Customer Reviews:
Gilbert Morris is my all-time *favorite* series/saga writer!.......2001-03-26
The House of Winslow series is one of the best series I've ever read. They chronicle the life of the Winslows, a fictional family with major historical implications. Gilbert Morris is a wonderful, detailed writer, easily mixing real and fictional people. Mostly, the books pertain to the Methodist faith, though not always.
This set of books covers ground from 1620-1776.
'The Honorable Impostor' is the first book. It begins with Gilbert Winslow, a wayward pastor with ties to the Church of England. He is asked to infiltrate a group of Puritans and help "bring them to justice under the King's law". Through a series of events, he ends up coming, quite unwillingly, to the New World with the group, thereby establishing the House of Winslow in America.
'The Captive Bride' covers two generations of Winslows. Matthew, Gilbert's son, breaks his parents' hearts and is sent off to England to find his roots. Instead, he finds a wife and a heap of trouble. He loses his mind in prison and leaves a heartbroken, pregnant wife to go back to his father. Rachel Winslow grows up without a father in Salem amidst the crazed witch trials. When an unexpected piece of the past confronts her, she has nowhere to turn but God.
'The Indentured Heart' chronicles the life of Adam Winslow, Rachel's nephew. Cruelly abused by a stepmother who's jealous of him, Adam is sent to live with his older brother. He goes into business with his half-brother, Charles, and cousin, Saul. On a fact-finding mission back to England, he finds another abused soul and brings her back as an indentured servant. Charles and Saul try every trick they know to make off with the dark Winslow's part of the business, but end up helping him more than they could ever know.
'The Gentle Rebel' begins right before the American Revolution. It concerns two cousins--Nathan, the son of Adam, and Paul, son of Charles--who are on different sides of the war. When Nathan's younger brother becomes an early casualty of the war, Nathan vows to fight in his place. He has a new "little brother", Laddie, who has a secret of his own.
'The Saintly Buccaneer' finishes out Paul Winslow's story. Paul is Impressed into the British Navy after a hard night of drinking. He wakes up on a ship with a soft-hearted captian and his beautiful daughter with no memory of himself or his horrible past. When the British ship clashes with an American ship on the high seas, he meets someone who sparks a memory--as well as shame.
The Winslow Books are the best!.......2000-05-28
I think that the Winslow series is the best that I have read so far. They leave you in suspense until the end and surprise you sometimes. I would suggest if yoiu like romance and suspense to definetly read this series. I love the Winslow series!
It was interesting but repeated it self........1999-06-03
I liked these books they taught you quite a lot about history and I liked the way the story went through the generations .The story line is pretty predictable when it comes to their love life. I definitely think #1 was the best.You should read them but if you don't like book one then you probably won't like the rest.
Book Description
Step aboard, buccaneers and book lovers! Comically dramatic illustrations set the tone for this humorous, hare-raising adventure on the high seas.
"BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES!"
Aboard a ship called the Salty Carrot sails a wild, rowdy band of Buccaneer Bunnies. Their leader, Barnacle Black Ear, is the baddest bunny brute of all time, but his son refuses to perform his proper pirating duties. Henry would rather read books than shout "Shiver me timbers!" or make prisoners walk the plank — even if it means he has to swab the decks as punishment. But when a crashing, bashing, thrashing wildcat of a storm threatens the Salty Carrot and its crew, will Henry and his landlubbin' library save the day?
Customer Reviews:
Chock Full of Laughs and Fun.......2007-03-14
This book is classically funny and has a wonderful message for readers of all ages. In this day and age of computer technology it's wonderful to be able to show younger children that books and reading are still the most important learning tool and can get you out of almost any predicament you are in.
In regards to the negative reviews regarding the dry humor (Rabbitson Caruso etc) that actually gave a wonderful opening to share the original historical characters as well as the classic books with my younger children. So they became interested in reading them when they got older.
The "dog" incident was so minor I didnt even notice it til I read the review here but I personally look at it as they dont show them "eating or killing a dog" so its no different than Elmer Fudd talking about turning Bugs Bunny into Rabbit Stew to a child.
Pictures are wonderful.......2007-01-13
but the story is kind of cheesy. The point is well and good, but the ending is a little weak. You might want to look at a copy in your local library before purchasing and see if it is worth the pictures.
