The Harlequin (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 15)

Book Description

Readers haven't seen anything yet-new in the "fabulously imagined series" (Publishers Weekly) from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

Anita Blake is about to face the challenge of her life. Into her world-a world already overflowing with power-have come creatures so feared that powerful, centuries-old vampires refuse to mention their names. It is forbidden to speak of The Harlequin unless you've been contacted. And to be contacted by The Harlequin is to be under sentence of death.

Long-time rivals for Anita's affections, Jean-Claude, Master Vampire of the City, and Richard, alpha-werewolf, will need to become allies. Shapeshifters Nathaniel and Micah will have to step up their support. And then there's Edward. In this situation, Anita knows that she needs to call the one man who has always been there for her...

Customer Reviews:

Fooled me again.......2007-10-19

Understand, Laurell K. Hamilton has been shuffled onto my list of "2 hour" writers along with R.A. Salvatore. This means that they were both writers that I once loved, but whose books have become so tragically dull that I no longer buy them. Instead, I go into a bookstore with a coffee shop, and I give them two hours to convince me that they have kickstarted themselves, and no longer write dull books. I've just given up on Salvatore. But I still keep hoping for Hamilton. I love the characters in her Anita Blake novels.

I must give Hamilton credit. I stopped buying her books after Obsidian Butterfly. Well, okay. I admit I bought Micah because I saw a used paperback. But I won't talk about that.

This book fooled me. The first 50 pages sounded like the old books. Nobody even had sex! Yay! So I plunked down the cash, and bought a paperback.

What followed was a long string of conversations about sex. Then, about 150 pages in, Anita starts having sex. And once she gets going, there is no stopping her. She beds Richard. She beds the Swan King. She beds the Rat King. She has lesbian dream sex. And then she talks about it. And talks about it.

The Harlequin, who are supposed to drive the action in this book, and give it a title, aren't so much present in the foreground. They are more like explosions in the background during a sex-driven 2-dimensional romance novel set against the backdrop of a war. You don't even see them until the last 50 pages of the book.

You'd think that her calling in Edward - one of my favorite characters in the Hamilton mythology - might salvage things, but the first time he runs off to fight something major, Blake falls unconscious and we only hear about it later. Retold in the third person.

I give this book two stars because it carries a few small moments of pleasure. The characters develop a little bit. Edward develops his relationship with his son, and Nathaniel grows as a character. But, like a good conversation in a loud dance club, most of this is lost against the thumpa-thumpa of the overwrought, neverending sex scenes. Hamilton is one of the few writers who makes me start flipping pages when clothes start coming off.

Continuing the downward spiral.......2007-10-18

I'm going to make this quick. While this book is a little bit better than the last two or three, it's still almost complete drivel. The series has degenerated into a formula. Sex, argue, fight, sex, fight, argue, degrade Richard, sex, argue, argue, argue. And, the spelling errors, lack of continuity, and lack of attention to prior detail negated any possibility of salvation of the characters.

This series is doomed. Save your money. Anita died around the mid part of Book Eight. Todays Anita is not the heroine we loved and respected. And, if I wanted to read good porn, I would buy it. Titillation is one thing. Pointless porn is another. And this is BAD pointless porn being read by a Tijuana hooker. The whole fiasco makes my hair hurt.

Can't get enough.......2007-10-18

I love Laurell's books and this was no exception. I am always amazed that she never gets stale. I was disappointed when this ended. I just wanted to keep reading and reading and reading...

Always better when Edward is on the scene..........2007-10-16

While I am all for eroticism and metaphysical jargon, I purchase the Anita Blake series for the action and the supernatural detective work. I've been in purgatory the last few books while Anita slogs through her boy toys. Ms. Hamilton infuses enough plot to keep me buying the next book, but I would prefer some serious action and less angst.

When Edward is on the scene, it usually means less relationship BS and more plot. If that's what it takes, I would prefer an entire series based on Edward.

Otherwise, I hope Anita gets her ducks in a row quickly, so she can concentrate on being who she is: A kick-butt federal marshall & zombie raiser who solves crimes.

One last note: It's high time to kick Richard to the curb or make him a respectable character.

Return to the Anita of old.......2007-10-06

Great story line with interesting crime investigation. still the the occasional steamy sex scenes. I am was a little worried after the most recent Anita offerings but I am once again eagerly awaiting the next novel.

Average customer rating:

A Flickering Flame
Not one of Tracy Chevalier's better books
Interesting historically, but not the most gripping story
Another Winner!
A Pale Watercolor/Far from a Poem

Burning Bright
Tracy Chevalier
Manufacturer: Dutton Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 052594978X
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Book Description

Unabridged CDs - 7 CDs, 8 hours

Tracy Chevalier captivated readers when Dutton published The Girl with a Pearl Earring in December 1999. Since then, she has written two New York Times bestsellers, Falling Angels and The Lady and the Unicorn.

Now, three years after the publication of her last book, Chevalier is at the top of her form in the breathtaking novel Burning Bright.

Customer Reviews:

A Flickering Flame.......2007-10-10

I just recently finished reading Burning Bright, the latest novel by Tracy Chevalier. This is her mostly recent novel and to be honest the only reason that I read it is because it was chosen for my next book club. I have read other books by Chevalier in the past and have have mixed reactions on them. So, I wasn't super enthused to read this book...and while it didn't suck. I wasn't in love with it either.

