A novel reminiscent of the works of Herman Koch and Rachel Cusk, in which a lesbian couple attempts to escape the secrets of their pasts. Shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize! A Globe & Mail Best Book of 2020 "Shani Mootoo is one of the towering lesbian novelists of our time...Polar Vortex [is] a jewel in an already extraordinary creative life. Mootoo's powerful capacity capture of people and their inner vulnerabilities and longings in her novels make them compelling reads." --Autostraddle "With grace and dexterity, Polar Vortex maps the interiority of middle age lesbians and the complex and fraught intimate dances of couples...Here is a writer at the full height of her power asking vital, important questions rendered beautifully through character, setting, and plot. Here is a writer demonstrating with passion and power the importance of art to understanding the world. What pleasure!" --Lambda Literary "The action is dramatic, but it could only be surprising to someone who hasn't noticed the accumulation of clues. There is violence and betrayal, but the characters are so sympathetically drawn that no one emerges as a villain or a stereotype...The structuring of the plot as a series of scenes gives this novel a steady momentum. Polar Vortex is a cautionary tale for adults." --The Gay & Lesbian Review "A lesbian couple, together six years, move from Toronto to a home in an isolated island community. Priya is an artist, from an Indian family in the West Indies, Alex a writer and native Canadian. But there's a third presence, Prakash, a Ugandan Indian whose family fled Amin and settled in Canada, who Priya met at university. Priya had turned him down as a suitor years ago, but now he has found her new location, and Priya has invited him for a weekend. Alex seems unduly displeased, but as the story unfolds through Priya's voice, the balance tips. Priya's story is more complex than she has shared with Alex; Prakash may have darker intentions for his visit, while Alex herself has secrets of her own." --Lavender Magazine "A suspenseful story of desire, secrets, and an unexpected love triangle." --Trinidad & Tobago Express "The story is tense and on every page tension rises. Yet even while sitting on the edge of my chair, I could not stop reading. In fact, I am still thinking about what I read a week later. Mootoo mixes two genres--psychological thriller and literary fiction--as she delves into the nature of queer sexuality and identity, immigrant experiences and the results of sexism, racism, and homophobia on LGBT women of color." --Reviews by Amos Lassen Polar Vortex is a seductive and tension-filled novel about Priya and Alex, a lesbian couple who left the big city to relocate to a bucolic countryside community. It seemed like a good way to leave their past behind and cement their newish, later-in-life relationship. But there's leaving the past behind--and then there's running away from awkward histories. Priya has a secret--a long-standing, on-again, off-again relationship with a man, Prakash. In Priya's mind Prakash is little more than an old friend, but in reality things are a bit complicated. Why has she never told Alex about him? Prakash has tracked Priya down in her new life, and before she realizes what she's doing, she invites him to visit. Alex is not pleased, and soon the existing cracks in their relationship widen, revealing secrets Alex herself would have preferred to keep. Into the fissure walks Prakash, whose own agenda forces all three to face the inevitable consequences of their choices.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A major revisionist history of the Lewis and Clark expedition: For the first time in a generation, This Vast Enterprise offers a fresh and more accurate account of one of the most important episodes in American history, humanizing forgotten figures and shattering long-held myths. “This Vast Enterprise is a page-turner and a fantastic achievement.” —The New York Times • “Immensely engaging.” —The Wall Street Journal • “This is vivid, character-based history...It also makes for a ripping good read.” —The Boston Globe “Do we really need another book about the Lewis and Clark expedition?...My answer is an emphatic yes. The author has done a huge amount of research, shifting the focus away from the familiar pairing of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark...Each chapter unfolds from the viewpoint of a different individual and the result is a richly woven tapestry of voices...Fehrman reframes this well-known story, revealing it as more complex, and profoundly human.” —Andrea Wulf, The New York Times Book Review (front-cover review) In 1806, when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark return from their journey—having led the Corps of Discovery across eight thousand miles of rapids, mountains, forests, and ravines—they bring an incredible tale starring themselves as courageous explorers, skilled survivalists, underrated scientists, and peaceful ambassadors. While there is truth in those descriptions, there is also distortion. From one of the most exciting new historians to emerge in the past decade, This Vast Enterprise offers a novel take on the expedition: a gripping narrative that draws on lost documents, stunning analysis, and Native perspectives. Craig Fehrman spent five years visiting more than thirty archives, interviewing more than a hundred sources, and collecting oral history passed down over centuries. He came to see that the success of Lewis and Clark depended on much more than just Lewis and Clark. We all know Sacajawea, and some of us know York, the Black man Clark enslaved. But here we meet John Ordway, a working-class soldier who fought grizzlies and towed the captains’ hulking barge. We hear from Wolf Calf, a Blackfoot teenager who watched his friend die in a battle with Lewis and his men. Each chapter moves to a different person’s point of view, describing their desires and contradictions. We see Thomas Jefferson operating in an age of bitter partisan unrest—his secret political maneuvers to fund the expedition, revealed here for the first time, are a case study in presidential power. We witness the strategy and strength of Black Buffalo, completely upending our understanding of Lakota-American diplomacy. York, in his chapters, finds ways to wield power and make choices in an era that didn’t allow him much of either. Clark is not a folksy Kentuckian but a student of the Enlightenment. (Fehrman discovered his college notebook; no previous biographer even realized that he went to college.) Lewis is someone willing to sacrifice everything for his country and his mentor, Jefferson. In the end, the captains are men who needed help—from Sacajawea, from the Corps, and from each other. Mile after mile, the expedition pushes on through hailstorms and flash floods, frostbite and infections, rattlesnakes and rabid wolves, with the Spanish cavalry in fierce pursuit. Fehrman balances the story’s adventure with the humanity of its protagonists. The result is a thrilling reminder that even the most familiar moments in history can still surprise us.

