epic encounter

In this major new rendition by the acclaimed translator Julie Rose, Victor Hugo’s tour de force, Les Misérables, is revealed in its full unabridged glory. A favorite of readers for nearly 150 years, and the basis for one of the most beloved stage musicals ever, this stirring tale of crime, punishment, justice, and redemption pulses with life and energy. Hugo sweeps readers from the French provinces to the back alleys of Paris, and from the battlefield of Waterloo to the bloody ramparts of Paris during the uprising of 1832. First published in 1862, this sprawling novel is an extravagant historical epic that is teeming with harrowing adventures and unforgettable characters. In the protagonist, Jean Valjean, a quintessential prisoner of conscience who languished for years in prison for stealing bread to feed his starving family, Les Misérables depicts one of the grand themes in literature–that of the hunted man. Woven into the narrative are the prevalent social issues of Hugo’s day: injustice, authoritarian rule, social inequality, civic unrest. And this new translation brings astonishing vivacity and depth to Hugo’s immortal dramatis personae–the relentless police detective Javert, the saintly bishop Myriel, the tragic prostitute Fantine and her innocent daughter, Cosette, the dashing lover Marius, and many others whom Jean Valjean encounters on his path to sublime sacrifice. Featuring an Introduction by the award-winning journalist and author Adam Gopnik, this Modern Library edition is an outstanding, authoritative translation of a masterpiece, a literary high-wire act that continues to astonish, stimulate, enlighten, and entertain readers around the world.

For the first printing only! This hardcover features sprayed stenciled edges while the special edition supply lasts. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea meets The Cruel Prince in this epic, lush young adult romantic fantasy following a royal kitchen maid who gets swept up in dangerous palace intrigue and a forbidden love triangle…and accidentally becomes the vessel for thousands of spirits and deities. A kingdom on the brink of colonization. Ten thousand nature spirits and deities seeking a vessel. A genial nobleman and a grumpy prince uncovering the secrets at Court… And the girl at the center of it all. Mirae has a dangerous secret: She has faked her way into a job as a royal kitchen maid with the hope of sending money to her family. And life in the kitchens isn’t easy. The palace is in an uproar after a recent assassination attempt on the king, and Mirae nearly gets fired after inadvertently getting in the crosshairs of Jae, the prickly crown prince, during his investigation. Her position gets even more precarious when a chance encounter with a witch in the mysterious spirit woods makes her the vessel of ten thousand spirits and deities. When her new powers spill out into the palace kitchens, Wonshik, a kind nobleman, lends a helping hand. Soon Mirae finds herself embroiled in a power struggle between the queen and Wonshik’s best friend, Prince Jae. With the help of a fellow kitchen maid and a meddlesome ghost, Mirae must untangle the web of lies to find the traitor within the palace. But an encroaching threat from the empire to the east looms ever closer, and the palace is rife with lies and shadowy allegiances. Who can Mirae trust?

Instant New York Times Bestseller! From the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series comes a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, We Who Will Die is the epic first installment in an enthralling new series perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jasmine Mas, and Rebecca Yarros. Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down. Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering—an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor’s elite guard. She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor’s court. With her brothers’ lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik—two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing—abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor. To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself—and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny…

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE CAPITAL WASTELAND: Explore the post-apocalyptic ruins of Capitol Hill with Fallout: Wasteland Warfare's latest expansion. Dive deep into the Fallout 3 universe, experiencing the never-ending conflict between the enigmatic Enclave and heroic Brotherhood of Steel amidst a chaotic wasteland. AMAZING ARMOR: Encounter a diverse selection of never-before-seen Enclave Troops bedecked in unique armor, ready to reclaim the Wastes from mutants, raiders, and monsters. Engage in epic battles as the Brotherhood of Steel, led by the Lyons Pride, fights to protect the Capital from their enigmatic foes. EXPAND YOUR BATTLEFIELD OPTIONS: This expansion comes with a booklet containing rules to expand your battlefield strategies. With 259 new cards, including unit, weapon, item, perk, explore, event, danger, stranger, creature, quest, and leader cards, enhance your gameplay and create new tactics to secure victory. NEW SCENARIOS AND FACTION RULES: Experience five new scenarios that challenge your skills and strategies. Master the unique abilities of two new sub-factions, The Slog and The Forged, and navigate the wasteland with unit rules for Ghouls. Delve into faction-specific rules and strategy guides to outmaneuver your opponents. STREAMLINED GAMEPLAY WITH VAULT-TEC APPROVED LISTS: Enjoy quick and seamless gameplay with Vault-Tec approved lists and regional rules cards, designed for swift setup and immersive gameplay. Simplify your gaming experience and engage in more thrilling battles, deciding the final fate of the Capital Wasteland. Access to the Fallout: Wasteland Warfare Two-Player Starter Set is necessary for full expansion use, making it a must-have addition for enthusiasts., Hersteller: Modiphius Entertainment

