Without Cloak or Dagger : The truth about the new espionage--
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Good Espionage Text
  • One of Two Required Intelligence Books for ANYONE
Without Cloak or Dagger : The truth about the new espionage--
M.copeland
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Intelligence & EspionageIntelligence & Espionage | Military | History | Subjects | Books
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  3. The Spycraft Manual: The Insider's Guide to Espionage Techniques The Spycraft Manual: The Insider's Guide to Espionage Techniques
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  5. Denial and  Deception: An Insider's View of the CIA Denial and Deception: An Insider's View of the CIA

ASIN: 0671216627

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Good Espionage Text.......2002-04-02

This book is a bit dated now, but is a great primer on the espionage business. Copeland relates his experiences and those of other spies - both on our side and the other side(s) - in a matter of fact, this-is-how-it's-done style. If you like either fiction or non-fiction accounts of espionage, this is the book to get so that you understand just what the heck those "spooks" are doing.

5 out of 5 stars One of Two Required Intelligence Books for ANYONE.......2000-04-08

This is one of my two required readings for any aspiring intelligence officer or student of intelligence (the other one is by Allen Dulles, "The Craft of Intelligence." An absolute gem across the board, providing insights into both capabilities and culture. This is really the only down-to-earth book that combines "a day in the life of a spy" with a serious practical discussion of just how and why spies do what they do. It is fun and easy to read, and offers some real world annecdotes that do not violate security but offer instead glimpses of the joys, the insanities, and the terror (10% of the time) or boredom (90% of the time--such as spending hours if not days waiting for a senstive asset to show up) that characterize the life of a spy.

To his credit, Copeland understood very early on that the spy world was missing out on what is known today as Open Source Intelligence (see my own book, "The New Craft of Intelligence" or view the 30,000 free pages at OSS.Net). The description on pages 41-42 (of the original hard-cover version) of how "Mother" concocted an entire network and got the head of Secret Intelligence to agree its production was worth $100,000 a year (big money in 1946), only to reveal that his source was actually five issues of The New York Times "demonstrated not only the naiveté of our nation's only existing group of espionage specialists but the value of ordinary New York Times reporting on matters regarded as being of high-priority intelligence interest." Nothing has changed in 50 years. We still need our spies, but they need to be a bit more serious, a bit less white, a lot older, and much more focused. We lack--we need--men of the caliber of Dulles and Copeland today.
Shadows, Skulls, Spooks: Shadows Do No Harm, Shadow Governments Kill
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Real food for thought
  • Shadows Skulls Spooks -- two books
Shadows, Skulls, Spooks: Shadows Do No Harm, Shadow Governments Kill
Donald Jay Denton
Manufacturer: BookSurge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. Shadows II, Skulls II & Spooks II Shadows II, Skulls II & Spooks II

ASIN: 1419637231
Release Date: 2006-06-28

Book Description

In Nineteen fifty-five a Shadow Government was established by Executive Orders, and operated covertly with success for twenty years during the very warm Cold War. Then under pressure from Congress in Nineteen Seventy-five, new Executive Orders were issued to make the Shadow Government, with its Black Chamber operations, vanish. This secret operation remained nonexistent history until exposed in Two thousand and three. This is a story about sixteen naïve young people. Upon graduating from high school on one Memorial Day, they enlisted and became highly trained and qualified Master Assassins by the following Memorial Day. They were recruited to be deadly tools of the trade for a “One Nation under God” Shadow Government. The young people were displacement specialists for dispatching humanities hemorrhoids from the “nasty now and now” into the “sweet bye and bye.” They helped balance out the political “World Order” of things, and the valuable economic benefits of the U. S. of A. around the world.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Real food for thought.......2007-06-05

Beyond the first few chapters this was an exciting and spellbinding book that I couldn't put down. There are lots of intriquing twists & turns about events that happened in my lifetime...very interesting....is this fact or fiction or some of both?

4 out of 5 stars Shadows Skulls Spooks -- two books.......2007-05-23

Shadows, Skulls, and Spooks is a two-book fascinating tale of 16 talented young men recruited into a secret Shadow Government operation -- the Pooka Brigade -- trained to be efficient killers and then assigned to kill to protect our Country's regional, political, and economic interests. Half of the first Brigade survived and the best of them went on to assemble another Pooka Brigade (covered in Book II).

