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Showing 1 - 20 of 28 items
By Victoria Hanley. 2008
Presents creative-writing tips and exercises, from freewriting to understanding the elements of fiction. Provides examples for character development, motivation, and…
perspective. Assesses difficult aspects of writing fiction, such as creating the setting and mood, and infusing your style and voice into the story. For junior and senior high readers. 2008By Glen Weldon. 2016
A witty, intelligent cultural history from NPR book critic Glen Weldon explains Batman's rises and falls throughout the ages--and what…
his story tells us about ourselves.Since his creation, Batman has been many things: a two-fisted detective; a planet-hopping gadabout; a campy Pop-art sensation; a pointy-eared master spy; and a grim and gritty ninja of the urban night. For more than three quarters of a century, he has cycled from a figure of darkness to one of lightness and back again; he's a bat-shaped Rorschach inkblot who takes on the various meanings our changing culture projects onto him. How we perceive Batman's character, whether he's delivering dire threats in a raspy Christian Bale growl or trading blithely homoerotic double-entendres with partner Robin on the comics page, speaks to who we are and how we wish to be seen by the world. It's this endlessly mutable quality that has made him so enduring. And it's Batman's fundamental nerdiness--his gadgets, his obsession, his oath, even his lack of superpowers--that uniquely resonates with his fans who feel a fiercely protective love for the character. Today, fueled by the internet, that breed of passion for elements of popular culture is everywhere. Which is what makes Batman the perfect lens through which to understand geek culture, its current popularity, and social significance. In The Caped Crusade, with humor and insight, Glen Weldon, book critic for NPR and author of Superman: The Unauthorized Biography, lays out Batman's seventy-eight-year cultural history and shows how he has helped make us who we are today and why his legacy remains so strong.By Ashley Hemmings. 2014
Danger awaits a young Hucen woman named Irene, who must go into the heart of the Vangarrin Empire to rescue…
her mother Isabella Stanton. Isabella now finds herself in an unfortunate situation. The Vangarrins have given the Hucens trouble for decades. Irene will venture into the center of the Empire, having remembered her last name being Stanton. She will face any danger to save her mother, the one person who truly knows her. Irene Stanton will have to be faster, stronger, smarter, and luckier than she has ever been, because enemies are cleverly planning her demise. For the shadow of the Vangarrin Empire is the shadow of death, and the shadow of death has Irene Stanton in its sights. Luckily, she has allies who will seek her salvation. But will allies and courage be enough to save her mother and guide all to safety?By Andrew Hoberek. 2014
Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons's Watchmen has been widely hailed as a landmark in the development of the graphic novel.…
It was not only aesthetically groundbreaking but also anticipated future developments in politics, literature, and intellectual property. Demonstrating a keen eye for historical detail, Considering Watchmen gives readers a new appreciation of just how radical Moore and Gibbons's blend of gritty realism and formal experimentation was back in 1986. The book also considers Watchmen's place in the history of the comics industry, reading the graphic novel's playful critique of superhero marketing alongside Alan Moore's public statements about the rights to the franchise. Andrew Hoberek examines how Moore and Gibbons engaged with the emerging discourses of neoconservatism and neoliberal capitalism, ideologies that have only become more prominent in subsequent years. Watchmen's influences on the superhero comic and graphic novel are undeniable, but Hoberek reveals how it has also had profound effects on literature as a whole. He suggests that Watchmen not only proved that superhero comics could rise to the status of literature--it also helped to inspire a generation of writers who are redefining the boundaries of the literary, from Jonathan Lethem to Junot Díaz. Hoberek delivers insight and analysis worthy of satisfying serious readers of the genre while shedding new light on Watchmen as both an artistic accomplishment and a book of ideas.By Nadia Hleb, Ricardo Cebrián Salé. 2016
This is not one of those books that suggests reading Sun Tzu's The Art of War even on the toilet,…
but rather gives practical tips to help inexperienced writers with their battles… With the help of various acclaimed authors and real historical examples, you’ll learn: *What to keep in mind when designing a battle *What types of weapons exist and why they’re used *Different real tactics that you can apply *Different options for narrating a battleBy Grant Morrison. 2011
