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Swift Thoughts
by George ZebrowskiThis collection of stories showcases the work of George Zebrowski, one of science fiction&’s masters and a writer Hugo and Nebula Award winner Robert J. Sawyer has called &“one of the most philosophically astute writers in science fiction.&” Like the writers Olaf Stapledon, Arthur C. Clarke, and Stanislaw Lem, Zebrowski explores the &“big questions&”—the expansion of human horizons, and the growth of power over our lives and the world in which we live. In the title story, scientists push the boundaries of human mentality to keep pace with ever-evolving AIs. In &“The Eichmann Variations,&” a finalist for the Nebula Award, exact copies of captured Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann stand trial for his crimes against humanity, while in &“The Word Sweep,&” all speech must be rationed because spoken words take on physical form. In &“Wound the Wind,&” another Nebula Award finalist, unchanged humans roam freely until captured by those who know what&’s best for them, and in &“Stooges,&” a visiting alien hijacks the persona of Curly Howard. From hard science fiction (&“Gödel&’s Doom&”) to alternate history (&“Lenin in Odessa&”) to first alien contact (&“Bridge of Silence&”), and with an introduction by renowned physicist/writer Gregory Benford, this collection presents one of the most distinctive voices writing in the field of science fiction today.
Bound to Happen
by Mary Kay McComasA novel that asks the age-old question, Does true love really exist? Leslie Rothe wants to believe in love. But the data research analyst has just about given up on finding the One. Her life changes the day she crashes her car into a stranger&’s truck. Suddenly, Leslie is stranded in the Rocky Mountains with a man who awakens treacherous desire within her—and there is no hope of rescue in sight. Joe Bonner loves the mountains, and will do everything in his power to preserve his Western ancestors&’ sacred legacy. Now he has found a woman who shares his passion for the land. But he soon discovers that Leslie works for a developer who is out to destroy the pristine wilderness that Joe is fighting so hard to save. Has he given his trust to a woman fated to betray him? Or has he found a love that transcends differences—a love to have and to hold in his heart forever?This ebook features an extended biography of Mary Kay McComas.
Moravian Soundscapes: A Sonic History of the Moravian Missions in Early Pennsylvania (Music, Nature, Place)
by Sarah Justina EyerlyIn Moravian Soundscapes, Sarah Eyerly contends that the study of sound is integral to understanding the interactions between German Moravian missionaries and Native communities in early Pennsylvania. In the mid-18th century, when the frontier between settler and Native communities was a shifting spatial and cultural borderland, sound mattered. People listened carefully to each other and the world around them. In Moravian communities, cultures of hearing and listening encompassed and also superseded musical traditions such as song and hymnody. Complex biophonic, geophonic, and anthrophonic acoustic environments—or soundscapes—characterized daily life in Moravian settlements such as Bethlehem, Nain, Gnadenhütten, and Friedenshütten. Through detailed analyses and historically informed recreations of Moravian communal, environmental, and religious soundscapes and their attendant hymn traditions, Moravian Soundscapes explores how sounds—musical and nonmusical, human and nonhuman—shaped the Moravians' religious culture. Combined with access to an interactive website that immerses the reader in mid-18th century Pennsylvania, and framed with an autobiographical narrative, Moravian Soundscapes recovers the roles of sound and music in Moravian communities and provides a road map for similar studies of other places and religious traditions in the future.
Transformation Space: Book Four Of The Sentients Of Orion (Sentients of Orion #4)
by Marianne de PierresWinner of the Aurealis Award for Best Science Fiction novel—the fourth Sentients of Orion book. &“Beautifully written . . . a serious series for a new generation&” (Falcata Times). Mira Fedor and her friends stand in the eye of the hurricane, and everything in the Orion League remains in flux. Mira is pregnant, and her gestation is proceeding at an inhuman pace. As she hides out on her bioship, Insignia, it seems clear that the extropist&’s procedures have had unforeseen effects—but will her child be more than human? As secrets are revealed and conspiracies exposed about the attack on Araldis, Mira wonders if there is still time to thwart one last master plan. The pieces are all in place; all that remains is for each side to commit to its endgame. But there is one question nobody has thought to ask: Will the Sole Entity—God—play by the rules? It is the epic conclusion to what the Sydney Morning Herald called &“Space opera supreme.&” Marianne de Pierres&’s epic series the Sentients of Orion has been called &“a grand space opera&” (Times Literary Supplement) and &“brilliant in all senses of the word&” (Sean Williams). All four books were short-listed for the prestigious Aurealis Award, with the final book winning for Best Novel. Don&’t miss the entire Sentients of Orion series: Dark Space, Chaos Space, Mirror Space, and Transformation Space.
