Science Fiction Fantasy Books

Prophecies continue to provide the catalyst for the Dragonshifting Pyr to begin finding their mates, as it is Donovan's turn to experience his Firestorm. The fact that Donovan doesn't embrace his firestorm leads to a nice building of tension between him and his detined mate Alexandra, who I liked much better than the heroine in the first book. Their attempt at cheating the firestorm, seems like an ideal way for them to take advantage of their attraction without making the committment that Donovan doesn't believe he is able to make. But Donovan is selling himself short and when Alexandra finally decides she wants to keep him, she's smart enough and strong enough to get him past his the shadow of the father who abandoned him to see that he is not the loner he believes himself to be, but a fiercely loyal supporter of those he cares about.

Taking advantage of all the world-building and characters from Kiss of Fire, it is great to see many familiar faces back in the action. The ensemble is becoming better established we get to know several more of the Pyr dragons better. So with the romance this time was being better than in the first book, and with so much more going on in the background with the perversions of nature that the Slayers have cultivated to throw up against the noble Pyr, I really liked Kiss of Fury and am looking forward to the next book Kiss of Fate and hoping that there will be many more Pyr books to come.

Donovan Shea is a Pyr warrior (dragon shifter) who with his fellow Pyr is out to save the world and all its treasures that include humankind. Gaia is very upset about what has been going on with her world, now the Pyr are charged with helping put all that is wrong back on the right path before it is too late. Donovan is prepared to give his all to defeat the Slayers (dragons determined to destroy humans) and his impulsiveness and daring just might work in his favor when he finds out that the current firestorm is his.

Alexandra (Alex) Madison is intelligent, determined and a scientist who is on the final steps of finishing the Madison Project - a new type of car that uses water and leaves no emissions. But when her partner is killed and she ends up in the hospital with dreams of dragons murdering him, Alex is headed directly to the Psychiatric Ward. Well, until a very sexy man steals her right from the hospital.

Alex and Donovan soon discover that there is more than a normal spark between them but both are determined that a bonding call will not sway them from their goals. Danger travels with them as they figure out it is the Slayers who attacked Alex and her partner and they are very determined that the Madison Project will never get to fruitation. Alex and Donovan have to battle to meet Alex's deadline along with the help of the rest of the Pyr. Ancient prophesy and love are just two of the keys that Alex and Donovan will need to defeat the Slayers and discover just what having a firestorm means.

The Pyr are smoking hot. Kiss of Fury is Donovan's firestorm and he doesn't really want it. Alex decides that she just might have something to say about that though. Together Alex and Donovan make a perfect pair, both personally and in their fight to save the world. Firestorm can make a couple mate but with Alex and Donovan the flash between them was only the beginning. I found that the spark inside each of them was deeper, stronger and allowed them to overcome past fears and embrace the bonding that just needed to be acknowledged to become a force all of its own. When I finish a book with a smile, a sigh and a whine for the next one NOW, can there be any surprise that I would Joyfully Recommend it? Kiss of Fury is simply outstanding from beginning to end. The only problem I found was when I turned the last page and now I have to wait for the next Dragonfire book to come.

I highly recommend that readers read the first book, Kiss of Fire, prior to this one as the stories follow one another.

Jo
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Hi! I really love this series. Its so nice to find a paranormal romance series that is really enthralling. The characters were fun to read and the pace was fast. I can't wait for the next one!

I was looking forward to the second book after I discovered her first dragon story. I enjoy reading paranormal romances and Deborah's stories about dragon is different than my normal vampire/dark hunter/etc story lines. I enjoyed both of her Kiss books and look forward to future editions.

Thanks.

The dragon war continues between the Pyr and Slayers over saving or destroying humanity. Both sides know of the legend that one day a wizard and warrior will change the stalemate; each has a need to find the legend.

Human research scientist Alexandra Madison believes she is about to make a major find only to have her lab destroyed in an arson assault and her partner killed. Pyr dragon Donovan Shea is sent to keep Alexandra safe. To his shock and chagrin, the frail human ignites his firestorm; a desire he thought died when love betrayed him. Meanwhile Alex is attracted to Madison in his human form even as they are under assault from stalking Slayers.

The second Dragonfire paranormal romantic suspense (see KISS OF FIRE) is a terrific thriller that enables the audience to believe in the world this author Cooked up. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plenty of action yet fans will believe in the firestorm destined soulmates romantic subplot so critical to the tale. KISS OF FURY is a superb romantic fantasy starring two wonderful lead protagonists and a horde of nasty Slayers assigned to kill both of them.

