I LOVE this book. I have always been a reader, but it usually takes me a long time. This book was easily finished in 2 days, just about a record. The detail just engulfs the reader. You can see everything. It's about 20 times better than the movie. Even if you are not a Star Wars fan, this book can easily make you one. The only downfall is that the famous "Help Me, Obi-Wan Kenobi" speech by Princess Leia has been altered. Even though, this book is an absolute must for any age. (I know, being only 16.) What else can I say? AMAZING!!!!

This is a really intresting & thrilling book! I definatly recomended this to those who well of course like Star Wars, but also to those who like a good sci-fi book! It starts out intresting & through the whole book it get's more & more intresting.This is one of those books, where u just want to read on & on.So read it!!

We're all familiar with the story, why read the book? That's what a lot of people ask, and I must say there's really not that many reasons to. Everything presented here is in the film, except for a few exceptions. We meet Luke a little earlier into the story, and he has a talk with his friend, Biggs Darklighter. Other than that, there's not a whole lot here that you can't see in the films.

However, as a book, it is most excellently written. The writing style is easy to get into and understand, and characters are written believably. A must-have for the Star Wars book collecter, a good choice of a library loan for anyone else.

THE HONG KONG FILMOGRAPHY 1977-1997 (McFarland & Company, 2000): More than virtually any other Western critic, Canadian writer John Charles has helped to foster a mature consideration of Hong Kong cinema which extends far beyond the narrow confines of cop thrillers and kung fu dramas so beloved of cult movie fans. From his pioneering reviews in 'Video Watchdog' magazine to his ongoing Internet coverage, Charles takes his place alongside the likes of Tony Rayns, Bey Logan, Derek Elley and Paul Fonoroff as both an authority and champion of Chinese popular entertainment, combining personal knowledge of Asian history and culture with an appreciation of the personalities and traditions which underpin much of the HK movie industry. 'The Hong Kong Filmography' (subtitled 'A Complete Reference to 1,100 Films Produced by British Hong Kong Studios') represents the culmination of Charles' love affair with the subject, an encyclopedic overview of the most creative period in HK cinema history, complete with credits and video availability and an incredible index which provides an instant overview of the lives and careers of several hundred actors, directors and technicians. Except for the front cover, there are no illustrations, only columns of closely-packed text, and there's an appreciative foreword by 'Video Watchdog' editor Tim Lucas.

And yet, for all its virtues and noble ambitions, the book is a disappointment. Many of the reviews are heavy on plot description and light on critical assessment, which is both a curse and a blessing, given that few of these films have been covered in detail anywhere else, though it's difficult to comprehend the benefits of a lengthy plot outline followed by a brief analysis (often no more than a couple of sentences) in which the movie is summarily dismissed out of hand. Concision is one thing, abruptness is quite another. And if many of the titles under fire correspond with the reader's own preferences, it can seem more than a little galling, especially since publishers McFarland & Company are charging a small fortune for the privilege. Charles' brand of informed opinion is always welcome, of course, and the book will probably work best for casual readers seeking information on individual films rather than those who opt to plough through the entire volume from start to finish, but too many entries here are trashed for being 'ludicrous', 'derivative', 'badly plotted' and/or 'weakly constructed', and there's an excess of withering scorn which may alienate more readers than it impresses. While any given movie industry will always produce its fair share of turkeys, the book seems less a celebration of HK cinema than a catalog of complaint. In fact, the text only really comes to life when Charles indulges his own personal favorites (his appraisals of ASHES OF TIME, THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR and PEKING OPERA BLUES, for example, are insightful and entertaining), and the author makes a number of salient observations regarding the prejudices inherent in HK cinema (homophobia, racism and misogyny are prevalent in many highly-regarded movies), whilst also taking care to warn readers about scenes of animal cruelty, but these are minor points in an otherwise cheerless work.

That said, however, the book is a great deal more comprehensive than most other volumes on Asian cinema, and the credits provided in the main text are invaluable. This reviewer is especially grateful that theatrical aspect ratios have been included for each title, a small - but crucial - detail sadly lacking in most other movie books. However, while many HK movies photographed in anamorphic widescreen don't always provide an on-screen credit for the actual process (Panavision, Shawscope, etc.), it would have been nice if Charles had included it where known, rather than simply providing a note of the relevant aspect ratio (the various sound formats, including Dolby and DTS, are all properly credited). Overall, though intended as a definitive text on this particular subject, 'The Hong Kong Filmography' falls short of the mark, a labor of love undermined by an accumulation of biting criticisms which serve only to diminish the very industry Charles' book seeks to honor.

