A treasury of astonishing mythic marvels—and the surprising truths behind them Adrienne Mayor is renowned for exploring the borders of history, science, archaeology, anthropology, and popular knowledge to find historical realities and scientific insights—glimmering, long-buried nuggets of truth—embedded in myth, legends, and folklore. Combing through ancient texts and obscure sources, she has spent decades prospecting for intriguing wonders and marvels, historical mysteries, diverting anecdotes, and hidden gems from ancient, medieval, and modern times. Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws is a treasury of fifty of her most amazing and amusing discoveries. The book explores such subjects as how mirages inspired legends of cities in the sky; the true identity of winged serpents in ancient Egypt; how ghost ships led to the discovery of the Gulf Stream; and the beauty secrets of ancient Amazons. Other pieces examine Arthur Conan Doyle’s sea serpent and Geronimo’s dragon; Flaubert’s obsession with ancient Carthage; ancient tattooing practices; and the strange relationship between wine goblets and women’s breasts since the times of Helen of Troy and Marie Antoinette. And there’s much, much more. Showcasing Mayor’s trademark passion not to demythologize myths, but to uncover the fascinating truths buried beneath them, Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws is a wonder cabinet of delightful curiosities.

This very simple book about garter snakes combines familiar with fun. Readers will learn about this favorite common reptile while strengthening reading skills and being wowed with great photographs.

Digger's Moon is a dramatic, gritty and realistic look at life and death in the Indian Territory. Set in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where Federal Judge Isaac C. Parker and his 200 U.S. Deputy Marshals struggled to bring justice to the chaos of the Western frontier, Digger's Moon recalls life in a place often called "Hell on the Border." It was a place where life was cheap, and living was hard. Violence convulsed everyday life, and revenge was the law of the land. Digger's Moon is the story of brutality born of lawlessness, and Parker's hard-fought brand of justice, a captivating tale of precarious friendships and redemptive love. Painstakingly researched for historical accuracy and masterfully written in the tradition of old-fashioned, campfire story telling, Digger's Moon will sweep you into the adventures of unforgettable characters, page after page. And when you're finished the last page, this story will stay with you from first-light to twilight, through the light of a digger's moon, until you pick it back up and fall once again under its spell.

VLORs & VICE agencies (formerly known as VLORICE) are secretly funded by The Informant. This Informant stays in contact with both agencies in secrecy. The United States Military personnel, along with national security, counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism cases, and the successor organization to the former Naval Investigative Service (NIS), are all unaware of VLORs & VICE operations. VLORs is an espionage and law-enforcement type of agency. VLORs main goal is to protect and to never be seen. VICE is the opposite and strives for a new world order. VLORs investigates activities concerning crimes against The United States and from around the world, eventually will deal with para-normal and super-human threats. VLORs is ran by Commander Thomas Jeffery Addams, who was given the position by The Informant. Addams sends special agents out on missions. VICE is a criminal organization dedicated to the achievement of world domination through terrorist and subversive activities on various fronts, resulting in one, new ideal world order. VICEs base of operations is secretive and inconclusive; always attempting to elude VLORs, who always stops VICE. VICE is run by Commander Johnathan Walter Talgitx, who was a former General in the U.S. Army. Talgitx was given the position by The Informant. The two secret agencies operate on hidden ships that are unknown and never-seen-before. The ships are believed to be mobile.

Roman, an experienced Alaskan crabber, finds himself stranded on a mysterious island in the cold water outside of Bristol Bay. On the island Roman finds himself face-to-face with unknown forces as he struggles to overcome his unfortunate circumstances. Inspired by the works of Neil Gaiman and Albert Camus, The Blood of Man sheds light on the questions and internal challenges of life, death and consciousness.

This can’t be real… Gideon’s never seen eye to eye with the law, but when he typically got into trouble, it was over something he’d actually done. These Angel Cops are even less forgiving than the Human ones. Wrongfully convicted by the Order of the First Blade, he’s condemned to Gehenna—a nightmare dimension reserved for criminals and monsters. F*cking banished, bro… While fighting for every breath, Gideon discovers his dormant druidic powers, and he's determined to use them to return to the sister he left behind. If he has any chance of mastering his magic, it's with a vampire who promises to lead him to his only hope for survival. Tartarus. There’s no place like Hell… Nestled deep within a mountain, a civilization of mighty warriors thrives. Tartarus belongs to the strong and the ruthless. In a place meant to be his end, Gideon fights to prove himself worthy of the chance he’s been given, the family he left behind, and the one he makes along the way. Step into Gehenna’s hellscape and witness a tale of self-discovery, courage, and the bonds that transcend worlds.