The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga

Book Description

Provides a complete, comprehensive overview of the Prequel movies (Episodes I-III) and the Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), this is the definitive photographic guide to the entire Star Wars saga.

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars.......2007-09-26

This book is extraordinary. The pictures are sharp and extremely detailed. There are explanations of many characters that are only seen in the background scenes. I highly recommend if you're a Star Wars fan. My 4 year old won't give it up.

My Star Wars fanatic loves this book.......2007-09-26

I bought this for my 6 year old who is a Star Wars FREAK. He sat down with this book immediately and has not really stopped looking at it since. He can barely read, but he loves examining all of the characters, and the way they are broken down and labeled is very exciting to him. He likes to see everything that he's seen in the movies, and video game, in full detail.
I can't comment on how this book is similar or different to any other book, but I can say, it's very detailed, it covers a lot of information and describes alot of the relationships and uses of the characters & items. My 6 year old can identify way more than I can. This book is well set up, with loads of information and LOTS AND LOTS of details full color high quality photos which is just what we were looking for.

Good luck!

A Must-Have for any Star Wars fan.......2007-09-21

My son constantly wants to look at this book, and he is only 6 and has never seen any of the movies. That pretty much says how good this book is. I grew up with the original Star Wars movies, so looking through this book is like looking into the past for me. It is well put-together, very concise with a lot of nice photos and a plethora of Star Wars information. An excellent resource for any Star Wars aficionado.

Star Wars is a Five star choice for the ultimate fan.......2007-09-09

This book is just fantastic, and it is worth every penny. I originally bought it for my friends son who loves Star Wars. The kid walked around with the book under his arm like a bible! He never put it down. I recently bought it for my own two elementary age boys and they love it just as much. This is wonderful gift to get for any Star Wars fan -- Once again DK has cornered the market on wonderful visual books for young children. Their books are so well executed and so wonderfully edited, they know exactly how to appeal to this age group by giving just enough information with out making it too simple. An adult fan would actually love this book too. It's a great purchase.

My 9-year-old loves this book!.......2007-09-03

I purchased this book for my 9-year-old son who has been a Star Wars fan for a few years. He has spent hours looking through the book on his own or alongside his friends. I have never seen the movies and I have little knowledge of the people in them, but I could easily learn A LOT from this book if I wanted to. The pictures of the people and tools/weapons are great! I also like the fact that they show pictures from movie scenes that depict the people or the tools being discussed on that particular page. This was a great price for a large hardcover book with great details and pictures!

Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives

Average customer rating:

Excellent Book!!!!
A Book That Changes Lives
Something for Everyone
Lots of wisdom...if open to it
It will open your eyes

Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives
Dan Millman
Manufacturer: HJ Kramer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior
The Life You Were Born to Live: A Guide to Finding Your Life Purpose (Millman, Dan)
No Ordinary Moments: A Peaceful Warrior's Guide to Daily Life (Millman, Dan)
Peaceful Warrior (Widescreen)
Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior: A Companion to the Book That Changes Lives (Millman, Dan)

ASIN: 1932073205

Amazon.com

During his junior year at the University of California, Dan Millman first stumbled upon his mentor (nicknamed Socrates) at an all-night gas station. At the time, Millman hoped to become a world-champion gymnast. "To survive the lessons ahead, you're going to need far more energy than ever before," Socrates warned him that night. "You must cleanse your body of tension, free your mind of stagnant knowledge, and open your heart to the energy of true emotion." From there, the unpredictable Socrates proceeded to teach Millman the "way of the peaceful warrior." At first Socrates shattered every preconceived notion that Millman had about academics, athletics, and achievement. But eventually Millman stopped resisting the lessons, and began to try on a whole new ideology--one that valued being conscious over being smart, and strength in spirit over strength in body. Although the character of the cigarette-smoking Socrates seems like a fictional, modern-day Merlin, Millman asserts that he is based on an actual person. Certain male readers especially appreciate the coming-of-age theme, the haunting love story with the elusive woman Joy, and the challenging of Western beliefs about masculine power and success. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

Way of the Peaceful Warrior is based on the story of Dan Millman, a world champion athlete, who journeys into realms of romance and magic, light and darkness, body, mind, and spirit. Guided by a powerful old warrior named Socrates and tempted by an elusive, playful woman named Joy, Dan is led toward a final confrontation that will deliver or destroy him. Readers join Dan as he learns to live as a peaceful warrior. This international bestseller conveys piercing truths and humorous wisdom, speaking directly to the universal quest for happiness.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Book!!!!.......2007-09-16

This book is great. Must read for all human being to understand bigger picture of life and to get succeed in daily life.

A Book That Changes Lives.......2007-09-05

Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman is a first-person narrative of the author's search for happiness. A student at the University of California at Berkley, Dan's life revolved around school and gymnastics. Stressed with his life Dan left his apartment and took a stroll around town. What he did not know is that this walk would change his life forever. His experiences and outlook on life changed once he entered the doors of the infamous gas station. Dan walked in the gas station and saw an old man sitting in a chair. When he walked out of the gas station, the same man was on the roof. Wanting to know how the man got on the roof, Dan returned nightly to obtain his answer. Over numerous years, Dan learned lessons that aided in his quest to become a Warrior.

Dan Millman is a University of California at Berkley graduate, a world trampoline champion, and member of the Gymnastics Hall of Fame. He was the director of gymnastics at Stanford University, and later became a professor at Oberlin College. He has written 13 self-help books and gives talks and seminars all over the United States and abroad. He currently lives in Northern California with his family.

This book is incredibly powerful and leaves the reader with a new perspective on life. The vividness of word choice creates a surreal vision. An explanation of The Warrior is offered by Socrates, Dan's guide on his new quest. Socrates, 94, incorporates Eastern philosophy and Western fitness to embark on a spiritual odyssey to discover the meaning of life and becoming a warrior. Socrates uses humor, kindness, and love in his teachings to convey that happiness, creativity, and fulfillment can be achieved by developing one's human potential. By the end of the book, it is difficult to have dry eyes. The reader really connects with Dan and has a desire for him to be successful in his journey.

