Book Description
The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good....and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phegrave;dre noacute; Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission....and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.Phegrave;dre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phegrave;dre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair....and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phegrave;dre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear. Set in a world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess, this is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Not since Dune has there been an epic on the scale of Kushiel's Darta massive tale about the violent death of an old age, and the birth of a new. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (305)

Surprising
This book is probably nothing like what you expect.Certainly, I avoided it for years because I didn't want to read some bad BDSM fantasy romance novel tripe.The thing is, that's not, despite any plot summary anyone could possible give you, what this book is -- at all.It's about spies and elitism and a really fascinating spiritual mythology.Sure the main character can be a bit of a Mary Sue since she's the best at everything ever and even has weird eyes, but at the end of the day the main character here works because she has a sense of humor about herself and the book manages to work because it takes its narrative entirely seriously.Weird thing.Often surprisingly moving.Not as smutty or as silly as you think.

I couldn't FORCE myself to finish reading this book...
I was bored witless after reading the first five pages of this book. I felt like pulling my hair out after forcing myself to read past page 80, and I found myself at a hopeless standstill somewhere around the 200th page.

I won't judge the writer based on the one book of hers that I managed to partially read. And on the same subject, I'm not in any position to make judgments towards any person's method of writing. I'm not an English professor, and I'm not here to critique Jacqueline Carey's writing style.

The thing about this book that bogged me down the most was the tedious progression through the plot. I've read in other reviews that the real story doesn't pick up until you pass the 300th page, but I honestly don't think it's worth reading that far.

The first few pages of the book relayed a sob story about how Phedre no Dalauney (who's name I absolutely can not stand)was born into a world of servitude, surrounded by beautiful people, while she herself is the epiphany of imperfections. From what I forcibly managed to read, Phedre's soul purpose in life is to sleep with strangers for money.

I actually stopped and reread the pages on numerous occasions just to make sure I didn't miss anything "interesting" that may have happened in the story while I dozed off in my efforts to complete each chapter.

Boring and Pretentious is a Really Bad Combination
This book reads as if it was written by an inexperienced college girl who is majoring in French and watched "The Story of O" too many times.

To start with it's very annoying when fantasy writers are too lazy to create a fantasy world that suits their story. So they just take the map of Europe, muddle up the names of things and write as if they are writing alternative history (which they aren't).

Beautiful, boring and smug people engaging in lots of silly mock-sophisticated sex and boring political intrigue. I don't think I can remember any time that an author managed to maintain such consistent shallowness over such a long book.

And it seems that there are multiple sequels. I'm stunned.

Kushiel's Dart: Recommended Adult Reading
The first of a trilogy about a young and uniquely gifted heroine whose innocence is shattered by intrigue and murder. Phedre is a thoroughly engaging heroine on an epic journey rife with intrigue, betrayal, violence, sexual and erotic encounters and, of course, love. Written in beautiful prose, and set on a grand landscape of Renaissance Europe, Carey's series is an exotic tapestry of sensual images that will linger like a rich coffee brewed to perfection. This is not a typical coming-of-age series and definitely adult reading.

Compelling writing that sucks you in
Kushiel's Dart was quite a surprise to me.I was expectiing a lusty novel with little story line to support the book and came to read it only because of a friend.I will say now I will read more referrals in the future and leave my skepticism at the cover of the book.

Kushiel's Dart is a well written political erotic fantasy told through the eyes of a female protagonist named Phedre(Faydra).It is vast in scope and can be overwhelming in the earlier chapters, but keep turning the pages because what unfolds is well worth wading through the confusion.

Phedre's life is described from child to adult living in the land of Terra D'Ange and through this progression we as readers are rewarded at seeing the changes the lead of this book undergoes.

As a child she is sold to a wealthy intellectual that basically makes her go to school each day and learn large array of languages, lineages and history to equip her for the remainder of the book.

As Phedre matures to early womanhood the skills of her mark "Kushiel's Dart" and the knowledge she has learned as a child are woven together to make a very efficient interrogator to the assignations she works with.Through this comes confusion which can dissuade the reader, because her guardian Delanuay lets her know nothing of what the knowledge she extracts means.Soon the plot changes to a faster pace as the royal houses start having turmoil and Phedre becomes free from her bond to Delanuay.

Through the turmoil of the royal houses Phedra soon finds herself in the Skaldic barbarian lands which is a well described harsh arctic climate with brute barbaric tribes that reside their.Phedre soon uncovers a plot against the throne of her homeland and escapes to warn her beloved country.

The plot is described to the queen of Terra D'Ange and Phedre soon is off to sea sailing to get help from the Draiday.I won't ruin the ending but know it is very climatic.

Carey has a winner with this book engrossing the reader for a huge 900 page book.The lead is fantastic, I particularly like the fact it is a female, so many times I read books with women described as weak and helpless leaving the men to be the heroes.Phedre also has an outstanding support of characters that surround her and the reader is able to know each of them personally through Carey's brilliant characterization.I could not put this book down, in fact I would escape to lunch from work just to take time to squeeze in a few more chapters of this incredible book.I highly recommend this book it has something for everyone, even those that normally don't pick up this type book will enjoy Carey's debut.

... Read more

Book Description
Darts is one of America's most popular participation sports. Estimates of the number of Americans who regularly play darts range between 15 and 20 million. Yet until the publication of this book, there was no readily available source of expert instruction in the skills, attitude and study necessary to the mastery of this challenging sport.

The author, George Silberzahn, is an acclaimed master of both British and American style darts and has developed a step-by-step program that all levels of players will find of great benefit.

Included in the book are an informative introduction by Dan William Peek and interviews, insights and commentary from some of America's legendary dart shooters: Joe Baltadonis, Conrad Daniels, Frank Ennis, Ray Fisher, Julie Nicoll-Jennings, Helen Scheerbaum, Bob Theide, Jerry Umberger and Danny Valletto. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great book, especially for oldtimers
I loved this book, George knows the game maybe better than anyone.
His practice routines will sharpen your game, but I especially liked the stories from the individual players on how they got started and played through the years. I'm sorry to hear a couple of them passed away recently.
I'm 62 and they are all older than me. I remember playing against some of these guys in New York in the late seventies.They used to come into the bar I played out of in Queens to practice for the big tournaments in the area. I'm not so sure the younger crowd will enjoy it as much as I did.
If your an older dart player like myself you have to have this book.

