Bad Land:  An American Romance
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Rewriting Little House on the Prairie . . .
  • Sunning and fascinating
  • The Great American Desert
  • Man versus nature exemplified.
  • Puts some meat on the skeleton tales I grew up hearing.
Bad Land: An American Romance
Jonathan Raban
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Old WestOld West | 19th Century | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
LiteraryLiterary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
U.S.U.S. | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Passage to Juneau: A Sea and Its Meanings Passage to Juneau: A Sea and Its Meanings
  2. Hunting Mister Heartbreak: A Discovery of America Hunting Mister Heartbreak: A Discovery of America
  3. Old Glory : A Voyage Down the Mississippi Old Glory : A Voyage Down the Mississippi
  4. My Holy War: Dispatches from the Home Front My Holy War: Dispatches from the Home Front
  5. Old Fences, New Neighbors Old Fences, New Neighbors

ASIN: 0679759069
Release Date: 1997-10-07

Amazon.com

Jonathan Raban ambles and picks his way across the Montana prairie, called "The Great American Desert" until Congress offered 320-acre tracts of barren land to immigrants with stardust in their eyes. Raban's prose makes love to the waves of land, red dirt roads, and skeletons of homesteads that couldn't survive the Dirty Thirties. As poignant as any romance novel, there's heartbreak in the failed dreams of the homesteaders, a pang of destiny in the arbitrary way railroad towns were thrown into existence, and inspiration in the heroism of people who've fashioned lives for themselves by cobbling together homes from the ruined houses of those who couldn't make it. Through it all, Raban's voice examines and honors the vast open expanses of land and pays homage to the histories of families who eked out an existence.

Book Description

A New York Times Editors' Choice for Book of the Year
Winner of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award
Winner of the PEN West Creative Nonfiction Award


"No one has evoked with greater power the marriage of land and sky that gives this country both its beauty and its terror. "
--Washington Post Book World

In 1909 maps still identified eastern Montana as the Great American Desert.  But in that year Congress, lobbied heavily by railroad companies, offered 320-acre tracts of land to anyone bold or foolish enough to stake a claim to them. Drawn by shamelessly inventive brochures, countless homesteaders--many of them immigrants--went west to make their fortunes. Most failed. In Bad Land, Jonathan Raban travels through the unforgiving country that was the scene of their dreams and undoing, and makes their story come miraculously alive.    

In towns named Terry, Calypso, and Ismay (which changed its name to Joe, Montana, in an effort to attract football fans), and in the landscape in between, Raban unearths a vanished episode of American history, with its own ruins, its own heroes and heroines, its own hopeful myths and bitter memories. Startlingly observed, beautifully written, this book is a contemporary classic of the American West.

"Exceptional. . . .  A beautifully told historical meditation. "
--Time

"Championship prose. . . .  In fifty years don't be surprised if Bad Land is a landmark."
--Los Angeles Times

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Rewriting Little House on the Prairie . . ........2007-09-28

This is a fine, informative, and entertaining book about the homestead experience in eastern Montana during the years 1910-1925. Raban has done considerable historical research to bring to life this period of boom-and-bust western expansion. It is well written as any good novel, introducing us to the families of those who went west to fulfill the Jeffersonian dream of independent Americans living off the land. That the promise built into this national myth was, in fact, mythical is part of what makes this account so deeply moving and fascinating. Raban finds and interviews the descendants of those homesteaders and reconstructs a time and place and way of life that flourished, as long as the rains fell, and then disappeared as soon as the next cycle of drought set in.

The book is based in great part on a then unpublished memoir by one settler, Percy Wollasten, and the recently published photographs of a local photographer, Evelyn Cameron (both books now in print at amazon). Meanwhile, driving around the area in the 1990s in his rented Jeep, Raban also records vivid observations of the rural world that now exists there, the remains of the old one subsumed into large, modern cattle ranches, where rambling homes are revealed to result from the assembling of many separate abandoned ones.

Raban's picture is wide enough to include Teddy Roosevelt's progressivist vision of America and the schemes of the railroads, who championed westward settlement with pseudoscience and false advertising. And it extends into the Dust Bowl years and the next Roosevelt administration, as Raban follows the many "starved out" and disillusioned homesteaders who pulled up stakes and moved yet further west in search of sustainable lives. This journey takes him across Montana to the Columbia River Basin in central Washington and Seattle, where streams and city streets flood with rain and snow melt.

