Customer Reviews:
Gilbert Morris is my all-time *favorite* series/saga writer!.......2001-03-26
The House of Winslow series is one of the best series I've ever read. They chronicle the life of the Winslows, a fictional family with major historical implications. Gilbert Morris is a wonderful, detailed writer, easily mixing real and fictional people. Mostly, the books pertain to the Methodist faith, though not always.
This set of books covers ground from 1620-1776.
'The Honorable Impostor' is the first book. It begins with Gilbert Winslow, a wayward pastor with ties to the Church of England. He is asked to infiltrate a group of Puritans and help "bring them to justice under the King's law". Through a series of events, he ends up coming, quite unwillingly, to the New World with the group, thereby establishing the House of Winslow in America.
'The Captive Bride' covers two generations of Winslows. Matthew, Gilbert's son, breaks his parents' hearts and is sent off to England to find his roots. Instead, he finds a wife and a heap of trouble. He loses his mind in prison and leaves a heartbroken, pregnant wife to go back to his father. Rachel Winslow grows up without a father in Salem amidst the crazed witch trials. When an unexpected piece of the past confronts her, she has nowhere to turn but God.
'The Indentured Heart' chronicles the life of Adam Winslow, Rachel's nephew. Cruelly abused by a stepmother who's jealous of him, Adam is sent to live with his older brother. He goes into business with his half-brother, Charles, and cousin, Saul. On a fact-finding mission back to England, he finds another abused soul and brings her back as an indentured servant. Charles and Saul try every trick they know to make off with the dark Winslow's part of the business, but end up helping him more than they could ever know.
'The Gentle Rebel' begins right before the American Revolution. It concerns two cousins--Nathan, the son of Adam, and Paul, son of Charles--who are on different sides of the war. When Nathan's younger brother becomes an early casualty of the war, Nathan vows to fight in his place. He has a new "little brother", Laddie, who has a secret of his own.
'The Saintly Buccaneer' finishes out Paul Winslow's story. Paul is Impressed into the British Navy after a hard night of drinking. He wakes up on a ship with a soft-hearted captian and his beautiful daughter with no memory of himself or his horrible past. When the British ship clashes with an American ship on the high seas, he meets someone who sparks a memory--as well as shame.
The Winslow Books are the best!.......2000-05-28
I think that the Winslow series is the best that I have read so far. They leave you in suspense until the end and surprise you sometimes. I would suggest if yoiu like romance and suspense to definetly read this series. I love the Winslow series!
It was interesting but repeated it self........1999-06-03
I liked these books they taught you quite a lot about history and I liked the way the story went through the generations .The story line is pretty predictable when it comes to their love life. I definitely think #1 was the best.You should read them but if you don't like book one then you probably won't like the rest.
Book Description
Cult victims and those who have suffered abusive relationships often suffer from fear, confusion, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress. Take Back Your Life explains the seductive draw that leads people into such situations, provides guidelines for assessing what happened, and hands-on tools for getting back on track. Written for victims, their families, and professionals, this book leads readers through the healing process.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding!.......2006-11-15
As an ex cultic relationship survivor cum exit counselor in training I can attest to this being the most comprehensive and helpful book to date I,ve read. THis book definitely encompasses all facets of what it is to go through the aftermath of a cultic experience. It is a warm and welcome friend as I repair my life. It is a must for not only the survivor but for the support system that helps the survivor repair the damage done. Best to all!
A self-help resource for survivors of harmful relationships.......2006-09-15
Take Back Your Life: Recovering From Cults and Abusive Relationships by co-authors Janja Lalich (Associate Professor of Sociology at California State University, Chico) & Madeleine Tobias (The Clinical Coordinator and a psycho therapist at the Vet Center in White River Junction) is a self-help resource for survivors of harmful relationships, whether with an individual or a group, and their loved ones. Chapters explain in plain terms the siren call abusive relationships have some people, and the confusion, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress experienced by the victim, along with suggestions for picking up the pieces of one's life and embracing the healing process. Of special note are the chapters addressing problems with family members and children in cults, and therapeutic concerns. Take Back Your Life is written primarily for lay readers however, and is a very sober, serious, and practical guide.