To get the bad out of the way:
it's expensive, there are no pictures, and the cover leaves something to be desired.

Now the good stuff...this book is amazingly detailed: cast/character listings, synposis, video distributors and more! The HKF has introduced me to a lot of new films and talked about a number of others I had found no real information about besides fanboy newsgroup ravings. Great index too. I don't agree with the review below: the book is nowhere near as negative as At the Hong Kong Movies and the amount of plot synopsis versus criticism is reasonable IMO, more so than Sex and Zen and a Bullet in the Head. I don't always agree with his reviews but I think Charles offers reasonable evaluations. I love HK movies but let's face it: there are many bad ones! I hope Charles does a HKF Sequel and covers movies from 1998 onwards.

Despite boasting one of the worst covers I've seen in quite a while, Charles's book is an essential reference guide for anyone with the slightest interest in the rich cinema of Hong Kong. While I may not always agree with the author's assessments of these films, to have all of these films carefully reviewed along with their cast and crew information is invaluable. Boasting an unbearable cover price and no pretty pictures to distract the less literate (like me), The Hong Kong Filmography isn't perfect but it's darned close. (ISBN: 0786408421)

This book adds both novelty and inspiration to an otherwise dull coffee table or mind. More touristically, this is one of the special books that make you go to the place and find where the interesting buildings not in the travel guides are. The pictures are excellent, not cropping so much as to glamourise rubbish, and not putting things out of context: in short, well edited text and visuals. One note, it has nothing to do with the experience of being in a third world country, but it is for the visual pleasure only.

I own at least a dozen books in which the second word of the Title is "Style", but this is certainly one of the best. Well organized, informative and full of beautiful photographs. Looking through this book you can learn about the Architecture and Design of Myanmar. The book is divided into sections dealing with Religious and Secular Architecture, Early and Modern Architecture and Arts and Crafts. At the end of the book there is a section of Textiles and Costumes, and another entitled the Pagoda Market which shows photographs and gives descriptions of vendors of various types of handicrafts. Thus a cross section of the different aspects of the Myanmar Style are given, without adaptations by Western Interior Decorators. Some "Style" Books are misleading because they show the adaptations, primarily in the West, of Stylistic Elements. While these books are ok, I prefer to see the Style as it actually is in Myanmar, not a Architectural Digest type of interpretation. This book is free from this. The text is concise and informative. Not overloooked should be the quality of the photographs and the paper and printing, which in this case are all excellent. Some other books of this genre are not up to high quality. No worries here however. I highly recommend this book. It will make you want to visit Myanmar, or at least think about redesigning in your home.

Finally, a book on art and design in Myanmar/Burma that does justice to the living traditions as well as the colonial and pre-colonial empires. Superb photography, thoughtful text, and some quirky subjects, too, such as the chapter The Great Pagoda Alley. Enjoyable.

I read numerous books and, up until now, haven't read any of the prey series. I was suspect at first, since I'm in academics, I thought this series might be poorly written--as are some popular novels that seem to fly off the book shelves. Having been skeptical at first, I was floored by Sandford's writing and ability to place you right beside Lucas Davenport, and watch the fast-paced plot unravel. Lucas is a self-destructive character that seems to come out smelling like a rose by the end of the book. As of now there are 14 Prey novels, and I have purchased all of them--after reading Eyes of Prey, of course.

Eyes of Prey is acutally the third book in the series and catches up with Davenport as he is chasing a killer that has a nasty habit of taking the eyes from his victims. The pace of the book is fast, and the plot is peppered with so many twists and turns that you will be unable to stop reading--I read the book in two days. Davenport is the type of character that keeps you wanting more as you finger each page, anticipating the next exciting plot-twist.