Can they write themselves a happily-ever-after before it's a wrap? In this cosy and spicy paranormal romance from the author of Best Hex Ever, a successful horror writer whose novel is being adapted into a movie clashes with the lead actor on set in a haunted mansion. -------------------------- 'El-Fassi is the master of cosy spice! Brigitte Knightley, The Irresistible Urge to Fall for your Enemy 'Addictive and adorable, sweet and sexy' Sarah Beth Durst, The Spellshop 'Delightfully spooky and heartstoppingly sensual' Thea Guanzon, The Hurricane Wars 'Wonderfully warm, deliciously sexy and beautifully inclusive' Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches -------------------------- Rosemary is a successful horror author with a secret: she can see ghosts. So when the set of her hit novel's film adaptation turns out to be a haunted countryside manor, she's unfazed. What she's less prepared for is the maddeningly handsome, completely miscast actor playing her leading man. Ellis is a Hollywood heartthrob tired of his action-hero persona. Instead, he dreams of being a serious actor, and having free time to spend gardening with his dog. Landing the lead in a historical horror movie is his chance to start fresh... until he discovers the author tried to have him replaced. But as filming progresses, and the manor's ghosts make their presence known, the chemistry between Rosemary and Ellis becomes undeniable. With secrets being spilled, sparks flying, and spirits stirring up trouble, can they face their demons and write themselves a happily-ever-after before it's a wrap? -------------------------- 'Delightfully spooky and heartstoppingly sensual, Love at First Fright has it all - charming and evocative prose, a gripping plot, and swoon-worthy chemistry between two imperfect people who just happen to be perfect together.' Thea Guanzon, Sunday Times bestselling author of Tusk Love 'El-Fassi is a master of cosy spice! Love At First Fright strikes a perfect balance between wholesome and smutty, featuring El-Fassi's trademark chemistry (the tension!), magic, and delightful friendships. . . A low stakes, high spice read for fans of enemies-to-lovers ft. a Stern Brunch Daddy.' Brigitte Knightley, author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy 'Best Hex Ever is a hard act to follow, but Love at First Fright does it so well! Wonderfully warm, deliciously sexy, and beautifully inclusive - I loved this every bit as much as the first.' Sangu Mandanna, bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches 'The perfect mix of sweet, sexy, soft, and spooky - horny in all the best ways without losing its tenderness, honesty, or sensitivity to the messy realities of grief, shame, anxiety, and show business.' Shelly Jay Shore, USA Today bestselling author of Rules for Ghosting 'Charming, witty, and bingeable! Love At First Fright is my newest 5-star read. Stephanie Archer, author of The Vancouver Storm Series By turns absolutely sizzling and surprisingly tender, Love at First Fright offers a delightful escape into a world full of movie stars, best-selling writers, sapphic ghosts, old haunted British mansions, and much delicious kink. I adored it! Jamie Pacton, co-author of Homegrown Magic and author of The Absinthe Underground 'From the first ghost to the final page, this paranormal romance between a haunted horror author and her way-too-hot leading man had me smiling, and often blushing. Such spooky, swoony, and warm-hearted fun.' Rebecca Podos, co-author of Homegrown Magic and winner of the Lambda Literary Award.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A major revisionist history of the Lewis and Clark expedition: For the first time in a generation, This Vast Enterprise offers a fresh and more accurate account of one of the most important episodes in American history, humanizing forgotten figures and shattering long-held myths. “This Vast Enterprise is a page-turner and a fantastic achievement.” —The New York Times “Immensely engaging.” —The Wall Street Journal “This is vivid, character-based history...It also makes for a ripping good read.” —The Boston Globe “Do we really need another book about the Lewis and Clark expedition?...My answer is an emphatic yes. The author has done a huge amount of research, shifting the focus away from the familiar pairing of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark...Each chapter unfolds from the viewpoint of a different individual and the result is a richly woven tapestry of voices...Fehrman reframes this well-known story, revealing it as more complex, and profoundly human.” —Andrea Wulf, The New York Times Book Review (front-cover review) In 1806, when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark return from their journey—having led the Corps of Discovery across eight thousand miles of rapids, mountains, forests, and ravines—they bring an incredible tale starring themselves as courageous explorers, skilled survivalists, underrated scientists, and peaceful ambassadors. While there is truth in those descriptions, there is also distortion. From one of the most exciting new historians to emerge in the past decade, This Vast Enterprise offers a novel take on the expedition: a gripping narrative that draws on lost documents, stunning analysis, and Native perspectives. Craig Fehrman spent five years visiting more than thirty archives, interviewing more than a hundred sources, and collecting oral history passed down over centuries. He came to see that the success of Lewis and Clark depended on much more than just Lewis and Clark. We all know Sacajawea, and some of us know York, the Black man Clark enslaved. But here we meet John Ordway, a working-class soldier who fought grizzlies and towed the captains’ hulking barge. We hear from Wolf Calf, a Blackfoot teenager who watched his friend die in a battle with Lewis and his men. Each chapter moves to a different person’s point of view, describing their desires and contradictions. We see Thomas Jefferson operating in an age of bitter partisan unrest—his secret political maneuvers to fund the expedition, revealed here for the first time, are a case study in presidential power. We witness the strategy and strength of Black Buffalo, completely upending our understanding of Lakota-American diplomacy. York, in his chapters, finds ways to wield power and make choices in an era that didn’t allow him much of either. Clark is not a folksy Kentuckian but a student of the Enlightenment. (Fehrman discovered his college notebook; no previous biographer even realized that he went to college.) Lewis is someone willing to sacrifice everything for his country and his mentor, Jefferson. In the end, the captains are men who needed help—from Sacajawea, from the Corps, and from each other. Mile after mile, the expedition pushes on through hailstorms and flash floods, frostbite and infections, rattlesnakes and rabid wolves, with the Spanish cavalry in fierce pursuit. Fehrman balances the story’s adventure with the humanity of its protagonists. The result is a thrilling reminder that even the most familiar moments in history can still surprise us.

“In this second edition of Extreme Programming Explained, Kent Beck organizes and presents five years’ worth of experiences, growth, and change revolving around XP. If you are seriously interested in understanding how you and your team can start down the path of improvement with XP, you must read this book.”—Francesco Cirillo, Chief Executive Officer, XPLabs S.R.L. “The first edition of this book told us what XP was—it changed the way many of us think about software development. This second edition takes it farther and gives us a lot more of the ‘why’ of XP, the motivations and the principles behind the practices. This is great stuff. Armed with the ‘what’ and the ‘why;’ we can now all set out to confidently work on the ‘how’: how to run our projects better, and how to get agile techniques adopted in our organizations.”—Dave Thomas, The Pragmatic Programmers LLC “This book is dynamite! It was revolutionary when it first appeared a few years ago, and this new edition is equally profound. For those who insist on cookbook checklists, there’s an excellent chapter on ‘primary practices;’ but I urge you to begin by truly contemplating the meaning of the opening sentence in the first chapter of Kent Beck’s book: ‘XP is about social change.’ You should do whatever it takes to ensure that every IT professional and every IT manager—all the way up to the CIO—has a copy of Extreme Programming Explained on his or her desk.” —Ed Yourdon, author and consultant “XP is a powerful set of concepts for simplifying the process of software design, development, and testing. It is about minimalism and incrementalism, which are especially useful principles when tackling complex problems that require a balance of creativity and discipline.” —Michael A. Cusumano, Professor, MIT Sloan School of Management, and author of The Business of Software “Extreme Programming Explained is the work of a talented and passionate craftsman. Kent Beck has brought together a compelling collection of ideas about programming and management that deserves your full attention. My only beef is that our profession has gotten to a point where such common-sense ideas are labeled ‘extreme.’...” —Lou Mazzucchelli, Fellow, Cutter Business Technology Council“If your organization is ready for a change in the way it develops software, there’s the slow incremental approach, fixing things one by one, or the fast track, jumping feet first into Extreme Programming. Do not be frightened by the name, it is not that extreme at all. It is mostly good old recipes and common sense, nicely integrated together, getting rid of all the fat that has accumulated over the years.” —Philippe Kruchten, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia“Sometimes revolutionaries get left behind as the movement they started takes on a life of its own. In this book, Kent Beck shows that he remains ahead of the curve, leading XP to its next level. Incorporating five years of feedback, this book takes a fresh look at what it takes to develop better software in less time and for less money. There are no silver bullets here, just a set of practical principles that, when used wisely, can lead to dramatic improvements in software development productivity.” —Mary Poppendieck, author of Lean Software Development: An Agile Toolkit “Kent Beck has revised his classic book based on five more years of applying and teaching XP. He shows how the path to XP is both

