100 magic miles of the Great Barrier Reef : the Whitsunday Islands

Average customer rating:

New Edition

The Whitsunday Islands Sailing Bible

does anyone know anything about the book 100 magic miles?
100 magic miles of the Great Barrier Reef : the Whitsunday Islands
David Colfelt
Manufacturer: Windward Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0958698902

Customer Reviews:

New Edition.......2001-06-19

This book is NOT out of print and never has been as far as I know. The 6th edition (now with full colour maps) has only recently been published although I have only "used" the 4-colour 5th edition.

This book is justifiably known as the "bible" for boaters in the Whitsunday area of the Queensland mid-north coast. This book is SO good that it is mandatory equipment on board every charter yacht operating in the Whitsundays! Boaters use this book instead of official charts because it contains so much more information than any ordinary navigation chart.

I spent 10 days on a charter yacht last year in the Whitsundays and found that I could not live without referring to this book AT LEAST every hour.

There are so many islands, reefs, channels, currents, inlets, anchorages, etc. in the Whitsundays that any boater would be mad not to be extremely careful about where and when they go and in what weather conditions. As well, there are so many beautiful places to go that appeal to different people, that advice on choices is always needed.

"100 Magic Miles.." satisfies all these needs and more. It has large scale easy to read maps with excellent advice and descriptions of all significant navigational issues such as wind, tidal effects, reefs, shoals, navigation markers and so on. It provides advice on which anchourages are best in which conditions. It provides information on health and safety issues such as poisonous fish and how to treat coral cuts. It provides aerial photos of all areas so you can actually see what they look like before you get there (or recognise them when you do). It provides information on fishing, including where to fish (and not to) and photos to identify your catch. It provides historical information about the Whitsundays. It provides "travel" advice about all the points on interest, in most cases including photos. It provides information about the ecology of the Great Barrier Reef and the heritage-listed Marine National Park.

This book is so great, I bought my own copy and still pick it up and read it occasionally.

The Whitsunday Islands Sailing Bible.......1999-08-11

I've purchased this book in preparation of a sailing vacation around the Whitsunday Islands. A group of small islands which lie next to the Great Barrier Reef off Australia's North East Coast.

It has a mileading title. It isn't a book about the Barrier Reef which lies east of the Whitsundays. It's a book about sailing around one of Australia's jewels, the Whitsundays.

This book is provided as standard issue by bareboat charter companies in the area. Over 100 pages are devoted to achorages.

I recommend it, if you are interested in the Whitsundays. A must have, if you plan to sail there.

does anyone know anything about the book 100 magic miles?.......1999-08-04

can you please tell me what this book is about?

Average customer rating:

Boring
good book!
Caitlynne Book Review
Intrigue and science fiction blend well in this outstanding story.
heavy metal futuristic marvel

Storm Thief
Chris Wooding
Manufacturer: Orchard Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Adventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

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

ASIN: 0439865131

Book Description

Orokos is a city of chaos, lashed by probability storms that re-order the world wherever they strike. It covers every inch of the rocky island that it dominates. It has stood for so long that history has forgotten it, and its citizens no longer question what exists beyond its walls. Then three of its denizens discover a map that holds the key to the secret at the heart of Orokos. But there are others, such as the Chief of the Protectorate Secret Police who would do anything to get their hands on that power...anything at all...

Customer Reviews:

Boring.......2007-07-03

I don't know if it's just me, but I did not enjoy this book at all. I thought the plot was predictable and the characters were two dimesional throughout the book. Personally I picked up and put down this book five times before forcing myself to finish reading it. Really great authors can create any world but still make their characters seem realistic, but this book went too far. The characters didn't seem real and were underdeveloped. I was looking forward to reading this book based on great reviews and was utterly disappointed when I completed it.

