Book Description
Wayne Herschel, in a culmination of 15 years of research on archaeo-astronomy, has unraveled an extraordinary secret. It identifies the origins of Leonardo Da Vinci's "Vitruvian man" human blueprint code with Stonehenge and the pyramid sites around the world. Herschel stumbled on `Da Vinci's secret geometry' at Giza in Egypt and realized that all 50 of the pyramids of Lower Egypt appear to represent the brightest stars forming constellations along the length of the Milky Way. But more importantly, there is the proverbial x that marks the spot and that claims cryptically that human lineage is associated with what appears to be another Sun-like star. The author also proves that Stonehenge has the same cosmic solution and that the pyramid layouts of the Maya, the Incas, the Khmer and many others around the world, all repeat the same star map theme. They all exhibit the same obsession with one nearby Sun-like star in Taurus, a star that the ancients passionately refer to as the star of their gods. This 289-page full-color glossy book takes the reader on a riveting journey from one clue to the next, presenting numerous forgotten ancient texts and artifacts. The Hidden Records presents the strongest evidence to date that humans have never ever been alone in this vast universe.
Customer Reviews:
Rip off?.......2007-09-30
It LOOKS nice...lots of big bright detailed pictures and it reads nice(the author's admits his 'girlfriend' practically wrote the book for him b/c he apparently had bad writing skills...). The information is practically a repeat of stuff found in other books like Robert Bauval's The Orion Mystery...the bibliography for the book is meager...but the author does add an interesting fresh new perspective to some of history's enigmas...he proposes that the Giza pyramids are only HALF of a bigger star map and he inclueds very convincing visuals to show it!
The only thing I found odd were the actual pictures of him and his co-author in Egypt...it looked so FAKE like they were standing in front of a bluescreen or their images were cropped out in photoshop and pasted onto some Egyptian scene. Kinda funny too because they are in this 'Indian Jones' garb with no sweat on them whatsoever...it's as if the author felt he had to sell an image of an 'adventuring archaeologist' in order to sell his book...CHEESY.
All in all beautiful thought provoking book; I had no problem putting down 20 dollars for it and can't wait for the other ones to come in the series...I'm taking it with a cautionary grain of salt though ofcourse ; )
Intriguing, thought provoking, and credible!.......2007-04-13
I was simply amazed at the content that's in this book. It is very thought-provoking, and I find it entirely credible. Mr. Herschel has studied this out thoroughly and generously shares what he has found with each of us. The truths he has discovered will probably upset some, those who are used to thinking inside the box and don't like for their applecarts to be upset... but there is just too much evidence to ignore. He is definitely onto something, one of the major discoveries of our time. I would recommend it to anyone.
Fascinating info, poorly written.......2007-02-07
As intriguing as I find the information presented in this book, I cannot recommend actually READING the thing! I give it four stars for content and overall appearance. It's well-printed on glossy paper with beautiful photographs and great illustrations, but the authors' carelessness with regard to attribution makes me feel that many of the images were simply stolen. I'm not saying they were, but that is how it makes me feel: I was unable to find a single attribution, even when the text stated that some images were photocopied at a library or generated by an unnamed commercial computer program. There IS a fair-sized bibliography, but no indication of what came from where. Perhaps the law is different in South Africa.
As for the writing, it is redundant to the point of ennui, and full of . . . dramatic moments! If you only read the captions, you'll get almost all of the story; there's so much repetition that the body text is unnecessary until nearly the end of the book. A professional editing job--even a copy-edit--would improve the book tremendously. Also, the typeface and leading are atrocious...or am I just getting too old? :) The point size was so small I had to use reading glasses and much brighter light than I normally read by.
I find the main message of the book extremely feasible. Herr Herschel believes that pyramids and other monuments all over the Earth--and even Mars--indicate that intelligent life came from a particular star in the general direction of the Pleiades in the Taurus constellation. (Mr. Herschel believes this intelligent life was human, but I have seen a lot of evidence elsewhere that indicates otherwise. Still, it's plausible that they may have been the progenitors for humanity.)