Ulysses is a modernist novel by Irish writer James Joyce. It was first serialized in parts in the American journal The Little Review from March 1918 to December 1920 and then published in its entirety in Paris by Sylvia Beach on 2 February 1922, Joyce's 40th birthday. It is considered one of the most important works of modernist literature and has been called "a demonstration and summation of the entire movement". According to Declan Kiberd, "Before Joyce, no writer of fiction had so foregrounded the process of thinking".Ulysses chronicles the appointments and encounters of the itinerant Leopold Bloom in Dublin in the course of an ordinary day, 16 June 1904. Ulysses is the Latinised name of Odysseus, the hero of Homer's epic poem the Odyssey, and the novel establishes a series of parallels between the poem and the novel, with structural correspondences between the characters and experiences of Bloom and Odysseus, Molly Bloom and Penelope, and Stephen Dedalus and Telemachus, in addition to events and themes of the early 20th-century context of modernism, Dublin, and Ireland's relationship to Britain. The novel is highly allusive and also imitates the styles of different periods of English literature.Since its publication, the book has attracted controversy and scrutiny, ranging from an obscenity trial in the United States in 1921 to protracted textual Joyce Wars. The novel's stream of consciousness technique, careful structuring, and experimental prose - replete with puns, parodies, and allusions - as well as its rich characterisation and broad humour have led it to be regarded as one of the greatest literary works in history; Joyce fans worldwide now celebrate 16 June as Bloomsday.

A is for Azeroth and B is for Blood Elf in this charming, official book inspired by New York Times-bestselling author Christie Golden leads readers on a delightful adventure through the Warcraft universe, featuring favorite heroes, lands, creatures, and quests. A is for Azeroth weaves WOW’s popular characters, locations, monsters, and dragons into an epic alphabetical adventure on Azeroth. In this heartfelt take on the classic alphabet primer, fans of Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft universe can laugh and learn all the way from the Azuremyst Isles to Zandalar. Whether D is for dungeon or dragon or Dalaran, this sweet escapade is full of essential vocabulary from the world of the game and paired with all-new original, full-color illustrations and text that is both funny and informative! Revisit fan-favorite encounters, tales of heroism, and places of magic in A is for Azeroth, the perfect way for players of all ages to share in the world of Warcraft. : Fan-favorite characters illustrated in an all-new art style from each expansion of World of Warcraft LAUGH AND LEARN: A is for Azeroth is packed with hilarious and informative lore, guaranteed to delight both longtime World of Warcraft players and new fans of the game GUIDE TO AZEROTH: A wry guide to the creatures, characters, and continents of Azeroth from A to Z! OFFICIALLY LICENSED : Created in collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment and New York Times-bestselling author Christie Golden, who created a good portion of World of Warcraft’s lore through her many author credits and years working on the cinematics COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION: The World of Warcraft Bestiary: Dragons of Azeroth, World of Warcraft: New Flavors of Azeroth: The Official Cookbook, and World of Warcraft: The Official Cookbook also available

In The Wind Through the Keyhole , Stephen King returns to the rich landscape of Mid-World, the spectacular territory of the Dark Tower fantasy saga that stands as his most beguiling achievement. Roland Deschain and his ka-tet - Jake, Susannah, Eddie, and Oy, the billy-bumbler - encounter a ferocious storm just after crossing the River Whye on their way to the Outer Baronies. As they shelter from the howling gale, Roland tells his friends not just one strange story but two . . . and in so doing, casts new light on his own troubled past. In his early days as a gunslinger, in the guilt-ridden year following his mother's death, Roland is sent by his father to investigate evidence of a murderous shape-shifter, a "skin-man" preying upon the population around Debaria. Roland takes charge of Bill Streeter, the brave but terrified boy who is the sole surviving witness to the beast's most recent slaughter. Only a teenager himself, Roland calms the boy and prepares him for the following day's trials by reciting a story from the Magic Tales of the Eld that his mother often read to him at bedtime. "A person's never too old for stories," Roland says to Bill. "Man and boy, girl and woman, never too old. We live for them." And indeed, the tale that Roland unfolds, the legend of Tim Stoutheart, is a timeless treasure for all ages, a story that lives for us. King began the Dark Tower series in 1974; it gained momentum in the 1980s; and he brought it to a thrilling conclusion when the last three novels were published in 2003 and 2004. The Wind Through the Keyhole is sure to fascinate avid fans of the Dark Tower epic. But this novel also stands on its own for all readers, an enchanting and haunting journey to Roland's world and testimony to the power of Stephen King's storytelling magic.

The number one Sunday Times bestseller. Read by the author, Christian Lewis.'Bursting with positivity and hope' – Ben FogleWalking saved his life. Now it will help find him a family. In the follow-up to Finding Hildasay, with his dog by his side, former paratrooper Christian Lewis takes his next steps – along the coastline of Britain, and on the road of life.Since his time on Hildasay, Chris' adventure has only gotten wilder. No one was more surprised than Chris when, in November 2020, he had an unlikely (seemingly destined) encounter with fellow adventurer Kate. The two turned out to be kindred spirits and – even more astonishingly – Kate made the bold decision to join Chris on the walk of a lifetime. Day in, day out, as they trekked the coastline down from Scotland together, their relationship grew, and soon the couple were thrown in at the deep end when their first child – baby Magnus – arrived.But, away from Scotland, Chris' struggles with mental health returned. The solitude of Hildasay seemed far away, and he unravelled once again.Through injuries and setbacks, with Jet the dog ageing and baby Magnus growing by the day, the adventurous family of four had to find their feet and come together to complete this epic challenge. They've navigated the east coast of Scotland, through Yorkshire and East Anglia, and struggled on to the Jurassic Coast where Chris slowly came back into himself.In Hildasay to Home Chris finally crosses the finish line back in Swansea with almost half a million pounds raised. He reflects beautifully on all that he's learned and the family he's found for himself along the way.

