Product Description
Calliope Reaper-Jones is Death's Daughter. She owes a debt to Cerberus, the three headed dog that guards the gate's of hell-a debt that involves a trip to Purgatory, Las Vegas, ancient Egypt, and a discount department store that's more frightening than any supernatural creature she'll ever encounter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (144)

just ignore me and i'll go away
lol, i want to see the spoofy version of 'under your spell' ....keep reviewing people ; )

Pretty Nifty
This book was very well written and thought out. The main character, Calliope, was cool enough to both kick some butt and be totally relatable to the average reader, and the group of people (and creatures) who she surrounded herself with helped to add to both the humor and interest. Parts of the plot were downright hilarious, and Benson clearly has a knack for funny dialogue. Furthermore, the inclusion of some ancient history was fantastic for anyone who has actually studied the subject matter (like myself) and knows that she was fairly dead on in her portrayal.

The only downside to this novel is the fact that it is a sequel. If you haven't read the first book of the series, which I hadn't, the plot can be very confusing at times. Benson does try to explain some of the background, but there is simply too much to cover from the first book. With that being said, I highly recommend you read "Death's Daughter" before even attempting "Cat's Claw." You'll make it through it just fine, but some important plot points won't mean nearly as much without knowledge of the first novel.

A Must-Read!
I usually do not write reviews, but I honestly believe this book deserves a recommendation!

This series is the perfect fusion of fantasy and reality.The main character, Calliope Reaper-Jones, is simply a victim of funny circumstance.The reader follows her along on her crazy misadventures, that ultimately leads to self discovery.The character's flaws and insecurities are so human, that the reader can easily relate to Calliope's personal struggles.Above else, this character is lovable and hilarious!

Although, some of the plot twists were a little obvious, the author still manages to produce a few entertaining surprises. Great job, Ms. Benson! I have already started recommended this book (and series) to friends and family!I cannot wait to read the third installment!!!

Great Book!
I absolutely loved Death's Daughter so I knew I had to read the second book in the Calliope Reaper-Jones series. My expectations were very high, but I wasn't disappointed. This book is brilliant!

Amber Benson created some fabulous characters that you can't help but love. Okay, maybe not the super evil ones...
The book was very refreshing and I'm sure that it will give anyone a good dose of laughter; it was definitely one of the funniest books I've ever read.

But the best thing about Cat's Claw is that it's not only amusing but also enthralling. There are so many twists and turns that you never know what will happen next.

Highly recommended!

"Back to: Death 101 or How DOES That Persnickety Afterlife Work?"
I had never really been interested in sci-fi or fantasy books, but being a fan of Amber Benson's work, I decided to give her Calliope Reaper-Jones books a chance. I'm glad I did.

I love how Amber Benson wrote Callie. She doesn't want all the power and "adventurous" opportunities given to her; she just wants to live a normal life. I'm glad that this is still apparent in the second book of the series. Oftentimes, characters who are bequeathed with supernatural power either automatically accept it or question it only a little. After reading Death's Daughter (for which I appreciate this fact), I thought for sure that Callie was going to be written to accept her powers and fall into that same unappealing rut in the second book, and I'm so glad that Ms. Benson still kept her reluctant (despite her growth) in Cat's Claw. I also love how Callie is a real-life example. I think we as readers, who want to be entertained, need to put the protagonist on a pedestal even when we first meet him or her, but face it: how would you react if Cerberus gave you 24 hours to find a death record in Purgatory or you would become guardian of the North Gate of Hell? That's what I thought. Callie is real: she covets, she struggles, she's quick, bawdy, and a little immature. She takes the reader with her into her sidetracks and private thoughts. Amber Benson uses Callie to talk to us, not at us, which I appreciate almost as much as the fact that the subject of the classic "hero's quest" here is a woman, NOT a man! Thank you Amber!

There is only one thing that bothered me: Cat's Claw moves at a much slower pace than Death's Daughter. I felt like the first book had more of a "punch" than this one did.

Despite that, Cat's Claw is a fantastic sequel that kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish. Ms. Benson knows how to build suspense, create multi-dimensional characters, create an immensely clever and complex plot, incorporate mythology in creative ways, and test how willing the reader is to trust (a few of the characters keep you on your toes as you have a debate with yourself whether to trust them or not). Also, Ms. Benson's writing style is fantastic; I swear I could actually hear her voice as I read the words. And as a general warning, this book WILL make you laugh out loud. Don't go to the library to read it. I LOVE the humor; it's incredibly refreshing. Again, thank you Amber!