Dead Letter (Digger #3)
by Warren MurphyIn Dead Letter, Digger&’s boss&’s daughter is the next name on a college chain letter that has led to a string of murders—and her daddy is afraid she will be next.
Daggers of Gold
by Katherine DeauxvilleA Saxon beauty and a courageous knight fall prey to forbidden passion, as the medieval saga that began in Blood Red Roses continues. Romantic Times praises DAGGERS OF GOLD as &“A magnificent love story...real history brought to life by a consummate storyteller.&” Find out for yourself what makes this spellbinding sequel to the best-selling Blood Red Roses so hot! Ingrith is the grand-daughter of a formerly powerful Saxon noble who has fallen from the King&’s grace and left his family in the position of slaves and serfs. Her fiery will and glossy silver tresses set her apart from other peasant girls, but she has no control over her destiny. She remains bound by the will of others due to her family&’s ancient ties to the web of intrigue surrounding the royal family. Her beauty at full flower, she finds herself the unwilling captive of a swarthy knight setting out to prove his loyalty to the King. Ingrith is to be a gift to the King, his servant and whore, until he tires of her. She refuses to submit to such an outrageous violation. But the only way she can escape is with the help of her captor, who has his own debt of honor to pay, and whose gorgeous eyes send shivers down her spine.
The Four Just Men (The Four Just Men #1)
by Edgar WallaceThe thrilling debut of the Four Just Men, the world&’s most sophisticated vigilantes In a time of turmoil and intrigue, with governments around the world buffeted by the winds of radical change, four men vow to do whatever it takes to ensure that justice prevails. They kill without remorse, their victims powerful men and women guilty of the vilest of crimes: rape, embezzlement, extortion, murder. Now the British foreign secretary finds himself in the crosshairs of Manfred, Gonsalez, Poiccart, and Thery—the newest member of the four and a man with a very special skill. Sir Philip Ramon&’s Aliens Political Offences Bill threatens to expel honest revolutionaries from the safety of England and return them to their corrupt native lands, where torture and death await. The Four Just Men publicly ask Ramon to withdraw the bill. When he refuses, they put their ingenious plan into action. Edgar Wallace self-published The Four Just Men and bankrupted himself promoting it. One century later, it stands as one of the most innovative and influential thrillers ever written. This ebook features a new introduction by Otto Penzler and has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices. The Four Just Men is the first book in the Four Just Men series, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.
Walking and Other Excursions
by Henry David ThoreauIN THE SPIRIT OF UNDYING ADVENTURE! Sauntering through natural landscapes is a noble art; and one that Henry David Thoreau held in the highest regard. Though he is perhaps best known for Walden: Life in the Woods and his essay “Civil Disobedience,” Thoreau was an early advocate of recreational hiking, canoeing, and conserving natural resources. A passionate nature writer, he penned many articles that shared these philosophies and perspectives. This carefully restored re-creation of the 1863 essay collection Excursions features the nine original essays that were published posthumously: “Natural History of Massachusetts” “A Walk to Wachusett” “The Landlord” “A Winter Walk” “The Succession of Forest Trees” “Walking” “Autumnal Tints” “Wild Apples” “Night and Moonlight” This revised special edition also includes the original detailed biographical sketch of Thoreau by fellow transcendentalist and friend Ralph Waldo Emerson. Featuring a brand-new foreword by J.F. Penn, best-selling author of PILGRIMAGE: Lessons Learned from Walking Three Ancient Ways, and a fresh introduction from editor Mark Leslie. ______ "In these ever more fast-moving times, as the constant noise of media in every form buffets us, and bad news from across the world shakes our sense of well-being daily, we can find truth in Thoreau’s words that 'in society you will not find health, but in nature.'" - J.F. Penn
Midnight Fire (The Fire Trilogy)
by Linda LaddAs the Revolutionary War rages, a sheltered beauty battles her own heart over the man who has vowed to protect her in the second Fire Trilogy novel. Carlisle Kincaid is as untouchable and unresponsive in her beautiful perfection as a marble statue. Educated by devout nuns in a strict convent, she instinctively repulses the attentions of any man, denying the haughty and reckless nature promised in her burning gaze. Chase Lancaster, a rugged adventurer on his own, is sworn to protect her seemingly indomitable virtue...while he struggles to deny the enchantment she casts over him. As a revolutionary war rages around them, they are torn apart by mistrust and the strain of divided loyalties-—even as they continue to be drawn together by need and desire. Will they fall prey to the treacherous longings raging in their souls as the ravages of war devastate everything around them?
