After visiting the "Little Town on the Prairie" of De Smet, South Dakota, I decided it was time to finish the series which I had started reading as a kid. The books have lost none of their charm during the past 25 years. They are perfect for reading aloud to your children. There are plenty of adventures to keep boys and girls of all ages entertained. I found Mrs.Wilder's descriptions of the pioneer way of life very interesting. Her simple style of writing paints vivid images of prairie blizzards, swarms of grasshoppers, and wolves, bears and Indians. It has been a long time since I've enjoyed reading anything this much. One suggestion: don't read Farmer Boy on an empty stomach. The mouth-watering descriptions of the Wilders' meals (especially dessert) will sent you running to the refrigerator.

I love the Little House Books. I have read every one of them at least 5 times. They never get boring. The Litttle House Books are Non-Fiction- They are the best history books about the pioneer days. I am currently reading Farmer Boy, which is about Almanzo- Laura's future hustband. I just finished reading Little House on the Prairie to my kids- they loved it. They are asking questions about the pioneer days. If you want to get someone intrested in history start them on the little house books. Little House books are worth so much. I also like them because it is easier for children to understand history from another child's point of view. I hope every one reads the Little House books and learn about pioneer days in a fun and exciting way.

I got my first set of Little House Books when I was 8. I read through all of them from start to finish and loved everyone of them. One day while surfing Amazon's site, I found out the series was continued with Laura's daughter Rose. So here I am, 24, running to the childrens section buying the whole new series. I was so happy that someone took the time to expand the books I almost cried. I always had wondered what happened to the Ingalls/Wilder family. My 16 year old, dog eared copies of the original series will go with my brand new Rose books, to my daughter someday. They are on my bookshelf!

William Manchester's first Churchill volume is one of those books that makes you just love to read.

This clearly isn't a book for all those who are fascinated by the mediocre and skeptical of the possibilities for true greatness. This is an unreconstructed and unapologetic look at a leader whose instincts often cut against the grain of the 20th century, but who would emerge as one of the great heroes of it, just when extraordinary leadership was needed the most.

Manchester is the rare gifted writer who has mastered the biographical craft as well as the sweeping narrative needed to succinctly encapsulate the mores and habits of an entire nation at a particular moment in time. He does this brilliantly in his introduction, about one hundred pages long, which sets the stage with a lavish description of Victorian England. This is one of the best parts of the book.

Early on, it is clear that the ambitious young Winston is headed for big things. This wasn't only because he came from one of Britain's most prominent families -- his father rose to become the second most powerful man in the government, and his mother was romantically linked to the Prince of Wales. Despite this, Manchester convinces us, successfully, that Churchill was the best of his generation, that he would have risen even from less auspicious circumstances (admittedly, this interpretation has its limits, since entire social classes were excluded from Parliament at the time).

Churchill made his career as a political maverick, changing parties not once, but twice, consistently taking positions that brought him close to political death. Yet Churchill survived -- and what's more, he turned out to be one of the most enduring political presences any democracy has ever seen. What is striking about Churchill's career is that it didn't simply culminate in 1940 after a plodding journey up the political ladder. No -- Churchill had first been elected to Parliament forty years earlier, and he rose quickly within a few years of his election. But then his career plateaud for about a quarter of a century. Here you had a man who was considered a future Prime Minister at age 30, who was in a position to be considered the heir apparent in governments of two different parties at various points from World War I until the late 1920s, and yet didn't take the next step. What happened?

The Great War and its aftermath, more than anything, foreordained Churchill's postponed "rendezvous with destiny." It was here where Churchill was the most out of step with prevailing political attitudes. Churchill held close to his heart a heroic vision of Britain, and believed deeply in the nobility of a war fought for a just cause. He also believed in the Empire, and did not think that Britain should relinquish what was already hers, even in a time of relative decline vis a vis the United States. Where most saw senseless slaughter in the trenches of France, he saw selfless heroism, a nation at its best.

