Dragon Bones: A Red Princess Mystery (Red Princess Mysteries)

Book Description

In a magnificent land where myth mixes treacherously with truth, one woman is in charge of telling them apart. Liu Hulan is the Inspector in China’s Ministry of Public Security whose tough style rousts wrongdoers and rubs her superiors the wrong way. Now her latest case finds her trapped between her country’s distant past and her own recent history.

The case starts at a rally for a controversial cult that ends suddenly in bloodshed, and leads to the apparent murder of an American archaeologist, which officials want to keep quiet. And haunting Hulan’s investigation is the possible theft of ancient dragon bones that might alter the history of civilization itself.

Getting to the bottom of ever-spiraling events, Hulan unearths more scandals, confronts more murderers, and revives tragic memories that shake her tormented marriage to its core. In the end, she solves a mystery as big, unruly, and complex as China itself.

Customer Reviews:

Dragon Bones by Lisa See.......2007-07-27

What a writer ! Lisa See educates without being pedantic. In Dragon Bones, she has created a complex mystery while including enormous amounts of information on Chinese culture and environmental effects of the Three Gorges Dam. I learned much and was entertained as well.

Another great contemporary mystery by Lisa See.......2007-07-20

Dragon Bones is Lisa See's third contemporary Chinese mystery featuring Inspector Liu Hulan. I read the first one, Flower Net, and somehow the second passed me by. Like Flower Net, Dragon Bones is both a great detective story and a window into modern Chinese culture. Lisa See manages to show us a lot about a rapidly modernizing China without bogging down the story. Liu Hulan is the kind of character I'd like to have a meal with: smart, interesting, with pain in her past but not consumed by it. Lisa See has a gift at making the character seem completely Chinese to the Western reader yet sympathetic at the same time.

Having recently read, and loved, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel, , I understand more about Lisa See's strengths as a writer. Depiction of foreign culture: fantastic. Male characters: not so much. This wasn't as apparent in Snow Flower because the men lived in a different world from the women characters that were the focus of the story. In Dragon Bones, Hulan is married to an American man, David Stark. David's character never comes to life like Hulan's. Although he and I (and the writer) have more in common than Liu Hulan and I do, never the less, Hulan is fully three-dimensional and believable where David falls flat.

If you like mysteries that are different without being gimmicky, you will enjoy this book. There's no need to read them in order although I'm sure there are some benefits from doing so. There are some graphic crime scenes, as a warning to the squeamish.

mystery at the three gorges.......2007-07-16

Ms. See does it again! This is a story in which you can find out about the effects of long-time water immersion on a human body, the largest mushrooms in the world, the result of the three gorges dam project, and the corruption of public officials. A page-turner for sure!!

Not the same calibre as Snow Flower.......2007-04-10

This isn't a bad book but it isn't in the same league with Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

Another good book by Ms See.......2006-10-26

What I like best about Lisa See is usually not the novel in itself, but the detailed, and genuine aspects of China and its culture. I really enjoy learning chinese words and the traditions of this unique country.
The story is a mistery/thriller that revolves around the construction of the biggest Dam in the world, the impact that this will have on China's culture and the discovery of a very important artefact that could also change China's history, forever. In between there are gruesome murders and religious cults, and the rekindling of love between american lawyer Stark and his chinese wife Liu Hulan. Together they'll try to solve the murders and the mistery and, hopefully, save their love.

Dragon Bones (The Hurog Duology, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

deceptively small, ample execution [no spoilers]
I LOVED This Book!
Briggs is a master storyteller
Clever plot, wonderful language
A great fantasy story with twists

Dragon Bones (The Hurog Duology, Book 1)
Patricia Briggs
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0441009166

Book Description

Ward of Hurog has tried all his life to convince people he is just a simple, harmless fool...And it's worked. But now, to regain his kingdom, he must ride into war-and convince them otherwise.