This star is not nearly as far away as the Pleiades, and is thought to be less than 20 light years from Earth. Frankly, other than its similarity to our Sun, not much is known about it. Mr. Herschel identifies this star for us near the end of the book, showing its catalog number and path over the past 17,250 years or so.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who is open-minded enough to believe we might not be the only thing God created. :)
Read it and draw your own conclusion.......2006-09-26
By far a very thorough and intelligent read. I could not put it down.
The evidence that pyramids all over earth from a lost epoch of man align to specific star clusters is overwhelming in my opinion.
Doesn't take a PhD to realize that if something looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck.... chances are it's a duck.
Everthing is presented via full color images and in an easy to comprehend format. It has changed my perspective and at the same time answered many questions for me personally; and of course will raise many more!
An absolute must read!
A new and iconoclastic analysis of coded information presented in ancient or prehistoric structures .......2006-08-11
"The Hidden Records: The Star of the Gods" is a new and iconoclastic analysis of coded information presented in ancient or prehistoric structures such as the pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge, and the ancient edifices of both the Americas. Wayne Herschel presents in vast and colorful detail his painstaking conclusions after many years of study of these diverse 'star-maps' of antiquity. Many color photographs and illustrations help to document his many findings, some of which are shattering to established or conventional science. Readers will want to follow this material closely as further evidence unfolds and is analyzed. The idea of ancient astronauts is perhaps not new; but the evidence is startling and convincingly presented. Profusely illustrated in color throughout, The Hidden Records is a welcome and recommended addition to personal and academic Metaphysical Studies collections, as well as supplemental reading lists in the fields of astronomy, mythology, and ancient history.
Average customer rating:
- The Absolute Best in the Series!
- The absolute best in the series
- fine 3rd instalment about Obi-Wan's apprenticeship
- Another winner
- The Hidden Past(Star Wars:Jedi Apprentice,Book 3)
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The Hidden Past (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 3)
Jude Watson
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Jedi Apprentice | Star Wars | Science Fiction | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Star Wars | Media Series | Series | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
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The Dark Rival (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 2)
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The Mark of the Crown (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 4)
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The Rising Force (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 1)
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The Defenders of the Dead (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 5)
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The Uncertain Path (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 6)
ASIN: 0590519336 |
Amazon.com
After surviving the hair-raising events of The Rising Force and The Dark Rival, Jedi Knight Qui-Gon and 13-year-old apprentice Obi-Wan are officially master and Padawan. The two have been sent off on their first mission by Master Yoda, who has given them a boring assignment: overseeing the elections on Gala, where Prince Beju has been forced to submit his promised throne to a popular vote. As usual for our Jedi heroes, though, nothing goes quite as planned--on the way to Gala they get hijacked to Phindar, where the evil Syndicat rules by erasing the memories of its enemies. Faster than the flick of a lightsaber, master and apprentice find themselves back in hot water, struggling to help their Phindarian buddies overthrow the Syndicat crime lords. After a double-cross here and a blaster fight there, the two discover that even Prince Beju is involved in the Syndicat's nefarious schemes. Dark Rival's author Jude Watson (who's also helped Princess Leia and Queen Amidala tell their stories) is back in fine form to continue this excellent series. (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes
Book Description
The mysterious and action-packed journey continues as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn reveals new insights to his ambitious 13-year-old apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Customer Reviews:
The Absolute Best in the Series!.......2004-12-09
[...]
