Have you ever wondered what happens to your consciousness after your body dies? Probably most people wonder about that at some time. Most religions try to answer that question with various heavenly scenarios or hellish punishments and wars have been fought and people painfully put to death because of disagreements about religious beliefs and dogmas. Pearl Curran believed that she had made contact with the consciousness of a young woman, “Patience Worth” who had lived and died in the 17th c...

'Sounding the Bookshelf 1501' explores how everyday texts in Renaissance Italy engaged with music, sound, and hearing. Of the 358 known editions printed in 1501, only a few contained formal music notation or specialist theory. Yet a surprising wealth of musical knowledge emerges from religious texts, classical commentaries, lifestyle guides, poetry, and more. These sources—rarely penned by professional musicians—reflect the broader cultural presence of music in early 16th-century life, tou...

In the anthology 'Unforgettable Journeys to the Earth's Last Untamed Places – 7 Classic Wilderness Novels,' readers are invited to traverse the untouched expanses of Earth's wildest regions through the masterful craftsmanship of iconic storytellers. This collection captures the essence of exploration and adventure, with each novel presenting a unique take on humanity's relationship with the natural world. Within these pages, readers are swept away to uncharted territories, where human resi...

Tales of Imperial Exploration and Lost Worlds – 5 Classic Expedition Novels offers a vibrant tapestry of adventure literature that captures the quintessence of exploration and discovery during the zenith of the British Empire. This anthology brings together a rich diversity of literary styles, from the pioneering adventures and mystery-laden environments to the suspenseful encounters with the unknown. Each tale immerses readers in a narrative feast of imperial ambition and existential ques...

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats. - English proverbCat stories set in ancient Egypt, pre-history Mexico, Victorian England, space stations, grim magical worlds, during the zombie apocalypse, and a typical neighborhood give a glimpse into the mysterious lives of felines. And each cat, whether friend or fiend, believes In a Cat's Eye, all things belong to cats.Cat-lovers and readers of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and horror will find a tale to sink their claws...

A chilling short story prequel to Dean Koontz’s forthcoming full-length novel, INNOCENCE. Addison Goodheart is only eight years old, but he already knows he is not like other people.Addison Goodheart is a mystery even to himself. He was born in an isolated home surrounded by a deep forest, seeing no one but his mother, who barely accepts him. She is haunted by private demons and keeps many secrets – none of which she dreads more than the young son who adores her.Only in the...

"The Desecrator" is an original short story from the Draegaran Empire, by bestselling author Stephen Brust. This is a tale of the Hawklord Daymar, and of a particular Morganti blade. Vlad Taltos fans will enjoy new insight into Stephen Brust's fantasy series.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

A bonus short story featuring Silhara and Martise from Master of Crows.In The Light Within, Silhara of Neith, now known as "the god-smiter," travels as the guest of honor to the winter festival of his father's people.The crow mage who destroyed one god must ignite sacred fires in honor of another. Yet the winter festival only reminds Silhara that the brightest light within him isn't the fire of a deity but the devotion of one woman.A tale of hope and celebration.

Shartrael Padina is no ordinary Inari. Bound in a symbiosis to the entities of the Starfire crystal, she can access their energy for healing or hurting. That power is sought by the small but growing Shirat Empire seeking control of the homeworld. When the elite Shirukan soldiers attack, her mate is killed protecting her escape through a portal to Earth, where she can hide her wings and blend in with humans.But Earth is no joyride. After fighting off the Shirukan soldier who follows...

No matter your expectations, the dark is full of the unknown: grim futures, distorted pasts, invasions of the uncanny, paranormal fancies, weird dreams, unnerving nightmares, baffling enigmas, revelatory excursions, desperate adventures, spectral journeys, mundane terrors, and supernatural visions. You may stumble into obsession - or find redemption. Often disturbing, occasionally delightful, let The Year's Best Dark Fantasy and Horror be your annual guide through the mysteries and wonders...

Macabre meetings, sinister excursions, and deadly relationships; uncanny encounters; a classic ghost story featuring an American god; a historical murderer revived in a frightening new iteration; innovative Lovecraftian turns; shadowy fairy tales and weird myths; strange children, the unexpected, the supernatural, the surreal, and the all-too real . . . tales of the dark. Such stories have always fascinated us, and modern authors carry on the disquieting traditions of the past while invent...

Prepare to meet the wicked progeny of the master of modern horror. In Lovecraft's Monsters, H. P. Lovecraft's most famous creations Cthulhu, Shoggoths, Deep Ones, Elder Things, Yog-Sothoth, and more appear in all their terrifying glory. Each story is a gripping new take on a classic Lovecraftian creature, and each is accompanied by a spectacular original illustration that captures the monsters' unique visage.Contributors include such literary luminaries as Neil Gaiman, Joe...