Established and, 20 years later, terminated by Executive Orders, their Black Chamber units functioned in extreme secrecy. You will feel the tension and intrigue as they carry out their unbelievable assignments.

Sigurd D. Medhus

You're Stepping on My Cloak and Dagger (Bluejacket Books)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • you're stepping on my cloak and dagger
  • You're Stepping on My Cloak and Dagger
  • You're Stepping on My Cloak and Dagger--review
  • What a joy this book is back in print...
  • A must read!
You're Stepping on My Cloak and Dagger (Bluejacket Books)
Roger Hall
Manufacturer: US Naval Institute Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591143535

Book Description

With a sharp eye and wry wit, Roger Hall recounts his experiences as an American Army officer assigned to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II. First published in 1957 to critical and popular acclaim, his book has become a cult favorite in intelligence circles. The story follows Hall's experiences from a junior officer fleeing a tedious training assignment in Louisiana to his quirky and rigorous OSS training rituals in the United States, England, and Scotland. Quick to pick up on the skills necessary for behind-the-lines intelligence work, he became an expert instructor. But he was only reluctantly given operational duties because of his reputation as an iconoclast. In his droll story-telling style, Hall describes his first parachute jump in support of the French resistance as a comedy of errors that terminated prematurely. His last assignment in the war zone came when William Colby appointed him section head of an operations group that made its way on foot through Sweden. Called one of the funniest and most perceptive works ever written about life in the OSS, the book includes a wealth of unforgettable personalities that Hall encountered over the years. 220 pages. Paperback. 6 x 9 inches.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars you're stepping on my cloak and dagger.......2007-10-10


I first read this book when I was in England, in 1958,
enjoyed it greatly, it was very well done..

I had been looking for this book for the last 20 years, and over joyed
I found it. Thank you, Amazon

Russ

5 out of 5 stars You're Stepping on My Cloak and Dagger.......2007-02-08

Who thought spying could be funny. If you like to laugh, this is the book for you. Hall's life as a spy was hardly 007-ish, but you can't find a spy with a better sense of humor. It's hard to believe that one Army officer could find himself in as many laughable predicaments as he was. This book will ring even truer for those who have see military service. More than once I had to wipe tears of laughter from my eyes so I could continue reading. Not a long read, but certainly one high on the laugh scale.

5 out of 5 stars You're Stepping on My Cloak and Dagger--review.......2006-04-30

Sometimes, just sometimes, the things of your youth are
better than when you experienced them the first time: things
like "You're Stepping on My Cloak and Dagger," Roger Hall's
memoirs of his experiences in the OSS (Office of Strategic
Services, forerunner of the CIA) during WW2.


In 1966 Miss Estele, Greenon High School's librarian, once
very sternly suggested to me that I get my own copy of Mr.
Hall's book. Seems that I had checked out the school's copy so
much that it was in danger of disintegration.

Not wishing to run afoul of the lady with the piercing
eyes which could wound at 50 paces, I broke down and bought a
copy for myself.

I destroyed it with repeated readings.

I bought a second.

I destroyed it. Read the words off the page.

I went for a third copy. But alas the book was not to be
found. Literally for decades I searched used book stores and
book sales. Libraries. No dice. Gone. Phfttttttt.

But the book was always with me. I have never attended a
briefing or presentation without thinking of the great
exploding map overlay caper. Phrases and descriptions stalked
their ways into my daily vocabulary like two great stalking
things. I mean, how can you top, "...the account being one in
which the fact quotient was in inverse ratio to the difficulty
of the feats of derring-do allegedly performed"? I even once
wrote on a subordinate's performance evaluation, "...highly
praised for his capabilities and performance and resoundingly
damned for his irreverence."

Great stuff there.


Then a co-worker, to whom I had mentioned the book, found
that Bluejacket Press had republished it and it was available
through Amazon.com.


So as fast as I could, I got my third copy.


