Dark Horse

Book Description

In her latest thriller, New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag takes readers on a suspense-filled ride of shocks and twists leading to an explosive finish. It is the story of an ex-cop, a missing girl, and a killer locked in a race where there can be only one winner--and the losers die trying.

In a trailer in a Florida swamp, time is running out for eighteen year-old Erin Seabright. A pawn in a kidnapper's terrifying game for a ransom no one can pay, her last hope is a washed-up ex-cop who has already lost it all-not once, but twice.

The wealthy world of the Palm Beach horse set seems a long way from a cop's world in the narcotics division. A lifetime ago, undercover sheriff's detective Elena Estes worked the mean streets and BackTop alleys, living by her wits and playing the long odds until she took one risk too many. Now Estes lives on the ragged edge of lost hope and self-hatred, hiding from the past and believing she doesn't deserve to have a future. But the past is about to come back with a vengeance, and the future is about to become a race between life and death.

A young woman is missing and her twelve year-old stepsister comes to Estes for help. No one but serious, studious Molly Seabright seems concerned about what's happened to her troubled older sister. But Molly is convinced Erin is in danger. Estes has no P.I. license, no interest in a new career, and no desire to break her self-imposed exile. But the more she learns about the people Erin Seabright was involved with, the more her long-dormant cop instincts come back to life.

One trip to the show grounds where Erin worked as a groom, and Estes is quickly pulled to the dark side of a glamorous sport. Behind the glittering, ultra-rich facade is an ultra-ruthless world of drugs, payoffs, and dirty deals. A world of dissolute playboys and crooked horse-dealers, of royalty and rabble, of rivals and enemies. An obscenely wealthy world where anything can be had for a price--including a life.

And in that world stalks a killer who will lead Estes down a dark, twisted trail of decadence and deceit, mayhem and murder--from the gilded life of Palm Beach to the darkest corners of the Florida swamps, to a final show-down that could cost her everything. A race against time and evil. A race in which Estes is the dark horse--and no one is betting on her to win.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

In a trailer in a Florida swamp, time is running out for eighteen year-old Erin Seabright. A pawn in a kidnapper's terrifying game for a ransom no one can pay, her last hope is a washed-up ex-cop who has already lost it all—not once, but twice.

The wealthy world of the Palm Beach horse set seems a long way from a cop's world in the narcotics division. A lifetime ago, undercover sheriff's detective Elena Estes worked the mean streets and back alleys, living by her wits and playing the long odds until she took one risk too many. Now Estes lives on the ragged edge of lost hope and self-hatred, hiding from the past and believing she doesn't deserve to have a future. But the past is about to come back with a vengeance, and the future is about to become a race between life and death.

A young woman is missing and her twelve year-old stepsister comes to Estes for help. No one but serious, studious Molly Seabright seems concerned about what's happened to her troubled older sister. But Molly is convinced Erin is in danger. Estes has no P.I. license, no interest in a new career, and no desire to break her self-imposed exile. But the more she learns about the people Erin Seabright was involved with, the more her long-dormant cop instincts come back to life.

One trip to the show grounds where Erin worked as a groom, and Estes is quickly pulled to the dark side of a glamorous sport. Behind the glittering, ultra-rich facade is an ultra-ruthless world of drugs, payoffs, and dirty deals. A world of dissolute playboys and crooked horse-dealers, of royalty and rabble, of rivals and enemies. An obscenely wealthy world where anything can be had for a price—including a life.

And in that world stalks a killer who will lead Estes down a dark, twisted trail of decadence and deceit, mayhem and murder—from the gilded life of Palm Beach to the darkest corners of the Florida swamps, to a final show-down that could cost her everything. A race against time and evil. A race in which Estes is the dark horse—and no one is betting on her to win.

"With its hard-boiled view of equine society, Dark Horse helps fill the gap made in crime fiction by the retirement of jockey-turned-author Dick Francis."
   THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Customer Reviews:

The Best Tami Hoag Thriller Yet.......2007-07-23

Elena Estes is a strong female character that is a good role model for all of us. This book is definitely a page-turning thriller that will keep you guessing about the kidnapper/murderer until the end. Estes such a well developed character that I believe Hoag will be crazy not to write another story about her and Landry! Great Book!

Bring back Elena Estes!.......2006-10-05

Cleaver story and writing! Elena Estes is a wonderful witty character, I hope Tami Hoag brings her back--maybe as a PI officially? From what I've heard, Tami Hoag is an accomplished rider and I loved her descriptions of horses and the circle that follows them. A very quick read and you will fall in love with her client Molly.

Tami Hoag canters into the limelight with her suspense thriller, Dark Horse. .......2006-09-13

The title itself both refers to the main character, ex-cop Elena Estes, and the main plot that revolves around the exciting and sometimes deadly world of equestrian dressage--a sport of precision, skill and mastery.