Miscalculations
by Elizabeth MansfieldA spendthrift viscount must contend with a financial advisor—a surprisingly beautiful and charming one—in this Regency romance. Jane Douglas had a sharp wit, a brilliant mind, and an extraordinary knack for numbers. As financial advisor to Lady Martha Kettering, she was able to provide for herself, her sister, and her mother. Jane had resigned herself to a quiet life in the country, in service. Viscount Luke Kettering was a Corinthian: self-confident, elegant, with a talent for all the manly arts, and a penchant for taking risks. He was admired by his peers, yet his constant requests for funds to settle his gambling debts caused his mother deep concern. He eagerly accepted her challenge to give him control of his inheritance if he could prove to be financially responsible. All he had to do was act prudently for one month. He did not factor in one detail—that Lady Martha's financial advisor would be overseeing his accounting for the month—and that he was—a she!
Crompton Divided
by Robert SheckleyCrompton Divided was also published in the United Kingdom under the title The AlchemicalMarriage ofAlistair Crompton. Alistair Crompton, skilled nosologist at Psychosmell, Inc., sniffs out something he&’s been missing his whole life: his other selves. His disturbed psyche was divided into three parts and the other two were implanted in other bodies on other planets. His obsession to reunite himself leads to disturbing discoveries about the underpinnings of the society he lives in, personal conflicts, a vastly destructive war, and a shocking ultimate revelation. The master of SF madness operates at the top of his form. From the very beginning of his career, Robert Sheckley was recognized by fans, reviewers, and fellow authors as a master storyteller and the wittiest satirist working in the science fiction field. Open Road is proud to republish his acclaimed body of work, with nearly thirty volumes of full-length fiction and short story collections. Rediscover, or discover for the first time, a master of science fiction who, according to the New York Times, was &“a precursor to Douglas Adams.&” &“In case anyone has managed to miss this singular author&’s seminal influence on the world of imaginative literature, my best advice is to throw oneself in the way of Crompton Divided and give oneself up to wonderful madness.&” —Harlan Ellison
What Is Life?: Investigating the Nature of Life in the Age of Synthetic Biology
by Ed RegisIn 1944, the Nobel Prize–winning physicist Erwin Schrödinger published a groundbreaking little book called What Is Life? In fewer than one hundred pages, he argued that life was not a mysterious or inexplicable phenomenon, as many people believed, but a scientific process like any other, ultimately explainable by the laws of physics and chemistry. Today, more than sixty years later, members of a new generation of scientists are attempting to create life from the ground up. Science has moved forward in leaps and bounds since Schrödinger's time, but our understanding of what does and does not constitute life has only grown more complex. An era that has already seen computer chip–implanted human brains, genetically engineered organisms, genetically modified foods, cloned mammals, and brain-dead humans kept "alive" by machines is one that demands fresh thinking about the concept of life.While a segment of our national debate remains stubbornly mired in moral quandaries over abortion, euthanasia, and other "right to life" issues, the science writer Ed Regis demonstrates how science can and does provide us with a detailed understanding of the nature of life. Written in a lively and accessible style, and synthesizing a wide range of contemporary research, What Is Life? is a brief and illuminating contribution to an age-old debate.
The Stricken Field (A Handful of Men #3)
by Dave DuncanA king resists a sorcerer&’s rule over the Impire in this fantasy series from the Aurora Award–winning author of the Man of His Word novels. Paranoid but almighty, the sorcerer Xinixo had seized control of the Impire. But ruling the imps and most of the world was not enough. He would never feel safe until he was universally loved, so he would smash everything and then rebuild the whole world in his own insane image. Who could resist him? King Rap of Krasnegar and Shandie, the rightful imperor, were still at large and determined to resist the evil, however slender their chances. Their one, faint hope was to enlist the help of the remaining free sorcerers of the world, those not already spellbound by Xinixo. Their quest soon ran into disaster. Their messengers were betrayed or ensnared. A rampaging goblin army had captured Shandie and was about to torture him to death. Rap was mired in a tropical jungle, hoping his wife and children were safe back home in Krasnegar. They were not in Krasnegar and certainly not safe. As the flames of war raged across Pandemia, news of the disasters penetrated even into Thume, the Accursed Land. Outsiders believed that the pixies had been extinct for a thousand years, but they still lived there, hoarding their magic. Their ruler, the Keeper, adamantly refused to meddle in events outside her borders, but one young pixie girl was prepared to rebel against the ancient order . . .
