasted in that...I wish there were more dialogue and more interaction between the characters.』
(boring) 『this book is a sequal, I can say that the first two was boring just like this one was some what boring. at least it was to me. and I read alot of books. It had a hard time keeping my interest to want to keep reading it.』
(The best in Shana Abe's drakon series yet!) 『Loved it, loved it, LOVED IT..! I think this book is the best of the Drakon series yet. After putting down the rules&groundwork of her fantastical Drakon world in books 1 and 2, Shana Abe finally threw in some serious conflicts (both internal and external), to reflect some of the changes that were happening in Europe at that time period.
I actually think Kimber Langford, the hero in this book, is tbe best hero yet in the Drakon series, and he's the one who made the book. The high-handed, harsh, and arrogant manner of the English Drakon Council didn't bother me much. Shana Abe already made it clear how high-handed and harsh their rules can be in book 1. Yet Kim took me by surprise by his interactions with Mari. Right from the start, he understands Mari is different. She's strong-willed, independent, has her own ways of doing things, and a King in her own right. He respects her opinions (as King to King), and although he feels frustrated at times with many of Mari's daring acts, he admires her too and realizes he can learn a few things from her. That's a big jump from the typical cave man Alpha mentality. He courts Mari with gentleness, subtlety, and kindness. You can tell from his actions how much he truly loves her. Mari never stands a chance from him.
And Mari? I loved her too. She's the one who finally brings some needed changes to Kim's world and his council. The council simply don't know what to do with her and she enjoys keeping them on their toes. She's the perfect partner for Kim.
I can't wait for book 4, which I heard is going to feature Rhys Langford as the hero and Zoe Lane as the heroine (she's mentioned briefly in book 3). To those who have never read the Drakon series before, I would strongly suggest you read from Book 1. They're all inter-connected and can't be read as stand alone (well, you can, but you won't enjoy and understand the story as much).』
(Okay, But...) 『QUEEN OF DRAGONS reads like a middle book in the series. Many of the storylines are developed further, while not much is concluded. The reader is definitely left hanging, ready for the next story to see how things develop. I didn't like this story as much as the first two books in the series. I suppose my opinion mainly stems from my lack of "connection" with both the hero and heroine. I spent most of the book, thinking "huh?", wondering what was going on. Anyone reading the Drakon series will have to read this one to know what is going on with the entire storyline, but don't bother if you haven't read THE SMOKE THIEF and THE DREAM THIEF. Without the prior two books as background knowledge, the reader would be totally lost』
(Not as good as the first two, but still good) 『Overall, I thought that this was a good book, although parts of it were slow. I definitely enjoyed the first two books in this series better. This book seemed as if it were setting up the background for the next one, with good character development and a very open ending. It was still a good book, however, and I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series, which I feel with be more action packed. Note: Before reading this book, I would recommend reading the first two in the series (The Smoke Thief and The Dream Thief).』 『They are the stuff of glittering legend, supersensual creatures able to shape-shift from human to smoke to dragon. Now they face an enemy determined to destroy their dazzling world of magic and passion.Queen of DragonsIt’s a stunning claim: the existence of a lostdrákontribe. And it comes from an intriguing source: a woman calling herself Princess Maricara of Transylvania. Alpha lord Kimber Langford, Earl of Chasen, can’t ignore the possibility. For whoever this unknown princess may be, she’s dangerous enough to know abouthisexistence—and where to find him. And indeed, it isn’t long before Maricara breaches the defenses of Darkfrith and the walls around Kimber’s heart. Yet the princess arrives with urgent news: a mysterious serial killer is targeting the entiredrákonrace. To save their kind, Kimber and Mari must ally themselves body and soul in a battle that can spell their salvation, their extinction…or both.』
Kakaku：480 saved$4.80
Triple Crown Publications
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (not pleased) 『i thought this book was alright untill the end...it had good sex sceens...but it kind of drags on towards the end.....and then the ending is horrible.....it's like the whole book is pumping you up for this huge ending and then at the end your left like...what?...it was just a little too out there... it may be better with a sequel...try again Ms. White..』
(FAIL) 『Okay I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who is just not feeling this book. I noticed it was taking me forever to finish this book when I can usually read through a TCP (Triple Crown Publication) novel in a day or so. I love TCP which is why I tried to stick this book out but I can't finish it. It's much too slow and boring. Queen and Isiah got on my nerves with that whole back and forth nonsense.』
(Confused!!) 『Queen wasn't the greatest book that I've read. Grant it, it kept me entertained but she was such a disappointment. She despised her mother SO MUCH that she was exactly like her! I was confused on whom she really wanted to be with! She's pregnant by one man but yet; contemplating on moving away with another man. I was confused as to whether she was gay or straight! She slept with her best friend, her best friend's father, her man's best friend...it was too much! However, I would be curious to read another edition to see what becomes of her.』
(Cute) 『This book was actually pretty good. It's about a girl who makes a terrible mistake that lands the father she loves in prison. She is now on her own and tries to find love in all the wrong places. She is young with too much money and too much freedom, and uses it to her advantage. Her one true love is Isiah. Isiah loves Queen, but Queen being all of 16 years old wants to experience the world. She sleeps around with multiple men, of which Isiah finds out and actually ends up murdering her lovers. In the end she can't keep her legs closed, and doesn't know who to choose; her new love or Isaiah.』
