Shield of Thunder (Troy Trilogy, Book 2)

Book Description

The second novel in David Gemmell’s bestselling Troy trilogy. Interlacing myth and history, and high adventure, this is epic storytelling at its very best.

War is looming, and all the kings of the Great Green are gathering, each with their own dark plans of conquest and plunder.

Into this maelstrom of treachery come three travellers: Piria, a runaway priestess nursing a terrible secret; Kalliades, a warrior with high ideals and a legendary sword; and his close friend Banokles, who will carve his own legend in the battles to come.

Together they journey to the fabled city of Troy, where a darkness is falling that will eclipse the triumphs and personal tragedies of ordinary mortals for centuries to come.

From the Paperback edition.

Customer Reviews:

imaginative story, pulp writing.......2007-09-23

Shield of Thunder, like Lord of the Silver Bow, both show great imagination in plot, but pure pulp delivery. If you get a kick out of this period in history, by all means read these books, but I doubt if you'll be moved to reread them.

I am so sorry to hear that David passed........2007-09-09

I have read all of David's novels and loved them all. He shall be missed. Great job David. GOD's speed and blessing be upon you.

Solid adventure.......2007-08-13

Part two of the late David Gemmell's Troy trilogy is begins a few months after the failed attempt at removing King Priam from power in Troy. Princess Andromache is adjusting to life at court, while Hektor is sailing the seas and fighting off pirates; he's filling in while Helikaon (known to us as Aeneas) is sick. King Odysseus, King Agamemnon and several other rulers attend the wedding games of Hektor and Andromache, and trouble is stirred up and brought to the boiling point. The last third of the book is devoted to the series of battles that make up the early years of The Trojan War, which is made out to be something like the ancient world's version of World War II.

Once again David Gemmell creates a real living, breathing world out of something that has been romanticized and usually seems inaccessible to the modern reader. Gemmell has taken a very human approach to the Trojan War story, by eliminating the gods and making the heroes human with real strengths and weaknesses. The action scenes are bloody and seem pretty realistic (though it is never gratuitous). While this is a bridge book, it never felt like it, except that while a major battle is completed by the end, the war is far from over. Also while the gist of the story is the same, many of the details are different. Like the marriage of Paris and Helen are mentioned, but it is hardly the reason for the war.

I really liked this book, and Gemmell's fans will not be disappointed with it. I am eagerly waiting for the last book, due out soon.

Troy remix.......2007-06-14

The Shield of Thunder continues Gemmell's exciting, refreshing Trojan War series. With its action, noble warriors, and gorgeous, heroic women, it is the equivalent of a summer blockbuster (a good one, not a Michael Bay film). I like how Gemmell strays from the classic mythology by reducing Hektor and Achilles to supporting characters, exalting Aeneas and Andromache as primary characters, and creating new characters in Kalliades and Banokles. This isn't Homer's Trojan War: Helen and Paris play a minor role, and the Olympians seem to be sitting this one out. To be fair, the novel displays little complexity; most of the characters can be summarized in one sentence. The good guys are heroes and the bad guys are rapists. Even when the good guys turn bad briefly, they're still good. I also thought that the opening premise about Andromache was not resolved completely; and the outcome of the Kalliope storyline felt a little like a copout. In the next volume, I hope Gemmell (or his designee, RIP) gives us a Mykene as a primary character so we can see the war from the "enemy" perspective. I highly recommend the novel and the series and look forward to the next installment.

Can't wait for the third book.......2007-05-21

David Gemmell has breathed new life into a well-known story and made the Bronze Age come alive. His rich imagination created a host of new heroes and heroines of hitherto secondary characters of Iliad without sacrificing the voice of Homer. I hope we'll get to see the third book published, completing this wonderful trilogy.

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Average customer rating:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Tempest (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

Continuing down the dark path
CHANGING of the guards
Tempest is very well written.
OK but not for the casual SW fan.
Tempest Review

Tempest (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 3)
Troy Denning
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345477529
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Book Description

Forty years after the Battle of Yavin a dangerous new era in the Star Wars epic begins–the revelations are shocking, the stakes desperate, and the enemy everywhere.

As civil war threatens the unity of the Galactic Alliance, Han and Leia Solo have enraged their families and the Jedi by joining the Corellian insurgents. But the Solos draw the line when they discover the rebels’ plot to make the Hapan Consortium an ally–which rests upon Hapan nobles murdering their pro-Alliance queen and her daughter.

Yet the Solos’ selfless determination to save the queen cannot dispel the inescapable consequences of their actions, that will pit mother against son and brother against sister in the battles ahead. For as Jacen Solo’s dark powers grow stronger under the Dark Jedi Lumiya, and his influence over Ben Skywalker becomes more insidious, Luke’s concern for his nephew forces him into a life-and-death struggle against his fiercest foe, and Han and Leia Solo find themselves at the mercy of their deadliest enemy . . . their son.

