The Foretelling

Book Description

Now available in paperback, The Foretelling is a transformative story that asks many profound questions, for which there are many answers. Rain is girl of the Amazon tribe of women warriors, born in a time of blood and fear. As the future leader of her people, she must seek and hold fast to her inner warrior. What she encounters along her poignant and harrowing path toward her destiny-a kind young man, a strange, recurrent prophecy, and a condemned baby brother-lead her, against odds, to forge mercy, love, and peace.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and Compelling.......2006-07-15

My name is Doug Hiser, author of the 2006 novel,The Honey Bee Girl. I have been reading and collecting Alice Hoffman books since I discovered Turtle Moon. I have read them all and The Fortelling is my favorite. I loved her narrative and moving story. In some ways it reminded me of Clan of the Cave Bear and also of mystical ancient cultures that we see only in dreams. Alice Hoffman's prose is the main reason I fell in love with her books. She is the magic realism of writing the way Michael Parks is of the dreamlike reality of art and Frank Frazetta is the master of fantasy painting. The Fortelling is a short work of literary genius accessible to everyone. She has deep intense knowledge of the emotions and feelings that most people can only guess about. Discover her writing through this compelling work and then find your way into her other books. You won't be disappointed. Doug Hiser

Girl Power.......2006-06-08

One of Alice Hoffman's few YA books, this story of an Amazonian princess will capture you like no other read. The ways of the women warriors are brutally intense, and for the first time are questioned, by Rain, who vies for her mother's attention but still attempts to defy the ways of tradition. The characters are strong, each of them contributing to the choices made by Rain, for good or bad.

The Foretelling is a gripping book from beginning to end. Your care for the young princess grows as you learn more and more about her destiny, and her will to change the fate of her people to peace. Her strong connections with horses and bears seem spiritual, and make this story of pain and violence almost gentle and compassionate. I guarantee everyone will enjoy it.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2006-04-17

In this intense yet complicated fantasy story, Rain attempts to gain her mother's notice and acceptance by being the best of warriors in their Amazonian tribe. The product of a rape when her mother, Alina, wasn't much more than a child herself, it is hard to gain the Queen's approval. Although Rain knows that she's been raised by Deborah, the wise priestess, to one day be Queen herself, she also pays attention to Deborah's promises of a much grander destiny.

Rain doesn't totally understand the Queen's desire to so thoroughly destroy her enemies, even though her own cousins, Astella and Asteria, are two of the fiercest warriors in the tribe. When Alina takes Penthe as her companion, and Penthe's daughter Io seeks to be Rain's sister, matters become even more complicated. Rain wants nothing more than to ride her horse, Sky, to garner her mother's approval, to earn the place as rightful Queen that will someday come upon her.

On her first journey alone, Rain comes upon a bear cub, which she takes back to camp. She names him Usha, and together with Io the two girls raise the cub as if he were a horse. Although Rain and Io soon discover the mistake of doing so, it's too late--Usha is killed in battle, and Rain still doesn't have the love and acceptance of her mother.

THE FORETELLING is a coming-of-age story set in a fantastical land of the Amazons. Rain is a compelling character who, although she tries so hard to be vicious and fierce like her fellow tribe-members, always leans more towards peace for all men and compassion towards her enemies.

Not to be missed by lovers of fantasy stories!

Brief But Compelling..........2006-03-22

This book is short and that's unfortunate because I think the story could have been made longer but regardless it was a very compelling story. I liked how it was written and Rain I instantly loved as a character. Amazon women I have always heard of and reading about them was really interesting and fun.

The characters were strong, the dialogue was always short and to the point, and the story telling itself in Rain's eyes kept you hooked. I also read Practical Magic and that's how I got to know the name Alice Hoffman and I'm glad I did because both Fortelling and Practical Magic were worthwhile books.

Insanely compelling.......2006-03-16

My first contact with this book was through an excerpt printed in an issue of Writer's Digest. It was a total of seven paragraphs from chapter one, enough to introduce me to the character named Rain and the haunting, lyrical way in which she reveals her people and their way of life to the reader. Enough to leave me itching for more of the story, to the point where I went out and bought it right then and there.

