Barcelona the Great Enchantress (Directions)

Customer Reviews:

A quick introduction to a fascinating city.......2007-06-06

I brought this book along with me on my honeymoon to Paris and Barcelona and started reading it on our overnight train to Barcelona. I finished it in about four hours of reading, closing it just before getting in a cab to our Barcelona hotel.

Barcelona: The Great Enchantress is a page turner, especially if you are planning a trip there. In fact, if you are planning a trip there, this book is mandatory reading. It will pump you up for your visit like no tour guide can do. It doesn't contain a lot of in-depth advice for tourists or a careful history of Barcelona's rich architectural history (Hughes has another book for that, although I have not read it). What it does is whet your appetite.

Read this book and get excited about one of the most amazing cities in Europe! This is travel writing at its best and most engaging.

The heart of Catalonia........2007-05-22

A brief sample history of Barcelona and its effect on art, architecture, and the people. Hughes fell in love with this city and became a frequent visitor to the second largest city in Spain. Barcelona is indeed a famous city and one of the holdouts to the Franco regime in the Spanish CIvil War. Perhaps Hughes through his wording tried to convey his love of the city in his writings. However this book came across as a sketchy summary history of this great city.

This is an OK read on this great city. If you want more history, check out Hughes earlier book on this city.

An Abridged Version of "Barcelona".......2006-06-26

Which is not a bad thing, since the original 574-page version, written in 1992 just after the Barcelona Olympics, is too verbose. This version appears to have benefited from aggressive editing, deleting much of the generally irrelevant material on Barcelona's history and Catalan literature and art, which may generously be described as undistinguished.

Hughes' real strength lies in architectural criticism, and here he shines. Readers who share that interest may well want to buy the 1992 version which discusses that topic in depth.

Neither book, unfortunately, has a sufficient number of pictures.

There is an excellent VHS tape of Barcelona [ASIN: 6303209777] that combines both ground and aerial footage. Well worth purchasing.

A Barcelona Connoisseur.......2004-09-09

I read this delightful book on a plane to Barcelona. It whet my appetite for the cultural repast to come. Hughes gives a foretaste of the rich melange of language, history, art, and architecture that makes Barcelona and Catalonia so compelling. Though Hughes clearly loves this city, the writing is fresh and he mixes in sharp opinions so the book never cloys. Delectable.

A Quick Must Read.......2004-09-05

Hughes makes the buildings, history and pride of the Catalan people come alive. His use of Architecture tells a quick story of a strong and independant people, with Barcelona at it's center. His love of the city and people is evident in his story of his most recent wedding in Barcelona. The great thing about the book is that you want more, I'm happy he has a larger volume that covers the city and its eccletic history.

Average customer rating:

A recipe for disaster!
Very good historical romance...
Good book for the most part butalso irritating
A Different kind of Fairytale
A fairy tale for adults...

Enchantress Mine
Bertrice Small
Manufacturer: NAL Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451209737
Release Date: 2004-01-06

Book Description

Flame-haired Mairin of Aelfeah was a ravishing beauty who caught the attention of three extraordinary men-Basil, Prince of Byzantium, who taught her love's mysterious secrets; Josselin of Combourg, a gallant knight of William the Conquerer; and Eric Longsword, the powerful Viking whose tragic love for Mairin would mark her forever. To these men, Mairin was the Enchantress- and in a world gone mad with savage war and fierce desire, only their love could save her.

Customer Reviews:

A recipe for disaster!.......2006-12-26

I think when the author cooked up this book, her recipe was this: Take a huge pile of schmaltz. Add way too much sugar, till it's sickly-sweet in places, and a handful of nuts. Stir unevenly. Leave it half-baked, and serve barely lukewarm, never hot.

Forgive me if I find the result of this recipe too hard to swallow!

Where do I start in explaining why I detest this book so much? Okay, let's begin with the heroine, Mairin. She is constantly vaunted as being perfect, incredibly beautiful, intelligent and good -- and I mean CONSTANTLY, like on every page. EVERYONE she meets fawns on her and praises her. She herself even thinks about how beautiful she is, and mentions her beauty to others. Okay, I'll admit it, I'm not fond of vain women. But more to the point, I hate praise that isn't deserved. I didn't think she was the least bit perfect. In fact, I thought her as far from perfect as Pluto is from the sun, at least in the brains and personality departments. She came off as dumb and dull, sometimes to the extreme. Getting back to her alleged beauty, though, I was REALLY revolted by the fact that so many men were said to have coveted her in the first hundred pages of the book, during which time she was aged between five and thirteen years old. The way her beauty is described in those pages is in an adult way, in terms of sensuality...I mean, ick, she's just a little kid! She was sold into slavery with lewd intentions at age five, married at thirteen and first made love to, more or less, at fourteen...am I the only one who thinks it's wrong in a romance book to have a child doing these sorts of things, especially with much older men? Also, at age five Mairin made very long speeches full of very long words...she did not at any point sound like a five year old. In fact, she sounded like a grown-up at every age...her character was very unrealistically written. Still, in spite of her apparent maturity, she shouldn't have been doing so many grown up things with men. That's just wrong!

