Haunted: A Novel

Book Description

Haunted is a novel made up of twenty-three horrifying, hilarious, and stomach-churning stories. They’re told by people who have answered an ad for a writer’s retreat and unwittingly joined a “Survivor”-like scenario where the host withholds heat, power, and food. As the storytellers grow more desperate, their tales become more extreme, and they ruthlessly plot to make themselves the hero of the reality show that will surely be made from their plight. This is one of the most disturbing and outrageous books you’ll ever read, one that could only come from the mind of Chuck Palahniuk.

Customer Reviews:

Up-Chuck.......2007-09-19

This book is sorry and pointless. I've read six of Chuck's novels because I read good and bad writers for the fun of the pain. It's horrible. Haunted doesn't have a point, and it seeks to disturb, as if society hasn't desensitized us enough. We are not able to be shocked anymore, so stories glorifying guts for gut's sake are pointless.

Trying too hard.......2007-09-16

You can always tell when someone is writing a book just to be artsy. What was great about Fight Club, Choke and Diary is that they were simply written and could be enjoyed. With Haunted he seemed to go out of his way to make this book unenjoyable to read. Take Catcher in the Rye, a great book, maybe one of the best, and yet any 8 year old could make their way through it. A book does not have to be wordy and written in a style that makes your head hurt. There are so many people that read books like this only so that they can brag about reading them and put up a front that they are far more intellegent then anyone else. Give me a book that I want to read, and enjoy reading anytime.

Don't pick this for your 1st Chuck novel.......2007-09-14

First let me start by saying that I am a fan of Chuck Palahniuk and find most of his satirical, grossly creative material refreshing and amusing. I was intrigued by Fight Club, entertained by Survivor, and hooked after Choke. Compared to his other work, Haunted falls very short.
If you've read any of his previous novels, you're already expecting to be grossed out and entertained by absurd characters in disturbing situations. While Haunted succeeds in that aspect, it lacks Chuck's usual quick wit and clever storytelling. The story starts off very promising with an awesome openning short story and some interesting characters. The characters are developed well through the poems and bizarre short stories, but never seem to progress the main plot. The cannibolism and sabotage comes way too early and the rest of the story gets boring from there. The twist near the end was predictable and left me with a headache after being hit several times over the head with the story's obvious message. Although a few of the short stories, mainly Guts, were entertaining and pleasing to read, I feel the story as a whole was pretty weak.

Peeling an Onion.......2007-09-12

Reading this was very much like peeling an onion - after every layer, there is yet another. Like onions, some people are sensitive... and this is truely eye watering material. Chuck writes a story that isn't for the faint of heart.

There are a collection of "personal" short stories written by the principal charachters within the book, and each story reveals darker and darker avenues of the human psyche. At various turns the stories disgusting, amusing, disturbing, joyfully macabre, sad and just plain eerie. The characters themselves? Pushed by greed, fear, love, and some indescribable. This isn't a traditional ghost story - the charachters themselves carry all the ghosts and demons they require.

With every successive story, the compulsion to find out just what everyones secrets are becomes more and more pressing. "All hope abandon, ye who enter here."

God help me, I enjoyed this!.......2007-09-06

This is by far the most disturbing Palahniuk book I have ever read. No, this is the MOST DISTURBING book I have EVER READ! Every story gets more twisted and sinister as the people take turns telling their tales. The plot of the book is something you would expect from Palahniuk's mind.(think of the show survivor, but sinister and downright wrong!) If you want moments that you tense up certain parts of your body, or moments when you think you might lose your recently eaten meal, pick up this novel. It's my favorite by Palahniuk and on my top 5 list for sure. GUTS!

Average customer rating:

Fantastic book...
YUCK!
Desperately Grand... Until the End
Chuck's entertaining and exploratory adventure into horror
you must have not actually read the book

Haunted : A Novel of Stories
Chuck Palahniuk
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0385509480
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Book Description

Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk is a novel made up of stories: Twenty-three of them, to be precise. Twenty-three of the most horrifying, hilarious, mind-blowing, stomach-churning tales you’ll ever encounter—sometimes all at once. They are told by people who have answered an ad headlined “Writers’ Retreat: Abandon Your Life for Three Months,” and who are led to believe that here they will leave behind all the distractions of “real life” that are keeping them from creating the masterpiece that is in them. But “here” turns out to be a cavernous and ornate old theater where they are utterly isolated from the outside world—and where heat and power and, most important, food are in increasingly short supply. And the more desperate the circumstances become, the more extreme the stories they tell—and the more devious their machinations become to make themselves the hero of the inevitable play/movie/nonfiction blockbuster that will surely be made from their plight.

