In the eighth volume of their Story of Civilization, the Durants explore the apex of European civilization to that time, the years 1648 to 1715. It is the era of the "Sun King," Louis XIV, one of the most powerful rulers in Western history. It is also the pinnacle of Dutch culture, the heyday of Vermeer and William of Orange, later King of England. All this forms the backdrop for the Durants' real focus: the intellectual character of the age. Encompassing Newton and Leibniz, among others, THE AGE OF LOUIS XIV marks a momentous transition: the passage from superstition and intolerance to science and philosophy. This is the period on which the foundation for modernity rests. "Informed and highly readable ... eloquently partisan for the dignity of man and the decencies of life." (Saturday Review)

Classic Book Hall of Frame

In the Fog by Richard Harding Davis

"A Family Affair" is a novella connected to the New York Times bestselling Cassandra Palmer series of urban fantasy novels. It is designed primarily as an "added feature" to the series, and is intended for those already reading the books.Sometimes love finds you when you aren't looking for it.The accident that forced Adri and her mother to move to a new high school also cost Adri her dad and sister. Adri just wants to blend in and buy herself time to grieve, but two of the most popular, gorgeous guys in school are about to take an inexplicable interest in her.Adri will be forced into a world where the players aren't all human. She will be forced to choose between Brandon and Alec, and this time the wrong choice could get her killed.Publisher's Note: Broken is a YA Paranormal Romance book, and is one possible entry point into the books that make up the Reflections Universe. The Reflections Universe is a series of clean books featuring vampires, shape shifters, werewolves and more, which has been written so that it can be safely enjoyed by both teens and adults. Broken is followed by Torn, and is one of several YA books available from Dean.The Reflections Universe: Some stories are too full of teen shifter romance and heart pounding action to fit into just one series!Dean Murray is the successful author of three clean young adult paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and epic fantasy series which collectively have more than 470,000 copies in circulation.

Undercover and on the run, hunted by their own organisation, the Three Planeteers. With half the Solar System in the grip of a tyrannical dictator, can three brave women retrieve the genius woman they need to break his grip? To do so, it seems they need a D'Artagnan: Lann Cain, the boy they call the Pirate Prince!A Gender Switch Adventure.YA M/M Romance (Previously published as two short stories, Sunshine and Buttercups, and Not Letting Go)Part One - Sunshine and Buttercups (5k words)Josh Roberts knows something's wrong. His parents are making frequent trips to the hospital, he's excluded from their conversations, and worst of all, there's a leaflet in the kitchen all about cancer treatments. He's scared he's going to lose his dad.The only thing holding Josh's world together is his relationship with his best friend, Bradley. But if Bradley finds out about Josh's true feelings for him, will that friendship be threatened, too?Part Two - Not Letting Go (7k words)When someone dies, how are you supposed to behave? Josh Roberts has no idea. Losing his dad has left him deeply confused. He loved his dad, so why isn't he crying? All Josh can think about is spending time with his boyfriend, Bradley. He can't wait to go to uni, when he and Bradley will finally get to be alone.Bradley wants nothing more than to give love and support to his grieving boyfriend. But Josh's expectations of a life together next year are putting a lot of pressure on him. He's not going to get good enough grades for uni, especially if whenever they are in Josh's room they don't get round to any real studying. Why can't Josh understand that?

The Conclave is a confederation of four hundred alien racesmany of whom would like to see the Colonial Union, and the humans inside of it, blasted to extinction. To avoid a conflict that neither side can afford, Conclave leader General Tarsem Gau appoints Hafte Sorvalh to resolve an emerging diplomatic crisis with the humans, before the only acceptable solution is war.

Take two parts of Beelzebub, two of Israfel, one of Monte Cristo, one of Cyrano, mix violently, season with mystery and you have Mr. Solon Aquila. He is tall, gaunt, sprightly in manner, bitter in expression, and when he laughs his dark eyes turn into wounds. His occupation is unknown. He is wealthy without visible means of support. He is seen everywhere and understood nowhere.

