The Dark Side of Game Texturing

Book Description

Charred ruins, bullet holes, rusted metal - if you're a fan of 3D first-person-shooter games, then you're familiar with those amazing, ominous textures that draw you into your character's surroundings. Get ready to analyze - and re-create - the textures and graphics used in these games. All you need is a decent PC, Photoshop, and a digital camera. Once you learn how to create the textures within this book, you can create any texture for any game. Not a born artist? That's okay. You'll learn how to let Photoshop do most of the work. Begin with texturing basics, including pixel sizes, color modes, and alpha channels. Then jump right into hearty texture tutorials as you create everything from sci-fi backgrounds and molten lava to medieval castle walls and dragon skin. If you're ready to travel to the grim back alleys of your imagination, then you're ready for "The Dark Side of Game Texturing".

Customer Reviews:

Comedy gold.......2007-06-14

David Franson does a fantastic job of showing aspiring texture artists how to strive for ever greater levels of mediocrity in this book, which amounts to little more than a printed compilation of the basic free tutorials you could find in 20 minutes of Google searching.

The example textures Franson walks you through are pretty basic and lame, and the included images on the CD are hilarious by themselves. For example, a lot of them have a major case of flash burn or other serious irregularities that make them very bad source material for your own textures-no amount of cloning or doctoring can salvage a nicely tiling texture out of many of the images on the CD. You're better off building your own collection of source and reference images by searching for "Mayang" and "CGTexture" on Google.

However, it is not without redeeming value-it's a great comedic read if you're a more experienced texture artist than the author. That bar, if this book is anything to go by, is pretty low.

Great place to start for learning the basics of game texture creation.......2007-03-24

I'm currently in the process of learning game art and its limitations in my off time so I can, someday, break into the game industry. This book is right up my alley because I'd like to be an environment/asset artist and this book covers texturing of several typical environments you'll find in today's games and some texturing of some basic assets you'd find in those particular settings.

Personally speaking, I learned a lot from this book and the techniques made sense to me, a fairly seasoned photoshop user, and I was able to re-create the authors textures picture-perfect (which do not look ugly, as another reviewer claims his were...sucks for you, pal). That, to me, is the biggest plus of this book. The instructions were clear and concise enough that I was able to follow them easily and come out with textures that were accurate to the examples in the book. Kudos to David's hard work to make that a reality for the people who use this book as their starting point to learn game texturing. It's a good mix of pictures to compare along the way and written instruction, but you're not overly burdened by reading and then doing. David does a good job of explaining to you why you are doing what you're doing instead of listing every step to get the texture to look as the example does. Understanding why you do what you do is priceless.

I'm currently in the middle of Luke Ahearn's "3D game textures" book and I can't, for the life of me, figure out some of the instructions in the book and the outcome I'm seeing not matching the examples...to me, that is frustrating as all get out and it's unfortunate as it's a newer book that supposedly has more current techniques used by today's game artists. I've yet to finish the book, so I can only hope those issues are cleared up later in the book. This alone makes the book much less appealing than The Dark Side of Game Texturing already. One other things is that, gasp, the techniques in this book and Luke's (which seems to be getting nothing but 5-star ratings...) are very similar minus a few slight differences. Interesting.

Overall, I'd say the techniques in this book are far from dated, but are integral for laying the groundwork to learning game texturing. People forget that not all developers out there have access to the latest generation hardware and utilize these 'old' techniques all the time and rely heavily on them to create their games so they look and play beautifully. Just as a fine artist must never forget the basics when creating beautiful masterpieces, digital artists must also have a solid understanding of the basics in the digital realm, and also of fine art. You may be able to create anything digitally these days, but only an artist who understands what makes art great will be able to stand out from the rest of the wannabe game artists out there.

Not bad for an old book written by a non-artist.......2007-02-27

I am a traditional artist with some photoshop skills. I am new to texturing however and this book is a nice beginners book. The techniques he shows are helpful if you are a texturing n00b like me.