This book was very hard to locate and is found in the New Age section of bookstores, an unusual area to search for a personal growth/fiction book. It is a story based on true aspects of Millman's life.

This book is recommended for teenagers and older. It is important to have a good grasp of vocabulary and some life experience to understand the concept of this book. Other books by Dan Millman are: The Life You Were Born to Live: A Guide to Finding Your Life Purpose, and Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior: A Companion to the Book that Changes Lives. The reader must be open to new ideas, and new ways of looking at oneself and the world to appreciate this story.

Way of the Peaceful Warrior has been made into a movie starring Nick Nolte, Scott Mechlowicz and Amy Smart. The movie version recently came out on DVD.

Something for Everyone.......2007-08-31

This is a great book. I have read it four times and still find something new or benefitical each time. This book has something for everyone.

Lots of wisdom...if open to it.......2007-08-29

For me, the book is full of wisdom, of challenge, & insight for living in the here and now in a mindfull way. I was challenged to empty my cup (partially succeeded) of my preconceptions, ideas and belief systems to be able to take in what I saw as stretches for me and ah-ha points that help me along.

Is the book for everyone? Maybe. Maybe not. That depends on the readers want, need and openess.

It will open your eyes.......2007-08-27

I first saw a trailer for Peaceful Warrior when I attended a film festival in Washington DC back in April of 2006, to see Hard Candy. I didn't quite grasp it, and forgotten it - then somewhere along the line, Peaceful Warrior has resurfaced (the June 30 release) I haven't seen it in theatres, but my interested had once again peaked. I then watched the trailer countless times on youtube. I finally saw the film, and was amazed. It had struck me, and I've decided to purchase the book right after my viewing.

Last Wednesday, it had arrived, and I started reading - I have only a few pages to go before I am finished..and I can safely say, this is one of the best books I have read in my life. I do not judge it on entertainment, or on escapism or writing, or anything else (although yes! this book IS entertaining) i judge this book on the LIFE LESSON it teaches, and I can't recommend it enough. This book will be passed on to my friends and to everyone I know, who is willing to OPEN THEIR EYES and to REALIZE what has been missing in their lives. Constant thoughts were running through my mind when reading the book - and as I read it, I highlit every lesson Socrates taught. Some of them hit home so much, some of them made me realize and open my eyes a little bit (Yes, I can't say I have yet opened my eyes, I'm only a fool in kindergarten by Socrates standards!). Since reading the book, I've been practicing the lessons taught, and I've been trying to be more self-aware. I have been searching for something like this, searching for something I did not know myself - I was searching for THIS LESSON that THIS BOOK TEACHES, In movies, and in film but could never find it - and THIS is the one literary work that SATISFIES my search. We can choose to start living NOW, PRESENTLY. I will continue my journey through reading more of Millman's works, and my journey in general.

Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files, Book 8)

Average customer rating:

Your Worst Fears Realized
The Best, Except for the Other 7
Best one yet!
The Plot Thickens
Good Series, enjoyable read

Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files, Book 8)
Jim Butcher
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, Book 7)
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ASIN: 0451461037

Book Description

The White Council of Wizards has drafted Harry Dresden as a Warden and assigned him to look into rumors of black magic in Chicago. Malevolent entities that feed on fear are loose in the Windy City, but it's all in a day's work for a wizard, his faithful dog, and a talking skull named Bob...

Customer Reviews:

Your Worst Fears Realized.......2007-09-21

Proven Guilty (2006) is the eighth Urban Fantasy novel in the Dresden Files series, following Dead Beat. In the previous volume, Harry animated a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton and found that Sue could really fly low. Of course, she skidded badly on the highspeed turns.

Harry shot Captain Luccio in the head, but she wasn't actually Captain Luccio at the time. Harry and Ramirez rode Sue through the revenant opposition and got Grevane in the neck. Then Bob the air spirit rode Sue through the wind and mirk and roared Kumori into temporary paralysis. Harry immediately broke loose and hit Cowl with his staff. Darkhallow released all its energy in one enormous necromantic blast.

In this novel, Harry attends the trial and execution of a young magic wielder. The boy had violated the Fourth Law, using his powers to control other minds. When Warden Morgan beheads the young offender, Dresden is literally sick at the sight.

Such executions are becoming more frequent. With most of the population ignorant of the sheer existence of magic, the culture doesn't provide any guidance to these young magic users. And the White Council is too secretive to open schools for budding wizards.

With the war with the Red Court vampires, the Council doesn't even have enough wizards to monitor the population for emerging talents. They certainly lack the personnel to train properly all these new magic wielders in the use of their talents. Yet ignorance of the White Council laws does not excuse these young magicians from the enforcement of these laws.

The Council laws are designed to protect the general population. Violation of these laws always results in damage to the victims and also to the violators themselves. Eventually, such practices will turn the violators into incorrigibly evil sorcerers.

Harry doesn't have any solution to this problem, but he realizes that such enforcement also has a price. Even justifiable killing produces emotional damage and often leads to callous attitudes. Dresden really doesn't want to become like Morgan. He doesn't have a solution to this problem, but still believes that there should be a better answer.

In this story, Ebenezar McCoy asks Harry to discover the reason for the lack of reaction by the Faery Courts to the recent Red Court intrusion onto their lands. Both the Summer and Winter courts had promised to retaliate against the vampires. Harry has the best contacts in Faery of any wizard in the White Council.

However, McCoy warns Dresden to be careful of whom he approaches in his info gathering. It has become very obvious that someone in the White Council is passing information to the Red Court. Now McCoy suspects that the traitor is within the Senior Council itself.

McCoy also gives him a note from Rashid, the Gatekeeper. It states that black magic has been detected within Chicago during the past ten days. Harry passes on the word to his contacts to be alert for signs of black magic and makes plans to use the new Little Chicago model to aid his search.

