Kakaku：379 saved$3.79
The Writers Block, Inc.
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (A fascinating and fast paced history lesson) 『When at first I picked this book up and started reading it I got to page 30 and put if down before reading two others. Ms Garwoods story telling style is so different to most other writers of historical fiction that it can take a little while to get used to. I am happy to say I picked the book back up and after that couldnt put it down.
Its the story of Zenobia (Queen of Palmyra)and her husband King Odainat and their kingdoms struggles against the enemies of Rome (their ally at the beginning of the book). Entwined with this is the story of Aurelian, a cunning Roman officer who wants one day to rise to Emperor and who curries favour with whomever has influence enough to help him achieve that goal. When a rising Aurelian decides that Palmyra is becoming too powerfull for Romes good, he sets up an assassination attempt on its leaders. Zenobia survives. Bereft of her much loved husband she must stem mutiny and insurrection and rebuild her kingdom whereupon she is determined to become Romes greatest enemy and reap revenge for the betrayal of her and her husbands loyalty. In particular she wants to one day confront the perpetrator of the plot that killed her husband - Aurelian.
Aurelian is a backstabbing, frontstabbing, viper of a man, bent on power who lets neither friendship of loyalty to his leaders get in his way where goals are concerned. He contrasts with the more sensible and calmer Zenobia. Much of the book follows their trial and tribulations as Zenobia seeks to claim Roman lands from Asia Minor to Egypt and strangle Romes power in the East while Aurelian must fight off Barbarians threatening Romes West while plotting his way to the Emperors throne. Only when Emperor can he see his desire to defeat the rising power of Zenobias kingdom - a challenge he has considered for 20 years - come to fruition.
Haley Garwoods writing is very fast flowing. There is little superfluous in her descriptions of events/objects be it battles, travels,temples, palaces, people and places, or landscape. Marching to battle and the battle from beginning to end itself can be covered in as little as a page while a temple is described as a temple with maybe a brief description of one the Gods enshrined within and thats about it. The focus is on fast paced action and interaction between the key characters. Given the way the book flows from East to West and all points in between its probably just as well otherwise the book would take 900 pages to describe. Characterisation is not given much emphasis either. Zenobia is shown to be good by her love of her husband and children, her leadership qualities in peace and war as well as the respect she those around her have for her. Aurelian is shown to be bad because he is always brooding, plotting and backstabbing when not eagerly risking life and limb to lop off some Goths head in battle. The book basically succeeds for you or fails based on the fast non stop flow of the action. In terms of action its quite fascinating.
If you love history with the, setting, events, characters, painted and described in vivid detail in the grand manner of such books as Memoirs of Cleopatra and the like then you may not like this book. However if you are the sort of reader who can use their imagination and like a non stop action packed historical account of a little known Palmyran heroine taking on a little known Roman tyrant then this is your read. Highly recommended.
』
(Forgotten history...) 『Garwood's Warrior Queen series is great historical fiction. Not on the level of Morgan Llywelyn, but still enjoyable. There is just a touch of romance. She chooses little known, real-life female rulers who were remarkable in that they actually ruled--in a time when women did not (a queen always had a king to rule her).
Zenobia was a third-century queen of Palmyra. She fought against Rome, like Boudica of England. A good series for anyone looking to learn about little known history.』 『The fourth book in Haley Elizabeth Garwood's Warrior Queen Series, Zenobia, is the story of a 3rd century Syrian queen who fights the Romans. After the Romans assassinate Zenobia's husband, she pulls herself from the depths of despair and does what she does best -- marches her army against an ally turned enemy.』
IPhone 3G used's review (The Queen of Bohemia is just that!) 『This is a great period piece about the lifr of a woman at the turn of the century through the depression. It gives a great look at the lifestyle of the people who were at teh front of the movements for workers rights, women's rights and the other social causes of the day! Louose Bryantis a wonderfully, delightful and colorful pereson.』
(Great Book) 『This book is a very thoroughly researched account of the life and times of Louise Bryant. There are been discrepencies about her actually birth date, but I found her family on the 1900 Census for Nevada and she is listed as being born in December 1886 instead of the guess year being 1885. Although Louise lied about her age, I highly doubt a 13-year-old girl would try to keep her actual age a secret.』
(Mary Dearborn's "Queen of Bohemia") 『Louise Bryant, like other figures of America's radical past, such as Eugene Debs, "Red" Emma Goldman, and her husband, Jack Reed, barely register on the radar screen of popular consciousness. Often radicals are expunged from American history textbooks or presented in watered down cartoon fashion, giving students the impression that the story of the United States has been one long tale of moderation and conservatism. Indeed, while almost every child knows the story of Helen Keller told through "The Miracle Worker," very few are aware that as an adult she was a militant socialist and feminist with an FBI file.