If you want more grossness, try these other plot twists from the book: Mairin's husband kisses the blood stains (along with the other bodily fluids mixed with them, assumedly) from her body when she loses her maidenhead. Or try this excerpt: 'her hands smoothing down his back, tangling within his tawny hair.' Ew! Back hair! Or her second husband Josselin threatening to beat her (on more than one occasion), and both of them, and her mother, treating it as a funny joke (strange -- personally, I don't think wife bashing is amusing), or when, on the second last page, Josselin nastily berates his infant son because of jealousy, and his wife smilingly goes along with it (not exactly the happy ending I was after.) I also thought it in bad taste that practically every time Mairin and Josselin canoodled, Mairin talked about her lovemaking experiences with her previous husband. And furthermore, when she did that, Josselin didn't seem to mind or get in the least bit jealous. That didn't make sense to me. What man wants to hear a woman talking about how good her ex was in bed, least of all while she and her current beau are getting intimate? But in the book, Josselin didn't take offence...he just went on telling Mairin how perfect she was, like everyone always did. And there were other things in the book that I didn't understand, like how Mairin was supposed to have been the first redheaded woman the Byzantine empire had ever seen, and people were amazed by her, and flocked to see her. Firstly, I doubt they had never seen a redhead before in such a cosmopolitan place. Secondly, she was there with her redheaded mother...why did no one ever notice her mother, or make a fuss of her? And I don't get why Mairin's home of Aelfleah is described in the first half of the book as a worthless, unimportant, usually forgotten, out-of-the-way holding, then in the rest of the book as an important, strategic, valuable holding. I mean, huh? There were other contradictions, too, like when Mairin is described one minute as an innocent, then the next as someone who has learnt all about the facts of life from her parents. Or like when Mairin is said to be oblivious to how beautiful she is, then the next minute is described as fully understanding just how great her own beauty is.

There were a lot of other faults with the writing of this book. And I don't just say that because it was like an overly-melodramatic soap opera, complete with laughably bad, wooden dialogue and a nonsensical storyline full of predictability and improbability and illogicality and typical soap opera props like a girly heroine who faints and loses her memory. I mean, the author made a LOT of mistakes. Like when Mairin is said to be 14 years old, then ten months later she is supposed to be 16. Or when the author says that Mairin is given a two year old stallion (there's no such thing...it's called a colt until it's four.) Or when Basil kisses Mairin in the garden, then is said to have 'walked from the room'. Also, there is a lot of 'narrative within dialogue', a sin in writing if used to excess, when the characters make long winded speeches to fill the reader in with the plot details, ie. like when Mairin's father gives a speech to his family about their house and family history. Clearly this is done so that the reader will know all about it...problem is, the things he talks about are things his family would surely already know, like the fact that there is a birdcoop right next to the house they've lived in for decades. If they already know stuff like that then why would he be telling them? It's annoying, giving readers the facts this way. Leave all the lengthy narrative out of character dialogue, I say. The author also commits another crime...everytime a character is asked by someone else what has happened to them, the author doesn't gloss over it and just say something like 'she explained her situation', the author lets them explain EVERYTHING in dialogue, rehashing their every action and experience, all of which we've already read about previously. This probably happened about twenty times or more. Even though I already knew what had happened to the characters, I was forced to read about their exploits yet again, over and over. I must have heard Mairin's life story at least a dozen times over! Ugh! Boring! Also, the author felt the need to overuse words. Mairin's husband called her 'enchantress' so many times I wanted to scream! Could he not remember her name, or call her something else for a change? Also, the word celtic was overused...a cross couldn't just be a cross, it had to be a celtic cross. And then there was a celtic heart, and a celtic temper, whatever those are, and all the other celtic things. Ugh! Also, the writer seemed afraid to use commas, and many sentences were made difficult to understand at first glance due to the fact that all the words ran together without any breaks between them. I found it maddening. And don't get me started on what a ridiculous 2-D stereotypical villain the character of Eric Longsword is. Actually, the only really interesting character in the book is Basil...I found it unusual to see a bisexual character in a romance book. But his potential is short lived as unfortunately his character is killed off quickly, after basically admitting that his interest in men was a brief and passing phase -- what a cliche! I almost felt as if he was being punished for his 'deviancy' by the writer when he was killed off.

I hated this book. I'm glad it's over. I will never read it again. And I won't be reading any more of this author's books. Given how juvenile the writing in this book seemed to me, I was surprised to discover that the author is in fact old enough to be a grandmother. (Although, given the frequency with which lavender and lilac scents are described in this book, I should have realised that she was old! Grandmas always love and smell of these scents.) I bear the author no ill will -- she is probably a lovely person. But I really can't stand her writing! And it worries me that someone her age, with grandkids, could write some of the disturbing things she wrote in this about a character who is really only a little girl, but is treated like a sensuous women.

