In this exclusive e-novella from Kieran Kramer, a daring young debutante learns that when it comes to love, there's more than meets the eye…Lady Eleanor Gibbs is shocked when she stumbles upon a tattooed London gentleman involved in an illicit embrace. Five years ago, a masked man bearing that same tattoo saved her and the six children of the Marquess and Marchioness of Brady from a band of thieves. Now, Ellie's "hero"—better known as the notorious Earl of Tumbridg...

Philosophical wisdom and practical advice for overcoming the problems of middle ageHow can you reconcile yourself with the lives you will never lead, with possibilities foreclosed, and with nostalgia for lost youth? How can you accept the failings of the past, the sense of futility in the tasks that consume the present, and the prospect of death that blights the future? In this self-help book with a difference, Kieran Setiya confronts the inevitable challenges of a...

The first in The World of Podkin One-Ear series. A fantastic adventure story perfect for fans of Redwall.'A spellbinding story full of friendship, excitement and magic.' GuardianA thick white blanket covers the wide slopes of the band of hills known as the Razorback Downs . . .Podkin is the son of a warrior chieftain. He knows that one day it will be up to him to lead his warren and guard it in times of danger. But for now, he's qu...

From bestselling author and winner of the Blue Peter Best Story Book Award, Uki and the Outcasts is the first in a new trilogy set in the world of Podkin One-Ear.'A spellbinding story full of friendship, excitement and magic.' Guardian'EXCELLENT,' says the bard. 'It's probably a good idea for you to know about him.''Wait . . . him? Who's him?' said Rue.'Uki,' says the bard. 'Uki Patchwork. The Magpie...

A Pacific island is under threat from rising sea levels and the ravages of nature while offshore a futuristic utopian commune floats atop a manganese mine. The inevitable clash between the old conservative world of the polynesian islanders and the free-thought, post-modern commune will tear both societies loose from their anchorage. Nick and Fonua, a commune expatriate  and an island girl, are forced unwillingly into the centre of the maelstrom. A ruthless commune director with m...

From the winner of the Blue Peter Best Story Book Award, the third instalment of Podkin's epic battle against the Gorm.'A spellbinding story full of friendship, excitement and magic.' GuardianThe bard looks up at the three figures . . . Yes,' says the bard. 'They're bonedancers. You don't need to sound quite so excited, though. They have come to kill me.'And so it is that the bard and and his young apprentice Rue are taken to Spinestone, ...

From bestselling author and winner of the Blue Peter Best Story Book Award, Uki and the Swamp Spirit is the fifth title set in the world of Podkin One-Ear.Uki had the sensation of a sickly green light, spreading out through the networks of water. Of tendrils connecting all the creatures of the marsh in a web . . . Linking itself so it could poison it all and destroy it.Uki and his friends have two more spirits to find and capture. After de...

The bravest, smallest rabbit the world has ever known! Podkin One-Ear is back in the eighth book of this epic series, in a race against time to find a magical anvil.'Spellbinding.' GuardianAfter claiming the Singing Spear, Podkin heads to the sea to search out the last gift of all - the anvil of Magmarok - which is hidden inside a mysterious labyrinth. He must brave Ancient sea monsters and pirates to arrive at the city that house...

**A NEW YORKER AND THE ECONOMIST BEST BOOK OF 2022"Life Is Hard is a humane consolation for challenging times. Reading it is like speaking with a thoughtful friend who never tells you to cheer up, but, by offering gentle companionship and a change of perspective, makes you feel better anyway"** The New York Times Book Review'An eloquent, moving, witty and above all useful demonstration of philosophy's power to help us weather the ...

The legend of Podkin One-Ear continues in this second Five Realms' adventure from the winner of the Blue Peter Best Story Award.'A spellbinding story full of friendship, excitement and magic.' GuardianThe bard tiptoes out of his room, the crow-dream still echoing in his head, making him twitch at imaginary creaks of iron wings . . .The bard must leave Thornbury. It is not safe for him to stay. Rue, his new apprentice, travels with him - keen to lea...

From bestselling author and winner of the Blue Peter Book Award, this is the sixth adventure set in the world of Podkin One-Ear.'A spellbinding story full of friendship, excitement and magic.' Guardian'Why are you worried? You have us beside you! We've captured three spirits already. We've beaten Endwatchers, two clans, snakes, plagues and a whole ocean of disgusting maggots.'After capturing Charice, there is only...

She's a woman of her word.Cissie Rogers likes to do everything by the book. Literally. The town librarian in Kettle Knob, North Carolina, she's determined to preserve the future of literature-and the library's romantic legend-for her patrons. It's not easy when the mayor himself, Boone Braddock, wants to close the library down. There's only one way for Cissie to put a stop to him: By running for mayor herself!Is he a player-or does he mean ...