Book Description
CIA operative Mitch Rapp follows a trail of contract killers leading directly to the heart of our nation's capital in New York Times bestselling author Vince Flynn's eighth explosive thriller.
It's a gorgeous autumn day in Georgetown. The Democratic candidates for president and vice president of the United States are dutifully glad-handing voters and the media outside a grand estate where a national security conference has just been held, bringing together the world's greatest minds to discuss the issues that are threatening the country. It's American politicking at its best. That's when all hell breaks loose.
When presidential candidate Josh Alexander's motorcade is ambushed by a group of terrorists, the nation is thrown into turmoil. Two weeks following the attack, Alexander is carried to victory by a sympathy vote, but his assailants have not been found. On the surface it appears to be the work of al-Qaeda, despite the tremendous job that the U.S. and her allies have done eliminating terrorist cells within the heart of America. While the FBI and the rest of the government begin scouring the world for jihadists, CIA director Irene Kennedy and Special Agent Skip McMahon are presented with classified information so toxic that they consider destroying it altogether, as it contains intelligence pointing to some of the most powerful players in Washington.
Enter Mitch Rapp, the one man reckless enough to follow the evidence to its explosive conclusion. His journey takes him through the shadowy world of contract killers, into the darkest corners of the globe, and eventually back to Washington, where the fragile pillars of power are shaken to their core.
Customer Reviews:
Move over Jack Ryan.......2007-10-07
If you are thinking about venturing into this spy series you may as well start from the beginning. Mitch Rapp is an exciting character and his exploits over the years are page turning. Start at the beginning and read in order for the best roller coaster.
Weakest of Flynn's Novels.......2007-09-17
I have enjoyed Flynn's novels since Term Limits, but I hate to admit that I think this was his weakest moment. The story seemed to be put together too fast, and the characters would appear extremely one dimensional if a reader had not read the previous Mitch Rapp novels. Here, Rapp appears as a stereotypical gung-ho "do things my way" agent with little or no thought process. While he was always anti-politician, Flynn drills it into the reader's head at every opportunity.
While the twist of who the terrorists are is a nice departure, the bad guys also did not have much depth. Of course Flynn always makes his politicians the most unsavory characters, (and in his previous efforts it is usually enjoyable) but the characters in Act of Treason are way too cookie cutter, even for Flynn.
The ending sealed the deal for me, which I thought extremely unrealistic and a fantastic departure of the usual rationalism Flynn evokes; the ending seemed to be the least thought out segment of the book. Disappointing.
Another Great Mitch Rapp Novel.......2007-09-03
Vince Flynn has done it again with another amazing Mitch Rapp Novel. Act of Treason like the other's would make a great movie, however it would be too realistic and cause the American people to truly see how corrupt our own government really is. Thanks Vince Flynn
Rapp is the man!.......2007-08-31
You see a news story involving a corrupt politician, known terrorist, or murderer getting candy-coated treatment - your immediate thought is "why can't someone just take this guy out back and deal with him?". If you sometimes have the itch to skip the formalities and skip straight to the "justice" in due process, then Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp is a man need to know.
I picked up the first book in this series a couple of years ago and have since waited for new releases with the same anticipation I used to have for Tom Clancy to share the latest Jack Ryan/John Clark exploits. Who knows at this point whether Clancy will ever give us another in that series, but in the meantime the Rapp character is filling a void for me. Flynn's writing is crisp and fast-moving, allows you to put yourself in Rapp's shoes and thought process and, as noted, satisfies your internal need to sometimes "just deal with the problem". Compared to Clancy's characters, Rapp is definitely more Clark, and Flynn skips the multi-layered plots and techno-thriller language and moves straight to the action. The closest character comparison I see for Rapp is Jack Bauer on "24", which probably explains why Flynn has been involved on story-line development for recent seasons of "24". I could easily see Flynn's efforts one day turning into a series of Rapp movies in the Bourne vein - interestingly, there now seems to be some chatter about doing just that.
For me, Flynn is one of the few writers who make me say "just one more chapter" before hitting the sack or taking care of chores. I think "Act of Treason" is another solid effort in the Rapp series and very satisfying for a Rapp devotee, but will be much more enjoyable to a new Flynn reader if you go back and pick the series up from the beginning to see how the character has been developed over the first seven books (see FAQ's at [...] for the chronological order).
Keeps moving.......2007-08-28
Corridors of Power as seen from the third cubicle on the left.
Nice simplistic plot and characters. Good guys are good, bad guys are evil, sexually perverted, and probably vote Democrat. No ambiguity. Good guys get to kill the bad guys, exercising god-like powers of assassination. That evil NY Times gets its comeuppance too.
Really, its good because Flynn is a good writer. Even his filler, descriptions of DC neighborhoods, thoughts and bios of irrelevant characters, etc. are unobtrusive, I even read a few.
First, but probably not the last of the series I will read.
Amazon.com
This segment of the Aubrey saga is set in Malta, where the captain's "small, sweet-sailing frigate" is undergoing repairs. The island, however, is swarming with Napoleonic agents, which means that Stephen Maturin must do everything in his power to avert sabotage. A typical O'Brian cocktail of action and intrigue.
Book Description
Read by Tim Pigott-Smith
3 cassettes/ 5 hours
The 9th installment in the Aubrey/Maturin series
All of Patrick O'Brian's strengths are on parade in this novel of action and intrigue, set partly in Malta, partly in the treacherous, pirate-infested waters of the Red Sea. While Captain Aubrey worries about repairs to his ship, Stephen Maturin assumes the center stage; for the dockyards and saloons of Malta are alive with Napoleon's agents, and the admiralty's intelligence network is compromised. Maturin's cunning is the sole bulwark against sabotage of Aubrey's daring mission.
Customer Reviews:
Treasons Harbour.......2007-04-04
I truly do not look forward to reading the last book in this fantastic series by Patrick Obrian. Every book in this series is written with an attention to detail and history that I have only seen among very few authors. It will be difficult to find a book of interest after I read the last in this series.
Espionage takes center stage in ninth Aubrey-Maturin novel.......2007-03-23
I continue to marvel at how strong a series Patrick O'Brian has created with his beloved Aubrey-Maturin books. Now into their ninth novel, Captain "Lucky Jack" Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin have lost none of their appeal.
One of O'Brian's best decisions was to have Aubrey and Maturin play two dramatically different roles while serving together. Aubrey is a duty-driven fighting captain, good for plenty of gallantry and traditional British heroism. In certain novels, such as "Master and Commander," Aubrey gets to take the lead. Maturin, on the other hand, is a spy as well as a naturlist, humanist, and physician. O'Brian lets Maturin take the lead in other novels where dueling broadsides play less of a role. And thank goodness he did so, for after a few novels the stories of Aubrey leading ship after ship into combat would grow more than a little dull.
"Treason's Harbour" is one of the series' espionage-oriented novels. The novel opens in the titular harbour in the island of Malta. Aubrey's lucky ship "Surprise" is in for much-needed repairs, and Aubrey must confront the extortive practices of the local tradesmen in order to get his ship fixed. Maturin must confront the attempt by the French to seduce him using a charming local lady whom they have blackmailed. O'Brian masterfully injects humor into the scenario as Aubrey tries to rescue the lady's beloved (and mammoth) dog, who has fallen into a well. Despite falling in himself, Aubrey rescues the dog, who thereafter treats Aubrey with such affection that the local gossip swiftly becomes that Aubrey and the lady must be having an affair.