Harriet Klausner

I watched the superb Hellboy Golden Army film while I was reading this so so novel, and it really hammered in my dissatisfaction with this book. This occured because of the wonderful underground world that was created in Hellboy if not by Del Toro, then the person who wrote the original graphic novel. The whole London Underground thing which ties the names of tubestops to characters is absurd and ridiculous. Imagine if Neil Gaiman were not a household name (sort of) but a first time novelist trying to pitch this story to Tor publishing. He would be thrown out within seconds. Luckily Gaiman has a wonderful imagination and is a gifted writer so all is not lost. But lame is really the best word I can come up with to describe the whole plot. I loved American Gods and Stardust, but Gaiman is definitely hit and miss in my book.

Neverwhere is a fantastic story and won't disappoint most Gaiman fans. Although Neverwhere is full of 'twists,' I wouldn't recommend this book to someone who enjoys stories solely for their surprise endings. The 'twists' in Neverwhere are somewhat predictable--to the point that I find myself wondering whether Gaiman meant for Neverwhere to be surprising in the first place, or, if so, whether surprising readers was at the top of his agenda. I've concluded that it probably wasn't: there's so much more going on in this book.

The way Neverwhere is written is interesting. It's almost like a history textbook that fictionalizes London's past and present and is authored by Neverwhere's characters (charismatic murderers, to name some), all of whom refer to themselves in the objective third-person. Similar to the way most history textbooks about most places are written, really. Except, way more entertaining.

And I loved Richard's ordeal. SPOILER: Richard's ordeal *wasn't* predictable, for me. When Richard walked through those doors, I expected some horrible Inferi to jump out and tear him to shreads and confirm that Rowling jacked her ideas from this book completely. But, no. I was wrong. Richard ends up experiencing a reality in which he's a crazed homeless man on the verge of suiciding. This is one of the most poignant, suspenseful moments in Neverwhere, and it seems to have something to say about the plight of the homeless and the calousness, disdain, and apathy with which they're received by those who are more fortunate.

I also appreciate that Neverwhere isn't about Richard hooking up with this girl or that, yet it is about love and compassion for others.

A good book. Definitely worth reading.

My favorite passage:

"...[Door] began to cry, in low, raging sobs, that sounded like they were being tugged from inside her.

"'There. There,' said the marquis de Carabas, awkwardly, patting her shoulder. And he added, for good measure, 'There.'"

Gaiman has an amazing talent for weaving a beautiful story with the most amazing and alluring descriptions. His words leave vivid impressions in your mind in the most unusual and melodic way.

All London office worker Richard Mayhew tried to do that evening was help a damsel in distress, but he got more - way more - than he bargained for. Neil Gaiman has spun another magical mystery tour from the elements of the mythological quest paradigm. Underworlds, eternity, horrific beasts to be slain, labyrinths, immortality, heroes and antiheroes - it's all here in modern form, but nothing crucial really changes, does it? Reading this book is like watching a movie in your head. And through it all, the hapless Richard discovers a well of personal courage that he never thought existed. A timeless tale of humanity's existential search told anew, skillfully written and highly recommended. It's a trip!

The short of it: creative but,
1. storyline is lame
2. characters are cardboard cut-outs without a hint of personality.

eeek. I loved Stardust. It was such a witty and pleasant fairy-tale. I heard wonderful things about Sandman. I expected an interesting story. In all honestly- it was boring. There was no real point to the story. There is creativity and great ideas, but there is no substance. It is almost like the book is a dumping ground for wonderful ideas, but the chord that ties them together is painfully weak.
The plot, or the reason behind the situation turns out to be so simple, that from the moment the character in question (the one causing the problems) comes in, I figured it out. I told myself: "no, that can't be it, that is too simple. Don't worry, it will pick up. Keep reading".
The ending is painfully anti-climatic. The characters hired to be bad, are bad, and then are hired not to be bad and then are hired to be bad again- it was silly. SMALL SPOLER WARNING: in the beginning he wants her dead, but at the same time he needed her- then why was he ordering her death??? That was never cleared up. Also, Richard's ordeal? That was it?LAME!!

The place is dirty and ugly and yes, like an Alice in Wonderland adventure... but without emotion and with characters who utterly lack personality and who are painfully boring. I just never cared for ANY of them, blaaah :P.