Can they write themselves a happily-ever-after before it's a wrap? In this cosy and spicy paranormal romance from the author of Best Hex Ever, a successful horror writer whose novel is being adapted into a movie clashes with the lead actor on set in a haunted mansion. -------------------------- 'El-Fassi is the master of cosy spice! Brigitte Knightley, The Irresistible Urge to Fall for your Enemy 'Addictive and adorable, sweet and sexy' Sarah Beth Durst, The Spellshop 'Delightfully spooky and heartstoppingly sensual' Thea Guanzon, The Hurricane Wars 'Wonderfully warm, deliciously sexy and beautifully inclusive' Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches -------------------------- Rosemary is a successful horror author with a secret: she can see ghosts. So when the set of her hit novel's film adaptation turns out to be a haunted countryside manor, she's unfazed. What she's less prepared for is the maddeningly handsome, completely miscast actor playing her leading man. Ellis is a Hollywood heartthrob tired of his action-hero persona. Instead, he dreams of being a serious actor, and having free time to spend gardening with his dog. Landing the lead in a historical horror movie is his chance to start fresh... until he discovers the author tried to have him replaced. But as filming progresses, and the manor's ghosts make their presence known, the chemistry between Rosemary and Ellis becomes undeniable. With secrets being spilled, sparks flying, and spirits stirring up trouble, can they face their demons and write themselves a happily-ever-after before it's a wrap? -------------------------- 'Delightfully spooky and heartstoppingly sensual, Love at First Fright has it all - charming and evocative prose, a gripping plot, and swoon-worthy chemistry between two imperfect people who just happen to be perfect together.' Thea Guanzon, Sunday Times bestselling author of Tusk Love 'El-Fassi is a master of cosy spice! Love At First Fright strikes a perfect balance between wholesome and smutty, featuring El-Fassi's trademark chemistry (the tension!), magic, and delightful friendships. . . A low stakes, high spice read for fans of enemies-to-lovers ft. a Stern Brunch Daddy.' Brigitte Knightley, author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy 'Best Hex Ever is a hard act to follow, but Love at First Fright does it so well! Wonderfully warm, deliciously sexy, and beautifully inclusive - I loved this every bit as much as the first.' Sangu Mandanna, bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches 'The perfect mix of sweet, sexy, soft, and spooky - horny in all the best ways without losing its tenderness, honesty, or sensitivity to the messy realities of grief, shame, anxiety, and show business.' Shelly Jay Shore, USA Today bestselling author of Rules for Ghosting 'Charming, witty, and bingeable! Love At First Fright is my newest 5-star read. Stephanie Archer, author of The Vancouver Storm Series By turns absolutely sizzling and surprisingly tender, Love at First Fright offers a delightful escape into a world full of movie stars, best-selling writers, sapphic ghosts, old haunted British mansions, and much delicious kink. I adored it! Jamie Pacton, co-author of Homegrown Magic and author of The Absinthe Underground 'From the first ghost to the final page, this paranormal romance between a haunted horror author and her way-too-hot leading man had me smiling, and often blushing. Such spooky, swoony, and warm-hearted fun.' Rebecca Podos, co-author of Homegrown Magic and winner of the Lambda Literary Award.

Praise for The Kiss Quotient “Hoang’s witty debut proves that feelings are greater than numbers, no matter how you add things up.”— People Magazine “With a deft hand, Hoang crafts an honest and thoughtful look at the challenges Stella’s neuroatypicality poses while never losing sight of who Stella is as an individual, especially as her relationship with Michael evolves into something far beyond the scientific.”— Harper’s Bazaar “Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient is an absolute delight—charming; sexy, and centered on a protagonist you love rooting for.”—Buzzfeed “Hoang writes Stella with insight and empathy.”— The New York Times Book Review “Hoang does an amazing job of crafting a vividly romantic tale filled with depth, humor and a universal sense of humanity.”—Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author “In just under 24 hours I devoured The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang and it was AWESOME. Adorable, sexy, smart. Exactly the book I wanted to read!”—Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author “Clever; sexy and a breath of fresh air! The Kiss Quotient is intoxicatingly witty and romantic!”—Lauren Blakely, New York Times bestselling author “I devoured The Kiss Quotient. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. It has everything—it’s funny, sad, poignant and impossible to put down.”—Christine Feehan, New York Times bestselling author “ The Kiss Quotient is unexpected, unconventional and unputdownable. I loved it. Hoang’s writing has a sharp, quirky, emotional edge that will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to navigate the complicated world of modern relationships. Opening this book is like setting a match to a handful of fireworks—lots of sparkle, heat and energy.”—Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author “ The Kiss Quotient had me under a spell the moment I met the hero. I was excited, in love, and couldn’t wait to get back to this book every time life forced me to put it down. A rare and riveting love story.”—Penelope Douglas, New York Times bestselling author “An unexpectedly sweet romance that left me with a huge smile on my face. I dare you not to fall in love with these two characters and their story. Helen Hoang’s debut is quite simply delightful!”—Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author “The balance of humor, kindness, and honesty in The Kiss Quotient combined with the gentleness in Hoang’s style of storytelling charmed and connected with me in a way no other book has done in a long time.”—Book Riot “Hoang knocks it out of the park with this stellar debut about an autistic woman who takes a methodical approach to learning about sex and accidentally gets a lesson in love...Hoang gives [Stella] tremendous depth as a character, never reducing her to a walking diagnosis. The diverse cast and exceptional writing take this romance to the next level, and readers who see themselves in Stella will be ecstatic.”— Publishers Weekly (starred) “Equal parts crackling love scenes and emotional, unflinchingly honest conversations, Hoang’s debut is as effortlessly beautiful as one of Stella’s favorite elegant math equations.” —Entertainment Weekly “Compulsively readable.”— Library Journal “Hoang’s writing bursts from the page.” —Buzzfeed “Hoang mixes sexy and tender with panache.” —NPR.org “This is such a fun read and it's also quite original and sexy and sensitive.”— New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay “ The Kiss Quotient is the perfect balm for any reading slump and a wonderful palate cleanser for the summer. It also might just be the best book you read all year.” —Bookpage “A riveting, compulsively readable romance that brims with feeling and warmth.”— Entertainment Weekly

