Customer Reviews (27)

A Must Read
This is an excellent book for both Mormons, and non-Mormons. Shawn McCraney includes his own life experiences of being raised in the Mormon church. He tells how he became a Born Again Mormon. I found the book to be helpful and insightful.

Shawn is legit
I can't believe some of the reviews in here from some who consider themselves Christian. Being a SPIRIT BORN individual myself, it's EASY to discern of others who also have the spirit dwelling inside of them.
With Shawn there is absolutely no question he has become part of the true church of believers via his repentance (change of mind), his desire for the word and eagerness to bring others to the truth.
Those that can't see this that claim to be Christian DO NOT have the spirit or the gift of discernment (unless of course they are really mormons making their undercover ad hominem attacks)
The Ed Decker comment was ridiculous. Ed rubs shoulders with Bill Schnobelen who makes VERY wild claims. I can't say they aren't true, but I'll put it this way: supernatural events have happened to Bill more than anyone on Earth.
I emailed Ed about a claim of Bill's that involved Ed and never got a reply, but email Shawn and you will ALWAYS get a reply.
Knowing Shawn personally the last thing he cares about is making a buck, or impressing people with his writing skills. His goal is the same as his show, turn cult members away from damning doctrine and nothing more.
You cannot find more sincere men then Shawn, and I would stack him against any person who attacks his character. I have a pretty good idea already who would win.

Shawn will help you understand
I applaud Shawn for his diligent search for Truth that is so well outlined in this book. I also admire his boldness, passion and humor in sharing it with others, not only in this book, but every week on his TV show, "Heart of the Matter," his worship meetings at the U of U, and events such as the group baptism he helps organize every summer in Logan ([...]). Like Shawn, and so many others, I was also a sincere, yet increasingly confused young person who struggled in Mormonism trying to sort out Truth from falsehood. Like Shawn, I didn't get the "feelings" the church said I would get if I just worked hard enough to attain spiritual "achievements."

When I failed to get an emotional "testimony" after working for it diligently for 11 years, I began really studying LDS history and found that many claims the church makes are not true, based on actual historical documents, court records, newspaper accounts, diaries, journals and other records. Needless to say, the realization that all you have been taught is a fraud is absolutely life-changing, or more accurately, life-shattering. But God says to those who truly seek Him that they will know the Truth, and the Truth will make them free. This experience of being lost, then found, of being blind, then seeing, of being confused, then understanding,and then finally understanding the purpose of life is what the Bible calls being "born-again." One of the best things about Shawn's book is that it focuses on this experience. He not only tells his own personal story, he emphasizes how it is at the very heart of Jesus' saving mission.Being born again means becoming free IN CHRIST, it does NOT mean blindly following ANY fallible human being. Being born again means knowing who Jesus is, and knowing him personally as the only true God; it does NOT mean belonging to any certain organization. Being born again is NOT basing your testimony on mere feelings, although feelings are a part of the experience. It means seeking out the real evidence, and using your mind to the fullest. It means knowing God's true revelation in the Bible and living by faith; it does NOT mean submitting to the Mormon, or any other man-made legalistic system. Shawn helps people like me, who were searching, to understand and make the transition from Mormonism to, as he says, Christian authenticity.

If I have a critique of this book, I would say two things. Shawn writes how he talks, which is very engaging--watch his TV show and you will see-- he has intelligence, sincerity, scholarly knowledge, yet good-heartedness and candor. Perhaps the book would be improved by editing to make it a little more formally structured, however.

Secondly, I personally think that in his effort not to alienate believing Mormons, he is too easy on Joseph Smith. As Joseph Fielding Smith said, either Smith was who he said he was, that is, a true prophet of God, or he was "one of the biggest deceivers the world has ever seen. There is no middle ground." In the book, Shawn ascribes to Joseph motives that are less than honest, but not necessarily bad, in other words, he seems to put him somewhere in "middle ground." I urge everyone connected with Mormonism in any way to thoroughy investigate the life of Joseph Smith and form your own opinion. Shawn's book is a good place to start. I admire his diligent study of church history and his God-given ability to make the truth be known to many.

Must Read for ALL Latter-Day Saints!
The book was an intensely candid look at the roots and products of LDS doctrine.Where did that doctrine come from? What does it do in the lives of believing Latter-Day Saints? Shawn McCraney answers all the questions you ever had about the LDS belief system, while supplying a good dose of non-judgmental history of the church to back up his claims.If you're LDS, not a member but are learning about the church, or just looking into Christianity as a whole, McCraney's book is a good read for you.

An Inspiring Read
The author shares his heart and tells all. It encouraged me so much! It just shows the amazing grace of our Lord and how a person can find Him even in the midst of 'struggling' to do right. It reminds me of the scripture, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven'. Pride is the number one thing that will keep us from entering the kingdom. As long as we think we're doing right and looking good, we miss it. We're not gods and we'll never become gods. It's impossible! What a relief! Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. The good works follow after faith, because Jesus dwells within the Born again Christian. He puts the desire to good and the ability within us. Apart from Him we can do nothing.Please disregard the negative feedback comments. This is a tactic that the LDS use to attack anyone who doesn't agree with their religion.The book is well written and deserves a 5 star rating. ... Read more

Product Description
All the Gear is Here!
In 256 meticulously researched pages, GURPS High-Tech gives descriptions and stats for hundreds of kinds of historical weapons and personal armor, vehicles from the stagecoach to modern helicopters, and much more.
GURPS High-Tech also has the gear and gadgets characters need. Communication, from early telegraphs to modern computers; tools of the trade for detectives, spies, and thieves; camping equipment, rations, and first-aid kits; business cards, watches, and fashionable duds - this book has everything, for encounters from the wilderness to high society and everything in between.
GURPS High-Tech is the complete resource for equipment from the 18th century through the modern age, and will be appreciated by Game Masters no matter what system they use! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Lock and Load
As stated in my review for GURPS, I got into the system in early 2009.

The entire package presented by the Characters and Campaigns book pleased me on the whole. In fact, I thought there was nothing essential missing.

That's when I turned to the Equipment Chapter. A good amount of it deals with weaponry, and there's only two pages on Miscellaneous gear? Don't get me wrong: it's easy to find something you need for a game and use it, but there are a bunch of little things that are nice to know about, such as price, availability, date introduced, weight, durability, usability as an *improvised* weapon, and, of course, potential bonuses to Skill use.

Luckily for me, there was this supplement called High-Tech which was already out. I read the synopsis of it, got a few recommendations from GURPS veterans, and then ordered the book.

It's been over a year later, and this is now a vital part of my campaigns.

---

"High-Tech" is a supplement that provides the history and rules for about two hundred years worth of technology (from TL5 to TL8) that either already exists, will very soon exist, or, existed, but never reached mass production.

