The Road to Damascus (The Bolo Series)

Book Description

When a ruthless political regime seizes power on a world struggling to recover from alien invasion, a former war hero finds herself leading a desperate band of freedom fighters. Kafari Khrustinova, who fought Deng infantry from farmhouses and barns, finds herself struggling to free her homeworld from an unholy political alliance, headed by the charismatic and ambitious Vittori Santorini, which has seduced her young daughter with its propaganda and subverted the planet's Bolo, using the war machine to crush all political opposition. To free her homeworld, Kafari must somehow cripple or kill the Bolo she once called friend. Unit SOL-0045, "Sonny," is a Mark XX Bolo, self-aware and intelligent. When Sonny's human commander is forced off-world, Sonny tries to navigate his way through ambiguous moral and legal issues, sinking into deep confusion and electronic misery. He eventually faces a dark night of the soul, with no guarantee that he will understand-let alone make-the right decision. And caught in the middle of this volatile battlefield is Yalena Khrustinova, Kafari's young daughter. Will she open her eyes in time to save herself-and millions of innocents-or will Santorini's relentless brainwashing campaign continue to blind her while the tyrant engineers the ultimate destruction of a helpless and enslaved population?

Customer Reviews:

Terrible just terrible........2006-09-29

I kept hoping for the Deng or Malconinas or Klingons or someone to blast this loser planet out of existence. The `good guy' oppressed minority is a group called Grangers. With the smoke still billowing after an attack - after paying lip service to how terrible war is they quickly gets down to serious matters - insuring their profit margins are kept healthy. Inspiring selfless patriots all.

The evil aliens races are more clever than the human's. Rather than waste bombs bombing the humans back into the Stone Age, all they have to do is keep clear. See the government than comes to power is determined to drive themselves back into the Stone Age. They don't need any outside help, thank you very much.

The Bolo holds out the longest, but even it turns hopelessly silly. When under attack it observes that the explosion ripped "my port-side threads to confetti." A precision killing machine thinks that to itself? Sadly I'm not kidding. However I'm happy to report that my copy of this stink-bomb shared the same fate as SOL-0045 port-side threads.

A Bolo Book by the letter of the law, not the spirit.......2006-09-20

The worst -Bolo- book ever, that being said, I will say it was a well written book. Mr. Ringo and Ms. Evans (not surprising for the latter) had all of the facts, the specifications, the tech and even political situation composed well. Their Mark of Bolo was well chosen, for a higher Mark would definitely not had done what 'Sonny' did. Why then do I say the worse Bolo book written ever? Because beyond all of what a Bolo can and cannot do technically speaking, one thing author after author has maintained is how heroic, honorable, and noble the Bolos are. A sane Bolo does not commit atrocities. Yes, during Operation Ragnarok they shot at civilians, mothers, children, etc., but even in that story, the Bolo admitted they were insane. Here the authors had the Bolo run over unarmed civilians in a non-combat situation. Bolos have crashed their own systems before doing something they knew was wrong. I admit, I approach the Bolo series because they are heroic AIs, not for the military scifi so much, so that colors my view. If this had just been about an intelligent tank in a changing political situation, I would have given this book four or five stars. It really was an engaging book. It had to be to keep me reading once I felt betrayed by the authors. A wonderful work of revolutionary war, and detailed the fall of a benigh government to a totalitarian one. The political messages were loud and clear. Though I wonder what other messages the authors were sending when they killed off two characters -just- when they realized they realized the truth. The running over of the two teenage girls by the Bolo I think sends the wrong message for a book that was stuffed full of hit-over-the-head political messages. It added to one character's resolve certainly, and the horror of the situation, but unnecessary and counter to even the cover art (and later on in the story), with the Bolo stopping when a child stood in its way. Ringo fans should enjoy this book if this is how he writes normally. I was surprised to find Linda Evans part of this, as I love her earlier works with Bolos (her Bolos didn't commit atrocities). While I might pick up another Ringo book, I will not if he's writing another Bolo book. For Bolo fans, you may just wish to avoid this book, its a shame its part of the Bolo canon, a travesty to Bolo books that came before it, but thankfully not the last Bolo book.

