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Customer Reviews (2)

Enjoyable Read
I grew up in the UK during the Britpop era, TFI Friday, and Chris Evans on the radio and telly.

When I emigrated to the US in 2000 I read the rather poor unauthorized biography 'Freak or Unique' on the plane, but this book obviously contains more reality.It's right from the horses' mouth so to speak, and I couldn't put it down.

Having seen the antics of the Ginger one on TV and radio I was fascinated to hear it from his perspective.After all, he lived a life less ordinary.He went from a working class paper boy to one of the biggest celebrities in the UK, rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, ultimately marrying the beautiful Billie Piper.

Sadly the story ends right after he bought Virgin Radio from Sir Richard Branson.Yet to come is his famous melt down, retreat from public life with his young bride, and eventually his redemption.

I've always been a huge fan of this interesting man whose antics brightened the early 90s of Britain for us 20 somethings.If you remember the Blur vs. Oasis war and TFI Friday, you'll probably love this book.Just be prepared to buy the sequel due out at the end of the year to find out what happens next.

I read my copy on my iPhone, and like another reviewer said, there are no pictures on the Kindle iPhone version.But then it was cheaper and for me it didn't spoil the experience.

All the pictures are missing
This Kindle edition has all the pictures missing, on my iPhone at least.It reads like images are an integral part of some bits of the book, as sometimes there's just a gap and what's written doesn't make any sense.Not the end of the world but I'd expect better for the price. ... Read more

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As the human-dominated Calahrian Empire struggles to maintain its hold on power in the face of armed rebellion from within, the Iron Elves’ perilous quest to defeat the power-hungry elf witch, the Shadow Monarch, takes on greater urgency. The Iron Elves, shunned by their own people for bearing the mark of the Shadow Monarch, and desperately wanting to forever erase this shame, became legendary for their prowess on the battlefield as the Calahrian Imperial Army’s elite shock troops. But when their commanding officer, Konowa Swift Dragon, murdered the Viceroy of Elf kyna, he was exiled, and these brave elves were banished to a remote desert outpost, doomed and leaderless, their honor in tatters. Recalled to duty to reform his regiment from the dregs of the Imperial Army, Konowa thwarted the plans of the Shadow Monarch at the Battle of Luuguth Jor—ensuring that the fabled Red Star, a source of great natural energy, did not fall into Her hands.

Now Konowa must cross storm-tossed seas to seek out the lost elves and the prophesied return of another Star somewhere in a desert wasteland roiling with mysterious power, infernos of swirling magic, and legends brought back to life in new and terrible ways. And the fate of every living creature will come to depend on a small band of ragged and desperate soldiers, whose very loyalty to the Empire they have sworn to serve is no longer certain. When death is but a temporary condition, a terrifying question arises: who is the true ally—and fearsome enemy—in a growing conflict that threatens all? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Bill's Blog
Interesting book as it is the second in the series.Different character development, evels are not the peace loving pointy eared forest dwellers of previous stories.Also interesting in that the mail people in the story (not leading characters) are humams and the elves and one dwafr of note are trying to blend in with the way the humans who conquer the lands of the elves and dwarf.May be some parrelle from the more modern loss of land by the American Indians or possibly the rebuilding and blending in of the German people after the failed attepmt to subjugate others, could the druids in a work of fantasy be the Jewish people in real lise.Enough of the philosophical rhetoric just enjoy the read.

Great fantasy
This book continues where book 1 left off. Konowa and The Iron Elves are destroying the Shadow Monarchs trees on islands on their way to the desert on the south. There Konowa hopes to meet up with his exiled men, the true Iron Elves and with them take up the fight to banish the Shadow Monarch. But as they come closer darkness is growing, and there are rumours about another Star falling in the desert. Everyone wants the starts power for their own purpose, and Konowa knows that he held it once and did not free his men from their terrible oath, but can he do it again?

I really liked book 1, A Darkness Forged in Fire. It was good, and then suddenly it was so good that I did not want to put it down. Not the same feeling here because all books are different, but this was still great epic fantasy, and after reading this I do want to read book 3 that is out sometime 2010.