Finally! Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn has taken thirteen-year-old Obi-Wan Kenobi as a Padawan learner, and they're off on their first mission to the planet Gala, to make sure the planet's governmental elections go smoothly. Then, just as quickly as they take off, their ship is hijacked (uh-oh!) to the planet Phindar. But the good news is, Obi-Wan gets to meet up with his new Phindian friend Guerra Derida, from the previous JA book. They also meet Guerra's sister Paxxi. To paraphrase the Derida brothers... not so! Paxxi is Guerra's equally likable, equally funny brother. Together they work to outwit the Syndicat, an evil organization that controls Phindar by renewing the citizens (wiping their memories) and sending them off to another planet. One of the leaders is the Derida brothers' renewed sister Terra. There are also appearances of the Deridas' gentle mother Duenna. Can they foil the Syndicat's evil, or does renewal await them?
As said in the title, this is THE absolute best JA! It's clever and poignant, with clever characters design and interesting environmental details. Really, it's like nothing you've ever read before. It'll blow you away. And without the Deridas, what would the story be? Garabage? No, something worse than garbage. Even if you think "George Lucas is dumb and Star Wars is just a bunch of idiocy!", you'll love this. I highly recommend it! It rocks! Really. It takes poignance and sci-fi adventures where they've never gone before.
The absolute best in the series.......2004-12-06
Finally! Qui-Gon has taken Obi-Wan as his Padawan learner, right when Obi-Wan turns thirteen, and they are off on a mission to the planet Phindar, a planet ruled by a group named the Syndicat. The evil members of the group renew people as punishments. That means they wipe their memory, and send them off to another planet far, far way. Pretty cruel, huh? Plus, Obi-Wan gets to meet his Phindian friend Guerra Derida again, and Guerra's sister Paxxi. To paraphrase the two... not so! Paxxi is Guerra's brother, and they are both extremely likable, funny characters. Together the four work to outwit the Syndicat, plus maybe recover Terra's memory. Terra is Paxxi and Guerra's sister, but she has been memory wiped and now leads the Syndicat. Can Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, with help from the Derida brothers, foil the Syndicat's evil? Read The Hidden Past to find out.
I'm serious, read this book! It is THE best in the JA series, and definitely worth your time. You're gonna find it hard to put down, even if you think Star Wars is just a bunch of idiocy. This'll change your mind. Extremely poignant, with clever character designation and interesting environmental details, this may be one of the best books I've ever read. It rocked. Really.
fine 3rd instalment about Obi-Wan's apprenticeship.......2003-12-14
Obi-Wan has at last become the Padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn and is about to leave on his first official mission. Things couldnt be better, right? Think again! The Jedi are kidnapped and taken to Phindar, a planet ruled by a criminal who has people's memories erased. Things only get worse when one of the Jedis falls into his clutches and is slated for a memory wipe!
This is an exciting story and explores further the developing relationship between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. Auxiliary characters are fun, especially the jovial Derida brothers, and Yoda is present in spirit if not body. There are a few battles but violence is not graphic.
Another winner.......2003-05-31
This story is officially the beginning of Qui Gon and Obi Wans master, Padawan relationship. As with just about all of the books in this series, this book comes with a moral, as well as an interesting story. You get the sense of how both Qui Gon, and Obi Wan help each other to grow not only as individuals, but as Jedi knights too. The author does a good job of illustrating the fact that even though Obi Wan and Qui Gon are both loyal members of the Jedi, they both have very different, but accommodating, personality traits.
The Hidden Past(Star Wars:Jedi Apprentice,Book 3).......2003-01-11
It's a book filled with adventure and excitment. If you love Star Wars, you'll love this book.
