epic encounter

While traveling the Silk Road, Tangseng and his three disciples encounter a young boy hanging upside down from a tree. They rescue him only to discover that he is really Red Boy, a powerful and malevolent demon and, it turns out, Sun Wukong's nephew. Ignoring this family relationship, the demon kidnaps Tangseng and plans to eat him. The three disciples battle the demon but soon discover that he can produce deadly fire and smoke which nearly kills Sun Wukong. The two remaining disciples struggle to save Sun Wukong and Tangseng, enlisting the aid of several supernatural beings including Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. At the end, they learn Red Boy's true nature. This is the 14th book in the best-selling The Journey to the West series of stories for students learning to read Chinese. It is based on the epic 16th century novel of the same name by Wu Chen'en. That novel was inspired by an actual journey by the Buddhist monk Tangseng, who traveled from Chang'an westward to India in 629 A.D. and returned seventeen years later with priceless knowledge and spiritual texts. Over the course of the book Tangseng and his companions face the 81 tribulations that Tangseng had to endure to attain Buddhahood. The story is written, as much as possible, using the 1200 word vocabulary of HSK4, plus several hundred words introduced in previous books in the series. It is presented in Simplified Chinese characters and pinyin, and includes an English version and glossary.

The great epic of Western literature, translated by the acclaimed classicist Robert Fagles A Penguin Classic Robert Fagles, winner of the PEN/Ralph Manheim Medal for Translation and a 1996 Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, presents us with Homer's best-loved and most accessible poem in a stunning modern-verse translation. "Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns driven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy." So begins Robert Fagles' magnificent translation of the Odyssey, which Jasper Griffin in the New York Times Book Review hails as "a distinguished achievement." If the Iliad is the world's greatest war epic, the Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of an everyman's journey through life. Odysseus' reliance on his wit and wiliness for survival in his encounters with divine and natural forces during his ten-year voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War is at once a timeless human story and an individual test of moral endurance. In the myths and legends retold here, Fagles has captured the energy and poetry of Homer's original in a bold, contemporary idiom, and given us an Odyssey to read aloud, to savor, and to treasure for its sheer lyrical mastery. Renowned classicist Bernard Knox's superb introduction and textual commentary provide insightful background information for the general reader and scholar alike, intensifying the strength of Fagles's translation. This is an Odyssey to delight both the classicist and the general reader, to captivate a new generation of Homer's students. This Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition features French flaps and deckle-edged paper. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Britain's best-loved comic genius Stephen Fry turns his celebrated wit and insight to unearthing the real America as he travels across the continent in his black taxicab. Stephen's account of his adventures is filled with his unique humour, insight and warmth in the fascinating book that orginally accompanied his journey for the BBC1 series. 'Stephen Fry is a treasure of the British Empire.' - The Guardian Stephen Fry has always loved America; in fact he came very close to being born there. Here, his fascination for the country and its people sees him embark on an epic journey across America, visiting each of its 51 states to discover how such a huge diversity of people, cultures, languages, beliefs and landscapes combine to create such a remarkable nation. Starting on the eastern seaboard, Stephen zig-zags across the country in his London taxicab, talking to its hospitable citizens, listening to its music, visiting its landmarks, viewing small-town life and America's breath-taking landscapes - following wherever his curiosity leads him. Stephen encounters unknown mayors, sheriffs, newspaper editors, park rangers, teachers and hobos, bringing to life the oddities and splendours of each locale. He discovers Oklahoma's World Cow Pat Throwing Contest, attends Independence Day Parades, cherry-pie bake-offs, and visits the heartland of the Sioux Nation in South Dakota. A celebration of the magnificent and the eccentric, the beautiful and the strange, Stephen Fry's In America is our author's homage to this extraordinary country.

