Forever Amber

Book Description

Abandoned pregnant and penniless on the teeming streets of London, 16-year-old Amber St. Clare manages, by using her wits, beauty, and courage, to climb to the highest position a woman could achieve in Restoration England—that of favorite mistress of the Merry Monarch, Charles II. From whores and highwaymen to courtiers and noblemen, from events such as the Great Plague and the Fire of London to the intimate passions of ordinary—and extraordinary—men and women, Amber experiences it all. But throughout her trials and escapades, she remains, in her heart, true to the one man she really loves, the one man she can never have. Frequently compared to Gone with the Wind, Forever Amber is the other great historical romance, outselling every other American novel of the 1940s—despite being banned in Boston for its sheer sexiness. A book to read and reread, this edition brings back to print an unforgettable romance and a timeless masterpiece.

Customer Reviews:

A Classic Historical Romance Not to Be Missed.......2007-09-16

My mother gifted me with this book when I was about 14, and I read it cover to cover in a weekend. Almost 30 years later, I came across it again during a search for somthing else -- and had to reread it.

'Forever Amber' is a stunningly crafted book and amazingly well researched. So much about the court of Charles II and the restoration is included here along with the troubling story of a headstrong girl who rises from a farm girl to a courtesan. But her rise is not a happy one. She finds out along the way, like so many others before and after her, that money can't buy her what (or who) she really wants.

Amber St. Clare is not a likeable character. She is at once immature, selfish, opportunistic and even spiteful. And yet the reader has to feel some pity for her enduring feelings for her first love, Lord Carlton. Carlton, a true cavalier, is also often unlikeable. In fact, the only one I came away feeling any fondness for was King Charles, a softhearted rogue of a monarch if ever there was one.

Definitely a book that any teenage girl interested in romance novels should read. Parents, be advised: it's a little violent, a little racy, and a little depressing. But it's a wonderful story without a gushingly happy ending - in fact, a rather open ending that leaves several possibilities for the reader to ponder. It's a wonder a sequel was never attempted by someone in the 60 years since 'Amber' was published.

Love It.......2007-04-29

This is one of my favorite books. My mother named me Amber after she read this book. I have to say, I'm nothing like her Mom! I truly love the story of Amber St. Clare, even though her flaws drive me crazy. I enjoyed reading a book my grandmother and mother had once read. The words really take you to the place--England, the court, the countryside, through the plague. There isn't a likable character in this book. Every last one of them will make your skin crawl. It really was a man's world and Amber's desire for Lord Carlton was like a sickness in her blood. Amber made due with the power she was given, her beauty and manipulation. Unlike some other readers, I enjoyed the ending. Amber got what she deserved.

Disappointed.......2007-04-28

I was disappointed after reading this book. The book was great until the last 200 pages. It honestly became boring. I saw myself skimming through the pages waiting for something interesting to happen. The end was horrible. I also agree with the other readers that the author had nothing more to say or just got tired of writing...

Great intro to bodice rippers - historically accurate.......2007-02-06

I give this book frequently as a gift to 14-15 year old girls who are readers and are interested in "grown up books" (Always ask parent's permission first...show them review). This is like Gone with the Wind but of a different period - a little racy in bits, but not dangerously so. GREAT review of the key elements of the history of the period; engaging, strong heroine, dramatic...it's fun, and I've never had a kid that didn't write me a fabulously personal thank you note - they appreciate the "recognition" they're ready for something that is grown up. This is a classic I read in young teen years and it sparked a love of history and historical fiction - but it's still one of the best I've ever read.

Cheated .......2007-01-13

I began reading Forever Amber last week (hoping to find a book I might like while I waited for another one to come available at the Library) and from the first I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book. But I am one of those readers that feels if a book is started then you should finish it. Upon finishing it I feel cheated.

The book isn't all that bad. There is a lot of movement, intrigue and history in it. But I couldn't feel for the characters. The main character, Amber, was not someone that I would like and even when things went wrong for her, I still felt that way. I assume that no one is supposed to like her. And although I didn't like any of the characters in this book, I guess I did feel something for Amber because I felt like she should be with Lord Carlton...up in until the last part of the book. Then I realized that she shouldn't be with anyone.

The reason for the two stars is because of the ending. I hated that ending. I felt totally cheated after reading the whole 700 plus pages and then the book ending so abruptly. I agree with others who have left reviews here, it seems that the author decided that she either didn't want to write anymore of this book or she ran out of things to write about.