'Lobster Boy' is an inspirational and compelling story of adventure and survival set against the savagery of nature and life as the underdog, from Rodman Philbrick, the award-winning author of 'Freak The Mighty'.

An Alzheimer’s story. One person, Mallory, dealing with the impact on her world as her father disappears before her very eyes. This is a deeply personal and intimate story lived by thousands as they deal with this insidious disease. Mallory must make difficult choices as she and her family do their very best to take care of her father. In the process, Mallory learns the ins and outs as well.An Alzheimer’s story. One person, Mallory, dealing with the impact on her world as her father disappears before her very eyes. This is a deeply personal and intimate story lived by thousands as they deal with this insidious disease. Mallory must make difficult choices as she and her family do their very best to take care of her father. In the process, Mallory learns the ins and outs as well as the limitations of existing medical care for patients. Fortunately, she discovers “alternative” medicine and treatment. The combination helps her as she must choose how much she can do as she fights to save her father. Mallory does what family does………she rallies to her Father’s side even as his disease invades all aspects of her life. Keep her job or tend to him? Home health care? A full time health care facility as her father’s new home? Stick with what is covered by insurance? Pursue alternative care and solutions? All this while life goes on and her world spins out of control.There are a lot of Mallorys out there. Too many. “Fuggeddaboudit” is about hope and people doing their best at the worst of times. It is to inspire and comfort……as well to spark. We can and must do more. For Mallory and everyone like her. For her Dad and every one like him. The story begins at the end…..because she had to live it to share it.

When the Fire Mage sends Meese after after Kitty, a rogue elemental with a crazy past, she isn't sure what to think. It means going to the Underground, a subterranean city that's a mix of war heroes, deserters, refugees, criminals, and everything in between. It's a place Meese has been before, with mixed results. But the Fire Mage seems confident in her ability, and Meese can use the cash.When the Fire Mage sends Meese after after Kitty, a rogue elemental with a crazy past, she isn't sure what to think. Kitty's hidden out in the Underground, a very literal underground city that's a mix of war heroes, deserters, refugees, criminals, and everything in between. It's a place Meese has been before, with mixed results. Without the help of her fire magic, Meese was understandably anxious about venturing down below—especially with final exams looming over her high school grades. But the Fire Mage insists that she'll be okay. And you know what? He might have been right. …if the crazy in Kitty’s past hadn’t come back to haunt them.

When Ellie goes on holiday, the last place she had in mind was Witch Town. This is a hidden, matriarchal society where the women are able to use 'Words of Power'. Now Ellie faces a new life as a 'Mother' and must find a way to not only save herself, but also the lives of her family and friends.When teenagers, Ellie, her brother Zack and their friends, Luke and Beth go on holiday, the last place they had in mind was Witch Town. A throwback to Seventeenth century England, Witch Town is run by the Five Covens, each designated by colours: Black, White, Red, Green and Blue. This is a matriarchal society where the women are known as Mothers and Daughters and the men, Husbands and Sons. The women are able to use Words of Power, which they channel through amulets known as SpiritHearts, that once worn literally become a part of them. The men are taught from birth that their role is to provide offspring and work as servants. Against a backdrop of Coven and gender politics, deceit and manipulation, with their own unique laws and traditions, the newcomers find themselves trapped within this community, where they must all face separate struggles for survival. Ellie, most of all, is tested to her limit, as she discovers that she shares a kinship with these women and now faces a new life as a Mother. She must learn to harness and control the power that awakens within her, to not only save herself, but also the lives of her family and friends.

A few miles deep in Virginia woodlands, there lies a portal that goes to a new universe each day. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore, certainly, but there are two problems: the destinations are all dead worlds that have suffered unique and terrible apocalypses… and the portal is getting bigger.From the author of Psychosis, Matt Dymerski, comes a new reality-bending tale of horror and adventure. THE PORTAL IN THE FOREST This neighborhood has a secret - while the adults work multiple jobs to make ends meet, the children trade around strange trinkets and famous books with odd misprints. It seems that, without supervision, they've gotten into something extremely dangerous: another universe. One adult is not working. One adult notices. One adult discovers their secret - a portal a few miles deep in Virginia woodlands; a portal that goes to a new universe each day. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore, certainly, but there are two problems: the destinations are all dead worlds that have suffered unique and terrible apocalypses… and the portal is getting bigger.