This novel primarily takes place in London, England in the year 1792, focusing around 3 teenagers: Jem, Maggie and Jem's sister Maisie. Jem & Maisie have recently moved from to quiet life in the country to the bustling city of London with their parents and are learning how to adjust. One thier first day in the city they meet Maggie, a street wise girl who likes to be the one who knows everything and tend to delight in the mistakes that Jem and his sister make while they are learning to adapt to city life. Thrown into this group in none other than Willima Blake. Who has got to be one of the most aloof, vaguley written characters that I have ever met in a book.

In some ways Mr Blake is always there for the teenagers idolize him and his beliefs. Yet, even when he is in the prescence of the teens he seems to be off somewhere else. He speaks in metaphors and doesn't seem to be bothered by anything. Even when there is a mob outside his door he just stands there limply and only reacts after Maisie starts to recite one of his poems.....or songs as they are refered to in the book. Even then his reaction isn't quite what the reader expects. There are times in which I think that Blake's character is more of an after thought. Someone famous that the author tosses into the mix in an attempt at trying to accomplish......something. What exactly I am not sure. The characters of Jem, Maggie and Maisie are all pretty underdeveloped as well. There seems to be no real purpose to any of them and I found it hard to care what happened to them.

I initally struggled to get through this book. Its not a hard read I just found it to be boring and lacking in plot. I was often more drawn to the various descriptions more then what was going on with the main characters. Where the major events of their lives seem to be swept aside and barely discussed while pages and pages are spent on them watching a circus procession going by. I finally had to give myself a shake and force myself to read the novel any time I had a chance because I just wanted it done.

Not one of Tracy Chevalier's better books.......2007-08-26

I've read every book by Tracy Chevalier and loved each of them. I was so happy to find out she had a new release,"Burning Bright". Sorry to say, the book is not as good as Ms. Chevalier's others. The story is dull and doesn't go anywhere. Only reason I gave this book 2 stars and not 1 is that Ms. Chevalier does an excellent job of bringing the 1792 time period to life.

Interesting historically, but not the most gripping story.......2007-08-17

An interesting and detailed picture of London in the late eighteenth century. The people and the industries of the time, along with the feeling of unrest as King George worries that his citizens will revolt like the French.

It took me a little while to get into the story, possibly because I wasn't particularly interested in the circus or the Astleys who owned it. I found it a little poor but it did improve and as the story developed I did grow to like Jem and Maggie, the main characters.

I would disagree with the synopsis that states, "Their friendship takes a dramatic turn when they become entangled in the life of their neighbour...William Blake." They hardly become entangled. He's a printer, a radical and poet who just happens to be a neighbour and features briefly from time to time to give them a little food for thought.

Pleasant, but not gripping.

Another Winner!.......2007-07-14

Tracy Chevalier is my favorite author. This book was fabulous! She drew me in on the first sentence. I true winner in my book. Thanks Tracy!

A Pale Watercolor/Far from a Poem.......2007-07-08

Not worth the time. There is little plot or story line other than the author tries to paint a word picture of rural England and London in Blake's time, but ends up with a lot of fog and Blake a dim drab shadow in the background. The author never seems to grasp the genius and passion of Blake's poetry or the depth of his involvement and horror over in the collaterial damage that tortured so many craftsmen and those rural people who tilled the land -- all caught in the maw of the English Industrial Revolution and the bloddy undertow from the French Revolution. If you are interested in Blake and the world in which he lived, it is better to spend your time and money on Jacob Bronowski's book: A Man Withjout a Mask : William Blake 1757 - 1827 -- now in used book sections.

Danse Macabre (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 14)

Average customer rating:

Told You So!
danse macabre
Unreadable
It's ok but could be better.
Where's the plot?

Danse Macabre (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 14)
Laurell K. Hamilton
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Urban | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Horror Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0515142816

Book Description

These days, Anita Blake is less interested in vampire politics than in an ancient, ordinary dread she shares with women down the ages: she may be pregnant. And, if she is, whether the father is a vampire, werewolf, or something else entirely, it's clear that being a Federal Marshal known for raising the dead and being a vampire executioner is no way to bring up a baby.

Customer Reviews:

Told You So!.......2007-10-12

Surely having a NEW Hamilton paperback selling for a mere $3.52 gave you a clue here. I said everything I needed to say about her in my review of MICAH. Notice on the tags -- "bad porn", "bad erotica", "badly written porn", and "porn". This is what Laurell K. Hamilton novels are about now.

People! Pay attention! The great Anita Blake is dead. Hamilton killed her and is attempting to take her place in some kind of wierd goth fantasy. If you want some good Hamilton reading, start at LUNATIC CAFE and work your way up to OBSIDIAN BUTTERFLY (I really miss Edward) then stop. Just stop.

danse macabre.......2007-09-26

it was everything i had hoped for in the series of Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake Vampire Hunter . I have bought the whole series and I'm enjoying myself. Each character brings their own flavor to the plot but Jean-Claude ,Richard , Micah and Nathaniel are to die for.

Unreadable.......2007-09-18

Who knew sex and the supernatural could be so boring. I had to give up on it.

It's ok but could be better........2007-09-05

I love her first books more then her new ones but its still Anita Blake! So I just got to give it a 4.

