Spanish Dagger (China Bayles Mystery)

Book Description

Between the herb shop, the catering business, and a weekend paper-making class, China Bayles has her work cut out for her. And now China's half-brother is opening up old wounds, trying to investigate their father's supposedly accidental death, and her husband is taking on the case-meaning she's just bound to get involved.

To put the unsavory business out of her mind, she's gathering supplies for making paper. But in a patch of yucca plants, she finds a body-cause of death unknown. Many residents of Pecan Springs live seemingly simple lives that hide complex and dangerous pasts, and it appears the victim was one of them. Now, while unraveling secrets that hit close to home, China must set the record straight-and find a killer.

Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 4)

Average customer rating:

Glad it's out of the way...
My favorite JR book yet!!!!
I liked it
NOT AS GOOD AS THE OTHERS
Book 4 of The Black Dagger Brotherhood Depicts a Soulful Bond Between Brothers & Intense Romance Between the Leading Couple.

Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 4)
J.R. Ward
Manufacturer: Onyx
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)
Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2)
Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1)
Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)
No Rest for the Wicked (The Immortals After Dark, Book 2)

ASIN: 0451412354

Book Description

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. And if he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers.

But fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him.

Customer Reviews:

Glad it's out of the way..........2007-10-09

I have loved all of the other BDB books (Zadist being my favorite). But I have to say, I'm really glad this one is out of the way. I've never really cared about Butch and Marissa, she seems whinny and vapid and he goes from being all macho around the brothers to slobbering all over himself cause a pretty girl is near by. But there are some interesting things learned in this book and it held my attention through the end.
At least it's done and hopefully from here the rest of the books will be as good and engrossing as the first three were.

My favorite JR book yet!!!!.......2007-10-02

I loved this book!!!! Butch is my all time favorite character (so far), I knew he would end up with Marissa. But the dynamics and intimacy between Butch and V was awesome, great, fantastic. I loved the way JR wrote the story and created that intimacy between the two guys without it being overtly sexual. I am so glad Marissa finally grew a back bone and stood up to her brother. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I liked it.......2007-09-30

I liked this book. Actually I have enjoyed all of the BDB books by JR Ward (1-4).

NOT AS GOOD AS THE OTHERS.......2007-09-25

THIS BOOK SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABOUT V AND BUTCH. THEY HAD THE BEST RELATIONSHIP. I WAS READING HOPING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEM. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUTCH AND MARISSA DID NOT DO MUCH FOR ME. HAVING SAID THAT, I LIKED THE BOOK, CAN'T WAIT TO READ ABOUT V LOVE HIM

Book 4 of The Black Dagger Brotherhood Depicts a Soulful Bond Between Brothers & Intense Romance Between the Leading Couple........2007-09-21

Black Dagger Brotherhood Series (Definitely Read Them In Order!):

Dark Lover

Lover Eternal

Lover Awakened

Lover Revealed

Lover Unbound

If you have not been reading this series, be sure to start with the first book and follow the series from there. By the time you reach book 4, you've come to know all of the characters well. Each character has a distinct personality that stays the same from book to book. J.R. Ward keeps them consistent, so you are always glad to be reunited with "the guys". The continuing story is terrific. The bonds between the characters get deeper with each book.

In Book 4, "Lover Revealed", our hero is Butch. He's a man with a big heart, who will do anything to help out a friend. Because he is human, the brothers are very protective of his life. Butch loves his buddies, but he feels he is useless in their world. As an ex- cop, Butch needs to be in the battle. He has been in love with a vampire female, Marissa, for months. With his heart broken over her, Butch feels he has nothing to lose if he is killed.

While attempting to save civilians from enemy slayers, Butch is captured, taken prisoner, tortured, and left for dead. His roommate and best friend, "Vishous", is the only one with the means to find him. The evil enemies have put a poison in Butch's body. Vishous will use his gifts to heal Butch, and he will do all he can to reunite Butch with Marissa. Fierce loyalty and trust between Butch and Vishous make it possible for Butch's dreams to come true. However, the means for making those dreams happen could also cause Butch's death.

