A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)

Amazon.com

Readers of epic fantasy series are: (1) patient--they are left in suspense between each volume, (2) persistent--they reread or at least review the previous book(s) when a new installment comes out, (3) strong--these 700-page doorstoppers are heavy, and (4) mentally agile--they follow a host of characters through a myriad of subplots. In A Game of Thrones, the first book of a projected six, George R.R. Martin rewards readers with a vividly real world, well-drawn characters, complex but coherent plotting, and beautifully constructed prose, which Locus called "well above the norms of the genre."

Martin's Seven Kingdoms resemble England during the Wars of the Roses, with the Stark and Lannister families standing in for the Yorks and Lancasters. The story of these two families and their struggle to control the Iron Throne dominates the foreground; in the background is a huge, ancient wall marking the northern border, beyond which barbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves menace the south as years-long winter advances. Abroad, a dragon princess lives among horse nomads and dreams of fiery reconquest.

There is much bloodshed, cruelty, and death, but A Game of Thrones is nevertheless compelling; it garnered a Nebula nomination and won the 1996 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. So, on to A Clash of Kings! --Nona Vero

Book Description

Here is the first volume in George R. R. Martin’s magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords. As a whole, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill these pages and transport us to a world unlike any we have ever experienced. Already hailed as a classic, George R. R. Martin’s stunning series is destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.

A Game of Thrones

Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens.

Here an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal; a tribe of fierce wildlings carry men off into madness; a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister to win back his throne; and a determined woman undertakes the most treacherous of journeys. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

Download Description

A Game of Thrones is a contemporary masterpiece of fantasy.

The cold is returning to Winterfell, where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime. A time of conflict has arisen in the Stark family, as they are pulled from the safety of their home into a whirlpool of tragedy, betrayal, assassination, plots and counterplots. Each decision and action carries with it the potential for conflict as several prominent families, comprised of lords, ladies, soldiers, sorcerers, assassins and bastards, are pulled together in the most deadly game of all -- the game of thrones.

"George Martin is assuredly a new master craftsman in the guild of heroic fantasy."
   KATHERINE KERR

"The keen and complex human characters and the convincing force of their surroundings operate as magic...setting George R. R. Martin's first fantasy epic well above the norms of the genre."
   LOCUS

"Offers the rich tapestry that the very best fantasy demands...few created worlds are as imaginative and diverse."
   JANNY WURTS

"A vast, rich saga, with splendid characters and an intricate plot flawlessly articulated against a backdrop of real depth and texture."
   KIRKUS REVIEWS

"A dazzling fantasy adventure... with a great cast of characters that weave a tapestry of court intrigue, skullduggery, vicious betrayal and greathearted sacrifice."
   JULIAN MAY

"A colorful, majestic tapestry of characters, action and plot that deserves a spot on any reader's wall."
   ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-10-11

Minimum Maturity Level - Adult
Strong Language. Extreme violence and gore. Sexual situations.
Not for kids.

Previous Reading Required - None
This is the start of an epic series of 7 books.

Reading Level - Average
Very easy to keep up with. Not surprising since GRRM used to screenwrite. The book basically reads like a movie.

Rate of Development - Average
It takes a while to get a good character backgrounds. And there are A LOT of characters. But once you get halfway through, you come to know the characters very intimately. The story develops into intrigue and mystery fairly quick. By halfway through the book, it becomes a "page-turner".

The Story - The King's Hand (the king's right hand man) has died. Some think he was murdered. King Robert Baratheon then appoints Eddard Stark, a lifelong friend to succeed the position. Reluctantly, Eddard accepts. Anything after all this, is a spoiler so you MUST read the book.

My Suggestion - Highly Recommended
Like I said in the story section, anything I try to tell you after Eddard agrees to be the Hand IS a spoiler. GRRM has a way of getting you to like, love, and hate all his characters in the book. All the characters have their own personality and seem like real genuine people. Every chapter is a person's perspective and not a number. So when you read the chapter entitled "BRAN", you are reading what is going on through HIS eyes and his eyes only. It's a very immersive way of writing and I come to like it a lot. I said before that development is a bit slow for characters but the mystery and intrigue happens rather quickly. Some mysteries actually carry on into the next few books. Some of you with quick minds may uncover some mysteries before the characters actually do and that is part of the fun. If you want a good epic fantasy that is down to earth with war, intrigue, and suspense, then this is your book. Just be ready to buy all the other books that follow, because the get even better.

Where do you go after Martin?.......2007-09-28

George RR Martin is, in my opinion, one of the best Fantasy authors currently writing. He's great at exploring and deepening characters without them coming out and saying "I'm brave but flawed by my childhood experience", but instead he shows them by their reactions and choices. Yes, this shouldn't be a big deal, but hey, it's fantasy.

I also love that his characters are fully grey. The ones that are truly honorable heroes are also unyieldingly cold and the cruelest villians are at least human and understandable. But man! Martin doesn't mind killing anybody.

Which brings me to my title. One of the hardest things is picking up the next book that isn't from this series. You can always go back to some of the classics, but it's really hit and miss on picking up a new book, and Martin really raised the bar for me.

Great Read that Leaves You Feeling Icky.......2007-09-26

I feel dishonest only giving this book 3 Stars because the truth is I could not put it down and there is no doubt in my mind that I will end up reading this entire series. I enjoyed the complexity of the plots, the character development, the multiple perspectives, the detailed worlds, the unconventional blur between good/evil and the unpredictable plot twists. There is much in this book to enjoy and praise.