In A Vow of Glory, Thor embarks with his Legion friends on an epic quest into the vast wilds of the Empire to try to find the ancient Destiny Sword and save the Ring. Thor's friendships deepen, as they journey to new places, face unexpected monsters and fight side by side in unimaginable battle. They encounter exotic lands, creatures, and peoples beyond which they could have ever imagined, each step of their journey fraught with increasing danger. They will have to summon all their skills if they are to survive as they follow the trail of the thieves, deeper and deeper into the Empire. Their quest will bring them all the way into the heart of the Underworld, one of the seven realms of hell, where the undead rule and fields are lined with bones. As Thor must summon his powers, more than ever, he struggles to understand the nature of who he is. Back in the Ring, Gwendolyn must lead half of King's Court to the Western stronghold of Silesia, an ancient city perched on the edge of the Canyon that has stood for 1,000 years. Silesia's fortifications have allowed it to survive every attack throughout every century - but it has never been faced with an assault by a leader like Andronicus, by an army like his million men. Gwendolyn learns what it means to be queen as she takes on a leadership role, Srog, Kolk, Brom, Steffen, Kendrick, and Godfrey by her side, preparing to defend the city for the massive war to come. Meanwhile, Gareth is descending deeper into madness, trying to fend off a coup that would have him assassinated in King's Court, while Erec fights for his life to save his love, Alistair and the Duke's city of Savaria as the downed shield enables the wild creatures to invade. And Godfrey, wallowing in drink, will have to decide if he is ready to cast off his past and become the man his family expects him to be.

The first book in an epic fantasy series from debut author Cinda Williams Chima. Adventure, magic, war and ambition conspire to throw together an unlikely group of companions in a struggle to save their world. When 16-year-old Han Alister and his Clan friend Dancer encounter three underage wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea, he has no idea that this event will precipitate a cascade of disasters that will threaten everything he cares about. Han takes an amulet from one of the wizards, Micah Bayar, to prevent him from using it against them. Only later does he learn that it has an evil history-it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. And the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back. Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna, the heir to the Gray Wolf throne of the Fells, has just spent three years of relative freedom with her father's family at Demonai Camp-riding, hunting, and working the famous Clan markets. Now court life in Fellsmarch pinches like a pair of too-small shoes. Wars are raging to the south, and threaten to spread into the high country. After a long period of quiet, the power of the Wizard Council is once again growing. The people of the Fells are starving and close to rebellion. Now more than ever, there's a need for a strong queen. But Raisa's mother Queen Marianna is weak and distracted by the handsome Gavan Bayar, High Wizard of the Fells. Raisa wants to be more than an ornament in a glittering cage. She aspires to be like Hanalea-the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. With the help of her friend, the cadet Amon Byrne, she navigates the treacherous Gray Wolf Court, hoping she can unravel the conspiracy coalescing around her before it's too late.

Space is vast and untamed, and it holds many secrets. Now two individuals from opposite ends of settled space are on a collision course with the darkest of those secrets, even as the world threatens to explode around them. The year is 2322. Humanity has expanded into the stars, inhabiting over 100 worlds across a third of the galaxy. Though thriving as never before, they have discovered neither alien life nor the key to utopia. Earth struggles to retain authority over far-flung planets and free-wheeling corporations while an uneasy armistice with a breakaway federation hangs by a thread as the former rebels rise in wealth and power. Alexis Solovy is Earth Alliance royalty, her father a fallen war hero and her mother an influential military leader. But she seeks only the freedom of space and has made a fortune by reading the patterns in the chaos to discover the hidden wonders of the stars. Nothing about her latest objective suggests the secret it conceals will turn her life- not to mention the entire galaxy-upside down. But a chance encounter with a mysterious spy leads to a discovery which will thrust Alex into the middle of a galactic power struggle and a sinister conspiracy, whether she likes it or not. When faced with its greatest challenge, will humanity rise to triumph or fall to ruin? Aurora Rising is an epic tale of galaxy-spanning adventure, of the thrill of discovery and the unquenchable desire to reach ever farther into the unknown. It's a tale of humanity at its best and worst, of love and loss, of fear and heroism. It's the story of a woman who sought the stars and found more than anyone imagined possible.

