Book Description
Power comes from passion.
Those words haunt Tiana's nights. A witch with no powers, Tiana is rejected and pitied by her people. She lives a contented, quiet existence on the edge of the Matriarchy's lands—until Princess Merena kidnaps Prince Rainek of Xicanth to use as a sex slave. Seeing his strong, naked body chained to the wall, Tiana discovers desires and needs she never expected—and the passion that flows between them has unexpected results.
Patience.
Denith, the dragon who shares Rainek's mind, has been preaching patience all his life and Rainek doesn't want to hear it any more. He wants the bedamned beast to pick a mate for him. After thirty celibate summers, he's a frustrated, exhausted virgin…and now he's been captured, stripped and chained inside a dungeon by a conniving princess. His situation hasn't improved. But when a dainty little thing comes into the dungeon to bathe him, Rainek and Denith immediately recognize her as the one.
Now Rainek just has to free himself, kidnap his mate, and convince her that life with a dragon was what she always wanted. Simple.
Customer Reviews:
Second Book in a Fun Series.......2007-06-21
While this second entry into Tielle St. Clare's dragon series is not as strong as her first book, she is still one of Ellora's Cave most talented writers. She undertstands how to tapped into not just the erotic fantasy of beauty and the beast, but also expands the psychology of the dragon/maiden mythology in itself. The characters are endearing and funny;her dialogue is humorous and perceptive. If you love dragons, knights, maidens, true love, and romance with erotica, then you will love this book. I highly recommend buying the entire series.
Good Plot Gone Bad.......2007-02-18
This book began great then sort of fizzled. Now don't get me wrong, I like steamy love scenes as much as anyone. But not every single page! The characters: Rainek, along with his dragon Denith, and the witch Tiana are so busy having sex that the plot is seemingly forgotten. I found myself skipping through the sex scenes (which were numerous!) to get to the plot that really didn't happen until the last few pages of the book. The love scenes just seemed so superfluous and unnecessary for the most part. If they had been integrated more into the storyline, and the plot more developed and detailed, this would have been an excellent book. As it is the book is just a love fest with the story being secondary. Which is truly a shame because if it was written better this book would have been great. Unless you like constant love scenes with little to no plot, this book is not for you. Take my advice and skip this book all together.
It's Okay.......2007-02-06
Don't get me wrong this is not bad erotica, but it didn't really stand out or become a favorite for me. The story has a cute premise, Prince Rainek shares his mind and body with a dragon Denith. Dragons are of course misunderstood as dangerous beasts who either kill or drive insane the woman who are sacrificed to them. But Denith is looking for his mate, the one woman he will love forever. While Denith and Rainek look, Denith will not allow Rainek to have sex. As a 30 year-old virgin Rainek will do anything to find his mate. Even go to Matriarchy's lands, where woman rule and they are rumered to kidnapp men and use them as sexual slaves.
Rainek is kipnapped while sleeping and wakes up to find himself chained and the prisoner of Princess Merena a very powerfull witch. On the up side Merena sends Tiana, a virtual outcast because in a kingdom of magic she has never had powers, Danith immediately recognizes her as his mate. After Denith thwarts Merenas seduction she orders Tiana to care for Rainek. Sleeping with another woman's captive is treason but Tiana is having trouble resisting Rainek and soon learns that "power comes from passion." So Rainek must now get free, tell Tiana he's a dragon and avert a major political disaster.
From here the story becomes kind of repatative and predictable. Early in the story there is decent sexual tension, which many erotic novels are lacking, but the story later disolves into kind of lackluster sex. None of the later revalations are perticularly startling, but that is not a big problem for me in erotica. I read it for the sex, characters and relationships not complex plot twists. I just wish the end was as good as the begining.
Note: this story contains sex with Denith as a dragon.
HOT FANTASY ROMANCE with DRAGONS.......2006-07-01
Rainek is the son of a king. He is also part Dragon. Denith his dragon part must chose his mate, until then Rainek is celibate. When Rainek visits a neighboring kingdom to meet some Princesses he is kidnapped and held captive by one of the Princesses. Merena, a powerful witch, wants to have a child with him so she can become even more powerful. She knows he shares a body with a dragon and if she can get him to marry her she will be able to control the dragon in him and any children they have.
