Star In Danger is a really good book, and I'm sooooooooo glad the series is starting to head back to racing. That was way better than eventing--not that eventing's bad, just racing's better. Still, I wish that all the old characters would be explained. There are so many loose ends--Pride, Champion, Glory, Shining, Cindy, Dylan, Katie, Cassidy, Ashleigh's second child...come on! At least write a few books, specials maybe, that explain what in the world happend. Ten years were skipped, and that's a lot to make up. Also, the books were way better when Joanna Campell wrote them--the other authors can't get the facts straight, and they're just no as good. I'm glad Christina likes Parker and he ditched his parents--they're such jerks. They need to start to introduce a few more different aged characters so the series isn't stuck on Christina and her friends. Well, anyways, read the book if you like the others. It's definately at least a litte improvement.

When Ashleigh's Wonder died just days after giving birth to her last foal Christina's mother, Ashleigh, couldn't even bear to look at the orphaned colt. Christina had to bottle-feed him around the clock. That was when she named him Wonder's Star because of the white, heart-shaped star in the middle of his forehead. After adventures with a mischeivous goat, giving Star an 'identity problem' Christina and her father had to start all over to overcome the tiny foal's fear of other horses. And when Star was at last in the paddock with the other promising weanlings Christina hears Ashleigh eagerly closing a deal with Clay Townsend and his son Brad, half-owners of Star. Wonder's Star was being sent to Townsend Acres.

Christina has to say "good-bye" to her dreams of making Star her eventing horse and riding him in the olympics. There is no question about Star's future now--Brad is already training him to race. At first Christina had to admit that the yearling was getting good enough care at Townsend Acres. Before his 'training' begins. When Christina starts having trouble on cross-country with her mare, Sterling Dream, she makes the decision not to visit Star anymore. Maybe then she could concentrate on her dreams for the olympics...with STERLING. But when she and her cousin, Melanie, finally return to Townsend Acres Star has changed. He isn't groomed as often because everyone in the stable thinks he is vicious and agressive. Even Ashleigh remarks coldly that Star is becoming like Terminator, one of Whitebrook's stallions. Christina wants to regain Star's trust, and that means she has to be able to work with him. When Christina gets the opportunity to groom for Brad she knows she has to do anything for Star. But at the same time she is having trouble with her boyfriend, Parker. She always thought of them as just FRIENDS. Now she is afraid that they're becoming much more than that. She has to forget about everything for her event at Meadowlark. But then she gets the news that the head trainer is going to teach Star to carry a person on his back--TODAY. Christina knows Star isn't ready. But how can she convince anyone to see her side? Christina is positive that it's time to get Star HOME--at Whitebrook. Whether her parents like it or not!

Ok, This book was my absolute favourite out of all the Thoroughbred series. It was the kind of book where.. you didn't no whut was gonna happen next~ thats whut made it more exciting! Christina and Parker~ There both aswome! I never used to like Chris, but now I do. I luv the way she is with Star, its the kind of relationship I would like to have a bit more of with my horse.... every1 can relate. I read this book a lil while ago, and since then I've read the newer editions, and I have to say "Star In Danger" is still my favourite... but "Team Player" was good too! So if ur wondering whut book to buy, then buy Star in Danger, cuz I no that u'll LUV IT!!!!

The English Assassin has a lot of good things working for it -- a fast-paced plot, lots of action, decently developed characters, and an interesting historical perspective about the Swiss-Nazi relationship during WWII. I found that I could not put the book down throughout the first half. However, I felt that the second half dragged somewhat and the ending, while still filled with action, left me feeling a bit dissatisfied. This is due to its containing few surprises and being somewhat predictable. Further, Silva's conclusion left some 'threads too loosely tied' for my taste. Perhaps this is because he plans to continue his main character, Gabriel Allon, and his secondary characters, Ari Shamron and Julian Isherwood, all of whom were in Silva's The Kill Artist, in future books. While I continue to like these characters, I think that knowing that he plans to use them in other books detracted from the suspense of the ending. With this said, The English Assassin was an entertaining read and one that I, overall, think you would enjoy. It's just that if you have read Silva's other books, as I have, you might feel that his latest effort isn't among the strongest of his works.

Also recommended: All of Daniel Silva's previous books, Snow Wolf by Glenn Meade and Jackdaws by Ken Follett.

