Kingdoms 3 continues a truly wonderful fantasy series! The adventures of Adrina, Vilmos and the others are exciting and packed with action. I've read these books over and over. I think you will too. I strongly recommend this book and any other books by this author.

I give this book 5 stars straight up. In my opinion the best one of the first three books. It has a really crazy twist in the end and if your thinking about getting this book and not sure trust me get it and if you don't like it then u must have no imagination. The whole Kingdoms & Elves series certainly hooks you from book one. I have read each book 4 times and I can never get enough! I love how we are introduced to new characters, very interesting! I love how Adrina remembers her past and gets over it. Kudos Robert Stanek!

I've read Mr. Stanek's Keeper Martin's Tale and Elf Queen's Quest. I happened upon this book (which I know is YA) and bought it because it looked to continue where Keeper Martin's Tale left off. The good news is that it does, meaning fans of Kingdoms and Elves of the Reaches and Keeper Martin's Tale can enjoy this book. (Note of caution the adult edition of this book will be out in March 2003 as Kingdom Alliance but I just couldn't wait).

WHAT'S SO GREAT?

Mr. Stanek's world which we just started to see in the early books is truly blossoming in this book. Visits to under earth are breath taking. The dark elves are fascinating. Edward the troant is hillarious. I loved King's Mate. I loved learning about the gates and orbs. I loved meeting myrial. She's the newest and greatest character.

RECOMMENDED?

Yes, this is the best, most fun series I've ever read and that says a lot.

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!!!!!!

"The guy who wins is the guy who makes the fewer gross mistakes." -LT Jim "Huck" Harris, USN

If you are a serious flight simmer, this book is a must-read. In exceptional detail, it covers basic fighter maneuvers (BFM), 1v1 tactics (both similar and dissimilar), section and division tactics, and tactical intercepts just to name a few.

The tactics are relevant in all eras of flight combat simulation. Whether you're dogfighting in a Fokker Dr.1 during World War I or an F/A-18 Hornet in Southwest Asia, this book will enhance your ability to not only survive an engagement but will also give you the tools to dominate the virtual skys.

If you're a serious air combat simulation fan, buy this before you buy any other. YES, it's that good.

When I got the book I was already an able flyer in the online sim world. With help of the book I have become a good (but not the best ;-) ) virtual pilot.

I don't think it's strange that people are enthousiastic about this book. Although the reading itself is pretty dry, the message behind it is very exciting. The book starts with simple BFM (Basic Flight Maneuvers) that are the base of all maneuvering in combat. The writer then moves on to other topics like ACM (Air Combat Maneuvers), Energy management, use of missiles, use of guns, and various smaller topics.

All topics are clearly explained with schematics and descriptions of actual combats where specific tactics were used. As a World War 2 simulator fan I enjoyed the part on Gunning and energy management very much together with the ACM topic. For fans of modern warplanes the section about missiles is very interesting too.

In all topics multiple scenarios/tactics are described, with their respective answer to them. There is an answer to every tactic. This doesn't mean however that there is a step by step handbook on how to fight in the virtual (or real) sky. There is none, because all situations are different, and every pilot and plane hasd their own strong and weak points. The Writer of this book stresses this often, and makes you understand that Air Combat is truly an art which you can master with practice, dedication and help from this book...

I work in the aviation industry, and have a very large aviation-related book collection, including a complete set of Janes, but this is without any doubt the book that I cherish the most and find the most useful. Robert Shaw wrote this book because at the time, there was no definitive work available to train real pilots on real tactics and maneuvers used in life-or-death combat struggles. He went to great lengths to research his subject matter and present his material in a usable fashion because his friends' lives were at stake.

It covers a wide range of material including basic flight maneuvers, dogfighting maneuvers, weapons theory, and tactics for small engagements. There are not a lot of flashy pictures, and the reading can be a little bit tedious at times. Although this book was written by a pilot for pilots and is thus not a graduate-level physics textbook, a little bit of background in theory of flight, math, and physics is helpful (but not necessary).

I have met quite a few military aviators, and they all have a deep respect for both Shaw and his book. If you want to be a combat pilot, this is the one book you absolutely have to have. If you just want to pick up some gaming tips on how to outfly the enemy, you will find this book very helpful for that, also. It also has many, many quotes from real pilots which are related directly to the subject matter (for example, teaching the appllication of a high yo-yo combat maneuver and then a quote from a WWII P-47 pilot who used it to out-turn and shoot down a very surprised FW-190 pilot!). The author really does an excellent job of presenting the subject matter.