However the results he provides are so ugly that it is hard to be inspired by his efforts. OTOH it doesn't take much to create better looking textures than he does if you have any artistic training at all and use his techniques.

When I say his results are ugly I don't mean that they look tattered and decayed - hey that's the whole point of the book. I mean they are poorly composed and executed.

So while I am glad I bought the book I wouldn't pay more than $5.00 for it.

Very dated techniques.......2007-02-15

These approached for things are unfortunately a bit dated and I felt reading through the text that things were going to be a bit cookie cutter. With new practices such as normal mapping, specularity mapping and such, this book covers the most basic of steps in texturing without going into much theory about how to create procedural textures to a great degree of detail.

I would recommend getting Digital Texturing and Painting by Owen Demers as your primer to interpret what you see in the real world and my school teaches and recommends 3D Game Textures: Create Professional Game Art Using Photoshop. The work I have seen the students in the game texturing class at my school is very impressive and it looks a much higher caliber of work than what could be done learning from this Dark Side book.

This book would have been awesome in 1998.......2006-11-03

This book as really good basic information, although most of the other information is obsolete. Most texture artist(new or vetran) have surpassed this technology long ago. It's great read for the basics, but beyond that, their are better books.

Two Mysteries: The Other Side of Dark & The Name of the Game Was Murder

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Two Mysteries: The Other Side of Dark & The Name of the Game Was Murder
Joan Lowery Nixon
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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I Heard That Song Before: A Novel

ASIN: 0553494538
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Book Description

Two of Joan Lowery Nixon's Edgar Award winners in one volume!

The Other Side of Dark:
Stacy wakes up in a room that’s not hers, in a body she doesn’t recognize, to discover she’s been in a coma for four years. Her mother is dead–murdered–and Stacy, recovering from a gunshot wound, is the only eyewitness. But the killer is not about to let her reveal his identity. . . .

“A top-rate thriller. . . . Nixon has written another compelling page-turner.”
–Booklist

The Name of the Game Was Murder:
Samantha is shocked when she meets her great-uncle, the famous novelist Augustus Trevor. He’s a mean-spirited man who has just invited–blackmailed–a group of celebrities to come to his island mansion and participate in a “game.” But when Augustus is found murdered, it’s up to Samantha to join the game–and win.

“An entertaining read. . . . The clues–and the way Sam, with lots of serendipity, puzzles through them–are clever indeed.”–Kirkus Reviews

Average customer rating:

Don't hate the Player, Hate the Game....
An Enjoyable Read!
Ummmmmmmm...
I saw it coming but still liked it
Love the Book Disapointing Ending

The Other Side of the Game
Anita Diggs
Manufacturer: Kensington
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0758210493

Customer Reviews:

Don't hate the Player, Hate the Game...........2006-12-02

Asha Mitchell & Saundra Patterson are sisters with the same mom and different dads. They are totally different in personality and morals, lifestyles. Asha lives the free style life, she has no desire to settle down and she knows how to play the game to get what she wants, well that is until the tables flip and tradegy steps in when she ends her relationship with Randy. Now Nick has to see if he can tame Asha. Saundra on the other hand is the level headed, love struck one who is embarking on her wedding day, she lives with her dad and has a good life going, except there are secrets that she just doesn't know about. Evelyn is the stand in mom for Saundra and the rock behind Phil, but little does Evelyn know she is just a pawn in the game. When the tables start turning everything gets crazy and everyone's world is turned upside down.
This story is interesting and has twists and turns in it, but I didn't like the way it ends. I look forward to seeing the sequel, because Asha and Nick are going to be a trip and I want to see how exclusive they can be. The Other Side of the Game is a quick good read.

An Enjoyable Read!.......2006-07-27

The Other Side of the Game was totally enjoyable. Anita Doreen Diggs explores the lives of two half sisters, Asha and Saundra. After their mother passes away, one is raised in a home with a loving and adorning father, with the help of his girlfriend, and the other pretty much had to raise herself.

