Book Description
Compiled by a team of experts, this textbook has been designed for elementary university courses in astronomy and astrophysics. Beginning with a discussion of our nearest star, the Sun, the volume then considers how astronomers study the basic physical properties and life-cycles of more distant stars. Exotic objects such as black holes are also introduced. The text contains numerous useful learning features such as boxed summaries, student exercises with full solutions, and a glossary of terms. It is also supported by a website hosting further teaching materials. Written in an accessible style that avoids complex mathematics, this book is suitable for self-study and will appeal to amateur astronomers as well as undergraduate students.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Second Book.......2006-08-08
This is another introductory astronomy text similar to "Voyages to the Stars and Galaxies" by Fraknoi, Morrison, and Wolff but with a little more math. I bought this book with the intention that it would take me a step further than "Voyages". Unfortunately I've been somewhat disappointed with it. Not that "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" is not a good book. It is, and it has some noteworthy features, but overall it is not as clearly written as "Voyages".
What I did like about "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" were the problems. In this respect the book succeeded perfectly in what I was looking for... a step beyond "Voyages". At an introductory level the problems were ideal. They required nothing more than a decent high school math background, but they were well considered to support, highlight, and illuminate the text. Also, the answers to the problems were well written, and helped to clarify many concepts.
Another nice feature of "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" are the many excellent diagrams. These really helped to clarify numerous points in the text.
As it's title suggests "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" is limited in scope to our Sun and stars in general. It does not cover anything related to galaxies or cosmology. For that you would need the companion book, appropriately titled "An Introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology". So two books are required to cover the same material as "Voyages to the Stars and Galaxies", (though admittedly in somewhat more depth). The contents of "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" include:
1. Seeing the Sun
2. The Working Sun
3. Measuring Stars
4. Comparing Stars
5. The Formation of Stars
6. The Main Sequence Life of Stars
7. The Life of Stars Beyond the Main Sequence
8. The Death of Stars
9. The Remnants of Stars
Bottom line is this is an excellent book for introductory problems in astronomy, but if you are looking for an introducory book to give a clear overview of astronomy, I recommend "Voyages to the Stars and Galaxies" by Fraknoi, Morrison, and Wolff. If you already have a pretty good grasp on the big picture, then "An Introduction to the Sun and Stars" provides a gentle stepping stone into a bit more detail including an excellent set of introductory problems. It is certainly a worthy addition to any astronomy library.
Book Description
In stories that are simple yet elegant, hard-hitting yet poignant, J. California Cooper writes about the search for fulfillment that propels people’s dreams and desires. In “As Time Goes By” a young woman named Futila Ways grows up focusing her dream of a better future on material wealth, only to discover that having everything she ever wanted cannot compensate for the emptiness in her heart. “The Eye of the Beholder” recounts the story of an unattractive young girl, Lily Bea, whose search for love leads her to embrace her own brand of freedom. And in “Catch a Falling Heart” a woman mildly crippled in a fall endures loneliness and solitude until she finds a man and provides a resting place for his love. Each story beautifully conveys the profound human need to seek some sort of satisfaction, just as a wild star seeks a midnight sun.
J. California Cooper’s insights into the hearts and souls of ordinary people and her irresistible storytelling voice have endeared her to fans and critics. As Ms. magazine wrote, “Cooper’s stories beckon. It is as if she is patting the seat next to us, enticing us to come sit and listen.”
Customer Reviews:
Great book!.......2007-08-28
I've read all of j. california cooper's books, and I have to say that she is my favorite author. She has down-home style of writing that draws you into her characters lives and makes you want to just eat her books up! Thank you Ms. Cooper for your meaningful stories!
Not Quite the J. California Cooper I know and Love.......2007-07-25
I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed in this book as it compares to her other novels. I absolutely love J. California and own everything she has ever written, but this book was lacking in a way that I had never seen in her writings. Not every writer can write short stories well. Most can't seem to bring it full circle with a complete "conclusion." She is unique in that she has that ability as a writer; her short stories are full and complete. She is a master story teller. After reading her books, once completed, I am always in anticipation of the "next" one and that may add to my sense of disappointment with this book, but it is still J. California Cooper and that is good enough for me!