Where's the plot?.......2007-08-24

The book was ok. It's just a different formula from what i've come to expect in this series. I guess Anita's just evolving with all her powers and all the men in her life. Changes were bound to happen. I'll still read any book Laurell writes that has Anita in it. She's just a good character. Not many liked this book but if you're a true fan of the series, you take the good with the not so good.

Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need

Average customer rating:

A great picture of a cat, and a How-To for predictable screenplays
re-name the book
Ignore the Haters; they didn't get it
simple good advice and nothing more
Friends close, Enemies closer

Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
Blake Snyder
Manufacturer: Michael Wiese Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Screenwriting | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1932907009

Book Description

This ultimate insider's guide reveals the secrets that none dare admit, told by a show biz Veteran who's proven that you can sell your script if you can save the cat!

Customer Reviews:

A great picture of a cat, and a How-To for predictable screenplays.......2007-10-13

There is one major problem I have with this book: The author uses examples that are Hollywood's greatest films like Miss Congeniality and Blank Check and avoids the trivial commercial garbage like Chinatown or Apocalypse Now. There is even a great blurb about Momento that ultimately says that 'if the suits don't understand it, then it must be garbage.'

Bad examples aside, here are the two points I agree with: today's Hollywood is concerned with two things, the log line and the poster. The current thought is that if they can get butts into seats on opening weekend they will have ripped off most of the suckers before bad word of mouth can spread.

So maybe the title should read 'How to Make More of the Same.' The problem is that these types of books get into inexperienced hands and are taken as gospel truth killing anything that doesn't follow the model. Script readers in this town are full of the same soundbytes taken from the three gospels of McKee, Field & Snyder.

Okay, so I liked the book and suggest that any serious screenplay writer out there read it along with all the others. But don't read this one first! And don't bother reading it twice. You may end up thinking that hit films are due to formula instead of MASSIVE advertising campaigns. On that note, a must read is Marketing to Moviegoers by Robert Marich.

Much of the information is opinion that could have been in an article of a screenwriter's magazine. In essence it could have been a pamphlet that accompanied Syd Field's Screenwriter's Handbook and I wouldn't have noticed a difference. I would give this book away after my first read, but you might have to pry the Screenwriter's Handbook from my cold, dead hands.

Just like my review, it's long-winded and full of contradiction, but might be of some use to somebody.

re-name the book.......2007-10-03

The book should've been named "How to take the joy out of screenwriting."

Although Blake Snyder is at the top of the screenwriting industry (he has had two spec scripts that have been made into movies), it is fortunate that he wasn't born during the Renaissance and wound up teaching artists how to precisely paint.

Perhaps everything he states in the book may be the absolute gospel in Hollywood (ala Syd Field/Robert McKee at al), but Blake Snyder believes all screenplays must be severely structured:
- The script must have precisely 40 scenes for some unknown reason
- the theme of the script must be made by page 5
- the catalyst (a life-changing event) must occur precisely on page 12
- the hero finally making the decision to act must be on page 25 (end of act one)
- the B story of a script must begin around page 30
- there must be an identifiable midpoint (exactly on page 55 of a 110-page script) where the hero peaks or the world collapses all around the hero or vice-a-versa
- the hero's "All is lost" scene must be on page 75
- and so on.

True, he reveals previously unknown industry secrets such as all scripts must have a terrific logline, a great title, a likeable hero (thus the title of the book), and must have conflict.

On the plus side, the book is certainly well organized and extremely well written. Is it worth shelling out 3 bucks on E-bay? Check your public library.

Ignore the Haters; they didn't get it.......2007-10-03

If you think this book is just for family-film-oriented writers, you missed the big picture. Blake Snyder has hit the ball way, way, way, WAY out of the park with this one. Take the analytical tools he provides and unleash them on any mainstream movie from any genre from JAWS and SAW to E.T. and BACK TO THE FUTURE. I guarantee that the ones that follow his structure most closely are the ones that not only struck a chord with viewers, but laughed all the way to the bank.

Want to write a nice indy flick that you and your twenty closest friends can watch in someone's basement? Ignore Blake Snyder. Want to write a loud, crash-and-bang, content-missing movie people will forget in five years except to laugh? Ignore Blake Snyder. Want a movie you won't be able to pitch in five HOURS, let alone the five minutes you'll really have? Ignore Blake Snyder.

But if you want to write/direct/produce a film that satisfies on every level from the superficial to the sublime, then this is the book for you.

I never had a single offer on my work until I followed his advice.

SAVE THE CAT. Live it. Love it. Learn from it. Buy extra copies, 'cause if you're smart, you'll wear out the first one.

simple good advice and nothing more.......2007-09-30

This book contains alot of good advice for screenplay writing. however, the book is really aimed towards making "family films". all the movies he references are family films, and sometimes his own. It is a good book to get yourself in the right mindset for writing a screenplay but you can't rely on it to much or you might find yourself writing really dumb kids movies like "Blank Check". The process he gives you is very formulaic and his approach is more toward making money. but overall good read and good information. and who knows, maybe if you follow his advice to the point you could sell a screenplay to Spielberg for a million dollars too!