Most books don't do that, or if they do, you bring it home and then realize that it's really not as gripping as you'd thought it would be from that little snippet. The Foretelling doesn't disappoint, though--it moves along at a steady pace that fits the story being told like a glove, while sparing no room for elaborate description. This is the story of a girl who was an Amazon Queen-to-be, told exactly as she might have told it herself, and I'd recommend picking this one up for the first time when you have a chance to sit down and read the whole thing from cover to cover.

How the Amazon Queen Fought the Prince of Egypt (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))

Average customer rating:

Historical Fiction for the Younger Set
Beautiful and Edifying
Beautifully told and illustrated

How the Amazon Queen Fought the Prince of Egypt (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))

Manufacturer: Atheneum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0689844344

Book Description

CAN WOMAN EVER CONQUER MAN?

Queen Serpot rules the Land of Women, where the Amazon women live free, without men, and hunt and fight their own battles. But one day their peace is broken. An army of Egyptian soldiers is approaching their land, led by their prince, Pedikhons.

Pedikhons has heard stories of these warrior women. Now he has come to see them with his own eyes -- and to challenge them to combat. But the brave Serpot and her women are full of surprises. Can woman truly equal man in strength and courage?

This story of love and war is based on an actual Egyptian scroll from the Greco-Roman period. Hieroglyphic translations of key phrases, intricate paintings in the Egyptian and Assyrian styles, and extensive notes about both cultures enrich this fascinating, untold legend.

Customer Reviews:

Historical Fiction for the Younger Set.......2005-10-13

Strong women, battling men, first at war, and eventually in love. Loosely based on real-life ancient history, this book is a feast for young imaginations with glimpses of past Assyria (the modern day Middle East), Egypt, and hieroglyphics. The book is educational as well as entertaining.

A fairly short book that won't overwhelm younger children (artistically stimulating for the pre-reader), but also keeps us old folks visually engaged.

Beautiful and Edifying.......2005-05-08

Applause to Tamara Bower for bringing back to life a story heard by ancient ears. Her attention to artistic detail makes this book a visual feast. With all of the information included in this book it is interesting for children as well as for adults.
Thank you Tamara Bower for this treasure!

Beautifully told and illustrated.......2005-05-05

This story is an ancient tale with a modern sensibility. Two great leaders, a prince and a queen, who do not know much about each other at first, rise to battle each other, then learn to respect each other and join forces. It's a great story of adventure, empowerment and acceptance, beautifully told with Tamara Bower's rich, colorful, hieroglyphic style paintings. This is a great book for anyone who likes Egyptian art and classic storytelling.

Prince Valiant Vol. 47: "Queen of the Amazons"

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Prince Valiant Vol. 47: "Queen of the Amazons"
Harold Foster , John Cullen Murphy , and Hal Foster
Manufacturer: Fantagraphics Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 156097527X

Queen of the Amazons (Alexander the Great)

Average customer rating:

Lack of Flavor and Bite
A great setup to an anticlimactic finish
Queen of the Amazons
Seek out a copy of "Lord Of The Two Lands" instead!
Such a waste of time!!

Queen of the Amazons (Alexander the Great)
Judith Tarr
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

Historical | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0765303957

Book Description

hen Alexander the Great came to Persia, it is said that Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons, traveled many weeks to look upon him, drawn by the power of his reputation, and perhaps by the gods. Here is the tale, told as only Judith Tarr could do it, of how the Queen of the Amazons was drawn by the power of her Goddess into the court of the great conqueror from the West. For Alexander, though he claimed a god as his father, was beloved of the Goddess, and his mighty spirit was destined to live on, even though his mortal body might die. Tarr combines historical fact with pure magical fantasy to create a novel for every woman who ever imagined herself riding beside the Conqueror of the known world.

