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The Songbirds of Pain
by Garry KilworthGarry Kilworth's first collection shows him to be one of the most original and enjoyable writers in the field. The thirteen stories in The Songbirds of Pain mix science fiction and fantasy, with a dash of unclassifiable strangeness. Kilworth is particularly adept at evoking colourful and exotic locales in distant parts of the world, as in 'The Dissemblers', a story set in the Arabian deserts, about a man resorting to bizarre self-torture in his attempts to see beyond the veil of death. 'Blind Windows' is an adventure set in the Far East, reminiscent of an updated Rider Haggard: a group of Westerners searching for some fabled crystals find their way into a hidden underground world. 'Scarlet Fever' is about an artist in a sterile future society who gives himself the disease in an attempt to stimulate creativity. And the titled story tells of a woman who undergoes a strange and painful series of treatments in order to achieve perfect beauty.
Songmaster
by Orson Scott CardKidnapped at an early age, the young singer Ansset has been raised in isolation at the mystical retreat called the Songhouse.
Songs for the End of the World: A Novel
by Saleema Nawaz"In these dark days, Saleema Nawaz dares to write of hope. Songs for the End of the World is a loving, vivid, tenderly felt novel about men, women, and a possible apocalypse. I couldn't put it down." -- Sean Michaels, author of Us Conductors and The WagersFrom the award-winning, Canada Reads-shortlisted author of Bone and Bread comes a spellbinding and immersive novel about the power of community and the triumph of human connection, as the bonds of love, family, and duty are tested by an impending pandemic.How quickly he'd forgotten a fundamental truth: the closer you got to the heart of a calamity, the more resilience there was to be found. This is the story of a handful of people who find themselves living through an unfolding catastrophe. Elliot is a first responder in New York, a man running from past failures and struggling to do the right thing. Emma is a pregnant singer preparing to headline a benefit concert for victims of the outbreak--all while questioning what kind of world her child is coming into. Owen is the author of a bestselling plague novel with eerie similarities to the real-life pandemic. As fact and fiction begin to blur, he must decide whether his lifelong instinct for self-preservation has been worth the cost. As the novel moves back and forth in time, we discover these characters' ties to one another and to those whose lives intersect with theirs, in an extraordinary web of connection and community that reveals none of us is ever truly alone. Linking them all is the mystery of the so-called ARAMIS Girl, a woman at the first infection site whose unknown identity and whereabouts cause a furor. Written and revised between 2013 and 2019, and brilliantly told by an unforgettable chorus of voices, Saleema Nawaz's glittering novel is a moving and hopeful meditation on what we owe to ourselves and to each other. It reminds us that disaster can bring out the best in people--and that coming together may be what saves us in the end.
Songs from the Deep
by Kelly PowellA girl searches for a killer on an island where deadly sirens lurk just beneath the waves in this gripping, atmospheric debut novel. <P><P> The sea holds many secrets. Moira Alexander has always been fascinated by the deadly sirens who lurk along the shores of her island town. Even though their haunting songs can lure anyone to a swift and watery grave, she gets as close to them as she can, playing her violin on the edge of the enchanted sea. When a young boy is found dead on the beach, the islanders assume that he's one of the sirens’ victims. Moira isn’t so sure. Certain that someone has framed the boy&’s death as a siren attack, Moira convinces her childhood friend, the lighthouse keeper Jude Osric, to help her find the real killer, rekindling their friendship in the process. <P><P> With townspeople itching to hunt the sirens down, and their own secrets threatening to unravel their fragile new alliance, Moira and Jude must race against time to stop the killer before it&’s too late—for humans and sirens alike.
Songs from the Stars
by Norman SpinradHe was Clear Blue Lou, perfect master of the Clear Blue Way, at one with the law of muscle, sun, wind and water governing Aquaria. She was Sunshine Sue, always in a hurry in a world that was too slow, Queen of Word of Mouth. Their meeting had been arranged - but by whom? and why? Beyond the beginning of where the world ended, beyond the highest peaks of its primeval majesty, lay a radio active hell and the lairs of the black sorcerers, the Spacers. The black scientists had not forgotten man's old dream of touching the stars: they wanted the Age of Space reborn. But they needed a little help.
Songs from the Stars
by Norman SpinradHe was Clear Blue Lou, perfect master of the Clear Blue Way, at one with the law of muscle, sun, wind and water governing Aquaria. She was Sunshine Sue, always in a hurry in a world that was too slow, Queen of Word of Mouth. Their meeting had been arranged - but by whom? and why? Beyond the beginning of where the world ended, beyond the highest peaks of its primeval majesty, lay a radio active hell and the lairs of the black sorcerers, the Spacers. The black scientists had not forgotten man's old dream of touching the stars: they wanted the Age of Space reborn. But they needed a little help.
