In this story there are 3 girls and each has magic in her and has to us there magic to save a wild life preserve and help magical animals that live in the perverse too. This book was so good I cant wait to read the next one a read other peoples review and they like Adriane but I like Emily and Kara...

This book was awesome! Like some others, I thought Harry Potter was the best, untill I read this book. It is a wonderful story that shows friendship, adventure, suspense, and magic. Emily just moved to Stonehill and is shy and kind, but doesn't have any friends. Adrienne is the loner and independent one and travels a lot( Her parents are artists). Kara is the snobby, spoiled, and popular one. They have almost nothing in common, except magic.
The story's plot is when a monster from another world comes to earth and poisons all the magical animals who live there. Emily has healing powers and has to help them with the help of Phel, a wonderful and magical creature. Emily, Adrienne, and Kara have to put away their diferences and work together to fight the monster with some help from the magical animals and Ozzie, an adventerous elf who is stuck in a ferrets' body. A fantastic book for all ages.

many people r saying this book is better than harry potter well all i can say is ive never red anything like this b4, avalon is so good i can'r even discribe it. i luv harry but this is different, its so funny and has action and scarey and emotional parts that make me feel like i'm rite there. this book makes u feel a lot of things when u read it so i think its deeper than harry also i like the girls alot and they really come alive to me. i even like kara lol so both books are great but AvAlon makes me feel good when i read it

Despite an aching back, I stood for over an hour this afternoon thumbing through the pages of this book at a local bookstore. It was outstanding. I was a Marine combat correspondent in Vietnam ('67) and saw a number of photos taken by my colleagues, including David Douglas Duncan in Con Thien where I also was. What struck me about "Marines" is the extensive and well balance coverage of the history of the Corps. I found it very amusing the "political correct" comments about several of our controversal commandants. How true. How true. Great work. I came home and immediately ordered this book from Amazon.

Semper Fi!

This is a wonderful book on the Marines. Mainly a historical/traditions book. If you want technical information, get something like Tom Clancy's "Marine". Either way, this book is great. Overall, it is my favorite Marine Corps book. Tons of incredible pictures. Has chapters on history, today and tomorrow's Corps, even a chapter on dress blues. If you are or were a Marine, or just love the Marine Corps, you have to get it. You won't be disappointed.

I purchased this book for my father to give to him this Christmas. He is a retired Lt. Col. in the Marine Corps and served his country in World War II, Korea, as well as Vietnam. This volume is an absolutely stunning and moving history of the United States Marine Corps. The rich blue cloth cover with large gold (3-D)Marine Corps emblem on the frontpiece will blow you away....its beautiful. I'm sure my father will cherish this book for a long, long time.

I have read every volume of this apparently unending tome and loved every moment of it. The only series I have read that is comparable is Stephen Donaldson's Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. Donaldson, however, knows how to finish what he starts.

Jordan owes it to his readers to reach closure. One book every two years is way too long for a saga to go on. Will I have to reread prior books to maintain the continuity? However, his story and characters are so compelling that each book, with a brief synopsis of the prior one, can stand on its own well. So in short, it needs to end because I can't take the wait anymore! Will the Dragon ultimately go mad and break the world and become the fantasy genre's greatest anti-hero, supplanting Thomas Covenant? Or will I go senile before Robert Jordan ends this series???

Years ago I read The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. I was delighted to find the Jordan series to be even better and longer. I just completed the last book and have started reading the first again. On rereading, it reveals more depth than I had seen the first time through. If you want to lose yourself in an exciting world that never was, read these books. My only regret is that there aren't more of them.

I have read this wonderful series more times that I can count. I've got one copy to read, and one just to admire. Robert Jordan's books bring the reader all of the way into his world, making the reader feel what the character feels. It is so very frustrating having to wait for the next book. I do think, though, that #9 will be the end. Here's hoping!!!!!!

