The Fires of Heaven (The Wheel of Time, Book 5)

Book Description

The fifth audio volume of the Wheel of Time series is now available in unabridged format on CDIn this sequel to the phenomenal New York Times bestseller The Shadow Rising, Robert Jordan again plunges us into his extraordinarily rich, totally unforgettable world:....Into the forbidden city of Rhuidean, where Rand al'Thor, now the Dragon Reborn, must conceal his present endeavor from all about him, even Egwene and Moiraine.....Into the Amyrlin's study in the White Tower, where Amyrlin, Flaida do Avriny a 'Roihan, is weaving new plans.....Into the luxurious hidden chamber where the Forsaken Rahvin is meeting with three of his fellows to ensure their ultimate victory over the Dragon.....Into the Queen's court in Caemlyn, where Morgase is curiously in thrall to the handsome Lord Gaebril.For once the Dragon walks the land, the fires of Heaven fall where they will, until all men's lives are ablaze. And in Shayol Ghul, the Dark One stirs....

Customer Reviews:

Read it to continue the story, but don't expect much.......2007-09-08

It took me a long time to read this book because the story was not very interesting for large spans of the book, and I really dislike the character Nynaeve.

Spoiler Alert Below:
However, the one thing that I really, really resent about the book was Jordan's very poor choices in presenting the story. There were basically three climatic events in the story: Rand chasing down Couladin and the Shaido clan, Nynaeve and Elayne finding the Aes Sedai hideout, and Rand destroying some Forsaken. We spend hundred of pages following Rand's trek out of the wasteland in pursuit of the Shaido. I am looking forward to a big battle with Couladin. HOWEVER, once we finally reach the confrontation with Couladin, it is presented from a Mat's reflection on the events. OMG! All of that time spent building it up, and it is basically blown off in a few sentences and barely described in those - like it did not really even matter. The same thing happened at the other two climatic events: they were built up and basically blown off.
This book is nothing more than a filler in the series. I will continue with book 6, but I am not beginning it with enthusiasm like I did book 5.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

This fifth Wheel of Time book goes a bit more widescreen.

Mat, now being the general to beat all generals with his Bene Gesserit-general-specific type memory knowledge, is an obvious choice when you have a fairly heavy duty war to be fought.

The only problem is, there is likely to be more than one, and in different places.

Those sneaky Forsaken are still hanging around, too.

A Modern Classic!!!.......2007-07-17

This novel takes everything a step further - another worthy addition to an epic tale.

Mary Sue characters at their worst........2007-06-26

Okay, I like elements of Jordan's books, but this novel jumped the shark for me. Must every one of the main character's have a 'secret power'? No more normal humans, no, Min can predict the future, Egwene can dreamwalk, Nynaive is super powerful (but only when angry), Mat can channel dead Generals, Rands has hordes of nubile women lusting after him, Perrin... I won't even go there about Perrin's super-keen-but-oh-so-silly wolf abilities, which seemed to drop out of the sky. Where are the NORMAL people? I'm all for the super powers *in moderation* but what makes fantasy interesting is the struggles between normal joes and the super powered ones. When Jordan makes every one of his characters super-human the believability goes down the toilet.

Also, Jordan's fantasy race the Aiel seem to be a race of Mary Sues. They can out-fight, out-hunt and out-run normal humans. Their customs are deemed superior they look down their noses at everyone else. The Aiel annoy me to the very core, as Jordan seemed to have created this unbelievable race to serve Jordan's messiah-ish character Rand.

There are some other ick moments in this book for me. Jordan clearly seems to be setting up Rand to become some sort of fantasy Polygamist ala Heinlein. Ick. Also there is a strange element of humiliating powerful women which Heinlein seems to enjoy. Women are often spanked or 'thrashed' and male characters aren't. Also, he creates situations where characters are forced to do humiliating things such as.... The trio of former aes sidai forced to laundry, fetch, and clean for the general as 'punishment.' It seems a bit petty giving the characters lives are in danger.

This was an entertaining novel, but the mary-suism really needs to be dialed down. 3 stars.

Wheel of time Audio.......2007-04-05

I actually was already a big fan of the book series, but these audio versions are extremly well done also, with very good narration and quality. Much better than most audiobooks I have tried in the past. Most importantly they are unabridged, which is very important with a story this complex. I was extremely happy with this product.

Average customer rating:

Magic at it's best
One of the Best Books on Sorcery Around

Stealing the Fire from Heaven
Stephen Mace
Manufacturer: Dagon Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0972026606

Book Description

Stephen Maces "Stealing the Fire from Heaven - A Technique for Creating Individual Systems of Sorcery" is often touted as an excellent starting point for the aspiring magician/sorcerer as well as the experienced magician. Dagon Productions is proud to announce the publishing of the revised and expanded version of "Stealing the Fire from Heaven".

