Book Description
Now it's the dark's turn to be afraid
The Spook and his apprentice, Thomas Ward, deal with the dark. Together they rid the county of witches, ghosts, and boggarts. But now there's some unfinished business to attend to in Priestown. Deep in the catacombs of the cathedral lurks a creature the Spook has never been able to defeat; a force so evil that the whole county is in danger of being corrupted by its powers. The Bane!
As Thomas and the Spook prepare for the battle of their lives, it becomes clear that the Bane isn't their only enemy. The Quisitor has arrived, searching for those who meddle with the dark so he can imprison them—or worse.
Can Thomas defeat the Bane on his own? Is his friend Alice guilty of witchcraft? And will the Spook be able to escape the Quisitor's clutches?
Customer Reviews:
Better than Harry Potter.......2007-10-09
My 10 year old nephew, who reads over 100 books a year, thinks that this series is better than Harry Potter and at least as good as Elder.
Dark Twisted Scary Fun.......2007-07-14
This book is dark, twisted, and creepy, but very fun. I couldn't stop turning pages! I don't usually like horror, but this series is very well written and has drawn me in. The characters are well developed and interesting, not clearly good or evil. The plot moves along at a brisk pace. It's not for children under age 10, due to graphic violence. There are blood sucking bad guys (you hear the blood slurping) and witch burnings (not graphically explained, but alluded to). But it's spine-tingling fun for anyone 10 years or older, including adults. Read Book One first, then coming back and read "Curse of the Bane", which I highly recommend.
by the book - avoid the audio book.......2007-05-03
The rich world Joseph Delaney has created deserves a better reader. As given voice by Mr. Welch, every character seems to be a similarly angry, moustache twirling villain - even the good guys! The voices slip from chapter to chapter, page to page, so as to be confusing at best; at worst they are thinly observed and shallow portrayals for a story that is as multi-faceted as the reading is monotonous.
cornwall NY sixth grader.......2007-03-09
I am a sixth grader.
This book The Last Apprentice: Curse Of The Bane by Joseph Delaney is my favorite book that I have read so far. This book is the second one in its series. This book is about the young Thomas Ward a seventh son of a seventh son. If you are a seventh son of a seventh son your destiny is to become a Spook. The Spook is a person who protects humans from evil. They see and sense things that other people cannot - the likeness of dead people, evil spirits and boggarts. Tom Ward's family lives next to hangman's hill; during the war if you were a prisoner you would be hung on this hill. Tom would hear strange noises of people screaming; people who had died long ago.
Now Tom Ward is older and stronger than ever and has more challenges to face. When Old Gregory, the current Spook, retires, Tom will become the new Spook. In the beginning of the book, Old Gregory comes down with a cold and Tom has to do his work for him; Tom cannot be any mistakes. Tom's first job is to stop a boggart. This boggart is sucking the blood out of the Spooks brother, a priest, and Tom has to save him. Tom has to save many lives from The Bane. The Bane is a creature who changes shapes. He also will get inside your head when you dream and will try to convince you to give your blood to him.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action and adventure. This whole book is full of action. Also, I think that you should not read this book after dark. The reason to not read this book after dark is because it is scary. I would rate this book a six on a scale of 1 to 5. It rates a six because it is so good.
JMM
First rate.......2007-03-04
The Spook has returned to Priestown for the funeral of his brother, who was killed by a boggart. There is danger in Priestown. One of the most malevolent spirits the Spook ever dealt with is locked in the catacombs beneath the cathedral. Unable to kill it at the time, the Spook confined the Bane behind a silver gate but its influence and poison are spreading and all it needs is a willing soul to free it from its prison.
Because the town and the country side are under threat from the Quisitor, a priest conducting Inquisition style retribution on anyone or anything suspected of supernatural dealings, Tom and his master hope to just attend the funeral and then leave town quickly. They disguise their occupation while in town and stay at separate inns to avoid detection.
The Quisitor returns unexpectedly with prisoners though. Tom sees that his friend Alice, has been swept into the Quisitor's trap. She will be burned for witchcraft along with other innocents. The Spook is also captured, betrayed by a member of his own family. Tom is desparate to save his friends but faces the ultimate sacrifice to do it.
This is a first rate read. These books are wonderfully creepy, full of atmosphere. The book design will make them accessible for readers of all strengths (as are the Charlie Bone series). There is just enough burning at the stake, blood sacrifice and live burials to keep things interesting but not overtly graphic.
Fans of scary stories and fantasy need to know about this series NOW!
