In this charmingly chaotic follow-up to A Magical Girl Retires, our favorite millennial-turned-magical girl begrudgingly returns to the workforce to fight crime and the forces of evil. Our protagonist from A Magical Girl Retires is done with the magical girl life . . . but the magical girl life isn't done with her. After her request to take early retirement is resoundingly rejected by the chairperson of the National Trade Union of Magical Girls, her trusted friend and guardian angel Ah Roa asks our mostly-over-it magical to protect the now vulnerable members of the union, whose magical powers were severely diminished after the climactic battle with the Magical Girl of Time. With no choice, our magical girl returns to work. But given what happened last time, this new union rep can't afford to be anything less than a model employee. When a toxic substance leaks from a local factory, our protagonist must devise an impromptu rescue mission that puts her powers to the test and leads to a business retreat at the Far East Magical Girls Headquarters where she and Roa can rest and recharge. There they meet the secretive Na Dal and the suspiciously beautiful Ahn Jia. In fact, everyone at this HQ is a little sus . . . and cult-y. Which changes the mission of the retreat entirely. With everything so confusing and precarious, our protagonist puts a pause on relaxaing to protect the magical girl who matters to her most: Roa. Park Seolyeon's witty, imaginative, and purely fun sequel to A Magical Girl Retires—the mega-charming magical girl manga riff that captured BookTok's heart—expands the Magical Girl world as it explores modern issues, including unemployment, the housing crisis, and snake oil pseudo-religions. Translated by award-winning Anton Hur, A Magical Girl Rehired finds light in the darkness and inspires us to fight for love, justice—and perhaps even overtime.

In the tradition of The Alienist and A Love Story, a decadently macabre, dark and twisty gothic debut set in 19th century Scotland – when real-life serial killers Burke and Hare terrorized the streets of Edinburgh – as a young medical student is lured into the illicit underworld of body snatching. Historical fiction, true crime, and dark academia intertwine in a harrowing tale of murder, greed, and the grisly origins of modern medicine for readers of Lydia Kang, ML Rio, Sarah Perry, and C.E. McGill. Edinburgh, Scotland, 1828. Naïve but determined James Willoughby has abandoned his posh, sheltered life at Oxford to pursue a lifelong dream of studying surgery in Edinburgh. A shining beacon of medical discovery in the age of New Enlightenment, the city’s university offers everything James desires—except the chance to work on a human cadaver. For that, he needs to join one of the private schools in Surgeon’s Square, at a cost he cannot afford. In desperation, he strikes a deal with Aneurin “Nye” MacKinnon, a dashing young dissectionist with an artist’s eye for anatomy and a reckless passion for knowledge. Nye promises to help him gain the surgical experience he craves—but it doesn’t take long for James to realize he’s made a devil’s bargain . . .   Nye is a body snatcher. And James has unwittingly become his accomplice. Intoxicated by Nye and his noble mission, James rapidly descends into the underground ranks of the Resurrectionists—the body snatchers infamous for stealing fresh corpses from churchyards to be used as anatomical specimens. Before he knows it, James is caught up in a life-or-death scheme as rival gangs of snatchers compete in a morbid race for power and prestige. James and Nye soon find themselves in the crosshairs of a shady pair of unscrupulous opportunists known as Burke and Hare, who are dead set on cornering the market, no matter the cost. These unsavory characters will do anything to beat the competition for bodies. Even if it’s cold-blooded murder . . . Exquisitely macabre and delightfully entertaining, The Resurrectionist combines fact and fiction in a rollicking tale of the risks and rewards of scientific pursuit, the passions of its boldest pioneers, and the anatomy of human desire.  

For fans of S.A. Chakraborty, Robin Hobb, and Martha Wells's Witch King, a page-turning standalone fantasy of necromancy and magical mayhem from Jenn Lyons, the acclaimed author of The Ruin of Kings. Centuries ago, necromancy almost destroyed the world. That’s how history remembers it. History remembers it wrong. Mathaiik has studied all his life to join the sacred order of the Idallik Knights, charged with defending their world from the forces of necromancy and the grim witches who practice it. Only vestiges of that cursed magic remain–nothing like the fabled days of the Grim Lords, the undead wizards who once nearly destroyed the entire world. Until monsters once more begin to wake. But something about them is even whole forests coming alive and devouring anyone so foolish as to trespass, formerly peaceful animals mutating into savage carnivores... as if the land itself has turned upon humanity, in a riot of chaotic magic the Knights quickly prove powerless to stop. It’s a good thing, then, that the Grim Lords were never truly destroyed. One of their number sleeps below the Knights' very fortress. And when an army of twisted tree monsters attacks the young initiates in his charge, Math decides to do the he wakes her up. This is only the beginning of his problems. Because said necromancer, Kaiataris, knows something history has forgotten. The threat of this wild magic is part of a cycle that has repeated countless life after death, chaos after order. And if she and Math can’t find a new way to balance the scales, this won't just be the end of the world as they know it, but the end of all life, everywhere.

