On a futuristic Earth, after a monumental event known as The End of Technology, all life has changed. Now, in the decades since, human beings have adapted to the extinction of technology, blending the old ways of life with the new in a reverse new age. When life finally begins to show signs of stability, a being from an alien world quietly creates a fortress in the darkest reaches of the Earth. He has been watching and waiting for an opportunity to spearhead a plan to make this large, rich blue planet home to his own species, the Drek. He enlists the help of Kabriza, the mighty Quentranzi General, to bring a horde of demons to scourge the Earth of its fragile inhabitants. But first, he must challenge Takashaniel. Far from the mighty dark fortress, Iel, the guardian of Takashaniel, is aware of the Drek's plot to destroy the sacred tower, thus weakening the veil between the Earth realm and the abyss. Together with his young student Mira, they contact four mighty warriors and set them on a perilous path beyond their imagination that will eventually lead them to Takashaniel and into the battle for Earth and life as they know it.

A young widow is haunted by the past in this “fast paced . . . hauntingly original” thriller from the New York Times–bestselling author of The Art Forger (Mystery News). After the tragic death of her husband of less than two years, Lindsey sells her house in the suburbs and moves into a renovated townhouse in the city, only to discover that an earlier tenant—over one hundred years earlier—apparently still lives on the premises. Lindsey wants to start over, but she is haunted by her past, by unfathomable guilt—and perhaps by a ghost. Shattered Echoes is a psychological thriller about murder, madness, and the supernatural in Boston’s historic Back Bay.

The Cinders of Deception The Nether, an ancient evil, stirs from its slumber, casting a long shadow over the realms of Emberfell and Silverwood. Whispers of a forgotten prophecy speak of four individuals, the Embers, destined to rise against the encroaching darkness and restore balance to the world. Kael Torvin, a battle-scarred mercenary haunted by a tragic past, discovers his latent magical abilities and is thrust into a destiny he never sought. Elysia Silverwind, a scholarly apprentice with unwavering faith in the prophecy, embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the Embers. Queen Seraphina Sunstone, burdened by the weight of her crown and the escalating political tensions, struggles to maintain unity in her fractured kingdom. Anya, a humble healer with a gentle touch, reveals a hidden power that could turn the tide of war. As the Nether's influence spreads, twisting nature and corrupting the hearts of men, the Embers must overcome their differences and unite against the true enemy. Their journey will take them through treacherous landscapes, ancient ruins, and the depths of their own souls, as they face trials that will test their courage, their loyalty, and their love for each other. But the path to victory is fraught with peril. Betrayal lurks in the shadows, unexpected alliances are forged, and the true meaning of the prophecy is revealed in a shocking twist that will leave readers breathless. The Cinders of Deception is an epic fantasy adventure that will transport you to a world of magic, intrigue, and high-stakes battles. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and breathtaking action sequences, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Perfect for fans of: Epic fantasy sagas with intricate world-building Compelling characters with complex motivations High-stakes battles and unexpected twists Stories of hope, despair, love, loss, betrayal, and redemption Join Kael, Elysia, Seraphina, and Anya on their quest to save the world from the Nether's encroaching darkness. The fate of their world, and perhaps even their own souls, hangs in the balance.

Alina gets her wish to be called to work on the Tapestry of Life on the Isle of Weavers, but one broken thread leads to a deadly mission in a land far away.

Dive deep into history with 'Echoes of the Past', an entrancing installment of the 'Synthetic Chronicles: Tales Woven by AI' series. Journey through time as artificial intelligence recreates vivid tales spanning dynasties, revolutions, and forgotten epochs. From the bustling markets of ancient civilizations to the royal courts of medieval monarchs, each story unveils a fragment of the past, meticulously crafted and rich in detail. Experience history like never before, where AI intertwines facts with fiction, breathing life into bygone eras and their compelling narratives.

Bodies mangled, limbs broken, skin flayed, blood spilled: the art of the late medieval and early modern periods contains myriad examples of spectacular unmaking. The martyrdoms of saints, stories of justice, and reports of the atrocities of war provided fertile ground for scenes of bodily desecration. Contributors to this volume explore the larger social functions that pain, suffering, and the desecration of the human form played in European society.