Dead Even

Book Description

Three devious prisoners vow murderous revenge.
Now the third is free.

FBI Special Agent Miranda Cahill has always played by the rules: always maintain a respectful professionalism, and never mix business with pleasure. Except when it comes to fellow agent Will Fletcher. Their on-again, off-again relationship has left painful scars even he has never seen.
Now, a series of murders has the two agents racing to outwit a killer before he can strike again. Miranda and Will know that lives depend on identifying intended victims and tracking them down before the killer does. But as they begin to unravel this homicidal agenda, it becomes clear that Miranda may be the last and final target in a twisted game. With the clock ticking, time is running out on a killer who is determined to cross Miranda’s name off his hit list . . . permanently.

Download Description

Three devious prisoners vow murderous revenge.

Now the third is free.

FBI Special Agent Miranda Cahill has always played by the rules: always maintain a respectful professionalism, and never mix business with pleasure. Except when it comes to fellow agent Will Fletcher. Their on-again, off-again relationship has left painful scars even he has never seen.

Now, a series of murders has the two agents racing to outwit a killer before he can strike again. Miranda and Will know that lives depend on identifying intended victims and tracking them down before the killer does. But as they begin to unravel this homicidal agenda, it becomes clear that Miranda may be the last and final target in a twisted game. With the clock ticking, time is running out on a killer who is determined to cross Miranda's name off his hit list…permanently.

Customer Reviews:

A good finish!.......2007-05-04

I'm not really sure what the "even" has to do with anything, but this is the third book in the "Dead" series by Mariah Stewart, following "Dead Wrong" and "Dead Certain". It's helpful to read the books in order, but for the most part, the books stand on their own as well.

Convicted stalker Archer Lowell has just been released from prison. His earnest desire to stay clean and not do anything that will ever send him back. But Archer is weak, immature and ignorant. And he was foolish enough to come up with a `hypothetical' what-if game one day when he found himself locked in a room with 2 other prisoners: "What if you could do anything - anything at all - and not get caught?" It turns into a "Strangers on a Train" you-kill-mine-and-I'll-kill-yours thing. Only problem, one of those two guys, Curtis Channing, decided to make it real and, when released, tried to complete one of the other's murder list. Channing ended up dead. Then, the second guy, Vince Giordano, was released, and decided his honor was at stake, so he took on Archer's list. Giordano ended up back in prison. Now, Archer is out, and decides he wants to stay out. He reasons there's no one to make him go after Channing's list, since one's dead and the other's in jail. He reasons incorrectly. Did I mention Archer's not very smart? Giordano wants to make sure Archer follows through, so he gets one of his buddies, Burt, to ride herd on Archer to follow through on the last murder list. Archer's choices are kill or be killed, and he's just too stupid to know what to do.

It's an interesting twist. Of course, the FBI has figured out the whole game by the end of "Dead Certain" but they can't arrest Lowell unless he actually tries to follow through. Based on their previous interviews with him and a current meeting after his prison release, they conclude that he's too ignorant and without the resources to attempt the murders. However, Archer's ignorance is too much to be believed at times - it borders on spoof at times. How is possible that such a person could actually do the killing? And while the story walks us through it, it's never fully convincing. And yet, there is something really compelling about Lowell's character - will he actually pull it off, or is he doomed? At first, I was dubious about Giordano's insistence that Lowell do his part, but it is consistent with his character as Stewart has developed it - an evil control freak.

On the other hand, I really do like Miranda Cahill as the heroine. This is the great thing about series - the author gets the chance to develop characters over the course of a couple books and by the time they move from supporting character to the role of hero/heroine, you know them. Such is the case with Miranda - we know she likes junk food, she's gorgeous, and has a twin sister, Portia. And we know she has history with Will Fletcher, whom we've also met before in "Until Dark".

Overall, the story is a good read. In fact, I've re-read it several times, always remembering it as `not so great' and then really enjoying it when I read it. I like Stewart's books - they have more weight than a basic romance, but they're not too intense as suspense thriller.

For those who have read the whole series, there's a sub-plot that brings some closure to Mara Douglas' story (from "Dead Wrong"). I would guess that might be a bit distracting to those who pick up "Dead Even" without having read the first two, but Stewart weaves this sub-plot into the story to bring about a big finish to the whole series. (There is a fourth "Dead" title - "Dead End" - which is related by the characters, and explores Annie McCall's story, to which we were introduced in "Dead Wrong", but the `strangers on a train' murder list story is concluded in this book, "Dead Even".)

