History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Duns Scotus, Metaphysician (Purdue Studies in Romance Literatures) (Purdue University Press Series in the History of Philosophy)

Average customer rating:

The Mind that Rivals Aquinas

Duns Scotus, Metaphysician (Purdue Studies in Romance Literatures) (Purdue University Press Series in the History of Philosophy)
Willaim Frank , and Allan B Wolter
Manufacturer: Purdue University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Cambridge Companion to Duns Scotus (Cambridge Companions to Philosophy)
Philosophical Writings: A Selection
Duns Scotus (Great Medieval Thinkers)
Duns Scotus on the Will and Morality
Quodlibetal Questions: Volumes 1 and 2, Quodlibets 1-7 (Yale Library of Medieval Philosophy Seri)

ASIN: 1557530726

Book Description

Long recognized as one of the greatest medieval philosophical theologians, John Duns Scotus made his most innovative theoretical contributions in the area of metaphysics. A careful and detailed study of his argument for the existence of God and the theory of knowledge that makes this possible provides the most direct access to his basic ideas. Unlike the Five Ways of Thomas Aquinas or Anselm's famous Proslogion argument, Scotus's proof is of another order of complexity and amounts to a little "summa" of his metaphysics. Among those theologians to accept Aristotle's scientific theory, Scotus is perhaps the first to realize fully its negative consequences if the philosophical doctrines of divine illumination and the analogical concept of being interact. His treatment of the God-question is distinguished for its deliberatively holistic approach to what was conventionally a series of unrelated topics.

Customer Reviews:

The Mind that Rivals Aquinas.......2001-07-23

This is not a book for the philosopher timid of heart. Blessed John Duns Scotus is one of the greatest minds that the Franciscan school of thought has produced. He has inspired so much of the work of the Franciscan philosophers and theologians; although it must be said that the Franciscans are very free thinkers. The book contains both selections from the metaphysical texts of Scotus and a commentary by William Frank and Allan Wolter, who have brilliantly unwoven the tightly knit thought of this logical mastermind. Scotus can prove a great challenge for the sheer depth of his work and also because of the modern mind's distance from the time, place, and style within which Scotus wrote. These two commentators provide the avid philosopher ample tools for the successful comprehension of the Scotistic vision of metaphysics, including his highly contraversial theory of univocity (Thomists, please read this with an open mind).

Average customer rating:

Boring and Hoaky
Another wonderful story
Love Those Hard-Headed Heroines
Different but really quite good
fabulous read

Mystique
Amanda Quick
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Mistress
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ASIN: 0553096982
Release Date: 1995-06-01

Amazon.com

Dark and forbidding, the legendary knight Sir Hugh the Relentless is aptly named. Yet he has met his match in Lady Alice, the quick-witted, red-haired beauty who can help him find the mysterious green crystal he seeks. Soon she replaces the crystal as the prize of his dreams--but whether she returns his secret passion is another matter!

Book Description

Hailed as an exceptional storyteller, New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick unveils another spectacular romance, a tantalizing tale of a legendary knight, a headstrong lady, and a daring quest for a dazzling crystal...

Mystique

Lady Alice approached the fearsome Warrior who had swept into Lingwood Manor like a storm. Dark and forbidding, with hair as black as midnight and eyes of molten amber, Hugh the Relentless seemed aptly named. Yet to Alice, adept at driving off suitors and handling her insufferable relatives, Sir Hugh was not someone to dread, but the answer to her dreams.

He had come for the mysterious green crystal, and would be greatly displeased to learn that it was no longer in her possession. But Alice was certain Sir Hugh could be coaxed into a deal that would benefit them both. In return for a dowry large enough to free Alice and her brother from the grasp of their conniving uncle, she would lend her powers of detection to Sir Hugh's knightly skills and together they would recover his treasured stone.

With a tongue as sharp as a dagger, the flame-haired Alice filled Hugh with fury...and a growing fascination. He accepted her terms, with one alteration: Alice must agree to a temporary betrothal and spend the winter in Hugh's great stone fortress, Scarcliffe Keep.

The bargain is struck and the adventure begins. But Sir Hugh's lifelong enemy is plotting against them, stirring up a whirlwind of treachery that threatens their fragile alliance.

Customer Reviews:

Boring and Hoaky.......2007-06-13

I cannot believe all of the 5 and 4 star ratings for this book! I couldn't wait for it to end. Very formula and hoaky dialogue. If this is any indication of how Amanda Quick writes her best-selling novels, I think I'll pass up the next opportunity to read another. The purple prose was forced and ridiculous. If this was supposed to be a satire or comedy, it missed the mark and just came across as incredibly stupid.

"He found the valley that divided the luscious hillocks and followed its course to the hot spring that awaited him." (The words of Hugh the Relentless.)--Even though this is a medievil romance--way too hoaky.

"A cold, ghostly wind wafted from the dark corridor. It carried before it the promise of doom." (this is describing Hugh entering a dark cave and Alice, the heroine senses his presence by mental telepathy or something. OH PLEASE!

"Hugh was vengeance incarnate, a dark wind that would sweep all before it."

And these ridiculous passages were easy to find--they're everywhere in this book.

I say don't bother with this one.

Another wonderful story.......2006-12-01

This was my second Amanda Quick book, and it was also a fantastic story! I loved that the heroine was so spunky and not afraid to do what she knew was right, and even when he disagreed with her, the hero still supported her actions. Wish all men were like that! This was just an all around GREAT book! I laughed so hard at the end! (But I won't spoil the surprise!)

