deeper quest

Coming soon ... return to Prythian with TWO new books in the Court of Thorns and Roses series. Pre-order A Court of Splintered Harmony for 27th October 26, and A Court of Forgotten Melody for 12th January 27. 'One of the best fantasy book series of the past decade' TIME The final battle looms in the sixth book in the epic, bestselling fantasy series from the author of A Court of Thorns and Roses. A glorious empire. A desperate quest. An ancient secret. The search for allies extends to a new land in the sixth book of the #1 bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme for the wounds Chaol received in Rifthold. After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child at the hands of Adarlanian soldiers, Yrene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need, and she will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries his own dark past, and Yrene soon realises that those shadows could engulf them both. Chaol, Nesryn, and Yrene will have to draw on every scrap of their resilience to overcome the danger that surrounds them. But while they become entangled in the political webs of the khaganate, long-awaited answers slumber deep in the mountains, where warriors soar on legendary ruks. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival ... or doom them all. The Throne of Glass series includes: The Assassin's Blade Throne of Glass Crown of Midnight Heir of Fire Queen of Shadows Empire of Storms Tower of Dawn Kingdom of Ash

NATIONAL BESTSELLER A woman inherits a pawnshop where you can sell your regrets, and then embarks on a magical quest when a charming young physicist wanders into the shop, in this dreamlike fantasy novel. “Race through a lush world of pure wonder and romance—kites made of wishes that become stars, origami that holds time in its folds, and a night market in the clouds—in this lovely, cozy fantasy reminiscent of Erin Morgenstern's The Starless Sea.”—Booklist (starred review) On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it. Most will see a cozy ramen restaurant. And only the chosen ones—those who are lost—will find a place to pawn their life choices and deepest regrets. Hana Ishikawa wakes on her first morning as the pawnshop’s new owner to find it ransacked, the shop’s most precious acquisition stolen, and her father missing. And then into the shop stumbles a charming stranger, quite unlike its other customers, for he offers help instead of seeking it. Together, they must journey through a mystical world to find Hana’s father and the stolen choice—by way of rain puddles, rides on paper cranes, the bridge between midnight and morning, and a night market in the clouds. But as they get closer to the truth, Hana must reveal a secret of her own—and risk making a choice that she will never be able to take back. “Highly recommended . . . Readers who have been swept up in the cozy charm of Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee will fall hard for the mix of magical realism, fantasy mystery, and star-crossed romance.”—Library Journal (starred review)

First published in 1930, Bertrand Russell's The Conquest of Happiness is one of the twentieth century's most enduring guides to living well. Written by one of the world's greatest philosophers, this classic work distills Russell's deep intellect and sharp wit into a set of reflections that remain strikingly relevant today. Russell believed that happiness was not a matter of luck, wealth, or circumstance, but something that could be cultivated through clear thinking, honest self-examination, and the deliberate pursuit of life's genuine pleasures. In this book he explores the common causes of unhappiness-worry, boredom, envy, fear-and shows how to overcome them. He then turns to the sources of joy: meaningful work, affection, curiosity, and the quiet satisfaction of a balanced mind. Unlike abstract philosophical treatises, The Conquest of Happiness is direct, practical, and personal. Russell draws not only on philosophy but also on psychology, social observation, and his own experiences to offer guidance that is both compassionate and unsentimental. He urges readers to strip away unnecessary anxieties, resist destructive habits of thought, and discover a freer, more confident approach to life. For nearly a century, readers have turned to Russell's words for wisdom and reassurance. His insights anticipate the themes of modern self-help and positive psychology, yet carry the authority of a Nobel Prize-winning thinker who lived through the upheavals of two world wars. This edition invites new generations to rediscover a book that speaks with clarity and humanity about the universal quest for happiness. The Conquest of Happiness remains as timely as ever: a call to live with purpose, to seek joy without illusion, and to conquer despair with reason and hope.

A thrilling new Star Trek “movie era” novel from New York Times bestselling author Greg Cox! Three Eras. Three Mysteries. One Ancient Enemy? 2024: Almost forty years ago, marine biologist Gillian Taylor stormed away from her dream job at Sausalito’s Cetacean Institute—and was never seen or heard from again. Now a new true crime podcast has reopened that cold case, but investigator Melinda Silver has no idea that her search for the truth about Gillian’s disappearance will ultimately stretch across time and space—and attract the attention of a ruthless obsessive with his own secret agenda. 2268: The U.S.S. Enterprise’s five-year mission is interrupted when Captain James T. Kirk and his crew set out to recover an abducted Federation scientist whose classified secrets are being sought by the Klingons as well. The trail leads to a barbaric world off limits to both Starfleet and the Klingon Empire—and an ageless mastermind on a quest for eternity. 2292: The Osori, an ancient alien species, has finally agreed to establish relations with its much younger neighbors: the Federation, the Klingons, and the Romulans. A joint mission involving ships from all three powers, including the Enterprise-A, turns explosive when one of the Osori envoys is apparently killed. Each side blames the others, but the truth lies buried deep, nearly three hundred years in the past… TM & © 2023 CBS Studios Inc. Star Trek and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

