Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, Book 4)

Book Description

Private detective/wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden is suckered into tangling in the affairs of Faerie, where the fate of the entire world-and his soul-are at stake.

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Private detective/wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden is suckered into tangling in the affairs of Faerie, where the fate of the entire world-and his soul-are at stake.

Customer Reviews:

One of my favorite Dresden novels.......2007-09-11

I don't know what it is about this one, but it's among my favorite of the Dresden novels. Maybe because I'm a Murph fan and she kicks demonic hiney in this one. It's also the first book where the happenings in the Nevernever are really shown to influence the real world.

Besides, come on!!! Climactic battle with faeries, a demon, and a ghoul assassin inside a Super-Walmart? What's not to love?

Also, the decisive final battle really shows Harry leaning on others for a change, far more team-work than he's been comfortable displaying in some of the previous novels.

I'll just conclude the review with this thought from Harry "I know something you don't... the phone number to the Pizza 'Spress!"

The Queens of Faery.......2007-08-31

Summer Knight (2000) is the fourth urban fantasy novel in the Dresden Files series, following Grave Peril. In the previous volume, Harry called upon the spirits buried below the Red Court mansion and they took down Bianca. Susan escaped from Bianca as the spirits attacked. Harry finally told Susan that he loves her.

The hospital was so crowded that Harry had to share a room with Charity Carpenter. Despite her ordeal, Charity had plenty of energy to chew out Harry for endangering her husband and her child. However, Michael decided to name the boy child after Harry. Susan sent flowers and called every day, but she stayed away from Harry; her Hunger was too intense to approach him.

In this novel, the White Council comes to Chicago and toads rain down in Lake Meadows Park. When Harry goes over to check the unusual weather, Billy the Werewolf is waiting for him. Billy chastises him for becoming a hermit and then saves his life from a ghoul.

Billy has checked the office before coming to the park. Harry has an eviction notice from the landlord of his office building and an appointment with a Ms. Sommerset at three o'clock. Harry drops Billy off at his apartment and leaves him in Georgia's capable hands. She is bandaging the wounds as Harry drives away.

Harry doesn't have time to go home and freshen up (although he really needs to do so). Instead, he drives to the office. As he enters the doorway, Harry readies his shield bracelet for action, but only finds his prospective client inside.

Ms. Sommerset is both stunningly beautiful and intimidating. Dresden pulls a .44-caliber revolver out of his desk drawer and commands Ms. Sommerset to put her hands flat on the desktop. Then he flicks an iron nail across the desktop toward her hands.

At the last minute, the Fairy jerks back her hand and hastily steps away from the desk. These actions impress her more than anything else Harry has said or done. Now she wants Harry to become her agent and soon informs him that she has acquired his debts from his godmother. Then she states her real name and title: Mab, Queen of Air and Darkness.

The Winter Queen wants Harry to discover who was behind the death of the Summer Knight and also to recover his missing powers. At that moment, the Summer Queen is assuming that Ronald Reuel was killed by Mab's catpaws. The Summer forces are gathering to start the war prior to the Summer Solstice while their strengths are maximized.

The Winter Queen would prefer that this war never occurs. Harry is charged with preventing the war by finding the true perpetrator. The Summer Queen will provide her own emissary to work with him.

In this story, Dresden goes to the White Council conference in an old plaid bathrobe. He claims that Mister -- his cat -- had used his good robe as a litter box (which was probably true) but no one inquired why he hadn't stored the robe in a more secure place. Maybe his attitude toward the Council had a little to do with his careless storage.

Anyway, the Merlin is rather irritated with Harry for starting the war with the Red Court vampires. Others realize that Harry had been lured into a trap and did the only reasonable thing by rescuing the other guests. His old mentor -- Ebenezar McCoy -- advises him on the political maneuvering and Harry survives the Council plots against him. However, Dresden begins to recognize some of the stratagems of the Winter Queen.