Drawing from Hoag's own skills and training as a competitive equestrian, and occasionally using the names of real people and horses, Hoag manages to propel you into the dark and often deadly world of professional equestrian sports. Step into a world of the ''ultra rich and the very poor'', where horses are exploited, misused, abused, drugged and even killed--all for the 'love' of the sport.

Protagonist Elena Estes is a 'dark horse', herself. Living in self-imposed exile after a life-shattering decision ruins her career, Elena finds herself drawn to the plight of a young girl, Molly Seabright. Molly's older sister, Erin, is missing, and the twelve-year-old has come to hire Elena as a private investigator to find Erin and bring her home.

Masquerading as a spoiled socialite, Elena enters the lavish, decadent world of equestrian sport and encounters deception and murder along the way. Filled with rich, powerful men this novel will throw you into Elena's past and present at a galloping speed...and if you don't hold on for the ride, you may just be thrown off.

Tami Hoag has consistently and persistently come up with unique storylines, fast-paced plots and intriguing characters. She is one of the most talented female suspense thriller writers there is, and once you read one of her novels, you'll be begging to read more.

This is perhaps one of my favorites! I found it truly interesting and very unique in plot.

Tami Hoag's Dark Horse is an intense read...one you won't WANT to put down!

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song (2007 Kunati Books)

The opposite reaction Jana had..........2006-08-26

Curiously, as another long time reader of Tami Hoag, including Night Sins, Guilty as Sin, Cry Wolf, and Still Waters, I had the exact opposite reaction from Jana Perskie to this book.

Jana said the plot plods, but compared to Hoag's other works, the plot actually moved more quickly. Compare this to Night Sins, for example, where the middle 70% of the novel could have been cut out entirely. Although Hoag can't resist some useless filler in Act 2, both Act 1 and 3 move at normal, linear paces of plot development, which is much more than I would usually expect from this author.

Instead of the kidnapper periodically sending meaningless and repetitive notes with the words SIN capitalized, here each new contact from the kidnapper is at least somewhat revelatory, and the resolution more complicated.

In most Hoag works, the so-called mystery or suspense plot is often just a cover or ends up being dressing for the central story of romance-- always predictable, always with similiar lines. Here, the romance didn't begin to develop until approximately page 250, and it was kept definitively in the background.

In most Hoag works, the romance is central to breaking down the characters' emotional barriers as they fundamentally struggle with failure. In Dark Horse, the budding relationship between the protagonist and the police officer is representative of redemption, not breakdown.

This is the only Hoag novel as far as I know told in the first person. It's the only one with a preface from the author where she speaks to us directly (I believe she did mention that she believed the equestrian world to be no worse than the real one). It's the only one where the title is set up to actually mean something symbolic. It's the only one where she shows specialized knowledge of something which is neither law enforcement nor a locale (Minnesota/Louisiana).

Of course, it is certainly recognizable as a Hoag work, and there are many of the same formulaic personalities involved. Nonetheless, I thought it was somewhat more personal, complex, and gratifying than I'd been led to expect, from what is essentially a guilty pleasure author. That was refreshing.

Thank god...a real horsewoman writing about horses!.......2006-08-26

I don't enjoy mysteries, but this book was passed on to me by a fellow boarder at my barn, so I gave it a go. While the plot was slow, (*cough* all mysteries *cough*) I loved the many references to my home State and home equestrian turf. She based a couple of these characters on real people, too, which gave it added grit in my book- good for you, Ms. Hoag.

Its refreshing to have a real horse person write a horse related novel; if you're seriously involved in the equestrian world, I recommend it if only for the horse action. Now, if only more people would write realistically about horses, and the horse world!

Dancing with Your Dark Horse: How Horse Sense Helps Us Find Balance, Strength and Wisdom

Average customer rating:

Good ideas and insights
Super-Natural Shaman
Well written book of excuses
Be preprared for introspection and self-analysis
Irene Adler, Nicole Wallace and...Stella?

Dancing with Your Dark Horse: How Horse Sense Helps Us Find Balance, Strength and Wisdom
Chris Irwin , and Bob Weber
Manufacturer: Marlowe & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Personal Transformation | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Essays | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1569243875

Book Description

In Dancing with Your Dark Horse, Chris Irwin, world-renowned as one of the most successful horse whisperers in North America, further explores the intriguing spiritual connection he has discovered between human and equine nature. Based on his more than twenty years of working with, training, and observing horses, Irwin explains how the characteristics necessary to building good relationships with horses can in turn be used to establish a positive balance between mind, body, and spirit in our own lives. Dancing with Your Dark Horse will help readers see that horses have a great deal to teach us about how to live happier, healthier, and more balanced lives.

Customer Reviews:

Good ideas and insights.......2007-09-25

Interesting ideas linked with inisghts into Chris Irwins personal life, trials & tribulations. Very readable.