Mediocre.......2006-12-09
A nice enough story about how reading is beneficial and how you should read even if people ridicule you. But the writing is halting, the pirate banter and the bunny-based alliteration is tedious, and the "inside jokes" aren't that funny for a five-year-old ("Rabbitson Crusoe" ... ha ha). Plus it's quite sad to see the bunnies getting ready to kill a dog. (The story would have been much more impressive if Henry had taken his nose out of his book to save the dog. But alas, reading is good....) I won't rush out to buy my own copy after I give this one back to the library.
Hurray for the geeks.......2006-09-25
This book is hilarious, wonderfully illustrated, and rich in delicious, pirate-like language. This is a light-hearted tale that illustrates why everyone needs to read.
Avast ye mateys..........2005-09-28
I. Love. This. Book. Oh, and so do my kids. It's a favorite on our book shelf.
Book Description
In their heyday, the sight of a pirate ship on the horizon would strike terror into the hearts of their intended victims. The colorful yet fearsome reputation of the pirate still resonates today and the sight of the skull and crossbones retains its thrilling power. The lives of the most famous of their brethren have been immortalized, initially in the pamphlets of the time, now in movies and books.
Telling the full story of piracy from the "buccaneering era" of the 17th century to the last great piratical wave of the early 19th century, this book explores the generally short and bloody life of the pirate, detailing his ship, weaponry, and codes of behaviour, as well as his most famous exploits. It is the gripping tale of the violent and deadly brigands who roamed the high seas in search of plunder.
Customer Reviews:
A top pick for collections seeking more than a casual coverage........2007-05-12
Scourge of the Seas: Buccaneers, Pirates and Privateers examines the myths and realities of pirate life, examining the stories of adventure on the seas, the biographies of practicing pirates throughout history, and considering pirate ships and vivid battles alike. Other books on pirate history may offer the same viewpoint with a less detailed perspective: SCOURGE OF THE SEAS covers not just events and personalities, but is packed with details about ships, weaponry, codes of behavior, and holds plenty of color photos throughout. A top pick for collections seeking more than a casual coverage.
Full of information and well written.......2007-04-07
Angus Konstam's Scourge of the Seas: Buccaneers, Pirates & Privateers is one of those books that just has to find a way into your personal library. Full of facts about pirate society and society's feeling of repulsion of their activities, Scourge manages to keep the reader interested by great writing and wonderful illustrations.
Dealing with pirates from just about every angle, Konstam also does a complete of including just about every important pirate for 200 years. Dealing with how they organized their activities, how their ships operated, and how they divided their booty, Scourge is a wonderful read.
Significant chapters include The Buccaneers and Their Victims, Buccaneer Commanders, The Pirate Crew, Pirate Warfare, Pirate Codes, Pirate Flags, Pirate Justice, The Development of Privateering, Organization and Recruitmnet, The Anti-Piracy Campaign of the 1820's.
Well researched, and written with the reader in mind, Scourge will be a book you'll love to read.
Customer Reviews:
Great book - BUT - Not really for smaller kids.......2007-03-16
We really liked the "You Wouldn't Want To Be..." series so we bought this book (and the Columbus one). Although the information in here is very interesting, I don't think it is appropriate for smaller kids as there are a number of pictures of pirates being hung or corpses in crow's cages, and the like. Remember, all the information in here is real life - not just cutesy stories - so if your child is easily freightened by graphic (although comic-style) pictures, try something else.
A very fun and exciting history lesson.......2003-08-10
This book was very interesting. It showed what might happen to you if you were captured by Pirates. I thought it was very realistic, and it was so exciting you didn't know you were really learning. I would read it again and again. But I thought it was a little easy to read, and too short. But overall I liked it...
a LOT
Book Description
Darwin took his books aboard the Beagle. Swift and Defoe used his experiences as inspiration in writing Gulliver’s Travels and Robinson Crusoe. Captain Cook relied on his observations while voyaging around the world. Coleridge called him a genius and “a man of exquisite mind.” In the history of exploration, nobody has ventured further than Englishman William Dampier. Yet while the exploits of Cook, Shackleton, and a host of legendary explorers have been widely chronicled, those of perhaps the greatest are virtually invisible today—an omission that Diana and Michael Preston have redressed in this vivid, compelling biography.
