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Some books are like revelations, they open the spirit to unimaginable possibilities. The Chalice and the Blade is one of those magnificent key books that can transform us and...initiate fundamental changes in the world. With the most passionate eloquence, Riane Eisler proves that the dream of peace is not an impossible utopia. -- Isabelle Allende, author of The House of the Spirits
Book Description
The phenomenal bestseller, with more than 500,000 copies sold worldwide, now with a new epilogue from the author--The Chalice and the Blade has inspired a generation of women and men to envision a truly egalitarian society by exploring the legacy of the peaceful, goddess-worshipping cultures from our prehistoric past.
Customer Reviews:
Dumbest Book Ever Written.......2007-05-20
This is the weirdest, dumbest book I've ever read. It's a pity that a lot of college professors are using this doorstop as a textbook in their classes. What a crock. This book is the scholarly and intellectual equivalent of R.L Stine's Goosebumps series. If this book were food, it would probably be something like stewed okra. I would've rated this with no stars but, interestingly enough, Amazon doesn't seem to think that authors are capable of writing completely and utterly unredeeming books.
A Vivogenic Template for Human Beings .......2007-05-13
The Chalice and the Blade ranks in the top ten paradigm shaking books of the Late, Great Twen-Cen. Those continuing to puzzle over where we went wrong, as a species, will be well served by this outstanding scholarship.
When women were equal.......2007-01-14
"The Chalice and The Blade" is a wonderful book about the history of peaceful civilizations who worshiped the goddess and warring civilizations who worshiped male gods. Eisler's theory is that there was a global shift from egalitarian to patriarchal societies. Eisler shows how women were degraded to pawns controlled by men, and that without women as equals, men turned to violence. This book is a must read for anyone interested in women's history.
More timely now than ever!.......2007-01-12
This book answers these questions, "Where did humans go wrong?" "Why are we so cruel and allowing of cruelty?" and "Why does the majority of our world not value women, their work, their ideas?" I liked this book so much - after reading it I bought 10 more copies to hand out to friends because it is soooo encouraging. It does show us a different way of living is possible and humans use to live that way. NOTE: Since reading this book I have seen history channel explore the remains of the culture's Eisler talks about. BUT history channel only focused on the buildings being far advanced over Rome's. The program NEVER TALKED ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED THERE. Eisler talks about the people. And women were valued to those people. ALSO, huge media figures are now mentioning that society needs fundamental change. Eisler identifies where that change lies. In 'Conservatives without Conscience' Dean explores basic beliefs, attitudes and prejudices and how those are incorporated into our society and dialogue. Eisler's book goes straight to the heart of where those authoritarian beliefs, attitudes and prejudices come from, what we look like without them and how we can get back to living without them.
Nerissa Oden
Other Options for the Human Race.......2006-02-14
It was wonderful and freeing to read this book. Even if there were some oversimplifications, how liberating to have other possible explanations of and options for human history! This book has inspired me to question and reexamine beliefs and attitudes that are so ubiquitous in our society that it's hard to even know that we hold them, let alone question them. I'll always be grateful to Ms. Eisler for helping me find greater freedom in all aspects of my life.
Book Description
December, 1194. The well-born ladies of Exeter are not having a good week. First, Christina Rifford, the daughter of a rich merchant, is raped. Then, just months before her marriage, Lady Adele de Courcy is found dead in one of the poorest areas of the city.The common factor is Godfrey Fitzosbern, the local silversmith. But despite Crowner John's suspicions and the vengeful accusations of the families, it is John's duty to protect Godfrey until he can find definite proof of his guilt.Aided by his mistress Nesta, hindered by his social-climbing wife Matilda and her power-hungry brother, Sheriff Richard de Revelle, John slowly begins to put the pieces together. But a final, brutal act of violence will bring a new twist to the investigation ...
Customer Reviews:
Not Poison to Your Reading.......2007-03-20
Knight continues putting out a fine historical murder mystery product. I hope that he has some books left in him. We are of an age that I hope so.
Crowner John at His Best.......2005-02-01
December 1194 and Crowner John is away from Exeter in his capacity as Coroner of all Devon. He is called to the remains of a shipwreck in Torbay, but not everything is as it seems. Bodies from the wreck have been found among the debris and some of them carry injuries not conducive to being drowned.