Would it be as funny? Well, actually, it was funnier.


Mr. Hall's wit can be rapier-like and delicately subtle.
Mr. Hall's wit can also cut a swath through inefficient
bureaucratic nonsense like a claymore. His ability to turn
ordinary words into lasting memories would make Mr. Hall a
blast with whom to split a pizza and a six-pack.


It's funnier because having spent 6 years and 3 months on
active duty in the service of His Majesty the Commandant of the
Marine Corps, I have a much deeper appreciation for the surreal
ambiance which permeates the military and which almost seems
designed to impede progress.

It's funnier because in spite of the institutionalized
blood-mindedness, we still manage, somehow, to weave our way
through lunacy's labyrinth.

It's funnier because I've lived in the Slidell, La area;
and, by-jingoes, it IS a place perfectly suited to rot away in.

This time around when I read of his experiences and
friendship with a Major William Colby, I know that William
Colby went on to become the head of the CIA.


If you like memoirs, this is the book for you. If you
like military history, this is the book for you. If you just
like funny books, this is the book for you.


Rick roberts

5 out of 5 stars What a joy this book is back in print..........2006-03-06

Having first read this book back in the 60s, it's the one I would have said most deserves to be back in print after all these years, so it's great to see that this is the case. The book is the autobiographical narrative of Roger Hall's time in the OSS, starting from his initial arrival for training, through his deployment in the European field, and finally arriving back after the war to debrief German POWs. It could have been a very dry and dull book, but Hall puts humor in nearly everywhere, and you get the idea that this is not because he's a masterful writer, carefully crafting the humor, as would Dave Barry, but rather because he and his pals had quirky sense of humor and a joy of life no matter where they were. And the book reads as well now as it did back in the 50s and 60s. Now if only a movie were made of it...

5 out of 5 stars A must read!.......2006-03-06

This book is definitely one of my favorite books! From the first sentence I was laughing and I read it in one enjoyable sitting. For anyone interested in the OSS it is a must read. Not only is it a page-turner, but when you are finished you can't help but be amazed by what the OSS was able to accomplish and how they went about it. It is informative and personal and at the same time you just can't stop laughing. Thank you Roger Hall for sharing your experiences!
You're Stepping on My Cloak and Dagger
Average customer rating: Not rated
    You're Stepping on My Cloak and Dagger
    Roger Hall
    Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Co.
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover
    ASIN: B000O28SAS

    Product Description

    A humorous and true story about the author's experience in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II.
    Cloak and Dagger (Star Trek Voyager, No 19, Dark Matters Book One of Three)
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • Very, very good book...
    • STV #19 Cloak and Dagger Dark Matters I - A great start!
    • And they haven't made this one into an episode?
    • Lucifer meets Star Trek
    • ST-Voyage Dark Matters: Cloak and Dagger
    Cloak and Dagger (Star Trek Voyager, No 19, Dark Matters Book One of Three)
    Christie Golden
    Manufacturer: Star Trek
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Movie Tie-InsMovie Tie-Ins | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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    VoyagerVoyager | Star Trek | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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    1. Shadow of Heaven (Star Trek Voyager, No 21, Dark Matters Book Three of Three) Shadow of Heaven (Star Trek Voyager, No 21, Dark Matters Book Three of Three)
    2. Ghost Dance (Star Trek Voyager, No 20, Dark Matters Book Two of Three) Ghost Dance (Star Trek Voyager, No 20, Dark Matters Book Two of Three)
    3. Seven of Nine (Star Trek: Voyager) Seven of Nine (Star Trek: Voyager)
    4. Echoes (Star Trek Voyager, No 15) Echoes (Star Trek Voyager, No 15)
    5. Death of a Neutron Star (Star Trek Voyager, No 17) Death of a Neutron Star (Star Trek Voyager, No 17)

    ASIN: 0671035827
    Release Date: 2000-10-31

    Book Description

    It is a scientific truth that the structure of the universe depends on the amount of "dark matter" contained in the cosmos. When sinister forces threaten to tamper with the very nature of reality, Captain Janeway and the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager™ must risk everything to restore the universal balance....

