'Holding me around the waist he drew me close to him. "And which of us do you prefer, Michael? You can tell me, it won't get back to Brother Price."' Michael Clemenger was handed over as a baby to the unloving care of a religious-run children's home. Aged eight, he was transferred to St Joseph's Industrial School. Chosen as their 'favourite' by two Christian Brothers, Michael endured years of sexual abuse at the hands of both men. Brother Price struck at night, while Brother Roberts took pleasure in a weekly bathtime ritual. Although everybody at the institution knew, even the two Brothers' 'protection' did not save Michael from merciless beatings by other sadistic men charged with his care. Despite the unbelievable trauma of his early life, Michael emerged unbroken and determined to make something of himself. Everybody Knew is a story of remarkable spirit and courage.
From a gripping, emotionally powerful story of a woman caught in a horrific cycle of abuse—and the desperate lengths she must go to escape. When Aisha spots an ad for a 'personal introductory service for professionals,' she thinks it could offer a new chance at life. But her husband becomes more controlling and violent, and Aisha finds herself trapped with two young children to protect. With courage and resolve, she searches for a way out, facing devastating choices and high risks in her struggle for freedom.
Andrea Heller has been married for seven years, but likes to pretend she's single. She enjoys sitting on her own in bars but there's another couple watching. They call themselves Saila and Pharaoh, but only after sundown. And it is after sundown that some terrible things are happening in the singles clubs in Cleveland. In six months, three women in their twenties have been brutally murdered. And each step that Homicide Detective Jack Paris takes to find their killer draws him closer to the heart of his own forbidden impulses. As the stakes become increasingly personal, Jack knows only one thing. To enter the minds of Saila and Pharaoh is to enter a world from which no one ever fully returns...
From stampeding nudes to inebriated teenagers, young nurse Michael Alexander never really knew what he was getting himself into. But now, sixteen years since he was first launched into his nursing career—as the only man in a gynaecology ward—he’s pretty much dealt with everything: body parts that come off in his hands; teenagers with phantom pregnancies; doctors unable to tell the difference between their left and right; violent drunks; singing relatives; sexism; ... and a whole lot of nudity. From the team that brought you the bestselling ‘Confessions of a GP’, comes a touching, shocking and frequently hilarious account of one man’s life in nursing.
Fascinating facts, interesting tidbits, and bright photos about snakes from around the world, including the Black Mamba and the Green Anaconda.
The Go Turbo Disasters title blends non-fiction and fiction to engage older, disengaged readers and encourage them back to books.
Part of the Usborne Picture Books series, this title follows a little boy who is whisked back in time, playing in the ruins of a castle and later finding himself in the castle at its height.
Get ready! Prepare for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with the most authoritative and comprehensive preview of soccer’s greatest tournament! Officially licensed by FIFA—world soccer’s governing body. Packed with stunning photography and expert analysis of each of the 32 teams, its star players, and its prospects in the finals, this official book is essential for soccer fans everywhere. It features a guide to all 12 stadiums and 11 host cities, a history of the FIFA World Cup, and a tournament progress chart to complete as competition progresses. Whether you’re watching the games live in Russia, in front of a television at home, or with friends at a club, bar, or FIFA World Cup Fan Zone, this is the tournament preview for you.
With over 750 glorious photographs, informative text and enticing recipes, this is both a comprehensive reference and inspirational book.
Cook up a feast of Asian flavors in minutes with this fabulous collection of sizzling, aromatic stir-fry recipes. Learn all you need to know about cooking with a wok, from choosing and caring for your equipment to preparing fresh ingredients, herbs and spices, and mastering speedy stir-fry techniques.
The Last Argument of Kings is the dramatic finale to Joe Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy. As war looms, Logen Ninefingers returns to the North to face his feared reputation and old enemies. In the South, Inquisitor Glokta maneuvers through a web of political intrigue and blackmail, while Jezal dan Luthar wrestles with the cost of glory and the life he wants. The king of the Union lies dying, rebels rise, and a brutal struggle for power sweeps across the land. Loyalties fracture, battles erupt, and the fate of the world hinges on choices that may come at an impossible price. This edition presents the final, unapologetically dark chapter in the saga, with Abercrombie’s signature grit, grim humor, and stark moral ambiguity.