Life and the Dream.......2007-05-13
J. California Cooper has a great unique quality of weaving a story that touches the spirit of men and women. These stories along with the many others that she has written over the years cannot compare to other writers. J. is in a class of her own and I highly recommend that you share in the journey.
Speak to My Heart.......2007-02-01
J. California is one author who truly knows how to "speak to my heart" with her stories. This collections of short stories are built on relationships, healings, self esteem and a host of other humanistic emotions. In "As Time Goes By" Futila dreams of having everything she wants, only to wake up and discover that everything she wants CANNOT cure an empty heart. Lily Bea in "Eye of the Beholder" lives for her very own definition of freedom. In the same way stars seek the comfort of the sun the characters in these shorts was seeking the same satisfaction.
Missy
wild stars seeking.................2007-01-27
I love J California Cooper story telling i have all of her books i was a little disappointed with this one. it seemed rushed and unfinished. but i still love her stories and will continue to read her works.
Product Description
The expedition to the Crab Nebula has returned to Earth and the news is not good. Out among the stars, a million systems have fallen under Broan domination, the fate awaiting Earth should the Broa ever learn of its existence. The problem would seem to allow but three responses: submit meekly to slavery, fight and risk extermination, or hide and pray the Broa remain ignorant of humankind for at least a few more generations. Are the hairless apes of Sol III finally faced with a problem for which there is no acceptable solution?
While politicians argue, Mark Rykand and Lisa Arden risk everything to spy on the all-powerful enemy that is beginning to wonder at the appearance of mysterious bipeds in their midst...
Customer Reviews:
A million to one odds, can humanity live as a free people?.......2006-06-24
Recently I read Gibraltar Sun by Michael McCollum. Gibraltar Sun is the second in a trilogy. Most stories have the hero struggling against overwhelming odds. Sometimes the hero is outnumbered two to one, or five to one, or greater. In the Gibraltar series humanity is outnumbered about a million to one. The Broa has conquered every alien race they meet. Earth has learned of the Broa and survives as an independent race only because the Broa don't yet know about Earth.
Gibraltar Earth (the first book) sets the stage as humans learn about the Broa. While out exploring another solar system a human space ship rescues the lone survivor of a space battle. Humanity finds out there is a huge civilization of a million solar systems, and this civilization is run by the Broa.
Gibraltar Sun is the story of how humanity decides to fight the Broa. The first half of the book is mostly focused on the various factions on Earth that are pushing for different responses. Some want to hide. Some want to fight. A few want to contact the Broa and surrender. Our heroes are not willing to be slaves, or hope to hide forever. They recognize they can't win in a straight head on war, so they decide to see if they can trigger rebellions and help the thousands of races who are slaves to the Broa break their chains.
The second half of the book is about our heroes sneaking back into Broa space to do some scouting. Before taking a step in their war on the Broa humans need to find out exactly where the Broa systems are located. There is great excitement as negotiate with a conquered race.
I enjoy Michael McCullum's world building. The two Gibraltar books paint an interesting universe. Michael does a good job of making the Broa universe seem real.
This is a fun book. I read it in one sitting. A lot happens, but there is so much more hinted at, that I wonder how Michael McCollum will be able to wrap up everything.
If you like classic space opera, then I think you'll enjoy Gibraltar Sun.