Love Those Hard-Headed Heroines.......2006-08-06

Legendary knight Hugh the Relentless has recently been rewarded a keep and the surrounding lands. To gain his peoples trust, he must recover the mysterious green crystal and bring it back home. Lady Alice, a collector of stones, used to have the green crystal before it was stolen from her. Sir Hugh comes to collect. Lady Alice strikes a bargain to help him find the green stone in exchange for payment for funding her brothers studies and placing her in a respectable convent. When Hugh lays eyes on Lady Alice and her sharp wit, he has other ideas - a fake betrothment to pacify his people. Little does Alice know that Hugh has no intention of giving her up.

Hugh is one of the best hero's I've read about in a long time. He puts up with all the stubborness Alice can muster and never demeans her. He defends her, even when she comes to the rescue of his enemies wife and son. Alice is so hard-headed and insists on doing things her own way and Hugh is extremely forgiving. I love how the love story develops.

If you liked this one get Quick's Ravished too.

Different but really quite good.......2006-01-23

Hugh the relentless is not only a fearsome and formidable knight he is also very intelligent and uses his wits to aid him not just his physical strength.I liked that about him.When he meets the heroine Alice who is also quite intelligent he uses an unusual strategy to convince her to become engaged to him,they are both seeking the green stone,he offers her the use of his castle for her to continue her study of natural philosophy in exchange for her help in finding the green stone which was quite important to him in winning the loyalty of the people of his home.Alice had wanted to enter a convent after her younger brother became settled in a profession.Hugh offers her a bethrothal to him instead then sets about convincing her to marry him in a businesslike fashion.He convinced her that as his wife she would have unlimitted resources to continue her studies of Natural Philosophy.I was so relieved that he did not try to use passion-good old fashioned sex as a means of convincing her to marry him or trying to get her with child as so many of these so called heroes have done in other novels.When Hugh brings Alice to his home she is confronted by a fanatical monk who tries to intimidate her but in true Alice fashion she sets him on his ear winning their battle of wills quite easily until Hugh rescues the monk from her agile tongue.This confrontation with the monk and one later was a great source of laughter for me.The reason I like this book so much is that there was trust throughout the novel between the hero and heroine.He admired her integrity and she admired his honor and his strength.There was no bickering in this novel.The only little tiff was when they had made love and Alice still refused to marry him and this was quite humorous as Alice tells him he is overwrought and tries to quote church law to him about bethrothed couples engaging in premarital sex.I also enjoyed Hugh's attempt to be romantic as he commissions his messenger to write "pretty verses" that he uses to woo Alice.The villain in this novel wasn't trying to kidnap Alice to rape her he just wanted the green stone which was a relief to me,the evil villain becoming over come by the beautiful heroine routine does get tired after a while.Great book-spunky,likeable heroine and caring gentle hero.I have found that liking the hero and heroine of a romance novel greatly enhances my enjoyment of it.

fabulous read.......2003-11-17

Mystique was my first Amanda Quick book and it has certainly encouraged me to read more. I would give it 4 and a half stars, but I decided to round up.

Alice is a strongheaded strongwilled young woman bent on escaping her uncle's guardianship and helping her brother establish a future. Hugh the Relentless provides a means to that, so regardless of his reputation, Alice makes a bargain with him. Hugh wants the green crystal to make his people see that he is the true lord of his lands and Alice can find the crystal for him. In return, he has to make sure Alice gets away from her uncle and her brother can study abroad.

This all sounds very nice until Hugh decides that he needs a real betrothal for he has to find someone to oversee the household (he's very picky about food and cleaning) during the winter and to prove to his people that he is ready to settle down. Alice, thinking that it's temporary agrees. But then the unexpected happens...they fall in love.

Hugh is an amazing hero. He cherishes Alice deeply and never loses his temper with her. Even when she helps his lifelong nemesis, he doesn't embarrass her in public and declares that her word is his word and that he will always support her.

The only complaint that I have about this book is how easily and quickly the green crystal was found. However, the mystery at the end makes up for it...partially.

Book Description

Seventh grade is a really big year. Especially if, say, for instance, your camp crush, the one who wanted to be "just friends", has finally decided to take an interest in you—now that you've been flirting with someone new. That's just Priya's dilemma. But all the girls seem to have their own share of problems, and solving them without their closest camp friends by their side is no fun at all.

Average customer rating:

It's not just a story, it's an experience!
Gospel Tidings Review (Sept. '99)
The Crown Of Eden
Fantastic
great book!

The Crown Of Eden
Thomas Williams
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Devil's Mouth - A Novel -
The Bride of Stone: A Novel
Shadow Over Kiriath (Legends of the Guardian-King)
Shadow at Evening (The Lamb Among the Stars, Book 1)
Light Of Eidon (Legends of the Guardian-King)

ASIN: 0849916100

Book Description

When a simple blacksmith unearths the lost crown of Eden, he is torn between his love for a beautiful maiden, who is promised to marry a tyrannical prince, and his duty to honor a 100-year-old prophecy. To deliver the crown is to lose her. To hide it will forever doom the already decimated empire of the Seven Kingdoms. He must choose, but how?

Customer Reviews:

It's not just a story, it's an experience! .......2004-10-30

Tom Williams has a marvelous way of telling a story. You will actually fall in love with the main characters--and right along with them--feel their hurts, fears, disappointments, as well as their ultimate joy and exhilaration. There are profound lessons woven into the story, but they emerge from the characters' wrestling with decisions and their actions rather than tedious, preachy dialogs and monologs. Williams addresses some knotty theological questions, such as how the free will of men and women fits into an unfailing providence revealed in prophecy. But not to the detriment of a beautiful love story.

This book is masterpiece. It comes in second to none, including the works of George MacDonald, J. R. R. Tolkein, and C. S. Lewis.