A scrap of glass and metal has lain forgotten for fifteen hundred years in England's ancient heartland—the lost core of a flawless Sphere made by the greatest of the Anglo-Saxon Craft Lords. It was fashioned in memory of his beloved. And contained in the very heart of this work is something extraordinary, a spark from the fires of the Universe. While humans have lost their belief in such things, the hidden—little people existing on the borders of our world—have not. They send a boy, Jack, to live among humans, and fate leads him to Katherine. Arthur Foale, a long-time believer in the myths and legends of old, instantly recognizes the significance of these events. His mysterious disappearance leads Jack and Katherine on a path to adventure, love and a world beyond their imagination. Their destiny becomes clear, and they embark on a quest to save both worlds from destruction.
Marcus aka “w1n5t0n,” is only seventeen years old, but he figures he already knows how the system works–and how to work the system. Smart, fast, and wise to the ways of the networked world, he has no trouble outwitting his high school’s intrusive but clumsy surveillance systems. But his whole world changes when he and his friends find themselves caught in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco. In the wrong place at the wrong time, Marcus and his crew are apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security and whisked away to a secret prison where they’re mercilessly interrogated for days. When the DHS finally releases them, his injured best friend Darryl does not come out. The city has become a police state where every citizen is treated like a potential terrorist. He knows that no one will believe his story, which leaves him only one option: "M1k3y" will take down the DHS himself.
This work features the world's most enduring superhero in a fast-paced, reimagined origin tale of the Man of Steel. Beginning in Smallville, a shooting at a theatre reveals to Clark Kent that he is bulletproof, setting him on a path to his true identity. In Metropolis, Lois Lane's former partner Willi Berg becomes entangled in a murder case and is framed; he flees to Smallville where he meets Clark. Traveling to Hollywood, Clark becomes a stuntman and, with a new costume, discovers he can fly — and Superman makes a dramatic debut in a rescue. Arriving in New York, Willi and Clark meet Lois, who questions Willi's tale of a 'Superman'. Clark tries to get hired at the Daily Planet and uncovers evidence that could clear Willi. Lex Luthor, now a rising politician, has begun constructing LexBots, marketed as the must-have item of the year. But a LexBot goes rogue, and Superman must confront his greatest nemesis for the first time.
The Book of Saladin is the fictional memoir of Saladin, the Kurdish liberator of Jerusalem, as dictated to a Jewish scribe, Ibn Yakub. Saladin grants Ibn Yakub permission to talk to his wife and retainers so that he might present a full portrait in the Sultan’s memoirs. A series of interconnected stories follows, tales brimming with warmth, earthy humor and passions in which ideals clash with realities and dreams are confounded by desires. At the heart of the novel is an affecting love affair between the Sultan’s favored wife, Jamila, and Halina, a later addition to the harem. The novel charts the rise of Saladin as Sultan of Egypt and Syria and follows him as he prepares, in alliance with his Jewish and Christian subjects, to take Jerusalem back from the Crusaders. This is a medieval story, but much of it will be uncannily familiar to those who follow events in contemporary Cairo, Damascus, and Baghdad. Betrayed hopes, disillusioned soldiers and unrealistic alliances form the backdrop to The Book of Saladin.
Thorn Bathu was born to fight. But when she kills a boy in the training square she finds herself named a murderer. Fate places her life in the hands of the deep-cunning Father Yarvi as he sets out to cross half the world in search of allies against the ruthless High King. Beside her is Brand, a young warrior who hates to kill. A failure in her eyes and his own, the voyage is his last chance at redemption. But warriors can be weapons, and weapons are made for one purpose. Will Thorn always be a tool in the hands of the powerful, or can she carve her own path? Is there a place outside of legend for a woman with a blade?
We have fought battles that left more than a hundred corpses on the ground and not a word of it has ever been set down. The Order fights, but often it fights in shadow, without glory or reward. We have no banners. Vaelin Al Sorna is the Sixth Order's newest recruit. Under their brutal training regime, he learns how to forge a blade, survive the wilds and kill a man quickly and quietly — all in the name of protecting the Realm and the Faith. Now his skills will be put to the test. War is coming. Vaelin must draw upon the very essence of his strength and cunning if he is to survive the coming conflict. Yet as the world teeters on the edge of chaos, Vaelin will learn that the truth can cut deeper than any sword.