good book!.......2007-06-14

Ryan Scott
Storm Thief
Chris Wooding
310 pages

Rich, poor, powerful, weak, truthful, and the thieves, those are the six types of people that live in the city of Orokos. Also, it is known as the city of chaos. It is known as the city of chaos for a very good reason. Reason being is because every so often, there is a storm. You are probably thinking, "Well what's so terrible about a storm?" Well, this is no ordinary storm. This is a storm that when it comes, it acts like a normal storm. But when it leaves, it changes things. No one knows who or what it is going to change. Or what is going to change on or in that person or thing. Sometimes, it may be nothing. But sometimes, you may not live. Or you will have fewer limbs than you did before the storm. Things like that are why they named it, The Storm Thief, and also why it is called the city of chaos.
For many, this is the only city that they know of in existence! Actually, this is the only city that every one in Orokos knows exists. This is because Orokos resides on an island. But know one dares to try to leave the island to see what may be in the horizon! Why is this? Simply because legend has it that years ago, there was a group of people who tried to leave. But once they got to a certain point outside of the city, boats appeared and blew them up! Now, no one even thinks of that being an option. No one, except for Rail and Moa.
Rail is a teenage thief who works for the Thief Lord. He was once affected by the Storm Thief when it hit Orokos. His encounter with the storm left him unable to breath on his own. So now he has to ware a respirator to live. Moa hasn't yet been affected by the storm, but she has also endured her share of struggle! For her, she has had to live a life of shame as the daughter of dead rebels, as an outcast, and now, as a criminal because she is now Rail's help at thieving!
The two of them go through a lot of hardships and adventures together. But of all of them, my favorite is when they steal this ring that allows them to walk through anything! Of course, this is a thieves dream because now they can get in anywhere. But instead they use it to try and escape Orokos.
Now, I know that a lot of you out there would just like to read a book and get on to the next book. But as everyone knows, all books have a theme. In Storm Thief, the theme that I got from it was trust. I say this because since most of the people in Orokos are thieves, they are going to have to trust people. Also, trust play into this book a lot.
So all in all, I really liked this book. Why? Because it has a lot of action and suspense in it. Also, it has what I really like in books which is multiple story views. That way, you are getting the story from more than one person and you are able to image every angle of the scene of the story. That is what I really like the most about Storm Thief. And that's also the end of my review. Now go read it!
[...]

Caitlynne Book Review.......2007-01-27

Do you like lots of action? Well if you do Storm Thief is an excellent book for you. Storm thief (Anya-Jacana's) has a lot of action on her part that makes you want to keep reading. Storm thief's parts are exciting and it makes you sit on the edge of your seat. Storm Thief has a lot of powers and when she uses them everyone in the city gets scared and mad.
Rail and Moa were on a trip all over from a chaos city to a peaceful city on a boat. Finch is a secret police that's going after Rail and Moa because they both got him into a small town that is full of trouble. When they were traveling flinch and his commander Lysader Bane were following rail and moa. When finch shot moa, she went to the hospital, and met a new girl named kittiwake, and she forgot about Rail. Now every time moa tries to talk to Rail, Rail ignores her. The book Storm Thief is a fiction novel that has a lot of excitement and action.
Rail and moa were best friends in chaos city until Moa was shot and was in the hospital. When Moa was in the hospital she met a new girl, kittiwake and they kept talking and spending time together and Moa was ignoring rail. Now rail is giving it back to her. They were both thieves at first but know Moa is not, after years of thinking on quitting.
Storm Thief is actually Anya-Jacana. Storm Thief can do a lot of exiting stunts that might make you go crazy. One stunt she can do is can create a storm so dangerous it can destroy the whole entire city!
The theme of Storm Thief is to acknowledge you best friend, do what's right for you. Moa and Rail now how to have an adventure when there on the water.
I recommend this book for terrific readers because there are confusing parts and some confusing and hard words. I also got a little lost in some parts. There are also surprising parts that makes it really awesome. If you like action this is a book for you.