Gospel Tidings Review (Sept. '99).......2004-09-30

I am excited about Tom Williams' new book, "The Crown of Eden," for several reasons. First, for those who enjoy medieval tales of brave knights and fair ladies and enchanted forests, Tom's story will thoroughly delight. The adventures of Princess Volanna and the gallant knight Aradon are woven together in twisting episodes of romance, terror, tragedy and triumph. The story begins by bringing the reader up to date concerning the great empire of Perivale whose victorious battle with the evil Morgultha united seven kingdoms. But Perivale disappears mysteriously and an ancient sage appears out of the enchanged Braegan's Wood to foretells the breakup of Perivale's empire. He delivers also a hopeful yet cryptic prophecy concerning the eventual restoration of Perivale's glory through an heir who will one day take the throne, reunite the kingdoms and reign over days even more glorious than those of his father. "The Crown of Eden" is the exciting story of the fulfillment of that prophecy.

The best thing one can say about "The Crown of Eden" is that it is a wonderfully told story. The chapters are short, revealing just enough surprises in the unfolding story that it is difficult to stop. More than once, as the reader is gaining speed toward some seemingly inevitable conclusion, Tom inserts an unexpected turn in the plot which leaves the reader delightfully off balance. And though one senses near the end of the story how it might end, the twists and turns keep coming even to the last few pages.

Tom has created dozens of wonderful characters in the story including the noble King Tallis, the loyal servants Kalley and Olstan, and the pathetically evil prince Lomar.but the story centers around two main characters, Princess Volanna and the commoner Aradon. Through these two characters Tom is able to not only tell a great story, but teach profound lessons in an effective and unintrusive way. Which is the next best thing about "The Crown of Eden." It does more than just tell a good story.

Interwoven amidst jousting festivals, harrowing escapes through murky swamps, rescues from dark and foreboding castles, there are scenes and conversations which allow Tom's characters to give articulate expression to various truths. King Tallis expounds on the puzzle of balancing God's sovereignty and man's freedom. Father Lucidis eloquently expounds on the virtues of pleasure, delight and ecstasy. Lord Aldemar wrestles with the tension of obedience to law and loving his country. Bogard gives some of the best advice to be found on choosing one's life mate.

Best of all, we find in Volanna and Aradon the embodiment of what it means to be a womand and a man. Tom is at his best when he describes the beauty of Volanna, a beauty that does not inflame illicit passion, but awakens the legitimate passions which lie all too dormant within us. If there is a weakness in "The Crown of Eden," it is that these "philosophical moments" in the story may linger a bit too long and distract at times from the story.

One last observation which made the book enjoyable was the way Tom has blended his own fantasy with the history of scripture. These characters and their kingdoms exist only in our minds, yet they are christians and as such often look to biblical stories to make meaning our of their own experience. The most intriguing example of this is the use of the strange biblical story of King Jephthah and his daughter which finds in "The Crown of Eden" a narrative commentary.

This tale, which hopefully will be the first of many in the The Seven Kingdom Chronicles, is a wonderful addition to the rapidly growing genre of Christian fantasy and as enjoyable as such established authors as Terry Brooks (of recent Star Wars fame.) Though Tom's single story does not merit comparisons with his literary mentors, Lewis and Tolkein, clearly his writing exhibits the best of their influence and the tales of the Seven Kingdoms certainly deserve to be on the same shelves alongside the tales of Narnia and
Middle-earth.

The Crown Of Eden.......2003-03-11

I found this book very intreguing. I have read The Chronicles of Narnia completely several times as an adult and this book is right up there with it. The story was spell binding allegory. The princess, a prophecy, a secret, everything about it kept me reading. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of his sequel, The Devil's Mouth, so that I can continue my journey into the seven kingdoms.

Fantastic.......2002-06-01

Thomas Williams is truly talented! This book got me from the first page till the last and I neglected much work while reading it as I couldn't put it down.Set in medievil times around two kingdoms and an awsome forrest it's fast paced , exiting and full of adventure.It has strong characters and a fantastic story line that I wished would never end. It will make you believe in love and honour and think about your own morals and strive to be better.I loved every word!

great book!.......2001-12-28

This book has wonderful allegory that compels one to be noble and pure. It is a page turner (especially the last half)that is in ways comparable to Tolkien's works. It has extensive characters which come to life and plot that is quite enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

A Good Novel By Oates, Softer in Approach Lacking Her Trademark Intense Drama
Interesting
Oates fans will love this one
Oates' Best Novel Of This Decade
"The Philosopher Is One Who Practices Dying, Practices Death ..."

Middle Age: A Romance
Joyce Carol Oates
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0060934905
Release Date: 2002-10-01

Book Description

In Salthill-on-Hudson, a half-hour train ride from Manhattan, everyone is rich, beautiful, and -- though they look much younger -- middle-aged. But when Adam Berendt, a charismatic, mysterious sculptor, dies suddenly in a brash act of heroism, shock waves rock the town. But who was Adam Berendt? Was he in fact a hero, or someone more flawed and human?

Download Description

"Special feature: This PerfectBound e-book contains ""Enchanted Places,"" Joyce Carol Oates's essay about the rooms we live in - especially selected for the e-book by the author. A darkly comic novel from the author of BLONDE and WE WERE THE MULVANEYS. In Salthill-on-Hudson, a half-hour train ride from Manhattan, everyone is rich, beautiful, and--though they look muich younger-- middle-aged. But when Adam Berendt, a charismatic, mysterious sculptor, dies suddenly in a brash act of heroism, shock waves rock the town. But who was Adam Berendt? Was he in fact a hero, or someone more flawed and human? His loss and the rumors that surface of his possible lovers plunge his friends into grief, confusion, and self-reflection. The women who loved Adam find themselves engaging in life-altering romantic adventures. The men who were Adam's closest friends become utterly transformed in his absence. Adam's lawyer, Roger Cavanagh, who has broken the law for Adam's sake, becomes invovled with an elusive and perhaps treacherous young woman. Marina Troy exiles herself to fulfill a wish Adam had made for her. Lionel Hoffmann sets out, unwisely but with great hope, to recapture his lost youth after a lifetime of soulless financial success, even as his wife, Camille, discovers an unspeakable joy close to home. Augusta Cutler, a hitherto sensous, unreflective woman, defiantly endeavors to solve the mystery of Adam's origins, even if ti means losing her marriage and family. MIDDLE AGE: A ROMANCE is an intimately drawn, richly sympathetic, yet unsparingly comic portrait of the affluent class at the dawn of the twenty-first century. Incisive, insightful, and never predictable, it's a uniquely American saga of self-determination and identity from one of our finest writers of contemporary fiction. "

