It was a pleasure to read Give Us This Mars, the second book in a series that deals with the great heights of achievement human beings are capable of reaching. The books illustrate well how each giant step for mankind is generally the accumulated results of the many efforts of a small group of amazing and inspiring individuals. In Book One, the three heroes of the story ended up with no choice but to attempt the first human settlement on Mars, and after many years of hard and frustrating work, they succeed in developing an efficient, prosperous and fully functioning Mars settlement.

This Martian settlement, thought impossible by people on Earth, is now, of course, the subject of considerable envy, especially on the part of the great powers. The satisfying theme of how the decent little people, with limited resources in a very difficult environment, attempt to outsmart the powerful and unethical big guys, is played out to its fullest in Give Us This Mars. The characters in the story are well developed and the plot unfolds smoothly, but with many unexpected twists and turns. Also, the necessary science in the story is clearly explained, and the author's understanding of the laws of nature enhances the flow of the plot. All in all, Give Us This Mars is a very enjoyable and stimulating read.

For those of you who have read the first book this one is very different. The first book was about surviving the elements of Mars and how to setup a living facility on Mars. The sequel is an action packed thriller that reminded me of the old Wild West. The bad guys arrive into a small town and try to take over. There are [weapons] and everything. Lots of twists and turns that kept me in suspence throughout the entire read.

I am a member of a book club of twelve, and we try to read as diverse a selection of books as possible. That includes SF books, which few of us would read without a prod.

"Give Us This Mars" is as good a page turner as I have ever read. Reading it was like being on a long and wonderful visit to Mars. I began on a Saturday morning and could not put it down. I continued until night, when I was forced to stop, with poor Astrid clinging to life by a thread. Next day brought more excitement, with Don giving me a big surprise. What happens is brilliant.

This unexpectedly thrilling read took me into a world of political intrigue, armed conflict, power politics at the highest level, and the physics of trebuchets (medieval artillery, which I understood even though I am not a scientist), with a light sprinkling of Zen philosophy.. All this combines to give a futuristic reenactment of events that took place in the years following the discovery of the Americas by Columbus. The way the trebuchet comes into the plot is not what you might think.

I got a sense of the alien landscape of Mars, and the experience of the dangers of Mars made for exciting reading. At times I even experienced an emotional involvement with the characters and events in the story. The author is usually thorough in his narration of events, but on occasion he shows sophistication, in leaving out the details of events that are best left to the reader's imagination, such as a long journey Captain Derk and his military go on to carry out a surprise attack. There is not much technology/science detail in the story, and if you do not have a science background, I would recommend reading Book Two before Book One. You had better be ready for the directions north, south, east, and west, which are common in the story. I needed the maps and diagram at the end to help me keep track.

There is a discussion early in the book between Derk and Denise about land ownership on Mars. They have very opposing ways of looking at how land/territory is acquired and retained, and it explains many conflicts on Earth. I thought it was the most thought provoking part of the story. The book is definitely not far-fetched science fiction, and this non science-fiction reader closed it with a satisfied feeling, and many things to ponder. Did I see hints in the book of an interesting installment to follow?

Most people are familiar with the fictional account of the Mutiny on the Bounty written by Nordhoff and Hall from research into available records. This account by Captain Bligh was written shortly after his return to England, and gives a very different picture of the situation. It covers both the voyage of the Bounty up until the time of the mutiny, the voyage of the ship's boat to Java, and some information on his return to England. It is accompanied by some biographical material on Captain Bligh. While admittedly his viewpoint is biased, it is a good account of service aboard a Royal Navy ship far from home for an extended period of time, and the various problems that can occur when the crew is tempted by easy living ashore compared to the harsh discipline and hard work aboard ship. His voyage in the ship's boat to reach Java was a truly amazing feat, with the loss of only one man due to an attack by natives. Captain Bligh was undoubtedly, whatever his faults, one of the great explorer/navigators of that time period. He was later elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

The Mutiny on Board HMS Bounty is about a captain named William Bligh, his crew, and their journey. The mutiny starts because Christian, one of Bligh's crew, wants power, and the mutiny starts with nothing to stop it. The mutiny leads to Captain Bligh and the people who did not mutiny against him being forced into a small boat, called a launch, with only a little bit of water and food and four cutlasses. They work themselves through storms, sicknesses, and islands full of ambushing natives. Bligh and his loyal crew make it back to England five months after being cast off the Bounty. The mutineers get a nasty shock when they return to their homeland of England! I enjoyed this book because it was full of adventure. My favorite part is when is when they are fighting the natives.

The Mutiny on Board HMS Bounty is about a captain named William Bligh, his crew, and their journey. The mutiny starts because Christian, one of Bligh's crew, wants power, and the mutiny starts with nothing to stop it. The mutiny leads to Captain Bligh and the people who did not mutiny against him being forced into a small boat, called a launch, with only a little bit of water and food and four cutlasses. They work themselves through storms, sicknesses, and islands full of ambushing natives. Bligh and his loyal crew make it back to England five months after being cast off the Bounty. The mutineers get a nasty shock when they return to their homeland of England! I enjoyed this book because it was full of adventure. My favorite part is when is when they are fighting the natives.

