Average customer rating:
- Graphic SF Reader
- Black Orchid
- Kind of a disappointment . . .
- Gaiman's done better
- Black Orchid caused my love of Graphic Novels to bloom!
|
Black Orchid
Dave McKean , and
Neil Gaiman
Manufacturer: Vertigo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Gaiman, Neil
| ( G )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Mr. Punch
-
Midnight Days
-
Death: The High Cost of Living
-
Violent Cases
-
Harlequin Valentine
ASIN: 0930289552 |
Customer Reviews:
Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03
This is when DC started delving into the Vertigo type arena of stories and storytelling. This is very far away from anything like The Black Orchid character portrayed in the Suicide Squad comic series, for example.
One of the earlier American gorgeous graphic novels, with its painted style. This will certainly surprise people that think comics are Archie and Donald Duck, with its lushness and mythology and dark storyline.
Black Orchid.......2006-12-16
Black Orchid, fresh as a daisy from her Adventure Comics appearances, had shown up as the resident mystery-woman of the Suicide Squad (series). She even did a flyby in the first Deadshot mini-series, saving his life. It looked like she had a bright future as a trad costumed crime-fighter. Then, someone put Neil Gaiman in charge of her, and that was the end of that. I know that Gaiman once intro'd a Doctor Who novella penned by another writer by saying that it was probably fortunate he never wrote for Doctor Who, as he would likely dismantle the existing mythos and start from scratch. Or words to that effect. When I read and re-read the Black Orchid mini-series turned graphic novel, I see what he means. Seldom has a character started her own mini-series by dying at the hands of a Lex Luthor flunky; it's a wonderfully moving exit. Enter the NEW Black Orchid, courtesy of some freaky greenhouse effect (ie. waking up from nothingness in a greenhouse), a birth so inexplicable that this purple plant-woman spends the rest of the story trying to find out why it happened, and what she is.
Unfortunately for her, Lex Luthor gets wind of the fact that when you send a malicious little yes-man rat--that would be Mr. Sterling--to kill a meddling super-heroine, powerful flower-women are born, grown, cultivated, whatever. So Sterling and a cadre of hired guns set out to find Orchid and her companion, Suzy--sort of the smaller version of our title character. So, while Black Orchid follows a trail of memories and hints that lead to Arkham Asylum's depths, featuring Poison Ivy and the Mad Hatter (among others), plus Batman, and Alec Holland and the Green, and ultimately, a paradisical patch of Rain Forest. Okay, okay, Alec Holland is Swamp Thing, that dude from a cheesy Wes Craven movie, played by a guy from Robocop when he's Alec, and some other guy who played an evil version of the Incredible Hulk in some old 2-part Hulk episode. Oh, and there are Swamp Thing graphic novels too. But I digress.
Ultimately, this Black Orchid tale--the one that reinvents her after destroying her--is not as simple as it seems after a first reading. There are many layers to explore, as we learn about the past of Susan, the woman who gave rise to all the Black Orchids. Her past is tragic and unfair, and some of it comes back to haunt the plant-woman created from her DNA and, uh, orchids. Susan's abusive ex-husband, Carl, who used to work for Lex Luthor until he failed him, is back, for a piece of the action. His methods for taking said piece are nasty, and bode ill for Black Orchid and anyone she cares for--or distantly remembers caring for in another life, or the life before that, or...well. I said it was complex.
And beautiful. If the story ends rather too neatly and cleanly, then this weakness is made up for by absolutely breath-taking art from start to finish. Another little criticism would be Batman's rather wooden, overdone dialogue--but again, erase all de-merit points thanks to the fantabulous Dave McKean visuals. The purples, the blues, the blue-greens, the orange, the black, the grey, the perfectly-captured smirks of the petty and violent versus the dazzling vibrancy of jungle colour. This is not comic-book art; this is chapel-wall stuff, stolen form some priceless exhibit somewhere and infused into some humble undeserving pop-art format. Revel in it.
Kind of a disappointment . . ........2005-01-03
This book, published originally in three installments, is regarded as a turning point in graphic fiction, like DARK KNIGHT and WATCHMEN, but I just don't see it. Generally speaking, I like Gaiman's story lines, but this time it's all just confusing. The title character, a crime fighter superhero trying to infiltrate a mob, is killed in the first few pages -- but there's more of her back in the greenhouse so all is not lost. Or something. A newly hatched flower-woman, who seems to share some of the dead one's memories, sets out to uncover her identity. I think. The mob is run by Lex Luthor (why?), who wants to capture her and/or her little sister (or whatever) for dissection. But Carl, just out of prison, who used to work for Luthor and who previously murdered his wife, upon whom the orchids were based, can't get his job back and wants to get even with everyone. This guy is a loser and screw-up -- but suddenly, in the last installment, the action having relocated to the Amazon Basin, he becomes a very talented and successful jungle killer. (How?) Other people from the back-story weave in and out of the plot, including one who became the Swamp Thing, but none of what they say or do makes much sense. And why does Batman get a cameo? (Not to mentioned assorted bad guys from Gotham?) McKean's artwork is interesting for its own sake, owing more to oil painting than the usual sort of airbrush work, but all in all, I have to give this a shrug.
Gaiman's done better.......2004-07-01
First, the good news. McKean's art is a real asset. It's varied, skilled, and very expressive.