My only problem with Daniel Silva is that he doesn't write books fast enough. The wait for The English Assassin, though, was more than worth it. Silva's a first-rate writer who has taken the well-worn concept of the international thriller and turned it into something compellingly new. The English Assassin is a perfect example of his skill: he throws together the reluctant, tormented spy Gabriel Allon with a tempermental violin virtuoso grappling with her own dark secrets and sends them off to investigate the Swiss collaboration with the Nazis in the theft of priceless art. It is an utterly fascinating story, brought to life with the help of a cast of superbly crafted supporting characters, including a vicious English assassin who is a bit more complex than your usual villain. Along the way Silva masterfully draws us into the worlds of art and music and gives us a tempting tour of some out-of-the-way European locales. I started The English Assassin the other night and finished it in one sitting. My only disappointment? It'll be another year before the new Silva pops up on the shelves.

The English Assassin is another fine novel. Daniel Silva provides the reader with his usual blend of action, excitement, intrigue, and plot twists -- all set within the historical context of the secret world of the Swiss banking system from WWII to the present. In a reprise of Gabriel Allon, the art restorer and sometimes Israeli spy from the Kill Artist, Silva spins a tale of a secret Swiss society, long-ago collaboration with Nazi Germany, and a quest to recover art treasures plundered by the Nazi's in WWII. Gabriel is drawn into the plot when he is sent to restore a painting belonging to an elderly Swiss banker. Finding the banker dead, Gabriel is quickly forced to match wits with the mysterious English Assassin and members of the clandestine Swiss organization that seeks to keep the past of Switzerland buried. This book is thoroughly entertaining. A must read for fans of Silva's previous works.

I think that this book was OK but even though they tried to make it about racing, it wasn't. First of all, people don't just happen to own champion racehorses. Christina, Dylan, Melanie, etc would know that Cassidy owned Lady T. Also, suddenly everyone loves racing. I mean, Christina hates racing! And I think that they should not have changed the series. Even if they do change it back to racing, it would be fake. NONE of the "next generation" riders are devoted to racing like Ashleigh, Samantha, and Cindy. I think that they should just make some mini series out of #24-33 and start over with 24 and Cindy.

I was almost crying when I read this book. Like all of the others, I'd really like to find out what happened to Honor and Cindy. One second, they're so the main characters and the next it's like they completely vaporized! Joanna, you should really fill in that time gap. So, I really thought that Cassidy did the right thing. Would I ever be able to save a racehorse and risk my own horses at the same time? I don't think I could. Reading this book made me realize that sometimes, it's hard to do the right thing when it comes to your life, your family, and your future. Cassidy demonstrated her curage and her heart when she risked her horses to save Pizazz, a horse she didnt' even really know. That's curage all the way.

people who read this comment this book is not worth 4 stars but i looked at it in the bright side. I like Cassidy but in other books shes such a snob. I wonder why a lot of peple dont like Cindy I agree Karen Bentley turned her in a snob but I somehow dont believe people actually hate her. anyways this book was Ok. But I really didnt like Christinas actions toward Cassidy about Dylan, I mean she doesnt even stay with him. Yuck! With Parker. I dont believe it realistic that those people tried to show the red as Pizzazz. i mean after i read this(with my friend) we both started spluttering and complaining about simply everything.So there even if her life is more realistic than it seems Cassidy acts like i-dont-trust-you-with-my-secrets-so-there. Gotta go now I ve said everything I could to try to help you.

Well, this series is definitely getting better. I like it a lotmore now that Christina's into racing, but it was kind of weird forher to all the sudden decide to become a jockey, when she had trainedher whole life to be in the Olympics. Also, i miss sooo many of the characters in the old books. what happened to the baby Ashleigh was supposed to have in #23? And what happened to Cindy? all it said was that she moved to Belmont. And what about all the horses? Champion, Pride, Shining, Glory, ect. And now that Ashleigh rode in a race again, I was just wondering if Ashleigh and Christina would race against each other. or christina and Melanie. I was definitely getting sick of Sterling, but I thought Christina loved her to much to give her up. And why did Sammy move to Ireland? she loved Whitebrook so much. And for your information, new authors, townsend acres' colors are green and gold, not red and black! but this book Was well written. Keep the racers coming!

