The Trickster And The Paranormal

Paranormal and supernatural events have been reported for millennia. They have fostered history’s most important cultural transformations (e.g., via the miracles of Moses, Jesus, Mohammed). Paranormal phenomena are frequently portrayed in the world’s greatest art and literature, as well as in popular TV shows and movies. Most adults in the U.S. believe in them. Yet they have a marginal place in modern culture. No university departments are devoted to studying psychic phenomena. In fact, a panoply of scientists now aggressively denounces them. These facts present a deeply puzzling situation. But they become coherent after pondering the trickster figure, an archaic being found worldwide in mythology and folklore. The trickster governs paradox and the irrational, but his messages are concealed. This book draws upon theories of the trickster from anthropology, folklore, sociology, semiotics, and literary criticism. It examines psychic phenomena and UFOs and explains why they are so problematical for science.

I won. I, Loki, stole the magical ring right out from under Odin's and Thor's noses. Right before a little minx stole it from me. I outsmarted them all. I tricked my brother and father, and even my water-dragon son, sending them on a ridiculous chase while I slipped out the back door. I nearly got caught--twice--but in the end, I possessed the prize--the magical Andvaranaut, a god's ring that allows me to hide out on Earth as long as I wish. Then she came along. That little human thief took it right off me, in broad daylight, in the bustling markets of Nepal, without me feeling an Asgardian thing. I'm onto her now though, hot on her trail and closing in. I'll get that deliciously devilish girl if it's the last thing I do. Even if that means punishing her in ways both of us might enjoy. Perhaps especially if it means that, now that I've gotten a good look at the little minx. The more I learn about this Lia Winchester, professional thief, proficient liar, brilliant escape artist, and unbelievably sexy mortal, the more I find myself wanting to draw out this chase, to savor it... perhaps to even partner with her on a heist of our own. It's been a long time since anyone's managed to surprise me. I think it's only right that I return the favor. * LOKI is book #2 in Gods on Earth, a fun paranormal romance and urban fantasy series, ideal for people who want a light romp to Asgard, mischievous gods falling for unwitting humans and battling over magical objects, not to mention dragons, magical wolves, grumpy witches, and a dose of wicked trickster games.

Manifestations of the Trickster persona such as cryptids, elementals, werewolves, demons, vampires and dancing devils have permeated human experience since before the dawn of civilization. But today, very little is publicly known about The Tricksters. Who are they? What is their agenda? Known by many names including fools, sages, Loki, men-in-black, skinwalkers, shapeshifters, jokers, jinn, sorcerers, and witches, Tricksters provide us with a direct conduit to the unknown in the 21st century. Can these denizens of phenomenal events be attempting to communicate a warning to humanity in this uncertain age of prophesied change? Take a journey around the world stalking the tricksters! Since 1992 Christopher O’Brien has investigated the mysterious San Luis Valley (in CO/NM)-possibly America’s most anomalous region. Among the many high-strange events he has investigated there and elsewhere are dozens of reports of unusual “trickster” characters including: Bigfoot, devils, crypto-creatures, and witches. He also has experience with other fantastic trickster-like phenomena worldwide. O’Brien’s Mysterious Valley book series and numerous TV and radio appearances have been appreciated by millions. Join him on this intriguing quest to identify the tricksters impacting the world in the modern age.

“I don’t care if you are a man, let me court you.” Rock’s whole life is shaken when a werewolf shows up at her shop in the middle of the night...asking for more than just clothes! This is a paranormal romantic comedy about a young count (who’s actually a werewolf) passionately wooing a tailor living in the slums (who’s actually a woman disguising herself as a man to survive)! Can two people who live double lives find love and acceptance with each other?

This thought-provoking study of paranormal phenomena traces the impact of supernatural beliefs on popular culture and, conversely, examines the influence of new communication technologies on research being conducted in the field. Did you know that interest in UFO research increased during the 1960s as a result of the Kennedy assassination? Or that America experienced a Satanic Panic in the 1980s that culminated with the longest, most expensive court trial in American history? This book reviews the history, economy, and community of paranormal research in this country, and considers the deeper meaning behind the philosophies and theories surrounding the industry. Paranormal Nation: Why America Needs Ghosts, UFOs, and Bigfoot explores the events that have defined paranormal belief systems today. From the birth of religious doctrine, to European witch hunts, to the increasing popularity of the supernatural in American television programming, the author examines the past and present conditions that have fueled interest in the unexplained and considers what this trend means for modern-day America.

National bestselling author of Roadkill Bar owner Triva Iktomi knows that inhuman creatures of light and darkness roam Las Vegas-especially since she's a bit more than human herself. She's just been approached with an unusual proposition. Something has slaughtered almost one thousand demons in six months. And the killing isn't going to stop unless Trixa and her friends step into the fight... Watch a Video

View our feature on Rob Thurman’s Trick of the Light.When Trixa learns of a powerful artifact known as the Light of Life, she knows she’s hit the jackpot. Both sides—angel and demon—would give anything for it. But first she has to find it. And as Heaven and Hell ready for an apocalyptic throwdown, Trixa must decide where her true loyalty lies, and what she’s ready to fight for. Because in her world, if you line up on the wrong side, you pay with more than your life…

In the year 2098 America isn't so different from the USA of today. But, in a post-9/11 security-obssessed world, "secured" doesn't just refer to borders between countries, it also refer to borders between states. Teenagers still think they know everything, but there is no cure for cancer, as Kelsa knows first-hand from watching her father die. The night Kelsa buries her father, a boy appears. He claims magic is responsible for the health of Earth, but human damage disrupts its flow. The planet is dying. Kelsa has the power to reverse the damage, but first she must accept that magic exists and see beyond her own pain in order to heal the planet.