Product Description
Settling into the peaceful role of Bard, the Dark Elf Naitachal, once a Necromancer who gained power by depriving others of their life forces, must deal with evil shadows from his past. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wonderful continuation of the Bard's Tale
Still filled with black elves, white elves, betrayal, magic, and yes - love, this story is one of my new favorites.It does get a little complicated, but that only makes it even more fun.And this time, Lydiagets some romance as does Kevin! ... Read more

Product Description
Believing his new life as a bard's apprentice will be filled with excitement and adventure, young Kevin is disappointed by his first task to deliver a manuscript to the castle of Count Volmar until the Count's niece is kidnapped by elves. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Castle of Deception (The Bard's Tale, Book 1)
Castle of Deception (The Bard's Tale, Book 1)
I love this series,great book.
Do your self a favour and read it

a few thoughts
The novel, if it can be called that, was clearly designed for the younger reader, at least as far as the plot and word choice go. The actual meat of the story strikes me as somewhat less appropriate for younger readers, but in a day and age where the average 3 year old has seen sex on T.V. several times and witnessed hundreds of murders as well, there probably isn't much that the average 14-year old hasn't seen already that's in the book.

I should note that there is, of course, nothing graphic, with regard to violence or otherwise, in the book. The characters are painted well to appeal to a younger teenage audience, particularly the main character who, while being transparent in his entirety, fitswell in a book designed for younger readers.

As the first book I've read by this author, Castle of the Deception was a complete disappointment, and it will be some time before I consider looking at another of her works.

Great book!
This book is great.The whole series is great.Mercedes Lackey is my favorite author.The only problem I had with it was the cover, since it showed a blond haired sorcerous with them instead of the dark elf.

Ultimate in fantasy entertainment
Hail! It is of the utmost importance that I state the fact that Mercedes Lackey wrote this book for a younger audience. That said, it was when I was in this age range (about 12-14) that I read this book 2 and a half times through. I could not get enough of the imaginative thrill that flowed from the pages. It was and is my first and favorite fantasy book. You're in for a good time while reading this!

Very good book!!!
Even though I'm only 14 and have read very few books,I think this is oneof the best I will ever read.I have one question to anybody who readsthis, how many books are in The Bard's Tale series?I am also buyinganother book from the series, Fortress of Frost and Fire.I hear it's alsoa good book. ... Read more

Book Description
From the myths and legends of the ancient world to the verfied historical records of modern times, these inspiring volumes provide a window onto the past, enabling the reader to understand previous eras and the men and women who created them.

This authoritative volume vividly describes the Native Americans who once inhabited every area of the United States. Chronicling their daily lives, this book conveys their proud heritage in vivid photographs and illustrations. ... Read more

Product Description
Following on from the events of VULCAN'S SOUL: EXODUS (hardback 0743463560: paperback 0743463579), a bloody war is raging between the Romulans and the mysterious Watraii. Ambassador Spock, pursuing his dream of ending the centuries-old enmity between Romulus and Vulcan, mustfind and penetrate the home base of the Watraii, where long-hidden secrets that link this newly-discovered people to the ancient Vulcan race are finally revealed. Through masterful use of flashbacks to an earlier time in Vulcan civilization, Josepha Sherman and Susan Schwartz bring the history of Vulcan to life as never before in a stirring tale of explorers who took their chances amidst the cold and distant stars ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Not worth it!
Thumbs down.Don't buy this one.What I want to know is "Where are the editors on this?Weren't they doing their jobs?"This collective work doesn't hold a candle to that of A.C. Crispin or Diane Duane.Besides being dull and boring, here's why I didn't care for this:

* Whoever wrote the "Memory" chapters about the Vulcan sundering and the founding of the Romulan Star Empire has a terrible writing style.The sentence structure was complex and cumbersome and littered with too many adverbs.What the author was trying to say in instances was hard to fathom even after re-reading passages several times.
* The plot for the "present day" part was thin and predictable.The storyline was not helped by all the cameo appearances of various Star Trek characters; they were an annoyance.The details concerning "present day" characters on Romulus has me scratching my head; what is the relevance?Is there another sequel coming?
* After re-reading the first chapter of "Exodus" after completing the entire 3 volume work, I still can't understand the intent or the necessity of this chapter.In addition, there were characters introduced here (this chapter) in detail who played no role in the rest of the novels.What a waste of my time to try and decode!
* The scene selection and the detail in which they were presented in the "Memory" chapters is questionable.There was material presented, although somewhat interesting, that added little value to the story line.The reason for Karatek's (and his family's) exile to Remus was more tell than show.Why wasn't this developed more fully?
* Some of the books used regular dates; the middle book used star dates.Confusing.
* I think those who follow Star Trek understand that this is basically fantasy.However, there is still a certain amount of fundamental physics that you need to get right.When you have an explosion in deep space (i.e., vacuum), you can't have a shock wave because a traditional shock wave can only be propagated with continuous media like an atmosphere or an ocean.But, you can have ejecta!

There are more faults that I could find with this work.Do yourself a favor and read something by Timothy Zahn or Tom Clancy.

Great Book
Book follows the first book very well.The entire trilogy provides a great back story for the Sundering that brought about the Romulan Empire.

Like the Children of Israel in the Bible...
Life in space is rough for the Vulcans, loss of life, conflicts, and of course when you're all bunch up together in ships after other ships are detroyed infections can spread and dwindle the numbers of the Vulcans. The Vulcans show that they are a hardy people, they try and update their technologies while they look for suitable worlds on which to live. What's also good about this book and the others of this series is that there is the modern situation which is somehow connected with the Romulan's past and the flashbacks which paint the birth of the Romulan race.

