Michael J. Varhola

Imagine a world where not not evertone is either an adventurer or a bland list of skill ranks. Experts and the 3.5 sequel make that world a reality. The core of the book is the adaptation of the expert NPC class to a very long list of authentic medieval and ancient professions. These subclasses--a bit like kits in the 2nd ed "brown books"--come with their own class abilities. Many are viable options for PCs in the right kind of campaign. The alchemist, physician, scribe, and even the show more courtesan are a few of my favorites.
There's also a feat-and-skill combination to give otherwise non-spellcaster NPCs access to a low-level spell or two. Building an alchemist who can detect poison? Now you have the option, without also giving him access to inappropriate blasting spells. Want the blacksmith to produce flame? As an expert, he can!
For creative but conscientious DMs, I can't recommend this highly enough. show less

So, I'm normally a bit more lenient in my ratings than I'm being right now. I can normally appreciate a book for the intention behind it, the decent facts contained within, or the rich inspiration a good story can inspire. I had hoped to learn a fair bit from this book when it comes to local Maryland folklore, and perhaps even have a few sites to visit that would prove rich in a) local history and b) local folk beliefs. Maybe a few ghost tours would stick out...

I wish I had been so show more lucky.

Unfortunately this book proved a chore to get through, and didn't contain nearly enough information to satisfy me. This was no idle collection of folkloric legends, nor was it a travel guide, or a wealth of historical fact. his book tried to be all of the above (even going so far as to recommend certain restaurants, pubs, and dishes on occasion) and thus became nothing in particular. It felt more like reading unfinished blog entries or yelp reviews than a proper book. This book had a lot of potential, and it truly disappointed me that it never quite lived up to it.

The most irritating part of the book for me was how many times the author admitted to not having visited a site at the right time to be given a tour, go inside, or truly experience it. The author did not live terribly far away from any of the sites mentioned, and that sort of oversight seems unforgivable. Why wouldn't they visit multiple times, or at least call in advance to ensure they were able to do what it was they wished to? That, combined with typos, mentions of paranormal activity that never was fully described, and the lack of photos the author mentioned taking being included in the book made for a maddening experience.

I wish this book was better than it was. I truly do.

I just don't know what the editor was thinking. show less

The only reason this book is not rated a five, is because of its length. It is simply too short! An excellent reference work that provides a stunning amount of detail on precisely what its title promises. Lucidly written, this book gives the reader a glimpse of what it really meant to the soldiers and civilians to be fighting for "a way of life."

This is an interesting look at the various haunting sites that are scattered throughout Maryland. The author usually gives a brief history of the site and the background of the area and then goes into what the details of the haunting are. The writing isn’t boring or stiff as some of these books can be and often the history of the site is more interesting than the actual haunting. It is important to note that all the places, at the time of writing, were open to the public so anyone that show more wants to do a little ghost hunting on their own should be able to do so. This is also a good book if you looking to learn a little more about the history of Maryland. show less