This book was picked up on chance, I enjoyed the Untrained Wizard so tried this one. The characters are so realistic and the story was such that the ending was not as was expected. I haven't read the others and was able to enjoy this one as a single book so that says alot for her storytelling. Now I will be reading the first two and hoping for a fourth or fifth. If anyone wants to read a book about magic and good vs. evil then this is one of the best to read.

I've read every Barbara Hambly book published, but I think this is my favorite. She has a knack for inventing characters that are complex and real, but Antryg and Joanna are not only believable but wonderful. I can't think of them without a feeling of fondness that I'd usually associate with my own family.

For those of you looking for pure fantasy mixed with modern technology, and don't like to read XXX-READ WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED books, this is perfect:-)

It took me reading an anthology that Barbara edited to realize that yes Lovecraftian horrors from beyond the stars and undescribable, unthinkable by human brains were alive and well and living beneath the frozen lands of Darwath. When I need to count sheep or go to my happy place it's to the Vale of Dare that I go.

Second in the series. If you bought one you'll need to get them all (Including Ice Falcon's Quest and Mother Winter). Development of the politics of Darewath & Karst, Church and State, Ingold and Gil, Ingold and Rudy, Ingold and the Bishop, Ingold and ...you get the idea... continues. The quest across the winter plains (ON FOOT) to the wizard city of Quo brings news of other survivors. And always...the Dark.

Always thought it must be rough to be a writer's creation. This book makes no exception.

fin

In the early 80s, I read the Darwath Trilogy, then, over the years, I read it again, and again, and. . . well, you get the gist. Unfortunately, in one of our frequent moves, the box of books in which I'd placed the trilogy turned up among the "missing."

By then, the books were out of print. I've dogged the book stores since in hopes it would be brought back. It looks like the trilogy finally is. THANK GOODNESS. Along with Asimov, Eddings, and Tolkien, Barbara Hambly is one of my favorite and most re-read authors. I've not met anyone who hasn't loved the Darwath, and doubt that I will. I'm sure you will, too.

This is one of the first books I read by Barbara Hambly, and I think that this is one that made me fall in love with her. She was a way of weaving spellbinding stories that hold a reader captive throughout. I personally fell in love with Ingold and Gil. I was so happy for the two of them, you would think that I had fallen in love instead of them. A stunning ending to what then was the trilogy, thankfully now she has revived these characters and brought them back to life in "Mother of Winter" and "Icefalcon's Quest". A little bit of romance and a story that sticks with you, what more could you ask for?

This was the most amazing book I have read in ages - honestly. Hambly surpasses herself. A real tear-jerker. I ended up crying about 5 times in just the last few chapters. It absolutely screwed with my emotions, which is just how a like it, and a sure way to prove that I was living the book rather than reading it!
Read this book! Everyone! And enjoy it - I insist!

In The Silicon Mage Hambly continues the story of Joanna, a woman from Earth suddenly thrust into a treacherous world of dark magic and deadly danger. Joanna's task is to find her lover, the wizard Antryg, before the Dark Mage does. Sequel to The Silent Tower. Hambly's portrayl of the plight of the heroine is gripping and realistic. Great book!

The sequel to The Silent Tower is extremely powerful, filled with emotions--fear, love, hate. This is the best book of Barbara Hambly's that I have read yet. Conflicts bring the characters to life. Suraklin himself is one of the most interesting characters, in his desire to live forever--and his forgetting why. Joanna takes it on herself to rescue Antryg, knowing that failure could mean the death of not only his universe, but all universes. Tension keeps suspense and anticipation high. Incredible writing. As a certified bookworm, I give this book five stars.

Marcus is the misfit middle son of a disfunctional Roman family circa 118 AD, he insists on studying philosophy of all things! He's also in love with Tullia, who just happens to be the daughter of one of his father's numerous enemies, and worse still is engaged to be married to a rich, vulgar Syrian merchant. Then Tullia is kidnapped, literally before his eyes, and the only clue is a silver fish talisman - emblem of the secret and sinister cult of Christians. Horrified Marcus knows he must rescue her quickly before she's forced to take part in their abhorrent rites. Aided by Sixtus Julianus, an eccentric and aristocratic old recluse and expert on exotic cults, Marcus becomes intimately acquainted with the seamy underside of Roman society and discovers Christians aren't quite what he thought they were. Though she's carefully researched Roman etiquette and customs and early Christian heresies Hambly makes some very elementary mistakes about Roman names but other than that 'Search the Seven Hills' is very authentic. I just *loved* Sixtus, and the cynical Praetor Arrius, not to mention the endlessly bickering Christians.