The story just didn't work for me, though. It was a little too close to the super-hero-in-spandex genre, with character crossovers from Superman, Batman, and I don't know what all else. There's a market for SHIS stories, but I'm not in it.
Gaiman's done some incredible work. He's set a standard for thoughtful, unusual characters and settings. The problem is, he set the standard so high that not even he can reach that mark every time. I really expected something more mature from Gaiman and McKean - maybe next time.
Black Orchid caused my love of Graphic Novels to bloom!.......2004-03-07
I am not a DC comic fan or collector, so please bear with me in giving you this review from a non-comic owner perspective.
While not a follower of the comics, I do love Neil Gaiman. This is the story of how Black Orchid comes to life and seeks out a meaning for, literally, the life given to her. She wants answers to the questions "Who am I? Why am I here?" and is desperate to find a place that she will belong.
Her tale is told with cameo appearances by Batman, Swamp Thing, and Poison Ivy; and you should not miss the nightmarish visit to the Arkham Asylum where a skeletal, sleepless man spills his nightmares on the floor, and the x-ray man weeps burning tears onto the floor.
She awakens as the Black Orchid in the greenhouse at Dr. Phillip Sylvian, with the memories of a woman named Susan Linden. Phil tells her about a little of her background, and tells her of those who he went to college with, without whom she would not be alive; Dr. Jason Woodrue, Pamela Isley and Alec Holland.
But before he can reveal everything to her, Phil is killed and the Black Orchid is on her own. Her ex husband Carl Thorne finds out about her plant-reincarnation, and makes a visit to her, killing all but one of the smaller plants that Phil has been nurturing. Black Orchid takes the little one with her, "Suzy", to Gotham city where a tip from a friend sends her off along to Arkham Asylum to speak with Poison Ivy. Suzy is snatched by Lexcorp, but after a quick visit with Swamp Thing, Black Orchid rescues Suzy and they fly off to the Amazon Rainforest where Black Orchid can plant her seeds.
But there are still those who hunt her down; her ex husband who is trying to kill her again, and the Lexcorp minions sent into the rainforest to bring her back alive so that she can be dissected. What a girl...er...plant, to do?
Brief comic strip type prose does not stop Gaiman from bringing to life a fully fleshed out story, and the artwork of Dave McKean is to be applauded. Moving from shades of gray to brilliantly splashed pages of vibrant color, he paints brutality, horror, and the sereneness of nature in the same ethereal fashion. This is an excellent choice for those who are just starting to dip their toes and get their feet wet in the world of Graphic Novels. Enjoy!
Book Description
A remarkably rare black orchid at a flower show lures Nero Wolfe from his comfortable brownstone. But before the detective and his sidekick, Archie Goodwin, can stop and smell the roses, a diabolically daring murder puts a blight on the proceedings. The murderer to be weeded out is definitely not a garden-variety killer.
Wolfe must also throw his considerable weight into another thorny case, this one involving a rich society widow bedeviled by poison-pen letters -- and a poisonous plot as black as Wolfe's orchids with roots even more twisted.
"Like the orchids he so avidly cultivates, Nero Wolfe is one of mystery writing's most prized ornamentals." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board)
Customer Reviews:
Most interesting for showing Wolfe at his worst........2007-03-18
BLACK ORCHIDS is a two novella set where the reader gets to see Wolfe show off some of his worst traits. The title tale sends us to a flower show where Wolfe's lust for Lewis Hewitt's title creations causes him to behave in a manner that is so sycophantic that Archie is sickened by the display. The murder that occurs and Wolfe's scheming to get a hold of the aforementioned orchids are only interesting from the insight that Stout gives us into Wolfe's character. While Wolfe's various flaws are often mentioned by Goodwin, to see them in action is intriguing. The less said about the actual mechanics of the highly unlikely murder the better. Suffice to say it is one of the least likely murders in the series and that's saying something.
The second novella, CORDIALLY INVITED TO MEET DEATH deals with a death via tetanus, an estate with wild animals, (Did Stout know Trudy Lintz, the model for the movie BUDDY?) and the best scenes with an exasperated Archie dealing with these problems and Wolfe's fascination with one of the suspect's ability to add to Fritz and Wolfe's recipes. The final scenes of Archie storming out after being offered a julep will bring a smile to your face. A pair of slight mysteries with a lack of intrigue, but still worth a read for a fan.
We Are Far Vainer of our Luck Than Our Merits.......2006-02-21
In the title story in this little collection, Nero Wolfe has to see a rare black orchid for himself, and is thus embroiled in solving a murder in order to get home to eat.
It's a good story, but not, as another reviewer has suggested, one of the very best. More is made in the plot here about Wolfe's discomfiture than about the murder itself. Also, the characters, a thing I like an awful lot about Rex Stout's writing, are not as strong here as they are elsewhere.
It's worth reading, and hearing Michael Prichard read it is inevitably a treat. As Nero Wolfe himself said, we are far vainer of our luck than out merits...
One of my favorite Nero Wolfe mysteries.......2005-09-11
I thought Black Orchids was one of the best Wolfe mysteries...it is definitely one of my favorite (along with fer de lance and over my dead body). If you like Nero Wolfe in general, you'll definitely like Black Orchids.
Excellent Tale.......2003-10-17
THis combines all the eccentricities and quirky habits and mannerisms of the famous detective. Readers are already familiar with his obsession with orchids. Now we have a whole case revolving around them which makes for a good intro. Despite the age of the reissue, the dialogue is wonderfully fresh and the whole work has an air of film noire.
