Average customer rating:
- Love it, always have!
- A little simple, but an engaging series that doesnt drag on forever
- Nothing inherently wrong with the writing but....
- A good, simple read!
- The Belgariad
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The Belgariad, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit
David Eddings
Manufacturer: Del Rey
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The Belgariad, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Castle of Wizardry, Enchanters' End Game
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The Malloreon, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Guardians of the West, King of the Murgos, Demon Lord of Karanda
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The Malloreon, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Sorceress of Darshiva, The Seeress of Kell
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Belgarath the Sorcerer
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Polgara the Sorceress (Malloreon (Paperback Random House))
ASIN: 0345456327
Release Date: 2002-08-27 |
Book Description
Millions of readers have discovered the magic of David Eddings’ New York Times bestselling series The Belgariad. Now the first three books in this monumental epic appear in a single volume. Here, long-time fans can rediscover the wonder—and the uninitiated can embark upon a thrilling new journey of fantasy and adventure.
It all begins with the theft of the Orb that for so long protected the West from an evil god. As long as the Orb was at Riva, the prophecy went, its people would be safe from this corrupting power. Garion, a simple farm boy, is familiar with the legend of the Orb, but skeptical in matters of magic. Until, through a twist of fate, he learns not only that the story of the Orb is true, but that he must set out on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger to help recover it. For Garion is a child of destiny, and fate itself is leading him far from his home, sweeping him irrevocably toward a distant tower—and a cataclysmic confrontation with a master of the darkest magic.
Customer Reviews:
Love it, always have!.......2007-08-15
Approximately 15 years ago, I was given a copy of Pawn of Prophecy (Belgariad). I quickly read all the Belgariad, then the Mallorean and moved on to Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress. I have never read anything like these books. Over the last 15 years I have read all these books at least 20 times. Everytime I read the series something else comes out of the books that i either didn't notice last time or that became more important as I aged. David and his wife Leigh Eddings intersperse just enough philosphy and aged wisdom to enhance the reading experience. Dialog is often funny, while maintaining the seriousness of the story.
For a great read, and an engaging read, I recommend you read the best series of books I have ever read.
A little simple, but an engaging series that doesnt drag on forever.......2007-07-11
While the plot line is of a simplish epic quest, good vs evil, type, that doesnt detract from the enjoyment of reading these books at all. Not only is the entire series fast paced and full of action, but the interactions between the characters, whom I love dearly, are also very entertaining and hilarious.
Both this series, and its sequel series, are well worth the read, so buy them, and don't cheat yourself out of a great read by only buying the first few.
Nothing inherently wrong with the writing but...........2007-07-06
I read some good reviews of this series and thought it might be worth checking out. There is nothing horrible about the writing. The storyline is interesting, though a bit of a cliche. The problem with the books (I only read the first two) is that every character is a stereotype. All Drasnians are cunning and secretive, all Chereks are big brutes who get drunk and like to fight, all Murgos are bad etc. etc. No one in the books seem to have a free thought apart from where they are from. There is nothing inherently bad about the writing, but I found the shallow stereotypical characters mundane and a little disturbing. But if you can read the books without actually thinking about what you are reading than go for it.
A good, simple read!.......2007-06-21
I have to admit that when I started reading these stories, I felt the plot was somewhat slow. But keep going! the books are not all that long. You need to read through at least book 3, which is my favorite so far. Eddings writing gets better the further you read. Some people have complained that these stories are cliche. They are not exactly original, but if the writing is good, it's worth it to read them. Why can't we every now and then just read a good book and not worry about its originality, how deep is the story? Just once in awhile read a book and enjoy it for the journey it takes you on. This is one of those books!
The Belgariad.......2007-05-31
I regret that I was forced to give it 1 star. If I had to write Cliff Notes for book one It would say "They went from here to there." Over the course of 5 books this kid casts 4 spells and at the end he is Fencing with a God and wins! I will say Eddings writes a character like no one. They really have a personality, but I found the entire experience of reading the Belgariad to be a waste of time.
Book Description
Eight year-old orphan Beth Harmon is quiet, sullen, and by all appearances unremarkable. That is until she plays her first game of chess. Her senses grow sharper, her thinking clearer, and for the first time in her life she feels herself fully in control. By the age of sixteen, she’s competing for the U.S. Open championship. But as she hones her skills on the professional circuit, the stakes get higher, her isolation grows more frightening, and the thought of escape becomes all the more tempting. Engaging and fast-paced,
The Queen’s Gambit speeds to a conclusion as elegant and satisfying as a mate in four.
Customer Reviews:
A terrific, timeless classic ..........2007-09-01
this book is as brilliant as the main character that it protrays ... sharp and resounding, the characters and storyline lift off the pages ... rather than a fictional story, it reads like a staccato of newspaper articles that seem real, upon which you feel sad, thrilled, and marvel at the dexterity with which Tevis writes this brief masterpiece on the game of chess ... you cannot imagine the excitement of chess, journeyed from the basement of an orphanage onto its grandest stage against the Russians, until you see it through Beth Harmon's eyes, which is expertly captured through the penmanship of Tevis ...
chess will exist for ages to come ... as long as chess endures, so should this book ... BTW, you do not have to be a fan of chess to enjoy the elegant prose and contents of this story ...
highly recommended ... ;-)
amazing sports novel.......2007-06-29
Although Walter Tevis is perhaps better known for his two novels about pool, The Hustler and The Color Of Money, both of which are very good books, The Queen's Gambit outshines both of them.
Tevis has a beautiful narrative style that manages to be both taut and fluid at once. That clear, sharp voice carries you right through the novel so easily it's less like reading than like gliding through the story in a boat, watching events unfold around you. What Tevis really is is a sports writer, someone who can convey to his readers the tension, the anticipation, and the joy in excellence a sportsman who truly lives for his sport feels every time he plays. It's why you can read this novel and love it even if you don't play chess well. So long as you know what it's like to play a game and play it well, to train long and hard so you can beat out your opponent in the most elegant possible way, you can understand what makes Beth Harmon want to win and keep winning, no matter what it costs her in the end, because all that really matters for her is the exhilaration of outmaneuvering her opponent, spotting the weakness in his attack, and finding a way to use that weakness to win the game. Every other high and every other emotion pales in comparison with the feeling of winning. And if you don't know what it is to feel that way about a game, you will by the end of this book.
