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

Book Description

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

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

The Dragon King Saga: In the Hall of the Dragon King; The Warlord of Nin; The Sword and the Flame (Dragon King Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

The Dragon King Saga:
My 12-year-old son's favorite book series!
King-Priest of the Dragon King
A good, solid series of Lawhead's early writing.
Save your time, save your money, save your dignity

The Dragon King Saga: In the Hall of the Dragon King; The Warlord of Nin; The Sword and the Flame (Dragon King Trilogy)
Stephen Lawhead
Manufacturer: Lion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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The Endless Knot (The Song of Albion Trilogy, Book 3)
The Silver Hand: Book Two in The Song of Albion Trilogy (Song of Albion)
The Paradise War: Book One in The Song of Albion Trilogy (Lawhead, Steve. Song of Albion (Westbow Press))
Pendragon: Book Four of the Pendragon Cycle
Taliesin: Book One of the Pendragon Cycle

ASIN: 0745940323

Book Description

The three volumes that comprise this compelling saga begin with In the Hall of the Dragon King, and follow the fortunes of Quentin, who as a young temple acolyte, seeks to overthrow the evil loosed by Necromancer Nimrood and to save Mensandor, the realm of the Dragon King. In the second volume, The Warlords of Nin, Quentin once again holds the king’s destiny in his hands as the Wolf Star grows greater and the power of the Nin increases, spreading its black terror. In The Sword and the Flame, the final volume, Quentin reigns as Dragon King and faces an insidious attack of evil—from within himself—when Nimrood holds his son hostage.

Customer Reviews:

The Dragon King Saga:.......2007-03-08

Typical Steven Lawhead epic adventure story, action, narrow escapes, love, and good always triumphs. Great story and very easy reading. I flew through all 1000 pages in just caouple of weeks.

My 12-year-old son's favorite book series!.......2007-01-31

My son will tell you, "This is the best book I've ever read." In this fantasy the characters grow and change for the better. Move over Harry Potter, the Dragon King Saga has got you beat!

King-Priest of the Dragon King.......2006-06-28

here is an exerpt from the Warlords of Zin
Never in Malice, Never in Hate , Never in evil shall this blade be raised. But in righteousness and Justice forever shall it shine

This is seeped in Holy writings of Nippon, the Middle Kingdom, and Europe

All have a traditon of the few Holy-Warriors,
Recomended if thou likest the Lord of the Rings

A good, solid series of Lawhead's early writing........2004-11-16

I don't think I can add much beyond the in-depth review below, except to say that when I read the series some time ago, it captured my imagination enough for me to rate it a solid "I like it" #4 on the scale. I thought some of the spiritual concepts were a bit understated for a Christian Fantasy, but many prefer that. An event that I particularly remember was the search for the precious metal to fashion the sword, and also the sword's creation. The sword and its use in one certain battle still comes to memory. I wouldn't overlook this series if you are a Fantasy fan. It's worth the read.

Save your time, save your money, save your dignity.......2004-01-16

It could be said in this trilogy's defense that this work was intended as mere pulp fantasy, intended to be read by readers looking for the familiar fix of a plot written by the numbers. However, to do so would be an insult to pulp authors everywhere. Lawhead entirely fails to create believeable characters or to develop the characters that he does create. The plot is so predictable that I am convinced the author looked for the most obvious possible developments. However, these faults could be forgiven - or at least ignored - if the exposition was even slightly worthwhile.

Unfortunately, its deficiencies in plot, character, world-building, and originality are complemented by quite possibly the worst writing I have ever seen. His descriptions substitute the reader's fantasy stereotypes for any actual use of adjectives. Perhaps he assumes that his entire audience is third graders. His language is consistently cliched and hackneyed. If you enjoy being hit in the face repeatedly with large bricks, this trilogy may be for you. If you actively hate literature, this trilogy is definitely for you. If you're looking for a simple but entertaining story without too many preconceptions, read the Belgariad.

Sword of Flame
Average customer rating:

supply your own ending

Unnecessary Sequel

What a next chapter!