As usual, the problem is solved through an intellectual contest. A good read.
Wolfe at Large? A Woman in the Kitchen? Confound It!.......2003-01-22
Rex Stout's 9th Nero Wolfe outing is the first to contain more than one story. The novellas "Black Orchids" and "Cordially Invited to Death" reveal Stout at his best.
In "Black Orchids," Wolfe endures the perils involved in leaving the brownstone to attend a flower show. Ah, yet this is no ordinary flower show, but one in which the world's only black orchids are on display. Wolfe has as much fun as his enormous envy will allow until someone is murdered at the show.
The second story, "Cordially Invited to Death" is a fun romp for both Wolfe and Archie, but not for the murderer of a woman who organizes lavish parties. And Wolfe even (gasp!) allows a woman in the kitchen!
Stout's first eight Wolfe stories all contain good cases, interesting characters, and tough knots for Wolfe's sharp mind to untangle, but with BLACK ORCHIDS Wolfe and Archie finally find themselves. Their characteristics, mannerisms, and attitudes have been refined and honed to perfection. Stout was on it.
As other reviewers have noted, "Cordially Invited to Death" contains a mystery within a mystery. I wouldn't dream of spoiling it for you, so jump in and enjoy a couple of wonderful Nero Wolfe adventures. You won't be sorry.
Average customer rating:
- Short but good
- Well written with a good storyline
- EXCELLENT BOOK
- More like three and a 1/2 stars
- Great storyline!
|
Black Orchid
Karen Harper
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Romantic Suspense
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Romantic Suspense
| Romance
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Empty Cradle
-
The Stone Forest
-
The Falls
-
Hurricane (MIRA)
-
Down To The Bone
ASIN: 0778323358 |
Customer Reviews:
Short but good.......2007-06-23
I love Karen Harper. She provides a great story and wonderful character interaction...she is also one of the few authors I can safely give to my mom to read. :)
Well written with a good storyline.......2007-06-11
Harper's Black Orchid seems well research. I had a hard time putting the book down. Some interesting twists. I'll certainly consider reading another Karen Harper book.
EXCELLENT BOOK.......2007-01-09
HAD ME HOOKED & VERY SUSPENCEFUL. EXCELLENT CONDITION. LOVE HARPERS STYLE OF WRITING.
More like three and a 1/2 stars.......2006-08-01
I won't describe the plot because I think the literary summary says it all. Instead, I will only state my opinions about Black Orchid. I wasn't exactly sure if this book would appeal to me after reading the back of the jacket cover, but I have enjoyed Karen Harper's books in the past, so I picked it up on sale anyway and gave it a try. It was a fast read that held my interest throughout most of the story line. A few of the Seminole aspects were a bit confusing at first, due to the lack of description or explanation. There were plenty of suspects which kept the suspense building until the end. Although predictable for me, it may not be for most readers. Including the twist. The romance was adequate for a romantic suspense where the suspense is more prevalent than the romance, but the author had built up the idea for a great deal of tension and passion between the main characters and then let it all fizzle out.
Is it worth buying?
Perhaps. Look for it on sale or check it out from the library if you can. However, it most likely is not a book you will cherish, or even remember after some time and therefore not worth keeping stored away with other thrilling reads.
Great storyline!.......1999-02-11
I really enjoyed reading this book. Jordon and Seth were interesting characters, and I enjoyed the fact that they were able to find eachother again after all those years and fall in love again.
Average customer rating:
- An inset selection of color plates rounds out this easy-to-use guide accessible to gardeners of all skill and experience levels.
|
Orchids to Know and Grow
Thomas J. Sheehan , and
Robert J. Black
Manufacturer: University Press of Florida
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Orchids
| Flowers
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Miniature Orchids
ASIN: 081303065X |
Book Description
"Orchids are easy to grow, but one doesn't grow orchids like a rose, a cactus, or an African violet; one grows an orchid like an orchid! This book debunks some of the hard-to-grow myths, gives cultural information, and does so in easy-to-understand language."--Robert J. Ferry, research associate, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
"A sure-fire guide for the novice grower and an excellent resource for the experienced orchidist. Painlessly integrates the botany and horticulture of the Orchid Family."--Paul Martin Brown, research associate, University of Florida Herbarium
Orchids have been collected and grown for commercial purposes for more than 150 years, but while these spectacular plants are ever more available to casual gardeners and hobbyists, many still regard selecting and caring for orchids beyond their abilities. This book has easy-to-read, clearly defined chapters on identifying, classifying, and cultivating orchids. Also included are descriptions and illustrations of more than 150 of the more commonly grown orchid genera. The descriptions in tabular, readable outlines make it easy to select plants by appearance as well as a variety of criteria, including genus, particular light or temperature requirements, native habitat, and flowering time.
Sheehan and Black also provide valuable tips on selecting good specimens to buy and on caring for them under a variety of conditions found in either home or greenhouse. For enthusiasts, they provide advice on preparing plants for exhibition as well as chapters on uses of orchids, orchid items as collectables, diseases, insects, physiological problems, and special growing arrangements such as greenhouses and shade structures. Especially valuable is the best and most complete illustrated glossary of orchid terminology on the market.
This informative, user-friendly guide will transform even the most casual orchid fan from admirer to collector and cultivator.