Sane Advice for Those Leaving Cults.......2006-08-24
We don't hear much these days about the Branch Davidians, Heaven's Gate or even Jim Jones. It's tempting to think that the cult movement has faded and that the world's attention is on more pressing matters -- like suicide bombers. But they are all of a piece, according to Chico State University Associate Professor of Sociology Janja Lalich.
In "Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships" ($19.50 in paperback from Bay Tree Publishing), Lalich and co-author Madeleine Tobias, a Vermont psychotherapist, make clear that modern day cults have not disappeared. "If there is less street recruiting today, it is because many cults now use professional associations, campus organizations, self-help seminars, and the Internet as recruitment tools" to entice the unwary.
Who gets sucked into a cult? "Although the public tends to think, wrongly, that only those who are stupid, weird, crazy and aimless get involved in cults, this is simply untrue. ... We know that many cult members went to the best schools in the country, have advanced academic or professional degrees and had successful careers and lives prior to their involvement in a cult or cultic abusive relationship. But at a vulnerable moment, and we all have plenty of those in our lives (a lost love, a lost job, rejection, a death in the family and so on), a person can fall under the influence of someone who appears to offer answers or a sense of direction."
For the authors, "a group or relationship earns the label 'cult' on the basis of its methods and behaviors -- not on the basis of its beliefs. Often those of us who criticize cults are accused of wanting to deny people their freedoms, religious or otherwise. But what we critique and oppose is precisely the repression and stripping away of individual freedoms that tends to occur in cults. It is not beliefs that we oppose, but the exploitative manipulation of people's faith, commitment, and trust."
Written for those coming out of cults, as well as for family members and professionals, "Take Back Your Life" deals with common characteristics of myriad cult types: Eastern, religious and New Age cults; political, racist and terrorist cults; psychotherapy, human potential, mass transformational cults; commercial, multi-marking cults; occult, satanic or black-magic cults; one-on-one family cults; and cults of personality. Chapters deal with the cult experience, the process of healing, stories of families and children in cults and therapeutic issues.
The book features riveting personal accounts from ex-cult members and offers a wide range of resources for the person who is trying to retrieve his or her "pre-cult" personality. Education looms large, for that can begin to break down the narrow black-and-white thinking cult members often display. Many cults redefine common terms or introduce special vocabulary making it difficult for members to make sense of the world outside of even their own inner aspirations.
The authors are also concerned about those in the education and helping professions who don't see the dangers posed by cults both to the individual and the larger community. Part of the purpose of the book is to make a credible case that any course of therapy needs to take into account a patient's cult associations.
"Take Back Your Life" is a book of hope, an excellent starting point for those thinking of exiting a cult and for those who are taking back their lives, one day at a time.
Excellent Resource!.......2006-07-13
Since leaving the cult Eckankar in 1998, and spending a lot of time on the internet trying to help others wake up, get out, and recover, I've read a lot of books on the subject of cults. "Take Back Your Life" is one of the best!! An invaluable resource for both recovering cultists and people involved in abusive relationships, and concerned friends and family members.
An essential roadmap to recovery.......2000-04-07
For me, the special usefulness of this book came in the form of material directed at children who grew up in a cult, who have no other frame of reference to go back to.
The information I gleaned here gave me that frame of reference, and helped me to "detox" from the environment which was so seductively calling me back. It explains and makes sense of some very bewildering and deceptive manipulation techniques. And it has helped my therapy by outlining the kinds of issues that children coming out of cults usually face.
This book has a universal appeal for all cult escapees because it focuses not on beliefs or practices, but rather on manipulations and psychological pressures which are commonly brought to bear in cults. I found it easy to identify experientally with the material, without being challenged and put off by attacks on my strange beleif system which I was still disengaging from.
It's been a big part of my recovery. My thanks to the authors!
