In the quaint town of Windmore, where history whispers from every corner, Tia Lancaster lived as an outsider, her heart tethered to the mysteries and tales of old. But the arrival of a mysterious new neighbor, Alex, sets her on a path that would unravel her very existence and reveal a destiny far beyond her wildest dreams. "Guardian of Windmore" is not just a story; it's an epic journey through the veiled layers of a town steeped in secrets, a family legacy of guardianship, and the unyielding power of magic that resides within and around us. As Tia's once ordinary life becomes entwined with ancient prophecies and dark forces, she discovers that she is the latest in a long line of guardians tasked with protecting Windmore from a malevolent darkness that seeks to consume it. With Alex by her side, Tia begins to unearth her powers, a force so potent yet so foreign, that it threatens to overwhelm her. But as she delves deeper into her family's past and the town's history, she realizes that the darkness is closer and more personal than she ever imagined. Betrayal comes from where she least expects it, shattering her world and forcing Tia to question everything she believed to be true. The betrayal not only leaves her heartbroken but also strengthens her resolve. Tia finds herself standing at the precipice of a battle that had been brewing for centuries, with Windmore and its people caught in the balance. Armed with newfound powers and a deep love for her town, Tia rallies the community, discovering allies in unlikely places—among them, the hidden mages of Windmore, and the ordinary townsfolk, whose spirit proves to be as indomitable as her own. The narrative weaves through Tia's struggles to master her abilities, the complexities of her relationship with Alex, and the tension that builds as the darkness draws closer. Each character she meets along the way is richly developed, adding layers of intrigue and depth to the story. From the wise old bookstore owner who knows more than he lets on, to the skeptical local sheriff whose loyalty to the town is unwavering, each adds a piece to the puzzle of Windmore's past and present. As the final battle looms, Tia is faced with the ultimate choice—sacrifice everything she loves or watch Windmore fall into shadow. The climactic confrontation is a testament to her growth, a fierce display of power and determination that binds the town together in a fight for survival. The darkness is relentless, but Tia's connection to the ley lines, the guardians before her, and the people of Windmore forge a weapon no evil can withstand. "Guardian of Windmore" transcends the boundaries of traditional fantasy, blending elements of mystery, historical intrigue, and magical realism to create a world that is as immersive as it is enchanting. It is a story of finding strength in vulnerability, unity in diversity, and light in the darkest of places. Through Tia's journey, readers are reminded of the power of community, the importance of guarding our heritage, and the unbreakable bond that forms when people come together to fight for a common cause. As the dust settles and Windmore emerges from the shadow, forever changed yet undefeated, Tia looks to the future with hope. The darkness may return, but she and her town are ready—together, they stand as a beacon of resilience, guardians not just of Windmore, but of the light that dwells within us all. "Guardian of Windmore" is a testament to the enduring power of love and the unyielding courage of the human spirit, a captivating tale that will linger with readers long after the last page is turned.

Winner of the 2007 National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism A New York Times Book Review Top Ten Book of the Year Time magazine Top Ten Nonfiction Book of 2007 Newsweek Favorite Books of 2007 A Washington Post Book World Best Book of 2007 In this sweeping and dramatic narrative, Alex Ross, music critic for The New Yorker, weaves together the histories of the twentieth century and its music, from Vienna before the First World War to Paris in the twenties; from Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Russia to downtown New York in the sixties and seventies up to the present. Taking readers into the labyrinth of modern style, Ross draws revelatory connections between the century's most influential composers and the wider culture. The Rest Is Noise is an astonishing history of the twentieth century as told through its music.

288 page hardcover by Bruce R. Cordell