Magic's Pawn (The Last Herald-Mage Series, Book 1)

Customer Reviews:

A Pawn or An Active Player?.......2007-10-10

Mercedes Lackey's Last Herald-Mage trilogy is considered innovative with its sympathetic gay hero,Vanyel. As a character,Vanyel has been accused of being a Gary-Stu,the angsty,uber-powerful alter ego of the other. I dare to disagree. Vanyel begins the story quite flawed and self-centered. He is rightfully considered "a peacock",and when he arrives at the Royal Court of Valdemar to be tutored by his aunt Savil,she doesn't give him special treatment.

Vanyel's journey is like other coming-of-age epics. He matures, comes to understand his powers,stops being passive...and finds love with a youth near his age named Tylendel. To Lackey's credit, Vanyel&Tylendel's brief,beautiful love affair isn't conveyed in a preachy,unrealistic way. When it ends with Tylendel's suicide,it is heart-wrenching and tragic.

Lackey is strong in character development,but not so much with plot. The battle between good and evil remains in the background in contrast to the growing romance,as well as Vanyel's bond with his Companion,Yfandes. Villains are vaguely described. The relationship between Vanyel and Tylendel is not allowed to grow and mature because of Tylendel's suicide. However, Lackey's poetic style outdoes any of the book's weaknesses. The lack of cliches in "Magic's Pawn" makes it a must in any fantasy reader's library.

Interesting!.......2007-09-20

The first of the series, this book sets it up. It is an interesting story but more interesting are the characters. Lackey makes you care about the people in her books. Definitely worth a read!

Great potential, but it didn't seem to reach it. .......2007-06-15

The book's characters are as fascinating as they are endearing, and the world which the story is set in is similarly well done. Unfortunately, I didn't have much of an opportunity to appreciate the author's creativity because much of the story was rushed. Instead of taking her time to develop some anticipation, Lackey throws plot climaxes at you mere moments after they are introduced. Many of the events in the story were too abrupt for my liking, and I often found myself wondering if I had accidentally skipped a dozen or so pages in my reading. This quality makes for a decent light read, but I think it has ultimately compromised the development of the characters. If Lackey had not been so hurried and taken a bit more time in establishing the romances, plots, and intrigues, then the book would have much more depth and substance to it. The book wasn't horrible, but it wasn't inspiring either. I'm not sure if I want to read the next one.

A wonderful coming of age tale.......2007-05-01

I'll admit that I initially didn't care for this cover. It felt too flowery and the image of the horse just looked creepy. Even as I started the book I thought that the text felt too flowery as well. Vanyel's vanity and melodrama annoyed me, but I kept reading and he grew on me. It was only then that I realized I was reading a coming of age story. Yeah, I'm dense, I know. :P

Vanyel though, what can I say? This kid goes through a lot. Love and loss and a whole bunch more. By the end of this book, I found myself loving this character. That's a huge leap from finding him annoying, eh?

Vanyel finds himself being sent away from his home to live with his Aunt Savil at the High Court of Valdemar. His father has hopes that Savil will have a better chance at turning the boy into a "real" man, since everything he has tried doesn't seem to be working. ("Real" man as per the father's definition of that of course.)

What I loved about this story is watching him wake up and start to see the world around him. His relationships with his aunt Savil, Tylendel, and Yfandes were all endearing to see. The story itself hinted some at much more to come since Vanyel's knowledge of what's going on is limited. I found that this only intrigued me more since I wanted to know what exactly was keeping the Heralds so busy in the background. I also enjoyed that the characters made some tragic mistakes since it makes them more real that way.

Plus, the story is emotionally rich...a roller costar effect of love, joy, pain, heartache, and everything in between and that's what made me become even more attached to these wonderful characters--indeed. All in all, I loved this book. It goes on the shelf of things to reread.

Oh, and on a side note, I think this one is good as a teen read.