'Stunning' RICHARD SWAN 'Greathouse is a master' RYAN ROSE 'Martin by way of Sapkowski' FANFIADDICT 'Thrilling battles, compelling characters, and high stakes' SFX A LAND DIVIDED. A HISTORY INKED IN BLOOD. ONE SORCERESS'S QUEST FOR ANSWERS. The world beyond the City of the Wise is fraught with danger. But Fola, a talented sorceress who has left the safety of its walls, is unconcerned. She's on the hunt for magical remnants left behind by the First Folk - ancient beings who are but the whisper of a memory. Only by finding them might she uncover the secret to their power and a way to pull the riven lands out of the darkness. Danger lies ahead for Fola, however she feels about it. And when events conspire to drag her into a cursed kingdom to investigate the death of its king, she's soon faced by threats from both the living and the dead. Fola will need to rely on her wits, her magic and her unlikely friends if she's going to survive. But there is always hope, no matter how dark things get. And three things remain true, above all else. Fellowship is stronger than isolation. The past will come back to haunt you. Nothing stays secret forever. A fantasy epic of breathtaking scope, The Tower of the Tyrant from J.T. Greathouse is a rich standalone adventure for fans of Geralt and Ciri in The Witcher, for those who loved the mystery of The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett, or for anyone looking to recapture the magic of The Wheel of Time series. 'A great, deep, and magical world to get lost in' A.S. TAMAKI 'A beautiful, intricate, angry book about the price tag of history' JARED PECHA ¿EK 'Absolutely riveting' THE FANTASY HIVE

In the first book of the Lightfall series, Bea and Cad are two unlikely friends who get swept up in a quest way above their pay grade to save their world from falling into eternal darkness. With a gorgeous foiled case, stenciled edges, and exclusive bonus content, this deluxe edition is perfect for middle grade readers who love captivating journeys and sweeping worlds like Star Wars and Amulet. Deep in the heart of the planet Irpa stands the Salty Pig's Tonics & Tinctures, home of the wise Pig Wizard and his adopted granddaughter, Bea. Keepers of the Endless Flame, they live a quiet and peaceful life, crafting medicines and potions for the people of their once-prosperous world. All that changes when Bea meets Cad, a member of the Galdurians, a race thought to be long-extinct. Cad believes that if anyone can help him find his missing people, it's the Pig Wizard. But when the two arrive home, the Pig Wizard is nowhere to be found-all that's left is the Jar of Endless Flame and a mysterious note. Fearing for the Pig Wizard's safety, Bea and Cad set out across Irpa to find him. Meanwhile, a dangerous being grows more powerful each day, and will stop at nothing to rid the world of whatever light it has left. Will these two unexpected friends find the beloved Pig Wizard and prevent eternal darkness from blanketing their world? Or has Irpa finally seen its last sunrise?

"From legendary filmmaker and author Werner Herzog, a compact, effervescent, and deeply personal exploration of art, philosophy, and history that unravels one of our most elusive and contested questions: what is truth-and how to find it in our "post-truth" era? For over half a century, Werner Herzog has challenged, enriched, and expanded our understanding of the truth. His films and books have mixed fiction and nonfiction, documentary and drama, reality and imagination. Invariably, Herzog goes beyond the appearance of what is true in search of a higher truth, or what he has often referred to as the "ecstatic truth". But never before has he engaged so directly with the question of truth. In The Future of Truth, a great artist essays an answer to one of humanity's deepest, most eternal questions. At a moment when deepfake AI videos are proliferating, and most people have simply thrown up their hands in despair at the ubiquity of what we now know as fake news-not to mention the constant lying and propagandizing from certain public figures-Herzog seeks a remedy. Mixing memoir, history, politics, poetry, science, and fierce opinion, he writes with dazzling originality and panache, urging readers themselves to be unflagging and imaginative in the pursuit of truth, endless though the quest may be: I don't think truth is some kind of Pole star in the sky that we will one day get to. It's more like an incessant striving. A movement towards it, an uncertain journey, a seeking full of futile endeavor. But it is this journey into the unknown, into a vast twilit forest, that gives our lives meaning and purpose; it's what distinguishes us from the beasts in the fields"-- Provided by publisher.

AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER - OVER 80 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE - PUBLISHED IN 89 LANGUAGES - SPECIAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR'S EDITION "Teaches us about dreams, destiny, and the reason we are all here."-Oprah Daily, "Best Self-Help Books of a Generation" A stunning 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new foreword by Paulo Coelho and charming interior illustrations-Discover the true power of trusting your intuition, honoring your instincts, and tapping into your innate inner wisdom Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom, and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery and spiritual healing, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, moving millions across the globe and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations. Helping them find inner peace, strength, gratitude, and a deeper, divine connection with themselves and the world around them. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago on a spiritual journey from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself a king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles in his path. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery that the most valuable treasures are those found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts. No matter where you are in life's journey, allow this profound fable to awaken you to the beauty of the present and the hope of the future, and what it truly means to be human and at peace. Year after year, across generations, Paulo Coelho's profound and enduring work remains fresh and vital for readers today. These pages, featuring new illustrations, and giftable, high-quality paper, beam with the message that if we trust in ourselves and our inner strength and wisdom, we can navigate all of life's complexities with grace and resilience. Discover your dreams and your truth with The Alchemist. "We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity."-Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist "It changed my whole life. I realized all of the people who had conspired to get me to this place." -Pharrell Williams, musician and songwriter What happens when a quest for worldly riches reveals a spiritual treasure you never knew you were seeking? Your Personal Legend: Uncover the profound idea that every person has a unique destiny, and that the universe conspires to help you achieve it. Following the Omens: Join Santiago as he learns to read the signs and symbols along his path, from a mysterious king to the flight of hawks in the desert. The Language of the World: Discover a universal language spoken not in words but through love, intuition, and a deep connection to the Soul of the World. A Profound Fable: A timeless, allegorical story for anyone at a crossroads, seeking courage to leave the familiar behind and embrace their true purpose.

Every sceptre demands sacrifice. Every tear betrays secrets. Every truth cuts deeper. Following the events on the Astral Mountain, the Quaternity is driven into Xylia's diseased forests, where the Sickening spreads as fast as suspicion. Leilani is torn between Astrophel and Blayze, betrothed to one and bound to the other by a shared telepathy, while Arden's memories haunt her: taunting her with the possibility her own bloodline seeded Arcelia's ruin. Marked by dangerous Shadow Magic, Leilani finds herself increasingly isolated. As they race to claim the Healing Bough before Endellion, old loyalties splinter, and Leilani's new powers threaten to consume her. She must master them, or risk yielding to darkness and reducing the realms to ash. PRAISE FOR VENETIA CONSTANTINE: 'A Tolkienesqu e journey through a gorgeous, shimmering world' - Samantha Shannon , bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree ' As dazzling as starlight , Constantine's star is soaring' - Saara El-Arifi , bestselling author of Faebound 'A tale that promises not just breathtaking adventure , but also the kind of emotional depth and resonance that lingers long after the page is turned ' - Susan Stokes-Chapman , bestselling author of Pandora 'Every inch of Constantine's world dazzles with magic and depth ... it has all the makings of a fantasy sensation ' - Frances White , bestselling author of Voyage of the Damned 'Constantine's gorgeous prose is an arrow straight to the heart' - A. Y. Chao , bestselling author of Shanghai Immortal 'An epic quest, a fraught love triangle and the most beautifully realised magical world... a truly beautiful and transporting read ' - Elodie Harper , bestselling author of The Wolf Den trilogy

Only for us - special edition with beautiful sprayed edges. Every sceptre demands sacrifice. Every tear betrays secrets. Every truth cuts deeper. Following the events on the Astral Mountain, the Quaternity is driven into Xylia's diseased forests, where the Sickening spreads as fast as suspicion. Leilani is torn between Astrophel and Blayze, betrothed to one and bound to the other by a shared telepathy, while Arden's memories haunt her: taunting her with the possibility her own bloodline seeded Arcelia's ruin. Marked by dangerous Shadow Magic, Leilani finds herself increasingly isolated. As they race to claim the Healing Bough before Endellion, old loyalties splinter, and Leilani's new powers threaten to consume her. She must master them, or risk yielding to darkness and reducing the realms to ash. PRAISE FOR VENETIA CONSTANTINE: 'A Tolkienesqu e journey through a gorgeous, shimmering world' - Samantha Shannon , bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree ' As dazzling as starlight , Constantine's star is soaring' - Saara El-Arifi , bestselling author of Faebound 'A tale that promises not just breathtaking adventure , but also the kind of emotional depth and resonance that lingers long after the page is turned ' - Susan Stokes-Chapman , bestselling author of Pandora 'Every inch of Constantine's world dazzles with magic and depth ... it has all the makings of a fantasy sensation ' - Frances White , bestselling author of Voyage of the Damned 'Constantine's gorgeous prose is an arrow straight to the heart' - A. Y. Chao , bestselling author of Shanghai Immortal 'An epic quest, a fraught love triangle and the most beautifully realised magical world... a truly beautiful and transporting read ' - Elodie Harper , bestselling author of The Wolf Den trilogy

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.