Book Description
Stephen O'Meara's new and exciting observing guide spotlights an original selection of 109 deep-sky objects that will appeal to sky-watchers worldwide. His 'hidden treasures' include a wonderful assortment of galaxies, open clusters, planetary nebulae and more, all of which have been carefully chosen based on their popularity and ease of observing. None of these objects are included in either the Messier or the Caldwell catalogs, and all are visible in a 4-inch telescope under dark skies. Stunning photographs and beautiful drawings accompany detailed visual descriptions of the objects, which include their rich histories and astrophysical significance. The author's original finder charts are designed to help observers get to their targets fast and efficiently.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book!.......2007-09-03
O'Meara has put together another great book. Here he takes us off the beaten path somewhat in search of deep sky treasure that many observers may neglect. In addition to the NGC and IC catalogues, he also ventures into lesser known catalogues such as Melotte, Trumpler, and Collinder as well as one of his own objects. As with previous volumes in the Deep Sky Companions series, each object is given a photo, drawing, and a finder chart as well as complete historical information. In addition to observations made with his trusty Tele Vue Genesis 4" refractor, observations from other observers using larger scopes are also included. All done in a writing style that is one of the most enjoyable today. Highly recommended for the deep sky observer!
After Messier, this is the one catalog you need!.......2007-08-07
Amateur astronomers surely agree that Messier and Caldwell catalogs missed many wonderful objects in the sky (north and south). Why not just ask a REAL deepsky observer to build a list of the missing gems? Well, that is exactly what this book offers. The 109 objects listed were observed by the author in a moderately small refractor telescope under dark skies. I have only observed a sample of objects in the entire list but do believe that the remainder are worth a try. Every object is introduced with such passion and in such an enthusiastic way that you really feel like going outside and give it a try.
5 stars!
Deep Sky treasures.......2007-07-23
An excellent volume/ If there is any problwem, it is that it is too extensive. It thus serves ,more as a reference than an "easy reading'.
Amazon.com
Cade Parris takes one look at the beautiful blond that walks unannounced into his office and falls in love. Unfortunately, the stunning woman is there to hire the handsome private investigator to find a missing person: herself. Fragile and clearly vulnerable, Bailey James doesn't even know her own name. Nor does she know why she's carrying a tote bag filled with more than a million dollars in cash, a pistol, and a priceless blue diamond. Fortunately for Cade's heart, Bailey is as undeniably drawn to him as he is to her. However, neither of them know if she's free to give her heart. Together they search for clues to her identity in the sweltering heat of Washington, D.C., in July, but unveiling Bailey's past is hopelessly entwined with the mystery of the diamond, the cash, and the gun. Before Cade can claim Bailey as his own, they must follow a twisted path to a killer and survive a life-threatening attack.
Customer Reviews:
A Fun Beginning to the Trilogy.......2007-03-09
Bailey James walks into private eye Cade Parris in desperate need of help. She has amnesia and can't remember anything not even her own name. It was a great being to the trilogy and Cade was pretty creative in trying to figure out who Bailey is and who is after her.
Great service..........2005-07-05
The book came promptly, and was in very good condition for a used book. Thank you.
The Beginning of A Fun Adventure.......2005-04-07
HIDDEN STAR is the beginning book in the Stars of Mithra trilogy and the reader is dropped right into action from the first page. Bailey James appeared like a timid beauty with one major problem - she couldn't remember anything, not even her identity. She stumbled into Cade Parris' office after picking his name out of a telephone book. She knew her life was in danger, but didn't know who was after her or why they were after her. The only thing in her possession was a blue diamond the size of a fist.
Of course Cade Parris had seen all kinds of people come through the door to his private investigating office, but the instant he saw Bailey, his heart was lost. He felt as if he had been waiting for her his entire life. Now if he could only be certain that she wasn't a murderer, or married, etc. He decided to go to any length to find the answers to this puzzle, no matter what the outcome.
HIDDEN STAR is definitely a piece of romantic fiction but has strong undertones of mystery. The web Nora Roberts weaves around the lives of Cade Parris and Bailey James (don't you just love that name?) leaves the reader enthralled with the entire story. The time spent reading this book is definitely enjoyable but it will be addicting. I read this entire book in one afternoon and luckily had SECRET STAR, the next book in the series, on my shelf. But it didn't stop there - I immediately went on the search for CAPTIVE STAR, the final book.