(Excellent) 『This book is so good, I gave it to my girlfriend. She loved this book, and so did I.』 『Queen is young, beautiful and extremely intelligent. Born and raised as Princess of The Black Mafia, an organization founded by her father, she wants for nothing except the love of her cruel, cold-hearted mother. When the police arrest Queen's father for her mother's murder, Queen's perfect life is shattered. Holding a dark secret, Queen must decide if she can reveal the true identity of the killer in order to spare her father's life. With her father gone, she searches for security in the arms of a series of lovers, who all have their own agendas. Just as her life seems to be spinning out of control, she learns to face her own demons and take control of her destiny. But when Queen finally realizes that she is so much more than the criminals and thugs who surround her, it may already be too late.』
Kakaku：2220 saved$22.20
Archetype Books
Usually ships in 6 to 10 days 『A fascinating exploration of the emblems which persuaded Scotland's most famous queen to execute the most important surviving textiles in the history of European embroidery.』
Kakaku：2033 saved$20.33
Naval Institute Press
Usually ships in 24 hours 『A lavish tribute to the world's bestknown shipping line, this beautifully illustrated book takes an intriguing look at three famous cruise liners: the legendaryQueen Elizabeth 2,which, when launched in 1967, was considered the last of the great ocean liners;Queen Mary, which entered service in 2004 as the largest and most expensive passenger ship ever built; andQueen Victoria,launched in December 2007 for exclusive cruises out of Southampton. With an entertaining mixture of maritime history and contemporary analysis, the author tells the story ofQueen Elizabeth 2,theQueen Mary 2sfirst years, and the conception, building, and maiden voyage ofQueen Victoria.』
Kakaku：2082 saved$20.82
Quercus Publishing Plc
Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks IPhone 3G used's review (A Wonderful Reference for English History Fans) 『I bought this as a bargain book and found myself pouring over the pages. This all-encompassing history of England's monarchs is perfectly outlined, both in its chronology and its definition of separate family lines. I found the side-bar timelines helpful and the illustrations and pictures beautiful. This is a great reference book for any fan of English history.』 『From the reign of Alfred the Great - the first king of Wessex to call himself 'king of England' - in the ninth century, to the shock of Norman invasion in the 11th, and from the brutal vicissitudes of late medieval kingship to the comfortable ceremonial of modern-day constitutional monarchy, the story of England's kings and queens is to a large degree that of England herself. "The Kings and Queens of England" offers elegant portraits of 59 English monarchs from Harold II to Henry VIII, and from Aethelred the Unready to Elizabeth II.Each sovereign is concisely and memorably profiled and the impact of his or her rule on wider English history clearly described and analysed. For every king and queen there is a detailed timeline of key events, and the narrative is further amplified by display quotations, feature boxes, panels of key biographical facts, and - last but not least - by 150 lavish full-colour images. Author Ian Crofton recounts a 1000-year tale of murder, invasion, usurpation, adultery, divorce, civil war and revolution in a manner that is as entertaining as it is informative. "The Kings and Queens of England" is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an illustrated and accessible history of the English monarchy from the Anglo-Saxon era to the present.』
Kakaku：279 saved$2.79
Company
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Learn about bees) 『I have not yet finished this book, but have enjoyed it very much. My husband is a beekeeper, so I have enjoyed learning about bees, but in a format that is more enjoyable than a technical manual. Mr. Longgood has an easy manner of writing, the chapters are very short, so I can read and learn a little at a time as suits my schedule. I think anyone who enjoys learning will find this book insightful.』
(The Queen Must Die) 『This author speaks to the scientist, philosopher and naturalist in all of us! My family bought this book to determine whether we wanted to start a beekeeping hobby but received much more from it. It's brilliant and not only guides and instructs but encourages one to reflect on the mysteries, miracles and humor in nature, one's own life and society. This is one author I'd love to invite to a dinner party! 』
(Excellent read for all - whether you're a bee "lover" or not.) 『What a great read about all things bees - and our interaction with them. I discovered this gem on a search at the library and recognizing it as the book frequently quoted in "The Secret Life of Bees", and thought it might be interesting. Well it was much more than interesting. Mr. Longwood presents his insights and information in a delightful, informal manner. Even if you have little interest in bees or their "affairs", you will still be entertained and enlightened. I highly recommend this book.』
(Lively, Intelligent Treatise on Bees) 『I found this book by chance and what a delight it is. This guy can really write! I have read many books about bees and beekeeping and this is one of the best--he brings the bees to life and clearly explains bee behavior, anatomy, etc. in vivid, entertaining prose. His observations are wide-ranging and generous. Highly recommended!』
(A must read for novices and experts alike.) 『This delightful book was the inspiration I needed in deciding to take up the hobby of beekeeping. Mr. Longood has a kind way of bringing the yearly life of beekeeping to a warm and understandable level. I have taught beginer introductory beekeeping courses, and require this book as course reading. As former president of the Maine State Beekeepers Association,and a beekeeper for nearly 20 years, I highly recommend this fine, delightful book.』 『"An engaging collection of observations about honeybees and their activities."--Publishers Weekly.』
