The Hunter S Gambit

After a thousand years one man's fell magic has returned the Demonic Presence to the land. A young farmer, Aleksei, chosen by a magical Wood, and a prince, Jonas, gifted in the magical meridians of the Archanium, must find a way to defeat the Presence to save themselves and all they love. But what happens when the monsters and figures of prophecy become horrifyingly real? How will Aleksei cope? When the stakes are at their highest, will Jonas falter? Or will both rise to the occasion, reforging themselves into the saviors Prophecy demands they become? In a world of magic and Magi, of Angels and Demons alike, how will they survive their own contorted destiny? This is the story of a seemingly-simple world gone mad, and the reality that every action, no matter how apparently benign, can serve to unravel terrifying truths. This is the story of Aleksei Drago, farmer and Hunter, and Jonas Belgi, prince and Archanium Mage.

From the award nominated author of Bluebird comes a riveting, spicy fantasy, featuring malevolent vampires and a locked-room escape adventure, perfect for fans of Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff. The city of Mavazem is plagued by aristocratic vampires who terrorise the human citizens. But Kazan Korvic refuses to cower. As an expert blacksmith with a sharp grifter’s eye, her specialty lies in crafting, and using, weapons designed to kill the vicious creatures. But, turns out, sword skills aren’t quite enough when a whole group of vampires attack her and steal her magical weapon. Kazan is captured and forced to attend the Vampire Court where she is forced to act as their ‘Queen’. For three days she will waited and doted upon, until the lavish party where her reign will end in extravagant feast… and Kazan as the main course! Kazan plans to find her sword and get out, except with no allies in the castle, Kazan can feel the walls closing in. But she soon realises that she is not just trapped with these bloodthirsty bastards, they’re trapped with her too. And they’re not prepared for just how far she’s willing to go to survive.

Kuzunoha is running out of options. In just a month she'll be an adult but as the illegitimate younger daughter of a rich noble she can only see two possible futures. Both leave her a pawn in her elder sister's game as family matriarch, a future as unacceptable to Kuzunoha as it is unavoidable. That changes when Kuzunoha saves the life of a stranger. In return for her help, the stranger offers her a way to have a future that doesn't tie her to her family. He's heard of a forgotten treasure nearby and needs a guide to help him search for it. Her family and friends don't trust this dangerous man's offer, but Kuzunoha accepts, knowing that she can't live the life her sister wants for her anymore. Will she succeed in proving she can have a life outside of her sister's shadow? Or will it all fall to pieces around her?

Develop your own path of wisdom with a simple deck of cards. Turn a standard deck of playing cards into a colorful divinatory system filled with inspiration, adventure, insight, and advice. In Playing Card Divination, each card from ace through king represents a mythic role (Hunter, Lover, Healer, etc.) and each of the four suits gives an action for that role (Promise, Gambit, Folly, Triumph). This brings a unique meaning to every combination—for example, the three of hearts becomes "Healer's Triumph," representing gratitude, recognition, and teamwork. For each card, author Stephen Ball provides a brief imaginative story that helps you understand and remember the meaning. You will also discover examples of readings with one card, two cards, and five cards as well tips for interpreting unexpected combinations. This approach to reading playing cards is fresh and updated for today's reader. Whether you want to read for yourself and your friends or for clients, this book shows how to discover new perspectives that support positive transformation.

That was just a battle? Now get ready for the war! X-O Manowar has played the ultimate gambit, and finally leveled the playing field against the villainous Armor Hunters. But the galaxy?s deadliest killers haven?t come this far just to surrender! Their final charge is now upon us?and it will take the combined powers of X-O Manowar, Unity, Bloodshot and the rest of the Earth?s most formidable heroes to save our world from a full-scale cosmic reckoning. The summer?s biggest crossover event is going out with a BIG bang ? and, when the smoke clears, everything you thought you knew about the Valiant U will be forever changed!

Discusses Lincoln's presidency from the perspective of the second year of the Civil War, examining the actions of Lincoln and other military and political leaders as well as the hardships faced by ordinary citizens and public opposition to the war.

Sulu, Scotty, and Chekov are confronted with the horrors of war when they are sent back in time to periods of great turmoil in their homelands.