Average customer rating:
- McDevitt creates a rich and fertile post-Apocalyptic world, but he fails to harvest its crops.
- Thrown away by an obvious conclusion
- This author gets paid?
- Terrible and Unbelievable Book
- Substandard work for McDevitt
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Eternity Road
Jack Mcdevitt
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 McDevitt, Jack
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Ancient Shores
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ASIN: 0061054275 |
Amazon.com
Eternity Road is set 1,000 years from now, when the world as we know it has been dead for eight centuries, destroyed by a plague that killed most of humanity. Technological artifacts remain, but the knowledge of what they are and how to use them has been lost by a society that has degenerated into a series of city-states. Legend has it that the Roadmakers left a store of knowledge in a place called Haven, but when an expedition from Memphis sets out to find it, only one person returns. The lone, dishonored survivor eventually kills himself, but his son is determined to try again ...
Book Description
The Roadmakers left only ruins behind -- but what magnificent ruins! Their concrete highways still cross the continent. Their cups, combs and jewelry are found in every Illyrian home. They left behind a legend,too -- a hidden sanctuary called Haven, where even now the secrets of their civilization might still be found.
Chaka's brother was one of those who sought to find Haven and never returned. But now Chaka has inherited a rare Roadmaker artifact -- a book called A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court -- which has inspired her to follow in his footsteps. Gathering an unlikely band of companions around her, Chaka embarks upon a journey where she will encounter bloodthirsty rirver pirates, electronic ghosts who mourn their lost civilization and machines that skim over the ground and air. Ultimately, the group will learn the truth about their own mysterious past.
Customer Reviews:
McDevitt creates a rich and fertile post-Apocalyptic world, but he fails to harvest its crops........2007-08-21
*Eternity Road* had great potential. As I read the description, I saw signs of an epic end-of-the-world quest tale. Sadly, the writer let me down with missed opportunities to advance the story, underdeveloped characters and plot potential.
There were lots of missed story opportunities and improbable conclusions. He could have spent more time in Chicago with the encyclopedic computer, illuminated the seekers with more knowledge, or at least have them debating the sanctity of Life vs. Quality of Life.
The scholar living in the cyclotron was an idea ripe for expansion, as well as the culture of the `Tuks'. Why didn't one of them join the motley crew?
The author also fills the book with `improbable conclusions', such as...
*There's no history of the prior civilization, only a few legends. Highly unlikely there there would be no florid myths or epic hero stories.
* Although boat making, building construction, gunsmithing and - garment-making survived, electrical, mechanical, and medical knowledge has not.
* Surviving books are rare. Why didn't a copy of The Bible, Torah, or Koran survive along with the faith that humans must have had to get them through the dark times? Or is McDevitt saying that Jesus was already dead" when the civilization collapsed?
* The questers' actions with the Encyclopedic computer was remminiscent of the Mexican bandits scattering all the gold dust in 'Treasure of the Sierra Madre'. Why didn't they ask it the current date? At least they would have come back with SOME useful knowledge. Me, I'd have kept the train running, just in case I had to take it home again.
McDevitt needed a lesson in story pacing. He starts out real slow, takes about 150 pages to get the expedition going, then 230 pages shoots through to the conclusion in thirty pages like a dying salmon.
I was amazed that by page 365 we hadn't yet got to resolving the Haven mystery. The end is forced, accelerated, and skeletal. It was written as if time had expired, as if he had to turn it for grading.
Although he provides characters with promising futures, McDevitt again squanders the opportunities with them to say, think or do something meaningful. He seldom describes what they are thinking or feeling. Even the romance which blossoms on the trek is underdeveloped and sterile, as if written by someone who has never been in love.
As much as I like `end of the world `stories, this wasn't a bad book, nor was it a `masterpiece of literature'. Two, two-and-a-half stars.
Thrown away by an obvious conclusion.......2007-07-26
Well, I liked the book: there is a suggestive atmosphere, and a good description/reconstruction of this possible "new", post-plague world. I liked very much the main characters and their interactions.
I found very weak the conclusion of the story: the most obvious, the most plain Jack could have thought. A little hurried, and weakly told, too.
It is a pity DeVitt doesn't catch the opportunity to develope in the final chapter many subjects he had raised or suggested in the preceding course of the story. Moreover the implications of the discovery of Haven are only sketched.
I have read two books by DeVitt, The engines of God and Eternity road. I think these novels have two common features: very good titles and very weak finals (the Omega cloud is definitely not a great Deus ex machina, and Jack fails to develope the final questions about them, e.g. Why are there Omega clouds? What is their intents? Why are they enemies of civilization? and so on).
