Book Description
The Roman world is in the throes of death, but a new myth, destined to span the centuries, is waiting to be born.
The camp was quiet. Mist shrouded the plains and the Nova Invicta Legion, the legendary warriors charged with protecting the last emperor of Rome, settled in for another cold and bitter night. Then, through the fog, the barbarians appeared. In a space of a few hours, all was lost -- the Roman Empire lay in ruins. But not all the Romans are dead. From the dust of the battlefield, a band of seemingly immortal legionaries rise up. They are the Last Legion. Risking their lives, they attempt an audacious mission to free the young emperor and his enigmatic tutor from the hands of their captors.
The Last Legion is a bewitching novel of bravery, love, myth, and magic. Valerio Massimo Manfredi has written an epic that will hold you spellbound until the very last page.
Customer Reviews:
Before the time of Arthur, there was Excalibur!.......2007-10-04
I was searching through Amazon for some fun books to read, and I came across The Last Legion. I was instantly excited about a book that takes place during the last days of the Roman Empire, plus the intertwined story of the Aruthorian and Excalibur legends. I was in the airport the other week, and bought it, and finished it.
The Last Legion, as I mentioned above, is an epic historical novel, that takes place at the last days, literally, of the Roman Empire around 46X AD. The story revolves around a band of men, a woman, and a crazy old man, who will do anything to ensure the survival of a young boy, Romulus Agustus Caesar, the last emperor.
From the slaughter of Romulus's family in Ravenna, the then Capital of the western roman empire, this band must fight, outwit, run, and what ever else was necessary to try to escape the Barbarians, who want nothing more than Romulus's head on a spear. Running from Italy, we read as our band, lead by Aurlieus, who Arthur fans might correlate with Lancelot, the old 'magician' as many will see as Merlin, try to make their way to Britain, to have the profesy come true. Finding the legendary sword, the sword that was forged from the steel from space, the sword that none other Julius Caesar used to shape Europe.
This book is rich with an epic tale, woven in very neatly the feeling and facts of the time, and is very deep with the character development. Velerio Massimo Manfredi wasted no time doing his research on time period, as I felt I was transported back to the last days, where people lived in fear by the ever changing currents.
This book is very easy to read, and flows like a movie. I highly recommend this historical novel to anyone interested in a good read. You won't be disappointed!
A fun read.......2007-09-01
A nice mix of history and fiction. The book moves at a nice pace and was a great vacation read.
An interesting take on a familiar tale........2007-06-11
The Last Legion offers a look at the twilight of Empire; as our heroes journey across a landscape being overrun by barbarians and fracturing into petty kingdoms while the Western Roman Empire breaks down.
Though the novel serves as an origin story of King Arthur, this last aspect felt tacked on as an afterthought as the author seemed to enjoy exploring the decaying world of the continental empire more than dealing with the matter of England. In reading it, it should be seen as the last hurrah of a dying civilization that would ultimately provide a respite to a distant province in sore need of assistance.
The narrative (as translated) is very workmanlike with quickly sketched in characters; but the author captured the atmosphere and the mind-set of the times so the reader is truly transported to another time and place where miracles can occur and magic is possible.
My biggest complaint is that the climax came across as astonishingly anti-climactic ... sort of setting the Seven Samurai in Galloway, Britain; with the battle largely occurring off-stage. And then while the tale wraps up all the character threads, the novel does leave one with an impression of, is this all there is?
All in all, it is a fast read, it is an enjoyable read; not quite as satisfying as I would hope, but I've no regrets in picking this book up.
Brilliant and Captivating.......2006-07-31
Few authors can be better equipped to write about the subject of Rome and its Legions than Manfredi. Professor of archaeology at the the university of Milan, he has carried out many excavations and expeditions in the Mediterranean region. He has produced many factual books on historical matters, mainly military and has still found the time to write several novels and this is one of the best of them.
The story begins the day that the Roman Empire collapses and the eternal city itself is being over-run. In the weeks before the final collapse some British Romano soldiers have reached the city with the express task of rescuing the young son of the last Emperor Romulus Augustus, these are the men of The last Legion . . .
They are there to protect and guide the last emperor on a journey that takes them across Europe to the shores of Britain and into legend.