Now with a stunning new cover look,comes THE DRAWING OF THE THREE, the second captivating volume in King's epic fantasy series THE DARK TOWER. In the second novel of Stephen King's bestselling fantasy masterpiece, Roland of Gilead, the Last Gunslinger, encounters three mysterious doors which open - for Roland, and Roland alone - to different times in our world. He must draw the three who should accompany him on the road. The first door opens to 1980s New York, where Roland joins forces with defiant Eddie Dean. The second leads to the 1960s and conflicted civil rights activist Odetta Holmes. The final door reveals Jack Mort, a deadly serial killer, in the 1970s. Mort is stalking Jake, the young boy Roland met in Mid-World. As titanic forces gather, a savage struggle between underworld evil and otherworldly enemies threatens to bring an end to Roland's journey toward the Dark Tower... JOIN THE QUEST FOR THE DARK TOWER... 'King's imagination is vast . . . one of the great storytellers of our time' GUARDIAN THE DARK TOWER SERIES: THE DARK TOWER I: THE GUNSLINGER THE DARK TOWER II: THE DRAWING OF THE THREE THE DARK TOWER III: THE WASTE LANDS THE DARK TOWER IV: WIZARD AND GLASS THE DARK TOWER V: WOLVES OF THE CALLA THE DARK TOWER VI: SONG OF SUSANNAH THE DARK TOWER VII: THE DARK TOWER THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE: A DARK TOWER NOVEL

How far would you travel for love? WINNER OF THE MARCO POLO OUTSTANDING TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR 2018 'A wonderful love story.' National Geographic, Best Books of 2017 The story begins in a public square in New Delhi. On a cold December evening a young European woman of noble descent appears before an Indian street artist known locally as PK and asks him to paint her portrait - it is an encounter that will change their lives irrevocably. PK was not born in the city. He grew up in a small remote village on the edge of the jungle in East India, and his childhood as an untouchable was one of crushing hardship. He was forced to sit outside the classroom during school, would watch classmates wash themselves if they came into contact with him, and had stones thrown at him when he approached the village temple. According to the priests, PK dirtied everything that was pure and holy. But had PK not been an untouchable, his life would have turned out very differently. This is the remarkable true story of how love and courage led PK to overcome extreme poverty, caste prejudice and adversity - as well as a 7,000-mile, adventure-filled journey across continents and cultures - to be with the woman he loved. 'Charming... epic.' Daily Mail 'A feel-good story that's so feel-good it makes other feel-good stories feel bad.' New York Times Book Review

The epic story concludes as Musashi prepares to take on his greatest rival with his destiny in the balance! This is the third book of Musashi: The Novel, a sweeping three-book unabridged translation of Eiji Yoshikawa's bestselling masterpiece--Japan's most beloved historical novel. Masterfully translated for the first time in its entirety by Alexander Bennett, this vivid and fast-paced story reveals the exploits and inner life of a man who finds not only his true purpose but also his humanity. In this final book, Musashi is left to surmount one final obstacle--the great swordsman Sasaki Kojiro, who is legendary for his skill with the sword. As Musashi journeys to fight Kojiro, he encounters old friends and new enemies. Devoting himself to meditation and Zen study, he realizes that the pursuit of glory through violence is fruitless, and the only path to success can be found through introspection and discipline. To become truly happy, he must defeat not only his greatest rival but his self-doubt, tying up loose ends in the process. He meets with Otsu as he prepares to fight Sasaki, wielding only a wooden staff, with his destiny in the balance. This unforgettable conclusion cements Musashi's place as one of literature's most compelling heroes, brought to English readers at last in its full, unabridged glory.

Introducing the EXPLOSIVE first book in the Torch Trilogy - the hottest release of the decade! 'Urgent. Ambitious. Mesmerising.' THE TIMES 'Feels like the start of something big.' SFX 'One of the most gripping reads of 2024.' SUNDAY TIMES IRELAND 'One of the best YA dystopias in years.' BOOKSELLER 'One of the most compulsive reads of the year.' IRISH EXAMINER *WINNER OF THE YA BOOK PRIZE 2025* *LONGLISTED BRANFORD BOASE AWARD 2025* *NOMINATED CARNEGIE MEDAL 2025* They are hunting those who shine . . . Don't be deceived by Northaven's prettiness, by its white-wash houses and sea views. Many of its townsfolk are ruthless hunters. They revile those who have developed songlight, the ability to connect telepathically with others. Friends, neighbours, family will turn on each other in an instant . . . Lark has lived in grave danger ever since her own songlight emerged. Then she encounters a young woman in peril, from a city far away. An extraordinary bond is forged. But when power is everything, how will they survive? An epic new trilogy from an award-winning, internationally acclaimed screenwriter, Songlight promises to set the world alight! Readers are already hooked: 'This book was amazing, I couldn't put it down.' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'The Power meets The Handmaid's Tale . . . truly a joy to read.' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'I was personally held hostage by this book until the final pages, and in a good way.' ¿¿¿¿¿ Read the sequel, TORCHFIRE, now!