When I think to great, glorious finals like those of 2001 A space odissey or Contact, I am afraid that very substantive stories (based on substantive ideas, from which great finals naturally spring) are quite rare. Perhaps this realization shouldn't surprise me: great achievements of the human mind ARE rare. But I wonder how a good author like DeVitt can throw away good stories this way...
This author gets paid?.......2007-07-24
I'm giving this three stars, since unlike many here, I have disliked most McDevitt books. The other ones like Ancient Shore that I'v tried, I've generally not finished, but this one I was able to get through.
That said, it makes me sad that Jack Mcdevitt is seen as one of the better, current writers. Don't be fooled by the whorish endorsements from other writers (like the husband and wife team of Sheffield and Kress). Similarly with the (now commonplace) comparisons to REAL masters like Asimov, Niven, etc. (geared to buyers frustrated by all the crap and looking for "stuff like the good ole stuff". This guy is NOT in that league. It's just marketing spin, and the comparison to Liliputians that makes anyone not gawdawful get Gulliver-compared nowadays.
The premise here is actually interesting: an after-the-fall civilization in the midwest among the ruins of interstate highways and the cover illustration is great. The premise itself is unbeleivable in terms of the depopulation, all the books having rotted in a thousand years, etc. However, I was willing to put up with that given the engagingness of the overall world in the superhighways vision. But too many other things are silly.
Mcdevitt avoids some of the tedious backstory and political correctness from his modern day, thriller style books, like Ancient Shore. And he moves it along a bit more. But it still has some of the childish arbitrariness of the worst SF writing in an unbelievable romance, random character killing, very unbelievable escapes from pirates and drowning, asides on sex and religion that are smart sophomore in high school level...AND not related well to the plot. There are also just random details that don't click like throwing walnuts to squirels!? As well as imbecilic decisions of the characters such as TURNING OFF A COMPUTER WITH AN ENCYCLOPEDIA inside it, when the whole purpose of the trip was for knowledge finding.
I can't beleive that this guy was a naval officer and a customs agent. He seems to have no feel for adult motivations and no special insights into human nature. (See TYPHOON by Conrad for a counter-example of non-trivial, revealing characterizations). You can tell at times that McDevitt is trying to describe character, but it's mechanical...as if you can see him writing, checking off boxes in the HOW TO WRITE manual or responding to what he learned at Critters website, versus being in the story, versus having a discussion with a shrewd observer of human nature like Conrad. It's just outline driven liberal, talky SF (with usually a central compelling idea, I'll admit, albiet never well explored).
Terrible and Unbelievable Book.......2007-07-23
Jack McDevitt writes a silly and completely unrealistic story of post-apocalyptic North America. It is both unbelievable and not entertaining. Some examples - Somehow the Illyrian people; living centuries removed from the Roadmaker (our present day) times, can not only read the "ancient language," without understanding the concepts, but they also appear to speak the Roadmaker language! But these people CAN understand the terms pseudo-glass, concrete, asphalt and steel I-beams, can manufacture guns and ammunition, know Roadmaker measurements (feet, yards, miles, etc.), but are forced to copy ancient Roadmaker texts by hand because they can't figure out how to manufacture a printing press? Some geographic landmarks are know by "ancient names" such as Mississippi River and others by Illyrian names. The mix of "modern" names and McDevitt "made-up" terms does not work. Absurd and ridiculous instances abound in this novel. At one point in the story, the characters come across man-made canals. They marvel at how a past democratic nation must have used "legions of slaves with spades" to dig the massive ditches - how else could they have completed these engineering feats? Now, this encounter came AFTER these same folks traveled in a Roadmaker's hover subway train, conversed with a talking computer and interacted with a holographic image of Winston Churchill! It also takes a HUGE leap of faith for a reader to believe, as McDevitt presents in this novel, that any man-made mechanical / electrical technology, like computers and power sources, are still functioning after nearly 800 - 900 years! Also when our intrepid travellers reach Haven (you know from the beginning that they will reach it), they discover that the mighty and all powerful Roadmakers decided to save the world's literary treasures by perserving the actual bound volumes - in hundreds of drawers! Now, why would the Roadmakers, with all the marvelous and compact digital storage technologies available to them, chose to store the physical books themselves? Finally, in another ridiculous lapse of stupidity, the Illyrians marvel at the Roadmaker hojjies (automobiles), but can't imagine the Roadmakers constructing vehicles that can fly through the air or travel below the oceans. What a bunch of clap trap! Do yourself a favor... do not read this novel! What a waste of money and time!