Customer Reviews:
An inset selection of color plates rounds out this easy-to-use guide accessible to gardeners of all skill and experience levels........2007-10-07
Professors emeritus of environmental horticulture Thomas J. Sheehan and Robert J. Black combine their talents and expertise in Orchids to Know and Grow, a user-friendly guide to identifying, classifying, and cultivating orchids. Packed with tips, tricks, and techniques for selecting optimum specimens and properly tending to them at home or in a greenhouse, Orchids to Know and Grow also offers an extensive selection of orchid genera, with each listing featuring a black-and-white sketch of the orchid as well as its genus, tribe, subtribe, etymology, native habitat, number of species, commonly grown species, list of what the plant hybridizes with, and its generic description, flowering season, and methods of being cultured. An inset selection of color plates rounds out this easy-to-use guide accessible to gardeners of all skill and experience levels.
Customer Reviews:
A game of cricket with unexpected post-game activity.......2000-12-31
The TARDIS lands at a railway station in 1925 England, and the Doctor finds that he is expected (sort of) to make up the numbers in one side of a cricket game (and period cricket jokes about 'The Doctor' and 'The Master' are, if obscure, quite funny). After the game, they are invited to Cranleigh Hall, where it turns out that Nyssa is the spitting image of their host. But Ann Talbot is in the eye of someone haunting the secret passages of Cranleigh Hall, and Nyssa is therefore just as likely to be the target...
One of those odd beasts, the two part Doctor Who serial, here adapted by original scriptwriter Terence Dudley, this book makes the adaptation of several much longer serials seem positively anorexic. Mr. Dudley takes the opportunity to fill out the story without adding strange appendages (such as, for instance, in the case of 'The Sontaran Experiment').
Not as packed with events as many Doctor Who books, this one seems relatively relaxing in pace.
Product Description
Three Stories. And Be a Villain, Black Orchids and Champagne For One
Book Description
Interior decorator Mara Dunn and orchidologist Julian Wood team up again to solve two murders in Michelle Wan’s charming new botanical mystery.
Mara is renovating the manor house of the wealthy Christophe de Bonfond when she discovers the body of a murdered infant. The body, concealed for more than a century, brings to light unexpected and critical information on an elusive Lady's Slipper orchid that Julian avidly seeks. Christophe hires genealogist Jean-Claude Fournier to exonerate his ancestors, only to have the expert unleash even more terrifying suspicions. When violent death strikes in the present day, Mara and Julian begin an investigation of their own that leads them to uncover a trail of murder spanning many decades.
Customer Reviews:
Super characters in a well-told tale.......2007-08-29
Mara, Julian and their friends return in Wan's sequel to Deadly Slipper.
Mara, a Canadian who has been living in the Dordogne region for the past 19 years, is an interior decorator. Julian is a landscaper who also studies and collects orchids. They first met in Deadly Slipper and are now in a relationship (although it's going through a rocky patch).
Mara is overseeing renovations for Christophe de Bonfond's manor. When the workers tear down a wall, they discover a body. The murdered infant was wrapped in a blue shawl. Mara wants to know who would do such a horrific thing. Julian becomes interested in the mystery because the baby's shawl is embroidered with an orchid. He realizes that this is the elusive Slipper Orchid he tried to find in Deadly Slipper. If he can find out who made the baby's shawl, perhaps he'll discover where the Slipper Orchid was grown. Interviews with jealous cousins, diary entries and flashbacks to the past reveal that the de Bonfond family has a few skeletons in their closets. Will the baby's identity be revealed?
There is also something savage hunting in the valley. A hunter's body, mutilated chickens and slaughtered lambs have been discovered. Is it a pack of wolves, a feral dog, or, as some whisper, the return of a werewolf?
I really enjoyed the pacing and plot of this book. Wan has created some great quirky characters, and she has a good ear for dialogue. Her dry sense of humor made me laugh, "Pierre shouted to no one in particular, revealing a wet, purple expanse of gums that Julian, despite his dislike of the man, found momentarily fascinating." (p.76).
This book is also a treat for the senses, whether I was reading about the picturesque surroundings or the meals that the characters enjoy. This does not distract from the main mystery, it helped build the tension. I knew that the characters were enjoying normal moments not realizing that soon something bad was going to happen.
Whether you want to solve the mystery or just sit back and enjoy a well-written story,
The Orchid Shroud is highly recommended!
Armchair Interviews says: Strange things are happening in southwestern France.
"Blood Is My Right!".......2006-09-04
French Canadian interior designer Mara Dunn and orchidologist Julian Wood are back in another complex and multifaceted mystery that involves mysterious orchids, legendary werewolves, and feuding branches of an ancient French aristocratic family. Author Michelle Wan once again immerses the reader in bucolic landscape of the Dordogne region of France, its quaint villages, serene farms and flourishing wineries.
While employed to renovate the upper floor of Chistophe de Bonford's Aurillac Manor, Mara and her workmen stumble upon a human baby, preserved for a hundred years by the cold, airless environment of wall and swaddled in a covering of faded blue silk. Its arms are outside the covering and crossed upon its [...], clutching a rosary as if suspended in prayer.
Chistophe de Bonford is appalled at the discovery, mainly because he is about to publish a glorious family history. With a dead baby turning up to be explained, the scandal is no doubt going to rock Chistophe's world and severely tarnish the reputation of his ancient, aristocratic family.
