Customer Reviews:
Rules of Engagement - excellent .......2007-10-10
I became aware of this series of books when a customer asked that I order it. I ordered a few; read one and have sold numerous copies since. Thank you, Dr. Trimm.
Rules of Engagement: Binding the Strongman- N.Cindy Trimm.......2007-01-16
This book help me to understand, give solutions according to the Word and teaches us skills and techiiques to destroy all the works of the devil. I have been hitting and missing, but I am hitting the bull's eye each time the Word of God is declared through my heart of faith, Declaring the Divine Promises of God. Praise God from whom all blessing flow and touching all people in whom I am given the opportunity to communicate. I see many devils bound and cast out because you took to time to share this knowledge with other, realizing the Holy spirit is he Author of this book. I am changed positively with this tool, also this tool has encouraged me that I have been affirming and declaring the Word of God in the areas of problems, but now I Know because of this book. Finally, I am able to move into the areas of intelligence with the forces that have caused health, financial, emotional and physical problems in my life, my family, friends, associates and the world and command these forces to bow down to the Divine Will of God which are His promises in the earth. Thank you very much. According to God's Word, be it unto YOU every promise.
Rules of Engagement - Cindy Trimm - Volume two.......2007-01-16
This information is so far beyond what I have read. It is important to me and all prayer warriors as we need to know the names and characteristics of the enemy as his goal is to steal the Word of God, kill our joy and destroy the foundation that has been lain in faith. Continue the great work that has given my life a elevation that is needed in the spiritually oppressive environment that has been part of my physical environment and life. Thank you very much.
The Rules of Engagement: Satanic Weapons Exposed (Rules of Engagement).......2006-08-22
Cindy Trimms series is an excellent source for warring against unseen forces and has been very effective. One must hit the mark when praying and this book along with the series proves to be very valuable in the war against satan and his army. We prayed for our Pastors and God let us know we were on target and this was due to her explanantions on the spirits that influence and try to overthrow men and women of God. Praying is half the battle, however knowing what to pray and how to pray is the winning key and she provides that for us. I pride myself in having the finest books on warfare and by far God has blessed me in this. This one ( the series) is a winner.
The Rules of Engagement: Binding the Strongman .......2006-08-22
excellent, we've used it in prayer and have gotten instant results. Every intercessor or prayer warrior should have this in their arsonal. Very powerful. A must have book for everyone serious about souls, their city, and about their walk with God. I have many books in my possession on the subject and this has even topped, Strongman what's his name what's his game. This book gives you what, how and when.
Amazon.com
Setting: London, 1840
Sensuality: 8
When Queen Victoria threatens to reveal a youthful indiscretion if her friend, Devon Mathewes, earl of Kerrich, doesn't strive for respectability, the rakish earl approaches the Academy of Governesses to hire a governess and orphan to sponsor, thus lending him an appearance of kindness and decency.
Confident that she's safe from temptation since she despises rakes, Miss Pamela Lockhart disguises her youthful beauty and accepts Devon's outrageous offer of employment. But Pamela isn't prepared for the impact the handsome, blunt-spoken earl has on her heart. And Devon is fairly stunned to find himself attracted to the frumpy governess with her thick glasses and sharp moral lectures.
While the two struggle with their intense attraction, serious skulduggery is afoot that involves Devon's family bank. The perpetrators may be closely tied to the Mathewes family and scandal looms large on the horizon. And while he should be concentrating on solving the threat to the bank, Pamela and her endearing orphan prove to be monumentally distracting. In the end, however, Devon may have to choose between the two, and either way, the loss will be tremendous.
In this, the second installment in the Governess Brides series that began with Rules of Surrender, Christina Dodd delivers her trademark humor and sensuality in a plot that's rife with treachery and betrayal, true love, and trust. The heroine is strong and independent, a fitting match for a hero who has a faithful heart buried beneath his arrogant exterior. Dodd's deft touch with witty repartee and delightfully endearing characters is right on target with this latest Bride. Don't miss it. --Lois Faye Dyer
Book Description
The Rules of Engagement:
Choose a bride from this year's debutantes.
Decide on a proper settlement.
Send an announcement to The Times.
Inform the bride of her good fortune.
Rules of Respectability
Devon Mathewes, earl of Kerrich, has a plan that is sure to restore him to the Queen's favor.First, he must hire a sensible, unattractive governess. Next, he will see to adopting a properly grateful orphan, which will surely lend him a patina of respectability. Finally, he must obtain a guarantee that his orphan and the governess will better his character and reputation without unduly disturbing his life--love life or otherwise.
Rules of Passion
As a condition of accepting the governess position, Miss Pamela Lockhart of the Distinguished Academy of Governesses has a few rules of her own. Devon at all times must behave with propriety, an unlikely accomplishment that would delight the ton and completely astonish Pamela herself. She must be allowed to choose a suitable orphan at her own discretion. Most important, Devon must vow to neverever delve into Pamela's background, or her appearance, lest he discover the truth behind the deepest secrets of her heart. But of course, all rules are made to be broken . . .
Rules of Engagement
Download Description
Devon Mathewes, earl of Kerrich, has a plan: acquire a governess and an orphan, become respectable, and be restored to the Queen's favor. But Miss Pamela Lockhart of the Distinguished Academy of Governesses has a plan of her own: Devon must act like a gentleman, and he must never, ever, ask about her background, lest he discover the truth behind her deepest secrets.
The Rules of Engagement:
Choose a bride from this year's debutantes.
Decide on a proper settlement.
Send an announcement to The Times.
