McNally's Dilemma: (Archy McNally Novels)
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • So So McNally story
  • Hot Dog! Pass The Mustard! The New Archy is Up!
  • The real dilemma is this book
  • A lighter touch
  • Close...
McNally's Dilemma: (Archy McNally Novels)
Lawrence Sanders , and Vincent Lardo
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
LiteraryLiterary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
SuspenseSuspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Sanders, LawrenceSanders, Lawrence | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
LiteraryLiterary | General | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
( S )( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
SuspenseSuspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | 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. McNally's Alibi: An Archy McNally Novel [Bargain Price] [Hardcover]  by Lardo... McNally's Alibi: An Archy McNally Novel [Bargain Price] [Hardcover] by Lardo...
  2. MCNALLY'S GAMBLE MCNALLY'S GAMBLE
  3. McNally's Dare McNally's Dare
  4. Lawrence Sanders McNally's Bluff (Archy McNally Novels) Lawrence Sanders McNally's Bluff (Archy McNally Novels)
  5. McNally's Puzzle (Archy McNally Novels) McNally's Puzzle (Archy McNally Novels)

ASIN: 0425175367
Release Date: 2000-07-10

Book Description

Palm Beach private investigator Archy McNally takes on the murder of a socialite and uncovers a thorny tangle of blackmail and deceit, south Florida style.

Playboy Geoffrey Williams is dead. But it's not a search for the killer that brings Archy McNally to the case; the lovely Melva Williams readily admits to the crime passionnel. After finding Geoff in a precarious position with an attractive young lady, she pulled the trigger on husband number two. It sounds like an open-and-shut case for McNally & Sons' Department of Discreet Inquiries until Melva asks Archy to shield her daughter, Veronica, from the press and paparazzi. Gallant Archy takes the case -- and escorts grown-up and gorgeous Veronica home to the McNally manse. Rumors fly, and some of them may be true.

Veronica is no damsel in distress though, and she's certainly not sorry her stepfather is in the grave. When her story doesn't match Melva's, which doesn't match Geoff's, Archy realizes he does indeed have a dilemma on his hands. Someone's lying, and the one person who knows the truth -- Geoff's perky playmate -- has gotten away.

A delectable combination of high society and high jinks, and featuring some of the most eccentric characters to populate Florida's Gold Coast, McNally's Dilemma is as witty and charming as Archy McNally himself.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars So So McNally story .......2007-09-11

It was only by reading the fine print that I learned that this novel was Not by Lawrence Sanders. For me Archy McNally will always remain the creation of Mr. Sanders, but I wanted to read another story about one of my favorite characters. The attempt by Vincent Lardo gave an interesting slant to McNally, but his style of writing wasn't the same as Mr. Sanders. For the first time, it was clear how the story would evolve, and that's another indication that Lawrence Sanders did not write this book. In my opinion, Mr. Sanders name should not be on the cover, for it's a total disservice to the legacy of this great writer.

5 out of 5 stars Hot Dog! Pass The Mustard! The New Archy is Up!.......2006-11-13

This being the notorious "take over" novel by Vincent Lardo, I was particularly interested in how Vince would crook his finger to the reader, and how he would work into the role of Lawrence Sanders's Archy McNally. The reader "in" was steak tartare, a $14.95 plate on the menu upgrade at the Pelican Club. By another name, "Steak Tartare" was a hamburger, juicy, rare.

Hamburger up! Phase one locked in.

In opening scenes Lardo appeared to have Archy's entertaining "Voice" in order, with a handle on most if not all the nuances which have enhanced this series. Yet, I felt a wisp of an added designer scent to this "new" man leading ths show. This guy felt subtly darker, more intense, like a wolf in sheep's clothing, not to imply that the Sanders Archy was a sheep. He was not.

Reading onward in McNally's DILEMMA, I noticed the differences between the two Archy's continuing to flicker, like old celluloid running through a movie projector. The original character had a feel of a free-spirited-youth in a mature-male-body. Lardo's Voice for Archy seemed an octave lower, and Lardo's Archy had a macho undercurrent.

The original Archy could giggle ... at any spontaneous moment.