Anyway, it was an okay book to keep me occupied until the book I have been waiting for becomes available but I would never recommend this book to anyone. It's really not worth the time.

I guess you either love the book or you hate it. And I hated it.

Average customer rating:

A great King Arthur book
Super Reader
A nice surprise!
I liked it.
A must read

The Forever King (Forever King Trilogy)
Molly Cochran , and Warren Murphy
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0812517164

Book Description

In a darkened house not far from the place where Camelot may once have stood, a madman schemes, plotting toward the day when he will wrest the cup that men call the Holy Grail from the boy who is its guardian.Arthur Blessing is no ordinary ten-year-old. The Grail is his by chance, this time, but the power to keep it--a power as ancient as time itself--is his by right.Now he must stay alive--battling foul sorcery and indefatigable assassins--long enough to use that power.

Customer Reviews:

A great King Arthur book.......2007-08-27

This was an outstanding book. It brings a new and unique outlook to a sort of old but fabulous legend.

This is one of my favorite books and I often come back to reread it. I love it and I'm sure that most readers will also love it.

Super Reader.......2007-08-07

The Forever King is about the conflict over the Grail between the opposing forces of Arthur and Saladin. While that is all very well in the past, in the present setting of the book, Arthur has been reincarnated as a young boy and Saladin is a loony bin type of resident.

Merlin is a constant, and the character of the ingenue, Nimue is here represented as being on the side of Arthur and the Grail.

A nice surprise!.......2007-03-07

My younger sister actually forced this book on me. We both love to read and usually read the same things. I took one look at the cover and thought, "I don't read sci-fi books!" So it sat on my shelf for about a year when she called me up and said "it's a trilogy" and that I absolutely had to read this book!! So I read it and I couldn't put it down and i am so glad I finally picked it up! It wasn't a typical sci-fi novel at all. Sure it has some sci-fi in it, but not to the point of "ok I don't believe that!"

The imagery alone made this a fantastic novel. Oh how I wished that I could be there to see the castle and King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. I don't remember ever learning about King Arthur in school, but I do remember watching The Sword in The Stone when I was a child. So to me this book was not only a learning tool (because I was on the internet for at least 3 hours trying to find everything I could on King Arthur) but a really great novel!!

I liked it........2005-09-13

I was unaware that it was part of a trilogy, so I was disappointed when it ended without wrapping up loose threads, but I really look forward to reading the rest of the series.

A must read.......2003-10-30

I loved this book. It was enthralling, so much so that I read it in an entire day. I can't wait to read more about these characters.

Average customer rating:

Please find another writing partner
I actually liked some of it but...
It passed the time.
If you liked the first two... Don't Read This!
Pray this is the last book in this series

The Third Magic (Forever King Trilogy)
Molly Cochran
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0812545125
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Book Description

Eight years ago, a young red-haired boy discovered that he was the reincarnation of Arthur, once High King of Britain, master of the Round Table, wielder of Excalibur and the Holy Grail, fated to one day reclaim his throne and lead the world into a new golden age. Almost immediately, people started trying to kill him. Arthur has been on the run or in hiding since he was ten years old.Four years ago, after a climactic battle between the resurrected Knights of the Round Table and a dark magician determined to warp the powers of the Grail to his own evil purpose, Arthur Blessing spoke to television cameras, and therefore the world. He told them the time for hatred and fear was over and that a new time of peace was at hand.Pursued as a new messiah, Arthur disappeared to a small farm in the American Midwest, surrounded by his Knights, protected most of all by Hal, most recently an FBI agent, but, long ago, Sir Galahad.Now Arthur is eighteen, and Merlin has come to bring him to his destiny. There's just one small problem.Arthur. What is he going to do as High King? How can he unite and heal such a deeply wounded world? No one believes in all that chivalry stuff anymore, and besides, he's not sure mankind is worthy of the powers of the Sword and the Grail.Yet those powers are needed, now most of all. Now, with a master terrorist preparing to strike Cheyenne Mountain, to blow up the heart of America's nuclear arsenal and spread radioactive death across the planet. Now, with a psychopathic killer on the loose, a man determined to personally slaughter the Knights and Arthur himself. Now, with a chance to find Guinevere again, to put right their love that was spoiled and betrayed centuries ago.Arthur Blessing. The Once and Future King. Now he must choose his fate.

