This is the fifth book in the Liam Rhenford/Fanuilh (Liam's dragon familiar) series and continues Daniel Hood's fabulous fantastical mystery series. In this tale, we join Liam in Torquay, the nation's capitol. He has been charged with delivering a package for the Duke and rather resents his position of errand boy. But Liam quickly realizes that this is no ordinary package. In short order he is accused of two murders, the disappearance of his friend, attacking the Chief of the Peacemakers (Police), treason and much more! When Liam realizes that he is carrying one of the legendary treasures of the Empire, the King's Cure, and that it may be the only thing standing between the dying King and death's door, he is in a race against time to get the potion delivered to the King. The only problem is - who is his enemy and who can he trust?

This is simply a fabulous book. For those of you who enjoy mysteries, this is a great fantasy to start with. And for those of you who enjoy fantasy, this is a great fantasy and a great mystery. Daniel Hood has a beautiful writing style, very clear and easy to follow, yet full of evocative descriptions and details. Hood's characters are very well developed and the reader can immediately identify with them. Although this book is part of a series, this one can easily stand on its own as all of the characters (except Liam and Rhenford) are new and Hood does an excellent job of giving just enough background information for new readers to understand, but not so much that dedicated fans get bored. Most of Hood's books are out of print, but they are readily available through used books stores and are well worth the little bit of time and effort needed to hunt them down. Buy this book - you won't regret it!

"The King's Cure" is the third in Daniel Hood's series, starring Liam Rhenford and Fanuilh, his dragon familiar. It opens with Liam's arrival at Master Cade's home in the capital city of Torquay, to deliver a package from Liam's employer, Vespasianus, Duke of the Southern Tier. Whatever the package is, Cade inspects it and then promptly asks Liam to carry it one step further. This time Liam is to take the packet to a man named Bairth, and he is warned to avoid notice.

Liam's irritation at running errands vanishes when his visit to Bairth's house puts him in the midst of a murder from which he barely escapes with his own life, helped considerably by Fanuilh's facility with spellcasting. As Liam avoids the Peacekeepers, he discovers that the package is a small vial containing the King's Cure, a remedy specific to those of royal blood. King Nicanor's health has been failing quickly and apparently the Duke had decided to offer aid. Unfortunately, someone else is determined to prevent the vial from reaching the King, and has set up Liam as the scapegoat.

Violent death seems to pursue Liam everywhere as he tries to resolve the crime and deliver the vial. Not only does he face betrayal, but his every move seems to be anticipated by the Pacifex Warden. He and Fanuilh are driven to the most extraordinary measures to avoid capture as they flee from place to place in Torquay. Rarely is there enough time for Rhenford and the dragon to formulate a workable plan of action as they are foiled repeatedly by the brilliant Pacifex.

I wish that Liam's relationship with Fanuilh was a bit better developed. The little dragon has considerable intelligence and many glints of personality. But Liam shifts from affection to master/servant with little rhyme or reason. Given the size of Fanuilh's part, more character development is called for to avoid him becoming a deus ex machina.

King's Cure is not really a true mystery story, but more of a fantasy adventure tale with a bit of a mystery at its inception. This hardly harm's the plot, but the reader should not anticipate another Lord D'Arcy. Instead enjoy it for what it is. Daniel Hood spins an inventive and engaging tale. Liam Rhenford is a character with depth as well as resourcefulness, much enhancing the tale. The reader will also enjoy the vivid scenes of the city of Torquay. The story stands quite well on its own. Recommended.

Dan Hood is one of three authors on my "must buy" fantasy list. The others being Steven Brust and George R.R. Martin (Though I will say that George has the potential of going the way of Robert Jordan and taking far too long to tell his story). His world is skillfully developed and feels both real and fantastic at the same time. His characters are interesting and well defined but remain mysterious - leaving a reader with the desire to learn more about them. (I REALLY want to know more about Liam's past as the scion of a noble house fallen on difficult times...)

Hood's plots, however, are the real reason you should buy his novels. He combines logical mysteries with the fantasy world he created and weaves puzzling and challenging plots which leave a reader always wanting to keep on turning pages. One reviewer of an earlier novel (Fanuilh - Hood's first) said it was predictable. I disagree, there were always several possible murderers until near the end - at which point the focus was more on how Rhenford was going to handle the situation.

These novels are great for fantasy enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike. Those who are both are in for a rare treat.

