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The Little Teashop on Main
by Jodi ThomasNew York Times–Bestselling Author: &“A beautiful love letter to the power of female friendship . . . Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Nina George.&” —Robyn Carr A rainy-day ritual—a tea party between three little girls—will shape the future of their friendship and their lives . . . Redheaded, curly-haired Zoe is openhearted, kind and free-spirited, and dreams of becoming a famous actor in New York City. Shy Emily struggles with mental health but has the heart and soul of a writer. And Shannon—tall, athletic, strong—has a deep sense of loyalty that will serve her well when she heads off to military college. As Zoe, Emily, and Shannon grow into women—forging careers, following dreams, and finding love—they&’ll learn that life doesn&’t always unfold the way they want it to, but through it all, the one constant is each other, and their regular tea parties. And when the unthinkable happens, the girls must come together to face the greatest test of all. &“Exactly the kind of heart-wrenching, emotional story one has come to expect from Jodi Thomas.&” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of It&’s Better This Way &“The Little Teashop on Main is tender, heartfelt and wonderful . . . I loved every word.&” —RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times–bestselling author of Summer at Lake Haven
The Wrong Dead Guy (Another Coop Heist Ser.)
by Richard KadreyA special agent for a supernatural task force hunts down a runaway mummy bent on raising hell in this adventure by a New York Times–bestselling author.Coop, a master thief sort of gone legit, save the world from an ancient doomsday device—heroism that earned him a gig working for the Department of Peculiar Science, a fearsome top secret government agency that polices the odd and the strange.Now Woolrich, Coop’s boss at the DOPS, has Coop breaking into a traveling antiquities show to steal a sarcophagus containing the mummy of a powerful Egyptian wizard named Harkuf.Coop pulls off the heist without a hitch. And it’s not his fault that when DOPS opened the sarcophagus they didn’t find the mummy they were expecting. Well, it was the right mummy, but it wasn’t exactly dead—and now it’s escaped. Being a typical boss, Woolrich blames his underling for the screw-up and wants Coop to find the missing Harkuf, pronto.Digging into Harkuf’s history, Coop thinks the mummy is hunting for an ancient magical manuscript that will help bring his old lover back to life. Which wouldn’t be so bad if she wasn’t a warrior sorceress hell-bent on conquering the world with undead armies.Coop would very much like to run from the oncoming chaos. It’s one thing to steal a mummy, but another to have to deal with head-hunting bureaucrats, down-on-their-luck fortune tellers, undead mailroom clerks, and a rather unimpressed elephant. Unfortunately, there’s nowhere to run. If Coop wants the madness to stop, he must suck it up and play hero once more. But if he manages to save the world AGAIN, he’s definitely going to want a lot of answers—and a raise.Praise for The Wrong Dead Guy“A goofy, flamboyant, and breathless horror adventure by one of the genre’s sharpest creators.” —Kirkus Reviews“[The Wrong] Dead Guy is a riot. It’s just plain dangerous fun.” —NPR“[Kadrey’s] plotting is as deft as ever, weaving eight broad story arcs into one overarching narrative that’s entertainingly unpredictable.” —Publishers Weekly
What Makes Us Catholic: Eight Gifts for Life
by Thomas H. Groome“[A] celebration of what is beautiful and lasting in the Catholic tradition . . . a kiss of peace to [all] Catholics, whether liberal, conservative, or confused.” —Michael Leach, co-editor of I Like Being CatholicWhat makes a Catholic a Catholic? According to Thomas Groome, a professor in theology and religious education at Boston College, Catholics share certain vital features of life and identity. What Makes Us Catholic explains and illuminates that character, and invites Catholics of all kinds to connect more deeply and imaginatively with their own culture and spirituality.“Eloquently contends that all Catholics be they faithful adherents or lapsed members share eight distinctive qualities . . . To each Groome dedicates a skillfully written chapter, which opens with an anecdote from his own experience that concretizes its theological subject. Readers will find themselves pausing and engaging in the text with questions for reflection and conversation . . . Groome [keeps] complex religious jargon to a minimum, allowing his simple stories to resonate in the heart.” —Library Journal“Grounded in the actual experiences of people, [this book] portrays Catholicism as a rich, multi-faceted reality that cannot be contained by any single doctrine or institutional element.” —Richard P. McBrien, author of Lives of the Saints
Sleepless in Manhattan (From Manhattan with Love #1)
by Sarah MorganA NYC events planner gets her big break—with the only guy to break her heart—in the USA Today–bestselling author’s “satisfying, sizzling romance” (All About Romance).Cool, calm, and competent, events planner Paige Walker loves a challenge. After a childhood spent in and out of hospitals, she’s now determined to prove herself—and where better to take the world by storm than Manhattan? But when Paige loses the job she loves, she must face her biggest challenge of all—striking out on her own.Except launching her own events company is nothing compared to hiding her outrageous crush on Jake Romano—her brother’s best friend, New York’s most in-demand date, and the only man to break her heart. When Jake offers Paige’s fledgling company a big opportunity, their still-sizzling chemistry starts giving her sleepless nights. But can she convince the man who trusts no one to take a chance on forever?Sleepless in Manhattan is the first novel in Sarah Morgan’s From Manhattan with Love trilogy.