Harry enlists Murphy's assistance in retrieving the police reports on the Ronald Reuel case. Yet he is very concerned by the condition of the tough detective. She is having trouble sleeping, suffering from night terrors concerning Kravos and what he did to her. He finally realizes that she needs to face her fears to overcome them and that his protectiveness is not helping.

This story introduces Elaine, whom Harry had thought dead. She is the Summer Queen's emissary, but is closer to Lady Summer, the daughter of the Summer Queen. Harry is happy to know that she survived the fire resulting from his faceoff with his foster father. After she explains her enthrallment by Justin, he feels an unexpected relief that she had not intentionally betrayed him.

This tale has moments of introspection, but is the most action filled story to date. From the first chapter to the last, it involves Harry in situations where his powers are definitely inferior to his opposition. No more blasting away at his enemies; he has to use some subtlety and finesse to accomplish his mission. Somehow, I don't think that this approach will carry over to the next volume.

Highly recommended for Butcher fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of supernatural creatures, Council intrigues, and wizardly manipulations.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Silly Faeries.......2007-08-24

I just finished reading this book and while I do admit to liking the previous one, Grave Peril, a bit more...this one is by no means a stinker. In fact, overall its the best in the series from book 1-4. Harry, the hero and wizard extrodinaire of the story is evolving into a much more realistic character (ok, realistic for a fantasy novel). His naive ways are much less a frustrating factor in this book, and the plots become much more involved. One of the series' main sidekicks, Murphy, is MUCH more real and likeable in this book. There are twists and turns and it keeps you on your toes as the metaphorical stuff hits the fan. The author, Jim Butcher is definitely getting the hang of what he wants from this series and it shows. I'd highly recommend all of these books, and most especially this one, for any fan of the fantasy genre.

Definition of a page turner.......2007-07-25

If you like fantasy, sci fi, mystery, or all of the above, you will get sucked into the Dresden books. Summer Knight is one of the best.

Not my favorite but..........2007-07-17

This book sets in motion events that will change the magical as well as Harry's life for ever

this is not my favorite of the series but it is a necessary link in the chain
esp when you get to the 2 most recent books

as always butcher as a nack for writing what feels like a pulp detective story from the 1940's but set in the modern world (more or less.

Wizard By Trade, Includes Summer Knight & Death Masks

Average customer rating:

Two good stories, but so very different
Excellent series

Wizard By Trade, Includes Summer Knight & Death Masks

Manufacturer: SFBC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0739465813

Product Description

Fantasy: For Harry Dresden, the only wizard listed in the Chicago phone book, when it rains, it pours. In fact, it pours toads, always a sign something bad is about to happen, But Harry takes such omens in stride, given that his rattletrap VW Bug needs constant upkeep, and his 30 pound guard cat wants regular meals.

Customer Reviews:

Two good stories, but so very different.......2007-09-11

This volume contains two very good but oh-so-different stories that represent Butcher at his finest up to that point. His books get better with every one he publishes.

Summer Knight is the almost light-hearted story about how Dresden gets caught up in a power-struggle between the two faerie courts. The plot is original and off-beat and gives Murphy a much more active role than she's had before in the battle between good and evil. The final battle, surreal as it is, makes you feel like you're there. And, in true Butcher style, you have to break off from reading some very tense passages in order to laugh, either at something Harry has to say or at some insanely clever and amusing new twist.

Death Masks is an altogether darker work, focusing on demons rather than faeries. The end of the world is once more a very real possibility (when is it NOT if Harry Dresden has to get involved) and to make matters worse for Harry, Susan Rodrigez is back on the scene. Let the angst begin! Harry makes some new friends, fights alongside some old ones, and has his life changed forever by when he makes a split-second decision to protect a child.

Butcher keeps getting better, as he proves with every successive novel. Summer Knight and Death Masks show a decided improvement over earlier works (although Death Masks contains what I consider a needless and overly-graphic sex scene that I can't even call a "love scene"). Reading these made me impatient to see what Butcher would have for us next.

Excellent series.......2006-07-12

This is a special edition omnibus of the fourth and fifth books of the Dresden files--available only from the Science Fiction Book Club or second hand.