An Utterly Engrossing Series!.......2007-03-31

I picked up this series because I was in the process of writing a fantasy novel with a gay hero and I wanted to see what other works were out there. I had never read Ms. Lackey's work, so I didn't know what to expect. I was not just pleasantly surprised by this trilogy, I was completely captivated by it and very sad when I reached the final page. The plot is interesting and the pace is quick. The characters, especially the hero Vanyel, are extremely sympathetic, primarily due to the fact that they are so flawed. Some may find the romance a bit sappy, but I'm the first to admit that I dig that kind of thing and you'll see it in my own novels as well (Orphan's Quest (Chronicles of Firma, Book One)). Best of all for me, though, was the fact that although her hero is unapologetically gay, the series does not become mired in its "gayness" as so many other works of gay-themed fiction I have read.

This trilogy gave me a great deal of inspiration to push on with my own fantasy aspirations. I owe Misty a big hug if we ever meet face to face. I highly recommend these three books. Whether you're gay or straight, you'll find them an excellent read and, like me, you'll be sorry to reach that last page.

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Fantasy With Passion

The Last Herald-Mage
Mercedes Lackey
Manufacturer: Guild America Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0739422952

Product Description

A 3 in 1 omnibus -- includes Magic's Pawn, Magic's Promise, and Magic's Price.

Customer Reviews:

Fantasy With Passion.......2005-08-15

Mercedes Lackey's Last herald Mage series consists of three different books, originally published separately: Magic's Pawn, Magic's Promise and Magic's Price. They describe the life of one man, from adolescence to maturity, who lives in a world peopled with kings, warriors, fantastical creatures and all of the things that readers of fantasy have come to love and identify with.

One slight twist: Vanyel, the story's protagonist, just happens to be gay.

From the titles, the stories obviously have to do with magic and the people who wield it. Lackey writes with great passion, and it is her love for the world she's created in these books that makes them worthwhile. Her system of magic isn't overly complex, but it is well thought out, and has appeal to a wide range of readers.

Rather than focusing on epic battles and the machinations of vast armies, Lackey concentrates on character development and interpersonal relationships. One gets a sense that she spent time getting to know each character and giving that character a piece of herself.

The first book deals with Vanyel's coming of age. I won't go into detail, because spoiling the plot is hardly the point of a reader review. I will say that where Lackey fails is that she sometimes is reduced to the overly dramatic. When something slightly funny happens, the characters shove fists in mouths to keep from laughing, and can barely stand up for fear of splitting sides. When something bad happens, it's always the worst thing imaginable. But such is adolescence, and one comes to enjoy Vanyel's strengths, be annoyed with his faults and earnestly hope he will mature. Which he does.

Aside from creating a very competent feel for magic use, from the perspective of a reader of fantasy, the plots to each of the three stories are interesting and well written. The plots move, rather than just serving as an excuse for another writer to extrapolate upon what she thinks magic is.

On top of all of that, a love story that touches the heart, if you're a reader who enjoys that sort of thing.

Mercedes Lackey writes with grace and style. If you are a reader of fantasy who enjoys works by writers such as Anne McCaffrey or Terry Brooks, the Last Herald Mage series is definitely something you should consider putting on your reading list.

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Dragon Pawns

Dragon Pawns: Jules and the Runt Dragon
William Hill
Manufacturer: Otter Creek Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

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ASIN: 1890611379

Book Description

Jules has been stuck in the Commons all of her deprived life. Now comes her fourteenth birthday and a chance to test for Solomon's University of Wizardry. She can finally quit pretending to have only five senses. Through her seventh, she can channel the Seven Sources and cast magic. She has kept this secret hidden better than her fear of heights or blistering temper. The seventh son of a mighty Sylverr dragon, Lancelor was expected to be a powerful windsinger. Instead, at the size of an eagle, Lance is a lazy and accident-prone runt. When his magic is discovered to be chaotic magick, he escapes Castle Yonder barely ahead of the royal guard. Dragon Pawns is the first in the Jules and the Runt Dragon trilogy, a fun and thought-provoking blend of humor, mysteries and thrills.

Customer Reviews:

Dragon Pawns.......2005-06-25

I got to read this book before it was ever published, and I must say I was surprised at how good it is! I loved it, it keeps you entertained and it's very suspenseful. I would recommend this book to any fantasy readers, because this is a must-read.

