The Earth King welcomes you to Lake Laogai.
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One the best tv series out there animated or not. Great writing animation and storytelling.
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The Earth-Shaker. Father of Horses. Lord of the Ocean. One of three powerful sons of Kronos, Poseidon, along with his brothers Hades and Zeus (and their siblings) have freed the mortal world of the rule of the Titans. They take over their realms and usher in an age of peace...such as it is. Poseidon is deep and dark, calm and chaotic, just like the ocean that he dwells in. His children, like the cyclops, the pegasus, and his mortal children are often monstrous and destructive...reflecting the darker nature of their father, wreck havoc on the world above, causing conflict between Poseidon and the other gods. And at times...putting the three powerful brothers at war with each other.

Unlike the other books in this series, O'Connor has Poseidon tell his own story. From the defeat of the Titans to his children to his time in Kronos's stomach, O'Connor allows Poseidon to explain why he acts the way he does, which creates for a unique storytelling experience. And while it is an epic story, it sometimes strays from being the story of Poseidon and instead becomes the story of the Minotaur or Theseus (children of Poseidon.) And while O'Connor does this because there isn't a lot of information on Poseidon, it just doesn't read as a complete story like the books on Zeus and Hades.

I really like the artwork in this book. It has such great use of color and shadow in the depictions of the world, especially the underworld. Instead of depicting it all flames and fire (which seems to be something some artists like these days) it's more of a darker, almost hopeless place...much like it's described as in the original myths. It might be a bit creepy for really young readers, but middle schoolers and above will enjoy it. I enjoyed most of the character design, although at times Poseidon's mustache bugged me...it made him seem like a dastardly villain vs. being a god.

Overall this is a great series and this is the perfect companion for people that have been enjoying the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan and want to know more about the Greek/Roman gods and how they work. Even better is that at the end of the book is nice a little feature that talks bout the different characters, who they are, and other details to help you learn more about the Greek world. Even better, from a librarian perspective, they have a bibliography! A list of websites and recommended reading list to go to get more information. I can't wait to read the next volume in the series!

ARC provided by Gina at FirstSecond
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Maxwell does not disappoint. This adventure and compasses three kingdoms, a great sea that needs to be traversed (complete with serpents); a dying kings thirst for Gold, a young princess who yearns to learn how to fight, and a young second son who learns that he is something very different then a prince. A captivating read. Character development is  a little weak but the plot is well paced & has some good twists
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Wilson is a phenomenal writer who takes us to a hitherto unknown realm. This is her only book that I've read so at least I've never known this type of world.

In the about the author section we see her near a 5 thousand year old stone which is purported to be a ancient portal to another world. That photo is over forty years old and now she Wilson has taken her readers to another time and a different world.

The characters come alive and jump off the page. The scene is well described and mystical. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to visit this land of courage, adventure, and love.
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Lily is happy on land and spending time with her love Quince, while getting ready to celebrate her 18thbirthday in Thalassinia. The thing is, by Thalassinia law, if Lily is not bonded by her 18th birthday she must give up her title as Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia. She is ready to do just that when she gets a visit from her trouble making cousin Dosinia. Doe shows up at Aunt Rachel's with a note from Daddy letting her know that she has been tasked with keeping an eye on Doe and keeping her out of trouble. Problem is Doe hates humans and is now exiled from Thalassinia and has to stay on land.

This is an adventure that will take you through the struggles of a teenage mer-girl who feels that she has been wronged by the very species she is now forced to live with. As if Lily didn't have enough to deal with, she is trying to find out what Doe did that was bad enough to get her exiled and trying to get ready to make a life altering decision. All the while, Doe is getting really friendly with Brody, Lily's former crush. One thing leads to another and before you know it, Lily is rushing back to Thalassina to fix Docinia's latest mistake which will bring Lily face to face with an old friend and the need to re-evaluate her decision to give up her future seat on the throne. Will Lily stay on land with the boy she loves or help out her old friend and possibly the entire mer-world?

Narrator Emily Bauer brings the characters to life in a bright and fun way. She is easy to listen to and makes the characters easy to love. She does really well with the female voices but at first I found it hard to tell when she was reading Quince and when she was reading Brody.