While Harry is undergoing the purification ritual for his quest, he receives a phone call from Molly Carpenter. Claiming to have been arrested by the police, Molly asks Harry to come bail her out. When he gets there, however, he finds that her boyfriend had been arrested, not Molly herself.

After Harry bails out Nelson, he finds out the reason for the arrest. Nelson was acting as security for SPLATTERCON!!! -- a horror film fan convention -- and was in the restroom when someone, or something, had beaten Clark Pell severely. By the time Nelson had gotten out of the stall, no one was present in the restroom other than Pell and himself. The cop outside the door and the security camera had not seen anyone else enter or leave the restroom, so Nelson had been arrested.

After hearing the full story and checking with the witnesses, Harry strongly suspects that something supernatural might be happening at the convention. He is talking to Rawlings -- the cop working the convention -- when panic occurs in a viewing room. The creature attacking the fans appears to be an exact image of the monster in a horror film. It kills several people with its sickle. When it attacks Rawlings, Harry blasts it with enough kinetic energy to send it through the movie screen and to dent the back wall.

This story takes Harry back to Faery. He works with the Summer Lady and the Summer Knight once again and briefly visits the Winter Queen and the Winter Knight. He also manages to save one violator of the Fourth Law from summary execution.

Harry also gets to see a different view of Charity Carpenter, Michael's wife. Charity had always been suspicious of Harry's relationship with Michael. Now she is very dubious of his intentions toward her eldest daughter Molly. Nonetheless, she works with Harry to protect her family.

Mouse tags along with Harry through most of the tale. He is no longer small; Harry describes Mouse as a "West Highlands Dogasaurus" as he introduces him to Molly. Not only is he an extra large dog, his body glows with St. Elmo's fire while running down monsters.

Highly recommended for Butcher fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of wizardry, Faery creatures, and horror films.

-Arthur W. Jordin

The Best, Except for the Other 7.......2007-09-21

Yes, I own every Dresden file book. Most in hardback. And, I've read them all at least three times. When times get lean, I pull one of the Dresden books (just read White Night, again) and read. It's always pure pleasure. My only gripe is that Butcher is a slow writer who seems to like to focus on Sword and Sorcery when what we love is Dresden. Anyway, this book is awesome; from the first paragraph to the last, it takes you to the streets of Chicago (when's Harry taking a vacation to somewhere else?) A great book.

Best one yet!.......2007-09-04

I have only the latest Dresden book left to read (White Knight) and I already feel a withdrawal coming. Wonderful books, great character development. My boyfriend describes Dresden as Harry Pooter grown up to become Magnum PI -a good guy with a dark past who tries to do the right thing except he always gets someone mad at him! andfew are willing to give him the benefit of trust.

The Plot Thickens.......2007-08-14

Harry Dresden - now a Warden of the White Council, in charge of the Chicago-Land area - is troubled. He doesn't like the callous way that young wizards who unknowingly break the Council's law are dispatched without giving them a chance to change their ways. But it seems there is nothing he can do about it. He receives a message from the mysterious Gatekeeper, warning him there is Black magic afoot and to be on the lookout for it. As he prepares to find where the Black magic may be, his phone rings - it is Molly, the daughter of his friend Michael, Knight of the Cross. She says she is in jail and needs him to bail her out. Which isn't quite true - it turns out it is her boyfriend Nelson who is in jail; there was an incident at Splattercon!!! (a horror convention) in which an old man was beaten up in a bathroom - Nelson was the only other person in the room. Although he says he did not do the deed, there was no one else there, so the police ran him in. Harry agrees to investigate. Things turn ugly fast when horror movie monsters begin to show up at the convention and maim and kill people. To make matters worse, Harry notices severe psychic trauma on many of the victims.

A solid entry in the Harry Dresden series with an unexpected twist, this story keep me reading well past the time I should have turned off the lights. These stories just keep getting better (although Harry might not agree!) and I am enjoying the series immensely. I hope it continues for a good long while! A strong recommend for anyone who enjoys a good paranormal mystery.

Good Series, enjoyable read.......2007-08-09

I read books 1-8 back to back, so this is pretty much a review of the whole series. Overall, they are pretty good. I like the flow from one book to another. The characters are interesting.

The DV Rebel's Guide: An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap (Peachpit)

Average customer rating:

Essential Reading for Indie Filmmakers
This is got the TRICKS!!!
love it
Love this book
Best Book for Independent Digital Video Production Ever!!!

The DV Rebel's Guide: An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap (Peachpit)
Stu Maschwitz
Manufacturer: Peachpit Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0321413644

Book Description

Written by Stu Maschwitz, co-founder of the Orphanage (the legendary guerrilla visual effects studio responsible for amazing and award-winning effects in such movies as Sin City, The Day After Tomorrow, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), this book is a must-have for all those budding filmmakers and students who want to produce action movies with visual effects but don't have Hollywood budgets. The Orphanage was created by three twenty-something visual effects veterans who wanted to make their own feature films and discovered they could do this by utilizing home computers, off the shelf software, and approaching things artistically. This guide details exactly how to do this: from planning and selecting the necessary cameras, software, and equipment, to creating specific special effects (including gunfire, Kung Fu fighting, car chases, dismemberment, and more) to editing and mixing sound and music. Its mantra is that the best, low-budget action moviemakers must visualize the end product first in order to reverse-engineer the least expensive way to get there. Readers will learn how to integrate visual effects into every aspect of filmmaking--before filming, during filming and with "in camera" shots, and with computers in postproduction. Throughout the book, the author makes specific references to and uses popular action movies (both low and big-budget) as detailed examples--including El Mariachi, La Femme Nikita, Die Hard, and Terminator 2.