Pick up a copy if you can. It's been a long time out of print, and it's hard to find in libraries, but it's worth every dollar of the $12-14 you'll pay for it.
A chess story that transcends the sport.......2007-06-13
This is one of those rare sports stories that transcends the sport it discusses. It's the story of Beth Harmon, a child chess prodigy who was "discovered" by the janitor in her orphanage. She's a richly-drawn character, with a suite of personal problems including substance abuse. The result is a compelling story of a "heroine."
Tevis does a great job dealing with the central challenge - - how do you make chess exciting for readers who aren't international masters, and may not play chess at all? His solution is brilliant. He tells the story of chess games not in terms of moves but in terms of Harmon's feelings - - "that rook is annoying" or intentions - - "getting the bishop in the middle would wear him down." This puts the emphasis on people and plot, without getting bogged down in grandmaster-level chess.
That said, Tevis doesn't quite get the chess world right. Even child prodigies have to work their way up the ranks more - - think of, say, Yasser Serawan. Nor does he have the economics of the chess world right. Harmon depends on tournament prize money, but that's not where the real action is in professional chess. Exhibitions can be lucrative, as can other appearances as well as articles and books (as feature or as author). Obviously, prize money makes for a more dramatic story, but given Harmon's personality, making a slog of the more mundane part of the chess biz would have strengthened plot, characterization, and verisimilitude.
Nonetheless, it's a quick-paced, impressive novel.
Like Glue.......2007-05-17
It's hard to put this book down.
If you have played chess you will enjoy this book.
If you're not a chess player ............2007-01-08
you'll probably enjoy this book much more than someone who has played in tournaments and understands the chaotic and often irrational psyche of a single-minded player.
I saw this book on a "must read" list and being a chess enthusiast, I had to read this book. In short, the story is compelling but not convincing. The author tried to write on a subject that he didn't really have a first hand feel for. In the book Word Freak, you could see the author changing his viewpoints and attitudes as he became more and more involved with top notch Scrabble players. If Walter Tevis had done the same thing, the book would have turned out much differently.
For the non-chess playing reader, they have no alternative but to believe what Tevis writes and creates in their mind. For someone that knows and has seen the neurotic chess player, his depiction just don't work quite right. In the end, I don't believe that Tevis created the sudden rush of an overnight genius. His writing attempted a psychological treatment but ended up as entertainment instead of a truly "psychological thriller" as the back cover guarantees.
All in all, if you want an interesting read, this is okay. If you really want to understand the psyche of a chess player, start by attending a tournament and staying up until 2 in the morning while guys play speed chess and forgot that their ride left three hours ago.
Book Description
The Belgariad Book #3
Ce'Nedra, Imperial Princess of Tolnedra, was confused. Everyone knows the tales of the Orb protecting the West from the evil God Torak are just silly legends. But here she is, forced to join a dangerous quest to recover that stolen Orb. No one believes in sorcery, but Garion's aunt and grandfather seem to be the fabled sorcerers Polgara and Belgarath. Even young Garion is learning to do socerey. Garion, a farm boy is totally unsuitable for an Imperial Princess. Yet, for some reason she has the urge to brush back his hair, and comfort him. Now he is going to a strange evil tower to face some horrible, powerful magician, and she cannot be there to watch over him. He might be killed, and she may never see him again. Read by Cameron Beierle. 11 CD's 11.3 Hrs.
Customer Reviews:
My favorite so far.......2007-03-13
Garion and friends journey toward the Vale of Aldur after near catastrophe in Nyissa. Along the way Garion and Ce' Nedra's relationship grows more complex, they have to brave the dangers of the haunted realm of Maragor, and seek help from unlikely places to penetate Rak Cthol, stronghold of the evil magician who holds the Orb of Aldur.
In "Magician's Gambit" David Eddings turns the creativity and adventure up a notch. His adventurous and fun epic, the Belgariad, up to this point has been a well written and witty rehashing of fantasy novels like "The Lord of the Rings." However, the plot takes some very unexpected turns in this volume and we are introduced to some ingenious new characters and races. Eddings has Garion wrestling with the heavy issues of adoloescence while discovering a huge potential for magic that can both help and destroy. Ce' Nedra, along with other characters, becomes a more nuanced and complex person in this volume as she wrestles with her own issues. This series gets better as Eddings takes us toward a world shattering climax. I think I know how it will end, but it is fun to ride along to see what route he takes in getting there.
Eddings is Finally Gellin'.......2006-07-20
Alright.. sorry but I had to do that.
Ahead there be SPOILERS
The Belgariad is an odd series in that it is five books long but really should ultimately consist of two trilogies. The first trilogy would consist of books 1,2 and 3 and the second would consist of books 3,4 and 5. Now there are going to be some people that look at that statement and say "Yeah I get it" and others that say "That guy makes absolutely no sense" so let me explain.
First off let me say that I think that Magician's Gambit is the tightest and most focused book in the series. We (the readers) and the characters now both know what the goal is, they know WHERE the goal is and they are now actively headed to get the Ring..ahem I mean Orb so there is a feeling that finally everyone is on the page to some extent. Yes there are surprises along the way and yes there is a fair amount of just sitting around yaking it up but for the firt time the story is moving in a solid direction. (The first two books were very much like "Oh.. we're going here? Oh.. no? Let's go talk to these people? Ok.. Where are we going? Hey look I just blew a guy up.. was that supposed to happen?" and so on)
Now, if you read the first paragraph of my review you can see that 3 is an overlap point. This book has the properties of both the first AND last books of a trilogy.
It feels like it's the last book because by the end the companions are finally all with the company, the Orb has been gotten and one of our principal villains has blown himself into oblivion. There is the obligitory fantasy pyrotechnic moment where a city is blown off of a mountain. By this point we have met all of the main characters and kings (Brand being a major exception). We're familiar with most of the culture and we've even met a god or two. In some fantasy series this would be enough and we could go home (It is even in Eddings other series The Elennium).