“In this second edition of Extreme Programming Explained, Kent Beck organizes and presents five years’ worth of experiences, growth, and change revolving around XP. If you are seriously interested in understanding how you and your team can start down the path of improvement with XP, you must read this book.”—Francesco Cirillo, Chief Executive Officer, XPLabs S.R.L. “The first edition of this book told us what XP was—it changed the way many of us think about software development. This second edition takes it farther and gives us a lot more of the ‘why’ of XP, the motivations and the principles behind the practices. This is great stuff. Armed with the ‘what’ and the ‘why;’ we can now all set out to confidently work on the ‘how’: how to run our projects better, and how to get agile techniques adopted in our organizations.”—Dave Thomas, The Pragmatic Programmers LLC “This book is dynamite! It was revolutionary when it first appeared a few years ago, and this new edition is equally profound. For those who insist on cookbook checklists, there’s an excellent chapter on ‘primary practices;’ but I urge you to begin by truly contemplating the meaning of the opening sentence in the first chapter of Kent Beck’s book: ‘XP is about social change.’ You should do whatever it takes to ensure that every IT professional and every IT manager—all the way up to the CIO—has a copy of Extreme Programming Explained on his or her desk.” —Ed Yourdon, author and consultant “XP is a powerful set of concepts for simplifying the process of software design, development, and testing. It is about minimalism and incrementalism, which are especially useful principles when tackling complex problems that require a balance of creativity and discipline.” —Michael A. Cusumano, Professor, MIT Sloan School of Management, and author of The Business of Software “Extreme Programming Explained is the work of a talented and passionate craftsman. Kent Beck has brought together a compelling collection of ideas about programming and management that deserves your full attention. My only beef is that our profession has gotten to a point where such common-sense ideas are labeled ‘extreme.’...” —Lou Mazzucchelli, Fellow, Cutter Business Technology Council“If your organization is ready for a change in the way it develops software, there’s the slow incremental approach, fixing things one by one, or the fast track, jumping feet first into Extreme Programming. Do not be frightened by the name, it is not that extreme at all. It is mostly good old recipes and common sense, nicely integrated together, getting rid of all the fat that has accumulated over the years.” —Philippe Kruchten, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia“Sometimes revolutionaries get left behind as the movement they started takes on a life of its own. In this book, Kent Beck shows that he remains ahead of the curve, leading XP to its next level. Incorporating five years of feedback, this book takes a fresh look at what it takes to develop better software in less time and for less money. There are no silver bullets here, just a set of practical principles that, when used wisely, can lead to dramatic improvements in software development productivity.” —Mary Poppendieck, author of Lean Software Development: An Agile Toolkit “Kent Beck has revised his classic book based on five more years of applying and teaching XP. He shows how the path to XP is both

Hello, I'm Daniela. I'm the proud mum of three energetic boys, and I have a passion for writing. At home, our primary language is English, a choice my husband and I made after our extensive travels. We believe it's an invaluable asset for our children's future. However, nestled in the heart of Austria, our native tongue is German. Our family is a melting pot of cultures and languages. With nieces who are half Italian and close friends from various backgrounds, our household is a vibrant blend of languages and traditions. It's this diversity that inspired me to create stories that embrace all three languages in one book. These chapters are brimming with adventures and aha moments, tailor-made for young readers aged 6 to 12. Each story not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about balance, family, and endurance. They're a reflection of the rich tapestry of our lives, where different languages and cultures intertwine seamlessly. Whether you prefer English, German, or Italian, there's a story waiting for you within these pages. So join us on a journey of discovery with Lolo, where language knows no boundaries and imagination knows no limits. Hallo, ich bin Daniela. Ich bin stolze Mutter von drei lebhaften Jungs und habe eine Leidenschaft für das Schreiben. Zuhause sprechen wir hauptsächlich Englisch, eine Entscheidung, die mein Mann und ich nach unseren umfangreichen Reisen getroffen haben. Wir glauben, dass es für die Zukunft unserer Kinder von unschätzbarem Wert ist. Dennoch ist unsere Muttersprache Deutsch, verwurzelt im Herzen von Österreich. Unsere Familie ist ein Schmelztiegel aus Kulturen und Sprachen. Mit Nichten, die zur Hälfte Italienerinnen sind, und engen Freunden verschiedener Hintergründe ist unser Zuhause eine lebendige Mischung aus Sprachen und Traditionen. Diese Vielfalt hat mich inspiriert, Geschichten zu kreieren, die alle drei Sprachen in einem Buch vereinen. Dieses Buch ist randvoll mit Abenteuern und Aha-Momenten, maßgeschneidert für junge Leser im Alter von 6 bis 12 Jahren. Jede Geschichte unterhält nicht nur, sondern vermittelt auch wertvolle Lebenslektionen über Ausgewogenheit, Familie und Ausdauer. Sie sind ein Spiegelbild des reichen Lebensgefühls unserer Familie, in dem verschiedene Sprachen und Kulturen nahtlos ineinander übergehen. Ob du nun Englisch, Deutsch oder Italienisch bevorzugst, in diesem Buch erwartet dich Lolos persönliche Geschichte. Begleite uns auf eine Entdeckungsreise, in der die Sprache keine Fantasie und keine Grenzen kennt. Ciao a tutti, sono Daniela, orgogliosa mamma di tre vivaci ragazzi e appassionata di scrittura. Io e mio marito abbiamo viaggiato molto e ciò ci ha portato a usare l’inglese come prima lingua anche a casa, certi che questa scelta avrebbe avuto un valore inestimabile per il futuro dei nostri figli. Tuttavia, vivendo nel cuore dell’Austria; la nostra lingua madre è il tedesco. Siamo una famiglia dove culture e lingue diverse convivono in armonia. Con le nostre nipoti che sono per metà italiane e cari amici di diverse nazionalità, la nostra casa è una vivace combinazione di linguaggi e tradizioni. È proprio questa diversità che mi ha ispirato a creare delle storie che racchiudano tutte e tre le lingue in un solo libro. Ogni capitolo è ricco di avventure e insegnamenti che aiutano a risolvere i piccoli problemi quotidiani, perfetti per bambini tra i 6 e i 12 anni. Queste storie, infatti, non sono scritte solo per divertire, ma per regalare preziose lezioni di vita sulla scelta tra giusto e sbagliato, la famiglia e la perseveranza. Ciascun racconto riflette la mentalità aperta che è alla base della nostra vita, dove lingue e culture diverse si fondono perfettamente. Che tu preferisca leggere in inglese, tedesco o italiano, nelle prossime pagine c’è una storia che ti aspetta: accompagna Lolo in questo viaggio di scoperta, dove le parole vanno oltre i confini e la fantasia non ha limiti.

Praise for The Kiss Quotient “Hoang’s witty debut proves that feelings are greater than numbers, no matter how you add things up.”— People Magazine “With a deft hand, Hoang crafts an honest and thoughtful look at the challenges Stella’s neuroatypicality poses while never losing sight of who Stella is as an individual, especially as her relationship with Michael evolves into something far beyond the scientific.”— Harper’s Bazaar “Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient is an absolute delight—charming; sexy, and centered on a protagonist you love rooting for.”—Buzzfeed “Hoang writes Stella with insight and empathy.”— The New York Times Book Review “Hoang does an amazing job of crafting a vividly romantic tale filled with depth, humor and a universal sense of humanity.”—Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author “In just under 24 hours I devoured The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang and it was AWESOME. Adorable, sexy, smart. Exactly the book I wanted to read!”—Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author “Clever; sexy and a breath of fresh air! The Kiss Quotient is intoxicatingly witty and romantic!”—Lauren Blakely, New York Times bestselling author “I devoured The Kiss Quotient. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. It has everything—it’s funny, sad, poignant and impossible to put down.”—Christine Feehan, New York Times bestselling author “ The Kiss Quotient is unexpected, unconventional and unputdownable. I loved it. Hoang’s writing has a sharp, quirky, emotional edge that will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to navigate the complicated world of modern relationships. Opening this book is like setting a match to a handful of fireworks—lots of sparkle, heat and energy.”—Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author “ The Kiss Quotient had me under a spell the moment I met the hero. I was excited, in love, and couldn’t wait to get back to this book every time life forced me to put it down. A rare and riveting love story.”—Penelope Douglas, New York Times bestselling author “An unexpectedly sweet romance that left me with a huge smile on my face. I dare you not to fall in love with these two characters and their story. Helen Hoang’s debut is quite simply delightful!”—Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author “The balance of humor, kindness, and honesty in The Kiss Quotient combined with the gentleness in Hoang’s style of storytelling charmed and connected with me in a way no other book has done in a long time.”—Book Riot “Hoang knocks it out of the park with this stellar debut about an autistic woman who takes a methodical approach to learning about sex and accidentally gets a lesson in love...Hoang gives [Stella] tremendous depth as a character, never reducing her to a walking diagnosis. The diverse cast and exceptional writing take this romance to the next level, and readers who see themselves in Stella will be ecstatic.”— Publishers Weekly (starred) “Equal parts crackling love scenes and emotional, unflinchingly honest conversations, Hoang’s debut is as effortlessly beautiful as one of Stella’s favorite elegant math equations.” —Entertainment Weekly “Compulsively readable.”— Library Journal “Hoang’s writing bursts from the page.” —Buzzfeed “Hoang mixes sexy and tender with panache.” —NPR.org “This is such a fun read and it's also quite original and sexy and sensitive.”— New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay “ The Kiss Quotient is the perfect balm for any reading slump and a wonderful palate cleanser for the summer. It also might just be the best book you read all year.” —Bookpage “A riveting, compulsively readable romance that brims with feeling and warmth.”— Entertainment Weekly