Over the years the girls remain close, and as young women, they've come to depend on one another to 'keep the other in line'. Their views on life and how it should be lived is like night and day. One is naive and believes all is right with the world, while the other sees the world for what it really is, and will do whatever it takes to get her's.

There is a totally unexpected twist in the story which will totally take you by surprise. Which really goes to show the clever and creative mind of the author.

Although I would have preferred for the chapters to have been a little longer due to the fact I wanted more from each character, I like how the author expertly weaved each character together.

I recommend this book highly! If you don't already have your copy, then you should scroll up to the top of this page and order your copy today.

Valerie A. Withers
Author of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. & The Choices That We Make

Ummmmmmmm..........2006-04-18

This book was okay. It took me a minute to get into it, but it was good. Asha was hurt by her first, she got pregnant in high school, he didn't want her, she had an abortion, finally she despise men. She devotes herself to no man, she does not want to love any man. She has a man to pay her bills, a man to buy her clothes, a man to sex her and a man to wine and dine her.

Her sister, Sauna turned her life around, when their mother died, and she moved in w her father. Asha father wasn't around, and she stayed at their apartment. Sauna's father's girlfriend, Evelyn helped her to become a Vegan, a natural oil, free spirit woman. Asha and Sauna aren't as close as they used to be.

Phil, Sauna's father has a BIG SECRET.

The questions: Why hasn't Sauna's father decided to marry Ebvelyn after six years?

When will Asha find a man and treat him well? Will someone have to DIE for her to wake up?

When will Phil speak onm his HUGE SECRET?

This was a good book, I will read more books she writes.

I saw it coming but still liked it.......2006-02-10

I liked this book. I knew what was going to happen from the first few chapters but I liked it. It was different. The writer did a good job.

Very contemporary :)

Love the Book Disapointing Ending.......2006-02-03

I love the author and the book was very good, and all through the book was a page turner, I just was disappointed when I got to the end, and it just left me in a blank stare and was thirsting for more, I hope that the sequel Denzel's Lips turns out to have a better ending. Very enjoyable about the two sisters that are grieving within their lives...........

Average customer rating:

Great reading matterial...

The Other Side of the Table
Philip Moeller
Manufacturer: Martell Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Reference | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1893181855

Product Description

The glamour of the lights, the big money and the excitement of casino gaming are all captured here, but with a different perspective. Have you ever wondered what it looks like from the other side of the table? This book is that view. The celebrities, the crazy people, and the things you never thought could ever happen. You get a chance to meet the different people who day in and day out handle the pressure of the business and the effect it has on them. You will never look at a casino the same way after you get to look at them from "the other side of the table!"

Customer Reviews:

Great reading matterial..........2007-03-26

The casino business is an industry that thrives on peoples emotions while guiltlessly deluding them of all the financial assets, dignity and respect.

The insight that Philip Moeller gave in his book is truly invaluable and should be read by every casino goer prior to placing their first bet, as well as, those weekend novice and so called expert gamblers.

The distractions in the form of glamour, lights, comps and excitement offered by casinos, often causes people to lose their sound judgement and draws them into compulsive behavior that eventually erudes both the personal and professional areas of their lives.

I applaud Mr. Moeller for taking such a courageous stand in sharing with the general public his views from "the other side of the table".

Average customer rating:

Definitely A Good Read

The Other Side of the Game

Manufacturer: Kensington Publishing Corp.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739459325

Product Description

This is a story of love and friendship, sisters and sisterhood. Dreams are shattered as the men in the lives of these 'sisters' tumble from their pedestals and fade into oblivion as the 'sisters' take comfort and refuge in each other.

Customer Reviews:

Definitely A Good Read.......2007-01-07

I enjoyed this book. Though the secret throughout the book is not an uncommon occurrence, I was shocked when it was revealed. The ending was a little bit too cut and dry, but that's why there are sequels. This book is worth your money and your time.