This is an excellent book for anyone with an interest in the American West, especially the collision between national myth and actuality. Raban attributes rural westerners' deep distrust of government, "progress," and urban liberalism to the memories of betrayal left in the wake of failed homesteading. There is even a place in his argument for the Unabomber, whose arrest while he travels through far western Montana, marks the extreme of this disaffection. Readers will also like Ian Frazier's "Great Plains" and Mary Clearman Blew's "All But the Waltz."

5 out of 5 stars Sunning and fascinating.......2007-07-23

It reads like a romance, but the harsh reality of events is what keeps you turning the pages seeking for more information about the people, their dreams and the bitter outcomes they have to face. The descriptions are detailed and yet not boring, they bring the reader to the time and location the facts occurred, as well as into the skin and mind of the people who experienced this slice of American history.

4 out of 5 stars The Great American Desert.......2007-07-20

Bad Land: An American Romance
By Jonathan Raban

I've enjoyed just about everything that Jonathan Raban has written. Like DeToqueville and J Hector St John de Crevecoeur, he brings a foreigner's perspective to America. In "Hunting Mr. Heartbreak" (a reference to Crevecoeur) he recreates the steps of the French essayist. In "Old Glory, A Voyage down the Mississippi," he follows in the footsteps of the French voyageurs and Mark Twain.

In Bad Land: An American Romance, Raban travels the vast "American Desert" that stretches from eastern Washington and Oregon through Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas. You can pick this book up at any chapter and immerse yourself in history. The chapter on "fencing' details the long, arduous work of reigning in the landscape, involving cutting trees for fence-posts and stringing miles of barbed wire, brought in by the trainful across the prairies.

The people who settled the plans were, for the most part, "pale city folk" who had come to America from Scandinavia, England and Ireland. They knew nothing of the hardships facing them: they relied on the promotions of the railroads and the Government.
When the Dust Bowl hit in the thirties, they were again victimized by the Feds, just as the people of New Orleans were after Katrina.
Raban quotes Robert Louis Stevenson, who was overwhelmed by the land's vast sameness. Some people couldn't handle it: they died of loneliness.
I would recommend reading "Bad Land' in conjunction with Timothy Egan's "The Worst Hard Time: The Untold story of those who survived the great American Dust Bowl.," and "Letters from the Dust Bowl" edited by Caroline Henderson.
Another excellent Western writer is Ivan Doig: "Mountain Time," "This House of Sky," "Heart Earth," etc.

****


3 out of 5 stars Man versus nature exemplified........2007-01-08

This books is a classic tale of what happens when humans try to force their desired land use on a region unable to accommodate that use. Like Sod and Stubble, this is another story about the struggles of Plains settlers trying to make their prairie lands produce crops dispite the fact that the soil and climate aren't suited to row crops. Prairie plants grow well in soil with low fertility and soil moisture. That's why the Great Creator, in all his wisdom put the prairie plants there in the first place. The reason the government gave this land away instead of selling it for a market value is because the land was bad for cropping, hence the name Bad Land. When farmers came in and tried to establish wheat, corn and other grains and vegetables, the crops repeatedly failed and the families suffered. The biggest lesson of this book isn't that the immigrant farmers overcame hardships, it's that people shouldn't try to force unsuitable uses on the land, and if the government wants to give you something for free, you should ask why.

3 out of 5 stars Puts some meat on the skeleton tales I grew up hearing........2006-03-17

Both my parents are from central Montana, locally called the 'high line' and, as a youngster, I well recall my grandparents repetitive re-telling of their hardships and triumphs in settling the 'Bad Land' Mr. Raban recounts in his intriguing narrative. As I read Raban's heart-rending account of couple's dreams blowing away with the dust, I remember my maternal grandmother's lament that anytime during the first five years or so if she and my grandfather could have returned to their Swedish enclave in eastern Minnesota, they would have without so much as a backward glance. But, as she said, they had no means to get back to Minnesota and nothing really to return to anyway. With great sadness still in her voice sixty years later, she re-counted not seeing another adult besides my grandfather for weeks on end and the bitter winters that claimed two of her nine children within their first year of life. Raban does a better than fair job of retelling conversations with the now aged surviving settlers and their descendants, but despite a good ability to paint a landscape with words, misses the essential raw sorrowful patina that overcast that period at that time in that very special harsh place.
Bad Land:  An American Romance
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Bad Land: An American Romance
    Jonathan Raban
    Manufacturer: Pantheon Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover
    ASIN: B000O2XIQ2
    BAD LAND.  An American Romance.
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      BAD LAND. An American Romance.
      Jonathan. Raban
      Manufacturer: Vintage Books,
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover
      ASIN: B000MZE1B2
      Bad Land - An American Romance
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Bad Land - An American Romance
        Jonathan Raban
        Manufacturer: Picador
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover
        ASIN: B000IWT5Y2
        Bad Land An American Romance
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Bad Land An American Romance
          Raban Jonathan
          Manufacturer: Pantheon
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover
          ASIN: B000UDCFLE
          Bad Land Easel-Backed Poster: An American Romance
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Bad Land Easel-Backed Poster: An American Romance
            Jonathan Raban
            Manufacturer: Vintage Books USA
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Calendar
            ASIN: 0676530036
            Bad Land, an American Romance
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Bad Land, an American Romance
              Jonathan Rabin
              Manufacturer: Pantheon
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Hardcover
              ASIN: B000NDON48

