5 comments about Orphans of Chaos.

1. I am an avid fantasy/sci-fi reader, and stumbled across this one because I was desperate for something new to read. It turned out to be worth the time.
   There are plenty of reviews of this story under the actual bindings (!Orphans of Chaos) , so I won't repeat them here.
   The problem is that it was just released on Kindle (June 2008), but there doesn't appear to be the next one yet



2. I enjoyed the descriptions of extra dimensions abilities of the characters.
   
   Got this book for $0.00, I guess as a promotion from the publisher. I would guess the idea would be to promote the whole series. But, only the first book in the series is available for the Kindle, so I don't quite see the point.
   
   It's especially frustrating since the story kind of leaves you hanging.



3. On the one hand, I found the author's writing style to be very mature and easy to read. The story was narrated by the main character, a teenage girl, and she lent a very charming voice to the novel.
   
   On the other hand, every character was one-dimensional, there was no character development or maturity, the plot didn't develop much (in 300-some pages!), and the almost constant dominant/submissive sexual play with our youthful heroine was both annoying and off-putting.
   
   The cast of characters was another disappointment. It began as a small, intimate group of friends, which I rather liked, but then quite suddenly grew into a huge gaggle of oddballs with multiple names, intertwining relationships, and even flatter personalities than our main characters.
   
   The magic system was an interesting concept -- It used hyperspace physics as a form of magic -- but I don't feel that it worked very well in practice. The lengthy explanations in the middle of the action sequences were a little annoying. It was also silly because the physics babble was really just a thin veneer for whatever struck the author's fancy.
   
   The ending was abrupt and unresolved, but I wouldn't exactly call it a cliffhanger. Generally a cliffhanger leaves you in suspense, excited to read on. This book just left me shrugging and thinking, "Well... that went absolutely nowhere."
   
   So there you have it. This review is one part praise and four parts criticism, and that seems like just the right ratio for this book. Not without its charm, but I certainly won't be reading the rest of the series.
   
   Your mileage may vary.



4. I love the premise but I'm not so sure about the execution. The writer never really engaged me, other than some occasional flashes. I liked the book enough to finish it, but nowhere near enough to go out and buy the next in the series. The main characters have a very focused outlook (one's the science type, one's metaphysical, etc)and the author does an excellent job of adapting his writing for each. I felt out of my depth with some of the dialogue from the science type, and there was so much of it that I was often tempted to skip it completely, but who knows what I would have missed if I had. In the end, it's a toss up. I think it's worth it to give the author a shot, but for me it wasn't worth it to keep on with the series.



5. This was definately a novel worth reading. I look forward to gettibg my hands on the next installment. Mr. Wright has a way with words that i found delighful, though I did have to stop and look a few of them up.

5 comments about Stolen Away: The True Story Of Californias Most Shocking Kidnapmurder.

1. I first began reading true crime books when I was a sophomore in High School. Although I cannot recall the author, I will never forget the name of the book: Perfect Victim. The book was about the shocking kidnap and brutal sexual torture suffered by Colleen, (I believe the last name was Stanton), at the hands of the young couple who abducted her. Since that time nearly four years ago, I have read nearly two dozen true crime books, my favorite among them being In Cold Blood by Truman Capote and Bitter Blood by Jerry Bledsoe. When I purchased the book Stolen Away, I was looking forward to reading it, because not only was it about the first use of the controversial insanity defense, but it also occurred in the late 1920's, and I have always considered history to be one of my favorite subjects. I felt the author, however, didn't do a sufficient job of telling the henioius story of how young Marion Parker was abducted and killed. I almost stopped reading the book during the first few chapters when the only topic covered for page after page was the mental problems that the killer's mother had endured throughout most of her life. I knew a brief mention of it was important in understanding why the defendant ended up the way in which he did, but I began to feel the book was written about Eva Hickman instead of her son, Edward. Although this, among a few other things, is what stands out as being one of the most disappointing elements of reading this book, I felt the biggest letdown was the fact that the author told all the important facts of the story in the very beginning and left no room for the climax that I have always looked forward to in every other true crime story I have read. This book was a major disappointment, and it has made me decide to never buy another Michael Newton book again.



