GaidenSpence's bookshelf: read en-US Mon, 12 May 2025 18:30:51 -0700 60 GaidenSpence's bookshelf: read 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[Fixed Income Securities: Tools for Today's Markets (Wiley Finance)]]> 57936727 560 Bruce Tuckman 1119835550 GaidenSpence 0 currently-reading 0.0 1995 Fixed Income Securities: Tools for Today's Markets (Wiley Finance)
author: Bruce Tuckman
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 0.0
book published: 1995
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/12
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Vampire Hunter D Omnibus: Book One (Vampire Hunter D, #1-3)]]> 56705404
It is 12,090 A.D., thousands of years since the human race nearly destroyed itself in a nuclear war--a folly foreseen by those who waited to emerge out of the underground...not from shelters, but from crypts!

The aristocratic vampire lords known as the Nobles inherited our world, and with dark science and immortal patience made real the things that mortals had merely dreamed, whether voyaging to the distant stars, or conjuring monsters to roam the Earth.

Yet the grand civilization of the Nobles has grown decadent, and as the terrorized remnants of humanity at last found the strength to rebel, their undying lords have been pushed back to the Frontier--the violent borderlands where humans still remain the prey of vampires, who for all their knowledge and power have never lost their obsession with our living flesh, blood...and souls!

In this bizarre and deadly far future the most dangerous thing of all is not a vampire, but the one who hunts them--the one who is half them--a dhampir, the unearthly beautiful wanderer known as D. The Vampire Hunter D Omnibus collects the first three novels in author Hideyuki Kikuchi's adventure horror Vampire Hunter D , Raiser of Gales , and Demon Deathchase . Illustrated by Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano, this book is only the beginning of a legend!]]> 632 Hideyuki Kikuchi 1506725309 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.89 2021 Vampire Hunter D Omnibus: Book One (Vampire Hunter D, #1-3)
author: Hideyuki Kikuchi
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mindset Secrets for Winning: How to Bring Personal Power to Everything You Do]]> 49484865
How to calibrate your belief system for SUCCESS

How to build the self-image of a CHAMPION

How to feel deserving and expect to WIN

How to master and apply PERFECT PRACTICE to any task

How to properly prepare for your big day

How to PERFORM at your BEST under pressure

How to bring the best version of yourself to EVERYTHING YOU DO!

Expanded edition: bonus 80 pages.]]> 272 Mark Minervini 0099630796 GaidenSpence 5 currently-reading 4.38 Mindset Secrets for Winning: How to Bring Personal Power to Everything You Do
author: Mark Minervini
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2023/12/23
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Approximation Theory and Approximation Practice (Applied Mathematics)]]> 16670471 295 Lloyd N. Trefethen 1611972396 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.62 2012 Approximation Theory and Approximation Practice (Applied Mathematics)
author: Lloyd N. Trefethen
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.62
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Advanced Portfolio Management: A Quant's Guide for Fundamental Investors]]> 55475687 208 Giuseepe Paleologo 1119789796 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.23 Advanced Portfolio Management: A Quant's Guide for Fundamental Investors
author: Giuseepe Paleologo
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Debugging: The 9 Indispensable Rules for Finding Even the Most Elusive Software and Hardware Problems]]> 3938178 192 David J. Agans 0814474578 GaidenSpence 5 math-programming 4.24 2002 Debugging: The 9 Indispensable Rules for Finding Even the Most Elusive Software and Hardware Problems
author: David J. Agans
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/12
date added: 2025/04/12
shelves: math-programming
review:
The antidote and basically the antithesis to vibe coding which I really appreciate. Simple rules to follow when debugging errors in code that can make your life much easier and less frustrating when errors do occur. Very digestible with interesting about hardware and software and its interactions from a persons life experience.
]]> <![CDATA[The Fundamentals of Heavy Tails: Properties, Emergence, and Estimation]]> 109467928 264 Jayakrishnan Nair GaidenSpence 5 math-programming 5.00 The Fundamentals of Heavy Tails: Properties, Emergence, and Estimation
author: Jayakrishnan Nair
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/30
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: math-programming
review:
Really good book. Dense but brief really heavy on proofs and why fat tail distributions occur with their unique mathematical properties. I really appreciate the author actually gives the reader the tools to handle these distributions and the pitfalls with them as well it’s not a fixed recipe you use the tool that’s best for the job.
]]> <![CDATA[The Price of Time: The Real Story of Interest]]> 61241469 The Price of Time explains our current global financial position and how we got here The tradition of charging interest on loans is one of man's oldest practices, going back at least to the Mesopotamian era in the third millennium B.C. From ancient times, usury or charging for the use of money, has attracted opprobrium--from philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle, and from the religious authorities, whether Jewish, Muslim, or Christian. Yet as capitalism became established from the late Middle Ages onwards, denunciations of interest were tempered. It was gradually accepted that creditors had a right to charge for lending out their property and that credit was essential for trade. By the seventeenth century, the debate about interest shifted to what might be considered a fair price.




Over the first two decades of the twenty-first century, interest rates have sunk lower than ever before. Central bankers and policymakers appear blithe to the unintended consequences of their actions, but easy money after the global financial crisis in 2007/2008 has produced several ill effects, including the appearance of multiple asset price bubbles, a reduction in productivity growth, discouraging savings and exacerbating inequality, and forcing yield-starved investors to take on excessive risk.


The financial world now finds itself caught between a rock and a hard place, and Edward Chancellor is here to tell us why. In this enriching volume, Chancellor explores the history of interest and its essential function in determining how capital is allocated and priced.
]]> 401 Edward Chancellor 0802160077 GaidenSpence 5 4.26 2022 The Price of Time: The Real Story of Interest
author: Edward Chancellor
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves:
review:
Amazing book while I think it cannot be the most comprehensive book on interest rates it sure as hell is dense and well cited for what it covers for interesting examples throughout European history and how those examples reflect on modern times. To how this explains the current economic situation we are currently in is fascinating to understand.
]]> <![CDATA[Designing Data-Intensive Applications]]> 23463279

In this practical and comprehensive guide, author Martin Kleppmann helps you navigate this diverse landscape by examining the pros and cons of various technologies for processing and storing data. Software keeps changing, but the fundamental principles remain the same. With this book, software engineers and architects will learn how to apply those ideas in practice, and how to make full use of data in modern applications.


Peer under the hood of the systems you already use, and learn how to use and operate them more effectively
Make informed decisions by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of different tools
Navigate the trade-offs around consistency, scalability, fault tolerance, and complexity
Understand the distributed systems research upon which modern databases are built
Peek behind the scenes of major online services, and learn from their architectures]]> 562 Martin Kleppmann GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.71 2015 Designing Data-Intensive Applications
author: Martin Kleppmann
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.71
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A New Verse Translation]]> 1056805 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was rediscovered only two hundred years ago and published for the first time in 1839. One of the earliest great stories of English literature after Beowulf, the poem narrates the strange tale of a green knight on a green horse, who rudely interrupts the Round Table festivities one Yuletide, casting a pall of unease over the company and challenging one of their number to a wager.

The virtuous Gawain accepts and decapitates the intruder with his own axe. Gushing blood, the knight reclaims his head, orders Gawain to seek him out a year hence, and departs. Next Yuletide Gawain dutifully sets forth. His quest for the Green Knight involves a winter journey, a seduction scene in a dreamlike castle, a dire challenge answered - and a drama of enigmatic reward disguised as psychic undoing.

Following in the tradition of Ted Hughes, Marie Boroff, and J. R. R. Tolkien, Simon Armitage, one of England's leading poets, has produced an inventive translation of this Arthurian epic that resounds with both clarity and verve. As England's Sunday Telegraph wrote, "Armitage's animated translation is to be welcomed for helping to liberate Gawain from academia, as Seamus Heaney did in 1999 for Beowulf." His work, presented here with facing original text and a note on the text by Harvard scholar James Simpson, is meticulously responsible to the sophistication of the original - but responds equally to its own powerfully persuasive ambition to be read as a totally new poem. It is as if two poets, six hundred years apart, set out on a journey through the same mesmerizing landscapes - acoustic, physical, and metaphorical -in the course of which the Gawain poet has finally found his true and long-awaited translator.]]> 198 Simon Armitage 0393060489 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.98 1375 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A New Verse Translation
author: Simon Armitage
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.98
book published: 1375
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Chronicles of the Black Company (The Chronicles of the Black Company, #1-3)]]> 400924
Then comes the prophecy: The White Rose has been reborn, somewhere, to embody good once more�

This omnibus edition comprises The Black Company, Shadows Linger, and The White Rose―the first three novels in Glen Cook's bestselling fantasy series.]]> 704 Glen Cook 0765319233 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.23 1986 Chronicles of the Black Company (The Chronicles of the Black Company, #1-3)
author: Glen Cook
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1986
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Murtagh (The Inheritance Cycle, #5)]]> 123206298 Master storyteller and internationally bestselling author Christopher Paolini returns to the World of Eragon in this stunning epic fantasy set a year after the events of the Inheritance Cycle. Join Dragon Rider—and fan favorite—Murtagh and his dragon as they confront a perilous new enemy!

The world is no longer safe for the Dragon Rider Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn. An evil king has been toppled, and they are left to face the consequences of the reluctant role they played in his reign of terror. Now they are hated and alone, exiled to the outskirts of society.

Throughout the land, hushed voices whisper of brittle ground and a faint scent of brimstone in the air—and Murtagh senses that something wicked lurks in the shadows of Alagaësia. So begins an epic journey into lands both familiar and untraveled, where Murtagh and Thorn must use every weapon in their arsenal, from brains to brawn, to find and outwit a mysterious witch. A witch who is much more than she seems.

In this gripping novel starring one of the most popular characters from Christopher Paolini’s blockbuster Inheritance Cycle, a Dragon Rider must discover what he stands for in a world that has abandoned him. Murtagh is the perfect book to enter the World of Eragon for the first time . . . or to joyfully return.]]> 688 Christopher Paolini 1774882965 GaidenSpence 4 4.10 2023 Murtagh (The Inheritance Cycle, #5)
author: Christopher Paolini
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves:
review:
Overall solid book paolini has a way of getting into the headspace’s of characters especially for everyone not named Eragon surprising. Seeing Murtaugh confront his trauma and find ways to win battles without all the training he had compared to eragon makes the stakes much more intense and engaging to see.
]]> <![CDATA[A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)]]> 38451264
Sweeping from a harsh land of cold to a summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, A Game of Thrones tells a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Here an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal; a tribe of fierce wildlings carry men off into madness; a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister to win back his throne; a child is lost in the twilight between life and death; and a determined woman undertakes a treacherous journey to protect all she holds dear. Amid plots and counter-plots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, allies and enemies, the fate of the Starks hangs perilously in the balance, as each side endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

Unparalleled in scope and execution, A Game of Thrones is one of those rare reading experiences that catch you up from the opening pages, won’t let you go until the end, and leave you yearning for more.]]> 694 George R.R. Martin 0553103547 GaidenSpence 5 4.57 1996 A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.57
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2025/01/30
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, #2)]]> 13253160 Alternate cover edition can be found here and here.

Time is out of joint. The summer of peace and plenty, ten years long, is drawing to a close, and the harsh, chill winter approaches like an angry beast. Two great leaders—Lord Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon—who held sway over and age of enforced peace are dead...victims of royal treachery. Now, from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns, as pretenders to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms prepare to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war.

As a prophecy of doom cuts across the sky—a comet the color of blood and flame—six factions struggle for control of a divided land. Eddard’s son Robb has declared himself King in the North. In the south, Joffrey, the heir apparent, rules in name only, victim of the scheming courtiers who teem over King’s Landing. Robert’s two brothers each seek their own dominion, while a disfavored house turns once more to conquest. And a continent away, an exiled queen, the Mother of Dragons, risks everything to lead her precious brood across a hard hot desert to win back the crown that is rightfully hers.