Read Death's Daughter, then read Cat's Claw, then write a review on Amazon about Cat's Claw. You'll be glad you read the book and you'll be glad you wrote a review. (Amber Benson will do a spoof of "Under Your Spell" after 200 reviews, so come on people, review already!) ... Read more

Product Description
Even death could not stop Britain’s greatest defenders.

In 1838, William and Tamara Swift inherit a startling legacy from their dying grandfather, transforming them into the Protectors of Albion, mystical defenders of the soul of England. But the shocked, neophyte sorcerers also inherit unique allies in their battle against the dark forces. Fighting alongside them are the famous–even infamous–Ghosts of Albion: Lord Byron, Queen Bodicea, and Lord Admiral Nelson.

When strange and hideous creatures appear in the slums of London, an unholy plague threatens to launch an epic battle that may rage all the way to Buckingham Palace . . . and beyond. Time is running out as William and Tamara must learn whether their friends will stand beside them, or seduce and betray them.

From Amber Benson, known for her dramatic portrayal of Tara in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Christopher Golden, Bram Stoker Award—winning author of The Shadow Saga and Wildwood Road, comes a vengeful tale of demons, vampires, and ghosts set in nineteenth-century London. Based on the smash BBC Web series that took England by storm, Ghosts of Albion is a horror adventure laced with dark humor and darker lusts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Some Great Characters, Disappointing Plot
I loved the heroine Tamara Swift.Her brother isn't that strong a character, but I love him when he stands up for her and acknowledges her gifts.The best ghost is Bodicia. This novel's Byron is fun at times, but a complete travesty of the historical Byron.This is the first time I have ever seen Byron portrayed as effete.He was actually a rather macho athletic type who died while on a military campaign. I think the authors have him confused with Oscar Wilde.

The plot improved in the last third of the book, but not tremendously.A flashback for the villain would have given the book a great deal more power.

Super Reader
Apparently a spin-off from a web project. This involves two young siblings you inherit the power to protect the soul of Britain from supernatural menaces, from their grandfather.

Their father is possessed by a demon, and they have to keep him bound. The ghosts of Boadicea, Lord Nelson and Lord Byron (poetry is useful in warfare?) help them, as does an old vampire friend of their father's.

They run into a girl who has usurped the power of the soul of India, and the Protector of India, plus a bunch of rakshasha and Children of Kali lizard-frog monsters.

They need a bit more ghostly help in the ifnal confrontation.

Witty and Entertaining
Ever since I first discovered the original Ghosts of Albion production on BBC Online, I was hooked in by the dynamic duo of William and Tamara Swift, created by the equally dynamic duo of Christopher Golden and Amber Benson.

Accursed is a continuation of the original tale of a reluctant brother and enthusiastic sister who prematurely inherited their grandfather's magical birthright as the Protectors of Albion (England) from supernatural evils. Along with the spirts of Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson, Lord Byron, and Lady Bodicea, the two fought a great demon and now fight to free their father from the possession of another demon.

In Accursed, the two are back fighting more evil while trying to also balance their own lives. William is the straight man, more responsible and more reluctant to accept his role as a Protector, while Tamara is headstrong in an era where such an aspect in a woman was discouraged. The two manage to work together well, even with their frequent bickering as brother and sister butt heads.

Accursed is gripping and entertaining. It was difficult to put it down. Golden and Benson are an excellent team!

Don't expect much!
This book is shockingly boring! Even worse is that I had to order it and wait for it. The setting is back when women wore very uncomfortable dresses, and marriages were arranged. The only bearable character in the book is the main one. She isn't a "typical" quiet girl, and their family has a secret history of a demon fighting order. Her brother and his fiancee are the most annoying and useless characters in the entire book. After reading the first Myth Hunters book, I noticed the authors tendency to use weak and spineless men as characters. Anyways, the story crawls along with old-fashioned drama that doesn't make sense and I never could stand to finish the book, although i did try. It drags on and on with no relief other than to close the cover. Mr. Golden should stick to modern settings that his writing excels in. I recommend the Buffy books instead. Maybe the Myth Hunters if you can ignore the old-fashioned tediousness and have an interest in gods,stories, and myths.

