Product Description
TRUE TO THE GAME II will pick up where True to the Game left off-- with one difference, Gena is now seeing a new guy named Jay.Little does Gena know that the man she has fallen in love with, so soon after Quadir's death, is his archrival, Jerrell Jackson.Unfortunately, Jerrell is determined to get his revenge against Quadir's crew and he'll start with Gena. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (98)

Better Then Part #1
Let me start this book review by giving Teri Woods her 2 thumbs up & much love because True To The Game 2 was off the meat hook,I rated this book a 4.5,one of the best books I have read in 2010,way better then part 1.Teri Woods gives the reader 3 stories in one book that center around the main characters Gena,Jerrell and Rasun.This time around our girl Gena has more money then she can spend in a lifetime & more problem then she can handle with her new man Jerrell who has a healthy appetite for death.Then you have poor little Rasun who is stuck between a rock & a very hard place when he gets in bed with some very crooked cops who are out to get what they feel is theres,Quadir's money.Throughout this book there's a mysterious black BMW that follows Gina all over Philly,the drivers identity is never revealed until the very last page of this book,which gives you a good idea about what part 3 will be about.True To The Game 2 is a real page turner,each chapter will keep you wanting more & more from this hot story.

Not as good as the first, but still great
I loved True To The Game so it was no surprise I also enjoyde the sequel.I do think the storylines remained clever, which they usually don't in sequels, but that was no issue here.However, I know there is a part three but I have put off reading it yet.With the ending of the story, it just seems it's going in the down-wards direction and there are going to be a lot of story flaws.We shall see.

bomb!!
This book is the best one!! the first one was okay but this one puts the icing on the cake about everything thats been going on. The end messed me up to find out that Quadir was still alive even though i suspected it from the beginning when Gena noticed the black BMW following her. I really hope im not disappointed in the 3rd book....I read into it a little bit and found out how Quadir's name was changed and how the doctor is his new found love or something....i will be reading it soon.

BETTER THAN THE FIRST!!
SOME BOOKS ARE SO GOOD YOU DON'T THINK THE 1ST ONE CAN BE TOPPED, BUT THIS IS DEFINATLEY NOT THE CASE.

Stay true to the game!
I read True to the game part 1 and hated it..I thought part 1 was just bad. Too many characters & Gena & Quadir seemed to not have personalities. Well True to the game II was much better. I liked it. The plot made for an interested read. I think it was a good quick read. I would recommend it. And oh my god, the ending of this book is CRAZY. Thankfully I had part 3! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Great cash game book
I read a lot of poker books in my career.
I really liked this book, excellent book for cash games.
The book really improved my game, and I took a lot from it.
I really recommend it to pros and to beginners.

Together with Vol. 1 the best no limit cash game books
Vol.1 and 2 could be one great book but printed separtate I guess you make more money.Just like the tournament editions to get the full effect you need both.I like Harringtons strategy books more than any other authors I've read.To me they are an easy read and have lots of good info.I think they are the best books covering no limit cash games.

Great book on cash games !!!
Well...I've always been a tournament player for as long as I can remember, but started playing cash games a year ago and was always looking for a good book on cash games. For those who have looked for poker cash games books, you know that its quite difficult to find great books on this subject until Harrington came out with this cash games book almost 2 years ago. Now I'm not any big time cash player, so my primary interest was low stakes NL cash games ( 1-2,2-4 ). Now, to my pleasant surprise, there is an entire section on beating weak games toward the back of the book. This was EXACTLY what I was looking for...." how to beat weak low stakes games " Anyhow I found the information remarkable and indispensable to say the least. I already knew how to make adjustments from playing tourneys to cash games and now this book has allowed me to understand the thinking behind playing a certain way against players at this level. I've already made a good profit in the last 3 sessions Ive played at local casinos.
Now...let me be clear on one thing....by following these tips, you are by no means guaranteed to win as many of you know....but it does give you a guide and framework to work with, adopt and practice against these low stakes games.
As in any poker game, cash or tournaments, the caveats of poker success like flexibility, making proper adjustments to your opponents, knowing proper odds, as well as mixing up your play hold true as ever.

Dan the Man
Harrington uses tons of examples, likely scenarios for hands.He explains the thinking behind a lot of decisions.this book (set) is huge.I would recommend vol. I first (covers preflop and flop play) then vol II.(turn river).
Worth reading many times to really learn some of the methodology and randomizing he suggests.Anyone who can read this and follow the advice in a disciplined way, coupled with decent table observation skills and memory can really step their game up a notch.

(I have read a ton of poker books and VOL I and II would rank near or at the top)

couldn't put it down
My significant other had volume one so when he opened his Christmas present of this book he could not put it down.All throughout the day you would look over and there he was reading this book.It must be good because he doesn't read much.I recommend this book to anyone who likes poker. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (53)

Games Criminals Play:How Can You profit yb Knowing Them
This is the best book on manipulation ever written.It can be difficult to read in places, but has great examples and should be studied.

America's Galactic Foreign Legion: Book 1: Feeling Lucky (Volume 1)

Good Information to Know
I read this book out of pure curiosity.I am not employed by a prison and I am not in the criminal justice system at all but I am interested in the inner workings of the criminal mind and this book was quite illuminating.I have already read "Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us" listed on Amazon and I found it to be a good intro for this topic (it is a horrifying eyeopener into the dark side of society).Games Criminals Play is a very specifically targeted book intended for anyone working in a prison or around convicts.It explains the game of how a savvy con will gain the confidence of a prison worker and ensnare them in order to extract favors.The evil forces at work in the criminal mind become evident and the plan is laid out in detail step by step.I was truly disturbed by just how cunning and methodical a a group of convicts working together can be.In other words, if you are a prison worker you need to be aware - very aware of just what is really going on.As an outsider to this whole business, I will just tuck this information aware and remember it if I ever have to deal with someone who I feel is a bit shady.

SOBERING
At the risk of sounding trite,this is a "must read" for anyone working in institutions. Although mainly directed toward corrections,the array of manipulations & their safeguards apply to a lesser degree to any limited egress facility-such as secure psychiatric units where I have most experience. This is a fascinating page turner which I found almost frightening even after 36 years of working in psychiatry. Many of the manipulative set ups described were so familiar to me,I found myself wincing when recalling how they were run on many of my nursing collegues over the years. My only minor criticism is in the authors' closing remarks-describing ability to detect such games as some "psychic" capability. This idea is nonsensical & unscientific. It's a variety of tactical awareness which must be sharply developed in any hostile environment if a professional is to survive & do one's job effectively.

"Games Criminals Play"
In style and presentation, as well as the information presented,this book is directed (apparently) at the extremely naive.Is it because persons hired into the correctional systems are less educated, less mature and more gullible then those going into other areas of law enforcement?

There was no index, and a glossary of prison jargon might have been useful.

The first printing was in 1981.Shouldn't the book have evolved more in the subsequent 31 printings?Where are the sections on terrorist recruiting activities in prison?

In the "About the Authors" section I was impressed by the experience of Bud Allen, and by Diana Bosta's ability to have her "social welfare" viewpoint prevail!

I expected more.

Warren Franks, CPP, Sgt., LASD, Retired
Former Fiscal and Administrative Aide to LA County Jail Division Chiefs; at a time when that system was the second largest penal system in the United States.