Vengeance in Death, there is a series of brutal murders involving torment and mutilation. Eve discovers that all the victims had assisted Roarke in his quest for vengeance for the murder of Somerset's daughter back in Ireland years ago.. Somerset, Roarke's butler has been jointly for many years coming to America together from Ireland. Roarke feels he partly responsible for the death of Somerset's daughter even though Somerset doesn't feel this way. The murderer sends Eve riddles before each murder. And she persecutes over each riddle believing that if she can solve the riddle in time she might prevent the murder from happening. Somerset's is really developed in this book as he is framed and made to look like the murderer. This was the best in this series yet. This series offers a perfect blend of suspense, romance. It is fast paced and full of action. I recommend this series to everybody. You won't be disappointed but start with the first book!

Homicide detective Eve Dallas knew when she married her powerful billionaire husband Roarke, that there were events in his past she would rather not know about, especially his criminal activities. These acts conflict with Eve's code of ethics as an honest homicide detective. When a series of vicious murders involving torture and mutilation, occur, Eve realizes that all the victims assisted Roarke on his personal quest for vengeance. Eve faces the biggest crisis of her career and her marriage as she is confronted with choosing between love or honor.

VENGEANCE IN DEATH is the kind of novel that readers expect from the very talented J.D. Robb. The pace is fast, the action is explosive, and the relationship between the hero and heroine fresh, red hot, and poignant. This book is a keeper to treasure during times of stress.

Harriet Klausner

Vengeance in Death as well as the rest as the "Death" series is rated the highest with me because the author takes you into the lives and emotions of the main two characters of Eve and Roarke. Also, the characters of the fellow cast is slowly evoving with each new book. I had a friend read my copy who could not get past the use of futuristic language/tech terms. I didn't see the problem with the idea of licensed companions, etc. The book is not about the future itself, but the lives of those living in it. If you're looking for a good, suspenceful book that keeps you guessing as to the bad guy with the addition of an evolving love story, then this book is for you!

There are two things that I like about this book. I have always believed that the best way to learn anything in life is by following the sucessful examples of others. What better examples are there than real life ones? The book also gives good refutations on gun opponents' most popular beliefs:

1. A robber will not hurt you if you do exactly what he tells you to do.

2. Using guns as a self-defense weapon is a deployment of more than necessary force to stop a violent encounter. Martial arts and self-defense sprays should suffice in any violent confrontation

3. Silent alarms should be able to get law enforcement agents onto the scene of a crime in progress before anybody gets physically wounded. In other words, carrying a gun in a place of business is equivalent to trying to take the law into your own hands

4. Law enforcement agents are always here to protect you

Buy this book and read for yourself about the burgular who breaks into the house of a sleeping woman and, without saying a word to her, pulls out a knife and begins to slash her face. The woman did not even have a chance to comprehend what is going on before there are two deep lacerations in her face. The attacker was so strong that after the woman shot him four times, he still continues to beat her and cut her for about another hour. Ask yourself if the martial arts or pepper sprays would have been able to stop him if four .22 caliber bullets barely could. When did the police arrive? One hour after the struggle began.

Read about the jewerly store owner who quickly activates a silent alarm after seeing three men enter his store with shotguns. The first thing the robbers did was fire a shotgun shell into a nearby glass window. At this point, the store owner decided it was time to fight back. Before the police arrived, there was already an intense gun battle. Had the owner not possessed guns, the only thing the police would find upon arrival would have been a pile of dead employees and their dead employer.

Buy this book and see why every smart and responsible citizen should be armed.

I would like to recommend "STREET KARATE" by John McSweeney as a good companion to this book just in case your handgun decides not to work.

The basic premise of this book is: defensive use of firearms is not just for the military and police; it is for every citizen confronted or assaulted by violent criminals violating their personal and property rights. This book contains numerous examples of citizens who used firearms to save their own lives, or the lives of others, before law enforcement arrived.

There are also examples of armed citizens coming to aid of stricken law enforcement officers, who probably owe their lives to the second ammendment rights exercised by the citizens. The stories of survival in the face of certain death at the hands of a violent criminal are gripping.