Customer Reviews:

Essential Reading for Indie Filmmakers.......2007-10-03

The DV Rebel Guide, by Stu Maschwitz, formerly a member of Industrial Light And Magic, explains in easily understandable, yet highly technical language, exactly how to create astounding visual effects using the kinds of cameras, computers, and software available to ordinary people. A Spielbergian budget is NOT required. In addition to his information, he offers many links to other websites of technical expertise and training,

You may be making a little family drama, rather than a shoot-'em-up, but the techniques in this book will increase your palette of possibilities. In other words, every indie movie maker can benefit from this book. It's essential reading, period. No one else has published anything like it.

Maschwitz assumes throughout that you are not an idiot or a dummy. Scores of color photos show exactly how every technique is done. He also runs an on-line forum; he and other digital rebels (some of whom are exceedingly experienced and clearly top pros) will help you through the rough patches.

Get this book, go out and make movies better than anything you thought you could do.

This is got the TRICKS!!!.......2007-09-23

Awesome book. My friends and I make ugly videos as a hobby and we've tried many things... but this book has some balls to the wall tricks. The guy is not a scaredy cat about shooting videos with minimal resources and lets you know how to make the most with what you've got. Also has great instructions on how to build your own stuff and pull crazy stunts. Grease up your baby, this is gonna have you running to your video camera with ideas as soon as you open it up!

love it.......2007-08-27

I've done video production professionally for several years and picked up some of these tricks from simple trial and error. What I love is how well Stu connects the techniques in this referrence and compares them to equivalent effects on film. And its not just informative, its enjoyable to read.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in making their videos stand out or looking to up their production value without spending a lot of money.

Love this book.......2007-08-19

I have read a lot of film making books and this is easily the most useful and informative. Anyone trying to make a film on their own needs to have this book!

Best Book for Independent Digital Video Production Ever!!!.......2007-08-12

This is it!!! If you want to produce an Independeant Film this is THE book to read. Don't be fooled. You still need to know what you're doing go to school. Read the manuals, watch the best movies, by the best directors, then read this book and make your movies!!!!!

Exile (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 4)

Average customer rating:

breath of fresh air
Star wars: Legacy of the Force book 4
Its not great
Three Stars
The Dark Side Keeps Coming

Exile (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 4)
Aaron Allston
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Betrayal (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 1)

ASIN: 0345477537
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Book Description

In the Stars Wars galaxy, evil is on the move as the Galactic Alliance and Jedi order battle forces seen and unseen, from rampant internal treachery to the nightmare of all-out war.

With each victory against the Corellian rebels, Jacen Solo becomes more admired, more powerful, and more certain of achieving galactic peace. But that peace may come with a price. Despite strained relationships caused by opposing sympathies in the war, Han and Leia Solo and Luke and Mara Skywalker remain united by one frightening suspicion: Someone insidious is manipulating this war, and if he or she isn’t stopped, all efforts at reconciliation may be for naught. And as sinister visions lead Luke to believe that the source of the evil is none other than Lumiya, Dark Lady of the Sith, the greatest peril revolves around Jacen himself. . . .

Customer Reviews:

breath of fresh air.......2007-08-23

I was begining to feel depressed about this series because of how dark the themes are, not that this book makes the story bright and happy but I was begining to find the series less fun to read. I picked this book up as a last chance for the series and read it cover to cover in a couple days. I loved it, it really brings the story back to the fun adventureous plot without losing the more sinister undertones that make it exciting.

Star wars: Legacy of the Force book 4.......2007-06-27

Gripping story, I'm a little uncomfortable with Jacen being turned to the dark side, but am hoping it turns out to be a tempory aberation.

Its not great .......2007-06-20

I really can sum up this novel in two words.....Love Commander.I really wish the Star Wars EU guys would STOP makeing up profanity like stang,rodder and kriffing it sounds so stupid use the real deal if you must use it or better yet language has many derogitory terms that arent vulgar use those you may actually educate someone.

Three Stars.......2007-06-13

There were only two real noteworthy things that happened in Exile, Ben being sent unknown to him on a Sith test and the Skywalker-Solo (minus Jacen of course) clan coming to realize that their family being split may be exactly what the enemy is wanting. I liked Ben's test being him alone on a Sith planet where he and only he can choice which path he'll follow and struggling to survive. The second part it was nice to see the Skywalkers-Solos come to the realization. I had hoped with this being the fourth book we would have more answers about the war, the reasons behind it, about Lumyia or something instead the rest was nothing more then Jacen still deciding who his Sacrifice would be and setting up for his plan at the end of the story at painstaking slowness that by the time the it got to the point I was asleep. I hope the next book will better. More answers, more things happening and less endless slowness.

The Dark Side Keeps Coming.......2007-05-22

Another Splendid addition to the Legacy of the Force series. Basically, the story continues with Jason getting deeper into the dark side. Young Ben however is starting to find out that it's not all that good to be bad.
More interesting stories all evolving around different caracters and the War, including one where Ben is tested to see if he really is dark side material. While entertaining, remember the book is still just a segue to the next book. But that is expected in such a long series.

Average customer rating:

What utter drek.
Eragon
Eragon
Eragon Inheritance Book 1
Too derivative for the mature fantasy reader

Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)
Christopher Paolini
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 044023848X
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Amazon.com

Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began Eragon when he was just 15, and the book shows the influence of Tolkien, of course, but also Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and perhaps even Wagner in its traditional quest structure and the generally agreed-upon nature of dwarves, elves, dragons, and heroic warfare with magic swords.

Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a marvelous blue stone in a mystical mountain place. Before he can trade it for food to get his family through the hard winter, it hatches a beautiful sapphire-blue dragon, a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon, and when his family is killed by the marauding Ra'zac, he discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders, fated to play a decisive part in the coming war between the human but hidden Varden, dwarves, elves, the diabolical Shades and their neanderthal Urgalls, all pitted against and allied with each other and the evil King Galbatorix. Eragon and his dragon Saphira set out to find their role, growing in magic power and understanding of the complex political situation as they endure perilous travels and sudden battles, dire wounds, capture and escape.