In this sequel to When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune, Shayla's father has a baby daughter with his new wife. The baby is born on Shayla's birthday and has Shayla's eyes. As Shayla is learning to accept the new baby, Gift, she is also dealing with Kambia, who is getting threatening messages from someone while she is trying to recover from what happened before. Also in the midst of everything, Shayla meets a boy named Lemm. Lemm is a gentlemen who does a lot of sweet talking, and really likes Shayla, but he has real problems too. This is a great book, and anyone who liked the first book will really like this one too.

Shayla is young, black, and feels that now that her father's new wife has given birth to a baby (born on Shayla's own birthday!) that she has been replaced in her father's affections. Shayla can't even confide in her best friend, Kambia Elaine, because of not wanting to diminish Kambia's own happiness at finally being part of a loving family in her own right. Nor can Shayla confide in a new friend, Lemm, when she discovers that he has his own troubles and tragedies that he is trying to keep secret. Lori Williams' Shayla's Double is a superbly written, emotionally articulate novel of unconditional love, human heartbreak, and family relationships. Highly recommended for young listeners 10 through 18, this 10 hour, 30 minute Listening Library unabridged production is flawlessly produced and aptly narrated by heather Alicia Simms.

this was a great book, just as good as Lori Aurelia Williams's first book. it focuses on friendship and growing up. shayla must deal with some really difficult issues. her father has a new baby that she fears will take her place and someone begins sending Kambia packages that remind her of her childhood, sending her into her own little world for hours at a time. i can't wait to see what else williams writes.

Just for the record there are MORE than 12 books. Furthermore, yes, they are incredible. It's an ongoing adventure with a fantastic plot. I've used them to get my students into reading allowing them to DO something with their reading. But yes, there are more than 12, I DO in fact have them all and am NOT in fact interested in parting with them.

The Lone Wolf series is a great series. I have all 12 books and am going through them all again. Get this book.

The book basically brings you right smack into the surreal world,whereby evil and good fight for control.I can say joe dever moves you with all the vivid memories of how lone wolf journeys through the land to arrive at durenor to get the sommerswerd.The book made me think about life in fact and could even control my feelings[angry,sad,etc.]with the vivid descriptions of the situations.UNFORTUNATELY the books are all out of print.I just wish joe dever would actually consider reprinting new issues,as i never had a chance to find out how lone wolf developed in the later issues.PLEASE DO REPUBLISH THE BOOKS.

Mr. Williams' story is filled with rollicking humor, wit, and wisdom. Vividly written, the reader is drawn into 18th century Charleston, and into the lives of two families, the Dorsets and the Symthes. Each and every character is memorable. You will laugh and cry reading this book. It has a permament place in my personal library. I loved it so much, I rushed out and bought several copies to give to friends and family. Mr. Williams deserves far more credit for his writing genius!

Williams' ambitious novel The True & Authentic History of Jenny Dorset is a refreshing medley of life in Charleston's 18th century, seasoned tastily with charming wit and intriguing characters. A truly enjoyable read, the tale is written with a sincere flare and comes alive to the reader.

More notably is the method in which Williams characterizes each member of the families involved in the story's plot - from the dueling heads, Mr. Dorset and Mr. Smythe, to Old Bob in his amusing stages of senility, and the ostentatious Jenny Dorset herself.

The reader will undoubtedly find the rich story line is highly entertaining, and written in a very lively manner. The tale is penned from the perspective of Henry Hawthorne, the Dorset's discerning and subdued family man servant. Hawthorne patiently abides by the family's somewhat eccentric and unruly lifestyle, and writes about his experiences first-hand, in memoir-like style.

Indeed, this novel is a great story-tellers' delight! The True & Authentic History of Jenny Dorset manifests very engaging humour with every flip of a page - more than once have I been in the throws of violent chuckles over it's whimsical comments and situations. It has quickly grown to be one of my favorites. I highly recommend it.

This book is funny and I loved it.

I loved this book, I just bought it yesterday. I couldn't putit down, it was so full of feeling. The end was very shocking Icouldn't read it with out crying, I knew what all the characters were going though. I lost a friend last year to drugs. This book teaches very good lessons on the dangers of drugs and how takeing risks can be fatel. If you read this book I hope it teaches you something.

I thought that the book was very good. It showed some good moral values without being boring. The book explains to teens how to deal with problems they face at school and at home. It also had a good storyline that was very creative and realistic at the same time. I recommend this book. It was very interesting and I learned something from this book along with having some fun. It wasn't super boring, and it wasn't unrealistic, either. Things in that book happen. It was fun to read. It wasn't one of those books where everything went perfectly and nothing went wrong. In fact, it was almost exactly the opposite. I like Regina's character. She acts like any other normal teenager. She isn't stupid even though she makes some mistakes. She isn't a goody goody, but she isn't super bad. She's normal. That's what I like about her. It mellows the book out without making it really boring. That is what I like about the book.