Louise Bryant was one of those talented young people who came of age in the teens and twenties of the 20th century; a generation dubbed by Gertrude Stein as the "Lost Generation." She was a talented journalist with a socialist bent, but a strong sense of objectivity in her writing. Her "Six Red Months in Russia" was a first hand account of the Soviet Revolution of 1917, and while overshadowed by Jack Reed's "Ten Days that Shook the World," it is a much more accessible and human story of those events. She interviewed all the principal players (Lenin, Trotsky, Kerensky, etc) as well as important female revolutionary figures such as Maria Spiridonova and Aleksandra Kollontai. Her later re-entry into Soviet Russia during the Civil War to find her husband just before he died is a heroic tale in itself. After Reed's death Bryant continued to work as a journalist producing one of the first interviews with Benito Mussolini.
Mary Dearborn's "Queen of Bohemia" is a compassionate portrait of Bryant, taking aim at many of the unkind myths repeated by back-biting leftists of her's and subsequent generations, typified by the Emma Goldman quote, "Louise wasn't a communist, she only slept with one" (originally stated by Max Eastman and later retold by Goldman). For them Bryant was never pure enough in her commitment to radical causes. Dearborn also draws attention to the role Bryant's beauty played in her appeal and in the way some harshly judged her. Many of her harshest critics seem to fault Bryant for getting older and losing that beauty.
Much of the heavy lifting, in terms of research, may have been done by Virginia Gardner for her Bryant biography, "Friend and Lover" (Dearborn acknowledges her indebtedness to Gardner's research), but "Queen of Bohemia" delves into areas of Bryant's life less well examined in "Friends and Lovers" and draws more overtly feminist conclusions about her importance. The appeal of Louise Bryant is the exciting and ultimately tragic life she lived. Her place in the cosmos of American radicals is ultimately a small one, but she blazed a path through it by the sheer force of personality. Dearborn's biography draws the reader into Bryant's orbit. Bryant's charisma radiates from the pages and the excitement of her world is compelling.
For anyone who has been even mildly intrigued by Diane Keaton's interpretation of Louise Bryant in the movie "Reds" I recommend "Queen of Bohemia" as a well written biography of a fascinating and dynamic woman who lived an authentic, vital life. 』 『The wife of radical journalist John Reed, Louise Bryant was a pioneering reporter and shrewd social activist, a committed feminist and champion of sexual freedom. Bryant's stormy life is the enthralling story of one woman's struggle to live by her convictions. Queen of Bohemia connects a brave and beguiling woman to an era of stunning transformations.』
IPhone 3G used's review (A fluff piecs about the Queen.) 『I am going to disagree with my fellow reviewers. This was a fluff piece about Elizabeth II by a well respected author. Shawcross is the author of Sideshow, a definitive book about the the American campaign in Cambodia. This was a hard hitting book that asked some tough questions about the Nixon's administration spread of the war into Cambodia. I would have thought Shawcross would have done the same with the British royal family. This was not the case.
Shawcross details the long reign of Elizabeth II. She has been a success not only in her relations with the British political process, but also Commonwealth relations. To say otherwise would be to go against her solid reputation. However, her sister Margaret, and her children Anne, Charles, and Andrew have had disasterous marriages, and have generally not been successful in representing the British royal family. Shawcross defends these members, but is not critical enough of them in his history of the British monarchy.