Customer Reviews:

Continuing down the dark path.......2007-09-25

This is the third installment in the Legacy of the Force series and, in my opinion, the best so far. The basic plot of Jacen Solo's decent into darkness may not be all that original, but it does make for some entertaining reading.

While an assortment of old friends and even older enemies make an appearance, Han and Leia are the emotional heart of this book. Having allied themselves with Corellia, a decision that strained family ties, the Solos find themselves being manipulated into a plot to assassinate the Queen Mother of Hapes and thus into direct confrontation with their son.

Denning has a knack for capturing the essence of the Solos and a real gift for penning Han's obligatory cocky comebacks. The book is full of the usual political intrigue and blasterfire. Yet at its core, it is an expoloration of conflicts between parents and their children.

Overall, this is a solid entry in the Star Wars library.

CHANGING of the guards.......2007-08-05

I do like the idea of the Star Wars galaxy advancing past the Luke/Han/Leia era. Titled Legacy of the Force, I can only hope that Lucasfilm is headed in that direction. Not that I don't love the characters. But, it IS 40 years after A New Hope. And Humans don't live forever. The younger characters are being well developed in this series. I have seen reviews that complain about the little focus on the "main" characters, when, my hope is that they do get retired or phased out. Darth Vader plays an enormous role in the Star Wars galaxy, as it's HIS Legacy, really, that is the driving 'force' behind the franchise. Denning does a great job of playing with politics in this book, and keeping to the theme of the "quite" approach Sith now have. When Han/Leia/Luke/Mara etc/etc have gone, either through, dismemberment or just plain death (boring), or go into hiding somewhere, they'll still be tremendously influential, just like the "old" characters from my "childhood". It's time for a new generation.

Tempest is very well written........2007-05-10

Tempest, the 3rd book in a 5 part series is very well written. The plot flows evenly. The biggest complaint I have is that Luke, at least in this series seems to be "Lost in Space". He appears weak and ineffective and as "Grand Master" of the Jedi he is a collossal failure, his & Mara's failure to contain Jacen and bring Ben Skywalker back is Mind boggling. Are you telling me that the power that Luke and Mara have between them can't overcome Jacen is unfathomable. It almost appears that Luke is being marginalized or on the verge of being written out of existence. After all, HE IS the main character in Star Wars along with Han and Leia. The story line is good but I'd like to read more of Luke and for God's sake lets bring Lumiya out into the open so that we can hate her properly.

OK but not for the casual SW fan........2007-05-07

This book was fine, the writing was good, but to it felt like the plot was treading water in the middle. If you aren't really into the SW universe, this book might not be for you. There are a number of characters that the causal SW fan might not have come across in the book. The writing is good enough that you can go on reading without knowing their history, but they do complicate the enjoyment of the book for someone not immersed in the SW scene.

Plus, just a personal peeve, but I couldn't figure out who the woman on the cover was supposed to be.

Tempest Review.......2007-04-12

One of the worst Star Wars books i have ever read, and i've read all the novels.
Bloodlines was just as bad. Betrayel was good, i really like Aaron Allston.
I'm getting very sick of Jacen, in particular. Enough said- ann

The Iliad (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

Average customer rating:

A great story that anyone would enjoy putting aside all the academic chatter.
A deeply powerful tale told in an equally powerful way by Fagles
Requirement for Western Civilization
Okay translation
What is the big deal?

The Iliad (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
Homer
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140275363

Amazon.com

This groundbreaking English version by Robert Fagles is the most important recent translation of Homer's great epic poem. The verse translation has been hailed by scholars as the new standard, providing an Iliad that delights modern sensibility and aesthetic without sacrificing the grandeur and particular genius of Homer's own style and language. The Iliad is one of the two great epics of Homer, and is typically described as one of the greatest war stories of all time, but to say the Iliad is a war story does not begin to describe the emotional sweep of its action and characters: Achilles, Helen, Hector, and other heroes of Greek myth and history in the tenth and final year of the Greek siege of Troy.

Book Description

This timeless poem-more than 2,700 year old-still vividly conveys the horror and heroism of men and gods wrestling with towering emotions and battling amid devastation and destruction as it moves inexorably to its wrenching, tragic conclusion. Readers of this epic poem will be gripped by the finely tuned translation and enlightening introduction.

Translated by Robert Fagles
Introduction and Notes by Bernard

Customer Reviews:

A great story that anyone would enjoy putting aside all the academic chatter........2007-08-08

Translation (in my opinion and experience) is not so much about accuracy as it is about hearing or reading something, absorbing it, and telling the same thing in another language in a way that can best be understood or even--we hope in this case--engaging or entertaining to the listener or reader. The Penguin Classic version of the Iliad does this quite well; and the translator has proven himself to be a good teller of the story in English given to us by Homer so long ago.

Don't read the Iliad because it's a classic, or because it's Greek, or because Homer wrote it. Read it for the same reasons and with the same mindset as you would any book written today, because it's good--and in this case outstanding. Put simply, don't analyse it or study it, just read and enjoy.