    CLOAK AND DAGGER

    Years ago, near the beginning of its long journey, Voyager made contact with a brilliant Romulan scientist whose present was Voyager 's past. Now Telek R'Mor communicates with Janeway again -- to warn her of a dire plot to capture Voyager and turn its "future" technology against the Federation of yesterday. But more than just the timeline is at stake. Voyager itself may be carrying a menace deadly to all creation!

    Download Description

    In this first book of a new "Voyager" trilogy, the Romulans plan to gain a head start on future Federation technology by capturing "Voyager" and manipulating the phenomenon known as "dark matter", with potentially disastrous consequences for the entire cosmos.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Very, very good book..........2004-07-01

    Even though, as an Original Series fan, I tend to lean only to books dealing with Kirk, Spock, McCoy, etc., sometimes I read other incarnations of Star Trek, such as The Next Generation and, in this case, Voyager. And this book certainly lived up to the legend we know as Star Trek. I have added it to space opera and sci-fi books such as: "2001", "Rendezvous with Rama", "Childhood's End", "Foundation", "Ringworld", "Advent of the Corps", and so forth.

    5 out of 5 stars STV #19 Cloak and Dagger Dark Matters I - A great start!.......2004-03-27

    "Cloak and Dagger" is the first installment in a trilogy of Voyager novels by Star Trek Voyager's premier author, Christie Golden. Going back all the way to her first Star Trek Voyager novel "The Murdered Sun," Christie Golden has quite well proven herself as the "authority" in Voyager novels as she's written several of them to include two relaunch novels that follow up with the crew after their return to Earth.

    Among the typically more interesting Star Trek novels are those that are loosely or in whole based upon a character or two that appeared in a single episode. This is the formula that Christie Golden chose for this trilogy in which she takes the story told in Star Trek Voyager's first season episode "Eye of the Needle" and primarily the character of Telek R'Mor and expounds on it in beautiful fashion to create yet another great Star Trek Voyager tale.

    The cover art for this novel is typical of Star Trek Voyager novels at the time in which it was published making it a cut above the majority.

    The premise:

    In Voyager's first season episode "Eye of the Needle" Ensign Harry Kim discovers a wormhole and raises his hopes thinking that it might lead the crew of Voyager home to the Alpha quadrant. Unfortunately, their hopes are dashed when they discover that the wormhole is ancient and way too small for Voyager to fly through. By a stroke of "luck" though, a Romulan scientist is experimenting with the wormhole in the Alpha quadrant and they make contact with him only to have their hopes dashed once again when they find out that this scientist, Telek R'Mor is from twenty years in the past and that the wormhole possesses temporal qualities...

    Jump approximately five years in the future and Christie Golden's Dark Matters trilogy begins with "Cloak and Dagger" as the crew of Voyager find themselves running an obstacle course of multiple wormholes opening up in their path as they're making their way home to the Alpha quadrant...

    What follows from there is one of the best Star Trek Voyager novels written up to its publishing date in which Christie Golden takes the character and events of "Eye of the Needle" and weaves an extremely well told tale involving Romulan intrigue and subterfuge that rarely falls short in the compelling read category.

    I highly recommend this novel and the following two in the trilogy to any and all fans of Star Trek fiction as this Star Trek Voyager novel written by Christie Golden is very typical of her high standard of science fiction in which she writes with excellent pacing and characterizations resulting in a highly compelling read! {ssintrepid}

    5 out of 5 stars And they haven't made this one into an episode?.......2003-06-05

    I have read nearly all the Voyager books and by far this trilogy is IT! This author nails it from start to finish with her style. I have read many a books that either spend way too much time with discriptions or way to little. This author discribes everything just enough to place me in the story as it unfolds and glues me to every page.
    Let's face it, any author that can make me root for a Romulan is the author for me.
    Here, here Ms. Golden... where's your next Voyager book?

    3 out of 5 stars Lucifer meets Star Trek.......2003-01-18

    I don't worry too much about ST continuity with the books, so although, as the person said below, the Romulan government was already discussed in "Vulcan's Heart" and is presented differently here, I don't hold it against Golden for not using this information. (And just a note: In said book the Emperor is all powerful so I'm not sure why he/she was complaining below about the Empress not following the set perameters for a Romulan ruler. ST has many continuity problems, especially in the books that are not, except in few miraculous occasions (See "Reunion"), considered cannon or become cannon.)