Super-Natural Shaman.......2007-06-11

I can see how some might view this work as a book of Chris Irwin excuses. He bares his soul for the world to see, so when one only skims the surface and avoids going deeper, it appears shallow.

I was so impressed with this book that I immediately went on line to Chris's website and bought every single one of his traing DVD's (I train horses for living and I am always looking for ways to better communicate with them). It is so rare to find a person who connects to the horse the way he does. Yes, he's made mistakes, but I don't know anyone who hasn't. And, not once, did I read anywhere in the book, where he said that it was ok that he beat on Stella. He simply pointed out the events and his frame of mind that lead up to his unraveling.

This book touched my heart in ways I have never had a book do before. Chris is a "Super-Natural" Horseman (read the book and you'll understand the super-natural vs. natural horsemanship), who shares with the reader his path to hell and how he made it out. He's not a showman, or a salesman, he's a horseman on a shaman's path.

Namaste

Well written book of excuses.......2006-09-13

Chris Irwin wrote this book after beating a mare named Stella at a demonstration. He'd been working hard and shouldn't have accepted the invitation that day; he had been pushing himself too hard. The manager of the event set him up by sending three mares that didn't pasture together into the arena, and a fight broke out between the horses. Chris fueled the fire by reacting to the situation and beating Stella after getting the other two mares out of the ring. He nearly ruined his career as a result. And this book of excuses is his attempt at finding a silver lining in that situation.

If you want to hear about how Chris' life has unravelled... how a young man his age has been married four times in his attempts to overcome his dysfunctional childhood, then this story may peak your interest.

If you want to see a picture of Chris skiing, and a photo of Chris teaching his son to ride a bike, and a photo of Chris playing guitar and singing at a wedding, and a photo of Chris in his cowboy cocaine days in the 80's, and a photo of Chris when he was 15 on the rowing team in high school and won the championship -- then this is the dark horse book for you.

Every photo is "Chris this" or "Chris that" -- and most of the photos don't relate to the text. It felt egotistically motivated, and I began to realize that Chris' dark horse is his insecurity -- and he hasn't conquered it yet.

I'm very interested in learning about the spiritual connection between humans and horses; but this wasn't the book for me.

I respect everything that Chris Irwin has accomplished in his career, but he needs to forgive himself and stop making excuses, before he can stop dancing with his dark horse.

Be preprared for introspection and self-analysis.......2006-05-21

Well known clinician, Chris Irwin, met his match in Stella, a dark mare who refused to play games. She challenged Chris, forced him to decide what was most important to him, and then Chris, in the form of this book, shares his lessons with us.

Unlike most of the other books I've read, Mr. Irwin calls it as he sees it. He doesn't sugar coat the truth, that "natural horsemanship" is an oxymornon (there's nothing natural about putting saddle and bridle on the horse and forcing it to go counter to its natural instincts which tell it to flee), that somebody has to be the better horse, the boss, and that horses provide a mirror for our thoughts and fears. He provides food for the brain, stuff to think about, and in sharing his story, he brings the knowledge he's gained to others.

I found this book to be very thought-provoking. I find myself thinking about my relationship with my horse in a completely different light. Could it be my inner fears (of falling off, getting hurt again) are mirrored in her flighty nature? Perhaps by facing my own shadow self, my dark horse, that it will help our relationship? Mr. Irwin, through his prose, seems to think so.

I recommend this book for anyone seriously pursuing a relationship with their horse. From backyard ponies to professional trainers and riders, anyone can benefit from the information in this horse. And if you don't even own a horse, but am looking for a little soul searching, I'm going to recommend this book too. It is an amazing piece of work, and I am looking forward to reading Mr. Irwin's other titles.

Irene Adler, Nicole Wallace and...Stella?.......2006-02-07

Some have called Chris Irwin the Dr. Phil of equines. I guess I have always kind of thought of him as an equine profiler. His tremendous instinct for and knowledge of horse psychology is what makes him such an observant trainer and teacher. His second book opens with a humbling tale of a mare that brought him to his knees so to speak. A mare named Stella that bedeviled this excellent horse whisperer and sent him scrambling out of the round pen without his composure. Now if Mr.Irwin were a fictional character I would imagine Stella the mare would occasionally turn up at future clinics when he least expects her. Appearing once or twice in his videos and books. Squaring off with him in the tradition of Sherlock Holme's Irene or Bobby Goren's Nicole. But Stella is real and she forced Irwin to look hard at himself as a person and a horseman. That introspection weaves in and out of the theme of this book. Irwin's personal stories are combined with valuable training and riding advice. Probably some of the best guidance out there for equestrians. What I appreciated most about this book was the fact that spirituality and personal development were never ignored in the pursuit of excellent horsemanship. In fact it's vital. Read this book and discover how horses can aid you on your journey toward being true to yourself,toward healing, toward personal and professional achievement and better relationships. Someday I hope to have the great good fortune and privilege to ride in one of Mr. Irwin's clinics. Until then I have his book on my shelf as I strive to become worthy of my horse.