As a young man Dampier spent several years in the swashbuckling company of buccaneers in the Caribbean. At a time when surviving one voyage across the Pacific was cause for celebration, Dampier ultimately journeyed three times around the world; his bestselling books about his experiences were a sensation, influencing generations of scientists, explorers, and writers. He was the first to deduce that winds cause currents and the first to produce wind maps across the world, surpassing even the work of Edmund Halley. He introduced the concept of the “sub-species” that Darwin later built into his theory of evolution, and his description of the breadfruit was the impetus for Captain Bligh’s voyage on the Bounty. Dampier reached Australia 80 years before Cook, and he later led the first formal expedition of science and discovery there.
A Pirate of Exquisite Mind
restores William Dampier to his rightful place in history—one of the pioneers on whose insights our understanding of the natural world was built.
Customer Reviews:
Book that takes you around the world.......2007-07-27
This book about 17th Century Explorer William Dampier really surprised me - it was so good! I received the book as a gift and it turned out to be one of those books that I might not have chosen on my own, but I really enjoyed.
The book chronicles Dampier's 3 voyages around the world, is interesting, and super easy to read. Two thumbs up for sure.
Pleeeze don't call him "pirate!" He was just along for the ride ..........2007-04-21
Ol' Cap'n Bill plundered only knowledge - couldn't keep two pieces of eight together to save his life. In fact, when he crossed the Isthmus of Panama, he was a lot more worried about keeping his charts dry than about the gold. Trouble was, nobody in his earlier days ever thought about funding a mission for pure scientific research - at least 'til Edmund Halley's voyage in about 1702 or so. And the only British vessels heading into the Pacific had to subsidize their own voyages (at the expense of the Dons, of course). So what was an insatiably curious soul to do? He stuck out his thumb, sailed everywhere -- and I mean EVERYWHERE! and if he's no longer at sea, he's now in print -- everywhere! Don't believe me? Pick up ANY book on exploration, vanished species, oceanography, evolution, British history, British colonialism -- and, of course ... pirates ... and you'll find him there, glaring huffily at anyone who'd demean him as a pirate.
A Pirate of Exquisite Mind: The life of William Dampier.......2007-03-08
Extraordinary story of one of the most important explorers and cartographers we've never heard of! Fascinating facts and a well written account of some of the early round-the-world navigation.
Great Reading!.......2007-01-10
A student of history for more than half my life I was astounded that I had never heard of Dampier --its a pity that he has not received his due as an explorer & naturalist. He was well known in his own time and should be as well known in ours. The book is an education and a fun one at that.
Inquisitive, free-spirited open-minded seagoing pioneer.......2006-05-27
William Dampier, an inquisitive, free-spirited open-minded seagoing pioneer was on the cutting edge of global explorations. Recorded in his own words, William Dampier has left us all an inspiring legacy of world history. This book was hard to put down and I was sad to see it end.
Customer Reviews:
Great ending, but too brief........2007-01-08
This is an excellent series, and one of Linda Chaikin's best, but this book is way too brief for an ending. The resolution of Baret's father, the treasure, and all of the other plots is too quick, and I almost felt cheated. When a story is built up so much, you expect a big ending, and instead you get a novel that's almost half the size of the first book in the series.
Certain relationships and storylines are either wrapped up too quickly, or they aren't really wrapped up at all, and though it would be a bit unbelievable to have every single thing work out in the end, the ending leaves you slightly dissatisfied and wanting more. I feel that Linda Chaikin could have easily written 150 pages more on this story, complete with resolutions for each character and a more balanced ending.
With all that being said, this is a wonderful series, and though I was disappointed in this last book, it was still very good. The love story between Baret and Emerald proves to be one of my favorites, and I've read certain parts of this book over and over because they leave me feeling so giddy! I do wish, however, that the relationship between Erik and Minette was given a more prominent role; it had such potential!
So overall, a wonderful series, even though the ending is disappointing. If you enjoyed this series, be sure to check out Linda Chaikin's other books--they're all wonderful!
Intriging, enchanting, thrilling and extremely exciting!!!!.......2004-04-14
[]I love the Bucaneer Series !!! These books were absolutely brilliant. Linda C writes with such vivid detail and her historical content has the effect of making you want to travel back in time to meet emerald and especially Baret! I couldn't get enough of this series and as a result read it 7 times !!! Reading it makes you want to jump into the story and help Emerald and Baret to realise their love for each other even through all their trials. Near the end of book two the story is so intense that it makes you want to scream.(...) You'll haves to read it for yourself - it is definately a major must read !!!!!!
