As other reviewers have said, this book certainly doesn't compete with other erotic classics as the back cover claims. It starts out strong with some of the most tensely erotic scenes I have ever read in a book to date, with Anne Rice's usual amazing writing style, but quickly fades from erotica into a simple love story with many dimensions, as much of her work does.

While I must confess that this is certainly one of my favourite books that I have ever read, it does not support the claims that are made with regards to the work within the pages. It is not a 'modern day "Story of O," although Anne Rice has certainly done much work in examining the S/M scene.

Unfortunately, those who are experienced in this particular scene will notice a few glaring errors in the claims that she makes in the novel, and may very well cringe to see these mistakes made by such a profound author. While Rice certainly believes in her work with some great zeal, those with experience in their own lives will see that her own experiences perhaps do not match their own.

The books real saving grace does, however, come towards the end of the book, as we begin to follow Elliot and Lisa more closely, realizing the true sparks that have flown between them. The characters are intensely real and believable, so much so that the reader may feel as though they have entered into the very hearts of the characters about whom they are reading.

If you are looking for a good erotic read, then this probably isn't the book for you. If you are interested in the S/M scene and are hoping for more information and ideas, then this is also not the book for you. If, however, you are interested in getting deeper into Anne Rice's amazing world and love her writing, then this is a worthwhile read for any fan.

Anne Rice has surprised me with this novel, although I found some passages hard to understand and even harder to read this makes for a very quaint love story in the end. I found myself laughing at the basics of Lisa because even as complex as she was she couldn't be complex enough to understand love and its many traits and faces. Elliott Salter is a handsom and riveting character...he was well planned in my opinion and even well written. One can just imagine how he would have really looked if they would have done the movie "exact" but then again they never do.

I found this book a little more mellow and easy to read then some on Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles that I had started before. Then again I found Tolkien a bit hard at times as well...maybe it's just me. But she brought out another side of herself as a writer in this book and I enjoyed the story. The sex scenes weren't as graphic as I would have liked, I expected serious S & M and I found only mild play at some points. I would have liked to have seen the arcade described a little bit more. Just small things. This book is not for the light hearted though...if sexual acts still remain taboo in your mind and family then stay away from this novel.

I had only read Rice's Vampire Chronicles when I saw this on a book shelf - what a change! The writing seems straight out of a bordello on a Saturday night. By turns it is sensuous, informative, exploring, erotic and tender. The prime factor deciding my vote when I read a novel is this: "Will I still remember the characters long after the book is over?" In this case the answer is definitely yes.

The relationships with the respective fathers and the play on the religious (Catholic) and Southern aspects are Rice staples but it was the latter part of the story that really made the book. There may or may not be such an isle in the Gulf but after a while you sorta get the jist of what happens. The escape and consequent action lets the book spread its wings and the author to again display both her love and knowledge of the ultra-languid New Orleans.

The movie is a hoot but don't expect any kind of erotic feelings since it is strictly tongue in cheek.

This story is of two generations of sisters, Dana and Lily, and Lily's daughters, Quinn and Allie. Dana Underhill, the main character, is a well-known artist, known for her ability to capture on canvas, her most passionate love, the sea. Living and painting in France when a tragedy takes the life of her beloved sister, Dana comes home to Hubbards Point, Connecticut, where she and her sister, Lily first learned to sail and fell in love with the sea. Now her life is about to change entirely as she is thrust with the responsibility of raising her two nieces who are struggling to accept the death of their parents, in what may or may not be an accident on a sailboat. A former student, Sam Trevor who fell in love with Dana when she taught him to sail at the age of 8, has never forgotten her, re-enters her life as an adult only to find his feelings for her are strong and he wants to be at her side to help her through this awful time in her life. The relationship between them is interesting enough, but not the heart-stopping emotional kind that brings tears to your eyes. As usual Ms. Rice does a great job of portraying the young people in this story, their frustrations, anxieties and all the emotions involved in losing their parents, and acceptance in what life hands them. I think this book lacks some of the passion that her other novels have had. It was one I found I could set down for a day or two and get back to it, as opposed to not being able to put it down and reading far into the night. I am a Luanne Rice fan. I especially liked Cloud Nine and Follow the Stars Home.

