The Road (Oprah's Book Club)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great, stark novel
  • Ignites a Hope
  • Hope and beauty in the ashes?
  • Thought Provoking
  • Incredible..
The Road (Oprah's Book Club)
Cormac McCarthy
Manufacturer: Vintage Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0307387895
Release Date: 2007-03-28

Amazon.com

Best known for his Border Trilogy, hailed in the San Francisco Chronicle as "an American classic to stand with the finest literary achievements of the century," Cormac McCarthy has written ten rich and often brutal novels, including the bestselling No Country for Old Men, and The Road. Profoundly dark, told in spare, searing prose, The Road is a post-apocalyptic masterpiece, one of the best books we've read this year, but in case you need a second (and expert) opinion, we asked Dennis Lehane, author of equally rich, occasionally bleak and brutal novels, to read it and give us his take. Read his glowing review below. --Daphne Durham


Guest Reviewer: Dennis Lehane

Dennis Lehane, master of the hard-boiled thriller, generated a cult following with his series about private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, wowed readers with the intense and gut-wrenching Mystic River, blew fans all away with the mind-bending Shutter Island, and switches gears with Coronado, his new collection of gritty short stories (and one play).

Cormac McCarthy sets his new novel, The Road, in a post-apocalyptic blight of gray skies that drizzle ash, a world in which all matter of wildlife is extinct, starvation is not only prevalent but nearly all-encompassing, and marauding bands of cannibals roam the environment with pieces of human flesh stuck between their teeth. If this sounds oppressive and dispiriting, it is. McCarthy may have just set to paper the definitive vision of the world after nuclear war, and in this recent age of relentless saber-rattling by the global powers, it's not much of a leap to feel his vision could be not far off the mark nor, sadly, right around the corner. Stealing across this horrific (and that's the only word for it) landscape are an unnamed man and his emaciated son, a boy probably around the age of ten. It is the love the father feels for his son, a love as deep and acute as his grief, that could surprise readers of McCarthy's previous work. McCarthy's Gnostic impressions of mankind have left very little place for love. In fact that greatest love affair in any of his novels, I would argue, occurs between the Billy Parham and the wolf in The Crossing. But here the love of a desperate father for his sickly son transcends all else. McCarthy has always written about the battle between light and darkness; the darkness usually comprises 99.9% of the world, while any illumination is the weak shaft thrown by a penlight running low on batteries. In The Road, those batteries are almost out--the entire world is, quite literally, dying--so the final affirmation of hope in the novel's closing pages is all the more shocking and maybe all the more enduring as the boy takes all of his father's (and McCarthy's) rage at the hopeless folly of man and lays it down, lifting up, in its place, the oddest of all things: faith. --Dennis Lehane



Book Description

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

PULITZER PRIZE WINNER
National Book Critic's Circle Award Finalist

A New York Times Notable Book
One of the Best Books of the Year
The Boston Globe, The Christian Science Monitor, The Denver Post, The Kansas City Star, Los Angeles Times, New York, People, Rocky Mountain News, Time, The Village Voice, The Washington Post

The searing, postapocalyptic novel destined to become Cormac McCarthy's masterpiece.

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food-—and each other.

The Road is the profoundly moving story of a journey. It boldly imagines a future in which no hope remains, but in which the father and his son, "each the other's world entire," are sustained by love. Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great, stark novel.......2007-10-09

Yes, its setting is grim, but, overall, I found the book to be infused with a spirit of love and resilience. He does, however, use the word "gray" about 8,000 times, though. I forgive him.

5 out of 5 stars Ignites a Hope.......2007-10-08

Some books wallow in despair. Others revel in false hope. "The Road" spends much of its time dealing with a dark past and future, yet ignites a hope that seems neither false nor forced. This is the mark of a writer at the heights of his genius. I read the story in one sitting.

Opening into a tableau of monumental destruction, yet kept believable and relatable through the eyes of two nameless characters--a devoted father and fearful son--this story follows their journey through the roads and byways of America. At one point, they see a sign that I've seen in my own travels, a sign for Rock City which is an actual location in Chattanooga, TN. While details are crisp and evocative, the book never nails down character names, story dates, locations, or even the method of global destruction. It jettisons standard punctuation, adding to the sparse feel. It focuses on the despair and hopelessness of society torn apart by the need for survival. Morals and ethics are eroding. Food and water are worth fighting for. Fellow humans are potential sustenance.

Father and son begin to change as the story moves along. One flirts with thoughts of ending his own life, preferring a definite end to an indefinite future. The other, a small frightened child, serves as the moral center--questioning the cannibalism, the thievery, and the growing apathy of those he observes. If you travel down "The Road," you'll be faced with haunting images and hardship, while also coming face to face with hope and resilience. McCarthy uses sparse storytelling to give us a rich tale of thought-provoking power, intentional but never pedantic.

4 out of 5 stars Hope and beauty in the ashes?.......2007-10-07

Cormac McCarthy creates a nearly lifeless post-apocalyptic world of burnt ash and destruction, and amid the desolation, explores the beauty of a father-son relationship and the essence of what it means to be human. His book poses a couple of problems directed at the morality of this generation, which are more than troubling: the nature of man's relationship to nature, God, others . . . and how one can live through the hopelessness of desolation.