An interesting and enjoyable story.
Two stories, actually, with only the most tenuous of connections: one set in the distant past, the story of the exiles from Vulcan who became the Romulans, their long, arduous, and near-fatal trip and the planetfall on their new world, and one set in the "modern" period of Star Trek, sometime, as near as I can tell, between the third and fourth Next generation movies given that Data is present with an emotion chip.

The characters are handled well, the writing is smooth, the timing is good, and the plot is reasonably interesting. Definitely worth reading.
Of course, it loses a star for having no beginning and no ending, but simply being the middle book of a trilogy. If that doesn't bother you like it does me, feel free to consider this a four-star review.

Long Slow Emotional Road Trip
I listened to the audio book. This was two stories. The modern story was kind of a waste of time. But I liked the 'Memory' time line. I thought it was a slow moving story while I was listening to it. I was a bit frustrated. But When it was over I thought about it a bit and I realized that this book moved me. I recognized at least one connection to the original Star Trek series and this book made me view that episode in a new more sinister light. There was another random planetary encounter that really upset me. By the end I was very angry at some of the characters and I realized that means it was a good story. I actually cared about what happened. Even though we know how it will end in a big picture sense, the details are a welcome bit of texture. I really enjoyed it which surprised this action fan. I can't wait for the next book. ... Read more

Product Description
People of all ages love to watch the escapades of tricksters. In modern times, we watch Bugs Bunny, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote even Ace Ventura and Bart Simpson. But these contemporary characters have roots in antiquity. The trickster is a universal archetype, found in every culture: Anansi among the African people, Coyote in the American Southwest, Raven in the Pacific Northwest, Rabbit in the American South, the leprechaun in Ireland, Fox in South America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

World's Finest Foul Ups!
This collection has some of the greatest Trickster figures from Africa, Europe, North and South America, Asia, and some that have traveled. You will find out why Anansi owns all the stories, how Raven brought light to the world, why it is not wise for a caliph to pester a peasent while eating, and how one could paint a person exactly as they are without getting in trouble. It is a delight for me to read such stories, I am a long-time Trickster fan and it was fun reading about characters I knew well like Anansi, Coyote, and Raven and getting to know their bretheren that I didn't know as well such as Tyl Eulenspiegal, Pedro, and Tortoise. The stories are short about two to five pages, which make them ideal for oral telling (and a lot of fun!) Not to many stories featuring the lady tricksters, but this is definately a fun book that should be treasured and enjoyed by all! :D A True Trickster Trove of Treasures! :D
... Read more

Product Description
Thirteen talented stars of the fantasy world present spine-tingling, original stories of evil beings from the far corners of the globe. The "Orphans of the Night" are the terrifying, sometimes deadly, yet always fascinating creatures who lurk just out of sight, in the depths of the forest or sea--or in the recesses of our own dreams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Pretty Dull
Though this book seems like it might be scary and intriguing on the outside, it is really quite boring and the stories are hard to read without skimming.I would not recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Explores the origins and development of bull riding as a rodeo event, discussing the rules, the training, the judging, and the animal and human stars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Bullriding
This is a very, very basic book, probably written for K-5 children.However, a high school student borrowed it and hasn't returned it yet.I guess it depends on your interests. ... Read more

Product Description
Suddenly, Captain Dylan Hunt isn't himself.

Our heroes were travelling in deep space, navigating the Andromeda through a maze of space anomalies and wormholes when a surprise attack by an unidentified fleet of ships forced them into a space anomaly they could not avoid. Suddenly the crew finds themselves in another dimension.The Dylan they know is gone, his place taken by a green-skinned, cold, logical, Nietzschean Dylan who's more reptilian than human.The crew must band together and choose between an act of obedience or an act of mutiny as they follow a dangerous course into deeper space with an alien captain they cannot trust.

Meanwhile, Dylan finds himself on a very different Andromeda in another dimension.His new crew is comprised of green-skinned reptilians, engaged in a deadly conflict with rebels who would have been, in Dylan's original dimension, the civilization he has tried to restore.His entire alien crew seems to be involved in a vast interstellar conquest, one that he must stop.The Captain realizes he must resolve a conflict in which his royalties are torn, and somehow get back to his original dimension. Can Dylan survive his alien ship?

The decisions both Andromeda crews and captains make will affect not only them; their choices may cause ripple effects that save or destroy both dimensions.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

It wasn't perfect, but I'll take it.
This particular Andromeda book is a little different than the others. First off, if alternate dimensions isn't your thing, you should NOT check out this book, because that's really what the whole plot is about. To be honest? I'm a die-hard Andromeda fan, but after about 100 pages of Dylan surrounded by a bunch of boring, scaly aliens, I started to wonder if I could finish it. However, Dylan actually makes multiple jumps in time, and one of them starts out rather funny and newly refreshing and interesting. Back on the Andromeda, most of the others get a line in here or there, but it's from Beka's perspective mostly. This book is mostly about Dylan, and the different "versions" of himself that the crew has to deal with while their "Dylan" is traveling through the dimensions his "other selves" were sent from.

It isn't the best thing I've ever read, but I'd read it again (although the first 100 pages aren't the most interesting, I do love Andromeda quite a bit) without question.

Overall, I give this a three for the following reasons:
-The plot was a bit of a drag, but still managed to have its interesting points.
-The other characters were all included, however small their parts.
-The Andromeda holo-image and widescreen were mentioned, but nothing about the avatar in any of the dimensions, or the proper one.
-The first and last chapters when the crew is together are the best. I like the crew as a hole, which means a book about them being separated isn't my first choice, but it still had that "Andromeda" feel.

So, I recommend this book to anyone who loves everything about Andromeda. At least give it a chance. If you're a so-so fan, or anything below that, I don't recommend this book to you.

If you do try it out, at least finish it!

It arrived in good and readible condition
My purchased "Gene Roddenberry's Anromeda: Through the Looking Glass" by Josepha Sherman arrived in good and readible condition.I am happy with my order.

