Download or read book Social Creature written by Tara Isabella Burton and published by Anchor. This book was released on 2019-06-18 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the Best Books of the Year: Janet Maslin, The New York Times Vulture NPR "Social Creature is a wicked original with echoes of the greats (Patricia Highsmith, Gillian Flynn)." —Janet Maslin, The New York Times For readers of Gillian Flynn and Donna Tartt, a dark, propulsive and addictive debut thriller, splashed with all the glitz and glitter of New York City. They go through both bottles of champagne right there on the High Line, with nothing but the stars over them... They drink and Lavinia tells Louise about all the places they will go together, when they finish their stories, when they are both great writers-to Paris and to Rome and to Trieste... Lavinia will never go. She is going to die soon. Louise has nothing. Lavinia has everything. After a chance encounter, the two spiral into an intimate, intense, and possibly toxic friendship. A Talented Mr. Ripley for the digital age, this seductive story takes a classic tale of obsession and makes it irresistibly new.

Download or read book The World Cannot Give written by Tara Isabella Burton and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2023-03-07 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “The Secret History meets The Price of Salt” (Vogue) in this “equal parts dangerous and delicious” (Entertainment Weekly) novel about queer desire, religious zealotry, and the hunger for transcendence among the members of a cultic chapel choir at a Maine boarding school—and the ambitious, terrifyingly charismatic girl that rules over them. When shy, sensitive Laura Stearns arrives at St. Dunstan’s Academy in Maine, she dreams that life there will echo her favorite novel, All Before Them, the sole surviving piece of writing by Byronic “prep school prophet” (and St. Dunstan’s alum) Sebastian Webster, who died at nineteen, fighting in the Spanish Civil War. She soon finds the intensity she is looking for among the insular, Webster-worshipping members of the school’s chapel choir, which is presided over by the charismatic, neurotic, overachiever Virginia Strauss. Virginia is as fanatical about her newfound Christian faith as she is about the miles she runs every morning before dawn. She expects nothing short of perfection from herself—and from the member of the choir. Virginia inducts the besotted Laura into a world of transcendent music and arcane ritual, illicit cliff-diving and midnight crypt visits: a world that, like Webster’s novels, finally seems to Laura to be full of meaning. But when a new school chaplain challenges Virginia’s hold on the “family” she has created, and Virginia’s efforts to wield her power become increasingly dangerous, Laura must decide how far she will let her devotion to Virginia go. The World Cannot Give is a “hypnotic and intense” (Shondaland) meditation on the power, and danger, of wanting more from the world.

Download or read book Here in Avalon written by Tara Isabella Burton and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2024-01-02 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An “enchanting” (Caroline Kepnes, author of You) New York City fairy tale about two sisters that fall under the spell of an underworld cabaret troupe that might be a dangerous cult—but one that makes the materialist world left in its wake feel like a sinister cult itself. Rose has come a long way. Raised—and often neglected—by a wayward mother in New York City’s chaotic bohemia, Rose has finally built the life she’s always wanted: a good job at a self-help startup, a clean apartment, an engagement to a stable if self-satisfied tech CEO who shares her faith in human potential, hard work, and the sacrifice of childish dreams. Rose’s sister Cecilia, on the other hand, never grew up. Irresponsible and impetuous, prone to jetting off to a European monastery one month and a falcon rescue the next, Cecilia has spent her life in pursuit of fairy-tale narratives of transcendence and true love—grand ideas Rose knows never work out in the real world. When Cecilia declares she’s come home to New York for good, following the ending of a whirlwind marriage, Rose hopes Cecilia might finally be ready to face adulthood: compromises and all. But then Cecilia gets involved with the Avalon: a cultish-sounding cabaret troupe—one that appears only at night, on a mysterious red boat that travels New York’s waterways—and soon vanishes: one of a growing number of suspicious disappearances among the city’s lost and loneliest souls. The only way Rose can find Cecilia is by tracking down the Avalon herself. But as Rose gets closer to solving the mystery of what happened to her sister, the Avalon works its magic on her, too. And the deeper she goes into the Avalon’s underworld, she more she begins to question everything she knows about her own life, and whether she’s willing to leave the real world behind.