"Patricia Brigg's novels...are clever, engaging [and] fast-moving." (Romantic Science Fiction & Fantasy)

Download Description

Most everyone thinks Ward of Hurog is a simple-minded fool-and that's just fine by him. But few people know that his foolishness is (very convincingly) feigned. And that it's all that's saved him from death at the hands of his abusive father-who's always seen Ward as a bitter rival for power. When his father dies, Ward becomes the new lord of Hurog.until a nobleman declares that he is too dim-witted to rule. Ward knows he cannot play the fool any longer. To regain his kingdom, he must prove himself worthy-and quickly. Riding into a war that's heating up on the border, Ward is sure he's on the fast track to glory. But soon his mission takes a deadly serious turn. For he has seen a pile of magical dragon bones hidden deep beneath Hurog Keep. They are Hurog's most precious, powerful treasure-and Ward is certain his enemies will kill to possess them.

Customer Reviews:

deceptively small, ample execution [no spoilers].......2007-06-21

"Dragon Bones" decisively starts "The Hurog Duology" with straightforward character and plot developments and moderate magic. The author does not overwhelm the reader with environmental descriptions or politics but focuses on following Wardwick, heir to Hurog Keep, as he adjusts to new acquired responsibilities given his troubled past. Various persons are well portrayed and the undemanding intrigue captures ones attention effectively in the small novel.

Wardwick effortlessly narrates in a first person point of view his thoughts and decisions to protect his followers from the many threats within and outside Hurog Keep. Ward's humor helps lighten the overwhelming obstacles facing him. Pretty much every character involved is rather engaging, especially Ward's "distant cousin" Oreg and body servant Axiel.

There are disturbing insinuations and moments, which may be questionable for young readers. A detailed map of the significant terrains and comprehensive appendix would have been useful.

Thank you.

I LOVED This Book!.......2007-05-12

This is the tale of a hero and his struggle to become what he believes he can be against incredible odds. Ward has played a simpeton since he was twelve-years-old in order to stay alive. Now, it's time to stop pretending. But has he played the fool for too long? Can he find himself again? Are the dragons really gone?

The end of this book left me with chills of joy and Patricia Briggs has been added to my list of most favorite authors.

Briggs is a master storyteller.......2007-01-06

If you're the type of reader that likes endless action with the protagonists blindly reacting to one crisis after another and miraculously coming out alive (but rarely wiser), this book isn't for you. You probably WILL like this book if you enjoy real fantasy with believable characters living and reacting in believable ways without overt sexual content driving the whole story. You will be exposed to a new world and hopefully finish wanting to know more.

In Dragon Bones, Briggs has a quiet (not flashy) writing style and, as usual, the plot flows naturally, even if the circumstances are out of this world (which they are supposed to be, after all). I don't need to suspend disbelief with Brigg's books, just take everything at face value and know I will be masterfully entertained. Her characterizations are excellent and add to the plot. The dialog only adds to the story. Telling the details of the story won't tell you anything else you need to know beyond "this is a good book."

Yes, I can quibble with details that left me hanging or that I don't really understand. I hate feeling like there's something implied that I'm just not getting, and there are a few places in her stories when that happens. But this is a sign of a well-built world that is real to the author and the characters of the story, and it makes it more interesting instead of frustratiing. I would have liked to know a little more about what happens at Ward's Uncle's holding after the climax. I'd like to understand better how intricately dragons are part of Ward's bloodline. And, what, exactly, does Oreg mean with his closing line?

The highest compliment I can pay an author is call her a storyteller instead of an author. Ms. Briggs is a consumate storyteller and I can't wait for her to tell me a new story. The only negative thing I can say about Briggs is that with the success of Moon Called she may never write more gems like she has with Dragon Bones, Hob's Bargain, When Demons Walk, and Steal the Dragon. I want MORE of those type of stories. I know werewolves and vampires are hot right now, but please don't forget us faithful readers who loved fantasy before it got kinky. I'm sorry I didn't know about her books earlier so I could have been enthusiastically supporting her by buying her new books. I'm even buying extra copies to give my local library in hopes that others will discover quality fantasy.