Scary stuff, but well worth the read
Rarely have I read such a well-written, engrossing historical horror novel.Filled with fascinatingly memorable characters (some real, some imagined for the purposes of this series) and plausibly horrifying fantastic situations, Ghosts is the kind of book you won't be able to put down but might wish you had if only to avoid the nightmares it gives you.Golden and Benson are seamless co-authors; you are never quite sure who's writing what, much to their credit, because everything is of equal quality and weight.
Can't WAIT for subsequent books to come out! ... Read more

Product Description
Buffy fans will go wild!

SHE WAS TARA ON BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.

Now she’s the author of Ace’s hottest new series— killer novels featuring Calliope Reaper-Jones, who doesn’t want to be daddy’s little girl anymore...

Calliope Reaper-Jones so just wanted a normal life: buying designer shoes on sale, dating guys from Craig’s List, web-surfing for organic dim-sum for her boss...

But when her father—who happens to be Death himself—is kidnapped, and the Devil’s Protege embarks on a hostile takeover of the family business, Death, Inc., Callie returns home to assume the CEO mantle— only to discover she must complete three nearly impossible tasks in the realm of the afterlife first. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (112)

Amber's lovely, but this... Ugh.
I bought this book solely because Amber came to Challenger's Comics in Chicago last year and duh, she was signing and promoting this book.I honestly was embarrassed by this book.Death's... daughter... cerberus... WTF?Thank goodness she at least taught me how to pronounce "Calliope" (cah-LIE-oh-pee) because I read half the book thinking it was "Kal-ee-ope" (not kidding, yeah I don't get intricate names).

Amber is a lovely, amazing, sweet person.I particularly enjoyed "Chance" with James Marsters (along with the obvious "Buffy")... But this... Oh, Amber... You can do SO much better, I'm sure.

Death's Daughter
As I was reading Amber Benson's "Death's Daughter"... I was actually imagining Amber as the protagonist Calliope. I've been her fan since she played Tara Maclay on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and have enjoyed her works or projects immensely after that series ended. This is one of them. "Death's Daughter" is funny and fresh and up to the times. As a reader, I've enjoyed her inclusion of pop culture. Moreso, the lead character: Calliope is immortal (as per her family history) so she wants to be human. And THAT's what made her very appealing to me. Her quest for a normal life was interrupted with a family problem thus she was forced to embrace her "real" life which made an interesting and very relatable story. Calliope's transformation in the novel may not be what the readers like but for me, it was enough to like her and be intrigued by her and hopefully more follow-up books.

deaths daughter
Book is first in new series by author .. well done. now reading sequel, looking forward to further work in this series.

A solid read
I know that a lot of folks have written that they disliked this book because the main character, who's head we live in (as it is written in the first person), is kind of annoying. I must admit, I liked that about Calliope. She's flawed, and silly, and she whines about bad situations, and has a crush on just about every boy she meets. And this makes her immensely human in my eyes- ironic, considering said book places an emphasis on her non-humanness. It has occurred to me while reading it, that was perhaps Miss Benson's very intention. That for all Calliope's lack of humanity, for all that she is Death's Daughter and being faced with seemingly insurmountable tasks she must complete, even as she walks casually through Hell and discusses favors and payment with everyone from Cerberus to Gods she is still, in every moment, just a person: a flawed, silly person, who makes mistakes and sticks her foot places it doesn't belong while trying her very best in a bad situation. How can one not relate?

That said, I enjoyed this book immensely. Honestly, more than I expected to (I have to admit, I'm skeptical of actors who take up writing). It's a fun read, and while for the most part what one would call fluff, it had some deeper undertones that struck a chord in me. Moments where the greatness of the mythology involved and the story being told (usually masked behind Calliope's urban sarcasm, and silliness) peeks out at you and says something profound that you weren't expecting.

The only small critique I might send the author's way is that she seems a most up-front kind of individual and the story might benefit from a bit of subterfuge...it's told in a very straight-forward style, leaving little to the reader's imagination, and while Miss Benson's engaging speaking style comes through and makes the effect fairly pleasant (like hearing a story related by an old friend), I think the tale might have more impact in some places if some details were left to the reader's imagination.

A solidly enjoyable read, that I certainly recommend. I have Cat's Claw to get started on next, so more reviews to come.

