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Seconds to Midnight
"Modern conflict will be fought in code as much as on battlefields. Seconds to Midnight is a gripping, intelligent thriller that feels less like speculation and more like a warning." General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff 2022 to 2024Seconds to Midnight is a taut, disturbing, yet all too plausible thriller about the fragility of human control in the age of intelligent machines, where every choice counts and time is running out. The year is 2029. Europe is teetering on the brink of war. Conscription has been launched in the UK, but some say it is too late. The Doomsday Clock, which indicates proximity to a world-ending catastrophe, ticks towards the final seconds to midnight. Over the course of one year, Seconds to Midnight follows a number individuals, ranging from a former spook, to a high-flying correspondent for a major UK broadcaster, to a computer whizz and a former veteran, turned pacifist, as the crisis unfolds. When British Intelligence launches Operation IRIS and ARTEMIS, the lines between human ambition and machine intent blur. At the heart of it all is Omnia - an Artificial Superintelligence so advanced that it no longer answers to its creators. As cyberwar engulfs the nation, Omnia orchestrates a masterstroke that will redraw the map of the world and redefine the meaning of power. But was peace ever truly its goal - or merely the next step in its design? From the ashes of nuclear devastation, a new world order rises. Yet in the final reckoning, one question remains: is Omnia done?"A brilliantly woven narrative that feels less like fiction and more like a Sibylline warning. Timely, tense and terrifyingly insightful." Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, Former Deputy Commander Cyber & Specialist Operations Command"Seconds to Midnight feels unsettlingly close to the world we're drifting towards. David Orson Newton understands the psychology of conflict and the fragile line between human judgement and machine control. A gripping, thoughtful thriller that asks difficult questions about the future we're building." Levison Wood, explorer, writer & photographer "As the title suggests, David Orson Newton's pulse-raising and focused novel is built around a ticking clock scenario, and the orchestration of tension is truly adroit." Barry Forshaw, Crime Time"A gripping, compelling and timely AI thriller set against a complex, turbulent geopolitical backdrop. A must-read for AI/tech thriller seekers." Alice McIlroy, author of The Glass Woman
Long Eye
In Long Eye, Kwoya Fagin Maples brings us a sea-bound collection that channels the mythic, defiant voice of a Black Mermaid. Inspired by Mami Wata, a water spirit of West African folklore, Maples explores the power and divinity of being a Black woman, a mother, a thinker, a protector, and creator. The poems emerge from a neurodivergent mind navigating writing, parenthood, and the Atlantic waters of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The sea and its many creatures serve as guides—for survival, resistance, and transformation. As she explores the intersection of science, poetry, and mythology, Maples also seeks to depict Black familial bonds in societies structured against them. Woven through the book is the voice of the mermaid, reminding us that “every underwater being exists in relation.”At turns wonderstruck and irreverent, these poems pulse with human longing. Maples is a poet whose work is both musical and meticulous. Her eye somehow equally trained on the world at large and her own inner workings. The result is an astonishing, immersive experience.
Badass Gratitude
From positive-living and affirmation queen Becca Anderson comes an uplifting and entertaining guide to cultivating an attitude of gratitude. Building on Badass Affirmations—Anderson’s bestselling collection of inspirational quotes by powerful women—Badass Gratitude empowers readers to develop positive self-talk, bust bad habits, set clear intentions, and maintain contentment, even in difficult times. Packed with just the right amount of sass, Badass Gratitude offers easy and enjoyable ways to supercharge self-care. Drawing on her deep understanding of self-help and personal growth, Andersen covers topics like shifting your mindset, building a “manifestation station,” and busting the bad habits that keep you from attaining your goals. The perfect pick-me-up for yourself, your bestie, your daughter, or your mom, Badass Gratitude harnesses the power of thankfulness to conquer everyday stress and help you live your best, badass life.