The book is a fast and easy read. Although not a great literary work, Robert A. Walters succeeds in telling the stories of victims turned defenders completely and understandably. No matter which side of the "gun control" debate you are on, this book will give you a good source of insight into the reasoning behind the pro-second ammendment advocates.

You will probably not sleep well at night after reading this book - unless you have an appropriate, loaded weapon nearby.

I finished reading this book very quickly. Every story was intense and captivating. The book was enjoyable for entertainment value alone, but it also contains critical information about personal defense.

Ever wondered what it was really like to be attacked by someone trying to kill you? These are stories of people who lived to tell the tail. Many potential murder victims only survived because they had a loaded gun handy.

On a personal note, my brother wasn't as fortunate as many of the people in this book. He was returning a tape at a well lit video store on a Sunday night when he was kidnapped by four thugs. They had his car, his cash, and all his possessions, but they murdered him anyway. Apparently just robbing people had become boring to them. They are now in jail, but I often wonder if my brother would be alive today if he had a gun with him.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Low Level Hell" by Hugh L. Mills. From July, 1968 to July, 1969 I was with the Big Red One assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Bn., 16th Infantry. Mills book brought back many memories - both good and bad. It was particularly meaningful for me since A-2/16 worked all over the Division's TAOR and the names of the villages and towns Mills wrote about were familiar to me. I have often remarked that the BRO's air support was exceptional and reading "Low Level Hell" reminded me of that once again. It also gave me a better understanding and appreciation of the role of the hunter / killer teams and how they were a major factor in minimizing casualties. To quote from the book "First Infantry Division in Vietnam" at page 126: "As the year 1968 was about to pass into history, the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry reviewed the year with a profound sense of pride. Much was accomplished but they were not content to rest upon past laurels. The year 1969 was met with the same loyalty, skill and determination which made the 1st Squadron, 4th United States Cavalry the most respected and feared unit of the 1st Infantry Division." - I know from reading "Low Level Hell" that Hugh Mills and the rest of Troop D (air) significantly contributed to the loyalty, skill and determination that earned the reputation that has become legendary.

I think "Low Level Hell" would make an excellent movie. There's lots of action sequences: The chemistry between Hugh Mills and Rod Willis would play well not to mention the camaraderie among Troop D (air) at Phu Loi. I hope it will be playing some day soon at a theatre near me - And, I will keep my eye out for another Mills book chronicling his and Willis' second tour with "Darkhorse" and, if we're lucky, a third one all about his days as a Cobra pilot with the 101st.

Excellent book about some of the dedicated aviators that supported us infantrymen in the Big Red One in Vietnam. As a LRRP in Co.F/52nd Inf. (LRP), 1st Inf. Division in 1968, I always felt that we had tremendous helicopter support. Our LRP company originated as a part of 1st Sq./4th Cavalry, and they regarded us and watched over us from above like brothers. We often called upon the Cobra gunships of D Troop (Air), 1st Sq./4th Cav, call sign: Darkhorse, and they never let us down. Mills book provides us with a cockpit view of their hunter-killer team missions, as opposed to the direct gun-ship support role in which we generally saw Darkhorse. But the 'guns blazing' tactics were obviously the same for the scout ship pilots as they always were for the gunship pilots/co-pilots. Very interesting reading, and the place names brought back many exciting memories of those days over 30 years ago, when we ourselves operated around Phu Loi, Lai Khe , An Loc, the Iron Triangle, Catchers Mitt, and other locations he mentions. Knowing that Darkhorse pilots like Mills always 'had our back', was a reassuring feeling. Could not possibly express enough gratitude to such pilots and crews for the way they supported us. An excellent addition to any Vietnam library.

