Yancey did it again...
929077
'Vanishing Grace' is another engaging, insightful work of Philip Yancey and critically needed in our post-Christian world, especially in the midst of the sad perception of "evangelicals" in the west.  Yancey does it like a true subversive artist that he speaks of, using stories and ideas to draw us through the "dark tunnel" to see the greater picture.  A picture of Christians as "good news" - simple, different, love in filling, transforming good news.
4683973
Aliens have taken over the world again. This is my first Rick Yancey book and while it is getting quite the hype, I do believe it deserves every bit of it. Of course aliens taking over the human race is nothing new and aliens in the guise of humans is also not new but you will love Yancey's approach. He focused his story on the aftermath of the invasion and telling us of this grim and gritty world post take over. Of course, the hyped commodity does not always live upto its expectations but here's the thing, you are definitely not going to be disappointed with this one.

The 5th Wave deserves its genre credibility as a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Aliens are here. You can clearly see that hulking big mothership hung up there in the sky and instead of big eyed green monsters coming in arms ablaze, they take the subtle approach. They use our own planet against us. The 1st Wave, lights out. The 2nd Wave, Surf's up. The 3rd Wave, Pestilence and the 4th Wave, Silencer.

Tensions and suspicions are sky rocketing. You can't really trust your fellow humans because the others have taken over a certain percentage of us. Then comes the 5th wave. Nobody really knows what that one will be. Maybe its already happened. Maybe it is happening all round them or maybe it has already happened while the smart few have hidden themselves.

And Cassie, fierce and smart is up and about in this silent & strange new world with only an M-16 and her brother's teddy bear for company. The brother for whom she searches for relentlessly hoping against hope that he is still alive and that she had not failed in that one promise she made to him. Alone against the world, a philosophy that has kept her alive till now but she soon realizes just how out of depth she really is ...... How alone!

Such circumstances lead her to the mysterious Evan, who takes her in after she gets shot. She understands her situation. She understands who Evan is but at heart she knows that she won't be able to do it alone and craves the company. And Yancey portrays this soft, suspicious, tense yet warm are to perfection keeping us on tenterhooks waiting for the penny to drop.

We also meet Zombie, Ben Parish really. A colligation that fits. Whereas Cassie tells the story of the aftermath and how the human race copes. Through Zombie we get the most action packed arc. The government is putting soldiers on the front, the children, the last line of defense. Its is sick really, reading about it, putting kids as young as seven in the firing range but the author plays it very nicely. The realization...... the ultimate betrayal. The reality of Camp Heaven. We come to know all this and gasp at the right places as they are revealed.

Making them finally meet .... The actual 5th Wave ..... Rick Yancey did a pretty bang-up job holding in all the pieces and showing his hands one by one, at the perfect time. Leading to the final confrontation. Perfect world building, perfectly developed characters and an amazing plot. This is a 457 paged manuscript and I tell you you truly must not pass it up.
897096
Great Composition and excution. Anyone can enjoy this new Cd. I would recommend it to any who love the Country Music. Another Fantastic Album. Great! Great! Great!
1750549
Love it! Loretta never ceases to amaze. Her vocals are sharper and clearer than ever. This album is sure to be another jewel to add to her crown. And most certainly going to be in the top 5 of her entire career. Its so good to actually hear new COUNTRY music.
281406
Another outstanding album.  I consider myself a music lover, and what I appreciate about Zac Brown and his band is that they do not feel it necessary to stay within the boundaries of a musical genre.  They seek and succeed in creating and performing music that they obviously enjoy, and we get to come along for the ride.  Well done.
303707
Profound in the typical Yancey style.  Probing, really takes the evangelical community to task.  Highly recommended!!  An important book for our troubled times.
1250205
I have been a fan of Alanis' since JLP.  Her new album, "Under Rug Swept" takes you back to the JLP days.  From the addicting sounds of "Hands Clean" to the beautiful ballad "Flinch" ALanis has once again proved why she is so talented.  Reading the critics reviews makes one wonder: Why is it a crime to write a song that doesnt rhyme?  Alanis' writing style shows that not only can you write beautiful words...but when you put them to music it makes you even more of a special artist.  Some standouts include: Surrendering, So Unsexy, Hands Clean and Flinch.  URS is not as heavy as Suppose Former Infatuation Junkie nor is it as radio friendly as JLP. However, its a great album that I HIGHLY recommend. WELCOME BACK ALANIS!
1874529
Yes, this album is very 'synthesized' in nature compared to his previous albums. There is not as much instrumental music but as I have listened to the album more and more I have grown to enjoy it more and more. I highly recommend it to any Yanni fan and forewarn them to keep an open mind.
4542415
Don Williams is like Alan Jackson in my opinion. Good, clean, pure country music. Everything is well written and often tugs at the heart strings. Like all his albums, this one is excellant.
2932502
Yancey's book puts grace on display amazingly well.  He could be more clear on how one is saved and not saved, but I thoroughly appreciated the book.  I'll bet it will challenge your mind on the extent of God's grace toward sinful man... and how we should have that same perspective.
1311746
Kacey has always left me satisfied with her developed characters, interesting story line and captivating writing. She delivered once again. I was hooked from page 1.
1169317
This is not my first Yancey book and may not be my last. They are entertaining and special. Coming from the south, the "written accent" is easy to read and understand. This story is Dr. Ben Yancey coming from the east to California to set up an office in Whitfield. I felt sad that children were being abused in the orphanage and so glad Dr. Ben took care of making things right. Unfortunately, I fear some of these incidents really happened in our history. One of the highlights of the book is the dog Jake. I loved that he was taken in and given a home. Thanks for an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the book.
2482821
Love everything James Hunter does, and this doesn't disappoint. Things are really compiling for Yancy in this book, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
348402
The National has released yet another captivating and expressive album that makes my top 4 of the year.  The Boxer is more intimate and softer in comparison to The Alligator. But don't let that deter you from listening, because what it lacks in bang, it makes up for in depth with many subtle layers of instrumental and sounds.  After listening and concentrating on this album 4-5 times, you will notice all the additions that make this album feel whole.  The lyrics are still dynamic and flow so perfectly with his style of singing.  I really do commend The National on this album!