Conclusion.......2003-12-22
This book was not Linda Chaikin's best work, but neither was this whole series. Of course I was hooked after reading the first one, but still it could have been better. I agree with the other people, she could have wrapped a few more things up in the end! But it was pretty good.
A Masterpiece (-In progress?).......2001-06-21
As I began to read this anxiously awaited book, I was instantly captivated - as is the norm with Linda's books. It had it all, adventure, intrigue, romance, and most importantly - a subtle but clear Christian message. How thrilled was I to finally see Baret's Love for Emerald unleashed, to know without doubt that he would let no cicumstance or person come before their love. The intrigue surrounding his father's "death" was skillfully unraveled to a worthy end, and Baret's dreams fulfilled. Confrontations and battles were vibrantly brought to colour by the fluency which is a characteristic of Linda Chaikin. Thus one would think that this fast moving, intriguing book should completely satisfy me, and whilst I immensely enjoyed the book and have given it a top rating, I find my self somewhat dissatiafied with the 'details' that could have further been explored - but seem to have been forgotten in tha haste in which the author seemed to have written the book (probably due to those like myself who pushed for a quick release date!!) I personally would like to know, among others, if Emerald ever saw the impression that Baret had sketched of her?, did Minette and Eric find happiness and harmony together? , what about Lavander and Grayford - were they able to make a go of it together? - and was there a chance of happiness for Geneva and Baret's father after the sudden demise of Felix? , did Jette go with Emerald and Baret to England and what was their reception from the king? These little things, I feel, would have gave a more completed feel to the novel and the series. But one thing I must remember whilst judging this book is that I do not have bestselling books credited to me and Linda certanly knows best when dealing with those whom she created - perhaps the 'unfinished' ending was to allow each reader to settle matters in their own style - although I would have much preferred it had she finished it in hers! Whilst saying this I must say that it is still a cut above most literature out in both Christian and secular circles at the moment, and on the whole a series to be read numerous times with endless enjoyment - Well Done Linda, it's another cracker!
Unfinished......but otherwise pretty good........2001-05-29
The book was excellent, but ti needed to be finished. It doesn't tell what happens to Minette and Eric, how everything goes with Geneva and Sophia at Foxemoore, what happens to Mr. Pitt, what happens in England, along with a score of other things. It's like the author wrote a great beginning-middle of a book, and leaving many questions unanswered, finished it. I think she should write a fourht book instead of leaving us all on edge.
Average customer rating:
- "You're a gang of buccaneers, you [Americans] are."
- Yawn
- Ravishing "Buccaneers"
- Piracy in petticoats
- A travesty
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The Buccaneers: BBC Tie-In Edition
Edith Wharton
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
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Wharton, Edith
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ASIN: 0670866458 |
Customer Reviews:
"You're a gang of buccaneers, you [Americans] are.".......2006-01-22
Unfinished at the time of Edith Wharton's death in 1937, The Buccaneers was later completed by Marian Mainwaring and published in 1993. Set in the late nineteenth century, it is a story in which newly rich American girls go to London for "the season" and to find husbands. Like the novels of Henry James, one of Wharton's friends, it stresses the contrast between the values of new American society and those of the long-established society of Europe, setting the bright enthusiasms of the Americans against the ritualized behaviors of upperclass Londoners, the freedoms of the Americans against the social and familial obligations of the Europeans.
The daughters of the St. George and Elmsworth families have been snubbed by New York society for the newness of their wealth, and when their friend Conchita Closson marries a member of the British nobility, they follow her to England, intending to participate in "the season" and perhaps find husbands of their own. Though the older girls sometimes compete for the same suitors and are preoccupied with the superficialities of society, the youngest St. George sister, Nan, still retains her carefree spirit, her innocence, and her zest for life.
Wharton completed about three-fifths of the novel before her death, leaving a plot outline for the remainder of the novel. More melodramatic than most of her other novels, The Buccaneers is filled with domestic intrigues, as straightforward but remarkably naïve American heiresses are wooed by faithless suitors who need funds to support their traditional lifestyles. Nan's courtship and marriage become the emotional and dramatic focus of the last part of the novel.