The nation, or at least the political classes, did not agree with this interpretation. In a time that Walter Lippman proclaimed was "tired of greatness" and where the great fear was that Britain had overextended herself, Churchill defended greatness and Empire. In his view, strength in the service of democracy, and not blind disarmament, would prevent future wars. This view, ascendant in World War II, and in many ways, ascendant again in America today, was seen as discredited at the time, and Churchill in the 1920's repeatedly butted heads with a Conservative leadership over disarmament and withdrawal from India. The trend was so strong in the other direction that Churchill was effectively cast out of his party by the end of the 20's, and looked destined to repeat the fate of his iconoclastic father, who was cast permanently out into the political wilderness for his own apostasies.

But with this son, there would always be a second act.

"The Last Lion: Visions of Glory, 1874-1932," is the first of William Manchester's projected three-volume biography of Winston Spencer Churchill. I found it a superbly crafted, supremely well researched account of the first 58 years of the life of the 20th century's greatest statesman. With wit and candor, Manchester chronicles Churchill from his earliest days as the neglected and troublesome first child of Lord Randolph Churchill and his American-born wife, Jennie, to his entry into the political "wilderness" over home rule in India in 1932. Manchester's portrait of his subject is balanced and objective; we see Churchill at his finest: a courageous (almost to the point of foolhardiness) army officer, and later a gifted Member of Parliament who became one of the youngest Cabinet ministers in British history. We also see him at his worst: a Cabinet minister with appalling political judgment at times, quick to meddle in other ministers' affairs while neglecting his own, and with an uncanny ability to alienate not only his political foes, but almost all his political allies as well.

In addition to a wonderfully written chronology of Churchill's life, Manchester provides an overview of the times in which Churchill lived. I was fascinated by the author's account of Victorian England -- its culture, its mores, and its view of itself in the world. The sections which describe Churchill's times make highly entertaining and absorbing reading by themselves.

"The Last Lion: Visions of Glory, 1874-1932," clearly shows why William Manchester is one of the pre-eminent biographers at work today. The book is written with obviously meticulous scholarship, insightful analysis, and crisp, sparkling prose; I have yet to find a better account of Churchill's life. Now, if only Mr. Manchester would give us that third volume . . .

William Manchester does much more here than tell the story of perhaps the greatest person of the 20th century--he transports you back to the pre-WWII England to see the events that shaped Winston Churchill's life and political destiny. You not only come away with a true sense of who Churchill was (and he truely was the hand that slammed the door to Hell during WWII)--you also gain real insight into other key British politicial figures of the day including Lloyd George, Lord Halifax, Nevile Chamberlain and many others in the context of their often-changing relationships with Winston.

I came away with a fresh perspective of the key people and geopolitical events of the time; and gained a wealth of useful historical information as well. This, and Manchester's first volume of Churchill's bigography should be required reading in any proper 20th century college-level history course. (They're crafted so well that students might actually read them!)

Beware--you will not want to put it down once you start reading; I didn't.

This is a lovely story. Both the writing and the illustrations are superior. This is one of those books that is definitely worth owning, and in a hardcover version, not a paperback that will wear and tear. Parents: it is a keeper, one that you will save for years and to read to your future grandchildren.

The story is of a boy's journey on a mysterious train, the Polar Express, that takes children (adorned in their pajamas) to the North Pole to Santa's village. I won't spoil the story by telling any more...

There are loads of Christmas themed children's books out there for this age range. Many are mediocre or just plain garbage. This book is in the superior category and a "must own".

Knowing nothing about this story, both my son and I were drawn to it because of his love of trains. If you don't know the story, just be aware it introduces the idea that not all people believe in Santa Claus. This was the first time my (then) three-year-old learned that not everyone believes, whether they are adults or children. It also explains that as some people grow older they change from a believer to a non-believer. Just know that before reading the story to your child. For us it introduced the idea of non-believing. Another family I know read the book after an older child told this young child there is no Santa Claus, and the book helped deal with the issue of when some believe and some don't believe.

The gift pack we purchased had the audio version on CD. Narrator-actor William Hurt's voice is wonderful, slow and flowing...just right to evoke the mood of the story! There is also a CD-ROM for the computer (sold separately), which is a read-aloud story with images that my children watch a handful of times per Christmas season.