Flame, Flame

A bonus volume.
Sword of Flame
Maggie Furey
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Furey, Maggie | ( F ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:

Dhiammara

Harp of Winds

Aurian (First Book)

Echo of Eternity (The Shadowleague, Book 3)

Spirit of the Stone: Book 2 of The Shadowleague (The Shadowleague, Book 2)

ASIN: 0553565273
Release Date: 1996-04-01

Book Description

From the author of Aurian and Harp of Winds comes the latest entry in this remarkable saga. The flame-haired Lady Aurian is not only a mage
of great power, but also a heroine of great verve and spirit. Now, with the birth of her child, she has finally regained her powers and been reunited with her soulmate, Anvar, but the Archmage Miathan's curse still follows her. And until Aurian wins the last of the ancient Artefacts, the mystical Sword of Flame, her victory over the powers of darkness is far from assured.

Customer Reviews:

supply your own ending.......2005-04-27

First I read Aurian... and it was pretty good. Then I read the second installment and I thought, well, one more and it'll be over. The third, Sword of Flame, seemed headed for a neat ending, but alas, in the last few pages Furey manages to turn us around for a fourth volume. I was so frustrated that I sat down at the computer and wrote my own ending. You may want to do so too; or you could stop after reading "Aurian" and move on to some more productive activity, such as rereading Tolkien. Furey's problems as a writer have been accurately described by other reviewers of this book: for one thing, she needs to reduce her vast number of adjectives, and she'd be wise to stop telling us what the bad guys are thinking. And then there are the cliches. And people's inexplicable motivations and compulsions (Aurian's mother is a whole catalog of these). And... oh well.

Unnecessary Sequel.......2004-01-16

I think this book could have been condensed into one of the other sequels. Sword of Flame just made me NOT like Aurian more because she became more self-centered and EVERYTHING relied solely on her. As the book cheesily states, she is "the One". She has a strong cast of supporting companions that I'm sure could have competently taken care of their problems without her, but the author makes it so that Aurian waltzes in, fixes everything and gains adoring fans along the way. Although the author tries to make her more flawless, Aurian becomes more flawed. You can call her ambitious and wishing to fulfill her quest, but there were times I wished she would step back and take more time with her son and lover, who should've gotten more attention than her new friends! It was like once she had a new toy, she was bored with the old..even though she occasionally came back to them. Though I am aware of those not wishing fantasy books to become cheesy romance novels, the relationship she possessed with those she claimed dearest to her made it seem as if they were merely friends, like the rest of the gang. If the author was going to take a step that way, I don't see why she couldn't have made it more heartwarming. However, I did enjoy the previous two books, Aurian and Harp of Winds, and this one for its detailed descriptions (though it did get long-winded at times) although it doesn't leave me as curious to know how everything fares out, for I'm sure the One can make everything right anyway. Nevertheless, I, like many others who can't stand not to finish a story (no matter how disappointing), have hope for the last sequel, Dhiammara. Overall, the writing is definitely not bad, aside from those items I've noted, and I hope to read some more improved books from Ms. Furey.

What a next chapter!.......2004-01-09

Wow! after reading Aurian and the 2nd book - Harp of Winds, I couldn't wait to read this one, and I wasn't disapointed. Its just as rich and exciting and passionate and magical as the other two. Aurian, like anyone has her good days and bad days, but her heart is in the right place, and after all she has been through, you wonder how she can have the strength to stand, let alone fight, but fight she does, and gives the reader another fabulous adventure.

Flame, Flame.......2003-08-15

This book could have been excellent with half the description cut out. It reads like an unfortunate breeding between a bodice-ripper romance novel and the sort of roleplaying-world adventure where you can practically hear the clatter of dice on the table.

Lines like "It was a small, faint hope, but it warmed the heart of Vannor's indomitable daughter," are the rule rather than the exception. "Parric tore himself away with an incoherent shout of anger, his hand on the hilt of his sword." I don't have to search the book for these examples; I open the book at random and pick from the rich selection of over-ornamented purple prose.

