*This is the finale of the Guardians and the Realms series and is not meant to be read as a standalone title* As the ruling God of Thule, Hroarr's priority is the survival of his world. Gifted with the ancient ability of sj�, he has seen the birth and destruction of hundreds of worlds. This incredible power comes at an enormous cost, yet its toll seems to ease in the presence of a hauntingly seductive healer from Earth. Sirena's life is comprised of duty. Duty to her Guardian family, to healing those of her world and, most of all, the overwhelming duty to right the wrongs of her secret and vile bloodline. With everything on her plate a ruthless warlord God from another world is the last thing she needs, no matter what fate and her heated body demands. Will a dark Destroyer of Worlds bring upon the end of Earth and Thule or will two strong-minded beings fight and discover their own eternal ecstasy? Warning: Take one possessive, dirty talking Warrior God and one smart, no nonsense Healer; combine and shake things up for explosive results and scorching content meant for mature audiences!

From the author of Illuminations, a novel of the imminent composer Alma Mahler, what she sacrificed for love, and how she brought men to their knees. Coming of age in the midst of a creative and cultural whirlwind in Vienna, young, beautiful Alma Schindler yearns to make her mark as a composer. A new era of possibility for women is dawning, and she is determined to make the most of it. But Alma loses her heart to the great composer Gustav Mahler, nearly twenty years her senior. He demands that she give up her music as a condition of their marriage. Torn by her love and in awe of his genius, how will she remain true to herself and her artistic passion? Part cautionary tale, part triumph of the feminist spirit, Ecstasy reveals the true Alma Mahler: composer, author, daughter, sister, mother, wife, lover, and muse. Mary Sharratt has finally given center stage to one of the most controversial and complex women of her time. A New York Post Must-Read Boook “Sharratt has made an impressive career fleshing out the lives of women rendered one-dimensional in the pages of history...With this fine work, [Sharratt] has us wanting more.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune “Alma Mahler is certainly worthy of joining the remarkable women about whom Sharratt has previously written.”—St. Paul Pioneer Press “This winning historical novel offers an enjoyable portrait of an ambitious woman whose struggles are as relevant today as they were a century ago.”—Publishers Weekly “[Sharratt] has in-depth knowledge of classical music and turn-of-the-20th-century Vienna…Recommended for readers who like the peaks and valleys of nonstop drama.”—Library Journal

*This is the finale of the Guardians and the Realms series and is not meant to be read as a standalone title*As the ruling God of Thule, Hroarr's priority is the survival of his world. Gifted with the ancient ability of sjá, he has seen the birth and destruction of hundreds of worlds. This incredible power comes at an enormous cost, yet its toll seems to ease in the presence of a hauntingly seductive healer from Earth.Sirena's life is comprised of duty. Duty to her Guardian family, to healing those of her world and, most of all, the overwhelming duty to right the wrongs of her secret and vile bloodline. With everything on her plate a ruthless warlord God from another world is the last thing she needs, no matter what fate and her heated body demands.Will a dark Destroyer of Worlds bring upon the end of Earth and Thule or will two strong-minded beings fight and discover their own eternal ecstasy?Warning: Take one possessive, dirty talking Warrior God and one smart, no nonsense Healer; combine and shake things up for explosive results and scorching content meant for mature audiences!

This critical text considers Jack Kerouac as writer-shaman, exploring the content and ecstatic technique of the novels and two experimental volumes that represent critical phases of his development. Thomas Bierowski also examines the reception of Kerouac's work, arguing that his rise and fall reflect not only the usual changes in literary taste but the precarious position of the shamanic figure in modern America.

An incisive look at right and wrong notions about sex and love. The author covers marriage from practically every aspect with a view of imparting its proper role and purpose. From the damage caused by indiscriminate sex education to the three basic tensions in marriage, he shows the Catholic Church's teaching on marriage from the standpoints of philosophy, theology and morality.