You cannot outrun a horror within you. When police officer Christian Kraus attempts to arrest a notorious serial killer who has been cutting a swathe of terror across London, he is unwittingly exposed to something beyond his worst nightmares – a murderous parasitic creature that lives inside a human host. As the psychological and physical strain of the creature takes hold, Christian finds himself on the run, wanted for murders he did not commit, hunted by an unidentified military organisation, his only hope his best friend and a stranger known as the Professor. But the vicious organism within him has a terrifying life cycle he knows nothing about, and it threatens not only his own survival, but the survival of millions.

Persons anguished by another's profound suffering are often outraged by well-intentioned efforts to console them which suggest that God 'sent' that horrific suffering to their loved one for a 'purpose' according to a tailor-made 'plan' for just that person. However, the outraged reaction simply deepens the anguish. This book argues that such 'consolation' is theologically problematic because it assumes that unrestricted power is what makes God 'God.' Against that it outlines an account of 'who' and 'what' the Triune God is, framed in terms of God's intrinsic 'glory,' the attractive and perfectly self-expressive self-giving in love that is God's life, and sets limits to the range of things we can say God 'does.' Correlatively it offers an account of different senses in which God is 'sovereign' and 'powerful', one which reflects three ways God relates to all else: to create, to bless eschatologically, and to reconcile, as is scripturally narrated.

Early nineteenth-century British literature is overpopulated with images of dead and deadly animals, as Chase Pielak observes in his study of animal encounters in the works of Charles and Mary Lamb, John Clare, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Lord Byron, and William Wordsworth. These encounters, Pielak suggests, coincide with anxieties over living alongside both animals and cemeteries in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth-centuries. Pielak traces the linguistic, physical, and psychological interruptions occasioned by animal encounters from the heart of communal life, the table, to the countryside, and finally into and beyond the wild cemetery. He argues that Romantic period writers use language that ultimately betrays itself in beastly disruptions exposing anxiety over what it means to be human, what happens at death, the consequences of living together, and the significance of being remembered. Extending his discussion past an emphasis on animal rights to an examination of animals in their social context, Pielak shows that these animal representations are both inherently important and a foreshadowing of the ways we continue to need images of dead and deadly Romantic beasts.

In 'Creatures of the Night (Boxed Set Edition),' readers are invited into a darkly enthralling world where the boundaries between the mortal realm and the supernatural blur. This collection spans a variety of literary styles, from gothic horror to speculative fiction, encapsulating the diverse and significant contributions of its authors to the theme of nocturnal entities. The anthology is rich with historical and cultural contexts, bringing together stories that range from the eerie to the fantastical. Each piece, whether it delves into the lore of vampires, ghosts, or lesser-known entities, stands out for its unique approach to the theme, showcasing the wide array of fears and fascinations that night creatures inspire. The inclusion of seminal works alongside lesser-known gems offers a comprehensive exploration of the theme's evolution across time and literary movements. The contributing authors and editors of 'Creatures of the Night' are a distinguished ensemble with deep ties to the genres of horror, fantasy, and folklore. Their collective works reflect a profound engagement with the supernatural and its place within human culture and imagination. From the pioneering gothic tales of John William Polidori to the dark fantasies of Robert E. Howard, and the folklore-infused narratives by Marie de France, this anthology spans centuries of literary innovation. The authors' backgrounds are as diverse as their storytelling, contributing to a rich tapestry that explores the many facets of fear and fascination with the night and its inhabitants. Aligning with movements from romanticism to the pulp fiction era, these stories collectively interrogate the enduring allure of the mysteries that lurk in the shadows. 'Creatures of the Night (Boxed Set Edition)' offers readers an unparalleled journey through the night's veil, presenting a unique opportunity to engage with the works of literary giants across the ages. This collection is an indispensable volume for enthusiasts of supernatural fiction, providing a broad spectrum of perspectives on the creatures that haunt our nightmares. As a scholarly exploration of nocturnal mythology and a celebration of storytelling's power to explore the unknown, this anthology is a compelling invitation to revisit the shadows with fresh eyes, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the complexities and richness of night creature lore.

This early work by George W. M. Reynolds was originally published in 1848 and we are now republishing it as part of our Cryptofiction Classics series. 'Wagner the Wehr-Wolf' is a short story about a man who makes a deal to remain young but at the cost of becoming lycanthropic. The Cryptofiction Classics series contains a collection of wonderful stories from some of the greatest authors in the genre, including Ambrose Bierce, Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Jack London. From its roots in cryptozoology, this genre features bizarre, fantastical, and often terrifying tales of mythical and legendary creatures. Whether it be giant spiders, werewolves, lake monsters, or dinosaurs, the Cryptofiction Classics series offers a fantastic introduction to the world of weird creatures in fiction.

Woody Stiles has sung his country songs in every city on the map. His life is one long road trip in a never-ending quest for fame and fortune. But when his agent books him into a club in his hometown, a place he swore he would never set foot again, Woody comes face to face with a few old demons. One in particular. With memories of his childhood bombarding him from every angle, Woody must accept the fact that his old enemy, Willow Man, was not just a figment of childish imagination. With his friends at his side, now all grown up just like he is, Woody goes to battle with the killer that stole his childhood lover. Woody also learns Willow Man has been busy while he was away, destroying even more of Woody's past. And in the midst of all this drama, Woody is stunned to find himself falling in love—something he never thought he would do again. As kids, Woody and his friends could not stop the killer who lived in the canyon where they played. As adults, they might just have a chance. Or will they?