Download or read book The Eternal Flame written by T. A. Barron and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2011-07-07 with total page 373 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Avalon is under seige by the warlord Rhita Gawr, now a wrathful dragon, who is bent on destroying it. Three unlikely heroes—Tamwyn, Elli, and Scree—are Avalon's only hope. To succeed they must overcome enormous obstacles, both in the world around them and deep within themselves. But once they do, their success is only the beginning. Everything culminates in three great battles: one deep underground, one on the muddy plains, and one high among the stars. But will there be triumph for Avalon's survival?

Download or read book Avalon written by Nell Zink and published by Vintage. This book was released on 2022-05-24 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A NEW YORK TIMES BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • A profound and singular story about a young woman searching for her place in the world, from one of America’s most original voices—the irresistible story of one teenager’s reckoning with society at large and her search for a personal utopia. “Effulgent and clever.... What fun.” —The New York Times Bran’s Southern California upbringing is anything but traditional. After her mother joins a Buddhist colony, Bran is raised by her “common-law stepfather” on Bourdon Farms—a plant nursery that doubles as a cover for a biker gang. She spends her days tending plants, slogging through high school, and imagining what life could be if she had been born to a different family. And then she meets Peter, a beautiful, troubled, and charming train wreck of a college student from the East Coast, who launches his teaching career by initiating her into the world of literature and aesthetics. As the two begin a volatile and ostensibly doomed long-distance relationship, Bran searches for meaning in her own surroundings—attending disastrous dance recitals, house-sitting for strangers, and writing scripts for student films. She knows how to survive, but her happiness depends on learning to call the shots. Exceedingly rich, ecstatically dark, and delivered with masterful humor, Avalon is a poignant portrait of a young woman who, against all odds, is determined to find her place in the world and find clarity in its remote corners.

Download or read book The Mists of Avalon written by Marion Zimmer Bradley and published by Ballantine Books. This book was released on 2001-07-15 with total page 1073 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The magical saga of the women behind King Arthur's throne. “A monumental reimagining of the Arthurian legends . . . reading it is a deeply moving and at times uncanny experience. . . . An impressive achievement.”—The New York Times Book Review In Marion Zimmer Bradley's masterpiece, we see the tumult and adventures of Camelot's court through the eyes of the women who bolstered the king's rise and schemed for his fall. From their childhoods through the ultimate fulfillment of their destinies, we follow these women and the diverse cast of characters that surrounds them as the great Arthurian epic unfolds stunningly before us. As Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar struggle for control over the fate of Arthur's kingdom, as the Knights of the Round Table take on their infamous quest, as Merlin and Viviane wield their magics for the future of Old Britain, the Isle of Avalon slips further into the impenetrable mists of memory, until the fissure between old and new worlds' and old and new religions' claims its most famous victim.

Download or read book Avalon written by Mindee Arnett and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2014-01-21 with total page 372 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For fans of Josh Whedon's cult classic television show Firefly comes a fascinating and fast-paced sci-fi thriller from author Mindee Arnett, which New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White calls "a heart-pounding, tense joyride of a novel." Jeth Seagrave and his crew have made their name stealing metatech: the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light. In a world where the agencies that patrol the outer edges of space are as corrupt as the crime bosses who control them, it's as much of a living as anyone can ask for. For years Jeth's managed to fly under the radar of the government that executed his parents for treason—but when he finds himself in possession of information that both the government and the crime bosses are willing to kill for, he's going to find there's no escaping his past anymore. With pulse-pounding action, a captivating mystery, and even a bit of romance, Avalon is the perfect read for hard-core sci-fi fans and non-sci-fi fans alike.

Download or read book Children of Avalon written by S.E. Wright and published by Carduus Publishing. This book was released on 2016-03-16 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: She’s a lonely daydreamer until ancient powers transport her to another realm. Can she save a legendary kingdom from the approaching darkness? Kyah ignores her boring life by keeping her head in the clouds. The twenty-five-year-old orphan is on the verge of being fired from her dead-end job for excessive daydreaming when one of her fantasies becomes a reality. A shimmering portal forms before her very eyes, and an unbelievable green-skinned man shoves Kyah through to the other side. She's barely had time to comprehend this new world when a group of ancient beings send her on a sacred quest… Bestowed with previously-dormant special powers, Kyah must brave a strange land of living myth to save King Arthur and release Avalon from the grip of darkness. As she struggles to understand who and what she truly is, the former daydreamer has no choice but to stand up to the forces of evil. With time running out, can she save the land and thwart the darkness or will her latest fantasy become her last? Children of Avalon is the first action-packed epic in the Traveller series. If you like quirky but legendary characters, myths with a twist, and fantasy with a dash of science fiction, then you’ll love S.E. Wright’s thrilling novel! Buy Children of Avalon to enter a land of legend today!