I REALLY Wanted To Like This Book
I just (finally) finished "Death's Daughter" by Amber Benson.Let me begin by saying I really wanted to like this book.I didn't pre-read any reviews about it - wanting to form my own opinion without getting swayed by positive or negative reviews.After reading "Death's Daughter", my first thought was that I couldn't be the only one who wanted to hit Calliope Reaper-Jones. Hard. With a shovel. And having read quite a few reviews, I'm pleased to see that I'm not the only one.

Let me say that there are some points to this book I liked.I liked Daniel, despite his capacity for deviousness.I liked Clio, Callie's younger (and MUCH more mature) teenage sister.I liked the portrayal of several gods & goddesses within the story - particularly that of Kali.Here's what I didn't like...Calliope. She's a twit & even worse than that, she's a selfish twit.I could see that type of behavior in a 11-13 year old heroine, but in a twentysomething?

Looking on the bright side, "Cat's Claw" - the sequel to this book, is supposedly much better.I just hope that Callie isn't as obnoxious as she was throughout "Death's Daughter". ... Read more

Product Description
A classic ghost story gets a fresh twist in The New Newbridge Academy from author/actress/director Amber Benson. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Among the Ghosts
When I decided to read this book, it was because it looked short and cute, yet a little creepy. Well, that was exactly what it was, yet very different than what I was expecting.

Noh was a really quirky and fun protagonist, who I connected to easily and quickly. She is smart, strong, and independent and doesn't let others make many decisions for her. Though she doesn't meet many people in this book, the friends she meets are fun to read and all have unique personalities- whether they be alive of dead.

The writing style was a bit choppy and lacked description in some parts, but it shined in others. Benson has had a diverse career as an actress, director, and producer, writer being just another one of her many talents. The story flows well and I was never lost, always enraptured by the fast-paced plot of this book.

The story itself was very different than I had expected. Noh was the only human child at the school during this book, the rest of the kids being ghosts, but that didn't mean a lack of interaction between Noh and the other kids. I have a feeling that in future installments of this series, we will see more human children, as the ending of this book left a big hint at what might happen in the future, in regards to Noh and New Newbridge Academy.

Readers young and old will enjoy Noh's adventure in Among the Ghosts. And I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of an exciting story in a riveting new world. I can't wait to read whatever else Benson has in store for Noh and her ghostly friends.

OK Idea, Somewhat Disappointing Execution

12-year-old Noh was supposed to spend the summer in the Appalachian Mountains with her father but, at the last minute, he instead sends her off to stay with his sister, Clara. Demonstrating his complete irresponsibility as a parent and human being, he neglected to contact his sister before shipping his daughter off to stay with her and, when Noh arrives at Clara's house, she discovers that her aunt and cousins have gone to the beach for the summer. Not knowing what beach they went to and figuring her father cannot be reached (no cell phones in this story) Noh takes the night train to Newbridge, where her Aunt Sarah works as a teacher of English literature at a local school, New Newbridge Academy. As she walks from the train station to the school, Noh cuts through a cemetery where an old woman suddenly appears, screams at her, throws a rock at her and just as quickly disappears. Noh picks the stone up, likes the "evil eye" carving on it and tucks it into her pocket. The stone, it seems, enhances the special powers Noh has always unknowingly had. Once she arrives at the gothic boarding school, New Newbridge Academy, Noh discovers that she has the ability to see and communicate with ghosts.

As a set up, it's not bad - not particularly original, but with possibilities. Unfortunately, author Amber Benson never quite tapped into those possibilities and, as a result, failed to drawn me fully into the story.

For me, the biggest problem was the characterizations. Aside from Noh, who was fleshed out to some extent (but who often seemed much younger than her age), none had any depth to speak of, nor were they particularly interesting. Some, in fact, seemed to have no reason to even be in the story, since they contributed nothing. Others appeared, said a few words and were never seen or heard from again. Still others verged on caricature, rather like the oddball characters found in A Series of Unfortunate Events, but sadly without the quirkiness, cleverness and humor Snicket gave his creations. Mostly though, the characters didn't feel like actual people and that made it more difficult for me to care about them.

In addition, some plot points were never explained, others poorly so. Even if Among the Ghosts turns out to be the first in a series (which seems to be suggested by some of the occurrences in the closing scenes), I was left with questions that I felt should have been answered in this volume.

