Product Description
Louisville, Kentucky's recent history has no more vivid moment than the tornado which tore a path of destruction across the city and Jefferson County on April 3, 1974. This book is a 30th anniversary look back at the events of that day as seen through the images of journalists, freelance photographers and ordinary people who grabbed their cameras and recorded the destruction that occurred.
Complementing the photographs are the compelling personal accounts and recollections of people whose fate brought them into contact with the storm, and who lived to tell the tale.
Customer Reviews:
TORNADO!.......2005-04-03
The third of April, 1974, became known as "The Day Of 100 Tornados." A very chilling day for thousands, never to be forgotten. I was in the Louisville tornado, as it tore through
the city that afternoon. This just is not something one easily forgets. One tornado is terrible enough, yet there were many,
many more that night, not only in Kentucky, but throughout the
whole region. They just kept coming. I believe Mr. Butler has done a remarkable job with this book---bringing to life again that terrible day, and night, of sheer destruction. The Louisville tornado tore through our beloved Cherokee Park, destroying in one moment, thousands of beautiful trees that had been there for years. Certainly everything is recovering through the years since, yet will never ever be the same. This is a book of remembrance for those who lived through the horrors of that day and night...and a book
which clearly shows the sheer power of what a tornado can do.
Book Description
The completely redesigned Message Numbered Edition now comes in six attractive styles including this edition in a Brown leather look. Improved style, size, and added study features make the completely redesigned Message Numbered Edition the contemporary translation of choice. These new features, combined with the everyday language of The Message, deliver a Bible-reading experience that is relatable, energetic, and amazingly fresh.
Customer Reviews:
The Message Bible.......2007-01-11
This is very easy to understand! I love it! It was purchased because I was going to a Joyce Meyer Seminar--- it was wasy to use- even when the lights went down in the auditorium--
I continue to use it- for my spiritual guidance on a daily basis, it's a joy because of that, not to mention it's my favorite color, purple!
What a Shame.......2007-01-05
Not that putting the Scriptures into words that can be understood is a bad thing, but that as a singular goal in and of itself is shameful. This method detaches the Scriptures from what they have always existed as: divinely beautiful, heroic verse, majestic Prose, a treasure from heaven, something that surpasses everything that conforms to the zeitgeist. In other words, the Scriptures are meant to transcend the fads of our day and lift us outside time into the presence of God. All that this and many other modern translations do is constantly remind us that we are in the 21st century and surrounded by multitudes of T.V.-softened brains and Britney-Spears-listening pop fanatics. The Scriptures are meant not only to be understood, but to communicate the life and grace of Christ to us: something that exists outside of time and is therefore unchanged by it. I am sorry to see such putrescent translations (and music and television) pouring out of the Evangelical Community. I am sick and tired of it and this translation just goes too far. "Contemporary Language"? That sounds like an excuse to be irreverent, shallow, and philosophically deprived. It is translations like this that secretly make me wish the Scriptures simply remained in Latin.
I pray that the youth of our day, instead of trying to conform Christianity to their own idioms, will transform themselves (or rather let God transform them) to fit with what Christianity is and always has been: the glorious and ancient faith. Those two paths are incompatible and so one must be chosen over the other. I choose the latter; people who insist on such rubbish as this choose the former.
A piece of advice: do you want the Scriptures to have more meaning for you? Turn off the television and start reading books: not the modern rubbish, but good, classical literature from around the world. Not the Newspaper, not the internet, but Books. Read Virgil, C.S. Lewis, Chesterton, Homer, Dickens...that should be a good list to start you off. Also, turn off your Britney Spears and either keep five minutes of silence or listen to Bach, Tallis, Byrd, and even Beethoven if you must. Once you do that for a time, the Scriptures will take on entirely new meaning, and you won't have to ruin their Sacredness in the process.
The Message, Stone & Purple Cover.......2006-11-13
Love this translation! Price terrific --- only downside is the pages are so thin that it's sometimes difficult going through them. However, that said, would purchase it again, for myself or as a gift!
The Message Bible.......2006-02-28
I highly recommend this Bible because it is easy to understand in this contemporary language. The younger generation will greatly benefit from this Bible since they are so real and transparent. You will definitely love this Bible.
