History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

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Nasty Surprises All Around
34th FIST on deployment
Not quite up to others
Go Sherman and Cragg!!!,
Another Delight from Sherman and Cragg!!!

Kingdom's Swords (Starfist, Book 7)
David Sherman , and Dan Cragg
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345443713
Release Date: 2002-04-30

Book Description

The Marines were told it was a simple peasant rebellion–
but the mission proved to be far deadlier. . . .

Gunny Charlie Bass isn’t the only Marine mystified by the order sending the entire 34th to put down a few seditious serfs on planet Kingdom. Rumors swirl of a deadly alien invasion. But few believe that such sentient beings exist. Except Gunny Bass and the Marines of the 3rd platoon, who once fought enemy aliens called Skinks–fierce, fanatical fighters with hideous weapons who attack for no other reason but to kill.

Then, while slogging through Kingdom’s fetid swamps, the Marines are attacked by awesome unseen weapons that could destroy half a platoon with one shot. Clearly they are facing no normal enemy. And if their adversaries are Skinks, one FIST isn’t enough. Third platoon’s orders are to penetrate deeper into the bloody jungle hell–and find out what happens when a few good men bite the bullet. . . .

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The Marines were told it was a simple peasant rebellion -- but the mission proved to be far deadlier....

The truth is out. No longer are the Skinks just a horrible secret haunting the Marines of Company L. Now the aliens are all-too-real invaders whose savage attacks have devastated planet Kingdom, a world of squabbling religions where the men of the 34th FIST confront a desperate situation. Cities that haven't already been reduced to rubble are under siege, while starving refugees roam the land. And still the Skinks come, rising from stinking primordial swamps to slake their thirst for slaughter, armed with an uncanny ability to locate the enemy and with weapons so deadly that a single blast can drop a warplane or a decimate a squad.

It's painfully evident that 34th FIST is no match for these near-invincible killers, which is why third platoon's been ordered to whip the citizens of Kingdom into fighting shape. With their backs to the wall and time running out, there's only one way the Marines can turn these timid, quarrelsome men into warriors: Take the battle to the enemy. It's a brilliant strategy, sure to succeed -- if it doesn't get them killed first....

Customer Reviews:

Nasty Surprises All Around.......2005-09-13

In the previous volume of this series, HANGFIRE, readers were set up for some nastiness by the "skinks" without ever finding out just what they were up too. All we knew was that it would not be good for humanity or the marines. We learn more in this book and it is not good for either.

Once again, Sherman and Cragg demonstrate a liking for pursing widely variant plotlines simultaneously. They did an adequate job of this before but their skills are improving in this one.

The main plot involves the committal of the 34th FIST to action on the world of Kingdom. They think they are headed in to suppress a peasant revolt but it turns out that it is the skinks who are the cause of the problems and they are major problems. To make matters worse, Kingdom is a theocracy and the marines must face a local government that is as potentially dangerous as the real enemy. Just to keep the pot stirred up, there are also dissident elements at work within Kingdom that have a strong desire to hurt the marines, the Kingdom government, the confederacy and anyone one else who disagrees with them. To make matters worse, many do not believe in the aliens the marines are fighting and believe it all to be some sort of convoluted plot.

The second plotline concerns Captain Coronado, CO of L Company. A few volumes back he was involved in a hush-hush operation dealing with another alien sentient species. In that book, he did the right thing, against the cruel and inhumane orders of the scientific leader of the post, and is returning to earth to face court martial. This puts strains on his family situations in ways recognizable to anyone who has ever tried to serve both a family and the military. Needless to say, the gallant captain has his own adventures along the way and improvises, adapts and overcomes....just the way a good jarhead is expected to do.

This is actually probably the best book in the series so far. There are a few surprises and new twists. Its going to take at least one more book and some significant reinforcements to get the marines out of this mess.

34th FIST on deployment.......2002-06-25

I really enjoyed the book. Although, I will have to wait for the next book to conclude my opinion on this book. The cliffhanger is kind of weird since the whole story of the book doesn't seem to end.

Also, for the first time, the authors tried to do more than one storyline and it feels kind of weird. One of the storyline brings nothing to the actual story or the 34th FIST Marine. This could explain on why they did not conclude the story since they had already too much.