Artemis Fowl a smart, pale criminal mastermind is in yet another life-and-death adventure with his trusty bodyguard Butler at his side. Artemis has made another discovery that humans should not ordinarily be smart enough to figure out. With the help of his fairy friends (Foaly, Holly and Mulch) Artemis must save a demon-imp from the french genius Minerva. Demons are appearing everywhere; the time spell the ancient warlocks put into place 10,000 years ago is unraveling.

Has Artemis finally met his match? Can he save the fairies? You must read this suspenseful and funny book to find out. The Lost Colony is a must have for fans of the series. It is also a well-structured fantasy that often feels real. I liked it a lot and I give it 5 Stars.

The Artemis Fowl train keeps on rolling as we are introduced to the demons of the fairy world. Colfer continues to come up with unique ways of looking at types of characters (like the elves and dwarves) which give a much different take than what we've seen in traditional fantasy literature.
My one complaint in this book is it's very vague in explaining how Artemis and Foaly are figuring out some equation to know when demons will appear. Plus, the ending is too wide open with the time Artemis has been gone, what has happened while he's gone, and how the elves knew when he'd return. Hopefully it will all be explained in the next book!

This series is absolutely fantastic. It's a young adult series but it definitely shouldn't stop anyone from reading it (I mean look at Harry Potter, we all read that, and it started out considered a Middle Grade series. A good book is a good book, no matter the intended age group.)

Claire Danvers is an incredibly bright girl, and at 16, she's already in college living away from her parents. Trouble with one of the mean girls at school and her gang of thugs has caused Claire to opt for living off campus. She lives in the Glass house. A spooky house owned by Michael Glass who is dead, a ghost by day, and alive by night. She also lives with a goth girl named Eve and a normal guy named Shane.

Morganville has vampires, it's like vampire headquarters. In this book they are the vamp equivalent of the mafia. The humans in the town sign up with a vamp for his/her protection. They donate blood. They wear metal arm bands that show they are protected, with their patron's symbol on it. It's all very neat and tidy. For a YA novel, these are some of the creepiest vampires I've come across in awhile.

I really love this series and will definitely be picking up book three as soon as possible. The first book in this series is called: "Glass Houses"

I love this series. It is such a breath of fresh air, in a genre that seems to keep repeating itself as far as plots and character development. In Rachel Caine's vampire world, Morganville, the vamps are pretty scary guys and they have convienant ways of 'hiding' people who go missing. And a lot of people DO go missing in Morganville. An extra curve is thrown to the story line when we realize that the crazy band of vampire hunters, led by Shane's father, are scary and bad too. They don't care who gets killed in their quest to rid Morganville of its vampires. Shane gets swept along in his father's plans and gets captured and its up to Claire and her ghostly friend Michael and his goth girlfriend Eve, to save Shane. Will Claire stop at nothing to save Shane? Michael seems to be making some unholy deals of his own. I encourage everyone to read this series. It has only gotten better since its amazing debut "Glass Houses". There is no lack of action or suspense. The relationships are cute and realistic and as an adult I can easily overlook that this is meant to be a Young Adult novel. I also must reiterate that this book stands out from the Twilight series and in a positive way. There is more action, more plot, and the characters are strong people.

not as great as the first one. i read maybe 100 pages and it didnt get going yet. im sure it will get better as i read on.

THE DEAD GIRLS DANCE {Morganville Vampires Book 2}
RACHEL CAINE
Paranormal YA

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Claire is a brilliant college student stuck in Morganville. With possibly no way out...ever. Living with Shane, Michael and new best friend Eve, she is trying to attend college and live a halfway normal life. With vampires running the town, she gets driven to school and tries to lay low at night. Claire is a personable girl with a catty wit that will make you laugh out loud.

In book two of the series, Claire and her friends are all involved with new problems. Branching out from where GLASS HOUSES ended, Shane's dad is in for a visit after Shane called him. His dad is after blood, and it's not the human kind. With a mad man on the loose and killing vampires, everyone is pointing fingers at Claire, Michael, Eve and Shane. Oliver, the vampire manager of Common Grounds, is plotting revenge and is getting help from an unlikely source. Eve also starts a new job at a coffee shop on Claire's college campus. While indulging in coffee and talking to Eve, a college guy named Ian invites the girls to EEK frat houses' Dead Girls Dance. Michael, still not able to leave the house, makes a choice that will not be easily forgotten and will shock all of his friends in the house. When Shane gets into some trouble, because of dear ole dad, Claire and Eve decide to go to the frat party, with a seat-gripping chain of events all the way to the end.