The Message - gets it across.......2006-02-27
It is very refreshing to read God's word in the exact language that I use every day. It is so plain to understand, and it comes alive in a whole new way. I love the purple/stone cover. It feels very nice in my hands when I'm reading.
Average customer rating:
- Overcoming the Fear of Darkness
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Annie Ashcraft Looks into the Dark (Bethany Backyard)
Ruth Hollinger Senter
Manufacturer: Bethany House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Bedtime & Dreaming
| Baby-3
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Christian
| Fiction
| Religions
| Children's Books
| Subjects
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Ages 4-8
| Christianity
| Religions
| Children's Books
| Subjects
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Fiction
| Emotions & Feelings
| Social Situations
| People & Places
| Children's Books
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General
| Ages 4-8
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0764220950 |
Book Description
"I can lie down and go to sleep. And I will wake up again because the Lord protects me."
Annie Ashcraft is small, and the night around her is big. Very big. And sometimes scary. Tonight there are noises like the kind coming at her now from the other side of the thin, knotty-pine walls of her bedroom. Scrape. Scritch. Scrape.
Not even Annie's cozy blue-and-white quilt can keep out the sound, which is making her too frightened to fall asleep. Just what could be making that awful scraping? Annie's not sure she wants to find out, but when her daddy comes to help her investigate the mysterious nighttime noise, Annie learns how to overcome her fears by facing them.
Ruth Senter's homespun voice and Lee Christiansen's luminous illustrations bring Annie's story to life in a way that is sure to captivate any reader who has ever been afraid of the dark, touching us with a gentle reminder of God's constant presence.
Customer Reviews:
Overcoming the Fear of Darkness.......2000-07-11
This book is great for helping children see the beauty of the night and not the fear of the unknown or unseen. The book describes the presence of God and ensures the child that darkness is not to be feared. The illustrations move the reader from fear to security.
Book Description
Countless teenagers-including some in the church-have embraced aspects of Wicca, a form of witchcraft with modern appeal, without realizing the spiritual peril to which they are opening themselves. In What's the Deal With Wicca? Steve Russo lays bare the spiritual roots of Wicca and exposes the deception inherent in the promises made by its practitioners. At the same time, he clarifies the teachings of Christianity and demonstrates that Christian faith and spirituality are the only true ways to address the very real needs in the lives of teenagers.
Customer Reviews:
TRUTH lies within - not in a book!.......2007-09-16
Maybe Mr Russo actually DID do some research. HOWEVER, when doing any research with a completely closed mind and only to the service of those on "your side" when it comes to religion, this is just garbage. What is sacred and beautiful in wicca, Mr Russo has twisted it to conform to HIS and most of the mainstream/conservative beliefs. Christianity is supposed to be based on love, is it not? Isn't that the "Great Commission"? Then why do these people use fear and control, then call it love??? People should be able to chose their own path to God/Goddess/Great Spirit/Etc. TRUTH lies within, not in a book!
9/18/07 - Also wanted to add.... If ANYONE is concerned about Wicca, PLEASE do your own research and don't take just anyone's word for it (Wiccan's or Non-Wiccan's). Read in books or information on the internet about Wicca. Then you decide. And what makes a person evil? Religion? If that were the case, then I would guess over 90% of the world's population would be evil. Just think about it.
Once again, Russo spreads lies to make a quick buck........2007-06-20
Once again, another book has arrived in the market to show the "dangers of Witchcraft" without factual information to support their claims. _What's The Deal With Wicca?_ is a prime example of this. Instead of doing any real search about how Wicca is NOT any form of "devil worship" (Witches do not even believe in 'the devil' or 'satan'!), Russo sticks to his Christian-dogmatic viewpoints to skew the truth and once again, add to the hatred and misunderstandings directed at Witches today in the world.
If I could give this book 0 stars, I would.
Oh my GOD........DESS.......2007-05-04
This is an absolute disgrace!! The author is so close minded and has absolutely no ground or facts to base his thoughts. Obviously, there was no research done on...........ANYTHING!! I wish people would be more accepting of others, you may not agree but at least show a bit of respect. Yes, I am a wiccan and proud of it. But I dont necessary think that my religion is better and I sure as HELL dont put other beliefs down. The author needs to do some PROPER background study before writing such bulls***.