A Must Read For Those About To Enter Into This Unique Teaching Experience
The incarcerated are very good at these games.They have had years of practice to perfect their craft.If you are prone to trusting people and giving them the benefit of the doubt, you must read this before entering this subculture.You can get caught up in something before you even realize what has happened. ... Read more

Product Description
About the original 1000 PlayThinks,Will Shortz of The New York Times said it best: “The most wide-ranging, visually appealing, entertaining, gigantic collection of brainteasers since Sam Loyd’s Cyclopedia of Puzzles almost a century ago.”Inside The Big Book of Brain Games, you will find an obsessive collection of 1,000 challenges, puzzles, riddles, illusions—originals as well as must-do classics—it’s like salted peanuts for the brain. With jampacked pages and a full-color illustration for each entry, the book, opened anywhere, is a call to action. (And it’s guaranteed to make you smarter.) Twelve basic categories include Geometry, Patterns, Numbers, Logic and Probability, and Perception. An easy-to-read key at the top of each game ranks its difficulty on a scale of 1 to 10, while indices in the back cross-reference the puzzles. (You’ll find the answers back there, too.) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Excellente resource to my students
Is an excellent resourse to challenge our students to think more analytical but without the pressure of the math test.

book for developing brain
good book for children as well as adult. help to improve thinking and memory power.but some questions are not worthy

The book is a brain-tease and AWESOME!
My son-in-law is always looking for something to stimulate his children's minds.This book is A-#1 in his opinion.

Brain Train
It was given as a gift.Haven't had complete feedback yet. It seems very good.

Didn't like the illustrations or the quantity over quality format
Yes, it's illustrated, colorful and printed on large glossy sheets of paper, but the illustrations are just awful. Anyone would feel out of place among its assortment of toys, clowns and cowboys. (just look at the cover.)

This book seems to be targeted to families, also judging from the reviews here. It opens flat and the problems come with large images and print, so that it can be read together with other people. The puzzles are rated from 1 to 10 in difficulty, so there's something for every skill level.

I would've probably found this optimally challenging when I was about 10-15 or so.

One of my major complaints is that puzzles aren't sorted by difficulty: there should be separate sections for easy, medium and hard puzzles for example.

1000 puzzles is probably also too much. If the problems would take 3 minutes on average, that's 3000 minutes, which is 50 hours. While it's not much more than an average console or PC RPG, I doubt most have even gotten close to finishing the book. ... Read more

Product Description
To lose the game is to lose your life in bestselling author L.J. Smith's THE FORBIDDEN GAME. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Not the best...
This is the first book I have read by this author - and did so based on the reviews being so complimentary on Amazon.I can say that I will not be reading any more by L.J. Smith after this.While there was a plot/story line, it was very amateurish - I'm assuming the author is not a teenager but I would not be surprised if she was given the writing style.I think the story had a lot of potential to be good but never quite got there...not enough details and not particularly strong characters.This was not the worst book I have read, I did finish it, but it is definitely not one I would recommend.I'm really surprised by the rave reviews here.This is the first book I have seen so highly rated on Amazon that I did not care for at all.

WOW!
Here, is an AWSOME book, I would recommend it to anyone who longs for adventure, this book gives you thrills, chills, and romance, what more could you ask for?

loved this book
I for one am a big fan oo L.J. Smith.I love of the books that she writes. This book is full of suspense.I just love following Jenny in finding herself in all three of these books.These three books in one kept my attention from the very beginning to the very end.I was not dissapointed in these books.The only thing that I would change was how clingy and needy Jenny was in the beginning of the first book.I would reccomend this book to anyone

This rating will change ...
as soon as this book is made available on Kindle for people in the US.

Why even allow a sample to download if the book itself isn't available?Bad advertising, people.

Edit:Got in contact with Amazon and managed to convince them that the book is, in fact, available as an e-book in the US, as both Barnes&Noble and Borders Books can attest to (considering they both sell it).They fixed the issue, so all is well.

Now that that's taken care of, I changed the rating to four stars, because the book itself is really very good. I already own a paperback copy, but I've read it so many times it's starting to fall apart.While The Forbidden Game isn't classic literature, it's definitely one of LJ Smith's best trilogies, and the book that made me a fan.If you're a fan of the movie Labyrinth (which I am), think of this story as a darker version of the movie, and Julian as a slightly more evil (but no less sexy) version of the Goblin King.

I'd take a slightly sadistic shadow man like Julian over sparkly vampires with no personality, any day.

I can't believe how fast I got this.
You guys are wonderful! I got this book so fast. You made the effort to ship my item fast and I got it in just about a couple of days. i am so impressed! I will definately buy from you again! Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!!! ... Read more

Product Description
This definitive book on games offers rules, strategies, and odds for more than 250 games, including:

* Scrabble(r) * Bridge * Chess * Backgammon * Minesweeper * Freecell * Gin Rummy * Canasta * Poker* and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Necessary Book!
When you are retired and the weather is too hot or too cold to be outside, and the television is an insult to your intelligence, values, and morals-and maybe you're not up to any hanky-panky--take out a deck of cards to play a good game with your spouse!JUST BE SURE YOU HAVE THIS BOOK TO KEEP FROM ARGUING ABOUT THE RULES!

Excellent condition
This book was purchased with a set and am happy with all of the books that came - very informative and were in excellent condition.

This book has it all
I bought this book for my Mom as a Christmas Gift, my Mom is recently retired and living in a retirement community where she has gotten very involved in playing cards.She plays many different games on different days so I thought this would be a fun gift.She was actually quite excited because it had all of the rules for all the games she played plus many more games she was contemplating joining but was unsure of the rules.Before buying I compared the table of contents of this book and found that it had rules for way more games than the others on the market.

Hoyles Rules of games
I bought it as a replacement for the one my son took with him when he moved out to MD.Since it's been 30 years since I have played any kind of cards, I got this to have if and when necessary.

Great Book
As always, "Hoyle's Rules of Games" is a great product for learning how to play a variety of card games, dice, etc.We owned one that was very old and needed to be replaced, as it was falling apart.This book will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about the rules of many, many games.I would highly recommend this item. ... Read more

Product Description
Easy-to-Play Reproducible Games That Teach Essential Math Skills
Get kids fired up about math with this big collection of super-cool reproducible board games that build key skills: multiplication, division, fractions, probability, estimation, mental math, and more! Each game is a snap to make and so easy to play. Add them to your classroom routine and watch those test scores soar! Content is correlated with the NCTM Standards. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

half and half
Half of these games are usable, half are just not worth it.
Overall, the book is just okay. In terms of using it in the classroom- there are so good ideas to bounce off of, but you might have to modify the directions to make the game run a little smoother.

Great resource for math games!
This book has a wide variety of fun games to help students practice with skills ranging from arithmetic, fractions, geometry, and even probability and statistics. I make photocopies and place them in sheet protectors, which makes it easier to keep them organized in a binder. Then, the students can use dry erase board markers and play over and over again without wasting paper. One criticism I have of the book is that you definitely should try out the games yourself first...I have already found an error in "The Eliminators" game (Mission 3), but it was easily fixed.

Fun ways to apply math skills
25 Super Cool Math Board Games is a good resource for quickly creating games that challenge students to apply a variety of math skills and concepts. I've found it helpful in my 6th grade resource math classroom.

Great games
Games in this book are a great way to practice math concepts. I bought if for my son to play at home as extra practice. Great buy.

25 Super Cool Math Board Games
There are a lot of products similar to this one, but this is the best "Math Games" book that I have ever purchased. It has easy-to-understand instructions and games are matched to appropriate grade-level curriculum. Students really enjoy these games and have opportunities to learn from them by reflecting on the strategies they use, creating new games, and by attempting challenging tasks included in the book. If you are looking for a good Math games book, look no further. ... Read more

Product Description
It's the late 1980s, and Gena, a young girl from the projects, meets Quadir, a millionaire drug dealer, and falls madly in love. Quadir builds a massive empire while fighting his rivals and enemies. Gena faces the challenges of holding onto her man, her house, her car, and the cash. Both of them find themselves caught up in a vicious yet seductive world, and learn that success in this game is no easy win. Gena and Quadir also learnthat once you're in, there's no way out, 'cause everyone stays in forever....True. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (372)

A MUST READ!!!!!!!!
The is the first series I have read of Terri Woods.The entire series was awesome from beginning to end.I would recommend this series to all.

