Insight Pocket Guides Malta (Insight Pocket Guides)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • This review of the larger 310 page book
  • Malta in Miniature
Insight Pocket Guides Malta (Insight Pocket Guides)
Insight Guides
Manufacturer: Apa Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
MaltaMalta | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Italy | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
Insight Pocket GuideInsight Pocket Guide | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Lonely Planet Malta & Gozo (Lonely Planet Malta) Lonely Planet Malta & Gozo (Lonely Planet Malta)

ASIN: 0887299113

Book Description

One of over 400 titles in the Insight series,

Insight Guide Malta. This 312-page book includes a section detailing Malta's history, 7 features covering aspects of the island's life and culture, ranging from its ribald sense of humour to its aged fleet of rusting workhorse cars, a region by region visitor's guide to the sights, and a comprehensive Travel Tips section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. Plus many complementary photographs and 9 maps.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars This review of the larger 310 page book.......2003-08-19


As usual, the Insight Guide relies heavy on photography for a visual feel of the country, probably 40% of the book is photographs, the quality of which is good to very good. With 80 pages of Maltese history, you will get more in depth history here than with any of the other travel guides.
The text does not pull any punches with discussing Malta & its people when it comes to their love of killing birds, leaving trash around, stealing car parts, overbuilding the island, being stubborn, or being horrendous drivers. But there is also an understanding and appreciation for the natives. The essays on Maltese people, their vehicles, the architecture, and superstitions are good. The last 20 pages of travel tips are helpful, the hotel recommendations adequate, the description of the various areas of interest detailed.
This book is too cumbersome to take along, this is more for pre-trip research. A good book if you are heavy into the history end...

4 out of 5 stars Malta in Miniature.......2002-02-18

Probably the best available guide book about Malta, written by natives of the island and others with close connections. as usual with the Insight Guides, it succeeds in giving an authentic flavour of the place in miniature, and I have found it very useful throughout several trips there. Photography is very atmospheric, and almost faultless, though my only gripe is that the latest edition has replaced the Passionist 'cover boy' and his lantern - so typical of religious processions on the Island -with an ordinary, though very attractive, Maltese lass. The boy seemed to sum up perfectly the mixture of youth and devout Catholic faith of Malta. This apart, you will not need another guide to the Island if you have this one.
Malta Insight Pocket Guide
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Malta Insight Pocket Guide

    Manufacturer: APA Publications Pte Ltd,Singapore
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
    MaltaMalta | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Italy | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
    GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
    ASIN: 981234148X
    Malta Insight Pocket Guide (Insight Pocket Guides)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Malta Insight Pocket Guide (Insight Pocket Guides)

      Manufacturer: APA Publications Pte Ltd,Singapore
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      GeneralGeneral | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
      MaltaMalta | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
      GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
      ASIN: 9812347933
      Malta Insight Pocket Guide
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Malta Insight Pocket Guide

        Manufacturer: APA Publications Pte Ltd,Singapore
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        GeneralGeneral | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
        MaltaMalta | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
        GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
        Look Inside Travel BooksLook Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
        Similar Items:
        1. Lonely Planet Malta & Gozo (Lonely Planet Malta) Lonely Planet Malta & Gozo (Lonely Planet Malta)
        2. Lonely Planet Malta (Lonely Planet Travel Guides) Lonely Planet Malta (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)
        3. Top 10 Malta and Gozo (Eyewitness Travel Guides) Top 10 Malta and Gozo (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
        4. Malta Travel Pack (Globetrotter Travel Packs) Malta Travel Pack (Globetrotter Travel Packs)

        ASIN: 9812584439
        Malta Insight Pocket Guide
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Malta Insight Pocket Guide

          Manufacturer: APA Publications Pte Ltd,Singapore
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
          MaltaMalta | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
          GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 9812344888
          Malta Insight Pocket Guide
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Malta Insight Pocket Guide
            *
            Manufacturer: APA INSIGHT GUIDES (
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Paperback
            ASIN: B000K85IPY
            Malta Insight Pocket Guide
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Malta Insight Pocket Guide

              Manufacturer: APA Publications Pte Ltd,Singapore
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback

              GeneralGeneral | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
              MaltaMalta | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Italy | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
              GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
              ASIN: 9624215901
              Malta Insight Pocket Guide
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Malta Insight Pocket Guide