A Clash of Kings transports us into a magnificent, forgotten land of revelry and revenge, wizardry and wartime. It is a tale in which maidens cavort with madmen, brother plots against brother, and the dead rise to walk in the night. Here a princess masquerades as an orphan boy; a knight of the mind prepares a poison for a treacherous sorceress; and wild men descend from the Mountains of the Moon to ravage the countryside.

Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, the price of glory may be measured in blood. And the spoils of victory may just go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel...and the coldest hearts. For when rulers clash, all of the land feels the tremors.

Audacious, inventive, brilliantly imagined, A Clash of Kings is a novel of dazzling beauty and boundless enchantment—a tale of pure excitement you will never forget.]]> 761 George R.R. Martin 0553108034 GaidenSpence 5 4.46 1998 A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, #2)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.46
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2025/01/30
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Web Scraping with Python: Collecting Data from the Modern Web]]> 25752783
Ideal for programmers, security professionals, and web administrators familiar with Python, this book not only teaches basic web scraping mechanics, but also delves into more advanced topics, such as analyzing raw data or using scrapers for frontend website testing. Code samples are available to help you understand the concepts in practice.

Learn how to parse complicated HTML pagesTraverse multiple pages and sitesGet a general overview of APIs and how they workLearn several methods for storing the data you scrapeDownload, read, and extract data from documentsUse tools and techniques to clean badly formatted dataRead and write natural languagesCrawl through forms and loginsUnderstand how to scrape JavaScriptLearn image processing and text recognition]]> 378 Ryan Mitchell 1491910267 GaidenSpence 1 4.18 2015 Web Scraping with Python: Collecting Data from the Modern Web
author: Ryan Mitchell
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2015
rating: 1
read at: 2025/01/17
date added: 2025/01/17
shelves:
review:
The dearth of practical examples make this book almost book not even worth reading. Also really outdated with little to no examples from playwright or selenium.
]]> <![CDATA[Global Macro Trading: Profiting in a New World Economy (Bloomberg Financial)]]> 17062748 368 Greg Gliner 111836242X GaidenSpence 2 finance 4.18 2013 Global Macro Trading: Profiting in a New World Economy (Bloomberg Financial)
author: Greg Gliner
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/26
date added: 2024/12/26
shelves: finance
review:
Not too useful tbh the book is dated on rate stuff as it still references LIBOR which has transitioned to SOFR but also the first half of the book is big on has information that is outdated and not useful. But towards the end some of the macro-economic stuff is pretty useful on how countries try to maintain growth, inflation, and a stable currency. Some cool terminal functions though.
]]> <![CDATA[Zig Programming for Beginners: Foundations and Core Techniques for Efficient, Low-Level Systems Programming and Cross-Platform Development]]> 220256926 Zig Programming for Beginners is an essential guide for aspiring developers seeking to master the Zig programming language. This book offers a comprehensive introduction to Zig, focusing on its foundational concepts and core techniques that underpin efficient systems programming.
In this accessible resource, readers will explore the unique features of Zig, including manual memory management, compile-time execution, and cross-platform development capabilities. The book is structured to provide a hands-on learning experience, with clear explanations, practical examples, and engaging exercises that reinforce understanding.
Key topics covered Fundamental Zig syntax and control flowEffective memory management strategiesRobust error handling techniquesBuilding portable and scalable applicationsWriting and organizing tests to ensure code qualityWhether you're a beginner with no prior programming experience or a seasoned developer looking to expand your skill set, this book equips you with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop efficient, low-level applications in Zig. By the end of your journey, you will have a solid understanding of Zig's core principles and the confidence to tackle real-world programming challenges.
Get your copy today and join the growing community of Zig programmers in building efficient systems! ]]> 300 Jeffery Owens GaidenSpence 3 math-programming 3.00 Zig Programming for Beginners: Foundations and Core Techniques for Efficient, Low-Level Systems Programming and Cross-Platform Development
author: Jeffery Owens
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/21
date added: 2024/12/21
shelves: math-programming
review:
Overall, not a bad book for anyone new to zig. I think this book was not meant to be read on kindle but that is not the books fault but it makes the example code very choppy and hard to understand. I wish there was more in depth explanations on how to memory allocate and pointers. Also would have liked more info on how zig handles strings and sees them as arrays in a way. Finally I think this book could have used more personalized approach with more complex/real world examples. In conclusion, a very introductive book to zig beginners.
]]> Tress of the Emerald Sea 63068384 #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson brings us deeper into the Cosmere universe with a rollicking, riveting tale that will appeal to fans of The Princess Bride.

The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?]]> 369 Brandon Sanderson 1250899656 GaidenSpence 3 4.27 2023 Tress of the Emerald Sea
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/08
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves:
review:
A very whimsical tale and coming of age story. Sanderson as always is masterclass in his world and how characters act in their power systems. But seeing Tress� growth from timid island girl to confident captain was pretty satisfying to watch. I wish some of the mechanics of spores were explained better and we had more of tress� inner monologue to get more personal though but that’s usually my gripe with Sanderson I’m always left wanting more which I guess is a good problem to have fwiw
]]> <![CDATA[Sharp Staking: The Economics of Poker Tournament Staking]]> 42435057 0 Daniel Kasper GaidenSpence 0 to-read 0.0 Sharp Staking: The Economics of Poker Tournament Staking
author: Daniel Kasper
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Ishura, Vol. 1: The New Demon King War]]> 59112799 420 Keiso 1975337867 GaidenSpence 3 3.77 2019 Ishura, Vol. 1: The New Demon King War
author: Keiso
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/04
date added: 2024/10/04
shelves:
review:
Overall it's ok maybe not for everyone as the author introduces a bunch of characters all at once and some had more depth than others but I think this will get fleshed out in later novels. Also some of the prose at start makes it hard to comprehend what exactly is going on at times but it becomes more cohesive later on.
]]> <![CDATA[Practical Linear Algebra for Data Science]]> 62326109
This practical guide from Mike X Cohen teaches the core concepts of linear algebra as implemented in Python, including how they're used in data science, machine learning, deep learning, computational simulations, and biomedical data processing applications. Armed with knowledge from this book, you'll be able to understand, implement, and adapt myriad modern analysis methods and algorithms.

Ideal for practitioners and students using computer technology and algorithms, this book introduces you


The interpretations and applications of vectors and matrices
Matrix arithmetic (various multiplications and transformations)
Independence, rank, and inverses
Important decompositions used in applied linear algebra (including LU and QR)
Eigendecomposition and singular value decomposition
Applications including least-squares model fitting and principal components analysis]]> 372 Mike X. Cohen 1098120574 GaidenSpence 5 math-programming
Merged review:

Really good book on the fundamentals of linear algebra through the framework of python. I really thought it was really good at explaining the concepts for anyone just starting out there linear algebra journey and appreciate the aspect of how this affects machine learning from the linear algebra perspective.]]> 4.44 2022 Practical Linear Algebra for Data Science
author: Mike X. Cohen
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2024/06/12
date added: 2024/09/30
shelves: math-programming
review:
Really good book on the fundamentals of linear algebra through the framework of python. I really thought it was really good at explaining the concepts for anyone just starting out there linear algebra journey and appreciate the aspect of how this affects machine learning from the linear algebra perspective.

Merged review:

Really good book on the fundamentals of linear algebra through the framework of python. I really thought it was really good at explaining the concepts for anyone just starting out there linear algebra journey and appreciate the aspect of how this affects machine learning from the linear algebra perspective.
]]> <![CDATA[A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms: Level Up Your Core Programming Skills]]> 55669070
Use Big O notation to measure and articulate the efficiency of your code, and modify your algorithm to make it faster. Find out how your choice of arrays, linked lists, and hash tables can dramatically affect the code you write. Use recursion to solve tricky problems and create algorithms that run exponentially faster than the alternatives. Dig into advanced data structures such as binary trees and graphs to help scale specialized applications such as social networks and mapping software. You� (TM)ll even encounter a single keyword that can give your code a turbo boost. Practice your new skills with exercises in every chapter, along with detailed solutions.

Use these techniques today to make your code faster and more scalable.]]> 507 Jay Wengrow 1680508032 GaidenSpence 5 4.68 A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms: Level Up Your Core Programming Skills
author: Jay Wengrow
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.68
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/07
date added: 2024/09/27
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[An Introduction to Statistical Learning: with Applications in Python (Springer Texts in Statistics)]]> 178815107 607 Gareth James 3031387465 GaidenSpence 5 math-programming 4.58 An Introduction to Statistical Learning: with Applications in Python (Springer Texts in Statistics)
author: Gareth James
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.58
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/09/23
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves: math-programming
review:
A very introduction friendly book about the machine learning algorithms and the techniques that can be used on data sets. What really helps is using python for problem sets to go along with the concepts. Great book would recommend.
]]> <![CDATA[The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities, Ninth Edition]]> 58519742 The definitive guide to fixed income securities―updated and revised with everything you need to succeed in today’s market

The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities has been the most trusted resource for fixed income investing for decades, providing everything sophisticated investors need to analyze, value, and manage fixed income instruments and their derivatives.Ěý

But this market has changed dramatically since the last edition was published, so the author has revised and updated his classic guide to put you ahead of the curve. With chapters written by the leading experts in their fields, The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities, Ninth Edition provides expert discussions

Basics of Fixed Income Analytics Treasuries, Agency, Municipal, and Corporate BondsMortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed SecuritiesThe Yield Curve and the Term StructureValuation and Relative ValueCredit AnalysisPortfolio Management and StrategiesDerivative Instruments and their ApplicationsPerformance Attribution AnalysisThe Handbook of Fixed Income Securities is the most inclusive, up-to-date source available for fixed income facts and analyses. Its invaluable perspective and insights will help you enhance investment returns and avoid poor performance in the fixed income market.]]> 1904 Frank J. Fabozzi 1260473902 GaidenSpence 0 finance, to-read 5.00 1983 The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities, Ninth Edition
author: Frank J. Fabozzi
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 5.00
book published: 1983
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves: finance, to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Trading Options Greeks: How Time, Volatility, and Other Pricing Factors Drive Profits (Bloomberg Financial Book 159)]]> 19268832 A top options trader details a practical approach for pricing and trading options in any market condition The options market is always changing, and in order to keep up with it you need the greeks—delta, gamma, theta, vega, and rho—which are the best techniques for valuing options and executing trades regardless of market conditions. In the Second Edition of Trading Options Greeks, veteran options trader Dan Pasarelli puts these tools in perspective by offering fresh insights on option trading and valuation.

An essential guide for both professional and aspiring traders, this book explains the greeks in a straightforward and accessible style. It skillfully shows how they can be used to facilitate trading strategies that seek to profit from volatility, time decay, or changes in interest rates. Along the way, it makes use of new charts and examples, and discusses how the proper application of the greeks can lead to more accurate pricing and trading as well as alert you to a range of other opportunities.