That said I only gave this book 3 stars because it left me feeling, well, kind of disturbed. Multiple times, during the course of reading this book, I told whoever was around that I felt like I was being emotionally abused by the author. I usually like disturbing/dark stories but something about this one troubled me. For starters the sex and sexual violence in this book was a bit much for me. Almost all the sex scenes are about a thirteen year old child. The sexual acts that happen to Dany in this novel constitute at least a dozen felonies in any civilized society. Not only could I not discern a reason the author had to make Dany SO young (especially if he wanted her character to be highly sexualized) but the aspects of sex he chose to discribe and the manner in which he discribed them were random, weird and came across as nothing more than a perverted indulgence. I would read something and simultaneously roll my eyes while feeling an icky shudder up and down my spine. I have no problems with sex in books I read, but the manner in which the sex scenes were written in this book are not reflective of real life and left me feeling grossed out. They felt exploitive I guess because they were so gratutious and strange.

Also, as a women, the constant rape and violence towards women was hard to read. I realize rape and misogyny are part of the world, particularly in times of war, but the amount and detail was hard to stomach. While the male characters (good and bad) generally die or get injured bravely in battle the women must be systemically humiliated before dying unceremoniously. Not only is raping them bad enough, they must be gang raped. And just in case gang rape wasn't degrading enough they have to be gang raped from behind. This combined with the constant womanizing of the main characters, the constant put downs related to the worth of women relative to men and after a while it makes you start to wonder; has Martin created a world filled with systemic female degradation because he is laying the foundation for an ultimate commentary on oppression, violence and human dignity? Or has he created a world filled with female degradation because that is what he likes writing about? I have 6 more books to read before I can answer that question but I have a suspicion it is the latter which is where the icky feeling I have towards this book comes from. Hopefully, it turns out I am wrong.

Even though this book left a bad taste in my mouth in some respects, I will continue to read the series because it is wildly entertaining. I've already started the second book.

Excellent work..........2007-09-04

so far! I am excited to read the next three books. Instead of expounding on the virtues of the novel, I would like to address two common complaints that one finds in these reviews. Firstly, the reports about sex/incest/bestiality are vastly exaggerated. There is ONE incestuous relationship between atomic family members, and the sexual description is limited to less than a paragraph. Certainly, the novel mentions other kinds of incest, such as the marriage of first and second cousins, but that is to be expected where royal families are concerned; and sexual acts regarding these are never described. Also, in line with medieval societal norms, there are a few ultra brief descriptions of sex involving teenagers; girls in royal families were frequently married off early and were expected to produce as many male heirs as possible. Yes, there are several moderately explicit scenes of rape (especially near the end of the book), violence and sex, but they pale in comparison to many other historical fiction novels. Sexual descriptions are about on par with an Anne Rice novel, and way softer than any of that romance/Fabio-on-the-cover drivel. If you cringe at the slightest graphic description of violence, then I would stay away from anything that involves the history of humankind. Certainly avoid the Conan and Warhammer 40K fiction series, and you should retain your sanity (and wimpiness).

Regarding complexity: this first book is EASY to follow. Each chapter is titled with the name of the character from whose point of view the story will be narrated. There are only eight such characters. If you have trouble keeping everything in your head, just go back to to the previous chapter with the same character name and re-read the last few paragraphs...it's that simple folks. I like this style because at several points, as you might find on TV or in the movies, the author leaves you hanging with some suspense at the end of the chapter until he "cuts" back to that (possibly concurrent) point in the story.

Anyway, my opinion is no more valid than that of anyone else on Amazon. If you like historical fiction, then I think there's a good chance you will like low fantasy. This series is as good a place to start as anywhere. Use some common sense: first, take it out of the library if possible. Second, read as many chapters as it takes for you to get a sense of the style and characterizations. Third, if you don't like it, STOP READING...it will NOT get better. I hereby deliver a VIRTUAL SLAP to reviewers who claim that they read the glowing reviews, read all 806 pages of the novel, and then felt debased or felt like they wasted their time or money...this is the United States, a playground of choices. If you don't like something, change the channel or turn off the device!

Author doesn't care if series is ever finished.......2007-09-04

On his website he has answered all those asking why the next installment is a year overdue. After whining about missing several conventions in order to work on the book he refers to his readers as trolls. I guess only those who worship him are worthy. It seems the man is too in love with himself to bother with the trolls who have made him rich.
Think twice before investing your time and money with this egotistical jerk. He obviously has no idea what to do with his story. I have serious doubts as to his ability to finish this series as he seems to be more interested in other projects than finishing what he started.

Average customer rating:

ice dragon disappoints I read it in half an hour
Sad and beautiful
Exquisite
Abrupt ending
best story ever!

