A snake smells with its tongue, hears with its flesh, and breathes under the sand with one lung; it can copulate for days with one snake or with fifty at once; it has infrared radar; and it can induce spontaneous bleeding if threatened. With all these qualities, it is easy to see how snakes have such varied associations in cultures around the world: while celebrated in tattoos and tales, and for medicinal benefits, snakes are also so universally feared that they constantly endure intense persecution and rarely enjoy protected rights. Drake Stutesman explores here in Snake the fascinating natural history of the maligned serpentine. Stutesman examines a wide range of sources to investigate the complex and widespread symbolism the snake has inspired, including the serpent's temptation of Eve in the Bible, Kaa in The Jungle Book, the Chinese zodiac, Indian snake charmers, and the Hollywood film Anaconda. She looks at the role snakes have played in human culture and science, from snake cuisine and the use of venom in medicine to the intriguing history of snake symbolism in art, architecture, cinema, and even clothing. Richly illustrated and written in an engaging style, Snake is an invaluable resource for snake enthusiasts and scholars, as well as for all who love, admire, or fear this fascinating and enduring animal.

"Can Drake play a trick to escape from Snake?" -- Back cover.

A deadly new drug epidemic puts an ER doctor in danger: “A perfect blend of romance and suspense. My kind of read.” –Sandra Brown, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Thick as Thieves Dr. Cassandra Hart is fighting a war. And losing. Her Pittsburgh ER has been deluged by young patients who’ve overdosed on a new drug called FX. After Cassie discovers that the source of the FX on the streets is her own hospital, her best friend is killed and Cassie’s life is threatened. She has no choice but to place her trust in Detective Mickey Drake. Drake’s irascible charm eventually penetrates the barriers Cassie has built around herself, and their relationship progresses from professional to passionate. After Cassie discovers the truth behind the thefts, she and Drake must confront a killer. In the end, their only weapons are their newfound love and the courage that it gives them . . . Written by a pediatric ER physician, Nerves of Steel combines gritty realism with the adrenaline rush of the ER. New York Times–bestselling and award-winning author CJ Lyons uses her insider’s knowledge of life behind the scenes to reveal the hidden truth of the medical world: No one is immune to danger. “A page-turner . . . taut, gripping and nonstop.” —Carla Neggers, New York Times–bestselling author of Rival’s Break Praise for CJ Lyons’ Thrillers with Heart: “Breathtakingly fast-paced.” —Publishers Weekly “Everything a great thriller should be—action packed, authentic, and intense.” —Lee Child, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series “Tense, whip-smart medical scenes . . . gripping.” —Tess Gerritsen, New York Times–bestselling author of the Rizzoli & Isles novels

Ambition will fuel him. Competition will drive him. But power has its price. It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute. The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined - every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute . . . and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

Don't teach the bunny rabbits your own disgusting habits. Don't picnic with a python in the park. Everyone knows about saying please and thank you, and not talking with your mouth full. But when it comes to dealing with tiny dogs and hairy chimpanzees, things get a lot more complicated. Rollicking rhymes combine perfectly with Nick Sharratt's trademark witty illustrations in this thoroughly modern look at good behavior.

Jon of Dun Add has created a civilization where before there had only been isolated pockets of humanity in a shattered cosmos. Young knight Pal is one of the most respected members of Lord Jon’s Hall of Champions. But Pal’s greatest talent lies not on the field of battle, though he’s no slouch there. He is also a Maker, one who can repair the tools the Ancients had left—sometimes. Moreover, he has learned to use his warrior dog’s ability to predict motion better than any human could, an ability that has saved his skin and won the day more than once. Now, Pal will need all his talent—as a fighter, as a Maker, and as a Champion—to deal with the monsters the Waste throws at him—and to deal with his fellow humans. For there are those who would destroy Dun Add and Lord Jon’s vision of a humanity united in peace from within . . . At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management). About David Drake: “Drake deftly weaves a web of political machinations and intrigue that vividly depicts the costs of war. Fans of Patrick O'Brian's Maturin and Aubrey novels will enjoy this intricate, rousing space opera.” —Publishers Weekly “[R]ousing old-fashioned space opera.”—Publishers Weekly “The fun is in the telling, and Mr. Drake has a strong voice. I want more!”—Philadelphia Weekly Press “[S]pace opera is alive and well. This series is getting better as the author goes along . . . character development combined with first-rate action and memorable world designs.”—SFReader.com “[P]rose as cold and hard as the metal alloy of a tank . . . rivals Crane and Remarque . . .”—Chicago Sun-Times

There's a big racket at Polly's holiday home for pets. With a house full of greedy guinea pigs, pesky parrots and slithering snakes, Mum is getting more fed up by the day! So it's the last straw when Doris the snake goes missing. Can Polly find Doris before the hungry snake finds the guinea pigs?