The gift pack also comes with a Christmas tree ornament. My children are thrilled to have a Polar Express related ornament to adorn our Christmas tree because they love trains and they love this story.

This book is one of the most magical children's books I have ever come across! As soon as you open the front cover, you enter an exquisite world that has an almost dream-like quality to it. It is told in the first person point of view of an adult recounting his most memorable Christmas experience. And what an experience! The boy in the story is awakened one Christmas Eve by a train whistle and discovers the Polar Express waiting to take him to the North Pole to see Santa. Once there, the boy is chosen to receive the first gift of Christmas. The boy has a touchingly simple request --to have one of the bells from the harness of Santa's reindeer. It is given to him, and he is filled with joy! Yet, on the way home, the boy discovers that there is a hole in the pocket of his bathrobe, and he has lost the treasured bell.He is heart broken. The next morning he finds the bell in a box under the tree, and he rejoices in the new-found bell and its marvelous sound! The catch? Only those who truly believe in the magic of Santa can hear the sound of the bell.
I read this story every year to my children, and every year there is absolute silence as they listen, entranced, to this deceptively simple story. Afterward, they always beg to hear it again and again! They are fascinated by the beautiful illustrations and the language of this very moving story. I have a CD with my version and Liam Neeson does a beautiful job of reading the book, along with superb background sounds and effects that will make you feel as if you had taken the journey yourself. You will not for a minute regret buying this book--I guarantee it will become a treasured favorite with your children!As an adult it will fill you with a wistful yearning to go back to your childhood and experience once again the magic of being a child.

The Polar Express is a train that picks up children on Christmas Even and takes them the North Pole, where they can hopefully receive the first Christmas present from Santa Claus. The boy we follow wants a bell from Santa's sleigh and gets it, but loses it through the hole in his pocket. The next morning, the bell is under his tree with a note from "Mr. C." He and his sister can hear it ring, but not his parents because they do not truly believe. The pastel drawings are beautiful and very realistic. They have just the right balance of hard lines and detail with softness and subtlety.

I remember receiving this book as a gift from my father when it was new. I was just a small child and I remember how much I enjoyed the beautiful illustrations and longing to receive that special gift just like the boy in the story. Unfortunately so many years have passed that I don't think I could hear the bell either - except when I read this book. It is truly a special gift in itself.

Why 5 stars?:
The illustrations are absolutely wonderful. Clearly, one can see why this book won a Caldecott Award. The magic of Santa Claus is brought back to everyone who reads this book. A wonderful story to read to children at Christmastime - or any time of year.

Few memoirs can have the kind of honesty, self-examination and disturbing insight into a horrific type of crime as found in "Tears Of Rage." Though John Walsh, best known as the host of "America's Most Wanted," has written recent books that deal with capturing wanted felons, this is his most stellar work because it is him stripping himself bare to show us the horror of losing a child and the heartbreaking struggle to move on. This is the story of the disappearance of 6-year old Adam Walsh, abducted in a department store and later found decapitated. Walsh describes in wrenching detail the anguish him and his wife Reve endured while searching for their son and wondering what had happened as well as dealing with a police force which in 1981, was ill-equipped when it came to finding missing children. It is fair to say that there might be no better book that tells the story of a family's loss of this nature, Walsh writes with a truth and bluntness that keeps the reader emotionally gripped onto the pages. But yet aside from a powerful story, "Tears Of Rage" also informs us with the evolution of missing children programs in America, it took the Walsh tragedy to wake-up America to the monster that is child murder and abduction. Beasts prowled the fields and no one noticed while many suffered in silence, not knowing where their sons or daughters were. Walsh takes us on an in-depth look at his own efforts which have taken him to congress to help the mothers of the disappeared. But the interesting thing here is the haunting story of Adam Walsh, when John Walsh describes in detail how he believes the murder took place one is surprised at the courage this father has to describe how the horrific murder of his son might have taken place. In essence Walsh takes us on a journey through emotions and scenarios many of us hope we will never have to live through, but the lesson here is that in his baptism of fire, Walsh came out a wiser, stronger man and from his story we learn we must all be careful, especially with something as precious as our children.