Overall, it is still a good StarFist book. Different from the previous one but this is what bring the joy in reading :o)

Not quite up to others.......2002-06-19

More of a 2 1/2

I enjoyed this book, but did not think it was up to the previous in the series. The main problem was that it was disjointed in its plotting and pace. It felt like they had the basic book together and then created a separate plot line (or two) and wedged it in there. It broke up the main story and created a lack of cohesion that was bothersome. Sherman and Cragg have pulled off parallel plots before with great success, so I know they can do it. They just seemed all over the place in this one.

(Minor spoiler alert)This is also the first book where the major campaign was not completed. I'm not adverse to cliffhangers per se, but there wasn't really any true build up and the termination seemed arbitrary.

I still loved the characters and the writing itself is as exciting as usual. I hope these fine authors can get back on a more cohesive track with the next volume.

Go Sherman and Cragg!!!,.......2002-06-06

In this book the 34th is up agienst their old foes from Society 437. They take casualties but then their problems are just begining. A band of terrorists(Have I read this somewhere before) go to earth on a mission and it is up to the marines to stop them. In this case I think the authors draw an interesting parelle. Christian fanatisim can be just as deadly as the islamic kind(Read the book to see what I mean)

Another Delight from Sherman and Cragg!!!.......2002-05-29

I've enjoyed every book in this series. Just marvelous fun. Starfist 7 not only continues the adventures of heroes we've come to know and care deeply about, but it further deepens the characters, which is very hard to do after so many books. And, as always, the authors' knowledge of fighting men--in any time and place--is vividly on display. No armchair fantasist could portray combat, present or future, as well as these two deeply experienced men have done. Very, very good reading. And far more resonance than most science fiction works--really, this has become a classic series. Take a break from the grind and read this delightful book.

OPERATORS: On the Streets with Britain's Most Secret Service (Pen & Sword Military Classics)

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Very limited writing style
Great reading for the professional soldier!
Great book on 14 Intelligence company
14 INT

OPERATORS: On the Streets with Britain's Most Secret Service (Pen & Sword Military Classics)
James Rennie
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1844150992

Book Description

Few outside the security services have heard of 14 Company. As deadly as the SAS yet more secret, the Operators of 14 Company are Britain's most effective weapon against international terrorism. For every bomb that goes off 14 Company prevent twelve. The selection process is the most physically, intellectually and emotionally demanding anywhere in the world. Trained to operate under cover, Operators have at their disposal an arsenal of techniques and weapons unmatched by any other UK government or military agency. This is the true story of one Operator and of some of the most hair-raising military operations ever conducted on the streets of Britain.

Customer Reviews:

Very limited writing style.......2007-08-24

It is really hard to find the right words for this work that reads like it was written by an adolescent with a huge inferiority complex describing one of those violent video games. If you are one of those military blockheads you might find this book entertaining, but in all consequence it has no value when it comes to add to the aspects of the Irish War. The author's writing abilities are simply too limited. If this book is really a reflection on the workings of "Britain's Most Secret Service" then I have to worry about their abilities to handle such complex tasks as fighting terrorists.

Great reading for the professional soldier!.......2006-08-21

What I like about this book is its apparent honesty. The author does not over inflate his achievements. If he were lying, the book would be more blood and guts and" I wuz there." He is careful to make clear that he was not personally involved in some of the incidents he relates. I found the details about the selection process and later operational skills to be fascinating.

What was also valuable is that you see that the selection process was not just a bunch of crap, but was actually required for the job to be done. His treatment of weapons and capabilities is straightforward and accurate.

The book also touches on the sometimes jealousy and cooperation between Company 14 and the SAS.

(There is the possibility that some facts were altered for security purposes. The book was vetted by the Ministry of Defense.)

Any young troop contemplating some type of special forces selection process would to well to read this book (there are others) to see what kind of head games you are in for.

Great book on 14 Intelligence company.......2003-11-17

A great book concerning details about training, deployment and surveillance techniques of the 14 Company. These guys are by far the most competent anti-terrorism force out there (when it comes to surveillance).

14 INT.......2002-11-08

An excellent look at a military unit that is realitivly unknown and the covert operations that have taken place in Northern Ireland. Anyone interested in the conflict in Northern I reland or the British Army should read this book.

A HISTORY OF THE ARTISTS RIFLES 1859 - 1947 (Pen & Sword Military)

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A HISTORY OF THE ARTISTS RIFLES 1859 - 1947 (Pen & Sword Military)
Barry Gregory
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 184415503X

Book Description

This is the long-awaited 'missing' history of a unique London regiment. Thoroughly deserving of its name, the Artists Rifles traces its origins to a meeting to discuss the threat of invasion by Napoleon III in 1859, of students at Careys School of Art which led to the formation of the 'Corps of Artists'. This unit was composed of painters, sculptors, engravers, architects, musicians, poets and actors. Remarkably many of the most famous names in British art (Millais, Rossetti, Frederick Leighton etc) have proudly to served in The Artists.