While Sir John is away with Gwyn his bodyguard and his clerk Thomas de Peyne, trouble is brewing in Exeter, a rape has been committed on Christina Rifford, the daughter of a rich merchant. Sir John returns to Exeter to find the city in uproar with accusations flying around from the families involved. Then just before she is due to be married Lady Adele de Courcy is found dead underneath a pile of rubbish in the poorest part of the City. She also appears to have suffered a sexual attack. Suddenly Sir John has most of the influential people of Exeter banging on his door for justice.
The common factor in both killings appears to be the silversmith, Godfrey Fitzosbern, who by chance is Crowner John's next door neighbour. Can john protect the man until the truth emerges . . .
Bernard Knight is a consummate writer of the medieval novel and this is as good as any he has written.
Customer Reviews:
Chalice Worship.......2000-06-12
This book is great for personal devotions and public worship. While some material is very unorthodox (maybe even heretical) and should be avoided, the vast majority of material presented is of great benefit to individuals and congregations alike, not to mention very inspiring and enriching.
Book Description
The deliberate and often well-camouflaged addition of excess salt to processed foods has momentous health consequences, comparable in nature to the well-documented risks of smoking tobacco. Should our processed food come with a government health warning? The authors of this book provide a compelling and forceful account of these complex issues, teasing out fact from fantasy, and casting light on some of the hidden forces working to manipulate and exploit the consumer. This scientific detective story unravels with startling clarity how the evidence for the prosecution has been obfuscated, misinterpreted and even denigrated by some of the powerful vested interests of the multi-billion dollar food industry. Along the way, the authors illuminate the rich history and mythology associated with salt, its symbolism and manifold socio-economic consequences, all illustrated with an entertaining and eclectic selection of historical and contemporary illustrations. On the one hand this is a book with profound implications for public health, and on the other it is an entertaining and instructive account of a part of our diet that is too easily taken for granted, and ignored at our peril.
Customer Reviews:
Good but contains errors and not sufficiently comprehensive.......2005-06-07
Professor MacGregor is to be applauded for his efforts at informing the public about the hidden salt in foods, especially in convenience foods, and for seeking to bring about a reduction in the levels of salt added to food by manufacturers. He and his co-author have enlarged on these matters and other aspects of salt in this book. Unfortunately two glaring errors render the book less than helpful to those most in danger of or most harmed by salt. No mention is made of obese steroid victims, whose weight gain is caused by sodium and water retention, and who would lose much of their excess weight by curtailing their salt intake. And the book states categorically that HRT does not cause these problems, whereas it is, sadly, many women's experience that HRT does indeed cause severe water retention and weight gain. Like the steroidees, obese HRT victims would also lose excess water/weight by curtailing salt intake. Let us hope that if a revised edition is produced these errors will be corrected and that it will also advise that patients taking steroids or HRT should be warned not to eat salt or foods containing salt while taking their medication.
A Wonderful Important Book.......2003-01-14
Excuse the cliche, but everyone should read this book. After an interesting historical overview on human consumption of salt, the authors present a clear and compelling argument about the strong link between salt/sodium consumption and disease. I recommend that people interested in this should also read "The Salt Solution", which is perhaps a more accessible, shorter, and simpler book with a similar message. This book is an excellent companion to "The Salt Solution" because it lays out, in a more traditional academic style, the evidence from medical research studies published in reputable journals, the indisputable harmful effects of salt/sodium.
This is the book that you (or anyone skeptical of the salt/disease connection) would want to have if you were not satisfied with the credibility of typical trade books and, instead, wanted to see data, graphs, and careful arguments based on primary source research articles.
Also fascinating is the section on the salt industry and food processing industry response to efforts to educate the public about the dangers of salt consumption. These responses are eerily similar to those the tobacco industry ... perhaps not a surprise, given that many tobacco and food processing companies are owned by the same corporation and presumably employ the same lawyers and public relations teams. Read this book and you will realize that salt/sodium is bad stuff that is hidden in large quantities in many common foods. It could save you from early onset of heart disease, stroke, stomach cancer, osteoporosis, and other maladies that you can have some control over if you decide to become more salt-sodium aware. This book is a good start to doing that.