                Manufacturer: APA Publications Pte Ltd,Singapore
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback
                ASIN: 9624216657

                No Place for Magic: The Fourth Tale of the Frog Princess (Tales of the Frog Princess)
                Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
                • Princess Emma and Prince Eadric have been through a lot in their relationship over the last three books...
                • Pure Magic
                • No Place for Magic?! It was a magical book!
                • Cute, Cute, Cute
                • The Fourth Tale of the Frog Princess (Tales of the Frog Princess)
                No Place for Magic: The Fourth Tale of the Frog Princess (Tales of the Frog Princess)
                E. D. Baker
                Manufacturer: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Hardcover

                CollectionsCollections | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                Science Fiction, Fantasy, & MagicScience Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                RoyaltyRoyalty | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                Frog PrinceFrog Prince | Fairy Tales & Folk Tales | Popular Characters | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                FantasyFantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
                Science FictionScience Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
                Look Inside Teen BooksLook Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
                Similar Items:
                1. Once Upon a Curse Once Upon a Curse
                2. The Salamander Spell (Tales of the Frog Princess) The Salamander Spell (Tales of the Frog Princess)
                3. Dragon's Breath: Book Two in the Tales of the Frog Princess Dragon's Breath: Book Two in the Tales of the Frog Princess
                4. The Frog Princess (Tales of the Frog Princess) The Frog Princess (Tales of the Frog Princess)
                5. Dragon's Breath (Tales of the Frog Princess) Dragon's Breath (Tales of the Frog Princess)

                ASIN: 1582346542
                Release Date: 2006-09-05

                Book Description

                When Emma and her beloved frog-turned-prince Eadric travel to Upper Montevista to ask for Eadric’s parents’ blessing on their marriage, they find his homeland in chaos: Eadric’s annoying little brother Bradston has been kidnapped by trolls! Worse, his mother won’t let Emma use magic, even to rescue Bradston, and Eadric seems suddenly a bit too fond of the girls from his past. But as they travel through unfriendly lands, battle sea-monsters and vampires, and find allies in unlikely places, Emma just might come to see her Eadric for the strong and loyal young man that he is.

                With a dose of bravery and a few clever tricks both magic and not, Princess Emma takes center stage again in this utterly charming and surprising addition to E. D. Baker’s fantastic Tales of the Frog Princess.

                Customer Reviews:

                4 out of 5 stars Princess Emma and Prince Eadric have been through a lot in their relationship over the last three books..........2007-08-12

                Princess Emma and Prince Eadric have been through a lot in their relationship over the last three books. Their friendship began as frogs, when Eadric's Frog Prince curse backfired on Emma when she kissed him, and they joined forces to escape the swamp, as Emma finds that learning to hop and catch flies is harder than one might imagine. Next came the quest to turn her aunt's love back into a human (he was an otter at the time), and after that the curse that was destined to turn Emma into a mean ...uh... *witch* after the age of sixteen if she ever touched a flower.

                That last one involved a bit of time traveling to fix. Along the way, Emma and Eadric have come to realize their love, as well as find a few odd friends, such as the bat, Li'l Stinker, her vampire mate, and a young dragon named Ralf.

                After all of that, even Eadric's parents' hatred of magic isn't going to be enough to stop these two from getting married. Still, Emma would like to have their permission, or at least be able to say that she tried. His mother is less than pleased, however, to find out that her son is still determined to marry her. There are bigger problems in Eadric's kingdom, though, as his younger (and rather obnoxious) brother has apparently been taken by trolls. Afraid to use magic because the trolls can track her through it, Emma must help Eadric find his brother through the use of her wits instead.

                This is the fourth book in the Frog Princess series. While the book is very enjoyable, I would recommend reading the first three books before this one. The series has maintained an entertaining tone through four books now, and each book does stand on its own. This one is no different, but there are lots of little things that will be more enjoyable if you know the series.

                One thing I appreciated about this book and the series in general is that the romance is well constructed, even after four books. There are some side couples, but the central two are Eadric and Emma, who met in the first book as frogs, and now in this book get married. Their friendship and relationship progress through the books and reads as realistically as a romance can when you're turned into a frog, sent back in time, and suffering from curses.