Unfortunately Mr. Hood has recently noted on his website that his publisher is suspending the series due to lower than expected sales. For this reason I suggest that all lovers of good fantasy get out their wallets and buy King's Cure - it is a great read and maybe we can get Liam Rhenford a second chance.

My reason for this is, of course, purely selfish: I want to read more Daniel Hood novels!

I was sickened by the honesty of this book. It's life under the microscope, naked. Brutal in it's judgement, unrelenting in it's depiction of the human condition.

Truthful, gritty & chilling. It's a book I couldn't put down especially since I pictured Bukowski reading from this book.

I have recently read this book and found it to be fascinating. The imagery portrayed are the feelings that most of us share, yet feel the need to conceal. I found the words to be a real life look into the minds of the drones we have all become in our society. I find this book to be interesting, yet somewhat perverse. I had a friend visiting and she picked up the book from my coffee table. She read a few passages and informed me that the book was frightening and obviously written from the point of view of a truly disturbed author. She went on to say it was overwhelming in a "I can't put it down, must continue to look at the car accident" kind of way. I highly recommend reading this book.

"Know how to make a lion nervous? Put him in a den of Daniels."--Dr. Martin Prine. The lions of life come in every shape, form and fashion, and many Christians struggle every day to overcome them. Fort Smith native, Dr. Martin Prine had a calling a few years ago to help others with that struggle, by teaching a way to beat the lions that attack characters, relationships, health and finances.

"God wants everyone to know this, to use it. He wants everyone to have a real, true communion with Him and to know how to keep the glory of God in their lives," he said during a visit where he brought me a copy of his recently published book, "The Treasury of Daniel: Victory Over the Lions of Life." In the book, Dr.Prine, who grew up in Fort Smith, began his ministry in the Navy in 1972 and together with his wife, Dr. Barbara Lange Prine, founded King's Treasury Ministries in Houston, sets forth a prayer plan to teach anyone how to slay lions and succeed in their life.

"Every man, woman and child has the same privilege in prayer before God. This becomes exciting to those who come to Him with their petitions and learn He really hears them and grants their desires," he states in Chapter One. But the book clearly points out that success is not obtained by merely praying. First, you must learn exactly what prayer is. "Prayer then, is one thing...asking. It is seeking and asking for something from God, knocking on the door of His treasure house until it opens...no matter how long it takes, or how many times the petition is asked. It's as simple as that. Asking, and asking alone is prayer." He continues throughout the book to set forth criteria for prayer and explains historical and biblical accounts of it.

Dr. Prine shares how to be informed about the power of prayer. He lays out how large to ask of God, how to pray in His will, what to ask for, the difference between current and memorial prayer and why that principle is important in the success of prayer. He also explains why prayer must be asked in Jesus name and that, at times prayer is not answered merely because God will in his time and in his way.

The book also offers alternative reasons for some unanswered prayers. "Many Christians do not receive what they petition God for because they fail to ask for definite answers when they pray. They ask ordinary prayers He cannot answer, and since they do not ask specifically, they become discouraged and cease to ask at all," Dr. Prine states.

The author also makes it personal. He talks about friends and acquaintances touched by prayer, about learning to pray, being a young Christian and the blessings in his life due to prayer. He gives an interesting account of how he found time to pray in his prayer closet while aboard ship in the Navy, and how many others on the ship came to Christ as well. He tells of learning many years later when he least expected it, how lives were still being touched by the prayers he prayed aboard that ship. He also opens the book with a story of a farmer who came across George Washington deep in prayer in the winter of 1778 in Valley forge. It sets a powerful tone to the book.

"God asked me to write this book. Every chapter, every sentence, every word of this book was given to me by Him," Dr. Prine said during the interview. "The Lord did it. He made it possible. As you can see, it's our heartbeat. We hope it touches the live of others as well." With passion like that, it's hard not to find the book intriguing.

I simply could not put "The Treasury of Daniel" down. Dr. Prine has a wonderful way of explaining scriptural truths from the Bible which I found to be very inspiring. This is a very valuable book--money well spent! I'm telling my friends about it so they may also share in what I've learned. There really are secrets in God's word, and the author must have spent years in learning them. I also throughly enjoyed the life experiences he shares with his readers as he covers each chapter topic. Each one is different, awesome, and a jewel. This is great reading for every Christian. It is a privilege to recommend this exceptional work for God.