The first time I heard Johnny Cash I sat in prison waiting hopefully--desperately--for someone to post my bail. And that one night saved my life.Book One in the Funhouse Of Horrors™ Series : Jacob Stone, while on a family picnic, stumbles upon an old abandoned house in the woods just a week before Halloween. The wretched dwelling is being prepared to be used as a one-night only Haunted House! A strange worker, known only as Ole Scratch, sees Jacob and gives him a book with two tickets inside that change his life - or what's left of it after the ghosts are done with him!CREATOR and WRITER: Jazan WildPENCILS and INKS: Carlito Zuniga / David Miller

Mellow Summers just wanted to go to college and get her film degree. She moved into a furnished apartment with her friend Jackie only to find that it already had a tenant: the ghost of a girl who was murdered a year earlier. Now it is up to Mellow to not only discover who the murderer is, but to prove it as well.With the help of the ghost Rachel, Mellow sets out to solve the year old mystery. ShCrown of Dominion is Adrian L. Juhl’s story of the adventures of the eponymous hero, Prince Kayne, son of King Jim and Queen Shannon. Kayne lives in a world where religion is controlled by powerful Apothecaries, magic and necromancy are rife, and monsters patrol the dark places. Even Kayne himself is secretly a Subjugator with his own set of special powers. His planet is one of a group that previously orbited a star, but which were thrown apart by ‘magic gone wrong.’ In order to qualify as a future king, Kayne needs to go on a quest, so he sets out on the good ship Oleander, accompanied by 180 men-at-arms and his mentor and friend, Jack. He also has the services of an Elemental – a powerful magician able to control the natural environment – and a Ranger – a magical hunter. Soon he is encountering hallucinogenic fog, silver wolves and flying snake gods, all in an environment of volcanoes and giant waves. Of course, his quest involves maps on ancient scrolls, magic crowns, and a sword that miraculously turns into a war hammer. -Reviewed by John A G Smith for Readers' Favorite. 4 Stars.

My family seems to be perfect on the outside. We have the house, the money, the million-dollar-smiles... but I know that's not what really is going on. We're plastic. We're fake. What would happen if someone found out? If they knew what we hid behind our curtains...My family seems to be perfect from the outside looking in. We have the big house, the money for things, the million-dollar-smiles… but nothing is ever as it seems.We’re plastic. We’re fake. So fake, in fact, that we hide the little things about us, we hide everything about us, to be more specific. My dad does things he isn’t supposed to, and my mom is taking it hard. My brother has a full ride to any college of his choice, and he’s blowing it away like it’s nothing at all. So what would happen if someone found out about us? If they saw through our little charade? If they looked past the kitchen curtains that hide every conversation my parents have with each other? What if we were exposed for who we really are, instead of who everyone thinks we are? INSPIRED BY MELANIE MARTINEZ' SONG DOLLHOUSE

There is a creature haunting the swimming pools of Beverly Hills. Is there a connection between the creature and the beautiful girl Josh is falling head-over-heels in love with? Secrets, lies, true love, and murder are at the heart of this action packed paranormal romance."Young love, paranormal creatures, and murder." There is a creature haunting the swimming pools of Beverly Hills. 16 year-old Josh Butters believes he sees a connection between the creature and the mysterious and beautiful girl next door. Before long, Josh finds himself falling head-over-heels in love with the girl, Lara, who it turns out is an enchanted being. Josh discovers that he and Lara are soulmates, drawn together by the siren’s song, destined to be together from birth. But there’s a dark secret to being Lara’s soulmate, a secret that involves battling creatures, and an age-old feud. Josh must decide if the price for being Lara’s one true love is a price he’s willing to pay. It could cost Josh, his family, and friends their lives. Dangerously exciting, yet mystical and romantic, Moondancers is a page turning thriller that asks the question "do you believe in soulmates?"