Customer Reviews:

A Good Novel By Oates, Softer in Approach Lacking Her Trademark Intense Drama.......2007-09-01

Oates dedicates the novel to "To my Princeton friends who are nowhere in these pages." But unlike many of her other works most of the many characters are sympathetic and generous. They support worthy causes, and most are appealing, so it would not be an insult if they were like some of her Princeton friends.

Joyce Carol Oates was born in 1938 in upstate New York State and is a distinguished Professor of Humanities at Princeton. She gained fame with her first novel With Shuddering Fall in 1964. Now four decades later, she is the author of scores of novels, short stories, essays, plays, and poetry. The present novel from 2001 is somewhere near the end of the chronological order of her body of work and we see the polished prose of an experienced writer. I have read a number of her works from different time periods in her career and set up a Guide to Joyce Carol Oates Listmania list. Compared to her early novels, this is a straightforward and almost a "light" read without much intense drama, and certainly less than other recent Joyce novels such as The Falls. The novel has a nice story structure and easy prose, and the reader is spared the "too much prose" found in some early works such as The Assassins.

Oates is known for her emotional and dramatic stories, often with women or even poor women such as students or teachers caught up in stressful situations, and often set in her native upstate New York (Niagara River - Syracuse - Erie,PA. triangle). Actually, some of her best work is found in her 10 to 20 page short stories, which are often dramatic, sometimes very intense, and many involve off-beat characters, and rapes, murders, and people with serious mental health issues, etc. People who have not read her collections of short stories should take a look at those. The present novel contains few of those off-beat elements. It is a story set in a small town or group of towns on the Hudson river, and as Oates tells us it is a 28 minute commuter train ride from the center of New York city. Some of the characters work in New York city and just live in the area. Most of the people in her novel are wealthy or at least comfortable financially.

The story begins with the death of a middle aged man on a July 4th weekend. Adam Berendt dies of natural causes while swimming to rescue a child. He has a heart attack. As we learn, he is somewhat mysterious character, but he is also an admired friend of many in the town of Salthill on the Hudson. We follow the people after the death and how they interact and change, including a younger women who he admired and who runs a local book store.

This is a relatively compelling read, but lacks the intensity of some of Oates's short stories. As a work by Oates it is almost a bit "tame." It is about the characters and how they change after the death, or there personal views and feelings, and their relations. It is a theme more subtle than some of her other works and the novel is a very easy read.

This is an entertaining story that most Oates fans will love, and many others will like. It is an easy and quick read.

Interesting.......2007-07-13

Decades ago, in a young pique, I "gave up reading" Joyce Carol Oates. I vowed I would never pick up another book again. I have no idea why, or which or her works at the time precipitated this decision, but I felt so strongly about it, I continued to shun her works.

Finally, I picked up the unabridged version of this book on CD (19 discs!) and became mesmerized by the story of one rather ordinary-seeming man, Adam Berendt, who transforms the lives of everyone he meets in the small upstate New York village of Salt-Hill-on-Hudson.

Since Adam dies in an accident very early on in the book, we are left to meet and decipher all the acquaintances whose lives he very much affected--from the middle-aged wives who, to a woman, all fell into unrequited love with him, to the younger Marina Troy, a single woman who thought he was her lover (although the relationship was never consummated), to the various husbands in Adam's circle, all of whom either admired him almost as much as their wives, or were affected by him whether they wanted to be or not.

The mystery of who Adam was--or was not--is hinted at during the accident, when we get a brief glimpse into his thoughts. The actuality of it is not solved until more than 3/4 into the book, and is anticlimactic, although upsetting.

To my great shock, the book has a happy ending of sorts. I did not expect that, and I'm not sure it actually fit the story, but it does tie in with Adam's redemptive qualities.

Will I read another by Oates? I don't think so. I think this was enough, although I can't think of anything bad to say about it.

Oates fans will love this one.......2006-10-27

When a man dies while attempting to save the life of a drowning child, the story has just begun. His death opens a tale of people searching for their purpose in life, for their true spot in the world.
The man who has died, Adam, entered their lives and seemingly took their world by storm. Although they all believed him to be their friend, it seems that Adam did not have a close personal relationship with any of them, except in their own versions of their lives. What he did do was to get them to seek out the truth of their lives in varied ways, from conversations, by his example, at times almost by pitting them against themselves and each other.
As each person mourns his passing, they begin to change their lives and goals and to strive for more than they have in the past. More love, more effort, more independence, more happiness, more freedom........
While there is much introspection, there is also a self-centered aspect to many of their lives in the manner in which they interpret life around them.
I found the action of one college age daughter to be beyond infuriating and could not believe that the father suffered her abuse in the manner that he did.
Those that love to read this author will find this a book to be a treasure. That I am not a fan, is probably obvious. I find her work complex, which I enjoy, but emotionally draining at times, when there appears to be little redemption for anyone and the characters appear too hard edged to ring true. I think she is a gifted writer, but not someone I seek out. I read this for a book group and the book group was divided over this novel.

