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Book reviews for "Patin,_Thomas_A.,_Jr." sorted by average review score:

Old Money
Published in Paperback by 1stBooks Library (1998)
Author: Thomas J. Martin
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Timely Fiction
Given the recent events, this book seems to take the position that we would do well to research protective DNA. Not only against aging but also against foreign and domestic attacks. It seems that the author has a grasp of how to modify and develop DNA for good purposes. He has a good sense of humor and a mind for details. Tom Clancy-like in his approach to characters and action.

Medical Thriller
If you like detailed plots and character descriptions, this is the book for you. Gripping suspense and science fiction murder mystery at its best.

A review of Old Money By Thomas J. Martin
Gripping suspense. Well written with plots intertwined with subplots that keep the reader spellbound until the surprise ending.


The Oxford Guide to Heraldry
Published in Paperback by Oxford University Press (2001)
Authors: Thomas Woodcock and John Martin Robinson
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Introduction to the joys of heraldry
This is an outstanding and authoritative introduction to heraldry written by two English heraldists, one an officer of the College of Arms in London. The book is well researched and illustrated. Too often heraldic books are reprints or new editions of books from the first part of the 20th Century. This book has contemporary design and language and is well fitted to be the definitive guide at the turn of the 20th Century. It should be included in the library of every person with a serious interest in heraldry.

Probably the best recent introduction
An excellent introduction to the field by the Somerset Herald. Chapters cover the origins and evolution of the herald's art, the marshalling of arms, the technical aspects of blazoning, and even the proper decorative use of heraldry. The emphasis, naturally, is on Britain, but Europe and the United States are included as well. Very nicely illustrated, too, with a thick section of color plates. And a nice gift book, too.

Authoritative, scholarly review of the history of heraldry.
This is a well-researched, comprehensive analysis of the history of heraldry in both England and Europe. It features several full-color as well as grayscale plates illustrating ancient coats of arms and the evolution of this art to the modern day. A glossary with illustrations is included in the appendix, and it is well-indexed.


Exiting Bohemia: A True Story of Love, Lust and Loss
Published in Paperback by 1stBooks Library (2003)
Author: Thomas Martin
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Very Emotionally Wrenching,
I was given this book by a friend who knew I'd had a tough time in my divorce. Reading Exiting Bohemia took me back to that time and let me know that it is possible to survive anything, even though sometimes it feels you can't. I think this is the first book that accuratly tells the man's side of divorce and shows that women aren't the only ones who grieve. I recommend this book to any divorced woman who is curious about the other half of the story.

A MUST READ BOOK
The best and most honset true story I have ever read. This book totally exceeded all of my expectations. The author is both the Hero and the Villian, but you are still pulling for him at every turn of the page. A very emotional ride that leaves you thinking about your own life, and the decisions you yourself have made over the course of your life and how they affected other people.

I can't wait until the Author's release of his next book. I'll be first in line to buy a copy.


Gentry's Rio Mayo Plants: The Tropical Deciduous Forest & Environs of Northwest Mexico (Southwest Center Series)
Published in Hardcover by University of Arizona Press (1998)
Authors: Paul S. Martin, David Yetman, Mark Fishbein, Phil Jenkins, Thomas R. Van Devender, Rebecca K. Wilson, and Howard Scott Rio Mayo Plants Gentry
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Hidden treasure
I was given the opportunity to catalog Dr. Gentry's herbarium collection at the Desert Botanical Garden in 1987-88. I haven't seen the new edition mentioned here, but read the original work at the time I was cataloging his herbarium specimens. Through it, I was able to share his experience as an explorer in the spirit of John Wesley Powell, someone who knew that the American southwest is best delineated by watersheds, not along false lat/long lines. I met Dr. Gentry a couple of times, and remember the occasions well. Last time I saw him, when I was cataloging his collection, I overheard a conversation between him and a consultant for the Fort McDowell Indian Community. The consultant was asking about desert-adapted crop plants. Dr. Gentry went into great detail describing many desert plants suited to agriculture - tepary beans, jojoba, Lippia (Mexican oregano), agave, chiltepines, gum arabic, etc. I learned a lot just by eavesdropping. The consultant listened, but did not hear the words. He recommended that the Fort McDowell people plant cotton. Not because it was best suited to desert agriculture - far from that. They planted cotton because it needs vast quantities of water. They did not want the best desert-adapted crops. What they wanted, instead, was the best crop for wasting water, so that they could establish valid rights to the water. Worse, I watched them clear off vast acreages of mesquite forests to make room for the water-wasting cotton crop. The Hopi call this koyaanisqatsi. This book should help folks in southwestern north America realize that we have a bounteous resource, if we can only learn to use it.