I found the book exciting and exhilarating. It was another one I did not want to end.
a fine historical romp.......2006-02-18
Manfredi is one of the finest historical fiction writers around. He has all the right credentials; as Professor Of Archaeology at Milan University you can be sure of the accuracy of the detail found in his books. He also has a wonderfully imaginative approach to his plots: take a 'known' fact in history and try to create a fictional story around the unknown parts. In doing so he has frequently brought to life the wonders of ancient history for many readers.
The Last Legion is great fun, but it is probably the least believable of Manfredi's novels. The Alexander trilogy has its roots firmly in historical fact, Manfredi just added the colour. This novel is largely colour, but enjoyable for it.
The clue as to why this has less true historical context is given in the dedication of the book which lets us know that the story of The Last Legion was always intended to be turned into a film. That film is due for release this year and will hopefully be as much fun as the book.
However, it is this filmic element to the story which is its big weakness. It effectively moves from set piece to set piece and can read more like a movie treatment than a novel at times. This is not to suggest that it isn't worth reading, it most certainly is as that cinematic style makes for a cracking plot. What it causes problems with is the dialogue and motivation of certain characters which are sometimes cliched and stilted.
All that being said, the real strong point of this book is the clever way that Manfredi has linked Roman history and mythology with one of the greatest British legends of old. A neat idea that he executes well.
If you have never read Manfredi's work then I would strongly suggest you try The Alexander Trilogy or perhaps The Talisman Of Troy before attempting this lighter work.
Average customer rating:
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La Ultima Legion / The Last Legion
Valerio Manfredi
Manufacturer: Grijalbo Mondadori Sa
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Historical
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
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Italian
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
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Spanish
| Foreign Language Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
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Histórica
| Género Ficción
| Literatura y ficción
| Libros en español
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Italiana
| Literatura Mundial
| Literatura y ficción
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ASIN: 8425338387 |
Average customer rating:
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La Ultima Legion / The Last Legion
Valerio Manfredi
Manufacturer: Grijalbo Mondadori Sa
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Historical
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Italian
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Spanish
| Foreign Language Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Histórica
| Género Ficción
| Literatura y ficción
| Libros en español
| Formats
| Books
Italiana
| Literatura Mundial
| Literatura y ficción
| Libros en español
| Formats
| Books
ASIN: 8425337054 |
Book Description
It is March of 1902, and Francesca Cahill-Fifth Avenue heiress, undaunted political activist and intrepid amateur sleuth-has just learned of a grave new danger haunting the streets of New York. A beautiful teenage girl named Emily O'Hare is missing and Francesca fears that the girl has been abducted. Only one person can help her learn the child's fate-but Police Commissioner Rick Bragg may not want to get involved because Francesca has just stunned Rick by accepting a proposal of marriage....from none other than his own rival. Francesca still questions her decision to marry the powerful and notorious Calder Hart. But Rick Bragg is wed to another....and his dazzling wife has just returned after four years abroad to reclaim their marriage. Francesca remains torn between the two very different men-but she desperately tries to set aside the affairs of her heart when she discovers that Emily isn't the first girl to vanish in recent weeks. And when Francesca discovers a trail of deception and lies, when someone very close to her investigation is murdered, Francesca realizes that the evil force behind the girls' abductions may try to find a way to silence her too-if she dares to uncover the truth....
Customer Reviews:
The Best in the series so far..........2007-03-23
This whole series has me hooked! I have to say that this book is my favorite so far though. The relationship between Francesca Cahill and Calder Hart is steamy and I find myself rooting them on! This series has been hard to put down. I don't know what I will do when I am finished with it. Rick Bragg is by far the unluckiest guy in this series. He gains the love and admiration of beautiful Francesca and then his life changes when his "adoring" wife comes back into his life to make trouble, or is she hear to make amends? I can't wait to see if Leigh Ann actually survives her tragic carriage accident. A must read, but you should start with the first book in the series or you may be quite lost.
