He can summon demons. But can he win a war? Fletcher is working as a blacksmith's apprentice when he discovers he has the rare ability to summon demons from another world. Chased from his village for a crime he did not commit, Fletcher must travel with his demon, Ignatius, to an academy for adepts, where the gifted are taught the art of summoning. Along with nobles and commoners, Fletcher endures grueling lessons that will prepare him to serve as a Battlemage in the Empire's war against the savage Orcs. But sinister forces infect new friendships and rivalries grow. With no one but Ignatius by his side, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of the Empire is in his hands.
Inspiring to teachers of all experience levels, this guide uses humor and insight to show how to teach with daring, while growing through risk, reflection, and revision.
A land at war, a failing king, a light in the forest ... Centuries ago, the powerful Alpine lords colonised the Great Forest. The native Silvan elves were accepting at first, but one elf's lust for power is threatening peace and driving a wedge between the two, immortal races. Leaders against followers, commanders against warriors. Fel'annár is an orphan with a million questions and no answers - his Silvan mother died and no one speaks of his Alpine father. With the face of an Alpine and the heart of a Silvan, the boy steps into this conflicted world with nothing in his pocket but a dream: to be a Silvan captain in an army commanded by Alpines, an army desperately struggling to hold its borders. Fel'annár's path as a novice warrior will teach him more than warfare. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, he must learn to deal with his personal conflicts and with an emerging power he is yet to understand. From recruit to novice warrior and beyond, Fel'annár is the Silvan that could change the balance of power and alter his world forever. "A brilliant and exciting work of fantasy. Enter the world of Bel'arán and meet Fel'annar and his friends in this fast paced tale. I loved this one, and can't wait to see what happens next! Great characters, strong plot, beautiful world building, and plenty of action! This story pulls you in, and doesn't let up until it's over! Easy to follow and entertaining from cover to cover, you don't want to miss it!" - Adventures Thru Wonderland "Captivating, intriguing and thrilling ... this was a one sit roller-coaster ride of adventure, courage and mystery for me. I loved it and would recommend it to everyone. The characters were well developed, strong and engaging with a thrilling plot and a hooking prose." - readdayandnight.com
In the first book in an exciting new coming-of-age fantasy series from the author of the Age of Fire series, an impoverished girl enters into a military order of dragonriders, but her path won't be as easy or as straightforward as she expected. Fourteen-year-old Ileth grew up in an orphanage, and thanks to her stutter was never thought to be destined for much beyond kitchen work and cleaning. But she's dreamed of serving with the dragons ever since a childhood meeting with a glittering silver dragon and its female dragoneer. For years she waits, and as soon as she is old enough to join, Ileth runs away to become a novice dragoneer at the ancient human-dragon fortress of the Serpentine. While most of her fellow apprentices are from rich and influential families, Ileth must fight for her place in the world, even if it includes a duel with her boss at the fish-gutting table. She's then sent off to the dragon-dancers after a foolish kiss with a famously named boy and given charge of a sickly old dragon with a mysterious past. But she finds those trials were nothing when she has to take the place of a dead dragoneer and care for his imprisoned dragon in enemy lands. . . .
Bestselling author and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh transforms an ancient folktale into a timeless parable of a young woman who dares to risk her life for her faith. Born to an aristocratic family in rural Vietnam, Kinh Tam’s uncommon beauty and intelligence were obvious to all she encountered. From an early age she was drawn to the teachings of Buddha and the rewards of a monastic life, but to please her family she agreed to walk the traditional path of marriage. Throughout her marriage, Kinh Tam’s mind was devoted to her husband but her heart never waivered from her true calling. She wanted to be a monk. And yet Buddhism was still new to Vietnam and temples accepted only men for ordination. Making a decision that would forever change her life, Kinh Tam left town, disguised herself as a man, and joined a monastery as a novice. Despite the many challenges of living as a man, Kinh Tam thrived and became a beloved member of the community. Years of profound joy and peace passed until a local woman accuses the novice of fathering her unborn child. Kinh Tam is torn between two impossible choices: keep her secret and endure brutal punishment or reveal the truth that would prove her innocence but put an end to her spiritual path. Facing the unbearable with the boundless heart of Buddha, her choice forever changes her life, her country, and her faith. In spare, elegant prose, Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that we, too, face our own injustices and suffering, and by connecting with love, we can, like Kinh Tam, discover a mind and heart that are peaceful, happy, and free.
