Product Description
Over 3,500 definitions on 328 pages, with foreword by Jeff Pulver, founder of pulvermedia and VON (Voice on the Net) conferences.At last! A concise, authoritative and portable dictionary that covers key topics in the exciting voice and data networking world. Each month over 53,000 readers stay informed of Voice-over-IP and other cutting-edge communications developments by reading VON Magazine. Now, Editor-in-Chief Richard Grigonis brings you an up-to-date compilation of easy-to-follow definitions of what you need to know in the rapidly evolving field of IP Communications. As the grand convergence of circuit-switched, packet-switched and wireless network technologies continues, you’ll find this book to be an ideal, “must-have” resource. ... Read more

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When the gods are banished from the heavens, they must travel through Faerûn in the guise of mortals.

When four companions, last survivors of the Company of the Lynx, find themselves in possession of a mysterious amulet, they must escape death at the hand of Bane, god of murder.

When magic itself runs wild, no one can say that the most innocent of spells will not destroy the world.
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Customer Reviews (42)

Tsr Book
A great set of books if you can get your hands on them, this one in perticular starts off the trilogy & is quite hard to find, but this good company here had it, I recommend them.

The second greatest epic I've ever read
I read the avatar series about 8 years ago.The strong well developed characters of Cyric,Kelemvor,Midnight,and Adon became some of my favorite characters in fantasy.. This epic story has it all and is by far one of the greatest stories ever told.. Fzoul and Bane are cool villains you may actually find yourself rooting for.. Anyway,If you haven't read this series and are a fantasy lover,please go check this out.You won't be disappointed.. Highly recommended indeed.

Good plot but not very creative
The basic story of this book is a very good one, unfortunately there are times where it seems the author just couldn't come up with something interesting. There are incidents in the book that happen that just don't make any sense. Granted there is supposed to be an explanation in the background of the story, but the author uses it way too much. While trying to make the world seem completely out of whack, all the author succeds in doind is make you go "What the heck is that there for?"

One strong point of the book is the storyline and the characters involved. This is just the beginning of the trilogy and all the necessary ground work has been layed. The author does provide good insight into the hero characters, while providing just enough information the adversary to make things interesting.

I did enjoy this book overall so I'm giving it three stars, and I am definetly looking forward to Tantras when I think things will really start to get interesting.

Avoid at all costs...
I picked up this book, the first in the Avatar Trilogy, fresh off the heels of having read "The Icewind Dale Triology" and "The Dark Elf Trilogy" by R.A. Salvatore.I was highly disappointed.The prose is written in an awful style; it reminded me of reading "The Illiad", except that the Illiad was interesting!It was an absolute chore to read this book, so much so that I never finished it and never read the other two books in the series even though I foolishly bought all three at the same time.

Avoid.

Fails to capitalize on its potential.
*Note: This review is based on the first 2 books in the series--Shadowdale, and Tantras*

I've been an avid reader most of my life, especially fantasy, and lately fantasy set in the Forgotten Realms universe. For those unfamiliar with it, it started as a setting for the Dungeons and Dragons table-top game, and now is a place where many authors have the opportunity to weave their own tales within a world that readers can grow accustomed to. Basically, it allows the world and its people to come alive through the infusion of multiple ideas coming from many different minds.

That being said, this series of books covers one of the most momentous happenings in the history of Faerun, the world in which the Forgotten Realms stories takes place. The event to which I refer is the "Time of Troubles" or the "Arrival" or a multitude of other names penned for it. Without giving too much away, it's the time when there's a shifting in the Pantheon of gods--someone has stolen the Tablets of Fate. As punishment, the power above the gods themselves has cast them out of their otherworldly abode and into the mortal realm, forcing the gods to take on mortal avatars to house their immortal essence. Due to this occurence, magic itself is unstable, causing chaos when it is used, and also creating havoc with the world itself--earthquakes, moving mountains, and random explosions and the like. The story focuses on a group of adventurers, who through chance or fate, have been thrust into the plight of the gods. Sounds like a great start, a wonderful beginning to an epic story, right? WRONG.

