Kakaku：1084 saved$10.84
Forgotten Books
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Great history for the Ethiopian history buff) 『The Ethiopian history is a proud history and it is so valuable to have the history back to the Solomonic period. In current times we only seem to see the difficulties Ethiopia has experienced in recent times, but their history is a proud one, and one they should be proud of. Having two adopted children from Ethiopia, I am very glad to have this resource to accurately relate their proud history, not just the recent times' difficulties.』 『Book Description:
"The KEBRA NAGAST, or the Book of the Glory of Kings of Ethiopia, has been in existence for at least a thousand years, and contains the true history of the origin of the Solomonic line of kings in Ethiopia. It is regarded as the ultimate authority on the history of the conversion of the Ethiopians from the worship of the sun, moon, and stars to that of the Lord God of Israel."(Quote from moonchild.ch)
Table of Contents:
Publisher’s Preface; Preface To The Present Edition; Preface To The First Edition; Introduction; The Glory Of Kings; Concerning The Glory Of Kings; Concerning The Greatness Of Kings; Concerning The Kingdom Of Adam; Concerning Envy; Concerning The Kingdom Of Seth; Concerning The Sin Of Cain; Concerning Noah; Concerning The Flood; Concerning The Covenant Of Noah; Concerning Zion; The Unanimous Declaration Of The Three Hundred And Eighteen Orthodox Fathers; Concerning Canaan; Concerning Abraham; Concerning The Covenant Of Abraham; Concerning Isaac And Jacob; Concerning RÔbÊl (reuben); Concerning The Glory Of Zion; How The Orthodox Fathers And Bishops Agreed; How This Book Came To Be Found; Concerning The Division Of The Earth; Concerning The Queen Of The South; Concerning TÂmrÎn, The Merchant; How The Merchant Returned To Ethiopia; How The Queen Made Ready To Set Out On Her Journey; How The Queen Came To Solomon The King; How The King Held Converse With The Queen; Concerning The Labourer; How Solomon Gave Commandments To The Queen; Concerning The Three Hundred And Eighteen [patriarchs]; Concerning How King Solomon Swore To The Queen; Concerning The Sign Which Solomon Gave The Queen; HowThe Queen Brought Forth And Came To Her Own Country; How The King Of Ethiopia Travelled; How The Young Man Arrived In His Mother's Country; How King Solomon Sent To His Son The Commander Of His Army; How King Solomon Held Intercourse With His Son; How Solomon Asked His Son Questions; How The King Planned To Send Away His Son With The Children Of The Nobles; How They Made The Son Of Solomon King; How Zadok The Priest Gave Commands To David The King; Concerning The Blessing Of Kings; Concerning The Ten Commandments; How The Men Of The Army Of Israel Received [their] Orders; How It Is Not A Seemly Thing To Revile The King; How Those Who Were Sent Away Wept And Made A Plan; How They Made A Plan Concerning Zion; Concerning The Offering Of AzÂryÂs (azariah) And The King; How They Carried Away Zion; How His Father Blessed His Son; How They Bade Farewell To His Father And How The City Mourned;How He Said Unto Zadok The Priest, "go And Bring The Covering (or, Clothing) Which Is Upon It (i.e., Zion)"; How Zadok The Priest Departed; How The Wagon Was Given To Ethiopia; How David [the King Of Ethiopia] Prophesied And Saluted Zion; How The People Of Ethiopia Rejoiced; Of The Return Of ZadokThe Priest, And The Giving Of The Gift; Concerning The Fall Of Zadok The Priest; How Solomon Rose Up To Slay Them; How The King Questioned An Egyptian, The Servant Of Pharaoh; How Solomon Lamented For Zion; How Solomon Returned To Jerusalem; Concerning The Answer Which Solomon Made To Them; How TheNobles Of Israel Agreed [with The King]; How The Daughter Of Pharaoh Seduced Solomon; Concerning The Sin Of Solomon; Concerning The Prophecy Of Christ; Concerning The Lamentation Of Solomon; Concerning Mary, Our Lady Of Salvation; Concerning The Question Of Solomon; How Rehoboam Reigned; ConcerningMary, The Daughter Of David; Concerning The King Of RÔmÊ (constantinople); Concerning The First Judgment Of ’adrÂmÎ, King Of RÔmÊ; Concerning The King Of MedyÂm; Concerning The King Of Babylon; Concerning Lying Witnesses; Concerning The King Of Persia; Concerning The King Of Moab; Concerning The King Of Amalek; Concerning The King Of The Philistines; How The Son Of Samson Slew The Son Of The King Of The Philistines; Co』
Kakaku：2995 saved$29.95
Nicolas-Hays