Lardo's Archy would be able to burst spontaneously into a manly type of laughter, possibly described as a deep chuckle fluctuating with a high pitched peel. But, he could not produce a true, free-flowing giggle... unless, possibly, if he were plowed out of his mind by long applied liquor ... or if he were to reside too long in the Sanders Archy's shoes.

The Sanders Archy could easily play act the light grace of a ballerina, for and in fun. If Lardo's Archy tried that he would appear the classic bull in a china closet, probably stubbing his toe; and his late-morning, beard-shadow would ruin the show (or slide it into farce). Archy-1 might own a light stubble in the morning if he hadn't shaved since the previous morning, but a late-morning shadow would never darken his facade, at least not naturally by way of wiry hairs popping forth in dense supply, a few hours after the blade had scratched paths of baby-buns effect.

I found myself hoping that this stubbled, more intensely male Archy would maintain the market demand which survived Sanders' demise. To that end, I wondered how Lardo would work in Archy's bottom line appeal, as exposed in McNally's SECRET:

>> "I had lived through dire warnings of nuclear catastrophe, global warming, ozone depletion, universal extinction via cholesterol, and the invasion of killer bees. After a while my juices stopped their panicky surge and I realized I was bored with all these screeched predictions of Armageddon due next Tuesday. It hadn't happened yet, had it? The old world tottered along, and I was content to totter along with it." <<

Lardo's Archy paraphrased the above sentiment in DILEMMA, as he also linked to many thoughts, themes, and scenes from the original 7 novels. Those tributary reminders gave warm, effective touches. However, somehow Lardo's paraphrase of the above passage felt hollow. The femme fatal's question, "Why can't you be serious, Archy," almost seemed to puzzle Archy-2 as much as it did the woman posing it.

As I read along with Lardo's Archy, observing how he handled heated situations, I continued to see this new man as a push/direct type of guy, acting in clear confidence (though, at times, that esteem slipped under a graciously appropriate humility).

To me the old Archy cajoled much, but did not seem to have a habit of pushing or directing, and often his confidence was endearingly and genuinely lax, as he tottered along, playing with life's dictates as a youthful spirit carrying a complex sensitivity which sometimes slipped into a contemplative moodiness. I loved the way he would work himself out of those dark-side slips by using (and detailing to the reader) his cherished daily routines, reveling in them, mentioning the flavors and items of nearly every meal, every afternoon dunk in the ocean, every evening pause with his journal, when he often turned aside to speak directly to his reader.

The new Archy touched upon, but didn't seem to WALLOW within simple routines, or elaborate meals; most of his underlying focus seemed to be on powering, with finesse or foible, through problems. And, I had the feeling that Lardo would not harbor a hidden dream of, in his late thirties, living in his father's mansion. Early in the plot, Archy-2 gave off subtle scents of seeming not to understand, nor to like pater McNally.

Contrasting all this, periodic flickers of the old Archy flashed through Lardo in clear brilliance.

At "off" times it appeared that Lardo did not quite get Sanders' motivation for writing a character like Archy McNally, did not precisely comprehend the market success of a rarely serious Archy being a true heroic persona to great masses of readers. It appeared that, to Lardo the old Archy was somewhat of a simpering wimp, and, furthermore, why did he live in gawd-awful, flooding Florida, instead of NYC, when he obviously had the choice to do so. This is my speculation of Lardo's possible feelings; I get the Florida appeal, as well as the charisma of NYC (if one has money to maintain the lifestyles).

Will Archy-2 carry the series? According to observations of reviews and steady sales ranks on Amazon, readers want more Archibald by Vincent.

Though I miss the old Archy, I was attracted to the changed nuances in McNally's DILEMMA, and I believe Archy-2 will carry the series into a stronger style, not quite as delicately sophisticated (with none, or less of, the figurative ballerina dancing, contemplative moods, or extended introspection ... or giggles).

At this point, I'm recalling a feeling I had reading the original Archy's attractions to women. I often wondered why they seemed to lack the type of deep-throated, Adam's Apple "gggrrrrrrrrr" which Lardo's Archy would naturally have been able to give them (though the Sanders Archy was amusingly, artistically sensual). When Archy 2 described Victoria Manning I could feel his seething attraction. That gave an effective sensual substance.