This book details the struggle of John Walsh and the personal tragedy that propelled him to international recognition as the star of America's Most Wanted. In 1981, his only son Adam Walsh was abducted from a Sears store at age 12. The resultant investigation and twists spurned the elder Walsh's crusade for justice. Although his son's case remains unsolved, Walsh remains dedicated to the cause of missing children everywhere. Although my background as a constitutional researcher makes me leery of most victims rights advocates (whose well intentions try to eliminate the constitutional safe guards they would likely want in a similar situation) I am predisposed to respect Walsh whose mission began and remains with noble pursuits of justice for all. Not one to mince words, Walsh's account of the ordeal takes us first to the picture of a serene family unraveled by a predator and then of parents fighting for their son's name and those of kids every where who had previously disappeared without people really wondering why. Although child abductions had been occurring for decades, the Walsh case was an example of a new willingness to expose it as a public crime instead of a private family matter. Believe it or not, there were legislators who actually considered the idea of missing children's legislation a joke. That such callousness could happen struck me as particularly cruel and disheartening, but the Walsh story reaffirms the idea that a small group of people with enough determination can really change the world. It is to Walsh's credit that the naysayers were silenced and whole generations of children and their relatives now have social and legal recourse against repeat incident when they do occur. I am not particularly a sentimental person, but this book still moves me to tears (as does the movie) every time I visit this case again. In terms of gruesome emotion, Freddy Krueger, Chucky and the like have nothing on this case for fear levels. Even people like myself who grew up hearing about the details of this case via a well-made tv movie will be horrified by this book.

Every parent should read this book. The author makes us very aware of the scumbag by-products of abuse and neglect that walk this earth in search of innocent children to exploit for their own selfish pleasure. Instead of letting this horrible tragedy break them, John and Reve Walsh dragged themselves up from the absolute pits of their terrible nightmare to change the priorities of a foolish country that cares more about stolen cars than stolen kids. It is also gratifying to know that John Walsh joined forces with the incredible genius of ex-FBI special agent Robert Ressler (author: Whoever Fights Monsters). John Walsh is responsible for bringing to our attention that these pedophiles and lunatics are everywhere and must be stopped. THIS COULD HAPPEN TO ANYONE'S CHILD!! This book is emotionally hard to read. Your heart will go out to these two people for their grief and we can all be thankful that they cared enought to turn their tragedy around to help others.

The Companions, as the author frequently calls them, are summoned by Prince Gwydion and the venerable wizard, Dallben, to undertake a perilous quest: to march into the stronghold of the evil Lord of Annuvin, to remove and destroy the black cauldron of heavy iron, which Arawn uses to spawn a vicious breed of Middle World Undead. We are pleased to meet again our old friends from THE BOOK OF THREE: Taran, the Assistant Pig Keeper, who longs to be considered a man, Princess Eilonwy with her ready tongue, the story-stretching bard with his fickle harp, and other faithful followers. Yet this book, #2 in a series of 5 Prydain Chronicles, retains its integrity when read alone.

Alas, pride and treachery are rampant in the land bordering Annuvin, whence the dark lord of evil reigns and schemes. Our hot-tempered hero must use both his wits and his heart his to gradually acquire wisdom in this difficult and dangerous odyssey. The small company of adventurers are eager to prove their valor and gain honor, yet they experience the inevitable personality conflicts. How will the companions ward off attacks by The Hunstmen and the foul Cauldron-born who do Arawn's bidding? And who can defeat the black beast that travels on Ellidyr's tattered shoulders?

Yet there is much more to this book than a mere succession of adventures, traps and twists of fate. Many serious themes bubble up between the mayhem that Alexander has set in motion. One reminded me of a later book, THE GIVER: "Give us--the nicest summer day you can remember!" Ah, but is it easy to part with something intangible like a dream or a memory which has become a part of onesself? And this black Crochan, as it is called, emanates evil and possessiveness towards those who think they own it--reminiscent of the ring in THE HOBBIT. Evil can completely dominate one's neutral or natural personality. Just how much will Taran sacrifice or allow his friends to sacrifice for him, in order to obtain and destroy the Black Cauldron?

Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi, and Fluddur Fflam are back in another enchanting fantasy in the land of Prydain as described in The Book of Three.The companions set out on a journey to destroy the Black Crochan,a cauldron used to make cauldron- born zombies. Packed with action, wisdom, and courage, this is an excellent read for Princesses of Llyr, bards, princes and Assistant Pig Keepers the same.

It was tough deciding which of the Prydain books to review, but I decided to do The Black Cauldron because it's my favorite of the bunch (and the cover of this edition is beautiful). All of these have been around for decades, but I just read them for the first time last year, as a sophomore in college, because I avoided "classics" like the plague while growing up.

The Black Cauldron is the darkest of the Prydain Chronicles, and it tells the story of Taran and his companions as they head to Arawn Death-Lord's domain to recover the Black Cochran, which creates soldiers out of the dead. The book explores the price and sacrifice that true heroism demands. The memorable cast of characters include Adaon, a unique bard, and three interchangeable witches who are reminiscent of the Three Norns, or the Fates.

A haunting and beautiful tale that I highly recommend (along with all the Prydain Chronicles).

'A Twist of Fate' is an enjoyable read which keeps one's attention throughout. Ms. Williwms deals with a lot of issues and handles them realistically in most cases.

I liked the character of Ashela and Ms. Williams did a good job of developing her. Understanding her from childhood made her actions as an adult very believeable. I enjoyed her spunk and fortitude!

Sam's character was not developed as thoroughly. He was presented as a very handsome, articulate, powerful, nice guy who loved his mother and kids, etc. However, I didn't get as good a feel for him as I did for Ashela. I needed to know a little more about what was going on in his head. He disappointed me in the latter part of the book in his reaction to Ashela during a time when she needed him the most. A little more insight into Sam may have helped me understand his actions.

The ending was a little disappointing. I felt as if Ms. Williams rushed to finish. In light of the very vindictive acts by both Ashela and Sam, as well as the significant time that had transpired, their relationship needed some serious work. Another chapter could have brought a more realistic closure to the book.

These issues aside, the book is a very good read. I look forward to her next novel.

A Twist of Fate is a definite "must read" that's filled with believable characters. It literally comes to life as you read. I really loved the way the story unfolded. Ms. Williams' characterization of Ashela Jordan was very strong. I laughed, I cried, and I experienced real disappointment just as many of the characters did themselves. Sam Ross is another one of Ms. Williams' strong black men. So real-life does he come across that I can easily envision Denzel Washington playing this role. Kudoz, Ms. Williams for writing another elegantly detailed passionate and erotic book.

I loved reading A Twist of Fate. What a great cast of characters Ms. Williams has dreamed up! What happens to them is so compelling, you won't be able to put the book down. The chemistry between Sam and Ashela and Arron and Kyliah is so strong that their passion leaps off the page. This book touches every nerve and fiber of your being. The story is sensual, sensitive, and poignant and I'll bet that even the most skeptic of critics will be aroused by the steamy, simmering love scenes. The sub-plots and twists make it an absorbing read while the characters are so well developed they seem to lunge from the pages to touch the reader's heart. A Twist of Fate is a richly provocative and thoroughly satisfying novel. I can't wait for the author's next release.

This trilogy cannot be compared. It stands unparalled (with exception to the Legends trilogy that is!). These two authors(Weis & Hickman) have captivated my attention for the last 10 years. I hate them for it too, because every book that I have read since then pales in comparison.

I accidentally stumbled across this trilogy. Having just finished the David Eddings' Belgariad series (not that bad in its own right), I wandered the local Waldenbooks in search of a good science fiction book. Sitting on the top shelf stood this massive book(Collector's Edition) with a decent picture on the cover. Being a 7th grade twelve year-old, I didn't actually realize how much 15 dollars was, so I purchased it. Believe me, it turned out to be the best 15 dollars that I have EVER spent. This book has been purchased again since then because of the amount of times that I have studied this 'Bible'. Without doubt, this trilogy is the core of all Dragonlance books and which I refer to as The 'Bible' of DL.