Customer Reviews:

Lack of Flavor and Bite.......2005-11-28

I have a great love for anything regarding the legendary tribes of the Amazon women. Judith Tarr could have spent a little more time on this book before having it published. The beginning started out beautifully. I was hooked the first few pages but towards the middle of the book, the story lost some of its flavor. It starts out by Hippolyta, the fabled queen of the Amazons giving birth to Etta, a girl child born without a soul. From there, a number of events happen that lead Hippolyta and her daughter Etta to the presence of Alexander The Great.
This is where she lost me. From there the rest of the story is nothing but about Alexander! What really made me wince was the fact that she told the story from Etta's guardian, an Amazon warrior with the ability to see the future yet reluctant to share her gift. Worst yet was the fact that she couldn't decide what her sexuality was. But I have to say, for a child born with a soul, Etta's character enchanted me. I loved her ability to speak with other animals, especially horses. BUt even for all of Etta's charm, I was never so happy to see the end of this book. But in a strange way I was happy with the ending. The mystical twist added something to the story that it had lacked, even with Etta's powers. Granted, the movie about Alexander with Colin Ferrel was something to be desired. (Not even Angelina Jolie's appearance saved that movie, and I'm a huge fan of hers)But honestly, if I had been interested in buying a book about Alexander The Great, I would have. His presence overwhelms Etta's in this story and just when you think you've had enough of hearing about his travels and his battles, it ends in a way that will leave a little knot in the middle of your eyebrows. Be it in a good way or a bad way, you decide. I had bought the book on the slide that it would be a keeper. The title and the cover both interested me but sad to say it turned out to be a dud and I returned it. Better luck next time Judith.

A great setup to an anticlimactic finish .......2005-11-11

Is there such a thing as plot-us interruptus? If so, then Tarr is definitely guilty. The first two thirds of this book were great, but just when you thought things were really going to heat up, someone lets the air out of the tires.

Back up. OK, the book starts with the birth of a daughter to Hippolyta, the Queen of the scattered Amazon tribes. It should be a joyous occasion, but something is obviously wrong with the child - she has no soul. Even though the queen accepts this, she makes the child - unnamed, but called "Etta", or "that thing" - her heir anyway, sparking a rebellion led by her niece Phaedra. The first rebellion fails, and Phaedra is sent into exile. Then, Etta happens to hear about a new king in the west who has conquered Persia. The king is Alexander the Great, and Etta, still mindless and soulless but now with a purpose, is seized with a compulsion to find Alexander. Her mother and her guardian, a reluctant Seer named Selene, follow her. When they find Alexander, he is a likable, charismatic, sympathetic man who takes Etta in (rather like a pet). Alexander and Etta's fates are obviously intertwined, and Selene, who stays with his army to protect Etta, must figure out why and how - before the exiled Phaedra tries again to steal Hippolyta's throne.

The twist in this book could have been brilliant - when it first happened, I was thrilled, figuring that NOW the fun would start. But... no. The last 1/3 of the book was barely even readable! Why bother with such a great, original plot twist if you're not going to use it? I admit it, that ticked me off. The only thing worse than a book that's just bad from the beginning is one that really does have promise, and then squanders it.

The characters were OK, if a little sketchily drawn. I would have preferred more depth, particularly in Alexander and Selene, as well as some more detail on the Amazonian life, which was really shortchanged. Steven Pressfield's "Last of the Amazons" did such a great job in that regard that Tarr's depiction of the Amazons seemed watery in comparison. The first part of the book had me hooked, but by the end, I couldn't wait to finish it and move on. A definitely inconsistent effort overall.

Queen of the Amazons.......2005-04-21

The characters were interesting; the plot itself was well done, however the concept that bothered me greatly about this book was the fact that the "queen" was actually a male soul in the body of a female! It defeats the purpose of an female warrior race, when that race is led by a queen that was an infamous male warrior in his previous body!