THE DEAD GIRLS DANCE gripped me from page one, just as much, if not more, than the first book in the series. Ms. Caine knows how to get readers interested and keep them hanging on. From the antics of the spoiled-brat Monica to the ending at the frat party, this book is non-stop fun. It flows smoothly and is very hard to predict what's going to happen next. All the characters are well-developed; you can feel their emotions of having to live in this town that's overrun by vampires. THE DEAD GIRLS DANCE is one of the best vampire stories that I have read so far.

Ms. Caine is the author of another series called `The Weather Warden' and some other stand-alone titles. She continues to write books for the `Morganville Vampire' series. Her website, www.rachelcaine.com, has loads of information on her and her books. She also has a myspace page that includes some wallpaper from the books and a mailing list you can sign up for with the latest information on contests and new releases.


Holly
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
June 2008

I didn't BUY this product so I don't know why I'm being asked to review it.

Meggie and her dad Mo (a traveling book binder) live a semi-nomadic existence moving from town to town all over Europe healing old books in need of new bindings. They love reading, living most of their lives in books, but to Meggie's chagrin Mo never reads to her. Upon the arrival of a vagrant called Dustfinger, Meggie learns why her father never reads aloud. The two are catapulted into a perilous adventure that Mo had tried to protect Meggie from all of her young life in which evil villains from a book are want Mo to work for them. Why? Read the book and find out how they got out of the pages of fiction, where Meggis' missing mother is, and what the power of words can mean in a world that often seems empty and boring.

This is one of the most fun and imaginative books I've come across in a long time. The characters are well drawn, the action is compelling, and it is just fun to turn the pages to see what is on the other side of each piece of paper. For lovers of books and those who are just getting into reading this is a great piece of fiction. Parents it is a bit intense for very young readers, but for adoloscents to people in their Golden Years I highly recommend this memorable book.

Meggie Folchart is twelve years old, and lives with her father, Mo. The pair are very close to each other, and have a shared passion for books - Mo, in fact, is a very talented book restorer. They have lived in their current home for a year, though it seems they have a history of moving from place to place. Strangely, however, Meggie had to teach herself to read - she can't ever remember Mo reading to her when she was small. Meggie's mother, on the other hand, has been missing for many years - she apparently went off on some sort of adventure holiday and never came back.

In the finest traditions of storytelling, Mo and Meggie's adventures start with the arrival of a visitor on a dark and rainy night. Meggie has no idea who he is, but they have met once before - nine years earlier, when Meggie was only three. While Meggie has no real memory of him, Mo remembers him very well. Their visitor is called Dustfinger, a fire-eating juggler with an unusual pet marten called Gwin. Strangely, Dustfinger calls Mo `Silvertongue' - and, furthermore, Mo seems to feel in Dustfinger's debt. Despite Mo insisting he talks to Dustfinger in private, Meggie listens to the conversation through the keyhole of Mo's workshop.

It seems that Dustfinger wants Mo to bring a mysterious book on to someone called Capricorn - another strange name, and clearly an utter villain. Mo, for his part, wants nothing to do with Capricorn, and is determined to keep this book out of his hands. He and Meggie pack up their belongings after Dustfinger leaves, and take off early the following morning. However, Dustfinger clearly expected the pair to run and catches up with them - and persuades Mo to let him tag along...

Since Capricorn is apparently based in the north, Mo has decided to head south and visit Elinor, an aunt of Meggie's mother. Elinor lives near the lakes in northern Italy, and she is also passionate about books - though more as a collector than a reader. She is very well off, and lives in a huge - and very imposing - house. However, Mo believes her fortune is dwindling due to the huge number of rare books she buys. Mo won't show Meggie the book that Capricorn is after, which only makes her even more curious about it. However, he doesn't keep it from Elinor. In fact, Elinor has heard of the mysterious book - it's extremely rare and, apparently, the few copies that become available are generally stolen. Elinor is single, has no children and - to begin with, at least - is rather crusty. There's quite a bit of verbal sparring between Elinor and Meggie when they first meet, but - in time - they warm to each other. Unfortunately, Elinor and her imposing house can't protect Meggie and Mo from Capricorn and his vicious henchmen...although they do pick up some rather unexpected allies along the way.

"Inkheart" is a great read and - despite being pretty long for a kids' book - rattles along a fair pace. There are plenty of nods to other famous books - "Huckleberry Finn", "Tom Sawyer", "Peter Pan", "Treasure Island", "Alice in Wonderland", "The Princess Bride", "Charlotte's Web" and "The Lord of the Rings", for example. (Elinor comments once that "our journey isn't going to be half as bad as those hairy-footed people's quest"). In fact, I could see this book encouraging the reader to reach for any number of those tiles as well - not to mention the sequels that follow on from this book. Totally recommended.