I just finished reading Hugh L. Mills "Low Level Hell": I thoroughly enjoyed it. From July, 1968 to July 1969 I was in the Big Red One assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Bn., 16th Infantry. Mills book brought back many memories; both good and bad. It was particularly meaningful to me since A-2/16 worked all over the Division's TAOR and the names of the villages and towns Mills wrote about were familar to me. I have often remarked that the BRO's air support was exceptional and reading "Low Level Hell" reminded me of that once again. It also gave me a better understanding and appreciation of the role of the hunter killer teams and how they were a major factor in minimizing casualties. To quote from the book "First Infantry Division in Vietnam" at page 126: "As the year 1968 was about to pass into history, the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalary reviewed the year with a profound sense of pride. Much was accomplished, but they were not content to rest upon past laurels. The year 1969 was met with the same loyalty, skill and determination which has made the 1st Squadron, 4th United States Cavalry the most respected and feared unit of the 1st Infantry Division." - I know from reading "Low Level Hell" that Hugh Mills and the rest of Troop D (air) significantly contributed to the loyalty, skill and determination that earned the reputation that has become legendary.

I think "Low Level Hell" would make an excellent movie. There's lots of action sequences: The chemistry between Hugh Mills and Rod Willis would play well not to mention the comraderie among Troop D (air) at Phu Loi. I hope it will be playing some day soon at a theatre near me - And, I will keep my eye out for another Mills book chronicling his and Willis' second tour with "Darkhorse" and, if we're lucky, a third one all about his days as a Cobra pilot with the 101st.

WOW! this book was one of the best that I have ever read. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Some of it was disturbing to me as a teenage girl, but it was really awesome! I really recommend it to anyone that likes to read, cuz Bodies In The Bay is worth reading. My Compliments to the author!

I read this book from cover to cover in a day and a half. I just couldn't put the book aside. Being a mother of two daughters, I had to know what the out come would be. It truly frightened me knowing this was a true story, however, it has made me more aware to always be on my guard. You just never know. I'm looking forward to Mason Ramsey's next book.

This is a wonderfully exciting book. The storyline and the intense writing style makes it a book hard to put down. I read the entire book in one night, even putting my family on hold. Hope to hear more from this author in the very near future. I would highly reccomend this book to readers who like detail and suspense.

When it was first published in 1955 "Something of Value" was a novel right out of the headlines, set in contemporary Kenya during the time of the Mau Mau rebellion which were the last years of British colonial rule. Now it has aged into an historical novel. The largest part of the novel concerns two men, once childhood friends: Kimani, a Kikuyu and Peter, a British settler. They grow up together on a farm in the "white highlands", Kimani is the son of a farmhand, Peter the son of the owner. They imagine themselves working together as adults, as gunbearer and white hunter, guiding tourists on hunting safaris. Instead they become adversaries during the Mau Mau. Ruark tells a good story though the book is a bit long in places. Throughout the novel, the depictions of both African and British characters is remarkably balanced and fair. Ruark is one of the few white writers of the 1950s to provide a sympathetic and (apparently) informed view of African (particularly Kikuyu) culture. It is the clash of Kikuyu and British cultures, as British law is applied to traditional Kikuyu custom that is the impetus for Kimani to join the rebellion. It would be interesting to know if all of the novel's details of the Mau Mau oaths are accurate. The female characters are a bit one dimensional; this is a book about hunting, warfare, and the world as seen by men. Overall, a very good book, especially for anyone interested in Kenya and the end of colonialism. ("Something of Value" was made into a movie starring Rock Hudson and Sidney Poitier.)

I spent three of the most impressionable years of my live in Kenya in the early '70's as a State Department dependant. Even then, the Mau Mau uprising had a strong influence on day to day life in Kenya. Gun control laws were among the most strict in the world and for good reason. During my three years in Kenya I heard many stories from people who lived through the emergency. Most of these stories made Stephen King novels sound like childrens' tales. I could not count the times I've read both Uhuru and Something Of Value and each time they have taken me back in time to the Norfolk or New Stanley hotel. Everything about the book, from the safaris, to the uprising, are totally authentic. While this is not a "feel good" book, anyone who has a interest in East African history, or just wants to read on of the great books of this century MUST read this book. Even though this is a book of fiction, it should be required reading for anyone studying the history of Kenya. Make no mistake, most of the things written about in this book, no matter how disturbing, actually happened.