All in all I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to any young girl that loves mermaids. The audio is crisp and easy to fall into. If you don't have time to sit down and read the book, Audio is the way to go. - Lisa
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It's said that books can take us anywhere we want to go. Have you ever wanted to walk across the sky above it all? Gaze down upon the earth's majesty like a bird? Come along with "Skywalker" and you can.
Have you ever imagined yourself a story-hero pitted against the mighty forces of nature and exotic beasts and emerging the victor? Or beaten by the folly of your own limitations? Come along with "Skywalker" and you will.
Have you ever dreamed of experiencing a deeper understanding of mankind's role in the Nature we reside in? Walk along with "Skywalker" and you have. Walk in the sky, stand on a mountain summit a while, and against all odds, realize the power held in a desire, a fantasy, or a dream, and acting upon it.

The Appalachian Trail is 2,175 miles of mostly rugged, rocky, and hostile terrain. It is consistently more inclined then the Rockies or the Sierras. It stretches from Springer Mountain, Georgia across fourteen states to Mount Katahdin, Maine. It's described by the author as "a fairyland of of silvery summits that overlook shimmering bodies of water nestled deep in the forests of solitude, where moss and lichen floors stir the depths of even the most hard bitten souls."
To walk it, is a feat for even the most experienced hiker. To 'thru-hike' it, is accomplished by few of the many who try. When Bill Walker, a southern Georgia flatland native, challenged this mountainous spine that runs nearly the length of the east coast less Florida, his hiking experience consisted of ten years on the streets of Chicago where he walked to and from work to avoid the paralyzing rush hour traffic. Which is not such a feat at all for a man almost seven feet tall. Not to mention that his experience in sleeping under the stars consisted of one night in his sister's backyard as a 'practice' run.
Having walked on this trail myself in the mountains of North Carolina, I wondered, would his 6'11" height help or hinder him climb a mountain? Would his inexperience with the great outdoors force him to an early exit? Or would pure will and determination carry him to unknown heights? I was soon to find out.
Skywalker's ( Bill's so apt 'trail' name) journey is a page turner that will have you entranced even if your greatest outdoor adventure has been an afternoon nap in the hammock under a shade tree.
You will shiver from the bone chilling cold, feel the agony of bruised and bleeding feet, swat at imaginary mosquito swarms around your head, jump at a sudden loud noise in the back yard, and throw any Poptarts that may be residing in your cupboard to the backyard critters.
You'll envision a mountain ledge where one misstep could end in tragedy, traverse fields of rocks so plentiful each pace could be an injury. You'll almost smell swamps almost primeval. You'll become one with the elements, literally absorb them into yourself and hope you survive. You'll live with the wildlife in their territory, where they rule! You'll forge raging whitewater rapids, yet swear to never waste another drop of water in your life.
Between the covers of this book, you'll  experience what it is to really live life. To go the extra mile, to dig one gasp deeper. You'll gain an awe for the majesty, and the mystery, of the Orb we tred upon. But best of all, you'll learn the power held in a dream. And in a man courageous enough to dream one and act upon it.

Susan Haley, Author
RAINY DAY PEOPLE
FIBERS IN THE WEB
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Review by Jill Williamson

Joran sent his wife away when he discovered something about her that he could not forgive. But then he discovered that she never arrived. He can't stand not knowing what happened to her, so he investigates and discovers that his wife is being held captive by the moon. Joran embarks on a long journey to bring her back. Her befriends a wolf named Ruyah along the way, who becomes a close friend and protector.
Review by Jill Williamson

Joran sent his wife away when he discovered something about her that he could not forgive. But then he discovered that she never arrived. He can't stand not knowing what happened to her, so he investigates and discovers that his wife is being held captive by the moon. Joran embarks on a long journey to bring her back. Her befriends a wolf named Ruyah along the way, who becomes a close friend and protector.

This book is filled with beautiful literary allegory and symbolism. I enjoyed the fairly tale world C.S. Lakin created for her characters to navigate. Joran and Ruyah's conversations were fun to read. I liked their relationship and Ruyah's bits of wolf wisdom. I love how the story unfolded in the end and look forward to more in the Gates of Heaven series.
 and symbolism. I enjoyed the fairly tale world C.S. Lakin created for her characters to navigate. Joran and Ruyah's conversations were fun to read. I liked their relationship and Ruyah's bits of wolf wisdom. I love how the story unfolded in the end and look forward to more in the Gates of Heaven series.
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What a treat to be back in Anne Bishops The Others fascinating world. In LAKE SILENCE, a new story arc begins with different characters in another place as book five was the culmination of the Lakeside Courtyard storyline including Meg and Simons relationship. While the people are different, the world of the terra indigene or earth natives known as the Others and their relationship with humans is not. After the Great Predation of the previous summer when much of the population of Thaisia was taken out by the Elders, the survivors are still figuring out how to live in this radically changed world. Because of the Lakeside Courtyards newly evolved relationship with humans including the blood prophets and Intuits, more of the terra indigene are redefining how they interact with those previously only considered prey. Lake Silence features a small community named Sproing; it is completely surrounded by the wild country. Vicki DeVine moved there after a divorce settlement ceding her a rustic resort which needed much renovation. After ten years of an unhealthy marriage, she has begun to find her albeit shaky footing. Her only lodger who becomes a close friend, Aggie Crowe, turns out to be one of the Others called the Crowgard. Aggie introduces Vicki to the terra indigene world in an intense way when a body is found on her rural property, The Jumble. The Sanguinati are the terra indigene in charge of this village led by Vickis yummy attorney, Ilya. As always, the Elders and Elementals are about watching the humans who when they get out of bounds, sometimes become lunch. Denial is not just a river in Egypt; the humans still like to pretend the Others are out there, instead of RIGHT HERE.

