Book Description
Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. And if he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers.
But fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him.
Customer Reviews:
Glad it's out of the way..........2007-10-09
I have loved all of the other BDB books (Zadist being my favorite). But I have to say, I'm really glad this one is out of the way. I've never really cared about Butch and Marissa, she seems whinny and vapid and he goes from being all macho around the brothers to slobbering all over himself cause a pretty girl is near by. But there are some interesting things learned in this book and it held my attention through the end.
At least it's done and hopefully from here the rest of the books will be as good and engrossing as the first three were.
My favorite JR book yet!!!!.......2007-10-02
I loved this book!!!! Butch is my all time favorite character (so far), I knew he would end up with Marissa. But the dynamics and intimacy between Butch and V was awesome, great, fantastic. I loved the way JR wrote the story and created that intimacy between the two guys without it being overtly sexual. I am so glad Marissa finally grew a back bone and stood up to her brother. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I liked it.......2007-09-30
I liked this book. Actually I have enjoyed all of the BDB books by JR Ward (1-4).
NOT AS GOOD AS THE OTHERS.......2007-09-25
THIS BOOK SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABOUT V AND BUTCH. THEY HAD THE BEST RELATIONSHIP. I WAS READING HOPING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEM. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUTCH AND MARISSA DID NOT DO MUCH FOR ME. HAVING SAID THAT, I LIKED THE BOOK, CAN'T WAIT TO READ ABOUT V LOVE HIM
Book 4 of The Black Dagger Brotherhood Depicts a Soulful Bond Between Brothers & Intense Romance Between the Leading Couple........2007-09-21
Black Dagger Brotherhood Series (Definitely Read Them In Order!):
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
If you have not been reading this series, be sure to start with the first book and follow the series from there. By the time you reach book 4, you've come to know all of the characters well. Each character has a distinct personality that stays the same from book to book. J.R. Ward keeps them consistent, so you are always glad to be reunited with "the guys". The continuing story is terrific. The bonds between the characters get deeper with each book.
In Book 4, "Lover Revealed", our hero is Butch. He's a man with a big heart, who will do anything to help out a friend. Because he is human, the brothers are very protective of his life. Butch loves his buddies, but he feels he is useless in their world. As an ex- cop, Butch needs to be in the battle. He has been in love with a vampire female, Marissa, for months. With his heart broken over her, Butch feels he has nothing to lose if he is killed.
While attempting to save civilians from enemy slayers, Butch is captured, taken prisoner, tortured, and left for dead. His roommate and best friend, "Vishous", is the only one with the means to find him. The evil enemies have put a poison in Butch's body. Vishous will use his gifts to heal Butch, and he will do all he can to reunite Butch with Marissa. Fierce loyalty and trust between Butch and Vishous make it possible for Butch's dreams to come true. However, the means for making those dreams happen could also cause Butch's death.
Marissa has been cast out by her family. With no place to go, The Brotherhood offers her shelter. When the love between Marissa and Butch intensifies, she begs him not to take part in the war with the brothers' enemies. Butch is devastated. He has to choose between the woman he loves, and the only true family he has ever had. His bond with Marissa is soul- deep, but his love for his brothers and his chance to make a real future for himself are worth any price.
Keeping with the trend of this series, "Lover Revealed" is exquisitely romantic. The love scenes are intense, and the ties between the leading couple are binding. The brothers are loyal to each other, and to Butch, without fail.
Ward writes her characters with personalities that are funny, direct, realistic, and moving. They seem like the kind of men you could meet in everyday life. They pick on each other in good natured teasing, as real brothers tend to, and they back one another as real brothers would. I genuinely like these guys. That makes the books addicting.
Also in this edition:
John's story is continued. Vishous's character plays a major role, preparing readers for his story in the next edition. Mr X is back, but he has a new and surprising scheme.
Book Description
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.
The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.
Customer Reviews:
Finally!.......2007-10-16
Finally, after a couple years reading new authors that were good but not great-I think I have a new favorite author, really. This was an amazing read. At first I was a bit put off by the term definintions in the first few page, but found I appreciated this later. I loved Wrath. I know he was a bit overwhelming, bossy all that, but it worked for me. Geez he was sexy as heck. All of the secondary characters are strong, sexy and show promise for many excellent future books. I was sorry we did not get to know more about Darius before......never mind don't want to spoil anything. The lessers are freaky and a new twist to the vampire slayers. Just read it. YOu'll be ordering the rest of the series. I know I did--and I admit I am picky, I don't give everything 5 stars. This one deserves it!
A fun, stimulating read. .......2007-10-14
Vampires have long been symbols of power and sexuality, and the author of this series definitely takes this theme seriously! This is an interesting take on vampires and those who hunt them. The characters are interesting, compelling, and surprisingly believable. Themes of family, brotherly love, romantic love, honor, and loyalty really suck you in. The pop culture references (slang and music references) date the book, but it's still plenty entertaining. The sex scenes are really great! A lot of women (including myself) love a seriously physical, sexually aggressive guy.... and these male vampire characters are just that. Very hot. Love the whole series! I ordered and read them all within a two week period.