The New York Times bestseller from iconic Emmy-nominated actress and producer MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: Nineteen Steps -- soon to be a feature film on Netflix! "My inner history-loving teenage geek clapped her hands in ecstasy at the thought of a historical novel penned by Enola Holmes, and she wasn't disappointed!"-Kate Quinn Love blooms in the darkest days... It's 1942, and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her. After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, she becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just as she begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, tearing her world apart. But when it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph. Nineteen Steps is a deeply affecting, mesmerizing page-turner inspired by the author's family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown's propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love. "Inspired by my Nanny Ruth, this book is very personal and close to my heart. I grew up listening to stories about her time living through the war. I'm honored to keep her story alive."-Millie Bobby Brown

He's the Star Gardener. She's the new Agapéd. Lisa Robbie, a freckled, soon-to-be-eighth-grade girl from Keyport, New Jersey, happens upon a shooting star that isn't merely space debris but is magic-the Agapéd Magic. This leads her to a whole new way of life where she learns she has the most powerful magic in all four galaxies, a power that the Guardians have waited 120 years for... and they are not too thrilled about it. The only person who sees her worthy enough to wield this magic is the 700-year-old brutish Wishing Star gardener, Gaius. Still, even he won't tell her the Agapéd's true purpose-the purpose for Lisa's life. Why don't they like me having this magic? What is so special about it? Why are they keeping me and this Agapéd Magic a secret? Curiosity takes Lisa down a path of nightmares as the Agapéd Magic begins to take a toll on her heart, and she must decide if this new way of life is worth all the pain and sorrow tagged along with it. . . . The Agapéd Bearer: Wishing Stars begins the epic light-versus-darkness saga, a fantasy adventure perfect for those who enjoy constant tugging at their heartstrings and plenty of magical encounters. This edition of the book does not contain illustrations. Only the limited editions contain the author's colored illustrations. 2025 IngramSpark® Editorial Selection - Young Adult

The New York Times bestseller from iconic Emmy-nominated actress and producer MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: Nineteen Steps -- soon to be a feature film on Netflix! "My inner history-loving teenage geek clapped her hands in ecstasy at the thought of a historical novel penned by Enola Holmes, and she wasn't disappointed!"-Kate Quinn Love blooms in the darkest days... It's 1942, and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her. After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, she becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just as she begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, tearing her world apart. But when it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph. Nineteen Steps is a deeply affecting, mesmerizing page-turner inspired by the author's family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown's propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love. "Inspired by my Nanny Ruth, this book is very personal and close to my heart. I grew up listening to stories about her time living through the war. I'm honored to keep her story alive."-Millie Bobby Brown

Step into the hidden realms of The Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures -Global Mythology-an immersive artbook and fantasy reference that brings dragon lore, mermaid legends, and countless other supernatural creatures vividly to life. From the moment you open its pages, you'll travel across deserts, oceans, and cloud-capped peaks, guided by luminous paintings from master illustrator Satoshi Watanabe and prose that bridges ancient legends with modern imagination. Richly researched yet endlessly readable, this global folklore anthology profiles over 100 cultural myths-from Greek labyrinth guardians and West African river spirits to cryptids stalking Nordic forests. Each entry functions as both story and study: origin tales, epic lore, mythic symbolism, and fresh insights into how these beings still echo through movies, games, and pop culture today. It's a worldbuilding resource and cryptid guide in one beautifully bound collector edition. The Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures -Global Mythology reveals how myth answers timeless questions about fear, hope, and identity. From Japanese tales to Cerberus, the three-headed dog, this book will inspire and teach you about myths from around the world. Discover how Pegasus got its wings, what lesson the trickster kitsune hides beneath nine silver tails. Whether you're crafting a roleplaying campaign, seeking creative inspiration, or simply chasing wonder, this volume delivers a treasure trove of storytelling fuel. Perfect for gamers, artists, historians, and dreamers alike, this encyclopedia belongs on every coffee table and in every adventurer's pack and myth lover's. Turn the page-your next legendary encounter awaits.

