Tags:social themes
Empress in Disguise
To save her family, one girl will sacrifice her very identity.Living in poverty in the shadow of the Forbidden City, Daiyu never imagined that the life of the emperor would impact her own. But a chance meeting with a girl who looks exactly like her changes everything. Daiyu's family is offered enough money to support them for life if she only agrees to take the stranger's place at the emperor's selection for new consorts. In order to pull off the ruse, Daiyu must abandon everything she ever knew and become a completely different person, a person she despises. And if she fails, if she is discovered, she will be guilty of treason and put to death.Daiyu cannot allow her family to suffer if it is within her power to save them, so she strikes the deadly bargain. But living within the Forbidden City is even more dangerous than she imagined...In this incredible retelling of The Princess and the Pauper, based on true events, authors Zoey Gong and Amanda Roberts bring to life the opulent and dangerous world of imperial consorts trapped within the great red walls of the Forbidden City.
Empress in Danger
She thought that fate was finished with her. But it was only beginning…After being banished to a remote abbey, Daiyu thinks the machinations of the inner court can no longer hurt her. But she is wrong. A ghost from the past emerges and threatens everything Daiyu has worked so hard to build for herself.From the opulence of the inner court and the right hand of the emperor, Daiyu finds herself back at the beginning, back outside the imposing red walls of the Forbidden City. Daiyu discovers that she has the power to choose her future, but both futures carry a risk she is not sure she has the strength to face.But underneath it all is a love so powerful, Daiyu cannot walk away.The future of a dynasty rests with her…
City of Spells (sequel to Into the Crooked Place)
From the author of TO KILL A KINGDOM and INTO THE CROOKED PLACE comes the second in a spectacular fantasy duology, in a world thriving with black magic.Threats are like promises. Don't make ones you can't keep. With Wesley as their prisoner, Dante Ashwood and Zekia tear through the streets of Uskhanya, conquering cities at a time with their army of Crafters and enthralled citizens. As Wesley realises the truth of his power and Zekia tries to lure him to darkness, he must fight against the deadly magic that invades his mind and find a way back to his friends before it's too late.Meanwhile, as the cities fall, Tavia, Saxony and Karam prepare for a fight unlike any other. With tensions running high and battles at every turn, they must unite an army of Crafters, crooks and even politicians if they truly want to take down Ashwood once and for all.But things are never simple: with dark magic circling and old secrets clawing from the grave, the unlikely friends have to decide just how far they'll go to do what's right and if they're willing to sacrifice everything to win - including each other.
Leif and the Fall
Persistence and creativity can lead to amazing things, as Leif the leaf discovers in this lovely storybook from Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Originals.Leif is a leaf. A worried leaf. It is autumn, and Leif is afraid to fall. "All leaves fall in the fall," say the other leaves. But Leif is determined to find a different way down, and with his friend Laurel, he uses the resources around him to create a net, a kite, a parachute in hopes of softening his landing. The clock is ticking, the wind is blowing. What will happen when a gust of wind pulls Leif from his branch?In a culture that prizes achievement, kids are often afraid to fail--failing to realize that some of the very ideas that don't work are steps along the path to ones that will.