I dont understand what all the hype was about this book,
I read this book when it was released for the first time back in the mid 90"s,I had
to read it again because I'm finally going to read part 2 & had forgotten most of
the original story.After reading this book for the 2nd time I fail to understand or
see what all the hype was about.Maybe that's because I have read so many urban and street fiction books I have come to expect more.True To The game is a simple book about a girl who get involved with a big time drug dealer with a very sad ending.It's a well written book with a decent plot,good storyline & good character developement but has very little action.The chapters are way to long which make it a little harder when trying to pace yourself when reading this book.True To The Game received over 330 reviews on Amazon,227 where 5 star reviews & I dont get it.
I have read this book twice,I dont know what book all those people where reading but it sure wasn't the one I read.This book leave alot of doors open with alot of unanswered questions,I'm hopeing those doors will be closed & those questions get answered in part 2.

I LOVE this book, it's a MUST READ.
I love this book as soon as I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I think Teri Woods is a great author and I can't wait to read what she writes next.

HEART WARMER
ALL THREE OF THE BOOKS IS WONDERFUL I WILL READ THEM AGAIN IN THE FUTURE

Ever heard of an editor?
After hearing many great reviews, I decided to read the book myself to see what all the fuss was about. I was very disappointed.First of all, has Ms. Woods ever heard of an editor?This book was filled with so many errors that at times it was distracting.In my opinion the plot was boring.I'm struggling to understand what all the fuss is about this book and this author.For those of you who are avid readers and truly know good authors and storytelling, save your money and if you must read it, borrow it from the library. ... Read more

Product Description
This narrative chronicles the birth of the modern game of golf through the story of Harry Vardon and Francis Ouimet. These men, in pursuit of their passion for a sport that had captivated them since childhood, lifted themselves out of their lives of common poverty and broke down rigid social barriers, transforming the game of golf into one of the most widely played sports in the world today. Vardon and Ouimet were two men from different generations and vastly different corners of the world whose lives, unbeknown to them at the time, bore remarkable similarities, setting them on parallel paths that led to their epic battle at Brookline in the 1913 US Open. This collision resulted in the "big bang" that gave rise to the sport of golf as we know it. In this book, Mark Frost tells their story, including along the way over a dozen of the game's seminal figures, within the dramatic framework offered by the 1913 tournament where they finally met, which became one of the most thrilling sports events in history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (81)

One of the best sports book ever written
Frost is a master story teller. This book plus the Match are the two best sports books written.

Wonderful
Mark Frost writes masterfully, This is the 3rd book of his I have read. You feel as if you are in the story. his ability to weave history and a story together is uncanny.

Great Read
This book is a very good compliment to the movie 'The Greatest Game Ever Played'.Mr. Frost did his homework.He included background information, history on all of the players, and follow through. I actually wondered if the book was going to turn out the way the movie did.I'm not into golf but still enjoyed it, if you are into golf you'll appreciate the technicalities (some of which I skipped through).The movie was a little different than what really happened so it was interesting to know the real story.

Well done Mr. Frost, thank you for taking the time to follow up on what happened to all of the players in the game after the 1913 Open, and for the history on Harry Vardon and Ted Ray.

Great Shape, Great Service
This book came in great shape, looking just like new.It also was shipped and received in a timely manner.

One of the Best Sports Books I've Read
This is one of the best sports books I've ever read. Mr. Frost paints a vivid picture of the world of professional golf at the start of the 20th Century, and how a single tournament put golf on the map in America.

But even more important, Mr. Frost he brings compelling, likeable characters to life - characters who had to overcome adversity - so to me this book is also for people who are not golf fans.

This is an inspiring story, almost a fairy tale that comes true. ... Read more

Product Description
“I am hard pressed to think of another book that can match the combination of practical insights and reading enjoyment.”—Steven LevittGame theory means rigorous strategic thinking. It’s the art of anticipating your opponent’s next moves, knowing full well that your rival is trying to do the same thing to you. Though parts of game theory involve simple common sense, much is counterintuitive, and it can only be mastered by developing a new way of seeing the world. Using a diverse array of rich case studies—from pop culture, TV, movies, sports, politics, and history—the authors show how nearly every business and personal interaction has a game-theory component to it. Mastering game theory will make you more successful in business and life, and this lively book is the key to that mastery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Entertaining
Very entertaining intro to game theory.Some of the materials can be little confusing but overall, they are easy to follow and understand.

Good book but not exactly a page turner
Started reading this book but have yet to finish.It started out to be very interesting, but about half way through, I started to get a bit bored.I wasn't keeping my attention like the first chapters.It is a good read though and I do recommend it to others.Hope to finish reading the rest of it soon.I'll update this review if my opinion changes.

Great!
Shipped fast.The book is not the best book out there but it does give some interesting views and ideas about strategies in business.

The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life
It's nice to see that some things you learn in school can be taken with you later. //The Art of Strategy// shows that all of that math has practical value.

//The Art of Strategy// explores how game theory applies to business and life in general. Suffice it to say that means dealing with a lot of math. However, dealing with that math, and some relatively obscure math at that (at least for us non-mathematicians) does have some great payoff in that we learn a lot about how interrelated things can be; even the most obscure relationships are explored, and how they can affect your life and business. It's fun to explore those relationships, and the book is fun to read for as much math as there is. In that regard it's great that this book was written with great enthusiasm, and is one of those few academic books written with respect for its audience.

//The Art of Strategy// is one of those books that you will read and probably let your friends borrow; this book will definitely be one you want on your shelves to be re-read every so often.

Reviewed by Jamais Jochim

Brilliant
Wide ranging and written with exceptional clarity. This is by far the best lay man's book about game theory I have come across. A worthy successor to "Thinking Strategically." ... Read more

Product Description
If you want to focus children's attention, you first have to capture their interest. Attention Games is filled with interesting and child-tested activities that can help children of all ages become better at focusing and paying attention. By sharing the upbeat, joyful activities in Attention Games, you can enhance your child's intelligence, boost his confidence, increase his ability to concentrate on one thing for long periods, and show that you care. Developed by Barbara Sher—parent, teacher, play therapy specialist and pediatric occupational therapist—these activities are specially designed to encourage kids to expand their powers of attention in ways that will help them throughout their lives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great activity ideas that are really fun!
I really enjoyed this book. We're especially appreciating the ideas for days when it's too cold to go outside.My children are little, and the majority of the ideas are for younger kids, but there are some great ideas for older ones as well.

Attention Games
`A great book! A MUST reading for the parents. The ideas and activities are endless. Barbara Sherhelps us not just entertain kids but help them to think, to deal with problems, and the most important, to build the loving and respectful relationship, to enjoy being together. Isn't it what we want to see in our children? This book is great for the parents with children who have special needs. Just try and you will see how wonderful it is share the moment with your child.
Tina
.

Not quite what I expected
I was looking more for a book of games that involved physical activitity. Those people considering this book should be aware that it is mainly mental activities. This would be a good source for teachers who want something to do in a classroom.

The book has activities for all age groups, though a great deal of it is for very young children.

Some good ideas...
This book covers attention games for a wide variety of ages. I was hoping it would have more activities for elementary school age, so that's why I gave it three stars instead of five. ... Read more

Product Description
A spy for the Typhon Pact—a new political rival of the Federation—steals the plans for Starfleet’s newest technological advance: the slipstream drive. To stop the Typhon Pact from unlocking the drive’s secrets, Starfleet Intelligence recruits a pair of genetically enhanced agents: Dr. Julian Bashir, of station Deep Space 9, and Sarina Douglas, a woman whose talents Bashir helped bring to fruition, and whom Bashir thinks of as his long-lost true love.

Bashir and Douglas are sent to infiltrate the mysterious species known as the Breen, find the hidden slipstream project, and destroy it. Meanwhile, light-years away, Captain Ezri Dax and her crew on the U.S.S. Aventine play a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a Typhon Pact fleet that stands between them and the safe retrieval of Bashir and Douglas from hostile territory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

If only David Mack were writing the entire series
After reading Mack's Destiny three part series; I have to say that I am sad to see he is only writing this entry.Bashir and Dax's characters are right on target. It's like the TV show is still in progress. I'd like to think that he will author more DS9 books.The quality is there.The mysterious Breen have a few of their secrets revealed in this novel.However, I wish it had as much action as the Destiny books.