It'll change the way you eat.......1999-06-24
Prior to reading this book, I considered myself to be quite partial to salt in meals; a regular dispenser of the white crystals from the receptacle on the table. I approached the subject as a skeptic, believing that our bodies cause us to partake of the right amount of salt to suit our needs.
After reading it, my behaviour changed markedly, and I find (as the book suggests will happen) that my "need" for salt has diminished.
The authors' argument proceeds as follows:
- Humans used to eat much less salt than they do now, and it is possible to prove a relationship between our larger intake today and the much higher rates of high blood pressure and concomitant diseases. Even today, in less advanced cultures where salt intake is less than 3g per day, high blood pressure is virtually unknown.
- High blood pressure is a central cause of heart attacks and strokes.
- Our physiological requirement is for only a small quantity of salt; the rest is "addiction".
- If you have high blood pressure, reducing your intake of salt modestly to 5g per day can have the effect of reducing your blood pressure. (Tips for measuring your daily intake are given)
- Excessive salt intake can also be linked with: fluid retention in women; certain forms of kidney disease; osteoporosis; kidney stones; carcinoma of the stomach; and asthma.
- A link between high blood pressure and salt intake is not a new idea. However, vested interests have conspired (with commercial food interests acting in much the same way as tobacco interests have done) to obstruct attempts to use this to encourage a reduction in salt intake.
Various peripheral subjects are explored in the book. For example, it deals extensively and humorously with the very central role salt has played in society in the past: a source of wealth and tax revenue, a symbol of wit, durability, friendship and virility. The book covers the history of salt extraction, and the evolution of now firmly established links between high blood pressure and heart disease and other associated conditions.
The thesis appears to be rigorously argued (though as a medical layman I cannot be the judge of that). Since it was published, the level of publicity about the dangers of salt appears to have increased, with some purveyors of processed foods committing to reduce the salt contents of their wares. For this reason, I would suggest that the book has stimulated debate on the subject; and that must be a good thing. If the links are as direct as is here suggested this may have prolonged some lives already.
Despite the fact that a wide view is taken of the subject of salt here: history, significance, health implications; this book is not all light reading. It is clearly not intended to be an academic paper for publication in a peer-review journal. However there are some parts which may seem heavy reading and somewhat difficult to understand at the first encounter for medical neophytes like me.
In summary: a powerful thesis, an interesting discussion of the subject, don't take it to the beach with you.
Customer Reviews:
A story of mystery and adventure that keeps you reading.......2006-08-21
"The Traitor And the Chalice" is the 2nd installment of the Lyremouth series. In Book One "The Exile & the Sorcerer" introduces two main characters Tevi & Jemeryl and how they encounter. The main mystery is that chalice and finding it is Tevi's "quest". Who brought it to Storenseg, Tevi's home island? Why stole it? To where? And who stole it? This first book tells us how Tevi got herself into this quest and answers these questions except the last one, which is uncovered in the this installment, "The Traitor and the Chalice".
In Book Two Tevi & Jemeryl work together, without any backup, to solve the puzzle and to find the traitor who not only store the chalice from Tevi's homeland but also engaged in several deaths. They have no idea what kinds of dangers and troubles they'll face during their investigation and chase. In the land where the ability of performing magic sets the difference among people, it isn't easy for them, especially Tevi, to work and be together. But we can see how they overcome the troubles, albeit some compromise, without losing their faith with each other.
Jane Fletcher has done a good job to bring both mystery and adventure together in one story. She keeps us suspended during the reading of how they find out the traitor and set for the hunt. For this series, it is probably better to read the first two books in order if you want to have better understanding about some questions mentioned above (I think the 3rd one is not connected to the chalice). However, Jane has crafted her works such that you can pick up any book to read and still can catch up the story without too much difficulty.
No matter whether you read the speculative fictions or not, you should try Jane's works. If you have read the book one, you shouldn't miss this one. If you haven't, it's not too late to pick it up, especially that now you can read these two one by one without the wait.
Book Description
The Silver Chalice recounts the story of Basil, a young silversmith, who is commissioned by the apostle Luke to fashion a holder for the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper. The Silver Chalice was the best-selling fiction title of 1953 in the United States and was made into a film starring Paul Newman.
Customer Reviews:
Very relevant book for our time also........2006-07-28
This book was originally published in 1952 and was the year's best seller. The book is just as good today. Costain is a researcher that writes this novel with good background in church history. It was our book club book of this month.