This book is much better then the other books that have been written lately. It's very realistic, and gives more insight into the horse racing world then any TB book ever has before. I give props to the author/editors/publishers for limiting Chris's wins. But Star still hits me as a slacker. There is no real development between horse and rider. You see that he won't perform for anyone but Christina, we understand that, but the relationship is completely one sided. Christina dotes on Star, that's quite clear, but for a colt who's supposed to be in love with one person, Star seems to completely ignore Christina. Another thing, the book relied a little too heavily on races for a plot. Inbetween the book seemed to sag. Having lots of races in a book is all good, but there was little character development outside of the races. There were also some minor detail problems. Ashleigh didn't jockey Wonder in the Derby and Belmont, Jilly did. Ashleigh's first Triple Crown victories were in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness aboard Wonder's Pride. Recent authors of the series seem to be challenged by simple facts like that. It's really not that hard. Just make up some sort of spread sheet with each horse's name, what races they won/lost, and who was riding them. That should make it easier. Another helpful thing might be to read all the previous books. Townsend Acres colors are green and gold, not red and black, though I can let that one slip seeing as there's always the possibility that Brad changed the colors. However, if that was the case, this should have been explained to readers by the authors, or the author should have known the correct colors. Research help. You might not think people will notice small slips like that, but they will. The editors also need to work better at catching mess ups like that. Another thing is that Christina's hair color keeps changing. First it's strawberry blonde, then it's brown, then it's strawberry blonde again. Make up your mind! I can understand someone's hair getting darker as they get older, mine certainly did, but I don't believe someone's hair changing back quite that fast. Your hair color can lighten in the summer, but not that much. You'd have to dye it. But, other then the small detail flaws, and the slight lack of character development, this book was overall, good.

Ok, so I really like that christina is in to racing now. But I just can't stand the fact that so much has changed. I mean, where is chamion, if hes such a wonder horse, shouldn't he be in the plot(they did mention him in the story) I have to admit that I ABSOLOUTLY LOVE Parker Townsend. But where did everybody GO. Dylan and Katie have obiously stopped riding. But what about cindy and Max. All of Cindys horses? i wish that Christina would do something bad. I mean life IS NOT perfect. You just dont start racing then win a big race a few months later and be asked to ride big name trainers horses. I also think that Christtina was a little snobby. I mean I would be thrilled to just ride in race, but, please to be so upset if you get first? I was really happy when she went behind her parents backs in book 40. I am finally starting to lilke Melanie. I really wish Joanna would come back. Ill keep reading the series even if she doesnt, but the books were better when she was writting them. Also, the new writters need to get their facts straight. I like thr romance twist, but if youre going to have a romance twist, then have it a little more often. I think that all of the books are decent if they have the racing part to it. Hold on (to the doubtful readers) I bet theyll start getting suspensful now that both Christins and Melanie are jockeys. BY THE WAY TO THE NEW WRITERS_ YOU ABSOLOUTLY CANNOT CHANGE MAIN CHARATERS NOW THAT CHRISTINAS STARTING TO LIKE RACING! I never liked chris eventing, so im glad shes racing. please tell me when johannas going to put her super special out telling what happened. Oh. and keep parker in the story it would be really cool if they got married and combined the farms.

This is a great book, but for people who are thinking of buying this book(really! they should buy it!) may want to know the edetorial review of this book. I'm writing it here:

A great opportunity...

Now that Christina Reese and her cousin Melanie Graham are jockeys, they want to ride as many horses for as many trainers as they possibly can.

When Christina is asked to ride a diffcult horse for one of the best-known trainers on Kentucky, she leaps at the chance to prove herself. But she'll have to race against her own horse__ Wonder's Star. Is worth the risk?

I put this book on the shelf where I keep all my favorite THOROUGBRED books. There's some THOROUGHBRED books that didn't quite make it the favorite shelf though. I have a HATE shelf as well. And for the books that end up there, they hardly get read at all. There's: THE HORSE OF HER DREAMS , MELANIE'S TREASURE , STERLING'S SECOND CHANCE and DYLAN'S CHOICE. They're all on my hate shelf. Partly because I thought that in those books, SOME of the characters were snobby and stuck-up(I hate that). And there's other reasons as well.

But this book was a HUGE succes! I'M SERIOUS.

O.K. - When I first read the book description I thought I'd hate this book - I mean Christina wasn't riding Star. But after reading the book I loved it! I think the bond between Star and Chris is still strong and they make the best pair. Riding Gratis was an important part of Christina's jockey career. She needed to prove to others and herself that she could ride other horses well. I liked the neat plot and good realistic racing. The upcoming books are: #41 Close Call (About Parker and eventing) #42 The Bad Luck Filly (Melanie and the filly Image, who appeared in this book - a relative to Wonder) #43 Fallen Star (not sure what it's about yet. I hope something bad doesn't happen to Star! I want him to win the Triple Crown in his three year old season!)