Customer Reviews:

Please find another writing partner.......2007-08-20

I would have to agree with the other reviews entirely, disjointed characters dropping into the nether land only to be glimpsed as a spirit out of the corner of your eye. I got the impression this was written in haste and it shows, (let's just get the third one out and be done!) the author owes her fans (now previous) more than this. I actually thought there must be a 4th book coming out as the characters just flat disintegrated, what a way to end what started as a good inovative new look at the age old problem of might vs right. Both the editor and author should be ashamed (actually I would fire the editor) to put this chaos into publication, at least put out a 4th book to clean up the mess.

I actually liked some of it but..........2007-01-06

like everyone's been saying, there were a lot of inconsistancies, and i wish they had had more on other characters from previous books, such as beatrice, and less of just the hal and emily thing. she didnt really mention anything of them at all. also, towards the end it just got, blah. the last few chapters just seemed so bad.

It passed the time........2006-01-15

I didn't actually realise that this book was the third in a series. Now that I have read other readers reviews, I am relived to know that I have a more interesting read ahead of me with The Forever King. Life is too short to read a really boring book, or drink bad wine. I finished this book so it couldn't have that boring. The author did portray the knights as complete heathens, I suppose it must been hard to fit in when you have been thrust into a different century altogether. I liked the modern day take on Arthur but wouldn't recommend it unless it was the only book on the shelf.

If you liked the first two... Don't Read This!.......2005-10-31

It's always kind of unsettling when you pick up a book from a series and after about five pages you're wondering if the dustjacket got switched with another book. As near as I can tell, the only things that are continued from the first books are the character's names. And even then...

Even barring the following issues with the content, the dialogue is choppy and unbelieveable, and the new flashback conventions were just bizzare and jilted, jumping in and out without any real sense of cohesion.

The story from the first two books is semi-continued, but only in name. It's sad to note that while the first two books were written by the team of Warren Murphy and Molly Cochran, this solo book by Cochran didn't have the pacing, the continuity or the compelling characters from the first two.

The new villains were two dimensional unlike Saladin and Thanatos from the first two books. The flashbacks, which really drew the story along previously came off more like the book that Cochran wanted to write. They contradicted the earlier books. Oh, and the contradictions! ARRRGH! Emily Blessing was supposed to see HAL at the restaurant before the fire from the second book, and never see him again. Now she's a major-ish player? Taliesin, one of my previously favorite characters in the books, went from being a character worthy of care and pity to a character that would apparently be happier in a polka-dot suit and a BIG SHINY NOSE! Did Cochran actually go back and re-read the first two to find out what happened? Was this the editor's first book?

Frankly, while I was towards the end, the only reason I didn't put it down was just to find out how horribly it ended. I wasn't dissappointed on that front. By the last page, I had forgotten most of the book and was trying out omelet recipes in my head.

I've read the previous authors' other books, including World Without End, and I was impressed with them... obviously, or I wouldn't have picked up this hamster cage fodder. I'm more likely to pick up Mr. Murphy's books, since he's apparently the one that was steering this ship.

On the upside, it's inspired me to dust off my keyboard and start writing again, I can't wait until next year's release of the third book from Peter David's superior Knight Life books, and the coffee table in my living room doesn't wobble any more.

Oh, and what happened to Beatrice? Sheesh...

Pray this is the last book in this series.......2004-07-06

Having read The Forever King and The Broken Sword, I would never have believed a book could be so bad, if for no other reason than the editors would refuse to publish it. Wrong.

Major characters from previous books, such as Beatrice in the second book, simply do not exist in the book or are completely marginalized, such as Zack. The knights who are at least knightly in the first book are reduced to glorifed Rednecks in this one.

I would complain about the plot line, but first there would have to be one. I would say the character development was shallow, but this makes "shallow" look deep. This book is to a good read as Velveeta is to fine cheese, as Spam is to prime rib as... well, I think the point is conveyed.

If you should get the "opportunity" to buy this book, don't. You will be incredibly disappointed.

By all means read the first book, The Forever King. And then stop, as the characters and plot degenerate rapidly afterwards.

Book Description

Little girls will love reading about the Disney princesses -- Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, and Snow White. Featuring all-new art, the book contains four original stories starring the princesses and their special friends. Sure to be a hit with aspiring young royals!