It does have some strong female characters (Aurian, a mage; her mother; the strong-willed Zanna, daughter of Vannor, who winds up rescuing her father), and the story is intricately plotted. The strong characters are the saving grace; the plot could be less Byzantine. Only Robert Jordan tangles things more.

I did wind up finishing the book, but I was perilously close to declaring, "I don't care what happens to these people!" and flinging it into the bathtub.

Bottom line? Find it at the library first.

A bonus volume........2002-11-07

This is the third book in The Artefacts of Power tetralogy (after Aurian and Harp of Winds, and before Dhiammara).

Reunited at last, the Mages Aurian and Anvar are ready to set off again in search of the last Artefact of Power, the legendary Sword of Flame. Together with their new friends, they travel to the Xandim fastness, where the shortsighted Windeye Chiamh can help them locate the lost artefact. There they'll have to face the demented former Healer-Mage Meiriel who has but one obsession, to kill Aurian's son. Meanwhile, rebellion is slowly fermenting among the Xandim people.

At the same time in Nexis, young Zanna is trying to rescue her father from the clutches of the fiendish Archmage, while as always, the cupid Eliseth is coming up with more devious ploys to thwart Miathian and seize the power of the Cauldron of Rebirth.

The Sword of Flame is what you could call a typical middle volume, in which many events take place but where the overall story in itself isn't really getting much further. Mark you, I found it quite enjoyable, but as a whole, I was less impressed, less taken aback than I had been by the richness of Harp of Wind. I guess I read it faster because I was in a hurry to jump to Dhiammara, the final volume. Consider this one a bonus.

The Dragon King Trilogy/in the Hall of the Dragon King/the Warlords of Nin/the Sword and the Flame
Average customer rating:

Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable.

A guide to the story of the Dragon King trilogy.

Good Books

In the Hall of the Dragon King

An exciting and envolved plot
The Dragon King Trilogy/in the Hall of the Dragon King/the Warlords of Nin/the Sword and the Flame
Steve Lawhead
Manufacturer: Good News Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0891075666

Customer Reviews:

Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable........2001-07-04

If you are expecting something like Lawhead's profound and satisfying "Pendragon Cycle" when reading the "Dragon King" trilogy, prepare to be disappointed. This is the Lawhead "Lite" version, because it lacks the depth of description, character and emotion present in many of Lawhead's other works. Undoubtedly, this is more entertainment than the literary fiction of those offerings. But it would be unfair to criticize Lawhead too harshly for this, because this series was born in the infancy of his career as a writer. Readers familiar with the more polished and developed Lawhead as evident in his later work would do the man an injustice by measuring his first work by the incredibly high standard of his more mature efforts. As a series geared towards the level of teens rather than adults, and where the reader is not under the false expectation that it contains the majesty and depth of the "Pendragon Cycle", this is still a great read.

This first volume in the series! "In the Hall of the Dragon King" introduces us to young Quentin, who undertakes an important mission to rescue the Dragon King Eskevar from the traitorous Prince Jaspin and the evil necromancer Nimrood. The king can be rescued from the corrupt wizard only after Quentin and his friends make a perilous journey to the dreaded Karsh, the desolate home of Nimrood. In volume two of the series "The Warlords of Nin" Quentin has matured into a young adult, and must defend the royal castle and the kingdom over against the deadly Nin the Destroyer, with his four warlords, and thousands of soldiers. Victory is only possible when Quentin is armed with the enchanted sword Zhaligheer, but first Quentin must make a dangerous journey to search for a rare and fabled substance needed to make the sword. In "The Sword and the Flame", the third title in the series, the adult Quentin has assumed the throne and is busy building a temple dedicated to the Most High. But the evil necromancer Nimrood re!turns and collaborates with the defenders of the old gods against Quentin. The flame of the sword goes out, and the faith of the king and the hopes of the kingdom appear to be extinguished with it.