Solid advice with real experiences
Great book.

Simple, direct instructions for techniques to improve your game that work. I've been working his drills, and my game has improved substantially.

Also, stories from quite a few dart pros to give you some insights into the world of pro darting.

Concise and informative
I just received this book 2 days ago and have already gleaned some helpful insights that I'm sure will help me out of the slump I've found myself in this year. The practice routines suggested seem to be more helpful and realistic than any I've tried to date. I found the Legends speak portion to be interesting, with a few nuggets of "Dart Pro" Gold buried in the personal experience stories of these Legends. I am only a recreational darter, playing on a club league and hoping for a gradual improvement to my game over time, so I'll probaly never make use of all the information regarding tournament experiences. but if you are interested in Tounament strategy and info, this would be a great buy for you. Who woulda thought that the type of shoes your wearing could have an impact on your game?
Overall, I am impressed with the Book and recommend it highly.

a great source of dart information
a short thorough detailed book of dart information. very informative

An excellent book for people interested in darts
This book does a good job of describing the basic equipment of the game, and the rules of the most popular games. Silberzahn then gives a concise description of proper dart form and technique. This makes it a good starting point for beginners. Any new player following the advice in his book should improve. He follows it up with a discussion of strategy and practice routines.Again, this is helpful for novice and intermediate players seeking to improve their game.Where the book excels is in its "Legends Speak" section. I disagree with the prior reviewer's opinion on the value of advice from acknoweldged masters of the game. Advanced darters will appreciate the professional tips on tournament play from people who have "been there and done that." Also, the "Legends Speak" section adds some human interest to the book, which is a quality lacking in many other works I have read on improving dart play. ... Read more

Book Description
Darts is an increasingly popular game, and today there are some fifteen million regular dart players in the United States alone. Incredibly, there have been virtually no reliable, concise guides to darts that would introduce new players to its rules, conventions, equipment, and techniques - until now. The American Darts Organization Book of Darts includes succinct, authoritative information on the rules of darts, how to play (and win) a dozen of the most popular games, notes on equipment, basic techniques and strategies, and much more. Also included are sample games, practice routines, and official tournament rules. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Basic Book
I guess this is a good overall view of a simple but difficult game. I got more information reading articles on the Internet. I should have gone for something more advanced or with better stories. It covers all the basic bases and if I made a contribution to the group that sponsors darts in the United States I am glad. It is about a 90 minute read - maximum. If I was of the type I would have read it and returned it but I have a conscience. If I picked it up in the store I would not have made a purchase. Lesson learned.

deja vue all over againdeja vue all over againdeja vue all
good stuff out of you Mister Carey, Interesting, informative, useful, entertaining, captivating, for the average dart player, and yet, for the more accomplished, Nugatory, Otiose, Idle, Empty and Hollow! I expect to hear from you....SOON!!!!

good if you are not looking to something to improve your skills
good for the absolute beginner. someone that doesn't know absolutely nothing about darts. After this book, if you want to improve your skills, you have to buy another one. But for start is good

Applause!
A writer doesn't produce a book on the subject of darts because he wants to get rich. He writes the book because he loves the game, loves the people who play it, loves the euphoria of the "kill shot," because he wants others to experience that thrill, too, and because he wants to make a noteworthy contribution to promote his chosen sport well into the future. He loves the fire, the competition, the team, the good guys, the bad guys, the camaraderie, the wins, the defeats ... all of it. Chris Carey is this kind of writer, and his book should appeal to anyone who loves darts - period - be it soft or steel-tip, the world over.

This book, however, is not just for beginners. If you've played darts for any length of time and find yourself in a rut, Carey's book is your prescription. It will not only help you think through your issues, away from the line, but it is also a resource to provide new angles to attack problems you may not have thought about before or, perhaps, have lost sight of. For this reason, chapter eight - alone - is worth the price of admission.

This book, now in its second edition, is a much-heralded resource for darts players ... and I don't make this claim lightly. I am a darts book author and player, too, and my respect for this effort is, frankly, immense. Bar none, this is the leading book in our sport, the best seller. And, there's a reason for it. Not only does Carey's love of darts shine through, he is a respected writing talent, with the blessing of the American Darts Organization, to boot. Because of these things, and the topics he has chosen to explore, this work is a "must own" for every darter's library.

I was heartened to see Carey elected to also keep the original foreword in this revision which was written by the late, great, Tom Fleetwood (along with an informative new one from Buddy Bartoletta) because - if for no other reason - it shows his level of respect for the darting world's pioneers. And, since this work has received the blessing of a world respected steel-tip organization, I am also happy to see he has continued to discuss matters of the soft-tip variety, too, without prejudice. I emphasize this point because it makes his book truly universal in its appeal, and I applaud this ... loudly.

It looks as though each chapter has been improved, as well, but forgive that I did not go back and compare the '93 version to this one too thoroughly. The graphics that worked before were kept, but new ones were also added to help readers and players better visualize the messages Carey is conveying. It seems ridiculous, considering the volumes and volumes that have been written on darts, but I have never seen before such a well-delivered image like the new one found on page 29. That graphic, among few others, should be pasted to the underside of every eyelid that steps to the line! Had the information from this singular image been memorized by my inexperienced partners before drawing them in tournaments, it would have kept my hands from clenching together involuntarily after their successful effort at a 42, instead of the triple-16 we needed to win a match. Yeah, sure, I'm calm enough to write about it now ... lol.

Finally - while I also enjoyed Steve Brown's insight immensely - to include the pearls from Stacy Bromberg, too, is priceless for the future of women's involvement in this grand sport of ours. Bromberg is a pioneer in her own right, and an inspiration for those who will certainly follow her lead. I applaud the choice to include her thoughts in such an important, long lasting, far reaching piece of work such as this.

All told, this book is better now then when I first read it some twelve years ago. I was then, and remain - simply put - inspired by it.