To be honest, the book became a bit tedious, but the author's goal is to lead the reader through continuous strife as the man and his boy sought life day after day. Ah, isn't that what life feels like sometimes? It's definitely not a feel good story, but nonetheless a vital one that carries much weight. I started feeling ashy by the end of this one.

All-in-all, a quick and interesting read, not without merit. I'm not going to say, read this, or you'll be sorry, but it's a great book that teaches much.

5 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking.......2007-10-06

The best book I have read in along time. Perfectly written. Cormac is amazing! I will read this again in 20 years to see if humanity has moved in the right direction. Though I think that, like the author, justice in this world does not exist, and that evil and wrongdoing goes unpunished. It seems Cormac's other books also have this theme running through them. All his books are amazing reads. I particulary recommend The Crossing.

4 out of 5 stars Incredible.........2007-10-06

The book took a little while to get started, and to get used to the author's writing style. After I got used it, it soon settled into a brilliant character study of a man and his son struggling to find hope against all odds. Gripping, intense, a masterpiece-any or all of them will work to describe this book.
Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Avada Kadavra
  • Great way to keep a collection
  • Harry Potter paperback set
  • cheap!
  • more than expected. Nice purchase.
Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6)
J.K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439887453
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Book Description

Follow Harry from his first days at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, through his many adventures with Hermione and Ron, to his confrontations with rival Draco Malfoy and the dreaded Professor Snape. From a dangerous descent into the Chamber of Secrets to the Triwizard Tournament to the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, each adventure is more riveting and exhilarating than its predecessor, and now all six books are available together for the first time in an elegant paperback boxed set.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Avada Kadavra.......2007-10-09

I love the series, and you can't get it at a better price! I know these books will be around for generations to come, and I am glad to have added them to my library. Following the adventures, misadventures and everything else of Harry, Hermione and Ron is extremely fulfilling and I do recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy in a fully realistic manner.

5 out of 5 stars Great way to keep a collection.......2007-10-09

I love the boxed edition of the Harry Potter series. It's a great way to keep the collection organized on the book shelf.

5 out of 5 stars Harry Potter paperback set.......2007-10-07

I had been looking for the series of books at bookstores with no luck. I found this on Amazon.com and it was perfect! The price was great! It was given as a gift and the reciepient was overjoyed with the great presentation of the books in the little set.

5 out of 5 stars cheap!.......2007-10-07

cheap and fast shipping!!!! I got it from Amazon and it arrived the next day (I chose free shipping which is suppose to take longer but it didn't)

5 out of 5 stars more than expected. Nice purchase........2007-10-07

The cheapest way to catch the Harry Potter star. Lovely drawings inside and decent size. Loved it.
Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Dull, Derivative, Didactic
  • Awesome Continuation of an Incredible Book
  • Amazing book!!!!
  • A Derivitave Cluster (Insert Expletive)
  • Nice derivation for uses of magic and when it comes from
Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2)
Christopher Paolini
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0375840400
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Amazon.com

Surpassing its popular prequel Eragon, this second volume in the Inheritance trilogy shows growing maturity and skill on the part of its very young author, who was only seventeen when the first volume was published in 2003. The story is solidly in the tradition (some might say derivative) of the classic heroic quest fantasy, with the predictable cast of dwarves, elves, and dragons--but also including some imaginatively creepy creatures of evil.

The land of Alagaesia is suffering under the Empire of the wicked Galbatorix, and Eragon and his dragon Saphira, last of the Riders, are the only hope. But Eragon is young and has much to learn, and so he is sent off to the elven forest city of Ellesmera, where he and Saphira are tutored in magic, battle skills, and the ancient language by the wise former Rider Oromis and his elderly dragon Glaedr. Meanwhile, back at Carvahall, Eragon's home, his cousin Roran is the target of a siege by the hideous Ra'zac, and he must lead the villagers on a desperate escape over the mountains. The two narratives move toward a massive battle with the forces of Galbatorix, where Eragon learns a shocking secret about his parentage and commits himself to saving his people.

The sheer size of the novel, as well as its many characters, places with difficult names, and its use of imaginary languages make this a challenging read, even for experienced fantasy readers. It is essential to have the plot threads of the first volume well in mind before beginning--the publisher has provided not only a map, but a helpful synopsis of the first book and a much-needed Language Guide. But no obstacles will deter the many fans of Eragon from diving headfirst into this highly-awaited fantasy. (Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell


Meet Author Christopher Paolini
Christopher Paolini's abiding love of fantasy and science fiction inspired him to begin writing his debut novel, Eragon, when he graduated from high school at age 15.

