A Catskill Eagle, a Spenser Novel

Book Description

In the detective business, Spenser sometimes has to bend the law. Other times, to break it. But he lives by his own inviolate rules. And he loves just one woman -- even though she is the one woman he's just lost.

So when Susan's desperate letter arrives, Spenser doesn't think twice. His best friend, Hawk, faces a life sentence. And Susan has gotten herself into even bigger trouble. Now Spenser has to free them both...even if it means breaking his own rules to do it.

"If you like tight writing, no wasted words and interesting characters, Parker will be your cup of tea." (USA Today)

Customer Reviews:

Here's Where the Spenser Books Start Getting Silly.......2007-09-21

A CATSKILL EAGLE is the twelfth Spenser novel, and it's the first one with a really silly plot. The absurdity of the story makes this book difficult to thoroughly enjoy.

In this novel, Susan Silverman hooks up with a new boyfriend whose father just happens to be a evil arms dealer (and a white supremacist and anti-semitic to boot). Spenser and Hawk try to rescue her and somehow hook up with the CIA (!) who enlist them to covertly kill the arms dealer. The conclusion of this book involves Spenser breaking into the arms dealer's fortress and going through a secret tunnel to kill him.

Anyway, the whole plot of A CATSKILL EAGLE is absurd, and it's only Parker's snappy writing that makes this novel worthwhile. This is one of my least favorite Spenser novels, and I would definitely not recommend it to a newcomer to Parker's work. My advice would be to read PROMISED LAND, LOOKING FOR RACHEL WALLACE or EARLY AUTUMN first. Those novels have much more realistic, compelling plots that show Parker at his best.

Looking for Susan Silverman.......2007-06-30

In this episode of the Spenser series, Spenser receives a cryptic note from Susan; she needs him to come to California. Hawk is in jail and she is afraid she might be in trouble. This is all the coaxing Spenser needs to drop everything and head to California, where he immediately sets out to break as many laws in as creative ways as possible ("It's not easy to mumble to yourself if you don't feel moved to mumble. I didn't know what to mumble and finally began to mumble the starting lineup for the impossible-dream Red Sox team of '67"). Along the way he gets hooked up with governmental agencies with whom, for a change, he has a goal in common - get rid of Jerry Costigan, the father of Russell Costigan, the other man in Susan's life. Then things get complicated . . .

A transitory chapter in Spenser's life - he and Susan begin to work out their differences, which is great. He and Hawk bond and Susan and Rachel Wallace (who makes a return appearance in this book) begin to catch a glimpse of the mystery that is Spenser and Hawk's friendship. Throw in some illegal immigrants basically being used as slave labor whose revolt Spenser and Hawk use to get to Susan, secret bases hidden in mines in Idaho and some typical Spenser kicking butt, and you have a great Spenser novel.

For those who are reading them randomly - please stop. Read them in order. Believe me, it makes all the difference in the world!

Catskill Eagle - AUDIO VERSION read by, Michael Prichard.......2007-03-25

I read the hard cover version of this book and loved it so much. The best ever of all in the Spenser series in my opinion. I bought the audio version (read by, Michael Prichard),thinking it would be great fun to listen to it. I was very disappointed. The book was read, but with no character, (no emotion). I would love to listen to this one again, if read by Joe Mantegna

Packing it All on a Platinum Platter. Silver's in Another-man's Storage. Heroes & Villains Every-which-way........2007-02-06

Rachel Wallace and Hawk, feminist and leg-breaker, connect for some exquisite, touching banter. Though that's not the main theme, it's one of my favorite feathers in the nest of A CATSKILL EAGLE, # 12 in the Spenser series.

CATSKILL's plot and delivery changed style considerably from previous novels in the Spenser series, giving the appearance that the classic detective novel's solitary-private-eye may have walked off lonely street. Here he sang heated duets of a different kind of wounded blues (slowly being healed). Spenser and Hawk were a team throughout this plot. They committed and sacrificed nearly everything, to rescue Susan, both body and soul. Paradoxical hints were given that she couldn't, yet might rescue herself, which brought up the issue again of Robert Frost's "need and love being one." The full quote from Frost's poetry was used in MORTAL STAKES, # 3 Spenser, and repeated here within a fascinating, key exchange between Spenser and Susan's psychiatrist.