Can they write themselves a happily-ever-after before it's a wrap? In this cosy and spicy paranormal romance from the author of Best Hex Ever, a successful horror writer whose novel is being adapted into a movie clashes with the lead actor on set in a haunted mansion. -------------------------- 'El-Fassi is the master of cosy spice! Brigitte Knightley, The Irresistible Urge to Fall for your Enemy 'Addictive and adorable, sweet and sexy' Sarah Beth Durst, The Spellshop 'Delightfully spooky and heartstoppingly sensual' Thea Guanzon, The Hurricane Wars 'Wonderfully warm, deliciously sexy and beautifully inclusive' Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches -------------------------- Rosemary is a successful horror author with a secret: she can see ghosts. So when the set of her hit novel's film adaptation turns out to be a haunted countryside manor, she's unfazed. What she's less prepared for is the maddeningly handsome, completely miscast actor playing her leading man. Ellis is a Hollywood heartthrob tired of his action-hero persona. Instead, he dreams of being a serious actor, and having free time to spend gardening with his dog. Landing the lead in a historical horror movie is his chance to start fresh... until he discovers the author tried to have him replaced. But as filming progresses, and the manor's ghosts make their presence known, the chemistry between Rosemary and Ellis becomes undeniable. With secrets being spilled, sparks flying, and spirits stirring up trouble, can they face their demons and write themselves a happily-ever-after before it's a wrap? -------------------------- 'Delightfully spooky and heartstoppingly sensual, Love at First Fright has it all - charming and evocative prose, a gripping plot, and swoon-worthy chemistry between two imperfect people who just happen to be perfect together.' Thea Guanzon, Sunday Times bestselling author of Tusk Love 'El-Fassi is a master of cosy spice! Love At First Fright strikes a perfect balance between wholesome and smutty, featuring El-Fassi's trademark chemistry (the tension!), magic, and delightful friendships. . . A low stakes, high spice read for fans of enemies-to-lovers ft. a Stern Brunch Daddy.' Brigitte Knightley, author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy 'Best Hex Ever is a hard act to follow, but Love at First Fright does it so well! Wonderfully warm, deliciously sexy, and beautifully inclusive - I loved this every bit as much as the first.' Sangu Mandanna, bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches 'The perfect mix of sweet, sexy, soft, and spooky - horny in all the best ways without losing its tenderness, honesty, or sensitivity to the messy realities of grief, shame, anxiety, and show business.' Shelly Jay Shore, USA Today bestselling author of Rules for Ghosting 'Charming, witty, and bingeable! Love At First Fright is my newest 5-star read. Stephanie Archer, author of The Vancouver Storm Series By turns absolutely sizzling and surprisingly tender, Love at First Fright offers a delightful escape into a world full of movie stars, best-selling writers, sapphic ghosts, old haunted British mansions, and much delicious kink. I adored it! Jamie Pacton, co-author of Homegrown Magic and author of The Absinthe Underground 'From the first ghost to the final page, this paranormal romance between a haunted horror author and her way-too-hot leading man had me smiling, and often blushing. Such spooky, swoony, and warm-hearted fun.' Rebecca Podos, co-author of Homegrown Magic and winner of the Lambda Literary Award.

In a Kingdom Built on Secrets, Her Hidden Magic Could Destroy Everything. A heart-pounding Yoruba inspired fantasy set in an epic world of courtly intrigue and forbidden power... 'Rich worldbuilding inspired by Yoruba mythology and a strong cast of characters. This debut fantasy shines as bright as the sun' L. R. LAM 'Absolutely Radiant' BEA FITZGERALD 'Wildly Imaginative' HANNAH KANER 'A sweeping, enchanting fantasy' ESMIE JIKIEMI-PEARSON 'A Dazzling Debut' ANDREA STEWART ' Enthralling and epic' ANNA DAY 'Gorgeously, powerfully written' INDIA HOLTON 'Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK!' ANGELA MONTOYA In the Kingdom of Oru L'ore has a secret. She is the only one without agbára - the ability to harness power from the sun. On pain of death she must conceal it from everyone. Including her best friend, Alawani. But when the gods declare Alawani an Àlùfáà High Priest - a great honour where he will serve the gods and the Kingdom - he must be stripped of his power in a brutal trial likely to kill him. Unwilling to bear his death, L'ore vows to rescue him. When she desperately attempts to channel agbára an icy shadow magic instead pours from her hands; a power she learns originated from a forbidden, secret land beyond Oru. In this place, she and Alawani must seek sanctuary from those pursuing them. But soon they will discover a secret that could bring the kingdom to its knees . . . __ Early Readers are fanning the flames of Firstborn of the Sun! 'I was completely hooked. The tale delves deeply into African mythology , with storytelling that feels timeless ' ***** 5 star reader review 'This book is a breath of fresh, fiery air . . . the plot? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I'm talking "mouth open, phone slipping from my hands" levels of shock' ***** 5 star reader review ' Wowowow this book was incredible . . . a completely new vibe of its own - a richly layered magic system , stunning worldbuilding , and characters so compellingly complex you'll root for all of them at some point (even when they're at odds)' ***** 5 star reader review 'Both magical and meaningful ... a stunning tribute to Yoruba heritage , and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves culturally rich fantasy ' ***** 5 star reader review ' Absolutely radiant. Anson has created a captivating, intricate world with characters who will stay with me for a long time. A perfect balance of political machinations and aching romance , wrapped up in a fast-paced action packed adventure . I loved it!' BEA FITZGERALD, author of Girl Goddess Queen 'A searing tale of ambition, love and survival . . . This is a wildly imaginative debut which begins an epic story ' HANNAH KANER, author of Godkiller 'A dazzling debut , with characters that leap off the page and burrow into your heart . Filled with love, betrayal, and questions of loyalty, the twists and turns this story takes will keep you reading late into the night' ANDREA STEWART, author of The Gods Below 'Fierce, exciting and utterly original , Firstborn of the Sun is an enthralling and epic fantasy , with a beautiful and tender romance at its center' ANNA DAY, author of The Girl who Grew Wings 'Epic and gorgeous, Firstborn of the Sun , enraptures readers in the rich, complex Kingdom of Oru with intricate magic, fascinating politics, swoony romance, and gasp-worthy twists. A radiant debut, not to miss!' DHONIELLE CLAYTON, author of The Conjurverse series ' Gorgeously, powerfully written, with wonderful characters and intricate, luxuriant worldbuilding - altogether really quite exceptional. I foresee it becoming a beloved classic amongst fantasy readers.' INDIA HOLTON, author of the Dangerous Damsels series 'A rich and confident fantasy with expansive world building and a magic system as vicious as it is unique . Filled with intricately woven twists and action from beginning to end , readers will have a hard time putting this book down. Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK! ' - ANGELA MONTOYA, author of Sinner's Isle and A Cruel Thirst