When I started this novel I was surprised to see what happened to many of my favorite characters.While some writers are inconsistant, Mack has proved to be a favorite.I have to wonder if he ever wrote an orginal series book?I'd like to see him write a novel based in the J.J. Abrams universe.

An insight into the Breen
Not the best Star Trek book, but certainly readable. We're in the aftermath of the attempted Borg invasion and how the weakened Federation must face a new foe, the newly organized Typhon Pact. The Federation's big advantage is the new slipstream drive, and the focus of the book is the theft of the technology by the Pact, and Julian Bashir's participation in a covert mission to destroy the enemy's copy of the plans. A taste of Deep Space Nine, where Bashir and Quark are the only remnants from the TV series. For me the low point was the short interjection by Bashir's flawed genetically enhanced former companions. The highpoint is the first introduction to the society of the mysterious Breen. Fortunately sequels seem to be coming on a monthly basis, much faster than in many other recent Star Trek novel series.

Dissapointingly mediocre.
"Zero Sum Game" continues the post-Destiny storyline, arguably one of the best mini-series of Trek novels, and declines markedly in quality. "Zero" has its high moments, especially its substantial and well-written look into the Breen, but much of the novel is otherwise unexceptional. I expected more from David Mack than a formulaic and grossly grim story.

The central plot, Starfleet's attempt to obtain potentially power shifting technology, has been told numerous times before. Unfortunately, "Zero's" banal storyline isn't complimented by much in the way of compelling character development. When Bashir and his partner Sarina aren't busy running from something, killing something, or planning to blow something up, Ezri is plotting to do the same aboard the Aventine. Too much of the novel plows forward action scene by action scene, like "Die Hard" in the Beta Quadrant, with more grisly violence and militancy than I remember being in the series. "Zero's" Federation is hawkish and so emphatic in its intent to maintain hegemony that it's hard not to see a greater semblance to Cold War America than Roddenberry's vision of the future; this is not the kind of organization where Captain's quibble about a few civilian deaths, ala Sisco in "The Pale Moonlight." Even Bashir ends up a merciless and dour man.

The few twists of the story have been done before and I will not elaborate on their details. Many do not come as unexpected. Ultimately, only the Breen figure as "Zero's" novelty and it is here that Mack displays his real creativity. Keeping with the Cold War motif, Breen society comes across as a North Korea-like police state--but I won't spoil the novel's saving grace by revealing anything further. "Zero" is a ultimately middling venture for Mack, as much as I wanted it to be more. It stands on one leg, the chance to see the Breen in depth for the first time, but fails on its other counts.

Here we go
After the long wind up to Destiny with the Borg saga, the actual action of Destiny itself, and then the aftermath books, we have a new and very real threat. The Typhon Pact is a fantastic addition to the Trek universe. Ever since Trek got a story line way back in the DS9 books and the "A Time to..." series with TNG, things have been getting better and better (with the exception of "Before Dishonor" which was simply terrible), and "Zero Sum Game" is a prime example of that.

THE GOOD:
Captain Dax is really starting to grow on me. Ever since she went command-track years ago at the beginning of the DS9 books, Ezri has really grown and evolved. She is quick-witted, intelligent, and is a true Dax.

We finally learn more about the Breen after 15 years of wondering about them.

We have a new enemy that we have never seen before where we don't know how it will end. I.e. No "the Borg are going to kill tons of people but in the end they'll just vanish." The Typhon Pact is a very real threat that isn't so much the typical harbinger of Doomsday.

THE BAD:
It's too short. I want more Typhon Pact now, please.

The Genetically Enhanced are back.... again.

A bit of a larger time gap than I would have liked since "Losing the Peace," "Over a Torrent Sea," and "A Singular Destiny." It's been over a year in the Trek timeline since Destiny occurred.

OVERALL:
Strongly recommended. This story is going to be truly unlike we've seen before in Trek, with all the characters and books interacting and flowing as one. What Destiny started, the rest is taking note of and continuing.

Vulcan - Romulan? Which makes for juicier speculation?
As the opening gambit of the arc, there is only one question left unanswered...

Be careful how you answer... ... Read more

Product Description
JUSTINE KNOWS SHE’S GOING TO DIE. ANY SECOND NOW.
 
Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a little of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem.

Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness—only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (59)

Something Original
This book hooked me with it's completely original premise.It kept me turning the pages until late in the night with it's fast pace, clever dialogue and interesting plot.It's one of the few books I've read that makes me want to contact the author and ask, "How did you come up with such a NEAT idea?"Seriously, if you're looking for a book that's not like every other one on the shelf, this one is sure to entertain!I couldn't put it down!

EXCELLENT!!
Fantastic Urban Fantasy!!
I was pulled right into this book, and couldn't get enough!
Carolyn Crane has written a brilliant cast of characters, starting with Justine Jones who is the funny, bright and extreme hypochondriac....Until she meets the mysterious, alluring highcap Sterling Packard.Packard teaches Justine how to use her hypochondria as a weapon, and as an added benefit it relieves her fears.While Justine isn't your gun toting, sword wielding heroine, she knows how to unleash her neurosis, or better yet she might just spelunk someone!

Packardhas been imprisonedin his restaurant, Mongolian Delitesfor the past eight years by his nemesis who is a highcap as well with the power of force fields.He has a crew ofmisfit that have various mental disorders that use these disorders as a weapons. Helmut, Shelby, Simon and Carter are the disillusionists, they use their skills to reform criminals that haven't been able to be convicted. As an act of deception brings Justine on board the team of disillusionsts, she struggles to come to terms with what she's doing.Just when it seems like what she's doing is a good thing...her third assignment really challenges everything she thinks she knows.

Carolyn Crane has written a wonderful, fun, thought provoking, and entertaining story.It has a great mix of fantasy, suspense, and humor, with just enough steam to satisfy. And again a wonderful cast of characters that you get to know.

I can hardly wait to start DOUBLE CROSS now!!!

Refreshingly Original
I really liked this book. It's not often something unique comes along in this genre.

Justine is a hypochondriac who gets recruited, somewhat unwillingly, into a group of vigilante crusaders who use their personality defects (gambing addiction, anger management issues, depression...) to rehabilitate bad guys. Somehow they manage to inject their targets with their neurosis ("zing" them).The side effect is they're temporarily cured, though they then crave more zings.

Justine is likeable, and while totally fixated on her health issues, has a sense of humor and hope about her situation. Normally I don't like novels in first person present tense, but it works for Justine & makes her more compelling. The rest of the vigilantes (the "disillusionists"), with varying degrees of screen time, are all well-rounded and interesting characters. Packard, the group's leader, manages to come off as sypathetic and likable, even though he does some pretty underhanded things and we're never quite sure if he's good or bad. The same holds true for the character set up as the bad guy - it's hard to tell if he really is the bad guy after all.

While I think the strength of the novel is the characters, the plot is interesting too, had some surprises, and unfolded nicely.That being said, I figured out the identity of the "bad guy" early on, and I'm not sure it was meant to be easily figured out. Nonetheless, it didn't take away from the story.

I had a hard time understanding how the disillusionist zing their targets. There's a supernatural element to the story in that some people have a mutation giving them enhanced mental capabilities (i.e. telekenetics...) and Packard is one of them, but it was never clear to me how Packard taught regular people to weaponize their neurosis. I also have mixed feelings about the ending. While it definitely works and pulls the story together, it's not how I wanted it to end.

