Eagle Reviews

For some reason the entire line up of Richard Herman's books appeared on my favourite bookseller's shelves a year or so ago, at ridiculously low prices. I was intrigued, and laid out the necessary bucks.

Well - it was worthg it. In fact, twice the price would have been fair. Not, of course, that I'm complaining.

"Force Of eagles" is the second of Herman's books, and it's a great yarn. Tautly plotted, with excellent airborne and land battle sequences, the action's non-stop. The concentrated action, however, doesn't interfere with the development of a bunch of likeable characters.

Yes folks, it's battle time, and the good guys are good, the bad guys are bad. (OK, so they're a little cliched. But hey... get with the picture. They are the bad guys, after all!)

The scenario's realistic (Herman must have war-gamed the action a number of times) and is told from a number of perspectives: the pilots, the ground-crew, the medics, the CO and his staff, the odd civilian.

Good stuff... as good as Dale Brown, without the political posturing of the letter.

This is the first book I picked up by Herman ( I just happened to see the F-15 Eagle on the cover while browsing a bookstore). I have re-read this book so many times the binding is coming loose! I had to go back and read his first novel The Warbirds and have added it and every book since Force of Eagles to my collection. If you like reading about the military and the Air Force in paticular, Herman is the author for you! Lots of action scenes as well as political background information. A general synopsis of the book would be what could have happnened had the U.S. lost the Gulf War.

The genral at the pentogon is very mad because he wants his people out of prison. he does not care who does the job. Stansell gets the job and puts together a rescue team to get the pows out, but it is not easy trying to do all this. THIS book is the best i would recomend this book to any one.

I just finished reading Gift of Fire and Gift of Gold. Jayne Ann Krentz is amazing. Not only do I love her sex scenes but her imagination re: paranormal phenomenon is amazing. What a woman!!

An excellent book. I read Gift of Gold first and hoped there would be more about the characters. Thankfully there was. All of her books I reread often and this is one of my favorites. I really enjoy the paranormal aspects of this book. I do not loan any of her books (under any of her pseudonyms)out.

Verity and Jonas are wonderful characters. This sequel continues with more interesting dialogue and suspense. The historical facts intertwined with the romance make this book a spell-binding read every time. Jayne Ann Krentz has the ability to weave a story that transports you into the book to watch the scene. I highly recommend both Gift of Fire and Gift of Gold

Biggins has produced another scorcher of a book. Well written and packed with enough technical detail to please anyone. This book covers the period when Prohaska is sent to fly on the Isonzo front after allegedly sinking a German submarine by accident.
Biggin's keeps the story buzzing along with a blend of action, humour and a large dose of the ridiculous. I can thoroughly recommend it.

While I am here I would also like to recommend another Biggins novel, "Tomorrow the World". This covers Prohaska's stint at the K.U.K. Naval Academy and his experiences on a voyage of exploration on the S.M.S. Windischgratz. I was fortunate enough to find a copy in London a few years ago and I haven't seen another one since. Anyone who has read the other Prohaska novels will get a kick out it. If you can find it read it!

The third of Biggins's tales (after "A Sailor of Austria" and "The Emperor's Coloured Coat") of Austrio-Hungarian Imperial naval officer Otto Prohaska. This entry chronicles his five months duty on the Italian front with an air reconnaissance unit. This book, more so than the previous two, manages to project the hopelessness, meaninglessness, and horror of WWI. Although Biggins foreshadows the deaths of various characters, the tragedy of their circumstance is always intact and immutable. As always, the technical aspect of the book is thrilling and captivating. Just as he did with submarines in "A Sailor of Austria," Biggins masterfully describes the emergence and rapid development of the airplane as an instrument of war. Reading this will shatter all preconceptions about the era of biplanes and the "Red Baron." The distinguishing feature of this entry in the series is its melancholy mood, which the reader cannot help but adopt.

"The Two-Headed Eagle" is quite possibly the best war novel in English since "The Caine Mutiny." By turns witty, farcical, and intense, this book captures the essence of World War I, surely the craziest war -- at least the craziest major war -- ever fought by so-called civilized society.

The book is episodic -- closer to four or five novellas than a single unified novel -- but that's one of its strengths, giving the narrative an almost kaleidoscopic quality that helps to convey the atmosphere of two of history's most confusing and disjointed phenomena -- the polyglot Habsburg Empire and the war itself. A great deal of action and character are packed into just four months of 1916. Yet Biggins has such a clear grasp of his story that the story itself never becomes confusing.