Tiana is left mostly to herself, because she has no powers. All the rest of her sisters are powerful witches. When she sees Rainek chained and tortured in the dungeon she wishes she could help him but she could be killed for treason if she touches Merena's captive. Somehow his capture has awakened her dormant powers. As a fire witch she could be exiled or even destroyed, so she fears for herself and Raniek, maybe together they can escape from this danger and have time to investigate the powerful attraction they hold for each other.
This is a very hot book, and I enjoyed the story, I am going to find the others in this series if I can. You do not have to read the others to enjoy this one.
Awesome.......2005-10-12
It's been forever since i've read a book like. Erotic and sometimes downright raunchy sex scenes and an actual plot! Great story development, and decent characters. Now if only I could find 'Dragon's Kiss'!
Book Description
Think Pink and blue feathers come together as the irascible courtesan Lani returns to instruct a savage Leor warlord on how to woo his Shielder bride in SHADOW FIRES, book five in Catherine Spangler's award-winning Shielder series. Jenna dan Aron, a Shielder with psychic abilities, finds herself reluctantly married to Arion of Saura, a Leor who seems more beast than man, and who has no place in his life for softness or emotion. She finds life in the Leor settlement barbaric and beyond her experience. Her fierce warrior husband is her only buffer and her only lifeline, yet she finds herself challenging him and the ways of the Leors. In turn, he tries to resist the unfamiliar, protective urges his soft human mate raises in him, while they're both stunned by the sensual attraction that rages between them. And in the relentless heat of the wild Sauran desert, Jenna and Arion wage a battle of wills—until they discover that the heart is mightier than any weapon, and l! ove can forge shadow and fire together.
Customer Reviews:
not worth themoney.......2007-06-16
This book had real potential, but unfortunately it just didn't deliver on it. First, the positive. The author did a pretty good job with the main characters. They were both likeable and didn't spend a lot of time 'hating' each other, something I don't like in a romance novel. The hero was actually very kind to the heroine and supported her numerous times. She did an interesting job in creating the Leor world (looks, their home, their traditions, etc) and were unique in what I've read in other sci-fi romances. I give her points for originiality. But....to start off with, the author must have a lot of causes because she kept pounding them into the story. We got (repeated) remarks on: (1) vegetarianism-you must be a barbarian if you kill a 'helpless' animal and eat it's meat. They didn't hunt for 'fun', but to eat and survive and they dedicated each kill to their Goddess in thanks. still, she kept equating meat with barbarianism. (2) don't have 'false modesty' by not exposing yourself to anyone and everyone who wants to see you. For some reason, what the Leors wore creeped me out. Basically men and women wear nothing but a loincloth-and go topless. By the middle of the book, I was tempted to count just how many times the heroine was told not to have 'false modesty' becuase she was uncomfortable going topless. It just disturbed me that everyone basically walked around naked. (3) Prostitution is a modern, freeing practice for women. Okay, that may be a little harsh, but that did seem to be the message. One of the secondary characters (a woman from a different novel)wore nothing but a blue feathered loincloth and spike heels. Her description reminded me of a porn vegas show. And, it was revealed later that she was a madam and sold instructional videos on 'mating' practices. One of the things I really liked about the Leors was the fact that both men and women were discouraged from having sex before marriage. It just seemed really refreshing to me to find that in a modern romance book. Of course, the author used it as another excuse for calling them barbarians as this is, of course, an outdated value. (4) androids can be very, very raunchy. This disturbed me as well. Not sure why, but robots taking 'samples' from the leor men just grossed me out. There were also some very cheesy and raunchy comments made by the androids. It was just weird. And finally, the author seemed to dislike pretty much everything about the species she had created. by the end of the book, I wasn't sure why she chose one of them to be the hero of her book instead of the villains and actually ended the book by having one of their leaders state that many of their laws and practices would need to be changed. Because of this constant conflict of beliefs and practices between the hero and heroine's cultures, it made it difficult to believe that they were really falling in love-especially since almost every chapter ending with her thinking or stating she was 'mated to a monster'. I found it strange that neither of them bothered to research the other's culture and beliefs in any detail before agreeing to the mating. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed with my first reading of this author and I probably won't give her another shot.