Intrigue and science fiction blend well in this outstanding story........2006-12-10

Chris Wooding's STORM THIEF tells of thieves living in a city affected by probability storms which change reality wherever they hit. Rail and Moa's lives have long been affected by these storms; but when they uncover a strange artifact it seems they will wield power themselves - if they can unlock its secret. Intrigue and science fiction blend well in this outstanding story.

heavy metal futuristic marvel.......2006-09-13

For the most part I really enjoyed this novel. This book could be for young adults, or adults, the writing being very advanced and above the level of most teen books. I didn't give it five stars for a few reasons. I thought the story too short. I felt it needed just a little more development in a few areas and with a few characters making the book a bit lengthier, and another reason is that I would have liked to have seen more done with the Probability Storm events. The world of Orokos is a post apocalypse place of rubble and deterioration, a world of chaos caused by strange atmosphere events called Probablity Storms. If a storm hits, you can be physically changed or your surroundings drastically altered. You may be a human being before the storm, and an animal after. The color of your eyes might change, the world could be frozen in ice, or like Rail, our male lead character, your breath could be taken away leaving you to wear a black mask respirator. This creative aspect of the story is mentioned as a fact of life in the land of Orokos but it only happens once in the book. I would have liked to have experienced a few more storms to have truly felt what it could do to these people and their world. There are strong characters in this book, both good guys and bad guys alike, including a very interesting golem, but all are likable and engaging. The lead characters Rail and Moa are professional thieves on the run, fleeing with an artifact of scientific technology from the past that can open doors and allow them to enter barriers allowing them to snatch items of value. Hunted down by a variety of people, their adventures are fast paced and exciting as they desperately try to find the key to the way out of Orokos and to search for a land beyond where they might find peace and hope to start a new and better world. Definetely two thumbs up for creativity!

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
If Norman Rockwell illustrated dinosaurs...
realistic alternative history
It's the pictures
A True Classic!

Dinotopia (Dinotopia (HarperCollins))

Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0060280034

Book Description

Welcome to James Gurney's fantastic lost world of Dinotopia, where humans and intelligent dinosaurs have lived together in harmony for centuries, undiscovered by the rest of the world. Now these New York Times bestselling books are available from HarperCollins. The Dinotopia books are a celebration of the imagination for readers of all ages. In 1862, biologist Arthur Denison and his young son Will are washed up on the shore of an uncharted island, where they discover humans and an ancient race of dinosaurs sharing a civilization of wonder and adventure.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-07-20

I remember reading this book as a child and loving it. Today I think I love it even more. The illustrations are so rich and well executed. I'm sad it isn't published in hardcover anymore. Every household should own a copy.

If Norman Rockwell illustrated dinosaurs..........2007-03-13

You might just end up with "Dinotopia". That's how good the illustrations and paintings in this book are, and should be the primary reason for purchasing the book. The artwork is absolutely first class, and the book can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. I purchased "Dinotopia" in 1992 when it was first released, and subsequently, picked up its sequel "The World Beneath". They both still hold a special place on my book shelf more than 10 years later. HIGHLY recommended!

realistic alternative history.......2006-02-19

This book has a lot about dinosaur names and how the dinosaurs lived, even the plants they eat. There are a lot of pictures that can help you to learn to recognize them. It is all very well drawn.

But it has a different perspective because they think of time differently, not as 1 o'clock but as when to do certain things, such as times to harvest.

It is very good realistic fiction because it makes you feel like you are a part of the story. It is written as a journal, kind of like talking to you, which makes the story seem more real.

The plot is very complicated. So it always keeps your attention and keeps you turning the pages. There is not a lot of action, but when there is it is very realistic because you feel the danger and excitment.

It's the pictures.......2005-08-30

I first discovered this book the year it was released. I skimmed through it's pages, but never bought it for myself...just others (nieces, nephews, friends). Now, I am a dad... so, of course I had to buy it for my kids (and for me).
The story is good. However, it is the pictures that sell the book. What a talent!

A True Classic!.......2004-12-17

This book is based on a fictional diary found by James Gurney, which tells the story of Arthur Denison and his son William Denison, shipwrecked during one of their voyages and saved by dolphins only to find themselves on an incredible island, unknown to the world, and habituated by dinosaurs.

