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First Person Singular: Stories
by Haruki MurakamiA mindbending new collection of short stories from the unique, internationally acclaimed author of Norwegian Wood and The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.A GUARDIAN AND SUNDAY TIMES 'BOOKS OF 2021' PICK The eight masterly stories in this new collection are all told in the first person by a classic Murakami narrator. From nostalgic memories of youth, meditations on music and an ardent love of baseball to dreamlike scenarios, an encounter with a talking monkey and invented jazz albums, together these stories challenge the boundaries between our minds and the exterior world. Occasionally, a narrator who may or may not be Murakami himself is present. Is it memoir or fiction? The reader decides.Philosophical and mysterious, the stories in First Person Singular all touch beautifully on love and solitude, childhood and memory. . . all with a signature Murakami twist.
The First Sister (The First Sister #1)
by Linden Lewis'Wonderfully imaginative and gripping . . . I couldn't put it down' R.F. Kuang, author of The Poppy WarFIRST SISTER HAS NO NAME, AND NO VOICE.As a priestess of the Sisterhood, she travels the stars alongside the Gean soldiers of Earth and Mars, who own the rights to her body and soul. When her former captain abandons her, First Sister's hopes for freedom are dashed and she is forced to stay on her ship with no friends, no status, and a new captain - Saito Ren - who she knows nothing about.But Captain Ren has a secret, and First Sister is commanded by the head of her order to find out what it is. What starts as a simple task quickly grows more complicated as First Sister and Ren grow closer, and she realises that sacrificing for the war effort is so much harder to do when your loyalties are split.LITO VAL LUCIUS HAS NO FAITH, AND NO LOYALTY.He climbed his way out of the slums to become an elite Icarii soldier of Venus, but was defeated in combat by none other than Saito Ren, resulting in the disappearance of his partner, Hiro. Then Lito discovers that Hiro is both alive and a traitor to the cause.If Lito hunts down and kills his former partner, he will be offered a shot a redemption. But to do so, Lito must decide where his allegiances lie, and choose between following orders and his heart.As the war between the Geans and the Icarii reaches a head, Lito and First Sister must decide what - and whom - they are willing to sacrifice in the name of duty, or for love.
Flatland: Large Print (Penguin Science Fiction)
by Edwin AbbottThe book that influenced writers from Carl Sagan to Stephen Hawking, Flatland is set in a two-dimensional world where life exists only in lines and shapes - until one of its inhabitants, 'A. Square', has his perspective transformed forever. This brilliantly eccentric classic is an invitation to see beyond our own reality.'At once a playful brainteaser about geometry, a pointed satire of Victorian manners - and a strangely compelling argument about the greatest mysteries of the Universe' Wall Street Journal'Flatland could lead to very profound thought about our Universe and ourselves' Isaac Asimov
The Floating Forest (Mermaids Rock #2)
by Linda ChapmanWelcome to Mermaids Rock! The entrance to the mermaid realm in the deep, blue ocean… Coralie is overjoyed when she visits a beautiful kelp forest, where she meets adorable sea lions and otters and finds a mysterious treasure map! After telling her friends about it, they're excited to search for the treasure, but when they arrive they find the forest has been destroyed. With no protection from the plants, the animals are in danger, and the friends must do everything they can to save the creatures before it’s too late… From the author of STAR FRIENDS comes the second book in a delightful new series about the wonders of the ocean, perfect for fans of RAINBOW MAGIC, Barbie Dolphin Magic and Holly Webb.
Flowers of Time: On Postapocalyptic Fiction
by Professor Mark PayneAn exploration of postapocalyptic fiction, from antiquity to today, and its connections to political theory and other literary genresThe literary lineage of postapocalyptic fiction—stories set after civilization’s destruction—is a long one, spanning the biblical tale of Noah and Hesiod’s Works and Days to the works of Mary Shelley, Octavia Butler, Cormac McCarthy, and many others. Traveling from antiquity to the present, Flowers of Time reveals how postapocalyptic fiction differs from other genres—pastoral poetry, science fiction, and the maroon narrative—that also explore human capabilities beyond the constraints of civilization. Mark Payne places postapocalyptic fiction into conversation with such theorists as Aristotle, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Claude Lévi-Strauss, and Carl Schmitt, illustrating how the genre functions as political theory in fictional form.Payne shows that rather than argue for a particular way of life, postapocalyptic literature reveals what it would be like to inhabit that life. He considers the genre’s appeal in our own historical moment, contending that this fiction is the pastoral of our time. Whereas the pastoralist and the maroon could escape to real-world hills and fashion their own versions of freedom, on a fully owned and occupied Earth, only an apocalyptic event can create a space where such freedoms are feasible once again.Flowers of Time looks at how fictional narratives set after the world’s devastation represent new conditions and possibilities for life and humanity.
