History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

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.

Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Average customer rating:

Great for action and fillers
...It had SO much promise...but ultimately left me disappointed
Can't go wrong with Star Wars
A classic case of false advertising...
A psychological and emotional journey towards the Dark Side

Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars)
James Luceno
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345477332
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Book Description

Throughout the galaxy, it was believed that Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker–the Chosen One–had died on Coruscant during the siege of the Jedi Temple. And, to some extent, that was true. Anakin was dead.

From the site of Anakin Skywalker’s last stand–on the molten surface of the planet Mustafar, where he sought to destroy his friend and former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi–a fearsome specter in black has risen. Once the most powerful Knight ever known to the Jedi Order, he is now a disciple of the dark side, a lord of the dreaded Sith, and the avenging right hand of the galaxy’s ruthless new Emperor. Seduced, deranged, and destroyed by the machinations of the Dark Lord Sidious, Anakin Skywalker is dead . . . and Darth Vader lives.

Word of the events that created him–the Jedi Council’s failed mutiny against Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, the self-crowned Emperor’s retaliatory command to exterminate the Jedi Order, and Anakin’s massacre of his comrades and Masters in the Jedi Temple–has yet to reach all quarters. On the Outer Rim world of Murkhana, Jedi Masters Roan Shryne and Bol Chatak and Padawan Olee Starstone are leading a charge on a Separatist stronghold, unaware that the tide, red with Jedi blood, has turned suddenly against them.

When the three narrowly elude execution–and become the desperate prey in a hunt across space–it’s neither clone soldiers, nor the newly deployed stormtroopers, nor even the wrath of the power-hungry Emperor himself they must fear most. The deadliest threat rests in the hideously swift and lethal crimson lightsaber of Darth Vader–behind whose brooding mask lies a shattered heart, a poisoned soul, and a cunning, twisted mind hell-bent on vengeance.

For the handful of scattered Jedi, survival is imperative if the light side of the Force is to be protected and the galaxy somehow, someday reclaimed. Yet more important still is the well-being of the twin infants, Leia and Luke Skywalker, the children of Anakin and his doomed bride, Padmé Amidala. Separated after Padmé’s death, they must be made safe at all costs, lest the hope they represent for the future be turned to horror by the new Sith regime–and the unspeakable power of the dark side.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Great for action and fillers.......2007-10-04

While this doesn't nearly stack up to other books in the EU, it kept my attention and left me wanting more Darth Vader stories. The action was good, but the plot was weak at times.

There need to be more stories about the Sith. This, Darth Bane, and Darth Maul are the only ones that have novels out (as of this writing).

Come on people! Let's hear more sith...

...It had SO much promise...but ultimately left me disappointed.......2007-09-27

Man I WANTED to like this book...and I guess it really was fairly well written, but as others have noted, where was the focus? Where does the story take us? Does the overall storyline ending with Revenge of the Sith and picking up years later in A New Hope move us forward--at ALL? The answer is simple: yes--but not by much.

One MAJOR complaint I have (as do others) is that even though the novel is titled, "Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader" he doesn't even make an appearance until around 50 pages in. What the...?? I am no editor, but shouldn't a novels MAIN character be present from almost page ONE? Okay, so it bugged me...let's move on.

While certain parts of the book VERY much reminded me of why Darth Vader really IS one of the greatest icon's of Evil fictional characters ever created, others were written almost like filler for other threads to follow or explore in more detail. I especially loved the inner struggle between Anakin and Darth (yes, strangely enough they really ARE like two different people) and thankfully Emperor Palpatine gives us plenty to chew on as he unlocks plenty of Sith training for Vader, and these sections are the entire reason why I gave this story more than the two stars it otherwise would have received. The scenes depicting the Emperor and Vader are SO well done that they seemed to be crafted by a team of great writers who all fully UNDERSTOOD the Dark Side of the Force. It seemed that virtually everything said by Palpatine was done EXACTLY the way I imagine they would and should have happened. These scenes alone are the single reason for buying this book (in MY opinion anyway).

So what was my overall impression? One of genuine disappointment. The idea of defining the details of the life of Vader from almost the moment he takes that first mechanically assisted breath within his new armored suit just seemed like a PERFECT story to tackle...and I imagine had it been written by someone who actually has serious talent for story plotting it would have and could have been one of the greatest stories in this long running franchise (think Timothy Zahn). But other than a few (and far between) sections that detailed the training between the Emperor and Vader (which seriously are awesome), I was just not all that impressed...and once again, I really wanted to be.

For the serious Star Wars fan, you simply cannot allow this one to go by. It really does help iron out a few isolated dangling threads left over from the 3 prequel films -- some of which you may not even realize are un-answered until you read the book. But overall, just being able to get inside that black helmet of Vaders is one real treat for the SW fans who can appreciate what a tortured individual Anakin has become. Hopefully this review helps.

Can't go wrong with Star Wars.......2007-09-17

I have yet to find a star wars book that I absolutely hated, and this book is not an exception to the rule. Whether I (or anyone else) tell you I hated or loved the book, it's not gonna change what you're gonna do. If you're a star wars fan that loves to see the movies continued through books, then you are going to read it (and you should!). If not, why are you reading reviews on these books anyway? Get a life :)

A classic case of false advertising..........2007-08-10

The publishers of this book obviously know what Star Wars fans like -- Vader. He has become a symbol of awesome evil for our fandom. His armor, his mask, even his ominous breathing have become synonymous with our favorite space saga. So when a book appears with Vader's face on the cover (twice!) and his name in the title, we immediately bite. After all, this book claims to fill in that crucial time between "Revenge of the Sith" and "A New Hope," and also claims to show his final development from Anakin to Vader.

Sadly, this book is a classic case of false advertising. For this book is not about Darth Vader, despite the lofty claims of the cover and dust jacket. Rather, it's about a weakened, whining Jedi Knight and the collection of ragtag fugitives and criminals he gathers, a group so flatly characterized that I couldn't even find the energy to care about a single one of them despite their hardships and losses.

One of the flaws of many Star Wars novels is that the authors focus more on their original characters than on the established characters -- as was the case of Shadow Hunter (Star Wars: Darth Maul) (though I forgive that book because the original characters actually had some depth and dynamics). In this case, the main original character stole so much of Vader's thunder that I didn't care when Vader finally killed him.