The point at which Mainwaring begins writing is obvious. Though she follows the plot summary which Wharton left behind, her language is less elegant and less formal, her emphasis on the sexual aspects of the relationships more blatant. Marriage, when viewed by the participants as a social responsibility, rather than as a free, romantic choice, leads to the opportunistic marriages we see here, with one partner gaining at the expense of the other. Women take lovers, withhold sexual favors from their husbands--and talk about everyone else who does what they are doing. Trapped in stultifying relationships, they gain social acceptance at the expense of their freedom and happiness. The ending, filled with ironies, is unique among Wharton's novels, feeling more like a Gothic romance than Wharton's usual social commentary. n Mary Whipple
Yawn.......2005-08-20
If you like Jane Austen you will probably be a fan of this book. Though the pace of the book was certainly faster than Austen I found the book rather boring and predictable.
Ravishing "Buccaneers".......2005-03-12
It's an unfortunate fact that any prolific author is going to leave a half-finished book behind them. And when Edith Wharton died in 1937, she left a partly-finished novel, "The Buccaneers," which was later finished by Marion Mainwaring. Unfortunately, Mainwaring couldn't equal Wharton's style, and the resulting book is a bit too rough to be excellent.
The St. George family is wealthy and cultured, but since they are "new money," haughty Virginia and childlike, passionate Nan are excluded from New York society. Nan's governess offers an alternative: the girls and three other snubbed debutantes will spend a season in England, where the newness of their money won't matter. The girls all jump at the opportunity (especially with handsome young aristos running around).
England's aristocracy greets them with both suspicion and delight: Most people love the honest, innocent attitude of the American girls. But when Virginia becomes engaged to a mild-mannered aristocrat, some people see the Americans as "stealing" eligible Englishmen. Meanwhile, Nan has fallen in love with an impoverished aristocrat, but she has some growing up to do first...
Okay, nobody expected Wharton's manuscript to simply sit there, unfinished. It's not very satisfying, for one thing. But "The Buccaneers" doesn't quite work as a Wharton novel. Don't worry, it's a fun read with glimmers of Wharton's wit and societal observation. She just took the story across the pond to England.
The problem is that Marion Mainwaring doesn't write like Wharton. She writes like someone TRYING to write like Wharton, and so her style and characterizations seem very exaggerated at times. Fortunately she only wrote about thirty percent of the book (based on Wharton's original synopsis) and so most of the book has Wharton's flavor.
Not that the Wharton sections are quite perfect either -- since the book was unfinished, some parts of it have a "second draft" feel. And her sharp observations feel dulled here. But it accurately captures Wharton's preoccupation with Victorian propriety, manners, and the delicate social structure around old New York. Not to mention a dash of Henry James, with the stories of American innocents abroad.
The concept of new vs. old money was a big deal in the 1870s, especially since it eventually overturned the old social order. Wharton populated her novel with wide-eyed (and sometimes loudmouthed) American girls, and impoverished young dukes and earls who are trying to keep the crumbling old estates going. Wharton also spiced up the cast with flamboyant mistresses, amnesiac noblemen, and a prim governess who happens to be the cousin of Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Edith Wharton left a promising book behind her when she died, and fortunately "The Buccaneers" was given passable treatment by Marion Mainwaring. It's too rough to be among Wharton's best, but this flawed novel is still a fun read.
Piracy in petticoats.......2004-03-07
I first learned of this story from the 1995 miniseries, which I loved. In reading the book it was immediately apparent that the miniseries was quite different in some respects from the original, unfinished text. However, this is not a problem. The novel articulates beautifully the feeling of being always an outsider in one's adopted country and adds several perspectives that are not present in the tv adaptation. Set in the late 1800s, a quartet of American girls, overlooked by the fashionable New York set, seek their matrimonial fortunes in England. Each of our protagonists is unique: from Nan, the dreamy romantic upon who the plot rests and her goddess-like sister Virginia, to the impetuous Connie and the shrewd, savvy and practical Elmswood sisters Lizzie and Mabel. This is not a story without drama and pain, nor do I find it as depressing a tale as many of Wharton's other novels -- thinking particularly about "Life of Mirth". I personally attribute this cautious optimism to Marion Mainwaring who pulled the original unfinished novel together. The story remains one that, for me, is eminently re-readable and thought provoking. It is equal parts society scandal and personal meditation -- a mix that works wonderfully.
