From orphan at fourteen to immortal royalty at nineteen, how the heck did that happen? Nineteen-year-old Lissa witnessed the brutal murder of her parents by blood-thirsty vampires at the tender age of fourteen. She would have suffered the same unpleasant fate had tall, dark, and mysterious stranger Max not intervened. Every night since Lissa, along with an elite group of fighters, trains and patrols the mostly abandoned streets around the city of Buffalo, NY. They quietly thwart the dastardly plans of rogue vampires and cursed shifters in an attempt to protect mankind. Having been told that all shifters are evil, Lissa is taken by surprise when she learns that there are good ones in the world - the Guardians. And she's bonded with one of them, an ultra-rare occurrence amongst Guardians in recent years and unheard of between a Guardian and a mortal. When a typically fatal injury threatens to end her, her bond-mate throws caution to the wind and uses his own blood to save her. The consequences could be disastrous when Lissa wakes up to find she is no longer human, and not only a shifter herself but the shifter queen.

The Watchman didn't arrive in a Batmobile but drove a tan, four-door Pontiac. He was in costume, of course—a trench coat, motorcycle gloves, army boots, a domino mask, and a red hooded sweatshirt emblazoned with a W logo. Journalist Tea Krulos had spoken to him over the phone but never face-to-mask. By the end of the interview, he wasn't sure if the Watchman was delightfully eccentric or completely crazy. But he was going to find out. Heroes in the Night traces Krulos's journey into the strange subculture of Real Life Superheroes, random citizens who have adopted comic book&–style personas and hit the streets to fight injustice. Some concentrate on humanitarian or activist missions—helping the homeless, gathering donations for food banks, or delivering toys to children—while others actively patrol their neighborhoods looking for crime to fight. By day, these modern Clark Kents work as dishwashers, pencil pushers, and executives in Fortune 500 companies. But by night, only the Shadow knows. Well, the Shadow and Tea Krulos. Through historical research, extensive interviews, and many long hours walking patrol in Brooklyn, Seattle, San Diego, Minneapolis, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Krulos discovered what being a RLSH is all about. He shares not only their shining, triumphant moments but some of their ill-advised, terrifying disasters as well. It's all part of the life of a superhero. As the Watchman explains, &“If everyone made little changes in what they did, gave a little more to charity, watched out for their neighbors, we wouldn't have the problems that we have.&”

A pioneering marine biologist takes us down into the deep ocean in this 'thrilling blend of hard science and high adventure' (New York Times) LONGLISTED FOR THE SNHN NATURAL HISTORY BOOK PRIZE Edith Widder grew up determined to become a marine biologist. But after complications from a surgery during college caused her to go temporarily blind, she became fascinated by light as well as the power of optimism. Below the Edge of Darkness explores the depths of the planet's oceans as Widder seeks to understand bioluminescence, one of the most important and widely used forms of communication in nature. In the process, she reveals hidden worlds and a dazzling menagerie of behaviours and animals. Alongside Widder, we experience life-and-death equipment malfunctions and witness breakthroughs in technology and understanding, all of it set against a growing awareness of the deteriorating health of our largest and least understood ecosystem. 'A vivid account of ocean life' ROBIN MCKIE, GUARDIAN BOOK OF THE DAY 'Edie's story is one of hardscrabble optimism, two-fisted exploration and groundbreaking research. She's done things I dream of doing' JAMES CAMERON 'A book of marvels, marvellously written' RICHARD DAWKINS

After the events in Puerto Rico, after the declaration of the New Savior of the world, Noryad King, defeated Raphael, Commander of the Destroyers and taken away his powers, Lucifer has been forced to send someone to look for a new Champion who would be able to defeat Noryad King. While looking in Hell, the guard she sent found a long condemned prophet who was screaming, "The Champions of Darkness have been set free." And he immediately reported back to Lucifer. Who are these Champions of Darkness the prophet speaks of? Is The Lost City Ready for this?

Enter Aramatir, a world of many kingdoms, where faith and magic war with one another. What happens in such a world when the Champion doubts? In the Kingdom of Septily, Clara has spent her entire life training to become a Sword Master. Still considered too young by many to receive a Sword of Power, and with it, the full title of Sword Master, Clara has passed her tests. The morning of her entrance into the Hall of Swords, she is kept waiting. A prophesy, long dormant, is bestowed upon her by Sword Master Dantor, her toughest teacher: she is to become the next Champion. But, to fulfill prophesy, she is kept out of the Hall of Swords and sent back to training. Sword Scout Stelia has discovered the dark secret of the King’s Shadow Guard; they are Drinaii, the mercenary army indebted to the Dark Sisterhood of Sorceresses from the Southern Continent. Stelia, once a Drinaii Captain, fears her words will not be heard by the Sword Masters’ Council. She was once their enemy. Will they heed her warning? In the nearby land of Aerland, the second prince of the realm, Adrian, has seen visions of the day he and his griffin partner Kryssander will save the next Champion. Are these visions true? And if they are, will be willing to pay the price expected for someone he doesn’t know? Champion in the Darkness is a Christian Sword and Sorcery Fantasy Adventure with faith elements. What readers are saying: "There was so much that I loved about “Champion in the Darkness” including its well-paced plot, inspiring stories of redemption, interesting characters, and fantastical creatures. But what I loved the most about this book is that it centers on Clara, a teen-aged girl who receives a calling to become her people's champion." - Ellen Jacobsen "'Champion in the Darkness' is YA fantasy/Christian fiction, and while the religious side was evident, it never overwhelmed the story. I appreciated how Martinson not only showed people displaying faith when times were easy, but how she explored loss of faith when times were hard, and how different people coped with doubt, anger, and fear." - A. McCall "The worldbuilding is incredible. I love the peeks at the history and the inner workings of the council. There are lovely details about the land and the people, and creatures that are beautiful and horrific. I'm a fan of the people of Aerland and their griffins. I would love to be chosen by griffin to become its partner!" - Christine Rains