Book Description
Anne Bishop's critically-acclaimed Black Jewels Trilogy is the saga of a young but still-innocent Queen more powerful than even the High Lord of Hell-and the three sworn enemies determined to win her and gain a prize that could be terrible beyond imagining...
Customer Reviews:
A Snarly Review.......2007-09-25
If I had to sum up this book in one word it would be "disappointing". Ms. Bishop creates a beautiful hierarchy of power with the Blood and drawing their power from Jewels, the delicate psychic roadways of the Winds, and an interesting take on death with the Demon Dead and Guardians. The geography of the different lands, the different races of creatures that occupied them, and the involvement of the Kindred were all wonderfully detailed and fresh. These aspects of the story are fascinating, well developed, and highly imaginative, and I truly wish the actual storyline could live up to this promise.
In contrast of the terrific world she created, Ms. Bishop's characters could not be any more two-dimensional and tiresome. For all of her attempts to write "Dark Fantasy" and to challenge traditional images of hell/darkness (with names like Saetan, Daemon, and Lucivar) she creates some pretty standard, dull heroes and villains. No one hero is capable of doing anything wrong--Jaenelle most of all. I don't think I've read a heroine this mind-numbing in a long time. For a story like this to work, there needs to be actual, palpable danger for the heroine and the heroine's world. There was no question or danger here--Jaenelle was all powerful, pure hearted, and of course could overcome the simple-minded evil Queens. Hardly scintillating material.
So far as writing skills go, I am entirely done with the word "snarl". There are other adjectives to describe guttural noises.
Even on a romance front, I was disappointed. Daemon, the only true attempt at a multidimensional character, felt like a washed-out letdown by Book 3. There was some nice tension from the first book--I enjoyed Daemon's struggle--but it led to absolutely no payoff. When Witch and he finally get it on, it's almost laughable.
In short, the whole story felt contrived. Ms. Bishop creates dark scenes (like rape or murder) with no real consequence (everyone is *really* ok), an entirely dull love story, and "danger" without there really being any threat.
Ms. Bishop is the true Sadi here--these books give the ghost of promise and tease the reader seductively...only to find the results flaccid and leaving the reader completely unfulfilled.
A (generous) two and a half-stars.
A read so fascinating that I had to go there twice... in a row--.......2007-09-23
I recently stumbled onto this particular genre. And I can't believe how lucky I am. Where have I been all my life? It's fun. It's fantastic. It's absolutely amazing to me that someone can create an entire reality like this.
Anyway. I read this particular book from cover to cover and then, for the first time in my life, I turned right back to page 1 and started over. It is that good.
Black Jewels-good read.......2007-09-13
A rich world with interesting characters and a really fresh use of magic--beyond wands and wizards.
Amazing!!!.......2007-08-31
This book is Amazing. The very first paragraph caught me and the book never let go. I am an avid reader, of all books, and anymore it has become increasingly difficult to find a book with the power to grab your attention in the first 100 pages let alone the first paragraph. I will not sum up the book for you; my only advice would be to buy the book. The best way to describe this book is "All Encompasing."
Wonderful........2007-08-27
While I cannot hope to write as graceful a review as every other person before me has, I will try to tell you what I can about this book, and why is should be part of your collection.
The book (though there are actually three combined into one lovely volume) is about a very original world. I won't delve too deep into it, because part of the fun is figuring it out as you go, getting all the tidbits and making your own dreams of it. But, this world, this is what grabbed me the most. It's not like all the other fantasy books I've read; where there's always the set 'bad guy' and the 'good guys' and oh woe is me, someone must save us all.
While that concept is present in this book, it is not drawn out and used as the only tagline. There are so many other pieces to this great piece of writing!
Beyond the world, there are the characters. The deliciously real characters who I myself end up crying for, and getting angry about. Anne Bishop really draws you in and you start to know them so well... there are so many things about them, you feel like you could walk past them on the street. They do things that you think they would do, that you know is what that character would want to do. It is all very well done, gracefully, and well-fleshed so that they are believable, likable, and in some cases, absolutely despicable.
