The Oath

Amazon.com

Bad medicine makes good plotting in John Lescroart's latest, which brings back lawyer Dismas Hardy and his best friend, homicide cop Abe Glitsky. A string of suspicious deaths at a San Francisco HMO don't look like murder at first--until Tim Markham, the head of the HMO, dies from injuries received in a hit-and-run accident. But did the injuries really kill him? Glitsky believes that Hardy's client, Dr. Eric Kensing, killed his boss. Kensing had at least two good reasons: not only was Markham having an affair with his wife, but his cost- cutting restrictions were threatening the lives of Kensing's patients. Kensing is a bit too heroic for the reader to ever believe in him as a suspect, and the real murderer is pretty obvious from the get-go, which cuts down the suspense. Still, the reappearance of Glitsky and Hardy will be welcomed by Lescroart's many fans, who'll be delighted with the widowed cop's new wife and new life and happy to see the guys back in familiar if well-trodden territory. --Jane Adams

Book Description

Medical malpractice or murder? Glitsky and Hardy take opposite sides of the case-in the newest bestseller from the author of The Hearing.

When an HMO executive is hit by a car during a morning jog through his exclusive San Francisco neighborhood, he has the bad luck to be transported to one of his own hospitals...and winds up dead in his ICU bed. But in spite of the rumors about his company's substandard care, this death appears to be a case of malice, not of malpractice. Lt. Abe Glitsky has strong suspicions about a doctor with opportunity, means, and motives to spare. But working up a case won't be easy.

Customer Reviews:

Tenth Dismas Hardy storyline somewhat trite, hence quite mixed reviews.......2007-08-13

Our only prior exposure to our author was his "Dead Irish" Dismas Hardy story that all but his most ardent fans found rather mediocre, as did we. In that book, half the tome was little but rumination before the action finally commenced. The Oath was thankfully somewhat more entertaining, but, though we failed to guess the villain as soon as many others, it ended with a whimper instead of a flourish. The plot per se was somewhat interesting - a prominent HMO executive is critically injured while jogging by a hit and run driver, but survives surgery only to die mysteriously in the ICU. Indeed, an autopsy reveals he was murdered while in recovery! So a kind of dual-pronged investigation is launched - was it really an accidental hit and run, and is the most obvious suspect, our hero Dismas Hardy's eventual client, attending physician Dr. Kensing, really the hospital perp? Lescroart uses this storyline to attack the now hardly creative idea that HMO's, especially those on financial skids, will invariably sacrifice patient well-being to cut costs. This tactic gets a little tiresome as it seems to have little bearing on the ongoing murder investigation. Finally, a series of killings in the hospital seems to have been uncovered, and a minority male nurse becomes a critical lynchpin in the discovery of the true villain.

Although numerous sub-plots populate the novel - including extra-marital affairs, Hardy's tendency to neglect family for work, two cops just learning their trade, and the unusual friendship between what would otherwise be arch enemies DA Abe Glitsky and Defense Attorney Hardy - Lescroart handles a pretty high character count with enough clarity we can keep track of everybody. While the resultant meandering storyline managed to create enough suspense to capture our interest, we were destined for disappointment at the end. We didn't think the somewhat unspectacular outcome was a fitting conclusion, and many readers reported figuring it out long before the denouement. Also an attempt to fool us into thinking a major character had suffered a fatal wound in the late chapters was unappreciated and inept. Lastly, some attempt at poetic justice in the final chapter, an almost irrelevant epilogue that pointed back to a heretofore irrelevant prologue, seemed irony out of place in an otherwise rather prosaic story.

Lescroart is a successful writer and demonstrates a decent imagination; he seems to enjoy a loyal following and a lengthening bibliography. But the overall craft of this effort leaves us with little incentive to spend our money, let alone our time, taking a chance on his many other books.

Weaker than usual.......2006-10-23

The book starts with a hit and run. We never really get back to this accident until the very end of the book. Then we set up an innocent guy to look guilty, and move to a guilty guy who didn't do the crime they are after him for.

This book has 2 parts. The first two thirds of the book is spent in pursuit of red herrings, and the last third is a disjointed alliance between Abe Glitzy and Dismas Hardy.

The hit and run is a rnadom event that opens up a spectrum of investigation that would never have happened. I have problems with the true bad guy. I'm not sure anyone is that stupid.

The Oath.......2005-10-20

I enjoyed the characters in this book and found them easy to follow. The plot and outcome were interesting and easy to understand. I am currently reading The Motive and it's nice to see the characters taking on new challenges. It's also nice to see how their relationships continue to intertwine and develop over time. I highly recommend this book and the author.

a powerful novel of lescroart.......2004-12-28

I read this novel not too long ago. A family member of mine just introduced me to it and i had never heard of john lescroart before at all. But i have to say it was something of a book to read. One of the best that i think that I have read of this author in a while. I would recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a good book to read on one of those rainy days.
I am going to check out The first law from my local library and The second chair sound pretty good also.

