Product Description
Long before Peter Fischli and David Weiss made Fotografias, Nancy Spector had noted that the two liked to ìundermine conventional distinctions between high and low art.î This collection of underexposed black-and-white images does exactly that, recreating low-end figurative paintings as muddy, dark, snapshots and minting them anew as fine art. Subjects include landscapes and historical scenes, animal and mythological beings, and, yes, female figures. ... Read more

Product Description
You're Bolivar Trask, the reanimated leader of the Mutant Response Division.Your mission: Kill every member ofX-Factor. How to accomplish that without collateral damage? Easy: hire the team for what seems to be a routine case that will send them into a certain death trap.Problem solved. And in NATION X, Cyclops invites the world's only mutant detective agency to relocate to their floating island retreat and take up residencethere. But will Madrox and his team believe that it's the best place for them? What old faces will pop up, and what old acquaintances will be renewed? And will there even be a Utopia left when the mysterious Crone shows up and threatens to bring the entire place crashing down into the Pacific?

Collecting:

X-Factor #204-206, Nation X: X-Factor

... Read more

Product Description
The first edition, published in 1973, has become a classic reference in the field. Now with the second edition, readers will find information on key new topics such as neural networks and statistical pattern recognition, the theory of machine learning, and the theory of invariances. Also included are worked examples, comparisons between different methods, extensive graphics, expanded exercises and computer project topics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

not the exact copy you see
what i get was a copy that is supposed to be sold in india etc. but not in us. it was the same book content-wise, but the cover, colors etc. were from very cheap material..

summation
Seems a very good book. Could not tell what the little criticism was about. The author goes out of his way to explain and make it pertinet. Happy reading.

Extensive errata
The errata for this book is so extensive that it makes it unreadable. Better wait for the third edition.

Topic covered seriously
My impression reading the book is that it was very carefully written. Don't speak too broad and too general but also include the fundamental topics with some examples. Such topics might be old and even unused but they form the understanding and create solid basis for further studies in this field. The minor drawback (i didn't read and compared everything to old book) but it seems that this book is simply rewrite or "correction of mistakes" if comparing previous edition.

Well deserved reputation as a classic!
What a tough area to publish in! The mathematics underlying many of these techniques are extremely advanced, often out of the reach of the target audience. The end goal of a book such as this one is to give the reader an understanding of the range of techniques available, the advantage and dissadvantage of each, and a sense of when each is appropriate.

Some authors make such an effort to convey understanding that the book becomes a (rather bad) linear algebra / functional analysis text, while others skip mathematical rigor and present an algorithm laundry list, along with an overly qualitative assessment of strengths & weakness. Duda and Hart find the right balance. The math is rigorous, not ponderous. I found their figures to be some of the most powerful representations of multivariate manifold concepts I have seen anywhere. They are my 'go-to' for an explanation of Fisher Discriminant Analysis, a common technique covered by many others.

The only drawback is really one of the field as a whole. Pattern recognition is a collection of techniques with a common application, and lacks the underlying unification of more fundamental disciplines. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The Hulk gets Real, Gray & Gritty.
This collection of Incredible Hulk comics is a chronological microcosm of the state and evolution of not just The Incredible Hulk and Marvel Comics, but the entire medium at the time.Collecting issues 331-339 originally published in 1987-1988, Marvel Visionaries Peter David Vol.1 chronicles the paradigm shift in the comic book industry that paved the way for modern comics.

I can tell you as a reader at this time, it was mind-blowing to witness month to month the transition from typical Saturday-morning-cartoon-type plots and situations to the Hulk getting drunk and beating a wife-beater.

Bruce Banner emerges as a deeply disturbed individual with, understandably, a whole host of very concerned parties in terms of national defense, research science and humanitarian causes trying desperately to contain if not help him.

Peter David was a catalyst and champion of the "comics- not just for kids" movement.As a reader he gave us a more realistic approach to dealing with the complexities and difficulties of the Hulk as a phenomenon both scientifically and psychologically.He significantly raised the bar for writing in comics.


Also, one can actually observe month to month the evolution of the now-famous cartoonist Todd McFarlane hone his signature style. Literally, it is within these pages that McFarlane develops from a run-of-the-mill industry comic book penciler to a highly stylized and recognizable graphic artist.Pretty amazing stuff, and a great snapshot of a perhaps overlooked critical transitional period in comic books, all nicely bound up in one volume.

Glory Days...
I'll be the first to admit, I was NOT a fan of the gray Hulk when he first appeared.I grew up with a green Hulk who talked in broken third-person, not a gray, cunning brute.I was even more disappointed when they got rid of the Rick Jones Hulk, who had potential of his own, (Hey, it was the 80's, a long-haird Hulk?Cool...)
Yet the combination of Peter David and Todd McFarlane began to convince me otherwise.
It starts slowly because of the need to tie off old storylines by previous writers and it's also interesting to note McFarlane's evolution in his penciling style.By the end of the volume, you'll find that PAD has settled into his own niche and McFarlane is ready to burst in popularity.
If you've never had a chance to get a hold of these comics individually, and wanted to read the early Hulk stories by PAD, this volume is for you.

The cover story says it all
I wasn't as impressed with the material about Leader trying to get his gamma-head back as most. I found it rather standard fare, even as the grey hulk showed a cunning that the green hulk was never capable of. However, the storyline with the abused wife who shoots her husband in front of the Hulk made me take notice. The story focuses on her, rather than the Hulk (whose function is to emerge as the Hulk after getting thrown in jail as Banner) and when she shoots her husband (after "humiliating" him by saving his life during a beating by the Hulk), Hulk's reaction to her declaration that she didn't mean to kill him (a sarcastic "sure you didn't") made me take notice. This was not the Hulk that had been kicking around the Marvel universe since the 1960s. This was an actual new character.

Peter David eventually turned the Hulk green and then stupid but not before a good 3-4 years of excellent stories. This volume (and the next one) is well worth the money.

The beginning of the greatest Hulk stories ever told
Whenever a comic fan thinks of the Hulk, they think of Peter David, and the same can be said the other way around.This TPB collects the first nine issues of David's unheralded run on the title, these issues find the green turned grey skinned and cunning goliath attempting to free itself from the mind and soul of Bruce Banner; no matter what.Featuring a run in with the original X-Men, the Hulk's greatest foe the Leader, and with S.H.I.E.L.D. waiting in the wings, this collection is a reminder of the kind of magic that Peter David worked on his 100 plus run on the title.Todd McFarlane gives the Hulk the most frightening and iconic look the character would have for years, but the best was yet to come from the duo on the title.All in all, it's about time that Marvel started re-printing David's classic run on the series, and hopefully more will be on the way.

Bringing back the good ol' days.
I gave my review of the Incredible Hulk: Ground Zero trade paperback the title of "The beginning of a legend." Little did I realize that Marvel was soon to release a collection of Hulk stories from an even earlier point in the tenure of fan-favorite scribe Peter David: the actual beginning.

Finally freed from the depths of Bruce Banner's soul, the crafty gray Hulk starts taking steps to eliminate his human alter-ego permanently; steps which include turning to one of his oldest enemies for help. Meanwhile, the covert organization SHIELD is seriously re-thinking their policy on the gray goliath, leading to an unexpected turn of events that will alter the lives of the Hulk and his supporting cast forever.

Peter David kicks off his twelve-year run with a bang, taking several long-underused concepts from the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby era to breathe new life into the character. Todd McFarlane, who became the book's regular artist an issue before David's arrival, gives the gray Hulk a truly frightening appearance unlike anything seen before. The child-like green Hulk might be referred to as a "savage", but his cunning counterpart shows he's more than capable of redefining the term.

Featuring the very first appearances of bizarre Hulk villains Half-Life and Mercy, a confrontation with the original X-Men (then under the title of "X-Factor"), an all-new intro by Peter David himself, and a special preview of Incredible Hulk #77 (David's return issue), Hulk Visionaries is an instant Marvel Masterpiece. Bring on the next volume! ... Read more

Product Description
Fallen Angel recently learned the secrets of her origin, but little good it will do her as she encounters an all-new series of challenges and mysteries...both in and outside of Bete Noire. This forth collection features the landmark crossover between Fallen Angel and Billy Tucci's Shi in a three-part tale transporting the Fallen Angel to the far-off City of the Dead, the special issue #20 one-shot, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Fallen Angle Battles Shi, and Jude Battles His Own Grief
This book, the fourth volume of Peter David's epic Fallen Angel series, collects issues #17-21.