The Ice Dragon
George R. R. Martin
Manufacturer: Starscape
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature | 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

ASIN: 0765316315
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Book Description

The ice dragon was a creature of legend and fear, for no man had ever tamed one. When it flew overhead, it left in its wake desolate cold and frozen land. But Adara was not afraid. For Adara was a winter child, born during the worst freeze that anyone, even the Old Ones, could remember. Adara could not remember the first time she had seen the ice dragon. It seemed that it had always been in her life, glimpsed from afar as she played in the frigid snow long after the other children had fled the cold. In her fourth year she touched it, and in her fifth year she rode upon its broad, chilled back for the first time. Then, in her seventh year, on a calm summer day, fiery dragons from the North swooped down upon the peaceful farm that was Adaras home. And only a winter child -- and the ice dragon who loved her -- could save her world from utter destruction. The Ice Dragon marks the highly anticipated childrens book debut of George R.R. Martin, the award-winning author of the best-selling series A Song of Ice and Fire and is set in the same world. Illustrated with lush, exquisitely detailed pencil drawings by acclaimed artist Yvonne Gilbert, The Ice Dragon is an unforgettable tale of courage, love, and sacrifice by one of the most honored fantasists of all time.

Customer Reviews:

ice dragon disappoints I read it in half an hour.......2007-06-29

I am 42, so take that into account. Once again George Martin hooks you in the beginning and then leaves you disappointed with where the story ends up. This book is approximately 100 pages. But most of the pages are only partial pages with illustrations. It took me about half an hour to read the book and I was quite disappointed with the abrupt ending. Dont waste your time on this.

Sad and beautiful.......2007-06-05

"The Ice Dragon" is a sad and beautiful story, told in a slow pace. It is with a thoughtful childs eye you are receiving a glimpse in to Westros. A wonderful sidetrack from the Ice and Fire-series!

Exquisite .......2007-04-26

I give The Ice Dragon four stars because it's a very good book but it's also very serious. I just adore the fact that there are dragons but I don't think it has enough dialouge. I think it had alot of discription but for me it was too serious. I also didn't really like the fact thet there was an abundance of action rather than than dialogue. It upset me that the Ice Dragon died and I wish it could have more about what happened to him or any other Ice Dragons there could've been. I think it shoul've also talked more about Adara being at her normal state. I believe there was a massive dificiency on how far the story coul've gone on.Even though it was a short story I like the fact that it leaves you wondering about the charactors and events. I think it was a very exquisit book. If I had to recomended it. I'd only recomended it to people who enjoy serious fantasy books(but anyone can read it).

Abrupt ending.......2007-04-25

I really enjoyed the mostly-narrative telling of this short story, but would have liked the ending to be a little more developed. It seemed to just suddenly crash to a halt. Adara's change was interesting and I wanted the author to elaborate more on her new outlook after losing the "winter" from her spirit. Overall I like the story, and the serious tone was good and fitting. The description of the refugees from the war and the suffering that was present seemed realistic too. I will still glady read other books by Martin, as he seems a very skilled writer.

best story ever!.......2007-04-08

I just got this book today, and I can't put it down. I got attached to it after the first page. I hope he writes more books for kids.
written by a 9 year old

Frostburn: Mastering the Perils of Ice and Snow (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying Supplement)

Average customer rating:

Good Effort!
Great Series
One of the best D&D Suplements I have
IT'S A BIT FRIGID
Not really about cold climates

Frostburn: Mastering the Perils of Ice and Snow (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying Supplement)
Wolfgang Baur , James Jacobs , and George Strayton
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0786928964
Release Date: 2004-09-23

Book Description

A complete guide to playing D&D in the ice and snow.
This 4-color supplement begins a new series of releases that focus on how the environment can affect D&D gameplay in every capacity. Frostburn contains rules on how to adapt to hazardous cold-weather conditions, such as navigating terrain with snow and ice and surviving in bitter cold or harsh weather. There are expanded rules for environmental hazards and manipulation of cold weather elements, as well as new spells, feats, magic items, and prestige classes. New monsters associated with icy realms are included, as well as variants on current monsters. There is enough adventure material included for months of gameplay.

Customer Reviews:

Good Effort!.......2007-02-20

This is a very good product that fleshes out the actic. WotC has spent a lot of time lately trying to flesh out various aspects of "standard" campaigns (likely because the aging professionals who play their games have less and less time for extraneous things--like building campaign worlds), and this product does a fine job of helping out DMs and players alike. It has a number of fairly interesting prestige classes, and a some very good feats. The neantherdal race is a very interesting PC race. The spells are pretty good, though rather standard and typical. Frostburn really shines, however, in its new monsters, and there are quite a few of them. Unlike some complaints, I felt the writers did a pretty good job of fleshing out the effects of extreme cold (though, perhaps, not good enough--but it's difficult to really know what -50 degree temperatures can do, especially week after week, unless you've lived in them, like I have). I highly recommend Frostburn.

Great Series.......2006-02-23

I'm a big fan of the Frostburn, Sandstorm, and Stormwrack series. If you're not planning to DM, the books provide interesting alternatives for your characters. If you DM and plan to do your writing for the campaign, these books are an excellent way to add flavor to your campaign.

One of the best D&D Suplements I have.......2006-02-01

I am VERY happy with this book. Not only are the new critters exceptionally cool, but the conditions added ontop of the core DM's Guide, but the PRC's are well thought out, the new classes and races available are impressively balanced. Overall I would give this another 2 stars totaling to 7 out of ten possible but my limit is 5 so, there it is.