If you want a good piece of writing about Darth Vader, I would recommend seeking out a good piece of fanfiction rather than reading this book, which comes across as a mediocre piece of fanfic itself. I would also recommend instead Star Wars® Darth Bane Path of Destruction: A Novel of the Old Republic (Star Wars), which isn't about Vader but is still a much better read.

A psychological and emotional journey towards the Dark Side.......2007-08-07

With the blessing of George Lucas, author James Luceno takes his readers through Vaders psychological and emotional journey towards the acceptance of his new persona as well as his place within the Dark Side of the Force. Luceno focuses on details such as the limitations of Vaders body suit, a necessity brought forth by his defeat at the hands of his brother and old Master Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar.

Other topics, such as the adjustment to his light saber technique to his very manner of walking are also discussed. Star Wars: Dark Lord - The Rise of Darth Vader is a tale of ascension wherein Darth Vader, consumed by anger and hate, regains his lost confidence as well as his resolve in the Dark Side.

Star Wars: Dark Lord - The Rise of Darth Vader answers a lot of questions left behind by Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. So what are you waiting for? Grab your copy today!

Average customer rating:

great series
NOT VERY ROMANTIC
Not romance - just porn
Another Delicious Prince
The Dark Prince

Dragon Lords: The Dark Prince (Book 3)
Michelle M. Pillow
Manufacturer: New Concepts Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1586087312

Book Description

The four Qurilixian Princes have no problem with commitment. In one night, using the power they were born with, they will meet and choose their life mate in a simplistic ceremony involving the removing of masks and the crushing of crystals. With very few words spoken and the shortest, most bizarre courtship in history, they will bond to their women forever. And once bonded, these men don't let go.... Out of the fire. Intergalactic thief, Olena Leyton is one of the best space pirates in history. Sailing the high skies in search of adventure is in her blood. When her crew is scattered in a run from the law and her ship crashes, exploding into a ball of flames, the injured Olena is forced to find sanctuary on a Galaxy Brides ship. Posing as a blushing 'mail-order' bride to elude the bounty hunters that pursue her, Olena finds herself heading to the primitive planet of Qurilixen. But, being a bride isn't something that Olena takes seriously. Into the flames. Prince Yusef of Draig, Captain of the Outpost, leads a simple life away from the palace. He knows from the first moment he sees his fiery temptress that he will possess her and make her his bride for all time. However, Yusef learns that playing with fire will always leave a man burned. But, with passions as powerful as this dark Prince's are, he is not willing to give up his bride without a fight. Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.

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Customer Reviews:

great series.......2007-08-17

This book was one of the best in the series. I almost didn't buy this book because one reviewer said the heroine was disgusting and another said this book was just porn. I'm glad I bought this book, Olena the pirate was great, she was very spirited but not cruel and had a very tragic past that explained her pirate occupation. This book was not porn, it has a great story line, with some tastful sex scenes.

NOT VERY ROMANTIC.......2006-07-05

Hi everyone I am 15 yrs old and I have to agree with another reviewer when they said this is not romance.
The lead female was disgusting to me. The lead male was handsome, patient, and kind. What he saw in the lead female is beyond me.
He was described as being a dark bronzed prince. She was described as being a pale pirate, what a way to describe the lead female. She took off her hair pin and stuck him in the neck. She drugged him, she teased him (sexually) she went swimming after he told her snakes was in the water, she stabbed herself in the arm, to stay bonded with her
theiving crew, and even tore up her wedding dress. She appeared before his parents, the king and queen bleeding. A reviewer wrote this is a strong female??? There's more but I'm afraid if I go on Amazon won't print my review. If you must read this book I suggest you buy it used. I know everyone has their own taste but I just can't see many people reading this over and over.

Not romance - just porn.......2005-10-22

I bought this as an e-book because I thought it was a romance novel. The write up sounded interesting - a sci-fi fantasyish kind of romancer. I didn't really look at the cover artwork. If I'd seen the "Prince" holding his personal appendage in plain sight I probably would have figured out that this is really just a porno novel. I guess the author's name - Michelle PILLOW - should have been a clue. I won't be buying anything else from this author. I deleted the file from my computer and if you read the blurb and thought it was a romance novel - don't waste your money. If it was possible I would have given it a 0.

Another Delicious Prince.......2005-04-27

Michelle Pillow has done it again. This is book three of the series and doesn't disappoint. Sexy, fun, and Olena the heroine is to die for--funny, stubborn, strong--everything a woman should be! I love how laid back and easy going Yusef was. If you like your books sexy with just the right amount of subplot to balance but not overwhelm the main relationship (which is the whole reason for reading this wonderful series! the guys are just too darned sexy to believe!) You'll love this book! I can't wait for four!

The Dark Prince.......2005-04-06

I fell in love with this story. It was funny, and had me lauphing out loud. MMM this is a must have,

Average customer rating:

The Mutual Divine Love of Krishna and Radha is Beautiful and Enlightening
Earth & Heaven
A very excellent work, but the tattva must be understood

Love Song of the Dark Lord

Manufacturer: Columbia University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0231110979

Book Description

-- Parabola

Jayadeva's dramatic lyrical poem Gitagovinda is one of the most important works in Indian literature and a source of religious inspiration in both medieval and contemporary Vaishnavism. Revealing an intense earthly passion to express the complexities of divine and human love, its songs are an important part of Indian devotional music and literature.

The twentith anniversary edition of the renowned translation by noted scholar Barbara Stoler MIller brings this classic to a new generation of readers and offers fresh insights for those familiar with the text.

Customer Reviews:

The Mutual Divine Love of Krishna and Radha is Beautiful and Enlightening.......2007-10-07

"An emotional attraction towards a personal god began to be expressed in the early centuries of the Christian Era." Ency. Britannica on Line

"Deliverence is not for me in renunciation. I feel the freedom in a thousand bonds of delight." Rabindranath Tagore, Gitanjali

Bhakti Movement for the Love of God:
Bhakti a devotional movement in in Medieval India (& South Asian Hinduism), expressing the intense love and emotional attachment of the faithful to their personal god. Bhakti came to mean "devotional worship and sharing love," the Sanskrit verbal root bhaj, originally meant "to share, to apportion."
Bhakti movement, integrates aspects of personal religious experience, social protest, and a variety of ritual modes around a notion of intimacy with one's deity that colours all aspects of human existence. Bhakti Proponents among Hindus, challenged Vedic sacrificial religion, gender inequity, caste boundaries, and dominant use of Sanskrit as sole religious language.
While all of the principal divinities in Hinduism; Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti, has their own devotional cults, the Bhakti movement most characteristically developed around Vishnu, principally in his two earthly incarnations as Rama and Krishna. The mystical way of bhakti, claimed by its supporters to be a superior way, has contrasted other ways of achieving salvation, by knowledge, ascetic body disciplines, and ritualistic/good works. It is as well open to all, irrespective of their class, gender, or caste into which they were born.