After this entertaining episode, it is off to the Red Sea for Aubrey and Maturin for more diplomacy. While there is plenty of time for seamanship, this mission is more in Maturin's line than Aubrey's. O'Brian treats the reader to several fun and thrilling passages, whether it is Aubrey trying to negotiate the desert on a camel, or Maturin using his new-fangled diving bell to explore the sea floor, or an unfortunate swimmer being devoured by a shark.
The pages of "Treason's Harbour" will fly by as Aubrey and Maturin move from scrape to scrape, eventually ending up in a sea battle with the French. All in all, a well-rounded entry into the Aubrey-Maturin series. I only give this one four stars to distinguish it from the best novels in the series, but this is by no means a criticism - sometimes you must discriminate between the very good and the excellent.
Naval Warfare in the Mediterranean and Espionage on Malta.......2006-06-03
In "Treason's Harbour" Lucky Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin continue their adventures in the Mediterranean; only this time Jack's well-known luck fails him. The story picks up where "The Ionian Mission" left off, and CPT Jack Aubrey is dealing with the refit of both the Worcester and the Surprise. In the shipyards of the 1800's - Malta in particular - corruption is rife and while Aubrey deals with the frustrations of naval command's less glamorous details Stephen Maturin finds Malta to be a den of spies, loose lips and competing intelligence agencies. Here Patrick O'Brian continues to expand and excel with Maturin's espionage activities. Significant to this novel is the introduction of a villain who spans more than one volume. I will not spoil the surprise, but he has been previously encountered to those familiar with O'Brian's series. This quality makes "Treason's Harbour" a great read from the intelligence perspective: the reader is given Maturin's knowledge and the Villain's knowledge, and can see the interaction of their various skills and chance, and how this plays out into reality.
Stephen Maturin runs counter intelligence in Malta, attempting to use and save a woman who is being manipulated by deadly French agents, and due to leaks within one of England's compartmentalized and competing intelligence agencies, is at a severe disadvantage that he can only suspect. Needless to say, O'Brian's forte in writing includes both naval action and tense espionage.
Soon the Surprise is dispatched on a mission to Arabia, where CPT Aubrey is ordered to attempt another minor coup similar to what he performed in the Ionian: take a small but strategic island, and through the use of subtle and well plied political intrigue and military maneuver, oust the French and their agents, ensure the installation of a ruler friendly to the interests of His Majesty's Empire and confound Bonaparte's minions to boot. Well, as you will see, all that is easily stated in war plans is not so easily executed on the ground, and the crew of the Surprise are soon terrified by evil Jin spirits in the Arabian deserts and fighting an enemy completely outside of their element.
Following the conclusion of their attempt in Arabia, Jack is dispatched once more to deal with a small potentate along the Barbary Coast, who has been playing both sides in England and France's struggle for dominion. The conclusion of the book will leave you at the brink, wanting more, and racing to the library or the bookshop to get the next adventure. "Treason's Harbour" is a great book by any standards, and excels even by the elevated expectations that O'Brian continues to set.
Interesting Twists, Enhancing the Realism.......2006-01-31
Treason's Harbour provides a couple of interesting twists for the Patrick O'Brien fan. These twists involve failed missions which interrupt the continued series of victories we come to expect, yet which we know are not the stuff of reality. Captain Aubrey and his Surprises are sent on a mission by land across Egypt to the Red Sea to intercept a cargo of French bullion. We have high hopes for this adventure, as it would enrich Aubrey, and end his financial difficulties at home. This mission, however, ends in abject failure, for want of first rate military intelligence, and as a result of leaks of confidential information. The second twist is Dr. Maturin's dangerous efforts at counter-intelligence, in which he pretends to be seduced by the wife of a British officer, who feigns cooperation with the enemy in the hope of freeing her husband who is being held captive. This counter-intelligence effort is also unsuccessful. In short, even the fictionalized version of war embodies unfortunate disaster as well as brilliant victory. As usual, however, we are treated to a wealth of detail as to the operations of the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, and to the minutiae of naval administration. For instance, we see the corruption of the dockyard shipwrights when Capt. Aubrey has to pay bribes to get the Surprise refitted on schedule. this book will not be a favorite of the fan of naval warfare, as the only action is brief, and is inserted ten pages from the end, as in afterthought. There is also some contemporary relevance, as the action of the book is set in Muslim lands during Ramadan, and we see the effect of Islam playing through the story line. Overall, it is a stand-alone plot, and no previous knowledge of the characters or precedence is required. Read it for the twists, and shake the Egyptian sand from your boots when you return home.
One of the more suspenseful tales in the Aubrey/Maturin saga.......2005-06-05
"Treason's Harbour", the ninth installment in the Aubrey/Maturin series, is set soon after the events chronicled in "The Ionian Mission", with Aubrey, Maturin and the crew of HMS Surprise enjoying some rest in Malta, while the battered frigate undergoes repairs. Unbeknownst to Maturin, his identity as a British intelligence agent has been unmasked by a civilian official working at the Admiralty who is one of Napoleon's British moles. He finds himself involved romantically with Laura Fielding, the wife of a Royal Navy captain captured by the French, who unwittingly works on behalf of Napoleon's secret service. Aubrey is entrusted with secret orders from the Admiralty's mole which will result unexpectedly in the death of his long-time nemesis Rear Admiral Harte. And both he and Maturin will find themselves in several exciting adventures in Algeria and Egypt.
I'll admit that this is not the most exciting tale in the Aubrey/Maturin series with regards to sea battles. Instead, "Treason's Harbour" works best as a Napoleonic version of a John Le Carre novel, with Aubrey and Maturin trying to outwit their French secret agent pursuers. It remains an important installment in this saga simply by setting some of the behind-the-scenes political and espionage skullduggery which will set the course for much of the latter half of this saga. Once more O'Brian shines in offering some more of his elegant 19th Centuryesque prose.
Average customer rating:
- A Fantastical Tale
- sympathetic main character
- Perfect. Unbelievable in the grace of its execution.
- you must be kidding
- dare call it Treason
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Treason
Orson Scott Card
Manufacturer: Orb Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Contemporary
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Wyrms
ASIN: 0765309041
Release Date: 2006-01-24 |
Book Description
Lanik Muellers birthright as heir to planet Treasons most powerful rulership will never be realized. He is a rada radical regenerative. A freak who can regenerate injured flesh . . . and trade extra body parts to the Offworld oppressors for iron. On a planet without hard metalsor the means of escapeiron is power in the race to build a spacecraft. Iron is the promise of freedomwhich may never be fulfilled as Lanik uncovers a treacherous conspiracy beyond his imagination. Now charged with a mission of conquestand exileLanik devises a bold and dangerous plan . . . a quest that may finally break the vicious chain of rivalry and bloodshed that enslaves the people of Treason as the Offworld never could.
Customer Reviews:
A Fantastical Tale.......2007-07-08
Lanik Mueller, a man born of a people that have genetically altered themselves to quickly heal travels across the world names Treason. His genetics allow his people to quickly heal injuries and even regrow severed body parts. Though his journey of exploration of both the world and himself is fast-paced and interesting it is not what I would call "Ender caliber".