Batman Versus Predator: The Collected Edition (Dark Horse Comics)

Average customer rating:

One of the best Batman crossover titles
Perfect combination of Batman and Predator
Not as good as Hush, but still great!
AWSOME
The Dark Knight vs the Intergalatic Headhunter

Batman Versus Predator: The Collected Edition (Dark Horse Comics)
Dave Gibbons
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Superheroes | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Batman | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

DC Comics | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1563890925

Customer Reviews:

One of the best Batman crossover titles.......2007-07-25

I'm a fan of both Batman and Predator. The plot is that a Predator is out hunting in Gotham and Batman must do everything he can to stop it. The art is fantastic and the words are well written. Dave Gibbons did a great job with combining these two characters. I've read the other two a long time ago, but this one is my favorite Batman vs crossover story. Once I get Part II and III, reviews for those will be coming up.

Perfect combination of Batman and Predator.......2007-03-26

This is a very good comic book. If anyone has seen any of the Predator
movies, the one in this story matches that description perfectly. He
kills anyone that might even seem like a threat, and does it in a very
gruesome way. Batman shows that he is only human, and needs some help to
defeat the Predator. I recommend this book to any comic fan, but watch
for Bats vs. Pred 3, it sucks action wise compared to this one. I know,
because I read #3 first, and thought it was decent until I read #1.

Not as good as Hush, but still great!.......2006-07-17

I am a big fan of both Batman and Predator, so as soon as I heard about this, I knew I had to get it. And guess what? IT WAS GREAT! A bit too bloody for my taste, but still very good! Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear purring outside (Hint, hint)... Probably just my cat... better go let him in...

AWSOME.......2005-06-20

This has all the elements of a good predator movie and a good batman comic. A DEFINITE SUCCESSFUL blending of the two. It's almost like a Predator writer and a Batman writer got together one night and played make believe and then wrote it all down. LOL! Those writers, such kids at heart! LOL! If you like Batman you'll like this. If you like the Predator, then you'll like this. If you like them both, then this will be like CRACK to you. LOL :-)

The Dark Knight vs the Intergalatic Headhunter.......2002-04-13

I could sum up this crossover comic in one word, intense. Brutally gorey, incredible story, and great art work makes this a classic in the realm of Comic books.

As the title implies this is Batman vs Predator, and basically in the beggining Batman does not stand a chance. The Predator seeks out prize fighters via through TV. He watches the TV and picks up the champs or powerful political figures for his victims. The exception being Batman. In the end it's up to Batman and his intelect, as well as fighting skills to take out one of the most dangerouse creatures in the universe.

Book Description

Dark Horse Comics is proud to present one of the authentic landmarks in graphic fiction, Lone Wolf and Cub, to be published in its entirety for the first time in America. An epic samurai adventure of staggering proportions -- over 7000 pages -- Lone Wolf and Cub (Kozure Okami in Japan) is acknowledged worldwide for the brilliant writing of series creator Kazuo Koike and the groundbreaking cinematic visuals of the late Goseki Kojima, creating unforgettable imagery of stark beauty, kinetic fury, and visceral thematic power that influenced a generation of visual storytellers both in Japan and in the West. Don`t miss this monumental monthly release, twenty-eight volumes, with each collection approximately 300 pages!

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

An samurai of superb skills, because of political reasons, goes his own way, and takes his kid with him, partly to stop him from being murderered.

Along the way, of course, you will get all the sword slinging, head slicing samurai action you could want.

A grim, uncompromising and violent man, this is not your fluffy kids manga, so worth a look from that point of view. Not too many of those around in English, with an art style that is more likely to appeal.

anime.......2007-02-19

I like this book. It is well written and one can see where the cause is comming from. Unfortunatly I would recomend seeing the DVD, since these are awesome martial arts film. These books also explain some questions that are left unexplain in the movie (or the english caption in the movies)since my Japanese is limited to a few words.

But is it art? .......2007-01-11

First, I have to admit, I'm not a big manga fan. Though I love some anime onscreen and dig the comics, this is not what I had in mind.
Found out about Lone Wolf through a parody in Usagi Yojimbo and if that's enough to make me a wannabe just stop reading, cause I really hated this little book. The artwork was so gritty and coarse that you could barely tell what was happening and then everyone was dead. Wasn't difficult, wasn't artistic, just some blurs and then everyone is dead again. Plot? Near as I can tell its a guy and his kid who kill everyone they meet. That's it.
Takes a lot to make me not finish a book, especially a comic. I made it maybe 15 pages into this one.