Just Shy of Harmony (The Harmony Novels)
by Philip Gulley“Once again, Gulley gives us a triumph of homespun values, pitched somewhere between Jan Karon and Garrison Keillor.” —BooklistSam Gardner’s second year as minister in quaint and charming Harmony, Indiana, is fraught with trials and incidents, a crisis of faith, a marital catastrophe, and a church elder’s ill-hatched scheme to scramble scripture with eggs. But a loving heart and a strong sense of humor is almost certain to see Sam through . . . even if all of Harmony is expecting a miracle come Easter morn.“Just Shy of Harmony is just shy of perfect.” —Charles Osgood“A wonderful tale of a fictitious community of colorful characters who share goodness and gossip, controversy and compassion—a real-life microcosm of mankind. Gulley’s stories get at the heart of the simple joys, stranger-than-fiction humor, and day-to-day drama of small-town life, and reveal how even the largest of problems inevitably resolve themselves. No wonder he’s been called Indiana’s Garrison Keillor.” —American Profile Magazine“This story is a winner.” —Publishers Weekly“Filled with grace and forgiveness . . . Sam’s journey in faith teaches through the shared medium of laughter.” —Library Journal
Sacrifice: A spellbinding historical saga perfect for fans of Ken Follett (The Hebraica Trilogy)
by Christine Jordan&“Loved this book, had me hooked from the first page.&” —Amazon reviewer, five stars &“Epic . . . echoes of Game of Thrones.&” —Amazon reviewer, five starsA young couple struggles to build a life together in this suspenseful saga . . . Zev, a humble butcher&’s son, has always loved Arlette but she is promised to another. When the death of a Christian boy is blamed on the local Jews, Arlette is caught up in the ensuing chaos and mob violence leading her betrothed to reject her. Throughout the ordeal, Zev remains steadfast and refuses to abandon Arlette while she struggles to overcome her trauma. But their troubles are far from over as they endure continuing harassment and are drawn into intrigue involving the Irish king. Can the pair continue to battle and survive against all the odds?Sacrifice is a rich historical drama filled with danger, love and betrayal.
Reimagining Talent Development in Sport: Seeing a Different World
by Andy Borrie Emily RyallReimagining Talent Development in Sport takes a fresh look at the processes, systems and fundamental beliefs about talent. It brings together researchers, practitioners and former Olympic athletes to re-imagine the way talent development programmes work and the foundational values they are built on. This book imagines an environment that is able to achieve both sporting success and long-term athlete well-being.Talent development systems are now part and parcel of all effective high-performance sport systems in Olympic and professional sports. Talented young athletes are being recruited into programmes at ever younger ages as sports are looking to identify and attract athletes who they perceive have potential to become senior elite performers. Just the mathematics of talent development means there will always be a higher number of young athletes who are rejected by a talent pathway than ever reach the end of the pathway and become elite adult performers. So, we need new ways of thinking that allow us to find ways of nurturing athletic potential at the same time as developing the person. Reimagining Talent Development in Sport examines new ways of conceptualising talent programmes so that the young athlete is seen as a whole person first and an athlete second. This book touches on a wide range of topics encompassing sociological perspectives, philosophical thinking and new ideas on re-defining ‘success’, as well as discussing programmes that are already being implemented in pursuit of creating more ethical and positive approaches to talent development.Accessible to both academics and practitioners, Reimaging Talent Development in Sport is key reading for practitioners and academics who have an interest in talent development, skill acquisition and coaching programmes.