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Excellent and Inspiring) 『This is an excellent discussion of Celtic mythology and the female archetype. I am not an expert on either archetypes or Jungian psychotherapy, but I still found this book utterly AMAZING. Being in recovery myself, I could relate to many of Perera's clients' stories. So, from an ordinary person off the streets, let me send my highest praise to Perera for an EXCELLENT book.』
(An insightful contribution to literature of psychoanalysis) 『Celtic Queen Maeve And Addiction: An Archetypal Perspective by Jungian psychoanalyst Sylvia Brinton Perera is a scholarly, serious look at the phenomenon of addiction utilizing the mythological stories and images of the Celtic Queen/Goddess Maeve. Highly researched and presenting a complex, multi-dimensional view of a very human problem and social ill, Celtic Queen Maeve And Addiction offers a fascinating dichotomy presentation that seeks to better understand the nature of addiction and the symbols of addiction. A close and extensively detailed look at how a figure in ancient Celtic lore relates to modern times. Celtic Queen Maeve And Addiction is an impressive and insightful contribution to the literature of psychoanalysis, addiction, and Jungian Studies.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Uneven advice brings this book down) 『This book does contain some helpful information. I specifically appreciate the parts on decoding what others are saying and things you are to never say (like "I don't know what you're teaching your kids, but we teach ours to be polite"). I also really enjoyed the quotes from teachers, counselors, coaches and principals.
However, some of the suggestions for dealing with conflict boggle my mind. For instance, the author says if someone else schedules a birthday party on the same day as your child's party, you should call up the other parents, and suggest a joint party or give them the chance to "do the right thing," which is apparently for those parents to cancel/reschedule their child's party. I find this to be absurd, impractical, and potentially embarrassing to your child. First of all, if you are the one with the problem with the parties, you should reschedule your child's party. Why are you trying to make your problem their problem? Perhaps you could make a joint party work, but either that child wasn't invited to your child's party in the first place, or that child WAS invited but decided to have his own party. Either way, it doesn't bode well for a joint party. I think another suggestion was for the parents of both kids to send out a joint letter stating that they expect the kids to honor their first commitment to one of the parties. Again, I find this micromanaging and awkward.
There are other instances of this but I think you can get the idea. First she says don't micromanage your child's social life and then seems to suggest you do that very thing. There is helpful information here, just don't swallow everything without a little common sense.』
(Finding the Strength to Stand Up for Our Kids (and Stepkids)) 『If you've ever tried to get involved in the PTA and wondered why you left feeling insecure about your abilities as a parent, winced at hearing a dad (or mom) comment loudly and negatively on the soccer abilities of 5-year-olds from the sidelines, or sat silently while the booster club is hijacked by a parent who's a bully, then you'll find much to appreciate in this book.
A never-ending series of power plays among parents - the dramas that all of us see every day - are dramatically affecting our children and their schools, playing fields, and life skill development. Wiseman spotlights parents who live out their own insecurities through their kids. They push their children to take a whirlwind of classes, load them up with extra-curricular activities, and fret that it's not enough to gain admittance to the Ivy League. So it goes one step further - to bullying school administrators, blackballing other kids, and swooping in to rescue our children from the lessons they desperately need to learn on their own.
It's no surprise to see her expertly slice and dice the undercurrents surrounding a Queen Bee Mom and her posse, as they turn a cold shoulder to the new parent stumbling into the book fair planning committee. Wiseman also wrote Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence, the landmark New York Times bestseller on relational aggression in girls.
Several personas - from Caveman Dad to Hovercraft Mom, flit through the pages. They're not labels per se - but tools that help us understand our own roles and behaviors.
