In the final chapter to The Art of War, Sun Tzu writes, "There are five classes of spies-Local spies; Internal spies; Turned spies; Expendable spies; and Surviving spies. When these five kinds of spy are all at work, none can discover their secret system. This system is called The Divine Threads, and it is the sovereign's most precious faculty." Sun Tzu chose this metaphor to convey how a variety of spies, who deceptively appear to be unrelated, are in fact connected to the same general or ruler in a manner not easily discernible to the unsuspecting enemy. Centuries later, this and other teachings of the Chinese Strategist would serve as the basis for Ninjutsu-the Way of the Ninja-and the deadliest art to have evolved in Feudal Japan.

For more than 100 years, Vancouver has been home to a vibrant and thriving Cantonese opera scene. As a performance art carried out by transient troupes, it is an ephemeral medium that rarely leaves a trace in the historic records. However, an extraordinary treasure trove of early 20th-century Cantonese opera costumes, props, and stage dressings made its way to the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, BC. In the first book-length study of this little known collection, April Liu retraces the arduous journeys of early Cantonese opera troupes who began arriving along the west coast of North America during the mid-19th century. A close examination of the costumes and props reveal the moving songs, stories, performances, and ritual practices of early Chinese migrant communities who struggled to make a home in a foreign and often hostile land.

Exploring the Tapestry of Faith from Antiquity to the Modern Age Dive into the profound exploration of human spirituality with "Divine Threads: Unravelling the Origins of Divine Beliefs" a captivating journey that traverses the corridors of time, unraveling the intricate tapestry of divine beliefs that have woven through the fabric of human existence. In this illuminating odyssey, the author a seasoned explorer of the human soul, takes readers on a spellbinding quest to understand the roots of our sacred connections and the evolution of beliefs that have shaped civilizations. Chapter 1: Echoes of Antiquity The journey begins in the hallowed halls of Ancient Mysticism, where the seeds of sacred connections are sown. The author delves into the rich tapestry of mythologies and cosmogonies, exploring how these ancient narratives birthed the boundless imagination of the divine. Chapter 1 serves as a gateway to the origins of our spiritual yearnings, unveiling the enigmatic forces that have guided humanity through the eons. Chapter 2: In the Footsteps of Faith Embark on a pilgrimage through the annals of faith as we tread the Tribal Traditions and Ancestral Pathways to the Sacred. Traverse the landscapes of Revealed Religions, encountering prophets and divine revelations that have shaped belief systems. The Quest for Meaning takes center stage, intertwining philosophy, and spiritual inquiry, offering readers a panoramic view of the diverse avenues humans have explored in their pursuit of the divine. Chapter 3: Wired for the Divine Uncover the secrets of the human psyche in Wired for the Divine. The author navigates the realms of Evolutionary Psychology, unveiling the God Instinct imprinted in our evolutionary journey. Delve into the Cognitive Science of Religion, exploring the intricate connection between the mind and the sacred. Journey through the corridors of Neuroscience and Spirituality, where the divine is mapped within the very fabric of our brains. Chapter 4: Societal Sanctuaries Enter the hallowed halls of Religious Institutions, and the guardians of faith, and explore the rituals and symbols that channel the sacred in Societal Sanctuaries. Witness the intricate bonds of belonging fostered by faith communities, as the author sheds light on the societal structures that have perpetuated and sustained divine beliefs through generations. Chapter 5: Contemporary Contemplations Navigate the challenges of modernity in Contemporary Contemplations. From the secularization and skepticism challenging traditional beliefs to the emergence of New Age Spirituality blending old and new, the author explores the dynamic landscape of beliefs in the face of globalization and the coexistence of diverse belief systems. "Divine Threads" is not just a book; it's a voyage through the epochs of human spiritual evolution. The author invites readers to reflect on the universal human quest for the divine, offering a panoramic view of our shared spiritual heritage. Immerse yourself in the pages of "Divine Threads," and discover the enduring threads that connect us all to the sacred tapestry of existence.

Have you ever stopped to wonder if a chance encounter had meaning? Or perhaps you have felt an urge to speak to a stranger who crossed your path, or have had a nudge to call an old friend? These promptings and gentle pricks of your heart are more than mere passing thoughts. Follow along on Mary's journey to see how the threads of her real life stories are woven together to create incredible relationships. The year was of 2011. It would prove to be a year of spiritual awakening and discernment for Mary. Her seemingly normal and somewhat random and "chance encounters" culminate into a remarkable friendship between three women from remarkably different backgrounds. Over the course of that year, it became crystal clear to Mary that many of her divine appointments were not merely chance meetings. She came to realize that God was using the very people he was planting in her life to encourage her to place more of her trust in Him; to act and submit upon those promptings and nudges. You will see for yourself how God weaves those seemingly small and insignificant details of our day to day lives into His plan for us: to reach out and connect with those around us. Those connections will grow you in your faith and character. Words matter. Actions matter. Don't wait for circumstances to be just right. Our words have the power to give life to someone's dream, their calling or their passion. God has uniquely designed each one of us with a specific plan and purpose for our lives, I challenge you to open your minds and your heart and God will begin to use you in ways you could never imagine! Mary Hicks is a wife, mother to two sons, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a Mimi to a precious grandson and soon arriving granddaughter. She lives in Newnan, Georgia where she helps with the family travel business. She never meets a stranger and has a way of listening and connecting on a deep level. This is Mary's first book. Follow on Instagram @ maryhicksauthor.

USA TODAY BESTSELLER Truth of the Divine is the latest alternate-history first-contact novel in the Noumena series from the instant New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times bestselling author Lindsay Ellis. The human race is at a crossroads; we know that we are not alone, but details about the alien presence on Earth are still being withheld from the public. As the political climate grows more unstable, the world is forced to consider the ramifications of granting human rights to nonhuman persons. How do you define “person” in the first place? Cora Sabino not only serves as the full-time communication intermediary between the alien entity Ampersand and his government chaperones but also shares a mysterious bond with him that is both painful and intimate in ways neither of them could have anticipated. Despite this, Ampersand is still keen on keeping secrets, even from Cora, which backfires on them both when investigative journalist Kaveh Mazandarani, a close colleague of Cora’s unscrupulous estranged father, witnesses far more of Ampersand’s machinations than anyone was meant to see. Since Cora has no choice but to trust Kaveh, the two must work together to prove to a fearful world that intelligent, conscious beings should be considered persons, no matter how horrifying, powerful, or malicious they may seem. Making this case is hard enough when the public doesn’t know what it’s dealing with—and it will only become harder when a mysterious flash illuminates the sky, marking the arrival of an agent of chaos that will light an already-unstable world on fire. With a voice completely her own, Lindsay Ellis deepens her realistic exploration of the reality of a planet faced with the presence of extraterrestrial intelligence, probing the essential questions of humanity and decency, and the boundaries of the human mind. While asking the question of what constitutes a “person,” Ellis also examines what makes a monster.

Drawing from the pre-Christian and Christian 'Celtic' story, the collection moves through the wonders and the darknesses of the Celtic tradition. It asks: Is Celtic spirituality soul food or junk food? How can it be of value today? Why is the archety