The Odyssey describes the ten-year, adventurous journey home of the Greek hero Odysseus after the Trojan War, as recounted in Homer's epic poem The Odyssey; they are a long journey full of trials, divine influences, encounters with mythological creatures such as Cyclops, Sirens, and sorceresses - Circe, Calypso, and show his cunning and will to survive until he finally reaches his homeland of Ithaca to fight for his kingdom. The narrative is central to Greek mythology and culture and is considered one of the great journeys in world literature. The scenes of the journey were created with the help of AI. Premium high-gloss art print in museum quality. To ensure that the sheets of paper hang smoothly on the wall, this high-quality calendar has innovative insert pockets. They protect the large sheets from humidity effects. Paper is a natural material. The fibres react to fluctuations in the room climate. The tuck-in corners should therefore not be removed. Our environment is important to us, which is why we rely on individual production in Europe with high-quality materials. 14 Pages Consisting of 1 Cover | 12 Months | 1 Index Page | Sturdy Back Cover. Illustrations: January: Odysseus among the Lotophagi February: Odysseus resists the song of the sirens March: Odysseus' battle against the Cyclops April: The dangerous strait near Scylla and Charybdis May: Odysseus' long stay with Calypso June: Odysseus' battle against the Cicones July: Laistrygonians destroy Odysseus' ship August: Aeolus gives Odysseus the wind September: Odysseus at the Oracle in the Underworld October: Odysseus at Circe's November: Odysseus among the sacred cattle of Helios December: Odysseus' return to Penelope and Telemachus PREMIUM COLLECTION - Brilliant calendar with 12 beautiful motifs, high-gloss art print in museum quality. QUALITY - high-quality materials, sturdy back cover with 2 innovative insert pockets for optimum presentation on the wall. SUSTAINABLE - significant reduction in waste thanks to customised one-off production, production in Europe and climate-conscious logistics. VERSATILE - calendars for friends and family, for children and adults, young and old, for Christmas, birthdays or in between. Greek legend - more exciting than any crime thriller von Autor(in): Claudia Kleemann

The Odyssey describes the ten-year, adventurous journey home of the Greek hero Odysseus after the Trojan War, as recounted in Homer's epic poem The Odyssey; they are a long journey full of trials, divine influences, encounters with mythological creatures such as Cyclops, Sirens, and sorceresses - Circe, Calypso, and show his cunning and will to survive until he finally reaches his homeland of Ithaca to fight for his kingdom. The narrative is central to Greek mythology and culture and is considered one of the great journeys in world literature. The scenes of the journey were created with the help of AI. Premium high-gloss art print in museum quality. To ensure that the sheets of paper hang smoothly on the wall, this high-quality calendar has innovative insert pockets. They protect the large sheets from humidity effects. Paper is a natural material. The fibres react to fluctuations in the room climate. The tuck-in corners should therefore not be removed. Our environment is important to us, which is why we rely on individual production in Europe with high-quality materials. 14 Pages Consisting of 1 Cover | 12 Months | 1 Index Page | Sturdy Back Cover. Illustrations: January: Odysseus among the Lotophagi February: Odysseus resists the song of the sirens March: Odysseus' battle against the Cyclops April: The dangerous strait near Scylla and Charybdis May: Odysseus' long stay with Calypso June: Odysseus' battle against the Cicones July: Laistrygonians destroy Odysseus' ship August: Aeolus gives Odysseus the wind September: Odysseus at the Oracle in the Underworld October: Odysseus at Circe's November: Odysseus among the sacred cattle of Helios December: Odysseus' return to Penelope and Telemachus PREMIUM COLLECTION - Brilliant calendar with 12 beautiful motifs, high-gloss art print in museum quality. QUALITY - high-quality materials, sturdy back cover with 2 innovative insert pockets for optimum presentation on the wall. SUSTAINABLE - significant reduction in waste thanks to customised one-off production, production in Europe and climate-conscious logistics. VERSATILE - calendars for friends and family, for children and adults, young and old, for Christmas, birthdays or in between. Greek legend - more exciting than any crime thriller von Autor(in): Claudia Kleemann

Instant New York Times Bestseller! From the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series comes a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, We Who Will Die is the epic first installment in an enthralling new series perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jasmine Mas, and Rebecca Yarros. Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down. Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering-an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor's elite guard. She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor's court. With her brothers' lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart... and with the emperor's sadistic son, Rorrik-two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing-abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor. To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself-and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny...

________________________________________ The only book on 9/11 to focus solely on the remarkable testimony of those inside the Twin Towers during the attacks. At 8.46 am on September 11, 2001, 14,000 people were inside the Twin Towers in New York - reading emails, making calls, eating croissants... over the next 102 minutes each would become part of the most infamous and deadly terrorist attack in history, one truly witnessed only by the people who lived through it - until now. Of the millions of words written about that unforgettable day when Al Qaeda attacked the western world, most have been from outsiders. New York Times reporters Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn have taken the more revealing approach - using real-life testimonies to report solely from the perspective of those inside the towers. 102 Minutes is the epic account of ordinary men and women whose lives were changed forever in this kamikaze act of terrorism. This unique book about unique people, includes incredible stories of bravery, courage and overcoming unbelievable odds. Immortalised in this non-fiction masterpiece are the construction manager and his colleagues who pried open the doors and saved dozens of people in the north tower; the police officer who was a few blocks away, filing his retirement papers, but grabbed his badge and sprinted to the buildings; the window washer stuck in a lift fifty floors up who used a squeegee to escape; and the secretaries who led an elderly man down eighty-nine flights of stairs. Chance encounters, moments of grace, a shout across an office shaped these minutes, marking the border between fear and solace, staking the boundary between life and death. Crossing a bridge of voices to go inside the infernos, seeing cataclysm and herosim one person at a time, Dwyer and Flynn tell the affecting, authoritative saga of the men and women - the 12,000 who escaped and the 2,749 who perished at Ground Zero on September 11th 2001 - as they made 102 minutes count as never before.