Very good historical romance..........2004-05-03

This is the first Bertrice Small's book I read and I really have to say it is one of her best.
Fascinating plot, lovely characters (Mairin is a wonderful heroine and the other characters are pleasant and -very important thing- believable), historic accuracy, love scenes wonderfully described and never coarse.... who could ask for more?

Good book for the most part butalso irritating.......2004-05-01

I like the way Bertrice Small injects her romance with a lot of historical background, unlike many romance authors. I REALLY REALLY REALLY could have used without the word enchantress being used every other page or more often ... I KNOW the title, use the phrase once or twice but it was so overused it was irritating and detracted from an otherwise good book

A Different kind of Fairytale.......2004-01-21

I have always enjoyed Bertrice Small's book. They are written with such flare and feeling. She pulls the reader right along with her heroines in the story. We not only read, but feel the story along with the characters. This story is no different. The lives of Small's characters never follow the normal path, but go along different paths, that one would normally not think of. This story is not any different. You begin to think that it is a fairy tale about a child with a wicked stepmother. Who is sold to a slaver. That would be the end of a life, but no. Her life gets better, not worse and things happen that you would never imagine. There is love scenes, but they are part of the story, not put in because the writer needs to fill space. If you like a different romanic story that you can not put down, you will not be disappointed with this or any other of Bertrice Small's books.

A fairy tale for adults..........2004-01-07

Mairin lost her mother when she was born, but soon her father came and took her from Ireland to England where she lived as the apple of his eye until the wicked stepmother came along. Nothing limited Blanche's hatred of her stepchild, and when Mairin's father died, Blanche immediately sold her to a slaver, thinking the little girl will soon be lost in far away Turkey; and she would have been, if a kindly Englishman had not seen her and bought her as a replacement for his own dead child.

Mairin and her servant, Dagda, truly are at home with her new family. Her adoptive parents and brother love her immediately, and when she is of marriageable age, a wedding to a Byzantine prince is planned. Before she can truly become Basil's wife, he is killed by a past lover. Sent home, Mairin manages the estate left to her when her father and brother die in the wars until Josselin, a knight of the Conquerer's, comes and to claim both her home and heart. However, Mairin's beauty of body and soul has won another man's heart, a dangerous Viking who will stop at nothing to have her.

Book Description

Dear Reader,

Enchantress is a special book to me as it allowed me my first glimpse into the beauty of medieval Wales. With this book I created a very magical place -- my own unique world of castles, dark heroes, strong women, fleet horses, and rumors of curses. I found the experience fascinating. Writing the book consumed me.

The heroine, Morgana of Llanwynn, is a beautiful, headstrong girl whom many consider a sorceress. She's known to see into the future, a gift she considers a curse. One night when the moon is high and the mist rises off the sea, Morgana experiences a vision of darkness and deceit. She sees a dark and deadly warrior appear and hears the omen rushing in her ears: There will be death. It comes to the house of Wenlock from the North.

Days later, Garrick of Abergwynn, the dark lord of a vast castle to the north and the embodiment of the fierce warrior appears. Seductive and brooding, he demands that Morgana help him locate his missing son.

Morgana is loath to trust this destroyer from the north...and yet she finds it impossible to resist him.

Enchantress is a story close to my heart, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

-- Lisa Jackson

Customer Reviews:

What a delightful book!.......2006-01-06

I purchased this book on a whim based upon an amazon.com listmania list. Then it sat around on my shelf for awhile. Until one day I was having a bad week and needed a read to get my mind off my troubles. I grabbed THE ENCHANTRESS and by the second page I was hooked. For the next few difficult days I picked up this PB book and it instantly transported me to Morgana & Garrick's world. It had a beautiful romance between the two lead characters which was quite touching, and the sex scenes were heated but not graphic or disgusting. All in all a highly recommended, unexpectedly suspenseful, wonderful romance!

AMAZING.......2005-07-27

I wouldn't call Ms. Jackson anything but amazing... this is a must read for anyone who has read any of Lisa jacksons more modern novels.

Enchanted indeed!.......2004-05-31

This book was excellent. I finished it in about 8 hours. The storyline was great and was not all about the sex, but finally some romance. You'll have to read more than half of the book before the hero and heroine "get together". Because of that, I was able to enjoy the story more. This is my second book I've read from the author and she didn't disappoint me. Cheers to Lisa Jackson for a great book.

Enchanting.......2003-11-28

I first picked up Enchantress because the book took place in medieval times. I am a sucker for books written in that time period. I traditional stay away from romance novels, I find them all them the same. This particular book intrigued me. I felt that the author laid out the sex scene in such a way that the scenes went with the book. This book is not just another book about sex with some plot about it. It captured me. The beginning of this book was slow, and hard to get into, but most good books are. If you are a sucker for books with the medieval setting, you will love this book too.