IT'S A BIT FRIGID.......2005-07-23

I kind of think WOC is really starting to Micromanage the D&D universe with so many specialized supplements. It's almost like they want to take all possible work and imagination out of the hands of the DM. Frostburn, as the name implies contains supposedly all the information you could ever want...in fact you WON'T want a lot of it...about adventuring into cold climates. There's info about dealing with the cold, hypothermia, snow blindness...There are frosty (and I really can't think of a better term...) versions of the standard demi-human races like glacial dwarves, snow elves, and ice gnomes, along with some new races such as the Uldra.

There are a number of new feats(32 in all I believe) and prestige classes but their really only usable in these colder climates so I'm thinking there's not much value there except maybe to the DM for NPCs unless your entire campaign is set in the arctic. The next two chapters deal with new equipment and spells. I didn't find all that much of interest in the equipment chapter but some of the new spells are pretty interesting such as the Column of Ice spell and Iceberg. There are also a couple of new domains for clerics: winter and cold.

Chapter six details new monsters although a lot of them are ones you're already familiar with such as the Yetis, as well as cold version of typical monsters like spiders, undead, etc. There are a couple of adventures included which I'd say may be about the best thing in the book. The Iceraver scenario has characters going to a haunted city on an iceberg.

As I mentioned...I think a lot of it is simply overkill. This could easily have been just an adventure with new spells, monsters, etc, without all of the rules about dealing with cold that most people will never use.

Not really about cold climates.......2005-05-09

Apparently "the perils of ice and snow" are pretty much the same as the perils everywhere else: a proliferation of prestige classes largely suitable for NPCs and a handful of monsters that wouldn't have made the cut for the 1st edition Fiend Folio.

In fact, if you thought the perils of ice and snow might be, well, ice, snow and cold, this is not the book for you. Less than 20 pages are dedicated to discussing what life in extremely cold zones, especially in alpine regions, is like. Although there are a couple of feats designed to explain how some people (or races) might be able to survive in extreme climatic conditions, there is almost nothing about how to create the terror of an avalanche, rule on the gradual onset of snow blindness, or ajudicate the creeping psychological effects of oxygen deprivation. Hmmmm... in fact, almost nothing about adventuring in the element of cold that wasn't in the DMG and/or PHB.

I presume WotC is doing its market research and that research shows that prestige classes sell. If that's what you're looking for, this book will provide some. If you were looking for a book that would provide you with campaign insights on life in the cold, and how the 3.5 rule set can be used to ajudicate the hazards therein, you'll be disappointed. But the real shame is that with a hard look you realize that no one should really be satisfied with this supplement. Power gamers use the terms "crunchy" and "fluffy" to describe rule mechanics vs. campaign flavor. There needs to be a third term, "filler" that describes verbiage that fits into neither of the above categories. Sadly, that is where about 60% of this supplement falls.

The only upside is that there is still room for some hungry and enterprising d20 company to write a good supplement on setting a campaign in the cold.

*Update 10/2005* The "enterprising d20 company" I was looking for is MonkeyGod Enterprises with its "Frost and Fur" supplement. Excellent work of defining cold climates, rule smithing hazards, as well as providing a fantasy approach to three different cultures' (Slavic, Inuit, and ice age savage) view of living in extreme cold climes.

Tome of Artifacts (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying)

Average customer rating:

Tome of Artifacts (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying)
Keith Baker , Rich Burlew , C. Robert Cargill , Michael Gill , and George Hollochwost
Manufacturer: White Wolf Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1588469352

Average customer rating:

AMAZING illustrations, good telling...
Best Book Ever!
Lovely book
My three year old's favorite!!
Saint George and the Dragon

Saint George and the Dragon
Margaret Hodges , and Trina Schart Hyman
Manufacturer: Little, Brown Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

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

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 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: 0316367958

Customer Reviews:

AMAZING illustrations, good telling..........2007-07-08

I am extremely picky when it comes to illustrations and this book makes it to my top ten list. To give you an idea of my taste -- others in the top ten include "In the Night Kitchen" and "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs". I think detailed illustrations really capture a child's imagination and wow, does this book have detail! You will find something new with each reading. So, for illustration aficionados this book is a must have!

Now, for the content...I'll admit it seems a bit dense for a children's book, but when you consider the source (Edmund Spencer's "The Faerie Queen") it's not really surprising. In the end I think I would have been disappointed with a watered down version to go along with the superb illustrations. Even very young children will be enchanted by the illustrations. I have read it often to my three year old daughter and she remains silently captivated for the entire reading.

Best Book Ever!.......2007-01-30

I bought this book for my 9 year old homeschooled son as a fun addition to his medieval history studies. He loved this book!

My son would like to add, "Great pictures! I understood everything as if it were a movie. I recommend it to everybody who likes medieval stuff!!!!!"

Lovely book.......2006-12-26

Our two grandsons love this book (ages 4 and 5) - plenty of knightly valor, and lovely illustrations. Not too gory slaying of a dragon! (That's the most admired page!) One grandson took it to school as his favorite book.

My three year old's favorite!!.......2006-12-20

My three year old son knows this book by heart, I'm sure he imagines himself the dragon-slayer and winning the heart of the lovely Una.

Saint George and the Dragon.......2006-11-14

My six year old son (okay, six and three quarters) and I enjoy this story. It is a bit longer than most children's books - sometimes we require two bedtimes to read through it. It is, however, one of the more accurate and authentic tellings of the story of Saint George and the Dragon - includes the Dragon's tail and paw being chopped off (may not be appropriate for younger or more sensitive kids). The illustrations are incredible - some of the background characters actually "look" toward the reader(s). My son enjoys playing "I Spy" with the details of the illustrations. I highly recommend this to anyone searching for an accurate telling of this tale.