I would recommend that you pick up all of the prey books, but start at the beginning--I unfortunatley did not. 14 in all and here are the books in order:

RULES OF PREY
SHADOW PREY
EYES OF PREY
SILENT PREY
WINTER PREY
NIGHT PREY
MIND PREY
SUDDEN PREY
SECRET PREY
CERTAIN PREY
EASY PREY
CHOSEN PREY
MORTAL PREY
NAKED PREY--just released this year!!!

The eyes, they just had to go. If not, they would haunt you long after the vicims were dead and buried. Cutting them out, that's the ticket. The murder of a well known lady in the town shocks everyone...
When Detective Lucas Davenport gets the case, he's not sure he can do it. After recent butal cases, these nasty murders is not what he needs. The eyes is the worst part... Davenport soon realize that he's up against an evil man with a twisted mind and a facination for death, but yet very intelligent. Trying to catch this person will be hard...
This is one of John Sandford's first books in the Prey Series (#4). And he shows with this book that he's a great writer. His way of adding twists and caputring you right from the start is only a couple of the things that makes him great. The killer of Eyes of Prey can, to a certain extent, even be compared to Hannibal Lector. The gross almost rituals and the horrible acts. Sandfords way of describing the way the characters think, their desires and their way of acting is unique!
Once you're started reading the book you're trapped. No way to get out until you're done with the book. Highly recommended to anyone who loves other Prey-books, and thrillers!!

I have read almost all of John Sandford's "Prey" series, but the one that sticks in my mind most is this one, along with its sequel "Silent Prey". Lucas Davenport is an outstanding creation, in that Sandford never tries to make him a perfect, flawless man; we can relate to him better for this. And as for Michael Bekker and Carlo Druze... these guys are definitely the kind that one would expect to find inhabiting Hell in the afterlife; they were as real and 'there' as Davenport. I love Sandford's writing, and hope he continues with Davenport (or others like him) for many years to come.

I have read five of the "Prey" novels so far, including these three stories. Obviously, there is something about them that I find attractive, but in retrospect, I cannot honestly say what. The writing style is pleasant, but not taxing, and draws you along. The villains are the most evil people that I have ever read about, and always come to the same end. The number of psychos inhabiting John Sandford's Midwest is truly frightening, yet doesn't seem to surprise the locals. These books are the "sitcom-lites" of literature, but easy and quick to read.

If you want a book that will you can't put down, well then this is the one for you. I have all the Prey novels and to date I can trully say that they have been the best reads ever. Davenport is one hell of a cop, and delivers justice in the best two fisted way I've come to read. The Criminals are dark and sinister, and I know these three stories will keep the reader rivited till the end and still wanting more. I know I did, and can't wait for the next one.

I have read all of the Prey series and am a really big fan. I wasn't always a person who does alot of recreational reading . But once i started the Prey series I can't stop I have read them all and am ready for his next release. I still think my favorite was Rules of Prey.

Egils saga relates the life of a prominent Viking/poet, starting with the life of his grandfather. The story takes place primarily in Norway (also Iceland, England) c.900 AD and the precarious relations between the Kings of Norway and Egil's family. This saga captures some detailed scenes of Viking raids, which makes it of some interest, but is the near-true story of an often brutal man, Egil. Even so, he was also known for his poetic compositions and a number of them are included to highlight events in the story. Two translations of each is given, the literal one in the footnotes (which are sometimes better). As with any icelandic sagas, the style must be tolerated which includes a story that is not plot-driven, and trying to keep track of the different characters, (many of whom have the same name). In this version Christime Fell places the footnotes at the end which means you have to flip back a lot. She also places the text in long, unbroken paragraphs and doesn't set apart the dialogue (which is not done in Penguin's translations, although this one sells cheaper). The book contains a short family tree of Egil's family and maps of the regions where the story takes place. Although a work such as this should be widely read, I only gave it a rating of 8 since it can be difficult reading.

Egil Skallagrimsson was a Viking that stood out even in his time. His saga is packed with all the adventure, mystery and magic that one would expect from a viking era story. If you are intrested in Vikings or Viking life Egil's saga is a gateway into that wonderfull world. I highly recomend this for all who are even a little curious, it will spark a passion that you never knew that you had. (Axe and shield not included)

If you love The Empire Strikes Back, you will like this book. It is very well written, with different and expanded dialogue between characters. This is especially evident from the parts where Luke is learning different aspects of the Force from Yoda. There were scenes of Luke's training that were filmed and not included in the final cut, so reading this book, you'll be able to find out what we didn't see. Overall, though, this book is closest to the actual movie than the books for A New Hope and Return of the Jedi. Not that that is bad. I and many, many others consider Empire to be the best Star Wars film ever made. (I also hope the upcoming Episode II is more like Empire, with its dark tone.)