The Iliad is really that good.

A deeply powerful tale told in an equally powerful way by Fagles.......2007-05-22

The Iliad is certainly a piece of literature that has stood the test of time - and with good reason. War has constantly been a feature of human society and the Iliad tells of all its horrors like few other pieces of literature. But the epic is more than just a war story - it's a story of human limits and mankind's (especially in the West) constant struggle to deal with the realities they create. I suppose one could respond that this epic is more involved with human potential but it is very hard to read either the character of Hector or Achilles as anything but a tragic character - as someone who paid dearly for his role as "hero" of Troy or Greece. This is not a great piece of literature because it projects heroic ideals that should inspire us, though this aspect of the epic has played its own powerfully important role, rather, it is a great piece of literature because just as the epic appears to throw those ideals up for lauding, it problematizes them - it illustrates their often tragic consequences. The heroic individual who can single-handedly make a difference and the ethic of competition the epic oozes have played profoundly important roles in shaping Western history but the Iliad is great because it draws out the ugly consequences these ideals can produce and the price one pays for holding them too close.

Fagles' translation - for all I can tell - is an excellent one. I know no Greek (Sanskrit was my "classical" language) but the power of Fagles' rendering is palpable throughout (especially in the masterful first chapter) and it is difficult, though not impossible, to imagine it being more so in another translator's hands.

Requirement for Western Civilization.......2007-05-12

How can anyone not give The Iliad 5 stars? Not only is it the fountainhead of all Western literature, it's a great story!! READ IT!!

Okay translation.......2007-03-29

I'm not convinced that this translation is an improvement to the Lattimore or Fitzgerald translations. It's readable and slightly more up to date in idiom, but it is somewhat predictable as a translation. It lacks the boldness of the translation by Stanley Lombardo, who has, in my opinion, produced the freshest and most exciting translations of both the Iliad and the Odyssey. The prose renditions of the Odyssey (the updated Rhieu and the Griffin/Hammond) are as readable and more exciting than the translation by Fagles. That said, it is still a fine translation, but if you already have the Lattimore translation (or if you are lucky enough to have the Lombardo translation) there isn't a whole lot to be gained with this translation.

What is the big deal?.......2007-03-22

All the zombies kept telling me to purchase the Iliad and were raving about how intellectual it was. The age of it should have been a first clue. Really a rather boring read that is tripe with inept ideals. Homer Simpson was named after this guy but I believe that he has more insight into the subject matter than the original home boy they call Homer. Good for using to set your coffee mug on and start a fire with in the fireplace, but beyond that it is really a lot of rubbish. I wish Penguin Classics would actually publish classic reading material instead of a lot of blah blah.

Inferno (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 6)

Average customer rating:

It is about time
Welcome Addition to Collection
Expanded Universe Fans Only
Inferno-Star Wars
Luke is Still the Grand Master

Inferno (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 6)
Troy Denning
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345477553
Release Date: 2007-08-28

Book Description

Luke Skywalker wanted to unify the Jedi order and bring peace to the universe. Instead his wife Mara lies dead at the hands of an unknown assassin, his wayward nephew Jacen has seized control of the Galactic Alliance, and the galaxy has exploded in all-out civil war.

With Luke consumed by grief, Jacen Solo works quickly to consolidate his power and jumpstart his plan to take over the Jedi. Convinced he’s the only one who can save the galaxy, Jacen will do whatever it takes, even ambush his own parents.

With the Rebel confederacy driving deep into the Core to attack Coruscant and the Jedi under siege, Luke must reassert his position. Only he can lead the Jedi through this crisis, but it means solving the toughest problem Luke’s ever faced. Does he fight alongside his nephew Jacen, a tyrant who’s illegally taken over the GA, or does he join the rebels to smash the Galactic Alliance he helped create?

Customer Reviews:

It is about time.......2007-10-09

I would have to say that overall this is the best book in this series. Yeah it seemed a little weak in character development and some of the action scenes were just a little to much to be believable to me, it was nice to see Luke finally wake up and starting kicking some a** for a change. I was getting sick of seeing the whole galaxy just coo over Jacen and nobody seemed to even question him, much less stand up to him.

The fight between him and Luke was a bit over the top as well, and I actually thought Jacen was going to die for a minute there. But no, a few pages later he is up and walking around, despite being stabbed, slashed, busted, beaten and left for dead. It almost made me wonder why Anakin didn't just get up and walk it off when Obi-Wan left him for dead.

But this was the best one so far and it was the first one I read in one sitting. All the others before this just left me scratching my head waiting for something to happen.

Welcome Addition to Collection.......2007-10-08

I recently received "Inferno" to add to my Star Wars novels collection. I haven't had an opportunity to read it yet. My only disappointment came when I was forced to ask Amazon where the order was, as it had not arrived on the arrival date as promised. I then received 2 copies as everything got crossed in the e-mail/mail.