"This book is one of the best books I've ever read. It's very readable. The cover is very colorful and very well detailed. It kept my attention cover to cover." This is what my 10 year old daughter thought. The story is very inventive and just about impossible to guess what the next turn of events will be. For something fun I would also recommend the audio book; a ton a fun for long trips.

This is by far one of the BEST books I've ever read. And I read a lot of books. Inkheart is exciting, energtic, and magical all at the same time. The characters have great personalities. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in fantasy. It's an all-time favorite for me!

This book is so STUPID! It's so STUPID IT MAKES ME THINK IT'S SO STUPID BECAUSE OH YEAH, IT IS STUPID! GRRRRR... IT'S STUPID BECAUSE IT'S A GAME THAT I HATE AND I WANT A REFUND!

My son loved this book he wouldn't stop reading it from the first day he got it.

My daughter saw the movie and read the books. This is a great companion to both. The illustrations are detailed and lovely

This is the second time I've purchased this same book. My nephew saw my little girl's copy and "had to have" one of his own. He called me every day for 9 days waiting for it to arrive. He is not disappointed! Great quality product that gives my young ones a desire to read!

My 10 year old son loved this book. He and friends went out collecting bugs and plants pretending to be authur spiderwick.

it's a cool book nice pictures.and you must know how to read in cursive before you buy this book

Was Red Seas as good as Lies? No...but that only makes it about the second-best book I've read this year.

Red Seas finds Locke and Jean licking their wounds after their battle with the Grey King. They have sailed to Tal Varrar, the Monte Carlo/Las Vegas of Lynch's created world, to escape the mess they left behind in Camorr. After a few months of regrouping (and Jean pulling Locke out of a major funk) the two are back to their old games--this time with their sights set on The Sinspire, a grand tower casino ruled by a ruthless Mafioso-type who kills anyone who he finds cheating in his establishment.

As you would expect, Jean and Locke soon find their neat little plan to cheat the Sinspire goes awry--so awry, in fact, that they find themselves forced to learn how to sail and lead a pirate war.

A large chunk of the book takes place at sea, and the nautical terminology is plentiful. Coming from someone who has absolutely no knowledge of sailing, I found the generous use of terminology to be a little head-clogging, but in all honesty, you could skim over the technicalities and still understand what was happening. I do have to question the benefit of this--after I'm skimming through three or four pages of "Turn that line to the larboard over to the oar mast, and make sure the front sail isn't upsideover from the side-sail..." etc., but it does lend an air of authenticity, so I'll give it that (of course, not knowing anything about sailing, I'm not one to ay how authentic any of it really is!)

The things I loved about Lies were still in this book for me--the masterful, witty dialogue, the many plot twists and turns that were blessedly impossible for me to predict. It doesn't tie up as neatly as Lies; the ending is a definite cliffhanger on multiple fronts. Of course, all that means is I'm chomping at the bit for February!

I absolutely loved this book! Our favorite thieves, Locke & Jean, up to their old tricks...and some new ones. Yes, the pirate aspect was unexpected, but it was simply a lot of fun. I enjoyed seeing more of Lynch's world and meeting some new and interesting characters. Trust me, if you liked Lies, you'll enjoy this book. I cannot wait for book 3 next spring!

When you set out to write seven books, it turns out you have to find a way to fill seven books. And that's the basic problem with Red Seas Under Red Skies, the second book in Scott Lynch's...septology?

Lynch left himself with a lot to work with from the first book, The Lies of Locke Lamora. What is all that Elderglass? How will the bondsmagi try to take their revenge on Locke and Jean? How the heck does that magi stuff work in this world anyway? What has happened to Camorr after their caper's semi-success? Who's going to run the underworld now that the Grey King and Capa Barsavi are both gone? When will we get to find out more about that gal that Locke's pining after?

Rather than answer any of those questions, Lynch gives us two books in one: a pirate-romance novella sandwiched inside Locke and Jean's main caper, an elaborate attempt on the Sinspire, the most opulent den of iniquity in the city-state of Tal Verrar. Characters march on and off stage as if by rote, ideas are dropped almost before they're begun, and multiple machinas are elevated to deus status at various points to keep the plot creaking along.

