Smith, L. J.

Average customer rating:

Some background...
One calc text that compares to Larson's
Good Math Book
Excellent if you got the time
Very Challenging

Calculus (3rd Edition)
Monty J. Strauss , Gerald L. Bradley , and Karl J. Smith
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0130918717

Book Description

Built from the ground up to meet the needs of today's calculus learners, Calculus was the first book to pair a complete calculus syllabus with the best elements of reform—like extensive verbalization and strong geometric visualization. The Third Edition of this groundbreaking book has been crafted and honed, making it the book of choice for those seeking the best of both worlds. Numerous chapters offer an exciting choice of problem sets and include topics such as functions and graphs, limits and continuity, differentiation, additional applications of the derivative, integration, additional applications of the integral, methods of integration, infinite series, vectors in the plane and in space, vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, multiple integration, introduction to vector analysis, and introduction to differential equations. For individuals in fields related to engineering, science, or mathematics.

Customer Reviews:

Some background..........2007-06-07

Perhaps I can shed some light on why this book has received one star reviews. If you look at the date of the 1-star reviews you will notice they are all from quite some time ago. The reason for this is because they are actually reviewing the 2nd edition of this book instead of the 3rd.

I was actually in Dr. Strauss's Calculus class (Fall 2000) when we were using the 2nd edition (he was not a co-author at this time). The general rule for the class was, if the answer you got did not match the answer in the back of the book or handbook, assume the text was wrong. I shudder to think of all the errors we found; however, the content of the book was still quite good. Dr. Strauss would catalog and submit all the errors his classes found, which is how he was invited to be a co-author. As a result, the 3rd edition is virtually error free in comparison, and I have no issues recommending this excellent text.

One calc text that compares to Larson's .......2007-01-04

TO ANYONE WHAO HAS EVER FOUND MATH TO BE THE IMPOSSIBLE DISCIPLINE FIT FOR GENEUSES ALONE...CALCULUS IS A VERY EASY SUBJECT! - or perhaps it is so only to those who were fortunate enough to encounter this wonderful text that guides its readers in their transition from the mathematics of high school precalculus where the emphasis was placed on computation, to the college-level calculus where emphasis is placed on truly understanding the mathematics. In Pre-calc, it may have been enough to understand a theorem such as the Mean Value Theorem <one introduced in calc I> as an intuitively acceptable definition. In calculus, such a theorem holds value, only to a degree that a student could apply it appropreately in a proof of another theorem. Caculus is the last stepingstone of elementary mathematics. Despite the rigor of mathematics, it must be understood and embodied by all students that while mathematics is teoretical in the sense that its practitioners are interested in deriving the ultimate truths of the workings of the universe, there is an emperical and practical fascet to the subject that allies the theory. It is often the case with students taking the first tree (or four) semisters of calculus <usually the first two> is that they are interested in the practical use of calculus towards their major . Whether you are a student who is a non-mathematics (non-physics or engeneering) major or otherwise, this text will undoubtedly be of great use. The distingulishing characteristic of the text is with the authour's abilities in elucidating the rigorous concepts of mathematics through clear, every-day language If you think you are mature enough, go with the Stewart text- I'm speaking to not many of you. Otherwise, Buy this book <with the Larson book and the Larson student manual ... B/c the student manual of this thext is a P.O.S...> The Larson text will guide you through the rigor of calculus, and the Strauss text will elucidate the meanings and applications.

Good Math Book.......2006-06-21

I learned calculus from this book, and i think that as a text it is excellent. I learned very little from my lecturer, and almost 90% of my 3 4.0 grades in calc 1,2 and 3 can be attributed to the pages of this book. On the other hand, by the end of the year my book had nearly fallen apart; i ask myself, why so expensive for cheap print? Furthermore, why would the authors write such a good book, but make the binding so terrible? If you use this textbook, be CAREFUL with the binding!