Imagine .......2007-02-04
Imagine what a book on Christianity would read like if only the following were considered: the Crusades, the Inquisition, David Koresh, that crazy guy on the corner wearing a sandwich board that screams "The End is Near"...you get the idea. Christians would be the first to scream "Unfair!" and rightly so. If you're worried about your children, Wicca or other flavors of paganism are not going to be what puts them over the edge...any edge.
If you're a Christian: Stop flogging a legitimate belief system. And don't waste your time on this book. I only wish there were an option for Zero Stars.
I'm glad I borrowed it from a friend who got it to see what the opposition thinks. Alas, no thinking was involved.
A lie told in " love" is still a lie.......2006-09-28
First, ths is the same book as his book on teen Wicca, just the passages have been rearranged.]
Secondly, the author makes a pretense of knowing about Wicca and Neopaganism, but his own born again bias of " all other faiths are deceptions of satan" and " all other religions are false" messages reeks throughout the pages. This is more to uphold a Bible doctrine than to actually INFORM about Wicca. The "tone" of " love" reminds me of sweetening a poisoned drink.
As for the reviewer who mentioned " anti-Christian bias", how about anti-nonchristian bias? The " message" counched in " love" is a disguise for the same old distortions and intolerance of other religions Wiccans like me have seen for years by evangelical Christianity. To cry " anti-Christian" bigotry in response to our criticism of dreck like this is to blind oneself to why we object to books like this. Just as a Jewish person would object strongly to an anti-semetic book claiming to " inform" about the Jewsih faith and a black person objecting to a book claiming blacks are inferior, Neopagans and Wiccans object rightly books like this one for its misnformstion, distortions and lies.
Carl McColman's book " When Someone You Love is wiccan" is a far better book. Don't waste your money on Russo's book and its duplicate.
Average customer rating:
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Look at the Dark (British Literature Series)
Nicholas Mosley
Manufacturer: Dalkey Archive Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
20th Century
| British
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| British
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Literary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
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| Books
British
| Short Stories
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
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Psychological & Suspense
| Thrillers
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Similar Items:
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Experience & Religion
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Time at War
ASIN: 156478407X |
Average customer rating:
- Trite, moralistic tales with no concept of reality
- "Look Down, or Look Hard"
- Great Book - Why not both covers?
- Hard Looks Rules! (where is the Darrow cover?)
- A Handsomely-Produced Collection of Brilliant Short Stories
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Hard Looks (2nd Edition) (Dark Horse Comics Collection)
Andrew H. Vachss
Manufacturer: Dark Horse Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Drawing
| Arts & Photography
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General
| Comic Strips
| Comics & Graphic Novels
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General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
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General
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| Comics & Graphic Novels
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General
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General
| Vachss, Andrew
| ( V )
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| Mystery & Thrillers
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Paperback
| Vachss, Andrew
| ( V )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
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General
| Mystery & Thrillers
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General
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Similar Items:
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Another Chance to Get It Right (3rd Edition)
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Mask Market (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)
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Two Trains Running
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Everybody Pays: Stories
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The Getaway Man
ASIN: 1569712093 |
Book Description
Andrew Vachss has long been a favorite of crime/suspense fiction lovers. His novels have helped to re-define the genre. He defends children. He does it in the courtrooms as an attorney, and he does it in the more public forum of publishing as a writer. What he has learned in his investigations a lawyer is translated - as `fiction` - in his writing. HARD LOOKS, features some of the best stories from the original comics anthology, as well as four new, never-before-printed adaptations. In Vachss' own words, `I may not be a good writer, but I write for a good reason. And if that reason isn't apparent by the time you've finished this collection, I didn't get the job done.`
Customer Reviews:
Trite, moralistic tales with no concept of reality.......2005-11-11
I seem to be the one voice of dissent when it comes to this collection of short grphic peices. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I found Vachss stories to be completely lacking in any redeaming volue what so ever. The stories them selves are less than surface level involving no depth of charater, or exploration of ideas. How to best explain it? Ah, got it! Do you remember sitcoms from the early 90's, were at the end everyone has learned a very important lesson about drugs, or gangs, or sneaking out to parties? Mix that with the sort of "poetic justice" you would find in "Tales from the crypt" and you have "Hard Looks". Except there is no kitchy irony involved, no chuckles at how silly and ridiculus this sort of stroy telling is, Vachss is dead serious. After reading the book I was ahgast to find out that Vachss was at one point a fedral investigator, AND a social worker. This book is apparently how he thinks the world works, or should work. I would suggest not buying this garbage. If you really must read it, I'm sure your public or a local college library will have a copy. Head over one day and flip through it, you'll see what I mean.