A LUMINOUS MEMOIR OF ADDICTION, RECOVERY, AND THE DEEP PULL OF RELIGION FROM AN AWARD-WINNING AMERICAN WRITER 'One of the best memoirs of the decade' Jia Tolentino 'Remarkable, complex, surprising, compelling' James Wood, New Yorker 'Staggering . . . the single best book about addiction I have ever read' Keiran Goddard, author of I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning __________________________ In her late thirties, Meghan O'Gieblyn found herself in crisis. Earlier that year, she had relapsed back into an alcohol addiction she had kicked in her twenties. The year before that, she had been briefly drawn back to the faith she had renounced decades earlier, through a friendship she developed with a Catholic priest. Both of these events happened in secret, hidden from everyone close to her, and both felt like acts of regression - a return to paths she had walked before. This fundamentally unsettled her belief that she was a unified self with transparent motives. How is a person to avoid those irrational mistakes that they continually return to, despite knowing they are harmful? Can we truly master our will, or are we always divided selves? And can we ever satisfy the deep yearning our compulsions speak to? __________________________ PRAISE FOR WILL AND ATTENTION . . . 'A mesmerizing quest for ecstasy, suffused with suffering and joy, ambivalence and insight' New York Times 'A brilliant portrait of a brilliant person: gentle, melancholy, bracing, and astute' Lorrie Moore 'Brave in its disclosures but more so in its demands, its spiritual rigor, and its ardent intellectualism' James Wood, New Yorker' 'This is one of the best memoirs of the decade - a cool-water baptism, so bracing I felt transformed' Jia Tolentino, New Yorker culture critic and author of Trick Mirror 'A bracing, beautiful book that reads like a fortifying talk with an intimate companion. Mesmerizing, invigorating, and profound ' Claire Vaye Watkins, author of I Love You but I've Chosen Darkness 'Staggering. This is the single best book about the relationship between faith and addiction I have ever read, which, by definition, makes it the single best book about addiction I have ever read. A prayer to recovery in the deepest sense of the word: the reclamation of something fundamental' Keiran Goddard, author of I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning 'Will and Attention is a profound act of personal, spiritual, and philosophical inquiry. I'll be thinking about this book for a long time' Chloe Benjamin, author of Under Story 'An elegant and philosophical memoir about addiction whose stakes are no less than what comprises one's will to live, what it means to be good, and the worth of devotion' Melissa Febos, bestselling author of Girlhood and The Dry Season 'Will and Attention had an immediate and profound effect on me. I have not stopped thinking about it since, both as a source of comfort and one of inspiration - it seems to offer both salves at once. I found it astonishing' Lamorna Ash, author of Don't Forget We're Here Forever

In "Prester John," John Buchan crafts a thrilling adventure that marries historical fiction with the allure of myth, exploring themes of exploration, faith, and the enigmatic figure of Prester John'Äîa legendary Christian king believed to have ruled a vast kingdom in the East. Buchan'Äôs literary style reflects a sophisticated use of narrative tension and vivid imagery, drawing the reader into a richly woven tale filled with exotic landscapes and perilous encounters. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century imperialism, the novel is imbued with a sense of the age's fascination with uncharted territories and the quest for deeper spiritual meanings amidst the triumphs and trials of colonial adventures. John Buchan, a Scottish novelist and politician, was influenced by his own varied experiences as a soldier, a statesman, and a man of letters, which provided him with a wealth of perspectives on the interplay between culture and adventure. His extensive travels and affinity for history likely fueled his imagination, prompting him to delve into the legends surrounding the mythical King Prester John, which have intrigued scholars and adventurers alike for centuries. "Prester John" is highly recommended for readers who crave an exhilarating blend of adventure and historical intrigue. Buchan'Äôs masterful storytelling not only captivates the audience but also prompts them to reflect on the complexities of faith and the human experience. This novel is a significant addition to the library of those interested in the interplay between myth and reality in the context of early 20th-century narratives.

'One of the best fantasy book series of the past decade' TIME The final battle looms in the sixth book in the epic, bestselling fantasy series from the author of A Court of Thorns and Roses. A glorious empire. A desperate quest. An ancient secret. The search for allies extends to a new land in the sixth book of the #1 bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme for the wounds Chaol received in Rifthold. After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child at the hands of Adarlanian soldiers, Yrene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need, and she will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries his own dark past, and Yrene soon realises that those shadows could engulf them both. Chaol, Nesryn, and Yrene will have to draw on every scrap of their resilience to overcome the danger that surrounds them. But while they become entangled in the political webs of the khaganate, long-awaited answers slumber deep in the mountains, where warriors soar on legendary ruks. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival ... or doom them all.

"A book to rival TWILIGHT and VAMPIRE DIARIES, and one that will have you wanting to keep reading until the very last page! Alienated from her friends and family—and with only one night left before Sage is wiped out—Scarlet is forced to choose whether to sacrifice it all for him. Caitlin and Caleb race desperately to save their daughter, still determined to find a way to cure Scarlet and to end vampirism for all time. Their quest leads them to one shocking secret after the next as they seek to find the ancient, lost vampire city, hidden deep beneath the Sphinx in Egypt. What they find may just change the destiny of the vampire race for all time. Yet it may still be too late. The Immortalist nation is intent on killing Scarlet and Sage, while Kyle, too, is on a murderous rampage, turning Vivian and the entire high school into his own vampire army, set on destroying the town. In OBSESSED, the shocking finale of the 12 book series THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS, Scarlet and Caitlin will be left with a monumental choice—one that will change the world forever. Will Scarlet make the ultimate sacrifice to save Sage's life? Will Caitlin give up everything to save her daughter? Will they both risk everything for love? "Morgan Rice proves herself again to be an extremely talented storyteller….This would appeal to a wide range of audiences, including younger fans of the vampire/fantasy genre. It ended with an unexpected cliffhanger that leaves you shocked." –The Romance Reviews (regarding Loved)