"This essay offers a technique that individuals can use to create their own systems of sorcery, systems precisely tailored to fit their own unconscious minds. By following its instructions, the reader can cause his or her subliminal self to design its own symbols to represent the powers that lie within it. The result will be what is essentially a personal language of power, one that has meaning only for his or her self, but full of potency because it is his or her own soul's way of expressing itself." - Stephen Mace

Customer Reviews:

Magic at it's best.......2005-09-27

Don't hesitate to buy this small book in case you're looking for a brief summary of the most important and practical elements of magick. This book doesn't require to belief in a special sort of magic systems. Take it, read it and use it within your own universe.

One of the Best Books on Sorcery Around.......2004-12-02

This book is really one of the best books on sorcery I have read. It does not have the popularity it deserves; this is one of the few books which contains real magickal techniques that will actually work.
I particularly was interested in and enjoyed the portions discussing automatic drawing and the creation of a personal Alphabet of Desire.

Nora Roberts Three Sisters Island CD Collection: Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, Face the Fire (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

Three Sisters
Three Sisters Island CD
A good escape
face the fire

Nora Roberts Three Sisters Island CD Collection: Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, Face the Fire (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Brilliance Audio on CD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Series | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

Mystery & Thrillers | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

Romance | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1597377058
Release Date: 2005-08-25

Book Description

Dance Upon the Air: When Nell Channing arrives on charming Three Sisters Island, she believes that she's finally found refuge from her abusive husband… But even in this quiet, peaceful place, Nell never feels entirely at ease. Just as Nell starts to wonder if she'll ever be able to break free of her fear, she realizes that the island suffers from a terrible curse - one that can only be broken by the descendants of the Three Sisters, the witches who settled the island back in 1692.

Heaven and Earth: Ripley Todd just wants to live a quiet, peaceful kind of life. Her job as a sheriff's deputy keeps her busy and happy. She's perfectly content, except for one thing: she has special powers that both frighten and confuse her - and though she tries hard to hide them, she can't get them under control… Distraction soon arrives in the handsome form of MacAllister Booke - a researcher who's come to investigate the rumors of witchcraft that haunt Three Sisters Island.

Face the Fire: Mia Devlin knows what it is like to love with your whole heart - and then watch your love walk away. Years ago, she and Sam Logan shared an incredible bond built on passion, legend, and fate. But then one day he fled Three Sisters Island, leaving her lost in memories of the magic they shared - and determined to live without love. The new owner of the island's only hotel, Sam has returned to Three Sisters with hopes of winning back Mia's affections. She'll need his help - and his powers - to face her greatest, most terrifying challenge.

Customer Reviews:

Three Sisters.......2007-09-18

I love this story, however, not as captivating as the Circle Trilogy with all the action but really good and would recommend it to anyone. I'm starting on the Key Trilogy now and heard it was very good. Nora Roberts is an excellent versatile writer. I love her spiritual supernatural hero/heroine triologies.

Three Sisters Island CD.......2007-07-03

This CD kept me througly engrossed during my recent car trip. I didn't even want to arrive at my destination until I had heard the last sentence.
The story of witchcraft, romance, and relationships is compelling. The characters are enchanting with their quirks, personal histories, and involvement with each other. The narrative is easy to understand.
I definitely recommend this for entertaining listening.

A good escape.......2007-06-01

This series is very entertaining. You like all of the characters right away, and somehow, even though it is a fantasy storyline, you can relate to and with all of the characters, both women and men. The only thing I did not like was the narrator deepening her voice and using different tones to be three different men. Otherwise a good listen and escape.

face the fire.......2007-02-21

this set of stories were execellent. so open and easy to follow you can't miss what is happening. the three of them with their speciality and love is so heart warming and romantic.

Fire from Heaven: The Rise of Pentecostal Spirituality and the Reshaping of Religion in the 21st Century

Average customer rating:

Professor Continues Myth that It All Began in America
Primal spirituality surfacing under pentecostal inspiration
Will You please correct my former review?
A poorly researched and truly terrible book
Worthy of being read....but not fully representative of "us"

Fire from Heaven: The Rise of Pentecostal Spirituality and the Reshaping of Religion in the 21st Century
Harvey Cox
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0306810492

Book Description

The New York Times Notable Book about the fastest-growing form of worship on earth: the vibrant, primal spirituality of Pentecostalism.

It was born a scant ninety-five years ago in a rundown warehouse on Azusa Street in Los Angeles. For days the religious-revival service there went on and on-and within a week the Los Angeles Times was reporting on a "weird babble" coming from the building. Believers were "speaking in tongues," the way they did at the first Pentecost recorded in the Bible-and a pentecostal movement was created that would by the start of the twenty-first century attract over 400 million followers worldwide. Harvey Cox has traveled the globe to visit and worship with pentecostal congregations on four continents, and he has written a dynamic, provocative history of this explosion of spirituality-a movement that represents no less than a tidal change in what religion is and what it means to people. Daniel Mark Epstein, the acclaimed biographer of the evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, calls Fire from Heaven "a breathtaking story [written] with a novelist's feel for history, a philosopher's clear insight, and a reporter's eye for detail." And the Boston Globe hailed Harvey Cox as "an ideal guide for a pilgrimage through an unfamiliar religious world...able to demystify without desanctifying."