"Writing is the heart and soul of my being. It is the means through which I bring my stories to life. There is nothing like putting words on a page and knowing that they will summon certain emotions and reactions from the reader. In my writing, I strive for a lyrical beauty somewhere between Tolkien at his best and Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf." --Christopher Paolini

Paolini talks more about the series, and about what inspires him in this video clip.
Watch the video (high bandwith)
Watch the video (low bandwith)


The Eragon/Eldest Boxed Set


Want to learn more about the series? Check out our review of Eragon: Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began Eragon when he was just 15, and the book shows the influence of Tolkien, of course, but also Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and perhaps even Wagner in its traditional quest structure and the generally agreed-upon nature of dwarves, elves, dragons, and heroic warfare with magic swords. Read more

Order your copy of the boxed set today





Learn the Lingo
Our quickie pronunciation guide will help you get to know some of the names and places in the Inheritance series.

Ajihad AH-zhi-hod The Leader of the Varden

Argetlam ARE-jet-lahm Elven word to describe Dragon Riders meaning "silver hand"
Arya AR-ee-uh A powerful elf who is both beautiful and a master swordswoman
Eragon EHR-uh-gahn A Dragon Rider from Carvahall
Ra-zac RAA-zack Evil creatures
Saphira suh-FEAR-uh Eragon's dragon
*Art copyright © 2004 John Jude Palencar



Book Description

Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…

Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.

Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.

Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .


Praise for Eragon:
“Unusual, powerful . . . fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career that’s sure to flourish.” –Booklist, Starred
“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.” –People
“The new ‘It’ book of children’s lit.” –U.S. News & World Report
“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.” –Publishers Weekly

A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Book of the Year
A #1 Book Sense Selection


From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…
Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.
Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.
Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .

Praise for Eragon:
“Unusual, powerful . . . fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career that’s sure to flourish.” –Booklist, Starred
“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.” –People
“The new ‘It’ book of children’s lit.” –U.S. News & World Report
“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.” –Publishers Weekly

A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Book of the Year
A #1 Book Sense Selection


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Dull, Derivative, Didactic.......2007-09-27

In Eldest, Paolini carries over all his mistakes with Eragon. The stealing from LOTR and Star Wars is more blatant than before. The needless details and purple prose are still there. The dialogue and characters are dryer than ever.

In addition to these flaws, Paolini has added in another literary no-no. Preachiness. Though we saw hints of his amateur philosophy in Eragon, it's ten times worse in Eldest. He uses Oromis as a soapbox to inject random sermons on atheism and vegetarianism into his story. I have no problem with sermons in fiction if they are relevant to themes well-woven into the plot. Yet atheism, religion, and vegetarianism seem irrelevant to Eragon's fight with Galbatorix. So why are they there?

The worst part is that Eldest's religious debates are frightfully immature. Neither side is well articulated. Oromis is a superficial question-dodger (which embarrasses me as an atheist). The religious characters are stereotypical screaming, spitting, straw men (that last alliterative bit surpasses all Paolini's poetic ability by the way). I can only pray (pun intended) that Paolini will give up this sad adolescent attempt at depth.

5 out of 5 stars Awesome Continuation of an Incredible Book.......2007-09-17

I had been waiting for years when this came out. After reading Eragon, the first of the Inheritance Trilogy, I was just left hanging with the abrupt ending. Well this one picks up just about as abruptly, and doesn't really let go or calm down throughout.

I had read some reviews which complained about the training which Eragon and Saphira go through - how it takes up so much time and how its so boring and all that. I'll admit I'm a bit of a nerd, but I thought Paolini did an excellent job keeping things moving through the training phase. He actually left me wanting more. He also utilizes that period in the book to explore a little more the history of the world he's created. You can see a very strong Tolkien emphasis there (not to mention with many of the names he's chosen for characters and places!).

And I think this book turns the tale more into a multi-character tale, with the return of Roran and the adventure he undertakes which eventually links him back to Eragon.

Overall, very well done. I pretty much inhaled the book - it definitely moved and kept the story rolling on. I had a really hard time putting it down every night. It's also neat to see Paolini's maturation as an author. And I just can't wait for the third book!

5 out of 5 stars Amazing book!!!!.......2007-09-10

I was bored one day at my libary and so i picked Eragon, that was most likly one of the best desisions of my life. It started my on this world of adventure Eldest, the sequel takes off right where Eragon left off and while being much thicker in length is also much better in story and plot. The Author does a great job in creating a world that just bursts in creativity, while also involving some of the clasic elements of surprise, suspence, romance, and the thrill before a battle. Eldest also brings you deep into the culture of Alligasia, I personaly did an all nighter while reading this book, i just could not put it down. My only disappointnent was that it had such a cliff hanger at the end!!! You should not read this book before reading Eragon, but please do read this eventually because this is currently the best book ever written!

1 out of 5 stars A Derivitave Cluster (Insert Expletive).......2007-09-05

Although some have commented on this previously I will try and put my own spin on this...(warning plot spoilers, what little plot there was are below)

1. Because Obi-Wan Kenobi/Brom's died before completing Luke/Eragon's training, he travels to Dagobah/Elven Lands, to complete his training with Master Yoda/Deebag Lord of Elves.