Ryan Barry
Music1379@aol.com

A Writer's writer!.......2004-08-13

Several years ago I stumbled across one of Lescroart's early works. It was great -- make that terrific -- and I promptly searched Amazon for more by his pen, then ordered and enjoyed every one of them. Dismas and his erstwhile cop pal, Abe Glitsky, came to be as familiar to me as Batman and Robin were to a youthful, comic-book addicted me.

My hobby of writing short fiction for an on-line writers' club has whetted an appetite for beautifully crafted novels, stories that leave you hanging right up to the last page. Nobody does it better than John Lescroart.

Now if I only knew how to correctly pronounce his name.

Sealed With an Oath: Covenant in God's Unfolding Purpose (New Studies in Biblical Theology)

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Sealed With an Oath: Covenant in God's Unfolding Purpose (New Studies in Biblical Theology)
Paul R. Williamson
Manufacturer: IVP Academic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0830826246

Book Description

Paul Williamson looks at the role of the covenant concept in Scripture and the meaning of this terminology. He then sets the idea of covenant in the context of God's universal purpose, and traces the idea through Noah and the patriarchs, the nation of Israel and the kingship of David. Lastly, he shows how the new covenant is anticipated in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New.

Williamson offers new insights into key texts and issues related to the theme of covenant. He is not afraid to challenge established positions. One example is his dual-covenant approach to God's dealings with Abraham.

His robust scholarship will be appreciated by scholars, lecturers and students in theology, ministers and all who have a serious interest in the covenant concept.

Features and Benefits

Provides exposition of the theme of covenant in the Old and New Testaments
Offers fresh insights into key texts and issues
Engages with established views
Accessible scholarship

The Power of the Blood Covenant: Uncover the Secret Strength of God's Eternal Oath

Average customer rating:

This Book Changed My Life!!!!
power of the blood covenant
Fantastic Book!
The Same Book

The Power of the Blood Covenant: Uncover the Secret Strength of God's Eternal Oath
Malcolm Smith
Manufacturer: Harrison House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1577948165

Customer Reviews:

This Book Changed My Life!!!!.......2007-04-25

The first time I read this book, I read it under the cover of 'The Lost Secret of the New Covenant'. I wept and cried with joy as I finally realized for the first time the depths of God's love for me. Understanding the Blood Covenant that we have with Jesus Christ has built my faith like no other teaching. I am so thankful to God that it is back in print, I don't care what name it is being published under. If you are sick to death of religion and all it's narrow minded legalism and want to know true freedom, then get this book.

power of the blood covenant.......2007-03-19

the book is very interesting and provides details about God's covenant with man.

Fantastic Book!.......2007-03-13

This is an amazing resource for anyone interested in the concept of covenant underlying the whole of scripture. It is well written, insightful and freeing in its concentration on what God has done for mankind. Excellent book -- one I will give to others and keep on hand in my personal library for years to come.

The Same Book.......2007-01-16

First the only reason for a 1 star is because its the same book as another book written by Mr Smith, "The Lost Secret of the New Covenant" This is a great wonderful book, One of my Favorite books, So if you have this book do not by " The Power of the Blood Covenant: Uncover the Secret Strength of God's Eternal Oath"

Average customer rating:

Not your usual run of swords and sorcery book
Not Weber's Best, but Still Good
Good, But Not Excellent
The Cover
Another HIT!!

Wind Rider's Oath (The Bahzell)
David Weber
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1416508953

Book Description

In The War God's Own, Bahzell had managed to stop a war by convincing Baron Tellian, leader of the Sothoii, to "surrender" to him, the War God's champion. Now, he has journeyed to the Sothoii Wind Plain to oversee the parole he granted to Tellian and his men, to represent the Order of Tomanak, the War God, and to be an ambassador for the hradani. What's more, the flying coursers of the Sothoii have accepted Bahzell as a wind rider-the first hradani wind rider in history. And since the wind riders are the elite of the elite among the Sothoii, Bahzell's ascension is as likely to stir resentment as respect. That combination of duties would have been enough to keep anyone busy-even a warrior prince like Bahzell-but additional complications are bubbling under the surface. The goddess Shigu, the Queen of Hell, is sowing dissension among the war maids of the Sothoii. The supporters of the deposed Sothoii noble who started the war are plotting to murder their new leige lord and frame Bahzell for the deed. Of course, those problems are all in a day's work for a champion of the War God. But what is Bahzell going to do about the fact that Baron Tellian's daughter, and heir to the realm, seems to be thinking that he is the only man-or hradani-for her?

