Book Description
A string of smashing victories by the forces of the sinister aliens known as the Yuuzhan Vong has left New Republic resources and morale stretched to the breaking point. Leia Organa Solo, estranged from her husband, Han, oversees the evacuation of refugees on planets in the path of the merciless invaders. Luke Skywalker struggles to hold the fractious Jedi Knights together, even while one of them undertakes a bold but reckless undercover mission.
Manipulating their alliance with the amoral Hutts, the Yuuzhan Vong leave a cunning trail of vital information where New Republic agents are sure to find it--information the desperate defenders cannot afford to ignore: the location of the aliens' next target.
Then Han Solo stumbles into the dark heart of raging battle, thus beginning a furious race against time that will require every skill and trick in his arsenal to win...
Customer Reviews:
3.5 stars - At least it puts Han Solo back in play.......2007-09-08
I'm not really sure why this book, which is the 5th volume in the massive New Jedi Order series and the closing volume of James Luceno's Agents of Chaos duology, was titled Jedi Eclipse, when the Jedi play such a minor role in this one. Even though another Jedi Knight dies in this book, the real star of this "series within a series" is Han Solo. Everyone else is just along for the ride.
While the Yuuzhan Vong invasion was still the focal point of the story, this book felt like one of the pre-NJO Star Wars novels where the characters go their separate ways only to have their adventures bring them all back together for a dramatic action sequence at the end of the book. Han spends much of the story helping his new partner Droma track down his missing kin, Leia travels to Hapes to elist the Consortium's aid in the conflict, and Jacen and Anakin Solo travel to the reactivated Centerpoint Station. In the end, all points lead to (I'm not saying where, as it is a major plot point).
I found it more than a little disturbing when I went back and reread these New Jedi Order novels in a post-9/11 world, as there are definite parallels between the Yuuzhan Vong's ideology and the fundamentalist Islam that has been the source of so much misery. The matter of refugees also brings to mind post-Katrina New Orleans; only in these novels the enemy actively torments the refugees.
Luceno definitely has an appreciation for the Star Wars characters, and seems quite knowledgeable about the vast Star Wars history. He also knows how to write a rollicking adventure story, which despite the grim overtones of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, Jedi Eclipse certainly was. I still prefer the NJO novels that focus on the larger conflict, but the Agents of Chaos series was an enjoyable side-story, and were particularly useful in that they pushed Han Solo back into action, which is not going to be good news for the Yuuzhan Vong!
Not much here unfortunately...........just filler........2006-11-27
Well, im back again. Sorry to keep ya waiting a bit longer than usual. I do however have an explanation. It is because this installment simply doesnt go anywhere. The pay off appears in the last 48 pages and that simply is not acceptable to me. There is no buildup, no suspense at all. I had a hard time wanting to continue the book. It sat on the shelf for days on end wanting to be read to the finish line but alas.................... Hero's trial was fantastic. It had everything in it for me. All the ingredients were there. This one should go further since it is part 2 of the duology but it just doesnt. Ive enjoyed the last 4 books quite a bit, but this one is the worst of them so far in terms of keeping the interest goin. It is definitely NOT a page turner. It is however written very well. The characters are all represented well, with the exception of a few, like Luke and Mara who barely see any page time. The characterizations though are dead on good. The book also appeared rather fragmented with too much going on, too many subplots that were confusing to follow at all times. Of course read it, its Star Wars, but its overshadowed greatly by those that came before it.
#5.......2006-03-14
ive only read this far so far but will put out reviews as i read the rest of the series.this was an excellent book as was its [predecessor agents of chaos 1.mara may have found a cure to her ailment.but is it permanant?han goes back to his old scoundral like days.he still has his good side as he does great things for the war effort but in his own time hes become quire reckless.leia gets the blame for a lot of bs stuff going on in the world.she even has ppl fighting over her at one point.one of her old would be suitors no less.anakan gets a weopon of mass destruction working again but will he use it?the ever oppurtunistic lando even starts bringing in refugees.the republic tries to be friends with rhe hutts also.all trust seems to dissipate everywhere!even c3-p0 begins worrying about deactivation like an old person would dying.the vong make prisoners massage thier living ships heart so itll run better.the being turns a lot of ppl into veggies or corpses.however a jedi resists its tortures.the vong killed enough stuff now that the core worlds like where corascant is were looking like good targets.like i said,as i read more,ill report more.the 2nd best book so far!
Filler, and Little more.......2005-09-18
While I have been a big fan of the New Jedi Order, I can't say this book is included. Much of this book is filler, with little happening that is actually relevant to the rest of the series.
The book itself is not poorly written. Lucena does a good job getting his points across, but sadly there are few points to be made. What exciting parts there are are short, so action is not the main focus at all.
