Silent Joe: A Novel
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A great idea is broken due to a horrifically boring protagonist...
  • Overrated
  • A great understated character study mystery/thriller
  • Silent Joe
  • It just didn't grab me the way I expected
Silent Joe: A Novel
T. Jefferson Parker
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0786867280

Amazon.com

Scarred for life by a brutal father, Joe Trona found a safe haven and a loving childhood in the home of the couple who adopted him. Now he spends his days as a deputy for the Orange County sheriff's department and his nights as a driver and aide to Will Trona, the influential politician who rescued him from the Hillside Children's Home. An expert in firearms and the martial arts, Joe has been backing Will up for a long time. Still, his skill isn't enough to keep Will alive, and when his father is killed right in front of Joe's eyes, the young deputy vows to avenge him. But first he must find out how the kidnapping of a tycoon's daughter, a scam to line the pockets of Will Trona's political enemies, the murder of two Guatemalan immigrants, the unholy activities of a charismatic minister who's a close friend of the Trona family, and the strange alliance of two rival L.A. gangs are connected to Will's death.

Every secret Joe uncovers leads deeper into his beloved father's murky past and ultimately his own. But the reader stays right with this extraordinary man as he battles his demons and ultimately vanquishes them. Author T. Jefferson Parker (The Blue Hour, Red Light, Laguna Heat) is one of the best thriller writers working today. Fans of Michael Connelly and Dennis Lehane--and Raymond Chandler, for that matter--will appreciate Parker's ability to create a complex, fascinating, and fully realized hero whose inner reality is brilliantly revealed by his actions. Will Trona is an equally intriguing invention; while ultimately he is an enigma, we remain convinced that he is worthy of his son's devotion. Silent Joe is a mindful, intelligent novel you can't put down. It should break Parker out with the really big boys of mystery fiction, the million-sellers with the marquee names. In fact, he's a much better writer than most of them, and unlike many, he never tells the same story twice. --Jane Adams

Book Description

With the horrible remnants of a childhood tragedy forever visible across his otherwise handsome face, Joe Trona is scarred in more ways than one. Rescued from an orphanage by Will Trona, a charismatic Orange County politician who sensed his dark potential, Joe is swept into the maelstrom of power and intimidation that surrounds his adoptive fathers illustrious career. Serving as Wills right-hand man, Joe is trained to protect and defend his fathers territorybut he cant save the powerful man from his enemies. Will Trona is murdered, and Joe will stop at nothing to find out who did it. Looking for clues as he sifts through the remains of his fathers lifehis girlfriends, acquaintances, deals, and enemiesJoe comes to realize how many secrets Will Trona possessed, and how many people he had the power to harm. But two leads keep rising to the surface: a little girl who was kidnapped by her mentally disturbed brother, and two rival gangs who seem to have joined forces. As Joe deepens his investigationand as he is forced to confront the painful events of his troubled childhoodthese two seemingly disconnected threads will intersect. Just how and why form the crux of this intricate, intelligent mystery that satisfies the mind as well as the heartand reveals yet again the impeccable detail, vivid characterization, and emotional complexity that make a T. Jefferson Parker novel impossible to resist.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars A great idea is broken due to a horrifically boring protagonist..........2007-04-27

Joe Trona was not a character I cared for. I didn't care for, about or with him. He was a complete void that I never wanted to examine, explore or come to understand. As you can probably guess, I struggled to get through this novel, but I did and in a way I'm glad I stuck with it for beyond the boredom I felt while mucking through Parker's pointlessly melodramatic characterization I found an ending that, while not utterly shocking me (I guessed it half way through...to a degree) it was startling compared to the balance of the novel. Let's just say that, while it failed to make up for the first three quarters it at least softened the realization that I had wasted my time.

My main problem with Joe was that with all of his background, all of his inner demons, he still failed to really grab my attention. With the blistered past you would think he'd be the prime example of the perfect protagonist, but no, he's not. He's actually a pretty good example of how to ruin a good thing. He's boring, not relatable and mind numbingly ambiguous...and ambiguousness is usually a characteristic I enjoy, endorse even, but here I just can't...it's just too awful.