The first part of the book is a three issue arc that features the Fallen Angel clashing with, and then fighting alongside of, Shi.For those unfamiliar with Shi (not gonna lie, before this, I sure as hell was), she is a Japanese American warrior woman who is as complex as she is scantily clad.One thing I was wary about going into this arc was the look of Shi, who does show a lot of skin; I'm not at all a prude, but I prefer my comic book characters to show more depth, and if they're short on clothing, there damn well better be a reason... and in this case, there is.Peter David doesn't disappoint with this arc, which take the Fallen Angel out of familiar territory and into... well, you'll find out.If you read the first three volumes, you know Peter David never confines himself to one main location or one main type of story, so familar readers won't miss a beat.

After the Shi story concludes, we've got two standalone stories that focus more or less on Jude.The first one tells the story by showing Jude's actions in relation to the various stages of grief.It's a great character piece that delves into his troubled mind state.He's trying to balance all of his new duties with his sense of purpose, and all the evil that he's surrounded by--and now confined to--has got his questioning his purpose... and his priesthood.It's wonderfully written, and a great example of why Peter David is more than just a great comic or fantasy writer.He writes from character, and with a cast this strong, he really can't go wrong.

The book ends with another Jude centric one-shot, but this one wasn't nearly as strong as the previous chapter.In this one, Jude tests the idea that his actions in Bete Noire influence the outer world.It's a great concept, but the execution is a bit off.Either way, the slightly less interesting concluding issue doesn't take much away from this book.It's a worthwhile addition into this great series.

8/10 ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

My first and favorite sci-fi/fantasy book
As far as I can remember, this is the first sci-fi/fantasy book I've ever read.I've been a long time fan of non-fiction books, but wanted to give fiction a shot.I chose this book because I liked the cover.Prior to this book, I wasn't a fan of sci-fi or fantasy.

I didn't expect many plot twists in a book like this, but I got them.I didn't expect to become attached to or care much for any of the characters, especially since there were so many of them, but I did.And when I realized all the races were living on what we once called earth, I was hooked.

Seeing humans, both the good and bad, through the eyes of other races fascinated me.There were even thought provoking lessons to be learned.The Ocular hated the Piri simply because they knew nothing about them.Due to their own ignorance, they became slaves to their fear.And then of course, we have the Markene addiction to klaa (sounds like America's addition to media).And my favorite, Jepp's adventures.I like her most of all because she's human and representing us among the races of the damned world.

I have become a big fan of fantasy since this book, but have only come across very few books that have entertained me as much as this one.I am currently going through it for the second time.

And now, the bad part, where the hell is book 2 of The Hidden Earth Chronicles?!?!

Not too much not too little
I really like this book due to the fact that Peter David took the time to go into detail about the characters and their personalities.... He left the reader with a general understanding of what each character thought about the other. He gave Jep a very animated role. One minute she was dazed the next she was in complete control of their destiny (the others in her crew)... I also like the random outbreaks he bestowed on Rafer Crestor, (he made him valuable and ridiculous at the same time) and in a sense him and Jep both shared a valuable characteristic of capriciousness; one that helped their survival greatly. This book was good not only cause of the characters but also for the way it connected hard times to hard decisions.Who knew that a sibling rivalry between two brothers would turn into a Jerry Springer type scuffle over the sexual relations between underground royalty and inscrutable terror and filth? Nevertheless the book overall was great, I felt he stalled a little bit by giving detail about the third wave battle at the beginning of the chapter rather than tying it all together, and his transition was good but still very surprising.... In essence I give this book a 5-star rating because even with the depth of detail he introduced, Peter David never drifted from the concept of the fight for survival amongst these races.... and that is hard when trying to write about 12 of them...

Ps- I read this booka while back a just thought Id write about it now so forgive me if the details arent as accurate as they should be.

Amazing!
One of my top 10 sci-fi fantasy books ever...characters are compex and likeable< plot is great...

less hippy BS, please
i was enjoying this book until the leftist propaganda started seeping in. fortunately i received this book free as a publisher promotion as id have been mightily irritated if i paid money for it. seriously, leave your hippy BS out of my sci-fi/fantasy, please. if you want to use your books as a treehugger pulpit, thats fine, just dont expect me to buy them.

Shaky start, gripping finish, huge promise
Story:This is the first volume of a new fantasy series, "The Hidden Earth," by Peter David.It's an ambitious job, as he balances a storyline that spans over eons and includes -- even in just the main setting -- a cast of several dozen scattered among multiple races and around the world.

The First Wave of the Banished (from another dimension) showed up during the reign of the dinosaurs -- and engineered those reptiles' demise before turning on each other to similar extinction.The Second Wave occurred in the Bronze Age, and established a rich mythology for humansbefore they were eventually wiped out.The Third Wave was much, much larger, and the different Banished races -- cyclopean Oculars, vampiric Piri, reptilian Firedraques and Mandraques, subterranean Trulls, aquatic Merks and Markenes, and sundry other species -- were more than numerous and powerful enough to nearly wipe out humanity.Now, some centuries later, the Banished -- lorded over by the Overseer and his Traveller prison guards -- have reached a point of uneasy stability ... which means that plots and counterplots among all the Banished races are about to upset everyone's balance.

David takes a huge risk by spreading the focus to the four corners of the Earth (or the "Damned World," as the Banished call it, for an amusing reason).At times, especially early on, things seem blurry, as we jump from chapter to chapter and from location to location.By the end of the book, things have radically changed, and several of the major protagonists from the first half the novel are done in by the end of the second half.It's at a point where things are just starting to gel and snap into focus ... when the book ends.If the first third of the book feels weak, the last third more than makes up for it.

Which, I suppose, is a great way to encourage folks to pick up the next book.

David does a fine job of interweaving different mythologies, a post-apocalyptic world, a huge cast, and various personal tales into what seems initially diffuse but ultimately cracklingly solid storytelling.There's just enough hint of where things are headed, and what's actually going on (albeit with a bit of perhaps too-explicit exposition late in the game) to keep my interest in Book 2 high.

Characters:As mentioned, there's a ton of characters.The herd is trimmed substantially by the end, as various plots blow up (more or less literally) in people's faces.

The huge cast means that most folks are only lightly sketched out -- on the surface at least.Looking back at it, David manages to make nearly everyone engaging on some level.Even where the roles are shallow, the shallows are at least interesting.

That said, I still really wanted to read more about practically -- well, practically everyone.Which means they are good characters, but not ideally handled.

Re-Readability:I think I could read this one again fairly soon -- the later revelations will provide some level of interest in the foreshadowing.I also suspect that, wherever David is going in Book 2 (etc.), it will make rereading Book 1 both a pleasure and, perhaps, an obligation.

Overall:David is known for a number of things.A lot of imagination.A quick grasp of character.A wry sense of humor.All three of these are on display here, and David is really at the top of his game in each.

That said, I didn't like the book as well as I wanted to.While admiring David's ability to juggle a cast of many, it still suffered (perhaps inevitably, as a setup for where he plans to take us) from too many voices and perspectives.There's 3-4 interesting novels in this one, and cramming them together takes its toll, though David still manages to pull it off, overall.

I'd recommend the book to both Peter David and F/SF fans.'Nuff said. ... Read more

Product Description
A bold new story featuring Roland Deschain and his beleaguered ka-tet on the run following the complete destruction of their beloved city of Gilead! And when such as gilead falls, the pillars of reality itself - the six beams holding all of existance together - begins to crumble. The satanic plan of the Crimson King to return all of existance to the primal state of chaos is nigh. Plus, just in time for the fun, it's the return of master storyteller Jae Lee to the role of penciler! Don't miss it! Collects Dark Tower: The Battle of Jericho Hill #1-5. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The end of the beginning

We faithful readers of the Dark Tower books have always wondered about the battle of Jericho Hill, which was mentioned many times in the novels but never gone into in depth. What we did know was that this was a climactic battle, and the forces of evil defeated the dedicated band of gunslingers, leaving only Roland to survive. There was also mention of the horn of Arthur Eld, without more explanation. This excellent graphic novel fills in the details of this sad portion of the Dark Tower saga.