In addition to giving insights into unusual aspects of many distinguished figures' lives, this superbly researched and comprehensive book covers the Artists Rifles' activities in the Boer War, The Great War and Second World War.

The Artists' Rifles happily live on as an active Association. When it was decided in 1947 to resurrect the Special Air Service as a territorial unit, 21 SAS was formed out of the Artists es. They in turn gave birth to the Regular 22 SAS.

Ancient Kingdoms: Mesopotamia (Sword & Sorcery)

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Teleport me to Ancient Mesopotamia, please!
Outstanding, nonstandard setting
A less than interesting bunch of paper

Ancient Kingdoms: Mesopotamia (Sword & Sorcery)
Morten Braten
Manufacturer: White Wolf Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1588469948

Customer Reviews:

Teleport me to Ancient Mesopotamia, please!.......2006-07-13

For someone who considers Old Empires to be the BEST Forgotten Realms accessory ever made, it should not come as a surprise that I'm giving Ancient Kingdoms: Mesopotamia, 5 Stars! While Old Empires sheds light on Faerun's exotic southern lands and proud nations of Chessenta, Mulhorand, and Unther; lands that very much resemble Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Mesopotamia (Babylon), respectively, Ancient Kingdoms: Mesopotamia focuses solely on Earth's historical Mesopotamia, whose distinct culture, history, and civilization will win you over for sure!
Ranging from background history, to city and social descriptions, to important people and characters, to the respective gods and pantheons, to adventure hooks and encounter tables, to magical items and artifacts, to new spells and monsters, this accessory has it all and more.
In short, if you love Ancient Mesopotamia, try and get your hands on a copy of Ancient Kingdoms: Mesopotamia. You will not regret it!
As for mentioning Old Empires earlier, it is Second Edition AD&D, out of print and it will take a bit of searching, but it's well worth it.

Outstanding, nonstandard setting.......2006-06-14

This book is a bit of an oddball. While it at first blush seems like a campaign setting sourcebook for d20, it's primarily a collection of adventures with a good dollop of background material. It shouldn't be mistaken for a book along the lines of Green Ronin's outstanding Mythic Vistas line, which included a number of fairly historically accurate settings like ancient Rome or medieval Europe.

Rather, this is a book that takes the bare bones of Mesopotamian history and mythology, and uses them as a framework on which to construct a set of adventures that evoke the mood and feel of some of the great pulp writers, specifically Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft. In addition, this book provides material that would fit comfortably into the Wilderlands, a classic campaign setting originally published Judges Guild in the 1970s and 80s, and now published by Necromancer Games.

I found this book to be a unique addition to my RPG library, one that draws upon a background not often explored in RPGs.

A less than interesting bunch of paper.......2006-02-23

If I had to be honest mi words would be "it's crap. period."

But I suppose you'd like to read a bit more about it. In fact I study History at the university and my speciality is Sumer so mesopotamia sounded interesting for me at the time I decided to purchase the book. When I finally received it at home I didn't even finish it cause it was just a regular collection of monsters dungeons traps and spells with changed names and trying to look hip. Not worked on me. You don't need this, just purchase a copy of the epic of gilgamesh an use names and stories from there to flavour your gaming.

BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR (Pen and Sword Military Classics)

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An excellent account of the most famous battle.

BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR (Pen and Sword Military Classics)
Geoffrey Bennett
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

The battle of Trafalgar has now passed into national mythology. The expertise, courage, determination and confidence which gave Britain a victory of spectacular finality in October 1805 also provided her with one of her great legendary figures - a naval hero in life but much more like a national, if very secular, saint in death. However, like the noise and smoke of battle, legends have a habit of obscuring facts and, having embodied themselves in popular imagination, are transcribed to the history books.

Captain Bennett was, for many years, a serving officer in the Royal Navy as well as being one of the most highly regarded naval historians of his time. He sets the battle in the context of the world-wide struggle against Napoleon, describes the ships, their crews and the tactics of the action. In his scholarly but immensely readable account of the battle he discusses the preparatory manoeuvres and the mechanics of naval warfare in the age of sail. He illustrates the text with many diagrams.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent account of the most famous battle........2004-10-12

Before sitting down to read this book, the first thing I did was read the information on the back cover and then flick through the pages to look at the calibre of diagrams. I stopped a couple of times and instantly learned something. What then followed was an excellent read on a subject which is dear to my heart.

