The Kestrel (Westmark Trilogy)

The plot is magnificent, the characterizations are excellent, and the issues are compelling. (Childrens Literature)

Customer Reviews & Opinions

A shrieking Kestrel
Regia is invading Westmark. King Constantine IX of Regia and his uncle, Duke Conrad, have already paid off the corrupt General Erzcour, who is the commander of all of Westmark’s forces. Erzcour has ordered all of his men on the Regian border to surrender to Regia. However, many of his soldiers and officers disobey his orders, to stand and fight for their country in the mountains that separate Regia from Westmark. Unfortunately, the valiant fighters are leaderless and low on ammunition. They beat a hasty retreat. Queen Augusta of Westmark, who was formerly a street urchin because the corrupt chief minister, Cabbarus (now affiliated with Regia), threw her out on the streets before she knew she was a princess, orders a carriage to carry her to the border. She then rallies the remains of the army to the nearest city and resupplies there. She is eventually forced to fall further and further back. Meanwhile, revolutionaries who wish to overthrow the monarchy must for the time being support it because if Westmark is defeated, then they will be also. One group is lead by Florian, a very well respected anti-monarchist. He begins to organize militias and to support the Queen’s army as well as he can. Justin, a far more radical revolutionary who will stop at nothing to establish a republic, leads the second group. Theo, Queen Augusta’s boyfriend, becomes second in command of Justin’s group, and assumes the name “Colonel Kestrel”.

I would recommend The Kestrel to anyone who has already read the book that comes first in the trilogy, Westmark, because The Kestrel is the second book. Westmark helps give you more background information on most of the characters, particularly Queen Augusta and Theo (Colonel Kestrel), and the setting. This book is excellent. It combines war, romance, and comedy (in subplots) into one very pleasurable story.

Excellent middle book
This novel is very well-written. The action keeps the reader engaged, and perhaps distracts him from the thought-provoking exploration of war, democracy, class struggle and revolution that it frames. The first book of a trilogy is limited by the need for exposition, and the last by the need for conclusion. As such, it is only in the second book that a trilogy can stretch its legs and explore the world into which it ushers the reader, and this book does so with aplomb. Highly recommended.

Second in the Westmark series does not disappoint
Political intrigue and moral questions are explored in The Kestrel, the second in Lloyd Alexander’s Westmark trilogy.

The long-lost heir to the throne, the orphan Mickle, has been reinstated. The evil chief minister Cabbarus has been exiled from Westmark. Things seem, on the surface, to be going smoothly. But the untimely death of the king of Westmark sparks the flame of unrest in the country.

The nobility is unhappy with their “beggar queen.” The commoners want a government in which they have more of a say - they would be happy to do away with a monarchy altogether. Thrown into this mix is Mickle, now the ruling queen upon her father’s death, and Theo, who finds his loyalty tested and divided between his friends in the anti-monarchy movement and his love for Mickle, which causes him to want to protect the crown. When a neighboring kingdom invades Westmark, Theo sets out to prove himself by aiding his friends, while Mickle rises to become an unlikely war leader.

The Kestrel continues to explore the hard questions introduced in the first book of the trilogy. The main characters wrestle with wondering when violence is acceptable, and for what reasons. They also have to deal with issues of stealing (when you’re hungry, is it okay to be taking from your own side?), honor, and how far you can make personal compromises before you become someone you don’t want to be. Alexander does a commendable job in presenting these issues with no pat answers or preachiness. In the book, as in real life, there are no easy solutions and people have to deal with the consequences of their choices.

The political issues are also brought into play in The Kestrel. The ideals of the peasantry, the long-standing aristocracy, and everything in between are represented by most of the main characters. Each idea has merit, and yet they are hard pressed to find the right balance. While the war is brought to a satisfying conclusion, the book itself ends on an unclear note, hinting that the problems of Westmark government will be concluded in the final book of the trilogy.

A trilogy by Lloyd Alexander, the grand master of fantasy!
The second book of the Westmark Trilogy, the adventures of Westmark continues in “The Kestrel”. Theo is now traveling through Westmark to learn more about the country. He and Mickle, now known as Princess Augusta, are hoping to be married after he returns. But suddenly and without warning, Westmark is thrown into turmoil as the neighboring country of Regia has declared war on Westmark. Theo is once again forced into making a hard decision, will he stay in the sidelines or fight for his country? Eventually, he joins under the command of Florian and his people to fight a guerrilla war against the troops of Regia. As he sees brave and honorable men die one by one, Theo finds himself changing into a merciless commander and a stranger to himself…

For those familiar with Lloyd Alexander’s award winning series, “The Prydain Chronicles”, I can honestly and truly recommend this other series written by the ‘grand master of fantasy’. A bit more serious with dark overtones, “The Westmark Trilogy” deals with realistic events that can almost convince you that the series is based on true historical events. Through the series you will be given a chance to explore the characters as they struggle with forces beyond their control. Lloyd Alexander gives a realistically accurate study of human nature and psychology of war. I must say, after reading this book, I was left in thoughtful silence, musing over what I had just finished reading. It is not very often we Young Adults are given books which leaves you in a state of contemplation

As I said, I can highly recommend the thrilling and psychologically filling “Westmark Trilogy”. Best to read in order. But the faint-hearted be warned, this book and the next one in the series are somewhat violent and gritty since the main theme is about war. But nothing too bad to turn away lovers of a good series! Pick these series up!

