Reckless Abandon

Book Description

Cop-turned-lawyer Stone Barrington tracks a mobster hiding deep within the witness protection program in this new thriller in the New York Times bestselling series-with a little help from beautiful Florida police chief Holly Barker.

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Customer Reviews:

Bleed-through Between Series Gives Romantic Romps & Iconic Intrigue: Florida Flows in NYC.......2006-06-14

A couple of Stuart Woods recent novels had caught my eye as I was looking for something sort of similar to Robert Parker's Spenser series.

This being the first of those two eye-catchers which I read, I can say I enjoyed the easy opening of the main characters from separate series making a slow jazz, "no problem" connection. The situation, setting, and dialogue were refreshingly, realistically simple and natural. Even with periodic shocks of abrupt overturnings of a flow of events, the plotting clicked along with no reading-resistance from moi. Chief Holly Barker was clever with her quips and guts, dancing through nonchalance; and Stone Barrington was so smitten and intrigued by Holly, the two melted like butter on a hot day, sliding right into a business mixing pleasure thing based from his home.

I noticed that a few reviews don't recommend this novel as a "starter kit" for readers who haven't read most of Woods's other novels, due to the fact that this story uses a sort of patchwork quilt of past plots. So, I wondered, would I be lost?

I was carried without effort by the interaction and dialogue among characters and didn't find the brief recaps of the past to be any different than what would be necessary in any novel. No plot works without a past, and segments of that history have to be plugged into an ongoing action.

Loved the way Woods stitched the title into the book as a true and actual THEME, becoming obvious with chapter 10, in which Stone interviewed his client-from-hell, professional photographer, Herbert Fisher. Of course Herbie was not the only character for whom Woods used "reckless abandon" as an identifier of personality traits.

Feel free to buy and read the novel to do this thought-provoking discovery of for whom, what, where, when, and how this "reckless abandon" plays off, from the simplest, to the most symbolic, to the most legal of meanings.

This book had more "live in" capacity than most, like a world was opened and I could simply step in each time I opened the pages.

The relationship between Stone and Holly continued the flow established in the novel's opening, and grew easily and naturally, without the usual blocks in romance novels or other P.I. persona series. The sex scenes were simple and gutsy and were slipped within the daily doings without much difficulty or unnecessary production. It was interesting to see how a man like Stone reacted to an aggressive partner like Holly. He was just there, and certainly had no trouble enjoying the ride, taking Holly at face value, which was refreshing both ways, with the blessed absence of the usual emotional games. Jealousy was toyed with on both sides, with a realistic touch, and like everything else, the two rambled through those glitches without over concern, no growing roots for those bleeps of green.

Given the way most of us live out our days, this novel might seem unbelievable. But, having worked and lived several years on the inside of criminal justice systems, my experience confirmed that the characters, dialogue, pacing, actions and reactions, the ways of dealing with a very different system of ethics, was on target with the reality Woods was describing. Though Woods's critical slant on the FBI and CIA might be slightly skewed based on his political leanings, it's plausible that those types of casual behaviors toward killing and execution could exist in facets of such agencies and bureaus. I also know from experience, however, that a good number of honorable, admirable men take on these types of responsibilities and jobs, with a type of pride and integrity which many of us will never know or live. They're to be admired and thanked.

I'm pro President George W. Bush. Woods is not. At least he's not, based on the info on Stuart Woods's web site, which is well done and very direct and clear in exposing his opinions, his work, and his trade. He comes across to me as a crisp, to the point, no nonsense, male of the species, and I can't help admiring his candor and directness.

Lest we forget, however, RECKLESS ABANDON is a work of fiction, a well done and highly entertaining one, in which, yes, the author expresses and dramatizes his political opinions about the world. As he notes on his web site, whose opinions should he write about, other than his own?

Though the whole novel was engrossing, the last quarter of the plot kicked up in reader capture enhancement. I was in high entertainment awe of the ways Stone, Holly, Dino, and Lance extricated themselves out of several seemingly untenable, end-of-the-road, into-the-grave, impossible scenarios. There's a term for what Woods accomplished repeatedly with incredible finesse throughout the last quarter of the book:

Deux ex machina.

Though ... I'm not sure how firmly that applied there, in the meaning, "saved by an unexpected event interjected by a `Higher Hand' of a God, or The Author." In most cases one of the characters saved the situation from disaster due to tangy thinking or fluid footwork. ANYway, all snafu's were undone in very cool, ingenious ways.

