Cornerstone strana 24 z 63

Celebrate a decade ofCritical Role with this anthology featuring the perspectives of ten characters who fought alongside—and against—Vox Machina, with a foreword by cast member Liam O’Brien. In these ten stories, see the legendary adventuring party anew through the eyes of some of the most memorable characters whose lives were touched by Vox Machina. Within its pages: • Shaun Gilmore reflects on the life he has chosen, as told by Aabria Iyengar. • Raishan, racked by a pestilent curse, plots to release the Cinder King from his fiery prison, as told by Rory Power. • Trinket the Wonder Bear accompanies the next generation of Vox Machina on their first adventure, as told by Sarah Glenn Marsh. • Plus seven more hilarious, heartbreaking, and heroic tales featuring Kaylie, Doty, Kevdak, and more! The adventure began in 2015 with a group of friends sitting down in front of a camera to roll some dice, bring their characters to life, and tell a story that would become immortalized in their livestream tabletop roleplaying game: Critical Role. What started as a humble home game eventually grew into a worldwide phenomenon that has touched countless people with its poignant, larger-than-life storytelling—and in that same vein, this collection celebrates the characters whose lives were touched by Vox Machina but whose stories are yet to be told. Contributors: Foreword by Liam O’Brien • Jess Barber Martin Cahill • Rebecca Coffindaffer • Aabria Iyengar • Sam Maggs • Sarah Glenn Marsh • Rory Power • Nibedita Sen • Izzy Wasserstein • Kendra Wells

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF LADY MACBETH AND A STUDY IN DROWNING''There''s one thing about Ava Reid; she doesn''t miss.'' Sasha Peyton Smith''You''ll start saving space on your shelf for Ava Reid.'' Kendare Blake---------The Last of Us meets The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in this stand-alone dystopian romance about survival, sacrifice, and love that risks everything.By encouraging massive accumulations of debt from its underclass, a single corporation, Caerus, controls all aspects of society.Inesa lives with her brother in a half-sunken town where they scrape by running a taxidermy shop. Unbeknownst to Inesa, their cruel and indolent mother has accrued an enormous debt—enough to qualify one of her children for Caerus’s livestreamed assassination spectacle: the Lamb’s Gauntlet.Melinoë is a Caerus assassin, trained to track and kill the sacrificial Lambs. The product of neural reconditioning and physiological alteration, she is a living weapon, known for her cold brutality and deadly beauty. She has never failed to assassinate one of her marks.When Inesa learns that her mother has offered her as a sacrifice, at first she despairs—the Gauntlet is always a bloodbath for the impoverished debtors. But she’s had years of practice surviving in the apocalyptic wastes, and with the help of her hunter brother, she might stand a chance of staying alive.For Melinoë, this is a game she can’t afford to lose. Despite her reputation for mercilessness, she is haunted by painful flashbacks. After her last Gauntlet, where she broke down on livestream, she desperately needs redemption.As Mel pursues Inesa across the wasteland, both girls begin to question everything: Inesa wonders if there’s more to life than survival, while Mel wonders if she’s capable of more than killing.And both wonder if, against all odds, they might be falling in love.

Set sail for the stars in this official Dungeons & Dragons novel set in the worlds of Spelljammer: Adventures in Space! In the colossal void of Shatterspace, besieged by bloodthirsty marauders and brimming with monstrous aberrations, the only constant is power: The deft will escape the slow. The clever will outwit the naive. The strong will take from the weak. Axia wishes she could be grateful to have spent her life-or what little she remembers of it-on an asteroid so far from anything of interest that even the greediest spacers see fit to pass it by. Her days may not be as exciting as the swashbuckling stories of her favorite books or as dramatic as the pasts she's imagined for herself, but they're as safe as Shatterspace can manage. So why does something inside her long for the stars every time she sees a spacefaring spelljammer vessel? When Axia survives a sudden assassination attempt, she is cornered by Kori and Nia, a pair of pirates who offer her two options: flee with them to Wildspace, where they can keep her hidden among their crew, or die. It's an easy choice with death at her doorstep. But even in the vastness of the Astral Sea, Axia quickly realizes that her new friends haven't been entirely honest about their motivations. It turns out, Axia is the spitting image of Blacktongue, the long-disappeared captain of one of the deadliest pirate crews in Shatterspace. And Kori and Nia have a plan to claim the mysterious treasure that the pirate queen vanished while pursuing. To survive, Axia will have to fill Blacktongue's bloodstained boots and embark on a more perilous and thrilling adventure than any she's dared to dream.