As noted, the new Archy was a living, heavily breathing, sauntering, strutting male. How could that guy take over a character as stylishly, delicately, sensitively sensual as the Lawrence Sanders Archy McNally?

He could not. Viva la difference.

I feel an amusing, warm empathy for Lardo's willingness to dawn Archy's hats, scarves, and shoes. How could he not? I hope Vincent Lardo will be able to fully link to the unique market of his appeal, because that market exists. I'll give McNally's FOLLY a chance to grow the appeals of Archy-2. How could I not? (See my Listmania for titles/links for this series and Lardo's web site address.)

This novel does not have "twists and turns." It has a labyrinth of convolutions, and the wrap of them bogged the gulls in my mind.

Hats off to Lardo. Salute!

Linda G. Shelnutt

3 out of 5 stars The real dilemma is this book.......2006-10-18

Poor Archy. No matter how dandified he dressed, he was always self-aware, there was a kind of rebellion expressed in his style, & nobody could doubt the quality of his duds. & when he wooed & bedded a woman of dubious background or reputation, as part of a "discreet inquiry" or just because she was beautiful & he could, the seduction was always accompanied by a complexity of emotions regarding his true soulmate, the fiery, jealous, no-nonsense Consuela. But the ever-positive Archy always viewed his cocktail glass as at least half-filled, if not overflowing. A drizzly gray sky today means driving the red Miata under Florida sunshine tomorrow.

Alas, Vincent Lardo's Archy McNally is oblivious when his attire makes him resemble a Lime Rickey, & his yachtsman outfit, complete with bell bottoms left over from college days, is twice-removed from Cary Grant by-way-of Tony Curtis in "Some Like It Hot." Even worse, he chases after a transparently untrustworthy 22 year old heiress like a pathetic, deluded, middle-aged lothario, fantasizing marriage & a houseful of little McNallys, as if this spoiled post-adolescent was actually the equal of the self-reliant, intelligent, & sexy Connie, who is there to remind Archy that some people must work to pay their rent, & for bosses like the absurd Lady C. No, now he practically insults her with lies & risks breaking her heart altogether. At one point in this novel he even loses count of how many Ovals he's smoked. This Archy is not so lovable a fellow. That's the real dilemma here.

4 out of 5 stars A lighter touch.......2005-05-01

McNally and Son, lawyers to the upper crust of Palm Beach society, are hired by John Fairhurst 111 and his wife to deal with a case of blackmail which is being leveled against them and which would, if made known, lower their standing in that tight knit community. The McNallys use their own branch of investigation, a service called Discreet Enquiries, which is run by the junior McNally, to ferret out information without anyone being aware that such sordid goings on are taking place. At the same time, Palm Beach society is rocked to hear that one of the town's leading lights, Melva Williams, had admitted to killing her husband, claiming that she found him in a most compromising situation with a young woman, causing her to snap and shoot him dead. Tne urbane and witty Archy McNally, head of Discreet Enquiries, agrees to take Melva's daughter under the protection of his family when Melva is charged and taken into custody. There are many twists and turns during this story which is really rather light in tone and full of references to fine clothes, wines and food and the good things in life which the very wealthy can afford.It reminded me of the old Thin Man movies, with the hero portrayed as a witty man of the world with a Scarlet Pimpernel approach, letting himself be seen as a bit of a fop who is only interested in his stylish clothes and racy cars. Other reviewers have criticised this work as not being up to the standard of earlier books in the series but, as this is the first I have read, I thoroughly enjoyed it as a respite from the more graphic and dark murder mysteries that I've read recently.