Not to be Missed!.......2006-05-29
SHADOW FIRES was the first book I've read by this author, and wow, was I sorry I'd waited so long! I read the book in one unstoppable sitting, and it stayed with me for days. In fact, I will be re-reading this keeper very soon!
The author is a master of emotional scenes and truly makes you feel the couple's alienness to each other...and then unravels their barriers with beautiful, tender lyricism. This novel is unlike any other I've read in the genre, and I can't say enough good things about it.
If you've never read this one, rush to buy it! You won't be disappointed! Highly recommended.
One of the best Futuristic Romances of 2004.......2005-09-18
Arion, Comdar of Saura, must take a mate outside his species to expand the gene pool and thus ensure the survival of their Leor race. Knowing his duty, Arion reluctantly arranges a union between himself and a Shielder female. In exchange for a virgin bride capable of bearing children, he agrees to transport two colonies in danger from the Controllers. At first, the Shielder leader, Jarek san Ranul, refuses. While he desperately wants to save the members of the two colonies, he won't barter away an innocent woman's life to the alien warrior. The Leors are a barbaric people who still maintain slaves, something the Shielders have fought too long and hard to free themselves from, sacrificing many lives in the process. Locked in a stalemate, with neither willing to back down, a volunteer steps forward and agrees to go with the Leor leader, changing his life forever.
Shunned due to her clairvoyant abilities, Jenna dan Aron has never fit in with her own people. Jenna has foreseen her destiny with the powerful Leor male. Though frightened of leaving all she has known for an uncertain future, Jenna can't allow her anxiety to stand in the way of saving the two colonies. Hoping for the best, but fearing the worst, Jenna never dreams that she will fall for her new husband or that he might come to care for her as well. When the far-reaching tentacles of the Controllers later threaten their world, will their love be their salvation...or the downfall of their people?
From beginning to end, Catherine Spangler captures readers' imagination with her superb world-building skill. She gives enough detail to create a clear visual image, but not so much that it becomes tedious, dry, or like a guided tour.
Initially, I had trouble connecting to Arion. The Leors are tough, bred to fight from early childhood, and their notion of justice can sometimes be quite cold and cruel. Arion doesn't display much emotion and is used to commanding without question, so he orders Jenna around without regard for her feelings in the beginning. Also, he considers the delicate human female inferior to his own race. While his actions and attitude were consistent and appropriate given his background, and added to the readers' empathy for Jenna in dealing with surroundings, people and a culture not her own, in the early portion of the book, I couldn't help wanting to slap Arion -- frequently. Added to this, the Leors are part reptile. Arion has no hair anywhere on his body and his skin must be oiled nightly. I had problems dealing with a hero whom I wasn't sure I found all that attractive. Sure he's built, but completely hairless and with somewhat reptilian skin? I wasn't sure I'd get past it, even for an author I auto-buy. But as the story progressed, and his feelings toward Jenna changed, I began to see him through her eyes instead of my own, and I could understand her attraction to him. Arion gradually and believably transforms from a cold, alien male to a loving soulmate. In the end, I thought him incredibly romantic and a wonderful hero.
Jenna, on the other hand, was easy to like. Her strength of character and will, her positive attitude and concern for others make her an admirable heroine. Throughout the book, readers will feel her emotions, from loneliness and fear to love, pain and joy, pulling them further into the story. Secondary characters add to the feeling of experiencing the ups and downs of everyday life on another world and deepen readers' investment in the outcome, especially when an unknown traitor brings danger to their doorstep.
In her latest book, SHADOW FIRES, Catherine Spangler masterfully utilizes the tools of her trade -- plot, pace, dialogue, descriptive narrative, and characterization -- to transport readers to a fascinating alien world and lead them on an adventure which will fire the imagination and touch the heart.
Not The Best In Sci-Fi Romance..........2005-08-01
* Spoiler Alert* From the Author of THE SHIELDER, Catherine Spangler, comes another sci-fi romance in SHADOW FIRES: The mind-destroying Controllers are back. They are still tormenting the Shielders, but they have extended their galactic wrath to another unlikely race, the Leors. "Up until now," Spangler writes, "they had given the Leors a wide berth. Like the Shielders, the Leors were immune to the psionic brain waves the Controllers used to dominate the majority of the cultures in their quadrant."