Read this:

While visiting a track in New York, Christina Reese meets Cindy Blake, the well-known jockey and long-lost member of the Whitebrook family. Cindy has been plagued with shoulder problems throughout her racing career, and Christina is thrilled when her newly found relative aceepts an invitation to come to Whitebrook to rest and heal. But Cindy isn't the mentor Christina hoped she'd be. Bitter about racing, Cindy offers Christina little encouragement or inspiration. Christina's disappointment, however, is soon overshadowed when her beloved horse, Star, falls sick with a deadly virus. Yet to her surprise, she isn't the only one willing to fight for Star's life. Cindy is there, too, helping her nurse her beloved colt. Looking beyond her dreams, Christina wouldn't mind if Star never raced again--she just wants him to live!

I haven't read this book yet, but I can't wait!

The premise of this book is amazing. Pulling from a wide selection of ancient world myths, Campbell identifies features common to the Hero, like the Virgin Birth, the Call to Adventure, Crossing the Threshold, Trials, and the Return. If this stuff seems obvious now, it's only because Campbell's book has been so influential.

Parts of the book are great. "Once having traversed the threshold, the hero moves in a dream landscape of curiously fluid, ambiguous forms, where he must survive a succession of trials." Doesn't that make you want to read more? Campbell is at his best when he is talking about the journey of the hero. But he tries to do a lot more than that in this book.

First, he gives too many examples. A few examples are helpful; a lot of examples obfuscate, rather than illuminate, the subject. I wish he had said more and shown less.

Second, when Campbell shifts focus off the hero, the book loses steam. The chapters dealing with the "Cosmogonic Cycle," where the mythology of the universe is covered, just don't fit in here.

I recommend this book. If you have the patience to sift through its dirt, you will find some gold.

Joseph Campbell and Mircea Eliade are, perhaps, the preeminent accessible scholars in the field of mythology in the 20th century. I eliminate writers like Harold Bloom whose blatant gnosticism often blurs intended explication of mythological traditions and renders them bewildering and solipsistic rather than "illuminating". The great "political" mythologist Czeslaw Milosz' vision is...as he himself declares...a bit "eccentric" for the beginner. Hence: Campbell and Eliade. The former explains the "players" (would-be heroes). The latter explains the nature of the "field" (the cosmos & history), the nature of the TWO kinds of time: sacred and profane; be they WESTERN/linear/; or EASTERN/ cyclical)...... THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES is, I submit, Campbell's best and perhaps only important work. Why? The book provides clear definition of THE HEROIC QUEST and why the hero is the foundation of all mythologies. Axiom: societies must have heroes; mythologies are stories of heroes who incarnate values upon which a society, nation or world-order thrives or dies. THE CALL...THE ORDEAL...(Trials by "Fire & Water") THE GREAT TEMPTATION...AND THE RETURN (Final apotheosis as NAMED hero) initiate the hero. All kinds of cool jargon, freighted with the cultural values of the West (LOGOS)or East (TAO)are employed by Campbell along with stories adjuged by great cultures to Re-Present themselves to their own traditions and the WORLD embodying their notion of THE HEROIC. It's good stuff and very accessible. Campbell's later work..."The Masks of God" and his studies in the mythological dimension of dreams...becomes less so as he apparently succumbs to the "gnostic" temptation himself. After studying THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES, the reader is advised to take-on Eliade. THE COSMOS & HISTORY: The Myth of the Eternal Return; and SYMBOLISM, the SACRED & the ARTS. Then, if your interest has been piqued, you're ready for Eliade's literally encyclopediaec study of religions and myth. Or not. No, I have not forgotten Frazer,Graves,Ceram or Corcoran...explicators; nor Lewis, Tolkien or for that matter A.A.Milne..."creators" of mythical heroes and their quests. But with Campbell's THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES, the student of mythology can acquire some formidable tools for judgment of culture and ethical ultimates. Petronious (Emperor Nero's "minister" of culture) once composed a mock-heroic quest called THE SATYRICON. It is about the daring struggle of two homosexuals ...against odds and foes, arch and otherwise...to leach a free meal EVERYDAY! An inspirational goal (GRAIL) of truely heroic archetype. Of course historically, Petronius was slain by Nero for participating in an assassination plot. Nero himself reluctantly committed suicide aided by a courtier Then followed civil war (and, in a single year, four violent aspirants to the Emperor's chair and SPQR). The final point: "Who wants to be a hero?" in a culture which has devolved into another quest called "Who wants to be a millionaire?" THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES helps to suggest which answer is important; why and how such heroes prevail...or the consequences of failure in even the REFUSAL of the Call. It's an important book...not because Campbell was George Lucas' mentor and STAR WARS was conceptualized on Campbell's ideas. But because this society now does not know the difference among heroes, entertainers and celebrities (the famous for being famous). This book...an excellent introduction to the serious study of mythology...suggests answers to what provides a society with essential VITALITY to EXIST...and that is the purpose of all TRUE MYTH..........