                Unlike the earliest book in the series, No Place For Magic doesn't draw on any particular fairytale origins. Instead it takes place in a world that works by fairytale rules. Fairies attend the wedding, trolls kidnap Eadric's brother, and witches practice "good" and "bad" magic.

                This book takes Emma into Eadric's kingdom where magic is feared and gives her new prejudices to deal with. Back home, she is the Green Witch and respected by the citizens-they know she will protect them in times of need. Here magic is avoided, and she must hide her normal usage of magic and learn to rely on herself instead. In typical fairytale fashion, Emma and her magic skills are accepted once she saves the kingdom, just like Rudolf got to play with the other reindeer once he saved Christmas.

                On the downside, the series is not overly unique. It takes fairytale conventions and turns them around, sometimes in different ways, and other times in the same old ways. Emma is your standard "doesn't want to be a passive" princess and Eadric is a sweet, "charming" prince, who cares as much about where his next meal is coming from as fighting, and likes to flirt with Emma (though the flirting might be as much for the fact that it unsettles her and makes her blush, as for other reasons). The other characters that surround them are also fun, but this is a fluffy book. It's a "having a bad day and need something to escape reality" read. I do think that as the series goes on, the books find more interesting turns and twists to throw in, and the characters grow a little.

                5 out of 5 stars Pure Magic.......2007-05-09

                No Place for Magic was a magical book. The ordeals Emma and Eadric have to face are both funny and frightful. Even though I'm a little old to be reading these books I can't help but continue. Eadric and Emma find that they are still in love even after all the trials they face. A perfcet read for someone who likes magic, romance, and tons of fantastic creatures.

                4 out of 5 stars No Place for Magic?! It was a magical book!.......2007-04-17

                No Place for Magic is the fourth book in the Tales of the Frog Princess series. It is a Fantasy book written by E.D. Baker. No Place for Magic takes place in a world where magic, giants, and dragons are nothing out of the ordinary. The story follows the life of a young princess of Greater Greensward named Emma. The thing is that she's also a very powerful witch. She's known as the Green Witch and is responsible for protecting the land with her magic. Her fiancé, Prince Eadric, lives in Upper Montevista, a kingdom that is not as accepting of magic as Greater Greensward. Eadric's parents, especially his mother, disapprove of Emma because of her powers. But when Eadric's younger brother, Bradston, is kidnaped by trolls Emma and Eadric must set out on a quest to find and bring him home.
                E.D. Baker has a way of writing where she challenges your thinking in some way or another. In one of the scenes in particular she tests your trust. Aldrich and Emma had just arrived from a long journey to a small town very close to the trolls' castle. They needed rest and one of the residents invited them into their home to eat and stay the night. Emma immediately finds it odd that they live so close to man-eating trolls and when one keeps eyeing her quite suspiciously, she and Aldrich discover their true identity. After finding this they are forced to choose whether or not to trust someone they know who could potentially kill them, or ruin their friendship with one of their companions. This scene made me feel like I was the one who had to choose and kept me completely glued to the book.
                No Place for Magic was very fun to read. It flowed easily, but kept me interested. Unlike many fantasy books I've read it really was a comedy. It made me laugh, but also worry. Reading the previous books in the series gives a much better understanding of the characters, but you can follow it either way. Anyone in the mood for a lighthearted book that's not too long or short, and enjoys the "once upon a time's" and "happily ever after's" will enjoy this book.

                4 out of 5 stars Cute, Cute, Cute.......2007-03-11

                This is a adorable romantic comedy. The writing style is simple yet elegant. The characters are lovable and strong. The story is lighthearted yet not shallow, and a lot of humor is achieved by parodying traditional fairy tale elements. This novel is the best so far is the Tales of the Frog Princess series. If you like this book try Runaway Princess by Kate Coombs.

                3 out of 5 stars The Fourth Tale of the Frog Princess (Tales of the Frog Princess).......2007-01-19

                This was a present for my Granddaughter and so far she has not complained about this product.