              A Dark Champion (Brotherhood of the Sword)
              Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
              • Weak plotting, but relatively fun romance
              • A Dark Champion
              • Pretty good actually
              • Wonderful strong Characters
              • a dark champion
              A Dark Champion (Brotherhood of the Sword)
              Kinley MacGregor , and Sherrilyn Kenyon
              Manufacturer: Avon
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Mass Market Paperback

              GeneralGeneral | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
              GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
              RegencyRegency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
              RegencyRegency | Romance | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              RegencyRegency | Historical | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              RegencyRegency | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              Similar Items:
              1. Return of the Warrior (Avon Historical Romance) Return of the Warrior (Avon Historical Romance)
              2. Taming the Scotsman (The MacAllisters) Taming the Scotsman (The MacAllisters)
              3. Born in Sin: A MacAllisters Novel Born in Sin: A MacAllisters Novel
              4. Claiming the Highlander (The MacAllisters) Claiming the Highlander (The MacAllisters)
              5. Master of Desire Master of Desire

              Accessories:
              1. philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

              ASIN: 0060565411
              Release Date: 2004-04-27

              Book Description

              Fearless men, their allegiance is to one another, to the oppressed, and to the secret society known as the Brotherhood of the Sword—and they must never surrender to the passionate yearnings of their noble hearts.

              A Lady of Love

              Beautiful, peace-loving Rowena knows that Stryder of Blackmoor is a warrior, and is therefore a man to be shunned.

              But something burns in the eyes of this powerful knight that she has never seen in others of his kind: a tenderness, and a need to love and be loved. Yet to enter his world would be madness—against every principle by which she has lived her life—so she must resist the yearning that would draw her into his arms.

              A Man of War

              Duty bound to battle for right, Stryder has never desired the comforts of home and hearth—until he gazed upon the exquisite face and form of the incomparable Rowena. He dares not succumb to her sensuous charms, for Stryder is a man sworn to know no love. But when treachery and danger threaten, the noble knight must stand as the unsuspecting lady's champion—though his actions could cost him his honor, his heart. . . and his forbidden dream of happiness.

              Download Description

              "

              Fearless men, their allegiance is to one another, to the oppressed, and to the secret society known as the Brotherhood of the Sword -- and they must never surrender to the passionate yearnings of their noble hearts.

              A Lady of Love

              Beautiful, peace-loving Rowena knows that Stryder of Blackmoor is a warrior, and is therefore a man to be shunned.

              But something burns in the eyes of this powerful knight that she has never seen in others of his kind: a tenderness, and a need to love and be loved. Yet to enter his world would be madness -- against every principle by which she has lived her life -- so she must resist the yearning that would draw her into his arms.

              A Man of War

              Duty bound to battle for right, Stryder has never desired the comforts of home and hearth -- until he gazed upon the exquisite face and form of the incomparable Rowena. He dares not succumb to her sensuous charms, for Stryder is a man sworn to know no love. But when treachery and danger threaten, the noble knight must stand as the unsuspecting lady's champion -- though his actions could cost him his honor, his heart. . . and his forbidden dream of happiness.

              "

              Customer Reviews:

              3 out of 5 stars Weak plotting, but relatively fun romance.......2007-04-26

              Relatively enjoyable at times, but I found the plotting suffered from the frequent shifting between the Brotherhood history/Brotherhood background and the who-done-it assassinations and the tournaments and the actual romance, all very jarring. I felt the novel lacked a seamless integration of so many of these plots, and it seemed like one plot thread was dropped and instantly resolved for another with little sense or logic.