A travesty.......2003-07-07
How could this Mainwaring person have the nerve to ruin an Edith Wharton novel? Her chapters were contrived and ridiculous, a romance novel tacked onto an intelligent exploration of Americans in England. The characters completely changed "character" when she took over. Phew! I barely made it through the last 50 pages they were so dreadful. IF YOU'RE THINKING OF TRYING EDITH WHARTON DEFINITELY SKIP THIS ONE.
Book Description
As a young parish priest, Father Christopher has heard many confessions, but his own tale is more astounding than any revelation he has ever encountered in the confessional . . . for Chris was once a pirate captain, hundreds of years before his birth.
Fresh from the monastery, the former novice finds himself inexplicably transported back to the Golden Age of Piracy, where an unexpected new life awaits him. At first, he resists joining the notorious Brethren of the Coast, but he soon embraces the life of a buccaneer, even as he succumbs to the seductive charms of a beautiful and enigmatic senorita. As the captain of his own swift ship, which may or may not be cursed, he plunders the West Indies in search of Spanish gold. From Tortuga to Port Royal, from the stormy waters of the Caribbean to steamy tropical jungles, Captain Chris finds danger, passion, adventure, and treachery as he hoists the black flag and sets sail for the Spanish mainland.
Where he will finally come to port only God knows . . . .
Pirate Freedom is a captivating new masterpiece by the award-winning author of The Wizard Knight and Soldier of Sidon.
Book Description
Long recovered from the ravages of the Riftwar, the land and people of the kingdom of the Isles thrive. Nicholas, the youngest son of Prince Arutha, is intelligent and gifted but vastly inexperienced. In hopes of hardening him, his father sends him and his irreverent squire, Harry, to live at Rustic Castle Crydee to learn of life beyond the halls of privilege. But within weeks of Nicholas and Harry's arrival, Crydee is viciously attacked by unknown assailants, resulting in murder, massive destruction, and the abduction of two young noblewomen. The raiders have come from a pirate haven and are no ordinary foe ... but an enemy connected to dark magical forces that threaten the lands Nicholas will someday rule -- if he survives.
Customer Reviews:
The making of a royal pirate? :).......2007-09-19
This book revolves around Arutha conDoin's youngest son, Nicholas, who stands third in line for the throne of the Kingdom of the Isles, on Midkemia.
Nicholas has always been sheltered, mostly because of a lame foot that he had been born with. He is sent to Crydee, along with Nakor and Ghuda (if you read the prior book in the series, Prince Of The Blood, you would recognize those two characters) to squire for Duke Martin, in part to get him out of the sheltered court, and to give him space to grow. He is also joined by Harry, his own Squire. While there, the town is viciously attacked, virtually every building is burned down, and only those handful mistaken for dead as surviving. There are reports that the attackers had taken many captives, including Margaret, Duke Martin's daughter, and her companion Abigail. So it is that Nicholas sets off on Amos Trask's ship in hot pursuit with a small group of men to rescue the captives, believing that they have been taken to the Sunset Islands.
Instead, they find themselves travelling across the Endless Sea to Novindus, a continent unknown and unexplored by those of the Kingdom. Stranded in this strange land after their ship sinks, Nicholas and his small band of men set out to free the captives, and discover that they have stumbled on an intricate plot by the Pantathian serpent priests, a death cult, to plunge the Kingdom into chaos, and seize the Lifestone (a relic which we are introduced to in A Darkness At Sethanon, as capable of destroying all life on the planet).
Feist does an excellent job of expanding his world once more, bringing us a colorful description of the exotic Novindus, a continent with a broad mix of cultures, with each area controlled by local militias.
The heart of the novel is the growth of Nicholas. With magic, his foot is healed physically, yet whenever he is faced with a challenge, his foot hurts - excrutiatingly at first, then less with each instance, till the pain is gone. This is all a psychological metaphor, for Nicholas - facing all his fears, and throwing away the psychological crutch he had been leaning on all his life, using his lame foot as an excuse for failure or to grant him excuse for exception.
As usual, it is the characters that are Feist's strong suit. Each character comes to life, and you feel saddened at the end of the book when you have to leave them behind.