Nicknamed named "Baby Blue," Mara - with the help of Julian is determined to unravel the mystery of who the child actually is. Most strange is that the baby seemed to have been smothered with unnecessary violence. But the biggest surprise is that an image of Julian's elusive Lady Slipper orchid; a flower of the most sinister beauty, the orchid that Bedie, Mara's sister had photographed before she was killed, has been intricately woven into the baby's silk covering.
The discovery astounds Julian, proving yet again that the orchid at one time grew in the surrounding area. Enthused by the discovery, the two amateur sleuths start to unravel the mystery of the baffling orchid and the arcane flesh of the de Bonfords. As the clues gradually disentangle, Mara and Julian discover the brittle bones of old money that embody this house, and learn of the stiffened sinews of class and privilege date back centuries.
In an effort to lean more, Mara turns to historian-genealogist Jean-Claude Fournier who helped Chistophe with the research for his book. But Jean-Claude is also not all that he seems, and when he turns up murdered, the poor Mara becomes the prime suspect. Things become even more frenetic when a sanglier-baiter is killed and half eaten by some kind of wild animal. Perhaps it was a dog, or a wolf or as some would have it, a loup-garou, a legendary werewolf that has reportedly lived in the valley for centuries.
Again, Wan has meticulously researched her novel, not just the complex discipline of orchidology, but also the science of lycanthropy, a rare disease in which individuals exhibit the bizarre behaviour of werewolves. Although, at times the novel is a bit too heavily plotted, the story is always engaging and the tension is effectively maintained throughout. And the descriptions of the beautiful and varied landscape of southwestern France are always a delight.
Mara ultimately finds herself framed for Jean-Claude's murder, Chistophe goes into hiding, and then there are the rumors of the return of the Sigoulane Beast, the legendary werewolf that allegedly terrorized the area during the 1700's and 1800's. Julian and Mara are certain all the nefarious doings are all somehow linked to the de Bonford family; with their history mired in extra-marital affairs, incest and sordid family secrets stretching all the way back to the 1770's, where "all legends have their roots in the reality of a people." Mike Leonard September 06.
Product Description
Books 7 and 8 of the Elric Saga
Average customer rating:
- A truly wonderful piece of work
- Daughters and Sisters
- One of My Favorite King Stories
- INCREDIBLY good book which works on several levels
- Really Rosie Real
|
Rose Madder
Stephen King
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | King, Stephen | ( K ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Hardcover | King, Stephen | ( K ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | African American | Asian American | Classics | Collections & Readers | Drama | General | Hispanic | History & Criticism | Humor | Jewish American | Letters & Correspondence | Native American | Poetry | Short Stories | Women Writers
Psychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
-
Desperation
-
Bag of Bones
-
The Regulators
-
Insomnia
-
Gerald's Game
ASIN: 0670858692 |
Amazon.com
After 14 years of being beaten, Rose Daniels wakes up one morning and leaves her husband -- but she keeps looking over her shoulder, because Norman has the instincts of a predator. And what is the strange work of art that has Rose in a kind of spell? In this brilliant dark-hued fable of the gender wars, Stephen King has fashioned yet another suspense thriller to keep readers right at the edge.
Book Description
This is the story of Rose Daniels, "the most richly portrayed female King's ever created."* Escaping from her macabre marriage is not as easy as fleeing to a new city, picking a new name, finding a new job, and lucking out with a new man. Not with a husband like Norman...
Customer Reviews:
A truly wonderful piece of work.......2007-10-07
This book tore at my heartstrings and kept me reading until 2 am. It happens to be one of my favorite reads of all time. So much that I have to keep a copy of this one cause I tend to wear the pages out fast from reading it too much...This just happens to be a story that you just can't get sick of. Way to go Mr. King!
Daughters and Sisters.......2007-10-01
I'm a huge Stephen King fan!! However, I don't blindly love all of his work. Rose Madder is an excellent story. An abused woman goes on the run from her abusive cop husband. She runs far away and is taken in by an excellent women's shelter, called Daughter's and Sister's. Her husband has gone completely nuts and is hot on her trail. The woman has a new outlook and good new friends, but are they strong enough to go up against a killer with nothing to lose? Add in a magical painting that opens into another world, and boom! Magic!!
One of My Favorite King Stories.......2007-08-30
I first read Rose Madder eagerly years ago when I was starting high school- and I just finished it again today. I bought it a short while ago since I was curious if the loving memory I had of the story would happen to still be the same after all this time. And it is truly.
Rose Madder- a story about an abused wife finally running away from her monster of a husband- is not a favorite for everyone, so I will not promise to anyone interested in cracking it open that you will enjoy it. Every author has a book or books even that splits their fans and for King fans Rose Madder is just that one to do it. Some love it, some hate it- some only preferred a certain part of the story and felt it could have been written better.
To me, I think the book as it is is quite strong, compelling and at times even terrifying. It's strengths in my opinion outweighed its weaker points and King's solid writing altogether is very much here as it is in many of his successful works.