Also felt right on with the way Holly and Stone handled their budding relationship, as the book's sunset arrived.

Yes sir. This is great entertainment of the purest type given just the right complexity, with subtle, interesting wisdom extended simply (without heavy agendas imposed) through character contemplations, conversations, and choices.

I'll go for more.

Linda G. Shelnutt

Not One of Wood's Best.......2006-02-06

You'd think that if Holly Barker teams up with Stone Barrington, you'd have a rip roaring murder mystery. Not this time! Stuart Woods has missed the mark on this book. The reader finds out the two main characters like to jump into the sack; but the author has not developed his characters very well. It's like he wrote this book "on the spur of the moment", while sitting in a New York apartment, with nothing else to do. The story line involving the FBI, NYPD and others looking for the murderous bad guy, Trini Rogriquez, is not very realistic. No high tech equipment (except powerful firearms) is referred to in this book. As the book concludes, it doesn't take much effort to guess how it may end. On the positive side,however, this book, like most of Wood's others, is easy to read.

She turned to Stone.......2006-01-27

I gave this book five stars to catch the attention of prospective readers.

Amazon's 5 star system is the equivalent of the greenish grassy stuff that falls out of a horse's backside in such nice twinkie-shaped parcels.

Stone Barrington is fun. Simply put. I found some of the characters a little thin, but I think all in all the combination of Stone's unique lifestyle (what a house!) and his personality and Woods' plotting drive this book (my first by Woods) along very nicely and make up for the problems I have with the tome. As a matter of fact, I think Robert Crais' novels get a lot better review and that is not necessarily justified. Poorly plotted sentence, but you catch my unique odor I am sure.

I think this is a particularly good vacation read, for those of you who can afford vacations. Fatherless offal you all are.

I will certainly read more of the Stone books at least.

Rick

Skip it.......2005-08-19

This was my first Stuart Woods novel and I wasn't impressed. Stone Barrington character is like James Bond and I never liked him. The whole story is just too unbelivable. I like something a little more realistic. Sorry, this just doesn't fly.

Maybe the next one will be better.......2005-08-12

Since I seem to have seen the same comments/complaints in the reviews of the two latest Stone Barrington novels by Stuart Woods (Reckless Abandon, Two-Dollar Bill), I'll do two quick reviews in one and address them, while adding my own two cent's worth. I'll post this effort on the Amazon pages for both books.

First, a few general comments.

1) If you have a favorite restaurant, you eat there. If you can afford to do so, you eat there often.

2) Why so upset about the sex? Jealous?

3) Remember the Constitution? Despite our clueless leader's efforts to repeal it, it still guarantees all of us freedom of speech, expression, etc. Now if Mr. Woods wants to use his free speech to criticize the war-mongering, right-wing, conservative administration currently in power, he is totally within his rights to do so.

Well, enough ranting. On with the review.

I'd have to say that the two most recent Stone Barrington novels were not the best of the series. To me, the series seems to be veering into the realm of the ridiculous, which I had hoped was left behind with the psychotic Mob daughter that nearly became Stone's wife. The earlier stories had more believable plots (the possible exception being the one where not one, but two killers manage buy their way out of a death sentence.) Contributing to the comic opera tone of the novels is the reappearance of a photographer who has raised stupidity to an art form. I sincerely hope we've seen the last of him.

I am not going to give up on this series by Mr. Woods. Not yet, anyway. However, the same cannot be said for his Orchid series. In my opinion, in transforming his protagonist from small town police chief to "Jane Bond, Superspy," Mr. Woods has caused a promising series to pole vault over the line of believability. That's one reason I'm going to stop reading the Orchid series. The other reason can be summed up in two words: Lance Cabot, who is probably going to end up playing a bigger role in the Orchid series. He comes off as a pompous, arrogant, jerk, who is more than willing to let killers walk free because of "national security." Over the course of two books, he coerces Stone into signing a contract with "the agency," orders him around like a flunky, threatens him with induction into the military, and even threatens to shoot Stone in the knee. All I can say is that I hope in future books, Stone uses his legal skills to break his contract with "the agency," so he (and we) won't have to put up with Mr. Cabot anymore.

In a nutshell, I think the best thing for this series would be to lose the CIA/SIS connection entirely, and give the readers back the serious plots of the earlier books.