Excellent if you got the time.......2005-10-15

I also disagree with the reviewers that were so passionate about ditching the book with one star ratings. All I can think is that all of them were students who used it as a textbook in college. Most college students, specially Engineering students (guilty :) tend to put Calculus on the back seat and try to skim a lot specially when pressured by finals or other subjects. Fortunately, this wasn't my case. I used the book as a refresher and went deeper into more advanced topics at the of the book that were never explored in class back when I was in college. The book proved to be wonderful for this purpose. In four months I could get to the level I aimed for. I do agree however about the printing errors, the scarceness of the example problems, and some discrepance between the levels of examples and the exercises. Also, there are a few parts that should have been a little more detailed(that's why I don't grant it a 5-star). Nevertheless these little flaws do not take away the book's merit. I recommend to anyone(student or self-learner) who will block some time to go through the text without rushing,without skimming and appreciating the way new(or old) ideas are presented (as well as the history inserts). Great buy!

Very Challenging.......2003-04-12

Many people say that this book is bad. On the other hand, I think is very challenging. The exercises are not as simple as in other calculus textbooks. The book explains everything well and provides you with many examples. I am a math major and this book has been really helpful.

Instructional Design (Wiley/Jossey-Bass Education)

Average customer rating:

Instructional Design
BORING but useful
Prose to Sleep By
Excellent source for online coursework
Teaching Student's how to Learn, not what to Learn

Instructional Design (Wiley/Jossey-Bass Education)
Patricia L. Smith , and Tillman J. Ragan
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

Designing Effective Instruction

ASIN: 0471393533

Book Description

Basic principles and practical strategies to promote learning in any setting!

From K-12 to corporate training settings––the Third Edition of Patricia Smith and Tillman Ragan’s thorough, research-based text equips you with the solid foundation you need to design instruction and environments that really facilitate learning.

Now updated to reflect the latest thinking in the field, this new edition offers not only extensive procedural assistance but also emphasizes the basic principles upon which most of the models and procedures in the instructional design field are built. The text presents a comprehensive treatment of the instructional design process, including analysis, strategy design, assessment, and evaluation.

Customer Reviews:

Instructional Design.......2006-08-05

This text was quite informative and covered everything. However, the layout of the text was boring. The font was small and each page had double columns which just made reading the material very arduous.

BORING but useful.......2004-12-11

Why oh why haven't Smith and Ragan, experts in instruction, noticed that dry writing is not effective? Apparently they believe that dry impersonal writing is a model of proper academic voice. Sure, if the purpose of writing is to ensure that readers disengage as quickly as possible, then the style chosen does a wonderful job.

In addition, the text presumes that its audience are bottom-up learners and short-changes those of us that need a good hard look at the big picture before we can absorb the components thereof.

I can say one good thing about this text; it holds its resale value.

Prose to Sleep By.......2002-02-17

This book did have good points, but they drown in a stagnant, dreary pool of monotonous prose that could put the heartiest of readers to sleep. Just imagine wading through page after page of sentences like this: "Closer attention to learners' cognitive processes during declarative knowledge learning has led us to realize that elaboration is a basic process by which links are made with information being received as well as for connecting new information to existing knowledge and structures" (161). Someone please rush the authors a copy of Richard Lanham's "Revising Prose".

Excellent source for online coursework.......2001-02-07

In designing a course and a tutorial for to be taught online for the first time I used this text. I especially found the chapter on the affective component of course design helpful as students are very anxious initally with distance learning. I have subsequently used the book to retool my face-to-face classes. The examples and end-of-chapter sections are useful for new ideas and approaches.

Teaching Student's how to Learn, not what to Learn.......2001-01-22

Beyond the fundamental Systematic Approach to Training process, Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, the authors present proven strategies for teaching students how to learn. Problem-solving, delcarative knowledge, concepts, and principle scenarios are presented. This book is a valuable shelf reference for the K-12 teacher as well as the Instructional Technologist.

Average customer rating:

Joslin's Diabetes Mellitus
C. Ronald Kahn , Gordon C Weir , George L. King , Alan C. Moses , Robert J. Smith , and Alan M. Jacobson
Manufacturer: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Diabetes | Diseases | Medicine | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0781727960

Book Description

The "bible" on diabetes mellitus is now in its Fourteenth Edition—thoroughly revised and updated by more than 80 noted experts from the Joslin Diabetes Center and other leading institutions worldwide. This edition includes a new eleven-chapter section on hormone action and the regulation of metabolism. The section on definition and pathogenesis now includes chapters on genetics, diabetes in Asia and Africa, and diabetes in U.S. minority groups. Other new chapters cover retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, wound healing, and treatment of women with diabetes. All of the Fourteenth Edition's figures have been completely updated.