2. If there was ever an advocate for the mentally disturbed is is the author of this book.

   After reading most of Mr. Newton's books one major theme keeps popping up. Criminals are good and should be worshipped and the Police are bad. What is this guy on?

   If you're a big fan of the common criminal you should really enjoy this book. If, however, you are normal, you might want to skip this one.




3. I wasn't sure what this book was about when I picked it up. I had never heard of the case. Soon after I found myself reading it nonstop. It was well-written and full of information. Michael Newton did a great job.



4. I had heard about the Marion Parker kidnapping/murder years ago in an old book about L.A. history. It was a short paragraph or two and I hadn't run into anything more about it until I saw this book. Michael Newton, the writer that brought us the disturbing "Daddy was the Black Dahlia Killer" is up to his old tricks in this book as well. Too much detail, too little editing in it. The story is worth the read but beware, there are way too many pages of history that matters little (imho) to the crime. Is Mr. Newton trying to explain why this young man would murder a little girl? Perhaps. I didn't buy it though. Anyway, worth a read to those, like myself, who love true crime and early Los Angeles.



5. I don't know why one of the other reviewers claims that Michael Newton shows sympathy for the young murderer, Edward Hickman. Although Newton clearly believes that the prosecution's psychiatrists were biased against Hickman, he in no way suggests that Hickman was anything other than a twisted, arrogant, and reckless psychopath. The background involving Hickman's family lasts only one chapter and is obviously relevant to the case.
   
   Newton did his homework, drawing on trial transcripts to give us a thorough review of this shocking homicide. The only thing that surprised me was that he does not seem to have read In Defense of the Fox, a memoir by Hickman's attorney, which would have shed additional light on the topic. Still, I think anyone who enjoys reading about crime, punishment, and old-time Hollywood will be rewarded by this book.

5 comments about DEATH THREAT (Sweet Valley High).

1. I didn't know what to think but it all came together at the end



2. I couldn't put it down! You gotta put this one in your shopping cart! (Along with the rest of the books in this miniseries) It's a must have!!



3. I thought it wasn't too good. It was really farfetched and I just didn't want to read it over and over again ilke most of the SVH books. The plot wasn't confusing, but it kind of lame. It's one of my least favorite SVH books. I think the only reason I read it was to understand the whole miniseries.



4. All of the Sweet Valley High books i love i have read most them because they are the best books ever; however in this miniseries, I find it hard to read because it is so predicable.... It needs to be a little more suspensful than it is.. I suggest if you get it to save for a day when you are quite bored.



5. ***Warning Spoilers***
   
   In the fourth book of the "Jeremy Randall/Sue Gibbons" saga we find out that Jeremy and Sue aren't the people Jessica and Elizabeth think they are.
   Jeremy stages Sue's kidnapping and pretends to be the kidnapper in order to collect a $600,000 ranson. He tells Sue that as soon as he gets the money he will take Sue and they will run off to Mexico together.
   All goes as planned. Sue is taken prisoner by Jeremy, and being held at a lake house. Ned Wakefield has hired a detective to search for Sue. Jessica still believes that Jeremy is the most perfect guy in the world, while Elizabeth is beginning to have her doubts.
   Finally, the time arrives for Jessica and Elizabeth to deliver the money to Sue's kidnapper. After the money has been delivered, Jeremy lets Sue go from the cabin, and runs off with the money. It isn't until later that Sue realizes that Jeremy is not coming back for Sue.
   