Customer Reviews:
Witches' Bane.......2006-08-24
One doesn't need to transplanted from a big city to appreciate the joys and frustrations of small town life, as it is portrayed in Susan Wittig Albert's fictional town of Pecan Springs. Everyone knows where you get your hair cut and what you do on Sunday mornings. Things can get especially dicey when religion, fear, and superstition enter the picture.
As in the first China Bayles outing, the mystery in Witches' Bane doesn't take long to puzzle out - the enjoyment comes in watching China struggle with her natural instinct to pursue truth, verses her desire to keep life simple. She is challenged on many fronts. Her best friend, Ruby, in love with a man of questionable character, wants China to defend him against charges of committing a murder with Satanic overtones. China's lover, McQuaid, ex-cop turned professor, wants her to make a greater commitment to their relationship. China's estranged mother, a recovering alcoholic, wants forgiveness. China wants to find a stone frog for her new fountain and a way to keep her herb shop in the black.
In this second installment in the series we are offered some insight into China's troubled relationship with her parents, how it has affected her career decisions and how it still affects her relationship with McQuaid.
An enjoyable read but the killer was too easy to guess.......2005-01-31
This is my first book in the series, and although I enjoyed reading this mystery, I thought the author didn't do a good enough job on the plotting. My secret method of guessing the killer worked like a charm on this book, as I think it will with other experienced mystery readers. Still, the characters and writing were enjoyable enough that I intend to continue reading more in the series.
THe plot involves a killing that appears to be the work of santeria enthusiasts -- a kind of voodoo like religion popular among certain elements of the Mexican population of this Texas town. The townspeople think that these people are responsible for the ritual death, but the police and our herb-shop owner/lawyer think otherwise -- that it was instead someone with a particular motive for wanting this woman dead.
Perhaps the small-town Texas setting is the part of the book I liked best. The author creates a place you can imagine as though you were there -- a place you'd like to visit. The characters are quirky and likeable, except for the ones that the author doesn't want you to like. As I said, I will be reading more in the series -- probably go back and try reading them in order!
Halloween Pranks Turn Deadly.......2004-09-25
Strange things have been going on in the Texas town of Pecan Springs. A town resident has discovered dead chickens with piles of coins nearby. Another resident has discovered one of his goats killed, also with a pile of money nearby. To make matters even worse, China Bayles' friend Ruby Wilcox has started teaching a class on reading tarot cards. Then a Bible-thumping preacher arrives in Pecan Springs and starts accusing Ruby of devil worship. Are all these strange happening due to Ruby's witchcraft, or are they the work of Mexican santerias?
On Halloween night, one of the women in Ruby's tarot class holds an all-woman Halloween party. Then the hostess is discovered brutally murdered the next morning. The travelling minister suggests that Ruby is the prime suspect of the murder, so China goes to work to find the real killer.
"Witches' Bane" is the second book in the China Bayles series by Susan Wittig Albert. This is a fast-moving, interesting mystery, with great twists at the end. There are lots of facts included about growing herbs and other plants. China is such a smart, down-to-earth heroine and very likable. I highly recommend this book, both to fans of the China Bayles series as well as readers looking for a fun Halloween-themed mystery.
--GOOD READ--.......2004-08-04
Since I grow a lot of herbs, I've wanted to read one of the China Bayles mystery stories since they first came to my attention. I began with this one because I thought it was the first in the series, but after I started reading, I discovered that it's actually the second book. The first is called THYME OF DEATH. I like the fact that a plant name is used in the title of each of these stories.
China Bayles is a retired attorney and had previously practiced law in Houston, but had given up that profession to pursue a kinder and gentler life. She now lives in a small town in Texas, where she grows and sells plants. She specializes in herbs. There are several references to different plants and herbs which I enjoyed reading about.
I found this book to be entertaining and I liked China Bayles, the main character. The first part begins with a gathering of China and several of her girl friends at a Halloween party. Some of the women are a little weird in their choice of interests. One woman even has a garden of poisonous plants. When a gruesome murder takes place, China becomes involved and uses her skills as a prosecuting attorney to help solve the mystery. To me, the most interesting parts of the book concerned the tidbits of how an attorney views the evidence of a crime. I think that made the story jell together and become more engaging.
I plan to read more books in this series and hope to see the China Bayles character become more developed.