In closing, I would like to encourage anyone who hasn't read it to do so. It IS the greatest escape that reading can offer. Weis & Hickman created a world where the characters(Tas, Tanis, Raist, etc.) capture a piece of us which we can never forget. I'm now 22, and I still haven't forgotten. In case you're reading, THANK YOU Margaret and Tracy.
(Now how did that fireball spell go?)

The Chronicals are the best and greatest! This is not just another book of badly written adventure in a medieval magical world but rather a richly textured wonderfully written piece of literature. The characters are described very well, the story is gripping, putting this book down will be hard. Highly recommended, this book (rather these three books because I read 'em seperatly but this is the same) is my favorite book in the world. Buy it! And read everything else by Margaret Weis or Tracy Hickman. They are the greatest authors. Other things to read: Everything of the original DragonLance series, particulary the Legends Trilogy and Dragons of Summer Flame. Do everything in your power to get this book. To those who read it: I hope you enjoyed it. To those who have not: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

I can't stress the fact too much that these books trully are the best books I've ever read. Currently I own over 14 books in the Dragonlance: Saga, and I strive to own each one of the spellbinding novel's. The three books that started the entire enthralling series are the building blocks to what is now a New York Times best-seller. Dragons of Autumn Twilight is the first chapter of all of the trilogy and it tells of the companions struggle to find evidence of the True Gods, but what they find will take them all on a journey beyond imagination. Dragons of Winter Night is the second of the three it tells of the companions search for a lost artifact capable of containing the dragon's true essence and directing it to do the owners will, butthere joureny breaks the group up and they all struggle to prevent the Dark Queen from taking over all of Krynn. Dragons of Spring Dawning is a story about the heroes last stand against the Queen of Darkness herself. I hope you've enjoyed this review and I hope even more that you read and enjoy all of these books those that follow, so until the next time I get bored and deside to submit a review, FAREWELL!!

A nice end to the trilogy. It began in 'Sea Swept', 'Rising Tides' and now finally 'Inner Harbor'. The last brother Phillip finds his true love and alot of other things along the way in this installment. All the loose ends are finally tied up and the story of Ray Quinn's son Seth is finally revealed. I enjoyed this one the most of the three. Both Phillip and Sybill were strong characters and I like what Ms. Roberts did with Sybill's character and who she was. It was a nice twist.

~The third and last novel in the Quinn trilogy tells the story of Phillip Quinn, a high powered ad exec living in Baltimore and the last of the Quinn brothers still single. The Quinn family saved him from a life a crime of theft and street running when he was a boy. One fateful night he nearly died and Ray and Stella Quinn saved his life. He never forgot them or their selfless generosity. The only way he sees fit to somewhat pay Ray back is to help stop the blackmailing his now dead 'father' experienced by a woman who literally sold her only son Seth to him. The trick was, was to find the elusive woman who was wrecking havok on their lives.

Sybill needs to find the little boy she remembers from 6 long years ago before things completely fall apart. Did the Quinn's really steal Seth from his mother? Who were these people? Sybill is about to find out. She is on a personal mission and when she sees him, things aren't what they seem. The Quinn brothers are gentle with him and seem to love him...as she is seeming to fall for the Quinn brother named Phillip. When her identity is revealed, the tenuous grip she has on him falls apart as she now must defend herself against the protective family and find the truth.

Can Phillip trust her knowing who she is? Can he look past it to find love? Can they together save Seth from an uncaring mother who wants him for money? Will Fate solve their dilemma? Sybill finds out that blood can indeed be thicker than water and Phillip finds that he can learn to trust again and life will be good again, just as Ray and Stella planned it.

Good trilogy, worth the read!!!

I wouldn't recommend anyone read Inner Harbor without first reading Sea Swept and Rising Tides as they all tie in together. While the trilogy is about three brothers (Cameron, Ethan & Phillip) Seth, the youngest brother's story begins in Sea Swept and ends in Inner Harbor. Reading only the first or second book of this series will leave many questions unanswered. I found I enjoyed Inner Harbor the most. Not only because everything is settled in this book but because I found the chemistry between Phillip and Sybill outstanding. Even when his brothers (mostly Cameron) were angry with her, he gave her the benefit of the doubt to hear her out. To me, although she wasn't what she portrayed to be in the beginning, she unselfishly wanted only the best for Seth. I have also read the "Born In.." and the "Dream.." series by Nora Roberts but I think she outdid herself with this one. I've read the last couple pages of Inner Harbor over and over because I loved the ending.

