IPhone 3G used's review (Loved It!) 『This was my second Shannon Drake book and I really enjoyed it. The history of it was great as it revolved around the rise and fall of Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth. I would recommend!』
(Disappointing) 『I am surprised that more of the readers did not grow annoyed with the tedious and repetitive exposition within the book. It was a marvelous history lesson though a very dry one.』
(Beautiful Book) 『I loved this book, it was both historical fiction and told the story of the rise and fall of Mary, Queen of Scots and was a beautiful love story of one of her ladies in waiting. It is a book I will reread in the future.』
(strong historical fiction) 『As a child she left Scotland for France accompanied by the four Mary Ladies in Waiting. Finally in 1561 recently widowed nineteen years old Queen Mary, no long the Queen of France, has returned to Scotland to sit on the throne. Accompanying the young Queen is her close friend Lady Gwyneth MacLeod. Gwyneth listens closely to Mary's desires and offers sage advice to go carefully with her heart as there are many who resent losing power with the monarch's return. However, as she warns her regal friend, Gwyneth ironically struggles to heed her own advice. Instead she is attracted to Lord Rowan Graham, whom she is not sure she should trust.
Mary sends Gwyneth and Rowan on a mission together in which their allure for one another openly ignites as desire tugs at both of them. However, treachery places the pair in danger with Gwyneth forced to choose between the love of her heart and the love of her friend; either choice may lead to execution.
THE QUEEN'S LADY is a strong historical fiction enhanced by a wonderful romantic subplot. The story line hones in on the political instability and overall country-wide chaos caused by Mary's return to Scotland. The difficult relationship between the lead couple augments Shannon Drake's entreatingly profound look at the fifteenth century furor caused by Mary Queen of Scots homecoming.
Harriet Klausner
』
(Pet Peeve: Starting a story with the almost ending) 『I love Shannon Drake's stories as well as those she writes another another name. So this review isabout the way she write the story not the story itself. It was probably a great story. That era seems to instill alot of intrigue.
What I absolutlely don't like is to to start reading a book that begins with the ending... Knowing that the main character went through a summarized list of horrors, was seemingly betrayed by a lover, yadda, yadda, I am sposed to turn the page and go back to the beginning and start all over again? I don't think so.... I skipped to the last chapter and of course all ends happily etc. Why should I suffer through the intrigue?
I don't like that kind of story writing and I don't care to read it. It is just part of my reading preference. So for those of you that were determined to read it through, good for you. I admire you...』 『She desired him above all others…
Would he now be her executioner?
Lady Gwenyth Macleod has staked her fortune and her reputation to help Mary, Queen of Scots take her rightful place on the throne. But her struggle to guide the reckless, defiant queen has put her at perilous odds with Rowan Graham, a laird dangerously accomplished in both passion and affairs of state. And the more Gwenyth challenges his intentions, the less he can resist the desire igniting between them. Now, with her country in turmoil and treachery shadowing her every step, will Gwenyth's last daring gamble
lead her to the ultimate betrayal—or a destiny greater than she could ever imagine?
IPhone 3G used's review (Greatest writer of all time) 『Forget Shakespeare, Emerson, Plato and all. Bob Greene is the greatest writer of all time. It wouldn't make a difference if he published a grocery list, it would be perfect prose. This review could be interchangeable with any book he writes. Greene has the talent to find a story and then write it so the rest of us know why it is important to him. I've been a journalist for 20 years and hope and pray I'll get to be a 10th of Green's level. Quit reading this and go buy all his books.』
(THE BEST OF THE BEST) 『Bob Greene gifts his reader with a compilation of articles that evoke a myriad of emotions. Each story has a point to be made, and that point could uplift you, enrage you, provoke you, encourage you, surprise you, or just make you exault life. Diverse in topic, they are poignant; they are inditing; they are sentimental; they are little gems of this most gifted writer's archives. I read one story nightly, before bed, and I looked forward to that ritual with great enthusiasm....our media is interested only in the sensationalist aspects of news, and at times it becomes exhausting. Bob Greene says there is another side and "the proof is in the pudding" of this fine book. It is good to know their is a reporter who cares about the "small story" that packs a big wallop.
