Amazon.com Audiobook Review
Book 3 of the Han Solo trilogy, Rebel Dawn tells the tale of young Han from his winning of the Millennium Falcon from Lando Calrissian in a sabacc tournament to his fateful meeting in the Mos Eisley cantina with Luke and Obi-Wan. Along the way, Han gets his first taste of the Rebel Alliance, and runs afoul of Jabba the Hutt--which comes back to haunt him later. Performer David Pittu's delivery is quiet and controlled, relying more on the sound effects and John Williams's music from the Star Wars Trilogy films for dramatic effect. At times, Pittu's voice is positively deadpan--perhaps allowing the listener to find his own humor in events such as the Wookiee betrothal ceremony (FYI: it involves the male Wookiee killing a small Kashyyykan animal and offering it to the female. If she bites into its soft underbelly, she has accepted the proposal). Ah, romance. (Running time: 3 hours, 2 cassettes) --C.B. Delaney
Book Description
Here is the explosive conclusion of the blockbuster trilogy that chronicles the never-before-told story of the young Han Solo. Set before the Star Wars(r) movie adventures, these books chronicle the coming-of-age of the galaxy's most famous con man, smuggler, and thief.
The Millennium Falcon is "the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy." So when Han Solo wins it in a game of sabacc, he and Chewbacca become kings of the smugglers--uncatchable, unstoppable. But with the Empire clamping down, Han knows his luck can't last. Still, when an old girlfriend who is now the leader of an insurgent Rebel group offers him a shot at an incredible fortune, Han can't resist. The plan seems a sure thing. The resistance will be light and the take enormous. Han and his friends will divide it equally with the Rebels. Too bad for Han that the planet of Ylesia is far from a pushover, that the Rebels have an agenda of their own, and that smuggler friends can often turn into enemies...quicker than lightspeed.
Customer Reviews:
"The Beginning....".......2007-06-28
A GREAT finish to the wonderful Han Solo Trilogy by A.C. Crispin. Alot happens in this book and questions are answered, gaps are filled, and even more insight is given to what makes Han Solo, as we've come to know him through the original set of movies, tick.
A few great things about this book...There's plenty of Boba Fett, Chewbacca AND Lando Calrissian.
What else is really cool about this read is that Crispin ties in several other stories with this book. She tides in the Han Solo trilogy of books into this one. Don't worry, if you haven't read them (I only read At Stars End, currently but am moving on to the next two) you won't be lost. It also ties in the events from the Lando Calrissian Adventures, which I have yet to read (but they're on the way). So, basically this book ties up things that happened from the first book, the second book as well as six other books that are centered around Han and Lando. Crispin did her homework on this one.
There's alot of Hutt scheming and politics in this book as well, just like it's predecessor the Hutt Gambit (another fantastic read) and those were alot of fun to read. You really get a sense of how they operate and what the Hutts are really all about from reading this Trilogy.
I'm sad that I finished all three books in such short order quite frankly, but I couldn't put them down. I would like to see A.C. Crispin come back to the Star Wars universe as she's got a great handle on the characters and the nuances of the galaxy far far away that Lucas created 30 years ago.
I can't recommend this book and the whole trilogy for that matter, highly enough! GREAT trilogy!.
Best of the Trilogy.......2007-03-31
This is the best of the Han Solo Trilogy. It ties in well with other books concerning the time period, and it does a good job of fleshing out the fledgling Rebel Alliance before Luke and Leia join, developing Boba Fett,the Hutts gang war, and has a satisfying conclusion to the Yelasia story. It also does a supurb build up to either New Hope, or the Tales of the Mos Eisely Cantina.
Han's not as cool as we thought.......2007-03-23
This book, though midly entertaining, is not for the old school Star Wars fans that grew up on the original Trilogy. The Han Solo Trilogy lacks the stories of a scoundrel that I expected not to mention creates a love sick sucker out of everyone's unlikely hero. This trilogy also has glaring contradictions and plot holes when taken with the movies and other Star Wars books. This book is for the younger Star Wars fan, the generation that believes Greedo shot first.
Han Solo sets the stage for A New Hope.......2007-03-16
The third book of A. C. Crispin's Han Solo trilogy deals primarily with Han's adventures as two separate Hutt dynasties try to wipe each other out. Chewbacca is back by his side, and Bria Tharen makes a final return appearance. The early part of the book is great fun as Han wins the Millennium Falcon from Lando in a sabacc game. Then Han and Chewie head off for Kashyyyk where Chewie marries his sweetheart Mallatobuck. From there on we are swept up in various Hutt Machiavellian schemes and the efforts of Bria Tharen, now an officer with the Rebel Alliance, to get Han and his smuggler friends to join the rebels. They plan to attack to wipe out slavery on Ylesia and acquire all of the spices and valuable items to fund rebel efforts and to pay Han and his friends.