The incredible thing is that the dinosaurs in this island live side by side with humans. Arthur and his son soon find out that the people in Dinotopia are very friendly as are the dinosaurs. Arthur and his son travel trough the island discovering and learning about the island and about a civilization where there is virtually no violence or war or prejudice of any kind. This island is a true Utopia.

The way the story is written you can't help it but fall in love with this place. The illustrations are so beautiful you feel like Dinotopia could exist. The story is very touching. This book is one of those books that really make your imagination come to life. The whole journey trough the island is incredible. Although this is a children's book, this book can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The Floating Island (The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme)

Average customer rating:

Just all right
loved it!
The Prologue to: The Symphony of Ages.
Great read
Bedtime Story

The Floating Island (The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme)
Elizabeth Haydon
Manufacturer: Starscape
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

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

ASIN: 0765308673
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Book Description

Long ago, in the Second Age of history, a young Nain explorer by the name of Ven Polypheme traveled much of the known and unknown world, recording his adventures. Recently discovered by archaeologists, a few fragments of his original journals are reproduced in this book. Great care has been taken to reconstruct the parts of the journal that did not survive, so that a whole story can be told....Charles Magnus Ven Polypheme--known as Ven--is the youngest son of a long line of famous shipwrights. He dreams not of building ships, but of sailing them to far-off lands where magic thrives. Ven gets his chance when he is chosen to direct the Inspection of his family's latest ship--and sets sail on the journey of a lifetime. Attacked by fire pirates, lost at sea and near death, Ven is rescued by a passing ship on its way to the Island of Serendair. Thankful to be alive, little does Ven know that the pirate attack--and his subsequent rescue--may not have been an accident. Shadowy figures are hunting for the famed Floating Island, the only source of the mystical Water of Life. They think Ven can lead them to this treasure, and will stop at nothing to get it--even murder. In a narrative that alternates entries from his journals and drawings from his sketchbooks, Ven begins the famous chronicles of his exciting and exotic adventures--adventures that would later earn him renown as the author of The Book of All Human Knowledge and All the World's Magic.

Customer Reviews:

Just all right.......2007-08-09

I did enjoy the action in this novel, but the characters weren't compelling enough for me to care dearly about them. The only thing I found truly *real* were Ven's feelings for his family, and they were relegated to far away, long ago for too much of the story.

Ven himself seemed to morph too much to seem a real character. I felt like she didn't have a good handle on him, so I didn't either.

loved it!.......2007-04-27

I absolutely loved this book! I usually read all my kids books before they read them and this is one I will highly recommend that they read.
The only question I have about the book is, why is there a dragon on the front when there is no dragon in the book?

The Prologue to: The Symphony of Ages........2007-02-04

While everybody is bragging about how great The Floating Island is (which I highly agree) when they are missing out on a greater, more amazing series known as: The Symphony of Ages. The Floating Island is only a twink compared to Haydon's larger series.

Nevetheless, The Floating Island is a great companyion to S.O.A series. You may find that most of the remarks made in T.F.I are made in: Requiem for the Sun (The fourth novel in Haydon's series). Like the books Ven wrote later on in age, remarked by Talquist in Sorbold.

But The Floating Island is for: The Young at Heart. So it's a little treat for me to read. I'm to page 208 after reading it for a day, and I found it very enjoyable. I'm already looking forward to: The Thief Queen's Daughter, the second novel to The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme series.
But if you are over the age of 15, then you should read The Symphony of Ages first before continuing on in T.L.J.O.V.P. You will find it MUCH more gripping, (less magical, since it takes place after The Second Age: The Broken World.) and more mature of course. Rhapsody, Achmed, and Grunthor are very enjoyable characters, and treasures you don't want to miss in the fantasy field.

Great read.......2007-01-14

Wonderfully imaginative, well written and original. Even some good lessons mixed into the adventure. Obviously the start of a series, and a long one I hope. Definitely give this one to your kids--and read it yourself.

