Customer Reviews (4)

Deep world, shallow plot
The unique (and a little kludgey) Warden organisms invented by Chalker do create a world with a great deal of potential for the author and his characters.Alas, I felt this potential was frustratingly missed.Because of the complexity of the world's structure, too many paragraphs were spent to define, justify and close the loopholes in the Warden system.Although the characters were rather well drawn, there was little real interaction, tension, or resolution among them (with one notable exception).Now, in SciFi I can usually let that slide if the action makes up for it.Unfortunately, this was the most unsatisfying aspect of the book.224 pages of good set-up end in 7 pages of climax, during which our buff, well-trained hero, sporting some brand new but untested powers... COMPLETELY SITS OUT THE BATTLE!He is left to watch the thinly described action from so far away he needs a telescope to see the people.Opps.I wonder if this book was the victim of some evil 250 page limit set by the publisher, or worse, by the author.

We too have a snake in the grass
Reading this book and stating that you are spellbound or hooked from one chapter to the next does not tell you about the essence of the tale.To say that this Science Fiction is superior in imagery and concept is still lacking in definition.There is something else that drew me back to read the series again.It was not the story, so much, but the reality that it represents.It is about this world whose scientific physical makeup is different than ours.We are made of cells and cells structure with DNA in control.In these worlds the Wardens are in control.The are involved in each and every molecular makeup of everything.Based upon persons background and his discipline and control will explain his possible position in these worlds.

It is much like earth in that way.It is a metaphor, yet a parallel to our own world.We still have a caste so to speak in existence on earth.Even in United States, even though there are no castles, knights or dukes, we still live according to our self-discipline, our self-awareness, education, skills, and our internal chemistry.A genius might still be a poor fellow living on the dole of others while a seemly simple person lives on the fruits of the world.It about what I stated above.This is what Chalker is telling us.It is a involved parody about our own world.You are able to watch Cal, the main character evolved as he begins to learn his own powers, his respect for his teachers, his peers,and his desire to rise.He is a survivor, he is spent the time to get his body and mind in order now he is getting his training and skills in order to conquer the planet.Don't analyze the content, but enjoy the story and stop and think about the parallel to our own world.

A unique page-turner!
The underlying concept of this book is truly unique unto the world of SciFi.As such, it was a very refreshing read.Additionally, the author manages to grab you and suck you in right from the first few paragraphs.It is also a pleasure to not have to read several chapters to "get into" the story.I am very appreciative of an author's efforts in this area.I also enjoyed Chalker's level of character development.He has an excellent understanding of how much character detail and background needs to be given to satisfy the reader and move the story forward.In my mind, he strikes the perfect balance between giving you enough information to satisfy your curiousity without providing an overload of unnecessary and boring minutia.Finally, I would have to disagree with the previous reviewer's comment of the "author's stupid moralizing attitude."Although there is certainly a point made of portraying the moral thought processes going on within the central character, this book is by no means preachy or a morality tale.There are certainly some morality aspects of the future of "civilization" but they are an integral part of the storyline. The story would be far less cohesive and simply make less sense without them.The bottom-line is that the other reviewer gives the impression that readers will feel they are being preached to and that is absolutely not the feeling I got. I simply feel like I just finished reading a unique and well-written novel.

One of the best fictional universes in the whole SF
The book is the first in the Lords of the Diamond series. It takes you to a world very much different from ours. The world's dominated by a small organism that lives in everything - both living and dead matter. It makesthe conditions on the planet very different from what we are used to andallows the use of a kind of pseudo-magic through controlling the mentionedorganism. I'm telling it so thoroughly because I want you to realize thatthis is not just another magic universe book. The world created by Mr.Chalker is extremely original and amazing.

What's bad about the book isthe author's stupid moralizing attitude. The characters are very clearlydivided into good guys and bad guys and in case you don't understand who'swho, Mr. Chalker explains it to you through most primitive and disgustingpreachments. (Read my review to John Maddox Roberts's excellent book"SPQR" to see what I mean.)

Despite of this annoying flaw, theidea of the book is so brilliant that I'm forced to give it five stars.It's one of my favored books. I finally succeeded to get the other threevolumes and I can't wait to read them all. ... Read more

Product Description
Covering aspects of the Scottish motoring industry from the early days of the Argyll, Arrol-Johnston and Albion, this volume aslo includes more recent events like Rootes at Linwood and BMC at Bathgate. Specific chapters consider the pioneers of the motor industry, motor sports and motor museums. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subtitle: Commonly Called Lord Othmill; Created, for His Eminent Services, Baron Waldeck, and Knight of Kitcottie. a Fireside Story; Original Publisher: Longman; Publication date: 1844; Subjects: Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Medieval; Juvenile Fiction / General; Juvenile Fiction / Action ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Rather disappointing after Lilith
This is the second book in the Lords of the Diamond series. You must have read the first volume (Lilith, the Snake in the Grass) in order to understand what it's all about.