There is no prissy-footing or tip-toeing around the big issues here. The book offers solid advice with scripts to help parents stand up and build a culture of civility and respect that helps all our children. She encourages parents to challenge the often aggressive, inappropriate, and plain over-the-top behavior exhibited by many parents today.
It's a field guide in handling uncomfortable conversations between parents and adults who care about children. For example, a dad overhears a couple of women calling his daughter a slut because of how she is dressed. For most parents - the options that immediately come to mind are to start a shouting match with the women, or to slink off in silence. In reality - the dad didn't like the way his daughter was dressed, and would like for her to dress differently - and was struggling in his relationship with her. Wiseman offers a scripted conversation to guide how the dad could approach these women, state what he overheard, and ask for the situation he'd like to see happen instead.
And the reader is not off the hook, either. Wiseman encourages all of us to reflect on our own behaviors and motivations, and consider how we can be part of a community that values its members, treats people with dignity, and supports our children. The conversational and warm tone make for easy reading. Although the book talks directly to parents, there is much of value here for stepparents, educators, and others who care about children and their well-being. As a former youth worker who endured more than a few parental barrages - I found much of comfort and value in this book. As a stepmom to three, I saw some of my own experiences and observations mirrored, picked up a boatload of helpful advice, and considered my own attitudes and behavior.
I met author Rosalind Wiseman during the National Book Festival in Washington, DC last year. I was impressed with her energy and commitment to helping us all build positive communities for our children. When she inscribed her autograph in my book, she added "Stay strong!" We all need to hear that.』
(Look out, queen bee moms/kingpin dads! We're on to you!) 『Again, Rosalind Wiseman is giving us moms, and women in general, the information necessary to go up against the queen bee moms and kingpin dads out there! And I laughed when reading one of the negative reviews, because I can guarantee you that the information in this book hit a nerve with that particular reviewer...buzzzzzzzzzzz. Thanks, Ms. Wiseman! Knowledge is power.』
(A must read for every parent) 『Although, I only have a four and a two year old. I know that the time will come when I have to handle certain situations that are described in her book. Like what to do when my daughter doesnt want to invite a girl to her party, or when my son thinks that he got a grade he didnt deserve. Although some of the situations wont happen to me, because I live in a small town, but I think that this book will help every involved parent that wants the best for their kids.』
(Good encouragement about standing up for yourself and your kids) 『The author gives good examples about how to confront another parent. The best part of the book for me was where she points out that apologies are important, and suggests how to ask for an apology and to give a sincere apology yourself.』 『What happens to Queen Bees and Wannabes when they grow up?
Even the most well-adjusted moms and dads can experience peer pressure and conflicts with other adults that make them act like they’re back in seventh grade. InQueen Bee Moms&Kingpin Dads, Rosalind Wiseman gives us the tools to handle difficult situations involving teachers and other parents with grace. Reassuring, funny, and unfailingly honest, Wiseman reveals:
• Why PTA meetings and Back-to-School nights tap into parents’ deepest insecurities
• How to recognize the archetypal moms and dads—from Caveman Dad to Hovercraft Mom
• How and when to step in and step out of your child’s conflicts with other children, parents, teachers, or coaches
• How to interpret the code phrases other parents use to avoid (or provoke) confrontation
• Why too many well-meaning dads sit on the sidelines, and how vital it is that they step up to the plate
• What to do and say when the playing field becomes an arena for people to bully and dominate other kids and adults
• How to have respectful yet honest conversations with other parents about sex and drugs when your values are in conflict
• How the way you handle parties, risky behavior, and academic performance affects your child
• How unspoken assumptions about race, religion, and other hot-button subjects sabotage parents’ ability to work together
Queen Bee Moms&Kingpin Dadsis filled with the kind of true stories that made Wiseman’sNew York Timesbestselling bookQueen Bees&Wannabesimpossible to put down. There are tales of hardworking parents with whom any of us can identify, along with tales of outrageously bad parents—the kind we all have to reckon with. For instance, what do you do when parents donate a large sum of money to a school and their child is promptly transferred into the honors program–while your son with better grades doesn’t make the cut? What about the mother who helps her daughter compose poison-pen e-mails to yours? And what do you say to the parent-coach who screams at your child when the team is losing? Wiseman offers practical advice on avoiding the most common parenting “land mines” and useful scripts to help you navigate difficult but necessary conversations.