The Last Herald Mage: Book (1) One: Magic's Pawn; Book (2) Two: Magic's Promise; Book (3) Three: Magic's Price

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The Last Herald Mage: Book (1) One: Magic's Pawn; Book (2) Two: Magic's Promise; Book (3) Three: Magic's Price

Manufacturer: DAW Fantasy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GHUIL8

Product Description

Set of three books. The Last Herald Mage Books 1 one, 2 two and 3 three. "Though Vanyel has been born with near-legendary abilities to work both Herald and Mage magic, he wants no part of such things... by the time Savil seeks the assistance of a Shin'a'in Adept, Vanyel's wild talent may have already grown beyond anyone's abiltiy to contain, placing Vanyel, Savil, and Valdemar itself in desperate peril..."

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Fantastic!!
"Polgara was quite firm," Silk said.
Old school, but pretty good
A Journey of Self Discovery
Pawn of Prophecy

Pawn of Prophecy (Belgariad)
David Eddings
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

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ASIN: 0808587226

Book Description

WHILE THE DARK GOD SLEPT

Long ago, so the Storyteller claimed, the evil God Torak sought dominion and drove men and Gods to war. But Belgarath the Sorcerer led men to reclaim the Orb that protected men of the West. So long as it lay at Riva, the prophecy went, men would be safe.

But that was only a story, and Garion did not believe in magic dooms, even though the dark man without a shadow had haunted him for years. Brought up on a quiet farm by his Aunt Pol, how could he know that the Apostate planned to wake dread Torak, or that he would be led on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger by those he loved--but did not know?

For a while, his dreams of innocence were safe, untroubled by knowledge of his strange heritage. For a little while . . .

Thus begins the first book of The Belgariad, a magnificent epic of immense scope, set against a history of seven thousand years, of the struggles of Gods and Kings and men--of strange lands and
events--of fate and a prophecy that must be fulfilled!

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!!.......2007-09-12

This is probably the best book I've read in a very long time. I was in a fantasy rut until I found this book. I am currently reading all the books in the series but I loved this one so much I had to write a review.
I would say that even my most beloved books have that dreaded "lag" time where the story seems to drag but not this one. This book is great from start to finish as are the second and third books in this series. It seems you are always at "the best part" of the story.
If you are considering reading these books and have not yet, I highly recommend them. You will not be disappointed. Fans of fantasy will delight in the vivid characters and world of the Belgariad.

"Polgara was quite firm," Silk said........2007-08-19

Once upon a time, I loved these books. I think I originally got exposed to them through some kind of fantasy book of the month club. I loved the trials of Garion and read/reread the whole series with fervent interest.

And then I grew up. And then I got cynical. And then Eddings started to seriously irritate me as a writer. Even for escapism, his books didn't live up to the mark. The sitcom aspects started to get more and more annoying. The Mallorean series started to annoy me, and by the Elenium I had completely had it as a reader. All the charm and freshness had rubbed away. The plots seemed to turn into the kind of silly string that Edding's trademark snappy banter could not effectively disguise. Worse, the snappy banter was not nearly so snappy the third or fourth time around.

In any case, when I saw Pawn of Prophecy at a second hand bookstore I decided to pick it up to see if I could remember what I liked about it in the first place. Had the series gotten *that* much worse? Or was it just that I had gotten older, and my tastes more discriminating?

I'm not sure that I really have an answer. Certainly, Pawn of Prophecy shows a great deal about what is best in the series. Mostly, that's the character description. Edding's characters are particularly likeable. It's as though characters from Lake Wobegon wandered into a fantasy novel. In his later books, I think that this talent got stretched dangerously close to caricature. So that is a genuinely good and entertaining thing about Pawn of Prophecy.

Still, though, the flaws that would bug me later are also evident. The mythology is already emerging as heavy-handed, and the politics of the realm distressingly easy to solve with folksy home wisdom. For an epic fantasy, it doesn't come close to the more complex and edgy writers like Martin or even Robin Hobb.

I'd probably like it again as a kid. I may even finish rereading the Belgariad if I can pick it up second-hand or find it in my archive. Who knows?