The best novel yet in a highly addictive series!.......2005-09-30
"Deadly Promise" is author Brenda Joyce's sixth installment, and one of her most suspenseful in the historical mystery/romance series featuring New York City debutante Francesca Cahill. Ms. Cahill, society bluestocking, and heiress to a considerable fortune, has done remarkably well so far as an amateur sleuth, NYC's first female private investigator and a major novelty in her chosen profession. It is only 1902, after all, and women still have seventeen more years before the United States Congress and Senate approve the 19th Amendment, giving them the right to vote. Francesca has solved the case of the City Strangler, the brutal Cross Killer, two child kidnappings, several murders, captured a stalker, and has earned the right to call herself "Crime-Solver Extraordinaire," as printed on her Tiffany embossed business cards. Of course she has had the assistance of her dear friend and former love, police commissioner Rick Bragg, to teach her the ropes. Unfortunately for the nascent romance, Rick's estranged wife, Leigh Ann, returned from a lengthy stay in Europe, and nipped it in the bud.
Calder Hart, Rick's half brother, wealthy art connoisseur, rogue and rake, shocked Francesca in the series' last installment by proposing marriage to her and promising to mend his ways. What astonished Fran even more than his declaration of marital intent was her decision to accept him...and I don't think she is on the rebound. Clearly the two are an eccentric match made in heaven. Not only do they share a firm friendship, she is Calder's first and only friend, but sparks fly when they're together. While Ms. Cahill is sorting out her complex feelings for Calder and Rick, and dealing with the former's precipitous announcement of their engagement, a number of beautiful adolescent girls are being abducted from the streets of Manhattan.
Francesca learns that lovely teenage Emily O'Hare has gone missing, and fears that the girl has been kidnapped. She quickly discovers that Emily is not the only young girl to disappear in the last few weeks. This new case is by far the most intense to date, as it deals with child prostitution, a crime both Calder and Bragg want to shield the young woman from. But, as usual, Fran is determined to find the girls and bring them home, if at all possible.
Sound like a soap opera? It is, in all but title! I have become hooked on the series, the developing characters and their ongoing, individual stories. Ms. Joyce got off to a shaky start but hit her stride a book or two ago, and continues to improve with "Deadly Promise." While far from perfect in terms of believability, this series, in classic soap style, is loads of fun even though it frequently stretches readers' credulity. These books actually seems more like installments in a serial novel than stand alone romance/mysteries. In fact, most of the characters are from the previous books and the mystery is part of the continuing storyline, involving Francesca, her family, friends and those who touch upon their lives. This approach suits very well and certainly has me returning for more.
If you are interested, I would suggest reading the previous Francesca Cahill novels before "Deadly Promise," as this is a continuing saga and extremely addictive. As I review this novel, I am reading the latest installment, "Deadly Illusion" and hope the author continues to write about Francesca, her family, Calder, et.al. So, come meet the folks and become involved in their lives, loves, traumas, mysteries, and the delightful historical setting of 1902-1903 New York City, with its society balls and glitter, the tenements and roughs, gambling halls and beautiful, exotic call girls. Seth Low, the mayor, was recently elected on a reform platform to fight the Tammany Hall machine, and the police commissioner he appointed took some of the actions the fictional Rick Bragg has taken and faced many of the same difficult issues Bragg faces in attempting to reform the terribly corrupt police department. If Ms Joyce takes the series past 1903, Rick will be out of a job as the next administration is a "Tammany beast." Perhaps, Bragg will use the opportunity to run for Senator. ENJOY!! I am.
JANA
Hot.......2004-06-07
I would like to start off by saying that the "Deadly" series is my favorite. Although I would recommend reading them in order (this is the 6th book). This book will really keep you on the edge of your seat...the pages just fly by. I think that Calder Hart is an amazing character. I can't wait for the next installment.
The Best So Far.......2004-02-17
I have to say that this is by far the best book in the series to date. I was so captivated by the mixture of feelings and the endless need to solve the case and be professional despite the confusion in Francesca's life. I can't wait to see what happens next
Fast and engrossing read.......2004-01-09
I am hooked on the Cahill novels and wondered if Brenda Joyce could keep up the intensity with another book. She delivered, and I can't wait for the next one to come out!