“You are to be commended on such a great publication and I am humbled that you would even consider adding a few lines from one of my books," --Paul Hellyer Former Canadian Minister of National Defense “. . . this brilliantly produced book not only serves as a superb introduction to the subject but covers some fascinating and important new material for the aficionados.” --Timothy Good, Leading Authority on UFOs and Best-selling Author “I offer my gratitude to you, not only for the “heavy” copy of your book, but also the “light” that the content provides. You and your colleagues can be congratulated for your excellent summary of the history, and probable significance, of the ET presence on Earth. Love & light," --R. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D., Famed Hypnotherapist and Consultant to Linda Moulton Howe “Also of interest is a chapter that discusses the “Skunk Works” (the advanced aircraft manufacturing division of Lockheed), and the shocking statements made by its former president, Ben Rich. These statements, which were confirmed by the author who was present at Rich’s March 23, 1993 UCLA presentation . . . Readers of this book would do well to consider the staggering implications of Rich’s comments, and their potential transportation and clean energy applications for this world.” --Michael Schratt, Military Aerospace Historian, Artist and Reviewer, Open Minds magazine ARE UFOs REAL? FINALLY, A GUIDE FOR THOSE WITH OPEN MINDS This is the revised and expanded 2nd edition (2015) of the original book written for the novice and for the more knowledgeable as well. 60+ new, color illustrations. New sections document the Hudson Valley triangular craft, Area 51/S4 hangar details, articles by the former Canadian Minister of Defense, the Hon. Paul Hellyer, and disclosures by US Air Force generals, American and Canadian scientists. Join the author, T. L. Keller, on a voyage to otherworldly places and understand the reality of UFOs, alien beings and how they get from wherever they are to planet Earth. This book is part of The Total Novice's Guide series of books intended for those who know little or nothing about a particular subject, have open minds and want to know more. * In this fascinating and informative read, you will be escorted through the Roswell and other incidents involving crashed alien spaceships. Read about Project Galileo, and testimony from government officials, as well as 10 former, military whistle-blowers who have had first-hand experiences with the unknown. * Get the latest inside information on the above-top secret, US government anti-gravity and flying disc program that has been fifty years in the making. * Learn about super secret, Area 51/S4; understand "Missing Time", and the true nature of human abductions. You will learn how alien vehicles travel here; and, more importantly, why they are here. Read how you will be impacted when the reality of UFOs and alien beings becomes known to the world. And it may be just around the corner...
Everybody loves Novice to Master! As you'll see in the glowing endorsements and reviews included below, this modern spiritual classic has been embraced by readers of all types. In his singularly humorous and biitingly direct way, Zen abbot Soko Morinaga tells the story of his rigorous training at a Japanese Zen temple, his spiritual growth and his interactions with his students and others. Morinaga's voice is uniquely tuned to the truth of the condition of the human mind and spirit and his reflections and interpretations are unvarnished and succinct. His great gift is the ability to lift the spirit of the reader all the while exposing the humility and weakness in the lives of people, none more so than his own. Read on to see what everyone from Publishers Weekly to well-known Buddhist figures and even New York Times bestselling author Anthony Swofford have to say about this one of a kind book!
A Novice's Guide Through the Jewish Holidays explores the traditions, historical events along with Hebrew blessings in transliteration of the holidays for all people of diverse faiths and learning skills. The book engages and encourages the reader to become comfortable practicing the observances of the holidays. This guide will inspire and enlighten multi-generational and interfaith families to learn together. There are recipes and decorations to enhance the richness and beauty of each holiday. The special gift of this book is to bring a better understanding of the Jewish people's rich heritage. May your thirst for knowledge never be quenched!
This book has one simple goal: to help you succeed in your next presentation or speech. You don’t need decades of training to achieve this goal. You don’t need the eloquence of Lincoln or Churchill or Martin Luther King. You just need to learn and practice 10 simple rules...and we mean simple. Michael Lawrence Faulkner helps you apply basic truths about human nature and nonverbal communication to get your audience on your side, and keep them there–from the moment you walk on stage to the moment you leave. You’ll learn how to prepare well, enter with confidence, own your space, and deliver a message that is clear and powerful. Nervous? Of course you are! Everyone is. But Faulkner shows how to make your fears serve you, not immobilize you. Imagining the worst? Everyone does. But, as Faulkner shows you, those disasters just won’t happen. Made a mistake? Everyone will. But you can move right past it, like it never happened. Other public speaking books aim to make you brilliant...and they fail. This book aims to make you very good: better than most speakers. That’s a goal you can achieve–and with Faulkner’s help and a little practice, you will. Practical, simple ways to Keep your language simple Make your fears work for you Prepare a conversation, not a speech Walk with purpose and confidence Make and keep eye contact Own your speaking and your space Ignore your mistakes and keep going Stop worrying about worst-case scenarios Finish strong Know when to ignore the rules