This was my first Luanne Rice book. It was definitely not a "kleenex" book but it wasn't dull either. The book paralleled two generations of sisters and conveyed well the dynamics between the relationships. Although Lily was the "dead sister", she had a strong, well-defined presence and I felt like I knew her by the end of the book.

Overall, though, I found it hard to warm up to the characters. I couldn't relate to Dana's free-spirited, artsy nature. Sam reminded me of an over-ardent puppy gamboling after its master. The romance between him and Dana didn't seem believable and I hard time getting past the difference in their ages. Allie was dependent and rather brainless (still sucking her thumb at age ten and carrying around a stuffed animal!), while Quinn was obnoxious and foul-mouthed. She didn't ring true as a twelve year old, especially the mature writing in her diary. I was taken aback by the foul way she spoke in front of adults, and no one made a move to correct her. The scandal involving Mark and Lily turned out to be tame and relatively meaningless.

Despite those drawbacks, the plot moved along nicely and it was a pleasant read, although nothing that moved me intensely or stayed with me after I closed the book. Since everyone is raving about Cloud Nine, I'll give Luanne Rice one more try before I write her off.

As a Luanne Rice fan, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Safe Harbor and as usual, could not put this Rice book down either! Rice has the endearing quality of drawing the reader right into the world she is portraying and making the reader one of the family. One cannot help but become intensely involved with the character's lives. Rice also paints a realistic picture for the reader, and not some made-up fantasy world, where one cannot really relate to the experiences that they are reading about.

Rice does a wonderful job portraying the deep bond of two sisters and the aftermath of Dana having to raise her sister, Lily's children, after her and her husband's untimely death. Family issues arise, centered on Lily's two girls, Quinn and Allie, and once again Rice portrays the intense emotions from the entire family, so that the reader can feel them and experience them. Throwing a bit of mystery into the untimely deaths, the reader is left wondering for a long time just exactly what is up.

The themes of Rice's books seem to center around the family unit and how each member copes when tragedy enters into their lives. Yet it is done poignantly and with depth and sensitivity, that the reader is left with a renewed sense of hope, and that love can and will prevail. The romance angle woven into this story is not overwhelming or intoxicating, but has just the right dose of sweetness so that the reader is rooting for Sam and urging him to never give up on Dana! The reader comes to know the characters so intimately, that one cannot wait to get to the next chapter!

I found this story to be endearing and touching and it is classic Rice at her best! Rice fans will not be disappointed, and I found this book to be one of her best!

A vital part of understanding the end of the Cold War. The book is at its most vivid and engaging during it's description of the events leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the unification of Germany and the Gulf War. Bush and Scowcroft tag team throughout the book and complement each other well. Bush's knack for incorporating anecdotes and his personal relationships with other world leaders serves him well here. However, the book is lacking in some areas, and I couldn't quite bring myself to give it 5 stars. While billed as a major part of the book, the section on the Tianamen Square uprising in China was not particularly detailed or illuminating. The book could have benefited from Bush and Scowcroft's perspective on the Panama Invasion, Somalia, and especially on the crucial decisions on US policy towards the breakup of Yugoslavia, which began on Bush's watch. Still, this is an amazing book and it was easy to feel swept up in events that many did not believe we would see happen in our lifetime, myself included. On par with the great books of international relations such as Kissinger's "A World Restored" and Acheson's "Present at the Creation."