Alaric, Paladin of Solaris I was sent to kill her... but I submitted to her instead. The GodKing ordered me to slay the sorceress Sylvanna and retrieve the Heart of the Eclipse-a legendary artifact said to shape fate itself. Failure was not an option. But when I found her, her Shadow Magic overwhelmed my Celestial Light. I alone bear the Holy Fire, yet I was powerless against her. She offered me a deal: take her Oath of Submission and serve her for a time, and she would grant me a chance at the Heart. I had no choice but to obey. I never expected to crave it. Sylvanna, Sorceress of Nocturna He came to destroy me. Now he is mine. Shadowbound. I knew the Paladin was coming to kill me. I didn't expect him to kneel. Alaric is strong enough to snap me in half... but instead, he begs to serve, to please, to taste. He burns with Light, but his soul hungers for Shadow-and for me. Training him is a pleasure. Keeping him is a temptation. But our bond will be tested. To reclaim the Heart of the Eclipse, we must travel to the City of Night and face Kraven-my treacherous former Blood-Partner. If we fail, our kingdoms will fall. If we succeed... the magic awakening inside my Paladin may change everything. Shadowbound is a steamy enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance featuring: * A dominant vampire sorceress * A proud, submissive paladin hero/ Dragon Shifter * Sex-Magic training, and power exchange * A high-stakes quest through a sensual, magical world * Fated mates tension with dark spice and deep feels If you love romantasy, magical kink, Dark Romance, enemies to lovers, and powerful heroines who take what they want, this book is for you.

An AudioFile Earphones Award Winner. Read by Grover Gardner. Consumed with grief, driven by vengeance, a man undertakes an unrelenting odyssey across the lawless post-Civil War frontier seeking redemption in this fearless novel from the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of News of the World. Union soldier John Chenneville suffered a traumatic head wound in battle. His recovery took the better part of a year as he struggled to regain his senses and mobility. By the time he returned home, the Civil War was over, but tragedy awaited. John's beloved sister and her family had been brutally murdered. Their killer goes by many names. He fought for the North in the late unpleasantness, and wore a badge in the name of the law. But the man John knows as A. J. Dodd is little more than a rabid animal, slaughtering without reason or remorse, needing to be put down. Traveling through the unforgiving landscape of a shattered nation in the midst of Reconstruction, John braves winter storms and confronts desperate people in pursuit of his quarry. Untethered, single-minded in purpose, he will not be deterred. Not by the U.S. Marshal who threatens to arrest him for murder should he succeed. And not by Victoria Reavis, the telegraphist aiding him in his death-driven quest, yet hoping he'll choose to embrace a life with her instead. And as he trails Dodd deep into Texas, John accepts that this final reckoning between them may cost him more than all he's already lost...

Embark on an enlightening expedition through the lesser-known yet fascinating text of 1 Esdras — one of the Apocrypha books included in the Original 1611 King James Bible and often regarded as an apocryphal treasure. This ancient manuscript, echoing the chronicles of Ezra, offers a distinctive perspective on pivotal moments in Jewish history. Journey into the heart of the Jewish exile and return, as 1 Esdras masterfully recounts the trials and triumphs of the Israelites. The narrative beautifully intertwines historical events with spiritual insights, offering a deeper understanding of the Jewish people's resilience and faith during their Babylonian captivity and subsequent liberation. Discover the intriguing narrative of the three bodyguards' debate in King Darius' court, a story exclusive to 1 Esdras that highlights wisdom, truth, and the strength of youth. This tale not only captivates with its eloquence but also offers profound reflections on the virtues that govern human life and leadership. Delve into the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem, a central theme of 1 Esdras. This account provides a vivid depiction of the challenges and triumphs involved in rebuilding a nation's spiritual heart. The text encourages contemplation on the importance of faith, community, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Concluding with reflections on the power of prayer and the role of divine providence, 1 Esdras invites you on a quest to unearth the hidden gems within its chapters. As one of the apocryphal books of the Bible, it ignites curiosity about historical interpretations, the resilience of faith, and the enduring lessons that resonate through time.

"Time is not merely a cold gear turning in the hand of a watch; it is a living heart beating in our cells, our dreams, and our folk songs." Since the dawn of existence, humanity has sought order within the chaotic dance of the stars. This quest has evolved into a monumental story of mastery-one where the solar calendars of Ancient Egypt, the intricate cycles of the Chinese zodiac, the lunar rhythms of the Hijri calendar, and the cosmic long counts of the Mayans and Aztecs all collide. From Caesar's desperate calendar reforms to the brief madness of the French Revolutionary calendar, and finally to the absolute precision of atomic clocks, civilizations built these systems not just to measure the day, but to tame the unknown. In Calendar Systems of Humanity and Time, Hüseyin Doğan invites you to break free from being a slave to seconds and to listen to the magnificent symphony of the cosmos. Within these pages, you will discover the mathematical genius and dusty history behind humanity's greatest calendars, while exploring how time itself is etched into our very flesh and bone-from the biological clocks hidden deep within our cells to the metabolic secrets of the Seven Sleepers' centuries-long slumber. We all walk under the same sky, following the rhythms of different calendar systems, yet moving toward the same common destiny-the other door of that "inn with two doors." When you finish this book, you will see more than just the hour; you will witness a multi-billion-year legacy and the sacred journey in which we travel in a "state unknown to us.