I just read Barbara Kingsolver's new novel, The Poisonwood Bible, and was prompted to re-read Something of Value which I 1st read in the early 70s. I still find it (SV) a well-told, powerful story. The theme of both books is pretty well summed up in their titles: the tragic consequences that develop when peoples from western culture take over a native one. Kingsolver, the real life daughter of medical missionaries in the Congo/Zaire, has written this fictional account of a religious missionary family who goes to a Congolese village in the late 50s and 60s. It's told from a decidedly female point-of-view, in turn by each of the 4 daughters and periodically by the mother. The father is a Baptist minister from Georgia, whose autocratic, insensitive approach impacts both his family and the villagers. This book may be too "p.c." for you manly safari types, especially the 2nd half where the daughters are grown and the background politics of Patrice Lumumba becomes more apparent. But, I found value and reading pleasure in both books and have gained an inkling into the complex problems of today's Africa

In this spinoff to Irish Thoroughbred, Nora Roberts goes back to where it all began, only this time the roles are gender flipped. Brian Donnelly, a gifted horse trainer, is hired on at Royal Meadows to succeed Paddy Cunnane who has put in a good word for our hero much as he did for his niece years ago. Keeley Grant is the eldest daughter of Travis Grant and Adelia Cunnane.

Half believing her reputation for being cold, Keeley is somewhat surprised to find herself sparring with, and attracted to, the Irishman. Brian, in turn, is shocked when he finds himself falling fast, not to mention inappropriately, in love with his boss's daughter.

Roberts does a pretty good job of developing Brian and Keeley's story and I was not disappointed overall. While I really found much to admire in Keeley, it took substantially longer to warm up to Brian for the exact same reason Keeley states during one of their initial confrontations. He's a "snob." But as he struggled with his feelings for Keeley, I found myself understanding a bit more about his insecurities when it came the difference in their class status and upbringing.

Roberts revisits original characters from her Irish books without detracting from Brian and Keeley's story. She also does a great job of illustrating the closeness of the Grant family. This is especially noticeable when Keeley needs support which, as Brian points out, isn't very often given her need to be admirably self-sufficient.

Almost 20 years ago, Nora Roberts wrote her first romance book called Irish Thoroughbred. This book told the story of Dee Cunnane, recently arrived from Ireland, and Travis Grant the owner of a large horse farm in Maryland. Continuing the story in Irish Rose, published a few years later, readers were introduced to Dee's cousin, Rose, also from Ireland, who finds herself falling in love with the owner of another horse ranch in the United States. Since that time, Ms. Roberts has become a most beloved romance author continung to dominate the field with her trilogies, romantic suspense, category offerings and even futuristic mysteries written under the name JD Robb.

Now Ms. Roberts returns to Maryland's green fields and horse country in her latest book, Irish Rebel, where we meet Dee and Travis's oldest daughter, Keeley. Keeley Grant is very much like her Irish born mother, headstrong and determined to succeed in all that she tries with little time for romantic interests. But she more than meets her match in Brian Donnelly who has journeyed from Ireland to work as a horse trainer for the Grants. Sparks fly almost immediately and the before the reader knows it, they are once again furiously turning the pages to see what happens next.

Although I have read many of Nora Roberts's titles, she never fails to interest me as she weaves a wonderful tale and this book is no exception. I do hope she will continue writing about the Grants and their children, but if not it's been a pleasure to spend time with them again.