The categories covered are ->

1. The Equipment Age
2. Core Technologies
3. General Equipment
4. Defenses
5. Weaponry
6. Covert Ops and Security
7. Medical and Health Technology
8. Transportation

The Equipment Age is a brief introduction on each "Tech Level" (TL) of advancement in a civilization, how to buy/maintain equipment, and an explanation of equipment statistics.

Core Technologies gives a run down of the two most important elements of any TL5+ civilization: power (electricity, that is) and information (books, digital storage and the like).

General Equipment is all about tools/power tools, rescue gear (forced entry and firefighting), personal accessories (the little things we take for granted, such as wristwatches and belts), appliances, foodstuffs (and the various ways in which they are preserved), communications devices, media (from the phonograph to digital media player), sensors/scientific gear, expedition gear, survival/maritime gear and parachuting gear.

Defenses concerns itself with clothing and it's many advancements/variations, all sorts of body armor, environment gear (such as gas masks, diving suits and space suits) and stealth/camouflage clothing.

Weaponry, arguably the meat of High-Tech, has a veritable armory of projectile based weaponry (from the Daisy Number 111 Red Ryder BB gun, all the way up to the Motovilikha D-81TM, 125x408mmR cannon), explosives (from black powder, to missile launchers, to nuclear bombs), firearm accessories, ammunition variants, and even some blades/bows at the end.

Covert Ops and Security has the means with which to fortify/infiltrate a location with defenses (locks and lockpicking), gather/falsify information (audio bugs and forgery kits), and generally facilitate/halt most means of larceny (disguise kits and polygraphs).

Medical and Health Technology includes virtually everything you're likely to find in a first aid kit or hospital (hemostatic bandages, IV, doctor's bag, CT scanner, surgical tools, and so on), as well as a few drugs and poisons (morphine and ricin, for instance).

Transportation showcases a mixture of unpowered as well as powered land, sea and air vehicles. There is also about a page worth of vehicle features (airbags, run-flat tires and laminated armor, among others).

Lastly, after the Glossary and Bibliography is "Appendix: Gunmen", which doesn't explicitly deal with equipment, but does present several options that improve a gunfighter's capability in combat.

---

Essentially, this supplement's content easily justifies it's price. GURPS writers are known for their adherence to impartiality, as well as realism, and High-Tech is no exception. The little sidebars/sideboxes sprinkled throughout are a joy to read. Each item has both a TL and specific (or close enough) date of introduction, so there is no confusion for the GM when they want to include certain equipment in their historical campaign.

There are subtle things that I love, such as the inclusion of paper clips and towels (they're actually more useful than you might think!) and there is even a Fight Club reference tucked away in here. Also, it's nice to be able to turn that generic "TL7 .357 Magnum Revolver" into a Fine Colt Python firing Extra Powerful Silver Hollowpoint rounds filled with garlic...complete with Fast-Draw Rig. The expanded section on demolition (how to destroy things with explosive substances) was a joy to read, and i'm going to be incorporating them into my latest game.

High-Tech is oh so close to perfection. Alas, the Transportation section needed more land vehicles (such as sedans or sports cars. An Abrams tank would have been nice too), water vehicles, and an air vehicle or two (such as a more modern helicopter or even an airliner). I suspect a future supplement will specifically and thoroughly cover vehicles, but a few more pages would have been very welcome here.

When all's said and done, High-Tech will serve you well, no matter if you're running a campaign set in 1890's Morocco, 1930's Western Europe, or 1990's San Francisco. I highly recommend it!

High tech brings goodness to modern campaigns
GURPS attempts to satisfy campaigns across pretty much every genre, in pretty much every time period.The standard basic characters/campaigns books, plus perhaps Magic, Fantasy, and Banestorm make life pretty easy for a fantasy GM, while the basic books plus perhaps UltraTech, Infinite Worlds, Space, BioTech, or Traveller Interstellar Wars make life easy for a sci fi GM.Until now, it has been a bit problematic running a campaign set between the civil war and near-tech cyberpunk.

High Tech addresses this time period.It concentrates on ironmongery, with real world examples of weapons and ammunition as used throughout history.It includes dates of introduction and wide reproduction for time travel games, and enough information for people generally unfamiliar with firearms to sound the part of their gunslinger characters.

It also has many, many pages of non-weapon/armor equipment, and frankly, that was the part I liked the most.My players enjoyed being able to look up a diving bell, a WW2 tank, and a napoleaonic-era timepiece.

For what it is worth, my minimal set of GURPS books is the main two, plus magic, ultra tech, and now high tech.With those, I can generally convert items from other systems or wing it, regardless of era.

Great book for historical Gaming
Gurps High Tech is a great sourcebook for historical or modern gaming set from the mid 1700's to today.Unlike previous editions of the book High Tech isn't just about firearms (though the chapter on weaponry is half the book) it also includes information on a wide variety of other historical technology.There's information technology from printing presses to word processing software, information transfer tech from hand caried mail to e-mail, and protective gear from summer clothing to space suits.Best of all the book doesn't just list game stat's for everything (although it has them too) it describes it in real world terms so you can create your own stats for other games.

Another solid performance from SJ Games
Like many 4th edition GURPS books, this is a major rewrite of an existing book.Like Ultra Tech, this book goes so much further beyond its original material that it is essentially a whole new book.

The greatest weakness of the original High-Tech book was that it was primarily about guns and their history and it was organized as an historical reference rather than a roleplaying reference.Another issue was that one slender volume attempted to cover all equipment from the beginning of the age of gunpowder to the modern era.

In spite of the authors best efforts, this was simply too much material for a single book and it tended to either get lost in the details or was so vague as to be nearly useless.I bought the original book and loved it for quite a while because it fit a niche in my military history library, not because it was useful for roleplaying (although the authors added some desperately needed charts that did help considerably on that front).

The new book reduces it's area of coverage to about 225 years instead of nearly 500 years and does a tremendously better job of explaining the effects of the items on roleplaying.The book has marvelous illustrations and quotes and the now-ubiquitous short stories that add a lot of interest to their rules explanations.Admittedly the history suffers a bit but that's a price I'm willing to pay.

Another advantage is that the new book is a lot bigger as well, with 256 pages instead of the original 128.This provides room to give detailed histories for particular items such as the AK-47 that the characters are likely to encounter more frequently.

There's still a LOT of weapons and the nicely written descriptions don't cover all the weapons in the book but the enormous effort that went into this book was most definitely NOT wasted.This is another welcome addition to the GURPS universe! ... Read more

Product Description
Firefighting burns in Aidan O'Neill's blood. The son of a fireman, O'Neill has a sixth sense about fire and often takes dangerous risks. When one act of disobedience nearly gets a rookie killed, O'Neill is suspended. His weeks off are supposed to be a time to reflect but instead he escapes to Mexico, where another rash act of bravery actually kills him. But only for a few minutes.