The strength of the series is the constant battle between good and evil, the powers of light and darkness. Quentin and his companions fight for freedom, justice and righteousness. Lawhead plainly intends this conflict to portray spiritual warfare. Quentin's enemies find their support in the pagan religions who worship the old gods, and employ the powers of sorcery, the occult and the dark arts. In contrast, victory of Quentin's kingdom is possible only with the help of the Most High God. The Christian symbolism is clearly evident: the conflict between the powers of good and evil is a picture of the great spiritual battle of the ages between God and Satan. Readers familiar with the battle images of Ephesians 6 will find the connections obvious. Quentin in particular plays a M!essianic role, by achieving deliverance as the Priest King, fulfilling prophecy in a manner much like Jesus Christ. Yet in contrast to these Messianic overtones of Quentin's role in an epic struggle, Lawhead also humanizes Quentin to the point where he is like us, a soldier in the battle rather than the Deliverer. Lawhead makes profound observations about personal faith, by showing that in the battle Quentin must learn to trust in the Most High. The Most High will be faithful in preserving the Kingdom, but his soldiers must be faithful in trusting and obeying him.

It is this depth of spiritual vision that makes Lawhead's prose all the more compelling and enjoyable. It is in the first place a story filled with medieval vistas and conflict - courageous knights in shining armour, flashing swords, evil wizards, deadly battles, heroic quests, and ancient chivalry. But especially the central place of the Most High God makes Lawhead's "Dragon King" trilogy so powerful and who!lesome - a picture of spiritual warfare, kings and kingdoms, prophets, dreams and visions, and above all faith in the Most High. It's not as deep and profound as his "Pendragon Cycle", but Lawhead "Lite" is still a very enjoyable read.

A guide to the story of the Dragon King trilogy........2001-07-04

This first volume in the series "In the Hall of the Dragon King" introduces us to young Quentin, an assistant in the temple of Ariel, who forsakes aspirations of priesthood in order to undertake an important mission for the Dragon King Eskevar. This leads to a quest to save Eskevar from the hands of his evil brother Prince Jaspin, who harbours selfish ambitions to take over the crown. Quentin and his great war horse Balder are joined in this quest by the religious hermit Durwin, the renowned outlaw Theido, the prison warder Trenn, the good Queen Alinea, the mysterious nomad Toli, and the brave knight Ronsard. But Jaspin proves to be a mere pawn in the hands of the evil necromancer Nimrood, and it is from the clutches of this corrupt wizard that the King must be rescued. Quentin and company face perils of many kinds, including the dreaded Harriers, and a long journey through the lands of Mensandor and Elsendor to the dreaded Karsh, the desolate home of Nimrood.

In volume two of the series "The Warlords of Nin" Quentin has matured into a young adult and made his home in Dekra, far away from his beloved Bria. Along with his companion and friend Toli, Quentin heads back to the royal castle at Askelon at the urgent summons of King Eskevar, who detects an impending danger that threatens the empire. All the signs, including the bizarre and ever-brightening Wolf Star, point to a perilous time. The danger proves to be a serious one indeed: Nin the Destroyer, with his four warlords, and thousands of soldiers. Quentin and Toli escape from the clutches of one of the warlords along with the defector Myrmior, who turns out to be a most helpful ally. Myrmior's cunning and clever strategy does a great deal to slow the advance of the army of Nin threatening to overwhelm Askelon. But in the end, victory depends on the fulfilment of an archaic prophecy about a Priest King, who will bring deliverance armed with a mysterious sword known as the "Zhaligheer" or "Shining One". It seems the Quentin is the fabled Priest King, and in obedience to the prophecy, he undertakes a mission to the lost mines of Ariga, along with the armorer Inchkeith, to search for the rare and fabled lanthanil needed to make the sword. Will he accomplish his mission on time? Is he the one of whom the prophecy speaks?