Average customer rating:

The Other Side of Bridge
Victor Mollo
Manufacturer: Beaufort Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Victor Mollo's Bridge Club: How to Turn Masterful Plays into Monstrous Points

ASIN: 0825302730

Tales from the Marsh and Other Drivel: The Humerous Side of a Federal Game Warden's Life

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Tales from the Marsh and Other Drivel: The Humerous Side of a Federal Game Warden's Life
Leonard Lisenbee
Manufacturer: Authorhouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1403301611

Hierarchical power games: sex and celibacy in the catholic Priesthood.(Book Review): An article from: Conscience

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Hierarchical power games: sex and celibacy in the catholic Priesthood.(Book Review): An article from: Conscience
T.A. Raterman
Manufacturer: Catholics for a Free Choice
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Conscience, published by Catholics for a Free Choice on June 22, 2003. The length of the article is 583 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Hierarchical power games: sex and celibacy in the catholic Priesthood.(Book Review)
Author: T.A. Raterman
Publication: Conscience (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2003
Publisher: Catholics for a Free Choice
Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Page: 50(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Playing the right game. (religion, politics and God's love): An article from: The Other Side

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Playing the right game. (religion, politics and God's love): An article from: The Other Side
John Alexander
Manufacturer: The Other Side
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Other Side, published by The Other Side on January 1, 1998. The length of the article is 1555 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: A Christian minister describes his social activism and concludes the best way to respond to social injustice is to embody God's love constantly. Peace and justice must enter one's own life before it can enter others. The minister had worked for civil rights and against the Vietnam War. He had suffered crises of faith because fundamentalists told him Christians should be more concerned with the church than with social justice. He had witnessed dissension among those who shared his political goals.

Citation Details
Title: Playing the right game. (religion, politics and God's love)
Author: John Alexander
Publication: The Other Side (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 1998
Publisher: The Other Side
Volume: v34 Issue: n1 Page: p43(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

4 Titles from Sidney Sheldon: Master of the Game, If Tommorow Comes, The Other Side of Midnight, and Rage of Angels

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4 Titles from Sidney Sheldon: Master of the Game, If Tommorow Comes, The Other Side of Midnight, and Rage of Angels
Sidney Sheldon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000UH4AJU

Book Description

From the glitter of Regency London to a sun-kissed Mediterranean paradise, Nicole Jordan captivates with her breathtaking sensuality and unforgettable romance.

No woman could tame him . . . until he met his match.

With his reckless charm and lust for danger, Viscount Thorne is one of England’s most elusive bachelors–and member of a secret league of protectors known as the Guardians. To thwart his father’s matchmaking schemes, Thorne asks an alluring artist to pose as his betrothed.

Burned once by desire, Diana Sheridan swears off love. But to secure her cousin’s place in society, she agrees to Thorne’s charade. Then scandal brews, and Thorne insists on going through with the marriage. When Diana refuses, wary of his smoldering passion, the rakish lord wages a dazzling campaign of seduction.

Meanwhile, danger threatens their very lives. Yet Thorne realizes the greater danger is to his heart. For he never expected to get caught in a matrimonial snare of his own making–or imagined their pretense of a love match would become so tantalizingly real.

Customer Reviews:

Missed the Mark.......2007-03-10

I seem to be going in reverse order reading this series as I started with Wicked Fantasy and moved on to this title. As a whole, I enjoyed the other novel more. Story-wise, Lord of Seduction is the better tale, but romance-wise, it missed the mark. I couldn't develop a genuine interest in our couple at all. I liked Diana very much, despite others' opinions, but Thorne was a nonentity as far as I was concerned. I was bored by the romance aspect and was more eager to see where the actual story went. I haven't experienced this often at all in a love story. I will attempt another title in NJ's Paradise series and see if it suits my tastes more than LOS did.

Irritating Diana.......2006-08-10

Thats what she should have named this book. I know everybody else seemed to find this book wonderful but I found the characters having no depth. More like cardboard characters. Thorne is a rascal and the only reason I continued to read this book. He made a tedious book seem more interesting. Handsome, sexy but overall a good person.