I have read the other reviews and they perplex me when they speak of this book as though it contains more than one story. It does not. This book lacks that spark which allows the reader to suspend disbelief and experience the story rather than just read it. Little inconsistencies like Lanik's later ability to not need food or water (given to him in Schwartz) In Schwartz he was told "We don't kill animals...We don't kill plants...We don't kill water." yet when he was among the Ku Kuei Lanik thought "...in Schwartz, when the water pooled so I can drink..." It is difficult to believe that people living within a few weeks travel of each other would not have made similar contacts with the other cultures on the planet (after 28 plus generations). It is likewise difficult to believe that the "jailers" would send iron down as a currency and not have discovered the virtually limitless supply of iron that was discovered (or possibly accumulated) by the Schwartz.
The dialogue and non-stop action is what keeps the reader quickly turning the pages quickly enough to overlook most of the obvious problems with the plot. Read it for a quick enjoyment but don't dwell on it after finishing.
sympathetic main character.......2007-05-21
As an Orson Scott Card fan I expect to enjoy all his books. This book was no disappointment. As this is an earlier book, you can see the beginnings of the personalities and guilt ridden angst of his characters. Deals also with the destruction of a people much and the Ender series does later. Not a Nebula level novel but satisfying.
Perfect. Unbelievable in the grace of its execution........2007-03-09
This book is simply amazing. It is the best book of any kind I have read.
Many reviews of books say that "You simply cannot put it down." I don't know why, but I couldn't put this one down. It's not the suspense either, which is odd. The events are not THAT surprising, but the prose and dialogue are just beautiful.
Buy this book. You will not be disappointed.
you must be kidding.......2007-02-22
I'm a Card fan, so I was eager to read this book. Talk about disappointed. I'm honestly baffled by all these good reviews. "Treason" is every bit as ridiculous as Marian Zimmer Bradley on a bad day (I'm thinking specifically of MZB's story in which two women handcuffed to each other PUT SHIRTS ON, THEN TAKE THEM OFF -- unless Darkovan blouses have incredibly interesting sleeves, that's physically impossible! It killed the book for me). Card and MZB have a lot in common: When they're good, they're very very good, but when they're bad, they're unreadable. For me, "Treason" is an incredibly painful read. Bad, bad, bad.
dare call it Treason.......2006-12-27
The metal-poor prison planet Treason is divided among 80 clans that are descended from the members of an intellectual cabal that threatened a populist empire 3 millenia ago. By selectively trading precious iron with each clan, the empire reinforces specialization, competition, and social fragmentation across the planet.
In Treason, Orson Scott Card tells the story of Lanik Mueller, a "radical regenerative" who is exiled from his clan of geneticists. Wandering (and bleeding) from land to land, he picks up capabilities and insights from each of the clans and eventually breaks his world free from Imperial control.
This book is a modest revision of Card's second novel, A Planet Called Treason. It's as solidly written and satisfying as any of his science fiction novels, Ender's Game excluded. Card demonstrates his talent for crafting SciFi with virtually no investment in science or technology.
Like all the SciFi classics (and prefiguring the Ender series), Treason is principally a vehicle for painless examination of social, moral, and ethical conundrums. I'm reminded that Card's greatest strength is his ability to honestly examine his characters and their issues from every side.
Book Description
“Liberals’ loyalty to the United States is off-limits as a subject of political debate. Why is the relative patriotism of the two parties the only issue that is out of bounds for rational discussion?”
In a stunning follow-up to her number one bestseller
Slander, leading conservative pundit Ann Coulter contends that liberals have been wrong on every foreign policy issue, from the fight against Communism at home and abroad, the Nixon and the Clinton presidencies, and the struggle with the Soviet empire right up to today’s war on terrorism. “Liberals have a preternatural gift for always striking a position on the side of treason,” says Coulter. “Everyone says liberals love America, too. No, they don’t.” From Truman to Kennedy to Carter to Clinton, America has contained, appeased, and retreated, often sacrificing America’s best interests and security. With the fate of the world in the balance, liberals should leave the defense of the nation to conservatives.
Reexamining the sixty-year history of the Cold War and beyond—including the career of Senator Joseph McCarthy, the Whittaker Chambers–Alger Hiss affair, Ronald Reagan’s challenge to Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall,” the Gulf War, and our present war on terrorism—Coulter reveals how liberals have been horribly wrong in all their political analyses and policy prescriptions. McCarthy, exonerated by the Venona Papers if not before, was basically right about Soviet agents working for the U.S. government. Hiss turned out to be a high-ranking Soviet spy (who consulted Roosevelt at Yalta). Reagan, ridiculed throughout his presidency, ended up winning the Cold War. And George W. Bush, also an object of ridicule, has performed exceptionally in responding to America’s newest threats at home and abroad.
Coulter, who in
Slander exposed a liberal bias in today’s media, also examines how history, especially in the latter half of the twentieth century, has been written by liberals and, therefore, distorted by their perspective. Far from being irrelevant today, her clearheaded and piercing view of what we’ve been through informs us perfectly for challenges today and in the future.
With
Slander, Ann Coulter became the most recognized and talked-about conservative intellectual of the year.
Treason, in many ways an even more controversial and prescient book, will ignite impassioned political debate at one of the most crucial moments in our history.
From the Hardcover edition.
Download Description
"Liberals' loyalty to the United States is off-limits as a subject of political debate. Why is the relative patriotism of the two parties the only issue that is out of bounds for rational discussion?"
In a stunning follow-up to her number one bestseller Slander, leading conservative pundit Ann Coulter contends that liberals have been wrong on every foreign policy issue, from the fight against Communism at home and abroad, the Nixon and the Clinton presidencies, and the struggle with the Soviet empire right up to today's war on terrorism. "Liberals have a preternatural gift for always striking a position on the side of treason," says Coulter. "Everyone says liberals love America, too. No, they don't." From Truman to Kennedy to Carter to Clinton, America has contained, appeased, and retreated, often sacrificing America's best interests and security. With the fate of the world in the balance, liberals should leave the defense of the nation to conservatives.
Reexamining the sixty-year history of the Cold War and beyond -- including the career of Senator Joseph McCarthy, the Whittaker Chambers-Alger Hiss affair, Ronald Reagan's challenge to Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall," the Gulf War, and our present war on terrorism -- Coulter reveals how liberals have been horribly wrong in all their political analyses and policy prescriptions. McCarthy, exonerated by the Venona Papers if not before, was basically right about Soviet agents working for the U.S. government. Hiss turned out to be a high-ranking Soviet spy (who consulted Roosevelt at Yalta). Reagan, ridiculed throughout his presidency, ended up winning the Cold War. And George W. Bush, also an object of ridicule, has performed exceptionally in responding to America's newest threats at home and abroad.
Coulter, who in Slander exposed a liberal bias in today's media, also examines how history, especially in the latter half of the twentieth century, has been written by liberals and, therefore, distorted by their perspective. Far from being irrelevant today, her clearheaded and piercing view of what we've been through informs us perfectly for challenges today and in the future.
With Slander, Ann Coulter became the most recognized and talked-about conservative intellectual of the year. Treason, in many ways an even more controversial and prescient book, will ignite impassioned political debate at one of the most crucial moments in our history.