During part of the book Han moves on to the Corporate Sector where he has numerous adventures that are described in other books. The real focus of this book is to get the characters to the point where A New Hope starts. Ms Crispin succeeds admirably in getting this done. We understand more and more how Han's personality developed, where his mistrust of authority came from, and why he seems to shy away from serious relationships with women. Clearly we know why he strongly resists all efforts to help the Rebel Alliance after Luke and Leia come along. At the conclusion of Rebel Dawn Han and Bria's efforts have led to a victory against the slavers on Ylesia. In return for his efforts and those of his smuggler friends, Han has been promised compensation in the form of valuable spices and extremely valuable antiques from the High Priest's collection. Bria has to break this arrangement to follow orders from her superiors, i.e., keep all of the spices and antiques solely for the rebels to use in funding an attack on what we know is the Death Star. Clearly this does not sit well with Han, and his friends feel that they have been double-crossed by both Han and Bria. The resultant split between Han and Lando that we see in the films now makes more sense.
You have to love the actual ending of the book. Han and Chewie are in Mos Eisley trying to figure out how to get the money they owe Jabba from a failed spice run. The scene feels very familiar.
"Then he started across the crowded cantina, where Chewie, the old man, and the boy sat waiting....
THE BEGINNING"
Excellent conclusion to the Han Solo Trilogy.......2007-01-05
A. C. Crispin brings the Han Solo Trilogy to a terrifically entertaining conclusion in Rebel Dawn. The many plot threads she began in the first two volumes are neatly sewn together. By the end, we have gained a much deeper understanding of what motivates Han and how he became the wary smuggler we met in the Mos Eisley Cantina in A New Hope. In addition to concluding her own plots tidily, Crispin weaves in many entertaining elements of the Expanded Universe from both other novels and comic books.
Rebel Dawn gets underway with the story of how Han won the Millennium Falcon from Lando. The two meet up unintentionally in a sabacc tournament held on Cloud City (nicely tied to The Empire Strikes Back). Han is overjoyed at his victory and surprisingly, this is not the event that caused the bad blood we see between Lando and Han in the films - that happens in the novel's climax and wasn't something Han could have easily prevented.
From Bespin the story carries on to a variety of locales much like the first two books. One interesting challenge Crispin faced in this story, which literally takes Han all the way to his entrance in A New Hope, is she had to work in the three vintage-era Han Solo novels in some capacity, since their events would have to take place somewhere in this part of the timeline. She chose to use short interludes to summarize Han's absence from the main storyline and to recap his adventures in the Corporate Sector. These interludes are smart in that they do not make for any significant redundancy between the Han Solo Trilogy and the old Han Solo Adventures.
Many key elements of Han's character that weren't tackled in the first two books make an appearance here. From the installation of the Falcon's smuggling compartments to how Han made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs to the circumstances surrounding the infamous shipment of Jabba's spice Han was forced to dump, Crispin leaves almost no detail untouched. I also enjoyed the numerous cameos and EU tie-ins, such as Xizor and Guri's appearances (along with a somewhat superfluous "dash" of another Shadows of the Empire character), the final connections to the Nar Shaddaa crowd we meet in Dark Empire, and the raid on the Imperial planet of Toprawa to secure the Death Star plans.
Rebel Dawn cruises to an exciting and gripping climax, in which key characters we haven't seen since The Paradise Snare return and the final pieces all fall into place for Episode IV. Crispin did an excellent job with the Han Solo Trilogy, taking a beloved character and adding to his backstory in many memorable and provocative ways.
Book Description
High in the Misted Cliffs lives a magic unlike any other.
With no teacher to guide her, no mentor to discourage her from the impossible, Mel Dawnfield pushed her magic to its limits -- and surpassed them. Only to find that her powers aren't enough to halt burgeoning rebellion within her husband's fledgling realm -- or a plot devised to strike at the very heart of Mel's family.
Mel's mage strength has become greater than any power ever known, but dare she forge her spells into weapons to protect her people, her husband? For her magic might transform the brutality of war into the birth pangs of a peaceful empire . . . unless it proves the death blow to her world.