This author has touched the essence of the entire Christian experience--Prayer. Without it in the daily life of the Child of God, nothing but a shell is left. With it they can do great exploits. This is why we encounter so much spiritual oppostion when we become devoted to it. With so many addictions in the world today, wouldn't it be splendid if the Church became addicted to the one thing that really matters in life--calling on the one who loves us the most, and having the right relationship with Him?

Bro. Prine has rendered a great Christian service by also including in his book, valuable information concerning the Catholic Church; which I have long been concerned about. His has used solid research material, and makes a compelling case which should be throughly examined by anyone with a sincere desire for truth. I feel it is a worthy topic due to the media exposure given the problems within the Catholic faith at this time.

This book will give strength and understanding to anyone with a hunger for a closer walk with God. Without reservation, I recommend this extraordinary book.

This was a childhood favorite of my family. I can't believe it's out of print. It's a great book for kids (and adults) of all ages.

My mom used to read this book to my younger brother and I all the time when we were little (I'm 13 now...still love the book..). We used to laugh and laugh. I still do when I read this at bedtime, just for kicks. It's great! The names of the characters are hilarious and the dad plays a whistle made out of a carrot! C'mon now, that's awesome!

THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ! For the last 6 years, I have only been able to locate ONE copy of this book, and that was at our public library. My son's school library does not even have a copy (shame, pitiful shame). What a treasure we stumbled upon when we first checked this book out some 2001 trips to the library ago. Daniel Pinkwater has an uncanny imagination that sucks readers of all ages in with his witty, nonsense storyline. Today I'm presenting this story to my son's second grade class...and I'm sure my son will spew the words of the book from memory. Check it out for yourself~ plenty of laughter and smiles are sure to follow.

I have fallen in love with this wonderful artist. His imagination must be a fantastic place to be and you can get an insight into it with this beautifully done book. Of all the art books I own, this is the one that I find everyone loves...even children. His work is light and airy and enchanting one minute until you realize there is an underlying darkness to his work which just makes it even more interesting. His world is a fabulous place to visit.

I was given this book as a gift, and I was in awe. I'd never seen soo much done with water colour before. I've owned the book for a few years now, and have two tattoos based on excerpts from two of his paintings. I've been searching for another book of his art but have not been successful, so hopefully someday!

i found myself in a world i only dreamed of when i strolled into an art museum one evening visiting san fran, i fell in love...i was trancended into architecture ,love ,hate all the emotions of something familiar,yet far away...now all i do is daydream of actually owning a piece of artwork by merriam..i hope that it doesnt stay a dream for me forever...Love you Daniel
-mykelle

Daniel Paisner has hit another home run. The absurdity that has entered into the sports memorabilia market is clearly exposed here. He accuarately illuminates just how hard it is for the average fan to collect that "special piece." Unfortunately, sports memorabilia collecting can no longer be just for the love of the game. The book was a great read and highly recommended!

You'll be amazed how quickly 200 pages turn with this well-written, fast-paced dialogue of Mark McGuire's 70th baseball and the hoopla that endured for a lucky scientist in St. Louis. Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, this story is likely to keep your attention. Thanks to Barron's newspaper for the recommendation!

an adventure of a young scientist into the world of big money and big people with "good" guys and villans...with cameos from mcgwire, sosa and donald trump....this was a home run catch with a home run ending

This is the third book in Hood's series about Liam Rhenford and his dragon familiar, Faniulh. This story takes place a short two months after Wizard's Heir, just enough time for Liam to get bored. Liam's friend, the Aedile, recommends Liam to widowed Mistress Priscian as a merchant partner. Then a mage shows up at his door to hide from the Wizard's Guild and to go through Tarquin's things. The next morning, a body with his throat cut washes up on Liam's beach. Liam brings the body to the Aedile and finds that Mistress Priscian's priceless family heirloom, the Priscian Jewel, has been stolen. The story catches Liam's interest and he volunteers to investigate the mysterious theft - all of the suspects have a motive, but who did it? In short order, Liam finds himself embroiled in a duel, receiving invitations from rich, bored women, mingling with the "upper crust", hunting down thieves and beggars and trying to keep his houseguest happy!

Another thrilling adventure with Liam and Faniulh! If you love fantasy and mystery, then this is a great series for you. Once again, Daniel Hood uses superb characterization and beautiful detail to bring the land of Southwark to life. Find this book - you will not want to miss it!