It feels like the beginning of a trilogy.. actually for some of the same reasons. With the addition of Relg, Errand and the Marag girl Taiba this kind of feels like Act I where we introduce new characters. We also see Garion start stepping up to fill his newly acquired role as a sorcerer. If you know where this series goes then you know he'll be moving on to become a king and "Overlord of the West" and that path begins in earnest in this book.
Anyone who has read my reviews for the previous books has seen me rail against Eddings writing of female characters. While my feelings about Polgara haven't changed, C'Nedra has definately grown here and Taiba, while only being introduced briefly here is my favorite Eddings female up to this point. But more on that in the next review.
So the upshot is: If you didn't like this book.. you might as well give up on this series (Or at least not expect much better from it)
A good book, This review isn't a spoiler........2006-01-31
First, everyone is a critic, few get paid to do so.
Any work had rave reviews and negative reviews. Take a chance and read it for yourself to be the final judge.
Well, Unlike most reviews, I'm not going to 'book report' it and summize what happened. The story continues nicely, and a tension that started in the first book continues to build.
If you've read the first 2, then, you'll want to finish!
I would recommend it! A+
Decent, but a bit repetitive.......2006-01-18
David Eddings does many things well in this book. As usual his characters are unique and very likable. There's much adventure, with many memorable scenes. My favorite part of the story is their run in with a weeping God who lost all his people. This was a very original scene that effectively tugs at the heartstrings. I loved it. I wish I could say this book is filled with such scenes.
Magician's Gambit shares the repetitive patterns of the first book in the series (Pawn of Prophecy). The group goes from place to place. They fight different creatures at each stop and always win rather easily. Along the way they share playful dialogue and Garion learns more about magic. And to me the climax of this book is just another stop, like all the others. Same thing happens, over and over.
Some say this is to build the characters, but now in the third book, I believe these characters are already well established. It's time to move on. There is more cliche' in this book as well as David Eddings does his best to explain what it's like for a young girl to have a crush. I winced while reading a few of these. It seemed a bit stereotypical.
This installment in the five-book series doesn't really bring anything too new to the table. It's easy enough to read, and folks who want a fun and fast-paced old-school fantasy will probably enjoy this. It's not a bad book, but I expected more after how much I enjoyed the previous book in the series.
I also would like to recommend Greg Keyes' The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone series. (The Briar King) I believe this series offers a little more, but maintains the fun that David Eddings is so good at.
Decent read and continuation of the story.......2005-12-28
Magician's Gambit by David Eddings is the 3rd book in the Belgariad saga.
Being that this is the third installment of this saga, the reader should pretty much know what they are getting into with Eddings. Admittedly I was fairly critical of the first book, Pawn of Prophecy, but was pleasantly surprised by the 2nd book Queen of Sorcery. So, I went into this book with a little bit higher expectations than what I went into the 2nd book.
There are usually two sections that I touch on in my reviews, those regarding the plot and those regarding the character development as I think those are two of the most important parts of any story. So with that said, here we go.
The plot in this one seems to be rather linear, in that there is not a lot of deviation from the main plot line. I am not sure if Eddings doesn't like subplots, or he simply wanted to fully concentrate on the main characters in this book. At times the plot in this book seems a little too `easy' for lack of a better word. Fans of the genre will be able to see what is going to take place chapters before it happens. This is partly due to Eddings not adding many twists and turns within the story. This is not to say this is a `bad' story, it's just not up to the level I am used to reading as many fantasy books as I have read. The main plot line is actually pretty decent in that it does a good job at setting the stage for the next book while also advancing the characters. Yet, I got the feeling, several times while reading this, that the 2nd and 3rd books could have been combined into one book and saved some time. While there are big events in books 2 and 3 I think 1 book combined would have been just as effective. As I said before, this is not a bad story it just (at least so far anyway) doesn't encompass everything I am used to in fantasy novels.
The character development again takes center stage. The main character Garion continues to be more and more fleshed out. He continues the trend of slowly discovering himself with the help of Pol and Mr. Wolf. I will continue to say though that the character of Silk continues to steal scenes left and right, that's not necessarily a negative, just an observation. I will say though that the characters in this book are beginning to become more and more memorable. I am not to the point yet of `needing' to know what happens yet, but I am intrigued at the story and where it may lead.
All in all I think this is another decent book by Eddings and one I would most likely recommend to fans who are just starting to get into the fantasy genre. I would also recommend it to long standing fans of the genre with the caveat of what to expect and that these books should not be considered a deep all encompassing read or else they will be disappointed. It's not the greatest fantasy work out there, but certainly not the worst either.
Average customer rating:
- Please, no more "kindler, gentler" Han Solo
- another fantastic chapter of Han Solo's back story!
- Midly Entertaining
- Han, Chewie, and the Hutts
- A great continuation of the series
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The Hutt Gambit (Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy, Vol. 2)
A.C. Crispin
Manufacturer: Spectra
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Rebel Dawn (Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy, Vol. 3)
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The Paradise Snare (Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy, Volume 1)
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Star Wars: The Han Solo Adventures (Classic Star Wars)
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Shadows of the Empire (Star Wars)
ASIN: 0553574167
Release Date: 1997-08-11 |
Book Description
Here is the second novel in the blockbuster new trilogy that reveals the never-before-told story of the young Han Solo. Set before the Star Wars(r) movie adventures, these books chronicle the coming-of-age of the galaxy's most famous con man, smuggler and thief.
Solo is now a fugitive from the Imperial Navy. But he has made a valuable friend in a former Wookiee slave named Chewbacca, who has sworn Han a life debt. Han will need all the help he can get. For the Ylesian Hutts have dispatched the dreaded bounty hunter Boba Fett to track down the man who already outsmarted them once. But Han and Chewie find themselves in even bigger trouble when they agree to lend their services to the crime lords Jiliac and Jabba the Hutt. Suddenly the two smugglers are thrust into the middle of a battle between the might of the Empire and the treachery of their outlaw allies...a battle where even victory means death!
Customer Reviews:
Please, no more "kindler, gentler" Han Solo.......2007-09-06
Ann Crispin's "Han Solo Trilogy" fills out some interesting details of the Star Wars universe. However, it lacks the edge and grittiness of some of the better Star Wars novels (particularly those by Timothy Zahn). Although Han is supposed to be a "scoundrel," you'd never know it from these books; Crispin goes out of her way to portray him as a nice, sweet guy who might enjoy an afternoon feeding ducks in the park.