Friends close, Enemies closer.......2007-09-29

This IS a book about writing incredibly formulaic screenplays period. For my likes and dislikes, I would refer to Blake's movie ideas as groaners. That said, I find this book to be INCREDIBLY HELPFUL, amazing, on laying out that Hollywood 'movie' formula. It's great for creating structure. I'm not expecting this book to make me a more intersting storyteller. But I've worked with a number of hugely successful film producers / directors, and for the most part, they comletely rely on formula. Now, it's YOUR job to make that intersting. It's your job to know HOW breaking that formula makes your idea work better. It's all really valuable information. Do other books cover this same subject? Probably. But since I don't want to waste too much of my time reading screenplay books, I found this one to give me exactly what I needed. And I'll make it interesting.

Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Worth Reading
Very Good Speculative Fiction
Great book...lots of potential
Super Reader
not for the young or squeemish

Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 1)
Laurell K. Hamilton
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Urban | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Dark | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Vampires | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 051513449X

Amazon.com

Anita Blake may be small and young, but vampires call her the Executioner. Anita is a necromancer and vampire hunter in a time when vampires are protected by law--as long as they don't get too nasty. Now someone's killing innocent vampires and Anita agrees--with a bit of vampiric arm-twisting--to help figure out who and why.

Trust is a luxury Anita can't afford when her allies aren't human. The city's most powerful vampire, Nikolaos, is 1,000 years old and looks like a 10-year-old girl. The second most powerful vampire, Jean-Claude, is interested in more than just Anita's professional talents, but the feisty necromancer isn't playing along--yet. This popular series has a wild energy and humor, and some very appealing characters--both dead and alive.

Book Description

Published over ten years ago by Ace, Guilty Pleasures marked the debut of a series that was destined to grow from cult favorite to a major New York Times bestseller. Now, for long-time Anita Blake junkies and newfound fans, Guilty Pleasures makes its trade paperback debut. Readers will learn how Anita Blake started raising the dead-and killing the undead. And how she met Jean Claude, the master vampire destined to become not only her biggest nemesis, but her greatest lover...

Download Description

Published almost ten years ago, Guilty Pleasures marked the debut of a writer who was destined to grow from cult favorite to a major bestselling author. Now, for long-time Anita Blake aficionados and newfound fans, Guilty Pleasures makes its hardcover debut. Readers will learn how Anita Blake started raising the dead--and killing the undead. And how she met Jean Claude, the master vampire destined to become not only her biggest nemesis, but her greatest lover.

Customer Reviews:

Worth Reading.......2007-09-16

I originally picked up this book in order to start to get into the world of Anita Blake, since it seems to be so popular lately. Unfortunately, I think that the writing style is a little too straightforward - there aren't enough plot twists, at least not in this first novel, for me to really maintain absolute interest. That said, it is interesting, and I did enjoy the overall plot. It's worth reading, but definitely not worth all of the hype attributed to the series...hopefully the plots get a little better as the series progresses.

Very Good Speculative Fiction.......2007-08-29

Guilty Pleasures was a very interesting book, a very good example of speculative fiction. It is set in a universe that is similar to ours, but the supernatural aspects are in the open. Vampires, Zombies, and other creatures are an accepted fact.

It is also the first book, at this point both chronologically and in published order, in the Anita Blake series.

Anita is the heroine, an animator (one who raises zombies) who just so happens to be the official vampire executioner of Missouri, and an important part of the Regional Preternatural Investigation Team. Vampires have rights, so she needs a warrant to execute a vampire, and a warrant can only be obtained officially.

Vampires in this world, at least in the United States, have rights, but they are still vampires. They are monsters, but at least they are not one-dimensional monsters, and the book starts with the vampires needing Anita's help.

You see, someone has been killing vampires, and the vampires don't quite trust the police to find out who it is. From there, the action starts. You see the vampires don't quite like Anita either, but since they believe they can coerce her to do so, they set the plans in action. Guilty Pleasures is also a strip club, for vampires, owned by a vampire named Jean Claude, and the site of the true start of the action involving the Master (vampire) of the city.

In the book Anita is bounced between vampires and assassins and voodoo practitioners, and embroiled in the political maneuverings of vampires, all in the effort to protect a friend, protect herself, and solve a mystery that she would rather not have to deal with.

This is a book I would strongly recommend to almost anyone interested in science fiction, fantasy, or mysteries. Fans of horror may find Guilty Pleasures a bit of a light offering. I also think this may be a bit mature for young readers, especially if they tend to follow up on series. Overall I greatly enjoyed the book and think it is one of the better alternate universe settings in fiction today.

Great book...lots of potential.......2007-08-28

So I needed a Vamp fix after Black Dagger Brotherhood (best series I have read so far action, drama, passion, romance ...the works). So I decided to check out Anita Blake, it was not what I expected there has been no romance, or steamy scenes of any kind so far Im on book 3....but I AM NOT disappointed the action and drama is fast paced. I love a cycnical kick @$$ chick. I bought the first 11 and intend to read them all. It's a great series, very gory, gritty, and abit scary I LUV it;)Hard to stop reading once you start!

Super Reader.......2007-08-26

The start of an interesting series. Anita Blake must balance her life between being a vampire hunter, and a legally licensed one at that, a private necromancer, and her own repressed catholic schoolgirl self.

With all this to do she finds it hard to have healthy relationships, but she is good at solving crimes that relate to the supernatural population, and putting an end to their unlives permanently, if necessary.

not for the young or squeemish.......2007-08-24

Imagine a world where vampires,werewolves, and other monsters are real and that they have been given citizenship. That is the world in which Guilty Pleasures thrusts us. Guilty Pleasures is the first book in Laurell Hamilton's Anita Blake series, also the name of a vampire strip club.