Fortunately for the reader, Lynch's sarcasm and propulsive prose eventually overbalance what turns out to be basically an 800-page diversion, and the book, despite itself, is pretty enjoyable at that level. So long as you don't expect the larger arc of the Gentleman Bastards to move very far down the track, Red Seas Under Red Skies can be the kind of readable romp that makes for good vacation or airplane material.

This second book seems like a book you could skip and not miss anything, but I'll have to wait until the third book to see if that statement is true. It is a fairly self-contained book with a lot of time spent on pirates, which was a bit unexpected.

It was good, but I'm hoping the third book ads more to the story.

For those who enjoyed Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora, his follow-up book, Red Seas Under Red Skies, will likely be a mixed bag. As other reviewers have commented, it doesn't quite measure up to the first book and the intertwining plots would have been better served had they been done in two novels instead of one. The jumping around in time sequences and locations gets confusing, the resolutions of some of the plot threads are rushed, and the ending is decidedly dissatisfying on a couple of levels, particularly in what amounts to not so much a cliff-hanger as a cliff-tease.

One particular disappointment for me was a great scene involving Jean taking over a gang of street kids and starting to teach them how to be _real_ thieves. It felt like the beginning of something really interesting, plot-wise, but no sooner does it get going than it's summarily abandoned. Very annoying.

These things said, however, Red Seas Under Red Skies is still worth the read. The parts where it works are thoroughly engaging, with individual scenes that are true delights and dialogue that rises to memorable comic brilliance as can be seen in this particular rant of Locke's:

"Have we ever been _less_ in control of our lives than we are at this moment? We can't run away from the archon and his poison, which means we can't just disengage from the Sinspire game. Gods know we can't even see the Bondsmagi lurking, and we've suddenly got assassins coming out of our a******s. Know something? I'd lay even odds that between the people following us and the people hunting us, we've become this city's principal means of employment. Tal Verrar's entire economy is now based on _f*****g_with_us_."

Also on the plus side, I particularly liked how the novel gets into an actually plausible rational for the thieves' theology of the Crooked Warden, i.e. that the role of thieving has a purpose in the grand cosmic scheme of things. I also, unlike some reviewers, actually liked the pirate section of the book more than I liked the on-land con. It's always good when you can tell that an author has done their homework, and Lynch definitely did his on pirates, working in a number of details that really added to the texture and feel of those scenes. Parts of it are pure fantasy, of course - it is a fantasy world after all - but I still appreciate authors who work to make it as real as it can possibly be in that context.

So overall, I do recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy and/or who liked The Lies of Locke Lamora. It's a good if not great read, and there's enough of Locke and Jean in it to keep you going until Lynch's next novel comes out.

Ok, this might be nothing, but in this Managa Scourge's mother Quince says that his father was a ginger cat. I am guessing that the cat in question is Red Tail. It can't be Rusty (aka Firestar) because the way the book reads, Rusty would have been either not born yet or younger than Scourge. Unless of course Red Tail is the father of both Rusty and Scourge. But again, this is just a theory.

Overall this was a carefully thought out story and it gives you an insight on how Tiny became Scourge.

Awesome - anything about Warriors is awesome. Really makes you see another side to Scourge

Just like Graystripe's Triology, this "manga" book has a few problems. It is way too short and easy to read, and there is just so much more that should be in it yet this "manga" book would be too long. (My best friend, a manga expert, told me that this really isn't manga. It is read front to back and has more pictures than anything- friendly pictures with not much violence! It's more like a graphic novel, according to my father). I did, however, like to finally get a book made from the villian's point of view! It was really neat to find out mroe about the small deadly cat from Twoleggedplace and why he hates Clan cats so much. I like the new style of drawing, and how it gave a few pictures of the famous Thistleclaw and Tigerpaw! ALSO- Read it carefully, and you will discover the BIGGEST Clan secret EVER! And of course I'm not going to blurt it!
Buy this, it's worth your money, I'm pretty sure! (and now that you know of the secret you'll go crazy trying to get it!)
Moonwhisker

Love this series! Also check out THE NINE LIVES OF ROMEO CRUMB if you like action filled books about cats.

This was short, like all Warriors manga, but I still found it considerably enjoyable. This evil BloodClan leader goes from the cute, fluffy kitten Tiny into the feared Scourge. It provided a good backstory, though there were a few minor annoyances - cats' pupils become large, not slits, when they are frightened, and Tigerpaw/claw/star was drawn weirdly. Out of all the manga, though, I liked Bettina Kurkoski's art the best! They should definitely do another collaboration.