The characters themselves are not very interresting in nature, Roa, who was the main focus of Han's journey, now takes a back seat and is almost inconsequential to the plot anymore. I'm not sure that Han even remembered he was looking for Roa. The Ryn Droma, who I liked at first, has now become pretty lame and repetitive, never changing his reactions.
If I were to go back and read through the series again, I would honestly skip this book. I couldn't get into this book at any point, and honestly believe that Lucena should have made Agents of Chaos I longer and finish the story, rather then creating the second novel.
Book Jumps To Much.......2005-06-29
This was an ok book. I did not care for how it skipped around all the time from character to character point of view. It could be better if it was more uniform and flowed together more.
Book Description
Merciless attacks by an invincible alien force have left the New Republic reeling. Dozens of worlds have succumbed to occupation or annihilation, and even the Jedi Knights have tasted defeat. In these darkest of times, the noble Chewbacca is laid to rest, having died as heroically as he lived--and a grief-stricken Han Solo is left to fit the pieces of his shattered soul back together before he loses everything: friends, family, and faith.
Refusing help from Leia or Luke, Han becomes the loner he once was, seeking to escape the pain of his partner's death in adventure . . . and revenge. When he learns that an old friend from his smuggling days is operating as a mercenary for the enemy, he sets out to expose the traitor. But Han's investigation uncovers an even greater evil: a sinister conspiracy aimed at the very heart of the New Republic's will and ability to fight--the Jedi.
Now Han must face down his inner demons and, with the help of a new and unexpected ally, honor Chewbacca's sacrifice in the only way that matters--by being worthy of it.
Customer Reviews:
Great Solo Adventure.......2007-08-30
While Hero's Trial, the fourth book in the massive New Jedi Order series and the first in author James Luceno's Agents of Chaos duology doesn't have quite the same epic scope as previous NJO volumes (no planets die in this one), it is still a crucial volume in the series.
Essentially, Hero's Trial is a Han Solo adventure, which is fine considering that Han has been more or less MIA during the previous two NJO books, drowning his sorrows after the loss of Chewbacca in Vector Prime (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 1). It's good to see Solo back in action, and the mission he takes on - hunting down the Yuuzhan Vong's Peace Brigade agents - gives him the sense of purpose (not to mention vengeance) that he needs to get on with his life.
The book's other key development is the introduction of Yuuzhan Vong double agent Elan and her familiar Vergere, who will go on to be one of the most interesting, compelling, and yes disturbing characters the Star Wars Universe has ever seen. You'd never know it from this book, but the diminutive alien will set in motion events that will shape the galaxy for years to come.
Luceno does a great job with this book. It's exactly the kind of rollicking adventure you expect from a Han Solo tale, though the ever-present Yuuzhan Vong threat keeps the book from getting to lighthearted. Luceno has obviously done his homework, as events and characters from both Brian Daley and A. C. Crispin's previous Han Solo novels are referenced extensively in Hero's Trial. It's a bit light on Jedi action, but it does show that the events in the NJO series impact everyone - not just the Jedi.
If you've enjoyed the previous NJO books, this will be no exception. The best part is that the story is just getting warmed up!
Very average book in an otherwise good series.......2007-03-06
Hero's Trial is a mediocre book in what has otherwise been a decent series to date. The first three books (written by R.A. Salvatore and Michael Stackpole) were quite decent, which makes the shortcomings in Hero's Trial even more disappointing.
The book isn't horrible; it's just not fun to read. With the exception of Droma, a new buddy Luceno introduces for Han, nearly every character in the book is painfully boring. The Yuuzhan Vong, who were engaging in the first three books, became nothing more than the obligatory bad guys. Description of their biological technology became long passages of text which the reader couldn't care less about. This is quite different from the first three books, where the novel and menacing threat introduced by the Yuuzhan Vong is really what made the story work.
Following the same trend, Luceno's space battles are very dry. There is nothing in the way of tactics, skill, or strategy conveyed to the reader. There are lots of action words and quite a few adjectives, but in the end they add up to nothing. You could skip over the entire battle and not be worse off for it.
Lastly, Han was given a new sidekick to replace Chewbacca. Luceno tries to write some witty dialog between the two, attempting to deliver on some of the charm Han Solo displayed in the movies. Unfortunately, this too falls rather flat - and at times seems much more slapstick than it should.
As a stand alone book, it really isn't worth reading. As part of a larger storyline which to date has been good, it is tolerable.