Completely updated with new material Information on spreads, put-call parity and synthetic options, trading volatility, and advanced option trading is also included Explores how to exploit the dynamics of option pricing to improve your trading Having a comprehensive understanding of the greeks is essential to long-term options trading success. Trading Options Greeks, Second Edition shows you how to use the greeks to find better trades, effectively manage them, and ultimately, become more profitable.]]> 372 Dan Passarelli GaidenSpence 5 finance 4.29 2012 Trading Options Greeks: How Time, Volatility, and Other Pricing Factors Drive Profits (Bloomberg Financial Book 159)
author: Dan Passarelli
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2024/07/09
date added: 2024/07/09
shelves: finance
review:
Really good book for anyone starting out to learn about their Greeks for options trading loaded with easy and intuitive examples that really help the conceptually understand how options come with different Greek risks without intensive math formulae
]]> <![CDATA[Algorithmic Trading: Winning Strategies and Their Rationale]]> 17848897
"Algorithmic Trading is an insightful book on quantitative trading written by a seasoned practitioner. What sets this book apart from many others in the space is the emphasis on real examples as opposed to just theory. Concepts are not only described, they are brought to life with actual trading strategies, which give the reader insight into how and why each strategy was developed, how it was implemented, and even how it was coded. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create their own systematic trading strategies and those involved in manager selection, where the knowledge contained in this book will lead to a more informed and nuanced conversation with managers."

--DAREN SMITH, CFA, CAIA, FSA, President and Chief Investment Officer, University of Toronto Asset Management

"Using an excellent selection of mean reversion and momentum strategies, Ernie explains the rationale behind each one, shows how to test it, how to improve it, and discusses implementation issues. His book is a careful, detailed exposition of the scientific method applied to strategy development. For serious retail traders, I know of no other book that provides this range of examples and level of detail. His discussions of how regime changes affect strategies, and of risk management, are invaluable bonuses."

--Roger Hunter, Mathematician and Algorithmic Trader]]> 224 Ernest P. Chan 1118746910 GaidenSpence 4 math-programming 3.79 2013 Algorithmic Trading: Winning Strategies and Their Rationale
author: Ernest P. Chan
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2024/01/12
date added: 2024/07/01
shelves: math-programming
review:
my first quant finance book and one of the few books on how to actually create trading strategies using the actual statistics to backup your findings
]]> <![CDATA[Bayesian Analysis with Python: A practical guide to probabilistic modeling]]> 157527429 394 Osvaldo Martin 1805127160 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.86 Bayesian Analysis with Python: A practical guide to probabilistic modeling
author: Osvaldo Martin
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/06/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Quantitative Trading: How to Build Your Own Algorithmic Trading Business (Wiley Trading)]]> 56733198 256 Ernest P. Chan 1119800064 GaidenSpence 4 math-programming 4.08 2008 Quantitative Trading: How to Build Your Own Algorithmic Trading Business (Wiley Trading)
author: Ernest P. Chan
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/27
date added: 2024/06/12
shelves: math-programming
review:
Great book but glad some of the examples were in python and i could understand this series as well giving information based on the tidbits of the operational side of being an institutional trader
]]> <![CDATA[Doing Bayesian Data Analysis: A Tutorial Introduction with R and BUGS]]> 9003187 Download Link :


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0124058884 Doing Bayesian Data Analysis: A Tutorial with R, JAGS, and Stan PDF by John Kruschke]]> 672 John K. Kruschke 0123814855 GaidenSpence 4 math-programming 4.28 Doing Bayesian Data Analysis: A Tutorial Introduction with R and BUGS
author: John K. Kruschke
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/04/19
date added: 2024/06/12
shelves: math-programming
review:

]]> <![CDATA[How to Talk to Anyone About Anything: Improve Your Social Skills, Master Small Talk, Connect Effortlessly, and Make Real Friends (Communication Skills Training Book 1)]]> 57538909 Discover the Art of Masterful Conversations With this POWERFUL Guide!Have you always struggled with making small talk and want to stop feeling awkward?

Do you wish to be able to tell stories where your listeners hang on to your every word?

Do you wish you had the courage, the confidence, and the charisma to meet new people and make friends with them?

If you’ve answered yes, this is the book for you!

How to Talk to Anyone About Improve Your Social Skills, Master Small Talk, Connect Effortlessly, and Make Real Friends is your complete guide to help you do just that.

The chapters within this book cover everything you need to know to fully embrace your true self and become the most enthralling conversationalist in ANY room!

With this powerful guide to becoming a better communicator, you Stand tall as you uncover your potential and harness the power of your confidenceHone your listening skills to establish stronger connections with everyone around youAsk the right questions and make seamless conversations with colleagues, bosses, and potential partnersMake conversations and interactions less daunting using powerful tips on how you can master the art of small talkFind out how to tell, structure, and design amazing stories to tell people based on your own life experiencesBecome more confident and charismatic in every area of your life and watch as your relationships improve and your networks growStrengthen relationships, whether it be for work or your personal life, and improve your overall wellbeing and successAnd so much more!Every chapter within is broken down with easy-to-follow stories and information, laced with quick-fire facts and tips you can put into action right now. This means instant, positive changes from the moment you read the first chapter.

Even if you’ve always been the wallflower, with How to Talk to Anyone About Anything you will learn to improve your social skills, master small talk, connect effortlessly, and make real friends � wherever, whenever!

How to Talk to Anyone About Anything is the perfect guide for people looking to connect with people better!

Scroll up, Click on “Buy Now with 1-Click�, and Grab a Copy Today!]]> 162 James W. Williams GaidenSpence 4 3.63 How to Talk to Anyone About Anything: Improve Your Social Skills, Master Small Talk, Connect Effortlessly, and Make Real Friends (Communication Skills Training Book 1)
author: James W. Williams
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.63
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/06/08
date added: 2024/06/08
shelves:
review:

]]> The Heroes 9300768 581 Joe Abercrombie 0316123358 GaidenSpence 4 4.34 2011 The Heroes
author: Joe Abercrombie
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2022/12/13
date added: 2024/06/04
shelves:
review:
I think this is Joe Abercrombie's strongest work. The plot works itself out best with an already ongoing conflict of a war. The spectrum of character moralities that are carried throughout and how each one is weighed by the ideologies of war, being a hero, and the perspective of morality from different sides of the war. Let's Joe do what he does best write fleshed and complex characters.
]]> <![CDATA[A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, #5)]]> 13422727
Fleeing from Westeros with a price on his head, Tyrion Lannister, too, is making his way to Daenerys. But his newest allies in this quest are not the rag-tag band they seem, and at their heart lies one who could undo Daenerys’s claim to Westeros forever.

Meanwhile, to the north lies the mammoth Wall of ice and stone � a structure only as strong as those guarding it. There, Jon Snow, 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, will face his greatest challenge. For he has powerful foes not only within the Watch but also beyond, in the land of the creatures of ice.

From all corners, bitter conflicts reignite, intimate betrayals are perpetrated, and a grand cast of outlaws and priests, soldiers and skinchangers, nobles and slaves, will face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Some will fail, others will grow in the strength of darkness. But in a time of rising restlessness, the tides of destiny and politics will lead inevitably to the greatest dance of all.

]]> 1016 George R.R. Martin 0553801473 GaidenSpence 5 4.31 2011 A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, #5)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/05/18
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, #4)]]> 147917 A Feast for Crows, Martin delivers the long-awaited fourth book of his landmark series, as a kingdom torn asunder finds itself at last on the brink of peace . . . only to be launched on an even more terrifying course of destruction.

A FEAST FOR CROWS

It seems too good to be true. After centuries of bitter strife and fatal treachery, the seven powers dividing the land have decimated one another into an uneasy truce. Or so it appears. . . . With the death of the monstrous King Joffrey, Cersei is ruling as regent in King’s Landing. Robb Stark’s demise has broken the back of the Northern rebels, and his siblings are scattered throughout the kingdom like seeds on barren soil. Few legitimate claims to the once desperately sought Iron Throne still exist—or they are held in hands too weak or too distant to wield them effectively. The war, which raged out of control for so long, has burned itself out.

But as in the aftermath of any climactic struggle, it is not long before the survivors, outlaws, renegades, and carrion eaters start to gather, picking over the bones of the dead and fighting for the spoils of the soon-to-be dead. Now in the Seven Kingdoms, as the human crows assemble over a banquet of ashes, daring new plots and dangerous new alliances are formed, while surprising faces—some familiar, others only just appearing—are seen emerging from an ominous twilight of past struggles and chaos to take up the challenges ahead.

It is a time when the wise and the ambitious, the deceitful and the strong will acquire the skills, the power, and the magic to survive the stark and terrible times that lie before them. It is a time for nobles and commoners, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and sages to come together and stake their fortunes . . . and their lives. For at a feast for crows, many are the guests—but only a few are the survivors.]]> 753 George R.R. Martin 0553801503 GaidenSpence 5 4.08 2005 A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, #4)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/05/18
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, #3)]]> 10396652 an alternate cover for this ISBN can be found here

Here is the third volume in George R.R. Martin's magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings. Together, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.

Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, victim of the sorceress who holds him in her thrall. Young Robb still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. And as opposing forces manoeuver for the final showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost limits of civilization, accompanied by a horde of mythical Others—a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords...]]> 973 George R.R. Martin 0553106635 GaidenSpence 5 4.63 2000 A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, #3)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.63
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/05/18
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Trader Vic: Methods of a Wall Street Master]]> 1385712 304 Victor Sperandeo 0471304972 GaidenSpence 4 finance 3.98 1991 Trader Vic: Methods of a Wall Street Master
author: Victor Sperandeo
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.98
book published: 1991
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/04/22
shelves: finance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Triumph of Contrarian Investing : Crowds, Manias, and Beating the Market by Going Against the Grain]]> 870479 188 Ned Davis 007143240X GaidenSpence 4 finance 3.53 2003 The Triumph of Contrarian Investing : Crowds, Manias, and Beating the Market by Going Against the Grain
author: Ned Davis
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/06
date added: 2024/04/22
shelves: finance
review:
Overall, pretty good. It's a quick read about understanding market sentiment and the psychology that comes with it, then using it to make trading decisions. I wish this book was updated with more modern examples though.
]]> <![CDATA[Option Volatility & Pricing: Advanced Trading Strategies and Techniques]]> 23701394 Option Volatility & Pricing has made Sheldon Natenberg a widely recognized authority in the option industry. At firms around the world, the text is often the first book that new professional traders are given to learn the trading strategies and risk management techniques required for success in option markets.

Now, in this revised, updated, and expanded second edition, this thirty-year trading professional presents the most comprehensive guide to advanced trading strategies and techniques now in print. Covering a wide range of topics as diverse and exciting as the market itself, this text enables both new and experienced traders to delve in detail into the many aspects of option markets,


The foundations of option theory
Dynamic hedging
Volatility and directional trading strategies
Risk analysis
Position management
Stock index futures and options
Volatility contracts
Clear, concise, and comprehensive, the second edition of Option Volatility & Pricing is sure to be an important addition to every option trader's library--as invaluable as Natenberg's acclaimed seminars at the world's largest derivatives exchanges and trading firms.

You'll learn how professional option traders approach the market, including the trading strategies and risk management techniques necessary for success. You'll gain a fuller understanding of how theoretical pricing models work. And, best of all, you'll learn how to apply the principles of option evaluation to create strategies that, given a trader's assessment of market conditions and trends, have the greatest chance of success.