And then there is Diana - what can I say but that she is irritaing, has no mind of her own, pushy, yes I could go on and on but I won't. First she does not want Thorne to seduce her because of her past broken heart. That happened several years ago - Get over it! Then they have sex and then she pushes him away when he says they should get married for real. Then they have sex again and later she tells him that she does not want to see him again ever. Then Thorne is in a life threatening situation and finally she realizes that she wants to be with him. Talk about a woman who can't make up her mind. life threatening situations can do that to a person. Grow Up! During this time she meets up with the man who broke her heart and she seems to still have feelings for him, then Thorne seems to get jealous. There roles seem to be the reverse. Is he not supposed to be a rouge. He seems the one more infatuated with her than she is with him.

All the secondary characters seem just as bland. Amys a spoiled brat, why anyone would like her is beyond me. And then theres poor Yates with his wooden leg - that's all there seems to be to his character. Don't bother to read this one it's a waste of money

Indulge & Be Delighted !!!.......2005-08-23

Another superbly written story by Nicole Jordan...a sensual..and unforgettable tale..
Lord Thorne: the requisite, elusive and of course strikingly handsome hero..and indeed he is a hero, as a member of the protectors called the Guardians. ( a secret society, chock full of these lovely scrumptious men).
Lady Diana: the talented artistically inclined lady, with a healthy curiousity for the male anatomy...oh. !! for art's sake of course !!
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did , from it's scandalously erotic beginning, to it's entirely enjoyable ending...
Indulge & Be Delighted!!!

This was so much better than the 1st in the series!.......2005-05-14

For me this book measured up to her last passion series (which I absolutely loved) There was lots of sensuality in Lord of Seduction, a good solid plot and the chemistry between Thorne and Diana was strong and believable. Thorne one might think was the type of rogue to never find a woman to really challenge him in and out of the bedroom - finally with Diana he does. She is a strong woman but not in a way that would put a man like Thorne off, more that will intrigue him because she is not falling all over him trying to trap him into marriage.She has had her heart broken in the past and wants to keep from that happening again. Even when he wants their pretend engagement to be real she has no interest, and Thorne is shocked - a woman that can not want him? Well of course this just fans the fires in Thornes sole and causes him to rethink over and over how he might finally get her to agree to marriage. For a good part of the book he does not even realize that he actually has fallen deeply in love with Diana. The danger and the plot of trying to find out who is attacking the Guardians is a good backdrop to the romance. The passion between Diana and Thorne is as beautifully written of any Jordan romance. She totally excells in writing love scenes. Of course it takes a brush with death for Diana to realize she has to give into her heart and allow her true feelings for Thorne to be given a chance. And the beautiful romantic island of Cyrenne is just the place for true lovers to find eternal happiness. I absolutely loved this book - and cannot wait for the next in the series!

Thorne and Diana-SPOILERS.......2005-03-07

Favorite scene with Diana-
Telling Amy she didn't have to forgive her until she proved herself.

Favorite scene with Thorne-
The final showdown with the enemy.

Together-
The almost fatal coach scene.

What did you like about Diana-
Her strength and courage. Her love for art. Wanting the best for Amy. Befriending Venus, although she could have been guilty of the crimes. Unconcerned about how people treated her, only caring how it would affect Amy.

What didn't you like about Diana-
That she didn't want to marry Thorne, at least until she knew that he loved her. Telling Thorne their betrothal was off, yet continuing to have sex with him.

What did you like about Thorne-
His protectiveness for Diana, and wanting to help her, esp. where her art was concerned. His strength. His love for his work. Accepting, with good humor, that his portrait was up where everyone could see it. Good thing he wasn't completely naked. :)

What didn't you like about Thorne-
He let his lust get in the way of things, esp. where his job was concerned. He couldn't always control it.

If I had to cast Diana, I would cast Kate Winslet.
If I had to cast Thorne, I would cast Brad Pitt.