Old school, but pretty good.......2007-05-05

I'm giving this four stars only because I can't give it three and half. But I don't want to give it three because that would look more negative than I intend. I read this just after reading The Sword of Shannara. (I'm on some old-school fantasy exploration, I guess.) I like this a lot more, although I don't think it's up to the standards of the best of contemporary YA fantasy.

What I liked about it at the start was the mythology Eddings lays out. It's heavy-handed, yes, but it has an archaic quality that makes if feel authentic. The God Torak and Belgarath the Sorcerer should feel like heroic types, because their exploits are the stuff of legends. I liked this sequence much more than the opening of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, for instance.

The other thing I liked about this is that while the story fits that tried and true template of an orphaned peasant boy who discovers he's actually royalty in hiding, Eddings handles it well. He doesn't ask his readers to be surprised by this. Really, he gives us glimpses into the adult side of the world that Garion does not yet have. In a way we know things that he doesn't. I liked that because it respects the reader's intelligence.

I don't think I'll pick up the next one anytime soon, or maybe at all. But that's just because there's lots of other good stuff to read out there. I do think that Eddings is maybe a bit better than many people give him credit for, though, and I certainly think this could appeal to younger readers.

A Journey of Self Discovery.......2007-04-25

Pawn of Prophecy (1982) is the first fantasy novel in the Belgariad series. In the beginning, the gods created the world and all its peoples. Six of the gods gathered peoples unto themselves, but the eldest god, Aldur, had no people of his own. Still certain persons joined with him and became users of the Will and the Word. Belgarath was the first of these.

Aldur formed an Orb to use as a tool of power. His brother Torak grew envious of this artifact and stole it from Aldur. Then Aldur and his five other brothers, as well as all their people, went to war against Torak and his Angaraks. Torak used the Orb to create a deep chasm in the Earth, but this artifact turned against him and severely burned his left side. Afterward Torak lived in constant pain.

The people of Belar, the youngest god, searched for a way to reach where Torak lay within a tower in Mallorea. A few thousand years later, they found a way and Belgarath led Cherek and his three sons on a raid into Torak's tower. They stole back the Orb and returned home. They then divided Aloria into four separate kingdoms and gave the Orb to Riva -- the purest of Cherek's sons -- to guard his kingdom on the Isle of Winds, and thus all the other kingdoms of the West, from the Accursed One.

In this novel, Garion grew up on the farm of Feldor in the Kingdom of Sendaria. Garion's Aunt Pol is the head cook, providing Feldor, his family and his workers with the best food in the region and maybe the whole kingdom. Garion soon learned to stay out from underfoot within the kitchen. As he grew older, he became friends with two other lads and a pretty and pitiless girl about his own age.

Garion enjoyed visits from the storyteller, an old man with white hair and beard, and dressed in travel worn clothes, who told the most amazing stories. Aunt Pol calls the storyteller "old wolf" and one year Garion asks if he can call the man Mister Wolf. The old man seems pleased to receive that name from Garion.

In this story, Garion is aware of a black attired man who watches him from time to time, but Garion is not able to tell anyone about the watcher. One day Mister Wolf takes him to town to run an errand for Aunt Pol and they encounter a Murgo merchant at the spice shop. Later a new worker is hired at the farm and Garion notices him spying on his Aunt Pol.

When he tells Mister Wolf about Brill, they find the man in the stable trying to saddle a horse. With a little help from Durnik, the farm blacksmith, Mister Wolf soon learns enough about Brill's employers to leave the farm hastily. Wolf, Aunt Pol, Garion and Durnik -- who insisted on going along -- walk away from the farm and eventually find two friends in the woods. After an initial confusion on the part of Garion, Silk and Barak join the party and they drive away in three wagons.

This story gradually reveals the family history of Garion. He first learns that Aunt Pol is not really his aunt and this disturbs his sense of security. Yet he eventually learns that she is more distantly related to him, but is still a blood relation. Then he learns that Mister Wolf is also related to him in the same distant way.

Gradually Garion discovers that Mister Wolf and Aunt Pol are more important than he assumed. At the same time, the reader begins to suspect that Garion himself is even more important than he can imagine. After all, this is the first volume of a heroic fantasy and Garion is right in the middle of things.