Haunted is on one level a satire of reality television—The Real World meets Alive. It draws from a great literary tradition—The Canterbury Tales, The Decameron, the English storytellers in the Villa Diodati who produced, among other works, Frankenstein—to tell an utterly contemporary tale of people desperate that their story be told at any cost. Appallingly entertaining, Haunted is Chuck Palahniuk at his finest—which means his most extreme and his most provocative.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic book..........2007-10-09

Haunted is an amazing book. It hooked me from the start, I just had to know how the book was going to end. This book is disturbing, shocking and appalling. But the fact that this book is so deranged is exactly what makes it enjoyable. Chuck Palahniuk has some serious talent for writing, I love reading his work to find out what is going on in his mind. Haunted is not for everyone, light headed/weak stomach people need to keep away from Haunted. If you enjoy reading novels outside of the 'norm,' then this is the book for you. Overall, Haunted gets an A+ grade from me.

YUCK!.......2007-08-17

I am typically prepared to be somewhat horrified and grossed out by the grotesques in his world, but this was way too much. No one in the story had any redeeming qualities, I hated them all to the bitter end. I finished it because I kept thinking that something would happen at the end to make reading all the horrible things worth it, but no...bad book, bad ending.

Desperately Grand... Until the End.......2007-07-25

This book is undoubtedly a tough read for anyone who thinks that a writer is validated solely by the fact that a feature film was made of his work. I know, I know, Fight Club was great, but let's move on for a bit.

The overlying story of this book isn't the best. However, the main function of the book is to be a compendium of short stories, and it delivers those in spades. The short stories are engrossing, compelling, disturbing, shocking, desperately clever, and they will absolutely not leave your head. Nightmare Box, Guts, and the story (the name eludes me) of the "invisible" killer of random victims are all absolutely fantastic.

The problems with the book lie within the main story, which is wholly unbelievable. The characters were wonderfully created, but their actions seem incredibly rash and unrealistic. In addition, the ending was entirely too predictable. You can see it coming from a quarter into the book. It comes on rushed and poorly executed. To have a character who thought of absolutely everything on the planet being foiled by a knife in the lock seemed absurd. Walking ahead of his captive seemed absurd. Leaving anything to chance at all seemed absurd. And what that final short story was all about, I have no clue. Stay away from the sci fi, Chuck.

Still, with the short stories as brilliant as they are, you forgive the other transgressions and enjoy them for all that they are. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Chuck's entertaining and exploratory adventure into horror.......2007-05-24

Overall, Palahniuk did a marvelous job of cobbling disparate stories into the framework of a writer's retreat.

The story 'Guts' is nearly the most awful thing you'll read, personally I thought the worse thing i read was the story of the police rape doll story. It changed my life: yet I cannot say for the better. I cannot eat southern biscuits and that white gravy anymore, for example.

Some have compared Haunted to Stephen King, and I disagree. SK is-in my view- not so clever, he's like mass production horror. I read it, i get it. Haunted is more Kurt Vonnegut, and less twilight zone, more shock-value. Gross-out in bite-size chunks. IF you like this, the book is for you. Otherwise, leave it alone.

Some say the book's cannabalism theme is a metaphor in that 'all artists are thieves'. Powerful! So from a metawriting perspective, who is Chuck intimating he stole these stories from? Could be from all the fascinating weirdies in Portland. Since after all, Portland is quite weird. After reading stranger than fiction, the lines between the two are pretty well blurred by his colorful and envious experience touched up here and there.

you must have not actually read the book.......2007-04-11

i was actually quite upset to read some reviews on this book. It seemed like people either didn't understand it or skipped through pages. First of all, of course the story may seem unbelievable.. ITS FICTION!!!! it doesn't have to take place in a reality scenario. Second, if you actually paid attention to the story, people weren't chopping off their fingers because they were hungry; they wanted to look tortured. Sure, the idea may have been far fetched but thats what made it so interesting. and whose to complain about this story if you've read "lullaby". in my opinion, "lullaby" was more 'unbelievable'.

Overall, i believe this was one of Chucks best novels. I couldn't put the book down because all of the characters storys were so incredibly interesting. I even found the overall story (the writers being in the old movie theater) mind grabbing.

I would also recommend "Choke"

Showcase Presents: The Haunted Tank, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

The Haunted tank
The Little Tank that Could
What an amazing Tank
haunted tank the bore
it could be better

Showcase Presents: The Haunted Tank, Vol. 1
Robert Kanigher
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1401207898

Book Description

The ghost of General J.E.B. Stuart, a long-deceased Confederate general, returns as a ghost to protect his namesake - Sgt. Jeb Stuart, during WWII. This value-priced collection of war stories features over 500 pages of classic comics for only $16.99 and showcases the art of legendary artists Joe Kubert and Russ Heath, known for their work on Sgt. Rock.

Customer Reviews:

The Haunted tank.......2007-08-23

The book brought back fun memories of when I read these stories years ago. I still enjoy the tales even though I relize now that taking out a german tiger tank with a stuart is impossible. It's really great to have the series in order in one book I never had that many of the originals. My only complaint is that there is no color just black and white.