There is a striking resemblance between the heroine of THE SHIELDER and the female lead of SHADOW FIRES, Jenna dan Aaron. When the Leor leader demands a bride in return for Leor assistance in transporting "two newly uncovered Shielder settlements from the grasp of the Controllers[]", Jenna (another outcast like Leoness dan Ranul) compromises her freedom for her thankless people. Likewise, upon not-so-careful examination, there is much that the Shielder and Leor culture share in common. Shielders can sense each other. Leors can see auras. Both cultures have cold-hearted laws that they adhere to mercilessly, and yet only the Leors are thought to be barbarians. Search me.
The best thing about SHADOW FIRES is the introduction of the serpentine hero, Arion. I wouldn't have believed that anyone could make a part-man/part-reptile sexy! He is incredibly strong, dominant, disciplined and brave. The Leors are such an interesting race and Spangler's creativity and imagination really shows in this book because of them.
There were at least three big problems with SHADOW FIRES:
First, there is no small amount of time spent chasing down the storyline of why the Controllers are attacking the Leor--that would be, because they want to control the galaxy and everything in it--and how they are attacking the Leor--that would be, with the help of one or more Leor traitors-and why anyone would break the laws through such treachery--that would be, because of greed and discontent. It seems to this reviewer like Spangler is taking readers on a circular adventure, where the destination is where they began. That is, this angle is not complicated, just over-talked, so that the reader will think there is more to it than it appears at first blush.
Second, Jenna dan Aaron's seemingly endless fear of Arion, Comdar of Saura was very irritating, because it continued past the time that was reasonable and believable. Additionally, Jenna's fears could have been put to rest very early on if one of her innumerable questions had addressed the very things that were bothering her most-did Arion cut the slaves' vocal chords--?--why did he kill animals and bring them to the goddess (although, it is hard for me to believe that Jenna had never heard of a blood sacrifice acting as a tribute to the gods)? Moreover, Jenna's repulsion regarding some of Arion's decisions as Comdar made her a complete hypocrite. When Arion followed Leor law and sentenced a man to death for an accidental killing, Jenna found the laws and Arion both "barbaric". And yet, "Shielders had put people to death--innocent people, whose only crime was that they were too sick or too old to work." Hmmm....
And finally, though the ending was a bit better in SHADOW FIRES than in SHIELDERS (see my review), I declare that Spangler has a problem with resolving her books in a way that is not abrupt, incredible or bad for my blood sugar.
Don't Expect Too Much, Or You Might Get Burned.
Slow starter but ultimately satisfying.......2005-02-27
One of the previous reviewers listed all of the problems with the book so I won't repeat them. I will say that the book becomes satisfying when you see how the Leors want to change. They are very interested in not staying a warlike race. I really liked how Jenna realized her mistake and was willing to take responibility for it. You won't be disappointed by the end. Don't mistake me -this isn't the greatest book ever written but I think it was a good introduction to Spangler's work.
Book Description
Freedom is not a vague mystical concept. True freedom needs to be fought for and attained. In Shadows of Wolf Fire Theun lifts the veils of myth as he takes us back to the roots of freedom buried within another time, another place.
Having gone back to the very beginning, Theun goes on to show what freedom means for the warrior today, and how, in practical terms, we can set about achieving it in our lives.
Customer Reviews:
many voices many ways.......2006-03-17
It is so refreshing to see the Totlec tradition embraced by some many and to hear another voice showing people the way toward freedom.
This book reminds me of the story of the Zen master pointing at the moon. The student is reminded to look at the moon and not focus on the master's finger that merely shows the way.
However you connect with your spirit, with the greatness of who and what you are - enjoy the process.
A very interesting read!
Finding the Heart.......2002-07-15
In the journey towards self-realization, SOWF serves as a springboard that catapults the reader to move beyond the "intellectual masturbation" and romanticism that many so-called spiritual books have regurgitated and repackaged. Within these pages are the tried and tested tools that are most practical and applicable to our daily lives.