Customer Reviews:

Not your usual run of swords and sorcery book.......2006-08-26

Most of David Weber's work is military SF, but he has branched out into the swords and sorcery genre with his three books about Bahzell Bahnakson. I don't usually have much time for "Conan" style books even when they're written by authors of the calibre of Roland Green or Harry Turtledove, but these three - Oath of Swords, The War God's own, and Wind-rider's Oath - are something else.

Some of the particular strengths of this series are things which are carried over from Weber's other work - good use of humour, brave but believable heroes and heroines, characters who have to overcome their own prejudices and mostly do so.

One thing which I appreciate about David Weber as an author is that he does not find it necessary to insert a gratuitous love story into every book, even in this genre. Not that his characters are sexless or incapable of love, and there are hints of interplay between characters which may - or may not - develop into romances later in the series, but Weber's characters fall in love when it fits the bigger story canvass and not for the sake of including a romance in every volume in some formulaic pattern.

Perhaps the best feature of the book is that it is not entirely predictable and first impressions are not always right. For example, when one of the central characters meets someone who initially appears to be a bigoted blockhead, there is a roughly 25% chance that he or she really will turn out to be a hopeless case or a bad guy, and a 75% chance that he or she will actually be an honest person who is at least sometimes capable of doing the right thing. Equally some of those who appear at first to be good guys (or girls) turn out to be in the wrong, or even working for the dark Gods.

The storyline is strong, if a little complicated. It is much easier to keep track of what is going on if you had previously read the first two books in the series. One interesting feature is that, during a pause in the middle of the book, Bahzell's patron God gives him an explanation of how free will and destiny could both exist: it is a take on the "many worlds" thesis which I had not previously encountered and for me it was worth reading this book just for that passage.

There are some irritating minor issues in the presentation of the book. It contains two maps, but both of them fail to show most of the main locations in this book. There is a list of mortal characters at the front of the book and a list of Gods (good and evil) at the back. The three most important characters in the book are not included, which is not really a problem, but also excluded from the list are one or two characters from previous books who are repeatedly referred to and I found this rather annoying. In one scene two of the characters discuss someone called Wencit of Rum, and after trying and failing to remember who he is I looked at the index of characters: no mention. Eventually to make sense of the conversation I had to dig up the previous books in the series to remind myself who Wencit is (he is approximately the equivalent of Gandalf or Belgarath).

When I originally wrote this review I said that the point of the cover art, showing the concluding scene of the book, appeared to have been diminished by the unfortunate placement of a bubble with the words "New York Times best seller" which I suspected hid the object which Kaeritha has just thrown in Bahzell's direction. In subsequent printings the offending words have been removed and the item is indeed now visible.

Bottom line: if you liked any of David Weber's other books, read the three Bahzell Bahnakson books and it is unlikely that you will be disappointed. If you like the swords and sorcery genre generally, it is also likely that you will like these three. But if you do read any of these, make sure to read them in the right order, which is Oath of Swords, The War God's own, and Wind-rider's Oath.

Not Weber's Best, but Still Good.......2006-07-19

I was a bit worried when I opened this book. It had been years since I read the first two in the series, and I didn't have them with me. But the story drew me right in, refreshing my memory of the characters and the world without getting bogged down in summarizing the earlier books.

David Weber does a lot of things well. His battles have a powerful, epic feel, and the action in this book pulls you right along.

At the same time, there's a distinction between being larger than life, and being a bit flat as a character. I don't just mean Bahzell here. All of the heroes are too heroic. Weber spends a great deal of time building up the animosity between the Sothoii and the Hradani, but pretty much ever one of the Sothoii go through the same pattern of initially hating Bahzell, then seeing the error of their ways and humbly apologizing, after which Bahzell so nobly offers his understanding. It's nice that all of the good guys are oh so enlightened, but it started to strain the seams of credibility.

Likewise, the nastiness of the villains started to go a bit overboard when they all started giving off a poisonous, vile green glow.

My last nitpick is that things happen a bit too easily for the champions, at times. Not only are they all marvelous warriors (which makes sense, as they're champions of a war god), but if they're ever in over their heads, the god Tomanak pops in to help them out. They're stronger than their enemies, and Bahzell's god is stronger than everyone else's. Even the green glow of kryptonite--I mean, of evil--isn't enough to defeat these superheroes. They get tired and exhausted, pushing themselves to the brink, but there's rarely a sense that they're in genuine danger.