The great epic of Western literature, translated by the acclaimed classicist Robert Fagles Soon to be a major motion picture directed by Christopher Nolan A Penguin Classic Robert Fagles, winner of the PEN/Ralph Manheim Medal for Translation and a 1996 Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, presents us with Homer's best-loved and most accessible poem in a stunning modern-verse translation. "Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns driven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy." So begins Robert Fagles' magnificent translation of the Odyssey, which Jasper Griffin in the New York Times Book Review hails as "a distinguished achievement." If the Iliad is the world's greatest war epic, the Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of an everyman's journey through life. Odysseus' reliance on his wit and wiliness for survival in his encounters with divine and natural forces during his ten-year voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War is at once a timeless human story and an individual test of moral endurance. In the myths and legends retold here, Fagles has captured the energy and poetry of Homer's original in a bold, contemporary idiom, and given us an Odyssey to read aloud, to savor, and to treasure for its sheer lyrical mastery. Renowned classicist Bernard Knox's superb introduction and textual commentary provide insightful background information for the general reader and scholar alike, intensifying the strength of Fagles's translation. This is an Odyssey to delight both the classicist and the general reader, to captivate a new generation of Homer's students. This Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition features French flaps and deckle-edged paper. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

He's the Star Gardener. She's the new Agapéd. Lisa Robbie, a freckled, soon-to-be-eighth-grade girl from Keyport, New Jersey, happens upon a shooting star that isn't merely space debris but is magic-the Agapéd Magic. This leads her to a whole new way of life where she learns she has the most powerful magic in all four galaxies, a power that the Guardians have waited 120 years for... and they are not too thrilled about it. The only person who sees her worthy enough to wield this magic is the 700-year-old brutish Wishing Star gardener, Gaius. Still, even he won't tell her the Agapéd's true purpose-the purpose for Lisa's life. Why don't they like me having this magic? What is so special about it? Why are they keeping me and this Agapéd Magic a secret? Curiosity takes Lisa down a path of nightmares as the Agapéd Magic begins to take a toll on her heart, and she must decide if this new way of life is worth all the pain and sorrow tagged along with it. . . . The Agapéd Bearer: Wishing Stars begins the epic light-versus-darkness saga, a fantasy adventure perfect for those who enjoy constant tugging at their heartstrings and plenty of magical encounters. This edition of the book does not contain illustrations. Only the limited editions contain the author's colored illustrations. 2025 IngramSpark® Editorial Selection - Young Adult

A stunning gift edition of the age-old tale of Odysseus and his journey. This epic poem by Homer, believed to have been written between the eighth and ninth centuries BC, continues to be essential reading for young and old alike. The Odyssey follows the Greek hero Odysseus on a ten-year journey back to his home in Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan War. The challenges he encounters along the way, both natural and supernatural, continually test his character and endurance. Run-ins with Cyclops, Medusa, and the Sirens are only a few of the obstacles he must overcome to see his wife and son once again. This collectible edition of The Odyssey, translated by Samuel Butler, features: An elegant faux-leather cover with foil-embossed designs Introduction by literature and writing profressor Andrew Lynn Unabridged text A summary of the original tale with a key describing its major characters A summary of what we know of Homer’s life This lovely classic is a perfect gift or a wonderful addition to your home library. Other Chartwell Deluxe Editions include: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Anne of Green Gables, Dracula, Emma, The Essential Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe, The Iliad, Inferno, Irish Fairy and Folk Tales, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Little Women, Meditations, Moby Dick, Phantom of the Opera, Pride and Prejudice, and The Republic.

A marvelously illustrated look at wild orcas Of the world's iconic predatory species, orcas are among the most fearsome. Their awesome physical power combined with their cooperative hunting skills and ability to problem-solve make them uniquely efficient killers. Yet orcas also celebrate births, grieve losses, and maintain lifelong family bonds. This stunningly illustrated book draws on five decades of field research and cutting-edge science to provide an incomparable look at the biology, natural history, culture, and conservation of these awe-inspiring marine animals. It explores the behaviors and characteristics of the world's diverse orca populations-from Antarctica, Iceland, and South America to Norway, Spain, South Africa, the Pacific Northwest of Canada, and the United States -and reveals the startling discoveries that scientists have made in recent years. Wild Orcas takes you on an epic ocean excursion to encounter these magnificent creatures as you have never seen them before. Features a wealth of breathtaking color photos Covers everything from social structure and family dynamics to evolution, physiology, interactions with humans, and the fascinating ways orcas learn from each other Explores orcas' underwater lives, such as how they "see" with sound Discusses the innovative and state-of-the-art ways researchers study orcas Sheds light on orca culture, from vocal dialects and hunting strategies to behaviors such as greeting ceremonies, beach rubbing, and porpoise tossing