Average customer rating:

Dancing Truth's Tightrope
Harry Situations in China
Thanks again, GMF.
Huzzah for Harry!
Flash Harry is unleased on the Chinese

Flashman and the Dragon (Flashman)
George MacDonald Fraser
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0452261910

Customer Reviews:

Dancing Truth's Tightrope.......2007-01-25

After reading Hornblower and Bolitho, I thought I would give the army a try. Fraser is an excellent teller of historical fiction with a touch of Jeffery Deaver for fun! Quite graphic in his portrayls of the characters and events, Flashman delves into the whys and not just the hows.
Yes, Flashman is a roque, but if given the chance - wouldn't we all?

Harry Situations in China.......2006-09-05

This book was the tenth in my chronological review of the life and times of Harry Flashman. While this installment has its share of common lilly livery and ribald cadmanship, its combination with historical perspective and analysis of choices during a campaign turned the "Dragon" into one of the more serious installments in this stellar series.

In a way that carries more than superficial similarity to Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" Harry is sent up river on an ill defined diplomatic mission (Paul Bremer in Iraq avant la lettre). This track gives Fraser an opportunity to provide quite some background on the political tensions in mid 19th century China and the extreme ferocity of the carnage. After some dallying, our hero reaches his destination and hooks up with history's most powerful concubine. Fraser has always done a lot of research on Flashman's most powerful love interests and in this book he again produces a detailed and intriguing three dimensional character study. In addition, I thought that his discussion of sects that implemented a precursor to Maoist communism very interesting.

At the end of the book Fraser spends quite a bit of time in discussing Elgin's (we are talking here about the son of a father who took the infamous Greek Marbles) choice to destroy the monumental Imperial Gardens to punish the Imperial family without doing the suppressed population too much harm. While a point could be made that both father and some were wrong, there is the irony that the son, while having better justification, robbed the world of one of its treasures while the poorly justified senior may have ended up doing mankind a favor.

As always Fraser delivers another lively history lesson. Highly recommended.

Thanks again, GMF........2006-02-23

Typically fantastic Flashman novel- hilarious, politically incorrect, unpredictable, historically informative, and a page-turning, ripping great read. The only thing you know for sure is that our yellow-bellied anti-hero will end up with the girl, the medals, the credit and the loot. As usual, we learn about a historically significant, but generally forgotten chapter of history- the Taiping Rebellion (bloodiest civil war in history and second bloodiest war ever, after WW II) and the Anglo-French expedition to Peking, resulting in the destruction of the Old Summer Palace, one of mankind's most impressive artistic/architectural treasures. Great book.

Huzzah for Harry!.......2005-08-14

I hope Mr. Fraser lives a long life so he can continue chronicling the life of Harry Flashman. Once again Mr. Fraser's writng is crisp, witty and really draws you into the story. There is danger, romance (the tawdry sort of course),action and derring do (not by Flashman). His historical detail is unbelievable. If you love history, read this. If you don't, read this and you will.

Flash Harry is unleased on the Chinese.......2005-07-30

Another one of the great books on that Cad Sir Harry Flashman VC. Mr Fraser is to be complimented on his wonderful editing of the old soldiers memoirs ! I just hope that he finds the time to keep up the excellent work!

St. George and the Dragon and the Quest for the Holy Grail

Average customer rating:

Start Your Journey
What you need to know about life
Life Changing Experience
Theology for Everyone
Parables that Appeal to Everyone!

St. George and the Dragon and the Quest for the Holy Grail
Edward Hays
Manufacturer: Forest of Peace Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

jp-unknown2 | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0939516071

Customer Reviews:

Start Your Journey.......2004-02-13

This is an excellent book for anyone who is navigating a personal spiritual journey. We used this book in a church study group and the discussions it generated were lively and interesting. Although I think I would have enjoyed this book if I had read it by myself, having a group to share with and an informed spiritual leader deepened my understanding.
Edward Hays has an amazing talent for gently waking up spiritual areas in the brain.

What you need to know about life.......2002-07-25

As I was sitting on a bench at the end of a long desolate road, slowly sipping my oolong tea, when I pulled out this book and began to read. Oh the joy. I breezed through the pages as my mind wandered throught the wonderful tales that Mr. Hays spins. I couldn't put the book down and the memories and myths will stay with me for a long time. I recommend this book to anyone that is trying to find their spiritual inner self.

Life Changing Experience.......2000-05-30

I was a senior in High School when I was first introduced to this author. At that time in my life I seeked guidance in a spiritual sense but found few sources from society to help me. A theology teacher showed me 3 parables from Hays' writing and I quickly went out to buy the book. I won't try to explain the messages you get from this book because everyone takes away something different from reading it. Look at the other reviews and decide for yourself but this book is definetly worth the price and you won't spend too much time reading it since the book's length isn't all that long. Although be forewarned you will probably find yourself picking this book up off the shelf after completing it. I don't think I know anyone who has read it only once.