Good qiuck guide
This book can be used as a wuick guide for beginners. It gives some tips and information about the history of some of the common games. I wouldn't recommend this book though if you are really concerned about the complications of technique and style. ... Read more

Book Description

Poison dart frogs are known by many for their bright colors and poisonous skins. This expert guide covers all of the common species as well as a number of rarer ones, and is the only up-to-date book available on keeping and breeding these amphibians that is written by professional breeders. It also covers important care topics to encourage health and happiness in your pet.

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Customer Reviews (1)

Poison Dart Frogs
Excellent , quick reference for the hobbyist wanting some breeding tips. Easy fast reading. Up to date advice. ... Read more

Book Description
This groundbreaking volume on Richard Pousette-Dart is the most comprehensive publication on his painting to be published since the artist’s death. It provides fresh insights into his oeuvre by five outstanding, contemporary art historians, who have interpreted the artist’s creative output from the 1930s to 1992.
 
Richard Pousette-Dart, one of the founding members of the New York School, created paintings, drawings, sculptures, and journals for over sixty years.  The youngest member of the first generation of American Abstract Expressionists, Pousette-Dart shared with his fellow artists’ interests in psychology, myth-making, anthropology, and both African and American tribal art.   Along with Pollock, Rothko, de Kooning, Motherwell, and others, Pousette-Dart created the art movement known as The New York School.

This book presents the evolution of Richard Pousette-Dart’s styles and philosophy and provides an in-depth look at his ever-evolving painting techniques. The essays focus on his major themes and periods, and include his contributions to the complexity of the intellectual and stylistic language of the Abstract Expressionist movement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good information with a weird layout.
This book is full of good information but the layout of the text is kinda strange. some of the information is repeated under several different topics throughout the book. The book reminds me more of a collection of notes, tips and observations made by the author over a period of many years and just kinda grouped together in no particular order. I plan to use this more as a reference guide in the future, I'm not sure if this was the authors intent but the way the book is indexed and all the topics numbered...It is simple to find just the topic your currently interested in.
Overall, the information is helpful and easy to find but I view it more as a troubleshooting reference guide than a typical sit down and read cover to cover type of publication.

how to play winning darts
extremely comprehensive, a good solid informational read.anyone who is serious about darts... needs to read this book.

darts
I read on a website one time that there are three basic rules to becoming a good dart player, i've stuck to these rules and it has definatley has improved my game 1)PRACTICE 2)PRACTICE 3)PRACTICE , now get off your computer and get to it! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Preachy and Pretentious
I'm very fond of Cecilia Dart-Thornton and find her descriptive prose most evocative and lyrical.However, I also appreciate that she is not entirely to everyone's tastes.Her language is very eloquent and flowery - she never uses a plain word when she can use something more elaborate.Whilst this makes her world a rich and engaging place to visit, it does mean that you may be required to keep a dictionary near by!I have enjoyed this, and her detail-rich folklore in previous books and enjoyed it in this one.However, because of the nature of the language, the speeches of the characters come across as particularly pretentious and stilted, not quite ringing true.

What I did not enjoy, however, was the fact that Dart-Thornton was clearly using this particular book to try and force her views of animal rights down the reader's throat.Now, please understand, I myself are an avid supporter of animal rights, believing that they should be treated humanely and with compassion.It just felt very much to me like this book was acting more as a soapbox for the author to preach to her audience.I prefer such preaching to be rather more subtle, but was instead left feeling guilty for not being a vegetarian.This rather darkened my enjoyment.Perhaps this is what the author is seeking to achieve.

Still, save for this little bugbear, I found this a rich and enticing read, with colourful characters (particularly the urisk) and whilst it does act somewhat as a "bridge" style novel (obviously spanning the way to something more), it still proved a pleasurable read.

coming of age fantasy
Asrathiel was born into a family that has known much tragedy.As a young girl, her mother slipped into an enchanted sleep unable to awaken.Her father left her in the care of his father to journey to the uncharted lands to find a way to break the spell.Rich in weather magic known as bri, Asrathiel is the youngest at nineteen to become a weathermage.She feels set apart from the rest of humanity because she is immortal and invulnerable.She wants to travel to distant lands and wield the pure magic sword Fallowblade that is her birthright though not all of its properties are known.

She accepts a posting as a weathermage at King's Winterboune where weathermasters are still respected.The king of Slievmordhu Uabhar wants to be high king of Tir and he sees the weather masters as an impediment to his ambition.He has several people spreading lies about them to the population and many turn against him.When Asrathiel meets with him she doesn't trust him but she has no idea that he is about to plunge the world into civil war or has an ultimate plan for her and her colleagues.

WEATHERWITCH feels likes an in betweeners book that is setting the stage for the last novel in the Crowthistle Chronicles.In many ways it is a coming of age tale as the heroine must decide what she wants as she outgrows her girlhood dreams yet yearns for something even she isn't sure of what it is.There are some cute scenes between the protagonist and the urisk, a seelie being of magic that attaches himself to her and vexes her as he well as amuses her and shares her immortality.There are many sub-plots left dangling which will hopefully be answered in Fallowblade.

Harriet Klausner

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Book Description
This second enchanting installment in the debut trilogy by new fantasy talent Cecilia Dart-Thornton calls to mind the novels of Jennifer Roberson and Morgan Llywelyn.Imrhien has braved a world of faery folk and other creatures of legend to elicit the help of the healer, Maeve One-Eye. Though her memory remains clouded by sorcery, Imrhien must take vital news directly to the king-emperor. But the king is not at courthe and his armies are facing unhuman forces far to the north. And when evil wights follow Imrhien even to the royal sanctuary on a hidden, mystic island, she must accept a horrifying fact: she is the real target of the monstrous attacks. And she has no idea why. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (56)

I tried, but this book is as far as I go in this series ...
Here, our heroine Rohain (who unfortunately has about four names through this trilogy so we never have anything consistent to call her) goes to the royal court to warn the "King-Emperor" that the treasure that she and her friend found in Book 1 (which by law belongs to the King) is being plundered by thugs.