"A spectacular debut filled with great characters and heart.” —Lisa See, author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan FINALIST FOR THE 2022 DAYTON LITERARY PEACE PRIZE · FINALIST FOR THE BALCONES FICTION PRIZE · LONGLISTED FOR THE HWA DEBUT CROWN AWARD An epic story of love, war, and redemption set against the backdrop of the Korean independence movement, following the intertwined fates of a young girl sold to a courtesan school and the penniless son of a hunter In 1917, deep in the snowy mountains of occupied Korea, an impoverished local hunter on the brink of starvation saves a young Japanese officer from an attacking tiger. In an instant, their fates are connected—and from this encounter unfolds a saga that spans half a century. In the aftermath, a young girl named Jade is sold by her family to Miss Silver’s courtesan school, an act of desperation that will cement her place in the lowest social status. When she befriends an orphan boy named JungHo, who scrapes together a living begging on the streets of Seoul, they form a deep friendship. As they come of age, JungHo is swept up in the revolutionary fight for independence, and Jade becomes a sought-after performer with a new romantic prospect of noble birth. Soon Jade must decide whether she will risk everything for the one who would do the same for her. From the perfumed chambers of a courtesan school in Pyongyang to the glamorous cafes of a modernizing Seoul and the boreal forests of Manchuria, where battles rage, Juhea Kim’s unforgettable characters forge their own destinies as they wager their nation’s. Immersive and elegant, Beasts of a Little Land unveils a world where friends become enemies, enemies become saviors, heroes are persecuted, and beasts take many shapes. A Recommended Read from: USA Today · The Washington Post · Entertainment Weekly · The Today Show · Real Simple · Good Morning America · Harper's Bazaar · Buzzfeed · Fortune · Vulture · Goodreads · Lit Hub · Book Riot · PopSugar · E! Online · Ms. Magazine · Chicago Review of Books · Bustle · The Oregonian · The Millions

'A spellbinding modern fairytale' BOLU BABALOLA 'Funny, sexy and breathtakingly romantic' EMILY HENRY One florist. One pianist. One love story . . . One hundred years in the making. Ricki Wilde has many talents, but being a Wilde isn't one of them. As the impulsive, artistic daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty, she's the opposite of her famous socialite sisters. In her bones, Ricki knows that somewhere, a more exciting life awaits her. So, when she is invited to rent the bottom floor of a Harlem brownstone, Ricki jumps at the chance for a fresh start. She leaves behind her wealth and chaotic romantic decisions to realize her dream of opening a flower shop. Then one evening in February, as the heady scent of night-blooming jasmine fills the air, Ricki encounters a handsome stranger who knocks her world off balance in the most unexpected way. Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamour, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is a swoon-worthy love story of two passionate artists drawn to the magic, romance, and opportunity of New York. *** THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER *** Praise for A Love Song for Ricki Wilde 'Magical and steamy . . . their love story is literally written in the stars' Red 'An evocative story of love against the odds' Reader Review 'Williams never ceases to surprise and delight!' Robinne Lee 'A magical, aesthetic, lyrical, sublime, timeless love story' Reader Review 'It's a showstopper' Publishers Weekly 'Punchy and poignant, sweeping and yet so intimate' Kennedy Ryan 'Quirky, suspenseful, and unforgettable' Booklist Starred Review 'Reads like the best kind of love song: tender, smart and sexy' Leah Johnson 'An epic romance' Glamour Everyone's falling for Tia Williams 'A sexy, modern love story to start the summer off right' Reese Witherspoon 'Modern, beautiful, emotional, sexy and funny!' reader review 'A smart, sexy testament to Black joy' Jodi Picoult 'Tia Williams conjures a seductive fantasy' Rumaan Alam 'Such a beautiful love story' reader review 'Hilarious, romantic and incredibly sexy' Hello! ''I literally couldn't put it down' reader review

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 Journey to the West series of stories for students learning to read Chinese. It is based on the events in Chapters 40 through 43 of 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 first 14 books in the Journey to the West series have used a total of about 1500 different Chinese words, but only 762 are used in this book. All new words are defined on the page where they are first used. The book uses Traditional Chinese characters and includes pinyin, an English translation, and a full glossary.

Discover the Mystical World of Scottish Mythology and History Do you long to explore a land filled with magical creatures, brave heroes, and ancient mysteries? This book opens the door to a land where myths and history intertwine, revealing tales that have shaped the heart and soul of the Scottish people. From captivating fairies to daring warriors, these stories will whisk you away to a world of wonder and adventure. Dive into these fascinating myths and legends: The Winter Hag: Discover how the icy touch of the Cailleach carved Scotland's rugged landscape. Giants of Legend: Witness the epic battle of two giants that created the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway. William Wallace's Fate: Relive the stirring saga of Scotland's greatest hero and his fight for freedom. Haunted Castles: Feel the eerie presence of ghosts wandering the ancient halls of Scotland's castles. Selkies and Love: Be moved by the poignant love stories of the magical seal-people, the Selkies. Blue Men of the Minch: Encounter the mysterious Blue Men who both aided and haunted sailors on the high seas. Bean Nighe's Death Omen: Uncover the chilling legend of the washerwoman who foretells death. Sacred Sites and Curses: Explore the sacred sites protected by ancient curses, guarding Scotland's deepest secrets. This book isn't just a collection of stories; it's a journey into Scotland's mystical past. Each tale is crafted to be easy to read, yet rich with the magic and history that make Scotland so unique. Whether you're a fan of ghost stories, fascinated by historical legends, or simply love a good tale, this book promises to captivate your imagination.