In the tunnels deep under London, the Earth elementals are dying. Hunted by something they know only as the Rotman, the elementals have no one trustworthy they can turn to. Enter Don Drake, diabolist and semi-reformed hitman, and an almost-fallen angel called Trixie. When the Matriarch tells Don that Rotman is actually the archdemon Bianakith, he knows this is going to be a tough job. Bianakith is the foretold spirit of disease and decay whose aura corrupts everything it comes near, and even the ancient foundations of London will crumble eventually. Now Don, Trixie and the Burned Man have to hatch a plan to keep Bianakith from wiping out the elementals and bringing down the city. But the Burned Man has other plans, and those may have dire consequences for everyone. The past never stays buried, and old sins must be atoned for. Judgement is coming, and its name is Dominion.
Shambolic demon-hunting hitman Don Drake is teetering on the edge of madness in this smart, witty urban fantasy novel. Don Drake is living rough in a sink estate on the outskirts of Edinburgh, doing cheap spells for even cheaper customers while fending off the local lowlifes. Six months ago, Don fled from London to Glasgow to track down his old girlfriend Debbie the alchemist. With the Burned Man gradually driving him mad, Don meets with an ancient and mysterious tramp-slash-magician, with disastrous consequences. Now his old accomplices must step in to save Don from himself, before he damns himself for good this time.
The Gods are dead. The Magelord Salazar and his magically enhanced troops, the Augmentors, crush any dissent they find in the minds of the populace. On the other side of the Broken Sea, the White Lady plots the liberation of Dorminia, with her spymistresses, the Pale Women. Demons and abominations plague the Highlands. The world is desperately in need of heroes. But what they get instead are a ragtag band of old warriors, a crippled Halfmage, two orphans and an oddly capable manservant: the Grim Company.
Set in an alternate nineteenth century, muskets and magic are weapons to be feared in Django Wexler’s Shadow Campaigns series. Captain Marcus d’Ivoire, commander of one of the Vordanai empire’s colonial garrisons, was serving out his days in a sleepy, remote outpost—until a rebellion left him in charge of a demoralized force clinging to a small fortress at the edge of the desert. To flee from her past, Winter Ihernglass masqueraded as a man and enlisted as a ranker in the Vordanai Colonials, hoping only to avoid notice. But when chance sees her promoted to command, she must lead her men into battle against impossible odds. Their fate depends on Colonel Janus bet Vhalnich. Under his command, Marcus and Winter feel the tide turning and their allegiance being tested. For Janus’s ambitions extend beyond the battlefield and into the realm of the supernatural—a realm with the power to reshape the known world and change the lives of everyone in its path.
Combining the acclaimed trilogy of books, Bodyguard of Lightning, Legion of Thunder, and Warriors of the Tempest, plus a new short story previously only available in a small press anthology, this is the entire story of Stryke and his band of Orcs. Fantasy's bad guys finally get their own say in this fast-moving, action-packed, tongue-in-cheek tale of Orc valour and human treachery.
In the seventh and final installment of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Harry, Hermione, and Ron race to locate and destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes while the wizarding world teeters on the brink of war. Secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and impossible choices lead to a climactic battle that determines Harry's ultimate fate.
The summer holidays are dragging on and Harry Potter can't wait for the start of the school year. It is his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and there are spells to be learnt and (unluckily) Potions and Divination lessons to be attended. But Harry can't know that the atmosphere is darkening around him, and his worst enemy is preparing a fate that it seems will be inescapable. With characteristic wit, fast-paced humour and marvellous emotional depth, J.K. Rowling has proved herself yet again to be a master story-teller.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban follows Harry during his third year at Hogwarts as the escape of the infamous prisoner Sirius Black threatens the wizarding world. Dementors guard the castle, new subjects such as Care of Magical Creatures and Divination are introduced, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione uncover secrets about his past.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince continues Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts as he uncovers secrets about Voldemort's past and the growing threat to the wizarding world. Guided by Dumbledore, Harry discovers a mysterious Potions textbook once owned by the enigmatic Half-Blood Prince and learns more about Horcruxes and the struggle to defeat Voldemort.
Harry Potter discovers a magical world when an owl delivers a letter inviting him to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He learns about his true heritage, the mystery surrounding his parents’ deaths, and the peril that follows him as he uncovers the power of the Philosopher’s Stone. This is the story of a boy who steps out from an ordinary life to begin an extraordinary adventure in the wizarding world.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets follows Harry's second year at Hogwarts as mysterious events begin to unfold: eerie voices, sinister messages appearing on the walls, and Ginny Weasley's disappearance. With Ron and Hermione by his side, Harry faces classes and dangers at the magical school while uncovering a chilling secret at the heart of Hogwarts.