Customer Reviews:

Professor Continues Myth that It All Began in America.......2006-10-24

Harvey Cox, the former head of Harvard Divinity School, does some magnificent work giving insight to pentecostalism and putting it into context with information I have not seen elsewhere. He traveled the world speaking to academics and attending services on almost every continent. He pushed his ten page list of citations to the back to make it more accessible to the non-academic and provides a fourteen page index.

He successfully explains the uniquely hidden power wielded by women in pentecostal churches in Latin America and the intricate historical relationship between American fundamentalists and pentecostals. He also does well describing the neo-pentecostal and how all three fit into the Religious Right's political agenda. The history he provides on the degeneration into racism and gender bias is well researched. But his best work is exposing the American pentecostal automatic acceptance of government policies that armed dictators who then tortured a commonly targeted group - their own fellow pentecostals. These pentecostals were in essence murdered by their own sisters and brothers in America.

But there are at least two serious errors in this work such that it must be read with caution. He continues that Anglo-centric myth that pentecostalism took off in 1906 on Azusa Street in Los Angeles from which it spread to the world. And he totally misrepresents pentecostalism in Africa - particularly Zimbabwe.

As early as 1925, author Frank Bartleman who wrote "Azusa St" published by Bridge Publishing alluded to the idea that perhaps the "Fire from Heaven" had not originated in America. Had Cox followed this lead, he would have learned that Fire(s) had started in India in 1860, Korea in 1903, and another one in India in 1905 before Azusa missionaries had reached the continent. There are many instances of the Fire appearing in various locales untouched by pentecostal missionaries - such as the Ivory Coast and parts of China. Accepting the murky history of pentecostalism in favor of the Azusa myth is disappointing in a scholar with such a great reputation.

His interpretation of pentecostalism in Africa is also a disappointment.
In Zimbabwe the author witnesses several different services and common to them was the confession of sins against the earth "...These include any activities that lead to soil erosion, fouling the water supply, or chopping down trees without replacing them." This awareness in African communities certainly pre-dates the current Christian Anglo wakeup to proper stewardship of the earth. Here the author slips into the stereotypical view of African Christians as essentially primitive by connecting this ecological awareness to "the throbbing universe of African primal religion."

Cox basically views pentecostal African Christianity as syncretistic even using drumming and dancing as evidence instead of seeing it as a common indigenous practice incorporated into the church. This is in spite of mentioning in the same sentence the command from the Psalms to praise God with timbrel and lyre and then describing King David dancing at the ark. One needs to add that King David was known to even dance in the nude in public- and not to God's displeasure according to the same Psalms.

Of one of the African pentecostal church founders mentioned, John Maranke is lumped in with other leaders and is exalted as a Mandela type figure leading Zimbabwe to independence. But his church "The Maranke Vapostori", founded in 1932 is considered by common African pentecostals to be cultic both origin and current practice. This is one example of where African Pentecostals appear to have the spiritual and intellectual wherewithal to distinguish syncretism from indigenous practices - but Cox fails to acknowledge this.

This is likely caused in part by Cox's almost exclusive reliance on historiography written by the educated- a method that is now being challenged as the sole method of retrieving history. Oral historiography, deconstruction of myths and other methods are considered necessary to more accurately capture a complete history - if such a thing is possible.

Perhaps if Cox had spent more time listening rather than reading, he would have gained a more complete insight into the history of pentecolstalism.

Primal spirituality surfacing under pentecostal inspiration.......2006-07-26

What is the source of the enormous appeal of pentecostalism? When William Penn founded Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, the Quakers were an ecstatic sect. Pentecostalism is the experiential brand of Christianity. It may account for one in four Christians. It proliferates in gigantic cities. It is a kind of ecumenical movement. Pentecostalism, the Azusa Street revival, arose among the disenfranchised. Religions struggle with order and chaos. The Azusa Street revival lasted for three years. William Joseph Seymour had no formal education. In Houston he saw a woman speaking in tongues. He was introduced to Charles Fox Parham. Seymour was invited to settle in Los Angeles to preach by Julia Hutchins.

Los Angeles was cosmopolitan and had a high tolerance for spiritual innovators. The congregation of the Azusa Street revival was interracial. A rival group organized the Assemblies of God. The Church of God in Christ became a pentecostal denomination. A conference at Cleveland, Tenn., caused another group, Church of God, to become pentecostal. Mainline churches disliked the pentecostals and fundamentalists loathed them. In the disputes it was a case of the spirit versus the letter. The movement did not gain adherents between the wars, but rose up again following World War II.

While a college student, the author attended a service at the New Order of the Latter Rain. Speaking in tongues has a theological purpose. Speaking in tongues is taken as evidence of spiritual baptism. Speaking in tongues is an example of ecstatic utterance. Aimee Semple McPherson drew on popular culture in the work of her International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, (Jesus as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King). Pentecostals believe in direct revelation through vision. Testimonies are a kind of folklore. Women are the principal carriers of pentecostalism. The author is taken with the parallel development of jazz, he plays the saxophone, and pentecostalism. Both depend upon heartfelt enthusiasm.