She has to bide at court, pretending to be a noblewoman, until the King-Emperor's assistant can hear her case and take her off for treasure-reclamation.Meanwhile, the King-Emperor goes to war in the north where the "unseelie" are building up threateningly.

Then Rohain goes back to the Stormrider tower of Isse where she'd first been found in Book 1 to investigate her past.And so it goes.Much peril, culminating in a very, very long extended sequence in which thePied Piper myth is enacted for us with no real change from the standard old myth.

If you like fairytales and folklore, you'll probably love this book.But I never really have - I find them too simple and boring.

To me, the characters in this book just aren't human and unique enough:Thorn and Rohain are shallow types.I remain disappointed that the action scenes and the exotic setting and mineral-technology are resolutely and stubbornly weighted down with all this worn-out Celtic folklore when the author could have just created her own far more original society.

More captivating than the first volume.
This is the second book in the Bitterbynde trilogy (after The Ill-Made Mute and before The Battle of Evernight).

Now that the old carlin Maeve One-Eye has healed Imrhien, restored her beauty and her voice, but not her memory, the young woman can travel to the royal city of Caermelor in order to deliver to the King-Emperor the secret message of the treasure found at Waterstairs. She goes there disguised as Rohain Tarrenys, Lady of the Sorrows, the distant islands or Severnesse. Alas, the King-Emperor is not at court but has gone to battle against the army of unseelie beings who have declared war on humankind. She has no choice but to wait, try and find clues about her past, and look for the mysterious Dainnan warrior Thorn whom she's fallen for.

But for Imrhien it's hard to blend in, with the constant threat of the courtiers seeing through her disguise if she doesn't learn their manners fast. Luckily, she soon makes friends with her maid Viviana, who starts to teach her slingua (a made-up court-language).

Seeing that the King-Emperor is not coming back any time soon, she decides to make for Isse Tower, where she used to be known as the Ill-Made Mute, to meet those among whom she used to live and gather information on her former life. There she makes an astounding discovery, but her happiness is short-lived. Indeed, after an attack by the unseelie hordes, she comes to understand she might actually be the target of Huon the Hunter and his Wild Hunt.

Even though I found that the heroin's name changed too often, I liked this middle-volume better than the previous one. For one part it is not as over-written, but its pace is also faster. The plot is more captivating, with a romantic first half and intriguing, albeit predictable ending chapters, in which the story shifts to another place and time when the legendary Faêran still roamed the land of Erith.

Great continuation of book 1...
I really enjoyed reading the second book of this trilogy. It was just as good as the first one and I couldn't put it down. Similarly to Book I, Book II ends with Imrhien finding many of the answers she was looking for. However, a new set of challenges isintroduced at the same time, and the plot continues to thicken.
As a side note, I also appreciated the way in which the folk stories and legends were woven into the plot of book; they were interesting and fun to read, and set the series apart from many others I've read in the past. Now that I've started the final book of the trilogy, I'm curious to see how the author resolves the many problems that Imrhien faces. If you enjoyed book I, there's no doubt in my mind that you'll enjoy book II as well.

A Great Read
I thoroughly enjoyed The Lady of Sorrows.After finishing The Ill-made Mute, I had to start this 2nd volume.The style of writing and use of language is just beautiful and I enjoyed it as much as the story itself.Some parts of the book are drawn out and the poor heroine always seems to be having to set out of some very long journey mainly undertaken on foot in extreme conditions.This aside the plot has a number surprises and new characters together with it being so beautifully written it keeps you turning the pages.The author's knowledge of folklore is just amazing.

Intrigue and evil at work
Imrhien sets to the capital, and she goes there as a noble from a faraway land. Her goal is to turn over the found treasure to the King-Emperor, also in order to punish those who stole it.
She quickly finds herself in the heart of court intrigue and in the way of other political manoeuvres.
The pace becomes fast when the war threatens the region, the plots around Imrhien unravel, and finally Imrhien's past somewhat seems to get back to her, in a strange manner.
She sets to a remote island for protection, where she stays for a while, but end up stranded on the continent, helpless and without news of the world, there she decides to head towards danger. This is when a strange tale of a different age starts...

The second book of the bitterbynde trilogy is the apogy, as it probably should. You can never quite trust anyone, and in the middle of the book the story could spin about any way you can imagine. The story surprised me in almost all the outcomes, and I very much enjoyed the convincing evil part, the author didn't contain them. Be ready for a couple of big surprises, as the ending of the book is also very surprising...

I don't recommend reading this book without reading the first one before, it would spoil the sequence. ... Read more

Book Description
In 1964, Chrysler offered an optional V8 with its popular A-body Dodge Valiant. Banking on the resulting success of this option package, Chrysler went on to release a decade worth of low-priced, high-performance muscle cars. Colour photos of restored and factory-original vehicles, along with archival b/w images, are accompanied by an authoritative history examining the development of the cars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Brazil loves Darts
Great book !!!I'm from Brazil and de Dodge Dart make history here. I have a 318 V8 sedan...and I love it !!

DODGE DART - THE KING OF THE ROAD!
I absolutely LOVE Dodge Darts and their Plymouth Valiant sisters.The high performance beautiful, streamlined 6-cylinder Chrysler has certainly earned its place in the hearts of classic car and Chrysler lovers.

This book does a big service to Dart afficionadoes; readers will be treated to some really cool pictures of some very serious cars.The Darts and Valiants set new standards and certainly raised the bar in automotive production.It is also a real treat for people who like muscle cars.The Dodge Dart and Plymouth Valiant, famous for their slant 6 engine have earned their rightful place on the road, in our collective hearts and among those cars used as high performance muscle cars. ... Read more

Product Description
How to win when playing darts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beginner Text
As an intermediate player I learned little from reading this book. However, I passed it to a beginning player and he learned alot from this publication. ... Read more

Product Description
These spectacularly colored frogs are native to Neotropical rain forests in many parts of the world. They lose their toxicity when kept in captivity. Titles in the growing Reptile and Amphibian Keeper?s Guides series present useful facts and expert guidance to owners of snakes, lizards, frogs, and other amphibians. Readers are advised on all aspects of ownership, from selecting good specimens and determining sex to breeding, feeding, providing correct housing, and health care. Animals are described as they exist in their natural environment, and advice is given on ways of mirroring aspects of nature to help animals thrive in captivity. Books are heavily illustrated with color photos.Paperback / 48 Pages / 5 5/8 x 8 3/16 / 2003 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A great beginner book for those who like Poison Dart Frogs.
A wonderful book that gives the beginner a place to start from in their search for knowledge of Poison Dart Frogs.Sure there are plenty of other books that are more in depth than this one, but they usually cost a lot more and this book packs quite a bit in it for it's size!This book will help those who are thinking about trying to keep Poison Dart Frogs and it is a "no nonsense" book so it will tell you that these frogs require more "work" than others.This is helpful because most people will "impulse buy" pets without thinking about how diificult it might to care for them.Also, this book is a great introduction to learning about these frogs in the wild.Overall, you can't go wrong with buying this book and it won't "break the bank" for those who can't afford a more in depth book on these frogs.