Brilliant ! Worth every penny (and it does cost a lot of them). I am amazed that so early in her career you can see all the wonderful elements that light up her later Benjamin January and vampire mystery books. Dark, disillusioning, full of very bad people and protagonists who aren't exactly perfect either. All godd books require a good mystery, and Hambly's mysteries are the very best of the good books out there. They may never reprint this (given how easily offended some Christians get), so sink the money and buy a classic!

The "Quirinal Hill Affair" was reissued under this new title "Search the Seven Hills". Actually, the title the author wanted was "The Babyeaters", because that is how non-Christians viewed this new religion--when they even differentiated between Christians and Jews! Impeccably researched mystery set in ancient Rome, a young man searches for the kidnapper of his feisty girlfriend. Fascinating glimpse of this time period and a great story that is still searching for a memorable title.

In 1835, free man of color Benjamin January accompanied by his wife Rose leave New Orleans for Mexico City to provide mental support to his friend opium user, classics user Hannibal Sefton, being hanged for murder. Sefton was one of twenty-four guests attending a dinner provided by Don Prospero de Castellon. However, he is the chosen one accused of poisoning the host's son, the loathed Fernando.

Prospero anticipates Fernando's ghost returning home during the Day of the Dead celebration and when his son's spirit visits he will explain how Sefton killed him. Though the day is soon here, the Guardia Civil Capitan wants to hang Sefton today, but Generalissimo Santa Anna orders him to wait. Seeking to insure that "all's well that ends well", Benjamin and Rose investigate the numerous guests, workers, and family members to ascertain motive and means in order to prove that Sefton may quote Lady MacBeth but is not the killer.

Though a scorecard is needed to keep track of the suspects that number more than two teams on a football field, DAYS OF THE DEAD is a cleverly written locked door historical mystery. Moving Benjamin to Mexico City provides the audience a different fresh look to 1835 and to the now married protagonist. The lead couple remains a pleasure to follow as they serve as hosts to an intriguing era on the North American continent within a fun to try to solve who-done-it.

Harriet Klausner

Simply put, this is the BEST vampire book I've ever read. The characters are well developed and "real", the plot is entertaining. I've read Rice's vampire chronicles and enjoyed them greatly. I've read (part of) Stoker's Dracula and found it much too dry. "Golden", "The Hunger" and countless outher novels and short stories are all well and good (for the most part), but in this book, Hambly has captured my heart. I found myself concerned about Simon and his "family", fearful for Asher and truly engrossed in the story. I can't wait to find the time to read the sequel and whatever else I can find my Ms. Hambly.

I usually don't read vampire stories (except for the Count St. Germain series)--the classic creepy, cold-hearted and cold-fleshed hunters of the night are too "alien" to relate to...but Don Simon Ysidro grows on you...He comes to James Asher (ostensibly a mild-mannered Oxford lecturer on folk tales and language) to investigate the "murders" of a series of fellow London vampires. Asher, a bitterly disillusioned former secret agent for British Intelligence, has his own past "ghosts" to deal with--murders, betrayals and lies done in the name of "King and Country." Despite being forced into the investigation by Ysidro's threat to his wife's life, James Asher slowly comes to understand, respect and even value Ysidro's "life" and its realities. It is this delicate development of friendship and understanding that elevate this book from merely a gripping horror novel to a memorable "keeper" book to be shared with friends. The other vampires of London, the details of their "lives" and history, and the final horrifying battle with the "murderer" will keep you reading into the night, but Don Simon Ysidro is who will linger in your mind.

Before I read this novel, I didn't care at all for vampire stories. Barbara Hambly managed to change that.

Dark and elegantly horrific, radiating the scent of old blood and the dust of time, _Those Who Hunt the Night_ is similar in many ways to Anita Blake's _Guilty Pleasures_, but is suited less to those who favor humor and urban fantasy than to those who are interested in darkness with feeling and depth. Hambly brings her vampires to life for you--you may not understand them, you may not empathize with them, but they will seem real. Ysidro in particular has the power to fascinate, drawing forth the interest of the reader without ever slipping into anything much like humanity.

James Asher is also an interesting character in his own right, even if he may end up playing second-fiddle to Ysidro by the story's end. Lydia Asher could be reckoned as a heroine strong in her own right--for whatever reason, though, she was one character who left me cold.

This book is well-worth reading, as is its sequel, _Traveling With the Dead_. _Those Who Hunt the Night_ is probably the better of the two; its dark and occasionally chilling atmosphere will linger with one for a long time after the final page has been turned.