Marissa has been cast out by her family. With no place to go, The Brotherhood offers her shelter. When the love between Marissa and Butch intensifies, she begs him not to take part in the war with the brothers' enemies. Butch is devastated. He has to choose between the woman he loves, and the only true family he has ever had. His bond with Marissa is soul- deep, but his love for his brothers and his chance to make a real future for himself are worth any price.

Keeping with the trend of this series, "Lover Revealed" is exquisitely romantic. The love scenes are intense, and the ties between the leading couple are binding. The brothers are loyal to each other, and to Butch, without fail.
Ward writes her characters with personalities that are funny, direct, realistic, and moving. They seem like the kind of men you could meet in everyday life. They pick on each other in good natured teasing, as real brothers tend to, and they back one another as real brothers would. I genuinely like these guys. That makes the books addicting.

Also in this edition:
John's story is continued. Vishous's character plays a major role, preparing readers for his story in the next edition. Mr X is back, but he has a new and surprising scheme.

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Its better on the dark side
Definately a Keeper!!!! One of my Absolute Favorites!
AMAZING!!!
BEST in paranormal romance
Oh heck yeah!

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1)
J.R. Ward
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2)
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Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 4)
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Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)

ASIN: 0451216954

Book Description

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

Customer Reviews:

Its better on the dark side.......2007-10-09

This book is the first in an excellent series. It is technically in the romance aisle (and let me tell you it is VERY explicit) but it leads with the vampire fantasy world and doesn't deviate an inch the whole way through. You will get sucked into the world of the brotherhood and wont be able to turn it down. I read the book straight through in a day and a half and then immediately went out and bought the rest. There is a solid story line and graphic-no-holds-barred sex that could be a cameo in basic instinct. I loved this book and I know you will too. J. R . Ward has the skills to draw you in with well defined characters that make you care about them, then blows your mind and makes you tingly with what goes on behind closed doors!

Definately a Keeper!!!! One of my Absolute Favorites!.......2007-09-20

I have three words for you.....OH. MY. GOD!!!!!!I could not turn the pages fast enough. What an amazing series...amazing story....amazing book! I highly recommend this for anyone who likes Kenyon or Knight the writing and character development in this is a step above. If your thinking twice about buying this series, just buy it, you won't be disappointed.

AMAZING!!!.......2007-09-16

This is one of my all time favorite romance novels. Before meeting the Black Dagger Brotherhood, I had absolutely no interest in paranormal romance. I'd always seen the characters in other books of this genre as being creepy, to say the least. My sister forced me to read this book while on vacation.
WoW!! J D Ward's protagonists are so well-written, so engaging and have such gut-wrenching appeal, I was hooked after chapter 2. She has created a completely unique vampire culture - complete with language (each book has a "glossary of terms"), social traditions and even anatomical/biochemical details unique to her brand of vampire.
If you have never been a fan of this genre...please give this book and the others in the series a try. You will NOT regret it!!

BEST in paranormal romance.......2007-09-13

J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series knocks everything else in the paranormal romance subgenre out of the water. Her characters are, hands down, the most rounded, most complex, most magnetic out there. Ward is concise and well-written where Sherrilyn Kenyon rambles and falters. Her plotline is amazingly intricate, original, and well-executed. Tales of the brothers are always fun and funny, easy to fall into. Where Angela Knight's style can be too technical and too slow, not quite self-confident enough, J.R. Ward's books are easy to read and fast-paced, giving you plenty without giving you too much. Even Kresley Cole, my second-favorite author, doesn't do the world-building and character exploration J.R. Ward does. The one down spot, for me anyway, is the lessers. I have trouble making myself read those parts, but then again, I can at times be a lazyish reader who won't deviate from the main characters' storyline. Overall, I'd give this an A+.

Oh heck yeah!.......2007-09-11

Great series - totally worthy of my time and money. Absolutely could not put them down.

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Just Awesome!!! A must read
Emotional Vampire Romance - interesting combo...
I LOVE JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood!!
Incredibly addictive
J.R. Ward Had Me Ensnared From Start to Finish. This Second Book in the Series is Even Better Than the First!