Witch hunt in Pecan Springs.......2004-06-17
China Bayles has given up the big-city life of a Houston attorney and enjoys running her herb shop in the Hill Country of Texas. She rents half of her building to Ruby Wilcox who runs a New Age shop next door. Ruby starts a Tarot class and is surprised when the two businesses are picketed by a group led by the Reverend Billy Lee Harbuck who accuses them of being witches. Sybil Rand, one of the Tarot class members, decides to have a Halloween party for her friends, and soon she is killed in a ritualistic manner. This give fuel to the anti-satanic crowd and China and Ruby find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation. Police officers decide that Ruby's boyfriend may have committed the murder, so Ruby has an even bigger motivation to find the real killer. Soon another murder takes place, and China begins to make a short list of suspects. Before it's all over, China's life is put in danger. This plot is wound around China's personal life which features a love affair with Mike McQauid, a professor of criminal justice at the local college. As usual, the Hill Country and China's herb garden create an interesting background to the solving of a mystery.
Average customer rating:
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Witch Bane
Manufacturer: Avon Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000BSYAYS |
Average customer rating:
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Witch Bane
Robert Neill
Manufacturer: EDGEWEAR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000V79WBK |
Customer Reviews:
High Hallack novel of Witch World.......2004-01-10
"Zarsthor's Bane" (Witch World #8) is set in the Dales and the Waste beyond the Dales. The time frame is roughly the same as "The Crystal Gryphon," but I'd rate this book a bit below "The Crystal Gryphon" if only because the hero and heroine are not as likeable.
Brixia, who was once the lady of a Hall in High Hallack now hunts and scavenges the deserted, post-invasion farmland of the Dales. Her only companion is the cat Uta.
Brixia and Uta are drawn into the Waste where Light and Dark Magic still exist, on a search for Zarsthor's Bane. Brixia discovers a place of Green Magic while under attack by one of the many loathsome packs of creatures that inhabit the Waste. Ultimately, she rescues two men (a wounded lord and his squire), but not before Brixia survives a vintage Norton combat between the forces of Light and Dark.
The banquet scene where Zarsthor confronts his Bane is especially eery, and tingling with Norton's special brand of magical description.
Well worth reading; in fact, a 'must' for Witch World fans.
Product Description
5 Titles - Chna Bayles Series : Thyme of Death Witches' Bane Rueful Death Lavender Lies Dilly of a Death. Five mmpb books.
Average customer rating:
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Bane the Vampire Warrior
John Kelley
Manufacturer: john kelley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
 Vampires
| Horror
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0979563208 |
Product Description
Bane the Vampire Warrior battles Werewolves, Vampires, Witches and the FBI as he fights his way across ancient history and on into the 21st Century.
Average customer rating:
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Witch Bane
Robert Neill
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OODBM6 |
Average customer rating:
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Witch Bane
Robert Neill
Manufacturer: Inner Circle Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Historical
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1850180660 |
Book Description
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough continues the tale of Cleopatra's resurrection as the Queen of the Nile's DNA is blended with two present day hosts.
In this compelling new thriller, forensic anthropologist Leda Hubbard and Egyptologist Gabriella Farouk-Cleopatra 7.1 and 7.2 respectively-face recriminations from the U.S. government for illegal DNA blendings--as well as the good and ill effects of playing host to an Egyptian Queen.
Customer Reviews:
Rich and famous people want to get into you.......2006-01-07
Imagine that being the subject heading for your next SPAM email. This would be possible if Nucor Helix Corporation had their way.
"Blending" is a biological technique which takes collected DNA from a famous person and inserts it into a donor. The host donor now has a blended personality with the rich and famous person.
What woman wouldn't want to have Cleopatra with her? Well, Leda Hubbard, for one. In the prequel to this novel, the forensic scientic blended Cleo with her to keep Cleo's DNA safe from the inevitable marauders who want to steal Nucor Helix's technology and use it for nefarious purposes. The new 'invasion' has been both a blessing and a curse. Cleo's instinct for survival is great, but the former Egyptian ruler also wants to kill off any potential rivals.
Now, Nucor Helix believes itself safe. With Leda/Cleo's guidance, they've found Cleo's true treasure--scrolls and have decided with Cleo's blessing to imbue her personality onto another woman--Dr. Gabriella Faruk, an Egyptologist, who can work with her 'inner Cleo' to translate the scrolls.
Or so it seems.
The second blend Cleo wants romance. Cleo/Gabriella's first task is to find her mummy, find the token of Marc Antony's hair and get Cleo's husband back.
Meanwhile, new bad guys have surfaced. A Saudi amir, angry that Gabriella has tried to help his kinswomen escape his bondage, is out to harm Gabriella. And, Leda/Cleo has trouble of her own.
This is definitely a fun romp and well worth a read. I recommend reading "Channeling Cleopatra" first. Much of Cleo 7.2 is predicated on what has happened before and the character's motivation is not as clear as it might be.
Exciting and Hilarious!.......2005-06-12
This second Cleopatra book is even better than the first. An exciting adventure, interesting sci-fi premise, and hysterical humor make this a really fun, and different, sort of tale.