The plot is wonderfully twisted. There are so many strands of it that are to be pieced together, it's like a treasure hunt. And each chapter that gives you another lead, another piece... it's so lovely. And then a few things click, and you mentally go 'ooooh, that's why he did that!' And the way all the conflicts meet up in the end, how everything comes together so well; it's a piece of art.
And the romance, of course. My boyfriend stuck out his tongue and refused when he'd heard me mention that, though I know he was reading it when I slept... but it is a focal point. Enough that women will swoon, but not enough, I think, to turn men away from reading and enjoying this book.
With all the different characters, situations, and happenings in this book, there will surely be a thing for you to love and connect with, something to draw you in. If you give it a chance, I can assure you, you will not be disappointed. So... read some more reviews, think it over, and then do it, and enjoy reading about the life of the SaDiablo line, and all those who are drawn into their plight... :)
Book Description
It began with the mystery of Daughter of the Blood. It continued with the magic of Heir to the Shadows. Now, the stunning conclusion to the The Black Jewels Trilogy.
Praise for the Black Jewels Trilogy:
"Fascinating... One of the most eagerly awaited conclusions to a trilogy."-- The Romance Reader
"Darkly mesmerizing...fascinatingly different...worth checking out."-- Locus
"Lavishly sensual...a richly detailed world."-- Library Journal
"Intense...erotic, violent, and imaginative. This one is white-hot."-- Nancy Kress
"So rich, so lush...so dark and compelling."-- American Bookseller
"Fabulous...a uniquely realized fantasy...Ms. Bishop holds us spellbound." (four and a 1/2 stars)-- Romantic Times
Customer Reviews:
Almost as Good as the Others.......2007-04-25
The first part of it was quite good. I was just as much in love with the characters as I was in the first two books. I enjoyed the small amusements even in the face of the adversity. The kindred Blood were more important in this book and so we got to see more of them; this was a pleasant happenstance for me because I enjoyed how Bishop wrote them. Unfortunately, the ending was less than satisfactory for me. Don't get me wrong, it was "good" as these things go but it left me with more questions than it did answers! I know the main outcome of the story but I want to know how things continued from that point. It's my understanding that Bishop has written another book with for novellas of a sort from this world. One continues the story and so I think I'm going to have to find it and devour it like I did the other books in this series.
Loved it!.......2006-03-12
I've read this book twice and I imagine I'll be reading it again. The first two books are great but this one is a whole new species. Daemon and Jaenelle are finally reunited and after maybe a rough start they're hot (without being vulgar)! The battle you've been waiting for finally comes to a head but it's not the usual good verses evil crap. Bishop proves how original she can be, with lots of twists and an ending that blows you away.
Stunned and awed.......2006-02-08
Mystifying, sensual and radiating with dark magic, tests of faith and compassionate love. This book just lungs for your heart, rips it apart, just to put it back together on the very, very last page.
I admit I havent been stunned and awed over a sci-fi/fantasy novel since the first coming of G.R. Martin. And I havent ached, fought, hoped and feared for a character like the one of Daemon Sadi since I read the first chapters about Tyrion "The Imp" Lannister in Martin's Game of Thrones. I mean, how can one writer catch her reader's uninhibited emotional attention, like Anne Bishop did with this last book of her terryfic Black Jewels Trilogy?
So, let's take a closer look. Queen of Darkness actually is neatly divided in two parts. In the first two thirds it's a - sometimes a bit slow - dance of longing, hope and finally passion. As Daemon Sadi, sworn consort to Jaenelle, the powerful Witch queen who rules the Shadow Realm, reenters the stage, he not only has to overcome his own fears: Would his beloved lady still want him after all that happened before? He also has to overcome her youthful uncertainties: Will she be enough for a man who has lived for 1700 years? Or will she break him apart if she claimed his heart, like those other witch queens tried by forcing him into a slave's service? Of course love prevails - that was never in question.