Nora Roberts' trilogy books have taken on an identity all their own. Her single books are excellent, but it seems as if her trilogies have gotten to the point that her devoted fans go into a feeding frenzy when the next book in a series hits the stores. How does THE STARS OF MITHRA compare to her more recent trilogies? THE STARS are very good, but not her best in my opinion. Her later trilogies have more character development and more wit, although the creation of the character of M.J. O'Leary (one of Bailey's friends) is a masterpiece.
If you've never read any of Roberts's books, I'd recommend the CHESAPEAKE BAY trilogy or MACKADE BROTHER trilogies before this one.
Another Heroine with Amnesia...........2004-04-23
Cade Parris is a private investigator. He's also handsome, single, AND super rich. (Aren't they all?) When a beautiful woman walks into his office seeking to hire him, to discover her true identity...Cade is intrigued. Instead of directing "Bailey" to the nearest medical clinic, he takes the case, determined to help her discover herself. (Rolls eyes).
I like Nora Roberts, and think she's an excellent writer, I just didn't care for the silly amnesia subplot. It just seemed a little...Icky. (Romance with someone who doesn't know who she is, seems distasteful somehow), Coupled with that, I found it unethical of Cade to become involved with a client.
Overall, I've read better Roberts books. This seemed a little contrived to me.
A suspenseful beginning to a great series.......2003-10-09
Bailey couldn't remember anything, only the fear that consumed her. In deperation she went to a phone book and then to a Private Eye named Cade Paris. Cade Paris would help her as much as he could, but would it be enough?
This is a wonderfully written novel that is enjoyable and full of mystery. I couldn't put it down and then I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one in the series. Nora Roberts is very talented and it shows.
Average customer rating:
- Had the OPPOSITE EFFECT Than Author Intended!
- Chistian Bashing
- WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Amazingly researched and documented.
- Do Not Buy on Editorial Description!
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Hidden Secrets of the Eastern Star
Cathy Burns
Manufacturer: Sharing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0005021812 |
Customer Reviews:
Had the OPPOSITE EFFECT Than Author Intended!.......2007-08-11
If you are a fundamentalist Christian you might love this book because it will feed that self-righteous attitude of intolerance that many Christians have for everyone who does not believe exactly as they do!
If you are not a Christian you may be offended by the arrogant, judgmental, holier-than thou attitude that the author portrays. However, the information in this book is fascinating!
If you are a Brother or Sister of The Order you will either be offended or amused at this pitiful attempt to discredit and slander an organization that is rich with history, knowledge and wisdom.
Sadly, the author is so thoroughly brainwashed by a modern religion that was designed to control the masses, that she cannot see past the profane, exoteric levels of the symbolism of Freemasonry and OES. She cites that pompus moron Anton LeVay, who invented his own religion and used it to perpetrate lies, myths and half truths in his so-called, Satanic Bible, back in the 1960's. Freemasonry is a lot older than that and the symbolism of Freemasonry and OES have NOTHING to do with that nutjob LaVey!
I gave this book a 4 star rating simply because the book is well researched and I enjoyed reading it. And also because it had the opposite effect than the author intended, which was to convince people to leave the OES or refrain from joining OES.
I find the symbolism of Freemasonry and OES very fascinating and educated myself on the multi-layered meanings that the symbols have. masonry is rich with history and symbolism carried over from ancient times. Freemasonry is a beautiful testament to our ancestors and our cultural roots, and represents and encompasses all the religions and beliefs. All religions come from a single source and nothing presents that in a more respectful and compassionate way than Freemasonry!
Peace to ALL
Chistian Bashing.......2007-08-09
...that's all this book does is bash the Christians that started the Order of the Eastern Star.
WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-06-15
I am sooooooooooooo disappointed. This book is very ANTI-Masonic, which figures. Everyone fears what they don't understand or OVERALL don't know. This author needs to but her ANTI-Masonic views into something good like figuring out how to END GLOBAL WARMING!!!