How do we affect change to promote growth and evolution within ourselves so that, in turn, we may assist humanity in moving towards its own collective maturity? How does our own state of mind, when lost in chaos and confusion, affect the very interrelationship of life on a grander scale? How do we utilise our folly to gain a better understanding of the concept that life doesn't just happen, but instead should be lived and cherished as the most exhilarating adventure of all.
This book will make you remember.
Unfolding the Wings of Perception.......2002-06-13
Unlike many, my discovery of Theun Mares and the Toltec Teachings did not come through the Castaneda camp. In fact, to this day I still have not read straight through any one of Dr. Castaneda's books.
In any case, after I read "Return of the Warriors" by Theun I quickly ordered all of his books which up until that point did not include "Shadows of Wolf Fire."
It was with great anticipation that I began Theun's latest work on the Toltec Teachings: "Shadows of Wolf Fire." And I was never disappointed. In fact, moved to tears in many parts, puzzled and somewhat overwhelmed in others, I found in this work
answers to many of the questions raised within me from reading his earlier volumes of the Toltec Teachings.
In a world so riddled with strife, so fragmented by separative behavior and thinking and so very far from the potential magic inherent within each of us, Theun's newest book is a joy. It makes me glad to be alive and thankful for each day as I work to unfold the mystery which is me.
Life Changing.......2002-05-24
It is very difficult to say more than I highly recommend "Shadows Of Wolf Fire". I eagerly awaited this book for months after reading the others in the series three times each. So much so, I purchased a Limited Edition Leather Bound book. That should tell you something. This is not a book to be read without first reading the other three. My recomendation to any-one, would be to read Volume 1, "Return Of The Warriors". Personally, I don't see how anyone can read the first volume without eagerly consuming the other three. Anything else I could say seems to place me in a "catch 22" situation, which you can only understand after reading and begining to live the wonderful, mysterious teachings that flow through them. I have never met Theun Mares personally or participated in any of his workshops, but I am truly honored to be a recipient of his purpose. To recomend the book in some way seems futile for I know that all that will read it have all been already determined by fate. In that regard, all I have to say is "thank you so much Thuen Mares."
Shadows of Wolf Fire.......2002-05-13
Shadows of Wolf Fire
by
Theun Mares
Reviewed by Anthony Gagliano
In his latest book, Shadows of Wolf Fire, Theun Mares adds another chapter to the unveiling of the Toltec Legacy, a task he first began seven years ago with the publication of Return of The Warriors and continued in Cry of The Eagle and The Mists of Dragon Lore. Readers of these works, as well as serious students of Carlos Castaneda, will find in Shadows of Wolf Fire a most important addition to their understanding of what it means to walk the warrior's path, and more importantly, The Path With A Heart. This fourth volume in the series examines many topics which will be of great interest, including the training of the three and four pronged nagal; the socerer's explanation; the relationship between the dreamer and the dreamed; and the role of gender in the evolution of awareness, as well as many others. Fans of Tales of Power will find themselves on the edge of their seats.
I recommend this book without reservation, as I have the first three volumes. I do so not only out respect for Mr. Mare's works, but as a long time student of the teachings of Don Juan as first introduced to the modern world by his most famous student. I believe that Mr. Mares represents the truest segue from the teachings of Don Juan as imparted to Dr. Castaneda, both of whom the author acknowledges in the preface of the book. Long ago, a reviewer of one of Castaneda's works wrote that the significance of what the writer had achieved could not be overestimated. I can, with all my heart, and with all the powers of discrimination available to me, say the same of Theun Mares and The Shadows of Wolf Fire.
Anthony Dale Gagliano
Book Description
4 Books on 10 Cassettes: • The Shadow Rising • The Fires of Heaven • Lord of Chaos • A Crown of Swords
Robert Jordan: The Wheel of Time Series compiles four books by this New York Times bestselling author into one magnificent box set. Follow the adventures and trials of Rand as he learns about his destiny to become the Dragon Reborn, the prophesized leader who will save the world, but at a heavy cost that drives him to reject his given fate. Dark forces surround the characters with an inevitable confrontation between good and evil that captivates every audience. Sparkled with continuous action, adventure, and fantasy, this box set is a sure winner for epic fantasy fans guaranteed!
Over 15 Hours of listening time!