Oates' Best Novel Of This Decade.......2006-01-14

What a delight Middle Age: A Romance was to read! It is a stirringly complex book in which a huge cast of characters share center stage as they intertwine, interact, and face their personal quests for self-respect, liberation, or understanding. Set in upstate New York among the monetarily-privileged (but achingly insecure and empty) of the turn of the twenty-first century, this novel begins when one of the town's most beloved and mysterious figures dies what appears from all angles to be a most heroic death. From there America's most accomplished woman of letters, Joyce Carol Oates, leads the reader along on a surprisingly fast-paced story of exactly how this single death impacts an entire town, and how it sets into motion a multitude of major and minor events that leave so many of those within the story changed. And (in saying this here and now I in no way spoil anything) unlike so many literary outings with Oates, this solid novel of evolution and revelation ends on a happy note as it ties up its loose ends in positive and satisfying ways for all concerned. Middle Age: A Romance is a really good book that should unite a large cross section of readership in glowing praise at its author's awesome talent.

"The Philosopher Is One Who Practices Dying, Practices Death ...".......2005-10-05

In this extraordinary rendition, Ms. Oates has created another masterpiece. Her writing is finely honed and truly expressive to an extent not quite seen in her prior work. She continues to progress to a highly unique and enticing writing style. The words flow from the page to the reader in a continuous and effortless manner. The book is arguably, the best novel she has ever penned. But her writing style in the book is only a small part of its greatness.

With a special finesse, Oates captures the interesting and infinitely varied milieu of "Middle Age." In Middle Age people find themselves in a very different state than when they were young. The overwhelming feeling of emptiness that is exhibited by those who reach this stage so often; resulting from the disillusionments of youth ended and the "empty nest" phenomenon that forces people to truly look at their lives; to evaluate their progress or lack thereof; to re-interpret their lives of marriage and children, now grown. It is in middle age that people become philosophical about what has transpired in their whole prior life. Did it represent fulfillment, or merely an empty life of going through the motions? Do they relate to their spouses anymore, or have they grown to a point where they no longer even see each other in the same room? In fact, do we even dislike or in the extreme even hate our spouse, our life, our children, our house, our whole worthless or non-worthless life up to that point?

These concepts are those that Joyce Carol Oates examines in this book. The text examines the loves, the hates, the cruelties, the deceptions, the disillusionments and the feelings derived thereof; following the prime of life. And then, the manner in which we interpret it. And if we find that this life was not satisfactory, to where do we go, to what place do we run, to what satisfaction can we find in a changed environment? Joyce takes the reader down these roads. She describes the infidelities and the fidelities incurred in the vicissitudes of everyday life over a period of 50 years and how we see it.

Her characters are varied and deeply developed. Rather than only one central character, Ms. Oates uses a small bunch of characters. The necessity of this is unavoidable, as middle age is a condition that varies in a colossal manner from one person to another. The book relates these almost unanswerable questions; and allows the reader to self-evaluate their own life experiences and accomplishments. Some of us are embittered. Some of us are grateful. Some of us are disillusioned. Some of us are suicidal. Some of us are not sure what we are as we have not contemplated it in this way, this philosophical approach to the sum of our acts and deeds are what middle aged people tend to dissect. And through that process of dissection and analysis, people then determine what will be the rest of their life's course. Should they continue as they have? Should they chuck it all and run away? Should they accept with grace and dignity what has been? Or should they start anew, if that be possible?

Using all her skills and perfected psychological orientation, Ms. Oates gives us a novel that rivals any produced by her literary mentor, D. H. Lawrence. The internal analysis and depiction of the characters mental monologues and motivations are cause to bring one to a point of serious reflection. In essence, Ms. Oates creates a classic piece of fiction that is virtually timeless. All people either reach this point, or have become deceased before achieving it. But whatever be the case, the book is one that should not be overlooked by any serious reader of modern fiction. The book is in a word, truly a classic.

Average customer rating:

Heartwrenching and Beautiful Indeed!
For the record - this isn't Middle English, it's Modern English
Pure Kinsale...(4 1/2 stars)
One of the best historical romances I've read
For My Lady's Heart **Great**

For My Lady's Heart
Laura Kinsale
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0425206599

Book Description

A young knight will take up his sword for the honor of a beautiful and mysterious princess-and risk his life for the love that burns between them.

Customer Reviews:

Heartwrenching and Beautiful Indeed!.......2006-05-13

Couldn't have said it better than 'msmjb.' In the many years that I've spent reading these historical romance novels I've yet to read a heroine equal to Melanthe. Beautiful, cold, wicked, and unforgetable. And Ruck, his loyalty and devotion is unrivaled. Once in a long while you come upon these timeless characters whose stories hit deep in your gut and in your heart...

For the record - this isn't Middle English, it's Modern English.......2006-04-08

Yes - really. This is what scholars consider Modern English. This IS dumbed down, compared to what was actually spoken in the 14th century! The dialogue in this book is post-Shakespearen, post-Renaissance, MODERN English. Old English is practically German, completely unrecognizable to the average 21st century reader. Middle English isn't a lot better to the uninitiated. Although it's easily recognized as "English", it's also very much like French, while maintaining some of the Germanic characteristics from Old English. Very few contemporary readers without degrees in medieval English would be able to read this book comfortably if the dialogue was actually in Middle English. Try reading the Canterbury Tales. This is Modern English - the English of Shakespeare, and Defoe, and Johnson. There is nothing "difficult" about this, except for the unfamiliar constructions. Yes - it presents a challenge to those looking for "fluff" romance (which, I admit, is precisely what I would be looking for in a romance). But it's not Middle English.

Pure Kinsale...(4 1/2 stars).......2004-12-07

Sir Ruck, at the age of just seventeen, has lost his life as he once knew it... until a beautiful, but cold princess comes to his rescue on a whim. From that day forward, she is his sworn Lady - The Princess Melanthe.

After not seeing her for many years, by some weird twist of fate, Ruck finds himself in the position to return her favor. Melanthe is in danger and Ruck is determined to guard her with his life.