Once again we have excellent scripting and tremendous artistry combined to present to the reader a complete and engrossing book, even if we are not pleased with how the plot goes. It's compelling and, as usual with these works, the reader is hooked from the first page and just goes through the whole book in one sitting.

It's a work that should satisfy even the most rabid King fan, and it gives us the background knowledge to more fully understand the Dark Tower mythology. I assumed that this book would take us to the beginning of the first Dark Tower novel, but I see now that is not the case. That being said, prepare for further volumes in this timeless tale that will eventually take us to when "the man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed".

Sort of anti-climatic
This volume felt a little anti-climatic. The previous volume was brilliant and a real sense of significance and urgency came across well. This one is a little bit of a let down. The plot is practically the same as the others in terms of a hero is blackmailed into helping the villains. Also, I'm not so sure how Roland survives at the end. The art is very good & approporiate though. I'm still looking forward to the next volume but I hope it picks up again.

Another great episode of the Dark Tower story!
I pre-ordered this 5 months before it was available for sale. As soon as I received it I opened my Amazon package and read the whole thing. I thought this was another great chapter of the Dark Tower saga. As the entire DT story goes it's not the typical western, sci-fi, adventure, action, drama, so on type of story and it's best attributes are it's flawed characters, deep seeded story line, the underlying community feeling, gritty reality, and fearless dives into the tumultuous world of Mid-World. This chapter did not disappoint in the least. I immediately pre-ordered the next hardcover bound edition to come out in January 2011 and can't wait to see it's interpretation and continuation of the story. I'm just waiting for the DT graphic novel that ends with the words "the man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed" to truly cap off a great adventure!

Should have been much better
This is supposed to be the culmination of an epic backstory for one of the greatest stories in our lifetime.The story was disappointingly thin, and at times the dialogue was trying to get too "cute" for its own good.I felt like I did when I walked out of Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

The biggest redeeming quality to this work is the art, which is truly worthy of such a beloved license.

Marvel should seriously consider pretending this was an accident, hiring a writer with talent to redo the story, make it epic, and then have Jae Lee re-draw "Dark Tower: The Battle of Jericho Hill: The REAL EDITION."

Ok
I thought the others were fantastic and a real tribute to story telling. - Spoiler - However one really annoying piece of this is ... The Red King will wait until the fall of Gilead to steal the guns because that is what he needs to destroy the multiverse. But when Roland is shot and laying on the ground no one takes them?

Art is great as always but with the exiting of Jae Lee as pencils I worry. The story telling that was solid in the others is not consistent here. At best - it is ok. ... Read more

Product Description
Picking up where Omnibus Volume 1 left off, this second installment contains issues #22-33 of Fallen Angel, bringing the main series to a conclusion. Find out the final secrets of Bete Noir and its many denziens as Peter David unwinds the final chapters of his compelling drama. Also included is the mini-seriesFallen Angel: Reborn, guest-starring Illyria from Joss Whedon's Angel. ... Read more

Product Description
Sounding Forth the Trumpet brings to life one of the most crucial epochs in America's history--the events leading up to and precipitating the Civil War. In this enlightening book, readers live through the Gold Rush, the Mexican War, the skirmishes of Bleeding Kansas, and the emergence of Abraham Lincoln, as well as the tragic issue of slavery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

sounding forth the trumpet...so we can kill because God is on our side
This book is a slanted, narrow, fabricated account of U.S. History.Marshall's ideas are dangerous, people.He likens the U.S. to the nation of Israel.He uses brief pieces of original sources to serve his own agenda, treating them dishonestly without regard for the original intent.He ignores other pieces of fact.He

The fact is, no matter how many claim otherwise, this is not a Christian nation, nor has it ever been.Just because Christianity was the dominant civil religion for centuries doesn't change that fact.There is nothing distinctively Christian about the founding documents.Any reference to a god or creator is not specific.The philosophy more resembles John Locke than a Scriptural philosophy.

And even if it did, how do you explain the smallpox blankets, enslaving millions of image-bearers for financial gain, slaughtering thousands more British image-bearers because of...taxes.How about some of the current thinking in wartime that talks about how God is on our (the U.S.) side and there's "wonder-working power" in American resolve, as our former President said.This is unintentional but blatant idolatry.Actions speak louder than words.

Marshall is bogus.Read the works of Mark Noll instead for a fair and scholarly treatment of religion in American life.

All Americans should Read
Good stuff!My wife and I are reading all of the books in this series

Sounding Forth
Sounding Forth the Trumpet By Peter Marshall showes the progress of our nation and discribes the real reason we fought the Cival War.An excelent read.

Fantastic Service
The book arrived quickly and in perfect condition.Couldn't be more pleased with the sevice.

Great American History
Was history a little dry for you in school!! Get a new perspective on the greatest nation ever to exist on planet earth. Other than Israel, I think America is the most unique nation ever to exist and this third in a series of books reinforces that opinion. If Providence in history is an exciting thing for you this series of books is a must!!!! ... Read more

Product Description
The gray Hulk's out to get the Leader and neither Man-Bull, Halflife, nor the Hulkbusters can stop him! The confrontation ends explosively as the drab-skinned demolisher is blown into a new world: Las Vegas?! Villains perish and rise in the culmination of Peter David's first Hulk arc! Featuring the earth pounding menace of the Absorbing Man, and guest-starring Wolverine and Nick Fury! Collects the Incredible Hulk #340-348. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Together Again...for the very first time....
While technically the majority of the comics reprinted in this volume had been collected before in the "Ground Zero" TPB over a decade earlier, long-time fans will notice that pages that had been accidentally swapped in one issue and left out in another have been restored in this edition.
PAD and Todd McFarlane's break-out issue begins here with HULK #340, a bloody battle between Marvel's most popular mutant and revitalized gamma monster.McFarlane continues to astound with his art during these issues, but leaves on a lackluster note with a poor showing on #345 and layouts for Erik Larsen to fill in for #346.
The final issue in this volume kicks off with a new artist, Jeff Purves, and a new direction for the gray goliath as a Las Vegas enforcer named Mr. Fixit.
On a personal note, these comics were a constant companion during my 5th and 6th grade years.Whether it was a trip to the store, someplace to eat, or on a camping trip, this stack of Hulk comics went with me.It's nice to know that instead of pulling out these battered and beaten copies from 20 years ago, I can now read them together in a set.

This is what made me notice Peter David (and even the Hulk for a time)
As the second volume in the Peter David/Todd McFarlane run, these issues hit their stride as Peter David gives us the Wolverine/Hulk smackdown and then lets the supporting characters call them idiots for fighting in the first place. This moment is one of many (there's a similar Rhino story) that show both Peter David's affection for the genre and his willingness to break "the rules" when it suits believable story telling. (in other words, comic book logic dictates that big muscle bound mutants fight. Real world logic dictates that most men avoid fights. David lets the RL logic invade.)

The 80s were an interesting time for comic books as Alan Moore and Frank Miller were breaking the established rules and telling stories that fell outside the tedious standards. Peter David's run on the Hulk was very similar to Moore's Swamp Thing revolution, in that he took a long established storyline (in Moore's case it was Swamp Thing's thwarted yearning to be 'human again', in David's case it was Banner's inability to control his raging green id.) and shifted it into something new. His version of the Hulk was funny, witty, mean-spirited and grey. He also allowed the weird experiments to change the rules of the Hulk (he became a werewolf more or less).

Sadly, Peter David was working against the entropy that is the Marvel universe which decrees that all characters should go back to their original 1964 concept, no matter how boring. Peter David would later make the Hulk green again (but well adjusted) and then left the series to lesser writers who returned the the same old garbage.

For that reason alone, you should buy this book to see what happened when one writer was allowed to play with a character that had been trapped in the ether of "continuity."