Customer Reviews:
The Saga Continues..........2006-09-02
Asaro delved a little deeper into Mel and Cobalt's story in the 2nd addition and a better sense of story-telling comes out -- but I like the first one better.
I stated in a previous review on The Misted Cliffs that Asaro hadn't found her voice - and she still hasn't. She's simply continuing the tale of the fantastical settled lands as she had before. The writing lacks luster that I've seen more of in teen novels than here. And the stories of the Dark King and his oh-so-benevolent and perfect wife could have been told better if more thought had gone into the actual *writing* and character development. Mel takes a back seat and has suddenly doesn't add up to who she was in the first novel.
Ultimately, the final conclusion drawn up for Cobalt and Mel were satisfying in an elementary way. I liked the story and Cobalt's character admittedly appealed to me because he seemed the most realistic of them all. But the secondary characters and the romantic inclinations of the Taka Mal queen were obvious plot devices to make the book seem like a deeper read. But the covers of these novels speak for themselves: they're simply light reads that don't take much effort to breeze through on a boring week night.
But on a lighter and kinder note, I would recommend it to everyone who read The Misted Cliffs because you find out what ultimately becomes of Cobalt's desires to be emperor and Mel's modest desires for home and hearth. The books are light and appropriate for teen readers 14 and up. A 3.5 stars for a moderately satisfying read.
Not quite there...........2006-08-06
After the lead up from the previous novel, I was looking for a culmination of the previous stories in this one. Although she did a great job in exposing the emotions felt by Cobalt and Mel, I feel like she fell short in completing these events - unless she has another novel planned. We never really hear about Mel's parents again and the other members of her family, except for a new look at Drummer, who hadn't been mentioned since the first novel. I can understand that this novel is mainly centered around the journey that Mel has to undergo, but it would have been interesting if the other mages that we had come to love through these stories made a final appearance in this novel. I enjoyed this story, but it just seemed anti-climatic in its ending.
Good, but missing something..........2006-07-14
Mel and Cobalt are back at their finest. Cobalt still has problems containing his anger and yearns to get along with his grandfather and his growth in this novel is pretty amazing. Two more characters, Drummer and Jade enter the picture and their story is relatively interesting.
Asaro never seems to write a bad book, but in this book I was looking for something more. I started the series with Charmed Destinies and I was just waiting for Jarid to make an appearance. However he has no significant role in this book. Drummer was probably the biggest disappointment, however. His character seemed really shallow to me.
But Asaro pulls out with four stars due to Cobalt's role in the novel, the amazingly amusing war conference, and the believeability of the majority of the characters (well, as believeable as a fantasy story can be, anyway).
spellbinding romantic fantasy .......2006-07-05
Cobalt the Dark married Mel Dawnfield so that Harsdown would eventually return to Cobalt's heirs because it is part of his wife's dowry. What began as a marriage of state quickly became a love match. He conquered Sharize and Blue Shire and is heir to the Misted Cliffs, ruled by his abusive grandfather Stonebreaker who made his and his mother's life miserable as a child.
Cobalt would love to add the countries of Jazid and Taka Mal to his empire but Mel doesn't want her husband to become the dictator of the world. The country of Taka Mal, fearing Cobalt's expansionist ideas, kidnap the queen of Aronsdale's brother Drummer, Mel's uncle and a minstrel with a voice that could make grown men weep for joy. The ruling queen Jade quickly falls under Drummer's spell and wants to marry him because Cobalt would never invade a country that is tied to his wife's family. Before that plan could be put into motion, Mel is kidnapped and it is made to look like Taka Mal performed the deed. Cobalt marches towards Taka Mal intending to level it unless Mel can escape her prison and explain the truth to her beloved.
Nebula award winner Catherine Asaro writes a spellbinding romantic fantasy as well as she does hard science fiction. Fans of her Skollan empire series will find THE DAWN STAR a softer, more people driven tale with characters well suited for this sword and sorcery tale. Although there are plenty of action scenes, the plot is more about political chicanery and the political intrigue scenes are fascinating.
Customer Reviews:
A Five-star keeper for the Regency shelf!.......2007-04-30
Simon St John, 7th Earl of Travis, has met his match, and his savior, when he undertakes the guardianship of a young woman whose brother he has fought in a duel. Though his opponent killed himself after exhibiting unsportsmanlike behavior, Victoria Yelverton, having witnessed her brother's demise, places the blame squarely on St John's shoulders.