P.S. Vachss actually uses the "escaped hook-handed crazy man" (http://www.snopes.com/horrors/madmen/hook.asp) legend in one story, only he throws in a rape at gun point to make it all "Hard" and "Edgy". I mean come on! Why do people like this tripe!
"Look Down, or Look Hard".......2003-03-03
Andrew Vachss is a problematic short story writer. His style is so frontal and minimalist that often the stories are over before they have penetrated intellectually. Instead, the reader experiences a sudden burst of emotion or horror, leaving a stunned silence in its path. To be honest I prefer his novels, which give the reader a grace period before the roller-coaster starts down the first big drop.
'Hard Looks' is really a compilation - 15 stories extracted from a Dark Horse comic-book series of the same name. Most of these stories actually appeared originally in two short story collections - 'Born Bad,' and 'Everybody Pays.' Six of the stories are strait text, the rest are adaptations of Vachss' stories to the graphic format. The largest percentage were adapted by Neal Barrett, Jr., but a broad spectrum of other authors are represented, from Joe R. Lansdale to Charles de Lint.
Each story, graphic or not, is as tough as one can make a recreation of Vachss' work. The stories are about people who are suddenly brought face to face with the reality that underlies their fantasies, whether it is a kid who dreams of being a big tough in the neighborhood or a woman working in a phone-for-thrills studio. The only goodness that happens is on those rare occasions when evil loses the struggle. In Vachss' world, that isn't often enough.
The illustration is pure pen and ink, by a variety of artists. While the general styling is gritty and noir, there is considerable variation. One of my few irritations with the book is that while the artists and adapters are given credit, they deserve a better introduction. Especially since only a small part of Vachss' readership is familiar with the modern comic as art. Like any experiment, some stories work better than do others, but over all, this is a very successful effort. Fans will enjoy the graphic insight into a dark work, and, hopefully, this will mark the introduction of one of the our most intense writers to an entirely new readership.
Great Book - Why not both covers?.......2003-01-22
This is a really nice graphic novel, and I'd expect no less from Vachss and his team of talented artists and writers. But how come we can't get the comics cover by Geof Darrow? I think Amazon should be offering both covers as a special "buy with" option (instead of the old Predator stuff!).
Anyway, the book is great, the story HALF BREED is tight and tense and the drawings by Darrow just suck you into it. The differing styles in the artwork add a nice touch and seem to match the individual stories perfectly.
And there really is something for everyone in this book!
Hard Looks Rules! (where is the Darrow cover?).......2003-01-17
I learned about this new edition from the Andrew Vachss website. But Amazon, for *whatever* reason, doesn't have the ultra-hype Geof ("The Matrix") Darrow cover! Hey, Amazon, why can't we have a CHOICE? I mean, this photo cover is very good, but not everyone is so high-art -- some of us Vachss fans WANT the graphics cover!
I got my Darrow cover edition at my local comics shop, and paid full price, which totally [was bad]. Get a move on, Amazon!
A Handsomely-Produced Collection of Brilliant Short Stories.......2003-01-13
HARD LOOKS is an outstanding collection of 17 short stories by attorney/author Andrew Vachss, which makes an unflinching examination of all manner of human depravity while at the same time providing the reader with heroes and hope. The stories (titles include: DRIVE BY; DATE RAPE; LYNCH LAW; HEAD CASE; BORN BAD; CRIPPLE; DUMPING GROUND; and MAN TO MAN) have been adapted to graphic novel format by Joe R. Lansdale, Charles de Lint, Chet Williamson, Jim Colbert, Rose Dawn Scott, and Neal Barrett, Jr. and feature the splendid artwork of Geoff Darrow, David Lloyd, Gary Gianni, Warren Pleece, Jack Pollack, and others. The skillful adaptations and the beautifully-done artwork serve to greatly amplify the power of these hard-edged tales.