Born in the remote fields of Sudland, raised in poverty-and with powers coveted by entire kingdoms. Anshalyn Nescoa grows up in hiding because her parents fear her gift will attract the dark warriors of Norkamp. But when a stranger appears and reveals that she is more than a girl-a magical elf who could end the war between Norkamp, ¿¿Sudland, Offenier, and Mauies-Anshalyn sets out on a journey. By her side: the small dragon Skilas and Askandar, a loyal friend she finds along the way. Her goal is peace. Her path leads her straight into the flames of war. Years later, Queen Anshalyn lives hidden away in Rosenheim-far from the splendor of the throne, the battles left behind. Until Ydecto, a mysterious stranger, overthrows the village and an ancient nightmare awakens: Demons, once defeated, step back into the light-more gruesome and powerful than ever before. Fleeing through enchanted forests and crumbling kingdoms, Anshalyn and Askandar must encounter gods, endure trials, and recover a fateful artifact: the head of Medusa-the key to salvation or destruction. An epic two-volume adventure brimming with magic, betrayal, powerful emotions, and merciless challenges. For those who yearn for vast worlds, courageous heroines, and an adventure that will linger long after the last page is turned.

The great epic of Western literature, translated by the acclaimed classicist Robert Fagles A Penguin Classic Robert Fagles, winner of the PEN/Ralph Manheim Medal for Translation and a 1996 Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, presents us with Homer's best-loved and most accessible poem in a stunning modern-verse translation. "Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns driven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy." So begins Robert Fagles' magnificent translation of the Odyssey, which Jasper Griffin in the New York Times Book Review hails as "a distinguished achievement." If the Iliad is the world's greatest war epic, the Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of an everyman's journey through life. Odysseus' reliance on his wit and wiliness for survival in his encounters with divine and natural forces during his ten-year voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War is at once a timeless human story and an individual test of moral endurance. In the myths and legends retold here, Fagles has captured the energy and poetry of Homer's original in a bold, contemporary idiom, and given us an Odyssey to read aloud, to savor, and to treasure for its sheer lyrical mastery. Renowned classicist Bernard Knox's superb introduction and textual commentary provide insightful background information for the general reader and scholar alike, intensifying the strength of Fagles's translation. This is an Odyssey to delight both the classicist and the general reader, to captivate a new generation of Homer's students. This Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition features French flaps and deckle-edged paper. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

An epic story of love, loss and second chances, The Last Boat Home will captivate readers of Fiona Valpy, Lorna Cook and Hazel Gaynor.1940: When Daisy, a paintress at the local pottery, looks out across Poole Harbour, waiting for the 'little ships' to bring the retreating soldiers home from Dunkirk, she prays her husband will be among them. But Alfie is declared missing, presumed dead, and Daisy must learn to live as a widow. Then a chance encounter with a French soldier throws Daisy's life even further off course, with heartbreaking consequences that will span generations.1996: Decades later, Felicity is just holding herself together after the sudden loss of her husband. Needing escape, she travels to a small seaside town in the South of France and is surprised to find a piece of home in the window of a small shop. How did a jug from her home-town's pottery find its way to the Cote d'Azur? Seeking answers, she opens the door to the shop, and on the possibility of finding happiness after all hope seemed lost...Boldwood Books are proud to support the RNLI and have pledged to donate to the RNLI based on sales of The Last Boat Home to support the work they do saving lives at sea.

Read by the author, Kate Barron'A truly inspiring story of courage, resilience and the call of the wild. Wilderness Mum is a testament to the extraordinary things we are capable of' - Tim PeakeMost people believe the wild years end when motherhood begins. For me, that's when they truly started.For years, Kate Barron lived a conventional life as a dedicated teacher in London – but her spirit longed for wilder horizons. Trading her classroom for a backpack, she embarked on a journey that led her from the jungles of Colombia to a windswept Scottish clifftop, where a chance encounter changed everything.There she met Chris Lewis, a homeless ex-paratrooper walking the UK's entire coastline to heal his past. Their meeting sparked an epic love story and a shared mission: living in a tent for years while raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity. But Kate's biggest challenge was yet to come. Choosing to have a baby without pausing their journey, she navigated pregnancy, childbirth and the realities of new motherhood while living completely outdoors.Wilderness Mum is the extraordinary true story of what happens when you refuse to follow the script. The perfect gift for Mother's Day, it's a love letter to the wild, a testament to the strength of the human spirit and an inspiring guide to embracing motherhood without sacrificing the adventure of a lifetime.