Please, please, please, Ms. Briggs, tell us more stories.

Clever plot, wonderful language.......2006-12-03

I loved this book. Just when I thought I'd seen it all, I discovered Patricia Briggs.

Dragon Bones has a fresh plot involving ghosts, magic, mayhem, jealousy, love, brothers, sisters, curses, and happily ever after. While other books may have the same ingredients, Briggs has made the hero, Ward, someone both clever and flawed, with a sense of honour and humour as well.

I can't wait to get Dragon Blood. If you liked Robin Hobb's Farseer series, Ward is somewhat similar, only not on as epic a scale.

A great fantasy story with twists.......2006-11-11

I was introduced to Patricia Briggs through her bestseller `Moon Called' about a shapeshifter who works with werewolves and vampires. `Dragon Bones' is a completely different type of book - it's a fantasy set in a semi-mediaeval world of magic, wizards and dragons. Or not dragons - there are no dragons left alive, they are just something out of history.

Wardwick is the son of the Hurogmeten (ruler of Hurog), a rather impoverished castle and estate. The Hurogmeten is a violent, repulsive man who has already almost killed Ward, who, to protect himself, has pretended to be stupid for many years. His brother Tosten is possibly dead and his sister Ciarra is mute.

Ward's story starts with the death of his father and the resultant struggle for power in Hurog. Although casting off his apparent stupidity, this is not enough to save him from political intrigues from the King Jakoven. Ward has to escape with a small band of followers to try to gain some political influence by fighting a war in a distant region.

Ward's followers include his mute sister, his brother, a slave girl mage that he rescued, his old horse master and the Hurog Castle's ghost, Oreg. Their travels are well described as they fight various battles and try to work out the best way to regain control over Hurog. At the same time as this story we hear a parallel story of two brothers (cousins of Ward) who are at Court amongst the plots and difficulties of life around the King.

I found this story pretty complicated to follow although I enjoyed the fact that it was very varied. It's not always easy to know who to trust and that even goes for Ward's followers who often doubt whether his desire to become master of Hurog again could lead him into dishonourable behaviour. There are people who aren't what they seem and Ward himself struggles very much with the fear that he is, underneath it all, a bully like his father.

Although readable and complete in its own right, there is a sequel to this book, `Dragon Blood'. I did enjoy this and will now read the sequel but I think this is the sort of book that may be more enjoyable on a second read when you're more able to follow the twists and turns of the plot.

The New Destroyer: Guardian Angel (New Destroyer)

Average customer rating:

This is the OLD Destroyer!!!!
Remo, we missed you!
Nothing new here.
DESTROYER IS A FUN SUMMER READ!
Guardian Angel (new destroyer series)

The New Destroyer: Guardian Angel (New Destroyer)
Warren Murphy , and James Mullaney
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Men's Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0765357593

Book Description

THE DESTROYER NEVER DIES . . . .

VIVA LA REVOLUCION!

When a dozen border patrol volunteers are murdered in New Mexico, apparent victims of Mexican nationals, Dr. Harold W. Smith of the super-secret agency CURE worries the first salvo in a new border dispute has been fired. His worst fears are realized with the appearance of the charismatic Santa Ana, a uniformed, would-be despot with a silver tongue and a thirst for bloody revolution.

General Santa Anna has redrawn the border between the U.S. and Mexico to fit his own twisted version of reality, and thousands of illegal aliens are drawn to his message of liberation. The Southwest is on fire, and as the revolution explodes the entire nation is at risk. It seems the brazen general has planned for every eventuality. Except one...

Mostly MIA for the past four years, Remo Williams, CURE's one man enforcement arm, has returned to the U.S. just in time to prevent Armageddon. With his Korean mentor Chiun, the Master of Sinanju, at his side, America just might live to see mañana.

But it turns out Santa Anna is not the only threat to The Destroyer. Remo not only must save the United States from civil war, he must square off against the only woman who ever killed him...