"The Battle of Trafalgar" by Geoffrey Bennett is a paperback book containing 250 pages of all the information you ever wanted to know about this, the most famous of all, naval battles. As a former Captain in the Royal Navy, Geoffrey Bennett went on to become a highly regarded naval historian and brings a refreshing and knowledgeable approach to the work.

Where so many accounts of various battles often commence with the fleet sailing out of port as they go to meet the enemy, here we have a more complete account of the "before during and after" the battle. Set in the context of the world-wide struggle against Napoleon, Geoffrey Bennett describes the ships, their crews, the tactics and the action itself using just the right amount of diagrams and pictures to support his immensely readable text.

Altogether, a good job well done.

NM

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Marvelous!
A rich tapestry, beautifully woven
extraordinary women in extraordinary times
my review
A thoroughly enjoyable read

Queen of Swords
Judith Tarr
Manufacturer: Forge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312858213

Customer Reviews:

Marvelous!.......2006-10-19

I read a great deal of historical fiction and I find that most works can be roughly grouped into two categories: true historical fiction that transports the reader to a different time and place and gives insights into the way life may have been, and the kind of "historical fiction," in which the time and place are merely a backdrop for some sort of hackneyed soap opera. Happily, "The Queen of Swords" falls into the first category. Judith Tarr does an exquisite job of creating the Crusader world, and brings to life a cast of charecters who are true to their era, meaning they don't act and think as if they were somehow parachuted into the 12th century from our own, but are still recognizable as complex, nuanced human beings whose struggles and triumphs resonate with the reader. Richildis, her family, and friends all remain with you long after you have finished the book. I second the motion for a sequel so that we can find out what happens to them all! I would also like to add that I live where many of the book's events transpire and I found Judith Tarr's descriptions of the weather, seasons, and scenery to be beautifully accurate. I highly recommend this book.

A rich tapestry, beautifully woven.......2006-08-19

I enjoyed this novel very much.

Ms Tarr gives us some beautiful heroines and some gallant heroes.

The story is well written, and the characters well drawn. I became so caught up in the story that I found I was paying no attention to the historical backdrop at all.

Still, one cannot do justice to the novel by ignoring the period in which it is set: the Middle East in the 12th century at a time when crusades were being waged over the Holy Land.

I picked this novel up for some escapist reading and immediately became caught up in the fortunes of Richildis and her brother, of Melisende, of Helena, and of Michael. Rarely does a novel provide so many interesting characters to choose from.

While I'm motivated to learn more of the history, I've not yet had an opportunity to do so.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

extraordinary women in extraordinary times.......2004-10-07

This novel is set against the background of the Crusader Kingdom in the twelfth century. It follows two women who - though very different from each other - are both extraordinary for their times. Melisende, first princess then queen of Jerusalem, has the makings of a great king, but is trapped in a woman's body and therefore always dependent on a man (father, husband, then son) in order to exercise her power. Her ambition is only surpassed by her ingenuity in finding ways to rule despite her being a woman. Richildis is a young widow who comes to Jerusalem in order to find her brother and bring him back to France to take over the family's estate. He proves unwilling to return with her and Richildis, having sworn an oath to stay until he relents, finds herself trapped in a foreign land, attendant to Melisende.

The plot itself is driven more by its characters (above all, Melisende and Richildis) than by action sequences. If you are looking for a past-paced, action-filled adventure, you're in the wrong place. Although there are battles and wars, they only serve to establish the background against which the characters are developed. Nevertheless the book is a page-turner. Tarr does a wonderful job of drawing you into the world she creates, and you find yourself genuinely caring for her characters and their lives. Having read some of her other books, I believe this is probably her strongest point as an author. Even her secondary characters (such as Michael, the Byzantine nobleman who falls in love with Richildis, and Helena, the former Courtesan, who becomes her friend) come to life on the pages.

The writing is simple, yet beautiful. There is enough detail to help you imagine the extraordinary background of Jerusalem with its Eastern flair, the romantic knights of the Crusade, the proud Turks and Saracens; yet it is not overwhelming, leaving enough room for your own imagination.

Overall this is great historical fiction that is definitely worth reading.