“[ Ace] is a [thoughtful] combination of reportage, cultural criticism and memoir, and the writing attempts the difficult balance between proof and emotion. [Most striking is] Chen’s honesty, the sentences of intimate reflection that appear in the margins of her argument throughout.” — The New York Times “ Ace is a fantastic starting point for dismantling harmful sexual narratives and reimagining human connection as a broader, more equitable, enjoyable and free experience.” — Washington Post “The book allows us to imagine how much more we could get from our relationships if we were able to free ourselves from restrictive ideas of what we’re supposed to feel and do.” —Rhaina Cohen, NPR “Highly informative and readable.” — Ms. “One guarantee: Your mind will be blown by this book.” — Shondaland “Chen sets a thoughtful, rigorous, personally generous tone for what will hopefully be an expanding area of study.” — Electric Literature “This book isn’t just about asexuality and that’s what makes it such a vital read; it’s about society, and society’s rules and norms and expectations around sex, sexuality, and all forms of relationships. It’s so good and I want every person on earth to read it.” —Sarah Nielsen, them “Chen’s careful cultural analysis explores how societal norms limit understanding of sex and relationships and celebrates the breadth of sexuality and queerness.” — Kundiman “In her penetrating yet wittily kind voice, she describes many different visions of a sexually liberated society, if we could all just pay closer attention. She both imagines and demands a world through which each individual can move on their own terms, where any expression of orientation or attraction or desire can be as simple—as accepted and acceptable and easy and profound and taken at face value and understood—as ‘You’re my person.’” — Women’s Review of Books “A necessary and thoughtful book that accessibly communicates a wide array of ace experiences.” — Booklist “Chen has produced a thoughtful look at what it means not to experience sexual attraction.” — Library Journal “Precision of language . . . is at the fore of Ace, a text that offers a nuanced exploration of sexual identities and a celebration of other types of intimacies beyond the confines of compulsory sexuality.” — International Examiner “Asexual people have always existed, but they have long gone unacknowledged. Even Alfred Kinsey, when developing his scale for sexual orientation, called asexual people Group X and excluded them from the spectrum. Journalist Chen interviewed nearly 100 asexual people—or “aces”—to fill in this historical gap and present various aspects of the asexual experience in scientific and cultural context. For example, Chen points to how the definition of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5), the American Psychiatric Association's current compendium of psychological conditions, reinforces the idea that low sexual desire is something that needs to be cured. Although asexuality is often described as a lack of sexual attraction, Chen argues that 'we must consider that negative space can be more than an absent image.‘” —Karen Kwon, Scientific American “A great starting point for anyone who wants to discover more about this identity, for both those who have a feeling they could be ace and those who do not. It does a great job of providing context, real life examples, and points of consideration about this topic.” — The Mancunion “A long overdue addition to the catalog of sexuality writing and resources. Chen thoughtfully positions asexuality not as its own unique category or identity but as one more point on the vast, diverse spectrum of human sexual identities. A must-read for everyone: ace, allo, or anywhere in between.” —Lux Alptraum, author of Faking It: The Lies Women Tell About Sex—and the Truths They Reveal “Through painstaking research and her considerable skill as a storyteller, Angela Chen brin

“[ Ace] is a [thoughtful] combination of reportage, cultural criticism and memoir, and the writing attempts the difficult balance between proof and emotion. [Most striking is] Chen’s honesty, the sentences of intimate reflection that appear in the margins of her argument throughout.” — The New York Times “ Ace is a fantastic starting point for dismantling harmful sexual narratives and reimagining human connection as a broader, more equitable, enjoyable and free experience.” — Washington Post “The book allows us to imagine how much more we could get from our relationships if we were able to free ourselves from restrictive ideas of what we’re supposed to feel and do.” —Rhaina Cohen, NPR “Highly informative and readable.” — Ms. “One guarantee: Your mind will be blown by this book.” — Shondaland “Chen sets a thoughtful, rigorous, personally generous tone for what will hopefully be an expanding area of study.” — Electric Literature “This book isn’t just about asexuality and that’s what makes it such a vital read; it’s about society, and society’s rules and norms and expectations around sex, sexuality, and all forms of relationships. It’s so good and I want every person on earth to read it.” —Sarah Nielsen, them “Chen’s careful cultural analysis explores how societal norms limit understanding of sex and relationships and celebrates the breadth of sexuality and queerness.” — Kundiman “In her penetrating yet wittily kind voice, she describes many different visions of a sexually liberated society, if we could all just pay closer attention. She both imagines and demands a world through which each individual can move on their own terms, where any expression of orientation or attraction or desire can be as simple—as accepted and acceptable and easy and profound and taken at face value and understood—as ‘You’re my person.’” — Women’s Review of Books “A necessary and thoughtful book that accessibly communicates a wide array of ace experiences.” — Booklist “Chen has produced a thoughtful look at what it means not to experience sexual attraction.” — Library Journal “Precision of language . . . is at the fore of Ace, a text that offers a nuanced exploration of sexual identities and a celebration of other types of intimacies beyond the confines of compulsory sexuality.” — International Examiner “Asexual people have always existed, but they have long gone unacknowledged. Even Alfred Kinsey, when developing his scale for sexual orientation, called asexual people Group X and excluded them from the spectrum. Journalist Chen interviewed nearly 100 asexual people—or “aces”—to fill in this historical gap and present various aspects of the asexual experience in scientific and cultural context. For example, Chen points to how the definition of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5), the American Psychiatric Association's current compendium of psychological conditions, reinforces the idea that low sexual desire is something that needs to be cured. Although asexuality is often described as a lack of sexual attraction, Chen argues that 'we must consider that negative space can be more than an absent image.‘” —Karen Kwon, Scientific American “A great starting point for anyone who wants to discover more about this identity, for both those who have a feeling they could be ace and those who do not. It does a great job of providing context, real life examples, and points of consideration about this topic.” — The Mancunion “A long overdue addition to the catalog of sexuality writing and resources. Chen thoughtfully positions asexuality not as its own unique category or identity but as one more point on the vast, diverse spectrum of human sexual identities. A must-read for everyone: ace, allo, or anywhere in between.” —Lux Alptraum, author of Faking It: The Lies Women Tell About Sex—and the Truths They Reveal “Through painstaking research and her considerable skill as a storyteller, Angela Chen brin