Had the story ended at this point, I would have considered QoD a good fantasy romance coming to a long awaited conclusion. But Anne Bishop got me there. She really tricked me into believing, that the rest of this novel would be a swift clean-up. Many otherwise good SF&F stories tend to conlude with a good deal of disappointment when the main protagonists become too strong and powerful (I just name Eddings as the master example for way too omnipotent leading characters). But in QoD all of sudden Jaenelle and her friends really face destruction of everything they treasure. And I swear, it's not some deus et machina out-of-nowhere threat, but some evil developments of ongoing machinations and a few well-placed twists of fate. When it seems as if even the greatest sacrifice wouldnt be enough, Daemon Sadi and Jaenelle come up with a devilish plan. And betraying those who trust the most is just a minor part of it. What follows is as mind-blowing as anything I've ever read. It's phenominal in detail, painful in execution and exhilarating in conclusion.
Anne Bishop - you've really crowned yourself as one of the gendre's best with those last 150 pages of Queen of Darkness.
> "Daemon?" There was so much uncertainty in her voice.
> "Hi, sweetheart" he said, his voice husky from the effort not to cry. "I've missed you."
> Her hand moved slowly, with effort, until her palm rested against his face. Her lips curved into a smile. "Daemon."
> This time, when she said this, it sounded like a promise, like a lovely caress.
Oh, what a jewel of beauty!
Thank you, Anne Bishop. Thank you very much for this lesson about pure and unconditional love. And if it comes to that, no sacrifice can be too big. No price too high. And no faith too deep.
So, after I read the last page, it was way past midnight. I went to my beloved wife who was already sound asleep and held her tight, so tight.
What more can I say?
I'm still weeping.
The Queen Of Fantasy.......2005-10-13
I'm sooooo glad I got this book. I had to wait 2 long, unbelievable weeks to get it. I almost died waiting. But I'm glad I waited. It's worth waiting years 4 a book like this one to come out. I'm extremely glad that Daemon returns in this book.
Any BJT book without the Sadist has a problem. That was, as far as I'm concerned, "Heir to the Shadows"'s only flaw. I luv that guy. But hey, who doesn't?
I absolutely luvved this book. This book's only problem is that the ending was soooo...unfinished. And do Lucivar and Daemon have to have this unsaid bawl so soon after they've just fixed up their relationship as brothers? But Anne Bishop makes up for that in "Dreams Made Flesh". Thank the Darkness.
Another good thing? Well, we get mentions of Lucivar and Surreal occasionally while Daemon's not out of the story. They're just plain cool. Maybe not as much as Daemon, but hey, who is?
And also, the plot. Daemon and Surreal and Wilhelmina etc coming to Kaeleer. Lucivar complaining about how his son (and Daemon's nephew and Surreal's cousin) Daemonar was a beast that everyone forgot he was Marian's son as well, Daemon, Lucivar and Wilhelmina getting drunk...opps. Shouldn't spoil the story for you so that you can read it yourself.
4 all BJT fans, this is a MUST. And just because some other people who read our reviews and then read the books were disappointed, you probably won't be. Unless you're not the average person. Cause Anne Bishop rox.
Everything has a price...(please).......2005-06-06
How many times was this phrase in the trilogy? I am surpised the series was not named the Everything has a Price Trilogy....
To begin with,this beginning of this journey started off with so much strength, granted the S & M was a bit much, but interesting just the same (Anne Rice takes out the initial shock with her classic Sleeping Beauty Series). You come to love the characters Daemon, Saetan, and Luciver. You also just love to hate the evil witches that control them, but secretly inside are tickled that they have power over men. Yet, how can anyone write one amazing book, follow it with decent transitional book, only to have a pathetic ending with not hint of what Bishop is capable of? I don't get it.
I was extremely disappointed with the sexual tension (or lack of) between Jaenelle and Daemon. There was much anticipation for when they would finally be united; and it was like having the air slowly seep out of a balloon. It was painful to read, there was not breathtaking romance or giddy happiness. Such a disappointment. At a certain point, I no longer wanted to read the book. It took everything in me to finish it.