In spite of the engrossing action, this is not a book for the casual fantasy reader. There are 65 names of people, horses, and dragons to be remembered and lots of pseudo-Celtic places, magic words, and phrases in the Ancient Language as well as the speech of the dwarfs and the Urgalls. But the maps and glossaries help, and by the end, readers will be utterly dedicated and eager for the next book, Eldest. (Ages 10 to 14) --Patty Campbell

Book Description

Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.

“An authentic work of great talent.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.”—People

“Unusual, powerful, fresh, and fluid.”—Booklist, Starred

“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.”—Publishers Weekly

A New York Times Bestseller

A USA Today Bestseller

A Wall Street Journal Bestseller

A Book Sense Bestseller

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

A New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Bestseller

One boy... one dragon... A world of adventure

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.

Visit Alagaesia.com to find out more about Eragon and the Inheritance Trilogy.

"Unusual, powerful, fresh, and fluid.... An impressive start to a writing career that's sure to flourish."
   BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW

"[A] solid, sweeping epic fantasy..."
   KIRKUS REVIEWS

"An auspicious beginning to both career and series."
   PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"An authentic work of great talent."
   THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

"Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut."
   PEOPLE

Customer Reviews:

What utter drek........2007-10-03

I was excited to read this book, what with all of the praise I had heard for the 17-year-old that had written. How disappointed was I. This is, without an ounce of doubt, the most poorly written book I have ever regrettably paid money for. Shoddy characters, a splotchy story, and an over all plot that seems to pull from other fantasy writers that are much, much better than he is. Honestly, I cannot believe how many mistakes he made while writing his story. I just wanted to take a red pen and scribble out whole pieces of useless details.

If you want to read an adolescent fantasy novel, go read The Golden Compass, or a Wrinkle in Time. Don't even bother touching trash like this.

Eragon.......2007-09-27

The lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer, a great time to lounge in the shade, sip a cold lemonade, and lose yourself in a good book-Ahh, so many books, so little time. Yep, it reminds me of those carefree days of youth. And for the young reader, or the child in you, I very much recommend Eragon , a first novel, and first in a new fantasy trilogy by young author Christopher Paolini.

Eragon is a classic coming of age story, with fresh writing, and new perspective. Yes, there is magic and dragons, and a young hero coming to terms with responsibility and adulthood, and an evil, corrupt king to trust his growing powers. All classic elements of the fantasy genre, but the story and the characters drive the tale, giving solid footing to well-worn foundations.

Eragon is a solid first novel, and there's great promise in Christopher Paolini. He was only sixteen when he penned this novel. If you are a reader of fantasy, you'll see influence from masters of the genre-such as Tolkien, and Ann McCaffrey, and even elements of the Star Wars saga. But I like to think good story telling transcends the boundaries of genre, and this is a book with sound plot, good character development, and an epic tale to lose yourself. I found Eragon to be one of those rare books I never wanted to end, but luckily the next book in the trilogy, Eldest, has been released. So, you know what I'm reading next!

Eragon.......2007-09-25

This book was ok. The story was pretty good. I really liked the characters, but I wish there was more information about their personalities and backgrounds.

Eragon Inheritance Book 1.......2007-09-22

My 12 y/o son loves this book. He cannot put it down and has read it several times. He cannot wait for the next installment to be published!

Too derivative for the mature fantasy reader.......2007-09-21

Novice readers of fantasy love this book. To anyone who has read a lot of fantasy, including young adult fantasy, it is instantly forgetable.

Young people should be directed to role models like Christopher Paolini or S. E. Hinton of authors who were published when they were still teenagers, but if you are looking for a better young fantasy writer, introduce them to Amelia Atwater-Rhodes instead. She signed her first publishing contract when she was just 13, I think.

Dragon lovers love dragons no matter what and any young fantasy reader who is not already deeply steeped in Tolkien, Feist or McCaffrey will probably love this book.

Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections: The Spacecraft and Vehicles of the Entire Star Wars Saga

Average customer rating:

OUTSTANDING REFERENCE TOOL
5 stars for COMPLETE Cross-sections!!
My 5 year old loves it!
Not What I Expected But Great Nontheless
Star wars

Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections: The Spacecraft and Vehicles of the Entire Star Wars Saga
David Reynolds , and Curtis Saxton
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (Star Wars)

ASIN: 0756627044

Book Description

This amazing title unites all four Incredible Cross-Sections books in one volume, enlarged and updated with brand-new illustrations-including the TIE bomber, Imperial shuttle, A-wing, and B-wing-along with revised technical introductions, behind-the-scenes pages, glossary, and index. (c) 2006 Lucasfilm Ltd. and TM AUTHOR BIO: Hans Jenssen Hans Jenssen has spent the last nine years in a galaxy far, far away, co-illustrating a total of ten Star Wars books with Richard Chasemore, with whom he has developed a close friendship. They have traveled across three continents, sampled exotic beverages with Boba Fett, and partied with R2-D2. He now lives a quiet life in Devon, England, with his partner and young son. RICHARD CHASEMORE Richard Chasemore has worked as an illustrator and 3-D computer artist in the United States and Europe, most notably on DK's Star Wars: Incredible Cross-Sections and, Inside the Worlds of the Star Wars series. Lately he has written educational books for budding digital artists. He lives on the south coast of England, where he enjoys sports involving boards and high speeds!

Customer Reviews:

OUTSTANDING REFERENCE TOOL.......2007-09-14

Previously, DK Books has release four volumes in their Star Wars cross-sections series, covering the various Star Wars films. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Star Wars, they've now combines all four of those volumes, along with new illustrations into the massive Star Wars: The Complete Cross Sections. This coffee table-sized hardcover book packs information on every ship and vehicle used in the six films into 152 full-color pages. John Knoll, the Visual Effects Supervisor for episodes I - III, provides the foreword to the book.

The book is basically an encyclopedia for Star Wars ships and vehicles. The items are shown in a cutaway art, allowing the reader to not only see the outside, but also see the interiors as well. This gives fans a unique viewpoint as you generally didn't get a chance to see inside many of these ships and vehicles in the films themselves. Most of these are given a full two-page spread which include data files about each one. The data files provide information such as design and manufacture, wingspan, speed, crew capacity, armament, dimensions, ship or vehicle type, and other special features.

