5 comments about The Time Traveler's Wife.

1. The Time Traveler's Wife is a heart-wrenching account of a time traveler, Henry, who spontaneously "travels." He cannot control when the time travel happens and it leads to a very unpredictable life. Henry meets Clare and thus begins a love story of two people who can never be completely together.
   
   The Time Traveler's Wife will stay with you well after you've read the ending. I read the ending over and over again wanting to relive the last moment these two lovers were together. Melancholy follows the two lovers and propels you to keep reading. There is deep symolism in the novel; though the circumstances around the two main characters is outlandish, the feelings behind it are real. How do you truly be 100% with someone who can never be there for you? It's a question a lot of relationships face and Niffenegger answers it beautifully.
   
   The movie is coming out this November and is starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana. I hope that the movie lives up to the book, though it will be hard.



2. This is the type of book that makes images of cold windy days, the color of fall leaves, and big cups of coffee pop into your brain.
   
   It's just beautiful. It's hard to put into words how lovely it truly is.
   I actually couldn't really process it once I finished, and I know that opinions are very different in regards to this book. One of my friends even told me not to waste my time with it. Still, I think it was completely gorgeous, lush, breathtaking, and...just wonderful. I know I'm going on and on but it's that type of book that just hits you in the face and makes you feel like running out and finding a man/woman to experience a life changing romance with.



3. I don't usually rate books that I read, but this one really got to me. I absolutely loved this book. I plan on reading it again actually. It's a little hard to follow if you don't have time to sit and read it in one day, which I don't, but it's not so difficult that I didn't want to read it. I am a lover of all different authors and different styles of writing and I really enjoyed this and I recommend it to everyone!!!



4. (+)
   For me, a gripping read
   Character flaws (realism)
   Emotionally engaging
   Entertaining
   Interesting character development
   
   (-)
   inconsistencies in the theory of time travel of of changing the the future
   
   I'm omitting many details as to not give away too much of what the book provides.
   
   Many of the reviews I read before actually reading this book alluded to the idea that it was about love. The back cover even calls it a love story. However, after reading it myself, I tend to gravitate more towards the idea that this book is really about loss: how we process it, how it tends to dehumanize us, how it simultaneously warps and reinforces what we consider as reality. Niffenegger does a wonderful job at tying the theme of love and loss throughout the pages of her book which is particularly why I was so consistently engaged while reading it.
   
   The Time Travelers Wife is at times graphic, at times very terse and very raw, but never lacking in appeal. You won't be pleased if you're looking for a heroic and solid sci-fi drama. However, if you're looking to read a fiction about how imperfect people deal with the realities of relationship, of death, of growth, and of mystery then you'll neither be disappointed.
   
   Henry and Clare's relationship isn't so static as to impose insincerity, but changes even as they change. There is an intercourse of ideas and mystery as both retain knowledge that the other cannot or will not possess. The fact that mystery tends to be interwoven even into our own lives is very prevalent in their story. This animates them in such a way as to make them more real to the reader. Selfishness, deceit, and unhealthy attachments stay paradoxically close to sacrifice, trust, and love.
   
   Buy this book, it's definitely worth your reading!



5. This is a copy of a post I made in the discussion forum, just thought I would expand it into a larger review. Spoilers, of course.
   
   It's interesting how Henry meets Clare for the first time, sleeps with her, then decides he's "overcome with happiness" (page 16) and breaks up with Ingrid less than a day later. If you want to argue that it was love at first sight (which I don't believe in myself, personally) you might want to just ignore this comment entirely. I understand that his relationship with Ingrid was a troubled one, and that it would have ended anyway, but I just felt sorry for Ingrid. She's a sad character who has problems, and is, I think, far more interesting than Clare, who is about as bland and uninteresting as a wet dishcloth. Henry defends himself, saying that Ingrid was "patient. Overly patient. Willing to put up with odd behavior, in the hope that someday I would shape up and marry her...And when somebody is that patient, you have to feel grateful, and then you want to hurt them" (Niffenegger 161). Gee, does this remind us anyone in particular? Either this is sloppiness on the author's part, or Henry is just a hypocrite. Also, we don't really know how much the other characters know about Henry's condition. When did his father find out? When did Ingrid (who finds him in her apartment after he loses his feet and asks "When are you from?") find out?
   
   Of course, some readers think this premise remarkably original. It's not! It's been done before. Read (or watch) Slaughterhouse Five if you want a similar premise written much more professionally.
   