In "The Sword and the Flame", the third title in the series, Quentin has assumed the throne, with Bria his queen. The kingdom firmly established, he is busy building the King's Temple, a temple dedicated to the Most High. And he is armed with the enchanted sword, whose flame symbolized the support of the Most High. But enemies old and new are fiercely opposed to Quentin's overturn of the old gods. The evil necromancer Nimrood returns to collaborate with the defenders of the old gods - the priests at the temple of Ariel, who see the construction of the King's Temple as a sign of the inevitable destruction of their own High Temple. Suddenly, the peace of Quentin's kingdom becomes overshadowed by darkness. His son is kidnapped, a close friend killed. Quentin must face open hostility from his enemies, even treachery from his own supporters. But worst of all the flame of the sword goes out, and the hopes for the kingdom appear to be extinguished along with it. The ensuing struggle makes this book the most emotional and introspective of the series, as it focuses on Quentin's loneliness, his deep, dark and total despair, which nearly extinguishes his faith. Lawhead treats this subject with raw and gripping emotion, precisely the ability later developed and fine-tuned that made the "Pendragon Cycle" so powerful. Perhaps even more compelling than the glory of a kingdom, is the tragedy of a fallen king, who is so distraught that he rejects the Most High and tumbles into the depths of despair. In the end, the tide turns when Quentin renews his faith. The climax is particularly powerful, with unforgettable scenes reminiscent of the confrontation on Mount Carmel between Elijah the prophet of the Most High and the prophets of Baal.

Each story can be read independently, since each volume introduces a new conflict which is resolved by the conclusion of the book. But the tales of the Dragon King trilogy are so exciting, that once you have read one, you'll want to read them all!

Good Books.......2001-01-11

It has been several years since I have read these books, but they are the ones that started me on Lawhead. Since then I have read almost every one of his works. That should say a bit about these. He is an excellent author and really knows how to go into Folklore and bring out a great story.

In the Hall of the Dragon King.......2000-09-28

If you have ever read Stephen R. Lawhead, you will know that he is a great author with an epic imagination. This shines though in many of his books and "In the Hall of teh Dragon King" is no exception. It is a great epic about the coming of a boy that feels an urge yet doesn't know that it was destiny beaconing him forward. I can't wait to get the rest of the sereies though I have only one reason why I gave it a 4 stars and not 5. It went too fast. Though close to 400 pages....I felt that the plot was a bit rushed.

An exciting and envolved plot.......1999-06-10

The twisting tale of a young temple acolyte as he grows up to become the Dragon King. With excellent Battle descriptions, a series of twists and, devastating scenes where hero's of old come to rest. This is a great book by Stephen Lawhead even if the characters are slightly too correct and polite. I wish there was another book to continue on!!

The Sword and the Chain (Guardians of the Flame)

Average customer rating:

Not Free SF Reader
Still Great
Fine fantasy, but aimless
The Quest Continues
Joel Rosenberg has outdone himself!

The Sword and the Chain (Guardians of the Flame)
Joel Rosenberg
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0451453514

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Karl, Andrea, Ahira, Lou and Walter are stuck in the fantasy game world. It is a little bit different now as they are used to it, so this becomes more of a standard fantasy adventure type novel.

They become good guys, and fight to oppose a bunch of wizards and slavers.

Still Great.......2005-09-01

I can't believe these books are out of print. I originally bought them as a single hardcover collection from a book club. This takes up right where The Sleeping Dragon left off. There is no drop off in quality and it certainly feels like the 2nd part of a greater story and not some forced sequel. It also is an interesting social commentary on the ills of slavery.

Fine fantasy, but aimless.......2003-04-07

The Sword and the Chain, while still a quick, entertaining read, lacks the unique appeal that The Sleeping Dragon had. The characters, having been imported into a Dungeons & Dragons world from our own, are now completely ensconced and resigned to staying. There is no longer any disconnect between the characters and their setting and, except for a certain sense of greater superiority, there is little to distinguish our heroes from any other fantasy character. Also problematic is that the narrative focus has shifted entirely onto Karl Cullinane, leaving the far more interesting Ahira in a side-kick role. There is, however, an intriguing plot development involving erstwhile professor Deighton, whose resolution appears to await later books.

Like The Sleeping Dragon, The Sword and the Chain is an incredibly quick read. It's not always enjoyable (do we really need to read about disembowelments that sound like a wet fruit exploding?), but it is a fine distraction from our own daily lives. A worthwhile read for any fantasy fan.