    What I found disturbing was her Coda at the end of the third book. All throughout the book there is the theme of the old Christian/Hebrew/(Zorastrian?) war in heaven where Lucifer falls - it is nearly transparent, but done well enough that it didn't bother me. It wasn't annoying within the story, but when she desided to have Janeway listen Telek R'Mor's final statement that he left behind it was too much--too clear exactly what myth she used to base her story on and it even got a little preachy, especially if you knew what you were reading. Liauh (sp!) the badguy, is so much like the Christian Devil and his aims and powers are so nearly the same that it felt like Golden was trying to make Christianity's beliefs fit into the Star Trek universe by giving it a scientific spin.

    That was my only complaint. The rest of the 3 part series was great.

    R

    5 out of 5 stars ST-Voyage Dark Matters: Cloak and Dagger.......2002-03-21

    This is the first installment of a 3 part series called Dark Matters, part 1 is Cloak and Dagger written by Christie Golden.

    This book begins slowly, but it builds to a warp core breach toward the ending, getting you ready for the second part of this series. There are villains and Romulans making this story one of treachery and deceit... right! Now, throw in some Dark Matter to the mix... interesting! Then have the Voyager crew involved trying to solve a mystery of universal balance due to the aforementioned... now, you got a story.

    This Voyager story brings back an old friend from the "Eye of the Needle"...yes, you guessed it, Telek R'Mor. After he made a successful contact with Voyager earlier, the sinister folk back on Romulus want Voyager's technology from the future to battle the Federation of their past time.

    Ah, but the villains have other thoughts... not that the deceit from the Romulans is not enough... but a double cross. You've got to read this book to appreciate this story.

    The plot is interesting, the characters are engrossing, and the story will fascinate you. This is a fast read... captivating.
    CLOAK & DAGGER (1983) 1-4 1ST MINI-SERIES
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      CLOAK & DAGGER (1983) 1-4 1ST MINI-SERIES
      Bill Mantlo
      Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Comic

      GeneralGeneral | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
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      ASIN: B000NP3F9K

      Product Description

      This is the complete 1st mini-series, issues #1-4. Cloak & Dagger first appeared in Spectacular Spider-Man #64, as two runaways taken by chicken hawks to be used as guinea pigs for testing a new synthetic drug - which changed them into super powered beings bent on taking revenge on those who prey upon the young.
      Bridge of Valor: The Second Book of the Cloak and Dagger (Cloak and Dagger, No 2)
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • Awesome
      • Loved both books but thought Jen and Thib need to grow up.
      • One of my favorites but it could have been better
      • there are flaws, but this is still one of my favorite books
      • Worse than the first book, which is pretty bad.
      Bridge of Valor: The Second Book of the Cloak and Dagger (Cloak and Dagger, No 2)
      Anne Lesley Groell
      Manufacturer: Roc
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      Groell, Anne LesleyGroell, Anne Lesley | ( G ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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      ASIN: 0451455452

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Awesome.......2001-01-12

      This book rocks. Throw in well thought-out fantasy, interpersonal politics, intrigue, magic, love and comedic jiggery-pokery and you have three quarters of this book. Throw in perfectly-described, beautifully breathaking scenery and you have it all. A truly fun romp, pushed along by great characters, who keep developing along the way. If you like mindless hack'n'slash, forget it; if you want intelligent writing, this is the book for you.

      4 out of 5 stars Loved both books but thought Jen and Thib need to grow up........1999-05-19

      Good reading but, how can a great assasin in training be so clueless as Jen is regarding Thib? Loved the 1st book and hope the next one returns it's focus to SciFi not aristocratic bed hopping.

      4 out of 5 stars One of my favorites but it could have been better.......1999-04-11

      I liked this book because it kept my attention. But I think that the book could have been written better. Is there going to be a third book or was this the last book in the series?