Book Description
In his classic study The Masks of God, Joseph Campbell conducted us on a fascinating global tour, showing how the seeds of myth grew in a similar fashion throughout the history of civilization. Before Campbell there was Sir James George Frazier who, in The Golden Bough--his pioneering study of magic, relgion, and folk custom--demonstrated how world mythologies exhibit "the effect of similar causes acting alike on the similar constitution of the human mind in different countries and under different skies." Now, in Beyond the Blue Horizon, eminent astronomer E.C. Krupp guides us expertly through a bewildering maze of cultures and civilizations--from the stone age to the present day--making clear that while the skies of these diverse peoples may vary, they speak nearly the same language. Beyond the Blue Horizon is a treasure trove of myths, legends, and stories in which people have, through the ages, attempted to understand the cosmos and its meaning for humankind. Collecting an astonishing amount of lore between the covers of a single book, Krupp explains why our ancestors were so intrigued by the heavens, and what their celestial stories meant. Readers will learn, for example, that many cultures saw a rabbit--rather than a man--in the moon, and that this moon-rabbit, as a symbol of sacrifice and rebirth, is a cousin of our own Easter Bunny; that to our ancestors, an eclipse challenged the stability and integrity of heaven and thus threatened order and life on earth; that the magical sleighride and chimney antics of Santa Claus echo the ancient journeys of shamans and witch doctors; that our "dog days" of July and August originated in Roman times with the summer appearance of Sirius, the Dog Star; and that the contemporary stories of UFOs reveal the mystery and meaning the sky still holds for us as we approach the twenty-first century. Of course, there is much, much more that will delight and intrigue; even readers familiar with world mythology will find plenty that is new and strange in Krupp's rich panorama. An epic, authoritative, and cross-cultural exploration with over 150 illustrations, Beyond the Blue Horizon tells how all civilizations searched the sky to understand to universe--and our own place in it.
Customer Reviews:
Extensive.......2002-07-07
Krupp has written a book that is comparable to Frazer's Golden Bough and Campbell's Hero With a Thousand Faces. He traces the evolution of sky myths from cultures around the globe. Krupp does an excellent job of capturing the meaning and beauty of these stories, and pieces them together in a well-crafted narrative.
Really Facinating Book..........2000-03-28
Beyond the Blue Horizon: Myths and Legends of the Sun, Moon, Stars, and Planets, is a very interesting and amazing read-- it confronts many possibilities of the place outside our blue sky, and gives the reader something to think about for long after the last page is read. Not only is this book worth reading for the pure fun of it, but it teachs you things that may come in handy at dinner table conversation. Facinating is the word that comes to mind... the myths about the stars and planets can sometimes be good bedtime stories, and over all, this book keeps you wanting more.
Average customer rating:
- Well, I am a fan of Weiss & Hickmann so...
- Not as good as Weis and Hickman's previous novels
- Engrossing but ultimately unsatisfying
- A Dragon Story and Much More
- Great Addition
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The War of Souls Trilogy Gift Set: Dragons of a Fallen Sun, Dragons of a Lost Star, Dragons of a Vanished Moon (Dragonlance Series)
Margaret Weis , and
Tracy Hickman
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Hickman, Tracy
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Similar Items:
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Dragons of Summer Flame
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Legends Gift Set: Time of the Twins, War of the Twins, and Test of the Twins (Dragonlance: Legends Trilogy)
-
The Second Generation
-
Dragonlance Chronicles Trilogy Gift Set
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The Soulforge (Dragonlance: The Raistlin Chronicles, Book 1)
ASIN: 0786930020
Release Date: 2003-09-01 |
Book Description
This slip-covered gift set contains the three New York Times best-selling titles that make up the epic War of Souls trilogy: Dragons of a Fallen Sun, Dragons of a Lost Star, and Dragons of a Vanished Moon. Authored by Dragonlance saga co-creators Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman, these titles each hit multiple best-seller lists upon initial release.
Customer Reviews:
Well, I am a fan of Weiss & Hickmann so..........2007-07-08
Great books. I have to admit that vol. 2 was a bit slow and dull at first but vol. 1 and 3 and most of vol. 2 made up for this. Didn't much care for the lovestory between Silvanoshei and the dark knight Mina so all this about Silanosheis love that wasn't returned is a bit dull for me (yes yes, I am a guy). But all in all I would rate this as a 5 star product. Another great story from Weiss & Hickmann.