I find Anne Bishop to be a very talented writer with wonderful, descriptive writing. She knows how to weave a story and tell it well. She can come up with interesting characters such as the kindred animals and the various races of the world. However, she is weak when it comes to wrapping it all together. The more characters she adds, the more confusing the names become, making the reader just skim through with out getting attached to any of them.
She creates a world that is supposed to be controlled by intelligent, strong women but in the end it appears that the men still have the underlying spotlight. It is very obvious that Bishop is extremely attached to her male characters and makes them more interesting then the females. Her female characters seem to have the same catty personality, snappy, easily irritated, demanding, and horny (except for Jaenelle). Does someone have a certain impression on women?
Bishop never gives the main character, Jaenelle, her own section to portray what is in her mind. Jaenelle is always portrayed through someone else's point of view; which makes her seem unreachable and not real. One minute she is strong, next she is weak. Very confusing to know what makes up Jaenelle.
Finally, Bishop's idea of reversing roles and having women as the dominating species is not new to a storyline but fun to read. But she does not pull it off well. The men are all cautious of the women and trying to tiptoe around them, but then they are commanding women around with clever methods and witty dialogue. It also seems like the men do all the scheming on the good side, but women do all the scheming on the bad side (another one of Bishop's ideas on women?). The whole book just seemed like an excuse to write about men conquering over controlling women, but in the end they still do not have equality. Even with such domination over them, the men still love, protect and stand in awe of the women. It really contradicts itself and is hard to swallow. I honestly think Bishop is not even sure about her own characters and the role they play. It feels like she is struggling to explain why these men stay with such difficult women.
Overall, I would recommend the first book, Daughter of the Blood, the story is so very interesting. Of course if you read the first, you need to read the last two would just to have some conclusion (even thought it is weak). So reader beware do not have any expectation and you may enjoy the ride.
However, I have not given up on Anne Bishop. I anticipate more of her work. I find her writing to be engaging and filled with much potential. She may have butchered this trilogy, but I have faith in her and will give her future books a chance.
Average customer rating:
- Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine
- Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine
- My Favorite
- The Diary of a amazing girl
- If you liked this book...
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Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine
Kristiana Gregory
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
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ASIN: 0439164842 |
Book Description
Fourteen-year-old Eleanor of Aquitaine lives in a castle in Poitier, France, with her father Count William of Aquitaine (son of William the Conqueror), and her 12-year-old sister Petronilla. Their mother died several years earlier, so their grandmother and ladies-in-waiting raise the girls. Eleanor is extremely intelligent and literate, having been carefully educated by royal tutors. Spinning bores her, as does weaving, sewing, and other housewifery skills expected of her. She would rather be a knight and ride off to war. In fact, in 1136, when her father is invited to help invade Normandy,
Customer Reviews:
Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine.......2006-03-17
THIS BOOK, in MY OPINION, was one of the best out of the "Royal Diaries" Series. Eleanor is not a princess, but a Duchess of Aquitaine (Southern France) in the 1100's. This book was well written and contained much information on Eleanor's teen years. Although the reading level is supossed to be ages 9-12, i am 13, almost 14, and enjoyed this book. I think it's good for all ages.
Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine.......2006-01-04
Eleanor of Aquitaine has a difficult childhood. Her father, the duke, constantly gets in fights with the pope. As if that's not enough to deal with, her brother died and her father wants her to get married as a political arrangement.A beloved family member goes on a trip, never to return. And finally, she must marry Louis the Younger when she'd much rather be playing with her sister and daydreaming.
This was one of the most exciting books in the Royal Diaries series! It has brave knights in battle,court intrigues,and betrayal...
My Favorite.......2005-11-18
This is the second Royal Diary I read, and I loved it. The story is wonderful. Eleanor is a young girl who goes through all the same things that girls do now, she just was in the 1100s. I think that every young girl will love learning about history while also reading a good story.