The book begins with Episode I, The Phantom Menace with each of the first three episodes getting their own chapter while the original three films are combined into the last chapter. In addition to the data files, a host of other information is provided on each vehicle as well. Text keys with map lines are drawn to each, pointing out important features of each vehicle. These are about the next best thing to the actual ships blueprints. The detail is simply amazing! On the Naboo Cruiser for example we see where the fuel tanks and fuel lines are located, along with coolant ducts, deflector shield projectors, sensor arrays and even mundane things such as the crew lounge and locker areas. These allow the reader to get inside these massive vehicles and ships and almost take a virtual tour through them.

Get up close and personal with Jango Boba Fett's heavily armed Slave I ship with its blaster cannons, laser cannons, missile launchers, and mine layers. Other ships included from the episodes I to III include Padme's Starship, ARC -170 Fighter, General Grievous's Wheel Bike, Pod Racers, and Palpatine's Shuttle.

The final chapter dealing with the three original films has certainly the most popular ships for fans including the Millennium Falcon, AT-AT Walker, Jabba's Barge, and Darth Vader's Tie Fighter. Several of the major ships and vehicles get fold out sections that provide four full pages worth of data. Chief among these is the first Death Star. The Slave I makes a second appearance here that includes the modifications made by Jango Fett's son, Boba.

Hats off to DK Books for also profiling the two artists whose brilliant work is on display here, Hans Jenssen and Richard Chasemore. The detail and effort that went into these drawings is truly phenomenal. This is one of those items that is tailor-made for the hardcore Star Wars fan, a reference tool that can be consulted over and over again.

REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON

5 stars for COMPLETE Cross-sections!!.......2007-08-23

People should get Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections.
Here are three reasons why anyone who likes Star Wars should get this book.

1. Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections includes information about ALL six episodes in one book. It's great to have it all in one volume instead of four separate books (Episodes I, II, III, and the Trilogy).

2. Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections has extra content not included in the separate volumes. The Imperial Shuttle, the RZ-1 A-Wing, and the B-Wing Star Fighter are new material in the combined book.

3. Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections is jam-packed with large full color illustrations and tons of fascinating facts. The pages are crowded, but the information is great.

The Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections book rules the galaxy and any Star Wars fan would just love to have a copy. I checked it out of the library, but now it's on my Christmas wish list!!

My 5 year old loves it!.......2007-08-11

I purchased this for my 5 year old because he loves Star Wars. We have a couple of other Star Wars guides. He loves the cross section book because "it shows all the ships and details and that's cool". He loves finding something small that I would have missed. Great book for all ages.

Not What I Expected But Great Nontheless.......2007-07-05

Don't know why but I was expecting technical drawings of the Star Wars vehicles. Instead I get beautiful drawings of the vehicles and some of the characters which was an unexpected plus. Especially for scale comparison with some of the bigger vehicles. The reason this item dose not get five stars from me is because when reading the book things can get somewhat confusing there is so much info on each page it practically spills out from the sides. I would recommend it to anybody who wants more information on their favorite Star Wars vehicles!

Star wars.......2007-06-09

My son has not put this book away since we bought it. It goes on every car ride with us, and even to school for free time reading. The pictures are beautiful. He absolutely loves it.

Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 5)

Average customer rating:

One of the best Star Wars Universe books yet
Awesome book
It is his destiny!
A great book that offers a glimps of what is to come in real life.
7 on a scale of 10

Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 5)
Karen Traviss
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Fury (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 7)

ASIN: 0345477405
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Book Description

Civil war rages as the Galactic Alliance–led by Cal Omas and the Jedi forces of Luke Skywalker–battles a confederation of breakaway planets that rally to the side of rebellious Corellia. Suspected of involvement in an assassination plot against Queen Mother Tenel Ka of the Hapes Consortium, Han and Leia Solo are on the run, hunted by none other than their own son, Jacen, whose increasingly authoritarian tactics as head of GA security have led Luke and Mara Skywalker to fear that their nephew may be treading perilously close to the dark side.

But as his family sees in Jacen the chilling legacy of his Sith grandfather, Darth Vader, many of the frontline troops adore him, and countless citizens see him as a savior. The galaxy has been torn apart by too many wars. All Jacen wants is safety and stability for all–and he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

To end the bloodshed and suffering, what sacrifice would be too great? That is the question tormenting Jacen. Already he has sacrificed much, embracing the pitiless teachings of Lumiya, the Dark Lady of the Sith, who has taught him that a strong will and noble purpose can hold the evil excesses of the dark side at bay, bringing peace and order to the galaxy–but at a price.

For there is one final test that Jacen must pass before he can gain the awesome power of a true Sith Lord: He must bring about the death of someone he values dearly. What troubles Jacen isn’t whether he has the strength to commit murder. He has steeled himself for that, and worse if necessary. No, the question that troubles Jacen is who the sacrifice should be.

As the strands of destiny draw ever more tightly together in a galaxy-spanning web, the shocking answer will shatter two families . . . and cast a grim shadow over the future.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best Star Wars Universe books yet.......2007-09-11

Let's face it, people who like the Star Wars universe books like space opera. The New Jedi Order series has lots of great space battles, Jedi (-Sith) battles and narrow escapes from overwhelming odds. I've read almost all of them (although the clone wars is a bit much for my taste). Karen Traviss's Sacrifice is up there with the best of Zahn and others, but remarkably, not for the space opera.

The NJO series as a whole moves from space opera to family Saga. Karen Traviss here has written a fairly complex contrast of the key characters and their families (all disfunctional in one way or other): The Skywalkers, the Solos and the Fetts. It is wonderful to see how the characters all work at coping with the problems of their own families and wayward family members, and how a variety of approaches are shown and ultimately compared.