From one of the most acclaimed and profound writers in the world of comics comes a thrilling and provocative exploration…
of humankind's great modern myth: the superhero. The first superhero comic ever published, Action Comics no. 1 in 1938, introduced the world to something both unprecedented and timeless: Superman, a caped god for the modern age. In a matter of years, the skies of the imaginary world were filled with strange mutants, aliens, and vigilantes: Batman, Wonder Woman, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and the X-Men--the list of names as familiar as our own. In less than a century, they've gone from not existing at all to being everywhere we look: on our movie and television screens, in our videogames and dreams. But what are they trying to tell us? For Grant Morrison, arguably the greatest of contemporary chroniclers of the "superworld," these heroes are powerful archetypes whose ongoing, decades-spanning story arcs reflect and predict the course of human existence: Through them we tell the story of ourselves, our troubled history, and our starry aspirations. In this exhilarating work of a lifetime, Morrison draws on art, science, mythology, and his own astonishing journeys through this shadow universe to provide the first true history of the superhero--why they matter, why they will always be with us, and what they tell us about who we are . . . and what we may yet become.By Tom De Haven. 2010
Since his first appearance in Action Comics Number One, published in late spring of 1938, Superman has represented the essence…
of American heroism. "Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound," the Man of Steel has thrilled audiences across the globe, yet as life-long "Superman Guy" Tom De Haven argues in this highly entertaining book, his story is uniquely American. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in the midst of the Great Depression, Superman is both a transcendent figure and, when posing as his alter-ego, reporter Clark Kent, a humble working-class citizen. An orphan and an immigrant, he shares a personal history with the many Americans who came to this country in search of a better life, and his amazing feats represent the wildest realization of the American dream. As De Haven reveals through behind-the-scenes vignettes, personal anecdotes, and lively interpretations of more than 70 years of comic books, radio programs, TV shows, and Hollywood films, Superman's legacy seems, like the Man of Steel himself, to be utterly invincible.By Lynda Chervil. 2013
Every journey begins with one small step--and for venture capitalist Gabrielle, the journey begins when she sets foot in Castine,…
Maine. Initially drawn to the scenic locale to prospect for breakthrough battery technology, she soon discovers that there's more to her trip than she bargained for and that her business in Castine is but one stop on the greater journey she is meant to take. From unexpected encounters with an eccentric fortune-teller and an enigmatic man to business sabotage attempts and haunting dreams, Gabrielle's trip is wrought with complications, and she must overcome numerous obstacles in the course of her business as well as in her personal endeavors. But the greatest challenge Gabrielle faces is leaving the town. Something in Castine is keeping her there, and it won't let her leave until she's learned what the universe wants her to learn. Fool's Return is an entirely captivating and thought-provoking story about self-discovery, confronting challenges, and understanding one's place in the world. It delves into esoteric topics such as tarot, past life regression, and vivid dreams and broaches controversial issues surrounding the ongoing battle between those in support of sustainable living and those dedicated to maintaining the status quo.By The Editors of Entertainment Weekly. 2018
By The Editors of LIFE. 2019
By Lynda Chervil. 2014
Venture capitalist Gabrielle Landrieu represents a client who has developed material necessary for an orbiting solar power station called Project…
Odyssey. But when the client goes missing, Gabrielle testifies on his behalf before a congressional committee that is considering funding for the project. Despite her best efforts, the committee remains gridlocked, heavily influenced by special interest groups who are concerned the new power station will hurt their bottom line. Following the hearing, Gabrielle finds her family under threat from dark forces as she continues her search for her missing client. Struggling to navigate the political pitfalls of the project, she soon learns that more and more investors are dropping out, due to threats and uncertainty. Undaunted, she digs deeper, until she discovers who is planning to fill their pockets through a shocking conspiracy designed to derail the program. Gabrielle risks her family, her career, and her life to expose the sinister plot involving corrupt politicians and corporate interests, devoted to making sure the revolutionary energy project gets off the ground. From political intrigue to exciting aerospace technology, Project Odyssey is a nonstop high-tech thriller that will engage you with one of the most critical environmental issues of our time.In this stand alone novella from New York Times bestselling author Laini Taylor comes the story of a funny and…
