5/24/2023 0 Comments Set fire to the gods![]() ![]() Ample action and earnest romance fail to fully compensate for murky mythology and heavy-handed plotting. When Ash discovers Madoc’s secret, she endeavors to win him to her cause, potentially at the risk of his own. Ash intends to avenge her mother, Char, who was killed by a Deiman gladiator-and to depose Ignitus, whom she blames for Char’s death and Kula’s poverty. Madoc, hoping to earn enough money in combat to buy his adopted sister’s freedom from indentured servitude, doesn’t reveal that his abilities don’t stem from Geoxus, which would render him ineligible. After earth god Geoxus, the ruler of “the western country of Deimos,” declares war on fire god Ignitus, the ruler of Kula, their descendants-Madoc Aurelius, 18, an olive-skinned Deiman laborer, and Ash Nikau, 18, a brown-skinned Kulan dancer, respectively-volunteer for the arena. ![]() Only those who have inherited their progenitor’s magic can serve as that deity’s champion. In this Greco-Roman-inspired duology opener from Raasch (the Stream Raiders series) and Simmons (the Vale Hall series), disputes between the six gods are settled gladiator-style by their human offspring. ![]()
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5/24/2023 0 Comments The enchanted castle book![]() The culmination of the book is heart-opening, and a wonderful reminder that magic is a gift we all need to cherish. What can one expect with a magical ring leading the children on its merry chase? And yet, every adventure, seemingly insoluble, ends up leading to something very great indeed. Each time it appears that one mystery is solved, another pops up. Perhaps the most surprising element of this book is the amount of surprising twists and turns. On later investigation, I discovered that Nesbit not only wrote magical books, but influenced an entire generation of children’s book writers who in their own way wrote classics as well. I don’t know if there is a proper order for reading all the books of Nesbit, but The Enchanted Castle was the first I read after I became aware of her works through references in a contemporary children’s book, Half Magic. Edith Nesbit is a master of leading children from their daily world to the world of magic, and back, as if the curtain were as thin as gossamer. ![]() The quote for this children’s book says it all. ![]() “There is a curtain, thin as gossamer, clear as glass, strong as iron, that hangs forever between the world of magic and the world that seems to us to be real.” ![]() 5/24/2023 0 Comments Every soul a star book![]() She is somewhat alienated from her physicist parents and her nerdy little sister, Melanie. ![]() In a similar way, Bree, the beauty-obsessed wannabe model, who is only a bit older than Ally is content with her life in the city. ![]() She is fascinated by astronomy and is content with her life in preparation for the eclipse, until she learns that her parents are planning to move into a large city, where her father can get a better job. Ally is an unusual child who is homeschooled at the campground along with her brother Kenny by her parents. A solar eclipse is expected that has required considerable planning. ![]() Ally and her family own and manage a campground, which hosts guests who come to see eclipses and other astronomical events every few months. Every Soul a Star is a young adult novel written from the perspective of three pre-teens about their interwoven experiences surrounding an unusual solar eclipse at Moon Shadow Campground. ![]() ![]() ![]() Each book is a retelling of a work of great literature from one of the world's greatest cultures, fitted into a 64-page book, making classic stories, dramas and histories available to intelligent young readers as a bridge to the full texts, to language students wanting access to other cultures, and to adult readers who are unlikely ever to read the original versions. Real Reads are accessible texts designed to support the literacy development of primary and lower secondary age children while introducing them to the riches of our international literary heritage. When Henchard's wife and daughter come back to find him, will he accept them? And what might they want from him? Will a reunion mean a happy ending? He becomes rich, and is elected mayor of Casterbridge - though his temper and his pride make him difficult to like. Repentant and determined to change his ways, Henchard works hard to improve his fortunes. ![]() Thus begins a chain of events which leads Henchard deep into dishonesty and betrayal. One of Hardys most powerful novels, The Mayor of Casterbridge opens with a shocking and haunting scene: In a drunken rage, Michael Henchard sells his. ![]() The next day, ashamed by what he has done, he lets people believe that his wife has died. ![]() When he gets drunk at a country fair, he sells his wife and child to a sailor. Michael Henchard knew he deserved the pain he felt. Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), born Higher Brockhampton, near Dorchester, originally trained as an architect before earning his living as a writer. ![]() ![]() ![]() Phillip Hoose is the widely-acclaimed author of books, essays, stories, songs, and articles, including the National Book Award winning book, Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice. Gayle, the landmark case that struck down the segregation laws of Montgomery and swept away the legal underpinnings of the Jim Crow South.