Book Description
With her frayed jeans and cascade of tousled dark hair, Lynn Shaw looks more like one of the teenage residents of Horizon House than their counselor. So it’s no wonder State Senator Erik Gunther mistakes her for one. Not that he exactly fits the description of a politician, with his movie-star looks and athletic build. Even Lynn, cynical, stubborn, and decidedly not looking for a relationship, can’t ignore her body’s response to the man.
Allegedly, he’s come to defend Lynn from angry locals who don’t want her home for delinquent girls in their neighborhood. But as far as Lynn is concerned, he’s looking for a photo op, a chance to play the hero–the last thing either she or her troubled girls need.
What they need is understanding. Lynn knows teenage rebellion all too well. And she knows firsthand its heartbreaking price. She won’t touch the good senator with a ten-foot pole only to watch him disappear once he gets what he wants. Unfortunately, Erik refuses to go away.
The moment Erik looks into her emerald eyes, his interest in work falls into serious competition with his interest in Lynn Shaw. Her rejection of his assistance only intrigues him further. He is determined to know her–and to help her. If that means practically moving into Horizon House, so be it.
But as the two engage in a battle of hearts, it becomes clear that Lynn is waging a private war of her own, against demons of the past–and against her overwhelming desire for the one man who may be worth fighting for.
Customer Reviews:
Another good one from TAMI.......2007-05-16
This is really a great book. I read it on my trip to New Orleans!!!!
The White Knight.......2006-11-17
I enjoyed The White Knight by Tami Hoag. It was well written, yet totally different from her other books. This book dealt with a home for troubled girls fitting into a neighbor, where the neighbors did not want them there; especially one individual. A politician steps in to help. The story twists and turns around events that start to happen around the neighbor once the girls move into the neighborhood. As time goes on the politician and the counselor become involved with each other and who is doing the all the vandelism. Will good conquer evil? Will love prevail? What do you think? It was a light reading book that I enjoyed. Lynn Sharrott did an excellent job reading the book. I had not ever listened to her before but I enjoyed her reading tremendously.
Be Warned.......2006-10-26
Once upon a time Tami Hoag wrote romances. This is a rather simplistic romance and not one of the mystery/suspense novels that she now writes.
She is better at the latter than the former.
not so good.......2006-10-08
I wasn't as fond of this book as I was others by Hoag. In my opinion the mystery part of it was soft, and the love story wasn't that great either.
The basic story is the heroine is a counselor for runaway girls. They move to a new 'house' and one of the residents in the neighborhood organizes a group to protest. The neighbors feel that the home will ruin their nice safe neighborhood. Things start going wrong in the neighborhood and, of course, the teens are blamed. Mixed in along with this is the 'romance' between the counselor and the senator who is there in an attempt to save the home. The counselor, Lynn, thinks that the senator is there just to get camera time and the senator is frustrated by Lynn's repeated efforts to push him away because of her past experiences.
I guess my main problem with the book is it lacked the spark that most of Hoag's other books have. It wasn't horrible, but it was by no means my favorite by Hoag. I would definitely recommend some of her newer books over this, try Mercy for example. Whichever book you end up picking, I hope you enjoy it :)
More romance than thriller.......2006-02-27
I own this in the original Loveswept edition. It is a good story, but if you are familar with Tami Hoag's later works which are thrillers, this may not be for you. It is a romance with the mystery definitely running secondary.
Lynn Shaw works as a counselor for at a house for troubled teenagers, but has a troubled past. Erik is a local politician who falls for Lynn, but Lynn is unable to commit. Of course she is beautiful, he is handsome as was mandatory for all Loveswept editions. Set this against a background of local hostility of having the teenagers in their neighborhood, property damage, troubled teens, it has more depth than a typical Loveswept novel.
I don't know if the republished edition will have been updated, or changed in any way, but as a Loveswept book it one of the better ones. Not too much sex, more about the story and learning to trust and ultimately be vulnerable enough again to accept and give love. Elena in Dark Horse goes through a similar transition to Lynn Shaw. It is an easy read and probably a third of the length of her later books. Compared to Tami Hoag's later works, it is not as strong and lacks some of tension. Buy it for what it is, not for what it isn't.
Average customer rating:
- Wonderful way to learn history!
- Awesome Book
- Love it!
- Anastasia Romanov
- Not that good
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Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, Russia, 1914 (The Royal Diaries)
Carolyn Meyer
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0439129087 |
Amazon.com
Anastasia is a carefree young duchess, daughter of Nicholas Alexandrovitch Romanov, tsar of all the Russias in 1914. While her father attends to the turbulent affairs of a vast and complex country, Anastasia's major concerns are how to get out of her detested schoolwork to play in the snow, go ice skating, or have picnics. She wears diamonds and rubies, and every morning her mother tells her which matching outfit she and her three sisters shall wear that day. Slowly a hint of future trouble enters her happy, pampered life. Anastasia's younger brother, the future tsar, is a hemophiliac--a "bleeder" who cannot stop bleeding if he is cut or bruised. Anastasia begins to learn that all is not well in the outside world, either. Not everyone in Russia worships her father as she does, and the Germans are about to declare war on Russia. Anastasia's world gradually deteriorates, as reported in her youthful, often playful journal.
As Russia entered World War I, hunger and poverty grew among the peasants, and the Romanov ruling family began to lose favor, culminating in their murders--including Anastasia's--by Bolshevik revolutionaries. This fictionalized diary of the mischievous youngest daughter's last four years gives a fascinating glimpse into a life of unlimited wealth--and the subsequent downward spiral. Historical notes, family trees, and photographs round out Carolyn Meyer's compelling contribution to the popular Royal Diaries series. (Ages 9 to 14) --Emilie Coulter
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful way to learn history!.......2007-09-28
We have really learned history from the Royal Diary series. It gives a wonderful time frame to set history in. It really helps you to remember what you need to know!
Awesome Book.......2006-11-28
I'm a fan of the Royal Diaries series, and this is the best of the books. I read this book over and over again. I liked the way that you could tell that the children, especially Anastasia and Alexei, grew up throughout the four years that the novel took place. I also liked the glimpse it gave of the lavish lifestyle that the Romanovs led, and I was extremely saddened to learn of their fate. I do not believe that Anna Anderson was really Anastasia. I think that Anastasia died along with her family that fateful day in July. But if you would like to read the Royal Diaries series, this is a great book to start off with.
Love it!.......2006-11-27
I liked this book A LOT Cos it showed Anastasia life befor she was killed.And Cannot understand why Anna Anderson Would Pretend to be Anastasia! (DNA says so) Sometimes the Plot would get a little boring but it always went back up to Good.I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Anastasia Romanov.......2006-07-04
This book gets only exciting at the end when the Romanovs get arrested. 'till then, Anastasia led a boring life. I do not recommend this book to anyone, and do not be fooled by the other reviewers, this book is definitely not good. ( But gets slightly better at the end)
Not that good.......2006-07-03
I do not think this book is as good as I thought it would be. It is a very boring diary and definitely the Marie Antoinette book is better.I do not like the book about Cleopatra much either.The book on Anastasia just talks about when she goes to picnics and other palaces and when she went on yatchs. Since I heard so many good reviews on this book, I thought on buying this book, but it turnes out it is'nt that good. I cannot believe people actually like this book even. Anastasia led a boring life and she recorded it in her boring diary.