"The Hutt Gambit" feels almost like a young-adult novel; the dialogue is bright and cheerful and the characters never seem to be in any serious jeopardy. If you thought Greedo shooting first was an improvement, you'll probably enjoy this.
another fantastic chapter of Han Solo's back story!.......2007-06-23
Once again Crispin delivers a fast paced, fun and informative look at the early years of everyone's favorite Star Wars scoundrel, Han Solo.
This one picks up several years after The Paradise Snare. Lots has happened to Han between the first book and this one, and lots happens during this book as well!
Without getting into many spoilers (at lest nothing that's not on the back of the jacket of the book) we see how Han meets Jabba, Chewbacca, Lando, his first flight with a very special ship, how he becomes the reluctant hero YET AGAIN..all great stuff.
In addition, there's appearances from some 'old' faces, both from the original Trilogy of movies as well as the previous book.
Great action, characterization and nods to the Star Wars Universe are all over the place in this book.
Highly recommended to any star wars fan!
Midly Entertaining.......2007-03-23
This book, though midly entertaining, is not for the old school Star Wars fans that grew up on the original Trilogy. The Han Solo Trilogy lacks the stories of a scoundrel that I expected. This trilogy also has glaring contradictions and plot holes when taken with the movies and other Star Wars books. This book is for the younger Star Wars fan, the generation that believes Greedo shot first.
Han, Chewie, and the Hutts.......2007-03-16
In this second book of the Han Solo trilogy, Ms Crispin takes us on Han's journey from his days as a cadet at the Imperial Space Academy through a number of adventures working as a pilot for the Hutts and ending up fending off an attack by Imperial forces. At the Academy, Cadet Solo spends four years preparing for a career in the Imperial Navy and developing his skills as a pilot. He graduates and spends four years as an officer before his career is cut short when he rescues a Wookie slave from ill treatment at the hands of a superior officer. The result is a dishonorable discharge. However, the Wookie, who turns out to be our old friend Chewbacca, swears a life debt to Han and promises to follow him everywhere. Obviously the entire Star Wars experience is much richer because of this incident.
Han and Chewie then move on to Nar Shaddaa, the Smugglers' Moon, where they smuggle shipments of spice to designated locations and make various runs for the Hutts, including Jabba. It is also during this period that the High Priest on Ylesia realizes that Han Solo was in fact the individual who caused them so much trouble several years earlier. He contracts with the galaxy's best bounty hunter, who else but Boba Fett, to capture Solo and return him to Ylesia to be killed. Fett's efforts to capture Han are stymied by a new character, a charming rogue named Lando Calrissian. Such introductions are the most fascinating part of learning Han Solo's backstory. Han, Chewie, Lando, Boba, Jabba - they're all here.
The Empire begins to move against the Hutts' lawless territory by authorizing Moff Sarn Shild to blockade Nal Hutta and turn the Smugglers' moon into molten slag. Through a combination of bribes, devious machinations by the Empire, and heroic deeds by Han and his fellow smugglers, the Empire's forces are thwarted. At the end of the story, Han is trying to figure out how to make money and go on with the rest of his life. His plans include coming up with enough money to go to Bespin and participate in an extremely high-stakes sabacc game. I suspect there in the third book we will run in to Lando again and learn of the acquisition of the Millennium Falcon. All of this is simply great fun as we continue to understand the forces in Han Solo's life that got him to the character he was when we first met him in A New Hope. On to the third book of the trilogy.
A great continuation of the series.......2007-01-18
I have been re-reading this trilogy for the first time in ten years. Again, the books have held up great and are just as good as they were the first time I read them.
The Hutt Gambit expands the scope of the this trilogy and begins to introduce favorite characters from the original film trilogy. While the book skips over Han Solo's days in the Imperial Navy, it picks up with explaining how and why he was drummed out of the service and introduces Chewbacca and the start of his and Han's friendship. From there we learn about Han's first exploits in smuggling and his first shot at the Kessel Run, his first meeting with Jabba the Hutt, and how he develops into the famous smuggler that will appear in A New Hope.
Ann Crispin continues to write Han Solo in a way that feels genuine and faithful to Harrison Ford's performance. The story is bigger than that of The Paradise Snare, and the cast of characters includes old favorites, some additional characters from the Expanded Universe (like some of the smugglers on Nar Shaddaa) while introducing some original characters that I thought fit in nicely, even if they were only in the book briefly, like Xaverri.
For Star Wars fans it is a must read, and for everyone else it is definitely worth the time as a fun space opera book that is easy to read but still contains genuine emotion and heart.
Book Description
This is not just a book for kids - for 'Dad' read any opponent who beats you regularly! This book teaches the 50 Deadly Checkmates - basic attacking patterns that occur repeatedly in games between players of all standards.
Each mating motif is carefully and simply explained, and several illustrative examples are given. A final test enables the reader to grade his pattern recognition abilities, and the last chapter explains what to do if your Dad is Garry Kasparov.
Fun, instructive - and guaranteed to improve your game.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing book for wannabe attacking players.......2007-06-12
Before reading this book, I played chess like a scared chipmunk, obsessing about little details like whether pushing this pawn would weaken my position by a picounit. This book helped me see that the way to win games at the amateur level is to attack, to be aggressive, to go after the enemy king like he is your nemesis, to crank open his position like a sardine can and commit regicide.
The book's title is somewhat misleading in that the book is very narrow in scope (a full book on how to beat dad would have to include discussion of openings, endgames, and more general chess strategy and tactics). Rather, it contains fifty practical checkmating patterns that frequently come up in real games. If the basic mating patterns (e.g., how to mate with a King and Queen versus a lone King) are the alphabet of checkmate, this book is the grammer of checkmate. The patterns consist of beautiful 3-5 move combinations that you will have opportunities to apply in many of your games.
If you are looking for a beginner chess book, get the Idiot's Guide to Chess. That is the best place to start from square one. Then learn some very basic tactics (e.g., Pandolfini's Beginning Chess). Then get and read this book. Over and over. With these patterns ingrained in your mind, you will spot them in the far distance during games, aim for them, and go in for the kill. Sure, sometimes you will crash and burn, but that will only make you more prepared for the next game.