We had the FBI and CIA entering into this plot, requiring their piece of the purge-of-society-pie, in return for rescuing Hawk and Spenser from legal consequences of ethically chaotic acts collecting the highest of criminal charges, in the name of saving Susan.

The GYRE was still churning. The storm swirled stronger, hotter, and faster. Of course, due to all the above, this novel pushed a more rapid, forceful read than previous Spenser offerings. What a contrast this was to the pilot, THE GODWULF MANUSCRIPT, both great novels, and as age-stretching different as the 70's were from the 80's.

Parker is uncannily adept at using soul pain to spin the process of ethical evolution, tossing questions without answers, for readers to clear, if they can get up from their easy chairs and walk, after a bout of several pages ingested here. I had to wonder if someone whined that Spenser hadn't been providing enough fast-paced, heart-screeching action. Well, Parker brought it on now, whatever it took to addict readers to his characters and series.

I recall reading a comment Parker made in his blog on Amazon, about having accepted this series as his means of earning a living. GYRE, VALEDICTION, and now CATSKILL have surged snippets of speculation in my mind, about an author accepting a dream come true, which then swirls into a yolk of a different color, which he may not have anticipated. What if, whereas, wherever, and whatever, I doubt Parker/Spenser would be able to walk away from a challenge, not even one which took over 30 years of his life, working through both internal and external literary expectations, necessities, and trade-offs.

To me, within the potent force of the pivotal point of this novel added to the previous three, Parker felt to be struggling at soul bottom with a pair of the most basic of needs, those of demanding freedom of creative expression, and those of expecting a soul mate to behave as one.

Or. Maybe Parker simply enjoyed the heck out of writing this fast-paced, thought-provoking adventure, rescuing Susan with Hawk's help, drawing in the FBI, CIA, Quirk, and Benson to aid and abet in a swirling storm of ethical chaos.

This one has taken most if not all the so far ingredients and themes in the series, tossed them into a pot of High Plot, simmered through GYRE, turned up the heat a bit in VALEDICTION, then stirred with a vengeance of nuclear proportions in CATSKILL.

CATSKILL's ending was amazing, one of the best in the series, as far as achieving literary clarity and finesse of a seasoned novelist's skill. As per this whole series, however, ethical considerations on each page, including the riveting denouement, reached a high of surging questions and contemplations of actions that we usually condemn, placing them in the hands of the heroes. I couldn't put this one down, then automatically move my mind onward, to whatever was next in my life.

I've been nagged by this story for many reasons. I've known a few readers to quit the series here, no longer able to see Spenser, Hawk, or Susan in a clean, heroic light. I'm speculating that readers will either do that, or willingly acquiesce to a near compulsive need to continue to observe and contemplate the evolution of characters, themes, and literary style in this series.

I've acquiesced. I've already purchased the next 2 books in the series, # 13 & 14.

At least for now, I'm willing to go into the dark of my mind, with a hero struggling so closely with evil (in order to define and extract it from himself and others) he won't be able to avoid getting dirty.

Linda Shelnutt

Horrible.......2005-12-30

This was my second Spencer, and was nearly my last. It was one of the worst books I've ever read. My main problem was with the plot, which made absolutely no sense. The whole book was based around a situation that seemingly had no significance, I still don't understand what was Susan's actual problem. The book also lacked the characteristic Spenser humor, and Hawk was quickly getting tiring.

Old Eagle Nester: The Lost Legends of the Catskills

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Recaptures obscure American folk tales

Old Eagle Nester: The Lost Legends of the Catskills
Doris West Brooks
Manufacturer: Black Dome Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Nominated for the prestigous Anne Izard Storytelling Award, The Old Eagle-Nester is part of a great treadition of New York State sory collectors.