The Circle trilogy consists of the books Black, and Red, and White, and is followed up by Showdown, and House (co-authored by Frank Peretti), and Saint, and Skin. And a new book to be out either later this year or next year, titled Sinner. And the Lost Books consist of Chosen, and Infidel, and (coming out in May Renegade and Chaos.

Yes, Ted Dekker has been quite busy creating his history of Other Earth.

While the Lost Books are marketed in the Youth Fiction genre, it was of course well-known to Dekker and his publisher, Thomas Nelson, that millions of Circle fans of all ages would flock to bookstands to pick up the latest installments. In fact, by marketing the Lost Books as Youth Fiction, Dekker and Nelson stand to pick up even more readers than before, as the appeal of The Circle spreads to younger readers.

I, for one, have been captivated by Dekker's Circle trilogy, as well as many of his other works. A quick browse through my review list will turn up almost every book written by Ted Dekker. But you didn't come here for that, did you? You came here to learn more about Infidel.

I was at first a little confused as to whom the title referred. According to Dictionary.com, the number one definition of the word infidel is "a person who does not accept a particular faith." The several Dekker books surrounding Other Earth are filled with people who don't accept the faith of the Forest Dwellers. It was hard for me, in Infidel, to determine just which character was the infidel. I'm still not altogether sure.

And while I understand that weaving a story takes considerable character development and that several threads of the plot line must be laid in order to get to the culmination, I found Infidel to be a very interesting work, but just not quite up to the standard that other Dekker books have set.

Infidel is, no doubt, critical to understanding the history of Other Earth, and I can't imagine reading the next two books in the chronicles without first reading Infidel, but I just wasn't grabbed by it like I was the original Circle trilogy, or most of Dekker's other works. I found Infidel to be more about laying the foundation for coming installments than furthering the story.

What makes the whole thing even more interesting is the marketing ploy that Dekker and publisher Nelson have developed in order to drive the hype behind the stories. There's a massive online search for the Lost Books of History, with multiple sites and characters created for the sole purpose of guiding readers through the search for the ultimate discovery -- the last Lost Book of History -- and the ultimate prize -- a brand new Chevy Cobalt.

I have, of course, registered for the search, but I haven't been very active in it. I found on the first day that I could easily spend hours of my day just digging and digging through the clues online in search for the Lost Book. As much as the search intrigues me, I just don't have that kind of time on my hands.

But what I do have time for is reading the next Dekker book when it comes out. Adam hits bookstores next month.

In the meantime, Infidel is definitely worth the read, but only if you've read the rest of the epic first.

I preread this book for my son. It is a great adventure. Poopoo to all the nitpickers. I got behind the characters and enjoyed the adventures.

I have read Black, Red and White, so after that I had to continue reading the lost books. Infidel was a great treat, I love how it combines the first books. I have started reading Renegade yesterday, it just keep getting better and better. Ted Dekker is a brillant author, I love how are this books are tying together. I read all the Left Behind books, and they were great, and I would place this series right up there at the top. If you start reading one, you will want to read them all, believe me.

In this second installment of Ted Dekker's action-fantasy series, The Lost Books, all four main characters --- Johnis, Silvie, Billos and Darsal --- are immediately thrust back into active combat after their celebratory evening. Johnis can't get his mind off the fact that the recovered ring signifies that his mother is still alive. But just how is she living? As a slave? Is she a Horde now? Under what conditions will he find her? Obsessed by this newfound knowledge, Johnis and Silvie sneak out of the city, taking their lives into their own hands and following Johnis's heart instead of his head.

Clearly, Johnis wants to rescue his mother, but there is opposition from both inside his ranks and outside. And complications. The power of the book is also another mystery and a compelling one; when someone touches the book after spilling his blood, something otherworldly and intense takes place. But where does this power come from? Is it a tool of Elyon or of Teelah?

After battling their way into the enemy city with the help of a small Horde girl, Johnis and Silvie do find his mother, but they also become victim to a bigger plot and are trapped. Johnis is given an ultimatum --- either agree to help the Horde find and abduct Thomas Hunter, or they will kill both his mother and Silvie. Johnis's heart is wrenched in two as he tries to wriggle his way out of this no-win situation.