Overall, an entertaining book somwehere b/w 3 1/2 and 4 stars.

original and a page turner
I've read a lot of urban fantasies recently, and as my husband says (having looked at the covers and the blurbs) "they all seem like the same book.""Mind Games," however, stands out.As others have mentioned, our heroine, Justine, starts out as a hypochondriac so seriously impaired by her neurosis that she can barely function. Then she meets Packard, a man who not only has the power to assess others' psychological weaknesses, but to absorb the negative emotions of others without himself being harmed.(This part of his power could use more explanation).Soon Justine has joined a band of vigilantes who fight crime by breaking down the psyches of criminals and (presumably, although this is another place where more explanation would help) rebuilding them to make the offenders into productive members of society.Justine, of course, is attracted to Packard, but she also has a crush on the city's mayor (whom she meets, eventually) and a relationship she cherishes with a normal guy.

Ms. Crane is a talented writer.The reader observes Justine becoming more anxious about her health in days following a "zing" (when she unloads the psychic darkness on someone else) without saying "Justine was becoming more anxious about her health."Anyone who has ever had a neurotic fear can identify with Justine, even knowing that her fear is irrational.Even with her obsession, Justine is an entertaining narrator, and the last third of the story becomes an irresistible page turner.I highly recommend "Mind Games".

Fast paced fantasy with great take on worries
Justine our main character has vein star syndrome, or so she thinks.She's a hypochondriac.While Justine is having dinner with her boyfriend of two months, who seems to handle the hypochondria pretty well.The restaurant they are in was a spur of the moment place because she saw a man go inside who hustled her father for all his money, causing her father to go broke when she was younger.Justine being a strong, upstanding citizen walks up and confronts the young couple he is with, telling of his habits with stealing money.The restaurant owner stops to the table and Justine returns to her table to prevent any problems.Later when she is paying the bill, the restaurant owner saves her from this mans' torments.At this time the restaurateur offers to help Justine with her other personal problem, of hypochondria.

Justine goes back to the restaurateur out of curiosity as she knows her friends all go through stages then leave because of her health obsession, and not wanting to loss her current boyfriend Cubby.Once Justine makes this visit she finds herself with a whole new view of the world she lives in.We get a better insite into the Highcaps , who have mental powers to do things such as telepathy, and many other things.And there are energy barriers, and Disillusionists who try to help recondition evil people by breaking them down to rock bottom so they can build up in a better way.

I have to admit I was very curious about this story, and a little weary with the hypochondria angle.I was afraid it would be over done.To me it was NO where near being over done.Yes, Justine had her moments where she was overboard on her worries, but this hit home the worries she really has and the condition she lives with.These episodes helped give contrast to when she wasn't worried or living in fear.Then her anxiety moments became a tall-tail for when she needed to zing someone.I loved the idea of using mental worries to help or hurt us, to help break someone down to understand what they take advantage of and abuse in others and have them grow from this broken state to a better person in the end.These are a great weapon, to manipulate with.

There were only two times I was concerned the section was going to turn technical and doctory on me.When the characters started talking of Disillusioning people I was afraid I would get lost in a lot of technical terms, but didn't.It never went over my head in speech or terms and was very easy to understand, or as we say in lame-mans terms.

I found the book to be a quick, easy read.I had a hard time when I had to put the book down, as I didn't want to.I felt I really connected with these characters from the word go.It had me hooked to see what Justine, Packard, and the other characters where going to do.And yes, there is that sexual tension between Justine and Packard.I enjoyed the secondary characters just as much as the main characters.There is loads of room for these characters to grow in future books.

The world here, is falling apart.I started to see there were gray areas in what caused this world to be the way it is, and even in fixing it.There really are two sides to every story.And sometimes you need the bad to balance the good.
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (62)

Clint was hot! But Morgana got on my nerves
Let me just say that I kind of liked the book just a few things that aggravated me. First off I'm noticing a theme in all of Laura's book that bothers me. (Abuse of some kind)Either the Hero or heroin of the story has been abused in some way. I get that everyone needs to have a background story but I think that she needs to switch things up a bit.

Also I was hoping for a real Dom/sub relationship. I thought Clint was Hot and wow but Morgana was annoying. I didn't hate the book I thought it could have been better.

A tedious read...
A good romance will usually take me 2 or 3 days to finish... this one is taking about 2 weeks. I haven't finished it yet but I probably will only because I'm curious about one thing... who the mole is. Usually, I like the characters but in this case no one is likable. There is no subtlety... I feel like I'm being hit over the head with a blunt instrument - repeatedly. Many scenes are repetitive and down right boring... yes, I got it the first seven million times - they lust after each other, now move on! There has to be more to the romance than that. I like the Navy SEALs which is why I picked this one up but I won't bother with the rest of the series.
...
Ok, I'm done. I can't finish this book! The characters are vapid, the story is disappointing (I found out who the mole is and it's an incidental character... no reason for it to have any emotional impact on the main characters or me.) and the sex scenes are boring, repetitive, faux BDSM. I dislike both Morgana and Clint (does the author use a "what's your stripper name?" generator to name her characters?) and couldn't care less whether or not they get the happily ever after. I want my money back.

Damaged but Redeemable.
Clinton McIntire had agreed to chaperone his best friend, Reno Chavez's, little sister, Morganna Chavez's,eighteen birthdayparty - and that was when he noticed her...she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.She had been a part of his life...for all of hers - she was not only his best friends little sister but also his sisters best friend.That was the night she told him that `she had always loved him' and that was the night he kissed her for the first time.Three years later, she was tried...tired of her job and tired of waiting on Clint.She joined The Law Enforcement Academy.

Now five years later, Clint was at one of his favorite clubs, Diva's, but he hadn't expected to find Morganna there.He stood in the corner of the club for over an hour watching her.He had come looking for a woman, like the other men in the club - and now he had found her, even if his conscience disagreed.He knew the rules of the club, since her collar had no leash - she was unclaimed.His reputation as a Dom was well known in the club and tonight Morganna would know it as well.But his past haunts him, loving her is the only fear he has and claiming her here in this place would allow him to have her.

This was Morganna's first assignment with the Atlanta division of the DEA and she was at Diva's looking for the supplier of the latest date rape drug.Then she saw him, Clint, so she tried to duck into the ladies room - she didn't make it.He grabbed her and pulled her into his personal sex room.She had known he was very sexual but, she never known it went to that extent.

Now with her life on the line, Clint has to keep her close to protect her.- but keep her distance from his heart.

I also read Reno's Chance from Honk If You Love Real Men.That was a short novella; this is a full blown story.It is typical Lora Leigh.The background sets up an environment that supports the intense sexual tension.The hero is damaged, but redeemable.

Enjoyable reading :)
This is so out of my usual reading style but was told it was good to read. So I gave it a shot and found I did really enjoy the book. While it was full of erotic stuff I didn't think it was in bad taste. I wasn't a quick read book for me but I liked it and I will be looking into some of her other books as well. This is a good book to read if you want to get out of the stuffy same old same old. It was yummy fun :)

Pretty Good
Reading these for entertainment - not so much worried about the reality of when/when this team is working 'cases'.

Have not read the first story about Reno yet.I read this book first and have since purchased the next 4 books - some labeled as Seals and some as Elite Ops.

I did like most of the interaction between Clint and Morganna.However as a negative, the waiting 10 years to hook up was a bummer.Could have set this story at least five years earlier (oh well, a minor point).

I also liked that Morganna had a strong confidence level and is working and training in law enforcement.As a negative, towards the end of hte book she is starting to get wishy washy about maybe she isn't cut out for the risker assignments.