Excellent style of clear, precise writing. Bob Greene bequeaths us back our pride in America, our belief in inherent good, and our desire to exhault everyday heros. If you are media weary, restore yourself with this infusion of hope, courtesy of one of the best newpaper columnist of our times.』
(Excellent) 『When the subject of conversation is a Bob Greene book you hear many cliche's. Finger on the pulse of America aside, he's just a damn fine writer. Bob Greene is quite simply, a man you trust to get it right and give it to you straight.』
(A book that describes what is great and sad about America.) 『This is the second book I have read by Bob Greene. By the title you would expect a story about kids (possibly ourselves in our youth) experiencing a carefree summer of crusing and ice cream. What a pleasant surprise, however, to discover the many essays about the good and not so good fabric that both was and has become our society. There were essays that made me proud to be a new American, describing good people that I can surely relate to. There were several essays that describe the ugliness that has become "life in the big city".I wish everyone had the opportunity to read this book and reflect on how good the Chevrolet Summers and Dairy Queen Nights were, because I believe we could experience them again in a kinder, gentler society that we once were』 『
No writer in America has a better feel for the country's rythms, richness, and rewards than bestselling author and syndicated columnist Bob Greene.With the color and depth of a novel, this treasury of best-loved columns captures America's small triumphs and all-too-human tragedies as Greene travels across the country to tell the stories that don't make the headlines. A small-town cop saves a child's life by double-checking, on a hunch, a closed case of suspected abuse. Frank Sinatra, on his last concert tour, shares off-the-cuff wisdom about fame, craft, and shifting fortunes. An impoverished father gives his son the best trip he can -- on the free trains out to the Atlanta airport's boarding gates. Funny, gripping, heartrending, and exhilarating, these unforgettable stories are guaranteed to lift the spirit and stir the soul.
』 『Bob Greene, syndicated columnist for theChicago Tribune, offers tales from the road, dozens of short pieces in which he discovers the America that doesn't make the nightly news. The stories he tells are mostly heartwarming, though they're not without sad aspects. An unwed mother forced to drop out of high school returns 20 years later to graduate, baseball great Stan Musial reflects on his beloved game, an elderly mother and daughter share a room in a nursing home. Greene has a notable gift for finding good stories and for telling them without much adornment in clear, crisp prose.』
Kakaku：999 saved$9.99
TokyoPop
Usually ships in 24 hours 『When Mayanne finally recognizes Sejuru, he is sent to the dungeon, where he must either remain forever or be killed. Upon hearing voices that tell him he is the "precious one," Sejuru manages to escape. But a deadly case of mistaken identity puts a halt to his plans, and he is forced to confront the queen alone...』
IPhone 3G used's review (Blessed by all generations) 『A heartfelt and thorough introduction to the Roman Catholic doctrines surrounding Mary. Dr. Hahn once again shares his heart with passion and convincing detail. A wonderful introduction to the Catholic wishing to enhance their worship (of God, not Mary, as some would contend) and a compelling challenge to Protestants who would challenge the Roman Catholic views. A well-organized apologetic by the former Presbyterian teaching elder.』
(Excellent incite and perspective.) 『Dr Hahn provides an indepth unique look into the views of Our Lady. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I would recommend this book to anyone looking to improve upon their relationship with Christ, through His Mother.』
(OK for beginners) 『This book does well as an intro for people who know little about the tradition out of which Mariology emerged. If Mr Hahn wanted to share his scholarly insights with readers, however, the book (at least this edition) has little reference material...He tried to put his footnotes in the back of the book, but oddly enough, they correspond to no numbers in the actual text. Likewise, the few references he does cite have no corresponding numbers in the back of the book, (for example, he is missing numbers 45-51 and numbers 68-79 in his notes).It is one of the most mysterious "citation of references" I have ever read. He would have done better to just drop the source material altogether, and just presume we believe that all of his citations are correct, as so many other pastoral books do...For those who want a deeper read, it fails pretty badly. 』
(Mary in the Word) 『In his book Hail, Holy Queen, popular Catholic apologist Scott Hahn has given a passionate and interesting defense of the Catholic doctrines concerning Mary. The most interesting facet of this book is that he seeks to make the defense a Scriptural one. It is assumed by most Protestants (and quite a few Catholics as well) that the Catholic Church's positions on Mary are strictly from tradition and have no basic in the Bible. Hahn seeks to counter this impression by developing the basis for Marian dogmas as they exist (albeit in seminal form) in the Holy Scriptures.