I admit it: I'm a picky reader, and I have a hard time ignoring flaws like these in a book. In this case, the strengths of the story were more than enough to pull me through. More than anything, Bahzell and his companions are fun. They believe in justice and good and all that noble stuff, but they also have a sense of humor. Even the war god jokes around with his champions sometimes. And while I prefer my stories and characters a bit more complex, there's also something to be said for a good old clash of good vs. evil.

I would definitely recommend starting with the first two books, which I think are stronger. But I don't regret buying this one, either.

Good, But Not Excellent.......2006-07-07

The first of this series I had the pleasure to read was the middle volume, THE WAR GOD'S OWN. I found it to be well written and interesting and different enough from the run of the mill product to be really of note. After that, I read the first volume and now I have just finished the third. It too is well written but does not have the excitement or the humor of the second. It is about on par with the first volume. This may be disappointing but it should not be. Everything cannot be a masterpiece and even Weber's lesser works are VERY well done.

In this installment, our Hradani champion is called upon to go to the Sothoii Kingdom, the hereditary enemies of his own people. He is called upon to foil yet another plot the a coterie of the gods of darkness and this time it will be more difficult because they are working under false colors. It is also more difficult because the political situation with regard to his race as well as that of his allies is highly complex. The Sothoii love the Coursers and both hate the Hradani. That makes it difficult when the Champion come to save your people is a hated hradani and it gets weirder when the champion gets bonded with a courser. It also makes for a few smiles.

Its not his best work but it is enjoyable.

The Cover.......2006-01-25

I liked the book. But, of the three books, this is the weakest. Still, I hope that the story continues...

But... The cover! Don't artists know that a SIGNIFICANT part of the story needs to be depicted? Not this one. The cover depicts a scene that happens after the end of the story. The closing paragraph. I really hated that. Perhaps the artist only read the first and last chapter before deciding what to paint, and couldn't come up with anything better.

Another HIT!!.......2005-09-30

David Weber has completely captured my attention with the Bahzell series. This is the third book in the series and I just wish he would write them faster.

Bazell is a hradani (very tall human like with fox ears, unhuman endurance and 'the rage'). Weber has more fantasy in this series than in some of his others but once again, his writing is excellent. He drags you into a world where the Gods sometime interact thru their 'champions'. The War God has chosen Bazell as one of his champions and sets him tasks to help all of the hradani people. It's easy to find yourself in this world and only wake up when the novel is done. The characters are well thought out and in-depth - after reading the first two books, I was looking forward to the reaction some of the characters would show...

I don't want to recap the plot since it's above in the synopsis but if you like fantasy and enjoy well written novels, the Bahzell series is fun and full of life.

Average customer rating:

20 minutes to make an erotic decision!
Light and erotic and an enjoyable read
Loved Everything About This Book!!!
Very Good Read
Oath of Suduction

Oath Of Seduction: Seducing Sharon
Marly Chance
Manufacturer: Ellora's Cave
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Adult Fiction | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1419951246

Book Description

E-BOOK BURNED IN ADOBE & MS READER FORMATS

Sharon took an oath at the idealistic age of eighteen to mate with an unknown alien from another planet, never expecting the alien to actually show up and invoke it eleven years later. A librarian with a love for the orderly and ordinary, she prefers a calm, quiet existence. Surprises are life's way of indicating you did not plan well enough. Adventures are for people with more guts than sense. And sex, well, it's okay, but nothing to get too worked up over...

Liken is a warrior cop from Shimeria. He is six feet seven inches of walking, talking sex personified. Having been inside Sharon's head he knows her deepest fantasies, and knows that she is the perfect mate for him. But first he has to seduce her...

Customer Reviews:

20 minutes to make an erotic decision!.......2007-04-15

A sexy alien, named Liken, shows up to make good a vow Sharon made while a teenager to wed an Alien. Sharon is given about 20 minutes to prepare for her 'pact' when the Alien shows up out of the blue! Then she has three weeks of a 'knowing' period before she has to marry him. This story is very similar to Rejar and Mine to Take, by Dara Joy, in that an Alien is able to sexually awaken an unsuspecting girl.

Liken is a man who is in charge in the bedroom and out! For Sharon this is quite an adjustment.

I loved the part of the story that involved Liken and the other aliens being mind-readers. That made the burgeoning sexual tension between Liken and Sharon delicious. Compare with Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon, where Kyrian is psychic and can read Amanda's growing attraction for him well enough to 'play' her. In this story, Liken knows what Sharon's little fantasies are - you, the reader, can just imagine how much trouble that would be!