Average customer rating:

FRP: Strengthened RC Structures
J. G. Teng , J. F. Chen , S. T. Smith , L. Lam , and J-F. Chen
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471487066

Book Description

The strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures using advanced fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, and in particular the behaviour of FRP-strengthened RC structures is a topic which has become very popular in recent years. This popularity has arisen due to the need to maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure in all parts of the world, combined with the well-known advantages of FRP composites, such as good corrosion resistance and ease for site handling due to their light weight. The continuous reduction in the material cost of FRP composites has also contributed to their popularity. While a great amount of research now exists in the published literature on this topic, it is scattered in various journals and conference proceedings. This book therefore provides the first ever comprehensive, state-of-the-art summary of the existing research on FRP strengthening of RC structures, with the emphasis being on structural behaviour and strength models. The main topics covered include: <ul>

Bond behaviour

Flexural and shear strengthening of beams

Column strengthening

Flexural strengthening of slabs. </ul> For each area, the methods of strengthening are discussed, followed by a description of behaviour and failure modes and then the presentation of rational design recommendations, for direct use in practical design of FRP strengthening measures. Researchers, practicing engineers, code writers and postgraduate students in structural engineering and construction materials, as well as consulting firms, government departments, professional bodies, contracting firms and FRP material suppliers will find this an invaluable resource.

Coal Combustion and Gasification (The Plenum Chemical Engineering Series)

Average customer rating:

Study of Coal Combustion and Gasification Process.

Coal Combustion and Gasification (The Plenum Chemical Engineering Series)
L.Douglas Smoot , and Philip J. Smith
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0306417502

Customer Reviews:

Study of Coal Combustion and Gasification Process........1999-11-17

The book shown an information concerning the process occurs in coal combustion and coal gasification. The stage consists of the ignition of coal particle and its devolatilization, volatile combustion and heterogeneous char reaction. The book also describe the modelling of coal process in various way i.e. fixed bed, fluidized bed and in the practical flames of pulverized coal. The book also concerns with the pollutant formation in turbulent coal systems.

The Art & Science of Interpreting Market Research Evidence

Average customer rating:

Excellent text - should be standard issue in market research organisations.

The Art & Science of Interpreting Market Research Evidence
D. V. L. Smith , and J. H. Fletcher
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Market Research Toolbox: A Concise Guide for Beginners

ASIN: 0470844248

Book Description

The Art and Science of Interpreting Market Research Evidence offers a complete account of the way today's researchers interpret evidence and apply it to decision making. David Smith and Jonathan Fletcher show how to assess your current deciphering processes, and present an innovative framework integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches for analysing complex data-sets. With its holistic approach to interpretation and its 10-step process for making it work in practice, this book will equip you with a deep understanding of data analysis and ultimately improve your judgment to produce better business decisions.

"This is modern commercial research, where the mind of the researcher is finally acknowledged as admissible data. Prior knowledge, pragmatism, experience are all robust grist to the 'holistic' research mill. A must-read for anyone getting to grips with 21st century market research." Virginia Valentine, Semiotic Solutions

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

Excellent text - should be standard issue in market research organisations........2006-01-04

UK researchers Smith & Fletcher write clearly with a fine knack of turning the art and science of research analysis into a logical, well-explained process that incorporates not just hard quantitative evidence, but also qualitative research as well as - and this is what takes the book ahead of the field - the experience and judgment of the researcher as well. In essence they advocate a more holistic approach to incisive market research analysis: don't rely on one source, weigh up the broad spectrum of evidence, allow for imperfect data, apply some of your own knowledge filters (in my company and others these are simply known as BS Detectors)and don't forget to try reframing the data: looking at it from different contexts.

The techniques are all well explained, (including the mathematical techniques, not just the conceptual) and the authors do an admirable job of summarising their main points and making this a user-friendly "how-to" guide. Well done.

You can even go on-line and share with your colleagues an on-line tutorial based on this volume: so this text makes a really effective platform for training new staff and providing a refresher for more experienced researchers who may intuitively do a good job but may be assisted with a spritzer of more holistic thinking as well as with a re-establishment of first principles.

I do have criticisms of this book, and for these I've deducted one star.