Customer Reviews:

Recaptures obscure American folk tales.......2004-11-22

This is a collection of stories set in the Catskills region of upstate New York in the Nineteenth Century. The tales evoke the lifestyle and atmosphere of this very particular place and time in a way that makes the book special. I don't live too far from this region, and once lived even closer, so I can recognize some of the natural features of the landscape, but it is still hard to imagine what life was like there so long ago, when bobcats roamed the mountains and a railroad (long since discontinued) carried passengers from town to town. The title comes from a group of mixed-race people (whose ancestors were local Indians, Dutch settlers and slaves), called Eagle-Nesters who settled in the region long ago.

Some of these stories contain supernatural elements such as ghosts and changelings. There are recurring characters, such as the old Eagle-Nester of the title, who is something of a witch who makes baskets, tells fortunes and serves a mysterious tea that has an unusual effect on people. Most of the stories are very low-key and focus on the often difficult everyday lives of the people, who were basically pioneers living off the land. They are true regional folk tales, variations on ones the author, herself a native of this area, heard as a child. The stories are atmospheric, quaint and well told. They will not appeal to people looking for suspense, action or melodrama. On the other hand, if you usually seek those things, this book might be a good way to look at life from a different perspective and appreciate a slower paced way of life that has all but disappeared from modern society.

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A Catskill Eagle
Robert B. Parker
Manufacturer: Dell Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OZXV34

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A Catskill Eagle
Robert B. Parker
Manufacturer: Delacorte Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ASIN: B000NQH4D2

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A Catskill Eagle
Robert B. Parker
Manufacturer: Dell Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000J9XIU6

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A Catskill Eagle
Robert B. Parker
Manufacturer: Delacorte Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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A Catskill Eagle
Robert B. Parker
Manufacturer: Dell Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: B000OZVUZK

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A CATSKILL EAGLE.
Robert B. Parker
Manufacturer: Delacorte Press/ Seymour Lawrence
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Catskill Eagle/a
Thomas Locker
Manufacturer: Philomel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0399218572

The Old Eagle Nester The Lost Legends of The Catskills

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The Old Eagle Nester The Lost Legends of The Catskills
Doris West Brooks Illustrations Sara Minaudo
Manufacturer: Black Dome Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KIELCK

Book Description

Back in print--to whet fan's appetites for Lord Perfect in March 2006.

A fiery noblewoman and arrogant rogue fall prey to danger and their own desires on a perilous quest for vengeance.

Customer Reviews:

No stars!.......2007-07-03

This book was absolutely horid!
This definitely goes to show that what others have rated highly here, may not be universally liked.
Esme is a petulant, annoying, whiny, griping SHREW! I felt sad for the hero to be shackled to her.
And where was the romance ? Thankfully I borrowed this from the library.

28 year-old profligate with a child-girl? .......2007-07-02

Loretta Chase's THE LION'S DAUGHTER drove me to the brink of swearing off all romance stories altogether. It also goes to show you that different isn't always good or necessarily enjoyable. I've created a new score (zero) specifically for such terrible novels such as these. I'm shocked I finished THE LION'S DAUGHTER. THE LION'S DAUGHTER drums out a child-girl's insecurities over her appearance while highlighting a dissolute rakehell's god-like appearance. In fact, many of the male characters admire the hero's god-like appearance, and we as readers are supposed to be heartened by a 28 year-old god-like libertine falling for a child (both in appearance and personality) a decade his junior. While this is common during the medieval ages, I found it jarring during the regency time period, especially considering the heroine's child-like appearance. I think we're supposed to laugh at the child-girl's constant bickering and snide, superior attitude towards everyone and especially the profligate hero (throughout). Predictably, everyone in the novel encourages the child-girl's superior, bickering attitude as though it's the new fad, like it's "in" to be superior, spit out scathing words 24/7, and lack an ounce of a desirable appearance. Someone needed to shut up this child-girl more than even Henley's Eleanor from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL. The rakehell hero was little more than a handsome puppy dog for the child-girl to cuddle with and service the child-girl's "passion" at her becking call.

Let's just say I didn't find any of this entertaining and the fact that I'm wasting time writing about this novel even more odious.