In South America the pentecostals tell people they need to change and can change. Some followers are political activists. Pentecostalism counteracts the anomie produced by rapid urbanization. It supplies coherence and a new set of rules for living. The faith forbids drunkenness, carousing, infidelity. Despotism in the leadership of some of the groups in South America should be of concern. On the other hand, some groups practice democracy. Pentecostalism is paradoxical.

Attendance at the traditional churches in Europe is low, but pilgrimages to sites associated with apparitions and other mysteries have increased. Sicily has a large number of pentecostals. Pentecostalism in Korea incorporates many elements of shamanism. Many of the independent African churches are pentecostal. Indigenous churches insist the gifts of the spirit are still available.

Will You please correct my former review?.......2000-09-11

I have sent my review on "Fire from Heaven"by Harvey Cox, which you have put on the column.I am very thankful for this.But I am sorry there are some misspellings in my review. Will you kindly replace the former review by the following one which I have corrected?

I highly value this book mainly for three reasons. First this is the first and only significant research on the Pentecostal spirituality so far published. Based on his own "field work" method, the author both encourages and warns concerning the future of the spiritual movement. Secondly he is keenly aware that the movement has potential power to overcome racial discrimination (at least in its origin). Thirdly as myself one of the tongue-speaking people in Japan, I agree with the author who envisages this spiritual movement will eventually develop into various types of Christianity and will enrich the general trend of world religions.

A poorly researched and truly terrible book.......1999-03-19

Those interested in either Pentacostalism or Comparative Religions would do better to look elsewhere. This is truly one of the most morely researched and speciously written books on any subject, let alone religion, that I have ever read. Cox's work is filled with so many examples of inaccuracy and simple foolishness that I wouldn't know where to begin.

This is definately a book to avoid

Worthy of being read....but not fully representative of "us".......1998-02-15

Professor Cox has, indeed, contributed to the ever-widening area of Pentecostal/charismatic studies with "FIRE FROM HEAVEN." His breadth of experience, reflected in the book, is to be admired; but it wasn't wide enough. As a life-long Pentecostal, I could identify with only a few parts of his "experience" and have wondered why the "main-line" denominations weren't included more than they actually were. Why did Cox not visit Times Square Church, or the Brooklyn Tabernacle, or any number of other biblically-sound congregations, and see what effective Pentecostal churches are all about? After reading, and re-reading the book, I felt that I was getting a treatise on the "fringe" elements of Pentecostalism, and not the "mainstream." It is worthy of being read...but not very balanced,in the light of world-wide Pentecostalism.

Average customer rating:

A SUPERIOR AUTHOR
Meticulously researched
Is there a better series about Alexander? No. Buy this!!!
Life & Legend of Alexander the Great
Strengths override weaknesses

Fire from Heaven
Mary Renault
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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

ASIN: 0375726829
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Book Description

“Written with her usual vigor and imagination...Mary Renault has a great talent.”–The New York Times Book Review

Alexander’s beauty, strength, and defiance were apparent from birth, but his boyhood honed those gifts into the makings of a king. His mother, Olympias, and his father, King Philip of Macedon, fought each other for their son’s loyalty, teaching Alexander politics and vengeance from the cradle. His love for the youth Hephaistion taught him trust, while Aristotle’s tutoring provoked his mind and Homer’s Iliad fueled his aspirations. Killing his first man in battle at the age of twelve, he became regent at sixteen and commander of Macedon’s cavalry at eighteen, so that by the time his father was murdered, Alexander’s skills had grown to match his fiery ambition.

Customer Reviews:

A SUPERIOR AUTHOR.......2007-04-01

Wish they'd reprint all Mary Renault's work for today's readers, since she's a master at bringing you right into the times. She writes with authority, which she had, and with an authenticity that takes your breath away. This is her first book about Alexander, to be followed by "The Persian Boy", which is my favorite book of all time. If this time period and Alexander the Great fascinates you as it always has fascinated me, I suggest you buy both these books and wallow in them.

Meticulously researched.......2007-01-04

Mary Renault did meticulous research for her story of Alexander the Great from birth to manhood. It is told from the viewpoint of another young man, employed by Alexander, who became his personal servant and close friend. The various happenings in Alexander's life are taken from recorded history, and fully filled out with descriptions of the culture and mores of the times. Most of the people mentioned were actual persons who interacted with Alexander, including his parents, who fought bitterly over his allegiance to each of them. I found it a fascinating history, and noted a stark comparison of times throughout the ages. Nothing changes.

Is there a better series about Alexander? No. Buy this!!!.......2006-07-15

I have searched high and low for a better story on Alexander the Great, and this is without a doubt, the tops. Nobody gets the ancient world like Mary Renault. Nobody! I think she is the reincarnation of one of Alexander's concubines. Anyway, she understands the man, unlike so many other writers. This is not your typical novel, but is high literature, superior to the vast majority of the trite trash taught in English classes. Effeminate college professors fear teaching heroic and manly books like this. Put this on your shelf next to W. Shakespeare. Do not buy just this one book, but all three in the series because you will be dying for the next injection just like an addict. Go ahead, take a chance, just like A. the G. And just like him you will achieve V i c t o r y . . .