Shawcross shows his views about the monarchy in this writing. A more critical viewpoint perhaps would have shown the true nature of this British institution.』
(The Fig Tree) 『"There was something magical about this Queen's accession to the throne. She is the only woman known to have gone up a tree a Princess and come down a Queen." William Shawcross is referring to the circumstances of Her Majesty's accession which happened automatically once her father, King George VI died. She and her husband were in Kenya at the time with a small company of courtiers and servants on a trip on behalf of her government since her father was stricken with cancer. At a place called Treetops, which was a hut built within an enormous and old fig tree, the small royal entourage watched all sorts of wildlife gather at a salt lick, and it might have been when they were there that her father passed away. I loved this story told by Lieutenant Michael Parker, the Prince's Private Secretary: "Parker remembered ever after that as they sat there a large white eagle circled and swooped low above their heads. He was concerned that it might even dive on them. Later he realized that the appearance of the eagle had almost coincided with the moment when the King died."
Shawcross wrote this book to coincide with Her Majesty's golden jubilee. As a protestant American, I've always scoffed at all of the pageantry which the British subject themselves to. You must understand my religion is a no frills religion, my government, a no frills government. A monarchy of any kind seems outdated. What purpose could it possibly serve? And so too today, there are some in Great Britain who feel the same way. At one of my workplaces, a British couple would talk about such things like the Trooping of the Color as if it were some grand event not to be missed. What is the Trooping of the Color, I thought? Who cares, was another? I'm slowly beginning to understand why.
I wish I had read this book before Ben Pimlott's. It is infinitely easier to read, not as detailed. Shawcross's chapter on "Constitutional Monarch" is infinitely easier to comprehend than others I've tried to read. He has clearly written this book for the lay reader. I'm finally beginning to understand vaguely the workings of the British system of government. And most importantly why people love this particular monarch so much the world over and why the Brits are so fond of the monarchy. It somehow doesn't seem so strange to me anymore. Shawcross succeeds in revealing Queen Elizabeth II's character traits which account for her popularity the world over, even if she has some fierce critics in her own country. In her relationships with the many prime ministers who have come her way, she has never forced her opinions on anyone, always advising, and listening to their concerns about issues and crises. She is somehow above the fray, making it easy to accomodate a new prime minister, whether they be Conservative or Labour leaders. Many prominent statesmen make some of the same comments about her that she has had a stabilizing influence in so many crises around the world. Reading this book you'll understand too how Great Britain has evolved, changed so much since the beginning of her reign. Shawcross states in his closing chapter that "In all the turmoil and change, only the Queen has remained the same-a still small voice of calm at the vortex of the storm."
Her role of peacemaker stems from her character, her religious beliefs, her sense of duty, undoubtably instilled within her from her symbolic anointing with oil during her coronation ceremony in 1953. I loved Pimlott's detailed description of the ceremony. Shawcross also quotes Pimlott quite often. I share with you a quote I loved by Lord Tweedsmuir/John Buchan in his Pilgrim's Way about King George V, Queen Elizabeth II's grandfather: "He had one key of access to all hearts, his sincere love of his fellows....His simplicity, honesty, and warm human sympathy made themselves felt not only in the Empire but throughout the globe, so that millions who owed him no allegiance seemed to know and love him. He was a pillar of all that was stable and honourable and of good report in a distracted world."