I loved that bar-room scene! But the problem was that it introduced what was, to me, a flaw in the story and that is, though both Liken and his brother are cops, and there are lots of allusions to danger in their society, in this one scene, where you had an opportunity for Sharon to get in to serious trouble, it didn't happen. Where was the danger? It is a missing half of the story that stands out in contrast to the romantic tension that is relatively risk free from a physical risk standpoint. It also begged for an explanation because Liken was insistent that Sharon obey him. I would have liked to see a more realistic reason for why those dangers were present.

Be warned, this is a highly erotic book!

Light and erotic and an enjoyable read.......2006-05-08

I bought this book wanting some spicy erotica, and the book delivered exactly what it promised - hot sex in a futuristic fantasy setting. It seemed to be more suited to short-story format, rather than a whole novel. I certainly hope that the sequel will give Chance to opportunity to draw a more complete picture of the Shimerian world.

I liked that face that Sharon, while totally shocked and out of her element, did her best to cope with the changes in her life, even though "going out for a beer" was indeed a stupid romance novel heroine things to do...

All I can say was that the "linking" scene, with Tair, was definitely the hottest part of the book. I can't wait to read more about him in the sequel!

I find it unfortunate that the smaller publishing houses have such difficulties with editing and quality control, but otherwise, this was a light and very enjoyable read.

Loved Everything About This Book!!!.......2006-02-21

Can I give this book 10 stars?? This book was so sensual and erotic. I loved the whole futuristic theme with aliens from another planet. When I first read the review I thought to myself how corny, but it wasn't. It was interesting and exciting.

There is a shortage of females on this other planet. So the government on earth has agreed to help this other planet out. Some of the women on earth enlist to possibly marry a male from the other planet, they sort of see it like their civil duty (there are alot of stipulations, alot of ways to eventually get out of the agreement). And of course a very small percentage ever gets called to serve. So Sharon enlists while in college thinking her name will never be called, since the odds are against her. Well Liken has called her to duty, and he has a certain amount of time to seduce Sharon before she is allowed to return to earth. His goal is that she will never want to leave.

Liken was your typical alpha male; charming, strong, confident, highly sexual, and of course good looking. She of course resists him at first, but eventually falls for him. I love how Liken's brother was played in. Loved all the parts with him. I can't wait to read his book. This is one steamy book that is not to be missed.

Very Good Read.......2005-12-30

This is my first time to read a book by Marly Chance and all I can so is wow. I could not put the book down and read it through in one day. I felt it's only flaw was that it was to short at 180 pages. I story could have added 100 more pages with a little action. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Oath of Suduction.......2005-09-16

I liked the book. This book has strong characters and a well layed out story. Alot of books in the erotic field can't say that. I look forward to seeing more books from this author.

Average customer rating:

Excellent sequel in an excellent series
Great follow-up to Oath of Seduction
Pages keep turning while me toes stay curled;)~
BIG Marly Chance Fan
Fantastically hot!

Oath of Challenge: Conquering Kate
Marly Chance
Manufacturer: Ellora's Cave
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Adult Fiction | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 097243772X

Book Description

Twenty-nine-year-old Kate is happily single and thoroughly independent. She thinks men are pretty much like expensive stockings...sexy when you first try them on, but apt to run like hell at the first snag. From bedroom to boardroom she's never met a man she couldn't handle. Tair will be no exception. She'll walk away smiling after two fun filled weeks of sex... Tair is a psychic warrior cop who's used to winning at whatever game he plays. He knows Kate's deepest fantasies. He knows what it will take to seduce her. And he knows this particular game is the most important one he'll ever play. "Definitely not to be missed." - Michelle Gann, The Word on Romance "This is the second book in Marly Chance's Oath series and I highly recommend both. This was a fun read from the beginning and I couldn't put it down." - Laura Lane for Sensual Romance

Customer Reviews:

Excellent sequel in an excellent series.......2007-01-05

This was an excellent light erotica read, and I thought it was superior to the first, Seducing Sharon. Hero and heroine were very believable, the dialog was well done, and the erotic scenes were well written. Kate's consenting to "link" seemed a little rushed, but otherwise it keeps your attention and keeps you hoping for the couple to work it all out the whole time. I've reread it since and it's on my keeper shelf along with the first.

The only resaon I did not give this book 5 stars was that, like the first of the series, the editing and proofreading seemed a little sketchy, and several typos were scattered throughout. Since this is a pet peeve, it may not bother anyone else at all.

Great follow-up to Oath of Seduction.......2006-12-21

The first book of Marly Chance I read was Oath of Seduction and I was hooked. I have read everything I can find of hers. I am awaiting the 3rd book of the Oath series with excitement. I check her website frequesntly to see if there is an update to the release date. If you have not read Oath of Seduction, go buy it. It if fun, hot and imaginative.