Theology for Everyone.......1999-06-24

Fr. Hays is a gifted storyteller. His parables find their way through cynicism and doubt, and work in the reader's heart at a profound level. Having read nearly all of Fr. Hays's books, I recommend _St. George and the Dragon_ as a starting place for his compassionate, loving, inclusive, and atavistic theology. It is the story of a man with a deep spiritual longing who is uncertain how to fulfill it. His mentor appears in the form of an ancient dragon offering assistance, guidance, and a slyly humorous wisdom. This is not a book to be read once and put aside, nor is it a book to be read quickly. It will seem new-age-y to some readers, but it isn't. It will appeal to those who are hurting, those who are young at heart, teenagers, and especially to those whose religious background includes ritual. Everyone embarking on, or already on, a spiritual journey will find something holy here.

Parables that Appeal to Everyone!.......1998-07-15

Edward Hays is a tremendously gifted writer and a thought-provoking theologian. His parables are truly amusing, but at the same time offer the reader much to think about. Hays has the rare ability to write for many levels. This book was recommended to me by a member of the clergy, but I have shared several stories with young teenagers who are just beginning to grapple with their own spirituality.

Reading this book was a personally rewarding experience. The best part is that when I pick it up again in a year or two, I will have completely new insights. It is a book about a spiritual journey that meets you where you are on your own spiritual journey.

Amazon.com

Creel, the heroine of Dragon Slippers is hardly a damsel-in-distress. After her aunt totes her out to the local dragon in desperation (with the hope that the local prince will rescue her from certain death and marry her), Creel refuses the haughty prince and finds friendship with the dragons, who set her on a journey to the center of the kingdom with a pretty pair of what only seem to be ordinary slippers. Along the way we discover Creel's enormous talent at embroidery, and you can't help but linger over the rich descriptions of her lovely tapestry-like gowns, which quickly make her the most sought-after dressmaker in the kingdom. But soon enough those mysterious slippers begin to wreak havoc, and it's up to Creel to save the kingdom from disaster and defend the dragons from certain doom. Creel's feisty spirit breathes fiery new life into this epic world at every turn, making this one of the most memorable and fun fantasy debuts to hit shelves since Cornelia Funke's Inkheart.

Read "The Brown Dragon of Carlieff," the first chapter of Jessica Day George's Dragon Slippers.

Five Questions for Jessica Day George

Amazon.com: In fantasy novels, dragons are typically fierce and fearsome. In Dragon Slippers however, Shardas and Feniul are peaceful, caring creatures who are dangerous only under the sway of human control. What was your inspiration for re-imagining this legendary species?

Jessica Day George: I had a number of imaginary friends growing up, all of them talking animals: a wolf, some horses, a tiger. And a dragon. Oh, I wanted a dragon for a friend so badly! (Still do!) There are books where the dragon is not the bad guy (Anne McCaffrey, Gordon Dickson), but I wanted still more. I wanted the dragons to have their own lives: friends, hobbies, food allergies. I saw no reason why large, magical, intelligent creatures couldn't be just like humans--only scaly and winged. If humans can be good or evil, vain or kind, why can't dragons?

Amazon.com: Your descriptions of Creel's "fancywork" are so rich with detail and color that I have to believe that you must be an expert sewer yourself. Are you? Can you tell us more about why you chose this particular talent for your heroine?

Jessica Day George: I can sew, although I doubt very much a duchess would hire me to make her a gown! Creel sprang into my head as a fully formed personality with her own talents and opinions firmly intact, I just knew that her name was Creel, she had freckles, and she wanted to be a dressmaker. The "fancywork" developed as a way for her to pay homage to her friend Shardas and his collection.

Amazon.com: Why do the dragons in Dragon Slippers hoard treasured human possessions like shoes and dogs instead of gold? Shardas' collection of beautiful stained glass is particularly unique--does this tell us anything about his true nature?

Jessica Day George: People collect all kinds of crazy things: spoons, stamps, books. I once lived next door to a woman with sixty (yep, 6-0) toy poodles. So why should dragons not all hoard the same thing? Why not tapestries or pets or shoes? And what makes Creel and Shardas such good friends, I think, is that they both have a good eye for color and form. They can both appreciate the way colors combine, the way light changes the look of things and plays off the colors.

Amazon.com: Of all the fantasy literature you've read, is there a particular author who inspired you to write your own novel? What would be your top five favorite books in the genre?

Jessica Day George: The first time I read Robin McKinley's Damar novels (The Hero and the Crown, The Blue Sword) I thought "Yes! This is what goes on in my head! I could do this!" If I had to narrow it down to five favorites (only five?!), I would say: Beauty by Robin McKinley, Tam Lin by Pamela Dean, The War of the Flowers by Tad Williams, His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik, and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. (Those all count as one big book, right?)

Amazon.com: What's next in store for Creel and Luka? Will they have more dragon adventures in your next book?

Jessica Day George: My next book is not connected to Dragon Slippers at all, but the one after that will be a sequel. I hate to spoil any surprises, but we will get to see what happens when a dragon turns evil (of its own free will). There are also two weddings, Marta gets a pet monkey, and Feniul falls in love.

Book Description

Many stories tell of damsels in distress, who are rescued from the clutches of fire-breathing dragons by knights in shining armor, and swept off to live happily ever after.

Unfortunately, this is not one of those stories.

True, when Creel’s aunt suggests sacrificing her to the local dragon, it is with the hope that the knight will marry Creel and that everyone (aunt and family included) will benefit handsomely. Yet it’s Creel who talks her way out of the dragon’s clutches. And it’s Creel who walks for days on end to seek her fortune in the king’s city with only a bit of embroidery thread and a strange pair of slippers in her possession.