Dart Frogs
A very basic book. Not as current as some others, but a good firstbook to read if you are considering going into the dart frog keeping hobby. ... Read more

Product Description
Dodge Dart, Demon, Plymouth Valiant, Duster and Barracuda (67 - 69) 6-cyl engines (67 - 76)Haynes offers the best coverage for cars, trucks, vans and SUVs in the market today. Each manual is written and photographed from "hands-on" experience gained by a complete teardown and rebuild of the vehicle. The first Haynes manual was written this way 40 years ago, and all the manuals continue to be produced this way, making Haynes the world leader in automotive repair information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book is a valuable asset to anyone who owns one of thes
This book is a valuable asset to anyone who owns one of these cars becouse of the info on the 6 cylinder engines.Info on 8 cylinder mopars is easy to find, but this book gives you all the specs and info on the 225s. Myonly complaint about this book is that it does not go in depth on thelittle 1 barrel Holley and Carter carburator in these cars, but Haynes alsohas a book covering the complete rebuild of the Holleys that is alsoaplicable to the Carters. This book stays beside my tool box when I amworking on my Valiant.

Good but too specific
This book is very valuable for who own or make repairs on those cars, but regarding engines it just mentions the 6-cyl units, forgetting the small0block and the big-block Darts. Onm the rest the book is good. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent beginners dart book
I own several books on the game of darts, and this is the best one.It is chock full of humorous comments, informative sidebars, charts, figures, hand drawings, and examples.The rules for the games were easy to follow and it lists 23 of them including Cricket.The tips on how to play well, and practice effectively were good.It included several practice routines in addition to the games.And most welcome were the frequent charts showing how an average, expert or pro darter would perform on the various games or feats.

I read the book cover to cover and thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style and frequent application of humor.

NOTE: The review that blasts the 1977 version of the book should be ignored, as the the 1986 update to the book addressed all the complaints.Cricket is listed, the 7' 9 1/4" throwing distance is clearly listed, etc.

All About Darts ?
This book was so bad it doesn't rate a text review only to say save your money. Nothing can be learned from this book for a beginner or anyone else

Not up-to-date, not American
It's remarkably deceptive that this 1977 book has "America" and"up-to-date" in its subtitle, for it is neither a book for or by Americans, nor is it up to date. Why isn't copyright date listed on Amazonsite???

The most popular game in America is Cricket. Not covered--onlythe '01 games. Cricket was pretty much unheard of in Britian (home ofauthors) in 1977 And what of all of the innovations in darts of the last 20years? Brass darts were the standard in 1977! Since 1977... Tungsten,retractable tip darts, electronic darts, sucken-wire dartboards, hundredsof new tournaments in US and internationally, the hundreds of web sitesdevoted to darts....and much, much more.

And not just lack ofinformation, but misinformation. For instance, in 1977, at the time oftheir writing, official throwing distances were different around the world(they state 8' most of the time). The official international distance is 7'9 1/4"--established in 1979 by BDO and ADO, after this"up-to-date" book was written (20 years ago!)...Valuableinformation, as well as virtually all names, organizations, etc. are 20years out of date... Again, this book is certainly, and demonstrably, NOTAmerica's most complete and up-to-date book on darts.

This book shouldhave gone out of print years ago.

An excellent book for beginners
For the person just learning about darts, this is an ideal book.There are several variations of dart games listed here, and many of them rely more on luck than skill.Therefore, for people not entirely serious aboutdart playing, they will find many of these games more interesting and funthan the more traditional games.

This book is perfect for the beginner,but probably won't be of much value to serious dart player.

this book is a waste of time!!!
The only thing worthwhile about this book is a few laughs here and there... darts wise, it's better to go to a bar and learn it from there, ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

I wish I had just checked it out...
instead of buying it!I re-read parts of Book One, The Iron Tree, so I would be "up to date" on this sequel.I must admit that I didn't like the main character, Jewel, at all.I don't see why whatshisname (the guy that married her) liked her either.The book began to drag when they started their journeying together, and I must admit I started out skipping pages, then whole chapters, then all the way to the end to at least see how it turned out.I didn't feel any of the fascination that I had with The Iron Tree.

Of course with all that skipping I may have missed something vital that could have resulted in a better feeling about the book.

Could not even finish this book
I am a huge fan of CDT, but this book is just STUPID. You really see how much trouble she has with plotting in this sequel that fails for so many reasons.

I love the way she weaves all the fantasy into the story, but the plot here is so boring and has all been done before, ie the search for the fountain of youth...PLEASE!

Characters come and go and we are left with the god-like Jewel with her saphire eyes and some other guy who's name escapes me. I could not get interested in their travels or care much really for either of them as they were impervious to harm and seemingly invincible. Other characters were so insignificant they are justlittle blips in the story and you end up getting confused with who is who and why they are there and what's the point and so on.

I just had to stop reading it as i was bored to tears. I love her detailed descriptions of things, but this time it just annoyed me and i was skimming over them to hurry up and see if there would be some sort of plot at the end of them.