   At the end of the book the reader is faced with some more unanswered questions:
   1.)Is Jeremy coming back for revenge on the Wakefields and Sue?
   2.)Will Sue confess about the staged kidnapping?
   3.)Will Jessica finally realize that Jeremy is only faking an interest in her and only wants Sue's money?
   4.)What will happen between Lila and her new boyfriend, Robby? And is Robby in on Jeremy's plan?
   
   ~~~Kat

No comments about Little Charley Ross : The Shocking Story of America's First Kidnapping for Ransom.

5 comments about The Original Sin.

1. Marcus Gabriel makes you fall in love with the feelings between Joel and Eden. Then, when you find out what they are, your stomach swirls around. Great ending though, not the ending I expected, but better. One of the best books I have ever read.



2. This is a huge, multi-generational, "pick it up and you can't put it down until the last page is read" kind of novel - perfect for a vacation or a snowbound weekend.

   Marius Gabriel writes a dramatic tale that spans three generations, and takes the reader from 1920s Spain, through the Spanish Civil War, WWII, Vietnam, and the early 1970s (US) culture of sex, drugs and rock 'n roll. All the action and subplots revolve around wealthy, sophisticated Mercedes Eduard, who was born in prewar Catalonia, the child of a rape victim. What follows is a riveting story of deception, love, and revenge most terrible. The historical backdrop, especially about Catalonian politics, anarchy, and the Civil War in Spain, certainly enhances the novel.

   There are too many twists and turns in the plot to number, which make for a roller coaster ride of a read. And more than seven sins, (deadly or otherwise), are committed here. However, many of the book's characters are flatter than cardboard, and all too predictable. Joel Lennox, who kidnaps Mercedes' daughter Eden, and asks for millions of dollars in ransom, is the only character who is really fleshed out. He comes alive with his background of surviving the emotional pain of an abusive childhood, soldiering in the Vietnam War, and working his craft as an artist.

   There are many books like this one on the shelves. I was quickly absorbed in the addictive storyline. It is a good, light read, but if you miss it, you are not missing a literary masterpiece.
   JANA




3. I went to the local libary to pick up some books to keep me busy as I wait this long, long months. The first thing that I thought was "What a huge Book!" I honestly didn't think it would of captured me the way it did. I have to say this book has such raw emotion that would catch myself catching my breath, or crying. I went and bought all the Marius's books hoping the are as capavating as this one. The characters feel like you are actually there through all thier ordeals. You find yourself rooting for the best for your favorites. All I know is that this book has kept me busy through the days and nights since I can't put it down.



4. Marius Gabriel's debut book is my favorite so far. It is such a captivating story, I could not put it down. The plot is so elaborate with so many unexpected turns. It is passionate, sexy, suspenseful and twisted; all the ingredients necessary for an amazing and compelling read.
   Gabriel is a talented author with a very vivid imagination. I definitely recommend this book.



5. 'The Original Sin' is an amazing family saga spanning three generations of women, beginning in Spain during the Spanish Civil War and climaxing in 1970s Arizona. It is a tale of family secrets, tragedy, war, passion, obsession, addiction, kidnapping, love, money, shame and redemption. This is the book that made me a Marius Gabriel fan. The first time I read it, in my late teens 10+ years ago, it utterly blew me away. This time around, too, I didn't want it to end. It's a shame that Mr. Gabriel is no longer writing novels.

No comments about The RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act).

No comments about Victims: The Kari Swenson Story.

No comments about CASE OF THE RISING STAR (NANCY DREW 87): CASE OF THE RISING STAR (Nancy Drew).

No comments about The Seeing Summer (Archway Paperback).

5 comments about Into the Fire.

1. I believe that this book,along with "To Wake the dead" and "The lake", were the last of Laymons books that were unpublished before he died and were put out by his wife.
   
   In true Laymon fashion it is two seperate stories that come together at the climatic ending. The first, Pamela is kidnapped buy a serial killing freak she went to high-school with. She is rescued right off the bat by a man driving a bus full of manequens and brought to the town of Pitts. She becomes resident number seven and finds out a weird town secret.
   