                I received this delivery in time for Christmas as I ordered it rather late. That is good.
                The Troll Queen
                Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                • The Troll Queen
                • Don't agree with the Library Journal Review
                The Troll Queen
                John Vornholt
                Manufacturer: Aladdin
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

                Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                OtherOther | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                Science Fiction, Fantasy, & MagicScience Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                OtherOther | Children's Books | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
                Vornholt, JohnVornholt, John | ( V ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
                Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy BooksLook Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
                Look Inside Teen BooksLook Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
                Similar Items:
                1. The Troll Treasure (Ready-For-Chapters) The Troll Treasure (Ready-For-Chapters)
                2. The Troll King The Troll King
                3. The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3) The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3)
                4. New Moon (Twilight, Book 2) New Moon (Twilight, Book 2)
                5. Eclipse (Twilight, Book 3) Eclipse (Twilight, Book 3)

                ASIN: 0689858337

                Book Description


                Having freed the trolls of Dismal Swamp from the tyranny of Stygius Rex, the reluctant troll leader, Rollo, has left the swamp on a bittersweet mission: He plans to return his little friend Clipper to her people in the Forbidden Forest. It's a dangerous trip, but he is determined to go.

                Ludicra, the troll who now finds Rollo worthy of her attention, is distraught over his absence and convinced he needs her help. So she assembles a crew of trolls, ogres, and even a gnome to cross the Great Chasm in search of her beloved. But the Chasm holds its own dangers and now the rescue party is in need of rescue!

                Customer Reviews:

                5 out of 5 stars The Troll Queen.......2007-04-25

                This book is about a troll who wants to become a queen, but she needs Rollo because Rollo is supposed to become king. Her name is Ludicra. She has to find Rollo, but she can¡¦t do it on her own so she goes and ask Chomp, another troll, who works as a guard and Gnat, who is another troll, which is one of Ludicra friends. They have to cross dangerous living things they have never seen or imagined would be there!! Later Chomp has to go back to the under ground lair before boss finds out that Chomp and some of the workers are gone! So Ludicra and Gnat are on their own passing the ogres!!

                I would recommend this book to some one who is full of adventure and danger. I liked this book because they go through amazing things and past ogres. The most amazing part was when they got to ride on a flying troll who practiced how to fly in the dark ::º

                4 out of 5 stars Don't agree with the Library Journal Review.......2004-08-11

                I think John Vornholt is very creative in his world with the trolls, fairies, and elves. They are not as stereotypical as they could be. I found this book just as good as the first book. The travels through the caves make for interesting reading. The troubles of Rollo show his character.
                Wizard's Bane: Book one of the Sojurn Chronicles
                Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                • Spellbinding
                • A unique, creative blend of science and technology with fantasy and magic!
                • Reviewed by Sarra Borne
                • A 'must' for fans of fantasy
                • Wizard's Bane
                Wizard's Bane: Book one of the Sojurn Chronicles
                Crystalwizard
                Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

                GeneralGeneral | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                Magic & WizardsMagic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy BooksLook Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
                Similar Items:
                1. Villenspell: City of Wizards Villenspell: City of Wizards
                2. Wizards and Wanderers: Book three of the Sojourn Chronicles Wizards and Wanderers: Book three of the Sojourn Chronicles

                ASIN: 1418423122

                Book Description

                Dale was stranded... and around him he gathered the flotsam and jetsam outcasts of a doomed world in deadly peril, becoming it's last desperate defender. The gathering of this group of defenders is the essence of this panoramic novel. It is a novel of the journey of a technologically advanced hero stranded on a world steeped in magic, and the people he gathers along the way-technology made to control reality and magic that would not be controlled. lt’s about people with strong personalities thrown into conflict and held together by the will of one man, a man with a cause, to save a world. WIZARD’S BANE – Book one of the Sojurn Chronicles, is a novel of boundless imagination, wonderful characters, and fast paced action that can be compared with the Shadow Trilogy by Chris Claremont and George Lucas and the daring days of “classic” fantasy. Ray McLester

                Customer Reviews:

                5 out of 5 stars Spellbinding.......2007-10-13

                I enjoy just certain fantasy or scifi stories. Crystalwizard weaves an interesting story, so spellbinding that I don't worry or care about the genre. Her characters are well-rounded, the plot intriging, and the material well-written.

                I stayed up all night reading because I could not wait to see what happened next.

