Book Description
This book describes more than 600 species of the most common Texas wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and cacti in a well illustrated, easy to use format.
Book Description
Five years have passed since humans set fire to the gas-giant planets, unwittingly committing genocide of the Hydrogues-an infinitely powerful species of aliens-and igniting a war of epic proportions. Meanwhile, as humans struggle to fight against increasing hostilities from the Hydrogues, they learn from the Worldforest that they have awakened an ancient, fearsome, and merciless enemy in the Hydrogues. And when the water-based Wentals and the sun-dwelling Faeros are found, will humans finally have the allies they need? Or will they be caught in the middle of a war that could break apart the galaxy......This thrilling, multi-volume chronicle of a legendary war that spans the galaxy is written in the vein of the best works of Peter F. Hamilton, Dan Simmons, and Frank Herbert.
Customer Reviews:
The Brilliance Continues.......2006-06-01
It's been five years since hydrogue warships destroyed the first gas giant skymines. The major governments in the Spiral Arm are desperate for ekti, the only known fuel for stardrive engines. With skymines out of operation and few other ways to obtain ekti, trade has ground to a near halt and distant colonies are starving.
The Ildiran Empire has suffered, as well. Hydrogues don't distinguish between the humans who accidentally annihilated billions of their people, and the alien species that only resembles them. Forced to desperate ends, the Mage-Imperator must convince his successor of the need for a reprehensible program--the one that tore his lover away.
For the past five years, the hydrogues have been content to limit the destruction to trespassers. Now they've been seen throughout the Spiral Arm, raising tensions in already-fracturing societies.
In this, the second installment to "The Saga of Seven Suns," Anderson pens an epic tale worthy in its own right. While he continues to use multiple subplots to weave the story, each thread is easily distinguishable, and they succeed in creating an overall tapestry of overwhelming depth. More impressive is his ability to do so while providing enough unknowns to keep the reader engaged.
For those who don't like metaphors: It's good. Darn good. If you forget who a character is, you can look it up in an appendix.
Although brilliant, this novel possesses a few issues, albeit nothing devastating. The first is the fuzzy timeline. Events occur in a linear order, but there are few indicators as to the passage of time. The reader is left wondering has much time has passed until one of the rare mentions of "in the past __ months. . ." A simple date stamp for each chapter, or a more concise timeline appendix would be great.
The other issue worthy of mention is that some readers may grow annoyed with the numerous subplots. This is a point than can go either way. As mentioned before, it is this reviewer's opinion that each subplot is clearly drawn and, while not always vital, certainly helpful in allowing the reader an overall view.
Highly recommended to sci-fi fans.
Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
5/31/2006
Getting better.......2005-12-01
Really impressed with this series to date. The first book was pretty good, Forest of Stars got even better. I've adjusted to the short chapters and rapid plot development that was a little disconcerting in book 1, and am really starting to enjoy it. It's nice to see an author who doesn't spend 5 pages describing a building or hole in the ground, but rather moves the pace along quickly and had great action sequences. Some may criticize this series as a cheap thrill because of the brevity of chapters and such, and maybe they're right. But who cares? It's extremely well written, the plot and characters are intriguing, and it leaves you hungry for more. I only hope Anderson continues his high quality work in books 3 and 4. But up to this point I'm very pleased with the Saga of the Seven Suns. A great scifi series that is not to be missed.
Good epic saga.......2005-07-11
After reading the first book in this series, the main problem I had with it was that it started so slow. I was optimistic that this book would be better because it didn't have to introduce everything that the first book did. Fortunately, that did seem to be the case.
This book had a lot more action than the first. It did still drag in a few places, but overall, it kept moving right from the start. It had the same good characters and settings that were set up in the first book, and it introduces some new things as well. About the biggest problem I had with this book is that it seems that the scope of the series is so large that it will be hard to satisfactorily reslove. But I'll reserve judgement on that until I see how it is done.
If you read the first book in this series, you'll definitely want to continue with this one. Also, this has left me even more eager to get the next book.