For years I have admired the power and strength of Mr. Vachss' novels (FLOOD, STREGA, BLUE BELLE, SHELLA, ONLY CHILD, et al.). This collection, with the freedom allowed by the short story form and its wide range of subject matter, equals or surpasses the intensity of those books.
This edition of HARD LOOKS is available in two versions, one with a photo cover and one with a masterfully-drawn cover by Geof Darrow. I would highly recommend the book featuring Mr. Darrow's artwork. Mr. Darrow's richly-detailed, colorful illustration tells a story (actually, many stories) all its own and is well worth the cover price....
HARD LOOKS ... masterfully adapted, wonderfully illustrated versions of 17 provacative, disturbing, and important short stories from Andrew Vachss.
Book Description
The third volume in the series was the first children's book to win to coveted Whitbread Award. A BBC radio adaptation followed, as did a stage play at London's National Theatre. And soon we shall have the film. Yet the trilogy is surrounded by controversy because of its blatant and outspoken anti-Christian message, advocating as it does a profoundly cynical view of God and the church. Many are concerned at the impact this may have on children. John Houghton give readers of any age an opportunity to consider the challenges of Pullman's work, and to question its assumptions and insinuations.
Average customer rating:
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A Cynic Looks at Life
Ambrose Bierce
Manufacturer: Aegypan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Bierce, Ambrose
| ( B )
| Authors, A-Z
| Horror
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
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Dark Fantasy
| Horror
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
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General
| Horror
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
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Classics
| General
| Literature & Fiction
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ASIN: 1603129502 |
Book Description
Ambrose Bierce is best known for writing The Devil's Dictionary. He is also known for being unsentimental, dark, and so full of vehemence that he was nicknamed "Bitter Bierce".
A Cynic Looks at Life is a collection of essays in which he talks about modern civilization and all its faults, the death penalty and many others. His arguments are still relevant to issues of today.
Book Description
Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated like an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him sectetly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill--and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.
Download Description
Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated like an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him sectetly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill -- and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.
As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.
Customer Reviews:
Got under my skin.......2007-09-30
As others have said, it's hard to go wrong with a story about the tossed-away bastard son of royalty who is taken under the wing of an assassin. It's inherently compelling. And this book is really well written, or at least, to me it is -- the style is very clear and fast-moving. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down, and couldn't wait to hear what happened next to our hero.
Pleasant Surprise.......2007-09-14
I'm actually still reading this book, though I am very nearly finished. I, like many others, am growing frustrated waiting for the next installment of Song of Ice and Fire, and thus am sampling a vast assortment of other fantasy fiction while I wait. I won't review other novels with in this review but I will say only that I have found many lacking, even very popular ones. That said this book surprised me. I guess that I was just expecting less from it, probably because of the title. I think of 'Assasins' as being cliche with in this genre of literature. Also the paperback copy that I have is from Europe, Bulgaria specifically, though it is in English. The cover is not the simple and ambiguous one of this paperback copy but rather one that is almost embarrassing to hold while I'm on the train, or at work. It looks like a comic book. This cover is much better. I don't know how the whole series will be, but this first installment is really good and I recommend it for those of you waiting around for GRRM to give us the next installment in his five star series. At least I know that I won't have to wait for the next installment of this series. I give this four and a half stars, no forget it I'll give it Five. I'm being too stingy these days.
Outstanding...Great....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-08-26
These books are the best. The characters are so defined that it's almost like you've known them your entire life. They are so complex and so interesting that I found it very hard to put the book down for long periods of time.
As fantasy books go... this series has everything:
magic (two types actually)
talking animals (sorta)
a noble king
a usurping prince (I'm not sure if usurping is a real word)
and to top it all off... DRAGONS! (sorry...I love dragons)
You cannot pass up The Farseer Trilogy.
More a childrens tale.......2007-08-04
I was looking for something more suited for an adult. Something along the lines of the RA Salvatore or Jordan's Wheel of time. I only made it half through the book before I looked for somethng else.