From one of the most original and dazzling voices in speculative fiction comes an intergalactic tale of conspiracy, war and the fall of empires. My name is Mawukana na-Vdnaze, and I am a very poor copy of myself. In telling my story, there are certain things I should perhaps lie about. I should make myself a hero. Pretend I was not used by strangers and gods, did not leave people behind. Here is one out there in deep-space, in the pilot's chair, I died. And then, I was reborn. I became something not quite human, something that could speak to the infinite dark. And I vowed to become the scourge of the world that wronged me. This is the story of the supernova event that burned planets and felled civilizations. This is also the story of the many lives I've lived since I died for the first time. Are you listening?Discover this thrilling and breathtakingly imaginative space opera from the multi-award-winning Claire North, perfect for fans of Ann Leckie, Adrian Tchaikovsky and Arkady Martine.

Do you feel like you’re walking on eggshells around someone who never seems abusive but leaves you constantly anxious, confused, and drained? You’re not crazy. You’re not too sensitive.And you’re definitely not overreacting. This is covert narcissistic abuse, and it’s more common, more damaging, and more invisible than most people realize. 101 Weird Behaviors of Covert Narcissists breaks down the subtle, unsettling behaviors covert narcissists use to control, manipulate, and destabilize you without ever raising their voice or looking like the bad guy. Inside, you’ll 101 specific behaviors that expose the hidden patterns of psychological abuse—like emotional stonewalling, guilt-wrapped manipulation, backhanded compliments, future faking, and “jokes” that cut deepStraightforward, compassionate explanations that validate your experience and help you name what’s really going onA trauma-informed, survivor-centered format that’s easy to read, even when you’re overwhelmed or still in the fogPowerful insights into how covert narcissism shows up in romantic relationships, families, friendships, and workplacesActionable guidance to help you regain your voice, rebuild your boundaries, and start trusting yourself againWhether you’re still stuck in the cycle, finally breaking free, or years out and still trying to make sense of what happened, this book is your guide to clarity, validation, and recovery.Book II in The Covert Narcissist Recovery ProjectThis handbook follows Unmasking the Covert Narcissist and continues the mission to expose hidden abuse, empower survivors, and promote healing from toxic relationships rooted in emotional manipulation.You don’t need more self-doubt. You need answers.Read this book, and finally name the abuse you were never meant to see.

Do you feel like you’re walking on eggshells around someone who never seems abusive but leaves you constantly anxious, confused, and drained? You’re not crazy. You’re not too sensitive.And you’re definitely not overreacting. This is covert narcissistic abuse, and it’s more common, more damaging, and more invisible than most people realize. 101 Weird Behaviors of Covert Narcissists breaks down the subtle, unsettling behaviors covert narcissists use to control, manipulate, and destabilize you without ever raising their voice or looking like the bad guy. Inside, you’ll 101 specific behaviors that expose the hidden patterns of psychological abuse—like emotional stonewalling, guilt-wrapped manipulation, backhanded compliments, future faking, and “jokes” that cut deepStraightforward, compassionate explanations that validate your experience and help you name what’s really going onA trauma-informed, survivor-centered format that’s easy to read, even when you’re overwhelmed or still in the fogPowerful insights into how covert narcissism shows up in romantic relationships, families, friendships, and workplacesActionable guidance to help you regain your voice, rebuild your boundaries, and start trusting yourself againWhether you’re still stuck in the cycle, finally breaking free, or years out and still trying to make sense of what happened, this book is your guide to clarity, validation, and recovery.Book II in The Covert Narcissist Recovery ProjectThis handbook follows Unmasking the Covert Narcissist and continues the mission to expose hidden abuse, empower survivors, and promote healing from toxic relationships rooted in emotional manipulation.You don’t need more self-doubt. You need answers.Read this book, and finally name the abuse you were never meant to see.

