History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Stravaganza: City of Masks (Stravaganza)

Average customer rating:

City of Masks
City of Masks
Awesome Book!
Stravaganza: City of Masks is awesome!
City of Masks

Stravaganza: City of Masks (Stravaganza)
Mary Hoffman
Manufacturer: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1582349177
Release Date: 2004-09-09

Book Description

" A Booklist Editors' Choice
" A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age

Customer Reviews:

City of Masks.......2007-05-16

My son was assigned this book for a 6th grade reading group and I came to amazon.com to find out more about it.

I am writing this review in response to E. R. Bird's review. That review made me question the appropriateness of "City of Masks" for 6th grade group discussion. My concerns came from a)the use of the word "sexual predator" for the Duchessa and b)describing the Duchessa as the moral equivalent of Mrs. Coulter in Philp Pullman's "His Dark Materials" books.

After reading "Stravaganza, City of Masks" I believe this book is indeed a young adult book (grades 5-7) and the content is appropriate for 6th grade group discussions. The Duchessa is characterized as typical of her historical period without too much detail. The book explores a 15-16 year old boy's struggle with cancer. The setting isn't perfect and the characters aren't perfect. It isn't a literary masterpiece but it is a fun read for a 12 year old.

"City of Masks" is an action book that tries to gently discuss dealing with cancer. I think the author is good intentioned and the Duchessa is an unrefined tool of the plot. I liked this book, it presents some interesting topics for young adult group discussion.

City of Masks.......2007-04-03

How would you like it if you could travel to a different world? In the book City of Masks a young boy named Lucien does. Lucien lives in London, England and is very sick with cancer. One day when his father brings him home a diary, he learns that he can travel to a different world. This other world is still in the sixteenth century, and is now known as Venice, Italy. The citizens there called it Belezza. Lucien is very confused when he first gets there, but soon he realizes that he isn't sick in Belezza. He meets a man named Rodolfo, and learns that he is a "Stravaganti" (which means that he can travel from Belezza to England). After many attacks in Belezza, he learns that being a Stravaganti isn't as fun as he thought it would be. I didn't like this book very much, but just because I don't like it, that doesn't mean you won't.
This book was written for people ten and up. It switched around from one part to another, and younger children would have a harder time understanding it. "He began to dream of a city floating on the water, laced with canals, and full of domes and spires..." (in England) "Adrianna watched the whole procession from her brother's boat." (In Belezza)
The book included many characters. Some examples would be Lucien, Adrianna, and Rodolfo. There where many times were you would have to closely pay attention in order to understand who was speaking.
The book was written in second person, and was easier to understand that way. "Much to her surprise, Adrianna was bored."
Although I didn't like this book very much, you might like to read it.

Awesome Book!.......2007-03-31

I loved this book. It was given to me by a friend and I felt like it was one of those books you could read agian and agian even if you already read it. After I just finished it I wanted to read it again and I didn't wand to read anything else. This is a great book for 5-7 or 8 grade.

Stravaganza: City of Masks is awesome!.......2006-12-18

Stravaganza: City of Masks by Mary Hoffman is the first of three books in a wonderful fantasy series.

Lucien is sick with cancer; he cannot go to school or even get out of his bed, but when he receives an Italian journal from his father, his whole life changes. If Lucien holds the journal while he sleeps, his mind is taken to the city of Bellezza. When he is there, he is completely well, and the more he visits Bellezza the more real it seems. Lucien then finds out that he is able to travel between two worlds; he is a Stravaganza. The problem is, the more he travels to this extraordinary city, the more he seems to vanish from his own world and his family. Will Lucien continue to travel between the two worlds or will he be stuck in a world that he barely knows forever?

I loved this book and can't wait to read the next in the series. Once you start reading, Stravaganza: City of Masks draws you in and you just can't wait to see what happens. You can fall in love with all of the characters and you really start to care about them. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to escape into another world; people of all ages can enjoy a book like this!