The first two books are plagued by grossly undercharacterized and overly-cliched heroes. We've got the fighter, Kelemvor, struggling with a secret he dare not reveal to his friends. Midnight, the mage, who seems to be guided by destiny into a fate she isn't sure she wants. Adon, the cleric of Sune, suddenly faced with doubts as to his faith. And Cyric, the thief, haunted by a past he cannot escape. So much potential here, and it's completely undone by Scott Ciencin's inability to craft a story worth reading. Kelemvor's secret is revealed far too early, and the characters basically get over it in a paragraph. Midnight's cloudy fate can be easily guessed by a 10 year old. Adon, who goes into a semi-comatose state for about 2 days, snaps out of it suddenly, no explanation given. He just starts talking. Cyric, who is shown gradually spiraling out of control, had so much potential he practically screamed for a better author to pen him.

One of the worst parts, for me at least, occured in the first book. The heroes (Be prepared to hear that a lot. Ciencin can't find anything else to call them but "the heroes" or "the thief" *snore*) are traveling along, and suddenly a forest sprouts in front of them. Due to the instability in magic and the world at large, the forest not only appears out of the blue, but it also grows upside down; branches are on the ground and roots in the air. The group of adventurers says NOTHING. They go right through it. No debate on if it's dangerous, not even a "Hey, a forest sprouted upside down right in front of us. Neat." And NOTHING HAPPENS IN IT. They ride their horses through it for a sentence and keep going.

Therein lies the problem. The author is in such a hurry to get to a plot point or action sequence (neither of which are well done) that he rushes over what happens in between. We never get a feel for what these characters go through--the struggles that precede an epic battle, or a sudden revelation. It all feels so rushed.

I usually devour books as soon as I get them. I had to keep putting the first book down because it bored me so much, and I NEVER do that. I got the second one on a lark, hoping against hope that it would improve. It doesn't. I'm currently debating whether or not to get the third one, considering that it's Troy Denning who penned that one, and I know he can write.

Final Verdict: Read it if you'd like to find out about a momentous event in Faerun's history, one that affects many better books after these. Better yet, find a summary somewhere that lists the important things. I don't recommend this series, and I point you toward Ed Greenwood (the Forgotten realms creator), R.A. Salvatore, or a few others if you'd like to delve into the rich world of Faerun. Scott Ciencin, at least in these 2 books, feels far too much like an adolescent writing a story he thinks his friends would like. ... Read more

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High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Richard Dean Anderson (born January 23, 1950) is an American television and film actor, producer and composer. He began his television career in 1976 as Dr. Jeff Webber in the American soap opera series General Hospital, then rose to prominence as the lead actor in the television series MacGyver (1985?1992). Anderson later appeared in films, including Through the Eyes of a Killer (1992), Pandora's Clock (1996) and Firehouse (1997). In 1997, Anderson returned to television as the lead actor of the series Stargate SG-1, a spin-off of the 1994 film Stargate, directed by Roland Emmerich. ... Read more

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Text and photographs reveal the physical characteristics and habits of the sea otter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book, visually and fact finding
My 8 year old loves otters and had to do a book report. When she found this book it was an ideal selection. The photography is done by 13 photographers and many fantastic shots. It too was a great source of information that covered all areas of their lives; The history of their return from near extinction, their daily struggles for survival, habitat, mating, mothering and more.