Maybe it would have got better, but after about 350 pages of nothing much happening at all I realise i'm glad i just borrowed this one rather than buying it.

fabulous coming of age fantasy
In Slievmordhu, Jewel lives a wonderful life showered with love from her family until King Maolmordha's troopers kill her parents.Unbeknownst to Jewel, her savior, Step-Uncle Eoin feels remorse for causing this tragedy all because he was jealous of her father Jarred for being married to the woman he loved Lilith.Knowing he placed his beloved niece in danger, Eoin takes her on a perilous journey through the Great Marsh praying he can get her to safety in the nearby kingdom of Narngalis.He has yet to tell her that he revealed to the king's minion that she and her father were the last descendents of the feared sorcerer Janus, making her a pawn to open the Dome of Strang where the wizard's powerful secrets lie.

Eleven days looking over their shoulders, the wayfarers struggle until they clear the marsh.However, deadly unseelie wights capture Eoin.Jewel seeks refuge at High Darioneth where she meets the weathermasters and the Storm Lord Avalloc Maelstronnar-Stormbringer.She soon learns that Eoin is dead and finds solace with the people of High Darioneth until she learns that no one guards the Dome of Strang so decides it is time to learn about her roots.

THE WELL OF TEARS, the second entry in the Crowthistle Chronicles (see THE IRON TREE starring Jarred and Lilith), is a fabulous coming of age fantasy starring a wonderful heroine whose world is destroyed by the betrayal of a loved one.Eoin is an intriguing character though his time in the tale is short as the audience feels his ignominy of what he wrought.The story line is character driven with Jewel the focus of a fine fantasy quest to find out what truly flows in her blood.

Harriet Klausner
... Read more

Book Description
Jarred is a young boy who has grown up among his mother's peaceful desert people. While Jarred loves his mother, he longs to know the history of his father, a journeyman who left years earlier, promising to return for his wife and infant son. A broken promise but a token left behind--an amulet for Jarred that he has worn always. Some say it brings more than a bit of good luck his way, for no harm has ever befallen the boy.When Jarred comes to manhood, he decides to journey into the world to seek his fortune and perhaps along the way find news of his father. In his travels he will come to a place so unlike his own as to boggle his mind--a place of immense tracts of waterways and marshes, where the very air seems to teem with magic and a people surrounded by creatures fey and not, with enough strange customs and superstitions to make his head swirl.And to the beautiful Lilith, a woman who will haunt his dreams and ultimately steal his heart....who perhaps can provide a key to his heritage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

I thought it was fabulous!
I adore this series by Cecilia Dart-Thornton. I don't feel that the romance overshadows the adventure, and the detailed world and its cultures I find fascinating. Dart-Thronton is a skilled writer and student of folklore and makes interesting use of it. If you enjoy Juliet Marillier oe Guy Gavriel Kay, you will very likely enjoy this offering as well.One of the things I love about her writing is her beautiful use of language, description, and detail - and I realize this is a matter of taste. It is a slow moving story, but that is because it is the beginning of a tale.If you want lots of action and straight forward writing, look to Jennifer Roberson or Douglas Eddings(both of whom I also enjoy).

Highly contrived prose
I can't comment on the plot because I got so mired down by Thornton's prose.She struggles to come up with different similes and descriptive words so she's not repetitive, but there's no need to constantly re-describe things except to fill space.I found they tripped my reading up so much that I abandoned the book.There are so many books that are well written - it's hardly worth spending time on this.

Beautifully Written
This is one of the greatest fantasy books i have ever read, rivaling Harry Potter in suspense and climax. This book is a true fantasy novel. I scoff at the one and two stars, their authors obviously have no imagination or creativity. They must not have read the novel I read because I was amazed and couldn't put it down; It does suck that they die thought, who would have thought mistletoe, a symbol of love.

After reading Bitterbynde, disappointed
I bought this book after reading the Bitterbynde trilogy by Thornton. Expecting the same quality level of English mythology and original storytelling, I was very disappointed. The plot was trite, scenery and characters transparent. What's so interesting about two "most beautiful" characters meeting, falling in love, and then... well, I won't spoil the ending. But for fans of Thornton's previous books, I would not recommend this one.

Page 151 delivered.
Okay, I had to read this book for a group that meets at the library...and maybe I wouldn't have finished if I did not have to lead the discussion. But I will be forever grateful for the pleasure I feel whenever I read the words on page 151 of the hardcover...words that convey the emotions of a woman thinking about her future children. I never tire of sharing them with others, especially mothers-to-be. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Australian author Cecilia Dart-Thornton's American debut, The Ill-Made Mute, earned praise from fans, critics, and colleagues; the lyrical novel's admirers include no less an authority than the Grande Dame of Fantasy, Andre Norton. The sequel, The Lady of the Sorrows, garnered further acclaim. Now, Dart-Thornton concludes her high-fantasy trilogy, The Bitterbynde, with The Battle of Evernight.

Once a scarred and nameless mute, Tahquil has regained her voice, her looks, and some memory. But she and her companions, Viviana and Caitri, are stranded far from the man she loves, and are being pursued by the tireless and dangerous Lord Morragan, Crown Prince of Faerie. Tahquil may not regain the rest of her memory in time to save her companions or herself. And even if she does, a shocking discovery may doom any possibility of love.

The Battle of Evernight is not for newcomers to Dart-Thornton's fantasy universe. Her trilogy has a complex plot and her world of Erith is developed with uncommon depth. Additionally, The Battle of Evernight has some structural problems. Too many of its early events don't really forward the plot. The climax occurs too far from the conclusion. And the ending's coy note may annoy fans as well as newcomers. Also, while not a structural flaw, the three main female characters are disappointingly passive, and seem to exist mostly to be acted upon by the males; for example, Tahquil observes the critical titular battle from a distance. If you're new to the Bitterbynde, start with The Ill-Made Mute. --Cynthia WardBook Description
Australian author Cecilia Dart-Thornton's American debut, The Ill-Made Mute, earned praise from fans, critics, and colleagues; the lyrical novel's admirers include no less an authority than the Grande Dame of Fantasy, Andre Norton. The sequel, The Lady of the Sorrows, garnered further acclaim. Now, Dart-Thornton concludes her high-fantasy trilogy, The Bitterbynde, with The Battle of Evernight.Once a scarred and nameless mute, Tahquil has regained her voice, her looks, and some memory. But she and her companions, Viviana and Caitri, are stranded far from the man she loves, and are being pursued by the tireless and dangerous Lord Morragan, Crown Prince of Faerie. Tahquil may not regain the rest of her memory in time to save her companions or herself. And even if she does, a shocking discovery may doom any possibility of love.The Battle of Evernight is not for newcomers to Dart-Thornton's fantasy universe. Her trilogy has a complex plot and her world of Erith is developed with uncommon depth. Additionally, The Battle of Evernight has some structural problems. Too many of its early events don't really forward the plot. The climax occurs too far from the conclusion. And the ending's coy note may annoy fans as well as newcomers. Also, while not a structural flaw, the three main female characters are disappointingly passive, and seem to exist mostly to be acted upon by the males; for example, Tahquil observes the critical titular battle from a distance. If you're new to the Bitterbynde, start with The Ill-Made Mute. --Cynthia Ward ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