Stuart Woods CD Collection 3: Dirty Work, Reckless Abandon (Stone Barrington)

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Stuart Woods CD Collection 3: Dirty Work, Reckless Abandon (Stone Barrington)
Stuart Woods
Manufacturer: Brilliance Audio on CD Unabridged
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1597377287
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Book Description

Dirty Work:
Back in New York City after the London adventures of The Short Forever, cop-turned-lawyer Stone Barrington is approached by a colleague at the firm of Woodman & Weld who needs help with a celebrity divorce case. Heiress Elena Marks needs proof of her layabout husband's infidelity before she can begin divorce proceedings. When the undercover work Stone sets up turns dirty - and catastrophic - leaving the errant husband dead and the mystery woman gone without a trace, Stone must clear his own good name and find a killer hiding among the glitterati of New York's high society.

Reckless Abandon:
Stone Barrington is, once again, right at home in New York City; but this time he is joined by the tenacious Holly Barker from Orchid Blues, the lady police chief of Orchid Island, Florida. In Reckless Abandon, Holly finally makes it to Manhattan, hot on the trail of an evil fugitive from her jurisdiction. Stone is, well, glad to see her, right up until the moment when her presence creates a great danger to both of them - and to their surprise, she becomes the pursued, not the pursuer.

With Reckless Abandon: Memoirs of a Boat-Obsessed Life

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With reckless abandon
Oh Captain, my captain!
Salty dog holds the stage

With Reckless Abandon: Memoirs of a Boat-Obsessed Life
Capt. Jim Sharp
Manufacturer: Devereux Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America 1789-1989

ASIN: 1928862128

Book Description

Imbued with a sea captain’s outlook on life and the optimistic attitudes found in overcoming obstacles—from battling childhood polio to preparing and maintaining a 100-year-old wooden schooner—this autobiography regales the life of a leading windjammer captain and tugboat skipper. Packed with wonderful characters and salty adventures—from a mutinous cook to sailing through nor’easters—this inspirational life story takes readers from ports of call in Florida and the Bahamas to the foggy shores of Maine.

Customer Reviews:

With reckless abandon.......2007-07-13

This is an excently written book by a true sailing enthusiast. What a way from Upper Darby to the coast of Maine.

Oh Captain, my captain!.......2007-07-01

I have not yet read the book, but I dare give it 5 stars, for I have sailed before the mast on Jim's "Adventure" 3 times, and his tales can only have improved since my first trip in 1968.

Salty dog holds the stage.......2007-06-17

Jim Sharp dominated the "windjammer" scene in the 70's and 80's in midcoast Maine helping to launch the careers of several of the current and past schooner (and ketch) captains. Jim always managed to tell a good tale as he steered the Adventure during those decades and this book is no exception. Jim doesn't let his childhood disability slow him down much whether dealing with motion of a boat or with official notions of how things should be done. From his early days as finance manager to his gradual tranformation as multiple boat owner/operator, the story is revealed with personal insight and humorous details. If you desire to learn how one can cope with personal disabilities, deal with a maritime ghost or what to do with an old iron safe, give this book a gander.

Disclaimer: I sailed with Jim in 1986 as a one time passenger on the Adventure after having sailed on the boat he nicknames "the Jingler" in this book and spent the bulk of the cruise hearing his side of the rivalry he had with the "Jingler's" captain.

Average customer rating:

I didn't expect it.......

Reckless Abandon
Jolene Prewit-Parker
Manufacturer: Leisure Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0843925663

Customer Reviews:

I didn't expect it..............2003-02-10

Trashy cover...tatty cover...but you know what? Never judge a book by it's cover. Because this is one of the sweetest romances I've read. Even though it was set in the 1800's...it had a modern day air to it, with the relaxed view the couple had to lovemaking. The nicest thing about this book? The hero was NICE...he wasn't horrible as soon as they met...he treated her with respect and they were a cute couple. I loved the sub-plot with the black-coat man...I don't expect you'll be able to find this book..but if you're lucky enough..I reccomend it!!