All may roads may lead to Rome, but for me, this year, all books seemed to lead to Joseph Campbell's Hero With 1000 Faces.

I have discovered that this book is probably one of the most influential, widely read books of the 20th century. It's no wonder the author, Joseph Campbell, was featured in a Bill Moyers special on The Power of Myth (with an accompanying book, as usual for Bill Moyer's specials.)

I was reading books on writing-- on story structure-- Particularly, Christopher Vogler's excellent Writer's Journey, and it was based on this book. Ironically, I was already reading another of Campbell's series of books on myth. But then I started looking deeper into this realm-- the idea of the Hero's journey, -- the call to adventure, refusing the call, finding a mentor, encountering threshold guardians, crossing the threshold, facing the worst evil, winning the elixir--- and I discovered that dozens of books have been written about the concepts Joseph Campbell first broached.

It's such a powerful idea, and so useful in conceptualizing life's changes. I used it as an element in a presentation I just gave this past weekend on how the art and science of story can be applied to healing and helping people grow. 80% of the people attending the lecture were familiar with the concept.

This is such powerful material, you might consider essential for helping you understand the way movies are made, and how the contemporary world has been affected by advertising and the loss of sacred rituals in everyday life.

One way I gauge a book is by how many marks I make in the margins, to indicate wise ideas or quotable material ( I collect quotes, and quotation books big-time, owning over 400 quotation books) and this book's margins are just packed. The depth of knowledge in mythology and anthropology is awesome, providing a wealth of examples, metaphors, ancient stories and myths which deepen your understanding of human nature. The only problem with this book is how often, in conversations, I've found it to be relevant, whether talking about a friend who is going through some tough times, or someone who is making some changes in his business.

Rob Kall

I absolutely LOVE the Thoroughbred series, and now I buy every single one that comes out. Sometimes it seems that the ideas for the stories get used again, but there is always something new at Whitebrook.

I liked how Christina used to be into racing, because it kept the series fresh and made you want to read the next one. However, I don't think she should become a jockey. Hello? She's too tall. In #28 they describe her as taller than Ashleigh, and Ashleigh is 5'3", making Chris a pretty tall jockey.

So this book was nice to take a breather from racing and see what else Thoroughbreds can do. Foxy is great, and so is Parker, but Christina needs to get a grip. Parker is under stress, and she is not listening to him. Then she gets mad because he is worried about the event and not her for two seconds.

The bad thing about this book is that you don't find out if he makes the Olympic team or not. Uhhh, isn't that what this book is supposed to be about?

We can only hope Christina comes to her senses and starts eventing again before I die of boredom over the same plotlines used over and over.

Yes the best! I love the fact that its a break from racing don't get me wrong racings cool but eventings great!! even if you canfind a bunch of other seris on eventing ive already read them all and besides Joannas the best this is my all time fav book ( along with all the ones were chris is eventing and #50 team player-very sad but well writen book-) so anyways the only problem i had with this book is that chris still hasen't come to her senses about eventing. hasen't anyone but me noticed how gurumpy and snobby chris has become sence she stoped eventing?
and star dosen't seem like a very good horse shes always having problems sterling was way better! i miss her so much i read the horse of her dreams all the time! thats the best book its when every thing made seince...