This book is the step by step discussion of the major foreign affaire issues that took place during first Bush presidency. To say this book is detailed would be to say the Battan Death March was a "tough hike". The book covers the years 1989 to 1991, more specifically (only) the massacre at Tiananmen Square, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the collapse of the USSR, and the Gulf War. The book is written in an interesting way - Bush and Scowcroft give their views on each of the issues and then combine for a third voice that gives more of a back ground commentary. We also get some of Bush's "dear diary" entries, which given he wrote the book, I wonder if we saw the original entries. This style does make the book more readable, although Scowcroft's writing could compete in excitement with watching grass grow.

Bush does come across as an excellent statesman in dealing with world leaders. He presents a warm down home type of President that worked with some of the leaders he dealt with. The reader also gets an interesting insight into some of the leaders that Bush dealt with (Hussain, Gorbachev and Kohl) to name a few. In the details of the Gulf War, he also comes off as being a skillful negotiator that kept the war effort together. I think it also shows that to be a good world leader you must develop personal relationships with other world leaders. Bush comes off as such a good foreign policy man that it almost adds to the impression that he had no clue what was going on at home.

Again, the book was full of details - - too much dry detail at times. Some of the talk about how minor issues were resolved could have been left on the cutting room floor and the book would have been the better for it. I did feel that we were short-changed on the Tiananmen Square uprising in China. I also felt that there was just too much time spent on Russia that could have been spent covering the Panama Invasion or the start of the Somalia effort. Overall, the book was very detailed and interesting. As it was almost a memoir, I would look to a few other books on the topics to form of full opion of the issues, as the author's may have been a bit bias.

George Bush and Brent Scowcroft have written a great book about a fascinating subject. This is very engaging and at times is very much a page turner. I was left thinking that a more detailed account of history being made by the movers themselves may not exist. The end of the Cold War is a great story in and of itself, but also a story that could have had a very different ending were it not for the team that managed to bring it to a successful close.

This is a very honest book by honest men. Evenly though successful on all of the big issues, they write of miscues, uncertainty and difficulties in reaching the "right" decision. It is not a self-praise tome, but a book that is not afraid to lay out an accurate rendering of the facts and atmosphere. The reader has enough information and background to put himself in the role of President and ask, "What would I have done in that siguation." It's the mark of a thorough book.

One can not help but come away impressed by the Bush foreign policy apparatus and the President's own grasp of events, the players and the vital interests of the United States. He, aided by one of the best foreign policy / national security teams ever assembled, played America's hand superbly.

After reading this book, anyone who still believes that any President's main responsibility is "the economy, stupid" is.....well, stupid.

Really, this book is quite a change from Anne Rice's usual vampire romps. I might as well confess my dirty little secret-- I really don't care for almost any of her vampire books. The main problem (as I see it-- and many don't agree!) is that any type of genuine character arc is nearly impossible. If one is writing the most overheated prose possible which represents the absolute height of fevered emotion and experience at every conceivable moment, and if the characters involved already HAVE every power, ability, and experience they possibly could possess, then there's nowhere to go! However, the Beauty series succeeded for precisely the opposite reason. They represent a series of stages in Beauty's immersion into an erotic world of dominance and submission. Of course, the fundamental character arc problem is still there, and it does begin to become obvious by the end of the third book. We never really are given to understand why Beauty permits herself to become immersed in this world, or of what her inner life consists. But there's a unique kind of "experience arc" that comes very close to making up for it.