Bored to tears.......2005-02-28
I was very surprised and upset as to how much I did not like this book.
The writting style put me off, and the story lined dragged on and on.
I found myself skipping pages to try and find the good parts.
Not a very good read.
An unlikely success story.......2004-12-22
If you had posited the plot to me without telling me the name of the author, I'd have gone right past this one. The clone of Cleopatra operating as a latter-day Indiana Jones? In a near-future SF story? Nah....
But it's Scarborough, and I'll try ANYTHING she writes, and this book and the one before it are winners! Scarborough may not have the archeological expertise of Elizabeth Peters, but you wouldn't know it from this; clearly she knows how to ask the right questions and who to ask them of. This book has everything; inventive plot, memorable characters, amazing speculative setting, adventure, humor...everything except favorite recipes or a pattern for beading (you did know that Scarborough is an avid and expert bead-designer didn't you? I think it shows in her weaving of intricate plots and the ability to carry multiple threads clear through to the end). Nothing gets in the way of enjoyment here!
I'm looking forward to more like this!
A fascinating often humorous work of speculative fiction.......2004-11-01
A scientific breakthrough by the Helix Corporation allows the DNA of one person to be implanted in the body of another person; thereby two minds share the same body. Forensic anthropologist Leda Hubbard and Egyptologist Gabriella Forout share their bodies with the mind of Cleopatra. Once they find her final resting place, they transfer the sarcophagus, amulets, jewels and scrolls to the museum. Not long after Helix downsizes Leda due to a change in management.
Gabrielle belongs to an organization that hides abused women from their families. When a Saudi Princess changes her mind and wants to go home she tells her family everything about the group. Her family tries to kill Gabrielle and her aunt. Two time crook Mike Angeles breaks into the museum where Gabrielle works and finds the locket with Marc Anthony's hair. Cleopatra 7.2 tricks him into accepting Marc Anthony's DNA so the lovers can be reunited in the present. When Mike and Gabrielle get kidnapped by the family of the Saudi Princess, Leda senses it and rushes to Egypt with Sir Andrew, he future employer and possible suitor who has the DNA of Sir Walter Scott inside his body. Andrew wants Leda so he helps her rescue her friend but he has a secret that once revealed could cost him Leda's love.
CLEOPATRA 7.2 is a science fiction thriller that feels like a futuristic James Bond. In addition to all the other problems the protagonists face, terrorists set a bomb that could kill the heroes. The romance between the lead couple is realistically portrayed and the idea of two minds inhabiting one body in which the person is not mentally ill or Steve Martin is a fascinating premise. The way they blend together and respect each other's personality makes Elizabeth Ann Scarborough's latest work a fascinating often humorous speculative fiction.
Harriet Klausner
Book Description
In this remarkable new book, Dr. David Schnarch, world-renowned sex and marital therapist and author of Passionate Marriage, offers a groundbreaking approach to resolving sexual difficulties and the relationship problems they cause. By showing couples how they can turn their worst sex and relationship disasters into personal growth and spiritual connection, Dr. Schnarch offers couples the best sex of their lives.
In addition to taking an unflinchingly honest, realistic, and erotic approach to sex, Dr. Schnarch reveals the complicated emotional interactions hidden within couples' most private moments. Resurrecting Sex speaks of compassion, partnership, generosity, and integrity in adult sexual relationships, offering hope to millions of people -- golden-anniversary marriages, newly formed couples, and singles alike -- who are struggling with sexual difficulties.
Uplifting, provocative, and heartfelt, the book is organized into four sections:
- A crash course in sex
- Explanation of how sexual relationships really work
- Medical options and bionic solutions
- Vignettes of couples changing their sexual relationships
Resurrecting Sex addresses all major sexual issues, including male erection problems such as rapid orgasm and delayed orgasm; women's problems with arousal and lubrication, difficulty reaching orgasm, and low desire; full coverage of Viagra (for both men and women); and other sex-enhancing drugs and medical options. Rather than dwelling on sexual techniques, this sympathetic book shows how to cure the rejection, hostility, and emotional alienation that often accompany sexual problems. Its unique method helps couples develop the love, affection, and commitment that prevent divorce and strengthen families.
Generous of spirit, enlightened, and insightful, Resurrecting Sex is destined to make the world a better place to fall in love.
Customer Reviews:
Paperback - Resurrecting Sex.......2007-09-24
Received this book in excellent condition, but was delivered on the last date that was promised.
