A captivating work that never disappoints
920438
Clifford Simak's Way Station is a one of those books where an author has established a complex plot with rich characters on a simple setting.  Without revealing anything, I can say that Mr Simak presents a story in which information is slowly revealed which only adds complexity to the plot and rewards the reader with a rich experience.  With this work, the author reveals a new facet of the classic optimistic outlook for humanity and seeks to answer profound questions of humanity's place in the universe by using a character who is firming rooted in the past.  The result is to say that our past and present will secure our future.
343218
Stephan Hawking is captivating. A beautiful piece of work. His depth of understanding is remarkable and awe inspiring!
2607219
I will be sure to read other books by this talented author.  Do not be intimidated by the length as you will find yourself engrossed quickly.  The character portrayal is a key element to this masterpiece.  This work is extremely thought-provoking and highly recommended.
3691474
I was captivated by this glorious novel's story and characters from the first page. It is the mark of a great book when it holds its reader enraptured through each turn of event, right up to the closing sentence -- and well beyond the final closing of its cover. This is a masterpiece of modern day literature!
4118182
This is a work that holds one's attention throughout..  The characters are believable and the plot flows in a powerful manner.
3902732
Nicholas Kotar set the bar high with his first book The Song of the Sirin.  Book two The Cruse of the Raven does not disappoint.  The tale begins with imagery which is pure mind candyconceptually, linguistically.  This opening image sets the tone for the entire novella and sets up the reader to not only read about, but experience the major theme of the story.  Kotar unveils this theme not only through the story, but through his own writing style in such a way that the message and the medium are married, inextricably bound one to another.  But Kotar was not content with this level of artistry.  Upon closer examination, the reader will discover that the central theme and the story serve as a microcosm for something far more profound.  In this way the entire novel is akin to the works of the metaphysical poets.  This is no small achievement, and it makes for a story that is compelling, profound, and a delight.  Even the trajectory of the plot serves to reinforce this central themeagain, the reader experiences the theme through the characters and their journey through the story.

As is customary for Kotar, there are many twists and turns, and lots of mystery.  This is a worthy sequel culminating in a breathtaking climax in the final chapter wherein the significance of the events in The Curse of the Raven, to The Song of the Sirin are revealed in glorious Technicolor.  For the reader who has not read The Song of the Sirin, this book can stand alone, although the full impact of the final chapter will be lost on such a reader, this book could certainly be a wonderful introduction to the series.

This novella is a grand achievement and highly recommended both as a great read and for its literary value.
2863886
A raging battle across many continents involving many armies with different leaders is simply captivating.  The author does a masterful job of moving the threads of this story along in such a way that the feeling one gets is that the story is coming to a focal point that this reader is near breathlessly awaiting.  I read through this latest installment quickly, because I just couldn't put it down.  The magic used by the characters in this story is both awesome and transcendent, but the author manages to provide boundaries that don't seem inconsistent so as to keep the story from falling apart.  The characters written into the story are wonderfully developed.  Many of those with special properties seem unusual if not unique, unlike those in other books that have elves, dwarves, gnomes, etc.  Many thanks to the author for hours and hours of excellent entertainment.
4192485
This is a work of love, obsession almost, given the means and extent of Caro's research. Beautifully written, this is a 'warts and all' series (not yet completed), about one of the most enthralling and unlikely Presidents of the 20th Century, one who achieved more than most for minorities, and who lived the tragedy of many powerful, ambitious and energetic men. This is an enthralling work, with insights into the state and workings of the Union you will not believe. The sense of time and place is remarkable. Don't be discouraged by the length of these books. It is, in many ways, a morality play for modern times, particularly political times.
4509531
The Book of Lost Fragrances is one of those books that captivates the reader from the very first chapter. Set during modern-day Paris, Jac L'Etoile has returned to her childhood home in attempt to unravel the truth about her brother disappearance. But soon after her arrival, she begins to discover that there is more to her family history than she ever thought possible. Haunted by fragrances long forgotten, Jac begins to see the power of scent and that her brothers belief in reincarnation might be more than a childish pursuit. As the search for her brother continues the shocking reasons behind his disappearance come to light, and if Jac doesn't solve the mystery of the House of L'Etoile soon, she just might be the next victim.