Not as good as Weis and Hickman's previous novels.......2007-06-05
First let me start off by saying that I did enjoy these books. But I enjoyed the previous books more. The Chronicles Trilogy was the first set in the Dragonlance world and I must say the best. It all sort of went downhill from there, albeit a long hill with a small angle but still downhill. I really thought that with The Second Generation and Dragons of Summer Flame that led up to The War of Souls Trilogy, that there would be a "rebirth" (if you will) of the Dragonlance Series. But sadly that wasn't to be. An IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: I have been led to believe that the writers, Weis and Hickman, actually have very little creative control over the Dragonlance Series. I believe that these books are meant to be companions to the world of D & D. I enjoy reading not throwing dice to see how much damage I do. As such, maybe they threw dice to see how the storyline would unfold. I don't know.
The Good:
The story is great. The action is great. Tas the loveable and unlikely hero is back. There is a lot of action and intrigue to keep you interested. The whole trilogy is one big twist after another.
The Bad:
I'm afraid there may be more bad than good...but only just. The number one problem, and it is SERIOUSLY BAD, is the typos. Did anyone actually proofread this book? I mean seriously it is bad. By the middle of Dragons of a Lost Star (second book in the trilogy), I was almost ready to call it quits just because it was so hard to make any sense of it. Misspelled words...bad punctuation...missing words...extra words. Just really, really, really bad. They need to fire whoever edited this book.
Now about the problems with the stories themselves. POTENTIAL SPOILER
My best advise to the readers about these books and this goes for pretty much ALL of the Dragonlance novels: Don't get attached to ANY character because they ALL die. The writers spend 3 books building a character and getting them developed then kill them. Why would you do that? Take a lesson from R.A. Salvatore or Terry Goodkind and keep your main characters ALIVE. It's what keeps readers coming back for more. If Salvatore had killed Drizzt after his first trilogy, Salvatore's career as a writer would have been a lot less eventful. Same goes for Goodkind's Richard in the Sword of Truth books.
Let's see who has died along the way to The War of Souls. Keep in mind these are MAJOR CHARACTERS!
Sturm Brightblade, Tanis Half-Elven, Caramon Majere, Raistin Majere, Tika Majere, Alhana Starbreeze, Crysania, Goldmoon, Laurana, Palin Majere, Riverwind, Steel Brightblade, Tanin Majere, Kitiara Uth Matar (who needed more development), Berem the Everman (death was justified), Flint Fireforge, Tas Burfoot (dead but brought back) and I'm sure there were others but I think you get the picture. And again these were major characters. Why even bother developing them if they are so expendable? Heck, I wouldn't even bother being creative with the names. Maybe I can write a Dragonlance novel. "Here is Sam. Sam is an elf. Sam has to overcome insurmountable odds to save the world. Sam overcame the insurmountable odds and saved the world. Now Sam is dead." There, I just wrote a whole Dragonlance novel in five sentences.
What was the point of "The Second Generation" and "Dragons of Summer Flame"? They introduce new characters and then killed them all. Stupid.
Summary of my review:
These books have a great story, great plot, and great characters who will all die. Or if that sentence had as many typos as these books...Thes books have great story great plot and grate charactrse woh will all dye.
Engrossing but ultimately unsatisfying.......2007-05-13
I have been a long-time fan of Weis and Hickman and their Dragonlance books. They have an uncanny ability to write engrossing stories full of conflict and angst and failure that somehow still come together at the end on a note of acceptance and hope. In general, the characters end the stories as better people than they started them as, and the price the characters pay is redeemed by what they gain by the end. I looked forward to this new series. The story is certainly engrossing -- I found it hard to put the books down, even during the darkest and bleakest points in the story. But unlike their earlier works, Weis and Hickman don't manage to wrap this one up well. Several story lines end abruptly, as if Weis and Hickman just ran out of steam on them and gave up. More important, almost none of the characters end the story having learned anything important. The sacrifices made by the characters remain unredeemed at the end. I was left disappointed and unsatisfied. Go ahead and read the story -- it is well written. Just be prepared to feel incomplete at the end.