The story could have proven worthy on its own merits had it not been muddled through with this preposterous character. You have a young man who has been orphaned after his father throws acid in his face only to be raised by a man he adores, politician Will Trona, yet knows has his hands in some shady business dealings. When his Will is murdered right in front of Joe, he vows to reach the bottom of it himself and exact his own revenge only to uncover a few very dark secrets. Sounds pretty good doesn't it? It should have and could have been but Parkers map of main character Joe Trona is so ridiculous and utterly unbearable that I feel the entire story is lost in his stupidity.

I'm really sorry that this review is so negative, and judging by the other reviews I can see that I am one of a few who actually loathe this novel or even dislike it for it appears that everyone praises this as a great work of fiction. I gladly read many types of fiction, from dramatic to satire to macabre to thrillers and so I don't feel my dislike stems from this novel just not being my cup of tea, for I really can't see any reason I shouldn't have enjoyed it other than the fact that I had to see everything through the eyes of a complete waste of paper.

Joe should have stayed silent...sorry, it was too easy...

1 out of 5 stars Overrated.......2007-02-02

A beautifully complicated plot gets shortchanged by characterization that made me grit my teeth, especially that of the main character, Joe, who seems too much of a pale imitation of Robert Crais's Joe Pike character. The pacing is also a little uneven, and I found I couldn't suspend my disbelief for the action scenes.

5 out of 5 stars A great understated character study mystery/thriller.......2006-12-10

Joe Trona is a pretty interesting character. I picked up this book by T. Jefferson Parker after perusing the Edgar Award winners list here at Amazon. It seems as though every year or two Parker and one of his books ends up on the five finalists, and you have to take that as high praise. This book pretty much lives up to the Edgar hype. Its understated like a Tony Hillerman novel. It moves along quietly with a degree of understatement. You also will find a nice air of the noir here, sort of like Hillerman crossed with Raymond Chandler, which has an interesting taste.

I take it that this is the first in a series of books, and I look forwards to reading all of Parkers work. Trona enters the story with his adoptive father, running him around as a glorified right hand/chauffeur. Tronas father is executed during what is a pretty shady night-time deal where he pays a ransom for a young girls release from a kidnapper. The rest of the book tells the story of Trona hunting down the trail of the killers, finding out along the way about both his real father and his adoptive family. Not only that, but the story really looks into who Trona is. The man was scarred by battery acid as an infant and is hideous to look at as an adult. Or maybe he's not, and Trona only feels that way. This is a gripping character study and engaging story where your not sure exactly what will happen next.

What I really liked about this story, beyond the first rate look at Trona, is the story. You are never sure who the bad guys are til the end. Is it Tronas political father, the fathers political enemies, the girls parents, a group of Vietnamese gangsters, all of these and even more could be the culprits and Parker strings along the reader nicely.

I understand why someone would not give this book five stars, its not your usual mystery thriller. Its quiet. Its very mature in comparison to James Patterson or John Grisham. I am even surprised to find as I write this review how much I admire the book. Its a story that settles at the back of your mind and sits there for a while fermenting. This is not the greatest mystery I have ever read, mainly because the mood of the story hits one note very well, but stays there for the entire novel. You are not pulled around like you are in a gripping thriller such as 'Silence of the Lambs' or a Harlan Coben roller coaster ride. Still for what it is, this is a small masterpiece.

5 out of 5 stars Silent Joe.......2006-11-10

One of the best character studies in crime fiction. Ya gotta love the whole serial baptizer thing.

2 out of 5 stars It just didn't grab me the way I expected.......2006-11-01

I actually read this novel about four years ago and didn't really like it, but after reading all the rave reviews on this site I decided to give it another try. I came away feeling exactly the same way as before, let down. The plot never really grabbed me like I thought it would. Also, I never really cared for the character of Joe. Emotionally and physically scared by an abusive father, Joe grows attached to his foster family, and even becomes his adopted father Will's personal driver. When Will is murdered Joe decides to uncover the mystery behind his death on his own. Sounds like it could be interesting huh? Well, seems like most of you have but I just coulded get into this one. When it was over I was relieved, and that's not a good feeling. Sorry, maybe the third time will be a charm, but I don't see myself reading this again just to come away with the same opinion.
Blood Song: A Silent Ballad
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Amazing, clear, simple
  • Eric Drooker's Blood Song
  • Wordless Poetry
  • touches the soul
  • Beauty Marred by Agenda
Blood Song: A Silent Ballad
Eric Drooker
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 015600884X