Highly recommended for Eddings fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of gods, sorcerers, kings and queens, and a confused, curious and courageous youngster.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Pawn of Prophecy.......2007-03-29

All through his life, Garion thought he was an average boy. That was, until strange things started to happen. On one normal day, Garion and Rundorig listen to two farmers talking about the Battle of Vo Mimbre. They overheard talk of a man named Brand, who had fought the enraged god Kal Torak. Just when Brand was about to die, he uncovered his shield to reveal a mysterious object which made Kal Torak lower his guard, allowing Brand to kill him. Garion and Runderig, being children, decided to reenact the battle hoping to discover what could have made Kal Torak lose the battle, but to no avail. Aunt Pol, noticing Garion's recent change in behavior and attitude, decided to leave Faldors farm in the middle of the night. Along with Garion and Aunt Pol, Good-Man Durnik, the smith, left with them. They fled to the kingdom of Riva on the Isle of Winds. Throughout this book, Garion learns of his past, his parents, his powers, and most importantly, himself. I would highly recommend this book to all teenagers.

The first reason I would recommend this book is because of its great plot and layout. For example, during Garion's childhood, he does a few bad things and gets punished. But later on, he makes the opposite choice when the same circumstance appears. When Garion and Rundorig fight for the first time, he almost hurt Rundorig so as he wouldn't be the same. Though later on, he never fights his friends for fun. He only trains with them or fights along-side them. He eventually learns that the king of Riva who is said to rise and fight Kal Torak is actually Garion himself.

The second reason I would recommend this book is because of its creativity. The first example of its creativity is having a part of the description of the gods. Aldur was the only god that lived in the world and he was ridiculed for it. Though he appeared as a mortal, he had disciples and was most definitely not ordinary. His disciples knew of his true powers and his hidden domain. He only appeared to a selected few when there was no danger to him. Aldur created an orb which he gave to the overseer of Riva, who then passed it to the king of Riva, Garion. Aldur's orb was not any item in other books. It allowed the owner to detect Torah and gave the owner superior powers unknown to man-kind.

The final reason I would recommend this book is because its storyline affects the entire series. Though this book has its own plot and story, you can learn other events and find out missing parts from other books of the series. When certain events happen, it allows the reader to discover details about the story of the entire series. Just reading this book, you learn of Garion's past allowing you to understand more of the Mallorean.

I would highly recommend this book to fantasy readers of all ages. This book will most definitely keep you interested. Pawn of Prophecy is the first book of the first series written by David Eddings. With its interesting storyline, background information on every character, you will be completely engrossed into it. The amazing plot keeps you up for hours on end making you want to keep reading. When one event happens, the next one follows keeping the pace constant for all readers to enjoy

N.Koester

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Good book
Not Good
MUST READ!!! Fresh new author spins amazing tale!

The Princess Pawn
Maggie L. Wood
Manufacturer: Sumach Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1894549295

Book Description

Willow Kingswell thinks of herself as an ordinary fourteen-year-old. Although she has been hearing her grandmother's stories about the enchanted realm of Mistolear for as long as she can remember, being a princess is the furthest thing from her mind. What's worrying Willow these days is finding a way to get accepted by the in-crowd at her high school without betraying her friend Abby.

What's also worrying her is Nana, who is her only family, and who seems increasingly frail and confused. Suddenly, Willow finds herself magically transported to the real Mistolear, where it turns out she actually does have a large family — and a royal one at that! Willow's courage and intellect are put to the test as she attempts to save the kingdom from a terrifying spell.

Maggie L. Wood has created a complex and compelling adventure fantasy that addresses contemporary teen issues with insight, compassion, and a wry sense of humour.

Customer Reviews:

Good book.......2005-04-19

I was very surprised by this book, the pink cover made me think it was a girly book and I only read it becouse my other choice was "A different kind of beuty". The characters were well thought up and the chess idea was great. The book was a little short though, finished it in a couple of days. This book is not a girl-only book and is not only for 8-12 year olds.