Inform the
bride of her good fortune.
Rules of Respectability
Devon Mathewes, earl of Kerrich, has a plan that is sure to restore him to the Queen's favor.First, he must hire a sensible, unattractive governess. Next, he will see to adopting a properly grateful orphan, which will surely lend him a patina of respectability. Finally, he must obtain a guarantee that his orphan and the governess will better his character and reputation without unduly disturbing his life--love life or otherwise.
Rules of Passion
As a condition of accepting the governess position, Miss Pamela Lockhart of the Distinguished Academy of Governesses has a few rules of her own. Devon at all times must behave with propriety, an unlikely accomplishment that would delight the ton and completely astonish Pamela herself. She must be allowed to choose a suitable orphan at her own discretion. Most important, Devon must vow to neverever delve into Pamela's background, or her appearance, lest he discover the truth behind the deepest secrets of her heart. But of course, all rules are made to be broken...
Rules of Engagement
Customer Reviews:
My First Mrs. Dood book and Definitely Not My Last!.......2005-10-05
Pamela Lockhart of Distinguished Academy of Governess was a no nonsense woman. She accept the offer of Devon Mathewes, Earl of Kerrich., to find an orphan to educated so he can restore his good name in front of the Queen. She also disguise her beauty look into an old spinster cause the Earl wanted to find an ugly governess who didn't fall in love with him.
As if she would. After her playboy father stunts, she vowed never to fall for rakes in her life. So two proud and stubborn personality that hated each other at first sight. How come they can't help the attraction that pulled them together? Specially for the earl who never in his life like an ugly woman before. Not to mention her cut razor tongue that can slices you to pieces.
This is the second of the Governess series and it was a TRIUMPH! The characters are witty, funny and believable. Cleverly written by Mrs Dodd with vivid detailing of the 1800 era. I can't put the book down since I read the first pages. It was my first try of Mrs Dodd book and it surely wouldn't be my last.
After this one, I decided to bought all the other 5 books in the Governor series. Hope they were as delicious as this one.
Cute.......2004-08-13
Beginning with this Rules of Engagement I became hooked on Ms. Dodd's Governess series. It is a pleasant read if you have some lazy hours to enjoy. I, became hooked on the series because I very much enjoyed the strength in Pamela's character. But I felt Kerrich was a weak hero because seriously why would a grown man care so much about a silly childhood incident that he'd alter his whole life in order to keep the incident a secret? I also felt the transformation from cold Kerrich to warm loving Kerrich was a bit too quick. But as i said earlier the book is a pleasant read, good for a bit of escapism if you will. .
A solid 4 & 1/2 stars.......2004-06-28
Read out of order, but it's one of my favorites in the series.
Devon is so full of himself, so conceited, so vain....it's both exasperating and amusing. When he's considering all the reasons Pamela ought to marry him, he happens to catch a glimpse of himself in the mirror and adds, "Handsome. Dashing." to his mental list. He's right, but he knows it in the most concetied way. He was not, however, raised that way as we see from his wonderful grandfather. So, over the course of the book, Devon's eyes are opened about the state of his heart and he matures greatly.
He and Pamela suffer from the same emotional turmoil: an inability to trust in the fidelity of the opposite sex because of the actions of a parent. This, more than his conceit, is the obstacle they must overcome.
We see multiple aspects of Pamela's personality: the warm, idealistic young woman who loves children and just wants peace & security, the no-nonsense governness who is prim and proper and completely willing to look down her nose at her unfeeling employer, and the woman of passion who loves despite the walls she has built around her heart. Pamela is freed more than she grows as a person. And her character and kindness help guide Devon's reformation.
Beth is a delightful child, though she sometimes seems old for her age. I would like to have seen more of why Devon's best friend was his best friend. I thought the counterfeiting mystery could have had more depth. Motivations could have been stronger, and the characters involved could have been better defined.
But the romance is marvelous, and as several reviewers have noted, hot. An excellent book, rated down from 5 stars only for the superficiality of the counterfeiting plot.
Nobody does it better than Christina Dodd..........2004-03-30
Rich and arrogant, Devon Mathewes, earl of Kerrich, enjoys his rakish lifestyle, and has no wish for change. However, he has recently fallen out of favor with Queen Victoria, his friend since childhood. She wishes him to give up his roaming, and settle down to a respectable life with one woman, or she will reveal an embarrassing indiscretion he has kept secret for years. To get back in her good graces, Devon has devised a plan. He approaches the Distinguished Academy of Governesses to hire a governess. There are a few stipulations for her employment. She must be plain, dowdy, past her prime, and have given up on all possibility of marriage. Because he is just fed up with women showing up naked in his bedchamber, and throwing themselves at his handsome, irresistible self. This governess must also procure a male orphan for him to sponsor, therefore giving the illusion he has changed into a stable, respectable person, without resorting to marriage.
The young and beautiful Miss Pamela Lockhart does not meet these requirements, but she'll have to do. Disguising her beauty beneath large plain clothing, makeup and ugly glasses, she fools Devon, but not his wiley old grandfather who keeps her secret. Devon finds himself attracted to Pamela's mind, if not her appearance. And the orphan, Beth, is becoming more important to him than she should. Devon is finding it hard to concentrate on the other problems plaguing him and his family. Somebody is counterfeiting money, and it's threatening the family bank. In the end, this person may end up a threat to those he now finds he can't live without. Especially when he "uncovers" the real Pamela.
