Pandora's Curse (Philip Mercer)

Book Description

During World War II, in a secret Nazi submarine base, boxes made from looted wartime gold were hidden away. These "Pandora's boxes" contained an artifact so lethal that whoever possessed them held the power to unleash hell upon the Earth. And now they have been found by a man who will use them to hold the world hostage-unless Philip Mercer can stop him...

Customer Reviews:

Methinks He Doth Protest Too Much.......2007-09-14

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed a strong homosexual subtext running through the Mercer thrillers? In "Pandora's Curse" it's blatantly in the open...when, for example, Mercer at first sight ignores the sexy Greta--who thinks he's undressing her with his eyes--because his eyeballs are instead glued to the strong silent Werner. Oops! Then there's the murdered fat Russian who's grieved by his weeping sidekick, about whom Mercer keeps repeating words to the effect, "I didn't know they were so close." There's Mercer booze of choice--a girly Gimlet, which, in another novel, Charon's Crossing, is feyly described as a "sweetened lime juice concoction." And Mercer's own "sidekick," an octegenarian lush, who sends him care packages that include a "gag" subscription to "Playgirl," and are addressed to "Max E. Padd." I won't even start on Mercer's profession: "I'm a rock man," he boasts at one point (in "Charon's Crossing"); all that drilling and boring!

I've only recently started reading DuBrul--having polished off, at least for now, the Cussler oeurve--and I must say that for all the similarities to Pitt's adventures, the breathy, exclamation-point-filled Mercer narratives leave readers wondering about the definition of a "man's man." As far as the comparisons to 007 go, whoever has made them has not read Fleming. Bond was not a boy scout. Bond did not blush at the thought that a woman might kiss him on the lips, as does Mercer in "Pandora's Curse," when pecked on the cheek by his "love interest," the short-haired, boyishly figured Dr. Klein. Hmmm. Inappropriate Bondian comparisons aside, the Mercer sagas make for a good read--especially between the lines.

Disappointing.......2003-12-23

This is a disappointing effort by a decent author with very good potential. He has proven himself a good hand at action right from the beginning with Vulcan's Forge, and after a misstep with Charon's Landing, turned in an impressive yarn called The Medusa Stone. There were a number of reasons this book was less than the author's potential would allow. First of all the basis of the story was weak. To start it off was the meeting of all the world religious organizations aboard a cruise ship so the Vatican could right wrongs committed by the church over the centuries. The element of the meteorite that still radiated deadly radioactivity was something I had seen before and handled better. The same with the secret society that was guarding a certain religious relic that was made of the meteorite. There are other books, and movies for that matter that employ the element of a secret society and do it much better. Also, the nazi element, and the nazi hunters were something that just didn't hold much interest. If I were to put in a nutshell my thoughts about this novel, it would be called a political correctness inspired kick, ironically helped along at the end by some clownlike religious stereotypes, employed as humor, which appeared to defeat the purpose of the PC based storyline. Of course there were a number of action scenes that were pure DuBrul and is what he does best. Ultimately that is what kept me reading. For die hard DuBrul fans who have read everything, even the very bad Charon's Landing, I would say you might enjoy it. But for somebody that has a wide range of interests and reads many things, this book will most likely remind you of something you have already read and liked better.

Fun Read!.......2003-12-17

I enjoyed reading this book. However, it seems to emulate other adventure books almost to the point of being distracting. I got the feeling that DuBrul had read a lot of Clive Cussler before writing this. Though, that's not a bad thing for this genre.

Adventure fiction tends to gravitate toward main "hero" characters being wealthy experts in whatever fields a particular plot revolves around. James Bond and Dirk Pitt are good examples of this aspect of adventure storytelling. The Philip Mercer character from this book is really no different.

Regardless of this fact, I still enjoy a good adventure story if it's well told. DuBrul has a great mind for this type of story and does a great job of supplying a fantastic story that every fan of the genre should enjoy.