Not Good.......2005-04-17

I read this book for school. Maybe I'm biased because I am not a fan of the Fantasy genre (Harry Potter aside). But this was just not good. The chess game was an intriguing idea, and would have made for a good story. But parts of it were laughable when they weren't supposed to be. The beginning was the usual cliche thing with a girl who wants to be popular, blah blah. The ending was the worst part, abrupt and weird. It took me a week to finish because I kept putting it down and I didn't want to pick it back up. The characters seem feelingless and boring. Not good.

MUST READ!!! Fresh new author spins amazing tale!.......2003-10-27

I have always been a fan of the fantasy genre. i am a high school senior and my favorite books include several YA fantasy (including books by Tamora Pierce, JK Rowlings ect). This book was added to my list the moment i finished it. The characters were insightful and ones that we all can relate to. It was also nice to see a girl be the hero for once! This book had excellent fantasy as well, it didn't get too complicated and it was easy to remember the basic ideas of thier belief system. i enjoyed the final battle that kept my breath until the last moment. This book has everything you could want in a book (except maybe graphic/senseless death and murder). It is a definte must read for all those who enjoy a good fantasy and would be a good transtion for those who aren't sure! TWO THUMBS WAY UP!!!

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Magic's Pawn

Manufacturer: Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0606275665

Customer Reviews:

A new convert.......2007-10-06

The Bone Is Pointed is my first Napoleon Bonaparte mystery, and it was a most pleasant experience. Taking place in Australia, and written by someone who lived there, gives the reader a taste of what it's like in that world down under. Older mysteries are making a comeback and this series is a good choice for re-issue.

Bony to his friends, the half-caste detective has the self assurance of Holmes and the likeable arrogance of Poirot. Knowing that he is good at his profession does not make him insufferable. He is kind, even though a few others are often goaded to unkindness at best out of fear of his ability to solve cases. His doggedness is nearly legendary, his source of pride and a reputation is fights hard to maintain.

In this case, his susceptibility to the ways of his aboriginal mother come to the fore, yet he is surrounded by people who have liked him from the moment he meets them. Even though one or more of them is a murderer. Of this he is certain. The missing victim, Jeffrey Anderson, was not what he seemed, at least in part. He was well known to be a bully, treating others cruelly, and no one mourns his loss. The only fear is that in death he will bring ruin to those who knew him.

The story drifts a bit and readers looking for fights and bloodletting won't get much in Upfield's novel. Still, it's a quick read and an interesting one that will lead some readers to others in the series. Happy reading.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

The detective's name in this book is Napoleon Bonaparte, so you would
want people to call you by a nickname as well. He is a half-caste, so
this colors his perceptions of the world.

What is interesting about this book are that Bony's religious
beliefs are harming him. He is having the 'bone pointed' at him by
elders, which will eventually kill him if he cannot solve the case.

Very Oz -- 70-odd years ago.......2007-02-22

1. Some very strange comments below, eg,
"a poignant introduction to" and "a stunning commentary about the nature of race and cultural relations in Australia"; "an indictment of the cultural politics of Australia"; "condemnation of the inequality that has embraced Australia for more than a century";
"Detective fiction provided a way to support civil and social rights for aboriginals in a time when such acts were not accepted"; "the racial tensions of this society";
"What Bony finds leads him and the reader into a struggle to create an Australian identity in the vast and desolate landscape; a struggle between an aboriginal identity and white. As Bony skates the race line, the tension between the white world and the black becomes greater..";
"comments on the racial divide in Australia";
"Some of the book could be considered racist by contemporary standards (such as the use of "boss" toward the whites for example), but the overall story seems quite progressive for its time..";
"Comments on Australia's color line"; "Some bits intended to be quite enlightened fifty years ago may strike some readers today as racist"; ETC.

Have we been reading the same book? Arthur Upfield heaps scorn on the _urban_ Australian, ignorant of the outback & therefore dismissive & patronising towards its inhabitants -- white _& especially_ black. Upfield is especially scathing about those urban whites who dismiss Aboriginal culture as 'primitive'. He champions its _age_ & deep knowledge, & the undoubted power & reality of some of its so-called 'magical' practices. The book turns on the latter: Bony is definitely affected by the bone-pointing: the impact is real. And equally it is _only_ the Aboriginal medicine man who can bring Bony back from the point of death. Upfield brilliantly expounds Aboriginal philosophy -- _not_ in "Aboriginal patois" (as one review puts it) but in Aboriginal English --ie, a variety of Pidgin.

