To Be or Not to Be a Hero?
344067
Kyle Briggins is a 14-year-old dealing with something we can all relate to - being the new kid in middle school/junior high.  Unfortunately, his headache is compounded by the fact that the school records show his surname as "Pendragon", and everybody ignores or teases him when he tries to correct them.  Since nothing seems to be going his way, Kyle just accepts that school is going to - well - suck.

As it turns out, what Kyle thinks is a mistake propels him into a completely unexpected adventure.  He is King Arthur and he must return to Avalon to retrieve Excalibur.  If the fabled sword falls into the hands of the evil sorceress, Morgana, then Camelot is doomed.

During most of the story, Kyle tries very hard to just be a normal teenager.  He denies that he could possibly be the real King Arthur.  What he wants most is to go to school without being teased and get to know a cute redhead.  He has no inclination to be a hero.

But what he realizes after he spends time in Avalon and holding Excalibur, is that he feels a sense of obligation.  Even if he does not quite understand what will happen if Morgana gets her way, or what he really must do, Kyle finally steps up.  He learns to trust both Merlin and his own instincts, and this journey helps him realize that he is a stronger boy than he realized.

I bought Kingdom Jumper by E.S. Lark (I have the paperback version) for my 9-year-old son, because he enjoys knights, sword and sorcery.  However, I read it because I'm a fan of Arthurian stories.  I'm quite glad that I did.  I also think that, even when we are adults, coming-of-age stories still have great meaning.

The next book, Siren's Dance, will be released in 2012, and I look forward to seeing where Kyle's journey of growth and self-discovery takes him.
3029105
Well written and heartfelt emotion.

Not all heros die in battle.

The citizen-soldiers among us who SURVIVE and have the ability to suppress these horrors and become good husbands or wives, a kind and loving parent and hold patriotism dear to their hearts to their last dying breath are heros, too.

I salute you and am humbled!

God Bless America!
3275570
This book is generally concerned with the ethical issue to what extent are you morally obligated to help someone who is the object of aggression. It is an interesting mix of ethical philosophy interspersed with real-life examples of violent encounters. It certainly will get martial artists to think about how they would react to a potential threat. The author gets you thinking how you might deal with a crazed attacker. He asks the question whether it's morally wrong not to intervene in a brutal attack to save someone's life. The answer is admittedly not a simple yes or no but rather, "it depends". The author doesn't have a holier-than-thou attitude and agrees that to decide to not intervene is to be human. Ultimately, the circumstances of each encounter dictate one's actions. This is the real strength of the book as the author details scenarios. While readable and well-argued, I found it a bit redundant at times. Still, I recommend this book for it's intended audience: martial artists who want some thought-provoking guidance in dealing with a violent world.
2339906
Marvel fan not a collector, I am an excellent visionary and love to remind my self, there are still heroes out of this world and in real life to save the day. I start by my self, since we are all heroes one way or another in the circle of life no matter how small. What about you?
3891912
I enjoyed this series to this point, but they have gotten to be a bit more about hero-worship than is my taste..  That, and (as another reviewer says) negotiations.  I'll be interested to see if his next book breaks out of this pattern.
2547926
When you live your life with honor, doing the right thing, that is not a bad thing. Having the persistence to keep plowing ahead when all seems unattainable, that makes for a really good story. Life is not always easy.
2318631
Maybe there's more to this story! The movie tag line is "We're all heroes if you catch us at the right moment."  I think there's also another underlying message in this movie. ... How we expect our "heroes" or politicians to look and act.  Even Bernie, in the movie, makes a remark about how the public doesn't want someone who looks or acts like him.  He would not be accepted as the "hero.'  Do we want our heroes to have Marvel comic book characteristics?  How many times have you heard the statement during a presidential campaign "does he or she 'look' presidential?'  Do you think the media would cover a story about a hero who is a shorty, nasty tempered jerk?

I liked this movie .. a movie to have a discussion about
1442617
Written in 19th century style, this book is not for everyone. However, for those overlook the flowery descriptions, it offers an exciting and romantic tale of a brave and gallant hero caught in a series of desperate situations. Written in modern style, this character could rival any super hero.
3840323
I enjoyed the story but my one complaint is that I never feel like our hero is in any real danger.
1865760
Great story, and a rather quick read.  The action is non-stop, moving from crisis to crisis.  The hero does what everyone would like to do but who are afraid to actually do it.  More insight into the thinking and character of our hero would be good.  The action that plays out in the story suggests motivation that is deep seated and complex, but one feels there's a lot more that could be said to describe what brought our hero to this point.
238430
I love Maya Banks' work as a rule. This book was no exception even if it felt, at times, that the story was being rushed.

There is an interesting turn of events happening, though, that makes we a tad uneasy.  This is the second book I've read in the last week in which the hero's life is "Gray" and he makes no apology for it.  I'm not too sure how I feel about knowing the heroin is aware of some shady goings-on and giving her approval through inaction or outright acceptance.

I realize as people we're flawed.  But I read erotic / romance because I want to escape to a world that ours might be if everyone were up-right and decent.  I want the dark hero who may have had a troubled past, but has found a reason to change because of the love of a good woman.

Having said that, I'm hoping this doesn't become a trend in romance. While the writing is great, and the plots believable, I still think a hero should be heroic.

Am I alone in thinking this way?
2974659
What does it take to be a traitor when your government is fanatical?  What defines a hero?  Interesting indeed.  Based on a real life character.
646340
What does it take to be considered a hero?  Acting on your convictions AND being willing to pay the price seems like it would be the highest standard.  LTC Terry Lakins is such a man and his story needed to be told.  It does not matter what you believe about the President's birth place to appreciate this act of courage.
2118419
Most true heroes don't consider themselves such. His title is offensive. He is Professor Umbridge wishing he were Albus Dumbledore.
3970714
I love Eve's lunacy.  Our Purple Hero has set off on a quest to become a real hero, much to the disgust of his family.  He can't quite get the hang of it.  By the time he meets up with a female Earther who just happens to be a crook and is also on a quest, he has been barred from setting foot on several planets.  The sparks begin to fly and he must decide if he really is a hero or a mercenary like the rest of his family.  His take on the rules of being a hero vs being a mercenary make a delightful opening for each chapter.
4657884
This is really great which lot of things to learn , which I will  develop more. Controlling my self in handling problems seriously. Avoiding myself to those person that meant to be as my friend.  But, I will trust someone who will be comfortable  for being who I'am. I also experienced different  kind of things that  usually happen being as a person. No matter how hard it is, there is a way to solve and handle it right. I'm not perfect , but I do my best to be a better person.
2444186
The engineer is the hero.  If he thinks creatively AND gets the physics right, he lives. In spite of obstacles he can't anticipate, he creatively (and with a positive attitude) overcomes them.

He is not a super-human. He is an engineer just like me, and maybe you too.