The Diary of a amazing girl.......2005-10-31
Eleanor is a young girl but is old enough to get married. Her father Duke William X a very wealthy man, decides to go to war. So her sister and her are left with no father or mother only servants and there grandma. He does come back but a tragedy occurs and she is forced to marry the price soon to be king of France. She has never met him before and she really like Clotaire the strong. Her life is filled with new, terrifying, heart leaping adventures. She also has a younger brother and sister. Her brother dies but, her sister is still alive. Her mother is also gone. So it's not really a big family. Just her younger sister her dad and herself. I really like this book because of different things I get to read about. I think its so cool hearing about what it was like for a girl in medieval times about my age well she was really more of a princess. Her father had even more money then the king. It's really interesting reading about her life. How and where she hides her diary. How she is taken care of. What they ate back then. Where they went to the bathroom with no toilets. Its such a fascinating book with so much drama. And life filled with excitement!
If you liked this book..........2005-09-01
If you liked this book, then try reading "A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver." It tells the story of the rest of Eleanor's life. She was an AMAZING woman who led an enormously fascinating life!!!!
Average customer rating:
- Magnificent
- will not disappoint!
- A stunning and informative book with gorgeous photos
- An Entertaining and Unique Piece of History
- A labor of love
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Queen's Jewels
LESLIE FIELD
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
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ASIN: 0810981726 |
Customer Reviews:
Magnificent.......2005-06-29
After reading this book and salivating at the photographs, I'll NEVER lust after anyone else's jewellery again. Apart from the sheer magnificence of the stones and the settings, the provenance of the pieces and just how they happened to be in the possession of the various members of the royal family, is completely fascinating. It's also a very interesting look at the social mores of the various eras. In Queen Victoria's time, she tended to wear more modest jewellery, much of which had a sentimental value to her, and so the ladies of the day tended to follow her example. In the following reign, that of Edward V11, the upper classes of the day followed the example of Queen Alexandra, who was a beauty and who dressed lavishly in her own particular style, which was followed by ladies of the court and which featured high necklines, decorated heavily with diamonds and precious stones. In the following reign of a very rigid George V and Queen Mary, the court seemed to be bolstering the idea of an unapproachable royalty, above the touch of scandal and to foster this idea by literally covering the Queen in jewels from head to toe. Today's monarch jewels up only on the most formal of occasions, but it's thanks to her and to the Queens of the past that this amazing collection has been built up over the years to amaze and bedazzle lovers of beautiful jewellery everywhere.
will not disappoint!.......2003-01-10
Field has produced an excellent balance of text and pictures and has done an exceptionally thorough job of documentation. I was fascinated by his descriptions of how the jewelry was modified over the years to accommodate the fashions of the day and the taste of the current owner. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars was due to the pictures. Most are black and white (for obvious reasons), however some were of very poor quality, and very few taken with the intention of displaying jewelry. There was one delightful story of a gift to the young Princess Elizabeth, a necklace and bracelet, which the Queen now refers to as "my best diamonds". But do we get to see the diamonds? No, the only available picture was a distant news photo of the young Princess sitting at an angle and the jewels nearly impossible to see. For Princess Diana fans, don't bother buying this book. There are less than a half dozen images of Diana, and nothing you haven't seen before. And just a reminder, this is her personal collection. You won't see any of the crown regalia.
A stunning and informative book with gorgeous photos.......2002-09-02
Leslie Field's "The Queen's Jewels: The Personal Collection of Elizabeth II" is a splendid, splendid book in every way. Field has gathered together hundreds of important photographs (of the nearly half million she saw altogether) of Queen Elizabeth's jewels. These are shown both in their cases and being worn by various monarchs, and we see how different royal family members have altered the look or the purpose of pieces as fashions and times changed over the years. Field has complemented these photographs with her outstanding, meticulously researched text. Even if you purchase the book mostly to drool over the photographs, you will end up being both captivated and educated by the accompanying text.