Re: Lone Wolf and Cub.......2006-08-03

One of the best pieces of literature I've ever read. The fact that it's a "comic" book kills the chance of it being read by a much larger audience. Most people who wouldn't give comics a chance would be surprised at how much they would like this story.

The story is as tragic as they come. Honor and revenge take Ogami and his son, Daigoro, down a path that no child should ever have to live or experience. The hardships of the child touched me the most.

If anything, the story is very educational. Kozure Okami's research and insight into Edo was very thorough. I learned alot about that time period. It was an excellent learing tool.

I you get the first volume, you'll never stop until you get all 28 volumes.

Great story and artwork. Too bad about the size........2006-07-20

There's no doubt that this is a great series with excellent stories and artwork. My only complaint is about the 6" by 4" size. One of the consequences is that the text is very small and bound to induce eye strain in readers (especially those who are over the age of forty).

Average customer rating:

Warn your Significant Other-desire is coming
Sexy Cowboy love story
Good potential but doesn't deliver
Good horse details and believable story
As Ned would say.. PreDiddly-Ictable!

Ride a Dark Horse
Laura Moore
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0671042920
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Book Description

Set against the sweeping landscape of Virginia horse country, this breathtaking story of love in the wake of tragedy marks the debut of an exciting voice in romantic fiction.

Cassie Miller was on track to be one of the best equestrian riders of the sport when a terrible accident left her as the guardian of an orphaned niece and nephew. Seeking means to support the twins -- now five years old -- Cassie takes a job as a horse trainer at the prestigious Five Oaks farm where she finds not one, but two worthy adversaries -- Orion, a bold, dark horse that has yet to find a rider it deems its equal, and local veterinarian Caleb Wells, a man whose startling good looks and quick wit leave Cassie unnerved.

As Cassie trains Orion for competition, Caleb, a partner in the farm, watches over their progress. A womanizer since his recent divorce, he soon finds his heart softening for this strong and gifted woman -- and for her unconventional family. But as Orion's Hampton Classic competition looms, Caleb's vengeful ex-wife threatens to ruin everything Cassie and Caleb have worked for...

Reminiscent of the early classics in romantic fiction, Ride A Dark Horse is a winning tale of the bittersweet glories of life and the transformative power of love.

Download Description

Cassie Miller dreams of becoming an award-winning equestrian rider. However, when sudden tragedy strikes, she must take on the role of guardian to an orphaned niece and nephew. Seeking a means to support her new family, Cassie is forced to accept a position as horse trainer at Virginia's prestigious Five Oaks farm--a new life that unexpectedly takes her to a world of glorious fulfillment.

Customer Reviews:

Warn your Significant Other-desire is coming.......2007-03-28

This book offers a realistic look in to the horse world with fun, believable characters. But what I will remember most is the authors way of creating intense sexual desire. The reason I am on Amazon today is to order additional Laura Moore books before I finish this one. It's been a fun book that both my sister and I really enjoyed. I hope you will enjoy it as well.

Sexy Cowboy love story.......2007-01-28

This book is for the romantic and the horny. It has a great story line with lots of info on horses and racing. The characters are lovable and relatable; strong characteristically and full of good wit. Fun and sexy with lots of intimate details of their sexual encounters. Feel-good book with lots of heart.

Good potential but doesn't deliver.......2003-03-26

"Ride a Dark Horse" is my first encounter with Laura Moore, and I'll admit I only bought it because of the horsey content. The plotline definitely sounded intriguing -- up-and-coming show jumping rider Cassie Miller is trying to break back into the business after a 5-year absence; veterinarian/horse-owner Caleb Wells wants to turn his horse into a show jumping star but can't find the right rider; and Caleb's ex-wife holds the reins (literally and figuratively) of the horse at the center of this story.

Unfortunately, the book doesn't deliver on many of the plot's promises. By trying to cater to a wider audience Ms. Moore tones down the level of equestrian detail so much so that it's no longer evident this book is written by a horsewoman. In addition, Caleb's "vindictive" ex-wife really comes off as nothing more than a cheap trash-talker and really never drives the plot at all. This could have provided a lot of drama but never really does. On the plus side, the romance between Caleb and Cassie, while slow to start (due to another plot contrivance having to do with her being dumped by a previous fiance), was worth the wait.

Good horse details and believable story.......2003-02-11

I liked the characters in this book quite a bit, and the love story between the protagonists is developed in a fairly believable way. The author does have the characters work together and get to know each other before they actually give in to the passion that they feel for each other. The equestrian details are also accurate.

As with most romances, so of the conflicts that the characters have to work through to live happily every after seem quite contrived. I wish that wasn't so here, because this is an enjoyable story. I wish that the strong characters had the sense not to get caught up in the personal conflicts that frustrate them here.

As Ned would say.. PreDiddly-Ictable!.......2002-06-28

Of course One expects a formulaic novel when you read a romance, but Ride a Dark Horse is a repeat of the same scenes over and over again. The woman and the man smooch then they fight, the woman rides the horse brilliantly, the woman and the man smooch and fight, then the woman rides the horse brilliantly, and so on and so on.