Book Description
In the conclusion to the Marvel Knights Spider-Man super-story, the identity of Aunt May's abductor is finally revealed. But is that the villain who really pulls the strings? Things heat up as Spidey and the Black Cat face off against the might of the Sinister Twelve. Holy cow, True Believers! Did we say twelve? Even with the tough-as-nails Black Cat by his side, how can the web-slinger possibly defeat twelve of the most powerful super-villains on the planet? The roller-coaster ride that is Marvel Knights Spider-Man picks up speed, riding a corkscrew to its conclusion! Collects Marvel Knights Spider-Man #9-12.
Customer Reviews:
Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03
This is reasonable, apart from The Scorpion is the new Venom? The Green Goblin is treating his relationship with Spider-Man as a series of battles, done to his twisted code. His problem is that he is about to be assassinated in prison, and only Spider-Man can get him out. Mostly due to the fact he is going to murder his hostage Aunt. Images of well built girlfriends and other relatives, friends and associates of the pushing up the daisies varieties haunt Spider-Man throughout. Much of the story is internal to the wallcrawler here, not really any of the usual battles with quippage.
Where did it go?.......2007-01-12
After reading the first volume and being impressed by both the artwork and the writing I decided to spend my hard earned money on the next two volumes to find out what happened to Aunt May. Wow was I left disappointed. While the artwork is still phenomenal, I really felt that this final arc was just a 'cram in all the characters you can' deal. Yes, there is no doubt that the Green Goblin is an evil, evil man, but there was a lack of something in this story that I got in 'Down Among the Dead Men'.
It all comes to an end..........2005-11-21
This third act of the year-long story arc is unbelievable. Although the whole set-up reminded me a bit of Batman: Hush with the manipulation of Spideman's villians, it was still amazing. There's a reason why the Green Goblin is Peter's worst foe -- because he's one bad-a$$! And in this book, he is in full form.
Also, very interesting is Millar's idea of super villians. Ponder this one over. It's very, very cool!
Rhyme & Reason.......2005-07-28
The highly successful combination Millar and Dodson bring to a close the last arc in their Marvel Knights Spider-Man series with "The Last Stand." Millar's story injects each character - hero or villian - with a captivating sense of realism, humanity, and heart. Early on I felt the Spider-Man stories were driven by Peter Parker's challanges while growing up and balancing his "life" apart from the mask. Most of the villans and obstacles thrown at him were just reflections of his problems and were never flushed out. Now the characters have real motivations and real problems that lead them to their confrontations with the Wallcrawler. All of this is amazingly complimented by the Dodson-Duo's art. Both Dodson's bring their unique style to their work, but overall the splashes, panels, and pacing throughout pages feel consistent. Do yourself a favor if your a Spider-Fan and pick a copy of this as well as the first installments "Down Among the Dead Men" and "Venomous."
Mark Millar's stunning conclusion.......2005-06-10
Mark Millar's year long arc on Marvel Knights Spider-Man comes to a stunner of a conclusion as he ties up all the loose ends he's set up the past year while revealing who kidnapped Peter Parker's beloved Aunt May and just who was behind it. Who did it and why isn't really much of a surprise here, but the culmination of which is, as Spidey faces off against the newly formed Sinister Twelve, led by the Green Goblin and the Scorpion, who has now come into posession of Eddie Brock's auctioned off Venom symbiote costume. Everything else, such as who is controling Doctor Octopus and why is revealed, along with which side is the Black Cat really on. Ending in a last battle with the Green Goblin with odes to the classic death of Gwen Stacy tale, Millar brings his year long run to a close in style, and once again the art of his Trouble team of Terry and Rachel Dodson is superb. All in all, this final chapter of one of the best Spider-Man stories to be told in the last few years is completely satisfying, and the splash page featuring the Green Goblin with Mary Jane as a hostage in a very chilling and familiar looking scene is worth the price of admission alone.
Product Description
Swords at Sunset is the final book in Michael Bradley's bestselling trilogy on Holy Grail adventures in North America from 1398 to 1571, completing the saga related in Holy Grail Across the Atlantic and Grail Knights of North America (the author's research skills were also put to good use in the movie The Da Vinci Code). In Swords at Sunset, Bradley draws on evidence from The Book of Mormon, plus newly discovered artefacts from Lake Memphremagog and the Niagara region. Bradley offers a convincing argument that communities of Grail refugees - who had fled the Inquisition in Europe - were established in Niagara and Vermont before being defeated by Native tribes in 1571. Swords at Sunset also examines the origins of man and the concept of the Holy Grail, offering a new and different perspective of the Western religious history that has shaped so much of the entire world's history. Swords at Sunset presents a thought-provoking interpretation that will astonish and intrigue.
Customer Reviews:
Swords at Sunset and Madalene Mandala absolutely superb.......2007-05-18
Now here's a great combo: On author Michael Bradley's The Magdalene Mandala page, his bestselling novel has been paired with his non-fiction masterpiece, Swords at Sunset for a low package rate provided by amazon. I adore both books and it's wonderful they're paired.
This package offering is superb. I picked up both books and could not put either of them down until I reached the back cover. Amazing!
Swords at Sunset is the true story of Bradley's efforts tracing the Holy Grail to Canada and the United States. It's all supported by archeological evidence from digs in Vermont, Quebec, Niagara, Ontario and elsewhere. He raises many fascinating possibilities in this well argued book that left me wondering if descendents of Jesus Christ's bloodline now walk among us.
The Magdalene Mandala is a fast-paced thriller that's a bit like James Bond meeting the Da Vinci Code (author Bradley was a researcher for the Da Vinci Code movie and is a recognized Holy Grail expert). No wonder Bradley's prior two novels were major bestsellers: This book combines an exciting, action-filled story with meticulous research on the Grail. Well done!
I highly recommend both books. Each is absiolutely terrific and they do indeed make a great pair. The Magdalene Mandala
Swords at Sunset traces Holy Grail to North America.......2007-04-17
Much like his bestselling novel The Magdalene Mandala author Michael Bradley has again tapped into his Holy Grail expert credentials (he's written many books on the Grail and was a researcher for The Da Vinci Code movie).
But unlike The Magdalene Mandala, Bradley's Swords at Sunset is a nonfiction work that utilizes archeological evidence to support his well argued contention that the Holy Grail - the carriers of the Jesus bloodline - were smuggled into North America by the Knights Templar centuries before Columbus set foot here.
This is an absolutely fascinating book by a true expert on the Holy Grail. Highly recommended.
Swords at Sunset absolutely superb.......2006-12-20
Swords at Sunset traces the Holy Grail to Canada and the United States centuries ago, long before Columbus discovered either country.
Author Michael Bradley, who served as a researcher for The Da Vinci Code movie put his research skills to work on Swords, using evidence to support his theory that Grail knights were wiped out by North American natives.