At first Simon is eager to be rid of the beautiful Victoria, but as time passes and he begins to yield to the powerful draw of her charms, he has to fight to keep himself aloof from this diamond of the first water. Victoria is fighting the attraction as well, and puts up a valiant pretense of indifference to this man who she believes caused her brother's death.
Mrs. Young pens a wonderful story. Her grasp of character development is superb. You feel as though you've stepped into the book, so absorbing is the tale. Highly recommended read! Two thumbs up!
Wonderful Regency.......2007-01-30
Michele Ann Young's debut novel is a wonderful Regency story. The author knows her craft, making her words a pleasure to read, and knows her history, the little details woven in skillfully, adding enjoyment to the story.
Victoria, the heroine, knows the ruin gambling and drinking can bring to men. Having spent too much of her youth looking after her father and then her brother, she wants no part of men. Tragedy intervenes, bringing her to the Earl of Travis's attention. Known as Satan to the ton, he personifies all those traits she despises in men. She loathes him. However, due to his actions, he feels responsible for her future and so declares he'll give her a season, allow her to choose her husband or he'll choose for her.
Then begins the awareness of one for the other, the part Regency and romance readers love to read. Travis discovers Victoria is no simpering miss, easily swayed, much to his annoyance and delight. Nor is he the unfeeling seducer of innocents, but a man who guards his heart, Victoria slowly comes to realize.
I enjoyed reading as the two little by little discovered the true nature of the other, and themselves, and how they reconciled all at the end. The love in this romance read true and felt right, not rushed but believable. The secondary characters are crying for a story of their own. Two more at least. Please? A wonderful story, one I highly recommend.
PISTOLS AT DAWN will sweep readers back to a time when honor is often satisfied by a duel.......2007-01-25
Victoria Yelverton lost everything when her brother ended his own life after losing a duel with Simon St. John. With no place else to go, Victoria is forced to accept Simon's offer of his home and protection as her guardian, until she marries. Victoria has no intention of marrying. Years of misery with her father and then her brother have shown her that men aren't to be trusted or counted on for anything. Victoria fully intends to make her own way in life.
Simon (Satan) St. John, Earl of Travis, has quite the undeserved reputation as a rakehell. Taking Victoria into his home after her brother's death is a spur of the moment decision but he refuses to allow her to go homeless or into debtor's prison. His only option is to assume the role of her guardian until Victoria marries - and keep his hands off of her.
Victoria arrived at the duel just in time to watch as her brother turned the pistol on himself. He'd left her homeless, penniless, and completely alone in the world. When she threw herself across the body of her brother, Simon assumed that Victoria was Michael's doxy. Michael's friend, Ogden, corrects that assumption and then proceeds to inform him that Victoria's well-being is now Simon's responsibility. Despite his reputation, Simon is not heartless and takes Victoria into his home. He fully intends to marry her off within the season. Simon's own attraction for her continues to grow while Victoria shows no interest in marrying at all. She intends to make her own way in this world without the encumbrance of a husband. Despite her intentions, Victoria develops feelings for Simon. Will long buried secrets from Simon's past destroy any chance they have at happiness?
PISTOLS AT DAWN will sweep readers back to a time when honor is often satisfied by a duel, reputations could be destroyed by rumor alone and women were reliant on the men in their lives to support them. Victoria is passionate and unlike the rest of the ladies of the ton she isn't afraid to defy convention and stand up for what or whom she believes is right. Much of Simon's reputation is undeserved and I love that Victoria is able to see him as a man worth loving. Throughout the story Ogden continues to attempt to insinuate himself into Victoria's life. You get the feeling that he's somehow involved with all of the misfortunes that take place but can't figure out how or why. Michelle Ann Young incorporates fun, memorable characters throughout this story that will live on in your memory long after you've put the book down. I'd love to read a follow-up story involving Simon's friend, Ian. He's a lush but definitely a dynamic personality throughout this book.
Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)
Easy Read.......2007-01-04
Enjoyed dialogue and plot. Many historical novels are weighted down with discriptions. This book manage to make the historical aspects modern feeling.
Incredible Author with a command for the time and genre.......2006-07-31
Pistols at Dawn is one of those books you just don't want to put down. Not only is the storyline fantastic, but Ms. Young has a firm command on the regency period without sounding forced. It is clear that this is one writer that is going to go a long way. I am definitely getting more of her books!
Average customer rating:
- incredibly powerful and eloquent book
- You can go home again--to your real life between the worlds.