My main criticism: the authors quite openly hold back some of their more progressive thinking, so what we get is a great roadmap that takes us to the goldfield, but doesn't quite help us hit paydirt. I found this particularly with their frequent reference to Bayesian thinking - an idea they raise but don't really explore. As such, I feel the book is somewhat "5 years ago" and could easily withstand an updating in the near future.

Having said that; any book that gives analysts and market researchers the state of the art, even of 5 years ago, is still way ahead of most of the volumes on the market. Market researchers are not brilliantly served by the publishing marketplace, and most texts are either too statistically focused (they seem to forget that survey data is pretty lumpy, categorical stuff based on questions that ask humans to somehow quantify their complex feelings)or too far based in marketing without giving us the crunch we need to turn data into hard-core insights. Most are simply too shallow - Research 101 written for marketers but not research practitioners.

Not here. This volume strikes a fine pragmatic, realistic balance in showing us how to use not just the mathematical tools we have available, but also our brains as experienced researchers confronting an array of soft and hard evidence. Art and science.

The authors successfully structure the big picture in a way that helps researchers navigate more clearly through research and analysis challenges.

I've recommended this volume to many colleagues senior and not so senior. If you're in market research you'll find this very useful both for you and your team.

Vampire Diaries #1: The Awakening (Vampire Diaries)

Average customer rating:

NOT what I anticipated
We Need More
Vampire Diaries#1: The Awakening
not what i tthought it would be
More L.J. please

Vampire Diaries #1: The Awakening (Vampire Diaries)
L. J. Smith
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Secret Vampire (Night World, Book 1)

ASIN: 0061020001

Book Description

<CENTER>A Love Triangle of Unspeakable Horror...</CENTER>

Elena Searching for the ultimate thrill, she vowed to have Stefan.

Stefan Haunted by his tragic past, he struggled to resist her passion.

Damon Driven by revenge, he hunted the brother who betrayed him.

The terrifying story of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them.

Customer Reviews:

NOT what I anticipated.......2007-04-15

There are such good ratings for this book, so I had high expectations. But reading the book, I quickly noticed the author's average style of writing. While I love cheesy romance and vampires, the romance in this book was not realistic enough to be believable. As someone said, it was too "lovey-dovey." The main character was somehow annoying. For one, her "friends" are more 1-dimensional side-kicks than actual people of free will. It was very dramatic for a slow paced book.

Overall, I gave it 2 stars b/c the storyline was at least acceptable.

We Need More.......2007-01-15

This whole series is one of the best that I have ever read. Her writing brings you right there into the heart of the book and you find your self lost in the pages. My main purpose in writing this review is to beg the author to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give us more of these characters. It has been many long years. Readers, this is probably her best series so i recommend the purchase. You will fall in love with the characters. I read an extreme amount of literature, and I am very picky as to what I call a good book. I rate her right up there with Robert Jordan (the wheel of time series) and he is one of the best fantasy writers of all time. Read this book, you will not be sorry. Author: please give us more

Vampire Diaries#1: The Awakening.......2006-07-18

I had so much fun reading this book that by the time I got to the end I was tearing my whole house apart looking for the next, I stole the first from my older sister and I never found the next :( so now I'm waiting for them to come in the mail, its really hard just sitting here typing about the first. I was so into the first that I read the whole intire thing in only three days. This book like all L.J Smith book is a must read. So far I've only read it two times in the last month, trust me thats good for my nirotic brain to function on any other books (but they happen to be by L.J Smith of course). So just take my word for it and read it. You'll never regret it!

not what i tthought it would be.......2006-03-21

It had a verry slow start and a lot of rmabling. I did fall in love with the mail charector even though I could not relate to the main charector it is kind of buffyesk. I identified the main character as cordila form the buffy serisbut still liked it. I was up set to find out the third book in the seris is out of print and hard to find. Good seris but don't start reading till you can get all the books.

More L.J. please.......2005-11-05

Not ONLY does L.J. Smith write in the beginning of these characters, she sets up a working reality that we, as the reader, can lose ourselves in. Luring you in with a timeless romance and a dark seduction, all with a haunting past, you won't want to put this book down. When I bought this book, I thought: "What the Hell, I might as well give it a read" (since I am a vampire book addict.) Come to find, I was at the same store the next day, buying the next in the series. Since then, I've read these books at least three more times.