#3 FINISHED!.......2005-07-30

Okay, I gotta say that by the time I finished this last book of the series, I smiled. All in all, I guess I got a kick out of this writer's imagination! The three books took me a week to read and I was glad to have read them one after the other, or I may not have bothered with #2 and #3.

On the whole, I think I'd give the SET 5 stars all together. Mariah did a great job with the characters and with the story plots. Read it with enjoyment in mind because there's some stuff you just need to read and not think about because it won't make complete sense anyway. But it doesn't interfere with the enjoyment of the ride!

If you're interested in reading all three, here's the order:
#1 Dead Wrong
#2 Dead Certain
#3 Dead Even

Have fun!

An "Up All Night" read.......2004-12-08

This book, this entire series, is so amazing. Normally a series of books starts off really good and simply gets worse as the other books come along. Not this one! Each book in the series continues to get better and better. I'm just waiting on pins and needles for her next book to be out!

Suspense.......2004-09-13

By now readers have probably figured out; Archer Lowell is the proverbial weakest link in the murder game started in Dead Wrong. The FBI has as well, piecing together the bones of the deadly plot concocted to pass the time between three inmates. The first killer died during his escapade, and now that it is Archer's turn to kill that list of names, the FBI knows only that he will kill, not who. Ironically, one of those assigned to the case is on the list. Working with the heroes of prior books, Miranda Cahill and her off and on again lover / partner race to make checkmate. None of them know that Vince, the last murderer, has introduced a new player in the game, one determined that Archer will not break the chain.

*** If you are looking for a romance or to try and outguess the charcters, then you will probably not be completely satisfied. Miranda and Will's relationship has less tension and uncertainty than most romantic pairings in fiction, and you already know "who dun it." However, there are complex twists to keep the action apace. ***

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.

Good suspense read........2004-08-20

DEAD EVEN is the third in the series by Mariah Stewart. Even though DEAD WRONG and DEAD CERTAIN are complete in themselves, this one ties up all the loose ends and in a most satisfying way.

Miranda Cahill is the lead agent on this investigation. She is teamed with Will Fletcher who has been her significant other off and on for 6 years. Two years ago they had drifted apart and neither knows how to relight the fires that burn in both of them.

In DEAD WRONG we met the three men who talked about killing each others enemies. Well one is left, Archer Lowell. A 19 year old kid. Vince Giordano is now in prison, but he is determined that Archer fulfill his part of the bargain. He promises his friend Burt Connolly a lot of money to see that Archer does his job.

The FBI already have figured out that the 3 men planned on the killings even if they don't know when they were together. Miranda and Will pay a visit to Archer and are convinced he is not a killer. However, shortly after the visit the killings begin. Burt has forced Archer to live up to his part in the deal.

Will figures out that Miranda may be one of the 3 people on Curt Channings list. As the other 2 people on the list are killed they desperately search for Archer.

While they are caught up in their case. Mara Douglas's daughter has been found in a religious commune, where young girls are sold to the highest bidder. Julianne has been protected by her father, who stole her from Mara 7 years ago. Jules has been money-laundering for the cult.

Both investigations are intense and riviting.

This brings us to a very unusual exciting climax. This is a very good book, I enjoyed it very much and I will be looking for more from this author.

Average customer rating:

Dead Even
Exciting and Thrilling
I Kept Waiting for It to Get Better ... But It Never Did.
Thanks heavens he improved with practice!
Am I allowed to say it "Sucked"?

Dead Even
Brad Meltzer
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0446607339

Amazon.com

Someone is pitting Sara and Jared against each other and both are being threatened: win the case or your spouse dies. Sara and Jared have struggled and suffered more than your ordinary young lawyers and their desperation to protect one another and their life together is almost palpable. But the more they fight to win the case, the more they put each other's lives in jeopardy.