fantastical first date. In NIGHT OF CAKE & PUPPETS, Taylor brings to life a night only hinted at in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy - the magical first date of fan-favorites Zuzana and Mik. Told in alternating perspectives, it's the perfect love story for fans of the series and new readers alike.Petite though she may be, Zuzana is not known for timidity. Her best friend, Karou, calls her 'rabid fairy', her 'voodoo eyes' are said to freeze blood, and even her older brother fears her wrath. But when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or 'Violin Boy', her courage deserts her. Now, enough is enough. Zuzana is determined to meet him, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It's a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter's night before finally leading him to the treasure: herself!Violin Boy's not going to know what hit him.By T J Klune. 2021
Flash Fire is the explosive sequel to The Extraordinaries by USA Today bestselling author TJ Klune.The explosive sequel to The…
Extraordinaries by USA Today bestselling author TJ Klune.Nick landed himself the superhero boyfriend of his dreams, but with new heroes arriving in Nova City it's up to Nick and his friends to determine who is virtuous and who is villainous. Which is a lot to handle for a guy who just wants to finish his self-insert bakery AU fanfic.'Uproariously funny!' Sophie Gonzales, author of Only Mostly Devastated'The most down-to-earth book about superheroes I've ever read' Mason Deaver, bestselling author of I Wish You All the Best(P) 2021 Macmillan AudioBy Natasha Ngan. 2018
The mesmerising New York Times bestseller!Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It's…
the highest honour they could hope for . . . and the most demeaning. This year, there's a ninth.And instead of paper, she's made of fire.'A timely reminder that, in the right hands, the fantasy genre has things to say about injustice and abuse of power in the real world' GuardianLei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most persecuted class of people in Ikhara. Ten years ago, her mother was snatched by the royal guards, and her fate remains unknown. Now, the guards are back and this time it's Lei they're after - the girl with the golden eyes, whose rumoured beauty has piqued the king's interest.Over weeks of training in the opulent but oppressive palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit a king's consort. There, Lei does the unthinkable - she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens her world's entire way of life. Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.(P) 2018 Hachette AudioBy Guy Gavriel Kay. 2019
Internationally bestselling author Guy Gavriel Kay's latest work is set in a world evoking early Renaissance Italy, with an extraordinary…
cast of characters.In a chamber overlooking the nighttime waterways of a maritime city, a man looks back on his youth and the people who shaped his life. Danio Cerra's intelligence won him entry to a renowned school, though he was only the son of a tailor. He took service at the court of a ruling count - and soon learned why that man was known as The Beast.Danio's fate changed the moment he recognized Adria Ripoli as she entered the count's chambers one night - intending to kill. Born to power, Adria had chosen a life of danger - and freedom - instead.Other vivid figures share the story: a healer determined to defy her expected lot; a charming, frivolous son of immense wealth; a religious leader more decadent than devout; and, affecting these lives and many more, two mercenary commanders, whose rivalry puts a world in the balance. A Brightness Long Ago offers both compelling drama and deeply moving reflections on the nature of memory, the choices we make in life, and the role played by the turning of Fortune's wheel.(P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton LimitedPraise for Guy Gavriel KayPraise for Guy Gavriel Kay 'The greatest living author of epic fantasy' Brandon Sanderson 'Contemporary fiction's finest fantasist' Tor.com 'History and fantasy rarely come together as gracefully or readably as they do in the novels of Guy Gavriel Kay' Washington Post 'One of the (if not the) premiere fantasists of our time' The Financial Times 'Compulsively readable . . . Kay is a global phenomenon . . . a storyteller on the grandest scale' Time Magazine (Canada)(P) 2019 Hodder & Stoughton LtdBook 2 in the DI Westphall series.'The Boy in the Well is a dark and satisfying mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed…