Murder in the Queen's Armes: Fellowship Of Fear, The Dark Place, Murder In The Queen's Armes, And Old Bones (The Gideon Oliver Mysteries #3)
by Aaron ElkinsThe Skeleton Detective puzzles over the theft of an ancient bit of bone—and a student&’s murder—in this novel by the Edgar Award–winning author of Switcheroo. Anthropology professor Gideon Oliver would prefer to keep his mind on his beautiful new bride Julie during their English honeymoon, but one intrusive question will not stop nagging at him: Who would want to steal a thirty‑thousand‑year‑old parieto‑occipital calvarial fragment? Yet someone has lifted this chunk of prehistoric human skull from a musty museum in Dorchester. Then, thirty miles away, an archaeology student is murdered, increasing tension and suspicion at a dig that had already seethed with suspicion, rivalry, and mistrust. Could there be a connection between a hot bone and a cold‑blooded murder? Gideon is called on by the police to apply the unique skills for which the media have named him &“the Skeleton Detective,&” and he reluctantly agrees. Before he is done, his sleuthing will lead him to another murder and will—in the most literal and terrifying manner imaginable—sic the dogs on him, putting Gideon himself, and Julie as well, in mortal danger . . .Murder in the Queen&’s Armes is a suspenseful, fun-filled whodunit by the author of the Alix London and Chris Norgren series—a celebrated master who &“thoroughly understands the art of the murder mystery&” (The Philadelphia Inquirer). Murder in the Queen&’s Armes is the 3rd book in the Gideon Oliver Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.
Harriet Quimby: Flying Fair Lady
by Leslie KerrOne of the first women to fly, Harriet Quimby paved the way for Amelia EarhartA Victorian-era woman who challenged the mores of her timeQuimby was a pioneer in photojournalism, script writing, and fashion design
Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World
by H. R. McMasterThe former National Security Advisor's New York Times bestselling critique of US foreign policy—with new material on the Jan. 6th assault on the Capitol. In Battlegrounds, Lt. General H.R. McMaster, U.S. Army, ret., the former National Security Advisor under President Trump, delivers a bold re-examination of the most critical foreign policy and national security challenges facing the United States. In this new edition, McMaster addresses the January 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol and discusses how citizens across the free world can work together to restore confidence in democratic institutions.According to McMaster, American foreign policy has been misconceived and poorly implemented since the end of the Cold War. This has allowed threats to security, freedom, and prosperity—such as nuclear proliferation and jihadist terrorism—to grow. As National Security Advisor, he pursued course correction through a fundamental shift in policy. Now he provides a clear path to improving strategic competence and prevailing in complex competitions against our adversaries.Calling on all Americans to rise above the vitriol of partisan discourse, McMaster stresses the importance of educating ourselves about the national and international security challenges we face. Only then can we work together to secure peace and prosperity for future generations.
Options
by Robert SheckleyTom Mishkin is piloting another routine supply flight when he hears an unusual noise and gets the distressing news: He&’s about to be stranded on a backward planet and forced to hike across unknown and probably hostile terrain to find a cache of spare parts and get going again. Mishkin&’s journey introduces him to strange aliens like a five-headed man-eating snake with Mob connections as his trek slowly warps into a metaphysical search for his soul and the meaning of human existence . . . From the very beginning of his career, Robert Sheckley was recognized by fans, reviewers, and fellow authors as a master storyteller and the wittiest satirist working in the science fiction field. Open Road is proud to republish his acclaimed body of work, with nearly thirty volumes of full-length fiction and short story collections. Rediscover, or discover for the first time, a master of science fiction who, according to the New York Times, was &“a precursor to Douglas Adams.&”
Locating Europe: A Figure, a Concept, an Idea? (Studies in Continental Thought)
by Rodolphe GaschéIs the idea of Europe outdated? The concept of European unity, the animating spirit of the European Union, seems increasingly fragile in the face of far-right populist movements. In Locating Europe , Rodolphe Gasché attempts to answer the question of how to think about Europe. Is it a figure, a concept, or an idea? Is there anything still compelling and urgent about the idea of Europe? By looking at phenomenologist and postphenomenological thinkers in the second half of the 20th century, Gasché reveals that Europe is more than just one geographical and cultural entity. The idea of Europe is based on common foundations: a distinctive conception of reason, of self-criticism, of responsibility, freedom, equality, human rights, and democracy, and it is these foundations that are under threat. In Locating Europe: A Figure, a Concept, an Idea? Gasché engages the philosophy of Hans-Georg Gadamer, Karl Jaspers, Karl Löwith, and others, focuses on the most significant philosophical representations of Europe, and explores the potential, and especially the limits, of the notion of Europe.