Vickis life once again takes a turn to a major upheaval when it seems someone wants to pin the blame on her for this suspicious death. Anyone familiar with The Others series will know what happens when humans fail to follow the rules set by the terra indigene for appropriate behavior on their land. Essentially that territory is all of Sproing in the area known as the Feather and Finger Lakes. Sproing gets its name from the sproingers who are interesting little hoppy creatures with cute smiley faces. They comprise the literal eyes and ears of the terra indigene in town. Cute does not mean safe in the terra indigene world.

Vickis relationship with her ex-husband, Yorick, and his cronies is the backdrop for this story. Her philandering ex is described as having a wondering vigorous appendage. Ms. Bishop has a talent for blending wicked humor into potentially grim situations where people can easily end up a meal for the Others and have readers rooting for them against bad humans. For those wondering about what is happening back in Lakeside, references to some folks are made from the Lakeside Courtyard, but no characters appear in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed being back in this creative and very entertaining world and look forward to the next book centered on the community of Bennett that featured in the previous books.
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The second book, though 17th in the series is fantastical in its descriptions of not only the Fae lands, but what lays beyond. I have read many books and this one was one of the first to describe an Earth Fae this way and I thought it was wonderful.  I love all of the linking to different types of mythology, not just sticking to Celtic, like Cade, grows a more complete world. I love involvement of Caro, Haris and Ali in this book and was happy to see them in such a large role. Bree as a character is finally getting to grow up and I like how it looks on her. She is not holding onto Ana as the only person she can trust and the things it is doing for her character might make her my favorite yet.

Cade drives me a little crazy with his indecisive ways, but I would be happy for him to stick around. Looking forward to book 3.
check out the complete review at underthebookmark.com
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This epic tale has it all  fairies, trolls, dragons and more.
For years the princess of Mertia has been missing, and her sinister uncle Sebastian has been ruling in her place. The land is in turmoil and plagued with a severe drought. Malachi, a young farmer, sets out on a mission to find the princess and help restore order to the kingdom.
Azalea always knew she was different, but had no idea she was the princess  half human half fairy. Together, with the help of a few friends, Azalea and Malachi seek to find answers and defeat the evil that has overtaken their world.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were interesting and the story had a great flow. It was nice to see Azalea grow into the princess she was meant to be, and I loved Malachi.
Dont miss out on this fun adventure.
This young author shows great promise  I look forward to reading more of her work.
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We really, really like that Fun Pack.  Gollum can swim and is acrobatic which is very useful.  His spider is very helpful. He had more resources than anticipated.
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It is hard to do justice to this spiritual adventure story. Words seem totally inadequate.

That we have depleted and vandalized the Earth's resources in over a few decennia is a well known fact, as we grapple with issues like greenhouse gases and global warming. However, there are other facets of our lovely planet that we haven't yet been made aware of, at a global level. The 'Serpent of Light' is one such. Simply put, it is the Spirit of the Earth. Legend has it that it moves every 13,000 years from its resting place to another. The area that the Serpent rests in, gives birth to great schoars and thinkers because of the heightened energies. The movement of the Serpent, according to this book, appears to have taken place recently, (in accordance with the dawning of the Aquarian Age) as it moved from its latest home, high up in the Himalayas to its present resting place, somewhere between Peru and Chile. This shift in the Earth's energy was predicted by the Mayans about 13,000 years ago. Anchoring this energy properly in its present home has involved a concerted effort worldwide at different levels of consciousness. In this book, Drunvalo Melchizedek talks of the work in which he himself has played a major part.

