This book had a very well played out story line and it explained alot about the other books

The War of the Jewels is one of the most misunderstood and underrated volumes in the History of Middle-earth series. Although it is primarily a scholarly work which explains precisely how Christopher Tolkien brought together the various sources to produce the published Silmarillion, this book also opens up new vistas into First Age Middle-earth that readers never imagined could exist.

Casual readers will enjoy "The Wanderings of Hurin", which Christopher has editorialized to some extent. The story of what Hurin REALLY did after he left Morgoth's domain is an eye-opening experience, and it explains why the sons of Earendil and Elwing were the last heirs of the heroic chieftains of the Edain. But "The Wanderings of Hurin" also gives us the only detailed view of the Folk of Haleth, the mysterious woodmen who figured so prominently in "Narn i Chin Hurin", the tale of Turin Turambar.

Another fantastic gem lies between the covers of this book, however. Accompanying the very scholarly essay "Quendi and Eldar" is a short Elvish nursery tale which provides the only account of how the Elves awoke at Cuivienen, and who the eldest Elves actually were. Their names will surprise everyone. "Quendi and Eldar" itself is filled with a great deal of historical and cultural information although it is primarily a linguistic work. It may represent the last significant contribution Tolkien made to his mythology, even though he later changed his mind on a few details.

Since J.R.R. Tolkien's death in 1973, a substantial effort has been made by first Guy Gavriel Kay working with Christopher Tolkien, then Christopher Tolkien but also a host of only marginally acknowledged Tolkien scholars such\ as Taum Santoski, John Rateliff, Doug Anderson, Richard C. West and possibly others unknown to us, to make the body of J.R.R. Tolkien's lifework available to those of us wishing to watch the creative process of architecture of Tolkien's world unfold. Early on in the process, there was a parting of the ways between Guy Gavriel Kay and J.R.R. Tolkien's son, Christopher, over the form that J.R.R. Tolkien's posthumously-published lifework would be presented. G.G. Kay opted for a posthumous collaboration format which would allow for the presentation of much of the work in a finished form. Christopher Tolkien chose a more scholarly option. Each approach has its advantages and audiences. While The History of Middle Earth in its currently eleven volumes (projected for twelve) is perhaps a unique event in publishing history, useful to the scholar but also prized by a wider group of readers, one wonders what the effect might have been of presenting this body of work as works of fiction. Phil suspects that it may have supplanted a whole generation of bad imitators of the works, style and subject matter of Tolkien. Especially if the themes were handled at a level of artfulness consistent with the will of J.R.R. Tolkien. We can only speculate whether that would even be possible without Tolkien's own hand - a core question in any discussion of individual creativity. However, since J.R.R. Tolkien thought of himself as a chronicler rather than a creator, it might be argued that a writer such as G.G. Kay who has so effectively used other historical sources as themes for his own work (e.g. A Song for Arbonne), could have achieved results that even the master would have approved. This particular volume of the History also includes the second part of a set of Tolkien's notes and commentary on the Later or Quenta Silmarillion, an unfinished MS. that appears in Volume V of the History (The Lost Road and Other Writings, 1987, p. 199-338) as well as J.R.R's background notes and annotations on The Lays of Beleriand (Volume III, 1985) and a few other similar texts from J.R.R. Tolkien's papers, with contextual commentary by Christopher Tolkien. As with most of the other works in the History, this one requires a good memory or a good library of Tolkien or both. Nevertheless the scholar or the Tolkien enthusiast will want to own the book, complete with its (typically) excellent indexes to help in establishing both the illusion that Middle Earth has an intense level of validity (almost reality) and to trace the complexities of Tolkien's creative process. The history in its entirety is a demonstration of both J.R.R. and Christopher Tolkien's textual/scholarly training in language and literature, translation and Anglo-Saxon textual studies, and the wonderful sense of play with these topics that could give rise to the entirety of Middle Earth in fictional and 'historical' detail. (Index, p. 425-470).

