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The World Beyond the Hill: Science Fiction and the Quest for Transcendence
by Alexei Panshin Cory PanshinThe world in which we live has been shaped by the myths of science fiction. In that vast imaginative universe of mystery and endless possibility, the darkest nightmares and the grandest aspirations of scientific man have been given life -- from Frankenstein to Galactic Empire. Looking through the mirror of past science fiction at the reflections of literary inventors such as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, we can discover the series of steps that led our society to its current state of great accomplishments and even greater confusion. And in the Golden Age stories of writers like Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, and A.E. van Vogt we can discern a mythic prevision of the crucial values, attitudes, and intuitions that underlie the coming age of higher consciousness and holistic understanding. Addressing both those who love science fiction and those who have never read it, The World Beyond the Hill recounts the most central stories of the genre, how they came to be written, and what fundamental human questions they attempted to answer. By telling both the story of science fiction and the stories of science fiction, Alexei and Cory Panshin take us on a journey through the most wonder-filled regions of imagination and bring us home with new insight into our culture, our nature, and our goals. The World Beyond the Hill is a synthesis of remarkable originality. It is both high- quality literature written with clarity, grace, and warmth, and a unique work of research and scholarship. It is biography, history, and social psychology, but most of all it is the recounting of the dream of unknown things, of higher possibilities and of the human quest for transcendence in visions of the mythical but emergent world beyond the hill.
The Beholder
by Connie HallWhen murders at the hands of a mutant shifter start occurring in a rural community, Nina Rainwater knows she must put an end to it. But tell that to her arrogant abductor, who will stop at nothing to protect his family. For Kane, a seniph, believes the killer is his estranged brother. And though his quest could mean his own demise, he must first stop a prying beauty capable of destroying more than just his composure....
Ghost Stalker
by Jenna KernanWhen wounded wolf Skinwalker, Nick Chien, comes under the care of Jessie Healy, she knows it's her duty as a Dreamwalker to kill him. But there's something about the handsome stranger that stays her hand. A tense truce forms as they realize they must work together to defeat a common-and deadly-enemy. The Ruler of Ghost, Nagi, is building a Spirit army designed to destroy all. To stop him, Jessie will need Nick's help. But once close to the lure of Nick, will Jessie commit the ultimate sin...?
The Last Warrior (Lost Colony #1)
by Susan GrantAs a decorated soldier, young General Tao knows only one kind of honour - to his people. But when his own king betrays him, he discovers that his sacrifices and successes may not have been for the good of the country at all. Fate - and his enemies - throw him together with Elsabeth, a red-haired beauty who has served as the royal tutor. However, Elsabeth's loyalties remain with her father's people - the rebellious Kurel - who worship the old ways, even harbouring the forbidden arks that brought the Kurel to this planet decades ago. When a threat greater than their peoples' war looms - intent on destroying the world they both know - the fierce warrior and the sensitive scholar must unite. Together, they must fight for their planet and for their forbidden love.
Twilight Prophecy (Wings in the Night, Book #17)
by Maggie ShayneAccording to ancient prophecy, there's only one chance to avert the complete annihilation of the Undead. Twins James William and Brigit Poe - part human, part vampire - believe that they are that chance. In truth, the key lies with reclusive - and mortal - scholar, Lucy Lanfair. As Armageddon approaches, anti-vampire sentiment fuels a war neither side can win, driving James to abandon his moral code and draw Lucy into a deadly battle she wants no part of. But Lucy soon realises that she holds this powerful immortal's soul in her hands, and that it's her destiny not only to stop a war, but to save James from his inner darkness. If she fails, his race will die - and so will her heart. Is the power of their love strong enough to save the world?
Starbrat (Del Whitby Series, Book #1)
by John MorressySTARBRAT is a picaresque novel of the future, the story of a twenty-seventh century foundling who wanders the galaxy in search of his rightful home and true identity, and encounters a variety of adventures before finding what he seeks. For sixteen years, Del Whitby lived quietly among the pious farmers of the planet Gilead. On the eve of his time of decision, when a boy of Gilead becomes a man, Del learns that he was a foundling, the sole known survivor of a tragedy in distant space. He chooses to marry his childhood sweetheart, Cassie, and live out his life as a man of Gilead, but that very night he is taken by a band of galactic slave traders and his long wanderings begin. Del is sold to a gladiatorial school on Tarquin VII. After years in the arena, he wins his freedom in a tournament on distant Vigrid, and hoping to make his way back to Gilead, he signs on as guard on a pilgrim ship. Eventually he acquires a driveship of his own, and he and his friend Grax set out to find Gilead and the truth of Del's identity. Their wanderings bring them to many places: Skorat, a barbarous place where they witness the return of a long-lost king; Watson's Planet, the information center of the galaxy, where Del takes part in a mind-wrenching search for the secret of a lost civilization; the pleasure-planet Barbary; and eventually to Mazat, where Del, Grax, and a small band of free-lance warriors from across the galaxy join to liberate the inhabitants from the ravages of a band of space pirates. In time, Del returns to Gilead and Cassie and learns the truth of his origin. It is not what he hoped for or expected, but as the book ends, he has found a home and people of his own.