Dead Even is truly gripping. Brad Meltzer has created characters that are realistic enough to be believable, but quirky enough to be captivating. The lawyers are especially determined and the criminals are especially sinister. Even more impressive than his characters is his don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-something plot, which grabs you on page one and doesn't let go until you close the cover. When reading Dead Even, you may find yourself holding your breath as you furiously turn the pages. It's a legal thriller that gives Grisham's books a run for their money. -- Mara Friedman

Book Description

Sara Tate starts her job as a New York City assistant district attorney the day before massive budget cuts.To keep her job, she grabs a case slated for one of the DA office's hot shots, thinking it will be the kind of showpiece that'll make her a hero.The next day, she learns that the defense attorney on the case is her husband, Jared Lynch.To make matters worse, what appeared to be a simple breaking and entering is beginning to look more like a murder.Someone is pitting Sara and Jared against each other and both are being threatened: win the case or your spouse dies. Sara and Jared have struggled and suffered more than your ordinary young lawyers and their desperation to protect one another and their life together is almost palpable.But the more they fight to win the case, the more they put each other's lives in jeopardy.Dead Even is truly gripping. Brad Meltzer has created characters that are realistic enough to be believable, but quirky enough to be captivating.The lawyers are especially determined and the criminals are especially sinister.Even more impressive than his characters is his don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-something plot, which grabs you on page one and doesn't let go until you close the cover. When reading Dead Even, you may find yourself holding your breath as you furiously turn the pages.It's a legal thriller that gives Grisham's books a run for their money.-- Mara Friedman

Download Description

Sara Tate, a Manhattan assistant DA is about to lose her job. But the case she nabs to secure her professional future is far more complicated-and deadly than it first appears. While forces within the DA's office conspire against her, an outside threat looms larger: Win the case or her attorney husband, Jared, will die. Jared has his own motivations for winning. Strong-armed into defending the opposition, he learns that Sara will be killed should he lose the case. In court and at home, husband and wife go head to head while harboring the terrible secret of their motives. In a battle of roller coaster emotions and shocking betrayals, Jared and Sara must face the unthinkable truth: No matter who wins, one of them may die.

Customer Reviews:

Dead Even.......2007-05-12

This is the fourth of Brad Meltzer's books that I have read. I did enjoy it. I did think it was exciting and well written. However, of the four that I have read, I would rank it as number 4. It has an interesting story line development; and although you think you know who is behind it, you are never quite sure. Even after the reader finds out the "who", you still don't know the "why". That is talent on the part of the writer.

One of Meltzer's strong points in all of his books has been character development, and he has certainly exhibited that talent in Dead Even. In this book, however, I think he went a little too far with Kozlow. I realize that he should be an over the top, violent killer. What I find hard to believe is that Jared could receive such vicious, multiple beatings and then pop right up and keep on going. Any wife who loved her husband as much as Sara did, would never have excepted his lame excuses for his injuries, even though she was mad at him.

Overall, Dead Even is a very good book and well worth the read; but it's not the type of book that you just can't put down.

Exciting and Thrilling.......2006-05-07

When I say I could not put this book down, I mean it! A courtroom drama with the drama and intensity of a psychological thriller, this book delivers. The main characters are a husband and wife, both lawyers. One is the DA, the other is the defense attorney--and they are forced to fight each other. You could not ask for more in a mystery and legal thriller!

I Kept Waiting for It to Get Better ... But It Never Did........2006-03-19

It took me a long time to get past the first few pages of this book. I kept putting it down and picking it up again because I thought it might improve if I got far enough into it. Wrong! The premise of two lawyers, one who was out of work for a few months and now lands a job as a Manhattan ADA, and the other who's hoping to make partner in a high powered firm is dull and predictable. Sara Tate, the new kid on the block in the DA's office gets a volatile case that will either make or break her career. Her naivete in dealing with the worst criminal element in New York is laughable. Her husband, Jared Lynch, spends more time kissing butt trying to make partner than practicing law. It's self-obsessed Yuppies at their finest.

Overall, this book was disappointing at best. Weak plot line, terrible ending, and too many neurotic, self-absorbed characters. Do yourself a favor -- watch a rerun of L.A. Law instead of reading this book. Actors Harry Hamlin and Susan Dey play similar roles to the characters in this book and you will find that they are much more believable and entertaining.

Thanks heavens he improved with practice!.......2006-01-04

Pretty much everything that needs to be said about this stinker has been said in other reviews - a ridiculous premise carried forth by astonishingly artificial dialogue. I tried twice to read it, but life's too short. Turns out it is one of Meltzer's first novels, maybe his very first. Subsequent efforts are much better. Ditch this one and read The Zero Game or The Millionaires.