This first book follows Anita Blake through some very close and sometimes messy encounters with vampires as she tracks down a serial killer that is targeting vampires. She is tricked into helping the master of the city to hunt this serial killer.

First of all, this world is much like ours but some may say it is an alternate universe, one where vampires, werewolves, zombies, and all manner of other supernatural creatures are commonplace. I try to think of it as the real world.

Anita is a petite yet deadly young woman who makes her living as a zombie raiser and licenced vampire killer (hence her nickname; the Vampires call her The Executioner, a name she wears with pride).

While the book is a bit short in some ways, Hamilton's writing is very nice, and descriptive. While there is ALOT graphic violence and sexual innuendo, it is much more of an adventure story than it is of horror.

I especially liked...

The way you were thrown into it. I honestly thought that this was not the first novel. I looked for one before this but ther was none. There was not a lot of explaining like most first novels tend to do.

I didn't like...

How short it was,it is the shortest of the the series, 14 more books have appeared for a total of 15 I think...

When I finished reading this Book I wanted to...

Read the next book and tell all my friends about it.

This Book made me feel...

Thankful that it was only a novel and not the real world. I would hate to meet any of the characters in a dark alley.

The author of this Book...

Is one of my favorites and has been ever since I read this book. although her recent stuff is just vampire soft porn. but this 1st book is one of the best.

I recommend this Book because...

If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and things with a bit of humor in it then this is the book for you.

The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Great Book
Super Reader
Wow.
Excellent!
loved the laughing corpse

The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 2)
Laurell K. Hamilton
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Urban | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Dark | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Vampires | Romance | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0515134449

Amazon.com

Harold Gaynor offers Anita Blake a million dollars to raise a 300-year-old zombie. Knowing it means a human sacrifice will be necessary, Anita turns him down. But when dead bodies start turning up, she realizes that someone else has raised Harold's zombie--and that the zombie is a killer. Anita pits her power against the zombie and the voodoo priestess who controls it. Notice to Hollywood: forget Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Anita Blake is the real thing.

Book Description

Now available in hardcover for the first time, The Laughing Corpse takes readers back to a time when Anita's life was a bit less complicated. As the best Animator in the business-she's as good at raising the dead as she is at slaying the undead-she crosses paths with a creature from beyond the grave, a super-powerful zombie who is tearing a swath of murder through the city. And she discovers that there are some secrets better left buried-and some people better left dead.

Download Description

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter for Animators, Inc., is offered a cool mil to raise a 283-year-old corpse. But she knows that "the older the zombie, the bigger the death needed to raise it". Only a human sacrifice is "big" enough to raise this old soul-and Anita's no murderer.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-08-29

Super Reader.......2007-08-26

The laughing corpse is a dodgy club in a dodgy city.
A dodgy guy offers Anita a lot of cash to do a dodgy job. This job is to raise the dead in a way that is a no-no. She refuses, but someone else does it.

Then the dead bodies start turning up, and the police and Anita have to investigate. She still has human friends at the time, too.

Wow........2007-08-12

I'm pretty sure this is the worst book I've ever read. I got the impression that she didn't really care if anyone read the book or not. Her complete lack of interest in anything literary, including storytelling, leaps from every page. I love genre fiction. Most of my favorite writers are not literary types. Plenty of them are writing outside the academic and formal literary boundaries. Laurell Hamilton doesn't seem to be writing at all. She just types out a list of stale paragraphs. Much of the time I couldn't tell what was going on in the story. Most of the time I didn't care. So boring that I lost track of sentences and began to feel as though I was reading a list of nouns verbs, adjectives and adverbs. I guess she has her fans, and I hope they're happy, but if, like me, you came to this book looking to try something different, keep trying.

Excellent!.......2007-07-15

Anita is at her best when she's alone and knee high in grit and blood. Sounds gory? Well it is, but you'll love it. I'm only up to book four in the series and wasn't going to bother picking up the books after hearing word of mouth (and reviews) on the later books of the series. Before I even heard of Anita Blake, I was at the book store, I picked up DM (book 13 I think), read inside the dustjacket and was immediantly turned off. Anita sounded stupid. How was she a vampire hunter but also a woman who's pregnant, father, between a werewolf and a vampire. I passed. A year later I run across the cover of The Laughing Corpse and I HAD to read Guilty Pleasures to get to this book. Forget Guilty Pleasures. This book is the one! Circus of the Damned was cool but I still come back to this one. I just felt like it was me and Anita on this dark ride. No fancy vampires in between, nothing but zombies, more zombies, and zombies again. I loved all the characters presented (even Wanda). It read just like a detective novel with an edge. You really get into this story, it's so heavy and alluring you won't be able to put it down and just when you think it's over and she caught the monster - BAM - she's in a tight spot and goes all out with surprises that you wouldn't expect from her in order to survive. The last few chapers kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Took me two days to wrap this sucker and it went down as easy as pie. This story goes beyond the whole vampire hunter/animater thing. This is a flat out great mystery that I think anyone (with a stomach) could enjoy. I'm shaky about going deeper into the series, I think I heard after book 9 Anita turns flat, but I'll keep going until she burns me out with her need for constant sex with anybody. Huge turn off, switching genres. If anything PICK THIS BOOK UP for those of you who don't have it and aren't sure how you'll take the series. This book was IT!

loved the laughing corpse.......2007-05-31

Even better than the first. This book is non-stop action, interesting all the way to the end. There are some gory crime scenes that Anita assists the police with (so i hope you have a good stomach)there are some good fight scenes and new nasty characters along with Jean-Claude who even though he is the "bad guy" and Master of the city I was still desperate to find out whether he and Anita hooked up. I love Anita's strong character and the fact that she will stand up to anyone. Trilling read. Can't wait to read Circus of the Damned.