Among the Ghosts was the first book by Amber Benson that I've read. While it didn't turn out to be my cup of tea, her Calliope Reaper-Jones series sounds like it might be worth a look. I plan to check it out.

Notes: Cover art by the wonderfully talented Jason Chan and interior illustrations by Sina Grace.

Other ghost-y type books that are aimed at about the same age group as Among the Ghosts:
Suddenly Supernatural: School Spirit (first in a series) by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos (first in a series) by R.L LaFevers
The Haunting (SS) by Margaret Mahy
The Witches of Worm by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney by Suzanne Harper (slightly older target age)

It's all about perspective..
Spending the summer at school is a dreadful thought for most kids, but Noleen-Anne (Noh for short) sees the opportunity as an adventure. Noh is sent to stay with her aunt, a teacher at the New Newbridge Academy, while her father heads to the Appalachians. The first stop for the young explorer is a nearby cemetery where she has a strange encounter with an old woman. The woman actually throws a stone at the young girl. Under ordinary circumstances, having a rock tossed at you would be an upsetting event, but Noh is no ordinary girl. There is an evil eye carved on the stone and, instead of being afraid, Noh decides the carving is a good luck charm and keeps it her pocket. Her exploration of the Academy reveals a series of mysterious events involving disappearing ghosts, marching ants, floating white balls and paths that always end at the beginning no matter which direction you take to reach the other side. She is determined to solve the puzzle and enlists the help of a former student who is more stunned that Noh is a "realie" than Noh is in discovering, with the aid of the evil eye stone, her ability to see and speak with ghosts.

This is a quick paced adventure with fully developed characters and a well thought out plot. Lessons in bravery, social interaction and perspective are told without being preachy or bogging down the narrative flow. There are short "intermissions" if you will, from a malevolent entity throughout the tale that, while initially seemed jarring, ultimately added a layer of suspense and creepiness to the story. Although it's been a long while since reading books for this age group, (I'm currently surrounded by kids under 5,) AMONG THE GHOSTS reminds me of the fantastic GOOSEBUMPS series by R.L. Stine.

I would also like to mention the amazing illustrations throughout the book by Sina Grace. The black and white drawings add a nice visual layer to the story. I especially like the sketch of Noh in the cemetery. You really get a sense of the serenity Noh feels being among the ghosts. It's also worth noting, for YA readers above this age group, there is a connection between Noh and the New Newbridge Academy with the author's Calliope-Reaper Jones series. Hopefully, the adventures of Noh and her ghostly pals will continue. I'm interested in finding out what happens when the "realies" come back to school.
... Read more

Product Description
“A fabulously entertaining combination of Victorian conventions, sensuous undertones, and some seriously evil magic.”
–Charlaine Harris, author of Dead to the World, on Ghosts of Albion: Accursed

Before you can save Albion, you must destroy the poison in its black heart.

William and Tamara Swift’s newfound sorcerous powers as Protectors of Albion pale before the demonic forces threatening Britannia. But William and Tamara have formidable allies in Lord Byron, Queen Bodicea, and Lord Admiral Nelson–England’s noble, notorious Ghosts of Albion.

Responding to a plea from Cornwall, Tamara discovers that the rumors of young women, both human and fairy, vanishing without a trace are horribly true. Instead of hard clues, she uncovers only whispers of witches, infernal abductions, and a pyre of innocents planned for the solstice. Indeed, Tamara has never faced a more dangerous task–for the legendary land of King Arthur’s Camelot also harbors dark, bloody deeds and a waking evil. Soon nothing, not even mighty Albion, will be safe from the deadly peril.


Amber Benson, who immortalized Tara in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Christopher Golden, Bram Stoker Award—winning author of the Shadow Saga, have created a voluptuous, twisted thriller. Based on the BBC Web series that became a smash hit in England, Ghosts of Albion: Witchery brings to life a sizzling, ninteenth century world of fiends, phantoms, and spine-tingling terror.


Praise for Ghosts of Albion: Accursed

“Demons, bodice-ripping passion, and some good old murky London gloom; all one can ask for in a dark night’s reading.”
–Kirkus Reviews

“Equal doses of dark humor and genuine horror.”
–Library Journal ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Benson and Golden strike again!
Witchery picks up where Accursed left off, with William and Tamara still facing the dilemma of trying to oust the demon Oblis from their father's body. Yet, their duties as Protectors of Albion, Williams impending nuptials to Sophia, and Tamara's tentative flirtations with a certain gentleman caller of course make this all the more difficult.