Its better on the dark side.......2007-10-09
This book is the first in an excellent series. It is technically in the romance aisle (and let me tell you it is VERY explicit) but it leads with the vampire fantasy world and doesn't deviate an inch the whole way through. You will get sucked into the world of the brotherhood and wont be able to turn it down. I read the book straight through in a day and a half and then immediately went out and bought the rest. There is a solid story line and graphic-no-holds-barred sex that could be a cameo in basic instinct. I loved this book and I know you will too. J. R . Ward has the skills to draw you in with well defined characters that make you care about them, then blows your mind and makes you tingly with what goes on behind closed doors!
Definately a Keeper!!!! One of my Absolute Favorites!.......2007-09-20
I have three words for you.....OH. MY. GOD!!!!!!I could not turn the pages fast enough. What an amazing series...amazing story....amazing book! I highly recommend this for anyone who likes Kenyon or Knight the writing and character development in this is a step above. If your thinking twice about buying this series, just buy it, you won't be disappointed.
AMAZING!!!.......2007-09-16
This is one of my all time favorite romance novels. Before meeting the Black Dagger Brotherhood, I had absolutely no interest in paranormal romance. I'd always seen the characters in other books of this genre as being creepy, to say the least. My sister forced me to read this book while on vacation.
WoW!! J D Ward's protagonists are so well-written, so engaging and have such gut-wrenching appeal, I was hooked after chapter 2. She has created a completely unique vampire culture - complete with language (each book has a "glossary of terms"), social traditions and even anatomical/biochemical details unique to her brand of vampire.
If you have never been a fan of this genre...please give this book and the others in the series a try. You will NOT regret it!!
Book Description
Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetite. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin.
Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him. When Mary Luce is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world, she must rely on Rhage's protection. Knowing that Mary feels the same intense animal attraction, Rhage must make her his alone...
Customer Reviews:
Double your pleasure!.......2007-10-14
Vampires have long been symbols of power and sexuality, and the author of this series definitely takes this theme seriously! This is an interesting take on vampires and those who hunt them. The characters are interesting, compelling, and surprisingly believable. Themes of family, brotherly love, romantic love, honor, and loyalty really suck you in. The pop culture references (slang and music references) date the book, but it's still plenty entertaining. The sex scenes are really great! A lot of women (including myself) love a seriously physical, sexually aggressive guy.... and these male vampire characters are just that. Very hot. Love the whole series! I ordered and read them all within a two week period.
Just Awesome!!! A must read.......2007-10-10
Just like to add that I loved the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, and This book is HOT!!! a Must read. Just like Dark Lover.
Emotional Vampire Romance - interesting combo..........2007-09-23
I have read several of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood novels and have really enjoyed them all. I read this one out of order and so I knew Mary and Rhage would, of course, end up together, but I couldn't figure out how it was going to work out. I love that in a book - I can know the ending as long as I don't know the path we're going to take to get there.
I enjoyed the plot and the excitment of this novel as well as this series. It does help to read the books in order as there is a continuation of plot from one book to the next, but Ward does a pretty good job of explaining things in each book so you don't HAVE to.
All in all, a great book.
I LOVE JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood!!.......2007-09-20
This is my favorite of the four books to date, about Rhage and Mary. I love how Ward portrays the brothers as both warriors but also as men with their own strengths and weaknesses. The series is absolutely terrific, and I've read and reread these books all summer! They definitely need to be read in order, though. Can't wait for the new one!
Incredibly addictive.......2007-09-19
This is the second book in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, and though I've only read this book and the first "Dark Lover" and I can easily say these are the most addictive adult vampire romance series I've read. J.R. Ward creates her own vampire legends, with vampire royalty, vampire civilians, human civilians and "Lessers"--humans that have been changed into vampire slayers by the Omega. There are beautiful love scenes, very scary villains, graphic fight scenes with interesting futuristic technology, and excellent plot and pacing.
"Lover Eternal" I think is even better than the first "Dark Lover" (which was very good btw), in that the plot is more emotional, heart wrenching, exciting, and we get to know the brotherhood better. J.R. was able to balance Mary and Rhage's tale along with John's story and allude to the next book with Bella and Zhadist. Can't wait to read the next book!!!
Book Description
Even within the vampire brotherhood, Zsadist is feared. Still bearing the scars from a tortured past, he is renowned for his unquenchable fury. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion-until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society.
Customer Reviews:
The most emotional book in the series so far!.......2007-10-14
Vampires have long been symbols of power and sexuality, and the author of this series definitely takes this theme seriously! This is an interesting take on vampires and those who hunt them. The characters are interesting, compelling, and surprisingly believable. Themes of family, brotherly love, romantic love, honor, and loyalty really suck you in. The pop culture references (slang and music references) date the book, but it's still plenty entertaining. The sex scenes are really great! A lot of women (including myself) love a seriously physical, sexually aggressive guy.... and these male vampire characters are just that. Very hot. Love the whole series! I ordered and read them all within a two week period.