"Irish Rebel" is another fabulous book by Nora Roberts. I always love Nora's series because we get to revisit old friends. In this case we are reunited with Travis and Dee from "Irish Thoroughbred", Nora's first book. This story, however, is about Travis and Adelia's daughter, Keeley Grant. "Irish Rebel" is full of fun and romance and it keeps the reader's full attention from beginning to end.
Keeley's parents, Travis and Dee, the owners of the renowned racing stable "Royal Meadows" have just hired a new horse trainer, Brian Donnelly. Brian has come all the way from Ireland to work for the Grants because he has a remarkable gift for training champions.
When Brian first arrives, he believes that Keeley is a spoiled princess who has never had to work for anything, but he couldn't be more wrong. Keeley is a strong-willed and compassionate woman who teaches under-privileged and abused children to ride.
Brian and Keeley grate on each other's nerves, but they can't deny the powerful attraction they share. Keeley has never had much time for men in her life, and has never found a man who could hold her attention, but with Brian she seems to have met her match.
As Brian discovers more and more about who Keeley really is, he finds himself falling in love with her. Now this Irish rebel, who has spent his life moving from one place to another, wonders if it's finally time to stop running and put down some roots. Will love triumph and keep Brian at Keeley's side?
You'll just have to read the book to find out!
"Irish Rebel" is a truly entertaining and enjoyable read. The romance between Keeley and Brian is fresh and passionate, and all of the characters are richly portrayed and very likeable. This is a wonderful and well-written romance and I guarantee that you will love it like I did. You will get more out of "Irish Rebel" if you have read "Irish Hearts", which contains the two previous books in this series, but it can easily stand alone. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this fantastic book!
I hope that Nora Roberts will write the stories of Travis and Dee's other children very soon.

Melissa Muller has written an absorbing, probing, sincere account of the life of Anne Frank. She provides a historical background that proves fascinating, from the backgrounds of Anne's parents, grandparents and extended family, to the political climates in Germany and Holland before and during World War II.

This worthy biography depicts with subdued insight the Frank family's relationships. I was particularly touched while reading about the Franks' love and concern for their two daughters, and by the inclusion of several letters from the Franks to extended family members, particularly those exchanged between Otto Frank and his mother.

Throughout the book, Muller's interest in the subject matter is evident and her unsensational interpretation of events rings true. The translation is flawless and the text is woven together seamlessly. All in all, this biography triumphs as one of the most well-written biographies I have read.

I agree with Miep Gies' statement at the end of the book: Anne's life does not, as some writers and historians have suggested, symbolize the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust, because her life was hers alone. Millions of individual lives were tragically and cruelly ended. After reading this book, I feel privileged to have had a poignant glimpse into one of these lives.

Not only did Muller do a wonderful job giving more information about Anne and her personality, she gave the reader clearer pictures about the other people who also had to live through this terrible time with Anne. Anne's diary definatly made a picture of her life's happenings and Muller these times color. This biography sheds more light on Anne's spectacular personality, not only with excerpts from the diary, but from her friends and family. This book is to remember Anne but it also puts more insight into the characters we have read about in her diary... they no more are just names but true people that Muller has learned a great deal about. This is a great finishing book for anyone that has been moved by the diary of Anne Frank.

I read about Anne Frank when I was around 8 years old. I was very touched by her story, and begged my aunt - who lives in Amsterdam - to take me to the Anne Frank House to visit the Secret Annex. Ever since, Anne's tragic story has been with me. I read her diary, as well as other books written with her. Now I read this book - Anne's biography. I just finished it - and I sit here with a pale face and tears in my eyes. It's a very touching story with happy times and dark times, and a very tragic end. The author describes this end in every detail you could possibly think of... the arrestation of the eight people in the Annex, Mieps attempts to free the family by offering money to Gestapo police offers, the family's deportation to the camps... how Anne lived in happiness in Westerbork after having been locked in the Annex for two years. How she was deported to Auschwitz - where she was separated from her father and, later on, from her mother. How she and Margot were deported to Bergen-Belsen, where she died so tragically. If this part of the book doesn't move you to burst out in tears, the part when Otto finds out his daughters won't come back, will. This book is a journey through Anne's life and after the last page the terrible truth gets you by the throat: this young girl, who described this terrible period in her life so lively, will never ever come back. Anne's spirit is with us forever. Whenever I'm in Amsterdam, I always stop by Prinsengracht 263 to visit the Annex. And when I'm standing in Anne's room I still feel the same as when I was 8 years old, and visited her room for the first time.