Followers (Hq Fiction Ebook Ser.)
by Megan Angelo‘An eerie masterpiece’ Christina Dalcher When everyone is watching you can run, but you can’t hide…
A Fool's Hope: Book Two (The Last War)
by Mike ShackleWar takes everything.From Tinnstra, it took her family and thrust her into a conflict she wanted only to avoid. Now her queen's sole protector, she must give all she has left to keep Zorique safe.It has taken just as much from Jia's revolutionaries. Dren and Jax - battered, tortured, once enemies themselves - must hold strong against their bruised invaders, the Egril.For the Egril intend to wipe Jia from the map. They may have lost a battle, but they are coming back. If Tinnstra and her allies hope to survive, Jia's heroes will need to be ready when they do.The sequel to the darkly fantastic WE ARE THE DEAD: with more unflinching action, A FOOL'S HOPE sees Jia's revolutionaries dig in their heels as they learn that wars aren't won in a day.* * * * * * * * * *THE LAST WARBook One: We Are the Dead
The Forbidden Promise
by Lorna CookA story of love and secrets from the Number One bestselling author of The Forgotten Village
Foreshadow: Stories to Celebrate the Magic of Reading and Writing YA
by Nova Ren Suma Emily X.R. PanAn anthology of short stories by new and up-and-coming YA authors featured in the online magazine Foreshadow, along with craft advice for writing YA from New York Times bestselling authors Nova Ren Suma and Emily X. R. Pan.
Forever Ends on Friday
by Justin ReynoldsJustin A. Reynolds, author of Opposite of Always, returns with Forever Ends on Friday, another charming and powerful YA contemporary novel with a twist. What if you could bring your best friend back to life – but only for a short time?Jamal’s best friend, Q, doesn’t know that he died, and that he’s about to die . . . again. He doesn’t know that Jamal tried to save him. And that the reason they haven’t been friends for two years is because Jamal blames Q for the accident that killed his parents.But what if Jamal could have a second chance? A new technology allows Q to be reanimated for a few weeks before he dies . . . permanently. And Q’s mom is not about to let anyone ruin this miracle by telling Q about his impending death. So how can Jamal fix everything if he can’t tell Q the truth?Forever Ends on Friday weaves together loss, grief, friendship, and love to form a wholly unique homage to the bonds that bring people together for life - and beyond.Forever Ends on Friday is published in the US as Early Departures
Forged: An Alex Verus Novel from the New Master of Magical London (Alex Verus #11)
by Benedict JackaAlex Verus faces his dark side in this return to the bestselling urban fantasy series about a London-based mage.To protect his friends, Mage Alex Verus has had to change - and embrace his dark side. But the life mage Anne has changed too, and made a bond with a dangerous power. She's going after everyone she's got a grudge against - and it's a long list. In the meantime, Alex has to deal with his arch-enemy, Levistus. The Council's death squads are hunting Alex as well as Anne, and the only way for Alex to stop them is to end his long war with Levistus and the Council, by whatever means necessary. It will take everything Alex has to stay a step ahead of the Council and stop Anne from letting the world burn.
Forget Me: A gripping, thought-provoking and emotional speculative thriller
by Andrew EwartYour partner has had a mysterious accident, leaving them with no memory.They don't remember anything: how you met, your first kiss, not even your wedding day.An experimental medical treatment promises a cure. A chance to relive the memories.Going through with it might bring you back together.But discovering the truth about the accident will tear you apart.Do you walk away?Or open Pandora's Box?
The Fortress
by S. A. JonesA vital and searing examination of the dark heart of masculinity confronted by a women-led society, and a new and in demand addition to the canon of feminist SF by a skilled and authoritative author. The Handmaid&’s Tale meets Herland at a party thrown by Anaïs Nin.
Found (House of Night Other Worlds #4)
by P.C. Cast Kristin CastFog rolls into Tulsa, and with it comes Darkness.Zoey knows the Darkness means something is up, and it looks like something involves Neferet. But Neferet can't possibly have been freed, right?Meanwhile, Other Neferet arrives in Woodward Park to set this world's Neferet free from her grotto prison. Other Kevin and Other Stark are hot on their trail, but how can the new friends travel to this world without invoking Old Magick, and paying a costly – perhaps deadly – price?Faced with a deadly enemy, Zoey and the Nerd Herd will have to band together with the unlikeliest of allies. But will they be powerful enough to defeat her old nemesis? Or will both worlds be destroyed and claimed by Darkness?The thrilling conclusion to the House of Night Otherworld series from New York Times bestselling authors P.C. and Kristin Cast.