Anika Leithner

my review.......2002-02-28

I was very positively surprised when I started reading this book. I had never read anything from this author before and I was imediately immersed in the story.

The story, though based on the life of Melisende, the first daughter of King Baldwin of Jerusalem, has enough fiction to make it easily readable and very captivating.

The author has been able to recreate the romantic atmosphere of the times, with Knights fighting for the "true" religion and
women who had the courage and character to be true Kings, but could not for their sex.

All characters are so vividly described, you cannot but feel you know them and want to find out what happens to them. The places are very well described and feel as real and ancient as they are.

All in all, a very good book and very enjoyable.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.......2000-10-16

This story of a rather atypical medieval family more than pleasantly surprised me, as I bought it on a whim. The detail is excellent, but not too overdone as to overpower the plot. Tarr also paid close attention to her characters' evolution over time. As this book occurs over a 20+ year time period, we see Baldwin and Arslan turn from infants, to mischevious boys, to knights of a warrior kingdom; Lady Richildis metamorphisizes from cold, practical young widow to earnest, loving mother and wife, yet still steadfast in her servance to Melisende. With exception of, perhaps, slightly more description of Michael Bryennius and perhaps Helena (secondary characters, yet most fascinating), this books misses absolutely nothing. A must read for those who are curious about life in the medieval age, particularly the Crusader Kingdom.

KILLING GROUND: The British Army, the Western Front and Emergence of Modern Warfare 1900-1918 (Pen & Sword Military Classics)

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KILLING GROUND: The British Army, the Western Front and Emergence of Modern Warfare 1900-1918 (Pen & Sword Military Classics)
Tim Travers
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0850529646

Book Description

This book explains why the British Army fought the way it did in the First World War. It integrates social and military history and the impact of ideas to tell the story of how the army, especially the senior officers, adapted to the new technological warfare and asks: was the style of warfare on the Western Front inevitable?

Using an extensive range of unpublished diaries, letters, memoirs and Cabinet and War Office files, Professor Travers explains how and why the ideas, tactics and strategies emerged. He emphasizes the influence of pre-war social and military attitudes, and examines the early life and career of Sir Douglas Haig. The author's analysis of the preparations for the Battles of the Somme and Passchendaele provide new interpretations of the role of Haig and his GHQ, and he explains the reasons for the unexpected British Withdrawal in March 1918. An appendix supplies short biographies of senior British officers. In general, historians of the First World war are in two hostile camps: those who see the futility of lions led by donkeys on the one hand and on the other the apologists for Haig and the conduct of the war. Professor Traver's immensely readable book provides a bridge between the two.

FIRE POWER: The British Army: weapons and theories of war, 1904-1945, (Pen & Sword Military Classics)

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FIRE POWER: The British Army: weapons and theories of war, 1904-1945, (Pen & Sword Military Classics)
Shelford Bidwell
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1844152162

Book Description

This is, without doubt, the finest book about the crucial role that artillery played in the two World Wars of the Twentieth century. The authors, both former artillery officers who saw action in Word War Two, describe the development of their neglected, inadequate and class-ridden arm through the battles of the First World War and the eventual war-winning role that artillery played, to the culmination of professional military deployment in the Second World War.

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Have read the other 3, but. . .
The demon Lailoken
A Review of The Eagle and the Sword
'Eagle and the Sword' drags on and on and on
The most entertaining book I have read in a long time

The Eagle and the Sword
A. A. Attanasio
Manufacturer: Harper Prism
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0061092983

Amazon.com

Merlinus has fostered the future king of Britain with Kyner, a Celtic chieftain, protected by obscurity from the jealous hatred of the sorceress Morgeu. As Arthor [sic] grows to manhood, though, he becomes a twisted creature, loving violence and hating himself. What kind of king will he be? A chance journey leading to woodland encounters shapes his character and settles his destiny.

Arthor's story is a single thread in a vast, complex web of gods, demons, angels, a sorceress, a unicorn, a carpenter with a wish, a dragon, Saxons, an impoverished Aquitanian lady with a secret weapon, battle-hardened Celtic chieftains and treacherous Roman nobles, knights, warring religions, and fairies. A. A. Attanasio's metaphysics, marvels, and magic will keep your interest and suspense high.

Book Description

The Dragon and the Unicorn has been hailed as one of the ten best fantasy novels of 1995. Now A. A. Attanasio offers an equally stunning sequela rich, mythical epic in the tradition of Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon that reaches straight into the heart of the Arthurian legend.