The plot was different for a regency romance. Not better different though. Taking place mostly in Albania, it tells of an Englishman dubbed the Red Lion and his 18 year-old child-like daughter's plight for revenge after learning her father was murdered. My gawd, the plot was bad, I think similar to the child heroine, there's only one way to describe it: an inchoate cesspool. There's supposed to be intrigue and adventure but it consisted mostly of adolescent conversations and vacuous thoughts. Oh and by the way, there's no settings, and the prose was bad, bad, bad.

I wouldn't read it for the romance or the sensual scenes either. They're on the same base level of quality as the plot, settings and characterizations.

Just trying to forget it all now. Please, if you have any respect for yourselves and sanity, avoid this at all costs.

A different sort of Regency.......2007-04-16

Loretta Chase's novels seem to be rather variable but always interesting. I loved "Lord Of Scoundrels" which has a dreadful cover but is a great story; "Captives Of The Night" was a very different read (although with some characters in common with "Lord Of Scoundrels"), with far more mystique and secrecy in the plot and characters, but it was still very good. I didn't like "Miss Wonderful" at all, one of her more recent books and far more in the traditional regency romance vein. So, what's "The Lion's Daughter" like?

This book is also related to characters in "Captives Of The Night" and "Lord Of Scoundrels" and is, in fact, chronologically before them - by about ten years. Not that it seems to matter which order you read the books in, although the central character in "Captives Of The Night" features in this book as a villain, which makes for interesting reading.

What's so fascinating about this book is the setting; there's no jaunting around London at balls and routs, most of the action takes place in Albania. It's very clear that Loretta Chase knows an awful lot about Albanian life and society in the 1820s as the descriptions are excellent, not just of places but of manners, behaviour and expectations. Although the story ends up in England it still has a rather wild and different flavour than the traditional Regency with a look at a failing estate and how that might be turned around.

The story focuses on Esme Brentmor, daughter of Jason, an Englishman, and of an Albanian woman; Jason has lived in Albania for 20 years and his daughter has grown up strongly part of that culture although also being aware of her English side. She is in danger of kidnap from Ismal who wants to use her as a hostage against her father so, when her father dies, she vows revenge. However her plans are somewhat upset when she finds herself looking after her cousin Percival, 12 years old, and a man who has been travelling with Percival, Varian St George, a dissolute and penniless aristocratic rake.

Varian and Esme soon find themselves fencing verbally and sometimes struggling physically (Esme is rather a wildcat). Her plan to get revenge on Ismal isn't compatible with Varian's plan to return her and Percival to Percival's father in Corfu, thus the two main characters are continually scheming against each other. Somewhere in the middle of this they find they are attached to each other and yet neither really understands what's going on most of the time, plus there is still danger to them - a piece is missing from a very valuable chess set and everyone is looking for that piece.

There are some twists and turns in the plot, of course, and the usual subterfuge; Esme's character doesn't change particularly but Varian is very much improved by the love of a good woman; he was a difficult hero to like initially, being a wastrel gaming rake, but the reader is left pretty confident that all will go well for them.

Although I did enjoy this book I didn't find it that gripping - I read several other novels over the time I was reading this - and although the setting was fun being so different the love story aspect wasn't as satisfying as some might wish for in a historical romance. Still, setting and historicity seemed very good and the Albanian angle was a real change. A book to read and enjoy when in the right frame of mind.

More than a Romance.......2006-09-24

While all the Loretta Chase books I've read have been great, this earlier book was substantially different from her others and is now my favorite. Yes, it was a romance and I loved the character development of both Esme and Varian as the book progressed. They didn't change overnight, and even at the end, Esme's hot temper was part of who she was as a person. There was no bolt-of-lightning romance, but love snuck up on them in spite of themselves.

Yet, the book was also a relatively complex adventure story full of political and personal intrigue. It had a large cast of supporting characters, all with various hidden agendas, who were sometimes difficult to keep straight. While I was initially disappointed in this extended focus, I soon discovered that the broader scope created a fantastic book!!! I recommended my husband read the book as it was so good (and he's NEVER before read a romance). He loved it too.

