Fairytales happen. They happen in Glasgow. They're happening now. They're happening to TV heartthrob Reggie King, whose magic mirror manipulates him into unspeakable villainy... They're happening to Jack Cameron, who faces losing the love of his life, Rapunzel, and who has unanswered questions about his destiny, and about some magic beans he threw into the Clyde... They're happening to Ella McCinder, who dreams of marrying footballer Harry Charmaine... They're happening to Wee Red Hoodie, who has a decision to make about where her loyalties lie... And they're happening to Karl Snowy" White, who is whisked into a topsy-turvy world of freaks and magic, with only the hope of seeing his Love again to cling to. United by the bonds of friendship, and in the face of a common enemy and a dark secret from Rapunzel's past, our heroes find their stories becoming one. Views: 52
A collection of five novels by "America's favorite writer" (New Yorker) that will sweep you away to the Alaskan wilderness, the vineyards of Napa Valley, and beyond—and into the hearts of characters who are willing to face down danger to create the destinies they crave... Views: 52
Caina Amalas is a Ghost nightfighter, an assassin and spy of the Emperor, and her cunning saved the city of Marsis from a brutal invasion. The nobles of the Imperial city of Cyrioch plan to revolt, and assassins stalk the high lords of the Empire. Only Caina stands between the Empire and a ruinous civil war.But Caina faces a far more dangerous enemy than mere assassins—an enemy that whispers from the darkness of her own mind... Views: 52
In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , J. K. Rowling offers up equal parts danger and delight—and any number of dragons, house-elves, and death-defying challenges. Now 14, her orphan hero has only two more weeks with his Muggle relatives before returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Yet one night a vision harrowing enough to make his lightning-bolt-shaped scar burn has Harry on edge and contacting his godfather-in-hiding, Sirius Black. Happily, the prospect of attending the season’s premier sporting event, the Quidditch World Cup, is enough to make Harry momentarily forget that Lord Voldemort and his sinister familiars—the Death Eaters—are out for murder. Readers, we will cast a giant invisibility cloak over any more plot and reveal only that You-Know-Who is very much after Harry and that this year there will be no Quidditch matches between Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Instead, Hogwarts will vie with two other magicians’ schools, the stylish Beauxbatons and the icy Durmstrang, in a Triwizard Tournament. Those chosen to compete will undergo three supreme tests. Could Harry be one of the lucky contenders? But Quidditch buffs need not go into mourning: we get our share of this great game at the World Cup. Attempting to go incognito as Muggles, 100,000 witches and wizards converge on a “nice deserted moor.” As ever, Rowling magicks up the details that make her world so vivid, and so comic. Several spectators’ tents, for instance, are entirely unquotidian. One is a minipalace, complete with live peacocks; another has three floors and multiple turrets. And the sports paraphernalia on offer includes rosettes “squealing the names of the players” as well as “tiny models of Firebolts that really flew, and collectible figures of famous players, which strolled across the palm of your hand, preening themselves.” Needless to say, the two teams are decidedly different, down to their mascots. Bulgaria is supported by the beautiful veela, who instantly enchant everyone—including Ireland’s supporters—over to their side. Until, that is, thousands of tiny cheerleaders engage in some pyrotechnics of their own: “The leprechauns had risen into the air again, and this time, they formed a giant hand, which was making a very rude sign indeed at the veela across the field.” Long before her fourth installment appeared, Rowling warned that it would be darker, and it’s true that every exhilaration is equaled by a moment that has us fearing for Harry’s life, the book’s emotions running as deep as its dangers. Along the way, though, she conjures up such new characters as Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody, a Dark Wizard catcher who may or may not be getting paranoid in his old age, and Rita Skeeter, who beetles around Hogwarts in search of stories. (This Daily Prophet scoop artist has a Quick-Quotes Quill that turns even the most innocent assertion into tabloid innuendo.) And at her bedazzling close, Rowling leaves several plot strands open, awaiting book 5. This fan is ready to wager that the author herself is part veela—her pen her wand, her commitment to her world complete. Views: 52
Helen of Troy is in mourning for her dead husband, Paris. Killed in single combat with the merciless Apollo. His body a scorched and blasted thing. Hockenberry, her lover, still sneaks from her bed after their nights of lovemaking. And the Gods still strike out from the besieged Olympos. Their single-molecule bomb casings quantum phase-shifting through the moravecs' force shield and laying waste to Ilium. Or so Hockenberry and the amusing little metal creature, Mahnmut, have tried to explain to her. Helen of Troy does not give a fig about machines. She must dress for the funeral. And man and the gods and the unknown players in this tragedy must prepare for the final act. And a battle that will decide the future of the universe itself. Views: 52
As head buyer for the prestigious Lakefield Gallery, Karena Lakefield travels the world seeking out the finest paintings. But there's one trip she'll always remember: a sizzling summer weekend with Samuel Desdune, the man who awoke her scorching desire...only to part ways with her once their plane touched down.Sam has just about given up on finding the right woman... although he's never forgotten the lovely, elegant Karena. Now the all-business art dealer needs the P.I.'s expertise to help clear her family's name. Seizing his chance to show Karena that they belong together, Sam accompanies her to Brazil, where they're caught up in a scandalous art scheme--and one another. With her family's reputation on the line, she needs him now more than ever.... Views: 52