Banquet continues the adventures of Liam and his Dragon familiar Fanuilh. It takes place a month or two after the events of Wizard's Heir. A priceless jewel is stolen under mysterious circumstances, Liam investigates, bodies start piling up.... It's everything you want in your Mystery-Fantasy crossover! "Fanuilh" and "Wizard's Heir" gave me an entertaining read and impressed me with Hood's clever concept of mixing the Fantasy genre with the Mystery genres of hard-boiled dectective (in Fanuilh) and Sherlock Holmes style (in Wizard's Heir.) In Banquet he blends Fantasy and Agatha Christie style mystery. If that was all there was it would have been good enough. But Hood throws in a shock twist ending that blew me away. A big improvement over the first two books and I LIKED the first two books!

I always believed few authors try to mix genres. It is not that it's impossible, or that it doesn't sell. I imagined it was because of the difficulty of writing well in the first place: one should master one genre before attempting to blaze new trails. This series has lifted the blinders from my eyes.

In this story, Liam Rhenford must troll the sewers of society and game with the glittering aristocracy to solve a murder. I've read one other author who does such a good job of combining fantasy and mystery, and that is Glen Cook, whose Garrett series combines fantasy with hard-boiled noir detective fiction. This is far more the gentleman detective, a genre that seems to be entering decline. With Daniel Hood searching out new territory, it can only get better.

I had to read it twice to get it because it switches back and forth from present to past. It's a brilliant story; one that reaches out to you. It's one of those books where you say you will only read 2 chapters and save the rest for tomorrow and you ending reading the rest of the book. I think this would make a great movie.

This was my favorite childhood book. It inspired me to want to become a paleontologist. I find the study of dinosaurs fascinating. I am now 18 and just re-read it recently. I was just as intrigued with it now as when I was an 8-year-old child. A beautiful book that everyone should read.

Julis Creath, now Julia Summerwaite, is taking her grandchildren through a history museum when she remembers her young life when her brother was alive. Julia tells the story to her grandchildren of when her brother got dinoasaur bone finding fever. I really like this book. It leads you from one page to another, not even realizing you're turning the page. Daniel, Julis's brother, finds dinoasaur bones, but has trouble with a greedy paleontologist that is trying to take the bones for himself. During the commotion Daniel gets hit by lighting and is killed. Then Daniel's pa takes over. Julia also has a little something to show her grandchildren in the museum.

A beautiful, oftentimes tear-jerking compilation of some of the most poignant personal essays of black women's triumphs over life's tragedies and the things that make them appreciate life and give them a reason for living. This book will definitely encourage all of us to believe that things will only get better with time for no pain lasts forever if we truly believe.

I highly recommend it!

This book include essays from all types of women, about everyday problems that women go through. You can learn something from each of the ladies included in this book. The two essays that most stand out for me is To a Son of a Dear friend by jean Buchanan, it's the sad letter to the author's late best friend's son about growing up with his mom. I am just tryin to live Holy by Pamela Shine is about a 40 year old virgin tryin to find love. I think everyone will love this collection of essay, and relate.

Our book club hosted a retreat in which this book was assigned. This book is highly recommended for one's personal library! The selection of authors/essayists in this "anthology" on life according to the African American woman is superb! I applaud Daniels and Sandy for the collection of writings and for organizing a book that African American women can identify with. Bravo ladies! -LC

Like another reviewer, I was introduced to the Admiral's cast of characters when I was in high school. The books that I re-read can be counted on one hand and this is at the top of that list. When I later served in the Navy I was always told, "The REAL Navy is not like this (station)." To me the "real" Navy is in the Admiral's stories and in real men like the Admiral, a REAL sailor. The world is a better place because of men like him.

First read these back in flight training (Navy). Laughed so hard kept whole barracks awake all night - sides hurt for days. I've since read everything he's ever written, fiction & non. Definitely one of my top 5 all time favorite authors. Buying more for gifts - perfect for pilots or anyone nautically inclined.

I discovered Daniel V. Gallery's books in the early 70's when I was in high school. Reading about the misadventures of BM1 Fatso Gianinni, CDR "Curly" Cue of the Blue Angels and his other characters, I promptly joined the Navy in 1973 and retired 23 years later. Gallery's books still make me laugh, no matter how many times I re-read them.