Book Description
Althea is a nobody who wants to be somebody. She wants to be noticed, to have friends, to be part of the popular crowd. Then she meets the vampire who lives in the circular tower in her new house. The vampire says that he can make her popular--more popular than she ever imagined she could be. All Althea has to do is agree to a simple deal. So simple a promise, but so evil.
Customer Reviews:
Oh, to be popular..........2007-05-25
Althea doesn't fit in at all in school. She wishes she could be popular and have tons of adoring friends. The vampire who haunts her house can make her dream come true, but at a price. Will it be worth it?
This book is a great start to The Vampire's Promise trilogy. The descriptions throughout this book are excellent. You'll feel like you're right there with Althea, experiencing what she's experiencing.
Terrible writing, Shallow characters.......2006-06-22
These books are simply horrible. They have large gaps in the plot but the worst part is the shallow nature of the characters. The girls in all three books want to be pretty or popular. For these silly aspirations they hand over their friends to the vampire. Do they feel bad afterwards, have a moral conflict perhaps? Hardly. They easily justify their betrayals because they get asked out by a cute boy or they get to hang out at the coolest table. I wasn't only disappointed with my purchase, I was disgusted.
The Vampires Promise: Erika C.......2005-12-14
The theme in the story is suspense. Althea wanted to be popular, pretty, and loved by guys. But she didnt seem to fit in. Then she meet a vampire who could make her popular, all she has to do is bring him a human. She first brings Chelste, pretty, popular, a girl everyone wants to be. Then she gives the vampire Jenny. She was Altheas friend before high school.
I can relate to this story because sometimes its hard to fit in with certin people. Im glad they made this story because its suspenseful and fun to read.
Alienor Shanghai.......2005-11-27
I have read many books that I don't like, but this book is one of the few I really do like. One of the reasons why I like it is because, although it's fiction there are parts that could be true. For example Althea, the main character, who was popular in middle school, is not popular at all in high school and all she wants is to be popular again. I think that that example is something that could truly happen. Of course the fictional side of the story is that she gets the help of a vampire and the vampire makes her popular.
The house that Althea lives in, creeps me out. She lives in a big house, with a long gravel driveway, and a big garden. There is also one tower, with 3 windows, which have both inside, and outside shutters. And to me it's no surprise that the vampire chose this house to live in.
I compare the vampire to Dracula. Maybe it's because they are both vampires and both wear capes. But the vampire just reminds me of Dracula. The weird thing about the vampire in the book is that he waits for hundreds of years just to find somebody who is curious enough to open the shutters in the tower and who agrees to his proposal. Althea of course, did just that. She didn't care what the consequences would be, she just wanted to be popular again. It's only after he almost took the 3rd victim that she realizes the consequences. And believe me the consequences are not good.
Excellent.......2004-04-26
Not only is this book an excellent vampire mystery, it also relates some very real feelings of teenagers in protagonist Althea. All she wants is to be popular - what's so wrong with that? Then she makes a deal with a vampire who can grant her her wish, but only if she will bring him innocent victims. Will she make the right decision and go back to being unpopular? Deadly Offer is gripping and creepy. I would recommend it to anyone who is a mystery or a vampire fan.
Average customer rating:
- Can't Judge a Book by its Cover
- Fantastic!!!
- WOAH!
- Fantastic
- GREAT!!!
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DEADLY PROMISE, A (A Bantam Starfire Book)
Joan Lowery Nixon
Manufacturer: Starfire
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Mysteries, Espionage, & Detectives | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Nixon, Joan Lowery | ( N ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Nixon, Joan Lowery | ( N ) | Authors, A-Z | Teens | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
-
The Kidnapping of Christina Lattimore
ASIN: 0553561774
Release Date: 1993-04-01 |
Customer Reviews:
Can't Judge a Book by its Cover.......2001-11-19
No offence to some of Joan's past or more recent books but I personaly felt that this book could have been better. I read this book for a book report for English 9 and felt that if I wouldn't have read this book I probably would have done better because the book left me bored and did not keep me captivated.
Fantastic!!!.......2001-10-17
This book had caught my interest just by looking at the title. It seemed mysterious and exciting. While I was reading the book I just couldnt put it down and it made me think of my life compared to theirs and how hard it must have been in the old days. What I liked about this book is how you dont know what is going to happen next, it really makes you think and wonder "WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT!?" and so you keep reading to find out more about what's going to happen. What I didn't like about the book was that the author didnt put enough details! I would highly recommand this book. It's a great book if you are into mysteries and love.