So ... if you're looking for light romance, just pass on this one. If you prefer a engaging historical full of adventure, intrigue, humor, and romance as well, pick this one up. It's a definite keeper!!!

too much rambling...........2006-03-26

I really have always enjoyed Loretta Chase, but this book was a big disapointment. The characters seemed to have no connection and the dialog was sometimes difficult to get thru. I actually did not even finish the book, because I really did not care what happened to Esme and Varian. If you want a good book get Lord of Scoundrels, but leave this one on the shelf

Daughter of Deliverance (Lions of Judah Series #6)

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Great Story
Daughter of Deliverance : Gilbert Morris - Lions of Judah

Daughter of Deliverance (Lions of Judah Series #6)
Gilbert Morris
Manufacturer: Bethany House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Romance | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Biblical | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0764229214
Release Date: 2006-04-01

Book Description

Gilbert Morris tells the story of two star-crossed lovers on opposite sides of a war. One trying to save her family and the other trying to save his people. Lions of Judah book 6.

Customer Reviews:

Great Story.......2007-09-18

I really liked the story because it has allot of insight on judging others sins... The characters came to life or to skin a little more than just reading the story from the Bible~

Daughter of Deliverance : Gilbert Morris - Lions of Judah.......2007-05-15

Great book from Gilbert Morris's Series Lions of Judah . It is about Rahab & gives readers an wonderful understanding of the Israelites battles to take the promise land that God gave them.

Chronicles of the Cheysuli (full set): Shapechangers; Song of Homana; Legacy of the Sword; Track of the White Wolf; A Pride of Princes; Daughter of the Lion; Flight of the Raven; A Tapestry of Lions

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Chronicles of the Cheysuli (full set): Shapechangers; Song of Homana; Legacy of the Sword; Track of the White Wolf; A Pride of Princes; Daughter of the Lion; Flight of the Raven; A Tapestry of Lions
Jennifer Roberson
Manufacturer: Daw Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NXNYVQ

The Lion Tamer's Daughter and Other Stories (Laurel-Leaf Books)

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Satisfying Stories That Linger

The Lion Tamer's Daughter and Other Stories (Laurel-Leaf Books)
Peter Dickinson
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Short Story Collections | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Horror | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Book Description

In four haunting stories, kindred souls reach out across time, space, and magical barriers to rescue and transform each other. In the first story, "The Spring," a boy finds a world beyond the one in which he was born. In "Touch and Go," an elderly man recalls how he and a girl from an earlier time changed and enriched each other's lives. In "Checkers," a ghostly presence holds the key to survival. And Melanie, "The Lion Tamer's Daughter," bravely ventures in to her own dark and mysterious past.

Customer Reviews:

Satisfying Stories That Linger.......2004-07-13

It might not seem like four short stories can have much impact, but something about these supernatural tales lingers in the mind long after you've read them. The characters and settings are unusual and engaging, and the stories themselves are not disturbing like some tales of the supernatural, but satisfying.

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Jephta and his daughter
Lion Feuchtwanger
Manufacturer: Putnam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

German | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007E2HGY

Ratha's Challenge: The Fourth Book of the Named

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Ratha's Challenge: The Fourth Book of the Named
Clare Bell
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Adventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0142409154
Release Date: 2007-10-18

Book Description

As Ratha struggles to reconcile with Thistle-chaser, the daughter she once tried to kill, the Named are locked in another struggle when they confront a strange clan of hunter cats who are driven by and completely dependent on the telepathic song of their leader, True-of-voice. When an accident leaves True-of-voice on the brink of death, Ratha must choose whether to destroy or to save the hunters. It is her daughter who has the knowledge to show Ratha the way . . . if she can listen. Ratha's Challenge features a teaser for Clare Bell's Ratha's Courage—the first new book about the big cat and her clan in thirteen years.

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Stay away. Stay far, far away...
Keely and me....
Keely is unique . . .
Daughter of the lion
Great Book

Daughter of the Lion (Cheysuli)
Jennifer Roberson
Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0886773245

Customer Reviews:

Stay away. Stay far, far away..........2004-12-13

Before I begin, please let me state: I am a huge fan of Jennifer Roberson, and I've made a mental note to leave adoring reviews for other, beloved books in order to pay penance for what I'm about to write.