Expanded Universe Fans Only.......2007-10-02

As this is a book that takes place decades after the movies, only buy this if you have been following the series of books that expand the Star Wars Universe.

That said, I personally loved the book. If you follow the SW EU, you're going to buy this anyways, so...

Inferno-Star Wars.......2007-09-30

The Legacy of the force was a brilliant idea to bring the characters into the future way past the defeat of the empire.
I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out.

Luke is Still the Grand Master.......2007-09-30

As the EU has progressed we have seen Luke kind of get pushed into the background a little as he allows others of the Jedi Order to battle the evils of the Star Wars Universe but every once in a while we are reminded that Luke can still "Bring It" when he has to and this book is an excellent example of that. Luke is still the son of the "Chosen One" and his power is beyond belief but he seldom uses it in that matter but I don't think Jacen, or whatever he wants to call himself, will forget it after the way that Luke smacked him around with almost no effort in this book. If you're a fan of Luke this book is for you. At one point you will be shaking your head in horror saying no it can't be ... then you will be reminded that Luke is still the MAN.

The Joiner King (Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

so-so Novel with Hints of greatness
One word, lackluster
A So-So New Beginning
I can't decide...
dark nest i : the joiner king

The Joiner King (Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 1)
Troy Denning
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345463048
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Book Description

After triumphing in Star Wars: The Unifying Force, the heroes of the New Jedi Order return in a dazzling new adventure!

Luke Skywalker is worried: A handful of Jedi Knights, including his nephew and niece, Jaina and Jacen Solo, have disappeared into the Unknown Regions in response to a strange cry for help that only they could hear. Now the alien Chiss have angrily lodged a formal complaint, accusing the missing Jedi of meddling in a border dispute between the Chiss and an unidentified aggressor.

Luke has no choice but to head to the Unknown Regions for serious damage control. Han and Leia follow, intent on protecting their children from what could be grave danger. But none of them are prepared for what they find when they reach their destination.

A colony of mysterious aliens is expanding toward the edge of Chiss space. The leader of the alien nest is resolute. Adept in the Force, he is drawing old friends to his side, compelling them to join the colony and meld their Force-abilities with his, even if it leads to all-out war. . . .

Customer Reviews:

so-so Novel with Hints of greatness.......2007-06-22

I really liked the overall plot of the book. I felt that the menace was new and not a rehashing of previous SW Novel villains. The whole hidden Nest thing was pretty interesting to me.

What brought this down in my eyes was the lackluster editing on the part of Lucasbooks. There were several moments that brought me completely out of the narrative.

1) Star Trek-ish Technobabble - Since when does the Millenium Falcon have nacelles? And the whole Reverse the polarity of the falcon's tractor beam thing was just too Trekky.

2) Continuity Errors - If this book was written before Episode 1 was released it would not be that big of a deal, but one of the characters talks about R2 units being created for use by the Imperial Military. Artoo existed well before the Empire was created.

3) Where did Artoo get this footage of Obi-Wan and Padme? From the movies it seems that Artoo stayed with Anakin and Threepio with Padme. This is a minor nitpick though not a biggie.

4) Plot points that seem like a computer game. I had no idea that Troy Denning was a Game designer until I read the part about Luke having to go on a quest to find a journal for the guy that supposedly invented something in Artoo. That part read just like a "go fetch" quest in a computer game that I flipped to the Author Information page to see if he did design games. This was too contrived for my tastes.

Again, basic plot and characterization was well-done, but these moments had me scratching my head and taking me out of the flow of the book.

One word, lackluster.......2007-05-04

So we just come off the greatness of the New Jedi Order, the Yuuzhan Vong are defeated and Ben Skywalker has been born. What does Lucas books give us? A trilogy that in concept could be absolutely huge! But due to poor writing in many places and an overall abundance of characters that are either unimaginative or frankly unacceptable to the universe (an ill-tempered ewok? That doesn't make any sense!) this trilogy falls into a three star category. The only saving grace is the character development. Jacen starts to seriously walk the double edged path to the dark side in this trilogy and begins to estrange himself from his sister. Read it if you're interested in the Legacy of the Force series otherwise stay away.

A So-So New Beginning.......2007-02-12

Troy Denning's The Joiner King is, at best, a so-so new beggining for the Star Wars universe. I will start with the positives. Denning is a reasonably good writer, and his chapters flow well, one to another. Further, I enjoyed the fact that Denning did not feel the need to add a scene for every major occurence. Some important events occured between chapters, and were only referenced after they happened. It allowed Denning to keep the page limit down a little and still keep a comprehensive story. Also, its nice to see the Yuuzhan Vong pushed to the background and see the story focus more on the after-effects of the war. The Planetary Reclamation Act was an interesting way to provide some minor political intrigue, and give Han and Leia something meaningful to do before getting involved with the whole Nest crisis. It is also nice to see focus shifting somewhat away from the original characters to the newer generation. I wont say its an even split, but about 40% of the book at least is devoted to the younger Jedi. Finally, Jacen's development is coming along well.

