Book Description
Ophelia Jensen's good witch granny Abigail revels in her paranormal powers. But Ophelia never asked for her bothersome psychic abilities -- especially since they proved worthless when the thirty-something librarian's best friend Brian was murdered by a still-unknown assailant.
Now, five years later, another friend is gone, killed in almost identical fashion. Even dear old Abby isn't safe, distracted as she is by her fight to prevent a massive, mega-polluting pig-farming operation from invading their small Iowa town. And Ophelia can't count on her snarling, scoffing nemesis, police detective Henry Comacho, to get the job done, so she'll have to take matters into her own hands. Because a common thread to the crimes -- and a possible next victim -- is suddenly becoming troublingly apparent . . . and it's Ophelia Jensen herself!
Customer Reviews:
Readers Should Be Spellbound.......2007-06-26
The small rural community of Summerset, Iowa is up in arms at the prospect of a large conglomerate's plans to set up a pig-farming operation on the town's doorstep. Abby, a well-respected pillar of the community, as well as a white witch, is one of the leading opponents of the plans. Meanwhile, her granddaughter, Ophelia, has begun to come to terms with her own psychic abilities. Unfortunately, her gift is about to lead her to a dead body and the realization that there is a serial killer in their midst.
After a rather indifferent start to the series in `Witch Way to Murder', this second instalment of Shirley Damsgaard's Ophelia and Abby mysteries takes a healthy leap forward. Ophelia's character has grown so that she now accepts that she shares her grandmother's psychic gift. She also now has the extroverted Darci safely ensconced in best friend status. On the other hand, Abby is still too much on the periphery as a character. She seems only to serve as the much loved, wise grandmother who knows all about witches' powers. In itself, this is not an issue, but the books are referred to as `Ophelia and Abby mysteries'. I think it would be interesting to see Abby more in the thick of the action in future stories.
The novel begins slowly, but the pace picks up and the tension builds nicely so that the reader is reluctant to stop. In truth, it's not difficult to guess who the murderer is, but the killer's motivation is unusual. The supernatural elements that the main characters engender are more evident here than in the novel's predecessor and I hope that future stories will continue this trend.
Charming to Read!.......2007-05-14
I love this series. I hope more are forthcoming! Really good read.
A good way to spend your time..........2006-12-07
I really enjoy this series. The second book was even better than the first. Ophelia is a realistic woman. She gets petty, angry, scared, shy, protective and loving. Plus anyone who has loved their grandmother will appreciate the relationship between Ophelia and her grandmother Abby.
The mysteries are clever and worth your time.
Light, Mindless Entertainment.......2006-08-10
Entertaining but you'll need to suspend your critical faculties when your reading it. First of all the killer is identified halfway through the book to anyone with the brains to catch it, which excludes Ophelia. The characterizations are weak and sterotypical. Expecially Comacho. He's every stoney-faced Latino police detective, with a heart-of-gold, character you've ever seen, and not as finely drawn as most. See Gabe in Earlene Fowler's Benny Harper series. The psychic and paranormal aspects ring the truest.
Good follow-up.......2006-07-19
This second installment of the Abby & Ophelia series is a decent follow-up to the debut, Witch Way to Murder. I'm really, REALLY picky about my mystery novel heroines, and for the most part I like Ophelia. The only thing I can see myself becoming really disappointed with is that the story seems to be moving towards a romance between Ophelia and the cop, Comacho. It's just so trite. Just ONCE I would like to read a mystery series written by a woman and featuring a female protagonist that doesn't stoop to the 'romance with the sexy cop' schtick. It's so overdone. Comacho is not at all likeable in the first place, despite the author's attempts to showcase him as some sexy Latino muscleman with a secret soft spot for kids (gag, vomit, hurl). If anything turns me off this series in the end, it will be that. I'll invest in the 3rd one when it comes out, but I have a feeling I might drop it after that. We'll see; maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised!
Book Description
Like all Space Marine Chapters, the Soul Drinkers are bound to serve the Imperium by ancient vows. But when an ancient relic of the Chapter is misappropriated, the Soul Drinkers face a terrible dilemma - betray the Imperium, or lose their honour? Their final choice, and its consequences, form the theme of this classic trilogy of SF stories set in the nightmare world of the 41st millennium.