There are many photos in this small book, my favorite being the Corgis descending the steps of a Royal airplane. They're so cute!』
(Simply Brilliant!) 『I read the book in one sitting, and while it covers all a book can given the enormity of its subject, I was left wanting more. Give the author credit for capturing a remarkable monarch.』
(Shattering the Myth of Monarchy) 『Those who believe that the institution of monarchy is archaic and serves no purpose in the modern nation-state might find Mr. Shawcross's book somewhat suprising. Employing a succinct writing style, Mr. Shawcross provides his reader with a fascinating glimpse into the woman who, by accident of birth and unforseen dynastic events, has occupied the throne of Great Britain for half a century and who, in a quiet, unassuming way, has exacted considerable influence over the politics of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and world. This book shows the error in characterizing the Queen as a mere figurehead. Indeed, her role as confidant to prime ministers, the political knowledge and wisdom she has acquired through her lengthy tenure as sovereign, her ability to lead by example, and her steadfast willingness to dedicate her life to the service of her nation and the Commonwealth, combine to produce a portrait of a woman who is anything but a token head of state.
This book successfully argues the case for monarchy. Politicians, scandals, and events come and go, but there, above it all, remains the Queen.』
(A Clear, Thorough Bio) 『I found this book very interesting. I suggest all Britons campaigning for a republic read this book. It proves how influential and important the monarchy really is. It also proves what a brilliant woman Elizabeth II is and how she has come to embody the ideal constitutional monarch. What I found most interesting is her actual involvement in British (and many Commonwealth) affairs. Most Americans think of her as a mere figurehead who opens up hospitals here and there. This is far from the truth. As she is probably the most experienced diplomat in Britain, her sage counsel to Prime Ministers has proven invaluable. I urge those who pass off Elizabeth as dispensable to read this book and see how indispensable she really is.』 『
The year 2002 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Elizabeth II's accession to the British throne. To celebrate this occasion, William Shawcross, an award-winning writer and journalist, has written an intimate and revealing portrait of the Queen and an absorbing narrative of how the faces of the monarchy, Britain, and the world have changed over the past fifty years. Britain today bears little resemblance to the country the Queen inherited in 1952. There is more criticism than deference; the institution of the monarchy is no longer accepted unquestioningly. Yet, as Shawcross describes here, Elizabeth's long and valiant, sometimes difficult, always challenging reign shows us a monarch who has risen admirably to the occasion and has held the country and the commonwealth together.
Drawn from the BBC's landmark four-part television series,Queen and Countrycombines personal recollections, classic archive film, and contemporary footage, as it examines how the Queen has adapted and succeeded. Exploring several aspects of her public role -- including her relationships with successive prime ministers -- Shawcross shows how she has remained a fixed point in the storm, a reassuring bedrock of stability, calm, and good sense, who has earned the respect and affection of the world.
With more than one hundred photographs, this volume focuses on four parts of the Queen's life. The first explores the central relationship between the Queen and her subjects. Her private life is the subject of the second part as Shawcross describes how she enjoys horse racing, her dogs, shooting, and family life. He also discusses the turbulence of her children's marriages and lives. Part III focuses on the Queen's political role as head of state and explores how close she is to the center of decision making. The final part follows Elizabeth II as she travels the globe and strengthens the ties of the commonwealth.
Written with the cooperation of the Queen's family, friends, and her trusted aides, this unique portrait accompanies the celebration of her golden jubilee that will be one of the most televised and written-about events of 2002.Queen and Countryis the most authoritative account of Elizabeth's reign that will appear during this year-long celebration.』
『Watching Queen Elizabeth place flowers at a makeshift memorial to Diana in 1997, journalist (and renowned Nixon-basher) William Shawcross sympathized with the often misunderstood monarch: "I thought how lonely she must feel, and how perplexed she must be by the vast changes through which Britain has passed in the decades since her accession."
The U.K. is now not quite so united, not quite so British, not nearly so powerful as it was in the time of her father, George VI. Elizabeth has struck many observers as a lonely, aloof soul, struggling valiantly to hold a difficult family together while assuring her nation that the constitutional monarchy remains relevant in the modern world.
