Kakaku：699 saved$6.99
Wizards of the Coast
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Resurrection(Forgotten Realms)) 『A great book, very well written. The plots and sub plots keep one fixed reading this book until the end. Great and almost non expected final main plot when the spider queen chooses her avatar between tree great drow females.』
(Kemp's very disappointing ending to a great series....) 『I was very disappointed in seeing Kemp advocates the survival of the least interesting characters (of males and females) of the whole series.
SPOILER ALERT:
I was particularly annoyed with Pharaun's end since he was one of the few character (maybe also Hallistra) I would have liked to read about in a future book. Quenthel's character degraded through out the last two books to point that she lost her stature as a Banrae. Valas was one of the least interesting character that emerged from the Bergen Dearthe (made me miss Jarlaxle) and as well as among the males of the group. Thank Lolth for Gromph making it through. He is probably the last enjoyable male character left in Menzoberranzan (especially with the lichdrow, Pharaun, Jeggred and Ryld dead). On a positive note, I like to see more of Gromph in the future. Pity his character was always playing second fiddle to the Banrae priestesses in the Salvatore's Drizzit series. Drizzt might not had it as easy if Kemp's Gromph was on the job back then.
』
(Good and then bad and disjointed - this final edition was all over the place) 『To start, I really wanted to like this book. In fact, for the first 2/3 of it I truly did! This book had me thinking 4 stars until it took a complete turn toward the disconnected skips and hops. The last 1/3 of the book doesn't flow well and feels very disjointed with minimal resolution. It almost feels as if he squandered most of the space in the book and then said to himself "oh man, I only have about 100 pages left and nothing is resolved! I better cram this stuff together and wrap things up fast!".
On a positive note, Kemp does a good job of describing scenery and specifics. I give him credit for that. Another element I did enjoy was the characterization and the fact that nearly everyone seemed true to character, especially Pharaun and Danifae. Contrary to some of the reviews here, I believe the characters were handled well and stayed true to form.
On the contrary, what the characters were doing and some of the results of actions were handled oddly near the end of the book. Without spoilers really...There is a portion that contains some form of "dream sequence" or foreshadowing by the priestesses Quenthel, Danifae and Hallistra where they see incorrect visions of the future or truly believe they are living the result of Lolth's Resurrection. Later you see that all of this was false and was NOT the result of what happened. This part didn't hold water and made absolutely no sense once you finish the book! I have no idea what Kemp wanted to accomplish with that.
The actual ending and completion of Lolth's Resurrection was not much of a surprise, although there are a few interesting twists. Its a shame certain characters had to die, although that is to be expected with drow nature and didn't leave me shocked or upset.
All in all this book had its moments, was really good up until about 2/3 of the way through and then just lost the connectivity and felt crammed in an effort to wrap things up. It could have been much better.』
(Dissapointing Finale) 『I hate this book with a passion. I hate it because it destroys everything the previous ones have weaved so carefully with blatant disregard to good storytelling. Why? Instead of clevery creating an unexpexted, yet clever resolution, finally paying off on all the setups, it squanders all its potential on the senseless killing of all but one interesting character while cheating the reader out of any meaningful confrontations. It's like in a videogame. Oh, sorry your party got eaten by a bunch of low-level, but numerous monters. In earnest. Only no pressing continue here. Paul S. Kemp should be put on the writers blacklist for this.』
(Here, good = stupid) 『This was a very disappointing ending for an initially exciting series. 1) No one familiar with the Forgotten Realms expected Lolth to be defeated here. However, at the end of Resurrection, everything is 100% back to business as usual for the drow city of Menzoberranzan. 2) I didn't expect good to triumph over evil, but that the good guys would at least put up a decent fight. Boy, were the good drow stupid compared to the evil ones. Halisstra, the divinely ordained champion of good here, was so ridiculously naive in Book 5 and this one that it's impossible to believe she survived to adulthood in a cutthroat drow city. The goddess Eilistraee, Lolth's daughter no less, gets the supreme bad judgement award for her poor choice of erratic, traitorous champion.』 『“Finding someone to finish a series after five novels from five different authors is no easy task. He’s got to be willing to find all the open roads the others have left for him. He’s got to do his homework, and quickly. And given the quality of his predecessors’ work, he’s got to be good. . . Enter Paul Kemp. Whew! Writers like this don’t come along every day.”