Pony-Crazed Princess: Princess Ellie's Summer Vacation (Pony-Crazed Princess)

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Pony-Crazed Princess: Princess Ellie's Summer Vacation (Pony-Crazed Princess)
Diana Kimpton
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1423106164

Murder at Home: A Crimes for a Summer Christmas Anthology (Crimes for a summer Christmas)

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Murder at Home: A Crimes for a Summer Christmas Anthology (Crimes for a summer Christmas)

Manufacturer: Allen & Unwin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1863735216

Eloise's Summer Vacation (Ready-to-Read. Level 1)

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Eloise's Summer Vacation (Ready-to-Read. Level 1)
Kay Thompson , Hilary Knight , and Lisa McClatchy
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0689874545

Book Description

Eloise, Weenie, and Nanny are going on a road trip across the country for vacation!

Book Description

Margaret dangled her legs over the edge of the fire escape and flipped to a clean page in her diary. "Maizon took a test in May. If she passes, she's going to go to this big private school in Connecticut. Every night I pray she doesn't get accepted."

Margaret and Maizon may not be family, but their bond feels a lot stronger than just friendship. They aren't exactly two peas in a pod-Maizon can be pretty flashy, while Margaret is more subdued-but they've done everything together since they can remember on their block in Brooklyn.

After this summer, though, everything might change. Not only has Margaret's father been in the hospital a lot lately, but for the first time she and Maizon will be split up. Maizon is afraid to go to a school with hardly any black students, and Margaret is afraid of feeling all alone, even though she's the one staying home.

Customer Reviews:

The Sweetest Book.......2006-05-10

This book is a reflection of when I had a really really good relationship with one of my friends and how Maizon and the other girl just always stuck together no matter what would happen. They were like paper and glue, just no seperation. Even through their trials and tribulations, they are like really close sister. Over there summer time, they went places together, spent time with each other. Went shopping with each other.

A KIDS REVIEW.......2005-04-06

IF YOU ARE A GIRL AND LIKE BOOKS ABOUT FRIENSHIP, THEN YOU WILL DEFINITELY LOVE LAST SUMMER WITH MAIZON. IT A LL BEGINS IN A FRIENSHIP THAT WILL LAST FOREVER. MARGARET AND MAIZON HAVE BEEN FRIENDS SINCE THEY WERE LITTLE AND THEY SHARE SO MANY THINGS LIKE WEARING THE SAME OUTFITS AND IN THE SAME CLASS TOGETHER. SUMMER IS COMING UP AND THEY ARE WILLING TO SPEND IT TOGETHER, BUT WILL ALL THIS CHANGE WHEN MAIZON TAKES A TEST FOR A SMARTER SCHOOL?
I LIKED THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT HAD ALOT OF DETAILS ON MANY DIFFERENT CHARACTERS AND IT MADE YOU GET SO INTO IT THAT YOU COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN AND STOP RDEADING BECAUSE ONCE YOU GOT INTO A CERTAIN PART , YOU JUST COULDN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. LIKE WHEN MAIZION TOOK THE TEST, I JUST HAD TO READ THE NEXT PART TO SEE IF SHE HAD GOT IN AND WAS GOING TO THE NEW SCHOOL.
IF I HAD A CHOOSE I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE I KNOW BECAUSE I WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE TO GET THE WORD OUT TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE SO THEY CAN AGREE WITH ME THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A VERY GOOD BOOK. IF YOU DON'T READ THIS BOOK THEN HOW CAN YOU SEE FOR YOURSELF IF YOU LIKE IT OR NOT.

Wonderful story...read all books in the trilogy........2005-03-18

I read this book in order to prescreen it before giving it to my beloved 8-year old niece. It held my adult attention with no problem, but is still age-appropriate as marketed. The fascinating story of Maizon and her best friend Margaret unfolds largely on their block in the big city. These two have grown up together and are as "thick as thieves". The story follows them over the course of a summer when Margaret faces a personal family crisis and Maizon deals with the uncertainty of moving away from her beloved grandmother, family and friends (including Margaret) for the very first time.