That in itself makes this well written book a highly recommended terrific read. But Swords goes well beyond this to explore the origins of man.
I first picked this book up because one reviewer had compared it to Hitler's Mein Kampf and my curiosity got the better of me. However, anyone hoping to find a lot of anti-jewish nonsense will be gravely disappointed as there really isn't anything of the sort: Bradley traces not just Jews, but other major religious groups back to Neanderthal Man. However, he also notes Neanderthal's were large-brained (true) and highly intelligent. It's interesting that scientists today are only now catching up with Bradley's findings on Neanderthals and the origins and composition of Modern Humans. I found Bradley raised many interesting views and really made me think. I also found he jumped to some fantastic conclusions and expressed some viewpoints - such as White people in general having a predisposition to violence - that I cannot agree with. That said, it's well worth spending the time to travel through this author's mind and share his amazing discoveries even if you don't agree with all of his end conclusions. This is an education ride - and getting there is half the fun. Highly recommended.
Ego at Sunset.......2006-10-17
This book is horrible. Never mind the simplistic genetic philosophy straight out of Himmler. Jews are Cro Magnon and your basic Aryan is Neandethal, or is the other way around? Like the first reviewer said every other sentence is plugging his other two books which I actually enjoyed. In this he had no rational editor to filter the racist egotistical element out and keep his interesting material in. I think the author would benefit or perhaps pass out, if he read Norma Goodrich's book on the Holy Grail where she discusses the theory that Chretien De Troyes the first medieval author to mention the Grail was a converted Jew and perceived the Grail as a the Jewish Passover plate! Avoid this book unless you like reading 'Mein Kampf' on breezy summer day!
Something Totally New in the Grail Vain.......2006-09-12
I have not read the two book previously written before this one. But I might. This book carries on from the first two about the Grail coming to America with Sinclair (from Rosslyn). This book had some interesting discussion about the Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon Gene pool of the time before Christ. I have not seen this before. The author does make some controversial statements related to 'Jews' so beware.
I dont think he needed to repeat his previous books' titles in every sentence. I kind of got the idea very quickly that he had written more than one book. The Epilogue is very interesting. More on the Cro-magnon, Neanderthal discussion.
Average customer rating:
- Won't work for everyone
- Indiana Jones goes Medieval
- Unbelievable!
- Captivating
- A TRULY EXCELLENT BOOK WORTHY OF 6 STARS RATING!!
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The Last Knight
Candice Proctor
Manufacturer: Ivy Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0804119309
Release Date: 2000-08-01 |
Book Description
Spirited Attica d'Alerion will do anything to protect her beloved brother from danger. To warn him of a political betrayal that could lead to war, Attica disguises herself as a young courtier and bravely rides into the arms of destiny.
Damion de Jarnac is the black knight, a rogue horseman bound by no code of honor except his own blind ambition. Working for the aging King Henry, Damion scouts the hills of Brittany on a dangerous mission to expose the treachery of Philip of France. There he joins forces with a courageous lad-- who turns out to be the most intriguing woman he has ever met. But to win the beautiful Attica's love, Damion must slay the demons of an unforgivable past. And to save his doomed country, he must make a deadly decision that could break his lady's noble heart. . . .
Customer Reviews:
Won't work for everyone.......2006-05-19
This is the second book that I've tried by Candice Proctor. And I have to say, it was well written and I can see why so many people loved it. But I'm not one of them.
There wasn't any glaring problems, just sort of a build-up of little ones. Like the tortured hero's soul is almost TOO black. I actually found him depressing after a while (even 100 pages from the end), which is not what you want when reading a romance novel.
I generally don't like medieval romances because they are so violent. This one is no exception. Of course, it's completely realistic for the time period, but again, it was very depressing. I mean, how many times does the reader have to see (through the heroine's horrified eyes) a village sacked and destroyed by armies, with dead people lying all around? There's only so much carnage I can stand in a romance novel. Not that I'm a "fluff" romance reader, but when the body count is in the thousands, it starts to wear on me after a while.
I also felt that the story dragged in some places, while it went at breakneck speed in other. It made the story feel kind of uneven.
I liked that the hero and heroine admitted their love to each other, rather than playing those stupid mind games (I love you, but I'll pretend I hate you for some inexplicable reason) that you find so often in romance. That was a refreshing change. However, the romance wasn't one that I keenly felt. Their emotions were a little rushed and just didn't ring true with me.
One thing that really got to me was one of the phrases the author just LOVED to over use: she kept referring to the hero's "man's body". Examples: "He held her against his hard man's body." "She was amazed by the sight of his strong, tall man's body." Well, what other body does he have? A pig's body? A horse's body? A woman's body? Why didn't she just say that he held her against him? Or against his strong body? Why does it have to be against his strong man's body? If Proctor had used the phrase once, it would never have bothered me, but when she uses it 20 times in the same number of pages, it got to be really grating and annoying.
Anyway, I guess I'm in the minority here, but THE LAST KNIGHT isn't a book I'd recommend buying. Borrow it instead. If you want an amazing (and not as violent) medieval romance that is a keeper, I suggest HIS FORBIDDEN TOUCH by Shelly Thacker.
Indiana Jones goes Medieval .......2005-03-06
Another great story, Candice! Certainly one of your most adventurous, edge-of-the-seat stories. I tell ya, the first 1/2 of this story was like an Indiana Jones remake but I mean that in the best way. My heart was in my throat for quite a while.
I really fell in love with Damien & Attica...wonderful characters. While I thought they fell in love a bit quicker than usual...well, hey it does happen that way. And, as usual, Candice has a way of 'keeping it real' when it comes to love. So hard to define, what makes one writer so much better at drawing us into the love story than another, but Candice does it so well.
If I have any wee wee tiny complaint, it is in her proclivity towards the descriptive terms "his man's body" or "her woman's body". She uses this phraseology a LOT in all her books I have read, and I find it just a wee bit off-putting...redundant anyway.
Nevertheless, I have yet to be disappointed by one of her stories...except for the fact that I am getting ready to read the last one!
Unbelievable!.......2002-12-28
A great book! This is the first I have read by this author, but plan on reading many others. The story takes a romantic turn that I certainly didn't expect, but was quite pleased with. Very good reading.
Captivating.......2002-12-08
This is an awesome book-one of my favorite books of all time, and Candice Protor's best book yet. The characters are funny, smart,strong and brave. Best of all, I love the ending, and the romance between the two main charactors. If you are looking for a good laugh, and a melting love story, I recommend you read this one!
A TRULY EXCELLENT BOOK WORTHY OF 6 STARS RATING!!.......2002-09-12
Every so often you come across a good book and once in a while, a great book but none such as this one that takes my breath away. Candice Proctor weaves a powerful tale about an incredibly courageous girl who braved all odds to save the life of her beloved brother.
Amidst political upheaval where one false move or indiscreet revelation could mean certain death, Attica d'Alerion disguised as a boy teamed up with fellow traveller, Damion de Jarnac, a knight-errant, to ensure safe passage to her destination. Neither trusting the other as each has their own secrets to safeguard, Attica and Damion were inevitably drawn to one another as they battled enemies and fled their captors. As they come to rely on each other, so too did their love grow. But knowing that their love would be futile as Attica has been promised to another where duty and honour take precedence over personal feelings, it would take a miracle for their love to triumph.
