Spændingslitteratur

John Ruskin¿s essay Unto This Last quickly made him a household name in Victorian England, and marked a shift in his work away from art criticism and towards social issues. The title comes from Jesus¿ parable of the workers in the vineyard, wherein a landowner agrees to pay all his workers the same amount, regardless of how much work they actually did. Though the parable is an allegory about religious conversions, Ruskin analyzed it from a literal, economic point of view.Ruskin strongly criticizes the 19th century economic orthodoxy, in particular the works of David Ricardo and John Stuart Mill. He argues that their view of economics is flawed due to an implicit assumption that wealth can only be measured in money and material goods. Any policy or set of ethics that accepts this definition of wealth therefore neglects any non-measurable kind of value. The pursuit of this kind of wealth leads people to accept (or more often ignore) human suffering as a necessary part of the economy.Unto This Last remains a highly influential and often-criticized book. It was an inspiration to many prominent people, including Mahatma Gandhi, who published his own paraphrased Gujarati translation in 1908.

"The Pied Piper of Hamelin and Other Poems" is a collection of enchanting and timeless poems written by Robert Browning. The book includes the famous narrative poem "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," along with several other captivating works that showcase Browning's literary genius.The collection opens with "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," a narrative poem that tells the tale of a small town in Germany plagued by a rat infestation. When the townspeople refuse to pay the piper for his services, he exacts a terrible revenge by luring all the children away with his magical pipe. This classic poem is beloved for its engaging storytelling, vivid imagery, and thought-provoking themes.Among the other poems in the collection, readers will find "Home-Thoughts, from Abroad," a beautiful tribute to nature and the longing for home, and "The Lost Leader," a stirring political poem that reflects Browning's views on leadership and betrayal. "Meeting at Night" and "Parting at Morning" are a pair of romantic poems that capture the emotions of love and longing.Another gem in the collection is "My Last Duchess," a dramatic monologue in which a duke reveals his dark and possessive nature while discussing a portrait of his deceased wife. The poem delves into themes of power, jealousy, and control, and remains one of Browning's most celebrated works.Browning's poems are characterized by their rich language, complex narrative structures, and exploration of human psychology and emotions. His mastery of dramatic monologues, in particular, allows readers to step into the minds of various characters and gain insight into their motivations and struggles."The Pied Piper of Hamelin and Other Poems" is a treasure trove of literary gems that showcases Browning's versatility and poetic brilliance. Each poem offers a unique perspective on life, love, and human nature, making the collection a delightful and thought-provoking read for readers of all ages.

The gripping new Bear & Mandy Logan thriller from Wall Street Journal bestselling author L.T. Ryan and K.M. RoughtWhen the bus Bear & Mandy Logan are traveling in breaks down, they find refuge with a mysterious traveler in a small Illinois town. A place to stay for a few days while waiting for a ride out.Amid the peaceful surroundings lies a dark secret. One which has left members of the community shaken, unable to go about their daily lives without fear of retribution.Bear wants to remain uninvolved. But when Mandy witnesses a murder, the duo has a target firmly planted on their back, and a decision must be made. Cut and run? Or stay in place and help the community?Both choices have possible long-term effects for all involved, especially him and Mandy. And when the situation grows dire, Bear does the one thing he knows best...

" In "Dooryard Stories" by Clara Dillingham Pierson, enter a charming world where nature comes alive through a collection of delightful tales. This enchanting book invites readers to explore the wonders of the dooryard, the area near the house, where small creatures and fascinating plants capture the imagination.Through a series of captivating stories, Clara Dillingham Pierson introduces readers to the fascinating lives of animals, insects, and plants found in the dooryard. From curious rabbits to industrious ants and beautiful flowers, each story offers valuable lessons about resilience, friendship, and the interconnectedness of all living things.Pierson's storytelling paints vivid pictures of the dooryard, creating a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Through her narratives, readers are encouraged to observe and appreciate the beauty and intricacies of the creatures and plants that surround us every day.Join Clara Dillingham Pierson on a journey through the dooryard, where you'll encounter heartwarming tales, delightful characters, and a deeper understanding of the wonders of nature."