Field begins the book with the ascension of Queen Victoria to the throne. Because of the Salic laws passed by the House of Hanover in 1833, Victoria was prevented from becoming ruler of both the United Kingdom and Hanover. The kingdoms were split for the first time in well over a century. Immediately, King Ernest of Hanover--an uncle of Queen Victoria--demanded his share of the royal jewels, arguing that since the kingdom had been split, so must be the gems. Victoria disagreed, and the argument went on for two decades before finally being settled in favor of Hanover. Subsequently, Victoria gave up several important pieces of jewelry to her uncle's descendants--but was already well on her way to amassing an important collection.
Victoria was the first British monarch to make clear that some pieces belonged to the Crown and were for use by any Queen to follow her--and that some pieces were her personal property, and hers to dispose of as she saw fit. British monarchs have followed in her footsteps ever since and although Field showcases many sumptuous Crown pieces in the book, the bulk of what we see are the Queen's personal pieces. And what a collection it is!
The collection is vast and jaw-droppingly beautiful. Field wisely divides the book into types of stones, from diamonds and pearls to emeralds, sapphires, amethysts, turquoise, and more. We see everything from parures
(i. e., complete matching sets of everything from necklaces to brooches to rings to earrings and more) to necklaces and tiaras which were gifts from other governments or from such quaintly named organizations as "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" to pieces designed by Prince Philip expressly for his wife.
Among the many stand-outs in the book are:
- Queen Elizabeth's three-carat diamond solitaire engagement ring, designed by Prince Philip for his wife and set with a handsome diamond taken from a tiara belonging to Philip's mother (p. 85);
- The Godman Necklace, which had been bought by an English naturalist in the 1890s while on holiday in Bavaria. His daughters, many years after his death, wrote to the Lord Chamberlain saying that they felt they owned jewelry once owned by Empress Josephine of France and that the Queen might be interested in it. Although it turned out not to have been of this provenance, it was undoubtedly a stunning and valuable piece, showcasing seven large emeralds and three smaller ones, and surrounded throughout with an encrustation of diamonds and platinum filigree (p. 95);
- The Cambridge's Lover's Knot Tiara, shown being worn by the Duchess of Cambridge in 1818, the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in the 1890s, Queen Mary in 1926, Queen Mary again in 1935 (this time without the upright pearls which originally adorned it), Queen Elizabeth in 1955, and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1985. This is powerful testimony that good design and fine jewelry are both timeless (pp. 113 - 115);
- Queen Mary's "Rose of York" bracelet, which is a breathtaking ruby and diamond pendant which was eventually turned into a bracelet (p. 143).
Of course these are but a few of the many treasures in the book. It is a fascinating read, and a wonderfully complete and detailed account of what is probably the finest jewelry collection in the world today.
An Entertaining and Unique Piece of History.......2002-03-19
I was so impressed with and have gotten so much Joy from this book, it has inspired me enough to go ahead and try my first on-line review. When I noticed this was out of print I was very surprised. Even more so when I realized there was also a 1997-revised edition. I am hopeful its simply because the newly expanded volume is getting its finishing touches. With digital imaging technology having come so far since the publishing of the first two editions (87/97), the detail that is now available will hopefully be prominently featured in the next. A unique aspect of this book is the thoroughness of information presented on several different topics.
The title subject is definitely covered in meticulous detail. Aside from the jewels it really is almost a complete mini-biography of most of the British Royal Family. After all the Men bought jewels too! It is amazing to see an 18th century piece on Queen Elizabeth and be able to trace it exactly from it origin through the centuries.
The information in text and pictures give a much better understanding of the whole concept of continuity, with many surprises along the way. Tidbits like how Queen Victoria stubbornly refused to return gems that another Royal House insisted it owned. How important Jewels were to Queen Mary, not for their monetary value but because of their family historical importance. Its the little details like this that give you a much more personal understanding of monarchs, without being dishy or gossipy.
