The Vikings Reimagined explores the changing perception of Norse and Viking cultures across different cultural forms, and the complex legacy of the Vikings in the present day. Bringing together experts in literature, history and heritage engagement, this highly interdisciplinary collection aims to reconsider the impact of the discipline of Old Norse Viking Studies outside the academy and to broaden our understanding of the ways in which the material and textual remains of the Viking Age are given new meanings in the present. The diverse collection draws attention to the many roles that the Vikings play across contemporary culture: from the importance of Viking tourism, to the role of Norse sub-cultures in the formation of local and international identities. Together these collected essays challenge the academy to rethink its engagement with popular reiterations of the Vikings and to reassess the position afforded to ‘reception’ within the discipline.

In a world where magic is the norm, a young woman with little magical ability finds herself expelled from the prestigious magic academy by her own mother. Alone and lost, she encounters a rebellious spirit with a fiery temper in the heart of the forbidden woods. Unbeknownst to them, their chance meeting ignites a spark of unimaginable power, revealing hidden destinies intertwined with ancient prophecies. As their magical abilities surge, they become targets of mysterious forces determined to control their fate. Bound by a shared secret and a common enemy, they embark on a perilous journey to unravel the truth about their origins and the looming threat to their world. With each step, they forge unbreakable bonds of friendship, discover the true depths of their courage, and unlock the secrets of their extraordinary powers. Can they master their combined strengths before darkness consumes everything they hold dear? Stormfire: Enchanted Family Saga is a captivating young adult fantasy adventure that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of destiny.

George R.R. Martin's acclaimed seven-book fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire is unique for its strong and multi-faceted female protagonists, from teen queen Daenerys, scheming Queen Cersei, child avenger Arya, knight Brienne, Red Witch Melisandre, and many more. The Game of Thrones universe challenges, exploits, yet also changes how we think of women and gender, not only in fantasy, but in Western culture in general. Divided into three sections addressing questions of adaptation from novel to television, female characters, and politics and female audience engagement within the GoT universe, the interdisciplinary and international lineup of contributors analyze gender in relation to female characters and topics such as genre, sex, violence, adaptation, as well as fan reviews. The genre of fantasy was once considered a primarily male territory with male heroes. Women of Ice and Fire shows how the GoT universe challenges, exploits, and reimagines gender and why it holds strong appeal to female readers, audiences, and online participants.

Naveen Sridhar has written a literary love story which is partial memoir, partial biography. Sridhars connection with the subject of the story, his wife Renate, gives a unique perspective about growing up in Germany during WW II and what life was like behind the Berlin Wall. Whilst most books focus on Allied soldiers and their families or the Holocaust, this book focuses on how the German people also suffered during the pivotal and haunting time what life was like for ordinary Germans living the rule of government policies and ideologies in which many could not be trusted. What I specially loved was the glimpse this gave into the unsung heroes the wives and mothers who silently endured the pain and heartbreak of missing loved ones while keeping the country running. Another fascinating part was looking at the difficulties citizens faced when traveling between East and West Germany. Seeing how the country was divided because of a border wall and making enemies out of former neighbors really resonated with topics made instant connections with today's headlines. A careful look will show that modern people deal with the same issues. The lessons of diversity and acceptance, so new to us today, were also challenges for the characters during this time period. A modern reader will have a lot to consider and much to learn from Renates examples. At the end of the day we are all Berliners. Pacific Book Review For anyone thinking of writing this sort of family biography, this is a textbook in how to do it. Stylistically rich both detailed and breezy, with enough dialog due to the strength of his writing and the thoroughness of his research. SPR Review. Erudite without being overbearing a unique, spellbinding biography..both charming and elucidating. IndieReader Review You feel with the flow connect with the pages as you move on true events peered with a beautiful narrative. Ashvamegh Int. J. of English Literature Sridhar has a talent for highlighting the good in these accounts, and he creates a charmed story with continual reinventions. While it’s tough for any single person to emblematize a generation, Candlelight in a Storm is an accomplished tribute to Renate’s confidence, luck, perseverance, and spirit. Clarion Review Effectively portrays the hardships of life shows how the sustained love of two people can surmount any adversity blueink Review Much more than the history of one individual; it is a window to the struggles ordinary Germans faced during the Cold War years. An excellent account as a chronicle of Cold War Germany, Sridhars well-written and informative narrative sheds new light on the often underreported trials of its citizens and foreign residents. Recommended by the US Review of Books www.naveensridhar.com

Mathews uses a limited definition of paranormal, and examines works set, for the most part, in a relatively realistic modern world inhabited by both humans and paranormal beings.

In the chilling novel, "Thorgar Ironfist: Stormforged Fury," an idyllic life is violently upended, and a furious saga of revenge unfolds. In a world riddled with blood-thirsty goblins, ancient magic, and monstrous creatures, the storm is embodied in a dwarven battle mage, Thorgar Ironfist. Authoritative, rugged, and battle-scarred, Thorgar stands as a figure of righteous fury against the encroaching darkness. His village's brutal devastation ignites a fire of vengeance within him, transforming the erstwhile tranquil dwarf into a formidable force of nature. When tranquility turns into a bloodbath, Thorgar's wrath awakens. The brutal slaying of his dire wolf, Fang, by marauding goblins sparks a relentless, blood-soaked journey of revenge. Immerse yourself in this gripping narrative, and tread through the battered bodies left in the wake of Thorgar's fury. Experience the visceral thrill as Thorgar embarks on a single-minded pursuit of justice, his storm-infused axes gleaming death as they cut a swath through countless adversaries. Marvel at his martial prowess as he meets elite goblin warriors in a heart-stopping duel. Feel the electrifying tension as the dwarf mage plunges headlong into the fiery onslaught of enemy generals. Witness his axe tear through the monstrous hide of a towering ogre, and his deft movements outmaneuver deadly shadow assassins in their gloomy lair. Navigate alongside Thorgar through eerie enchanted groves, spectral dreamscapes, massive arenas, and an ancient underground citadel metropolis. Bear witness as Thorgar stands alone against wyrm riders amidst a storm, harnessing the elemental fury of the storm to turn the tide of battle. Observe his stormforged axes, imbued with the might of the tempest, cleave through gruesome golems and gruesome undead hordes alike, the gruesome spectacle matched only by its harrowing intensity. In a cataclysmic showdown against the Goblin King Grimgorak, behold Thorgar's fury reach its zenith, as the storm within him erupts, annihilating his enemies in a breathtaking display of raw power. As he teeters on the edge of madness, walk with Thorgar through the abyss and revel in the storm's redemption. "Thorgar Ironfist: Stormforged Fury" is not for the faint-hearted. This gruesome tale is laden with violent spectacle and brutal conflict that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Witness Thorgar's rage-fueled journey, from the bloodied beginnings of his quest to its thunderous conclusion, in this brutal, adrenaline-pumping saga. Thorgar's saga is a relentless surge of violence and vengeance, bound by the singular purpose of avenging his fallen familiar. Rooted in deep traditions of honor, valor, and a burning desire for justice, Thorgar represents the indomitable spirit of a hero in the face of despair. Strap yourself in for a wild ride, filled with lightning-quick battles, deadly duels, and heart-stopping confrontations. The storm is brewing, and Thorgar Ironfist stands at its eye, his storm-infused axes ready to unleash a torrent of fury on those who dare to cross his path. As the storm descends, and Thorgar’s wrath is unbound, who will be left standing in the wake of this Stormforged Fury? Brace yourselves for the thunderous onslaught of "Thorgar Ironfist: Stormforged Fury." Are you prepared to weather the storm?