Thanks to Chandler for writing this book. It has made chess fun for me again.
good book.......2007-04-27
This book isnt really about how to beat your dad at chess, because your dad could be bobby fischer or not even know how to play chess (just wanted to clear that up for u guys)
This book has 50 mates and its about pattern recognition, that means pretty much just pounding it into your head so u can remember to use it when you have the chance. its a really good book, i would get it.
Chess Nuts Boasting.......2007-04-18
Great book. I love the premise- and the careful way the Mr. Chandler explains it- which is that pattern recognition is a more powerful tool than in-depth computation analysis. It serves as a nice illustration of Gladwell's "Blink" theory, that less information can be more when the brain is finely tuned in to the right information. Chandler points out that a human chess pro is better than a computer because our brains can quickly filter out the irrelevant info and just recognize the broad pattern, such as a set-up for a standard mate possibility. The computer is inferior, per the author, because while it might come to the same conclusion, it has to do it by generating every single possible move with every single piece on the board, following out hundreds of thousands of possible subsequent sequences to arrive at the checkmate. Of course, I would suggest that the computer is actually superior in this respect because, even though it has to analyze hundreds of thousands of possibilities, it really doesn't mind. It doesn't get bored, fatigued, or seduced by a bold capture. But, still, I appreciate his point.
The author gives examples of fifty standard checkmate motifs, and uses good illustrations to help recognize the pattern when it is there and understand the sequence of events. My only beef with the book, for which I've docked a star, is the sexist title. I can't help but comment on this in this post-Imus era. The author tells us from the start that it is really a book on how to beat anyone in chess so the title is just an eye-catcher. But I don't want to reinforce the many messages that young girls get about what they should or shouldn't be good at. Okay, to be truthful, in all the chess playing families that I can think of off the top of my head, it is in fact the fathers who are the chess nuts, who hand the game down to the next generation. But lets not reinforce the not uncommon notion that men are naturally superior chess players. I've even read the likes of Camille Paglia, in one of her faux-academic pieces, use the fact that chess champions are all men as evidence for a male superiority in spatial and mathematical reasoning. Without going too far into what is a complicated and emotionally loaded argument, I would just direct people to do a little internet search on Judit Polgar if you are not already familiar.
Still, overall, thumbs up. A good book, really for beginning to intermediate chess fans of any age, which will increase your arsenal of offensive tricks and improve your defensive vigilance.
A must for kids with rating up to 600 (approx).......2007-04-08
We purchased this book for my two kids, and saw an immediate improvement. It is written in a very easy to read style, and it goes to through a lot of the tactics needed to improve their game... The only disadvantage was that I had to improve my game too to keep ahead of them!
Well-organized and useful to players of any ability.......2006-12-31
This is a very well-organized and highly readable book on various types of checkmates. Since this is the whole purpose of the game, it is an obvious area of emphasis from both offensive and defensive perspectives. In other words, if you want to be a winner you need to always be looking for checkmate whether you are on the "giving" or "receiving" side! I think the author is correct to be emphasising this early and teaching people to recognize patterns than come up that lead to checkmate. This will both prevent you from being checkmated by surprise and to see checkmate opportunities in real game situations that you might otherwise miss.
The other reviewers are correct in their observations that this book is suitable for players of any age. In fact, I would say it is even a bit misleading to position it as a book for kids. It seems to me that one would need to be at least 12 years old to fully appreciate and benefit from the contents. It might be a difficult read for younger kids, but one they can grow into over time. I wouldn't buy it for someone is 6 years old, but it certainly is a possiblity for a bright 9 year old.
I don't really have anything critical to say about the book. It gets to the point quickly and focuses on principles and patterns that come up again and again in chess. If you are serious about chess, but haven't really studied it, this would be a great place to start. The contents are not overwhelming and the book covers a lot of ground without becoming boring.
Finally, if you are a beginning chess player and you really want to beat your dad, this book will help enormously. The other books by this author are also very good. In addition, I would recommend getting a good chess program. This is one of the best ways to improve your play.
Amazon.com
Russian author Boris Akunin clearly delights in literary experimentation. The Winter Queen, his first novel to win U.S. release, was a police procedural, introducing a young but brilliant detective named Erast Petrovich Fandorin, serving in 1876 Moscow. However, Murder on the Leviathan (actually the third entry in the Fandorin series, but published second in the States) was quite different--an homage to formulaic Golden Age whodunits, taking place on a luxurious steamship. Now comes The Turkish Gambit, which is more a combination of war novel and romance, rather than crime fiction, with the majority of its mysteries so transparent as to barely merit the label.
The action here takes place in 1877 and 1878, on the Balkan front of a military conflict pitting tsarist Russia against the Ottoman Empire. Into this realm of posturing commanders and the foreign journalists whose florid prose makes those officers look better (or worse) than they really are ride Fandorin, now with the diplomatic corps, and Varya Suvorova, a strong-willed 22-year-old telegraphist hoping to reunite on the battlefield with her "future fiancé," an army volunteer. But Varya's efforts are frustrated when her intended is accused of espionage. His release can only be won by identifying the real informant-cum-saboteur, in which task Varya is willing to cooperate with Fandorin, despite her dislike of the stuttering and apparently "cold, disagreeable" former policeman. Amid profuse digressions concerning Turkish politics, female suffrage, and the harem system ("without it many women would quite simply starve to death"), Varya--trailed by lustful correspondents--investigates a suspicious colonel in Bucharest, only to become party to a deadly duel. A pair of officers are subsequently murdered, a guilt-ridden soldier hangs himself, and a British plot against Russia is alleged.
Akunin (the pseudonym of Grigory Chkhartishvili) nimbly portrays the tumultuous atmosphere of 19th-century combat, complete with ear-splitting cannon blasts and hard-charging cossacks. His dialogue is frequently clever, and in Varya he has created a woman fully capable of steering yarns and stopping hearts. Yet The Turkish Gambit is so laden with expendable exchanges, trivial players, and hieings off to hither and yon, that the reader's interest may wane well short of this story's dramatic climax. --J. Kingston Pierce
Download Description
It is 1877, and war has broken out between Russia and the Ottoman Empire. The Bulgarian front resounds with the thunder of cavalry charges, the roar of artillery, and the clash of steel on steel during the world’s last great horse–and–cannon conflict. Amid the treacherous atmosphere of a nineteenth–century Russian field army, former diplomat and detective extraordinaire Erast Fandorin finds his most confounding case.