2. Hero trains for awhile in secluded location by last jedi master/dragonrider left.

3. Luke/Eragon gets a vison of his friends in trouble and travels to Cloud City/Battlefield where he meets a dark figure who he battles and loses his lightsabre/dragonsword in the process. The critical all shocking moment is when Darth Vader/Red Dragon Knight reveals that Luke/Eragon I am your father/brother. Of course if you could be blind as a bat reading the book in braile and seen that Murtag was the red dragon rider about a million miles away...so it wasn't much of a revelation.

4. This book is bad, not in the mildly gosh that's several hours of my life I'll never get back but in a jaw dropping, utterly shocked, the world is now dumber for having read this book way. I read a review that mentioned that the editor of this book did a dismal job. He was certainly accurate in that assessment. Abysmally written, unoriginal to a point of plot plagarism, and editing to shock the conscience.

5. I know that Amazon requires you be over the age of 13 to post a review but I have to sincerely believe that no one over the age of 12 could honestly get mild entertainment out of such a sloppy mess as Eldest. It makes me worry to see so many positive reviews of such utter tripe.

6. I have a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature which I earned departmental Honor's in as well as Juris Doctor degree. Not that it makes my point anymore valid or the book any worse. But I would recommend avoiding this book like a leper with a bad case of herpes.

5 out of 5 stars Nice derivation for uses of magic and when it comes from.......2007-08-29

Very good effort, and with a few parts that I found myself reading 5 or six times at different dates. If your have read it or happen to be Christopher Paolini, all I have to say is "Good Lord" middle section "Eldest", that section was my favorite. I also noticed the werecat clue you dropped in Eragon which as not reared it's head as of 2 books. A very good read, even if you are tired of old style fantasy books. The charactors make all the diffence.
Looking forward to Book 3.
Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great series!
  • Falling Flat.
  • Physik - A Great Read for Septimus Heap Lovers!
  • Keep Septimus Coming!
  • Physik - Septimus Heap book 3
Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)
Angie Sage
Manufacturer: Katherine Tegen Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060577371
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

When Silas Heap unSeals a forgotten room in the Palace, he releases the ghost of a Queen who lived five hundred years earlier. Queen Etheldredda is as awful in death as she was in life, and she's still up to no good. Her diabolical plan to give herself everlasting life requires Jenna's compliance, Septimus's disappearance, and the talents of her son, Marcellus Pye, a famous Alchemist and Physician. And if Queen Etheldredda's plot involves Jenna and Septimus, then it will surely involve Nicko, Alther Mella, Marcia Overstrand, Beetle, Stanley, Sarah, Silas, Spit Fyre, Aunt Zelda, and all of the other wacky, wonderful characters that made magyk and flyte so memorable.

With heart-stopping action and a dash of humor, Angie Sage continues the fantastical journey of Septimus Heap.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great series!.......2007-09-28

Get Magyk and Flyte (Books one and two) Then get this one! Fun and interesting series. Bought them for my daughter but I enjoyed them too.

2 out of 5 stars Falling Flat........2007-09-24

NOTE: I did not like this book, so if you are a die-hard fan of Sage and the sieris i suggest hiding this review.

After captivating you with her last two books. Sage's attempt at a story is laughable.

The writing style that gripped her readers in Flyte and Magick does not appear in Physic. The people seemed to have lost their flames and senses of humors, Snorri and the Queen have no death to either of them. Each has a chapter devoted to them but they are loosely explained and the chapters tell nothing.

Worser still is the fact that most of the Heap family is not even int he book. lovable Silas Heap and Motherly Sarah heap are in the background, the book does not seem complete and the series looks unprofessional.

The plot is confusing and always makes you re read passages and wonder what is going on. The word choice is good but overly done, there is none of the simplicity that was so endearing about Magyk and Flyte.

The book is a real put downer. After Sage's steller novels you would expect something a little more high class and gripping. For fans of the siearies, I suggest pretending that this book did not exist. It si a dissaponment to her fans.

I sincerely hope that Sage recaptures the magyk in next novel.

5 out of 5 stars Physik - A Great Read for Septimus Heap Lovers!.......2007-08-24

This was by far the best of the Septimus Heap series! If you have read Magyk and Flyte then you must read Physik! The plot is very in depth and exciting and new characters are introduced that you will come to love as much as Jenna and Septimus. What a wonderful book and hopefully there will be another in the series!

5 out of 5 stars Keep Septimus Coming!.......2007-06-27

I am a school teacher and my students were all reading the Septimus Heap series of books. I decided to read them as well, and they are FANTASTIC! I was disappointed that Physik was the last of the series(so far), I want to keep reading about him!