But even Creel could not have guessed the outcome of this tale. For in a country on the verge of war, Creel unknowingly possesses not just any pair of shoes, but a tool that could be used to save her kingdom…or destroy it.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding!.......2007-09-14

This book is written in a very original and entertaining manner. I'm 65 and loved it! I let my 9-year-old friend borrow it and she (in her words) loved, loved, loved it!! I loved the heroine being equal to the challenges presented to her. She also was mature enough to admit it when her goals changed.

Couldn't put it down!.......2007-09-14

I loved this book. It arrived at 5:00 in the evening. I started reading it and could not put it down. I finished it that night and then started it all over again the next day. I would read this book to my children. I have recommended it to my library for the young adult area. It was wonderful.

Empowering.......2007-09-11

I enjoyed this book and when my daughter is a bit older I plan to read it to her. It's refreshing to have a fantasy genera book where the female is not the damsel in distress and really can be the hero.

Pretty Good.......2007-09-10

This book is very good for the kids into dragons and knights of old. Very well written and has a good flow to it. I was lucky I got this one before the kids got to it. Great for them and a good Sunday read for me. Well recommended.

I LOOOOVE THIS BOOK!.......2007-08-20

Dragon Slippers has just the right amount of wit, action, and character strength to make it a more than outstanding book! I laughed several times outloud, and found myself very attached to both humans and dragons alike. My ten year old daughter will usually only read nonfiction books, but I had her start this novel after I finished and she couldn't put it down. She would even read in the car because she didn't want to stop reading. One time she yelled, "I LOVE this book!" It was a great moment for me as a mom because I'm an avid novel reader, and have never been able to get her into reading them (other than for school reports) until now. As soon as she finished, she asked if I had any other novels like this one. I gave her a whole stack. I'm so happy that Dragon Slippers did this for my daughter!

Average customer rating:

The Dragon and the George
Fluffy fantasy
Jim Eckert to the Dark Tower Came
Different from the movie, but still good
Great idea but other than that...

Dragon and the George
Gordon R. Dickson
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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

ASIN: 0345350502
Release Date: 1987-06-12

Book Description

Through no fault of his own, the once human Jim Eckert had become a dragon. Unfortunately, his beloved Angie had remained human. But in this magical land anything could happen. To make matter worse, Angie had been taken prisoner by an evil dragon and was held captive in the impenetrable Loathly Tower. So in this land where humans were edible and beasts were magical--where spells worked and logic didn't--Jim Eckert had a big, strange problem.

Customer Reviews:

The Dragon and the George.......2007-01-13

I don't read a lot of fantasy because, hey, after Middle Earth what is there? This book alerted me to the error of my ways, a great sword-and-sorcery novel featuring the valiant Jim Eckhert, whose love Angie is aported (not teleported, no, no) by mad scientist Grottwold into an alternate universe peopled by knights, dragons and really big rats. What's a hero to do? Why, go immediately to her rescue, only, of course, you guessed it, something goes ever so slightly wrong, and...but you should read it for yourself. One of the crankiest wizards of all time, one S. Carolinus, and then there is the Accounting Department.

Dickson is also known for the Dorsai science fiction novels.

Fluffy fantasy.......2006-12-25

I guess a lot of folks think of this as a fantasy classic. I never read it as teen, and I think that's who its aimed toward. It seemed pretty standard to me. It's decent but nothing really unexpected happens. As a adult reader who expects a bit more from fantasy, this book didn't really have the depth I prefer.

Jim Eckert to the Dark Tower Came.......2006-06-13

In the 1880s, while writing Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, Mark Twain invented a new literary genre in which a modern man is mysteriously transported back in time and has adventures. There have been myriad imitators in the 120 or so years since Yankee appeared, but few as worthy as The Dragon and the George.

As The Dragon and the George opens, Jim Eckert is having a bad week. First he finds out that he isn't getting the teaching position he was counting on at a Minnesota college, and then his fiancé is transported back in time in an astral plane accident (well, you know how dangerous those astral planes are, what with the protoplasmic foam problem and the backups at O'Dharma Field). Then when Jim is sent back to rescue her, his mind gets stuck in the body of a dragon and he finds out that his fiancé is being held hostage in the Tower by the evil Dark Powers (Note: I didn't say the Dark Powers were all NeoCons; I just said they were evil). He then had to join together with a fiscally conservative magician, a big bad wolf, a cowardly dragon, a knight, a Robin Hood wannabe, and others to rescue the fair maiden, defeat evil, and save the world. Life just ain't easy.

The Dragon and the George is an interesting, light-hearted adventure. Is it funny? Hey, it slayed me.

Different from the movie, but still good.......2004-01-09

I've LOVED the "Flight of Dragons" movie ever since I can remember. (I'm 22 now) I recently found that it was based off of "The Dragon and the George," so I rushed out and picked up a copy. It's an easy read, I finished it in about a day. It was a little hard to really get into... The "present" was a bit dull, but once it got going, it was very enjoyable. At first I was miffed at the inconsistencies with the movie, but I managed to get past that when the plot got going--it was kind of nice not knowing exactly what's going to happen.