Being the father of my third teenager at this point, a lot of this hit home and gave me things to think about besides Luke's super-jedi-powers and simple light vs. dark stuff. Very highly recommended.

Awesome book.......2007-08-31

This book was pretty awesome. If you like Star Wars you need to read it already!

It is his destiny!.......2007-08-26

I am a born again Star Wars geek. All of the authors in this series are extremely talented. I do agree that some of the other characters should make more appearances in these novels. All in all I am very pleased and can not wait for Inferno. I too would like to read the back story on what prompts Jacen to take that Sith name. Karen Traviss does leave you hungering for more. I love the way she incorporates Boba Fett in this series. I hope there are many more to come. These books are all FAN-tastic. Keep 'em coming.

A great book that offers a glimps of what is to come in real life........2007-08-18

I've read the book, and I must say that it offers a true insite into man's true nature, which is the path of darkness. The reason why Anakin fell to the dark side of the force, was because he knew that it could help him save Padme, but that poor woman gave up and died. I like how Jason becomes manipulative and militaristic, because in real life, that is how the natural Man should be in order to bring about peace and order, even if that order is dictatorial. This book also shows how the strong exterminate the weak in order to maintain it's survival. Lumiya is a more than worthy successor to Palpatine. Jason turned to the dark side, because he knew that he is the only one that can save the galaxy and restore order, just like Anakin did. This book is great and highly recommended.

7 on a scale of 10.......2007-08-10

Let me just start out this review by saying - I really, really like Karen Travis. I've only read "Sacrifice" and "Bloodlines" by her - but after reading these two books I am looking forward to checking out some of her other stuff outside of the Star Wars Universe. I can't quite put my finger on what it is about her writing style that I like so much - but I particularly like how she will incorporate a character's thoughts in italics at times throughout these books. It is a quick, effective way to get to the "heart" of a matter without going into long drawn out details that I particularly like. When she needs to be - she can be very descriptive and detailed - but she seems to know when it is right for a story and when it isn't.

I'm not exactly new to the Expanded Universe of Star Wars novels - but it has been about ten years since I've read a SW novel. I loved the NJO when it got out of the gate but by the fifth book in that series I got tired of reading the same old thing over and over again - which is what if seemed like. So here I am in this new "Legacy of The Force" series and I'm quite pleased with it to this point. The fact that I never finished the NJO series didn't hinder me from reading this one as the authors have filled in the gaps quite nicely. I never read Troy Denning's "Dark Nest" series - which really hasn't hindered me in reading this series either.

Without getting into the specifics of the plot in "Sacrfice" let me just say that of the five books out on this series - this one is the best (and they are all good). The plot moves quickly with numerous twists and turns in it and it is just an exciting read. After the completion of it I find myself greatly anticipating the next one.

Bambi vs. Godzilla: On the Nature, Purpose, and Practice of the Movie Business

Average customer rating:

Vintage Mamet with a twist
War Stories A Plenty
Disappointed
David Mamet on the movie business? Please?!
Great Beach Book

Bambi vs. Godzilla: On the Nature, Purpose, and Practice of the Movie Business
David Mamet
Manufacturer: Pantheon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375422536
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Book Description

In Bambi vs. Godzilla, David Mamet, the award-winning playwright and screenwriter, gives us an exhilaratingly subversive inside look at Hollywood from the perspective of a filmmaker who has always played the game his own way.

Who really reads the scripts at the film studios? How is a screenplay like a personals ad? Whose opinion matters when revising a screenplay? Why are there so many producers listed in movie credits? And what the hell do those producers do, anyway? Refreshingly unafraid to offend, Mamet provides hilarious, surprising, and bracingly forthright answers to these and other questions about virtually every aspect of filmmaking, from concept to script to screen.

He covers topics ranging from “How Scripts Got So Bad” to the oxymoron of “Manners in Hollywood.” He takes us step-by-step through some of his favorite movie stunts and directorial tricks, and demonstrates that it is craft and crew, not stars and producers, that make great films. He tells us who his favorite actors and what his favorite movies are, who he thinks is the most perfect actor to grace the screen, and who he thinks should never have appeared there.

Demigods and sacred cows of the movie business–beware! But for the rest of us, Mamet speaking truth to Hollywood makes for searingly enjoyable reading.

Customer Reviews:

Vintage Mamet with a twist.......2007-09-09

This is vintage Mamet; sharp, insightful, renegade, taking potshots at sacred cows. Unlike earlier collections like 'Writing in Restaurants' there is a new ingredient running through most pieces- a knifetip of something angry and bitter.
That's made more noticeable by a chapter that starts with a genial, witty quote from 'Richard Weisz'... Richard Weisz being one of Mamet's alter egos. The world -and specifically that world- needs all the Mamet it can get.

War Stories A Plenty.......2007-07-29

As the title suggests, this is not a book that glorifies the movie business. Through stories from the trenches Mamet paints a vivid and realistic picture of what it's like trying to negotiate the turbulent rapids of Hollywood. I was a little afraid of this book at first, because I really thought the author, whom I respect very much, was going to trash the business, that I love so very much. But I was pleasantly surprised that he was able to present a balanced picture. Yes, there are some people that he hates (actors be ware), but you can tell that he has a true love for the business. Mamet also uses his humor to offset some of the more acidic anecdotes. All in all, a good book. A quick read. And his insights are very unique.

Disappointed.......2007-07-24

I love David Mamet's plays. He's an excellent writer. So I was enthusiastic about getting the chance to read his personal views of Hollywood. And while I agree with him that the studio machinery is all about profits and very little about art or craft - when was it ever different? - I was ultimately disappointed by his book. There were times when I just didn't know what he was talking about. I think his writing here is often inaccessible. I may not be the most erudite reader, but Mamet left me cold. I just couldn't get into the style of his writing. I felt distanced rather than drawn in. When I read a book like this, I want to devour it, not pick at its little pieces. You may feel differently, that's fine. The book didn't pull me in the way I'd hoped it would.