Continuing Peter David's incredible run
The second collected volume of Peter David's unheralded run on the Incredible Hulk, this TPB is more ample proof that no one has ever written Marvel's jade (or gray as he is here) giant better.This volume of Hulk Visionaries finds the Hulk taking on the Leader and an assortment of villains, as well as a knock down, drag out brawl with Wolverine.Also in this TPB is the first appearance of the suit wearing "Mr. Fixit" Hulk who takes a job in a Vegas casino.It's truly something that has to be seen to be believed, but for longtime Hulk readers who fondly remember the heyday of David's run, they know that this was the beginning of something really special and unique in the history of the character.All in all, whether you enjoyed the first TPB or are a fan of Peter David's monumental Hulk run, Hulk Visionaries Vol. 2 is a must own.

GROUND ZERO, complete and unedited.... and more!!
Marvel continues its series of Hulk Visionaries: Peter David trade paperbacks with a re-release of the conclusion to the famed writer's "Ground Zero" storyline, this time with all the pages and scenes fully restored!

In addition to the Gray Hulk's legendary battle with Wolverine, and his subsequent skirmishes with the Leader and minions Half-Life, Rock, and Redeemer, this collection also includes the first two issues where the Hulk loses the torn pants and dons a three-piece suit and hat to become "Mr. Fixit", an enforcer and legbreaker for a Las Vegas casino, one of the most unique takes on the character to date.

Peter David continues to astound, taking the earliest concept of the Hulk as an "atomic age Jekyll and Hyde" and developing it into something truly remarkable: a Hulk who finally has the life of his dreams, constantly fearing that Bruce Banner will one day resurface and take it all away from him. Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen, and Jeff Purves lend their artistic talents to these stories, fittingly marking the ending of one era and the beginning of the next.

Also featuring a battle with the Hulk's longtime sparring partner, the Absorbing Man, Hulk Visionaries: Peter David 2 is another classic milestone in the existence of the gray goliath. Keep them coming, Marvel! ... Read more

Product Description

Vendetta The Borg -- half organic being and half machine, they are the most feared race in the known galaxy. In their relentless quest for technological perfection, they have destroyed entire star systems, enslaved countless peoples, and, in a single brutal attack, decimated Starfleet's mightiest vesels. Only a final desperate gambit by Captain Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise™ crew stopped the Borg from conquering the entire Federation. And now they have returned.

VENDETTA

In the bestselling tradition of Metamorphosis and The Lost Years, here is the newest Star Trek ® Giant Novel, a story of vengeance and obsession.

Answering a distress call from a planet under attack by the Borg, the U.S.S. Enterprise crew meets Delcara, the lone survivor of an alien race the Borg obliterated. Blinded by hatred, Delcara seeks the ultimate revenge -- the complete destruction of her race's executioners. But the U.S.S. Enterprise crew learns that Delcara's vengeance carries a terrible price, for once unleashed, the destructive force she commands will annihilate not only the Borg, but countess innocents as well... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

A Question
I have heard that in Star Trek: Vendetta, that the origin of "The Doomsday Machine" from the Original TV Series is explained in this Book. Is that True? If so, it would make a good Plot Line for a New "Star Trek" Movie with the "Star Trek: A New Generation" cast (including 'Guinan').

A Star Trek Classic
"Vendetta" is epic. It's about an ancient quest for revenge against one of the most feared and relentless races in the cosmos. It's about the human quest for knowledge and adventure, and the folly of going too far in pursuit of an unattainable goal. It is a tale of love and obsession and spectacular battle scenes, with a good dose of humor thrown in. Delcara, the sole survivor of a race obliterated by the Borg centuries ago has acquired an incredible weapon, of which the infamous doomsday machine from the original series was but a prototype. It is a ship that consumes planets for fuel, and it is possessed by the vengeful souls of yet another culture wiped out by the Borg. And if they have to annihilate half the galaxy to destroy their destroyers, so be it. All that matters is the vendetta, but Captain Picard still believes Delcara is worth saving. All in all, Peter David does a spectacular job in crafting a tale that you don't have to be a Trekkie to enjoy.

I would actually classify "Vendetta" more as science fantasy than the traditional "hard science fiction" rubric Star Trek usually falls under ("Vendetta" is rather like Star Wars in that respect). A lot of the story involves what one character disparagingly calls "metaphysical claptrap": haunted ships driven by will alone and love at first sight linking two strangers across light-years. Not surprisingly, Peter David is a highly original author whose works easily transcend the label of mere "Star Trek books." And "Vendetta" is no exception.

Horrible
It is a shame that Star-Trek readers are forced to accept such sham writing, that when a marginally good writer arrives, the writer is heralded as a genius; this is the case with Peter David.He definitely knows how to write characters that are not as wooden as in other Star Trek novels, and he does have some facility with writing conversations, but these strengths cannot eclipse the illogic of the plot and the horrible characterization.

First the plot; a mega-death machine is kicking Borg butt, so what is the Federation's response, "We must stop it."What?The dreaded anti-life and nemesis to the Federation is finally receiving its comeuppance, and the Federation's response is to stop it?This is BS.Yes, the machine does eat worlds for power, but how about having the machine eat uninhabited worlds.The plot was pathetically illogical.

The makers of the machine hate the Borg so much, that they start killing everything like the Borg.Huh?

There is absolutely no middle ground to this book.The Federation captains are idiots.There's never a discussion about allowing the machine to destroy the Borg, but doing so without eating populated worlds, which is a very plausible strategy, given the vast number of uninhabited planets in the galaxy.

Also, after losing over 40 ships to the Borg at Wolf 359, you'd think that Federation captains would have learned that a single ship is incapable of defeating a Borg cube, but oh no, these are highly decorated Federation captains who are incapable of making a correct choice without the guidance of the Enterprise.(Did you ever wonder how the Federation even survives, given that everyone else except the Enterprise crew are irrational, ham handed, idiots?)

Once the big reveal that Picard knows the woman on board the machine is learned, guess what Picard's strategy is?Yes, that's right.Remove her and then control the machine.Shouldn't it be the other way around.If you know her, convince her to work with you.No, not this Picard.Again, there is no middle ground.She must give up everything and stop attacking the Borg, but of course she isn't going to do so.Anyone with a brain in negotiation would have realized that you are overreaching.Where is the brilliant negotiator of season-one episode Symbiosis?

But enough about the plot, there's even more horror with the characters themselves.The women on the machine mysteriously visits Picard in his youth at the Academy, and Picard falls in love with her.Years later, he is yelling romantic tirades that he wants the woman he loves.Wait?Is Picard a teenager?Is he really so juvenile to believe that he actually loves a woman of which he has only seen fleeting apparitions?Is is disgusting to see Picard reduced to such drool.

Also, Beverly, the doctor, is reduced to being the most incompetent physician ever.A Borg drone is found and un-Borged, but the original human is deeply scarred.The doctor's position is to let her sit in Sickbay and that there is nothing left of her to salvage.Yes, that's right, she went to all that work, because she regularly gives up on patients.That's what makes a great physician, perform needless procedures and then give up on the patient before they have time to recover.

Can you guess who comes to the un-Borged human's rescue?Yes, it's Geordi.I won't cover how stupid his sub-plot is, just take my word for it, dumb.Finally, and this is related to the un-Borged woman, just when will the Enterprise get security on the elevator to the bridge.Every Tom, Dick, and Borgillia can walk in with a phaser and start tearing up the place.In all, if you have a brain, then stay far, far away from this novel.It is pathetic drivel.

How do you out Borg the Borg?
In Vendetta, the Enterprise again meets the Borg.This time, however, the Borg have an enemy that, initially at least, can cut through a Borg cube ship like a hot knife through butter.But the Borg learn and adapt, remember?Then Starfleet has to decide who is their biggest concern:multiple Borg ships coming into Federation space to battle this new threat, or this new ship that has technology that could either be assimilated into the Borg (if they lose) or roam Federation space devouring planets for energy (if they win).Which is the biggest threat?

An exciting STNG story.The side story in attempting to "un-Borg" a captive is also interesting.