Martyn, the Horde general, outlines the entire scheme to Johnis right down to the lies he would tell to lure Thomas into the trap. With more bravado than he feels, Johnis approaches Thomas and sets the ambush. A forest guard warrior turned traitor, Justin of Southern, with whom the Horde knows Thomas cannot resist meeting, is the bait. Johnis spins a story that Thomas is to meet with Justin in Red Valley as soon as possible. The Horde knows Thomas's interest will be piqued and they're right; plying him with lie after lie, Johnis lures the commander into the desert before abandoning him without horse or water. Riding away, convicted and ashamed, Johnis tries to convince himself that he had just acted on behalf of his mother and Silvie. But thoughts of a stunned Thomas stranded without aid won't leave his mind.

Thankfully, despite his many and frequent mistakes, others step in and assist Johnis, offering both real help and needed mercy before the final stage is set. As the "chosen" one, Johnis learns a great deal about following his heart, using his head, and listening to the counsel of his fellow warriors and friends. With lightning speed action, Ted Dekker delivers another energizing tale that will have readers of this series impatient for its next compelling segment. But as they wait, the multi-leveled plot and theological repercussions will keep fans mulling the storyline over and over.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

A great read, and quick. Get the whole series, it's that good. You don't have to read prequels first (The Circle Trilogy), and I appreciate that!
But, hey! you will probably want to read them after you're done, (Ted Dekker makes you curious enough) to enhance your understanding of one character, Thomas' prior history. We did! :)

I would describe this book as a "easy, summer read." The characters were very simple,not alot of depth to them but I felt the details to descriptions ie. creatures, travels, forest was above the average in this book.

Prolific author Ted Dekker once again demonstrates his superior skill at weaving in multi-level themes, character profiles and belief systems, all framed within an action-packed dynamo of thrilling chase, fight and escape scenes.

In CHOSEN, the first installment of the Lost Books series, Dekker has the famed Thomas Hunter inciting his forest dwellers to fight for the chance to win one of four top leadership positions. As an unlikely candidate because of his size and interest in books, Johnis doesn't think he has a chance. But by using his mind and his heart, he outwits and outfights other choice warriors and is appointed one of the four to go on a mission issued by Hunter. With little to recommend himself, Johnis is at first ridiculed by his fellow warriors, who see little worth in this upstart.

Together, Johnis, Darsal, Billos and Silvie head toward the desert and the Horde. En route, Johnis begins seeing signs of the evil bat-like mythical creatures, the Shataiki, swarming in the trees above their heads. They are attacked and divided, and all too soon are confronted by Teeleh, the originator of all evil and instigator of much pain against Elyon's people, the forest dwellers. Johnis must try to save his comrades and trick Teeleh into setting them free in exchange for one of the seven lost books of history. After gaining help from the Roush, the pure-hearted bat-like counterparts to the Shataiki, all four warriors get further lessons in listening to wise counsel and not going off task because of fear.

After almost dying due to lack of cleansing in the fresh water, Johnis, Darsal, Billos and Silvie do manage to join together with the aid of the Roush and rescue two of the seven books. Each of the teens gains much insight and fortitude as they re-enter their forest dweller camp and report on their mission. Hunter sees something special in Johnis and predicts his rise as the leader of his people.

Dekker concludes CHOSEN on a high note of community rejoicing and celebration, but hints that the second installment will have the four heroes relying on every ounce of skill, cunning and heartfelt courage to meet their next challenge. Riveting and fast-paced, readers will find the Lost Books series up to the author's usual excellent standard.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

This is a wonderful book! I loved how this story shows how being "chosen" isn't always based on being the strongest, but maybe for some special inner quality that only God can see. The main characters have their faults, which make then easy to identify with, but it's so great to see them begin to grow and develop their strengths. This series is a must read for anyone who enjoyed the Circle Trilogy, especially as it gives more understanding of life in the forests there.

I have to say that way i purchased this it was for a light read. Nothing too deep. I was mistaken. This book ties in at least 3 other books of his outside of the Black, Red, White. Be on the look out for those references. Great writing, very engaging.

Did you know this is a young adult book? I didn't, until I read it. I kept thinking it was written for a younger audience, lacking the maturity of the original Trilogy, and then I saw on the back cover that I was right. For a young adult series, it's not at all bad. However, one can not even begin to understand this series without having first read the original Circle Trilogy and its sequel, Showdown, which are definitely not young adult fiction. I can't quite grasp why an author would try to change his audience in the middle of a storyline.

Don't get me wrong; for young adult fiction it's a good read. It's just not cut from the same block as the other relevant works.

Some have said that this is not a spin-off of the original Circle Trilogy. They don't know what they're saying. This series is solidly based in the original trilogy and can not be fully understood apart from it.