For the first time in my reading, I find a spiritual action story. Coincidences take place so often that one is surprised that one can be surprised at all, that one has not got hardened to the rapid turn of events. Where, for instance, people whom you don't know at all, but are supposed to meet, turn up out of the blue, where you happen to be, to participate in a complex ceremony that required their presence. Where a group of people, drawn from all over the globe, come together to perform intricate rites, and the joy and exhilaration they generate together, as these ancient rituals are conducted, as the consciousness of native American tribes who have been wiped out, are resurrected from the Nether Worlds. The sense of an unceasing party, full of wonderful surprises comes through very vividly in this book.

Drunvalo mentions, also in some detail, his role in awakening and balancing the Goddess Consciousness in the late 1980's. In this, as in all his other ventures, he is mentored by Thoth and the angels. The book concludes with the story of his ongoing interaction with the Maori from New Zealand.

The author attributes his success in getting across to the ancient tribes of the world, to his own heart based perception, heightened after years of doing the Mer Ka Ba meditation. He mentions a time during one of the ceremonies which focused on healing the heart chakra, with a globally drawn group of participants, when one of them said that she sensed (at the end of the ceremony) that 'the Tower of Babel was shattered to splinters'.

This book has moved me as very few have. It contains many nuggets of badly needed esoteric wisdom within its 270 odd pages, pages that bear testimony to a way of life, devoted to living in the eternal Now with total trust of being provided for. It is not meant to be analyzed or understood, for it speaks directly to the part of us that knows all things and holds its wisdom in silence, the human heart. For those of us who are acquainted with Drunvalo, this book is some sort of an extension and elaboration of his earlier books, 'Ancient Secrets of the Flower of Life' (Vol. I and II) and 'Living in the Heart'., and written in his characteristically humorous, self effacing style. All in all: Advanced Wisdom, very readable, and highly recommended for all, especially during these times of uncertainty, confusion aand doubt.
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This is a tale wonderfully told of an explorer's quest to fill in the blank spots on the map of Asia.  Not only does Hedin present a clear and highly entertaining view of his travels, but he also gives us a portrait of his character.  He shows us that he is a man with high goals and is undeterred in achieving those goals, even when all odds are against him.  He shows us that he is also a very caring man, very much concerned about the welfare of his men and his animals.  He also is a man that is awestruck by nature and is very concerned about not unduly intruding upon it or unnecessarily destroying it.
But most of all, this is an adventure story that is just plain fun to read.
A suggestion to readers who are not very familiar with the geography of central Asia would be to have on hand some good maps as the ones Hedin draws are quite limited and often fail to give the perspective that may be desireable.
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The Cloud Roads saw the shapeshifter Moon, find out what he was in a world so alien it is unlike any other found in Fantasy. With The Serpent Sea Moon knows what he is, but now it is time for him to find out who he is and establish himself in the Raksura community. Being a consort comes back to bite him as he negotiates unknown territory in search of something powerful stolen from his colony.

Wells filled the first volume with diverse cultures and beings that she could have easily just built the story on those stones, but with The Serpent Sea she chose to explore this world even further afield venturing to a new home for the Raksura and also going out to sea where few Raksura have gone before.

The world appears to be a Fantasy one for the most part, but like Adrian Tchaikovsky Shadows of the Apt series and Andre Norton's Forerunner she introduces some technological innovations into the fold, which gives the world an even more original direction. Still, as enthralling as the world-building is it is Moon and the lessons he learns, which are the books greatest strength. He is a powerful yet timid person who has always searched for a place to be safe and accepted. Now he has that place. The politics of Raksura hives and

The third Raksura novel The Siren Depths should be out in January 2013 and it is on my immediate read list. This is a series not to be missed.
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A spiritual pathway is shown to us by Orion Foxwood a well renowned Faery seer who has drunk from many a well of wisdom. The path to enlightenment lies within, as does your journey through the tree of enchantment. Before you begin your journey you must first have self understanding. You have three different souls and one spirit. Your consciousness is able to move from one to the other, with proper training. The first soul is your surface walker. This is your everyday body that roams the planet earth. Your dream walker is the being that walks beneath in the underworld. It is very emotional and corresponds to water and oceans. Your Star Walker is your higher self the one that roams about in the Astral realms.

Your journey begins with the realization that although you have freewill you are really connected to everything on this planet. The Division of separation is just an illusion. You start with your ancestors. You contact and work with your ancestors by setting up an altar for them and an ancestor pot. You make daily food contribution of the food and drink they enjoyed in this world. Your objective is to reach the River of Blood. It is at the River of blood that you heal your ancestors and get guidance from them. They can also protect. Sometimes there is a melancholy as you feel their sorrow but on the other bank which is the Bank of Truth. You will travel down the River of Blood and contact the Supernal Ancestor of Man. It is both male and female and lives on an island of bones. It has a silver object for you. This reconnects you to mankind.