What to do, what to do?.......2006-04-23

SOL-0045, a Bolo Mark XX, was loaned out by the Concordiat to the planet of Jefferson to help defend against any attacks by the Deng as a three sided war rages across millions of light years of space between the Dinochrome Brigade and the advancing Melkonians and the losing Deng. After helping defeat a Deng invasion SOL finds himself under the control of a brutal, power hungry, government that plans to use him to crush all who get in their way. And as the legal government he HAS to obey.
Or does he? As the civil war grows, the Bolo has to find a way to escape the trap, the trap of duty and ethics. After all, Bolos were programmed to obey humans but they were also built to protect humans.
At 757 pages, this book is a tad longer than it needed to be and has just a tad too much in the way of politics. Also the Bolo felt a tad too human.

cute cover, serious book.......2006-01-01

This was a good collaboration for John Ringo and Linda Evans. It flowed smoothly and successfully. I felt really stupid when I finally "got" the title of the book - at the 4/5ths point of the book. The Bolo is totally cool and the people were interesting.

Back to the Laumer style.......2005-09-14

This edition of the Bolo series really took me back to the original Laumer Bolo books in that a new type of threat is addressed by a humble Bolo with (of course) the best of intentions yet self-acknowledged outdated ability. This book is written to generate some of the *feelings* of the original books that have sadly been sacrificed for intriguing strategies, tactics, and plot development in recent releases.
While not the greatest book in the series, it certainly has its share of new concepts and addresses human socio-political issues parallel to Heinlein's Starship Troopers (the book, not the movie). It's my favorite Bolo book in recent years, partly because we are again exposed to the Bolo's thought processes and personal struggles, which often make for half the importance of a Bolo story.

Average customer rating:

Family Secrets
Awesome discovery
Great book!
A story of hope, faith, and trust
A book worth sharing

Divas of Damascus Road
Michelle Stimpson
Manufacturer: Walk Worthy Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

United States | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0446577464

Book Description

If it werent for the wedding of her favorite aunt Gloria, Diane would never have returned to Dentonville, Texas. Shes been gone for nearly 30 years, but time cant erase the terrible pain of her childhood. Blamed by a drug-addicted, schizophrenic mother and carrying the guilt for her baby sisters death, Diane is an adult with a shattered spirit who often seeks comfort in the beds of men she barely knows. But she isnt the only woman in her family running from the past. Her younger cousins, Yolanda and Regina, whom she thinks of as her sisters, bear related emotional scars. As the three women brace themselves for an emotional reunion, its clear there are no easy resolutions. Dianes mother, Joyce Ann, has slipped even deeper into her mental disorder and cant understand why she cant find her way back to God. But Diane does. The eldest and most stable of the three Divas of Damascus Road, she is hiding the most life-altering secret of all.

Customer Reviews:

Family Secrets.......2007-07-19

I enjoyed Divas of Damascus Road, because it touches upon things we all have in our families...deep, dark secrets. The story reminds us that those deep, dark secrets eventually come to light, and our love ones inevitably get hurt.

Awesome discovery.......2007-07-16

The author has shared from within her own heart. This book allows you to become a part of the trials as if you were there. What an awesome journey!

Great book!.......2007-06-26

This book is great! You will not want to put it down. "3" of my friends have read the book since I bought it in May and many will be getting the book.

Many thanks to the author for her spiritual insight and for her allowing the Lord to use her through literature.