Customer Reviews:
Can liberal bias be this longstanding and this deep?.......2007-09-16
The most important thing for you to know is, Ann Coulter, the woman you see on tv is not necessarily the same Ann Coulter who authored this book. Depending upon where you have seen her, and what she had to say, you may have one opinion; as an author, she is something else. Now, both personas can be very funny, but Ann Coulter the writer is very precise and very careful.
I was raised a liberal and I was taught that McCarthy was some kind of a mad demagogue who was out to ruin the lives of any Democrat that he didn't like, as well as the destroyer of the lives of hundreds of people in Hollywood. It was what I was brought up to believe. When I began to read Ann's book, I must admit to being taken aback by some of the things which she said. Over and over again, I'd think to myself, "Now, can that really be true?" And then, like she read my mind, she would supply additional information to explain, justify and prove her points. In all my liberal education, it never occurred to me to ask, "Were there actual Communists in government positions during the McCarthy era?" Never occurred to me. I assumed all this time that these were simply "armchair socialists" who at most gave lip service to the party line, but had no ill will toward our government. I must admit that Ann changed my mind. After reading this book, I see things in a whole different light.
Now, you may not like Ann Coulter, her politics or her persona. However, this book will thoroughly engage you. She is funny (although I can understand how a liberal might read some passages and not find them as funny as I did). No matter which side of the aisle you are on, you will be kept interested, you will see things in a different light, and, if you are closed-minded and from the left, she will make you want to find the nearest conservative and rant for 5 minutes; and then you will go back to reading her book.
One more thing: I don't recall reading any book with this many footnotes. They don't get in your way; they do not interfere with your train of thought; but, whenever you wonder, "Can this be true?" Ann footnotes it--again and again.
Great book; I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are uncertain whether you will like it or not, read 2 or 3 of Ann's columns; she is logical, engaging and funny...these are important attributes when reading a book of nonfiction.
The troublewith Ann???.......2007-08-29
Ya, the trouble with Ann is that she speaks the truth and she has fact to back it up!
An eye-opener.......2007-08-21
Ann put together much information that has been buried or distorted. I've come across much of this same info in my history research but of course the media doesn't make a big deal out of it. What are they going to do, admit that not only were they wrong but that they were serial liars for over 40 years?
If you only read one conservative book this year make it this one.
Ann's Best Book.......2007-08-20
Bottom Line: A fascinating reassessment of the McCarthy era.
What You Will Learn: Turns out those crazy charges about communists holding powerful offices in the Department of State and other important government agencies were... true! One can critique Ms. Coulter for her signature harsh bluntness of people's motives, but it not going to be possible to refute her careful review of now declassified documents which clearly show communist spies working on the U.S. government payroll during the cold war.
Parting Shot: Ann has written a serious book on history that makes a strong case that the conventional wisdom on the McCarthy era is largely mistaken.
Who's treasonous?.......2007-07-28
According to Coulter, it's anyone who doesn't think that Joseph McCarthy was a sage and patriot, rather than the drunken demagogue that history reveals him to be. Ms Coulter oversimplifies the world into discrete black and white false dichotomies. Those who agree with her hateful, narrow-minded viewpoint are correct-thinking, upstanding citizens. Those who find her venom-spewing diatribes distasteful are terrorist-loving traitors who want nothing more than to see their nation crumble.
Please!
Isn't way past time that divisive voices like hers are shown up for what they truly are? How can anyone (even those with half their brain tied behind their backs) condone calling the majority of their fellow Americans traitorous? Coulter's book isn't humorous or witty. It isn't anywere in the same universe with accurate, either.
Coulter writes: "To hear them [liberals] tell it, in the forties and fifties, anyone who read the Village Voice was liable to be hauled before a congressional Star Chamber and forced to "name names" --- presumably of other Village Voice subscribers." Well, no. First, after Sen. McCarthy was censured by the Senate in 1954, his career was pretty much over. No one was being hauled into Congress on a Commie witchhunt after that. And then there is another factual problem: The Village Voice wasn't launched until 1955 --- long after McCarthy's crusade was ashes.
So, do yourself and your country a big favor: pass on this poorly written screed. Coulter offers nothing but hate, flavored with a dose of paranoia and a cupful of inaccuracy.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent Examination of early drafts for Lord of the Rings.
- I'm gonna be honest here, this book is not for EVERY fan of lord of the rings.
- Essential reading for the Tolkien scholar
- Great continuation of a great series
- Important for Tolkien Scholars, not for movie fans
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Treason of Isengard: The History of The Lord of the Rings, Part Two (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 7)
J.R.R. Tolkien
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Epic
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| Tolkien, J.R.R.
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ASIN: 0618083588 |
Book Description
The Treason of Isengard is the seventh volume in Christopher Tolkien's History of Middle-earth and the second in his account of the evolution of The Lord of the Rings. In this book, following the long halt in the darkness of the Mines of Moria with which The Return of the Shadow ended, is traced the great expansion of the tale into new lands and new peoples south and east of the Misty Mountains; the emergence of Lothlorien, of Ents, of the Riders of Rohan, and of Saruman the White in the fortress of Isengard.
In brief outlines and pencilled drafts dashed down on scraps of paper are seen the first entry of Galadriel, the earliest ideas of the history of Gondor, the original meeting of Aragorn and Eowyn, its significance destined to be wholly transformed. Conceptions of what lay ahead are seen dissolving as the story took its own paths, as in the account of the capture of Frodo and his rescue by Sam Gmgee from Minas Morgul, written long before J.R.R. Tolkien actually came to that point in the writing of The Lord of the Rings. A chief feature of the book is a full account of the original Map, with re-drawings of successive phases, which was long the basis and accompaniment of the emerging geography of Middle-earth. An appendix to the book describes the Runic alphabets as they were at that time, with illustrations of the forms and an analysis of the Runes used in the Book of Mazarbul found beside Balin's Tomb in Moria.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Examination of early drafts for Lord of the Rings........2007-02-24
`The Treason of Isengard' is the second of a four volume series (`The History of the Lord of the Rings') within a series, (volume VII of `The History of Middle Earth') edited by Christopher Tolkien, from the unpublished writings of his father, J. R. R. Tolkien, most famous as the author of `The Hobbit' and `The Lord of the Rings' (LotR).
While the first of this series within a series ended with the Fellowship standing over the tomb of Balin in Moria, this volume returns to drafts which go all the way back to the conversation between Gandalf and Bilbo in Bag End, following the great birthday party and Bilbo's disappearance following his final speech to his gathered celebrants. As such, for the part of the story between Bag End and Moria, the book contains a more tabular and `analytical' information on the various threads of the story, spending much time on the events which delayed Gandalf from returning to the Shire, explaining the title of the volume, since this circumstance was caused by Gandalf's imprisonment by Saruman. There is correspondingly less information on the events surrounding the encounter with Tom Bombadil, and, it seems, no new information on this very mysterious character.
Next to Bombadil, the most mysterious and ill-explained character in LotR, I think, is the Balrog, a massively evil being in Moria who seems to be controlled by neither Saruman nor Sauron, an evil spirit, probably older than either Shelob or Smaug, probably some evil creation of Melkor going back at least to the first or second age. And yet, there is little back-story on the Balrog. The only thing we can infer from the text is that it's power is just barely exceeded by a wizard (power augmented as it is by one of the elven rings). Even Peter Jackson's excellent depiction of the Fellowship's encounter with the Balrog contributes nothing to our insights on this spirit (except to provide the clear high point of the film, `The Fellowship of the Ring'.