Preorder the start of Donovan Cook's BRAND NEW thrilling Dark Age series.Banished by those he loved; how far would he go for redemption? 449AD Old Saxony Octa, the son of a mighty Saxon warlord, stands in the shield wall for the first time, eager to make a name for himself. But instead of the promised battle glory, fear overpowers him and he flees the battle, causing the death of his cousin and bringing shame to his family. Disowned by his father, and hunted by his own people, Octa is spurred on by his mother's vision for his future, a promise of greatness to come. A chance encounter with a wiry traveller offers Octa a chance of redemption with a quest to retrieve a sacred weapon. To do this, Octa must travel to Britannia, a nation abandoned by the Roman Empire and unable to defend itself from its many enemies who smell weakness and riches. Joining the famous warlords, Hengist and Horsa, Octa travels west to forge his future and redeem his past. He must succeed where others have failed. He must find the lost spear of Woden. An epic adventure of turmoil, coming of age and survival set against a time when Britannia was on its knees and fighting for its very existence. Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy.

Battle Among the Stars Fill the peaceful void of space with missiles and laser strikes with Starfinder Flip-Mat: Basic Starfield! Created with a hex grid for the Starfinder Roleplaying Game (First Edition)'s unique starship combat system, Flip-Mat: Basic Starfield comes with two different backgrounds-a starlit void in deep space and the brilliant radiance of a nebula-to let you craft epic starship battles and fire your players' imaginations. Whether your party consists of bold starfighter pilots strafing an enemy dreadnought or intrepid smugglers running a corporate blockade, this extra-large Flip-Mat has you covered. Don't just describe your starship battles-make sure your players experience the excitement of every dogfight and evasive maneuver in the perilous vacuum of space with Starfinder Flip-Mat: Basic Starfield! This portable, affordable map measures 24" x 30" unfolded, and 8" x 10" folded. Its coated surface can handle any dry erase, wet erase, or even permanent marker. Usable by experienced GMs and novices alike, Starfinder Flip-Mats fit perfectly into any Game Master's arsenal! On tabletops across the world, the Flip-Mat Revolution is changing the way players run their fantasy roleplaying games! Why take the time to sketch out ugly scenery on a smudgy plastic mat when dynamic encounters and easy cleanup is just a Flip away?

The Great Railway Bazaar is Paul Theroux's classic and much-loved homage to train travel. The Orient Express; The Khyber Pass Local; the Delhi Mail from Jaipur; the Golden Arrow of Kuala; the Trans-Siberian Express; these are just some of the trains steaming through Paul Theroux's epic rail journey from London across Europe through India and Asia. This was a trip of discovery made in the mid-seventies, a time before the West had embraced the places, peoples, food, faiths and cultures of the East. For us now, as much as for Theroux then, to visit the lands of The Great Railway Bazaar is an encounter with all that is truly foreign and exotic - and with what we have since lost. Praise for Paul Theroux: 'Theroux's work remains the standard by which other travel writing must be judged' Observer 'One needs energy to keep up with the extraordinary, productive restlessness of Paul Theroux ... [He is] the most gifted, most prodigal writer of his generation'Jonathan Raban 'Always a terrific teller of tales and conjurer of exotic locales, he writes lean prose that lopes along at a compelling pace'Sunday Times Paul Theroux's books include Dark Star Safari, Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, Riding the Iron Rooster, The Great Railway Bazaar, The Elephanta Suite, A Dead Hand, The Tao of Travel and The Lower River. The Mosquito Coast and Dr Slaughter have both been made into successful films. Paul Theroux divides his time between Cape Cod and the Hawaiian islands.

The river-dwelling monster Sha Wujing was once the Curtain Raising Captain, but was banished from heaven by the Yellow Emperor for breaking an extremely valuable cup during a drunken visit to the Peach Festival. Later, the band of pilgrims arrive at a beautiful home seeking a simple vegetarian meal and a place to stay for the night. What they encounter instead is a lovely and wealthy widow and her three even more lovely daughters. This meeting is, of course, much more than it appears to be, and it turns into a test of commitment and virtue for all of the pilgrims, especially for the lazy and lustful Zhu Bajie. This is the 9th book in the best-selling The Journey to the West series of stories for students learning to read Chinese. It is based on the epic 16th century novel of the same name by Wu Chen'en. That novel was inspired by an actual journey by the Buddhist monk Tangseng, who traveled from Chang'an westward to India in 629 A.D. and returned seventeen years later with priceless knowledge and spiritual texts. Over the course of the book Tangseng and his companions face the 81 tribulations that Tangseng had to endure to attain Buddhahood. The story is written, as much as possible, using the 1200-word vocabulary of HSK4. It is presented in Traditional Chinese characters and pinyin, and includes an English version and glossary.