              The most entertaining portions of the novel involve Rowena & Stryder's belligerent interaction early on and then sprinkles of their growing love until the end. I liked both lead characters, and fortunately enough, I didn't find the heroine to be this uncompromising, stubborn girl who will only accept her man on all of her terms or none at all, forcing him to give up everything he is or ever wanted to be -- plotting we find all too often in romance novels towards the end.

              The blurbs are a good place to gauge the general story, but again, I felt there were too many other weak and insubstantial plot threads intermingled with the romance which jarred the entire reading experience.

              5 out of 5 stars A Dark Champion.......2007-01-03

              One Word, WoW, Kinley is a master of her craft, no doubt about it, once I finished the book I thought and sighed, what a man, and looked at the choices we have with a bit of well depression heheh. But realy, Kinley never lets me down.

              4 out of 5 stars Pretty good actually.......2006-10-16

              The Brotherhood of the Sword is a group of men who bonded together while held in captivity in their youths. Now men, the Brotherhood follow a strict oath to help others like themselves. It is a spin off MacGregor's The MacAllisters series, which the last few books greatly lacked. Needless to say I was reluctant to start the on the Brotherhood, but, alas, I rather liked this book.

              The plot sounds simple enough. Stryder is the unofficial leader of the Brotherhood, a knight who hates all things music and dance. Rowena plays music and sings about her hatred for all things connected to warfare. They are polar opposites and yet there are many who wishes to see them wed. But things soon get complicated once members of the Brotherhood start being murdered. Suspects arise everywhere, with new characters and new twists arising.

              I didn't find this book too complicated to follow at all. The characters weren't hard to keep track of and the reader gets a good understanding of the secondary characters (whose mental and physical anguish alone should be made into a separate book). I so hope Damien and Kit get their own books! This isn't exactly a lazy read and the reader is going to have to pay attention to understand the twists. I'm surprised how much I liked this book despite how it had no actual physical angst on the hero, but the emotional heart-clenching moments more than made up for it. Stryder has his share of vulnerabilities that this reader loved seeing played out. It gave him depth and made him more human.

              I was SO close to giving it five stars. I was somewhat disappointed with Stryder and Rowena's first love scene, which I won't spoil in this review, and the seemingly sudden disappearance of the baddest guy in the whole book. But I will recommend this book and I do plan on reading the next.

              4 out of 5 stars Wonderful strong Characters.......2006-09-18

              This book starts out strong and stays that way until the very end where the author throws in a couple of odd twists and doesn't bother to explain them. Otherwise, I would have given it five stars.

              Rowena is a minstrel who also happens to be the wealthiest heiress in England. King Henry must see her married to secure her land holdings from enemies. The problem is Rowena has vowed never to love a knight because they stand for the one thing that took her father from her, war. King Henry and Queen Elenour plan a tournament and the winner will be married to Rowena. However, they give her an out, if Knight Stryder of Blackmoor wins a song competition, Rowena will be given her choice of husband.

              Stryder of Blackmoor is an extremely handsome man who is chased all over by women hoping to become his wife. He has vowed not to marry because he is the leader of the Brotherhood, a band of fellow knights like him that were kept in a Saracen prison as teenagers and tortured. When they managed to escape many had problems that made it difficult to reenter the real world. Also, Saracen assassins are picking off many of their brethern one by one. When a couple of the Brotherhood are murdered, the murderer attempts to frame Stryder. Through a series of events Stryder and Rowena meet and find that complete opposites attract. Against all odds, the knight and the women vowed never to love a knight, do just that, fall in love. However they know marriage is not for them, Stryder cannot give up on the brother hood and Rowena must have someone who will put her above their agenda.

              The great thing I loved about this book is that normally the strong headed female character will never bend in her thinking and usually ends up being more irritating than admirable. Not so Rowena, although she still longs for a peaceful world, she takes the time to get to know Stryder as a person and finally comes to understand that he is not for violence but takes up the sword to protect those who are harmed by it. His unconditional love and gentleness with his not so masculine brother Kit warms her heart. Stryder loves that Rowena can care less what he looks like or what kind of land he has but seems to really like him for him. These are two of the most endearing characters I have ever enjoyed in a book. I just wish the unexplained events at the end would have made sense, but they don't and kind of leave you with unanswered questions.