The years is 2032 and the change has evolved. Over half of the world population has died and the changes to every life left on earth will go through changes because of decisions that were made behind the public. Because of those life defining changes, people are having to alter their lives. Thirty years later, in 2062, a man called Phyllias is forced to relive the past thirty years and make decisions that could again, change the way the country evolves. Will he be able to become the man he once was? Will he have the stomach to take on the Federalist, the State and the Futurist? The year has come for Phyllias as he turns 100 years old. He will discover that he has become of interest to a group that is seeking him out.

The Army doesn't want them, they're too much trouble!MI6 does, they're the best at what they do, and they need the best.MI6 have a problem.A missing agent, kidnapped and taken to hostile territory for interrogation.Only one option is open, and that's a high-risk rescue operation over two hundred miles into hostile territory with no support.A 'do or die mission' where the stakes are high and failure isn't an option.'Great book. Fun from beginning to end. Humorous at times, action all over the place, the troop are just what you expect and the bosses even more so,' (one reviewer said)Sting of the Scorpion is the first book in the high-octane 'Scorpion One' series By Lawrence HebbStrap in and join the team today for an adventure that will have you wanting more.

Crabquake! is a wild ride of a new adventure novel by SJ Stone. When a powerful earthquake strikes Baltimore, followed by a devastating flood in the historic neighborhood of Fells Point, the lives of its residents are thrown into disarray. Haze and Jesse, our panicked protagonists, find themselves caught in the midst of crabby chaos as they strive to save their beloved community and themselves from impending disaster.Haze, a guy caught in the wrong time and place and doing the wrong thing, meets up with Jesse, a girl whose life has literally just been shaken apart. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to escape the destruction caused by the earthquake and a more dangerous threat beyond anything they'd ever imagined - giant crabs crawling out of Baltimore's polluted Inner Harbor.Crabquake! is an absolutely silly but thrilling tale of survival, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of Baltimore. Prepare to be captivated by this natural disaster of a novel as it immerses you in a world of chaos and courage, and you find out that a little Old Bay, as most Baltimoreans would say, will do the trick just fine.

"[The Water Margin] is a great pageant of China. I think it is one of the most magnificent pageants ever made of any people." --Pearl S. Buck The Water Margin is an epic tale set in 12th century Imperial China, and is one of the earliest and greatest masterpieces of Chinese fiction. Weaving together historical details and memorable characters, it tells the exciting story of a rebellion against tyranny set amidst the turmoil of a crumbling empire. In this action-packed story, a desperate band of outlaws are drawn together by fate and a shared desire for justice. They are pursued to remote marshes near Liangshan Mountain by corrupt officials, where their popularity among the local populace only grows. Through intricate schemes, epic battles, narrow escapes and unexpected treachery, the heroes vow to fight to the death for freedom and for their loyalty and love for one another. The book's intriguing cast of characters, all revered folk heroes in China today, includes: Song Jiang: The charismatic leader of the rebellion, who assembles the band of outcasts and leads them into battle against overwhelming oddsSun Erniang: A determined female warrior whose courage inspires her male comradesWu Song: Fierce and audacious, with a reputation matched only by his love of wine and womenPan Jinliang: A beautiful and mysterious temptress known as one of the most notorious villains in Chinese literatureFamous for its bawdy language, this new edition restores passages omitted in all other English versions because they were thought to be too racy. A detailed introduction by Edwin Lowe explains how the book's core message of courage and loyalty has captured the imagination of Chinese readers and continues to resonate with them today.

"In 1857 a young midwife braves the perilous journey west from New York City to Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory in this captivating epic from Sara Donati, the international bestselling author of Where the Light Enters. Carrie Ballentyne's life was upended in 1845 when she had to leave the only home she'd ever known in the mountains of upstate New York. With her are her widowed mother and younger brother Nathan, but the separation from Bonner, Ballentyne, and Savard relatives weighs heavily. In time Carrie finds footing as a midwife and nurse, but she never feels at ease in the city. So when, a decade later, she receives an invitation from a doctor in Santa Fe to join him at his practice, she readily accepts. The trip across the country is long and often dangerous, but she travels the last leg on horseback with men who have been hired to see her safely through the Native nations fighting the westward flood of colonizers. On that journey she makes friends who will be with her for all her life: Eva, a young widow; and Eli, an experienced surveyor. Once Carrie is established in Santa Fe, it becomes clear that her employer is not everything she was led to believe, and she is forced to face far more challenges and responsibilities than she anticipated. But she dedicates herself to the work and the women, providing health care, delivering babies, and earning the trust of her patients. In the course of that first summer in New Mexico, determined to make a life for herself in a new kind of wilderness far beyond her imagination, Carrie finds friendship, support, and even love where she least expected"--

Two master spies, orphans, trained from childhood, one German and one English, lovers and enemies, play a private game that will rearrange Europe and then the world. Told in a series of short stories illuminating their lives, from their training to their deaths.