A story of hope, faith, and trust.......2007-02-10

Sisters Yolanda and Regina have always been close to their cousin Dianne. Early in their childhood, she came to live with them when her own mother turned away from her. Years later, Dianne has fled to Dentonville, with no intentions of ever returning to the small town she grew up in. She uses men and the moment to soothe the pains from the past, even while knowing it's only temporary. Yolanda and Regina have their own set of issues. Yolanda believes that everything must be in its perfect order. She's so used to her routine that even contemplating having a man in her life makes her nervous. Regina was always the fat kid and after losing all the weight and living in the world of the pretty people (if only in her mind), she has married and had her first child. Unable to shake the weight gained during her pregnancy, she takes drastic measures to lose it. Even after coming face to face with her illness; not even her husband's love can get through to her. Sadly, she's the only one who sees herself as overweight.

Michelle Stimpson has planted powerful seeds of knowledge throughout the pages of DIVAS OF DAMASCUS ROAD. It is a story of hope, faith, and trust. Each of the main characters are searching for something, whether it's the love of a parent or loving ones self; yet they all must learn to fall back on their teachings and acknowledgement of God's power in their lives. I applaud Stimpson for sharing God's message through her writings and teaching that we can all be healed of our afflictions, even those we inflict upon ourselves.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

A book worth sharing.......2007-02-01

I loved this book. Each of the women had their own issues, and I think there's something all of us can take away from each one of them. This is my first time reading anything by this author. But it definitely won't be my last. I love Christian fiction books and this book is among my favorites!

A Wreck on the Road to Damascus: Innocence, Guilt and Conversion in Flannery O'Connor

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A Wreck on the Road to Damascus: Innocence, Guilt and Conversion in Flannery O'Connor
Brian Abel Ragen
Manufacturer: Loyola Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

British | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0829406050

Book Description

A ground-breaking study of Flannery O'Connor and her place in American culture, A Wreck on the Road to Damascus weaves together high art and popular culture in a way that makes literary criticism exciting. Drawing on a wide range of sources, Brian Abel Ragen shows not just the depth of O'Connor's religious vision, but also the ferocity of her attack on the literary tradition that at once denied original sin—her favorite doctrine—and shoved women to the margins of American culture. His work will change the way readers think about Flannery O'Connor, automobiles, original sin, and American culture.

The Road from Damascus (Mcmaster New Testament Studies)

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Great Selection
Many good essays
Paul's Damascus Road experience put into perspective

The Road from Damascus (Mcmaster New Testament Studies)
Richard N. Longnecker
Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Bible & Other Sacred Texts | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0802841910

Book Description

The contributors examine the nature of Paul's Damascus Road experience and the impact of that experience on his thought and ministry, and explore how Paul's experience functions as a paradigm for Christian thought and action today.

Customer Reviews:

Great Selection.......2006-05-02

This book is an almost ideal start to a selected reading course on Pauline Theology. However, with all of its inherent strength, it does have some weaknesses. In the paper that follows, I will examine some of the strengths and weaknesses. The book's focus on the theological issues in Pauline writings is well rounded and sagely approached. It does have the problem of being intended as an "introduction to concerns of Christians today" (Back Cover) while it is seemingly written more for the academic than for your common theologian. Some of the articles are superbly written and are self-contained papers on individual topics. Others make too many references to other articles or books by the authors, thus leaving gaps in their arguments or presuppositions.

One of the major issues I have with the book is that it is published and/or marketed for the average Christian today. The book is many things, but this is not one of them. As an undergraduate student and lay theologian, I struggled to work through this text the first time, and even the second read still required hard work. The back cover states that the book is "Written in a style easily accessible to ministers, students and lay people ... while also speaking directly to the pastoral needs of people in today's church." A student in the MTS program at McMaster where the papers were given at a symposium stated: "I was about the only graduate student in attendance, and there were never any undergraduates." This series was focused on the academic at the doctoral or post-doctoral level. The result is a book that generally will be out of reach of the intended market as stated on the book itself. Though it is an excellent book, it is not an introduction to Paul, His thought, and his theology, or the effects of his conversion on his thought and his theology.