I loved this book!.......2006-11-12
Star Wars New Jedi Order:Agents of Chaos 1:Heros Trial is a James Luceno book and I loved it! The storyline is good,the characterization is good,but... It's only about Han Solo and his pals. Luke is only mentioned in this book for about 1 page or 2 pages. Even Leia isn't really in this book,she just talks to her husband...''Oh,why are you going there?''..and Han Solo is like ''I dont know...''. Though as I mentioned before it has a good storyline.
I have another problem also,the 100 pages or 150 pages or so doesen't have much action its really just talking and stuff. Maybe sometimes its details and stories that are from the past books in the NJO series. Though I have read James Luceno's Labyrinth of Evil and thats a good read.
Well,the story is mainly about Han Solo trying to fight the depression of his friends death,Chewbacca,and he meets an old-time friend named Roa where they do mischief and drink. Its not also about Han,in the beginning of the book it talks about a Yuuzhan Vong priest named Harrar,who has a plan of sending a priestess named Elan and her pet or whatever it is,Vergere on a mission. The mission is to make the New Republic take in Elan and Vergere as prisoners,but Elan goes farther then that,you'll have to read the book to find out.
Now,I can't really figure out the setting lol. Its pretty much at a planet named Ord Mantell. Later in the story the Yuuzhan Vong attack it,but I won't say anymore.
Overrall,this book is good,I recommend this to Star Wars Fans. This book just goes right in place with the other NJO books.
Joe,
Solo is back in this continuing and intriguing series!!.......2006-10-19
Im back folks. Just finished book 4, and what can I say??? Outstanding!! My favorite so far. Absolutely!! Where Stackpole's duology focused primarily on sieges and action, this book delves into the personal realm of Han Solo with an intriguing subplot to boot. This is what made this installment great. There was a vast sense of impending doom in this volume and you kept asking yourself, "How will this be dealt with?????" A very good book. I had a few tears in my eyes at the end. A fairly major event that fans have been wondering about finally appears to resolve itself. Read for yourself. Youll love it. Im on to book 5 now. Ill be back. May the force be with you!!
Finally! Closure on Chewie..........2006-08-10
I am estatic that we FINALLY had some CLOSURE with Chewie! It's like Micheal A. Stackpole completely avoided the subject of Chewie. Unless I'm mistaken, don't most people have funerals when they die? I know that everbody was distracted by the invasion but couldn't the characters just confirm for the readers' sake that Chewie was actually going to have a funeral?
Anyway, I thought Chewbacca's long-awaited eulogy was very touching. The Wookies' insistance to keep the life debt for Han was just another statement of how giving and loving our furry friends are.
The Vong's plot to assasinate the Jedi was inventive and interesting to read. I think there is a lot more that we are going to find out about this "familiar" Vergere. She is too mysterious and disappeared too quickly. I love the part where Han uses Chewie's gift to Anakin to save his life. It lets you know that everything will eventually be all right between Han and his son.
Han is back! Wow! I thought the day would never come! I think Mr. Stackpole was some personal vendetta against Han and his (former) partner. He was always dismissing Han as "getting over his grief" or simply not mentioning him at all. I am glad that our hero from the rebellion is back as a MAIN character.
I LOVE DROMA. I think Han's new "temporary" copilot had the wit and charm to lighten this book up. I hope Han's furry friend plays a role in the rest of the series because I think that over time Droma can grow to almost replace Chewbacca. Notice the "almost". No one could replace the lovable walking carpet. han needs a "partner in crime" in this war and the Ryn is perfect. I also liked the appearance of Roa. (I hope he's okay).
All in all, I give this book 5 stars because the wonderful Mr.Luceno picked up the pieces after the 3-star books done by Stackpole.
Murl Jorgensen, 13
Product Description
Collects both halves of "Agents of Chaos" ("Hero's Trial" & "Jedi Eclipse."
Average customer rating:
- LOVED this book
- Scalzi's first written novel is stronger than most debuts
- First Class First Contact Comedy
- Whacky fun
- Couldn't put it down
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Agent to the Stars
John Scalzi
Manufacturer: Subterranean Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1596060204 |
Customer Reviews:
LOVED this book.......2007-03-01
My husband is a huge sci-fi fan, I am most definitely not. He loved this book and urged me to try it, which I reluctantly did. I didn't expect to last 5 pages. However, I could not put it down. It is a fantastic book on so many levels. I just loved it and highly recommend it to anyone. We had a library copy but this book is worth owning. I can't believe it's not in print!!! I sure hope it is reprinted soon. It is one terrific read.
