This is a brilliant book, easy to comprend, digest and use. Amazing exercises that actually work, especially the 'Unified Chakra invocation', which is very powerful. Well done Tony! I am now a big fan. :-)

I have read a number of books on ascension and I would place this one on a recommended to read list for this subject. This book also "chose me". The exercises and insights are presented in a very easy-to-read format. I have actually used some of the information to help friends and the feedback from them has been positive. It proves the old saying that the proof of the pudding is in the tasting.

This concept of ascension is the penultimate expression of our sojourn on this planet, I believe. It, to me, is like finding the "Green Door" of the mystical story I read in my childhood. It creates the feeling experienced when evoking the expression, "going home." A very pragmatic spiritual experience. In a word of the venacular, delightful. It truly allows our spirit to have a wonderful human experience. Thanx!!!!!

I liked this book a lot. it was one of the first books i ever read by Christopher Pike, and it is the one that got me interested in him. I love Mr. Pike because he is not afraid to be graphic, and he stretches to the limits in his young adult books. He doesn't treat teens as people who can be influenced by the books they read, and he is excellent at describing all of his scenes. (especially the bloody ones. my fav!) I reccomend that you read this book, even if you don't usually read Mr. Pike's books. I guarentee you will start!

when u read about the boat scene.. doesn't it flash u back to fall into darkness? about Anne's book that John finds?? Hmmm...

This was one of my favorite Pike books. I have read almost all of his books, but I have read this one 5 times. It is an exciting look at mystery, but at the same time it is exactly how high school actually is.

But not amazing. Sometimes it read like a history text book (ie rather flat though conveying interesting information) and other times sucked me in till I found myself 50 pages down the road and well into the wee hours of the morning ^_^

Some of the ideas have definitely not aged well (in terms of being quite as believable) but it's still a good collection. 1 220 page novel and 4-5 short stories comprise the book, plus an introduction.

I still like Heavy Weather better than any other Sterling book, but this will still be a goof addition to your scifi library.

I first read Schismatrix when it was originally published in paperback -- and made the mistake of 'permanently' loaning the book to a friend.

Of the many, many science fiction novels I have read over the years -- my original reading of Schismatrix left one of the most powerfull impressions.

I recently purchased and re-read this expand volume because I wanted to see if the book was as good as I remembered.

The book is quite old and, when compared to recent novels like Ventus and the Nake God trilogy by Peter F. Hamilton, shows its age. Some of the ideas, and especially the visions of technology, haven't held up very well when compared with current novels.

But, once again, I was captivated by the broad vision of the novel, its awe inspiring scope, quirky storyline and its characters. I was also better able to appreciate how influential this novel has been on subsequent authors. Visionary is a strong word, but also appropriate in describing this work when placed in the context of when it was written. Many of the more recent 'cyberpunk' and 'nanotech' novels owe more than a pasing debt to Bruce Sterling and this novel.

The additional short stories, appearing at the end of the book, also add a lot to the story and round out the Shaper/Mechanist universe.

Whether you've already read the novel, and are wondering if the expanded edition is worth it, or are going to read this seminal story for the first time -- this book is well worth your money.

Bruce Sterling hit his stride as a fine writer of ideas capable of writing vivid, incandescent prose with his early novel "Schisimatrix". Much to his publisher's credit, it has been combined with the other stories set in Sterling's Shaper/Mechanist future history. His saga is a novel re-invention of one of science fiction's oldest subgenres, space opera, coupled with the hip sensitivity of cyberpunk's computers and nanotechnology. Here he successfully conjurs a future where mankind has split into those interested in genetic enhancements "Shapers" versus those intrigued with prosthesics. Both factions struggle across the desolate landscapes of distant moons and space stations in the Solar System, while aliens watch with a slight degree of interest. I strongly disagree with others who think Sterling's writing is a bit dated and old fashioned. Having recently re-read "Schisimatrix", I have found his ideas, characters and setting as memorable as when I first read them years ago. It ranks with his recent novels "Heavy Weather" and "Holy Fire" as among his finest literary efforts.

This is a "twofer" review - everything I say about this book also applies to Crystal's "Encyclopedia of the English Language."

I fell in love with language long ago, so pounced on this book when it first appeared on my horizon several years ago. Since then, I have learned to keep it close by - it migrates from the coffee table to my night table to the bathroom to the breakfast table - I need it handy. I refer to it constantly, and often find myself opening it at random and immediately being hooked by whatever subject comes up.