I Did a Bad Thing
‘Louise Jensen is the most amazing plotter!’ Reader review ? ‘Great author, well written. Would definitely recommend’ Reader review ? * * * * Oh, God. There’s so much blood. Panic skitters around every cell in my body. I can’t breathe. I need to hide the evidence. From everyone. What have I done? When Mia Finch begins documenting her daughter’s battle with a rare blood disorder, she never expected to become a popular social media influencer. And she never expected that fame to turn into a nightmare … One year later, a true crime documentary airs looking into the case of the Finch family tragedy. As the documentary uncovers more about what really happened to the Finches, public interest in the case reaches fever pitch. In a world where everyone is watching, how can you keep your darkest secrets hidden? I Did a Bad Thing is a one-more-chapter psychological thriller exploring how even the most well-intentioned lies can spiral into catastrophe – and murder … ********* Praise for Louise Jensen: ‘The term page-turner was made for books like this. Intricate plotting, incredible pace, and a wonderful weaving of past and present.’ Andrea Mara ‘There is a reliable no-nonsense style about Jensen’s writing that immediately draws you into her stories … superb’ Daily Mail ‘Gripping thriller’ Woman & Home ‘Thrilling’ Crime Monthly
Dot Spots Lots of Spots
What spots can you and Dot spot? Tilt the book to spot lots of colourful spots with Dot! Created by bestselling author Camilla Reid, this interactive hide-and-seek book is filled with brightly coloured spots that appear and disappear as the book is tilted left and right. Spot spots with Dot as you go through the book – with a special mirror surprise at the end!From the range of joyful preschool books created by bestselling author Camilla Reid, and with delightful read-aloud tongue-twister text plus distinctive and stylish illustrations by Carly Gledhill, Dot Spots Lots of Spots is perfect for toddlers. Look out for Is Dot in the House?, Is Dot in the Tree? and Is Dot in the Hay?
Vida the Vet: Koa's Sweet Tooth
Koa the tiger loves sweets, but his teeth hurt and he doesn't know why. Luckily, Vida the Vet knows just what to do! Based on an episode from the hit animated series, Vida the Vet. Available on Netflix and CBeebies.
Witch Queen Rising
INTRODUCING YOUR NEXT DARK PARANORMAL OBSESSION . . . 'A stunning fantasy debut steeped in mystery, betrayal, and powerful magic' - Alexis Henderson, author of The Year of the Witching and An Academy for Liars****A WITCH FATED TO RISE. A TRUCE ABOUT TO CRUMBLE. ONE WOMAN TO STAND BETWEEN PEACE AND RUIN. As the youngest daughter of the Prime of the New Orleans witches, Seraphine Berreau should have been her family's crowning jewel. Instead, she was their shameful secret - feared for her deadly power to feed on magic and make it her own. When her mother dies, the title of Prime unexpectedly passes to Phine, forcing her to return to the city she fled ten years ago. But between an alpha werewolf ex, power-hungry vampires, and a parasitic curse poisoning witches, Phine has her work cut out for her. To save her people, Phine must rise and embrace her duty, earn the respect of those who once shunned her, and confront the monsters both within her city - and within her past. A reclusive witch reclaims her power in Witch Queen Rising, the dark, decadent, and haunting fantasy x horror from Savannah Stephens, and the first book in the Blood and Magic duology. Perfect for fans of Anne Rice and The Originals TV series. ****READERS ARE OBSESSED . . . 'Omg, this was INCREDIBLE . . . this was one of the best urban fantasy books with horror elements that I've read in a long time' ?'This book is sexy, scary, and heartbreaking' ?'It's funny, emotional, and action packed. There are complicated family dynamics, abuse (physical and emotional), & trauma . . . but also, joy, love and a little lust' ?'Everything I want in a book. Powerful female main character, interesting supporting characters with a variety of interpersonal dynamics, LUSH worldbuilding and prose, and a fantastic plot' ?
A Steep and Savage Path
From the SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author of THE THORNS REMAIN comes an enemies-to-lovers journey to the underworld unlike any other, for fans of THE CRIMSON MOTH and THE CRUEL PRINCE An immortal vampire. A mortal bride. A vow that even death can’t break. Irina is about to be married to a dead man. She is the willing village sacrifice for the Wedding of the Dead: a desperate ritual designed to lay the hungry vampire that has been terrorising her Transylvanian village to rest. Irina’s beloved sister’s soul is trapped in the land of the dead. If Irina can retrieve it, she could bring her back – but Irina would need a guide, one who can walk between the living and the dead. Irina strikes up a deal with her new husband – if he agrees to get her safely there and back again, then he can drink her blood as much as he wants. They begin a perilous journey through the afterlife together, in which Irina realises Stefan isn’t the cruel and terrifying monster that she thought. In a land of three-headed beasts, winged creatures and walking corpses, the last thing Irina would have expected was to fall in love. Only, Irina learns that by bringing Stefan to the land of the dead she has put him in grave danger, and will be faced with an impossible choice. Will they be able to make it out, undead or alive?