This book is just as exciting as the movie and is a must-read for fans. For those who are curious about this, buy Star Wars: A New Hope first, or you won't understand a lot about what is happening.

The "Empire Strikes Back" is a darker kind of stroy, basically because it's the middle act (refering to the way you put the characters in the worst possible situation and then in the final act you get them out). This book tells that story perfectly. In the book scenes are added in that were not put in (for one reason or another) the movie. Books can do one thing movies can't do very well, revel the character's thoughts and feelings. You learn a lot more from the book too. I'm not saying the book is better than the movie, I'm not saying that at all, that would be a digrace to George Lucas. All I'm doing is speaking from an authors view (I'm an upcoming 13 year old author working on my second book). This is a MUST have for any Star Wars fan, collecter, buff, freak (like me), or just someone normal (not like me).

Being that the Empire Strikes Back is my favourite of the Star Wars movies, I just had to read this book. It won't disappoint Star Wars fans, with all of the energy of the movie. I liked how it wasn't a complete adaption of the movie, with different things taking place on Dagobah. I would recommend this book to any science-fiction or fantasy fan.

When NPR's audio adaptation of the first Star Wars film hit the airwaves two decades ago, it was as big a landmark in the history of the Star Wars "universe" as any of the subsequent movies. By stripping the story down to the essentials of character, it proved that the appeal of Star Wars is not merely visual flash, but something more enduring, characters you care about, villains you love to hate and (that oldest of rivalries) good against evil. The writing was excellent and the cast equally good, including as it did Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels as Luke and C3P0 respectively. When NPR produced a radio version of The Empire Strikes Back a few years later, Billy Dee Williams came on board to recreate the role of Lando Calrissian and the producers' winning streak continued.

It would be over a decade before the production team got the chance to complete the trilogy with Return of the Jedi. Sadly, just as Return of the Jedi was the weakest of the original movie trilogy, it is also the weakest of the three radio versions. That is not to say it isn't enjoyable, because it is. Rather it can't quite match the exceptional standards set by the previous two series.

Part of the problem is the casting. Although Anthony Daniels returned to play C3PO, Mark Hamill does not reprise the role of Luke Skywalker. Unfortunately the actor who took the role, Joshua Fardon, does not convey the increased maturity of the character in this part of the story. Fardon's performance has a quality of over-eagerness that seems more suited to the naive farmboy that Luke was when we first encountered him rather than the fully trained Jedi-to-be he is here. Good as the other performances are, especially Brock Peters as Darth Vader and Ann Sachs as Leia, this misguided interpretation of Luke leaves a large hole in the story.

Part of that hole can also be attributed to the writing. Like the previous adapatations, Return of the Jedi was scripted by the late Brian Daley. Daley did a good job of translating what was perhaps the most visual of the three original Star Wars films into the audio medium, but he doesn't open up the story the way the previous two series did. Whereas the radio versions of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back took the time to show us more about the characters, Return of the Jedi is, for the most part, just what we saw on the movie screen with a handful of extra scenes thrown into the mix.

Those criticisms aside, anyone who is a fan of radio drama in general or Star Wars specifically will enjoy these programs. In the final analysis the producers understood the ways in which sound alone can fire the imagination. Using that knowledge, they have crafted yet another fine way to enjoy the magical world that George Lucas has given us.

Thanks to the many requests of Star Wars fans and radio enthusiasts alike, the team that brought us the radio adaptations of A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, reunited to conclude the original saga. Made exclusively by Highbridge, Return Of The Jedi, once again uses the film's score by John Williams and sound effects by Ben Burtt, to make for a top notch production. By using the actual soundtrack from the film, it gives the audio production crediability, as opposed to being made without it.