Philip E. Kaveny Reviewer

This is the first book by Yarbro that I have read, so I knew nothing about Count Saint Germain. The novel begins interesting. At first Saint Germain is a refreshing change from the stereotypical self-centered or 'darkly seductive' vampires. However, as the novel wears on, the hero's goodness, compassion and sensitivity become harder to believe, especially when he is surrounded by brutality and mistrust. Saint-Germain is basically a sensitive '90s kind of guy, he seemed out of place in 16th century Muscovy. The villains meanwhile were cliches. Their acts against the hero were predictable. None of them was Saint Germain's equal, which makes the conflicts less interesting. Aside from these weaknesses, Yarbro gives a readable story of 16th century Russia, from an outsider's perspective. Darker Jewels is more a historical novel than a vampire novel. I could recommend this to people who like historical novels, though purists about Russian history might be disappointed by a few errors.

The premise of this series allows the reader a tour of history, viewing the action through the eyes of Count Saint-Germain who has lived through the ages -- a human being not trapped in and bound by only his own time. This particular installment takes the reader to Russia during the 1580's. We get a nice flavor of the times, bruitish, superstitious and hard though they were. Many thanks to the author for the rich detail of old Russia

Yarbro gives yet another winning tale of Saint-Germain for all his loyal followers. Set in the Russia of Ivan the Terrible, Yarbro has done meticulous research to bring the ideas and period to life. Saint-Germain finds his one and only wife, a surprise to all who know the Count and his reclusive ways. His first book as a diplomat, it is beautifully written and looks deep into the minds and hearts of fifteenth century Russia. One of her best to date.

This was my introduction to the work of Richard Stark (aka Donald Westlake) and I just loved Parker. The character is a compelling blend of bad guy with good reason that reminded me powerfully of Patricia Highsmith's Ripley. It's quite a feat to put the reader squarely on the side of someone who, basically, is not a nice person. Highsmith did it; Stark/Westlake has done it, too. The man is a fine writer, with the gift of economy; no unnecessary descriptions, just pure driving narrative and vivid characterizations. I plan to get all the previous Parker books just as soon as I finish writing this review. Highly recommended.

About two hundred miles from Omaha, Parker and his three cohorts rob a bank with Parker causing the diversion with a nearby firebomb. After succeeding in this endeavor Parker's partners blithely inform him that they need his share of the loot as seed money to conduct a bigger heist on an island near Palm Beach, Florida. However, his former accomplices make one mistake when they abscond with Parker's portion of the booty, the trio leaves Parker alive.

Besides Parker wanting his money, no one cheats him out of his due so he follows Melander, Carlson, and Ross to Florida. He plans to trump his former friends by doing the jewelry job they were set to perform. However, Parker has also has blundered because someone not only recognizes him, but wants him dead.

FLASHFIRE is an excellent Parker tale that marks the return one of the great anti-heroes in American mystery literature. The story line is entertaining due to the lead character's criminal abilities that Richard Stark effortlessly brings alive in the well-written, fast-paced plot. Fans and new readers will enjoy this tale while seeking out previous books and movies (that both go back to the sixties) of a legendary protagonist.

Harriet Klausner

Every genre has its masters. In the caper novel, one of the masters, actually one of the grandmasters, is Donald Westlake. Whether writing Parker novels as Richard Stark or the Dortmunder books (Parker's comic opposite) under his own name, Westlake always delivers.

To those unfamiliar with Parker (most recently portrayed cinematically in the fun movie, Payback), he is a violent and generally amoral thief whose cold, almost mechanical approach to his job and life lead to his general success. Parker is not a nice guy, but he is compelling to read about.

The story this time is familiar enough; Parker gets ripped off and goes after the thieves who betrayed him. Along the way, he makes enemies and allies who complicate his plans. Revenge isn't the proper word for what Parker seeks, since that would imply a level of emotions that he doesn't have; instead, Parker seeks balance: those who defy his code must be punished to restore balance.