–R.A. Salvatore The New York Timesbest-selling author ofThe Two Swords
THE SPIDER QUEEN LIVES AGAIN
But something is different, something her priestesses can hear in the winds, feel in their spirits, and for a select few see with their own eyes. The Demonweb Pits, removed from the Abyss to take its place among the lower planes, is more dangerous, more horrifying than anyone has ever imagined. Teeming with feral spiders bent on ripping each other to pieces– killing, eating, and killing again–the blasted landscape of Lolth’s personal hell is still forming.
Quenthel Baenre, with the tattered remnants of her expedition continuing to plot against her, crosses that spider-infested killing ground in hopes of answering the call of her reborn goddess. If she can make it to Lolth’s side, can she even imagine what plans the Queen of the Demonweb Pits has had for her all along?
The final novel in an epic six-part series from the fertile imaginations of R.A. Salvatore, and a select group of the newest, most exciting authors in the genre. Join them as they bring an end to a devastating war, and give birth to the greatest horror the Realms has ever known.
Danifae Yauntyrr, former battle-captive of House Melarn, has come too far to stop now. She has regained her freedom after years of servitude, but has yet to exact her revenge. Though she has gained much, grown in both power and ambition, and enjoys the protection of the powerful draegloth Jeggred Baenre, Danifae still needs to kill Halisstra Melarn. But how can she when she’s followed Quenthel and Pharaun into the heart of Lolth’s reformed domain, a hellish world of demonic spiders bent on eating each other, and anything else stupid enough to get in their way–including the chosen vessel of Lolth herself.
While Danifae wonders how she’ll ever take vengeance on a woman she left behind on the surface of Faerûn, the very target of her burning hatred is close on her heals. Halisstra has come to the Demonweb Pits with a very different agenda. In her hands she holds the fabled Crescent Blade, a sword she believes will grant her thepower to kill Lolth herself–but only if they find her before she fully completes her own mysterious
Kakaku：1086 saved$10.86
University of California Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Permanent part of my reference library) 『This book has long been a permanent part of my library. I had a very well thumbed pocket-sized edition which I bought 30 years ago and I reluctantly had to replace it when it literally fell to pieces. This new larger illustrated edition is very impressive but it doesn't make for easy reading in bed.』
(English regal history) 『This book is really good. I haven't finished it yet, because I am really trying to learn about these kings and queens, and placing them in history. Having lived 60 years, I am sure I was taught some of this in school, but I retained the American history and very little of the English history. These chapters on each monarch are interesting. Fraser has done a good job presenting them and giving you enough info without all the stuffy details that might exist. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in the English Monarchy - I have really enjoyed all that I have read. And it also makes many of Shakespeare's characters believable.』
(The Lives of the Kings and Queends of England) 『If you enjoy and read novels, biographies or history books about England and Europe this is a must have reference book. Very condensed, dry and factual history but a tremendous help in keeping people, time and places in order and perspective.』
(Entertaining and Informative) 『I love this book. Even with all of the reading I have done on the British Monarchy, this book had never before seen pictures. My only complaint would be that it often focuses more on political events rather than personal lives. But, there is wonderful information in this book, and I have enjoyed every page.』
(Beautiful coffee table book) 『As a lover of British royal history, I think this is a fantastic overview that 'sums' things up, devoting a few pages to tell the story of each monarch. Antonia Fraser manages to pass on a lot of information in short form. The illustrations are wonderful, as are the charts (although as someone else mentioned, they are missing some details for us serious fanatics). I consider this is a great compilation if you just want the big picture, or a starting point to jump off into detailed biographies of individual monarchs and/or houses.』 