   I tried to like this book, I really did. Aside from my complete dislike of the characters, I think it would have been a better book if she had just cut out the second half entirely. Of course, considering all the drama and teeth-gnashing included in the second half, that might be why this book is so popular.

5 comments about Cry Wolf (Alpha and Omega, Book 1).

1. I have to say I was really excited at first, I was browsing the shelves at the book store as usual and found this book "Cry Wolf" that looked very interesting. The lady at the check out even said she really enjoyed this book which made me feel even better about my purchase at the time.
   
   I get home and start reading. I get to the first chapter where its talking about Anna. I started to sense something was wrong. The book kept talking about the past in such a way that is similar to when you have a series of books. Where each book rehashes what happened in the previous book to catch the reader up.
   
   I had to stop reading after the point where a cell phone rings and Anna is listening to the conversation. I thought to myself somethings missing, why am I hearing this all second hand? I want to read the actual action of these events for myself! There has to be a book before this one and I missed it as I looked around at the book store.
   
   I go online and start looking on amazon.com only to find out there was indeed a story before this book and it was a short story part of an anthology. I go read up on the anthology and find out 3 of the stories of the 4 aren't worth my time. So I'd have to spend another 7.99 to find out the pre-story to "Cry Wolf"
   
   I read on to find that the short story had originally been meant to stand alone. But once it was realized a continuation of the story would be made they should have either A) put that short story at the beginning of "Cry Wolf" to avoid all this horrible confusion. B) say that you can find the short story on the website of the author (which I dont think it is but I haven't looked yet). or C) At the very least on the cover put a note saying the continued story of Anna and Charles see anthology for more information.
   
   I feel a little cheated and while I hope to someday enjoy the rest of this book with its beautiful cover, I can't bring myself to do that until I have read the short story. And I can't bring myself to purchase an anthology for 1 story that I will like out of four (i already can tell i wont care much for the other 3 stories because of the reviews)
   
   So until the day I can happily read this book I will at least enjoy the pretty artistic cover on the front. Very beautiful.



2. This was a great new storyline from Patricia Briggs set in the same world as her Mercy Thompson series. It was a nice touch to see featured some of the secondary characters from the Mercy Thompson novels and to learn more about the Marok and his motivations. I hope he gets his own book soon. The only jarring note was the beginning. If you have not read the prior short story published in an anthology, you would have a hard time understanding what had taken place before the start of this book. I do not like anthologies and did not feel like spending the money to pick up the book so I had to piece together what happened and still don't know the details. It would have been nice if the short story had been included in this novel. I can only surmise greed on the part of the publisher for this omission. That being said, I hope Briggs writes as second novel featuring these characters so we can see their relationships further develop.



3. I enjoyed this book even though it was a trifle juvenile. I like the characters - I am looking forward to Ms. Briggs developing this line in her alternate universe.



4. "Cry Wolf" is set in the same universe as the Mercy Thompson series, but follows the adventures of Anna, an Omega wolf, and Charles, her mate. Charles is Samuel's brother and Bran son, which fans of the Mercy Thompson series will be familiar with.
   
   Anna just recently arrived from the Chicago pack, which brutalized her during her time as a werewolf. This means that while she is a strong character, she has a lot of fears to overcome, and her fears aren't really groundless given what she has endured.
   
   This book was definitely readable and enjoyable and gave a lot of really interesting backstory to Bran, Samuel and the Marrok clan. I enjoy the world this novel is set in quite a lot, and I found the story to be a fun read. My hope is that she will continue writing Anna and Charles' story in future novels, but without Charles being injured as he was for the duration of this novel.
   
   While it has become a trope of the Urban Fantasy genre, I do tire of the multiple boyfriends/complicated lovelives of the heroines. While the lovelife is still complicated in the Alpha and Omega series, at least it just follows one couple instead of being a triangle kind of story. It would be nice if Urban Fantasy would take a cue from series such as J.D. Robb's "In Death" where you can have a couple stay together happily throughout the course of the series. I think Briggs plans on doing this both in this series and the Mercy Thompson series.
   
   I also enjoyed the point of view of the story changing from Anna, to Charles, to Bran, to Asil. I love Mercy Thompson voice, but I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives in this book.