How important is this sense of balance to Parker? Along the way to his final confrontation, he winds up stealing far more than he originally lost, but it means little: he still wants the original money. He is actually more interested in people who steal from him than people who kill him.

If you like crime novels, you can't go wrong with Parker (or Westlake's books in general). Reading a Parker novel gets to the basics of what a caper book is all about: clever plotting and plenty of action.

This book was great. However, it has been two years since this book was published. Okay Linda, when will we see Book 2?

Linda Chaikin has wowed me with another book. I've read her Lions of the Desert series, The Buccaneers series, A Day to Remember series, Trade Winds series, and Heart of India series. This book is as great as these. I recommend to anyone who likes to read about romance, political subjects and a woman's love for her God, and her country and her parents. This is a great book and I can't wait for the second one! Thanks Linda!

This is one of Linda Chaikin's best. It's set in tropical Hawaii as well as San Fransisco. In the book, Eden is stuck in the middle of Hawaiian politics, as well as the mystery surrounding her mother's death. How can she learn the truth? If that isn't enough, this novel also tells you about the first missionaries to come to Hawaii and their somewhat wayward descendants. It also has romance! A MUST read!

I picked this book up for a book report thinking it was gonna be pretty boring but it was actually pretty good. it was nicely written and had a great story. Its a good book and I recommend it for most people.

I was reading Harry Potter when somebody put this book into my hands and I never went back to Harry until I finished The Jewel Carriers.

This is a well written, true life story showing what it is like to be involved in a "Holy War", when the holiness has deteriorated into factionalism, selfishness, greed, and betrayal. Once you read this book, you will have a new attitude when you hear about "freedom fighters" anywhere in the world.

This book will make a great movie someday.

This book was great, it had everything a reader could ask for. It plays on all the emotions-love, pain, trust. The author kept my attention. I was rooting for Abdul I wanted him to accomplish what he was going for. And what else can an audience ask for, but a TRUE story. The setting and atmosphere was real, the story was about something that really happened. This book in a way gave me an inside take on the war. In that respect it was educational. This book had action, suspense, romance, comraderie. And it was beautifully written, I honestly felt like I was there. This is definitely movie material, I would love to see it on the big screen.

This book is really a Hidden Jewel, because it was truly hidden behind the other weak Landry books (Ruby, Pearl in the Mist, & All that Glitters). Tarnished Gold, the last book in the Landry series, was a great book, too, but Hidden Jewel is the best in the Landry series. Pearl is such a strong character that I was shocked. I'm so used to reading such weak female characters such as the women in the Cutler series and Annie in the Casteel series. No incest theme ran amok throughout this book and the parents didn't get killed in this book. Finally!!! Now this is a must read book. If you read the other Landry books, don't stop because of those books' weak storylines please read Hidden Jewel and Tarnished Gold. Hidden Jewel is TRULY the best book in the series. I'm so glad I found this Hidden Jewel.

I read this in 3 days. I just loved Pearl, she is such a strong, brave and smart character, so much not like the weak and dumb daughters, Christie and Annie of the cutler and casteel series. and Jack clovis was so right for her and such a sweetie!! I only wish there was another book about them!! it is one of my faves!!!

Ruby drove to the brink of instanity pearl goes to find her back in her roots the Buyou while shes their she meets a Loveing man I feel in love with Jack colvis! Hes what a man should be and remenber you can fall in love in an instant and thats what happened between them! Beutiful I was really happy at the end! Read this BOOK!

Here is the one novel that wholeheartedly belongs in the children's section. "The Dreaming Jewels" is so soft, gentle, easy-going, and clear-cut that it hardly leaves any impression on the mind. It coddles the reader, croons reassuringly into his ear. Sturgeon has taken risks and written daring novels ("Venus Plus X", etc.), but this, his debut effort, is as old-fashioned as they come. This is the sort of novel in which the young hero saves the beautiful heroine from the clutches of the nefarious villain and inherits a fortune.