              I did read another in the series the Brotherhood of the Sword and that was Christopher of Acre's story in Return of the warrior. However, I haven't seen anymore in the series and hope she didn't decide to discontinue it. I would like to know what happens with all the others.

              5 out of 5 stars a dark champion.......2006-07-21

              like all kinley macgregor books i have read( a dark champion ) is a very good read.as i read it i felt as if i was really there with the men and women in the story.could not put the book down.am now waiting for macgregor's next book.
              Tempted Champions (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
              Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
              • a great read
              • Awesome Book
              • Awesome Buffy book
              • A Good Read
              • Good story, interesting dilemma
              Tempted Champions (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
              Yvonne Navarro
              Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Mass Market Paperback

              Popular CulturePopular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
              Spine-Chilling HorrorSpine-Chilling Horror | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
              Navarro, YvonneNavarro, Yvonne | ( N ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
              Dark FantasyDark Fantasy | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
              ContemporaryContemporary | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Series | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
              FantasyFantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
              Popular CulturePopular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              Spine-Chilling HorrorSpine-Chilling Horror | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              Authors, A-ZAuthors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books | ( A ) | ( B ) | ( C ) | ( D ) | ( G ) | ( H ) | ( J ) | ( K ) | ( L ) | ( M ) | ( P ) | ( R ) | ( S ) | ( W )
              Dark FantasyDark Fantasy | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              ContemporaryContemporary | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              SeriesSeries | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              FantasyFantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              Similar Items:
              1. The Wisdom of War (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) The Wisdom of War (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
              2. Blood and Fog (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Blood and Fog (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
              3. Apocalypse Memories (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Apocalypse Memories (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
              4. Spark and Burn (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Spark and Burn (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
              5. Queen of the Slayers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Queen of the Slayers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

              ASIN: 0743400364

              Book Description

              Fallen Angels

              Buffy's shaken to learn that Celina, the new girl in town, is actually a vamp who's heard of Buffy's rep. She's here to challenge the Slayer and even Angel -- in L.A. -- is concerned that this time, Buffy may be in over her head.

              Celina's not the only monster skulking about the neighborhood. D'Hoffryn has returned to Sunnydale to offer Anya another chance as a vengeance demon. Can she give up her romance with Xander and the friendships she's forged as a mortal for another shot at immortality -- even if it comes with a horrific price tag? Dawn tries to explain to Anya that humanity is worth the occasional heartache, even as she has doubts of her own.

              Suddenly Buffy learns the terrifying truth about Celina: she's not just any vamp -- she was once a Slayer herself. Buffy has struggled with her own dark side enough to question the subtle distinction between "Slayer" and killer. If Celina turned Buffy, and Willow restored Buffy's soul, could she possibly find love with Angel at last?

              And, more importantly, would she still be a hero?

              Customer Reviews:

              5 out of 5 stars a great read.......2007-08-06

              I absolutely loved this story. This was one of my first Buffy books and I still think it is one of the best. The plot was enjoyable and suspenseful. The characterization was great. The enemy of Celina was intriguing and well-written. You should read it.

              5 out of 5 stars Awesome Book.......2006-03-31

              This is one of my favorite buffy books ever! It has an great story (probably one of the best story lines in a buffy novel), I like how the author came up with an original story line instead of using the same tired story lines that have been used in other buffy books. I love how the author writes the characters, they act and talk just like they do in the show.( which is also rare in other buffy books)
              I would recomend this book to any buffy the vampire slayer fan
              P.S.(Anya lovers will enjoy this book)

              5 out of 5 stars Awesome Buffy book.......2005-06-27

              I really enjoyed Tempted Champions. This season 5 book was amazing. Celina, the vampire who used to be a slayer, made a perfect villian for Buffy to go up against. I also loved how Anya had to chose to either become a demon again or stay human. Some other things I liked about Tempted Champions include Angel being back in town, lots of parts with Spike, and many different times that made you think about what you would've done if you were that character. There weren't really any bad parts in this book, but there were a few editing mistakes. Over all the plot was good, the characters acted like they do in the show, and the end was very climactic. I highly recommmend this book to both old and new fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

              3 out of 5 stars A Good Read.......2005-04-03

              This was, overall, a good book. I bought it, though, because of Anya's major role in it. I was dissapointed, however, because the part with Anya in it was over very early in the book. It was still a good book, but don't buy it just because of Anya's role in it, because you will be dissapointed.