If you have not yet heard The Alligator, make it a priority!!!
4085933
I've been a fan of Yanni since a friend introduced me. From that moment I was hooked. When I first heard Live at the Acropolis, I was blown away. Now, I should say that my first love in music has always been Metal. However there is something special about Yanni's music that opens part of my soul like nothing else - and afterwards I cannot help but feel like a better person for listening. I can almost feel my soul humming along. It's magic.
Not long ago I had a friend pick me up a copy of the DVD "Live At The Acropolis" on a recent trip to America. Why isn't Yanni available on DVD in Australia? Hopefully this will change - There are quite a few of us fans down here missing out!!! Please change this! Thankfully my player is multiregion!
With Ethnicity, Yanni asks us to trust him and he leads us by the hand on a journey to this wonderful, mystical land where time seems to be forgotten, and only he has the key.
Our journey starts off perfectly with Rites of Passage and continues on until the end of Jivaeri (Jiva-eri). It's a journey that few artists have been able to take us. It's a place where once we leave - we find ourselves yearning to return. That's a rarity in music.
On Ethnicity he treats us to a plethora of beautiful sounds and instruments from many countries and cultures.
While it's a good, solid effort, and very touching, it's still not his best album - but despite that, Yanni shows us he is still maturing as an artist - a wise maturity that somehow never forgets where he has been. Like the youthful, daring side inside us all, yearning to take chances. There is something in that lesson that we all could learn alot from.
This is the Yanni album that every other Yanni album has lead to.
If you're a fan - treat yourself and get this album. If you're not a fan - why not? As I did with "If I could Tell You" I look forward to his next album - it might be a while - but I'm sure it will be worth it. He hasn't dissapointed yet. Keep 'em coming Yanni.
Coming from a Metal fan - It might sound strange to hear that I feel that my heart has been deeply touched. It seems Yanni's music transcends preconcieved borders and musical racism that is so prevalent in today's society. His music is somehow able to touch alot of people and make the the world seem smaller, and a more pleasant place in which to live. It's music to live your life by.
Thank you.
I look forward to hearing more from you.
1498413
Thank God there are still artists like Alan Jackson around to keep country music alive.  In this album he includes a little bit of everything from fast paced songs, a little blue grass, and most important of all it's all good classic country! His band and himself have never sounded better.  This whole album is one big Good Time and you can tell from his excitement in the lyrics that he had a blast making it and I think that you will have a blast listening to it as well.
681879
Nelly...has done something ive been waiting for her to do for years. Combine all of her past albums' styles into one. Boy oh boy, does TSI have it. The title song itself, so moving and uplifting, just sets the pace for what will become a truly musically inclined experience. High Life has some great words to life by and Bucket List is just too much fun. Circles has some Trynna Finda Way vibes and The Most Beautiful Thing is reminiscent of Folklore. There's quite a bit of the electric, dance enticing rhythms of Loose thrown throughout as well. Just give it a try...I can guarantee you you'll find a song that you can't live without.