Customer Reviews:
Very impressive work.......2007-08-26
I am a fan of a lot of the stories produced by the Black Library, and I can now say that I'm officially a Ben Counter fan. I read his Grey Knights novels, and, while I liked the first, I was generally unimpressed. Dark Adeptus was not good at all, and "Grey Knights" was good but not what I'd call great. It was reading these three stories that convinced me that Counter is capable of spinning a very good story. In other words, he won't draw anymore comparisons to CS Goto. At least not in my mind.
The Soul Drinkers Omnibus has the noted plus of being three books for the price of one-and-a-half, but it takes a good storyline to make buying such a monster a good idea. Counter's protagonist is Sarpedon, who starts out as a Commander in the Soul Drinkers Space Marine Chapter. The Soul Drinkers are a child of Rogal Dorn's Imperial Fists Legion, and they have served the Imperium and its undying Emperor for many centuries. In many WH40K stories, it's clear that there's a lot of political infighting going on between institutions of the Imperium. In fact, the vast majority of the time, the supposedly great Imperium of Man comes off as a corrupt semi-dictatorship that cares little for its citizens and, in some cases, its heroes.
Counter takes to another level when he has the Soul Drinkers separate themselves from serving the Imperium when they are backstabbed by another Imperial group when carrying out a mission onboard a starfort. Led by Sarpedon, the Soul Drinkers decide to stop bowing to the corrupt politicans and start doing only what they deem is really the Emperor's Will. They turn their backs on the Imperium, but still fight against the forces that threaten humanity. They are considered traitors by the Imperium, yet they still fight against the xenos and chaos.
The character development is very good, and just excellent when you consider how wooden some Space Marine characters are. Sarpedon, the noble leader; Graevus, the consummate Sergeant; Luko, an idealistic Sergeant; Karraidin, the grizzled Terminator Captain and trainer of Novices; Tech Marine Lyrgis; Chaplain Inkinitos...the list goes on. You will feel the distinction between all of these soldiers, and that's more than many writers can do.
The plots are convoluted sometimes, but I can't help but admire the extremes that Counter goes to sometimes to immerse you in the rich WH40k universe. In particular, I really enjoyed the characters of Inquisitor Thaddeus and Lord General Xarius, as Counter is not found wanting when it comes to fleshing out believable enemies.
Excellent work, with some plot weaknesses sometimes. Four Stars.
Nice work from Ben Counter again..........2007-06-21
I had read his Grey Knights and Dark Adeptus, this one is as exciting as them. Having said that there ARE some things in the storyline that should have been a little more thought on.
Overall a nice book for the fans.
One of the best Space Marine Anthologies out there.......2007-06-13
I started off reading the Space Marine sci-fi with Iron Hands, so my bar was set far lower than most. The problem with Space Marines in fiction is there personality. By definition, they're not supposed to have much of one, due to a rigorous multi-year course of indoctrination and subliminal suggestion. which is what makes the Soul Drinkers storyline so appealing.
It shows the Space Marines for what they really are: humans, with minds and wills of their own. The storyline, which is sparked by a betrayal of staggering proportions, and spirals quickly out of control, is original and well thought out. It shows an incredibly dark side of the Imperium, where the greatest enemy Man faces is really itself. Despite being manipulated in the extreme, the characters act out of rational planning and thought, rather than a knee-jerk reaction of "Destroy!" that most would expect from Space Marines.
The main protagonist, Sarpedon, is well thought out and develops a great deal in a short amount of time. His psychic abilities are well used and described, without seeming either boring or overly god-like.
This story arc is well planned and executed, and leaves the door open for another and another, which I am personally eagerly awaiting.
Great Fluff.......2007-04-27
I think the other reviews of these novels are a little over the top. It's a satisfying read and if you're a fan you'll appreciate that the world is done right. That being said it's written very badly. In the first book there are paragraphs that don't make sense. There is a lot of repeating the same word over and over again (Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot).