Customer Reviews:

This is the OLD Destroyer!!!!.......2007-08-09

Wooo! He's back - they're ALL back. Remo, Chiun and Smith have returned to the world they were born in - and it's a GREAT world indeed! The characterizations are right, the dialogue is right, the relationships are right. This is the way it's supposed to be.

(I've got ALL the books, read each of them more than once (well... okay, there were a few that I could barely get through once!) and I KNOW when something's right - and when something jumps the track.)

I hope that the series has taken out the "revolving door" of authors for the next several years - or at least find authors that have bothered to read the old books before thinking that their "skills" and "worldly understanding" will get them through!

Great job - keep 'em coming!

Remo, we missed you!.......2007-07-31

Ahhh, it sure feels good to find The Destroyer is back to it's roots. Remo is taking care of business as only he can. Chiun continues to be the most dangerous Korean who has ever lived but still has the childlike qualities that have always made us love him. Smitty is still the proud American bound and determined to save the US from itself and will continue to work at it until his dying day.

In this book you will also find useless self-serving politicians (yes, Virginia, they do exist). You will find out what really happened at the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. You will also get the return of one of Remo's most dangerous enemies. You get all of this wrapped up in a very funny, very exciting adventure the likes of which we haven't seen in a Destroyer book in several years.

Do yourself a favor, buy this book. If you are an old fan of the series you will enjoy the return of Warren Murphy and Jim Mullaney to the books. If you have never read a Destroyer before, then this is a great place to start your obsession.

Nothing new here........2007-07-29

I was a reader of The Destroyer from the first novel until the early 80's. I didn't know the series had continued on. Apparently, it was a good thing I didn't keep up with the series.
Well, from my point of veiw, there's nothing new about this 'New' Destroyer. Remo is the Master of Sinanju by title only. Chuin is still there, even though this book makes reference that the two of them met during the Kennedy administration and it is now 2007. I figure this would put Remo somewhere near 70 years old, and Chuin well into his 120's.
Chuin has devolved into a spoiled child. Where he used to insult Remo, he now only plays with toys. He actually _likes_ other assassins, rather than consider them pretenders to the art of killing.
Smith seems about ready to retire though. He's old and arthritic. He works fewer hours, and has delegated some of his responsibility to an assistant.

I was disappointed in the book. One of the things I liked reading the series for was the growth of Remo. Now that there are two Masters of Sinanju, the book is nothing more than graphic descriptions of how the Whop-Fu took effect. There is one scene where Remo casually rips the door off a Panic Room. He's already able to dodge bullets, and in several instances, he took the full brunt of a missile, or TNT and walked out without a scratch. So, essentially, the two heroes are all powerful and invincible.

I was hoping that Chuin was gone, or retiring, and that Remo had taken on a student to replace him. That would have breathed new life into the series for sure.

Don't get a copy.

DESTROYER IS A FUN SUMMER READ!.......2007-07-16

My first exposure to The Destroyer was in the 1980's with the movie Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins. While not a good movie I was very entertained by the characters of Remo and Chuin and their camaraderie. That said I read several Destroyer novels throughout my teens and then life moved on.

On a whim at a bookstore this summer I saw New Destroyer: Guardian Angel and decided to give it a read. I'm glad I did. The characters are firmly intact and creator Warren Murphy and new scribe James Mullaney do a fantastic job of reinvigorating the series.

For anyone new to the series, it's easy to jump on. Remo and his mentor Chuin are master assassins in the art of Sinanju. They work for CURE a secret branch of the government that deals with impending perils to our country. In this novel the dangers come from a militant group that want to create new borders and countries between the US and Mexico. Remo and Chuin are called on to defend the Alamo, stop a ruthless female killer, prevent illegal aliens from causing lots of trouble, and so much more.

For summer time reading it's a blast. If you're familiar with the characters give it a read because you'll find in doubly enjoyable!

Guardian Angel (new destroyer series).......2007-07-13

The author has gone back to the original "Destroyer" series style and it was a pleasure to read this book, by Warren Murphy.

Average customer rating:

Great Jumping on Point!