The Little Tank that Could .......2007-07-16

An M-3 Stuart Tank taking on Germans in the middle of Africa- nothing seem even close to "fair" when I write that, picturing a 37mm gun platform taking on 88mm weapons, diver bombers, Nazi youth, and droves of other enemies as the G.I.'s attack the Reich. Still, the little tank has a secret that the Nazi's didn't count on; the long-dead Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart looks over tank and crew (Rich - the gunner, Arch - the assistant, and Jeb - the tank commander) as a protectorate that time really hasn't forgotten.

To be fair, some people won't like the stories because some of them may seem a little dull by today's standards. All in all they are propaganda stories from the 60's and you already have an idea of what is going to happen in a story made By Americans Fro Americans. You can also understand why this depiction of the "little tank that could" would be written if you look at the "when" it occurred, too, but beyond that it has a lot of things that I found appealing. First, Joe Kurbert and Russ Heath both worked on the art, and the two of them were some of the best when it came to war depictions. Second, the storyline is an odd one considering what you're reading. You have a small tank, an M-3, being protected by the ghost of a Confederate as they try to plow a foothold into the ranks of some entrenched Nazis. This leads to quite a few offerings in the ways of battle, quite a few depictions in the way of assailants, and it also showcases a drove of storylines that aren't just "tank v Reich." You even get the initial two comics that explains it all, telling you why the crew is being watched over in a war that costs so many their lives.
Personally, I thought that was a great thing to have because I had seen a lot of the G.I.Combat stories but never this one.

While I'm not going to list all the stories in the books, I'll add that the stories come from G.I.Combat #87 - G.I.Combat #119 AND that there are crossovers from Sgt. Rock, Johnny Cloud, and an appearance from Our Army At War. This means there are well over 500 pages of story added to the book and, for fans of the series or for fans of art that seems to have been place on the backburners of time, this is something worth having.
And, at the price, it is a good way to rekindle a love once harbored.

What an amazing Tank.......2007-03-08

I grew up on the Haunted Tank and Sgt. Rock comics in the late 70's and early 80's and I enjoyed reading the stories ,but looking through this collection of comics now I just realized how historically inaccurate they are..the writers could have at least did a bit of research on the types of tanks the Germans had.In the first story the so called "Tiger" is actually a "Panther" tank, and it seems that every tank the crew of the "Haunted Tank" came across was a "Tiger" tank..if the Germans had that many Tigers in Europe, they would have breezed through the Allies in no time..but wait..no..maybe not..the Allies had one lone M-3 Stuart tank that was practically invincible..The 37mm tank round would have bounced off of any Tiger tank, even at point blank range...too bad there was no "History Channel" back when these stories were being written.And of course there's the typical "Lets make the German soldiers a bunch of fanatical buffoons" stereotype...but these stories where made to entertain children, and not history buffs like me.Although it burns me up to see such historical farce, I still enjoyed going down memory lane and reading these stories,I'm looking forward to Volume Two and hopefully there will be a "Sgt. Rock" Showcase series

haunted tank the bore.......2007-01-11

i used to read this when i was a kid.it always seemed to much to beleave.know that i am older the stories make no sense.yet so far the m-3 has destoryed more tigers then the germans had.i like some of the ideas.yet reading it bores me i really don't think its worth the price.

it could be better.......2006-11-06

the book is ok but it is in black and white, looks like someone copyed it by pressing the comic book,and pushing the button.If it was in color it would be well worth the money.Like it is it's just a matter of if you have the spare cash.I am a little disapointed in it.

The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies

Average customer rating:

Welcome foolish mortaals, to the haunted mansion!
A SPIRITED TRIBUTE TO A DISNEY CLASSIC
Weak information...a promo for the ride and the movie
This reader says "hurry ba-ack, hurry ba-ack"
Great read!

The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies
Jason Surrell
Manufacturer: Disney Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786854197

Book Description

Welcome, foolish mortals, to The Haunted Mansion, one of the most popular attractions in Disney theme park history. The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies fleshes out how the Mansion's 999 grim grinning ghosts were brought to life. Rare early sketches and story concepts, and stunning architectural drawings illustrate the Mansion's evolution as it was constructed at each Magic Kingdom Park around the globe. The attraction has now been brought to an afterlife like never before in a movie starring Eddie Murphy, with special effects by Rick Baker. Readers will get an insider's view of uncanny costume creations, spine-tingling set developments, and the latest in CGI (computer ghost imaging) technology. This is one book you'll be dying to have on your shelf!

Customer Reviews:

Welcome foolish mortaals, to the haunted mansion!.......2007-08-17

THis book was great! A ton of information on the ride! I couldnt put it down! It was great.

A SPIRITED TRIBUTE TO A DISNEY CLASSIC.......2006-07-18

This book is a must read for ALL ages and ANYONE interested in Disney theme park attractions around the globe. Any Disney fan knows that the Imagineers are very particular about what is revealed to the general public in terms of how they make their Disney 'magic' and I was pleasantly surprised (being an avid Disney fan myself) by the research that went into the making of this book and the amount of knowledge shared with the reader - it DOES in fact reveal some secrets of the mansion and never before seen history of the making of the attraction. (It confirms and dispels some rumors about the attraction once and for all too!) A pattern of discussion is followed throughout the book as you are verbally walked through the mansion's corridors and rooms. Surrell consistently covers the Haunted Mansion in a logical order (Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris) in every chapter. He takes the subject matter full circle by including information about how the attraction was translated to the big screen, and gives the reader insight to how decisions were made pertaining to set design, costume design, and casting for the movie of the same name. If you want an intelligent, thorough and enjoyable read about a classic Disney attraction, and especially an insight to the magic that is Imagineering, this is a MUST READ!