It’s difficulties are only compounded by the presence of Varya Suvorova, a deadly serious (and seriously beautiful) woman with revolutionary ideals who has disguised herself as a boy in order to find her respected comrade– and fiancé–Pyotr Yablokov, an army cryptographer. Even after Fandorin saves her life, Varya can hardly bear to thank such a “lackey of the throne” for his efforts.
But when Yablokov is accused of espionage and faces imprisonment and execution, Varya must turn to Fandorin to find the real culprit… a mission that forces her to reconsider his courage, deductive mind, and piercing gaze.
Filled with the same delicious detail, ingenious plotting, and subtle satire as The Winter Queen and Murder on the Leviathan, The Turkish Gambit confirms Boris Akunin’s status as a master of the historical thriller–and Erast Fandorin as a detective for the ages.
Customer Reviews:
Rollicking Story of Spies and Betrayal.......2007-09-03
Even though this is the third "Erast Fandorin Mystery" to be published in English translation, it was the second written by "Akunin". Because of the way the series is written, the occurances in "Murder on the Leviathan" do not in anyway suffer from this out of chronology publication. Nothing that happens in 'Gambit' change the way you would read 'Leviathan'.
Once again our intrepid young (twenty-one) adventurer is working for the 'third section' (diplomatic intelligence) during the Russo-Turkish War in 1878 helping to liberate Romania and Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire. The war had been going well until the army arrived in front of Plevna where for some reason the 'Turks' seemed to know exactly what the Russians planned to do (sometimes even before the Russians did).
Erast has been ordered to find out if there is a traitor in the Army and if not, how the Turks are getting their information and from who. Our young man has been saddled with a young 'modern' Russian woman (Varvara or Varya) who had traveled to Bulgaria to be with her 'future fiance'. Erast doesn't lack for suspects and is led a merry chase by the actual culprit who constantly is able to remain one step ahead of him. But as in all great stories good triumphs and the bad guy is caught and brought to justice. Erast then goes off to Japan (where his sea voyage is the scene of "Murder on the Leviathan").
This series is in many ways a parallel to George MacDonald Fraser's "Flashman" series. They both occur around the same time (mid- to late- nineteenth century) and use the "Great Game" in Asia between Russia and Britain for their background. The difference between the two series is that Fandorin is truly an intelligent man. He is articulate and well read, whereas Flashman is a comedic figure who is always finding the diamond in the manure pile he has fallen into.
Unlike Flashman, Fandorin is more historically tied into the period and much less broad in satire. Flashman is much more polemic in the way that both the main character and the British as a whole are treated, more of the Moliere type farce. Fandorin on the other hand is more of a Pinter or GB Shaw, tongue-in-cheek (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, know what I mean) and is more subtle in it's skewering of the other characters. At this time only five of the eleven books have been translated, but it's worth looking out for each new volume as it comes out.
Turetskiy gambit (DVD 2005)...Turkish Gambit.......2007-05-06
Turkish Gambit directed by Dzhanik Faiziyev is an vivid film protrayal of this wonderful Russian noevl. The acting is great and the stars, Yegor Beroyev (as Erast Fandorin) and Olga Krasko (as Varvara Suvorova) play their roles flawlessly. I enjoyed the novel and was overjoyed to find this DVD which is in Russian language but has Chinese subtitles. I highly recommend watching this film. You will not be disappointed.
Akunin's Usual Delicious Twists and Turns.......2007-05-05
'The Turkish Gambit' continues the career of erstwhile Russian police detective Erast Fandorin in this the third in Boris Akunin's distinctive mystery series (which is wildly popular in Russia). The book is set during the 1877-1878 Russo-Turkish War (the Russian and Ottoman Empires fought some 11 wars altogether and this was the last one, excepting WWI).
Fandorin, now in the Russian Army, but still stunned from his tragic loss in 'The Winter Queen' (the first book in the series), takes a back seat for most of the book to the primary narrative voice of the young radical Varya Suvorova. As usual Akunin's tale twists and turns with delightfully chameleon-like characters. The book's denouement centers on the Siege of Pleven - was a traitor providing information to the Turks? Or perhaps a murderous spy was afoot? Or was it just bad strategy implemented with poor tactics by the Russians?
Actual historical characters such as the 'White General' Mikhail Sobelev mix with Akunin's inconstant inventions in a complex web of international warfare and intrigue. Highly recommended.
Fandorin and the Russo-Turkish War.......2007-04-16
The Turkish Gambit is the third Fandorin story published in English, but chronologically it is the second tale following on from the events of the Winter Queen and proceeding the voyage to Japan as detailed in Levithan.
One of the reasons that I enjoy the Fandorin series is that in each of the stories Akhunin seems to write in the style a well known mystery writer. Where the Winter Queen was for a me a homage to Ian Fleming and the James Bond series, and Levithan was drawn from Agatha Christie, for me the Turkish Gambit owes its style to Baroness Orczy and the Scarlet Pimpernel.
The story chronicles Fandorin's participation in the Russo-Turkish war of 1878-79 as an unofficial intelligence officer, assigned to capture a Turkish say operating within the Russian headquarters. The narrator/ view point character of the Turkish Gambit is not Fandorin but rather Varya Suvorov. A rather innocent and idea idealistic young woman ho has travelled to the front disguised as a man to be with her fiance and who is enlisted to act as Fandorin's secretary. As the story progresses Varya finds herself surrounded by active heroic men who are vying for her affection but is slowly drawn to the quiet unassuming and obviously emotionally damaged Fandorin a seemingly humble man who is governed by logic but who proves himself again and again to be the most perceptive and aware of the stories participants.
Great story, but flawed history.......2007-04-14
I picked up 'Turkish Gambit' while my stay in Paris. I have to admit, that it was a rather good book written on a subject (Russo-Turkish War) that I possessed a wealth of information about.