The Shoes Come First is a laugh out loud time travel romance that combines suspense, mystery and romance. Jennifer Cloud may have lost her dream job, but after she receives a gift from her great aunt her life changes forever. Three men scheme for her affection, a Scottish rogue, a face from the past and her best friend. Which man will be cunning enough to capture her heart?Jennifer Cloud leads a fairly normal life in Sunnyside, Texas until a birthday present from her great aunt sends her to Scotland. In the year 1568. There she meets a charming Scottish rogue who introduces her to a world of time traveling, mysterious keys, a cast of dysfunctional characters, and the top-secret association that makes the rules. But when villains who will stop at nothing to acquire every last time traveling key for themselves, start messing with Jennifer’s family, she finds herself in a race against time to retrieve her key and save herself and her family. Time traveling to Scotland, New York City and even pre-indoor plumbing Texas. The Shoes Come First has a little sex, a little violence, and a whole bunch of drama that sees its fearless heroine chasing after villains and the men chasing after her.

It has often been said that where there is smoke, there is likely fire.So down in Atlanta, Georgia, may they all burn...After his release from Calhoun Prison, Xavier Prince makes an executive decision: He unleashes the Peacekeepers in an attempt to liberate the residents of a housing project from ruthless drug pushers and thugs. His decision will leave him beloved and revered by People of Color...and more vulnerable than ever before to his enemies.But it will have far more reaching implications than that.His brother Chris will be left with reduced leverage in his dealings with the FBI. And Roxanne Sanchez, who is trapped in Carver at the point of impasse, finds her very life now hanging in the balance.And as Louis Keaton begins his twisted Rapture of Atlanta's children, his fate and his captive's fates will take an unexpected and harrowing turn.

Through encouragement provided by his loyal golden retriever, Damon travels across many states, both geographically and philosophically, to discover what it means to have faith and hope - and how those feelings transform into love on many different levels.Damon’s relocation to a small town on the coast of Maine was not his decision. It was a recurring situation in his life – allowing others to dictate his actions. With his loyal golden retriever beside him, a serendipitous combination of chance encounters and a healthy dose of faith allows Damon to appreciate what it means to live a meaningful life. His adventures cross as many state lines as it does states of mind. A story of discovery, hope, faith, and love – there is a little piece of Damon present in each and every one of us.

The toy from my childhood days that I loved the most was my Ten In One Scope. These instruments, these scientific instruments (printed upon each box, it stated, ‘scientific instrument, not a toy’) were everything us boys wanted, and then some. The girls in our school had no interest in them, and that suited us boys just fine. Another MAD story, an eBook from the Crazymad Writer.The toy from my childhood days that I will always remember is my Ten In One Scope. These instruments, these scientific instruments (printed upon each box, it stated, ‘scientific instrument, not a toy’) were everything us boys wanted, and then some. The girls in our school had absolutely no interest in them, and that suited us boys just fine. It left us free, at playtime, to indulge our favourite pastime – playing with our Ten in One Scopes. According to the advertising literature, our ‘scientific instruments’ could be manipulated to perform ten entirely different functions: 1. Reading Lens 2. Compound Microscope 3. Adjustable Telescope 4. Focusing Binoculars 5. Directional Compass 6. Solar Time Clock 7. Flat Mirror 8. Magnifying Mirror 9. Camp Fire Lighter 10. Code TransmitterHow we came into possession of these fantastic instruments is a story unto itself. You see, they were on offer from the cereal company that produced Weetabix. All that we had to do, to get our hands on them, was collect the special tokens from the Weetabix boxes (I cannot remember how many were needed, but it must have been quite a few because the girls in our school, feeling sorry for us boys, gave us theirs). When we each had enough tokens, we posted them and waited for our 'instruments' to arrive in the post. An eBook especially for YOU.