                4 out of 5 stars A unique, creative blend of science and technology with fantasy and magic!.......2007-09-06

                Dale is a man in trouble, stranded, lost and seriously out of place - transported through a galactic space warp and marooned on Earth by means and enemies unknown! He is worried to discover that his sophisticated, technologically advanced tools and weaponry, normally capable of modifying and controlling the people and the environment around him are now undependable, inconsistent and frequently out of commission entirely. But the tools that he does have and his charismatic force of personality are sufficient to gather around him a ragtag collection of misfits that seem to have also lost their place in the world - a thief bent on reform and self-improvement, an "animal-whisperer" who dropped out of the local wizard's college, the spoiled son of a baron, a demon held in thrall by a sorcerer's spell who can't seem to stay out of trouble and the runaway pacifist son of a cutthroat murderer.

                As Dale and his strange fellowship fight for their lives against Gorgs that, time and again, materialize out of nowhere to attack them, (think really mean, really ugly and really powerful ogres - big brutes with a serious attitude problem) they come to the realization that the entire world is under attack by a magical force that survived the Wizard's War thought to have ended over fifty thousand years earlier. The world's only hope for survival against an impending all-out attack rests with Dale's technological know-how reaching the city of Villenspell and enlisting the magical aid of the City of Wizards!

                The obvious themes of "fellowship", "quest" and "world survival" beg for the reader to compare "Wizard's Bane" to Tolkien's classic "Lord of the Rings". I wouldn't presume to make such a grandiose comparison but it is clear that Crystalwizard has succeeded admirably in drawing on the work of the giants before her while still injecting a dose of originality that is at once charming, thrilling, humorous, moving and unique in its own right! As the first novel of a six-part epic, "Wizard's Bane" focuses primarily on the character development of the "fellowship" and the realization of the extent of the trouble the world is really in as it comes under attack from the Gorg army. In a manner reminiscent of Clifford Simak's warm pastoral style of writing, Crystalwizard's characters are realistic, personable, down-home and easy for any reader to identify with and care about. Her credible, completely natural dialogue flows easily and there are plenty of light moments that will cause a chuckle or a wry smile. That "Wizard's Bane" barely gets revved up on the plot can be forgiven on the understanding that there are five novels left for the now eager reader to enjoy.

                Where "Wizard's Bane" creatively departs from the standard medieval based sword fantasy is Crystalwizard's unique marriage of sci-fi and creative technology with good old-fashioned wizardry and magic - the science even touches quite clearly on relativistic concepts of time dilation and space warping!

                Highly recommended for lovers of both sci-fi and fantasy! In fact, I can't think of a better book to introduce devoted readers of one genre to the joys of the other! I think I'll head off to the bookstore to look up a copy of "Villenspell - City of Wizards".

                Paul Weiss

                3 out of 5 stars Reviewed by Sarra Borne.......2007-07-13

                A classical style fantasy novel that draws its influences from many recognizable sources, Wizard's Bane captures the reader's attention and draws them into the pages. In the opening paragraphs that are vaguely reminiscent of the start of Terminator: The Movie we meet Dale, a man from a technologically superior world who finds himself marooned in a land of magic. Dale has a penchant for attracting a rag-tag band of followers that, not surprisingly, ultimately end up matching the character profiles found in the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons.

                This group of misfits sets out on a multi-focal quest to restore Dale's missing powers, discover the truth about themselves, and what good fantasy novel would omit - save the world from sure destruction at the hand of otherworldly invaders. The pacing of the story takes a backseat to character development in this book, so not much progress is made towards the fulfillment of their quest, a good thing in this case as all of the characters possess strong but likeable personalities making it difficult to choose a favorite.

                As this is book one in a series, the ending is very much a cliffhanger, since it ends rather abruptly right before they reach their first of many goals. Fortunately books two and three, Villenspell: City of Wizards (2005) and Wizards and Wanderers: Book Three of the Sojourn Chronicles (2006) are already available, and books four through six are written but not yet published according to the author's website.

                A few minor flaws: the proof-reading isn't perfect, leaving behind a few errors that wouldn't be caught by a spell-checker. The layout style is a little odd and takes a little getting accustomed to as there are an abundance of new paragraphs, the majority of which are only one sentence long.

                5 out of 5 stars A 'must' for fans of fantasy.......2007-03-03

                Crystalwizard is a storyteller of considerable ability. Some people aspire to be good writers; my own belief is that the art of weaving a good story is a prerequisite to the craft of putting that story onto paper (or computer screen). Others will doubtless disagree. But, if I aspire to anything as a writer, it is to become a good story teller. Crystalwizard is a good story teller.