The first mental adjustment the reader must make is to realize that this is a story being told, not narrated. The impression of the author speaking through the book isn't as strong as in some of Heinlein's juveniles, but constant and unremitting. Sometimes Sturgeon injects bits of ad lib humor into the text("Here she generated, on the spot, the most diffuse and colorful statement of her entire life"); unfortunately, at other times he manipulates and obscures certain story elements to create artificial suspense (a young child is passed for a midget; ten years pass with no one noticing; only much later do we learn that the child can change shape). Sturgeon also bleeps his own profanity, which is fairly amusing.

The characters are the greatest disappointment. Introduced as strong, memorable individuals, they gradually become cardboard scenery in the great cosmic conflict between Horty and the Maneater. The Maneater, the manic, scheming master of the freaks created with alien crystals, is perhaps the novel's only interesting character, though even at best a caricature. Horty Bluett, on the other hand, is just the sort of hero you want to stop reading about: a Superman clone who can change shape and size at will, has a perfect memory, and always acts a gentleman.

Despite moments of extreme Dickensian cheesyness and a string of unbelievable last-moment revelations, this two-hundred-page novel is a quick, pleasant read. "The Dreaming Jewels" is far and away one of the author's least successful novels, but its cohesive qualities show just why Sturgeon is a Grandmaster of the genre.

I think that his first novel, although he had written plenty of short stories (and would only add to that number . . . the ten volume series reprinting all his short stories is a godsend, check it out!). The plot isn't so much science fiction as borderline fantasy, Horty is a young man caught doing something disgusting behind the bleachers (you'll probably laugh when you find out what it is, either Sturgeon was making some sort of a joke or people were really different back in the fifties) and his mean stepfather "accidentally" severs three of his fingers (though not the most disgusting finger severing sequence, the second one is far more disturbing), so he runs off and joins the circus. The plot starts to twist and turn at that point and jump ahead, sometimes not to its complete benefit, a lot of things either don't get explained or aren't explained well (the origins of the jewels and what they do does seem to change as the story progresses) but the thing that hooks you in and keeps you reading is Sturgeon's overriding compassion and love for everything and everyone. He can find something sympathetic is just about everyone (the only character that I couldn't like even some small part was Horty's stepfather, I found him mostly pathetic but that was the point), even the dreaded Maneater has some redeeming values. There's a lot of touching scenes, especially as Horty comes to grips with what he might be and the consequences of that. Really it's just a heartwarming novel written by a guy who had a great store of humanity and showed it in his stories. Never dripping with sentiment to the point where you feel like you're overwhelmed with emotion, the book remains compulsive reading and just as essential reading as his other two novels (More Than Human and Venus Plus X), he keeps things brisk and moving. Simply put, he showed right from the start that even in the beginning he was as good as the best. And he only got better from here.

"The Dreaming Jewels," a novel by Theodore Sturgeon, is a well-written and moving blend of science fiction, horror, mystery, love story, and coming-of-age tale. It tells the story of Horton "Horty" Bluett, a young boy who lives unhappily with his abusive adoptive father. The boy's only "friend" is a jack-in-the-box with glittering, jeweled eyes. To escape the abuse, Horty runs away and joins a traveling freak show, where he is befriended by an extraordinary trio of midgets. Ultimately, Horty's odyssey leads him to seek the mystery behind a strange and marvelous life form that is unlike any other species on earth.

"Jewels" is a fascinating story. A key theme is the notion of being a "freak," an outcast. Sturgeon effectively explores the emotional ramifications of this theme, and vividly depicts his outcasts' search for love and community. He makes good use of the carnival setting in his narrative. Although the story's villainous characters are a bit shallow, the other characters are complex and well-developed.