Excellent reference book
Located in a transition zone between the Sonoran Desert and the tropics,this region is well known for its biodiversity, thanks to a 1942 study by botanist Howard Scott Gentry. Revision of his classic work began before his death in 1993. For researchers, this is a must-read book. It provides a clear overview of botanical studies of the Rio Mayo, a contemporary view of the vegatation, excerpts from the original text and an annotated list of plants.


God's Child Andrew
Published in Paperback by St Vladimirs Seminary Pr (1998)
Authors: Sandra Johnson and Thomas Hopko
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Light from the darkness of tragedy
This is the story of Andrew Stanar Johnson. Born into an Orthodox Christian family, he was a huge joy to his parents, who truly adored this precious child. However, his family's joy would turn to despair as, shortly after his sixth birthday, he is killed in an accident.

This book is an account of Andrew's life as well as an account of how his family, with the help of God, try to struggle through their loss. Andrew was a child who was completely convinced in the reality of God and His work all around us, and the knowledge that the end of one's earthly life need not mean "The End". Through their pain and suffering, Andrew's parents slowly begin to redouble their efforts to listen to what God is saying, and it is through this that they are able to continue on in hope, in faith, and in love.

Very Inspirational
This book tells a story of tragedy and suffering, but also of strength and faith in God. This books gives meaning and insight into the death of a young child. Make sure you have tissues nearby when you start reading this book. This book was hard to put down, read it from front to back in one sitting.


James J. Hill and the Opening of the Northwest (Borealis Books)
Published in Paperback by Minnesota Historical Society (1991)
Authors: Albro Martin and W. Thomas White
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Very good!!!
This is a very good, highly readable history of James J. Hill, his family and his numerous successful business adventures, and the Great Northern Railway in particular.

The classic biography of the Empire Builder
Of the four major biographies of James J. Hill, this one is the best and most detailed. If it has a fault, it is that it is too detailed for many readers. But for those interested in the financial history of the Great Northern Railway and the personal history of its builder, this is the classic.

Martin had full access to the James J. Hill papers, now open to the public. Pyle's 1917 biography was also based on those papers, but Pyle was an employee of Hill's and tried to whitewash the truth, which actually made Hill look worse than he was. Holbrook's brief bio was based mainly on Pyle and rumor. Malone's 1996 book on Hill is to Martin's what Holbrook's was to Pyle's--a good intro but not as detailed as Martin's.


Martin Bear & Friends
Published in Hardcover by Publishers' Group West (1998)
Authors: Thomas Hauser and Rowena
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A wonderful Book for Mother and Child
This is a book that I delight in reading over and over to my 6-year old. The rhymes and glorious illustrations keep my daughter engrossed while enjoying the story and learning life's lessons in a kind and subtle tone.

Martin Bear - The Most Lovable Bear Ever!
Your child will be riveted by the tales involving the most lovable bear in children's literature (and you will too!). This memorable character will remain in your hearts and minds for a lifetime. I am purchasing a copy for my friend's five-year-old so that they can experience the pearls of wisdom imparted by Martin Bear with inimitable humor and good nature. The book is modern yet provides moral depth and values. The paintings are sumptuous! Read it and be transported into the realm of Martin Bear and his fears, joys, and tremendous courage. The Penguin, Magic Raccoon, and Nasty Monster are terrific characters too! My children adore this book and I never tire of reading it with them.


Mastering Excel 2000 Premium Edition
Published in Paperback by Sybex (1999)
Authors: Mindy C. Martin, Steven M. Hansen, Beth Klingher, and Thomas Chester
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Wouldn't think of using another book!
An encyclopedic guide to Excel 2000, this book is the only guide I would consider using for the new version of Excel.

Great for intermediate or "power" Excel user
I got a chance to see an early review copy of the book and have to say it's great. It is especially comprehensive in the areas or data analysis, including Excel PivotTables that use SQL Server 7.0 OLAP features, as well as programming Excel with simple macros. If you're a power user that's looking for a deeper understanding of Excel, plus some stuff that's hard to find anywhere else, this book's for you.


A Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier: Some of the Adventures, Dangers, and Sufferings of Joseph Plumb Martin
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Signet Classic (05 September, 2001)
Authors: Joseph Plumb Martin and Thomas Fleming
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From the Privates View
It was so fun to read a book on the Revolutionary War that was from the view of the private. No huge battles here, just the day to day struggle on what he endured and why he endured all the hardships. Made me really admire the commitment they made.

Great Book!
This book is one of the few complete accounts of a common soldier
in the American Revolution. Joseph Plumb Martin explains in detail the events that take place at Valley Forge, Trenton, and
Yorktown. Mr. Martin first published his narratives as a book titled Private Yankee Doodle. This book is a book that shows the suffering and victory of the young nation. Great for anyone who loves histoy!

Great Book
This book is one of the few historical accounts from a common
Revolutionary War soldier. Joseph Plumb Martin relates in detail
the events of our nation's longest war. From the winter at Valley Forge to the battle at Yorktown, the book is thrilling to read. Mr. Martin first published his narratives as Private Yankee Doodle. This book would be great for the library of those who love American history.


A Call to Arms
Published in Paperback by Ace Books (1995)
Author: Thomas K. Martin
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A Cross-over Story that Works
Most stories that involve someone from 'Real Life' going to another world, having adventures there, and coming back are not very good; some are downright awful. This book, the final book of the trilogy involving Steve "the Dreamer" Wilkinson, manages to succeed where so many others have failed.

Both worlds are convincing and compelling. Steve is not some ultimate weapon -- rather, it is what he knows as much as his wits and courage that lead him on against the forces that are arrayed against him.

I recommend this book, but also recommend that you read the first two books of the trilogy first, as this is not a stand-alone book.

Superb Ending to a Fabulous Trilogy!
This is the third and, unfortunately, final book in the Steve Wilkinson Dreamer series. Steve has just returned to Quarin after killing Belevairn on Earth. Sadly, he was not in time to stop a tank and several trucks of ammunition from being transported to Quarin. He knows that Earth's techologically advanced weapons will decimate the medieval land. He isn't sure what he can do to help, but he knows that he has to try. Steve fulfills part of the prophecy by accidentally killing the Dark Queen with some rocket launchers while he tries to escape her fortress. From there, he immediately sets out to find Erelvar, because he know that he will be leading the resistance, and finds that Erelvar's city has been leveled by the tank or "the Dragon." But, Erelvar and his allies are still ready to fight. Steve uses his knowledge, personality, as well as his power as the Dreamer of prophecy to help save the world of Quarin.

This book is absolutely action packed and is a very fast, easy read. Readers will immediately indentify with Steve and will be cheering him on all the way. Yes, he does have great powers, but he is still a man and he has a man's weaknesses and a great sense of humor. He is just an unassuming, normal kind of guy who still can't really understand how he ended up doing all of this. Steve is the most fully-fleshed out character, but readers will enjoy learning what happened to other characters from A Two-Edged Sword.

Martin has beautifully described the different lands that Steve chances upon and the differences between the character races. I especially enjoyed Steve's interaction with the Olvir (an elvish-type race) and their rituals including the Way of Parting. This ritual enables the dead to come back for a day to say goodbye to their loved ones through the use of a living "host."

My only complaint with the book is that many of the characters displayed hitherto unknown powers near the book. They were very cool powers and not typical magical gifts, but I kind of felt as if Martin were pulling them out randomly to finish the book off. Still, it was a nice ending and sets the trilogy up for another sequel. I am hoping that one day we will get one...

great book
I guess the title of the review is not original but this really is a great book. This is the book that led me to buy the books to the Magelord trilogy. I just love the way that Steve just has a humorous way about him, even in a battle. The only complaint I have is that I got this book! That means that I didn't get to read the first two books and that I would probably never get to read it because it's out of stock or whatever! Well enough complainning. If you love fantasy and just want to have a good time, then get this book. You might get annoyed that you can't read the whole thing but you would definately be missing something if you don't read it. I read alot and I'm very picky so if I like something then I like it. It is well written, the world itself seems real, and it makes you feel like it really could happen and you don't want to put this book down.


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