Seek out a copy of "Lord Of The Two Lands" instead!.......2004-05-12

When I heard that Judith Tarr was writing another book involving Alexander the Great, I eagerly awaited its publication. Instead I found it a huge disappointment!! I enjoyed much of her first book about Alexander, "Lord Of The Two Lands", but her latest book is a sorry conclusion to her Alexander story. Her writing style comes across as forced and awkward, and the surprise twist that occurs two/thirds of the way through just made me groan and want to throw the book to the side. (Even though I saw that 'surprise' coming after the first few chapters, I had hoped I would be wrong and it would turn out to be a TRUE surprise, but no such luck!). I found this to be a ridiculous attempt at Alexander fiction, and such a great historical figure deserves better than to be such an insignificant character and no more than a goofy plot device. Skip this one and seek out her first Alexander novel for a much better read.

Such a waste of time!!.......2004-05-02

If a new author had been trying to get this book published they would not have succeeded. It's only because Judith Tarr is firmly established in the biz that "Queen of the Amazons" made it to print. It's quite dreadful and tedious, and not up to her usual quality. I kept waiting for it to get better, but it never did. To fans of Alexander the Great, BEWARE! He is only a very minor character, and what Tarr does to his character just past mid-way is one of the silliest things I have read in fiction in many years. It had me rolling my eyes and groaning. I nearly didn't finish the book because of it, and I really wish I hadn't finished, as the ending was rushed and chopped off and not worth the journey there. I hate to think of all the talented new writers of Alexander fiction who just can't get a break from publishers because those publishers are content with churning out junk like this and unwilling to take a chance on someone untested.

Book Description

The period between 1500 and 1650 was an exceptional time in history in that many European states and kingdoms were ruled by women. From Elizabeth I to Catherine de Medici, and from Anne of Austria to Mary, Queen of Scots, this phenomenon of female rule gave new energy to the long-standing controversy about the ability of women to govern, and reflected larger issues regarding the role of women in society.

Women Who Ruled is a fascinating exploration of how female power was visualized and constructed in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Examining over 90 paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, and decorative-arts pieces, the book provides a social, political, historical, mythological, and erotic context for (mainly) men's constructions of women's identities, and offers a striking parallel with today's mass-media manipulation of the female image, especially as women are increasingly taking the reins of power.

Examining female archetypes such as The Virgin, Wives and Mothers, Seductresses, The Warrior Woman, The Heroine, and The Goddess, author Annette Dixon deconstructs famous works such as Nicholas Hilliard's Elizabeth I: The "Hardwick" Portrait, Rubens's Joan of Arc, and Artemisia Gentileschi's Lot and his Daughters to show how these images created and reflected the age's idealization of women.

At a time when courses on gender studies and cultural theory are at their most popular, Women Who Ruled is a timely, intelligent, and stunningly illustrated book that offers a significant contribution to both women's studies and art history.

Customer Reviews:

Great Viewing.......2005-11-13

I bought this book at a gallery bookshop, and took it home wondering if I would like it.

It is now one of my favorite volumes. The illustrations are gorgeous - they are produced so finely, and range from paintings to prints and all other decorative arts.

I find the essays very informative. They explain the symbolism, etc. The text of the book is not too long - much space is given to the illustrations, which is appropriate.

Poorly written and conceived text, no insight.......2003-02-21

I have to agree with the other reviews of "Women Who Ruled". I visited the exhibition here at the University of Michigan last spring and enjoyed the exhibition, so I purchased the book hoping to gain some insight from the curator. Unfortunately, Annette Dixon, the curator at UM, seems to rely too heavily on other texts as the basis for her writing. There is not much in the way of personal opinion derived from first hand observation of the artwork itself. Much of the iconography,of which I would have enjoyed having some analysis, was completely ignored. What I got in it's place was watered down, cloyingly academic essays that took no positions, offered no opinions, and sat on the proverbial fence.
Fortunately there is an essay by Mieke Bal. From her writing, I can tell that at least she has strong opinions and is not afraid to voice them. It is too bad she did not write the whole text, instead of Dr. Dixon.
Overall it is a staid, stale, intellectually unadventerous exercise. The University of Michigan should be ashamed by putting out such a poorly conceived and written book. I hope they will learn from their mistakes and publish texts that are better companions to their exhibitions.

pandering and full of stereotypes.......2003-02-14

In "Women Who Ruled: Queens, Goddesses, Amazons in Renaissance and Baroque Art" it as if I were seeing Rashoman without ever getting to the final viewpoint that ties it all together and actually gives the woman's version of events. There is no continuity of thought or purpose. The writing is, for the most part, very conservative and relies on pigeonholing women into the usual stereotypical roles, virgin, whore, mother, etc. The ideas put forward of power being of the utmost importance, calls into question the authors priorities. Perhaps they are simply pandering to an audience, giving them what they want to hear. All power is not positive, neither are all powerful women.