Average customer rating:

My Favorite Book Of All Time!
you can't tell a book by its cover
Lord of Seduction
Desirable Medieval Romance
Interesting medieval romance

Lord of Seduction
Paula Quinn
Manufacturer: Forever
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0446617822

Customer Reviews:

My Favorite Book Of All Time!.......2007-06-26

I just love this book. It is also how I gotten familiar with the Authors other works. I went back and read the other two previous books which are also wonderfully told. I love her ability to bring alive the characters.
Her characters whom you fall in love with, stay long with you after the story is told. I think this book is the perfect romance book. You feel the connection and love the characters "Tanon" and "Garth" have for each other. And the other characters Madoc, Tomas, Cian, Hereward, Alweyn, and Rebecca. They are beautiful told throughout the story and keep you entertained with the main Characters. And yes Brande, Dante, and William also are woven through the story(from the previous books).

Lady Tanon and Prince garth were at one time childhood friends, though they were from different countries that were split by war. Tanon grew up as a refined lady, while Garth grew up a warrior fighting against Tanon's countrymen. Though Garth had nothing but Hatred for the Normans, he finds himself proposing an alliance for peace in the marriage to Lady Tanon. Lady Tanon on the other hand bound by duty to her King William will honor the marriage, but is fearful of the barbaric prince she once knew. She wishes for the love her parents have for herself but fears she is just a peace offering to garths people.

Garth one of the greatest warriors in all of wales, has his greatest battle ahead of him. Though they loved each other has children " and still do" they are unaccustomed to each others up bringing. Garth use to ruling men and protecting his people and Tanon a refined yet spirited young woman, make for some interesting and comical clashes. Of course,
Garths sworn friends and Tanon's guardians make the story absolutely fun and romantic.

I love this book and you would not be disappointed with it. It is the only book I can read over and over again. It is exactly what I look for in a romance book-(ROMANCE).

you can't tell a book by its cover.......2007-01-16

I loved the cover of this book, but unfortunately, the book inside wasn't in the same league. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. It was sort of boring. Gareth was great, Tanon was okay, but there wasn't much meat to this story. I kept looking for something to happen, but it never did. Sort of a ho-hum read.

Lord of Seduction.......2007-01-07

Lady Tanon Risande is not exactly happy and she isn't exactly sad. She is happy that she doesn't have to wed her hateful betrothed but she is sad when she is told by her godfather, King William, that she is to wed Prince Gareth ap Owain. This has her in an uproar and she dreads leaving her family for the wilds of Wales. When she sees Gareth for the first time after meeting him as a young child, Tanon is not sure she understands why her heart is pounding and her lips yearn to feel his skin. When Gareth beats her betrothed in a fight fair and square for her hand, Tanon feels relief but is still anxious; especially since she can almost feel his arms around her and his touch sending her soaring into the stars.

Gareth has been enamored of Tanon since being her champion against her bully of an ex-betrothed when she was a young child. Fully anticipating his nuptials and wedding night, Gareth is unprepared for the feelings Tanon evokes in him. First he must prove to Tanon that he is not the bloodthirsty warrior she envisions, but a knight that can be loving and gentle. Gareth hopes against hope that though he can't provide for Tanon in ways of trappings and finery, he can convince her that she is the love of his life, forever.

Gareth ap Owain was a warrior first and foremost. Fully aware of Tanon's feelings, I found myself sighing at his quest to make Tanon realize that he could be a loving man as well. Tanon was the epitome of womanhood but for all of her ladylike qualities, I found her stubborn and brave and extremely well suited to be the mate of Gareth.

Paula Quinn has once again written a historical novel worthy of any reader. Lord of Seduction is the third book of this series and I found myself enjoying it just as much as the first two. The period of time in which this novel takes place happens to be my favorite historical time period to read about, but that withstanding, Lord of Seduction is an exquisite read. Full of nobles, princes, assassins, and just a great plot, I found myself immersed in this book and nothing was going to stand in my way with finishing it. Nothing. I look forward to her next book with bated breath!