The Shadow Rising The Dark One is inflicting evil on to the hero, Rand, who must enter the Aiel Waste and the forbidden city of RhuideanÛwhere he may perish. Perrin must confront the Whitecloaks who are sworn to assassinate him while Elayne and Nynaeve must battle the Black Ajah. Listen to find out what develops.
The Fires of Heaven Rand is at the forbidden city of Rhuidean where he must keep his current mission a secret. Simultaneously, the Forsaken Rahvin is plotting a victory over Rand. Morgase becomes captivated with the handsome Lord Gaebril, and in the White Tower, Amyrlin, Flaida do Avriny a ÎRoihan, is concocting new plans. There is no doubt why The Fires of Heaven became a New York Times bestseller!
Lord of Chaos Rand struggles as he attempts to unite the nations for the Last Battle while The White Tower, under the Amyrlin Elaida, decides that he must be controlled. In addition, a search for the fabled terÌangreal is conducted by Nynaeve alÌMeara and Elayne to restore the incongruous weather conditions. Book six of this series is sure to satisfy.
A Crown of Swords Listen as Rand faces the dead Forsaken Sammael in Shadae Logoth! The struggle with the worldÌs brutal and endless heat wave rages on, and Engeu calls together all women who are able to channel including Sea Folk Windfinders and Wise Ones. DonÌt miss this seventh book of non-stop epic adventure!
Customer Reviews:
shadow rising.......2002-02-27
this is one of the best series of books Ive read in a long time. the events happen at a pace that makes it hard to put down. I'm a commercial fisherman,Iread alot on my down time they are enchanting enough to take me away to a different world even 125 miles out in the ocean. I highly reccomend this series to all sci-fi readers. My one and only regret is that Mr.jordan cannot produce them fast enough.then again if he did they would not be as engrosing. My eyes and mind await the tenth installment of the series "the wheel of time"
Best of RJ Review.......2001-01-18
Having already read these four books and enjoyed them all, the tapes were also very good. The books were fantastic but, i could not read while i drove or did certain other tasks that required my eyes and hands now that is taken care of. I can now do just about anything and enjoy these great books. So, i do recommend reading the books but, if your a person on the go then this collection on tape is a fantastic substitute.
Book Description
Scrying means seeing magical images in a reflective medium, such as a crystal ball, mirror, or natural source of inspiration like fire, water or clouds. The word "scry," derived from the Anglo-Saxon word descry, means to "perceive dimly."
Scrying in shiny surfaces has been practiced in almost every culture and time, not only by mystics, clairvoyants and magicians, but also by every girl who has gazed into a mirror and hoped to see her lover's face in the glass.
Though it is one of the most ancient ways of predicting the future, scrying is as relevant today as when our distant ancestors gazed into pools by moonlight to locate the herds - it does not conflict with modern scientific knowledge or psychology.
Scrying the Secrets of the Future offers practical, hands-on guidance to using a wide variety of methods from many cultures and ages—from Ancient Egypt, the Aztecs and Mayans, and Classical Greece and Rome to Medieval European magicians, village wise women and 21st century coffee-shop divination. Discussion of each method includes its history and cultural background, traditional practices, and how to adapt these techniques to the needs of the modern world and everyday decision making. This unique book will help you:
• Learn to see and interpret images in many forms, including wax, herbs and oils on water, crystal balls and candles, shadows and dark mirrors. • Explore additional techniques of clairaudience, psychic hearing and clairsentience, and psychic impressions, to make your scrying multi dimensional. • Discover how to prepare yourself psychically, find the best scrying tools, empower them, ensure you are protected spiritually as you work, and how to close down your psychic energies after divination. • Find out how to maximize future possibilities, avoid potential problems, and advise others privately and professionally through clairvoyance • Communicate with and channel angels and spirit guides and discover past lives and worlds.
Customer Reviews:
Still a Secret.......2007-06-14
Cassandra Eason has written dozen of books on the subject of psychic developement and magic, so obviously she should be an expert. When I read the biographical information on her, I assumed that this book would be very in-depth. I also expected that it would be well written and easy to understand. I have been using tarot for divination for decades and hoped to increase that knowledge with other systems. I have tried various forms of candle and dark mirror scrying in the past without much satisfaction. It was my expectation that this book would fill my need for further instruction.