Overall it was an unpleasant experience to read this book. The authors use the sort of language that speaks to academia and no one else. It fails to engage the reader throughout and then abruptly ends. It is a convoluted text with little relevance.
Pick up Art and Feminism by Helena Reckitt and Peggy Phelan instead.

Coffee table book - a must-not read.......2003-02-07

I had high hopes for this book but the writing is deplorable. Granted the illustrations are nice, but the essays, Ms. Dixon's in particular cycle over the same material again and again and never lead to any conclusions or opinions. It is if it was written by committee and total number of words was more important than content. There is no personal voice, no direction, no apparent humanity. Most of the useable content here is available elsewhere, and better written, more concise, and more thought through. At the end you are left knowing less than when you started. Save your time!

Secret of the Amazon Queen: Original Trade Paperback

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Secret of the Amazon Queen: Original Trade Paperback
Edgar A. Guest
Manufacturer: Lost Continent Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0972747249

Book Description

A racy adult take on a vintage adventure yarn. In 1877 four explorers lost in Brazil's jungle are captured by female warriors of a legendary lost city. A search party soon learns their horrifying fate, as the evil Amazon Queen reveals the unexpected secret of her civilization, which has survived thousands of years without men. The searchers attempt to escape, but even if they do, their lives will be changed forever. A racy contemporary take on a vintage adventure yarn.

Average customer rating:

Latin American magic realism satire?

The Love Queen of the Amazon: A Novel
Cecile Pineda
Manufacturer: Little Brown & Co (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Latin American | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0316708127

Book Description

Expelled from her demure convent school for swimming nude, led kicking and screaming to the alter, Ana Magdalena Figueroa is kidnapped on her wedding night only to escape and find refuge in the arms of the man of her savagely hot adolescent fantasies. Her marriage to the patrician but penniless writer, Federico Orgaz y Orgaz leads her to even more colorful adventures, from her blissful initiation into the flourishing bordello of her Aunt Ofelia to her apotheosis as the Madam extraordinaire of the legendary Confiteria. Meanwhile, Federico takes his cue from the subversively wicked stories his wife tells him to find his writing suddenly taking off at a new and flourishing pace. Exploring the nature of romance, deceit, and female desire, Cecile Pineda blends social and political satire with magic realism in a tour-de-force of stunning originality.

Customer Reviews:

Latin American magic realism satire?.......2000-04-10

It's set in Peru and Bolivia and maybe Brazil, and is full of erudite literary references and wonderful descriptions of old Lima. At first I thought it was real magic realism but then I thought it was a satire of the genre. The heroine is a sort of sexy female Candide. I was just rereading it and checked Amazon.com for more Cecile Pineda but find everything out of print. The only other review is of a novel called Frieze set in the ancient Orient.

8 Titles in Assignment Series - Lowlands - Karachi - Manchurian Doll - Ankara - Golden Girl - Amazon Queen - Afghan Dragon - Black Viking

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8 Titles in Assignment Series - Lowlands - Karachi - Manchurian Doll - Ankara - Golden Girl - Amazon Queen - Afghan Dragon - Black Viking
Edward S. Aarons
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000PH2FKG

Product Description

8 massmarket paperback Titles in Assignment Series - Lowlands - Karachi - Manchurian Doll - Ankara - Golden Girl - Amazon Queen - Afghan Dragon - Black Viking .

The Amazon Queen And The Lady Of The Tiger

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The Amazon Queen And The Lady Of The Tiger
Irene Hernandez
Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

War | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1401051871

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ASSIGNMENT AMAZON QUEEN
Edward S. Aarons
Manufacturer: Fawcett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000OUG7UI

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