Digital Farming and Smart Agriculture for Sustainable Future
by Utku Kose J. L Febin Daya S. Graceline JasmineThis book presents the impact and scope of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) in the growth of intelligent digital farming and smart agriculture. It offers insights into advanced analytics, prognostics capabilities, and the development of economic models for creating innovative software applications and tools necessary for developing IoT devices for precision agriculture. It explores the latest advancements in these fields and their applications, gaining valuable insights into the future of digital farming. The case studies and exploration of future implications make it an excellent guide for academicians and researchers in this field. Discusses various aspects of AI-driven demand forecasting and management Covers smart IoT framework for precision agriculture Includes topics related to deep learning techniques combined with IoT for smart agriculture Explores the scope of computer vision technologies aid in precise crop management Highlights the potential of energy optimization and environmental sustain- ability in agricultural practices This reference book serves as a valuable resource for researchers and graduates in the fields of tеchnology-driven revolution in agriculture.
British Theatre and Young People: Theory and Performance in the 21st Century
by Uğur AdaBritish Theatre and Young People gathers together new and original studies on the issues, theories, practices and perceptions which characterise British theatre about, for, by, and with young people in the 21st century.Interrogating the critical relationship between theatre and young people today, the book brings together perspectives on theatre about, for, by, and with young people and presents it as an art form in its own right. The first part of the book focuses on applied and socially engaged theatre practice with young people, illustrating the ways in which theatre can highlight inclusivity, well-being, community and politics among young people. Part two presents essays on adaptation and appropriation, generally looking at how classic texts have been adapted for young audiences. Finally, the last part of the book looks at the ways in which British Youth Theatre and practice in the UK has impacted regional and national theatre scenes. Highlighting this rich and active community and practice, this edited collection paints a picture of the state of theatre for and by young people in the UK today.British Theatre and Young People is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students of theatre studies and applied theatre with an interest in British theatre.
Representing Black Girl Magic with Contemporary Picture Books
by Raphael E. RogersRepresenting Black Girl Magic with Contemporary Picture Books explores how contemporary, culturally relevant, and responsive picture books can provide educators with a chance to teach about race and racism in the classroom. A wave of recently published picture books by Black women authors have pushed back against negative beliefs, countered negative stereotypes, and celebrated the joy and magic of Black girls and their families. Featuring the voices and perspectives of over two dozen Black women writers, in this book, Raphael Rogers examines how and why these publications are changing the picture book and the educational landscape.With sections on classroom connections and discussion questions in every chapter, this book is ideal for courses on teaching children’s literature and diversity in children’s literature.
Participation and the Post-Museum (Routledge Research in Museum Studies)
by Katarzyna JagodzińskaParticipation and the Post-Museum discusses the concept of participation in museum practice, as well as ideas that constitute the paradigm of the post-museum.Based on extensive empirical research conducted in thirty diverse Polish museums and drawing upon her own museum practice, the author considers whether museums are democratising, or whether this is an illusion that obscures the reinforcement of the authoritarian position that is historically inherent to museums. Referring to different areas of museum practice, the author analyses not only ‘how’ and ‘why,’ but mostly ‘if’ museums are capable and willing to share their power with the public – and how it affects their identity. Drawing on literature from the fields of political and social sciences, as well as cultural and museum studies, on participation and applicability of the term in museums, it becomes apparent that using participatory tools, even when they empower the public to co-author, collaborate, and take co-responsibility, does not necessarily lead to participatory museums.Participation and the Post-Museum argues that museums rooted in the modernist tradition are usually not ready to share power and responsibility with non-experts from outside the museum world. It will be of interest to academics and students of museum studies, museum professionals, culture management, and heritage studies around the world.