And unlike others, I feel the fantasy parts of the story where Rosie steps into the painting were very exciting and creative. I think some would have preferred her to stay in the real world throughout the novel though, and maybe just imagine being in the painting instead and although I could see that working I still much prefer how he did it- by allowing her to actually step into the world. The settings in both the fantasy and real world nonetheless are both equally well done. Other strengths of this novel in my opinion are the characters- except for Bill. Everyone else I had no problems with at all but Bill was a tad on the cheesy side in my opinion. I am glad Rosie found a sweet guy definitely- but sometimes he just felt kind of like the perfect Prince Charming type and it did rub me the wrong way sometimes. He didn't really have much of a personality either... he was just the ultimate nice- guy. I think King should have built him up a little more that's all- flaws and all.
There are really no other problems I find with this novel though except for the Epilogue. Although some King fans absolutely hate the ending- I don't but I felt it could have been written in a better way. I understand it but nonetheless it isn't entirely satsifying. You just get the feeling it could have written better that's all.
Overall Rose Madder I find a very good novel. It kept me turning the pages, mostly out of fear as abusive husband Norman kept getting closer to Rosie and her new life with her new friends and eventual lover. And the fantasy parts of the novel were a nice treat, a way to get pulled out of the terror of Rosie's reality and get a view of a rather limited but fascinating fantasy. I recommend it for King fans- but again, can't promise you how you will feel after you start reading it. The King crowd is pretty split on it, but it seems most agree it has its strengths and is worth at least a try.
4/5
INCREDIBLY good book which works on several levels.......2007-08-29
Stephen King at his best. Rose Madder is a rip-roaring crime thriller, an updated version of ancient myths, a realistically romantic love story AND the heartrending account of one woman's hellish nightmare at the hands of one of the cruelest, most misogynistic, rascist, homophobic sadists i have ever encountered in fiction. Full of subtle nuances and symbolism, as well as thought provoking and emotionally powerful scenes, this novel is awesome stuff!
Really Rosie Real.......2007-07-19
Rose Madder is a touching tale of a woman whose husband; also a police chief, abuses her and how she manages to escape his obsession and resources to find her. As the reader, you find you are with Rose in spirit as she breaks free of Norman and leaves the town he has authority over. I felt empowered as a woman to see another take control of her life however, I was disappointed to find she meets another man and falls in love. I wanted to see Rose build a life without a man to validate it and protect her. The details of the painting that Rose purchases are hard to grasp and a little repetitive however, very original that it should have such a consistency throughout the novel. Some points of the novel are told from Norman's perspective; his narrative almost makes you feel sympathetic towards him, a very interesting touch and a classic writing style of Stephen King's. My copy of the novel has a picture of the painting, I hope that yours does too because it makes the novel even more eerie. This novel reminds me of a Shakespearian tragic-comedy (an ironic genre). Rose Madder is a romantic-horror; it touches the heart but makes the spine tingle.
Book Description
Welcome to a world of intrigue of the most intriguing kind, where emperors and popes desperately vie for power, even as their subjects and servants engage in behind-the-scenes machinations of their own.
The Holy Roman Empire circa 1200 A.D.
Impoverished young knight Willem of Dole believed he would spend his life in rural Burgundy, struggling to provide for his widowed mother and younger sister, Lienor. And so it's with surprise—and apprehension—that he obeys a summons to the magnificent court of Konrad, Holy Roman Emperor, whose realm spans half of Europe. Willem's mischievous friend Jouglet, Konrad's favorite minstrel, is no doubt behind it somehow . . . but what's in it for Jouglet?
Court life is overwhelming to the idealistic young Willem, who is shocked by the behavior of his fellow knights, for whom chivalry is a mere game. Yet under Jouglet's witty, relentless tutelage, the naïve knight quickly rises in Emperor Konrad's esteem—until suddenly his sister, Lienor, becomes a prospect for the role of Empress. This unexpected elevation of the sibling "nobodies" delights Jouglet, but threatens three powerful—and dangerous—men at the court: the Emperor's brother, Cardinal Paul, who has in mind a different bride for Konrad; the Emperor's uncle, Alphonse, Count of Burgundy, who would keep secret certain things that only Willem can reveal; and most especially the Emperor's own steward Marcus, who is hopelessly in love with Konrad's cousin Imogen. For if Willem's star keeps rising, Imogen will be betrothed to the knight by royal decree—and Willem's star will surely continue to rise, unless Marcus figures out a way to stop it. But that would entail outscheming clever Jouglet, ablest of schemers.
Gossip, secrets, and lies are the fuel of daily life in Konrad's court. As Konrad edges closer to proclaiming Lienor his bride, those around Willem play a perilous game of cat-and-mouse as they attempt to secure their own fortunes, knowing that even the slightest move can shift the playing field entirely. And through it all, Jouglet remains Willem's most maddening yet staunchest ally. But what, really, does Jouglet stand to gain . . . or lose?
Transporting the reader to the brilliant, conniving heart of the largest empire of medieval Europe, Revenge of the Rose is a novel rich in irony and tongue-in-cheek wit, and reveals all the grit and color, politics and passion, of court life in the Holy Roman Empire.
Customer Reviews:
Engaging, Entirely Unpredictable.......2007-09-22
Inspired by a thirteenth-century poem called "Roman de la Rose," "Revenge of the Rose" envelops readers in a thrilling tale of courtly love, political intrigue, and cunning wit. The minstrel Jouglet is a riveting character whose schemes and quick-mind made me laugh out loud, while the main characters of Willem and Lienor provide an irresistible combination of the idealistic knight trying (too hard) to protect his spirited sister from the ways of the world. Galland weaves their stories into an incredibly well-developed, unpredictable plot that will keep you guessing until the very last page. And though the novel feels like historical fiction, I was surprised to learn in the author's notes that the court of Emperor Konrad - where much of the story takes place - did not exist, nor did the personalities and politics around him. As an avid historical fiction reader this revelation truly delighted me, and revealed the depth of Galland's talent. Combining her vivid imagination with a profound knowledge of history she was able to create an entirely new world, filled with characters you wish really existed.