A negative thing about this book is that he did not move forward the possible relationship between Visyana and Konowa. Are there to be more books? Because then he movie it slow, as it was now they did not even say a word to each other. That was a tad bit slow since there obviously is something there.

The other negative part for me was that this was mostly about Allwyn, yes he was crucial to the book as he can see their fallen comrades and talk to them, he has a tree for a leg and he can handle the dark magic the best. It was his story in a way, still I missed Konowa.

But don't get me wrong, this was still good fantasy. The battle continues and I am really starting to like the different soldiers, while not so much others. Here we learnt more and got to see more of everyone, and of course big epic fight in the end when the star has come. The Empire wants it, the desert wants it, mysterious powers wants it, the Shadow Monarch wants it, yes it's not an easy battle and he manages to surprise me in the end.

Good old fantasy, with a big slice of military, I do like it. I will always like fantasy the best because it has this way of capture me the most. It's the excellent world building, the thought behind the political unrest and so forth. Oh and gotta have a nice map too, I want to see where I am going. This book has all those things, and I hope book 3 keeps up the good pace.


"They might be doomed, damned, and buggered for all eternity, but that didn't mean they couldn't sparkle like a diamond in the sun and grin like a skull in the moonlight on their way to oblivion."

Book II...the adventures of Major Konowa and his Iron Elves continue.
'The Light of the Burning Shadows' is the second book in the Iron Elves series by Chris Evans.

The Iron Elves are a corps of soldiers of the Calarhian Empire lead by their charismatic leader, Major Konowa. This group, many years before, had been disbanded in disgrace, but now have been reinstated by Prince Tyrrin to try to counter an ever growing and evil threat to the Empire. This story involves an entirely new geographic, the Hasshugah Desert, replete with its own unique dangers and unknowns.

Although the main protagonist of the series is the elf, Major Konowa, Evans takes great pains to further develop several of his side characters; of note, the dwarf, Sargeant Yimt Arkhorn, and humans, private Alwyn Renwar and Prince Tyrrin. In fact, the book is filled with a host of really interesting and complex side characters.

This tale has all the ingredients for good fantasy; characters with magical attributes, hideous creatures, deceit and betrayal and unexpected events and occurences. But above all this is the exceptional quality of story-telling that Evans possesses; a skill worthy of note. Evans is able to keep the readers attention with character development, a sprinkling of humor and some rip roaring battles; but all equally well done with a good sense of pace and timing.

Conclusion:

In truth and for reasons hard to define, I liked book I a little more. But nonetheless, a fine addition to the 'Iron Elves'. I look forward to the next installment. 4 1/2 to 5 Stars.

Ray Nicholson

Especially recommended for prior fans of Chris Evans' world
Book 2 of the 'Iron Elves' series, The Light of Burning Shadows provides a strong thriller and tells of magic and diplomacy in the human-dominated empire of Calahrian, which struggles against the Iron Elves' quest to defeat a power-hungry witch. Konowa is recalled to duty in the army to battle - now he must seek out these lost elves and handle magic, prophecy, and dangerous new legends in this gripping fantasy, especially recommended for prior fans of Chris Evans' world.

Even better than the first!
The groundwork was laid in the first book of the series, A Darkness Forged in Fire, and the adventure continues to build and unfold in The Light of the Burning Shadows. I loved the first book because I thought it was a great story that had everything -- magic, battles, a hint of romance, political intrigue -- and Evans does not disappoint with Book 2. I love this installment even more than the first book! The characters are richer and made me take another look at them. I didn't like the Prince at all in the first book but now I am seeing him in a whole new light. Alwyn was kind of wimpy in the first book but emerges very strong in this one. There is a loss that made me sad, but I love the further development of the 3 witches. I could see a whole book devoted to them! Maybe that would prolong the tale of the Iron Elves but based on what I have read so far, that would definitely be a good thing! My only complaint is that I have to wait so long for Book 3!! ... Read more

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A Simon & Schuster eBook ... Read more

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We do not fear the flame, though it burns us,
We do not fear the fire, though it consumes us,
And we do not fear its light,
Though it reveals the darkness of our souls,
For therein lies our power.
-- Blood Oath of the Iron Elves

First in a stunning debut series, A Darkness Forged in Fire introduces an unforgiving world of musket and cannon...bow and arrow...magic, diplomacy, and oaths -- each wielding terrible power in an Empire teetering on the brink of war.