Buy and share this book, you'll be glad you did!
I think I'm biased, sea otters are my favorite animal, this has beautiful photography and the text is a nice size even for younger readers, thank goodness because I bought this to share with my son, turning 7 soon. The photos of course really got his attention, but the facts are also fun and easy to grasp. I just love looking at the pictures, who can't get enough of the adorable sea otter's face? Very interesting, too. Recommended, I hope to bring it to my son's 2nd grade class to read and share with the kids. I know they'll love it ... Read more

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Attn: Restaurant owners - learn how to hike it up a notch and compete with the big boys. Proven techniques to you thrive in the restaurant business. ... Read more

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116 pp. Short stories and poetry by various authors; book reviews. ... Read more

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Features: Richard Petty, journalist Emily Battle, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., restored 1966 Ford Fairlane, Matt Kenseth's pit crew, and Greg Martin. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A superb effort for an broad overview
If what one is expecting is a well illustrated overview of all gold issues, together with superb documentation of each and every piece of information presented, this is an epitomy of outstanding presentation and scholarship.

On the other hand, if one would desire to know detailed facts about each particular date and mint issue, the die varieties and the like, there are alternatives in multiple volumes, from authors such as Doug Winter for the Southern Mints or Carson City, that certainly detail much more information about those aspects than a one volume book could hope to cover.

I suppose much has to do with one's expectations.This book met my expectations much in the way that my volume of Breen does.Often it is a starting point.The information provided by Breen is not that deeply detailed compared with the immense amount of literature that has been published since his leaving the scene, and the varieties he identified often are not wholly complete.Yet, I have never found that to detract in the least from my enjoyment of Breen as light reading or my ability to use that volume as a first stop when viewing a coin in a series in which I have a limited knowledge.

No justice to the coin collector
If there was a book that was over hyped, this would be it. This book gives you nothing more than production amounts and supposed current values. There is nothing in this book that can't be found elsewhere. I was expecting an abundance of information on things to look for in a coin, similar in nature to Walter Breens works, die markings, die pairings. What I have gotten is a book that has some nice pictures....and thats it. Do yourself a favor and skip this book.

Effectively replaces David Akers' multi-volume work.
Any coin collector enchanted by TRULY rare classic U.S. coins (i.e., coins where mere DOZENS of examples still exist!) would do himself a huge favor by acquiring this volume. Here is one book that more than replaces the groundbreaking multi-volume U.S. gold work of David Akers.

Believe it or not, there ARE still many bargains to be had in U.S. numismatics... and they reside in the U.S. gold series. Fact: Many U.S. gold coins dwarf in rarity the "keys" in any other U.S. series by 10X or even 100X.

Amazingly, today's prices (even with gold bullion way up) simply don't begin to reflect this incredible rarity.

Interested? Here's just the volume to guide you along the path to discovering all these hidden treasures.

Does it really get any better than GOLD? I don't think so. It (and silver) are the only metals historically and universally recognized as REAL money. But gold stands alone as the one metal not subject to hideously damaging long-term environmental contamination.

In its day and time, one gold coin might have represented an average working man's weekly or monthly wages. Accordingly, U.S. gold coins have historically been collected only by the super rich. But clearly this no longer need be the case. The rich collected ONLY the very top-grade examples available. These coins continue to be very expensive. Largely neglected, however, have been gold coins of lower grade (coins which would be perfectly acceptable specimens in any other U.S. series.) Bonus: In some cases, the gold content alone accounts for 30-50% of one's purchase price. So the value of your collection is meaningfully backed by gold itself.

We are fortunate to live in a day and time where these lower grade examples of incredibly rare U.S. gold coins are still available (albeit with considerable searching) at true bargain basement pricing -- a combination of rarity and pricing guaranteed to quicken a coin collector's pulse.

This all becomes clear in one glorious volume of amazing scope and breadth.

The price of this volume is likewise bargain-priced. Hundreds of beautiful full color photos on hundreds of pages -- all on glossy heavy paper stock. Paradoxically, the bargain nature of this book about classic Americana is likely due to its having been printed in CHINA. But I have to give credit where credit is due: There is absolutely nothing second-rate about this book's cosmetics or content.

My advice? Buy it as fast as your fingers can click on the order button!

Best gold coin book ever!
This excellent,large coffee table type book lists every American Gold coin,proof,and pattern ever struck.Gives Population figures, mintages,beautiful pictures and the latest auction records and availability of all gold coins. No serious numismatist should be without this awesome reference book!!!!