This is Kate's story, Sharon's best friend in Oath of Seduction. And what story it is. Tair is the ultimate alpha male and Kate is an alpha female...or is she? The interactions between the 2 are hot, not just in the bedroom. Ms. Chance has created an interesting planet that is not so different that it seem bizarre. In fact, with men like Tair, Jadik, and Liken, I would like to visit there myself. This is a great book that complements the first. I strongly recommend it.

Pages keep turning while me toes stay curled;)~.......2005-11-08

All of Marly's books are great..I just wish there were more books to read! I have to say I have several authors on Ellora Cave that I love and she is one of them!

Keep the book coming, Marly!

BIG Marly Chance Fan.......2005-10-14

I'm such a big fan of this writer that I am checking her website almost daily in the hopes of seeing something under her breaking news about the third title in this series being released. But, alas (siiiigh), still no third book. I guess I'll have to be content with telling you what a great book this is as well as it being a wonderful series so far.

The concept behind her Oath series is so new and fresh to me that I had to try the first two out. After being blown away by the first title, Oath of Seduction, I had no reservations about reading Oath of Challenge. The idea of a human woman finding the love of her life among an alien race is not new of course, but Chance used that basic concept and twists and turns it into her very own special stories. The book as a whole is just, wow. There's no other way to describe it, no better words.

The heroine, Kate, is fully prepared to welcome home her best friend Sharon, who in the first book met the man who turned out to be her mate. Thinking that Sharon is coming home to reject him, she is surprised when instead Sharon actually pledges with the handsome Liken. The plot takes off right from there as Kate discovers that Liken's brother, Tair, intends to take Kate back to his home planet to test their relationship, to see if they are mates. Kate has issued him the Oath of Challenge. Tair has a number of weeks to convincer her that they are meant for one another - by using her passions agaist her.

Being that Kate is a human visiting an alien planet and culture for the first time, there are various opprtunities for fun and laughter. Being that Tair is a completely sexual, confidently sexual, man, there's plenty of opportunity for what we all picked up this book to read. Kate may come off as (let me put it nicely) unreasonable at times, but think about it - if you were her, taken to an alien planet, exposed to traditions that are not your own (culture shock doesn't even begin to cover it), you'd be freaked out too. Whatever you do, just kick back, enjoy the reading and savor all the hot erotic romance this book is packing. Oh, and do pick up the first title, Oath of Seduction. You might want to read it first, but if you didn't, no biggie.

Fantastically hot!.......2005-08-21

I just finished Oath of Challenge, the sequel to Oath of Seduction, & I have to say that I was thrilled by the second installment of the Oath series. It was fantastic! The characters were very real, & the interaction between them was great, & hot! Kate is a great female character. Hell on wheels indeed! This lady is no shrinking violet! Take my advice, don't get one of these books, get them all!

Average customer rating:

Deep and multi-faceted
poor
The first chapter in the development of an Epic
The beginning of a very interesting world
Hunter's Oath

Hunter's Oath (Daw Book Collectors)
Michelle West
Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0886776813

Customer Reviews:

Deep and multi-faceted.......2007-07-06

What I really love about Michelle West's writing is that she gets into each character's head so well. While a lot is still clothed in mystery, the switches in perspective shift this story from just another fantasy novel into something deeper and more epic. That very epic sense is what makes HUNTER'S OATH so dense. There were times that I had to pause, take a breath, and learn to savor the story itself.

Gilliam is a Hunter Lord; Stephen is his Huntbrother. Together, they must participate in the Sacred Hunt each year in order to keep Breodanir safe and bountiful, at the risk of their own lives. But it soon becomes much more than that as Stephen falls prey to the unfathomable world of magic, demon-kin, and Gods.

I suspect what many can either find fault with or relish in HUNTER'S OATH is its ability to surround you with so much that you're not sure if you're enthralled with the world... or just confused. But if you simply let go, agree to not understand every little detail - then you can let it take you on a ride that is most definitely worth reading. I found myself incredibly attached to the world, its characters, its conflicts, which was really a surprise because I never thought I'd be thrilled to be reading about hunting and dogs. But really, it's so much more than that.

I'd say, read this if you're looking to get into something interesting but also by no means an easy, sit-back-and-enjoy type of book. You'll find yourself immersed in a world wrought with intense intrigue, conflict, and sacrifice, and a mishmash of fascinating characters (time-travelers, assasins, kings, thieves) that kept me keenly interested.

poor.......2007-04-09

Whether to buy or not the second volume of this duology will not be an easy decision: I wished to set this first one down just as often as I was captivated by the story.