On My List of Top 5 Books!.......2005-06-14
I am a prolific reader and The Silver Chalice is one of my all time favorite books. It has suspense, history, greed, romance, love, longing, spirituality - the list of in depth emotions that the main character experiences is amazing. Basil is adopted by a wealthy family at a young age and upon his adopted father's death he is sold into slavery. The story of how he meets Luke, the great physician, Joseph of Arimathea, and many other bibical characters and their influence on his life is astounding. This is a must read book that you will want to read many times.
Religious Fiction.......2001-08-28
This book gives you an inside view of the Luke and Paul and the other apostles as they struggle to give Jesus' church life. It talks about the danger they were in and the predjudice they faced. I read it before an exam in religion to help me understand the new testament better...it worked! The story follows a young man who was illegally enslaved and then had his freedom purchased by Luke so that he could produce a silver chalice with the likeness of all of the prophets. In order to do so he has to travel around to their lectures and speeches, stay in their homes and become friends with them. It is very insightful. A nice long book, that should keep you busy for quite a few hours of reading time.
Attention keeper.......2000-09-29
This book is long but worth every bit. When I read it I can't put it down (and I've read it several times!). The characters and plot are indepth and believable. This book gives me a window into another world. I would definitely recommend it.
A gripping story of Love, Labor and Faith.......2000-09-16
This book was given to me over the summer by my mother who read it when she was young. From the moment I opened it, I couldn't put it down. The story of Basil's journey from Antioch to Jerusalem is one of great courage and faith. The fictional characters are well developed, and the historical ones are portrayed quite uniquely with qualities of real people one seldoms sees in Paul and Luke. This book has led me to read more of this genre, including Taylor Caldwell's "Dear and Glorious Physician". The awkward situation Basil finds himself in between Helena and Deborra is a believable situation, and it provides great insight into the mind of an intelligent, and proud young man. I recommend this book to those who are fascinated with history, the Christian religion and excellent writing.
Book Description
In 1356, on a bitter winter evening, Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael arrive in Lincoln—Michael to accept an honor from the cathedral, and Bartholomew to look for the woman he wants to wed. It is not long before they learn that the friary in which they are staying is not the safe haven they imagine—one guest has already been murdered. It emerges that the dead man was holding the Hugh Chalice, a Lincoln relic with a curiously bloody history. Bartholomew and Michael are soon drawn into a web of murder, lies, and intrigue in a city where neither knows who can be trusted.
Customer Reviews:
No one surpasses Ms. Gregory.......2007-09-27
In the world of medieval mysteries, Ms. Gregory is right up there with the revered Ellis Peters and the prolific Mr. Doherty. Ms. Gregory's research that she puts into each book is remarkable, and each book is based on actual historical happenings as well as real historical people and places in England. This book is the 12 the Matthew Bartholomew series and is set in the town of Lincoln in December of 1356. As with most Ms. Gregory novels, this one is long (although it doesn't seem that way when you're reading), and there are a lot of murders and dead bodies scattered throughout. The mystery is gripping and the characters are real and vibrant. Matt and Brother Michael find themselves in the town of Lincoln in the middle of a bitterly cold winter. They are there because Michael is going to be canonized in the Lincoln Minster, and Bartholomew is there with him to try to find Mathilde who left Cambridge mysteriously 18 months before. They find the town of Lincoln is an unholy place. Not only is there a heartless serial killer on the loose, but there is a lot of civic unrest between the two merchant factions of the town that could erupt into a deadly civil war. Michael and Matt find themselves the target of an assassin or a group of assassins. The tension builds, and the book is a page-turner. I look forward to these books very much, and now can't wait for the next one.
Not her best.......2007-01-26
I just finished the 12th novel of the Gregory series. I love the characters and I love Gregory's writing.
There was just something about this last novel which made it harder to read than the others. I usually devour these stories which are nice little walks through the time,stepping over ever increasing body count as the mystery is inevitably solved.
I can't say the lovelorn Matthew was one of my favorite parts, especially considering he had been looking for the elusive Mathilde for almost two years. Frankly by that time she probably could have married and had her first child. While she was an interesting character, Gregory's characters all are in their ways, I was never so enamoured of her that I would miss her if she Never reappeared. The only good thing about Matthew's search is that he learned a thing or two about protecting himself. And Cynric, the Welshman, how did his wife feel about all these never ending wanderings to find Mathilde.