"Inner Harbour" is the final installment in the Quinn brothers trilogy, and like the first two books, you don't want to miss it.
This is the story of Phillip Quinn, who has triumphed over his tragic past and succeeded in making a good life for himself. By this third book, Seth, the young boy the Quinn brothers are raising together, has bonded with all of them and has finally accepted that he is a part of the family.
Now, enter Dr. Sybill Griffin, who claims to be researching their small town on Chesapeake Bay. Phillip and Sybill are extremely attracted to each other right from the start and begin to develop a relationship. When these two are together the sparks fly! Sybill also makes a point of getting to know Seth, because unbeknownst to the Quinns, Sybill is hiding a dangerous secret that could put Seth in serious jeopardy!
This is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Phillip is a lovable, flawed and dashingly handsome hero and NR does a great job of making him seem real. The reader finally gets the mystery of Seth's identity solved and is left sated and happy.
So pick this trilogy up today, you will NOT regret it!

The Count of Monte Cristo is the kind of book that the author has a wonderful idea, but has the thought spread too thin over the novel to keep the reader's attention. Alexandre Dumas is an excellent writer but seems to accentuate too many subplots that are unimportant. He also focuses on numerous small and confusing characters.
The basic plot, is about human nature, particularly revenge of a young man named Edmond Dantés. At the age of nineteen, Dantés has a series of important events happen to him. He is convicted of being a Bonapartist by two jealous rivals. He is unable to marry the lovely Mercedes and he is no longer capable become captain of the Pharaon, the merchant ship, on which he used to work on as a first mate. He is thrown into the notorious dungeon, Chateau d'if, for fourteen years. He escapes with a large secret: the map to the famed treasure of Spada. Naturally, he'll use it for his revenge. As they say, the rich can do anything.
The book has so many intricate subplots and minor characters that the real plot seems to be lost in a hurricane of court intrigues, treasonous affairs, and numerous social gatherings. There are at least nine chapters concerning meals and balls, ranging from brunches to dinners, suppers to breakfasts, from a mere ball to a summer ball, and everything in-between. If you understand the difference between a baron and a count, then these things would obviously make sense, and may even be interesting to you. If you don't know the difference, prepare to be a little confused.
Getting to the action takes a while, but when it comes, Dumas gives you a good read. From being captured by bandits, meeting Dantes's old fiancé (who is now married to his arch rival and has a child), to getting even with all those evil men who planned his imprisonment. Although, if you're not at the action yet, get ready for a long, not-so interesting read. Dumas, still manages to throw in some unimportant details and small talk in-between the action. You can't just go skipping around the book, because there are too many important details embedded in the small talk. If you don't read every word, I guarantee you'll get lost.
This book is jam-packed with murderous action, so if that sounds good to you, you should consider reading this book. If you are looking for a challenge then this is a book for you. We recommend this book to older, more advanced readers.

The Count of Monte Cristo is the best book I've read in quite a long while. I wasn't expecting it to be. Frankly, I tend to have low expectations for 19th-century European novels in regard to sheer readability. Like vegetables and trips to the dentist, they tend to be more good for you than simply good. Add in the fact that the unabridged version is over 1000 pages, and I felt sure that the Count would be a somewhat difficult companion.

Nothing could be farther from the truth! Edmond Dantes' adventures kept me fully engrossed from beginning to end. I was disappointed to turn the final page, left longing for more.

If you've seen a movie version of Count of Monte Cristo, expect surprises. I had seen both the Richard Chamberlain and Jim Caviezel versions before reading the book (mmmm . . . Jim Caviezel), but neither were entirely true to the storyline or the mood of the original.