Abe Lincoln once called America, "the last best hope" for the world. Robert Roth's The Natural Law Party: A Reason to Vote - Breaking the Two-Party Stranglehold and Bringing Effective New Solutions to America's Problems may well be the last best hope for America and the world. The bottom line - even if you've given up on politics as a field of mud, blood, and influence peddling this book will send you back to the voting booth.

Roth's personal and powerful first person narration leaps off the page. As press secretary for the NLP, the fastest growing political party in America, he has stood on the front lines of third-party battles to reclaim democracy, and to regain third-party access to the ballot, debates, and airwaves. He begins by taking us there, and unmasking our democracy to be the most exclusionary and undemocratic of any on earth.

"...Republicans and Democrats have written the laws that grant themselves automatic access to the ballot. On the other hand, in 1998, a new party must collect over 5 million valid signatures to run a full slate of candidates nationwide."

This is only the first hurdle in an obstacle course built by the two major parties, and supported by the mainstream press. We hear harrowing experiences of NLP volunteers who, in 1996, faced unconstitutional opposition from the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Election Commission, and the courts (whose members are all either Democrats or Republicans) and still achieved ballot access for NLP candidates in fifty states. And we share in their exhilarating discovery that it is possible to meet the challenge of a nation in transition.

That transition from a world of disconnected, selfish, quarreling factions to one of purpose and unity, is profoundly described by the doctors, scientists, teachers, and farmers that Roth interviews. We learn how intimate "natural law" is to our lives from world-renowned Unified Field physicist and NLP Presidential candidate, Dr. John Hagelin.

"Everything we accomplish is achieved by applying natural laws," he says. ''We have the electric light courtesy of technologies that apply natural law, a man walked on the moon and a rover scoured the surface of Mars because of technologies that harness natural law, and we treat our sick with medicines that utilize laws of nature.

"The problem is that technologies can be used for good or for bad....With so much money invested in the research and development of new technologies, these technologies often get shoved into the marketplace before they are adequately tested for safety. To protect their investments, these industries also pour megabucks into the treasure chests of both the Republican and Democratic parties."

And the amazingly simple solution - the NLP's fool proof formula for assessing new technologies - only that they must work! It rings true even in sound bitten ears. Mike Tompkins, NLP Vice-Presidential candidate, and descendant of former Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, tells us why, enlightening us about our nation's natural law origins,

"... before the Republicans, before the Democrats, before all the other political parties there was natural law. One of the founders of our country, John Adams, called natural law 'the Great Legislator of the Universe.' And in the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, in the very beginning of the document, derived our very existence as a country and also all our rights from what he called the 'laws of nature.'

"...Our founders believed that if we could gain knowledge of natural law, of how it operates both inside us and all around us, then we would grow as individuals and also as a nation."

For the facts about genetic engineering that few reporters are aware of or brave enough to print Roth turns to Dr. John Fagan, the leading molecular biologist who in 1994 returned $614,000 in grant money and withdrew proposals for $1.25 million more from the National Institutes of Health in protest of the direction in which genetic engineers are leading us. No fuzzy science here. Fagan delivers a jolt of the real stuff, exposing the real dangers inherent in manipulating a system which has taken millions of years to evolve.

Then another jolt as we learn that

"...the testing of genetically engineered substances at present is largely voluntary-more than 90% of genetically engineered foods are not required to be tested before they enter the market. Consequently, the details of the testing programs are left primarily in the hands of the developers-namely, the biotech industry. We've left the fox guarding the chickens."

Still, Roth lifts us up again with the story of the Mothers for Natural Law, Laura Ticciati's amazing nonprofit group that has formed an unprecedented coalition of statesman, scientists, doctors, clergy, farmers, and businessman to stand up to the biotech industry.

We hear leading physicians describe America's 'disease care system', a system that results in more than 3 million injured by medical mistake, and more than 180,000 deaths from 'correct practice' each year. But relief is in sight with our own body's inner intelligence and natural medicine quickly rising to become the new world standard with proven preventative measures and zero negative side effects.