Amazingly researched and documented. .......2006-03-04
One negative is that this book at times seems to deal with Freemasonry more than OES. But then again it's understandable why the author had to spend so much time on the Freemasonry angle. A key part of this book is to show that OES and Freemasonry are intimately connected. Then she shows that Masonry has demonic/occult roots, thus OES also has occultic/demonic roots by being an outgrowth of Freemasonry.
The parts that deal mainly with OES are interesting. But the parts dealing with the occultic roots of Freemasonry are absolutely riveting. The book's hundreds of footnotes show that the author put a lot of effort into putting this book together.
Of course, hardcore masons and the like will hate this book for the most part. Those who are open enough to read this book from cover to cover might find this book eye-opening, as I did. This book is written from a Christian , anti-Masonic perspective, so those coming from that perspective will find this book most useful.
Do Not Buy on Editorial Description!.......2004-10-12
if you are looking for an unbias book of information on the Eastern Star -THIS IS NOT IT!!! For all the fundamental Christians -you will thoroughly enjoy this book as it tries to make every symbol -a link to satanic forces very similar to "The Church Lady" character on Saturday Night Live. I bought this book based on the editorial review and was very disappointed.
Book Description
The more a person works with his dreams and incorporates his dream experiences into his waking life, the more he will discover all that he can be. That's the premise of the 29 exercises in The Dream Workbook. Jill Morris, a psychoanalyst who for many years has taught a dream workshop at Cooper Union in New York City, offers case studies and detailed guidelines to help the reader utilize "dreamwork" to solve problems, enhance creativity, resolve inner conflicts, learn new skills, and receive intensely pleasurable experiences. Readers learn how to:
- Recognize and interpret specific dream images and symbols
- Keep a dream journal and record the progress of self-discovery
- Uncover the hidden meanings of dreams
- Turn nightmares into sources of power
- Share dreams with a partner for enhanced intimacy and understanding
Customer Reviews:
Not a "workbook" at all!.......2007-03-13
In my opinion, a workbook is something with exercises to fill in and activities. Don't be fooled - this is just a book to read. i have a pretty short attention span, so being that it wasn't what I expected and the pages were yellowed and the type was small I returned it without even reading it.
Room For Improvement.......2005-08-22
This was not exactly what I was seeking in a workbook. It has quite a few excercises, but only a few of them really grabbed me. Many of them felt self evident to me, which would have been fine if she had developed them in more detail. Instead this book was emphatically written in layman's terms, and I felt like each chapter hurried on to the next. While the dream examples are unique, and riveting, I felt the author depended on them too heavily. I would have prefered more general instruction from the author. I am keeping this book in my collection though. Maybe I will come back to it and appreciate it more in the future.
THE BEST DREAM BOOK!!!.......2003-03-02
This is a GREAT book - it helps you to help yourself. It shows all kinds of ideas and all sorts of theories. I got A LOT out of it. I really recommend it above all other dream books!!!
TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY.......2002-09-21
I've had a lot of success using the techniques prescribed by Jill Morris in The Dream Workbook. She obviously has researched her subject thoroughly, presenting theories from sources as diverse as Jung and the Senoi aborigines, in a highly readable way. As a dream analyst herself, Jill Morris speaks with authority.
The ultimate Dream workbook.......2002-07-11
Want to learn your own personal dream symbolism? This book will teach you how to get the most from your own dreams not someone elses'. This is a great guide to personal insights into who you are and how you process your own experiences through dreams. This is a great Dream Workbook.