Discover how one 3,000-year-old story shaped the books we read, the movies we watch, the games we play, and our very idea of what it means to be a hero. Homer’s Odyssey is one of the greatest adventure stories ever told. Filled with shipwrecks, monsters, gods, temptation, cunning, and one man’s desperate struggle to return home, it has captivated audiences for nearly three thousand years. But the story of Odysseus did far more than survive. It became a blueprint for storytelling itself. In The Odyssey Effect, classicist Erica Stevenson reveals the astonishing influence of Homer’s epic across centuries of art and culture, from Ancient Greece to the Renaissance and from James Joyce and Margaret Atwood to Hollywood, Broadway, television, and video games. As a new generation prepares to encounter the story through Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film adaptation, discover how artists and storytellers have continually reinvented The Odyssey to explore our deepest ideas about heroism, identity, power, temptation, loyalty, and home. Richly illustrated, engaging, and accessible, The Odyssey Effect traces the epic’s extraordinary cultural journey through: Iconic literary retellings by Dante, Cervantes, Tennyson, James Joyce, and others Film, television, and theatrical adaptations , from the Coen Brothers to The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants Centuries of art, philosophy, theater, music, and popular culture Modern retellings that challenge and reimagine who gets to be the hero The enduring themes that continue to make this ancient story feel startlingly relevant today Perfect for lovers of Greek mythology, ancient history, classic literature, pop culture, and modern mythological retellings, The Odyssey Effect reveals why we keep returning to the same ancient story and what each new interpretation tells us about the culture that created it. Homer’s epic is not simply a relic of the ancient world. It is a living story that continues to shape how we tell stories, understand heroes, and imagine the journey home.

Nat Cassidy, author of the acclaimed horror Mary, returns with When the Wolf Comes Home, an unabashed, adrenaline-fueled pop horror thriller where the darkest fears can become reality. "Get your claws into this one, horror fiends. It's terrific. . . . Sink your teeth into a classic." -Stephen King " A crazy-good, balls-to-the-wall horror novel . . . it's full throttle from the first pages." -Joe Hill "This is the kind of great, big, epic horror novel we got back in the '80s that came out swinging for the fences and left everything on the field. Welcome back, you shaggy, bloody monster of a book! " -Grady Hendrix The 25 Best and Most Anticipated Horror Books of 2025-Men's Health Most Anticipated Horror of 2025-Paste Magazine, LitHub One night, Jess, a struggling actress, finds a five-year-old runaway hiding in the bushes outside her apartment. After a violent, bloody encounter with the boy's father, she and the boy find themselves running for their lives. As they attempt to evade the boy's increasingly desperate father, Jess slowly comes to a horrifying understanding of the butchery that follows them-the boy can turn his every fear into reality. And when the wolf finally comes home, no one will be spared. Other Books by Nat Cassidy Mary, an Awakening of Terror Nestlings

A marvelously illustrated look at wild orcasOf the world's iconic predatory species, orcas are among the most fearsome. Their awesome physical power combined with their cooperative hunting skills and ability to problem-solve make them uniquely efficient killers. Yet orcas also celebrate births, grieve losses, and maintain lifelong family bonds. This stunningly illustrated book draws on five decades of field research and cutting-edge science to provide an incomparable look at the biology, natural history, culture, and conservation of these awe-inspiring marine animals. It explores the behaviors and characteristics of the world's diverse orca populations-from Antarctica, Iceland, and South America to Norway, Spain, South Africa, the Pacific Northwest of Canada, and the United States -and reveals the startling discoveries that scientists have made in recent years. Wild Orcas takes you on an epic ocean excursion to encounter these magnificent creatures as you have never seen them before. Features a wealth of breathtaking color photosCovers everything from social structure and family dynamics to evolution, physiology, interactions with humans, and the fascinating ways orcas learn from each otherExplores orcas' underwater lives, such as how they "see" with soundDiscusses the innovative and state-of-the-art ways researchers study orcasSheds light on orca culture, from vocal dialects and hunting strategies to behaviors such as greeting ceremonies, beach rubbing, and porpoise tossing