Customer Reviews:
Book #2 in this Trilogy.......2007-07-17
Set 1100 Scotland this trilogy is a nice change of pace for the regular maiden's, knights, castles and hero's type book. I read this book in 2006 and found it refreshingly different--not a typical bodice ripper! Interesting that the author writes the thoughts of both characters. I thought the story started right off, moved along and ended nicely. The heroine's are "warriors" who can handle themselves. Neat! Worth the read if you enjoy this type of book you won't be dissappointed.
Great Sword-Fighting Fun.......2007-06-09
I have always adored stories with independent, sword-swinging female characters, and was thrilled when I came across the trilogy written by Sarah McKerrigan. The first book, Lady Danger, tells the story of the eldest of three sisters - a mature, deliberate woman who strives to defend her family while falling in love with a worthy knight. She looks out for her two younger sisters.
Now, in this new tale, you hear the second sister's story - the wild, impetuous one.
I love the literary device of having these stories interweave. In Lady Danger, you hear bits and pieces of what is happening to Helena and Colin. They are "off stage" most of the time. In this book, you now get to hear what was going on, and learn more details about the overall storyline. It really does help to read Lady Danger first, so that the situations and characters are familiar to you.
I wondered how much I would really relate to Helena after reading Lady Danger. While Deirdre (the eldest sister) really appeals strongly to me, I shared her exasperation with Helena. Helena never thought first, would dive into dangerous situations and drag others with her. Colin feels exactly the same way - but of course he is also drawn to her impetuous nature.
The plotting is great, and I love the intricate worlds that are created. The personalities are both nicely developed and also quite different than those of the first book. Sarah isn't just churning out "book after book" with cookie-cutter heroes and heroines - they are very unique people. Again, for me, as much as I hate to admit it, I'd rather read variations of Lady Danger every year for the rest of my life :) Those characters really were powerful to me. I don't relate as well to reckless not-thinking main characters. But I realize that's my personality. I'm sure others will adore Helena and her act-first trait.
If I have any complaint, it's that the dialogue is an odd mix of modern slang and "Forsooths" which make it seem like a renaissance fair with costumed actors. You do tend to fall into the rhythm of that soon enough, though.
Highly recommended - and be sure to keep an eye out for the final book in the trilogy, about the youngest sister!
Wonderful book!.......2007-05-11
I actually read this one before Lady Danger, I picked it up at the airport in El Paso, Texas for something to read on the fligh home.
I fell in love with these books. They are well written, and keeps your attention! I just ordered Knights Prize, and I cant wait to devour that one! I highy recommend these books in this series!
IT WAS GOOD, BUT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER.......2007-03-15
I really enjoyed this book, but the author took too much time explaining every little detail that it took away from the romance of this book.
The story of Helena and Colin was quit enjoyable, but it could have been a little more fast paced. I am looking forward to the next book in the series about the last unwed sister Miriel.
Captive Heart.......2007-01-07
Helena of Rivenloch is angry; angry at the world but most especially angry at the man that has come to their castle in order to marry her younger sister. The night before the wedding, Helena sneaks into the groom's bedroom and tries to stab him, only she is thwarted by his most trusted protector; Colin du Lac. Helena finds herself locked in the dungeon away from everyone so that a wedding can happen without interruption. Biding her time, she laughingly discovers that Colin is chivalrous and would never willingly harm a female captive. So, she does what any other warrior would do; she kidnaps him hoping to stop the wedding.
Colin du Lac can't believe that Helena actually thought she would be able to stab her sister's affianced groom. Not having a choice, Colin puts Helena into a cell in the dungeon so that she won't interrupt the vows between her sister and his overlord. When Helena cries out in dismay, Colin opens the door but too soon realizes that the joke is on him. Especially since he is the one now held at knifepoint and led away from the castle.
Helena vows to return Colin once the wedding has been cancelled. She has no idea that the sister she is protecting is not the sister being wed. Misconstrued information and mistakes plague Helena every step of the way, but one thing is certain, she wants Colin du Lac and she is not happy about that one bit.