An effective and engaging continuation of Anderson's saga.......2005-04-20
"A Forest of Stars" continues the lush, exciting space opera begun in "Hidden Empire", and gains a few extra points by not being afraid to move into some very dark areas. These dark developments are mostly there to illustrate Anderson's continuing fascination with the theme of means versus ends: that is, is it permissable to engage in horrific exploitation and experimentation if those are the only methods to develop effective countermeasures against an even-more-horrific enemy? I think most of us would answer "no" to that question, and I think Anderson would, too, but it is quite interesting to see how his characters, especially those in power, develop their own responses to such situations and moral dilemmas. In addition, the stellar war initiated in book one develops in some unexpected ways in this second volume, as more parties enter the fray. The "Seven Suns" epic is traditional space opera with edge, and the opening salvos of books one and two are strong and memorable.
Why so patronizing?.......2005-01-05
Normally, this is the type of sci-fi that I like - a broad opera covering many events that lead up to a grand conclusion. However, Anderson's writing style makes getting through these books a chore, with only paragraphs here and there that bring it to life and make it worthwhile. It seems like every time he describes anything he has to lug out the thesaurus and ensure to include at least three adjectives. In addition, you are constantly reminded in depth of events that took place just a few chapters back. Overall, I get the sense that Anderson doesn't think too highly of his audience - that or he's shooting for the wrong audience altogther. The dialogue is trite and unrealistic - no one that I know speaks like his characters, especially when they are relating to intimate friends. I kept reading for the story line, but I have to admit, I put this book and the previous down a few times, promising that I wasn't going back.
Product Description
History: Fiction or Science? is the most explosive tractate on history ever written - however, every theory it contains, no matter how unorthodox, is backed by solid scientific data. The book is well-illustrated, contains over 446 graphs and illustrations, copies of ancient manuscripts, and countless facts attesting to the falsity of the chronology used nowadays, which never cease to amaze the reader. Eminent mathematician proves that: Jesus Christ was born in 1153 and crucified in 1186 The Old Testament refers to mediaeval events. Apocalypse was written after 1486. Does this sound uncanny? This version of events is substantiated by hard facts and logic - validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources - to a greater extent than everything you may have read and heard about history before. The dominating historical discourse in its current state was essentially crafted in the XVI century from a rather contradictory jumble of sources such as innumerable copies of ancient Latin and Greek manuscripts whose originals had vanished in the Dark Ages and the allegedly irrefutable proof offered by late mediaeval astronomers, resting upon the power of ecclesial authorities. Nearly all of its components are blatantly untrue! For some of us, it shall possibly be quite disturbing to see the magnificent edifice of classical history to turn into an ominous simulacrum brooding over the snake pit of mediaeval politics. Twice so, in fact: the first seeing the legendary millenarian dust on the ancient marble turn into a mere layer of dirt - one that meticulous unprejudiced research can eventually remove. The second, and greater, attack of unease comes with the awareness of just how many areas of human knowledge still trust the three elephants of the consensual chronology to support them. Nothing can remedy that except for an individual chronological revolution happening in the minds of a large enough number of people.
Customer Reviews:
Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03
Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.
Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19
Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09
There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.
For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.
Very Interesting.......2007-03-07
It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.
History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10
Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.
I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.
Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.
Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.
I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.
This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.
Average customer rating:
- Shirley is a genius.
- ...by any other name...
- Fast but unforgettable read
- A fabulous about-face for Shirley Kennett
- Wow! A breathless read
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Burning Rose (Five Star First Edition Mystery Series)
Shirley Kennett
Manufacturer: Five Star (ME)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Kennett, Shirley | ( K ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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Fire Cracker
ASIN: 0786236612 |
Customer Reviews:
Shirley is a genius........2004-03-10
The Burning Rose is a wonderful read. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book. As a matter of fact, I've read all of Shirley's books and they are all very entertaining. The Burning Rose is a taut and breathtaking story. Once again, Ms. Kennett has proved she is a master at telling a great story. Bravo Shirley.
...by any other name..........2003-10-18
Shirley Kennett (AKA "Morgan Avery") strikes hot again with "Burning Rose"! Kennett's right up there with my other favorites, Patricia Cornwell & James Patterson - if you like them, you'll love her! You've got to read her P J Gray series: "Gray Matter," "Fire Cracker," "Chameleon," & "Act of Betrayal" (the only one written under the name of "Morgan Avery", so don't be confused) - must reads!!! We're anxiously awaiting your next book, Shirley!