Scalzi's first written novel is stronger than most debuts.......2007-01-13
Tom Stein is your average up and coming Hollywood agent. He has one client, a dim witted actress who is just hitting big, and a back list of other clients who are barely worth the effort to remember their names and he would be just as happy to be rid of them for various reasons specific to each client. Tom gets his wish when his boss invites Tom into his office for a rare opportunity: The boss of the agency would like Tom to dump the bulk of his clients in order to take on a new one. While that sounds wonderful, an agent really is only as good as his client list and dumping the list is a risky move for an agent who just had his big break. But then Carl, the boss, drops the bomb. The new client is not a person. The new client is an entire alien race just making first contact with humanity. The aliens know that the best way to be accepted by humanity is to be shown in the movies in a sympathetic way and it is an agent that can make this happen.
One more thing. The aliens do not look like lassie or ET or even like the bugs from Starship Troopers. The aliens more closely resemble a pile of jello which smells like a dog's fart. But they are very friendly and wish to, well, come in peace. These aliens learned about humanity through the signals of Hollywood movies and television shows which beamed up into space. While this has caused a problem in separating fact from fiction, it has permitted several from the gelatinous mass of alien goo to learn to speak English and communicate on a level humans can understand and appreciate. Tom Stein simply needs to figure out how to best introduce the aliens, with a spokesalien named Joshua, to the world.
This may have been John Scalzi's first attempt at writing a novel, but it was clear even from this fun exercise that Scalzi is a skilled writer and put together a more than competent novel with his first effort. This explains why he was able to sell his first effort (though he sold it second. His second written novel, Old Man's War, sold first). Agent to the Stars is a funny romp through Hollywood, the world of agents, and even to an alien spacecraft. Agent to the Stars is filled with humor, sharp dialogue, fart jokes, and even some sadness. Mostly: Joy. Joy for the reader because Agent to the Stars is pure pleasure to read, but probably also Joy for the author. Scalzi had to have a blast writing this book and coming up with an alien race which communicates by rank odors.
Agent to the Stars is the third Scalzi novel I have read, after Old Man's War and The Ghost Brigades, and while it is as different from those novels as is possible in science fiction, Agent to the Stars is a delightful novel and I mean that. I felt full of delight while reading it. You should, too.
-Joe Sherry
First Class First Contact Comedy.......2006-05-31
This is the first novel written by John Scalzi but it is not his first published work. It was written as a "training aid" in an effort to become a novelist. He offered it basically for free on the internet. Now, with the publication of subsequent novels, his first has been offered for sale as a real book you can pick up and read. It was a worthwhile venture.
In short, it is hilarious.
The premise is of first contact with aliens. They are hideous to look at, by human standards, and smell bad also. The aliens are worried about how they will be received by humanity. Somehow, landing on the White House lawn and saying "Take me to your leader," does not strike them as the wisest course of action. They figure they need some good PR and to make a good entrance. Since most of their knowledge of earth comes from the TV signals we've been beaming into space for decades, they decide to hire a Hollywood agent.
The book take a tongue in cheek, irreverent approach to the matter. It is filled with laughs from front to back and has an occasional poignant moment as well. Hollywood is pilloried but the politicos don't come off to well either (politicians are so minor in the book as to be almost non-existent; one of the best lines is found on the last page.) I'm sorry it sat for so long in my "to be read later" pile.
I want more.
Whacky fun.......2006-03-29
Tom Stein is a rising young Hollywood agent, with a few-okay, one somewhat promising client, Michelle Beck. But since he's just landed Michelle a deal for $12 million and 15% of the gross for her next movie, at the moment they're both really hot.
And then Tom's boss, Carl Lupo, offers him a somewhat more unusual client. A client with a serious image problem. A truly out-of-this-world client.
Literally, as it turns out.
We're not alone in the universe, and friendly aliens are now in orbit around Earth. Unfortunately, they're shapeless, ugly blobs, and they stink. Anticipating some difficulties if they announce themselves without any preparation or expert advice, they've contact one of the most powerful agents in Hollywood-and he has now dumped the problem on Tom.
But Tom's life isn't complicated enough yet, and his hot deal for Michelle Beck, followed by the off-loading of many of his lesser clients onto a junior agent (to clear his schedule to handle our alien visitors, the Yherajk), has attracted the predatory interest of a reporter for the sleaziest scandal sheet in Hollywood, The Biz. Michelle is determined to land a role that's way beyond her abilities right now (maybe ever). The Yherajk on-planet representative has taken over the body of Tom's neighbor's dog Ralph.
And then things start to spiral completely out of control.
This is whacky, fast-paced fun, an entertaining send-up of both Hollywood and sf.
Recommended.
Couldn't put it down.......2006-03-02
I'm so glad that I have a nasty cold and had to miss work - I was able to finish this wonderful book in a day. But it was so good, I wish it hadn't ended! Please, John, write more!