Captive Heart is a solid, well written historical set during the time of arranged marriages and political unrest. Helena's intentions are honorable, even though the way she goes about trying to save her sister could be termed a bit comical. Her heart was in the right place and I think that is when she started making mistakes. Add a rascally Norman knight that set her heart aflame and Helena didn't stand a chance.
Sarah McKerrigan has a good story with Captive Heart. I love the time period in which the book is set and found it totally captivating. I can't wait to see if the third sister in this series gets her own novel!
Talia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
Book Description
People who have faced death often speak of their lives flashing before their lives. Something much different happened to dolphin trainer Richard O'Barry when one of the dolphins that played Flipper on television died of stress in his arms. He realized that most of his career as an animal trainer had been a mistake and that dolphins have as much right to freedom as humans. He vowed not to rest until he freed every last dolphin that could be returned to the wild successfully.This is a true story that will move not only animal lovers but everyone who loves a well-told tale. Ric O'Barry had everything-money, flashy cars, pretty women-but it wasn't enough to keep his conscience at bay. He began to understand that dolphins were easy to train because of their great intelligence, not his great talent, and keeping them in captivity was cruel and morally wrong. While research and entertainment are important to human life, they are not worth the cost to these beautiful and gentle animals.O'Barry was arrested trying to free a dolphin, but that didn't stop him, and he now devotes his life to untraining dolphins and returning them to their natural habitats. Once the pride of the billion-dollar dolphin captivity industry, he has since become its nemesis.
Customer Reviews:
Captive dolphins need to be free.......2007-09-01
I think this book is well worth reading. I am a person that use to love marine parks, however my view has changed. Much is do to this book, plus my own research on the web. I have found out that most dolphins & whales in captivity don't live very long. There are exceptions like Miami Seaquarium's Lolita the killer whale. She is old for a captive whale, however she lives in a tank without other orcas & the tank is way too small, among other things. Do your own investigation on the web about her terrible living conditions. Ric O'Barry has been trying to do the right thing for dolphins which is freedom! He was Flipper's trainer. I don't agree with some of Ric's personal beliefs, however he is right on about dolphins. How you can support marine parks after reading this book would be extremely difficult. I have been on whale watches and if done properly, I feel are a better way to see God's creation. Ric says the best thing regarding marine parks is "Don't Buy a ticket". These dolphins are not fed enough so that they will do tricks. Read the book, then you decide!
Flipper.......2006-04-02
This is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. It should be read by anyone who loves animals and who believes in animal-rights. Besides that it is an interesting autobiographical sketch of Richard O'Barry and gives you a closer glimpse of people like Dr. John Lilly. It also gives one an idea of how films like Flipper are made and what becomes of the poor dolphins in the end.
Dolphins are way too smart to be entertaining Katie Couric.......2002-04-08
I read the other reviews, 2 of them raved about the book and one sounds like it was written by a dolphin catcher with a Phd... I read this book and then went to the Flipper Productions Dolphin Encounter near Nassau in the Bahamas, even encountering at least one of the dolphins mentioned in the book. Every celebrity you could think of had their picture in the photo shop with dolphins. The Phd was right about the book jumping around too much. It would have been nice for continuity to hear more about his wife and how her role in his quest for example after we are introduced to her in the begining and then she is hardly mentioned through the rest of the book. This said I have to say that he is right about dolphins in captivity. I had a blast, selfishly, swimming with, dancing with, kissing and hugging dolphins- I can't wait to visit again... but it quickly becomes obvious that they are way to intelligent to be doing tricks for tourists or for Katie Couric for fish. And they are better off being free to swim in the open ocean than being trapped in penned in areas for "research" and "education".
A COMPASSIONATE LOOK AT DOLPHINS.......2000-06-16
A wonderfully compassionate look at dolphins in captivity from an ex-industry insider; inspiring story that makes you want to change the world for the better.