City of Masks.......2006-11-27

City of Masks is a book about Lucien and his friend Arianna. Lucien is a boy with cancer who just had chemotherapy. When the chemotherapy was so bad that Lucien could not talk, Lucien's dad found and gave him a red and purple swirled notebook to write in instead of talking. When Lucien first received the book, he fell asleep with it in his hands and suddenly found himself in a city similar to Venice, Italy. Lucien looked around at the marble colonnade and thought he was dreaming. That thought changed when a boy about Lucien's age pulled him fiercely into the shadows and hissed, "Are you mad? You could be killed!" Normally a touch like that would have Lucien screaming in pain, but this was a different universe where Lucien was healthy. To confirm that this wasn't a dream, Lucien reached up and touched a head full of curly locks when just a minute ago all he could feel was a bald head from the chemotherapy. The boy that had pulled him into the shadow was taking off his clothes and mumbling to Lucien about how Lucien had ruined his plans that had taken almost a year to come up with. The boy was now stripped down to his underclothes and gave his clothes to Lucien. Lucien took off his changed into the boy's clothes and watched as the boy slipped on a dress and took off his hat. The boy was a girl! Lucien and Arianna introduced themselves and Arianna led Lucien down to a café. There Arianna explained to Lucien that today was the forbidden day to be on the island of Bellezza and they could be killed if the pair didn't blend in. That was why Lucien had to change into different clothes. After eating two crumbly pastries and two cups of chocolate, the pair headed down to a river and watched as the Duchessa picked new mandoliers. The Duchessa rules all of Bellezza and picks mandoliers to attend her school and eventually drive the boat the Duchessa rides in. When the Duchessa turns around and picks out a boy in the crowd, Arianna storms away. The boy the Duchessa picked was Lucien, the person who ruined Arianna's plans of becoming a mandolier. Every day, Lucien returns to his sick body and falls asleep to visit Bellezza. This book takes you through the journey of Lucien a sick and healthy boy at the same time.
Mary Hoffman's style of writing is full of analogies and "juicy" words. She keeps the pace of the book at a comfortable speed and loves to switch scenes very quickly. This book jumps around a lot without losing the reader. I loved reading this book because it kept me wanting to read more the whole time. The characters were very credible and their actions were understandable. I also enjoyed reading this book because the plot kept on making exciting turns while keeping it easy to follow. I would recommend this book to people who love fantasies and like to keep reading the whole afternoon because they can't put the book down.

Midnight's Mask (Forgotten Realms: The Erevis Cale Trilogy, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

Not good.
Good Book, but Better Series
Nothing short of exceptional...
excellent
AMW

Midnight's Mask (Forgotten Realms: The Erevis Cale Trilogy, Book 3)
Paul S. Kemp
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0786936436
Release Date: 2005-10-27

Book Description

This is the final title in a new trilogy featuring the most popular character from the Sembia series.

The author of Resurrection concludes the tale of the Forgotten Realms most enigmatic hero, Erevis Cale. Drawn deeper and deeper into the service of Mask, Cale may find himself so lost in the shadows that he can never return.

Customer Reviews:

Not good. .......2007-05-22

I did not like this book. It was too much like "Resurrection". At the end the bad guy's motive to destroy the world is "just because". The only worse ending to a series was "Resurrection". Yet if you like dark books without any humor, very serious, and a good guy who is bad then this is the book for you.

Good Book, but Better Series.......2007-04-05

Midnight's Mask (Forgotten Realms: The Erevis Cale Trilogy, Book 3)

SERIES: A
BOOK OVER ALL: B
Story: B, Prose: A-, Dialogue: B+, Romance: C, Action: A-, Plot: C+.

This is a very good series, yet this is my lest favorite of the three books, but still worth reading. Paul S. Kemp, is one of the best fantasy writers today, certainly one of the few really good ones writing Forgotten Realms books.

PROS:

Great Characters, well developed, with interesting interplay, and good dialogue.

Vivid prose, vivid portrait of the world, vivid action!

CONS:

The evil protagonist Vhostym, is too weird and way too powerful / God like, makes the story difficult to `get in to' for me, and very unbalanced!

The setting is just to dark and dull.

Why is Erevis Cale a Cleric of Mask, he hates Mask, they don't share a philosophy, this makes little sense to me. Why dose Mask give Cale magic and promote him in his church?

Nothing short of exceptional..........2007-01-10

I've been a fan of the fantasy/D&D genre since the original boxed set of Dungoens and Dragons WAY back in the 70's, and have been a fan of the FR books since R.A. Salvatore came on the scene with The Crystal Shard. R.A. Salavatore breathed life into the Realms, but few authors have been able to give it a pulse (Ed Greenwood and very few others excepted).

