For years weve scurried about in the underworlds of society. We hid in plain sight, avoiding confl ict with the Human race. Weve always had a set of rules, guidelines to keep our kind safe. But they are broken, futile rules. No one obeys them, no one cares for them, and we just go through the motions. Like a loveless marriage we just stay out of each others way, let the others do as they wish as long as they dont mess with us. Well, those were the good ole days. Someone decided to break the uneasy balance between our species and the Humans; this is now boiling down to a critical point. Its us or them, kill or be killed, unless

"A quest story to find the three pieces of a magical engine which can either win the War of 1812 ... or stop it altogether"--

Dive into a world where every twist keeps you guessing and every story leaves you hanging on the edge. Threads of Fate is a collection of masterfully crafted tales, each woven with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected turns. From gripping thrillers to emotional dramas, these stories all share one thing: they refuse to tie up neatly, leaving readers yearning for more.Perfect for those who love unpredictable narratives, Threads of Fate explores the beauty of unanswered questions and the art of storytelling that defies convention. Discover the power of an open-ended finale and the allure of the unknown in this unforgettable anthology.

In a world where magic is viewed by many to be evil, a young boy on the brink of manhood struggles to survive an affl iction he was born with.Ignorant that he possesses the ability of a Wizard, Sheldyyn lives each dayunaware of the terrible secrets that are kept hidden from him. Neither his sister, Jaiid, or he knows of who their parents are or where they are truly from. All is well until one day their lost past comes back to haunt them. Vicious creatures devestate their quiet mountain home and shatter their peaceful existence. An army of Turak Raiders marches against Ridgetown in search of a terrible weapon that once belonged to a great and powerful Warlord. If that wasnt enough, Sheldyyns ability, which he knows only as a curse, is increasing in power as he turns seventeen. His episodes occur more frequently, leaving increasing amounts of destruction in their wake. So while the nobles and warriors of the Free-lands bicker amongst themselves over trivial matters of power, and as an army of vengeful Turaks marches in war, Sheldyyn struggles to survive his own battle with an ancient force dwelling inside of him that he can neither control or accept. The Balance has been swayed. Either it will be restored, or all living creatures will be submerged into darkness and despair.

The Silver Bough is a journey into a forgotten Otherworld of hollow hills, glass mountains and fabled islands. With over twenty myths and folktales arising from the rich traditions of the world, from ancient Egypt and Iceland, to New Zealand, Siberia and the Celtic lands, among the stories are Gwyn and the Lady of the Lake, The Shipwrecked Sailor, Galahad's Quest for the Grail and Apples of Immortality. Each of the five accompanying sections is woven from the threads of each tale. Rich in symbolism, shamanic traditions and esoteric wisdom, The Silver Bough traverses ancient cosmologies, from the kingdom of the dead and the starlit realm, to the domain of the flood and the land of the hidden folk.

Cold Cobalt, the Banshee with a Blade, First Among Villains . . . Queen Zosia When there were no more titles to win and no more worlds to conquer, the warrior queen Zosia faked her demise and gave up her legend to history. But when violence finds its way to her door years later, she must round up her adventuring companions - each surprised to see her alive - and set out for revenge. Time has not been kind to her old comrades, and some have only their own goals in mind. Not only that, but there's a young, beautiful and skilled general out there, gathering soldiers to her banner for a war against the deadliest of enemies. The girl is using a legend she did not earn, and calling herself by a name that was never hers - that of Zosia herself.

A remarkable nineteenth-century account of Istanbul - which begins with a dazzling description of the city gradually appearing through the fog as the author's ship approaches the harbour - Constantinople expertly combines personal anecdote, breathtaking visual observation and entertaining historical information.An invaluable record of the metropolis as it used to be - a fascinating crossroads between Eastern and Western civilization and one of the most cosmopolitan cities of its time - as well as a vivid example of a European tourist's reaction to it - part delight, part incomprehension - this book will provide an enriching read for lovers of history or those planning to visit Istanbul themselves.