I enjoyed these books but 5 stars is excessive, it's actually just mediocre sci-fi at best and at worst it's a hack job.
Soul Drinkers.......2007-04-18
I like the books very much,its telling how this chapter becomes fallen,and at same time its fight to stay alive and no become a chaos legion.
Im not sure i liked the last books ending so much,because now the chapter which is already weakened,just when its rebuilding is ready to break apart again,i would have liked to see more books in between showing Sarpedon and his mutated marines save guard troopers on worlds overun by chaos or tyranids etc.
The book's story lines jump too much,i liked it better atleast when the went into more detail on how they moved into their new home,the space hulk,also through out the imperium their are tons of planets fallen or lost,i would have liked to see more detail and more stories in between.
Customer Reviews:
Pure Fantasy.......2000-07-01
If you liked Drinker of Souls, you will probably like this book. This book stands alone though and you don't have to read Drinker of Souls to enjoy this one. It has been several generations since Bran's last adventure when she is called to "remember the promise" she made to the heirs of Harra Hazzani (a character from Drinker of Souls). From there coincidence abounds as Bran runs into the current generation of offspring, from her previous companions of adventure. It does seem a bit far fetched and tired (an easy way out of creating completely new companions for Bran) but after a few pages that feeling fades. Kori (the heir of Herra) is trying to save her brother Tre, who the Chained God has selected as his new priest. The threat comes not from the Chianed God, but from a powerful sorceror Settismaksim, who has forced the villagers to accept the Goddess Amortis and her servant/enforcers into the villages, where they burn the priests of the Chained God. Bran is called by Kori, from her sedintary life as a potter, to stop Settismaksim. The plot gets complicated as the reader (and Bran) realize that Settismaksim is not a completely vile and evil sorceror, rather a flawed man who is trying to give his people freedom. The Chained God, in his greed, really doesn't care much one way or the other and forces Bran, the changers, and Danny Blue into a battle with Settismaksim. Other Gods of Brans world manifest (the Godalau, and Tunjii) and there are parallel universes and all sorts of other plot twists to hold your interest. There isn't much high-tech sci-fi in this book, but if you like fantasy, and magic, and improbable things this will be right up your alley
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book, great entry for the Black Library.......2005-12-05
I love how the book goes, while the ending is interesting it was not how i hoped originally, but now i want to read the other books to find out exactly what happens. Pretty Shocking i thought, what they went through in detail. One not to be missed.
Awesome reading!.......2005-09-16
If you're interested in Warhammer 40,000 and the Black Library, the Soul Drinker series is definitely the one you must read! William King is great and Dan Abnett is also incredible, but Ben Counter rocks. I've read the complete Soul Drinker series (Three books so far)and his Grey Knights novel, which is also state of the art. The storyline of the Soul Drinkers is something completely new in the Warhammer 40k world. In the other series you learn about the adventures of superhuman Space Marines warriors, totally committed to the Human Empire and the Golden Throne.
The Soul Drinkers are different, as they, after being betrayed by those they once served and protected, search for a better way to serve their Emperor, without obeying to a Human Empire which is completely corrupted in their minds. Not to tell too much, get the first book and drown in this marvellous story of Space Marines Chapter which is declared heretic by the Empire and hunted down all over the galaxy.
A big let down..........2005-03-01
I'm giving this book 2 stars because it kept me interested for the majority of the time. However, I'm one of those people that if the ending sucks, it will ruin the whole thing for me. That's just what this one had, a TERRIBLE ending. A slap in the face to all people who have even an inkling of what Chaos is supposed to be.
Here is a Space Marine that rebels against the Empire, and thus is granted mutations almost immediately afterwards, and yet somehow seems to think that he is doing the right thing and following the way the Empire is supposed to be like. Sorry, no dice. I've always thought Astartes are thick headed, but this one was downright stupid. No space marine can get "blessed" with mutations and not suspect that it has something to do with Tzeentch, and yet he and his comrades blissfully maintain that they are evolving into the image of the "true emporer."