344 pages. ... Read more

Product Description
Inside the Games You Grew Up with but Never Forgot
With all the whiz, bang, pop, and shimmer of a glowing arcade. The Ultimate History of Video Games reveals everything you ever wanted to know and more about the unforgettable games that changed the world, the visionaries who made them, and the fanatics who played them. From the arcade to television and from the PC to the handheld device, video games have entraced kids at heart for nearly 30 years. And author and gaming historian Steven L. Kent has been there to record the craze from the very beginning.
This engrossing book tells the incredible tale of how this backroom novelty transformed into a cultural phenomenon. Through meticulous research and personal interviews with hundreds of industry luminaries, you'll read firsthand accounts of how yesterday's games like Space Invaders, Centipede, and Pac-Man helped create an arcade culture that defined a generation, and how today's empires like Sony, Nintendo, and Electronic Arts have galvanized a multibillion-dollar industry and a new generation of games. Inside, you'll discover:
·The video game that saved Nintendo from bankruptcy
·The serendipitous story of Pac-Man's design
·The misstep that helped topple Atari's $2 billion-a-year empire
·The coin shortage caused by Space Invaders
·The fascinating reasons behind the rise, fall, and rebirth of Sega
·And much more!
Entertaining, addictive, and as mesmerizing as the games it chronicles, this book is a must-have for anyone who's ever touched a joystick. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (79)

4.5 stars for a very comprehensive history
I've been playing videogames for nearly 25 years, starting with the Atari 2600 and eventually catching the bug when my parents brought home a Nintendo back in 1986, a decision I'm sure they are still regretting to this day. This book provides a very in depth history of games from way back before the Atari era through to the crash of the market to it's rebirth and beyond. The book is written without bias and covers a good smattering of systems and people.

There are a few things that hold this book back from a true 5 star review. For one, it is rather dated. The book ends right before the beginning of the last console generation (PS2, Gamecube, and Xbox) and the last 100 or so pages feels rather rushed and isn't as in depth as the previous sections. Not very much is covered beyond the 16-bit era, leaving it somewhat starved for information in regards to the Saturn and beyond. Also, as far as the Kindle edition goes, it does not have Speech to Text, which is a feature I really like, so not having it is something I feel I should note.

Still, the lack of information later on is very much compensated by the wealth and depth of information earlier in the book. This is a definitive book to learn about the history of video games and how they evolved into what they have today. If it's video game history you seek, then this definitely belongs in your library.

great!
Do NOT be fooled. Steven Kent has invaluable insight on games and the history of games and the industry.

This book is not to be missed! As a fan of history, you need this book!

5 stars, an invaluable part of our history and legacy.

HIGHLY recommended!

[...]
Wow, and I thought I knew something about video game history, obviously not after reading this book. This book is the Bible of video game history and information and I advise anybody who is involved in the video game world to read this book.

Not a coffee table book
I love coffee table books, and I bought this thinking it was. I was hoping for a lot of historical pictures, and was disappointed with the few black and whites in the middle. I skimmed through the text and found a few interesting subjects, but nothing really engaged me. If you're looking for well-researched and detailed industry happenings, this book is great. If you're looking for a coffee table book, this isn't it.

Pretty good, but expected more
This bood was pretty good and probably has a place in my library.It had a lot of interesting facts and wa a fairly complete history.I am a real classic video game nut, though.I would have liked to have seen more picures - there really did not seem to be much effort at illustration. ... Read more

Product Description

Get Started Fast with iOS Game Programming

Since the launch of the App Store, games have been the hottest category of apps for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. That means your best chance of tapping into the iPhone/iPad “Gold Rush” is to put out a killer game that everyone wants to play (and talk about). While many people think games are hard to build, they can actually be quite easy, and Learning iOS Game Programming is your perfect beginner’s guide. Michael Daley walks you through every step as you build a killer 2D game for the iPhone.

In Learning iOS Game Programming, you’ll learn how to build a 2D tile map game, Sir Lamorak’s Quest: The Spell of Release (which is free in the App Store). You can download and play the game you’re going to build while you learn about the code and everything behind the scenes. Daley identifies the key characteristics of a successful iPhone game and introduces the technologies, terminology, and tools you will use. Then, he carefully guides you through the whole development process: from planning storylines and game play all the way through testing and tuning.

Download the free version of Sir Lamorak’s Quest from the App Store today, while you learn how to build the game in this book.

Coverage includes 

• Planning high-level game design, components, and difficulty levels
• Using game loops to make sure the right events happen at the right time
• Rendering images, creating sprite sheets, and building basic animations
• Using tile maps to build large game worlds from small reusable images
• Creating fire, explosions, smoke, sparks, and other organic effects
• Delivering great sound via OpenAL and the iPhone’s media player
• Providing game control via iPhone’s touch and accelerometer features
• Crafting an effective, intuitive game interface
• Building game objects and entities and making them work properly
• Detecting collisions and ensuring the right response to them
• Polishing, testing, debugging, and performance-tuning your game 

Learning iOS Game Programming focuses on the features, concepts, and techniques you’ll use most often—and helps you master them in a real-world context. This book is 100% useful and 100% practical; there’s never been an iPhone game development book like it!

Praise for Learning iOS Game Programming

“An excellent introduction into the world of game development explaining every aspect of game design and implementation for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices. A great way for anyone interested in writing games to get started.”

–Tom Bradley, Software Architect, Designer of TBXML

“A great developer and a great game.That’s everything you can find in this book to learn how to write an awesome game for iPhone.Maybe you’re the next AppStore hit!”

–Sebastien Cardoso

“With Learning iOS Game Programming, you’ll be writing your own games in no time. The code included is well explained and will save you hours of looking up obscure stuff in the documentation and online forums.”

–Pablo Gomez Basanta, Founder, Shifting Mind

“I always thought that to teach others one has to be an expert and a person with an established reputation in the field. Michael Daley proved me wrong. He is teaching others while studying himself. Michael’s passion in teaching and studying, ease of solutions to problems, and a complete game as a resulting project makes this book one of the best I have ever read.”

–Eugene Snyetilov

“If you’re interested in 2D game programming with the iOS using OpenGL and OpenAL directly, this book walks you through creating a complete and fun game without getting bogged down in technical details.”

–Scott D.Yelich

“Michael Daley brings clarity to the haze of iPhone application development. Concrete examples, thorough explanation, and timesaving tips make this book a must have for the up and coming iPhone game developer.”

–Brandon Middleton, Creator of Tic Tac Toe Ten

“This is the A-Z guide to iOS game development; Michael’s book takes you from the basics and terminology to using the techniques in practice on a fully working game. Before you know it, you will find yourself writing your own game, fueled by a firm grasp of the principles and techniques learned within. I could not ask for a better reference in developing our own games.”

–Rod Strougo, Founder Prop Group

Customer Reviews (6)

great guide for experienced programmers interested in app development
This is a well-organized, well thought out guide to writing game apps for the iPhone.It's a "beginner" 's guide to writing computer games for those who already know Objective-C, C, Xcode and Interface Builder and have programming experience; so it's more for someone who is already writing iPhone apps but hasn't ever done a game before; it's not for true beginners.That said, the author presents a personal and personable introduction to game design.This part could be read by anybody interested in game design, even beginners.It's a good intro to concepts such as lives, health, storyline, etc.Further chapters are:

Terminology, Technology, and Tools
(Xcode and OpenGL)
The Game Loop
Image Rendering
Sprite Sheets
Animation
Bitmap Fonts
Tile Maps
The Particle Emitter
Sound
User Input
The Game Interface
Game Objects and Entities
Collision Detection
Putting It All Together

In addition, there's a free RPG called Sir Lamorak's Quest that you download and play, and as the book progresses, you are analyzing and building this very game.

This is incredibly well done, and you have to give the author credit for going the extra mile to include a game and letting you look under the hood.This is a complete project with a friendly manual.

Personally, I don't have enough programming to actually write the code, but I've still enjoyed the book immensely.As a longtime gamer, I learned a lot about game design.Great job!

great
Great book, great tutorial.
Fully recommend this book to iphone game developers.
Good intro on opengl and texturing.
The explanation of the game loop and game loop alternatives was done very well.
Finally, the interaction between opengl and UI toolkit was explained very well.

A very good read, for beginner and experienced developer.

Small point, but worth noting ....syntax colouring on sample code made reading the code easier - well done.

Michael Daley is a first class teacher.