Fast but unforgettable read.......2003-03-31
A friend recommended this to me after she'd read it. Now, normally, if this friend recommends something, I'll hate it. So I went into this prepared to read a few pages out of courtesy and and hope she wouldn't ask me any detailed questions. I was caught like a fish on a hook, though. I went for the futuristic tweaks, just enough to lift the story out of current time and into a near future inhabited by some of the wildest characters you're ever going to run across. You got to wonder how the author could come up with these characters - I mean, there's some vivid dudes and dudettes here, but in the context of the book they all seem to fit. I won't give away too much, but my favorite was Reggie, a tough-guy bodyguard who knows he has faults and doesn't worry much about them. A journalist named Casey is a good mix of idealism, spunk, and arrogance, and she needs all of those characteristics as things heat up in a story she's working on. She gets caught up in a high stakes adventure that's fresh and thought-provoking. The time slipped by while I was reading because the author pulls you into the world she's created, gives you a push at the small of your back, and away you go until the last page. Highly imaginative and entertaining. Take a big breath before you dive into this book, because you won't have time to come up for air.
A fabulous about-face for Shirley Kennett.......2003-03-21
Shirley Kennett is the highly successful author of four intricate murder mystery books featuring computer-savvy P.J. Gray, her young son, and her partner Leo Schultz. The manner of this series is highly intelligent, serious and intricate. This book I have just read, BURNING ROSE, is delightfully different. It is as if Ms. Kennett let her hair down and wrote for the sheer joy of writing. The whole concept is novel, exotic and delivered with extreme style and enthusiasm. The writing is informal, not studied like Dr. P.J. Gray, and contrary to the series which is set mainly in the St. Louis area, BURNING ROSE takes place all over the globe. The ideas expressed are in-your-face and the pace is consistently exciting. If you would like to read a totally innovative eco-thriller, this is the book to get!
Wow! A breathless read.......2003-02-19
This book is quite a departure from the author's PJ Gray series. I picked it up assuming it was a series book, and kept expecting the familiar characters to come onto the scene. While I did miss PJ and Schultz, this book stands alone - and stands out. A journalist pokes her nose into places where it doesn't belong and gets swept up in events of worldwide significance. It's the near future - or is it? The science in this book isn't far-fetched, and could be happening today out there on the leading edge. Talk about exotic characters! There are some in this book that will be giving me the heebie-jeebies for a long time. Most of the characters have a dark side, so that you can't decide whether they are good guys or bad guys right away. An unlikely romance lightens the mood. Imagination rules the day here. You have to grab on and not let go until the last page. The pace is breakneck and the stakes are high. This is an absorbing, very different read. It's like the author just went on a romp, and if you want to keep up, you'll have to turn the pages fast.
Customer Reviews:
A great source of Klingon ship designs.......1999-07-17
Has anyone ever noticed that the UFP seems to get the most variety of starship designs seen in Star Trek? I mean, there are all kinds of Starfleet vessel classes, from Daedalus to Constitution to Miranda to Excelsior to Ambassador to Nebula to Galaxy to Akira to Sovereign, plus everything in between! There are many classes that we've seen. However, the other main Alpha and Beta Quadrant races, like the Klingons, Cardassians, and (especially) the Romulans, each seem to have only a handful of starship designs. That's always been a minor bone of contention I've had with Star Trek. However, this (unfortunately) out-of-print book, published by FASA, helps to fix that problem by detailing many different Klingon ship designs--some canonical, like the D7 or the Bird of Prey, and many that are not, like the D-10 Riskadh, the D-20 Death Rite, the D-2 Stingtongue, D-18 Gull, or the L-9 Sabre. Some designs are not as good as others, but there are many fine Klingon designs in this book. For anyone who is a Treknophile, I highly recommend the Klingon Ship Recognition Manual.