Over half a century of rule, Shawcross suggests, the queen has risen to every occasion and capably led both the British Commonwealth and the royal family, even if both have given her plenty of troubles in the bargain. This well-written and nicely illustrated portrait does a fine job of showing the many ways she has earned the affections, respect, and consent of her people.--Gregory McNamee』
Kakaku：542 saved$5.42
Dover Publications
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Very basic; disappointing.) 『If you have "The Picture History of the Cunard Line", you basically already have this book. Very little new and, quite frankly, very little at all. Limited text with numerous pages and pictures of Cunard liners with a small focus on the actual topic: the Queen Mary (1936)&Queen Elizabeth (1940). Other than an interesting and touching forward, there are no personal rememberances from crew or passenger, and unlike prior works, seemingly little research other than what has already gone before.
Not bad as a general 'picture history', but falls quite short regarding the Queens themselves. If you have Bill Miller's other, earlier Dover publications, you don't need this one.』 『
Maritime authority Miller pays tribute to theQueen Maryand theQueen Elizabeth,describing their launchings, amenities, maritime rivalry, and contributions during WWII. Also covered are their grand royal successors and other splendid ships. "A worthy addition to a library on passenger ships." —Nautical Research Journal.189 photographs.
Kakaku：165 saved$1.65
Thomas Nelson
Usually ships in 24 hours 『
Serenity Stars in a Movie that's Really Out of This World
It's Life! Camera! Action! for Serenity and her pals when they set out to film their own sci-fi movie, "Terror from the Tarantula Nebula"--a high-adventure thriller complete with aliens, a mysterious princess, and one scary spider.
Ever the diva, Serenity steals the scene as she tussles with her friends and feuds with her mom. Can the gang hold it together long enough for the movie to wrap, or will they put Serenity on the first spaceship outta here?
IPhone 3G used's review (Reliable Indian Defence) 『Published in 1992, this almost 300 page volume includes 12 seperate chapters. In this variation, the Queen's Bishop is fianchetto'd instead of the King's Bishop. 1.d4 Nf6, 2.c4 e6, 3.Nf3 b6 is the starting order. If White chooses 3.Nc3 then you need to give the Nimzo-Indian defence a look (3...Bb4). The only problem is that White has the choice of which Knight to bring out on Move 3, so you really need to learn both the Queen's Indian and the Nimzo-Indian defences if you aren't going to be using the King's Indian, Grunfeld or Benoni defences or the Benko Gambit. Transpositions are very common in these lines. This is definately one of the best books on the subject of the Queen's Indian.』
Kakaku：799 saved$7.99
Del Rey
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Lost me in the middle, but overall, not a bad read.) 『Although I liked this tale overall, there were pieces of it that bogged the story down for me.
The Dragon Queen is yet another entry into the tales of Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table. For those who love their Arthurian legends with Merlin as the big bad- then this book's for you. For those who don't-then Run away!
TDQ centers around Guinevere, the warrior queen of Arthur and in Borchardt's version she is indeed a warrior. Guinevere, has the beauty of previous Arthurian tales, but in TDQ she's not the sweet little misguided star-crossed over of Lancelot that we usually see her portrayed to be. Courageous and bold she has power in her right hand where ferocious fire emanates (grand super power that!), and healing in her left. Moreover, arrows flyout her bow as if an extension of her arm, she communicates with dragons- as well with the dead- displays prophetic abilities, and audaciously defeats asundry of evil beasts that Merlin flings at her.
The story begins with Maeniel, Guinevere's soon to be foster father. Maeniel, otherwise knows as the Gray Watcher, is a shapeshifting man/wolf who has personally felt the destructive powers of Merlin. Deciding that being a wolf was much preferred to living with the humans, he escapes to the wilds and begins a family. It is during his time with the wolves that Guinevere falls into his care, and the Gray Watcher, along with the sorcerer Dugald- who Merlin chased into hiding long ago- take up the charge of raising her. The Gray Watcher's wolf mate nurses Guinevere from the time they find her left on a cliff and later a woman joins them who will teach her the ways of her people- a people she never knew.
As a child, Guinevere helps her village to defeat a marauding group of seafarers- and it is here where we see her potential for greatness begin to come forth. Guinevere grows in stature, wisdom and power and, though still only a young teen through much of the story, she quickly finds herself thrust into peril. Merlin wants her dead, and though the author details many things in TDQ, I never quite got the gist of his motive for seeking to destroy her so passionately. The only thing I can figure is that she must be the one who either precipitates or actually carries out Merlin's eventual destruction.