Jacqueline Woodson crafts a fine story that is so real you'll believe it could have happen to you or some beautiful brown baby girl you know.

I'd highly recommend all of the books in the trilogy.

Best Friends Forever.......2004-10-11

This book reveiw is on a book named Last Summer with Maizon. This book is about two best friends named Margarate and Maizon who lives on Madison Street. Her friend Maizon was accepted to Blue Hills, a school where really educated people go. Margarate does not want them to be separated. Every night she wishes Maizon will not get accepted. But when Margarate's father has a second heart attack, he dies and now all Margarate has is Maizon, her mother, her little brother Jay and the people around. Margarete was having a rough time anyway and then Maizon got accepted to Blue Hills. When it was time for Maizon to leave Margarate, her mother and Maizon's grandmother dropped her off. When Maizon wasn't there with Margarate her whole life changed. At school she was becoming popular, she was liked now. Days passed by and Maizon still didn't call. When Margarate went to go get her brother at her neighbors house, that's when Maizon calls. Margarate was so excited that Maizon wanted to come home. Margarate ran to the grandmother's house telling her the news. Margarate said Maizon wants to come home, the grandmother says that she would go get her. When Maizon got home it was like old times, they ran into each others arms. They then went to their favorite spot and started talking. Maizon said she came back because she wasn't being treated right, she didn't feel the same. So they sat there and talked and felt like old times with my best friend Maizon. I think that this book should have gotten an award or five stars. This book has mostly everything of real life. It deals with best friends, for example like my friendship with Kiena. It has separation, like my sister and me. It has a lost loved one like my godfather and it has a lesson like when you do wrong and learn your lesson. I think that this book should have five stars because it really relates to real life,it shows friendship and it shows and explains what happens in real life. I like this book because it reminds me of my life, me and my friends, how we argue and lose our friendship and then gain it back with a little talking. It reminds me of how I lose people in my family and then cry because I miss them. If I could buy this book, I would let my whole family read it, I would make it our reference book for when we need advice or something to do. This book is so good that all my friends wanted to read it. It is so good that I really read it because I don't really read books and when I read the book it made me think of when my best friend Ariel was going to move and how it made me feel, and how I compare it to Margarate and Maizon. This book is excellent, the author really put their heart in it and that they were depressed and needed a friend. If you ask my best friend Johnniece, she'll say that she really enjoyed the book, that it should get five stars, because the author really put thought, confidence, respect, love, care and her whole heart into this book. When I say she put confidence in this book I meant that she wrote it knowning that it will be a hit. The author thought about the words, thought her life and compared it and started writing it with compassion. I think that this book should be the book of the month in my school, because it shows and teaches a lesson. With the summary I wrote I put my heart in it because when I read it, it touched my heart. I won't want my friend away from me. I think that I mostly relate to Maizon, because when she left Margarte was beginning to be liked, and the girl was talking about Maizon and Margarte sat there and watched and listened instead of doing the right thing and telling them to stop doing that to their friend. I relate to Maizon, I relate to her because if people don't like me, I don't care. If people want me out of somewhere, then I'll leave and if people love me, I love them back and that's how Maizon is. She doesn't take junk. Alot of people relate to Maizon. This book is interesting and gets interesting as you read on. This book is really a good book that shows you friendship, break-up and everything else that deals with real life. I love this book, it is really good and I think that if most people had this book then they wouldn't be out doing the stupid and illegal things that they are doing. This book really didn't grasp Dr. Kings dream because when Maizon went to Blue Hills, the whites were treating her bad, they saw her different. Brenliniqua, Class 7-512.