『This essential reference is a concise, accessible guide to the great dynasties of English royalty. A collection of biographical sketches that encompasses the period from the establishment of monarchical power by the early Norman kings through the reign of Elizabeth II,The Lives of the Kings and Queens of Englandtells the stories of many monarchs and their colorful lives--some merry, some cruel, some heroic, others sinister. Antonia Fraser and a collection of distinguished contributors bring the people and events to life in this lavishly illustrated volume that is both engrossing history and an excellent reference tool. This updated edition includes a new essay describing the recently tumultuous reign of the Windsors. Included are details of the weddings of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, and of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson; the acrimonious collapse of the marriages; the effect the media have had on the royal family's image; and the fire at Windsor Castle. Such recent events as Diana's tragic death, the decommissioning of theRoyal Yacht Britannia, and the launching of Queen Elizabeth's own website are also discussed. Accompanying the text are 175 contemporary illustrations and drawings of the royal coats of arms, with their significance explained by J.P. Brooke-Little, Richmond Herald of Arms. This is a dazzling story of a thousand years of English history, as told through the lives and deeds of the nation's sovereigns.』
Kakaku：1020 saved$10.20
Lorenz Books
Usually ships in 6 to 11 days IPhone 3G used's review (Great Book) 『My 8-year-old history buff loved this book. He read it very carefully. As he was reading, he would get out other history books to read about whatever he was reading about in this book. When he finished this book, he bought a biography of Elizabeth I. He frequently goes back and refers to this book when reading other books about history. I highly recommend this book.』
(Beautiful Illustrations and Interesting Facts) 『This is a beautifully illustrated, interesting book. Most rulers receive a 1-2 page treatment (although later monarchs have more pages dedicated to them) complete with ancestral charts, timelines, and other helpful additions to the main text. I'm sure this is meant as a coffee table or reference book, but I sat down, read it cover to cover, and then bothered my family and friends with all the facts I'd learned for the next month. A great book.』
(soooooo great) 『so great book the best book about british monarchy ever published . a lot of photos and paintings which make an atmosphire let you live in the old ages moving to the middle ages and to the victorian . beleive me you will live the british monarchy , live with queens and kings walk throw the history of uk as no historymania did before』 『The most comprehensive visual encyclopedia of every king and queen of the British Monarchy, and a fascinating insight into the world in which they lived.』
Kakaku：895 saved$8.95
St. Martin's Griffin
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Full of the teen stuff) 『This book is full of drama, stuck up freinds, tears, stress, fashion, drugs, rumors, threats, sex, and just about every other typical teenage thing but the way their all put together in this story is amazing. Kristi the meaniehead and Rio the loser get together with JenJen and Kayla to form the new it girls. While Rio's first freinds at her new school Mason nad Jasper get left behind but they don't get mad at her they suprisingly stick with her. In the end you'd think its typical but really its more then that.』
(Courtesy of Teens Read Too) 『Rio Jones is the new girl at her school. As if that isn't hard enough, her mom is an ex almost-model and expects her daughter to be pretty and popular, and she's named after a Duran Duran song. Except that she is an art geek. On her first day, she meets kids from her art class that take her off campus for lunch (which isn't allowed). And she gets detention for it, so her mom tells her that she can't hang out with them anymore.
Rio is a geek, until she meets Kristi.
Kristi is a rich, beautiful, popular cheerleader. She and Rio become friends and in Kristi's group there are rules. You always have to smile even if you don't mean it and be nice to everyone. Kristi is the only one in the group who thinks that the rules don't apply to her because she's Kristi. Soon Rio becomes even more popular than Kristi is and, of course, Kristi is jealous. Not that she would ever tell anyone that. But there is one rule that her friends left out -- don't cross paths with Kristi. Rio's life soon goes back to worse than it was before she met Kristi, since even her art friends won't talk to her.
I am obsessed with this author! She is SO funny and all of her books are so realistic! As expected, another must read from Alyson Noel!
Reviewed by: Taylor Rector 』
(Abby K- Art Geeks and Prom Queens) 『Art Geeks and Prom Queens was one of the greatest books i've ever read. It was tense that I couldn't put downt he book. I loved the teme of the book, jealousy. I loved it because that's what keeps me interested and motavated to keep on reading. I also liked how the characters were all snobby and high-class because I'm into like drama, high-class books.
One thing that could have made the book better would be another twist. Even though it had twists, one more twist could have improved the book better. Another thing that could have been better would have been to add more. For example what happened to Kristi?, Are Jas and Rio still a couple? or What happened to Mason, Jen and Kyla? That is what the book could have improved in.