Then along came Paul Kemp. I was first introduced to his exceptional writing ability in the 'War of the Spider Queen' series. After dragging myself through a couple horribly written Realms novels (if you see 'Master Of Chains' lurking on store shelves, run away screaming!), I recognized Paul's moniker on the Erivas Cale trilogy and decided to give it a try. FINALLY! This series has reinvigorated my imagination, and I find I'm eagerly awaiting more titles with Paul's name on the cover. The realms now have two master storytellers... Mr. Salvatore and Mr. Kemp. They set the bar high for any others wishing to tap into the genre. Thank you, Paul Kemp, for keeping the Realms alive.

excellent.......2006-12-13

Paul S Kemp is great. he knows how to make you really care about all the characters. excellent book. excellent series.

AMW.......2006-08-10

I do not like to criticize authors, but in this case I feel it's necessary. I obviously disagree with the other reviews on this series of books. The series was-to put it lightly-CHEESY! I like Salvatore-love Gemmell-and no disrespect to the author of this book along with one and two, but the characters were entirely laim. If you intend to buy this, get Salvatore's Silent Blade first.

Boxed Set #1-4 + Mask (Bionicle Chronicles)

Average customer rating:

Superriffic Books in a set !!!!!
Stupid
Sparks boys' imagination
The First Three Years rolled into one!
Poisin Hau Nuva

Boxed Set #1-4 + Mask (Bionicle Chronicles)

Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439690536

Book Description

In the time before time, a great being watched over the ancient land of Mata Nui, protecting it from harm. But now a powerful entity, Makuta, has arisen, and a dark and evil shadow has fallen over land. Just when all seems lost, six heroes emrge from the darkness. These mighty warriors are the Toa, and they have a single destiny: Destroy Makuta and restore peace to the land. Theirs will be a difficult mission, filled with grave dangers.

The BIONICLE CHRONICLEs tell the tale of the heroes' struggle to fulfill their destiny. Packed with a unique collectibel BIONICLE mask.

Customer Reviews:

Superriffic Books in a set !!!!!.......2006-02-27

I've read all of those books and none of them have ever been stupid. And now it's in a set! I wish I could have them!

True Floridian Bionicle Fan

Stupid.......2006-02-07

Stuipid. Would of givin it 0 stars. READ STAR WARS! Star wars is awesome.

Sparks boys' imagination.......2006-02-03

Normally I would shy away from buying books with a product link, but I have found both the Bionicle toys and the books to stimulate my son's creativity. Building Bionicles helps builds mechanical intuition as children experience the working of gears and joints. And the books give their readers a sense of legend, heroism, and mystery, which they can then apply to imaginative play or even their own writing. To an adult picking them up at random, the books present a seemingly impenetrable confusion of names and terms, but children readily master this new world.

There is a lot of talk about what kinds of books we need to motivate boys to become fluent readers. I would nominate these books. Of course, there is nothing to say that girls can't enjoy them, too!

The First Three Years rolled into one!.......2005-09-24

This is the collection of the Chronicles, from Tale of the Toa, Beware the Bohrok, Makuta's Revenge, Tales of the Masks, and I do believe even the novelization of the first movie, Mask of Light.

These five books in total create the 2001-2003 storylines in the Bionicle universe, which has only been seen in comics Lego Club members get, as well as online games which aren't that active anymore.

For fans who have read the comics and/or flash videos from the game, etc, I still recommend this series for while it brings up some familiar tales, it brings up some entirely new ones unseen anywhere in the genre.

Poisin Hau Nuva.......2004-12-07

The poisin Hau Nuva has ran out. They put in a Lhikan mask from B2 instead. The Hau is rarer. You can just get Lhikan from the set.

Night Masks (Forgotten Realms: The Cleric Quintet, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

Are you afraid of Ghost?
Creative and Exciting Novel
A must read
The priest continues to develop
A pretty good book in a fairly good series. . .

Night Masks (Forgotten Realms: The Cleric Quintet, Book 3)
R. A. Salvatore
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0786916060
Release Date: 2000-05-01

Book Description

Caradoon, city of shadows, city of assassins. Through its dark streets flit the killers of the Night Mass, led by the thin, sinister killer known as Ghost. In the city's evil alleyways Cadderly, struggling against the horrible Chaos Curse, must fight an additional battle against sudden, silent death.