In a Kingdom Built on Secrets, Her Hidden Magic Could Destroy Everything. A heart-pounding Yoruba inspired fantasy set in an epic world of courtly intrigue and forbidden power... 'Rich worldbuilding inspired by Yoruba mythology and a strong cast of characters. This debut fantasy shines as bright as the sun' L. R. LAM 'Absolutely Radiant' BEA FITZGERALD 'Wildly Imaginative' HANNAH KANER 'A sweeping, enchanting fantasy' ESMIE JIKIEMI-PEARSON 'A Dazzling Debut' ANDREA STEWART ' Enthralling and epic' ANNA DAY 'Gorgeously, powerfully written' INDIA HOLTON 'Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK!' ANGELA MONTOYA In the Kingdom of Oru L'ore has a secret. She is the only one without agbára - the ability to harness power from the sun. On pain of death she must conceal it from everyone. Including her best friend, Alawani. But when the gods declare Alawani an Àlùfáà High Priest - a great honour where he will serve the gods and the Kingdom - he must be stripped of his power in a brutal trial likely to kill him. Unwilling to bear his death, L'ore vows to rescue him. When she desperately attempts to channel agbára an icy shadow magic instead pours from her hands; a power she learns originated from a forbidden, secret land beyond Oru. In this place, she and Alawani must seek sanctuary from those pursuing them. But soon they will discover a secret that could bring the kingdom to its knees . . . __ Early Readers are fanning the flames of Firstborn of the Sun! 'I was completely hooked. The tale delves deeply into African mythology , with storytelling that feels timeless ' ***** 5 star reader review 'This book is a breath of fresh, fiery air . . . the plot? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I'm talking "mouth open, phone slipping from my hands" levels of shock' ***** 5 star reader review ' Wowowow this book was incredible . . . a completely new vibe of its own - a richly layered magic system , stunning worldbuilding , and characters so compellingly complex you'll root for all of them at some point (even when they're at odds)' ***** 5 star reader review 'Both magical and meaningful ... a stunning tribute to Yoruba heritage , and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves culturally rich fantasy ' ***** 5 star reader review ' Absolutely radiant. Anson has created a captivating, intricate world with characters who will stay with me for a long time. A perfect balance of political machinations and aching romance , wrapped up in a fast-paced action packed adventure . I loved it!' BEA FITZGERALD, author of Girl Goddess Queen 'A searing tale of ambition, love and survival . . . This is a wildly imaginative debut which begins an epic story ' HANNAH KANER, author of Godkiller 'A dazzling debut , with characters that leap off the page and burrow into your heart . Filled with love, betrayal, and questions of loyalty, the twists and turns this story takes will keep you reading late into the night' ANDREA STEWART, author of The Gods Below 'Fierce, exciting and utterly original , Firstborn of the Sun is an enthralling and epic fantasy , with a beautiful and tender romance at its center' ANNA DAY, author of The Girl who Grew Wings 'Epic and gorgeous, Firstborn of the Sun , enraptures readers in the rich, complex Kingdom of Oru with intricate magic, fascinating politics, swoony romance, and gasp-worthy twists. A radiant debut, not to miss!' DHONIELLE CLAYTON, author of The Conjurverse series ' Gorgeously, powerfully written, with wonderful characters and intricate, luxuriant worldbuilding - altogether really quite exceptional. I foresee it becoming a beloved classic amongst fantasy readers.' INDIA HOLTON, author of the Dangerous Damsels series 'A rich and confident fantasy with expansive world building and a magic system as vicious as it is unique . Filled with intricately woven twists and action from beginning to end , readers will have a hard time putting this book down. Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK! ' - ANGELA MONTOYA, author of Sinner's Isle and A Cruel Thirst

In a Kingdom Built on Secrets, Her Hidden Magic Could Destroy Everything. A heart-pounding Yoruba inspired fantasy set in an epic world of courtly intrigue and forbidden power... 'Rich worldbuilding inspired by Yoruba mythology and a strong cast of characters. This debut fantasy shines as bright as the sun' L. R. LAM 'Absolutely Radiant' BEA FITZGERALD 'Wildly Imaginative' HANNAH KANER 'A sweeping, enchanting fantasy' ESMIE JIKIEMI-PEARSON 'A Dazzling Debut' ANDREA STEWART ' Enthralling and epic' ANNA DAY 'Gorgeously, powerfully written' INDIA HOLTON 'Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK!' ANGELA MONTOYA In the Kingdom of Oru L'ore has a secret. She is the only one without agbára - the ability to harness power from the sun. On pain of death she must conceal it from everyone. Including her best friend, Alawani. But when the gods declare Alawani an Àlùfáà High Priest - a great honour where he will serve the gods and the Kingdom - he must be stripped of his power in a brutal trial likely to kill him. Unwilling to bear his death, L'ore vows to rescue him. When she desperately attempts to channel agbára an icy shadow magic instead pours from her hands; a power she learns originated from a forbidden, secret land beyond Oru. In this place, she and Alawani must seek sanctuary from those pursuing them. But soon they will discover a secret that could bring the kingdom to its knees . . . __ Early Readers are fanning the flames of Firstborn of the Sun! 'I was completely hooked. The tale delves deeply into African mythology , with storytelling that feels timeless ' ***** 5 star reader review 'This book is a breath of fresh, fiery air . . . the plot? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I'm talking "mouth open, phone slipping from my hands" levels of shock' ***** 5 star reader review ' Wowowow this book was incredible . . . a completely new vibe of its own - a richly layered magic system , stunning worldbuilding , and characters so compellingly complex you'll root for all of them at some point (even when they're at odds)' ***** 5 star reader review 'Both magical and meaningful ... a stunning tribute to Yoruba heritage , and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves culturally rich fantasy ' ***** 5 star reader review ' Absolutely radiant. Anson has created a captivating, intricate world with characters who will stay with me for a long time. A perfect balance of political machinations and aching romance , wrapped up in a fast-paced action packed adventure . I loved it!' BEA FITZGERALD, author of Girl Goddess Queen 'A searing tale of ambition, love and survival . . . This is a wildly imaginative debut which begins an epic story ' HANNAH KANER, author of Godkiller 'A dazzling debut , with characters that leap off the page and burrow into your heart . Filled with love, betrayal, and questions of loyalty, the twists and turns this story takes will keep you reading late into the night' ANDREA STEWART, author of The Gods Below 'Fierce, exciting and utterly original , Firstborn of the Sun is an enthralling and epic fantasy , with a beautiful and tender romance at its center' ANNA DAY, author of The Girl who Grew Wings 'Epic and gorgeous, Firstborn of the Sun , enraptures readers in the rich, complex Kingdom of Oru with intricate magic, fascinating politics, swoony romance, and gasp-worthy twists. A radiant debut, not to miss!' DHONIELLE CLAYTON, author of The Conjurverse series ' Gorgeously, powerfully written, with wonderful characters and intricate, luxuriant worldbuilding - altogether really quite exceptional. I foresee it becoming a beloved classic amongst fantasy readers.' INDIA HOLTON, author of the Dangerous Damsels series 'A rich and confident fantasy with expansive world building and a magic system as vicious as it is unique . Filled with intricately woven twists and action from beginning to end , readers will have a hard time putting this book down. Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK! ' - ANGELA MONTOYA, author of Sinner's Isle and A Cruel Thirst