In this world, Konowa Swift Dragon, former commander of the Empire's elite Iron Elves, is looked upon as anything but ordinary. He's murdered a Viceroy, been court-martialed, seen his beloved regiment disbanded, and finally been banished in disgrace to the one place he despises the most -- the forest.

Now, all he wants is to be left alone with his misery...but for Konowa, nothing is ever that simple. The mysterious and alluring Visyna Tekoy, the highborn daughter of an elfkynan governor, seeks him out in the dangerous wild with a royal decree that he resume his commission as an officer in Her Majesty's Imperial Army, effective immediately.

For in the east, a falling Red Star heralds the return of a magic long vanished from the earth. Rebellion grows within the Empire as a frantic race to reach the Star unfolds. It is a chance for Konowa to redeem himself -- even if the entire affair appears doomed to be a suicide mission...

and that the soldiers recruited for the task are not at all what he expects. And worse, his key adversary in the perilous race for the Star is the dreaded Shadow Monarch -- a legendary elf-witch whose machinations for absolute domination spread deeper than Konowa could ever imagine.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

all the character motivations seem fake
Reading this book was a struggle; I held through to the end thinking it might redeem itself and it left an even worse taste in my mouth.

Villains - The villains in this book have absolutely no characterization or depth, apparently they simply enjoy being evil for evil's sake.

The World - The world itself is barely fleshed out and the reader is given the feeling they should just import their notions of 18th century and basic high fantasy into this world.However, even with that the unique concepts of this world are never explained or developed; instead terms are just thrown out there for reader to try latch onto.Additionally the world comes across elves from mysterious wild land to the west, desert areas to the south, british/european area to the north, etc.I understand this may be natural as it reflects our world, but this is supposed to be a fantasy and something different.

Protagonists - I'm not sure how other readers see the dwarf character as unique, he is just like any other dwarf, which basically means he acts like a truck driver with a good heart deep down inside.Konowa, the main character is written in a schizophrenic fashion and comes across as an echo of Drizzt from Salvatore's books, especially with his giant black cat companion.Konowa's parents, while minor characters, have a great deal of influence on the plot and their motives are are never even touched on.

All in all I just have trouble believing that any of the characters would act the way they do (the regular soldiers do admittedly act like soldiers I suppose).

Nonstop in depth storyline
This book is very in depth and stays on track with the story. It is extremely consistent with everything laid out as you progress and a great cliff hanger of an ending. Guaranteed to leave you looking up the second book to find out what will happen. Great style of battle with a mash up of colonial musket infantry and your typical sword and shield medieval, as off putting as it may seem it is put together perfectly and the story flows just the same.

Good moments, bad moments, overall = meh
Good news - Bad news . . .

The good: there are non-typical protagonists.The bad:Elf and dwarf protagonists are much too human, especially in their style of speech.

The good: storyline has potential.The bad: the ending is thoroughly unsatisfying and doesn't lend itself to seemless sequels.Kind of like watching a Seinfeld episode, nothing worthwhile was completed by the end.

The good: military premise is strong and evenly presented.The bad: everything outside of the military premise is forced and unnatural.The relationship between the main character and the female lead is very juvenile and cliche.

Sadly, I have no intent or desire to buy book number two.

So close to being a keeper...
Really wished this would have been a stronger book one.I'm with the other reviewers in that I probably won't invest the time in book 2 as I had to push a little through this one.Good story basis - wartime campaign, elves, magic and muskets, evil mysterious enemy - but I kept waiting for something to pop and it never did.The set up for the second book is interesting but I don't think I'll ever find out.. bummer.This IS like a pilot episode for a new TV series that never makes it... or a movie that goes right to DVD.It's "ok" but that's about all- it's not going on the "keep it shelf" next to Name of the Wind or Brent Weeks Shadow books.