This is the first book I've read in the Philip Mercer series and I plan to buy the rest. I love a good story and Jack DuBrul is a good storyteller.

My 3 star rating may seem to be average (3.5 would be more accurate), but I only award 4 stars to EXTREMELY good books. 5 stars are reserved for books that change my life. Please take this into consideration. I recommend this book to friends.

Du Brul just gets better and better.......2003-02-01

I've enjoyed every one of Du Brul's novels, and I can honestly say each one displays the author's growing ability to narrate plausible stories based on outlandish plots. Mercer returns with a vengeance in a story based almost entirely in and around mysterious and hostile Greenland. Though using a somewhat over-used premise (the Nazi's nefarious doings in the past being used for terrorism in the future), Du Brul seamlessly weaves history with fiction to produce a fast-paced, fun read. Du Brul is picking up where Cussler is leaving off- and that's as high a compliment as I can pay to this wonderful adventure writer!

A Worthwhile Read.......2002-11-17

This is the first Jack Du Brul novel I have read and I found it to be very well put together and interesting. It contains a good mix of action with a decent dose of historical background tying it together well. The fact it is set in one of the most unhospitable places on earth, in Greenland adds to the suspense. Philip Mercer the main character of the novel is very likeable and a hero for the new millenium.

Average customer rating:

Worth the wait

The Pandora Curse
Elizabeth Rose
Manufacturer: New Leaf Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1930076193

Book Description

From the author of Kyros' Secret, The Oracle of Delphi and Thief of Olympus comes a tale of Vara the Conqueror. Ruled by the evil vices her great-grandmother Pandora unleased upon mankind, Vara struggles between the haunting voices offering her ultimate power and the one man who can set her free. Will lust, greed, gluttony, anger, and jealousy take over her very soul, or will love turn all her vices into virtues?

Customer Reviews:

Worth the wait.......2003-09-25

Ms. Rose never fails to deliver a great story. I've long been a fan of her Greek Myths and, The Pandora Curse is a prime example of why I count myself as one of Ms Rose's Fan. I hate to give away secrets, but there is one part in the story where Pandora hears voices telling her, that she deserves riches, "you need to have more than everyone, you're a queen. Now you will have to read the book to find out everything. But be prepared, there is a surprising character that lends a touch of humor to the story. The only thing I hate about this book is that I'm finished and will have to wait for the next book. Excellent Job, Ms. Rose

Average customer rating:

Pandora's Curse
Jack Du Brul
Manufacturer: Onyx Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000J6582U

4 Titles in Philip Mercer Series - 2. Charon's Landing 3. The Medusa Stone 4. Pandora's Curse 5. River of Ruin

Average customer rating:

4 Titles in Philip Mercer Series - 2. Charon's Landing 3. The Medusa Stone 4. Pandora's Curse 5. River of Ruin
Jack Du Brul
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000M17ZBY

Product Description

4 Titles in Philip Mercer Series - 2. Charon's Landing 3. The Medusa Stone 4. Pandora's Curse 5. River of Ruin

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Setting: Three Sisters Island, coast of New England, present day

Sensuality rating: 6

Perennial New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts's new Three Sisters Island trilogy is pure magic! No, I mean really magic. An intriguing combination of The Witches of Eastwick and Sleeping With the Enemy, Dance Upon the Air introduces readers to the idyllic town of Three Sisters Island. Reputedly conjured by a trio of sisters seeking to escape the Salem witch-hunts, the island remains a place of quiet refuge for one and all, including pretty Nell Channing who arrives in town afraid of her own shadow, with few possessions and no past. But the warm, sunny days and cool, windswept nights, as well as the loving concern of new friends--especially hunky sheriff Zack Todd--soon lure skittish Nell into a much-welcome fresh life. Nell's new boss, the captivatingly lovely bookstore owner Mia Devlin (look for Mia's story, hopefully, in the not-too-distant future), wonders from what or whom Nell is running. Mia treats Nell as she would a sister, which isn't too far off the mark, helping Nell discover and explore her inner resources while Zack's romantic attentions bring a rosy glow to Nell's cheeks and to her future. But something wicked this way comes… Will Nell be ready to face and conquer her past? Even with the love and support of Mia, Zack, and Zack's fellow police officer, his peppery, down-to-earth sister Ripley, Nell has the fight of her life--the fight for her life--on her hands. Roberts continues to delight fans and create new believers with her talent and imagination. --Alison Trinkle