Great Novel that ties in TNG to TOS Doomsday Machine
I read Vendetta a long time ago and really enjoyed it.It dealt with one of my favorite Original Series episodes, "The Doomsday Machine".The story goes into some speculation as to the origin of the machine that the original USS Enterpise encountered at System L-374.If you like Trek, you will love this novel.It was be awsome if they made this story into the next movie. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A Terrific Riker book:
Peter David is by far one of the best trek novelists out there, from books like Vendetta all the way to his latest New Frontier series, are all top notch and well worth your time. This here is a great addition to your reading list whether you're a fan of the numbered series or even if you are just a casual sci fi reader, there's just a little something for everyone.
Primarily this book focuses on William Riker and really delves into his early life and offers alot of nice little details about the character. The majority of the story takes place on terraforming colony where Riker is sent by starfleet to oversee their progress and in the process reunites with his childhood friend. Of course all is not well and he soon discovers the planet is inhabited by some nasty genetically engineered monstrosities.
The B story involves Riker's Replacement on the Enterprise who may or may not be a complete lunatic. This behavior really gets pretty reckless and leads to plenty of action and craziness which by the way, makes for some really good reading. You really don't know how far he's willing to take things, the whole things kinda like Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon. It's really too bad that this is the only novel to feature him because he's not a typical trek character and that's one of things that makes this book really refreshing.
Overall, all of the characters are well written and very much in character. It's really easy to tell that Peter David has a true love and affection for these characters. The action is all well developed and entertaining. It's a fairy short book and if you're like me, you'll page turn your way through it in a day because what's here is riveting. I hope this review helps as I really enjoyed it and if you want a good breezy read you should check this out. Anyways, keep on trekkin'.

A Rock and a Hard Place
Your book is too expensive. I am a Star Trek fan and I would like to have all the Star Trek books I have read in paperback format added to my Kindle, but I will not be adding your book. This book which I own in paperback is price too high. I think the price should be in the 3 dollar range. Because of its current price I would not be adding it to my KindleA Rock and a Hard Place

Good book by Peter David
Peter David certainly knows how to write an enjoyable and gripping book. While not as interesting as his first Next Generation novel, "Strike Zone" this is a solid story.

Commander Riker is given temporary leave from the Enterprise to help out a terraforming colony run by a childhood friend of Riker's from the wilds of Alaska. (As an aside, it's nice to know that even in the 24th century Alaska remains an independent, rugged and pristine area - at least in this fictional future). Meanwhile back on the Enterprise, Riker's temporary replacement, Commander Quentin Stone is causing quite a stir. Commander Stone has been assigned as Picard's first officer so that Captain Picard can evaluate him to see if he truly is the rogue officer and space case that Stone's previous captains think he is.

Peter David seamlessly switches back and forth between these two disparate storylines, and keeps your interest from the first page to the last. Deanna Troi is quite well used in this story, and it's nice to see her character fleshed out somewhat.

There were a number of interesting character moments from O'Brien at the poker games, to the ressurection of Worf's "musical talent" that was previously brought up in Peter David's previous Next Gen novel. As usual with a Peter David novel, there are some great humorous bits such as the poker games. It's also interesting to note that Peter David's first Next Generation novel "Strike Zone" was the first novel to deal with Dr. Crusher being replaced by Dr. Pulaski in the second season, this novel is the first Next Generation book to deal with Beverly Crusher's return to the Enterprise.

While not the best of Next Generation novels, this book is a fun and fast read. Enjoy!

A Rock And A Hard Place
I put this a book the maximum possible rating, 5 stars. The reason why I do that is because I think this novel is brilliant! Not only it takes you in from the first page and keeps you interested EVERY page till the end, but it also has that great ST:TNG feeling that makes it seem that it is an integral part of the official canon.
Also, it is very sad to say good-bye to Stone, to the Carters and terraformers at Paradise. I want to meet them all again!

STNG #10 - A Rock and a Hard Place - Good early Trek!
As good as his first Star Trek novel, Star Trek The Next Generation #5 - "Strike Zone" is, "A Rock and a Hard Place" is that much better.If you were to read through the entirety of the early STNG novels, you will quickly gather that there are a couple authors' novels that are to be looked forward to, Peter David's and Michael Jan Friedman's.With this particular installment, Peter David firmly reaffirmed and set himself in place as the one Star Trek author that can deliver a solid plot with thought provoking twists and an excellent sense of humor.His novels are the ones that will make you laugh as you read along.

The premise:

The planet Paradise is being terraformed but the terraformers in charge have fallen behind schedule and they've requested assistance.Commander William T. Riker of the USS Enterprise is given that task and sets off for Paradise.This is where we see Riker on his own, dealing with nature and its quirks.

Meanwhile, aboard the Enterprise, Riker's temporary replacement is a brazen individual by the name of Commander Quinton Stone and let's just says that he and the Captain and crew of the Enterprise aren't getting along chummily!

What follows is but a mere inkling as to some of the outstanding adventures that author Peter David will take Star Trek fans on in the future.I highly recommend this novel to any and all fans of the genre!{ssintrepid} ... Read more

Product Description
With the fall of the ancient Thallonian Empire, civil war threatens the planet of Zondar. The arrival of the U.S.S Excalibur is greeted with relief and celebration by the anxious populace, and Captain Mackenzie Calhoun, fresh from his cataclysmic escape form the Thallonian throneworld, is acclaimed as their prophesied savior. But one believer's messiah is another's blasphemer -- and a prime candidate for martyrdom.

When Captain Calhoun is captured, Lieutenant Commander Burgoyne must find him before an alien fleet launched a holy war against the Federation! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

A Major Step Down From Previous Novels
I have to say, I did not enjoy Martyr as much as the previous books in this series.First, there is the whole high school romance issues involving Dr. Selar, Burgoyne 172, Captain Calhoun, and Commander Shelby. The major disappointment here is the way Peter David chose to write Commander Shelby.In the two-part episode, Best of Both Worlds, in which Shelby appeared she was a strong, confident woman who was not afraid stand up for what she felt was the correct decision, and in the first four books, David really captured that quality.In this book, however, she comes off as a jealous, jilted lover and that diminishes her in my eyes. Second, the whole religion sub-plot, while original, just was not very interesting.Overall, this was an unnecessary addition to the New Frontier series.

He did it again...
It seems to me Peter David, in this fifth book, has settled into the characters now... There was a great scene between Shelby, Calhoun and Admiral Jellico in the beginning... If you like that feel of Trek... Where you find the laughs... They are in this book.

If you want to see what is happening with Selar and Burgy... Read... read...

Anyway I enjoyed this book...

Not up to Peter David's usual standards.
Peter David is one of the few authors, and just about the only Star Trek author, who can consistently manage the tricky business of writing a fast-paced, dramatic action story while still maintaining a sense of humor. This book is no exception to that.

Still, the story is a bit weaker than he usually manages, and also a bit more sloppily written. The character development continued the sub-plots established in the first four books of the series, and did the job reasonably well. But there were careless errors in word usage and grammer that I don't generally see in David's work, and the story as a whole wasn't exceptional enough to make me overlook the sloppiness.

Not a bad book, certainly; better than most in the genre. But not up to David's usual standards.

Star Trek New Frontier Book Five Martyr
Martyr is the first full length novel in the New Frontier series.Peter David, as with all of his Star Trek work, does an absolutely great job with this one.One of the things I like most about the New Frontier books is how Peter David will, as in this one; start off with chapters titled "Five Hundred Years Earlier."He does a great job establishing the basis for the plot.

The premise:"Five Hundred Years Earlier" on the planet Zondar, a war torn planet.A prophet named Ontear prophesizes that a Messiah will come from the stars.A bird of flames will herald his coming.He will bear a scar and he will be a great leader.He will come from the air and return to the air.He will be slain by the appointed one.The appointed one will be an unknowing acolyte and he will slay the Messiah.The Messiah's death will unite Zondar.Upon pronouncing this prophecy, the prophet is taken by way of a mystical storm.Doe's this Messiah sound like anyone we know!