You have to bear in mind, also, this book is not meant to be complex or complicated or frightening, even. It's suspenseful and filled with romance.

Average customer rating:

Hemingway Oil and Gas Law and Taxation
Owen L. Anderson , John S. Dzienkowski , John S. Lowe , Robert J. Peroni , David E. Pierce , and Ernest E. Smith
Manufacturer: West Group Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Environmental & Natural Resources Law | Law | Subjects | Books

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The Law of Oil and Gas, 7th Ed. (University Casebook) (University Casebook)

ASIN: 0314147055

Book Description

Defines a mineral estate and how landowners acquire interests. Text discusses conveyances, partition, and adverse possession of the mineral estate. Addresses trespass, surface and sub-surface, and third-party claims. Reviews the fundamentals of an oil and gas lease, and provides samples of basic forms.

Average customer rating:

Welcome to the Night World
"Never Fall in Love with One of Them..."
This book is amazing
A Must Read
secret vampire is the greatest novel i've ever read!

Secret Vampire (Night World, Book 1)
L.J. Smith
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Black Dawn Night World

ASIN: 0671551337

Amazon.com

If you think light romantic horror has to be poorly written, you haven't tried L.J. Smith. Meet the denizens of the "Night World," a secret society of "creatures of the night" that has only two rules: never reveal its existence to humans and never fall in love with them. Smooth and exciting, this is froth at its best. Smith's fans will also be thrilled and chilled by the re-release of one of her most popular titles, The Hunter.

Customer Reviews:

Welcome to the Night World.......2006-01-21

Poppy North is a typical sixteen-year old--she gets through school by being smarter than her teachers; likes to irritate her straight-laced twin brother, Phil; listens to New Age and techno music; has a secret crush on her best friend, James; and wakes up on the first morning of summer vacation before her senior year of high-school with nothing more paramount on her mind than what she can do with an entire summer spent with James.

Until the pain in her abdomen, which has steadily been increasing, working its way around to her back, keeping her awake at night, and causing her to lose weight, sends her to the doctor. Who then sends her to the hospital for tests. Where doctors then inform her that she has pancreatic cancer--the kind that will kill you within three weeks to three months.

Poppy, of course, isn't ready to die. Watching the reaction of her family--twin brother Phil, her mother, and step-father Cliff--only brings the truth closer to home. Poppy is going to die, there's nothing anyone can do about it, and it's going to be painful.

Except there is someone who can do something about it. James Rasmussen, her best friend from El Camino High School, her secret crush, a boy who now tells her something impossible--he's a lamia, a boy who was born a vampire, a member of the Night World, and he can change Poppy into a vampire to avoid certain death.

Of course Poppy doesn't believe him at first, but then what choice does she have? There's always been something different about James, and now she knows exactly what the difference is. So she agrees to become a vampire, knowing she'll have to leave her family behind, but knowing it's the only way to avoid certain death.

What follows is a fast-moving, interesting story about Poppy's immersion into becoming a vampire, the toll it takes on her brother, Phil, who finds out what they're doing, and the danger it puts James in. Because there are only two rules of the Night World: Never let the humans know it exists, and never fall in love with one of them. James has broken both of those rules.

What a great start to the Night World series! Towards the end of the book we meet some other interesting characters, which I'm guessing will play major roles in future books, so I can't wait to get started on the next read.

"Never Fall in Love with One of Them...".......2005-07-03

L. J. Smith's fantasy/horror series "The Night World" deals with the existence of a secret society of witches, vampires and shape shifters, and how they interact with the inhabitants of the human world. Although humans have long since gained superiority in the world over the "Night World" minority, the supernatural creatures treat humans with distain and prejudice, often calling them "vermin" and plotting ways in which to regain power over the world.

As such, it is fine for Night World inhabitants to deal with humans in whichever way they please as long as 1. Humans never find out about the Night World and 2. They are never fallen in love with. As the introductory page in every books proclaims: "These are stories about what happens when the rules get broken."

The summer holidays are beginning, and teenager Poppy North is looking forward to hanging out with her twin brother Philip and best friend James Rasmussen. Then disaster strikes - she collapses, is rushed to hospital and diagnosed with cancer. The prognosis is terminal and the cure doesn't exist... and she doesn't have much time left.