WOAH!.......2000-12-16
I am what everybody calls a bookworm and usually read like a book a day.So I sat down today and opened the book and couldnt stop. My sister kept on begging me to play with her so I locked the door! I think this was a GREAT BOOK! And I read it all in one sitting! Even if your not a big fan of books I HIGHLY suggest reading this one! Enjoy!
Fantastic.......1999-11-01
I give my books away once I read them so other people can enjoy them, but this one I couldn't give away it was so good.
GREAT!!!.......1999-06-21
I couldn't put it down. It was so realistic you felt like you were there. It expressed the characters feelings for each other and gave detail and description on each character. The plot was interesting and suspenseful. Anybody who likes a great book should read this. I highly recommend other books by Joan Lowery Nixon.
Product Description
three mmpb books. 3 Titles By Caroline B. Cooney The Vampire's Promise Series (1-3) : Deadly Offer - orig. The Cheerleader, Evil Returns - orig. Return of the Vampire, Fatal Bartain - orig. The Vampire's Promise.
Average customer rating:
- This is what special ops is REALLY like
- THRILLER WITH A HEART
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Deadly Promise
Roger I. Burgraff
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1413769926 |
Book Description
Jeffrey Dane hasn't always been a psychology professor at a California university, but he has done his best to put his special ops days in the Air Force, his drug addiction and the death of the woman he loved behind him. One balmy night, after the usual end-of-the-year staff party, he opens a letter from a man he hasn't seen in years. “If you receive this letter,” the letter begins, “it means I am dead, Jeff.” What his friend asks of him from beyond the grave, he must grant, and he leaves immediately for South Africa on a journey that will take him to the enemy's bed as he fights to save two children from the new breed of international drug and ivory smugglers.
Customer Reviews:
This is what special ops is REALLY like.......2006-05-06
Roger Burgraff is either the next Stuart Woods or a veteran of special ops himself. Deadly Promise is that authentic and convincing. International murder-for-hire and drug trafficking aren't just the stuff of thrillers. They're happening every day and Burgraff's special ops trained hero, Jeff Dane, is exactly the kind of individual recruited to stop the, Whatever Burgraff's background, Deadly promise is impossible to put down.
Mike Rounds USMC
THRILLER WITH A HEART.......2006-05-02
This is an international thriller with a very human heart--something we don't see enough of these days. Judging from the testimonials on the book's jacket--from Special Ops types who know first-hand the world Burgraff is writing about (and must know something about himself first-hand), the book's as authentic as it feels.
If this is what Burgraff can do with a first novel, I'm a fan already. Keep 'em coming, please.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, published by Thomson Gale on July 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1465 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: National's seven deadly promises: nurses and other health workers face a stark choice this election--a coalition government with an industrial agenda generally supportive of workers, or a coalition government which will strip away all protections for workers, leaving the vulnerable most at risk.
Author: Laila Harre
Publication:
Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 11
Issue: 6
Page: 18(2)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Books:
- The Manhattan Directory of Private Nursery Schools
- The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
- The Mystery of the Blue Train (Hercule Poirot Mysteries)
- The Narrows: A Novel
- The New Leaders 100-Day Action Plan: How to Take Charge, Build Your Team, and Get Immediate Results
- The Parsifal Mosaic
- The Probable Future (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
- The Raphael Affair (Art History Mystery)
- The Romantic Movement: Sex, Shopping, and the Novel
- The Sherbrooke Bride
Books Index
Books Home
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- Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India.
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- Fashion for Profit
- Human Aging: Biological Perspectives
- Huey: Spirit of the Panther
- Mutch About Horses
- Complementary Cancer Therapies: Combining Traditional and Alternative Approaches for the Best Possib
- Born in the Spring: A Collection of Spring Wildflowers
The Talisman of Troy
Tyrant
The Isle of Stone: A Novel of Ancient Sparta
Winter Quarters
Alexander: The Ends of the Earth: A Novel (Alexander)