Book Description

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author-the first book in the reissued Three Sisters Island trilogy is a tale of friendship, fate, and the mysterious ways of the heart.

Download Description

Nell, Ripley, and Mia are three women bound by the magic, legends, and romance of the Massachusetts coast in the first novel in Roberts's bewitching new "Three Sisters Island" trilogy.

Customer Reviews:

Fun Read!.......2007-09-10

I absolutely loved this book, and I can't wait to read the second in the trilogy. I loved the characters, the setting, everything! I have yet to read something by Nora Roberts that I dislike. Pick up one of her novels, you will not be disappointed.

The first in the triology leaves you wanting more..........2007-08-13

I finished the first in the triology this weekend and I couldn't wait to start the next book. This book was hard to put down and I found myself reaching for the book when I had more than a few minutes to savor it.Nora Roberts paints a vivid picture of the Island and its inhabitants. Her characters come alive on the pages making it easy to picture yourself in the setting and becoming involved in the drama. It's a great read and I can't wait to get to book three. Savoring book two....

Great for Women who are or have been abused.......2007-07-04

This story is an example that women do not need to take domestic violence and there is a way out. It is a very romantic story with some "magic" involved. I recommend you check it out and see for yourself.

classic Nora Roberts.......2007-05-15

I have audio tapes of this trilogy (Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, Face the Fire), purchased at a used book store, and enjoyed the story so much that I wanted the unabridged books on disc. The discs are well worth the purchase price. Narration and clarity of sound are excellent. This trilogy is my favorite Roberts trilogy -- pure escapism at its best. This set is worth a place in my permanent collection -- I'm sure I'll listen to it many times.

Island Getaway.......2007-05-13

As usual, Nora Roberts delivers another excellent series. This series was one of the first Nora Roberts books I discovered.

Since then, and yeah, I'm a guy, and I lift weights, and I'm a straight macho guy, ad nauseum, but I love Nora Robert's writings, I have read thirty five of her books in the last three months.

The ladies at my favorite restaurant enjoy talking to me about Nora Roberts. I have a couple of them reading Nora Roberts and one lady and I are exchanging different copies of her books.

Enjoy this series. It is one of her best. It has the best blend of magic, romance, good plot twists, and strong characterization. Her series creates a desire in you to pick up the atlas and start hunting down the island and it's inhabitants.

And guys...with Nora Roberts you just might gather a little insight into the minds of these amazing female creatures. One hint...bring lots of chocolate and never forget what outfit and scent she wore the first time you met her.

Nora...I'm about to figure you out!

Nora Roberts Three Sisters Island CD Collection: Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, Face the Fire (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

Three Sisters
Three Sisters Island CD
A good escape
face the fire

Nora Roberts Three Sisters Island CD Collection: Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, Face the Fire (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Brilliance Audio on CD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Series | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

Mystery & Thrillers | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

Romance | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1597377058
Release Date: 2005-08-25

Book Description

Dance Upon the Air: When Nell Channing arrives on charming Three Sisters Island, she believes that she's finally found refuge from her abusive husband… But even in this quiet, peaceful place, Nell never feels entirely at ease. Just as Nell starts to wonder if she'll ever be able to break free of her fear, she realizes that the island suffers from a terrible curse - one that can only be broken by the descendants of the Three Sisters, the witches who settled the island back in 1692.