Updated Better formatting for an enjoyable reading experienceGreat Collection Of the Hawaiian Legends and Polynesian Myths with Geological Facts at the time.Unique to this title A Historical Introduction To the Author, his life and his worksA study of themes in Hawaiian MythologyBe ready to immerse yourself into the Myths and Long forgotten Stories of The Hawaiian people.The traditional name of the Hawaiian people is Kānaka Maoli. Hawaii was settled at least 800 years ago with the voyage of Polynesians from the Society Islands.They have a rich and colorful culture as well as vibrant stories which emerged from the volcanoes and planted their roots to inspire their descendants for generations.This book will cover some of the most interesting legends as well as geological facts about the volcanoes which give an interesting perspective as to how those stories were formed.In Hawaiian religion, Pele, goddess of volcanoes, is credited with controlling the lava flows of Kilauea. Known for her strength and enviousness, Pele was descended from Papa and Wakea, the ancient Earth Mother and Sky Father. To illustrate her importance, the author includes stories from history and notes on geology.Sneak Peek of Chapters PART 1. LEGENDS1. Ai Laau, The Forest Eater2. How Pele Came To Hawaii3. Pele And The Owl Ghost-God4. The Hills Of Pele5. Pele And The Chiefs Of Puna6. Pele's Tree7. Pele And Kaha-Wali8. Pele And Kama-Puaa9. Pele And The Snow-Goddess10. Genealogy Of The Pele Family11. Pele's Long Sleep12. Hopoe, The Dancing Stone13. Hiiaka's Battle With Demons14. How Hiiaka Found Wahine-Omao15. Hiiaka Catching A Ghost16. Hiiaka And The Seacoast Kupuas17. Lohiau18. The Annihilation Of Keoua's Army19. Destruction Of Kamehameha's Fish-Ponds20. Kapiolani And PelePART 2. GEOLOGICAL FACTS1. The Crack In The Floor Of The Pacific2. Hawaiian Volcanoes3. Volcanic Activity4. Changes In Kilauea Crater5. Foundation Of The ObservatoryAbout the William Drake Westervelt has written many books as well as magazines covering the history, legends and mythology of Hawaii. Rev. William D. Westervelt was born on the 26th of December of 1849 in Oberlin, Ohio. His interest in Hawaiian mythology was an avocation that led to numerous magazine and newspaper articles, many reprinted in his several collections. A century after its publication this book is still a great reference to Hawaiian mythology. Indulge yourself and give this audiobook a listen! Close your eyes while the narrator guides you through a time of erupting volcanoes and the birth of Pele and her great legends as the creator of the Hawaiian islands!

From international bestseller Thomas Olde Heuvelt comes Oracle, a supernatural thriller where an omen from our past threatens the return of ancient forces that will change the world forever. On a foggy winter morning Luca Wolf and Emma Reich discover an eighteenth-century sailing ship stranded on a barren flower field, its name written on its side: Oracle. Emma, unable to resist, enters the hatch on the tilted deck. The ship's bell begins to toll and no one sees her again. Not much later, eleven people have disappeared, Luca and his mother have been absconded by a clandestine government agency which has questions, no answers, and are determined to uncover the ship’s secrets before a media storm erupts. But as they force Robert Grim, a retired specialist of the occult with a strange history and a healthy dislike of authority, to unravel the mystery, the Oracle is revealed to be a harbinger of an ancient doom awakened underneath the sea. What follows is a maelstrom of international intrigue, history, young love, humanity’s relationship with climate and disease, and pure terror as they come face to face with an open doorway to apocalypse.

Welkom in Lock Haven, Washington, thuisplaats van de gelukkigste straat ter wereld. Een wandeling door Bird Street zal niet merkwaardig aanvoelen, behalve dat je zou zien dat het alle bewoners voor de wind gaat. Er staan kasten van huizen, en onder sommige carports zie je mooie auto’s. Als je de bewoners zou ontmoeten, dan valt het op dat ze allemaal oprecht gelukkig zijn. Ze hebben succesvolle carrières of doen precies de dingen die ze altijd al wilden doen. Maar er is meer: ze zijn allemaal gezond. Fysiek, mentaal én spiritueel: het zijn stuk voor stuk vitale, weldenkende, ontwikkelde en – de meeste van hen althans – ruimhartige mensen. En hun kinderen? Die zijn perfect. Ieder van hen is een talent. Een belofte. Ja... je zou kunnen zeggen dat het met de bewoners van Bird Street iets té goed gaat. Tot het november wordt. Dan breekt de Zwarte Winter aan. Luana en Ralph weten het, en hun kinderen Kayla en Django ook. Zij wonen in het meest bescheiden van de vijf huizen. November is ieder jaar het moment dat hun geluk omslaat en ze worden overvallen door pech. Daar zijn de pijntjes, de ongelukjes, de financiële tegenvallers. Periodes van ziekte, mentale verwarring en depressie. Meestal niets onoverkomelijks, maar de Zwarte Winter kunnen ze elk jaar maar beter uitzitten. Na een week of vier trekt het voorbij en zal het geluk terugkeren... maar alleen tegen een prijs. En elk jaar vragen Luana en Ralph zich af of die prijs niet veel te hoog is. Hoeveel is een mensenleven waard voor een leven lang geluk?