Average customer rating:

I Liked It BUT....
Best Sci-Fi Book
A Classic Returns
A book to remember
New way of history

Enchantress from the Stars
Sylvia Engdahl
Manufacturer: Firebird
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0142500372

Book Description

Elana, a member of an interstellar civilization on a mission to a medieval planet, becomes the key to a dangerous plan to turn back an invasion. How can she help the Andrecians, who still believe in magic and superstition, without revealing her own alien powers? At the same time, Georyn, the son of an Andrecian woodcutter, knows only that there is a dragon in the enchanted forest, and he must defeat it. He sees Elana as the Enchantress from the Stars who has come to test him, to prove he is worthy. One of the few science fiction books to win a Newbery Honor, this novel will enthrall teenage and adult readers.

Customer Reviews:

I Liked It BUT...........2007-03-09

Please keep in mind that I really liked this book. "Enchantress" is well written and enjoyable. That being said, I could not entirely enjoy the story because I had a problem with the heroine. I know this probably says more about me than her but...

The heroine, as thoughtful and insightful as she is, is a bit of a hypocrite. She "suffers" enormously with guilt about even the smallest of lies she is forced to tell her "poor primitive" lover.

On the other hand she only feels a twinge of condescending pity for her fiancé whom she has been more-or-less betraying by concealing her "forbidden love" for the "primitive" for most the book.

And when it comes to lying to her father and sneaking around behind his back; forget about it! She doesn't even hesitate a second and even takes a certain pleasure in it, even when, inevitably, her "disobedience" endangers entire civilizations.

There are only four main characters in this book. The heroine, her male father, her male fiancé, and her male lover. I found myself many times wishing she had a mother, sister, or best friend to whack her upside the head and tell her to stop acting so ridiculous.

The one woman who COULD and WOULD have set her straight was killed as the book opened. (Actually there WAS one other female in the book; a practically-unconscious sacrifice victim being "delivered to the dragon.")

Anyway enough about my problems. If you didn't even notice the things I had issues with, (and you probably didn't) "Enchantress" is a good read.

Best Sci-Fi Book.......2006-05-01

When Elana's mission gets put in jeopardy she faces a lifetime of torture and imprisonment. Will she be able to save herself and the mission? Elana, the Enchantress, and her father were agents of the Federations Anthropological Center and it was their assignment to stop the Imperials from taking over the planet Andrecia. They led Georyn, a woodcutter's son, to believe that a stone was the source of his new magical powers; however, the truth was that they had taught him telekinesis and he wasn't even aware of it. Georyn was supposed to use his "magic" to defeat the dragon (a mechanical weapon used the Imperials). Elana and Georyn were on their way to the Imperials camp when natives captured them. The natives took them to the Imperials camp where they were locked in barracks. The Imperials planned to send them to a research center to be studied. Elana persuaded one of the guards, Jarel, to help them and he let Georyn out of his cell when no one was paying attention. When it appeared that the dragon was going to defeat Georyn, Elana decided to sacrifice herself to try to end the whole ordeal. As she ran and laid in front of the dragon, a flood of courage surged through Georyn. He used his magic powers to save her, stop the dragon, and scare away the Imperials. Georyn went to the king to announce that the dragon had been killed and to get his reward. He decided to explore the rest of the planet he lived on while he had the chance. Elana left Andrecia after accomplishing her goal and traveled back to her own planet. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone who enjoys reading a great book.
This book is written with loads of details. Georyn was the youngest of four sons born to a poor woodcutter, who lived on the planet Andrecia. Elana was a young woman in the First Phase of her training to be an agent. Jarel was an Imperial medic who was determined to prove that his civilization was not right in trying to colonize Andrecia.
Even though this is a science fiction book some of the things in it are realistic to our own world. The cool, green, peaceful planet, Andrecia is the third planet of a medium sized yellow sun. The Federation tried to prevent weaker nations from being taken over by stronger nations. Some types of people tend to be better at some things than others.
This book will stretch the reader's imagination. The Imperials used a huge machine that resembled a dragon to clear an area on Andrecia for the colony they were planning to establish. Georyn was taught telekinesis on a subconscious level, therefore he didn't even know about it. The Federation was an organization meant to save weak planets from the more powerful ones trying to colonize.
I recommend this book to everyone. It is a great read. It is very imaginative but some of the elements of the book seem somewhat realistic. Even if you are not a big fan of science fiction books this is a story that everyone should read.
~V. Newberry

A Classic Returns.......2006-02-08

I read this many years ago as a young teenager and am pleased that it has returned for a new generation. A young girl finds that her wits, her psionic powers, and the courage of a young peasent turned warrior are all that stands between a primitive world and destruction.

A book to remember.......2005-04-23

I read this in the sixth grade. It was my first encounter with sci-fi, and I loved it. Thanks to Mrs. Wallace, the librarian, for recommending it to me.

New way of history.......2004-07-22

I was expecting to read some kind of Star Wars but I was surprised. Begin with the idea based from the much-talked-about alien, Ms. Engdahl turned it into a concept that what if the ancient things, such as magic, dragon, wizards, witch, beyond our capability to understand, was things from another planet, another world, with civilization higher than ours?