The third and concluding chapter in Anne Rice's erotic retelling of the sleeping beauty fairy tale, sees Beauty, Tristan, Laurent, and some secondary slaves from the village kidnapped and whisked away to more sensual adventures in an unnamed Arabian kingdome. Armed with first person dialogue and reflection through Laurent [the rebellious, willful fugitive slave from book 2], and a more exotic locale/plot, this chapter in the story was considerably more interesting than the second, which I gave 3 stars. Part of the allure of this version for me was a release from the utter crudity of the European castle and village. Beauty's escapades with the Sultan's harem and his main wife were presented with a lot more sublime sensuality than the whipping and paddling of the previous books. Laurent's transformation from slave to master mentality and his ability to exist moving seamlessly between the two are also compelling aspects. The slaves eventually relish their time with the Sultan above all else, having even their higher reason sublimated. They are told not to talk, nor to express anything other than the most rudimentary understanding as they are used as sex toys, or living sculptures to line the Sultan's gardens, bed, bath, etc. It is this complete abasement and personality disintegration that Tristan, the most philosophical of the group, touches on when asked why he loves it so. Religious and philosophical thoughts of the region combine to show them that they are simply cogs in a grander scheme, and they take pleasure and freedom in this anonymity. Further plot break-down would lead to spoilers, so suffice it to say there is eventually closure for each of the characters. Upon completing the series I feel better about it than after the second book, it helped to think of it anthropologically as if these strange undercurrents were the results of a completely different culture. In that respect it was quite interesting to observe the push for control, compliance, dominance, and love, and question whether that can be squared with ideas of entwined aggression and tenderness. Anne Rice provides the framework and fairy tale, but readers must ultimately decide that answer for themselves.

Anne Rice, under the name A.N. Roquelaure, completes the third and final book of her erotic Sleeping Beauty series in this elegantly written book entitled Beauty's Release. This book drips with sexuality and only the boldest readers of an adult nature should dare even to glance at its cover ! The story itself deals with topics of love, lust, and the balances and conflicts of dominance/submission. Like never before, this book destroys all social norms dealing with sexuality and at times will cause even the boldest of readers to experience rapid heart palpitations of steamy desire. Beauty's Release, as the rest of the erotic Sleeping Beauty adventure series, is truly a masterpiece in its own right

I have read both of Christopher Rice's novels and he has matured greatly as a writer since the publicaiton of his last novel. Anyone who is now foolish enough to attribute his success as writer to his mother's fame is either blindly jeleous of his success or ignorant of the talent Christopher posseses. The book is filled with plot twists and secrets which keep the reader on the edge. His use of flashbacks to fill in character's past and tie them in with the present action shows a great deal of time and thought was put into The Snow Garden. The imagery in the novel makes you feel as if you are seeing the action through the character's eyes rather than a third party discribing the scene. Using imagery and ideas taken from Hieronymus Bosh and weaving them into his thriller is a brilliant move for Rice and helps give more insight into Bosh for the reader and understand the plot better. If Christopher has mautred this much form his first novel, I can only wait to see the power of his third novel. Anyone who is looking for not only an entertaining but stimulating read should buy The Snow Garden.

Although Christopher Rice's 2nd novel isn't as good or "charged" with passion as his first, "A Density of Souls," it does still reflect Rice's excellent writing style. His ability of visual description and dropping the clues to the reader throughout the entire book is astounding. He dangles the information in front of you and you're left with always wanting more. None of the characters are especially likeable once you find out their secrets and pasts, but Rice does have you interested in each and every one of their lives as you unravel the mysteries. This reader for one can't wait until Rice's 3rd novel...whatever it may be.

I finished The Snow Garden in two days and honestly my first thought after reading the last page was "I need mental therapy." Christopher Rice has created the most darkly disturbing, graphic, twisted vision of the hellish side of human nature. Because of this I found it sometimes a difficult read, after some parts I had to put down the book for a few seconds to comprehend what I had just read. My main dislike of the book was the extreme lack of hope. In his first novel, A Density of Souls, Rice crafted an equally spell-binding view of the darknesss of humanity but held a sense of love and ended on a note of hope, however The Snow Garden lacks this view of hope, the one exception being the character of Kathryn (who also in my view was the only truly sympathetic character). Yet, despite this, I loved the book. It gripped me immediately, immersing me in a nightmarish world that although disturbing, was also compelling. Sort of like the same reaction you get from viewing the movie, Silence of the Lambs, it's a unsettling experience but also pure artistry that is amazing. The world and characters of The Snow Garden are engraved in your mind, unforgettable. I admire Christopher Rice, not many writers this young would take such huge risks, but his risks largely pay off. The Snow Garden is an unique, great read, if you're up to the chaotic world it portrays. Looking forward to his next project!