      5 out of 5 stars there are flaws, but this is still one of my favorite books.......1998-11-04

      I admit, there are a few character flaws in this books, but it's still such an engaging novel with a great plot, that really makes up for the few flaws. I feel that I can really related to Thibualt. Haven't we all felt for someone, with out them feeling the same thing? (I may be reaching here...) Ms. Groell really amazes me, and I hope that she comes out with the next book in the Cloak and Dagger series soon.

      1 out of 5 stars Worse than the first book, which is pretty bad........1998-09-15

      I only read this because I bought both books at the same time. What a mistake!! This novel had all the flaws of the first book and more i.e. a really boring plot. The characters are even less likeable in this book than the first. I am going to try and return these books if I can!!
      Cloak and Dagger (Forgotten Realms)
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Revelations on the Realms
      • In the shadows they lurk
      Cloak and Dagger (Forgotten Realms)
      Steven Schend , Sean Reynolds , and Eric L. Boyd
      Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      GeneralGeneral | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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      ASIN: 0786916273
      Release Date: 2000-06-01

      Book Description

      Cloak & Dagger provides Forgotten Realms(r) fans with the complete details of the city of Westgate.

      The Forgotten Realms setting is one of the most well-known fantasy environments in the world of adventure gaming. Fans love exploring the mysterious sites that make the Realms such an intriguing place to run D&D(r) campaigns. Cloak & Dagger details the City of Westgate, allowing Forgotten Realms players to launch campaigns in and around a vibrant, action-packed locale. This vital accessory also provides general D&D fans with a complete, prepackaged city that they can include in their own campaigns.

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Revelations on the Realms.......2001-05-13

      This book proves to be excellent source material for many of the power groups of TSR/Wizard's Forgotten Realms campaign world. In fact,if the upcoming 3rd edition sourcebook proves anywhere near as insightful, it should enhance the Realms' potential as a complete and true alternative to the current "Greyhawk-centric" layout of most the 3E materials currently being published. The book proves to be insightful, especially for DMs who run a Realms campaign, and it will spoil some storyline if you are more of a player than the game referee. Despite high praise, there are some aspects that may not please all fans. But first, let me state the excellent parts. What this entails is the efforts to develop details and story growth for some the Realms most famous and infamous groups. This material should prove good to developing and expanding a FR game adventure with new plotlines and activities. For several factors, this is important for game play and development. First, in recent years we have seen the campaign world material focus on geography and history, while casually or only briefly discussing many of these groups within. This left many a GM in the lurch, forced to come up with solutions that may not have been detailed or ideal for their campaign. By adding more details, and often a framework of villains, the book improves the group structure for adventures and encounters. Groups like the Rundeen and The Iron Throne(now of Baldur's Gate computer game fame)are given a deeper explanation and motivation than slavers or evil merchants, explanations that were casually tossed in to add flavor. Second, it adds much needed storyline to more familiar groups in FR adventures, like the Zhentarim and the Harpers. While I don't agree with all the new plots, these more-familiar and popular organizations were in need of an infusion of new dynamics, either to make them more realistic villains to fight or more interesting as heroic allies. Those players who have been involved as Harpers should be thrilled at the new adventures, while foes of the Zhents will find them more powerful and crafty to deal with than previous material had conveyed. The other added plus is that the more generic or marginal organizations mentioned in novels or modules have gotten some detail as well. Here, the book shines by giving attention that fleshes them out moreso than before. The Shadow Theives, The Westlake criminal society(plus city layout); The Unseen, and even a secret society of evil elves(if you read the Dungeon Crawl modules, you know where this going) all come into focus more. This information provides many a gamemaster with an alternate source of material than just encounters with the more famous groups(i.e. Harpers, etc) of the Realms, especially if your players have grown bored of them. While all this makes for great source material to GMs, and plot stories to fans of the Realms, the book isn't without some flaws. Let's start with the fact that you really must be versed in the Forgotten Realms; this isn't material that translates well into a generic campaign. Without trying to say too much, the plots involving Manshoon and the Zhentarim are very complex and could create confusion if you aren't familiar with the villains' histories and details. While some explanations are added for help, there is an intention to leave enough left unanswered to further future gaming. However, this convultion isn't always helpful to game structure and some may find it be too much. In fact, some may find that the storylines are too much change to add to a campaign involing those groups. Also, the excellent detailing found in this book is not evenly distributed. Some groups have more material, perhaps too much that can bog down your interest, and others very basic information or blurbs. For example, the Men of Bailisk or the Cloak Societies are briefly mentioned, and associated with other entries, usually a broad one like the Zhentarim or the Knights of the Shield. This doesn't really add to the possible areas of devlopment for adventures the DM could flesh out. To sum it up, CLOAK & DAGGER does a great job developing and revealing the power groups of the Forgotten Realms. The materials sticks close to its source, developing the mystery, manipulation and detailed intrigue lots of gamers associate with this game world's high adventure. Some, however, may find the changes too confusing to use in their gaming campaigns without careful application. You'll find it good and creative, but not as complete as one would like in some parts.