Amazon.com
After you've seen the Star Wars movies enough times, certain unmistakable sounds get hardwired into your brain: the warbly snicker-snack of dueling lightsabers; the signature fwoosh of hatches opening and closing (which Star Trek never did as well); the sharp, metallic bangs of blaster fire; even Han's trademark "yee-haw!" as he and Chewie lay into Imperial ships with the Falcon. If any advantage sets audio CDs apart as the format for telling dramatized Star Wars stories, this is it. In the Star Wars: Dark Forces Collector's Trilogy, all these audio tropes get employed to their full effect--along with John Williams's stirring score, of course--to convincingly transport you to that galaxy far, far away.
A CD drama based on a graphic novel series, based on a video game, and based on ... well, Star Wars, may sound a little suspect, but even derivative work can excel when the original source is strong (Lucas), the writing skills proficient (long-time sci-fi author William Dietz), and the voice talent able (dozens of workman actors, with credits ranging from The Fugitive to Shine to Fargo).
The story arc of the set's three Dark Forces stories (Soldier for the Empire, Rebel Agent, Jedi Knight) spans roughly the same time period as New Hope-Empire-Jedi, following Kyle Katarn, a young Imperial officer turned Rebel operative turned (nearly) Jedi Knight. Old favorites like Han, Lando, Luke, and even Chewie pass in and out of the story, a classic Star Wars tale of honor, love, loyalty, and revenge, which sets Kyle against the evil Imperial pretender Lord Jerec. Good fun, well done. (Running time: six hours over six discs; two discs per title.) --Paul Hughes
Book Description
Kyle Katarn has joined the ranks of legendary Star Wars heroes such as Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. A timeless adventure of revenge and honor, the trilogy is set in a shimmering universe of sound that only CD technology can fully capture. In Soldier for the Empire, Kyle Katarn, having just graduated from the Imperial Military Academy, learns of his father's murder. On his way home, he meets a Rebel agent, learns the ugly truth about the way in which his father died, and swears revenge. In Rebel Agent, Kyle learns more about what his father found in the Valley of the Jedi that ultimately led to his death. Kyle finally earns his Knighthood as a Jedi, and the stage is set for him to avenge his father's death and stop the Dark Jedi from taking control of the source of energy that lies underneath the Valley. Jedi Knight, the exciting conclusion to the series. In Jedi Knight Jerec, the Dark Jedi, brings his forces to Ruusan in the final part of his search for the Valley of the Jedi. Destroying anything that gets in his way, Jerec reaches the Valley just ahead of Kyle Katarn and Jan Ors. With the help fo the indigenous inhabitants of the planet, Kyle and Jan confront Jerec's Jedi and prepare for a final showdown with Jerec. If Jerec defeats Kyle, the unlimited power contained in the Valley will enable him to rule the galaxy. Are Kyle's untrained Jedi powers enough to defeat Jerec?
Book Description
Realtor Kate Doyle knew divorce was messy, but she didn't expect it to be bloody. Kate agrees to sell the home of old friends who're locked in bitter wrangling and manages to keep the peace long enough to get signatures on contracts. She congratulates herself on what will be an easy sale in this upscale Colorado college town. However, Kate's celebration turns to horror when she walks into the lawyer-client's study to find him brutally murdered - stabbed in the throat. "A crime of passion," says Kate's police detective brother-in-law. The prime suspect is Kate's close friend, the spurned wife, who begs Kate to help her. Kate's meddling turns up some surprising suspects. The successful lawyer deceived numerous ex-lovers as well as his wife. He'd also played off one land developer against another, dangling a choice tract of land as bait. Businesses were ruined and fortunes lost. Had the loser taken revenge on the wily lawyer? Or had an ex-lover killed in jealous rage? Kate's real estate license helps her dig into the clever lawyer's dealings as she sifts clues from cyber space to crawl space. Unfortunately, her snooping tempts the killer to exercise his own license - to kill.
Maggie Sefton lives in Colorado and is the mother of four grown daughters and the guardian of two demanding dogs.
Customer Reviews:
Thoroughly enjoyed........2007-07-15
Maggie Sefton is a magical writer who combines humor and mystery to keep you interested and laughing from beginning to end. The suspects always keep you guessing who done it until the very end.