Pleasant And Fanciful.......2007-09-15
I must preface this by stating that I love historical fiction: but fiction based on real people and real events. ROSE is fiction of a fantasy type, while nicely crafted and framed in large by descriptive narrative, it falls short of being a gripping tale of the true historical type.
I could not warm to the idea of a fictional Holy Roman Emperor, but the other characters were well painted and the story is interesting, while the minstrel who is a large character has a secret that could have been further developed into real suspense, she is still front and center for most of the book.
Like much women's fiction, and I class it thusly for its sophmoric style, it explains too much to us as if we have no prior knowledge of the times, and it ends with the pat ending of such tales which is not always realistic.
But then, it never pretends to be other than what it is: a nice light read and a romp.
Courtly Love!.......2007-04-22
This was a lot of fun. It's a silly love story, really, although it is a complicated silly love story set against a backdrop of the court of the Holy Roman Emperor in the thirteenth century. There is delightful interplay between the tenets of courtly love and people--and situations--not being quite what they seem. The prose is clear if not awe-inspiring, and the story is really quite a treat. A great summertime read.
Good, but not as good as Fool's Tale.......2007-02-06
This book was exciting, had good twist and turns, and interesting plot lines, but it was not as good as Fool's Tale. Maybe it was just the subject matter, but I loved the Fool's Tale so much more. Overall this book had no trouble keeping my interest, and it was funny and caught me by surprise a few times.
engrossing tale.......2006-09-05
I liked this book just as much as Galland's "The Fool's Tale." Some of the characters in this novel resemble those in TFT. She captures the medieval flavor of her setting, but uses modern language. It works. She's a great storyteller. This book has chivalrous knights, cynical monarchs, ambiguous court ministers, corrupt clergy, damsels in distress, and a witty gender bender hero/heroine. Great book and highly recommended.
Customer Reviews:
Super Reader.......2007-08-30
This is another Elric book that was published around 1990, quite a time after the the others, and after The Fortress of the Pearl.
Elri must locate the soul of his father, to enable him to stop his doomed wandering. At least, according to a dragon, anyway. With him will be the female warrior Rose. As is often the case, agents of Chaos, and the Duke Arioch will stand in their way.
The true motivations of the Rose will decide Elric's actions.
It just didn't seem the same.......2000-10-24
Elric has always been my favorite of the Champions. This book just didn't seem the same as the earlier ones, though. Of course, I've changed a lot since then, too. This one seemed overly contemplative, and Elric was too conveniently whisked through the multiverse to keep the plot together. Also lacking in action, and the final battle seemed a formality.
My favorite Elric so far.......2000-10-04
I'm currently reading _Stormbringer_ so I can't say anything about that book but this is my favorite Elric book out of the other 7. It's not as pulpy because it was written as a novel, not as short episodes for a magazine and the gypsy caravan was absolutely ingenious. Rose was cool too.
Questions answered and new questions posed.......2000-06-27
I really didn't have as much of a problem with the "talky" format of this book. After all, Elric tends to be a pretty contemplative guy. It filled in some background for me on Elric and his father,Sadric, which was welcome. Although we hear about Sadric in other books this is, as far as I know having read everything, but the Fortress of Pearl, the only time we see him in action. This book also provided some background on how Melnibone came to be what it was, as well as clarifying where its citizens may have come from. I liked seeing a female character, the Rose, who is quite capable of taking care of herself, who aside from Myshella Emporess of the Dawn and maybe Queen Yishana, tend to be absent from the other books. I'd like to see more stories in the future covering her other adventures.I love Wheldrake,as well, perhaps because I am a writer myself, albeit a definite amateur. He asked some of the questions I would ask and made some of the comments I would make, if I were able to talk to Elric. I also related to his poetic ramblings, being prone to them myself, and other aspects of his personality. I actually like the narrative style of this book better than the style of the earlier books, it seemed richer somehow. I would recommend reading it, but only if you've read at least the first few books, just to get an idea of the nature of Stormbringer, which is Elric's sword, the concept of the multiverse, and who, or what Elric's patron is and the relationship of the rulers of Melnibone to chaos. Chronologically, although not in order of publication, Revenge of the Rose follows book 4: Bane of the Black Sword.
As a further note, there is a mistake in the Kirkus review. The agent of chaos is named Gaynor the Damned, not Charion. Charion is a clairvoyant whom Elric and his companions meet in the Gypsy Nation.
Okay, but better be a hardcore Elric fan........1999-08-15
This book--being a Moorcock work--I felt would surely be well-written but, alas, it largely was not the case. A lot of the action is glossed over, much like the "Yada, yada, yada" episode of "Seinfeld" so that left me wanting at several potentially interesting and exciting points. The tense shifts that irked Kirkus didn't bother me so much as the clear lacking of the book's drive. A lot of poetry was espoused but not to much effect. There was a lot of insinuations as to Sotrmbringer's power and purpose and that helped, I guess, to shed some light on the sword's true motives, etc. But, in all, this book lacked the clear energy of the earlier books--and I can't help but wonder why that is so? Is Moorcock getting old and can't fight the urge to ramble on like a senile septuagenarian? I hope not.