                Though I have only read the first book of the Sojourn Chronicles, it is clearly an epic tale of Tolkien proportions. The characters are believable, in a fantastic sort of way, and there is both a noble goal (that spans books) and immediate challenges and dangers for the hero, Dale, to overcome. Dale has a mission to accomplish, though he only slowly becomes aware of its scope while struggling to survive on the world into which he has been thrust. His survival is accompanied by his gathering a strange assortment of misfits on his journey to the "city of wizards".

                There were some nice touches in the story. I was tickled by the idea of programming as 'magic' (a spell got stuck in a 'for ... next loop')which reminded me of Arthur C Clarke's quotation "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."

                In one sense, I was disappointed in the way that book one ended; there was less of a climax than I would have liked. But in another sense, this is part of the epic genre; how do you end a story that is a part of a much larger story? If you read Wizard's Bane, then be prepared to read book two (and book three, and ...)

                Also be prepared to encounter the odd misplaced word on the way through. These things didn't bother me, but I did notice them. If you are pedantically inclined, then don't let this spoil an otherwise great read.

                All in all, I consider this to be a read that shouldn't be missed, and I will be reading the second book very soon.

                5 out of 5 stars Wizard's Bane.......2006-04-02

                Wizard's Bane is fantastic. I could not put it down and read it within 2 days. The main character takes the role of a leader dealing with the different personalities with each addition to his traveling troupe and must guide this mix matched group to a place, yet to be revealed. As a mystery reader I found it challenging. As a parent I am excited to be able to share it with my children. I look forward to the rest of the series.

                East of the Sun, West of the Moon
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  East of the Sun, West of the Moon

                  Manufacturer: audible.com
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Audio Download

                  GeneralGeneral | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
                  ASIN: B000I0HDUW
                  Once Upon a Marigold (Unabridged)
                  Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                  • This book is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!
                  • Very good book!
                  • Page Thriller - Reviewed by Kholoud of High Point
                  • A very fun story
                  • Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Farris
                  Once Upon a Marigold (Unabridged)
                  Jean Ferris
                  Manufacturer: audible.com
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Audio Download
                  Similar Items:
                  1. Escaping the Giant Wave Escaping the Giant Wave
                  2. The Star of Kazan The Star of Kazan
                  3. Granny Torrelli Makes Soup (Joanna Cotler Books) Granny Torrelli Makes Soup (Joanna Cotler Books)
                  4. Hachiko Waits Hachiko Waits
                  5. Love Among the Walnuts: or, How I Saved My Family from Being Poisoned Love Among the Walnuts: or, How I Saved My Family from Being Poisoned

                  ASIN: B000TK5BY6

                  Book Description

                  Christian is gaga for Princess Marigold. But he's just a commoner, and no match for royalty. Heck, he lives in a cave with a troll! And now he's discovered another reason to put his love-soggy heart on ice: Queen Olympia is scheming to take over the kingdom--and she'll bump off her own daughter to do it. Can Christian foil her diabolical plans?

                  Customer Reviews:

                  5 out of 5 stars This book is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-07-05

                  I love this book because it is an adventurous fairy tale. It is a funny/love story type of book. This book is age appropriate for nine and older (if you like love storys). I reccomend that you should read this book.Jean Ferris is a GREAT author.

                  5 out of 5 stars Very good book!.......2007-06-05

                  This book was absolutely WONDERFUL!! I think that anyone who reads this book (of ANY age) would LOVE it because it is funny, charming, EVERYTHING!! What it says on the front is completely right: "Part love story, part comedy, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink."

                  Jean Ferris really knows how to write a good book, and I am anxious to read her other books. This is truly a book worth 5 stars and a Newberry Medal, although it did not win one!

                  5 out of 5 stars Page Thriller - Reviewed by Kholoud of High Point.......2007-04-20

                  Once upon a Marigold is a great book. If you like funny-romance books, this book is for you. A six year old boy runs away from home and lives with a troll in his cave. The boy calls the troll his "foster father". The boy is a pretty good inventor so he builds a telescope. He spies on a certain princess quite often. The boy likes the princess, so he writes to her using p-mail. P-mail is mail being delivered by trained pigeons. They become great friends, writing to each other.