Heaven and Earth: Ripley Todd just wants to live a quiet, peaceful kind of life. Her job as a sheriff's deputy keeps her busy and happy. She's perfectly content, except for one thing: she has special powers that both frighten and confuse her - and though she tries hard to hide them, she can't get them under control… Distraction soon arrives in the handsome form of MacAllister Booke - a researcher who's come to investigate the rumors of witchcraft that haunt Three Sisters Island.

Face the Fire: Mia Devlin knows what it is like to love with your whole heart - and then watch your love walk away. Years ago, she and Sam Logan shared an incredible bond built on passion, legend, and fate. But then one day he fled Three Sisters Island, leaving her lost in memories of the magic they shared - and determined to live without love. The new owner of the island's only hotel, Sam has returned to Three Sisters with hopes of winning back Mia's affections. She'll need his help - and his powers - to face her greatest, most terrifying challenge.

Customer Reviews:

Three Sisters.......2007-09-18

I love this story, however, not as captivating as the Circle Trilogy with all the action but really good and would recommend it to anyone. I'm starting on the Key Trilogy now and heard it was very good. Nora Roberts is an excellent versatile writer. I love her spiritual supernatural hero/heroine triologies.

Three Sisters Island CD.......2007-07-03

This CD kept me througly engrossed during my recent car trip. I didn't even want to arrive at my destination until I had heard the last sentence.
The story of witchcraft, romance, and relationships is compelling. The characters are enchanting with their quirks, personal histories, and involvement with each other. The narrative is easy to understand.
I definitely recommend this for entertaining listening.

A good escape.......2007-06-01

This series is very entertaining. You like all of the characters right away, and somehow, even though it is a fantasy storyline, you can relate to and with all of the characters, both women and men. The only thing I did not like was the narrator deepening her voice and using different tones to be three different men. Otherwise a good listen and escape.

face the fire.......2007-02-21

this set of stories were execellent. so open and easy to follow you can't miss what is happening. the three of them with their speciality and love is so heart warming and romantic.

Dance Upon The Air (First in the bewitching new Three Sisters Island trilogy)

Average customer rating:

Dance Upon The Air (First in the bewitching new Three Sisters Island trilogy)

Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0739417924

Product Description

first in the bewitching new Three Sisters Island trilogy.

Nora Roberts: Face the Fire, Dance Upon the Air, & Heaven and Earth (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

Nora Roberts: Face the Fire, Dance Upon the Air, & Heaven and Earth (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)
Nora Roberts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000N7T13C

Product Description

Set of 3 paperbacks. Nora Roberts Three Sisters Island trilogy. Face the Fire, Dance Upon the Air, & Heaven and Earth.

Nora Roberts Three Sisters Island Collection: Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, and Face the Fire (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

A good series

Nora Roberts Three Sisters Island Collection: Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, and Face the Fire (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Brilliance Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Romance | Subjects | Books

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

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

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1590868749
Release Date: 2003-09-10

Book Description

Dance Upon the Air:

When Nell Channing arrives on charming Three Sisters Island, she believes that she's finally found refuge from her abusive husband - and from the terrifying life she fled so desperately eight months ago . . . But even in this quiet, peaceful place, Nell never feels entirely at ease. Careful to conceal her true identity, she takes a job as a cook at the local bookstore café - and begins to explore her feelings for the island sheriff, Zack Todd. But there is a part of herself she can never reveal to him - for she must continue to guard her secrets if she wants to keep the past at bay. One careless word, one misplaced confidence, and the new life she's so carefully created could shatter completely. Just as Nell starts to wonder if she'll ever be able to break free of her fear, she realizes that the island suffers from a terrible curse - one that can only be broken by the descendants of the Three Sisters, the witches who settled the island back in 1692. And now, with the help of two other strong, gifted women - and the nightmares of the past haunting her every step - she must find the power to save her home, her love . . . and herself . . .