For those who are not familiar with the series, it is set in New Orleans in the 1830s and the mysteries revolve around a free man of color (the title of the first in the series), Benjamin January. Ben is a surgeon and a musician and makes his living in New Orleans as a piano teacher and player.
In this story, a woman (former placee) is murdered and the local police don't have time to investigate as a plantation owner has been killed. Angered by the lack of justice, Ben decides to investigate on his own.
The story is excellent. I just would like to see more of my favorite characters, Shaw, Hannibal and Olympe. I wasn't a big fan of Rose (Ben's girlfriend) but she seemed to get a little better in this episode. Also the addition of Henri's wife Chloe seems like it will be a good one.
What I particularly liked was that I didn't have to understand French or be familiar with opera or be a history buff to get it! I also didn't did to create a character reference to keep everyone straight.
On the downside, the descriptions of New Orleans and the narrative is just not as well done as in the first novel in this series.
But I love the series and can't wait for the next one.
I recommend!

I just re-read this book, having read it for the first time last summer, and wasn't as thrilled with it then as I am now. I've changed my mind. It is truly fabulous. I still missed Hannibal, and wondered where Artois came from, but the book flows along so seamlessly, those were just minor questions in the back of my head. Hambly's world-building is wonderful, the atmosphere of place and time richly drawn, and her characters grow and change, but still remain true to themselves, right down to Livia not offering January any sugar with his tea. The book starts off fairly slowly and builds to an impressive climax, much like the hurricane described in the book. I especially enjoyed getting a closer look at Chloe St. Chinian, who marries Dominique's protector, Henri, and see if she truly was the "chill, pale girl" described in "Died Upon a Kiss," but the whole book was wonderful.

Several plot lines are tied up in this book. I only hope that doesn't mean that there won't be any more Benjamin January books, but was hearted to read on the book jacket that Ms. Hambly is working on the next one. It can't get here soon enough for me.

When I read the first book in her Benjamin January series, I thought the great descriptions and information about New Orleans in the 1830s made up for what I considered plot defects. Well, the descriptions are still great, and I see no plot defects now!! Each book has just gotten better. Usually, a series gets a little tired after this many books, but not so with these. I am not going to go into an analysis of the plot, which can be gotten better elsewhere. I would simply recommend this book. My biggest fear is that now that several romantic threads are tied up, Hambly may end the series. Please, no!! And while I love Benjamin, I wouldn't mind learning more about Hannibal Sefton, Abishag Shaw, or even to see a mystery from Benjamin's voodoo queen sister's point of view. That might be a lot of fun, too!! At any rate, if you want a fun read, check out this series! But start with the first book and read them all!

I got Time Of The Dark after hearing the song 'Gil-Shalos'(avalible through firebirdarts.com). I was expecting a typical story about some girl pulled into another world and couldn't get back so she became a warrior. This book is so much more than that. The writing style really is a touch immature and hard to read at the beginning, but the whole idea behind the book just grips you. Strange creatures known only as The Dark that live underground and rise to the surface at night to prey upon human's. It's a rather freaky book, but a good read if you're bored. There's a few places in it that leaves you wondering why the characters are out exploring the land or whatever, but it's still pretty good.

This series definately dragged me deep into it's pages. I continually felt as though I were right along beside Ingold Inglorion and the others. The style Hambly used gripped me enough to now own three sets of the series. I've read some books in which worlds were perhaps described more in depth, but I've never felt so attached to the characters as I was the first time, and every time since I've read their story. It may not be to everyone's tastes, but I definately reccomend giving at least the first book a try.

This book is the first in the Darwath trilogy. It is extremely gripping and a very fast paced story. I could not put it down! I read the Walls of Air immediately after finishing The Time of the Dark and am awaiting delivery of Armies of Daylight. A definate must for alternate universe fans!

A Star Trek/Here Comes The Brides crossover? Yet believe it or not it works. The Klingons are trying to change Earth's history which is how an amnesiac Spock finds himself in 1800s Seattle posing as the nephew of Aaron Stemple, (the 'Ishmael' of the title). Meanwhile back in the twenty-third century Kirk, McCoy and the rest of the crew wade through tons of old records to locate Spock *and* the Klingons - eventually arriving just after the nick of time but before it's too late. The real fun is trying to identify all the walk-throughs: The scruffy looking space pilot and the two brown uniformed men from some refugee fleet; the fancy gambler and the two cowhands from Virginia city; the chess playing man at the San Francisco Hotel; the shabby little man with the flute and the pretty female companion....

Spock disappears after investigating the strange behavior of a Klingon ore transport. We find him in Earth's past, unconscious and injured, with amnesia caused by resisting the Klingon mind-sifter. When he awakes in the care of Aaron Stemple he discovers that he is near Seattle in the 1860s and realizes that he is not from Earth, but no more.

His human benefactor convinces Spock that when there's life there's hope and presents him to the area as his nephew Ishmael Marx. Those in the know -- a gradually widening circle -- respect Spock's privacy as he establishes himself and tries to figure out what his mission was and whether there is a hope of success. Meanwhile, the Klingons, the Enterprise crew, and a mysterious third party are all working towards changing or not changing Earth's history...