Krishna's Sacred Love:
An emotional attraction towards a personal god began to be expressed in the early centuries of the Christian Era. It was an attitude furthered by the Indian epics, "the Mahabharata and the Ramayana" and by the Puranas, sacred texts that recount legends of the various appearances of the deities, their incarnations and genealogies. The devotional practices accorded them included the recitation of God's name, the singing of hymns in praise of him, wearing his emblem, undertaking pilgrimages to sacred places serving him in many ways.
Radha, in Hindu mythology, is the beloved consort of Krishna during his earthly life among the cowherds of Vrindavana. Radha, who was the wife of another cowherd was Krishna's unseparable companion. In the Bhakti devotional fellowship Radha, symbolizes the female human soul while Krishna, the divine male. Radha allegorical love has been given expression in lyrical poetry of most Indian languages, including the supremely lyrical Govinda Das. The Bengali god Chaitanya was deemed an incarnation of the unseparable lovers; Krishna on the inside and Radha on the outside. Chaitanya also composed many lost lyrics celebrating the divine love. The Gitagovinda by Jayadeva was a favourite source of inspiration for later miniature painters, in whose works Radha is seen waiting for Krishna to return with the cows in the twilight or engaged with him in amorous play in a forest grove. The images of Krishna playing the flute, enshrined in temples are often accompanied, in the eastern provinces of India, by images of his beloved Radha, and is also venerated in worship.

Veneration of the Buddha:
In Buddhism and Jainism, bhakti was an infrequent technical term implying veneration and awe of Gautama Buddha or Mahavira. It was considered one factor among others such as knowledge of scriptures or asceticism, necessary for spiritual practice. In South Asian Islam, the rudiments of bhakti appeared in works of Sufism, particularly during the reign of Akbar (1556-1605), and in the veneration of a pir, or charismatic Sufi figure. Sikhism, emerging in the sixteenth century, incorporated many practices associated with bhakti, such as an emphasis on the name (Nam) of God in worship.The devotional fervour of the seventh-tenth-century hymnists of South India, the Alvars and the Nayanars, also travelled north, until in time bhakti became an extremely widespread and popular form of Hindu religious life, inspiring a substantial quantity of superb religious poetry and art.During the medieval period (twelfth to mid-eighteenth century), the various possible relationships of the worshipper to God, based on the analogy of human sentiments -- such as that felt by a servant towards his master, friend towards a friend, parent towards a child, child towards a parent, and woman towards her beloved -- were explored in separate schools.

The love of Radha:
A particularly rich tradition centred in Bengal concentrated on the love of Radha, who symbolizes the human soul, for Krishna, the supreme God. In this tradition are Chandidas and the Maithili poet Vidyapati (c. 1400). The greatest single influence was Chaitanya, who in the sixteenth century renewed Krishnaism. He left no writings but inspired many hagiographies, of which the "Nectar of Chaitanya's Life" by Krishna Das (1517) dominates. His profound and everlasting influence on the religious sentiments of his Bengali countrymen propagated the community celebration of Krishna as the most powerful means of revealing the real bhakti attitude. Chaitanya also introduced the worship of 'God,' the director of man's senses, within the very activity of those senses, kept free from egoism and completely surrendered to preman (the intense desire) to satisfy the beloved Krishna. (Condensed & Edited from Ency. Britannica on Line)

Padas, Religious Lyrics:
The religious lyric continues in the so-called padas (verses); one of the greatest poets in the Bhakti genre in which divine love is symbolized by human love is Govinda Das (1537-1612). The songs of Ramprasad Sen (1718-75) similarly honour Shakti as mother of the universe and are still in wide devotional use. The most famous religious lyrics in Gujarati are the poems of the saint Mira Bai (1503-73), who wrote passionate love poems to Krishna, whom she regarded as her husband and lover.

The Gitagovinda:
Jayaveda's Gitagovinda is a dramatic lyrical peom, unique in Indian religious inspiration lyrics. Krishna's love with Radna, of intense passion, in a rite of spring expresses the complexities of Bhakti expression of a sensual human response to divine passion. The poems remain popular, allover the Indian subcontinent, even if they were written 800 years ago, in eastern India. Its songs take an important share in inspiration when performed with devotional music, and consitute a principal subject in medieval Rajput painting.

Editorial Reviews:
* "[Miller] has given us the Indian equivalent of the Song of Songs without the usual sentimentality." D. Shapiro, Parabola
* "[This new translation] beautifully renders the sankrit lyric into poetic English and captures the rich imagery and musical rhythms of Jayadeva's language." choice

Earth & Heaven.......2005-11-09

Enjoy the work for what it is . . . an earthy and sensuous titillation of the senses in order to draw one's being to the heavenly consummation of spiritual attainment. It's just as disastrous to be unmoved by the lower passions as it is to be moved only by such illusions.

~Namaste

A very excellent work, but the tattva must be understood.......1999-06-11

This is one of those works that may be taken out of context, due to a misunderstanding of tattva(principle or truth) and of siddhanta(conclusions). In the mind of a mundane reader, it may appear to be something like "erotic" poetry, like the gross, mundane activities between an ordinary man and woman. Therefore it is essential when reading this work that one has some understanding of the ontological position of Radha and Krishna. For this end, it is a necessity that one studies the work of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, specifically Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. These works are given in parampara(disciplic succession)coming directly from Sri Krishna Himself. Therefore they are very authoritative in understanding the complex intricacies and knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His diverse energies. If one does not have a philosophical understanding of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and has not removed all material contamination from the heart, such as lust, greed, envy, anger, illusion, madness and even subtle desires for profit, adoration and distinction, then reading the "Gita-Govinda" will be nothing short of disasterous. This is because one will mis-understand the loving exchages between Radha and Krishna to be something like mundane sex life. This is a most offensive and improper mentality. "Gita-Govinda" is not mere poetry, like that of some conditioned soul. It is written for liberated souls to relish. Therefore we should be very cautious when approaching this divine and sacred work.