Weak information...a promo for the ride and the movie.......2006-07-10

You buy this book thinking it's a great "behind-the-scenes" resource, but it's not. Yes, there is some background information, but the book skips confusingly from park to park, and offers very little technical information on the special effects. The photos are all standard Disney promotional stuff...this book tells you what Disney wants you to know, and nothing else.

Go to doombuggies.com for a much better treatment of this classic ride.

This reader says "hurry ba-ack, hurry ba-ack".......2006-07-03

Lots o' great info on both the Ride @ the Disney Theme Parks + the Movie [which I loath - sorry but the Haunted Mansion wasn't meant to be made into a 2 hour episode of the Fresh Prince of Bellaire, mmmkay ?] + the Haunted Mansion Holiday ....

Future editions should drop all reference to the Movie, then spend more time on the Haunted Mansion Holiday [Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday makeover] + recent "changes" that occured in 2006 [I'd make it a 5 star if they did that] ....

If you don't want to read the book, please buy it for the artwork
[best priced Disney Merchandise vs. what you will pay @ the Theme Parks] ....

~(^)~

Great read!.......2006-06-18

I picked this book up at Disneyland and it's fantastic! I only wish I'd have read it before going on the ride, there's so many little details I didn't know to look for.

If you're a fan of the attraction, you'll love this book!

The Lives of Shadows: An Illustrated Novel

Average customer rating:

Wonderfully Inventive
Inspired but not accomplished
Beautiful & Ethereal Novel
A beautiful story on beautiful pages.
A subtle ghost story

The Lives of Shadows: An Illustrated Novel
Barbara Hodgson
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0811839265

Book Description

In the spring of 1914, a restless young man leaves England for a tour of the exotic east. A bit of Egypt, a glimpse of Syria, a nod to Constantinople -- that's all that was supposed to happen. Instead, Julian Beaufort becomes mesmerized. Wandering in idle admiration through the labyrinthine streets of Damascus, he stumbles upon Bait Katib, a house that takes possession of his heart. It is elegant; it is ancient; and it is, after a bit of negotiation with the owner, his. He has every intention of staying there for the rest of his life. But the world doesn't relinquish its hold so easily. Two bloody wars -- one in Europe and one in Syria -- leave Julian wounded and the city of Damascus in ruins. He returns from battle to find his precious house still standing, but no longer entirely his. It seems someone else may be occupying the shadows of Bait Katib. A mystery, a love story, and a journey to a sepia-toned past, Barbara Hodgson's new illustrated novel will haunt and delight her many devoted readers and tempt legions more to take a guided journey into another world.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully Inventive.......2006-07-11

I have read several of Ms. Hodgson's books in the past and each one is a gem in its own right. The Lives of Shadows catches your interest on page one and keeps you entertained all the way through.

Weaving mysterious hints with photos and drawings, the story tells of a house in Syria which holds a special place in two people's hearts. Julian, the young man fell in love with the house on a journey he made as a college student. The owner actually offers the house to him and Julian readily accepts. However, life intervenes and he must return home to England to fight in the war. The memory of the house is kept alive for many years, but one thing leads to another before he can return to claim the house promised to him.

Asilah is the daughter of the former owner. Unfortunately, the war has taken her life, but not her love for her home. She still wanders the rooms, waiting for something.

When Julian returns to the house, their two lives touch lightly in unusual ways. Asilah will put items in different places or her movements will create a slight breeze, giving Julain pause for thought. When Julian is around, the house takes on different aspects for Asilah that are not apparent otherwise. Each tells their own story of the house where they find comfort.

Best of all, the ending is superb!

Inspired but not accomplished.......2006-02-26

Very interesting work indeed, and certainly inspired by the Author's personal ghosts, but not entirely accomplished. It could have been a literary achievement, but it would have probably needed more time to grow, as the House, with more care given, more pages and tortuos dreams. The graphics are an original contribution but should have been used with spare. Just a small part of the pictures published would have been enough and should have been chosen with superior delicate attention and put at the proper place, which is not always the case.
ALL THIS DOES NOT MEAN I DID NOT LIKE THE BOOK: it is a very entertaining and compelling story, very close to ancient occult ideas about space and time. And the Author is someone I would like to meet to convince her to write a new, definitive version which I would be very glad to print.