A look at marine animals in captivity........1999-05-19
Although it has been several years since I read this book, it made a lasting impression on how I feel towards captivity of marine and other non-domestic animals. In addition, it opened my eyes to animal neglect and, by my defination, cruelty. For those that love animals, it's worth finding!
Book Description
Lady Amber Harwick Buckington, a noble English beauty who hails from Jamaica, has departed from Port Royal Bay to visit the governor's family in English Barbados. Her journey is interrupted when the ship she is sailing on is plundered by Captain Marc Dubr
Customer Reviews:
Electrifying.......2004-02-26
I cannot put this book down! I believe I'm already in love with Captain Bruce Hawkins. The relationship between him and Devora is so intense and exciting that it makes my blood boil. Linda Chaikin has a way of creating scenes between them that are electrifying. As far as the inaccurate historical data that some are complaining about, for me, that's not why I read a Christian Historical Romance. If I wanted to know every accurate detail of a certain time in history, I'd read a history book. It's the characters, their interactions and the excitement of the story that carries the reader through.
Pirates and Maidens.......2003-05-09
Living on a beautiful island with a loving fiancee, Devora has a wonderful life until her rarely seen mother returns announcing that Devora is to be married to a Spanish don of her parent's chosing to make an alliance between families. Into the mix is thrown a charming English buccaneer, Bruce Hawkins who also happens to be masquerading as the very same Spanish don that Devora is going to be forced to marry. This of course is unknown to her, since if Bruce is found out, he will be executed by the Spanish as a traitor. Attracted to the charming Englishman, Devora joins him after a raid on the island she's staying at to liberate at friend of the pirates. Drawn to his mystery, Devora and Bruce embark on a tentative relationship only for him to have to leave at the end of the novel, vowing to come back for her.
Better than the average Christian romance novel, this book overflows with intruige and adventure. Bruce is kind, mysterious, stern and vengeful all at once and Devora proves to be more developed than the normal one dimensional romance heroine. This novel was surprisingly good and a good start for the series.
It was great!!!.......2002-08-20
I loved this book so much! I am 16 and I couldn't put it down the first time I read it... or the second, third, fourth time, etc. As you can see, I reread it whenever I run out of new books to read. Anyone who likes to read Lori Wick or Francine Rivers will love this book... for that matter, anyone who likes adventure and romance will like it... I highly recomend it.
Engaging, wonderful, exciting,and romantic.......2001-08-30
I really enjoyed this book! Linda Chaikin did a fantastic job on writing about pirates, buccaneers, the Spanish Inquisition, life in Spain and conflicts that those people faced back then. The main characters Devora and Bruce were well-developed and realistic. I tried to put myself in Devora's slippers to discover how it felt to have a mother that abandoned me, then all of a sudden show up and turn my life upside-down. I really admire someone like Devora who uses her Christian faith to sustain her during her trials. I would like a husband like Bruce who unlike his father is a gallant, dashing, and somewhat roguish man, with a teasing nature. I wonder how it would feel to be a half-English and half-Spanish especially when the two countries were at odds with one another and to be rejected as a little boy by his ruthless father. I definitely going to read this series more than once!
Colorful and Engaging!.......2000-06-27
A friend gave me this book and I loved it. I hope one day to write as well as Linda does. Regardless of whether or not she got the crinoline skirt part right for the time setting, this book was very engaging.
Imagine being a young woman in love and being swept away by a mother--who's barely been a part of your life--who takes you to a place that's foreign to you, in order that you can marry a Spanish don to further the family? Well that's exactly what Devora's mother does. Out of the blue, Catherina Radburn shows up in Barbados to take Devora away from her beloved home and uncle, and the man she wants to marry--so that she can marry a man of her families choosing. Someone she's never met! Besides that, Devora wants to work alongside her uncle in Barbados.
Her world is suddenly turned upside down, her faith tested. Will it sustain her--even when she's thrown into a world she knows little about and toward a man she has decided in her heart that she wants nothing to do? Unknowingly, Devora has already met that man, only he's going by a different name and she is unwillingly drawn to him. Will she learn his true identity and will she find the strengh within to follow her heart? You'll have to read the book to find out! And I heartily recommend it!