4 out of 5 stars Close..........2004-08-14

I always enjoyed Sander's books, the McNallys, Commandments and Deadly Sins. This one just felt a little "off", somehow. As if someone else was trying to sound like him. I finished the book before I checked out the cover more thoroughly and discovered why. He didn't write it! I knew he'd passed away but assumed this book was completed before and just released posthumously. Too bad! I'll miss him. I'll still read the McNally series, but with a bit less relish. We'll miss you, Mr. Sanders!
Archy McNally Series: McNally's Secret, Luck, Risk, Caper, Trial, Puzzle, Gamble, Dilemma, Folly, Chance, Alibi, Dare, Bluff (Set of 13)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Archy McNally Series: McNally's Secret, Luck, Risk, Caper, Trial, Puzzle, Gamble, Dilemma, Folly, Chance, Alibi, Dare, Bluff (Set of 13)
    Lawrence Sanders , and Vincent Lardo
    Manufacturer: Berkley
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback
    ASIN: B000MSXOJE
    McNally's Dilemma
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      McNally's Dilemma
      Lawrence Sanders
      Manufacturer: G.P. Putnam's Sons
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback
      ASIN: B000KT4YEE
      McNally's Dilemma
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        McNally's Dilemma
        Vincent Lardo
        Manufacturer: New English Library
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
        ASIN: 034076712X
        McNally's Dilemma (Book Club Edition)
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Hot Dog! Pass The Mustard! The New Archy is Up!
        McNally's Dilemma (Book Club Edition)
        Lawrence Sanders
        Manufacturer: G.P. Putnam's Sons
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover

        Sanders, LawrenceSanders, Lawrence | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
        Similar Items:
        1. McNallys Trial McNallys Trial
        2. McNally's Risk (Archy McNally Novels) McNally's Risk (Archy McNally Novels)

        ASIN: B000JLK2C6

        Product Description

        Playboy Geoffrey Williams is dead. but it's not a search for the killer that brings Archy McNally to the case; the lovely Melva Williams readily admits to the crime passional. After finding Geoff in a precarious position with an attractive young lady, she pulled the trigger on husband number two. It sounds like an open-and-shut case for McNally until Melva asks Archy to shield her daughter, Veronica, from the press and paparazzi. Gallant Archy takes the case and escorts grown-up and gorgeous Veronica home to the McNally manse. Rumors fly and some of them may be true. A delectable combination of high society and high jinks and featuring some of the most eccentric characters to populace Florida's Gold Coast.

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Hot Dog! Pass The Mustard! The New Archy is Up!.......2006-11-25

        (Other editions of this novel are also available from Amazon, on Super Saver Shipping offers. Type the title, McNALLY'S DILEMMA, into Amazon's search box to get to the buying pages for those editions.)

        This being the notorious "take over" novel by Vincent Lardo, I was particularly interested in how Vince would crook his finger to the reader, and how he would work into the role of Lawrence Sanders's Archy McNally. The reader "in" was steak tartare, a $14.95 plate on the menu upgrade at the Pelican Club. By another name, "Steak Tartare" was a hamburger, juicy, rare.

        Hamburger up! Phase one locked in.

        In opening scenes Lardo appeared to have Archy's entertaining "Voice" in order, with a handle on most if not all the nuances which have enhanced this series. Yet, I felt a wisp of an added designer scent to this "new" man leading ths show. This guy felt subtly darker, more intense, like a wolf in sheep's clothing, not to imply that the Sanders Archy was a sheep. He was not.

        Reading onward in McNally's DILEMMA, I noticed the differences between the two Archy's continuing to flicker, like old celluloid running through a movie projector. The original character had a feel of a free-spirited-youth in a mature-male-body. Lardo's Voice for Archy seemed an octave lower, and Lardo's Archy had a macho undercurrent.

        The original Archy could giggle ... at any spontaneous moment.

        Lardo's Archy would be able to burst spontaneously into a manly type of laughter, possibly described as a deep chuckle fluctuating with a high pitched peel. But, he could not produce a true, free-flowing giggle... unless, possibly, if he were plowed out of his mind by long applied liquor ... or if he were to reside too long in the Sanders Archy's shoes.

        The Sanders Archy could easily play act the light grace of a ballerina, for and in fun. If Lardo's Archy tried that he would appear the classic bull in a china closet, probably stubbing his toe; and his late-morning, beard-shadow would ruin the show (or slide it into farce). Archy-1 might own a light stubble in the morning if he hadn't shaved since the previous morning, but a late-morning shadow would never darken his facade, at least not naturally by way of wiry hairs popping forth in dense supply, a few hours after the blade had scratched paths of baby-buns effect.