              4 out of 5 stars Good story, interesting dilemma.......2005-02-20

              This book presents in interesting dilemma for both Buffy and Anya, even though Anya's temptation wasn't all that convincing to me. I could, however, feel for Buffy. The chance to be with the one you love, forever (literally).
              The book itself is well written, as are the characters, for the most part. I enjoyed the part that Spike plays (tied naked to his bed nonetheless). Anya was a bit too over-written, too much sex/-money talk.
              Not as great as other Buffy novels, but still a good read!
              Dark Champion
              Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
              • My favorite heroine
              • Accurately Reflects Midieval Attitudes
              • This one was very well done.
              • marvellous medieval romance
              • Beverley proves once again she is one of the best!
              Dark Champion
              Jo Beverley
              Manufacturer: Signet
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback

              Beverley, JoBeverley, Jo | ( B ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
              Similar Items:
              1. Lord of my Heart Lord of my Heart
              2. Lord of Midnight (Signet Historical Romance) Lord of Midnight (Signet Historical Romance)
              3. The Shattered Rose The Shattered Rose
              4. Tempting Fortune Tempting Fortune
              5. Something Wicked Something Wicked

              ASIN: 0451207661
              Release Date: 2003-01-07

              Book Description

              Orphaned and desperate, Imogen of Carrisford flees when a brutal lord invades and takes possession of her castle. There is only one man she can turn to for help: FitzRoger of Cleeve, who is rumored to be a ruthless champion in battle. Imogen is stunned at the very sight of him, yet she dares not trust this warrior to put her desires before his own. But even as she vows independence, she finds herself succumbing to the gentle fury of a warrior's love...

              Download Description

              Orphaned and desperate, Imogen of Carrisford flees when a brutal lord invades and takes possession of her castle. There is only one man she can turn to for help: FitzRoger of Cleeve, who is rumored to be a ruthless champion in battle. Imogen is stunned at the very sight of him, yet she dares not trust this warrior to put her desires before his own. But even as she vows independence, she finds herself succumbing to the gentle fury of a warrior's love...

              Customer Reviews:

              5 out of 5 stars My favorite heroine.......2007-02-17

              I loved the heroine in this novel - she goes from a pampered daughter to a besieged orphan who must become a leader for her people. She develops into such a strong female character, I think this is my favorite historical romance ever. Imogen has to marry a husband strong enough to keep her home and people secure, but she makes sure to retain most of the rights to her wealth. The most memorable incident was when Imogen ends up knocking her temporarily disabled husband unconscious so he can't fight his enemy and she has the enemy killed, even though she knows this will get her into deep trouble with the king later (it's an act of love, as her husband is too injured to fight well). She cleverly talks herself out of trouble with the king, for the most part, and her husband knows it was an act of love so does his best to punish her (as the king demands) as lightly as possible.

              I've read most of Jo Beverley's work and this is by far my favorite. 'The Shattered Rose' was pretty good, the other two in the same era ('Lord of Midnight' and 'Lord of My Heart') were not as interesting. There is a Regency novel with a decendent of Imogen and FitzRoger, can't recall that title, but it wasn't nearly as good as 'Dark Champion'.

              Anyway, this is one novel I'll read over and over again.

              3 out of 5 stars Accurately Reflects Midieval Attitudes.......2006-08-12

              "Dark Champion" is set in the middle ages and begins with Imogen's witnessing the rape of her servant and the taking of her castle. Imogen disguises herself as a pregnant peasant and walks to FitzRoger's castle to beg for help. Unlike most romantic heroes, FitzRoger is a hard man, not instantly smitten with the heroine; instead, he does not trust her. Imogen witnesses him whip a man for drunkenness. Later, we found out that he had also raped and killed a child; my bet is that Ms Beverley thought if the offense were just drunkenness, the reader would dislike FitzRoger too much. Imogen does not trust him, nor like him, but she needs him. Of course, he does take her castle back and they marry for political advantage. She is only 16, overwhelmed, fearful, and often behaves badly toward him. He, in turn, admits that he married her for her wealth and that he would have married anyone, of any description, with such, and he frequently warns her to behave or he may beat her. Are their behaviors historically accurate? Probably. Were they attractive? No. The book did keep my interest, however. Gradually, they change toward one another, but FitzRoger at the end is forced to lash Imogen once to save her from a much worse punishment from the king. She, in turn, is relieved that he has been so merciful. Although believable in the context and historically, it did not make me like him. So, if you want a book that reflects midieval attitudes more accurately than those in most romances, you will like "Dark Champion." If you like your history with a more romantic hue, this book probably won't appeal to you.