Book Description

From American Book Award winner Eric Drooker, this is a story for the ages, beginning with the agrarian past, through the industrial present, and into the technological future.
A young woman bravely escapes a military assault on her island village, journeying across the ocean to arrive, unknowingly, in the Big City. There she meets and falls in love with a saxophone player, who makes heartfelt music. The police find and silence him, confiscating his saxophone and warning him not to make music again as it's strictly forbidden in the Big City. When the street musician continues to make music with his voice the police soon find and imprison him, making the future uncertain for the talented performer and the brave woman who loves him.
Blood Song transcends the boundaries of conventional novels--a wordless tale written in the ancient language of pictures.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Amazing, clear, simple.......2006-07-23

I find "Blood song" amazing. I mean, amazing **********. A big story contained in a small book. A girl in a South Asian forest goes to fetch some water, and in the meantime her world is destroyed. She gets into a boat with her dog and starts rowing. Is the book a story of an immigrant from Vietnam? There are no explanations attached to the pictures. The story feels large, universal. It's the journey of a small individual in the world governed by powers: armies, fire, the ocean, racial domination. I thought crosses my mind; this could be a great animation movie, something in the style of 'Princess Mononoke', but, no, this book is a great artform as it is, a story compressed in five minutes flipping through a silent, breathtaking book. Amazing, clear, simple graphics, and not even a single word. I'm stunned.

I've looked up the reviews on Amazon and some of them accuse the book of preaching. Hmm, even preaching can be made into art, can't it?

3 out of 5 stars Eric Drooker's Blood Song.......2006-02-20

This is a narrative related entirely in pictures, in the mode of such previous artist-storytellers as Lynd Ward. The novel begins in a nameless Asian country (Vietnam during the war?) and follows the central character (a young Asian woman, also nameless, of course) through the jungles and across the ocean to a large Western city (maybe New York), where further adventures ensue. This is probably enough of the plot to give you the idea, without giving anything away. A certain amount of surrealism is present, though perhaps less than in Flood!, a previous work by Drooker.
Drooker combines a unique, expressive drawing style with what I would regard as simplistic political posturing. (Leftist politics also seems to be part of the novel-without-words mindset; once again Lynd Ward could be cited.) Unlike the black-and-white scratchboard art of Flood! (a book I liked a bit more), Drooker uses color this time, albeit in a limied, almost monochromatic way -- the story is presented mostly in blue and black, with occasional stand-out flashes of more vivid color (red, yellow, orange) to accentuate a scene or a point.
All in all, I liked Blood Song fairly well, for the narrative skill (presenting a coherent story without ever using a written word is tricky) and the artwork. As for the politics, I'm willing to listen to any point of view, but I don't like propaganda presented as art. I believe that Drooker's work transcends propaganda, however, and truly tells a story.

5 out of 5 stars Wordless Poetry.......2004-12-16

This is an outstanding example of a lost art form - storytelling without words. I won't go so far as to make comparisons with Egypt and Mesoamerica, as Joe Sacco does in this book's over-analytical (and dare I say, unnecessarily wordy) introduction. But here Eric Drooker has mastered the art of telling a tale in sequential pictures only, without a single word in sight. The nearly monochromatic drawings, engraved in scratchboard and watercolored, and only using bright colors in rare and exceptionally effective instances, are as haunting as they are eye-catching. Sure the story is very simplistic, with authority figures senselessly brutalizing anyone who's different, while the lead character takes a highly improbable journey to a new world. Yes, the main points about oppression and diversity are a bit muddleheaded. But those who dwell on the story's lack of detail or complexity are missing the forest for the trees. The point here is the art, and how wordless communication can incite introspection, empathy, and a love for humanity. This is a masterpiece of artistic storytelling. [~doomsdayer520~]

5 out of 5 stars touches the soul.......2004-10-25

I recommend this book highly. I have read some of the other reviews of this book and I think the negative reviews here are way too simplistic and harsh. This book has more depth than black and white. The fact is that there are many themes going on in this book and it is not simply a political novel. It is also about struggles and change that one person can endure. It is about the hope of a child. It is about fighting and struggling for what is right. It is about love and brotherhood. Please, by all means, DO NOT listen to the negative reviews. Anyone that took a simplistic view of this book obviously did not have the brain power or creativity to look deeper to what the book was really saying. This point did not have one simplistic point, it was many points that should leave you flooded with many thoughts in your head, that is of you are an intelligent individual. The fact is, the images are totally left up to interpretation- that is the beauty of pictures. It is a timeless novel which does not have to represent any particular place, time, or person. Each time I have read it, I saw something new and different, with more depth. Each time I finish the book, I have both tears in my eyes as well as hope. It brings both the beauty and sadness of life together in what appears to be black and white, but below the surface is full of color, if you look deep enough. Take my advice and read it many times.