Beautiful & Ethereal Novel.......2004-12-16

I was immediately impressed by the quality of this book--the thick paper, beautiful illustrations, and wonderful articles & pictures from the era in which the story is set. This is a beautifully told tale about a young man who finds his spiritual home in the Middle East and about his life there until the relatives of the family that sold it to him decide to fight to get it back. There is an element of mystery, romance and in the background is the fear that he will be ejected from the home that has become an extension of his own mind. I couldn't put it down!

A beautiful story on beautiful pages........2004-11-18

Tonight I finished reading this gem and was immensely saddened that it had to end, albeit predictably as another reviewer noted. Still, what a lush, nuanced story, complemented with rich visual elements, providing a backdrop of artifact that actually serves the story rather than detracts from it. Though she can't really be compared to Nick Bantock, though they are both artists who can write well, Ms. Hodgson's latest seems to firmly ally itself with the genre most notably cultivated by the "Griffin and Sabine" series: visually pleasing epistolary with a twist of the fantastic. A most welcome diversion indeed.

A subtle ghost story .......2004-08-09

This was my first attempt at reading one of Hodgson's books. I've seen her other books and picked them up several times but have never taken the plunge. I did this time and was extremely pleased. I suppose it was the combination of subject matter -- a house that inspires loyalty and love -- along with the intriguing illustrations that prompted me to read this book. The story is interesting and well done. Julian is well-drawn. He doesn't want to admit his shell shock and unwillingness to confront the world after his war experience but does so indirectly through his focus on the house. All of the characters are interesting and the slow revelation of "ghosthood" is interesting and subtle. Hodgson's emphasis is not on the ghastly but on the bittersweet aspects of ghost stories. I recommend this book to all who like a different kind of ghost story and enjoy a solid writing style.

Average customer rating:

Jeph Loebs worse
Most underrated Batman book
Fun and creepy
"On rainy days, in particular...I miss my mother." --Bruce Wayne(and me)
Another great batman book

Batman: Haunted Knight
Jeph Loeb , and Tim Sale
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1563892731

Customer Reviews:

Jeph Loebs worse.......2007-05-11

now im a big fan of Jeph Loeb, and the Scarecrow story in particular is great, but the rest is pretty lacking. the second story involves the Mad Hatter who is a villain with great potential but it wasn't really well done. the third story is utter nonsense, a cheap take on A Christmas Carol.
the artwork i found simply ghastly. i recommend you just borrow or check out the book from a library to read the Scarcrow story "Fears"

Most underrated Batman book.......2007-05-11

All you ever hear about is Batman: Year One, The Dark Knight Returns, and The Long Halloween. This collection, TLH's predecessor, is the true essence of what Batman is all about. The visuals are a lot truer to the noir genre than any take I've seen. When you read this book, the point that really comes across is Batman's greatest asset: despite having the scariest villians in comics, Batman himself, the good guy, is the most terrifying man in Gotham City. The storytelling and artwork convey this point to a T. And as for the last story, take it for what it is meant to be, just a fun retelling of the Christmas Carol. The only thing I don't like about Loeb's writing is that it seems like every villian is always running around quoting children's literature...

Fun and creepy.......2006-05-15

Inspired by 3 classical stories, Batman comes across some of his most nastiest foes. The last chapter is creepy and alot like "A Christmas Carol". Batman fans would like this.

"On rainy days, in particular...I miss my mother." --Bruce Wayne(and me).......2006-04-13

BATMAN: HAUNTED KNIGHT is the most powerful comic I have ever read. The art is superb and will be among the best you'll ever experience. The stories are brilliant and immensely engaging. I read this book in 2003 at the age of 39 and it launched me into a new era of collecting and reading comics. I had recently lost my parents and sat in my parent's house reading HAUNTED KNIGHT just like Bruce sat in his family home reading ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND. I cried. I loved the book and wanted more by the same team so I read THE LONG HALLOWEEN. Sadly, the later effort seemed a long, drawn-out, padded, not-very-original crime drama. BATMAN: HAUNTED KNIGHT is the distilled essence of not only the Loeb-Sale Batman, but of modern Batman comics in general, and possibly, I dare say, of the best that comics can be...period. Longer is not always better. And shorter is often, as in this case, sweeter. Don't pass this up. Comic reading experiences don't get any better than this. The BATMAN: HAUNTED KNIGHT collection is a masterwork. Enjoy...

Another great batman book.......2006-03-23

I've recently got into the work Jeph Loeb, after reading Batman Hush. I must admit that I was actually attracted to that story for the art of Mr. Jim Lee. Great art interest me, and to me, it makes the story that much more interesting. Since I too am an artist I am always excited to to see other peoples perspective on a popular character. Other than that, the stories are great, but what else would you expect from the great Jeph Loeb. Jeph Loeb is the reason that I started reading comics again. I would recommend this book to anyone who is remotely interested in comic, and especially anyone who is interested in Batman. No one at the moment write a better Batman story.

Average customer rating:

Wow! What a book!
Great find
Amazing debut novel and page-turner!
Goof read
Not quite what I was expecting but a good read nonetheless

Haunted Ground: A Novel
Erin Hart
Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0743272102

Book Description

A dazzling debut -- already an international publishing sensation -- combining forensics, history, archaeology, and suspense.