This book rocked! Ever since Chris and Mel have come into the picture, I've found the books to be alot more informative and realistic. I mean, what 16 year old jockey gets to race in the Dubai? All the horses before Foxy, Pirate, Sterling, Trib and Star were these PERFECT beings. It was like, well NO one could beat them! Not even Lord Ainsley against Pride. Now, I actually feel like I could be Chris or Mel. It's not so far fetched anymore. I liked the whole thing with Lyssa too. She was great, even though Parker was a major snot toward her. Parker didn't come first, he placed. He's not perfect. Oh, and for those of you who say that they still don't know whether Parker qualified or not... HE DID! He called Foxy the newest Olympic member when they finished the event. Anyways, if you want my advice, read this, but don't compare it to the others. The books are not what they used to be. They're better! And not predicable anymore. Can't wait for Perfect Image! Brad wants Image as a broodmare! He says that she'll never make it as a racer! Catch ya later!

Well you know what they say when you really want something then you wait a long time to get it , and when you do get it you are always get your hopes uptoo high and wha ypu get is not anything you wanted or expected that goes for this book. I mean it was ok but really i mean Christina is like a walking Snob and the Jealous Queen. What was up with Samantha I thought i Racing Parker she would be riding the racehorses not training them. Melanie is cool but she reminds me of Samantha in too many ways.Samantha to me isa one and only. I also thought they would actuall got to Sam's farm and have a chapter on it now that that is were Christina rides? oh well at least racing is back. and so is Samantha! Does anybody else think Samantha should ride in eventing for the Olympics thats what i hope. Sam never got ,much credit. Anywho that is the scoop on how I rate this book

This wasn't one of the better TB Books! First of all,Seabreeze is a Registered Appendix QH! Not a pony! And "Pride's Perfection".. Where did that come from? I would like to see more of the racing start coming back,more of the orignal charecters(Pride,Wonder,Sierra,Ashley,ect)and Johanna to start writing agian! I think the idea of Tor & Sammy opening there on farm was a good idea! I recomend this book for any of the TB Readers.. Just so you wont be lost on the next book!

Claire Love : Shining Moment is a red roan. But I like Faith portrayed as a gray. Someone who put Lois Symanski down : Joanna Campbell has been recently consulting these authors about writing the books. She brought Pride's offpspring back and she probably made up the new horses. This book was really good, but I seriously think MEL should go with Parker ; they both have the same sneaky reputation. I cried my heart out when they sold Heart of Stone in #35! sniff These books are great! When I saw the book On The Track, I was flabbergasted, I mean, is it really racing? - - Mica

I bought sacrament expecting something grand
I didn't get something grand
I'm not sure if I got anything at all.

The book starts very promising. A photographer in the North Pole. Interesting.
Oh he falls into a coma, and flash backs into his childhood. Pretty interesting story.

Ok, I'm wrong. It's not really that interesting. It's incredibly clichéd. Maybe Barker thought if the main character was gay, it would make it original. It doesn't. But hey, it's got nice descriptions, and the characters aren't half bad either. I'll keep on going. Now there are some pretty disturbing scenes in here. But I'd expect that from a horror writer.

Oh, he wakes up from the coma. Now it goes deeply into his personal and love life, which is totally and completely irrelevant to the main story. But hey, if he's gay, you got to put at least a hundred pages of gratuitous romance and sex scenes that does absolutely nothing in the end, don't you?

Now this book keeps building up a huge mystery throughout the first two thirds of the book. That's ok, I actually LIKE that. But what I don't like is when it doesn't really solve anything.

In other words, Sacrament is pretty much the most unfulfilling book I've ever read in my entire life. The problems aren't solved, they just seem to fade into the background. The whole super-natural element is totally unexplainable, and when it starts making a little bit of sense it disappears completely.

I have nothing against having an established horror author getting in touch with his sentimental side (Hell, I actually prefer Stephen King without the gore), but if this is Barker's nice side, then by God man, HIDE IT!

Too much filler(the main character's love life), too much build-up that wraps it up in the most disappointing pages in the history of literature (Domus Mundi and Rukenau do not live up to the hype established in the build-up, not by a long shot).

I have Imajica sitting in my shelf, waiting to be read. I honestly hope that will be better than this.