Substandard work for McDevitt.......2007-06-11
I read a lot of reviews, but normally don't write them. In this case, I've made an exception. I've read several Jack McDevitt novels and have loved every one of them. This is one of the worst books I've ever read. I have a hard time believing this is written by the same man who wrote Polaris, Moonfall, or Infinity Beach, etc.
The premise has a lot of potential, even though it's been done several times in various forms by other authors. Despite the potential, it was poorly executed in this case. The characters go from one random encounter to another, with no real segway between scenes that ties them together. The romances fall flat. The scenes are ridiculous and non sequitur. It felt to me that the purpose of indiviual scenes was to knock of the characters one by one rather than tell a good story. The end is pathetic, and leaves the reader without satisfaction. As I was reading, I kept saying to myself: The end will be great and make it worth the pain of getting there. I was wrong.
I highly recommend other Jack McDevitt novels, but save your $7.99 and don't bother with this one.
Product Description
Roads to Eternity describes the many contacts Sarah Estep has had with the unseen; some claiming to be spirits of the dead, perhaps even from the Akashic Records. Using Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP), Estep and researchers around the world record supernatural voices on magnetic tape. Here are step-by-step instructions for contacting the spirit dimension using tape recorders, computers, televisons, and more. Includes free CD of spirit voices.
Average customer rating:
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Eternity Road
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HKFIVO |
Average customer rating:
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Eternity Road
Manufacturer: Peter Chelnik
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 096427082X |
Average customer rating:
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Spiritual Management and Road to Eternity
Chan Baidjnath Misier
Manufacturer: New Age, Motilal
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Yoga
| Exercise & Fitness
| Health, Mind & Body
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General
| Psychology & Counseling
| Health, Mind & Body
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General
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Mysticism
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ASIN: 8178222787
Release Date: 2007-02-02 |
Product Description
Integrates various aspects of Yoga and comparative with Hinduism, western concept. extremely thoughtful study on mental health, approaches to ritual and culture.
Average customer rating:
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Eternity Road
Jack McDevitt
Manufacturer: Harper Prism
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEOUC6 |
Book Description
All of the concepts found in Conversations with God revolve, ultimately, around a central theme: The Purpose of Life is to Re-create Your Self Anew. This book takes that insight and renders it functional. Between these covers is a step-by-step exploration of the process of recreation, complete with assignments and exercises.
Customer Reviews:
Survey on purchased product.......2007-09-28
I really enjoyed the two books I purchased from Amazon, they are just what I was seeking also, the books arrived in a timely matter and I would continously make purchases from Amazon. The author is Neale Donald Walsch,I would recommend everyone to read ALL his books, especially Conversations With God: Uncommon Dialouge Bringers of the LightRecreating Your Self
CWG Books.......2007-02-14
A good and practical mini version of what God is saying in these books but edited by Neale. Good for those who need directions that just can't get into a thousand page bible.
Ok for non-CWG readers........2002-09-16
"ReCreating Your Self" is based on concepts presented throughout the CWG series. However, it specifically elaborates on the "Recreating your reality" chapter from "Communion with God." I recommend reading "Communion with God" to fully grasp the enlightening process of recreating your Self.
There I found the concepts to be clear and to the point; the concepts are not lost between examples and commentary. After reading "Communion" I immediately began to transform my life (yes it's a powerful read). Don't worry Walsch, I understand I created this experience.
Recreating yourself.......2001-08-27
A disapointing crumb from the banquet of Conversations with God series. Save your money.
Typical Neale Donald Walsh.......2001-06-15
This book is ok. The most important thing I learned from it is that perspective creates reality. Generally, I don't like his sarcasm, but the message is good.
Book Description
The ability of each of us to undertake a healing journey underlies the message of hope that is at the very heart of the material contained in these tapes. The exercises can help you to get to know the parts of yourself that make up your psychological world-the child within, the future self, and other parts that express various qualities, talents, and capacities of your self-expression. With these tapes, you can learn to reach inside yourself at crucial moments with soothing responses, encouragement, and support. As you come to know and recognize your deepest feelings and needs, you have an opportunity to discover an experience of self-validation that is both healing and strengthening. The eight tapes included in the series cover a range of self-hypnotic exercises created to help heal past wounds, overcome blocks to achieving goals, and activate your best potential. On each tape, side one contains information about the subject of the tape, as well as suggestions and metaphors that can awaken deeper wisdom and activate your ability to respond to the self-hypnotic journey on side two.