A Travesty!
Generally, you would think that authors, especially reputed ones such as Josepha Sherman, would actually watch an episode of a show they were doing a tie-in novel of.Not so in this case.Sherman's complete lack of understanding of the Andromeda universe, from the absence of the Eureka Maru, to the fact that the crew was reduced to a collection of cardboard and sound-bytes, with a plot that's been done to death, this was perhaps the worst of any of the tie-in novels that I've seen come out from TOR or Tribune.In fact, it reads like it was written by using a search-and-replace treatment from a generic "Star Trek" novel, before they started making the effort they have of late.Given that this book followed "Waystation," which was thoroughly researched and actually captured the flavour of the series, it makes this book all that much more of an appalling, hollow sham of what tie-in novels should be.

worst book ever
... EVER.i couldn't even read all of it.the only Andromeda novels worth reading, thus far, have been Distruction of Illusions and The Broken Places.Waystation was awful too, don't bother. ... Read more

Product Description
Duncan MacLeod and his friend Methos notice a particular sword on display in a New York City museum. Methos recognizes the weapon from his days in ancient Egypt when he attempted to free that conquered nation from a cruel Hyksos king. Learning of a series of bizarre ritualistic murders in the present, Methos suspects Khyan has come to claim the mysterious sword, and it's up to Methos to stop a madman more powerful than any Immortal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

I Wanted to Love This Book
I really, really did. But I just couldn't, despite the fact that Methos is my favorite character from the Highlander series.

In this book, a madman is killing people in New York City by beheading and disemboweling them. As it turns out, Methos knew this immortal, a Hyksos Prince, in 1500 BC. In flashbacks, we see Methos in Egypt and the Hyksos territory thousands of years ago and how he came to meet and do battle with this insane immortal. Eventually, McLeod and Methos set up a trap to catch this evil immortal on top of a Manhattan museum in the middle of a rainstorm.

I was hoping for more insight into what makes Methos tick, but this book did not deliver. The other characters were flat stereotypes, and the plot predictable. A Quickening on top of a building in the middle of a thunderstorm - gee, I haven't seen that one before.

Mysterious Methos reveals a bit of his past
This is a tie-in novel to the HIGHLANDER TV series and focuses on Methos the oldest Immortal.If you are not a fan of, or at least familiar with this series you will probably not enjoy this book.

As the story opens Methos and MacLeod are in present day New York City.There has been a series of killings around the riverfront.An exhibit from an ancient civilization, the Hyksos, who had briefly conquered Egypt has opened.Since this is a Highlander story these two seemingly random facts are related and of course, one of the characters has some past link that now surfaces.

This time it is Methos who has a past history intruding on his present life.Most of the novel is a flashback to his previous life in Egypt under the Hyksos rule, including a lost love, a bit of intrigue, a few battles and an insane immortal.For Highlander fans the pattern is familiar but well loved.This is a very enjoyable tale for Highlander fans and an absolute delight for anyone particularly into the Methos character.It is a bit unusual in that the flashback aspect dominates rather than the present day, and that there is very little MacLeod, Methos is most definitely the main character.

The ancient Egyptian storyline gets a bit tedious at times but overall this is a fun read and a great addition to the Highlander universe.

The Captive Audiance
I at one time was able to read this book I thuroughly enjoyed every page to the point I couldn't put it down if ever given the chance I would pick it up again and read for hours the whole delving into Methos' past in ancient egypt was so much wished for after all a 5,000 year old immortal just doesn't sit around and drink tea and eat crumpets for all those years.

Need more Methos
A random trip to a museum leads Methos down memory lane to a time in ancient Egypt. In 1500's B.C. Methos travels to Egypt only to discover it is being occupied by a brutal race known as the Hyksos. Methos decides to get the hell out of dodge but he's unwittingly drawn into the fight to rid Egypt of Hyksos rule. His task becomes even more perilous because a Hyksos prince turns out to be an immortal, and a completely insane one at that. Meanwhile, back in present day New York, Methos and Duncan suspect that a killing spree is tied to Methos' past.

This really is a three star book but since I lust after Methos it gets four. The plot isn't really anything special but is interesting enough to keep you reading, even though it's pretty predictable. Methos and Duncan were well written and in character but many of the secondary characters were one dimensional. The writing overall is adequate but the author's tendency to repeat herself and state the obvious got on my nerves after a while. Methos fans will enjoy this book but if you aren't that interested in him, skip it.

Finally, a Methos book!But, more action please
Finally, a Methos book!As a fan of the ROG, I was thrilled to find a book that was mostly about Methos.However, I was rather dismayed... The characterizations, especially Methos and MacLeod, were very flat--more like stock heroes rather than the two unique ones we've come to enjoy.While it was very, very cool to see Methos taking center stage (where he belongs!) I, like several other reviewers here, was rather dismayed to see his special personality, a hard shell of "look out for number one" concealing a care and respect for other people.The way he was portrayed, he could have been a hero from any number of fantasy/sci-fi books out there.

That said, it's a neat adventure, and as a history fan, I enjoyed reading about the Egyptian/Hyksos conflict.If nothing else, Ms. Sherman really did her homework! ... Read more

Product Description
You can make a snowball. You can make a snowman. But do you know what makes snow? Solve the puzzle by reading all about snow. ... Read more

Product Description

Vulcan's Forge by Josepha Sherman and Susan Shwartz was widely praised as a ground breaking Star Trek® adventure that provided captivating new insights into both Spock and his native Vulcan. Now those same authors return with an engrossing new novel that bridges two generations of Star Trek heroes -- and reveals a crucial lost chapter in the history of Spock.