Queen Bee Moms&Kingpin Dadsis essential reading for parents today. It offers us the tools to become wiser, more relaxed parents–and the inspiration to speak out, act according to our values, show humility, and set the kind of example that will make a real difference in our children’s lives.
Also available as a Random House AudioBook and as an eBook』 『
8 Things You'll Learn fromQueen Bee Moms&Kingpin Dads
Rosalind Wiseman was gracious enough to give us a sneak peek at the advice found in her new book, and we're kind enough to share. So, if you've ever found yourself in any of the following situations,Queen Bee Moms&Kingpin Dadsis the book for you:
1.Your kid, who attends every practice diligently, gets lots of "pine time" on the bench, while other kids who aren't nearly as good get more play time. Should you say anything to the coach?
2.Your daughter fights with her best friend, who shuts her out of the clique. The best friend's Mom says, "I really think the girls should work it out, don't you?"
3.An angry father shouts down the principal at the PTA meeting, saying, "I know I speak for all parents here when I say..." while you disagree completely. Should you speak up?
4.You walk by two women and overhear them saying about a girl nearby, "She looks like such a slut." That's your daughter they're talking about. Should you confront them?
5.Your son goes to a party where there's drinking. When the cops bust up the party, your kid gets suspended too, even though he wasn't drinking. Should you protest?
6.Your daughter doesn't get invited to "the" party of the season, which is being given by one of her good friends. Should you call the other mother?
7.They're putting the squeeze on you to join yet another school committee, but you're already stretched thin with your full-time job. How can you say no?
8.The principal busts your kid for cheating, and now his chances for getting into a good college are ruined. It was a one-time offense, and you think the principal is making too big a deal of the incident. Should you challenge the school to get it expunged from his high school transcript?
IPhone 3G used's review (No more Bimbos) 『If you are a woman at mid-life (and I think that covers a span of some thirty or forty years), this is the book you should keep under your pillow every night. Joan Chamberlain Engelsman has written a tiny tome (110 pages) that turns into volumes as it rests on your psyche. Ever since Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty have been exposed as bimbos and frauds, women like Engelsman have understood our serious need for tales of out own and have labored to fill the gap. The book begins with the ostemsibly simple myth of a Queen who cannot wear her mother's cloak but must instead fashion her own out of flax that she grows herself, half of her mother's cloak, and yarn from gifts she had previously bestowed on the king, her children her sibling, and which she must now reclaim. As Engelsman is quick to acknowledge, the story of the Queen's cloak is hers only in so far as she was the first to write it down. In fact, the story belongs equally to all of us. For the bulk of the book, Engelsman shows us how she, her students, friends, and colleagues have read and continue to read this myth. The invitation to the reader is clear: use what you can from our "cloaks" but read the myth many times, knowing that there is nothing more truthful than your own reflections and knowing also that your responses and reflections will become enriched with each reading.』
(This is a wonderful, empowering story for women.) 『I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a great story about a woman's journey through this life as she begins to look for herself and learn how this is done. It is told from a woman's perspective and is positive and affirming for both men and women. My own struggles were written here and I can see the light at the end of my own tunnel. I think men who read this can have a new lense through which to see the women in their lives.』 『This original fairy tale about a queen who weaves herself a magic cloak draws the reader in through the use of traditional fairy-tale surroundings and provides a pointed metaphor for the struggles many women encounter in mid-life. A discussion which helps to establish a model for self-healing follows.』
Kakaku：374 saved$3.74
NAL Trade