Download or read book Anew written by Chelsea Fine and published by Acacia Publishing. This book was released on 2011-12-07 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scarlet awoke in a forest without her memory, two years ago. Her life was a mystery, then she meets Gabriel and Tristan Archer. She is drawn to both of them, Gabriel seems so familiar, and she is attracted Tristan, both of them are convinced she is cursed to die.

Download or read book The Firebrand written by Marion Zimmer Bradley and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2009 with total page 628 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After spending a year riding with the Amazon tribes, Kassandra, royal princess of Troy, returns to her city to dedicate herself to being a priestess of Apollo, in this retelling of the story of the Trojan War. Reprint.

Download or read book Superman Is Jewish written by Harry Brod and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2016-01-12 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Harry Brod situates superheroes within the course of Jewish-American history: they are aliens in a foreign land, like Superman; figures plagued by guilt for abandoning their families, like Spider-Man; and outsiders persecuted for being different, like the X-Men. Brod blends humor and sharp observation as he considers the overt and discreet Jewish characteristics of these well-known figures and explores how their creators integrated their Jewish identities and their creativity."--From publisher description.

Download or read book Faces and Places from Avalon s Past written by Dave Coskey and published by Dave Coskey. This book was released on 2002 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Offers a look at the popular seashore community of Avalon, NJ through more than 250 historical photos and stories about the people, places and events that make up Avalon's first 100 years.

Download or read book Avalon Web of Magic Book 1 written by Rachel Roberts and published by Seven Seas. This book was released on 2008-03-18 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Avalon: Web of Magic Book 1, Circles in the Stream by Rachel Roberts Three very different young teens, Emily, the shy one, Adriane, the outsider, and Kara, the power shopper, are all drawn to a secret place deep in the woods where they discover a portal to another world. Wondrous animals have emerged from the portal, desperately seeking the magic that will keep them alive. Though the animals are peaceful and good, what follows them through the portal is twisted and evil and bent on destroying them all. The Fairimentals have chosen these three fourteen-year-olds to protect the magical animals. To save them and their world, the girls must overcome their differences and band together. They begin a perilous quest to discover Avalon, the lost, legendary home of magic, little knowing the terrible dangers they will face along the way.