Bedtime Story.......2007-01-13

If I had a little boy, this would be the book I would be reading to him at night. One chapter at a time. In fact, if I had a little girl this would be what I read her!

Each chapter is the perfect mini adventure, often with a suspenseful ending. Pirate attacks, mermaid rescues, mysterious islands...all in the first few chapters.

But I have no kids, so instead...I am reading it to myself before bed, and loving every twist and turn.

Visible and Invisible Realms: Power, Magic, and Colonial Conquest in Bali

Average customer rating:

Visible and Invisible Realms: Power, Magic, and Colonial Conquest in Bali
Margaret J. Wiener
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

Indonesia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

Southeast Asia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0226885828

Book Description

In 1908, the ruler of the Balinese realm of Klungkung and more than 100 members of his family and court were massacred when they marched deliberately into the fire of the Dutch colonial army. The question of what their action meant and its continued significance in contemporary Klungkung forms the basis of Margaret Wiener's complex anthropolological history.

Wiener challenges colonial and academic claims that Klungkung had no "real" power and argues that such claims enabled colonial domination. By focusing on Balinese discourses she makes clear the choices open to Balinese, both at the time of the Dutch conquest and in its narration. At the same time, she shows how these discourses, which revolve around magical weapons acquired from invisible agents such as gods, spirits, and ancestors, offer an alternative understanding of Klungkung's power.

Moving between Balinese and Dutch narratives and between past and present, Wiener critiques colonial accounts by recounting Balinese memories and interpretations. Her attention to history and local situations illuminates the ways in which colonialism and orientalist scholarship have obscured the power of indigenous rulers and shows how Klungkung, once Bali's paramount realm, was relegated to a peripheral corner of the Indonesian nation-state. Both as a fascinating story and as a rich example of interdisciplinary scholarship, this book will interest students of colonialism, anthropology, history, religion, and Southeast Asia.

Island of the Giant Pokemon (Pokemon Chapter Book #2)

Average customer rating:

Okay....
my kids loved it!!!
Shipwrecked!
Pokemon
Excelent story For Teens and Older

Island of the Giant Pokemon (Pokemon Chapter Book #2)
Tracey West
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Popular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Pokémon | Popular Characters | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Books | Pokémon | Amazon.com Stores | us-stores
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0439104661

Customer Reviews:

Okay...........2005-12-29

This book is good but after you read it...it gets boring.Ash trades his Butterfree for a Raticate then he gets butterfree back!!Anybody should buy this book it is very exciting.Good book

my kids loved it!!!.......2005-08-10

Exciting for kids. Mine are 5 and 8 and they fight for this book every night for 3 weeks.

Shipwrecked!.......2005-05-18

When Ash, Brock, Misty and Ash's Pokemon are lost, They find themselves in big trouble. They are stuck in an island with lots of giant unfriendly giant Pokemons!

Pokemon.......2004-12-14

The book Pokemon is very exciting and has adventures in the book. There are three characters Ash, Broke, and Misty. There are twenty Pokemon books!
In each book Ash tries to catch Pokemon, but a gang called Team Rocket always gets in the way. I can't tell you why you have to read the book to know why. I hope you read these books because you're going to miss the fun and adventures. I like this book because there are always new Pokemon in each book!

Excelent story For Teens and Older.......2004-01-06

The story takes place in Germany and in the U.S.A. but mostly in Germany. There are two boys one 17 and one 15 Spence is 15 and Dieter is 17. They both are in World War 2. One is in the Nazis and another is an American paratrooper. They go through hard times and think, " this is not the war we had in mind" Because there is no fighting going on.

Then they have a small war in a forest where they can only trees and they all look alike. Dieter (the Hitler youth instructor) is shot and Spence trys to help him out and gets shot by dieters friends to help him and is rough with him.

Customer Reviews:

book.......2007-09-02

MY daughter loves bugs/nature and this is a great book to help her learn a little more about them.