Unfortunately, that is where the positives end. The story is weird, and seems really stupid and unimportant compared to the terrible consequences of the Galactic Civil War. Also, very little actually happened in the novel. I understand that, since five years have passed (story-line wise) since the previous novel, Denning had to spend some time catching up. But as I said, the extent of the events was very minimal. The novel could easily have been half the length and contained at least as much story as it did. Aside from Jacen Solo's development, the character development of the other young Jedi, particularly Jaina was astonishingly poor. Jaina went from being a strong-minded and capable Jedi (if occasionally filling the damsel-in-distress role) to a weak, easily manipulated fool (who still played the damsel-in-distress half the time). The characters of Zekk, Lowbacca, Tahiri, etc. werent advanced at all. Denning may actually have taken a step back with Lowbacca and Zekk. Next, the plot line was, unfortunately, very predictable. The reader can guess who the leader of the Killik nest is within the first twenty pages of the book, which is then followed by about a hundred or so pages of discovering the leaders' identity.

There is potential in the Joiner King. If Denning can return Jaina to her previous role as the Sword of the Jedi and not some mindless little kid, the remaining two books in the series could work out well. But I see no reason to expect great things from the series. Those who enjoyed the New Jedi Order series may want to skip over the Dark Nest series and jump right into the Legacy of the Force series at this point. However it is important to note that the Dark Nest, more than anything, serves as background for the Legacy of the Force, so not having read the Dark Nest may lead to a good deal of confusion with future novels.

I can't decide..........2006-12-14

I can't decide if I should rate this book 5 or 1. So I averaged them and took 3. I think the "5" aspects of this book are: The Killiks are a great enemy not just some Vong-do-over. But I think the Killiks should be our ENEMY not our "nestmates". I also like how Denning portrayed the original trilogy characters. Another thing is Jacen. In the NJO series he was such an idiot. Now he seems to be filling his full potential (YAY!). Now for the bad points. And I mean the BAD ones. As in I-want-to-skip-this-chapter bad points. Jaina. What the h*** is she doing sharing minds with a bunch of bugs and a pathetic "Jedi" who is STILL pathetically in love with her. And what's with the "not working out" between Jaina and Jag? I'm sorry to say that I seemed to have missed the part when they "drifted apart" or couldn't "reconnect" after the war. It did not seem to me that they couldn't "reconnect" at the end of The Unified Force. Now Jaina is clicking and rubbing forearms (gross) with everyone she meets and it's going to be almost immpossible to have a relationship with anyone with that loser Zekk following her everywhere and finishing her sentences. Personaly, I don't think the younger Jedi Knights got enough attention and when they did, it sucked. Overall, the plot was really good but the factor that brought this book from a 5 to a 3 three was the whole Zekk-Jaina-Jag thing. I really hope the next books are better and Jaina can get her own mind back and maybe get back with Jag if Denning hasn't killed them off or turned them into insects yet.
P.s. did i happen to mention that I have the same feelings toward bugs as Han?
-Murl

dark nest i : the joiner king.......2006-08-11

the galaxy is picking up the pieces now that the yuuzhan vong have been subdued and that horrific war over. the new jedi order travel from conflict to conflict, serving as diplomat-police. at least, until they receive a strange call from the unknown regions. most answer, causing luke, mara, han and leia to follow them and discover a strange threat to the new peace.
the feel of the star wars galaxy seems to have shifted somewhat after the 'new jedi order' series. which is in no way a complaint. the characters have a sense of humour now, and (at least with those from the original trilogy) are becoming more relaxed in their old age. the new duo (jae the procedure-bound captain and tarfang the uppity ewok smuggler) provide laugh-out-loud antics without ever seeming ridiculous or totally out-of-place. the mystery of the nests is well expressed, especially in the apparently-never-happened blue bug attacks. yet, the novel ended in a way that made it seem to work just as well as a stand-alone adventure. the knowledge that there is a book ii is in the reader's mind, but there is no real impetus to look forward to that book.

The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy

Average customer rating:

Wonderfully retold story of Odysseus
Homer for Children Today!
The Children's Homer
A classic brought to life even for children
Most influential book of my childhood

The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy
Padraic Colum
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0689868839

Book Description

Travel back to a mythical time when Achilles, aided by the gods, waged war against the Trojans. And join Odysseus on his journey through murky waters, facing obstacles like the terrifying Scylla and whirring Charybdis, the beautiful enchantress Circe, and the land of the raging Cyclôpes. Using narrative threads from The Iliad and The Odyssey, Padraic Colum weaves a stunning adventure with all the drama and power that Homer intended.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully retold story of Odysseus.......2007-05-10

I read this book to my 7 year old, homeschooled daughter. Her children's choir is singing the story of Odysseus and this book brought the songs to life for her. She never wanted me to put it down. The language is sophisticated but she could follow the story and was entranced by it.