Both the front and back inside covers gives a complete family tree dating back to Henry VII. Inside, thirteen categories/chapters cover everything from Diamonds and Emeralds to Sapphires and Amethysts, explaining who favored a particular kind of gem or style over another. Do not expect a very in-depth education on gems, however you get a great understanding of the history and importance of gems through the centuries as a symbol of power and status. There is a generous amount of color and B&W photos perfectly balanced with the text. Generations of Royals Portraits set-up three or four to a page wearing the same Jewels over scores of decades are some of the picture highlights. I really don?t think you need to be a Royal Watcher to appreciate the images. From all the individuals listed in the Acknowledgments many of them with titles you understand this book was published with the complete cooperation and help of the entire Royal Family. Its the photography that makes you appreciate this. A perfect example of this is the cover subject. A magnificent necklace part of a set named: The Cambridge and Delhi Durbar Parure. Inside there is another full color page showing the complete set, however throughout the book you can see no less than ten or twelve different royals wearing some kind of configuration of it. Including the World Famous snapshot of the late Princess Diana wearing the necklace as a headband.
You cannot help but feeling like you know the members of the various royal houses a little better after reading a few excerpts. The entire volume gives you an impression that the author truly respects, enjoys and is highly educated on her subject. This is one of the few books that I own, that I know I will never post for sale used. I hope you enjoy!
A labor of love.......1999-08-31
I can't say enough about this book. Leslie Field obviously loves her subject; the amount of research that went into this book is impressive. It is fascinating to follow a piece of jewelry through history from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana through pictures. The accompanying text is informative, but the pictures really say it all in this book.
Customer Reviews:
It's Okay..........2006-03-09
As far as being an interesting place to read about and being faiytale-ish, this is great.
However, I found this book a little hokey. I haven't read the first Saphire Princess book, so I don't know her as well as other readers, but why would a princess living by WATER wear a fancy dress and a tiara (even when she's going on an adventure)? Doesn't she worry that a sprite might splash the wrong way, and her dress will get ruined? Or that some weird Darkling might come along and snatch the tiara? Or is the dress un-spoilable, and is the tiara glued to her head?
This book is told only in Sabrina's point of view, of course. Now, she goes out of the throne room, leaving her friends with the treasure bottle, then she comes back, and they are all gone, and we hear from another person that everyone got crazy and was saying, "The treasure is mine! I'll get it first!" That plot device wasn't the best. It would be much more interesting if it slowly progressed to a wild argument and we were there to see it. I guess the authors knew that if Sabrina WAS there, she would probably break things up, and then the story wouldn't be as interesting. I can still wish, though.
Then there's the part where the guard at the end confesses his wrongs because he was afraid Sabrina wouldn't be his friend anymore. I'd wish the authors had shown more of this problem at the beginning, so that it would make sense when we got to it.
Then they get to the treasure, and then suddenly everyone in the Blue Lake country appears out of nowhere. Are the creatures of the Saphire princess-dom all telepathic? If so, why isn't Sabrina apart of that mind club? Why do they know all this stuff already, but they don't think to tell their ruler about it until the very end?
There are other plot devices which you can discover for yourself. Other than that it's a good story idea, and I like how friendship is important to all of them. I also like the front illustration, too.
mary-jeans review.......2004-03-23
I really liked this book because it is magical and has princesses. I read a lot of these books.
Wonderful Book.......2003-11-08
I loved this book. My cousins and I are always reading them, and we act out parts of the story. I recommend this book to anyone who knows a young child(especially a girl)that is ages 4-8.
A great great great book........1998-10-18
This is a great book full of magic mystery and exsitment.
My kids loved this book!!!.......1998-07-17
We love reading all the Jewel Princess books as a family. My girls have begun acting out the stories. (My son likes them too) All the Jewel Princess books have good strong girl characters. The stories have fine messages. I highly recommend this book to all parents.S
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Christian series for older children.......2000-11-12
These books tell about great Christian heros, from the point of view of children. These books are interesting and exciting.
Customer Reviews:
for parents........2002-04-09
i read these books when i was in fourth grade. they were my absoulute favorites because the had the girls as the heroes in a world full of magic. these books are great for young readers because the plots aren't to complicated but are advanced enough that they won't feel that it's too little kid.it does have a few complicated words so it will help with reading skills.