It's a tremendous compendium of easily accessible information on all aspects of language, and there are nuggets of value throughout. It is well-written in a lively, non-pedantic style, and has plenty of illustrations to reinforce understanding and make it more interesting. It's appropriate for most ages except very young children, and is a terrific way to introduce anyone to the wonders and mysteries of human language.

The same remarks hold true for Crystal's "Encyclopedia of the English Language." That work is presented in the same way, but with much greater detail on our own language. I use it almost as much as the general language volume.

I'm in awe of Crystal's ability to present such huge subjects so coherently and in such a comprehensive and fascinating way.

I strongly recommend both books, for you or for anyone you care about.

_The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language_, Second Edition, by David Crystal is a linguaphile's delight. It provides a wealth of information to engage the mind indefinitely.

Instead of being organized alphabetically, as most encyclopedias are, _The Encyclopedia of Language_ is divided into eleven parts that comprise sixty-five thematic sections. Each section includes a comprehensive discussion of the theme, enhanced by sidebars and colorful visuals. Sections range in length from two to twenty pages, making the chunks of information small enough to be palatable yet large enough to be satisfying.

Topics addressed include language and thought, the structure of language, the anatomy and physiology of speech, written language, language acquisition, languages of the world, language disabilities, and language change. Obviously, this is only a sample. In addition, the book has eight appendices, including an extensive glossary and a table giving information about nearly 1,000 of the world's languages.

While many of Crystal's topics have their technical aspects, the author keeps his tone conversational and his information accessible to the lay reader. In this way he celebrates the existence of human language and deepens our appreciation of it.

I have always found linguistics to be a fascinating subject, but my encounters with the majority of textbooks on this subject have made for rather dry reading. Bearing this is mind, I initially approached this book with low expectations. However, once I opened the cover I could not put it down again. David Crystal has a quite a talent for presenting various topics surrounding language in a way that is both extremely interesting and easy to understand. The eleven chapters address in general terms language structure, geographic and social factors relating to language, physiological and neurological aspects of speech and language acquisition, languages of the world, written language, and a great deal of more information covering a variety of language-related topics, to include sign language, body language, and animal communication. No one is going to become an expert on linguistics by merely reading this book, but it is a superb general reference and introduction to language and linguistics.

Sweet Sacrifice by Crystal Rhodes has all the elements necessary to make it a "good read." Sash Adams is an intelligent, proud, and determined young woman who only recently graduated from law school. Although she is unemployed she is confident that it is only a matter of time before she makes her mark on the world. Then the unthinkable happens. Her young brother, Sweet, is kidnapped! More intriguing is the fact that the ransom is demanded from wealthy mogul Brandon Plaine. Sash and her brother have no connection to Plaine, so why demand money from him? How can she convince him to pay the ransom for her brother? And can she convince him in time to save Sweet?

Both alluring Sash Adams and handsome Brandon Plaine are interesting characters individually but they are both headstrong and determined. Their personalities inevitably clash. As they battle their way through this horrifying experience the passion that both attracts and repels them is almost tangible.

This book is a true page turner with a couple of really surprising twists. So, grab a cup of tea, retreat to your favorite reading spot and enjoy!

Sweet Sacrifice is the story of Sash Adams, an independent and feisty recent law school graduate who is raising her younger brother, Sweet. Sweet gets kidnapped and Sash has to make decisions and form alliances in order to get her brother back. Brandon Plaine enters and he is a suave, arrogant media tycoon. Sash enters his world seeking his assistance in raising the ransom. Why would Brandon help a stranger? With passions simmering in the background, Sash and Brandon must make compromises in a mission to bring her brother home safely.

Sweet Sacrifice is a romantic suspense novel that enthralls the reader from the beginning until the final word. Rhodes has done a wonderful job of weaving the romance along with the suspense. The characters were realistic and well developed. I found myself lost within the pages of Sweet Sacrifice. I anticipate more literary offerings from Ms. Rhodes.