2329: Now a diplomat for the United Federation of Planets, Spock agrees to a bonding with Commander Saavik. More than a betrothal, less than a wedding, the sacred Vulcan rite is attended by both Spock's father, Sarek, and a nervous young Starfleet lieutenant named Jean-Luc Picard.

2344: Ambassador Spock receives a top-secret communication from the heart of the Romulan Empire. Decades before, Spock had met and betrayed an honorable Romulan commander during the so-called "Enterprise incident." Now she needs his help to prevent a catastrophe that could threaten the peace of the entire quadrant. Spock risks everything by traveling incognito to Romulus itself, but his covert mission becomes even more perilous when both Saavik and Picard cross the Neutral Zone in search of him.

Enmeshed in the treacherous political intrigues of the Romulan capital, undone by a fire that grows ever hotter within his blood, Spock must use all his logic and experience to survive a crisis that will ultimately determine the fate of empires.

Vulcan's Heart is a powerful tale that explores an untold turning point in the ongoing saga of Spock and the world of Vulcan.Amazon.com Review
The energy and invention that made Sherman and Schwartz'sprevious Spock outing, Vulcan's Forge, sofascinating is fully in evidence in this even more ambitiousfollow-up. This time, the duo have added a satisfyingly complex levelof political sophistication that makes the interstellar intrigues ringwith a truly authentic note. Acting as a diplomat for the UnitedFederation of Planets, Spock reluctantly undertakes a bonding withCommander Saavik. This betrothal-style rite is attended by Spock'sfather--along with an unconfident young Starfleet lieutenant. Thelatter is one of the book's many felicitous strokes, for the novice isno other than Jean-Luc Picard. Of the many attempts to meld the twoStar Trek universes, this is one of the best integrated andmost successful. As the narrative leaps forward many years, andAmbassador Spock is forced to travel incognito to Romulus to preventcatastrophe from descending on the entire quadrant, he has twopursuers: Saavik and Picard. As before, the narrative moves with realgusto, casually throwing in some impressive world-building. But whatof Spock himself? One can only hope that Sherman and Schwartz arecustodians of the legacy for quite some time, since they are adroit atcreating a thoroughly rounded, conflicted, and sympathetic portrait ofour favorite Vulcan. --Barry Forshaw, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (55)

Vulcan's Heart
Loved this book when i read it at the library decided i would grab it for myself. Very good story were they tie in different stories from TOS and TNG plus a little vulcan romance

Flowery Trek Book
I'm very picky over my trek books. This one was a little on the poetish flowery side which I wasn't expecting at all. I don't think I'll read another by the same author combination.

a terrific portrait of the Romulans
One does not need to be a big Star Trek or scifi fan to really enjoy this book.That's because it reads very much like a Cold War spy thriller; the novel was exciting on its own terms and I found it hard to put the book down.I really enjoyed the complex portrait of the intriguing Romulan society and government, and the exploration of the concept of Romulan honor.There aren't enough novels in the Trek universe (or television episodes) that really deal in-depth with the Romulans, and this helps fill in the gap.Also, this novel contains one of the most delightful characters in Star Trek literature:Subcommander Ruanek, the impulsive Romulan warrior with the incorruptible sense of honor and Vulcan thirst for knowledge.Commander Charvanek (of "The Enterprise Incident") is a great female role model.One criticism is that the chapters are too short, so it makes the book seem a little choppy.

Great Piece
This was one of my very first Star Trek Novels that I read.I really have a respect for these ladies ability to capture the essence of Vulcans and do it so well and make them almost seem more Human than they seem on the television shows.It was also a great insight into the Vulcan mind during Pon Var and it's affects on their minds.Have to respect Spock for holding on like he had.

is worth reading
Having read the Vulcan Soul series, this was a worthwhile read.
Spock fans will not be disappointed.

Exodus:Vulcan's Soul Trilogy, Book 1 (Star Trek)
Vulcan's Soul Trilogy Book Two: Exiles (Star Trek)
Vulcan's Soul Trilogy Book Three Epiphany (Star Trek: the Original Series) ... Read more

Product Description
Ardagh Lithanial, a proud young Sidhe prince, becomes the target of his paranoid and suspicious brother, Eirithan, and is banished from his homeland to a hostile land that he must overcome in order to restore his name. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Absolutely Wonderful
I love this series, and it's a real shame that there's no book 3...the plot is interesting and takes place at a point in history that doesn't get much attention.The characters are very well written and I don't think you'll be able to find many fantasy readers that would give either book in the series anything below 4 stars.

Good Strong Characters with enough history to feel like fact
The story was well written and moved along very well.The story line shifted from Ardagh's personal trauma as a falsely accused traitor to the the very traitorous atmosphere of an early Irish king and his court.Theend left the possibility of a reconciliation with his Sidhe brother (verysmall possibility!) and also was open ended enough with political strugglesto envision more books following.The magic was not overblown or out ofplace.Overall a very good story with plenty of action and thought putinto it.

Prince Out of Faerie; Duck Our of Water
First off, I don't like the cover as much as "King's Son, Magic's Son" or "A Strange and Ancient Name" and that put me off for awhile, (especially w/Book I written there, thought it'd be an epic, don'thave time to get immersed in one of THOSE right now),but the same writingstyle and great plots are in this book as in her others. Actually this is areally good book, with characters you like.Ardagh is kind and fair, butnot mushy enough too make him wussy, he IS, after all, a Sidhe prince. Thetrials and confusion he faces in the human realm are funny and the problemsin human politics are engaging.Try it out.

The story of a Prince who stands to his sworn comrades.
To be the younger brother of a very suspicious Sidhe king is not a goodthing. A young Sidhe prince must learn this on the hard way. Exiled fromhis rightful place he must learn to find his way in the realms of men. Ireally enjoyed reading this book because it`s the kind of book you can'tstop reading.