Called back to Reno, he's now haunted by visions of hell and paralyzed in the face of fire. And at the worst time, because an arsonist is targeting Reno. With a growing love interest with one of the investigators complicating everything, Aidan must discover where his trust rests as the fires creep ever closer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

Through The Fire
I hadn't planned to be a firefighter when I picked up Shawn Grady's debut novel, Through the Fire. But that's what it felt like as I plunged into the action with firefighter, Aidan O'Neill.
Wow! This guy can write. And are you serious? This is his first novel?
I look forward to his next novel.

Realistic and Suspenseful
Wow, I just finished reading Through the Fire.I'm thankful for the review copy of this fascinating, enlightening book. I realized how clueless I was as to what firefighters go through day-in and day-out to save peoples lives and risk their own! It's astounding!

Only someone who's been in a firefighter's shoes could show the realistic side of this demanding, sacrificial job that most of us take for granted. Shawn Grady's been in the fire as a firefighter in Reno, for many years, which gives him a unique perspective. As I read, I felt as if I were in Aiden's skin and the enemy he faced. Shawn describes fire, "The fire danced. It mocked. It shot from the room with wicked lit fingers, clawing and scratching, curling around my air bottle. It tugged at me, pulling me to it. Flame edges whipped down the walls, forming a sickle in the air, swinging in a slow arc down toward my sternum." Now that's a perspective only a firefighter on the scene could write. Shawn gives you a glimpse of fire gone crazy; it's a horrifying, fascinating, terrible thing. The fire's sole desire is to consume everything in sight. It's surreal, chilling, and unbelievable.

This author pens a suspenseful, action packed story filled with intrigue as Aiden tries to track down the Arsonist that killed his father. Aiden's obsession to right a wrong and his self-destructive lifestyle has everyone worried. His dad was good at what he did. He had to make sense of this tragedy.

Aiden was angry at God letting his dad die. Aiden knew his father trusted God and now he was dead! Aiden wasn't going to go that route. He would stay far away from God. He would be in control of his own life, he didn't need anyone. It was just him and the fire. Firefighters are a strange breed. While anyone in their right mind runs from fires. Firefighters, on the other hand seem drawn into the flame. In Aiden's case, he got into the ring with the fire to win one more round. I learned how critical it was for a firefighter to be aware of his surroundings, use all of his senses and think quickly on his feet to save his life and the life of others.

What a fascinating, suspenseful, captivating story, with complex believable characters. I found myself rooting for them to save the victims and for both to live another day. I couldn't put this book down until the mystery was solved. Can't wait to read his new book Tomorrow We Die.

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network [...]

okay
Since his father's deathin a fire, firefighter Aiden O'Neill is determined to find out who the arsonist was in that fateful fire.Aiden has a gift of being able to read fires, but after he caused a fellow firefighter to be seriously injured during a fire, he seems to have lost his gift.

An arsonist is on the loose, causing major fires and death in his wake.Aiden and Julianne, a fire analyst, are teaming up to discover who is behind the fires.I guarantee the end will surprise you.

I enjoyed the story line, but some of the writing was out of character of the rest of the book.There were paragraphs that were almost poetic~ but forced and did not reflect the other parts of the book.I also got confused in several places as new characters were introduced.The parts about God and Christianity seemed forced and put in as an afterthought.

excellent read!
captivating story with enough technical detail that you know the author has first hand experience- both with firefighting & with developing a relationship with God.Well done, Shawn!

A+++ debut novel
Blown away! This is Shawn Grady's debut novel and it's a winner, "Through the Fire", is a superbly written book. From the first page I was pulled in to this fast moving and action packed book about fire fighter Aidan O'Neill. Even though I wasn't taken with the drinking (there are mentions of bar scenes and beer) the overall book was excellent and something I wouldn't have expected from an authors debut novel. With twists and turns that you won't expect this book will draw you in to the well developed characters and you'll feel yourself swept up into the life of a fire fighter and his friends.


There is a fire fighter in my family and I never understood much of what they do, except run into burning buildings and put out fires and rescue anyone trapped inside - but reading "Through the Fire" has made it more real. Despite it being a fictional work Shawn Grady makes the reader feel as if they are right beside the fire fighter's and seeing what is going on. This isn't hard for him to do since he, himself is a fire fighter/paramedic for Reno for ten years. He has written what he knows and it comes through clearly in "Through the Fire" because I could feel the tension and adrenaline each time the trucks pulled up on a scene.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent!
An insightful book for anyone who wants to learn more about the "Left Behind" phenomenon!

What I liked about this book is the fact that everything is based on the Bible and historical facts.

--------------------------------------------

This book does not seem to be related to the movie link that Amazon.com has on this page by the way...and I don't see a description, so I'll type it up for anyone who wants to learn more:

Will millions of Christians suddenly vanish someday?

A careful investigation of the rapture theory, which forms the basis for the "Left Behind" fantasy, reveals that Scripture does not teach a secret coming of Christ. The authors explore the checkered history of Cyrus Scofield, editor of the famous Scofield Reference Bible, and show how the rapture theory originated in ecstatic visions and utterances in Scotland around 1830.

But what does the Bible really teach about the end?

In this book, the authors wrestle with such questions as:
* Is there a mysterious 'gap' in the 70-week prophecy of Daniel 9?
* Were the promises to Israel conditional?
* How will the final events play out in America?
* Who is the antichrist?

The future may not be kind to the uninformed. Exposing the deliberate cover-up of Bible teaching about last-day events and the return of Jesus, this book will give the reader a working understanding of Bible prophecy. ... Read more

Product Description
During this amazing journey we call life, God allows us the opportunity to meet people that are specially set apart by God. It was during a nine week outpouring of the Holy Spirit that began with one of my "Journey Through Rock" crusades that God allowed me to cross paths with an incredible young man. That young man's name is Shawn Patrick Williams.Little did I know that God would allow me to pour into an anointed young man's ministry all that the Holy Spirit had taught me throughout a quarter century of ministry. Our "Journey Through Rock" crusades have spanned the world, reaching over three million young people face to face. Hundreds of thousands were saved, healed, and delivered. Literally hundreds more today are themselves pastors, evangelists, music ministers, missionaries, and youth pastors. Shawn Patrick is one of those anointed ministers of the Gospel that I have had the privilege of personally mentoring over the last decade. Shawn Patrick is truly one of the most passionate anointed ministers of the Gospel that I know. He has an unquenchable hunger for God and a burning desire to reach a lost and dying generation with the uncompromising Gospel of Jesus Christ.Reverend Shawn Patrick is submitted to authority, committed to the call, and totally unashamed of the Gospel. He is in love with Jesus, his wife and co-laborer in the Gospel, Christy, as well as his two children! I sincerely believe that he is one of God's choice servants and a genuine end-time warrior for the Gospel of Christ.It is my honor and privilege to call Shawn Patrick Williams my brother, fellow minister, and spiritual son in the Lord. The mantel of ministry is now falling upon this new generation of prophets. Thank you Shawn for continuing my legacy of reaching this generation with the Way, the Truth, and the Life.Thank you for allowing the "Journey" that God birthed in me over a quarter of a century ago, to continue in even greater power. Thank you for leading an entirely new generation on a journey "Beyond the Darkness" and into the glorious Light of His eternal love! ... Read more