What makes it better is, at the end, when a demon finally reveals to them what they really are: mutants, what do they do? They kill the demon and insist that they are still on the true and noble path. After the earth shattering realization that they were following Chaos all along, they decide that there's still a way they can make things right and leave normal lives afterwards... Almost reminiscent of the pot smoking plot of the "Draco" trilogy, but I won't go into that today.
sooooooo good.......2004-04-29
this book has a different view from the very beginning. no book has done what this book does. ben counter is a very talented writer and the twists and turns never end. all i can say is that if you are a fan of the warhammer galaxy then this book is a must. if you are new it is still a great book. so good i read it twice in 1 day.
Breathtaking but technical!.......2003-12-13
Interested in space marines? Familiar with the 40K Universe? If so, this is a remarkable book. The book makes heavy use of the language and concepts described in other novels and the game books themselves, making this a poor choice for new players.
INCREDIBLE story! Lots of twists and turns, very well imagined, constant action, interesting characters. You can tell from the writing that the author has a great passion for this story, and really enjoyed writing it.
Book Description
After replenishing their number with new recruits, the Soul Drinkers Chapter of Space Marines are once thrown into conflict with the forces of Chaos and the Imperium. This is the third volume in the trilogy dealing with the corruption of the Space Marine Chapter.
Customer Reviews:
Falls Flat.......2007-05-17
I have read the other books in this series and they were not bad. I like 40K literature I am hoping that one day it will do what D&D literature did and that is produce a great Chracter and writer like RA Salvatore. I hold no illusions that thise series was on the way to do that but the Soul Drinkers have been well developed and entertaining especially the first novel were their obession with an artifact leads to their downfall and their ultimate freedom. I thought that was a well developed theme that's why this novel is a disappointment. Its feels anti climatic at the end and much as the previous review there are typical plot turns and the inclusion of the Crimson Fists is really pointless. I am hoping the next novel chapter wars redeems the series but I have to say this novel really drops it back into the pack. A novel in a series should serve to advance the overall story line and leave you with a sense of wow because some questions were answered and new ones posed. After I was done reading it was more like uhh.
Rolicking Action; So-so Plot & Characters.......2005-06-05
Those who are simply looking for an action adventure set in Games Workshop's 40K universe - or those who enjoyed the first two Soul Drinkers novels - will like this book as well. All the elements of 40K, from elite Space Marines to the mass troops and armor of the Imperial Guard, are there. All the characters from the first two novels - Sarpedon and the all the rest of the Soul Drinkers - are there.
Unfortunately, the plot devices and many of the supporting cast are clumsy and/or forced so M. Counter can make his points. The Crimson Fists are mindless automatons, complete slaves to tradition and the Codex, single-mindedly pursuing the Soul Drinkers to the exclusion of all else ... until it's convenient to the plot for them not to do so. They serve as the "enslaved" counterpoint to the "freedom" that the Soul Drinkers have achieved. The plot device used to get the Soul Drinkers into the story at the outset is conveniently ignored when it's time for them to leave.
In short, entertaining to fans who don't look too closely at the writer's craft.
Customer Reviews:
A different twist.......2000-04-17
A young & curious girl is bound to two young metamorphic beings by a little known god. Beings of energy, the creatures change the girl, maturing her body and changing her features.
The village of the girl is pillaged and she vows to avenge her people by hunting down the bandits. Then she discovers what it means to be bound to two young creatures made of energy and a god who wants to be free. For the only way for them to survive is to feed on the energy of souls.
Average customer rating:
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Drinker of Souls
Jo Clayton
Manufacturer: Daw
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRGJ7U |
Average customer rating:
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The Soul Drinker
Jo Clayton
Manufacturer: New York: Daw Books Inc. 1989
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NXHTQW |
Average customer rating:
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The Soul Drinker
Jo Clayton
Manufacturer: Guild America Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
Clayton, Jo | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: B00071QLSM |
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The Troyuan Chronicles...Book One (Troyuan Chronicles)
Leo Guabello
Manufacturer: Writers Club Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Spy Stories & Tales of Intrigue
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Adventure
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0595168159 |
Book Description
Looking back through the fathomless reaches of time, the master of antiquities, Ernest Velon, brings to light the glory days of the Amazian Empire. Seen from the eyes of Alack Troyus, Special Service agent, he battles the injustice that exists amongst the myriads of worlds. A loner in a sprawling epic of intrigue, Agent Troyus plays the deadly game for the safety of the Imperium. Under the auspices of the mysterious T.A., Alack dangles with the agility and perseverance from a master puppeteer. With extraordinary physical and mental abilities from his dying race, Alack chose to be a part of the Empire’s hidden resources. His orthodox faith rises to the challenge, as a buttress leading him on to strange and mysterious affairs the regular police will not attempt to solve. Add to this the diversity of stellar societies; Alack learns revelation with each assignment.