The Black Rifle: M16 Retrospective (Modern US Military Small Arms Series- Volume Three)

Average customer rating:

Super book; what it is and what it's not
WOW
Great book - but Amazon's price is outrageous
Top of the Pops
Very technical book that tells the story

The Black Rifle: M16 Retrospective (Modern US Military Small Arms Series- Volume Three)
R.Blake Stevens , and Edward C. Ezell
Manufacturer: Collector Grade Publications,Canada
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Uniforms | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

Look Inside History Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0889351155

Customer Reviews:

Super book; what it is and what it's not.......2007-10-16

Super, authoritative documentation of how we got the M16 -- the engineering, the salesmanship, the politics, and all the pitfalls along the way. Well written and very enjoyable to those who have a passion to everything there is to know about the M16. Carries up to the adoption of the M16A2 (1987).

Does not attempt to focus on nuanced distinctions between the M16 and various models AR15s you may find on the market. As the title says, it's about the devlopment of M16 as our battle rifle -- not the civilian AR15 version.

WOW.......2007-10-11

what can i say? if you are into AR15/M16's, this is the only book you need. very informative and interesting...get it!!!

Great book - but Amazon's price is outrageous.......2007-07-22

This is definitely a book to have if you own an AR15-type rifle, but why is Amazon's listed price almost forty dollars more than the list price direct from the publisher?

Top of the Pops.......2003-06-02

This is the bible of the AR-Phile. It is full of the minutiae that will make a tech geek babble with glee. If you love the AR and want to know all there is to know about its history and development buy this book. Buy it now before it gets more expensive.

Very technical book that tells the story.......2003-03-17

Mr. Steven's book tells the story of how this rifle was adopted and he goes into great detail. If you are uninterested in this level of detail perhaps this isn't the book for you. But for the enthusiast this is a four or five star book. It really depends on your level of interest.

Average customer rating:

easy to read
An easy way to learn...
Excellent place to begin
Perfect just for beginners
Excellent despite the stale jokes

Piano for Dummies
Blake Neely
Manufacturer: Hungry Minds
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Entertainment | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Reference | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

For Dummies | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Entertainment | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Reference | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0764551051

Book Description

At first glance, a piano may seem like an intimidating instrument that would be very difficult to learn how to play, but despite what your seventh-grade piano teacher may say, playing piano isn't brain surgery. It just takes time, practice, and patience.

Piano For Dummies starts at the very beginning and walks you through everything you need to know to turn that oversized hunk of furniture into an instrument that can make beautiful music. If you don't know how to read music, this book explains in friendly, uncomplicated language all the basics of music theory and applying it to playing the piano. And if you've been playing piano for a while – or took piano lessons when you were a child but haven't played since – you can pick up some valuable tips to improve your playing or use the book as a refresher course.

Here are some of the topics you'll find in Piano For Dummies:

Buying a piano: Acoustic versus electronic
How a piano works, and how to care for one
Left- and right-hand piano techniques
Examining keys, scales, melodies, harmonies, and chords
Plenty of musical examples to play
The history of piano musical styles
Advice for piano teachers
A Top Ten list of pianists you should know about

Piano For Dummies also includes a glossary and a free CD, which includes audio of all of the examples in the book so that you can play along.

So if you've always wanted to learn to play piano, but you don't have the time to take piano lessons, you can pick up the basics in Piano For Dummies; you'll be tickling the ivories with ease in no time!

Customer Reviews:

easy to read.......2007-10-01

This is an excellent book for teaching yourself piano. All the reviewers who slam this book for corny humor can go jump in a lake. There are plenty of serious music books that just shovel out the facts in a dry manner, so if that is what you want, fine, no reason to get uptight about a book that trys to use a more human touch. I want to also make it clear that the book does not tell jokes per say, so you dont have to read through long groaners to get to the material. The author simply interjects personal examples. Its a technique that is used in all the dummies books, if you dont like it, dont read dummies books.

An easy way to learn..........2007-07-16

It's very easy to learn piano with the this book and it's really funny. You learn without the stress of a regular "learning manual".

Excellent place to begin.......2007-07-06

Easy to understand - even for someone with no musical talent or experience. Great place to start.

Perfect just for beginners .......2007-05-14

This book is perfect if you want to play piano and you don't know anything about it. The book is plenty of jokes and all kind of information but nothing complex that you can't take it. This book is worthy of its title :-P I bought this one because I bought first "The piano handbook" and this one is not so good for beginners, but perfect for intermediate and advance that missed something or what to learn a different scale or style.