Average customer rating:
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Hidden Star: Oona O'Neill Chaplin : A Memoir
Patrice Chaplin
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1860660029 |
Customer Reviews:
Oona was the One.......1997-08-29
I read Hidden Star in London, and I was taken and saddened by the story of Oona O'Neill Chaplin. She never got to fullfill her dreams, and lived through others. I wish Patrice Chaplin could get ahold of Oona's journals; maybe that could've given us a view of her world
Book Description
Do you find vedic astrology intriguing but hard to understand? This accessible deck helps you identify, within minutes, how your body type relates to your personality and your character strengths, and whether you are ruled by the willful Sun, supportive Moon, expansive Jupiter or taskmaster Saturn. Supported by a book with a series of fun-filled questions and exercises, learn all the basics concerning elements, body types, planets, signs and houses. Take the next step and run your chart with the accompanying CD. Available for all levels, this deck makes a fun party favor and a perennial primer for the more serious student.
Book Description
Acclaimed author Irene Radford returns to her beloved Dragon Nibmus universe with book one of The Stargods. Here is the tale of the first Terrans, gifted with both psi powers and technology, who discover a world where dragons are real...and are worshiped as gods.
"A mesmerizing storyteller." (Romantic Times)
"High fantasy...rousing adventure." (Library Journal)
Customer Reviews:
Good material, but there's just something missing here.......2005-05-15
Irene Radford has written a number of dragon-related novels, but The Hidden Dragon, Book one of The Stargods series, is basically serving as my introduction to her work - so I can't compare this to her earlier Dragon Nimbus series entries. This particular novel is entertaining and features a couple of fascinating magical creatures, but several things marred my enjoyment of the story.
The three O'Hara brothers (Loki, Konner, and Kim) are running one final smuggling mission for their Mum when authorities descend upon their spaceship. In desperation, the Brothers make an uncoordinated hyperspace jump, winding up in the vicinity of an unclassified planet that appears green with vegetative life. In their own world, nature is largely a thing of the past, and the brothers know that their own private planet full of naturally grown food could net them a fortune in the domed, bio-controlled world they come from. They basically have no real choice about landing, as their narrow escape from authorities resulted in significant damage to their ship. Setting foot on the lush planet, the brothers find a world that had been partially terraformed at some point in the past. It is populated by a society of primitive men and women led by a bloodthirsty high priest, Hanassa, who demands blood sacrifices for the dragon god Simurgh. The head-strong brothers destroy the hateful altar of sacrifice, decry Hanassa's lust for blood and power, and soon split the population into opposing tribes. Hanassa sees many of his villagers leave to follow these new Stargods who arrived on a white dragon - including Hestiia, the young lady he covets for himself. None of this makes this evil fellow very happy.
This world is a magical place. The brothers confront the impossible when they meet up with a dragon and a flying cat that seem to communicate with one another. Stranded on the planet for at least several months, the brothers take it upon themselves to help their new followers survive and prosper - initially out of self-interest on their part. Of course, they form a bond with the people as time goes on - and they have to defend their villagers from the constant challenges of Hanassa and his stalwart magical powers. The brothers find magic of their own with which to meet the challenge, as their natural psi abilities are magnified greatly in this alien environment. The bulk of the story revolves around the brothers' conflicted emotions over their prior commitments to their distant mother and their new commitments to these primitive villagers who look upon them as gods.
Radford's plot is a little repetitive: the brothers are attacked by Hanassa's warriors, they seemingly kill the dangerous high priest, and then a short while later the whole thing just repeats itself. The brothers themselves also aren't fully-developed characters in my mind. I oftentimes had trouble distinguishing one from another, and there were many occasions when one said something I would have expected another one to say. Their motivations are also somewhat suspect - even though Radford goes on and on about the brothers' obligations to their Mum back home. They seemed to have the same conversation on a regular basis, and the moralizing that goes on every time they have Hanassa in their clutches but refuse to take a human life grows old (and foolish) after their first couple of violent encounters. There isn't much of a sense of closure as the novel ends, either, giving the reader the impression that this tiresome pattern is only going to be repeated anew in the next volume of the series. Additionally, the dragon plays less of a role here than you might reasonably expect, the flying cat all but disappears midway through the story, and none of the other characters (apart from Hestiia) are all that interesting. Radford's attempts to introduce humor into the story, especially in the brothers' dialogue, also don't come across all that effectively.