This is the first book I have read by this author. I have to say that Luanne Rice knows how to depict the tragedies of life. All good stories need conflict and sometimes tragedy is a conflict. This story was dripping with it. Page after page, each character seemed to be drowning in despair. Even the dog (an old forlorn golden retreiver who had one paw on a banna peel and the other in a grave) seemed to have emotional issues to deal with. I wondered how many times was he going to go into the forest to die. In all honesty, this author can truly write about human error and loss. She has a knack for analysing and potraying her character's thoughts and behavior. This book is well written, it was just a downer for me. I invest in a book to make myself feel better. I was glad to put this one down. This lady writes well enough though, that I will try another book and hope it isn't the pattern of all her books.

Luanne Rice is one of my very favorite writers because her books never fail to interest, entertain or move me as she sets the stage with both wonderful relationships between her characters and intriguing plots. And while I always want to gulp down her books, I find myself sabing some of her books so I always have something to read by her.

Firefly Beach is set in Hubbard's Point, Connecticut, which will also be the location of two other books, Safe Harbor and True Blue, written by Ms. Rice. It is in this beach town that Hugh and Augusta Renwick have raised their three daughters Clea, Caroline and Skye. Now, many years later previous events in these women's lives continue to loom over them. The oldest daughter Caroline owns the local bed and breakfast, which caters to an artistic crowd who continue to revere her well- known father and painter. Clea, the middle daughter is married to a local minister, the mother of two young children and provides the voice of reason and stability in the family. Skye, an artist and the youngest daughter has recently left her philandering husband continues to deal with her involvement in a family accident by drinking too much is prone to fits of depression and causes her family to constantly worry about her. And presiding over the family is Augusta, now the widow of a famous artist who deals with all adversity by closing her eyes to the very real problems her daughters deal with in their lives.

Now Joe Connor arrives in Hubbard's Point on an expedition to salvage a ship that sunk many years ago. As a young man his path crossed with the Renwick family when his father presumably died from a heart attack in the Renwick's home. Caroline, a young girl wrote Joe a condolence note after this event which resulted in them corresponding for several years until Joe as an adolescent learns the truth about his father's death. Now finally meeting Caroline in person, Joe can neither hide his hatred of Caroline's family nor his attraction to her. And Caroline beset by the past and Skye's current emotional deteriaration cannotignore that she is quite taken with the man who she so adored as a young girl.

In my opinion, there are few writers today who present readers with family stories as well as Luanne Rice does. Whether she describes the love between parents and children or siblings for each other, this author always manages to bring tears to my eyes. And in Firefly Beach she presents a memorable relationship between Caroline and Joe and the three sisters and their mother which makes this book a most worthwhile read.

I now look forward to reading Safe Harbor and True Blue which continues the story of some characters readers first meet in Firefly Beach. I have a feeling that I will also throughly enjoy these two books.

Firefly Beach by Luanne Rice is one of her best books yet. I have read all but three of her books, and with each new book I read, I come to endear Rice as one of my favorite authors. Her books are incredibly sensitive, the characters are so real and believable, and she writes from her heart. Her writings seem to center on family issues that one can relate to at one time or another. Rice lets us know that love can heal, prevail and make things right.

Caroline Renwick knows the secret of Joe Connor's father's untimely death when he was only six. Yet Caroline befriends him at a young age and their relationship grows deeper through their letters to each other. That is, until Joe discovers the truth of his father's death, and at seventeen and blames Caroline for not telling him the truth, and cuts her out of his life.

Years later, Joe comes back into Caroline's life, back to Firefly beach to see for himself where the death occurred, and to find some more answers. Now a grown woman, Caroline, remains the main support for her mother and two sisters, as they all must confront those demons and deal with them, as well as the arrival of Joe Connor.