"THE SORCERER'S RING has all the ingredients for an instant success: plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers." —Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (regarding A Quest of Heroes) "[An] entertaining epic fantasy." —Kirkus Reviews (regarding A Quest of Heroes) "The beginnings of something remarkable are there." —San Francisco Book Review (regarding A Quest of Heroes) A DREAM OF MORTALS is Book #15 in the Bestselling series THE SORCERER'S RING, which begins with A QUEST OF HEROES (book #1)—a free download! In A DREAM OF MORTALS, Thorgrin and his brothers struggle to break free from the grips of the pirates, and to continue their search for Guwayne at sea. As they encounter unexpected friends and foes, magic and weaponry, dragons and men, it will change the very course of their destiny. Will they finally find Guwayne? Darius and his few friends survive the massacre of their people—but only to find that they are captives, thrown into the Empire Arena. Shackled together, facing unimaginable opponents, their only hope for survival is to stand and fight together, as brothers. Gwendolyn wakes from her slumber to discover that she and the others have survived their trek across the Great Waste—and even more shocking, that they have come to a land beyond their wildest imagination. As they are brought into a new royal court, the secrets Gwendolyn learns about her ancestors and her own people will change her destiny forever. Erec and Alistair, still captive at sea, struggle to break free from the grips of the Empire fleet in a bold and daring nighttime escape. When odds seem at their worst, they receive an unexpected surprise that might just give them a second chance for victory—and another chance to continue their attack on the heart of the Empire. Godfrey and his crew, imprisoned once again, set to be executed, have one last chance to try to escape. After being betrayed, they want more than escape this time—they want vengeance. Volusia is surrounded on all sides as she strives to take and hold the Empire capital—and she will have to summon a more powerful magic than she's ever known if she is to prove herself a Goddess, and become Supreme Ruler of the Empire. Once again, the fate of the Empire hangs in the balance. With its sophisticated world-building and characterization, A DREAM OF MORTALS is an epic tale of friends and lovers, of rivals and suitors, of knights and dragons, of intrigues and political machinations, of coming of age, of broken hearts, of deception, ambition and betrayal. It is a tale of honor and courage, of fate and destiny, of sorcery. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing." —Publishers Weekly (regarding A Quest of Heroes)

"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow." Widely considered to be one of Tolstoy's finest works, Anna Karenina is both a tragic love story and an exploration of the complexities of love, infidelity, and societal expectations in 19th-century Russia. Anna Karenina seems to have everything—beauty, wealth, popularity and an adored son. But she feels that her life is empty until the moment she encounters the impetuous officer Count Vronsky. Their subsequent affair scandalises her family and the hypercritical and unforgiving society in which she lives and soon brings jealously and bitterness in its wake. As Anna grapples with the consequences of her desires, intertwining narratives reveal the struggles of various characters navigating love, marriage, and morality as the author delves into deep philosophical questions about happiness, duty, and the search for meaning in a world filled with inevitable conflict. Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and social reformer, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time. He is best known for his epic novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, both celebrated for their intricate character development and profound exploration of moral dilemmas and human nature. In his later years, Tolstoy experienced a spiritual awakening which led him to reject materialism and embrace a life of simplicity, seeking to align his life with his beliefs about non-violence and compassion. Tolstoy's legacy endures not only through his literary masterpieces but also through his profound impact on literature and philosophy.

The Buddhist monk and his three disciples finally approach the western border of China. They find themselves in a kingdom where it hasn't rained for three years because the prefect has angered the King of Heaven. Sun Wukong brings rain and, of course, trouble. Continuing their journey, they meet a prince and his three sons. The sons want to learn how to use the disciples' magic weapons, but one night the magic weapons are stolen by a nearby lion demon. When the disciples go to retrieve them, they encounter an entire family of lion demons, including a nine-headed lion with vast powers. This is the 29th book in the best-selling The Journey to the West series of stories for students learning to read Simplified 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 the four travelers face the 81 tribulations that Tangseng had to endure to attain Buddhahood. Books 1 through 29 in the Journey to the West series have used a total of about 2,000 different Chinese words, but only 919 words are used in this book. We introduce 23 new words for the first time in this book, and each one is defined on the page where it is first used. The book includes pinyin, an English translation, and a full glossary.

Instant New York Times Bestseller! From the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series comes a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, We Who Will Die is the epic first installment in an enthralling new series perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jasmine Mas, and Rebecca Yarros. Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down. Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering-an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor's elite guard. She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor's court. With her brothers' lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor's sadistic son, Rorrik-two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing-abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor. To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself-and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny…