A Dragon Story and Much More.......2007-05-08
What makes this series so fascinating are the set of characters, especially the kender, who adds just the right amount of comic relief, and the freshness that comes from a vivid imagination on the part of the authors. You won't feel like you've read anything like this before.
Great Addition.......2007-03-27
I've been working on the first book of the three and so far I'm enjoying it as much as all the other Dragonlance Novels I've read. If you love the Dragonlance novels, you won't be upset with this pick.
Book Description
Finally, a Guide to the Zodiac About Us and For Us!
If you love following your sun sign but never seem to feel what you read is directed toward you, wait no more. Here's a guide to the zodiac that will make you say, "Wow, that's me!" From the fiery Arian to the charismatic Aquarian, you'll find examples of yourself, friends, loved ones, and even your children in this down-to-earth guide. No more cosmic adventures into your planets! Now here's a book that tells you the real deal about you and those special people in your life. You'll gain an insight into that practical Virgo brother who's always saving a penny for a rainy day or that energetic Sagittarian sister who just doesn't keep still for a minute.
Black Sun Signs offers light-hearted advice on romance, tips on money matters, discussions about health concerns, and more. You'll also find out what famous African American brothers and sisters share your sign. Whether you're a sexy Leo like Halle Berry or there's a reserved Capricorn like Denzel Washington in your life, you're sure to get the 411 on yourself and everyone you know in Black Sun Signs.
Customer Reviews:
The Truth (At least for Aries Women).......2006-01-22
Next to the Bible, I think this is one of the most important books people need to own. I definitely use it as a point of reference and I'm not even heavy into astrology. But I was called out so accurately, I had no choice but to believe. It's almost alarming how you can be described so well by something that has no pulse. I'm not saying that it'll be the same experience for everyone, but it's definitely not a waste of money--especially if you're single! *wink*
great book.......2005-01-27
I've had this book for years, and I'm sorry that it took me so long to review.
But this book breaks things down for the sistahs and the brothas. I am glad that she took it upon herself to write a book such as this, because it was needed. I keep this book beside Linda Goodman's books. I am sorry, Goodman is a force to be reckoned with!
I think Balfour does an excellent job when describing the signs. She hit the Pisces woman to a Tee for me...I don't want a man who won't work...oh no...I don't play that disability mess either...How are we gonna survive on that? LOL
interesting.......2003-08-16
When I checked my sun sign; Virgo. I was stunned that I actually act like that, some of the facts were wrong...but not every virgo are the same.
BLACK LOVE SIGNS.......2001-04-17
This book is very good it seem so true it draws a lot of atention towards it. I personaly recommend this book to any one who want's to know about there sign and want to read and find out who they are most compatible with.this book and the other books made by this lady make's all the other books I've read seem so fake. I wish I can read more of her books!
IT'S WRITTEN IN THE STARS.......2000-07-09
Thelma Balfour has taken African Americans to and through the solar system and imparted her knowledge and wisdom of the messages written in the stars. For those of us confounded by the cement jungles, ungodly laws and chaotic chemistry of our lives, Miss T. has given us a reason to look up. She helps clarify what we want, where to look for it and to ensure us that we are in fact worthy and destined to have it all. Black Sun Signs is wonderfully and intelligently presented to minds that are hungry for the light of understanding.
Book Description
Brassey's presents the candid and revealing wartime memoir of the twenty-nine year-old man who became South Korea's first four-star general. With photographs and a foreword by the commanders of U.S. forces in the war, Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway and Gen. James A. Van Fleet, FROM PUSAN TO PANMUNJON brings an unprecedented perspective to a cataclysmic war.
Customer Reviews:
Same War, Different Angle........2007-03-28
This is a fairly important book to anyone interested in the Korean War. General Yup was South Korea's first four star general and was a field commander of various units during the war.