5. I thoroughly enjoyed this. There are so many books in this genre, but Briggs manages to breathe new life into it. I really liked the atmosphere she created in this universe and it was appealing and different having the main couple already essentially 'paired' from the get go, i.e. not having to worry about the will they won't they aspect, but still being able to see their relationship with each other grow and develop. That's the romance aspect of it, which I enjoy (being a romance fan), but this is a fantasy genre and this she does equally well, combining them both to create a page turner of a tale! I'm thoroughly interested in Bran and Samuel now too and I'm looking forward to future installments!

5 comments about Atlas Shrugged.

1. Atlas Shrugged works as a Fantasy Mystery or Detective Story. Ms.Rand succeeds at projecting the Russian Revolution of her homeland onto America, then reacting to it. To do this she had to drastically misunderstand American history.
   The book does have some redeeming qualities. None of the protagonists have degrees in finance or economics. The Protagonists seem mostly to be mechanics, skilled hacks, and engineers. Rand developed the prototypes of many soundbytes used by coldwarriors and ideologues like Reagan and Greenspan.
   
   The gospel of Ayn Rand's Objectivism is best discovered by analyzing her design of the Galt's Gulch civilization. What does it take for a civilization to exist to Ayn Rand's standards of freedom and capitalism? It has to have strict control over who is allowed to enter. The citizens must refuse to trade or commit commerce with all civilizations and individuals who do not live up to their standards of freedom. A hard currency of gold is used, yet somehow banking must also be possible. There must be engines that output more energy than is put into them(the laws of physics will rearrange themselves for you if you are "rational" enough). Objectivist Privateers must have better artillery and ships than national militaries. People who design air planes have tall lean physiques. Less than a days wages can pay for lectures from the top intellectuals and professionals. You can rent your friends car for a solid gold nickel, without having to sign release forms and provide proof of insurance.
   
   Atlas Shrugged can serve as an inspiration for Iraqi Insurgents wishing to sabotage Iraqi civilization just to get rid of the people who don't live up to their standards of freedom and morality.



2. The very instant you hear someone saying "She thinks so-and-so because in the end it's better for humanity" stop the conversation, because that person has either not read the book, or did not read it closely.
   
   Ayn Rand's philosophy attempts to destroy the common trends in modern and contemporary philosophy who claim either there are no moral absolutes, or there are no absolute truths in reality. The claim is that in both instances there are absolutes, and we can know them.
   
   Yes in this novel the characters are unrealistically good at everything, (good looking, can fly airplanes, incredibly intelligent, etc. etc.) Many people have taken this to be a sign of naivety in her writing. To those people I suggest you look at your premises of what constitutes "naive." Ayn Rand tries repeatedly to show that excellence is something to be loved, not flaws.
   
   This sort of theme is present in all Greek epics, and in fact to the Greeks the very definition of "Hero" is something absolutely indistinguishable from what we typically see in our culture today. To the Greeks, heroism was practically synonymous with today's highly successful businessman. They attained wealth, and fame/glory. Yet the very same literary minded people who attack Atlas Shrugged for this precise theme will write entire dissertations on Greek epics, usually in extremely high regard.
   
   The difference is a change of setting, and the philosophy of the person reading the book. She wanted to bring back the values which brought out the best in an individual, where all around her were novels which said that people are to be loved for their flaws, and that one should be GUILTY for loving something for how good it is.
   
   This is only one aspect of the book, but an important one.
   
   As for the economic themes, if you disagree with anything said in the book I only have to direct you to the American economy today. Banks are being seized and sold by the government, hundreds of billions of dollars (forcefully seized from its citizens) being spent to bail out banks (And should I add that in the beginning the banks were forced to take on these subprime loans, or else be sued for 'economic discrimination' and face other fines/legality issues. I know no other way to determine who to give a loan to except for 'economic discrimination' ) Smoking bans for private property, private property seizures.. the list goes on.
   
   
   I think it's very unfortunate that people will read this book and leave it with such a deep rooted misunderstanding of it, when I approached this book I thought that I understood Ayn Rand's philosophy (at the time I was a libertarian) but I realized that I had everything absolutely wrong, and I had to go on a personal quest to figure out right and wrong practically from the beginning. This book changed me from pragmatism, (The exact antithesis of "absolute" the most subjective philosophy to exist) and showed me a way to live my life and be supremely happy with my accomplishments. I've never been happier in my life, and I only intend to continue accomplishing and bettering myself. Why? because I want to.
   
   That's what this book has done for me.