The book has 14 chapters, each one focusing on a different method of scrying such as candles, water, mirrors - both clear and black, clouds and crystal balls. Each chapter discusses what you need for the particular form of divination, what otherworldly powers you might call on to help you (angels, spirit animals, Gods and Goddess, ancestors) and simple working rituals. There is also information on historical data and uses, but no footnotes of any of the source materials.
Ms. Easton has a habit I found distressing of saying the student should do a working in a particular manner only to end her statement with a disclaimer telling the reader to do whatever feels comfortable to them if the method just outlined isn't to the reader's liking. She pulls elements from different cultures and Pantheons completely willy-nilly into her discussions, listing so many options that it was often overwhelming.
I found the writing of the book inconsistent in many areas. A chapter would have highly detailed areas, which were quite fascinating, that start to pull the reader in only to meander off on a tangent that was almost mind numbingly dull. I love to read but I am glad I have finally finished this book.
The chapter on tealeaf scrying was very difficult to understand. Directions on which area of the cup meant what in a reading were so poorly written I find it hard to believe anyone would get a working knowledge without other instruction. On the other hand, the chapters on crystal ball and clouds were thoroughly fascinating. If the rest of the book were as helpful as these two chapters, it would be well worth the time and effort to read it and try out the various methods presented.
The final chapter "Scrying with Shadows" appears to be a catchall area where everything that didn't fit neatly in the previous chapters ended up. There was smoke and steam divination, as well as gemstone scrying. Actual shadow scrying took up less than half the chapter.
There is an appendix with listings of different cultural names for the Fates. Plus there is a listing of useful reading for further study (the author lists 9 of her previous books here) and lastly an index.
W. Lyon Martin author of An Ordinary Girl, a Magical Child and Aidan's First Full Moon Circle
Average customer rating:
|
Fire & Shadow: Spirituality in Contemporary Australian Art
Nevill Drury , and
Anna Voigt
Manufacturer: Fine Art Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Criticism | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Modern | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Religious | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Australia | Australia & Oceania | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9766410429 |
Amazon.com
Tina Modotti's short, intense life (1896-1942) has sparked numerous biographies, but museum curator Patricia Albers's is the first to do true justice to Modotti's photography and to persuasively trace its roots in her personal experiences. Albers does a fine job nailing down the particulars of this remarkable woman's picaresque journey: impoverished childhood in Italy; introduction to bohemianism and radicalism in California; amorous and artistic fulfillment in Mexico; a murder that launched her into the maelstrom of Communist Party activism in Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and Spain; return to Mexico and premature death. Even more importantly, Albers conveys the essence of Modotti's haunting images, which displayed a modernist technique similar to that of her lover Edward Weston, but applied it to the respectful, loving portrayal of Mexico's common people. Contemporary readers may regret Modotti's decision to abandon photography in 1932 and her unflinching loyalty to Stalinism (including a decade-long liaison with a particularly dogmatic party functionary), but Albers makes readers understand that the same passion that fueled her art and her many love affairs underpinned her commitment to Communism. Modotti's story is not one of reasoned choices and measured steps, but a wild, romantic saga of intrigue, heartbreak, excess, and catastrophe all vividly captured in this poignant book. --Wendy Smith
Book Description
Ten years of research and the discovery of long-forgotten letters and photos enabled Patricia Albers to bring new recognition to this talented, intelligent, and independent photographer whose life embodied the cultural and political values of many artists of the post-World War I generation.
Customer Reviews:
Tina Modotti's Life with Historical Context.......2005-01-18
Tina is fascinating. The author gives a lot of history which is necessary to understand Tina..from SF North Beach to LA to Mexico City. Very insightful about Communist party of 20's/30's and sets up the scenario for membership and activism. Very good book.
Dull writing style.......2004-07-24
I really wanted to read a good book about Tina Modotti, but Albers writing style is so dull, and so flat, I barely made it through chapters. She goes into tedious detail, and I have not gotten any feel at all for Tina. Fortunately, I took the book out of the library, and will return it tomorrow. Perhaps I will try another author, but this is really a great disappointment.