Reviewed by Robilyn Heath
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Sash Adams was willing to sacrifice ALL for the love she had for her little brother Trent. This story was well written and very entertaining. Ms. Rhodes has a way of keeping you turning page after page. I am now impatiently waiting for her next novel "Small Sensations"

This guide helped me BUNCHES with my Crystal Version. This has;

A calender of events
A walkthrough
A breeding section
A pokedex guide to 251 pokemon (missing out Celebi)

It is VERY GOOD. ^_^

Prima's Pokemon Crystal strategy guide is very well written, and is beautifully designed. It has a great deal of information on items held, where they are found and their uses. It has a thorough section on the Pikachu 2 GS and held items from Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal, as well as Red/Blue/Yellow and an extensive section on types, new babies and breeding. Most all of this can be found in Prima's Gold/Silver Complete Pokedex guide. This book does not have information on trainers' rosters in the game save for the Gym Leaders and the detailed section on the Elite Four, the Kanto Gym Leaders and the final trainer, Red. This isn't important to some consumers, but it is to me. The book also has little information on the new Battle Tower which is supposed to be near Olivine City, there is only one mention of it in the book and it is nowhere on the Johto map. It is extremely easy to overlook. I feel that this book may have been rushed, reminiscent of the "Gold/Silver" rush when Gold/Silver first came out. Prima should have included at least something pertaining to the Battle Tower. It is not fair for consumers to buy more than one strategy guide for one game. If I want to purchase additional guides it should be based on the content not the lack thereof. Hopefully Prima will publish one that includes more Battle Tower information, until then, I recommend you wait for Versus Books or buy Nintendo's book. Prima's guide is nicely done, though.

I ot this guide for my brother...he needed it. But Crystal is a game you can pretty much do on your own, without help. There are no major puzzles (Zelda: Ages) that are impossible, so just do it on your own. But that's my opinion- get it if you want to. It's a very good book- very informative.

Is love a sin? Was love not meant to be shared and enjoyed
by all? Sin by Crystal Rhodes is a wonderful read that touches
you with sincere understanding of two people desire to fight
that, which is natural, love.

Reverend Nedra Davis has worked hard to establish a large
following at her church, Mount Peter. She has been labeled
the "Anti-Drug Queen" because of the work she has been
doing removing drugs from the community. Reverend Nedra
has also made some very sinister people angry with her
anti-drug mission because she is interfering with their
profits.

Sinclair Reasoner is a man who keeps much of everything
to himself. A product of the streets and having to raise
himself because of his mother's drug addiction, he is not
proud of some of the things he has had to do to survive
while growing up. However, with determination, he has now
established himself as a business man being in control
and of his own.

Sin, as he is called by many, comes to Reverend Nedra in
hopes that she will be able to find a good home for two
boys, Colin and Trevor Johnson, whom he confronts while
the older one is trying to steal his car radio. Instead
of turning them into the police, he opted to take them
home and talk to their mother only to find the deployable
conditions the boys live in and the obvious signs that
their mother was and have not always been around. Sin
learns quickly that their mother is a drug addict. The
older boy was stealing to feed himself and his brother.
Sin feels obligated to help them find a good home where
they will be properly cared for. After reading and hearing
about the good work Reverend Nedra has been doing at
Mount Peter, Sin feels that this is the best place for him
to seek help for Colin and Trevor.

The moment he meets and discuss with Reverend Nedra about
Colin and Trevor's living conditions and the unknown
whereabouts of their mother, he instantly realizes that
there is more to Reverend Nedra then just being a minister.
Sin also soon learns that Reverend Nedra's life is threatened
because of the work she is doing to rid the community of
drugs. Unbeknown to Reverend Nedra and Sin, they are about
to collide on a very unique obstacle course of finding love,
trust, and faith with each other. They will also face intense
suspense, intrigue and force to make some difficult decisions
that will affect their lives forever. The tides of time,
defining love, and accepting who they are and how they feel
will be put to the test several times for both as the grim
reaper waits in the wings. The outcome is something you
will not expect.

When I first started reading this book, it immediately held
my attention, because the storyline was very different
then others in a romantic sort of way. I applaud Ms. Rhodes
for developing this storyline for us to really take
a hard look at each other and judge not, but understand
and learn from each other in the process. Love is for

everyone.

Ms. Rhodes has provided the reader with a brilliant storyline. ... violence, domestic abuse, murder and other unspeakable events which add to the spiciness of making this a well rounded story. Our book club, Friend Gurlz gave Ms. Rhodes a five star on the book. We thoroughly enjoyed reading and discussing the book with the author. We look forward to any future works.