He Has Made Me Glad: Enjoying God's Goodness With Reckless Abandon (Saltshaker Books)

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An engaging and whimsical look at Christian life
worthwhile read

He Has Made Me Glad: Enjoying God's Goodness With Reckless Abandon (Saltshaker Books)
Ben Patterson
Manufacturer: InterVarsity Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0830817433

Book Description

The Christian gospel is about grace.The Christian life is about gratitude and joy.Scripture characterizes joy as what you experience when you are grateful for the grace that's been given you. But joy is not simply described in the Bible; it is prescribed. We are called to be joyful, to give thanks in all circumstances, to embrace grace.Still, there's plenty going on in the world and in our own lives to make joy seem impractical, gratitude unnecessary and grace perplexing. We who have been given every reason to be joyful can nevertheless be joyless. How can we begin to live in the truth that our God has made us to be glad?With gleeful exuberance, Ben Patterson submits his compelling case for joy. His winsome stories and thoughtful reflections show how even traditional disciplines such as (yawn) churchgoing and (gulp!) tithing can be hilariously fulfilling when lived out of gratitude for God's gracious gifts. Once we start to think about all that God has done for us, our thoughts turn inevitably to gratitude and ultimately to gladness. And that is only appropriate, for he has made us to be glad.

Customer Reviews:

An engaging and whimsical look at Christian life.......2005-08-03

This book is a sheer delight --- a whimsical look at the Christian life that lives up to the appointed title: HE HAS MADE ME GLAD ("he" being God).

At the beginning of an introductory chapter titled "We Are Far Too Easily Pleased," author Ben Patterson quotes C. S. Lewis: "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us." Then comes Patterson's first paragraph: "A poll conducted by the George Barna organization a few years ago discovered that the number one desire of most Americans was to be thinner. Number two was to be richer."

That opening sets up Patterson's engaging style --- providing meaty content, including biblical exposition, literary quotes, and historical insight, in an anecdotal context. He sets up a thirst for joy and then walks you through the satisfaction of responding to God in a way that engenders joy.

HE HAS MADE ME GLAD would be appropriate to give to a non-Christian who is curious about the Christian faith. In early chapters Patterson lays out the basics of the gospel message. What's so amazing about grace? He clearly answers the question and, further, explains that if we really understand it, our response is one of gratitude. He quotes theologian Karl Barth: "Gratitude follows grace like thunder lightning."

But the book also has much to offer a seasoned Christian, especially in an early chapter titled "Joy Busters," gently reminding us that past disappointments, myopia, and fear of losing control can block the joy God wants to give us. And also in the six chapters describing "habits of joy" --- these habits being compared to "the ways we spread our sails" to catch the "wind" of the Holy Spirit, who gives us the "gift" of joy. The habits? Gratitude in all things. Awareness of God's presence and love. Participation in a church community. Sabbath rest. Conversation that builds up rather than tears down. Generosity.

In terms of personal anecdote, Patterson, a former pastor and now college chaplain (and a husband and father of four grown children), admits to rare moments of dancing for joy around the living room. "Sometimes joy sweeps me off my feet, but more often," he continues, "it courts me and asks for a decision" --- a choice to raise one of the habitual sails.

The book is a bit repetitious --- Pascal's ecstatic conversion account being quoted twice, for example, and the last chapter being a partial reprise of the first --- but one hardly notices. I, for one, was turning pages and turning to prayer, allowing my spirit to reach toward heaven.

And now I turn to my bookcase: For probably 10 years Patterson's early book, WAITING: FINDING HOPE WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT, has been nestled, unread, on a crowded shelf in my living room. Maybe it's time I picked it up.

--- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence

worthwhile read.......2005-07-25

He Has Made Me Glad: Enjoying God's Goodness with Reckless Abandon by Ben Patterson

Ben Patterson's He Has Made Me Glad is about the power of joy. Asserting that joy is the natural byproduct of knowing God, Patterson makes a compelling argument.

Pastor, Teacher, Contemplative, Ben Patterson is a regular contributor to Leadership Journal and Chaplain of Westmont College. With the skill of a man learned in the scriptures he leads readers through many scriptures detailing joy and the Christian experience. Revealing his own trials and triumphs, without demeaning readers but coming alongside them as mentor and friend, Patterson's appealing prose is not meant to be rushed through but rather, savored.

Often in the course of this book his provoking thoughts caused me to gaze off into contemplation of what I had just read. This is on the level with Brennan Manning and John Piper, a great fusing of their particular strengths--mystically theological. Where I normally pick up a book and finish it in a day or two tops, this book demanded my attention. I had to engage in Patterson's assertions, and having done so, ventured off into many of my own creative rabbit trails. Weaving poetry, scripture, the works of Christian luminaries such as G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, George Hebert and many others, these pages are packed full of wisdom.

The only blemish was the early synonymous use of happy and joy. Apparently, Müeller and Charlie Brown have similar diction. Precious few contemporary books are keepers. This one is a keeper. I highly recommend it to contemplatives, mystics and lookers for true joy.

