In the seventeenth century, a determined and driven young Greek made his way by ship to Southeast Asia in search of wealth and fame. His name was Constantine Phaulkon. He arrived in Siam, learned the language, and soon became a dear friend to King Narai. Befriending the king was the first step to securing his legacy, but he had much more in mind. Phaulkon was appointed to the position of foreign minister of trade. He lured the French to join his life of luxury in Siam, and he soon secured several Europeans in positions of power. With the help of King Narai he has the Society of Jesuits believing Siam is about to become a Jesuit state. Only time will tell how history will view his actions. His story is told through the eyes of twentieth-first-century historian Dylan Montgomery, who specializes in Southeast Asia. His friend Theo is recovering from lifes bumpy road when they decide to investigate Phaulkon. How did a single man recreate the political fiber of a nation, and what became of his great wealth after his death? Dylan and Theo set out together to solve one of modern historys great mysteries: the truth about Constantine Phaulkon.

All three books in 'Chosen King', a series of middle grade fantasy novels by M.J. Sewall, now available in one volume! Dream of Empty Crowns: Gordon is chosen to become the new king after his name is drawn in the Choosing Tower, but his celebration is cut short. Hunted by the ruthless First Councillor Thrundulin, he is pursued by airships and soldiers. With the help of the healer Loren and warrior Aline, Gordon must find a way to save himself and his kingdom. The Trials of Boy Kings: As the two young kings stand oceans apart, old truths put them in grave danger. Sworn enemies, they are held captive by fate and forced to come together in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, a new threat rises as the distant leader known as the Father steps out of the shadows, wielding a deadly new weapon. With destiny-altering choices before them, both kings must rely on allies to defeat their true enemies and set right the history that has been stolen. Plague of Tyrants: The two young kings face unprecedented challenges as enemies surround them and a new threat looms. Their prized airships are no longer enough to protect them, and one must venture forth while the other stays behind to face foes on all sides. Loyalties are tested, boundaries broken, and their Kingdom is more vulnerable than ever. With destiny calling, the two kings must unite their people, defeat their enemies, and stay true to themselves.

Sulian ap Gwien was only 17 when the Jarnish raiders came. Had she been armed, she could have defeated them. It took six to subdue her--and she will never forgive them. Thus begins the tale of a woman who rises to become the strong right hand to the great king who will reunite his people. (August)

Family isn’t always what you think it is. Twins learn what they are to each other, siblings learn what they are not and a mother is replaced by another. Connecting them all are the flames that wove through Burasal so long ago. Now, new flames are burning across the kingdom revealing secrets and magic long thought lost.

Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej, the only king ever born in the United States, came to the throne of his country in 1946 and is now the world's longest-serving monarch. This book tells the unexpected story of his life and 60-year rule: how a Western-raised boy came to be seen by his people as a living Buddha; and how a king widely seen as beneficent and apolitical could in fact be so deeply political, autocratic, and even brutal. Paul Handley provides an extensively researched, factual account of the king's youth and personal development, ascent to the throne, skilful political maneuverings, and attempt to shape Thailand as a Buddhist kingdom. Blasting apart the widely accepted image of the king as egalitarian and virtuous, Handley convincingly portrays an anti-democratic monarch who, together with allies in big business and the corrupt Thai military, has protected a centuries-old, barely-modified feudal dynasty. When at nineteen Bhumibol assumed the throne after the still-unsolved shooting of his brother, the Thai monarchy had been stripped of power and prestige. Over the ensuing decades, Bhumibol became the paramount political actor in the kingdom, crushing critics while attaining high status among his people. The book details this process and depicts Thailand's unique constitutional monarch in the full light of the facts.

Reproduction of the original: The Golden Bough by James George Frazer