Edmond himself is a thoroughly satisfying and seductive hero. (The reader must take with a grain of salt the numerous references to his drug habit; at the time, opium was unfortunatly de rigeur for a Romantic hero.) The secondary characters are equally engrossing, from the admirable Maximilian Morrel to the villainous Danglars; and the ingenious machinations by which Edmond contrives to reward the deserving and doom the guilty make the chapters fly by.

I would encourage everyone to be sure and get the unabridged version of this masterpiece. It is by no means slow or ponderous, and the thought of what must be left on the cutting room floor to reduce this book to half its size makes me wince.

After watching the movie and then finding myself compelled to read the book, I wrote a review for the DVD version of this great classic by Alexandre Dumas. I did give the adulterated movie 3 stars, even with its deviation from the far superior storyline of the novel (this story does not lend itself to being told in a 2-hour movie). But rather than 3 stars, the book is well deserving of 5, and then some. The tale of the Count is one of heavy, dark intrigue. This is not light reading, and the story will tax your patience and demand of you significant time and concentration if you are to mine its riches. Those with an attention span of a six-year-old need not apply, although any person, young or old, who yields to the lessons being lived out will come away from this book with impressive knowledge regarding the pitfalls of willful ignorance, deceit, and pride; and hopefully a better appreciation for justice, compassion, and love. As for the story itself, Edmond Dantes, a young man of considerable good character, finds himself wrongly imprisoned under dreadful circumstances. He eventually is tutored in prison by a man with extraordinary wisdom-just as the reader is tutored without realizing it as he reads the unfolding chapters. Edmond loses all, gains eternal wisdom and insight, and then begins his true journey into lands where friends and foes experience his heavy influence. The story is one of desperation and deliverance, defeat and despair, and ultimately of triumph at an awful cost. Spiritual applications abound throughout as learned from within dungeons to palaces, and our notions of justice and mercy are sorely tested as a wronged man loses all and then begins to execute what he considers to be, and may well be, God's judgment. If you dedicate the time and attention that this book deserves, you will not be disappointed. If you want to speed-read and add another title to your library card, save your efforts and do not insult the worthwhile messages that this book can bring to the soul. I say soul, but for those with spiritual understanding, the better term is spirit, for this is above all a spiritual book if you have that kind of understanding. The movie alludes to it; the book embodies it. Having now read the book and carefully endured the more tedious portions to ensure that I missed little, I can only say that we do ourselves much disservice by not committing the time to study works such as this. Love, hate, revenge, mercy, justice, and forgiveness are explored in detail in the lives of Edmond Dantes (the Count) and his friends and foes. This complicated novel is unbelievably rich in its timeless spiritual lessons.

I read this book shortly after its original release, and as with all books, have not read it again. This detracts nothing from the impression I still feel when thinking about this book. An incredibly well written book. Garth is a hero for the ages. The action was quick, hard-packed, & exciting. The descriptions were perfect, never overdone, never vague. The deliberate lack of information from the author lends this story all the more appeal. I know I read this book in two days, sacrificing sleep and probably my homework grades... it was worth it. I recommended this book to my friends once I was finished reading it. They too, loved this book as much as I did. I can not say another book I have read has been pure fun like this one. I'm more of an epic series reader, but as a stand alone story, this is one of my all time favourites.

I first borrowed this book from a friend of mine, because I was bored and wanted something to read. I could barely put it down, and then only because I had to. The story of Garth One-Eye and his companions is an enthralling read. Once I finished my friend's copy, I tracked down the book at my favorite bookstore, and got a copy of my own. Anyone who is a fan of fantasy should read this book.

This is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. It's characters are well thought out and their interactions are so believable and intriguing! Then main character is Garth One-eye, later found to be Galin, son of the former Master of one of the fighting house of Magic, who was murdered along with the rest of his house for the greed of one man who sought great power. Garth comes to seek revenge on him, and with the help of Hammen and many others he succeeds. It is too difficult to explain all the different parts of this book because so many characters and events are involved. I almost cried about Garth's loss and was overjoyed when he defeated his enemies and banished the corruption that engulfed his world. I will bet you anything that once you read the first chapter of this book you will know I am right, that this book is one of the greatest ever written. Try it. You will read it again and again.