In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. IPhone 3G used's review (Arrogance in Abundance) 『I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if it had been strictly about Boudica. However, every other chapter was about a Roman woman or Roman general or Roman emperor. I could have done without the incestous thoughts and ways of the Romans. Lots of it was irrelevant to the story of Boudica. Boudica, in this novel, is an arrogant person. She literally bit off more than she could chew. What really did not sit well with me, throughout the entire novel, was the fact that she catered to Rome and allowed them to rape and enslave and rob her people and enjoyed immense riches UNTIL they took HER stuff. Only THEN did she want to fight for her country. Only after they raped her daughters, stole her home, and publicily whipped her, did this woman lift a finger for her people. Nevermind that what had happened to her and her children had already happened to a thousand others in her country. So it was a story of revenge, not of honor.』
(Cheesey in places) 『This didn't do it for me and seemed to be lacking a certain punch. It missed the mark&I considered it cheesey in places. The Eagle&the Raven by Pauline Gedge is a superior effort on Boudica and not too bad all round but sadly I am yet to find the novel that deals with Boudica as the main subject that fulfils all my expectations&that would go close to perfection as she is a subject that offers so many possibilities.』
(Strikingly different view of the doomed rebellious queen) 『From the depictions the Romans have given her, and even from modern documentaries, I had the permanent image of Boudicca as the wronged Queen, in a primal fit of rage and vengeance, leading a scrappy rabble of Britons on an ultimately failed rebellion which wrought some havoc amongst Rome, before being put down by a proper Roman army under Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. It seemed obvious from her tactics at the Battle of Watling Street.
But this book, by Alan Gold, convincingly presents to me a different version of said story.
Meticulously researched, the book must take a few liberties, however, with regards to Boudicca's life prior to her life as Queen of the Iceni. Aside from some seemingly pointless filler chapters involving Claudius and Messalina or Nero and Agrippina, it is utterly compelling, and manages to villainize the Romans in Briton from Boudicca's point of view, and gradually heroicize them under the likes of Gaius Suetonius Paulinus.
The author rarely attempts to romanticize some of the grittiness of everyday life, openly portraying Boudicca and Prasutagus as sexual beings, knowingly having extra-marital relationships and remaining happily married, and rather explicitly detailing Boudicca's awe with Roman plumbing, and how easily it disposes of her waste. And from Rome, it casually sets up sexual situations, including that of Claudius receiving a handjob from his niece, or Nero having sex with his mother.
From the rebellion onward, the book gains more focus, leaving aside Nero's random bouncing from flawed moralist to utter maniac, and drivingly tells of Boudicca's rebellion and the glory for the Britannic tribes it will fuel, and even the necessity for Suetonius Paulinus to defeat her, lest their defeat fuel the flames of rebellion and anarchy on every border of the Empire.
Where once, I thought of Boudicca as a good-intended, but ultimately "barbarian" warrioress, the book paints her as victim to the massive horde of Britons' innate lack of discipline and barbarity, as they grow careless of training, getting drunk every night and feasting on the spoils of the cities they've looted, while Paulinus invigorates his demoralized legions in a way reminiscent of Caesar.
Their final clash at Watling Street, where once I thought Boudicca stupid enough to bash her army against the Roman wall, the book paints her as helpless to stop her warriors' bloodlust as they foolishly rush head-long onto the Roman lines, and cause their own destruction by pressing in without any organization, while their wagons block off their escapes.
While Suetonius Paulinus and Boudicca are both heroicized, the book ultimately ends too early to contradict this depiction, as Paulinus deals so harshly with the subjugated Britons that even Nero is repulsed and removes Paulinus from his post. Other than that, it was a richly inviting and intriguing story.』
(Excellent read!) 『This was an excellent recounting of the story. The author seemed to have done thorough research and has a good understanding of the culture that existed at the time. I would highly recommend reading this book!』
(Oh, please...) 『As an ordained druid priestess, I'll be the first to admit that the amount we actually know about the ancient druids fills about 2 pages, and some of that was written by the romans themselves. Not exactly the best source for information. Everything else is speculation based on a few fragmentary references in Greek, Latin, and medieval Irish writings. What did the druids actually practice? Nobody knows!! So why try to create rituals for them in this book? Yes, OK, it's fiction. I get that. But gods, Cornwell did it SO much better in his Warlord Chronicles. I guess I'm spoiled by an actual author who IS a meticulous researcher.