Unusual premise, believable characters
Cast out of the Kingdom of the Faery on the unfounded accusation of treason, Prince Ardagh finds himself in dirty, smelly 7th Century Ireland. Totally unprepared, hardly able to survive and incapable of lying, he is accepted as a guest by the local High King. At first all he wants to do is return home and regain his honour but gradually he becomes more and more involved with these humans and their affairs. A very interesting novel, with some strong characters. The author brings this period of Irish history to life and at the same time tells a wonderful fantasy. ... Read more

Product Description
Mike Resnick's THE VELVET COMET is the most luxurious brothel in the galaxy. Created in orbit, equipped with a casino, 5-star restaurants, and a two-mile-long shopping mall, it is the most expensive and sought-after pleasure in the galaxy. Here are the four novels of the Velvet Comet, complete and unabridged. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Tales of the Velvet Comet
I am limiting myself to four stars because I have only now ordered this book; why then, might you ask am I expressing the audacity to review a book I am only now ordering? Because this title is a collection of four related novels of which I have only ever read the fourth, but that fourth entry alone is a stunner.

The final story deals with a musical choreographer sent to an abandoned deep space station in the far far future, and the space station had been a bordello. Such themes are dealt with as the life of the prostitues, the conflict of a writer who wants to tell the truth, a harsh one, but who is under contract to paint it over into a musical comedy and a computer learning to appreciate aesthetics.

As usual this work is written in Resnick's deceptively easy to follow style wherein one is not hit over the head with his often poignent themes but rather do they sneak up with subtly haunting impact on one who thinks he is merely enjoying a fluff piece.

If the first three selections in the series are weak, and I have no reason to think they are, this collection is still worth the price of admission for the final novel ... Read more

Product Description
All-original stories from P.N. Elrod, Jody Lynn Nye, Michelle West, and others explore the endlessly fascinating possibilities that would arise if a magic shop truly sold magic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A Truly Enjoyable Anthology
The stories here are very heartfelt and engaging. I greatly enjoy these anthologies edited by Denise Little. Ones that stand out for me are "Every Little Thing She Does" by Susan Sizemore, "Dime Store Rings" by Michelle West, and "The Fairest" by Von Jocks. Particular passages I feel are noteworthy: "There is a magic in childhood that slowly fades. Time hurts it, truth changes it, experience makes it something other than what it appeared to be. Magic is all in silence." "Silence is a way of hoarding things, and there are some magicks that die when hoarded, like cut flowers die." "Memory is kinder than reality, it always has been. We make our memories; we knit them together out of disparate events; we define ourselves by what we make."--Michelle West. "The People will learn to think of themselves as things apart from nature, which will lead them to self-destruction." "Love is the only thing that truly sets us apart from everything that has gone on before us. If not for love, we would be no more than the animals that exist in the forests, and swamps, and lakes." "Love is weakness. Love is strength also. You can't have the one without the other."--Mel Odom. "Perhaps a mirror's greatest power is that it lets you not just see yourself, but see how you see yourself."--Von Jocks. "The story had no proper end, but reality rarely does. It is the province of fiction to tie up loose ends, to punish the guilty and reward the good, to join the lovers together and answer all questions." "Belief is the most powerful-and sometimes the most dangerous-thing there is."--Rosemary Edghill

Entertaining and Humerous
Great book with entertaining stories. If you like fiction with a good twist, these stories will not disappoint.

Delightful
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of stories.The stories cover all types of magic from the tradition meaning with witches and supernatural forces to everyday magic like a child's gift to her mother or self-confidence.This range of the meaning of magic along with the variety of stories (funny, sad, historical, contemporary) made this collection an interesting read.Each story not like the one before.

Of course I had my favorites, which included "Everything Little Thing She Does," a very funny about a woman taking a magic house in stride (chiding the bookcase like a child when it attacks and using the stove turn burning fire pit to make amazing pies), "The Assassin's Dagger," an interesting story about corporate America taking over historic magic shops and "For Whom the Bell Tolled," a warm and fuzzy story about a shop owner realizing his actual desire after having a bell that brings him what he thinks he wants.

My least favorite stories were "Dime Store Rings" and "Serpent of the Lakes." Many of the other reviewers thought "Dime Store Rings," was the best story of the collection, but I thought it was too depressing.I disliked "Serpent of the Lakes" because it wasn't interesting and the ability to connect with the main character didn't exist.I found the main character annoying.Easily the worst story of the entire collection.

15 short stories
Most of the shops are the classic mysterious small business, notable exceptions being those in "Serpent of the Lakes" and "The Assassin's Dagger". Several stories are from the customers' viewpoint or prospective new employees, allowing the store to retain the traditional mysterious atmosphere for the reader, but at least a quarter concentrate on shop owners or current employees. Most involve "real magic", but some need only self-confidence.

Braunbeck, Gary A.: "The Hand Which Graces" The bartender at Gruber's has seen a lot. But tonight Sykes (the freelance stage magician whose patch includes the bar) went into a new local "magic shop" looking for new tricks for his act and came out with more than he bargained for.

Edghill, India: "Winter Phoenix" When the Imperial Princesses visit a curious St Petersburg shop in 1916, the shopkeeper says fortunes are made, not told, and refuses to make any predictions. But Anastasia is sold a gilded walnut shell, that if broken can be whatever is needed, for just a moment. Can it save her from the fate facing her family?

Edghill, Rosemary: "A Winter's Tale" is told by one witch to another (the narrator) while cleaning shop on a snowy night. Finding an elaborate box with disappointingly mundane contents, Lark remembers the weirdest item he ever encountered, working for another shop in California.

Elrod, P.N.: "Tarnished Linings" Caitlin, temporarily filling in at the Cauldron, copes with an obnoxious kid propositioning her. When he combines this with shoplifting, two of the shop's patrons whip up a protection spell, but they put too much into it. But every cloud has a silver lining, right?

