Rating:  - just a starting point
Even more so than the previous versions of MS self study kits, this one heavily relies on readers to research things on their own. Also double check the "correct" answers in the practice exams they are not always so correct.
Rating:  - Not bad
I think this book is great at explaining the exam objectives (haven't taken the exam yet, so that's just a guess) but gets a little too heavy in some parts. Example, the xml lessons start way too advanced for anyone that has not experimented with it previously. I like the flow, development chapters first and slow progression into admin functions.
Rating: - MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-431): Microsoft SQL Server(TM) 2005 Implementation and Maintenance
Not especially well written and contains many errors, including some questions at the end of each lesson. All the errors were very frustrating and really slowed down my speed in getting through the material.
Rating:  - This book is thorough.
This book may not have everything you need to master SQL databases, but it will definitely serve as a reference for those getting started or building on some basic knowledge. As far as the test preparation goes, I don't know because I haven't taken it yet. But I always recommend preparing with materials published by the test's creators.
Rating: - Good mix of general and detail info
It's a good quality book with a good ratio of high level and very detail info. Not too many typos, almost none in the examples of SQL statements. I'd recommend it.
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