If I was recommending this to an age level student, I would recommend it to 14-16 years olds. I think that's an age approiate level because in the books there is some inapproiate parts in the book that I don't think would be suitble for younger kids. I aslo think that teenagers would get a better understanding of the book because of the drama, jealously, everyday issues about school and peer pressure. I wouldn't recomend it to younger children because they might not like the kind of book this is, and how it talks about inapproiate gestures and it has cuss words in it. Also, you probably don't want younger children swearing because they would want to know where they got it from. Art Geeks and Prom Queens is a 240 page book and it would be hard to finish for them. 』
(Abby K- Art Geeks and Prom Queens) 『Art Geeks and Prom Queens was one of the greatest books i've ever read. It was tense that I couldn't put downt he book. I loved the teme of the book, jealousy. I loved it because that's what keeps me interested and motavated to keep on reading. I also liked how the characters were all snobby and high-class because I'm into like drama, high-class books.
One thing that could have made the book better would be another twist. Even though it had twists, one more twist could have improved the book better. Another thing that could have been better would have been to add more. For example what happened to Kristi?, Are Jas and Rio still a couple? or What happened to Mason, Jen and Kyla? That is what the book could have improved in.
If I was recommending this to an age level student, I would recommend it to 14-16 years olds. I think that's an age approiate level because in the books there is some inapproiate parts in the book that I don't think would be suitble for younger kids. I aslo think that teenagers would get a better understanding of the book because of the drama, jealously, everyday issues about school and peer pressure. I wouldn't recomend it to younger children because they might not like the kind of book this is, and how it talks about inapproiate gestures and it has cuss words in it. Also, you probably don't want younger children swearing because they would want to know where they got it from. Art Geeks and Prom Queens is a 240 page book and it would be hard to finish for them. 』
("Heathers" for the new generation) 『This was an enjoyable read. It tells the story of Rio, who's named after a Duran Duran song. She lives with her former model mother and lawyer father in Laguna Beach, but misses New York and her friends there (they recently moved).
Rio makes a couple of friends from her art class in Laguna Beach, but then Kristi, cheerleader and queen bee, takes her under her wing. Suddenly, Rio has to follow rules...who to associate with, which boys to like, how to dress...or otherwise make Kristi mad. Everyone tiptoes around Kristi. But then, a fateful game of spin-the-bottle seals Rio's destiny. Kristi's not talking to her anymore, and she's turned the whole school against her.
This was an insightful look at high school cliques, the fear of those in power, and also just a fun bubbly read that made me remember being a teenager. The writing was pitch-perfect and really sounded like a young adult.』 『
Dorks, Dweebs, Debutantes, and Jocks—Where would you fit in?
Being the new girl is tough—just ask sixteen-year-old Rio Jones. A New York transplant, Rio has no clue how she's going to fit in at her fancy new private school in Southern California. Plus, being late, overdressed, and named after a Duran Duran song doesn't make the first day any easier for her.
Then Rio meets Kristi. Beautiful, rich,anda cheerleader, Kristi is the queen bee of Newport Beach. And Kristi isn't friends with just anyone, so Rio is thrilled when she's invited to be part of the most exclusive, popular clique. Of course, like any club, Kristi and her friends have rules: Always smile (even if you don't mean it), always dress cute (and never repeat outfits), and always flirt (but only with jocks, preps, and rich college guys).
At first Rio is having a great time, but as she becomes more immersed in this jet-set crowd, she figures out there is one last rule that her new friends forgot to mention: Don't cross Kristi . . .
Kakaku：699 saved$6.99
Eos
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Best of all 3) 『I believe that the Queen of Attolia is even more exciting then The Thief. Gen is back and stronger than ever. Well, until he becomes maimed. You might think, "Oh he will make it through, he always does." He does make it through, but it effects him physically and especially mentally. He has trouble making it through. He still is the Thief of Eddis, but he has gone dormant.
I love this book the best out of all three: The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia. You are able to see Gen recover from the injury. He strikes back and is pulled between two countries. It reminds me of my life when I've got to make big decisions. Will Eddis have a good enough plan to beat Attolia this time? Does Gen care for Attolia, even after what she did to him?
I would recommend this book for young adults, around the ages 10-14. The book is a bit gruesome, but all wars do become gross. From this book, I have learned about tact with wars and how they can effect countries. This book has romance, war, and everything else books can have. It is well worth your time.