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2)
J.R. Ward
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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A Hunger Like No Other (The Immortals After Dark Series, Book 1)

ASIN: 0451218043

Book Description

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetite. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin.

Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him. When Mary Luce is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world, she must rely on Rhage's protection. Knowing that Mary feels the same intense animal attraction, Rhage must make her his alone...

Customer Reviews:

Just Awesome!!! A must read.......2007-10-10

Just like to add that I loved the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, and This book is HOT!!! a Must read. Just like Dark Lover.

Emotional Vampire Romance - interesting combo..........2007-09-23

I have read several of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood novels and have really enjoyed them all. I read this one out of order and so I knew Mary and Rhage would, of course, end up together, but I couldn't figure out how it was going to work out. I love that in a book - I can know the ending as long as I don't know the path we're going to take to get there.

I enjoyed the plot and the excitment of this novel as well as this series. It does help to read the books in order as there is a continuation of plot from one book to the next, but Ward does a pretty good job of explaining things in each book so you don't HAVE to.

All in all, a great book.

I LOVE JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood!!.......2007-09-20

This is my favorite of the four books to date, about Rhage and Mary. I love how Ward portrays the brothers as both warriors but also as men with their own strengths and weaknesses. The series is absolutely terrific, and I've read and reread these books all summer! They definitely need to be read in order, though. Can't wait for the new one!

Incredibly addictive.......2007-09-19

This is the second book in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, and though I've only read this book and the first "Dark Lover" and I can easily say these are the most addictive adult vampire romance series I've read. J.R. Ward creates her own vampire legends, with vampire royalty, vampire civilians, human civilians and "Lessers"--humans that have been changed into vampire slayers by the Omega. There are beautiful love scenes, very scary villains, graphic fight scenes with interesting futuristic technology, and excellent plot and pacing.
"Lover Eternal" I think is even better than the first "Dark Lover" (which was very good btw), in that the plot is more emotional, heart wrenching, exciting, and we get to know the brotherhood better. J.R. was able to balance Mary and Rhage's tale along with John's story and allude to the next book with Bella and Zhadist. Can't wait to read the next book!!!

J.R. Ward Had Me Ensnared From Start to Finish. This Second Book in the Series is Even Better Than the First!.......2007-09-16

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:

Dark Lover

Lover Eternal

Lover Awakened

Lover Revealed

Lover Unbound

I'm so into this series. The first book had me hooked. The second has me enthralled. I'm behind on my laundry and sleep because I can't put these books down once I start them. The characters are incredible. Brotherhood means more than blood to these vampires. They would walk through fire for each other and for their women. When one of them is suffering, the rest are beside themselves. Pain for one, is pain for all. When fantasy is written well enough to feel real and personal while I'm reading it, my imagination is very happily swept away.

In Lover Eternal, our hero is Rhage. He is cursed with a beast in his body. If he loses his temper, or feels his loved ones are threatened, the beast breaks out and takes over. The dragon creature is so deadly, even his brothers run for cover. Rhage lives in constant fear that the beast will kill the people he loves.

Mary is living with a beast in her body as well. Leukemia nearly killed her before. Now the disease has returned. When a beautiful man becomes interested in her, she finds it hard to believe he would want her. Rhage wants Mary, and he won't be swayed. However, when it becomes clear that his beast wants Mary too, he fears that he has no choice but to stay away from her.

The Brothers continue their fight against the Lesser Society. (Vampire Slayers) When Rhage's enemies see Mary with him, he knows they will come after her. He is willing to endure any punishment for breaking the rules against bringing humans into the castle he shares with his brothers. It is the only way to keep her safe from the lessers.

Mary's pride won't allow her to lean on Rhage as she fights the Cancer in her blood. Rhage is finding it harder and harder to control his beast around Mary. In spite of the many odds against them, Rhage and Mary develop a bond that is unbreakable. No beast, disease, or slayer can come between them. When Mary's sickness is coming to a deadly impasse, Rhage will offer any sacrifice in exchange for her life. When Rhage's beast becomes more demanding, Mary learns to love it as much as she does Rhage.