However, I was disappointed about the lack of historical accuracy this book demonstrated. The author, Akunin, underestimates the Turkish defence of Plevna by suggesting that it was because of the work of a spy that the Turks held out for so long. Any military historian would know that this was not true. Instead of developing an intrigue story with real facts around it, Akunin changes reality in order to adapt it to his plot.
The truth is, the Turkish defence held out due to: 1) better tactics on behalf of Osman Nuri Pasha 2) Better weaponry 3) Russian mistakes and 4) foreign support. Moreover, as Akunin suggests, the Turkish garrison DID NOT try to break out via the way it was stated in the book (attacking Russian besiegers with the deception of 'giving up).
So, if you want to read a good mystery novel, than go ahead and read 'Turkish Gambit'. However, keep in mind that there are many historical flaws and counter-historical bits to the novel. But I simply ask you to not take this novel as reality!
Book Description
In this Edgar Award nominated mystery, John Maddox Roberts takes readers back to a Rome filled with violence and evil. Vicious gangs ruled the streets of Crassus and Pompey-- routinely preying on plebeian and patrician alike. So the garroting of a lowly ex-slave and the disembowelment of a foreign merchant in the dangerous Subura district seemed of little consequence to the Roman hierarchy.But Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger--high-born commander of the local vigiles -- was determined to investigate.Despite official apathy, brazen bribes and sinister threats, Decius uncovers a world of corruption at the highest levels of his government that threatens to destroy him and the government he serves.AUTHORBIO: John Maddox Roberts has written numerous works of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to his successful SPQR mystery series. His latest book in the series, SPQR VI: Nobody Loves a Centurion will be published later this year. He lives in New Mexico with his wife.
Customer Reviews:
Strong on history, light on mystery ..........2007-07-29
This is the first book in the SPQR series about a Roman investigator named Decius Caecilium Metellus. The story takes place in 70 B.C. during the rise of Julius Caeser. It provides more historical background than many mysteries set in the past. But he mystery itself is rather obvious and predictable.
You learn quite a bit about social classes and the politics of the times. The mystery is more or less secondary and involves multiple murders and political corruption.
I especially liked the glossary at the end of the book. I used it quite heavily for the first chapter or two.
First book in a great series........2007-06-10
John Maddox Roberts starts off the SPQR series with a great book. His research is obviously thorough and the fascinating details of everyday Roman life are most interesting. The reader is lead little by little, clue by clue, to the satisfying conclusion. Makes you want to read the rest of the series!
Not a bad Roman Romp.......2007-06-09
Very similar to the Roman books of Steven Saylor. You'll learn a bit about ancient Rome during the rise of Ceaser but although the hidden plot is interesting and reasonable I felt that his portrayal of important persons was a little forced at times and it distracted me, but I'm looking forward to reading more of these books.
Another in the SPQR Series.......2007-03-10
John Maddox Roberts is the pseudonym of Mark Ramsay, author of numerous works of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to his successful historical SPQR mystery series. He lives in New Mexico with his wife.
Anyone who is a fan of Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor or David Wishart will love the SPQR series of books by the author. Once again we have an addition to the ever growing number of amateur detectives patrolling the streets of ancient Rome, solving mysteries and crimes. Not all at the same time, I may add, in fact not even in the same centuries. Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger, a high-born bad boy, is the offering of the author and he is just as interesting, likeable and believable as the leading characters from the author's contemporaries.
The city of Rome is at its lowest ebb for many years. The streets of the city are filled with violence and the vicious gangs are preying on high and low born alike. When a lowly ex-slave is found garrotted and a foreign merchant is disembowelled in the Subura district of the city it would normally be of little consequence and quickly forgotten or pushed aside by the powers that be.
But Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger, the commander of the local vigiles station has other ideas and is determined to investigate the matter. Coming from high born stock Metellus has some contacts who may be able to help in the matter, but as he digs deeper he uncovers a festering sore of bribes, threats and corruption, right up to the highest levels of Roman government.
Much Better and Less Grim than Saylor.......2007-02-26
If you love historicals and you love the late Roman Republic, this much underrated series is for you. John Maddox Roberts is a gifted writer with a talent for brevity, and has a much lighter touch than Steven Saylor. The main character of this series is engaging and witty. Where Saylor's work is poignant, this is more in keeping with the wry Roman spirit. Petronius would have loved these books. And so did I.
Average customer rating:
- Red hot and soon to be an MGM movie
- Good fun
- If you enjoy "fun/crime" novels this is among the best.
- 4 1/2 stars
- In a Jam, and on the Lam
|
Springer's Gambit: A Cole Springer Mystery (Cole Springer Mysteries)
W. L. Ripley
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Book Description
Aspen -- the American Riviera -- where the rich and the beautiful go to play.Quiet streets, breathtaking mountains and one of the lowest crime rates in America.But, that's about to change.Real estate speculator Max Shapiro has been cleaning the San Francisco mob's money for three decades.Then, the hammer drops -- he's dying of cancer and is on borrowed time.Resentful of the mob's hold and not wishing to die withan i.v. hose in his arm, Max tells the mob he isn't paying any more tribute, hoping they'll send someone to kill him.But while vacationing in Aspen, Max gets a call from his doctor.Good news.Max isn't dying after all.But, it's too late to call off the mob's killers.Max's only hope is the enigmatic Cole Springer -- an ex-secret service agent with a penchant for creative thinking -- broke and in danger of losing his Aspen night club.Shapiro needs a bodyguard, Springer needs money, so they cut a protection deal.Enter Gerry "Knucks" Nugent, a cerebral and deadly hitman in the midst of a midlife crisis who has been sent to kill Shapiro.A mob boss dies in 'Frisco, there is a struggle for power and an emergency cache of three million dollars ends up in the hands of Nicky Tortino, a merciless Bay area crime lord.The shift in underworld command sends shock waves rippling across the west United States; affecting even Shapiro and Nugent.Springer's active mind runs to larger themes then merely protecting Shapiro and he begins to formulate a scheme to save Shapiro and get his hands on the three million .But, Springer's scam depends upon recruiting Nugent, and Nugent is widely feared -- even by his ruthless bosses on the West Coast.Bay area underboss, Nicky Tortino, travels to Aspen to get Shapiro to launder the three million and also to have both Springer and Shapiro killed.The law closes in and Springer is running out of time andoptions.Beset on all sides, Springer designs an elaborate sting to extricate Shapiro and himself from the deadly web that has formed around them.But, can he trust Nugent? AUTHORBIO: W.L. RIPLEY, author of the critically acclaimed Wyatt Storme series, is back with a vengeance in this, his fourth novel.Ripley takes us to three of the most fascinating cities in the American West -- Aspen, Las Vegas, and San Francisco -- in this gritty yet often humorous tale of murder, double-cross, and triple-cross in the Rockies.