It’s late summer 1940, and Isla’s Donahue’s idyllic lifestyle comes to an abrupt end when her father sends her to the harsh confines of the poorhouse.Determined to find a way to escape, Isla quickly enlists the help of her new friends, and together they leave the hellhole that is Coxhill for a new life in Liverpool.It’s while she’s en route to Liverpool that she meets the handsome Theo, but all is not as it seems, and Theo’s dark past comes back to haunt them both.Hurt and betrayed, Isla has all but given up on love when she runs into a man she thought she’d never see again.Will true love prevail or will his own past put an end to their happiness?___________Why readers love Katie Flynn . . .''Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy''''Hard to put down''''Her characters are like old friends''''Heartwarming romance''

It''s the perfect getaway. But the past will always find you... When ex-cop Bill Robinson takes over The Inn by the Sea, all he wants is a quiet escape from the city.But when a crime boss moves into town and begins terrorising Bill''s friends, he can''t just sit back and watch.It''s not long before local criminals are turning up dead and The Inn comes under attack.With the help of The Inn''s fearless residents, Bill must do everything he can to defend his town, his chosen family, and his home.______________________PRAISE FOR THE INN''A total page-turner'' DAILY MIRROR''One of our favourite writers . . . a really tight story'' RICHARD AND JUDY: KEEP READING AND CARRY ON______________________PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON''It''s no mystery why James Patterson is the world''s most popular thriller writer ... Simply put: nobody does it better.'' JEFFERY DEAVER''No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.'' LEE CHILD''Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It''s what fires off the movie projector in the reader''s mind.'' MICHAEL CONNELLY''James Patterson is The Boss. End of.'' IAN RANKIN''Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried ... there''s no stopping his imagination'' NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW''Patterson is in a class by himself'' GUARDIAN''The master storyteller of our times'' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON''One of the greatest storytellers of all time'' PATRICIA CORNWELL

The Inspirational No.1 Sunday Times BestsellerThe life-affirming memoir of Lindsey Burrow, the working mother of three young children who has inspired the nation through her selfless commitment to husband Rob Burrow (CBE), the rugby league legend she cared for throughout his heroic battle with motor neurone disease (MND). _____________________________________________________________________‘A story of compassion, perseverance and love. By sharing her story, Lindsey is shining a light on those who are dealing with incredibly difficult situations, putting other’s needs before their own and making great personal sacrifices every day. I hope this book provides all those going through their own challenges with some comfort and optimism, and that it inspires us all to look out for one another’ Prince William ''A tender, powerful and life affirming book by one of the bravest people I know. The story of Lindsey, Rob and their amazing children will make you want to live every day to the fullest'' Kevin Sinfield, CBE''Deeply moving and inspiring'' Clare Balding*Foreword by HRH Prince William* *A Pride of Britain Award Winner*‘Take Care is a heart-opening book that gives light and hope when we need it.'' Julia Samuel, Author of Grief Works‘(Lindsey''s) modest memoir is humbling but also rousing, its title as much a call to action as a valediction, urging us to do more for those who give their all: society’s unpaid carers.'' Guardian''Moving'' Sunday Times ‘Lindsey is inspirational’ BBC Breakfast ‘Superwoman’ Daily Mail_____________________________________________________________________ Take Care: A Memoir of Love, Family & Never Giving Up explores the deepest reserves of resilience, personal sacrifice and hope that Lindsey Burrow exhibited on a daily basis when her family’s life was upended by the terminal MND diagnosis. Juggling her day job for the NHS as a physiotherapist, with round-the-clock care for Rob, who couldn’t move or talk, and could only eat with Lindsey’s assistance, she simultaneously raised her brilliant young family and helped to raise awareness for MND. The efforts of Rob, Lindsey and Kevin Sinfield have raised over L15 million for charity. In 2024, Lindsey presented her debut ITV1 documentary, ‘Who Cares for Our Carers?’ which highlighted the emotional and practical hardships faced by thousands of her fellow unpaid carers, whose hidden work is worth an estimated L162bn a year in the UK, the equivalent of another NHS. Told in Lindsey’s characteristically humble, charming and inspirational style, Take Care explores her life and shares her honest experiences of finding strength in the good and the bad times, in order to offer readers and families hope to overcome challenges in their own lives. The book sheds a light on the many families across the UK who care for their loved ones with little support. Finally, the book is a rousing call to action, for us all as a society to take better care of one another.__________________________________________________________________________ ‘Thank you for what you are teaching us, about what it is to fight, what it is to love, and what it is possible for us to do and to be as human beings’ Michael Sheen, Pride of Britain Awards 2023, to Rob and Lindsey Burrow ‘Lindsey’s strength and love shines through’ Lorraine, ITV ‘You are an inspirational couple’ Loose Women ITV ‘Lindsey and Rob Burrow''s moving love story from teenage sweethearts to ''superhero'' wife’ has stood the test of time - overcoming the hardest and most heartbreaking of challenges. MirrorA No.1 Sunday Times Bestseller - March 2025

From Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Flynn, Forgotten Child is a heartbreaking, uplifting and totally transporting novel to curl up with by the fire. Scotland, 1940: Isla Donaghue is just sixteen when her mother dies, and her idyllic life comes to an abrupt end. Unable to cope, Isla’s father sends her to the poorhouse when he joins the merchant navy. Horrified at the harsh conditions of the poorhouse, Isla is determined to escape. Enlisting the help of her newfound friends Meg and Sophie, she devises a plan to flee to Liverpool. Despite the difficulties of her new life and the dangers of the Luftwaffe, Isla falls in love for the first time. But her beau is not all that he seems… Will true love prevail or will secrets from the past put an end to their happines? hy readers love Katie Flynn... 'Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy''Hard to put down''Her characters are like old friends''Heartwarming romance'

Brandon King never thought he was attracted to men. Truthfully, he'd never been that drawn to anyone-until he collided, with Nikolai Sokolov, the notoriously violent mafia heir. Nikolai is fixated on Brandon, the quiet artist, golden boy, and his enemy's twin brother. They couldn't be more different, but once Nikolai crashes into Brandon's world, he refuses to let him go. Now, Brandon's carefully controlled life is on the verge of unraveling. Will Nikolai's obsession destroy him-or ignite something far more intense? This book is a dark unconventional romance and contains themes that aren't to everyone's liking. Please check the author's note for content warnings before reading.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'A visionary book' Philip Pullman'Essential and magnificent' George Monbiot'Deft and wonderfully poetic' Grace BlakeleyThe Right have hijacked Englishness. Can it be reclaime? oday, the only people who dare speak of Englishness are cheerleaders for Brexit, exceptionalism and imperial nostalgia. But there is another England, hiding in plain sight, which is dramatically more inclusive and forward looking. Here, Caroline Lucas delves deep into England's literary history to sketch out alternative stories of who we are - ones that we can all embrace to build a greener, fairer future. 'Not just an inspiring, nuanced and deeply literate book, but that rarest of things – a necessary one.' Jonathan Coe, author of Bourneville'Cleverly deploys Elizabeth Gaskell, John Clare and Charles Dickens to demonstrate that a culture can be diverse and coherent, innovative and rooted; many stories told in one beautiful language.' Telegraph'Reading this warm, persuasive book is to be confronted with the idea and reality of a decent, saner England. One perhaps possible in a fought-for future.' iNews'A clarion call to define England and Englishness as our common ground, and a grounding for a transformation of politics and society.' Kate Pickett, co-author of The Spirit Level'Tells a new story about England and Englishness, and sets out the possibility for a progressive politics of land, place and nation. This is vital reading.' Robert Macfarlane, author of Underland'A progressive vision of the country’s literary and cultural history from the trailblazing MP . . . Offers much needed crumbs of hope for the future.' Guardian

''For anyone who wants to make decisions with confidence and clarity, reclaim their mental space, and design a life that truly matters'' — Charles Duhigg, author of bestsellers Supercommunicators and The Power of Habit‘A profound yet incredibly practical guide to what is arguably the most important single thing we do, as finite humans in search of meaningful lives: making decisions.'' – Oliver Burkeman, bestselling author of Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals------------------------From the acclaimed author and podcaster of Power Hour comes an actionable guide to making better, more intentional everyday decisions to lead us to the life that we want.It''s estimated that the average person now makes around 35,000 decisions each day. We''re living in the age of abundance, with more choices than ever before. From everyday mundane choices to big life decisions, the more options we have, the more overwhelmed we become.In Decisions That Matter, Adrienne Adhami – podcaster, business advisor and keynote speaker to industry-leading companies such as Microsoft, Spotify and Range Rover – provides the tools and insights you need to navigate these choices with confidence. Adrienne offers strategies and frameworks to help you make intentional decisions in a world full of distractions.Packed with real-life examples and actionable steps, Decisions That Matter will help you:Overcome procrastination: build the confidence to make effective decisions.Combat decision fatigue: reclaim your time and mental energy by simplifying the decision-making process.Take control of your life: create a life that aligns with your values and goals.Motivating and infused with Adrienne’s infectious energy, Decisions That Matter is a manual that empowers you to break free from indecision and make choices with clarity and conviction.------------------------‘Adrienne writes with the kind of vulnerability that makes every chapter feel like a chat with a wise, no-nonsense friend. Reading this book is definitely a decision that matters!’ – Candice Brathwaite, bestselling author of Sista, Sister, Manifesto and I Am Not Your Baby Mother‘In the age of countless options, the ability to make thoughtful decisions has never been more essential – or more difficult. Adrienne Adhami’s Decisions That Matter is an insightful guide we need right now.’ – Mo Gawdat, bestselling author of Solve for Happy, The Little Voice in Your Head and Unstressable‘A brilliant, practical guide to overcoming the decision paralysis that plagues our lives. Decisions That Matter is packed full of empathy, wisdom and the best kind of actionable solutions. In a world of endless choices, definitely choose Adrienne.’ — Viv Groskop, bestselling author of How to Own the Room