For My ladys Heart was such an emotional read. It started slowly, but once it got going, it was a hard book to set down.
Ruck and Melanthe were an interesting match. Ruck was so obliging and honorable and beautiful...Melanthe was so spirited and arrogant and sometimes childish. I loved Melanthe even when I hated her. The love between Ruck and Melanthe was bittersweet and I swear the whole book is worth reading just to see them exchange their vows of marriage.

Laura Kinsale continues to amaze me. For My Ladys Heart must truly have been a challenge to write. I cant get over how vividly Kinsale was able to capture the life and the speech of the times.

My only real complaint with this story was the final conflict and the choices that Melanthe made that led to it. I understand why she did what she did, but it still frustrated me to no end...All I can say is that with Melanthe as his wife, Ruck will have quite a handful...he must really love a challenge :o)

One of the best historical romances I've read.......2004-06-22

I haven't read many of Kinsale's books, but was very pleasantly surprised with this one. So much historical romance is formula fiction, light on character, plot, and history. Kinsale doesn't just throw in a castle, a suit of armor, a few misunderstandings and some sex and call it a book. These characters and their relationships are complex and fascinating. I really could not put this one down until I was finished--bags under my eyes at work the next day.

For My Lady's Heart **Great**.......2004-05-18

This is a wonderful read. The hero Ruck is fabulous. Not your run of the mill rake. He has strong principles and he lives by them. Nor do you find your everyday herione. She is a widow, she's devious, a liar, a tease. Yes she has all of those usually villianous qualities but she is trying to stay alive in a twisting maze of treachery. I loved being a part of watching them find each other. I heartily reccomend this one. :)

Gwyneth and the Thief (An Avon True Romance)

Average customer rating:

Cute ^_^
I Can't Believe Anyone Liked This Book!
A bit disappointing
A Total Page Turner!
an enjoyable read...cheesy and romantic! :D

Gwyneth and the Thief (An Avon True Romance)
Margaret Moore
Manufacturer: HarperTeen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Historical Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Love & Romance | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0064473376
Release Date: 2002-07-02

Book Description

Gwyneth

With her hand in marriage and the security of her beloved Haverleigh at stake, Lady Gwyneth is desperate. So when she comes upon a young man who might be the solution to her predicament, she does not hesitate to act, though it means entering into a dangerous deceit and inviting a thief into her castle.

The Thief

All Gavin has known is a life of lawless poverty. Left for dead and taken in by a very young, very determined lady, he has little choice but to entertain her request. Posing as a squire, he begins to train the farmers and craftsmen of Haverleigh in the art of combat. In doing so, Gavin begins to know a far different life -- and to crave all it has to offer.

As Haverleigh is secured through their labor and collusion, sparks fly between Gwyneth and her thief. In a moment of rash indiscretion, a kiss nearly undoes them both. Love between a lady and a thief is unthinkable...unless the truth can remain hidden.

Customer Reviews:

Cute ^_^.......2006-06-23

Gwyneth and the Theif is my favorite Avon True Romance so far. The concept is the most alluring, and the story is the most fulfilling. The romance is light but cute, and the characters are likable and relatable.

The story is about Lady Gwyneth, who is supervising her father's land while he is ill, and a not-too-common Theif. Gwyneth's lands are threatened by an unwelcome suitor who wishes to gain only power and land. Gwyneth rescuses the Theif, shelters him, and asks him to train her people. Happy ending indeed! Quite an enjoyable Read! The romance is the best attribute of the book.

I do believe there is one flaw though: believability. The rash and somewhat unlikely decision of Gwyneth to use the Theif to train her people, and her people's unquestionable acceptance of her decision detract from the book. Things work out so well, if not too well, for the heroes and heroines of the Avon True Romance series, but I believe this is to be expected in a teen series.

Regardless, Gwyneth and the Theif was enjoyable, cute as ever, and relaxing to read. I believe any young historical romance lover will find this book to their satisfaction.

Happy Reading! ^_^

I Can't Believe Anyone Liked This Book!.......2005-12-21

I started reading the Avon True Romance for Teens series just this year and I loved what I read. I had read Anna and the Duke (my favorite) Emily and the Scott, and Victoria and the Rogue. I loved all three of them.
Little did I know they ALL weren't that way.
I had read an exerpt from one of the other books and tried hard to get this book. I finally do. I begin reading... yada, yada, yada. When I got to almost the end of the book, I was stunned: I just couldn't believe any chemistry between the two main characters. The book disappointed me so much that I just stopped reading it. What was the point? These people weren't believable and the plot looked so predictable. Why read something that we can easily see the ending to? The other books made you wonder, but even if there was a good climax in this one, I doubt it would save this story!

A bit disappointing.......2005-07-20

I was a little disappointed in this book. It seemed like nothing really exciting happened...the romance seemed a little dull, as did the plot: Gwyneth sees Gavin, a thief, get beat up by his fellow thieves and left for dead, so she takes him back to her castle to teach her village how to fight and protect themselves against an evil neighbor who wants Gwyneth's land and her hand in marriage, which he thinks will be easy to gain since Gwyneth's father is sick. Gwyneth and Gavin fall in love, but Gavin thinks she won't want a thief, so he stays away from her, while in the meantime the village fights against the evil neighbor's forces. A knight comes and stops the fight, and says Gavin can be his squire, so someday he can marry Gwyneth. Gwyneth's father gets better, everyone lives happily ever, the end. I was disappointed with such an unoriginal plot.