Because I'm really gonna lay into her in this one.

Continuing the Cheysuli Chronicles, we now have the story of Keely, the stereotypical pseudo-feminist (in this case) tomboy princess who would rather practice swordplay than embroider linens. And what do we have here? An arranged marriage! How not at all unorginal and cliche in terms of convenient plot twists -- because, of course, she wants to be a warrior, not a wife. Cue hijinks.

TERRIBLE book. Absolutely terrible. Poorly structured, uncentered, and Roberson tried to deal with serious issues that just shouldn't be dealt with in a magical context. (I'm sorry, but they shouldn't. I'm all for discussion of whether or not one should abort a child of rape, but not when said child is actually the product of months of magical torture and imprisonment by a sadistic archenemy, and its prophesized birth would bring about the downfall of your family and thus THE ENTIRE WORLD. Put that way, it's a no-brainer.) And "Daughter" earns the dubious honor of the worst cop-out ending in the world. I can't stress how much this book upset me with its sheer awfulness.

The thing is, this is an early novel of a very good, very intellegent author -- so it's allowed to be awful. Every writer writes several bad books before they hit jackpot. And the seeds of Roberson's later greatness are there to see -- the fact that she attempts to deal with issues of gender identity and a woman's sexual status foreshadow some of the really wonderful insights she provides in later books, like "Lady of the Forest" or any of the Sword books. But in this one she just botches it. As I tried to show in the example above, Roberson chooses the wrong issues to tackle and in the wrong context. To top it all off, I found Keely wildly unsympathetic. She whined, she moaned, she muttered, she made very stupid and obvious mistakes that made me want to throw the book across the room. If you're looking for strong, rebellious heroines -- and I often do -- there are so many better choices out there. Check out the Song of the Lioness Quartet, "The Lion and the Sword," or "The Deed of Paksenarrion" for much more mature, realistic, and engaging accounts of fantasy female fighters.

This book might appeal to a younger reader whose idea of rebellion includes impetuously running away from home, but if you're looking for a book that REALLY challenges conventional norms, look elsewhere. (Possibly a different Roberson book.)

Keely and me...........2003-12-02

It was awhile after I was given this book that I read it, but after I did I came to relize.... I love this book!!! I can very much relate to Keely's personality and I love fantasy stories so it was a perfect mix ^_^
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Keely is unique . . ........2003-06-27

. . . she's a warrior, a princess, a shapechanger who, unlike her fellow Cheysuli, can take any shape whatsoever and talk with any lir (totem animal) while being bound by none (again, unlike any other Cheysuli). But she's lonely. Her brother Corin has gone off to rule Atvia, her other brothers Hart and Brennan are doing their own things too (ruling other kingdoms, or helping to rule), and in any event, she's miserable.

Topping everything off, she's about to be married off, which she hates. She's trained, mostly in secret, to become the best warrior possible. She fights with knife, bow, and in lir-shape; she does not want to be told she's weak in any way, shape or form. And she most certainly doesn't want to marry, as the only marriages and long term relationships she's ever seen have been predicated on the women being weaker than the men -- and them liking it that way.

And that's definitely not for her. What's to do?

Keely's betrothed, Prince Sean, looks on from afar, and is impressed. He likes her spirit and wants her for herself, yet he knows she won't believe him. Why would she, when she's been told so many inaccurate things about how to behave "like a woman," when she's never been any of them (meek, mild, eager to please, inoffensive)? He pretty much figures, "Why would she believe me, anyway? Even though I do want her as is." So he devises an ingenious plan . . . .

I don't want to give away too much more of the plot than that. Suffice it to say that Keely is a very engaging character; she's smart, tough, nobody's fool, and extremely impetuous. She's also gifted, a good warrior, a loyal friend and companion -- and manages to get taken running away from her betrothed, right into the arms of Strahan the Ihlini.