For a first novel, this is a good book........2007-01-13
"For a first novel, this is a good book"...the only problem is, "Dying to Sell" is not a first novel, and Maggie Sefton has several mysteries to her credit in the well-known Knitting Series. My advice to readers is to read those novels, but avoid this one--it's definitely second rate. The plot is of the tabloid variety, with beautiful women jumping in bed with the handsome married guy, soon to be dead. Kate Doyle, the heroine, is a real estate broker/agent who is best friends with the dead guy's wife. Kate discovers corpses, pokes her nose into everyone's business, drinks a lot of coffee, and is generally as superficial a character as I've encountered in a mystery series. The background of real estate sales is sketchy, and seems to consist of talking on the phone and a couple of interactions with buyers who really are only mentioned as a part of the background. The ending is predictable--it's the jealous husband, of course. As I read this novel I thought of a first year creative writing student completing an assignment of "use an interesting background, a memorable location, some glamorous characters, and a lovable dog, and create a 250-page mass market mystery story." And based on the criteria of character development, plotting, and writing craftsmanship, I as the teacher would grade the assignment as a C-minus.
Never be too Helpful.......2006-12-27
My first broker in the real estate business always warned her agents not to be too helpful in making and closing a sale. Just do your job, and do it well, she'd say. Let the other people do theirs. Well, Kate Doyle obviously didn't work for my broker, but her own broker warns her every which way from Sunday, to the point of threatening to fire her. Kate just can't keep her nose off the evidence trail after her client is murdered. The client's estranged wife Amanda, Kate's good friend, is the prime suspect, and Kate is determined to prove that Amanda didn't do it. She almost loses her own life in the effort. Dying to Sell is a well-crafted mystery with likeable characters and a believable plot - provided you can accept Kate's doggedness and disregard for her own safety. Well, what's a good cozy mystery without an amateur sleuth who operates with complete disregard for her own life? The inside look at the real estate business is well done, too, including Kate's realistic attitude towards a career that is many faceted and not always fun and games. All of this is set in beautiful Ft. Collins, Colorado, a lovely college town that is going through growing pains directly reflected in the new home building boom, which also plays a part in the plot. Realtors will especially enjoy this story in which a Realtor is the heroine, and anyone who has ever bought or sold a house will find much that rings familiar.
Solid cozy mystery.......2006-01-31
This was not as good as her knitting mysteries that feature Kelly in the same town. I didn't think the characters or plot was as interesting or fun. I would definitely recommend reading her other series and this one will also give an enjoyable afternoon read if you liked the others, but you just won't adore the characters as much. It was also much more expensive as it was printed in hardcover while her other series is all paperback. And if an author is going to set two series in the same town, we could at least periperially meet some of the other characters and/or sites. And the even the sam type of dog....
wonderful who-done-it .......2005-10-25
In Fort Collins, Colorado Shamrock Realty realtor Kate Doyle detests having to sell the home of friends, attorney Mark and Amanda Schuster, who have filed for divorce. Mark wants to get rid of their joint house as soon as possible while Amanda wants the most money they can obtain. Kate works documents with Mark and promises to finish up later that day once she obtains Amanda's signature.
When Kate returns to see Mark, she is horrified to find him dead with a letter opener stuck through his throat. The police assume a crime of passion occurred; thus Amanda is the prime suspect as a rejected wife. Kate thinks otherwise and begins to investigate the activities of a lawyer she thought she knew as a friend. Instead she finds he had several affairs and pulled a land development ploy that angered perspective contractors. Unlike the local cops, Kate has a long list of suspects.
Although readers will doubt Kate would investigate especially since the corpse shook her to her bone marrow in spite of her best friend as the prime suspect, fans will be pleased with this fun amateur sleuth tale. Kate is shocked when she begins to see a radically different picture of someone she thought she knew merge as she finds Mark was a womanizer and applied questionable business ethics to transactions. The revelations come on top of thinking that Mark and Amanda were the poster couple for marriage before they ask her to sell their house as part of their divorce settlement. Maggie Sefton provides a wonderful who-done-it starring a shell-shocked layperson risking her life to prove her pal is innocent.
Harriet Klausner
Book Description
Evan Maitland is co-owner and operator of Collette's Antiques, an upscale furniture store in Chicago. He's also a bail enforcement agent/bounty hunter. On a cold January night, a bail bondsman hires Maitland to find Barry McDermott, a lawyer charged with statutory rape. What appears to be a simple retrieval turns into something far more complicated. Maitland is shot in a gunfight and kills a man in self defense. After recovering from his injury, Maitland returns to Chicago and tries to put his life back together. But someone wants Maitland dead. With assassins on all sides, and only a determined Chicago policewoman to back him up, Maitland has to play this new game by his rules if he wants to stay alive.
James Patrick Hunt presently practices law in Oklahoma City.
Customer Reviews:
Chicago-Still the Mob-town.......2007-07-23
This is a fast-paced novel set in and around Chicago. The main character, Evan Maitland used to be a cop, but circumstances made him "retire" and become an antiques dealer. Go figure. However, he still keeps his body in shape, and his skills as an investigator honed by doing the occasional bounty hunter job for a friend who is a bail bondsman.