Cooperative adventure game: Vantage The game Vantage invites you into a vast, unexplored world where every decision shapes your journey. Designed as a cooperative adventure for 1–6 players, Vantage drops you onto an unknown planet after a crash landing – separated from your companions, but still connected through communication and shared goals. What makes Vantage truly unique is its open-world concept. With hundreds of interconnected locations and countless discoveries, the game becomes your personal sandbox. You explore from a first-person perspective, meaning every player experiences the world differently. While you can exchange information and support each other, each path is your own – creating a dynamic mix of teamwork and individual exploration. There’s no single “right way” to play. Whether you follow a mission, pursue your destiny, or combine both into an epic victory, Vantage gives you the freedom to define your own success. Every session feels fresh, unpredictable, and full of discovery – without the need for expansions or long campaigns. Just open the box and start exploring. Perfect for game nights, storytelling enthusiasts, and players who love immersive worlds, Vantage offers an experience that goes far beyond classic board games. Game details Open-world game li>,offers a massive open world full of exploration and discovery creates a unique experience with every single playthrough encourages teamwork while allowing individual freedom is easy to start without complex campaign structures keeps players engaged through constant new encounters supports flexible goals and different ways to win works perfectly for solo play or groups up to six players delivers immersive storytelling in a dynamic game environment Age: from 14 years old Players: 1 - 6 Duration: 120 - 180 min Language: english Content 415 large cards (double-sided, 80x120mm) 916 standard cards (57x87mm) 1 spoiler pack of cards 8 storybooks 1 Book of Vantages 1 game board 20 challenge dice 12 skill dice 60 boost tokens (cubes) 60 skill tokens 45 coins 6 time trackers (1 per player) 6 morale trackers (1 per player) 6 health trackers (1 per player) 6 location card holders (1 per player)

THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLING AUTHOR 'Wonderful . . . hugely ambitious and atmospheric' KATE MOSSE 'Superb storytelling' DINAH JEFFERIES Discover a brilliant story of intrigue, romance and betrayal in 1930s Italy, from the internationally bestselling author . . . . Italy, 1932 - Mussolini's Italy is growing from strength to strength, but at what cost? One bright autumn morning, architect Isabella Berotti sits at a café in the vibrant centre of Bellina, when a woman she's never met asks her to watch her ten-year-old daughter, just for a moment. Reluctantly, Isabella agrees - and then watches in horror as the woman climbs to the top of the town's clock tower and steps over the edge. This tragic encounter draws vivid memories to the surface, forcing Isabella to probe deeper into the secrets of her own past as she tries to protect the young girl from the authorities. Together with charismatic photographer Roberto Falco, Isabella is about to discover that secrets run deeper, and are more dangerous, than either of them could have possibly imagined . . . From the glittering marble piazzas to the picturesque hillside villages and winding streets of Rome, The Italian Wife will take you on an breath-taking journey. Perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies, Lucinda Riley and Rosanna Ley. PRAISE FOR KATE FURNIVALL: ' A thrilling plot ... Fast-paced with a sinister edge' The Times 'A thrilling, compelling read . Wonderful!' Lesley Pearse 'Gripping . . . poignant, beautifully written ...will capture the reader' The Sun 'Truly captivating ' Elle ' Perfect escapist reading' Marie Claire 'An achingly beautiful epic' New Woman 'A rollicking good read ' Daily Telegraph

"We can know only that we know nothing. And that is the highest degree of human wisdom."From the sweeping grandeur of War and Peace to the heartbreaking intricacies of Anna Karenina, and the powerful exploration of redemption and social justice of Resurrection, Leo Tolstoy: The Complete Novels contains unabridged recordings of the major novels by one of literature's greatest storytellers.The titles included in this collection are:War and Peace: This epic masterpiece intertwines the lives of several families against the backdrop of Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812. It follows Pierre Bezukhov, the illegitimate son of a count who is fighting for his inheritance and yearning for spiritual fulfilment; Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, who leaves his family behind to fight in the war against Napoleon; and Natasha Rostov, the beautiful young daughter of a nobleman who intrigues both men. Balls and soirées alternate with councils of war and the machinations of statesmen and generals, scenes of violent battles with everyday human passions in a work whose extraordinary imaginative power has never been surpassed.Anna Karenina: Widely considered to be one of Tolstoy's finest works, Anna Karenina is both a tragic love story and an exploration of the complexities of love, infidelity, and societal expectations in 19th-century Russia.Anna Karenina seems to have everything - beauty, wealth, popularity and an adored son. But she feels that her life is empty until the moment she encounters the impetuous officer Count Vronsky. Their subsequent affair scandalises her family and the hypercritical and unforgiving society in which she lives and soon brings jealously and bitterness in its wake.Resurrection: one of Tolstoy's later works, Resurrection is a powerful exploration of personal morality, the possibility of redemption, and the profound impact of one's choices on others, following the journey of privileged nobleman Dmitri Nekhlyudov, as he embarks on a transformative journey that challenges his perceptions of morality and justice.An intimate, psychological tale of guilt, anger, and forgiveness, Resurrection is at the same time a panoramic description of social life in Russia at the end of the nineteenth century, reflecting its author's outrage at the social injustices of the world in which he lived.Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and social reformer, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time. He is best known for his epic novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, both celebrated for their intricate character development and profound exploration of moral dilemmas and human nature. In his later years, Tolstoy experienced a spiritual awakening which led him to reject materialism and embrace a life of simplicity, seeking to align his life with his beliefs about non-violence and compassion. Tolstoy's legacy endures not only through his literary masterpieces but also through his profound impact on literature and philosophy.This audiobook is fully indexed. Once downloaded, each book and chapter will be listed so you can easily navigate to the individual section.