3 out of 5 stars Beauty Marred by Agenda.......2004-06-25

Drooker's one conceit here is the beauty of his work. Every page of the book features woodcut scenes with colour for mood, and is accomplished and aesthetically pleasing. Praises can end there, however.

Blood Song is supposed to be a wonder to read and behold for the fact that there is not a single word balloon - no dialogue, no narrative. And though Drooker certainly propells his story forward through the pages of silence, one might hope that he could offer better than the overly simple tale of a hapless, honest, and beautiful native girl and the vile, oppressive, and censorious authority figures. Really, if there's one cardinal sin a film or book can commit is that of making me feel as if I've been preached at. Blood Song is a textbook example of this.

This is the work of a freshman in college who has just discovered politics - unfortunately for Drooker, college was well over twenty years ago.
In a Silent Way: A Portrait of Joe Zawinul
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Greatest book buy in the last five years
  • extraordinary life, but not an extraordinary book
  • In a Silent way: A Biography of Joe Zawinul by Brian Glasser
  • Wonderful Book
In a Silent Way: A Portrait of Joe Zawinul
Brian Glasser
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Publishing, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1860743269

Book Description

Joe Zawinul pioneered a seismic shift in American jazz, incorporating international rhythms and new electronic tonalities.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Greatest book buy in the last five years.......2003-05-20

Exceptional piece of work: the life of one of the most respected musicians on the entire globe. It's well conceived, well told and the life of the man is amazing "per se".

We find the very early remembrances, since the second world war period, the approach to the piano, the first experiencies with other jazz musicians; then the strong determination that led Joe to cross the ocean and start his magical trip with Dinah Washington, then Cannonball Adderley, his friendship with Coleman Hawkins. Dug the chapter reporting when he said "...not yet" to an astonished Miles Davis (!) and perhaps the most intriguing part: the collaboration with Wayne Shorter and his own considerations about Jaco Pastorius and his contribution to Weather Report; then about his perfect mixing with black people, the marriage with a black woman, his "beige" children (as Davis said!) and his deep and intelligent take on the musical world and keyboard technology. Keith Jarrett says that "the only intelligent thing one can do with a synthesizer is just throwing it out from the window". Joe Zawinul is 180 degrees away from this: when he plays he is basically playing his old accordion, only technically more complex. To better understand this book and the important contribution of the man to the development of the contemporary music, one must buy and listen deeply at least the following CDs: Joe Zawinul, (Weather Report's) Mysterious Traveller, Sweetnighter, Heavy Weather, 8:30, Night Passage, Black Market, (M. Davis') In a silent way. Then you can buy more!!!

Joe, we love you, we love the music you did, we thank you for what you gave to our hearts and to our musical growth! God bless you!

:-) V.

3 out of 5 stars extraordinary life, but not an extraordinary book.......2003-04-04

Joseph Zawinul is arguably one of the more interesting cultural figures of the 20th century, perhaps the only non-American to have a profound effect on the music that we call jazz. Author Brian Glasser argues that this book is a "portrait" rather than a biography, aiming for emotional truth over factual specificity. Whatever the intent, the book views Zawinul very much through the prism of his music with the emphasis on the subject's musical career and very little on his life beyond music making. It is not an authorized biography in the sense of after giving Glasser several interviews, Zawinul apparently withdrew his cooperation, forcing Glasser to cobble together much of the book from previously published interviews and accounts. The result is a certain unevenness to the story - aspects of Zawinul's childhood are covered in a fair amount of detail, but in contrast it is only mentioned in passing that at a certain point Zawinul was married and had a family; later, we again learn in passing that his wife is named Maxine, that she is African-American, similarly the names of their children crop up sort of randomly etc.

In some respects this is not a major drawback - the emphasis is rightly on Zawinul's music, and many (most?) readers will already be acquainted with the basic facts of his life. Yet, it would appear to be an extraordinary life, and it is a pity that it is not the subject of a more polished biography.