The Gift Inside the Box
Adam Grant, the bestselling author of Give and Take, teams with his wife, Allison, to share the lighthearted tale of a gift in search of a giver--a classic in the making and the perfect conversation starter about thoughtfulness.This delightful book--one of Amazon's 2019 Holiday Gift Picks and Most Anticipated Books--is designed to start conversations with kids about generosity. In the tradition of Goodnight Gorilla, the words are intentionally spare. The book is meant to be read interactively, with adults posing questions so kids can guess what's happening (and why). Praised by both parents and teachers for sparking imagination and eliciting discussion, the story can be interpreted differently in every family, by every child, and reinterpreted many times over. Give the gift of this clever, earnest book about generosity--a new and nourishing fable for every child's library (and one that includes a delightfully innovative cover approach that requires the reader to unfasten the Velcroed cover for a fun unboxing effect!). It's a gift that keeps on giving."Truly phenomenal . . . Kristen [Bell]'s favorite book we've read to the kids in a year." --Dax Shepard of the podcast "Armchair Expert"
Rise of the Robot Army
From New York Times bestselling author Robert Venditti comes the second book in the Miles Taylor and the Golden Cape series, about an eighth grader who finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the role of real-life superhero. His latest mission: to defeat an army of robots designed to destroy him!Master the golden cape. Been there. Save the world from an alien invasion. Done that. Dominate the eighth grade. Keep dreaming. Battle an army of super-deadly robots designed to destroy you. Sure didn’t see that one coming. After a summer of fighting crime as Gilded, the world’s only superhero, Miles Taylor is bummed to learn that nothing has changed for him at Chapman Middle School. He is still the primary target of the Jammer’s bullying. And Josie, the girl of his dreams, has put him squarely in the friend zone. Miles starts spending more and more time as Gilded, neglecting his schoolwork and his friends. His bad attitude lands him and his best friend, Henry, in a military compound, at the mercy of the power-crazed General Breckenridge. When the general steals the golden cape, Miles finds himself back at square one with no superpowers…and no hope of escape. On the verge of losing everything—and everyone—he cares about, Miles must discover the hero within himself before the general puts his evil plans into action.
Attack of the Alien Horde
“Clever and funny with an irresistible premise, this middle grade adventure/comic book hybrid will engage even the most reluctant reader.” —Rick Riordan, author of the worldwide bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, and the Heroes of Olympus What if superheroes were real—and you had to become one? A boy is suddenly thrust into the role of a real-life superhero and tasked with saving Earth from an alien invasion in this action-packed novel from New York Times bestselling author Robert Venditti and award-winning illustrator Dusty Higgins.When twelve-year-old Miles Taylor unexpectedly inherits a golden cape that gives him amazing superpowers, his life instantly changes: he becomes a superhero. For real. With some help from a new friend named Henry, Miles does his best to protect his city. But his skills and courage are about to be put to the ultimate test—an alien horde is working its way toward Earth, with their sights set on the golden cape…and total domination. Ready or not, Miles is about to discover whether he has what it takes to save all humankind.
DIRTY ENERGIES … SEEN AS REFLECTIONS
Defining the connection … that sometimes looked like illusory … i’ve realised it all became a concert … of complains.I’ve wrote a lot about … defining … and its importance so that we could have a beautiful existence.In fact i do believe … and that’s my main message that analysing and defining with honesty all we like and dislike … we could reach a point when we could actually redefine our lives … into a better way.And this theory could be available into any of the areas of our lives.In our careers, with our friends … and even into a love story.The only real problem is that in koi to one point …. defining and defining and defining too much … we come into a point when we actually look like people … which are non stop complaining.Yes … somehow all looks a lot with a … concert of complains.And we actually …. ruin all.One of the 2 partners will simple say … “I had enough … “.Today … i smile cause i’ve been into this position … on both sides … in many of the relationships i’ve been involved in.In business… in love … and any other area.So … all becoming ridiculous… we come now into the position of asking … what the hell we do … to be able to improve the connection without destroying it?!When is the best moment when we need to stop doing that?!Why we try to define on and on and on things which cannot be improved?!Can we actually accept that the relationship has its own limits?!Can we avoid being ridiculous… clearly being defined of our partners into that way?!Can we improve a relationship without a deep analysis and define with honesty all?!In fact my list of questions is even much, much longer … but into the end we need to somehow conclude … so …Most probably … all we define is about the dirty energies which we discover while interacting …. but we are never aware of the fact that all is maybe …. a reflection.Yes … a reflection.One that becomes clear while in deep connections… but we are not able to become aware of the fact that all we don’t like into the relationship… are parts of us that needs to be redefined.We should firstly analyse and define ourselves… and keep in mind that into a mirror we won’t be able to change the reflection…. unless we change.And …. It’s so damn simple …But .. what is funny …. is that even if we understand the theoretical concepts… on the stage of reality … we forget about all.So … we just complain.We don’t like that … or that …. or that etc etc…All looks indeed like a pathetic concert of illusory complains … which into the end simple ruins … the relationship itself.On and on …. and on.