I highly recommend this book.
one of the best books I've read!.......2006-06-30
I was hesitant to start reading Feist because I didn't want to get involved in such a long series, but I am so glad I did. This book in particular is my favorite from the Riftwar Saga. The changes you see in young Prince Nicholas from beginning to end are a joy to read. He matures from a young rogue of a boy to a battle hardened man, seeing things in his young life that most men never see. With his companion Harry by his side he learns what it means to be a leader and also about the perils of war and death and most of all the perils of young love. The most poingnent moment to me is his return home, the changes in him and the reaction of his father Prince Arutha. A definite must read!!!!!!
A good story with major flaws........2006-04-24
The underlying plot is good. Mr Feist brings likeable characters that develop over time in credible ways. If this were a stand-alone book in another setting it would be better.
This story fails when it starts foreshadowing the upcoming serpentwar. The biggest flaws are Pug and Tomas, the major characters from the prior series. Both are incredibly powerful. Both have very strong ties to characters in this story. Both inexplicably do not involve themselves in the events of this story. Of course we know why. They are far too powerful and would trivialize the entire "adventure". But it is ludicrous that either Pug or Tomas would allow events to unfold without interfering directly. Pug's adopted family is involved. Tomas's parents are involved. Their birthplace is involved. The excuses that are given are paper-thin. The idea that neither of them keeps an eye on the town in question stretches credulity past breaking.
If this story were consistent with the prior series, it would be 3 pages long. There would be the attack by the bad guys foiled by Pug and Tomas, followed by a thorough retaliation by Pug and Tomas on dragonback. The end. Obviously not a good story, but when you have god-like characters, you have to explain their absence, especially if you start blowing up their home town and killing their family.
Feist changes pace.......2006-01-03
When you look forward to action as in the previous novels and I actually read the Serpentwar before this one so I got to see what happened to him later on, I was a little disappointed in this one. Not enough to drop below a 4 star though, it still had enough to keep me going. I just wish he'd've stayed with the old formula, i much more enjoyed that.
If you enjoyed Feist, you may like The Unsuspecting Mage by Brian S. Pratt, a new but good up and coming author.
Good continuation to the story.......2005-11-18
The King's Buccaneer by Raymond Feist is the sixth book set in the world of Midkemia. This book follows one of the kids of the characters in the Rift-War saga. Nicky, son of Arutha.
The story itself is rather daring. It would have been very easy for Feist to get lost in the details of pieces of the story, but he tells just enough to keep the reader informed without dragging the progress of the book down. There are several sub-plots within this book, as usual Feist pulls the strings of all the plots to keep the reader guessing what is going to come next. He does a masterful job of juggling all the plot lines before bringing them all together at the end. The pacing of this book is a little different than the Rift-war books in that it is more intrigue than action. Yet, that is not a bad thing. Not all books need battle scenes of thousands of people. In this one Feist does a good job of allowing the reader to feel what is going on. A couple time I found myself rooting for a character, which is rare for me to do.
The character development in this book is again right on par with what you would expect with Feist. He makes you believe that even the minor characters are meaningful and worth notice. The development of Nicky is by far the most substantial and worth the read itself. I read one review asking where the `interesting' characters were, ala Pug, Thomas etc. I found the characters in this book just as interesting, if not more, than the previously established characters. I enjoy that Feist allows his characters to be abused and to face situations where they get hurt and have doubts. They are not all powerful like some characters in fantasy novels now days. Feist also has the vision to understand that his characters need to die and should not dominate a story simply because fans like them. He introduces new characters for a reason and should be applauded for that.
This story certainly sets up the next saga called the Serpent war saga. Some things are resolved in this book, but many things are left wide open for the reader to consider until the next book is read.
With all that said, this is not the best Feist book I have read, but I think this is still an enjoyable read. If you are a fan of Feist and have read te other books before this, most notably the Rift-War saga, then you will like this book and I recommend others to read the Rift-war saga and jump head first into the land of Feist. You will not be disappointed.
Book Description
Conceived in the 1950s as a replacement for the Supermarine Scimitar, the Blackburn Buccaneer went into service with the Royal Navy as its main carrier-borne nuclear strike aircraft. But with a diminishing role to play in world affairs, and a reduction in the number of aircraft carriers, the Navy disposed of its Buccaneers to the RAF, where they went on to become one of the Force's most successful and best-loved aircraft. This complete history of the Buccaneer takes the reader from first proposals and the original production S.1 to the final fling of the type as a laser target aircraft during the first Gulf War.
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