5 out of 5 stars In a Silent way: A Biography of Joe Zawinul by Brian Glasser.......2002-11-26

This book is a "must have" for any fans of Fusion or Modern jazz music. It details the extraordinary life and career of JOE ZAWINUL, probably best known as co-leader of the influential Jazz/Fusion band WEATHER REPORT. There is extensive input and recollection from many famous names past and present from the jazz world and the author has left no stone unturned in tracking down these superstars for their oppinions about a personality who always left a mark on their playing and careers. Mr Zawinul himself also has a lot to say about some of his associated musicians and there is some revealing and forthright words about his times with MILES DAVIS. WEATHER REPORT were very much a "musicians" band and to this end the book is written in a way that musicians will be very at home with...there is detail of recording sessions, song structures and even technical information on synthesizer set-ups. This may not be appealing to the general public but their interest is easily engaged with all the other stories of the love/hate relationships that the feisty Joe Zawinul formed with his contemporarys. A sure sign of a genius at work.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book.......2002-01-20

One of the things that makes this such an interesting book is that it is about the music as much as it is about the personality of Joe. It has details such as how two Drummers were used on one of the Black Market Tracks. I so enjoyed listening to the songs after reading about them.

Half the book is about the Weather Report years, the other half is pre and post Weather Report.
Classics of the silent screen; a pictorial treasury
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • great pictorial intro to silent films
  • Classics of the Silent Screen by Franklin
  • Silent Films Speak Again
Classics of the silent screen; a pictorial treasury
Joe Franklin
Manufacturer: Citadel Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: B00005VM5G

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars great pictorial intro to silent films.......2006-04-11

While the text is generally informative there is no attempt at scholarship. However, the many fine and rare pictures and portraits make this a wonderful book for the movie buff who appreciates these vintage silent films.

4 out of 5 stars Classics of the Silent Screen by Franklin.......2005-05-19

This book is perfect for theatre enthusiasts. The work contains
script and pictures of the following: (samples)
- The Birth of a Nation
- Til the Clouds Roll By
- Orphans of the Storm
- The Covered Wagon
- The Ten Commandments
- The Big Parade
- The Gold Rush and many many others

There are extensive stories of famous stars. i.e. Vilma Banky
in the Magic Flame and Dustin Farnum in David Garrick
The volume is well-researched and reasonably priced.

5 out of 5 stars Silent Films Speak Again.......2002-04-29

If you like silent film history then you have to have this book. It's got pictures from all the good ones: The Great Train Robbery 1903, The Birth of a Nation 1915, And the story about a Chinese man in Broken Blosssoms 1919. You have to have this book as it is RARE and one of a kind.
4 Titles By T. Jefferson Parker : The Blue Hour Silent Joe California Girl The Fallen
Average customer rating: Not rated
    4 Titles By T. Jefferson Parker : The Blue Hour Silent Joe California Girl The Fallen
    T. Jefferson Parker
    Manufacturer: various
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback
    ASIN: B000T871AA

    Product Description

    multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
    5 Book Set By T. Jefferson Parker; the Fallen; Silent Joe; Where Serpents Lie; Cold Pursuit; California Girl
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      5 Book Set By T. Jefferson Parker; the Fallen; Silent Joe; Where Serpents Lie; Cold Pursuit; California Girl
      T. Jefferson Parker
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback
      ASIN: B000WQB7AY

      Product Description

      5 Book Set By T. Jefferson Parker; the Fallen; Silent Joe; Where Serpents Lie; Cold Pursuit; California Girl.
      Classics of the Silent Screen
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Classics of the Silent Screen
        Joe Franklin
        Manufacturer: Cadillac Publishing Co, NY
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover
        ASIN: B000O6CBSY
        Classics of the Silent Screen
        Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
        • A good introduction to silent films
        Classics of the Silent Screen
        Joe Franklin
        Manufacturer: Lyle Stuart
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

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        Performing ArtsPerforming Arts | Entertainment | Subjects | Books | Dance | Magic & Illusion | Theater
        ASIN: 0806501812

        Customer Reviews:

        3 out of 5 stars A good introduction to silent films.......1998-12-31

        This book contains profiles of the 50 best silent films by the author, and profiles on many great silent performers. The bulk of this book was actually written by film historian William K. Everson, with Joe Franklin contributing very little to it. In the 1960's, when there were few books about the silent era available, this book was the best to be found. Things have greatly changed since, with many more silent films being rediscovered, and much more scholarship being done on the period. If the authors re-wrote the book today, the list of best films and performers would be somewhat different. Regardless, this is the perfect book for someone who knows little about American silent films from 1900-1931 and needs an good introduction.
        Classics of the Silent Screen
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Classics of the Silent Screen
          Joe Franklin
          Manufacturer: Bramhall House
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover
          ASIN: B000KZKPDW
          Classics Of The Silent Screen : A Pictorial Treasury
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Classics Of The Silent Screen : A Pictorial Treasury
            Joe Franklin
            Manufacturer: Citadel Press
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Paperback
            ASIN: B000GS62T4

            Aurian (First Book)
            Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
            • Couldn't reist Aurian
            • Aurian almost saves "Aurian"
            • Fabulous!
            • A great ride from start to finish
            • A book like other fantasys, not much talent too.
            Aurian (First Book)
            Maggie Furey
            Manufacturer: Spectra
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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            ASIN: 0553565257
            Release Date: 1994-07-01

            Customer Reviews:

            4 out of 5 stars Couldn't reist Aurian.......2005-11-25

            I think I agree with most of the reviews here who tell you this is a standard plot, and garden variety fantasy. I give this book ...and it's sequel 4 stars for it's characters. So...they're a little cliche'd but I loved them. I especially fell for Aurian! I love a strong female lead and Aurian provided me with that (Luna readers would take to her and enjoy her romances). She was incredibly compassionate, fairly open-minded, strong-willed, stubborn and extremely tough. I just really liked her...I also like the rest of the cast and even felt a little sorry for poor old Miathan. I think Fury's strenth is her characterization. You grow to love her charachters so you feel their joys, pain and struggle. I've read the entire series and must warn that this is the best of the four novels. Only if you love this one would I reccomend reading the others.
            In summary it's non-epic average fantasy with endearing charachters. If you like the human drama behind the fantasy and don't require a really complex world or a lot of originality in plot then pick it up. Especially reccomended for those who aren't into dark fantasy as this is really pretty bubblegum.

            2 out of 5 stars Aurian almost saves "Aurian".......2005-04-27

            I'm an avid fantasy reader, but anyone who's read more than five fantasy novels and also more than five "normal" novels knows that poor writers are often drawn to write fantasy. This is a case of that. Furey spends way too much time telling us what people are thinking instead of showing it through action and dialogue; she spends way, WAY too much time in the most unpleasant place in her universe (the dark wizard Miathan's brain--WAY too much information on what HE thinks!); and Furey falls prey to every stereotype and cliche in the genre (and there are a lot of those). I could go on and on about her debilities as a writer. But, BUT! Obviously a lot of people loved this book, and they're not necessarily wrong. The key is the character Aurian herself. She is a natural leader, a person with a sense of what's right and the courage to keep going in spite of everything that happens to her (and EVERYTHING happens to her). She's such a good leader that she even leads the reader. In the middle of this dank mess of a novel (and series---the next three installments only get worse) Aurian stands in the light. Maggie Furey is no Tolkien, but Aurian manages to be Frodo, Gandalf and Aragorn all in one, AND she's a strong female character.

            4 out of 5 stars Fabulous!.......2005-02-20

            I just started getting into fantasy a little over a year ago, and after voraciously reading everything that caught my interest, I had nothing else to read. My friend gave me this series, and after a few months I decided to pick it up. I finished Aurian, the first book in the Artefacts of Power series, within a day. The fast-paced actions kept me hanging on my seat, and although sometimes it was too much, it kept me completely enveloped in the story.

            I prefer not to give synopses in my reviews, since they are already available to you. But quickly, Aurian's world is one either ruled by chaos or peace. In this book, chaos is obviously prevailing, and Aurian is the one who will decide the balance. Although the balance will not be restored by the end of this book, she is partly to her goal.

            I only had a few problems with this book. Sometimes the action comes so quickly it is easy to get lost, but if you pace yourself it won't become too much of a problem. A map would have been nice, as well as a glossary, and naturally I didn't think to check the next book, which has both. So if you haven't read either yet, pick up both and maybe they will be helpful to you.