The book is subtitled The Impact of Paul's Conversion on His Life, Thought and Ministry and therefore focuses on the results of the Damascus experience. Some of the contributors offer a strong, well-balanced examination their topics within that framework. Others over stretch the boundaries, and take too much license in the interpretation of events, or in establishing Paul's pre-conversion beliefs.

Judith M. Gundry-Volf writes one of the weaker articles in this book, from my perspective, on "Women." Much can be said about Paul and his views on women, however Gundry-Volf bases her thoughts on those changes on comparisons to other Jewish authors, in particular Sirach, and Philo. To do a comparison of Jewish writings, and suppose that Paul's pre-conversion views would be similar sounds reasonable, but it is speculation. She looks primarily at the Jewish background, yet Paul would have also been strongly influenced by Hellenistic ideas. We cannot know with complete certainty where in the range of Jewish or Hellenistic thought Paul's views would fall. While the topic of Paul and women is a valid and important pursuit in Pauline studies, in my opinion, this article does not fit within the boundaries of this work.

The strongest article, in my opinion, is Bruce Corley's "History of Interpretation." His strong use of a broad historical impact is what intrigued me most. He uses a very wide scope of vision to include literature, plays, sermons, and artwork, as interpretations of the work of Paul. Corley uses modern psychology to analyze both Paul and the Damascus experience. This allows him to present a broad range of opinion in the field of the history of interpretation. His use of archetypes in interpreting and relating to Paul resonates with my own wide range of interests.

In his paper on `Christology,' from my perspective, Richard Longnecker raises some of the most important questions in Pauline studies at this time. I appreciate his strong concentration on Paul's focus on Jesus the Messiah as well as his clear outlining of Paul's rejection of Jesus based on preconceived pre-conversion Christology. Longnecker states: "That what Paul experienced in that event was a change of commitment, values, and identity that was sudden and unexpected" (p.26). This launches us into the whole area of "From Damascus." Paul's writings and actions were thus shaped by his changed attitudes. This premise forms the basis for the whole series of lectures on the results of the Damascus experience. Longnecker, as the organizer and coordinator of the series, sets the tempo and mood for the rest of the papers that follow. Longnecker touches on each of the topics in this collection except the issue of women. It is a masterful essay, showing the strength of a true wordsmith. It is unfortunate he does not write a second to tie the book back together at the conclusion.

What I appreciate most about Marshall's contribution is its conservative bent, and the premise that while Paul's theology did grow and change, the basic framework is there from the beginning: "So of the key elements of Paul's thinking are already present in his earliest writings (p.44)." I strongly agree with his opinion that while the Damascus experience had a strong and immediate impact on Paul's thought that took time to process and develop, the initial change was large, quick and the direct result of having met the risen Jesus. Marshall's view is best summed up by: "To the extent that there was a change in emphasis as we move chronologically through the letters of Paul. That is to say, the prominence given to the parousa is 1st Thessalonians is not found in later letters. There is, therefore, development but not transformation" (p.51). An idea with which I agree most wholeheartedly and have observed from my own readings. (Steve, unless for some reason you feel you really need to include this quote I would leave it out. The line of thought is stronger without it even with the longer version. If you still want to include a comment that makes reference to your own other readings, you could revise the sentence before it to say: My own readings lead me to strongly agree with his opinion that while the Damascus ... etc.)

In the area of omissions, I believe the biggest gap in this series is dealing with Paul's perception of self in light of the Damascus event. I believe that the issues of conversion, transformation, alteration, calling, apostleship, mission and ministry are all key issues in Pauline theology and thought. However, this collection barely touches any of these topics. If the book was written as an introduction to Paul meant for laity as well as clergy and academics, than this is a great omission. The idea that many believe Paul left the Jewish faith at Damascus while just as many argue He remained a Pharisee till his death leave us with `blanks' in relation to understanding these articles. It is the necessary framework that allows the other articles to become the flesh in creating our view of Paul.