- Full of Inspiration, Magic, and Revelation
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Eagles of the New Dawn (The Arcturian Star Chronicles)
Patricia Pereira
Manufacturer: Atria Books/Beyond Words
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1885223595 |
Customer Reviews:
incredibly powerful and eloquent book.......2002-08-11
This is the second of a four volume set. I'm on the last one. They are all incredibly good. Perhaps the best books I've read in my life, and I've read roughly 25 books on Buddhism, Christianity, new age scientific, and spiritual subjects over the last 3-4 years. I've never read a four volume set of anything in my life.
In general each of her books is better than the previous, presumably because she is becoming a better "channel." This second book is notably better written than the first, but I wouldn't skip the first.
Its a very improbable story, her story. Regardless of whether you believe it, the eloquence of the prose and the spiritual message are incredibly powerful. To make a point, not intending to denigrate Patricia's previous proffession in any way, I will say, "you will eventually come to realize that it would be impossible for a medical transcriptionist in Boise to write these books."
You can go home again--to your real life between the worlds........1999-03-08
Improbable as is the thesis of EAGLES OF THE NEW DAWN--incredible as is its alleged origin on the Blue Crystal Planet orbiting the star Arcturus--this is a book that (like SONGS OF THE ARCTURIANS) I find myself returning to again and again, almost as if I were coming home. Through some wizardry of stylistic innovation--which she suggests has simply to do with their being of an extraterrestrial nature--these otherworldly songs of Patricia Pereira do contain, just as they are supposed to, the vibration of long-forgotten but utterly familiar love between the planets.
Full of Inspiration, Magic, and Revelation.......1999-02-13
Patricia Pereira's books, The Arcturian Star Chronicles, are absolutely incredible on many levels. Eagles Of The New Dawn is the second volume of the series. It is written in the most beautiful, innovative language that one can imagine. Reading this book is like riding a magic carpet through the stars as Patricia transports you with her powerful, lyrical images. It is rare to find such startlingly original use of the English language. Embedded in this wonderful imagery are spiritual and practical messages for an awakening humanity ("eagles of the new dawn"). There is much wisdom revealed here for those ready to move to higher levels of consciousness. As one is engaged with this book, you feel yourself gently drawn into a heightened dimension. This very special book propels you into sacred space. Patricia Pereira is a yet to be discovered master writer of our time. This book is a special treat that you won't want to miss.
Customer Reviews:
Great cozy senior protagonist.......2007-08-23
After May Bell's success in two previous murder investigations, she signs up for a civilian ride-along program to gain more experience. In her zeal to prove her abilities, she steals and destroys the police cruiser and makes a citizen's arrest of two men fleeing after she thought she saw them holding up the convenience store. In the process she also blew out the tires of their vehicle with a shot gun. Unfortunately Office Murphy explains she arrested two innocent men.
Plus the sister of her friends, the Peach sisters, has died. She's certain there's more to it than the police believe. So she sets out to discover the truth.
In the process of investigating, she ends up in jail, has to talk to many unsavory characters, and has people after her. Can she find the killer without putting herself in any more danger?
I really enjoy May Bell's antics. She's a senior citizen with a lot of spunk and determination. She has her share of blunders, but she keeps at it.
In this book I missed the residents of the senior facility she previously lived in, but May Bell found plenty of new ways to entertain the reader without them.
I recommend this book.
lighthearted sexagenarian whodunit .......2007-03-24
When sixty-seven years old May Bell List reads in the Spokane about the death of Gerty Peach from a heart attack, she has problems accepting that the bouncy woman who ran in a race two weeks ago died from natural causes. She decides she must do something about what the police choose to ignore.
May visits the deceased's two sisters, Inez and Bertha, in the suburb of Harvest as she knows them. They seem gleeful over the death of their haughty odious sibling, who planned to shut down their business the Poochie Hooch dog grooming facility. As she continues to dig and drive the small town police over the edge with her arresting innocent people, shooting tires, and hobnobbing with hookers, May finds herself in trouble with a killer who wants the geriatric silent and there is nobody to help her because the cops believe this menace to society is the offspring of Typhoid Mary and Peter of the wolf fame.
The antics that May Bell does makes her a menace to society and herself deserving lock up as she crosses a safety line that endangers others with her shoot from the hip actions. Readers will admire this courageous sexagenarian who feels it is her civil duty to investigate a homicide while everyone else prefers the official position, but would also prefer she did it in someone else's state. May's need to do what she perceives is the right thing is commendable, but her missteps turn this into a lighthearted whodunit that clearly says leave sleuthing to the professionals.
