During the holidays revels of Port Kar, an attempt is made on the life of Tarl Cabot. And Tarl discovers that the Priest-Kings have turned against him! To clear himself of their charge of treason, he must follow the assassins's trail. The way to achieve that was to join, in disguise, a troupe of traveling Players, a sort of Gorean carnival, which would give him entry to enemy cities and hostile territories. But live in such a carnival is always a risk in itself. There are monsters in form and monsters in mind among them-and there may be spies of the alien Kurs and the omnipotent Priest-Kings. Players of Gor is a rich and full adventure on that wondrous world where free men must fight and slave girls must yield, where life and liberty may depend on the chance moves of a game-board or the edged passions of the dueling ground. And where Tarl's destiny must bring him face to face with a conspiracy of superhuman powers. Views: 62
A magisterial history of the origins, reality, and legend of the knight.
Born out of the chaos of the early Middle Ages, the armored and highly mobile knight revolutionized warfare and quickly became a mythic figure in history.From the Knights Templars and English knighthood to the crusades and chivalry, The Knight in History, by acclaimed medievalist Frances Gies, bestselling coauthor of Life in a Medieval Castle, paints a remarkable true picture of knighthood—exploring the knight’s earliest appearance as an agent of lawless violence, his reemergence as a dynamic social entity, his eventual disappearance from the European stage, and his transformation into Western culture’s most iconic hero. Views: 62
The Year's Best Science Fiction: First Annual Collection - for 1983 pub in 1984This collection launched the popular and long-running "The Year's Best Science Fiction" series:Fantastic Science Fiction!The Year's Best -- And Biggest CollectionHere's the cream of the crop: short stories, novelettes, novellas by science fiction writers already famous and awarded for their high-quality work in science fiction. Writers like:Cicada Queen [Mechanist-Shapers] • Bruce SterlingBeyond the Dead Reef • James Tiptree, Jr.Slow-Birds • Ian WatsonVulcan’s Forge • Poul AndersonMan-Mountain Gentian • Howard WaldropHardfought • Greg BearManifest Destiny • Joe HaldemanFull Chicken Richness • Avram DavidsonMultiples • Robert SilverbergCryptic • Jack McDevittThe Sidon in the Mirror • Connie WillisGolden Gate • R. A. LaffertyBlind Shemmy • Jack DannIn the Islands • Pat MurphyNunc Dimittis • Tanith LeeBlood Music • Greg BearHer Furry Face • Leigh KennedyKnight of Shallows • Rand B. LeeThe Cat • Gene WolfeThe Monkey Treatment • George R. R. MartinNearly Departed [Deadpan Allie] • Pat CadiganHearts Do Not in Eyes Shine • John KesselCarrion Comfort • Dan SimmonsGemstone • Vernor VingeBlack Air • Kim Stanley Robinson Views: 62
In an afterword to this story when it was reprinted over a decade ago in his three volume complete works, Phillip Klass (who used the pseudonym "William Tenn" for his science fiction) noted that he had been paid originally $790 for this 23,000 word novella which was, before he sold BERNIE THE FAUST for $5000 to Playboy a few years later, the largest amount he had ever received for a single work. Such was the science fiction market in the 50's (and so for the most part is the science fiction market today). TIME WAITS FOR WINTHROP, published in 1957, was the longest of Tenn's contributions to GALAXY and among his last (a short story, THE DISCOVERY OF MORNIEL MATHAWAY was to follow in 1958 and then THE MEN IN THE WALLS, the first third of his one novel, in 1963). It may be the most carefully worked and precise of his many contributions to the magazine. Superficially dealing with the tension overwhelming a group of corporately-displaced time travelers when one of them, the... Views: 62
Stanley Booth, a member of the Rolling Stones’ inner circle, met the band just a few months before Brian Jones drowned in a swimming pool in 1968. He lived with them throughout their 1969 American tour, staying up all night together listening to blues, talking about music, ingesting drugs, and consorting with groupies. His thrilling account culminates with their final concert at Altamont Speedway—a nightmare of beating, stabbing, and killing that would signal the end of a generation’s dreams of peace and freedom. Views: 61
Laneff Farris ambrov Sat'htine, a renSime – an oddity in a Farris family – and worse yet, a disjunct renSime – will be presented by Mairis to give a speech about her research, heralding a New Era. She believes she can find the way to tell Sime from Gen before birth – children would not face changeover in a situation where they might Kill. No child would be scarred by the shock of changeover or establishment, the long years of childhood anxiety would never happen – if she can get the funding. His name is Yuan, and he is offering her refuge from the Tecton where an adult junct is under a death sentence. Yuan heads the Neo-Distect – a secret enclave where Laneff can be matched to a Donor who will provide satisfying junct-style transfers but not die in the process. The Neo-Distect gives her a laboratory and all the support she could ask for to continue her research. She knows she will live only a few more months... Views: 61
Once again Lionel Townsend, Beef’s Dr. Watson, faithfully records the redoubtable Sergeant’s escapades. Beef has left the Braxham police and gone into business for himself. Beef gets a client: Stewart Ferrars, who has been arrested for the Sydenham Murder. Beef is hired by Stewart’s brother Peter to prove Stewart is innocent of the murder of Dr. Benson, who has been found stabbed in the throat in the library of Peter’s gloomy Victorian mansion, The Cypresses. An ornamental dagger with Peter’s fingerprints on it has been left on a table near the dead man’s armchair. Views: 61
Three innocents stand accused of sorcery and soon no one is safe…
The town of Chelmsford was going mad with the frenzy of
witch hunting. Neighbors accused one another with no cause, hysterical
at the sudden death of a townsman and sightings of an apparition of a
dead young woman. But Constable Matthew Stock would have none of it.