This book really made me think and even helped me in someway to add to my understanding about human, life and alien. A deep thoughtful science fiction story about human civilization evolution.

Average customer rating:

The Enchantress
Han Suyin
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0553050710
Release Date: 1985-01-01

The Enchantress (Highland Treasure Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

2nd book in the series
Another fantastic novel!!
Thought it was wonderful!
A wonderful Book
Loved It!!

The Enchantress (Highland Treasure Trilogy)
May McGoldrick
Manufacturer: Onyx
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451197194

Customer Reviews:

2nd book in the series.......2002-09-01

I am really enjoying this series. The series started with "The Dreamer" which was the story of the oldest of three sisters. Now in this second book we have Laura's story. Laura is the practical one of the three. She is always planning. She is exactly opposite the hero of the tale, William, the reluctant Laird of Blackfearn. William has been asked to escort Laura to safety. He thinks that she will be a quiet lass and is both horrified and thrilled to find her a strong, willful, exciting woman. He is strongly attracted to her but has no desire to be tied down. He is having enough trouble coming to terms with the fact that he is now Laird of his clan.

Laura is in danger and she must rely on William to protect her even though she wants nothing to do with him. She is drawn to him and soon finds herself lost without him. She must help him overcome his fears that he is not good enough to be Laird. She must also keep her secret safe at all costs.

This is an exciting story. One that will make you laugh and cry. I found the characters were so well written they came alive. I actually enjoyed this book just a tad bit more than the first and I can't wait to read the last in the series, "The Firebrand". This husband and wife team are wonderful writters and I look forward to more from them.

Another fantastic novel!!.......2000-12-02

I read the first book in this trilogy, and this one certainly doesn't disappoint! I read it in a single sitting, and am eagerly awaiting "The Firebrand." The characters were interesting and believable, and so was the love story -- not a given, these days. I heartily recommend this book and the others in the series!

Thought it was wonderful!.......2000-10-19

If I had known there were more books to this one- I would had started with those- I will look for them! All I can say about this author--WOW!! Am looking forward to future releases!

A wonderful Book.......2000-09-13

This is the second book of in this series and a great read. I must admit that it start off a little slow, but definately picked up after the first few chapters.

William Ross is the reluctant laird of the Ross clan and for the past 2 years has been neglecting his responsibilities as laird because of past hurts. Initially I thought he was a wimp but as the book progressed I fell in love with his character. I loved watching him slowly melt as the book progressed and fall in love with Laura and his ward.

Laura Percy is a wonderful character. From the time she hits William unconcious when she mistakes him for an abductor till the time she takes the laird and his clan by storm. She's a strong female character without being pushy and gutsy to boot.

I can't wait to read about the next Percy sister and her run in with the blade of Barra who just happens to be William's good friend in this book.

A must read for those who like period books.

Loved It!!.......2000-08-14

I picked up this book on a whim, not realizing it is book two of a trilogy. I am definately going back to find the first of this series, the Dreamer and cannot wait until the third, The Firebrand, is written. The relationship between Laura and William was really well written. I laughed during exchanges between William and his brother as well as the reinactment of how William met Laura that his people did at a feast for them. I definately recommend this book to anyone whom wants to curl up with a good book (and a trilogy at that so it doesn't end right away).

Average customer rating:

Often Ignored Historical Event

Rebel Enchantress
Leigh Greenwood
Manufacturer: Leisure
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0505526565

Customer Reviews:

Often Ignored Historical Event.......2007-01-17

Leigh Greenwood proves his mettle as a historical fiction writer by writing `Rebel Enchantress'. I had automatically assumed it was set in the Civil War. Instead I was pleasantly surprised to find that he had chosen a little talked about era in US History: reconstruction after the Revolutionary War, and Shay's Rebellion. The events outside of the world created by Delilah Stowbridge and Nathan Trent are based on the build up and reasons for Shay's Rebellion.

Shackled by high taxes, Delilah Stowbridge runs to one person who her family owes a great sum of money by post-Revolutionary War standards. She is nothing but a farmer's daughter living on her brother's farm with his small family and she offers her limited but proper services to Nathan Trent's family. Nathan Trent is British born and suffers the wrath of his aunt's and many other local townspeople's dislike simply because he is British. A secret he keeps even closer to his breast is that he is as poor as Delilah. When Delilah lets her brother Rueben know of her plan to help their family, Rueben presses Delilah into spying on Nathan Trent, certain that he is helping the British make their lives as members of a new country worse with uncontrolled taxes and a desire to once again quell the insurrection that had happened only a few short years before. Their relationship grows steadily, and does not instantly give into their slowly budding realization of attraction. The cast of support characters Serna Noys (Nathan's aunt), Lester (a black servant), Pricilla (Nathan's cousin and Serena's daughter), Mrs. Stebbins (the cook) all contribute adding support to Delilah's passage from the farmer's existence to that of the grander company Nathan's world of an early American land owner.