Unlike most romance-themed novels which revolve around passion and desire, this story focussed on elements of danger, political intrigue and has scenes so poignantly described by the author even a non-romance fan would be hooked!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! and even if you remotely like historical romance, this book is definitely the one to read. The characters, Attica and Damion are so vibrantly alive that they will linger in your mind even after the last page was turned.
I hope Candice Proctor goes on to write more medieval-based novels.
Book Description
ETERNITY UNDONE... In the Eternal Heavens, the apocalypse is set in motion by a singular impossibility-time has stopped. The ensuing chaos threatens to unravel reality and causes an unthinkable side effect; the gods...are aging. Desperate for a solution, Heaven has sent four divine champions on a holy crusade: to seek out the threat to reality and destroy it. THE MORTAL PLANE... In the law-bound kingdom of Arsgoth, Areck, a young squire of the Bre'Dmorian Knighthood, develops abilities beyond the power of all known divinity. The repercussions of this supreme gift shake the foundation of all that is known and challenge his loyalties to god and the knighthood. THE LAST KNIGHT... As Areck's power manifests, the suspicious eyes of Heaven look down upon mankind and the Mortal Plane. The champions have been sent. Reality is coming undone. The apocalypse is about to commence-which only Areck can prevent...or begin.
Customer Reviews:
Unbelievable novel for a no-name author.......2007-07-19
Overall:
The quality of this novel, especially for a first time author, surpassed my expectations in all areas. The only major complaint I have regarding this story is that it ended on a cliff-hanger. Which is why I say, for those of you thinking of reading this tale...it desires a conclusion, which I'm sure will be present in future books, but for now, leaves you wondering. Saying that, the entirety of the book is well-paced and well-constructed, making logical transitions between people, places, and events. The strongest aspects of the novel, I thought, were the characters. Main characters are given good depth and supporting characters are given vibrant personae. While some of these supporting characters fall into tried-and-true clichés (i.e., the High Lightbringer's fanaticism and the Duke of Aresleigh's noble line), they are written well enough within their archetypes that they don't feel like rehashed versions of another author's characters.
Character Impression:
The main characters in this novel are written brilliantly, considering I have never even heard of this author before. In fact, the main character's personal development through the novel is nothing short of astonishing. In virtually all other fantasy I have read, which number in the low hundreds, the main character is nigh-inviolate - their views, even when contrasting with the situation, are stoic and unwavering. I know fantasy fans know of which I speak. :) These are type of characters that are able to "steamroll" everything in their path with a stubborn determination that ends up, through some quirk, working in their favor. Areck (The main character), on the other hand, constantly has his faith tested throughout the story. While he ends up in much the same place he began, it is clear that doubt has seeded itself into his thoughts by the end of the novel. This change is simultaneously refreshing and terribly interesting, since it gives rise to the whole theological background of the book. (I will get to this later.)
The "bad guys," too, are well-written and interesting. The author has given life to several new divine races...and at the same time brought a new refreshing outlook to angels, demons, dragons, and knights. Ok, back to our bad guys. The first of these are the ***SPOILER ALERt*** Olthari Thurm and the Dark God Illenthuul, who are both among the most interesting antagonists I have ever seen. Many novels, disregarding genre, utilize that same type of "lets make everyone suffer, rule the world, and enslave all humantiy" type of evil, leaving their characters predictable and boring. To be more precise the antagonists in this story, at least in my mind, are manipulators that will use whatever and whomever they can to accomplish his goals before destroying them utterly. Not to mention, the author will make you...err well at least 'me', actually feel for his villians. This sort of character, whose ambitions can often seem good to those around him, comes across to me as far more engaging than the straight-forward "kill them all" evil of generic villains.
Stylistic Impressions:
The novel was, mostly, well written. What I mean by this is that the editor / proof reader of the publisher must not be a paid position, as there are several errors remaining to be corrected. In truth though, most of the errors are of a ridiculous sort, such as, "theOlthari" and "the offficer went...". /shrugs
On to other stylistic effects. I know how difficult it is to write believable dialogue for characters whom all think and act differently, yet the author did mostly a terrific job in The Last Knight. The only complaint I have regarding the dialogue of this particular book is the sparse inclusion of some modern phrasing (i.e., the word "okay," which I simply don't view as something to use in what is effectively a medieval situation). Apart from a few such inclusions, the dialogue informed, at points was funny, and yet still managed to "pop."
Further, I enjoyed the methods this author uses to switch between locations, characters, and times within the story. Many authors I have read simply begin a new chapter when it's time to switch perspectives or such, but in The Last Knight, some of the POV switching actuallt occurs within each chapter. Though it is hard to unlearn the old fantasy methods, I found this style choice to be very easy to read, and helped serve to break up long stretches of story (mostly information), keeping the book fresh throughout.
The final stylistic gem in this story, which is both very unsual and very unique, was the inclusion of a snapshot segment dedicated to a Champion of Heaven. During these snapshots, which occur at the start of each Part, the author takes us through time via (no name being used): an olthari, a dragon, a knight, a murderer, and an angel, giving us their stories which all intertwine with the Main Character. When all the players were introduced, I immediately desired to read onward, simply to see how such wholly different characters could possibly be woven together into a cohesive tale. This tactic is beautifully used throughout the novel to maintain the reader's immersion without losing sight of any of the story's numerous threads. Needless to say, each of these snapshots are interesting and help retwist the longer stretches about the Protagonist.
Story Impressions:
This is very hard to say, but this novel details one of the better modern epic fantasy tales I have ever read. It's so vast...and so philosphical / spiritual, that it makes you wonder how the author thought it all up. Too many authors these days seem to be caught in an up-and-down good-versus-evil bent, and thus produce stories that are much the same as what has already been written. The unconventional choice of characters allows Mr. Fogle's story to take many unexpected turns, thus keeping the story lively. The opening descriptions of Heaven and Eternity are among the most compelling passages I have read in recent memory. After that, the story flows logically from one point to another, making good transitions through the various phases of the Main Character's experience.
Final Considerations:
This book is phenomenal, in that it is a first time author who wrote it. I vastly enjoyed it, and would absolutely recommend it to any lover of epic fantasy. The minor complaints I had with certain portions of the book are truly minor issues, including some typos that the publisher missed.
Overall, as a 1-5 rating, I would give this book a 4.5, and the only reasons it's not a 5 are the minor imperfections I described above. I cannot wait to see the continuation and eventual conclusion of this story in all its excellence!
This new author will not disappoint..........2007-03-09
Fogle tells an amazing tale, full of adventure with a unique philosophical twist. As Areck of Brenly, a squire in the Bre D'morian Knighthood, tries his hardest to become a man worthy of the love of his god, Starsgalt, he faces many unique and challenging situations.