The best book of the series.......2007-09-29
I read all the BDB books (5 so far), and this is still for me the best one. Zsadist will always be my favorite vampire! Hope JR Ward continues to write books of this excellent quality.
My perfect vampire tale.......2007-09-27
AWESOME!!! The best of the first three!!! I absolutely loved Bella and Zsadists' story!!! Having read book one (Dark Lover) and book two (Lover Eternal) I was already addicted to the series. As amazing as the first two books were, this tale struck a chord in me, it's about facing terrible personal demons and finding a way to heal, something we've all been through. This was the tightest page turner of the three, the books just keep getting better and better. This had the most plot, but was crafted in such away that I never wanted to put the book down, even after my mind was numb from reading. And Zsadist and Bella are two unforgettable characters, their story is touching, deep, emotional. I was so sad when I got to the last page, but I've got more of the series to read, and re-read again!
OH MY GOD.......2007-09-25
OH MY GOD. LOVED ZSADIST. I PURCHASED THESE BOOKS ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO AND HAVE ALREADY READ THEM TWICE (Z'S BOOK 3 TIMES) SHE IS THE BEST WRITER I HAVE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE TO READ. I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 5
Great Series!.......2007-09-24
I didn't like this book as much as #2 but I still liked it enough to give it a 5 star rating. I love the series. I have read books 1 - 2 at least twice already. I am on a reading marathon trying to catch up so that when LU comes out tom. (book #5), I'll be up to speed with everyone else that follows the series.
Anway, after reading this book, you come away liking Z more. The book also preps readers for Phury's story. Can't wait for that one and I'm already eagerly waiting for Tohr's return. I highly recommend the series but would suggest readers start with book 1 to better appreciate the plots and characters.
Book Description
The ruthless and brilliant brother Vishous possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that does not include her...
Customer Reviews:
I'm Not Giving Up.......2007-10-17
Yes, I had problems with this book but I wasn't as upset as most seem to be. Another reviewer mentioned the same thing I did...Read the Spoilers First! I knew Jane was going to die before I even started the book so I was prepared. I can imagine how upset I would have been to go into this book blind. I've heard a lot of people say this book killed the series for them but I'm not giving up. There has to be a bad one in every group and I hope this was the only one. Then again some people loved this one. My favorite was book 4 Lover Revealed, which seems to be everyone elses least fav. I've been a big fan of Butch from the get go. That's one of the things I did like about this book, was Butch's involvement. I know him and V counldn't actully end up together but a little part of me wanted them to. Their friendship through out the series has been some of the sweetest and funniest moments of the series. But Ward did handle the sexaul part of their relationship well. Jane and V's ending of course didn't sit well with me. But what upset me the most about this book was the fact that Phury lost his virginity to a hooker in a bathroom. What the hell! That would heve been a great setup for the next book him and Camilia both being virgins. Ward shouldn't have messed with that. I loved that John went through his transition. I hope to God that his romantic intersest will not end up being Xhex. She's creepy.In the next book I'd like to see more involvment from Beth and Mary. I like revisiting old characters. Here's one of my biggest problems with this book...well with the whole series to be honest. Sometimes Ward goes over board with the getto talk. Can you imagine a 70 year old man saying "Get up out of my grille"? Well why would a 300 year old man say it. And "I'm outtie"? If my husband or any man in my family ever said that...I would make fun of them for a long time. Anyway, all complaining aside I love this series and as long as she keeps them coming I'll be looking forward to them.
Loved it!.......2007-10-17
I had read some reviews rating the book with a one star. I don't have nothing against it, if they hadn't like the book, is no big problem. I didn't like some books and there's people who loves them despite the fact that I can stomach tem.
But what surprises me is that they feel like the story of V is a disappointment and that the writter doesn't make im justice... Well, I liked his story. A lot.
But then I have to agree with them about the ending. I think I would have prefered the tragic one. Because the one it has... is beautiful, and I'm glad for V, but it took some of the drama out. Well, it took all of the drama out. But... come to think of it... Yes, I prefer him with her shellan, poor man!!! Hasn't he suffered enough?
I really liked the story, the plot, the characters, the relation... I think it evolves accordingly, and you felt draw towards it.
The thing I missed most in this book is Rehvenge. I want more of him!!! I want ALL of him!!! XDDD Will he have his own book?
Well, the next one is Phury. We will see how it turns out, since Phury is one of the characters that I'm less drawn into... but the story looks well...
AWFULL.......2007-10-16
I really dislike this book!!! For me the book was the history from everybody (John, the club, Zadist, Phury...) and it could be V...but Jane is missing in the history.
Like most people say I believe that the relationship is Butch-V....and Jane...is a strange in all of this!!! I don't have nothing against gay people...but I prefer read books with female-male relationship!!! Or more interaction between them that only in bed... for me the only thing that have V-Jane was sex.