3. A long read, but Ayn Rand tells the story of today's America. Politicians stay in power by redistributing wealth. Achievement is penalized, mediocrity is rewarded, and the country spirals down. Hmmm, sound familiar?
   
   Loved it. Gave copies to all of our six children.
   
   A must read...truly. Especially in this election year.



4. I only got half way through before life got in the way. It was an interesting read and I'm hoping I can get back to it soon.



5. I read that book about seven years ago because I was intensely curious about Ayn Rand and her books. So many people waiting for the bus or riding one seemed to be into her books so I bought a hardback edition and started reading it. I could not stop reading it and turning the pages. When I came to the last page, I was so terribly disappointed that the marvellous story had to come to the end. I WANTED MORE!!!
   
   That book made me see how the material value is determined and how it is diminished by the intensive governmental intervention as well as the corporate interference.
   
   The strong parallel between the society as depicted in the 1957 book and the society in reality is astoundingly accurate. You owe it to yourself to read this book as to understand the financial crisis of 2008 better.
   
   Ayn Rand does understand the economy and its ramification on the modern society so splendidly. She also told it very brilliantly.
   
   I shan't reveal who is John Galt and what is the "motor" that moved the world.

5 comments about Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Harper Fiction).

1. There was so much to this book. It would be redundant of me to comment on the specifics of this book - it was however very entertaining and enjoyable to read. The main character, The Wicked Witch of the West, was thought provoking in her thoughts, words and deeds.
   
   Plan on staying up late a few nights!



2. After hearing so much about Wicked, I decided to pick it up at the bookstore to see what all the hype was about. I'm only about halfway through the book, and I'm not sure I'll be able to make myself finish the other half. The storyline has so far been painfully plodding and dull, without even the benefit of likeable or charismatic characters to keep me interested enough to continue. There was so little character buildup with any of them that they all tend to sound equally irritating with the unnecessarily flowery language. The plot is vague and confusing at this point, and doesn't show any signs of improving. On the whole, I'm not sure why this book has gotten so many rave reviews, although I'm glad it was made into a musical, because I DID enjoy that performance. Too bad the written version doesn't share the same appeal.



3. This books touches on politics, religion, adolescence, childhood, death, and many other facets of life. However, these are sometimes too brief and undeveloped. It was a good read in that is was different and unique. The author may have tried to make it too many things to too many people. Definetly a creative and unpredictable perspective on a story most of us know. Just wish it wouldn't have left off with so many unanswered questions, it seemed a bit rushed at the end. This was far from an unworthy read, it just could have been better.



4. I love, love, LOVED this book. It was so much more dark and twisty than I had expected, as I'm familiar with the musical version (nothing alike) and I was so pleasantly surprised. I had anticipated this book to be somewhat juvenile, but it really surpassed my expectations -- it was incredibly adult (I know I felt myself blushing a few times on the subway, shielding it from my fellow passengers!) By the end of the book I felt very familiar with the world of Oz, as though I was right there with them. Maguires descriptions made me feel so much like I was a part of the action, and really got me involved in the story. I will admit that this story is not for everyone, KNOW what you're getting yourself into, it is not a Frank Baum tale!



5. I know that some people really enjoyed the book, but I was not a fan. I can honestly say that I never hated a book until I read this one. It was incredibly slow, had a lot of GRAPHIC and equally DISTURBING content, and there was no resolution. I agree with an earlier review that I felt absolutely no connection to the characters, and didn't care what happened to them. I didn't know if I was supposed to feel sorry for Elphaba, or if he meant for me to hate her, but at the end, I just hated everyone in the book. No endearing qualities for anyone in Oz, apparently.

5 comments about Fahrenheit 451.

1. And I highly enjoyed reading this book. The storyline may be a bit complicated but if you stick with it, you will eventually understand Guy Montag's world. I reccomend this book for High School kids and up.



2. A must read for people of all ages, Fahrenheit 451 is an enthralling novel written by Ray Bradbury. It is set in a futuristic society where books are illegal and the totalitarian government controls almost every aspect of people's lives. The story centers around Guy Montag, a fireman who doesnt put fires out, but starts them. Guy enjoys his job but a seventeen-year-old girl's recanting of the past and Guy's conscience gets the better of him and send him on a perilious journey filled with tough decisions and challenges that will forever change his life, and his world. Fahrenheit 451 is a fascinating look at a society gone wrong. It is frightening how in many ways Bradbury's world parallel's our own. Fahrenheit 451 is definately an eye opening book that everyone should experience



3. I remember seeing the movie based on this book with Oskar Werner and Julie Christie when I was a teenager and discussing it with my teachers. As you read the book many similarities can be seen today, such as large billboards, people not talking to each other, a society dependent on drugs and entertainment and reality TV shows and of course the rushing around in a rat race.
   Whats amazing is that Ray Bradbury wrote this book in 1953 some 50 plus years ago and unlike the book 1984 written by George Orwell this book is ignored by the media and pessimists of todays society and our future.
   For those you like science fiction with a large dose of reality please read this book before you die from drinking the Kool-Aid.