With grace and style, Luanne Rice portrays a dysfunctional family whose yearnings to heal are marred by more challenges and confrontations. With Joe's help, Caroline is able to listen to her heart and to her longings and in the process helps her own family to find the strength to heal and to love again.

This was another could not put down book, and Ms. Rice writes with the same sensitivity that I have come to admire in her previous books. A very endearing love story - I highly recommend it!

Though it is the 3rd in the series, I had not read any of the witch books by Anne Rice before reading "Taltos." I was worried when I purchased it that I might be tragically lost, not having followed the previous stories of Rowan, Mona, etc. But I was instantly drawn in and swept away, due mostly to Mr. Ash, a great character that recalls some of Anne Rice's other tragic protagonists like Louis from the vampire series or Azriel from "Servant of the Bones." As I said before, I have yet to read the prior 2 books in the witch saga, but with "Taltos" they aren't absolutely necessary. This book isn't REALLY about the Mayfair family but instead uses them as a backdrop to tell a fascinating tale of an ancient race - the Taltos - who have lived, disguised, among humans since time began! I enjoyed the pacing of this book, its humor, its mystery, but most of all the beauty of the Taltos, who were completely fascinating and essentially a departure from Anne's vampires and ghosts. She has created, in "Taltos," something new and different. I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 because its ending seemed a bit rushed and wasn't quite the payoff I had hoped for... 50 more pages might have done it! I can see why others might not have felt this an appropriate conclusion to the witch tales, since it wasn't so much about them. But maybe Anne will one day give us more Mona, more Mary Jane, and hopefully more Mr. Ash! Still, it stands on its own as a thoroughly enjoyable book, I recommend it!

This was a very enjoyable book. It puts a very interesting spin on the Lives of the Mayfair Witches which was begun in The Witching Hour and Lasher. This book goes more into detail about the race of people called the Taltos, which was touched upon in Lasher. Ashlar is a Taltos who has been alive for centuries. The story appeals not only to my romantic side, but also to my love of history. The idea of a race of non humans, who can pass as humans and have lived alongside of us is intrguing. These people represtent a type of Utopia to me. They were peaceful and loving. They loved music and dancing, and remembering the past. They knew nothing of war and violence until the humans came and hunted and destroyed them. It surely makes one give pause to legends, as Anne Rice has done using the Picts in this book. Anne Rice has an enchanting style of writing. Her characters are well written and very lovable. There are few writers who can write characters like Anne Ric! e. She pays well attention to detail without any overkill. Though at times there are mild discrepancies in the story, they are hardly worth worrying about, as I personally was taken away by the characters and the story. The pages flew by as I was swept away with these characters and what they went through. This is defiintly the best book in this series! A must read for anyone who has read the other two! Anne Rice has created yet another masterpiece.

Simply stated, I loved this book, I especially liked the part when Rice describes the little people, the "Leprechauns," through Ashlar's friend Samuel, how she described his gnarled disorted face. I am an avid reader of Anne Rice, I've read like 8 of her books already and I cannot seem to get enough of her. Her vivid imagery, her usage of words, seem to enthrall me into another world. Also, when I read her novels, I pay attention to little quotes that she says that are very unique. I can't wait until Merrick comes out so I can devour that book as well. After reading several of her books, I have come love Memnoch the Devil the best, she was just magnificient, as always. Ever since I read The Witching Hour I was hooked on the lives of the Mayfairs; consequently, I bought Lasher and Taltos-reading them one after another....she's just excellent.

The negative reviews below sadden me, because I was there once and used to think that "submission" was a dirty word. How I wish I had learned these lessons earlier on in my marriage; how much grief I would've saved myself! God is gracious. Through this book and godly authors such as Elisabeth Elliot and Elizabeth George, I am learning what it takes to be a godly wife who is pleasing to the Lord.