Wonderful!!!
I really enjoyed this book.I am not a real fan as far as battles lasting for page after page however this only occured at the end of the book.I will definatly read the second book once it becomes available in paperback. ... Read more

Product Description
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans ruled the West from the silver screen as the King of Cowboys and and Queen of the West. Off screen, this husband and wife duo raised a family and lived the "Code of the West." Now, in this new book, the Rogers family shares their memories of Roy, Dale, and Trigger, along with their other sidekicks and more than a hundred never before seen, behind the scenes photographs.
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Customer Reviews (8)

Bio
This is a very interesting book.As a pictorial you not only can read their back grounds but can also see some great pictures as well.I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Roy and Dale.

Happy Trails, pictoral celebration,Roy Rogers & Dale Evans
A beautiful book for any fan. It has pictures that show the lives of Roy,Dale and family off stage and we can truly get a glimpse how genuine they were. Like Dusty Rogers said, "they were ordinary people living extraordinary lives". They were,and still are good examples. Their best example and inspiration are the lives they lived in family, and selfless service to others. They endured trials and heartache like all of us and learned to trust in God and family.This book is like a family photo album we have the pleasure to view for ourselves. I recommend this as a wonderful gift for any fan, or as a piece of bygone days when America had real heroes on the silver screen,who were heroes in real life as well.

Happy Trails!
I am very happy with this Pictorial book has really great pictures and stories about Roy & Dale. I highly recommend it to any fans of Roy Rogers & Dale Evans.

Thank you Amazon!

Happy Trails = Happy Memories
I grew up watching Roy and Dale on TV but even though they were part of my life, and one of the reasons I still love horses, I learned a lot about them as people in this great book. Really glad I bought it.

Picture Book
I liked this book and plan to always keep it.It contained a lot of the same pictures I have seen over the years and I would have liked more "never seen before" photos.It is good to have so many of them though in one book - like a photo album. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

The Cowboy and The Senorita
This book takes you back to a simpler and better time in our history. They truly were a magical couple who made all of us as kids want to be one of "the good guys".

Roy & Dale
Growing up watching the TV shows and later watching them on Christian TV, I am a great fan of theirs.I even visited their museum in California and just missed seeing Roy.I loved the book.I'm not a great reader but couldn't put it down. I even plan to read it again!

Time capsule for a generation
I loved this little book. Not a Hollywood whitewash, but a real story of two people whose love of family and faith shined for a whole generation because of their earnest values and huge hearts.

One of the best biographies about Roy Rogers & Dale Evans!
Chris Enss's, The Cowboy and the Senorita: A Biography of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans is one of the most heart-warming and well written biographies about the "King of the Cowboys" and the "Queen of the West." The personal stories of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans are very well crafted, and the author is able to capture the essence and soul of these two wonderful people. Ms. Enss is articulate, animated, and amazing when she read excerpts from her book at a Barnes & Noble store. Fans of her wonderful book should really meet the author in person. I truly hope an audio version of this book gets produced soon.

Packs in black and white photos and high drama
The Cowboy And The Senorita provides fans of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with a new, authorized biography based on the contributions of the Rogers family, who share their inside story of the two. From Dale's determination to be a singer despite her position as a teen single mother to Roy's first wife's death and his struggles raising three children alone, Cowboy And The Senorita packs in black and white photos and high drama to re-create the special challenges and lives of the two. ... Read more