Freddy vs School
by Neill CameronOkay humans, listen up! My name is FREDDY. I live with my mum & dad. I go to school. Oh yeah, the MAIN thing. I am an AWESOME robot! With awesome robotic SUPERPOWERS! But I'm hardly ever allowed to USE them. And definitely not at SCHOOL. Which is going to be a PROBLEM...
Fright Favorites: 31 Movies to Haunt Your Halloween and Beyond (Turner Classic Movies)
by David J. SkalTurner Classic Movies presents a collection of monster greats, modern and classic horror, and family-friendly cinematic treats that capture the spirit of Halloween, complete with reviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and iconic images. Halloween Favorites spotlights 31 essential Halloween-time films, their associated sequels and remakes, and recommendations to expand your seasonal repertoire based on your favorites. Featured titles:Nosferatu (1922)Phantom of the Opera (1925)Dracula (1931)Frankenstein (1931)Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1931)The Mummy (1933)Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933)The Wolf Man (1941)Cat People (1942)Them (1953)Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)Curse of Frankenstein (1957)Horror of Dracula (1958)House on Haunted Hill (1959)The Birds (1963)Black Sunday (1960)Pit and the Pendulum (1961)The Haunting (1963)Night of the Living Dead (1968)Rosemary's Baby (1968)The Exorcist (1972)Young Frankenstein (1976)Halloween (1978)The Shining (1980)The Thing (1982)A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)Beetlejuice (1988)Hocus Pocus (1993)Scream (1996)Get Out (2017)
Frostgrave: Fantasy Wargames in the Frozen City (Frostgrave #13)
by Joseph A. McCulloughThis new edition of the multi-award-winning fantasy skirmish wargame offers improved rules based on years of player feedback, a revised spell list, and a host of brand-new scenarios. It remains fully compatible with all previously published Frostgrave supplements, allowing players to revisit past adventures as well as face new challenges. Choose a wizard from one of ten schools of magic, and select from a list of eighty spells. Hire a warband filled with soldiers, from lowly thugs and thieves to mighty knights and barbarians, then lead your men into the frozen ruins of the magic city of Frostgrave on the hunt for ancient treasures and the secrets of lost magic. Be warned – it is a deadly place, filled with rival wizards, wandering monsters, animated constructs, and demonic entities. Do you dare enter the Frozen City one more time?
Frostgrave: The Red King (Frostgrave #15)
by Joseph A. McCulloughFires rage throughout the Frozen City as an inhuman army pours out of the cracks between realities. In the distant past, a cabal of city elders sought to save their lives by making a pact with a demon prince… and now the Red King has come to collect what he is owed, claiming Frostgrave as his own. Many have already fled before the Red King's demonic hordes, while others seek to weather the storm, turning their bases into makeshift fortresses. The wizards of Frostgrave must choose – do they stand and fight, or do they abandon this great repository of mystical knowledge to the ravages of unearthly fire?The Red King is the first supplement designed for Frostgrave: Second Edition. In this sprawling, epic campaign, wizards will be pushed to their limits, fighting not only against one another and the perils of the Frozen City, but also against an invading army. As the Red King's power grows, the laws of magic and nature will start to bend. Can the wizards put aside their differences long enough to oppose this common foe, or will greed and mistrust doom them all?
Frostgrave: Wizard Eye: The Art of Frostgrave (Frostgrave)
by Joseph A. McCullough Dmitry Burmak Kate BurmakEven before the original Frostgrave rulebook landed in players' hands, its artwork, previewed in the run-up to release, attracted widespread attention and acclaim. Today, some eight volumes, two novels, and multiple boxed sets of plastic miniatures later, Dmitry and Kate Burmak have produced more than 85 illustrations, guided by the concepts developed by Frostgrave creator Joseph A. McCullough. Together, these three have breathed life into the Frozen City, depicting the wizards, warriors, and creatures that call it home.With behind-the-scenes content, including concepts, sketches, work-in-progress shots, and commentary from the creators, this lavish volume features all the artwork produced for Frostgrave – from the rulebook that started it all to the Perilous Dark supplement.