Average customer rating:
- Best use of the CD
- Simple and Flowing Tracks to Support You in Your Dreams
- Too bad I never received this order !!!!!!
- This powerful tool for healing is a gift from Laura Day.
- Get this in conjunction with The Circle and Welcome to Your Crisis
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The Healing Circle: An Experience in Recreating Your Life and Living Your Dreams
Laura Day
Manufacturer: Laura Day
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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Practical Intuition
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Accessories:
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RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
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Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)
ASIN: 0967957907 |
Book Description
Laura Day, the bestselling author of Practical Intuition, invites you to transform your life using the healing power of intuition.
Her new CD, The Healing Circle, contains five meditation exercises that will help you become the agent of change in your life.
Customer Reviews:
Best use of the CD.......2007-07-15
I recommend the very readable, do-able and motivating "The Circle" for people who want to identif and move toweard important life goals and then "Welcome to your Crisis" for those who want help with what seems to be an impossible situation.
This product is meant to be used after taking the author's advanced class or if you are an advanced student. Otherwise, much of the information will not have the right context.
Laura Day speaks monthly at a group she leads at the NYC Barnes&Noble in the village. www.practicalintution.com web site has current date.
Simple and Flowing Tracks to Support You in Your Dreams.......2007-03-16
This complementary CD with 5 tracks are a great aid to The Circle book from Laura Day. Making a wish begins from the inside out and clearing the energy of an old reality allows and attracts the manifestation of a new chosen life. Making your mind, both subconcious and conscious, your ally in a wish is the key. Use this in the morning and evening while you work The Circle book and watch energy turn into matter.
Too bad I never received this order !!!!!!.......2005-10-11
I waited and waited and never recieved my product and then Amazon cancelled it on me.
This powerful tool for healing is a gift from Laura Day........2005-05-12
Laura Day is an extraordinary woman. In THE HEALING CIRCLE: An Experience in Recreating Your Life and Living Your Dreams, she takes listeners on a powerful meditative journey.
Customized passages (e.g. the "Morning Quickie" and "Night's Journey") anchor you for the key moments right before and after sleep to help tranform the other 23+ hours of your day.
I highly recommend this CD, along with the author's transformational book THE CIRCLE.
Get this in conjunction with The Circle and Welcome to Your Crisis.......2005-01-24
This 5 track CD is a good learning tool when reading both The Circle and Welcome to Your Crisis from Laura Day. The guided meditations out into practice the concepts described in both books. Laura Day's voice overs go through creating a new reality, morning and evening meditations, healing, and visualization of a wish. Each teack helps you relax into a calm relaxed state where intuition is accessed. Day is not about teaching you to be a fortune teller in this CD but rather how to access data that you need to practically apply towards achieving a goal. It's light on the woo woo and strong on the how to understand the Curcle concepts.
Customer Reviews:
TJ Frye.......2007-01-06
I borrowed this book from a library for years, and once I moved I had to have it. It has so many great ideas and ways to visualize your future. It has helped me beyond measure.
Not the usual self-help fare.......2006-02-25
This is an excellent resource for learning self-hynosis and for persons struggling with dissociation. It is clear, well organized and the hypnotic inductions can be modified/customized to work best for you. The goal is on better functioning and empowerment rather than just labeling. She takes rather complex psychological theory and makes it accessible and useable for a non-professional audience.
Average customer rating:
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Recreating Your Self: Help for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families
Nancy J. Napier
Manufacturer: W W Norton & Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Getting Through the Day: Strategies for Adults Hurt As Children
ASIN: 0393028429 |
Average customer rating:
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The Power of One: Recreating Your Life From The Source
Denise Gibel
Manufacturer: Enter Light Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Self-Esteem
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ASIN: 0967171709 |
Book Description
This is a self-help/insirational book which helps people honor the journey that they have taken in their lives to reach whatever point they are at. From this point the book assists the reader in taking the lessons that their lives have taught them and move to an even more fulfilling and joyous living.
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Recreating Your Self
Manufacturer: ReCreation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet
Walsch, Neale Donald
| ( W )
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ASIN: B000GM5566 |
Average customer rating:
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Recreating Your Self
Manufacturer: W.W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0393700909 |
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- Footfall
- H. R. Giger's Necronomicon II
- Hammered
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- Heir Apparent
- Heir to the Empire (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 1)
- Heir to the Empire (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
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