Loving it! And the forum is very helpful!
It does what it does very well:Helps you make a full-fledged role playing game for iphone with good controls. Tell me where you can get that elsewhere using the iphone sdk itself and not an editor and I'll eat the book.:)

Very Great Book!
I honestly love this book.I'm a fan of the author's blog and this book is right in line with his other work.If you want to know what you are getting into you really should check out his website for some great video tutorials that cover some of the details from this book.I could probably have written a video game using just the videos but I wanted to take it farther and I'm so glad I did.I highly suggest reading it.As the other commenters said this isn't for the beginning iOS developer.You should know your way around XCode & Objective C (having done a few hello worlds and made a few simple apps should be enough to get you started).Afterwards prepare for the ride of your life.I'm deep into writing my own game now and am thankful that I've found a great resource to help me get it done.If you are curious about the details go check out the iphone tutorials on the author's website ([...]).Also throughout the book the author suggests several other resources.

(Be warned the 3rd chapter is very dry : some of the core rendering engine details really tripped me up when I was reading through it, but everything else is great.)

A great book for learning about games programming
Having nearly finished the book I thought it would be a good idea to write a review.

Reading the last review I felt even more compelled to write my own. The last reviewer really hasn't got a clue about what this book is about! He tries to pitch it as a book that covers many different technologies in great detail and fails. There is a note on the first page of chapter 2 that tells that totally contradicts what he says.

Note
It is not intended that this book will teach you how to develop in Objective-C or C or teach you everything you need to know about the other technologies in their own right; there are many excellent books and online resources that cover OpenGL and OpenAL in greater detail. We will however cover these topics in enough detail to allow you to understand why we are using them and how.

Thats what I love about this book! It tells you how to write an entire game from start to finish and doesn't bore you with incredibly complex algorithms or low level code or the ins and outs of every technology.

As for the game engine you write, it's very modular so you can include only the bits you need in your game. I wanted to recreate the JetPack game I played when I was younger. With this book I'm well on the way. It's saved me a huge amount of time trying to learn from other resources on the net.

Their forum and blog is quite active too, I've posted a few questions and they've answered promptly. ... Read more

Product Description
• This staggeringly complete guide is 752 pages stuffed with all the information you'll need to survive and thrive in Fallout 3.
• Covers the entire main game and all five Add-On games: Operation: Anchorage, The Pitt, Broken Steel, Point Lookout, and Mothership Zeta.
• Your Essential Wasteland Companion: walkthroughs and over 200 detailed maps give you all the tactics, locations, items, and rewards!
• Info and stats on all the perks, armor, weapons, items, factions, and entities you'll encounter.
• Moral compass choices revealed! Villain or virtuous? Our guide's flowcharts will let you know which road to follow for your chosen path.
• Giant map poster to guide you through the Wasteland. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Survival Guide for the Wasteland
Simply put, this text is so full of information it was almost an overload.It has just about all the information needed for getting the most out of this expansive game.I am relatively new to gaming and find the occasional hint very helpful for solving whatever puzzle has me stumped.I prefer progress to the minor thrill I get from solving the mystery unlocking the boss battle.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't find this a simple walkthrough but a sort of encyclopedia of information necessary to survive in an empty, hostile wasteland.There is also a tear out map in the back of the book for those of us who need a device to figure out just where the heck we are.It is also helpful to know the "good guys" from the "bad guys" to facilitate deciding on the action you want your character to take.

In summary, this is a very comprehensive yet different from other gaming guides making it more difficult for me to use right away.It made me have to think and didn't lead me from treasure to treasure etc.That kind of walkthrough can likely be found online, but what this book offers is far superior.Prima is quite good at what they do.I have already ordered my copy of Fallout: New Vegas (the book) but don't have the game yet.

Old vs. New
So with the release of the game I got the original guide for this game this was before I learned that there would be a ton of DLC, this was of course annoying, because then I did not know every nook and cranny of this expansive 100 hour plus game. Then the wait came for the game to be done with its releases so that they (game guide makers) would be able to create a new book they did this in fashion.

The new book the pages are made from more like a magazine than normal paper they have a thin waxy like coating on them that is not as water permeable so spills not as big a deal, as with the first the map has all the same stuff on it plus all the new goodies.The one thing that is lacking to me is in the first iteration there was a "skill card" that made it a little simpler to see all the effects of the SPECIAL's in the game but besides this I like the new version better, ohh! One last thing because of the paper its the same thickness as the old but its like 250 pages more and that's about it well actually not true this guide is far more accurate than some I have gotten a plus as well.

Fallout 3 Game Guide... spoils the fun
With a game like Fallout 3 a strategy guide kind of kills the exploration aspect of the game. I mostly bought this just for simple easy to use maps showing the best weapons and items in the game. However the guide instead takes you through a spoiler filled walk throughrevealing locations after spoiling key plot lines . Save your money and buy a used game. Just Google everything else.

Essential Reading!
This was an essential purchase for me as I wanted to absolutely scour every inch of the Capital Wasteland and collect every bobblehead, uncover every location and see all the quests interwine. i highly recommend this to anyone who wants to see everything this massive game has to offer.

More info than I need.
I bought this book for a specific purpose.It met that purpose, hence, 5 stars.I've already been through the game a couple of times, however, I cannot ever remember where everything is.With this book, I can do a quick check on item locations.It has them all.I even learned of a few I didn't know existed.

I did not use this book as guide through the game.So, I won't rate it on that.It does appear to have decent flow diagrams on the quests and side quests.

In all, good book for me. ... Read more

Product Description
Strong vocabulary is a vital foundation needed all academic subject areas. Unfortunately, learning vocabulary is not always enjoyable or easy for students. With Vocabulary Games for the Classroom, however, Lindsay Carleton and Robert J. Marzano have devised a way to make this important instruction something both students and teachers look forward to. Vocabulary Games for the Classroom provides K 12 teachers with thirteen games designed to build academic vocabulary. While these games are certainly fun, and teachers should capitalize on the energy and excitement they generate, they should also be seen as one part of a systematic approach to direct vocabulary instruction. This resource includes hundreds of hand-picked vocabulary terms compiled from Marzano s work with schools, districts, and states. These vocabulary lists include terms for four different content areas language arts, math, science, and social studies across all grade levels. If a teacher s school or district has already established lists of academic terms for core content areas at each grade level, they can use the lists provided here as a supplement. Teachers should also feel free to make adaptations and additions to both the games and the provided vocabulary lists in order to enhance students knowledge of new terminology.The structure of Vocabulary Games for the Classroom is simple, straightforward, and easy to use. Each game begins with a brief description that includes details about which grade levels it was designed for, which subject areas it works best with, and whether the students should already be familiar with the vocabulary used or not. Next, the necessary materials are listed to help teachers prepare for the game ahead of time. Instructions to set up the game are then provided; this section includes any preparation that would need to be completed in advance. Following the set up, the game s directions are explained clearly and concisely so that the reader can visualize the game in his or her classroom. Finally, the vocabulary terms used for the game are discussed; in some cases vocabulary lists are provided, in others, the vocabulary list would be tailored to the classroom or pulled from the extensive appendix. Many games also include sample questions and exercises that can be used straight from the book. With this resource, readers will be able to make vocabulary instruction in their classroom not only fun, but also successful. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Vocabulary games
This book is very beneficial to any educator that has to build vocabulary for any student.It is a great resource for activities.

A strong pick and solidly recommended read for any language teacher
A good vocabulary is a cornerstone to good education. "Vocabulary Games for the Classroom' is a collection of games for teachers to play with their students to help them gain a better grasp of the finer words in the English language. With plenty of example activities for any primary or secondary school grade level, terms for different subjects, questions, and how to emphasize the importance of vocabulary, "Vocabulary Games for the Classroom" is a strong pick and solidly recommended read for any language teacher.

Robert Marzano fan
This book was exactly what I expected.The games are explained well with MANY examples to start with.For my classroom, the vocabulary games will take time initially to prepare, but then will be ready to used over and over again. ... Read more

Product Description
A merciless killer on the hunt...an innocent child in his sights...a woman driven to the edge to stop him...