Option trading is both a science and an art. This book shows how to apply both to maximum effect.]]> 587 Sheldon Natenberg 0071818782 GaidenSpence 4 finance 4.41 1988 Option Volatility & Pricing: Advanced Trading Strategies and Techniques
author: Sheldon Natenberg
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.41
book published: 1988
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/08
date added: 2024/04/22
shelves: finance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Leveraged Trading: A professional approach to trading FX, stocks on margin, CFDs, spread bets and futures for all traders]]> 48611879 457 Robert Carver 0857197223 GaidenSpence 3 finance 4.01 Leveraged Trading: A professional approach to trading FX, stocks on margin, CFDs, spread bets and futures for all traders
author: Robert Carver
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.01
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/02/11
date added: 2024/04/22
shelves: finance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard: How to Achieve Super Performance in Stocks in Any Market]]> 16189528
"Minervini has run circles around most PhDs trying to design systems to beat the market." -- JACK SCHWAGER, bestselling author of Stock Market Wizards
"Mark's book has to be on every investor's bookshelf. It is about the most comprehensive work I have ever read on investing in growth stocks." -- DAVID RYAN, three-time U.S. Investing Champion
"[Minervini is] one of the most highly respected independent traders of our generation. His experience and past history of savvy market calls is legendary." -- CHARLES KIRK, The Kirk Report
"One of Wall Street's most remarkable success stories." -- BEN POWER, Your Trading Edge
THE INVESTOR'S GUIDE TO SUPERPERFORMANCE! Dramatically increase your stock market returns with the legendary SEPA system!
For the first time ever, U.S. Investing Champion Mark Minervini reveals the proven, time-tested trading system he used to achieve triple-digit returns for five consecutive years, averaging 220% per year for a 33,500% compounded total return.
In Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard , Minervini unveils his trademarked stock market method SEPA, which provides outsized returns in virtually every market by combining careful risk management, self-analysis, and perseverance. He explains in detail how to select precise entry points and preserve capital―for consistent triple- digit returns.
Whether you're just getting started in the stock market or you're a seasoned pro, Minervini will show how you how to achieve SUPERPERFORMANCE! You'll gain valuable knowledge as he shares lessons, trading truths, and specific tactics--all derived from his 30-year career as one of America's most successful stock traders.
Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard teaches you:

With more than 160 chart examples and numerous case studies proving the remarkable effectiveness of Minervini's methodology, Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard puts in your hands one of the most effective and--until now--secretive stock investing systems in the world.
MARK MINERVINI has a trademarked stock market method that produces outsized returns in virtually every market. It's called Specific Entry Point Analysis--SEPA--and it has been proven effective for selecting precise entry points, preserving capital and profi ts with even more precise exit points--and consistently producing triple-digit returns.
Now, in Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard , Minervini shares--for the fi rst time ever--his coveted methodology with investors like you!]]> 352 Mark Minervini 0071807225 GaidenSpence 5 finance 4.49 2013 Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard: How to Achieve Super Performance in Stocks in Any Market
author: Mark Minervini
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2021/09/27
date added: 2024/04/22
shelves: finance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[You Can Be a Stock Market Genius Even if You're Not Too Smart: Uncover the Secret Hiding Places of Stock Market Profits]]> 1735810 Joel Greenblatt 0684832135 GaidenSpence 5 finance 4.03 1997 You Can Be a Stock Market Genius Even if You're Not Too Smart: Uncover the Secret Hiding Places of Stock Market Profits
author: Joel Greenblatt
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.03
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/22
shelves: finance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Hedge Fund Market Wizards: How Winning Traders Win (Market Wizards, #4)]]> 13664829
From bestselling author, investment expert, and Wall Street theoretician Jack Schwager comes a behind-the-scenes look at the world of hedge funds, from fifteen traders who've consistently beaten the markets. Exploring what makes a great trader a great trader, "Hedge Fund Market Wizards" breaks new ground, giving readers rare insight into the trading philosophy and successful methods employed by some of the most profitable individuals in the hedge fund business.Presents exclusive interviews with fifteen of the most successful hedge fund traders and what they've learned over the course of their careersIncludes interviews with Jamie Mai, Joel Greenblatt, Michael Platt, Ray Dalio, Colm O'Shea, Ed Thorp, and many moreExplains forty key lessons for tradersJoins "Stock Market Wizards, " "New Market Wizards, "and "Market Wizards" as the fourth installment of investment guru Jack Schwager's acclaimed bestselling series of interviews with stock market experts

A candid assessment of each trader's successes and failures, in their own words, the book shows readers what they can learn from each, and also outlines forty essential lessons--from finding a trading method that fits an investor's personality to learning to appreciate the value of diversification--that investment professionals everywhere can apply in their own careers.

Bringing together the wisdom of the true masters of the markets, "Hedge Fund Market Wizards" is a collection of timeless insights into what it takes to trade in the hedge fund world.]]> 549 Jack D. Schwager 1118273044 GaidenSpence 5 finance 4.36 2012 Hedge Fund Market Wizards: How Winning Traders Win (Market Wizards, #4)
author: Jack D. Schwager
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/22
shelves: finance
review:

]]> Fixed Income Analysis 262003 733 Frank J. Fabozzi 047005221X GaidenSpence 5 finance 4.09 Fixed Income Analysis
author: Frank J. Fabozzi
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/09/05
date added: 2024/04/22
shelves: finance
review:
Incredibly dense with information about fixed income. I like the gradual progress from understanding what fixed income is to more complex subjects. I do wish the information was more connected to the diagrams they were showing rather than in separate paragraphs.
]]> <![CDATA[I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 1]]> 53317369 In this hilarious romantic comedy, a reincarnated gamer pursues her villainous lady love at a fantasy girl's academy!

Ordinary office worker Oohashi Rei wakes up in the body of the protagonist of her favorite otome game, Revolution. To her delight, the first person to greet her is also her favorite character, Claire Francois–the main antagonist of the story! Now, Rei is determined to romance Claire instead of the game’s male leads. But how will her villainous lady love react to this new courtship?!]]> 280 Inori 1645058638 GaidenSpence 2 3.87 2019 I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 1
author: Inori
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2019
rating: 2
read at: 2023/01/16
date added: 2024/04/20
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 2]]> 53317355
Together, Rei and Claire have endured love, loss, and ridicule. Now, they face a challenge that will shake the foundations of the kingdom―revolution. When the dust settles, will commoner Rei and noble-born Claire still stand side by side? And will fate permit their love to survive?]]> 418 Inori 1645059537 GaidenSpence 2 4.31 2019 I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 2
author: Inori
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2019
rating: 2
read at: 2023/01/23
date added: 2024/04/20
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 3]]> 56994115 In this critically acclaimed romantic comedy, a reincarnated gamer pursues her villainous lady love at a fantasy girl's academy! (And don't miss the manga adaptation, also from Seven Seas.)

Ordinary office worker Oohashi Rei wakes up in the body of the protagonist of her favorite otome game, Revolution. To her delight, the first person to greet her is also her favorite character, Claire Francois--the main antagonist of the story! Now, Rei is determined to romance Claire instead of the game's male leads. But how will her villainous lady love react to this new courtship?!]]> 280 Inori 1648275575 GaidenSpence 1 4.02 2020 I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 3
author: Inori
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2020
rating: 1
read at: 2023/02/06
date added: 2024/04/20
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition Volume 13]]> 61367992
Guts the Black Swordsman and company reach the island of Skellig in hopes than Elven magic can heal the afflicted mind of Casca, but first they must face the island’s terrifying magical defenses. If they can pass through and reach Elfhelm, the Flower Storm Monarch of the Elves can perform the ritual that might free Casca. But failure will mean their long, perilous journey will have been for nothing!
Ěý
Collects Berserk Volume 37, 38, and 39.]]> 624 Kentaro Miura 1506727573 GaidenSpence 5 4.77 2023 Berserk Deluxe Edition Volume 13
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.77
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2023/12/30
date added: 2023/12/30
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition Volume 12]]> 60465267 The Game of Thrones of adult fantasy/horror manga continues in deluxe oversized hardcover editions, collecting Berserk volumes 34-36 in the original oversized serialization format, including three fold-out posters.

Griffith's new Band of the Hawk assume their unholy forms to battle the monstrous Kushan emperor and his horde of demons, leaving the terrified Midland citizenry to wonder if their rescuers are another horrific curse. Meanwhile, Guts and his companions seek refuge to repair their ship on a small island that is not the safe haven they'd hoped for--it's a sinister place watched over by an ancient, vengeful god whose power is about to be unleashed!

Collects Berserk Volumes 34, 35, and 36.]]> 664 Kentaro Miura 1506727565 GaidenSpence 5 4.68 2022 Berserk Deluxe Edition Volume 12
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.68
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2023/12/29
date added: 2023/12/30
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Volatility Trading, + Website 2nd edition by Sinclair, Euan (2013) Hardcover]]> 138777693 0 Euan Sinclair GaidenSpence 0 to-read 5.00 Volatility Trading, + Website 2nd edition by Sinclair, Euan (2013) Hardcover
author: Euan Sinclair
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/12/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Option Trading: Pricing and Volatility Strategies and Techniques]]> 7218489 320 Euan Sinclair 0470497106 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.37 2010 Option Trading: Pricing and Volatility Strategies and Techniques
author: Euan Sinclair
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/12/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Power of Breath: The Art of Breathing Well for Harmony, Happiness and Health]]> 30552882
Breathing is the most fundamental of our body’s physical processes and our most intimate companion—yet most of us give it little to no thought. However, once fully acknowledged and harnessed, the power of the breath is unlimited. It can ease stress and anxiety, boost energy and stamina, enhance self-confidence, sharpen the ability to focus, strengthen the quality of voice, and even relieve pain.

With The Power of Breath , renowned yoga teacher Swami Saradananda aims to give gentle yet powerful guidance on the art of breathing, from the basic practices to its myriad effects on the mind and body. She explores the five types of breathĚýand provides breathing exercises for each

� vitalizing ( prana )
� nourishing ( samana )
� expansive ( vyana )
� cleansing ( apana )
� expressive ( udana )

She also offers mini programs for targeting specific common ailments and issues such as asthma, skin disorders, depression, lethargy and phobias—plus ways to harness your breath to enhance vocal, dramatic, or sports performance.

With evocative artwork, inspiring photography, and easy-to-follow guidance, this book will enhance and affirm your daily life through the power of breathwork.]]> 160 Swami Saradananda 1786780186 GaidenSpence 3 4.06 2009 The Power of Breath: The Art of Breathing Well for Harmony, Happiness and Health
author: Swami Saradananda
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2023/12/23
date added: 2023/12/24
shelves:
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]]> Titus Groan (Gormenghast, #1) 39063 396 Mervyn Peake 0879514256 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.91 1946 Titus Groan (Gormenghast, #1)
author: Mervyn Peake
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1946
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/10/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Warbreaker 5980975 Warbreaker is the story of two sisters who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, the lesser god who doesn't like his job, and the immortal who's still trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago.

Their world is one in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren's capital city and where a power known as BioChromatic magic is based on an essence known as breath that can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people.

By using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be accomplished. It will take considerable quantities of each to resolve all the challenges facing Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris; Susebron the God King; Lightsong, reluctant god of bravery; and mysterious Vasher, the Warbreaker.]]> 593 Brandon Sanderson 0765320304 GaidenSpence 2 4.30 2009 Warbreaker
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2009
rating: 2
read at: 2023/07/09
date added: 2023/07/09
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Mamba Mentality: How I Play]]> 40230101 The Mamba Mentality takes us inside the mind of one of the most intelligent, analytical, and creative basketball players ever.

For the first time, and in his own words, Bryant reveals his famously detailed approach and the steps he took to prepare mentally and physically to not just succeed at the game, but to excel. Readers will learn how Bryant studied an opponent, how he channeled his passion for the game, how he played through injuries. They’ll also get fascinating granular detail as he breaks down specific plays and match-ups from throughout his career.