Sensible, down to earth, and aided by the quiet intelligence of his good
wife Joan, he doubted the accusers, but was helpless to save the
accused. As the village became inflamed with terror, Matthew cleverly
began to piece together a deceptively simple tale of innocence and
guilt, heaven and hell, to reveal the long-hidden secrets behind the
strange bewitchings… Views: 61
In the court of England's King Henry VIII, Morgan Todd, the niece of Sir Thomas Cromwell, is a lady-in-waiting to the queen. An exotic beauty, she is mistaken for a willing servant and deflowered by Francis, the brother of the husband her uncle has chosen for her. Motherhood, war, and intrigue will come between them, but Morgan will never forget Francis, an honorable man in a land of schemers. Views: 60
Lovely young Gabrielle LaFarge had resigned herself to the life of a nun in a French convent. But the future that awaits her is far different, for she is informed that she is to marry Philippe St. Cyr, a wealthy plantation owner form the island of Martinique. Gabby resents and fears this handsome, moody man, whose icy surface conceals depths of passion and violence. Though he awakens her to the sensual delights of lovemaking, Gabby’s heart remains untouched – or so she believes. As for Philippe, she is certain that he is incapable of love. Constantly at cross purposes, separated by war and the conniving of Philippe’s jealous mistress, each tries to forget the other, But a bond has been forged between them that will serve at last to unite them in love’s sweet, strange … Tender Fury.ReviewFast-paced, tense, and full of wicked desire... Publishers Weekly "Ms Mason always provides a hot romance." Romantic Times Bookreviews BEYOND THE HORIZON "Connie Mason is at her best! She draws readers into a fast-paced, tender and emotional historical romance the proves that love really does conquer all!" Romantic Times BookReviews THE PRICE OF PLEASURE "Ms Mason delivers what longtime romance readers want; remarkable characters and a story that sweeps them away! Romantic Times HIGHLAND WARRIOR "This is a one-night read that truly satisfies" Romantic Times A TASTE OF PARADISE "This deep-sigh love story is ideal for an afternoon" Romantic Times A KNIGHT'S HONOR "This is classic Mason. Her fans will put this at the top of her must-read lists" Romantic Times THE PIRATE PRINCE "Mason's romances are always a feast for readers seeking passionate, exciting stories peopled with larger-than-life heroes who take your breath away" Romantic Times SEDUCED BY A ROGUE "Another wonderful story filled with adventure, witty repartee and hot sex" Romantic Times THE ROGUE AND THE HELLION "Ms Mason has written another winner to delight her fans who want sexual tension that leads to a hot explosion, memorable characters and a fast-paced story" *Romantic Times * TO LOVE A STRANGER "Connie Mason delivers another fast-paced, sexy tale" *Romantic Times * PROMISED SPLENDOR "The action never stops in this rip-roaring western. Ms. Mason's engaging characters and vibrantly colored backdrop will satisfy fans of sensual, exciting tales set during the gold rush days" *Romantic Times * THE DRAGON LORD "A real keeper filled with historical fact, sizzling love scenes and wonderful characters" Romantic Times THE OUTLAWS; SAM: "Ms Mason always provides the reader with a hot romance, filled with plot twists and wonderful characters. She is a marvelous Storyteller" RT Reviews THE BLACK KNIGHT: "Ms Mason has written a rich medieval romance filled with tournaments, chivalry, lust and love" RT GUNSLINGER: "Ms Mason has created memorable characters and a plot that made this reviewer rush to turn the pages . .. Gunslinger is an enduring story" RT Reviews About the AuthorConnie Mason is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of more than fifty historical romances. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as American locales. Connie was named Story Teller of the Year by Romantic Times and was also awarded The Career Achievement award in the Western category by Romantic Times. When Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, the television production devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time she enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida. More about Connie can be found on her website: http://www.conniemason.com/ Views: 60