Sport and Video Games (Frontiers of Sport)
by Łukasz MuniowskiThis book explores the complex relationships between sport and video games, two of the largest entertainment sectors globally.Focusing on those games that depict real-life sports and athletic competitions, from FIFA, Madden, and NBA 2K to Football Manager and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, the book examines how sport has influenced gaming, and vice versa, and how this relationship is likely to develop in the future. Arguing that sports games are a unique interface between virtual worlds and our real-life social worlds, the book examines the concept of simulation; how the performance of athletes and teams in the real world influences video games; and whether those close links enhance or limit the player’s experience. It also considers how video games are used by leagues and sports franchises, through sponsorship and in-game advertisements, to reinforce their brands. Furthermore, it presents a concise history of sports video games, and using narrative methods, it takes a close look at the importance of storytelling in sports video games, not only in the sense of the stories built into the structure of a game but also in the way that fans and media organizations build their own stories in sport, in both real and virtual worlds. The book also asks how sports video games illuminate our understanding of key social issues, including race and gender.This is fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in the sociology or culture of sport or video games, sport business, or the gaming industry.
Reading and Understanding Health Research: A Critical Approach
by Robert R. Weaver Qian JiaThis concise guide equips readers with the essential skills required to analyze and critically appraise health research evidence, an integral element to evidence-based practice and professional development.The book offers invaluable guidance by demystifying the structure and language of peer-reviewed research through different stages of reading—inspectional, analytical, and topical—to provide a structured approach to understanding and evaluating research design, methods, and findings. Through analytically reading each section of a research paper, readers can develop a critical appreciation of the evidence, helping them to identify both the strengths and limitations of any piece of research. This critical reading process is a crucial skill, fostering the ability to judiciously apply evidence to health practice, and encouraging a deep engagement with research to better inform health decisions.Ideal reading for students across all health disciplines, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, it will also be a valuable resource for health professionals seeking to enhance their skills in evidence-based practice and continuing professional development. Instructors can also access a range of online resources to support classroom use.
A New Generation Draws the Line: Humanitarian Intervention and the “Responsibility to Protect” Today (Chomsky from Routledge)
by Noam ChomskyIn this work, Chomsky explores the West’s uses and abuses of the principle of "human intervention." An updated foreword by Jean Bricmont explores the ongoing crises of humanitarian intervention in Afghanistan, Libya, Palestine, Syria, and Ukraine and reaffirms Chomsky’s excoriating critiques of Western foreign policy.Chomsky dissects the meaning and uses of humanitarian intervention grounded in the so-called "right to protect" (R2P). In doing so, Chomsky demonstrates how the principle of human intervention has been used as an instrument to justify military intervention in support of Western foreign policy aims. Through detailed case studies of the humanitarian intervention in East Timor and Kosovo, Chomsky also highlights how "humanitarian intervention" often leads to further atrocities and egregious abuses of human rights.As the question of humanitarian intervention looms ever larger, particularly with regard to the Middle East and Eastern Europe, this book is a vital overview of humanitarian intervention and its uses and abuses.
Epistolary Autoethnographies on Loss, Memory, and Resolution: Reflections on Black Motherhood (International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (ICQI) Foundations and Futures in Qualitative Inquiry)
by Bryant Keith Alexander Mary E. WeemsThis book uses letter writing as a form of engaging autoethnography to address relational histories and dynamics such as race, gender, loss, memory and resolution.It is structured around textual performances, poems, and dialogues in the form of letters. Set within the context of adult Black children and their Black mothers, each author uses their letters to reflect on life with and without mama, and their own sense of coming to know themselves in the absence of their mother. Each entry evidence encounters of pain, possibility, and potentiality collated between the authors for a robust thematic underpinning for the reader. Building upon poetic inquiry and autoethnography narratives, this book seeks to build arguments about privatized struggle, and offers a guide on reflection.In addition to students and researchers partaking in autoethnographical studies, this book is suitable for anyone studying qualitative inquiry, performance studies, gender studies, cultural studies, Black studies, anthropology, and performative writing.