In conclusion, I offer the title of this review: `Introduction & Insight, or Overload & Overlooked.' Each of these four words represents a portion of my view of this work. It is a great introduction for a selected readings course on Paul but, in most cases, it will be overload for the average undergraduate or lay theologian who picks it up to get a grasp of current issues in Pauline theology and thought. It does however provide great insight into many of these issues from a more academic perspective. It is well thought out and well rounded in the issues it presents, and in the interpretations of the individual authors, but there are some items that have been overlooked. In order to make this work more accessible to the larger audience for which it is supposed to be intended, I would recommend a new introduction dealing with the issue of "What was the Damascus Experience?" as well as a concluding paper that brings together the academic issues with the reality of daily Christian living.

Many good essays.......2000-06-15

This compilation of essays on Paul and his theology, especially as it was influenced by his Damascus road experience, is well done, covers all the important issues in Pauline theology (eschatology, christology, ethics, law, women, spirit), and includes contributions from an impressive lineup of evangelical heavyweights.

Notable are the chapters by I. H. Marshall (eschatology), James Dunn (justification), Stephen Westerholm (law), Seyoon Kim (reconciliation), Gordon Fee (spirit), and Judith Gundry-Volf (women).

This collection would serve adequately as an introduction to Pauline theology.

Paul's Damascus Road experience put into perspective.......2000-04-03

The conversion of Paul on the road to Damascus has captured the imagination of many artists and writers down through the centuries. Indeed, the idea of a `Damascus road experience' has become part of the English language. However, it has also been the source of much scholarly debate and critique from an historical, sociological or psychological perspective (witness Krister Stendahl's 1963 essay `The Apostle Paul and the Introspective Conscience of the West'). This book is designed to examine the biblical material and ascertain the impact his experience might have had on Paul's understanding of Christology, Eschatology, his Gentile Mission, Justification, Reconciliation, Covenant Theology, the Mosaic Law, the Holy Spirit, Women and Ethics. On the whole the authors do a good job (although I cannot agree with Donaldson's views of Paul's Gentile Mission, which work so hard to avoid the idea that Paul was given the mission by Christ at conversion that he misses the mark altogether). The material is well thought through and, despite some of the technical sounding titles, the language is clear and understandable. Seyoon Kim on Reconciliation and Gordon Fee on the Holy Spirit were particularly thought provoking. This book is well worth a read by pastors, theological students or educated lay people who want to think about the impact that the scriptural record of Paul's conversion has had upon their understanding of the Christian faith.

Average customer rating:

Simply incredible

On The Road to Damascus
Gerren Liles
Manufacturer: Division of Words
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0967108225

Book Description

Artfully penned and dramatically delivered, Gerren Liles' On the Road to Damascus is an impressive work of socially conscious poetry. In the tradition of Gil-Scott Heron and the Last Poets, Liles' words paint a poignant picture of our current social landscape. He articulates the very consciousness of the young black male without the meaningless obscenities or tired rhetoric.

Customer Reviews:

Simply incredible.......2000-08-21

Gerren is a master of verse, truly. I could say so much more... But I think he says it best.

Book Description

When an FBI Special Agent Bateman Carter Jr. learns of the death of his brother in Jamaica, he returns with one intention - to solve the riddle of his brother's death. However, the plot he uncovers leads to further hurt, mayhem and death - a path lined with deceit, betrayal and secrets - Bateman is taken on a journey of self-discovery, realization,transformation and redemption. Drugs, deceit, murder and revenge are all on the Road to Damascus - until the blinding light returns and all is exposed.