Introducing Erin Hart, who brings the beauty, poignancy, mystery, and romance of the Irish countryside to her richly nuanced first novel.

When farmers cutting turf in a peat bog make a grisly discovery -- the perfectly preserved severed head of a young woman with long red hair -- Irish archaeologist Cormac Maguire and American pathologist Nora Gavin team up in a case that will open old wounds.

Peat bogs prevent decay, so the decapitated young woman could have been buried for two decades, two centuries, or even much longer. Who is she? When was she killed? The extraordinary find leads to even more disturbing puzzles. The red-haired girl is clearly a case for the archaeologists, not the police. Still, her tale may have shocking ties to the present, and Cormac and Nora must use cutting-edge techniques to preserve ancient evidence.

And the red-haired girl is not the only enigma in this remote corner of Galway. Two years earlier, Mina Osborne, the local landowner's Indian-born wife, went for a walk with her young son and never returned. Did Mina simply decide to disappear, or did mother and child become lost in the treacherous bog? Could they, too, be hidden in its depths, only to be discovered centuries from now? Or did the landowner, Hugh Osborne, murder his family, as some villagers suspect?

Bracklyn House, Osborne's stately home, holds many secrets for Nora and Cormac and policeman Garrett Devaney. But time is running out. Devaney's superiors want him off the Osborne case. Now. He wants to stay and find a killer.

Meticulously crafted and resonating with traditional music and folklore, Haunted Ground celebrates Ireland's turbulent history, revealing the eternal, subliminal connections between past and present in a riveting novel that heralds the arrival of a bright new crime-writing star.

Download Description

"A dazzling debut -- already an international publishing sensation -- combining forensics, history, archaeology, and suspense. Introducing Erin Hart, who brings the beauty, poignancy, mystery, and romance of the Irish countryside to her richly nuanced first novel. When farmers cutting turf in a peat bog make a grisly discovery -- the perfectly preserved severed head of a young woman with long red hair -- Irish archaeologist Cormac Maguire and American pathologist Nora Gavin team up in a case that will open old wounds. Peat bogs prevent decay, so the decapitated young woman could have been buried for two decades, two centuries, or even much longer. Who is she? When was she killed? The extraordinary find leads to even more disturbing puzzles. The red-haired girl is clearly a case for the archaeologists, not the police. Still, her tale may have shocking ties to the present, and Cormac and Nora must use cutting-edge techniques to preserve ancient evidence. And the red-haired girl is not the only enigma in this remote corner of Galway. Two years earlier, Mina Osborne, the local landowner's Indian-born wife, went for a walk with her young son and never returned. Did Mina simply decide to disappear, or did mother and child become lost in the treacherous bog? Could they, too, be hidden in its depths, only to be discovered centuries from now? Or did the landowner, Hugh Osborne, murder his family, as some villagers suspect? Bracklyn House, Osborne's stately home, holds many secrets for Nora and Cormac and policeman Garrett Devaney. But time is running out. Devaney's superiors want him off the Osborne case. Now. He wants to stay and find a killer. Meticulously crafted and resonating with traditional music and folklore, Haunted Ground celebrates Ireland's turbulent history, revealing the eternal, subliminal connections between past and present in a riveting novel that heralds the arrival of a bright new crime-writing star. "

Customer Reviews:

Wow! What a book!.......2007-08-02

I was entranced by this story - the landscape, the characters, the plot, the writer - everything was beautiful. Erin Hart knows how to write, and how to keep a reader intrigued. I especially appreciated the extra chapters at the end. Rather than following other writers of this genre, Hart actually FINISHED the story! Far too many mysteries end with the solution of the crime, while leaving you hanging about what happened to the characters you've come to know throughout the story. Thank you Erin for letting us know what happened next!
Buy this book, read this book, buy more copies to give to friends who appreciate good storytelling!

Great find.......2007-02-12

I picked this book up at a library book sale for 50 cents. I would have been happy to pay full price for it! In the tradition of other forensic novels, we get a great deal of detail about the head found in the bog. The story intertwines the search for other clues about the bog lady, with a current mystery--the disappearance of a mother and child 2 years earlier. There is great character development of the main characters--Cormac & Nora in particular--as well as the local police detective. The details of Irish history enhance the story and make it much more interesting. Clearly the author has done her research and it has paid off in this well-written mystery/romance/forensic novel. I'm putting the second one on my wish list so I'll remember to buy it soon!

Amazing debut novel and page-turner!.......2007-01-11

It is hard to believe that this novel is Erin Hart's first, because the writing is so good and the characters so well developed. Not so much a typical murder-mystery, with body, motive and capture, the novel is much more elegant than that. Based around an old body that is found in a peat bog in Ireland, the story interweaves history and current day affairs and Irish culture so seamlessly. It was a pleasure to read and I can't wait to read her next novel.

Goof read.......2007-01-09

Enjoyed reading this book very much, in particular because I recognized many of the places appearing in the novel.