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

The best book of the series
My perfect vampire tale
OH MY GOD
Great Series!
Can't get enough of Ward's BDB series!

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)
J.R. Ward
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

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Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 4)
Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)
A Hunger Like No Other (The Immortals After Dark Series, Book 1)

ASIN: 0451219368

Book Description

Even within the vampire brotherhood, Zsadist is feared. Still bearing the scars from a tortured past, he is renowned for his unquenchable fury. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion-until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society.

Customer Reviews:

The best book of the series.......2007-09-29

I read all the BDB books (5 so far), and this is still for me the best one. Zsadist will always be my favorite vampire! Hope JR Ward continues to write books of this excellent quality.

My perfect vampire tale.......2007-09-27

AWESOME!!! The best of the first three!!! I absolutely loved Bella and Zsadists' story!!! Having read book one (Dark Lover) and book two (Lover Eternal) I was already addicted to the series. As amazing as the first two books were, this tale struck a chord in me, it's about facing terrible personal demons and finding a way to heal, something we've all been through. This was the tightest page turner of the three, the books just keep getting better and better. This had the most plot, but was crafted in such away that I never wanted to put the book down, even after my mind was numb from reading. And Zsadist and Bella are two unforgettable characters, their story is touching, deep, emotional. I was so sad when I got to the last page, but I've got more of the series to read, and re-read again!

OH MY GOD.......2007-09-25

OH MY GOD. LOVED ZSADIST. I PURCHASED THESE BOOKS ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO AND HAVE ALREADY READ THEM TWICE (Z'S BOOK 3 TIMES) SHE IS THE BEST WRITER I HAVE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE TO READ. I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 5

Great Series!.......2007-09-24

I didn't like this book as much as #2 but I still liked it enough to give it a 5 star rating. I love the series. I have read books 1 - 2 at least twice already. I am on a reading marathon trying to catch up so that when LU comes out tom. (book #5), I'll be up to speed with everyone else that follows the series.

Anway, after reading this book, you come away liking Z more. The book also preps readers for Phury's story. Can't wait for that one and I'm already eagerly waiting for Tohr's return. I highly recommend the series but would suggest readers start with book 1 to better appreciate the plots and characters.

Can't get enough of Ward's BDB series!.......2007-09-20

This is the third book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, telling the story of Bella and Zsadist. I absolutely love this series and am actually rereading the whole thing yet again to be ready for the next book in the series due at the end of Sept. I highly recoommend this book, although I must admit Lover Awakened wasn't my favorite of the four available to date. However, I came away liking Zhadist a whole lot better, and this story had to be told before Ward can give us Phury's story, which I'm dying for!

Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)

Average customer rating:

Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)
J.R. Ward
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Vampires | Romance | Subjects | Books

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Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1)

ASIN: 0451222350

Book Description

The ruthless and brilliant brother Vishous possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that does not include her...

The Path of Daggers (The Wheel of Time, Book 8)

Average customer rating:

Sexy stuff
Not Free SF Reader
The Path of Daggers: Book 8 of the Wheel of Time
Another well-written book that goes nowhere
Tired of...

The Path of Daggers (The Wheel of Time, Book 8)
Robert Jordan
Manufacturer: Tor Fantasy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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

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

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ASIN: 0812550293

Amazon.com

Robert Jordan's bestselling Wheel of Time epic is one of the most popular fantasy series of all time for a reason. Jordan's world is rich and complex, and he's assembled an endearing, involving core of characters while mapping out an ambitious and engaging story arc.

But with the previous book, Crown of Swords, and now with Path of Daggers, the series is in a bit of a holding pattern. Path continues the halting gait of the current plot line: Rand is still on the brink of losing it, all the while juggling the political machinations around him and again taking to the field against the Seanchan. The rest of the Two Rivers kids and company don't seem to be moving much faster. Egwene continues to slowly consolidate her hold as the "true" Amyrlin (finally getting closer to Tar Valon and the inevitable confrontation with Elaida), and Nynaeve and Elayne keep on wandering toward the Lion Throne, again on the run from the Seanchan. Mat Cauthon is barely mentioned, and fellow ta'veren Perrin keeps busy with politics in Ghealdan. The ending does provide promise, though, that book nine might match the pace and passion of the previous books.