Songs From the Stars
by Norman SpinradCenturies after the big smash, the successor civilization of Aquaria more or less flourishes on the west coast of what was once the United States, a society built on White Science, following the "law of muscle, sun, wind and water." Only the sorcerers of Space Systems, Inc., dare traffic in the "Black Sciences" of atomic, petroleum and physics which destroyed the old golden age of space, for they alone know of the higher destiny that awaits man in the abandoned Big Ear space station. For centuries, they have secretly infiltrated Aquarius through the gray town of La Mirage while crafting a spaceship capable of reaching the Big Ear and turning man's ears once more to the mysterious Songs from the Stars. Now, through the Aquarians Clear Blue Lou, perfect master of the Clear Blue Way, and Sunshine Sue, queen of the Word of Mouth communication network, they scheme to bring their ultimate scenario to fruition. Sex, love, emotion, karma, destiny, perhaps even The Way itself, all become elements in the scenario of Arnold Harker, Black Scientist, sorcerer, project manager of Operation Enterprise. But when Clear Blue Lou, Sunshine Sue and Arnold Harker finally confront the interstellar brotherhood of sentient beings, they find, each in his way, that The Galactic Way utterly transcends their hopes, wildest dreams and darkest fears. In this novel of science, mysticism and their ultimate synergistic fusion, Norman Spinrad once again demonstrates his power to create a vivid future that encompasses our dreams of space. "Songs from the Stars" is good old-fashioned science fiction set free from its old-fashioned puritan taboos... "Clear Blue Lou is a judge of the tribes in post-atomic Aquaria, an isolated national fragment in a broken world. Apparently there is no authority in Aquaria, not even a father figure, except for the circuit-riding judiciary which hears cases and speaks justice by inspiration.... We find ourselves following Lou on a traditional Quest for the secret of the Dark Power, led of course by his soul-guide anima.... Clear Blue Lou and Sunshine Sue are destined for each other...bound together by the dark power, as a god hero and his consort would be...." Walter M. Miller, Jr., author of A Canticle for Leibowitz "The blue of Clear Blue Lou and the yellow of Sunshine Sue mix to make the greening of Earth and the rest of the cosmos.... Remarkable...beautiful.... This is one of the uplifting works I've read...not a false word uttered." Philip Jose Farmer, author of the Riverworld series "Norman Spinrad is in top form for this one. A fine book, brilliantly written. I enjoyed every page of it." Roger Zelazny, author of the Amber series "Dense and meaty, multi-layered...as if Norman considers it a sin, as I do, to bore the reader or waste his time.... Spinrad leads the reader gently toward wider and more awesome vistas, expanding his mind as he goes." Larry Niven, co-author of The Mote in God's Eye and Lucifer's Hammer "This is perhaps Spinrad's finest novel-deft, powerful, with ideas that ricochet through the story. A fascinating vision of a very different future, with hope and ambition of its own, unhobbled by the past." Gregory Benford, author of In the Ocean of Night "Spinrad's excitingly unique imagination is at its best. He thinks with great daring and there is an unusual quality of poetry in his visions." Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek
Songs of a Warrior Priest
by Teel James GlennWelcome to the world of Altiva where young Lord Erique Shoutte has become a divinity student at the Academy Kova. Here the young man embarks on a lifelong adventure to serve his people, forming strong friendships and fighting terrible odds to bring justice to his flock. The tales follow Erique as he progresses from callow youth to mature man on quests for love, knowledge and martial perfection. With him on that journey is the pint-sized spitfire-swordswoman Dame Arinna Cabal, the bawdy herbalist Sister Ada and Myrran his ladylove. Along the way he fights crystal killers who murder with a song, a Vampyr family curse that leaves the victims drained of blood, mad dictators, a masked mystery man, demons and damsels that are more deadly than in distress. These tales range from the heroic, to the mysterious to swashbuckling adventure. In the classic tradition of Conan, Zorro and Captain Blood!
The Songs of Distant Earth: A Novel (Voyager Classics Ser.)