In books like Weaveworld and Imajica, Clive Barker created new a new mythology and reinvented the religious parable, respectively. Now, in his most ambitious and creatively daring book thus far, Barker departs from the tried and true of the world of dark fantasy and delves deeper into the human condition than he has previously explored. As admitted by the author, Sacrament contains just enough autobiographical detail to allow his readers further insight into his philosophies, which this time around are far more reality-based and less abstract than previous ventures. In telling the story of Will Rabjohns, a famous wildlife photographer who has gained recognition through capturing dark images of nature at its most disturbing and violent, Barker relates a parable on the value of life, human and otherwise. The antagonist of the story, Jacob Steep, is representative of human nature at its most distructive. As a creature that has learned to be a man by watching men, he carries the belief that man holds dominion over beasts to the point that he has created a mission for himself to destroy the last of every species of creature on the earth, to know God by playing God. At the same time, Will Rabjohns personifies both the good and bad in human nature: while he eventually discovers the value of all life and the connections involved in the cycles of birth,life, and death, at the same time he experiences the same bloodlust as Steep when he is young and it is this same type of lust for violence that drives him to the corners of the world to capture his photographic images. Another, even deeper layer runs through the book as Will watches friends and loved ones in his adopted home of San Francisco fall to the twin curses of disease and excess. Ultimately, Sacrament is a moving, intelligent, and deeply satisfying novel of hope, renewal, and enlightenment.

This is the book that made me a Clive Barker fan. The way it combines fantasy elements (the Nilotic creature as a tangible manifestation of the human desire for spirituality) with social/environmental commentary (AIDS as a metaphor for the continuing extinction of rare species and vice versa) turns a standard "man's perversion of nature" (i.e. Frankenstein!) story into something relevant, poignant and breathe-takingly creative.

Sacrement has all the traditional visceral horror elements (the polar bear attack is the most frightening sequence I've ever read in any book!) to please any horror fan. But it goes a step further than most horror novels to provide the reader with one man's experiences (both mundane and fantastical) that leads him to such a dark, fantastical place.

Great job, Jennifer Chu! The book's dialogue and descriptions were amazing, not to mention the realistic ending. But the book was still lacking stuff. What's up with the messed-up racing dates? The Lafayette is AFTER the San Felipe Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby, and those two are NOT on the same weekend! Geez! I mean, come on, research a little here! You can't just go and make up your own dates! And WHY did Parker and Christina have to break up? They were so cute together. And even if they were to break up, couldn't Jennifer at least make it dramatic? I was expecting shouting and yelling, but all I read was crying in the breakup. Then Christina immediately gets a cute, athletic exercise rider for a boyfriend right after, and totally forgets about Parker? The authors are making Christina look totally fickle! First she loves eventing and Dylan, then she changes to racing and Parker, and now it's Star and Aaron. And she manages to be successful in all three? I don't THINK so! I don't think someone could change their minds THAT much. Even though Christina is not a person (in real life) it's not her fault, it's the author's fault for making her look so bad. Now I know Jennifer Chu isn't responsible for all the changes Christina has made, but WHY OH WHY did you make her break up with Parker? Also, the plot was totally weird. Isn't Christina supposed to be an experienced jockey and trainer? She should have realized the problem long before she schleped him to California! Well, those are my critiscms (how do you spell that word???). I liked almost all the characters (except that jerk Aaron) and the ending was great! Star is definitely ready for the Derby (but please let Image win!)!

I think that the auther shouln`t have put aaron in, and the auther got the dates of the races wrong and come on, don`t make parker just dissappear like max and dylan.
chris is a bit of a spoilsport and mel isn`t half as mean as the auther makes her sound.
the covers lack a lot in the new generation and joanna campbell should start writing the books again.the auther is dissappionting a lot of people!!!!!!!!!!
in spite of what i`ve just said the serriies is still one of my favorites.

I liked this book, but I have to admit it was a little unrealistic. I don't expect the series to be exactly like real life, but still, I don't think Ashleigh and Mike would let Christina go to California just because Star is having a problem...first they go to Montana, and now California? I'm sorry, but I am getting a little fed up with Christina and Star. They always have some problem, but it always turns out perfect for them. Personally, I am rooting for Image to win the Derby.

Anyways, I am kind of disapointed that Christina and Parker broke up-it would have been so cool if they had gotten married and owned Townsend Acres together. I just hope he doesn't disappear like Dylan, Max, and all those other people (too many to mention-one thing the series definetly needs improving in). I liked hearing about Storm, Glory, Shining, and Fleet Goddess again though, it was nice to know that they weren't gone forever, although I still think the series should do more with the older horses.

Well, I have some other small complaints, but books can't be perfect, and I thought this was pretty good. I just hope the quality of the books goes back up, and i would love if christina got back into eventing!!

Anyways, thats about it!