Talia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Desirable Medieval Romance.......2006-12-27

The Risande family is loyal and true to King William and reluctantly agrees to give their beautiful daughter Lady Tanon to the Welsh in marriage in order to try and keep peace. Lady Tanon and Prince Gareth first meet as children one summer when he arrives with his uncle and eldest brother Cedric, who is supposed to her betrothed. Gareth finds Tannon to be a delight and they become good friends. As the years go by she grows into a beautiful young woman, and word arrives that the Welshmen have been killed in one of the numerous border and Welsh battles. As another marriage is arranged for Lady Tannon to the despicable Lord Roger deCourtenay, who only wants her for her dowry, she wonders about what might have been. But it is Gareth she has always wondered about, not Cedric. On the day her betrothal is to be announced to Roger, Gareth shows up reminding King William of the Welsh agreement, as he is now Prince Gareth ap Owain. A tournament to fight for the Lady's hand is arranged, which Gareth easily wins. Tanon cannot keep her eyes off the handsome Gareth wondering about his male beauty, but she believes he is marrying her only to have peace between the two countries, when she longs for the kind of love her parents have enjoyed. She does not recognize that what she is feeling is desire and passion because she is a true innocent and the scene where she is asking her dear godfather King William about female wiles and the wedding night is sweet and well-written. Gareth is handsome and sexy, but also a strong leader, warrior and hero. His men and people love and admire him, and are concerned when they see that their prince really married for love, not just as a peace agreement. Gareth realizes marrying Tannon will bring peace. He also realizes he is not only lusting for Tannon, but has been in love with her since his youth and is concerned the little girl he remembered, turned refined young beauty, will find it difficult to live in his wild Welsh land. Tanon is afraid to go into a strange land with people who are at war with the Normans, but she is not only beautiful, but strong and independent and her character as heroine does not suffer, as she never once whines about the completely different conditions in which she now lives. Gareth is so taken with her beauty, inner and out, and the desire and passion that builds between them is sexy, with a touch of sweetness. Gareth's people come to respect her and this makes Gareth love her even more. Tannon learns the secret behind why Gareth is such a good warrior - he dances well - and the scenes where he teaches his people are fun and with Tannon, sexy! With so much intrigue, deception, and some surprises at the end; blended with the developing seduction and passion between Tannon and Gareth, Lord of Seduction seduces the reader who will find it difficult to put the book down. Paula Quinn's writing style flows and her character and story development is near perfection. A good, solid, sexy romance that should not be overlooked by medieval romance fans.

Interesting medieval romance.......2006-12-24

Lady Tanon is the refined daughter of a high-ranking Norman (English) noble. For the sake of peace with Wales, she must wed the less-refined Welsh prince Gareth, whom she barely knows. Tanon dreads leaving her comfortable home in England for her new life in wild and war-ravaged Wales. Even more, she fears her wild and warrior-like future husband. Yet she is inexorably drawn to him, mesmerized by his confidence and strength and overt sensuality, still holding fond memories of their brief friendship as children. She dares not admit to caring for him, even to herself. She is afraid her affection might be misplaced or - worse - not returned. Gareth also keeps his feelings to himself, clinging to his macho façade. He refuses to acknowledge that this marriage is for more than just duty and is more than just physical, even though he has pined after Tanon since he was a boy. The couple is soon immersed in a perilous cross-border trek, beset with enemy attacks, hardship and betrayal. As they grow closer with each passing day, will they let down their defenses and finally admit their love?

This was an interesting read with a good storyline and good historical elements. The hero was very appealing, showing patience and understanding for his young bride and yet remaining true to the expected male behavior of the time period. The heroine was a little difficult and behaved immaturely at times, but not to the point where it hurt the love story. She could also be gutsy and sweet by turns, and she and Gareth made a cute couple. Their story was told in a straightforward fashion, but without the subtleties or the emotional highs and lows that would have made it something more. It was nonetheless a worthwhile read, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

The Paradise Series: Master of Temptation, Lord of Seduction, Wicked Fantasy, Fever Dreams (Set of 4 Historical Romance Novels)

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The Paradise Series: Master of Temptation, Lord of Seduction, Wicked Fantasy, Fever Dreams (Set of 4 Historical Romance Novels)
Nicole Jordan
Manufacturer: Ballantine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000W7OMX2

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