4. In Ray Bradbury's classic, Farenheit 451, he describes a terrifying but all-too-real world of sensory overload and thought-depravity. Guy Montag is a fireman, but this fire brigade doesn't put out fires (for houses are fire proofed with plastic coatings), but instead starts them, burning houses (and often people) where books are found. And people, for the most part, don't question the way of things; in fact, most people simply contributed to them, reading less and less, being less and less interested in dissenting views and complex views of reality. Instead people opt for graphic novels filled with sex, and talking "parlors," living rooms with televisions on three (and sometimes four) walls that surround the viewer in a virtual reality that becomes family, friends, entertainment, and knowledge. There is no taking walks, no late evening chats on the front porch; in short, little or no thought. But Guy slowly emerges from the haze of this contrived reality, as he first encounters a strange girl who doesn't seem to be charmed by the way things are, and then comes to see his own duties as a fireman as brutal and senseless. Didn't firemen used to actually put out fires? he wonders.
   
   Montag, now repulsed by his occupation, starts looking for a way out. And on the way, he begins slipping books into his coat as he is burning houses, one here, one there, until he's got his own little library. But soon his captain, Beatty, is on to him, and the mechanical hound, the instrument of doom and seeker of people and books, finds him out. Montag is left with the choice, burn his own house or admit guilt. He starts his house ablaze, but then turns the flame thrower on Beatty and on the mechanical hound and makes a break for it. He is now a man on the run, but a free man for the first time. He finds himself among a group of run-aways along a deserted railroad track, and discovers they are former professors and preachers, and each one holds inside him a chapter or a book. One is Thoreau, one is Marcus Aurelius, one is Plato's Repulic, and so on. Montag is the book of Ecclesiastes. And as their civilization seems to be spiraling toward an end in a huge and destructive war, the wisdom of that great book, that everything has a time and a season, seems a pointer to the possibility of a new reality, a fresh start.
   
   Bradbury's Farenheit 451 is a prophetic novel that bears freightening resemblance to our world today. Our culture resembles the reality he paints in its obsession with virtual reality (think "reality TV" and our obsession with this fictive family or friend network, as just one examle), media saturation, and shallowness. Our politics are driven by sound bites and media experts more than they are driven by policy positions and reasoned debates. Marketing is more important than product quality. And this is just the beginning. Reading Bradbury's classic is like a wake-up call to appreciate the wisdom of the ages, the beauty of friendships, the value of family, and the wonder that is a quiet walk in the woods. It is truly a treasure trove of reality, all tinged with the hope redemption.



5. This book was a journey through the future of what our world turned in to. Guy Montag was a firefighter, but instead of putting out fires, they started them. In their world books were illegal and anyone who had them in their home would be removed and their house would be burned. Montag has burned many houses, but this one burning really struck him and he took a good look at reality. He never noticed the importance of books and goes through many, many adventures you'll just have to read for yourself.
   
   I personally don't like science fiction, but this book really grabbed my attention. At the beginning it was a little difficult to understand what was going on and it was hard getting into the story, but as you read on everything starts to fall into place and make sense. The thing about this book that I found the most interesting was I read it and almost felt as if things in that book were true. It seemed like our world would end up like that in their century, this book was very believable and made me want to read more. Everyone should read "Fahrenheit 451" at least once in their life because it is very well written and a truly wonderful book.

5 comments about Paul of Dune.

1. I am pleased to write a 5 star review for yet another excellent addition to the Dune series continued on by Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson. I have been a fan of the original Dune series LONG before Frank Herbert passed away and this new series came into being. I must say that I look forward to each new arrival with anticipation and am very pleased with the way they have extended the Dune legacy with pure Frank Herbert style! You should have no doubts that you will enjoy this piece of literature as it promises and delivers a masterful tale in the journey of Dune!