While the actual solving of these mysteries is not as enjoyable most times as the journey to get there I began to find all these particular characters tedious. And there was less "humor" -the intellectual cat fighting which I enjoy-than the others.
Gregory is a wonderful entertaining writer and I can not wait for the new one To Kill or To Cure which I guess is coming out this summer-in England at least. She is one of those authors and this series are one fo the few that I seek out as soon as they come out. I guess in the meantime I will have to seek out the other series she writes. They are not carried for the most part in my area -virtually all had to be ordered on line but Gregory is an author worthy of the search. It almost makes me want to take a trip to the UK to get it.
Medieval Fiction at its Very Best.......2006-08-02
Susanna Gregory is not as prolific a writer as many of the authors who write this style of book and the anticipation of waiting for a new title can be quite frustrating for the reader. However the wait is always worthwhile.
Her choice of Oxford as the main backdrop to her books is inspired. It seems to lull the reader into a world of spires and colleges inhabited by the students and academics who teach there. There is also always the underground rumblings of the inhabitants of the city who are constantly at loggerheads with the colleges and hate the students intensley, thinking of them as nothing more than thugs and bully boys.
Now to a little background from the book, which of course to make a complete liar of me takes place in Lincoln.
It is a cold and blustery evening in the year of our Lord 1356, Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael have journeyed to Lincoln. The cathedral are to honour Brother Michael and Bartholomew is determined to look for and find the woman he loves and is determined to marry.
Both men soon find out that the religious lodgings in which they are staying is not the safe place it is depicted to be. It is revealed that a guest has already been murdered under mysterious circumstances. It emerges that when the victim was found he was holding a chalice, a well known relic of Lincoln and one that had a bloody past. Why? what significance does it have to the death of the man . . .
Matthew and Brother Michael are soon drawn into the web of murder and deceit, but they are far from home, this is not Oxford and neither man is sure who can be trusted and who cannot.
I have never hidden my admiration for Susanna Gregory's writing and this one is a joy to read.
Book Description
Wreathmaking has become a popular hobby over the last several years, with handmade wreaths selling for top dollar. Wreaths for Every Season provides step-by-step instructions for 20 unique projects that readers can make themselves.
The book is organized by season, with each section including wreath ideas for every major holiday. Beginning and experienced wreath makers alike will appreciate: • Basic wreathmaking techniques • Guidelines for tying the perfect bow • Advice on properly drying flowers • How to choose wreath bases and work with silk flowers. Finished projects can be used as door and wall decorations, centerpieces, holiday decorations and more!
Average customer rating:
- Garbage
- Interesting characters but slow to mature
- Very Good, But a Little Empty
- The amazing trilogy continues...
- Part two in an entertaining series that is often too simple
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The Ring (The Sword, the Ring, and the Chalice, Book 2)
Deborah Chester
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The Queen's Knight
ASIN: 0441007570
Release Date: 2000-08-01 |
Book Description
A long-lost talismen helps a rebel princess and a half-elvin courtier realize the destiny that they share.
2nd in The Sword, the Ring, and the Chalice trilogy, following book one, The Sword
Customer Reviews:
Garbage.......2005-11-22
This book is horrible. I bought it a while back to read on a long plane ride, but I think it would have been more worth while just to stare at the back of the seat for four hours. The characters, the plot, and the writing were all bad and a bunch of the place names were faux-french, which I really hate. There were also some elves and evil intolerant religious types and some invading barbarian armies or something. Perhaps there were a few damsels-in-distress. Eventually it starts to blur with all the other bad fantasy I've read. If you find fantasy cliches comforting rather than mindnumbingly boring, maybe you would like this book. Personally it just depressed me. The fact that someone could be entertained by this is just sad, if you ask me.
Interesting characters but slow to mature.......2002-12-07
I enjoyed the first book in this series. The primary characters were young and energetic, irresponsible, but maturing. This book (The Ring), though, and the final book (The Chalice) were a dissapointment to me. The leading character, a maturing king, never seem to mature at all except in size, and I was confused to why others in the story would support his rise to power. Many of the emotions were lost to me as I watched powerful leaders of armys follow, what I considered to be, a relatively shallow and petty "would be king" with powerful weapons.