The book begins with a look back in time, when heaven's timeline, something more real than the gods themselves, is disrupted, immediately sending all of heaven into a panic to find the source of the disruption. Champions of the gods are sent on lifelong quests to find this source, though not one soul knows what to look for.
As the two worlds begin to collide, you are taken on a magnificent journey; one which you will not want to end.
I believe that Fogle has done an amazing job for a first-time author. I was anything but disappointed, and I am looking forward to any of his future works.
excellent Apocalypse fantasy .......2007-03-09
During the 20th Eternity, the end has begun as time has stopped moving yet the godly residents of the Eternal Heavens suddenly paradoxically are aging. Though deities, none knows what caused both effects though the assumption by most is that the unexpected aging was an effect of the stoppage of time. Whatever reality was is no more; unless they can somehow restore what once was before, Armageddon is now. Four heavenly souls are chosen to destroy this still unrecognized unknown menace apparently to be found on the mortal plane; the theory of the gods is killing the cause will bring back normalcy to the celestial realm.
As the stunned Gods begin their Hail Mary desperation move, squire Areck of the Bre'Dmorian Knighthood begins to display odd powerful skills beyond anything seen in the realm before. In fact, his seemingly innate abilities prove to be beyond that of the deities as Eternal Heaven takes notice and ponders if he is the key. They consider killing him by destroying his mortal plane of existence even though that means eradicating a species. The four heavenly champions focus on Areck as they bring the apocalypse to his earthly realm.
Apocalypse fantasy readers will fully appreciate this deep exhilarating thriller though the audience will struggle with the overly packed chapter one that occurs in 1999 AD (After Devoid) as the upcoming confrontation between God, man and Areck is established. The story line never looks back as the Apocalypse begins in 2020 AD with seemingly no turning back on the mortal plane if the Eternal Heavenly plane is to move forward once again. Eric Fogle provides a deep complex look at the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as the only one who might prevent the end of the world is the one person they feel they must kill if they are to prevent the end of Heaven.
Harriet Klausner
Intriguing, thought provoking, and entertaining fantasy.......2007-02-27
If you are looking for a fresh perspective in the fantasy genre, this is your book. Mr. Fogle has created a truly unique novel that isn't your typical formulaic fantasy. He drew me in to his very convincing and well thought out world. The end of the book is particularly exciting and left me wanting more. I can't wait for the sequel.
Debut novel by a promising author.......2007-02-20
Forge of the Gods - The Last Night by Eric Fogle is the first novel in what I expect to be a very good fantasy series. Being a first time author, Mr. Fogle has no reputation to live up to, no standards to meet, yet that does not stop him from forging his way into the genre with nothing held back. He obviously has talent and a knack for writing a griping story. When reviewing first time authors, I sometimes want to compare them to other more established authors. However, that really isn't fair to the new author as it immediately creates a comparison instead of letting that work stand on its own.
The plot of this book has several elements and a couple sub-plots sprinkled in for good measure. The main arc of this novel follows the young Squire Areck through a maturation process as he gains more responsibility, as well as facing some very challenging circumstances. One of the sub--plots deals with an upheaval in Heaven and how a group of angels are not only trying to figure out the cause, and solution, to the problem. But they are also facing a problem of their own that could lead to dramatic change to life as they know it. The second sub-plot again involves the gods, this time searching out a mysterious cause to something they do not even understand. So, the gods send Champions to find what they do not know they are looking for. The two sub-plots are not given very many chapters to fully develop, but, at times less is more. That certainly applies here. Mr. Forgle tells us just enough to keep us interested in these sub-plots but not enough to where they take over the main focus of the story, that of Areck.
The characters in this book had some obvious planning behind them. Every character that's talked about has a part to play in the overall book. There is certainly a great deal of character development with Areck and what he goes through. The character of Lord Bowon has a tremendous amount of development at well. I can't go into details, because I don't want to spoil things for anyone. While there are certainly some good, solid characters in this novel - the real strength of the novel comes from the plots and the overall story arch. I don't mean that as the characters are bad in any way, it's just meant the story if the thing of greatest import and at times the story seems to pull the characters along with it.
I have a few minor criticisms about this novel. First off there are a few times where I would have liked to read more descriptions about people, setting etc. What I mean by that was there were a few times when I had a hard time visualizing what it was I was supposed to see. This doesn't detract a great deal from the overall enjoyment of the novel, just a small nuisance. The very beginning of the book seemed a little jumbled to me. Mr. Fogle tried to introduce a lot of characters and many settings all in the span of about thirty pages. I don't know if this was due to word count limits or other necessities, but it felted rushed and I had a hard time following everything.
With that said, I enjoyed this novel quite a bit. It set up future events very well. For a new author, Mr. Fogle has penned a tale that is yet unfolding. This first installment is a very good addition to the fantasy genre and one the serious fantasy fans will enjoy. If you are looking for large scale battles, magic users throwing spells, or hoards of monsters - this may not be the book for you. Yet, if you are looking for a well constructed story that has deep ties to religion and the workings of faith do not hesitate to pick this up. This is not your typical mass market fantasy. At times the reader is required to think, and that, is a good thing. I know I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.
Book Description
There may be no more fascinating historical period than the late fourteenth century in Europe. The Hundred Years' War ravaged the continent, yet gallantry, chivalry, and literary brilliance flourished in the courts of England and elsewhere. Chaucer wrote brilliant satire, lords and ladies invented courtly rituals of love and romance, yet the vast bulk of Europe's population struggled with plague, economic uncertainty, and violence. It was a world in transition, soon to be replaced by the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration -- and John of Gaunt was its central figure. Norman F. Cantor, the best known and most popular historian of the Middle Ages, brings Gaunt to life brilliantly in his newest work, The Last Knight.
John of Gaunt was the richest man in Europe, apart from its monarchs, and he epitomized and surpassed the ideals of the late Middle Ages. From chivalry -- he was taught at a young age to fight on horseback like the knights of old -- to courtly love -- his three marriages included two romantic love-matches -- he was an ideal leader. He created lavish courts, sponsoring Chaucer and proto-Protestant religious thinkers, and he survived the dramatic Peasants' Revolt, during which his sumptuous London residence was burned to the ground. As the head of the Lancastrian Branch of the Plantagenet family, he was the unknowing father of the War of the Roses, for his son Henry Bolingbroke usurped the crown from Gaunt's nephew, Richard II, after Gaunt had died. He passed away just as one great era gave way to the next: His grandson Henry the Navigator launched the Age of Exploration. Gaunt's adventures represent the culture and mores of the Middle Ages as few others' do, and his death is portrayed by Cantor as the end of that fascinating period.
Shakespeare put into Gaunt's mouth the most patriotic speech in the English language: "this sceptre'd isle...This other Eden, demi-paradise." Yet Shakespeare's version of Gaunt is an old and doddering man whose son took center stage. In fact, in Cantor's capable hands, this great man and those fascinating times are ready for their own starring roles.
Customer Reviews:
Good introduction to upper class medieval life ..........2007-10-11
While the book isn't quite as bad as other reviewers or the Amazon star-rating indicate, it's not what the publisher advertises it to be - a book on chivalry and John of Gaunt. Threads of these themes appear throughout, but the book comprises random thoughts and insights about upper class medieval life, occasionally with comparisons to other centuries in Europe and the U.S. It reads like a series of classroom lectures in introductory medieval history.