Other important themes in "Jewels" include education, masquerade (including gender-switching), transformation, and communication in its many forms. Sturgeon explores both individuals' desire to dominate and abuse others, as well as the capacity for love and tenderness. Sturgeon's prose style is well suited for the complex task of this book. Overall clear and economical, his prose is at times richly descriptive, at times quite poetic.

At one point Charles Fort, the tireless documenter of strange phenomena, is mentioned in the book, and that reference is quite resonant. In "The Dreaming Jewels," Sturgeon embraces and celebrates those who are seen as weird or deviant, and discovers the humanity behind the freak show exteriors.

i read these books when i was in fourth grade. they were my absoulute favorites because the had the girls as the heroes in a world full of magic. these books are great for young readers because the plots aren't to complicated but are advanced enough that they won't feel that it's too little kid.it does have a few complicated words so it will help with reading skills.

I loved Princess Emily's friend, Arabell, because she reminds me of my imaginary friend. I recommend this book because it is full of adventure and excitement. I liked when Arabell cured Sweet William. I read this book in one evening.

This is a wonderful book.I like to read books in the Jewel Kingdom series,this book is about the brave princess Emily and her new fairy friend, princess Arabell.My best friend loves Jewel Kingdom books as well,in fact she is mad about them.I sugest you read The Ruby princess sees a ghost, its even better.

A beautifully produced slipcovered volume of Nicholas's own watercolored renderings of his personal jewelry, of which he apparantly had a lot of (I guess that's a necessity of being tsar-emperor). The real treat, however, are the family photographs, many of which are previously unpublished. If your a serious Nicholas and Alexandra collector, this is a must have.

Nicky was a man of creative impulses like his children and his drawings totally show it. Not to mention this has lovely photographs of the family. My favorite has to be the one of Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna in 1906.

A BEAUTIFUL red volume with gold letters. This volume is wonderfully illustrated on either end with pictures of the Imperial Family and their royal relations from all over the world. In the middle of the book is the jewel album of the Tsar. Ever since 1889, Nicholas drew and painted every piece of jewelry he was given until 1913 when the notebook was ended. The notebook is exactly as he drew it. Their is an excellent essay, as well, on the jewelry by Irina Bogatskaya. I would say this book is a must have for people interested in Nicholas and Alexandra of the Royal Houses of Europe.

If you are looking for a book about the ultimate rake being tame, this is it - complete with several hot scenes that actually mean something in the context of the story.

The Duke of Cynnsyrr (a pun on Laurens's Cynsters?), one Ruan, is nicknamed Lord Ruin for his rakish ways. Together with his friend Devon Carlisle, now Earl of Bracebridge, "Lord Ruin" has been cutting his way through many society marriages and more.

Lord Ruin aka Ruan aka Cynnsyrr [too many names] is however planning to start his nursey (i.e. get married and breed heirs for the title and estates), and naturally, he wants the most beautiful young lady around - one Emily Sinclair. However, due to a somewhat convoluted set of circumstances, he ends up married to Emily's oldest (and only other unmarried) sister Anne Sinclair, a bespectacled and downtrodden bluestocking who is no beauty.

The circumstances of their marriage are scandalous and do not portend well. Ruan [as I shall call him] has seduced/ raped Anne, believing her to be a prostitute. Anne however was unconscious or semi-conscious during the incident, which in the legal system of the time, constituted grounds for declaring it a rape. Ruan has no choice but to marry her (since as a rapist, he would be socially ruined); likewise Anne has no choice but to marry him since she might be pregnant.

The rest of the story flows from this incident. To his great surprise, Ruan is sexually obssessed with his wife from the outset. His bedding her starts out as efforts to satiate himself and then becomes efforts to involve her fully in the act. These scenes are hot, even if the first scene might require a little suspension of disbelief.

Anne's feelings are mixed at best; she had no wish to marry Ruan, and she feels used at best during the earlier days of their marriage. She did not trust Ruan before the marriage, and in fact, she was trying to prevent a marriage proposed between him and her sister Emily. And to make things worse, she was attracted to his friend Devon (who had planned to marry her).