Product Description
Shawn Wood explores the story of obscure Old Testament
character Huram of Tyre, a bronzeworker putting the finishing
touches on Solomon s Temple. Huram was renowned for his
talent, but he saved the most ornate details of his temple work,
including 200 intricately crafted pomegranates, for a place
where most people would never even notice it: thirty-four feet off
the ground, atop two massive columns.

Huram s example shows readers the importance of using talents
and skills to benefit others and to contribute something of lasting
worth, and doing our best even if God is the only audience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A Little Book with a Big Message
"Here is what I know about you:Right now there is a work in you that God has not given up on.You may have; but God has not."

In 200 Pomegranates, Shawn Wood looks at 10 verses from 1 Kings 7 that tell the story of Huram - a skilled craftsman from Tyre who is called upon by King Solomon to do some work in the Temple.His work?To create 2 columns 18 cubits high (~35 feet) on which he carved 200 pomegranates each.And all this beautiful craftsmanship was located at the top of the columns - in a place where no one would notice or see - in a place where only his "audience of one" would appreciate.

From this vantage point, Wood launches into a portfolio of "artists" - people who have lived and are living their lives full of purpose and meaning, despite facing difficult and distracting circumstances.He writes, "God's gallery is filled with broken-down people with great upswing potential.We are a group of people who now have the opportunity to grow and expand the investment God made in us by following the model of Christ and investing in others and things that will last."

I loved Wood's honest and humorous writing style and am so encouraged to do whatever I do (even if it's carving 200 out-of-sight pomegranates) as if I'm doing it only for my "audience of one."I highly recommend this little book with a powerful message.

How to be great
Huram is a character who gets mentioned in the Old Testament, but rarely forms the subject of sermons in contemporary churches. Shawn Wood helps to correct that imbalance in this book. Huram was a sculptor from Tyre who was employed by King Solomon to work on the Temple, as described in 1 Kings 7.

Huram cast two bronze pillars, and made two bronze capitals to sit on top of the pillars, and he made 200 pomegranates in two rows to decorate the capitals. According to the author, this seems to be a lot of work to go to for something that was so high up that it would hardly ever be seen by people - perhaps Huram should have done his best work at eye level, where it could be admired by everyone? Not if he was saving his best work for an audience of One.

The book is quite short at 123 pages, but well written and easy to read. It explains that everyone is an artist, and there are five keys to life-artistry: get great at something, do something with that talent, invest yourself in something that will last and that others will benefit from, work for an audience of one because sometimes our best work is only seen by God, and finish what you start. That is sound advice, and a couple of hours spent reading the book is time well spent.

Wow!Powerful message!
This was a great read with a powerful message. I felt inspired and supported in my beliefs!The author did a good job at breaking down scripture and using examples to illustrate the important points.

Personal Improvement for an Audience of One
200 Pomegranates and an Audience of One is all about improving yourself for the audience of one. That audience being God. The author, Shawn Wood, uses the story of Hurum of Tyre, from the Old Testament, and his involvement in the building of Solomon's Temple to illustrate the choices we make everyday and how they impact ourselves, our relationships with others and our relationships with God.

Shawn is a great story teller and mixes bible verse and stories from now in this drama about life. You'll laugh and cry during the course of this book. I am not afraid to say that I did, watch out Jenny you are sure to need a hanky of two for this one.

Shawn's contention is that just as Hurum was an artist who was casting bronze columns in Solomon's temple, we are all artists sculpting our lives and the lives of others everyday. Solomon's decision to spend time and effort on the detailed carving of lillies and pomegranates 34 feet in the air where only God would notice was a tribute to his life and commitment to not cutting God short.

Examples of mothers and fathers sculpting their children is a common theme throughout 200 Pomegranates and definitely resonated with me. The last story in the book is about high school sweethearts who end up having a child before their time, and definitely not following God's plan. The couple, Charlene and Bobby, have 2 kids by the time they are 20. At the age of 21, pregnant with their 3rd child, Charlene learns that she has Hodgkin's diesease and is given months to live. She prays to God that she would be able to raise her children. That's all! That was all it took for her to open up to God and he took over. A short while later God answered her prayers and the mother was able to raise her children. I am not sharing the whole story here, it does get better. So read the book.
200 Pomegranates and an Audience of One: Creating a Life of Meaning and Influence

Meaningful and easy to read
Sometimes a 'godly' book is a little difficult to read.This breaks out into several easy to digest chapters of how to get moving to live a life of meaningful action. I'd read it again. ... Read more

Product Description
Being human is neither abstract nor hypothetical. It is concrete, visceral, and embodied in the everyday experience and relationships that determine who we are. In that case, argues distinguished theologian Shawn Copeland, we have much to learn from the embodied experience of black women who, for centuries, have borne in their bodies the identities and pathologies of those in power.

With rare insight and conviction, Copeland demonstrates how black women's experience and oppression cast a completely different light on our theological theorems and pious platitudes and reveal them as a kind of mental colonization that still operates powerfully in our economic and political configurations today. Further, Copeland argues, race and embodiment and relations of power not only reframe theological anthropology but also our notions of discipleship, church, and Christ as well. In fact, she argues, our postmodern situation - marked decidedly by the realities of race, conflict, the remains of colonizing myths, and the health of bodies - affords an opportunity to be human (and to be the body of Christ) with new clarity and effect. ... Read more

Product Description
A Roman soldier. An anguished mother. A death-row prisoner. An unsuspecting pilgrim. A treacherous friend. Jesus touches each of these and many others seen and unseen on his agony-filled way to the cross. Combining sacred Scripture, storytelling, and personal reflection, The Via Crucis draws readers into a heartfelt and inspiring contemplation of Jesus' sacrifice and his triumphant victory over death. Evocative charcoal illustrations and raw, vivid stories voiced by those present at Christ's trials and crucifixion capture the pain, power, and passion of the Savior's suffering on humanity's behalf. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Great examination of the Cross with intriguing storytelling
I grew up in an evangelical church and was not exposed to much liturgy. As a result, I had never heard of the Via Crucis prior to reading this book. But after reading this, I am challenged to explore more liturgy and the traditions of my faith. Shawn is a masterful storyteller and helps the reader put themselves in the place of the characters. I highly recommend this book.