Customer Reviews:
DELIGHTFUL READ !!!.......2004-08-30
I loved this story, loved the characters .It was so touching and exciting that I couldn't put it down. But,in the end, It was so disppointing !!! I was expecting a happy and romantic end for Hannah and Robert, they suffered a lot all over the story, so I was hoping for a sweet final !!!!
It could be a WONDERFUL love story, if the end wasn't like that, A SAD SURPRISE FOR ME.
ACTUALLY BELIEVABLE -- MOST EXCELLENT - 5 Plus.......2004-01-15
Too bad the rating stops at 5. This is definitely a 5 plus star.
Five years previously Hannah was courted by an unknown party. Now in 1760 she is married to the British Major Morgan Elway. Yuck!
As any good God fearing mistress [as in wife]she looks after any company that shows up - her uninvited in-laws -- the slaves of her husband and his one hundred acre farm.
This is a story of survival in a god-forsaken country where the English are determined to beat the French - use the Indians and are arrogantly sure that they are in the right.
Men are the ultimately dominating rulers with power -- women have no say in what happens to them and woe be to them if they do not have a protector.
The Indians who helped the French were being captured and made slaves or killed, their scalps sold for a bounty. They were mistreated, tortured and starved. Five Killer and his son suffered these attrocities at the hands of Major Elway and his bondman. Hatcher - who of course, wanted Hannah.
Maw, the Cherokee war warrior, lost credibility [with me] in going after Hannah instead of following through in killing Major Elway for the lose of his family.
I did love the part where Wa-le-li told Hannah that Five Killer did not remember the love spell she worked for him many years ago, after his wife had been brutally killed.
"The love spells take their own time. ---- But work they do."
The story was so excellent that I wanted to deliver the Major up to Maw myself. I was as disconcerted as Hannah when Willoughby showed up -- Was he to be trusted or feared?
What a story. So much closer to the reality of life lived in those times than a lot of Historicals written. Absolutely fascinating - hard to put down - hated to see it end.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED + - definitely a keeper!
Strong Woman.......2001-03-09
The Captive Heart brings the reader to another place and time with poignant universal and timeless insights!
Captivated.......2000-11-08
I finished this book two days ago and I haven't stopped thinking about it. The story lives in my imagination--I think of it, and it's as if I'm in that time, that place. Hannah and Five Killer are there, real and true. It had everything I want in a book: wonderful writing (this was of the prose so clear I'm not aware of it variety), complex, interesting characters, and a feeling that there is a sensibility at work that is interested in things beyond the thrills of the story itself. In this case, the "something beyond" seemed to be illuminating a particular moment in U.S. history and of relationships--between whites and Native Americans--that ended in terrible tragedy.
Cheryl Reavis is a wonderful writer, honest and wise, with a deceptive elegance to her prose. Deceptive in that it's so clear, so clean, so faultless that someone might be fooled into thinking there's no craft there. Elegant *because* it's clear, clean, faultless. I think this book is perfect.
Couldn't Put It Down!.......2000-05-17
I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE PRIOR REVIEW CAME FROM. SHE OBVIOUSLY DIDN'T READ THE SAME BOOK I DID. THIS BOOK WAS FABULOUS AND I COULDN'T STOP READING. I HAVE READ ALL OF THIS AUTHOR'S BOOKS AND I FEEL THAT EACH ONE JUST GETS BETTER! THE STORYLINES ALWAYS KEEP YOU MESMERIZED--THIS ONE WAS NO EXCEPTION. THE MAIN CHARACTER FIVE KILLER WAS VERY HEROIC. HE WAS ABLE TO SHOW THAT SOMETIMES LOVE IS NOT ALL THAT MATTERS. HIS LOVE FOR HER WAS SO STRONG THAT IN THE END HE WAS GLAD TO BE CAPTURED SO THAT HE DIDN'T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN HANNAH AND HIS SON. HE WITHSTOOD A LOT OF TORTURE SO THAT SHE COULD BE FREE. PLEASE READ THIS AND ALL OF MS. REAVIS' BOOKS. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY. SHE IS A GREAT AUTHOR AND I KNOW THE NEXT BOOK WILL BE EVEN BETTER.