Homer for Children Today!.......2007-03-27

Ho hum--I will never get my 5th grader to read this tome--however moving the story line and imagery. It is too thick to easily add to a history block of Ancient Civilizations around the world. The language is too dated. The narrations dwarfs the action. The standard, for good youth literature today, requires writers to SHOW the meaning and NOT TELL IT.
Thankfully, author Geraldine McCaughrean wrote a wonderfully telling of GILGAMESH, so I turned around and ordered her retelling of Homer's THE ILLIAD and THE ODYSSEY which is titled, ODYSSEUS.

Does anyone want my copy of Padric's version. The cover art is great.

The Children's Homer.......2007-03-22

As a homeschooled child, I read this book when I was eight and thoroughly enjoyed it; now, at fifteen, I have just finished reading the original Iliad and Odyssey for the second time. Reading them made me realize how much The Children's Homer helped me, both in exposing me to the epics and giving me a basic overview of the story. My only complaint was that it lacked the strength and beauty of the original, but that is understandable.
I would also recommend The Greek Way (Edith Hamilton) as an excellent look into ancient Greek philosophy and philosophers. I read this in the same course as The Children's Homer and it has become my favorite history book-children will enjoy it, but parents had best let them read it to themselves; it is unfair for parents to monopolize children's books.
Marion Doak, student

A classic brought to life even for children.......2007-02-27

Three cheers: for Padraic Colum, who was a natural storyteller and interpreter of the ancient myths; for Dover Publications, who offers this reprint and other classics dirt cheap (Dover editions are generally five bucks or less); and for the parent who loves these stories and can read them intelligently to young children.

Parents: there are many, many things in these kinds of stories that will not be self-evident to children if they are not explained: language, relationships, cause and effect, the Greek pantheon, etc. You must, as appropriate, stop and talk things over with your child. It will be a better reading experience for the both of you, and it will do wonders for your child.

My son, knowing that Odysseus was finally going to confront the wooers of this wife Penelope, was besides himself with excitement as the tension mounted. He did not mind at all the side diversions into other stories--by this time he understands that the ancient Greeks told stories within stories within stories (they didn't have TV! or the Internet!). His patience paid off, and Colum's description of the final scene was most satisfying. This, together with Colum's telling of the legend of the Golden Fleece, Jason, and the Argonauts (available in another Dover edition--see my Amazon review), are highly recommended as a superb introduction to these classic tales.

Most influential book of my childhood.......2007-01-29

As a kid, I loved this book.

As a young adult, I've gone to college and become a Classics major. Now I'm reading the Aeneid in Latin, and I've really begun to appreciate what a wonderful book this is!

I have no way of judging this book's suitability for "kids in general." For me, though, this book instilled a love of mythology and history that has stayed with me through my life so far. I strongly suggest it!

Lord of the Silver Bow (Troy Trilogy, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Death really Sucks......................
Not your average Troy
Not Free SF Reader
Another version of the Trojan War
loved it

Lord of the Silver Bow (Troy Trilogy, Book 1)
David Gemmell
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0345494571
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Book Description

He is a man of many names. Some call him the Golden One; others, the Lord of the Silver Bow. To the Dardanians, he is Prince Aeneas. But to his friends, he is Helikaon. Strong, fast, quick of mind, he is a bold warrior, hated by his enemies, feared even by his Trojan allies. For there is a darkness at the heart of the Golden One, a savagery that, once awakened, can be appeased only with blood.

Argurios the Mykene is a peerless fighter, a man of unbending principles and unbreakable will. Like all of the Mykene warriors, he lives to conquer and to kill. Dispatched by King Agamemnon to scout the defenses of the golden city of Troy, he is Helikaon’s sworn enemy.

Andromache is a priestess of Thera betrothed against her will to Hektor, prince of Troy. Scornful of tradition, skilled in the arts of war, and passionate in the ways of her order, Andromache vows to love whom she pleases and to live as she desires.

Now fate is about to thrust these three together–and, from the sparks of passionate love and hate, ignite a fire that will engulf the world.

Readers who know the works of David Gemmell expect nothing less than excellence from this author, whose taut prose, driving plots, and full-bodied characters have won him legions of fans the world over. Now, with this first masterly volume in an epic reimagining of the Trojan War, Gemmell has written an ageless drama of brave deeds and fierce battles, of honor and treachery, of love won and lost.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Death really Sucks.............................2007-09-25

This first book in the Troy trilogy was great, I gave it to everyone I could think of, and they all loved it. I have to say I can't wait to read the second book, although a part of me hates to read it knowing its the last of his writing.
I just found out he passed away last year, and I am so distraught. He was a writer extraordinaire. I have read and own everything he wrote. Including some books from England that I paid a pretty hefty price for because they weren't available here.

I will have to tell my son, who loves Gemmell, we will both mourn his loss and also mourn all the books he surely would of written had he lived on.

If you are a new fan, dive right in. Some of his earlier stuff is great also. If you have been a fan for awhile, know that we will all miss him.