Bryant’s detailed accounts are paired with stunning photographs by the Hall of Fame photographer Andrew D. Bernstein. Bernstein, long the Lakers and NBA official photographer, captured Bryant’s very first NBA photo in 1996 and his last in 2016—and hundreds of thousands in between, the record of a unique, twenty-year relationship between one athlete and one photographer.]]> 208 Kobe Bryant 0374201234 GaidenSpence 5 favorites 4.28 The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
author: Kobe Bryant
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2023/05/28
date added: 2023/05/29
shelves: favorites
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Story of King Arthur and His Knights]]> 29953600 437 Howard Pyle 1435162110 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.82 1903 The Story of King Arthur and His Knights
author: Howard Pyle
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.82
book published: 1903
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/04/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Dracula 10483223 399 Bram Stoker 1435129733 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.96 1897 Dracula
author: Bram Stoker
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1897
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/04/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity]]> 60795084
**A COSMOPOLITAN BEST NEW NON-FICTION BOOK TO ADD TO YOUR TBR IN 2023**
**A "NEXT BIG IDEA CLUB" MUST-READ BOOK FOR JANUARY**

Rediscover your ability to pay attention with this groundbreaking new approach from "the definitive expert on distraction and multitasking" (Cal Newport).

We spend an average of just 47 seconds on any screen before shifting our attention. It takes 25 minutes to bring our attention back to a task after an interruption. And we interrupt ourselves more than we're interrupted by others.

In Attention Span , psychologist Gloria Mark reveals these and more surprising results from her decades of research into how technology affects our attention. She shows how much of what we think we know is wrong, including insights such


While the concept of “flow� has previously been considered the ideal state of focus, Dr. Mark offers a new framework to help explain how our brains function in the digital kinetic attention. This book reveals how we can take control, not only to find more success in our careers, but also to find health and wellness in our everyday lives.]]> 360 Gloria Mark 1335449418 GaidenSpence 2 3.49 2023 Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity
author: Gloria Mark
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.49
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2023/03/21
date added: 2023/03/21
shelves:
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This book is relevant and I'm glad it is modern for exploring how social media affects our attention. The book has some great ideas and great scientific evidence on how our attention works but it rambles on restating the same over point and over again. Often being redundant and superfluous. For all the research she has done about how tech is affecting our brain chemistry and attention, she only offers a 1 chapter solution about how to balance the tech age to live in and the lack of scientific experimentation backing makes the solution feel hollow.
]]> <![CDATA[I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 5]]> 60819489 THE LOVE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING.

Rae and Claire saved the world for each other. Now they must fight to keep it. As they lead the united forces of their kingdom and its neighbors against the demon threat, they begin to uncover strange and unsettling secrets. The hidden truth of the world has devastating implications not only for the lives of everyone they hold dear, but their very selves. The thrilling conclusion of the second arc!]]> 386 Inori 1638586462 GaidenSpence 1 4.19 2021 I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 5
author: Inori
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2021
rating: 1
read at: 2023/03/07
date added: 2023/03/07
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]]> <![CDATA[Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, Vol. 3 (3)]]> 54303394 Bleach continues in novel form as an all-new threat arises!

The Quincies� Thousand Year Blood War is over, but the embers of turmoil still smolder in the Soul Society. Tokinada Tsunayashiro, elevated to head of his clan after a slew of assassinations take out every other claimant to the title, has a grand plan to create a new Soul King. His dark ambitions soon sow the seeds of a new total war across the realms, but all is not lost. There is one unlikely Soul Reaper who holds the key to defusing the conflict—Shuhei Hisagi, Assistant Captain of the Ninth Company and reporter for the Seireitei Bulletin!

Hikone Ubugino and Tokinada Tsunayashiro’s combined powers make a mockery of the strongest of the Soul Reapers, Arrancars, Quincies, and Fullbringers in this epic conclusion to the Can't Fear Your Own World arc! As the Soul Society’s secrets are brought to light, the full terror of Tokinada’s plan is revealed. In the midst of this, Shuhei Hisagi discovers the true ability of his zanpaku-to and the meaning of its name. Can a blade that controls death also sever the consequences of death? A host of powerful characters—including Kenpachi Zaraki and Grimmjow Zaraki Jeagerjaques—make an appearance in the decisive battle, and the volume is complemented by a generous selection of Tite Kubo illustrations!]]> 416 Ryohgo Narita 1974713288 GaidenSpence 5 4.20 2018 Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, Vol. 3 (3)
author: Ryohgo Narita
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2022/02/23
date added: 2023/02/25
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]]> <![CDATA[I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 4]]> 59692586 386 Inori 1638581118 GaidenSpence 1 4.03 2021 I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 4
author: Inori
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2021
rating: 1
read at: 2023/02/24
date added: 2023/02/25
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Le Morte D'Arthur: King Arthur and the Legends of the Round Table (Signet Classics)]]> 7139368
In a time when there were damsels in distress to save and mythical dragons to slay, King Arthur and his knights were there to render justice in the face of any danger.Ěý

Keith Baine's splendid rendition of Le Morte d'Arthur faithfully preserves the original flavor of Malory's masterpiece—that of banners and bloodshed, knights and ladies, Christians and sorcerers, sentiment and savagery. It remains a vivid medieval tapestry woven about a central figure who symbolizes the birth of an age of chivalry.

Includes an Introduction by Robert Graves
and an Afterword by Christopher Cannon]]> 576 Thomas Malory 0451531493 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.65 1485 Le Morte D'Arthur: King Arthur and the Legends of the Round Table (Signet Classics)
author: Thomas Malory
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.65
book published: 1485
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/16
shelves: to-read
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]]> Red Country 13521459 They stole her brother and sister.
But vengeance is following.

Shy South hoped to bury her bloody past and ride away smiling, but she'll have to sharpen up some bad old ways to get her family back, and she's not a woman to flinch from what needs doing. She sets off in pursuit with only a pair of oxen and her cowardly old step father Lamb for company. But it turns out Lamb's buried a bloody past of his own. And out in the lawless Far Country the past never stays buried.

Their journey will take them across the barren plains to a frontier town gripped by gold fever, through feud, duel and massacre, high into the unmapped mountains to a reckoning with the Ghosts. Even worse, it will force them into an alliance with Nicomo Cosca, infamous soldier of fortune, and his feckless lawyer Temple, two men no one should ever have to trust . . .
RED COUNTRY takes place in the same world as the First Law trilogy, Best Served Cold, and The Heroes. This novel also sees the return of one of Abercrombie's most beloved characters.]]> 469 Joe Abercrombie 0316214442 GaidenSpence 2 4.31 2012 Red Country
author: Joe Abercrombie
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2012
rating: 2
read at: 2023/01/09
date added: 2023/01/09
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]]> <![CDATA[The Last Shot: City Streets, Basketball Dreams]]> 44628
It ought to be just a game, but basketball on the playgrounds of Coney Island is much more than that. In The Last Shot, the aspirations of a few of the neighborhood's most promising players reveal that what they have going for them (athletic talent, grace, and years of dedication) may not be enough to defeat what's working against woefully inadequate schooling, family circumstances that are often desperate, and the slick, brutal world of college athletic recruitment.

Incisively and compassionately written, The Last Shot introduces us to unforgettable characters and takes us into their world with an intimacy seldom seen in contemporary journalism. The result is a startling and poignant exposé of inner-city life and the big business of college basketball.]]> 233 Darcy Frey 0618446710 GaidenSpence 3 4.20 1994 The Last Shot: City Streets, Basketball Dreams
author: Darcy Frey
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1994
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2023/01/08
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]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 10]]> 58400451
Kentaro Miura's Berserk is an international sensation, producing a riotous mob of followers and Inspiring anime TV series and feature films, video and card games, and a tsunami of related products. The GOAT adult fantasy/horror manga, Berserk is now offered at its original published size in handsome deluxe hardcover editions. Berserk Deluxe Edition Volume 10 collects original Berserk volumes 28-30 and features over 650 pages of fear and fury, including three fold-out color posters.]]> 648 Kentaro Miura 1506727549 GaidenSpence 5 4.79 2022 Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 10
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.79
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2022/12/24
date added: 2022/12/24
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]]> <![CDATA[Dante's Divine Comedy In Plain and Simple English (Translated)]]> 18908205 1408 BookCaps 1621074919 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.05 Dante's Divine Comedy In Plain and Simple English (Translated)
author: BookCaps
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.05
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2022/12/13
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]]> <![CDATA[Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle #3)]]> 6707521
The Empire is at war and the stakes have never been higher in Book Three of the Inheritance Cycle, perfect for fans of Lord of the Rings! This New York Times bestselling series has sold over 40 million copies and is an international fantasy sensation.Ěý

"Christopher Paolini is a true rarity." � The Washington Post

Oaths sworn . . . loyalties tested . . . forces collide... Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king? Following the colossal battle against the Empire's warriors, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still, there is more adventure at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.

When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices-choices that will take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.

This updated edition of Brisingr
· A sneak peek ofĚý Murtagh
· One section of a brand-new AlagaĂ«siaĚýmap by Christopher, with a unique code that will unlock a different piece of exclusive digital content. Collect all 4 books in the Inheritance Cycle to see the full map and unlock all bonus content!
· A redesigned cover using the iconic original art]]> 748 Christopher Paolini 0375826742 GaidenSpence 3 4.14 2008 Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle #3)
author: Christopher Paolini
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 2021/07/23
date added: 2022/11/06
shelves:
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]]> <![CDATA[Fire & Blood (A Targaryen History, #1)]]> 39943621
Centuries before the events of A Game of Thrones, House Targaryen—the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria—took up residence on Dragonstone. Fire and Blood begins their tale with the legendary Aegon the Conqueror, creator of the Iron Throne, and goes on to recount the generations of Targaryens who fought to hold that iconic seat, all the way up to the civil war that nearly tore their dynasty apart.

What really happened during the Dance of the Dragons? Why did it become so deadly to visit Valyria after the Doom? What is the origin of Daenerys’s three dragon eggs? These are but a few of the questions answered in this essential chronicle, as related by a learned maester of the Citadel and featuring more than eighty all-new black-and-white illustrations by artist Doug Wheatley. Readers have glimpsed small parts of this narrative in such volumes as The World of Ice & Fire, but now, for the first time, the full tapestry of Targaryen history is revealed.

With all the scope and grandeur of Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Fire and Blood is the ultimate game of thrones, giving readers a whole new appreciation for the dynamic, often bloody, and always fascinating history of Westeros.]]> 706 George R.R. Martin 152479628X GaidenSpence 2 4.03 2018 Fire & Blood (A Targaryen History, #1)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2022/09/02
date added: 2022/10/17
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]]> <![CDATA[A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (The Tales of Dunk and Egg, #1-3)]]> 18635622 368 George R.R. Martin 0345533488 GaidenSpence 3 4.24 2015 A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (The Tales of Dunk and Egg, #1-3)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2022/10/17
date added: 2022/10/17
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]]> Best Served Cold 40651772 664 Joe Abercrombie GaidenSpence 3 4.32 2009 Best Served Cold
author: Joe Abercrombie
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2022/07/26
date added: 2022/07/26
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]]> <![CDATA[Queens of Jerusalem: The Women Who Dared to Rule]]> 49791289
The Holy City had been lost, but the Christians maintained their footholds in the Middle East for another century. This region became known in Europe simply as Outremer, 'overseas'. Steeped in biblical wonder and the glamour of exoticism, Outremer has inspired generations of historians from antiquity to the modern day. Missing from both medieval and modern histories of the Outremer is the voice of the women of the kingdom. The stories of the queens and princesses who ruled and rebelled in this volatile region have all but been written out of the historical record. Even the women who carried water on to the battlefields, and were struck down with arrows as they toiled beneath the walls of besieged cities during the First Crusade, have had their roles omitted from the majority of the chronicles. The queens who defended their cities against Muslim besiegers, negotiated with Saladin, and ruled with 'unusual wisdom' similarly have seen their deeds overlooked.