In this episode, Maitland is after an attorney who skipped out on his bond. His crime: on the surface it was diddling with an underage girl, but we all know the plot cannot be that simple. The lawyer is also tied in with the Jamaican mob out of Chicago, and even when he flees to Oklahoma with a ton of their money, they track him down.
Its Maitland's job to bring the attorney back, but he doesn't get the chance, since the lawyer gets murdered in Oklahoma. Now the mob is after Maitland thinking he has the money the lawyer stole from them, and he has to deal with this, along with the prospect of not getting paid for the bounty, since the skipper has been killed.
Rough days for Maitland. Every one should get shot up for a good cause, not because the skipper pedophile got himself shot up.
This is a quick read, but fast and the action is good. The conflicts Maitland faces are challenges he will have to resolve in a sequel.
Studious detective fiction take on Rambo.......2006-01-30
When books written by women get unreal, things like otherwise rotten characters having a change of heart and becoming angels happen; when males go outside of reality, you get books infused with the aggressive delusion that each character is an effigy instead of a metaphor. In this one, a guy is wronged and must get revenge. Many aspects of its understanding of crime are accurate and even more, highly artistically persuasive and insightful. However, as a whole the book seems (much as happens in Robert Parker books) like a cartoon that keeps trying to re-enter a dark alleyway although all of its characters are drawn in primary colors. This is a good book for airplanes or waiting in lobbies for job interviews.
A terrific urban noir .......2004-11-21
Closing in on forty, Evan Maitland is co-owner of Collette's Antiques, a store that specializes in seventeenth and eighteenth century French and Italian furnishings. In spite of this being a younger man's game; Evan also works as a bounty hunter for Chicago bails bondsman Charlie Mead. Charlie asks Evan to bring back lawyer Barry McDermott who skipped the Windy City with a $300, K bond to free him from jail as he is charged with statutory rape having sex with a fifteen years old.
Evan tracks Barry to Oklahoma City, but before he can bring the jumper home, the Jamaican Raetown posse of "Jim" Collins arrives to kill Barry and to recover the $800,000 he failed to launder. In a shootout, Barry and a Jamaican Richard Lawes die while Evan is wounded. Back home recuperating, Jim informs his other two posse members they must clean up the Oklahoma City mess by killing the surviving witness.
MAITLAND is a terrific urban noir starring a tough in your face hero. He shows his grit and intelligence whenever he is chasing a jumper. The exciting story line is action-packed caused by the star; Evan is at his best bringing in those who have fled their court date rather than the exhilarating High Noon showdown with the posse. Hopefully, Maitland ignores his promise to his antiques partner Bianca to concentrate on their business and continues to chase down skippers. An anthology of his cases would make quite a plum for suspense readers.
Harriet Klausner
Book Description
Following Dark Forces -- Soldier for the Empire, part two of this graphic-story-album trilogy chronicles the adventures of Kyle Katarn as he learns of the mysterious Valley of the Jedi, discovered by his father years ago. Trapped in the Valley is an enormous reservoir of energy, waiting to be released. Who will reach the Valley -- and its power -- first, Kyle, or the Dark Jedi known as Jerec?
Customer Reviews:
Good story, muted art work.......2004-04-28
The is the second of the Dark forces trilogy, telling us the story of Kyle Katarn. Kyle is both an action figure and the guy who captured the death star plans. This was originally a game but you shouldn't hold that against this book. I didn't like the style of the art work, as it was done in a muted washed out looking style. This trilogy should be part of your collection
A Series You Just Can't Afford To Miss!.......2002-08-12
I bought this graphic novel on a whim! I'm an avid Star Wars fan and am willing to read anything Star Wars. However, graphic novels tend to be expensive, so I usually just satisfy my Star Wars cravings with a regualr novel. I saw my opportunity to check out this portion of the Dark Forces trilogy, based upon the Dark Forces video game, when it was marked down as a special deal in a local store. I figured that if I didn't like the novel, I didn't pay much for it, and I can sell it off. Well, I can say with confidence that there is no way I'm going to sell this graphic novel!...
...Not only will you find the story entertaining, but the artwork is amazing. The novel has 25 lithograph-style pictures beautifully done by Ezra Tucker. The story is full of action and you'll find yourself rooting for Kyle and his partner Jan. I find myself wanting to get a hold of the rest of the series! Definitely a trilogy worth checking out!