Keeping Her: A Losing It Novella (A\losing It Novella Ser. #1)
by Cora CarmackA young woman wonders if her relationship can survive meeting his parents in this new adult romance novella, a sequel to Losing It.Garrick Taylor and Bliss Edwards managed to find their happily-ever-after despite a rather . . . ahem . . . complicated start. By comparison, meeting the parents should be an absolute breeze, right?But from the moment the pair lands in London, new snags just keep cropping up: a disapproving mother-in-law-to-be, more than one (mostly) minor mishap, and the realization that perhaps they aren’t quite as ready for their future as they thought.As it turns out, the only thing harder than finding love is keeping it.Praise for Losing It“The perfect mixture of humor and steam. Within a few chapters, it easily became my favorite book of the year!” —#1 New York Times–bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout
Courage: Overcoming Fear & Igniting Self-Confidence
by Debbie FordFrom a New York Times–bestselling author, a proven process for overcoming insecurity and fear and unlocking the courage that resides within.Every day we are confronted with hundreds of choices that either makes us feel confident and strong or rob us of the things we desire the most. When we lack confidence, we feel unworthy of having what we want, of speaking the truth, of making decisions that improve our lives. When we feel weak, helpless, or powerless, we lack the strength to ward off the thoughts of defeat, negativity, and fear that fill our minds and prevent us from moving forward and living in harmony with our deepest desires.For decades, Debbie Ford has been helping people break free from the emotional baggage that has held them hostage. In Courage, she provides a life-altering path to discovering confidence and authentic self-expression. By learning to accept all of who we are, including our histories, our flaws, our misgivings, our weaknesses, and our fears, we discover that what keeps us stuck and feeling weak is nothing more than an illusion of the past. By showing us how to be confident, stand in our strength, and feel great about ourselves, a new self emerges with the power to accomplish anything. Introducing seven guiding principles, Ford expertly leads readers out of the common pitfalls of fear and insecurity and into the strength, power, and freedom of a courage that has been present all along.Praise for Courage“Debbie Ford was a warrior, an extraordinary human being who left a legacy that continues to help heal the world. Courage will introduce you to the warrior within. And life as you know it will never be the same.” —Cheryl Richardson“I love this book. I love the way it was written. And most of all, I love you, Debbie Ford. You inspire me.” —Wayne Dyer
Only Daughter: A Novel
by Anna SnoekstraIn this chilling psychological thriller debut, one woman’s dark past becomes another’s deadly future.In 2003, sixteen-year-old Rebecca Winter disappeared.She’d been enjoying her summer break: working at a fast-food restaurant, crushing on an older boy and shoplifting with her best friend. Mysteriously ominous things began to happen—a presence in her room at night, periods of blackouts, a feeling of being watched—though Bec remained oblivious of what was to come.Eleven years later she is replaced.A young woman, desperate after being arrested, claims to be the decade-missing Bec.Soon the impostor is living Bec’s life. Sleeping in her bed. Hugging her mother and father. Learning her best friends’ names. Playing with her little brothers.But Bec’s welcoming family and enthusiastic friends are not quite as they seem. As the impostor dodges the detective investigating her case, she begins to delve into the life of the real Bec Winter—and soon realizes that whoever took Bec is still at large, and that she is in imminent danger.Praise for Only Daughter“Twisty, slippery, and full of surprises, this web of lies will ensnare you and keep you riveted until you’ve turned the final page.” —Lisa Unger, New York Times–bestselling author of Ink and Bone“[A] dark and edgy debut. . . . Truly distinctive and tautly told, Only Daughter welcomes a thrilling new voice in crime fiction.” —Mary Kubica, New York Times–bestselling author of The Good Girl“Snoekstra’s excellent debut stands out in the crowded psychological suspense field with smart, subtle red herrings and plenty of dark and violent secrets. Recommend to genre aficionados and readers who enjoyed Lisa Lutz’s The Passenger.” —Library Journal (starred review)
Sunset in Central Park: The perfect romantic comedy to curl up with (From Manhattan with Love #2)
by Sarah MorganA garden designer who buries her true feelings is about to discover how friendship can blossom into something more in this “sweet and sexy” romance (Booklist).Love has never been a priority for garden designer Frankie Cole. After witnessing the fallout of her parents’ divorce, she’s seen the devastation an overload of emotion can cause. The only man she feels comfortable with is her friend Matt—but that’s strictly platonic. If only she found it easier to ignore the way he makes her heart race . . . Matt Walker has loved Frankie for years. But sensing how fragile she is beneath her feisty exterior, he’s always played it cool. Now, as he uncovers new depths to the girl he’s known forever, he doesn’t want to wait a moment longer. He’s determined to prove that she can trust him with her heart, and finally kiss her under the Manhattan sunset.