        I found myself hoping that this stubbled, more intensely male Archy would maintain the market demand which survived Sanders' demise. To that end, I wondered how Lardo would work in Archy's bottom line appeal, as exposed in McNally's SECRET:

        >> "I had lived through dire warnings of nuclear catastrophe, global warming, ozone depletion, universal extinction via cholesterol, and the invasion of killer bees. After a while my juices stopped their panicky surge and I realized I was bored with all these screeched predictions of Armageddon due next Tuesday. It hadn't happened yet, had it? The old world tottered along, and I was content to totter along with it." <<

        Lardo's Archy paraphrased the above sentiment in DILEMMA, as he also linked to many thoughts, themes, and scenes from the original 7 novels. Those tributary reminders gave warm, effective touches. However, somehow Lardo's paraphrase of the above passage felt hollow. The femme fatal's question, "Why can't you be serious, Archy," almost seemed to puzzle Archy-2 as much as it did the woman posing it.

        As I read along with Lardo's Archy, observing how he handled heated situations, I continued to see this new man as a push/direct type of guy, acting in clear confidence (though, at times, that esteem slipped under a graciously appropriate humility).

        To me the old Archy cajoled much, but did not seem to have a habit of pushing or directing, and often his confidence was endearingly and genuinely lax, as he tottered along, playing with life's dictates as a youthful spirit carrying a complex sensitivity which sometimes slipped into a contemplative moodiness. I loved the way he would work himself out of those dark-side slips by using (and detailing to the reader) his cherished daily routines, reveling in them, mentioning the flavors and items of nearly every meal, every afternoon dunk in the ocean, every evening pause with his journal, when he often turned aside to speak directly to his reader.

        The new Archy touched upon, but didn't seem to WALLOW within simple routines, or elaborate meals; most of his underlying focus seemed to be on powering, with finesse or foible, through problems. And, I had the feeling that Lardo would not harbor a hidden dream of, in his late thirties, living in his father's mansion. Early in the plot, Archy-2 gave off subtle scents of seeming not to understand, nor to like pater McNally.

        Contrasting all this, periodic flickers of the old Archy flashed through Lardo in clear brilliance.

        At "off" times it appeared that Lardo did not quite get Sanders' motivation for writing a character like Archy McNally, did not precisely comprehend the market success of a rarely serious Archy being a true heroic persona to great masses of readers. It appeared that, to Lardo the old Archy was somewhat of a simpering wimp, and, furthermore, why did he live in gawd-awful, flooding Florida, instead of NYC, when he obviously had the choice to do so. This is my speculation of Lardo's possible feelings; I get the Florida appeal, as well as the charisma of NYC (if one has money to maintain the lifestyles).

        Will Archy-2 carry the series? According to observations of reviews and steady sales ranks on Amazon, readers want more Archibald by Vincent.

        Though I miss the old Archy, I was attracted to the changed nuances in McNally's DILEMMA, and I believe Archy-2 will carry the series into a stronger style, not quite as delicately sophisticated (with none, or less of, the figurative ballerina dancing, contemplative moods, or extended introspection ... or giggles).

        At this point, I'm recalling a feeling I had reading the original Archy's attractions to women. I often wondered why they seemed to lack the type of deep-throated, Adam's Apple "gggrrrrrrrrr" which Lardo's Archy would naturally have been able to give them (though the Sanders Archy was amusingly, artistically sensual). When Archy 2 described Victoria Manning I could feel his seething attraction. That gave an effective sensual substance.

        As noted, the new Archy was a living, heavily breathing, sauntering, strutting male. How could that guy take over a character as stylishly, delicately, sensitively sensual as the Lawrence Sanders Archy McNally?

        He could not. Viva la difference.

        I feel an amusing, warm empathy for Lardo's willingness to dawn Archy's hats, scarves, and shoes. How could he not? I hope Vincent Lardo will be able to fully link to the unique market of his appeal, because that market exists. I'll give McNally's FOLLY a chance to grow the appeals of Archy-2. How could I not? (See my Listmania for titles/links for this series and Lardo's web site address.)