"Nineteen Years Earlier" on Xenex.The young warlord M'k'n'zy of Calhoun faces a challenge that he would prefer not to face.A widowed woman of his tribe has called on tribal law and preference.She wants M'k'n'zy to sire her child.An extremely interesting chapter to say the least!

"Now" Selar, she herself widowed is going through the agony of Pon Farr.Since she is a widow, this makes for a very interesting story as to who she shall seek out to assist her with relieving the Pon Farr.We are introduced to the Redeemers, who are from Tulane IV.They are a race of conquerors, which conquer in the name of their god Xant.Those who do not follow the word of Xant are basically not worth their time.Once they conquer a planet they leave behind one High Priest.This is where Peter David's talent as a writer shows up big time!The Redeemers have an extremely interesting way to deal with their High Priest being killed.

I do not wish to spoil any more for those who've not read this wonderful addition to the New Frontier series.Suffice it to say that I highly recommend this and the other books in this great series, by one of Star Trek's premier authors.

An enjoyable episode in the "New Frontier" series.
Picking up where the original four mini-book releases left off, Peter David gives us the first full-length Star Trek: New Frontier book with "Martyr."

I really enjoyed the results.The main plotline of the book, the A-Story, is that of the ship encountering a world where Captian Mackenzie Calhoun has been 'recognized' as the 'Savior,' of their prophecies.With some interesting diatribes on the notions of faith and spirituality, the book would have been a bit heavy and a lot less 'fun' than the other books without the B-Story: Dr. Selar, still in the throws of her Pon Farr.

The story reveals more tantalizing tid-bits of the characters assembled mostly from the mind of Peter David, and even those characters we already know gain a bit more depth (especially the aforementioned Dr. Selar).Peter David once again proves that the characters of the Star Trek world do not need a screenplay to stand on their own, and, indeed, be quite interesting in their own right.

This one definately ends with something that makes you want to keep going, and I picked up Book Six the day I finished Book Five. ... Read more

Product Description

In 1997, Star Trek: New Frontier® debuted and became an instant sensation, chronicling the exciting adventures of Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and the U.S.S. Excalibur, as told by New York Times bestselling author Peter David.

Now, over a dozen books later, Peter David has gathered some of the finest Star Trek authors to tell new tales of the Excalibur crew:

Dayton Ward's thrilling adventure from Calhoun's sordid past Loren L. Coleman's tale of Shelby's first experience with the Borg Robert Greenberger's origin of "Lefler's Laws" Susan Shwartz's adventure with Soleta and Ambassador Spock Terri Osborne's chronicle of Selar's encounter with the Q David Mack's tale of the longest day of Zak Kebron's life plus stories by Keith R.A. DeCandido, Susan Wright, Josepha Sherman, Ilsa J. Bick, Kevin Dilmore, Christina F. York, Robert T. Jeschonek, Peg Robinson, Mary Scott-Wiecek, Allyn Gibson, and Glenn Hauman & Lisa Sullivan.

Added Bonus! Peter David himself tells the untold story of Calhoun and Shelby's honeymoon on Xenex! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A New Frontier anthology for New Frontier fans
I haven't been keeping up on my New Frontier reading, the series of Star Trek books by Peter David about Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and his crew of the starship Excalibur (which has recently been split up into two ships, I understand).Nevertheless, I decided to ask my library to get a copy of the New Frontier short story anthology, No Limits.The series is exclusively written by Peter David, so it was interesting to see how these characters would be handled by other writers (though edited by David).

Perhaps I expected to be able to catch up before it came in to the library, I don't know.But it didn't, and I realize after finishing the book that it may have been a mistake to read this book first.It doesn't contain many spoilers for the book series (except for the New Frontier timeline at the back of the book), but it tells some of the back story of a lot of the New Frontier characters, some of whom I haven't met yet.These stories also give us history to some of the conflicts that are currently taking place in the series, such as that between Kat Mueller and Cray, the Andorian.Of course, I haven't encountered either one of these characters before, so the story ("Performance Appraisal," by Allyn Gibson) lost a lot of its impact.It's still a well-told story, and I did enjoy it, but the nuances were completely missed.

That being said, the anthology was a hit and miss affair, but most of the stories were at least entertaining.In the aforementioned "Performance Appraisal," we get the story of Kat Mueller when she was still an assistant chief engineer on the Grissom as she vies for the position of "nightside" commander.She has developed a new method of detecting cloaked Romulan warships that they are testing near the Neutral Zone.Unfortunately, they come upon a Romulan ship that claims they have crossed the border and threatens to blow them to pieces.It will take quick thinking from Mueller to save the ship and prevent the Romulans from figuring out exactly why they were there in the first place.Even without knowing the characters, the story is still extremely well-written and fun (especially seeing the Romulan commander, Tomalok, again).Cray's malevolence is palpable, especially in the final scene which obviously leads up to what's happening in the book series now.

Another good story is the first one, "Loose Ends," by Dayton Ward.This tells the story of an intelligence mission when Calhoun was working for Starfleet Intelligence, involving the aftermath to the "Next Generation" episode, "The Pegasus."Picard has agreed to turn over the illegal Federation cloaking device that as on the Pegasus.Calhoun has been tasked with infiltrating the Romulan ship and destroying it.The way he does so is quite ingenious, and Ward's story is definitely a great way to kick of the anthology.The story has an energy and a wit that is very much in the vein of Peter David, though it doesn't sink into silliness as David's work sometimes can.I did think that Calhoun succeeded a little too easily in his task, but that would be the only fault I can think of.The writing is crisp, the story moves quickly, and Ward packs a lot into a few pages, showcasing Calhouns sense of loyalty (to Picard, who sponsored him for Starfleet).

The best story in the anthology, though, is David Mack's "Waiting for G'Doh," or "How I Learned to Stop Moving and Hate People."This is an early story in Zak Kebron's life.Zak is a Brikar, huge and rock-like, with a wicked sense of humour (though it's not really in evidence in this story).He's assigned a mission of staking out a park on the planet Iban, where a Federation bureaucrat named G'Doh is meeting some Cardassian agents to pass on some secrets.Zak, being rather conspicuous, is going to be beamed inside a statue in the park, where he will have to remain motionless until the meeting takes place.His only point of contact with the outside world is Sotak, the Intelligence agent who communicates with him about the constant delays in the meeting.Poor Zak suffers all the indignities, including having a bird do its business on him, all of which he has to suffer silently.This leaves nothing but his thoughts, and those are hilarious as told by Mack.This is one of the few stories in the book that really seems to capture the Peter David humour.From the title of the story to all of the jokes inside, to the seemingly never-ending wait for the arrival of the G'Doh, this story doesn't miss a beat.Even more surprising, since nothing actually happens in the story until the end (which, I guess is probably more than happens in the original play).I couldn't stop laughing while reading this story.

The rest of the stories in No Limits are range from fairly good to pretty good.Some of the stories seem quite inconsequential while others obviously set up parts of the book series.For me, the least interesting stories were "Redemption," about the origins of the god of the Redeemers, Xant, and Terri Osborne's "Q'uandry," where Dr. Selar meets the female Q entity from the Voyager television series.Osborne's writing was fine, and tried to salvage the story, but it used one of my least favourite episodes from the series (the Q civil war) and was based on the in-joke that Selar and the female Q were played by the same person.It just didn't grab me.Xant's story might have if I were more familiar with the Redeemers.

Ultimately, I am glad that I read No Limits.I may have to reread it once I have caught up on the books, to see if it resonates a little more with me.On the other hand, I was gifted with being able to read some good stories by a lot of the current crop of Trek writers, in addition to a few I had never known before.If you're a New Frontier fan, you definitely have to pick this up.

David Roy

A Risk That Paid Off
I understand there was some trepidation over 'giving' Peter David's New Frontier characters to others to write, but after reading the stories contained in this anthology, I believe there was no need to worry. That these were stories written *prior* to the characters' becoming a team on Excalibur did, I suppose, lessen the pressure, but still, it was a task that couldn't have been done without minding the 'future' David's already written.Each author picked a character and wrote a story - and each did so with flair, not some little humor, plenty of continuity, and an obvious love of the New Frontier universe in the first place.