Customer Reviews:

Are you afraid of Ghost?.......2004-08-05

This book launches the Cleric Quintet characters even further than the second book did. This is where Cadderly's major character change occurs. In the previous books, Cadderly was a struggling self-doubting and inexperienced boy. He thought himself useless to his friends, and in Sylvan Shadows, he leaves Danica because he was afraid (he admits this in the book). Now, though, Cadderly finds a new purpose for himself and rekindles his relationship with Danica and his friends. He survives against gigantic odds and political intrigue. The entire time, he has no idea how many people are looking to kill him, and yet he manages to escape and fight back.

R.A. Salvatore is successful in weaving a complex and suspenseful story, with amazing characters and interesting subplots. Ghost is a remarkable character. For those familiar with the Drizzt novels, just imagine what would happen if Ghost happened to meet the dark elf. Could Drizzt shield himself from the Ghearufu? Ghost and the Night Mask assassins present themselves as a tremendously evil force, and I often wondered if Cadderly and his friends could withstand them. At times, the story may seem like it drags, but I believe it was necessary to describe what Cadderly goes through in the Dragon's Codpiece. His ascension towards Deneir is quite a dramatic change in this series; Cadderly now has unfathomable powers that will only keep growing.

If you enjoyed the previous books in this series, or even if you didn't but want to know what happens after Sylvan Shadows, I recommend reading this book. It is the turn of the tide in the Cleric Quintet series, and the last few chapters of the book are quite spectacular.

Creative and Exciting Novel.......2003-03-17

First of all, let me say that I was not pleased with the first two novels in the series. I bought the collector's edition, so since I already had it I decided to continue anyways. With that said, as you can see from my five star rating that I really enjoyed this book. As to why I enjoyed this book more the first two, well there are lots of reasons. The most glaring reason is that they just didn't match up to the quality that I attribute to most of Salvatore's novels. They were just not well written and the first one lacked excitement altogether.

The main villain in this novel, Ghost the Night Mask assassin, keeps the story going from start to finish. He is definitely a worthy adversary. His cunning and abilities make him the perfect assassin almost unbeatable...almost. Cadderly has also undergone a major transformation. He finally grows up in this novel and I actually started become interested in him something I would not say in the first two novels. I love the way he struggles to first understand and then control his newfound powers even questioning their true origins. The powers are really quite powerful perhaps even too powerful, but that remains to be seen.

Another thing that I really like about this book is the fate of Rufo. I have been waiting for his selfish deeds to lead to his death for far too long. I have just hated how he seems to be forgiven for the most complete betrayals. Well let it just suffice to say that he gets what he deserves and I was completely surprised by the outcome. The other part I enjoyed was the gripping Salvatore quality battle sequences. The second novel in the series was alright in this concern, but the first novel really disappointed me.

I still have my grips though they are minor. I was dismayed when I saw the return of the yo-yo, spindle-disk. I was hoping I had seen the last of them when Cadderly got his staff enchanted. Also the results of Ivan's tinkering with the yo-yo seems completely absurd to me. Some of things that Cadderly ends up doing with it defies even fantasy reality. And I still don't like the concept behind Pickel's character though I have gotten use to it.

Well I hope the rest of the story continues on the momentum of this novel. I don't know if I would recommend the entire series yet, but I do recommend this book.

A must read.......2002-09-11

Salvatore beats himself in delightful full of action book.
For the fans of Drizzt, Cadderly proves to be another love caracter

The priest continues to develop.......2002-08-14

This book is the third in the "Cleric Quintet" series by R.A. Salvatore. I liked this book more than the previous one in the series. Cadderly, the protagonist, starts to develop more than before. After fleeing from a battle in the previous novel, he moves to a nearby city instead of going back to the place where he has lived most of his life; the Edificant Library. It is here that Cadderly's religious struggles start to manifest themselves. Cadderly's continued struggle with violence (and a consequent trepidation with battle) slowly starts to resolve itself.

Cadderly starts to have mystical experiences with his a holy book and eventually learns how to control it. The introduction of the "Night Masks" a feared group of assassins is somewhat interesting. It is certainly a change from the constant battles against goblins, giants and the like that filled the second novel in this series. In particular, the villain of this work is original and indeed truly evil. My only criticism with the villains of this series is that they often seem to be a little flat; they are simply evil. There is little ambiguity to make the reader think.

The most original aspect to this series, which mentioned in my review of "Canticle" (the first novel of the series), is in putting a priest on center stage instead of the more traditional fighters. The inclusion of a monk and two dwarves mean that the novel still retains a traditional amount of firepower. One might even say that the heroes of the novel defeat their villains a little to easily, but that is too be expected.