A Total Page Turner!.......2005-06-06

I couldn't put the book down! It was exciting, and Moore made sure to write about characters that the reader could relate to.
Gwyneth is at the mercy of horrid DeVillers who intends to take over her land. She is unlike most girls of her class at that period of time since she runs the land because her father is ill. Gwyneth fears that DeVillers will take her home by force but she cannot afford mercenaries, so she has no way to protect her land...until Gavin came into the picture.
Gavin is thief. He is very handsome, clever, and acts more like a gentlemen then most thiefs. He is rescued by Gwyneth and agrees to help her.
As the old saying goes, opposites attract, and this romance novel is full of adventure, love, and humor. I very much enjoyed this, and all of the other Avon True Romance books, and I highly reccommend them all!

an enjoyable read...cheesy and romantic! :D.......2003-12-12

Gwyneth and the Thief is a fun historical romance about a lady and a thief. gwyneth, 15, is left in charge of her father's castle when he gets sick. she enlists the aid of gavin, a thief, to pose as a squire and train the villagers to fight in case her neighbour [a baron] tries to take over her castle. obviously, she falls in love with gavin and him with her. they know that a love between a thief and a lady can never take place. what will happen next?!

Book Description

The first novel in a seductive new medieval romance series

A valiant warrior...

Wearied by the violence of the Crusades, Simon, Knight of Lyan, is returning home to Ireland when he is attacked by a vampire and transformed into a creature of the night. His only chance for redemption is to find an ancient treasure of legend -- the power of which can restore his humanity.

A brilliant beauty...

Young Isabel of the Castle Charmot knows that her freedom and the preservation of her family's estate depend not only on her comeliness, but on an intricate deception of her own design. Thus far, her ruse has kept potential enemies and amorous suitors at bay -- until the mysterious visitor appears at her door, asking to explore the catacombs of her keep.

A desperate desire...

In each other, Simon and Isabel find the comfort and trust to share their separate secrets -- and a shared passion they never thought possible. But when the sinister creature that cursed Simon to darkness arises once more, the doomed knight must choose between saving his immortal soul and claiming the heart of the only woman he's ever loved....

Customer Reviews:

Lucy blue's vamps.......2006-11-03

Being someone who reads all things vampire I was intrigued enough to buy this book.It was a good read, though I put it down several times which is not something I normally do. Hence the three star rating.The idea of the holy grail being a cure for vampirism is sort of different.But if being turned into a vampire against your will as the main charactor was, you would want to find a way out.I would recomend this book to someone who is just starting to read this genre as it has a different twist then the normal vampire tale.

A bit slow to start, but a great story overall. Love the hero character........2006-06-29

I found that this book was a bit slow in the beginning. I got worried that it was going to be total dud. However, once the story jumps ahead ten years, the characters are well developed and the action gets exciting. The romance becomes powerful and the hero steals your heart. The first love scene between the main couple is unique and steamy.

The Story:

Simon is a loyal knight who has fought in the crusades. He would follow his lord, Sir Francis, to the ends of the earth. When a royal leader of the infidel army, Lucan Kivar, offers his daughter to Sir Francis in marriage, Simon and the rest of the knights are present for the big occasion. Once they are all in the hall, Kivar opens an attack upon the knights. They are slaughtered by Kivar's Vampires. In the end, only Simon is still standing against Kivar. Kivar attacks, making Simon a vampire.

10 years later...

Simon is on a quest to find a chalice that is believed to hold the key to returning his soul. With his loyal friend, Orlando, he has spent the past 10 years roaming the world. They believe they have finally found the hiding place of the chalice. It is hidden in catacombs beneath Castle Charmot.

Years ago, Isabel's parents passed away. To keep greedy knights from taking control of Castle Charmot, Isabel and her most loyal knight, Brautus, have claimed that the castle is haunted by a demon. They call the demon "The Black Knight." The demon is actually Brautus in disguise. Brautus dresses in demon armor and kills any knight who seeks to take Charmot. However, Brautus is getting old. Isabel is afraid he won't last through another battle. She says a prayer to her father, asking him to send her a real "Black Knight."

When Simon arrives at Castle Charmot, he claims to be the cousin of Isabel's father. The Black Knight challenges him. Simon convinces Isabel to let him enter without a sword battle. She agrees to let him stay at Charmot, hoping he would be willing to take over the role of The Black Knight.

Simon claims to be cursed from his time of battle during the crusades. He tells Isabel that he must do penance in order to break the curse. This gives him an excuse to "fast" (eat no food) and to lock himself away during daylight hours. He also claims that the solution to his curse can be found in the catacombs, convincing her to let Simon and Orlando spend their nights searching. In truth, they hope to find the chalice.

Over the following weeks, Simon and Isabel fall in love. Simon gives her his oath that he will protect Charmot. Isabel's people embrace him as their new lord. But Simon must focus on finding the chalice.

Lucan Kivar thinks of himself as Simon's father. He is disgusted with Simon's lack of malice. Simon will only kill and feed from people who deserve death for horrendous crimes, or from animals. Kivar makes a plan to force Simon to turn dark. Kivar attacks Isabel. Simon has no choice but to bring forth his vampire strength and fangs to fight for her. Now Isabel knows the truth and she must decide if she can trust Simon. Kivar has taken him prisoner. Isabel knows that only she can save him.

Again Kivar snatches Isabel. When the chalice is found, Simon must choose between saving Isabel or using the chalice to become human. The chalice will only appear for a few moments. Once it is lost, so are Simon's chances to reclaim his soul. However those few moments are all Isabel has left as she bleeds in Kivar's hands.

My God What A Great Vampire Romance!.......2005-09-23

I just loved everything about this one. The sex scenes were very hot and steamy which is a must for any romance that I read. The villians were convincing and the plot behind the whole story was terrific. If this author keeps writing books as good as this one then I will be sure to get all of them.

Oh and I totally loved the excerpt in the back I am so going to get that one. Its about a Tristan that appears in this book. I am waiting rather impatiently for that one it called The Devil's Knight. I just wish that we could have a cover already I mean the book comes out in December. I loved the leading lady in My Demon's Kiss she knew what she wanted and she went for it I hate it when authors write women that are so gung ho against the main hero finally a woman who actually likes the hero!