David Mamet on the movie business? Please?!.......2007-06-01

This book was so wonderful, I took it out from the library, read it, and then had to buy it. I never do that. It's a book you'll want to read over and over, have other people read (at least certain essays) and refer to the filmography repeatedly. Mamet is so amazingly astute about everything, but particularly about things relating to theater and the movie business. If you are a movie buff at all, read this book.

Great Beach Book.......2007-05-28

A bit of Hollywood background, some insightful comments on current culture, essays of a sort and one can pick up and put down but comforted that it remains there to continue to read. I read it on spring break in the South of France as did two other family members. Three generations enjoyed it on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8, Issue 2

Average customer rating:

And the story continues
Episode Two: Attack of the Rat

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8, Issue 2
Joss Whedon
Manufacturer: Dark Horse Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: B000P07OHM

Product Description

The destruction of Buffy's hometown, plus covert and powerful slayer "cells" around the world, add up to a new label for the Scoobies: Terrorist threat. Speaking of Sunnydale, the crater formerly known as, has opened to reveal the witch Amy, and boy is she mad. Season Eight continues as Buffy creator Joss Whedon brings Buffy back to Dark Horse in this direct follow-up to Season Seven of the smash-hit TV series.

Customer Reviews:

And the story continues.......2007-04-22

Warning: Thar be spoilers ahead!

Remember each week those exciting words (which alerted us that we were about to get a new exciting episode of the best show on TV)? "Previously on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER . . . " The new comic series seems to be doing something along these same lines. On the inside of the outer cover are printed the following:

"This story takes place after the end of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Season Seven.

"The Slayer population of the world has gone from two to nearly two thousand. Almost five hundred are working around the world with Buffy's organization in squads--or "terrorist cells," according to the American military. Buffy, Xander, Dawn, and a passel of Slayers are currently bunked out in a Scottish castle, where the latest mission revealed a strange symbol carved into human bodies.

"Also, Dawn's a giant."

This may be a summary that is rewritten each month to reflect what has happened in the previous issues.

The first episode in Season Eight established the situation; this one begins moving the story forward. The U.S. military (or rather, a military leader who has on his chest the strange symbol referred to in the monthly summary) has authorized Amy the witch and her army of zombies to go after Buffy and her cohorts. After the story begins with three very different approaches to training the new slayers by first Giles, then Buffy, and finally Andrew (who actually couldn't be said to be training them at all) we find Xander explaining why Dawn took the form of a giant when it was possible she could have assumed other forms instead (obviously, she is trying to get her sister's attention in the most blatant manner possible). The catch is, does Xander really tell any of this to Buffy or is it all just part of what we later learn is a spell-induced sleep in which she experiences an unbroken nightmare. And in a fairy-tale twist she can only be awakened by the kiss of true love. We can, of course, imagine a line of possible candidates for that: Angel and Spike fighting to be first in line. Well, of course Buffy will be awakened, and sooner rather than later. Can't imagine her being asleep at the end of the next episode. The tricky part is how one defines "true love." That needn't mean romantic love. My gut tells me that the kiss won't come from any of the usual suspects. My money is on Dawn. Yeah, I know. No one likes Dawn. But the brute fact is that except for struggling to save her in Season Five, Buffy has been a truly awful sister. Not in a Cinderella step sisterly way, but in the completely neglectful, can't-spare-her-a-minute way. But early in Season Six, Dawn seemed to miss her more than anyone. Like I said, my money is on Dawn.

The issues ends with Buffy asleep, the castle under assault by hundreds of zombies they can't keep at bay, Amy gloating that she could handle slayers with ease, so there was no one there who could take her on. The final frame is of someone who says that they would "like to test that theory." And thus Willow makes her first appearance in the story.

I am going to say something that I don't think I can say often enough. I don't want Joss Whedon writing comics. I want him creating new television shows. I suspect he enjoys the control that a comic gives him. I am sure he is tired of battling studios and networks. I can understand that. But once the battles have been waged and the BS has been waded through, Joss Whedon has been able to create some of the most extraordinary, most timeless television that has ever been made. He needs to get back to it. That being said, I am so much happier with him doing BUFFY Season Eight than either his X-Men project or the Runaways (and mind you, I like both the X-Men and the Runaways). There are others who can tell further stories about the X-Men and the Runaways, but Joss Whedon is only one who can give us authoritative Buffy stories. So I am acquiring these with joy and my heart and impatience in my soul. But I want him back in television. We've had some great TV since BUFFY and ANGEL left the air. LOST, 24, VERONICA MARS, and especially BATTLESTAR GALACTICA have filled the huge gap BUFFY left at its departure. But LOST needs to start winding down (whether it will has to be seen), BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (the only show to completely match the brilliance that was BUFFY) has possibly only one more season left and at most two before Ron Moore brings his series to an end. 24 is definitely in decline. VERONICA MARS might be cancelled. In short, JOSS! WE NEED YOU TO COME BACK TO TELEVISION! But in the meantime, I'll wolf down every one of these issues.

Episode Two: Attack of the Rat.......2007-04-05

Buffy fans will be expecting a lot after seven stellar seasons on television and the success of the first issue of "Season Eight." So the question here is this: Does Issue #2 deliver?

In short, yes. I have to say though--there is so much going on, so many jokes, and so much foreshadowing that I wasn't able to completely enjoy the Jossy goodness until my second read. The first read intrigued me, but the second wow-ed me.

The plot continues directly from the previous issue. Amy (the former rat) is working with the government to take out Buffy and the slayers, and she has an army of zombies to back her up. The ending sequences are amazing--I'm already itching for May 2nd to come so I can get my hands on the third issue. There was a big revelation about half-way through the comic, and clues to who the Big Bad of the season will be as well. Giant Dawn is great, Buffy is true to herself, and Xander is playing the biggest role he's played since the first season.

This issue also re-introduces two fan favorites: Giles and Andrew. So, all in all, this issue is just as good as the first. But did anybody expect anything less? I mean, come on--Joss Whedon wrote it.

9/10

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