The Irish Enchantress (Zebra Historical Romance)

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Irish tale.
LOVE THE FLOWERS!
Love is the only true magic -- very highly recommended
Wonderful author

The Irish Enchantress (Zebra Historical Romance)
Fetzer Amy J
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0821768301

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Irish tale........2001-05-15

Cursed land, a banished witch, a bit of magic and a skeptical English Knight make for an appealing new tale from a familiar voice in THE IRISH ENCHANTRESS. Amy J Fetzer first introduced Fionna O'Donnel in her richly fascinating drama THE IRISH PRINCESS. Fionna banned from her family for a decade is nearing the end of her banishment but now her past clashes with her future as she claims not only her daughter, her people but is offered the chance for an incredible love, with magic of a most extraordinary kind.

Ms Fetzer has a an engrossing tale here made even more delightful with the appearance of two youthful secondary characters who add much to this sometimes dark tale: Connal and Sinead. Each adds special elements sure to delight the reader helping to enrich the story, certainly readers will demand their story in the future. I sure expect to learn more of this delightful couple in the future. Add to this some very special and often unexpected evil that can only be rendered impotent by Fionna' magic and the reader will not want to turn the last page.

Although not all is perfect in the telling of this tale. I would be remise if I didn't warn the reader they may find at times, especially in the beginning, that something is missing: a back story implied but not known which may cause reader confusion.. Because of this I would highly recommend reading THE IRISH PRINCESS first. Each book in a series can and should stand alone and in all fairness THE IRISH ENCHANTRESS does for the most part stand alone. Yet, reading both books will allow the reader to fully enjoy the unique magic found in Ms Fetzer's medieval Ireland.

Amy J. Fetzer has created a wonderfully rich and distinctive addition to a body of work reflective of what is especially good with historical romantic fiction. Whether the reader likes the location or the time period, THE IRISH ENCHANTRESS is sure to be a favorite amongst her growing fans and those new to her work.

LOVE THE FLOWERS!.......2001-03-17

Amy, you did it again! I actually think this book was better than the Irish Princess, which I loved. You found a way to make us all believe in majick. It took a while for Raymond and Fionna to come together, but boy when they did, it was wonderful. The flowers were a great touch also. Boy, was it ever! Wish I could rate this to 10 stars. Keep up the good work and can't wait for the next one.

Love is the only true magic -- very highly recommended.......2001-03-17

Irish castle folk and English soldiers inhabit GleannTaise Castle once Fionna O'Donnel. English knight Raymond DeClare doesn't know the castle and his king awards him is cursed. It had been a magnificent castle in its day. Now it must be quickly mended before they all freeze to death this winter. To please his king he must also marry an Irish lass. Before his people starve on the land, Raymond must learn that the O'Donnels cursed the land and only magick can lift winter's spell and bring it back to life.

The witch Fionna believes the English only want to rule or slaughter. She is also long accustomed to rejection. Ten years ago her father beat her and banished her from home. If she wishes to forget what happened, the scars on her back serve a perpetual reminder. Now her daughter lives with friends, and she visits only in secret. Despite her banishment, Fionna protects the sacred circle, the fairies, and all else that is sacred. Fionna descends from the ancient ones who tended the earth, their blood running strongly in her veins.

Fionna wants to hate Raymond, blame him for all the atrocities reaped on Ireland. Yet she healed Raymond once, then clouded him mind with herbs so he would forget her. When she sees him again, his horse bears down on three children in the road. Using magic, she pushes the children from harm and causes the stallion to stop -- unintentionally throwing the rider. He refuses her help, blaming her for the accident. When her hood falls aside, her beauty bewitches him.

Raymond's soul screams recognition, but he knows not why. Then in a moment he remembers that she once saved his life. She reminds him what he must know, that she is a witch. All the while Raymond denies the power of incantations and spells, refusing the truth. Indeed, the law dictates that he takes her life if she persists in her claim. As he looks at her with rage and disgust, Fionna walks away. Like the villagers, Raymond makes her feel shunned and rejected. He vows she'll never know that she's the reason he left Ireland six years ago. Nor admit her eyes have haunted him all this time. And neither can deny the connection that burns between them.

Amy J. Fetzer writes with knowledge and respect for the old ways, understanding elements, fairies, and those who call themselves witches. With a creative flair for storytelling, she weaves an extraordinary tale of magick and love, creating an absolutely memorable tale novel. Her secondary characters, especially the fairie, are absolutely delightful! THE IRISH ENCHANRESS held me spell bound, beginning to end! Very highly recommended.

Wonderful author.......2001-03-07

I really enjoyed reading this novel. The characters came to life on page one and never disappointed throughout the novel. I will definitely add this author's work to my list of top reads! Thank you Amy!