Every collector of gold coins should own this book!
Every now and then a real masterpiece of Numismatic research is created and made available to the public and the Encyclopedia of US Gold Coins: 1795-1933 is one of those masterpieces. As a professional coin dealer who specializes in better and rare dated gold coins I strongly suggest tha aquisition of this book as it will help the collector as well as investor of rare gold coins become more knowledgeable in the various series of US gold coins and there can never be too much information when researching this large and diverse area of coin collecting. ... Read more

Product Description
Written for teenagers, English in Mind creates an inspiring learning experience for secondary students. Everything, from the choice of imaginative topics, texts and exercises to the attractive design is perfectly matched to students' interests, age and ability. It provides a solid basis for effective language learning through a strong focus on grammar and vocabulary. Flexibility and support are offered in the form of photocopiable activities and tests in the Teacher's Resource Pack, 'EiMTV' DVDs, Workbook CD-ROMs and the extensive free worksheets, tests, wordlists and resources on the website.Each level of the course provides 80-90 hours of work with the possibility of extension. It can be used with mixed-ability classes. The Starter level is for complete beginners and Level 1 is for elementary students and contains a 16-page starter section to revise key language. Levels 2 to 5 take students from pre-intermediate to advanced level. ... Read more

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Amazing Science Fiction, October 1974, Vol 48, No 3.; Editor, Ted White; 132 pages. Contents: Editorial, essay by Ted White; The Sun's Tears, by Brian M. Stableford; Stella Blue, by Grant Carrington; Downfall, by Jeff Jones; The Domains of Koryphon (Part 2 of 2), serial by Jack Vance (book publication as The Gray Prince 1975); Requiem for Apollo: Like the Sun in Splendor, essay by Sandra Miesel; Space Through Our Fingers, essay by Jack C. Haldeman, II; The Clubhouse, essay by Susan Wood; . . . Or So You Say, essay by Ted White. ... Read more

Product Description
In the mist-shrouded past, the world of Azeroth teemed with wonders of every kind. Magical races and ancient beasts strode alongside the tribes of man-until the arrival of the demonic Burning Legion and its baneful lord, Sargeras. Now, dragons, elves, orcs and dwarves all vie for supremacy across their war-torn kingdoms-all part of a grand, malevolent scheme to determine the fate of the world?.Day of the Dragon: A mission to free the great Dragonqueen from her Orc captors sends the maverick mage, Rhonin, on a perilous journey into the land of Khaz Modan. He cannot know that a far-reaching conspiracy is behind his quest, or that he will be forced into a dangerous alliance with the most dire of dragons?.Lord of the Clans: An orc raised by cruel human masters who sought to mold him into their perfect pawn, Thrall is driven by both the savagery in his heart and the cunning of his upbringing to pursue a destiny he is only beginning to understand-to break his bondage and rediscover the ancient traditions of his people. The Last Guardian: The godlike Guardians of Tirisfal are each charged through the ages with fighting a lonely secret war against the Burning Legion. Medivh is to become their greatest champion. But darkness taints his soul, turning his powers to evil. His struggle against the malice within him becomes one with the fate of Azeroth itself?.Of Blood and Honor: The paladin Tirion Fordring had always believed the Orcs were vile and corrupt. But an unexpected act of honor and compassion sets in motion a chain of events that will challenge his most fundamental beliefs and force him to decide, once and for all, who are the men?and who are the monsters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An excellent fantasy collection
=SPOILERS AHEAD=

Day of the Dragon - 3.5 Stars - While I liked the writing style, I found the constant (and sometimes pointless) action a bit tiresome. The novel is very plot-driven, and characters often act and think exactly the way they need to in order to keep the story going. Apart from this, I loved Day of the Dragon. The characterization was rather well done, and the sexual tension between the protagonists was especially enjoyable, as it was both simple and well-developed, without any of the Deux Sex Machina idiocy that tends to occur so often in fantasy novels. Finally, I found Day of the Dragon especially enjoyable because it dealt with a part of WarCraft storyline that I knew little about - that being the dragon aspects, how the Orcs enslaved Alextrasza, and the semi-peaceful period following the second war.