Crime? Drugs? No problem. With powerful techniques like Transcendental Meditation, judges report addicts stay out of prison and off drugs, and the American Heart Association reports the neglected victims of crime , the elderly, become free of hypertension.

From schools that foster creative genius, to a global information economy that encourages perpetual learning, to a peacekeeping force that will make war finally impossible, Roth keeps the emphasis on powerful, practical, and proven solutions. The appendices, with a Fifty-Point Action Plan to Revitalize America and the NLP platform, are packed with solutions.

It's an invincible book and it will empower all who read it. Free of the Donkey and the Elephant at last, we could vote with our heads on straight this November 3rd! We now have a reason to vote.

I really enjoyed this book. Robert Roth does an excellent job of entertaining and informing the reader on the need for more choices in our own political system. He shows how, in spite of all the hype that we are the greatest democracy on Earth and export democracy around the world, but in fact the US is really one of the least democratic nations when it comes to our own political and governmental systems. The iron grip of the two party system virtually guarantees that no new ideas or voices can be heard in any political forum or debate and how this is to the determent of the nations as a whole. He gives wonderful examples of what third parties and what the Natural Law Party in particular can do to bring a fresh and vital breath of new, simple and proven ways to look at our nation's challenges. And he does so in a very entertaining way! I encourage everyone to read this book not only for their own benefit but also for the benefit of the country.

Robert Roth has put into plain language what the Natural Law Party is all about. What is more, his account of events during the last presidential campaign and beyond is as entertaining as it is informative. This is a book you'll find hard to put down. Once you finally do, you'll find your thoughts about the political process have been changed forever, and for the good!

There are few 'must reads' in the field of politics, particularly if you're not a politician. However, this book is a 'must read' for anyone who is even thinking of casting a vote. Finally, there is a breath of fresh air on the American political scene, with a voice we can understand, because it is our own.

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!

I've been a fan of Georgette Heyer's wonderful Regency Romances for 25 years. I've started reading her books when I was 13 and my library of Heyer books is one of my most cherished possessions. Her sparkling dialogue and wonderfully created characters come alive in every page of the book. Frederica has my all time favorite Heyer heroes - The Marquis of Alverstoke is a bored and pampered aristocrat who when he meets Frederica and falls in love with her, finds his humanity and a heart beneath his cold exterior. What's wonderful about this book how warmly Frederica's family is portrayed. This book is full of wonderful romance, humor, and heartwarming joy! If you read this you will become Hooked on Heyer forever...

I really feel this book rates 6 stars.

Georgette Heyer researched her books in great detail and they are quite simply in a class of their own. Many people feel she invented the Regency Romance. The dialogue used is often from original sources, this book actually contains one of her very few historical mistakes, Soho in Birmingham not Soho in London is where the foundry was located. There are misunderstandings but ones that seem to occur quite naturally. In this book Felix Fredrica's schoolboy brother with a scientific bent questions practically everything and is quite central to the story. The character descriptions and dialog are excellent and all in all it is one of my favourite Georette Heyers.

From the dust cover of the Bodley Head edition...

Written in Georgette Heyer's lightest vein, this is the story of the adventures in Regency London of the Merriville family: Frederica, riding the whirlwind and directing the storm; Harry, rusticated from Oxford and embarking with enthusiasm on the more perilous amusements pursued by young gentlemen of ton; the divine Charis, too tender-hearted to discourage the advances of her numerous suitors; Jessamy, destined for the Church and wavering, in adolescent style, between excessive virtue and a natural exuberance of spirits; and Felix, a schoolboy with a passion for scientific experiment. In Frederica, Georgette Heyer created one of her most engaging heroines; and in the Marquis of Alverstoke - a bored cynic who becomes involved in all the imbroglios of a lively family -a hero whose sense of humour makes him an excellent foil for Frederica.

I first stumbled upon a Georgette Heyer novel when I was 14 and for more than 30 years I have been an avid fan of her books. I got hooked on reading regency romance novels just because of Georgette Heyer books and NOTHING I have read until now (and I HAVE read a lot) compares to her original and sparkling romances. Her characters come alive on every page and there is no one who can write witty dialogue better. Frederica is one of my favorite Heyer heroines and this book has a really funny almost-proposal scene.