              5 out of 5 stars This one was very well done........2005-07-16

              I don't usually like to read medievals - if they are realistically portrayed they are too dark, and if they are not realistically portrayed - well, I don't like unrealistic books. But I love Jo Beverley, so I tried this one out.

              As far as being realistically portrayed - that's a big yes! As far as being a dark novel - that's a yes, too. There are some descriptions that are so graphic... well, I don't usually go for that, but like I said, I love Jo Beverley, and this was only a small part of the book... It was worth it. This is a very realistic novel in every way, and Ms. Beverly does not shy away from describing every aspect of medieval life, whether that is something that will offend modern sensibilities or not.

              In fact, Jo Beverley doesn't shy away from exploring any issue at all, as you can tell from reading some of her other novels. One of the issues touched on in this book is the role that religion played in midieval life, and the mindset of the people who lived in those times. A large part of the plot hinges on the priest and the way his mindset affected the characters in the story, and that was absolutely realistically portrayed, and not only that but I have read many books set in the same era that bypassed this aspect of their lives totally. It's hard to understand how you can write any kind of medieval book, consider yourself an historical writer, and completely ignore the religious aspect, but many other writers do do that. Not Jo Beverley.

              What I like about Jo Beverley is what I perceive to be her emotional honesty - this is someone who is very comfortable in her skin, and she is therefore able to examine all the human emotions - whether good, or bad - but never with a bias, she is always fair. She doesn't say - this emotion is good, this one is bad - rather, she brings up her characters feelings, their thoughts, and she presents them to the reader - you make your own judgments. I really like that in a writer.

              I have one minor complaint to make about this book, however. Jo Beverley writes with a certain respect for her audience - she's not one of those writers to rehash what she wrote three pages ago in case the reader missed it - she assumes the reader is intelligent and did not miss it. She also does not spend a lot of time explaining why her characters do or do not do something - she assumes that you will pick that up on your own, as you read the story. That's good, but also it has its drawbacks. In this book, for instance, the whole last episode of the story - where the h/h are separated for a while - I have to admit I was somewhat confused about the whole story - as to why they both acted the way they did. Make no mistake, where Jo Beverley is concerned, there is always a *good* reason for each of her characters actions - it's just that she didn't explain it, and I spent three days racking my brains trying to figure it out.

              On the other hand, this aspect of Jo Beverley's writing (that she doesn't explain everything, but shows you how the characters react and lets you make the assumptions on your own) is what I like best about her books. But in this case, maybe because this story was set a thousand years ago, and I don't generally read books set in that time period, I was somewhat more at sea than I would otherwise be. I would have liked, in this case, for her to explain how the mideival mindset towards *honor* works, and how it differs from the modern mindset of how we perceive things today - and how the hero's feelings of "honor above all else" affected this story's outcome.

              I finished this book with a renewed respect for this author - a respect for someone who has such a rare and complete understanding of the both the intellect and the emotions - kudos to Ms. Beverley!

              5 out of 5 stars marvellous medieval romance.......2005-05-26

              I loved this book as I did so many of Beverly's others. What more can I say beyond what the other reviewer's have? Well, I would like to add that if you haven't read her Malloren series you are missing something amazing. The latest book in the series 'A most unsuitable man' is about the descendant of the hero and heroine in this novel. Marvellous stuff. Can't wait for more . . .

              4 out of 5 stars Beverley proves once again she is one of the best!.......2005-04-12

              Whatever period Beverley chooses to write about her characters are so full of depth, heart and emotion that it is always a pleasure to pick up one of her books and dive in for an emotional ride. This book about Tyron and Imogeen (although I prefer to call her Ginger) was so well done. Imogeen is 16, hard to believe so much horror could be dumped on her at such a young age. No wonder she was barely able to deal with some of it rationally. She showed great strength in going to her neighbor Tyron Fitzroger to regain her Castle but was totally unprepared in dealing with him as a woman, that he would expect to marry. The way her mind was manipulated by the priest was so frustrating to read, but Tyron's realization that she was so young and his patience with "Ginger" was beautifully written. Tyron was so strong and yet he had enough of a vulnerable streak to make him one of the best heroes I've read about recently. The Middle Ages is not usually my favorite time period to read about but this Beverley book was first rate and I highly recommend it. I also highly recommend her Malloren and Rogue series!!
              Star Wars, Jedi Academy Trilogy: Jedi Search, Dark Apprentice, Champions of the Force (Set of 3)
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Star Wars, Jedi Academy Trilogy: Jedi Search, Dark Apprentice, Champions of the Force (Set of 3)
                Kevin J. Anderson
                Manufacturer: Bantam
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Mass Market Paperback