2. Focusing on the unchronicled years between Dune and Dune Messiah, Paul of Dune gives a fascinating backstory of Paul and his evolution from exalted hero to brutal despot. The story's dual timeline works well and allows us to see how the early experiences of Young Paul shaped the Emperor Paul. There's compelling history on other characters such as Count Fenring (great!), Duke Leto, Duncan Idaho, and Princess Irulan that makes them far more 3-dimensional than before. There are some great sequences including Paul as a 12 year-old during the War Of Assassins, as well as the conflicts among the lesser houses.
   
   I absolutely loved the storytelling. From the swashbuckling fights to the anguish of Paul's internal conflicts, I was completely caught up in Paul of Dune, and I was more than satisfied with the fleshing out of some of my favorite characters from the original Duniverse. Certain plot points would have been more gripping except that you already know some of the outcome from the other Dune books ("Is this person going to die? Nope."), but that's what you get when you're dealing with backstory.
   
   Paul of Dune is a fantastic addition to the Dune series!



3. We all know why we bought this book in the first place: Because it's there.
   
   We read Dune, and Dune Messiah, and all of Frank's books. And we liked 'em.
   
   We liked them so much that we bought the prequels offered by these two authors so we could revisit the Universe of Dune.
   
   In another series of books we traveled further back in time to events hinted at in Dune; the Butlerian Jihad.
   
   Most recently, the two had the audacity to write scripture and 'complete' the Dune series.
   
   They gave it an ending. With that complement: rest in peace.
   
   Paul of Dune is less offensive than the previous two works. It is a nice little read bridging the events between Frank's first two books. If you are still interested in Dune, then this is the only game in town. I highly recommend it for that reason.
   
   These authors have a way of getting under my skin sometimes. They get a little too intellectually 'cute' with names or scenes described.
   
   If you took a shot of whiskey every time you read 'gossamer web' from the last book you would be too drunk to ever finish it.
   
   In this book there is a character named Bludd. I'm sure it is pronounced the same as 'blood'. Not intended for a spoiler, but at one point in the book a crowd chants,
   
   "Bad Bludd, Bad Bludd".
   
   Immediately, I heard a flute playing a fruity tune in my mind. And then an image of Neil Sedaka playing a white grand piano wearing a watch given to him by Elton John on American Bandstand appeared.
   
   "Bad (bad) blood (blood), the woman was born to lie,"
   
   You remember the rest. When you read it in context in the chapter, you too will get that feeling of embarrassment (for the authors).
   
   Buy the book.
   
   Do run do run di di dit dit run run



4. I finished the book earlier in the week and not worthy of any star, but I dont have a choice. This book has little to do with Frank Herberts Duniverse and everything to do with the stories created by BH/KJA. The book does nothing more than provide filler for the story arcs they created in the prequel house books.
   
   A good two thirds of the time is in Paul's past during the House Atreide's prequel. These events do nothing to exlpain his path from savior/messiah to tyrant, nothing whatsoever.
   
   The Jihad is just panned on about, with only half a handful of actual tellings out on planetary conquests. One of those few deals with Paul, he does the hidden in common routine amongst his troops. This is just complete nonsense, he wouldnt have done that he would have led from the front as he did against the emperor. Battle after battle with his troops would make more sense for his demeanor changing.
   
   The storyarcs with shaddam and the fennrings is just a waste of paper and time, doesn't contribute anything to the story.
   
   While the swordmasters weren't flushed out much by frank, the story arc with swordmaster bludd just goes against anything any one of them would do. Bludd would have been more likely to ask Duncan to slay him in a duel or ask to pledge service a new to his duke and then ask to be ordered to throw himself on his sword.
   
   Not that its needed at all, but if you were to write a book about the jihad, you should write it about the jihad, not all the backstory, it doesnt do anything to enhance Paul's current postion or definition.
   
   The continued sadistic need to kill everyone in there books is sickening.The numbers of characters is staggering and it really is annoying.
   
   Paul of Dune is the worst of the lot, and is the worst book I have read in recent memory. It is hollow, disconnected, and plain painful.
   
   Roger Mihalko



5. WOW! I enjoyed this book! I quite enjoy the rounding out of the original Dune books with these refreshing additions. I enjoy the easy to read writing style and great story telling. I had been leery initially of trying something not written by Frank, but I sure have enjoyed Brian's and Kevin's additional work. My wife bought me the Butlerian Jihad and I found quite unexpectedly that I really enjoyed it. When she found out a new book was coming, she pre-ordered and I anxiously waited - and this didn't disappoint - well, it did a little - it ended too soon! Highly recommended. If you haven't read any Dune yet, this would be a great primer.