5 out of 5 stars Physik - Septimus Heap book 3.......2007-06-08

Angie Sage did a wonderful job continuing the Saptimus Heap story. A quick read, antertaining and very enjoyable.
Ancestor
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Scott Sigler Does It Again!
  • GNARLY FUN!
  • Genetic engineering, monsters and action
  • Retro adventure
  • The First Book I Every Threw Away
Ancestor
Scott Sigler
Manufacturer: Dragon Moon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1896944736
Release Date: 2007-04-01

Product Description

Ancestor is the world's most-popular "podcast novel." A serialized audiobook delivered in 20 weekly episodes, Ancestor's first run played to an audience of more than 30,000 die-hard fans in 31 countries. All told, fans have downloaded more than 700,000 episodes of Ancestor. En route to a rousing final episode, Ancestor was the #1 literary podcast on iTunes and every other podcast index, including Morpheus, FeedBurner, Podiobooks.com and Podcast Alley. The book's popularity caught the attention of the broadcast world, and was the first audiobook broadcast on Sirius Satellite to the company's 4.3 million subscribers. ANCESTOR On a remote island in Lake Superior, scientists struggle to solve the problem of xenotransplantation -- using animal tissue to replace failing human organs. Funded by the biotech firm Genada, Dr. Claus Rhumkorrf seeks to recreate the ancestor of all mammals. By getting back to the root of our creation, Rhumkorrf hopes to create an animal with human internal organs. Rhumkorrf discovers the ancestor, but it is not the small, harmless creature he envisions. His genius gives birth to a fast-growing evil that nature eradicated 250 million years ago -- an evil now on the loose, and very, very hungry.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Scott Sigler Does It Again!.......2007-09-27

I found the book to be exciting and fun to read. It's a real page turner. I am looking forward to Scott's next book.

5 out of 5 stars GNARLY FUN!.......2007-09-13

Scott Sigler's writing is fast, fun and furious. This book is a quick read and left me wanting more. This isn't your typical "gore-fest" horror novel. Sigler takes a unique subject and injects enough tech stuff without it tripping all over itself. I've read too many books where the author spends way too much time trying to explain the technical jargon that the story gets lost. Sometimes you just got to believe that the stuff, no matter how far-fetched, can really happen.

I really hope to hear more from Scott. I'm officially a "Junkie!" Besides, with a name like Scott, he's bound to be huge!

5 out of 5 stars Genetic engineering, monsters and action.......2007-09-11

A terrific "genetic engineering gone horribly wrong" (Frankenstein) story, with wonderful monsters, interesting characters and good villains. This book is non-stop action, but has characters you care about. Excellent.

4 out of 5 stars Retro adventure.......2007-09-07

It's been a while since I have read a "corporate-greed-leads-to-mutant-disaster" style book. This one for me, was a better one of that genre. While the plotting, dialogue and characters fulilled the time honored dances of the genre, it was done with sophistication and depth. My rating? Four stars for what it is!

1 out of 5 stars The First Book I Every Threw Away.......2007-08-24

I got about half way through and had to throw this book away. I found the depiction of women in this novel to be offensive. ALL of the women are cheaters or socially and morally inept. I'm Not sure why it's necessary to make the women so fundamentally flawed. Also, all the men - at one time or another - referred to women as "bit**."

The dialog seemed artificial and unrealistic. For example, different characters commonly used the same phrases ("bit**"); and the narration would suddenly shift from calm to frantic.

There sure were a lot of BIG men in this book. Not sure why so many BIG men.

This is one of the worst books I have ever read.
Dragon of the Red Dawn (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Dragon Of The Red Dawn
  • Magic Tree House 37 Merlin Misson Dragon of the Red Dawn
  • great book!
  • Mary Pope Osborne: Never A Disappointment.
  • I recommend this book
Dragon of the Red Dawn (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))
Mary Pope Osborne
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375837272
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Book Description

Merlin the Magician will not eat or sleep or speak to anyone in Camelot. What can be done? The enchantress Morgan knows who to ask
for help: young Jack and Annie of Frog Creek, Pennsylvania! The brother-and-sister team quickly head off in the magic tree house on another magical and historical adventure.

Their mission: discover one of the four secrets of happiness.

Their journey: to a land of fierce samurai and great beauty, the capital city of Edo (now the city of Tokyo), in ancient Japan in the 1600s.

Their tools: a research book to guide them and a magic wand with three special rules.

In Dragon of the Red Dawn, Mary Pope Osborne transports readers back to the splendor, rich culture, and magic of traditional Japan.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Dragon Of The Red Dawn.......2007-10-09

I liked this book because it s'
like I'm in the book.Also
it captures my attention.This book is about Jack and Annie going to
Japan and to doing something.

5 out of 5 stars Magic Tree House 37 Merlin Misson Dragon of the Red Dawn.......2007-10-09

I like this book because it has great words and the author it good at writing. This book was about them go to Tokyo . I give this book 5 stars.

5 out of 5 stars great book!.......2007-09-01

This book I loved when I was reading the pages, and how it gives you a little passport in the back of the book like it was actually a real passport. The books description of the garden when they first get out of the tree house in Japan just gives me a picture of what it looks like in real life. This book had a bit of humor and that adds coolness to the book. Buy this book!!!!!!!! I'm 11.

5 out of 5 stars Mary Pope Osborne: Never A Disappointment........2007-07-23

Osborne forever captures history, folklore and imagination into the minds of many young and old alike. Her books are ever a delight to read to my son (even though he's able to read by himself) and more, a delight to hear when they come out on audiocassette!