'One of the best fantasy book series of the past decade' TIME A glorious empire. A desperate quest. An ancient secret. The search for allies extends to a new land in the sixth book of the #1 bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme for the wounds Chaol received in Rifthold. After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child at the hands of Adarlanian soldiers, Yrene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need, and she will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries his own dark past, and Yrene soon realises that those shadows could engulf them both. Chaol, Nesryn, and Yrene will have to draw on every scrap of their resilience to overcome the danger that surrounds them. But while they become entangled in the political webs of the khaganate, long-awaited answers slumber deep in the mountains, where warriors soar on legendary ruks. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival ... or doom them all. The final battle looms in this sixth book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series.

AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER! She doesn’t remember her past. But some memories come with a cost. Eira Eckhart has spent years building a quiet life in a small town at the edge of a recently overthrown kingdom. Her memory is fractured, her past a blur—but with her shop, her loyal rabbit familiar, and practicing only the potions magic still legal under the watchful eye of the Iron Empire, she’s managed to remain unnoticed by the empire’s witch hunters. Until Hugo Venton walks through her door. Brash, clever, and infuriatingly handsome, Hugo is searching for something…and seems to know more about Eira than she knows about herself. But when a terrifying encounter with an unnatural, deadly new breed of soldier puts a price on her head, she has no choice but to join Hugo on his quest. Their hunt for a missing princess pulls Eira across the continent—and deeper into a past she can’t recall. As buried memories, mysteries in the Iron Empire’s capital, forgotten feelings, and the truth behind her identity begin to surface, Eira realizes the forbidden magic simmering in her veins might be the very thing that could save them from the Iron Empire’s forces as they draw ever closer…if she can remember how to control it in time. FOR FANS OF: Yearning The guard that falls in love with their assignment Enemies to friends to lovers Forbidden magic Memory loss plotlines Spark of the Everflame and A Fate Inked in Blood Plus sized main characters (whose weight is the least important thing about them) Powerful women in romantasy

From Paulo Coelho, the renowned author of The Alchemist, comes a deeply moving and poetic work of spiritual fiction that explores the timeless depths of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept tells the heartfelt story of Pilar, a strong yet guarded woman, and her childhood friend, now a charismatic spiritual leader. Reuniting after eleven years in a poignant second chance romance, their relationship takes them on an emotional and spiritual odyssey in a small village in the French Pyrenees. Against the backdrop of the River Piedra, they confront unresolved pain, long-buried emotions, and ultimately, the quest to find love and freedom and confront some of life’s most important questions. As their bond deepens, Pilar is drawn into her friend's world of faith and miracles, challenging her own beliefs and understanding of life's purpose and her own femininity. Along this journey of self-discovery, Pilar must wrestle with her fears of vulnerability and the possibility of losing herself in the process of rediscovering love. Both an ethereal love story and a powerful exploration of how discovering our inner spiritual being—and forgiving ourselves, and others—can reshape our lives in completely unexpected ways. Paulo Coelho’s masterful storytelling and poetic prose inspires us to uncover the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary and the intimate moments that bring magic into our lives, and the every day. A stunning and unforgettable exploration of divine love, human connection, intimate self-reflection, and the sacrifices that come with following one’s true path—and heart.

MIND SUPPORT - Game your Life - Charakterdesign: LEVEL UP! Dein Leben ist kein Tutorial. Es ist ein verdammt komplexes, aber großartiges Spiel. Zeit, der Held deiner eigenen Story zu werden. Willkommen in deinem gamifizierten Selbstentwicklungs-Upgrade. Dieses Workbook ist keine Sammlung langweiliger Selbsthilfe-Weisheiten, sondern ein systematisch aufgebautes, humorvoll verpacktes Deep-Dive-Levelsystem für echte Persönlichkeitsentwicklung. Du durchläufst 11 Level - jedes davon eine Mission zu dir selbst: Level 1-5: Du startest mit deinem Selbstbild, klärst deine Werte, bringst Licht in deine Schattenseiten und erkennst, welche Rollen du spielst - bewusst oder unbewusst. Level 6: Du aktivierst dein Körper-Geist-Energie-System mit ganzheitlicher Praxis - von Training über Ernährung bis Schlafoptimierung. Level 7: Du baust deine Persönlichkeitsmatrix - eine strategische Übersicht deiner Stärken, Schwächen, Chancen und Risiken. Level 8: Du entdeckst deine verborgenen Potenziale - Fähigkeiten, die in dir schlummern wie ungespielte Special Moves. Level 9: Du stellst dich deinen kritischen Schnittstellen - den echten Herausforderungen, Blockaden und Stresspunkten, die dich bisher klein halten. Und verwandelst sie in Power-Ups. Level 10: Du schmiedest deinen Masterplan - dein persönliches Level-Up-System für echte Umsetzung. Level 11: 30 Tage geführtes Quest-Log - mit Reflexion, Integration und echten Erfahrungspunkten. Du wirst dabei: - deine Selbstwahrnehmung updaten (Patch 2.0), - Blockaden entschlüsseln (keine Bosse ohne Belohnung), - Schattenanteile integrieren (willkommen im echten Leben), - Potenziale entfalten (du hast mehr Skills, als du denkst), - deinen Körper als Energiequelle aktivieren (Bewegung, Ernährung, Regeneration) und vor allem: lernen, dich selbst wie einen verdammt gut designten Charakter zu führen. Für wen ist das? Für Nerds mit Tiefgang. Für Selbsterkenner mit Humor. Für Coaches, Scanner, Sinnsuchende und alle, die das Gefühl haben, dass da noch mehr geht - aber bisher kein System hatten, um es zu greifen. Du brauchst kein Abo, kein Achievement-System und kein Perfektions-Level. Du brauchst nur dich, deinen Stift - und die Bereitschaft, wirklich hinzuschauen. Dieses Workbook ist dein Spielfeld, deine Strategie und deine Aufrüststation in einem. Bereit für dein nächstes Level? Dann ist dieses Workbook dein Startknopf. PRESS START - und beginne die Reise zu dir selbst!