Francine Pascals really did herself out this time. I loved this bok. It was so well written! I got so into the book that i felt bad for regina. I felt like i was at the drug party she went to and i was teary eyed when she died. Sweet valley is a GREAT series!

The SVH cheerleading squad has made it to the Nationals, where they'll compete against the best in the country. Among their rivals is Reno, Heather's old squad. Marissa James, the captain of the Reno squad, seems to have some sort of power of Heather. What could it be? Ken and Todd are desperately trying to make up to Elizabeth and Jessica. So what do they do? They go to Yosemite, of course! But when Todd, Ken, and Winston get down there, and find out that no boys are allowed at the competition, they decide to take some drastic measures. Will the SVH Cheerleaders manage to overcome their obstacles and take the title?

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. IT WAS HILARIOUS AND-I GOTTA ADMIT- I WAS GLAD TO SEE HEATHER GET FLUSTERED FOR ONCE. PEACE OUT Y'ALL.

This book in the 3 book series was by far the best! Jessica and the squad go to nationals! Once they are there they find their competition is going to be Heather Mallone's old school! When Heather messes up on a well known rountine Jessica suspects more then just her nerves. She believes something sticky is going on and Marrissa James is probably behind it. PLUS! If you love Ken, Todd, and Winston, the make us all laugh in this one, doing almost anything to get closer to the girls! and I mean anything! If you are wondering about getting this book don't wonder anymore, "Just Do It!"

at first, i didnt wanna read this book at all. i was forced to by school. but as i got further and further i realized this book was ...amazing. i dont know wen ive read a better book. i think one of the reasons i enjoyed the book so much was that it reaally encourages u too become an individual person and not to live for anybody else, and i know realize that. i may still only be a lost and confused teenager, but thanks to this book i now know to only live for myself, and not to try to reach other peoples expectations but only my own. if u have any spare time at all read this book!!! its amazing, posibly even beyond amazing. i would have gave it more stars if it were posible. william bell did an outstanding job on this book. its ending was awsom, and kept me on my toes the whole time. the begining may not be very interesting, but as u get deeper and deeper into the book, it becomes better and better. the book was fenominal! READ IT!

Franlin Crabbe was rich, smart, and on the right track, but he still wasn't happy. His parents runned his life for him, they wanted him to go here and do this and he couldn't take it. He also found out his school is taking advantage of his intelligence. He use to skip gym class and go to a pub to have something to drink, if it wasn't that he would be drinking Silent Sam Vodka. He didn't like the track he was going on so he runs away to Ithica Camp, where he will possibly commit suicide if thats the case. He then meets a woman named Mary that saves him from drowning. This book has everything you want. It's great and good for teenagers to read. Franklin went through alot, from being caught drinking alcohol,attacked by a bear and puking all over himself, and losing his best friend he had it all! This is a great novel, and one that should get more recognition.

This book depicts the life of a boy seeking freedom, breaking the chains given by society, living life and living free. A wild adventure with non-stop adrenalin and a fight for survival. Man finding himself by finding his primitive and natural behavior, finding nature, finding love.

I read this book in 3 hours.... NOt putting it down once! Itis a really great story and easy to catch onto.. even if you didntread the first book! (Believe me i know!) The book was really cool. It really gives you a look on reality about how Marin finds the girls even when they are on an island with no cars and riding horse back! This book is so intense and real you will be looking over your shoulder for a while! I really recomend this book!

I recommened this book very highly to anyone that has a need for horror

The book is great for any fear loving person. It has action, love, and fear. I'm 12 and got into it and couldn't put it down. I almost got so tearified I couldn't put it down till everything was safe and sound.

Leroy and the Old man was an interesting book. While I was reading it, I began to get more and more into the story line. The book was about a boy named Leroy who had witnessed a murder and went to grandfather whom he didn't know. Thier relationship grew and they became like the family the never were.

In the Blink Of an Eye

In the blink of an eye everything can change. Leroy Chambers was just a regular 18 year-old guy working in a kitchen in downtown Chicago, when he gets off the elevator at the wrong time and witnesses a murder. The murderers were caught and they think he turned them in. Now he's hiding from them with his grand father. It's a great book and I liked how it showed what life was like in this area of Chicago with all the hatred and racism, where you have to sleep below the windows afraid of being shot and how it differs from the fun-loving life in Mississippi and New Orleans where your skin color doesn't matter and everyone is treated the same.

I read the book Leroy and the Old Man. I think that this book was a great book and I rate it a 10 out of 10. I liked this book because it had great details and you always knew what was going on. I never had to stop and read a sentance again because I didn't get it. Or, another example is, that the book always stayed on one subject at a time. It never went from one problem to another or anything. A book I thought was especially similiar to Leroy and the Old Man, was a book called The Outsiders. I think that they are similiar because they both have to do with surviving problems that they have with other groups of people. If I had to rate this book, I would rate it a perfect 10. I would also rate it iwth 5 stars.