In response to some of the other reviewers here, I think some are to quick to praise the series, frequently giving it a 5 star rating. I think that is too generous, while at the same time, I think it is unfair to label this work as trash. It is a reasonably good series, but I don't know if it is worth buying. If you want to read the classic fantasy novel, there is no question. The novel you want is, "The Lord of the Rings." It launched the modern fantasy genre and, for many people, remains the standard against which all other fantasy novels are too be measured.

A pretty good book in a fairly good series. . ........2001-10-18

Night Masks, Book 3 of the Cleric Quintet - R. A. Salvatore
A Review

Hmmm. I shall make my feelings on the Cleric Quintet known right now: it is a strictly mediocre fantasy series. Nothing special. Salvatore is a very good writer, though. He wrote the Demon series, (As I write this review, I am currently reading the first book in the series, The Demon Awakens, and it is exceptional. Very promising. I shall soon write a review on that book as well.), the Crimson Shadows series (I haven't read any of those books), and the Icewind Dale Trilogy and Dark Elf Trilogy of the Forgotten Realms line of role-playing fantasy books. The Cleric Quintet is also part of the Forgotten Realms. This series, however, would never have been published as a stand-alone series, though. It introduces nothing new to the reader, the characters are dull and uninspired (even immature, to some extent), and is written in the typical R. A. Salvatore format that I have grown to dislike.
About this book, though, the third novel in the series, I read this one with considerably more enjoyment that the other two. It featured an interesting, challenging villian, and a plot more unique that the other books in the series. In addition to that, the two main characters' (Cadderly and Danica) relationship blooms into maturity. (In other words, they end up "doing it!" For those rigid, unmoving readers out there, though, don't worry: no actual eroticism in this book. Or the entire series, for that matter.) Like all the other novels in the Cleric Quintet, there is no interesting or even significant character development.
I think I'll cut this review short, because my opinion on the series is (or should be, if you're reading this) obvious by now, and no one wants to read why I think this series is such a mediocre waste of time. What about Salvatore's writing style, though? There is nothing unique about that, nothing that could even be called sophisticated.
If you've read my other two reviews on the previous two books, you'll know what to expect with the series, but, despite all my determined ranting, it is still pretty good to read, with exciting battles, and unexpected occurences. That, perhaps, is why this series isn't half bad. One does not know what to expect when reading it. That, though, perhaps, might be because no one cares enough to bother anticipating what will occur next in the book. . .

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Secrets of Droon, 12 through 15 plus Special Edition, Book 1

The army of the firefrogs and other interesting creatures!

Another thrilling book in the Droon series!

Secrets Of Droon #13: The Mask Of Maliban (Secrets Of Droon)
Tony Abbott
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 043930606X

Book Description

Move over, Lord Sparr -- there's a new bad guy in town. Prince Maliban is the creepy ruler of the turtle city. And Maliban's mysterious mask maker, Hob, is crafting an awesome new mask. The mask is very cool but very powerful. So Eric, Neal, and Julie have to make sure the mask doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Otherwise, it could mean serious trouble for Droon . . .

Customer Reviews:

Secrets of Droon, 12 through 15 plus Special Edition, Book 1.......2007-06-02

Got it quickly and at a good price.

The army of the firefrogs and other interesting creatures!.......2005-12-22

There is a new bad guy in town and his name is Maliban! Eric is now making things fly and he is doing other weird things. He has wizard powers. When he meets Keeah, he also meets the fire frogs. The fire frogs guarded Hob, an evil mask maker, when he is in jail. Hob is making a new mask for evil Maliban. Maliban lives in a city called Tortu. Tortu is on the back of a tortoise. So who is this mysterious Maliban? Read the book to find out!

Another thrilling book in the Droon series!.......2001-12-14

Move over Lord Sparr! There is a new bad guy in town and it just turns out to be Prince Maliban the ruler of turtle city called Tortu. Eric, Julie, Neal, and Keeah have a whole new set of problems to deal with now since Hob, the magic mask maker, has escaped from prison and is up to no good. To stop him, Eric, Julie, and Neal must travel to the city of Tortu and confront him and Prince Maliban. It just so happens that Hobs is crafting a new mask for Prince Maliban and the mask will give Maliban power over all of Droon. It definitely sounds like something Lord Sparr might do to take over Droon. And...doesn't it seem weird that Lord Sparr has disappeared?? Could he have secret connections to Prince Maliban or worse is he Prince Maliban himself?? Read this 13th Droon book to find out!!!