The history of V...is tragic from the beginig to the end, I love heroes with drama...but sometimes the history was really "hard-core"....well...that word I read in every part of the book!!!
And the end...horrible....
Lover Unbound.......2007-10-16
I thought I would never see this new installment to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I love JR Ward but her books are too long in the making. I was really hesitant to buy Lover Unbound because of the reviews written about it.
Well, I am thrilled that I purchased it. It is by far the BEST of the series. I love each of the Brotherhood members and this book kept us informed of the others while telling the story of Vishous and Mary.
I can't wait for Phury. Please, please hurry and write this book!
Flopped!.......2007-10-16
I couldn't wait to read this new installment of the series. Vishous is one of my favorite characters. The possibilities were limitless since he was a cool guy. He was into computer equipment, had premonitions, and was an easy guy to get along with as well as good with fashion! For a while, Vishous thought that Butch was the love that he was supposed to be with and this caused some issues for Vishous. I couldn't wait to hear the story about his hand and why he glows from time to time. It really could have been a good book.
Lover Unbound was nothing like its predecessors. Towards the middle of the book, it was as if Ward ran out of ideas and threw something together. What person when kidnapped at the end of just a weekend would tell another person that would want to have sex with her abductor and ask not to leave? Then it was all kissy and huggy for the rest of the book. I love romance novels but this made me retch.
Vishous' background story was interesting and precisely what I had expected of one of the Brothers. Not one of them escaped their childhood years with any happiness or ease. Vishous was the son of the Bloodletter who was a cold barbaric vampire who thrived on others' pain and suffering. He deprived Vishous of any love, enjoyment, food, socialization, warmth, etc. that he needed to have growing up. V. learned how to turn off his emotions and while he seems so cool with Butch: he is really a man in pain. He likes his sex hardcore, he drinks a lot, and does many other wild things to escape from his past. I just wish that this could have been integrated into the plot better.
The ending (I am not going to spoil it!) was unbelievably ridiculous. C'mon! She does segue nicely into Phury's story which I hope its better than Vishous' story.
I hope that J.R. Ward is not succumbing to what other writers do by sacrificing the quality to meet the deadline and to make some money. The books have been wonderful so far and while this story to me was weak and need stronger plot development; it was still enjoyable enough to keep me reading.
Average customer rating:
- Ethnomusicology is an Art and not a Seance
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Holy Brotherhood: Romani Music in a Hungarian Pentecostal Church
Barbara Rose Lange
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Book Description
Holy Brotherhood: Romani Music in a Hungarian Pentecostal Church is a musical ethnography of a religious community. After the end of socialism, different ethnic groups in Hungary harbored antagonism toward one another. In one Pentecostal church in Pecs, Hungary, however, both Hungarians and Roma (Gypsies) worshipped and made music together. Three musical repertoires coexisted, each with a separate historical background and complex social meanings: Romani religious song; nineteenth-century gospel hymns originally from the United States; and contemporary Christian pop from the United States. Church members accommodated cultural and musical differences by developing several distinct performance styles.
Customer Reviews:
Ethnomusicology is an Art and not a Seance.......2003-07-16
Combining in-depth musical analysis with personal experience and scholarly ethnography, Barbara Rose Lange's _Holy Brotherhood: Romani Music in a Hungarian Pentecostal Church_ explores Romani or Gypsy music with an ear towards sprirtual meaning and music's profound social context in such a way that the general reader will be satisfied, and the specialist overjoyed. Forsaking jargon for direct reportage of interviews and musical experiences, Lange focuses on actual performance, providing precise translation of songs, practices, rituals--this is a book for the living. The result not only adds insight to outsider interpretations of Gypsy culture, but explicates music's relationship to religion, and Romani or Gypsy culture to the world at large. Delightful.
Customer Reviews:
The Colonels.......2007-01-04
W.E.B. Griffen is by far the best military writer I have read. When I finish all his Btotherhood of War books I'll start on his other novels.
Promotion isn't the only thing that's slow.......2004-12-29
The middle book of W.E.B. Griffin's "Brotherhood of War" series, "The Colonels", is a rather slower paced book than the ones from before. It starts immeadiatly after "The Majors' ends at Lt. Greer's funeral, where Major Craig Lowell has proved that helicopters can make a difference in combat. The next hundred and fifty pages covers one New Years Eve party that Lowell, Hanrahan (fresh back from an advisorship in Vietnam), Gen. Black, and other key players involved in the series are attending at Ft. Rucker, Al. The next two hundred pages are concerned with Lowell trying to balance his new projet of arming aircrafts and his affair with his married secretary. Meanwhile Lt. Col. Felter is busy planning the new Special Forces teams' role in the upcoming Bay of Pigs invasion. There really is very little going on in this book; but somehow it is still not a bad book, just rather slower then it's more action packed predecessors (though no one ever accused this series of being Rambo). The theme still seems to be that the men who know how to run an effiecent Army are ignored by establishment officers who are out of touch with the changing dynamics of combat. The up roar over the necessity of Special Forces is a classic example. No one wants them except for Colonel MacMillian who saw them in action in Greece and knows that is where the upcoming war in Vietnam is going to be heading. Also the scandle of the rocket armed aircrafts; none of the older generals have had to use them, so they do not care about their importance and advantage that would give the U.S. in it's role in Cuba and the Far East. Another theme is about how the establshment can wear a man down. Both Lowell and Parker have been past over promotion (Lowell for lieutenant colonel and Parker for major) because they got away with bucking the system years before. But now the stress is wearing on them, and it is starting to show. All in all a good book, just a lot too slow.