Two stars (WHICH I CAN'T SEEM TO EDIT, HELLO???) instead of 0 for the roman bits that are correct. Everything else is completely fiction. I also rated this low for hokiness. Some of the dialogue is so ridiculous.』 『Meticulously researched and imaginatively wrought, Warrior Queen is the sweeping epic of a flame-haired woman who would dare to challenge the vicious might of the Roman Empire-and whose name would echo throughout history.
In 43 A.D., Boudica became the queen of a Celtic tribe-and a Roman sympathizer. But after years of loyal service to the Empire, she would find herself brutally betrayed. With the conviction of a hero and the courage of a warrior, she united the Celts against their enemy. The fury of her unleashed vengeance threw the Roman forces into chaos, made her a goddess to her own people-and carried her into the history books as a true heroine of the British people.
Now, Alan Gold retells the story of Boudica in a novel that embraces all the fiery passion and intrigue of the Warrior Queen.』
IPhone 3G used's review (The Four Of Hearts - Different Publisher , Same Year) 『I add to the first reviewer that the 1938 hardcover I have(since about 1957) was published by Grosset&Dunlap , New York "By arrangement with Frederick A. Stokes Co." The quotation came from the second printed page, the first having only "The Four Of Hearts". My copy has the outside color red with black lettering front and on the spine.』
(Zany Characterization of Hollywood. Another Remarkable Display of Deductive Skills.) 『The Devil to Pay (1937), The Four of Hearts (1938), and The Origin of Evil (1951) roughly fall in Ellery Queen's middle period and are unique in that the setting is Hollywood. While the portrayal of the Hollywood film industry could not be more farfetched and inaccurate, the three stories are humorous and entertaining, and make good mysteries.
The Four of Hearts is a zany sequel to The Devil to Pay. Ellery finally meets his employer, the young Jacques Butcher, colloquially known as Boy Wonder, executive vice-president of production at Magna Studios. Unfortunately, as Ellery begins his work on his first screen play, an elaborate publicity stunt for the new production is derailed by a double murder. As Ellery begins his investigation, he finds himself crossing swords again with Inspector Glucke of the Los Angeles Police Department. And perhaps what is most unexpected, Ellery himself becomes enamored with a popular, strikingly beautiful, Hollywood gossip columnist.
Despite the hilarious caricature of movie stars, producers, screen writers, and gossip columnists, the murder mystery itself is still quite good and the puzzle will challenge even the astute reader. Ellery's deductions are impressive.
The Four of Hearts has been reissued by HarperCollins. Sometimes an early Pocket Book edition can be found. Another possibility is a 2000 publication by Four Walls Eight Windows of the three Ellery Queen stories that take place in Hollywood under the title The Hollywood Murders.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Enjoyable and continues the story nicely. A transition book.) 『The fourth book of the War of the Spider Queen continues the story nicely. Focusing mostly on Halisstra's conversion to another faith, the constant maneuvering between Pharaun and Quenthel, and the invasion of Menzoberranzen, this book jumps around a lot, keeping the reader entertained. As has been happening throughout the series, the characters undergo slight shifts in behaviour and personality, reflecting the author's view of the story and each individual player. As a couple of other reviewers have pointed out, Pharaun seems to have grown much more powerful as a wizard, and Quenthel seems to have suffered some kind of brain damage or something. Nothing seems impossible for the wizard, while the priestess becomes completely reliant on her personal slave-whip for advice and is easily fooled. Overall though, and contrary to many of the other reviewers, I liked Smedman's writing style. The book flowed smoothly and was entertaining. Really very little to complain about and the story seems to be headed in a good direction. One thing, if typos and errors annoy you, get these books in the mmp edition, where all of those things have been corrected. Apparently they were very prevalent in the original editions.