Dungeon and Dragon I Masterful Campaigns for Game Masters I Create Epic Experiences By Stefan Ludewig Dive into the fascinating world of Dungeon and Dragons and learn how to create masterful campaigns as a game master that offer your players unforgettable adventures. In this unique guide, Stefan Ludewig provides you not only with valuable tips and ideas on how to design epic experiences for your role-playing sessions but also with practical instructions to tailor the challenges of your campaigns precisely to your group. Whether you're an experienced game master or just starting to explore the world of Dungeon and Dragons, this book provides you with the essential tools to create your own role-playing world. The detailed campaigns, ranging from light adventures to complex, deep storylines, offer you endless possibilities to individually shape the tension and drama of your gaming nights. You'll learn how to create an exciting setting, develop impressive characters, and present challenges that both challenge and captivate your players. The campaigns in this book are more than just simple quests. They offer epic stories full of magical creatures, dark threats, and heroic adventures. You’ll learn how to build a captivating setting—whether it’s a cursed forest, a demon train, or the looming fortress of a vampire lord. Each chapter is carefully designed to help you guide your players through gripping story arcs while ensuring that you, as the game master, can fully unleash your own creativity. But the book goes a step further: It gives you a precise assessment of the difficulty of each campaign. You’ll learn exactly how to select the right challenges for your group by adjusting the difficulty of combat, puzzles, and encounters. Whether you’re designing a quick adventure for a casual round with friends or planning an epic, multi-hour adventure for a longer campaign, this book gives you the freedom to shape your role-playing world according to your own vision.

You are stronger than your anxiety-you are mighty. In this empowering guide, you'll find practical tools to help you shed the shackles of worry and fear and embrace a more vibrant life. In a culture where women are still paid less for doing the same jobs, expected to juggle family and career effortlessly, and faced with the harsh realities of misogyny and sexism daily, it's no wonder you're also twice as likely to experience issues related to anxiety and trauma. But there are real tools you can use now to build personal resilience in a difficult world, move past anxious thoughts, and conquer your worries and fears. This book will help guide the way. Be Mighty leads you on a bold quest to gain a deeper understanding of your anxiety by exploring your own "origin story"-how your early experiences led to thoughts and behaviors that may have offered comfort and protection at one time, but are now keeping you from living your best life. Using practical tools and experiential exercises based in mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), you'll learn to respond to present-day triggers in a new way, making choices from a more conscious, values-driven place. So, drop that outdated armor and dive headlong into this book. You'll emerge fresh and fierce, with the confidence to stand up for the life you want to live and the power to face life's complexities as your best, most authentic self. It's time to be who you truly want to be. It's time for you to be mighty!

Since the days of conquistador Hernán Cortés , rumours have circulated about a lost city of immense wealth hidden deep in the Honduran interior. Indigenous tribes speak of ancestors who fled there to escape the Spanish invaders, and warn the legendary city is cursed : to enter it is a death sentence. They call it the Lost City of the Monkey God . In 1940, swashbuckling journalist Theodore Morde returned from the rainforest with hundreds of artefacts and an electrifying story of having found the City - but then committed suicide without revealing its location . Three quarters of a century later , bestselling author Doug Preston joined a team of scientists on a groundbreaking new quest. In 2012 he climbed aboard a single-engine plane carrying a highly advanced, classified technology that could map the terrain under the densest rainforest canopy. In an unexplored valley ringed by steep mountains, that flight revealed the unmistakable image of a sprawling metropolis, tantalizing evidence of not just an undiscovered city but a lost civilization . To confirm the discovery, Preston and the team battled torrential rains, quickmud, plagues of insects, jaguars, and deadly snakes. They emerged from the jungle with proof of the legend... and the curse. They had contracted a horrifying, incurable and sometimes lethal disease . Suspenseful and shocking, filled with history, adventure and dramatic twists of fortune, The Lost City of the Monkey God is the absolutely true, eyewitness account of one of the great discoveries of the twenty-first century.