Unfortunate ending to an interesting trilogy
I had such high hopes for this trilogy! I had a hard time starting the first book, then got hooked when it began involving the "wights" old world scottish faery tales and thought it might be going somewhere. After three books i believe readers deserved more than a P.S. at the end of the book implying a rumor of a happy ending. If you chose to view it that way of course. Since the eagle does fly away with a seabird linked with a CHAIN it may very well have meant her perfect faery king wasnt terribly happy that she hadnt trusted him to protect her and was simply retreiving her. ah well good or bad the ending was extremely dissapointing.

Longish and anticlimactic.
The Battle of Evernight is the third and final book of the Bitterbynde trilogy (after The Ill-Made Mute and The Lady of the Sorrows).

Now that Tahquil, our heroin-with-too-many-names, has gotten most of her memory back, she's gnawed at by the Langothe, an unendurable longing for the Faêran Realm, in addition to her yearning for her lover Thorn.

Tahquil knows now that she is the only one who can open the magic door to the Fair Realm, left ajar with three strands of her golden hair several hundred years ago. Which is why she is sought after by Angavar and hunted down by Morragan and his hordes of unseelie creatures: the Faêran King and his twin brother and nemesis, the Raven Prince are trapped in Erith.

In the company of her maids Caitri and Viviana, she sets out on a journey to Arcdur, to find the Gate of Oblivion's Kiss. Starting near Huntingtowers, together they'll travel all across Eldaraigne, successively through: the flowery Arven Meadows, the jungle of Khazathdaur and its tree-top catwalks, the river-ridden hills of Lallillir, the orchards of Cinnarine, then changing their course to go to Morragan's lair, through the labyrinthine hedges of Firzenholt, the wasteland, and the volcanic desolation of Tapthartharath, making friends with helpful wights along the way: an Urisk, a Waterhorse and a Swanmaiden.

Does this description sound like a tedious enumeration to you? Well, it actually echoes what reading the story felt like to me. Although the vocabulary used in this volume is less intricate, the book is mostly longish and uneventful. Even the long-expected clash between good and evil falls flat, anticlimactic. Still, there are a couple of passages I enjoyed: a moment of respite when the girls make a halt in Appleton Thorn, enjoying the villagers' traditions and rites, and the unexpected fifteen-or-so last pages.

A glorious train wreck of an ending
I was rolling right along with the book, liking the rich description, enjoying the strong female protagonist who doesn't use a sword, breezing through all the half-familiar folklore Dart-Thornton has woven into her story, and BAM!I hit the ending, and it's like a blow to the gut.
Not in the sense of an unhappy ending, but instead a wrenchingly clumsy ending that feels bolted on to the rest of the narrative.Some of the main characters make some staggeringly stupid decisions, which seems standard for fairy tales, and a stunning betrayal comes around that throws Tahquil back to square one and should have been the beginning of another book.Instead, the reader is torn away from Tahquil's POV and slam-dunked through the rest of her life, as told in three pages.The paperback version has a postscript from the author that clarifies the ending and makes it much happier, but it feels like a bone tossed to the fans.The average reader will be able to think up half a dozen more graceful ways to end the book before breakfast.
The rest of the book, though, is pretty good.I particularly enjoyed the swan-maiden and Tahquil's other companions, and it never bogged down like the second book did.There are some sappy parts, and some great characters from previous books never really get a chance to shine, but it's all right.The author's penchant for overdescription, as with the food at the coronation feast or what Tahquil wears on a daily basis, breaks through, but again, not as bad as in the second book.

A Big Let Down
After totalling looking forward to reading the 3rd & final book in this trilogy I felt really let down by this book.I found the heroine became annoyingly perfect and put on a pedestal, her great love who always was portrayed as perfect continued to be so until right at the end when suddenly he makes stupid yet significant bad decisions, and the fact that it was becoming evident that this love story wasn't going to be what one expects was unfulfilling.In addition, many of the great characters in the earlier books are underutilized by either dropping out altogether or make cameo appearances.It made wading through all the long long journeys she found herself making which were arduously described accompanied by not very interesting or useful companions, albeit in beautiful language, not really worth getting through.

The end is just a big let down.Instead of having a fabulous indepth story written in first class language and style, it becomes a tragic folk story that one wades through 3 volumes to find out.

Overall Dart-Thornton is a fabulous writer and I love her use of language/prose and descriptive script, but the end of this story was unfulfilling.I really hope she perseveres to write more great stories.

Of journey and battle
Being helpless and chased by the Hunt, Tahquil decides to take an undercover journey to look for the gate. The journey takes her, her friends and more acquaintances made along the way through a large and scarcely populated region of the world.
After many adventures along the way, she will finally meet the makers of the current situation of Aia, and participate to the final battle.
The finishing of the trilogy is somewhat surprising.

Unfortunately, the final book doesn't live up to the 2 first ones, the journey is very long but does not really bring much to the story, and the plot is a lot less elaborate. The book is good however as the reader can enjoy more of the richness of Aia and its denizens, in the same flourished writting as the other books. The much-awaited-for confrontation of the actors of the closing of the gates is more than satisfying. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Start of a weirdly beautiful trilogy
Cecilia Dart-Thornton's Bitterbynde trilogy reminds me of "The Worm Oroborous" by ER Eddison or "The King of Elfland's Daughter" by Lord Dunsany, in its power to describe a new and dream-like world. Reading "The Ill-Made Mute" was like looking through a series of Aubrey Beardsley drawings---the detail was minute, intense and unforgettable. There was so much description, it almost overwhelmed the plot.