5 out of 5 stars I recommend this book.......2007-06-10

I liked it because Jack and Annie travel to Japan which is a really cool place and I think more people should read this book. It is better than any other book because it is the newest of the series.
Eragon / Eldest (Inheritance, Books 1 & 2)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Barely stands out in the crowd.
  • Eragon
  • This kid can write!
  • Great...dont judge the books by the movie
  • Great!
Eragon / Eldest (Inheritance, Books 1 & 2)
Christopher Paolini
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375836586
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Book Description

In the #1 New York Times bestselling novels Eragon and Eldest, fifteen year-old Eragon discovers his destiny as a Dragon Rider. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and his dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. This beautiful boxed set includes books I and II in the Inheritance trilogy.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Barely stands out in the crowd........2007-10-07

As I've said, these books are great, wonderful. When I was reading them first two years ago, I found myself dreaming about it at night and picking it up first thing in the morning. These are books that truly capture the imagination and brilliantly well written.
Unfortunately, it has a lot of competition. With so many other great fantasy books out there, it's really hard to stand out in the crowd. Consequently, they've slowly faded from my mind. True, when the third book finally does come out, odds are I will be at these books again with the same ferocity as I had with the Harry Potter books, but for now, they simply sit on the book shelf collecting dust.
On a happier note, I've read both of the Inheritance books at least three times each, and you simply can't help but get excited during some great moments, and the art work for the covers is simply fantastic.
Still, there are so many other stories out there just like this one...
Tell you what. Get these books, because Paolini is a truly talented writer and destined to go places, and you decide whether you like them or not. And who knows, maybe soon in the future, he will come out with an even more exciting, more original story.

5 out of 5 stars Eragon.......2007-09-02

Ok, I'm not going to lie, this is probably the least original thing I've ever read. But if you look past that It is one great book."2 books, sorry I forgot I was righting about both. Well back on subject. The story will keep you intrested in till the end.

5 out of 5 stars This kid can write!.......2007-09-01

A very well-written story. Paolini has a great vocabulary, and knows how to put the words together to create interesting and readable books that can be enjoyed by fantasy lovers of all ages. I anxiously await Book 3.

4 out of 5 stars Great...dont judge the books by the movie.......2007-07-10

The movie was horrible...BUT...the books are MUCH better in comparison. the books are detailed and easy to read. Lots of action and interesting story (somewhat predictable). this is a great series and i am looking forward to the third book. the books are targeted for younger audiences but as said before very interesting and older readers should still enjoy the book.

5 out of 5 stars Great!.......2007-06-08

Great Books. Happy to have found the set of hard backs at a resonable price
The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Simply Outstanding!
  • A Titan of a Tale
  • Can't get enough!
  • Riordan Roars!
  • Incredible Read
The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3)
Rick Riordan
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1423101456

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Simply Outstanding!.......2007-09-23

I think The Titan's Curse is an oustanding book. It will enchant readers so that they will never put the book down! I'd say it is as good as any Harry Potter book. This book is a must have for kids around 10 years old. The Titan's Curse is about the gods and the titans. Kronos' forces are putting him back together piece by piece! Artemis chases an important monster and she is caught by Luke and Atlas. Annabeth is also trapped. 5 campers from Camp Half Blood are sent on a quest to free Artemis. There is a prophecy that says when one specific half blood turns 16 he or she will save the gods or destroy the gods. It could be Percy Jackson or Thalia. This thrilling story will get people hooked immediately!

5 out of 5 stars A Titan of a Tale.......2007-09-01

This book thoroughly lives up to the quality of adventure and plot seen in the first two. It still has the savvy wit, and yet the characters are still visibly growing. I'm excitedly looking forward to the next book, because I absolutely have to know what happens next. :)

5 out of 5 stars Can't get enough!.......2007-08-26

Although I was a little concerned at the new angle taken on this book, it was still a wonderful read. Percy is now growing into the role he was destined for and understands the struggle for power in the mortal and Olympian worlds. This series is a must read for Harry Potter fans! Adults will love this series as much as young adults!

5 out of 5 stars Riordan Roars!.......2007-08-23

After the second book came out and disappointed, I wasn't sure that this series was going to last, but I'm happy to report that this entry might be the best of them all. The plot zips along, and the heroes engagement in lively battles, dialogue, and interpersonal relationships ring with some of the best written work in memory for a novel of this genre.

An excellent adventure filled with action, humor, and humanity. Not to mention the cutest sea monster in history.