What makes this book important is that it covers the same war as many other books, but that it is written not from an American viewpoint but from the view of a soldier whose country was being attacked. This has made the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) through its Institute for Land Warfare put this title on their list of books that should be kept in print for study by AUSA members and others concerned about important issues.
This book was first published in 1992, the copies being sold by Amazon are reprints of the original book.
Excellent memoir and very insightful.......2006-06-26
This is an excellent autobiography. The General's career and development is amazing to have reached 4-Stars at such a young age. His modesty and emphasis on the South Korean Army's development into a complete military organization while at war is remarkable.
What makes this book sobering is when the General describes how thousands of South Koreans volunteered and were sent straight into combat with little training, only to quickly become casualties themselves, sacrificing their lives for their country. Another key item from the General's writing is how only after having the time to fully train, equip, and organize into Divisions with adequate firepower, were they able to successfully conduct offensive operations.
Bravery and courage helped them hold against the North Korean Communist attack along the desperate Pusan perimeter, but it was the firepower of the attached US artillery units that were supporting his South Korean Division that allowed them to counterattack successfully and reach Panmunjom.
The personal family dangers in war is also brought out where he writes about his family, who had to be left behind in Seoul, unable to flee when the North Koreans captured the city. The additional suffering of the civilian populace is also described in this book, caught trying to flee the Communist Army.
Highly recommended reading for the South Korean view of the war. Excellent insight into how important it is to have trained and properly equipped soldiers when fighting a war rather than relying on conscripted soldiers after war has started as the conscripted soldiers will suffer excessive casualties and deaths when fighting against a motivated, trained, and fully armed enemy.
Great look at the Korean Side of the conflict.......2006-01-19
I really enjoyed reading this book by probably the most celebrated Korean General of all time. While it is true that the Korean Army wasn't usually up to the standards of the American Army, Paik's units always seemed to be pretty close in every history of the war. Highly recommended book for anyone that wants to learn more about the Korean War.
The Korean War from the neglected South Korean Perspective.......2005-04-05
I'm glad I found this gem of a book. I've read more then a few Korean War books and they take a decidedly American point of view. It's not to say that this is wrong, but it's certainly unbalanced. Many of these other books go on to describe the ROK army as cowardly, unreliable and prone to breaking. Finally there is a Korean commander that puts the record straight.
Yes, it was true that the ROK army at the time were not up to American Army standards, but it's not fair to put the same expectations on them. It doesn't take a genius to know what happens when militia goes against a heavily equipped professional army head-to-head in the open field. Militia loses every time, just look at how the British man handled continental armies in the first few years of the Revolutionary War. In 1950 the ROK army was the equivalent of a militia as it was very much under equipped, with no armor, air force and very little artillery (some 60mm and 80mm mortars and a few light 105mm pieces).
The U.S. had purposely left the ROK army under equipped and it was designed from the ground up as a lightly armed anti-guerilla force. The ROK army had a very poor junior officer corps, there was not school to train junior officers. The U.S. was too preoccupied in rebuilding Japan and sent very limited funds to South Korea. Proper equipment was not sent, no school for junior officers was established. Anyone who knows something about military matters knows that the backbone of an effective army are the junior officers, the lieutenants, captains and majors that lead the troops into the teeth of enemy fire. The North Korean Army (NKA), on the other hand, had an effective junior officer corps because many of the veterans were anti-Japanese guerilla fighters. Furthermore, the Russians supplied NKA with T-34 tanks, YAK fighter bombers, 155mm artillery, etc. Heavy artillery, tanks and close air support gave the NKA heavy offensive power.
It is not mentioned very often, but American trooped faired NO BETTER against the NKA during the first few months of the war. 24th ID troops ran from their positions when their antiquated WWII era bazookas just scratched the paint off NKA T-34s. It was carrier based air power that saved the Americans from being overrun.
