"hard to find something in between complete n00b and full master" - My theory is that the best technical books or books for learning are the "intermediate" ones.

There are usually a ton of acceptable beginner's books and then very specialized and complex books but very few good "intermediate" books like the favorites:

- TCP/IP ilustrated - Perl Camel book - R&K C book - Silman's groundbreaking chess books - Harrington's groundbreaking poker books