my time in the company of DI Ben Westphall, a compelling personality . . . This one comes thoroughly recommended' James OswaldThe body of a young boy is discovered at the bottom of a well that has been sealed for two hundred years.Yet the corpse is only days old . . .Soon, similarities from an old crime emerge and DI Ben Westphall must look to the past to piece together the dark and twisted events taking place in the present.(P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton LimitedBy Maya Motayne. 2021
A THIEF MADE A LORD. A PRINCE MADE A VILLAIN. A DEADLY GAME FOR POWER.The exhilarating sequel to the LatinX…
Sunday Times bestseller Nocturna, about a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince who must reunite when a deadly enemy threatens their kingdom's chance at establishing a global peace.After joining forces to save Castallan from an ancient magical evil, Alfie and Finn haven't seen each other in months. Alfie is finally stepping up to his role as heir and preparing for an International Peace Summit, while Finn is traveling and reveling in her newfound freedom from Ignacio.That is, until she's unexpectedly installed as the new leader of one of Castallan's powerful crime families. Now one of the four Thief Lords of Castallan, she's forced to preside over the illegal underground Oculta competition, which coincides with the summit and boasts a legendary prize.Just when Finn finds herself back in San Cristobal, Alfie's plans are also derailed. Los Toros, the mysterious syndicate responsible for his brother's murder, has resurfaced-and their newest target is the summit. And when these events all unexpectedly converge, Finn and Alfie are once again forced to work together to follow the assassins' trail and preserve Castallan's hopes for peace with Englass. But will they be able to stop these sinister foes before a new war threatens their kingdom?(P)2021 Harper AudioBy Douglas Lindsay. 2019
Book 3 in the 'dark and satisfying' (James Oswald) DI Westphall series.Praise for the DI Westphall series'Richly atmospheric . .…
. Lindsay solidifies his place as one of the rising stars of tartan noir' Publishers Weekly'The Boy in the Well is a dark and satisfying mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the company of DI Ben Westphall, a compelling personality . . . This one comes thoroughly recommended' James Oswald'A Tartan Noir tour de force. Lindsay writes with an economy and skill all too rare in modern fiction . . . Brilliant' Tony Black, author of the DI Bob Valentine series(P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton LimitedBy Zoraida Córdova. 2021
The most wanted rebel returns in Zoraida Córdova's gripping conclusion to the Hollow Crown duology.For years, she was wielded as…
a weapon. Now it's her time to fight back. Reeling from betrayal at the hands of the Whispers, Renata Convida is a girl on the run. With few options and fewer allies, she's reluctantly joined forces with none other than Prince Castian, her most infuriating and intriguing enemy. They're united by a lofty goal: find the fabled Knife of Memory, kill the ruthless King Fernando, and bring peace to the nation. Together, Ren and Castian have a chance to save everything, if only they can set aside their complex and intense feelings for each other. With the king's forces on their heels at every turn, their quest across Puerto Leones and beyond leaves little room for mistakes. But the greatest danger is within Ren-the Gray, her fortress of stolen memories, has begun to crumble, threatening her grip on reality. She'll have to control her magics-and her mind-to unlock her power and protect the Moria people once and for all. The most wanted rebel returns in Zoraida Córdova's gripping conclusion to the Hollow Crown duology.(P) 2021 Hodder & Stoughton LtdBy Noah Berlatsky. 2017
William Marston was an unusual man—a psychologist, a soft-porn pulp novelist, more than a bit of a carny, and the…
(self-declared) inventor of the lie detector. He was also the creator of Wonder Woman, the comic that he used to express two of his greatest passions: feminism and women in bondage. Comics expert Noah Berlatsky takes us on a wild ride through the Wonder Woman comics of the 1940s, vividly illustrating how Marston’s many quirks and contradictions, along with the odd disproportionate composition created by illustrator Harry Peter, produced a comic that was radically ahead of its time in terms of its bold presentation of female power and sexuality. Himself a committed polyamorist, Marston created a universe that was friendly to queer sexualities and lifestyles, from kink to lesbianism to cross-dressing. Written with a deep affection for the fantastically pulpy elements of the early Wonder Woman comics, from invisible jets to giant multi-lunged space kangaroos, the book also reveals how the comic addressed serious, even taboo issues like rape and incest.Wonder Woman: Bondage and Feminism in the Marston/Peter Comics 1941-1948 reveals how illustrator and writer came together to create a unique, visionary work of art, filled with bizarre ambition, revolutionary fervor, and love, far different from the action hero symbol of the feminist movement many of us recall from television.