I loved this new Droon book. It has a lot of excitment like all Droon books have. Can't wait for 14! Comes out in January 2002!

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My Review for Bionicle; Mask of Light

Mask of Light (Bionicle Chronicles)
Cathy Hapka
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0439501180

Book Description

Six heroes have come to the island of Mata Nui, to rescue the land from its evil overlord, Makuta. They have protected the islanders from the vicious fighters unleashed by Makuta to destroy Mata Nui. But the mighty heroes have been unable to defeat Makuta -- and their greatest challenge is yet to come. Now the fate of the island lies in the hands of an irresponsible young villager. Will he accept his destiny, or will the island of Mata Nui lie in darkness forever? The BIONICLE saga comes to a dramatic climax in this novelization of the Miramax video, BIONICLE: MASK OF LIGHT.

Customer Reviews:

My Review for Bionicle; Mask of Light.......2004-08-13

Hi. My name is Nicholas (I feel I should express my first name)and I purchased this book. This is a nice book, good, and all, but, if you've seen the movie, the book is a little boring. But, probably wouldn't be the same if you got the book first. Anyhow, I rate it 3 stars because, well, the above reason. Still, I would get this book anyway, but, it would be better to get the book before the movie. Special thanks to Cathy Hapka (writer) for creating a book based on the awesome movie!

From a true Bionicle fan, Nicholas

Boxset #1-4 With Mask (Bionicle Adventures)

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Boxset #1-4 With Mask (Bionicle Adventures)
Greg Farshtey
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439890209

Book Description

The city of Metru Nui is divided into six parts. Each part has a guardian--a Toa--who watches over the Matoran who live there. However, something strange is happening: Matoran are vanishing and a mysterious plant is destroying the city peice by piece. The Toa have to stop the disappearances and find a way to save their city. Do they have the skills to solve this mystery? Or will they finally meet their match?

The Shattered Mask: Sembia: Gateway to the Realms, Book III (Forgotten Realms)

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Very Good

The Shattered Mask: Sembia: Gateway to the Realms, Book III (Forgotten Realms)
Richard Lee Byers
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0786942665
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Book Description

When Shamur Uskevren, the matriarch of one of Sembia's oldest and most powerful merchant families, is tricked by an angry wizard into an assassination attempt on her own husband, her family is thrown into turmoil. Once the truth is dicovered, she and her husband must struggle to save their family and stop the sorcerer. But in her anger, she has fogotten one thing: in the world of intrigue and decption, of shadows and lies that is Sembia, nothing is ever what it seems.

Customer Reviews:

Very Good.......2007-08-19

I must confess that when I saw who the author of this novel was, I was a bit skeptic about it. Byers' work, in my opinion, ranged from mediocre to bad (Year of the Rogue Dragons trilogy). Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel.

The novel is simply a set of good elements, without an obvious weak spot. Characters are numerous, good, consistent and interesting. Byers gives the villains more space than he usually does, and that really bolsters the dynamic of the novel. I must mention one of the villains, Bileworm, who was given simply brilliant characterization. The intricate relationship between Shamur and her husband is given much space and consideration by the author, and the end result is very good. Other Uskreven family members play a greater role in this book, than they did in "Shadow's Witness" by Paul S. Kemp, and I think this book should've maybe been published as the first one (not counting the "Halls of Stormweather" anthology).
The plot is strong, fast-paced and free of any logical errors. The atmosphere and the setting are maybe a bit off the pace, but they surely aren't bad, simply disregarded, I would say. The book also features a couple of great sword-fights, something where Byers' fencing expertise comes to the fore.

As I said earlier, this is really a novel without a weak spot. I really can't find anything in this novel that particularly stung my eyes. Nevertheless, I'm giving it four stars, just because it failed to bring something extra, some little touch that differentiates a good book from a great one.

I know this original edition of the novel maybe hard to come by, but there is a reprint that should be published in a couple of months. Make sure you don't miss this great installment in the "Sembia: Gateway to the Realms" series.

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God Bless this woman
What an ego
Facinating
mask that insatiable narcissism and self-aggrandizement!
mask that insatiable narcissism and self-aggrandizement!