5 out of 5 stars Incredible Read.......2007-08-22

This book was AMAZING. Just as great as the previous two books, maybe even better. New characters, new monsters, new settings. I actually like the fact that this book doesn't waste much time reviewing the first two books, because honestly, to get the full effect of the books, you should read in order anyways. Also, at the age of 14, romance starts to spring up, which is an important element that is missing from many good series (ahem* series of unfortunate events ) At the beginning of the book, Percy, Annabeth, Grover, and Thalia discover two new powerful halfbloods - Bianca (12) and Nico (10) di Angelo. They also are on the chase from a new monster - Mr.Thorn, the manticore that works for the General, another new character that works for Kronos. On the run from Mr.Thorn, they recieve help from Artemis and her huntresses, but eventually Mr.Thorn disappears with Annabeth on his back. Then Artemis ventures alone to track a powerful monster that could distroy Olympus and the Gods. But pretty soon, she needs to be rescued. Back at the camp, a new prophecy is revealed. 5 must go rescue Artemis and bring back to Olympus by the time of the Gods' Counsel Meeting at the start of the winter solstice, destroy the monster that has power so dangerous, and rescue Annabeth. Of course, rescueing Annabeth is at the top of Percy's mind, while rescuing Artemis is at the top of the Huntresses' minds. I won't reveal anymore to any of you who haven't read this book yet. Just know that it is extremely good. The characters are so real and they are more than just paper and ink. They all have their personalities and stories. It is impossible to put down and leaves you hungry for more.
Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Adults and Kids!
  • What utter drek.
  • Eragon
  • Eragon
  • Eragon Inheritance Book 1
Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)
Christopher Paolini
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0375826696
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Amazon.com

Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began Eragon when he was just 15, and the book shows the influence of Tolkien, of course, but also Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and perhaps even Wagner in its traditional quest structure and the generally agreed-upon nature of dwarves, elves, dragons, and heroic warfare with magic swords.

Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a marvelous blue stone in a mystical mountain place. Before he can trade it for food to get his family through the hard winter, it hatches a beautiful sapphire-blue dragon, a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon, and when his family is killed by the marauding Ra'zac, he discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders, fated to play a decisive part in the coming war between the human but hidden Varden, dwarves, elves, the diabolical Shades and their neanderthal Urgalls, all pitted against and allied with each other and the evil King Galbatorix. Eragon and his dragon Saphira set out to find their role, growing in magic power and understanding of the complex political situation as they endure perilous travels and sudden battles, dire wounds, capture and escape.

In spite of the engrossing action, this is not a book for the casual fantasy reader. There are 65 names of people, horses, and dragons to be remembered and lots of pseudo-Celtic places, magic words, and phrases in the Ancient Language as well as the speech of the dwarfs and the Urgalls. But the maps and glossaries help, and by the end, readers will be utterly dedicated and eager for the next book, Eldest. (Ages 10 to 14) --Patty Campbell

Book Description

Now in paperback! Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.

A New York Times Bestseller

A USA Today Bestseller

A Wall Street Journal Bestseller

A Book Sense Bestseller

Download Description


A New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Bestseller


One boy... one dragon... A world of adventure

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.

Visit Alagaesia.com to find out more about Eragon and the Inheritance Trilogy.


"Unusual, powerful, fresh, and fluid.... An impressive start to a writing career that's sure to flourish."
   BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW

"[A] solid, sweeping epic fantasy..."
   KIRKUS REVIEWS

"An auspicious beginning to both career and series."
   PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"An authentic work of great talent."
   THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

"Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut."
   PEOPLE


Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Adults and Kids!.......2007-10-06

This is a marvelous book that my son and I read for one of his school projects. By the time we finished with the book, virtually the whole family was wrapped up in it. We watch as a small town boy finds himself the chosen one of a wonderful but very dangerous item. When this item turns into a "pet," things get really exciting... and Hazardous. Read as Eragons life is torn apart, and his very life is linked with a dragon. This book (an the next) are books that will have you reading well into the night with anticipation. The characters come alive in this wonderfully creative book. Best of all, if you have young writers in your home, this is especially a must read because if you check out the age on this writer, you will find he was quite young when he wrote it... proving our point that kids can do great things!

1 out of 5 stars What utter drek........2007-10-03

I was excited to read this book, what with all of the praise I had heard for the 17-year-old that had written. How disappointed was I. This is, without an ounce of doubt, the most poorly written book I have ever regrettably paid money for. Shoddy characters, a splotchy story, and an over all plot that seems to pull from other fantasy writers that are much, much better than he is. Honestly, I cannot believe how many mistakes he made while writing his story. I just wanted to take a red pen and scribble out whole pieces of useless details.

If you want to read an adolescent fantasy novel, go read The Golden Compass, or a Wrinkle in Time. Don't even bother touching trash like this.

5 out of 5 stars Eragon.......2007-09-27

The lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer, a great time to lounge in the shade, sip a cold lemonade, and lose yourself in a good book-Ahh, so many books, so little time. Yep, it reminds me of those carefree days of youth. And for the young reader, or the child in you, I very much recommend Eragon , a first novel, and first in a new fantasy trilogy by young author Christopher Paolini.

Eragon is a classic coming of age story, with fresh writing, and new perspective. Yes, there is magic and dragons, and a young hero coming to terms with responsibility and adulthood, and an evil, corrupt king to trust his growing powers. All classic elements of the fantasy genre, but the story and the characters drive the tale, giving solid footing to well-worn foundations.