To that end, it has more value than earlier reviewers give it. If you are new to medieval history, this book is as good a place to start as any for information on the class structure, political and social attitudes, and economics of the times. It is not, however, an examination - even on an introductory level - of John of Gaunt. The author's attempt to interweave information about this important historical figure fails.
Someone should sue the publisher.......2007-08-07
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that publishers should be held legally liable merely for publishing poorly written, banal, politically correct, ahistorical drivel like this book. We rightly protect the freedoms of speech and of the press regarless of the intrinsic value of the speech. (Although I do wonder if Profesor Cantor is solely responsible for this garbage. Perhaps it was his awareness that, as his life was nearing its end, he was bequeathing to the reading public this mess, which led him to so pointedly acknowledge how his literary agent and editor had both "been very helpful in shaping the manuscript" ... which coincidentally represents their last payday from the bestselling author).
As I say, that's not why the publisher should be sued. No, my contention that someone should sue the publisher is based on their own baldfaced false advertisement on the book cover.
They claim that "Norman F. Cantor brings to life John of Gaunt..." He does nothing of the sort. In fact John of Gaunt is really nothing more in the book than a foil for the author's social musings on class and sexual mores and a rant about today's "billionaire capitalists."
To really see where Cantor is heading, just go straight to his last chapter, "The End of the Middle Ages." Here he abandons all pretense to historical perspective or even to staying within shouting distance of his supposed topic. The chapter staggers from unfounded assertion to wild speculation to sweeping generalization to confident prediction of the future like a sawdust preacher haranguing a tentful of simpletons. The moderately informed reader will feel both insulted and somewhat embarrased for the author.
Real scholarship of the past 20 years based on examining a wider body of evidence is dismissed as the faddish popularity of medieval catholicism among historians (p.221). But never fear, Cantor assures us "the truth of the older [Protestant/Whig] view cannot be denied and will slowly be reasserted." Hogwash.
Possible examples can be multipled from almost any page of the book but, as brevity is the soul of wit, I fear I may already have gone on too long.
If someone ever gets around to filing that lawsuit, sign me up for the plaintiff's list. I figure they owe me for the purchase price of the book as well as a litle something in compensation for the hours I spent reading it and waiting (in vain) for it to get less worse.
The book suggests haste in an attempt to produce "one last book.".......2007-08-02
John of Gaunt and his brother Edward the Black Prince have intrigued me since I first took an English History course for my MA, so I purchased this book despite the negative reviews. While it contains at least something on each and their relationship, the book is really not very informative. In fact, you might intuit most of what the author says from just a little knowledge of the period, so general are the author's remarks.
The book was written by a popular although somewhat controversial medieval historian, Norman F. Cantor, during his twilight years. His earlier works were lauded as accessible to the reading public and enjoyed considerable commercial popularity, but according to the Wickipedia entry, his original research was scant and often at variance with other historians, receiving mixed reviews in the journals.
This book is almost sad. The professor died in September of 2004 at the age of 75, and the book was published that same year. One presumes that it was an attempt to recreate something of his earlier success with one last book. I have read other books written by professors at the end of their lives and have been far more impressed. It is a nice way of summarizing the knowledge of a lifetime career and leaving a legacy of what was known and contributed by the author up to that time. I have read a couple of books of this type, including The New Catastrophism: The Rare Event in Geological History by Derek Agar and Ancient Israel's Faith and History: An Introduction to the Bible in Context by George Mendenhall, both of which were quite good. Unfortunately The Last Knight does not stand up well to scrutiny.
I'm not certain to whom I'd even recommend the volume; it is written almost at the level of the middle school student in style and approach, but the material jumps too much from topic to topic, despite the well organized chapter headings: Old Europe, The Great Families, Plantagenet England, Women, Warriors, Spain, The Church, Peasants, Politics, Chaucer, The End of the Middle Ages. They are well chosen topics, but the content is almost random. Each chapter seems to include a hodge-podge of what might easily have been quotes from lecture notes taken out of context but which seemed "too good to leave out." The result is a confusing mix of genealogy and gossipy generalizations.
The author's parenthetical remarks make the book seem coy and dated and probably do more to reveal the author's issues (ie. Ivy league professors, anti-Semitism, etc.) than the period or individuals about whom he writes. Certainly the mention of "illicit sex," "promiscuous sex," and "homosexuality" while it might have been titillating, scandalous, rebellious or even progressive to the young college student in the morally transitional sixties, will seem banal and quaint to a young person today to whom the whole issue is a nonstarter. It reveals the remarkable degree to which Professor Cantor was out of touch with the young at the end of his life.
Part of the problem may well be that the topic, while it is narrowed to the life of John of Gaunt, is really about the age of John of Gaunt. In the absence of any personal letters, the only facts about the man are general ones abstracted from legal and economic documents. To flesh out the book, the author relies upon what is known about other aristocrats of this period; and it's a long period. The author includes information from the reigns of kings as disparate as William of Normandy (1066) to Henry VII (about 1500). That takes in a lot of ground. One must presume that, except perhaps technologically, a lot of change occurred in social behaviors, just as they do now. In fact, even in technology things were changing at a break neck pace compared to the previous 500 years. One might point out that the intrigue, ambition, social interactions and tangled geneology of the time of John of Gaunt were what set up the country for the chaotic period of the War of the Roses which so inspired Shakespeare in his plays Henry IV and Richard III. In short, there is just too much to cover for a book of only 250 pages. More might have been done with a greater degree of focus and better editing.
For those readers who desire a more complete introduction to the Middle Ages and despite the fact that it covers the period immediately preceding John of Gaunt, I would suggest England Under the Norman and Angevin Kings, 1075-1225 (New Oxford History of England) by Robert Bartlett. Although it is a very heavy and serious work, and may lose those interested in only a casual read, it covers the period more thoroughly and its documentation is without parallel. It will certainly set up the reader to more critically evaluate other books on the period for quality and content.
The book suggests haste and an attempt to produce "one last book."
An embarrassing attempt at writing; a pathetic attempt at history.......2007-07-26
I bought this book knowing that it was an attempt at "popular history," and therefore I would never try to hold it to academic historical writing standards. However, even as an easy-reading book for entertainment, this work is horrible.
1. First of all, this book is extremely repetitive. I imagine the author was paid by the word, because it is not uncommon to see the same piece of information re-introduced to you numerous times in the span of a few pages (let alone the ideas that were revisited in distant parts of the book). For an example, read pages 122-124.
2. Secondly, the writing is very disorganized, despite the topic-centered chapters the author attempted. Mainly when he is repeating himself, the author will slip in "facts" or ideas that may seem to relate to the time period in general, but have no context within the surrounding paragraphs.