Life & Legend of Alexander the Great.......2006-06-21

No writer of historical fiction has ever done a better job of creating a vivid picture of her subject. The characters of Olympia and Philip and their legendary son Alexander are made as real as today's best known celebrities, and include a plethora of good and bad elements painted with amazing empathy. The portrayal of Alexander's tutor Aristotle and his life long comrade and lover Hephaistion are also well done, and the warfare of Alexander's early days is done with cinema veritie clarity. This is a more than fitting prelude to the author's rendition of Alexander's subsequent life in The Persian Boy.

Strengths override weaknesses.......2006-04-24

You know, everyone has said that Alexander's perfection is a weakness in this novel, but I seeing it as serving a purpose: humor. I can't tell you how amazingly hilarious it was reading about how the perfect boy prince stowed away with peasants and then single-handedly saved the village from barbarians. Or how his poignant heartache leads him to (ha!) "win a race by only two lengths, not three". With pretentious musings like those, who cares if Alexander's perfection is a dramatic weakness?

Unless one considers that perfection itself is his weakness - he finds himself constantly removed from other humans. Although friendly and social, with devoted comrades, Alexander has great difficulty being intimate. His striving to "be the best" keeps him self-conscious. It's an awkward, pathetic weakness, but I found it endearing. My only gripe is that his transformation into a more worldly figure was not stretched out more in the sequel.

Average customer rating:

Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven
Divinity best enlightens those who enlighten themselves.
Understandable skepticism
Valuable deconstruction of enlightenment myths...
The ultimate adventure

Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven
Kiara Windrider , and Grace Sears
Manufacturer: New World Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Personal Transformation | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1930722702

Book Description

On a trip to India’s Golden City, psychotherapist Kiara Windrider discovered that enlightenment — whether called Christ consciousness or that experienced by Buddha — is not based on a particular teaching, morality, or effort, but is in fact a neurobiological process. Under the guidance of Sri Bhagavan and Sri Amma, he learned that over time, humans developed a membrane that separates their individuality from the collective consciousness. Deeksha — the transfer of enlightened energy from person to person — begins to puncture this membrane, allowing humans to experience oneness and divine grace. In Deeksha, Windrider describes his journey to enlightenment, and explains how readers can experience it as well — and how they can pass the gift on to other seekers. The book also includes seven case studies of others who have experienced deeksha, an interview with Bhagavan, and two essays on the science of deeksha.

Customer Reviews:

Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven.......2007-02-11

This is a "must" read for those who have a vision for a new world. It is painfully clear that what we're doing isn't working. What Kiara and Grace share in Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven seems to be a missing piece that can move us, collectively, toward the quantum shift in consciousness that is needed. The time has long passed for separation, individualism, competition. It's time to recognize our oneness as a human family. We are all in this together. Together, we can co-create the world of our vision and even more than we can yet imagine. To create something new, we have to be willing to let go of our old ways of thinking and doing, most of which grew out of an egoic consciousness. Many wise ones over the centuries have pointed the way to experiencing heaven on earth - the way is Love, Oneness. Kiara's book shows the way we can manifest this dream of unity and peace and much more.

Divinity best enlightens those who enlighten themselves........2006-12-09

Licensed psychotherapist and spiritual teacher Kiara Windrider with Canadian-born mystic Grace Sears present Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven, a guide to attaining enlightenment through deeksha, a process based on a spiritual movement originating in India's Golden City. The principle taught by the movement's founders, Sri Bhagavan and Sri Amma, is that the path to Divine Consciousness is not a disciplinary process extending across decades of discipline but rather a neurobiological process attainable to anyone who desires it. Deeksha presents the author's story of personal awakening as well as six other accounts of enlightenment, a conversation with Bhagavan, and much more. Celebrating the power of cosmic consciousness as attainable by any and all individuals, Deeksha is a highly empowering spiritual embodiment of the principle that Divinity best enlightens those who enlighten themselves.

Understandable skepticism.......2006-11-06

If some who hear about this phenomenon are cynical, I think that is perfectly reasonable. Having heard about deeksha I had been skeptical for almost a year, before deciding to investigate (primarily to debunk it). At that time I was a long term seeker of enlightenment, who having sat with several non-dual teachers and read many books, had decided that the seeking was the problem, (or rather, the supposed separate one who did the seeking ie "me"). However when I received deeksha in October 2005, it had an extraordinary effect. In late February 2006 the deeksha energy seemed to cause a remarkable peak state of oneness. A very short time later I was on a plane. I have spent over a month in India where this phenomenon comes from. With me were many people from several different countries and religions, all coming together in oneness. Make no mistake, this phenomenon is now global, and is changing people's lives in an immense way. My experience of the past 12 months tells me that every word written in this book is 100% accurate. I am convinced that this is something unprecendented in human history, and has the potential to significantly and rapidly raise human consciousness and in so doing reverse the the dire situation that exists on the planet today. I would highly recommend going beyond any thorough internet search, and actually receiving some deeksha. And for those who are really serious about their own Awakening, and that of the whole of humanity, go to India and find out for yourself. Peace.

