Much has been written about Luigi Pirandello, the great artist and grandiose personality. His beloved actress, Marta Abba’s side of the story, on the other hand, has never been adequately told.It’s a tale that includes intriguing behind-the-scenes vignettes of the early history of filmmaking, including Pirandello’s suspicions of Walt Disney; Marta’s meeting with Mussolini – a fan of hers – and her candid impressions of him; Marta’s marriage of convenience into the prominent Millikin family of Ohio; glimpses of an Italian media dynasty and its heavy-handed influence on the arts in general, and on Pirandello’s legacy and Marta’s career in particular.This book sketches out the story of a modern romance between an author and an actress, between an artist and his collaborating muse, between an older man and younger women. It also attempts to tackle the subject of Marta’s sexuality – an aspect of her life that has been little known until now.

Harness argues very convincingly that through their patronage of the figurative arts, musical theater, and early opera, the Medici women reinforced their position and their image as powerful women and capable rulers.

In ""Echoes Beneath,"" a captivating urban fantasy, seventeen-year-old Lyra discovers an extraordinary gift: the ability to hear Earth's ancient songs. As climate change threatens to silence these primordial melodies forever, Lyra embarks on a global quest to preserve them. Accompanied by her skeptical friend Zane and a mysterious elderly musician, she races against time to record the planet's fading symphonies. As Lyra delves deeper into the Earth's musical mysteries, she uncovers a profound connection between these otherworldly harmonies and human consciousness. But a shadowy organization, fearful of the songs' power, is determined to stop her at any cost. With ecosystems hanging in the balance, Lyra must master her newfound abilities and convince humanity to listen before the last notes fade away. This spellbinding tale blends magical realism with environmental awareness, exploring themes of friendship, legacy, and the transformative power of music in a world on the brink of irreversible change.

In this duology's finale, Kingston travels back in time and uses his growing magic to save the world. Kingston might have saved Echo City but the victory is bittersweet without his pops by his side. The holidays are approaching and if Kingston could have one wish, it would be to have his father, who is trapped in the Realm, come home. But as new problems arise and blackouts blanket the city, Kingston begins to have a persistent feeling of déjà vu, as if he's lived this same day before—and he has. Echo City, living up to its name, is caught in a repeating time loop. Maestro, his father's old rival, has found a way to overwrite reality with an alternate timeline where he rules over all. It will be up to Kingston, Too Tall, and V to find a way to enter the Realm and travel back through time to stop him. But with a magic he still barely understands, Kingston will needs his friends’ smarts and their collective courage to figure out the mystery and find Maestro before Brooklyn as they know it is erased for good.

A collection of short stories that you'll never forget by Jose Anthony Gerard Muyco. *** With deft precision and economical prose, Muyco once again delivers his latest collection of stories. As he takes us into a world at once fantastical and terrifying—one of vengeful faith healers, paranormal coincidences, and demons (both literal and metaphorical)—he establishes the outsider, the rebel in all of us, trying to make sense of what does and what does not make sense. Echoes and Shadows reminds us all that there is no greater horror story than life itself. — Robin Angelo Yankin (aka Toshiro Hiroshi) Author of 9-5, Absolutely on the Pandemic, Conversations With A Rat, and Intermezzo *** This is a captivating short story anthology that transported me into the depths of darkness and mystery. The impact of the stories is undeniable. Each one leaves a mark on the reader's mind, lingering long after the final page is turned. Muyco's ability to create atmospheric scenes, craft well-rounded personas, and evoke strong emotions is truly exceptional. The first three stories are my favorite. 1. "Albularyo" is as dark as the corridors of an abandoned hospital. Muyco skillfully weaves a tale of karma. His story is as eerie as the shadows that linger within those forsaken hallways. This descriptive prose creates a haunting atmosphere, drawing me into a realm of supernatural suspense. The imagery and pacing in this story leave a lasting impact, making it difficult to forget. 2. "Charlie, Charlie" takes the anthology down a psychological thriller path. A psychological thriller darkly written. Muyco's writing style shines in this story, as he skillfully crafts a chilling narrative that dances on the edges of sanity and perception. 3. "Remember Me" stands out amongst the stories in the anthology for its poignant and heart-wrenching nature. Muyco delves into a very sad setting. This story grips my emotions with its raw and devastating narrative, making it impossible not to be moved. I actually cried. The author's ability to evoke such deep sentiments with his writing is truly commendable. A handkerchief may indeed be needed as an add-on for this emotional journey. If you enjoy venturing into the shadows of human emotions, exploring psychological thrillers, and experiencing a rollercoaster of feelings, then "Echoes and Shadows" is a must-read anthology. Jag Muyco's talent for storytelling shines through in each story, captivating readers from beginning to end. So, you must prepare to be enthralled by the darkness and beauty that lies within the pages. - W. J. Manares, Author of "MEKUS MEKUS"

Newly returned to the demon-infested Underdark, Drizzt Do’Urden faces his most dangerous adventure yet Drizzt is going home, but not to Mithral Hall or to Icewind Dale. He's going to Menzoberranzan, the very place he left as a young and outcast drow. Something terrible—immense—unspeakable, has come to the City of Spiders, leaving death and destruction in its wake. As the damage of the Darkening, of war, and of a demon-ravaged Underdark sends cracks out across the North, causing irreparable damage, Drizzt and his companions find their lives endangered once more. When the primordial of Gauntlgrym stirs, Catti-brie and Gromph venture to the ruins of the Host Tower of the Arcane in Luskan, seeking the only power that can keep the beast in check. Meanwhile, Jarlaxle holds the strings for them all, orchestrating a masterpiece of manipulation that brings old enemies together, and tears old friends apart. But even the wily and resourceful Jarlaxle may not realize just how narrow a path he walks. The City of Spiders might already have fallen to the demons and their wicked prince. What's to say the demons will stop there? Maestro is the second book in the Homecoming trilogy and the thirty-second book in the Legend of Drizzt series.