The Quest Continues.......2001-11-09

The second book in the Guardians of the Flame series returns the reader to the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Karl, Andrea, Ahira, Walter, and Lou are stuck in a strange world in the bodies of the characters they created and played. These friends are bound to this world through a pledge to bring freedom to the world. They made their pledges to save the life of a friend. Now Karl and his friends must wage a war on slavery, fighting against Wizards and the Slaver's Guild. With the aid of the young dragon Ellegon, from the first novel, Karl and his friends start trying to fulfill their promise. The two books in this series that I have read so far have read mostly like you would expect a Dungeons & Dragons adventure to be. The characters have to adapt to the strange world of magic, with only their wits and the instincts of their bodies. There is, of course, the obligatory quest, and plenty of magic and spells. This book is interesting, easy reading. Do not expect many plot intricacies, but do expect to enjoy the developing story of the Guardians of the Flame.

Joel Rosenberg has outdone himself!.......2001-08-02

I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed with this outing. While most sequels are stale and transparent, Joel Rosenberg manages to take up where The Sleeping Dragon left off and create a mystical tale that keeps the readers attention from the first page to the last.

Admittedly, I let out a yelp of joy when Karl announced to the slaver, "Tell you masters that I am hunting them!" It showed a glimmer of what was to come in this series (especially this installment), and it did not disappoint.

I won't allow myself to announce any spoilers for those who haven't enjoyed this, but let me say that it was delightfully intriguing when the secret of Deighton was revealed. The implications of this information should have an enormous impact in future volumes.

The Sword and the Flame: Book Three (The Dragon King Saga)
Average customer rating:

1st and 2nd one was better,but it pretty good, too!

Mature Quentin & Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable.

Quinten again faces nimrod.

Creative, involving entertainment with great new ideas
The Sword and the Flame: Book Three (The Dragon King Saga)
Stephen R. Lawhead
Manufacturer: Lion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Anthologies | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Lawhead, Stephen | ( L ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0745946194

Book Description

Quentin reigns at last as Dragon King, but he is faced with the kidnapping of his son, the death of his most trusted counselor, and the return of his arch–enemy Nimrood. Grief–stricken and despairing, Quentin faces his severest test. And more than a kingdom hangs in the balance…

Customer Reviews:

1st and 2nd one was better,but it pretty good, too!.......2002-09-26

As I said in the title place, the first and second book of the Dragon King Trilogy was better; they both had excitement and action. The third was good too, but didn't have much action in it. I like books with adventure in it so that might be the reason I didn't give this book 5 stars. But I still enjoyed it. To enjoy this book properly, I think it is better to read, "In the Hall of the Dragon King" and "Warlords of Nin" first.

Quentin is now the Dragon King. He has 3 kids,two girls and a boy. His wife Bria is now the Queen. Mesandor had enjoyed peace for a long time. With his legendary sword, Shaligkeer the Shining Sword (I forgot to tell about it in my "Warlords of Nin" review. "Warlords of Nin" is the second book.), which was made from the precious stone called lathrinil.

Quentin soon faces a severe test as his son is kidnapped, his most trusted couselor, Duwin the Holy Hermit, is killed, and when he hears that his archenemy Nimrood the Necromancer had returned. (I was so shocked at the part where Durwin died!)Quentin is filled with grief and frustration that he does not know what he is doing. He murdurs one of the kidnappers mercilessly and loses his great sword, the Shaligkeer. King Quentin loses, as it seems to him, everything he holds dear and plunges into despair. It does not help that one of his lords, Lord Ameronis was full of ambition and leaped at the chance to become King. Soon Mesander fights with one of his lords and the whole land is thrown into turmoil as the common people and also the knights, lords, and nobles of the King, hears rumores that Quentin had lost his sword and that it was because he followed the Most High God that he was punished by other gods.

What will happen to King Quentin? What did it mean that Nimrood the Necromancer, assumed dead, came back?

Quentin learns a valuable lesson in this book, that when it seems that God was not with you, it was because you had drawn away from Him. Not because He had left you.

This book was interesting and at the same time, some parts were exciting. Especially the part where Quentin's son is kidnapped and the last part. I can't tell you how the last part is or it'll be telling the whole story. :) I suggest that you would read this because it would finish the Dragon King Trilogy and also because this book is a good book.