                  The boy never tells her his name. When the boy is about 16, he takes a job in the castle of the princess he likes. One day, while he was working he overheard the queen say her evil plot to take over the kingdom and kill the king. Meanwhile Marigold is being forced to marry someone she doesn't like and wear ugly dresses for the wedding.

                  What will happen next?

                  Can the boy save the kingdom and Marigold from unhappiness? Will they unearth a wonderful secret? Will it be a happy ending or an unhappy? Will it be happily ever after or sadly ever after? In order to find out read this book!!!

                  4 out of 5 stars A very fun story.......2007-03-15

                  Edric's trouble began the day he was out in the forest and a six-year-old boy named Christian popped out of the bushes. Christian has run away from his family and even though Edric searched, he never could find Christian's parents.

                  Eleven years goes by while Edric parents Christian. They live in a cave in the forest. Now Christian is in love with a princess, but she'll never notice him--a mere forest dweller who lives with a troll in a cave. Still, that doesn't stop Christian from corresponding with Princess Marigold.

                  The princess' mother, Queen Olympia, is scheming to take over the kingdom--and since she can't seem to marry Marigold off, she's planning to bump her off. Can Christian stop the Queen's evil plans and save Princess Marigold?

                  Once Upon a Marigold is a totally cute book guaranteed to appeal to girls ages ten and up. It might even appeal to some boys. It has lame jokes, an interesting plot, and fantastical creatures in a magical forest--complete with an incompetent tooth fairy.

                  The writing is probably not the best in the world, and it starts out slow, but once I got past the first twenty-two pages or so the writing picked up and I couldn't put the book down.

                  The cover says "Part comedy, part love story, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink." How fun is that? The book matches its blurb.

                  Armchair Interviews says: It is a fun read.

                  4 out of 5 stars Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Farris.......2007-03-12

                  By Emily Cornell
                  Once Upon a Marigold takes place in a fairytale forest where King Swithbert rules. This story starts when Ed, a troll, is walking through the woods and finds a boy named Christian who is six. Christian ran away from home because he didn't like all their rules. So, Ed takes Christian back to his cave that he and his two dogs, Beezlebub and Hecate, live in. The cave is made of all different colors of crystals. Eleven years pass and Christian is still living with Ed in the crystal cave. During this time, Christian is very interested in inventions and uses Ed's telescope to look at the royal family who live across the river. One day Christian spots Princess Marigold and falls madly in love with her. Christian sends Princess Marigold a letter through P-Mail (pigeon mail). The two start to send eachother p-mail all the time and they become in love. Ed said that Christian needs to explore more of the world so he gets a job at castle as a servant. He finds out that Princess Marigold has to marry Prince Mangus who is very snobby and she doesn't want to marry. Then Christian is thrown into the dungeon for giving Princess Marigold a hug. Christian goes through many obstacles to stop Princess Marigold's wedding to the snobby Prince Mangus. Christian finally escapes and then stops Marigold getting married to Mangus. Christian and Marigold end up getting married and they lived happily ever after. As the cover of the book says, this book is part comedy, part love story, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink. I would highly recommend this book to kids of all ages. I think that this fairy-tale romance will appeal to both boys an girls.

                  Books:

                  1. Italy - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!)
                  2. Jamaica Visitor's Guide
                  3. Korea - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!)
                  4. Lear's Italy: In the Footsteps of Edward Lear
                  5. Let's Go 2003: Costa Rica
                  6. Lonely Planet Canary Islands
                  7. Lonely Planet Iran (3rd Edition)
                  8. Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories (Lonely Planet Israel)
                  9. Lonely Planet Lo Mejor De Nueva York (Lo Mejor De Nueva York/the Best of New York (Spanish))
                  10. Lonely Planet Mozambique

                  Books Index

                  Books Home

                  Recommended Books

                  1. 10 Secrets to Successful Home Buying and Selling: Using Your Housing Psychology to Make Smarter Deci
                  2. Quick Guide: Stairs & Railings: Step-by-Step Construction Methods
                  3. Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Advanced for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickPro Guide
                  4. Mademoiselle de Maupin
                  5. Private Parts
                  6. The Chocolate War
                  7. New True Books: Plant Experiments
                  8. Some of the Essentials of Finance and Investment
                  9. Public Choice III
                  10. Breaking the Tongue: A Novel