The book's humor is a great asset as well. Wit runsthrough the book, beginning with its title -- "The Two-Headed Eagle" refers both to the symbol of the Habsburg state and the two-seater airplane with an NCO pilot theoretically commanded by an officer-observer. Satire and even farce make their appearances. One of the best episodes involves the atttempt to execute a deserter, featuring a bureaucratic dispute over who gets to shoot him -- this abbreviated summary may not sound funny, but you will be rolling on the floor when you read it, I promise. Then there is the thorough historical research that has gone into the novel -- including the ethnic infighting of the multinational Empire (which contributes richly to the humor).

But this isn't just a comedy -- far fromit. Biggins' grimly concrete descriptions of life and death on the Isonzo Front are almost photographic. Biggins has the gift of conveying the futility and waste of war -- this war in particular -- without ever seeming overwrought or self-righteous.

Biggins' protagonist, Otto Prohaska, may be a bit too good to be true -- a paragon of civility, common sense and integrity, also heroic, witty, and cultured. Yet like his creator, Otto never seems priggish; he tells the stories engagingly. Prohaska's voice (he narrates the story in the first person) really does sound to me the way I'd expect an Austrian officer of WWI to sound. There are a couple of solecisms -- "orientated" for "oriented," "prospectus" for "prospect" -- but then, English isn't Otto's first language, nicht wahr?

All in all, this is a terrific book.

Although the house with spirits has been done repeatedly, Barbara Michaels does a wonderful job with her interpretation of this well used theme. I found myself being drawn into the tale and especially enjoyed the picturesque description of the castle. Despite its great twists and turns, I couldn't help but be sadden by the choice of endings. It does leave the reader wondering, how much of the ending was a result of the "spirit of the house" and how much of it was the mental workings of the heroine? You decide.

American teacher Carla Tregellas is the last remaining heir to a huge mansion on the cliffs of Cornwall. When she arrives she is confronted by an elderly housekeeper who tells her the tale of one of her ancestors disappearing on a stormy night, apparently taken by a mysterious merman. Carla is the practical type who is not dissuaded by old legends and decides to stay the summer. She becomes entwined with the housekeepers grandson, the local vicar, a young doctor, the lawyer handling the estate, and a myriad of other interesting characters. Carla notices that they all seem very intent on her leaving and she stubbornly refuses to give in. Meanwhile she has dreams and some real horrors in the house. In spite of all that she falls in love with the old estate and plans to stay. That's when the real fireworks start. This was an excellent mystery keeps you guessing until the amazing conclusion. Great fun to read.

I haven't read a Michael's book in ages and picked this one up. I absolutely loved it. Couldn't put it down until the wee hours of morning. If you like old houses, mysteries and ghosts this book is for you. Wish she would write another with these characters.Enjoy!

This was an interesting story. I have read a large number of World War Two historical fictions and this is the first time I have come across this topic. The detective is a good character, sure there are a lot of stereotypes with him but we all expect that and the author uses them to his advantage. The ending was a bit fast; a few more pages would have done the book justice. Overall a good effort that should not take you too much time to read. If you are a fan of this author then you defiantly should read the book

That's the setting for this novel. It's 1941 and Germany is victorious, at least in Western Europe. The US and Germany are not at War. Deighton mentions one of the characters in the book, Barbara Barga, a US journalist (and later the love interest of the main character) having come over to the UK on the inaugural London to New York Lufthansa flight. A flight he slyly mentions Himmler and Goring were on. What business these German power brokers had in the States and who they were meeting the author does not say, nor is it in the least bit important to the story's plot. It's just a neat way of providing information in passing, and to me, shows how attentive to detail and how much fun Deighton has with this 'alternative history' or 'What if' novel.

The story centers on Detective Superintendent Douglas Archer of Scotland Yard and his Sargeant, the elderly Harry Woods who make up the 'Yards murder team, and who are called in by their German superiors to investigate what looks like a simple murder case involving a blackmarketeer. The case quickly develops into something with a wider scope. The SS in Berlin shows interest and sends a senior officer, Standartenfuhrer Huth to supervise Archer. The underground movement, politicians, the German police, the SS, a small resort town in southern England, the King and finally US Marines all have a role to play in the unravelling of the plot.