Excellent despite the stale jokes.......2007-04-20

I wanted to brush up on piano playing as I haven't been near a piano for about 40 years, and for this purpose I found the book excellent, though I haven't read similar introductory books so can't compare. Other reviewers have complained about the stale jokes, but for me this was a minor irritation. Music theory can be tedious, and the typically light "Dummies" touch counteracts what could otherwise have been a ponderous read. Even bad jokes are preferable to learned tomes that take themselves oh-so-seriously.

The book contains a wealth of basic and reference information, and the various issues are explained clearly, assuming no prior music knowledge. Unlike many introductory books the chapters do not necessarily have to be read in sequence (though doing so would probably provide a better basis) - the book is well structured, with lots of references to other chapters should you need clarification of terms explained elsewhere.

Using a DIY book effectively instead of piano lessons obviously requires some effort from the reader's side, though the accompanying CD does help. I also liked the attention given to the various styles, from classical to rock, blues, pop, jazz, country and soul.

One of the first hurdles is learning to read notes, after which things become much easier. If you want to start playing real songs and tunes as soon as possible, you'll find a few in this book, including the beautiful "Aura Lee" (made famous by Elvis Presley as "Love me Tender") which is surprisingly easy to play.

On the downside, many of the other tunes serving to illustrate a point are, to my mind, not very exciting, but then having musical notation of the more modern hits would probably have increased the selling price due to royalties considerations. So, for instance, we get the traditional and rather tame version of "The House of the Rising Sun" instead of the haunting hit arrangement by The Animals, who made it famous in popular culture.

When I was a kid I had a year's piano lessons, but it just didn't work for me. Reading this book has helped me looking at music and the piano / keyboard in a new way, and I have since bought a few "Easy Piano" songbooks and enjoy mastering new tunes.

Circus of the Damned (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 3)

Average customer rating:

good quick read
Great Book
Super Reader
Another Thriller
FINALLY a good introduction to the werewolves

Circus of the Damned (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 3)
Laurell K. Hamilton
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Urban | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Dark | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Vampires | Romance | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0515134481

Amazon.com

The third novel of Hamilton's Anita Blake series has the petite necromancer fighting a giant cobra and a rogue vampire, Alejandro, who wants her for his human servant. Anita is still resisting the advances of Jean-Claude, St. Louis's master vampire, but she does need him on her side, if not in her bed. Anita's reluctant involvement in the odd goings-on at the supernatural Circus of the Damned introduces her to Richard, the werewolf of her dreams, and Larry, her powerful but nervous partner in zombie-raising.

Mystery fans will love the tightly plotted, Paretsky-esque action, and horror fans will love just about everything in this unusual series.

Book Description

First time in trade paperback: the third novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

In Circus of the Damned-now in trade paperback for the first time-a rogue master vampire hits town, and Anita gets caught in the middle of an undead turf war. Jean-Claude, the Master Vamp of the city, wants her for his own-but his enemies have other plans. And to make matters worse, Anita takes a hit to the heart when she meets a stunningly handsome junior high science teacher named Richard Zeeman. They're two humans caught in the crossfire-or so Anita thinks.

Download Description

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, battles a centuries-old vampire with the soul of the city-and Anita's life-at stake in this supernatural thrill ride from New York Times bestselling author Laurell K. Hamilton.

Customer Reviews:

good quick read.......2007-09-28

This is the last book of the Anita Blake series i have read as of this review (need to order the rest :o ) but i can safely say that this series is a winner. Each book so far has carried the series' plot forward, while at the same time you could pick one up and read it in any order, as they can almost be called separate books in a greater story line, much like the New Jedi Order books where for that series.

Not too long in length, this is a good book, and a quick read. i would recommend reading this in a place where you can focus on it, and wont be distracted. The first book i picked up (was the second book of the series, whoops!) i read on an airplane. i would imagine a long bus ride or other form of long travel it would be good for as well.

The only down side i personally find with this book, and the others of the Anita Blake series, is that i want to go and read them all after finishing one. Well, i guess thats not a bad thing, per say.

Last comment, as i have read now three of the series' books you could well call me a fan. If you are looking for a completely objective review, i suggest you take this one with a grain of salt...

Great Book.......2007-09-03

Super Reader.......2007-08-26

There is a dose of politics in this one, both the human kind, and the vampire kind. The human issue is one of separatism, basically, as the Humans First organisation wants more information on and the ability to get rid of, the vampire power structures in the city.

This book again has Edward, which is always good.

Imagine if the Executioner or the Punisher got bored with hunting and killing crims and decided on something trickier, and you have a bit of an idea what Edward is about. Except that he is not so keen on the girls as the Executioner.

Another powerful group of supernaturals also roll into town, and there is a nice, big, battle, which is action packed and a lot of fun.

Another Thriller.......2007-06-04

Fantastic read. I couldn't guess the end the book was full of suspense action and betrayal. We saw Anita's life hand in the balance alongside Jean-Claude - will they ever get together..... already ordered the next book. Absolutely loved this book very short read (two nights) couldn't put it down. There is also a new possible love interest for Anita in this novel and we are left hanging for the next installment as to who she will pick! can't wait.