Ada, the Enchantress of Numbers: Prophet of the Computer Age

Average customer rating:

Well written, but missing illustrations.
The History of a Passionate Visionary
Too much idolatry

Ada, the Enchantress of Numbers: Prophet of the Computer Age
Betty A. Toole
Manufacturer: Critical Connection
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0912647183

Amazon.com

Many people get their first introduction to Lady Ada Lovelace, daughter of poet Lord Byron and companion to Charles Babbage, in William Gibsonand and Bruce Sterling's groundbreaking The Difference Engine. It's easy to imagine why Gibson and Sterling chose to weave her into their 1991 thriller, portraying her as the enigmatic, iconic Queen of Engines. Inspired by the real-life Lady Ada, the character is sharp, strong-minded, and eccentric.

Betty Alexander Toole's Ada, the Enchantress of Numbers bears out this view. By presenting and annotating more than 25 years of correspondence from Ada, Toole paints an endearing portrait of an inarguably remarkable woman, called by some--perhaps a bit gushingly--"the world's first hacker," because of her work with computing pioneer Charles Babbage. Although the reams of lovingly transcribed letters provide an intimate and material look at Ada's life, the accompanying analysis isn't always as useful, with objectivity taking a back seat to adoration at times. The up side of this enthusiasm is that you'd be hard pressed to find a better start for learning more about the fascinating Ada; her letters are complemented by a detailed timeline, glossary, bibliography, index, online references, and even discussion questions. --Paul Hughes

Customer Reviews:

Well written, but missing illustrations........1999-03-31

I have reviewed most of the books that are readily available on Ada. This book was well written and Dr. Toole is truly the recognized authority of Ada and her life. I found an earlier edition of this book through interlibrary loan and was disappointed that this edition did not offer the same illustrations and pictures. If you are interested in finding out more about Ada especially from her own letters, this is truly one of the best books out there. I would recommend reading at least one other book on Ada Lovlace in addition to this one, for balance, at times Dr. Toole may have been too kind to Ada's memory.

Ada is a great role model for girls, her life had much turmoil and many obstacles. She fought for her right to do math (and early computer science) in a male society. This book may be a little too steep for early high school reading, a really fabulous young adult book on this subject is Ada Byron Lovelace : The Lady and the Computer (People in Focus Book) by Mary Dodson Wade.

The History of a Passionate Visionary.......1998-10-27

Toole's book is an excellent introduction to the life and work of the mathematical visionary, Ada Byron King. Toole's treatment allows the reader access to King's luminous mind--no small achievement.

Although it may not be appreciated by those who clearly clearly wish to argue with issues external to the text, I highly reccomend "Ada" to anyone who enjoys work which is sensitive, illuminating, and well-written.

There will probably be a richly-deserved resurgance of interest in King's life and work after the wide release of Lynn Hershman Leeson's film "Conceiving Ada," and Toole's book will be a fine resource for all who are inspired or intrigued by this singular figure.

Too much idolatry.......1998-06-01

This book is not about Ada but rather the author's defense of Ada's image and place in history.

There are gratuitous associations of Ada Lovelace to truly famous geniuses and science. For instance, this part of a letter (page 124) --

It cannot help striking me that *this* extension of Algebra ought to lead to a *further extension* similar in nature, to the *Geometry of Three Dimensions*; & that again perhaps to a further extension in some unknown region & so ad-infinitum possibly...

-- leads to this comparison (page 122) --

In the next series of letters Ada hyposthesized a geometry of the "fourth dimension." Several popular books today deal with this subject: Rudy Rucker's The Fourth Dimension, Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time, and Philip Davis's Descartes' Dream.

I don't see any reference in Ada's letter to time. I expect it is simple 4 dimensional geometry she is thinking of.

There is some incredible gushing over the programming language ADA. This book was written in 1992, when it surely should have been obvious that ADA was not the be-all and end-all. Yet the author has apprently fallen hook, line, and sinker for the party line over the programming language named after her hero. Here are some examples. Note these are the author's words, not Ada Lovelace's.

Pages 176-177: It is accordingly most fitting that the programming language ADA, developed in the early 1980s by the US Department of Defense, provides the most precise facilities for this software development (specification) task of any general-purpose software language for large-scale problems existing today.

Add this idolatry to the author's infatuation with Ada Lovelace, and the reuslt is some far-fetched comparisons between Ada Lovelace's documentation and later computer concepts.

Page 179: Here again, the ADA software language contains somewhat unique facilities corresponding in a sense to Ada's insight... A second unuusual ADA facility, exception handling, reflects in a ! different but related way Ada's vision of the Analytical Engines's superiority over the DIfference Engine...In a sense the ADA language exception handler operates at a level of control above the program itself, confirming Ada's foresight.

Page 185: One can read into the following quotations the germ of perhaps the most important advance in software development in the past twenty years, an idea variously referred to (in its many forms) as *sbatraction*, *modularity*, *separation of concerns*, *information hiding*, or *object-oriented design*.

Pages 187-188: In the first excerpt from Note D, Ada commended the use of indices, a now-basic technique for reducing complexity in the processing of regular data structures.

Page 190: ...Then she expanded the visual image she had of weaving and symmetry to highlight the *cycle*, a conceptual building block of programs for both the Analytical Engine and later the computer.