In Witchery, William is determined to oust the demon Oblis so that his father can attend his wedding. However, when an exhausted old friend, the sprite Serena, comes to the Protectors for help in order to save young faerie girls who have disappeared in a far off town, Tamara and William disagree on where their duties lie. Ultimately Tamara starts off alone to investigate the disappearances of faerie girls and human girls of the village near the wood, getting herself into a situation that's more than one Protector can handle alone.

Finally, William joins his sister, and together they fight to save the abducted girls in a battle that could nearly cost their lives. Yet, even with victory comes defeat.

I was so reluctant to put the book down when I couldn't finish it one sitting. Lord knows I picked it up at every opportunity. Ghosts of Albion is an excellent series, and I only hope it continues.

I couldn't put it down!
"Witchery" is the second novel from Amber Benson (fan favorite "Tara Maclay" from Buffy) and Christopher Golden, in the "Ghosts of Albion" animated series that began on the BBC's website.Like the first novel "Accursed", "Witchery" takes the story to levels that were not possible on the BBC, not just in terms of what could be done technically, but storywise as well. The story is darker, more dangerous and steeped in Victorian era sensuality.
The story continues the exploits of the Swift Siblings, Tamara and William, the newly anointed "Protectors of Albion", the protectors of England's magical soul.Back for more adventures are the epynonymous"Ghosts of Albion" Queen Bodicea, Lord Horatio Nelson, and Lord Byron who defend Albion even after their own deaths. Also returning are their allies, both human and otherwise.The Swifts must return to Cornwall when they learn that young girls, both human and faerie, are disappearing into the night without a trace of their whereabouts, and some have been discovered dead.The local townspeople fear that it might have something to do with the old tales of "witches" in the area dating back to King Arthur's time. Of course they need to figure out what is going on, who is doing it and how to stop it before the Solstice, or certainly a dozen girls will die. In the meantime the siblings still have their demon-possessed father to deal with, the machinations of the Algernon Club, and William's impatient fiancé Sophia.

Once again authors Benson and Golden paint a rich picture on a fertile canvas.Exotic locals such as a faerie stronghold in Cornwall and a Louisiana bayou are contrasted with moments of beauty and sheer horror.Even such mundane locals as the bank William runs is not safe from the darkness in their lives.Benson and Golden mix and match their Gothic feel with fairy tales of England's past.The result is something darker and more dangerous.It is reminiscent of Golden's own "Myth Hunter" series or "The Menagerie" series he co-writes with Tom Sniegoski.Yet again there is something else here that can only be attributed to Ms. Benson's hand in the work.This creates such an alchemy that both authors seemed pushed to do better in the other's presence. "Myth Hunter" is modern noir in feel, "The Menagerie" feels like a gothic ode to superheroes, "Ghosts of Albion" is a Keats poem, dripping with blood and lust.

Where "Accursed" had the required set up to bring in new readers and thus a slower start, the action in "Witchery" begins right away and the tension does not let up till the very end.But it is not all action, there is also character development and carefully crafted plotting.The world made believable because they take the time to make the people in it believable.And students of Victorian age occult history and horror fiction fans should look for some surprise "cameos" as well.The attention paid to research by the authors is in and of itself rewarding; something many modern horror writers fail to adequately do.

In the end you will be like me. Loving this story and desperately wanting more from this world.

magical and enchanting Victorian Gothic thriller
When their grandfather dies, Tamara and William Swift become the new protectors of Albion, sworn to protect Britain from her mystical enemies.Although they are new to their positions and must learn how to use their powers, Tamara and William, the "mystic defenders of the soul of England", have the help of the ghosts of Lord Byron, Queen Bodicea and Lord Admiral Nelson.

William is determined to oust the demon Oblis from his father but he shuts out his fiancée Sophia Winchell who has nobody to turn except William's father when she thinks he has temporarily defeated the demon within.Tamara is at Camelford where it is said King Arthur and Mordred fought their fatal battle.Virgin girls from the town and fairies from Stronghold, the border manor between the mortal world and faerie and unseen by human eyes are disappearing and whispers of witches, half humans and half demons are said to be taking them.Tamara knows that they are still alive and will be used in an evil spell to bring forth a malevolence into Albion that she and her allies must prevent at any cost.