Many other side characters show up to aid and engage her in battle. There are all kinds of fantasy creatures- including mythological gods- that she meets up with and, eventually, she meets her future in the boy of Arthur.
Arthur is just as strong as she- and closer to her age then what I've seen portrayed before. Set long before Camalot, he's young and only discovering who and what he's eventually going to be. Much of the middle of the book is from his POV, where he meets the Lady of the Lake. I was disappointed however, that at the end of TDQ, he and Guinevere do not meet up again. (I suppose that will come in later installments.)
The jumping around of POV's was rather confusing for me and the author lost me a bit until it began to pick up again toward the end. The book is full of detailed descriptions of the world Borchardt has created and some of it became overwhelming. To me her descriptions dragged the story down and lost me for most of the middle of the book. But, as I said before, by the end I was back with her.
This is definitely sequel bait- the story is far from over. I'm interested to see where the author- who is Anne Rice's sister, btw- will take it.』
(Not quite Guinivere) 『Although Alice Borchardt has written some interesting but not-well-written books such as 'Silver Wolf', 'Night of the Wolf' and 'The Wolf King', I decided to try out the first book in the great Guinivere series. Somehow it was worse than I've expected, and here are the reasons why. Both Guinivere and Arthur and all of the good guys are all too perfect, too good with no flaws whatsoever. Gunivere is sent out on quests, but she doesn't seem to break a sweat and neither is Arthur. The way they are paired up with each other sounds silly and tacky (Exaggerated scene: 'Oh Guinivere, you're so hot! And you're a queen so I think we fit together perfectly!' 'Oh Arthur, I think you're hot and fine as well, LOL!'), even though we have heard this tale since the dawn of time. Borchardt doesn't seem to make it work and that's what brings it down the most.
The pacing is also boggy. While it does grip you and make you want to read, each chapter seems to start with something new, even though two or three chapters are dedicated to one character. You ponder as to wonder how this character went from Point A to Point C with no Point B to clarify.
And of Maeniel, the wolf shapeshifter. Many reviewists seem to wonder about his origins and where he came from and why he's so perfect all the time. Maeniel is actually the star of 'Silver Wolf', 'Night of the Wolf', and 'The Wolf King' so when I read this book, I wasn't confused at all. The only problem is that he seems way too perfect in this series, whereas on the other one, he did have several flaws and was a more lovable character. And though he is somewhat of a werewolf/shapeshifter, he has a way longer lifespan. But in this series, it rather confuses me, especially when Maeniel has a son. Shouldn't his son develop a lot slower than humans, if his aging is as his father? Then again, his mother was a real wolf so I suppose that kind of explains several flaws in that. Also this Maeniel is simply annoying, loosing a lot of what shaped him up in the earlier series.
A lot you will see in her stories is that men are savage clouts while women are innocent and gentle. I kinda got the message in 'Silver Wolf' but to drag it on through a trilogy and yet another trilogy kinda ruins the message. And it gets old after the first four times you hear it and very annoying the 100th.
I don't see where Borchardt was aiming for in this book. Most of the characters are one-dimentional and the quests were never fully explained. Even Merlin, whose new look was interesting, came out rather silly and dumb. It did not feel like you were there in the Medieval times and that's where this book rather fails. Interesting plotlines and concepts keep this book going, but it's only a sub par average read.』
(Incredibly disappointing...) 『I tried so hard to give this book the benefit of the doubt--I read it cover to cover, even though it was at times almost physically painful. I usually avoid arthurian fiction because the topic has been done to death, but I was drawn in by the reviews and the beautiful graphic design of the cover. When it comes down to it, no one has mastered the arthurian legends better than Marion Zimmer Bradley, and I'd recommend any reader try the Mists of Avalon, rather than this grotesque disappointment.