Invasive species are consistently vilified as a major threat to the ecosystems we call home. But Undesirable reveals there is much more to this story, and offers surprising ideas about our relationship with the natural world. Over the past five hundred years, human exploration, settlement and commerce have carried countless plants and animals far from their original homes, where they sometimes go on to transform familiar landscapes, cause large-scale agricultural damage, and endanger precious native species. But the young field of invasion biology has been wracked by controversy and haunted by ethical quandaries as it has sought to destroy some species for the benefit of others. Undesirable: Invasive Species, Humans, and Where We All Belong brings this complexity to light, illuminating the often dubious moral and even ecological and economic bases for many anti-invasive policies. Whether it's garlic mustard spreading through American forests or brushtail possums allegedly decimating the flightless birds of New Zealand, Undesirable reveals a multi-faceted story of how humans have irrevocably disrupted nearly every ecosystem in the world. We have introduced new species, destroyed habitat and changed the climate-but it's not always clear how to hold ourselves accountable in the quest to bring balance and sustainability to this new natural world. Through case studies, historical surveys, media criticism, and conversations with both experts and the ordinary people who serve as foot soldiers in the war on invasive species, this book explores how confronting our deeper anxieties about nature and our roles in a changing world can help us see our "unwanted" neighbors in a new light and teach us all to be better stewards.

"There was only one bed." Full of action, adventure and steamy romance, Vows & Ruins is the second book in the spellbinding epic romantic fantasy series, The Legends of Thezmarr. Perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom, From Blood and Ash and The Witcher. Against all odds, Althea emerged from her trials as a champion. Now, she must train even harder and prepare herself to become a true warrior of Thezmarr. But Thea's world is turned upside down as slowly, she begins to untangle the truth about her family, her powers and the evil that threatens to engulf the kingdom. When Wilder Hawthorne returns to be her official mentor, everything changes. Dark forces are gathering, and he will stop at nothing to prepare her for the challenges to come, even if it means breaking her. As war looms and their quest for answers leads master and apprentice deeper into danger, the undeniable connection between them intensifies - defying all odds, but also threatening to tear them apart. The fate of the realms rests in their hands - will they emerge victorious, or will the darkness consume them both? ** Readers love Vows & Ruins: 'The best romantic fantasy I've read this year' 'This book is a gut-punch emotional rollercoaster and I truly meant it when I say I loved every moment' 'No please I am SPEECHLESS' 'I'll be swooning over Wilder forever' 'Helen writes spicy, steamy romance so well, and book two in the series has stepped up the steam!'

In her intimate memoir, More Myself, Alicia Keys shares her quest for truth: about herself, her past, and her shift from sacrificing her spirit to celebrating her worth. One of the most celebrated musicians of our time, Alicia Keys has enraptured the nation with her heartfelt lyrics, extraordinary vocal range, and soul-stirring piano compositions. Yet away from the spotlight, Alicia has grappled with private heartache over the challenging and complex relationship with her father, the people-pleasing nature that characterized her early career, the loss of privacy surrounding her romantic relationships, and the oppressive expectations of female perfection. Since her rise to fame, Alicia's public persona has belied a deep personal truth: she has spent years not fully recognizing or honoring her own worth. After withholding parts of herself for so long, she is at last exploring the questions that live at the heart of her story: Who am I, really? And once I discover that truth, how can I become brave enough to embrace it? More Myself is part autobiography, part narrative documentary. Alicia's journey is revealed not only through her own candid recounting, but also through vivid recollections from those who have walked alongside her. The result is a 360-degree perspective on Alicia's path: from her girlhood in Hell's Kitchen and Harlem, to the process of self-discovery she's still navigating. With the raw honesty that epitomizes Alicia's artistry, More Myself is at once a riveting account and a clarion call to readers: to define themselves in a world that rarely encourages a true and unique identity.

"What more could New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins's fans desire" than the "sharp repartee, clever plotting, memorable characterization, and sizzling sexual tension" (RT Book Reviews) of her sparkling Oxenburg Princes fairy tale romance series? Nikolai Romanovin, a royal prince of Oxenburg, has travelled to the deepest wilds of Scotland to rescue his grandmother the Grand Duchess, who was abducted while visiting an old friend in the Highlands. Wanting to avoid an international incident, Nik plans to quietly slip into enemy territory disguised as a groom at Castle Cromartie. But his plans go awry when he falls under the cool gray gaze of the laird's daughter. Pragmatic and clever, Ailsa Mackenzie has been left in charge of the family estate and her unruly grandmother in her father's absence. Something about the new groom catches her eyes, and makes her think he's not who he pretends to be-and even more shockingly, stirs her senses. Is it his obviously educated manners? His arrogant, non-servant-like presence? It's certainly not his towering, powerful form, or slumberous, inviting green eyes! After confronting the imposter and learning the truth, Ailsa agrees to help Nik-for she, too, understands difficult relatives and would do anything for family. Soon their secret partnership leads to growing respect, searing kisses, and then something far more perilous. And when their quest turns dangerous, Ailsa and Nik must discover this unknown enemy while facing the dangerous demands of their own unruly hearts.