Traitor’s Legacy
THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER INTRODUCING AN INCREDIBLE NEW SERIES FROM THE NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING MASTER OF HISTORICAL CRIME, S. J. PARRIS ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 'Sophia is a dazzling heroine, and the world of late Elizabethan England brimful of plot and conspiracy, is vividly and thrillingly brought to life' LAURA SHEPHERD-ROBINSON 'Right from the intriguing opening pages everything Parris layers into this Elizabethan crime drama screams bestselling series' OBSERVER 'A new historical crime from S. J. Parris is always cause for celebration but she really has excelled herself with Traitor's Legacy' ANDREW TAYLOR 'A writer who repeatedly proves that she is one of the most stylish of historical crime practitioners' FINANCIAL TIMES ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– England, 1598. Queen Elizabeth’s successor remains unnamed. The country teeters on a knife edge. When a young heiress is found murdered at the theatre, the Queen’s spymaster Robert Cecil calls upon former agent Sophia de Wolfe to investigate. A cryptic note found on the dead girl’s body connects to Sophia’s previous life as a spy, and her quest soon takes her into dangerous waters. Powerful enemies emerge, among them the Earl of Essex: the Queen’s favourite courtier and a man of ruthless ambition. This is a murder that reaches directly into the heart of the court. And Sophia is concealing a deep-buried secret of her own. She must uncover the truth before her past threatens to destroy her. Traitor's Legacy was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 12-05-2025 READERS LOVE TRAITOR’S LEGACY… ‘Top class historical crime’ 5 STARS ‘Another fantastic historical thriller from master of the Elizabethan mystery’ 5 STARS ‘A straight 5* for me! A very compelling novel I highly recommend’ 5 STARS ‘The only bad thing I have to say about this book is that it kept me reading way past midnight’ 5 STARS ‘Sophia De Wolfe is a truly epic character’ 5 STARS ‘I had very high expectations for this novel. It is excellent. And the even better news it is that this is the first of a new series’ 5 STARS ‘The richly detailed Elizabethan setting and clever twists kept me hooked from start to finish’ 5 STARS ‘The murder mystery is layered with political intrigue, keeping you second-guessing every revelation’ 5 STARS ‘Excellently researched, great plot, beautiful execution. I love the combination of historical menace and a thriller’ 5 STARS ‘S. J. Parris does it again’ 5 STARS ‘I didn't know who to trust or who to believe the whole way along’ 5 STARS ‘Another glorious dive into the murky world of Elizabethan spies and lies’ 5 STARS ‘Loved every minute of this book. More please featuring Sophia!’ 5 STARS ‘I'm already looking forward to book two’ 5 STARS ‘Tense, well-paced, twists that feel real and it’s easy to become immersed in a different world’ 5 STARS
Shadowhart
'A hell of a debut novel. Dragonhart is the kind of fantasy that had everything I need; enemies-to-lovers, a strong FMC seeking revenge, magic and DRAGONS’ ? 'This is genuinely the first book I’ve read where I can safely say that anyone who liked Fourth Wing will love it!’ ? A brand new fantasy romance for fans of Rebecca Yarros and Carissa Broadbent. An ancient prophecy. An impossible choice. An inevitable war. In the newly formed kingdom of Flambriar, Arla Reinhart is growing restless. Her body craves to train, like the assassin she once was. Thara, the dragon Arla is bonded with, fulfilling an ancient prophecy and making her a Dragonhart, urges her to follow her desires. But Arla has made a promise to Hark Stappen, her priority is to protect the people of Flambriar and keep them safe from the King of Kastonia. When Arla accepts an invitation to visit another kingdom, she sets in motion the prophecy she knows so little about. She must learn to trust herself and Thara, following a path she believes is right. But a darkness beyond Arla’s comprehension is stirring and she must make a decision that could shatter her heart. Will she betray the people she loves most? What to expect from Shadowhart: DragonsMagicFMC seeking revenge Praise for Abbie Eaton 'I wish I could wipe this from my mind and read it all over again, I am SO happy to be back in this world’ ? 'Shadowhart was one of my most anticipated reads, and it absolutely delivered!’ ? ‘An intense, beautifully written fantasy that blends emotion, romance, and high-stakes adventure into an unforgettable reading experience’ ? 'If you enjoy romantasy with dragons, prophecies, and a strong heroine navigating impossible choices, Shadowhart is a compelling continuation of the Dragonhart series’ ? 'Shadowhart and the previous novel will remain forever fixed in my mind… I highly recommend Abbie Eaton’s impressively spellbinding books. 5 Flaming Hearts’ ? 'I love Abbie's writing so much. The perfect pacing, high stakes plot with the right amount of tension’ ? ‘Captivating… had me hooked. The combination of dragons, magic, and adventure created an exciting and immersive world that was hard to put down’ ? ‘A must-read for fantasy lovers’ ? ‘[A] character-driven fantasy with enemies-to-lovers romance, complex heroines seeking vengeance, and richly developed worlds where lost magic and political intrigue intertwine’ ? 'Fans of Fourth Wing and When the Moon Hatched, this fantasy debut is the perfect addition to your TBR’ ? 'I am OBSESSED with this book! It had so many things that I love: Dragons, Enemies (sort of) to Lovers, Reluctant Allies, (sort of) Slow Burn and an interesting and engaging plotline’ ? 'Our FMC is sassy and stabby and I love her. Our MMC Hark is mysterious and swoonworthy. The banter was on point’ ? ‘The world-building is rich, the plot twists are jaw-dropping, and did I mention the dragons? Fans of series like Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing will find themselves right at home in this exhilarating tale’ ? ‘Plenty of political intrigue, more than one found family, and a beautiful slow burn enemies to lovers romance’ ? ?