Some of the differences between the movie are:

- Where are the brothers? (I assume they're in latter books)
- This had Sir Bryon, rather than sir Orrin (although Orrin was mentioned)
- Where's Melisan, and what's with Angie?

To name a few. All in all, I'd recommend it, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Great idea but other than that..........2002-10-20

i'll admit that the premise of the series is very good. however, as i read further into the series i became bored and annyoed at how rarely he does turn into a dragon. honestly, you'd think a man who can turn into a dragon would more often!

Slaying the Law School Dragon: How to Survive--And Thrive--In First-Year Law School

Average customer rating:

Informative - but in a different way.
Useful and Informative
This book provides very few useful tips
Excellent summary of what to expect in law school.
To each, their own

Slaying the Law School Dragon: How to Survive--And Thrive--In First-Year Law School
George Roth
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Test Prep Central | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0471542989

Book Description

The classic survival guide to one of the toughest academic challenges you'll ever face—first - year law… Slaying the Law School Dragon Second Edition First-year law classes are notoriously competitive and the pressure to excel is intense. Yet, each year, nearly 50,000 students willingly subject themselves to that ordeal. Written by a graduate of New York University Law School who went on to become a California Deputy Attorney General, Slaying the Law School Dragon gives law students precisely the brand of no-nonsense, practical advice they need to overcome the obstacles and pitfalls that can trip them up in their first year. While preparing students for all the intellectual rigors of law school, this witty, at times irreverent guide also steels them against the emotional demands placed on first-year students by professors' attempts to intimidate and appraise them. In Slaying the Law School Dragon, readers will find invaluable tips on how to prepare in advance of the first day of classes; how to study effectively for class; how to prepare for exams; how to put together a brief; how to compose an argument; as well as overview chapters on first-year law courses. Offering the kinds of insights and advice that most students learn the hard way, Slaying the Law School Dragon gives students an indispensable competitive edge.

Customer Reviews:

Informative - but in a different way........2002-02-02

Let me begin this stellar review by noting: if you are looking for a book that gives you step-by-step advice and ideas on how to get through law school successfully, step-by-step then DO NOT buy this book. Go out and buy "Law School Confidential" - which will give you the low down on everything.

HOWEVER, if you've already bought your step-by-step books, but would like to get the big picture on law school, law practice and the history of law...BUY THIS BOOK. I've already done the shopping and read the books that are informative and quick. But in the back of my mind, fresh with the knowledge of how hard I'm going to work my first year, I've been wondering if I got the interest to go at this whole-heartedly (or do I just want to make money?) Call me a dork, but I loved the attention this author placed on the history of law, coming from the Common Law of England and citing cute little stories about punishing lawyers for writing too long of briefs or knights jousting to settle a case. Roth gives great attention to the extra-mile on how to go about legal research, studying for the bar and life after law school. I admit he doesn't dwell much on how to study, but rather gives a summary on each first year subject, he mentioned NOTHING on the Law Review, but suggests getting practice on writing briefs by involving yourself in Moot Court, and he has one chapter with the misleading title of "How to Study for Exams" although he pretty much talks about the Bar. And I'm not sure that you study the same for the Bar as for exams.

But at the risk of sounding uppity, I feel if you cannot appreciate the insight, advice and information that this book has to offer - then you don't have a genuine interest in law itself. I was hesistant about this book after reading everyone else's ... review - BUT AM NOW VERY GLAD THAT I BOUGHT IT. This makes me more excited about law school than any other book I read (which usually made me scared to death) And this book does offer some little tidbits and know-how of what to do when beginning law school - provided you are devoted enough to your studies to do this. This book goes beyond 'going to law school - here's how to do well and get a high paying job at a big firm and buy a yacht and a million dollar home', this book is talking about pure interest people, and devotion to your work. If you aren't willing to put forth such effort as he suggests than I question if you heart is in it. But hey, your heart doesn't have to be into Law in order to excel at it, it's just kinda nice to have happen.

Useful and Informative.......2000-07-10

This book was right on the money when it came to what I should expect from my first year of law school. If you are disciplined and willing to make the effort to succeed, then the tips that the book gives will prove very useful. If you are not willing to make the efort, then do not buy the book because you will need more than a simple book to do well in school.

This book provides very few useful tips.......1999-04-11

The law school I attend suggested books to read before attending the first day of class. This wasn't one of them. I now know why.

The book provides very few (and I mean few) useful tips for first year. The tips it does provide are pretty useless. You will have enough to do in law school without attempting the strategies he suggests. I'll give you four tips if you are attending law school in the near future (for free): 1)Buy study guides geared to the text the teacher uses(emanuel's, blonde's, etc.) 2)Get into a good study group 3)Study 4)Get outlines from second years 5)Don't buy this book.

Excellent summary of what to expect in law school........1998-12-09

I enjoyed the presentation of topics in the book. It includes some helpful tips on how to prepare for a rigorous course of classes.

To each, their own.......1998-06-11

Before leaving for law school, I thought it was necessary to check out every "surving your first year" book on the market(By the way there are a million). After completing my first year, I have come to the conclusion that none of them give you a real picture of the first year. The suggestions offered by this book and many others may work for a discreet few but every law school experience is unique. It may be far more helpful to talk to other law students about thier first year. If you are considering law school, and feel you must buy something to calm your nerves, then this book is appropriate. However, because you are considering law school, my guess is you already know how to succeed.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books