Magic School Bus Books.......2006-11-10

These are a great addition to any home library. Just having them available is a great Science curriculum. The kids don't even know they are learning.

Science in the Deep Ocean.......2006-08-25

My 5 year old son loves the Magic School Bus. We were not disappointed with this book about the Coral Reefs. The Magic School makes learning about the environment and the ocean fun for all ages.

The kids work together for a natural treasure.......2006-07-09

My five year old son and three year old daughter have been enjoying this book for over a year. The older child finds the story exciting and gains satisfaction from better understanding the world around him. The younger child enjoys how the characters she's come to know so well morf into creatures she's familiar with from visits to the aquarium and the fishmonger.

The story opens with Mrs. Frizzle showing the children a map from her pirate ancestor. The possibility of finding pirate treasure and the threats facing the kids during their search for it motivates them to work together in the manner of coral reef creatures. The kids find the treasure chest in an area of the reef that looks sickly and learn that the metal fittings on the chest have been poisoning the coral.

Magic School Bus Takes a Dive is a worthwhile purchase. The kids also enjoy a related title, Magic School Bus Gets Eaten, which has the class in the ocean again learning about food chains.

The Magic School Bus Takes A Dive.......2003-10-03

Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a field trip to the depths of the ocean to observe the coral reefs up close and learn life that found in reefs. The book, like all the other Magic School Bus books, teaches a lot, and has a moral. In this story the reader can learn a lot about the coral reefs of the sea, and what kind of creatures live there. The moral of this story is to work together to achieve your goals. Children between the ages of 4 and 6 would probably enjoy this book.

Average customer rating:

Science is a splash in this story!

Fishy Field Trip (Magic School Bus #18)
Martin Schwabacher
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

School | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0439560527

Book Description

When the class project on coral reefs accidentally falls into the aquarium, everyone is upset. They had all worked hard to create Ms. Frizzle's Big Book on the Great Barrier Reef. Now their reports are soggy and smeared. Tim is especially disappointed - some of his best artwork was in that book. But never fear, Ms. Frizzle always has a solution, and it's called a field trip. When the class climbs on board the Magic School Bus, they are headed down under. And they'll dive deep into the wild wonder of coral reefs.

Customer Reviews:

Science is a splash in this story!.......2006-05-26

Ms. Frizzle's class has been working for days to prepare presentations for the school's big assembly for Ocean Awareness. It instructs students on "how important it is to respect how everything in nature works together" and "that things are not always what they seem." Tim and his classmates learn so much about oceanic life around corral reefs. This book should be used when teaching an ocean unit in elementary school. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!

Average customer rating:

Short, but sweet. One of my new favorites!
Deliciously satisfying
Fantasy of the Very Best Kind
A Childhood favorite
Not one of the best books I've read, but better than some

The Island and the Ring
Laura C. Stevenson
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0395564018

Book Description

Tania is pursued by the evil ruler Ascanet for a star sapphire ring, as well as by a mounted army of Silver Souls and a group of vicious hippogriffs. "The story is classic fantasy and romance told in a refined tone that will appeal to subtle tastes. The lean but hypervisual narrative feeds the reader's imagination while the dialogue effortlessly imparts deep philosophy." -- Publishers Weekly

Customer Reviews:

Short, but sweet. One of my new favorites!.......2005-05-16

Ahh, what can I say about The Island And The Ring? It is a truly beautiful story, but given the amount of reviews, I'd say it's not well known. That is terrible as far as I'm concerned, so I'll try to do a basic plot outline for everyone out there.

Tania is the daughter of Campion, a king of one of the provinces in Elyssonne, and island kingdom. Campion wants to bring back the golden age in Elyssonne, a time of peace and beauty before the evil and manipulative (as well as seemingly immortal) ruler Ascanet conquered it. Campion is trying to form an alliance of some of the other provinces to defeat Ascanet and Tania is informed that she will have to marry Prince Radnor to help accomplish this.