Ambition, greed, love, jealousy, and political plotting are all motives that drive the characters along. The characters are not stereotypical. Huth, far from being evil SS is one of the more principled, sympathetic and even likable characters in the book.

The only complaint I have is the rather rapid tying up of loose ends in the last few pages, it feels forced. Also, Archer having proven how smart a detective he was throughout the book, suddenly seems rather naive and daft even, as Huth has to explain all the political machinations and subtleties of the plot to him.

I have enjoyed, as far back as I can remember, fiction dealing with a victorious Germany in WW2. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I read Shirer's "Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" when I was 8. SS-GB is one of the classics in this sub-genre of speculative fiction.

Britain invaded and under the heel of the Nazi jackboot...what does a career detective do? If he resigns, who will look out for the rights of the people and track down those who are truly guilty? There is still real crime in a conquered country, after all. Is there a time to sacrifice the duty of a policeman for the greater good of the country as a whole?

That's a good part of the appeal of the novel; that is, how does a man of virtue and honor deal with this situation? Especially when one is trying to get the King out of the clutches of the Jerries and on to the USA to give the British Empire a figurehead to rally round. Can it be done? Buy this novel and find out....

This is the seventh book in THE EAGLES SERIES, I think.
It is the story of Falcon MacCalister roaming the west far away from the peace and wonder of the MacCalister Valley. He has made himself a legend as an honest, fast gun, powerfull muscles and not a person you want to mess with. However, as he roams and lands in a small town in New Mexico,he meets up with two young men eager to build a reputation as, fast with a gun and tough enough to back it up. Their mistake, if they try and use MacCalister as their stepping stone. Just another great story by Johnstone.

This was an excellent book! William Johnstone has a great ability to put you, as the reader, in the brush of the ambush and on the saddle of the horse. Love the way he tells the story from both sides. Never have to worry about missing a detail, very descriptive, very intense. I never was much of a novel reader until now. I want to buy all his western novels.

I can't wait for the next installment on this series. I will keep reading these books as long as he keeps writing them. Also writes great horror stories.

Despite the complaints of some of the other reviewers, the Mage system is not complex - it is only slightly more difficult than anything else. However, as far as WoD: Sorcerer goes, not every spellcaster in the WOD can act as a Mage - that is, not everyone can bend reality at a whim. The Sorcerer book discusses the rigid paths of magic studied by mortals. While it does not take into account new canon (see Sorcerer:Revised), it's systems are more simplified than the new Sorcerer book, and in addition, lists a /great/ deal of Rituals. Anyone that wishes to run a game based around dark and gritty magic (something to the effect of Call of Cthulu magic), ought to pick up this book. /Don't/ buy this book just because "Mage hurt my wittle head".

WoD: Sorcerer is a great book, detailing a system for"hedge wizards," IE, sorcerers you don't have to break yourneck reading the Mage book to understand. The seven or eight Sorcerer lineages bring all kinds of fresh occult material to a World of Darkness where you thought you'd seen everything (just because you know what vampires, werewolves, and wraiths are). With juicy descriptions and a bunch of "hedge paths," of magic, WoD Sorcerer brings much-needed mystery and diversity to any WoD game. It has rules for awakening or being embraced *after* sorcerous study, too, so if you really want to complicate your Vampire or Mage chronicle from the start, this is your book.

I am of an alternative religion, and have always striven to bring my characters to be as close to my true self as possible, and this book lets me turn my self into a realistic, playable character. As has been said, they don't have the overpower complex magic of Mage, but do have an edge over other mortals. In the end, if you want to play a mortal with a chance of survival, this is one of the best books for it!

Unlike most square rig sailing books Eagle Seamanship gives simple explanations of not jut how things are done but also why they are done. This is essential if you are truly to come to understand square rig sailing and attain a good level of competence.
The only problem with Eagle Seamanship is that often Military/Coast Guard terms are used which can be confusing for civilian sailors but this is limited mostly to names and titles of the people on deck and not the seamanship terms.
Even though Eagle Seamanship deals specifically with sailing one ship, the Eagle, the information is relevant to sailing any barque.

This book was designed for cadets on the U.S. Coast Guard training ship Eagle. As such, it provides a good overview of sail operations. It provides diagrams for lines and sheets that proved very informative.

Recommend this book for someone with a serious interest in square riggers, if only to see how the procedures are somewhat different than that used in the 19th century.

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Summary:

If you are at all interested in sailing on square rigger's, or in ship modeling--this is a must have book that will fit in your pocket for reference on deck. Buy two copies.