I consider myself a connosieur of the classics, so when I heard of an ancient novel concerned with sex, illicit sex, and illicit donkey sex, I decided to take a closer look.

And I'm glad that I did. At the back end of the classical Western literary tradition of silliness, which includes such hallowed humorists as Chaucer, Bocaccio, Rabelais, Cervantes, and, in its divine form, Shakespeare, we find the one tale that may have excited them all--Lucius Apuleius's Golden Ass.

The Golden Ass is filled with adventure, suspense, humor, and nonsense. I had a grin on my face most of the way through, and I got the feeling that the author did too. Tip o' the hat to Robert Graves for delivering an authentic translation that brings us Apuleius in his bawdy best.

The only thing I found occasionally irritating was that, like Cervantes, Apuleius has a tendency to digress. Big time. He inserts the entire myth of Cupid and Psyche right into the middle of the narrative, for example. Does this add to the mythological message of the whole? Probably, but it subtracts from the fantastic flow of the story. My urgent plea to Apuleius, were he alive today, would be, "Stick to the ass!"

There are a number of reasons that traditionally bring people to this book: to study Classical Rome, classic literature, mythology, psychology... maybe you're curious about the intimate lives of donkeys. Whatever has brought you to this novel, now that you're going to read it, perhaps the best thing to do is to take the advice of the author himself, who says, "Read on and enjoy yourself!"

I thought only cats were supposed to have nine lives, but this donkey has at least that many. This book is great fun, I couldn't put it down for too long, and it is incredible that something written so long ago (18 centuries?) can be so accessible, captivating, and hilarious to a modern reader. The events in The Golden Ass resemble the ribald, bawdy exuberance of the Decameron, and no doubt Boccaccio was somewhat inspired by the writings of Apuleius. According to the introduction, the adjective "golden" in the title implies "the ass par excellence" or "the best of all stories about an ass." The story follows the misadventures of Lucius, an enterprising young man who gets far too close to the world of magic, is transformed into a donkey and is constantly thwarted in his attempt to procure the antidote to his assness. It's human mind trapped in donkey bawdy! Totally imaginative, classically written, hilarious fun. As a writer, Apuleius was MILLENNIUMS ahead of his time! (Note: my review is based on the Robert Graves translation, rather than the William Adlington).

I read The Golden Ass for a Classic art course I took while at university I loved it! It is fun, entertaining and comical- not your typical dry Roman read. It is a great story and a great look into history.I highly recommend this tale to anyone who not wants to laugh but is interested in an important text from antiquity.

I recently bought this book at the L.A. Times book festival. I too am an addicted golfer. The confession, obsessions and insights of a golf addict is a most appropriate subtitle for The Golf Gods are Laughing. The funniest thing I've ever read about the game. JW. California.

The Robert Bruce Woodcox book The Golf Gods Are Laughing is the best golf book I've read. And I've read a good number of them. From a golfer's viewpoint, it's hilarious. My non-golfer spouse isn't as impressed. I'm looking forward to sharing it with my foursome, brother-in-law, sons, friends, etc. >

As a avid golfer, I rather play golf than read about it! However, since I received this book as a gift, and I had some free time I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. The book is great, right from the start.

Robert Woodcox is a golf genius, if there is such a thing. His accounts of what he has gone through so far in his "golfing career" is hilarious. Every golfer will be able relate to what he writes. However, this may not be such a great thing. Not everything a golfer does or thinks is something to be proud of.

If you golf, know someone who golfs, or just want to laugh at human nature, then buy this book. It is one of the best books I've ever read. If he played half as well as he writes, he'd be a scratch golfer.

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.

I would recommend this book to everyone. It is easy to read, in fact, one cannot put it down. It iseasy to recognize ourselves in the description of the knight.

Every man in my practice is given this book to read and by their report have gained a lot. I am a marriage family therapist. O.K., ask their wives or significant others and they agree. Men don't read as much as women. It is a short book. It is an allegory so ego gets protected while teaching an important lesson about openness, vulnerability and how it rewards. Other book men gain from are Emotional Intelligence, Road Less Traveled, Different Drum, Raising Modernday Knights,

My daughter first sent this book to me about 7 years ago. I read it almost without putting it down. I have since purchased more than a dozen of these for gifts. From junior high age and older, this is a simply written book about life. If I had the power, I would put Knight in Rusty Armor in every home in the world.