The Magic of the Mask
Louise Ashby
Manufacturer: Blake Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1903402328

Book Description

The incredible true story of a real–life million dollar woman…

Customer Reviews:

God Bless this woman.......2005-01-19

I'm so saddened that people would write such reviews.
I read Louise' book and i doubt that any of the other reviewers actually have suffered from a trauma as extensive as Louise's- because if they had of they'd of been able to relate better and appreciate this book for what it truely is.. a gift.
I was shopping in a supermarket a few weeks ago and i saw Louise. Feeling a bit embarassed i watched her from a distance. I watched a women run over to Louise- moving closer i heard what was going on. The women visably had had a major accident - her face arm and legs showed extensive scaring. The women's family where standing around her as she hugged Louise and she said "I read you book, thank you. It made such a difference to my recovery, someone else had been through it and survived, your feelings, the detail - it helped all of us" The women was crying as was Louise. I am sure that Louise is someone you could hate, she has worked so darn hard to get a life together, shes a survivor and people find that threatening. What courage it must of taken to exercise the demons out in this book - she turned what was a tragic accident in to an honest working tool to help others.. i wonder if any of the other reviews have had the courage to do something like that in their own lives? One thing is for sure thou, Louise's story is a hard one. Read the book if you need to know that someone else out there is suffering, someone else out there cares. Louise's life isnt a bed of roses, i doubt that it has all turned out perfect- on going surgery will be required, extensive trauma therapy, she'll never be a big actress, her dream wont come true. She will struggle all her life as a result of this accident. Hear her voice, read her story and remember that it takes Louise's kind of honestly and courage to survive sometimes.

What an ego.......2004-07-11

After checking this book out at the library (thankfully I didn't waste my money on it) I read...and read...and read. Is it only me, or could I just not feel any sympathy for this woman? What pure fluff (I never made it through the entire book)! While her tragedy is one nobody would ever want to experience, it doesn't seemed to have changed her; all that remains is a rather large ego, and shallowness.

One reviewer mentioned the book 'I Am the Central Park Jogger'. Now there's a woman who the reader comes away respecting and loving!!!

Facinating.......2004-02-12

After reading one of the reviews on amazon which seemed a personal attack on the author as opposed to simply critiquing the book, my interest was piqued. I found it to be a very encouraging book and was pleased to have bought it. I was initially buying the Michael J Fox memoir which was linked to this. I think Louise is couragous and the book was very well written. To me this book was about making others realize the possibities we can over come when having a positive attitude. This book isn't about her mother or her father as the past review led me to believe, it is about so much more so if you want something uplifting this is a must-read.

mask that insatiable narcissism and self-aggrandizement!.......2003-07-18

Thank you "Forgettable Memoir" for helping me get past the guilt and understand why I felt so put off by this vampirically egotistical book! "Ordinary" as well as humility is key here-that of which is what drew me into Central Park Jogger: Patricia Meili never toots her own horn, despite significant and exceptional achievements in her professional life; yet Ashby open up with "I have an attractively symmetrical face."!!
This emotional mastrubation is all about using technology to refuse to grow past her own superficial self-involved and honestly unpromising "career" when the accident would otherwise force her to be more than a mask. It's about suing for millions to badger and even emotionally blackmail doctors-despite all odds and realities-to build another mask. Hence her refusal to learn to do anything other than act to support herself. THIS is NOT growth-(evident in even her fathers pulling away when he can't fulfill her endless and insatiable needs for validation and "look at me look at me" attention-well many believe this egotism is why people get into acting anyway. As well as his clear discomfort & irritation w/her prompts to make him talk even more about HER for her book!) If trials, shock and disappointments catch us off balance to show us who we really are-then her essence and potential prove small and stunted indeed.
I suppose I shouldn't even dignify discussing the dustjacket! I don't mean to be cruel. But if I didn't know her mother had died, (Even when she talks about this-it's about her mother not giving HER enough attention and support!) I would wonder if said mother had written the blurb. I'd never heard of Louise Ashby (and I'm an anglophile!) "One of the most beautiful women"? In drama that's an impossible order! Even someone like Angelina Jolie who defies all anatomical odds and looks like a CGI fantasy, can joke about being a funny "moppet"! Again Ashby looks fairly "ordinary" (a word for her which is like water to the wicked witch!) before and after the accident. An ordinarily healthy girl on the street you wouldn't pick out of the crowd or remember. Something which in a memoir of this nature should be an EXTRAORDINARY asset not anathema. Hey Louise: Humility is what makes you strong, exceptional, and for the superficial like you, beautiful!

mask that insatiable narcissism and self-aggrandizement!.......2003-07-18

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