īased on extensive interviews with Claudette Colvin and many others, Phillip Hoose presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history. Undaunted, a year later she dared to challenge segregation again as a key plaintiff in Browder v. Instead of being celebrated as Rosa Parks would be just nine months later, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin found herself shunned by her classmates and dismissed by community leaders. On March 2, 1955, an impassioned teenager, fed up with the daily injustices of Jim Crow segregation, refused to give her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. ![]() ![]() You have to take a stand and say, ‘This is not right.’” – Claudette Colvin “When it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it. ![]() ![]() ![]() He enlisted in the fight against Napoleon and didn't look back for six years. But at twenty-two, he discovered his whole world was an elaborate illusion, and when Devlin publicly called his family to account for it, he was exiled as a traitor. They were kind, gracious, and shared the beauty of Ravenwood, their grand country estate, by hosting lavish parties for the entire countryside. As a child, Devlin Ware thought his family stood for all that was right and good in the world. The handsome and charismatic Earl of Stratton, Caleb Ware, has been exposed to the ton for his clandestine affairs-by his own son. If you loved Bridgerton, you'll adore Mary Balogh. ![]() 'One of the best!' Julia Quinn, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series A new series by Mary Balogh, bestselling author of The Westcott series. ![]() 5/24/2023 0 Comments Emiko jean empress of all seasons![]() ![]() The emperor is a human who rules this world and is cruel and demands power in every aspect of his life. But this is a tale of family (both found and blood), and honor (both given and earned), and love (unconditionally and conditionally). ![]() I was completely immersed from the very first page, and the last page left me wanting the next book immediately. “Do not cling to the hand that holds you down”Įmpress of All Seasons is an ownvoices Japanese fantasy that was a complete delight to read. Torn between duty and love, loyalty and betrayal, vengeance and forgiveness, the choices of Mari, Taro, and Akira will decide the fate of Honoku in this beautifully written, edge-of-your-seat YA fantasy.ĪRC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As she struggles to keep her true identity hidden, Mari’s fate collides with that of Taro, the prince who has no desire to inherit the imperial throne, and Akira, a half-human, half-yōkai outcast. Mari is a yōkai with the ability to transform into a terrifying monster. And it would be, if she weren't hiding a dangerous secret. Mari has spent a lifetime training to become empress. All are eligible to compete-all except yōkai, supernatural monsters and spirits whom the human emperor is determined to enslave and destroy. Conquer Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. ![]() ![]() Survive the palace’s enchanted seasonal rooms. In a palace of illusions, nothing is what it seems.Įach generation, a competition is held to find the next empress of Honoku. ![]() 5/23/2023 0 Comments Burn bright patricia briggs![]() ![]() ![]() 'The best new fantasy series I've read in years' Kelley Armstrong Now Charles and Anna must use their skills - his as enforcer, hers as peacemaker - to track down the attackers, reopening a painful chapter in the past that springs from the darkest magic of the witchborn.ĭiscover this page-turning Alpha and Omega novel, from the queen of urban fantasy Patricia Briggs. Heading into the mountainous wilderness, they interrupt the abduction of the wolf - but can't stop blood from being shed. With their Alpha out of the country, Charles and Anna are on call when an SOS comes in from the fae mate of one such wildling. Close enough to the Marrok's pack to have its support far enough away to not cause any harm. ![]() For their own good, they have been exiled to the outskirts of Aspen Creek, Montana. The werewolves too damaged to live safely among their own kind. Mated werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham face a threat like no other - one that lurks too close to home. Her Alpha and Omega novels are fantastic' Fresh Fiction ![]() 'Patricia Briggs is an incredible writer' Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling series Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Christine Feehan and J. 1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs comes the next thrilling Alpha and Omega novel - an extraordinary fantasy adventure set in the world of Mercy Thompson but with rules of its own. ![]() 5/23/2023 0 Comments Afterage by Yvonne Navarro![]() ![]() ![]() Like an exquisite butterfly emerging from its cocoon, a new Sil pushed her way free. Within the husk where the woman had found death, there was motion, an unhurried shuffling, then pressure. THE HUMAN RACE HAS BEEN AT THE TOP OF THE EVOLUTIONARY LADDER.Ībove Angela’s cooling body, the chrysalis began to break apart, cracks spidering in all directions along its glossy surface. For if they don’t catch her before she reproduces, the planet will be seeded with the spawn of an unknown species-a species genetically superior to our own and with no known predators. The only problem is that their quarry is like nothing they’ve ever encountered, and all they have to go on is a growing trail of bodies and the knowledge that time is running out. Now a special team of uniquely talented individuals has been assembled to stop her. But she escaped and-driven by powers not even she understands and an instinct she cannot control-she descends on Los Angeles with a single purpose: to mate and reproduce. Beautiful, blond, and deadly, she is part alien and part human, a top-secret government experiment scheduled to be destroyed. ![]() ![]() The theatre emphasizes imaginative design elements, original music, and challenging texts. The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, founded in 1972, presents unique adaptations of childrens literature that have delighted more than 4 million young people on four continents. Very young audiences (ages 2-7) will enjoy the show with a reassuring sense of security and peace, while being effortlessly introduced to the performing arts and the excitement of reading. ![]() ![]() Margaret Wise Browns Goodnight Moon and Clement Hurds The Runaway Bunny both feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery. This will be a Sign Language Interpreted performance. Tickets for the show are $22 and are available at by phone at (212) 352-3101, or at the box office from noon to 6 p.m. ![]() The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, known for its innovative puppetry, striking scenic effects, and evocative original music to provide very young audiences with an effortless introduction to the performing arts and the excitement of reading, will bring to life two beloved bedtime stories- Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny-for one show only on Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m., at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at New York University. ![]() |