When The Devil Holds The Candle (The Inspector Sejer Mysteries #3)
by Karin FossumThis novel in the acclaimed Scandinavian mystery series is “an engrossing psychological thriller” about a missing teen being held by a deranged captor. (Sunday Telegraph)When the theft of a purse from a stroller results in an infant’s death, two teenagers are in trouble. Unaware of the enormity of their crime, Zipp and Andreas are intent on committing still another. They follow an elderly woman home, and Andreas enters her house with his ever-reliable switchblade. Motionless in the dark, Zipp waits for his friend to come out.Inspector Konrad Sejer and his colleague Jacob Skarre see no connection between the infant’s death and the reported disappearance of a local delinquent. And so while the confusion in the world outside mounts, the chilling, heart-stopping truth unfolds inside the old woman’s home.Unflappable as ever, Sejer digs below the surface of small-town tranquility to understand how and why violence destroys everyday lives. Another brilliantly observed, precisely rendered psychological mystery from the highly acclaimed Karin Fossum.Praise for Karin Fossum:“A superb writer of psychological suspense.” —New York Times“Sejer is a beautifully created character, a thoughtful, lonely man with great empathy.” —Publishers Weekly“Essential reading for fans of Scandinavian crime fiction.” —Booklist, starred review“With sharp psychological insight and a fine grasp on police procedure, Fossum is easily one of the best new imports the genre has to offer.” —The Baltimore Sun“A truly great writer and explorer of the human mind.” —Jo Nesbo, New York Times–bestselling author of the Harry Hole series“Fossum . . . writes like Ruth Rendell with the gloves off.” —Kirkus Reviews
The Last Thing I Told You: A Novel
by Emily ArsenaultFrom a New York Times notable author “another shape-shifting psychological mystery by . . . a writer who constantly surprises me” (Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review).Therapist Dr. Mark Fabian is dead, bludgeoned in his office.But that doesn’t stop former patient Nadine Raines from talking to him—in her head. Why did she come back to her hometown after so many years away? Everyone here thinks she’s crazy. She has to admit—they might have good reason to think so. She committed a violent act when she was sixteen and has never been able to explain that dark impulse, even to Fabian. Now he’s dead, so why is she still trying?Detective Henry Peacher investigates Fabian’s death and discovers that shortly before he died, Fabian pulled the files of two former patients. One was for Nadine Raines, a former high school classmate of Henry’s. The other file was for Johnny Streeter, who is now serving a life sentence for a mass shooting he carried out five years ago. Maybe there is a connection between Nadine and Streeter. And maybe that connection somehow explains why Nadine was in Fabian’s office nearly twenty years after being his patient. Or how Fabian ended up dead two days after her return. Or why Nadine has fled town once again. . . .“Thought-provoking.” —Booklist“An original, unpredictable tale.” —Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Stranger“A twist-filled page-turner.” —Wendy Corsi Staub, New York Times bestselling author“A rich, finely-observed, character-driven psychological thriller.” —Hallie Ephron, New York Times bestselling author of You’ll Never Know, Dear“A complex, absorbing, and satisfying read.” —William Landay, New York Times bestselling author of Defending Jacob
When Good Earls Go Bad: A Victorian Valentine's Day Novella (The Victorian Valentine's Day Novellas #1)
by Megan FramptonAn upstanding earl finds it impossible to resist his surprisingly seductive new housekeeper in this fun and sexy historical romance novella.What’s a lovely young woman doing asleep in his bed? Matthew, Earl of Selkirk, is shocked to discover it’s his new housekeeper! She’s a far cry from the gray-haired woman he expected. Matthew is no fan of surprises, and Annabelle Tyne is pure temptation. Perhaps he shouldn’t have hired her sight unseen.Annabelle, co-owner of the Quality Employment Agency, is no housekeeper, but she wasn’t about to lose a potential client simply because there was no one to fit the bill. Imagine her shock when the earl arrives at his London townhome and she’s awoken in the night by the most attractive man she’s ever seen.Matthew is a man who lives life by the rules, but sometimes rules are made to be broken . . . and being bad can be very, very good.