Outstanding book!.......2004-07-20
I had found this book used, and I read through it. I've known from previous books of his that I have read that he takes military life down to the smallest detail. I'm an active duty US Marine and its refreshing to see him break down the most mundane things in military life down, because I not only find that kind of stuff funny to be broken down the way he does it, but it really helps me identify with the characters in his books, even if his books that I've read generally cover the WWII era through early Vietnam Era, although I'm sure Vets would appreciate his writing even more than I do. I have about 10 of his books, and it also helps that some of the characters are reused between books as they get promoted and move on with their careers and their interpersonal relationships.
If your a first time reader of these types of books, welcome to his world, but if you like military books, you'll like this one, especially if you are military, and even more so if you are a veteran.
A Solid Mid-Series Book.......2004-06-06
Following a dozen major characters and twice that many supporting players through an eventful a quarter century is an impressive literary achievement. Griffin's "Brotherhood of War" series does just that: always competently, sometimes brilliantly. The flashes of brilliance are fewer and farther between in _The Colonels_ than they were in _The Lieutenants_ and _The Captains_, but they're definitely *there* in a way that they weren't in _The Majors_.
The action in _The Colonels_ takes place in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The central thread of the plot is the establishment of the Green Berets, and most of the book's best scenes revolve around the shaping of the Green Beret program. The book ends with the disastrous US-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro by landing a force of Cuban exiles at the Bay of Pigs--an operation in which many of the characters play peripheral roles. Griffin keeps old plotlines in play, but also takes the time to service a number of characters who were in danger of slipping out of the story: notably Barbara Bellmon, Paul Jiggs, and Phil Parker IV.
Griffin's ear for soldiers' voices and his familiarity with military routine comes through in many individual scenes: several training exercises, an unauthorized visit to an aircraft graveyard, Mac Macmillan's chance encounter with a young lieutenant, and a running subplot about the Green Berets' distinctive headgear. The bureaucratic guerilla warfare that took up much of _The Majors_ is back, but it works better in _The Colonels_, perhaps because the outcome will affect the lives, not just the careers, of people we care about.
_The Colonels_ ultimately fails, however, to hit the same heights that _The Lieutentants_ and _The Captains_ reached. Part of the problem may be the time frame it covers. _The Lieutenants_ had the shift from WWII to the Cold War; _The Captains_ had Korea; _The Colonels_ has the Bay of Pigs, but not yet Vietnam. Especially when it strays from the "building the Green Berets" thread, it often feels like it's just marking time.
SPC4 USA ARMY 95Bravo MDW.......2004-02-05
Really a fantastic series (this is book 4) that not only entertains the reader with great characters but also walks us through the history of the Army's development from WWII to the present. For those military history buffs or any ex-GI, this is a must read.
Average customer rating:
- The beret debate that is still being fought
- From the Back Cover
- "General Hospital" in Army green
- EXCELLENT
- Another good one from Griffin
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The Berets: Brotherhood of War 05 (Brotherhood of War)
W. E. B. Griffin
Manufacturer: Jove
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| Griffin, W. E. B.
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Similar Items:
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The Generals: Brotherhood of War 06 (Brotherhood of War)
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Special Ops (Brotherhood of War)
ASIN: 0515090204 |
Customer Reviews:
The beret debate that is still being fought.......2005-01-23
"The Berets" picks up the "Brotherhood of War" series about two months after the end of "The Colonels". It starts out with Green Beret Lt. Tom Ellis picking up the body of a member of his 'A'-Team that was involved in the disasterous Bay of Pigs invasion. From there, we are introduced to two new Special Forces recruits; Geoff Creig, Lt. Col Lowell Creig's nephew; the other is Karl Wagner, an East German Army deserter. Also we are shown one of the first operations in Vietnam, where Maj. Phil Parker is sent as a pilot and advisor. This book really picked up the pace from the last novel, which was interesting but too slow. "The Berets" was very interesting, especially since President John F. Kennedy plays such a major role in this book. Also something I found interesting was the fight over the wearing of the green berets. There was a huge contraversy with Army brass and the Special Forces leaders about wearing it. It sounds a lot like what happened a few years ago when the Army was ordered that all soldiers will wear a beret. Most of the soldiers I knew did not (and to this day still do not) like the thing. And the Green Berets very very highly upset when everybody got them. It was funny that this book brought up such a similer fight. This book also has a very dramatic ending where readers must say good bye to a favorite character. Over all this is a much better book, and now I am looking forward to the next book.