This magical and enchanting Victorian Gothic thriller shows the champions of light battling the minions of darkness in a horror tale that pulls the audience into the storyline and keeps them there because there is no break in the action.Surprisingly, in spite of the non stop adventures the characters are fully developed including the ghosts.The amusing Serena, the less than one foot sprite who is always ready to fight, is used as comic relief to lessen tension levels when they threaten to become too overwhelming, seems in a small way genuine.

Harriet Klausner
... Read more

Product Description
Before Season 8, Joss Whedon brought generations of Slayers and vampires to comics with the help of his acclaimed TV writing team and some of the best artists to ever grace the comics page. Now all those stories, plus selected stories from Season 8, are collected in one deluxe hardcover with a new cover by Jo Chen. Joss writes multiple tales: a somber vamp tale drawn by Cameron Stewart, the story of the first Slayer drawn by Leinil Yu, and more. This essential complement to Season 8 features stories written by Buffy actress Amber (Tara) Benson and the amazing writers of the show, including David Fury (24, Lost), Doug Petrie (Tru Calling, CSI), Jane Espenson (Battlestar Galactica), Rebecca Sinclair (Gilmore Girls), Drew Goddard (Lost, Cloverfield, Cabin in the Woods), Drew Greenberg (Dexter) and The Tick creator Ben Edlund (Venture Bros., Supernatural).Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Tales also reprints for the first time new Season 8 stories written by novelist Jackie Kessler (Hell's Belles) and award-winning cartoonist Becky Cloonan (Demo), featuring vampires living in the public eye, killing Slayers and killing each other. ... Read more

Product Description
Calliope just wants to make it big in the Big Apple like any other working girl. But Callie is also Death's Daughter, no matter how much she tries to stay out of the family business. And now her older sister has made a deal with the Devil himself to engage in a hostile takeover of both Death Inc. and Heaven-once they get Callie out of the way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Terrific story!
I loved this book.I only wish it had been longer.It was my favorite of the Ghosts of Albion series. I love the time period, Victorian England, and reading about the adventures of Tamara and William.

Is there anything this girl can't do?
Amber Benson acts. She directs. She sings. She dances. And she writes, and everything she does is beautiful! I bought this because I was interested finding out how other Buffy vets occupy their free time. At first I thought the price of this volume was a little pricey, but when I got it, I was pleasantly surprised. My edition came autographed by Amber and Christopher Golden, so that alone was worth the money. Not only that, but the story is so good...I'd describe it as a blend between "A Series of Unfortunate Events" and "The X-Files", with a little "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" thrown in for good measure. My only complaint is that the story was too short, since I couldn't put it down and read it in about an hour and a half. So I really hope that Amber writes more adventures of the Swift siblings, that is if she has the time!! Highly recommended! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A decent book
I think this is an okay book, it combines the text of the original BBC animated serials. One minor notice - the text is the script. It is not transferred to a "book-form" so to speak. ... Read more

Product Description
This special collection presents the fantastic art of Ashley Wood and Ben Templesmith under one cover. In "Demon Father John's Pinwheel Blues," Amber Benson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Tara) and Ben craft a tale of a syndicate of vampire street children that is turned upside down by new recruit Pinwheel. In "Shunt," Christina Z and Ash present the tale of the perfect woman, who gives up the perfect life to uncover a heinous human slavery ring run by an elite group of vampires. Vampires who transform their beautiful female victims into the most sensually marketable product. Within the torture and depravity lies a twisted tale of obsessive passion and furious loyalty. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

strange for the stranger
Different!Basically well done but not what I expected.Art work of Ashley Wood story is graphic and very adult oriented to say the least.The Amber Benson story was more to my expectations but both lacked a smooth continuity for the story line and at times left me with a "Huh?!?" feeling which admittedly may be more my own issues then the authors.

A dark, edgy duet
Like one of the old Ace doubles, this is actually two short books back to back. Read one, flip the book over, and you're on the first page of a new story. Unlike the Ace doubles, the two match closely in themes and especially in artistic style.