Book Description

When the plan to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt falls apart, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca embark on another rescue mission that puts them into direct conflict with Boba Fett. Meanwhile, Luke's late arrival on Dagobah ends with him being captured by Darth Vader and the Emperor, just as the second Death Star is about to go on-line! Will the return of the Jedi become the end of the Jedi? The surprising climax is as exciting as that of the film on which it is based, but different from anything Star Wars fans have seen before!

Customer Reviews:

so and so.......2007-05-13

well, i have always liked infinities comics, they are funny, witty and adds alittle interesting twist to they Star wars movies are played out.

But with this magazine i was not "that" impressive, it seems very rushed...things are left out and they move too fast trough the plot making is a lesser comic...but not a bad one.

When compared to the the other Infinities these does not have that many leggs to stand on, but it does stand and for a normal star wars fan its a good buy, but do not expect to be awed.

Hopefully a next issue of the inifinties will perhas be done abit better.

I would give it a 3, but since its star wars with a twist i will ok it for a 4, just because its star wars :p

Enjoy

The Alternate Star Wars Universe - Return of the Jedi.......2007-05-06

In the third installment of the "Star Wars: Infinities" series, it begins with Leia posing as a bounty hunter in Jabba the Hutt's palace, trying to rescue Han Solo from his carbonite frozen prison. This goes badly when C-3PO is broken and can't translate, so Leia accidentally destroys the palace, but Boba Fett escapes with Solo. Leia, Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca gathers up Luke Skywalker and continue their search for Han. In the meantime Yoda can not wait any longer and finally dies, though Luke dose get Yoda's message. The Rebellion forces keep on making their attack plans on the new Death Star, and Vader manages to catch Luke. Leia, Chewie, and Lando finally manage to get Han back, but there are unexpected complications. Finally there is the huge battle at Endor, though the Ewoks turn on everybody and attack Imperials and Rebels alike. The end is a bit of a shock, and to me it's the only part of the series that rings completely wrong, but it's still a great comic book, as a great alternative history of a galaxy far, far away.

Good, but moves a bit too quickly.......2006-10-17

It's not easy to rewrite the star wars universe. Case in point: Imagine that you have to rewrite Return of the Jedi. You may change one event, one moemnt, then let your imagination flow. The possibilities for what may happen are almost endless.

But the important thing is, no matter what you come up with, it's important to take the time to tell your story well.

As with the previous two installments of the infinity line of star wars comics (A new hope and the empire strikes back, or IANH, ITESB), the folks at Dark Horse take the classic film and change one event, then see where the story goes. Remember the moment where Leia, disguised as Bossh, armed a thermal detonator in Jabba's palace? What would happen if that detonar...well, detonated?

With that simple change, the story of Return of the Jedi changes. There is no skiff sequence, no rancor fight, and sadly, one of the most beloved charachters is vaporized as a result (and no, it's not Bib Fortuna). From there, the story continues towards it's final moment...the final battle of the rebel alliance and the galactic empire above the endor moon.

What sets Return of the Jedi, infinities apart from IANH and ITESB is it's story. While the first two departed from the established story line greatly, IROTJ sticks fairly close to what happens in the film. Luke still fights Vader on the death star, the rebels still have to blow up the generator on Endor, and Vader must choose between following his master, or killing his children. Instead of the big details, it's the little ones that are changed.

Because it sticks closely to the established story, this entry in the infinities line isn't as compelling or fascinating as the previous two. Don't get me wrong, it's still entertaining, but it's just not as compelling as IANH or ITESB. There are great moments, such as how the bunker is destroyed, Han getting out of the carbonite, and what happens to Vader, but the one thing I noticed the most when reading this comic was the feeling that it was rushing as quickly as it could towards it's conclusion. As I said ealier in this review, if you're going to tell a story, try to tell it well. From the moment the rebeliion heads towards the Endor system, the book picks up the pace and doesn't let up, going at mach 4 towards the ending.

And in the end, this is what harms the story the most. It just goes too quickly. There's no real sense of how vast the final battle is, or how compelling the emotional fight is between Vader and Luke. one example is a description on the back of the book. We're told, "what if the ewoks fought both rebel and imperial?". Indeed, the ewoks attack the rebels...for all of two panels, then they vanish, never to be seen again, and with no impact on how the story plays out. Moments where the potential for emotional drama is high stop two panels short, stopping these scenes dead in thier tracks. Going really fast is not always the best option when you're telling an action story, as it is possible to go way too fast, as is the case here.

But even with the speed and pacing issue, IROTJ is still a fun read. The artwork is unique, looking like a strong blend between hand drawn and computer enhanced, and the final page of the comic, with what happens in it, is sure to put a huge smile on any star wars fan's face (but to reveal it would be criminal).