Instant New York Times Bestseller! From the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series comes a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, We Who Will Die is the epic first installment in an enthralling new series perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jasmine Mas, and Rebecca Yarros. Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down. Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering—an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor’s elite guard. She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor’s court. With her brothers’ lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik—two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing—abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor. To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself—and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny…

"Burnside is the coolest weird fever dream you'll ever have while awake. Sly, mordant, and often hilarious, with sparks of brilliance on every page, this incantatory tale of two young women caught up in an intrigue in a dusty CA town may well prove a signature chronicle of our American endtimes. A revelatory debut." --Chang-rae Lee, award-winning author of The Surrendered, On Such a Full Sea and My Year Abroad A Lynchian, absurdist debut novel for fans of Alexandra Tanner and Emma Cline about two disaffected young women and the local homeless man they become obsessed with. The Bowl is a strange place: Surrounded by abandoned almond orchards filled with feral children and neighboring towns that keep burning down, the polluted, riverside city has a decades-old web of serial killers and missing people. Our unnamed narrator, a bookseller at a used bookstore, and her roommate September, a waitress at a cowgirl-themed breasturant, spend their days avoiding their deadbeat boyfriends, commuting to class on the raccoon-infested 'rat bus, ' and hanging out at wine bars with their friend Claudia Thursday. But after September has an encounter with a local homeless man named Burnside, she becomes terrified that he's stalking her. Soon, the entire town has turned on Burnside, convinced that he is responsible for the violence, precarity, and wildfires that surround them. Burnside builds a dreamlike yet utterly propulsive tapestry of brilliant, flawed, and dangerous characters. A commentary on victimhood and safety, both real and imagined, the cruelty of late-stage capitalism and climate disaster, the brutal contradictions of patriarchy and quotidian humiliations of girlhood, and a fiercely imagined portrait of a California seemingly right next to our own, Burnside is a singular, epic, and wonderfully strange debut.

"A spectacular debut filled with great characters and heart.” —Lisa See, author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan FINALIST FOR THE 2022 DAYTON LITERARY PEACE PRIZE · FINALIST FOR THE BALCONES FICTION PRIZE · LONGLISTED FOR THE HWA DEBUT CROWN AWARD An epic story of love, war, and redemption set against the backdrop of the Korean independence movement, following the intertwined fates of a young girl sold to a courtesan school and the penniless son of a hunter In 1917, deep in the snowy mountains of occupied Korea, an impoverished local hunter on the brink of starvation saves a young Japanese officer from an attacking tiger. In an instant, their fates are connected—and from this encounter unfolds a saga that spans half a century. In the aftermath, a young girl named Jade is sold by her family to Miss Silver’s courtesan school, an act of desperation that will cement her place in the lowest social status. When she befriends an orphan boy named JungHo, who scrapes together a living begging on the streets of Seoul, they form a deep friendship. As they come of age, JungHo is swept up in the revolutionary fight for independence, and Jade becomes a sought-after performer with a new romantic prospect of noble birth. Soon Jade must decide whether she will risk everything for the one who would do the same for her. From the perfumed chambers of a courtesan school in Pyongyang to the glamorous cafes of a modernizing Seoul and the boreal forests of Manchuria, where battles rage, Juhea Kim’s unforgettable characters forge their own destinies as they wager their nation’s. Immersive and elegant, Beasts of a Little Land unveils a world where friends become enemies, enemies become saviors, heroes are persecuted, and beasts take many shapes. A Recommended Read from: USA Today · The Washington Post · Entertainment Weekly · The Today Show · Real Simple · Good Morning America · Harper's Bazaar · Buzzfeed · Fortune · Vulture · Goodreads · Lit Hub · Book Riot · PopSugar · E! Online · Ms. Magazine · Chicago Review of Books · Bustle · The Oregonian · The Millions

A NEW YORK TIMES MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2026 An unforgettable novel of a working dog, Etna, who, after a devastating war, embarks on an odyssey in the hopes of returning home. 'Gorgeous...a sublimely quiet depiction of loneliness and disorientation.' Hernan Diaz, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Trust and In the Distance 'For all its compactness, Etna has the shape of an epic. The story draws explicit comparisons to Homer's The Odyssey... the novel is tied deeply into both ancient literary tradition and tragically perennial concerns' Atlantic Set in a fictional country in the present day, this is a story told through the eyes of an ex-military dog, Etna. After surviving years of a devastating war, Etna decides one night to leave the men he has fought alongside and return home - to the place where he was taken from when he was young, in the thin but persistent hope that if a home exists for him, it might be there. Thus begins an exhilarating odyssey told through the eyes of a dog as he traverses across ruined landscapes and fights to survive in a world that proves, even in peacetime, to be just as precarious as in war. Along the way, he encounters other animals and humans who are trying to resume their lives again. What makes a life when there is no home to go back to? How do we begin to trust each other again after such devastation? This is a novel about the power of an idea, about never giving up and, ultimately, about finding hope in the most dire of times. 'In this masterful and infinitely moving dog's tale, Yoon shows us what great fiction can do: change the way we see the world by sharing the song of another heart. Destined to be a classic.' Mona Awad, New York Times bestselling author of We Love You, Bunny and Rouge 'This book is stunning. I was with it every second and it will be with me for a long time.' Joan Silber, author of Mercy and Ideas of Heaven 'A wonder of a novel.' Andrew Krivak, author of Like the Appearance of Horses and The Sojourn