            Other than that, this book is filled with romance, drama, and action; all the things I look for in a fantasy book. To some of you that may be cliche, but Furey manages too keep the good parts of the cliches while dumping out the annoying parts (at least in my preference). I'd compare this book to another one, but none really comes to mind. But if you are a fan of epic romantic fantasy, pick this up. I'm just starting the second one, so I can't say if the series stays consistently good, but I know that reading the first book was definetly worth it, and I can't imagine that her series will go downhill drastically (you learn to pick this kind of stuff out). I highly recommend this book to all fantasy lovers.

            5 out of 5 stars A great ride from start to finish.......2004-07-09

            The world building in this book is rather unique, with different magic and government systems then I've read in any other book. The main character, Aurian, is a strong willed woman who isn't afraid to show her true colors. The magic is splendid, the intrigue spell binding, and the romance subtle, but still entrancing.

            3 out of 5 stars A book like other fantasys, not much talent too........2004-05-10

            I¡¦m sure everyone knows how to spot a good author and a bad author.
            This one is a 3/5(0-bad, 5-good). Firstly, the plot. It isn¡¦t actually bad, but it isn¡¦t new. I could really predict what would happen. It is exciting but pulled down by the author¡¦s writing style. No one likes a story pace that¡¦s too fast. Imagine writing about a journey to defeat an evil dragon. A good writer would write about the whole journey, how the character got there, difficulties met, thoughts and emotions etc. Not just: I got on the road to the cave. I fought with the dragon. I killed it, but lost a lot of blood. I got back home and cried myself to death. End.
            See what I mean? This is how Maggie Furey writes. It was a total disaster in the first half, no make it 2/3 of the book. Thoughts like ¡¥why did I buy this¡¦ and ¡¥this writer doesn¡¦t know how to write¡¦ floated around in my mind. Maggie Furey, however, improved in the last 1/3 of the book, where Aurian was in the southern country, looking for Anvar. Here, the writing style improved immensely as she actually wrote about the journey, not the main points. But then, it seemed this improvement was short lasting.. When Aurian was traveling through the desert, Maggie Furey got back into her ¡¥too fast pacing¡¦ again. She rushed through the whole thing and all I know is that she defeated a dragon and recreated the Staff of earth(or something like that). What happened to Raven? The others? They were mentioned a bit, but, come on, the world isn¡¦t composed of only two people.
            I don¡¦t really plan to buy the second book, unless I can borrow from the library or something. Maggie Furey showed that she CAN write ( in about 1/6 of the whole book, but maybe someone wrote it for her.). If there isn¡¦t some significant improvement in her writing skills, its down the pits for her.
            Aurian
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              Aurian

              Manufacturer: ORBIT (LITT)
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback
              ASIN: B000GNX602
              Aurian
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                Aurian

                Manufacturer: Orbit
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                ASIN: B000GRQAPQ
                Die Artefakte der Macht 1. Aurian.
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                  Die Artefakte der Macht 1. Aurian.
                  Maggie Furey
                  Manufacturer: Lübbe
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Paperback

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                  ASIN: 3404202546
                  A Dream of Sulphur (The Hugh Maclennan Poetry Series)
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                    A Dream of Sulphur (The Hugh Maclennan Poetry Series)
                    Aurian Haller
                    Manufacturer: McGill-Queen's University Press
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Paperback

                    20th Century20th Century | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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                    Aurian
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                      Aurian
                      Maggie Furey
                      Manufacturer: New York Bantam Books 1994.
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback
                      ASIN: B000OHB9D6
                      Aurian Saga 4 Volumes
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                        Aurian Saga 4 Volumes
                        Maggie Furey
                        Manufacturer: BANTAM BOOKS
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback
                        ASIN: B000VRS6TY
                        Aurian. Book 1 of the Artefacts of Power
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                          Aurian. Book 1 of the Artefacts of Power
                          Maggie Furey
                          Manufacturer: Legend
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Paperback
                          ASIN: B000M67XPW

                          Books:

                          1. Sins of the Wolf (William Monk Novels)
                          2. Sleep, Pale Sister (P.S.)
                          3. Sleeping Lady: An Alex Jensen Mystery (An Alex Jensen Alaska Mystery)
                          4. Straw Men
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                          6. Succubus Blues
                          7. Tampa Burn
                          8. Teaching Children to Read and Write: Becoming an Effective Literacy Teacher (4th Edition)
                          9. The Big Killing
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