The Best of the Destroyer
Warren Murphy , and Richard Sapir
Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

All Deals | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

Literature & Fiction | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

Mystery & Thrillers | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0765318008
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Book Description

In combination with the launch of The New Destroyer, brand-new novels continuing this bestselling, action-packed series, Forge is publishing this omnibus of three of the definitive Destroyer novels. Hand-picked by co-creator and co-author Warren Murphy, these three novels serve as both a revisit to the golden age of the series and a great introduction to what Remo Williams and his Sinanju master, Chiun, have been up to for the past thirty years. Included are:

The Destroyer: Chinese Puzzle

The US President calls upon the service of Remo and Chiun to smash an Asian conspiracy that could lead to a US-China confrontation . . . if the superhuman weapon of destruction fails, it could mean the end of the USA.

The Destroyer: Slave Safari

There is a secret only Chiun knows. America has committed a sin against him he cannot pardon -- and he will not even share it with Remo Williams, the Destroyer, whom he has taught all his skills and loves as a son. Deep in Africa, countless feuds that have blazed for many centuries are quickly being resolved by death and massacre. A massive conspiracy is unearthed surrounding the centuries-old slave trade, and only Remo can unravel it.

The Destroyer: Assassin's Playoff

After a brutal fight in the streets of New Jersey, Remo and Chiun find themselves in battle after battle. Their arch-enemy and fellow assassin, the Maestro of Mayhem known as Nuihc, is hoping to knock out his competition. It all comes to a boil in Chiun's hometown in North Korea as the Destroyer finds himself in a fight to the death.

Customer Reviews:

Great Jumping on Point!.......2007-05-08

If you are new to the wild world of the Master's of Sinanju this collection is the perfect starting point. From here new readers can easily hop into the new series (starting with Guardian Angel). Old fans too will enjoy having 3 of the classic, series defining novels in one volume. 3 of the best stories from this long running, action / adventure / fantasy / laugh out loud / two fisted series. GREAT STUFF!

Average customer rating:

Destoyer Fan
lacking somehow
Dragon Bones Destroyer
Write in haste, repent at leisure.
Not with a bang, but a whimper

Dragon Bones (The Destroyer)
Warren Murphy , and Richard Sapir
Manufacturer: Gold Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Men's Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0373632606

Customer Reviews:

Destoyer Fan.......2007-01-12

I can not explain what I like about this series. I have been reading it since 1977. I have every copy. The adventure of the characters and the interaction between them is done very well. The humor the author(s) put into his work is great. This is number 145 and I hope it will continue.
The four words that start Chapter two in every book except one are, "His name was Remo." This is easy reading with adventure and current events tied in over the years. These are all fiction but a few have really be far fetched. Get a good and see if you like this type of writing.

lacking somehow.......2007-01-12

I thought that this was a decent continuation of the series but it seemed to me that the author spent too much time letting the villan get away form the main characters than he deserved

Dragon Bones Destroyer.......2007-01-10

Very good, typical story and good use of Sinanju history. I wish listings of this series titles included the number of the book. I have bought one I already had three times.

Write in haste, repent at leisure........2007-01-09

This book has a few merits. It does advance several of the earlier Destroyer novels' plot lines. It does contain some humorous scenes. It is unfortunately marred by poor editing (frequent spelling errors, some sentences that are unfathomable). The novel's tone throughout is that of a hurried effort.

I can still recommend it to those who have followed the series from the beginning, but, it would not be a good introduction for a first time reader.

Not with a bang, but a whimper.......2006-11-05

I guess Somheil knew Gold Eagle had lost the contract to publish the Destroyer by the time he was writing this. He puts little effort into making this a Destroyer book. The main characters aren't there much. Most of the middle of the book is an long extended dinosaur chase.

It would be a sad end if it were the end. Fortunately, along with The New Destroyer, Tor is publishing The Best of the Destroyer. Readers who only know the Somheil Destroyers will be able to enjoy some of the earlier books when Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir were still writing them.