The Wonderful Friendship that will Never End.......2004-10-07

The Wonderful Friendship that will Never End
By: Johnnise Lopez

This review that you will read is about a wonderful book called "The Last Summer with Maizon" by Jacquline Woodson. This book is great I would recommend it to readers that likes to read about best friends relationships. I can relate to this book because I'm going through the same thing. Oneof my best friends, Aerial is leaving to Westown boarding school when we graduate from 8th grade. I will miss her alot but when she comes for vacation we will be together.
Now let me tell you more about the book. This story was mainly about two best friends Maizon and Margaret. Maizon lives with her grandmother. Her grandmother wants to to get her into a gifted J.H.S. in Connecticut called "Blue Hill".She thinks these schools in New York aren't challenging enough so she wants Maizon to go to boarding school in Connectitcut.
The next main character is a girl named Margaret which is Mazion's best friend. Maizon lives with her mother, her father, and her little brother Lil'Jay. Margaret doesn't want Maizon to go to Connecticut. She prays every night for Maizon to stay here on Madison Street.
Maizon and Margaret has been together since they were babies they both grew up together on Madison Street in New York. They have went to school on Madison Street they have carved their names on that street and did many other things that they will always remember. Its like their life is on Madison Street and Margaret doesn't want Maizon to leave.
Maizon's grandmother took Maizon to take the test for the gifted J.H.S. Maizon was hoping she failed the test but she then changed her mind. Everyday she would check the mailbox hoping the test was there. Margaret did the opposite she prayed everynight hoping Maizon failed the test. Margaret felt that if Maizon left she will then be alone and Maizon will find a new best friend, and forget about her.
A few months later Maizon looked in the mailbox for the millionth time and found a letter that was from Blue Hill. Maizon went up stairs opened the letter read it and spread a big smile across her face because it said "Congratulations Maizon you've been excepted to Blue Hill. Maizon told her grandmother then quickly called her best friend and told her the good news but Margaret thought of it as bad news. Margaret went and told her mother and she said "oh great". Margaret's mother didn't know how she felt about Maizon going to Blue Hill which meant leaving her. These two girls were so close that they promised each other not to go to Manhattan without each other.
Time then came for Maizon to go to Connecticut. Maizon, Margaret, Lil Jay, Margaret's mother and Maizon's grandmother went on the train to Manhattan to take Maizon to Penn Station. Maizon gave Margaret a huge hug said good bye and did the same to the others. On their way back to Madison Street Margaret asked her mother will her and Maizon become old best friends. Her mother said "no" never that made Margaret feel so much better but she still worried.
Hours later Maizon got to Blue Hill settled down met all her teachers and classmates. After a few days of being in the school Maizon got the message from her classmates. Maizon felt that they didn't like her, no one talked to her, no one payed her any attention, or even tried to be friends with her. Maizon didn't call anyone in New York for days because she wanted everyone to think she was okay. One day she couldn't hold it anymore and decided to call. She called and and spoke to Margaret told her how she felt and she wanted to come home. She told Margaret to tell her grandmother because she didn't want to disappoint her. she thinks her grandmother might think she just said that because she doesn't want to be there. Her grandmother found out called her and told her "it was going to be okay" and she can come home. A few days later Margaret was looking out the window and saw Maizon running to her house. Margaret went outside hugged her and told her how much she missed her. They then walked down Madison Street and talked about everything they did when they were younger.
I hope you enjoyed the review. I also hope you saw that there were two problems in the story. The 1st problem was that Margaret didn't want Maizon to go to Blue Hill. The solution was Maizon went but she didn't like it so she came back which made Margaret very happy. The2nd problem was that Margaret didn't like the way her classmates were treating her and she wanted to leave. The solution was that her grandmother made plans as quick as possible to get her here and she did. Maizon and Margaret was happy again.
Now that you have read a wonderful book review about the book "The Last Summer with Maizon" by Jacqueline Woodson, I hope you check it out and read it. Once you read the first page you will fall in love with the book.I hope you read the whole book and check out the 2nd part of the book "Maizon at Blue Hill". This book is just as good or better. The second part of the book talks about when she goes to Blue Hill and how she feels that she is different from the white kids, in the school. At Blue Hill there are only 5 black children and Maizon is the only 7th grader. Imagine how interesting this book will be "you can't know without reading it". I hope you read it and, I hope you liked the review.