Am I allowed to say it "Sucked"?.......2005-10-05

I've read a few Brad Meltzer books, trying to find the fascination that some others have found in them. Nope, I still haven't figured out his allure yet.

In a radio interview, I heard the interviewer gush over Melter's dialogue. He commented that it's the most realistic dialogue that he had ever read. I have two problems with this.

a) While some of Meltzer's dialogue is indeed catchy and does sound like your two siblings arguing with each other, Meltzer has no depth. By that I mean, even the cop's witty banter sounds like he is arguing with his younger brother and the grocer's wisecracks, ad infinitum. It gets old quick.

b) Who wants to listen to their siblings arguing with each other. I'll give Meltzer credit for being able to create the image, but most or all of his characters ultimately come off as sounding extremely whiney and self-serving.

I could continue with numerous other complaints, but if knowing about Meltzer's amateurish dialogue doesn't turn you off, you're probably going to buy the book anyway and overlook the one-dimensional cardboard characters.

5 Titles By Meltzer - Dead Even - Millionaires - First Counsel - The Zero Game - The Tenth Justice

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5 Titles By Meltzer - Dead Even - Millionaires - First Counsel - The Zero Game - The Tenth Justice
Brad Meltzer
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000MZQX6S

Product Description

5 massmarket paperback Titles By Meltzer - Dead Even - Millionaires - First Counsel - The Zero Game - The Tenth Justice

Even the Dead: Poems, Parables, and a Jeremiad (Mayibuye History and Literature Series)

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Even the Dead: Poems, Parables, and a Jeremiad (Mayibuye History and Literature Series)
Jeremy Cronin
Manufacturer: Mayibuye Books University of Western Cape
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Dead Even
Brad Meltzer
Manufacturer: Rob Weisbach/William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0340658169

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Dead Even

Manufacturer: The Random House Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Product Description

A novel.

Choosing to Be Fully Alive (Even When You Feel Half Dead)

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Choosing to Be Fully Alive (Even When You Feel Half Dead)
Jim Carlson
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
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Dead Even is a great read...
Cat and mouse revenge game TV movie style

Dead Even
Emma Brookes
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Psychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312959397

Customer Reviews:

Dead Even is a great read..........2003-03-03

I had never heard of author Emma Brookes but I really enjoyed the book "Dead Even". I'll try to find the book "Face Off". It is difficult to find a good mystery writer like Mary Higgens Clark, and I've read all her books, and now that I've read Emma Brookes, I hope she is a prolific writer.

Cat and mouse revenge game TV movie style.......2000-11-09

A shrinking violet type hears the voice of her rapist on an open forum radio program and begins to plan retribution. Author Emma Brookes keeps the plot moving and generates some suspense, but the contrivances will create far more chuckles than gasps. Weightless and formulaic made for tv style fluff.

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Dead Even
Mariah Stewart
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVU2PS

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Dead Even
C.C. Risenhoover
Manufacturer: PaperJacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Hollowfaust: City of Necromancers (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.0 Fantasy Roleplaying)
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Unusual and Intriguing Setting

The Dead Rule

Outstanding source book

Not what you would think
Hollowfaust: City of Necromancers (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.0 Fantasy Roleplaying)
Sword and Sorcery Studio
Manufacturer: White Wolf Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1588461637

Customer Reviews:

Unusual and Intriguing Setting.......2002-02-04

This is a really interesting setting that is intended for the Scarred Lands setting by SSS but it fit easily into my campaign and will provide an interesting twist as far as settings go. The city is a refuge and center of learning for Seven Guilds of Necromancers, yet it is a thriving city as well. That is what makes it so intriguing. The citizens are governed by the Guilds and undead help to keep the city safe. There are endless possibilities for adventure and mysterious intrigue for any campaign. The "normal" city and its interesting spots and locales are given plenty of space but the meat of the sourcebook comes from the description of the necromancers and their part in the city's history and government. The city and its environs are well detailed and there are several new spells, creatures and prestige classes that are suited for the setting that can be added to your campaign. The seven necromantic guilds and their beliefs (as well as their leaders) are profiled as well. There are several adventure hooks provided also. It is a well written supplement that will put a twist on almost any campaign that you set it in.