Great read! Pick this one up..........2007-07-23
This is the first book I've read by Robin Hobb and having finished it, I anxiously look forward to reading more!
Mrs. Hobb manages what few authors can, in that she has created a story in which all the important elements are firing on all cylinders. You don't have to compromise character to get plot or world building in favor of a skilled and cohesive writing style. Assassin's Apprentice covers all the bases.
I won't cover the contents of the story here as you can read them for yourself in the blurb, but I will say that it is beautifully executed and draws you into the world in a way that few other fantasy books do. Each of the main characters is engaging and interesting and each engenders concern for their respective well-being.
More than that, I was extremely pleased with the intrigue and political power-play that theme this story, and I was impressed by the author's ability to take me down what I though was one road, only to reveal it to be another later in the story (this is particularly prevalent in the closing chapters of the book).
If I were pressed for the one thing I would change about this story it would be that I'd like to see the main character, Fitz, in fewer black and white type situations and faced with more shades of grey. Granted there were times when this was the case, but for the most part the dilemma's surrounding Fitz's occupation as an assassin were easily decided and left little room for doubt.
All in all, if you are looking for a great story, great characters, and an overall feeling of maturity and intelligence, this is a great book for you. I highly recommend Assassin's Apprentice
Average customer rating:
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Assassin's Apprentice
Manufacturer: HARPER COLLINS 1 PAP
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GNZX58 |
Customer Reviews:
Powerful beginning.......2007-07-10
After you get used to the characters' names . . .
. . . you will find great story-telling here.
The illegitimate sons of kings often play major roles in great stories. King Arthur and Mordred are two early examples, and much more recently, we have Jon Snow in George R.R. Martin's magnificent work-in-progress, "The Song of Ice and Fire" series.
In "Assassin's Apprentice", FitzChivalry Farseer is the illegitimate son of the heir-apparent, and is initially hidden away from public knowledge. He later is raised by one of the King's men, and his existence eventually forces Chivalry to renounce his claim to the throne. What role is there for Fitz, in the royal court? How about as assistant to the Royal Assassin, who is no longer as young as he once was. As the apprentice, who starts off being called just "boy" but is later called Fitz, he runs errands, learns how to concoct poisons, practices with various weapons, and begins to show promise.
Of course, it does not hurt that Fitz has inherited some unusual abilities, common to some in the royal family, like the ability to communicate over long distances and the ability to telepathically bond with an animal. That second talent brings us eventually to Nighteyes, who evolves into one of the greatest animal characters I have encountered, right up there with Robert Heinlein's "Buck" the genetically-enhanced talking mule, and Oreb, the intelligent talking bird-companion of Patera Silk in Gene Wolfe's "Long Sun" trilogy. Nighteyes is the wolf with whom Fitz eventually bonds telepathically, and gives the protagonist the ability to provide two viewpoints.
Well, I am going too far into plot detail here, so I will step back to say the following statements about "Assassin's Apprentice" and the "Farseer" trilogy:
This is a very, very well-written fantasy novel that hooked me on the series and, probably, the author. The language never strives to overwhelm you, as Stephen R. Donaldson sometimes does (see "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever") and is more straightforward than Gene Wolfe (see the "Long Sun" and related books), but is on a par with George R.R. Martin (see "The Song of Ice and Fire"). Finding a new author of this level is a rare treasure indeed. I eventually read the entire Farseer trilogy (each book is around 150,000 words, none of them wasted), as well as its sequel, the "Tawny Man" trilogy and the offshoot (not quite as good, but still above average) "Liveship Traders" trilogy. Throughout the "Farseer" and "Tawny Man" books, the writing is rich, detailed, and never drags. There is court intrigue, plots and schemes, dirty work that needs to be done, and genuine striving for noble goals.
The characters are deep, complex, and believable. By the time you finish "Assassin's Apprentice", you know and care about Fitz and his mentor, Chade. Later in the series, one of the major characters dies, and I found it to be almost like losing a friend, yet it was done perfectly.