Through a series of sections on most Catholic positions on Mary, Hahn makes accessible the Scriptural arguments of Church Fathers and later Catholic theologians on such topics as Mary as Theotokos, as Second Eve, as Ark of the Covenant, etc. Hahn writes in a folksy style that can sometimes be overdone but this tendency is put on a short leash here. He writes with obvious enthusiasm as one who as a Protestant viewed Marian devotion as bordering on idolatry but now sees in Mary a spiritual mother who in all things points to her son.
However, Hahn's arguments from Holy Scripture are unlikely to convince many Protestants who vehemently object to Marian devotion. He, like many Church Fathers, relies heavily on a typological basis for exegesis that is at odds with the post-Enlightenment form of the historical-critical method that is used by Protestant exegetes. His arguments would fail to hold water in their eyes but then their form of argumentation has little support with the Apostles or Fathers. It is in the foundational methodologies used that the positions on both sides of the question are fixed.
Yet for those with an appreciation for the historic faith of the Church, Hahn provides some food for thought even when his arguments seem to read too much into the text. He does at times seem to reach but never attempts to beat the reader over the head with his position and does acknowledge competing interpretations. Overall the book is defintely worth reading if only to realixe that Mary is a much more important character than many would like to acknowledge.
』
(Hail Holy Queen) 『Good exegesis and theological aruguments for the Church's teachings about the Blessed Virgin Mary. A little slow reading at times, but it is well worth the read.』 『A fresh and enlightening new perspective on Mary, Mother of God, and her central importance in the Christian faith, from the author of the highly successfulThe Lamb's Supper.
InThe Lamb's Supper, Catholic scholar and apologist Scott Hahn explored the relationship between the Book of Revelation and the Roman Catholic Mass, deftly clarifying the most subtle of theological points with analogies and anecdotes from everyday life. InHail, Holy Queen, he employs the same accessible, entertaining style to demonstrate Mary's essential role in Christianity's redemptive message.
Most Christians know that the life of Jesus is foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament. Through a close examination of the Bible, as well as the work of both Catholic and Protestant scholars and clergy, Hahn brings to light the small but significant details showing that just as Jesus is the "New Adam," so Mary is the "New Eve." He unveils the Marian mystery at the heart of the Book of Revelation and reveals how it is foretold in the very first pages of the Book of Genesis and in the story of King David's monarchy, which speaks of a privileged place for the mother of the king.
Building on these scriptural and historical foundations, Hahn presents a new look at the Marian doctrines: Her Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity, Assumption, and Coronation. As he guides modern-day readers through passages filled with mysteries and poetry, Hahn helps them rediscover the ancient art and science of reading the Scriptures and gain a more profound understanding of their truthfulness and relevance to faith and the practice of religion in the contemporary world.』 『Hail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of Godis theologian Scott Hahn's follow-up to his bestsellingThe Lamb's Supper. Like the previous book,Hail, Holy Queenmelds autobiographical reflections, scriptural interpretation, and historical anecdotes in an accessible style to clarify some sophisticated points of Catholic theology. From the book's first sentence ("For all my newfound piety, I was still fifteen years old, and all too conscious of 'cool'"), the author's assured voice will capture the reader's interest. Readers outside Catholicism who are mystified by the centrality of Mary in Catholic devotion, and Catholics who wish to become more knowledgeable and reflective about a central aspect of their faith, will be especially drawn toHail, Holy Queen. Among the book's most interesting claims is Hahn's contention that Marian devotion has shaped common ideas about motherhood. Hahn's teenage consciousness of cool made him ashamed of his mother. That kind of shame, he argues, helps to shape many Christians' ideas about Mary. And yet, citing John's Gospel, Hahn writes, "As He hung dying on the cross, in His last will and testament, Jesus left us a mother."Hail, Holy Queencharts a course from shame to respect and love.--Michael Joseph Gross』
Kakaku：210 saved$2.10
Picador
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Could Have Been A Nice Book) 『The topic is interesting and has the potential for an exciting story. However, this author chose to completely ignore the primary text which contains the actual history of events. One can have a little flexibility with the thoughts and emotions of an individual. But the refusal to include known events makes this entire novel ring false and hollow.』
(Very good read) 『This book was a very good read for me, in fact I finished it in 2 days! It was so interesting that it was hard to put down. If you enjoyed The Red Tent, you'll also enjoy this one.』
(SHOULD HAVE BEEN CALLED "THE KINGMAKER") 『With an abundance of historical and biblical fact, a bit of speculation and a dash of supposition, India Edghill has created an exciting and admirable character in Michal, daughter of Saul (Israel's first King) and first wife of David. We are introduced to Michal first as the naïve farmer's daughter who, through a prophetic event, realizes every young girls dream when she becomes a princess. She meets David, the handsome, charismatic young Shepard and slayer of giants (a man who her father views as a threat to his reign) and is besotted. She becomes David's wife and takes her first steps into a life fraught with equal measures of hope and despair, love and hate, jealousy and intrigue.