From the Back Cover.......2004-11-30
They were the chosen ones and the ones who chose to be the best. Never before had the United States given so select a group of fighting men such punishing preparation. Now they were heading for their ultimate test of skill and nerve and sacrifice, in a war unlike any they or their country had ever fought before, in a land that most of America still knew nothing about, Vietnam.
"General Hospital" in Army green.......2000-07-04
This is a weak series of books, as far as war novels go. They're more like an ongoing soap opera than gritty war drama (think "General Hospital" as a novel, only set between 1945-1970 and revolving around the Army instead of Port Charles.) The characters are given plenty of time to evolve, and some do (Lowell, in particular.) But it all seems too phony. A good war novel should have some truth in it, but it is in short supply with these books.
EXCELLENT.......1999-10-18
THE ENTIRE SERIES IS EXCELLENT. I HAVE READ THE ENTIRE CATALOG,MEN AT WAR,THE CORP,BROTHERHOOD OF WAR. LOOKING FORWARD TO BOOK THREE IN THE MEN AT WAR SERIES DUE IN JANUARY 2000. IF YOU CAN HELP, I'M LOOKING FOR HARDBOUND ISSUES OF THE FIRST TWO CORP BOOKS AND BROTHERHOOD OF WAR FROM LT'S-BERETS
Another good one from Griffin.......1999-07-14
The Triumph and the Glory may be the big war novel hit of 99, but Griffin's Brotherhood of War is hard to beat, and The Berets is one of the best of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the insights into military life and the rock solid theme that this fine book offers. Read the entire series, I did and rate it very highly.
Customer Reviews:
Not the best book in the series........2007-06-22
This book is the beginning of the disappointment in the Brotherhood of War series... In 'Part 1' which seems to have been written at a different time and mind set than 'Part 2' a senior officer demands to know why Colonel Lowell was not given a command position in the new Air Cavalry they've developed. He is apparently given one but that's ALL we get to hear on the subject except for in... 'Part 2' which feels altogether different from the first part. We hear a couple sentence rumor of Lowell's exploits in 'nam where he's supposedly insulted a superior and challenged him to court martial him. That's it. Lowell's service as a commander (something he's good at. Something we're told repeatedly throughout the story that's he's good at) is concluded in less than a paragraph and will now and forever be left a mystery. I sort of feel that by now in the series that Craig Lowell would have learned not to have affairs with married women seeing the trouble it's gotten him into in the past but this brilliant, intelligent, rich man once again is written into the stupidity of sleeping not only with a married woman but a fellow officer's wife. This foil got old several novels ago and it was disappointing to see it raised again as a plot device. We also finally see the return of Lowell's son who's in and out of the novel in a short time. He's grown up to be not a very nice person. The ending, as others have stated is abrupt, confusing and very disappointing. The mission in 'Part 2' is interesting (if not historically accurate) and well done but sadly kills off a long time character for no apparent reason. This book begins the decline of the series and should have been the last as it was planned to be. Worth reading but not as good as past novels in the series. Long time readers will be disappointed.
Brotherhood of War-The Generals.......2007-01-04
So far I have read the Botherhood of War books up to the Generals and along with the other novels I have read this one is also Great!I hope the rest are as good asthe first ones!
W.E.B. Griffin has done a superb job of this story.......2005-07-09
Although the series of books are about Special Forces & Army "Airdales", (I'm sorry, it's the Marine coming out of me), I enjoyed the novel very much. The whole brotherhood series builds on grade structure and is a conitnuity unto itself of the characters involved. Great reading and you don't want it to end.
An unworthy ending for a great set of books.......2005-06-16
I did like the entire series of these books, but the ending was very disappointing. I know that the Author put a lot of work and soul into them but he could of ended it on a better note instead of terminating the entire crew in a couple of pages.
The brotherhood's end.......2005-02-16
In "The Brotherhood of War Book IV: The Generals", it is now the mid and late '60s. Vietnam is in full swing, and Major Parker has been captured by the NVA. Now Col. Felter has put together a daring rescue plan with his closeset Army friends, Col. Lowell, Generals Hanrahan and Bellmon, and Col. MacMillian, to go into the Hanoi Hilton (the meanest VC POW camp) and get the POWs out. Most series books run out of steam if they go on too long, but the Brotherhood of War books were all just wonderful, great and ingaging books all the way. In a way, the topic of POWs seems as prevenlent today in the War on Terror as it did in the mid 80s, when this book was written, and Vietnam POWs were still a very sensitive subject. I read "The Generals" in two days it was so fast paced and exiting. There are three major battles; one as young SSG Craig (COL. Lowell's cousin) is attacked on a remote hill, Parker's being shot down over the jungle, and the final invasion at the end. As usual, the cast of characters are diverse, but the spotlight is mostly on COL. Lowell, nicknamed 'The Duke'. As usual he can not keep himself out of trouble, but this time it nearly cost them the very Top Secret mission, and this time his career dosn't recover from it. COL. Felter is missing for the first half of the book, but comes on stronger than ever before by the middle. The other officers are around and are amusing, but they just can't hold a candle when next to Lowell. The best scene in the book is when Lowell must confront his estranged son about some pictures that Peter-Paul took, pictures that could jepordize the mission. It is very tense and shows just how mature and responsable Creig Lowell has become since he was first commisioned years ago. I am a little sad to be done with this series. I know there are more after "The Generals", but I am not sure if I will get around to those. The endind epilouge makes it seem like that is where W.E.B. Griffin wanted the story to stop, so it only seems right to quit there. But what a way to go, in a blaze of glory. If you have read all the books up to this point, than I am sure that you will not be disappointed by the end.