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Biography of broadcaster Chris Evans covering his early life to his work for Radio 1,on the Big Breakfast, Dont Forget Your Toothbrush and TFI Friday, as well as his personal life. Jones drew his information from Chris Evans' friends and colleagues. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An Accurate Portrayal Of Britain's Maverick Media Mogul?
The meteoric rise of Chris Evans has mainly been chronicled in tabloid reports of excess, erratic behaviour and the nastiest temper in show business. Is Freak or Unique, the title itself suggesting an analysis of character, anything diferent, would it show a different side to Evans?Sadly it has not, the author himself a tabloid journalist, has interviewed a biased selection of characters from Evans' life and attempted to fool the reader into thinking he'd interviewed more worthy names by piecing together old interviews.With very little revolutionary material, Freak or Unique fails to achieve an in depth analysis of Chris Evans. ... Read more

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A Practical Guide to Teaching Music in the Secondary School provides valuable support, guidance and creative ideas for student teachers, mentors and practising teachers who want to develop their music teaching. Written to accompany the successful textbook Learning to Teach Music in the Secondary School, it will help you understand important current developments and explore new possibilities for teaching and learning.

Focusing on teaching music musically, the book explores musical learning through placing pupils at the centre of a musical experience. Considering the revised KS3 curriculum and the 14--19 agenda in music, it also seeks to broaden the perspectives of music teachers through engaging with collaborative practice, transitions and cross-curricular work. Key issues explored include:

• personalising musical learning
• teaching creatively and promoting creativity
• approaches to using ICT in the classroom
• musical collaboration with other adults
• assessment for learning in music
• making connections with other subjects.

Using practical examples and tasks, this book will help you critically examine the way in which children learn music. It is an invaluable resource for those involved in teaching music who are seeking to develop their practical and theoretical understanding.

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Customer Reviews (1)

High Quality Work
This is the firstbook I bought in my fantasy art collection. It's also where I first encountered the work of Jim Burns and Boris Vallejo.

"The Guide to Fantasy Art Techniques" is a somewhat misleading title. This is not a "how to" book, but a series of interviews with some of the most talented practitioners of fantasy art. The artists do mention the materials they use, but that's about all. The caption "Where did you get the idea?" is pretty simple to answer: from the writer of the manuscript, or the brief given by the art director.

There are interviews with eight artists: Jim Burns, Ian Miller, Patrick Woodroffe, Phillip Castle (the one who did the "Clockwork Orange" poster), Syd Mead, Chris Foss, Martin Bower and Boris Vallejo. The artists talk about their early days, their influences (favourite artists, comics) and so on. Some went to art school. Others didn't. Some found art school a tremendous learning experience. Others didn't.

My only criticism is that the book doesn't give the dimensions of the artwork. The only real idea you get of size is in the photo of Boris Vallejo sitting next to his easel, or Martin Bower standing with his model spacecraft. It's hard to pick out a favourite artist from this lot, but I think the one I connect to most is Chris Foss. He was very influential in SF art, even inspiring Jim Burns. I like that phrase Patrick Woodroffe uses, "to skirt the edges of kitsch". I'm not sure how his work would go down at art college. Woodroffe makes another telling comment, regarding the perception of "artists" as opposed to "illustrators": "For me most of the best artists are illustrators anyway. Some people describe painting as 'literary' as if it were an insult. I don't see why you have to be very abstract or self-effacing to produce something worthwhile". This is very true. Think of all those Renaissance paintings with religious subject matter, inspired by the biggest bestseller of all time. People still admire them centuries later as "art".

There's a theory I've been mulling over regarding the definitions of art and illustration. Illustration is something that everyone can understand. Art is something only the initiated can understand. Maybe that's an unfair generalisation, but there does seem to be an element of snobbery over what constitutes "real art". I guess it's all a matter of personal taste.

While the best part of the book is the artwork, along with the interviews, Martyn Dean writes a good afterword on the subject of imagination and inspiration. You finish reading it with an even stronger conviction about the merits of fantasy art. ... Read more

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As volume 3 in the bi-annual Atax Tax Administration series this book provides timely insights and analysis of major developments in this area in recent years. It includes contributions from administrators and academics operating at the highest levels in the OECD, Australasia, Europe and North America.Chapters cover the full range of tax administration issues, from benchmarking best practice through to the role of intermediaries, aspects of revenue collection and repayment and issues relating to compliance, compliance costs and complexity. ... Read more

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