You will be missed Mr. Gemmell.......

Not your average Troy.......2007-09-20

I would not describe this book as a page turner, but it was still a good read. Before you pick up this book you should be aware that this is far from the story of Troy we are used to. If you are looking for something new in the retelling of this classic story, then this is the book for you. I have yet to read the second book in the series, so we will see if some other characters get introduced, but this book was missing many main characters. Menelaus is non existent, Helen has all of a paragraph, and Paris shows up maybe 2-3 times in the story. Hector also is absent almost the entire novel. I don't want to give specifics on how this story is different from other Troy retellings, but just know it strays from the classic story. I think the story will be more enjoyable if you know that upfront and just enjoy the story that is being told by lesser known characters.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Gemmell delves into some far more overtly historical fiction here. No sorcery, magic weapons, or anything of that nature to be seen, just the odd bit of dreamed prophey by queens and priestesses.

This is more a novel of the necessities of pragmatic leadership, and pathos than heroic adventure, as he tells the story of mostly Aeneas and Andromache.

Another version of the Trojan War.......2007-06-27

The late David Gemmell's final effort, "Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow" is a wonderful retelling of the Trojan War saga, told from the beginning. The novel's primary character is Helikaon, known to the Western World as Aeneas. He is a reluctant prince and a high seas trader. His best friend is Odysseus, also a mighty king and trader. Aeneas meets and falls in love with a local priestess Andromache, who is promised to Hektor, Troy's favorite son. At the end of this first episode in the trilogy Helikaon helps defend the golden city Troy from rebellion.

There is little magic or involvement from the gods in this book, the only supernatural elements are Kassandra's visions (which are ignored) and other prophecies. The characters act more like modern men than ancient world people would have. The only one to act according to tradition is Agamemnon, a greedy tyrant. Basically all these characters act like any other character from a Gemmell novel.

Still, a wonderful book with excellent (and brutally violent) action scenes that will satisfy all fans of the genres; just wish for some more of the gods.

loved it.......2007-06-12

I thought this book was great. It had the perfect blend of fiction plus history without going overboard. I loved the detail, descriptions, everything. The characters and plot were very well developed and I felt for each characters plight..
I will definitely get the second book in this trilogy..

The Unseen Queen (Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

joiner king trilogy
dark nest ii : the unseen queen
Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 2
Another terrific storyline
Good sequel

The Unseen Queen (Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 2)
Troy Denning
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 034546303X
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Book Description

The epic Star Wars odyssey enters a new frontier as the heroes of the New Jedi Order confront a monstrous evil–insidious, unseen, and insatiable. . . .

Despite being given new worlds to populate, the insectoid Killiks have not found peace. An unknown enemy has been attacking the new nests–and the Killiks hold the Jedi responsible. Traveling back to the Unknown Regions to unravel the mystery, the Skywalkers and Solos discover an evil far more familiar than they ever expected . . . and even more terrifying. Why does the Dark Nest want to kill Mara? Will Jacen’s apocalyptic vision trigger another galactic war or prevent one? And perhaps most ominous of all, what deadly secret are the Killiks hiding?

To find out, Luke, Mara, Han, and Leia must embark on a perilous journey into the uncharted void between right and wrong. The ferocious Unknown Terrors are only the beginning of the awesome challenges that lie ahead in their quest to fathom the unfathomable. For an obscure dispute is about to explode into chaos, pitting Jedi against Jedi–and threatening the very galaxy itself.

Customer Reviews:

joiner king trilogy.......2007-08-30

how can ANYONE say that the joiner king trilogy is anything other than disappointing?? obviously, most readers of these books have never read most or all of the previous novels, like i have. i've read them all. these books were gross, and the bugs were gross, and the authors have made jaina out to be an idiot. i gave this final book one star because i had to put in something. the whole set of three are not really any good.

dark nest ii : the unseen queen.......2006-08-11

set a year after 'the joiner king', leia is in the midst of her jedi training, luke is faced with a fragmenting order and han is forced to worry more about his children, who are still part of the nests. secrets are uncovered and more mysteries thrown down to the reader as the situation prepares to erupt on a galactic scale.
the jedi order seems on the verge of splintering in this volume, and the reasons are all unfortunately highlighted through the story. the younger knights, amongst them jaina and jacen, all act incredibly arrogantly (jacen especially), as do some of the masters. saba sebatyne's constant belittling of leia's non-jedi abilities seems nothing more than being deliberately obstructionist. yet jae and tarfang still provide much-needed relief, and the ending, set among an exciting space battle, certainly sets the scene for the trilogy's final installment.

Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 2.......2006-02-25

It is a Star Wars novel. If you are just starting reading the novels, I would not start here, otherwise, read on. If you are srarting, I would go with Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn and go form there. You will here the score in the background, it is that good.

Another terrific storyline.......2006-02-17

I love this continuation of the adventures of Luke, Leia, Han, and their offspring. I like they are starting to link these characters to Anakin, Padme, and Obi Wan in Episodes I-III. I look forward to reading about these characters as they reach old age.