Download Description
"A Band of Brothers for the Pacific, this is the gut-wrenching but ultimately triumphant story of the Marines' most ferocious -- yet largely forgotten -- battle of World War II. Between September 15 and October 15, 1944, the First Marine Division suffered more than 6,500 casualties fighting on a hellish little coral island in the Pacific. Peleliu was the scene of one of the most savage no-quarter struggles of modern times, one that has been all but forgotten -- until now. Drawing on extensive interviews with Marine veterans, Bill Sloan follows a small group of young Americans through this incredibly vicious campaign and rescues their heroism on Peleliu from obscurity. Misled by faulty intelligence, the 9,000 Marine infantrymen who landed on Peleliu's beaches under withering enemy fire found themselves facing 11,000 Japanese embedded in an intricate network of caves and underground fortifications unrivaled in the history of warfare. At the heart of the Japanese defensive system was a maze of sheer cliffs and deep ravines known collectively as the Umurbrogol plateau. Endless strings of ridges bristled with concealed artillery, mortars, machine guns, and riflemen, making every inch of contested ground a potential death trap for Marines. Making matters worse, Japanese soldiers had been told by their commanders that they were to hold Peleliu at any cost in a suicidal defense of the island. Sloan's gripping narrative seamlessly weaves together the experiences of the men who were there, producing a vivid and unflinching tableau of the twenty-four-hour-a-day nightmare of Peleliu -- a melee of nonstop infantry attacks, ferocious hand-to-hand fighting, night assaults, and exhausting forced marches in temperatures that topped 115 degrees. With casualties in some infantry units averaging more than sixty percent, Peleliu ranks with the bloodiest battles in the Corps' history. Exemplifying these staggering losses was K Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment (K/3/5), on whose gallant officers and enlisted men the narrative focuses from the initial assault on the beaches to the horrific struggle for the Umurbrogol's crags and crevices. Surprisingly, Peleliu received little public notice back in the States even as it was being fought and was virtually forgotten after the war, despite elements of controversy that are still debated by military strategists today. The invasion was ordered by Army General Douglas MacArthur to protect his flank as he launched his campaign to recapture the Philippines. But many experts believed then -- and still maintain today -- that the bloodshed at Peleliu was needless and that the island could have been safely bypassed. In Brotherhood of Heroes, readers witness the brutal spectacle of Peleliu close-up through the eyes of the Marines who fought there. Their story will stand with Ghost Soldiers and Flags of Our Fathers as a modern classic in military history and a riveting read. "
Customer Reviews:
Brotherhood of Heroes: The Marines at Peleliu, 1944--The Bloodiest Battle of the Pacific War.......2007-09-01
As a former Marine and Pacific theatre enthusiast, I highly recommend this book as an eye-opener to all. The details and background on the people involved as well as the events are presented in a way that tells a story for many to hear. It tugs at the heart and shows what a nasty business war is indeed. Motivated me as a Marine and made me feel for the men and the sacrifices they made. Proud to be among the ranks of the elite, hard charging, devil dogs! Semper Fi!
Marine Heroism World War Two.......2007-03-12
Truly an amazing book detailing this essentially useless battle that in the end accomplished nothing from the overall strategic background of the Pacific campaign during World War 2. For anyone interested in studying this campaign this is a esential book to add to your library. A definite keeper a 5 star rating, in fact I would suggest a 10 star. Anyone buying and reading this WILL not be disappointed.
Magnificent.......2007-02-07
This excellent book follows the 1st Marine Division through this unimaginably brutal battle, giving a superb overall picture while not loosing the men themselves. The author primarily tells the story through the eyes of a handful of individual Marines. These are representatives from each of the three infantry regiments that did the majority of the fighting.
I only have two complaints about the book. First, I felt that the author emphasized Company K, Third Battalion, 5th Marines (K/3/5) so much that the 1st and 7th Marines, the 7th in particular, were somewhat neglected. I would have preferred a longer book that would have treated at least one company each of the 1st and 7th as much as K/3/5 was covered.
The second issue is that the book only focuses on the Marine actions on Peleliu in any detail. To be fair, the title of the book clearly states that the Marines are the topic, but I feel the actions of the Army's 81st Infantry Division merit the same level of detail, especially given that they experienced about 3,800 casualties themselves during this battle.