This volume ends with the arrival of Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli at the halls of Edoras, the capitol of the Riders of Rohan. Therefore, it includes the escape from Moria, the encounter with Galadrial in Lorien, and the trip down the Great River, the Uruk-hai, the encounter with Treebeard, and the reuniting of Gandalf and `the three walkers'.
The second volume is every bit as good as the first of this series of early drafts, with its many chronological tables and early maps.
While this does overlap the first volume, I find nothing lost in reading `The Return of the Shadow' from front to back before starting `The Treason of Isengard'.
Note that the lag between this series and the final LotR text is resolved by the early drafts occupying four rather than three volumes.
I'm gonna be honest here, this book is not for EVERY fan of lord of the rings. .......2006-03-14
If you like the movie, the books, even if you like the first 5 books in the history of mi series, you still may not enjoy this. This I believe is only for the die hard tolkien fans. those of us trying to figure out exactly what he was thinking of each page he wrote, we won't get all his thoughts, but will be able to rea da lot of them.
I would suggest that you go to like barnes and noble and read the first 20 pages or so to see if it interests you. If it doesn't th is ok, you will still need to buy book 9, which you will be overpaying for becuase it's about 40 % the lord and only 60 % numenor and other stuff.
Though still essential for tolkien fans, this book is mainly for die hards.
Essential reading for the Tolkien scholar.......2004-05-09
"The Treason of Isengard" marks the second of four volumes dealing with the history of the writing of "The Lord of the Rings." Like the other volumes in the series, it features unpublished writings by Tolkien, supplemented, explained, footnoted, annotated and expounded upon by his son, Christopher Tolkien.
This book is also part of the larger, 12-part History of Middle Earth series, which takes a close look at the creation of Tolkien's greatest achievement - Middle Earth itself - through early drafts, unpublished texts, and dead end writings. For ardent Tolkien readers it is a fascinating look at one of the great literary creations of the 20th Century. For more casual fans, it's text better left unread.
If you're not a Tolkien fan, you need not apply to this sprawling series. But if you're interested in seeing how the Professor developed the rich creation of Middle Earth, warts and all, this is a treasure trove of material.
Here, like the first volume, we have the earliest versions of what would later become the most beloved fantasy epic in the world, detailing the extraordinary and convoluted history of the middle chapters of "The Lord of the Rings." The early versions of Treebeard, some fascinating ideas Tolkien abandoned regarding Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, and other dead end plot threads will fascinate readers interesting in knowing about the epic's creation.
The wealth of information is fantastic, and Christopher Tolkien goes to great lengths to examine each text, putting them in the context of the larger puzzle of his father's writings. The exploration of how "The Lord of the Rings" came about is fantastic - for those interested. Otherwise, it will bore. This is, after all, a series of unfinished draft chapters and essays on the text. I enjoyed it, but many won't.
Anybody wishing to do a study of Tolkien's craft, into "behind the scenes" writings, or just interested in finding a few snatches of new Middle Earth material (even if in unfinished form, there are some scattered throughout the series) will certainly find what they are looking for here. Christopher Tolkien's work here is appreciated by scores of ardent Tolkien fans. Those looking for fresh new tales about hobbits and heroes, however, will be disappointed. This isn't new fiction, nor does it even feature finished works. Seek elsewhere if you are looking for more tales in the way of "The Lord of the Rings."
Great continuation of a great series.......2004-04-19
I never realized how interesting it would be to read a detailed, almost blow-by-blow, account of the creation of a masterpiece. Christopher Tolkien has done all Tolkien scholars, both professional and amateur, a great service by detailing his father's often tortuous development of Middle Earth especially Rohan, Saruman and Isengard, and the creation of Treebeard and the wonderful Ents. Also versions of Frodo and Sam's further journey that are very different from what makes it into "The Two Towers" are fascinating. Those who think that Mr. Tolkien has only done this for the money should look again at these works (if indeed they even looked at them at all). No person in his or her right mind would go through this amount of detailed work just for money. No amount of money would be enough to pay for work of this magnitude.
Important for Tolkien Scholars, not for movie fans.......2003-11-18
The History series are mostly about the evolution of the people, places, and history of the world of Arda. A lot of the stories are "rabbit trails;" stories that changed or conflict with other information. It has helped Tolkien Scholars (and can help amatuer Tolkien Scholars) to form more complete understandings of the world. The appendix on runes is a good example.
Average customer rating:
- Cue for Treason - Fantastic read!!
- Cue for Treason- excellent book
- ugh
- Fun intro to history
- Acceptable Novel
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Cue for Treason (Puffin Books)
Geoffrey Trease
Manufacturer: Puffin Books
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Customer Reviews:
Cue for Treason - Fantastic read!!.......2007-04-16
I also read this book in Grade 8 over 45 years ago. It was awesome!! I can't say that it improved my opinion of Shakespeare, but I will love Kit and Peter until my dying day. The plot was terrific and the ending was very satisfying. I read all of Geoffrey Trease's books after I read Cue for Treason, and they were all great. He was still writing up to a few years ago at the age of 83!! Long live Geoffrey!!!
Cue for Treason- excellent book.......2005-02-19
A pity this book is now so difficult to get hold of. The plot is excellent and, having been raised in the area he writes of, I can vouch that the descriptions of Cumberland are accurate to the point of evoking homesickness! This book helped to inspire in me a love of history which has blossomed as I've grown older. We lost my old copy when we emmigrated and I was quite upset. However, after much searching I am now devouring this tale all over again and loving every second. Definitely a book I'll be sharing with my children!
ugh.......2004-11-24
I had to read this book in Grade nine. It was obviously a desperate and misguided attempt to make kids think Shakespeare is cool. Newsflash: Shakespeare was a genius and this book is rubbish - tedious, pedantic, dull, badly written. If they'd let us read the unBowdlerised Shakespeare that would have resulted in a generation of fans. Instead, we were made to suffer this horrible book. I'm stunned that it's still being taught. What a waste of time.
Fun intro to history.......2004-06-13
As a kid in Phoenix, AZ, I found Geoffrey Trease's books in the public library. After the first one, I devoured the rest. Up to that time I always said I didn't like history [classes, in school]. But after reading Trease's books, I became interested & tried Meader, and others.
We moved away, & I lost the author & titles. But recently I went hunting. My favorite Trease books were the ones about Shakespeare (Cue for Treason), and his pair on Garibaldi. With neither author nor titles, I've had to hunt hard, & read a lot of children's books. But when I found Cue for Treason, I knew I'd found the right one. After 30 years, I still remember the story well [that right there tells you it's a good book!].
Trease was a good historian [even if his political views were off :) ]. Better yet, he makes history come alive. Look for ALL of his fiction. Wait - ignore that: wait until I have a complete collection, THEN look for them!
Acceptable Novel.......2004-02-14
This novel was OK - but don't expect anything spectacular or memorable. It is a tedious read. Good ending but overall plot is uneventful.
Book Description
Treachery in Love and War in the Struggle for the English Crown.
From the time he sees his parents brutally slain and his home destroyed in a bloody Lancastrian power struggle for the crown, young Martin Robsart's life becomes entwined with that of England's royal Plantagenet family.