I do believe the author is a gifted writer. In many ways, though, this series gave me the same feeling as the Clan of the Cave Bears series, where I lost touch with the rational of the characters after the first book and started skipping pages just to get through.
Very Good, But a Little Empty.......2002-12-02
...The Ring is more of a three-and-a-half star book than either a four or three. The Ring is as engrossing a read as its predecessor, The Sword. However, once the last page is read, you can't help but think that not very much happened after the first hundred pages (almost the exact opposite of The Sword, where not very much happened *during* the first hundred pages). There are many bright spots here, nevertheless. The secondary plot involving Alexeika becomes more interesting. Prince Gavril's character becomes more complex and less an object of loathing. And the hero Dain comes into his own in a way that leaves the reader on the edge of the seat. The series remains very much worthwhile.
The amazing trilogy continues..........2002-11-30
In, The Sword, we were introduced to many characters including; Gavril, the spoiled prince with dark ambitions; Alexeika, the strong princesses with hopes and dreams to overthrow an evil usurper King; Pheresa, the tentative bride-to-be of prince Gavril who is not used to courtly life; and Dain, the part eldin boy destined to things greater than he could ever imagine. The second thrilling, but flawed, book picks up pretty much exactly where The Sword Left off.
Dain is now the Chevards adoptive son, although the adoption won't be considered legal until Dain gets permission from the King. To fulfill this quest Dain travels to the city with the spoiled Prince Gavril and his new and beloved farther. Unfortunately tragedy strikes on the way to the castle and Dain realizes that only he can meet the King and ask for his signature. Dain travels to the castle and immediately finds himself facing culture shock. Life in the city is not the same as his simple country life. People are both fascinated and fearful because of his eldin blood and alien ways. Just when Dain thinks he may eventually fit into court and be able to handle life as a chevard, he gets a message in the form of a dream. This one is from his real father, the former half-eldin King of Nether whose thrown was usurped by his own brother and Dain's uncle. Dain now knows that he is Faldain, and it's his duty to reclaim his throne. Unfortunately it's not that easy.
Meanwhile Princess and warrior Alexeika's only hope for a rebellion is shattered when her camp is attacked by nonkind. She is kidnapped and tortured as a prisoner to the nonkind. She knows she must escape. More than her own life depends on it. At court Princess Pheresa faces a much different trouble. Princess Gavril is her betrothed but it appears he'll never officially propose to her. And Prince Gavril ... he's up to something dark and dangerous that he could never really control.
I actually enjoyed this a little more than the last book but I still couldn't give it a 5 star rating. It's more of a 4.5 star rating than anything. The book was great, the characters are developing quite nicely, and the plot is surprisingly original for such a common story line. The only thing I have a problem is that the book is almost unbalanced. You hear a lot about Dain's story but not so much about everyone else. Gavril gets his fair share of screen time but Alexeika, who is supposed to be the big female hero of the series, kind of disappears part way through the book. Pheresa gets a very small part considering she is a very important character. That can all be amended though in the final book of the series, The Chalice. I can't wait to get my hands on it and finish this entertaining trilogy.
Part two in an entertaining series that is often too simple.......2002-09-01
The trilogy makes for a nice week of reading and is quite well written. Unfortunately, it does have a couple flaws, which are neglectable if one seeks only entertainment (see below).
Chester's Sword/Ring/Chalice-Series is one story told in three books, this is the second. Book 2 continues the storyline the day it ends in the first book, so, this is not a "20 years later our hero goes off to a new adventure"&"I want to write a sequel and make more money"-story. You'll have to buy/read all three books if you want to know the end (comparable to Tolkien's three books, even if on a different level).
Conclusion:
I usually turn off my brain and simply enjoy a story when reading fantasy. For me, a story needs to be gripping, seem real and make me want to not put the book down. Chester delivers those things for sure. The main characters are well developed, the side characters neglected and killed quickly. Sometimes, unimportant things are described in great detail just to never surface again. A love story between the two main characters is somewhat crammed into the last pages: The heroine's affections for the good guy are mentioned and well developed throughout the series, but he's going for some other girl all the time. His sudden decision to dump the other girl and take the heroine instead is unprepared, unexplained, seems unlikely and leaves a sour aftertaste which spoils the closing chapter. It's not exactly an unforgettable series; one can read the books again in a couple of years and pretend it was the first time. I enjoyed the series and - within the frame of the restrictions mentioned before - I do recommend it.