William of Tyre, the key historian for this period, gives a sympathetic portrayal of just one queen, and writes off the rest as manipulative harridans, or barely worth the words. He devotes the fewest possible pages in his hefty chronicle to the deeds of women, when indeed women played a key role in both the crusades themselves and the foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. There is a trend for male chroniclers of the crusades to concern themselves with the deeds of men, and this has carried over to much modern scholarship too. Kate Lombard's book intends to address the imbalance by shedding light on the deeds of some of the most daring, devious and devoted women that history has witnessed. She explores the lives of the female rulers of Outremer from the year 1095 to the fall of Jerusalem in 1187. The primary subjects are Morphia of Melitene, Melisende of Jerusalem, her rebellious sister Alice, her shrewd daughter Constance of Antioch and finally Sibylla of Jerusalem and her domineering mother Agnes of Courtenay, the women who presided over the collapse of the kingdom. Eleanor of Aquitaine is also a key figure, owing to her journey east with the Second Crusade and the love triangle that developed between her, Constance and Constance's husband Raymond of Antioch (Eleanor's own uncle).

Queens of Jerusalem explores the role women played in the governing of the Middle East during periods of intense instability, and how they persevered to rule and seize greater power for themselves when the opportunity presented itself.]]> 288 Katherine Pangonis 1474614078 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.08 2021 Queens of Jerusalem: The Women Who Dared to Rule
author: Katherine Pangonis
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/05
shelves: to-read
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]]> <![CDATA[The Fortunes of Africa: A 5,000-Year History of Wealth, Greed, and Endeavor]]> 20578533
Africa has been coveted for its rich natural resources ever since the era of the Pharaohs. In past centuries, it was the lure of gold, ivory, and slaves that drew merchant-adventurers and conquerors from afar. In modern times, the focus of attention is on oil, diamonds, and other rare earth minerals.

In this vast and vivid panorama of history, Martin Meredith follows the fortunes of Africa over a period of 5,000 years. With compelling narrative, he traces the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms and empires; the spread of Christianity and Islam; the enduring quest for gold and other riches; the exploits of explorers and missionaries; and the impact of European colonization. He examines, too, the fate of modern African states and concludes with a glimpse of their future.

His cast of characters includes religious leaders, mining magnates, warlords, dictators, and many other legendary figures-among them Mansa Musa, ruler of the medieval Mali empire, said to be the richest man the world has ever known.]]> 745 Martin Meredith 1610394593 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.14 2014 The Fortunes of Africa: A 5,000-Year History of Wealth, Greed, and Endeavor
author: Martin Meredith
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/05
shelves: to-read
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]]> <![CDATA[Empress: The Astonishing Reign of Nur Jahan]]> 36236091
When it came to hunting, she was a master shot. As a dress designer, few could compare. An ingenious architect, she innovated the use of marble in her parents� mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River that inspired her stepson’s Taj Mahal. And she was both celebrated and reviled for her political acumen and diplomatic skill, which rivaled those of her female counterparts in Europe and beyond.

In 1611, thirty-four-year-old Nur Jahan, daughter of a Persian noble and widow of a subversive official, became the twentieth and most cherished wife of the Emperor Jahangir. While other wives were secluded behind walls, Nur ruled the vast Mughal Empire alongside her husband, and governed in his stead as his health failed and his attentions wandered from matters of state. An astute politician and devoted partner, Nur led troops into battle to free Jahangir when he was imprisoned by one of his own officers. She signed and issued imperial orders, and coins of the realm bore her name.

Acclaimed historian Ruby Lal uncovers the rich life and world of Nur Jahan, rescuing this dazzling figure from patriarchal and Orientalist clichés of romance and intrigue, and giving new insight into the lives of women and girls in the Mughal Empire, even where scholars claim there are no sources. Nur’s confident assertion of authority and talent is revelatory. In Empress, she finally receives her due in a deeply researched and evocative biography that awakens us to a fascinating history.]]> 325 Ruby Lal 0393239349 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.77 2018 Empress: The Astonishing Reign of Nur Jahan
author: Ruby Lal
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2018
rating: 0
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date added: 2022/07/05
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]]> The Emperor's Soul 16131932
When Shai is caught replacing the Moon Scepter with her nearly flawless forgery, she must bargain for her life. An assassin has left the Emperor Ashravan without consciousness, a circumstance concealed only by the death of his wife. If the emperor does not emerge after his hundred-day mourning period, the rule of the Heritage Faction will be forfeit and the empire will fall into chaos.

Shai is given an impossible task: to create—to Forge—a new soul for the emperor in less than one hundred days. But her soul-Forgery is considered an abomination by her captors. She is confined to a tiny, dirty chamber, guarded by a man who hates her, spied upon by politicians, and trapped behind a door sealed in her own blood. Shai's only possible ally is the emperor's most loyal councillor, Gaotona, who struggles to understand her true talent.

Time is running out for Shai. Forging, while deducing the motivations of her captors, she needs a perfect plan to escape…]]> 144 Brandon Sanderson 1938570022 GaidenSpence 4 favorites 4.41 2012 The Emperor's Soul
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2022/06/25
date added: 2022/06/26
shelves: favorites
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]]> Cyrano de Bergerac 15638
This translation, by the American poet Brian Hooker, is nearly as famous as the original play itself, and is generally considered to be one of the finest English verse translations ever written.]]> 240 Edmond Rostand 0451528921 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.04 1897 Cyrano de Bergerac
author: Edmond Rostand
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1897
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/19
shelves: to-read
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]]> <![CDATA[Last Argument of Kings (The First Law, #3)]]> 6237768 The end is coming.

Logen Ninefingers might only have one more fight in him - but it's going to be a big one. Battle rages across the North, the King of the Northmen still stands firm, and there's only one man who can stop him. His oldest friend, and his oldest enemy. It's past time for the Bloody-Nine to come home.

With too many masters and too little time, Superior Glokta is fighting a different kind of war. A secret struggle in which no-one is safe, and no-one can be trusted. His days with a sword are far behind him. It's a good thing blackmail, threats and torture still work well enough.

Jezal dan Luthar has decided that winning glory is far too painful, and turned his back on soldiering for a simple life with the woman he loves. But love can be painful too, and glory has a nasty habit of creeping up on a man when he least expects it.

While the King of the Union lies on his deathbead, the peasants revolt and the nobles scramble to steal his crown. No-one believes that the shadow of war is falling across the very heart of the Union. The First of the Magi has a plan to save the world, as he always does. But there are risks. There is no risk more terrible, after all, than to break the First Law...]]> 670 Joe Abercrombie 0575084162 GaidenSpence 3 4.42 2008 Last Argument of Kings (The First Law, #3)
author: Joe Abercrombie
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 2022/06/18
date added: 2022/06/18
shelves:
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]]> <![CDATA[The Bone Ships (The Tide Child, #1)]]> 43521682 A saga of honor, glory, and warfare, The Bone Ships is the launch of a new fantasy from R.J. Barker.

Two nations at war. A prize beyond compare.

For generations, the Hundred Isles have built their ships from the bones of ancient dragons to fight an endless war.

The dragons disappeared, but the battles for supremacy persisted.

Now the first dragon in centuries has been spotted in far-off waters, and both sides see a chance to shift the balance of power in their favour. Because whoever catches it will win not only glory, but the war.]]> 512 R.J. Barker 0316487961 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.98 2019 The Bone Ships (The Tide Child, #1)
author: R.J. Barker
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/05
shelves: to-read
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]]> <![CDATA[The Usurper King: The Fall of Richard II and the Rise of Henry of Bolingbroke, 1366-99]]> 57748743 An in-depth study of an astounding moment in English medieval history. Ideal for people who wish to learn more about the tragic demise of Richard II or the life of his usurper, Henry IV.On 1 October 1399, Richard II, was deposed from the English throne.After succeeding to the throne as a ten year old he had faced the Peasants� Revolt in 1381, challenges from his nobles and Parliament and the threat of French invasion, and yet his crown was taken from him by a member of his own family, his cousin, Henry of Bolingbroke.What was the relationship between these two Plantagenet princes who were both grandchildren of Edward III?And how was Henry able to usurp the throne of England at a time when so many believed in the divine rights of kings?Marie Louise Bruce's exceptional biography of these two medieval English monarchs utilises a variety of well-researched original sources to provide fascinating insight into their parallel lives, from 1366, as young royal princes, to 1399 when Richard II was deposed and Henry took the crown with the support of an invasion force of no more than three hundred men.The Usurper King is a remarkable book that sheds light on one of the most colourful, turbulent and least known periods of English history.]]> 383 Marie Louise Bruce 1800550502 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.22 1986 The Usurper King: The Fall of Richard II and the Rise of Henry of Bolingbroke, 1366-99
author: Marie Louise Bruce
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.22
book published: 1986
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/05/27
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]]> <![CDATA[History of the Vikings and Norse Culture]]> 52683105
Take a journey into the Age of Viking Expansion where Ragnar Lothbrok, Rollo, Erik the Red, and many other famous Vikings take you on a ride into the very Halls of Valhalla.

Learn about Norse culture, marriage customs, baby naming ceremonies, and the sacrificial blĂłts used in spiritual and religious observances. Explore legendary Norse such as the JĂłmsvĂ­kings, Varangian, and Rus'.

The Vikings played ball and board games and had their own form of martial arts called Glima.

Explore knowledge and technology specific to a culture that was shaped by a people who were able to reach great distances across seas beyond their homelands. A battle ferocious people who were unmatched by their opponents.

There's a whole new world of understanding about the ancient vikings has been opened up by new archaeological discoveries and studies. New findings that lead to new questions about the Jötnar, often called frost giants.

There were many shared technologies between the Ancient Norse, the Inuit and other Native American aborigines. Viking explorers have long interacted and traded with many people and cultures afar. Were ancient Norse already in contact with early Native Americans?

See for yourself with new information about the Norse that was once lost in time.]]> 592 Njord Kane GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.12 History of the Vikings and Norse Culture
author: Njord Kane
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2022/05/27
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]]> <![CDATA[Code of the Samurai: A Modern Translation of the Bushido Shoshinshu of Taira Shigesuke]]> 44950
Code of the Samurai is a four-hundred-year-old explication of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido , the Japanese Way of the Warrior. Bushido has played a significant role in shaping the behavior of modern Japanese government, corporations, society, and individuals, as well as in developing modern Japanese martial arts within Japan and internationally.

The Japanese original of this book, Bushido Shoshinshu , ( Bushido for Beginners ), has been one of the primary sources on the tenets of Bushido , a way of thought that remains fascinating and relevant to the modern world, East and West. This handbook, written after five hundred years of military rule in Japan, was composed to provide practical and moral instruction for warriors, correcting wayward tendencies and outlining the personal, social, and professional standards of conduct characteristic of Bushido , the Japanese chivalric tradition.

With a bright, conversational narrative by Thomas Cleary, and powerfully evocative line drawings by master illustrator Oscar Ratti, this book is indispensable to corporate executives, students of Asian Culture, martial artists, or anyone sincerely interested in Japan and its people.]]> 128 DaidĹŤji YĹ«zan 0804831904 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.04 1943 Code of the Samurai: A Modern Translation of the Bushido Shoshinshu of Taira Shigesuke
author: DaidĹŤji YĹ«zan
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1943
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/05/27
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]]> <![CDATA[Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)]]> 902715
Northmen have spilled over the border of Angland and are spreading fire and death across the frozen country. Crown Prince Ladisla is poised to drive them back and win undying glory. There is only one problem � he commands the worst-armed, worst-trained, worst-led army in the world.

And Bayaz, the First of the Magi, is leading a party of bold adventurers on a perilous mission through the ruins of the past. The most hated woman in the South, the most feared man in the North, and the most selfish boy in the Union make a strange alliance, but a deadly one. They might even stand a chance of saving mankind from the Eaters. If they didn't hate each other quite so much.