Sin, by first time novelist Crystal Rhodes, has made a romance reader of me. This powerful love-story, filled with descriptive passages, put me at the heart of the love affair between Nedra and Sin. I became so caught up that for a moment I became Nedra! I felt her dismay when she was criticized about the affair with the love of her life. I could really relate to all the turmoil and confusion that the had to contend with in her congregation. But I was satisfied with the ending. I applaud Ms. Rhodes and am eagerly awaiting her next release.

I liked this book enormously because it was quite original (and that means quite a lot if you have read lots of romance novels).

The plot centers on Kalena and Ridge. Kalena is young lady who wants to fulfill her life mission, to avenge the deaths of her father and brother at the hands of Quintel, important nobleman and comerciant. To achieve that, she makes a "trade marriage" (temporary) with Ridge (called "Fire Whip," who is loyal to Quintel), not intending to fulfill it but to get closer to Ridge's employer, Quintel (so as to kill him).

But the story takes many unexpected spins that make it very interesting, forcing Kalena to fulfill her duties as a trade wife, and allowing us to see how her relationship with Ridge developes, while they search for the Sand (a valuable commodity in their world), facing numerous dangers.

The only fact that kept me from giving 5 stars to this book is that sometimes the thoroughly "alpha male" attitude of Ridge annoyed me (and a lot). But, on the other hand, the story was original and convincing, the characters believable, and the ending excellent. So my advice is: read it and enjoy!!!

I loved this book. With Crystal Flame and Sweet Starfire, Jayne Ann Krentz has defined the marriage of Romance, Science Fiction, and Fantasy. If I could give it six stars, I would.

I recently re-discovered an older copy (1986) of this book (has an awful romance cover completely unrelated to the book) and read it again. I think this is one of her better ones. THe characters are stong but not so stubborn they can't learn from their mistakes. Readers should note, though, that this is more like a Jayne Castle book than a Krentz one. Her SF-fantasy is a nice change from other books in the genre because she tends to focus more on the social structures of the alternate world than the technological differences. They're also (mostly) believable - except you'd never catch me getting up at dawn (every day!) to serve my husband tea.

The first meeting between Thranx and Humans. The plot is a standard first-contact story but contains a few interesting twists; the writing is engaging and colorful, with good depth of character. I enjoyed this novel very much

This novel became a favorite of mine when I first read it in the early 1980's when 'first contact' themes were less common and were not a staple or 'genre' of science fiction. Despite the large amount of additional recreational reading I have engaged in since that time, Nor Crystal Tears still remains one of my favorite reads.

I rate "Nor Crystal Tears" as Alan Dean Foster's best work, and as one of the best books I have ever read. It is a masterfully written story of first contact. With rarely a dull moment, it really is worth reading.

If you haven't read anything by Alan Dean Foster, this is a good place to start.

This particular "Melody Book" (other Melody books cover other "facets" of stones... like color pictures, application of stones, etc.), is about as comprehensive a book as one could hope for, regarding the metaphysical properties of particular crystals and stones. It's very rare that you'll find a type of stone (no matter how obscure) that isn't listed here.

My only beef with it is that stones are more individualized with what they're suited for, than Melody would have you believe. (For instance, all of a certain kind of amethysts aren't suited for exactly the same thing, and the same goes true for all of any kind of stone...

Still, it is pretty much "the encyclopedia". (I'd also highly recommend, "Stone Empowerment", by Jane Hightower... Not as comprehensive, in terms of covering "all the stones", but it has practical info (including cautions) that simply doesn't exist in the Melody books.

I found this book in 1995, and my copy is now a well-thumbed book with notes in the margins. I look upon it as the crystal healer's Bible. I have had it for almost ten years now, and it is still the most up-to-date reference I can find. I would love to see yet another updated edition from Melody. A must for anyone who is interested in the healing power of crystals and minerals.

I have had this book for nearly a decade... maybe more. It has highlights and markings from my continual referencing of it. I have found that the qualities the author cites stones to have are quite accurate. More than a dozen times, after periods of wearing certain crystals (in jewelry) I would note certain changes in my life. Then out of curiosity, I would look up the crystal in this book and guess what? Those changes in my life, attitude, health, etc. are right there on the page as properties of the crystal.

I've learned two things after 12 years of crystal healing:

1. You can change your life for the better by choosing to use crystals that have the attributes for which you are looking.

2. If you find yourself drawn to a certain crystal, odds are that if you look it up in this book, you will find qualities in that stone are very specific to what you need in your life at that moment in time.