Buy this book if you are a true Elric fan, otherwise content yourself with the first six books. (I haven't read "The Fortress of the Pearl" so I can't comment on that one.)
Customer Reviews:
A lifelong favourite........2001-05-14
I got this book at the age of 13 when it was first released. Since then, I have found a second copy at a used book store and have kept both copies in my home ever since. These days, I read them aloud to my children.
While I was one of the many kids who loved the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books as a child, this book was the rare title that followed the same formula and bettered it so much that it alone was enough to make you want to toss all the others into the garbage. Sadly, it was the only one of the "Endless Quest" books that was this good, but the one good one was a powerhouse.
As the young wizard apprentice Jaimie, you and your two best friends, a talking fox and a talking owl (simply named Fox and Owl) have come with wizard Pentegarn to settle a problem with the three wizards currently ruling in the now-tattered rainbow castle. But you have been tricked, so while Pentergarn fights for his life you, Fox and Owl have been sent to another area entirely. It's up to you to get back to Pentegarn and help him.
Rose Estes is a natural for this sort of storytelling. She has a strong, mature style in her manner and handles the layout of the entire book with lots of intelligent planning, yet keeps the slightest suggestion of a child's fairy tale present just enough to keep it lighthearted (she eases the dark mystery of the cloud castle's tempting table by presenting its food and drink as "cookies, cakes, ice cream and candy", for example). And there are some genuinely humorous moments both clever and refreshingly original for this sort of book, such as the antics of Fox and Owl in the enchanted library. And Harry Quinn's illustrations are among the best I've seen in fantasy literature.
If you stumble across this one, trust me--you will adore it and will read it again and again as much as any of the fairy tales you loved as a child.
Good for young readers.......1999-10-10
Like the other endless quests books, it is up to you to decide the hero's fate and the plot. It was my favorite endless quest book as a child, mostly because I love dragons. It's fun to read and different from the other books in Sci-fic.
Average customer rating:
|
Postal Revenge
Carolyn Rose
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1425983448 |
Book Description
My book, Postal Revenge, is true stories about several things that have happened inside the walls of differant postal buildings that I have worked in. This book is an eye opener of what really goes on behind the scene's of the Post Office door. I will tell you why we get paid so much for what work we do, as well as the pressure of doing so many test and the hours that we have to work. The main event of the book is how I talked a very nice man out of killing the foreman that had made his life very difficult and because of all the hours we had to work, it was making his marriage fall apart. His wife was going to file for a divorce. He was going to have nothing and it's all because of this foreman. He wanted to kill him . He made plans for getting it done with his gun. Also you will read of true stories of drugs, alcohol and a carrier that was insane who made people so scared to work with her, especially me. This book will give you the reasons why people do get killed inside the walls of the Post Office because of all the stress. You will have the knowledge of what makes people go "Postal" on the people inside the Post Office walls.
Customer Reviews:
Raw but Honest.......2007-07-20
This book is an interesting collection of stories about events that really happened to one postal employee.
Written in her own words, with no editing, it has a very honest, raw quality about it. Some people (particularly Christians) may find parts of this book shocking and offensive.
However, I believe this author has a message of hope for people who find themselves harassed, overworked and depressed.
Product Description
Paperbacks
Average customer rating:
|
The Blue Revenge
Marnie Rose
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Westerns | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1424140528
Release Date: 2007-01-08 |
Book Description
The Blues face good times when Sol and Jeremy find happiness with Cinda and Ginger, but then Sol is mauled by a mountain lion, and Jeremy must face losing his adopted son to Jamie's grandparents. They are surprised to learn Joel's wife is more than they know. Just who is Lisa? Then the Blues really go savage when someone starts killing their horses and beating their wives. Sheriff Blue learns it's like chasing a room full of wildcats when his six cousins turn Apache.
Average customer rating:
|
Brimstone's Revenge
Kathleen Rose
Manufacturer: 1st Books Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1414019319 |
Books:
- Blood Hunt: A Novel
- Blue Screen
- Bone Island Mambo: An Alex Rutledge Mystery (Alex Rutledge Mysteries)
- Break No Bones: A Novel (Temperance Brennan Novels)
- Broken Screen: Expanding The Image, Breaking The Narrative
- Burning Angel (Dave Robicheaux Mysteries)
- Busman's Honeymoon
- Cradle and All
- "D" is for Deadbeat (The Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Mysteries)
- Dead Season: A Story of Murder and Revenge
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life
- The Nature of Consciousness : The Structure of Reality: Theory of Everything Equation Revealed : Sci
- The Civil War Trilogy: Gods and Generals / The Killer Angels / The Last Full Measure
- The Black Cloud
- SIGN with your BABY Complete Learning Kit: US DVD Version, Book, Training Video
- The Art of Writing Reasonable Organic Reaction Mechanisms
- The Dublin Paper War of 1786-1788: A Bibliographical and Critical Inquiry Including an Account of th
- Through Parisian Eyes: Reflections on Contemporary French Arts and Culture
- NEW UNIVERSE THEORY WITH THE LAWS OF PHYSICS
- On the Lee Side of My Navy Life