This second book of the Governess Bride series is not only one of my series favorites, but one of my all-time favorite romances as well. The strong, independent and pragmatic Pamela has aristocratic roots, but has purposefully avoided marriage thus far. The fact she basically seduces Devon the first time was refreshing, and perhaps one of the steamiest love scenes I've ever read. I love the fact Ms. Dodd's heroines are frequently not above a little assertive seduction of their own! Devon was wonderful also - he came off as being so arrogant and sure of himself, but underneath he had a big heart. But probably the best character of all was Devon's grandfather who provided so much of the humor in this book. He was a riot! The intrigue was a nice extra also, although we knew who the culprit was.
So to sum it up, this book was funny, sexy, well written, and difficult to put down. An all around winner from one of my favorite authors!! Don't miss it!
An acceptable afternoon's diversion.......2003-05-21
This is the first novel by Christina Dodd I've read, and although I found it to be an okay read, she didn't match the wit, grace or style of my favorite authors.
The humorous moments between Kerrich and Pamela seem contrived and forced, but I admit I cracked a smile a few times.
In the beginning, I liked Pamela, and thought she was the spunky character whose story I would enjoy reading. Unfortunately, at some rather abrupt moment, Dodd gives her characteristics that are so far removed from what we've been told to that point, that it's hard not to be jerked out of the novel and wonder what in the heck just happened.
I'll also agree with another reviewer in saying that I didn't like Kerrich. He was too cold in the beginning for his sudden reversal of heart to seem anything but preposterous.
This had the makings of a wonderful story, but Dodd falls flat in the character department. I gave it three stars because it isn't the worst romance I've read, and I will probably give Dodd another chance in the hopes that her writing will mature.
Book Description
Readers of Derek Prince--and all who desire biblically grounded teaching on an imperative subject--will welcome this well-rounded body of material on the nurture and preparation of the Christian disciple and warrior. Like fireside chats, these meaty chapters share the message Derek Prince most wanted to impart in the years before his death. With superb biblical exposition and practical application, he discusses the interaction between believers on earth and spiritual powers in heavenly places. Topics include building a soldier's character, facing testing, Holy Spirit training, and the battle of the heavenlies. With this manual in hand, readers will learn to develop character that endures to the end.
Customer Reviews:
Rules of Engagement: Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle.......2007-07-28
A book that the Apostle Paul would have recommended to Timothy. Well written and Biblically sound but only for those who truly want to be discipled by The Word and The Spirit of God and see the Great Commission come alive in their life.
Has helped me so much........2007-05-13
I had never heard of this man until I saw him on God TV, and to think he has already gone home. I have been going through some rough times and this book has helped me immensely. I would strongly reccomend this to all my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Rules of Engagement.......2007-02-13
The Rules of Engagement presents a clear, concise message on spiritual warfare. Everyone should read this book. It will open your eyes!
Wonderful Derek Prince Book.......2006-11-04
The late Derek Prince was a great Christian speaker and theologian. During his career, he wrote a number of excellent books. A book assembled after his death, Rules of Engagement, features a collection of essays that are unified by the theme of preparing Christians for spiritual warfare.
Rules of Engagement presents a spiritually balanced approach to spiritual warfare by providing Scripture and practical advice on how mind, body, and Spirit work together to serve the Lord.
Rules of Engagement could have easily been a quickly cobbled-together mishmash trying to make money from a dead minister, but instead, it adds to his legacy as a solid, theologically sound speaker and teacher who left the world a lot poorer with his passing.
Average customer rating:
- An Engaging Story
- A universe to get lost in
- Brisk light action/adventure/romance. 4.5 stars
- Not Once A Hero
- One of the best books in the series!
|
Rules of Engagement
Elizabeth Moon
Manufacturer: Baen
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Binding: Hardcover
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Heris Serrano
ASIN: 0671577778 |
Amazon.com
"The Serrano Legacy," an entertaining SF sequence with strong female leads and a realistic space-military flavor, began with Hunting Party. Young lieutenant Esmay Suiza came to center stage in book 4: Rules of Engagement is book 5, continuing her story.
Suiza may be a fine leader and tactician, but she doesn't know how to handle falling for Ensign Barin Serrano, a man she outranks. Frictions in command training school worsen when well-born beauty Brun makes a play for Serrano: Suiza's explosion of temper blights her career. Then Brun falls into the hands of the series' most plausibly nasty villains to date, a murderous, Bible-thumping militia that controls several planets where women are kept down and--if they protest--are surgically deprived of their voices. Moon remarks:
... it would be not only useless but dishonest to pretend that the New Texas Godfearing Militia did not derive its nature from elements all too close to home, in Waco, Fort Davis, and even Oklahoma City.
The "Nutex" have also grabbed a nuclear arms cache for Oklahoma-style terrorist bombing in Familias space, home of the Fleet in which Suiza and Serrano are officers. Multiple story lines cover Suiza's wrestle with her public and private life, Brun's sufferings and determination, Serrano's ups and downs with unwritten rules of command, and eventually a risky rescue mission into a Nutex solar system. Things work out excitingly and as they should. This is enjoyable interstellar adventure that is more harrowing than previous episodes. The next and final volume is Change of Command. --David Langford, Amazon.co.uk
Customer Reviews:
An Engaging Story.......2006-03-21
This is by far the best of the Seranno/Suiza stories. It concerns Brun, the spoiled rich girl, from the Seranno series and Esmay Suiza, the heroine of ONCE A HERO. It also includes as fine an assortment of nut jobs as has graced the page.