Eragon is a solid first novel, and there's great promise in Christopher Paolini. He was only sixteen when he penned this novel. If you are a reader of fantasy, you'll see influence from masters of the genre-such as Tolkien, and Ann McCaffrey, and even elements of the Star Wars saga. But I like to think good story telling transcends the boundaries of genre, and this is a book with sound plot, good character development, and an epic tale to lose yourself. I found Eragon to be one of those rare books I never wanted to end, but luckily the next book in the trilogy, Eldest, has been released. So, you know what I'm reading next!

Author "Hobo Finds A Home" and editor of "Of A Predatory Heart"

3 out of 5 stars Eragon.......2007-09-25

This book was ok. The story was pretty good. I really liked the characters, but I wish there was more information about their personalities and backgrounds.

5 out of 5 stars Eragon Inheritance Book 1.......2007-09-22

My 12 y/o son loves this book. He cannot put it down and has read it several times. He cannot wait for the next installment to be published!
Maximum Ride #3: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Everybody loves Max? Not quite.
  • Satisfying thrid instalment
  • Pleasant diversion
  • If you are a teen you will love it!
  • I hope this isn't the last for Max!
Maximum Ride #3: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride)
James Patterson
Manufacturer: Little, Brown Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0316155608
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Book Description

There's one last chance to save the world in MAXIMUM RIDE: SAVING THE WORLD AND OTHER EXTREME SPORTS, the closing chapter of James Patterson's thrilling trilogy. The time has arrived for Max and her winged "Flock" to face their ultimate enemy and discover their original purpose: to defeat the takeover of "Re-evolution", a sinister experiment to re-engineer a select population into a scientifically superior master race...and to terminate the rest. Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel have always worked together to defeat the forces working against them--but can they save the world when they are torn apart, living in hiding and captivity, halfway across the globe from one another?

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Everybody loves Max? Not quite........2007-10-07

I bought this book under the impression that it would be entertaining and at least relatively well-written. Unfortunately, I was sorely mistaken. Although younger readers may like Max and her companions, I would advise against the series for anyone over the age of eleven.
Many parts of the book were poorly thought-out, and there were gaping holes when loose ends should have been tied up. For example, there is no explaination of how Max's arm began functioning again, but the chip was gone. And what were Itex's motives for 'torturing the bird-kids,' as Max puts it? I could go on and on, but I would probably be typing for the next few weeks. Lastly, Max seems to have no flaws--she's pretty, strong, smart, and fast. And it's not just Max, none of the characters have any depth at all. The book would probably be about half as short if it weren't for the pointless space-filling details.
All in all, I think that Maximum Ride was a waste of time and trees, not to mention space and gravity. Don't waste your money.

4 out of 5 stars Satisfying thrid instalment.......2007-10-05

It's nice to see that once again, the cast of Maximum Ride is portrayed as young people, rather than just little adults. Even in their not so perfect world, the episode where Max and Fang butt heads over Ari and Fang's reactions further down the line illustrate what it would be like to not only have to take on an evil multi-national conglomerate, but what it's like to be fourteen and taking on such a task.

The use of the internet as a rallying cry to bring other young people into the scene to help out the flock shows readers, young and old alike, that young people are bright and resourceful, not just running to the closest adult (who'd hear a kid telling a crazy story and blow them off) to resolve the situation.

Mr. Patterson has done a great job at creating a universe where young readers will very much enjoy themselves and want to come back for more. Heck, I've got a Master's degree and am ten years out of high school, and I can't wait for the next book in this series.

4 out of 5 stars Pleasant diversion.......2007-10-04

Max Ride is a fun character. She and her companions have been well developed through the series. As the fifth book in which these winged adolescents appear, it is a pleasant way of relaxing into the world of one's imagination.

5 out of 5 stars If you are a teen you will love it!.......2007-09-18

If this book was targeted for a broad audience then I would rate it a 1. However, and fortunately, it is not. If you are 9 to 14, buy it, you will love it! The series has a very specific range of readers: kids under eight will not be able to comprehend the concept (excluding the elite); teens over fourteen may be psycologically beyond accepting the elementary concept (for them I recommend adult science-fiction).

Patterson does a wonderful job of delivering an outstanding teen series. Read them all!

5 out of 5 stars I hope this isn't the last for Max!.......2007-09-13

A great trilogy! I just hope this isn't all for this delightful yet action packed series. A great book series for any age.

Books:

  1. The Structure and Dynamics of Networks: (Princeton Studies in Complexity)
  2. The Trouble With Physics: The Rise of String Theory, the Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next
  3. The View from the Center of the Universe: Discovering Our Extraordinary Place in the Cosmos
  4. Thin Film Solar Cells: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications (Wiley Series in Materials for Electronic & Optoelectronic Applications)
  5. Time and Chance
  6. Time's Arrow and Archimedes' Point: New Directions for the Physics of Time
  7. Turning the World Inside Out and 174 Other Simple Physics Demonstrations
  8. A Course in Modern Mathematical Physics: Groups, Hilbert Space and Differential Geometry
  9. A History of Ancient Mathematical Astronomy (Studies in the History of Mathematics and Physical Sciences) 3 volume set
  10. An Introduction to Error Analysis: The Study of Uncertainties in Physical Measurements

Books Index

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