Good sequel.......2006-02-10

If you liked The Joiner King, you'll like The Unseen Queen. Similar in quality to The Joiner King (see my review), it continues to have some of the same benefits (ie. good sense of mystery/intrigue) and some of the same problems (ie. less than satisfying treatment of the "foundation" characters).

On plot points, the development of Leia as a Jedi is an "about-time" for many Star Wars fans. And the interaction between Jacen Solo and Queen Mother Tenel Ka is compelling.

This trilogy is a must read for Star Wars fans, who are getting the first opportunities to see Luke & Leia reactions (and their friends and family) to new information on the fate of their parents, which we discovered in the recent Episode 3 movie, and is only now being revealed to the OT characters by R2-D2.

Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of The Iliad

Average customer rating:

no illustrations in my edition
Great book for an 18-year old remedial reader
Familiarity breeds comfort in the classics
Very good retelling--but not the best
Black Ships Before Troy

Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of The Iliad
Rosemary Sutcliffe
Manufacturer: Frances Lincoln
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1845073592

Book Description

Homer's epic poem, The Iliad, is one of the greatest adventure stories of all time. Rich with arresting imagery and memorable characters, its powerful metaphors still permeate modern culture. This brilliant retelling offers young readers an exciting introduction to the heroes of ancient Greece while providing the complete story of the battle of Troy. The legendary beauty, Helen, is abducted, leading to a decade-long conflict in which even the gods and goddesses take sides and intervene. This is the Trojan War, where the most valiant heroes of the ancient world are pitted against one another. Here Hector, Ajax, Achilles, and Odysseus meet their most formidable challenges and in some cases, their tragic ends. Rosemary Sutcliff makes such extraordinary stories as those of the Trojan horse, of Aphrodite and the golden apple, and of the fearsome warrior women, the Amazons, accessible to contemporary young people. Superb illustrations enhance the story's dramatic appeal.

Customer Reviews:

no illustrations in my edition.......2007-10-10

I have not yet read this book- so my review is only based on my disappointment that I bought this book after reading about the wonderful illustrations. I have a much longer version of the Iliad, which I am reading to my children. I bought this so I could read it to them also, to give them more of an understanding of the Iliad. I read the wonderful reviews about the illustrations and thought the book sounded perfect. While the cover is beautiful, it is the ONLY illustration in the whole book. The older edition must be the one with the pictures, I will be checking into whether or not it is still available.

Great book for an 18-year old remedial reader.......2007-03-15

I have been tutoring an 18-year old remedial reader in basic phonics. We first read D'Aulaire's Greek Myths, as he wanted to read about heroes. We then graduated to Black Ships Before Troy, as he had seen the movie, Troy. This is a great book. It is well-written, full of intriguing details and actions which are brought to life by Sutcliff. She is one of my favorite authors, anyway, so I knew it would be good, but it is GREAT. We can hardly wait to move on to the Odyssey.

I'm sure it would be good for younger, excellent readers, but it is a great hero book for older students and adults, too.

Familiarity breeds comfort in the classics.......2007-01-04

Rosemary Sutcliff excels at story telling by making the epic story of the Iliad understandable and thrilling to a seven year old. I have read this book to my son at least three times, beginning when he was seven years old. He is now so familiar with the story and characters of the Iliad as a result of Black Ships Before Troy that to read Homer's Iliad will simply mean meeting these familiar characters again. Sutcliff's writing is so engaging that parents as well will enjoy this book. An absolute bonus is the excellent illustrations by Alan Lee.

Very good retelling--but not the best.......2006-12-20

My seven year old and I read this together immediately after finishing the version of the Iliad retold by Ian Strachan and illustrated by Viktor Ambrus. While Sutcliff and Lee's effort is a good one, and I would recommend it highly, Strachan and Ambrus's is superior: the language is tighter and less florid, the artwork more dynamic and compelling. Unfortunately, the Strachan version is out of print and hard to find, but this one is a more than acceptable substitute.

Sutcliff's language is full (to the point of distraction) of similes and other figures of the "wine-dark sea" sort, which like a tongue-tingling seasoning (see what I mean?) is fine in moderation, but she overdoes it. Nevertheless, it's a good introduction to the Iliad. At 113 pages, it's possible to read this at bedtime over a week if you've checked it out from the school library, as my son did.

But do check out my review of the Strachan version.

Black Ships Before Troy.......2006-08-07

Most anyone knows that they are supposed to read Homer's Iliad at some point in their life, but many are intimidated by its complexity. For starters, try Rosemary Sutcliff's Black Ships Before Troy. It is a beautiful and delightful read for all ages. You can easily sort the characters and get a grip on the plot without wading through the epic or the longer narrative. Once you have done this, you may muster the courage to attack the Iliad itself and impress all of your friends, or you can just let them think you are an expert in ancient literature after Black Ships Before Troy.

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