In fact, there isn't much plot. This is a story of a mute, facially-scarred amnesiac who sets out on a journey to find someone with the right kind of magic to heal her. The plot is the journey, or the journey is the plot. Along the way, the ill-made mute interacts with flying horses, flying galleons, an Irishman straight out of a Mike and Pat joke, a treasure cave, unstorms, pirates, King's rangers, and eldritch wights. There is plenty of drama, and wondrous sights to see along the way. Read slowly and savor the rich text. Journey's end is only partially satisfying, but a wonderful sequel has already been published--"The Lady of the Sorrows"---I've already read it and it's even better than "The Ill-Made Mute." The third book of the trilogy, "The Battle of Evernight," came out in April, 2003 and wasn't quite as good as the first two, but you should still read it for the rather puzzling climax to the series.
... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001
This first novel by Australian writer Cecilia Dart-Thornton begins the Bitterbynde series, the saga of a young woman's search for her past as well as her destiny. An orphaned refugee taken in as a servant of powerful Isse Tower, a prominent Relay Station in the world's communications network, the main character is a nameless, badly scarred mute with little hope for better--until he escapes by stowing away on a magical Windship and is befriended by cheerful Sianadh, a self-professed madman and adventurer. Sianadh gives his companion two precious gifts: a name, Imrhien, and the knowledge that he is really she, raised as a boy to protect her from even worse treatment.Together, the two journey into the deep green heart of a great forest, defeat the tricky magics of various eldritch wights, and discover a vast treasure that will change their lives forever.When Imrhien learns of Maeve One-Eye, a healer who may be able to repair her scars and restore her memory, the girl is determined to seek her out.On the dangerous trip west, Imrhien meets and falls in love with the Dainnan ranger Thorn, but doubts he could ever return her affections.While this novel doesn't stand well alone, readers who crave long and detailed journeys through fantastic lands filled with magical creatures will enjoy Imrhien's travels.Dart-Thornton's world takes many traditional elements of epic fantasy and manages to stir them into something charming and new. --Charlene Brusso Book Description
This first novel by Australian writer Cecilia Dart-Thornton begins the Bitterbynde series, the saga of a young woman's search for her past as well as her destiny. An orphaned refugee taken in as a servant of powerful Isse Tower, a prominent Relay Station in the world's communications network, the main character is a nameless, badly scarred mute with little hope for better--until he escapes by stowing away on a magical Windship and is befriended by cheerful Sianadh, a self-professed madman and adventurer. Sianadh gives his companion two precious gifts: a name, Imrhien, and the knowledge that he is really she, raised as a boy to protect her from even worse treatment.Together, the two journey into the deep green heart of a great forest, defeat the tricky magics of various eldritch wights, and discover a vast treasure that will change their lives forever.When Imrhien learns of Maeve One-Eye, a healer who may be able to repair her scars and restore her memory, the girl is determined to seek her out.On the dangerous trip west, Imrhien meets and falls in love with the Dainnan ranger Thorn, but doubts he could ever return her affections.While this novel doesn't stand well alone, readers who crave long and detailed journeys through fantastic lands filled with magical creatures will enjoy Imrhien's travels.Dart-Thornton's world takes many traditional elements of epic fantasy and manages to stir them into something charming and new. --Charlene BrussoDownload Description
The Stormriders land their splendid winged stallions on the airy battlements of Isse Tower. Far below, the superstitious servants who dwell in the fortress's lower depths tell ghastly tales of evil creatures inhabiting the world outside, a world they have only glimpsed. Yet it is the least of the lowly--a mute, scarred, and utterly despised foundling--who dares to scale the Tower, sneak aboard a Windship, and then dive from the sky. The fugitive is rescued by a kindhearted adventurer who gives it a name, the gift of communicating by handspeak, and an amazing truth it had never guessed. Now the girl Imrhien begins a journey to distant Caermelor, to seek a wise woman whose skills may change her life. Along the way, Imrhien must survive a wilderness of endless danger. For the hearthside tales are all true. The unhuman wights are real in all their legions. They haunt every pool, every turn in the road, and threaten and torment all travelers. Lost and pursued by these monsters, Imrhien is saved by Thorn, a mysterious Dainnan ranger whose gallantry and courage are matched only by his martial skills. He becomes the girl's constant protector, steadfast and unstoppable. But, unknown to them, a deadly plot is unfolding, as a dark force summons the malignant hordes of Unseelie, and foul things amass in the night. And as the journey grows longer, as the challenges grow more deadly, Imrhien discovers something more terrifying than all the evil eldritch wights combined: The girl with an angel's soul and a gargoyle's face is falling in love with Thorn. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (154)

A disappointment after its terrific beginning
This book has a terrific beginning in close third-person as a mute, amnesia-stricken youth with a disfigured face escapes imprisonment.He is grudgingly taken in by an old serving woman in a huge manor-tower reminiscent of Mervin Peake's Gormenghast series with its elaborate hierarchies of spiteful servants and decadent aristocrats.

Outside the manor stretch lush Australian forests - major points for avoiding Northern European fantasy clichés.Even better, a mineral exists that defies gravity, and an elite class has arisen of couriers and sailors who use it to travel on the air.

Then comes my first gripe:the author's enthusiasm for stuffing Celtic folklore down our throats.(In the afterward, she waxes on about rescuing Celtic folklore from obscurity, apparently not realizing that it has long ago been strip-mined and incorporated into modern fantasy to the all-pervasive extent that it feels absolutely worn out to many of us fantasy fans.)Here, the servant class tells way too many folktales about water-horses and such that I have already read many times elsewhere.

Then the plot veers away from the intriguing interpersonal dynamics of the manor, and turns into a simple adventure story.Our hero escapes the manor, finds a new friend, wanders through the forests on a treasure hunt (now the folklore actually starts happening to them), and fi