If you simply want to expand your knowledge of seamanship-this book will give you some good ideas and is worth the price. I was particularly impressed with the emphasis on commands, the descriptions of the chain of command-all principals that should be applied to any vessel with a crew.

Back Cover:

Written for cadets serving on the U.S. Coast Guard's famous training barque, Eagle, and use by Tall Ship sailors around the world, this handy, pocket-sized manual tells seamen all they need to know to sail a square rigger. This new edition, the first to appear in ten years, is easier than ever to follow, and its simple step-by-step explanations of commands and procedures help the reader through every important sailing maneuver. The wealth of knowledge and experience this guide draws upon is without parallel.

Index:

1. Eagle History

2. Compartmentation and Standing Rigging

3. Sails and Running Rigging

4. Setting, Dousing, and Furling Sail

5. Trimming Sail

6. Working the Ship

7. Shipboard Emergencies

8. Deck Seamanship

Glossary

Reviewer's Comments:

I picked up this book before there were any reviews and had no clue it was a US Coast Guard Manual for sailing this specific boat. So I was a little disappointed at first. I was only slightly interested in the interior arrangements of the cabins. BUT...

After digging into it, I found lots of cool stuff that could apply to handling any sailing vessel. Like a good way to scandalize (depower) a staysail when you don't have a furler.

The single piece of information I was most interested in was the layout of the running rigging at the pin rails. For a sailor to know the ropes-this information must be committed to memory.

I enjoyed the book, and reread in periodically to help keep the terminology fresh.

Now, I'm trying to figure out how to wrangle a passage on the Eagle-or at least a tour.

Smooth Sailing

Bart Senior

Ben Pipestone has betrayed his ex-wife Clara, and this book is full of their pain and its effects on their daughter Anna (Annie.) They decide to ride with Ben's father and a group of Lakota on a commemorative ride to Wounded Knee in the dead of winter to remember the massacre of Big Foot's people in 1890.

The grueling journey could be seen as a metaphor for Ben and Clara's struggle for reconciliation, but I found it a painful ride indeed. I didn't think this was one of Kathleen Eagle's best efforts, but usually I'm a big fan of her books.

Reason to Believe was one of the most true-to-life novels I've read. It covers a journey through true love that includes betrayal. Most of us have too much pride to survive it. Even though the circumstances are never justified, love saw them through it. The deep issues of this book really do almost justify the betrayal. So the question becomes, "Is it better to love him but never let him know I still love him for fear he'll hurt me again, or to risk the hurt and not deny the once-in-a-lifetime love?" Ms. Eagle covers life's issues - always in her books. This is a beautiful book that touches the heart and remains there. It's a huge switch for her. Typically, Ms. Eagle's characters are loyal to the core. This one was a shock, but a tremendous read! Ms. Eagle's latest book comes out this month (Jully 2002) and I've had it on pre-order since April. You'll lose lots of sleep reading her books! She has proven to be timeless!

Clara and Ben Pipestone's story is moving, emotional, and realistic. The book begins almost 2 years after their separation. It deals with a broken marriage, infidelity, alcoholism, parenting, and family. It is beautifully written and very true-to-life. I usually dislike such seriousness in my books, but the author manages to turn this into an incredibly uplifting book. I loved reading it. Very, very highly recommended!

Not a bad book, but certainly not up to the usual Michaels standard. I thought it was just a bit transparent in a lot of places. The ending was almost predictable. The heroine was just a bit too flaky to have gone through all the troubles and travails without really making a lot of big mistakes. The daughter seemed to be a lot more sensible than the Mother. Oh, well, it still was worth the time it took to read it. While I don't recommend it highly, I still recommend it to any Barbara Michaels fans.

It's nice to read an old-fashioned "creepy old house" novel where the main character and her love interest behave themselves. This story, though obstensibly horrific, was actually quite cozy. However, the shadow that Ellen saw from the corner of her eye each night--the hanging shadow--was pretty scary. I haven't read too much Barbara Michaels as of yet. This was a good start. Greygallows is next on my list.

I have read several of Barbara Michaels' books and have to say that this may actually be the best one I have read! I borrowed it from the library and was so entranced by the story that I read it in one day. Now I plan to purchase a copy from Amazon for a place on my bookshelf - which isn't that easy to qualify for! Only the very best books gain a place there. And this book is a great one!