Other than these two problems, this book is an magnificent account of the battle and will move the reader to tears to think of what our nation's brave Marines went through.
An island awash in blood........2007-01-03
An excellent view of the 30 continuous days of hell. I say 30 continuous days because for many there was almost no let up the entire time from the continual dangers of murderous crossfire, roving nighttime ambushes and concealed heavy artillery and an interlocked,network of snipers and machine gunners, who would make simply looking over a rock a death sentence, and often did. It would be for many their first experience with the cave like fortifications that would await Marines on Iwo and Okinawa. It was a 110 degree bloodbath that even had the added difficulty of no fresh water in the opening stages of the invasion as the potable water to the island was shipped there in improperly cleaned former gasoline drums. It also begins with the Marines miserable and crab infested existence and training on the island of Pavuvu, itself a roadless swamp. This experience helped forge them into cohesion that would see many not make it off their next stop. Casualties from many frontline regiments would see 150%.
The author draws on Eugene Sledge's excellent first hand account of this battle frequently, and uses interviews with Marines of K/3/5 mainly, Marines under the command of both Col. Chesty Puller and his stubborn, reckless, and unyieldingly inflexible commander General Rupertus, both of whom are described, especially Rupertus, of having a reckless disregard for the enormous casualties being suffered in this regiment and other frontline outfits. Rupertus was strongly suggested by fellow Marine commanders to take his Marines off the line with fresh Army Div's awaiting but he wouldnt budge. His superior, Gen. Geiger, waffled and was faced the task of relieving him or countermanding his decision to keep Army units offshore on ships, both which would have caused shock waves in Washington. Gen. Rupertus wanted this "quickie" (as he initially referred to it as a 3 or 4 day battle before it would be won) to be a completely Marine Corps affair. It would take the actions of the new overall commander of "Operation Stalemate" to relieve both Generals of the decision to remove the Marines from the line and make it himself, as Rear Admiral George H. Fort would do after a quick inspection of the 1st Div. CP. Geiger was quoted as saying "I'm glad that's over". Rupertus said very little, and was in ill health anyway, dying 6 months later from a heart attack.
What took 30 days for these Marines to kill 10,000 well concealed and armed Japanese it would take 6 weeks for relieving Army troops to mop up the remaining 1,000 Japanese. On an average it has been determined that it took 1,589 rounds of some type from U.S. guns to kill every Japanese who would die on the island.
Like many retelling's of stories such as this one, Sloan tells a riveting story of bravery, hardship, and death that forges the title of his work We learn about the many in these Marine Corps regiments, from simple enlisted to junior officers, and we see many of them die before the books conlusion, such was the nature of this bloody struggle. Many of these talented officers were deeply respected for their leadership and bravery by these enlisted men, and many would be killed. Spreading this info. of their loss had a noticable effect on the enlisted men, one of combined sadness and shock at such terrible news, men stretched to their breaking point already, and led many to fatalism they would survive it another day. (Some, like Sledge, were incredible rarities of this battle, he being one of a tiny few who escaped the continual combat with barely a combat wound to show for it)
With The Old Breed.......2006-11-04
Out of the many authors who write about WWII, Bill Sloan is one of my favorites. "Brotherhood of Heroes" is yet another book by Mr. Sloan that I just couldn't put down, thanks in part to another book I had read previously: "With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa" by Eugene Sledge. "With the Old Breed" is probably one of the best WWII memoirs ever written, from either theater, and it was that book that led me to seek out more material on the battle for Peleliu, a God-forsaken piece of rock in the middle of the Pacific ocean that was the site of what many of the Marines considered to be the worst battle of the entire war. Yet this battle has been largely ignored by history, in part because it was of dubious importance to the overall strategy in the Pacific (Gen. MacArthur insisted the attack on Peleliu was necessary to support his invasion of the Philippines, a claim that was proved to be untrue in hindsight). "Brotherhood of Heroes" brings this battle back to the forefront in the pantheon of battles from the Pacific theater of WWII. The sights, smells, sounds, and emotions experienced by the Marines on Peleliu are all brought vividly to life in this book; while people like myself who have never experienced warfare cannot pretend to truly understand what those brave men went through, this book does an excellent job of giving us an idea of what that hell on earth was like. This was the first time that the Marines experienced a "defense in depth" when fighting the Japanese; the Japanese made them fight for every inch of ground through overlapping defensive positions that would exact a ghastly toll on the men involved. If not for the lessons learned on Peleliu, the battles for Iwo Jima and Okinawa would have been much more costly to the Americans; while Peleliu took a terribly bloody toll on the Marines who fought there, it ultimately saved more lives down the road through the lessons learned. While we today look back and marvel at the sacrifices made by the young men of the Greatest Generation for their country, those Marines will tell you that they fought not only for their country, but, more importantly, they fought for their brothers in the Corps who were doing the same thing for them. Those men would rather have died than let their buddies down, men who they considered to be closer than blood relatives yet who were complete strangers just two or three years prior; these are the bonds forged by war, something that this book highlights in spectacular fashion.
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