No comments about The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle.

5 comments about The Gypsy Morph (The Genesis of Shannara, Book 3).

1. I have enjoyed Terry Brooks' books for many years. One issue I had though is that he keeps coming back to the same situations over & over again. After awhile the main themes become predictable. Yes, the characters are different, the locales vary, but all-in-all, same stuff, different book.
   
   So when I picked up book one of this latest trilogy I was very hopeful. The premise of showing the transistion from the old world to the new was very intriguing. And through the first book, Armageddon's Children (The Genesis of Shannara, Book 1), that promise was fulfilled. Great new characters reacting to completely new situations. It didn't even seem to be a "Shannara" book at first, at least until the Elves show up about halfway though. The second book, The Elves of Cintra (Genesis of Shannara), also was very good, even though we began to see some of the old patterns emerging.
   
   The Gypsy Morph though began to be predictable. It is still a good and exciting book, but I would have to say it is the weaker of the three. We're back to the elfstones being the tool to save the world, the city of the Elves being transported (again) to a safe haven and the true gifts of a magical being being realized. There were some curves thrown in, like the deaths of characters that you would not expect, and the final chapter was original for a Brooks book.
   
   Did I enjoy the book? Yes. Am I interested in the next chapter of evolution in the Shannara universe? Not sure yet. We'll have to see what the plotline is. But I would definitely recommend this to the standard Brooks fan, and also to someone just starting out on his books. Overall, an enjoyable read.



2. I will try not to sound too much like an enamored fan but I have to admit that Terry Brooks is one of my all time favorite authors. When I think of well written epic fantasy, Terry Brooks immediately comes to mind. I have good reason. I continue to pick up and read his books because I know that the story will be memorable, that the characters will be well developed and within a few chapters I will care what happens to them, that the action scenes are going to be spectacular, and that no character is ever completely safe.
   
   The Gypsy Morph and the entire Genesis of Shannara is no expectation. In this series, we learn of the post-apocalyptic beginnings of Shannara. We meet great characters like Hawk, a seemingly average boy who finds out that he is actually the gypsy morph, a mystical entity whose destiny is to save humanity or be consumed by it. We also meet Knights of the Word, Angel Perez and Logan Tom, two modern warriors that you'd hate to meet in a dark alley.
   
   Of course, like any Shannara series there are Elves. Unbeknownst to humans, the Elves have continued to exist completely hidden from the human world. However, what is about to unfold is so big that even the Elves aren't safe.
   
   The Gypsy Morph is the final installation of the Genesis series. In this book, we find out who is up to the task and who isn't, those who survive and those who don't, and the sacrifices individuals are willing to make for their friends. The big showdown.



3. This third part of the trilogy is sensational. The imagination and entertainement that this writer provides is first rate. If you have not read the first two books, go out and buy them, now you do not have to wait a whole year before the next book to come out.You can read one after the other. You have lost out on a original story that narrates the necessary merging of civilizations. That join the world we know with the magical and extraordinary world that together provide the basis for the next world. He grips the resder form the beginning and yarns a story to those of us who like to imagine and enter into adventures through books, you cannot lose. All his other books are equally entertaining and original.Sometimes the story seems a lot like what is really happening in our planet earth, we common people have allowed the so called dark forces in goverments and otherwise to do all over the world, just because they can get away with it. Read it, it will not disappoint.



4. This was a good conclusion to a good series. I'm glad Terry has decided to bridge the Word and the Void and the Shannara series.
   
   My only qualm is with the ending. There's not much of an epilogue. I would like to know a little bit about what happened to the characters. But then, maybe this is a bit premature, since there appears to be another series on the horizon.



5. I was very pleased to finally get my hands on this book. Every year, I go through and read the entire collection, just to update myself for the next book. I love how this book finally binds what the Word and Void started to the world of Shannara. Now there is so much room to grow from the end of this book to First King of Shannara. I anxiously await more. Terry Brooks is the current king of fantasy.

5 comments about Batman: The Killing Joke.

1. this was recommended to me after seeing the dark knight. the story is somewhat exciting, but not incredibly compelling. The artwork is great however.



2. You don't need a review. Everyone says this is the greatest Joker story of all, so if you like Batman or Alan Moore then you will probably like this.
   