The New Destroyer: Choke Hold (New Destroyer)

Average customer rating:

The New Destroyer: Choke Hold (New Destroyer)
Warren Murphy , and James Mullaney
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Men's Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0765357607
Release Date: 2007-10-30

Book Description

Pity poor tobacco tycoon Edgar Rawly. Thanks to lawsuits, government meddling and the inexplicable deaths of many of his best customers, his megabucks industry is gasping its last breath. That is, until the introduction of the Cheyenne Smooths, Rawly's latest product. Not quite tobacco, not quite legal, more addictive than crystal meth. Suddenly customers are once more beating a path to his door. That's when the bodies start piling up. Seems people are not only dying to taste the flavor of a Cheyenne Smooth, they're killing for it.

Enter Remo Williams, the Destroyer, and Chiun, the deadly Master of Sinanju. They've been sent to kick some butt, but wind up in danger of being snuffed out themselves.

Turns out Edgar Rawly is not the only shady character to recognize the value of the Cheyenne Smooths, and things really start to heat up when Remo bumps into a cult of ancient Chinese assassins, an Asian crime lord, and a worldwide addiction that just might send civilization up in smoke...and dump the Destroyer on the ash heap of history.

Dragon Bone Hill: An Ice-Age Saga of Homo erectus

Average customer rating:

Reads like a mystery novel

Dragon Bone Hill: An Ice-Age Saga of Homo erectus
Noel Thomas Boaz , and Russell L. Ciochon
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Science | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0195152913

Book Description

"Peking Man," a cave man once thought a great hunter who had first tamed fire, actually was a composite of the gnawed remains of some fifty women, children, and men unfortunate enough to have been the prey of the giant cave hyena. Researching the famous fossil site of Dragon Bone Hill in China, scientists Noel T. Boaz and Russell L. Ciochon retell the story of the cave's unique species of early human, Homo erectus. Boaz and Ciochon take readers on a gripping scientific odyssey. New evidence shows that Homo erectus was an opportunist who rode a tide of environmental change out Africa and into Eurasia, puddle-jumping from one gene pool to the next. Armed with a shaky hold on fire and some sharp rocks, Homo erectus incredibly survived for over 1.5 million years, much longer than our own species Homo sapiens has been on Earth. Tell-tale marks on fossil bones show that the lives of these early humans were brutal, ruled by hunger and who could strike the hardest blow, yet there are fleeting glimpses of human compassion as well. The small brain of Homo erectus and its strangely unchanging culture indicate that the species could not talk. Part of that primitive culture included ritualized aggression, to which the extremely thick skulls of Homo erectus bear mute witness. Both a vivid recreation of the unimagined way of life of a prehistoric species, so similar yet so unlike us, and a fascinating exposition of how modern multidisciplinary research can test hypotheses in human evolution, Dragon Bone Hill is science writing at its best.

Customer Reviews:

Reads like a mystery novel.......2004-02-21

This overview of old history regarding the worlds' most extensive fossil hominid site is great. The sequence of discovery, the loss of the fossils in WWII confusion, and the telling of the modern rethinking of the site and its significance is really very well done.

Average customer rating:

A Solid Foundation
D20 Stuff Ok Start But History is Marginal
Pirates and Zombies

Mythic Vistas: Skull & Bones
T.S. Luikart , and David Leri
Manufacturer: Green Ronin Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0972359974