Harriet Klausner
Product Description
3 Books in One, The Paradise Snare, The Hutt Gambit, Rebel Dawn
Customer Reviews:
The first futuristic romance I've tried, but not the last!.......2000-06-18
After reading a short story by Stobie Piel, I went to my UBS and found The Dawn Star. Though I normally avoid fantasy romance, I tried this one (the cover looks suspiciously historical in tone), and I have to say - I loved it! The Dawn Star has a tone which has qualities from both contemporary and historical novels - a rich tapestry of 'otherworld' history, combined with fast-paced dialogue and modern characters. I loved Nisa's strong-will and her underlying dedication to her people, and Seneca was to die for! If you've hesitated before trying a futuristic romance, this is the one to buy!
A light romp through space...........1999-02-22
The Dawn Star is a quick read (I read it in one sitting), and enjoyable if seen in that light. Do not dig any deeper into the story if you want to enjoy it. Though Ms. Piel tries to make a "rebirth" story for our hero, I felt she fell a bit short of her mark. Everything moves so quickly, that reading the story gets uncomfortable. From what I can pick up, the entire story takes place in about a week, yet there is no way all that happens could possibly happen in that time frame. At one point, our heroine's brother (Dane) is beaten to a pulp, broken ribs and eyes so bruised he can't see, yet the next day he is up and about putting together a spaceship. Or the idea of converting a member from a "subspecies" to act like what passes for royalty whithin a day...mind probe or not. Our hero, Senecca, tries to convert his overweight, scientific people into Martial Arts experts within days, and succedes (never mind the fact that it took him YEARS to accomplish the same thing).
The moral of the story, that you need harmony and balance in life, seemed way too obvious and was pounded continuously into our heads. The Evil Uncle storyline was contrived and only seemed to bog down the story, I think the same story could have been accomplished without this subplot. If you want to read this story as a sci fi light read, its not too bad (especially knowing that there is a sequel in the works), but if you are looking for a saticfying romance read, you might want to look elsewhere.
Fast, fun and full of witty, wonderful characters........1997-08-13
I thoroughly enjoyed this futuristic romp through space. Filled with warm and unusual characters, more that a hint of spice, and plain ole fashioned good story telling I anxiously await the next two books in the series. Stobie Piel has proven to me her capacity to find warmth, humour and passion in every situation
Book Description
The final volume of this epic fantasy pits good against evil when the worshippers of the God of Light battle the servants of Eternal Night for the future of Thrull.
Customer Reviews:
Delightfully ghoulish.......2001-09-09
Mr. Johnson really knows how to tell a ghoulish, yet engaging tale. A fascinating trilogy, one should start with book one "The forging of the shadows", then "The nations of the night" before tackling this one. Otherwise it leaves gaps in the flow of the story, although the author does "update" one within the first few chapters. I felt enormous empathy toward the badly burned, utterly isolated priest of Reh (their sun god of Light). The priest, Urthred, is forced to wear a mask and special gloves to cover his burned face and hands and is the wonderful hero of this saga. His devastating experience with such immense pain has created within him a wellspring of compassion and strength that are remarkable in contrast to Thalassa, the self absorbed heroine whom prophecy has foretold would be the Lightbringer. Her task is, through some great act, to reanimate the dying sun caused by the evil forces in their world. Personally I prefer strong women and for me Thalassa, so full of doubt and self pity was the one weak link in an otherwise strong cast of characters.
The only other problem I had with these otherwise excellent books is Mr. Johnson's use of words that force a reader to grab the dictionary. However, I very much liked the mix of primitive culture contrasted to the sci fi notion of the "gods" coming from the stars in their "metal dragons" (a metaphor for space ships). The war of good vs evil/light vs darkness is enhanced by the author's facility in not hammering religion down one's throat on the assumption that everyone in the (readers') world is a christian or whatever. There is a subtle injunction for the reader to look at self accountability vs being an unwilling participant tossed about by the everchanging whims of the gods.
The story illustrated the power of the individual's "ego" (free will) to make choices based upon the drives of his/her "id" (the subconscious mind or baser levels of humanity) and make them real for better or for worse. For example: as the archetypal bad guy, Faran Gaton Nekron if filled with rampaging jealousy, resentment, hatred and warped lusts. He manifests his vindictive revenge and sick needs into hideous annhilation of everyone whom he cannot conquer. He claims that he is doing the Worm God Iss' will, but in fact it is Faran's own dark and destructive desires disguised as "religion". This conflict creates an astonishing amount of tension which is so vital to the tenor of excellence in a horror story.
This saga shows the shadow or nihlistic part of human nature (jealousy, greed, hate, revenge, etc.) as contrasted to the higher nature of mankind's drive toward the light and love that creates and sustains all life. There are many layers to Mr. Johnson's genius and this trilogy, albeit more than gruesome at times, that indeed stimulates deeper levels of thought, plus rereading in the future.
The Last Star at Dawn.......2000-10-10
Unbilivebly horrible conclusion to a grea trilogy! The begining starts a bit strangely but it starts to get good. In the middle of this book i thought that it was going to turn out just as well as the others. But soon to my astonishment it started to get worse and worse and worse and worse and so on and so forth. It looks like it will be a good ending when one of the main cherecters dies, the Baron dies, all of the worm suddenly die and Lord Faran dies in a way that he could have gotten out of after living through so many unescapeable traps. Not only that but Urthred is blinde and Oliver Johnson loeses his touch for great description and good writing!
READ THIS BOOK AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Breathtaking!.......2000-04-02
This book blew me out of the water. It is a great adventure that everyone (excluding little kids) should read.
Fantasy for grown-ups.......2000-03-03
A thrilling conclusion to a great fantasy trilogy. There are action set-pieces in these books that stand up as among the best in fantasy literature. Oliver Johnson is not afraid to take some real narrative risks, and they certainly pay off! For example, the action of the first book takes place over a single night. The second book refuses to pander to the cliffhanger ending of the first, but instead re-introduces its heroes in an unexpected and intriguing way. And the third book is told from a perspective of many years afterwards - I can't say more without giving the game away, but these are characters you really care about and the conclusion of their adventures will have you on the edge of your seat right up to the last page.
Disapointing.......2000-02-18
Well the 2 first books of the series were really good with good plot, powerful vilains and some real good ideas that were quite original for a fantasy book, I really enjoyed the first and second book.
But this conclusion is really not as good as it could have been ! first of all there are major mistakes in the chronology. For example at the begining of the book, it is explicitly written that it is a year since Faran last met with the heroes, he was even obliged to drink from 11 of his reapers of sorrow (1 each month) to survive, BUT some pages later this year transforms in a month ! And I could point to about a dozen more errors like this one. How can someone make such idiotic mistakes, not even a beginner I believe.
Also the death of the vilains are pitiful, Golon passes for the dumbest sorcerer in the entire universe and Faran the luckiest Vampire ever. And then Jayal and the Doppleganger count for nothing their combat is not even described ! They could have been removed from this series without anybody missing them !
The story ends ok, if you enjoed the first books perhaps this details won't affect you for my part I won't pick up another of Oliver Johnson book until he has learn some basics about writing such as being careful of what you said 2 pages ago....
Average customer rating:
- A traditional Eskimo girl runs the Iditarod
- Black Star, Bright Dawn and Scott O'Dell
- The Only One!
- Black Star, Bright Dawn
- Black Star,Bright Dawn
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Black Star, Bright Dawn
Scott O'Dell
Manufacturer: Fawcett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Fiction | Dogs | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Emotions & Feelings | Social Situations | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Winter Sports | Sports | Sports & Activities | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
O'Dell, Scott | ( O ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Adventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
Fiction | School & Sports | Teens | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0449703401
Release Date: 1989-12-30 |
Amazon.com
Most young girls' experiences never involve hunting bearded seals on the ice, even within the Alaskan Eskimo culture. In Scott O'Dell's gripping novel, Bright Dawn is an exception. In her father's eyes, she became his son's replacement ever since her brother drowned. When Bright Dawn is 18 years old, her father, recently injured, insists that she take his place in the Iditarod, the famous Alaskan dogsled race covering more than a thousand miles between Anchorage and Nome. Unflinching, yet trembling in her mukluks, she faces her challenge head-on.
Bright Dawn proves herself to be a strong, courageous heroine--crossing rivers, mountain ranges, and vast stretches of frozen tundra--with her team of dogs, including the lead Black Star. While the rush of wind and relentless, blinding stretches of ice are exhilarating, the dangers involved make Bright Dawn realize that it's not only the race, but her life that she's entrusting to her team of dogs. O'Dell, author of the Newbery Award-winning Island of the Blue Dolphins, has created an intense, suspenseful, clearly written adventure story that's sure to capture the imagination of young readers and take them for a blustery ride. (Ages 9 to 12)
Book Description
"A splendid, vividly written adventure."
THE KIRKUS REVIEWS
Bright Dawn was a teenaged Eskimo girl. Black Star was her part-husky, mostly wolf, pet. Together they were about to begin the famous Iditarod dogsled race through the bitter cold of Alaska. Bright Dawn knew they would win, but she didn't count on the cold, blinding whiteout, the belligerent bull moose, or ice that could crack and splinter at any time. And she soon realized that she was not only depending on Black Star for the race, but for her life....
Customer Reviews:
A traditional Eskimo girl runs the Iditarod.......2007-04-03
The father of the Bright Dawn, the heroine of this story, is stranded on an ice floe while seal hunting. The sea becomes a terror to him, and they move from the Alaskan coast. He is asked to represent their new village in the Iditarod, and trains for it until an accident prevents his racing. Then Bright Dawn takes his place, with Black Star, her favorite dog, as her leader. No one from their town had ever finished the race. Bright Dawn runs into many hardships and dangers, but races well. She was the first to enter Iditarod, and also wins an award for taking care of other racers in trouble, even though it slowed her down. When she and her dogs are stranded on an ice floe, her father comes to the rescue. She finishes the race, becoming the first one from her village to do so.
Bright Star and her family are traditional Eskimos. There is plenty of Eskimo mythology and superstition throughout the book; Bright Dawn is portrayed as being true to her people when she relinquishes her skepticism (created by English influences) and decides to trust the old Eskimo gods, traditions, and talismans.
I thought the book was not one of O'Dell's better works. I was disappointed in the way he presented the Eskimos' beliefs, although I admire the way he portrayed their resourcefulness. I also thought the storyline was rather boring.
Black Star, Bright Dawn and Scott O'Dell.......2006-02-22
Bright Dawn is a teenage Eskimo girl who loves dog sledding. One day when her father was preparing to race in the Iditarod, a 1,200 mile race, he got so injured that he couldn't race. Of course while Bright Dawn was sorry that her father was hurt, she was ecstatic that she would be taking his place. She comes across many dangers such as the bull moose, a vicious moose that attacks the human and the dogs on the team. Bright Dawn also makes some friends including Oteg, an experienced racer, and a girl that she saves who later ends up quitting. At the end of the race neither Bright Dawn nor her dogs were tired of running. With Black Star, Bright Dawn's favorite dog, in the lead, they set off for home.
This book flows very well. Every sentence ties in to the next and every paragraph ties in with the next Scott O'Dell, like he often does, has a girl main character, natives that play important roles, and exciting adventures. This book is mainly about action and changes. His writing can put on a "film" in your mind of what's happening in the story.
If you have not yet read this book, than you should. I would recommend it to the children 8-12. It's a great story for animal lovers and adventurous ones. Adults might appreciate the story but it is clearly meant for the younger generation.
The Only One!.......2006-01-10
Once there was a girl named Bright Dawn. Shesa very brave girl! Also a very cute,adorable little puppy. His name is Black Star,avery good puppy. You would love him. This puppy has a star right in the middile of his forhead. Bright Dawn's fathera powerful well raised man. Justlike his daughter. A big exciting thing came? Its the Iaitarod race. A youg man says...."Get set,go"
If you adore a big exciting adventure. This is the book made just for you! And if you don't love adventure,too bad. just get up and go read! Another book. I love this book just try it.
Of corse i would recommed this lovely book. It is just awsome! If i were able to grade this out of 10*'s. Maybe a 9 would be ok.
By:Eric
Black Star, Bright Dawn.......2001-08-23
Bright Dawn was a teenage Eskimo girl. The dog was Black Star, part husky but mostly wolf and they were best friends. They were going to race in the Iditarod together as a team because her father had been injured and couldn't go through with it. So she trains for the Iditarod and finally the day comes when It's tim to start. Along the way they never expected it to be as cold as it was, a bull moos, ice that could crack and splinter at any moment. By the time she was halfway through the race Bright Dawn was not only depending on Black Star for the race, but for her life....
Black Star,Bright Dawn.......2001-05-05
This book is about a girl who was about to race in a one thousand-mile race. Bright Dawn,a teenage Eskimo,is her name. He was Black Star, the leader of the dogsled team. Bright Star had to fill in for her dad. He was praktising raceing and he fell of and he broke is sholder. When she was raceing a storm move in and it caused her to stop and get the snow of the doge's eyes. Right befor she finished she thought she had lost but she was in 2nd place. I like the book because it is about Eskimo's. I think the are smart, for the race's and igllos, they are cool. I liked it because she had to fill in for her dad.
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