General Paik tells stories of desperate battles, where ROK soldiers wrapped satchel charges around their bodies and threw themselves in suicide missions onto NKA tanks. ROK soldiers did the best they could with the weapons and training they had on hand. General Paik provides a fair and often underappreciated reason for why ROK units faired badly in the early part of the Korean War. As far as I'm concerned, any student of the Korean War cannot consider himself a expert unless he's read Paik's book. It is wrong to not put into consideration the viewpoint of the nation that contributed the most manpower and had the most casualties of all the UN forces. No Korean War library can be considered complete without this book (how many Korea War books have a glowing foreword by Mathew B. Ridgeway himself, huh?).
General Paik Sun Yup was the 29 year old commander of the ROK 1st division. The 1st ROK division had the distinction of the only ROK unit that never retreated from their positions without orders. It was also the only ROK unit that was attached to a U.S. Army Corp for the duration of the war and given tasks expected of a regular U.S. infantry division. General Paik was adamant about the fact that given the proper artillery, armor and air support, the 1st ROK division always performed as well, if not better then any regular U.S. infantry division. The 1st ROK also had the distinction of being the first UN unit to enter Pyongyang, beating several better equipped U.S. units in the race to the NK capital.
A different perspective on the war in Korea.......2000-05-15
General Paik's work stands out among the many works on the Korean War because of his focus on the operations of the Republic of Korea (ROK) forces. Highly recommended to readers looking for information that goes beyond the American contributions to the struggle. The operational details and accounts of the interaction of American and ROK commanders are fascinating. The book suffers slightly from a lack of detailed maps that assist readers in following the movements of the oppossing forces.
Average customer rating:
|
Prince Star
Anne Dalton
Manufacturer: David & Charles
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Children's Books
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ASIN: 071822101X |
Book Description
The sun is a star, like billions of others. But it is the star that is closest to us. It keeps us warm and gives us light and energy. Without the sun, there would be no life on Earth.
Read and find out what the sun is made of. Find out how hot it is, how far away it is, and how long it takes for its light to reach Earth. And try an experiment that will show you how sunlight helps plants grow.
Book Description
Five years have passed since humans set fire to the gas-giant planets, unwittingly committing genocide of the Hydrogues-an infinitely powerful species of aliens-and igniting a war of epic proportions. Meanwhile, as humans struggle to fight against increasing hostilities from the Hydrogues, they learn from the Worldforest that they have awakened an ancient, fearsome, and merciless enemy in the Hydrogues. And when the water-based Wentals and the sun-dwelling Faeros are found, will humans finally have the allies they need? Or will they be caught in the middle of a war that could break apart the galaxy......This thrilling, multi-volume chronicle of a legendary war that spans the galaxy is written in the vein of the best works of Peter F. Hamilton, Dan Simmons, and Frank Herbert.
Customer Reviews:
The Brilliance Continues.......2006-06-01
It's been five years since hydrogue warships destroyed the first gas giant skymines. The major governments in the Spiral Arm are desperate for ekti, the only known fuel for stardrive engines. With skymines out of operation and few other ways to obtain ekti, trade has ground to a near halt and distant colonies are starving.
The Ildiran Empire has suffered, as well. Hydrogues don't distinguish between the humans who accidentally annihilated billions of their people, and the alien species that only resembles them. Forced to desperate ends, the Mage-Imperator must convince his successor of the need for a reprehensible program--the one that tore his lover away.
For the past five years, the hydrogues have been content to limit the destruction to trespassers. Now they've been seen throughout the Spiral Arm, raising tensions in already-fracturing societies.
In this, the second installment to "The Saga of Seven Suns," Anderson pens an epic tale worthy in its own right. While he continues to use multiple subplots to weave the story, each thread is easily distinguishable, and they succeed in creating an overall tapestry of overwhelming depth. More impressive is his ability to do so while providing enough unknowns to keep the reader engaged.
For those who don't like metaphors: It's good. Darn good. If you forget who a character is, you can look it up in an appendix.