   The second is Norman, he is driving home from college when he is accosted by a james dean wannabe named Duke. Duke convinces Norman to give him a ride. Eventually they find a chubby girl named Boots and the three of them go on a cross country killing spree.
   
   The two stories converge in the climatic ending. Overall, the book was a little long and some parts were kind of boring. Not his best but not his worst. good for someone who has never read Laymons work and wants to see what he is about.



2. "Into the Fire" is the second of Laymon's books I have read, the first being "The Cellar". I had never read a book quite like "The Cellar", and that story has stayed with me for a long time. "Into the Fire" is written in much the same way and also has passages that will stick with you. Laymon is able to get to the heart of his characters with only some brief descriptions and ongoing internal monologues which are actually quite believable. When he turns up the over-the-top scenes and throws these characters to the wolves, you really find yourself cringing and yet addicted to turning the pages, just so you can see what happens next. This story is quite heavy on the sex (which is at times hardly appealing) and has a good amount of gory depictions (I've never read someone who could describe, of all things, flatulence so well and in so many unpredictable situations). I will warn you that once you start reading his books, it would seem there is a good chance you will become hooked and be searching out your next fix sooner or later. This is pure entertainment, not classic literature, but boy is that cotton candy tasty.



3. I went out to the mall the day after xmas to spend some of my christmas money and planned to get yet another ludicris filled laymon novel. I was actually looking for savage, the newest laymon release from dorchestor. Anyway neither barnes and noble nor borders had it in stock or much of anything else since the shelves were mostly emptied due to holiday shopping. Into the Fire was my second choice. I probably would have gotten both anyway. I finished the book today after starting a few days ago and am proud to say this is easily in the top 3 laymon books that i have read so far and i think i'm upto about 15. The plot is fantastically original. The story has so many cool surprises as it progresses with it's dangerously crazy characters. i've heard among others that this is the last of the unpublished laymon stuff, the thought of that makes me cringe. If that's a fact then laymon can rest at ease with a smile on his face as he lies in his grave because he has most certainly gone out with a bang.



4. This is Laymon book number three for me. I just can't seem to get enough of this guy. I am starting to get used to his writing style, but that just means that every book just gets better and better. The thing about Laymon horror, it reads just like your favorite campy horror film. It is like the whole time you are wanting to tell the characters "Don't go down that hallway!" "Don't pick up that hitchhiker!!" If you like silly, gory, unbelievable, chilling horror movies, you will love Richard Laymon books. 'Into the Fire' gets better and better with every chapter. I was actually sad this one ended.



5. This book is strange... and the info on the back cover is very misleading. According to the little blurb on the back you learn that Pamela will be kidnapped by Rodney who has had a crush on her since high school and plans on possibly killing her, the back of the book then informs us that Rodney will be shot by some guy who "rescues" Pamela only her rescuer may be worse than Rodney.
   
   Sounds interesting! Unfortunately most of the book is about a completely unrelated guy named Norman and has nothing to do at all with the Pamela story mentioned on the back. Norman is rather boring to read about... he's in his early twenties, in college, parents have money and he's a bit of a wimp. Norman manages to find himself caught up with two other twenty somethings on a crime spree. Unfortunately the Norman/Duke/Boots story is over 50% of the book and it's really boring... they commit crimes, they have explicit sex, they run away and then Norman whines about it all. I think the fact that he is whining about having to murder people is supposed to make us feel like he's not such a bad guy. These three have no purpose, no drive, no goal and get really boring very quickly. Then we can flash back to Pamela... and well her situation may not be as bad for her as it is written out on the back cover.
   
   The characters are very flat and for the most part, not all that interesting. The only one I would be interested in learning more about would have been Sharpe but we get very little on him. The choices these characters make border on ludicrous, I can't imagine a normal person being okay with the events that transpire in this book.
   
   I hate to say it, but I was very glad when I had finished this book and could move on to something different.