3. Lastly, many of Cantor's claims go beyond "speculation" to the realm of "completely unfounded." One appalling example is on page 81, where the author writes, "if John of Gaunt had written to his mistress Catherine Swynford, it may have been along these lines," followed by a made-up letter. This comes 5 lines after Cantor has written that "not one personal letter" has survived from Gaunt. Clearly, this letter then has no basis even in Gaunt's other writing, and it is wholly unnecessary for the sake of the book.
This book has been painful and insulting to read. I do enjoy popular history very much, when it is done well, but even as a piece of writing, this particular piece of writing fails miserably. I would be mortified to have my name associated with writing this bad. In fact, I'm rather afraid that by purchasing this book, I've encouraged the publishing world to turn out more of this.
If you want a general overview of the medieval England, I'd try The Making of England to 1399 by Hollister, Stacey and Stacey. It covers everything from King Alfred to Richard II, and is very readable.
The Making of England to 1399 (History of England, vol. 1)
Fast Read.......2007-03-07
This is a VERY fast read. As a lot of the other reviews have noted, Cantor leaves a lot out. Which is just fine. I don't think his intent was to write the definitive text of John of Gaunt and the era he lived in. That would have required several volumes and only serious academics would have been interested in it. Cantor is more interested in writing stuff that sells as opposed to writing the absolute best history on the market. A lot of good writers (Barbara Tuchman, Lord Norwich) do this and I don't have a problem with it. Historical studies will never reach a wider audience if books aren't written to engage the public. Call it popular history. While this book struggles at times to engage its audience, it's meant to be a very broad overview. The purpose was to show that Gaunt lived in at the end of an era and the beginning of a new era - it wasn't to explain in detail the socioeconomic, military-political realities of Western Europe during John of Gaunt's lifetime.
Book Description
The Knights Templar
They had all joined taking three vows: poverty, chastity, and obedience…for they were monks: warrior monks, dedicated to theprotection of pilgrims in the Holy Land -- until stories spread by anavaricious king who wanted their wealth for his own destroyed the order.
There was one knight, however, who escaped the stake, vowing justiceas he watched his innocent brothers die.
In the Service of the Lord
Simon Puttock has not been bailiff of Lydford Castle long in this year of 1316, when he is called to a nearby village to examine a burned-out cottage and the dead body within. But it is the newly arrived knight, Sir Baldwin Furnshill, who discerns the deceased was no victim of a tragic mishap; he was, in fact, murdered prior to the blaze. Simon would be well-served by accepting further assistance from this astute, though haunted and secretive stranger. For a second fatal burning indicates that some harsh evil has invaded this once-peaceful place, and its hunger has yet to be sated.
Customer Reviews:
Only One Reason.......2007-04-05
THE LAST TEMPLAR is the first installment in what has apparently become a successful series. That fact makes the book worth reading if, like me, you have an interest in getting further into the series. If not, don't waste your time. On a stand-alone basis, THE LAST TEMPLAR isn't very good. It's main value is to introduce key characters and establish the setting for future installments. Hopefully, those future installments will show substantial improvement.
Other reviewers have discussed some of the problems with this book, such as the many typos and the historical inconsistancies, so I won't belabor those issues. I'll just add my view that, beyond those issues, is the larger consideration that the story, itself, is weak. The plot involves three sets of killings, and all three are essentially unrelated. The first, the death of a peasant, is the only one that needs much solving, but it's treated as a side-plot and unravels easily as the facts surface. The second killing, that of the Abbot, is immediately transparent although it's the storyline that is most central to the plot (nor was I, like some, put off by the nature of the killing -- it was richly deserved, I thought). The third killings are uncomplicated and involve simply running the perpetrators down. There's little tension for the reader as you wait for the story to play out.
I found the characters somewhat engaging and the historical set-up of THE LAST TEMPLAR interesting. As mysteries go, however, this one leaves a lot to be desired. If you're planning to go deeper into the series, you'll probably want to read it, but if you're just looking for a good story to pass a rainy afternoon, look elsewhere. I've given it three stars because I didn't actively dislike it, but this is a weak three.
This was appalling.......2007-02-27
I completely agree with all the reviewers who thought this book was terrible. The characters are like emotional dervishes, and Jecks has this thing with anger that, by the middle of the book, crops up about every third sentence. Not only the characters, but the writing itself, is very immature. How did this ever get published? If I had read this book first, I would never had read any of the others in the Knights Templar series.
Not what I hoped for............2007-01-09
I was really looking forward to this book and reading the entire series but after this first one I will have to hold off on the rest.
The mystery itself was OK at best but what really bothered me was the supposed historical setting. The characters are far to progress and "PC" for the 14th century. There is a whole section where the villagers are being questioned about what they were doing one evening and over and over again they refer to time like "seven o'clock", "a little past eleven" and "couldn't have been later than eleven thirty"....sorry but villagers in 1316 didn't think in terms like that. They knew sunrise, sunset, moon rise and moon set they would be lucky to have ever seen a clock or time candle. BTW this isn't London this is a village of 7 homes in the middle of nowhere. That really bugged me and showed no research was done on this.
I agree on the typos comments and the phrasings used again and again.
Finally what I really didn't understand was when the author used terms from that time period but then dropped it without explanation. An example was when he talked about a character's daughter's favorite game; he named the game and then moved on. I would have loved to have heard a little about the game. He could have easily slipped in a brief description of the game. "The pegs tumbled as my horse piece moved over the wooden tray." Instead we're left wondering what the heck this is. It would have added a lot to the book.
I will probably read the second in the series but I'm in not rush. (I didn't like O'Brian's first book but ended up loving the series)
First Knights Templar Mystery!.......2006-11-04
Having sampled other Sir Baldwin Furnshill/Baliff Simon Puttock mysteries, I felt the need to find out how the Furnshill/Puttock saga got started. LAST TEMPLAR has been out since 1995 and many others have reviewed the book so, for what it's worth,...
As the story opens, a villager has been found burned to death in his home and newly-appointed baliff Puttock, with the assistance of the knightly Furnshill, who has returned to his ancestral home, are unsure whether it's accidental or murder. Then a second, horrifying murder of an abbott followed by equally savage attacks by wandering bands of brigands leave Puttock with a full platter.
Puttock occupies stage center in this book unlike succeeding volumes. What we see of Furnshill however makes for a fascinating character nevertheless, a man of of mystery still troubled by past events.
As first novels go, I thought LAST TEMPLAR was great. I was hooked from the start. Jecks' recreation of 14th century English life was wonderfully done. I enjoyed learning about the characters. I thought the plot moved along nicely. I tumbled to who killed the abbott about 1/2 way through the book but kept reading to make sure I was right.
Other reviewers have picked out various flaws which is well and good. But I enjoyed the book and wanted to read more of the same after I was done.
At $7.50, how can you go wrong?
Great attempt with some first-book flaws.......2006-09-01
The Last Templar was first published in 1995, but I only came across this series recently. I have always been interested in medieval mysteries (a la Cadfael) and in Templars in particular, so this immediately struck my attention. I have no doubt that this series was restocked on bookshelves due to the Da Vinci Code book / movie and subsequent interest in this topic.