Told from multiple perspectives and spanning time from Ancient Egypt, The Napoleonic Era and present day Paris and Tibet, The Book of Lost Fragrances weaves a tale that is as strong as the fragrances spoken of within the pages. M. J. Rose did a fantastic job of creating three dimensional characters with personalities that never seemed to stop evolving. There are numerous plot twists throughout the novel, so the moderate flow of the story allows the reader to easily follow along. The highlight of this novel was the authors ability to vividly portray the scents in every scene. The reader is instantly transported to the damp mysterious tunnels, the incensed chambers of Cleopatra, a neglected mausoleum and so many other locations... all through the descriptions of scents we've experienced throughout our lives.

This is the fourth book in M. J. Rose's The Reincarnationist Series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. Overall this is a captivating and entertaining read, and there is no doubt that this novel will be brought to mind whenever a familiar scent is enjoyed.
4170528
When Mr. Follet finished this book, I hope that he felt the same sense of satisfaction that the cathedral builders felt when they completed their daunting task.  This is truly a masterful work, including incredible  character development, a wonderful, far-reaching plotline, and a startling,  ingenious, ending. You truly admire the flawed heros and truly hate the  despicable villians as Mr. Follet brings them to life. You are amazed at  the detailed, yet understandable, description of the process of creating a  cathedral from the ground up. The intrigue and politics are there, as well  as the romance. It has everything.  This is the kind of book that breaks  your heart when you reach the end, like a best friend moving across the  country...
1540034
Having been a fan of Terminal Lance for a number of years, I am constantly amazed at the insight and the development Max's work has shown over time. This book truly is as he calls it "his thesis work", and I can only hope we continue to see work of this caliber from him in the years to come. The White Donkey is incredibly well written and well drawn, and I can only hope a reprint does indeed end up happening so more people can experience this fine piece of work. Well done.
3531156
This utterly captivating fantasy novel is a tour-de-force of brilliant writing that draws the reader in and never lets go. It is a novel that will stay with the reader long after he or she finishes the final page. One device used by the author to capture the reader is the placement of second person scenes at strategic intervals throughout the novel, giving the reader a sense of participation in the events, specifically allowing the reader to enter and savor the delights of the night circus. You will taste, touch, smell, and see the wonders of the circus. Mysteries abound to challenge you. You will find the characters both intriguing and wholly believable. Indeed, you will step into a fantasy world wholly unlike any other and yet quite recognizably the world in which you live. This book is not vacation reading; reading it is a vacation. So step right in and experience the marvels and mysteries of the Night Circus.
1542324
Once again, author Michael Wallace has delved into the spiritual nature of our characters and produced a novel that explores the depth of our longing for something in which to believe. The fact that most of the bit players are deluded by a messianic leader only serves to demonstrate that people are seeking something beyond themselves. The fact that The Chosen Ones are completely misguided, deceived and even abused, both physically and emotionally does not diminish the message Wallace delivers. Humans need something to believe in beyond their own personal existence.

The primary characters continue, with Eliza showing fortitude, but perhaps a bit too much resilience when confronted with yet another life threatening situation. I cannot reveal more without presenting a spoiler which I will not do, but her ability to shrug off her actions (however justified) is questionable.

I will continue to read Mr. Wallace's novels. He remains one of the finest writers I have discovered in the past two years and I am grateful for his work. He covers subject matter that is rarely understood and often demonized without ample cause. I admire his ability to walk the line between portraying the inherent good and evil that emanates from such cloistered religious enclaves.

This was an easy Five Star rating. Writing alone carried it to the top of the chart, despite the occasional question which arose about the strength of the plot. There is plenty of room for continuation of the story.