In Orson Scott Card's book on how to write science fiction and fantasy, he addresses how to believably portray magic, including that it must have limits (or else, you have a god), and it must come with a cost (same reason). Magic must be beyond ordinary abilities, but not represent omniscience or omnipotence. Robin Hobb follows these rules beautifully, describing two different forms of magic, both of which adhere to Card's "rules".
This is fantasy, but is not a child's book. It is not as dark and convoluted as George R.R. Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire", but it comes close, with treachery, intrigue, illegitimate children, violence, and death. It is not light reading; it is meant to entertain adults and to give you things to ponder. It succeeds.
After mistakenly reading one of the "Tawny Man" books first, I was eager to learn the early history of FitzChivalry Farseer, and "Assassin's Apprentice" did not disappoint.
A Note on Chronologies: The three trilogies by Ms. Hobb, mentioned in this piece, are all set in the same fictional land, the Six Duchies. The "Farseer" trilogy definitely precedes the "Tawny Man" trilogy, with "Assassin's Apprentice" launching the whole thing. The "Liveship Traders" trilogy comes somewhere in between, but with little character overlap, save for the exception cited below. The "Farseer" trilogy stands alone well, and the "Tawny Man" trilogy makes an excellent sequel. The "Liveship Traders" trilogy is not as excellent, and it stands alone well.
The One Exception: I will not give away too much, but there is a major character in the "Tawny Man" trilogy who plays a major role in the "Farseer" trilogy, and a medium-sized role in the "Liveship Traders" trilogy, although recognizing that character might be a challenge at first, and represents a character who is incredibly complex, fascinating, and hard-to-describe.
Note on character names: Prince Chivalry and his father, King Shrewd? Well, it makes sense, once you know that the Farseer family had a longstanding tradition of naming their children for qualities they hoped they would exhibit.
Summary of strengths: The writing, character development, plot complexity, setting development, and the writing (plus, the writing).
Summary of weaknesses: This is not light reading, nor is it for the squeamish.
Conclusion: Magic, dragons, and court plots, oh my! This is fine epic fantasy, with great character development and a richness you seldom find.
Recommended: Yes, if you can handle powerful stories.
Product Description
Set of 3 paperbacks by Robin Hobb in the Farseer trilogy: Assassin's Quest, Assassin's Apprentice, & Royal Assassin.
Average customer rating:
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Aprendiz De Asesino / Assassin's Apprentice
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Libros Sin Fronteras Inventory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literatura y ficción | Libros en español | Formats | Books | Autores, A-Z | Cartas y Correspondencia | Clásicos | Cuentos Cortos | Drama | Ensayos | Ficción de La Mujer | General | Género Ficción | Historia y Crítica | Libros y Lectura | Literatura Mundial | Poesía
General | Misterio | Libros en español | Formats | Books
General | Misterio | Misterio | Libros en español | Formats | Books
ASIN: 8484219453 |
Customer Reviews:
Powerful epic fantasy.......2007-07-10
After you get used to the characters' names . . .
. . . you will find great story-telling here.
The illegitimate sons of kings often play major roles in great stories. King Arthur and Mordred are two early examples, and much more recently, we have Jon Snow in George R.R. Martin's magnificent work-in-progress, "The Song of Ice and Fire" series.
In "Assassin's Apprentice", FitzChivalry Farseer is the illegitimate son of the heir-apparent, and is initially hidden away from public knowledge. He later is raised by one of the King's men, and his existence eventually forces Chivalry to renounce his claim to the throne. What role is there for Fitz, in the royal court? How about as assistant to the Royal Assassin, who is no longer as young as he once was. As the apprentice, who starts off being called just "boy" but is later called Fitz, he runs errands, learns how to concoct poisons, practices with various weapons, and begins to show promise.
Of course, it does not hurt that Fitz has inherited some unusual abilities, common to some in the royal family, like the ability to communicate over long distances and the ability to telepathically bond with an animal. That second talent brings us eventually to Nighteyes, who evolves into one of the greatest animal characters I have encountered, right up there with Robert Heinlein's "Buck" the genetically-enhanced talking mule, and Oreb, the intelligent talking bird-companion of Patera Silk in Gene Wolfe's "Long Sun" trilogy. Nighteyes is the wolf with whom Fitz eventually bonds telepathically, and gives the protagonist the ability to provide two viewpoints.