If, after Lilith, you think you knowquite well what the Warden Diamond's alike, you are mistaken. The physicsof Cerberus is completely different from Lilith's. Perhaps it's even moreobscure (Lilith somehow made more sense to me). Anyway, our friend is outthere with a different face, yet with the same mission, and you're in forsome real surprises.

I'm sorry to say that the book is by far not as goodas Lilith (which is one of my all-time favorites). Still, it's a seriesworth reading. It is imperative to read the books in the correct order(Lilith, Cerberus, Charon, Medusa), otherwise you'll be very confused andmiss most of the enjoyment.

This is the Best Book in the Four Worlds of the Diamond
This is a great Sci-Fi/Fantasy mix.The main character is dumped on a world blind, naked, and alone with the job of assinating the lord of Cerebrus.The plot is interesting with many twists and turns and keeps youreading all the way! This is a great book! ... Read more

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Single Composition ... Read more

Product Description
newly revised, part of a set, Dolphin Editon with Ballantine Books, original edition 196 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (381)

Great art?
I have read some of the other reviews here and I'm surprised how much people's reactions are spread across the board. But I suppose that is what truly great art does -- hits people in different places and gets them talking. In my opinion, I agree that at some points the story did seem to drag a little, but the adventure more than makes up for it. For me, the first half of the book was not all that interesting, being mostly battle -- however, there were some significant plot twists (such as the return of Gandalf and Pippin looking in the stone) and new characters (such as Treebeard and the ents) that made it worth reading. (For what it's worth, I absolutely LOVED the ents!!) The second half of the book is what really held my interest, being the journey of Frodo and Sam led by Gollum through the mountains. The dialogue between Smeagol and his alter-ego Gollum is most fascinating, and the character development (especially of Sam) is profound. The characters really grow and change throughout their journey, but at the core is their extremely strong friendship.

Gotta love these Charnwood books!
I'm on the plus side of 50 and I'm finding it more difficult to see the small print in some books.These Charnwood series of books are just what the doctor ordered for me and those like me.

I recommend this series to everyone that would like to continue reading after they "can't see" any longer,(j/k).

A Bridge Between the Beginning And the End
With the Fellowship broken Sam and Frodo set off to fulfill their destiny alone, following the path into the fires of Mordor while Aragon, Legolas and Gimli set out in pursuit of their captured hobbit comrades, Merry and Pippin.The novel is split into two parts consisting of the friends' separate adventures as the tale of Middle Earth continues to unfold.The world teeters toward the brink of dark destruction with its fate resting squarely on Frodo's shoulders.

Tolkien's second installment in the beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy captivates the reader with the same magical gravity and mystical allure as the Fellowship of the Ring and its predecessor, The Hobbit. However, this book did not seem to posses the same depth of substance.As a bridge between the beginning and end of the series it had more of a transient feel; a piece rather than a whole.

As always Tolkien writes lyrical flowing prose which captures the very spirit and dark majesty of Middle Earth. He paints vivid pictures of fanciful landscapes, gruesome battles and creatures both terrifying and beautiful.Though the story does tend to drag at several points it never truly grows boring; Tolkien's masterful storytelling and flowery descriptive language is enough to compensate for lags in action. In the end Tolkien leaves another nail biting cliffhanger that will have you clambering for the next part of this epic adventure!

If you are smart you bought all three volumes at once.
This book picks up where "Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings, Part I)", left off. The fellowship is dispersed. We are lucky in the fact that J. R. R. Tolkien will completely follow each path from beginning to end. All the wars are covered in detail and the progress of the ring bearer is chronicled. New creatures and old vermin reveal themselves.

As with "Ramayana" by William Buck, we find that every creature has its function and that there is no black and white in this purpose. Frodo alludes to this when he thinks of Gandalf, Aragorn, and Gollum. Even Gandalf tells not to hurt Gollum as he may play a larger role in the story that one could imagine.

Ramayana ~ by William Buck

The Book of Dreams
For I am too young to read this book, I secretly read it at my cousin's house.I understood most of the
words.At my school I am a score of 1023,which meaning I can read the Assasination of John F. Keneddy, and
Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets and I am 9 years old.I read the beggining and my cousin probaly read up
to Helm's Deep (the last part of the book) but he still said it was harder than trying to read an acient
article from 200 A.C.So I belived him for a word I do not get is Herosimiam.But it is the worlds best book. ... Read more

Product Description
"Our Glorious Lord" explores the majesty and glory of the God we worship. It also reveals how we can be personally transformed from one degree of glory to another.6 SESSIONS. ... Read more