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Book Description
Summer's Knight

Summer's Knight
Virginia Lynn
Manufacturer: Fanfare
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0553295497
Release Date: 1992-02-01

Customer Reviews:

Book Description.......2004-05-09

From the Back Cover:
ONE RESTLESS HEART
A New Orleans heiress, Summer St. Clair never dreamed that fleeing from an arranged marriage would leave her stranded, penniless and alone, in the unfamiliar streets of London. But her terrifying ordeal soon turned into breathtaking adventure when she captured the glittering eyes of an untamed rogue.

ONE BURNING PASSION
A man of daring desires, Jamie Cameron pledged to be Summer's chivalrous knight . . . but he secretly longed to possess this woman of beauty and spirit. Carefully planning the ultimate seduction, he never expected her innocent charms to pierce his armor of arrogance and expose his lonely heart.

ONE SHATTERING SECRET
From London's bawdy back alleys to the wild Scottish Highlands, Summer and Jamie waged a thrilling tug-of-war. Yet even as she succumbed to his fiery touch, Summer kept a dangerous secret, a secret that could shatter the glorious passion she had come to cherish.

Summer's Knight.......2000-03-26

This book was thrilling and sensual to read. Very romantic and exotic. Summer is an heiress who gets lost in a dangerous city. She is protected by a sex-driven Scotsman. He wants only one thing from her at first, but as they begin to depend on each other more and more, he learns what love is, and learns that even the deepest love can be tested to the limits by a life shattering secret.

Average customer rating:

A Continuation but a change also...
Unique twist on an old story...
Excellent continuation of Arthurian saga
A very good interpretation of the days of King Arthur
Very nice fantasy book - 2nd in trilogy...

Kingdom of Summer
Gillian Bradshaw
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0671254723

Customer Reviews:

A Continuation but a change also..........2003-11-18

Gillian Bradshaw continues in Kingdom of Summer where she left off in Hawk of May with one major change...she changes the point of view from Gwalchmai to Rhys, his servant. I like the observations Rhys makes of Gwalchmai and I think the switch in perspective adds much to a character I thought I had come to understand in the earlier book. There is a bit more sorcery involved in this book but I love that it is down played for the most part. I also love that there is no sign of Merlin or Lancelot; and Guinevere remains a barely mentioned figure in the background. After reading nearly every Arthurian legend I can lay my hands on, I am excited to find this author's perspective to be truly different from the norm. Bradshaw's characters have interest in their own right-- without the crystal balls and shape changing and time travel that so many authors depend upon for a cheap attempt to add a thrill to the story of Arthur. And really, I guess this story is very little about Arthur - it's about Gwalchmai and it is GREAT!

Unique twist on an old story..........2001-11-17

If you're looking for yet another re-telling of La Morte d'Arthur, look somewhere else. If you love Arthurian legend, but are interested in reading something a little different, Gillian Bradshaw's trilogy is fascinating, enjoyable, heart-breaking and impossible to put down.

Even though sorcery and the Otherworld are prominent features in the books, the characters are realistic -- people that are easy to relate to. These books bring Arthur's Britain to life from a more historical (as opposed to legendary) perspective.

The trilogy consists of "Hawk of May", "Kingdom of Summer" and "In Winter's Shadow". The first begins with Gwalchmai's (Gawaine's) childhood and ends with his acceptance into Arthur's Family. The second continues Gwalchmai's tale, but is told from the perspective of his servant. The third book is narrated by Gwynhwyfar (Guinevere).

"Kingdom of Summer" is about Gwalchmai's search for the lady he loves, Elidan, and his eventual confrontation with his mother, Morgause, the evil sorceress. Other great characters, (along with Arthur & Gwynhwyfar) make appearances: Medraut (Mordred), Bedwyr (Bedivere), Gwalchaved (Galahad), Lot of Orcade, Agravain, Cei (Kay), Urien of Rheged, Maelgwn of Gwynedd, etc, etc. Don't look for Chretien de Troye's literary creation, Lancelot -- these books do very well without him.

All three books are equally well written -- I can't recommend one more than another. There are more reviews written on the first book. Personally, this trilogy is my favorite Arthurian tale to date.