One problematic point. There is an extremely long series of rapes in this book; some younger readers might miss it, but just in case, it'd be better not to have them read it until they're older and can understand. It is consistent with how Strahan has been shown in earlier Cheysuli books; the man is evil, and doesn't care who he hurts so long as he does right by his own lights -- which are deeply and horribly skewed due to early influences by his father.

I respected Keely all the more after she'd been raped, because she didn't give up. As she swelled in pregnancy, she refused to give in, despite believing her child would be the worst tainted imaginable (due to her mother's mental illness and Strahan's evilness). The child dies, thankfully unborn; that spared a whole lot of angst on that side.

However, just because the child ends up dying before birth doesn't mean the moral implications are shirked; Ms. Roberson explores 'em all, with great virtuosity and depth of feeling. Anyone reading of Keely's plight will share her pain in the horrible circumstances, while sighing in relief after her unborn child (born of the rape) dies unborn, unless they are totally callous and have no heart whatsoever.

What Keely fights in the latter half of the book is not only societal strictures against the "appropriate" roles for women, but also her own beliefs. She never wanted this to happen, and loses most of her self-esteem, sense of worthiness, and becomes deeply depressed, yet hides her condition from others. This, too, is very plausible; it's how victims of rape act, especially if they've become pregnant from the act of violence.

It's because of Keely's heroism, internal and external, that I'd recommend this book not only to fantasy and romance readers, but to others who need to know there is a way to survive and go on. Keely managed it; others can too, by reading how she manages to survive. Even though Keely is a fictional character, she's true to life, moving, honest, and seems more real than many people you might meet on the streets of the world's cities today.

Better yet, Keely rebuilds her life, if painfully, and finds not only life again, but love eternal, all without sacrificing one iota of her beliefs. This is an extremely powerful, uplifting message, one worth sharing with just about everyone you know in my opinion.

Highly recommended for anyone over the age of about fourteen or fifteen. Five stars plus.

Daughter of the lion.......2002-08-21

This is one of the best books I have ever read .It starts with keally sword fighting a habit knowen by those who have read the books that came before this. Ironically her sister in law is with a child again and keally has her temper flaered up again by this for Alieein may die. then finding out she is bethroed to sean, then meeting his half brother rory she finds out that sean,well never mind I can`t tell you, you have to read this great series.

Great Book.......2001-11-30

This book is a great read, and definitly one of my favorite in the Cheysuli series. Daughter of the Lion focuses on Keely, Niall's daughter. Keely is a greatr heroine, a lot like Alix in many aspects. In a Pride of Princes (book 5), Keely's 3 brothers had to accept their destinies as well as fight off the Ihlini. In this book, Keely finally faces the challenges the of the Ihlini and learns to accept that she is a woman, even though she was raised on weapons. Sean and Rory are great characters, too, and theirs an interesting plot twist at the end. Also, more of Taliesin, the Ihlini harper, whom I love, the a'saii (cheysuli purists), and Maeve, Keely's older half sister, although she does not play a crucial role in the story.
This book gave me another loveable heroine, who will not be forced to do what she decides not too, and who can fight for herself. If you liked book 1 (Shapechangers), my other favorite, and Alix's character, then your bound to like Daughter of the Lion, too (or vice versa). Also, in reading this book it does hgelp if you have some background with the Cheysuli books, although you dont have to have read the other books; it can stand alone. In all events, this is a great read, and I heartily reccomend it, especially to cheysuli readers.

Between the Lions The Farmer, His Daughter, and Their Donkey (Chic-fil-A version)

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Between the Lions The Farmer, His Daughter, and Their Donkey (Chic-fil-A version)

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GFJUCI

Product Description

Paperback Chic-fil-A version of Between the Lions-The Farmer, His Daughter, and Their Donkey

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Daughter of the Lion
Jennifer Roberson
Manufacturer: DAW Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000JCCPF2

The Farmer, His Daughter and Their Donkey ((Between the Lions) Chick-fil-A)

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The Farmer, His Daughter and Their Donkey ((Between the Lions) Chick-fil-A)

Manufacturer: Frederic Thomas, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GF3W0E

Product Description

This book is based on a fable, written around 620 B.C. by a Greek storyteller named Aesop.

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