-Katelyn Ragland』
(The Thief Changes) 『The Queen of Attolia is an interesting read. The character of Ged is developed well as you see not only the side of the Thief from the previous book, but also the more cunning devious side of him as well. Ged really grows up in this book.』
(Dark but satisfying) 『This book is dark but it's a fantastic, effective read. The first book I literally couldn't put down.
The first sequel to The Thief, the tone of this story was a bit of a surprise at first, but I was so drawn in I didn't mind. In fact I think the darkness of the plotline was perfect as a follow-up to the first of the trilogy and as a precursor to The King of Attolia.
I recommend this book as a purchase because I know from my own experience that one reading is not enough. You'll want to read it again. It's that good.』
(Wonderful Reading) 『I only read this one because I enjoyed The Thief so much, and wondered what would happen to Eugenides next. I'm not a "fantasy" or "medieval" genre-junkie, so The Thief was stretching it for me. However, Whalen Turner nailed it again, plus some. She orchestrated a fantastic plot that had me go from despising the Queen to respecting her. Builds a beautiful foundation for the next in the series, The King of Attolia, while still functioning as a stand-alone novel that all ages should enjoy. Whalen Turner has a way of making me care about Eugenides in the same way that I care about Harry Potter. They aren't similar characters, but I love them both.』
(Highly recommended reading.) 『This series of books is one of my favorites. My only caveat for parents is that The Queen of Attolia has a bit more mature content than The Thief. It is just as well-written and intriguing. I recommend these books!』 『
When his small mountains country goes to war with the powerful nation of Attolia, Eugenides the thief is faced with his greatest challenge. He must steal a man, he must steal a queen, and he must steal peace.
But his greatest triumph-as well as his greatest loss-can only come if he succeeds in capturing something the Queen of Attolia may have sacrificed long ago.
』 『In the firelit torture chamber the executioner's sword descends--and the Eugenides--the Thief of Eddis--no longer has his clever right hand. The Queen of Attolia sits calmly and watches the dreadful amputation behind her carefully cultivated mask of coldness, but later agonizes over what she has done to him. At the same time, she rages at herself for not hanging her captured prisoner outright.
Readers who first met Eugenides as the rascally teenager Gen in the Newbery Honor-winningThe Thiefwill find that in this sequel he deepens through suffering and loss, but keeps the same witty talent for elaborate, crafty schemes of espionage and theft. Caught between two rival queens in a landscape based on that which surrounds the Mediterranean Sea, Eugenides is loyal to Eddis as her Queen's Thief, but in love (despite himself) with the beautiful and seemingly ruthless Attolia. In her small mountain country, Eddis controls the only bridge between the valley nation of Sounis and the coastal kingdom of Attolia, while all three are threatened by the ships of the powerful Medes. As the web of intrigue and shifting allegiances expands, and war is imminent, the Queen's Thief risks everything on an audacious and cunning military strategy to bring the two queens together--and to steal Attolia for himself. This remarkable fantasy, with its appealing characters, emotional intensity, witty dialogue, and inventive plot, will have teen fans panting for more. (Ages 12 and older)--Patty Campbell』
Kakaku：542 saved$5.42
Academy Chicago Publishers
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Good Biographical Read, Weak Political History) 『Neale's book comes from an older world of historical writing, and would not satisy the demands of current historians. It tells the story of Elizabeth I as a loving tale of a personal friend, focusing on assessments (or presumptions!) about character. The book makes Elizabeth seem a strong and deserving leader. The book reveals little, though, of the details and especially the implications of political decision-making. A war, or a raising of taxes, is seen as meaningful only as a development in some relationship between Elizabeth and some other nobleman. This work would be of almost no help to someone trying to understand the developments in English politics in the 1500s. As a personal drama, though, (perhaps as a soap-opera), this is an engaging and informative read.』
(The best book on QEI) 『Although hardly a year goes by without someone new coming up with another biography on Queen Elizabeth I, this probably is the best of the lot. Many of the subsequent volumes that have appeared after Neale generally owe him a debt of gratitude at least for assembling the basic facts of the life of the Virgin Queen.