   Not as long as other Alan Moore works but still great.



3. Beautifully colored and inked. The story is short, but a great insight into the Joker. It can be disturbing, but that is the very charm that makes this story a great read again and again.



4. Batman makes yet another visit to Arkham Asylum, this time he simply wants to talk with the Joker, and see if they cannot somehow come to an understanding. But, the joke's on Batman when he finds that the Joker has escaped again. It seems that while Batman would like to end their long-running feud, Joker wants to take it to a whole new level. Grabbing Commissioner Gordon, he sets out to teach him, and Batman, a lesson in madness.
   
   I am a huge comic book/graphic novel fan, but this one really did nothing for me. The author set out to give the story a "morally ambiguous theme," but that is not all he left ambiguous. Batman acts strangely out of character, less a dark knight, and more...well, nothing really, he's just less Batman. The Joker is well done, truly the crown prince of evil, but why add yet another Joker origin story? It seems to have nothing to do with the rest of the story. The ending is totally non-existent - I suppose that the author wanted an ambiguous ending, so he just left his board and went out for a Whopper and Coca-Cola. "Move along please, there's nothing to see here."
   
   I thought that this was a terribly weak addition to the genre - filled with potential, but none of it totally realized. I highly recommend AGAINST this book. [If you want to read a good Batman story, with a similar theme, then read Batman: Jekyll & Hyde by Paul Jenkins.]



5. This is one of the most intriguing origins that have been created for the Clown Prince of Crime. This, along with the Jack Napier origin, is definitely a strong one. The artwork is nicely done, and the dialogue is smart and witty. The dark nature of this graphic novel is not for kids, but it is for every one who is a Batfan/Jokerfan. And the killer joke at the end is priceless, typical material from Batman's most notorious enemy.

5 comments about Forgotten Realms Player's Guide: A 4th Edition D&D Supplement (Forgotten Realms Supplement).

1. This feels a little like flogging a dead horse because I already expressed my disappointment, nay, disgust at the blasé manner in which Which 20+ years of material had been cast aside with the 4th ed Campaign Setting. This book does nothing to improve my opinion, in fact it somehow manages to worsen it by not adding any depth whatsoever to a "new" Realms already devoid of soul. Pathfinder and the existing Forgotten Realms books is where my future lie with this dead shell of a world, at least I have the option of ignoring 4th ed and sticking with a system that will continue to use, improve and support 3.5.



2. I have already reviewed the FRCS and commented on how poor it was. While nicely laid out, the book does nothing to change my opinion on the destruction of the best campaign setting that was ever created. What is striking is the comments on how people were glad that this edition was widdled down to nothing to make it easier and more shallow! Really? That is what you want in a game? Obviously this is designed for the RPGADD players. Little substance lots of flash. Here we call it....video games. If you want a simple and sparsely fleshed out product then the FR should not be that setting. Look to Ebberon, Greyhawk, or even Dragonlance. The Mystique of the FR was its richness of both setting AND characters. What a travesty! Oh but thank goodness they kept the Warlock...best class ever! (sarcasm). Spell-scarred? Oh how Earthdawn! The rituals varied from kinda interesting to just plain dumb. Was there really any real playtesting? Well I could ramble on, but as you can see...FR please RIP!



3. I do not understand what Wizards of the Coast is thinking. You create specific settings like the Forgotten Realms, Greyhawk and Eberron so that you can create an unique experience out of playing in each world. But 4E removes all the unique aspects of a setting and blends in the stuff from other setting.
   
   There is nothing in this entire book that says "This is the Forgotten Realms"! The art, the classes, the nations; nothing "feels" like the Realms. The book adds the Drow and the Gensai to playable races, but they give the Gensai a "World of Warcraft" makeover that renders them to silly to play.
   
   Also, Aasimar, the divine planetouched race are now called Divas, once again proving that the 4E designers number 1 goal to destroy all conections with the Dungeons & Dragons that Gary Gygax created.
   
   Too bad, that's the game I want to play.



4. For me the point of buying this product was to get some cool new content to take and put into my campaign. I don't personally play in a FR campaign, but i really wanted some of the content in the book (particularly swordmage and genasi) and it was setup perfect to do just that. On the other hand I imagine that if I was looking for more campaign specific type things I would also be a little disappointed.



5. The content is impeccable, and arguably more interesting than some of the things in the core. The Spellplague in particular seems to have set the creative juices ablaze. I am pleased.