Book Description

The only Bible in the God's Promises

Customer Reviews:

Love this bible.......2006-08-24

This has go to be one of the best bibles, I can look up scriptures based of different subject matters. Language has been updated, print is easy to read.

Precious Moments, Seasons Of Faith, Love Forever True

Average customer rating:

Precious Moments, Seasons Of Faith, Love Forever True

Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0785255346

Book Description

It's a time in your life you will never forget--the moment you say, "I do." Love Forever True captures the heart of your special wedding day by combining the beloved artwork of Precious Moments

Average customer rating:

Encouraging
Let Me Tell You About My Savior: Yesterday, Today & Forever/When the King Was Carpenter
Maria Von Trapp
Manufacturer: New Leaf Press (AR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Story of the Trapp Family Singers

Yesterday Today and Forever

Maria Maria

The Original Trapp Family Singers

Agathe von Trapp: Memories Before and After The Sound of Music

ASIN: 0892215011

Customer Reviews:

Encouraging.......2006-06-13

This book is entitled "Let Me Tell You About my Savior; Yesterday, Today and Forever; When the King was Carpenter." That implies that through this book Maria von Trapp wants to tell about her Jesus that she serves.

I found the preface of this book to be encouraging and inspirational because she tells of the hard times she went through in her life and how her faith in the Lord kept her strong through it all.

Much of this book is just like reading out of the Bible with Maria's thoughts woven into it. She uses bits of her life experiences to explain the Christmas story and life of Christ.

There are also a few pictures of the real von Trapp family throughout the book.

The Sweet Forever: A Novel Tag: Author of King Suckerman

Average customer rating:

A Sweet Surprise
First Time Pelecanos reader
sex, drugs, rock & roll ... perhaps the best from Pelecanos?
Well Done and Engrossing
It's only rock 'n roll . . . .

The Sweet Forever: A Novel Tag: Author of King Suckerman
George P. Pelecanos
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0316691097

Amazon.com

It's 1986, 10 years after the Bicentennial events of King Suckerman, so a woman in her 30s wears a Susanna Hoffs-style haircut "from the cover of the 'All Over the Place' album, not the redone look off the new LP." Dimitri, after a brief career as a teacher, is now working full-time for his friend Marcus's expanded chain of four Real Right record stores; he drives a BMW 325 and wears his graying hair moussed and spiked. (He also snorts more cocaine than Al Pacino did in Scarface, one of several films used as icons here.) The doomed basketball star Len Bias--just finishing his college career and about to sign a huge deal with the Boston Celtics--is on TV screens everywhere, admired equally by the former local hoops hero Clay and a conflicted cop named Kevin Murphy who has misplaced his moral compass. The complicated, satisfying plot involves $25,000 stolen from a drug dealer; several children in peril; smart adults who screw up their lives in dumb ways; and the speed with which violence festers and explodes in unexpected directions. --Dick Adler

Book Description

George P. Pelecanos's latest book is not only a tremendously detailed and emotionally powerful crime novel but also a virtual compendium and update of his other excellent novels that are all similarly rooted in the nonpolitical neighborhoods of Washington, D.C. Brought back for major roles are Marcus Clay, Dimitri Karras, and other important players from King Suckerman. There are poignant cameos by Randolph of Shoedog as well as the two Nick Stefanos--grandfather and grandson--from The Big Blowdown, A Firing Offense, Down by the River Where the Dead Men Go, and Nick's Trip. As always, Pelecanos uses jabs of pop music, basketball, clothes, and cars to quickly root us in time and place. It's 1986, 10 years after the Bicentennial events of King Suckerman, so a woman in her 30s wears a Susanna Hoffs-style haircut "from the cover of the 'All Over the Place' album, not the redone look off the new LP." Dimitri, after a brief career as a teacher, is now working full-time for his friend Marcus's expanded chain of four Real Right record stores; he drives a BMW 325 and wears his graying hair moussed and spiked. (He also snorts more cocaine than Al Pacino did in Scarface, one of several films used as icons here.) The doomed basketball star Len Bias--just finishing his college career and about to sign a huge deal with the Boston Celtics--is on TV screens everywhere, admired equally by the former local hoops hero Clay and a conflicted cop named Kevin Murphy who has misplaced his moral compass. The complicated, satisfying plot involves $25,000 stolen from a drug dealer; several children in peril; smart adults who screw up their lives in dumb ways; and the speed with which violence festers and explodes in unexpected directions. --Dick Adler