Caught up a series of events beyond her control, Michal makes the best of every bad situation. The David of Edghill's narrative is not the loving, kind warrior King we were introduced to in Sunday School, but a greedy, ruthless, conniving politician as well as an egotistical and demanding husband.
Survival on the throne of Israel is a major achievement, since the palace is a political hotbed of danger and dirty dealings. We watch as Michal slowly transforms into a strong, shrewd and perceptive Queen ........ an observer of human nature and a schemer of sorts who does her best to manipulate each situation then patiently waits for her opportunity to capitalizes on the outcome.
Rather than seeing a teenaged Bathsheba as a threat, she befriends the young girl. Later, when Bathsheba gives birth to Solomen, Michal is instrumental in his development offering her guidance and counsel and is ultimately the "Shepard" who guides the future King.
This is an epic novel about a determined, proud and resilient woman of destiny who would have done well even in today's competitive society. Michal is without doubt "The Ultimate Survivor". 』
(Remeber, this is fiction) 『To read this for purely entertainment I loved it. I wanted to keep reading and wanted to know what was next. But I don't know much about the biblical facts. But the book bashed King David and Queen Michal had a mind of her own, very independent. I don't really think that biblically that she would of. She would have been thrown to the wolves .if she contradicted the court. But, if you read this. Read it for the entertainment value and then get your tanank out. King David was too big for his britches many woman loved him and he had gold coming out of his ears. He had other kill for him at least 4 that are named in the book. He had many wives and comcubines. including Batsheva. But he really loved Michal. But Michal grew bitter of him. She had no love for him but just went through the motions. King David saw Batsheva and had Batsheva's husband sent in battle knowing full well he would be killed. Since Batsheva was pregnant he could explain this away having him killed. The king was then free to marry batsheva and having a son. Michal became very found of Batsheva when she came into the kingdom, and took them under her wing. Michal, became found of Batsheva and her son ,Solomon who would become the next king. Michal thought of Soloman as her son. As she was barren and would not have any children. King David will never build the great temple for Hashem it will have to wait til Solomon becomes king. Queen Michal never asked anything from king David only 2 things to help Batsheva when whe was pregnant. And for Solomon to be the next king. Very interesting ending a bit contrived. This book was never rushed. Well paced through out. I would give this 5 stars for the entertainment value only. I did love the writting, based on other biblical fiction I have read this was written like the bible very poetic.』
(Another Compelling Page Turner---Different Take on Familiar Biblical Stories) 『***** This book was another one of those page-turners that kept me up for most of 24 hours to read. It is a novel told from the point-of-view of Michal, David's first wife. It is about Michal, about Biblical times, and hugely about David---for David is "The Queenmaker". Michal became his Queen. Although it takes place in Biblical times, it is not a Christian novel; it is rather a revealing novel, an alternative novel, and a novel that empowers women.
To those readers who are unfamiliar with Michal and David---they are written about in the Bible in the books of I Samuel, II Samuel, and I Kings primarily, but elsewhere too. It is really fun to read the Biblical stories and then read "The Queenmaker". Our American culture has taught us that David is a huge hero and "a man after God's own heart"...however, when you read India Edghill's version of Bible events, it gives you an alternative take on King David. Her view actually makes more sense than does the Biblical view, and probably was more likely to have really occurred. It's sort of what you might come to if you really thought about the Bible before you were taught what was true about it and what you HAD to believe (if you've been raised in a church).
What would we think of a man who married a woman, slept with her on her wedding night, took off in fear for his life the next morning, not to be seen from or heard from again by her for 10 years. Michal is forced to marry a farmer husband who she comes to love and they live happily together for almost 10 years. Then David returns, with other wives and concubines, and decides he wants Michal too. So he rips her from her environment and brings her to be his wife along with all of his other women. This is only the beginning. It gets worse. David's acts are mostly incredibly selfish, often cruel, frequently against Jewish law, and yet because he simply professes his love for Yahweh albeit with very little outward evidence of this love, he was revered as a hero, and is still looked up to today as a hero by many.