The Road from Damascus: A Journey Through Syria (Bridge Between the Cultures Series)

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Good Quality Companionship
Road from Damascus to Ft. Worth
Road from Damascus to Ft. Worth
Syria at Street Level
Why this book is intriguing

The Road from Damascus: A Journey Through Syria (Bridge Between the Cultures Series)
Scott C. Davis
Manufacturer: Cune Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Middle East | Travel | Subjects | Books

Syria | Middle East | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1885942532

Customer Reviews:

Good Quality Companionship.......2003-11-12

In 1987, the author boarded a flight to Damascus to spend three months pursuing a dream as a travel writer. No hotels-and-sightseeing dilettante, he kept extensive notes as he traveled the streets and visited homes and offices in a country that in that year was far more security-conscious than the one he found when he returned in early 2001. He writes candidly, sometimes quoting at too much length, but quickly shows himself to be good company for a reader. His intrepid honesty and sincere desire to illuminate grassroots realities of a nation too often branded with stereotypes are admirable. DD

Road from Damascus to Ft. Worth.......2002-10-14

This book proves why a person needs to check out local bookstores when traveling - small presses often do not have the distribution network that good writers deserves. I live near Ft. Worth but found this book at the Pike Street Market in Seattle. I started reading it on the airplane going home and found it hard to put down. The paperback version is so attractively packaged that I did not realize when I purchased it that it was written and published locally in Seattle. Everything the other reviewers have said about the book is true. It is a very worthwhile and entertaining read. There is fuel for plenty of great arguments about "what it all means." Buy it!

Road from Damascus to Ft. Worth.......2002-10-14

Syria at Street Level.......2002-01-11

Scott Davis' wonderful The Road from Damascus is a treat.
I have found it difficult to put a face on this area of the world, to actually get a sense of how citizens of the Middle East live, work and think. Davis gives the reader a ground-floor vantage. Introducing the reader to the Syrians, young and old, male and female, who sat next to him on rickety busses. Met with him at monastaries. And introduced him to their families, their art, their culture. The Syrian secret police are never very far from the author and rarely out of his thoughts. Which adds to tension that drives this journey through Syria and kept me turning pages.

Not a big fan of "travel" books, I found this one to be seasoned with the author's integrity, humor and affection for the Syrian people. Which made it most enjoyable.

Why this book is intriguing.......2002-01-05

Why would a Stanford graduate turned mountain climber/carpenter drop everything and, on a shoestring-budget, wander through the deserts of Syria? An attraction to adventure -- a quest. Davis takes the reader along as he visits the homes of Syrians,converses about spirituality, and visits sacred locations, all under the insidious scrutiny of the local police. Davis's narrative captures the ambiguities, fear, and exhilaration instilled by unfamiliar situations in remote places, while keeping a lighthearted perspective now that the trial is behind him.

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Road to Damascus: A Journey of Faith
Wyatt Tee Walker
Manufacturer: Wyatt Tee Walker
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Another Road to Damascus: A Journey from Evolution to Creation

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Powerful

Another Road to Damascus: A Journey from Evolution to Creation
Steven Baird
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

History | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Science & Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1418475769

Book Description

A Journey from Evolution to Creation to Jesus "Another Road to Damascus" is a wonderful tool for people to use in order to explain their belief in creationism to those around them. Rather than saying, "because the Bible says so," scriptural truths are used in conjunction with scientific evidence to present convincing proof of God's work in creating the world in which we live. Every parent should read this book to prepare for the inevitable questions that will arise after their children have been force-fed evolution in school. This book holds fast to the literal translation of Genesis and treats Genesis as the foundation to Christianity.

Customer Reviews:

Powerful.......2004-07-28

I thought the book provided very good scientific information to support the theory that we are all of one species/race. Great testimonial! The summary/conclusion really brought all the pieces together nicely.

Beyond the Road to Damascus: Saul of Tarsus Becomes Paul the Apostle

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Beyond the Road to Damascus: Saul of Tarsus Becomes Paul the Apostle
Ferrel Glade Roundy
Manufacturer: 1st Books Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Biblical | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1587212587

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