I noticed one or two errors that smacked of haste in putting this book together, but those in no way diminished the overall enjoyment of it. Go ahead and buy this book - and then test your mettle at next year's Shore Leave convention by getting as many authors as you can to autograph the thing!

Peter David is a great Star Trek novelist
And this book is a testimony to that earned "greatness" and was sheer pleasure to read, not to mention own. Even though I grew up with the Original Series Star Trek, I also came to love TNG as well and, later, VOYAGER and ENTERPRISE as well as any other novel incarnations of Star Trek. Being an avid fan of sci-fi in general, however, it would be an injustice on my part not to mention the many other old and new sci-fi works that both led me to Star Trek and which have forever forged my love for all sci-fi works: "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Puppet Masters", "Foundation", "2001", "2010", "Rendezvous with Rama", "Ringworld", all the "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" books, as well as books as new to the genre as "Advent of the Corps" and others.

a jewel
After reading Ilsa J. Bick's Well of Souls, just a terrific and griping book, I was inspired to find more of her work.Whoever said that her story in this anthology about Morgan Primus got him choked up is right on."Alice, on the Edge of Night" just shines, and Bick's ability to get into the heads of her characters and make you care about them is truly amazing.She has a deft command of language and phrasing that left me gasping.Other people have griped about her writing, but I find it refreshing and captivating.I hope to see more by her in the Trek universe.Several reviewers at the Well of Souls website mentioned having her do a series.That's a good idea.
Other terrific stories: David Mack's Kebron story, Sherman's story about an adolescent Si Cwan, and, of course, Peter David's tale of Calhoun's and Shelby's honeymoon.
Please, someone -- do this again.With these writers.Please.

Wide Variety of Imaginative Stories
In his introduction to NO LIMITS, an anthology of eighteen short stories involving the New Frontier characters, Peter David notes that when this volume was first announced some fans expressed reservations at the idea of having authors other than David himself dabbling in the New Frontier sandbox.If you've got doubts, you can put them to rest.This is an excellent collection of rewarding stories by authors who amply demonstrate that they know the characters they are writing about.

One of the pleasures of reading a large collection such as this is that the order you read the stories in doesn't matter, every time you pick the volume up there is something new and different to look forward to.Some stories will capture your imagination more than others but within the pages of NO LIMITS the reader gets to experience a little bit of everything--comedy, drama, action and adventure.The various authors effectively use their individual storytelling styles to explore key moments in the characters lives, and every story to some degree just adds to the overall tapestry of New Frontier.And while my own personal favorites of the collection, "Waiting for G'Doh", "Q'uandary", "Lefler's Logs","Performance Appraisal", "Making a Difference", "The Road to Edos", "A Little Getaway" and "Out of the Frying Pan", may not be your own, I have no doubts that anyone reading NO LIMITS should find plenty to satisfy. ... Read more

Product Description
Restaurants are one of the most frequently started small businesses, yet have one of the highest failure rates. Survivors need a powerful strategic advantage: a sound business plan. The Restaurant Planning Guide shows how to control costs, establish menu prices, and implement systems for purchasing, receiving and production. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book for the slow or the well educated
One of the most useful tools I've had to understand many of the behind the scenes concepts of a restaurant. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (54)

Good. Amusing. Interesting. But not great.
I've always been a big fan of Peter David's writing, and I seem to recall saying of the first "Imzadi" novel something along the lines of, "In spite of the fact that I've never been that fond of these characters, the novel was wonderful; Peter David could make a recipe for tapioca interesting."

I can't say that about this novel.

I'm not entirely sure why; the style is unmistakably Peter David's usual style, which I've always maintained was the optimal style for a Star Trek novel: plenty of action, plenty of drama, but still managing to inject more than a bit of wry humor into the story. His style is reminiscent of some of the best episodes from the original series: "Trouble With Tribbles", "A Piece of the Action", "Shore Leave", "I, Mudd". This story fits that mold perfectly. Yet somehow, it just didn't connect.

There are two possibilities as to "why": either there are some stories that just don't lend themselves to this style, that need to be told straight, without the sly and ironic bits of humor (can you see the third movie, "Search For Spock", being told in this style? I can't) or else his style simply gets tiresome if one is overexposed to it, and needs to be rationed. After all, the above-mentioned episodes were fun, but the series really wouldn't have been as good if ALL of the episodes were in that style. Perhaps I've just been reading too much of Mr. David's work, and need to cut back for a while.

I don't think so, though. I'm inclined to believe the first explanation. There are some stories that simply do not lend themselves to humor. This was one of them.

A very good read.
I for one enjoyed the book. A fascinating read. Although it is not as good as the first one but a definite purchase. I really like how Peter David explored the relationship between Worf and Deanna Troi. Something that wasn't truly explained in the TV series.

The reason I gave it four stars (and it might be me just nit picking). There was reference to money or purchases of things on Earth. If anyone can correct me on this be my guest. But in the ST universe I had thought money and finances on earth was no more. I had thought people on earth gave up money for the pursuit of higher knowledge and to better man kind. There was no need for money because everything was plentiful on earth and that no one ever starved and had shelter for all.

But that point is minor. It's a fantastic read with twist and turns. I for one could not put it down. I especially liked the last chapter about Worf in an emotional side I have never thought was capable (for a Klingon).

I hate to admit it but it left me kind of choked up for the guy.

That alone was worth getting this book. So pick it up.

The first Imzadi was by far better
I read Imzadi in one day, loving every bit of it. It was by far the best ST:TNG book I've read. And while Imzadi II captures the characters perfectly to their TV series portrayals.. the plot is disapointing, and the ending even more so. I found myself saying "What the heck?" and "You gotta be kidding me" at the ending. It was ridiculous and made Riker and Troi seem impulsive, indecisive, immature, selfish, when their relationship aboard the Enterprise (during the TV series) was much more secure and understood between them both than in this book. The ONLY part of the book I found thoughtful of the author was the part about Picard trying to get Will's "twin" back on the moral track by using a Dicken's book (which was actually a shape shifter..bad plot there). So 2 stars for the effort of trying to follow an amzing book, I would still read an Imzadi III in hopes it would live up to the first Imzadi.

ST-TNG:Triangle, Imzadi II
Star Trek-The Next Generation: Triangle, Imzadi II written by Peter David is a book devoted to the love triangle between Deanna Troi, William Riker and Worf.

The book starts out with Worf holding his love and wife Jadzia Dax and bellowing into the heavens for her arrival.This book is one of the better Star Trek books in that, the author, Peter David does a really good job of character development and fills in a lot of loose threads, making the fabric of this book richly appointed.

This book has three major characters and the interwoven plot that takes all three on an action-packed adventure, but also, an exploration into their relationship between themselves.As you know, the term Imzadi to the planet of Betazed means beloved and denotes a special affection, a closeness, a compassion that is only felt between two.

As with all good stories, a love triangle can be fatal for one of the parties involved, but this isn't an Earth love triangle... it's far greater than just that.This love triangle is between Wolf a part Klingon/Human, Riker all human and Deanna Troi Betazed/Human.

There are good storylines and the relationship between these three can get a little strained, but all in all, quite civil. Nevertheless, the narrative flows with relatively no incumberments.Fast paced and never lost for words, the author, makes this story come alive as you get genuine feeling for the characters.

The resolution of this love triangle works out, but that is all I'm going to tell you about, the whole relationship and how it affects the characters... otherwise I'd reveal too much and it would not be a good read for you.

Peter David caputures the character's personality and it is true to form with the Star Trek genre.

I was a little disapointed, but not too much
There is a lot of action, suspense, and some seriously complicated relationships are explained in-depth.I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first book.Several charachters are brought in that were not in the last book, even Thomas Riker(if you remember that transported accident in which Riker was duplicated) which adds quite an interresting plot.There were still a few questions which I don't think were answered well enough but the book contains betrayal, romulans....and I thought of writing more but don't want to ruin the reading experience of discovering it for yourself. ... Read more

Product Description
The third volume in this series of reference works includes in its scope the book of Acts, the general epistles or Peter, James, Jude and John, and the books of Hebrews and Revelation. Historical data through A.D. 150 is included as well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

AMAZING!!!
I never saw a bible dictionary like this before.It totally blows Vines Bible dictionary out of the water.I am really impressed.There is so much detail and it even provides for great devotional time as well.The list of scripture verses in the back are a great help when reading the bible.... all in all great book, I am blessed to have this.... you will be too!!!