Gilligan, ElizaBeth: "Off Key" Sarah has a moderately successful advertising career, but lacks self-confidence (the opposite of her twin, who has a social life but no benefits). Then on a lunchtime shopping trip to Marva's favourite shop, Sarah acquires a "key to success". Metaphorical, of course...

Jocks, Von: "The Fairest" Zoe, a fantasy painter in her off-hours who's just gone full-time at her secretarial day job, notices that while she looks frumpy in all the mirrors at work, the mirrors at the Magic Shop (aromatherapy, feng shui, and meditation books) are another story.

McCay, Bill: "The Curse of the Itch, or Finnegan Wakes" The magic shop was named "Eldritch", but after years of being run down, its sign reads "El Itch". Lang the narrator now believes in the uncanny (see VENGEANCE FANTASTIC), but his stubborn girlfriend Mags Finnegan insists on wearing the pendant she scavenged from the shop's discards...

Nye, Jody Lynn: "For Whom the Bell Tolled" Charles, though struggling to keep up with operating expenses and low on worthwhile stock, buys a bell that supposedly summons whatever the ringer wants. This can be a problem, when so much good stock suddenly turns up that there's no storage space...

Odom, Mel: The "Serpent of the Lakes" has joined forces with enemies of the Algonquin over water and hunting rights, and among the victims captured from Taregan's village is his betrothed. Seeking supernatural help to battle the Serpent, Taregan seeks the longhouse of the Three Sisters to petition them for a loan of their medicine.

Resnick, Laura: Unsuccessful author experiments with buying magic tools at the local shop to break her writer's block, culminating with "The Magic Keyboard". The jokes are 'just how bad is she' and 'what classic book will she reproduce next without recognizing it'.

Rusch, Kristine Kathryn: "The Assassin's Dagger" is an attempted return (with receipt) to a French magic shop bought out years ago by Abracadabra Inc (HQ Salem, Massachusetts). Talia, corporate troubleshooter, notices right away that the manager disregards company policy, even in "little" things. Such indifference to the store's image among non-magic folk, coupled with his hostility to Abracadabra for having purchased his family business, cuts no ice with Talia. Great touch that the magic shop is also a modern business.

Sherman, Josepha: "Mightier Than the Sword" Struggling writer's computer crashes the night before deadline. Planning to write longhand, then hit Kinko's for the typing the next morning, the narrator dashes out to buy a pen, but the only place that's open is The Magick Shoppe. Too rushed and too much coincidence; might work better in longer form.

Sinor, Bradley H.: Determined not to start drinking after his ex-girlfriend's departure, Jared walks into a little man's disagreement with a bookie's half-human thugs, and is asked to deliver a package to "Grails". Being paid in mint condition gold coins by a man with so much attitude makes Jared curious about this shop that gives people what they *need*, if not what they want. Cool story.

Sizemore, Susan: "Every Little Thing She Does" Trevor makes an adequate living with his shop, and rescues damsels in distress when they need it. Amanda Brewster, though, seems capable of handling almost anything, even though she's asking for professional help in exorcising the old place she's just bought. (The hellfire in the oven, for instance, yields great pie crust.)

West, Michelle: "Dime Store Rings" The narrator's Magic Shop wasn't one she worked in, and didn't sell potions or wands, but something better; she and her father in the hard times of her childhood could afford to buy Christmas presents for her mother there.

Are these writers afraid?
Without any doubt, Michelle West's "Dime Store Rings" dominates this collection.A story about a woman coming to terms with her parents' successes and failures, it manages to be touching but not sappy, memorable but not manipulative.West obviously chose her words and sentences with care, and poured great effort into organizing the tale for maximum effect.Though I've never read any of her books before, I'll certainly look into them after seeing this story.

Three others stories should be mentioned as at least being worth the time."Winter Pheonix" retells the tale of Princess Anastasia in a new light, and also manages to deliver without getting overtly emotional.Laura Resnick hits some humorous notes in "The Magic Keyboard", a story about a young author struggling against writer's block.And Gary Braunbeck delivers "The Hand that Graces", a description-defying story of redemption amidst urban blight.

Every collection must have a low point.Here it's Mel Odom's lengthy, tedious, and ridiculously PC tale of an Indian warrior, "Serpent of the Lakes".There are others as well, but they mostly share a similar problem.The authors don't seem to have any reason driving their creations.They don't write in a distinctive style, or they fall flat when they try to.But other than West, no one here seems to really carry the spark that drives great literature, so I have to give this one a thumbs down. ... Read more

Product Description

2239. Now a diplomat for the United Federation of Planets, Spock agrees to a bonding with Saavik. Plans for the consummation of the pair's union are thrown off course when Spock receives a top-secret communication that lures him into the heart of the Romulan empire. Enmeshed in the treacherous political intrigues of the Romulan capital, Spock must use all his logic and experience to survive a crisis that will ultimately determine the fate of empires! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Skip this one.
Ok, ok, I'm a trekkie. And I like the "after series" books, but this one was really bad. Long, drawnout ramblings that went no where....it seems like the authors lost interest several times during the writing, came back to it again sometime later, and forgot where they left off..........or just didn't care. Do skip this one.