Download or read book Amberlough written by Lara Elena Donnelly and published by Macmillan. This book was released on 2017-02-07 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A double-agent sacrifices all his ideals in order to save his smuggler lover before a government coup takes over their decadent city in Lara Elena Donnelly’s glam spy thriller debut, a Nebula finalist for Best Novel! “Exploring the roots of hatred, nationalism, and fascism, while at the same time celebrating the diversity, love, romance, fashion, and joy the world is capable of producing.” —Bookriot Introducing... The Smuggler: By day, Aristide Makricosta is the emcee for Amberlough City’s top nightclub. By night, he moves drugs and refugees under the noses of crooked cops. The Spy: Covert agent Cyril DePaul thinks he’s good at keeping secrets, but after a disastrous mission abroad, he makes a dangerous choice to protect himself...and hopefully Aristide too. The Dancer: Streetwise Cordelia Lehane, burlesque performer at the Bumble Bee Cabaret and Aristide’s runner, could be the key to Cyril’s plans—if she can be trusted. As the twinkling marquees lights yield to the rising flames of a fascist revolution, these three will struggle to survive using whatever means — and people — necessary. Including each other. “James Bond by way of Oscar Wilde.” —Holly Black “Sparkling with slang, full of riotous characters, and dripping with intrigue, Amberlough is a dazzling romp through a tumultuous, ravishing world.” —Robert Jackson Bennett, winner of the Shirley Jackson Award and the Edgar Award “Astonishing first novel!” —World Fantasy Award-winning author Ellen Kushner At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Download or read book Irresistibly Yours written by Lilly Avalon and published by . This book was released on 2018-12-18 with total page 177 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 𝘐𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 is a compilation of six short stories. This contemporary romance collection features friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, an office romance, and sexytimes.𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘈𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨Every time Hazel Bell goes on a date, she returns home unhappy and disenchanted about love. At least her best friend Adrian Williams is always there for her, even more so now that they're roommates. After a bad night out, their platonic friendship is put to the test--one that neither can resist. By the end of the night, will it be the end for Hazel and Adrian--or a new beginning?𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴Her friends know her as Dana Darling, the clean romance writer. She's never written a steamy novel, but her publisher needs her to. It isn't hard at first, but Dana's lack of sexual knowledge creates a block. That's where Landon comes in. She needs pointers on positions; he owes her a favor. Pretty soon it becomes another story entirely...one that's written between the sheets and not on paper.𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘴𝘬After spending most of the last year pining for her boss, Sara has decided it's time to move on. What's the point of waiting around for Brandon when it's considered inappropriate work behavior to date? A night on the town should be just the thing she needs to get her mind off him--that is, until Brandon shows up.𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴Now that her best friend, Sara, is getting married, Ana finally feels the need to settle down for the first time in her life. Enter Riley: tall, dark, and handsome. He's absolutely perfect. Too bad he's Sara's ex-boyfriend...𝘏𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘔𝘦 𝘜𝘱When Gabe propositions her at their best friend's wedding, Kaley isn't interested. Even though she secretly finds him attractive, he isn't a one-girl guy and she isn't a one-night girl. But the temptation may be more than either of them can handle.𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳Rachel has no idea what to expect when she approaches Jordan with an unconventional request. When one thing leads to another, they go with it. It's only one night... Right?

Download or read book Forever Avalon written by Mark Piggott and published by Sense of Wonder Press. This book was released on 2009-02 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: TAKE AN ADVENTURE THROUGH TIME! Stephanie Drake and her three children-Ashley, Rose and Hunter-are just glad to be alive after that terrible storm slammed their boat ashore on an uncharted island. What started as a one-day jaunt at sea to lay a wreath where Stephanie's husband and the children's father-a sailor in the U.S. Navy, lost at sea during a similar storm-has turned into a living nightmare. They find themselves in another world ... on the mythical island of Avalon, where magical creatures, medieval knights and powerful wizards are ruled by the descendants of King Arthur. On Avalon, Stephanie and her children find themselves being hunted by bounty hunters, thieves and brigands. They are caught in the power struggle between Lord Kraven Darkholm, a powerful wizard descended from the evil sorceress, Morganna le Fay, and the Gil-Gamesh, the champion of Avalon. The people of this magical isle have been protected for centuries by the descendants of Sir Percival Peredyr, the last Knight of the Round Table who served as the first Gil-Gamesh of Avalon. But who is the Gil-Gamesh and how does he know so much about Stephanie and her children? Now, it's a race against time as the Gil-Gamesh must protect the outsiders and get them home to the real world. All the while, Kraven Darkholm continues to scheme against them all, vying to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming ruler of Avalon. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mark Piggott, a native of Phillipsburg, N.J., enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1983 as a Navy Journalist. He spent 23 years in the Navy, serving on three aircraft carriers and duty stations along the east coast. He retired in 2006 as a Chief Journalist and settled in Newport News, Virginia. He is currently the public affairs officer for Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.

Download or read book A Glimmer of Hope written by Steve McHugh and published by 47North. This book was released on 2018-04 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From Steve McHugh, the bestselling author of The Hellequin Chronicles, comes a new urban fantasy series packed with mystery, action, and, above all, magic. Layla Cassidy has always wanted a normal life, and the chance to put her father's brutal legacy behind her. And in her final year of university she's finally found it. Or so she thinks. But when Layla accidentally activates an ancient scroll, she is bestowed with an incredible, inhuman power. She plunges into a dangerous new world, full of mythical creatures and menace--all while a group of fanatics will stop at nothing to turn her abilities to their cause. To protect those she loves most, Layla must take control of her new powers...before they destroy her. All is not yet lost--there is a light shining, but Layla must survive long enough to see it.