(...)

Reckless Abandon: A Novel of Mystery and Romance

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Reckless Abandon: A Novel of Mystery and Romance
Sharon S. Salinger
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0671683446

Loving and Cooking with Reckless Abandon

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Loving and Cooking with Reckless Abandon

Manufacturer: Quadrille Publishing Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 190384553X

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Oculto En La Ciudad/ Reckless Abandon
Stuart Woods , and Nora Watson
Manufacturer: El Ateneo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Another Saturday Night of Wild and Reckless Abandon

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Another Saturday Night of Wild and Reckless Abandon
Guisewite
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0836212010

The Collected Cathy, A 2-in-1 Volume Including: Another Saturday Night of Wild and Reckless Abandon and A Mouthful of Breath Mints and No One to Kiss

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The Collected Cathy, A 2-in-1 Volume Including: Another Saturday Night of Wild and Reckless Abandon and A Mouthful of Breath Mints and No One to Kiss
Cathy Guisewite
Manufacturer: Andrews and McMeel, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: B000O51M76

Book Description

Goblins, bush and water spirits, witches, magicians and especially ancestors are represented in the fascinating masks used in the ceremonies performed by many African peoples.

Leopards and antelopes, snakes and elephants, hyenas, buffalo and aardvarks are all brought together in this lively and informative adventure in art.

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Not bad, cartoonish, reminds me of ER Burroughs

Strictly for (wealthy) fantasy-reading Japanophiles.

Good bedtime story...because it puts the reader to sleep.

Best Thing Ever

Why haven't the majors picked up pbk rights?
The Leopard Mask (The Guin Saga, Book 1)
Kaoru Kurimoto
Manufacturer: Vertical
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Japanese | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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The Guin Saga, Book 2: Warrior in the Wilderness (Guin Saga)

The Guin Saga, Book 3: The Battle of Nospherus (Guin Saga, Book 3)

To Terra...Volume 1

Ode To Kirihito

Berserk - Season One (The Complete Collection)

ASIN: 1932234519
Release Date: 2003-06-01

Book Description

Kaoru Kurimoto's lifework will enthrall readers of all ages with its universal themes, uncommon richness, and otherworldly intrigue.

Customer Reviews:

Not bad, cartoonish, reminds me of ER Burroughs.......2007-01-21

This started like a few other items I've read recently, with a hero who'd lost his memory, so I thought it was a recent trend. It was a surprise to read here that it first appeared in 1979, and that there are over 80 books to the series. It does read like a cartoon epic, with not much depth to the archetypal characters. However it was a pleasant way to while away an afternoon, and somewhat fun to see old Tolkien characters reapper (a wraith of all things). More than anything else it reminded me of Edgar Rice Burroughs Princess of Mars series that I read as a kid, with the stress on bigger than life warriors, an enfeebled civilization, barbarian tribes, etc.

Strictly for (wealthy) fantasy-reading Japanophiles........2005-02-17

I haven't read this translation. But I have read the first dozen books in the series in Japanese. And while there are some bright spots (I wouldn't have read so many if there weren't), there isn't much to recommend them.

The characters are all recognizable adaptations of standard Western fantasy/sci-fi archetypes-- the lovable rogue, the spunky princess, the ruthless conqueror, and the musclebound warrior in a loincloth (perhaps belying its 1979 origin, there are even distinct Han Solo and Luke Skywalker types). The plot is of pulp-mag quality, which is to say by-the-numbers and chock-full of familiar scenarios. When a dastardly villain captures the muscle-bound hero, what does he do? The only natural thing, of course-- throws him into an arena against a monstrious creature. Yawn. Even the names of the characters and locations will sit uncomfortably with Western readers. They frequently mimic names from Western mythology from Egypt to Scandinavia, and force the reader to associate "Mongaul" with Mongolia, Parros with Paris, Garm with.... Garm. You get the idea. There's even a cringe-inducing character from a savage tribe of monkey-people who worships her human savior-- complete with "funny" attempts by the backwards type to learn the civilized language. Yikes.

In Japanese at least, the language of the books is high-flown. Adjectives are Lovecraftian in their erudition, but repetitive. Dialogue is straight-to-video movie quality.

However, there's still that certain something that's kept me reading the books-- and not just the guilty pleasure of enjoying some literary cheese at bedtime. Kurimoto actually excels at pulling the rug out from under the reader when it comes to major plot developments. Just when you think you've got the story arc all figured out, she has a knack for dropping a genuine surprise on the reader that tells you all bets are off. It's been just enough to keep me going. Just barely enough.