Esmay is a young naval professional set to further her career and a series of training courses. Brun is the spoiled daughter of the first minister of the government. She has had her own adventure but has never learned a sense of discipline. Brun wants to be Esmay's buddy but Esmay is taking a double class load. Even more damning, Esmay sees her as a rival for her "boyfriend". The two have a loud argument and Brun stalks off.
Such behavior is unprofessional and frowned upon by the brass but would be nothing worse if Brun hadn't immediately gotten herself kidnapped by some nut cases with very archaic views of women. She is effectively taken as a slave and breeder and the Speaker is livid. He blames Esmay. Others with their own agendas blame her as well and she is disgraced. Some even suggest that she worked in collusion with the cultists. Now, the only way for everybody to be happy is for Brun to be rescued and Esmay is the best suited to take part. Due to the political ramifications, though, her services are not wanted. She just has to do it anyway.
The characters is this story are much more engaging than in the previous ones. The story is more gripping as well. The previous books were enjoyable but this one was exciting. I look forward to more.
A universe to get lost in.......2004-12-29
Oh, dear. Another series has me hooked, and this one's got - gasp! - seven books in it. What's worse, I've begun reading them out of order since "Rules of Engagement" is the second of four Esmay Suiza novels which follow (and in a sense continue) the Heris Serrano trilogy. Author Moon has created a believable universe, the kind in which a speculative fiction reader who's particularly fond of strong-but-flawed female protagonists can't help but get immersed.
I have two complaints about "Rules of Engagement." First, it told me repeatedly how Esmay and Brun compared to each other when I could and did figure that out for myself from their actions and their words. Second, I'm getting tired of the obligatory female war hero who needs remedial instruction in (shades of Nancy Kwan) how to enjoy being a girl. Despite those two peeves, though, I loved this book. It delivered action, a textured background, and a varied cast of characters with each functioning as an individual. I'm looking forward to reading more.
Brisk light action/adventure/romance. 4.5 stars.......2004-01-03
__________________________________________
Rules is the sequel to Once a Hero (97), and shares some supporting
characters with the "Heris Serrano" trilogy (1993-95). It's reasonably
self-contained, though you'll enjoy it more if you've read some of
the preceeding books, all of which I've liked.
Esmay Suiza (the Hero) is a likeably nerdy young officer. Her heroic
exploits overshadow her difficult childhood, her love life is terrible,
she's had a bad-hair *life*... When Brun, rich, spoiled & beautiful,
breezes into her life with hairdressing tips, & then goes after Esmay's
secret beau... Well! Another reviewer (alright, Christina Schulman)
comments that "these confident, decisive people behave like
insecure teenagers when they're thrown together at Command
School..." Ah, but I think that's precisely Moon's point -- Cupid's
tardy arrow will turn someone like Esmay, a seriously repressed
overachiever, to instant mush. Personal resonance here: Ms. Moon
and I were classmates at Rice in the mid-sixties (though I don't
think we ever met), and I'm willing to bet she was a TRG, just as I
was a TRB -- earnest, nerdy, bad hair, socially-awkward, sexually-
repressed... oh god, it's excruciating just to think about those times...
Anyway, Moon's delightfully Wodehousian aunts-in-space arrive
just in time to save Esmay's butt (and career), and young love
prevails... As usual, Moon's fast-&-furious action, meticulous
military-medical backgrounding, and formidable storytelling skills
carry the day. There's another Suiza-Serrano-Familias novel
coming, and I'm looking forward to it.
Rules is Moon's fifth book set in her Familias Regnant
universe -- a rather implausible interstellar plutocracy with
corruption/kleptocracy/rejuvenation problems -- threatened
by, eg, the Bloodhorde barbs-in-space (Hero) and the NuTexas
Godfearing Militia (Rules). This background was light
entertainment for the Heris Serrano series, but Ms. Moon seems
to have a bit deeper intentions for the Esmay Suiza books, and the
backstory creaks ominously under the load. After this OCC (obligatory
critical carp), I should note that she is simply carrying on an historic
space-opera convention, and the the scratchy backstory will interfere
little (if at all) with your reading pleasure.
Happy reading!
Pete Tillman
Not Once A Hero.......2003-09-06
After finishing Once a Hero and thoroughly enjoying it, I immediately purchased Rules of Engagement. In this novel, the story is split between Esmay Suiza, her potential love interest Barin Serrano and Brun Meager, the beautiful, spoilt, headstrong daughter of a rich and influential political leader.
Brun latches onto Esmay at Copper Mountain, a military training facility where both are taking classes. Esmay simply doesn't have time to play friend, tutor and mentor to this very pushy, outgoing yet charming woman because she has switched from technical to command track and has to double up on courses. Esmay does like Brun and tries to be pleasant, but Brun also flirts with Barin, the young man Esmay likes. Esmay doesn't know how to handle liking Barin or Brun flirtations and it strains their relationship to the point of an explosive argument between the 2 women. Esmay is disgraced and Brun storms off and gets kidnapped by a radical group of villains whose beliefs allow them to oppress and mistreat women.
The rest of the novel jumps between characters...the reaction of Brun's father to her kidnapping, the rescue effort, Esmay, Barin, Brun, her fellow captors, the villains, the villains wives...I found there were pages I wanted to skip because I just didn't care or find the information relevant. I always enjoy the parts of the story when Esmay is on Altiplano, but that is a small part of this book. I also don't understand why in a book about a completely made up future universe, Moon would decide to pick Texas, a place that exists in America today and make our descendents evolve into crazy extremists in her book. Why offend her readers when she could just as easily have made these villains based on a fictitious culture? I did think the book was readable, but I can't recommend it and I won't continue with the other books in this series.