If you're already hooked, you could sooner overcome a weave of Compulsion than avoid picking up a copy of Path of Daggers. But if you're new to the series, start at the beginning with the engrossing, much-better-paced Eye of the World. --Paul Hughes

Book Description

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow. Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

Customer Reviews:

Sexy stuff.......2007-10-09

This book was on par with the other books. Look, in a story as long and complex as this one, it would get pretty predictable if every book ended with a huge battle with Rand gaining another victory. This book shows progression in undercurrents, the very important undercurrents, and it's ENTERTAINING. Yes, this book is NOT boring, things ARE happening.

I guess if I had been waiting for 2 years for the next great thing, then it would have been disappointing, but this book is necessary and it's definitely worth reading. The absence of Mat's storyline is obviously because he had so much other stuff to deal with, and obviously chose to do tackle that in the next book.

Well, I haven't read the next book yet but I'm sure it'll parallel this book a bit. Jordan is simply too detailed to progress everything in one volume. That's my theory and I'm stick'n to it... for now.

You know, there should be a separate rating for stories that take more one book, a cumulative rating. Or maybe show an average rating taken from the individual book ratings. Because there isn't, I give this 5 stars because I think as far as this book within the context of the story, the story is still worth 5 stars. If this book had to be taken as a complete book, I'd be like omfg this is the worst book ever, so you really should consider that it is a part of a whole... and so far the whole is still rock'n. And yes, it will be whole, have faith that the final book will be published and that RJ's dying work will have been worth the wait! Ok, on to book 9...

Oh yeah, sexy stuff... umm, as usual there is some sex insinuated, but if you want some good sex scenes in this type of work, you'll need to read "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R. R. Martin... yowza. Also, a lot fewer, if any, "had had" can be found with GRRM. I was just filling in time for GRRM's next book when I started WoT. Anyway, WoT is good, ASOIAF is very good, so far. But you never know, ASOIAF may take a nose dive, but I doubt it, seems pretty well thought out, massive but organized, and detailed but not superfluously so. Ya know? If not, go find out, it rocks!

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

The chicks are doing the more interesting thing here, using the ter'angreal to do their own version of a weather control machine, or at least a weather fixing machine.

Rand is involved in yet another large armed conflict, and gets a bit crazy, which ain't good if you were a soldier there, on either side.

Easily the worst of these books so far, and a lot of pointlessness.

The Path of Daggers: Book 8 of the Wheel of Time.......2007-06-11

I've loved every book in this series by Robert Jordan! Interesting characters, interesting land, interesting action.

Another well-written book that goes nowhere.......2007-06-08

I can understand the frustration and the cynicism underlying many of the reviews of this book. I share most of them myself. Robert Jordan has created an immense (!) world and so many characters it's impossible to keep track of them all. Thank goodness for the chapter-by-chapter summaries supplied by the writers of the Wikipedia entries, or I'd be hopelessly lost most of the time. However, there is a lot of good writing in this book - the characters are far less irritating than in previous outings, and their interactions are far more interesting. Unfortunately, in terms of plot, this book goes absolutely nowhere.