DLNT Review
Great Book.
Using this as a text book for college course
Item was shipped promptly
Condition as advertised.
Every thing great

Great Study Material
There are so many topics in this dictionary. It has been a great study tool for seminary and it makes me wish I had purchased it when only pastoring. It would have made life so much easier for simple research.

Even for using it for in-depth research it is amazing. After each article, there is a bibliography for the topic so one can look to other resources if needed.

Solid and in-depth
Contains a wealth of solid and in-depth information aimed at scholars and educated lay persons. Articles are well written (and can be a bit dense), very informative, and contain a select bibliography for further study. An indispensible tool for any serious student of the Bible.

Good, but requires discernment
This massive dictionary is one of the latest products of the emerging 'respectable academic evangelicalism'.It is respectable because it is decidedly moderate in its approach on many of the items discussed.While the more flexible evangelicalism exhibited here will win praise from the academic establishment, evangelical readers need to read this with discernment, since more than a few assertions made in here carry the same flaws as more liberal scholarship.

The most obvious positive of this dictionary is its often exhaustive treatment of various subjects that too often get ignored in commentaries and Biblical studies courses.As is usually the case in reference works like this, the bibliographies contained in here are extremely helpful; often more helpful than the articles themselves.As such, it achieves its goal of providing the reader with the tools to conduct more thorough research on most any NT topic.Regardless of how questionable the articles themselves might be, this book is worthy of purchase on the basis of the bibliographies alone.

Having said that, there are more than a few problems with the articles put forth here.Dunn's article on pseudepigraphy is creative in that he attempts to rescue 2 Peter from liberal critics while maintaining that it's pseudepigraphal.But it is nonetheless hopelessly flawed in its mistreatment of the early church's attitude toward pseudepigraphal writings so that not only will liberals reject his thesis, evangelicals should as well.In addition, the evangelical reader will likely be unpleasantly surprised by the degree to which the moderate evangelicals in this book discount the importance of apostolic authorship.Increasingly, evangelical scholars are siding with their liberal counterparts in saying that the authorship questions of the NT writings are immaterial.Liberals use this train of thought to discount the writings themselves.This book doesn't go that far, but seems to suggest that since the Holy Spirit can theoretically inspire anyone to write a canonical book, it doesn't matter whether John wrote 1 John, or Peter wrote 1 Peter, etc.The problem with this is obvious.When the writings become distanced from the apostolic mission, it's easier to cast doubt on their apostolic reliability.This is what liberals have been doing for decades, and this book moves dangerously in that direction.

It's good that there is an emerging evangelical academic respectability.But this respectability should not be the sine qua non of our scholarly endeavors.While the authors here are clearly more optimistic than liberal scholars in regards to the authenticity of the later NT writings, they have, in my view, adopted too many critical tools uncritically.The result is that too many articles in this book contain questionable conclusions based on questionable and even dubious assumptions that are too easy to debunk, and this makes them resemble their liberal counterparts in a way that should give the evangelical church discomfort. ... Read more

Product Description
People who have followed the authors’ model have bought and sold more than $100 million in real estate over the past ten years.

Makinggreat deals in real estate is one of the surest paths to financial and investment success. But with real estate, it’s all too easy to get bogged down with concerns about rehabbing, tenants, or bank financing. While the standard methods of investing-flipping, rehabbing, and landlording-can be effective, alternative strategies can create a much quicker positive cash flow.

In Making Big Money Investing in Real Estate without Tenants, Banks, or Rehab Projects, successful real estate investors Peter Conti and David Finkel share the money-making secrets of purchase option investing. There are numerous ways to invest using creative financing deals with little or no cash down. The co-authors’ field-tested tactics have worked for people from all walks of life-from stay-at-home moms to entrepreneurs. "If they can do it, you can do it," say the authors. They prove their point when sharing nearly 30 success stories and case studies.

Taking readers step-by-step through their model, the authors offer strategies and techniques, explaining what to do and how to do it. They share detailed checklists, marketing pieces, scripts, and forms-everything that investors will need to be successful. Each chapter is packed with proven advice for any reader who wants to:

• Negotiate the best price-including the actual wording that makes sellers say "yes."

• Overcome seller objections and close a deal.

• Build an escape hatch and otherwise lower risks.

• Buy property without ever talking to a banker.

• Sell for top dollar through rent-to-own deals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (93)

Real Estate Investment
Very informative and easy to read information. Good job on research and the materials revieled.

A Real "Eye-Opener" -- Very Informative and Well Written -- Buy it
I really, liked this book and I've read dozens and dozens of real estate investing book.Conti and Finkel cover strategies, negotiating techniques, and selling for top dollar.I especially liked the fact that there are ample real-world examples of successful deals that were put together using the strategies and techniques being taught.I would rate this as one of the top-ten books on lease-option investing available.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am an attorney, real estate broker, investor, trainer, and author of another unique and highly readable book on the topic that can also be found here on Amazon -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording.Unlike many real estate investing books, it is written to be a genuine "How To" book that "takes you by the hand" and walks you through a step-by-step process for getting started in real estate investing -- investors across the country are giving it rave reviews. The book also includes sample leases, forms, and checklists, so that you can actually go out and implement the investing strategy it teaches as soon as you're done reading.You might want to check out the companion CD too -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses (Combo Audio/Data CD): Author's Audio Commentary Plus Downloadable 32-page Marketing Manual, Checklists, Spreadsheets, and Forms.

A related program that's well worth checking out is:

The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Personal Wealth Creation (Combo Audio/Data CD): Audio Seminar With Downloadable 40-Page Action Manual and Active Link Library.

I believe that Conti & Finkel have written an informative book that's worthy of your time.Buy it if you are serious about making a success of lease-option real estate investing.

GOLD MINE!
I have read lot's of books and information throughout the years about real estate investing,most of what i read is just words filling up spaces on pages just so someone can make a buck off of you.my situation:last year i thought i was a real estate investor of something because i bought a brand new house to rent out with 100%financing,the market went down but my mortgage payments as you know stayed the same.i rented the house for $1,750 a month.a year later the house right next to mine rented for $1,400 a month,my renter moved out.my mortgage is $2,050 a month.WHAT A NEG!of cash out of my pocket and now i must lower my rent even more to be competitive?I THOUGHT I WAS STUCK.i found Peters book,read it and did it.now i get $2,075 a month rent with $5,000 in my pocket.all said and done,it was a $70,000 DOLLAR DEAL for me.i love to read how some say these things won't work "IN THE REAL WORLD"i'm on my third deal now.by the way if you need a house sold or leased even if you have no equity i'm sure i can help you so you can GET ON WITH YOUR LIFE.email me kelly at:newideas@skopeocorporation.com

Making Big Money Investing in Real Estate without Tenants, Banks or Rehab Projects
I thought it would be very difficult to understand real estate investing. But after I found this book I can understand the steps to get started.

Important News for Investors!
Making Big Money Investing in Real Estate written by Peter Conti is a straight forward guide into the competitive market of real estate.Peter Conti explores innovative solutions that are financially astute and enterprising.

This book is an up- to-date and insightful collection of information that is truthful and discerning for the real estate investor!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Peter Fischli and David Weiss are a Swiss artistic duo who first began working together in the late 1970s. Their internationally renowned sculpture, video and photographic works look at everyday life and its conceptions of beauty and pleasure, forming an innocent, unpredictable world utterly unique in contemporary art.

Peter Fischli and David Weiss’ work has been seen at such key international exhibitions as documenta 8 (1987) and X (1997), the Biennales of Sydney (1990, 1998) and Sao Paulo (1989) and the Carnegie International, Pittsburgh (1988), among many others. This is the first true monograph on this extraordinary pair, who will have a major retrospective of their work at the Tate Modern, London (2005-6). ... Read more