Her family are devastated but James is in a frenzy - because he thinks he knows of a way to save her. Unbeknownst to Poppy all this time, James is a vampire and knows that a sure-fire way of saving her is to turn her into a vampire like him. There are several problems however: her family for one thing, and the underlying Night World laws that strictly forbid such involvement in human lives. Poppy would not only have to hide from her own family, but the Night World as well - and does James really want to give her a life of such isolation?

But when Poppy finds out, she makes the decision: she wants to live and she and Phillip prepare for her death and resurrection. The bulk of the storyline is concerned with this detailed process of becoming a vampire which is described in technical rather than mystical tones, told from the three conspirators point of view: James, Phillip and Poppy. The third act is devoted to Poppy's new life as a vampire and her displacement within the world - discovering James has endangered himself for her sake, she decides to take off on her own...but can she manage her new life as a vampire and the new dangers it possesses?

"Secret Vampire" is an entertaining enough read, but certainly not the best of the "Night World" series. Poppy is not L. J. Smith's strongest heroine (at some points she's extremely annoying) and the story itself often goes off onto several tangents with poor reasoning and illogical decisions from many of the characters. And of course, the forced happy-ending is a little hard to swallow - it would have been more poignant if everything wasn't tied up in a neat little bow.

It is not quite the strong beginning that it should have been for the first book in the series, but still a promising one, with a lot of potential for later books. The general premise of a Night World is an intriguing one (especially for the pre-teen audience that they are intended for) and the books get infinitely better as the series goes on. Right from the very beginning Smith introduces minor characters that are later used as protagonists in later installations; namely Ash Redfern and Thea and Blaise Harman. Poppy and James themselves turn up again in "Soulmate" as part of a Circle Daybreak meeting.

Sadly, the "Night World" series has never been completed, as the last book "Strange Fate" has not yet been published - something that may make you reluctant to begin this series. However, although the major story-arc is never completed, each book does stand on its own as a separate story and make good "holiday reads" (books that don't require too many brain cells and are easily entertaining).

This book is amazing.......2005-02-28

If you get the chance to read this book do it. I read the entire Night World Series when I was in the 6th grade, 7 years ago, (with the exception of The Chosen because it was out of print so early on) and loved every one of them. A few days ago I saw my copy of this book lying around and thought hhmm...I should read this. I'm 18 years old now and I still loved it as much, if not more, as I did when I was 11. I've decided to read the enitre series all over again, which means I'm rebuying a few of them. Even if you're not really into Vampires you will love it, it has romance and a great story behind it.

A Must Read.......2004-04-10

This was a really great book. It really touches you when James wants to save Poppy. Poppy is dying of Pancreatic Cancer when her best friend James says he can save her by turning her into a vampire. Everyone should definetly read it. It isn't my favourite book in the series but it is a good start. I really like the way L.J.Smith brings out the characters feelings. It makes you feel what the characters are feeling and leaves you quite emotional.It is such a good book it makes you start to think there is a real night world. My Friend and I love the series and want more books out. I recommend this book to people who like vampire,romance,horror and emotional books. It is da best! L.J.Smith is totally cool!

secret vampire is the greatest novel i've ever read!.......2004-02-21

hey! hello to all nightworld readers. i think night world series are really great. i have only read two of l.j. smith novels and i've find it very much nice. when i have read secret vampire i fall in love with james and every line the characters said seem to mark in my soul. i even feel that there is really a night world around, that vampires and witches do exist.i am looking forward in reading the next series. am .... nothing to say........ just...... night world is the best, especially secret vampire.

Book Description

In So Deadly A Battle...

United at last with Diana, the mistress of her coven, Cassie must first sacrifice her love for Adam to save the Secret Circle and the town of New Salem from the evil powers of the witch Faye.

Threatened by the possibility of her destruction in a final battle between good and evil, Cassie must hope that her supernatural gifts are strong enough to obliterate the powers of evil.

If victorious, Cassie will win more than she ever dreamed. But if she and Diana fail, the Power will go to those who seek only to destroy.

...Can Anyone Triumph?