Once again, directed by John Madden, Jedi reunites most of the actors from the previous adaptions, with a couple of notable exceptions. Mark Hamill, who reprised his role as Luke Skywalker, for the first 2 productions, is replaced by Joshua Fardon. While, Billy Dee Williams, as rogue Lando Calrissian, is replaced by Arye Gross. As hard as these gentlemen try, because of the original actors previous involvment with the other two radio dramas, its difficult to imagine anyone else in those parts. Fardon's portrayal lacks the maturity of Hamill's character in the film version, Gross comes off, not quite as smooth, in playing Lando. The rest of the main radio cast, from the other two adaptations is thankfully intact. Actors Anthony Daniels, once again as C-3PO, (who has appeard in all 3 radio dramas as well as all of the films in the series) Brock Peters as Vader, Perry King, as Han Solo, Anne Sachs as Princess Leia, all complete their character arcs in the seies with style. Actor Edward Asner as the gangster Jabba The Hutt and John Lithgow as Master Yoda, (as he did in the Empire radio drama) use vocal talent, like no others, to bring these 2 unique characters to life.

Sci-fi author, Brian Daley, once again. wrote the radioplay for Jedi. As before, there are a few additional "scenes" presented, not in the film version. The end result is very good, but thanks to its shorter length, and the casting changes, I mentioned, Jedi doesn't seem quite as epic, as the other radio dramas in the series. Sadly, Daley passed away soon after the dialogue was recorded, and the production is dedicated to his memory. His script is very faithful to the film and the added scenes remain true to the characters and story.

If you own the other two radio dramas in the series, Jedi is a must have, minor problems and all. The story has six episodes, presented on three compact discs with a total running time of nearly 3 hours. Recommended

You'll never see me cite one Star Wars movie being better than all the others (at least until Episode III comes out, which I'm convinced has the potential to be the best movie of all time), but as far as the novelizations go, Return of the Jedi is by far my favorite.

If you didn't already know it, there are a handful of important details included within this book that didn't make it into the movie. These details alone are reason enough for all Star Wars fans to read this book. When Episode III finally comes around, you will be able to appreciate it much more having read this book.

However, the true strength of this book is the wonderful portrayal of the characters. So much depth was given to them that it just strengthened all of the reasons why I love Star Wars. And the reason I do love Star Wars is because of the characters. While all the sci-fi stuff is really great, it is the story of these characters that has drawn me into this universe. Reading about Luke flaunting with the Dark Side as he faces against Vader and the Emperor is gut wrenchingly incredible.

This is the third part of a three part story. I recommend reading the first two parts first respectively - the third part is a treat you won't regret.

"Sudden Prey" is the latest addition John Sanford's "Prey" novels. This series is known for great stories, suspense, and characters. The lead character of "Sudden Prey" is once again Chief Lucas Davenport of the Minneapolis Police Department. In this story Lucas is once again on the trail of some sadistic serial killers. Their leader is out to avenge the deaths of his sister and wife at the hands of the Minneapolis police. His plan is simple - to kill the loved ones of the police officers involved in the shooting. This is a great addition to the "Prey" series. Lucas is once again very believable in his quest to find the killers. Although "Sudden Prey" will not win any literary achievement awards, it is an exciting book. A great read for the summer.

This is one of my favourites in the Prey series. Two females are shot in a bank robery, and the husband of one of them escapes from prison. Now he wants to get his revenge, but not by taking it out directly on the police officers. He wants them to suffer as he is, and wanting nothing by revenge, he's going after their families...
Sandford is a master of writing about different motives for the killings in all his thrillers. Previously I've read about someone killing because (s)he feels (s)he have to do it, another time I read about a much more dangerous motivation, the profit. In this book, Sudden Prey, the main character, Lucas Davenport, is facing the most simple and purest motivation, which is revenge. But can his killer-instinct, fast thinking and intelligence help him to solve this case?
Sandford has the ability of making you so curious about what will happen, that you simply can't put the book away. You have to finish it right away. And if you enjoy the Prey series, this book is a must. Certainly one his best. A great book also recommended to anyone who loves to read, and those who like thillers.

I've read them all in order. It's great watching the Lucas Davenport character evolve. Sudden Prey was definitely the best Prey book. Non stop action, you can't put it down. Dick LaChaise is an animal, a great villain. I loved his character.