Queene of Light (The Lightworld/Darkworld Novels #1)
by Jennifer ArmintroutA mythical being from a fairy world discovers her destiny in the urban fantasy Queene of Light from USA Today–bestselling author Jennifer Armintrout.In a time not long from now, the veil between fantasy and reality is ripped asunder—creatures of myth and fairy tale spill into the mortal world. Enchanted yet horrified, humans force the magical beings Underground, to colonize the sewers and abandoned subway tunnels beneath their glittering cities.But even magic folk cannot dwell in harmony, and soon two Worlds emerge: the Lightworld, home to faeries, dragons and dwarves; and the Darkworld, where vampires, werewolves, angels and demons lurk.Now, in the dank and shadowy place between Lightworld and Darkworld, a transformation is about to begin. . . . Ayla, a half faery, half human assassin, is stalked by Malachi, a Death Angel tasked with harvesting mortal souls. They clash. Immortality evaporates, forging a bond neither may survive. And in the face of unbridled ambitions and untested loyalties, an ominous prophecy is revealed that will shake the Worlds.“This series rocks in every way.” —New York Times–bestselling author Gena ShowalterThe Lightworld/Darkworld NovelsQueene of LightChild of DarknessVeil of Shadows
Puppet Master (Puppetmaster #1)
by Dale Brown Jim DeFeliceNew York Times–Bestselling Authors: A roboticist aids the FBI in fighting Eastern European criminals using AI—until things go very wrong . . . Louis Massina is revolutionizing the field of robotics. His technological wonders are capable of locating disaster survivors, preventing nuclear meltdowns, and replacing missing limbs. After one of Massina’s creations makes a miraculous rescue, an FBI agent recruits him to pursue Russian mobsters running a massive financial scam—and not coincidentally, suspected of killing the agent’s brother. Massina agrees to deploy a surveillance bot that uses artificial intelligence to follow its target. But when he’s thrust into a dangerous conspiracy, the billionaire inventor decides to take matters into his own hands—unleashing the greatest cyberweapons in the world and becoming the Puppet Master . . . .Acclaim for Dale Brown“Authentic [and] riveting.” —San Francisco Chronicle“Gripping.” —New York Times
Story Tech: Power, Storytelling, and Social Change Advocacy
by Ariadne Vromen Michael Vaughan Filippo TrevisanPersonal stories have the power to stir the heart, compel us to act, and spark social change. While advocacy organizations have long used storytelling in campaigns, the role technology plays has increased. Today, invitations to “share your story” are widespread on advocacy organizations and political campaign websites, calls to action, and social media pages. But what happens after one clicks “share”? And how does this affect which voices we hear—and which we don’t—in public discourse? Story Tech explores the increasingly influential impact of technologies—such as databases, algorithms, and digital story banks—that are usually invisible to the public. It shows that hidden “story tech” enables political organizations to treat stories as data that can be queried for storylines and used to intervene in news and information cycles in real time. In particular, the authors review successful story-centered campaigns that helped change dominant narratives on disability rights, marriage equality, and essential workers’ rights in the United States and Australia. They compare the use of storytelling advocacy across different types of organizations including volunteer grassroots groups, large national advocacy coalitions, and trade unions, and examine how trends differ for storytellers, organizers, and their technology partners. As political stories shift to being “on demand,” they reshape power relationships in key public debates in ways that produce moments of tension as well as positive narrative change. Story Tech examines these trends and illustrates how storytelling success can—and should—be achieved in conjunction with personal dignity, privacy, and empowerment for storytellers and their communities, particularly marginalized ones.