Average customer rating:

A Great Fantasy - very funny, while being an exciting page turner
If you laugh when someone slips on a banana and gets hurt, this book is for you.
Probably my favorite DW Jones
Brilliant but boring, childish but adult...a real paradox.
A good world but set to a hectic pace...

Dark Lord of Derkholm
Diana Wynne Jones
Manufacturer: HarperTeen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0064473368
Release Date: 2001-04-10

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If, next door to our ordinary world, there existed a world full of magic, wouldn't you want to visit it? That's the situation that Diana Wynne Jones explores in Dark Lord of Derkholm, and she makes an effective and comical tale of it.

Groups of tourists, called Pilgrim Parties and organized by the cold-hearted profiteer Mr. Chesney, take a portal to the magical realm, where they are shepherded about the countryside by a wizard guide. Mr. Chesney sets the rules, such as that all wizard guides must have long white beards--even 14-year-old Blade--and every Party gets to "slay" the Dark Lord. No wizard wants to be chosen as the year's Dark Lord, because Mr. Chesney demands large battles that cause great devastation in the local villages and farms, and he doesn't pay very well, but he does have a captive demon to enforce his will. This year, things are going especially badly for the chosen Dark Lord, Derk. He can't seem to keep his evil forces on the right track, despite help from his son Blade, his daughter Shona the bard, and his griffin sons and daughters. His chief aide, Barnabas, is drinking heavily and muddling his spells. And the dwarfs are taking their baskets of gold as tribute to the one they say is the real Dark Lord--Mr. Chesney.

Jones spoofs many of the trappings of fantasy epics, while at the same time portraying a family, with its surface squabbles and underlying love, through a rollicking and somewhat unwieldy story. Her messages about exploitation and responsibility come through clearly. Although not as tightly focused as some of her earlier novels, the galloping pace makes Dark Lord of Derkholm a quick, fun read for her numerous fans. --Blaise Selby

Book Description

Mr. Chesney operates Pilgrim Parties, a tour group that takes paying participants into an outer realm where the inhabitants play frightening and foreboding roles. The time has come to end the staged madness . . . but can it really be stopped? Master storyteller Diana Wynne Jones serves up twists and turns, introduces Querida, Derk, Blade, and Shona and a remarkable cast of wizards, soldiers, kings, dragons, and griffins, and mixes in a lively dash of humor. With all the ingredients of high fantasy, this unforgettable novel will delight fans old and new.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Fantasy - very funny, while being an exciting page turner.......2007-09-13

I was shocked to see several truely awful reviews for a book I consider a masterpiece. It is very funny, while at the same time utterly gripping. Certainly the fact that it is simultainously a spoof and a high fantasy confuses some readers, but that is the delight of the book. I laughed and cried (literally). I have read it twice and my 13 year old son has read it at least three times (once a year). Although he has already devoured every fantasy (and quite a few nonfantasys) imaginable, he keeps coming back to Dark Lord like an old friend.

If you laugh when someone slips on a banana and gets hurt, this book is for you........2007-06-16

This is the fictional version of Jones' Tough Guide to Fantasyland. I enjoyed that book. Not this one, though. It is over 500 pages of sadism which, apparently, is supposed to be funny. It is not.

I absolutely would not allow a child to read it and I would be suspicious of any adult who enjoyed it.

Probably my favorite DW Jones.......2006-12-05

The way I came about this book is rather interesting. I found this in an English book store in Taiwan and was so completely enthralled by it that I had bought the sequel by the time I had to fly back to the US a few days later!

I think the book is not just great fun, but it has its darker side. In fact, I see this as one of Jones' grimmest books, which is odd because many people approach a book by Jones assuming they were written for pre-teens and only pre-teens and that they are good fun. Sadly, it is when readers attempt to put a work like Dark Lord into neat boxes such as "Juvenile Fantasy (TM) (R) (C)" when they find that her books wi ll tear its way out of hard-and-fast categories and bite them squarely in their bottoms.

It is easy to see that this is where most of the negative criticisms on this page come from. Having said that, dismissing this book as overcomplicated and vague is simply absurd if one realizes that her books were meant to be very unusual, fleeting, and surreal.

In fact, the author herself states in several interviews that the reason she writes the way she does and gets away with it is that generally, pre-teens have the easiest time accepting fantastic worlds and ultimately the best minds for cracking a difficult plot like Dark Lord's.

"Children are used to making an effort to understand."
--Article in The Medusa by DWJ

Adults?

"I...relied on my readers having the nous to pick up the situation as they went along...Adults are different. They need me to do all that for them."
--The Medusa

Having said all that, this is a wonderful book that, after having bored myself to death with the likes of Melanie Rawn, David Drake, Eldon Thompson, and David Gemmel, I come back to read again and again. Nothing excites me like fantasy well-done, and Diana Wynne Jones delivers in this book. I am particularly fond of the griffins, who are more human than a lot of people I know.

A couple of other grittier and darker reads I recommend are Garth Nix's Abohorsen series (for younger readers too) and a sci-fi, Fallen Dragon by Peter F. Hamilton (very graphic, readers strongly cautioned).

For supreme humor, try Terry Pratchett's Discworld books, any fantasy humor lovers best friend. Alternatively, try the Artemis Fowl books by Eoin Colfer.(Both should be suitable for most readers, but younger ones may need parental approval for Pratchett.)

Brilliant but boring, childish but adult...a real paradox........2006-11-17

I am confused. This book, on the surface, seems like a kids book. It is written like a kids book in places, with a slight leaning towards the style of Eva Ibbotsen -- although I greatly prefer Eva as a writer. The main characters are youngsters. And indeed, the book is billed on this webpage as a book for 9-12 year olds. But there are a lot of elements that make it more a book for adults than for kids, these being: there's some swearing, there's lots of violence and battles and killing, and there's a rape, sort of (the author doesn't go into detail, and glosses over it afterwards almost as if it's nothing, but you know that something bad along those lines happens to the young female character Shona when the soldiers all attack her.) Plus, there's the mind-boggling complexity of the storyline and characters...way too much for your average kid to keep track of. I think kids will find this book a bit difficult to read because there's just too much fine detail to comprehend. Unfortunately, the author tried to do too much with too many characters, and took way too long to do it. The book just goes on and on, incredibly slowly in places, dwelling far too much on the mundane and on minor characters and events. It takes several hundred pages just to get into the story! At one point, the characters go on a slow, crawling journey across the country, and I felt like I was with them for every long dreary minute of it! Contrary to what one of the reviewers said, this is NOT a 'quick, fun read'. In fact, at times it's almost like the Bataan Death March...long, slow and painful, with a fair few fatalities along the way.