Valuable deconstruction of enlightenment myths..........2006-10-03

This book is another great reminder that we already have everything we need and there is nothing to seek. Far from being a recruitment clarion for a cult in India as one amazon reviewer would have us believe, the book de-mystifies and re-defines the notion of enlightenment from a very pragmatic, personal and useful point of view. I love the fact that all the wisdom from ancient cultures and sages and all the modern self-help books du jour point to the same simple way out of suffering: dis-identification with the mind. Jesus, Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Buddha, and even my dear friend Molli have all in their own words pointed to this significantly powerful truth. We are not our thoughts. The hard part for us in the western world is remembering this after we've put all the books down. Deeksha according to the author (I haven't experienced it directly) may be a way to gradually re-program the brain so that we don't so easily slip back into our forgetful mode. Who knows? I'd be willing to try it. I think that any modality, teaching, energy or bodywork that attempts to help us to spend more time in our higher selves is a valuable and necessary contribution to the world at this time.

The ultimate adventure.......2006-09-30

This book changed my life. I read it in 3 days and it convinced me to go to India and see for myself what the movement behind it is all about. While the details still change every week, I found that the experiences written in this book are accurate and that Deeksha is a new technique that can change this world to the better. Read this book and you will experience your mind opening and that is the ultimate adventure.

Threshold (Fire of Heaven Trilogy, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Threshold Underwhelms
Very gripping, as usual
this book rocks
Disturbing and Powerful!!!
Masterful story and character development

Threshold (Fire of Heaven Trilogy, Book 2)
Bill Myers
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0310201209

Book Description

From the realms of science, the paranormal, and Bible prophecy emerges a novel for our times: fast-paced, carefully researched . . . with a warning none can ignore.

Some say Brandon Martus has a mysterious ability to see into the future, to experience what scientists refer to as a “higher dimension.” Others insist he is simply a troubled Generation-X member plagued by the accidental death of his little sister. It isn’t until he teams up with Sarah Weintraub, the ambitious but haunted neurobiologist, that a far deeper secret unfolds.

Utilizing the latest discoveries in brain research and quantum physics, the two carefully wind their way through a treacherous maze of human greed and supernatural encounters that are both legitimate and counterfeit--until they finally discover the astonishing truth about Brandon Martus.

From the author of the best-selling Blood of Heaven comes a captivating scientific and supernatural thriller. Threshold takes the reader from the mountains of Nepal to the heartland of America, through the deceptions of hell and into the hands of Jesus Christ, in a carefully researched, thought-provoking, and thoroughly electrifying journey.

Customer Reviews:

Threshold Underwhelms.......2005-07-16

If you're a big fan of the Frank Peretti novels such as "Piercing the Darkness", you might enjoy this story of evil, demons and semi-Biblical themes. As a Christian, I found the parallels to the Bible to be interesting, but not compelling. In fact, these parallels were the only thing that kept me reading. In creating this work of fiction, Meyers goes well beyond the biblical descriptions of events-and this is fine. The problem I found was that Meyer's writing style is a bit annoying. It seemed like everything was measured in yards-the truck was getting closer and closer, 20 yards, 17 yards, 13 yards, and so on. It just didn't ring true with me. Meyers is fond of telling us that tears "burn" the eyes of his characters. And there are elements of the plot that seem contrived to add to the story. Sarah, a research scientist at a parapsychology lab drives an old car with a bad carburator. A single woman with a high-paying job would fix it or replace the car; she wouldn't put her safety in jeopardy. But Sarah is "too into her work". Even after the bad guy attacks her and her car fails to start when she tries to run away, she still drives the thing. In fact, the very next day she's giving her boss a long ride out in the country in it-even though her boss has a fancy car back in the parking lot. Another nail in the coffin is that even though Sarah's attacker's identity is known nobody calls the police. This leaves him free to commit more crimes that add to the story. And it goes on.

I'm afraid that Christians desperate for this kind of literature will artificially inflate the popularity of this book. It's really not a high-quality work.

Very gripping, as usual.......2005-03-05

Bill Meyers has a way of tearing back the veil and showing readers the things that are going on all around us which we can't see. I thought this book started out slowly, but it built up to an exciting conclusion. I wish he'd write more like it.

this book rocks.......2003-11-08

although i haven't finished this book yet, i can tell that i really like it. meyers writes on an level uncommon among other novels i've read. he grabs the attention of the reader and doesn't let it go until he sees fit.
i picked up this book in geometry class, (yes, i'm reading a book of this magitude while a freshman in high school) after having been reading it for a week or so, and for the last ten pages before part three begins, i couldnt put it down. i missed the entire lecture because it was so captivating.
i would highly recomend this book to anyone who is looking to expand their thinking beyond their 3-demensional comfort zone, or anyone who just wants something to make them think.

Disturbing and Powerful!!!.......2003-11-05

This is the second novel in the "Fire of Heaven" series, and I wasn't disappointed, even though others who have read it through looked for something else along the lines of "Blood of Heaven." This is not "Blood of Heaven," nor should it be, because it tackles some other topics in the classic Myers fashion.