Upfield also depicts accurately the relationships between the outback whites & 'their' Aborigines -- the 'station' Aborigines, as distinct from those who are still 'bush'. This relationship is mutual respect & interdependence. The station-owner is called 'boss' precisely because he _is_ that: the _employer_ of _his_ station Aborigines. He supplies food, housing, clothing, etc, _&_ employment: in the running of the station (managing the sheep &/or cattle, the horses, etc; managing the water & the land, etc.)

The outback whites want to preserve Aboriginal _culture_ from destruction by the church & other urban whites. Upfield constantly contrasts the depth of Aboriginal culture -- already old before the whites had even descended from the trees -- & the superficiality of the so-called 'civilisation' with which urban whites want to replace this ancient outlook & way of life. So the tension in Bony is the tension between his ancient roots in the bush -- roots that are millions of years old, & the pull of 'white' _culture_: rational, emotionless, scientific.

2. "the English treatment of the Aboriginals and the Aboriginals resulting feelings...an often ignored group of people"

(a) ignored by whom? Certainly not the Australians (b)'English' & 'Australian' are _not_, repeat not, the same. The Australians are quite distinct, & refer to the English as 'Poms'. What Upfield shows us is (1)how the outback Oz whites interrelate with the Aborigines -- on terms of knowledge & understanding (2)the patronising ignorance of the urban Oz whites.

It certainly is.......2006-08-27

This is brilliant. Detective-Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most original and endearing characters in mystery fiction. His mother's Aboriginal, and he solves cases in the Australian outback. This book was published in 1947. Learn about life in old Australia AND sink your teeth into a juicy mystery.

Well-Intentioned Folly.......2002-04-10

Arthur Upfield clearly has a grasp of what is required to create a solid piece of detective fiction, and yet, though all the necessaries of the genre are represented (murder mystery, self-assured detective, etc.) it seems there is still something missing. Though this book failed to grab my attention as a modern detective novel, it did serve as a poignant introduction to the not-so-underlying politics of Australia. Upfield's well-intentioned detective, Napoleon Bonaparte, known to readers as Bony, is infinitely aware of his part aboriginal, part white background, and this awareness is fundamental to all other action. As Bony attempts to solve the disappearance of the drunken Jeffrey Anderson he embraces aspects from all areas of his background, employing his ancestral history to reach a conclusion about the disappearance and death of Anderson. Bony's lineage means more to this tale than its ability to help him solve the mystery of the moment however. It is a stunning commentary about the nature of race and cultural relations in Australia. Upfield has written a book that serves as an indictment of the cultural politics of Australia, painting a picture that is a means by which he may critique the behavior of the very people most likely to seek out his tales. As a result, he is able to deliver a message that would otherwise fall on deaf ears. His is a tale is a condemnation of the inequality that has embraced Australia for more than a century.

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THE BONE IS POINTED

Manufacturer: Angus & Robertson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H46JT0

The Bone is Pointed : An Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte Mystery

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The Bone is Pointed : An Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte Mystery
Arthur W. Upfield
Manufacturer: Recorded Books, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 0788700308

Product Description

Bony investigates a murder that involves the Kalchut tribe and finds himself bonned by the local witch doctor.

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Bones and the pointed house
Jean Caryl
Manufacturer: Funk & Wagnalls
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Front for Murder, the Lady Regrets, P. Moran, Operative, the Bone is Pointed

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Front for Murder, the Lady Regrets, P. Moran, Operative, the Bone is Pointed
James M. Fox, Percival Wilde, Arthur W. Upfield Guy Emery
Manufacturer: The Unicorn Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K0B3G0

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THE BONE IS POINTED
Arthur Upfield
Manufacturer: Pacific Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MXBZ4U

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The Bone Is Pointed
Arthur William Upfield
Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000WWTW5U

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Bone Is Pointed
Arthur W. Upfield
Manufacturer: Angus & Robertson (UK)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OOIWOS

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The Bone Is Pointed

Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRRC94

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The Bone is Pointed
Arthur W. Upfield
Manufacturer: Angus & R
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0207946906

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