The killer knows Eve Duncan all too well. He knows the pain she feels for her murdered daughter, Bonnie, whose body has never been found. He knows that as one of the nation's top forensic sculptors she'll insist on identifying the nine skeletons unearthed on a bluff near Georgia's Talladega Falls. He knows she won't be able to resist the temptation of believing that one of those skeletons might be her daughter's. But that is only the beginning of the killer's sadistic game. He wants Eve one on one, and he'll use his ace in the hole to make sure she complies. And he won't stop playing until he claims the prize he wants most: Eve's life.Amazon.com Review
Eve Duncan returns as the popular heroine of Iris Johansen'slatest suspense thriller, The Killing Game. After the murder ofher daughter Bonnie and years of work as a forensic sculptor, Eve hadhoped to find some solace in semi-retirement. But when her friend JoeQuinn informs her of the unearthing of multiple bodies, includingthose of children, Eve cannot resist getting caught up. Those bonesmay be Bonnie's, and somewhere out there is a dangerous serialmurderer. With Joe's loyal help, Eve grimly sets out to find akiller.

Determined to remain objective, Eve begins to reconstruct the face ofone of the victims. But the killer wants her to become involved, andmanipulates Eve's life like a puppeteer. Terrified of the killer butspurred on by her memories of Bonnie, Eve takes a gamble with her life. Shewill do whatever the murderer demands: she will be the bait, betting herlife for the chance to save others.

As a great suspense novel should, The Killing Game keeps the actionand the plot twists coming. Eve's job as a forensic sculptor is the perfectprofession for a suspense heroine: she has official access to technicalinformation and the emotional flexibility to react to the drama. Eve'sgrieving over the loss of Bonnie--and over her romantic complications--helps keep the story complex and appealing. Turn on all of the lights and keepthe phone nearby--you won't want to be alone in the dark while reading thisone. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien ... Read more

Customer Reviews (135)

This One has a Really Great Dog in it
Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan comes back from John Logan's South Pacific island to help Atlanta PD Detective Joe Quinn (who is divorced now and available) try to put a face on a murdered child, she hopes might be Bonnie, the child murdered by a serial killer ten years earlier.

However she's come back only to be targeted by another serial killer who also has a red headed ten-year old in his evil sights. With the help of Joe, Sarah Patrick and her golden retriever cadaver dog, Eve chases Dom (who is after her as well) to Arizona where the book reaches it's climax.

I must say that I had a harder time accepting Eve's loss of Bonnie in this one. It's been ten years, after all, time to move on. And the two rich guys after her, I had a hard time with that as well. But I loved the dog and therefore am giving this book four stars.

Disappointing
I found that I would rather this character resolve some of her issues instead of all the baggage.

Killing game
I love Iris Johansen's books especially her Eve Duncan series. She is an excellent writer. I recommend her to anyone who is looking for an exciting read

LOVE IT
I LOVE IRIS JOHANSEN!!!! ALL OF THE BOOKS I HAVE READ OF HERS ARE GREAT!!!!! READ THEM, YOU WON'T BE DISAPOINTED!

Disturbing
A mad serial killer with a "score" of hundreds of brutal killings, mostly children, has taken the life of Bonnie, the daughter of forensic sculptor, Eve Duncan, and is now taunting her with messages and phone calls, threatening to kill another little girl who resembles Bonnie to a great degree. In a search for the bodies of the victims, Sarah Patrick uses her exceptionally clever sniffer dog, Monty, to locate the bodies and comes under great danger herself from this deranged madman. This is a very exciting, if disturbing read, with many insights into the warped mind of a monster who is totally without conscience or human feelings and made me horrified that such creatures probably DO exist in this world. ... Read more

Product Description
Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible is the first book in a four-book series, The Dave Pelz Scoring Game Series.The next volume in the series will be Dave Pelz's Putting Bible.

"He who rules the short game collects the gold."
--Dave Pelz's Golden Rule of Golf

Fed up with trying to imitate the pros, buying the latest expensive equipment, and seeing your handicap stay the same? The first book by bestselling author and internationally revered golf instructor Dave Pelz since Putt Like the Pros, his bestselling classic, Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible can show you the way to lower scores by improving your short game. The result of decades of scientific research studying thousands of golfers, Dave's philosophy is as simple as it is revolutionary and groundbreaking: Instead of practicing the wrong things the right way, or the right things the wrong way, Pelz shows you how to find your own personal weaknesses and how to improve them to efficiently lower your scores. Packed with all the knowledge, charts, and photos needed to learn from the master, Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible is the essential book for every golfer who's looking to improve his or her game.

Dave's approach to golf is easy to understand: 80 percent of the strokes golfers lose to par are determined by their play within 100 yards of the green--the crucial scoring game. The most important and yet the least focused-on aspect of golf, your short game, can indeed make or break your entire game. And nobody teaches the short game like Dave Pelz. His renowned golf schools and clinics focus exclusively on putting and the short game, attracting top players like Tom Kite, Colin Montgomerie, two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen, reigning PGA champion Vijay Singh, Steve Elkington, Payne Stewart, Peter Jacobsen, and many LPGA players including Annika Sorenstam and Liselotte Neumann. The pros know, as you are about to learn, that while others teach golfers how to swing, Dave Pelz teaches golfers how to score . . .and win.

A former physicist for NASA, Dave brings a scientific rigor to his research and instruction that has made him the top short-game expert in the world. Dave has observed and then taught thousands of golfers to improve their ability to score better. The years he has spent studying the short game, including chipping, lobs, pitches, distance wedges, and bunker play, have resulted in an unequaled expertise and a fascinating body of knowledge on golf, with the statistics and data to back it up. In this new book, Dave for the first time shares the understanding and techniques he has taught the pros, including a wide array of innovative tests and exercises for mastering those deceptive and high-pressure shots of the short game.

Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible is an essential book for golfers of all levels. Covering everything golfers need to know to improve their short game, Dave's system can--and will--help you to consistently shoot lower scores.Amazon.com Review
As the reigning rabbi on the mysteries of golf from 100 yardsin, Pelz has earned the right to anoint his expansive instruction onthe short game a "Bible." A scientist by training, he's analyzed themacros and dissected the micros to come up with a gospel for pros (LeeJanzen, Vijay Singh, and Anika Sorenstam, to name a few disciples) andweekend hackers alike. Pelz fills his scripture with photos,illustrations, charts, and plenty of sage advice on pitching,chipping, sandplay, putting, equipment, execution, mechanics,technique, practice, attitude, lots of questions, and plenty ofanswers. Much of the Short Game Bible is pretty sophisticatedstuff aimed toward better players--or, at least, players who taketheir golf seriously. But its basics are appropriate to any skilllevel of the game: Accurately assess your own weaknesses, and then goabout improving them systematically with the author's carefullyresearched and tested plan. It seems so obvious, but the truth is,most golfers either beat balls on the range in search of distance orslave over eight-foot putts on the practice green; they fail to payenough attention to the shots in between. Pelz does the math for youhere; his figures add up, so that yours can go down--the golfingequivalent of forgiving sins and absolving trespasses. --JeffSilverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (149)

Dave Pelz,s Short Game Bible
A fantastic book on the short game in golf.Very detailed and Dave backs everything up with scientific data he,s accumulated over the years.I would highly recommend this book if you are a serious golfer.

Short Game Bible is the best
Dave Pelz has such a scientific approach to the short game.This ia a great book and must read for every golfer.

A must read for any golfer.
You'll learn a great deal about the short game and will apply key ideas into your game. I now have three distances for each of my wedges, when I used to have only one. Thanks Dave for those instructions.

Huge Impact
This book has had a huge impact on my game, and it's an extremely entertaining read.I was consistently shooting in the mid-90's, and, within three months, I shot an 80.My play is better and consistent.And most importantly, I'm enjoying golf a lot more.

Well worth reading
Been a 15 handicapper for a while.Read this book and have shaved a couple strokes off my score.Haven't played enough rounds to really see exact results, but I'll say I'm way more comfortable from 100yds in. ... Read more