Naturally, she isn't thrilled with the idea, especially when she sees how cold he is. The only people who seem to feel sympathy for her are her brother and the enigmatic, disfigered lutenist, Eliar. During her betrothal banquet, an army of Ascanet's fearsome warriors, the Silver Souls, appears and Tania rushes to the secret door in the stables to escape. There she overhears a struggle between Prince Radnor and a captain of the Silver Souls. Apparently, Campion was betrayed by his allies. However, the captain kills Radnor to prevent him from talking and Tania notices a strange ring that falls off his hand. She hides it in her skirt to keep it from glinting in the moonlight and betraying her and forgets it until later. (title hint: the ISLAND and the RING. Paying attention?)

Tania escapes to a cave in the woods where she hides until dawn. Then she meets up with Eliar who also escaped from the castle. He informs her of the death of her father and brother, and tells her that they are the only two survivors. He offers to take her to her mother's people, where she will be safe, and Tania agrees. Tania's mother died when she was very young and no one knows who her people are. They set off and a good portion of the story is about their trek through the country to the secret land of Dacaria. They have many adventures which I won't go into for brevity's sake, but it is still very exciting.

When they near Dacaria, Eliar reveals some more of his life to Tania. He once studied the lute with Ascanet and Ascanet told him that he could become the master of music if he only corrupted Dacaria. He refused, but can never go back to Dacaria for fear of the temptation. He finally tells Tania that he cares for her in a round about Eliarish sort of way. She misunderstands and thinks that he is trying to use her the same way her father wanted to - for political reasons. It is only after she hurts Eliar that she realizes that she misunderstood him and how painful it is for him to not talk to her.

However, before they reach Dacaria, and before they can make up, a hippogriff attacks and wounds both Eliar and Tania. They are discovered by the Dacarians and Tania is brought into their valley. Eliar stays in a hermit's hut outside the valley since he feels he can't safely enter it.

When they are both sufficiently recovered, Tania visits Eliar and they come to a better understanding of eachother. Later, she shows her ring to the hermit, who identifies it as Ascanet's ring - an extremely dangerous thing to have in Dacaria. She decides to journey alone to Ascanet and give him the ring, but also try to defeat him by not putting the ring on, no matter what he says.

Before she can leave, one of the Dacarians, Damon, (actually, he's Ascanet's son) tries to take the ring from her and Eliar is forced to defend her. He almost provokes an act of violence which would ruin Dacaria, but in the end, Damon goes off a cliff without any "help" from Eliar. Eliar has a relapse and Tania runs for help, but when she returns, the hippogriffs have taken him to Ascanet.

She eventually finds Ascanet and Eliar. Ascanet has distorted Eliar's hearing so he only hears dissonance, which of course is a terrible punishment for a musician. Tania needs to rescue him and fast, because he is slowly dying. How she does it and what happens afterwards I'll leave for you to find out. But I will say that there are an unexpected and heart-wrenching few pages near the end, but everything does end fairly happily, with Eliar and Tania having a chance at a happy ending together.

The best things about this book were the characters; they were so real, you actually felt like you knew them and how they would react to situations. The romance was also really sweet; I hate these love-at-first-sight type romances, they are so shallow. This romance took times and understanding to develop, which made it much more realistic. The descriptions were really nice and the story was fast-paced but believable. I also liked the mind-reading element, though it was a little confusing about when it worked and when it didn't. I certaintly highly recommend this book and I'm just sorry this author didn't write more fantasy. Please read it, you won't regret the effort!!!!

Deliciously satisfying.......2004-12-01

My wife and I read this novel to each other as bedtime reading about a year ago, and it has stuck with me ever since. We are lucky to have our own copy, as well as to know the author personally! She is an amazing person and a truly talented writer and teacher. This novel, as has been mentioned, *is* tremendously satisfying and I would recommend it for anyone who likes fantasy (or even those who don't; Laura's insight into human psychology and human emotions is right on). Kids love it, adults love it...just read it.