Frostheart 2: Escape from Aurora
by Jamie LittlerThe bestselling Frostheart crew are back for another thrilling adventure!Ash and the rest of the Frostheart's brave crew have finally arrived at the majestic stronghold of Aurora - and Ash's mind is blown. It's an extraordinary place - unlike anything he's ever seen - and he can't wait to solve the next clue that will lead him to his parents. But it's quickly clear that even Aurora isn't safe for Song Weavers. A fanatical Pathfinder captain has turned the city against Ash and his kind - and it's not long before the Frostheart has to make another break for freedom. But when a vicious Wraith attack leaves Ash, Lunah, Rook and Tobu stranded on the ice, they will have to use all their strength and cunning to reach safety. But what they find is even more incredible...Praise for Frostheart: "Littler's debut is wild, funny, lavishly illustrated and filled with excitement." Guardian"A heart-stopping tale ... [that] really lives up to the hype" Sunday Post"This exhilarating snowy adventure will have kids reading under the covers long after lights out." i Newspaper
The FurFins and the Mermaid Wedding (Furfins Ser.)
by Alison RitchieIn the enchanting underwater kingdom of Coralia, home to mermaid-animals called FurFins, the princess is getting married--and CherryTail is baking the Royal Wedding Cake!Deep beneath the silvery waves, in a kaleidoscope of colorful coral, lies the magical kingdom of Coralia. This is where the mermaid-kitten FurFins live and play. Today is a VERY special day . . . the mermaid princess is getting married! CherryTail, the best baker in all of Coralia, is making the Royal Wedding Cake. Everything is ready, but then disaster strikes--the cake has DISAPPEARED! Luckily, her best friends StarTail and TinyTail are ready to help. Can they save the day in time for the mermaid wedding? With delightful color illustrations, this underwater adventure comes to life with evergreen themes of friendship and teamwork.
Future Friend
by David BaddielFrom million-copy bestselling author David Baddiel comes a laugh-out-loud and inspiring new adventure for all readers of 8 and up that is ahead of its time – 1,001 years ahead, to be precise…
Future History 2050
by Thomas HardingThis future history of the next thirty years, imagined by bestselling author Thomas Harding, is a compelling and startling call to action. In 2020, a researcher is shocked to find a set of notebooks detailing the history of the next thirty years. Is this a hoax? Or could it be real? The notebooks, written in the year 2050, contain interview transcripts between teenage Billy and Gran Nancy. We learn about the great climate SHOCK, when global temperatures rise much faster than anticipated, resulting in catastrophic consequences for humanity. We learn about a shift away from democracy, toward unelected “ethnarchs” — heads of corporations who use their access to our personal data to competently run the world. We learn about the giant city towers where most people live, work and play inside — where it's safe from natural disasters and viral outbreaks. And between these interviews, we learn more about Billy, whose interest in the history that has been erased from the official record is causing trouble in 2050. Is it too late to change the past to save the future? Key Text Feature glossary
Gallowglass
by S.J. MordenThe year is 2069, and the earth is in flux. Whole nations are being wiped off the map by climate change. Desperate for new resources, the space race has exploded back into life. Corporations seek ever greater profits off-world. They offer immense rewards to anyone who can claim space's resources in their name. The bounty on a single asteroid rivals the GDP of entire countries, so every trick, legal or not, is used to win. Jack, the scion of a shipping magnate, is desperate to escape earth and joins a team chasing down an asteroid. But the ship he's on is full of desperate people - each one needing the riches claiming the asteroid will bring them, and they're willing to do anything if it means getting there first. Because in Space, there are no prizes for coming second. It's all or nothing: riches beyond measure, or dying alone in the dark. Praise for ONE WAY:'A blend of classic mystery, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK and Andy Weir's THE MARTIAN, ONE WAY is a science fiction thriller like no other' Waterstones
Gaming and the Virtual Sublime: Rhetoric, awe, fear, and death in contemporary video games
by Matthew SpokesCan you have a transformative experience as a result of falling through a programming error in the latest triple-A title? Does looking out across a vast virtual vista of undulating mountains and tumultuous seas edge you closer to the sublime? In an effort to answer these sorts of questions, Gaming and the Virtual Sublime considers the 'virtual sublime' as a conceptual toolbox for understanding our affective engagement with contemporary interactive entertainment. Through a detailed examination of the history of the sublime, from pseudo-Longinus' jigsaw puzzle of the sublime in rhetoric, through the eighteenth-century obsession with beauty and terror, past the Kantian mathematical and dynamical sublime, all the way to Lyotard's 'unpresentable event' and Deleuze's work on chaos and rhythm, this book road-tests these differing components in a far-reaching exploration of how video games - as virtual spaces of affect - might reshape our opportunities for sublime experience. Using playthroughs, developer diaries, forums discussions and contemporaneous reviews, and games ranging from the heartbreak of That Dragon: Cancer through to the abject body-horror of Outlast (with a dash of Tetris in-between) are discussed in terms the experience(s) of play, their design and their co-creation with gamers with a specific focus on rhetoric and narrative; awe; fear and terror; death and boredom. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book is a must-read for philosophers, scholars, and those interested in games and popular culture more broadly.