Elizabeth's life has been told many times, her parents, Henry VIII and Anne Bolyn's ill-fated marriage, imprisionment during the reigns of both siblings, Thomas Seymour (whose sister replaced her mother in Henry's bed-would any soap opera try this plot twist?), Thomas Wyatt, William Cecil, Robert Dudley, Mary Queen of Scotts, the Spanish Armada, Shakespeare, and Gloriana. What Neale does quite well is to provide some real insight into the life of this the best of Britain's rulers and to place her actions in context. Some might think that Neale's treatment is too positive, I think the tone of the book is consistent with the greatness of this woman who, unlike her modern day namesake, ruled as well as reigned.』
(Worshipping at the feet of Gloriana) 『J.E. Neale, Elizabeth I's most famous modern biographer, is not an author who is easy to read for the modern scholar or anybody who regards the Virgin Queen as anything short of a goddess. His style of history has vanished, I'm glad to say. His worship of Elizabeth and his nationalistic biases make this a very tough read and not a very worthwhile one. Anne Somerset's modern biography would be a better use of the reader's time.』
(Queen Elizabeth did reign!) 『After having read everything I could get my hands on about Elizabethan England reading this book was very refreshing. Delving into the social and political realm of Queen Regina is what this book is all about. Well written and easy to read it gives a new perspective on the trials and tribulations of a very courageous and smart lady.』
(The Virgin Seductress) 『Every single one of Elizabeth's biographers (particularly the male ones) seem to have fallen in love with her, and this, the epic Bess bio, is the most unashamedly gushing. Part of the reason for Elizabeth's enduring appeal is that she combined good looks and dress sense with a flair for self-invention (and re-invention) - the very same qualities which still endear Onassis-Kennedy and Diana Spencer to their legions of mourners. As a politician Elizabeth's achievements approached genius, but any sympathetic biographer still has to paper over the cracks somewhat when we get to her reliigious policy, particularly the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots. Since this biography was written at a time where many Englishmen were still riding the Imperial wave, there is a tendency to forgive the Virgin Queen on matters such as this, but this work remains a milestone.』 『Long considered the definitive biography of the great Tudor Queen, this scholarly and immensely readable book won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Biography and has been translated into nine languages.』
Kakaku：219 saved$2.19
Eurotica
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Awesome!!!) 『As good as the first. Really makes you want to meet and "Hook Up" with a Vampire.』
(Even more fun than the first one, though the translation is still iffy) 『Like the first volume of Kristina, Queen of Vampires, this is an erotic graphic novel from Dutch author Frank Mensink. The translations have the same problem in Volume 2 as in Volume 1: namely, an amateurish feel, lack of attention to tone, and some occasionally bizarre word choices. Like I said in my review of that volume, this is nothing you haven't experienced if you've ever read HEAVY METAL. If you can forgive that weakness, then read on.
Volume 2 picks up more than a year after Volume 1; Kristina, a medieval vampire who was accidentally resuscitated in the modern age, is just waking up from a long period of regeneration after her ill-fated encounter with police investigators Mark and Iris. (That's what you get for coming between a woman and her man, honey.) She quickly goes back to her kinder, gentler feeding routine -- she only goes after criminals, particularly murderers and rapists, figuring that nobody will care if they're gone. She also rekindles her charmingly affectionate affair with John and Veronica, the two humans whom she took as thralls in Volume 1. Things take a bit of a different turn, however, when she is approached by the leader of a large nest of vampires who want her to be their queen. It seems that they don't make vamps like they used to, and Kristina has the mystic mojo necessary to be the most powerful vamp around.
Again, this series is unusual because it's hard to find any real villains, other than the human scum who comprise Kristina's nightly entrées. Even the modern vampires treat their thralls kindly, though that seems to be more for their own comfort than out of genuine compassion for the thralls ("I hate it when they scream all the time," says the vamp leader). It would be easy to root for happy endings for all involved, if Kristina weren't still obsessed with snagging Mike as her immortal beloved.