"The Queenmaker" brings all of this to life, as well as the time and country, the Jewish culture, and more. Michal grows wiser and learns how to survive by her wits and how to find love.
If you are open to different takes on Biblical stories, you'll like this book. It's not a Christian novel in the typical sense at all. However, I think that open-minded Christians would love it because it would make them think, and think hard about why they believe what they do. *****』 『
For over forty years, Michal lived and reigned in David’s court. She was the beautiful and proud daughter of King Saul and the prize David would risk his kingdom to win. Behind the palace doors, beneath the burning sun of the desert, or fleeing from Absalom’s warriors, Michal was at the center of court intrigues.Queenmakerintroduces in unforgettable detail the characters of one of the greatest periods in Biblical history—their public deeds and private thoughts—and gives us the court of the kings as only a woman could see it.
』 『Turning inside out the traditional view of David as a beloved king and gentle author of the Psalms, India Edghill's well-written debut novelQueenmakerpaints a dark picture of the lauded biblical hero as seen through the eyes of his first wife, Michal. David's silver-tongued way with words captures Michal's heart, but her marriage to him is soon annulled by her half-mad father, King Saul. She's packed off to marry the widowed farmer Phaltiel, whom Michal soon learns to love. When David gains the throne of Israel and sends for Michal, she discovers that David has become a king who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Through courage and wit, Michal must carve out a new life as the queen and wife of a man she now despises. Edghill isn't afraid to change biblical narrative to suit her story, and paints David as a selfish, grasping leader whose feet of clay are all too evident in this tale. Those who like their biblical narrative served straight up and their heroes untarnished may be disturbed by this reassessment; those who like a good story and a new spin on biblical champions, however, will enjoy this unvarnished look at one of Judaism's and Christianity's most lauded personalities.--Cindy Crosby』
Kakaku：699 saved$6.99
Simon Pulse
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (See That Girl, Read This Book) 『Dancing Queen by Erin Downing is, in a word, fun.
Olivia can't wait to go to London. Not only will she be working at the hottest music television station in England, but she'll be following in the footsteps of her late mother. She brings her enthusiasm and her music knowledge - and, unfortunately, her tendency to spaz.
She hoped to be rubbing elbows with the pop elite at her new job. The first celebrity she runs into - almost literally so - is Josh Cameron, a singer who is as charming as he is famous. He is cool, calm and collected, standing upright; she is flustered, having issues with a revolving door and has fallen on her rear. She is embarrassed; he is amused. No one is more surprised than Liv when Josh keeps in touch with her and asks her out.
London life has a lot to offer Liv. She loves her job, but must work long days for a demanding boss. The small-town American girl also has to deal with her roommates: one high-maintenance girl from Texas, the other a sweet soul from Sweden. Then a VJ contest is announced at work, psyching up all of the interns. Will Olivia think of something that will get her noticed, or will her performance fall flat? When Josh finally finds the time to pencil her into his busy schedule, can she admit to him - and herself - that their relationship is headed nowhere?
Dancing Queen is filled with music references, making readers want to get up and dance. A song title is assigned to every chapter, and the title song Dancing Queen by ABBA plays a major role throughout the story. The author even created an iMix on iTunes - Erin's Dancing Queen Playlist.