Starfarers
by Poul Anderson[from inside flaps] "Poul Anderson, one of science fiction's most treasured visionaries, returns with a new masterpiece. Starfarers is the story of an expedition into the far reaches of the galaxy, where answers to mankind's greatest questions await. The saga begins when evidence of an advanced civilization is discovered by SETI astronomers. "Trails" observed in the sky are thought to be from starships traveling at the speed of light, an enigma that spurs scientific minds until this breakthrough is achieved by mankind as well. An expedition is then mounted and an eclectic team of scientists chosen to journey into the sector where the intelligent life is allegedly located. But because the destination of the starship, Envoy, and her crew is 60,000 light-years away, the time required to reach the point of origin of the signals and return is 120,000 years--longer than Homo sapiens has been on Earth. And though the crew is ready to face the ramifications of such a trek, no one is prepared for what awaits them at the outer edge of the cosmos--or back at the planet they once called home. Starfarers is a story of patience and immediacy, but most of all of courage. It is a saga for anyone who has ever felt the emptiness of life on Earth and found the missing substance in the spaces between the stars. Poul Anderson's latest is the story of those who see the future in a clear night's sky and are ready to journey into it armed with both insight and passion."
What's Black and White and Stinks All Over? (George Brown, Class Clown Book #4)
by Nancy KrulikHow much trouble can a burp get you into? A lot, if the burp is a magic one that makes you do wild and crazy stuff. It's Field Day for the fourth-graders at Edith B. Sugarman Elementary School, and George is determined to be on his best behavior, especially since a job as sportscaster for the new school TV station is hanging in the balance. But the magic burps--and one super-smelly skunk--are just as determined to foul up everything!
The Mysterious Lady Law
by Robert AppletonIn a time of grand airships and steam-powered cars, the death of a penniless young maid will hardly make the front page. But part-time airship waitress and music hall dancer Julia Bairstow is shattered by her sister's murder. When Lady Law, the most notorious private detective in Britain, offers to investigate the case pro bono, Julia jumps at the chance-even against the advice of Constable Al Grant, who takes her protection surprisingly to heart. Lady Law puts Scotland Yard to shame. She's apprehended Jack the Ripper and solved countless other cold-case crimes. No one knows how she does it, but it's brought her fortune, renown and even a title. But is she really what she claims to be-a genius at deducting? Or is Al right and she is not be trusted? Julia is determined to find out the truth, even if it means turning sleuth herself-and turning the tables on Lady Law. . . 31,600 words
Stealing Time
by Elisa PaigeIt wasn't that she wanted to live forever. She just didn't want to die. When artist James Wesley realizes Evie Reed is dying, he is so moved by the beautiful reporter's determination to live that he makes her immortal-a vampire, like him. She's the woman he's been waiting over 150 years for. Though initially shocked by the change, Evie quickly embraces her second chance at life, and love. Just as James and Evie begin to define eternity together, a zealot breaks an ancient treaty, threatening a peace between humans and vampires that has stood for a thousand years. And when he focuses his hatred on Evie, the immortal lovers find themselves swept up in a deadly supernatural war. . . 101,700 words
True Believers
by Maria ZanniniSomething is killing off immortals, one by one. Taelen Jessit is an alien emissary on a mission sanctioned by the U. S. government to search for ancient gods. His hunt leads him to a dig headed by archaeologist Rachel Cruz. When his military entourage forces Rachel's team out of the cave they were exploring, a flash flood hits the riverbed and threatens to tear them through the ravine. In the aftermath of the flood, Taelen witnesses the incredible healing of Rachel's broken ankle and believes his gods have blessed her. He is inexplicably drawn to her, and she to him. What Taelen doesn't know is that Rachel is Nephilim-a descendant of the gods his people worship-masquerading as a human to find the god-killer and destroy it. Rachel needs help to bring down the tech that is manipulating the Earth's magnetosphere and frying her people alive. She's given Taelen her heart, but can she trust him with her secret?