Although brilliant, this novel possesses a few issues, albeit nothing devastating. The first is the fuzzy timeline. Events occur in a linear order, but there are few indicators as to the passage of time. The reader is left wondering has much time has passed until one of the rare mentions of "in the past __ months. . ." A simple date stamp for each chapter, or a more concise timeline appendix would be great.
The other issue worthy of mention is that some readers may grow annoyed with the numerous subplots. This is a point than can go either way. As mentioned before, it is this reviewer's opinion that each subplot is clearly drawn and, while not always vital, certainly helpful in allowing the reader an overall view.
Highly recommended to sci-fi fans.
Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
5/31/2006
Getting better.......2005-12-01
Really impressed with this series to date. The first book was pretty good, Forest of Stars got even better. I've adjusted to the short chapters and rapid plot development that was a little disconcerting in book 1, and am really starting to enjoy it. It's nice to see an author who doesn't spend 5 pages describing a building or hole in the ground, but rather moves the pace along quickly and had great action sequences. Some may criticize this series as a cheap thrill because of the brevity of chapters and such, and maybe they're right. But who cares? It's extremely well written, the plot and characters are intriguing, and it leaves you hungry for more. I only hope Anderson continues his high quality work in books 3 and 4. But up to this point I'm very pleased with the Saga of the Seven Suns. A great scifi series that is not to be missed.
Good epic saga.......2005-07-11
After reading the first book in this series, the main problem I had with it was that it started so slow. I was optimistic that this book would be better because it didn't have to introduce everything that the first book did. Fortunately, that did seem to be the case.
This book had a lot more action than the first. It did still drag in a few places, but overall, it kept moving right from the start. It had the same good characters and settings that were set up in the first book, and it introduces some new things as well. About the biggest problem I had with this book is that it seems that the scope of the series is so large that it will be hard to satisfactorily reslove. But I'll reserve judgement on that until I see how it is done.
If you read the first book in this series, you'll definitely want to continue with this one. Also, this has left me even more eager to get the next book.
An effective and engaging continuation of Anderson's saga.......2005-04-20
"A Forest of Stars" continues the lush, exciting space opera begun in "Hidden Empire", and gains a few extra points by not being afraid to move into some very dark areas. These dark developments are mostly there to illustrate Anderson's continuing fascination with the theme of means versus ends: that is, is it permissable to engage in horrific exploitation and experimentation if those are the only methods to develop effective countermeasures against an even-more-horrific enemy? I think most of us would answer "no" to that question, and I think Anderson would, too, but it is quite interesting to see how his characters, especially those in power, develop their own responses to such situations and moral dilemmas. In addition, the stellar war initiated in book one develops in some unexpected ways in this second volume, as more parties enter the fray. The "Seven Suns" epic is traditional space opera with edge, and the opening salvos of books one and two are strong and memorable.
Why so patronizing?.......2005-01-05
Normally, this is the type of sci-fi that I like - a broad opera covering many events that lead up to a grand conclusion. However, Anderson's writing style makes getting through these books a chore, with only paragraphs here and there that bring it to life and make it worthwhile. It seems like every time he describes anything he has to lug out the thesaurus and ensure to include at least three adjectives. In addition, you are constantly reminded in depth of events that took place just a few chapters back. Overall, I get the sense that Anderson doesn't think too highly of his audience - that or he's shooting for the wrong audience altogther. The dialogue is trite and unrealistic - no one that I know speaks like his characters, especially when they are relating to intimate friends. I kept reading for the story line, but I have to admit, I put this book and the previous down a few times, promising that I wasn't going back.
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- Attracting Butterflies & Hummingbirds to Your Backyard: Watch Your Garden Come Alive With Beauty on the Wing (A Rodale Organic Gardening Book)
- Autumn Journey
- Babies With Down Syndrome: A New Parents' Guide (The Special-Needs Collection)
- Barnyard in Your Backyard: A Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Rabbits, Goats, Sheep, and Cows
- Biology
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- Build Your Own Electric Vehicle
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Books Index
Books Home
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