      5 out of 5 stars In the shadows they lurk.......2000-06-02

      After months of anticipation, "Cloak & Dagger" has arrived. This work reveals, for the DM of course, some startling events in the lands of Faerun. This source book is filled with a myriad of realms lore and information, as well as hooks for bringing these nefarious organizations to play in your realms campaign. For many of us, this is what we've been waiting for, and calling to the powers-that-be about. Finally, these intrigue riddled organizations are made flesh for the cunning game master: The Shadow Thieves, The Knghts of the Shield, The Iron Throne, and the Night Masks to name only a few. But more importantly, it reveals a great shift in the balance. What is it? I won't ruin it, but I'll tell you it has to do with the Zhentarim, and Manshoon himself! If you're a Forgotten Realms DM, and you want to spice up the intrigue in your campaign, even if you don't like using power groups in your games, you owe it to yourself to pick this up. You will not be sorry!
      Anvil of the Sun: Book One of the Cloak and Dagger (Cloak and Dagger, Bk 1)
      Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
      • An alternate world adventure novel
      • A great find
      • WOW - Riveting Read
      • Excellent book
      • Very disappointing, buy it used if at all
      Anvil of the Sun: Book One of the Cloak and Dagger (Cloak and Dagger, Bk 1)
      Anne Lesley Groell
      Manufacturer: Roc
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      Groell, Anne LesleyGroell, Anne Lesley | ( G ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Cauldron of Iniquity (Cloak and Dagger, 3) Cauldron of Iniquity (Cloak and Dagger, 3)

      ASIN: 0451455444

      Amazon.com

      Aristocratic assassin Vera Devereaux takes on a routine job of killing a politician, and, counter to custom, is promptly arrested for the murder as part of an ingenious scheme. Her rebellious debutante niece, who takes after Vera in many ways, rushes to rescue her and becomes enmeshed by the local revolutionary movement and its charismatic leader. This is the first of a series, but the story is complete. Ignore the said-isms and shaky social premises and enjoy the fast-moving plot. Groell has a wicked eye for farcical timing. If she tightens her control of language, she will give us some very funny fantasy of manners modelled on this one.

      Customer Reviews:

      3 out of 5 stars An alternate world adventure novel.......2002-06-11

      This novel starts out somewhat slow, but the pace picks up as the plot develops. It is a tale of political intrigue and assassins on an alternate world in a medieval setting, with some amount of magic added in. The story skips back and forth between a large cast of characters including the main assassin, the double-dealing government minister who hires her, the leader of the rebels, a mage in the desert, other assassins and government ministers, the main assassin's niece and her friend, etc. The novel periodically skips back in time to bring one character or another up to date.

      The assassin is hired to eliminate a decadent First Minister, but the job turns out to have complications. Double crosses are the rule of the day, and bodies start to accumulate. There are agents betraying agents, a bugged office, stolen secret papers, dungeons and torture, truth spells, etc., as the Assassins Guild tries to even accounts with the main villain. Sometimes people seem to trip over each other's feet. Don't assume that the assassin is unarmed because she is naked (big mistake), and if she is running loose it can be your worst nightmare.