NATURE IS CALLING—but they shouldn't have answered. Travel journalist and mountaineer Nick Grevers awakes from a coma to find that his climbing buddy, Augustin, is missing and presumed dead. Nick’s own injuries are as extensive as they are horrifying. His face wrapped in bandages and unable to speak, Nick claims amnesia—but he remembers everything. He remembers how he and Augustin were mysteriously drawn to the Maudit, a remote and scarcely documented peak in the Swiss Alps. He remembers how the slopes of Maudit were eerily quiet, and how, when they entered its valley, they got the ominous sense that they were not alone. He remembers: something was waiting for them... But it isn’t just the memory of the accident that haunts Nick. Something has awakened inside of him, something that endangers the lives of everyone around him… It’s one thing to lose your life. It’s another to lose your soul. FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING SENSATION THOMAS OLDE HEUVELT comes a thrilling descent into madness and obsession as one man confronts nature—and something even more ancient and evil answers back.

Brought to you by Penguin.When the darker days fall, the debt must be paid, . . . get ready for the chilling new folk horror from the Hugo Award-winning, bestselling author of HEX - from the publisher of The Exorcist and perfect for fans of Shirley Jackson and Stephen King.In Lock Haven, a quiet little town in Washington State, there is a very special street.Bird Street. The residents of Bird Street are all successful, wealthy, healthy and happy. And their children are all well-mannered and smart and high achievers.At least they are for eleven months of the year.In November, however, the ‘Darker Days’ begin. For November’s the month when things take a turn for the accidents, bad luck, familial conflict and illness take hold. And it is in November that a stranger comes to Bird Street to collect the debt owed by the residents.Because, you see, there is a price that must be paid for all the happiness and good fortune they enjoy for the other eleven months of year. And that price is one human life. Every November. Without fail.And so it has been for over a hundred years. To ease their guilt, the residents of Bird Street seek out individuals – usually the elderly or the terminally ill – who wish to die with dignity and are content to be helped on their way.But this year, things don’t go to plan. This year events take a terrifying turn . . .Propulsive and haunting, Darker Days is a devastating modern take on the Faustian pact, and begs the how far would you go for your own happiness?‘One of the most vital and exciting voices in modern horror.’ Mike Flanagan, award-winning director of ‘Doctor Sleep’ and ‘The Haunting of Hill House’'No one builds agonizing tension like Thomas Olde Heuvelt. Darker Days is his best yet.' Catriona Ward, bestselling author of The Last House on Needless Street Thomas Olde Heuvelt 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

The Zombie War came unthinkably close to eradicating humanity. Max Brooks, driven by the urgency of preserving the acid-etched first-hand experiences of the survivors from those apocalyptic years, traveled across the United States of America and throughout the world, from decimated cities that once teemed with upwards of thirty million souls to the most remote and inhospitable areas of the planet. He recorded the testimony of men, women, and sometimes children who came face-to-face with the living, or at least the undead, hell of that dreadful time. World War Z is the result. Never before have we had access to a document that so powerfully conveys the depth of fear and horror, and also the ineradicable spirit of resistance, that gripped human society through the plague years. Ranging from the now infamous village of New Dachang in the United Federation of China, where the epidemiological trail began with the twelve-year-old Patient Zero, to the unnamed northern forests where untold numbers sought a terrible and temporary refuge in the cold, to the United States of Southern Africa, where the Redeker Plan provided hope for humanity at an unspeakable price, to the west-of-the-Rockies redoubt where the North American tide finally started to turn, this invaluable chronicle reflects the full scope and duration of the Zombie War. Most of all, the book captures with haunting immediacy the human dimension of this epochal event. Facing the often raw and vivid nature of these personal accounts requires a degree of courage on the part of the reader, but the effort is invaluable because, as Mr. Brooks says in his introduction, "By excluding the human factor, aren't we risking the kind of personal detachment from history that may, heaven forbid, lead us one day to repeat it? And in the end, isn't the human factor the only true difference between us and the enemy we now refer to as 'the living dead'?" Note: Some of the numerical and factual material contained in this edition was previously published under the auspices of the United Nations Postwar Commission.