Fantasy of the Very Best Kind.......2003-10-03

I came across this novel in a library a few months ago, and could NOT put it down. This book has a certain charm that will surely send lovers of adventure, good vs. evil, and romance head over heels.
Princess Tania is the daughter of King Campion of Ellyssone, who is determined to unite the fueding lords of the island and overthrow it's tyrant master, Ascanet. When peace negotions go awry, a massacre ensues in which none of the negotiators are left alive, save two: Princess Tania and the enigmatic Eliar, a scarred and disfigured lutenist with a cryptic past. Together, they struggle through Ellyssone in a journey towards the sanctuary of Tania's mother's home. However, Tania soon realizes that a peculiar ring that she bears invariably connects her to the fate of Ellyssone, and draws Ascanet to her wherever she goes...
This book makes for a satisfying meal for even the greediest fantasy gluttons. The plot itself is a six-course meal, with the characters adding a delightfull texture - and the growing affection between Tania and Eliar is nothing but savoury.

A Childhood favorite.......2002-07-11

I got this book for a birthday when I was younger and loved it. I read it over and over and over again. Now, a decade later, I just finished reading it again and still loved it. Maybe it is partly the nostalgia, but I think that it is an enjoyable read for any young person and highly reccommend it. It's too bad it's out of print!

Not one of the best books I've read, but better than some.......1999-07-17

Parts of this book seemed to me to be imitations of better fantasy. Anyone who has read The Lord of the Rings will know what I mean.

Average customer rating:

Simply Incredible
Reading that goes beyond age limit
My favorite book of all time.
Delightful
WONDERFUL!!!!!

The Changeling Sea (Firebird)
Patricia A. McKillip
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Royalty | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0141312629

Book Description

Since the day her father's fishing boat returned without him, Peri and her mother have mourned his loss. Her mother sinks into a deep depression and spends her days gazing out at the sea. Unable to control her anger and sadness any longer, Peri uses the small magic she knows to hex the sea. And suddenly into her drab life come the King's sons-changelings with strange ties to the underwater kingdom-a young magician, and, finally, love.

Customer Reviews:

Simply Incredible.......2006-12-31

I just adored McKillip's novel. A wonderful story, combined with excellently developed characters, and descriptive wirting that takes you soaring through her world, make this novel one of the most memorable you will ever read. For lack of a more fortified adjective, it was amazing. I've read McKillip before and been a bit disappointed, to be honest; but this was just a lovely, lovely, lovely book, one to cherish forever.

Reading that goes beyond age limit.......2006-07-08

This is the first McKillip story I ever read, the book that got me hooked to this author's writing. Patricia is an inspiration to writers, and a continual source of entertainment for readers. I know the listing says juvenile, for readers ages 6-12, but that is just wrong. I enjoyed this story at age 23 and I'd enjoy it just as much now at 44.

Everyone should read this book, no matter what your age is!

My favorite book of all time........2006-02-28

I am so glad they reprinted this book. For years it was out of print and incredibly hard to find.

I found this book when I was in 5th grade, and read my copy till it fell apart. If I had a spare day, I would just sit down and read it, wrapping myself in its words like a warm blanket. I still read it once a year.

This book really saved me as a kid. It taught me that even though I was young, and poor, and hurting, I had the world at my feet. It gave me the courage to stand up and take on the world.

Delightful.......2006-02-21

This is a delightful story of love, magic, and healing. It's not the typical fantasy story of good versus evil. It's simply a story of a girl struggling with the world around her until she can find a place in it for herself.

WONDERFUL!!!!!.......2006-01-02

oh my...i loved this book!! i read it in one day. i couldn't put it down. It is definately one of McKillip's best, in my opinion. I also enjoyed reading her other books The Forgotten Beats of Eld, and Ombria in Shadow. But of those three this is most definately my favorite. The romance and mystery of the magic in this book is what kept lighting my interest and imagination. She uses words in wonderful ways to spark your imagination and wraps you in the story with the flow and rhythm of the sentences. I loved this book and want to read it over and over again. Definately one of my all time favorites.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books