Very helpful guide for a "work in progress".......2007-01-18
The fifty pages in Part II are the core content of this book. They offer a comforting view of the difficult side of marriage - the long term, committed relationship where sex is dead or dying. I say "comforting" because Schnarch maps out the progression of a relationship in a way where you can see that the fluctuations in the passion and intimacy couples feel for each other are part of the natural growth cycle of a marriage. What sometimes feels like the end of a relationship is actually a trigger for the next growth cycle, for the individual and the couple. Through various examples using couples from his practice and his own marriage, he offers encouragement and practical advice to help couples through this sometimes difficult and frustrating cycle of a marriage.
The tone of Schnarch's writing is more down to earth, like advice from a friend, compared with his other book "Passionate Marriage" which is also excellent but sometimes sounds a little preachy in comparison. This more personal tone, plus use of examples from his own life experience make this book like a personal consultation with Dr. Schnarch.
Book Description
INTRODUCTION
The foods of Thailand consist of many combinations and blends of different flavors, herbs, spices and peppers. It is a fiery cuisine which has become very popular due to the many Thai restaurants offering dishes that are appreciated by the adventurous and sophisticated palates of so many people of
today.
Thai cooking has been influenced by Thailand's neighbors, including Burma, India, Laos and Malaysia. Also coloring Thai cuisine are countries such as China and Portugal. The versatility of the Thai people enabled them to refine this variety of traditions to develop one of the most beautiful and
flavorful cuisines in the world.
Thai cuisine offers not only well balanced flavors but also the unforgettable fire of peppers (prig kee noo), which makes this style of cooking very addictive. The rich and varied sauces make each dish distinctive and unique.
With the increasing availability of Thai ingredients in the market, Thai cooking can be enjoyed in the home. Employing a variety of fresh seafood, vegetables and tofu, Thai cooking is one of healthiest and most nutritious ways to enjoy meals that are quick and easy to prepare.
This book offers a collection of recipes from dishes served in restaurants that were owned and operated in Thailand by Chef Rut's mother. Many of the dishes are also found on the menu of Chef Rut's restaurants in the United States, The easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photographs will
yield dishes that are as authentic as any found in Thailand.
Customer Reviews:
Thai cookbook.......2007-07-10
This is a WONDERFUL cookbook: Simple and delicious Thai recipes. Get it: you will not be disappointed!
Great Thai Recipes.......2006-08-18
If you are a beginner (especially in southeast Asian cooking), this cookbook will inspire you and motivate you to prepare great (exceptional) Thai dishes! There are pictures of ingredients and easy to follow procedures.
Most of the recipes I've tried in it always turn out great.
Love it... Own it for 3 years.......2006-02-27
Every recipe in this book is pretty easy to make at home. I hardly go out to a thai restaurant anymore, most of the foods I like I can make it at home.
This book has the step by step picture guide.
FANTASTIC.......2005-09-29
The title of this book is appropriate, quick and easy. There are so many great recipes to choose from. Get this book and you will be happy that you did.
Quick and Easy is Appropriate.......2005-06-11
I have owned this book (the hardcover version) for many years now. I use it mostly to refresh my brain on some of the quicker Thai dishes I like to make.
The pictures are helpful (although the ingredients do not always match up) and the timing advice is an absolute necessity. I would say that most of the dishes come out tasting pretty authentic however some are much milder than desired.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is starting out. I just bought it for a friend of mine who is learning to cook Thai. It is still the first one I go to because of its ease when I am looking for a dish that I haven't tried before or need a refresher on.
Books:
- Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds: A Blackbird Sisters Mystery (Blackbird Sisters Mysteries)
- Death and Restoration (Art History Mystery)
- Death of a Stranger
- Death of Riley (Molly Murphy Mysteries)
- Deceptions (Laws of the Blood, Book 4)
- Decider
- Depth Perception (Berkley Sensation)
- Dutch Uncle (Hard Case Crime)
- Enemy Access Denied: Slam the Door on the Devil With One Simple Decision
- Fall of a Philanderer (Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- Phil Gordon's Little Green Book: Lessons and Teachings in No Limit Texas Hold'em
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- The Brand You 50 : Or : Fifty Ways to Transform Yourself from an 'Employee' into a Brand That Shouts
- Silence of the Loons: Thirteen Tales of Mystery by Minnesota's Premier Crime Writers
- Cosmatesque Ornament: Flat Polychrome Geometric Patterns in Architecture
- Nature Calls: The History, Lore, and Charm of Outhouses
- Bones: Buried Deep
The Last Apprentice (Revenge of the Witch)
The Last Apprentice: Night of the Soul Stealer (The Last Apprentice)
The Burning Bridge (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 2)
The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3)
The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1)