Is it any wonder that the very first sin ever committed was by a woman who did not want to submit to her husband? Satan is still lying to women today. He convinces them that submission is restrictive, when the truth is that submission is freeing. "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32)

This book is worth its weight in gold. Do yourself and your marriage a favor and buy it, read it and most of all, APPLY IT to your life. You will be blessed. You will be transformed.

I do not agree with some other reviews I read here which state that the author is saying to submit yourself into sin if your husband so requires as well as that a wife can't have a direct personal relationship with God because she must go through her husband. The author does not say these things at all. This book is a quick read and full of inspiration for those in good or bad marriages. It clearly shows how submission is not being inferior, but trusting God - just as a man must submit to God and trust Him. In fact, the book clearly states that God would never require us to sin simply in the name of Godly submission to our husbands. This book has completely changed my perspective and shown me how I have been controlling in my marriage, nearly leading to divorce.

I read this book two years ago. I reread it every now and then. I have used it in my marriage classes. I have purchased over 50 books for others. When I first began to read the book. I had to get a friend to help me through the first chapter. I "WAS" a wife who felt the word submission was sickening. I would always replaced the word submit with desire to please, according to Gen.3:16. It gave me a since of choice and control. After reading this book, I understand that submission is power and freedom. I rejoice in submitting to my husband. By subitting to my husband, I am submitting to God. Submission is Gods perfect will. God changes not, He is the same today yesterday and forever. Others have come back to thanked me for sharing this book. I called the author to personally thank her and encourage her in her ministry to women. This book is a must read for every wife and future bride.

The Years of Rice and Salt is a sleeping pill in book format. The book is suppose to be an alternate history style book. But alternate history is used as the thinnest veneer for the author to write about religion and metaphysics (he particularlly loves talking about reincarnation). Since the characters keep getting reincarnated they effectively become immortals, but since they never remeber what happened in previous lives they effectively become new characters. None of the characters, no matter how you read it, are developed enough to care about them. Overall a poorly written book, its only good use is if you are having trouble sleeping at night.

What a wonderful concept! Mr. Robinson proposes an
alternate history without a Europe. The Black Death
exterminates the Europeans from Constantinople to
Scandanavia, leaving Moslem civilization in the West and a
swelling China in the East. The new history's sweep is seen
through a series of Buddhist reincarnations of the same
family of personalities. There is always a rebellious "K;"
always a sensitive "B;" always a mathematical "I." Their
struggles to shape the earth's history and their own
spiritual future guide the overview of the work. That
constant re-involvement of striving personalities negates
arguments that an Islamic/Indian/Chinese world only have
stagnated.
The book began as a slow, good read, worth taking days
with. What a great idea!
Alas.
By the last two chapters, Mr. Robinson has left writing
and taken up preaching. The enjoyable days of reading
dragged into weeks of hoping-to-finish. Rip off the last
quarter of this book, and leave yourself with a positive
impression of the author. Otherwise, prepare for endless
beatings on your intellect of the Theories of History.
Prepare for sermon text instead of action. Prepare to defend
against being browbeaten into the successful inevitability of
Buddhist/feminist/socialist class struggle. Prepare to watch
the author virtually abandon his migrating-consciousnesses
concept and begin preaching a kind of humanist reincarnation
in a plot-free environment. Prepare to be bored.
Who let this happen? Who let a good book go bad? The
fault obviously lies primarily with the author. Still, isn't
there at least one editor out there who isn't an MBA, who can
still offend a cash-cow author by telling them to rewrite
those awful last chapters?
Evidently not. This book is too small for a door-stop
or a decent fish habitat at the bottom of the lake.
Otherwise, there's always the used-book trade-in or the
fireplace. Don't waste your time finishing it.