Reading this novel, I just felt as if some important dimension was missing. The story retained my interests, and I basically liked the characters, but I never felt connected with this world or its inhabitants. There is definitely enough material here for a successful series, but I think the author just needs to sit back and let the story tell itself.
I have to agree with MitchDennis.......2003-09-03
Although the imagery was colorful, the writing was weak. It grew so tiresome to read on about their struggles to almost kill their nemesis. Every time they could have finished the job, there were objections about how wrong it is to kill any living thing (even those bent on your own destruction). And the mentions of how the most civilized of us have eschewed meat as a source of food. Over and over again these themes were vocalized as major plot points and character values. I for one get sick of being bludgeoned with someone's personal opinions when I'm trying to read a book for fun. I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.
Great for Fantasy lovers..........2002-08-13
This was the first of Irene Radford's books I had read. It kept me glued to the pages until I had finished the book. I enjoyed it enough to immediately purchase all 4 of the books in The Dragon Nimbus series.
SIDE NOTE: For anyone who is looking for another good fantasy series, try the books by David Eddings. I recommend starting with the series The Belgariad (book 1 is entitled Pawn of Prophesy). The story is Tolkien-esq but with an easier-to-read style. I own 16 of his books, and they've all been read until the covers are falling off!
Good, but..........2002-03-24
I found a good many grammatical errors, most of which were in punctuation (i.e. periods where question marks should be, etc). There were a few other errors, as well, but the book as a whole was pretty good. Not quite as high quality as her other two Dragon Nimbus series, however. It seemed to lack something. Nevertheless, it was a good read.
Generally weak, but vaguely entertaining.......2002-03-19
"The Hidden Dragon" (Volume 1 of The Stargods) is a mixture of science fiction and fantasy and somewhat fails in both genres.
Three brothers with latent psychic abilities are attacked in their spaceship by the authorities. They manage to escape and limp to the nearest planet with an acceptable atmosphere, hoping to find the resources they need to repair their ship. When they arrive, they find a primitive society, apparently the descendants of a lost colony.
To their amazement, the O'Hara brothers find that the planet supports dragons, a mystical race of powerful beings who have, for the most part, remained aloof from the humans. Until now. In the past, one of their own acquired the taste for human flesh and had to be destroyed. Another outcast wants to control the human race.
Although the O'Hara brothers just want to collect the elements they need and leave, they become caught up in the fate of this world.
The characterization is rather weak. The three brothers are almost indistinguishable from one other and all have similar names which just adds to the confusion. Radford doesn't supply any firm motivations for their actions; this became irritating at times. The motivation of the villain is particularly flat. Why does he want to kill everyone? He seems to be interested in acquiring and using power; if he kills everyone, who is left to worship him? The few potentially interesting individuals (the fiery Hestiia and the mysterious flywacket Gentian) are discarded or muted about halfway through the book.
Also, Radford doesn't pretend to be subtle in her storytelling. She continually "hints" at things until you want to scream "Ok, Ok, I get it now!!"
But, for those of us who enjoy a bit of diverting adventure, the book does fulfill that requirement.
Readers of Radford's other series, "The Dragon Nimbus" and "The Dragon Nimbus History" will thrill to find familiar names and places: Simurgh, Hanassa, Yaakke, the Stargods, and the genesis of the nation of Coronnin.
Expect a cliffhanger...after all it is only volume one.
Books:
- The Irish Devil
- The Lady in Question
- The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook
- The Last Mughal: The Fall of a Dynasty: Delhi, 1857
- The Mistress's Daughter: A Memoir
- The Outsiders
- The Pastry Queen: Royally Good Recipes from the Texas Hill Country's Rather Sweet Bakery & Cafe
- The Pilgrims of Rayne (Pendragon)
- The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal
- The Practice of the Presence of God
Books Index
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