                Jedi ApprenticeJedi Apprentice | Star Wars | Science Fiction | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                Similar Items:
                1. The Last Command (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 3) The Last Command (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 3)
                2. Dark Force Rising (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 2) Dark Force Rising (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 2)
                3. Heir to the Empire (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 1) Heir to the Empire (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 1)

                ASIN: B000O5EWBE
                A Dark Champion
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  A Dark Champion

                  Manufacturer: Avon Books
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Hardcover
                  Similar Items:
                  1. Taming the Scotsman Taming the Scotsman
                  2. Master of Desire Master of Desire
                  3. Return of the Warrior (brotherhood of the sword, 2) Return of the Warrior (brotherhood of the sword, 2)
                  4. Born in Sin: A MacAllisters Novel Born in Sin: A MacAllisters Novel
                  5. Where's My Hero? Where's My Hero?

                  ASIN: 0739442694

                  Product Description

                  A Historical Romance... The beautiful Rowena detests war and all who fight it - and would never allow a knight like Stryder of Blackmoor into her heart. But even the renowened Lady of Love needs a champion...
                  4 Titles By Jo Beverley : St. Raven Skylark Forbidden Magic Dark Champion
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    4 Titles By Jo Beverley : St. Raven Skylark Forbidden Magic Dark Champion
                    Jo Beverley
                    Manufacturer: Signet
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Mass Market Paperback

                    Beverley, JoBeverley, Jo | ( B ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
                    GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
                    ASIN: B000QTVZGI

                    Product Description

                    multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
                    Champions #3 : Family (Hero Comics)
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      Champions #3 : Family (Hero Comics)
                      Dennis Mallonee
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback

                      GeneralGeneral | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                      Antiquarian & Rare BooksAntiquarian & Rare Books | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
                      BatmanBatman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | Star Trek | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                      ASIN: B000QT5K4Q
                      Champions #5 : Testing (Hero Comics)
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        Champions #5 : Testing (Hero Comics)
                        Dennis Mallonee
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        GeneralGeneral | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                        Antiquarian & Rare BooksAntiquarian & Rare Books | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
                        BatmanBatman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Star Trek | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                        ASIN: B000QTAT24
                        Creatures of the Night: Horror Enemies (An Enemies Sourcebook for Dark Champions)
                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                          Creatures of the Night: Horror Enemies (An Enemies Sourcebook for Dark Champions)

                          Manufacturer: Iron Crown Enterprises
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Paperback
                          ASIN: B000I4EQXU
                          A Dark Champion (Avon Romantic Treasure)
                          Average customer rating: Not rated
                            A Dark Champion (Avon Romantic Treasure)
                            Kinley MacGregor
                            Manufacturer: Avon
                            ProductGroup: Book
                            Binding: Paperback
                            ASIN: B000OEVNQW

                            Books:

                            1. Ben Franklin's Web Site: Privacy and Curiosity from Plymouth Rock to the Internet
                            2. Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman
                            3. Botchan: A Modern Classic
                            4. Brave Enemies: A Novel of the American Revolution (Shannon Ravenel Books)
                            5. Cafe' Nervosa: The Connoisseur's Cookbook
                            6. Casanova in Bolzano
                            7. Circle Of Five (Circle, Book 1)
                            8. City of Darkness, City of Light
                            9. Claude Monet: Sunshine and Waterlilies: Sunshine and Waterlilies (Smart About Art)
                            10. Closely Watched Trains (European Classics)

                            Books Index

                            Books Home

                            Recommended Books

                            1. WACK!: Art and the Feminist Revolution
                            2. The Complete Star Wars Trilogy Scrapbook: An Out of This World Guide to Star Wars, the Empire Strike
                            3. History: Fiction or Science
                            4. Overfall
                            5. Sclerotherapy: Treatment of Varicose and Telangiectatic Leg Veins, Text with DVD
                            6. Molecular Fluorescence: Principles and Applications
                            7. Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei
                            8. "The Art-Work of the Future" and Other Works
                            9. Pyramid Power: The Millennium Science
                            10. Love and Valor : Intimate Civil War Letters Between Captain Jacob and Emeline Ritner