Through the turbulence of civil war, Martin serves his cousins - Yorkist kings Edward IV and Richard III - and learns the cost of loyalty and love in battlefields and bedchambers in a time when life is cheap and treachery hides behind a smile.
Through Martin's eyes, Meredith Whitford's superbly researched and richly woven novel shows Shakespeare's conniving and perverse Richard III in a realistic new light - as a patriot and a lover.
Never before has perceived history taken such a surprising turn as Whitford corrects the Shakespearean myth and crowns a new hero, bringing back to life the passion and heat of a breathless historical moment that shaped the world - a moment we know as the War of the Roses …a time of thorns and treason.
Customer Reviews:
Fresh & touching non-stop read for Richard III sympathizers & lovers of great historical fiction.......2006-11-13
I am among those who believe the Tudors framed Richard III and created a monster where in life there was none. So is Meredith Whitford, and she has written a marvelous, beautiful historical novel about his life told through the voice of his (fictional) best friend Martin. Whitford follows Martin and Richard from their 8th year through their exciting and tumultuous lives, and offers fresh and plausible possibilities about what may have happened to "the Princes in the Tower." Whitford has an uncanny ability to write multi-dimensional, extremely human characters complete with flaws, internal strife and heart breaking honesty and love. Her writing will draw you in. "Treason" is full of well researched detail about the reigns of Edward IV and Richard III, and has charming fictional characters with their own rich stories to round out the novel. Sharon Kay Penman (The Sunne in Splendour) has finally met her match! This is one I will re-read time and again, just as I do The Sunne in Splendour.
Treason - Interesting take on the mysteries of Richard III.......2006-09-02
I find the War of the Roses period very interesting, and have been reading every novel I can find lately on this period, I am so happy I finally read this one!
This novel was narrated by the fictional cousin of Richard, Martin, whom is recollecting his memories of the period, he was the same age as Richard, so the novel begins with Edward IV's ascention thru the end of Richard's reign.
This was a very enjoyable read, author really did an excellant job portraying the complex family relationships, especially between the three brothers (George, Richard, and Edward), and the conflicts that arose from Edward's marriage to Elizabeth Woodeville. She also did an excellant job portraying Richard's character and motivations thru the eyes of his fictional best friend. As other reviewers have stated, this novel was humorous, and emotional at times.
One of the things I love about reading these historical novels, is to see how different authors fill in the 'gaps' of history that is unknown, what their opinion was on what really happened, or what the motivations were. It may be a personal preference, but I enjoy the novels that stay true to known fact, and fill in the gaps with events/reasonings that are plausible. I feel the author did an excellant job here, mostly in portraying the emotions of the brothers and how that effected their actions.
Only a few things I did not enjoy, (I suppose since I want my fiction to be realistic) Why must every author portray Richard under a halo? The story of Edward's pre-marriage contract dis-qualifying his sons from reigning..little hard to believe this just 'happened' to come out as Richard was planning to accept his role as Lord Protector, and he 'reluctantly' decided to announce this and accept the crown himself. Obviously, this is the 'loophole' for Richard to take over instead of allowing the Woodvilles to take power and no doubt assasinate him and plunge England back into civil war. Seems most all novelists portray this event in this fashion, why not portray it as it probably happened? It doesn't make Richard a monster, obviously he did this to save his own neck and perhaps he felt he could rule better, which it appears he did. I feel it is a bit of an insult to the reader, that this event has to be portrayed in such a manner that Richard appears totally innocent, as that is the only way to keep the reader 'rooting' for the main character.
I would also love to think her take on the princes could be possible, except for the fact that the remains of two boys were found buried in the tower during the reign of Charles II..from the time she takes the princes out of the tower, she has lost me cause I feel pretty certain they never did leave that tower. however this novel (and Daughter of Time) does make you scratch your head and wonder what role Henry Tudor had in their fate. Could they have still been there alive, for the two years of Richard's reign?? Henry definately had more cause to need them dead since he reversed the taint of bastardy in order to marry their sister...
Two small complaints aside, this novel was an excellant story of both Richard and Edward IV and still definately worth 5 stars (wouldve rated higher if I could)..funny how Edward IV left quite the mess for his little brother to clean up, Richard does his best, and look at the reputation he has been left with!
Henry Tudor may have been the monster and history doesn't hardly remember him either!
Historical fiction at its best!.......2006-07-15
Meredith Whitford has taken the familiar story of King Richard III of England and given us a fantastic take on his life. Seen through the eyes of his closest childhood friend, Martin, Richard comes to life as a flesh and blood young man whose main aim in life is to be a good person who follows his moral standards. We see Richard from about the time of the loss of his father, through the rise of his elder brother Edward IV, and finally as a reluctant king who must make the decision to replace his bastard nephew as King of England. Whitford's research gives us the rich details that pull you into the lives of all the characters and makes you see beyond the myths and legends that have arisen over this oft-misunderstood monarch. Always sympathetic to Richard, this telling of his life and times will stay with you long after you close the cover. Highly, highly recommended for readers of quality historical fiction. This one's a keeper.
Loyalty, love and treason.......2006-07-01
This novel about the Yorkist kings Edward IV and Richard III effectively combines known fact and plausible fiction. The characters and their times come to life through the eyes of the fictional Martin Robsart.
Beatifully written, but never sentimental, this novel provides action, romance and insight into the dynastic struggles and bloody politics of England during the second half of the 15th century.
Highly recommended to all who enjoy well written historical fiction and especially to those interested in the man who became Richard III.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Treason - A cracking read!.......2005-05-22
Much as I love history, and English history at that, I admit to shying away from the War of the Roses. But I was lucky enough to have an advance reading of TREASON before it went to print and was hooked from then on.
Meredith Whitford and her main character, Martin Robsart, (cousin to the much misunderstood Richard III) take me on a fiery journey of love, loyalty, family honour, courage, betrayal, murder and treason - and I land squarely in the king's camp as a true believer.
The story of Richard and his short but bloody reign is easy reading, brought alive by only two fictional characters surrounded by a host of historic characters, some well known, some not so. Martin narrates his story, combining love and empathy with humour, and brings to life his hero and the troubling times in which he lived.
Congratulations, Meredith, on a cracking good read, a page turner and a history lesson to boot. Richard would be pleased.
Average customer rating:
- The sculptor of U.S.-Russian relations
- fast and exciting read
- A great way to kill a few hours
- You Would't Believe Who It Was?
- Meet Sean Drummond: The James Bond of the Legal Profession
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The Kingmaker
Brian Haig
Manufacturer: Warner Books
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Binding: Hardcover
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In the worst case of treason in U.S. history, General William Morrison has been charged with a breathtaking array of crimes. Oddsmakers give Sean Drummond zero chance of saving his client from a death sentence. However, his obligation runs deeper than simply professional: Morrison's wife, a CIA executive, has begged Sean to save her husband, and Drummond doesn't want to disappoint his old flame. Despite ever-more-damning intelligence leaks that paint Morrison as worse than Bene- dict Arnold, Drummond bulls ahead and comes to suspect that this simple case of treason is actually a chess game being played at the highest levels by the best and brightest-one in which Morrison is merely a pawn.