Well, I am going too far into plot detail here, so I will step back to say the following statements about "Assassin's Apprentice" and the "Farseer" trilogy:
This is a very, very well-written fantasy novel that hooked me on the series and, probably, the author. The language never strives to overwhelm you, as Stephen R. Donaldson sometimes does (see "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever") and is more straightforward than Gene Wolfe (see the "Long Sun" and related books), but is on a par with George R.R. Martin (see "The Song of Ice and Fire"). Finding a new author of this level is a rare treasure indeed. I eventually read the entire Farseer trilogy (each book is around 150,000 words, none of them wasted), as well as its sequel, the "Tawny Man" trilogy and the offshoot (not quite as good, but still above average) "Liveship Traders" trilogy. Throughout the "Farseer" and "Tawny Man" books, the writing is rich, detailed, and never drags. There is court intrigue, plots and schemes, dirty work that needs to be done, and genuine striving for noble goals.
The characters are deep, complex, and believable. By the time you finish "Assassin's Apprentice", you know and care about Fitz and his mentor, Chade. Later in the series, one of the major characters dies, and I found it to be almost like losing a friend, yet it was done perfectly.
In Orson Scott Card's book on how to write science fiction and fantasy, he addresses how to believably portray magic, including that it must have limits (or else, you have a god), and it must come with a cost (same reason). Magic must be beyond ordinary abilities, but not represent omniscience or omnipotence. Robin Hobb follows these rules beautifully, describing two different forms of magic, both of which adhere to Card's "rules".
This is fantasy, but is not a child's book. It is not as dark and convoluted as George R.R. Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire", but it comes close, with treachery, intrigue, illegitimate children, violence, and death. It is not light reading; it is meant to entertain adults and to give you things to ponder. It succeeds.
After mistakenly reading one of the "Tawny Man" books first, I was eager to learn the early history of FitzChivalry Farseer, and "Assassin's Apprentice" did not disappoint.
A Note on Chronologies: The three trilogies by Ms. Hobb, mentioned in this piece, are all set in the same fictional land, the Six Duchies. The "Farseer" trilogy definitely precedes the "Tawny Man" trilogy, with "Assassin's Apprentice" launching the whole thing. The "Liveship Traders" trilogy comes somewhere in between, but with little character overlap, save for the exception cited below. The "Farseer" trilogy stands alone well, and the "Tawny Man" trilogy makes an excellent sequel. The "Liveship Traders" trilogy is not as excellent, and it stands alone well.
The One Exception: I will not give away too much, but there is a major character in the "Tawny Man" trilogy who plays a major role in the "Farseer" trilogy, and a medium-sized role in the "Liveship Traders" trilogy, although recognizing that character might be a challenge at first, and represents a character who is incredibly complex, fascinating, and hard-to-describe.
Note on character names: Prince Chivalry and his father, King Shrewd? Well, it makes sense, once you know that the Farseer family had a longstanding tradition of naming their children for qualities they hoped they would exhibit.
Summary of strengths: The writing, character development, plot complexity, setting development, and the writing (plus, the writing).
Summary of weaknesses: This is not light reading, nor is it for the squeamish.
Conclusion: Magic, dragons, and court plots, oh my! This is fine epic fantasy, with great character development and a richness you seldom find.
Recommended: Yes, if you can handle powerful stories.
Product Description
Complete trilogy. 3 book set
Average customer rating:
|
La Diplomacia del Asesino / Assassin's Apprentice (Fantasia / Fantasy)
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Libros Sin Fronteras Inventory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Hobb, Robin | ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literatura y ficción | Libros en español | Formats | Books | Autores, A-Z | Cartas y Correspondencia | Clásicos | Cuentos Cortos | Drama | Ensayos | Ficción de La Mujer | General | Género Ficción | Historia y Crítica | Libros y Lectura | Literatura Mundial | Poesía
( H ) | Autores, A-Z | Ciencia ficción y fantasía | Libros en español | Formats | Books | Hickman, Tracy
General | Fantasía | Ciencia ficción y fantasía | Libros en español | Formats | Books
ASIN: 8484219208 |
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