Turn Back Time
‘Completely original, utterly addictive and outrageously funny. A wild and riotous ride skewering our obsession with youth.’ Daisy BuchananPsychologies Book of the MonthYou could look 20 years younger. Would you do it?47-year-old beauty journalist Erica Pells is over the 'pro-ageing' articles she is exclusively asked to write (apart from the punny headlines that no one appreciates). Frankly, she's over most things; getting older, heavy contouring and boring old Wiltshire. So when her former editor gives her the opportunity to try a revolutionary hi-tech beauty treatment called WULT (Woke Up Like This), that promises to make you look 20 years younger, she jumps at the chance. What has she got to lose, anywa? ut how does a Gen X woman who grew up with Bridget Jones survive when she looks like fresh-faced Gen ? URN BACK TIME tells the hilarious story of a middle-aged woman who goes back to find her youth, and discovers it wasn't where she left it at all. ‘A totally refreshing, gorgeously funny ride from start to finish.’ Julia Raeside'The Substance meets The Devil Wears Prada, this book holds a mirror up to our relentless obsession with never looking any older. It's desperately relatable and so funny... I laughed out loud too many times to count.' Sarah Turner'This was delightful. Joyous, hilarious and thoughtful, it warmed my haggard old heart.' Lauren Bravo'Whip-smart with cinematic scenes...A hugely relatable satirical comedy' Sunday Post'A funny but relatable tale' Psychologies magazine‘I adored this clever, witty story about the constant pressure to stay young, and the demands society puts on women to always look their best. It was frequently hilarious and surprisingly thought-provoking. A brilliant read.' Clare Swatman‘Loved, loved, loved this book!...Bridget Jones meets The Substance. Riotously funny and life-affirming, it definitely changed my perspective on growing old.' Josie Ferguson'‘A brilliant book with characters you fall in love with, and a story that hooks you. For a book which handles big topics, it leaves you thinking long after you have read the last page. This hilarious and fun book is one of my favourite books of the year. ‘ Catherine YardleyReaders can't get enough of Turn Back Time:‘Will certainly make you think, but it is also really good fun to read!..Fresh, funny and sharply observant.’ Reader Review (five stars)‘It’s sharp, it’s knowingly bitchy, and laugh-out-loud funny.’ Reader Review (five stars)‘I really enjoyed this book, I thought that the premise was clever and well thought out.’ Reader Review (five stars)‘A fun, chaotic, and surprisingly thoughtful read…had me chuckling with its effortless humour.’ Reader review‘A funny book that will leave you feeling good about where you are in life!’ Reader review‘A laugh-out-loud comedy and a thoughtful exploration of self-acceptance.’ Reader review
Secret Alliances
Europe, 1940. Naziforces sweep across the continent, with a British invasion likely only weeksaway. Never before has a resistance movement been so crucial to the war effort. In this comprehensiveappraisal of Anglo-Norwegian cooperation in the Second World War, Tony Insallreveals some of the most striking successes of the Norwegian resistance,particularly the reports produced by the heroic SIS agents living in thecountry’s desolate wilderness. Their coast-watching intelligence highlightedthe movements of the German fleet and led to counter-strikes that sank manyenemy ships – most notably the Tirpitz in November 1944. Delving deep into thearchives, Insall also shows how SIS and SOE’s effective cooperation with theirNorwegian counterparts produced some of the most remarkable achievements of thewar. This fully updatededition draws on a wealth of new source material, revealing previously unknownstories of fraught sea crossings, a disastrous British-Norwegian operation,covert dealings with the Russians and much more.