Brandon Martus is the focus of this novel, as well as his friend, Sarah, and the story revolves around trying to get Brandon to explore his PSI potential. Unfortunately, his nemesis (darker forces) don't succeed in getting Brandon on their team. Then there's Gerty, the elderly woman who can see the future, and who is absorbed in the Truth of Scripture and prays and fasts for this young man so he can ultimately recognize the counterfeit from the true.

Again, this is not like the first novel, although it is just as riveting and enjoyable. It raises interesting and provocative ideas and questions the reader's own presuppositions. I highly recommend this book. It's an excellent departure from the other speculative books on the market. And Myers is a superb craftsman in his field.

Masterful story and character development.......2002-09-03

A troubled teenage boy, the prototypical slacker, may be a gifted, spiritually enlighted master. How can his true potential be realized--through a well-financed integration of science and open-minded spirituality, or through the primitive, simple faith of his now severely handicapped and distant father? How does his past mistakes fit into the future, and where will he find his answers? Does a well-meaning and beautiful young scientist hold answers, danger, or both for him? An added plus is that the minor characters enhance, rather than distract, from the plot's momentum. This is suspenseful, sophisticated story-telling that is imaginative and plausible. Bottom-line: Threshold is a great read!

Blood of Heaven (Fire of Heaven Trilogy, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Blood of Heaveb delivers
Ugh.
Page Turner
Full of self-loathing and grief
I read this book in an afternoon

Blood of Heaven (Fire of Heaven Trilogy, Book 1)
Bill Myers
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0310201195

Book Description

Mysterious blood has been discovered on the remains of an ancient religious artifact. Some believe it is the blood of Christ. And experiments with specific genes from the blood have brought surprising findings. Now it’s time to introduce those genes into a human.

Enter Michael Coleman: multiple killer, death-row resident . . . and, if he is willing, human guinea pig.

There are no promises. The effects may kill Coleman or completely destroy his sanity. He agrees to the experiment, with results so astonishing that the research must continue--but not in prison. Given a new identity and new employer, Katherine Lyon, Coleman reenters society. And that’s when a plot far darker than science alone could construct begins to emerge.

A carefully researched science and psychological thriller, Blood of Heaven is a nonstop page turner that looks deep into the heart of man, examining the nature of good and evil, flesh versus spirit, and the ever-growing controversy over genetically determined behavior.

Customer Reviews:

Blood of Heaveb delivers.......2007-09-26

In Myers Blood of Heaven, the first book in his trilogy, he is one of the first to explore the fascinating possibility of cloning Christ! There have been other authors who have run with the same theme, but they don't hold a candle to Myers effort. This is a fast paced, supernatural thriller that will leave you wanting more and thankfully there is more, in the remaining two books of the trilogy. Bravo Meyers, you keep us on the edge of our seat and up way past our bedtime.

Ugh........2007-01-28

The unbelievable awfulness of the prose makes Dan Brown look like Borges in comparison. Naming characters "Guard One" just shows you don't even try to care. The plot is so hair-brained that just thinking about it gives me a headache -- I just learned, to my horror, that there are two sequels to this that turn the entire thing into a treatise on the end times. I'd have loved to see what a capable author could have done with the premise, but it's been ruined forever by... this. Somewhere, Baby Jesus is crying.

Page Turner.......2006-10-27

This book is a page turner. The idea is good, the characters are pretty good, and the suspence is entertaining. I think though, it could have been edited and tightened up a little and a few strings tied here and there. I enjoyed the main idea of injecting found DNA from Jesus into a killer and the changes that took place in his heart-but the book takes a turn when the opposite gene is abused by the bad guys. Good story fast paced but just a little loose in the writing and some of the language and happenings in the book. It is also labeled Chritian Fiction. It's not strong in the Christian area-it's kind of tossed in but in very light doses.

Full of self-loathing and grief.......2006-05-02

Wow. This story is full of characters who I think were supposed to by sympathetic. . . Before I was even a third of the way through, I was hoping it would end with some sort of catastrophic event that killed every character in a terrible, horrific, painful manner.

The author managed to take a pretty interesting idea - rewriting the genetic code of a man using DNA thought to be from Christ - and made it dull and very predictable. The mosr amazing feat is that at the same time, he manged to write several characters who were all in need of a .45 cranial injection. The only character I dind't want dead soon into the book was Freddy. I liked him.

A very disappointing book, which is a shame, since it shouldn't have been. The base idea was interesting, and worthy of exploration, but the author didn't have the courage to see it through, and instead decided to go with old, worn-out plot twists that anyone could see coming from a mile away.

I read this book in an afternoon.......2005-10-30

This book is an excellent read. I could not put this book down. Not since the left behind series have I wanted to lose myself in a book. The author created the perfect mixture of story line, characters and final ending. I would highly suggest this to my fellow readers. I ran out that afternoon and purchased the other two books.

Average customer rating:

Is there a movie
A really Different approach to the Son of God
What if we didn't recognize Jesus
Best book
Ignore the "Alternate Reality" Storyline...

Eli
Bill Myers , and Author of the Best-Selling Fire of Heaven Bill Myers
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction & Fantasy | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0310218039

Book Description

What If Jesus Had Not Come Until Today? Who Would Follow Him? Who Would Kill Him?