This is clearly a "setting up" book - i.e. you're introduced to the main characters, their relationships are established, their world is established. I was willing to cut the book some slack therefore, in the sometimes tedious descriptions and motive-explaining. Like with any series, you have to learn who the people are in the beginning, so that their actions and reasons in subsequent books make sense to you.
You have a Templar who has hidden out after the infamous Friday the 13th mass destruction of his order. He's returned to his family holding in England to retire there in anonymity. You also have a 30-something local authority person who is married with a young daughter, who handles all law issues in the land. Just like in Cadfael and other mystery series, the two team up to figure out "who done it". The Templar - Baldwin - is world wise and very intelligent. The local - Simon - is a bit dense but has a good enough heart and wants to plow through to bring justice.
I love the medieval era so I did have several issues with historical accuracy here. I like to be immersed in the "time culture" when I read about olden times - but it's often more like modern people had time-travelled to the past and were living there. The wife harasses the husband for doing his job - tracking down a murderer, remember - rather than playing with the daughter. People always seem to know exactly what time it is, when many people didn't have access to a town clock, never mind personal timepieces. There are many other issues like this. It's not that they were huge, gaping holes - but it was more like water torture where each little thing struck you to build up.
I did notice the typos and such, but I don't mind those. It did seem to indicate that a better editor was needed for the series.
In general my big issue is how characters quickly dismiss important clues, or completely give up on certain issues, when we're talking about murders which are very rare (according to the characters). Surely they should care about each clue! Also, the Abbott's murder seemed rather extreme in the context of this situation. The long winded explanation for it was also a bit much. I agree that the Abbott needed to be punished, but I can imagine many scenarios where his punishment was done in a way that was proper for the story setting, instead of coming across as a raving lunatic attack.
In any case, I do like the setting and always have hope for an author to learn as he goes, so I will plow ahead with the series!
Book Description
In the wake of the phenomenal success of
The Da Vinci Code, interest in the Knights Templar has never been higher—and their final days is one of the great stories of the Middle Ages. This pioneering study investigates the decline and fall of the mighty Knights Templar and their last Grand Master.
Customer Reviews:
A Needed Biography of the Last Grand Master.......2007-03-18
I have given this work 4 stars, tho' 3.5 stars is more like it. I do agree with the other review that it is slow going in some parts. I think perhaps this may be due to the fact that the work was translated from the French. But the work is significant in that a lot material that I had never read before about Jacques de Molay was brought to light. If you are interested in the Knights Templar and the final chapter of the old military order, then this is an important read. Prior to this book the descriptions of the last Grand Master were cursory at best. De Molay is revealed in this work to be a more capable administrator than previously thought. In all the previous books about the Templars I have read de Molay was often referred to as gung-ho warrior type with little talents beyond the military aspects of the Order. However, Demurger shows that this was not the case.
could be better.......2005-06-30
To tell you the truth, I was rather bored reading this book. Especially the first 50-100 pages, although afterwards it does appear to develop a more logical pace...
The fact remains that about the early part of de Molay's life we know little, and the researcher is bound to jump into numerous conclusions, which could possibly to become the subject of some debate. Taking things for granted is permissible to some extent, especially if there are at least some circumstantial evidence, but such approach must be highly careful, a quality Demourger doesn't show to fully appreciate at times. Having said that, I don't consider this book a bad read. The writer's conclusions seem rational enough, and it is evident that the man approaches the subject seriously. So maybe it's just the style of Demourger's writing that made me suffer at the beginning of this book...
One constant irritation was that the author doesn't always stick to the subject, but "wonders off" at times.
Book Description
The Last Knight of Flanders is the story of the Flemish volunteers of Germany's famed Waffen-SS, told by those who were there. The book centers around Remy Schrijnen, the only Flemish volunteer to win the heralded bravery award, the Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross. The book presents the varying viewpoints of the war as told through the eyes of Schrijnen and those who surrounded him. From enlisted men to officers Ð those who were there tell it like it was. Since 1830, Belgium has been a country consisting primarily of two peoples: the French-speaking Walloons and the Dutch-speaking Flemings. Despite the fact that they are the minority in regards to total population, the Walloons have dominated and ruled the Belgian government since the very beginning, which has prevented prosperity for the Flemings. The Flemish volunteers sided with the Germans in World War II in hopes that the blessings of the victor would gain them independence within their native country. The Flemish youth rallied behind the calls of their mothers and fathers Ð many of whom had fought against the Germans in the First World war for a free Flanders. The church called on these young men to put an end to the possibility of a "Red" invasion of Europe. They were heroes in the eyes of many. Under the leadership of the Germans, the Flemings got to know the harsh and brutal realities of combat on the Eastern Front. It was there that many young men perished. The war went on for three long years. After the war, they were vanquished and returned home to their native Flanders as criminals. Some were executed, most were sent to prison. This is their story., over 110 b/w photographs, line illustrations, maps, 6" x 9"
Customer Reviews:
For Flanders!.......2007-07-01
I would have liked to give this book 5 stars because many of the accounts written in it are priceless but I felt at times confused because the book is written in letters in a lot of parts and its easy to get lost in them, there were also many errors in the text that some how slipped through. Having said that the book was a true eye opener with many first hand accounts. Remy Schrijnen is a true hero but dont be fooled the book is just has much about his unit has it is about him and is written about him not a first person from him so dont expect a Forgotten Solder out of this one. Remy and his fellow Flemings were honorable men caught up in a bloody struggle for life and death and continued to fight on until two days after the war was over protecting civilians from the Russian hordes driving west only stopping when their ammo was finally finished. This book will shock many people with the accounts from the men serving has POW's and will anger you to their harsh treatment, these men were not Concentration camp workers but because of their SS brand they were treated like such. A Fair read to anyone interested in Hitler's Foreign volunteers.
Bit of a disappointment.......2007-02-06
I was disappointed with this book; it started out as a good read but then bogged down. The author tends to be repetitive, going over and over about how great a soldier Remy Schrijnen was without really saying much about what was going on or what he did. I finally got tired of it and started skimming through sections, then just put the book down. While I was disappointed overall, there are some sections and pictures of interest that may prove useful to dedicated students of lesser known German (SS) units and combat on the Eastern Front. At some point, I will probably pick it up again, gloss over certain sections and finish the book, but for now it will gather dust on the shelf.
The Last Knight of Flanders: Remy Schrijnen and His Ss-Legio.......2004-02-07
Excellent book, highly advisable for all those interested ones in knowing more envelope the European volunteers that combatted against the Bolshevism in the Oriental Front. To know what it motivated them that they waited and why they made it.
Comprehensive study.......2003-04-24
This book is a comprehensive study of the Flemish volunteers in the German army. Most parts are very readable , but the personal reflections on the battle at Narva become a bit repetitive. Improvements would have been the use of maps. The action accounts are somewhat brief and lacking in detail (as often is the case with such war memoirs). But a good read.
Comprehensive study.......2003-04-24
This book is a comprehensive study of the Flemish volunteers in the German army. Most parts are very readable , but the personal reflections on the battle at Narva become a bit repetitive. Improvements would have been the use of maps. The action accounts are somewhat brief and lacking in detail (as often is the case with such war memoirs). But a good read.
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