Not quite what I was expecting but a good read nonetheless.......2006-06-27

I was expecting more of a good Irish ghost story. Instead it turned out to be an ancient mystery and a modern day missing person mystery. I thought the story was well paced and wasn't boring - just not as thrilling as a great ghost story would've been!

I still think it was worth reading and would recommend it for all mystery lovers.

Haunted Angel Vol. 5 (Battle Angel Alita Last Order)

Average customer rating:

Good, although not the best
Last Order series tops itself again
"Good To Goý"
Not All Demons Come From Hell...
High on battles, low on plotline. Transitional volume.

Haunted Angel Vol. 5 (Battle Angel Alita Last Order)

Manufacturer: VIZ Media LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591162823

Book Description

Alita joins her arch-enemy, mad scientist Desty Nova, and two nasty replicants of herself on a journey to Ketheres to rescue her old friend Lou's brain, which is part of a vast array powering the computer known as "Melchizedek." In Ketheres, the hapless cyborg and her unsympathetic companions promptly become embroiled in a war between artificial worlds. Their hosts have the secret of immortality, but how human is someone who can live forever?

Customer Reviews:

Good, although not the best.......2006-03-03

I've been following Last Order since it came out, and this is definitly NOT the best in the series. It's basically one long battle and the story seems to be dragged out so that nothing really happens.

I can't say don't buy it since the series as a whole is what makes Alita books great. But I was quite disappointed.

Last Order series tops itself again.......2004-10-16

This review is for the just released English version of "Angel of Protest". The whole "Last Order" series so far has been very well done, with a slicker, cleaner look than the first series. This latest release builds upon the last book with more new characters and lots more fighting and action scenes. I love Alitas new jacket and leggings, they remind me of Nausicaa or even one of CardCaptor Sakura's costumes. Also, we finally get some adversaries worthy of the "Imaginos" body.

"Angel of Protest" takes the storyline on kind of a tangent, with "Alita" geting into fights for moralistic reasons again. This sets up some great fighting however, and we get to see "Zazie" in action. Most everything that was unclear at the end of "Angel Eternal" is still not resolved. This is not a criticism because, hey, we get some great battle sequences! I just hope the overall plot does not get sidetracked for the sake of great fights and then be forced into some slap-togther cheesy resolution like the end of the first series.

"Angel of Protest" is a page-turner if you follow "Battle Angel" and my only complaint is it was too short. I love the artwork and ideas in this series. The campiness of the plot and the philosophical inner dialog of the characters never fails to amuse.

My wife still won't even look at these books because of the gore, and my sister just laughs at the silly Germanized names of the fighting techniques. (I still can't get her to stop laughing at "Panzer Kunst") But I read this series over and over again and always come away with a respect for the depth of imagination, the detail of the artwork and the sheer entertainment on so many different levels.

"Good To Goý".......2004-06-03

Alita, Wu Ping and Desty Nova begin this volume on the threshold of Ketheres, the last station of Earth. The first citizen they meet is Trinidad who reveals that Nova is the result of a project that is near and dear to Tinidad's heart (or brain). Alita, from Trinidad's viewpoint is excess baggage, and a short confrontation leaves her and Wu at severe disadvantage. Once again, Alita turns an apparent weakness into a strength, and her survival shifts the plot into a new gear.

Other than vague hints, Yukito Kishiro has always been very reticent about the overall scope of the series. First one city on a single planet, then a floating city, then something most like a space station. Now we find out that there is a whole solar system out there full of people every bit as devious as the ones we have already met. A whole political dimension opens up to be exploited, and you can be sure that Alita loses no time in becoming embroiled in the future of worlds where immortality is a commodity.

The story bogs down a bit mid-volume as Kishiro brings the reader up to speed on the status of the solar system, but the hiatus doesn't last for long, as Alita heads out into space with for what promises to be a return home and a major battle. The changing settings give the artist/writer a chance to do what he does best - draw, and create characters. It is this scope and the detail of vision that sets Alita apart from most other manga other than other standouts like Akira and X/1999.

Alita is a modern hero, beautiful, deadly, and determined - which ethics and values which completely surpass her cyborg nature. This series continues to find the middle ground between action and morality play without ever leaving a hint of over-acting. While there have been some attempts at creating OVA for this story, the story begs for serialization as anime. Anime with a lot of computer graphics, since Yukito Kushiro has an eye for detail that rivals Hieronymous Bosch. I will look forward to that day.

Not All Demons Come From Hell..........2004-06-02

In a struggle that pits adults against children the residents of Tiphares act out the age old questions of whether an imitation can replace human nature. Of course, the answer is no - the adults, who have had their brains replaced with tiny computer chips, have become compliant, but that does not mean they are not jealous of their prerogative.

For the youth, who now understand the deeper meaning of freedom, the fight is for survival as individuals - as true humans. Yet, when pressed, they too will stop at nothing, and it is the children who unleash a monster so deadly that only Alita can stand up to it, But even the super-powered cyborg is dangerously outclassed.