A fiery car crash hurls TV journalist Conrad Davis into another world exactly like ours except for one detail—Jesus Christ did not come 2,000 years ago, but today.

Starting with angels heralding a birth in the back of a motel laundry room, the skeptical Davis watches the gospel unfold in today’s society as a Messiah in T-shirt and blue jeans heals, raises people from the dead, and speaks such startling truths that he captures the heart of a nation.

But the young man’s actions and his criticism of the religious establishment earn him enemies as ruthless as they are powerful.

An intense and thought-provoking novel, Eli strips away religious tradition to present Jesus fresh and unvarnished. With gripping immediacy, Bill Myers weaves a story whose truth will refresh your faith.

Download Description

In this techno-thriller from the best-selling author of the Fire of Heaven Trilogy, a successful TV newscaster is hurled into a parallel world exactly like ours except for one minor detail: Christ didn?t come there 2,000 years ago, but today.

Customer Reviews:

Is there a movie.......2007-05-23

I enjoyed this book very much. I was captivated already by the first chapter. My question is there a Movie in the works from this book?

A really Different approach to the Son of God.......2007-03-08

This book is a real eye-opener! It's especially good for those of us, who haver read the New Testament a few times and tend to think that "we know it all already" and cannot seem to find new insights in the Bible any more. The idea of imagining what it would be like, if Jesus was born today, in this world of hamburgers and TVs was really meaningful to me!

What if we didn't recognize Jesus.......2007-01-14

Ever since Blood of Heaven and Face of God, I've been a Bill Myers fan. Once again, he knocks it out of the park with this story that asks the question, What if Jesus came back today? How would he react to organized religion, to the media, to transportation? This book keeps you engaged and makes you wonder, "Would I recognize Jesus if he came through my town?" A must read!

Best book.......2005-08-16

This was actually one of the first books I read on my own after I finished high school. And by far, I think it is THE best book I have ever read! When I started reading this book, I thought the premise was original. It took me a little while to understand what was going on as there were "time gaps" in the story. But after reading it, you realize everything going on. And it is one of the books I recommend to everyone who wants something to read. I have read it 5 times myself, and it will definitely be a staple in my book collection.

Ignore the "Alternate Reality" Storyline..........2005-06-18

In all honesty, the "alternate reality" storyline is a fairly thin veneer with which to display the actual meat of this book. After centuries of stories about shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, and pharisees, many people have lost track of who these people actually were in the context of their own time, and we see them through the benign lens of a comfortable Christianity that we've grown accustomed to in the West.

But these people were thought of differently back in the time that the Gospels were composed. This book presents us with hippies, drug dealers, uneducated men, militants, and televangelists--people who we are more familiar with--and casts them into all the "accustomed" roles of Bible stories. In doing so, Myers shows us, at least in part, how odd, and scandalous Jesus' actions must have seemed at the time they were going on. It presents a different picture, one that adds a depth and richness to the Gospel stories than what modern Americans remember from Sunday School.

I appreciated this book tremendously, because it drew me to think about who it was that Jesus was spending time with, and how he was spending that time with them. This is not, really, a story about "alternate realities." This is a book that translates the Gospels into modern times--not word for word, nor even chapter for chapter, but tale for tale.

The Heavens on Fire: The Great Leonid Meteor Storms

Average customer rating:

Unimpressed

The Heavens on Fire: The Great Leonid Meteor Storms
Mark Littmann
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Comets, Meteors & Asteroids | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Meteor succeeded meteor in such rapid succession that it was impossible to count them; at times the sky seemed full of them, and the earth was illuminated as with a morning light. Eye-witness accounts such as this, and every spectacular detail of the Leonids, the greatest meteor showers of all, can be found in the acclaimed The Heavens on Fire. In this volume, author Mark Littmann vividly tells the history of meteors, and especially the Leonids, whose terrifying beauty established meteor science. He traces the history and mythology of meteors, profiles the fascinating figures whose discoveries advanced the field, and explores how meteors have changed the course of life on Earth. Crisp illustrations capture the excitement of past meteor showers and help elucidate important concepts. The returning Leonids are now reaching their peak with great activity expected in 1999 and 2000. For all those who wish to take part in this rare experience, Littmann offers advice on how and where to find the best view. Filled with practical tips, clear explanations, and descriptions of a sight that more than one observer has called "brilliant beyond conception," The Heavens on Fire will delight every reader. Mark Littmann teaches astronomy at the University of Tennessee. His previous books include Comet Halley: Once in a Lifetime and Planets Beyond: Discovering the Outer Solar System. Both books were chosen by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific as Astronomy Books of the Year.

Customer Reviews:

Unimpressed.......2007-09-08

I bought this book after being attracted by the used price because I was interested in considering the topic of natural phenomena as they relate to religious belief.

I was amazed to find some embarrassing editing and printing errors (especially by Cambridge Univ. Press), lackluster writing at best, and to my disappointment, less coverage of peoples' interpretations of these events. Perhaps a better book will come regarding this subject, and will be more specialized - whether it be a scientific, cultural, or even religious history.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books