April 21, 1923. The SS Metagama is inching out of Stornoway harbor, Scotland. On board are Finlay and Mairead, young and hopeful, destined for Detroit.On the other side of the Atlantic, the effects of the Great Depression are inescapable. Prejudice and division are rife, and though they remain bound by a shared past, their lives soon diverge.In an adopted country that is tense with both opportunity and loss, can Mairead and Finlay keep their promises to one another to look only forward, and resist the constant pull of home?From the author of the prize-winning As the Women Lay Dreaming comes a poignant and deeply evocative novel of the 20th-century emigrant experience in the New World. With lyrical prose and masterful storytelling, Murray paints a vivid portrait of the resilient Hebrideans-in-exile who struggled between holding on and letting go.

In this, the eighth year of the Best of British Science Fiction anthology series, editor Donna Scott has outdone herself, scouring magazines, anthologies, webzines and obscure genre corners to discover the very best science fiction stories by British and British-based authors published during 2022. Two dozen stories, varying greatly in subject matter and style.Donna Scott is a director and former chair of the BSFA, as well as being a distinguished poet, writer, and stand-up comedian. Donna is also a free-lance editor who has worked behind the scenes for a number of major publishers over the course of several years.Contents:Introduction by Donna ScottA Moment of Zugzwang - Neil WilliamsonA Quickening Tide - Andrew Wilson and A J McIntoshIn the Weave - David WhitmarshThe Marshalls of Mars - Tim MajorThe Amelioration of Existence in Spite of Truth and Reconciliation - EM FauldsLast Bite at the Klondike - Liam HoganFor I Shall Consider My Cat J/FRY - Alice DrydenThe FenZone - Ian WhatesTranslation - Philip IrvingLong Live the Strawberries of Finsbury Park - Stephen OramEternal Soldier - L.N. HunterI Know What You Are - Matt ThompsonGortcullinane Man - Val NolanThe Spreads of Space and Endless Devastation - Stewart BakerCall of the Void - J.K. FultonRetirement Options for (Too) Successful Space Entrepreneurs - Brent BaldwinThe Memory Spider - Fiona MooreSunrunner - Robert BagnallAssets - Keith Brooke and Eric BrownThe Flamingo Maximizer - Dafydd McKimmWheel of Fortune - Ida KeoghThose We Leave Behind - Vaughan StangerJunk Hounds - Lavie TidharAbout the Authors

LONGLISTED FOR THE DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD 2024SHORLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD VIKING AWARD FOR FICTION 2024‘Perfect for the poolside or sitting outside a café with a pastis and olives’ The TimesPart swashbuckling adventure on the high seas and part modern-day love story set in the heart of Paris, An Astronomer in Love is an enchanting tale of destiny and the power of love from bestselling author Antoine Laurain.In 1760, Guillaume le Gentil, real-life astronomer to King Louis XV, sets out for the oceans of India to document the transit of Venus. The weather is turbulent, the seas are rough and his quest may be more complicated than initially thought. 250 years later, estate agent Xavier Lemercier chances upon Guillaume’s telescope in a property he's sold. As he looks out across the rooftops of Paris, he discovers an intriguing woman with a zebra in her apartment. Then the woman walks through the doors of his office, and his life changes forever . . .

Gotrek Gurnisson, the legendary Slayer, picks up a new accomplice – and faces a truly grotesque challenge in the disease-ridden spawn of the Plague God himself.

In this extraordinary third and final work in the Second DemonWars Saga, R. A. Salvatore weaves a diverse tapestry of characters and events from all the novels of the DemonWars Saga into an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Casting his inimitable spell of the human and supernatural, love and war, faith and faithlessness, Salvatore’s crowning work is centered on a dark young king, driven by a quest to remake humankind.

In book two of the DemonWars Saga, Elbryan and Pony—soul mates from childhood who grew even closer over time—fervently hope that the tide of darkness is at last receding from the land of Corona. Yet if evil is on the retreat, why are hordes of goblins and bloody-capped powries slashing their way ever-deeper into civilized lands

In book three of the DemonWars Saga, with the demon dactyl and its foul minions defeated, the war-weary citizens of the kingdom of Honce-the-Bear wish only to begin rebuilding their broken lives. Yet the specter of civil war haunts the ravaged land —and a specter more fearsome still.