The story draws you in with vivid historical detail and very human characters. It explores the familiar yet continually fascinating theme of how Spock copes and learns from human culture. Highly recommended.

This book definitely has a place of honor in my bathroom library. It's one book that you can't put down. I really enjoyed this one, seeing what Spock would do if he were to live as a human. I especially like what Barbara has done, using the back drop of "Here comes the Brides". Very, very clever. She really captured the show and made an excellent marriage between it and "Star Trek". What a lot of people may not realize is that Barbara did something unique. She paired Spock with Aaron Stemple, right? Well in the "Here comes the Bride" show, Stemple is played by Mark Lerner. And all of us fans know him as the actor who played Spock's father, Sarek. Neat, huh? Great book. I would highly recommend it.

"Transition", the third in a series of books documenting the complete range of HP Lovecraft's works, offers a prespective look at the author's earliest stories, and constrasts these with the pieces that would eventually seal his cult popularity. While many of the early pieces (with "The Beast in the Cave" being a notable exception) are hardly worth the read, this volume does contain a fair of amount of Lovecraft's more exceptional offerings. "At the Mountains of Madness", a short novel in itself, is a fantastic example of both horror and wonder found at the ends of the earth. "Arthur Jermyn", an indelible favorite, chronicles the lineage of one man's twisted family history, and finds a rotten apple on the family tree. "Cold Air", an unsually straight horror yarn about the apartment upstairs, gets ugly when the air conditioning suddenly goes on the brink. And of course, the infamous "Herbert West - Re-animator", where a power mad doctor is forced to reconcile the consequences of a legion of walking atrocities created by his own hands. 29 Stories are includced in this volume, but unfortunetly alot of the real spine tinglers (such as "Pickman's Model") were already compiled in the first two volumes of the series. LoveCraft's writing is at times more than a little thick, and the early 20th century cadence of the english requires time to digest, but worth it in the end. Unfortunately, his works are grotesuely racist and culturally xenophobic, but given the date these stories were written one must oblige to take it in with a grain of salt. Lovecraft's stories are not neccesarily for everyone, but those who like him tend to love him, and for those people, this book is a better than average compendium. On a side note, the illustrations, both on the cover and inside the book, are fantastic.

Many of Lovecraft's villains and heroes, which he so smoothly incorporates into his tales, are none other than scholars who are dangerously treading the realms of forbidden knowledge; and hence, desperately attempting to reveal the occult secrets derived from 'actual' hidden and historical documents of the past. He so cleverly weaves these yarns with both fact, fiction and legend, and mysteriously arrives at the ultimate conclusion that "yes, the world and its inhabitants are basically living in a totally unknown void of time and space, yet they are afraid to acknowledge it." One reading these gruesome short stories is left at the threshold of what is and what really may be. Most of these tales are earlier works written in his teens, but are nevertheless disclosing pieces of art prior to his becoming into one of the masters of horror - if not thee master. Mr. Lovecraft hinted at alot more than he outright stated in his writings, and many firmly believe he was either onto something or most likely, something was onto him, which very well may have drove him to the road to madness and to ultimately persuade him to produce the 29 chilling tales of horror encapsuled within this book. GET THESE!!

This collection of stories by H.P. Lovecraft apparently was put together for hardcore collectors, but it does have many treasures for those who are just beginning to discover his work. The book begins with several "Early Tales" from Lovecraft's formative period. Some go as far back as his teenage years. In these early stories Lovecraft was still nailing down the style that would later become so influential. Unfortunately some of these tales aren't very good, especially the very predictable "The Beast in the Cave," and the others are high on stiff prose and low on ideas. So this early stuff is a real treasure for collectors but may be a struggle for everyone else. However, once you get over that hurdle, this book starts to pick up steam with a steady supply of fascinating and freaky tales of horror and the supernatural. As the title indicates, most of these short stories contain people going mad, and you may be wondering about your own sanity at the end. Highlights include the Frankenstein-style tales "Herbert West-Reanimator" and "Cool Air." My favorites appear toward the end of the book, with the sci-fi style "In the Walls of Eryx," in which Lovecraft shows a surprising flair for conceptual science fiction. The mini-novel "At the Mountains of Madness" may be Lovecraft's all-time best - a masterpiece of occult history that leaves you with a very spooky feeling afterwards. For those who are just discovering Lovecraft: while you're reading the stories, sometimes you'll find yourself struggling through his dense, slow-moving prose (which hardly ever contains dialogue), and his obscure references to the occult. But once you put the book down, and the stories work their way to the back of your mind, you'll start feeling creeped out. VERY creeped out.