The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey, Book 6)
The internationally bestselling Iron Fey series continues with The Iron Traitor After his unexpected journey into the land of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to his normal life with his girlfriend Kenzie. But when your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, ‘normal’ simply isn’t an option... Ethan’s nephew, Keirran, is missing and on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever. Now, as Ethan’s and Keirran’s fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan’s next choice will decide the fate of them all. ‘Katniss Everdeen better watch out.’ Huffington Post on The Immortal Rules 'Julie Kagawa is one killer storyteller.’ MTV Readers love Julie Kagawa ‘CAN I GIVE IT 10 STARS?? Well, I would if I could!’ ‘Damn, Julie Kagawa has done it yet again!’ ‘I still am overwhelmed by the emotion The Iron Traitor left in its aftermath.’ *** The Iron Fey Series Book #1: The Iron KingBook #2: The Iron DaughterBook #3: The Iron QueenBook #4: The Iron KnightBook #5: The Lost PrinceBook #6: The Iron TraitorBook #7: The Iron Warrior
The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey, Book 2)
Step back into the Faery realm... Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fitted in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey – ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan’s own fey powers have been cut off. She’s stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting the prince who betrayed her, deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can’t help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart... Praise for Julie Kagawa ‘One killer storyteller’ MTV ’The Iron King is a must read!’ New York Times bestselling author, Gena Showalter Fans love The Iron Daughter! ‘A full five-stars to Julie Kagawa's The Iron Daughter.’ ‘Fabulous, thrilling and utterly fascinating.’ ‘This series is one of those that just keeps getting better.’ ‘I just can’t get enough of this world!’ *** The Iron Fey Series Book #1: The Iron KingBook #2: The Iron DaughterBook #3: The Iron QueenBook #4: The Iron KnightBook #5: The Lost PrinceBook #6: The Iron TraitorBook #7: The Iron Warrior
Summer's Crossing (The Iron Fey)
An eBook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's amazing Iron Fey series! A Midsummer's Nightmare...? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence – and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts... Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help – into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice – betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist. Kagawa does it again! ‘There comes a time when you read a book and all you want to do is climb inside the book and stay there.’ ‘Unbelievable, beautiful and dangerous all at the same time.Love this series!’ ‘Ah, there is nothing like going back into Julie Kagawa's world, even if it's only for a short while.’
The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey, Book 5)
‘A winning combination of magic, suspense and romance’ Sunday Express on The Iron King Don’t look at Them...Don’t speak of Them...Never enter Their world. Those are the rules that Ethan Chase lives by when it comes to the dark fairies that robbed him of his sister. But they are still on his trail and Ethan can’t fight fate forever... Now the deadly fey are at his school, colliding with his real life, Ethan will sacrifice everything to keep his mortal friends safe, even if it means becoming entangled in the world he’s spent his whole life trying to deny. His destiny and birth right are calling. And now there’s no escape. *** The beginning of a new story, The Lost Prince is both the fifth book in The Iron Fey series, and the first book in a brand-new trilogy: The Call of the Forgotten! Readers welcome Kagawa’s new tale: ‘YES! This is perfecto!’ ‘I was spellbound by Julie Kagawa. Her gorgeous prose and amazing story-weaving kept me hooked on the book until late night.’ ‘After reading this book, I can confidently say that Julie Kagawa has done it again!’ *** The Iron Fey Series Book #1: The Iron KingBook #2: The Iron DaughterBook #3: The Iron QueenBook #4: The Iron KnightBook #5: The Lost PrinceBook #6: The Iron TraitorBook #7: The Iron Warrior