Mature Quentin & Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable........2001-07-03

"The Sword and the Flame" is the third title in Lawhead's "Dragon King" Trilogy, the series which propelled him to success. Quentin has assumed the throne, with Bria his queen, and is now the father of three children. The kingdom firmly established, he is busy building the King's Temple, a temple dedicated to the Most High. And he is armed with the enchanted sword, "The Shining One", whose "flame was the symbol of the god's presence with the King, and more." (p.94)

But enemies old and new are fiercely opposed to Quentin's overturn of the old gods. The evil necromancer Nimrood returns to collaborate with the defenders of the old gods - the priests at the temple of Ariel, who see the construction of the King's Temple as an inevitable sign of the destruction of their own High Temple. Suddenly, the peace of Quentin's kingdom becomes overshadowed by darkness. A close friend of Quentin is killed, his son kidnapped. Quentin must face open hostility from his enemies, and! even conflict from his own people, and treachery from his own supporters. But worst of all the flame of the sword goes out, and the hopes for the kingdom appear to be extinguished along with it: "One fell thrust and the fire of the white lanthanil blade had been quenched. The awful significance of what had happened struck him like a thunderbolt...the hand of the Most High was removed from him." (p.77-8) Is there any hope for Quentin or his kingdom?

The ensuing struggle makes this book the most emotional of the series. Certainly we are treated to lots of Lawhead excitement and action, one of the highlights being the intrigue and conflict of a castle under seige. But "The Sword and the Flame" doesn't quite have the same blazing glory of battle as the previous volume. It is far more introspective, as it focuses on Quentin's loneliness, his deep, dark and total despair, which nearly extinguishes his faith. "Now there was only darkness. In the space of half a day he had los!t his son, his trusted friend, and - worst of all - the favor of the Most High. His mind reeled at the enormity of his trouble, his heart ached with sorrow, his body throbbed with grief and exhaustion." (p.85) Lawhead treats this subject with raw and gripping emotion, precisely the ability later developed and fine tuned which made the "Pendragon Cycle" so powerful. Perhaps even more compelling than the glory of a kingdom, is the tragedy of a fallen king, who is so distraught that he rejects the Most High (p.166) and tumbles into the depths of despair.

Yet this personal struggle of the king occurs in the context of a great struggle for his kingdom. Does the extinguished flame of the enchanted sword mean that the Most High no longer is to be trusted? The people of the kingdom are convinced that the old gods are humbling their king for having chased after a new god (p.159). Yet in the end, even when the people are ready to lose faith in the Most High, the Most High is fait!hful. "It is not the One who forgets us, but we forget him." (p.199) Quentin must realize that "the flame of true faith can not be kindled on the fuel of the old religion." (p.230) When he renews his faith, the tide turns. The climax of the book is particularly powerful, with scenes reminiscent of the confrontation on Mount Carmel between Elijah the prophet of the Most High and the prophets of Baal.

In many respects, Lawhead's medieval fantasy world is reminiscent of Tolkien's world, although Tolkien's many fantastic creatures are absent. But what is absent in Tolkien is present in Lawhead: the Most High God. It is the strong spiritual vision where the Most High God and faith in God is central that makes Lawhead's books so powerful and so wholesome. Lawhead's "Dragon King" Trilogy paints a picture of spiritual warfare, kings and kingdoms, prophets, dreams and visions, and above all faith in the Most High. It's the picture of a time much like the glorious Old Testament !days of David and Solomon, who with prophets and visionaries fought for the peace of the Kingdom of the Most High in the era before the coming of Christ. Although not as deep or profound as "The Pendragon Cycle", this series of Lawhead "Lite" is still unquestionably a success.

Quinten again faces nimrod........1998-05-05

This is a great finish to the series that Lawhead developed. You can start with this book, but I would recommend reading the previous two first. Quinten again is matched against the evil Nimrod. He loses his son, his sword, and his wife has left him, to seek advice from the God most High, in his most needful hour. The book weaves in Christianity in a mysterious way and still has a great story line! What more can you ask??

