This was definitely the best of Aaron Allston’s books in the X-Wing Series. It took him a few tries, but this was thoroughly enjoyable. Now I’m looking forward to reading Starfighters of Adumar!

This book, for a period piece, was well researched. I especially appreciated the more realistic depictions of battle and life as a warrior during Arthurian times. However, the terrible dialogue (and at times, writing, too) obscures this fact. I enjoy it, but only because I like the legends around Arthur, etc. If not for that, I probably would have put the book down.

I’ve also listed this as a re-read because I read this book during elementary school or jr. high originally. It was on my shelf still, and I was between books and decided to read it – because I couldn’t for the life of me even remember what it was about. Since I remember enjoying it so much the first time around, I was left… disappointed. Will I read the next in the series? … Probably.

Wasn’t nearly as good as the book it was based upon.

Is the film that was made after the book any good? I haven’t seen it yet.

For some reason this book reminded me of Catcher in the Rye. I can’t put my finger on why, but I enjoyed both books greatly.

Appellation Premières Côtes de Blaye Contrôlée

Médaille de Bronze, Concours Général Agricole, Paris 2005

Grand Vin de Bordeaux

Wow; great for $6.99. Got this at Trader Joe’s because of the Bronze Medal in the General Agricultural contest thing… it was always a mark of great quality/taste/etc. when we were in France. This didn’t disappoint.

Details:

Apellation Bordeaux Contrôlée

Grand Vin de Bordeaux

Gironde, France

Subregion: Médoc

Appellation Cotes du Ventoux Controlee

Récolte 2004

Grenache 50%, Syrah 20%, Carignan 15%, Cinsault 15%

www.vineyardbrands.com

Too acidic, too little complexity. It was ok, and I’d probably drink it again in a pinch, but not something I’d purchase from Trader Joe’s again probably. Almost had a citrus-y taste.

Information about it:

Grapes: Nero d’ Avola, 100%.

Production area: South-western Sicily.

Label states: Archeo, Sicilia, Indicazione Geografica Tipica, Nero d’ Avola, 2003. Ruggero di Tasso, Winemaker.

Recipe!!!

This stuff turned out as good as anything we had in Spain… although I recommend fresh fruit and squeezing fresh orange juice if at all possible.

1 bottle red wine

1/4 cup triple sec

1/2 cup brandy

1 cup fresh oj

1 sliced lemon

1 sliced orange

1 cup blackberries (squish them a bit)