In The Demon Awakens, #1 New York Times best-selling author R. A. Salvatore creates an astonishing new world for listeners to explore - and an intrepid hero to lead the way: Elbryan Wynden, who must confront the dark tides of destiny in his epic search for justice and peace.

"When Mark Hawkins is found dead in a seedy motel, police deem it an accidental overdose. But billionaire computer genius Avery Turner suspects there might be more to the story. Her old friend was on the trail of the legendary General's Gold, and now Avery is determined to pick up where he left off... Teaming up with Carter Mosley, a deep-sea shipwreck diver and adrenaline junkie turned social media sensation, Avery embarks on a dangerous quest for the treasure--and the truth. From Florida to Maine, and from the mountains of Virginia to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, they face treacherous gangs, man-eating sharks, and a world of deception and double-crosses. As they navigate hidden clues and uncertain allies, Avery and Carter must outwit their deadly adversaries and unravel the mystery surrounding the General's Gold. But in this high-stakes game, losing the treasure could cost them their lives."--

A plucky, sardonic con artist must “prophesize” her way out of peril—discovering along the way that power and politics are nothing more than stories sold as truth.Kalyna’s family has the Gift: the ability to see the future. For generations, they traveled the four kingdoms of the Tetrarchia selling their services as soothsayers. Every child of their family is born with this Gift—everyone except Kalyna.So far, Kalyna has used informants and trickery to falsify prophecies for coin, scrounging together a living for her deteriorating father and cruel grandmother. But Kalyna’s reputation for prophecy precedes her, and poverty turns to danger when she is pressed into service by the spymaster to Rotfelsen.Kalyna is to use her “Gift” to uncover threats against Rotfelsen’s king, her family held hostage to ensure her good behavior. But politics are devious; the king’s enemies abound, and Kalyna’s skills for investigation and deception are tested to the limit. Worse, the conspiracy she uncovers points to a larger threat, not only to Rotfelsen but to the Tetrarchia itself. Kalyna is determined to protect her family and newfound friends, but as she is drawn deeper into palace intrigue, she can no longer tell if her manipulations are helping prevent the Tetrarchia’s destruction—or if her lies will bring about its prophesized downfall.

Set during the Golden Age of Pirates and the shadowy aftermath of the Salem witch trials, this vivid literary debut is inspired by the captivating true story of real-life pirate Samuel Bellamy, combining high seas adventure, star-crossed longing, surprisingly timely questions about social justice and freedom, and the emotionally satisfying tale of one strong-willed young woman determined to choose her own path."If the Tide Turns weaves together two fascinating worlds in a page-turning story of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It transports the reader to the time of witch trials and piracy, shrugging off popular caricatures and exploring real-life people—the hardships they faced and the hope that sustained them. A stirring and luminous read!" —Amanda Skenandore, author of The Nurse's Secret1715, Eastham, Massachusetts: As the daughter of a wealthy family, Maria Brown has a secure future mapped out for her, yet it is not the future she wants. Young, headstrong, and restless, Maria has no desire to marry the aging, mean-spirited John Hallett, regardless of his fortune and her parents’ wishes. As for what Maria does want—only one person has ever even asked her that question.Samuel Bellamy, an orphaned sailor searching for work, meets Maria by chance, enthralling her with talk of far-flung places and blasphemous ideals. But neither is free from the social order into which they were born. When Sam is banished from Maria’s parents’ home after asking for her hand, he vows to return a wealthy man, and Maria promises to keep the faith until then.Sam is drawn into piracy and discovers a brotherhood more equal and fulfilling than any on land, despite its dangers. Beguiled by the chance to both fight for justice and make a fortune to bring home to Maria, Sam is torn between duty to his crew and his desire to return. Separated by more than just the ocean, time slips by as Sam and Maria cling to their love for each other. Maria is determined to stay strong in her conviction in Sam, but as rumors swirl and her position in Eastham turns perilous, Maria is forced into an impossible decision.Now, on a journey no less treacherous and eventful than Sam’s, Maria draws on every shred of her courage and resilience not merely to survive, but to honor her own yearning for freedom . . .