The Alchemist S Illusion

The Anthony Award-winning fourth book in the Accidental Alchemist Mystery Series by USA Today bestselling author Gigi Pandian. A perilous painting leads Zoe Faust and Dorian Robert-Houdin on an alchemical adventure in Portland, Oregon, in search of Zoe's missing mentor—Nicolas Flamel. Centuries-old alchemist Zoe Faust is tired of running from her past. She’s finally got her life on track in Portland, Oregon, gardening and cooking in her fixer-upper house with her mischievous best friend, Dorian, the gargoyle chef. It seems like the perfect life for Zoe—until she discovers that Nicolas Flamel is missing. A mystery from 16th Century Prague may hold the key. Can Zoe find the art forger who holds the secret of what has become of her missing mentor? Includes recipes! Praise Winner of the Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original Shortlisted for the G.P. Putnam's Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award "The Alchemist’s Illusion is filled with beauty... Pandian paints a lovely picture of relationships throughout the book's mystery of greed and violence." —New York Journal of Books "Surprising plot twists, several cliffhangers, and vivid magical imagery will keep fans of paranormal cozies turning the pages." —Publishers Weekly "Sparkles most when it stays true to the wonder of its magical subject." —Foreword Reviews

Sam is bound to an unstable power that he doesn't understand. Having thwarted an attack on the Academy and learning the extent of the Nighlan infiltration, Sam knows that he must master true alchemy. It's an impossible power that he still can't believe he possesses, and it might be the key to staying at the Academy. When War comes to Tavran, Sam is helpless to stop it, though believes the almanac holds the answer-if he can understand it in time. A trained alchemist would know how to use the almanac, but none remain, leaving Sam as the only one with that power in the city. Mastering his power will take more than his quick mind and what he's learned during his time at the Academy, but it might not be enough to help those he cares about most.

In the manner of the eighteenth-century philosophe, Freud argued that religion and science were mortal enemies. Early in the century, he began to think about religion psychoanalytically and to discuss it in his writings. The Future of an Illusion (1927), Freud's best known and most emphatic psychoanalytic exploration of religion, is the culmination of a lifelong pattern of thinking.

"Filled with magic, intrigue, and humor, this series is sure to delight fans of cozy mysteries and urban fantasy."―Bookriot A chance for a new beginning in Portland, Oregon. A stowaway from Paris. Can alchemist Zoe Faust solve the mystery of an ancient book in time to save her new friend? Don't miss the first novel in the award-winning series from USA Today bestselling author Gigi Pandian! Unpacking her belongings in her new fixer-upper house, alchemist Zoe Faust can't help but notice she's picked up a stowaway. Dorian Robert-Houdin is a living, breathing gargoyle―not to mention a master of French cuisine―and he needs Zoe's expertise to unlock the secrets of a centuries-old text. Zoe, who's trying to put her old life behind her, isn't so sure she wants to reopen her alchemical past...until a crime committed on her front porch leaves her no choice. Includes recipes! Praise Winner of the Left Coast Crime Lefty Award. "Zoe and Dorian are my new favorite amateur-sleuth duo!" ―New York Times bestselling author Victoria Laurie "A whimsical and charming supernatural mystery."―Mystery Scene "Mysterious, captivating, and infused with the rich history of the Northwest...fantastic." ―Portland Book Review "This reviewer is eagerly anticipating more from this series, and a return of a cast more fun than an episode of Portlandia."―RT Book Reviews "Pandian...launches a supernatural cozy series that hits high marks for a modern twist on an ancient practice. Amusing supporting characters and historical details solidify this engaging mystery." ―Library Journal "[A] lighthearted supernatural mystery...Pandian sets this series apart from other fluffy paranormal mysteries with Zoe's cute nonhuman sidekick and some mouthwatering vegan recipes." ―Publishers Weekly "Readers won't want to put this book down." ―Vegetarian Journal "[A]n eccentric and charming cast of characters readers are going to want to spend more time with." ―RT Book Reviews Online "A magical, whimsical cozy that will delight readers who enjoy Juliet Blackwell and Heather Weber mysteries!"―Agatha Award-winning author Avery Aames (aka Daryl Wood Gerber) "Gigi Pandian's pen never disappoints." ―New York Times bestselling author Juliet Blackwell

"Freud examines human nature and the role of religion in society, proclaiming that human instincts are destructive to civilization and must be restrained to maintain an orderly society"--

"The Future of an Illusion" reveals Freud's reflections about religion as well as his hope that in the future science will go beyond religion, and reason will replace faith in God. The discussion with an imaginary critic revealed his internal debate, mirroring the debate about this subject in the outside world. However, it also enlightens his way of thinking: deconstructing and constructing at the same time. This volume considers Freudian ideas and their implications today, while focusing on the contradictions and gaps in Freud's proposals. The question of the coexistence between religion and psychoanalysis, as well as the place of ideals, belief, illusion, and imagination - and, no less important, the benevolent and destructive aspects of religion - also come into play.

Psychoanalysis and Theism starts with a critique of psychoanalysis and its application to religion which, surprisingly, ends up expressing enthusiastic support for some classical psychoanalytic ideas. Following this essay by Adolf Grünbaum, one of the world's leading philosophers of science, nine senior scholars offer their own critical reflections on Freud's work and its hidden motives, on the potential of psychoanalytic ideas for the study of religion, and on the interpretation of the Virgin Birth and other doctrines