Revitalize Your Lenten Journey
Not only did The Via Crucis revitalize my own personal Lenten journey this year, but my entire youth ministry benefited from my reading this book.We enhanced our Living Stations Re-enactment for our Parish and helped explain Jesus' Passion to our middle school students in a more descriptive way.I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn more about Jesus' Passion in a prayerful way.It's a very approachable book, fairly short, and easy to read.

The Way of the Cross
Shawn Small has both the gift of faith and the gift of the storyteller.
In The Via Crusis he brings to life the humanity of Jesus and the cast of characters that were involved in his final hours. Each "portrait" is a
powerful depiction of a person and their interaction with Jesus on the way
to the cross. Shawn makes it earthy, real, painful. I found myself very
emotionally involved as I followed in Jesus' footsteps. Our Senior High Youth are using The Via Crusis to lead our 6th through 9th graders through
the Stations of the Cross this Holy Week. They, too, have found this book
moving, inspiring, life-changing.






l

awesome
Every time I read Via Crucis I am struck with awe at what Jesus did for us.The choices he made all the way to the cross.Thank you Shawn for helping us stop and ponder that during Lent.

The Via Crucis
Shawn Small is an incredibly gifted person. His insight to Prayer, Meditation, and other spiritual means of staying connected to God is awesome to say the least. I read a chapter a day, and tried to reflect on it's message each day. The format is written in distinctive sections. The first, Art illustrating with scripture. The second, the daily scripture reading. Third, this reading is offered from the perspective of a character affected by the scripture story. This part to me, impacts me more, and brings the story to a light, not thought of normally. And the last is the Prayer, which always starts and ends with the sentence "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me"It's 40 chapters is perfect for the season of Lent, or as a devotional at anytime. It's a small book you can carry around with you anywhere! As a youth leaders for over 18 years, I will pick up this book for my youth group so that they too, can take a deeper look into The Via Crucis!!!! - Thank You Shawn for writing this anointed book!!! ... Read more

Product Description
"I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."I John 2:14IT'S TIME TO LIVE IN VICTORY!. Are you beaten down and tired because of the spiritual warfare in your life?. Does it seem like you are in a constant endless cycle of defeat in your life?. Is the stress of everyday life, circumstances, and daily spiritual warfare pulling on your family, depleting your finances, and deflating your faith?If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is for you!Warring with the Word gives you secrets to living in constant victory with God. It gives you powerful revelation teachings on lasting victorious spiritual warfare that will enable you to see victory in every area of your life. Shawn Patrick Williams, ex-drug dealer to the occult, brings his personal experiences of lasting victorious spiritual warfare coming out of the occult, as well as many other real life spiritual warfare experiences, to enable you to unlock the secret to living in constant victory with God in everyday life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Tested and Proven
This book's premise has been tested time and time again by not only Shawn patrick Williams but by countless others also.The testimony of Pastor Williams is a powerful witness unto God's remarkable ability to change lives dramatically.Depending on the Word of God for victory and reading how Pastor Williams applied this to every aspect of his life, this book is life changing.

A Powerful Testimony
Every parent needs to get this book, read it, then pass it on to their teenagers and young adults.This young man has been to the depths of the evil influences with which Satan assaults this world, especially the young.The miraculous saving grace of Jesus Christ has transformed his life giving him a powerful testimony. God's Word is truly the weapon with which Satan is defeated!Thanks for sharing your inspiring message, Shawn Patrick! ... Read more

Product Description
The ancient prophecies of a global release of secret sorcery have been fulfilled!

Crowley’s deceptive efforts to use music as a tool to release a wave of witchcraft over North America have come of age.

Paul Heiner, a teen who has fallen under the power of this secret sorcery, runs away from home to join a band in Los Angeles.

Reverend Bill Batesburg uncovers occult efforts to carry out Crowley’s plan using front media groups and businesses. Reverend Bill is confronted with a series of demonic battles that drive him to search for answers. As difficult as the search is, the deception runs much deeper than he anticipates.

Intriguing characters find themselves in life-threatening battles with known and unknown people and principalities. Right on time, divine providence brings a powerful prayer team together to fight against an unseen satanic army.

But their greatest battles are yet to be fought. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Deception and Fiction
This is a novel therefore written in fiction, but with truth, but the reader must determine what is true and what is false and how does all apply to the readers life. The story is a series of battles that are demonic.The story drives the characters and therefore the reader to search for answers relative to the satanic.In the end....well you will need to read this novel and find out how the story ends and just why it ends in that manner.

deception
Great novel about how deception begins and how to avoid it.This book reveals how the good and evil fight back and forth.The good will prevail if we keep our trust in the Lord.

An Important Novel Written with Disturbing Realism
"In the Deception Begins" Shawn Patrick Williams has chosen the medium of fiction to alert the reader of the dangers of witchcraft and secret sorcery that lead to intense demonic battles.

Paul Heiner, a young teenager is drawn into the power of secret sorcery. He rebels, runs a way from home to join a band in Los Angeles. Evangelist Bill Batesburg discovers a plot devised by Aleister Crowley to use media and business groups to promote his occult activities as he recruits young unsuspecting followers.

The story revolves around Pastor Bill Batesburg, young Paul Heiner, Dr. John Farrow and his missing daughter Nancy. A complex fast moving plot, well developed characters, and stirring dialog, combine to build suspense and drama in this powerful story of the battle of spiritual warfare and the power of prayer.

Williams writes with authenticity. His own life parallels Paul's in many ways, a life of drug use, addiction, and dealing. On the verge of committing his life to Satan worship and blood sacrifice, Shawn himself, had a compelling encounter with the Holy Spirit that turned his life around to become a minister of the Gospel.

"The Deception Begins" is the first book in the "Secret Sorcery" series. It is Shawn's prayer that this series will empower the reader to live victoriously in Jesus Christ. A powerful message, dynamic writing!
... Read more

Product Description
Jonathan Trestle is a paramedic who's spent the week a few steps behind the angel of death. When he responds to a call about a man sprawled on a downtown sidewalk, Trestle isn't about to lose another victim. CPR revives the man long enough for him to hand Trestle a crumpled piece of paper and say, "Give this to Martin," before being taken to the hospital.

The note is a series of dashes and haphazard scribbles. Trestle tries to follow up with the patient later, but at the ICU he learns the man awoke, pulled out his IVs, and vanished, leaving only a single key behind. Jonathan tracks the key to a nearby motel where he finds the man again--this time not just dead but murdered. Unwilling to just let it drop, Jonathan is plunged into a mystery that soon threatens not only his dreams for the future but maybe even his life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Action Packed Suspense...
I love action packed mysteries!This book's opening pages has the main character on his way to help an "unknown man down on the sidewalk at First and West, in front of the church" and this scene is what jump starts the book.The story is centered around this man, Jonathan Trestle and the mystery that surrounds them.