One of the best books in the series!.......2003-08-25
I greatly enjoyed Rules of Engagement, even more than the previous book in the series, Once a Hero. This book devotes equal time to Esmay Suiza, Brun Meager, and Barin Serrano. While I felt that almost everyone in the Familias Regnant overreacted to Esmay's blow-up at Brun, the resolution of the book left me feeling satisfied. The bad guys are really bad (despite what other reviewers may say, these sorts of people DO exist today) and the action is exciting. Elizabeth Moon has done a great job creating a universe and characters you can care about.
Customer Reviews:
Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03
There are political problems aplenty and political decisions to be made for the Justice League, and both on and off the planet.
They have to decide if they should get involved in a conflict a long way away from earth.
Back on the planet, they have to decide if they will surrender to the authorities on a charge of murder.
A real disappointment.......2005-05-03
This graphic novel is really three stories in one. The first is Stardust Memories, and pits the heroes of the Justice League against an inter-galactic probe that has dedicated itself to studying the universe and destroying it. This is a good, solid super-hero short story that was quite fun to read. (4 stars)
The second story is Rules of Engagement, in which the Justice League travels light-years to a distant world, where they hope to stop a war of aggression. The story is somewhat interesting, but the fact that the characters are supers does not affect the story too much. This is more or less a science-fiction story. (3 stars)
The third story is The White Rage, and pits a group of white-racist metahumans against the Justice League. The story is far too preachy and, what is worse, the illustration work is inferior to the excellent work done on the other two stories in the book. (1 star)
Overall, I found this book to be a real disappointment. The stories do not seem to have any connection to each other, which gives the book a disjointed feel. And worse, none of the stories really succeeded in grabbing my attention, so I never engaged with them. I did not like this book and do not recommend it.
you can dig through it for some gems.......2004-09-18
This is the thirteenth volume of JLA reprints, containing issues 77-82 of the series. The first story is a one-off by Rick Veitch, while the main content is two short arcs by Joe Kelly, "Rules of Engagement" and "The White Rage."
Veitch's story is entertaining and inventive, as the League encounters a memory-draining device. Kudos to Veitch for putting superheroes in a situation where intelligence and creativity save the day rather than an all-out battle.
The merits of "Rules of Engagement" lie in the League's ethical debates over intervening in an interstellar conflict in which neither side appears especially noble. I'm probably not the only one who thinks the militant "Paciforce" is an indictment of Bush-43's foreign policy, but the parallels with Earth politics are not childishly handled here: the race the Paciforce is out to conquer is governed by a classic JLA villain, so the League is reluctant to take sides. The real star is artist Doug Mahnke, though: his heroes are noble and statuesque, his very Mediterranean-looking Wonder Woman above all. The scenes where the League just stands around talking are every bit as visually exciting as the story's space battles.
"The White Rage"--making up half the book, unfortunately--is where I get totally lost. Kelly's new character "Faith" has a past so mysterious that the more gets revealed about her, the more convoluted and confusing her story seems. Faith's ex-employer, a CIA type named Manson, keeps company with neo-Nazis, a woman in S&M gear, and a floating, disembodied mouth. Who they are and why they do what they do Kelly never makes clear. It comes off as weird, but not the sort of brilliant madness associated with former JLA scribe Grant Morrison. It's just jumbled nonsense posing as originality and profundity.
My verdict: skip this trade paperback unless you're a completist. It is by far the weakest collection of JLA stories since the new series began in 1997, but Doug Mahnke fans should pick up the single issues 78 & 79 to admire the art.
Filler material .......2004-07-23
The issues this collects of JLA are not their best. The art is great, as is the coloring. However, story-wise, this is not the JLA at their best. It is a transitional period setting up things to come, not meant to be an epic storyline. Buy it if you need to complete a collection, but not as a good read.
horrible book.......2004-07-15
Kelly is one of the worst JLA writers ever, he has a native american character who is a walking stereotype hwo can't do anything but show up and beat the bad guys or cry over his people building casinos, never mind the casinos provide funding for the tribe that is badly needed, no this writer does not know how to play fair in his stories.
we have stories bashign the president and the war that are so badly done they suck any fun out of the story and come off like some horrible propaganda, i am not argung the views but how he did it, they stick out like a sore thumb instead of being subtle and are badly one sided.
the rest of the stories are average at best, nothing to see here that is important, you would be better off buying some Morrison JLA or Waid, but skip this, i have every JLA of this run up to 100 and the best i can say about this writer is the next 3 make him look almost good..almost.
Average customer rating:
- Great action sequences, technical details, but...
- Lousy rip-off of "Flight of the Intruder"
- Another winner !
- We Want More Brad Austin Stories!!
- OUTSTANDING ADRENALINE PUMPING ACTION
|
Rules of Engagement
Joe Weber
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Customer Reviews:
Great action sequences, technical details, but..........2002-04-10
While the obvious knowledge and attention to detail given to the writing of "Rules of Engagement" is admirable, there were several patterns that lessened the enjoyment for the reader.
It's clear the author has ample experience with flying, Navy jargon, and the military life. His careful descriptions allow the reader an interesting glimpse at the day to day life on an aircraft carrier. At the same time, this precision and careful wordcraft enters into the dialog, with not nearly so positive a result. With declaratives like "The colonel is a nice guy, and we had a cordial chat.", the reader finds great difficulty empathizing with and believing in the characters in the book.