Many basic ideas are good, even new and original, which, in this genre, is really saying something. The writer also possesses skills because she is capable of imagining and describing settings in detail and of building proficient emotional climaxes.

Many other things I find lacking.
Breodanir is a small provincial kingdom pervaded by the cult of the Hunter God, a divinity at the same time cruel and generous, which is a clever assumption, mirrored by many existing myths.
In this kingdom women and men share the power but while describing how powerful women are our author feels very self complacent which of course is clumsy: many authors have created fantasy worlds where women detain the power but have given this as obvious trusting their readers to do the social math.

This aside there are several inconsistencies throughout the novel, from clothes style through funeral rites to laws and customs, inconsistencies that I never can fail to find annoying.
Characters are not particularly well rounded and they seldom interact: Ms West seems more interested in having them snapping at each other and building her above mentioned climaxes.

Her use of the language is often repetitive and plain: her characters' voices are so often "icy" that Breodanir should should be covered by a thick ice cap.

Another problem is how she deals with the supernatural, which is duly misty but also unclear and contrived, not to mention that I am fed up with these wise people (here the seeress Evayne) who never know enough to save the world by themselves and need to manipulate the unfortunate main heroes who never seem to have the guts to insult them thouroughly.

Homosexuality is never ever mentioned or even hinted at but gay readers will probably feel a thick subtext in the symbiotic relationship between hunter and huntbrother. Another wasted opportunity.

The first chapter in the development of an Epic.......2005-07-10

I loved this book, and in fact so far I have not been disappointed by anything that Michelle West has written. This series is supposed to stand alone (it does) from the Sun Sword series, but I read the Sun Sword series first, and now that I have read these two books, I wish I had read them first. They develop the world in a way that gives you insights into the second series that feel missing, once you know they were there. If you are planning on reading The sun Sword series, I suggest that you start here, first. Even though you supposedly don't need to.
These books are written in a 3rd person SHIFTING point of view. That means that if you tend to prefer books that stick in the POV of only a single character, you may not like these. I LOVED the technique though. Because of the shifting POV, it takes a little time to really learn the characters, but give it a chance. Once you do, you have an intimate knowledge of Several of the Key players and each one has a depth and motivation that makes you want to learn more about them all. You also get brief glimpses into the worlds of some of the minor players and villians and that adds dimensions to the story that would have otherwise been lacking.
The world is completely original, as well as, well developed and complex. This book really does set up the world and the larger plot on an epic scale, and though the story develops a great deal in this book, it really blooms in the next novel and in the Sun Sword series. The complexity of the plot and the complexity of characters may mean that the book might be less accessable to readers who prefer to have the story dumped into their laps. These are NOT card-board characters and you really need to watch them develop to understand them. If you enjoy a journey with interesting twists and turns along the way, you will definitely enjoy this book.

The beginning of a very interesting world.......2003-11-12

This book is the beginning of one of the most interesting fantasy series being written today. The first book revolves around two young men who are "blood brothers" in a country where the rules of The Hunt govern the land. It is a story primarily about a "coming of age," and themes of responsibily, love, and death figure prominently. There are introductions of other intriguing characters, such as Evayne, who can walk through time and place, and Kallandras, a bard with some unique talents and surprising skills. These characters peak the interest, and become more "knowable" over time, as West takes great care to get inside the minds of many characters, even the villains. Definitely, the beginning of a must-read series!

Hunter's Oath.......2003-01-24

I couldn't put this book down! The characters were lifelike, I felt like I got to know them and the story was just great in its creativity. West has an amazing eye for detail. However, the reason I only decided it was worth 3 stars, was because West's editor, apparently, doensn't have an eye for detail. Half of the time, there would be a description of a character or scene without an explanation of what was actually happening. It's not the author's fault -- an extensive read-through would have solved this problem. (Also, I didn't realize it had a sequel and was panicked when it just ended without really ending!) Even so, if you're interested in fantasy, I'd reccommend this book.

Average customer rating:

Clear, understandable, logical, and exciting!

Growth by Oath : The Seven Sacraments
Scott Hahn
Manufacturer: Saint Joseph Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 1570580022

Book Description

Dr. Scott Hahn explains how Christs solemn oath, by which Christians become the sons and daughters of God, is expressed in seven specific sacramental oaths-- Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance and Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.

Customer Reviews:

Clear, understandable, logical, and exciting!.......2000-10-10

Although he is a university professor, Dr. Hahn's explanations of each of the sacraments are crystal-clear and understandable to us "ordinary people" -- he speaks as much to the heart as to the mind. He gives lots of Scriptural references along the way in case the listener wants to look anything up, and it's fascinating to see the logical context he shows for each sacrament, so that everything falls into place as a cohesive (and very beautiful!) whole. I would recommend this for anyone who would like to know more about the Sacraments, the reasons for them, and/or would like to get more out of them. It is a great way to learn to see and love one's own connectedness with God and neighbor -- especially when feeling alone.