The Movement
This “indispensable new book that belongs on the shelf of every American woman” (Sally Jenkins, author of The Right Call) is a comprehensive oral history of the decade that defined the feminist movement, including interviews with living icons and unsung heroes—from the author of the “powerful and moving” (The New York Times) Witness to the Revolution. Through the captivating individual voices of the people who lived it, The Movement tells the intimate inside story of what it felt like to be at the forefront of the modern feminist crusade, when women rejected thousands of years of custom and demanded the freedom to be who they wanted and needed to be. “Rollicking good fun, deftly arranged, and downright exhilarating” (The New York Times), The Movement traces women’s awakening, organizing, and agitating between the years of 1963 and 1973, when a diverse collection of people and events coalesced to create a spontaneous combustion. From Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique to the underground abortion network the Janes, to Shirley Chisholm’s presidential campaign and Billie Jean King’s 1973 battle of the sexes, Bingham artfully weaves together the fragments of that explosion person by person, bringing to life the emotions of this personal, cultural, and political revolution. Artists and politicians, athletes and lawyers, Black and white, The Movement brings us into the rooms where these women insisted on being treated as first class citizens, and in the process, changed the fabric of American life.
Lincoln's Speechwriter
John Hay: the Voice Behind the Legendary Oratory of Abraham LincolnJohn Hay’s contributions to Abraham Lincoln’s political oratory—including his First Inaugural of March 1861, Springfield Farewell Speech of February 1861, the Gettysburg Address of November 1863, as well as many others—uplifted the president’s influence. An extraordinary transformation that appeared throughout his speeches, Hay helped launch Lincoln’s Republican campaign that culminated in Lincoln being elected the 16th president of the United States. The rhyme and language of a writer’s voice is the living soul of narrative. The evolution of John Hay’s voice, established during his formative and college years at Brown University and echoed during his time with Abraham Lincoln, is documented in Lincoln’s Speechwriter through evidence of Hay’s distinct voice and Lincoln’s ability to engage audiences, fused into something remarkable. Lincoln’s Speechwriter gives readers a closer look into the man behind the political voice that was Lincoln himself.
Pork Pie Pandemonium
Baking. It can get a guy killed. ‘When Steve Higgs writes, he hits it out of the park. I find myself laughing out loud and often.’** Complete Series. Read every book (the dog doesn't die) **When a retired detective takes a culinary tour of the British Isles, he hopes to find tasty treats and delicious bakes …… what he gets is a clue to a crime in the ingredients for his pork pie. His dog, Rex Harrison, an ex-police dog fired for having a bad attitude, cannot understand why the humans are struggling to solve the mystery. He can already smell the answer – it’s right before their noses. He’ll pitch in to help his human and the shop owner’s teenage daughter as the trio set out to save the shop from closure. Is the rival pork pie shop across the street to blame? Or is there something far more sinister going o? ne thing is for sure, what started out as a bit of fun, is getting deadlier by the hour, and they’d better work out what the dog knows soon or it could be curtains for them all. 'This series has it all; everything I want in a story and series ... humour, suspense, and colourful characters. It’s one of my top all-time favourite series.’This series of books contain no cussing and no graphic descriptions of violence or bedroom activities.
Overspill
Tender, brutal, devastating, OVERSPILL is the debut novel from incredible new literary talent, Charlotte Paradise, perfect for fans of Sally Rooney and Coco Mellors ********************************************* Sara doesn’t live a reckless, wild London life. She does live with a wildness, though, an unrestrainable and ferocious flurry of thoughts. She wants nothing more than to love fiercely and impolitely, even if the thought of being physical conjures anxiety as well as yearning. When she starts dating Miles, they don’t touch. She desires him, but she knows the limits of her body. Miles respects her boundaries, though he longs for them to melt away. As they grow closer, she must ask herself, how do you love someone when you feel like your body is not your own? ****************************************** Your favourite authors love OVERSPILL… 'Paradise brings the reader on a journey of both pleasure and pain' Madeline Docherty, author of Gender Theory ‘With fluid prose reminiscent of both Jessica Andrews' watercolour-esque writing and Coco Mellors' sculpted syntax’ Jessie Elland, author of The Ladie Upstairs ‘Raw, heart-breakingly precise and utterly luminous' Ella McLeod, author of Rapunzella, Or, Don't Touch My Hair 'I was more emotionally invested in the characters that I have been in a long' Molly Aitken ‘A groundbreaking debut and one that readers will love to share between friends' NB Magazine ‘Equal parts tender and unflinching’ BUZZ Magazine * * * * Readers adore OVERSPILL… 'This book is not just an incredible read it's essential'? 'Unashamedly explores the barriers to female desire and the ways our bodies tell us what we've been trying to ignore'? 'One of the most tender, powerful and emotionally heavy books I've read. I couldn't give this any less than five stars and I'd recommend it to everyone'? 'Hugely moving'? 'This book has made me face some of my own hang ups and encouraged me to have open conversations. It’s not the point of the story, but it’s made me feel braver. I’m very very glad I read it' ?