FINALLY a good introduction to the werewolves.......2007-03-27

We meet Richard who becomes Anita's new lust interest. Jean-Claude shows his heart. More kick-butt action from Anita. More murders, although the actual investigation scene wasn't as graphic as hunting down the animalistic vampire. Anita meets two more master vampires, both older than Nikolaos from Guilty Pleasures. She agress w/Mr. Oliver, the older master of the two, when he requests that she give up the name of the Master of the City so he can take over and reverse the legislation that legalizes vampires. He wants it back to survival-of-the-fitest becasue he strongly believes that the legalization of vampires will lead to extinction of humans. Anita accepts a date w/Richard however is poisoned. I don't want to give away any more but in this book Richard tells Anita that he believes Jean-Claude loves her and that he wishes her love in return. She denies it at first then admits that in some dark corner of her heart she might love him after all. But the fact that he is the living dead she refuses to believe it. She, however, starts to wonder how undead he really is, being that vampires are not supposed to have a soul or a reflection - yet Jean-Claude has a reflection. She accepts Richard being a were-wolf, even almost defends it at the very last page of the book.

Burnt Offerings (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 7)

Average customer rating:

Anita Blake, vampire hunter
Still going strong..
Super Reader
WONDERFUL!!!
Very possibly the best in a very good series so far.

Burnt Offerings (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 7)
Laurell K. Hamilton
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Blake's 7 | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Urban | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Dark | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Vampires | Romance | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Horror Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0515134473

Amazon.com

Burnt Offerings is the seventh in Laurell K. Hamilton's genre-straddling Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series. Anita carries a gun and an attitude: "Questions are great, but only if you know the answers. If you ask questions and the answers surprise you, you look silly. Hard to be threatening when you look ill-informed."

As Burnt Offerings unfolds, Anita agrees to help track down a possible psychic firestarter. She's also policing the local werewolf pack, though she's split up with their alpha, Richard. Then Jean-Claude, the vampire Master of the City and her lover, needs her help to confront a visiting delegation of the vampires' ruling council. They wonder how he got the power to destroy a council member and believe him dangerous to the hierarchy.

This fast-paced, urban fantasy includes gore, hardboiled mystery and a romantic triangle. The vampires and werewolves are as three-dimensional as the human characters, allowing us to join Anita in wondering who the real monsters are and to understand how her increased personal involvement with them is alienating her from her human colleagues. --Nona Vero

Book Description

In Laurell K. Hamilton's New York Times bestselling novels, it's often hard to tell the good from the evil. Just ask Anita Blake. She seems to be developing a soft spot in her heart for vampires-one in particular. So, when an arsonist's fires begin licking at St. Louis's undead, it's up to Anita to save the very monsters she's sworn to destroy.

Download Description

When an arsonist's fires begin licking at St. Louis's undead, it's up to Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter to save the very monsters she's sworn to destroy.

Customer Reviews:

Anita Blake, vampire hunter.......2007-10-01

I just recently bought my first Anita Blake, vampire hunter book, I absolutely love them!!!!! I ran out and bought the rest of the series and read them all back to back. They are absolutely wonderful.

Still going strong.........2007-09-26

Again Anita Blake brings it. The drama that unfolds with Jean-Claude and Richard keeps me enthralled. As the series goes on I am starting to realize that Anita Blake is changing. She is getting more and more wrapped up in the world of "monsters" I am still enjoying this series and recommend it to anyone!

Super Reader.......2007-08-26

Somebody has decided that vampires are toasty, or good to toast, or burn prettily. Anyway, vampire torchings are what Anita has to investigate in this book.

It is also becomes public that she is doing the head vamp of her city.

Because she bumped off their boss, Anita becomes responsible for the wereleopards in town, as if she doesn't have enough to do.

Yes, she is now a vampire hunter/necromancer/vampire servant/female werewolf leader/wereleopard queen.

She still has a fuzzy penguin, though.

WONDERFUL!!!.......2007-03-08

I think this book was great! I couldn't put it down however I am always upset with Anita for picking Jean Claude over Richard haha it seems I have gotten attatched to the characters because I seem to get mad at her whenever she doesnt make the choices i would! However this book is full of twists and new plot developements and LKH is a wonderful author as always KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

Very possibly the best in a very good series so far........2006-12-06

As always, the Anita Blake series is a pleasure to read, largely due to the personality of the main character, which we get undiluted through a first-person narrative. Hamilton does a wonderful job of telling a continuing story, as each book builds on what has gone before while still containing one complete plot within itself. What really makes this book stand out as better than the previous six in the series (which were all quite good in their own right) is that one of the key concepts in this series -- the evolution of the character of Anita as she gains more power (or perhaps simply discovers powers that she had all along but wasn't aware of) and has to struggle against the old "power corrupts" truism, sometimes less successfully than others -- begins to be really obvious in this book, whereas it was only hinted at previously. Anita Blake has, by this time, thoroughly established her "hero" bonafides, and cannot be dismissed as less than that. Still, she begins to find herself in situations that have no good solution, but require a choice between evils, and no matter how much she dislikes compromising her principles she sometimes has to accept that. Being a strong and well-balanced character, she doesn't spend too much time being traumatized by having to make such choices, but she is aware that she is doing things that a short time ago she would have been appalled by, things that some of her non-supernatural friends would definitely disapprove of. It is interesting to see a character established as truly heroic making difficult choices in very difficult situations, making the best ones available, and still losing a little bit of humanity each time she has to accept a compromise of her basic principles. This concept is handled better in this series than I have ever seen before, and better in this book than in any of the previous books in this series, although they were necessary to set the stage for this one.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books