Customer Reviews:

A Sweet Surprise.......2007-02-16

Initially I had read all of the novels with protagonist Derek Strange, and there wasn't much history of Nick Stephanos in those novels. It was good to get more background on Nick, though he seems to be a clone of Dimitri Karras since both of them have lives that similar notwithstanding that Nick was a private investigator while Dimitri was a professor. There was introduction to Marcus Clay who was a much more interesting character or clone of Derek Strange, in that he has a similar motivation to see that justice is done. It was an interesting story though I feel that I have spoiled some aspects of it for those who haven't read it yet. The drug dealer antagonist seem almost comic book in their villiany but are well balanced against the crooked cops, one of which turns out to be a hero and the other goes down as an atypical villian. The story was more like an episode of the Wire. I preferred Right As Rain to this one but it's still a good read to pick up to escape to 80's version of DC. The city hasn't changed much in the way of senseless crime. Pelacanos remains a hard-edged writer of crime fiction.

First Time Pelecanos reader.......2004-04-25

This is my first time reading a pelecanos book, not even sure why I chose to read it. I have to admit, that I read the first 100 pages, sporadically over a week. I really was not being pulled in by the plot, but I wanted to keep reading because of the characters. They are realistic, in language, habits and all have depth.

The characters do stay with you long after the book. The ending may have been a little too clean, but it was still realistic. The details about the music and the streets seemd to take away from the story. It was just too much detail. It was DC in 1988, so the backdrop of a Presedential election seems to be completely ignored, considering how much detail he put into other areas.

The Len Bias backdrop was a great backstory.

i definitely want to read mroe from Pelecanos.

sex, drugs, rock & roll ... perhaps the best from Pelecanos?.......2003-10-20

'The Sweet Forever' is one of several novels from Pelecanos based in urban Washington, this time in the mid-1980s. The city is an absolute mess; violence, drugs and corruption reign supreme. In this backdrop Pelecanos weaves a story of inter-racial strife, heartbreak, disillusionment, and despair. Yes, this books packs it all in without appearing to be forced, preachy, or sentimental. While most books from Pelecanos sort of delve into these areas in one way or another 'The Sweet Forever' really succeeds in every way. [As you can tell, I really liked it. :-)]

But the book isn't perfect. Without trying to explain its somewhat complex and interwoven story let me just say the ending seems to fit together just a bit too nicely. I would have liked a least one loose end, which would a been a better reflection of reality. The ending wasn't disappointing, but rather it could have been just a bit more powerful.

Bottom line: my favorite so far from Pelecanos after reading nearly of his books. Strongly recommended.

Well Done and Engrossing.......2003-01-15

The Sweet Forever is a well done and engrossing crime novel. Pelecanos' story shifts from the Washington DC gang members to the corrupt cops to honest people just trying to get by and back again. It's not really about one crime, like a murder that must be solved. Rather it concerns a chain reaction of events which occur after a bag of drug money is taken from a flaming car. The characters are real and will stay with you after you put the novel down. The resolution is satisfying--nothing canned or predictible here. The Sweet Forever is an enjoyable, engrossing read.

It's only rock 'n roll . . . ........2002-11-25

Pelecanos is one of those elusive writers who avoids (either by design or subject matter) the spotlight. Like James Crumley, his body of work is substantial and applauded by those who continually seek him out. He seemingly has yet to break into the Top 40, to coin a music phrase he would probably agree with, but it seems inevitable.

Marcus Clay, up from mean streets, is a successful record store owner. Actually four record stores. So successful, Pelecanos points out, his wife Elaine has left him.

Right there is an extraordinary subtlety. Pelecanos paints his black characters with the same confusing mish-mosh of emotional color as he does his white characters, saying, 'we are all the same, all confused, all looking for love, losing it, trying to recapture it.'

Marcus resists the encroachment of drug dealers in the location of his stores and that resistance turns not surprisingly to bloodshed.

Karras, his colorblind Greek friend, suffers the moral dilemma of his own drug habit and recognition of the consequences of his acts.

Very compelling; very noir. Highly recommensded.

The only caveat I might suggest is that you may want to read some of the earlier works to get a better grip on the personality of the characters. Kudos.

Average customer rating:
The Broken Sword Sequel to The Forever King
Molly Cochran Warren Murphy
Manufacturer: Tor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KBNIRG

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