So what went wrong with this story? To put it simply, apart from the confusing babble of names, there is a largely extraneous and bizarre suspense sub-plot involving virtually ever other character in the book. Not only does that sub-plot not make sense (although it serves to show us that Ruan is a "serious" person behind his rakish facade), but it takes away time and space from the development of the relationships that do matter in the book - between Ruan and Anne (the protagonists), between Ruan and his friend Devon (who was in love with Anne); between Anne and her father (a truly bizarre relationship not explained well at all); between Anne and her sisters; between Anne and the servants, and so on and so forth.

There are so many secondary characters introduced in the middle of the book that you practically need to write them all down - and worst, every other character bears a grudge against Anne or Ruan or some other character.

I believe this is the author's first book. She certainly created an arresting couple in Ruan and Anne as the rake forced to marry a plain woman, and then changed by his marriage. She created a interesting set of circumstances around them. Unfortunately, in an effort to add in the mystery/suspense sub-plot, she also failed to develop many of the other characters and the circumstances of the first meeting well.

There are several improbabilities (both historic and character-wise) in the plot, but this did not detract from a swift read. What did detract was trying to keep track of all the names, and then figure out who was *not* involved in the climax to all that intrigue and suspense. And I wish very much that Carolyn Jewel had settled on a name (and surname) conclusively for the hero. It is hard to keep switching from Cynnsyr (the dukedom) to Ruan (the first name or the last?) to his nickname "Lord Ruin". And why Cynnsyrr in particular (when there is also Devon and several other dedicated rakes) is nicknamed "Lord Ruin" remains a mystery to this reviewer.

Rating - 3.7 (barely rounded up to 4)

With the words, "I am sure Miss Sinclair, we will get on splendidly", Anne Sinclair felt the noose tighten around her neck. Granted she would have done anything to save her youngest sister Emily from the clutches of the Duke of Cynssyr, the most notorious womanizer in London leaving so many broken hearts in his wake, but this was not exactly what she had in mind. Besides being titled, wealthy, and handsome as sin, Ruan, or Lord Ruin didn't believe in love - but as befits a duke he would have married for beauty - until fate stepped in, only it would not be Anne's sister, the divine Emily.

Through a case of mistaken identity, and a night of unforgettable passion which found he and Anne totally compromised, Lord Ruin found himself marrying the bespectacled spinster sister. Although one night of love with Anne found the 'insincere Cynssyr' ruined for any other woman. Anne, try as she might to remain emotionally unattached, would find herself tested day and night as Ruan, would worship her body and try his best to win her confidence in his quest to earn her love.

Let me say that this was my first book by this author and it was one that I hated to see end. I absolutely loved these two - Ruan the rake with no conscience, hence the reputation that he rightly deserved, so it was justice that Anne, bespectacled, and not the most beautiful woman would so effectively bring him to his knees! Both, these characters were so richly complex I found it delightful to see them look deeper than the outer skin to discover more than what they appeared to be. Ruan would find that Anne was the most beautiful and passionate 'soul' he had ever encountered, and Anne would find Ruan to be more than the womanizing cynic he appeared. They also had a most amazingly hot and steamy sexual attraction that just sizzles!

Additionally, the numerous secondary characters along with the mystery of the serial rapists and killers that are intertwined into the story give the book a depth that is quite intoxicating and hard to put down. I sincerely hope that Ms. Jewel continues with sequels to include stories for Devon and Emily and for the other wonderful characters who deserve their own stories. Most definitely, put this on you buy list and 'keeper' shelf to enjoy again.

It turns out that men DO make passes at girls who wear glasses! In this wonderful seduction story, our hero marries the spectacle-wearing spinster after compromising her virtue. They both had hoped for better, but fate forces their hands; the rest of the book is the story of how they learn to love and trust, all enhanced by truly sizzling sensuous scenes. The secondary characters and subplots display everyone's integrity and social concern. A fun read.