The entire book runs at full tilt all the way. Full of suspense, I found myself guessing at what was going to happen next and believe it or not, I didn't figure out "who done it" until the last chapter. Details such as paramedic procedures, timing, political schemes and more are strewn throughout the book and are key to understanding what is going on and Mr Grady does a fine job explaining these and keeping you wondering until the end..


You can read more at: [...]

First-Rate Suspense Story
A dying man hands paramedic Jonathan Trestle a piece of paper with seemingly nonsense scribbles, saying "Give this to Martin." But the man doesn't die and discharges himself from the hospital. When Trestle tires to return the paper, he finds the man dead, this time permanently.

Then the man named Martin dies - and his body disappears from the morgue. And then Trestle realizes what the scribbles are all about, and finds himself under arrest and on the run.

Shawn Grady, author of the previously published novel "Through the Fire," has written another wild suspense ride through the streets of Reno with "Tomorrow We Die." But there are three aspects of his second novel that make it every bit as good as the first one - and even a shade better.

First, Grady draws upon his own experience as a paramedic, to render the action and details of the story vividly real. Instructions at response scenes are barked and received in language that only a paramedic would know and understand, and yet the reader is able to follow closely.

Second, he develops Through the Fire as both a suspense story and a love story. Trestle connects with Naomi, a nurse serving on an emergency medical helicopter and a former girlfriend he walked away from. The romance is rekindled and becomes part of the suspense story.

Third, Grady draws the character of Trestle in complex ways that make him more than only a character is a suspense story. He was to live and deal with an alcoholic father, deal with his own feelings about the death of his mother, find his way back to Naomi, and protect his acceptance into medical school, not to mention deal with several villains and attempts on his life. In the process, Trestle becomes a very three-dimensional and very real character.

Grady's writing, already solid in his first novel, is even better in "Through the Fire." And he tells a first-rate suspense story, too.

An Author to Follow!
Shawn Grady's first book, Through the Fire, was a refreshing surprise to me in the Christian fiction industry. I love this guy's voice, and his stories rock. So, needless to say, I couldn't wait to get a copy of his next book, Tomorrow We Die.

Grady surpassed his first book with another intriguing and attention grabbing story. I couldn't put the book down. Well, I did, but not easily.

I love finding an author whose books I want to gobble up. So this happy reader is waiting for the next installment from this fabulous author. If you love good suspense, check him out. He's definitely an author to follow.

Another Success for Shawn Grady
Tomorrow We Die, the second book by author Shawn Grady, is the story of the young paramedic, Jonathan Trestle.Jonathan is merely biding his time as a paramedic while he waits to begin medical school on a full scholarship.It seems that his well-laid plan is in serious trouble when patients begin mysteriously dying for inexplicable reasons.Thus begins the story of Jonathan's quest for truth.He is not content to accept the loss of his patients and sets off to discover the reason for the untimely deaths.In the process, he gets much more than he bargained for and that is what makes this tale so appealing.Add in a scandal, a long-standing grudge, and a bit of romance and you have a story that will keep your eyes riveted on the pages until the final word.

Tomorrow We Die is another winner for author, Shawn Grady.It may be a work of fiction but the realistic action and the attention to detail make the reader feel as if they have been vaulted into reality.If you are a reader like me who enjoys books about the medical profession, you will love Shawn Grady.His personal knowledge of the profession combines with his gift for story-telling to make him an author who can't write fast enough to please his fans.

Impressive Suspense With Lots of Action
Paramedic Jonathan Trestle had a promising future.After serving the city of Reno for several years, he was accepted to medical school with a full paid scholarship.However, his path took a sudden detour when his ambulance was summoned to help a man who awoke long enough to give Jonathan a note and a cryptic message.Wanting to help deliver the man's dying message, Jonathan quickly finds not only his future endangered, but his life and the lives of his friends.In a remarkably suspenseful and magnificently written book, Tomorrow We Die is action packed with just enough down time for the reader to occasionally catch their breath.

My intent was to read Tomorrow We Die until The Bishop arrived, which I was expecting any day.The Bishop arrived, a few hours after I began reading this book, and well it's still waiting for me to start.I anticipated this book to be pretty good, but not nearly as suspenseful and intriguing as it turned out to be.It only took a few pages to be completely immersed in the story and whisked away to the world of racing ambulances and life threatening emergencies.

I love it when authors capitalize on their experiences.More often than not, I have no experience in fictional character's occupations and I find it fascinating to read about their jobs.The emergency response scenes in this book were executed perfectly, with great insight, generating nice suspense that fit beautifully with the rest of the story.Instead of using the paramedic scenes sparingly, there were several, each unique, which kept the story centered and focused.Grady did a nice job of giving the reader a glimpse into a paramedic's life and I enjoyed every second of it.However, I do hope the pay rate given was pure fiction.Paramedics are worth a lot more than that.

It's hard to believe this is only Grady's second book.The pacing was spectacular, like a seasoned veteran.Additionally there was no attempt to prolong suspense beyond what the reader had most likely figured out.The small romantic story line was kept well in check and maintained just enough for those that want that softer side, but did not interfere with the main plot.Grady did a thorough job of setting up and executing each subplot and building just the right amount of suspense to set up the fantastic finale.

Needless to say, I was pretty impressed with Tomorrow We Die. I was originally drawn by the title, which ended up fitting perfectly into the story, but quickly found a book that had an intriguing story line with good characters and an engaging mystery.I would like for there to be more books featuring Jonathan, but the ending seems to be pretty conclusive with little room for a sequel.Regardless, I'm very excited to have discovered this book and can't wait to see what Grady has in store next.He's definitely an author to watch. ... Read more

Product Description

Have you ever eaten wasabi? That dainty green blob on your sushi plate may look pretty tame, but take a taste--or even a whiff--and you'll find that little dollop packs a powerful punch to your senses!

Jesus also looks pretty innocuous at first glance. He's the Good Shepherd, after all, the Prince of Peace. "Love your neighbor," he says. "Forgive others." If we take a closer look at those red-lettered words, however, we'll find that some of the most tame and sappy-sounding things Jesus said actually pack the most punch.

Wasabi Gospel brings seven well-known gospel passages to life, unpacking their real significance and exploring what life would really look like if we lived out those seemingly-subtle commands of Christ. Jesus' words were radical for his audience and still are for us today, giving us a metaphorical punch to the gut and challenging us to the depths of our souls to change the way we live, love, and look at the world.

Customer Reviews (3)

Startling?
Obviously written by a generation X'er.It did raise some good issues for discussion.Although,I would dispute the "startling Message" tag.