The Dead Rule.......2002-01-26

Hollowfaust is a great campaign setting. The city of Necromancers can be filled with danger and intrigue. You can also just drop it into your current campaign without an extensive rewrite. My only problem with it is that the NPC stats arent always handy to where they are listed in the text. They are in the same chapter usually within a page or two. For example: It is annoying when your reading about a temple and high priest and then have to go looking for that priest stats elsewhere. The setting is a 5 The layout is a 4. The quality of the material is a 5. So if you dont mind a minor problem with the layout this is a very high priority purchase. Not only for the Scarred Lands setting, but for any campaign.

Outstanding source book.......2002-01-16

I've read most of the SSS sourcebooks, and in my opinion this is - BY FAR - the best DD3E product they have released. I do not use the Scarred Land campaign world myself, but I do plan on integrating this into my campaign world immediately.

Hollowfaust continues the dark theme of the Scarred Lands campaign world, but flips the stereotype of the evil Necromancer on its ear, and turns what could be a very predictable city into a unique supplement. The idea of Necromancers as somewhat benign scholars is as intriguing as it is bizarre, as are all of the attendent situations, such as undead acting as both unskilled labor and the city "protectors".

The treatment of the city, its history, adventure hooks and resident personages is detailed enough to make the city playable, but not so detailed as to overwhelm or restrict.

The prestige classes are a useful continuation to those provided in Relics and Rituals and Tome of Blood, and can provide depth to a campaign world, although for the most part I would not use them as PC classes.

All in all, I enjoyed the City of Necromancers immensely and think that anyone could use this in their world with a minimum of hassle and maximum results.

Not what you would think.......2001-12-19

I like this book, in that it paints Hollowfaust as a place of learning for Necromancers. Most people would think that this place is a place of evil, but it actually is not. I even used the material after I got the book in my Scarred Lands campaign that I am DMing and my players loved it. I recomend this book to anyone who is running a Scarred Lands campaign or who is interested in playing in the Scarred Lands campaign.

Book Description

In a far future universe ruled with slavery and drugs, a Starcaptain turned slave discovers that rebellion is the highest form of love.

Customer Reviews:

enthralling.......2006-02-16

This and Dragon's Winter are my favorite Elizabeth A. Lynn books, and two of my favorite books all around. I've recommended both to a number of (carefully selected) friends over the years with great success. Beautifully written stories. It isn't for everyone though. Lynn is one of those writers who doesn't worry about making life fair for her characters and, in many of her stories, her protagonist has very little power over something very important to him/her. You've been forewarned...

If you like this, you might also like Testament by Valerie Freireich and/or Transformation by Carol Berg

An insufficiently-known classic.......2004-08-15

I first read this affecting novel twenty years ago and large parts of it have stayed with me every since. It's long out of print, but I hunted until I found a copy -- and I know now, again, why I remembered it so well. Lynn is known mostly for her high-concept fantasy, but this one is "what if" science fiction of the best sort. It's sometime in the unknown future and humans have colonized dozens of worlds, aided by the discovery of the "Hype" -- a parallel hyperspace route between stars, navigated by starcaptains, latter-day bravos with their own traditions and culture. The four worlds of the Sardonyx Sector got together a few generations ago to set up a prison world called Chabad, not unlike Britain shipping off its felons to Australia. But now Chabad is a colony world, too, with its own exports, and nearly everything is powered by the slave labor of the convicts. Lynn is careful to make her version of slavery as humane as possible: After their sentence is up, slaves are freed, their property is returned to them, and they can either leave Chabad or become free citizens. They're depersonalized, but not tortured. If they have useful skills, and if their owners are sensitive people, they may experience something like contentment. But they aren't free. And many, perhaps most, slaves are kept dosed on a tranquilizing euphoric drug called dorazine to keep them controllable. Of the Four Families that run Chabad, the slave system is in the care of Family Yago, and especially of Domna Rhani Yago, head of the family, and her brother, Zed, who is both a Senior Medic and Commander of the "Net," the toroidal starship that collects the prisoners from the other worlds of the sector and brings them to the slave auction on Chabad. Add an interplanetary antidrug police force trying to keep dorazine from being brought to Chabad, and all the elements are present for a complex, involving plot. But the real focus is on the personalities of Rhani, a reasonable, fair-minded woman who has been blinded by her upbringing and position, and of Zed, a sexual psychopath and thoroughgoing, self-aware sadist. And, finally, of Dana Ikoro, young starcaptain trying to bring off his first successful dorazine smuggling run, who gets caught and falls afoul of Zed before becoming Rhani Yago's slave-pilot -- and confidant, and lover. And there are more than a dozen other carefully-drawn characters in the supporting cast, all of which makes this a thoroughly fascinating book. I've read other reviews by readers -- probably much younger ones -- that have been knee-jerk dismissive of this novel because it seems to approve of slavery, . . . which it doesn't. Lynn seeks only to examine the possible effects of its use, which she does very effectively. Those other reviewers seem to adhere to absolutist standards of ethics and morality and seem not to understand that history (even when it's future history) is what happens, not what *should* happen. Both attitudes are foolish. But then, most long-time science fiction readers learn early to become tolerant ethical relativists.