This exaggeration is also extended to Babbage's Analytical Engine.

Page 173: Babbage planned to store over 1000 fifty-digit numbers.

Page 181: It was not until the mid-1960s that the modern computer could store as many digit numbers as did the Analytical Engine.

Quite wrong; I worked on computers from the 1950s that had more storage capacity.

Pages 186-187 compare Babbage finding a new use for the Jacquard loom punched card to software reuse: Some predict that the 1990s will be the decade in which software reuse becomes the principal software development mechanism, and that the ADA software language, which simplifies software reuse because of its precise interface specification and generic subprogram facilities, will lead the way.

Book Description

Bestselling author Allison Hobbs's latest creation features a complex web of ghosts, evil spirits, the crimes of the antebellum South, and the endless depths of revenge.

Eris is a fallen goddess who has been demoted to roam the earth in the guise of a slave. Intending to become the mistress of the plantation, she uses her dark powers to bewitch and sexually enslave her owner, Arthur Stovall. Her plan, however, goes awry and Eris is banished to the dark realm -- the dwelling place for corrupt and depraved souls.

With an uncontrollable desire for vengeance upon the Stovall family, Eris uses trickery to escape this lower dimension. However, two hundred years have passed and settling the score with the plantation master is no longer an option. Undeterred, Eris turns her merciless intentions toward the last descendant of the Stovall line, who happens to be an African-American male, making her road to revenge much more complicated.

With an all-encompassing plot, spanning from the 1800s to present-day Philadelphia, and Hobbs's signature themes of erotica and the paranormal, The Enchantress is a quick-paced, thrilling novel.

Customer Reviews:

Enchanted !! (token787).......2007-10-07

This book was very good & humorous, it's a keeper. I have to honestly say, while reading it had me spooked by looking around. It was an imagination beyond real. Out of all Allison Hobbs books this one is 1# for me. I hope she writes more of this genre. 5 spooked stars and well deserved.

Wow !!!.......2007-08-03

Kudos to Allison Hobbs for going the extra step and stepping out the box and daring to go where alot of other people havent. If you want a book that will leave you like WHOA, then get this book. Its definately different and well worth it, but its a ride you won't soon forget..

Yea, go ahead and add this one too......

SeXXXual Adult Content!.......2007-07-01

In Allsion Hobb's newest release, The Enchantress, she takes you on a wild ride that's meant to stretch your imagination and open your mind to other possiblity's. The book starts off during the slavery era wher Eris, the "enchantress", is a run away slaves who uses her feminine whiles to get what she wants. Upon her demise she trys to find away to get back at those that caused her so much pain, but it's not until centuries later that she finds an exscape, a relative of those slave decendants from back in the day.
Eris was absolutely hilarious in this book, and much like the "other woman", although in spirit form, she does what she has to do to get the man she wants. This was a great read, and it is for those that are not afraid to step outside of normal reading material, and step up to some real adult reading. Allison, you've done it again.
This one is a must read for 2007, and you have to have this in your collection.

Excellent!.......2007-05-19

This book was an EXCELLENT surprise. I was drawn to the suspense, mystery, and macabre! I loved it. Allison truly has an imagination. This book is really unlike anything else out there that I have read. I have read all of Allison's books except for Dangerously in Love and I have to say that The Enchantress was soooo different. It is MOVIE WORTHY! I am truly impressed and can't wait to see if there is going to be a sequel to this book! I enjoyed it..couldn't put it down....it is a DEFINITE MUST READ!!

Enchanting.......2007-04-14

Eris is a beautiful but disgraced goddess that has been sent to Earth to live as a slave. Using her malicious intent and evil trickery she seduces plantation owner, Arthur Stovall, in hopes of becoming mistress of the house. When her plans go awry, Eris finds herself in the Dark Realm, a holding place for corrupt souls. There she befriends Xavier, `a shrewd being', who teaches her to use her `third eye'. Through third eye vision Eris keenly watches over the Stovall generations in hopes of enacting revenge upon the plantation master. Two hundred years pass before Eris has the opportunity to return to Earth and her thirst for vengeance is as strong as it was on day one. It makes no difference that the last Stovall descendant is an African-American male. Eris slips back to Earth and puts her plans into motion.

Bryce Stovall is the unsuspecting Stovall offspring whose dreams are being penetrated by the sexually charged Eris. Concerned and terrified of his nocturnal escapades, the intended groom cancels his wedding. Bryce's fiancée Ajali can't understand why her usually understanding and attentive man has abandoned her. Her world after his departure was unbearable. She needed solace, and turned to a book of meditation. It from there that she embarks on a journey to fight evil and reclaim the love of her life.

The Enchantress is erotic, electrifying, and yes - enchanting. As the pages turn you may very well feel as though you are within them, experiencing the paranormal up close and personal. Allison Hobbs presents another page turner, and I'm not surprised.

Englishruler
ARC Book Club Inc
Star Rating: 4.5

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