READERS BEWARE! The editorial reviews LIE! I was suckered in by claims of historical accuracy (the San Jose Mercury News claimed that this book was "well grounded in the history, politics, and religions of the time...") There's a certain smattering of genuine history, politics, and accuracy, but this book mostly reads like a childish flight of fancy... Or maybe a series of disconnected vignettes/short stories. I was unconvinced by the strange and apparently unintentional mingling of pagan and christian theology, and I have NEVER heard of a Celtic god names "Dis", much less any Celtic god of 'Hell' which is flatly impossible--Hell is, after all, a purely Christian invention. Even beyond the confusing religious aspects, the main characters are supposed to be children, but hardly ever act like it; they've even been hyper-sexualized in places, too, which is disturbing in the extreme. To make matters worse, the plot rambles in strangely disjointed directions until I could no longer suspend disbelief. (Case in point: Guinevere is hauled back in time by a nameless goddess to fight a dinosaur. That's not what they call it, but that's essentially what the author described. And then, for no explicable reason, that dinosaur turns into a Greek faun.) If you are looking for a well-researched and legitimate alternative interpretation of Guinevere's origins, look elsewhere!
I found this entire book hard to follow--it flitted between characters and situations that seemed only loosely related. The 'magic' was not thought out, in as much as that it had no logical rules or structure. Strange things just happened, and the reader is left wondering why.
Let me just conclude by saying that this unfortunate impulse purchase was the WORST book I've read in years (I don't usually feel compelled to write reviews at all, so it's a testament to the negative power of this book that I actually took the time to do this!) It could have benefitted from a very diligent and strong-willed editor. And I have heard that Anne Rice prides herself on having her books published 'as-written' and with no editing... I wonder if her sister has made the same tragic mistake.
Sadly enough, I bought the Raven Warrior with the Dragon Queen, though I can't imagine ever forcing myself to read it.』
(Good read, but unlovable heroine) 『I picked up this book after I had read the trilogy about Maeniel (beginning with The Silver Wolf). I was happy to know he featured in Guinevere's story as well. I found this book more exciting than I expected. The author must love details, for she uses them in abundance, and then switches abruptly to dialog and plot. This was my only issue with the way the novel was written.
Plotwise, I was sort of confused as to certain parts of the novel that went off on a tangent. Guinevere was sucked back in time at one point to do a favor for a goddess, and it barely contributes to the overall plot in my eyes.
I also did not understand the use of the redundant cliche of love at first sight with Guinevere looking at Arthur. The love for a boy she knew since childhood couldn't hold a flame up to her sudden love for Arthur. I couldn't help but see her as I'm sure Maeniel but see her, as a power-hungry teenage girl. If she had never been told she was destined to marry and king, and Merlin had left well enough alone, she would have lived a normal and comfortable life.
I guess I just cannot grow to love the heroine in this book, but I still enjoyed it.
I would recommend this book to those that can stand an unfinished series. What happened to the author that she couldn't write the last of this so-called trilogy?』
(My review: Dragon Queen by Alice Borchardt) 『This is a non-stop thriller, showing what all readers want: a little romance, a easily understood storyline that is based somewhat on history, and some frightening parts that keep you on the edge of your seat. Overall, it was a good book. I read it in 3 days, and I'm 11.』 『Arthur turned and strode toward us. He was magnificent, and I will never forget that, in that moment, I first loved him. And I believe--had I known what the future held for us: all the trouble, torment, battle, and grief of our lives--I still believe that I would have yielded my heart into his keeping as I did then . . .
In a sweeping epic of the imagination, Alice Borchardt enters the wondrous realm of Arthurian legend and makes it her own.The Dragon Queenis the first volume in a trilogy of novels that boldly re-imagines Camelot--and casts Guinevere as a shrewd, strong-willed, magical warrior queen.