The fifth novel in the bestselling Clay Edison series. When coroner-turned-private investigator Clay Edison is approached to work on a fraud case, he uncovers more than he bargained before: a decades-old scheme targeting the vulnerable. His investigation leads him to a strange town in the remote California wilderness where the residents don't care much for outsiders. They certainly don't like Clay asking questions. And they'll do just about anything to keep him quiet. . .

From the acclaimed author and podcaster of Power Hour comes an actionable guide to making better, more intentional everyday decisions to lead us to the life that we want. It's estimated that the average person now makes around 35,000 decisions each day. We're living in the age of abundance, with more choices than ever before. From everyday mundane choices to big life decisions, the more options we have, the more overwhelmed we become. In Decisions That Matter, Adrienne Adhami - podcaster, business advisor and keynote speaker to industry-leading companies such as Microsoft, Spotify and Range Rover - provides the tools and insights you need to navigate these choices with confidence. Adrienne offers strategies and frameworks to help you make intentional decisions in a world full of distractions. Packed with real-life examples and actionable steps, Decisions That Matter will help you: Overcome procrastination: build the confidence to make effective decisions. Combat decision fatigue: reclaim your time and mental energy by simplifying the decision-making process. Take control of your life: create a life that aligns with your values and goals. Motivating and infused with Adrienne's infectious energy, Decisions That Matter is a manual that empowers you to break free from indecision and make choices with clarity and conviction.

Set sail for adventure and love in the next spicy fantasy romance from Katee Robert, the New York Times bestselling author of the TikTok smash hit Neon Gods. As a bloodline vampire, Lizzie has never had a problem taking what she wants, and right now what she wants are the family heirlooms that were stolen from her, a ship, and a portal home. Unfortunately, even that short list is impossible to accomplish on her own-and her allies have bigger things to worry about. When they rescue a selkie, it's the perfect solution to her problem. Lizzie needs a guide through Threshold and the selkie needs her skin back. Maeve didn't choose to give up her skin-it was stolen from her. Now she's in an uneasy partnership with a dangerous woman who seems more apt to kill than to share a kind word. It's terrifying…and a bit alluring. Even though she knows it will end in heartbreak, Maeve can't help being drawn to Lizzie. Unfortunately, the danger to Maeve's heart is the least of her worries. The ship they're seeking belongs to the Cwn Annwn, and they don't take kindly to people who cross them. They're coming hunting, and not even Lizzie's viciousness or Maeve's knowledge will be enough to save them…