Now the big question...to buy, or not to buy? I'm really not sure what to say here, except that your best bet is to find this comic in a store, read it, then decide if you want to buy. Just like with the issue of bringing the fluffy ewoks into existance in the star wars universe, you either like it, or you don't like it.

Alternate History - Return og the Jedi.......2005-04-11

If you are a fan of alternate history, you'll really enjoy this. Just a minor change in plotline and you find the story just as entertaining as the original.

Dark Horse Six: A Memoir of the Korean War, 1950-1951

Average customer rating:

I remember I/3/5
From the dust jacket . . .

Dark Horse Six: A Memoir of the Korean War, 1950-1951
Robert D Taplett
Manufacturer: Phillips Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Customer Reviews:

I remember I/3/5.......2007-07-11

Dark Horse Six is a remarkable book. Written by a fighting Battalion CO, the book gives insights into our Korean War Marines from rifleman to Regimental commander, from planners to assault troops, from grunt to MAG close air support.

I was on Wantuck, APD 125, when we picked up I/3/5 at Pusan and took them into the assault at Green Beach at Inchon. The book gave me insights into many questions I have had for 57 years.

One thing that always bothered me was why I/3/5 seemed to be conducting a little Boot Camp during the 5 days we had them aboard. Another was why, over the years, I've met many veterans from G/3/5 and H/3/5, but never any of the troops that I helped carry into the assault on our LCVPs. I now realize I/3/5 badly needed their basic weapons re-familiarization. They had been in the reserves, driving buses or pumping gas only two months before being thrown into an infantry company and facing and defeating NK veterans on Wolmi-do. And they continued to face and defeat them at the Han and at Seoul. And they went on to face 12 Chinese divisions at Chosen. About 76 days after we assaulted Inchon, a bare 20 of those 200 Marines we debarked were still standing.

Dark Horse Six gives similar insights into the ordeal of G/3/5 and H/3/5; into the battle for survival of Division Recon Company; into the desperate seconds when Corsairs flew just overhead, pouring supporting fire and napalm on almost overwhelming enemy forces only yards away; into the crisis moments when life or death decisions were made and paid for by the lives of ordinary men.

We are so fortunate that Col. Taplett managed to get Dark Horse Six printed before he died. If you care about our magnificent Marine Corps, if you care about any of our sons and brothers in any of our military services who defend our nation with their lives, you will be entranced by Dark Horse Six. If you can find a copy.

Semper Fi and GO NAVY!
Bert Kortegaard
[...]

From the dust jacket . . ........2005-10-10

Dark Horse Six, is the combat memoir of Colonel Robert D. Taplett. He was the commander of one of the USMC's most famed battalions, the 3rd Battalion of the 5th Marine Regiment, during the first year of fighting in Korea. His battalion's radio call sign during the bitter fighting against the Chinese was Dark Horse. After 50 years he has decided to tell his story. He wants the deeds of his Marine's put into the record. The mistakes of combat, planning and egos are here as well. His experience was on the front lines, not theorizing behind some desk. THIS IS A WARRIOR'S STORY!

Crying Freeman Volume 5 (Crying Freeman (Dark Horse))

Average customer rating:

enjoyed it thoroughly

Crying Freeman Volume 5 (Crying Freeman (Dark Horse))
Kazuo Koike , and Ryoichi Ikegami
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1593074999

Book Description

Once a humble ceramics artist, the infamous assassin known as Crying Freeman has risen in power to become the head of the 108 Dragons, the most powerful criminal organization on earth. But power has its price, and there is no end to the number of rival groups gunning for 108 Dragons turf - and for Freeman's head. Faced with an army of kidnappers and a host of assassins, each more deadly than the last, how long can Freeman's luck hold out? Will the Dragons be torn apart by warring rivals or poisoned by betrayal from within? Will Freeman's sensitive, compassionate heart be the Dragons' redemption or its downfall? Can Freeman and his loved ones survive the painful realities that come with living in a world of vicious gangland warfare? All questions will be answered in this, the final volume of Crying Freeman!

Customer Reviews:

enjoyed it thoroughly.......2007-05-13

Enjoyed the book thoroughly as part of the series. Good plot, great drawing (black and white). Surprisingly sometimes the drawing of Crying Freeman himself is rather homoerotic.

Gunsmith Cats Omnibus: Volume 2 (Gunsmith Cats (Dark Horse))

Average customer rating:

The plot thickens

Gunsmith Cats Omnibus: Volume 2 (Gunsmith Cats (Dark Horse))
Kenichi Sonoda
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1593077688

Book Description

Rally Vincent and Minnie-May Hopkins run a gunsmith shop in Chicago by the day...but they have a side-business as bounty hunters, and there are none better than they are. That's rare for two girls in their late teens! But you can bet Kenichi Sonoda will make you want to believe it.