It reminds me of Book 6 (Lord of Chaos), previously my least favourite book in the series. I get the feeling from reading this book that Jordan is using the book to set up the next one - there are tons of things that are moving forward, and everyone always seems to be "on the verge" of doing something, but then he jumps to another storyline. Thus: Rand has defeated the forsaken Sammael and has conquered Illian. He now turns his sights on the Seanchan, who have invaded several southwestern nations. Egwene solidifies her position as leader of the rebel Aes Sedai and heads to attack Tar Valon. Elaine finally (!) arrives in Andor to stake her claim to the throne of that country. Perrin goes after The Prophet for Rand. Unfortuantely, not a single one of these stories is brought to a conclusion. However, the most annoying part of it all is the continued splintering of groups to such a huge degree that it's impossible to keep track of them all! For example, there are now the following groups of Aes Sedai: Those left in Tar Valon loyal to Elaida, those in Tar Valon working for the rebels, the rebels with Egwene, the rebels with Nynaeve and Elaine, the expelled Aes Sedai "knitting circle" (also with Nynaeve), the kidnappers Rand captured, the rebel emmisaries with Rand, the independent Aes Sedai with Rand, those with Perrin, those that belong to the Black Ajah, etc. That's not even counting the various groups of Windfinders and Wise Ones who can also channel. No wonder nothing happens - if Jordan were to spend just 5 pages on each of the groups he's created, the book would probably be 1000 pages long.

The frustration is perfectly exemplified by the Prologue in this book, in which he introduces YET ANOTHER army/group, marching toward Rand's territories. He spends 10 pages on them in the prologue and then they are never heard from again in the rest of the book! ARGH!

All these complaints notwithstanding, the book actually reads quite well, and is not as confusing as some would lead you to believe. It's just unfortunate that Jordan appears dedicated to milking this series for all it's worth, knowing we poor suckers will keep buying the books. After all - if you're reading this review, you've probably already decided to read the book, right? As Homer Simpson says, "How can you go this far and not go farther?"

Tired of..........2006-10-28

This series (up to book 4/5) was one of my favorites. There were little things that bugged me, but I considered it to be a masterpiece.

A coupld of things have caused me to completely give up on this series after this book.

* Detail is great and all, but please make something happen. There are very few books that I haven't finished, but I was close with this one due to the lack of real events furthuring the story.

* ENOUGH with the 'Men are stupid, tug on my braids' mentality! RJ likes to infuse his charecters with the inability to understand the opposite gender. When will they learn what most mature adults learn? If I didn't know better I'd say that RJ is a feminist man-hater.

I could overlook these annoyances when the rest of the story was fantastic, but that just isn't the case with this book.

Elsevier's Dictionary of Symbols and Imagery: In English (With Definitions)

Average customer rating:

way overpriced
Not without flaws, nonetheless a treasure trove
An outstanding reference book
Excellent reference
An intuitive dictionary

Elsevier's Dictionary of Symbols and Imagery: In English (With Definitions)
Arthur de Vries&dagger; , and Arthur de Vries
Manufacturer: Elsevier Science
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Analytic Encounter: Transference and Human Relationship (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts)
Shadow and Evil in Fairy Tales (A C.G. Jung Foundation Book)
A Dictionary of Symbols
Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology (Studies in Jungian Psychology)
The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols (Dictionary, Penguin)

ASIN: 0444513450

Book Description

This dictionary supplies associations which have been evoked by plants, animals, gems, objects and concepts throughout the history of Western civilization, from the hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt to the poetry of Dylan Thomas. It supplies background information from fields which may not be everyone's specialty, such as biology and mythology. It gives not one, but several meanings which may apply simultaneously, since indefiniteness is the mark of symbols. No fine distinction is made between symbols, allegories, metaphors, signs, types or images, since such subtle distinctions, however sensible from a scientific point of view, are useless to a person struggling with the deeper comprehension, and thus appreciation, of a particular 'symbol'.Important general entries are listed such as archetypes, ass, binary, bull, calendar, eagle, elements, Great Goddess, Sacred King, sun, etc., which it is advisable to read first. Information was gathered from primary sources: both famous and obscure classical authors; the Bible; the medieval scholar and musician Hildegard von Bingen; but also Donne, Shakespeare and Eliot. Lists of primary and secondary literature are included.
From the many notes left behind by the late Ad de Vries, his son has gathered enough new material to enlarge the original 1974 edition more than 20%. Included are many new entries taken from herbals and lapidaries as well as ancient books on medicine, architecture and dreams.This dictionary is an invaluable source of reference for students of many disciplines, as well as for writers and artists.