If you love music - If you wish you could work at MTV - If you truly listen to your heart - If you like the film What a Girl Wants - Get Dancing Queen by Erin Downing and prepare to boogie!』
(fun romantic comedy on the other side of the pond) 『Seventeen-year-old Olivia has barely been out of her native Ann Arbor, so when she lands a summer internship in London at the hottest TV music station, she can't wait. Of course, her first day on foreign soil, she ends up knocked over by a revolving door in front of the hottest male rock star of the moment: Josh Cameron. Combined with her hah-ri-bul Texas beauty queen roommate, Liv thinks that this is not quite the auspicious start she had hoped for. But her other roommate, a sweet Swedish girl, becomes her ally, and the other interns are fun to hang out with. Plus, Liv is the assisstant to the head of the entire station. So when she and Josh meet again, and he asks her out, it's like the icing on the cake. Who wouldn't want to go clubbing and dancing with the hottest rock star at the hippest spots? But slowly, Liv realizes that Josh seems a little to phony -- and self-absorbed. As much as she loves his attention, she's not sure he's the one for her. Even if the music scene isn't your thing, this book, with great characters, a fun plot, and a great message, will be.』
(Thought-provoking for teens) 『Although the book is a fun read, the story teaches a lot about coping. This is definitely an invaluable book for teenage girls. 』
(Dancing Queen) 『Liv has a summer internship in London for Music Mix where she meets celebrity Josh Cameron and the very cute London local Colin. Both boys are competing for her attention. Dancing Queen is a fun, easy read. I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. The best part though is the playlist. Here's an idea for anyone who reads this: take all of the song titles from the begining of the chapters and make a cd. All except the song "You're so vain" (it makes no sense... why wouldn't he think the song is about him? it is). Have fun!』
(Loved the book! Laughed aloud!) 『This is a great book for teenage girls. The characters are amazingly well-developed following a believable story line. I was especially impressed with how well the author handled life's challenges spread out between several key characters; Downing didn't overburden the main character (Liv). An example is how Liv's roommate Anna struggled with her parents' expectations of her. I enjoyed every word and laughed aloud at times. I passed the book on to my teenage daughter and look forward to hearing her assessment of this amazing book.
A female of any age could enjoy this book, but it is especially appropriate for teenage girls who could reasonably experience 1) travel to a foreign country, 2) living with diverse people, 3) dating, 4) employment with a confusing boss, 5) questions about the future following high school, 6) uncertainty with relationships -- how best to be a friend, 7) moving beyond resentment, 8) differentiating between fantasy and reality in how we perceive others, 9) acceptance of self and others, and 10) disagreements with parents who feel they know what's best. Yup! All this and more is in the book.
This is a pleasant, fun book to read, but a person will still be touched by the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Although the book is undoubtably a light-read and at times, hilarious, it is also thought-provoking and substantial. Downing handles life's complexities in a fun, humorous way. From the main character's ability to handle difficult situations with levity, sensitivity, and penache, a young reader may gain a perspective on life and feel reassured about the uncertain years ahead.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Great job, Ms. Downing!』 『Who needs Prince Charming if you've got a rock star?
It's official. Olivia is a superfreak. Sure, she may have landed the hottest internship at anübercool TV music station. And yes, she's chilling with A-listers in London all summer. But when she meets her very first pop star, she gets caught in a revolving glass door and falls smack down on her bum -- all in one quick motion.
Luckily, Rocker Boy thinks Liv's quirks are adorable. He takes her clubbing at the hippest spots! Liv may be clumsy on solid ground, but on the dance floor shesparkles.The summer's just begun and she's already captured the spotlight -- and a celeb's heart, too. Now if only she wassurehe's the right guy...
IPhone 3G used's review ("That's my girl") 『Once I figured out how to tell the characters apart, this became a much better story. I enjoyed the realistic (I assume - not being a CIA spook) portrayal of the world of espionage - the politics, the bureaucracy and the backstabbing.
Still, there's something always a bit awkward with a female super-agent ("That's my girl," boasts her boss), written and drawn by men, but this is better than most. Tara Chace doesn't have the impossible Catwoman body and manages to hold her own in a male-dominated genre with a minimum of awkward moments.
The plot is fast-paced and absorbing (again, once you get past the art).』
(Shades of Gray Written in Black&White) 『Greg Rucka's excellent spy series follows the members of the Special Section of Britain's Ministry of Intelligence. This black and white series explores the moral ambiguities that flow in and around the dirty deeds done in the name of duty, patriotism, and having a job. The "Minders", or field agents, are not James Bond pretty, but are rather professionals in the field of espionage, often held fast by the peculiar rules of their trade. Eminently readable, it was one of those series that had me buying all of the trades as soon as I finished the previous. Also, look for the "prequel", Whiteout, also by Rucka!』
(The British "Alias" (without the soap-opera drama)) 『I was a little skeptical at first about this book. Rucka is not a Brit, but he tries writing for English characters. Surprisingly, Rucka deftly handles the dialogue without sounding like he's just sticking in a "bloody" or a "sod off" here and there. He successfully immerses the reader in the world of British black ops.
This book reminds me of the American TV show "Alias," but without the romance and convoluted relationships. This is a straight-forward spy book, with believable action and well-crafted character development.