Customer Reviews:

The plot thickens.......2007-08-22

The second volume of the Gunsmith Cats Omnibus literally blew me away. As you may recall, if you read the first volume of Gunsmith Cats, that there were several stories that were really nothing more than set up for a later chapter that didn't quite seem to fit in at that moment (the chapter titled CZ75 in particular) These chapters, while always fun, detracted from the overall flow of the story, and often seemed to break up the progression. In this volume there are relatively no bits of fluff and filler, and the one bit of filler there is was worked in more skillfully than in the previous volume. The book jumps right in to the thick of things and doesnt let up untill the last page.

To recap- Gunsmith Cats is set in Chicago and follows the exploits of the bounty hunter Rally Vincent and her partner May West. Along with the high dollar informant, Becky, the team hunts down members of the chicago underworld, meeting unforgettable bad guys like Bonnie, Gray, and the mysterious wheelman. Bean Bandit.

The story its self, is really split in this volume. The first few chapters are wrapping up the continuing story from volume. 1, and the last half contains a new story line. So you basically see the conclusion of the incident involving Gray, followed by the entrance of a new character-the drug dealing Italian dominatrix known as Goldie. We also see one of those filler chapters from volume 1 play out, as we are reintroduced to Misty. About the only filler is set between the end of the Gray story line and the start of the new story, and it has to do with May and Ken, in a short section the tells us how they first met. Other than that, its all action for about 300 pages.

Vol. 2 is much faster paced than the vol. 1, simply because less exposition is needed, and there is, as stated before, less filler. It took me about 3 sessions of reading to finish the first book, while i read this one cover to cover in about a night. This one didn't have any of the bonus galleries at the end, as was found in the first book, but had a few more strips about the author(there were two in the last one discussing Sonoda's long love affair with guns and bombs) Basically if you have read the first volume, you know what to expect, and this book does not disappoint. Sonoda's story will keep you flipping pages till there are no more to pages left.

Average customer rating:

Hyras, lions, and...what the!!! O My!

The Dark Horse Book Of Monsters
Mike Mignola , Kurt Busiek , Evan Dorkin , Others , Keith Giffen , Timothy Green II , and Jill Thompson
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1593076568

Book Description

Mike Mignola takes Hellboy on a monster-crunching mission and Gary Gianni provides illustrations for a classic tale of South Seas horror by William Hope Hodgson in this fourth addition to Dark Horse's Eisner-nominated books of Hauntings, Witchcraft and The Dead. Along with Mignola and Gianni, Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson - who won Eisners in both 2004 and 2005 for their stories in Hauntings and Witchcraft - return to unveil a new painted story starring everyone's favorite evil-fighting strays. Also included is an homage to the great creature comics of Jack Kirby by Kurt Busiek and Keith Giffen, and many more terrifying yarns by some of the most talented folks in comics!

Customer Reviews:

Hyras, lions, and...what the!!! O My!.......2007-05-07

The Dark Horse "Book of..." series of books are nicely packaged and come with a variety of stories, some old and thankfully not forgotten by readers and some newer mintings by authors that everyone is familiar with, and the three I've picked up so far have been excellent reads. This is not to say they are for everyone - when you buy these you are basically picking up books that are more akin to older comic titles than something new and you are picking up something with a gimmick that could be viewed as campy if you are not into things like this. I originally picked it up because I wanted to see the offering by Mike Mignola, quickly noticed the Hodgson story added to the fray and Moore-Reppion-Green addition that seemed like a pulp comic from a time long forgotten, and was happy with the buy. Hardbacked, with a motif that showcases a beautifully designed interior that makes it look like a book of monsters, I was actually impressed with the fun read that was not terribly priced.

The Book of Monsters is basically seven stories that take up 82 pages, and the read is more like enjoying a stroll through comic horror than touching on anything serious. The best offering in the illustration department is, by far, the Mike Mignola piece, with a nice little story and the classic Hellboy catch. Also note that the Hodgson piece is a story and that it has pictures accompanying it; this really is a pulp piece that is like stepping back in time.
The pieces include:
(1) I Witnessed the End of the World! Busick, writer
(2) The Hydra and the Lion: A Hellboy Adventure Mignola, writer
(3) A Tropical Horror. Hodgson, writer Gianni -art (hopefully time will never lose Hodgson's place in horror history)
(4) To Weave a Lover: A Rex Mundi Story Nelson, writer
(5) The Horror Beneath Moore/Reppion, writers
(6) Hidden: A Devil's Footprints Story. Allie, writer
(7) A Dog and his Boy Dorkin/Dyer, writers

If you want a diversion this is a good book and, if you are a Hellboy collector, this is a piece of the puzzle. It is short - 6 pages total - and most of the stories are going to be the same. The appeal is not for everyone but, if this is your kind of climate, it is a good buy.

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