Similarly, the expected intimate discussions between the protagonist and his love interest come across as stilted, formal, and difficult to comprehend. While seeing things from a female perspective is technically beyond this reviewer's experience, it seems that the attitude and reactions of said amorous companion occasionally depart farther from reality than could be easily accepted. For example, it seems she (and perhaps the author) is more concerned about our hero's perception of her father than his attitude and intentions toward her.
The least disturbing of these oddities is the slight tendency the author has to telegraph impending disaster. While not tragic, and probably not universally noticable, this reviewer occasionally felt mild disappointment that the surprise had been blunted by some sort of narrative drift that foreshadowed the events.
All that being said, "Rules of Engagement" has many things that can captivate the reader. The combat descriptions are excellent and exciting, and the plot developments keep the story flowing. Also, while the writing tends to be politically heavy-handed, it is not hard to sympathize with the pilots who put their lives at risk for trivial or non-existent strategic gain.
If you find enjoyment in cleverly written dialog and deep character development, you might steer clear of this one. On the other hand, if you like detailed aerial combat descriptions and realistic narrative of Vietnam era tactical operations, you'll find much to enjoy in "Rules of Engagement".
Lousy rip-off of "Flight of the Intruder".......2002-03-13
"Rules of Engagement" tells the story of an heroic fighter-driver flying Phantom jets during the Vuetnam air war. Brad Austin, an Annapolis grad and the latest in a long line of loyal US servicemen broke with tradition when he joined the Marines instead of following his fathers into the Navy. Over Vietnam, he chafes at the politically-initiated, and overly restrictive rules of engagement ("ROE"), watching enemy pilots pick off US fliers while shielding themselves behind the ROE. One of the best aviators in the Marines, he flies his way and barely stays within the ROE as he targets an enemy ace responsible for the deaths of many US fliers. Soon fed up, he plots one illegal flight which will clearly go over the line.
WHY THIS IS THE WORST BOOK ON THE VN AIR WAR: I gave this novel the benefit of the doubt, even though it quickly proved itself to be no better than an over-glorified and under-inspired rip-off of the far superior "Flight of the Intruder". The more enjoyable characters and irony of that other book made it the best novel of its genre. "Rules" drops the ball where "Intruder" got it right, taking a heavy-handed stand on the ROE (they deserve their bad rap, but Steve Coonts wasn't afraid to see the issue from both sides), while not going into great depth about the mechanics of his hero's machine of choice - the F-4. Next to Jake Grafton, Brad Austin is as lively as an action figure - Weber unwilling to give him any of the flaws or introspection that made Jake Grafton so believable; Austin's back-seater remains a captive passenger and nowhere near the equal of "Tiger" Cole. Even the promising idea of having Austin romance the daughter of an anti-war fixture goes nowhere. (I kept waiting for the unhappy dad to tell Austin how he disapproves of his daughter's dating a guy who may get shot down, leaving the poor girl to wonder for years whether he was dead or rotting in a tiger-cage.) Instead, Weber loads us down with details that don't do anything to substantiate the plot. Austin is a maverick of his family because he chose to fly for the Marines instead of the Navy, a plot twist that's supposed to establish him as a rebel, even though it has him flying the same planes from Navy ships like a Naval Aviator, and facing much of the same challenges. Even the climactic flight, the one that will break the rules, is a cheat. While books like these don't mind chiding wartime planners for choosing a strategy that has nothing to do with winning the war, "Rules" easily settles on an epic dogfight against the shadowy Communist ace, one whose result won't have the least effect down on the ground where the war was grinding its way through an entire generation of 19 year olders. Coonts at least chose a target his characters felt was attached to the war's larger purpose (the Communist party HQ), didn't mind using a plane a whole lot less sexy than the F-4's in "Rules", and granted his characters sufficient self-doubt to question the wisdom of their actions. Also, there's something a tad dishonest about a book that fights against the insane restrictions of ROE, yet never has its main character get anywhere near having to answer for breaking them. If you must read a Weber novel, read the sequel: "Target of Opportunity", also an uninspired novel, but one with amore original plot.
Another winner !.......2001-09-26
I have now read all the Joe Weber novels but one (Honorable Enemies) which I start next. Rules of Engagement was just was well written as all his other books. Growing up in that era, for me, it was interesting to understand what was happening "behind the scenes" of the VietNam war. Great characters, great plots, and some interesting twists are all typical Joe Weber. Keep up the good work.
We Want More Brad Austin Stories!!.......1999-10-12
Wow what a book!! Exciting!! Puts you right in the cockpit of a Navy F-4. I love these books that tell the story of Naval Aviators. A great adventure and an epic of Naval Aviation. Mr Weber should keep with this Brad Austin character and the flying in his next book. I have Targets of Opportunity already but we want more!!
OUTSTANDING ADRENALINE PUMPING ACTION.......1999-07-31
THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING IN IT NESSCESSARY TO GET YOUR HEART POUNDING AND YOUR ADRENALINE FLOWING. THE HERO BRAD AUSTIN IS ENRAGED AT NOT BEING ABLE TO SAVE HIS FREINDS FROM ENEMY CAPTURE AFTER BEING SHOT DOWN IN VIET NAM. HE THEN BREAKS THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT AND GOES AFTER THE PILOT WHO DID IT.THE ENSUING POLITICAL REPERCUSIONS ARE AS INTRIGUING AND EXCITING AS THE ARIEL COMBAT ACTION. THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO EVEN MILDLY ENJOYS THIS TYPE OF STORY.