Now with a stunning new cover look,comes THE DRAWING OF THE THREE, the second captivating volume in King's epic fantasy series THE DARK TOWER. In the second novel of Stephen King's bestselling fantasy masterpiece, Roland of Gilead, the Last Gunslinger, encounters three mysterious doors which open - for Roland, and Roland alone - to different times in our world. He must draw the three who should accompany him on the road. The first door opens to 1980s New York, where Roland joins forces with defiant Eddie Dean. The second leads to the 1960s and conflicted civil rights activist Odetta Holmes. The final door reveals Jack Mort, a deadly serial killer, in the 1970s. Mort is stalking Jake, the young boy Roland met in Mid-World. As titanic forces gather, a savage struggle between underworld evil and otherworldly enemies threatens to bring an end to Roland's journey toward the Dark Tower... JOIN THE QUEST FOR THE DARK TOWER... 'King's imagination is vast . . . one of the great storytellers of our time' GUARDIAN THE DARK TOWER SERIES: THE DARK TOWER I: THE GUNSLINGER THE DARK TOWER II: THE DRAWING OF THE THREE THE DARK TOWER III: THE WASTE LANDS THE DARK TOWER IV: WIZARD AND GLASS THE DARK TOWER V: WOLVES OF THE CALLA THE DARK TOWER VI: SONG OF SUSANNAH THE DARK TOWER VII: THE DARK TOWER THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE: A DARK TOWER NOVEL

A wolf sets out on an epic journey of revenge in this one-of-a-kind dark fantasy—the long-awaited second novel from the author of The Library at Mount Char, hailed as a "major talent" (The Wall Street Journal) The wolf Blacktail is faithful to his Forest God, but in these times, faith is not enough. His world is besieged by men. Soon his territory will be overrun, and then there will be nowhere left to go. When his mate, a house dog, is killed, Blacktail rebels. He invades the house of her owners, seeking vengeance. Blacktail’s fury catches the notice of an ancient and terrible feline witch, who makes an offer. What if Blacktail could end the human race responsible for the death of his family and for the destruction of the natural world, altogether? To do so, Blacktail must find and wake the Forest God. Only He might stand against the plague of men. Blacktail knows that his north woods are dwindling to nothing. He sees no other choice. As Blacktail journeys farther from his wild home and deeper into the world of man, he encounters strangers—animal; mortal, and otherworldly—who; for their own reasons, want to help Blacktail rid the world of humans. Along the way, it becomes clear that he is more than just a wolf. The Forest God is sleeping, yes. But what will be the price of waking him?

WINNER OF THE NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE 2025 War & War begins at a point of danger: on a dark train platform Korim is on the verge of being attacked and robbed by thuggish teenagers. From here, we are carried along by the insistent voice of this nervous clerk. Desperate, at times almost mad, but also keenly empathic, Korim has discovered in a small Hungarian town's archives an antique manuscript of startling beauty: it narrates the epic tale of brothers-in-arms struggling to return home from a disastrous war. Korim is determined to do away with himself, but before he commits suicide, he feels he must escape to New York with the precious manuscript and commit it to eternity by typing it all out onto the world wide web. Following Korim with obsessive realism through the streets of New York (from his landing in a Bowery flophouse to his move far uptown with a mad interpreter), War and War relates his encounters with a fascinating range of people in a world torn between viciousness and mysterious beauty. Following the eight chapters of War & War is a short 'prequel acting as a sequel', 'Isaiah', which brings us to a dark bar, years before in Hungary, where Korim rants against the world and threatens suicide. Written like nothing else (turning single sentences into chapters), War & War affirms W. G. Sebald's comment that Krasznahorkai's prose far surpasses all the lesser concerns of contemporary writing. Translated by George Szirtes

The New York Times bestseller from iconic Emmy-nominated actress and producer MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: Nineteen Steps — soon to be a feature film on Netflix! "My inner history-loving teenage geek clapped her hands in ecstasy at the thought of a historical novel penned by Enola Holmes, and she wasn't disappointed!”—Kate Quinn Love blooms in the darkest days… It’s 1942, and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her. After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, she becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just as she begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, tearing her world apart. But when it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph. Nineteen Steps is a deeply affecting, mesmerizing page-turner based on a true story from the author’s family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown’s propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love. “Inspired by my Nanny Ruth, this book is very personal and close to my heart. I grew up listening to stories about her time living through the war. I’m honored to keep her story alive.”—Millie Bobby Brown