For the best enjoyment, start the series at the beginning and for the best value, get the War of the Spider Queen Gift Set, Part I, available here on Amazon.』
(Weakest Yet) 『***SPOILER ALERT***
With the previous 3 books I found myself racing through the pages because I was excited about what would happen next to the strange party of drow that seemed to be the last hope for Menzoberranzen. With the 4th book in the series I am racing through it so I can get to a new author! The plot twists lack believability and are border line stupid. Hallistra is a drow, years of living in the underdark should leave her mistrusting, yet her transition in faith happens so fast I feel like it takes away from the character development from the previous titles, and poor Ryld, who was a great character, get's dragged along with her. Phaerun and Quenthel's attempts at betrayal really could have been better thought out and explained. I've been a devoted fan of realms lore for many years now, and have an archive of books from various authors, and Smedman's work thus far is a negative addition to it. The series is worth the painful read, but it really is unfortunate that WOTC butchers the realms with poor choices in authors from time to time, not to mention the spellplague, BLEGH!』
(Smedman ruined it for me.) 『*slight spoiler alert* At the end of the 3rd book, the previous author leads the group back to a cave to a portal that was said to be a 2-way portal. Lisa Smedman at the beginning of her book decides it's just a 1-way portal instead.
Lisa Smedman also not only changes how the characters are (as would be normal) but she takes it to extremes. I understand that Drow are chaotic and all that stuff, but to take Hallistra..who basically in the end of the 3rd book is a former priestess of Lloth questioning her faith, and then turn her into this almost "damsel in distress" character is pathetic. I don't care how chaotic the Drow are..this shouldn't have happened. And on top of that, she turned Ryld into this big, strong, caring, teddy bear type to tag along with Hallistra. Again, that is NOT what a Drow would do. Maybe over time of living on the surface world, they would change to be more caring..but not as fast and cheesy as Lisa Smedman did it.
So far I am only upto chapter 9 I believe..but I am really wanting to just get done with this book as I can go onto the next ones. So far Smedman is doing a horrid job with Drow lore.』
(Awesome Series) 『Incredible six part series "War of the Spider Queen" is best of the best when it comes to F.R. fantasy novels. I am a big fan of the Drow and love the chaos their lives cause. I will forever be a Salvatore reader and recommend this book and it's entire series to any fantasy novelist. An author as good as Salvatore can ensnare you from first word to last quotation, so read on and enjoy!』
(A decent entry to the series, but probably the weakest thus far) 『Lisa Smedman's effort comes up a little short for me. Coming off the tidal wave that ended Condemnation, I had high expectations for this book. While it had some strong points and highly entertaining moments, I felt overall it was a bit unorganized and somewhat "soft".
First i'd like to point out, it was very noticeable that this entry was written by a female, because the book has a sort of sentimentality and soft side the other books did not. This was good for telling the story of Hallistra and Ryld, but bad for other things. The drow in this book didn't have quite that same overall negative feel they should have, and that the other authors held onto. There are also some events of the book that go somewhat unexplained and are told haphazardly. For example: (no spoilers, dont worry!) there is a part where Quenthel and Jeggred are instantly underwater with the aboleths without explanation. I suppose Smedman wanted us to assume Pharaun did that with his "do it all" magic? You will also notice in this entry that Pharaun's magic seems to be of archmage status... getting the expedition out of virtually any situation and saving his hide every time. That was somewhat hard to believe at times.
The book was not without its good parts though! On a positive note, I really like how Smedman wrote both Hallistra Melarn, and Gromph Baenre. We really got to see a new side of Hallistra in this book, and I feel Smedman had the sentimentality to write the female drow well. I also like how she handled Gromph, as she seemed to capture his nature and personality well.
One must question the more weak willed role Quenthel Baenre is taking in the series though.I dont know if this is deliberate, or if its just how Smedman portrayed her, but it seems with every book she becomes less of a leader and more of a fumbling ill-willed priestess who relies on her vipers for advice more than her own instinct.
There were many enjoyable parts of the book, but given its shortcomings, I could not give this book 4 stars. Its not a bad entry to the series, but I feel its been the overall weakest thus far.