Why doesn't she write more sci-fi?!.......2001-07-17

This story is old (I think I was just a little kid when it was first published) but it sure doesn't seem like it. This futuristic tale is still futuristic, not dated in the least, and that's a timelessness that all storytellers should strive for. The basic premise of the book, drug enhanced slavery, is okay, but it's so much thin air without the involvement of the characters, my favorites being Dana and that sado-masochistic, pain/fun lovin' villian you love to hate to love, Zed Yago. The deep-space-faring hypers are so cool, it makes you want to dress up (or down) in leather and mesh, toss some glitter in your hair and cruise down to your neighborhood space bar. What gets me is that the only sci-fi Elizabeth A. Lynn has written is this book and "A Different Light." Of the handful of books she's written at all over the past 25 years, most of them are fantasy. I have no problem with fantasy, most of the books I own are of the genre, but her hip, stylish brand of science-fiction is one that I can get into, one that isn't so glaringly technical that my eyes roll back into my head, one that doesn't sacrifice story and style to teach you how to go about building a warp drive. Her two sci-fi stories are connected in many ways, and seem to take place in the same universe, with the sub-space highway of the Hyper being part of both. She could build on this if she wanted to, and if she does, I'll be there with glitter and eyeliner.

Boring.......2001-05-12

If you're a woman and fantasize about owning slaves and what it would be like to have a slave as your very own personal helicopter pilot then this book is for you. If your a man and your fantasy is to torture slaves because you're in love with your slave owning sister than this book is for you. If you're neither of the above then don't even consider this book. Although the book takes place in the future on some distant planet, there was almost nothing futuristic about this story.

Fun and sexy -- a hidden guilty pleasure.......2000-05-01

Lynn wrote this book when the punk culture was nowhere near as "old" as it is now, but I was rummaging around in some old books and found it, and discovered that it could be considered modern today.

The story includes "hypers" who are the space-faring subsegment of society, who hang out in hip, trendy bars that exclude non-hypers. Hypers are not necessarily outlaws, but Dana, a hyper with his own starship, ekes out a marginal living by smuggling. He picks the wrong cargo, and falls into the hands of a ruthless slaver named Zed Yago. Zed is also a sexual sadist that satisfies himself with Dana before giving him ("I don't own slaves") to his sister. The planet they live on is one big desert (see Dune) that has an economy based on legal slavery.

Lynn makes no apologies for this, or anything else that happens to Dana. Dana spends very little time feeling sorry for himself, and of course the story is about his attempts to escape this fix.

It is also more about sexual expression in a setting that allows exploration that would not be plausible in a less extreme setting. Although I felt that Lynn could have gone deeper into this, perhaps she arrived at a better balance between action and introspection than I would have. Good fun, in any case.

The Sardonyx Net
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The Sardonyx Net

Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000F7UT1I

The Sardonyx Net.
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The Sardonyx Net.
Elizabeth A. Lynn
Manufacturer: Berkley Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NXNIOY

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The Sardonyx Net
Elizabeth A. Lynn
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRNGJY

Sardonyx Net, the
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Sardonyx Net, the
Elizabeth Lynn
Manufacturer: Putnams Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O6ES08

The Wolfgang Puck Cookbook: Recipes from Spago, Chinois, and Points East and West
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this should be in every serious cooking enthusiast's kitchen

Excellent recipes, clear explanation

Poorly Organized

The Wolfgang Puck Cookbook: Recipes from Spago, Chinois, and Points East and West
Wolfgang Puck
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 067976125X
Release Date: 1996-05-07

Book Description

In his famous Los Angeles restaurants Spago and Chinois on Main, Wolfgang Puck has created some of the world's most imaginative dishes, combining French, Italian, and Oriental techniques. In this inspiring collection of over two hundred recipes, Wolfgang Puck shows you how to re-create these fabulous dishes in your own kitchen from readily available ingredients.