Average customer rating:
- My last Brookner novel
- The "rules" can be harsh and unevenly applied (4.5*s)
- Expected more
- 2 stars because Brookner is esteemed
- Masterpiece
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The Rules of Engagement: A Novel
Anita Brookner
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Brookner, Anita
| ( B )
| Authors, A-Z
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Psychological & Suspense
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1400075300
Release Date: 2005-02-08 |
Book Description
Elizabeth and Betsy had been school friends in 1950s London. Elizabeth, prudent and introspective, values social propriety. Betsy, raised by a spinster aunt, is open, trusting, and desperate for affection. After growing up and going their separate ways, the two women reconnect later in life. Elizabeth has married kind but tedious Digby, while Betsy is still searching for love and belonging. In this deeply perceptive story, Anita Brookner brilliantly charts the resilience of a friendship tested by alienation and by jealousy over a man who seems to offer the promise of escape.
Customer Reviews:
My last Brookner novel.......2006-03-13
Rules of Engagement was boring. No other word for it. I have read many of Brookner's novels and I finally realized they are all the same. People who do nothing and live only in their heads. But now Elizabeth, the protagonist, knows that women are supposed to do more than cling to their husbands. She has heard of the feminist movement.
Actually, she does less than your typical housewife. She is so passive, she has so little energy that she doesn't even bother to have a child. On top of it, she chides her friend Betsy for energy, eagerness and vitality.
Unfortunately, Betsy does go downhill also. Brookner can't bear to give her women anything to do.
The "rules" can be harsh and unevenly applied (4.5*s).......2006-01-29
As seen through the eyes of Elizabeth, a middle-aged Londoner with an upper middle-class upbringing, this book is a most prescient examination of what life can bring in that social milieu: respectable, but dull marriage, following all manner of "rules," loneliness, adultery, isolation, etc. As Elizabeth's life unfolds, it is her introspection that primarily interests the author. As usual Brookner is a master of the precise phrase, the pithy sentence, which does require a very careful reading. The appeal of this book is definitely towards those interested in reflecting on life's difficulties and vagaries.
Expected more.......2006-01-18
This is the first of her novels that I read, and I have to say that I expected more. The characters are weakly drawn, and maybe because I'm not English, I didn't understand their motivations. In addition I didn't like any of the characters, and couldn't identify with them. It was also very very depressing.
2 stars because Brookner is esteemed.......2005-12-05
A previous reviewer respected Brookner and hesitated to criticize this novel for that reason--I'll give her two stars for this work for the same reason, else this deserves one star. And that star also only for having been able to complete a novel.
The prose is tedious and full of obstacles; the novel and the writing style lack clarity. I don't mind an overly narrative voice to the story, which this book has, but it should not be laid on with a shovel. This creates a dense prose, so little movement, so little lightness, makes the book so difficult to read (read plod through with aching legs).
I have no comment on the characterization, which was good, or the characters themselves--I care little if they are selfish, self-absorbed, pitiful, valiant, helpless. But for me to believe in them, to care for them, to want to follow their lives and their stories, the writing should be superlative. I hear Brookner won a Booker sometime ago--I expect much better writing in that case. She has great characters here, even possibly a great storyline, but is not able to tell the story.
Masterpiece.......2005-09-06
I hesitate to call a book a masterpiece but that's the word that passed through my mind when I was carried to the conclusion of the book and was moved to tears... for a half an hour! A book hasn't made me cry in decades. This book was worth every tear because I experienced something profound and important about the human experience that I think makes me a better, more compassionate person.
Ms. Brookner developed a subtle theme with such delicacy that I truly felt emotionally moved by a profound understanding of what can happen in a life when things don't go right for a person from the beginning. The book is very realistic and without being emotionally manipulative shows two lives develop out of family situations that formed shaky foundations.
I have often thought that there are some stories that require a novel to tell them, stories about people that require not just a novel, but a work of art to convey exactly what their lives were. Ms. Brookner achieves such a work of art in The Rules of Engagement. In the end, I felt that I had experienced the essence of two people's lives.
I listened to the audio version first, which is beautifully done, then bought the book for my library.
Beautiful, delicate, masterful.
Book Description
Whether or not they are aware of the reality, every Christian is involved in spiritual warfare. This important new resource will give any believer, both novice and seasoned warrior alike, new and essential information for understanding the rules of the warfare that goes on between the kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Darkness.
Through the observations and principles systematically outlined in this book, you will come to a deeper knowledge of spiritual conflict, ranging from the personal level to the territorial level, and will, therefore, become better equipped to fight the battles you face.
Customer Reviews:
The Real War Revealed.......2000-10-19
"The Rules Of Engagement" analyzes the heirarchy we perceive exists in the spiritual realm--heaven and hell. As the concept of spirital warfare becomes more generally known, the importance of understanding the relationship between our behavior and the spiritual influences--good and bad--in our lives becomes vital. This book is a reference work, a sort of "Janes's" manual for recognizing the forces that the powers of darkness hurl at both Christians and non-believers alike in their very real war against the Kingdom of God. This book is a valuable resource for anyone aware of the spiritual nature of the battles we face in daily life and an important tool for those of us whose primary weapon is prayer.
An Easy and Strong Foundation.......2000-10-08
I am very excited about this book. This book gives us the key answers to the rules of Spiritual Battles. This book can be read slowly or fast, for each observation enables you to be alert about that simple principle. I encourage you to buy several copies of this book. I will be praying for the author David DeBord, that he will write more books, his style is so easy to understand.