He is Pendragon's son, the Eagle of Thor, destined to lead the doomed Celts against the Saxon invaders. Wielding his Roman sword "Short Life," he marches into battle to claim the glory of Camelot. But the powerful wizard Merlin sees the senseless death on young Arthor's hands. Endless murder will bathe Camelot in blood, unless Arthor can recapture the majesty that is his destiny and pull the mighty Excalibur from the star-stone at Creation's radiant heart.

Customer Reviews:

Have read the other 3, but. . ........2004-09-03

I can't seem to find a copy of this one! I don't understand, because the other three are almost always available at the local bookstores. It's a great series, and it's upsetting to be missing the second of four books.

Grumble. . . grumble. . .

The demon Lailoken.......2000-07-13

The eagle and the sword proved to be a very entertaining continuation of Mr. Attanasio's very literate version of the Arthurian legend; however, I must say that it did not fully live up to it's predecessor, the dragon and the unicorn. The book has less of the beautiful mysticism and focuses more on the life of Arthur (I suppose it is Arthurian legend after all). To me, the best ingredient in this book is the character of The Demon Lailoken, aka Myrddin, aka Merlinus, aka Merlin. The characters of Arthur, Morgeu the Fey, and The Furor are well thought out and vivid, but Merlin and Prince Bright Night(a prince of the Daoine Sid) steal the show. For me, the most fabulous section of the story was when Hannes (an unlikely apprentice of Merlin) enters the shadowy twilight world of the "hollow hills" to bring back Excalibur. The preternatural, eerie scene almost wails it's otherworldly ululation right off the page. Overall, the book is a very interesting read. I reccomend it (and the series) for anyone interested in Arthurian Legend that is tired of the same old, worn out stories endlessly circulating through the halls of bookstores everywhere. This is a fresh, creative and ingenious new take on the once and future King. Finally, I must say that the archaic and oft difficult to comprehend language of The Dragon and the Unicorn is not carried over to the Eagle and the Sword. This book is a bit easier to read, but just as entertaining.

A Review of The Eagle and the Sword.......2000-03-25

Lailoken, a.k.a. Merlin, Aquila Regalis Thor, a.k.a. Arthor, and Morgue the Fey are the three main characters in the book. In this book, a demon-turn wizard in a human guise, creates the glorious kingdom of Camelot, while looking for a true king, despite complications by the powerful sorceress Morgue who seeks to avenge her father who had accidentally been killed by Merlin. However, as Arthor takes his title as king, Merlin discovers that Arthor is but a callow youth whose only joy is killing and destroying; can he be stopped? I was greatly entertained by this fantasy novel with all of its action and suspense. The way the author displayed the legendary events in Arthor's time was very detailed and vivid; it allowed the book to come to life. I could see and feel Merlin's long battles with Morgue. It felt like I had a front row seat as a spectator when Arthor pulled the sword Excaliber out from the giant stone! I also enjoyed how the author created distinct, unique, and bold personalities for each of the main characters in the story. What the characters wore was interesting because their attire had come to symbolize each of them: Merlin with his glamorous and magical robes, Arthor with his sharp and heavy suit of armor, and Morgue with her light and seemingly swift sheets, appearing and disappearing with the wind. I thought the characters were magnificently done. So, I would like to conclude my review of The Eagle and the Sword by congratulating the author, A.A. Attanasio, on doing a great job of compiling all of the widely known, as well as some not-so-well known, characters and events into one fabulous book. I highly recommened reading this book to anyone at or above the age of 12! I assure you that you will enjoy this book as much as I did!

'Eagle and the Sword' drags on and on and on.......1999-09-03

'The Eagle and the Sword' is an incredibly heavy-handed dull book. Attanasio uses a running narrative for the entire 340 pages, so that instead of feeling like a part of the action, the reader is treated to a history lesson. (Example: This happened, then this happened..and then this happened..That's the basic gist of it)

At several points I found myself wondering whether English is Attanasio's original language, or whether this book had been translated from another tongue. It's hard to believe that this is the same author responsible for the stunning Adam Lee 'Dominions of Irth' trilogy.

The most entertaining book I have read in a long time.......1999-05-26

This book is a thousand times better than the mojority of others in the same genre. It was masterfully written, blending pure fantasy with the traditional Authorian legend. It painted vivid pictures and presented complex personalities. The most entertaining book I have read in a long time and the best Authorian based novel I've read since "The Once and Future King".

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