The ideas behind this story are actually pretty amazing. This author has a vast imagination. At times I think she borders on brilliance, if sometimes in a rather confused way. But her writing style and execution leave a lot to be desired. She lacks a real sense of timing, and her wording is imprecise...sometimes you're not entirely sure what is going on, because it's not described competently enough. And sometimes the character POV changes confusingly, so you're not entirely sure who is doing what...i.e. if you've got more than one female character on a page, it helps if you talk about them by name, rather than referring to them all as 'she' without clarifying which she you are talking about!

I took ages to read this book (a few weeks) because, especially for the first few hundred pages, it dragged so much and I got so bored that I couldn't bear to read more than a few pages of it at a time. I read one of this author's short stories a few weeks ago and LOVED it. However, on the strength of this book (and on Howl's Moving Castle, which was okay but I thought was lacking a little, especially in the ending) I have decided NOT to read any more books by this author. I hated this book. I hated having to wade through its overlong storyline...for me, it was a bit like reading through a legal contract at times. And yet, in a way, I also really liked parts of it, such as the ideas behind it and many of the characters. Weird, isn't it? Just goes to show, a good idea for a storyline and a great cast of characters aren't enough...you have to be a good enough writer to tie them all together effectively as well.

A good world but set to a hectic pace..........2006-08-02

Dark Lord of Derkholm is a good book.
The main characters, including all of Derk's magically intelligent creatures, were all well fleshed out and unique. All of the Griffins have distinct personalities, which makes it easy to believe that they are actual teenage children of the wizard Derk.

Even the world concept was intriguing: A powerful businessman from a technologically advanced world forces everyone on Derk's magic-filled, medieval-esc home world to act out enormous D&D tourist trips. This is fun to imagine, and I almost wish the theme parks of Earth could create such a thing.

However, I gave this book a low rating because of how hectic the story line felt. Reading about how much Derk had to organize for the "Forces of the Dark Lord" was simply depressing. I read books for a holiday, but reading and sharing in the anxiety of Derk's planning was not fun. Diana did a wonderful job of crafting her world, but she put too many obstacles in front of her characters, and the plot dragged.

Dark Lords of the Sith (Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Volume Two)

Average customer rating:

The Best of the Jedi
A Great Star Wars Comic
A great book!
ok
I THINK I CAN

Dark Lords of the Sith (Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Volume Two)
Tom Veitch , Kevin J. Anderson , Chris Gossett , and Art Wetherell
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1569710953

Book Description

In the depths of galactic space, a foolish and arrogant young Jedi awakes an ancient, deadly power. This seductive evil will lead him down a path that will make him a Dark Lord of the Sith, and his darkling power will make the very galaxies tremble.

Customer Reviews:

The Best of the Jedi.......2007-09-06

This is the best of the Tales of the Jedi series. Before you read it, you should at least read the first volume, titled simply Tales of the Jedi (sometimes with the subtitle Knights of the Old Republic, but that name now belongs to a video game series and a new monthly comic). It would also be good to read the short TotJ: The Freedon Nadd Uprising. The Golden Age of the Sith and the Fall of the Sith Empire predate this volume in the story chronology, but aren't necessary for understanding Dark Lords. (In fact, they should probably be avoided.)

Why is this the best? Veitch and Anderson's writing plays off each other, presenting the best of each and compensating for their weaknesses. The art in the first five chapters is fantastic, as are Dave Dorman's covers. The early TotJ stories have just enough implied backstory to hint at the larger world but it never leaves the reader confused. Korriban is one of my favorite Star Wars locations, and it was created here in crisp detail with millennia of history only hinted at.

What is lacking? The art in the sixth chapter is not so hot. The narration can be a bit comic-booky. Veitch was not involved in the subsequent volumes of TotJ, which are hit-and-miss. The Sith War is ultimately disappointing, but the Redemption of Ulic Qel-Droma was a fine coda to the series.

A Great Star Wars Comic.......2006-12-23

Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith is the best Star Wars comic. It details how Exar Kun and Ulic Qel-Droma join the Dark Side. My favorite parts are when Exar battled Master Vodo, Sylvar, Crado and Ulic. The writing and art in issue 6 are terrible. Cay Qel-Droma talks like a hillbilly in issue 6. He says things like, "Me an' Toq are usin' the Force to hold him." The art detierorated as the story progessed. The first issues had great art. Those are the only flaws. I recommend all the Tales of the Jedi series.

A great book!.......2005-11-08

This interesting book is the second book in the Knights of the Old Republic series. The series is a collection of graphic novels that takes the reader to the Old Republic, thousands of years before the events of The Phantom Menace.

In this graphic novel we are introduced to Exar Kun, a Jedi whose fascination with the ancient Sith teachings is leading him towards the dark-side. Also, with the ascension of a pair of Sith magicians to the throne of The Empress Teta system, the Republic is moving towards war. Ulic Qel-Droma thinks that he can destroy the menace single-handed, and avoid a bloody showdown between the Sith and the Republic, but what will be the cost?

My twelve-year-old son is a big Star Wars fan, and he picked up this series so that he could keep on learning about the Star Wars universe. Overall, we found this to be a great book. The illustration work is very good, and the story is gripping. We enjoyed the action and the many different creatures and races that are the hallmark of Star Wars.

Yep, we both enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it to you. We highly recommend the entire Tales of the Jedi series!

ok.......2005-05-18

probably the best of the tales of the jedi dark horse comics. exar kun makes this series, but the art is terrible and the story in all the TOTJ bland as a whole.

I THINK I CAN.......2003-07-22

I am reviewing Tales of the Jedi Dark Lords of the Sith, ISBN: 1569710953 A TPB comic published Feb 1996 covering individuals issues 1 through 6 of the Dark Horse comic series Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi - Dark Lords of the Sith written by Tom Veitch and KJA. It has the same Hugh Fleming cover as the comic shown in Amazon as Titan books ISBN 1840231297 published nov 1999.

The Art and coloring are still the older style and get about 2.5. the story, as Tom Veitch tells us is intended to reflect what was revealed in Holocrons that are discovered 1,000's of years later. In particular, they foreshadow what happens to Luke Skywalker in dark empire. This is an intense and serious contribution to the star wars Galaxy, and my version is over 100 pages. I think it is worthwhile, and I did like it better the second time I read it, especially if you later read the Jedi Academy Book Trilogy by Kevin J Anderson, I Jedi and Dark Empire by Dark Horse.