On the Fence about this One.......2005-04-22

So far I am the odd man out and I'm sure that I'm going to get bashed for this but I just could not rate this story 5 stars. I am big fan of paranormal romance; especially vampire romance novels. I couldn't wait to start this book. Maybe if I had not just finsihed Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon I might have rated the book 4 stars but on the heels of such a fantastic story the flaws in my Demon's Kiss were too obivious.

I will not summarize the story others have already done a good of out lining the plot. I did like that Simons killing wasn't sugar coated and that he wanted to be human again. I liked Isabel a little. She wasn't as interesting as I like heroines to be. However, I know that this was part of the story. Her father kept her ignorant about the mysteries of the catacombs and the scrolls hidden within them. Simone and Isabel had a medium chemistry. I think that it was circumstances that drew them together rather that genuine attraction. I mean Isabel had never had any contact with men other than peasants.

My biggest problem with the story was the anitclimatic ending. I can't really go into details without revealing too much of the story. I will say that half way through the story it really picked up and I started to enjoy it. The mystery of the druid's writings and Isabels role in Simons quest was really orginal.
But then after all this build up about her role in Simons quest and her bravey in saving Simone life, she ended up being the helpless victim. Maybe Ms. Blue next novel will continue the story of Isabel and Simon. There is definitly a link between Simon and Tristan Dumaine the vampire of her next story.

Terrific read!.......2005-01-16

There's not much more that I can add that hasn't already been said by prior reviewers. I'm not a huge fan of vampire stories, but for some reason have read several this past year and I have to say that this book and Cyndi Friberg's terrific Born of the Shadows are the best and most interesting I've yet read.

Simon is a knight who is turned into a vampire while on Crusade. He hates what he is and when he learns that there may be a way for him to become human again, he can't help but hope and believe. He and his wizard sidekick Orlando have been on their quest for ten years when they finally arrive at Charmot, a castle in England built on the ruins of an old Druid stone circle. Legend holds that a chalice that could "cure" Simon can be found there and so Simon and Orlando present themselves to the Lady of Charmot.

That lady is Isabel and since the death of her father she has been responsible for her castle and her people. She has successfully held would-be husbands and marauders at bay with the help of her father's (unfortunately aging) good friend and a little deception. She worries that their luck will run out if they are set upon again, and fears for the safety of her castle. But Simon presents himself (okay, he lies!) as her distant cousin who is cursed and who was led to Charmot by a vision from her father. He and Orlando explain that somewhere within the castle they will find a cure for Simon's curse. Isabel is not sure she believes them, but lets them stay for two reasons: 1. She gets him to agree to protect her castle against any attack and 2. She finds herself very much attracted to the angelic-looking yet slightly dangerous Simon.

Though Simon tries to stay away from her, he is helplessly attracted to her and feels a strong need to protect her (even from himself). Isabel is wary of Simon's true motives, but she also needs his sword arm to protect her people and she finds herself falling for this kind, handsome enigma. They become lovers and Simon's quest continues but will an evil that has followed him from the Holy Land crush all their hopes?

Simon is adorable, sexy, kind and just a really good man who refuses to abandon his humanity and his faith after he is turned. Isabel is smart, pragmatic and independent - a heroine that readers can like and respect. The villain is really evil and vile and scary! The author's descriptions and tone are vivid, dark, mystical pulling reader into her story's time and place. This is the first in a series and there will be more vampires and adventures to come. I for one will be reading them.

Average customer rating:

Solid 3-star historical romance
Heartfelt, historical romance
Heartfelt, historical romance
Heartfelt, historical romance
Heartfelt, historical romance

The Everlasting Covenant
Robyn Carr
Manufacturer: Little Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

Avon ANEW CLINICAL 2-Step Facial Peel

ASIN: 0316129798

Customer Reviews:

Solid 3-star historical romance.......2005-03-22

This is a good book, the writing is solid and even touching at times, especially in the descriptions of the main characters' feelings for each other, and their expressions of love to each other...BUT there was just something lacking; some richness to the love story? For a Romeo/Juliet-style-romance, and taking place in a very tumultuous historical time period, it just didn't have that sweep, that depth, that a lifelong love story should have. I was also a little put off by the author's horrible name choices for some of her characters. She used very modern names for 15th century England, for one; for another, the names she chose were horrible! "Sloan" and "Gage" for the heroine's two sons, yeech! And I don't think the names Dylan and Cameron were in use during that time, either. (Sorry, but it's a pet peeve of mine when an author uses a really modern name in a really ancient time!)

We hear that the hero suffered as an exile from England during the Wars of the Roses, but it's a major flaw that we don't really learn what those sufferings were. He comes back to England more mature; hardened, but we don't see how that came about. We also don't learn how he meets and marries his wife...he just comes home married. On the other hand, we learn all about the heroine's marriage(s), how they came about, and her day to day life, so there's an imbalance there. Also, the ending is somewhat abrupt.

Still, that's not to say that this isn't a pretty good romance novel...just not especially memorable. There's a nice flow to the writing, and the historical research is accurate (except for the terrible name choices, which is an entirely personal gripe). The plot becomes deeper and basically better as it goes along (although the heroine's second husband goes from being a somewhat blah nice guy to a lecherous wife-beating bully, which was a bit of a shock). All in all, I recommend the book, but look for it in your local library instead of purchasing it.

Heartfelt, historical romance.......2001-12-11

If you like a good historical romance at the time of 15th century chivalry, this book is for you. This book has everything in a good romance novel... passion, longing, desire, villans, heroes, life-long vendettas, revenge. Even though the ending was somewhat predictable, it still held my interest and curiousity from the very first page.

Heartfelt, historical romance.......2001-08-23

Heartfelt, historical romance.......2001-08-21

Heartfelt, historical romance.......2001-08-16

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