A new, feminist translation of Beowulf by the author of the much-buzzed-about novel The Mere WifeNearly twenty years after Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf—and fifty years after the translation that continues to torment high-school students around the world—there is a radical new verse translation of the epic poem by Maria Dahvana Headley, which brings to light elements that have never before been translated into English, recontextualizing the binary narrative of monsters and heroes into a tale in which the two categories often entwine, justice is rarely served, and dragons live among us. A man seeks to prove himself as a hero. A monster seeks silence in his territory. A warrior seeks to avenge her murdered son. A dragon ends it all. The familiar elements of the epic poem are seen with a novelist's eye toward gender, genre, and history—Beowulf has always been a tale of entitlement and encroachment,... Views: 316
THE HISTORY OF MIDDLE-EARTH Poems and prose, maps and chronologies, detours and diversions along the road to Middle-earth . . . Christopher Tolkien has gathered archival materials that his late father, J. R. R. Tolkien, used to create the world and the history behind his classic stories. THE EVOLUTION OF A WORLD This fourth volume of The History of Middle-earth presents early versions of those first tales, from the creation myth to the fall of Morgoth. Writings include a chronology of the events in Beleriand, the first Silmarillion map, and the only known description of the physical nature of Middle-earth's universe. Detailed annotations highlight changes ranging from the spelling of Elvish names to pivotal emendations whose effects reach even to the war of the ring. The Shaping of Middle-earth presents a solid framework by which to trace the development of the early lore of Middle-earth. It is a truly indispensable reference work for those familiar with the history of that endlessly beloved land--and fascinating reading for those just entering that world. Views: 316
War isn’t coming. It’s here.
Aaron and his companions prevented the assassination of a queen but in doing so they angered an ancient evil. Angered it, wounded it, but did not kill it, for such evil never truly dies.
An army greater than any the world has ever known marches bringing steel and death with it and somewhere a thousand year old evil lurks in the darkness, plotting and bending its will toward revenge.
Aaron and his companions have gathered allies to help them in the coming battle and each day his bond with the Virtue of Compassion grows stronger, gifting him greater and greater power.
But if life on the street taught Aaron anything, it’s that no one is better able to stab you in the back as those standing behind you. And as his power with the legendary creature grows so, too, does an uncontrollable rage that threatens to consume him.
His enemies are many, his friends few, but no matter what happens, they will all learn the truth of a sellsword’s strength.
He will show them a sellsword’s resolve. Views: 315
Short stories blending science fiction, fantasy and satire. Fourteen stories that refuse to be pigeon-holed. From the edges of the known universe, to the microscopic limits of a petri dish, to a yuppie's post-apocalyptic bachelor pad, be prepared to imagine new worlds and new ideas.Perfect for the zombie-clown-loving, giant albino spider and deranged-junkie enthusiast!Short stories blending science fiction, fantasy and satire. Fourteen stories that refuse to be pigeon-holed. From the edges of the known universe, to the microscopic limits of a petri dish, to a yuppie's post-apocalyptic bachelor pad, be prepared to imagine new worlds and new ideas.S H O R T S T O R I E SH o r r o rAn Anniversary Concession* White Daddies | Zombie Clown WesternS c i e n c e F i c t i o nFast Amnesia | Talent Police | EmbarkmentPerfection of the Mind** | Electric Comedian | Daughter ThievesThe Heat | A Blind Date for BonkersF a n t a s yThe Natural Celebrity | Soulmate DivorceThe Magic-Fiver*first published in Out of the Gutter: The Hard Times Issue**first published in Escape Velocity: The Anthology Views: 315
When Lieutenant Caslin Ahn joined Wolf Squadron, she was prepared for the reality that she might one day be killed in the line of duty. She was less prepared for being shot down, assumed dead by her own people, and dragged off to the Cofah Empire as a prisoner of war. As if being thrust into a dungeon and interrogated wasn't bad enough, the sadistic commandant decides to give her a cellmate: the notorious pirate Deathmaker. Given the crimes he's committed against Iskandia, Cas owes it to her people to try and kill him.
Part warrior and part scientist, Tolemek "Deathmaker" Targoson has not only slain thousands with his deadly concoctions, but he has a special loathing for Iskandian pilots. It was Ahn's commander, Colonel Zirkander, who ruined his military career, forcing him to leave his country in shame and join a pirate organization. Years later, he uses his dreadful reputation like a shield to keep people away; all he wants is to be left alone to work in his laboratory. But when fate lands him in a cell with Zirkander's protégé, he sees a chance for revenge. Why kill the lieutenant when he can use her to get to his old nemesis?
There's just one problem: it's hard to plot against your enemies when you're in prison with them. Cas and Tolemek will have to work together if they hope to escape the Cofah dungeon. In the process, they may find that neither is what the other expects, and that they have far greater problems to worry about than ensnaring each other...
Deathmaker is a full-length 85,000-word novel. It is set after the events in Balanced on the Blade’s Edge, but it can be enjoyed even if you haven’t read the first book. Views: 315
Who murdered the boy on Pirongia Mountain? Who else knows a dangerous secret? And what remains when innocence is gone forever? A sleepy rural settlement sits in the crook of a mountain, trapped in a time warp of indifference. But someone there is a killer. They walk the streets and eat in the local cafe. And they murdered a boy. Four teenage friends bide their time until they can escape the town, dreaming of a life together in the city. They cling to each other for security, creating their own fragile family against a hostile world. But two of them have a secret and somebody else knows. As alibis crumble and fingers point too close to home, Deleilah Dereham must find out who killed her classmate. She needs to. She has something to hide. Views: 315
Five signs a cat is in heat: Rubs against anything male Coos over kittens Presents her assets as often as possible Gets easily distracted Loses interest in assassinations Kill me now. This is going to be hell. The third book in this purrfectly exciting urban fantasy series. Views: 315
A beautiful Kirkassi girl, cold-eyed villains and smiling killers, a bazaar merchant peddling slightly used dreams—could any young adventurer ask for more? Not Carlo Chuchio, who is seeking hidden treasure on the legendary Road of Golden Dreams.With Baksheesh, the world’s worst camel-puller, Carlo leads a caravan through the realm of Keshavar. Robbed of all but his underdrawers, mistaken for a mighty warrior and then for a crown prince, Carlo risks his life for a prize that may not even exist.Newbery medalist Lloyd Alexander weaves a glorious tale of adventure, love, and the treasures that matter most. The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year. Views: 315
The beauty who refuses to be wed. The beast who loves her in vain. A twist of fate that brings them together.Rhona MacLeod is the beautiful, willful daughter of a clan-chief upon the Isle of Skye. Desperate to remain free and bow to no man, she refuses all the suitors who ask for her hand.Taran MacKinnon is one of Clan-chief MacLeod’s most trusted warriors. He carries a secret passion for his chief’s middle daughter. However, Rhona has never been able to see beyond his scars and forbidding appearance that have earned him the name 'The Beast of Dunvegan'.Frustrated by Rhona's defiance, her father makes a decision that will force his daughter to take a husband—games that will bring warriors from all over the island, and from the mainland, to compete. Rhona must wed the victor. Finally, Taran has a chance to prove himself. If he wins the games, he can possess the woman he wants—but can he win her heart? Views: 315