As Yukito Kishiro's new series unfolds, the reader learns that this story is far larger that the limits of the city in the sky. Kaos, who lost almost everything in the first series has returned - ruined, but determined to make amends. And by the simple, age-old mechanism of a paper plane a bond is re-forged and a faint, slightly cynical glimmer of hope appears to light the way.

For all the this series is still a vehicle for Alita's spectacular fighting skills the story reveals more depth and a finer sense of rhythm than the first series. Too often sequels seem to suffer from weakness, but Kishiro seems to have husbanded his strength. As complexity and character develop the story grows stronger as well.

High on battles, low on plotline. Transitional volume........2004-03-26

A previous reviewer mentioned he disliked this new series because it does not fit with the original series... I have to disagree. Last Order begins one year after Alita dies at the hands of a bomb and Nova collects her brain matter. The original ending came about quickly due to medical and stress related problems on the part of the creator, and as a result, there are far too many questions left unanswered.

Last Order attempts to remedy this by filling out the universe in which this story is set.

Admittedly, LO #2 is rather high in battles and low on plotline. LO #1 itself places the reader in a whole new world that is largely left unexplained amidst outright chaos. LO #2 continues this for a short while as it deals with the problems of Tiphares. The most important thing to be learned from this volume is that it serves as a transitional space and motivation for Alita & co. to make their journey through Ladder to Ketheres in Volume #3. However, if you felt this book lacking, I highly recommend hanging in and checking out #3, as the Battle Angel universe starts a whole new ball game.

Average customer rating:

Creative new Nancy Drew books

Nancy Drew Boxed Set

The Demon of River Heights/Writ in Stone/The Haunted Dollhouse/The Girl Who Wasn't There (Nancy Drew Graphic Novels: Girl Detective 1-4)
Stefan Petrucha
Manufacturer: Papercutz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Ocean of Osyria/Identity Theft/Madhouse/Malled (Hardy Boys Graphic Novels: Undercover Brothers 1-4)

The Fake Heir/Mr Cheeter is Missing/The Charmed Bracelet/Global Warning (Nancy Drew Graphic Novels: Girl Detective 5-8)

Mr. Cheeters is Missing (Nancy Drew Graphic Novels: Girl Detective #6)

The Charmed Bracelet (Nancy Drew Graphic Novels: Girl Detective #7)

The Fake Heir (Nancy Drew Graphic Novels: Girl Detective #5)

ASIN: 1597070386
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Book Description

Volumes 1-4 of all-new Nancy Drew mysteries in graphic novel form with manga-inspired art. Includes a free Nancy Drew computer game, a $50.00 (USD) Retail Value!Ages 8 to 12.

Customer Reviews:

Creative new Nancy Drew books.......2007-10-07

As a collector of all things Nancy Drew, I love these books. They are graphic novels featuring the titan-haired detective and the other familiar characters from the Nancy Drew novels. The stories are new and modern, with a anime twist to them. There's a bit more supernatural flavor to these. I am not generally a fan of graphic novels, so I can't comment on their quality from that perspective, but I think they are an entertaining and unusual format of story for lovers of Nancy Drew.

Nancy Drew Boxed Set.......2007-05-30

Did not enjoy these books - will stick with books written under Carolyn Keene.

Rich Larson's Haunted House of Lingerie Volume 3

Average customer rating:

Better book with a different title

Rich Larson's Haunted House of Lingerie Volume 3
NA , and Rich Larson
Manufacturer: SQP
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0865620482

Book Description

This third installment of Rich Larson's ode to the undead starts off with a wonderfully naughty wrap-around cover painting by Fastner & Larson. In addition to his usual macabre mixing of horror and erotica, HH3 also contains a secret origin tale of the House itself! You dare not miss this spine-snapping story which both lifts and separates the reader into new realms of terror! It's all good sexy fun and horror!

Customer Reviews:

Better book with a different title.......2003-10-25

Rich Larson is definitely an excellent penciler, and he has a style that makes me think back to the pin ups that followed classic horror comics. However, this book's title does it an injustice. When you hear the words Haunted House, you instantly think Ghost and other things that go bump in the night. With exception of 3 pics in this book all the others would loosely fall into other formats ranging from basic fantasy, pirates, Amazon warriors, and Sci-Fi. All of which are well done, but don't fit the theme that was expected. As for the origin story. It doesn't help the matters much, because it returns you to the fact that this is a haunted house art book that has nothing to do with haunted houses. The story also teases you with interesting senerios that don't pan out. Like the Shoppe owners possible last wish of invisibility. That he would use to meet the herorine. It sounded interesting, but was never done. Lastly, not only is the title of the book misleading, some of the pics titles don't fit either. For instance the one entitled, "Zero G Pillow Fights are the Mosest Fun." In it 3 women are having a pillow fight on a bed, with a window into space behind them. How is that Zero G? Because of this I can't recommend this book. At least not for someone that wants something about Haunted Houses. Maybe if Larson does a 4th volume it will focus more on the things that make up true Haunted Houses.

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