Book Description
From Golden Heart winner Kathryn Caskie comes a delightfully hilarious tale that tests the old adage "All is far in love as in war." When two elderly aunts mistake a military strategy text, Rules of Engagement, for a how-to manual for getting engaged, London's ballrooms become battlefields in a war of wits when their headstrong niece snares a Scottish earl in need of a fast fortune.
Customer Reviews:
I would pass..........2006-09-27
Rules of Engagement by Kathryn Caskie is the standard on again off again historical romance novel. It has a few humorous moments but over all a quick easy read.
A light read with lots of humor.......2006-07-06
I rarely laugh so much with a romance novel. The book reads like a Summer comedy with an over-the-top cast of characters.
Eliza and Grace's meddling old maid aunts, Letitia and Viola, have poor eyesight, and are therefore convinced that one of their late father's last book purchases, "Rules of Engagement" was meant to help them find husbands. While the single life agreed with them, they're now ready to help their grandnieces find and capture their perfect matches, a difficult task as neither Eliza nor Grace has a dowry. Unable to read the finer print, they easily reinterpret the militaristic intent of each chapter's heading.
Beginning with the first rule, "Those whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious" they lay out an at times absurd yet cunning trap to wed the reluctant Eliza to the equally reluctant Lord Magnus, a fortune-hunter determined to find a wealthy bride to save his family's legacy.
The romance was drawn out yet believable. The dialog was witty and flowed well with the story, and the scenes the author portrays were so vividly detailed that I still believe they must have truly happened in some alternate universe. Even 8 months after I first read this book, the details remain remarkably fresh in my mind.
Kathryn Caskie's debut novel teaches us that some things are worth fighting for, and reminds us that "all's fair..." Receiving two nods for the 2005 RITA award, and winner of the RWA's prestigious Golden Heart Award in 2002, this book makes an excellent addition to any romance-lover's collection.
On a second reading, still superb!.......2005-05-19
I was so taken aback by some of the caustic reviews and vitriolic virtual ink posted regarding Kathryn Caskie's RULES OF ENGAGEMENT -- a book I'd previously read and thoroughly loved -- that I sat down and read it again, cover to cover. I remain of the same opinion -- it's a marvelous book. Superb! I love it as much now as I did originally, and it will remain a keeper on my shelves.
As one of the previous reviewers wrote, I, too, must wonder if "one or two of the [negative] Amazon reviewers never even read the book." Do their comments simply reflect a matter of "taste" for which there is no accounting, as the saying goes? Or, could other motivating factors be at work to elicit such rancorous tones? Certainly, the numerous judges and critical process through which RULES passed to win so many nominations and multiple awards speaks to the book's merits. Among others, these include the Romance Writers of America's (RWA) Golden Heart Award, Romantic Times BOOKclub Reviewer's Choice Award for Best First Historical, and a nomination for RWA's prestigious RITA Award, the winner still to be announced.
As for my own "taste," I find Caskie to be a fine and talented writer who, with her second book, is only getting better. I expect to see this author's star climb high and I certainly intend to follow her. Caskie's style is light and refreshing, but with the ability to touch me deeply in unexpected moments. I even took pen to page and underlined certain passages, something I rarely do to a work of fiction. The dialog flows naturally and believably, the prose is beautifully rendered, and the plot is rib-ticklingly original. The matchmaking aunts are a delight -- well intentioned, albeit misguided, and in the end, not nearly so daft as they first seem. Magnus is full of charm, bedeviled by the circumstances he has inherited, but he never fails as a hero. Eliza is truly his match -- bright and sharp-witted, energetically reaching for her own dreams in a restrictive society, only to have her schemes rebound and forever entangle her heart and emotions. There is wonderful character growth to be found in the sister, Grace, as she matures through the pages and her concerns move from decided self-interest to a true and deep concern for others. And as for the manservant, Edgar, he's simply priceless.
The reviews here are many and diverse in opinion. I'd encourage readers to give Ms. Caskie a try and decide the merits of her works for themselves. For myself, they are fun, captivating and sexy, and ever leave a smile in my heart.
Romance and Mayhem.......2005-04-25
I never write reviews, but I came to this page because I wanted to know what the next book by the author was. I read Rules of Engagement after my sister recommended it and I am convinced one or two of the Amazon reviewers never even read the book. For this reason I decided to tell readers the truth about Rules of Engagement. It made me laugh hard. The story was a lot of fun to read and the characters were unique. They didn't act the way I expected them to, which is part of the entertainment. My favorites were the two Featherton sisters who were always coming up with clever ways to match the hero Magnus with the heroine Eliza. I was also very impressed about the way the author wrote about the sister's relationship. She must have a sister because she caught the love-hate nature of sisterhood so well. The romance between Magnus and Eliza moved me and at one point, when Eliza thought Magnus was marrying another, I cried. I read about 3 historical romances a week and believe me, this one stood out. I just ordered the next book and I see that it also includes the Featherton sisters in it. More fun for me!
surprised how much I disliked it.......2005-04-19
I might be more charitable if this book hadn't been advertised as the greatest thing since sliced bread. To me, it read like someone just learning how to write a romance novel and I had a really hard time fnishing it. The characters had no depth and the plotline was just ridiculous. I'm hard pressed to see what's "sparkling" about any of it. In fact, I was annoyed that I'd spent money on this. I actually felt a little guilty for feeling this way since this book was touted so highly and then I came here and saw that a lot of people felt this way about this book. It's kind of weird. It's like they think if they just tell us it's wonderful we'll all believe them like a bunch of sheep.
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The Rules of Engagement: Binding the Strongman (Volume Two)
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Rules of Engagement: Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle
