The Magic of Believing by Claude M. Bristol

The Magic of Believing

MILLIONS OF READERS HAVE PROVED THAT THE MAGIC OF BELIEVING WORKS WONDERS! For more than four decades success-oriented Americans have turned to the no-nonsense, time-tested motivational techniques described in The Magic of Believing to achieve all their long- and short-term goals: a better job, an increased income, a happier marriage, or simply a good night's sleep. Now it's your turn to put Claude M. Bristol's special "magic" into your life and into action!

His tough-minded, hard-hitting message speaks directly to You. It has yielded proven results for forty years and remains as fresh and focused as ever. Learn how to:

* Harness the unlimited power of the subconscious mind and make your dreams come true

* Protect your thoughts and turn them into achievements

* Use "the law of suggestion" to step up your effectiveness in everything you do

* Apply the power of your imagination to overcome obstacles

* And much more!

If you seek to become more assertive in business, more fulfilled at home, more influential in your dealings with others -- you can believe in MAGIC!

My Review:

I 'believed' i could finish this book.. and I did!! It works...
Seriously though, the author has come across something that many others before him have also come to see.. that belief unleashes the powers of the subconscious in such a way that we will get what we desire. It isn't a shortcut to success though, as we still need to invest our hearts and souls (and the subconscious of course) in order to bring about our desired change, success or healing. I have coincidentally been using the power of belief and faith for a few months before reading this book and have also noticed dramatic changes in my life. Everyone can benefit from reading this book and tapping into the powers of faith, belief and unleashing the infinite powers of the subconscious mind.

Child of a Mad God by R.A. Salvatore

Child of a Mad God (Coven #1)

When Aoleyn loses her parents, she is left to fend for herself among a tribe of vicious barbarians. Bound by rigid traditions, she dreams of escaping to the world beyond her mountain home.

The only hope for achieving the kind of freedom she searches for is to learn how to wield the mysterious power used by the tribe’s coven known as the Song of Usgar. Thankfully, Aoleyn may be the strongest witch to have ever lived, but magic comes at price. Not only has her abilities caught the eye of the brutish warlord that leads the tribe, but the demon of the mountain hunts all who wield the Coven’s power, and Aoleyn’s talent has made her a beacon in the night.

My Review:

This book surely would have gotten 5 stars if it weren't for the excessive use of rape in the storyline.
The book has a split storyline between an orphaned Usgar girl named Aoleyn who grows up in a very brutal (I'd like to say evil) tribe on a mountain and of the story of Talmadge and Khotai who are traders, trading in the other tribes along a large lake at the foot of the mountain. I really enjoyed the Talmadge/Khotai storyline and it was interesting to see how the author would eventually make these two storylines cross paths.
The Usgar aren't really a nice people (reminded me of human versions of drow) and young Aoleyn who grows up questioning the brutal ways of her tribe and eventually working against the tribe in some ways (reminded me a lot of Drizzt's origin story here). I wonder if the author noticed this himself or if it happened on a subconscious level?
Anyway, as others have already mentioned, this book is a slow mover except for certain fight scenes (and an awesome lake monster) scattered throughout the book. Slower books don't really bother me if the story is solid and the characters engaging. Such was the case in this book. I simply couldn't put it down.
As I mentioned above, it would have received 5 stars if not for the excessive use of rape. It's enough to know the tribe rapes captives and their own, but for a while I was wondering if I could go a chapter without multiple rape scenes or references (important to note that none were ever graphic though)!
Otherwise, a solid fantasy book with very interesting and dynamic characters. R.A. Salvatore has shown us time and again why his books are so favored in the fantasy genre. Looking forward to the sequel.