There is also an audio tape version of this comic that is a complete dramatization, rather than just a reading; I am reviewing Audio book ISBN: 1565111990 - In short, the dramatization format can be hard to follow at times, but I thought that overall they did a good job - 3 stars.

Average customer rating:

Abacar Returns!

Abacar becomes all powerful!
Abacar the Wizard and the Dark Lord of Dragons: Book Two of the Abacar the Wizard series (The Abacar the Wizard Series)
Timothy Erenberger
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Abacar the Wizard: A Tale of Magic, War, Elves, Goblins, Orcs, Monsters, Fantasy, and Adventure

Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)

The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2)

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Keeper Martin's Tales Series, Book 1)

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ASIN: 0595429572

Book Description

Three years have passed since the defeat of the great goblin army at the hands of Abacar, a young wizard boy with exceptional powers. Now the goblins are back, armed with powerful magic, they are intent upon Abacar's destruction.

However, an even more powerful foe is headed for Earth. Shakiba, the Dark Lord of Dragons has also been commanded by the Great Devourer to destroy the wizard boy known as Abacar.

Travel to underground kingdoms and the fires of the Abyss itself with Abacar, greatest and most powerful of all wizards!

Customer Reviews:

Abacar Returns!.......2007-03-15

Abacar is back in this worthy sequel to the original, delightful fantasy tale about a magical prodigy. The story picks up a few years after the first concludes... and like the first book, is a wonderful tale of adventure!

As I wrote in my review of the first book, the Abacar series is written by someone that is obviously a fan of fantasy, action/adventure, and young-adult fiction -- and it shows. The book is paced much less like the typical Tolkien or Rawlings fiction, and much more like an action/adventure film... younger readers are going to find themselves rivited to their chairs as they devour each scene.

The book is quite good, and I eagerly await more in the life of Abacar, and the developing history of this Magical Earth!

Abacar becomes all powerful!.......2007-03-05

For those of you who read the first Abacar the Wizard book, Abacar is back and he's bad in this awesome sequel. He has learned all sorts of new spells, and can cast his old ones a lot more powerfully than he could before. His lightning bolts, for example, fill the sky with crisscrossing lightning, annihilating anything in its path.

He has also learned how to animate powerful statues, which act as his bodyguards and servants. These statues are almost indestructible, made of a very rare purple metal which is almost inpervious to physical attacks, they can fly, are extremely strong, and can cast spells of their own.

The dragon, Shakiba (the Dark Lord of Dragons) is so powerful that he is almost unstopable, even by Abacar and his statues. This creature has been sent from outer space by the Great Devourer (the evil god of the goblins) to destroy Abacar once and for all. The fight between Shakiba and Abacar is epic on every level, taking place upon the Earth and in the Abyss!

The Dark Lord's Demise: The Archives of Antropos (The Archives of Anthropos)

Average customer rating:

If you liked the other five, chances are that you'll like this one too
Stop While You're Ahead

The Dark Lord's Demise: The Archives of Antropos (The Archives of Anthropos)
John White , Dale Larsen , and Sandy Larsen
Manufacturer: InterVarsity Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0877845212

Book Description

The king of Anthropos has a baffling illness and is threatened by the Dark Lord who has troubled that mysterious land so many times before. Once again Wesley, Kurt and Lisa are drawn to this strange country by the wondrous Gaal.Unexpectedly, an irritating neighbor, Betty, comes along with them. Despite the problems she causes--and despite being thrown into prison, attacked by a seven-headed ogre and lost in unnatural darkness, the group seeks to follow where Gaal leads. Together they battle Lord Lunacy in a final confrontation that holds the future of Anthropos in the balance.Here is the stirring conclusion to John White's mythical adventure series that has been beloved by tens of thousands.

Customer Reviews:

If you liked the other five, chances are that you'll like this one too.......2005-10-15

Despite the fact that this book was coauthored, it maintains the same feel of the other Archives of Anthropos books, although there is less of the originality and creativity of the previous five. Lisa, Wesley, and Kurt basically follow the pattern of the other books - being sent to Anthropos by Gaal, struggling to make good decisions, meetings foes and friends. This book also adds a new girl, Betty, who goes through her own Mary-ish struggles as a newbie to the whole Anthropos/Gaal thing. Although the characters do rehash their past adventures a bit awkardly, they only do so at the very beginning. So, I noticed that, but it didn't really bother me. Plotwise, I thought the main weakness was the denouement. As far as climactic last battles and glorious beginning-endings go, this book doesn't come close to C.S. Lewis's last Chronicles of Narnia book. Also, the spiritual lessons aren't woven in with the craftfulness and subtlety I've come to expect from these books. However, all in all this is a good book. If you enjoyed the other five books in this series, you'll probably like this one too.

Stop While You're Ahead.......2004-08-07

I grew up on the first five books in the Archives of Anthropos, and really loved them. When I heard that this one had come out, I ordered it sight-unseen from my local bookstore and eagerly awaited its arrival. However, I didn't get very far into it before I realized that it was not what I had hoped for.

Maybe it had something to do with being co-written, but this last book just didn't hang together. Conversations were stilted, and the characters kept feeling the need to remind each other about things they'd done in the past - obviously just to inform the reader who may not be familiar with the series. Very awkward. While it is good to hear from old friends, this story just wasn't good enough to merit its being written.

Suffice it to say that you should only read this if your imagination won't satisfy you as to the future of Anthropos and the characters.

Spectre of the Black Rose (Ravenloft Terror of Lord Soth, Vol. 2)

Average customer rating:

Soth and Lowder a match made in Hea...er Ravenloft!
Lord Soth
A must read for Soth fans
It's great, even if it hard to read
HUGE FLOP

Spectre of the Black Rose (Ravenloft Terror of Lord Soth, Vol. 2)
James Lowder , and Voronica Whitney-Robinson
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0786913339
Release Date: 1999-03-01

Book Description

In this chilling sequel to the best-selling Knight of the Black Rose, factions vie for control of Sithicus as Lord Soth -- darklord and former knight from the Dragonlance world -- fights to keep his reign from crumbling. Even as he struggles to defeat his enemies, rumor reaches him that the White Rose haunts the land. Has Kitiara finally returned to Soth, or is this another spectre from the death knight's tragic past?