Storyline for the Computer Game.......2002-06-05
I kept putting off purchasing the Dark Forces graphic novel series, but I finally gave in. I was pleased with what I found. This is the first volume of the trilogy and I enjoyed it immensely. Good artwork complemented a description of the Kyle Katarn's beginnings as an Imperial cadet. We see Kyle struggling with his morals as he becomes increasingly against Imperial rule and, once he finds out the Imperials killed his father, joins the Rebel Alliance. The story weaves into the first level of the Dark Forces PC game and concludes with the Rebels obtaining the schematics of the first Death Star. I recommend the whole Dark Forces series. It was very fun to see Kyle Katarn outside of a PC.
Product Description
History: Fiction or Science? is the most explosive tractate on history ever written - however, every theory it contains, no matter how unorthodox, is backed by solid scientific data. The book is well-illustrated, contains over 446 graphs and illustrations, copies of ancient manuscripts, and countless facts attesting to the falsity of the chronology used nowadays, which never cease to amaze the reader. Eminent mathematician proves that: Jesus Christ was born in 1153 and crucified in 1186 The Old Testament refers to mediaeval events. Apocalypse was written after 1486. Does this sound uncanny? This version of events is substantiated by hard facts and logic - validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources - to a greater extent than everything you may have read and heard about history before. The dominating historical discourse in its current state was essentially crafted in the XVI century from a rather contradictory jumble of sources such as innumerable copies of ancient Latin and Greek manuscripts whose originals had vanished in the Dark Ages and the allegedly irrefutable proof offered by late mediaeval astronomers, resting upon the power of ecclesial authorities. Nearly all of its components are blatantly untrue! For some of us, it shall possibly be quite disturbing to see the magnificent edifice of classical history to turn into an ominous simulacrum brooding over the snake pit of mediaeval politics. Twice so, in fact: the first seeing the legendary millenarian dust on the ancient marble turn into a mere layer of dirt - one that meticulous unprejudiced research can eventually remove. The second, and greater, attack of unease comes with the awareness of just how many areas of human knowledge still trust the three elephants of the consensual chronology to support them. Nothing can remedy that except for an individual chronological revolution happening in the minds of a large enough number of people.
Customer Reviews:
Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03
Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.
Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19
Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09
There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.
For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.
Very Interesting.......2007-03-07
It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.
History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10
Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.
I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.
Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.
Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.
I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.
This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.
Average customer rating:
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The Showman of the Pacific - 50 Years of Radio and Rock Stars
Tom Moffatt , and
Jerry Hopkins
Manufacturer: Watermark Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Entertainers
| Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
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General
| Biographies & Memoirs
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Rich & Famous
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
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General
| Music
| Entertainment
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General
| Arts & Photography
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General
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
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Hawaii
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
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ASIN: 0975374079 |
Product Description
Behind the Scenes with the Legends of Show Business In 50 years as a promoter in paradise, Tom Moffatt has staged the biggest acts in the business from Elvis Presley to Elton John, Nureyev to the Harlem Globetrotters, Sinatra to the Rolling Stones. Now, in revealing anecdotes and more than 400 photographs, Uncle Tom presents an inside look at this half-century of entertainment: the Show of Stars, the POI Boys, the Hawaiian music renaissance, Sunshine Festivals inside Diamond Head, world-class theatre, stadium extravaganzas and much more. Also included are first-person anecdotes from celebrity contributors, vintage posters and rare concert photos, from Elvis Presley at Honolulu Stadium to Jimi Hendrix at the Waikiki Shell. From doo-wop to disco, sports to the symphony, here is a fascinating look behind the scenes 50 years of entertainment through the eyes of a legendary American showman.
Customer Reviews:
A Trip Down Memory Lane.......2006-02-27
I grew up in Honolulu during the early sixties and Tom's book brings back so many memories. The British Invasion shows at the HIC, Led Zepplin at the old Civic, the crater concerts, the Golden Hibiscus Contest, the Poi Boys, each is a gem. My father worked for the competition at KORL and KULA. What a hoot ! Thanks Tom for all the great entertainment over the years. This book is a must buy for all music fans in the Aloha "state of mind.
Books:
- 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
- Dark Apprentice (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 2)
- Day Of The Dragon-King (Magic Tree House 14, paper)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Ancestor
- The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game
- On the Other Side of the Hill
- Return Engagement
- Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
- Schaum's Outline of College Chemistry
- Psychology, Science, and History: An Introduction to Historiometry
- Painting the Difference: Sex and Spectator in Modern Art
- Illustrated Guide to Trees and Shrubs: A Handbook of the Woody Plants of the Northeastern United Sta
- Jamaica Business & Investment Opportunities Yearbook
Agents of Chaos I: Hero's Trial (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 4)
Balance Point (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 6)
Edge of Victory I: Conquest (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 7)
Edge of Victory II: Rebirth (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 8)
Dark Tide II: Ruin (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 3)