Customer Reviews:
The sculptor of U.S.-Russian relations.......2006-04-06
Smart alecky U.S. Army JAG lawyer Sean Drummond is back immersed in another untenable legal situation in Brian Haig's suspenseful "The Kingmaker". Drummond has been requested as legal counsel by General Bill Morrison, incarcerated in Leavenworth, accused of treason by revealing some of the most damaging U.S. governmental secrets to the Russians. Morrison had been the right hand man of Asst. Secretary of State, Milton Martin, an acknowledged expert in U.S.-Russian relations. Drummond's expertise was also seconded by Morrison's wife, Mary who had been involved in a three year relationship with Drummond. She had been Moscow's CIA station chief with access to sensitive information as well.
In anticipation of having to travel to Russia to investigate, Drummond recruits civilian lawyer, the Russian speaking, generation X Katrina Mazorski as co-counsel. They soon are thrust into the clandestine and dangerous world of espionage when pursuing their inquest in Moscow. During a previous interview with Morrison he grudgingly admits that he had served as the handler of Alexi Arbatov, the number two man in Russia's spy network. Arbatov's boss Viktor Yurichenko, the cerebral granderfatherly top Russian spymaster was a supremely powerful man influencing Russian foreign policy. Once Drummond and Mazorski established contact with Arbatov to help exonerate their client their lives were in constant danger.
Probing investigation by Drummond uncovered an unthinkable plot that had and was shaping the dynamics of worldwide geopolitics. Haig's extensive military and political background give much credence to his plot in what proved to be another stirring legal and political thriller.
fast and exciting read.......2004-05-26
The continuation of Sean Drummond as a central character works again in this Brian Haig novel. Although it seemed the ending got wrapped up a little too fast for my tastes, Haig has once again written a smart and fast paced book. The infusions of humour add to the enjoyment. Hopefully Haig is able to maintain the momentum.
A great way to kill a few hours.......2004-01-11
I listened to an abridged version of this book on cassette tape while on a road trip. Unlike another book on tape I tried on that trip, the person who read The Kingmaker was easy to understand. The reader also did a competent job of creating the voices of the different characters.
I chose the book because it was the only one in the display at Cracker Barrel that was at least 6 hours long and did not have a listener warning about language and content. (The other one was a Nancy Drew mystery of only 3 hours).
I thought this was a good book but not a great book. I found the characters and plot interesting and occasionally laughed at the humor. I appreciated the main characterýs ability to defend his client and to keep from getting killed. I also liked that the author kept the plot moving and mostly used amusing similes. I especially liked that the author kept the language and violence down to around a PG13 level. I didnýt think the book was great, because nothing about it really blew me away. But I did enjoy it, and I can recommend it to anyone who needs to kill a few hours.
You Would't Believe Who It Was?.......2003-07-15
THE KINGMAKER by Brian Haig
You Wouldn't Believe Who It Was?
Mr. Haig was born in the correct family to write a story based in Washington D. C. He has experience in what he writes about, the CIA and FBI, he grew up hearing about them all the time and later served his time in the military. He was a West Point graduate and served as a military strategist and the military specialist for the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff. Now he writes 'on the edge of your chair' fiction about the Washington scene, with the CIA and FBI featured, with knowledge of what he is writing about. This is his second book that I have read. And they get better. Once you start one of his books it's hard to but it down.
In this story he takes you to Russia and back to Washington D. C. His hero, Sean is very polished in any kind of company. He maintains his sense of humour almost all the time with all kinds of people, but can take care of himself in any kind of situation when called upon to do so.
Meet Sean Drummond: The James Bond of the Legal Profession.......2003-05-14
This is the first novel by Brian Haig that I have read; it works very well as a standalone story although definitely made me want to read his two earlier novels with Major Sean Drummond as the chief protagonist. While this is a story within a legal framework, it is much more an action-adventure, espionage, political intrigue, romantic thriller with frequent comic relief to offset the tension. It is an incredibly fast paced, easy read which I enjoyed tremendously.
The storyline is simplicity itself, Brigadier General William Morrison is in Fort Leavenworth, accused of the most damaging acts of treason in the history of the country. Despite their personal animosity, he chooses Major Sean Drummond of the JAG Corps to not only save him from the death penalty but prove his innocence. Not only does Drummond dislike Morrrison intensely, but the General's wife Mary, a high level CIA employee who had been stationed in Moscow with Morrison, had an affair with Drummond before she dumped him to marry up in class. Just to raise the stakes, the prosecuting attorney, Major Eddie Golden, has twice been the recipient of the Hangman Award (the JAG equivalent of Top Gun status). Further stumbling blocks are that most of the evidence is classified top security and knowledge of Russian appears to be a mandatory skill. Sean locates a civilian associate, Katrina Mazorski, who is both fluent in Russian and has top secret clearance but whose experience since her recent graduation from law school has primarily consisted of cases from the local police blotter. With her pierced navel and non-traditional dress, she is the perfect foil for Drummond. Many of their interchanges are wonderful.
The case seems hopeless and Morrison appears guilty, but when Drummond is forced to protect himself and Katrina on multiple occasions from attempted ambushes (including during a visit to Moscow), they conclude that there is a massive coverup being attempted and perhaps their client really is innocent of the most serious charges, although still guilty of being an overbearing, ambitious and egotistical jerk. This is a story whose plot very cleverly includes a conspiratorial explanation for the dissolution of the Soviet Empire and the eventual rise to power of Putin. It even includes characters who appear to be loosely based on President Clinton and Strobe Talbott. It is an alternate history, where you just accept the background as you are swept along in the story.
The characters are so sharply drawn that they are almost all charicatures of themselves, but tremendously enjoyable ones. In many instances, Drummond's wisecracks and his repartee with Katrina strike just the right note in keeping him true to the story. (Just the same sort of embellishment to the role that has made James Bond's character so universal and so durable despite the stories having an element of unbelievability.) For those who want a fast paced tale, this is the legal equivalent of James Bond without the futuristic aspects that have increasingly become the trademark of that franchise. While I doubt Sean Drummond will be as durable a character and as good a franchise as Bond (and the genre of legal action adventure thrillers is a lot narrower), I enjoyed this book as much and felt it was as true to the period in which it is set as the early Ian Fleming books which I read voraciously approximately thirty years ago.
Average customer rating:
- Like its predecessor, this book is solid, entertain and unique
- 2nd entry in Sarah Tolerance Regency England mystery series
- Very enjoyable mystery set in an alternate Regency
- Regency England as it Probably Was
- Excellent look into Regency England and the role of women
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Petty Treason: A Sarah Tolerance Mystery (Sarah Tolerance)
Madeleine E. Robins
Manufacturer: Tor Books
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ASIN: 0765343061
Release Date: 2006-05-30 |
Book Description
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a Fallen Womanof good family must, soon or late, descend to whoredom.Miss Sarah Tolerance refuses to follow the path of the Fallen Women who have gone before her. She's a straight shooter, with her pistol as well as her wit, and her mind is as sharp as the blade of her sword.Miss Tolerance is an Agent of Inquiry, a private investigator of sorts--the sole one of her kind in London, in this year of 1810 with mad King George III on the throne and Queen Charlotte acting as his Regent. Her aim was to trace lost trinkets, send wastrel husbands back to their wives, and occasionally provide protection to persons with more money than sense--but she is continually drawn into the plots of others. Her newest case poses a puzzle unlike any she has faced before: who killed the Chevalier d'Aubigny? The French emigre was beaten to death in his own bed, found by his retainers the next morning, all the doors and windows of the house sealed tight. The murder is a classic locked-room mystery, but Miss Tolerance knows she can find the key.As Miss Tolerance examines the situation and interviews witnesses and suspects, she realizes things are far more complicated than she originally suspected--for the Chevalier had more enemies than he had friends, and Miss Tolerance is hard pressed to find someone who didn't wish him dead. Her search for his killer takes her from the lowest brothels of the seedy London underworld, where men go to indulge their more aggressive desires, to the Royal Family and a Duke who must hide his perversions or risk the Throne.Welcome to Miss Tolerance's Regency London, where nothing is what it seems and the only way to serve justice is to follow conscience rather than law.
