Treading along the dark path
593614
Kare Kano keeps on surprising me. The Arima storyline is crazy as more is revealed of his past. This probably is Masami Tsuda's darkest manga since it takes a bolder, more serious turn.  Miyazawa's mettle is tested with a challenge that she may be unable to overcome. Even Asapin is key in this volume.  I really like how the characters have changed since volume 1.  This one is a non-stop read and Vol 16 seems so far away...patience is key!!
1304717
The story of Raven Son is the story of the choices we make to either follow Truth or follow Darkness. Vorans quest to save Vasyllia from the Darkness is about the inner quest to choose between self-fulfillment or selflessness. True to the ideals of a heros journey, Voran gathers or encounters an interesting cast of characters who ultimately aid in his journey.

Kotar has created an impressive first volume in what is surely a multi-volume story. While the final scene could be enough to suggest the events to come, readers would welcome more of this story from one who has paid attention to the lessons of Tolkien. It was difficult to put the story down for lifes necessary intrusions. Even if he does not further this story, I would enjoy reading more from Kotars pen.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
2303081
The authors bring to light some fine hikes, but their directions while on the trail can be ambiguous, bordering on the nonsensical.  The trail guide writer's task is simple, but not easy: above all else, write with clarity.  Bring an extra water bottle and be prepared to do some back tracking.
726487
It was the sub-title of this book that first intrigued me - a Buddhist walking a Catholic path. The author's resolve to travel the length of Northern Spain as a pilgrim however, was made in a flash and religion did not seem a key factor in this initial decision. It seemed more a case of do or die, sometimes called mid-life crisis. But as the book progresses, as her body is challenged and memories surface, she begins an exploration of two faiths in a search for meaning of both self and self in relationship.

It is, in many ways, a quest to find the common ground of Catholicism and Buddhism and how daily life, the dreams, desires, disappointments and the mundane, fit into the equation. The approach to this big subject is deftly woven into the author's experiences along the way, always fresh, exceedingly readable and never resorting to judgement.

The Way is a River of Stars is a gentle paced book, as it should be. Each chapter begins with a new day. The terrain crossed, unfolded for me as if I was there, such is this writer's command of lyricism and language.

This is a journey that takes the well worn path beneath the stars of The Milky Way but it is also offers much more. For a Caminophile, an aspiring pilgrim or a reader simply curious to know how one woman arrives at the heart of what really matters in life; this is a book that delivers. Highly recommended.
934008
A beautifully written book with beautiful art and sigil work. It's a great introduction to the path of Maergzjiran magick. I would recommend this book to any who feel drawn to a darker path.
4083148
When there is light, you will never see darkness the same.

But it takes more courage than most have just to read it.

Resist.
4933336
Excellent read, the journey takes you back and forth throughout the characters and bit by bit if you aren't careful you will miss out why what is how, and how why became what or who. Interesting ? pick up this book!
822085
It is so sad that Anne Rice has returned to ignorance after finding enlightenment. Anne, it was the darkness that gave you your fame and fortune. Now you repay the Darkness by turning your back on it. How convenient it must be to embrace Darkness, become filthy rich from it, and then with all your money in tow, you return to Church (an insurance policy for confused souls). It is so sad to see you leave us for the "other side". Though we are all sad at your choices, I bid you to go in PEACE.

One last thing...Anne, have you forgotten? SOMETIMES THE DARKNESS IS THE LIGHT.
1663089
Lately I have been interested in the psychological state of socio-paths. In undertaking this study I was recommended "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor and "Tell Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe. I would not agree with my friends thinking that Edgar Allan Poe's writing entail a socio-pathic behavior; as quite contrary the aggressor is faced with immense guilt and contemplating the actions taken; in the end confessing to the crime.
In this collection of very short stories which manifest them in tales of dark horror; Allan I believe is suggesting that human nature is a delicate balance of light and dark or good and evil. Most of the time this precarious balance is maintained; however, when there is a shift, for whatever reason, the dark or perverse side surfaces. How and why this "dark side" emerges differs from person to person.
3687293
Children and adults will be moved by this story. The dark pages are filled with possibility and had me looking for life in the shadows. I recall my child reading the same book over and over, or having me read it, this looks like one of those books. I recommend it.
2409423
This is a modern, dark fairy tale.  A walk along a haunted path towards something that is well worth the walk.  I read it in one sitting, and loved the authors voice.
785531
Curves and switchbacks. The story takes the reader on a circuitous journey. Character relationships create quite a web for the reader to unravel. I never saw the resolution coming. Super read.
1511166
Fun read to weave your way thru differing paths.
3613575
The Shadowed Path is a book that quickly pulled me into a vivid Roman Empire-like world, immersed in dark fantasy elements. Two nations on the brink of war, and between them a place all its own; the Shadowland. Here it is the waystalkers, inhumanii connected to the earth, who are at one with its darkness. But on the outside of their world, they are slaves to humans who they cannot kill. The rules change when the enemy bends some of these lethal waystalkers to their advantage, and Marcus and his companions barely escape alive.

Marcus didn't want to get sent away from his comfortable, rich life to join a merchant caravan on a such a treacherous journey.  On getting out of the Shadowland four years later, he finds nothing remaining of the life he left.  When things begin to escalate violently in his search for answers, his quick-wits, calm demeanor and fighting skills gained from the Shadowland make him an awesome character to follow.

When Sheena joins the story, she goes from a woman in despair to one bent on vengeance.  Her shattered mind due to the traumatic loss of her family gives her character an even more suspenseful edge, particularly when she aims her vengeance at Marcus.

I'm curious to see what happens next with Marcus and Sheena and how the waystalkers will further play out. A great deal of the four years in the Shadowland has yet to be revealed as well, as the imprints it has left on Marcus and his friends are significant. Great characters, story, and action, makes this a series I will be following closely.
3490741
A dark depiction of the future which is looking more and more likely.
3810814
The path light is a great feature that provides a gentle light when it detects motion in the dark.  Now I don't worry about tripping over the cat and falling down the stairs.
2044684
This is another adventure trek of a woman who against all odds takes on a journey that stretches her capacity for fulfillment.
Even though I found that I would have given up her journey probably after the first few days, she continues her journey to prove that she really could accomplish a task which would make any reasonable person question "what am I doing here and what does it all mean???"
Robyn's struggle with her camels and then her challenge with the "love of her life" her dog, makes this journey question was it really worth all the complications she faced.  Granted we grow by challenge and to take the time of solitude to help one grow inwardly, is really different from a person in our culture and the Aboriginal people she meets and tries to emulate in their dependence on the earth and the mystical experience of the desert and the night sky. Her struggles were really culture clashes and I am not sure if she should not have spent more time with the native population before she began her own journey. She might have truly imbibed the deep spirituality of what these ancient mystics really experienced.
I never knew if she would have finally completed her journey.  So once the journey began, one had to keep on reading until  the very end.  Sometimes, we really do bite off more than we can chew, and at the end, I feel that Robyn had done that.  If she had prepared more by living with the native population for a longer period of time, she may have learned a lot more.