Old Coot

Fresh Air
After reading 200 Pomegranates and an Audience of One, I fell in love with Shawn Wood's writing style. It's friendly and enjoyable. No sitting on the fringes and observing as you read this, you're invited right in, escorted to and joined at the table for a conversation you'll never forget.

In Wasabi Gospel, Shawn draws us into a woman's struggles with a gospel so simple, yet so misunderstood and explains his own coming to grips with that simple gospel. His depictions of love and grace in the Bible and in his own realm of influence are the kind that never leave your mind. Rather, they leave you wanting more.

I highly recommend everyone who has any question about the Gospel of Jesus Christ read this book. It's not the normal read. It's not churchy, it's not "normal". It's real.

Very insightful and creatively written

I have been following Shawn Wood on Twitter for several months and enjoy his insights. When I started seeing the ramp up to the release of his book Wasabi Gospel, I decided it would be a good thing to check out. I was not disappointed.

There are a couple of things that stand out about this book that are refreshing. One is the interweaved story of "Laura" in the form of diary entries. The raw reality and emotion of working through life change is captured very well using this method. It adds to the draw to continue reading. So many books that are written on Christian life have great information, but lack something because they don't tell a story at the same time. Not having a story or stories tied to what is being presented can leave some very good teachings and valuable insights a little dry. Shawn does a great job keeping the insights fresh and connected with the reader. "Laura's Story" is a big part of that.

There is another aspect of this element that I very much appreciate, but I hesitate to mention because it could be a bit of a spoiler to someone who has not yet read it. Hopefully this is a good compromise: the way Shawn leaves Laura's Story is well done as it matches the raw reality of the whole.

Another thing that stands out about this book is the no holds barred honesty that Shawn uses to address each of the sayings of Jesus that he chose to address. Right off in chapter one Shawn shares of a time he was going to speak on a part of the Sermon on the Mount. As he was preparing, he was hit hard with the reality of what Christ was saying. Here are a couple of excerpts from that chapter (pages 7&8):

"I have a long standing rule against lying when I preach. So, in an attempt not to go get myself struck by lightning, I read over and over the statement above [Matthew 5:7] and asked myself the hardest question that someone can ask themselves when studying the Bible: 'How can I live this out?' ...
"Suddenly, God placed a name in my mind. It was the name of someone who had hurt me and many people whom I love very much in the worst kind of way. ...
"I had to be honest. Not only did I not want to give this person mercy and forgiveness, I wanted to hurt this person back."

He goes on the chapter about how he did manage to work through that and gives some great insight into forgiveness and mercy.

Each chapter is like that. It will cause you to think and evaluate. If you will be honest and allow the experiences Shawn shares along with the very pointed statements of Jesus that are addressed in this book to get a hold of you, you will be forced to repent and change at least once before you reach the final page of the book. The words of Christ are powerful and they bring us closer to God. But, that process requires humbling ourselves, realizing our faults and shortcomings, and moving forward with resolve to let those words shape us.

While the length and format of this book lend it to being called an "easy read", it only qualifies as that if you read it thinking about how someone else needs to read it so they will change. The book is easy to read, the truths take effort to apply and live out. If we all lived out the words of Jesus the way He intends for us to, well, life would be much different and this world would be turned upside down. ... Read more

Product Description
Living on your own can be exciting, while at the same time terrifying. For the first time in your life, you can make your own rules, cook your own meals, and make your own financial decisions. On the other hand, you will have freedoms like you have never had before. The responsibilities of living an adult life can be a hard reality to face. But they don t have to be. On Your Own: A Young Adults Guide to Making Smart Decisions offers counsel on matters from spirituality to careers and includes helpful worksheets to aid in planning and organizing. All young adults will find this guide beneficial in preparing for life on their own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Very helpful!
This is a very helpful book for teenagers and parents.Teenagers often struggle with budgeting, dating, and living on their own, but they don't always feel comfortable asking their parents for advice.I love this book because it has quotes and experiences from young adults who are in the same situation and have great advice for the teenagers.Now teenagers can get answers to some of those questions that they won't talk to adults about, and adults can know that their children are getting good advice.Great book; I would recommend this book to anyone!

Incredible guide for a pivotal time in life.
Full of information that most of us just don't get until well after it's too late to use it effectively to improve our lives.This is critical information, and is an incredible boost in the right direction during a pivotal time.An easy read, and will have incredible power for change for all who absorb it's wisdom.

The young adults in my life will be reading this book.

Thing I wish I had known
This book is fantastic for young single adults who are trying to figure what's next in life.From our late teens to our early twenties is one of the most pivotal times of a person's life.It is when a young person is trying to figure out who they are and where they are going.Our everyday decisions determine the path we end up following.In today's world it gets harder and harder to make good choices and this book has helped me through some difficult and trying periods.I highly recommend this book for any young single adult, LDS or not.

Parent of Young Adults
As the parent of young adults and soon-to-be young adults I found this book to have every bit of advice I try to give my young adult children but they won't listen to me.

Shawn Moon now presents all of that great temporal and spirtiual advice in an easy to read book that is engaging and enlightening.

I'm a grown-up young adult and I learned a lot from this book which I'll use. I will give this book as graduation gifts to every high school and college graduate I know.

Thanks Shawn for making a mother's job easier.

A Must Read For All Young Adults
What a fast, thought provoking, and critical read this book is for all young adults, as well as anyone who is dealing with individuals who are making the transition into the "Real World".This book is more than just a "Guide to Making Smart Decisions", it is a road-map for success!Not only is this book going to help shape your life, it is written at a fun, interesting and fast moving pace.

BUY and READ THIS BOOK TODAY!!! ... Read more

Product Description
The land of Allon was a paradise until the fall of the Guardians paved the way for the rise of the Dark Way. Evil King Marcellus now controls the land as his forefathers did, with an iron fist and the help of the evil spirit, Dagar. But an ancient prophecy speaks of a time to come when the Guardians will return and Allon will be restored--lead by its rightful heir. All the while, the exiled teenage Promised Prince, Ellis, must prove himself worthy to be king through a series of supernatural trials that test his character, wisdom, courage, and his heart.

The first in the Allon series, this magical tale of adventure, destiny, and faith will test your strength and awaken your spirit of adventure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

ALLON by Shawn Lamb
A fun, classic YA fantasy reminiscent of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The land of Allon was once a paradise until the fall of the mighty, immortal Guardians paved the way for the rise of the Dark Way. When supernatural forces threaten to plunge the kingdom into eternal darkness, sixteen year old Prince Ellis must find a way to prove himself worth to be king if his people are to survive. Along the way he faces trials and dangers that will test his character, his wisdom, his courage and ultimately, his heart.