Creative, involving entertainment with great new ideas.......1997-02-14

Lawhead has written a masterful conclusion to the Dragon King series. The involving plot and emotional ties kept me thinking about the book through the day. I've never read a book with such an unusually complex -yet accurate- dipiction of God in a fantasy adventure series. The movement from the old gods into the God was so facinating. With a powerful, meaningful end, Lawhead never let the story down nor left any plots incomplete. This was not the story I expected to end the series. "The Sword and the Flame" was not a drug-out I-want-to-write-a-third-book conclusion, but rather it was a great story on it's own

Average customer rating:

This Novel Didn't Move Me

The Sword and the Flame
Patricia Phillips
Manufacturer: Leisure Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0843947268

Book Description

The fire that raged in Adele St. Clare was unquenchable. The feisty redhead thought shed burned when King John decreed she marry against her will, but that had only been with anger. Then her bridal escort arrived--Rafe De Montford--and within her most secret places, the handsome swordsman ignited something hotter. But the noble Rafe had been ordered to deliver her unto destruction, to a betrothed she could not even respect--let alone love. And Rafes strong arms dimmed any hopes she had of release. But his smoldering glances promised a future far brighter than escape. With one heated look the virile warrior captured her heart, and with one of the knights fiery kisses, the headstrong beauty knew that from these sparks of desire would spring the flame of a love everlasting.

Customer Reviews:

This Novel Didn't Move Me.......2000-07-03

Adele St. Clare had functioned as Lord and Lady of the castle following her father's death as her brother has been held hostage by the king in the hope that it would make a more loyal subject of Adele's father. And that's where the trouble with this novel begins.

A minor, Adele is made a ward by the King and Gilbert Bohun is being sent with troops to function as the castellan. But more bad news comes along with the cruel Bohun's arrival. Rafe De Montford has been sent to take Adele to the man the King has selected as her husband. A man who is likely to be no more appealing than Gilbert Bohun. A man who, Adele now knows, has held her brother captive all these long years.

But, in the course of their travels, Rafe and Adele find they have fallen in love with one another and Rafe vows not to deliver the lovely Adele to her court-appointed husband-to-be. Rather, he will attempt to strike a bargain with her would-be husband and hope that he accepts - and that the King doesn't dish out punishment for going against his orders.

"The Sword and the Flame" was rife with problems from the first page. Logistical problems abound in this tiresome novel and there is nothing spectacular about the writing or storyline. Rather, the flat characters are led by their own selfish desires and there is nothing to endear one to the other - let alone make one fall in love with the other. This novel didn't move me.

FLYING INTO THE FLAMES OF HELL: Flying with Bomber Command in World War II (Pen & Sword Aviation)
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FLYING INTO THE FLAMES OF HELL: Flying with Bomber Command in World War II (Pen & Sword Aviation)
Martin Bowman
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | England | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1844153894

Book Description

The book contains twenty-three stirring accounts of what life flying as air-crew in World War Two was really like. The writers are a mixed bunch of pilots, navigators and gunners who flew medium and heavy bombers or Mosquitoes. It conveys the terror of being coned by German searchlights over the target, attacks by Luftwaffe night-fighters, catastrophic damage to aircraft and the ensuing struggle to keep the machine airborne on the return trip to base. It tells of the comradeship between the crew and often the humor between them which was often bred from fear.

The gentle and unassuming narratives convey the sense of purpose that these men felt in doing one of the most dangerous jobs in the war. It is a fitting tribute to those that survived and the many thousands who died in the struggle against Hitler's dreadful ambitions in Europe.

Blaze of Wrath & Sword of Fire & Red Flame Burning ( Set of 3 Books )

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Blaze of Wrath & Sword of Fire & Red Flame Burning ( Set of 3 Books )

Manufacturer: Del Ray
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GS9VUG

Guardians of the Flame: the Warriors (Sleeping Dragon, Sword & the Chain & Silver Crown bound in one volume)

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Guardians of the Flame: the Warriors (Sleeping Dragon, Sword & the Chain & Silver Crown bound in one volume)
Joel Rosenberg
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UCSP6Y

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