Much like Volume 1, Volume 2 is obviously set up for a sequel. That's fine by me; these are fun, sexy stories with good art and much more interesting characters than most erotic comics. Hopefully it won't take another two years for Mensik to come out with Volume 3.』
(Great Chapter Two!) 『First off, let me say that the art seems to have improved since the first chapter. Which is not a put down of the first chapter it just points out how the artist, like many others, is always trying to improve on his work, trying to reach and go beyond his own standards. The story also makes some sense. While the other vampires are weaker than Kristina they have been living within modern society longer and understand how to survive within it. Of course she has no idea about silver bullets. As she SAID the best weapon they had in the old days were crossbows. I wonder how she will react to the Internet Chat Rooms and Blood Banks? She should get a sports car. Why should she fly all the time when she can pick up victims in style? Frankly, I can't wait to see Chapter Three. And it is nice to know Kristina, the real model used for the Queen's character, helped to develop this chapter of the story and it was a bonus to see a photo of her on the back cover. 』
(Chapter 1 was better...) 『The art was once again excellent. Mensink uses vibrant colors, the proportions were spot on and the people didn't look cartoonish. The sex was hot and explicitly rendered, as in the first installment. However, this "novel" is shorter and the story was a disappointing follow-up to chapter one.
Chapter one ended with another vampire Lord becoming aware of Kristina's presence and wanting her as their queen because she's so strong. She does visit them, and naturally an orgy ensues. But yet, she was quickly foiled again by the female DA and ended up wounded exactly as in chapter one! If she's so powerful why shouldn't she come out ahead this time? And how has the coven survived so long when they're supposedly so much weaker than her?
Sure, I realize this is "just" an adult comic, but that doesn't mean the story can't be as good as in part 1. Another thing I didn't care for was the increased amount of F/F action than in the first book. I will definitely buy chapter 3 when it's finally released, but I hope it follows through on the promise of chapter 1.』
(Kristina) 『While this is a spin off of the Vampy series, I found the two books in the series well writen and very well drawn. As someone who likes a working plot with the graphics I was quite pleased with the results.Kristina, Queen of VampiresKristina Queen of Vampires Chapter 2 (Kristina, Queen of Vampires)』
IPhone 3G used's review (Top Sci-Fi favorite book) 『The first time I read this book I was amazed. It was so incredible and the author created this incredible world of summer and winter that to this day amazes me. Mere words can't describe how this book can suck you in and keep you reading. Once you read this one you MUST read the second book, Summer Queen. They both are some of the best Sci-Fi / Fantasy books ever published.』
(Epic Saga in the vein of Dune) 『This novel reminded me of "Dune" in a lot of ways. It was a sweeping epic that spanned galaxies, with lots of main characters, but was centered on a small world with a very important commodity that extends life. And both commodities have unusual, biological sources. But, after that these two books diverge greatly.
Tiamet is ruled by the Snow Queen. She has ruled for nearly 150 years and will die when the wormhole to other worlds closes during "summer." Tiamet changes from a technological society to a rural one when the other worlders take their advances and go. It is then that the Summer Queen will reign. Only, the Snow Queen doesn't want to give up her throne, or the technology. One technology may hold her answer - cloning. Like Herbert, Vinge does get a little carried away with her world building. There are a lot of details that aren't really necessary and bog the book down at times, but overall a reader is completely absorbed. The main characters are fully developed, especially the Queen, and the political machinations are believable and complex. Vinge dallies with serious issues like witholding technology from lesser-developed societies and exploiting natural resources, while also giving us a plot ripe with murder, intrigue and pursuit of power.
This book has a lot of depth, great character development and an intricate plot. Highly recommended!』
(Very complex!) 『It seems to me like Joan Vinge had this entire fantasy Universe planned out before she began writing the book! There are several different religions, races, cities, worlds, cultures...just layers upon layers of this and that that made the world of Tiamat what it was. I have to admit, there were a few times when I experienced an "information overload", and I had to retrace a few pages before moving on.
The book gets off to a relatively slow start; setting up the characters, relationships, and the general environment and atmosphere of the book. By the time you read about halfway through the book, the events really start to pick up the pace.
The perspective, always in third person, leeps from character to character. I personally thought it was a little bit difficult to imagine myself in each character's shoes, considering there was such a large cast of characters, and a large variety of emotions at that.
So...after reading it, I'd say it's not exactly in my personal taste...but it's still a good book. =]』
(The start of an epic cycle) 『I have to admit, it took a couple of tries before I could get into this book the first time, and when I did, I was glad I'd persisted.
This book shows the amazing journeys of several people from or living on Tiamat, a pla
