NO

This book was great. It was the fourth in the Animorphs series, and a lot of it is based on Cassie's doubt that they should morph such intelligent animals as dolphins. It also introduces the new Animorph - Ax, an Andalite. And just wait till you hear that guy in human morph . . .

Precious Ramotswe runs a detective agency in Gabarone, the capital of Botswana. She's a "traditionally built" woman with traditional values, too. She's also got a very modern job, working as a detective in Africa, and investigating things. At the beginning of this book, she's accepted the marriage proposal of Mr. J.L.B Matekoni, owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, and there are many complications that ensue, especially when some orphans are adopted into the family.

One of the writing tricks that the author uses to give the story quaintness is his use of names. You only read Precious Ramotswe's first name once or twice per book. Instead she's referred to as Mma Ramotswe, the Mma apparently being Mrs. in Botswana. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni is never referred to as anything else, anywhere in the book, and their respective businesses, the No.1 Ladies's Detective Agency and Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, are both only referred to by their full names. The result is a sort of quaint pride in accomplishment, tempered with a slightly ridiculous feeling to things. After all, there aren't *two* ladies' detective agencies in Botswana.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will read the third one soon. The fourth I may wait for paperback (or I may not). But this one's definitely worth the price of admission.

Tears of the Giraffe isn't so much a sequel as a continuation of the events in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. As that book ended, Mma Ramatswe accepted the proposal of Mr J.L.B. Matekoni. In Tears of the Giraffe, the couple decides in which of their houses they will live, picks out a ring and decides about having children. Each event has its unexpected twists . . . including an attempt by Mr Matekoni's maid to derail the marriage.

There is less happening at the detective agency than in the prior story. This book involves solving only two mysteries, a wandering wife and a missing son. Mma Ramatswe learns that her able secretary wants to become a detective, and the savvy head of the agency tries out Mma Makutsi's talents with encouraging results.

Both story lines focus on questions of right and wrong. As a prospective spouse, what are the right reactions to one's fiancé or fiancée? As a detective, how much may one do wrong to avoid greater wrongs? To one's community, what is owed? To one's employees, what opportunities should be opened? In each case, the suggestion is that all responsibilities must be borne . . . and borne bravely . . . but in a way that is tempered with love for one's fellow people.

As with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Africa itself plays a role stronger than any single character in defining what is thought and done. The strong and distinct atmosphere makes the book more enchanting to those who do not know Africa.

The story is strengthened by alternating narrators among many different characters and using lots of dialogue so that each part of the novel is vivid and varied. It's as though six or seven almost unconnected short stories were woven together into a seamless novel. It's an impressive accomplishment.

As I finished the book, I wondered how much better off we all would be if we each took a strong responsibility for all those we meet and touch.

Well....wow..that sums up this whole series. Friedman is one of the most talented authors I have ever read, and the way she blended too genres that are so..."un-alike"...it's just fantastic. The overall concept of something like 'the fae' is what initially brought me into the series...I was reading the back of books at my local Bookstop to find a new series, and the introduction of the fae hooked me.

As I dove deeper into the second book and became really in tune with the personalities of the Hunter and Damien Vryce - and of their complex, subtle relationship - I found myself realizing that their characteristics and personal trials really help to expand on our own minds and how we work. I don't know if Friedman intended this to happen as she was writing, but she did.

I would have to say that I see nothing wrong with the series. This is rare for books of any kind, and so I congratulate Friedman on that. If I had to choose my favorite part or aspect out of the entire series, it would be probably be the subtle, slow-but-sure change in Gerald Tarrant as he travels with Damien. The reader can hardly tell it is happening, but the author puts it in with tremendous talent.

I give it 10 fingers up!

John M. ford's book probably is the first book that doesn't portrays Klingons as villains. all of the Star trek authors prior to TNG's debut except Jack Halderaan, the author of perry's Planet (Bantam books) used Klingons as stereotypes. Worse, some of the authors including Blish and Goldin discredited the klingons as dishonorable and deceitful.

John M. Ford is the genius. he not only did NOT used Klingons as stereotypes but also his book can help anyone understand the Klingon concept of honor.

I would recommend this book.

Not only it awed many people including me but also it influenced Ronald Moore's work on Klingon culture. Mr. Moore admitted he liked reading the book Final Reflection in Star Trek Magazine review.

However, this book may be contradicted and is not regarded as canon but the author's definitions of Klingon culture and Klingon sense of honor is never questioned.

Whereas a Klingon captain named Krenn tries to struggle to understand Human culture, a Human named Tagore attempts to comprehend Klingon culture.

The quote about naked stars in this book is inspirational.

May the Black Fleet salute John M. Ford for his incredible legacy to the world. He deserves to be remembered with no less honor than Kahless the Unforgettable.

An excellent story, pre-dating the original series by a generation, It provides both adventure and intrigue by following the life of a Klingon warrior - Captain Krenn.

Most importantly,it provides great insights into the Klingon culture as the author adds tremendous depth and character to the Klingons. "Kai!" Mr. Ford and thank you for your clever explanation/transformation and for setting the Klingons on the path to becoming the colorful, formidable characters that they are today!