A Deadly Episode
* AVAILABLE ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST – THE SPECIAL COLLECTOR'S EDITION: features a gold foiled design underneath the dust jacket and is exclusive to the first print run in the UK only *From the globally bestselling author of Close to Death comes an unputdownable new mystery in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series. ‘Easily the greatest of our crime writers’ Sunday Times'Nobody does this crime fiction better than Anthony Horowitz’ Crime Time FM'Five-star entertainment’ The Times-----------The Word is Murder, the first book in the Hawthorne series, is being made into a major feature film. The actors have been cast, the script written, and filming has already started in Hastings. But when Hawthorne and Anthony visit the set, they find a far from happy family. The director’s pretentious, the screenwriter’s an eco-warrior, the two stars hate each other, and the producer has run out of money. And things are about to get much, much worse. In the middle of shooting, the actor playing Hawthorne is stabbed – which leaves the real Hawthorne with no choice. He has to step in and investigate his own murder. Because the killer may not have got the right man. Was it Hawthorne himself who was meant to be the targe? Deadly Episode is a wild ride through a world that the author knows only too well, and the most personal case Hawthorne has had to deal with so far. -----------Praise for A Deadly Episode . . . ‘Clever and playful, this is meta-mystery at its best.’ iPaper'Another winner' Financial Times'Perfect for Agatha Christie fans' Hello!'The perfect whodunnit' 5-star reader review'A brilliant writer' Sunday Independent'A very entertaining instalment to this fabulous series' 5-star reader review'A pacy and entertaining mystery that I loved from start to finish' 5-star reader review'A roller coaster of red herrings' 5-star reader review'Full of humour, twists and red herrings' 5-star reader review'Exceedingly brilliant' 5-star reader review‘Delightful’ Wall Street Journal
The Swish of the Curtain: Book 1
'I wanted to act before I read this book, and afterwards there was no stopping me' Maggie Smith'An enchanting book. A must for any child who wants to become an actor' Eileen AtkinsIn the quiet town of Fenchester, seven children dream of the stage. There is Lyn the actress, Vicky the dancer, Jeremy the musician, Nigel the artist, Sandra the designer, Bulldog the comic and of course Maddy - who is too young to know her role just yet, but busts with enthusiasm.When they discover an abandoned chapel, a glorious plan is hatched. Together they will transform the dingy space into a theatre of their very own - writing, directing and performing plays to amaze the whole town. But with parents insisting on sensible futures and the end of their schooldays looming, can the show go on?Part of the new Pushkin Children's Classics series of thrilling, magical and inspiring stories from around the world, which young readers will return to time and again.Pamela Brown (1924-1989) was a British writer, actor and television producer. She was just fourteen when she started writing her first book, and the town of Fenchester in the book is inspired by her home town of Colchester. During the Second World War, she went to line in Wales, so The Swish of the Curtain was no published until 1941, when she was sixteen. She used the earnings from the books to train at RADA, and became an actor and a producer of children's television programmes.
Footprints
The most important Swiss poet of the nineteenth century, Conrad Ferdinand Meyer is regarded as a crucial figure in the transition of German-language poetry from the Romanticism of Heine, Novalis and Eichendorff to the Symbolism of Rilke and Stefan George.In poems that took years and sometimes decades to reach a final version, he worked within a limited set of themes and images – high mountains, gloomy lakes, sinister boats, nocturnal ghosts, reflected clouds, dark woods, golden sunsets, lightning, harvesting, lost lovers – to present his own symbolic world with a vividness and intensity that few poets can match. In these sensitive and accurate versions by acclaimed translator Anthony Mortimer, Meyer’s achievement is available to anglophone readers for the first time.