Excellent continuation of Arthurian saga.......1999-07-27

Told from the point of view of Gwalchmai's servant Rhys, this novel picks up where "Hawk of May" left off. Sorcery, action, intrigue and Bradshaw's exquisite touch for historical detail make this a worthy second offing in this excellent fantasy series.

A very good interpretation of the days of King Arthur.......1999-03-27

Gillian Bradshaw is a wonderful author with the gift to hold you captive in her descriptive style of writing.

Very nice fantasy book - 2nd in trilogy..........1997-07-25

The "Kingdom of Summer" is the 2nd book in GillianBradshaw's Arthurian trilogy. Its story line continues where the"Hawk of May" left off and ends before "In Winter's Shadow"

Book Description

On the Field from Denver, Colorado! is one man's view of the inside world of competitive junior drum corps. Whether you've marched 50 years ago, this past year or just yearned to be standing on the field, G.M. Kuzma's personal tale will give you a new appreciation for this musical art form.

"Good morning Blue Knights. Welcome to DCI Finals. The lights are on, stretch is in 12 and three quarter minutes." A couple of chuckles and moans ensue as we rise to face our destiny. It was finally here, three months of hard work, 12-hour practices, too many performances to count and now we are at the day of Finals.

Journey along with the young men and women of the 1994 Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. Experience the Drum Corps International Summer Music Games and the intense preparations it took to arrive there.

Become a part of the action, stand on the field and learn what this life is really like in a drum & bugle corps on tour. The sacrifices, the joys, the heartbreak, the physical agony, the lifelong friendships, the lessons learned and earned.

"This is an essential read for all drum corps enthusiasts!"--Mark Arnold, Director

Customer Reviews:

A Must For Drum Corps Fans!.......2007-09-19

For any drum corps enthusiast, G. M. Kuzma's book offers a chance to live the experience vicariously through his daily journal entries. I read the book intently over a three-night period and loved it! Emotional, provoking and poignant -- I felt like I was there - every step of the way from beginniing to end. Beautiful!

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-08-15

This is the story, in journal form, of Mr. Kuzma's first summer in a competitive touring marching band. It appears to have been quite a summer. From bus mishaps, to strange traveling and lodging conditions, instrument-related injuries -- the list goes on and on. There are also random relationships, some fleeting and some destined to last a lifetime.

This book will appeal most to people involved in marching bands. More specifically, anyone who currently competes, or intends to start this kind of adventure. It could provide a reflection of what you've experienced, or give you a good idea of what's in store for you.

What it did for me, one of the people who made fun of the band kids, was give me a newfound respect for anyone who puts themselves through this. I was amazed at how much everyone is expected to learn in such a short period of time, and how hard everyone works. And, how fast it all can change and you very nearly have to start over!

In equal parts exhilarating, frustrating, painful, and funny, it seems to be an interesting life.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

A Great Book.......2007-05-09

I actually own a copy of this book and i've read through it several times. It's a great piece; i have shown it to several family members to help explain drum corps (as we both know, "marching band per se" just doesn't cut it). An excellent read for anybody new to drum corps, interested or involved in drum corps, and alumni.

- Justis Kleber

There needs to be more books like this!.......2007-04-10

GM telling it like it is! I'm sure you'll agree that the experience of marching Corps during the summer is one that more than a few people can relate to and have experienced for themselves. Mr. Kuzma holds nothing back in this exciting account of tour life. You'll definitely want to check it out!!