Book Description
A giant wave leaves Shunda, a young aquavian, orphaned and alone for 12 years. In search of his kin, he swims to the land of Hoondiake and finds himself at the centre of a great battle. In Loesheen, a month's swim north of Hoondiake, the Ancient MerKing of the deepest sea has enslaved aquavians, the most peaceful of all creatures of Aiqua Marrin, and twisted their minds to fight on the land of Hoondiake, where mermen cannot breathe for long. He discovers deep friendships, desperate enemies and captives, indeed a whole world, on the verge of freedom.
Customer Reviews:
Thus begins a sweeping epic, written for young adults yet appealing to fantasy lovers of all ages........2007-10-07
The Heart of the Caveat Whale Book One: The Captives begins a trilogy set in a world struggling against the tyrannical domination of the MerKing. Peaceful, human-like ocean dwellers known as aquavians were once numerous, yet now they are controlled by cruel means to fight for the MerKing, since they can breathe on land while mermen cannot. One young aquavian, orphaned in a magic-induced quake twelve years ago, retains his own mind due to chance isolation; he is the key to a prophecy predicting the end of the MerKing's rule. Yet before the war for freedom can be taken to the sea, first the captives on land must be freed. Thus begins a sweeping epic, written for young adults yet appealing to fantasy lovers of all ages. Highly recommended.
A great ocean fantasy.......2007-07-27
Reviewed by Ian McCurley (age 13) for Reader Views (7/07)
The story begins when Qoshonni, an Aquavian, is out gathering herbs and is kidnapped by the people of the island and given to the Mermen, an evil race of humanoid fish-people. Mermen are much like Aquavians except that Aquavians can travel and breathe on land well, while Mermen must stay near or in the water. Qoshonni is taken along with many other Aquavians to the bottom of the ocean and forced to join the army of the Mermen who feed them tainted meat to control them. She and a group of Aquavians resist in secrecy, only eating what they can catch.
Twenty years later, the young Aquavian, Shunda, is living in the ocean with his dolphin friend, Obraidh, and Obraidh's pod of rough toothed dolphins. Lately, Shunda has been thinking about leaving the pod and going off in search of his own kind. He had only come to the dolphins after the Great Wave which took his own family. Although he enjoyed their company, he sought the companionship of his own kind. After finding a warrior's belt of pearls, Shunda decides to set out with Obraidh in search of other Aquavians. They eventually land upon the shores of Hoondiake, which, as one of the Hoondiake princes tells them, is at war with the Mermen. The prince asks Shunda to help them deal with the captured Aquavian who, because of the meat, has become extremely violent. Can Shunda help this Aquavian and all the others under the rule of the Mer King break their addiction to the mysterious, evil meat and become their gentle selves once again? And, can Qoshonni help herself and her band of rogue Aquavians escape the Mer King? And the biggest question is "Why is this called `The Heart of the Caveat Whale?'"
"The Heart of the Caveat Whale" is for ages 13 and up. You will like reading this book if you enjoy the topics of islands, the ocean and the classic fantasy novel. S.J.R. Smith shines in this book because of the well-written, well-thought-out and very original story. "The Heart of the Caveat Whale" is an intriguing and interesting adventure tale.
Good underwater fantasy for all ages.......2007-07-17
This engaging fantasy introduces a new type of character: the aquavians, who look basically like humans except that they have gills, lungs and webbed fingers. They might be of human stock, though, since they can intermarry.
The book starts off with a bang: the aquavians' peace-loving culture is invaded by wicked mermen, who conscript them to fight in the evil MerKing's war. As the mermen torment their captives and feed them drugged food, Quoshonni and a few of her friends struggle to keep their sanity and their true natures.