Still, that isn't enough to recommend the series. Although you might be intrigued by the idea of Western-style fantasy from Japan, the product itself is nothing more than a curiosity. If you're going to drop some cash on a fantasy novel-- especially at hardcover prices-- why not read something that's actually a high quality, satisfying experience? Here's a well-written epic for you-- George R R Martin's series that begins with Game of Thrones. No contest.

I've taken the bullet, folks. And as a final note, consider this tidbit of info, which popped up around the fifth Japanese installment or so: when asked if the protagonist's 'leopard head' is actually animated (e.g., when he talks, the lips move) or if it's just a phony head on a man's body, the author responded with a "stay tuned...." answer. As if this isn't something that characters within the story would notice. Like when he eats or drinks (as he often does). Holy fruits! We aren't even privy to what the characters are seeing!?! Aaaarrrghh! To make matters worse, the title character completely disappears from the narrative after six installments or so, and isn't seen again until about the fifteenth book. Or so. At these prices, odds are against this series being marketable enough to last that long in translation. Do you really want to invest $2,500 in a series of fantasy novels?

More power to Japanese literature in translation, but this is a serious misfire. Stay away. Seriously.

Good bedtime story...because it puts the reader to sleep........2005-01-27

This is one of the most boring fantasy fiction books I've ever read. Not only are the plot and characters ridden with cliches (hero with amnesia, orphaned royal scions, cute subhuman primate friends, bad guys all wear black, et cetera), but the writing style is also painfully stereotypical of cheap mass-produced novels. The latter might be the fault of the translator...I'm hoping that's the case since the editorial review says 86 sequels already came out in Japan. Although the awful plot and characters are certainly the original author's problem.

Example: Fake regional accents: "Yer a great warrior...I'm right glad I didna 'ave ta fight ye either."

Example: Hackneyed descriptive passaged: "The victory cries of the Sem and the crashing sounds of walls collapsing drowned the peaceful morning ballads of the woodland songbirds, while the fire spreading through the keep building shot up fingers of flame that wrote the words of apocalypse in the brightening violet sky above."

Peaceful morning ballads?!? I'm also wondering if names might have been different in the original, since a lot of the people/place names seem to have been pinched from either world history or European legends. This isn't nitpicking; names are important in fantasy if readers are going to feel like the story is 'real'.

That aside, there's a really annoying printing error with pages 113-136 being repeated. So Kurimoto goes to all the trouble of getting a bestseller translated into English, and winds up with a lousy translation and a botched printing. Poor thing.

(and in case anyone thinks I'm some snobby English major who doesn't know anything about heroic fantasy... SF&F is my favourite genre, the fantasy shelves at the public library are my beloved escape from the dryness of college textbooks. There's much better contemporary fantasy out there -- note I said CONTEMPORARY, i'm not the kind of person who thinks it all went downhill after Tolkien either. and I'm a biologist.)

Best Thing Ever.......2004-08-02

Ingore what the other reviewers say. They have not read what I have read and I am sick and tired of reviewers saying this is a slash or young adult novel. This is a story of heroic fantasy, one of the MOST UNAPPRIECATED genres to exist. Well, people, simply put, it is one of the best. Michael Moorcock...please remember...
Anyways, it starts out with the royal twins Remus and Rhinda in the Roodwood being attacked by the Count's knights, but are saved by an ammesiac, lepoard-headed man known only as Guin...thus the most epic series of all time begins...Harry Potter, Dan Brown's Robert Langdon, etc.(i.e. every other book series) kiss your ass goodbye!

Why haven't the majors picked up pbk rights?.......2004-06-25

This is fantasy writing of the highest caliber, with the depth of character of someone like Philip Pullman, and the marvelously fantastic and detailed world of someone like Tolkein. Kids who got into fantasy with Harry Potter and were led on to Pullman's books should find this extremely enjoyable and to their taste. Only difference being that the characters are not even remotely related from our world, falling or being transported into another.

The action, plot, and pace are very reminiscent of anime or manga. The english translation is more than adequate--not quite top-notch, but perfectly readable.

What's a wicked popular trade fiction category? Fantasy, specifically young adult. What's the Next Big Thing in the book trade with young and especially female readers? Manga. What one series combines the strengths of both? The Guin Saga.

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