MOST FAMILY REUNIONS END IN TEARS. THIS ONE WILL END IN MURDER.Lucy Foley meets Succession in this atmospheric new murder mystery that will keep you hooked right until the last page . . . ''Original, compelling, and utterly unputdownable.'' ANDREA MARAI absolutely loved The Inheritance!’ LISA JEWELL‘A pacy, page-turning thriller'' SARAH PEARSE‘I couldn’t put it down and WOW – the ending!’ RUTH MANCINI‘Echoes of the TV dramas Succession and The White Lotus, but also of Agatha Christie and The Traitors’ THE TIMES_____________On a private island off the west coast of Scotland, the Agarwals gather for a much-awaited family reunion.Raj, the patriarch and business tycoon, who has six weeks to decide how to split his petrochemicals empire between his three children.Shalini, the fragile mother, who longs to see her family healed.Myra, the eldest daughter and golden child, who, unbeknownst to the family, is on the brink of bankruptcy.Aseem, the son and supposed heir, who must choose between his wife and his family.Aisha, the fun-loving youngest daughter, who is tired of being treated like a child.And Zoe, the outsider whose #Instaperfect life is built on a foundation of lies.Everyone has a secret – but only one would kill to protect it… _____________Praise for The Inheritance:‘Sakhlecha’s glamorous thriller portrays a dysfunctional family doing despicable things in the name of love.’ Washington Post''Compelling and taut, if you adored Succession, you’ll love this’ Sun''Twisty'' Crime Monthly Magazine‘A propulsive thriller… a slow-burning, multilayered and brooding story.’ Woman & Home Magazine‘Succession meets Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None in this unputdownable, unpredictable thriller.’ RED Magazine''[Sakhlecha] expertly ratchets up the tension'' Guardian''An elegant portrait of family dysfunction and a pacy, page-turning whodunnit, The Inheritance keeps you hooked until the very end.’ iNews‘A cracker… if you thought TV hit Succession was a shocking expose of a family’s dark secrets, this’ll blow your socks off as fragile bonds are torn apart on the way to murder.’ Peterborough Telegraph''A tense and propulsive thriller… As tensions builds, emotions rise and there’s only one way things will end… murder.’ Woman''s Weekly‘Deliciously dark with chilling characters and a brilliant setting. This is a pacy, page-turning thriller.'' Sarah Pearse‘A propulsive mystery and a layered portrait of familial love and dysfunction… impossible to put down.’ Tracy Sierra‘This is dark and twisty suspense exquisitely done, right to the breathtaking final line.’ Ashley Audrain‘This will have you on the edge of your seat.’ Sophie Hannah''So dazzlingly twisted, gripping and atmospheric. And goodness, what a KAPOW of an ending! '' Kelly Mullen‘Masterful plotting, gorgeous setting, and diverse cast of characters…had me turning the pages at warp speed.'' Karen Dionne‘Menacing, smart, and absorbing, The Inheritance unwraps surprises through to its final line.’ Flynn Berry

**THE GRIPPING RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK BY THE NO. 1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE TRIAL**'With a pacy plot, fascinating legal insights and comic interventions, Rob Rinder’s latest legal thriller is a warm-hearted treat.' Mail on SundayWhen the UK's favourite breakfast TV presenter dies live on air in front of millions of viewers, the nation is left devastated. More devastated still when it becomes clear that her death was not an accident. The evidence points to one culprit: celebrity chef Sebastian Brooks. But junior barrister Adam Green is about to discover that the case is not as open-and-shut as it first seemed. And although her angelic persona would suggest otherwise, she was not short of enemies in the glittery TV world . . . Can Adam uncover the truth?_____________________Praise for Rob Rinder:'Hugely enjoyable!' Steve Cavanagh'Ridiculously entertaining' Tom Hindle'I did not want it to end' Heidi Perks'Strong storytelling with a murder mystery at its heart makes it one to treasure' Daily Mail'A pacy and gripping read' The Sun'Intriguing pageturner. . . readable romp' The Times'An exciting start to what promises to be an excellent series, with an appealing central character' The Guardian'Such fantastic characters and such a fun read. I loved it' Phillipa Perry

The uplifting new feel-good romance and perfect holiday read for summer from the Sunday Times bestselling authorA beautiful Chelsea town house. A chance to fulfil her dreams. A life adventure awaits…''The queen of uplifting, feel good romance.'' AJ Pearce''Top-drawer romantic escapism.'' Daily Mail''Warm, brilliant and full of love.'' Heat''Warm, wise, witty and with a wonderful retro flavour, From London With Love is a trip to the city you won’t want to miss!'' Lancashire Telegraph__________It’s 1968 and it’s cold when Felicity arrives in London to stay with her mother, improve her English, do a secretarial course - and meet a suitable man.She is already missing her home in Provence and her father and his new wife and their extended family. But it’s only for a year she tells herself - and then she can go back to France and do what she really wants and become a painter.And then she bumps into Oliver who is quite the most interesting young man she has ever met. He lives on a barge for one thing and has a collection of jobs, but his passion is looking for hidden treasures along the shores of the river Thames.In a word, he’s a mudlarker - and before long Felicity is mudlarking too. She is also pursuing her dreams and painting scenery for Oliver’s actor friends.But is Oliver a Suitable Man of whom her mother will approve? Felicity knows she will not …Love, tangled relationships, and a real life adventure lie at the heart of Katie Fforde’s heart-warming new novel.__________Praise for Katie Fforde . . .''A force to be reckoned with for her uplifting tales of romance'' Daily Express''A charming feel good read''''Prepare to be swept away with this wonderful story!''''Another glorious winner from Katie Fforde!''''I couldn''t put this down.''''Compulsive reading, brilliant.''''Katie Fforde does it again! Another hit for me!''A gorgeous read''''A story full of warmth and love.''