A person worth reading about!.......2000-01-02
"I look upon people now not in terms of race...but in terms of classes...," wrote Tina Modotti to a friend towards the end of this excellent biography. A complex woman with many passions, Modotti's life is described by Patricia Albers in vibrant terms, totally capturing the reader's attention and taking that reader on a journey through the Italy of Modotti's childhood to the United States and finally Mexico, her chosen home. Along the way Modotti's relationships with such artists as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is explored as well as with other notables of her time. Through Albers' exploration of her subject, the reader discovers the evolution of Modotti from actress to noted photographer to active politico. Because of Modotti's many facets the book would be an excellent gift choice. This is a story that makes the reader want to snuggle up in a comfortable chair on a rainy day and read until the sun comes out. It is well-written, informative, colorful and very human.
A person worth reading about!.......2000-01-02
"I look upon people now not in terms of race...but in terms of classes..." wrote Tina Modotti to a friend towards the end of this excellent biography. A complex woman with many passions, Modotti's life is described by Patricia Albers in vibrant terms, totally capturing the reader's attention and taking that reader on a journey through the Italy of Modotti's childhood to the United States and finally Mexico, her chosen home. Along the way Modotti's relationships with such artists as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is explored as well as with other notables of her time. Through Albers' exploration of her subject, the reader discovers the evolution of Modotti from actress to noted photographer to active politico. Because of Modotti's many facets the book would be an excellent gift choice. This is a story that makes the reader want to snuggle up in a comfortable chair on a rainy day and read until the sun comes out. It is well-written, informative, colorful and very human.
What a Life! - What a book!.......1999-05-05
Finally! At last, Tina Modotti's fascinating life is fully realized in print! Albers' attentive eye coupled with the gorgeous photos make this an incomparable experience.
Product Description
5 Titles By Robert Jordan Wheel of Time Series (1-5) : 1. The Eye of the World 2. The Great Hunt 3. The Dragon Reborn 4. The Shadow Rising 5. The Fires of Heaven. Five mmpb books.
Product Description
Interweaving suspense, romance and redemption, the Newpointe 911 series is Blackstocks salute to firefighters, paramedics and police officers who put their lives on the line to protect their communities.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent Book!
- In the Shadow of the Cathedral
- We're heading into another century aren't we?
- Excellent reading! Unpredictable and riveting .
- Excellent historical look at the Dark Ages
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In the Shadow of the Cathedral (Fires of Faith Series #1)
Christine Schneider
Manufacturer: Kregel Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | African American | Asian American | Classics | Collections & Readers | Drama | General | Hispanic | History & Criticism | Humor | Jewish American | Letters & Correspondence | Native American | Poetry | Short Stories | Women Writers
Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Hammering at the Doors of Heaven (Fires of Faith Series #2)
ASIN: 082543758X |
Book Description
Shortly after the turn of the first millennium, a small band of believers live in mortal danger. Faith and courage are tested in the shadow of the town's rising cathedral. Guaranteed fiction!
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book!.......2002-04-22
This is an excellent Christian novel. I had a lot of trouble putting this one down. It's exciting as well as encouraging.
In the Shadow of the Cathedral.......1999-12-06
Suspense and depth of humanity at the same time! True to real life, not just a work of fiction. A joy to read!
We're heading into another century aren't we?.......1999-02-24
I'm really pleased that this book does such an accurate job of covering the historical aspects of the era. Ms. Schneider's personal development of her characters is carefully done and shines a lot of light into the darkness in the depths of the souls of man. Character development is definitely top-notch. Just as we are heading nervously (many today) into our Y2K so were the characters in her book. The beauty of it is that we find out what becomes of them. Perhaps it will even reveal some of yourself in the characters and that could give you something on which to build your response for this new millenium.
Excellent reading! Unpredictable and riveting ........1999-01-25
The author provides believable characters that draw the reader into that time period. Once I started I couldn't put it down! It was refreshing to want to discover what was coming next- it was impossible to speculate! Now I must read the next in the series.
Excellent historical look at the Dark Ages.......1999-01-03
Well-researched historical fiction. Highly recommended for students of the Dark Ages, or of Germany at the beginning of the 10th century. Has obvious Protestant flavor, but shows many of the reasons why it was called "The Dark Ages".
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