        This novel does not have "twists and turns." It has a labyrinth of convolutions, and the wrap of them bogged the gulls in my mind.

        Hats off to Lardo. Salute!

        Linda G. Shelnutt
        Lawrence Sanders' McNally's Dilemma: An Archy McNally Novel
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Lawrence Sanders' McNally's Dilemma: An Archy McNally Novel
          Vincent Lardo
          Manufacturer: audible.com
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Audio Download
          ASIN: B0006IU7HC
          Set 5 Archy McNally Series : McNally's Alibi McNally's Chance McNally's Folly McNally's Dilemma McNally's Gamble
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Set 5 Archy McNally Series : McNally's Alibi McNally's Chance McNally's Folly McNally's Dilemma McNally's Gamble
            Lawrence Sanders , and Vincent Lardo
            Manufacturer: Berkley
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Mass Market Paperback
            ASIN: B000K7DNKM

            Product Description

            Set 5 Archy McNally Series : McNally's Alibi McNally's Chance McNally's Folly McNally's Dilemma McNally's Gamble
            Archy McNally Series: McNally's Secret, Luck, Risk, Caper, Trial, Puzzle, Gamble, Dilemma, Folly, Chance, Alibi, Dare, Bluff (Set of 13)
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Archy McNally Series: McNally's Secret, Luck, Risk, Caper, Trial, Puzzle, Gamble, Dilemma, Folly, Chance, Alibi, Dare, Bluff (Set of 13)
              Lawrence Sanders
              Manufacturer: Berkley
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Mass Market Paperback
              ASIN: B000MT1IN2

              Shadow of a Dark Queen (The Serpentwar Saga, Book 1)
              Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
              • War brews once more in Midkemia
              • The worst book I've ever read
              • Thrilling trilogy
              • Big Fan of Feist, but not so much of the series
              • Great series
              Shadow of a Dark Queen (The Serpentwar Saga, Book 1)
              Raymond E. Feist
              Manufacturer: Eos
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Mass Market Paperback

              SuspenseSuspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
              EpicEpic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Series | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Feist, Raymond E. | ( F ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
              PaperbackPaperback | Feist, Raymond E. | ( F ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
              SuspenseSuspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              ( F )( F ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              EpicEpic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              SeriesSeries | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 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. Rise of a Merchant Prince (Serpentwar Saga) Rise of a Merchant Prince (Serpentwar Saga)
              2. Rage of a Demon King (Serpentwar Saga , Vol 3) Rage of a Demon King (Serpentwar Saga , Vol 3)
              3. Shards of a Broken Crown (Serpentwar Saga, Book 4) Shards of a Broken Crown (Serpentwar Saga, Book 4)
              4. The King's Buccaneer The King's Buccaneer
              5. Prince of the Blood, 15th Anniversary Edition Prince of the Blood, 15th Anniversary Edition

              ASIN: 0380720868

              Book Description

              A dread darkness is descending upon a great land called Midkemia—a powerful and malevolent race of monsters that has slipped through a hole in the dimensions. And two unlikely young heroes—a bastard heir denied his birthright and an irrepressible scoundrel with a penchant for thievery—must take up arms in the struggle to protect their besieged world...two friends chosen by Destiny to stand at the fore of the battle that is to come against the gargantuan reptile army of the terrible Emerald Queen.

              Customer Reviews:

              4 out of 5 stars War brews once more in Midkemia.......2007-10-09

              With this book, Feist launches into a new trilogy - the Serpentwar Saga. The prior book (The King's Buccaneer) introduced us to the new continent of Novindus. In this novel we learn that war is brewing on Novindus. Although far away, it is caused by the fanatical Pantathian serpent priests. As they are behind this war, it doesn't take long to realize that they intend to invade the Kingdom once more, to try again to seize the Lifestone to free the trapped Dragon Lord Alma-Lokada, who they worship as a godess.