East fearlessly meets West, and many regions between -- in such first courses as Stirfried Scallop Salad and Spicy Honey-Glazed Baby Pork Ribs; in soups from Tortilla to delicate Cream of Corn with Gulf Oysters to hearty Clam and Mussel; in simple and sophisticated main dishes, such as Sizzling Catfish, Baby Pork Chops with Cranberry Sauce, and Chicken with Garlic and Parsley; in Spago's signature gourmet pizzas, such as Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Golden Caviar and Pizza with Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomatoes; and in desserts that range from the subtle to the sublime, from the refreshing Grapefruit Tequila Sherbet to the decadent Jack Daniel's Chocolate Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.

Every recipe, each a triumph of innovation, exemplifies Puck's unique style: a passion for blending the elements of cuisines the world over, a freshness and simplicity of ingredients and presentation, and, above all, a free and joyful approach to food. The guiding principle behind the creations that emerge from Puck's kitchens ("my playgrounds," he calls them) is that food should give great pleasure -- to the cook as well as to the diner.

Illustrated throughout with engaging drawings by Puck himself, here is an utterly original collection of great recipes -- and an utterly original culinary style -- that no cook will be able to resist adopting.

Customer Reviews:

this should be in every serious cooking enthusiast's kitchen.......2004-04-03

Wolfgang Puck is the pioneer of east-meets-west cooking and successfully introduced creative oriental touches and flavors into his otherwise immaculately french style. Puck is a no-nonsense chef, and this is a no-nonsense cookbook that will allow you to create some quite stunning dishes. I have always found it clear and well-written, the recipes are easy to follow, and with good results. This cookbook is not meant for the beginner, if you need pictures with your instructions, do not bother. This is also not one of these all-inlcusive how to cook everything under the sun books but rather a recipe collection that is meant to introduce the educated enthusiast to this style of cooking. You will take away new techniques and a broadended palate.

Excellent recipes, clear explanation.......2002-07-27

Despite what the previous reviewer said, this cookbook is excellent. Every recipe that I've tried out of this book has been excellent. The flavor combinations of these recipes are just unique enough to make them and this book stand out from others that are similar. Wolfgang explains the recipe, but also explains what would go well with it and what he likes about the recipe (so that you can understand the dish's strong points). I highly recommend this book.

Poorly Organized.......2001-03-01

I keep going back to the cookbook hoping to find something I want to make, I'm usually disappointed. It's not the recipes themselves that are disappointing, it's the cookbook itself; it's very poorly put together. There are absolutely no themes in the book, it doesn't follow any structure, and there are no recommendations for putting together a complete meal. They have "menus" of meals and banquets Puck's put together in the past, and none of the recipes can be found in the book! This simply doesn't make any sense. This from the multi-million dollar Wolfgang Puck Enterprises is very surprising (and disappointing). So what is it good for?

Pastas: Wolfgang Puck does have a few great pasta recipes. He describes how to put together a few different homemade pastas (Plain Pastas, Squid Ink Pasta, Herbed Pasta, etc.) and they are all excellent. I've successfully made his tortellini and will continue to do so.

Main courses: Puck has some great main course dishes. They are all a variant of French Asian Fusion, lots of seafood, beef and chicken courses. They are not overly complex to do, but they do require that you have some experience in the kitchen.

Another major problem with this book is that there are essentially no side dishes (fewer than half a dozen). Not only that, but there are few recommendations as to what you should make with his courses. This isn't absolutely critical if you are a fairly advanced cook, because you can always create and improvise, but it's a sign of a cookbook that hasn't had a lot of thought put into it.

Overall I would recommend against making this purchase. I've heard his latest cookbook is better, so I might take a shot at it, but I'll wait until I've have an opportunity to read through it first.

The Wolfgang Puck Cookbook - Recipes From Spago, Chinois And Points East And West
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The Wolfgang Puck Cookbook - Recipes From Spago, Chinois And Points East And West
Wolfgang Puck
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q6XP8C

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