Customer Reviews:

Great Conclusion.......2007-02-03

I first read this book and the two before it as a teenager about a decade ago and still enjoy re-reading them. Through the story the characters change and grow lending an air of conviction and meaning to their actions and their fight. The true "villian" is not Faye, but the same dark force fought by the young coven's parents, with devestating results, the generation before. Cassie, Diana, and Faye come together to fight in the end.

A fitting conclusion.......2006-04-11

The first time around, I read this trilogy out of order. I picked this book up in a used bookstore when I was about ten, and I loved it so much that I went out and bought the two other books in the trilogy, and every other one that L.J. Smith had written at that point. Eight years later and it's still probably my favorite book by her.

The development of Cassie throughout all three books is fantastic, and so gradual that you almost don't see it until the second or third book, when you suddenly go, "Cassie, my girl! When did you grow a spine?" In the first book she's a mouse, and by the third one she's a heroine in every sense of the word, without being so larger-than-life and perfect that you can't identify her. The development of the other characters is equally fabulous.

As I mentioned in my review for the second book, I absolutely adore the fact that this author can have half a dozen seemingly disparate plots running, then tie them together in a way which is both elegant and believable. In this book, all of the loose ends are tied up: the Master Tools are found, Black John makes his appearance, the murders are solved, and the coven is faced the choice of standing together or falling apart. The final confrontation with the villain is more mystical than violent, and a fitting conclusion to this marvelous series.

The entire trilogy is excellent, but this is without a doubt the best book of the three.

Good Twist.......2005-07-12

I liked the twist in this book. I really wasn't expecting some of the things that happened, though they may have been right under my nose. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but you're going to be surprised.

This book, more than the first two, is very complex. Smith really does an excellent job of playing on many of the central themes of most pagan philosophy. The story is woven around the ideas of balance and sort of yin-yang philosophy. Plus, she obviously did her research on stones and herbs (as with the previous novels). The only complaint I really have is that there isn't a fourth book.

The End.......2004-12-25

In this conclusion ea. of the characters must really make a choice as to who they want to be. Despite all the characters being sworn into a coven they have never been united. There has always been Faye's gang of wild and reckless witches that like to use their powers to have fun and then Diana's gang of goody-goody brainiacs. Then there's Nick - who's remained quietly reserved about his feelings the whole time.
Now that there is a common evil outside of their group (John Black)they have made a pact to work together to destroy him, with the exception of Faye who is drawn to the power he possesses. Now the time has come. The final battle.
Together the coven must select a permanent leader and figure out a way of stopping John Black and protecting the town of New Salem.
I enjoyed every minute of this book. It was fully of mystery, romance, betrayal, strategic battles, poems, etc. But it really shows what we all experience and must battle (figuratively) while growing up and leaving HS.
I do however have one complaint and what really takes the review down from 5 to 4 stars is Cassie's choice in a mate. The 2nd book hinted at a likeness Nick had for Cassie but he really starts to open himself slowly up to Cassie and it is so sweet because you know how hard it is for Nick to lay openly exposed like that. But Cassie forever stays convicted to this love she has for Adam. I'm totally an advocate for love at first sight, but Adam is just too polite and nice w/o any layers at all. In her third "Dark Visions" book, "The Passion", she has a similar quartet of lovers. Kait and Cassie (the main characters) are very similarly attracted to the nice boy (Rob/Adam) but where "The Passions" ends w/ Kait discovering a true connection of equalness to the "bad boy" Gabriel this book ends w/ Cassie never really feeling any attraction to Nick - only using him as a security blanket while she battled her lust for Adam.
Nick and Cassie have so much in common - personality wise - and I think she could really make him happier and together they'd work so well. Whereas I just see quietness between Adam and Cassie - I think they'll end up just empty.
Despite my dissatisfaction w/ the person Cassie chooses (sorry for giving that away) I strongly reccommend you to read each of the books of this trilogy. They are just incredibly real!!

icefury19.......2004-10-26

This was a really terrific book and so is the author. Cassie loyalty to Diana is threaten by Faye when Faye find out some dirt on Cassie. Faye leads Cassie further into the path she walks. After doing her bidding, she releases John Black, the one who doing all the killing and who is Cassie father. He also turn the people against the witches. It ends up being Cassie who must stopped John Black. The ending is cool because Cassie ends up being a leader of the coven with Faye and Diana. The ending was awesome.

Authors:

Authors

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