      5 out of 5 stars A great find.......2001-01-12

      I loved this book. It was refreshing, original and interesting. You feel like you can reach out and touch the characters, they are so realistic. You also want to get to know them and find out what happens to them. It is quite thought-provoking and poses some new and very good ideas, enough to keep me thinking about them after I put it down. For a first book, it's unbelievably good, even if it has a couple of slight flaws (which didn't detract from my enjoyment). And there are more books in the series, and they are even better. Definitely grab this one.

      4 out of 5 stars WOW - Riveting Read.......2000-11-23

      I love this book! It's so good I planned to read the next one. I'll be searching for it. Jen and Thib are great characters and the story line twists and turns with the best.

      5 out of 5 stars Excellent book.......2000-02-29

      "Anvil of the Sun" is an exceptional book that stayed in my thoughts for weeks afterwards- enough so that I searched everywhere to see if there was a sequel out yet. With a gripping plot and interesting characters, this is a must-read. I couldn't put it down.

      2 out of 5 stars Very disappointing, buy it used if at all.......1998-09-15

      I would give this book a pass had I to do it over again. The characters are more annoying than anything and so inconsistent its pathetic. Come on, the GREATEST assassin in the world (we are told over and over) is trapped that easily? Give me a break!! Also, the 20th century technology imported into the setting via "the mages": electricity, alarm systems, etc. as well as oil discovered in the desert is a very lame plot device and rather unoriginal if you ask me. All in all I was very disappointed.
      The Cloak of Night and Daggers (Twelve Treasures)
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Loved it! Where is the next one?
      • Great Story
      • good, but not alone
      • Well! Publish the Next One Already!
      • Interesting plot, but writing was flat and uninteresting
      The Cloak of Night and Daggers (Twelve Treasures)
      Rosemary Edghill
      Manufacturer: DAW
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Mass Market Paperback

      ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      Edghill, RosemaryEdghill, Rosemary | ( E ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. The Cup of Morning Shadows (Twelve Treasures) The Cup of Morning Shadows (Twelve Treasures)
      2. The Sword of Maiden's Tears (Twelve Treasures) The Sword of Maiden's Tears (Twelve Treasures)
      3. Bell, Book, and Murder: The Bast Mysteries (Bast) Bell, Book, and Murder: The Bast Mysteries (Bast)
      4. Met By Moonlight Met By Moonlight
      5. Grave Surprise (Harper Connelly Mysteries, Book 2) Grave Surprise (Harper Connelly Mysteries, Book 2)

      ASIN: 0886777240

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Loved it! Where is the next one?.......2003-01-31

      This story was lovely. I really enjoyed the introduction of the new characters (Mak is wonderfully sweet). And I am desperate to find out what happens next. Who is going to marry the wizard? What's going to happen to Philip/Fox? What is Nic Brightlaw's job now that he is back in the Iron World? I REALLY want to know!

      5 out of 5 stars Great Story.......2001-06-05

      This is my favorite book in the series. The elements used in it are spectacular, and who doesn't love the concept of a real elf at a sci-fi convention? Makindeor and Melior are awesome characters, and I'd love to see more about them.

      3 out of 5 stars good, but not alone.......2000-06-26

      You can't read just one of the first three alone, but there is a tremendous amount of complete sections repeated over and over again in books two and then three. I wonder if she'll have space for anything new at all in the next book in the series? This is a pleasant read, but needs a LOT of editing.

      5 out of 5 stars Well! Publish the Next One Already!.......2000-01-20

      I heartlily agree with the previous reveiw! Where is the next book! I must read it! I am very happy with the Twelve Treasures. Well written,a wonderful read. A pleasure and an experince. There books are not ones you forget! I am avidly awaiting the next book!

      2 out of 5 stars Interesting plot, but writing was flat and uninteresting.......1999-05-08

      I read the first two books awhile back and liked the plot but the writing stlye put me to sleep. The author does not know how to keep the book interesting. The characters were flat uninteresting. When I heard there was a third book, I decided to give the series another try. The third book stank worse than the first two. The only reason that I kept reading was because I forced myself. With a different author, the story might have actually gone somewhere else besides back to the bookstore. Dull, lacked polish, and was just plain terrible.

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