One of the better Trek books in quite awhile...BUT...
I found this to be one of the better Trek books in quite awhile and certainly MUCH better than Vulcan's Forge.Tim Russ does an excellent job with the reading and really gives distinction to the various characters.
My couple of complaints with the book aren't so much with the story as the format.For one, this book REALLY, REALLY points out how uncohesive the world of Trek books is.For instance, didn't T'Pau (sp?) die in "Spock's World", a novel that this one is supposed to be "in the tradition" of?Yet, here she is again.And since this story takes place about a year after Generations, doesn't that make her older than God?I know it's nitpicky, but she just seemed terribly out of place.Especially since she IS later replaced by T'Lar whom I expected to see in the first place.
Also, this reading is an EXCELLENT example of how the trimming for an audio book can go horribly wrong.Not to spoil the plot, but in a major point of interest to me was the revelation that the Enterprise C picks up Saavik just prior to it's destruction at Nerendra (sp?) III.She is adamant that the Enterprise NOT divert to drop her off but go immediately to the rescue of the Klingons on the outpost.And they do.Leaving the reader to assume that Saavik is on the Enterprise when it is destroyed (or captured, depending on who's story you believe).However, she turns up at the end of the book having evidently been dropped off at a starbase prior to the battle.This scene is omitted (I presume) and really throws the reader for a loop since you assume she was lost (or captured) with the Enterprise and that this is a major revelation in the story of the end of the Enterprise C.I even "re-listened" to the relevant parts to make sure I hadn't missed it, but no I hadn't.She's aboard the Enterprise right up through to the battle and later on Vulcan having been dropped off prior to the battle.It's jarring and annoying to say the least.
Other than that, not a bad book.Certainly worth a listen.

I waited a long time for this to be printed on CDs
A good listen.Some boring chapters and some points are repeated too often.It could've used multiple readers to liven it up. ... Read more

Product Description
DISCOVER THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN QUEEN

When her eccentric friend Dr. Reit invents an amazing transport into other worlds, Sheila McCarthy accidentally falls through the portal into the kingdom of Arren. There, Sheila finds herself part of a band of warrior-women. Astride unicorns, they gallop toward a dazzling city made of marble. But will they arrive in time to stop the evil king and his wicked wizard henchman from carrying out their deadly plans? And will Sheila ever be able to return home?

Thus begins the spellbinding story of an ordinary teenager trapped in an extraordinary place. Swept Away! and Sun Blind are the first two novels in the dazzling adventure The Secret of the Unicorn Queen.

The Secret of the Unicorn Queen is the newest addition to the Del Rey Imagine program, which offers the best in fantasy and science fiction for readers twelve and up. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Waiting for the next one
I too, read this series when I was younger and although 15+ years have passed, they remain my favorite series of books. I have been eagerly awaiting the re-release of these books and will purchase them again, as an adult, for a quick, fun read.

I definitely recommend them for someone who's introducing their teenager to reading. I hope they get sucked into the story as much as I did.

Beloved fantasy stories
I first read these books as a 7-year-old second grader.I still have the entire series lying around somewhere.Reading them as a child, I was absolutely enchanted.I re-read them as an adult, and they are still captivating.
These stories are absolutely excellent for young readers, particularly young girls, who want a great role model.Sheila is courageous, strong, and innovative; I love her creative mind.(Wait until you see how she fends off the first perceived enemies in the "other world"!)
Whether you're a parent looking for something to read to/with a child, or an adult fantasy lover, you will enjoy these tales.You can probably find the original six novels for sale used, too.(I was always hoping they would come out with more :)

Wonderful Book
I absolutely love these books. I only found the firt two at a clearence book store in the mall, and I truly fell in love with the books. Granted, they are more for young preteens than teenagers, but those of you who love a great fantasy story, this is a series for you. They should really put these books back into print, it would really be worth it if they would. So many people would love them, and I really hope publishers make them available again soon. I only have the first three, but have been going through pains to get the rest, seeing as how they are all so expensive these days. Keep looking though, it would really be worth your while if you could bye the books.

About Time!
It's about time that they got around to print Secret of the Unicorn queen again. I love these books. They are the perfect adventure fantasy books for young adults. A little romance, some fighting and good triumphs over evil like any good tale. While they were printed over 10 years ago, they have never gone out of fad. Now all we have to do is wait till the other books come out in print too.

An underrated series
I read the 'Secret of the Unicorn Queen' many years ago when they were first released, I adored them then and I'm glad to see that things that I loved then are still present now.

The series follows a young teenage girl name Sheila who has a pretty normal life, the only thing out of the ordinary is her relationship with Dr. Rite an eccentric scientist.

When a accident happens involving his affectionate cat and a untested invention Sheila finds herself in the world of Arren, where unicorns are real, magic exists. She meets a group of women determined to free the land from a tyrant.Sheila joins them and can't help but get caught up in the fight.

While the book doesn't break any barriers and doesn't bring anything new to the genre it's still a solidly written story with likable characters, and engaging plot and even a few laughs.

Though intended for younger readers I think this series has appeal for older ones as well and not just as nostalgia. ... Read more

Product Description

Shape Shifters

Willow's soft spot for critters finds her spending a cold winter morning along the coast as part of a volunteer rescue team, cleaning up an oil spill that has damaged the marine habitat. While climbing over some rocks, she discovers another unexpected victim of the spillage -- a selkie, a shape-shifting seal girl who won't be able to return to the sea until the oil is removed from her coat.

Willow takes the creature back to the library so that Giles and the Slayerettes can help her to restore her magickal coat. However, though "Ariel," as the posse dubs her, is endearing in her innocence, Buffy can't quite shake her innate suspicions of the creature whose nature, like the ocean, is ever changing.