Ancient secrets will be uncovered. Bloody battles will be won and lost. Bitter enemies will be forgiven � but not before they are hanged.]]> 441 Joe Abercrombie 0575077883 GaidenSpence 3 4.35 2007 Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)
author: Joe Abercrombie
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 2022/05/22
date added: 2022/05/22
shelves:
review:
The best parts to me were learning more about Bayraz and San Dan Glockta group. Seeing Bayraz truly show his flaws, explain the some of the history of how everything is the way it is because of his impact was nice to flesh out more of Bayraz's impact of the story. Also Bayraz being a subversion of Gandolf is pretty entertaining to see him being this grumpy and arrogant old man towards others that disagree with his ideals. Also, even seeing Jezal become get some real humility is gratifying as he slowly appreciates what he has as a nobleman and learns what truly matters to him. Logan and Ferro's relationship has its payoffs as well both broken characters in their own right really struggling to trust one another given their past. For all its tense moments its has its moments of comedy to lighten the mood. Glockta is probably my favorite character how he is so calculating and cunning even with his profession it still feels he is trying to cope with his life. What got me interested was how he was going to figure out the mystery of corruption within Dogaska. I love how he always trying to stay 3 steps ahead by studying others and their behavior. Seeing him deal with the anguish of his mistakes are great as well and leaves food for thought for the reader to think about. I really found it hard to be invested in Threetrees story would have liked more of the crew to be fleshed out more rather defined by singular character traits. Like his group has natural crew dialogue but none feel like they have flaws worth exploring.
]]> The Once and Future King 43545 639 T.H. White 0441627404 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.07 1958 The Once and Future King
author: T.H. White
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1958
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/04/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship]]> 23164968 A thrilling new adventure of danger and deep-sea diving, historic mystery and suspense, by the author of the New York Times bestseller Shadow Divers

Finding and identifying a pirate ship is the hardest thing to do under the sea. But two men—John Chatterton and John Mattera—are willing to risk everything to find the Golden Fleece, the ship of the infamous pirate Joseph Bannister. At large during the Golden Age of Piracy in the seventeenth century, Bannister’s exploits would have been more notorious than Blackbeard’s, more daring than Kidd’s, but his story, and his ship, have been lost to time. If Chatterton and Mattera succeed, they will make history—it will be just the second time ever that a pirate ship has been discovered and positively identified. Soon, however, they realize that cutting-edge technology and a willingness to lose everything aren’t enough to track down Bannister’s ship. They must travel the globe in search of historic documents and accounts of the great pirate’s exploits, face down dangerous rivals, battle the tides of nations and governments and experts. But it’s only when they learn to think and act like pirates—like Bannister—that they become able to go where no pirate hunters have gone before.

Fast-paced and filled with suspense, fascinating characters, history, and adventure, Pirate Hunters is an unputdownable story that goes deep to discover truths and souls long believed lost.

Advance praise for Pirate Hunters

“A great thriller full of tough guys and long odds . . . and: It’s all true.�—Lee Child

“Action and adventure on land and sea—you can’t ask for more. But Robert Kurson raises the ante in Pirate Hunters with an array of mystery and a fleet of colorful characters spanning four centuries. This is a great summer read!�—Michael Connelly

�Pirate Hunters is a fantastic book, an utterly engrossing and satisfying read. It tells the story of the hunt for the rare wreck of a pirate ship, which had been captained by one of the most remarkable pirates in history. This is a real-life Treasure Island, complete with swashbuckling, half-crazy treasure hunters and vivid Caribbean settings—a story for the ages.�—Douglas Preston

“A terrific read. I was pulled in from page one. Kurson brings us face to face with some of the most swashbuckling pirates ever to sail the Caribbean, even as he takes us underwater on a high-tech quest to discover the relics they left behind.�—Daniel James Brown

“There’s nothing in the world like buried treasure—and people hungry and obsessed enough to risk their lives for it. Pirate Hunters isn’t just a good story—it’s a true one. Searching for the souls of its explorers, it takes you to the far tip of the plank and plunges you deep to the bottom of the ocean.�—Brad Meltzer

�Pirate Hunters is a gripping account of two courageous divers� quest to uncover the shipwrecked vessel of Joseph Bannister, one of history’s most infamous pirates. Robert Kurson will keep you on the edge of your seat in this high-stakes journey around the globe that ultimately teaches these explorers about much more than an old ship.�—Sen. John McCain

“Kurson’s own enthusiasm, combined with his copious research and an eye for detail, makes for one of the most mind-blowing pirate stories of recent memory.��Publishers Weekly ]]> 275 Robert Kurson 1400063361 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.99 2015 Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship
author: Robert Kurson
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Blade Itself (The First Law, #1)]]> 944073
Nobleman Captain Jezal dan Luthar, dashing officer, and paragon of selfishness, has nothing more dangerous in mind than fleecing his friends at cards and dreaming of glory in the fencing circle. But war is brewing, and on the battlefields of the frozen North they fight by altogether bloodier rules.

Inquisitor Glokta, cripple turned torturer, would like nothing better than to see Jezal come home in a box. But then Glokta hates everyone: cutting treason out of the Union one confession at a time leaves little room for friendship. His latest trail of corpses may lead him right to the rotten heart of government, if he can stay alive long enough to follow it.

Enter the wizard, Bayaz. A bald old man with a terrible temper and a pathetic assistant, he could be the First of the Magi, he could be a spectacular fraud, but whatever he is, he's about to make the lives of Logen, Jezal, and Glokta a whole lot more difficult.

Murderous conspiracies rise to the surface, old scores are ready to be settled, and the line between hero and villain is sharp enough to draw blood.

]]> 515 Joe Abercrombie 0575079797 GaidenSpence 3 4.21 2006 The Blade Itself (The First Law, #1)
author: Joe Abercrombie
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 2022/04/10
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2]]> 42454096 The reigning king of adult fantasy manga now in deluxe 7x10 hardcover editions! Born in tragedy, raised in abuse and neglect, young Guts is hardened into a warrior of fearsome prowess and fearless will, drawing the attention of the charismatic Griffith, commander of the elite mercenary legion, the Band of the Hawk. This crossroad will take Guts to fame and glory . . . and to damnation!

Kentaro Miura's Berserk has cast its enormous shadow for three decades, creating an international legion of acolytes and inspiring a parade of TV series, feature films, and video games. And now celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, the entire Berserk series is being released in handsome oversized bookshelf format, each collecting three volumes of the original manga.]]> 704 Kentaro Miura 1506711995 GaidenSpence 5
The power scaling is also great. Guts up to this point has been shown great feats of strength against most humans. He now has met his match with Zodd which is being foreshadowed for later events along with the behelit and the introduction of supernatural things. This allows room for Guts to grow physically stronger and show where brutality of this world started from. It also gives signals to Guts and Griffith's character dynamic for what is to come. Overall, this book is fantastic, it has explored character ideologies and setup for more lore of the world as well as confrontations that these characters will have.]]> 4.72 2019 Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.72
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2021/09/01
date added: 2022/04/08
shelves:
review:
This book is amazing. The way Guts, Griffith, and Casca are incredibly dynamic and nuanced. The way Guts deals with his childhood trauma with Gambino as someone that betrayed Guts' trust. Leading him to be distant and defensive with others as he grows older. But that changes him once he meets Griffith and learns to open up to others and search for meaning in his life. In turn, this leads Griffith to own Guts and show him the way of the Band of the Hawk. But with these dynamics allows Casca to grow jealous of Guts, which reveals her own traumas of self-worth and identity as Guts is Griffith's idolization. This also the part in the story where we see Miura's shoujo influences mainly coming from Rose of Versailles drawing soft facial features of Griffith while also show his cunningness with his eyes like a hawk (which is great visual characterization and metaphor). There is also some great drama at play between people trying to gain power and the sacrifices of morality that come with it. It all makes for the exploration of some great characters.

The power scaling is also great. Guts up to this point has been shown great feats of strength against most humans. He now has met his match with Zodd which is being foreshadowed for later events along with the behelit and the introduction of supernatural things. This allows room for Guts to grow physically stronger and show where brutality of this world started from. It also gives signals to Guts and Griffith's character dynamic for what is to come. Overall, this book is fantastic, it has explored character ideologies and setup for more lore of the world as well as confrontations that these characters will have.
]]> <![CDATA[The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution]]> 775985
“One of the seminal texts about the history of slavery and abolition.... Provocative and empowering.� � The New York Times Book Review

The Black Jacobins, by Trinidadian historian C. L. R. James, was the first major analysis of the uprising that began in the wake of the storming of the Bastille in France and became the model for liberation movements from Africa to Cuba. It is the story of the French colony of San Domingo, a place where the brutality of plantation owners toward enslaved people was horrifyingly severe.

And it is the story of a charismatic and barely literate enslaved person named Toussaint L’Ouverture, who successfully led the Black people of San Domingo against successive invasions by overwhelming French, Spanish, and English forces—and in the process helped form the first independent post-colonial nation in the Caribbean.

With a new introduction (2023) by Professor David Scott.]]> 428 C.L.R. James 0679724672 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.39 1938 The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution
author: C.L.R. James
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.39
book published: 1938
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/04/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Flower Boat Girl 57874519 Her father traded away her youth.
Sea bandits stole her freedom.
She has one way to get them
Become the most powerful pirate in the world.

South China coast, 1801: Sold as a child to a floating brothel, 26-year-old Yang has finally bought her freedom, only to be kidnapped by a brutal pirate gang and forced to marry their leader.

Dragged through stormy seas and lawless bandit havens, Yang must stay scrappy to survive. She embeds herself in the dark business of piracy, carving out her role against the resistance of powerful pirate leaders and Cheung Po Tsai, her husband’s flamboyant male concubine.

Caught between bitter rivals fighting for mastery over the pirates—and for her heart—Yang faces a choice between two things she never dreamed might be power or love.

Based on a true story that has never been fully told until now, The Flower Boat Girl is the tale of a woman who, against all odds, shaped history on her own terms.]]> 438 Larry Feign 9627866563 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.01 2021 The Flower Boat Girl
author: Larry Feign
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/04/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 9]]> 57344240 The acclaimed adult horror manga is now in presented in deluxe hardcover editions in the original oversized serialization format.

Though Guts the Black Swordsman lies near death from battling the dragon knight Grunbeld and his demonic legion, the witch Schierke has a dangerous tool to put Guts back in the fight: the unholy Berserker Armor. But the accursed shell unleashes its host's inner demons, which might send the tormented Guts into eternal darkness!

Collects Berserk volumes 25-27, including three fold-out color posters.]]> 656 Kentaro Miura 1506717926 GaidenSpence 5 4.82 2021 Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 9
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.82
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2022/03/01
date added: 2022/04/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 8]]> 55695709 Kentaro Miura's legendary adult fantasy/horror manga is now available at its original published size in handsome deluxe hardcover editions, each collecting three volumes of the acclaimed series. Collects Berserk volumes 22-24, including three fold-out color posters.

The fall of the Tower of Conviction and the Grand Inquisitor, Mozgus, has heralded the unexpected return of Guts' former commander, Griffith, last seen transformed from a mutilated husk into a demon lord of the Godhand. Regenerated into health and beauty, and with his dreams of carving out a kingdom intact, Griffith has raised a new Band of the Hawk, but recruited from darkness to fulfill his deadly destiny.]]> 632 Kentaro Miura 1506717918 GaidenSpence 5 4.78 2021 Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 8
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.78
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2022/02/12
date added: 2022/04/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 6]]> 52815357 An adult fantasy/horror epic of monumental proportions, Kentaro Miura's Berserk is now offered at its original published size in handsome deluxe hardcover editions each collecting three volumes of the acclaimed manga series.