Meanwhile in another part of the sea, a mighty quake separates Shunda, an aquaviling (youngster) from his parents and destroys their undersea home. The boy loses his people and wanders alone until adopted by a friendly dolphin, Obraidh. For twelve years, he searches for his lost people and happens to come to land in Hoondiake, just ahead of the mermen, whom he doesn't know are pursuing him. There, the Prince Mookori takes him under his wing and tries to protect this lone peaceful aquavian. Hoondiake is battling the mermen and to its shock, aquavians who seem to have lost their ancient friendship with humans and now fight on the mermen's side.
Besides a captivating fantasy, the book has several other things going on in it. Since the aquavians are dark-skinned, when the humans shun them, there is a thread of prejudice there. The mermen's violent culture adds elements of coercion and violence. I'm wondering if the fact that subverted aquavians become covered with barnacles actually hints at hiding one's true nature under a tough, scaly armor as a parable to modern life.
Overall, while the high-flown language the characters use sounds stilted sometimes, the book is a wonderful fantasy that adds new ideas to the genre.
Armchair Interviews says: Interesting underwater fantasy for young adult and older.
Customer Reviews:
The Nancy Drew Files #108: Captive Heart.......2002-07-05
NANCY VISITS A TROPICAL PARADISE AND FINDS HIGH CRIME ON THE HIGH SEAS
Nancy's in Belize, on the Caribbean coast of Central America, to visit Ned on holiday - a perfect opportunity for romance. But perhaps not with each other! While tensions rise between Nancy and Ned, a different and more pressing kind of threat approaches from offshore - a gang of pirates hijacking millon-dolar yachts.
Nancy's never heard of a more bizarre band of buccaneers. Setting the yacht owners adrift in fully stocked lifeboats, they also pierce the right ears of the men aboard and insert a gold earring. The pirates may not be as polite as they seem, though, as Nancy soon discovers. For not only is her relationship with Ned at risk - so is her life!
Piercing in the caribbean sea!.......1998-06-27
This is a very good book, and I did like it a lot. Nancy and Ned is going on a holiday trying to make their relationship work again. But they have to fight with not only their own problems but mysterious pirates who steals yachts. Those pirates are leaving the people on the boats in the lifeboats with a good supply of food and water. Very wierd! The mystery doesn't come to it's end until the last pages. Read it! The problems between Nancy and Ned are also coming to a solution.
Filled with suspense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1997-11-27
It was about Nancy and Ned in the carribeans. There is a pirate gang around that steals people's ships and wierdly they pierce people's ears. The whole process is very efficiently done. The gang is very polite, they leave food and water for the victims. While this is happening, there is also a lot of tension between Nancy and Ned. Wanna know the rest? Sorry, I can't tell you! Read the book and find out!
Average customer rating:
- She was enslaved by desire and branded by passions flames.
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CAPTIVE HEART
Phoebe Conn
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0821715690 |
Customer Reviews:
She was enslaved by desire and branded by passions flames........2001-08-29
Celiese, the lovely slave girl, gasped when her betrothed emerged from the shadows. She had been secretly sent in her mistress's place to wed the much-feared Mylan. But instead of the cruel savage she had expected, he was a magnificently handsome warrior. His cool topaz gaze unnerved her. The fire in his touch sent shivers of unfamiliar desire down her spine. And the sweet madness of his burning kiss as he trapped her within an iron embrace made her forget her past, abandon all reason, and surrender herself-if only for one night-to the pleasures of passion's fire. Mylan stared in astonishment at the woman before him. Instead of the spoiled, pampered innocent he had expected, she was a radiant silver-blonde beauty. The hot flush of her cheeks disarmed him. Gathering her into his arms, he silenced her startled protest with a slow, wanton kiss and awakened her supple flesh with tender, searching carresses. He would teach her the secrets of passion, take her to ecstasy's searing heights, and forever possess her captive heart.
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