~Courtney Brandt, author, The Line
The Line

When a dream becomes a journey.......2007-02-20

When a dream becomes a journey, the human heart has the capability of being transformed into a force, with real, tangible velocity. This is something that is frightening, difficult, and beautiful. Being on a true journey requires so much of us: being brave enough to continue even when it is most frightening, being willing to be changed even when it is most difficult, and being solid, unwavering in what you do for what you are passionate for. This is something we rarely see in this day and age, but there are those diamonds in the rough still out there, hearts who are willing to push themselves past their limits to make new limits and never give up hope that there is so much life to live and to give that they will not stop.
One such heart is Greg Kuzma. He got on a plane to Colorado a boy, and came home a young man. The thing I loved the best about this book is that you really get an experiential knowledge alongside this young person as his dream begins to grow into his passion. The youthful pondering of life, love, and music, wondering how it all fits in to his world. The childlike wonder at the majestic beauty of solid teamwork and true community in a society where we are taught from birth that we are to stay away from these things - that being a valued individual cannot coincide with teamwork and community. It is truly beautiful to experience alongside this unsure young boy as he is transformed into a brave young man, and we the readers get to share in his laughter, in his tears, and in the sheer bravery of his growth, difficult as it is for him to experience. He openly takes us there with him, into the truth of his heart, and for that, I respect and appreciate him tremendously. I LOVE this book, because this young man lets us in and gives us his heart for all to see, and more importantly, to actually experience with him. As he grows, so will anyone who reads this book. We can learn a lot from this young man, unafraid to have a story and tell it with such honesty, purity, and clarity. I never marched drum corps, largely because at that time in my life, I was unwilling to take any risks. I am honored to get to share in this journey with one who did. This book is wonderful because it is inspiring. This book is wonderful because it is exciting. But most of all, this book is wonderful because it is sweet and young: the true, unrestricted, unabridged heart of a boy willing to grow in order to make his dream into the beginning of his journey.

Ethan Frome and Summer (New Riverside Editions)

Average customer rating:

Tragic love

Ethan Frome and Summer (New Riverside Editions)
Edith Wharton , Denise D. Knight , and Paul Lauter
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Literature & Fiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0618300120

Book Description

Edith Wharton herself drew many connections between her two novellas—Ethan Frome and Summer—which address the consequences of forbidden sexual passion and the tragedy of thwarted dreams. While Wharton continues to be one of the most frequently taught American writers, this New Riverside Edition volume is the first to pair these texts along with supporting critical and contextual materials. Supplementary materials include related writing about the Berkshires, essays about cultural norms in New England, and critical essays.

Customer Reviews:

Tragic love.......2005-04-30

In a way, Edith Wharton was at her best in her novellas -- her stories are lean, taut and emotionally deep. That's what "Summer" and "Ethan Frome" have in common, as they look at love, sex, marriage and the conventions of the 1800s. Put together, these novellas are utterly fascinating.

"Ethan Frome" is the male half of a loveless marriage, with the fretful, fussy Zeena. Then Zeena's lovely cousin Mattie Silver comes to live with them, and she brings out a happier, more passionate side of Ethan. But when Mattie is sent away, Ethan must make a decision. He knows he can't stay in his horrible marriage, so will he run away with Mattie? Or will something worse happen?

"Summer" shocked the 1917 public, with its frank-for-its-time look at a young woman's sexual awakening. It takes place in the New England village of North Dormer, where the young librarian Charity lives. But when Charity falls in love with an upper-class young rake named Lucius, she finds herself pregnant and unmarried -- a destructive combination in the 1900s.

Edith Wharton gave unvarnished looks at social conventions throughout her career -- she doesn't judge, she just tells it how it was, whether she's talking about the Roaring 20s or the uptight Victorian era. Divorce was almost unthinkable, affairs scandalous if revealed, and women had the cards stacked against them in matters of love, marriage and sex.

Both novellas also display Wharton's talent for writing characters who were totally unlike her, especially working-class heroes. Charity is an uneducated, naive, rough-mannered young woman, while Ethan is... well, male. Neither is much like Wharton, but she gets inside their heads and makes them entirely believable.

Wharton's formal writing style is offset by the starkness of her stories -- if she took a hard look at Victorian social conventions, she didn't flinch from showing what happened to those that transgressed. (I'll give you a hint -- neither novella has a smooching-lovers-ride-off-into-the-sunset finale) It's realistic, but a bit depressing.

"Summer" and "Ethan Frome" are both tales of love doomed by social conventions, and also two of Wharton's best stories. Sad and beautiful, gripping and classic.

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