Born into a world of terrible strife, where war is constant and weapons are never far from the hands of men or women, Guinevere, daughter of a mighty pagan queen, is a threat to her people and a prize to the dreaded sorcerer Merlin. Sent into hiding, she grows up under the protection of a shapeshifting man-wolf and an ornery Druid. But even on the remote coast of Scotland, where dragons feed and watch over her, she is not safe from the all-seeing High Druid Merlin. He knows the young beauty's destiny, and he will stop at nothing to prevent what has been foretold. For if Guinevere becomes Queen and Arthur, King, they will bring a peace to the land that will leave the power-hungry Merlin a shriveled magician in a weary cloak.
Yet Guinevere possesses power of her own--dazzling power to rival even that of Merlin. Summoned from her home by forces she cannot fathom, she travels from the Underworld to an Otherworld of the Past, at each step calling on ancient powers to aid her way. When young Guinevere proves her mettle to an embarrassed Merlin, even her faithful dragon protectors cannot prevent the evil that the sorcerer rains down. Seeking revenge, Merlin banishes Arthur to a world from which the only escape is death. Now Guinevere must face Merlin's wrath without him--and prove that she is worthy of being Arthur's Queen.
From the glass-roofed Great Hall at Tintigal to the lush garden forts of Wales, Alice Borchardt details the travels of Guinevere in a rich fabric of prose.The Dragon Queenis a novel of great emotional depth, timeless romance, and soul-stirring adventure.
Kakaku：595 saved$5.95
Pelican Publishing Company
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Oh Well) 『I was expecting this book to be extremely interesting and I am so disappointed. I was reading the back of the book which says "the author creates a vivid, haunting atmosphere, which holds the reader in spell..." Whatever...it is slow paced and it's boring. I'm only half-way through with the book and the way it's going now...I don't know if I will finish it. There may be other books out there about Marie Laveau that will leave you spellbound...Please let me know..because this is not it.』
(Wonderful novel about a mysterious woman) 『Tallant's novel does a wonderful job of bringing the mysterious life of Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, into full color. Called a witch by some, and once falsely accused of murder, this story had me under its spell! Inspired by true events, the novel tells how Marie lived through plagues, wars, poverty, bigotry, family tragedy and remained strong through it all. She often helped her numerous children and friends in difficult times with tremendous energy, even into her seventies. Though feared by some, she was also remembered as a generous spirit who saw her talent as a gift from God. She never once used it for evil, but sought to bring peace and good health to her clients. This was an intriguing tale fitting for the mystique of New Orleans.
Chrissy K. McVay author of 'Souls of the North Wind'』
(Blech) 『Marie Laveau was a deeply spiritual woman who, among other things, went out of her way to help and free those enslaved around her. That doesn't stop Mr. Tallant from portraying her as a vain, selfish con-woman. To make matters worse, he doesn't even write his slander well. This is not only a bigoted portrayal of a powerful, faith-driven woman, but it is also a boring read. Avoid this trash.』
(not impressed) 『I was given a First Edition of this book by a friend who knows that I practice Vodou and Rootwork. It is a fascinating story, but sadly the author focuses on "wild orgies" and "blood drinking negros". It was written in the 30s and does indeed reflect the "taste" of this period as well as the prejudice attitude towards Voodoo and Vodou in that time.』
(The Best Book on New Orleans and Laveau) 『This book is absolutely the most interesting and fascinating story I have ever read concerning the subjects of New Orleans History and Marie Laveau. Tallant is the genius of taking the facts that have been gathered on both subjects and combining them into a novel that you cannot and will not put down. It is a page turner from start to finish. I am currently reading the book for the third time, and I am not a big reader. It is THAT GOOD. If you love the call and the mystery of this river city, you will be spell bound! AAA+++』 『Witch? Sorceress? Daughter of Satan? Murderer? Thief? Saint? Which label best fits Marie Laveau? Queen of the Voodoos, she is considered to have been the most important voodooienne ever to have reigned on this continent. Robert Tallant, attempted to make use of all available facts and information in re-creating the life of this famous woman. Marie Laveau, the last and most stories American Sorceress, continues to weave her spell as those who read this fascinating portrait will discover.』
大満足！北国のホタテ・いくら・ボタンエビがぎっしり！