』 『This latest title expands the civil upheaval among the drow, one of the most popular races in the Forgotten Realms setting. Best-selling author R.A. Salvatore wrote the prologue toExtinctionand continues to consult on the series, lending his expertise as the author who brought drow society to the forefront of the Forgotten Realms setting. 』
Kakaku：1995 saved$19.95
CrossHouse Publishing
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (A Royal appointment!) 『God has brought our family to the Memphis area for an 8 month assignment and what a blessing to have "stumbled" onto Jean Stockdale! As a mother of 3 little girls I was in desperate need of some reassurance, encouragement, support and accountability! Never before have I experienced such a powerful, hilarious and passionate teacher, someone truly living for Christ and blessing so many mommas in the process of her surrender! So often I think us mommas are forgotten...we are to plug along through these days of diapers, mac and cheese and crayon on the wall without complaint. Somehow trying to look beautiful in the process! Through Jean God is making me feel beautiful again. He is letting me know that I have an important eternal assignment and these exhausting days can all be accomplished with the strength of a Queen. I am a member of THE royal family! And so are you!』
(Creating a legacy) 『I have sat under the teachings of Jean Stockdale for about two years now and this study is just as powerful as the first. The Holy Spirit, through Jean, puts me on the path to righteousness reminding me that our ultimate goal is to live in eternity today! Jean has truly allowed herself to be used by God as she teaches her "little mommas" on how to live a life for the kingdom, as heirs to the throne, raising up our subjects to serve Jesus - Live like a queen!』
(Ready to LIVE like a queen?) 『Jean Stockdale is a woman in desperate pursuit of God. Her determination to know God on an intimate level, and her dedication to studying the Bible, have thought me many truths. Some discovered through tears as I relate to her stories on trying to raise children for the Kingdom, and some truths are learned through outright belly laughing. All the while without an ounce of pretense or pride. Jean tells it like it is ... and how it can be when you truly learn to live your life as an heir to the throne of righteousness. God is using this book to change the way I study and apply God's Word to my role as a daughter of the KING of KINGS and as a mother of two. Open your heart to what God wants to teach you as you explore how to live like a queen!』 『As members of God's royal family, we are called to reign in real life. However, every mom knows that living like a queen involves more than looking good in the crown! Tending to the never-ending needs of the royal subjects and kingdom life is a daunting task. For busy moms, brushing your teeth qualifies as a victory, much less keeping your crown on straight. Ths study of God's Word gives perspective to frazzled moms. The Bible offers encouragement for the weary and instruction for the teachable. The Bible is resplendent with glorious revelation for faith-walking and crown-wearing. Join Jean Stockdale for an exciting look into the life of Esther. Esther, a Jew living in exile in Persia, is plucked from obscurity and swept into the opulent world of the palace. For such a time as this God ordained her presence in the palace to save her people from annihilation. The study of the Book of Esther will help you discern the unique purpose and plan God has designed for your life. Perfect for a woman at any life season, the study of Esther will encourage you to see the hidden hand of God at work behind the scenes.』 fetish『 Sylvia Jean, Drama Queen 』
『 This Is the Van That Dad Cleaned 』
『 Goldilocks Returns 』
『 The Gingerbread Girl 』
『 Little Red Riding Hood: A Newfangled Prairie Tale (Stories to Go!) 』
『 Pinkalicious 』
Lisa Campbell Ernst
Kakaku：374 saved$3.74
Dutton Juvenile
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (She's the belle of the ball!) 『Sylvia Jean is a young piglet who has Miss Piggy's flair and wardrobe but thankfully not her overbearing and entitled attitude. She loves to dress up for every occasion, be it big or small. Her family and friends take it for granted that Sylvia Jean will show up in something marvelous every time. When the announcement comes that a costume party and contest will be held in town, everyone assumes that Sylvia Jean's outfit will be the biggest and best one of all. Surprise! A wonderful story accompanied by colorful illustrations that match the mood of this porcine community. This little piggy teaches both young and old that sometimes the best way to stand out in a crowd is simply to be yourself.』 『Wildly costumed for every occasion, Sylvia Jean is famous for always having the perfect outfit. She’s a superhero when she wants to be brave, a swan when she must be elegant in ballet class, and a clown when people need cheering up.When a town-wide costume contest is announced, everyone assumes Sylvia Jean will be triumphant. But Sylvia Jean panics. How will she ever top her previous performances? After some musing and mulling (and not a little moaning), she once again conjures up an astonishing way to amaze the crowd—by going as herself.』