The first side I saw holds a story by Christina Z, with Ashley Wood's art. Have you ever looked at the front page news and asked yourself, "People just can't be that hateful and vicious - can they?" Their answer is: No, the worst comes from others, immortals who delight in human carnage on a planetary scale. The second side in my reading order (Amber Benson and Ben Templesmith) also describes vampires recruiting human innocents into their circle. The moral of this little story is that if you are recruiting for evil, you should think hard about just how evil you really are - wouldn't if be the pits if the new recruit were more evil than you?

The stories are strikingly similar in their narration and artwork. Both scripts are brief, and suggest more than they state. Also, both have nasty turns that I normally don't associate with female writers. The Z/Wood piece will raise the hackles of anyone sensitive to misogynistic images; the other tends more towards blood'n'guts. Both use jagged, atmospheric visuals well suited to their nightmare landscapes. Both use vivid imagery to carry the reader forward - a good thing, because the characterizations and events could use the help.

This one isn't for the kiddies, or for some adults as long as we're on the topic. If it were a movie, it would be struggling to hold onto its R rating. I like it because I like the image-heavy style, and I find myself properly revolted when revulsion is the writers' goal. It may not be vor every reader, though.

//wiredweird ... Read more

Product Description
This programmer's guide/reference manual provides documentation and support for the ParcPlace Systems C++ based tool kit that enables users to write programs which operate under X Window and Motif. Tutorial in approach, it teaches readers how to program using the Object Interface (OI) library. Contents apply to any implementation of OI, regardless of hardware or supporting software. ... Read more

Product Description
The Buffy Omnibus series continues with Volume Six, delving further into Season Four of the acclaimed television series, and launching readers into the heart of Season Five. Buffy and Angel, who's now a resident of Los Angeles, must reunite to fight new foes, but Buffy's current flame, Riley Finn, isn't too keen on the former lovers reuniting under any circumstances. Meanwhile, things begin to heat up between Willow and Tara. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Buffy Omnibus Vol 6 Review
Another good omnibus with more good Buffy stories.Recommended for Buffy fans.Nuff said. ... Read more

Product Description
High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Tara Maclay is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the cult television series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, portrayed by Amber Benson. Tara is introduced in the fourth season as a romantic interest for one of the show's leads, Willow, and is a recurring character until late in its sixth season. Like Willow, Tara is a witch who assists the series heroine Buffy Summers and her group of friends in fighting the forces of evil that reside in Sunnydale. Benson is credited among the main cast in the show's opening titles only in the episode "Seeing Red", in which the character is suddenly killed. Tara's death was controversial. ... Read more

Product Description
Shadowplay Number 1 Alternative Cover AASIN: B002K4PL44Title: Shadowplay Number 1 Alternative Cover ABinding: ComicPublication date: 2005 ... Read more

Product Description
Shadowplay Number 1ASIN: B002K4TSUWTitle: Shadowplay Number 1Binding: ComicPublication date: 2005 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

outstanding read
This is a great novellette for horror fans. Amber Benson and Christopher Golden weave a fun tale of terror. Enjoy!!!!

Short but powerful
It was already late when I started to read. My wife and kids were asleep, the house was quiet. I'd been sick that day and was tired, but strangely alert; I hoped a little light reading would put me in a drowse and let me get some much-needed rest. So I picked the top book off one of several to-read piles strategically located around the house and settled in for a quick couple of pages.

My mistake. The next book on the stack was "The Seven Whistlers" by actress Amber Benson (best known as Tara on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") and author Christopher Golden. I was up 'til 6, when I finished the story.

Fortunately for my health and well-being, it's a short novel, only 143 pages. For all its brevity, it is powerful, beautifully conceived and developed, and utterly riveting. Benson and Golden have created a new mythology that rings true.

by Tom Knapp, Rambles.(n e t) editor

Could they possibly go wrong?
It's hard to imagine the dynamic duo of Amber Benson and Christopher Golden could go wrong. I have yet to see it. The Seven Whistlers is a gripping tale but simplistic in its resolution. While it's shorter and not as elaborate as The Ghosts of Albion series penned by these same authors, it is still an entertaining suspenseful read. ... Read more

Product Description
Don't go into the woods. An evil lurks in the shadows of the forest; it whispers through the trees, hides behind rocks and under dead leaves. Any creature, great or small, with tooth or horn or claw can kill, and will, when Greenjack comes to call. Willow, Tara, and Dawn stumble upon a patch of cursed earth and into an enchanted forest. Can they make it out before Greenjack catches them? ... Read more