In a Kingdom Built on Secrets, Her Hidden Magic Could Destroy Everything. A heart-pounding Yoruba inspired fantasy set in an epic world of courtly intrigue and forbidden power... 'Rich worldbuilding inspired by Yoruba mythology and a strong cast of characters. This debut fantasy shines as bright as the sun' L. R. LAM 'Absolutely Radiant' BEA FITZGERALD 'Wildly Imaginative' HANNAH KANER 'A sweeping, enchanting fantasy' ESMIE JIKIEMI-PEARSON 'A Dazzling Debut' ANDREA STEWART ' Enthralling and epic' ANNA DAY 'Gorgeously, powerfully written' INDIA HOLTON 'Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK!' ANGELA MONTOYA In the Kingdom of Oru L'ore has a secret. She is the only one without agbára - the ability to harness power from the sun. On pain of death she must conceal it from everyone. Including her best friend, Alawani. But when the gods declare Alawani an Àlùfáà High Priest - a great honour where he will serve the gods and the Kingdom - he must be stripped of his power in a brutal trial likely to kill him. Unwilling to bear his death, L'ore vows to rescue him. When she desperately attempts to channel agbára an icy shadow magic instead pours from her hands; a power she learns originated from a forbidden, secret land beyond Oru. In this place, she and Alawani must seek sanctuary from those pursuing them. But soon they will discover a secret that could bring the kingdom to its knees . . . __ Early Readers are fanning the flames of Firstborn of the Sun! 'I was completely hooked. The tale delves deeply into African mythology , with storytelling that feels timeless ' ***** 5 star reader review 'This book is a breath of fresh, fiery air . . . the plot? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I'm talking "mouth open, phone slipping from my hands" levels of shock' ***** 5 star reader review ' Wowowow this book was incredible . . . a completely new vibe of its own - a richly layered magic system , stunning worldbuilding , and characters so compellingly complex you'll root for all of them at some point (even when they're at odds)' ***** 5 star reader review 'Both magical and meaningful ... a stunning tribute to Yoruba heritage , and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves culturally rich fantasy ' ***** 5 star reader review ' Absolutely radiant. Anson has created a captivating, intricate world with characters who will stay with me for a long time. A perfect balance of political machinations and aching romance , wrapped up in a fast-paced action packed adventure . I loved it!' BEA FITZGERALD, author of Girl Goddess Queen 'A searing tale of ambition, love and survival . . . This is a wildly imaginative debut which begins an epic story ' HANNAH KANER, author of Godkiller 'A dazzling debut , with characters that leap off the page and burrow into your heart . Filled with love, betrayal, and questions of loyalty, the twists and turns this story takes will keep you reading late into the night' ANDREA STEWART, author of The Gods Below 'Fierce, exciting and utterly original , Firstborn of the Sun is an enthralling and epic fantasy , with a beautiful and tender romance at its center' ANNA DAY, author of The Girl who Grew Wings 'Epic and gorgeous, Firstborn of the Sun , enraptures readers in the rich, complex Kingdom of Oru with intricate magic, fascinating politics, swoony romance, and gasp-worthy twists. A radiant debut, not to miss!' DHONIELLE CLAYTON, author of The Conjurverse series ' Gorgeously, powerfully written, with wonderful characters and intricate, luxuriant worldbuilding - altogether really quite exceptional. I foresee it becoming a beloved classic amongst fantasy readers.' INDIA HOLTON, author of the Dangerous Damsels series 'A rich and confident fantasy with expansive world building and a magic system as vicious as it is unique . Filled with intricately woven twists and action from beginning to end , readers will have a hard time putting this book down. Readers are going to LOVE THIS BOOK! ' - ANGELA MONTOYA, author of Sinner's Isle and A Cruel Thirst

'The most compulsive reading experience I've had this year.' Liz Nugent 'Immersive and addictive with a tantalising drip-feed of detail that leaves readers desperate for more, All Of Them Lied firmly cements Gill Perdue's place as one of Ireland's top writers' Andrea Mara 'Gill Perdue is a great writer on a sentence level, on creating excellent characters and pulling off taut, gripping plots. I had SUCH a gorgeous time reading this' Marian Keyes --- Thea wakes from a coma, having forgotten much of the recent past. As well as learning to walk again, she studies the list of 'facts' she keeps on her phone, hoping something will unlock her memory. Her top three facts are: I was in Italy I was with the people I love the most I fell down a ravine and I'm lucky to be alive But as Thea gets hazy glimpses of the lead-up to her fall, the facts stop adding up. Trapped at home in the middle of the Irish countryside, dependent on those who were on holiday with her - her fiancé, her brother, her sister-in-law and her best friend - terrifying questions surface: Was I pushed? Why are they lying? Who can I trust? As memories come tumbling back, Thea realises she is in race against time to figure things out - and that her life hangs in the balance. --- 'A classic . . . skilfully turning up the tension' The Times, 'Best novels to read this June' 'Gill Perdue is one of the very best in Irish crime fiction, she skilfully creates a world where a dream life becomes a nightmare. Cleverly plotted and unrelentingly tense, this brilliant thriller uses amnesia and physical frailty to ratchet up the reader's paranoia. I raced through it!' Jane Casey 'The suspense was electric. Riveting' Patricia Gibney 'A thrilling and richly compelling page-turner with real emotional depth. Gill Perdue is a wonderful writer' Catherine Kirwan 'I loved it ... a great read' Miriam O'Callaghan 'Nothing is what it seems in this book. Tightly twisted and incredibly tense. Loved it!' Kitty Murphy 'WOW! I loved it. So tense, so pacy! Gill is an exceptional writer' Michelle Teahan 'A haunting, suspenseful and immersive read. Brilliant!' Zoe Miller 'A dark, multi-layered tale, skilfully laying a trail of tantalising clues, keeping the reader engrossed right to the final page' Siobhan MacDonald 'Utterly compelling' Jake Arnott 'What a fabulous book - dark, twisty, claustrophobic and thrilling. I was living on my last nerve!' Anna McPartlin 'A skilled and sensitive exploration of the gothic claustrophobia that illness and dependency can bring. Kept me reading long into the night' Chris Bridges 'One of the best books of the year' Alice Bell 'A gripping, atmospheric thriller that packs a real emotional punch. Gill Perdue is rapidly becoming one of the strongest voices in Irish crime fiction. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Jo Spain and Tana French' Sheila Bugler 'Genius! Unputdownable and addictive' Jen Bray 'I absolutely devoured it. The epitome of a page-turner from the very first word. It's expertly paced, keeping you guessing throughout' Casey King 'A gripping read, weaving plot and timeline line expertly, drip feeding just enough to make us think we know what's going on even when we don't.' Fiona Gartland 'If Maeve Binchy characters existed in 2026 and woke up in a crime thriller, it would be this book! Brilliantly drawn characters, tension, and heart racing revelations' Sharon Dempsey 'Will keep readers guessing right to the very end. This was a hugely enjoyable read from a writer who knows exactly how to keep the pages turning' Rosemary Hennigan 'There is nothing quite like an amnesia thriller to layer on the suspense from the first page and All of Them Lied certainly cranks up the tension. You won't want to put down this engrossing psychological thriller' Olivia Kiernan 'A taut, dark, claustrophobic read that will have you on the edge of your seat. A brilliant premise, skillfully told, it gets more terrifying as you turn each page. I loved it!' Sam Blake 'Gill Perdue once aga