Gordon Ryan
4016926
The plot and actions are not only engaging. The beauty of the prose and the means by which all events are connected by the theme make this an incredibly beautiful reading experience. Brutal and teeth-clenching in its honest portrayal of the main characters, the books still inspires hope in the human condition.
1710492
Salzman presents a genius in his work Lying Awake. He creates a masterful work in the form of this novel- one that few see the kind of intricate attention for detail and enormous dovetailing to the mundane quality of convent life as few know it.
There is a clarity and purpose in this story that is so real and so enormous that it often takes the readers breath away. There are details that makes one wonder how Salzman got the level of detail that he did, in spite of the fact that contemplatives still covet their way of life and observe the Rule to the letter of the law, especially in not allowing outsiders in.
Sr. John of the Cross is the main character who has been in the convent in southern California for over 20 years, the only adult life she has known and she is beginning to experience a deeply religious ecstasy that few ever experience. This is the result of a brain tumor, which becomes her true cross to bear.
This story is not just about Sr. John however; it also tells about life in a contemplative setting- one in which many who suffer from the throes of materialism, could not exist. It stresses a life a control and endurance and tolerance, all for the sake of learning to know and love God.
This is a compelling read, one that is resonant in details, one that speaks honestly of questioning faith at a high level. There are introspective views in this book not often seen and that is what takes this novel to a level different from most.
However, in the process of taking her cross to God each time, Sr. John is faced with walking the talk, by having to make a devastating decision, one that will change her experience with God. This is her cross.
The level of detail and the grace that is woven into this story is the elegance that moves with the same wonder that women in the old habits did. There is a starkness and a simplicity that tells this story that is so compelling it forces the reader to care about what happens to Sr. John and all the rest of the nuns.
Frequently, in contemplative convents, there are nuns called externs who perform the outside work required for all contacts so that the contemplatives inside can do what they do best- spend their day in quiet and constant prayer. That is usually the only person who is allowed within the walls and even that one has some restraints. Priests are allowed only in certain areas.
The cast of characters are so well developed that there is a certain sadness as the last few pages are read, knowing that the reader is about to leave these caring, loving and extremely extraordinary people.
In a time when the Church is in crisis, this story reinvents the idea of God's grace and His goodness and all that is in living within the context of God's will.
There is also a resurgent interest in contemplative life in America today, which is perhaps the result of our chaotic way of life. This book is one of the best mirrors I have seen in many years of a true example of what life is like for those who have lived it and know it to be true to form.
This is perhaps one of the best books I have read this year!
799170
Readers should not miss this beautiful book -- beautiful in its descriptions and the crisp economy of its prose, as well as in the photographs and illustrations that grace many of the pages. If you liked that big book on T.S. Spivet; if you are a fan of A.S. Byatt and Joanna Scott; or if you love Central Park, architecture, Renaissance and Cubist paintings; layered narratives that still engage with a driving story and a warmly honest single narrator -- you will LOVE this book.

The style is very visual. You are taken inside the mind of a writer who lives near Central Park and who circles through the Park often, discovering its treasures, while revisiting characters in her novels in dazzling flashes. The book's enormous talent is to make you care about the day to day experiences of this main writer-character -- a woman with an unmistakable voice who is increasingly confined and vexed by a heart condition. At the same time, you get a lot of flashes of a wider world -- a silly, misguided President called "Cheerleader" (hmm, "What Happened" readers, anyone?); the people the writer encounters in the hospital where she's taken after various medical events.

What stays with you, as you read the book is the arc of a life, the arc of a lovely marriage and what it's like to value every moment with grandkids. Every sentence is carefully crafted, looks effortless, yet holds a penetrating observation or a heartfelt thought.

The book has been highly anticipated and the previous novels in the series very well received critically. DON'T MISS IT!
3246833
A thoroughly engaging and enthralling read.  To use the phrase "page-turner" can sometimes be a trite throwaway line, but in this case, it's precisely descriptive of my experience with this captivating historical novel