The flaws:
Flaw No. 1: The first 100 pages of the first book drag on and do not really have relevance, it's just an extended prelude about how the father of our hero screws up big time. The triology is actually more thrilling (I'd imagine) if one simply skips the beginning and reads this "prelude" afterwards.
Flaw No. 2: The author obviously does not know or not care about the historically correct meaning and status of aristocratic titels. There's a bunch a princes running around who are neither heir to the throne nor related to any king. That bugged me a little, as it is somewhat confusing.
Flaw No. 3: Our hero rises to high status in various steps. Each step he makes by saving the life of his respective superior: A huntsman to begin with, then a lord, then a prince, then the king. When there's no one else to save, cause there's no one above the king, it turns out our hero's of royal blood himself (which the reader assumed all along but that's a different story). It's somewhat too simple cause one quickly figures out that soon the next situation in which he'll save a life will come up in order to push the story along. Most of these live-saving-situations are quite unlikely, so if one prefers stuff that is thought through, logically sound and "thick" story-telling (like Tolkien), this is not your series. It's comparable to Goodkind's books: Extremely grave danger and a way too simple solution.
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- Pure Magic
- Could be better
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The Chalice and the Blade
Glenna Mcreynolds
Manufacturer: Bantam
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Dream Stone
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Prince Of Time
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River of Eden
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The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future
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Crazy Sweet
ASIN: 0553574302
Release Date: 1998-08-03 |
Book Description
In one of the most original and stunning debuts of the season, Glenna McReynolds brings historical romance readers the experience they've been waiting for: a novel of dark magic, stirring drama, and fierce passion that weaves a wondrous, unbreakable spell...
In a land of forbidding castles, sacred prophecies, and unholy betrayals, mystery surrounds the one woman who holds the key to an ancient legacy. She is Ceridwen, an orphan unaware of her immense power--until fate leads her from a secluded abbey into the tower of a feared sorcerer.
Dain Lavrans has no magic in himself, only the secrets of medicine he uncovered while a soldier in the Crusades. But he finally beholds true enchantment in the spell of passion innocently woven by the ethereal Ceridwen. Yet there are many who seek the maiden, all meaning to wrest her power for themselves. Now Ceridwen and Dain must struggle to escape the snares set by friend and foe alike, even as they discover a love that promises to bind them forever.
Customer Reviews:
dissapointing.......2007-09-17
I was eager for a good historical read and instead I get disjointed fluff that was mostly to boring or incoherent to bother reading. The love scene was sweet and tender and about the only decent thing she wrote in the entire book, which tells me that this is simply a classy porn novel and not a romance- Boo
Excellent!!.......2005-11-27
AS an avid reader, I found this book to be one of the best I've ever read. I find fantasy and romance, if well done, are the best of books. Throw in some sexual tension, and there you have it. I wish she would write more of Dain & Cedric. I'm about to try several of her other books; hope I'm not disappointed.
Superb Fantasy/Romance Trilogy.......2005-09-19
Frankly, the first time I tried reading The Chalice and the Blade, I was bored. I didn't hate it, but I wasn't the least enthralled either. However, desperate for something to read I picked it up again and gave it another chance--and thank goodness I did! The worlds McReynolds weaves in this book, and the sequels (Dreamstone and Prince of Time), are so rich and intriguing that I have since reread the trilogy several times, picking up new things I've missed in previous readings. The stories are also incredibly and breathtakingly romantic. My only disappointment is that McReynolds has since returned to writing modern romances--a shame since she displayed a true affinity for this genre.
Pure Magic.......2002-01-01
I loved this story. I bought this book and was never dissapointed. The book is pure magic. A must have!
Tisha D. Boldery
Could be better.......2001-04-14
I mean don't get me wrong the book was well written but I felt I had to drag myself through it. I was really hoping to see some demonstration of the girl's so called powers but that wasn't until the end. The thing that really repulsed me was the description of perversion amd sexual urges. Those scenes made me flip through those pages quick. And the action scenes were very short with miner details. I don't want to have to drag myself through that book again.
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