Customer Reviews:
Red hot and soon to be an MGM movie.......2003-07-22
You can't put this one down. As funny as Robert B. Parker (whose blurb graces the cover) and as gritty and real as Elmore Leonard with dialogue that crackles and action that sizzles. Cole Springer, a new and enigmatic tough guy, holds off the bad guys while protecting himself and mob money-launderer, Max Shapiro, from mob-killers and the FBI. How he manages to pull this off makes for a slam-bang ending. Hard-boiled and fast-moving, this one fills the bill. Very satisfying. Aspen, Colorado makes for an exotic setting for thugs, unethical feds, and a mob hitman with a mid-life crisis who is one of the most unique and complex fiction characters of recent years. 'Gambit' contains two unwittingly hilarious thugs (Auteen and Ray Dean) a couple of tough guys who are the Abbot and Costello of the underworld and will have you laughing (and cringing) at each appearance. A must read for any serious crime fiction fan. This is the start of a series and is set to be released by MGM as a motion picture starring Kurt Russell. You'll find this ride a roller coaster of danger and laughter. Ripley is fast becoming one of the best mystery writers around. You'll be glad you picked up this one and will look forward to the next installment (Due out in February 2004).
Good fun.......2001-10-31
The writer, who has obviously worked at creating a breezy, humorous style, has created a fun read. His hero is entertainingly dangerous and the dialogue sparkles. The ending is somewhat of a let down, but I'm going looking for his earlier efforts anyway.
If you enjoy "fun/crime" novels this is among the best........2001-09-03
W.L. Ripley is a wonderful addition to the Elmore Leonard school of novels. Great characters, great plot, and a driving pace. Highly recommended.
4 1/2 stars.......2001-06-29
When Max Shapiro finds out hes dying of cancer, he decides to quit his job as a money launderer for the mob and to spend his last few weeks spending some of his hard earned money. Well you dont just quit the mob. While living in Aspen, he finds out hes been misdiagnosed and actually has no cancer at all. He turns to Cole Springer, an ex-secret service agent, for protection. Unfortunately, Springer desperately needs the money to avoid the bank repossessing his tavern, and takes the job. The action begins.
This novel was great fun to read. A sort of Elmore Leonard/Bill Fitzhugh mix, thats filled with unique characters. Ray Dean and Auteen, two mismatched thugs, were a riot to listen too. Max Shapiro had the Joe Pesci type personality from Lethal Weapon, which was hilarious. Then of course there is Cole Springer, a hero whos hard not to like.
Great dialogue and nonstop entertainment filled with just the right amount of humor, makes this crime drama fun to read. W.L. Ripley will go on my must read list.
Highly recommended.
In a Jam, and on the Lam.......2001-06-20
Ripley has crafted a clever plot, created a thoroughly credible lead character and populated the supporting roles with as motley a crew of strutting sociopaths since "COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL." This should be the beginning of a great series!
Book Description
Attack the Sicilian Defense aggressively with the Morra Gambit. Starting with 1 e4 c5 2 d4 cxd4 3 c3, it is well suited for players striving for tactical and uncompromising play, as White's better development often leads to a dangerous initiative. Further, traditional Sicilian players may be taken by surprise and removed from their main line repertoire. If you take the time to The positions that arise are extremely difficult to play, especially if the defender is not familiar with them. One mistake by Black frequently means the end of the game. The theoretical material is divided into eleven chapters. • Chapters 1-10 deal with the Morra Gambit accepted and all begin with the starting position after 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3 • Chapter 11 investigates the Morra Gambit declined • An appendix discusses the pros and cons of delaying the pawn sacrifice • Every stem game is introduced by a heading Studying the Morra Gambit, will bring excellent practical results.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty good review of a very popular opening.......2007-07-11
I was not planning to reveiw this book. however, when I saw the other reveiwer give it only 1 star I had to chime in to remedy this travesty.
The book, contents, diagrams, text, explainations, and game examples are all excellent. This is the most up-to-date work on this opening.
I share the other reveiwers frustration with some of the format - the font used and the layout do not "flow" as nice as some chess books. but the content and learning value is otherwise quite good.
I have played the Morra gambit for several years in both OTB and Internet play with results that are generally way beyond my rating level. (I make up for it with poor results in other openings :) that bring my rating back down to earth.
My practical results have been excellent. Most players, especially below the expert level consistently fall into well known traps.
But I digress - if you are looking for a good up-to-date book on the Morra grab a copy of this work, spend a few hours to get boned up, and then go trash someone !
Poor organization of various lines.......2007-05-14
Variations should be in format like Modern Chess Openings. Full game results should be an appendix of wins and losses by white.
Some notation is very clumsy.
I would like a book that does a better job of presenting this opening.
Customer Reviews:
Stunning work on QGA!.......2002-11-22
There are several Cadogan opening works from the mid-90s that are so far above the quality of most of the stuff being poured out by Everyman since that it is shocking. The Everyman stuff are like the cliff notes, and this book on the QGA by Neishtadt and the two-volume work on the English defence by Bagirov, are like the real deal. This book is 286 pages long (not 224 pages as stated above, plus this is a Cadogan book that has not been re-issued by Everyman), is packed full of thousands of variation, tons of explanatory text, and is carefully laid out with a compelte index in the back. Equally stunning is that throughout the book , each variation is carefully indexed numerically, and each variation heading re-states the opening moves up to that point. This feature allows you to re-play moves to that point without having to flip back and forth all the time. This is a variations format book, with tons of games in the notes, but no "illustrative games per se. It is a challenging and massive work. Neishtadt is an excellent chess writer. Everything he has ever done is absolutely first rate. Other than this book, I especially love his two books, "Winning Quickly with White/Black."
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