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Little Star (Dora the Explorer)

Customer Reviews & Opinions

Books
Great book to read when they are going to bed.. Gives them a great adventure. I would prefer this to anyone

A Great Bedtime Story
Little Star an adaptation of the Wish Upon a Star teleplay, which tells the story of Dora and Boots witnessing Little Star getting knocked out of the night sky by a comet.

Like many Dora stories, they must cross 3 obstacles to reach their goal. In Little Star, Dora and Boots must venture past Troll Bridge and solve the Grumpy Troll’s number riddle (counting how many stars in the sky), go past Tico’s Tree and then make their way to Tall Mountain.

When they arrive at Tall Mountain, they must figure out a way to reunite Little Star with his friend, the Moon. Of course, along the journey, Swiper needs to be reminded “no swiping!”

Little Star is a great bedtime story for young readers. If you’re looking for a Dora book that teaches your child several Spanish words, however, you’ll be disappointed. (In that case, you’d be much better off with Good Night, Dora! which teaches children the Spanish terms for 8 different animals.)

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JPG: Japan Graphics

Edited by Ramon Prat and Tomoko Sakamoto.

Flexibound, 6 x 9 in., 420 pages, 380 color illustrations

Customer Reviews & Opinions

I love this book!
I appreciate design from Japan and upon purchase of this book, I was really hoping this book gives me something to be excited about and I was literally in visual shock because a lot of my favorite designers and works that I have seen but wasn’t sure of who created them, were featured in this book. WOW!

If anything, this book was meant to be looked at than read in my opinion. Actually, there isn’t much to read but what is there to read, it’s actually quite humorous and interesting (also informative) at the same time.

I really have to give Ramon Prat and staff some props for the designers they covered. Delaware, Level 1, groovevisions, oh… if you love Japanese design and how they incorporate it to their medium or have knowledge of it, you are just going to love this book.

Ok, plus and negatives:

+ Featuring the most influential designers from Japan and the designers chosen are among the top designers from Japan.

+ Book is beautifully done and definitely a visual book that may provide designers inspiration.

- For those looking for biographies and full written on the behind-the-scenes and what inspires the artists and a lot of copy, this is not the kind of book that you are looking for. (otherwise, if this doesn’t bother you..then this book is perfect).

You can find this book at book stores but it will be shrink wrapped. So, if you are wondering what kind of book this is, it’s a book featuring the works of popular designers. Again, I emphasize, if you are looking for in-depth interviews with the designers and behind-the-scenes, this book does not offer that.

Otherwise, what this book was meant to be and its presentation alone is just spectacular and of the plethora of design books that I own, this one is definitely a must have if you are fan of Japanese design. I love this book!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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London (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)

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Why Buy A London (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)?
For things to do and see visitors to London are spoiled for choice. Whether you are in London for a long trip or a quick taste of the city the Eyewitness Travel Guide will help you to make the most of your time. You will find suggestions on what to see, how to get about and where to eat and stay. New features in the Eyewitness Travel Guides are itineraries, each one follows a theme and sights are reachable with public transportation. Prices include travel, food and admission. The themes for each day are as follows; History and Culture, Shopping in Style, The Great Outdoors and Family Fun Day.

Customer Reviews & Opinions

Loved this book
I loved this book and it did give some good ideas where to visit.

Lovely colour maps showing walking tours.

London Was Awesome
My wife and I went to London, and this book from Eyewitness is awesome, it outlined every place we went. We also have a Eyewitness Travel Guide book on Paris & Tunis, these three books are part of our collection of memorabilia from our one month vacation. We love these books..

Dan & Linda Hughes

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Decorative Art 50s

Why Buy A Decorative Art 50s?
This title brings together the key pages from Studio Magazine - dedicated to fine and decorative art. The text encompasses designs in plastic, fibreglass and latex which were material mainstays of the 1950s and uses many illustrations to bring together design disciplines over the decade.

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Flips 8 - Moview

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Darkness Before Dawn (Hazelwood High Trilogy)

Gr 9 Up-Keishas senior year of high school is quite an ordeal. Her ex-boyfriend has recently committed suicide; a good friend was killed in a car crash; and she is attracted to the new track coach, the principals college-aged son. When he begins to make advances, Keisha decides that she is mature enough to date this older man. Jonathan, however, turns out to be more than a smooth talker, and attempts to rape her after a romantic date. Readers may be overwhelmed by the soap-opera feel of this issue-laden world of suicide, anorexia, teen models, divorced or dead parents, homelessness, car accidents, and girl power. Theres even a romance that Keisha doesnt see coming, but readers will. Although never didactic or preachy, the issues are there to teach a lesson. While slightly unrealistic, the book still may appeal to readers who love page-turners, as Draper has given her characters life by developing relationships and using believable teen-speak.-Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Aloha, OR

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