Many people have complained about Steve Rolston's simplistic artwork style. It doesn't bother me. I wouldn't say he's my favorite artist, but it doesn't get in the way of Rucka's brilliant story.
』
(VERY high quality work) 『This is an "adult" graphic novel, not in the sexual-content sense but because the plot does not involve superheroes, fantasy, or magic. In fact, it's much more gritty and topical than even most adult thrillers I've read. The Secret Intelligence Service, based in London, is (apparently) an MI-6 kind of operation, chartered to carry out assassinations and other operations abroad but whose agents are not even allowed to be armed at home. Tara Chace -- "Minder Two" -- is their best shooter and the story opens with her involved in an unauthorized Special Operation in Kosovo to take out a rogue Russian officer now running with the Russian mafia. Her success, followed by an iffy escape from the scene, leads the Russians to put a bounty on her head -- and to fire a shoulder-launched rocket at the SIS headquarters, just to show they can. Paul Crocker, Director of Ops, wants not just to catch the perpetrators of the attack, he wants them dead. The Kosovo operation was a favor owed to the CIA, who now decline to help in his vendetta. And so on, in a nicely complicated plot that revolves on personalities and the rules of the game in a changed world as much as on action sequences. The art is straight black-and-white line drawing that emphasizes facial expression and body language -- which fits well with the rather talky style of the narration. My only complaint is that the story doesn't so much end as simply stop -- obviously only the first episode in a continuing series (which I haven't seen any sign of).』
(Absolutely, unbelievably good!!!!) 『Every once in a while a comics series comes along that is so far ahead of the curve, you wonder how anything else could possibly measure up. Ennis' Preacher is one. Ellis' Transmetropolitan is another. Queen&Country is definitely one of the greats!! This is one of those series that shows, in graet detail, that there is some incredibly strong writing going on in comics today. Rucka's dialogue and pacing are so spot on and realistic! This is a book that transceds the perception that comics are for kids and are of no real value as "literature". Rucka has created a stunning work of art with Queen&Country, one that is continually being perfected month after month.』 『As part of the Special Section of Britain's Ministry of Intelligence, Tara Chace is one of a handful of operatives they call when they need to clean up a mess, or to make a new one. It's a world of questionable morals. For instance, is it better to assassinate a general in the Russian mafia rather than allow him to peddle more guns and drugs in underprivileged countries? Tara's bosses seem to think so. But the Russian mafia ask their own question - once someone has taken the life of one of their officers, can they continue to let that person live? Greg Rucka peels back the lid on the traditional espionage story to see the nastiness inside, and Steve Rolston brings it to life with stunning clarity.』
Kakaku：499 saved$4.99
Dark Horse
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Bettie Page) 『Excellent book, with good pictures of Bettie. It has a good piece of Bettie's story, too!』
(a great fan of bettys......) 『 I love Betty Paige...and adored this book...I read many true stories and unusual or odd memoirs...I find them to be the most stimulating because they are not mainstream. This book was well worth reading....』
(Tawdry Rather Than Celebratory) 『The most unfortunate thing about Jim Silke's book is that he writes about Bettie Page (and very poorly, at that) as an object rather than as a person--his interest in Bettie doesn't seem to extend beyond his own masturbatory fantasies. It doesn't appear that the author spent much time researching his subject (beyond looking at her pictures). While there are a respectable number photographs and some nice artwork by Dave Stevens and Robert McGinnis, there are far too many pages devoted to Silke's own drawings of Bettie, many of which are based on old movie stills or Olivia paintings.』
(a must have for amy bettie page fan) 『Let me just say if your a bettie page fan you,ll love all the pic,drawing and hard to find nude of Ms page. Its a short book but well layed out.』 『Bettie Page first came to notice through a glamour photograph published in "Flirt" magazine in 1951. Containing photographs and artists' representations, this book explores her influence on American popular culture, from dime novels to paperbacks, and from painting to advertising.』
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Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (SAD) 『It is a sad day when we say a book that encourages children to research demons and witchcraft is a must read. I truly pray, people who call themselves christians will not allow their children to read such a book. It is truly disturbing.Light and darkness can not mix.』
((RAW Rating 4.5) Welcome to My World) 『On a day when life should have been near perfect for twelve-year-old gymnast Charlemagne Mack, she faces a