In this challenging collection of Tom Wright’s recent sermons and speeches, Surprised by Scripture offers case studies showing how the Bible can be applied to pressing contemporary issues. It explores loving the Bible while affirming evolution, how belief in heaven can motivate Christians to be at the forefront of the environmental movement, and why Christians today should engage more fully in politics. Helpful and practical, the book demonstrates how to affirm the Bible in today’s world and maps out new ways to apply its principles in everyday life.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a spiritual prompting is really from God or just your own thoughts, this book meets that question with rare calm and clarity. Dallas Willard writes with a wise, grounded confidence that many readers find deeply reassuring rather than sensational. It’s especially good for someone who wants a richer prayer life built on relationship, trust, and steady spiritual maturity.
Too many of us have settled for a predictable, mediocre existence when deep down we long to live a life that really counts. In their new book, bestselling authors Eric and Leslie Ludy reveal that the life God has called us to is beyond anything we have dreamed or imagined. This grand adventure can turn ordinary men and women into heroes for Truth—agents in the service of the Most High God. This adventure transforms the impossible challenges of life into amazing opportunities to see the power of God at work. If you are willing to explore the boundless depths of a God-scripted life, this book can help you to embark on a new and magnificent voyage of discovery. Get ready to discover how breathtaking the adventure can be when God writes your life story. Discover the Adventure of a Lifetime. As little kids, we dream big dreams for our lives. We want to become CIA operatives, Jedi masters, samurai warriors, or super heroes who save the world from evil villains. We want to be someone who makes a difference—someone who puts a dent into this life before we leave it. But as we grow up, it’s all too easy to lose sight of our big dreams and settle for a predictable, mediocre existence. If you are longing to live a life that counts, this book is for you. When God Writes Your Life Story isn’t just a book about finding your purpose; it’s about the life-altering effect that God—the Author of adventure—can have upon your purpose. If you want to experience the most thrilling, satisfying, and world-altering existence possible, then get ready to discover how breathtaking the adventure can be… when God writes your life story. Story Behind the Book: Eric and Leslie believe that God is in the business of writing amazing scripts for our lives. Not Hollywood scripts, but heavenly scripts that showcase His awe-inspiring faithfulness and love. This powerful book takes readers on a personal journey to discover their true purpose, proving that when we entrust the pen to the Author of Adventure, the result is a life story more fulfilling than anything we have ever dreamed.
An inside look at Eddie Hall’s journey to becoming the World’s Strongest Man in 2017. From the streets of Stoke-on-Trent to the pinnacle of Strongman, the book follows his training and mindset as he prepares for a boxing match against Hafthor Bjornsson. It documents two years of preparation, training diaries, and insights from friends, family, and teammates, offering an honest and raw portrait of his life and approach to sport.
The unhappy inhabitants of planet Krikkit are sick of looking at the night sky above their heads—so they plan to destroy it. The universe, that is. Now only five individuals stand between the killer robots of Krikkit and their goal of total annihilation. They are Arthur Dent, a mild-mannered space and time traveler who tries to learn how to fly by throwing himself at the ground and missing; Ford Prefect, his best friend, who decides to go insane to see if he likes it; Slartibartfast, the indomitable vice president of the Campaign for Real Time, who travels in a ship powered by irrational behavior; Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed, three-armed ex-president of the galaxy; and Trillian, the sexy space cadet who is torn between a persistent Thunder God and a very depressed Beeblebrox. How will it all end? Will it end? Only this stalwart crew knows as they try to avert universal Armageddon and save life as we know it—and don’t know it!
To be poor and destitute in 1920s Paris and London was to experience life at its lowest ebb. George Orwell, penniless and with nowhere to go, found himself experiencing just this as he wandered the streets of both capitals in search of a job. By day, he tramped the streets, often passing time with 'screevers' or street artists, drunks and other hobos. At night, he stood in line for a bed in a 'spike' or doss house, where a cup of sugary tea, a hunk of stale bread and a blanket were the only sustenance and comfort on offer. Down and Out in Paris and London is George Orwell's haunting account of the streets and those who have no choice but to live on them.
A comprehensive collection of the most important documents that shaped the United States. This book includes: The Declaration of Independence; The Articles of Confederation; The Constitution of the United States of America; The 1789 Joint Resolution of Congress Proposing 12 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution; The Preamble to the Constitution; The Bill of Rights: Amendments 1–10; The Constitution: Amendments 11–27; and Brief Histories of the Founding Fathers.
Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2012. On a fateful night in 2009, Tyler Hamilton and Daniel Coyle met for dinner in Boulder, Colorado. The two had met five years before while Coyle was writing his bestselling book, Lance Armstrong: Tour de Force. But this time, Tyler had something else on his mind. He finally wanted to come clean, about everything: the doping, the lying, his years as Lance Armstrong's teammate on U.S. Postal, his decade spent running from the truth. 'I'm sorry,' he told Coyle. 'It just feels so good to be able to talk about this. I've been quiet for so many years.' Over the next eighteen months, Hamilton would tell his story, and his sport's story, in explosive detail, never sparing himself in the process. In a way, he became as obsessed with telling the truth as he had been with winning the Tour de France just a few years before. The truth would set Tyler free, but would also be the most damning indictment yet of Tour winners such as Armstrong. The result of this determination is The Secret Race, a book that pulls back the curtain and takes us into the secret world of professional cycling like never before. A world populated by unbelievably driven — and some flawed — characters. A world where the competition used every means to get an edge, and the options were stark. A world where it often felt like there was no choice.
If you're a fan of the simmering tension that comes with the enemies-to-lovers trope, "Today Tonight Tomorrow" will be right up your alley. You'll be drawn into the protagonists' fiery academic rivalry that takes a surprisingly romantic turn. It's a thoughtful blend of youthful aspiration and sweet romance that’s perfect for fans of heartfelt young adult literature.
If you're intrigued by the enigmatic figure of Vladimir Putin and how power can be wielded with calculated precision, Masha Gessen's "The Man Without a Face" could enlighten you. It's not just a political biography but a harrowing look at how an individual morphed into an autocrat in modern times, a narrative told with the courage of a journalist who's been on the front lines. This book offers a crucial understanding of current global politics through the lens of Putin's Russia.
If you've ever been curious about the inner workings of the White House during one of the most charismatic presidencies in recent history, "Thanks, Obama" will be a delight. David Litt takes you on a humorous and candid journey that not only chronicles his own growth but also offers a unique perspective on political realities versus youthful idealism. It's a read that manages to be both entertaining and enlightening, perfect for anyone interested in politics, history, or the power of a well-crafted speech.
P.J. O'Rourke has a knack for infusing humor into the most serious of topics, and in "None of My Business," he does just that with the complex world of finance. If terms like equity and liabilities make your eyes glaze over, O'Rourke's wit can keep you engaged and even laughing as you navigate through what could have been an intimidating subject. It's for anyone looking for a lighter, relatable take on money matters, without the jargon-laden snooze-fest.
If history fascinates you, particularly the gritty, spy-novel-like drama of the Cold War's beginnings, "Checkmate in Berlin" is a compelling read. Giles Milton paints an almost cinematic picture of the clash between opposing forces in a divided Berlin, giving life to the personalities and high-stakes political games that set the stage for decades of East-West tension. This is not just a recount; it's a gripping narrative that personalizes one of the 20th century's pivotal moments.
If you're someone who marvels at human endurance and the power of the mind, "The Art of Resilience" could be a transformative read for you. Ross Edgley's extraordinary physical feats serve as a backdrop to explore and provide insight into developing mental toughness. This isn't just a narrative of personal triumphs; it's a blueprint that challenges and guides you to push your own limits and redefine what you consider possible.
If you're interested in true crime and the complexity of memory, "Remembering Satan" will draw you in. Lawrence Wright navigates the troubling waters of recovered memory with a careful balance of empathy and skepticism. This is not just a story of a case, but a narrative that delves into the human psyche and the fears that can hold sway over communities and the justice system. It's a compelling read that's likely to stay with you, questioning the reliability of memory and the potential for hysteria to shape reality.
If Hornby's blend of humor and depth resonates with you, these stories will too. They dive into the human experience with a cleverness that's signature to Hornby, managing to be both light-hearted and profound. Plus, getting an exclusive tale just adds to the specialness of this collection. It's perfect for a quick yet meaningful read.
"Anna and the French Kiss" is ideal for those who enjoy a blend of travel escapism and the thrill of first love. As you wander through the charming streets of Paris with Anna, you'll find yourself rooting for her and Etienne, despite the messy entanglements. The book is a light-hearted, feel-good read that perfectly captures the butterflies and angst of teenage romance.