Book Description

Pirates prey upon spanish Galleons, adventurers search for buried treasure, and the dead walk the streets of Port-au-Prince - this is the world of Skull & Bones. If you are looking for swashbuckling pirate adventure, look now further. Skull & Bones brings the history and legends of the Golden Age of Piracy to life. Within these pages you'll find: New core classes like the sea dog, buccaneer, and shantyman. New prestige classes like the master of fence, sea officer, and mystic navigator. Backgrounds and Fortunes: new ways to add depth to you character. A complete system for Voodoo magic. The mysterious world of the hougan and bokor unfolds, with details on every aspect of Voodoo, from gris-gris to zombi to the powerful and capricious spirits known as the Loa. New rules for cinematic combat, including parrying, variant damage ruls, and "Rolling the Bones". A complete system for naval combat, including full stats for all the ships of the day. Campaign ideas and GM advise. Plunder! Enough treasures for the greediest pirate. A bestiary of mythical creatures, from Amazons to the Djab and beyond. A gazetteer and maps of the islands of the Caribbean. "Welcome to the Account," an introductory adventure. Whether you choose to adventure on the Spanish Main or merely use the rules to add Voodoo and piracy to your own d20 campaign, Skull & Bones is your starting point for thrilling action on the high seas. Skull & Bones: Swashbuckling Horror in the Golden Age of Piracy requires the Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook, published by Wizards of the Coast for use. This product utilizes updated material from the v.3.5 revision.

Customer Reviews:

A Solid Foundation.......2003-12-22

I found this book to give a good foundation for role-playing in the golden age of piracy. I found it a good mixture of fact and cinematic fiction. The classes and prestige classes seemed balanced to me and all of them seemed to have a place in a pirate campaign. I especially enjoyed the section on the loa and djab. None of the sections were exhaustive in their information on the setting, but then the book is really only meant to be an overview. In my experience, a "high adventure", cinematic style of role playing only gets bogged down with too much background, so I found the setting information in Skull & Bones to be adequate for my needs as a GM. All in all, I am very happy to have this addition to my RPG library, and it will get extensive use in my current campaign.

D20 Stuff Ok Start But History is Marginal.......2003-12-13

If you're looking for pirate stuff to add to your DnD Campaign this book has it. If you're looking for pirate roleplaying in a Caribbean setting, the authors have done a marginal job of research. Sure you've got the list o'famous pirates ripped off from the Kid's Own Pirate Book at the local library, but these guys know very little about the Caribbean and not much about piracy in the Caribbean. For a book that purports to focus on piracy from 1690 to 1720 there are very strange gaps and contradictions. St. Eustatius the wealthiest Dutch trading colony and prime place to sell pirated and privateered goods is entirely absent from both the map of the Caribbean and the gazetteer of islands. Martinique is listed as very fertile with thousands of settlers and tens of thousands of slaves, yet neither produces and nor demands products? Yes, the French government bans any trade that doesn't go through France, but this is supposed to be a pirate game! Either you're going to be smuggling things in and out or you'll be raiding those French trade ships. There is no real explanation of the politics or history of the era, just dribs and drabs tossed in as 'scenario' seeds. It is instructive that there is no bibliography or recommended reading section, the authors clearly haven't done much. One wonders if they have even looked at Fodor's Travel guide to the Caribbean. The authors have self-consciously modeled their vision of the Caribbean on Tim Power's novel "On Stranger Tides," but Powers had actually read DeFoe's "The Pyrates" and other historical sources. If you want to run a historical campaign, fantasy influenced or not, this book does not give a GM a coherent set of information to work with, leaving the GM to do research without so much as a few suggested books. You get the feeling they spent all their time tweaking feats and thinking up spells, but little reading about pirates or the Caribbean. Actually the best RPG book in print about this era is "Furry Pirates" by Breakey and Thomas, which book also proves you can add fantasy ideas successfully to a campaign without ignoring history and geography. It's sad that this book is at best half a complete product since the same publisher did a great job with their "Testament" biblical RPG, weird too that they could find someone to do serious reading about the Bible and archaelogogy & Middle Eastern history, but no one to do the same about pirates and the Caribbean. If you want ready made 'pirate' classes, feats, spells, etc. this book is for you (hence 3 star rating); if you want a 'pirate' campaign setting it is not really here (this part gets 1 or 2 stars at best). Let the buyer beware.

Pirates and Zombies.......2003-12-01

Finally a role playing supplement that delivers it all. A lot of hard work has been put into this and it shows. Kudos to the developers!
Not only do you have several unique character classes but an interesting background creation chapter along with a real and complete treatise on Voodoo. New skill, new weapons, new feats new monsters(!) together with a accurate history of the era, islands and way of life all mix together like good rum punch. If this is a genre that interests you then you will simply have to buy this. Puts all the previous supplements on pirates and seafaring into the rubbish bin.

Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs: A Photobiography of Explorer Roy Chapman Andrews (Photobiographies)

Average customer rating:

Roy Chapman Andrews: A Real-Life Indiana Jones

Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs: A Photobiography of Explorer Roy Chapman Andrews (Photobiographies)
Ann Bausum
Manufacturer: National Geographic Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Exploration & Discovery | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Inventions & Inventors | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

History of Technology | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0792271238
Release Date: 2000-03-01

Book Description

"You have written a new chapter in the history of life upon the earth."

When Roy Chapman Andrews read these words from American Museum of Natural History president Henry Fairfield Osborn, he was being congratulated on his discovery of a new species of dinosaur. A stunned scientific community named it Protoceratops andrewsi in his honor.

Andrews led five scientific expeditions to Mongolia's desert, the Gobi, from 1922 to 1930. He was a pioneer of modern field research, but it was his team's fossil discoveries that amazed the world -- especially the first-ever complete nest of dinosaur eggs. These were remarkable achievements for a man who began his scientific career scrubbing floors at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

It wasn't easy. Along the way, he battled sandstorms, snakes, and bandit attacks. He drove through parts of the desert that had never seen cars before, and he had to have spare tires -- and every drop of gasoline -- carted in by camel.

Roy Chapman Andrews had a love of adventure that took him all over the globe. This action packed story, actual expedition photographs, and quotes from Andrews himself present a great explorer of his century -- and a grand tale of adventure!

Customer Reviews:

Roy Chapman Andrews: A Real-Life Indiana Jones.......2002-01-28

Real-life is usually so much more interesting than the movies, and Ann Bausum's wonderful photobiography of Roy Chapman Andrews - Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs - will be ample evidence of this to any young Indiana Jones fan. Roy Chapman Andrews [1884-1960] was an explorer and is best known for the Central Asiatic Expeditions, which he led on behalf of the American Museum of Natural History and during which the first dinosaur eggs and nests were found. He is also a probable model for the character of Indiana Jones. Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs puts its main focus on Andrew's life from his employment with the AMNH through to the expeditions to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. The book is a well-done combination of photographs, text, and block quotes. The text is well-written and exciting [even for an older person like me], and the pictures help the reader to put themselves into the story. Did Roy Chapman Andrews wear a cool looking hat? [YES!] Did Roy Chapman Andrews dislike snakes and did he have a run-in with them on one of the expeditions? [YES!] I recommend this book to any young person of late elementary age who is interested in exploration and paleontology.

Jakandor: Island Of War (Steel & Bone Campaign Setting)

Average customer rating:

very good product that creates an interesting culture

Jakandor: Island Of War (Steel & Bone Campaign Setting)
Kirk Botula
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Jakandor Land of Legend (Adventure Supplement)

ASIN: 0786903716
Release Date: 1998-02-03

Customer Reviews:

very good product that creates an interesting culture.......1998-04-03

This campaign setting focuses on an iron-age people who seem to be a cross between Plains Indians and Vikings, with a little Celtic thrown in. The set is excellent at creating a feeling for the culture and incorporating interesting rules changes and new spells and rituals into the game. There are sections on the beliefs and practices of the Knorrmen and even a section on ritual magic that any character may use, which is an excellent idea for many settings, not just this one. There could have been more detail on the physical layout of the island and a listing of more clans and villages, but these can be created by the Dm from the available information. There are eleven new warrior kits and a few for other character classes as well. Some of the warrior kits seem to be underpowered for their restrictions, but at least none of them are overpowered. The whole setting seems to be designed for low level adventuring. This setting is useful for those who want a different feel for their campaign in a low magic milieu. A lot of the ideas and rules in this package can be used in other campaigns without much alteration, so it is worth getting just for the ideas alone, even if you never plan to play in the setting itself.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books