Customer Reviews:

way overpriced.......2007-07-06

I happened to get a decent deal on the book and I'm so glad that I didn't pay the money that they're asking for. It is extensive in scope but the definitions are to me shallow. Intuitive?..Intellectual and a reference book. There are many decent ones out there just as good if not better than this one.

Not without flaws, nonetheless a treasure trove.......2005-11-09

This lengthy work draws together information from a wide variety of sources in an attempt to give interpretations of symbols. The book is perhaps the most ambitious compilation of symbol interpretations ever to have been assembled.

On the negative side, the book is, unfortunately, poorly edited, with many typos, grammatical errors and misspellings. Also, some symbol interpretations are somewhat farfetched. The author's interpretation of Biblical symbolism is particularly weak, perhaps due in part to his apparent anti-Christian bias. Also, he misses many important Freudian and Jungian interpretations of symbols.

This having been said, for a given symbol this book gives a great deal of material which can be used as a starting point to understanding the meaning of the symbol.

An outstanding reference book.......2002-10-23

This dictionary of symbols and imagery is one of the best books I have ever purchased. It's an invaluable source for humanities students as well as for anybody interested in the meaning and study of images and concepts as showed in literature, mythology, legends, folklore and the like. It offers a wide range of terminology and specific vocabulary and refers the reader to a great number of literary works where certain symbols are represented. Maybe this dictionary by De Vries is not very easy to use and apart from that it is also expensive, austere, and hard-to-find; but I assure you that, once you begin using it, it's worth every penny you spent on it. Just buy it on an impulse and don't think about the price, you won't repent. It's a wonderful dictionary, I love it and I strongly recommend it to everybody.

Excellent reference.......2002-09-18

Ad De Vries' "Dictionary of Symbols and Imagery" is an excellent reference for those who are interested in the various symbolic meanings of objects, animals, mythological creatures and species.

I found it invaluable as a reference while I was studying English at University. And now, as a writer, I find it just as useful.

An intuitive dictionary.......2001-04-16

A dictionary of imagery as given by Ad de Vries gives the reader an entrance into often difficult symbols and the connections between them. The book leaves the reader a lot of room to distill his or her specific meaning (from allegories, metaphors, signs, types, psychology, myth etc.) from the sought after symbol. For that reason several meanings are given that may apply simultaneously (or in interconnection with each other) giving the user the necessary space for a very personal interpretation. The dictionary thus recognizes the fact that, when intuitively used, the meaning of one image can often lead to a deeper source which the lay person would not easily have distinguished. The book does have a possible drawback in that the material chosen from has been restricted to "Western" civilisation. However, a drawback can also be seen as a positive point in focus.

Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal (6th Edition)

Average customer rating:

Good Introduction
good
Poltical Ideologies as a textbook
Terrible Excuse for P.I. Literature.
Good and Terrible

Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal (6th Edition)
Terence Ball , and Richard Dagger
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Democracy | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Ideals and Ideologies (6th Edition)
Ideals and Ideologies: A Reader, Fifth Edition
Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues
Understanding the Political World: A Comparative Introduction to Political Science (8th Edition)
Basics of American Politics, The (13th Edition)

ASIN: 0321390156

Book Description

The aggressively revised new edition of this best-seller provides a clear, concise, and comprehensive introduction to the ideas and ideals that shake and shape our political world.

Written with the firm belief that ideology is the driving force of nation-states, history, and politics, this innovative text covers the range of contemporary political ideologies, from the standard categories of liberalism, conservatism, and socialism to newly emerging ideological alternatives. Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal provides an accessible overview of the origin and development of these ideologies, and illustrates how each interprets democracy and freedom.

Customer Reviews:

Good Introduction.......2005-10-15

The authors make a noble effort to minimize bias and examine the various ideologies objectively. As a few of the negative reviews make clear, not everyone is satisfied with this book's objectivity. I would like to respectfully disagree and ask the reviewers to re-examine their own biases.

good.......2005-10-05

in good condition and received in a generally timely manner, but could've been done quicker

Poltical Ideologies as a textbook.......2005-09-30

I am currently using this book in a Honors American Political Science course at Georgia State University. This book is very informative and does not add superfluous information like most textbooks do. However, there are some terms in the text that we as a class have found to be a bit contradictory; such as the term "individual conservative". This seems to be an oxymoron and my professor actually contacted Ball who just basically dodged the question...