Eagles
by Maggie DavisA thrilling novel of military lives—and loves—as USAF pilots ignite the engines of their F-15 Eagles and take to the skies. They are intoxicating seductresses willing to do anything—absolutely anything—for love; however, these women can't rival the military aspirations of their men. The women try to fill the holes left in their hearts, but how much longer can they survive loneliness and rejection? How do they take possession of their men's hearts, hearts that only have room for the liberating expanse of the sky? The only way they can reach their stuck-in-the-clouds men is to use illicit affairs, sinful seduction, and murder—to fly like EAGLES.
She Was: A Novel
by Janis HallowellDoreen Woods lives an ordinary life. She is a respected dentist, her son has just graduated from high school, and her husband teaches fifth grade. The one flaw is that her brother, Adam, has MS. Even that isn't all that extraordinary. . . . Then, out of nowhere, Janey Marks shows up, bringing the past with her.In 1971 Doreen was young, idealistic Lucy Johansson. Adam was back from Vietnam, damaged and bitter. Caught up in the anti-war movement Lucy committed a crime that changed everything for both of them.She Was spans America, coast to coast, over four decades, to give us the story of one young woman who, like many of her generation, tried to change the world and how, thirty-four years later, in a world that still needs changing, she must pay the consequences.
In the Caves of Exile (Tale of the Nedao #2)
by Ru EmersonThe warrior queen Ylia returns in the fantasy series filled with &“sorcery, bravery, evil, love and hatred&” from the author of To the Haunted Mountains (Rave Reviews). The exiled Queen Ylia calls upon all of her magical powers in order to bring together the scattered survivors of her beleaguered kingdom, Nedao. This is the tale of the young Queen Ylia who chooses to accept the challenges disaster can bring. She flees from the broken and defeated city of Koderra and treks through the terrible haunted mountains to the North. Although such a perilous journey tests all of her strength and resources, it is not until she reveals herself in the full tilt of battle that it is clear how the powers that are her birthright can save her kingdom.
On Beauty and Measure: Plato's Symposium and Statesman (The Collected Writings of John Sallis)
by John SallisOn Beauty and Measure features renowned philosopher John Sallis' commentaries on Plato's dialogues the Symposium and the Statesman. Drawn from two lecture courses delivered by Sallis, they represent his longest and most sustained engagement to date with either work. Brilliantly original, Sallis's close readings of Plato's dialogues are grounded in the original passages and also illuminate the overarching themes that drive the dialogues.
A Guilty Passion
by Laurey BrightA contemporary romance of a widow&’s grief, a new beginning, and a love that has blossomed in the shadows . . . After the sudden death of his brother, Ethan invites his lovely but shattered widow Celeste to his island home off the coast of Australia. He soon discovers that Celeste is nothing like the woman his brother described, an unrepentant flirt. Instead, she is a gentle but passionate woman who knows her own heart—a woman capable of resurrecting buried memories . . . For years, Ethan has fought the feelings that Celeste has stirred inside of him. Now is his chance to let go of his guilt, recognize the love shining in her eyes, and use their passion to repair past mistakes.
Mental Case (The Ben Tolliver Mysteries #4)
by James Neal HarveyNYPD detective Ben Tolliver investigates a series of seemingly motiveless murdersA beautiful woman strides into a jewelry store and asks to try on the finest diamond they have. After admiring it in the mirror, she draws a revolver and kills everyone in the shop, screaming, &“Horrible! Vile! Hideous! Filthy!&” As the smoke clears, she looks at the security camera, puts the pistol in her mouth, and pulls the trigger.Who was this woman? Why did she kill, and why did she turn the gun on herself? The case falls to Detective Ben Tolliver, a homicide cop who is not afraid of asking tough questions. The killer was the daughter of a major political player who will do whatever it takes to cover up his child&’s troubled past. At the root of the conspiracy is a disturbed doctor whose experiments go far beyond ethical science, and who has the power to destroy Tolliver&’s mind, body, and soul.
Heart of Lies: A Novel
by M.L. MalcolmLeo Hoffman was born with a gift for languages. When his dreams for the future are destroyed by World War I, the dashing young Hungarian attempts to use his rare talent to rebuild his life, only to find himself inadvertently embroiled in an international counterfeiting scheme. Suddenly Leo is wanted across the European continent for a host of crimes, including murder. Left with no options, he must escape to Shanghai with his lover, carrying with him a stolen treasure that could be his salvation . . . or his death warrant. But the gangsters who control the decadent Asian city have no intention of letting him outrun his past. And when the Japanese invade, one wrong move could cost Leo Hoffman everything he holds dear.An epic tale of intrigue, passion, and adventure, Heart of Lies heralds the arrival of a remarkable writer.