Marked with the unholy Brand of Sacrifice that draws the damned to him, Guts the Black Swordsman battles the minions of Hell that thwart his search for Casca, his former captain and lover. But Casca, too, is marked with the Brand, and Guts must find her before the legions of the abyss do! Collects Berserk volumes 16-18.]]> 702 Kentaro Miura 1506715230 GaidenSpence 5 4.75 2020 Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 6
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.75
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2022/02/07
date added: 2022/04/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 7]]> 54222102
Kentaro Miura's Berserk is an international blockbuster, producing a crashing tidal wave of followers and inspiring anime TV series and feature films, video and card games, and a multitude of related products. An adult fantasy/horror epic of mammoth proportions, Kentaro Miura's Berserk is now offered at its original published size in handsome deluxe hardcover editions. Berserk Deluxe Edition Volume 7 features over 700 pages of fear and fury, collecting original Berserk volumes 19-21.]]> 704 Kentaro Miura 150671790X GaidenSpence 5 4.80 2021 Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 7
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.80
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2022/02/04
date added: 2022/04/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World]]> 53138220 The remarkable, little-known story of two trailblazing women in the Early Middle Ages who wielded immense power, only to be vilified for daring to rule.

Brunhild was a Spanish princess, raised to be married off for the sake of alliance-building. Her sister-in-law Fredegund started out as a lowly palace slave. And yet—in the 6th-century Merovingian Empire, where women were excluded from noble succession and royal politics was a blood sport—these two iron-willed strategists reigned over vast realms for decades, changing the face of Europe.

The two queens commanded armies and negotiated with kings and popes. They formed coalitions and broke them, mothered children and lost them. They fought a years-long civil war—against each other. With ingenuity and skill, they battled to stay alive in the game of statecraft, and in the process laid the foundations of what would one day be Charlemagne’s empire. Yet after Brunhild and Fredegund’s deaths—one gentle, the other horrific—their stories were rewritten, their names consigned to slander and legend.

In The Dark Queens, award-winning writer Shelley Puhak sets the record straight. She resurrects two very real women in all their complexity, painting a richly detailed portrait of an unfamiliar time and striking at the roots of some of our culture’s stubbornest myths about female power. The Dark Queens offers proof that the relationships between women can transform the world.]]> 384 Shelley Puhak 1635574919 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.09 2022 The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World
author: Shelley Puhak
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/04/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Moby-Dick or, The Whale 153747 "It is the horrible texture of a fabric that should be woven of ships' cables and hawsers. A Polar wind blows through it, and birds of prey hover over it."

So Melville wrote of his masterpiece, one of the greatest works of imagination in literary history. In part, Moby-Dick is the story of an eerily compelling madman pursuing an unholy war against a creature as vast and dangerous and unknowable as the sea itself. But more than just a novel of adventure, more than an encyclopaedia of whaling lore and legend, the book can be seen as part of its author's lifelong meditation on America. Written with wonderfully redemptive humour, Moby-Dick is also a profound inquiry into character, faith, and the nature of perception.

This edition of Moby-Dick, which reproduces the definitive text of the novel, includes invaluable explanatory notes, along with maps, illustrations, and a glossary of nautical terms.]]> 720 Herman Melville 0142437247 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 3.53 1851 Moby-Dick or, The Whale
author: Herman Melville
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.53
book published: 1851
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, Vol. 2 (2)]]> 50891147 Bleach continues in novel form as an all-new threat arises!

The Quincies� Thousand Year Blood War is over, but the embers of turmoil still smolder in the Soul Society. Tokinada Tsunayashiro, elevated to head of his clan after a slew of assassinations take out every other claimant to the title, has a grand plan to create a new Soul King. His dark ambitions soon sow the seeds of a new total war across the realms, but all is not lost. There is one unlikely Soul Reaper who holds the key to defusing the conflict—Shuhei Hisagi, Assistant Captain of the Ninth Company and reporter for the Seireitei Bulletin!

The Quincies� Thousand Year Blood War is over, but the embers of turmoil still smolder in the Soul Society. And now the mystery of Hikone Ubugino’s past, which holds the secrets behind the very existence of the Soul Reapers and all their allies and adversaries, is about to spark an all-out battle royale. Meanwhile, Urahara and Hisagi must face down formidable enemies in a Karakura Town that has been completely cut off from the Seireitei as Tokinada Tsunayashiro’s fiendish plan begins to unfold!]]> 480 Ryohgo Narita 197471327X GaidenSpence 3 3.88 2018 Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, Vol. 2 (2)
author: Ryohgo Narita
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2022/02/07
date added: 2022/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, Vol. 1]]> 52757940
The Quincies� Thousand Year Blood War is over, but the embers of turmoil still smolder in the Soul Society. Tokinada Tsunayashiro, elevated to head of his clan after a slew of assassinations take out every other claimant to the title, has a grand plan to create a new Soul King. His dark ambitions soon sow the seeds of a new total war across the realms, but all is not lost. There is one unlikely Soul Reaper who holds the key to defusing the conflict—Shuhei Hisagi, Assistant Captain of the Ninth Company and reporter for the Seireitei Bulletin!]]> 272 Ryohgo Narita 1974713261 GaidenSpence 4 3.91 2017 Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, Vol. 1
author: Ryohgo Narita
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/24
date added: 2022/01/24
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Writing the Romantic Comedy: The Art of Crafting Funny Love Stories for the Screen]]> 52672256 “Writing the Romantic Comedy is so much fun to read it could pop a champagne cork.� —Alexa Junge, writer and producer of Friends

Revised and expanded to celebrate a new generation of romantic comedies, Billy Mernit’s insightful look into the mechanics of writing Hollywood’s most enduring genre features case studies that reveal the screenwriting secrets behind classics new and old.

Whether you’re a first-time screenwriter, an intermediate marooned in the rewriting process, or a professional wanting to explore the latest genre trends, this thoroughly charming and insightful guide to the basics of crafting a winning and innovative script will take you step by step from “meet cuteâ€� all the way to “joyous defeat.â€� You’ll learn the screenwriting secrets behind some of the funniest scenes ever written; how to create characters and dialogue that getsparks flying; why some bedroom scenes sizzle and others fall flat; and much more.Ěý

Written in a refreshingly accessible style and updated and expanded to recognize the contributions of a fresh generation of romantic comedies, this newly revised 20th Anniversary edition of Writing the Romantic ComedyĚýfeatures case studies drawn from beloved romantic classics such asĚýWhen Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall, Tootsie, andĚýThe Lady Eve to modern-day favorites including Hitch, (500) Days of Summer, Bridesmaids, and Silver Linings Playbook. Field-tested writing exercises are also included, guaranteed to short-circuit potential mistakes and ensure inspiration.

]]> 480 Billy Mernit 0062950274 GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.32 Writing the Romantic Comedy: The Art of Crafting Funny Love Stories for the Screen
author: Billy Mernit
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/01/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Return of the King 16142669 431 J.R.R. Tolkien 0261103598 GaidenSpence 3 4.58 1955 The Return of the King
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.58
book published: 1955
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/05
date added: 2022/01/05
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 5]]> 53040091 Kentaro Miura's epic adult fantasy/horror series is an international sensation and is now featured in 7x10 deluxe hardcover editions!

Griffith, the mutilated leader of the Band of the Hawk mercenaries, offers up his command to the demon lords of the Godhand in exchange for a rebirth into beauty—and terrible power. But the Hawks' berserker champion, Guts, will take on perdition itself to save his lover, Casca, from the profane violations that only Hell can offer! Collects Berserk volumes 13-15, and includes Berserk Prototype, the original Berserk submission story.]]> 720 Kentaro Miura 1506715222 GaidenSpence 5 4.76 2020 Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 5
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.76
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2022/01/02
date added: 2022/01/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings #2)]]> 13356707 THE LORD OF THE RINGS

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

Frodo and his Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in a battle in the Mines of Moria. And Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape, the rest of the company was attacked by Orcs. Now they continue the journey alone down the great River Anduin—alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.

“Among the greatest works of imaginative fiction of the twentieth century. The book presents us with the richest profusion of new lands and creatures, from the beauty of Lothlórien to the horror of Mordor.� � Sunday Telegraph]]> 323 J.R.R. Tolkien 0547928203 GaidenSpence 2 4.46 1954 The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings #2)
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.46
book published: 1954
rating: 2
read at: 2021/12/04
date added: 2021/12/28
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 4]]> 49491339 The acclaimed adult fantasy/horror manga now in 7x10 deluxe hardcover editions!

Guts, the feared Black Swordsman, has saved the Band of the Hawk mercenaries from annihilation at the hands of the army of Midland, but he must now descend into the dungeons of Windham Castle to liberate Griffith, the Hawks' charismatic leader. Imprisoned and tortured for his tryst with the King of Midland's daughter, the flayed and starved Griffith may be in isolation, but he is far from alone. Unspeakable horrors dwell within the dank catacombs, where the living may truly envy the dead! Collects Berserk volumes 10-12.

Kentaro Miura's Berserk has ruled in hell for three decades, creating an international horde of disciples and inspiring anime TV series and feature films, video and card games, and a blizzard of related products. And now, the entire Berserk series is being released in handsome oversized bookshelf editions, each collecting three volumes of the original manga.

Collects Berserk Volume 10, 11, and 12.]]> 704 Kentaro Miura 1506715214 GaidenSpence 5 4.84 2020 Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 4
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.84
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2021/11/24
date added: 2021/11/26
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[FX Derivatives Trader School (Wiley Trading)]]> 25670403 An essential guide to real-world derivatives trading

FX Derivatives Trader School is the definitive guide to the technical and practical knowledge required for successful foreign exchange derivatives trading. Accessible in style and comprehensive in coverage, the book guides the reader through both basic and advanced derivative pricing and risk management topics.

The basics of financial markets and trading are covered, plus practical derivatives mathematics is introduced with reference to real-world trading and risk management. Derivative contracts are covered in detail from a trader's perspective using risk profiles and pricing under different derivative models. Analysis is approached generically to enable new products to be understood by breaking the risk into fundamental building blocks. To assist with learning, the book also contains Excel practicals which will deepen understanding and help build useful skills.

The book covers of a wide variety of topics,

Derivative exposures within risk management Volatility surface construction Implied volatility and correlation risk Practical tips for students on trading internships and junior traders Market analysis techniques FX derivatives trading requires mathematical aptitude, risk management skill, and the ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure. There is a tremendous gap between option pricing formulas and the knowledge required to be a successful derivatives trader. FX Derivatives Trader School is unique in bridging that gap.]]> 583 Giles Peter Jewitt GaidenSpence 0 to-read 4.64 2015 FX Derivatives Trader School (Wiley Trading)
author: Giles Peter Jewitt
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.64
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/10/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 3]]> 44036458 The acclaimed adult fantasy manga now in 7x10 deluxe hardcover editions!

The hundred-year war between the kingdoms of Midland and Tudor nears an end as the legendary Band of the Hawk mercenaries, led by the charismatic Griffith and his fearless berserker champion Guts, turn the tide in Midland's favor. But impending victory ignites a secret war within Midland, as those seeking courtly favor see the ambitious Griffith as an obstacle to power. And nothing is more powerful than an enemy unseen! Collects Berserk volumes 7-9.

Kentaro Miura's Berserk has reigned in darkness for three decades, creating an international legion of acolytes and inspiring anime TV series and feature films, video and card games, and a phalanx of related products. And now celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, the entire Berserk series is being released in handsome oversized bookshelf editions, each collecting three volumes of the original manga.

Collects Berserk Volume 7, 8, and 9.]]> 704 Kentaro Miura 1506712002 GaidenSpence 5 4.81 2019 Berserk Deluxe Edition, Volume 3
author: Kentaro Miura
name: GaidenSpence
average rating: 4.81
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2021/10/13
date added: 2021/10/14
shelves:
review:

]]>