Salome at Sunrise (Eldwyn Chronicles #1)
by Inez KelleyBryton Haruk sets out on a suicide mission to stop the bloodthirsty Skullmen from terrorizing the war-weary Land of Eldwyn. Consumed by guilt over the death of his wife, Bryton seeks revenge and reunion in the afterlife with his lost love. His purpose is determined, his bravery unmatched, until the queen casts a spell to save Bryton from himself. Salome is that spell. A bird-shifter, she can harness the earth's breeze and take the form of a beautiful, innocent woman. Her challenge is to harness Bryton's pain and guide him to peace. She entrances and irritates him, tempting Bryton from his mission. Even as he gives in to the passion between them, Bryton insists on mounting a solo attack on the brigands' compound, and Salome fears her love won't be enough to save him. . .
The Price of Freedom
by Jenny SchwartzDuty will bring them together-and tear them apart!As a guardian angel, Mischa must protect the one man who may be able to bring about lasting peace to the Middle East. As a djinni, Rafe must fulfill the wishes of a terrorist leader. Their duties colliding, Mischa and Rafe become foes, but the heat between them is undeniable. When the terrorist learns that a guardian angel stands between him and his greatest wish, he orders his djinni to remove her. Taking creative license, Rafe spirits her away to his private oasis, where she will be unable to protect the peacemaker. Beyond their mutual desire, they find common ground in honor and loneliness. Passion quickly grows into love. But it's soon clear to Rafe that love cannot be bound, and Mischa must be true to her life's purpose. Even if Rafe must sacrifice his own taste of freedom to grant hers. . .
The Bloodgate Guardian
by Joely Sue BurkhartWorlds within worlds await through the Maya Bloodgate. . . Dr. Jaid Merritt doesn't do digs. The last time she ventured into the jungle, someone died. Now she's content to decipher Maya glyphs from pictures sent to her by her famous archaeologist father. But when he goes missing while trying to perform a ritual based on her translations of an ancient codex, Jaid must put aside her fears and travel to Guatemala to find him. After misusing the Bloodgates to bring his twin brother back from the afterlife, the Maya priest known as Ruin was cursed by the gods to stand as the guardian for all time. He was unable to stop Dr. Charles Merritt from opening the gates, and now demons roam this world. The last thing he wants to do is hurt the beautiful woman who is somehow infused with his magic, but if she uses the codex to retrieve her father, Ruin must do his duty. And this time, he won't fail. Even if it kills him. Again.
Golden Vampire
by Linda Thomas-SundstromFor former cop Jesse Stewart, giving herself-mind and body-to sexy vampire Lance Van Baaren meant losing her soul. Hired by the government to find a senator's missing daughter, she instead found a haunting link to her past. And now something is drawing her to the one man she should despise. . . ;. Once a knight, Lance had sworn to protect the innocent. And one of those young innocents had been Jesse. Now face-to-face with the alluring woman she has become, he's determined to help Jessie solve her case and make her his own. But would finding the truth of her past-and the Blood Moon-push her further away?
Fallen
by Michele HaufWanting to be a part of mankind, the angel fell-losing his halo, the prize that held his earthbound soul. Now Cooper must retrieve it. But wherever the Fallen walk, a Sinistari demon intent on slaying one is not far behind. Cooper knows he must be wary of this demon. But his first encounter with her leaves him curiously hungering for more. . . . To reclaim her own soul, Pyxion must kill an angel. Not just any angel, but one who's fallen to earth and taken on an irresistible, seductive human form. She never expected that she would feel an attraction for the man she hunted-or that she might need his help. When faced with a powerful mutual threat, she and Cooper form an alliance. But as the danger heightens, so does the passion. . .and if they give in, all could be lost.
The Darkest Secret (Lords of the Underworld, Book #9)
by Gena ShowalterKeeper of the demon of Secrets, Amun can manipulate the darkest thoughts of anyone nearby. But when the immortal warrior is chained and isolated to protect those he loves, death is his only hope of release-until he meets Haidee, a fellow prisoner whose beauty and hidden vulnerability draw him into a reckless test of his loyalty. . . ;. Haidee is a demon-assassin, raised to despise Amun's kind. Yet how can she hate the man whose touch sets her aflame? But to save him, she must give herself body and soul. . . ;and face the wrath of a powerful adversary sworn to destroy her.
Raising the Dead
by Mara PurnhagenCharlotte Silver's world is like no one else's. . . As the daughter of the famous Silver Spirits paranormal investigators, Charlotte Silver is used to all things weird. But when coffins start floating down her street during a flood, life turns extra strange. And wonderful, when her friend and crush Noah signs on to help Charlotte and her folks in the aftermath. Cemetery cleanup might not sound exciting, but as shocking discoveries and a lurking stranger come to light, Charlotte learns that sometimes, raising the dead can bring unexpected rewards.