Customer Reviews:

Soth and Lowder a match made in Hea...er Ravenloft!.......2005-08-19

This book is the sequel to Knight of the Black Rose. Once again Lowder does a masterful job of telling the story of Lord Soth and what makes him tick. Past book about Lord Soth focus on him being a supreme villian and the history of his 'transformation' into a Death Knight. Yet, in this book, Lowder does a very good job of getting inside Soth's head and letting the reaer know what he is thinking.

Unlike the first Ravenloft book about Soth this one has a little more intrique in it. There is a mystery in this book that Soth is continually faced with, just who is the White Rose? Fans of the Dragonlance Chronicles will understand this subplot the more they read about it.

Lowder again proves that he can create interesting characters and stories behind those characters with seemingly very little effort. The Bloody Cobbler being one of the most interesting Ravenloft characters I have ever read about. I wish he would have gotten his own book, but alas we don't always get what we want.

If you are a fan of the Dragonlance books I highly suggest you pick up this book and give it a shot, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Lord Soth.......2005-08-14

Excellent book. Lord Soth is one of my favorite characters in the Dragonlance universe. This book adds to the Lord Soth legacy and aspects of his personality and character. Additionally, it was interesting to read about Krynn's most infamous character in a setting outside of Krynn.

A must read for Soth fans.......2004-12-31

Great book! Not quit as good as Knight of the Black Rose but very close. Once again great story told well with great characters!

It's great, even if it hard to read.......2004-02-16

Warning if u like Lord Soth as darklord, you will be VERY SAD at the end of this novel.

The HIstory is a bit "hard" to get, sometimes u will need to re-read some parts to understand what is happing. Lord Soth in this novel is one of the important characters, since mainly the Sithicus domain is descripted. But, once u got the taste of reading the book.... you will feel being one traveling throught sithicus, overseeing all the events.

It is a must read for every fan from the Ravenloft Campaign setting, since it helps a lot to understand the Ravenloft Gazetter IV.

HUGE FLOP.......2003-10-24

Spectre of the Black Rose is the follow up book to Knight of the Black Rose. Lowder returns in a dubious paring with Voronica Whitney-Robinson. I am uncertain what makes this book so bad. The story has such promise and yet falls so short of the mark that it is almost sickening.
This complete tragedy of a novel might have been good if the authors would have focused on Soth. The reader comes away from the book feeling like nothing was accomplished. The best character in the novel barely works. The Bloody Cobbler who is victimized by a stupid name but has the best lines in the entire novel, struggles to save this book from being a total waste of paper. He fails. In short, the best part of this novel is the beautiful binding and cover art. This is definitely one book that you cannot judge by the cover.

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi : Dark Lords of the Sith/Audio Cassettes

Average customer rating:

Artwork's Better, Story's Okay, But Overall: Still Lacking
A great book and a fitting end to a great series!
Finally!!!!, A great story on Audio CD
good art
Redemption is something Anderson will never find.

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi : Dark Lords of the Sith/Audio Cassettes
Kevin J. Anderson , and Tom Veitch
Manufacturer: Time Warner Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 1570422982

Book Description

Ten years after the Sith War, the Dark Lord of the Sith's chief lieutenant, Ulic Qel-Droma has been stripped of his Force powers and has isolated himself in a distant corner of the galaxy, trying to escape from a life he would rather forget. But his past is about to catch up with him as he is tracked down by Vima, the daughter of Nomi Sunrider, the woman who blinded Ulic to the Force. Vima seeks a teacher and Ulic sees in her a chance at redemption. Unfortunately, Vima's disappearance draws attention, and the search party sent to look for her includes a vicious Jedi seeking revenge upon Ulic for killing her mate.

Customer Reviews:

Artwork's Better, Story's Okay, But Overall: Still Lacking.......2006-08-14

This out of print and ultra-rare graphic novel, 'Tales of the Jedi: Redemption', is in my opinion a step forward from the previous 'Tales of the Jedi' (TOTJ from here on) storylines/graphic novels in terms of artwork. Actually, a step forward is incorrect: the artwork has progressed by leaps and bounds! However, as is usual with Star Wars, the storyline is the same ol', same ol' with little to offer readers and newcomers (although SW nuts and fanatics would eat this up, or anything George Lucas does for that matter).

One of my grumblings with this one is the writing style of the plot via Kevin Anderson. For some reason, Anderson's dialogue always feels rushed to me. While comics are not real life, a good creative team is able to force the reader to suspend their disbelief through an intriguing storyline, lucid dialogue, and beautiful colors. From panel to panel, a good artist knows which poses and facial expressions to put in each one to give the mind the illusion of continuous movement on, what are otherwise, stagnant frames on a page.

Normally, in terms of dialogue, the transition from panel A to panel B is a fluid motion; however under Anderson's writing, the action expressed via dialogue from panel A to panel B feels more like panels A, B, C, and D squeezed into two, A and B, thus giving the impression of a "rushed" feeling gleaned from Anderson's too fast-paced writing. The story in 'Redemption' literally goes by in one big blur, not ever really giving you a chance to focus on any one situation, develop any characters, or become situated with one area. (The latter, "planet-hopping", has always been a staple of Star Wars and while the oodles of worlds makes the SW Universe seem eternally vast, a negative side to this is you never really get to take in everything of one particular place because everyone's always moving around.)

As I mentioned earlier, the storyline found in 'Redemption' is the same old SW formula: a talented but arrogant and overzealous Jedi falls to the dark side (this time, Ulic Qel-Droma), commits evil acts, and later has the internal desire to redeem themselves. The Jedi archetype - a basically good person does evil but becomes good again - worked once, but any more than that and it becomes boring, stale, and...well...dumb. (SEE: The overuse of the `twin archetype' in Star Wars, e.g. Luke/Leia, Jacen/Jaina, Gav/Jori, etc.) If you're a Star Wars junkie, you'll eat this tasteless, drab, substanceless drivel up, but truly, if you've seen/read one SW movie/comic/novel, you've seen/read `em all really. How many ways can you flip the same formula without it getting monotonous?