Customer Reviews:
Troyuan Chronicles # 1.......2007-01-13
Not bad for this type of literature. Intriguing and very much like the old Sherlock Holmes stuff, but in outer space. The main character is very different, not the usual garbage you see on tv. This should be a small series on HBO or BBC mini series. Just never invite the main fellow to dinner, if your smart.
Book Description
People love the convenience of their slow cookers. What could be better than walking in the door after a hard day's work to the smell of beef stew, ready and waiting? A beef stew that only requires three ingredients, that's what!
The problem with most slow cooker recipes is that they require lots of ingredients and steps before you actually "fix it and forget it." Not this book-these are truly simple recipes, and best of all, they are memorable, not mushy!
You'll find recipes like:
*Rosemary Lamb Stew
*Chicken Curry
*Three-Alarm Chili
*Spicy Pot Roast with Onions
*Coq au Vin
*Pork Roast with 40 Cloves of Garlic
Plus, you'll find recipes for desserts like cheesecake and custard and appetizers like chicken wings and artichoke dip!
Customer Reviews:
Less fuss is a must!.......2007-10-09
After a busy day or lazy day using so few ingrients allows you less preparation mess and quicker ready to cook meals.
Super Easy, Quick Receipes.......2007-05-06
This cookbook is full of quick to prepare yummy meals! My family loves what comes out of the crock pot and I love the fact that I'm not stuck in the kitchen at 4:30 making dinner!
Not just for pot roasts!.......2006-01-18
I was pleasantly surprised by this cookbook. I was one of those people who thought slow cookers were just for pot roasts. Not so. In addition to main entrees, Bonet includes recipes for beverages, breakfasts, and desserts. I never would have thought to try some of the foods she suggests in my slow cooker. For example, I tried the Breakfast Casserole and it turned out great! Plus, I enjoyed not having to cook breakfast in the morning. It was nice to have it ready and waiting for me when I got up.
I've also tried the Peachy Chicken and it was good too. Next on my list are the recipes for Santa Fe Chicken and Acorn Squash. I'm glad I have this cookbook. I think I'm really going to save some time!
Not a Cook and I like this Book.......2006-01-04
I received this book as a gift. I'm not a cook; therefore, people buy books like this for me. This particular one is quite useful. The first few sections have short but to the point information about cooking with a slow cooker. My sister-in-law and I tried the Santa Fe Black Bean recipe with mild salsa, and it had a nice balanced flavor. We were both reading the recipes and many look easy and sound like good eating. Ms. Bonet adds lots of notes with extra suggestions at the bottom to dress up the food. I've ended up ordering 4 copies of this book--one for my sister-in-law. Ms. Bonet did a nice job with this book.
Books:
- Claws and Effect
- Coral Reef
- Cover Her Face
- Cult Following (CSI: Miami)
- Deadly Shade of Gold (Travis McGee Mysteries)
- Dearly Devoted Dexter: A Novel
- Death of a Dentist (Hamish Macbeth Mysteries)
- Death of a Prankster (Hamish Macbeth Mysteries)
- Death of a Snob
- Designer Knockoff: A Crime of Fashion (Crime of Fashion Mysteries)
Books Index
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Witch Way to Murder (Ophelia & Abby, Book 1)
The Trouble with Witches (Ophelia & Abby, Book 3)
Witch Hunt (Ophelia & Abby, Book 4)
The Trouble With Magic (Bewitching Mystery, Book 1)
A Charmed Death (Bewitching Mystery, Book 2)