The Oath and the Measure (Dragonlance: The Meetings Sextet, Vol. 4)

Average customer rating:

Classic tale intwined with Dragonlance
The Green Man Commeth
Verbal runs of the mouth
It got better...
I've been saying this for a while...

The Oath and the Measure (Dragonlance: The Meetings Sextet, Vol. 4)
Michael Williams
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1560763361
Release Date: 1992-06-01

Book Description

Secrets of the past.

Although Raistlin and Caramon urge him not to go, Sturm Brightblade attends an annual Solamnic ceremony that is interrupted by . . .

A stranger, taunting challenge. Clues from the past. Death.

Once he accepts a mysterious gauntlet, young Sturm must make a dangerous journey with some curious friends, rescue a fair if querulous maid, defeat a traitor knight, and learn the secret fate of his long-lost father. He must also learn the meaning of honor.

The fourth installment in the popular Meetings Sextet tells the story of Sturm Brightblade, the noble Solamnic Knight, in the years before Sturm joined up with the other companions of the best-selling Dragonlance series.

Customer Reviews:

Classic tale intwined with Dragonlance.......2006-04-07

This book is an attempt to intertwine some Arthurian storylines into the Dragonlance mythos. Though not terrible, I was a bit upset by the lack of originality. The Dragonlance world has some very unique attributes and forces at work that make for interesting reads, this book, however, was quite low on my list.

The Green Man Commeth.......2003-03-30

I have mixed feelings about this book. This story makes Sturm look stupid and brash, which perhaps he was in his youth, but his character in this book is a far cry from the man we later meet in the Chronicles series. The storytelling, however, was really enthralling. Michael Williams' forest imagery was fantastic and reminded me of some of the great imagery in the Chronicles and War of the Souls books. He also gave depth to his characters and pulled some surprises that I didn't expect. I find this to be most interesting because I didn't like Weasel's Luck and Galen Beknighted by the same author mostly because I thought that his characters, even the main ones, lacked depth. I recommend reading this book if for no other reason than because there is a giant, friendly spider who's entire existence turns out to be quite ironic. Okay, that's not really a good reason. Read it or not, it doesn't really matter. I don't think you will learn much about the overall Dragonlance storyline from this book, but it is kind of an interesting read all the same.

Verbal runs of the mouth.......2002-02-12

it doesnt get much worse than this, green is green, and if you read the book you know what i mean. when in dought for descriptive terms, just use the word green. i love the dragonlance series, but i am amazed anyone wouldve allowed this book to carry that title.

It got better..........2001-12-05

I have to say that this book did start out a little slow, and didnt really get going until quite a ways into the book, but it did get better as the book went on. I found it to be a good read once it got going, and i do recommend it to any dragonlance fan who wants to learn a little more about Sturm's past. Though i can't say that it is the best book in the series, bit is written pretty well, and the characters are written pretty well. Recommend it if you plan on reading the whole series.

I've been saying this for a while..........2001-08-01

Where's the revelations? And what the -hell- is going on with Vertumnus? Where did he come from? And is he an avatar or what? This book is simply awful; it's by far the worst Dragonlance I've ever encountered. Micheal Williams is an excellent poet... however, his books (and short stories) aren't the best. I found myself falling asleep -constantly- with it's wandering, crappy plot. DON'T LET THE COVER ART AND TITLE FOOL YOU.

An Encyclopedia of Swearing: The Social History of Oaths, Profanity, Foul Language, And Ethnic Slurs in the English-speaking World

Average customer rating:

Many a high school and public lending library will also find it a compelling addition

An Encyclopedia of Swearing: The Social History of Oaths, Profanity, Foul Language, And Ethnic Slurs in the English-speaking World
Geoffrey Hughes
Manufacturer: M.E. Sharpe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0765612313

Customer Reviews:

Many a high school and public lending library will also find it a compelling addition.......2006-11-07

An Encyclopedia of Swearing: The Social History of Oaths, Profanity, Foul Language, And Ethnic Slurs in the English-speaking World provides college-level collections with a solid social history which covers all kinds of ethnic and language slurs around the world. From analysis of the instability of swearing terms to those which have evolved over time, and surveys of taboos and their usage, AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SWEARING does more than chart common and changing swear words: it documents their underlying social causes and impact and provides scholarly reference under each general swear word theme. Many a high school and public lending library will also find it a compelling addition, capable of reaching beyond the scholarly audience to general interest readers with a special concern for language history and evolution.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

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