Your next destination in the Guardians and this is a horned god who is in charge of nature and maintains the laws. He is also the one who guards the way to the weaver who is in charge of generation, destruction and regeneration. Creation and destruction on our planet through the three threads she weaves. Both of these divine beings are attended by other beings. The guardian is enthroned by representative of thee four elements. The weaver is attended by three women of fate and sometimes washer women. Faery women that cleanse you before meeting the weaver. Meeting the weaver will help break the chains of illusion and fear and show you your true purpose. After meeting these two divine beings you go to the well of the dreamer.

The Well of the Dreamer is surrounded by by thorny rosebush. If your heart is pure and humble then they will open us for you if not they will cut you. The dreamer is the one who dreamt this world into being. We are all part of his dream. The Dreamer is an androgynous being that is asleep. During the age of Aquarius he will open one of his eyes and the world will experience enlightenment. The dreamer who is the creator of this world is a child of the Star Father and the mother Goddess who is identified as the Utterer. The Dreamer is likened to a piece of Star that fell to earth and penetrated it. This is the reason that there is life on the planet Earth.
The of Faeries lies in the underworld. Brigh is their queen. The faeries came down to Earth with the Dreamer. We each have a Faery counterpart whom will experience enlightenment with us.

Next we travel to the Astral realms were we experience contact with the the Star Father and the Utterer. We also meet the Holy Fire or formless fire. This is the life force that permeates us all. This is the master creator. It is a long journey and do not think you will make it in a year. Such a journey may take life times.

Anyone wanting to learn about Faery seership would be well advised to read from this book. The book outlines the path that you will take and it gives you exercises to help you traverse along the path. Mr. Foxwood has studied Traditional Witchcraft and Appalachian magic traditions. This book get 4.5 broomsticks out of 5.

[...]
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I loved sitting with my daughter Larra, reading her parts of Del's journey in Azdia. Thank you Matthew for your first installment! I had wished to learn more about "Mr. Thicket", as I am a fan of antagonists from Darth Vader to The Govenor, but I expect we'll see him again in book 2. I was diappointed that we didn't experience a reunion between Del and her mother, but presume that will be explorer in future, perhaps not until the end of the series. Picturesque and magical Azdia and many of her inhabitants reminded me of fantastical fairy lands, Lord of the Rings - type creatures and landscapes. My favorite sections described a stormy voyage aboard the Zephyr and during a well deserved respite at Old Blythe's house. I'm interested to see Sam and Del's relationship grow deeper in book 2, as well. Overall, a really fun read, full of adventure. Del reminds us that friendship, comforting words of encouragement and perseverance to stay the course and never give up are qualities and characteristics we should all strive for and apply in our own Azdia. Reviewed and recommended from Illinois.
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The planet Shora is covered completely by water, giving it the name The Ocean Moon.  Its inhabitants, all female, have lived peacefully for tens of thousands of years, peacefully co-existing with all the creatures of the planet.  That is, until the Valan traders from the neighboring planet of Valedon come, bringing with them pollution and a terrible stonesickness.
To understand the Valans, two Sharers leave for Valedon with the hope of sharing learning with them: Usha the Inconsiderate and her lovesharer, Merwen the Imaptient, who believes deep down that Valans are humans, too, like the Sharers of Shora.  For her to prove this, she must teach a Valan the ways of Shora, and after their ordeal on Valedon, they bring home with them a young stonecutter's son, Spinel.
As Spinel's learnsharing begins, the Patriarch, protector of Valedon, wants to bring Shora into its folds in order to make use of its valuable resources such as minerals and fish.  His Envoy dispatches a military unit to move relations along, at first with kind words.  When that goes nowhere, he resorts to terrorism, both ecological and physical.  Undaunted, the Sharers, unaccustomed to useless killing, fight back with pacifism and intelligence, hoping to bring an end to this unwanted presence on their homeworld.
Slonczewski has created two very distinct and intriguing worlds, populated with very human-acting characters.  One item I truly liked about this book is the interplay of the contrasting world views of the Sharers and the Valans don't think that the either is human: the Sharers consider Valans nothing more than children who need to learn in order to grow; the Valans think of Sharers as nothing more than catfish.  Faced with a problem, one species uses patience and diplomacy, whereas the other immediately resorts to violence.  And stuck in the middle is young Spinel, torn between his homeworld and his new-found family.
A fantastic novel full of rich characters and whose themes of environmentalism and activism ring true today.  A definite page-turner!