Adventurous and Exciting!.......1999-10-18
I loved Princess Emily's friend, Arabell, because she reminds me of my imaginary friend. I recommend this book because it is full of adventure and excitement. I liked when Arabell cured Sweet William. I read this book in one evening.
This is a great book!.......1999-10-01
This is a wonderful book.I like to read books in the Jewel Kingdom series,this book is about the brave princess Emily and her new fairy friend, princess Arabell.My best friend loves Jewel Kingdom books as well,in fact she is mad about them.I sugest you read The Ruby princess sees a ghost, its even better.
An interesting, wonderful, book, well worth looking at........1999-01-31
It shows what friendship is all about
The jewel princesses are great !.......1998-11-23
I really like the jewel kingdom books. My most favorite jewel princess is emily the emerald princess. I'm almost 11 and I know these are beginner books but I still like there adventures and there animal friends.
Customer Reviews:
The Queen's jewels are astounding!.......2005-08-30
"Amazing" is the only word to describe the impressive array of jewels in Her Majesty's collection. Tiaras, bracelets, earrings... all delicately made and intricate in their structure. Whether they are gifts from other heads of state, inheritance, or personal presents from her parents, the Queen's jewels will take your breath away.
Now when you see pictures of the Queen and her female relations - whether on television or in magazines - you'll be able to name the tiara, place the bracelet, identify the earrings, and swoon over the plate-sized gems pinned to dresses. Brilliant!
© 2005 www.mandysroyalty.org
Fairly thourough look at an extensive collection.......1998-11-29
A well written guide to QE II's elaborate collection of precious stones. Comes complete with her family tree as a reference, which you may find handy to refer to as the author traces back how most of the pieces came to the Queen through her ancestors. Many pictures, however, there are almost as many of Queen Mary as there are of Queen Elizabeth II! I especially liked the way it was discussed how some older pieces have been taken apart, reset, and reconfigured to make them do duty in the 20th and 21st centuries. A very well researched book that any royal watcher will enjoy. I would love to see the author devote a publication to the jewelry (real and paste) of the late Princess of Wales.
Customer Reviews:
mermaid.......2007-08-02
Mermaid was truly troublemaker, she never need help because she is theif. Sapphire Princess never knew until she find the truth. yet she became mermaid friend.
Great book series.......2002-05-06
I would recommend these books to first graders that are excelled readers. For my daughters reading level, the chapter books at school seem to encourage children to talk back to teachers or parents, mock or play tricks on others and lie. The Jewel Princess series are wonderful fantasy tales with a good moral ending. Thank you Jahnna and Malcom!
Reminds everyone that you shouldn't lie or fib........1999-02-02
A good book showing what happens when you lie
Sabrina tells her friend Atlanta's secret........1998-12-23
This wonderful book is about Sabrina telling her friend, Atlanta, secret.Can their friendship be saved? This book is great for children who love adventure.
Customer Reviews:
excellent!.......1999-05-04
This is actually the only one of the Jewel Kingdom books that I have not read (my daughter gets them first) but all of the others have been wonderful. The only reason that I am not giving it five stars as I would have two years ago is that the books are just a little easy now for my nine year old where they were perfect for 7. I personally really enjoy the high moral tone. The books teach good manners and good conduct with out ever preaching either. Having a child who reads these books is to have a more tractable, better behaved and happier child. A reminder to "act like a Princess" will help make difficult decisions easier.
Books:
- The Black Jewels: Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood / Heir to the Shadows / Queen of the Darkness
- The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers
- The Complete Book of Foaling: An Illustrated Guide for the Foaling Attendant (Howell Reference Books)
- The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs
- The Golden Egg Book (Big Little Golden Book)
- The Official Beckett Price Guide to Baseball Cards 2006, Edition #26 (Official Price Guide to Baseball Cards)
- The Official Beckett Price Guide to Baseball Cards 2006, Edition #26 (Official Price Guide to Baseball Cards)
- Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism
- TROUT FLIES: The Tier's Reference
- Turtles & Tortoises for Dummies
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