Terrible Excuse for P.I. Literature........2005-05-10

Just like it's companion book, this Political Ideologies textbook was blatantly biased. I find it mind-boggling that anyone could consider this a fair, ethical, and balanced treatment of the subjectmatter. Just like the other text, this book is filled with sweeping generalizations, liberal and left-wing indoctrination, and a severe lack of critical thought of ALL ideologies. I had to endure reading this book as well in a political science course, and it's a sure sign of the times. It's always those who claim to be the most "open-minded" who are in actuality, the least open-minded. I'm tired of the lip service and would actually appreciate it if authors like this would actually practice what they preach.
Instead of presenting all the material in a straight-forward manner, the authors take sides. This is extremely unethical writing. When presenting historical events and ideas it is practically crimminal to write a book like this with its extremely biased points-of-view. This book too, is filled with little breadth and little depth. Its not the side these authors are taking which irritates me, it's the fact that a side is taken at all. Extremely poor acedemcis here, and a complete lack of ethics here! Those who rate this book highly belie themselves as supportors of indocrination, instead of a fair treament of the materials represented. Not recommended at all.
As for the authors,..."I get it!" We know that you're hippies and that you spent your college days fighting against the War, and "the man", but when you start to write and act in the same manner as those you disagreed with, it's a case of the pot calling the kettle black!

Good and Terrible.......2004-08-26

I give this book 2.5 stars. It is good as describing certain things objectively, but these are few and far between. The rest of the book is filled with radical left-wing shenanigans that do nothing but discredit those who disagree with them. They do not show the evils of socialism; they misrepresent conservatism (even though I am NOT a conservative by ANY means); they do not show the true colors of feminism and environmentalism, etc. etc. etc. If you are a hard-core liberal that specializes in not listening to other side, then this is the book for you. If you are a centrist, undecided, or in any way religious, conservative, or anything of the sort, you will despise this book for its egregious flaws. Concerning conservatism as a subject of conversation here, I am not saying they are ALL wrong. They do find some good errors in it, but they generalize and generalize, until everyone that disagrees with radical liberalism is in their own little niche with they classify as being wrong (usually conservatism). According to this book, I am a conservative, and I am wrong. But I am NOT a conservative, and even if I were, MOST of the things they say about conservatives are misrepresented. So, I give this book 2.5 stars, half of a full 5, because it has quite a bit of good content. But overall, it is a waste of space.

Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering (Developments in Petroleum Science)

Average customer rating:

Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering
Great book with minor binding defect

Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering (Developments in Petroleum Science)
&dagger;">L.P. Dake ^&dagger;
Manufacturer: Elsevier Science
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Prospecting & Mining | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

The Practice of Reservoir Engineering (Revised Edition) (Developments in Petroleum Science)
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ASIN: 044441830X

Book Description

"This book is fast becoming the standard text in its field", wrote a reviewer in the Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology soon after the first appearance of Dake's book. This prediction quickly came true: it has become the standard text and has been reprinted many times. The author's
aim - to provide students and teachers with a coherent account of the basic physics of reservoir engineering - has been most successfully achieved. No prior knowledge of reservoir engineering is necessary. The material is dealt with in a concise, unified and applied manner, and only the simplest and most straightforward mathematical techniques are used. This low-priced paperback edition will continue to be an invaluable teaching aid for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering.......2007-03-09

This is one of the best books abour reservoir engineering ever wrote, this men, really knew how to write down the art of reservoir in a very clear and complete language.

Great book with minor binding defect.......2005-09-09

This is a great classic reference in the area of Reservoir Engineering that can be recommended to anyone working in the area.

I would mention, though, that this manufacturing run seems to have had a binding problem. The first 16 page sheets are out of order (e.g. page 3 occurs after page 6). I alerted Amazon and returned one book, but the second copy they sent is the same...

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