I really enjoyed this book. The concept (the Black Plague is 99% lethal and entirely wipes out Christian Europe in the 14th century) is very intriguing. Though the book spans 600 years of alternative history from the early 1400s till present day, the author ingeniously makes use of reincarnation as a device to maintain the same basic characters throughout the book ("B" the romanticist nurturer/protector, "K" the rebellious idealist, "I" the warm & inquisitive but detached intellectual, and "S" the self-centered troublemaking jerk.) The book details how China discovers the new world, how a Japanese Samuri teaches the Iroquois tribes to resist the Muslim and Chinese incursions into the New World, how the scientific revolution occurs in Samarkand, how a socially progressive industrial society develops in southern India, and how the entire 20th Century is spent in a massive World War between the Muslim and Chinese halves of the world. All of this is seen through the eyes of the characters, so it becomes a story of individuals caught up in the story of the world rather than just a historical outline.

The book does get a little preachy towards the end, with Robinson spouting off his theories of historiography. It was also a little confusing by the end when he seemed to be trying to undermine his own theory of reincarnation with the secularist/materialist dogma of his characters. I wasn't sure if Robinson was advancing his own views or just relating the views of his characters according to what would be consistent for them during that point in his history. I also thought Robinson failed to provide a compelling ending to his book. Throughout the book he constantly set up questions of whether progress and improvement is possible and whether the actions of the characters are bringing about any larger good, but the end left these questions still dangling with nothing but a flimsy academic lecture to state the author's opinion (in short, that progress is possible for society as a whole but that each individual life is a personal tragedy).

What I found particularly intriguing about this book however, was the harshness of ethnic conflict in a world lacking a genuine pluralistic, multicultural society (as America tries to be). Even by the 20th century conflicts were much more about racial competition between Muslims and Chinese than about socio-political ideologies as we experienced in our own world. There was also no model democratic society in this alternate world, nothing like the French and American revolutions ever happened, so even by the modern day most of the world's superpowers were ruled by monarchs or military governments. Upon reflection I found this account of probable world history to be very convincing and likely. If one is familiar with (real) European history one realizes how unique liberal democratic political philosophy is, and how dependent it is on certain key concepts found primarily in the Christian traditions.

Anyhow, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes history and has a basic starting knowledge of (actual) world history over the past 600 years. (This basic knowledge is really essential to really appreciate the subtle and sweeping changes that occur in this alternate universe.)

This book is very good but not one to spend money on. It is funny the first time read, but the second etc, unless you have a very short memory, you remember. I checked this out from the library and read it 1/2 way through on the way home. I especially like the names of the crew ( captain Petard, or captain Jean Hewlett-Picard; the vampire Le Forge not by Anne Rice; Geordache, Doodad) I thought that the entire book was very original and the author did a very good job in the authors unique style of writing though he did lack one thing which would be a Sherlock Holmes story. And by the way, if you don't recognise the authors it doesnt really matter. I only knew of Steven King (The Trekking) Kurt Vonnegut (holodeck-5) Dr. Seuss (Oh the Treks you'll Take!), Anne Rice (The aformentioned Vampire Le Forge), Jurassic Trek (3 guesses as to that author) and J.d. Salinger (The Crusher in the Rye) But I could figure out the other ones easily. You don't have to be a diehard Trekkie to enjoy these but it helps to have seen at least a seasons equivilant of shows. I liked it alot.

Obviously better educated than some of his critics, Boyett captures the essential style of each and every author he parodies. The author of "Ariel" (1984) and "Architect of Sleep" (1986), Boyett isn't known for his humorous works, but shows us with "Treks" that he can take us anywhere he chooses. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves (or hates) Star Trek, to the educated reader who enjoys a well-crafted parody of the old (and new) favorites, and to anyone who appreciates wonderful writing in any form.

I'm one of those readers whose guilty pleasure is the world of Star Trek, but run around with a Hemmingway or Vonnegut tucked under my arm. This book is the way to have the best of both worlds. It's so clever and the parodies are totally on target! I'm giving it to everyone I know who loves Trek!