Classic Fantasy
The kingdom of Allon is ruled by a usurper who is leaning toward the Dark Way. The followers of Jor'el, the creator of Allon, are being silenced. The true king has been hidden from birth in a noble family and has just learned his identity. And the immortal Guardians are emerging to battle their evil counterparts. Allon has all the classic elements of an epic fantasy, but with a fresh enough approach to make it a good story.

Unfortunately, it's not told very well. Lamb made a lot of amateur writing mistakes and I had a hard time reading the book to the end. The story and setting are complex, but the transitions were awkward or non-existent; I was never sure how each event fit into the overall picture. The characters were real enough, but there were so many of them, it was hard to keep track of them. They popped in and out of the action too quickly for me to get to know them. But I did know what they looked like because each time Lamb introduced a new character, she gave a full description of his or her looks and what they were wearing.

In spite of these, and other mistakes, I enjoyed the end of the book. I had finally sorted out the characters and the events of the story were absorbing and unpredictable. I even came to care about what happened to the people of Allon. Jor'el as the source of goodness, was central to the story, but was only present in a spiritual way. On the other hand, Dagar, the source of evil was all too present. The theme of good versus evil came through strongly and it wasn't at all certain that good would win.

Pros: A good fantasy story with kings, romance, supernatural beings and battles of good versus evil.

Cons: Poorly written and confusing.

This review was originally posted on Pix-N-Pens [...]

Can't wait for book 2!
I'm a student of the hardboiled genre, so it was a bit of a surprise to receive this book as a gift from a friend. I'm not a fantasy buff, I fell asleep trying to read The Lord Of The Rings. Yet this one surprised me. It was meant for a younger audience, yet it's quick pacing, the flow of the words, and it's cinematic feel made it a difficult book to put down.
I have to admit that I didn't find the main protagonist that compelling of a character, but the cast is varied enough, and the plot so engaging, that I found myself enthralled the whole way through. Something that more than once caused me trouble when reading it on the bus, but I needed the exercise anyways. Moving on...
This book is not without it's faults, once or twice the wording felt a little repetitive. And while the pacing is one of it's strengths, there are a few places, particularly in the first half of the story, where I wouldn't have minded more details concerning the development of the relationship of the two main protagonists, as well as the plight of Allon in general. Something I'm certainly looking forward to reading more of in the next installment.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Allon. Enough so that I purchased a copy for my sister as a birthday present. I am definitely going to be keeping an eye out for book 2, as well as anything else that may come out by Shawn Lamb.

recommended it to teens in youth group
As a youth leader at my church I am always looking for books that I can recommend. Several of our youth have also read the book and are eager to read another in the series. The author is masterful in her detailed descriptions and imagery. The characters are defined in such a manner that the line between good and evil is clearly drawn. Parents can feel comfortable recommending this book to their children.

Disappointing Fantasy
I have long been a fan of fantasy, both before and after my conversion. As a result, I've done much reading in the genre, and I'm always excited to see more Christian fantasy hitting the shelves of booksellers. When I received an email announcing the release of Allon by Shawn Lamb, the first title in a new series, I nearly tripped over myself to get a review copy.

Unfortunately, when it arrived and I dug in, I was disappointed. The story premise is an interesting one; that of a world in which spiritual warfare is made real through flesh and blood battles between allegorical representations of Jo'Rel (God's) Guardians, and the Shadow Warriors of the rebelled and fallen Dagar, whose puppet kings have usurped the throne from the true ruling family line. However, the writing skills just aren't there to support it.

There are some Old Testament parallels shown mainly in the ritualistic religion of Jo'Rel (temples etc.) and in the twelve regions of Allon, each governed by its own Council member. The surveys of these regions just flies by, as did the introduction to the Lords of those areas, it wasn't fully fleshed out, and most of those characters are regions are entirely forgettable.

Ellis is the main character, and his role is that of a young warrior prince destined to regain the throne. However, he (and most of the other male characters), are snickering through their dialogue at least 30% of the time - even in momentous situations. This really spoiled the character development for me (though there was little to go around in the first place.) Shannan is Ellis' love interest, but his feelings for her are somehow linked to the fate of Allon (which is never fully fleshed out), and there's no real emotion there to be felt by readers. The characters also seem to rely upon their "brows" as the main physical expression of their feelings, which grows old quickly.

I doubt I would have finished this novel if I hadn't agreed to review it. There were times I was wishing it had come to an end. There was a pickup in pace for the finale that kept me going through the final sections of the book, but the rest was hard going. ... Read more

Product Description
Assembled in this one stirring collection are more than 100 ecumenical selections in which women writers from two millennia contemplate their relationships to God, the meaning of their own traditions, and the place of spirituality in their lives. Among the many contributors are Teresa of Avila, Joan of Arc, Susannah Wesley, Queen Elizabeth I, Louisa May Alcott, Gold Meir, Coretta Scott King, and Willa Cather. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An afirmation of the strength and goodness of God in 'us'
I gave this book as a hostess gift when my daughter got married.Forty women were delighted with the ecumenical spirit presented. The illustrations are poignant and evoke the true spirit of the book.One of the mostbroad-spectrumcollections of inspirational writings and prayers I have ever had.As a woman approachng middle age, I was invited to take hold of a thread of unity with many other women throughout history.These are women, who have identified the image of Goddwelling within and are vital forces in their environment because of that awareness.

A one-of-a-kind devotional for women.
Great readings in the Judeo-Christian tradition.10 elegant sketches, based on historic originals ... Read more

Product Description
Winner of Catholic Press Association Book-of-the-Year Award-SpiritualityUnique in its range and depth, this lavish anthology for the first time captures in a single volume the most notable spiritual writings of leading women from all periods of Christian history.Because spirituality involves more than simply prayer and piety, Madigan has selected women whose quests for intimacy with God also involves some visionary experience or social witness. Ranging from Perpetua in the third century to Mother Teresa and Edwina Gately in this century, her volume includes writings from both European women and, in the modern period, Asian, American, and African American women. Apart from redressing the heavy gender imbalance of most histories of Christianity, this volume also provides strong historical introductions to and bibliographies of the twenty-six women whose writings are generously excerpted. Women included in this volume are: Perpetua the Martyr Pelagia the Actress Brigit of Ireland Balthild the Queen of Neustria Dhuoda of Septimania Hildegard of Bingen Heloise Mechthild of Magdeburg Gertrude the Great Hadewijch Julian of Norwich Catherine of Siena Margery KempeTeresa of Avila Jane Frances de Chantal Sojourner Truth Maria Stewart Gabrielle Bossis Dorothy Day Caryll Houselander Pauli Murray Laura Lopez Silvia Maribel Arriola Mother Teresa Cho Wha Soon Mercy Amba Oduyoye Edwina Gately ... Read more