The Outcasts, and Other Stories by Maksim Gorky: A collection of compelling and emotionally charged stories by Maksim Gorky, a prominent Russian writer and revolutionary. In "The Outcasts, and Other Stories," Gorky presents a series of narratives that delve into the lives of marginalized individuals and the struggles they face in society. The stories offer poignant insights into the human condition and the resilience of those on the fringes of society, reflecting Gorky's empathy and deep understanding of the human experience. Key Aspects of the Book "The Outcasts, and Other Stories": Social Realism: Gorky's stories embody the principles of social realism, portraying the struggles and challenges of ordinary people in society. Character Studies: The book provides profound character studies, offering readers a glimpse into the inner lives and emotions of the protagonists. Empathy and Compassion: "The Outcasts, and Other Stories" showcases Gorky's compassionate and empathetic portrayal of the human condition and the hardships faced by the marginalized. Maksim Gorky was a Russian author and political activist born in 1868. He played a significant role in the Russian literary and revolutionary movements and is considered one of the founders of socialist realism in literature. "The Outcasts, and Other Stories" reflects Gorky's commitment to shedding light on the plight of the downtrodden and his belief in the power of literature to effect social change and foster empathy.

The only ones who can fix a broken world are those who have been broken by that world. A shadowy threat has emerged in a realm populated by serious wizards, pious elves, passionate humans, and hedonistic morphs. Several outcasts have been brought together-by fate or by design?-for what they believe to be an epic struggle against that shadowy threat. Yet if they are expecting a straightforward quest to slay some Dark Lord and bring peace to the world, the outcasts are disabused of that notion when a wise voice warns them, "It's not that kind of story." But what kind of story is it? Are these broken beings on an epic quest, or is someone guiding their mission under the aegis of a tired and traditional story? And is this "someone" benevolent or sinister? As the outcasts seek to mend their broken pasts, navigate the perils of love, and perhaps save the known world, we are left to wonder how much of the story is a lie and how much truth has been baked in to make the meal palatable. While "The Outcasts" pays homage to traditional fantasy archetypes, it also seeks to undermine most of them. In a story laced with ancient and medieval scenery, you will find yourself dizzy with the plot twists of this exciting debut fantasy novel. Book I, "The Lies of Autumn" introduces the half-Wizard Marcus and his dear friend Quintus, who find themselves unexpectedly in the company of enslaved Elf siblings Griffin and Gwendolyn, the disgraced Human soldier Octavia, and a Morph named Alexia who possesses abilities which have not been seen in 1,000 years or more. These disparate creatures must navigate love and jealousy, friendship and selfishness, as well as the unspeakable tragedies which haunt each one of their pasts in a quest to save an indifferent world. As Octavia notes, "It sounds like one of those epic tales of old, but it sure doesn't feel like one." Expect fantasy with a twist, as well as equal helpings of romance and action.

Greed. Desire. Death. Love. It's the nineteenth century on the Gulf Coast of Texas, a time of opportunity and lawlessness. Lucinda: intelligent, passionate, wily and courageous - a woman who braves her affliction and risks her own life to pursue her lover, a man as charismatic as he is ruthless. Nate: pure of heart, and with a strong sense of justice - a Texas policeman who belies his gentle nature to fight and seek the truth. Bill: a killer who has claimed the lives of men, women and children across the frontier. A man who knows what he wants and will do anything to claim it. The Outcasts. A disparate group of men who have made a living out of violence, and a woman who will stop at nothing to prove herself.

The long-awaited new novel by the two-time Newbery Medalist stars Margaret Rose Kane, Connor Kane's older half-sister in "Silent to the Bone," who tells the story of the summer she was 12 years old.

From the author of the global phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice! They are outcasts. Hal, Stig, and the others - they are the boys the others want no part of. Skandians, as any reader of Ranger's Apprentice could tell you, are known for their size and strength. Not these boys. Yet that doesn't mean they don't have skills. And courage - which they will need every ounce of to do battle at sea against the other bands, the Wolves and the Sharks, in the ultimate race. The icy waters make for a treacherous playing field . . . especially when not everyone thinks of it as playing. John Flanagan, author of the international phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice, creates a new cast of characters to populate his world of Skandians and Araluens, a world millions of young readers around the world have come to know and admire. Full of seafaring adventures and epic battles, Book 1 of The Brotherband Chronicles is sure to thrill readers of Ranger's Apprentice while enticing a whole new generation just now discovering the books. Perfect for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, T.H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire series.

From bestselling author and winner of the Blue Peter Best Story Book Award, Uki and the Outcasts is the first in a new trilogy set in the world of Podkin One-Ear.'EXCELLENT,' says the bard. 'It's probably a good idea for you to know about him.''Wait . . . him? Who's him?' said Rue.'Uki,' says the bard. 'Uki Patchwork. The Magpie Demon. Uki of the Two Furs.'From the Ice Wastes beyond the Cinder Wall emerges an unlikely hero. Rejected by his village and left to die, young Uki is given life and unique powers by a long-buried spirit from the time of the Ancients . . . and a life or death mission.Joined by two other outcasts - a trained assassin who refuses to kill people and a very short rabbit who rides the fastest jerboa on the plains - Uki must capture Valkus, the Spirit of War, before rabbitkind destroys itself in conflict.A thrilling new book set in the Five Realms of Podkin One-Ear.'Storytelling perfection.' Sophie Anderson'One of my sons very favourite authors.' Romesh Ranganathan'Superb.' Max Porter