Heaven and Earth:
Ripley Todd just wants to live a quiet, peaceful kind of life. Her job as a sheriff's deputy keeps her busy and happy, and she has no trouble finding men when she wants them - which, lately, isn't all that often. She's perfectly content, except for one thing: she has special powers that both frighten and confuse her - and though she tries hard to hide them, she can't get them under control... Distraction soon arrives in the handsome form of MacAllister Booke - a researcher who's come to investigate the rumors of witchcraft that haunt Three Sisters Island. Right from the start, he knows there's something extraordinary about Ripley Todd.

Face the Fire:
Mia Devlin knows what it is like to love with your whole heart - and then watch your love walk away. Years ago, she and Sam Logan shared an incredible bond built on passion, legend, and fate. But then one day he fled Three Sisters Island, leaving her lost in memories of the magic they shared - and determined to live without love. The new owner of the island's only hotel, Sam has returned to Three Sisters with hopes of winning back Mia's affections. He is puzzled when she greets him with icy indifference - for the chemistry between them is still sizzling and true. Angry, hurt and deeply confused, Mia refuses to admit that a passion for Sam still burns in her heart. But she'll need his help - and his powers - to face her greatest, most terrifying challenge. And as the deadline for breaking a centuries-old curse draws near, they must take the first steps toward destiny - and come together to turn back the dark...

Customer Reviews:

A good series.......2005-06-07

I purchased these three novels separately, but read them in sequence. I wasn't expecting to like them as much as I did, as I thought I would find the witch aspect a little silly or offensive, but it was done in good taste. I enjoyed the love stories, as well as the suspense. The characters were likeable. Nell made me want to protect her, and had me staying up late to see what happened to her. Ripley and Mac were just enjoyable characters - an unlikely but cute match. Mia and Sam were the typical star crossed lovers but their problems did get a little tedious at times. Perhaps this was just because it was the third book in a row about the same characters.

Three Sisters Island Trilogy: Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, Face the Fire (Set of 3 Romance Novels)

Average customer rating:

Three Sisters Island Trilogy

Three Sisters Island Trilogy: Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, Face the Fire (Set of 3 Romance Novels)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Similar Items:

Key Trilogy Box Set
Valley of Silence (The Circle Trilogy, Book 3)
Dance of the Gods (The Circle Trilogy, Book 2)
In The Garden Box Set
$The MacGregors: Alan & Grant: All The Possibilities\One Man's Art (STP - Mira)$ The MacGregors: Alan & Grant: All The Possibilities\One Man's Art (STP - Mira)

ASIN: B000GIOJ7G

Customer Reviews:

Three Sisters Island Trilogy.......2007-06-10

I have read many of Nora Roberts Books and this is my favorite trilogy. I've read the trilogy twice and also listened to an audio version. I love the way she describes things and every time it is new. Wonderful!

Average customer rating:

Dance Upon the Air

Manufacturer: Jove Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Literature & Fiction | Large Print | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 073941738X

Baile En El Aire/dance upon the Air (Punto de Lectura)

Average customer rating:

Baile En El Aire/dance upon the Air (Punto de Lectura)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Punto de Lectura
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

Fantasía, Futuristico y Fantasmas | Romance | Libros en español | Formats | Books

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

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

ASIN: 8466310614

Average customer rating:

Dance upon the Air
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Jove Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HIJLI2

Dance Upon the Air (Abridged, Three Sisters Island Trilogy Series, #1)

Average customer rating:

Dance Upon the Air (Abridged, Three Sisters Island Trilogy Series, #1)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Brilliance Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

Product Description

Escaping to Three Sisters Island to put her life together after an abusive marriage, Nell Channing gradually begins to think that she has finally found a place where she can create a new life. But her husband isn't about to let her go, and when he finally finds her, it takes all her new-found strength and a little help from her "sisters" to deal with his violence. A magnetic hero, a heroine who finds herself, and some memorable secondary characters weave a mesmerizing tale of witchcraft and magic that launches Robert's latest trilogy in fine style. One of the best and most consistent writers in the genre, Roberts (The Villa) is a member of the RWA Hall of Fame and lives in Keedysville, MD.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books