While the story isn't great, it's slightly enjoyable if you have about half an hour to kill (the graphic novel is five issues long). However, some parts are laughingly far-fetched and unrealistic. For instance, the Jedi knight Nomi Sunrider (yes another cheesy SW archetype: the legendary surname; e.g. Sun-Rider/Sky-Walker...it worked once guys, not again.) fails to train her only daughter Vima because she's so caught up in politics (ooo exciting). Hmmm...okay, what about all the other Jedi knights that could've trained her, including the weird Jedi rhino-ankylosaurus Thon (who is supposed be close to Nomi because her husaband Andur was supposed to train under Thon)? And I just shook my head at the way Nomi and Cathar let the space pirate Hoggon get away at the end...weren't you guys going to chase him down or something??!?!?

While I thought Nomi sucked, Tott Doneeta's character was flat, Vima was basically an Anakin prototype in the form of a girl, and Ulic's flat dialogue got boring at times, I did think the cameo made by the Arkanian Jedi Master Arca was nice; actually, I think Arca's pretty darn cool (he looks like a character from WarCraft or something).

Like I said, if you have time to kill or are between graphic novels, this one'll serve as "filler reading". It's not very good but enjoyable under average circumstances. This is the only TOTJ graphic novel that had artwork worth paying attention to which probably makes up a small percentage of what the overall plot lacks. As this title is rare and out of print, it's not cheap, so in my opinion, I don't think it's worth spending your hard earned dollars on. Luckily, I found it in the comic section of my local library and saved some money.

A great book and a fitting end to a great series!.......2006-02-17

This interesting book is the final book in the Knights of the Old Republic series. The series is a collection of graphic novels that takes the reader to the Old Republic, thousands of years before the events of The Phantom Menace.

This graphic novel brings the story to its conclusion. Ulic Qel-Droma is a broken man, blinded to the Force, and exiled from everything he has known or loved. But, Ulic's past is catching up with him. Nomi Sunrider's daughter, Vima, is looking for something missing in her life, and thinks that Ulic might just have it. And, Sylvar, mate of Crado, is looking for Ulic to gain the revenge that will allow her to release her hate. Ulic has walked a long hard road, and he has learned a thing or two...

My twelve-year-old son is a big Star Wars fan, and he picked up this series so that he could keep on learning about the Star Wars universe. Overall, we found this to be a great book, and a fitting end to a great series. The illustration work is very good, and the story is gripping. We enjoyed the action and the many different creatures and races that are the hallmark of Star Wars.

Yep, we both enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it to you. We highly recommend the entire Tales of the Jedi series!

Finally!!!!, A great story on Audio CD.......2005-06-22

Star Wars Tales of the Jedi is finally out on audio CD it tells the story of the jedi knights 4000 years before Star Wars Episode 4. Star Wars Tales of the Jedi & Star Wars Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith are a must read. These stories are heavily referred to when playing Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic & Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords. This is a great story to listen to and sounds even better on audio CD, I'm glad the publisher released it to audio CD this no doubt is a timeless classic.

good art.......2005-05-18

this features the best looking art in the tales of the jedi dark horse books, but like the others the story isn't really that great. blah

Redemption is something Anderson will never find........2003-10-10

I am a person that loved the old Tales of the Jedi Saga. Originally Started by Tom Veitch, It was a Series ripe with Character, heart, action, and the certain charm that the jedi mythology is known for, all writtem magnificently well. In the Beginning tales of the Jedi was Dark Horses Flagship Star Wars Series. It was a Golden Age.

Then Tom Veitch made a horrible mistake. That mistake was Working with Kevin J Anderson, to create a Villan that would Appear in Andersons Novels, and in the TOTJ Series; Exar Kun. The Villan was one of the favorites in Star Wars expanded universe, but working with anderson meant that Veitch would have to allow Anderson to write the later half of the 12 issue series revolving around Exar Kuns rise to power from Jedi student to Sith Lord. From that Point onward, Thanks to Andersons horrid writing and complete dirth of talent, the TOTJ series started a downward spiral. Andersons Assault and the TOTJ series started with the Sith war, a lackluster story compared to the magnificent Dark Lord Of the Sith Prequal that set it up... Then Anderson Continued to obliterate this once grand series with Golden Age Of the Sith, and Fall Of The Sith Empire. This, was Andersons last chance to revive the series, why they didnt just ask Veitch to write it, I dont know. But this is the last TOTJ story that has been, and likely will ever be published. The Breathtaking and grand saga that Tom Veitch Began, was destroyed by a force darker then any Sith Lord or Dark Jedi; Kevin J Anderson has MUCH to answer for.

In all honesty, for most of this story, it seemed as though Anderson was on the right track. Ulic Found that during a near death experiance, in which he was welcoming death, he had a jedi vision from his dead master. Which should have been impossible, seeing as how his jedi powers were supposed to be sealed. This gave Ulic hope, and purpose to continue living, later... The daughter of the woman he once loved, Vima, showed up asking him to train her in the Jedi arts. Why him, well its a contrived plot point, but Nomi was supposedly too busy As a Jedi to train her daughter, and the other 5000 jedi that were around at the time were busy doing stuff to, or so would Anderson have you beleive. But despite the hideous amount of Plot Contrivance, including Andersons most hideous attempt at a romantic pairing yet, he did manage to create some decent story telling for once... Ulic finds peace with the force, forgive for his crimes, a place back amongst his former comrades, and potentially a way to feel the force once again... Until in the last pages he is shot in the back and killed by a smuggler wanting to be known as the man who killed Ulic Qel Droma, and runs back to the bar to tell his friends. *IM NOT KIDDING*

I dont know what Anderson was smoking at the time, but the thought that this is a suitable way to end Ulics tale of Redemption was just plain Idiocy. In the prior Stories, Ulic had been poisoned by Sith Chemicals, been driven mad by the murder of his master, Disowned the jedi and his lover in his madness, fought and murdered his own brother, and had his Jedi powers sealed by the very woman that once loved him. If he was meant to die, there could have been a thousand more suitable deaths then just to be shot in the back by a unnamed piece of Bar Trash. In the Ten years since he was punished by Nomi Sunrider, his life was one of isolation, and dedication. such a death, is as pointless and meaningless as it is contrived, and a slap in the face of the fans that were looking for The Tales of the Jedi Series to return to its former greatness.

Anderson I doubt will ever write for Star Wars Again, as it is a popular rumor that Lucas himself asked anderson not to write any further tales set in his Universe. Unforutnately the damage is done, and one of my favorite series, is no more. The Title of the story is named redemption, But in the eyes of lucas and casual Fans of the Expanded universe such as myself, Redemption is something Anderson has yet to find.

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