Unfortunately, the spill has forced more than a selkie from the cold water. Merrows look very much like traditional mermaids -- with one important and fatal difference. As if things weren't complicated enough... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Jhaeman's Buffy Reviews
DEEP WATER

By Laura Anne Gilman & Josepha Sherman (2000)

RATING: 4/5 Stakes

SETTING: Season Three

CAST APPEARANCES: Buffy, Giles, Willow, Oz, Xander, Cordelia, Angel, Joyce, Willy

MAJOR ORIGINAL CHARACTERS: Ariel (selkie), Dr. Julian Lee (marine researcher)

BACK-OF-THE-BOOK SUMMARY: "Willow's soft spot for critters finds her spending a cold winter morning along the coast as part of a volunteer rescue team, cleaning up an oil spill that has damaged the marine habitat. While climbing over some rocks, she discovers another unexpected victim of the spillage--a selkie, a shape-shifting seal girl who won't be able to return to the sea until the oil is removed from her coat. Willow takes the creature back to the library so that Giles and the Slayerettes can help her to restore her magickal coat. However, though `Ariel,' as the posse dubs her, is endearing in her innocence, Buffy can't quite shaker her innate suspicions of the creature whose nature, like the ocean, is ever changing. Unfortunately, the spill has forced more than a selkie from the cold water. Merrows look very much like traditional mermaids--with one important and fatal difference. As if things weren't complicated enough . . ."

REVIEW

The basic plot of Deep Water is relatively simple--Willow discovers a young selkie that has taken the form of a ten-year old girl. Stranded on the beach because of oil on her coat, the selkie is unable to return home unless Willow and Giles can discover a way to return the coat to its natural state. Of course, nice selkies aren't the only denizens of the ocean--a band of bloodthirsty merrows has decided to make the beaches of Sunnydale their home. Throw a semi-crazed marine biologist and a war between merrows and vampires into the mix, and you have all the makings of what could be a rather cheesy addition to the Buffy canon. Indeed, Deep Water isn't even the first time the Scooby Gang has faced monsters from the ocean--the Season Two episode "Go Fish" featured a demonic swim team similar in essence to merrows.

However, the authors of Deep Water somehow make the book work. Not only is the story well plotted and paced, the novel contains a rarity among Buffy books: real humor and strong dialogue. Of particular interest is the portrayal of Buffy's jealousy over Giles' father-like bond with the selkie girl. Cordelia has some great moments in the book and the turf-war between merrows and vampires is exciting and bloody--indeed, it's one of the only times I can ever remember cheering for Sunnydale's most-pummeled inhabitants.

Although Deep Water isn't a deep or moving novel, it does contain the wit and action of a solid Buffy episode and is therefore worth picking up.

A Fish Out of Water
Set in the third season, Willow gets involved in helping rescue animals after an oil tanker leaks near Sunnydale.Among the usual birds Willow finds a naked young girl clutching an oil soaked pelt.The girl is a selkie, a seal-like creature that can appear human.The oil on her pelt is preventing her from retreating back to the sea.The Selkie's magical nature makes magic a requirement for the cleaning.As Willow and Giles try to determine how to help Ariel (the selkie) the rest of the gang soon finds there is other trouble afoot.

Ariel is not the only magical creature to come ashore.Some sort of predator has also come ashore.This predator attacks human and vampire alike.The vampires are running scared at the new threat and that does not bode well for Sunnydale.Soon it becomes hard to work on Ariel's problem without fighting off the new predators.How will Willow get Ariel back to sea?How will Buffy and Angel eliminate the new predatory threat?Who else seems to be tracking down Ariel?You will have to read the book to find out.

Selkie the Sea Girl
Deep Waters brings a unique twist to the Buffy novels by introducing a Selkie and Merrows, both ancient sea creatures. A Selkie is a shape-shifting seal girl and Merrows are nasty creatures similar to mermaids. Willow, on one of her environmental rescue efforts, comes across a dainty oil clad creature and returns her to the library to learn what it is and how to get it back to the ocean. During their research, they discover she is a selkie and that her skin must be cleaned of oil before she can be returned to her natural habitat.

The Merrows, who also were affected by the oil spill, are downright nasty creatures and begin to kill people and wreak havoc on Sunnydale. It's up to Buffy and the gang to keep the town safe from the Merrows and at the same time restore the Selkie (given the name Ariel) to her natural environment.

The book is very funny at times due to some great dialog. There's also alot of Celtic history provided along with the good old fashioned bad guy slaying. Buffy fans will not want to pass this one up.

Very intelligent but has its share of flaws.
I was going to give Deep Water 3 stars about half way through the book. To be honest, I wasn't really that interested in how they were going to help Ariel the selkie girl. But, when the merrows from the water came in and starting terrorising the town of Sunnydale, that is when this book starts to get really encapturing with it's plot. Willow really takes the lead in this book, with Buffy actually working fantastically as a supporting character just this once, her sarcastic lines and cool comebacks have never been quite so clever. But, that's not all that is clever about this book. The mythology is amazing. I can see why it took two people to write this book, because the myths and legends tale, also the old Celtic and Irish stories must've been very hard to put into a modern day novel that would enthral everyone. Not only that, but they have to work out all those Buffy--kickin' moves, of course! There is no shortage of action, that all comes at the end, but mostly, this is a story about the old legends of selkies, which, suprisingly, is fabulous. If I could flaw this book, I would say that the character of Dr. Lee is annoying and unnecessary and sometimes it just becomes a little bit...stupid. Buffy: Deep Water remains a good fantasy.

Deep Water
Not only am I a big Buffy fan but I am also a huge fan of all of the creatures that dwell within the ocean.I think that is one of the biggest reasons why I really enjoyed this book.Buffy and friends end up meeting Ariel (nickname deriving from the popular Disney film) when Willow discovers her while helping clean up an oil spill on one of Sunnydales beaches.Through out the book Buffy and the gang battle monsters, do their research into the things that dwell beneath as well as Buffy has time to reflect on the fact that she had died previously by drowning at the hands of the Master (flashback to the Harvest and thanks to Xander for the resusitation).This fact in the end helps Buffy overcome her fear of water and to be able to defeat the big "baddie" in the end.There was a lesson here within the pages as there is in most Buffy books, if you face something that you are afraid of, it is not as frightening anymore.The fact that we run away from what we are afraid of, makes that thing more powerful.All in all, I enjoyed this book and am glad to be able to add it to my "Buffy" library. ... Read more