              Into this war-torn continent gone mad, a group from the Kingdom must venture to learn more of the plot, and hopefully find a way to stop it. It is decided that "desperate men" must be found to go on this quest, those with nothing to lose, to try where so many others have failed. When Erik von Darkmoor, illegitimate son of the Baron, together with Roo, his oldest friend, manage to kill the Baron's son, after he rapes a girl both Erik and Roo care about, they find themselves bound for the gallows, and end up in this band of desperate men, on this seemingly suicidal mission. They are led by Calis, son of Thomas (the part-human, part Dragon Lord), and we also see several old familiar faces, such as Nakor, Praji and Vaja, along with a few brief appearances by James (aka Jimmy the Hand) and Prince Nicolas.

              Feist does well, as usual, in bringing his characters to life, and making you root for them, even if this time some of them are cut-throats. Likewise he does an excellent job of portraying a land torn by war, the confusion, chaos, heartache and death.

              Finally, those who like Pug (such as me) will be glad to see a few appearances by him, along with an introduction of the powerful and mysterious Miranda.

              An excellent start to a new trilogy, and I recommend this book.

              1 out of 5 stars The worst book I've ever read.......2007-05-22

              If I could, I'd give it negative 5 stars. Definitely the worst book I've ever read. Couldn't continue at all after chapter 3. Why? The main characters are so pathetic and hatable.

              5 out of 5 stars Thrilling trilogy.......2007-04-11

              This trilogy is very well written. Maybe not as good as the first, but still a very entertaining read. It let's the reader follow the incursion of a small band of hand picked soldiers who are pardoned from their death sentences on the condition of joining the ranks and traveling to the far off continent of Novindus. If you like the Riftwar trilogy, you'll enjoy this. You meet new characters, as well as old, well known ones.

              3 out of 5 stars Big Fan of Feist, but not so much of the series.......2006-10-31

              I am a very big fan of Raymond Feist, but not really of this series. I have read all of the books up to the Darkwar saga and have always found them good reads and full of interesting characters.

              This Serpentwar Saga does not have the same spark that his other sagas have had. I found that the characters are less than interesting, even ones that I have liked in past books and the books are just hard to get through. I also found that these books are full of young teenage rapes and really graphic details on murder of children etc... I don't remember this so much in his other stories. I understand that in Sci-Fi/Fantasy books things can get a little gory etc... but this time his books seem to be full of things that made me very uncomfortable and seemed completely unnecessary. I think in his other books he was able to show the horrors of war and the horrors of what people can become and/or do etc... without raping every teenage girl in the book and graphically describing children being thrown from cliffs etc...
              I just really felt that this series was not up to snuff when it comes to books written by Feist. I would actually have to say that this is the first time I would recommend a parent think twice before they allow children to read this series.

              All in all, this series to me is just filler. The books are not as good as the books that came before and are not as good as the books that have came after. You should read them for continuity, but don't expect too much.

              5 out of 5 stars Great series.......2006-02-26

              This begins the best series I've ever read bar none. the Serpentwar Saga has been read by me over ten times. Can't get enough of it. I love Sho Pi and Nakor(Who is my favorite) His take on philosophy and the universe is original and plausible.
              Excellent fantasy.

              **A book I would also recommend is The Unsuspecting Mage by Brian S. Pratt. This, the first installment of The Morcyth Saga is a great beginning for a new author. Battles, magic, gods, secret passages and intrigue, all the elements of a classic epic fantasy! Any fantasy reader will enjoy it
              Shadow of a Dark Queen
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Shadow of a Dark Queen
                Raymond E Feist
                Manufacturer: Voyager
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback
                ASIN: B000O8TWJ8
                Shadow of a Dark Queen
                Average customer rating: 1 out of 5 stars
                • Shadow of a Dark Queen
                Shadow of a Dark Queen
                Raymond Feist
                Manufacturer: William Morrow and Company
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Hardcover

                FantasyFantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books | Alternate History | Anthologies | Arthurian | Contemporary | Epic | General | Historical | History & Criticism | Magic & Wizards | Series
                ASIN: 0002241471

                Customer Reviews:

                1 out of 5 stars Shadow of a Dark Queen.......2007-08-26

                This is an amazing book, I love all of Feist's work but there is now way anyone should pay $60.00 for this book, it can be found on this site, also in Hardcover for $17.00. That is a ridiculous price to ask for any book.
                Shadow Of A Dark Queen - Volume 1 Of The Serpent War Saga
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  Shadow Of A Dark Queen - Volume 1 Of The Serpent War Saga
                  Raymond E. Feist
                  Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co, Inc.
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Hardcover
                  ASIN: B000TDGZYS
                  Shadow of a Dark Queen :Serpentwar 1
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    Shadow of a Dark Queen :Serpentwar 1
                    Raymond E Feist
                    Manufacturer: MORROW, WILLIAM & COMPANY IN
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Hardcover
                    ASIN: B000UC780S
                    The Serpentwar Saga - Shadow of a Dark Queen - Rise of a Merchant Prince - Rage of a Demon King - Shards of a Broken Crown
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      The Serpentwar Saga - Shadow of a Dark Queen - Rise of a Merchant Prince - Rage of a Demon King - Shards of a Broken Crown

                      Manufacturer: Avon
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                      ASIN: B000FJQN7A

                      Product Description

                      4 paperbacks. Book 1 thru 4 in The Serpentwar Saga - Shadow of a Dark Queen - Rise of a Merchant Prince - Rage of a Demon King - Shards of a Broken Crown
                      THE SERPENTWAR SAGA: Book (1) One: Shadow of a Dark Queen; Book (2) Two: Rise of a Merchant Prince; Book (3) Three: Rage of a Demon King; Book (4) Four: Shards of a Broken Kingdom
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        THE SERPENTWAR SAGA: Book (1) One: Shadow of a Dark Queen; Book (2) Two: Rise of a Merchant Prince; Book (3) Three: Rage of a Demon King; Book (4) Four: Shards of a Broken Kingdom
                        Raymond E. Feist
                        Manufacturer: Avon Books
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback
                        Similar Items:
                        1. The King's Buccaneer The King's Buccaneer

                        ASIN: B000NRTLV4
                        Set of 3 Novels By Raymond E. Feist: Riftwar: Serpentwar Series, Volumes 1-3 - Shadow of a Dark Queen, Rise of a Merchant Prince, Rage of a Demon King
                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                          Set of 3 Novels By Raymond E. Feist: Riftwar: Serpentwar Series, Volumes 1-3 - Shadow of a Dark Queen, Rise of a Merchant Prince, Rage of a Demon King
                          Raymond E. Feist
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                          ASIN: B000V7ALY2

                          Product Description

                          Riftwar: Serpentwar Series By Raymond E. Feist, Volumes 1-3 - Shadow of a Dark Queen, Rise of a Merchant Prince, Rage of a Demon King.
                          SHADOW OF A DARK QUEEN Vol 1 of the Serpentwar Saga
                          Average customer rating: Not rated
                            SHADOW OF A DARK QUEEN Vol 1 of the Serpentwar Saga
                            Raymond E. Feist
                            Manufacturer: Morrow
                            ProductGroup: Book
                            Binding: Hardcover
                            ASIN: B000QWBZ1U

                            Books:

                            1. Mel Bay Shady Grove Acoustic Guitar Solos
                            2. Memories of Underdevelopment
                            3. Model Behavior: A Novel and Stories
                            4. Neglected Souls
                            5. Open Doors and Three Novellas
                            6. Orchid Blues (Holly Barker Novels)
                            7. Out of the Silent Planet (Space Trilogy, Book One)
                            8. P.G. County: A Novel
                            9. Pushkin and the Queen of Spades: A Novel
                            10. Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction

                            Books Index

                            Books Home

                            Recommended Books

                            1. Lucy & Desi: The Real-Life Scrapbook of America's Favorite TV Couple
                            2. Carpe Diem - Seize the Day
                            3. The Wandering Hill: The Berrybender Narratives, Book 2
                            4. To Collar a Killer
                            5. A Field Guide to Rock Art Symbols of the Greater Southwest
                            6. Cracking the SAT Chemistry Subject Test, 2007-2008 Edition
                            7. Bird Lives!: The High Life and Hard Times of Charlie
                            8. Collected Writings of William De Kooning
                            9. Vision or Villainy: Origins of the Owens Valley-Los Angeles Water Controversy
                            10. Victoria Cross WW I: WWI Airmen and Their Aircraft