Lord of the Clans - 5 Stars - Kudos to Christie Golden for writing this novel. It is, by far, my favorite in this collection. It tells the tale of Thrall's life before WarCraft III, at the same time giving us an insight into what the world of Azeroth was like between the second and the third war. The writer focuses on emotions and character development, and wastes no time on unnecessary action scenes. Christie Golden shows great skill when it comes to handling her characters, even managing to present a stereotypical evil baron as a human being that elicits pity, as well as hate. After reading Lord of the Clans, I'm definitely going to buy other novels by C. Golden. Even if you have no interest in purchasing WarCraft Archive, you should consider getting standalone Lord of the Clans - it's well worth it even if you aren't a fan of the genre.

The Last Guardian - 4 Stars - While the hero of this novel is Khadgar the mage, the story itself revolves around Medivh and his gradual degeneration into "madness". It gives us an insight into the guardian's personality, and reveals his motives, as well as the outside influences that made him the man (monster) he was. The story is well done, the writing style manages to be ornate and concise at the same time, and the characters are quite believable. Sadly, The Last Guardian was probably written under a deadline, resulting in more then one language mistake, as well as word combinations that are so badly thought out ("most mighty"), that they hurt the story. The thing I dislike about The Last Guardian is the final confrontation; I expected Medivh himself would defeat the evil that corrupted his soul, and then willingly submitting to his punishment. Instead, we get to see Medivh, whose powers are such that he could single-handedly destroy an army of demons, getting stabbed to death by a frail old man. As a direct result, Medivh's pre-death redemption lacks the impact it so rightfully deserved. Overall, The Last Guardian is a very good novel, one that I recommend to any fan of epic fantasy.

Of Blood and Honor - 4 Stars - Shortest of the four novels, Of Blood and Honor concerns one paladin's fall from grace. It is a powerful story that bears a strong message; it is easy to keep to one's code of honor in times of peace, but what about the moments when one has to pick between beliefs, and material safety/social standing? The protagonist of this novel makes his choice, and suffers severe consequences at the hands of human hypocrisy, once again proving that good extremes are unacceptable just as much as bad ones are. Characters in this book are masterfully done. Chris Metzen manages to create a believable paladin, a man who lives up to extreme beliefs without turning into a complete idiot, or an inquisitor. Alas, mr.Metzen's writing style is average at best. There are way too many adverbs, and way too few strong nouns. In his fear that the reader won't understand him, the author often explains things that don't need to be explained, like telling us exactly how a character feels, even thought the dialogue, the preceding events, and what we know of the characters, already allow us to draw our own conclusions. Despite its technical flaws, Of Blood and Honor is an outstanding story that I recommend to everyone, regardless whether they play Blizzard games or not..

For those who don't know, the worlds of Azeroth and Draenor provide the setting for Blizzard Entertainment's World of WarCraft MMORPG and WarCraft RTS series. The overall setting has been running for well over fifteen years, and when it comes to depth and sheer size, it is one of the greatest fantasy settings of all time.

DISCLAIMER: I've given WarCraft Archive five stars not because each novel in the collection is a five-stars fantasy novel, but because the collection itself is a five-stars fantasy collection. Its overall quality is superb for a game-based novel series.

senior reader
being 63 and female doesn't mean i have to read those horrible womenly books. i read all science fiction of certain favorite authors. this book popped up during a search for something to read on a site and i just had to order. man, i am not sorry at all that i purchased it. great stories through out and plan to order other individual warcraft books. you will not be disappointed either when you have the book in hand and can scan the pages. a secret--- buy it from amazon for it is cheaper then other sites. i paid over 18.00 dollars for mine. look it up and get it fast. it's has 4 novels in one. enjoy. ... Read more