Average customer rating:
- Comprehensive Data on all 42 Classes of Federation Starships
- A fine technical manual; recommended for Treknophiles
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Federation Ship Recognition Manual (Star Trek RPG)
Forest G. Brown
Manufacturer: Fasa
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Star Trek | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0931787424 |
Customer Reviews:
Comprehensive Data on all 42 Classes of Federation Starships.......2003-06-22
Over the last 130 years Star Fleet has grown into the most powerful military, colonial, and exploratory force in the known galaxy. Its primary duties are to defend the United Federation of Planets from any and all enemies and invaders; to keep open the space lanes; to render any necessary humanitarian assistance to any in need; and to explore, colonize, and develop frontier regions. This manual describes the assets of Star Fleet that enable it to fulfill those obligations. Moreover, it gives the full historical roster of ships going back to the founding of the service on Stardate 0/8910.
Every class of starship is listed: Combat Vessels (assault ships, battleships, corvettes, cruisers, cutters, destroyers, escorts, frigates, monitors, scouts), Support Vessels (transports, freighters, warpshuttles) and Repair Vessels and Facilities (tenders, tugs, mobile docks, and defense outposts.) The full historical range of vessels from the Constitution, Anton, Larson, and Nelson class ships of "The Great Awakening" to the Excelsior and Scorpio classes of the present day are detailed.
Each class of ship is shown in profile, top, and bow-on view. Then there is a full specification section listing: Construction Data (model numbers, date entered service, and total number constructed), Hull Data (length, width, height, weight, cargo capacity, and landing capability), Equipment Data ( control computer type, number and type of transporters), Personnel Data (crew, passenger, and shuttle craft capacities), Engine and Power Data (warp engine type and number, maximum safe cruising speed, emergency speed, impulse engine type), Weapons (beam weapon type and number, missile weapon type and number), Shields Data (deflector shield type and maximum power) and the Combat Efficiency Rating. In addition, a note section is included listing the brief history of the class, strengths and weaknesses, and exploits and anecdotes of famous representative vessels.
The appendixes include both a fold out chart of Federation Recognition Silhouettes and a Full Timeline of Active Duty Service of all classes.
In summation, this manual provides all known combat, visual, and historical data on all 42 different Federation ships and their varients. It is provided to Federation personnel on a "need to know" basis.
A fine technical manual; recommended for Treknophiles.......1999-07-17
This FASA-published, out-of-print book, though certainly non-"canon," is still a worthy addition to non-canonical Star Trek lore. It details a number of Federation starships--some canonical, like the Constitution class, and some non-canonical, like the Andor, Baker, Larson, Northampton, Chandley, Loknar, and Nelson classes, just to name some of the more prominent ones. Some of the designs featured in this book are not as good as others, but they do help to spark the imagination nonetheless. I definitely recommend this book (if you can find it) as well as its sister books: "Ship Construction Manual," "Romulan Ship Recognition Manual," "Klingon Ship Recognition Manual," "Star Trek: The Next Generation Officer's Manual," and "Star Trek: The Next Generation First Year Sourcebook," all from FASA, and all (as far as I know) out of print.
Average customer rating:
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Star Rangers and the Spy (Fantasy Forest Book)
Jean F. Blashfield
Manufacturer: TSR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Children's Books | Subjects | Books | Baby-3 | Ages 4-8 | Ages 9-12 | Animals | Arts & Music | Books on Cassette | Books on CD | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Computers | Educational | History & Historical Fiction | Issues | Literature | Obsessions | People & Places | Popular Characters | Reference & Nonfiction | Religions | Science, Nature & How It Works | Series | Sports & Activities
ASIN: 0880380802 |
Books:
- Many Lives, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient, and the Past-Life Therapy That Changed Both Their Lives
- March to the Sea (March Upcountry)
- Mirror Mirror: A Novel
- Modern Roses XI: The World Encyclopedia of Roses
- Nexus: A Neo Novel
- Out With the Stars: Hollywood Nightlife in the Golden Era
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- Plague of the Dead (The Morningstar Strain)
- Potty Time for One, Two or Three! A Parent's Survival Guide for Potty Training One Child, Twins, or Triplets
- Programming Ruby: The Pragmatic Programmers' Guide, Second Edition
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