Customer Reviews:
Like its predecessor, this book is solid, entertain and unique .......2007-07-01
With her first book, "Point of Honour" author Madeleine E. Robins established an almost perfect period mystery heroine. Sara Tolerance is smart, but not always correct the first time around, unusual (she sword fights and lives in the backyard of a brothel her aunt runs) and just stiff enough to fit in with the time period (which is, if you don't know, a slightly alternative late Georgian England.) These qualities are essential not only in a good mystery novel, but in the new genre of historical mysteries which has become increasing popular in the last few years.
Like "Point of Honour" "Petty Treason" focuses on one of on the case Sara Tolerance takes on to make ends meet. In this case she is hired by the brother in law of a French émigré who had his scull based in in his bed. The man was a sexual sadist and his brother and law wants to ensure that his sister, the widow, is cleared of the crime and protected from those who committed it.
But because the man is from France (which only recently went through its revolution) a whole new bunch of problems popped up. Is the murdered man a French spy? An English spy for France? Was he murdered by his mistress for his cruelty, or one of his servants who loved his wife and hated how they treated him? There are a number of possibilities because everyone hated this man (which does make for a good mystery.)
Though the plot is good, like the last book this one has its problems. The writing is still stiff, but that seems to be the author's style. Once again there is too much discussing of "fallen women" and how they are treated, portrayed...ect. One thing I did like though was that there is no actual rehashing of the last book in this one, as there is in so many sequels (you know, that couple of paragraphs that discusses what went one previously...I hate that.)
So just like its predecessor, I rate this book four stars. It's solid, entertain and unique and I recommend it if you're into history or mystery.
2nd entry in Sarah Tolerance Regency England mystery series.......2006-09-01
Petty Treason by Madeleine E. Robins is the second book in the Sarah Tolerance mystery series. Sarah is back to solve another mystery, this time she's been hired to find the murderer of the villainous Chevalier d'Aubigny, who everyone in London seems to have a reason to want dead. The mystery goes all the way to the royal family and threatens Sarah's life. This book was one of those rare books that so completely sucked me in that I forgot I was reading a book and lost myself utterly in its world. Robins creates a mood that's difficult to escape from. Don't pick this book up unless you have time to read it through, because it's impossible to put down. I hope that more will soon be coming in this series!
Very enjoyable mystery set in an alternate Regency.......2006-06-28
Petty Treason is set in a somewhat altered England, in about 1810. The main alteration concerns increased power for George III's Queen, and a concomitant increase in the rights of women -- not to say that their status is all that much better than in the real 1810. But Robins' heroine, Sarah Tolerance, a Fallen Woman (ruined as a result of running off with a lover who subsequently died), is at least able to make a living as an agent of inquiry, and also to do such things as attend a club alone, fence, and wear men's clothes on occasion. The other effect of the books being alternate history is to allow Robins to have her characters directly affect the politics of the time without violating established history. The real pleasure of the books is in their detective stories, their evocation of a historical time, and in their engaging characters. Which is to say, they are likely to be enjoyed by fans of detective novels like Anne Perry's Victorian-set novels, and the late Kate Ross's post-Regency books about Julian Kestrel.
I found Petty Treason to be very enjoyable (as I did its predecessor). In this book Sarah Tolerance is engaged by a gentleman from the country to protect his sister, after her husband is found murdered in his bed. The husband is a French emigré, and, it soon transpires, a very unpleasant man. He appears to be a sadist and a spendthrift. The wife is a very naive and countrified lady, and appears overwhelmed by her position, hardly aware of the truism that in a murder the spouse is the first suspect.
Miss Tolerance's investigation leads her to some of the darker aspects of the London sex trade. She also encounters some shadowy figures of the French emigré community -- which, given that England is at war with Napoleon's France, brings the title of the book into some focus. (It turns out, which I didn't know, that petty (or petit) treason has another meaning which is also important.) And her situation is complicated by friction with the official magistrate assigned to the case, with another magistrate who has been her friend, and with her Aunt and host, a quasi-respectable Madam.
As I said, I quite enjoyed it. The novel ends with a couple of half-predictable but satisfying twists. The main characters continue to hold our interest. And the prose is strong, and on occasion delightful (as with the opening paragraphs, a nicely composed set piece).
Regency England as it Probably Was.......2005-07-21
This is a sequel to a wonderful new series that should continue ad infiniatum. A strong female protagonist in a multi-layered and convoluted storyline. I was fascinated with the first book and could not wait to find the second. Cannot wait for the next. This is not your mother's regency romance -- it's better!
Excellent look into Regency England and the role of women.......2005-01-04
Fallen woman Sarah Tolerance makes her living as an investigator and it's no huge surprise when an anxious brother contacts her to investigate his brother-in-law's murder. Not that anyone really regrets the death of the French emigre who tortured his wife and others, spent more money than he made, and spent his time in dangerous company. Finding the killer soon takes second place to keeping the victim's widow, Anne d'Aubigny, from the pursuit of English Law--law that was especially vigilent against that most horrible of crimes--a wife's murder of her husband.
Sarah's investigation soon puts her in harm's way--she is attacked in the street, as is one of her witnesses. Undeterred by the attacks, she continues her search and finds a second mystery--the victim had recently found himself with some level of wealth--without any apparent source. The more Sarah looks, the more it appears that there are layers of complexity hidden, that the d'Aubigny murder is only a part of a plot that might threaten England itself--at a time when every resource is stretched to support the ongoing war against the French and Napoleon.
Author Madeleine E. Robins provides a fascinating look at Regency-era England, diving below the manners and misunderstandings of most Regency writings to examine how a woman might make her way in a time when sexism was viewed as natural and when a woman without a man's protection was seen as fair game. Robins' strong writing engages the reader and draws us into a mystery that continues to reveal new depths--leading from a simple murder to possible treason against the nation itself. The sharp twist at the end left me, at least, nodding with appreciation.
I look forward to reading more mysteries by Robins.
Books:
- Adoption Literature for Children and Young Adults: An Annotated Bibliography (Bibliographies and Indexes in Sociology)
- Agents of Chaos II: Jedi Eclipse (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 5)
- Among the Enemy (Shadow Children)
- Apollyon: The Destroyer Is Unleashed (Left Behind No. 5)
- Big Box of Boynton: Barnyard Dance! Pajama Time! Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs!
- Black Order: A Novel (Sigma Force Novels)
- Boundaries
- Broken Angels
- Childhood's End
- City of Pearl
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