Welcome to the Starship Enterprise You’re an ensign in the Starfleet and you’ve been assigned to the Enterprise! With Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, you’ll explore amazing new worlds. You might rescue an alien race from a deadly disease, or do battle with a Klingon spy, or time travel to another universe. If you make the right choices, you could be a hero and save the Enterprise. But be careful—or you, Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock could all be in terrible danger! Of course, if you don’t like the way your story is going, you can always go back and start a new one! Views: 60
Reading Group Questions included."Mr. Dickinson has a nice dry wit and a talent for deft characterization."—New York Times"Everything here is exactly right."—New YorkerDeath of a Unicorn is the first in a series of reprints of Peter Dickinson's mysteries from Small Beer Press. This classic British mystery will win fans currently engrossed in Downton Abbey.From Peter Dickinson's Timeline on his website: "When the youngest member of the five-strong editorial staff of Punch (founded 1843) turned 40 the editor, Kenneth Bird (the cartoonist Fougasse) had written to a don he knew at Cambridge to ask him to find someone younger to train up. On his way to the interview for the job Peter was knocked down by a tram and arrived covered with blood and dirt, but they gave him the job because he was the only candidate. A lot of his novel Death of a Unicorn is based on the seventeen years he spent there."Peter Dickinson OBE has twice received the Crime Writers' Association's Gold Dagger as well as the Guardian Award and Whitbread Prize. He is the author of over fifty books including The Poison Oracle, A Summer in the Twenties, and many more. His latest book is Earth and Air: Tales of Elemental Spirits (Big Mouth House). He lives in England and is married to the novelist Robin McKinley."Peter Dickinson is my own chosen demigod in the pantheon of crime fiction."—Laurie R. King"The Tolkien of the crime novel."—H.R.F.KeatingPraise for Peter Dickinson's mysteries:"He is the true original, a superb writer who revitalises the traditions of the mystery genre . . . incapable of writing a trite or inelegant sentence . . . a master."—P. D. James"He sets new standards in the mystery field that will be hard to live up to."—Ruth Rendell"He has an eye and a mind and a voice like no other."—Donald E. Westlake"A fresh triumph . . . a simultaneous insight into kids and their minders, and emerging nations, and the concept of freedom - all done with consummate story-telling skill."—Peter Lovesey"Read this book carefully. It's a jewel."—The New York Times Review"Brilliantly imaginative first detective story . . .wonderfully convincing."—The Observer"Mr Dickinson is the most original crime novelist to appear for a long, long time."—The Guardian"Brilliantly original, as always."—Times Literary Supplement"Wry, witty, irresistible."—The Financial Times"A literary magician controlling an apparently inexhaustible supply of effects . . . Craftsmanship such as this makes for compulsive reading."—Penelope Lively"Dickinson tops all his prizewinners with this stunning psychological thriller."—Publishers WeeklyAbout the AuthorPeter Dickinson: Peter Dickinson OBE has twice received the Crime Writers' Association's Gold Dagger as well as the Guardian Award and Whitbread Prize. His latest book is Earth and Air: Tales of Elemental Spirits (Big Mouth House). He lives in England and is married to the novelist Robin McKinley. Views: 59
A ghost ship drifts across the northern Pacific… A Soviet luxury liner burns like a funeral pyre… And the U.S. President's yacht is heading for disaster… Somewhere off the coast of Alaska, a sunken cargo poses a threat of unthinkable proportions. Potentially, the lost shipment of chemicals could destroy all life in the ocean — and perhaps the world — unless DIRK PITT® can find it first. But time is running out for the NUMA agent and his team. Pitt's main target is just one deadly component of a vast international conspiracy fueled by hijacking, bribery, and murder. And at the center of it all is a powerful Korean shipping empire with a chilling political agenda — to kidnap the President of the United States… Views: 58