Claimed by the Wolf Prince
by Marguerite KayeScottish Highlands, 1700 Legend tells of a clan of fierce warriors, the Faol, who have mastered the spirit of the wolf living inside of them. They are famed for their skill in battle-and for their irresistible allure to mortal women. . . It is an attraction fiery Iona McKinley experiences firsthand when she is taken by Prince Struan Tolmach, Lead Alpha of the Faol. His touch is thrilling and arousing. . . but she's destined to be claimed by another warrior. Will Struan risk losing his clan to keep Iona for himself?
Playfair's Axiom (Deathlands #97)
by James AxlerA legendary warrior of nuke-spawned America, Ryan Cawdor understands the hard-and-fast rule of Deathlands. Where there is life, death is only a matter of time. Still, staying alive is the dubious luxury of being quick, hard and willing to abide by a code of honor long abandoned to the wreckage of this postapocalyptic hell zone: truth and fair play. St. Louis is a concrete jungle of fetid heat, acid rains and cutthroats. With J. B. Dix gravely wounded, Ryan and his group become captive guests of a local barony. Freedom lies in the success of a deal: recapture a runaway teen, daughter of the ailing baron. But the dangerous power behind the throne rests with a self-proclaimed holy man. His gruesome manipulation of life and death are about to put the group in a race for their own salvation.
The Truth about Vampires
by Theresa MeyersAll her life, Seattle reporter Kristin Reed sought her breakout story. She never thought she'd find it in the crimson lair of a real-life creature of the night. Kristin never believed vampires existed-until with dark brooding eyes and a decadent chocolate scent, Dmitri Dionotte called out to her. . . . Dmitri and his clan's true nature was cloaked in secrecy until a warring vampire order threatened their existence. Kristin was just the woman he needed. She couldn't resist their story. . . or Dmitri. Her blood pulsed hot and furious when he touched her, and with his kiss, all logic fled. But each night she spent with her vampire lover brought her closer to death and destruction. A death not even an immortal could triumph over.
The Guardian
by Connie HallAlthough Fala Rainwater has been anointed the next tsmishian -a shape-shifter of unparalleled capacity-she can't help getting in the way of her own destiny. When Tumsemeha is resurrected once more, a great and glorious evil comes to devour our world and now hides among the corrupted bodies of Washington's elite. Yet only one man can get Fala close to her hidden enemy. . . ;. As liaison to the government's most secretive and supernatural sector, Agent Stephen Winter has just as much riding on Tumsemeha's defeat. But who is Agent Winter really working for? With an unreadable aura, this enigmatic warlock holds too many secrets, and Fala will need to probe their depths if she is to become the earth's Guardian and save mankind at its darkest hour. . . ;
Time Raiders: The Whisper
by Elle JamesAir Force officer Marisol Vasquez was chosen for a dangerous time-travel mission for her ability to see through the eyes of animals. Sent back nearly six hundred years to the Incan empire, she's committed to finding the precious alien artifact she's been assigned to recover. But Marisol's mission hits a snag when she's given as a gift to the emperor's shaman, a mysteriously sexy man who is determined to seduce her. Suddenly Marisol's devotion to her task faces an entirely unexpected threat: the hazard of fierce, all-consuming lust. . . .
A Vampire's Salvation
by Alexis MorganLife imprisonment has a whole new meaning when you live for centuries. . . It's been fifteen long years since vampire Cord Kilpatrick was sent to prison for his business partner's disappearance. Chancellor Olivia McCabe is the only investigator who doesn't think he's guilty. . . and she's the one woman he can't stop thinking about. When Olivia gets the chance to prove his innocence and has him released into her personal custody, Cord is tempted by the beautiful vampiress more than ever. Can he hope to find salvation from his past and the passion he's longed for in Olivia's arms?
Cradle of Destiny (Outlanders #56)
by James AxlerReborn after near nuclear eradication, humanity struggles in a world defined by a secret history of conspiracy, rivalry and inhuman domination. As an ancient powerful race attempts to retake planet Earth, a courageous and sophisticated band of freedom fighters, the Cerberus rebels, leads the resistance in a daring battle to free humanity from the grips of an alien power struggle. In the Middle East's legendary Fertile Crescent, millennia-old artifacts are unearthed. Shockingly, they appear to belong to one of Cerberus's own. As events converge to play out a destiny forged in cross-dimensional currents, Grant is plunged back through the shimmering vortex of time. Part phantasm, part warrior known as Enkidu, the man bull, he is hunted by humanity's oldest enemy. Kane, Brigid and Domi lead a rescue party across a parallax to destroy the legendary god beast Humbaba-before Grant is lost forever. . .