Read 'em in order to fully appreciate the Prey series. John Sandford delivers as usual with this one!

Lucas Davenport is enjoying the change in his life...he is recently married, and the proud father of a new baby, but Lucas knows the peace and solitude comes at a high price.

The bodies were found naked, and hanging from a tree. The victims are Deon Cash and Jane Warr, a black man and a white woman, and they were lynched.

Lucas gets the call to investigate the double murder and bring a killer to justice, but soon he realizes the murders are not exactly what they appear to be, and far worse is about to happen.

'Naked Prey' is not the best entry in the Prey series. While Davenport's character remains strong and interesting, and the creepy back-woods setting sustains an eerie presence, the plot becomes confusing veering off into many different directions, and the large cast of characters becomes too tedious to keep track of.

John Sandford continues his Prey series with original plots, and smooth writing style, but there hasn't been a tension-filled plot since 'Mind Prey'.

Fans of this series will surely rush out to read this, and there's no doubt it will be a bestseller, but it's one of the weaker entries.

Nick Gonnella

with another entry in his fine "Prey" series, a group of books centered on Lucas Davenport, "the richest cop in Minnesota" (rich because he also designs video games).

Sandford set the stage for change at the conclusion of his last book, letting the reader percolate on what would be the differences in Lucas when he becomes an active father, and when he leaves the police department for a quasi-bureaucratic governmental position in a new state department headed by his old boss, Rose Marie Roux. Wisely, although Sandford went forward with these changes, the impact was streamlined by having 90% of the book's action happen in rural northern Minnesota, in the fictional small town of Broderick. Family man Lucas still has his best sidekick, Del, gainfully employed with him -- and married or not, he still can spot and appreciate a great looking woman. Some things never change!

The first two murders may be motivated by racial hatred - one victim is black, and his significant other is white...they are found brutally slain and hanging from a barren tree in the frosty Minnesota winter. There's so much odd and unusual "stuff" going on in Broderick, it's difficult for Lucas & Del to pin down the any information about the murders, and the killings continue.

Sandford manages to deftly interweave his social viewpoints -- his lack of respect for the media, his vague unsettlement with the way that federal, state and local authorities sometimes impede each other to solve a case that has generated media attention, and most importantly, his support of a little known grass roots campaign that is quietly smuggling prescription drugs from Canada to US patients who need and can't afford them.
Unlike many other writers of this genre, Sandford can keep both his tale of the crime and his social commentary moving in the same direction -- one does not eclipse or slow down the other.

The book is also notable in that it provides a lot of insight into tribal casinos...a staple of the Minnesota scenery in the last decade. Tribal casinos have changed rural Minnesota in many ways, and Sandford captures this contrast of big city activity with the rural tundra.

The prize of the novel, as many readers have commented, is new character Letty West, who will doubtless appear in future instalments. A precocious 12-year old, Letty's like many rural kids that come from dysfunctional single parent families....in the cities, kids from these homes tend to run with gangs...in the country, they tend to be loners, with old souls. Letty is such a character, and she's the best addition to the series in a long time.

This may not be the finest of Sandford's series, but its darn close! Don't wait for the paperback!

Lucas Davenport is back in John Sandford's continuing series, and fans of the detective won't be disappointed. Davenport now works for a Minnesota state agency, the BCA, under Rose, his old superior from the Minneapolis police department. A murder scene that resembles a lynching is enough to bring in Davenport and his partner Del to invesigate and clean up before a major political crisis can begin. The murder scene is discovered by a very unusual 12 year old girl, Letty West, who talks and acts many years her senior. Davenport enlists Letty's help in his investigation, which revolves around the hanging murders, multiple kidnappings, a car theft ring, and drug smuggling. The individual crimes are linked through several threads that are not apparent at first to Davenport or the several law enforcement groups he is working with on the case.

Davenport's domestic scenes with his wife Weather are kept to a minimum in this yarn, with almost all of the action focused on the crimes. Letty West takes center stage, and she proves more than a match for Davenport. She traps muskrats, totes a rifle, drives pickups, swears a lot, and helps pick up the pace of the book whenever she appears (which is often). There is strong rapport between Davenport and Letty, and the foundations are set for the making of a good team in future editions of the series.