by Arthur C. ClarkeEarth refugees threaten a peaceful space settlement in this influential novel from the Golden Age science fiction author of 2001: A Space Odyssey. More than two thousand years in the future, a small human colony thrives on the ocean paradise of Thalassa—sent there centuries ago to continue the human race before Earth&’s destruction. Thalassa&’s resources are vast—and the human colony has lived a bucolic life there. But their existence is threatened when the spaceship Magellan arrives on their world—carrying one million refugees from Earth, fleeing the dying planet. Reputed to be Arthur C. Clarke&’s favorite novel, The Songs of Distant Earth addresses several fascinating scientific questions unresolved in their time—including the question of why so few neutrinos from the sun have been measured on Earth. In addition, Clarke presents an inventive depiction of the use of vacuum energy to power spacecraft—and the technical logistics of space travel near the speed of light. &“Clarke&’s simple, musical style never falters in this sobering yet far from bleak commentary on humanity&’s longing for the stars. Highly recommended.&” —Library Journal
Songs of Earth and Power: The Complete Series (Songs of Earth and Power #2)
by Greg BearMusic, myth, and magic mix—in this two-volume fantasy masterpiece by a New York Times–bestselling author that is a &“joy to read&” (Publishers Weekly). Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Greg Bear explores the power of music to open a portal between worlds in this pair of brilliantly imagined fantasy novels. The Infinity Concerto: Following the instructions of a virtuoso composer—whose controversial Concerto Opus 45 is actually a song of power—young poet Michael Perrin passes through a gateway between Earth and the Realm of the Sidhedark, where faeries reign by rule of magic, and Michael&’s epic journey begins . . . The Serpent Mage: After five years trapped in the Realm of the Sidhedark, Michael has returned home to Los Angeles. But the song of power has weakened the veil between the human and fairie worlds, and the Sidhe have followed him to the other side . . .
Songs of Enchantment: A Novel (The Famished Road Trilogy #2)
by Ben OkriSet in an African village, this follow-up to the Man Booker Prize–winning novel is &“sometimes whimsical, sometimes bawdy . . . Fraught with wild visions&” (The Times). &“All is not well in the African village where Azaro lives. The child narrator of poet and novelist Okri&’s The Famished Road, who had outwitted death in the previous book, again relates the oppressive events that continue to plague his village and his family. While political factionalization shatters the community's cohesiveness, the prodigious bar owner Madame Koto, chief exponent of the &‘Party of the Rich,&’ alternately exudes portentous metaphysical malaise and miraculous erotic force. Little Azaro, himself touched and distracted by a series of animuses, follows the heels of &‘dad,&’ who is a resounding vessel, by turns, of cantankerous egotism and abased self-sacrifice. This Nigerian epic reveals a violent provincial world, opaque with magical spirits which place horrendous ethical demands on fragile and fickle humanity, as if to test each individual for a thread of virtuous constancy at the core. Events drench the essentially linear narrative with all the ruthless sensuousness of a tropical storm, and Okri&’s prose is lucid and deft.&” —Publishers Weekly &“Okri conjures up the fabulous with the same ease as he affectingly details the ways of the human spirit in a lovingly evoked African setting teeming with life—both real and mythic . . . Stunning.&” —Kirkus Reviews &“Once again we&’re bedazzled and bedeviled by Okri&’s phantasmagoric prose and the strange and wondrous sensibility of Azaro, a spirit-child living in a poor African village.&” —Booklist &“Both a love story and an account of the political turmoil between the parties of Rich and Poor.&” —The Independent &“Passages of extraordinary beauty . . . Okri paints a convincing surrealist picture.&” —The Sunday Times
The Songs of Jesse Adams
by Peter MckinnonSet in the rurmoil of social change and political unrest of Australia during the 1960s, The Songs of Jesse Adams traces the meteoric rise of a boy from the bush - a farmer's son who breaks away to follow his heart, his dreams and his love of music. But, as Jesse travels with his band and the crowds gather, it becomes clear that something else is afoot. This rock singer captivates and transforms the host of fans who hear his songs and encounter his truth.Lives are changed in unexpected ways and the enigmatic Jesse becomes a symbol of hope and freedom for those on society's edge. But not all will celebrate the rising tide of influence of this charismatic figure whose words and actions challenge those in power - the media, the politicians, the church. In one tumultuous week this clash of ideals comes to a head - with profound consequences.Awash in all the protest and collapse of conservative Australia, the colour and madness that was the sixties, The Songs of Jesse Adams is a tale of conflict, betrayal and tragedy, but ultimately the triumph of love.
Songs of Love and Darkness
by Lisa Tuttle Carrie Vaughn M.l.n. Hanover Yasmine Galenorn Mary Jo PutneyFeaturing stories by Mary Jo Putney, Carrie Vaughn, Yasmine Galenorn, M.L.N. Hanover, and Lisa Tuttle these contemporary tales of ill-fated love, originally published in the anthology Songs of Love and Death (edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois) explore romance in five wildly creative settings--from the hidden supernatural side of New York City to werewolf-occupied West Texas.
Songs of Love and Death: All-Original Tales of Star-Crossed Love
by George R. Martin Gardner DozoisA groundbreaking and &“wonderful&” (Library Journal, starred review) anthology of fantasy, science fiction, and romance from New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors, edited by the acclaimed George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois.From epic fantasy, post-apocalyptic America, to faerie-haunted rural fields in 18th-century England, to an intergalactic empire, join star-crossed lovers as they struggle against the forces of magic and fate. A star-studded cross-genre anthology Songs of Love and Death features all-original tales from seventeen of the most prestigious names in romance, fantasy, and science fiction. Contributors include: -Neil Gaiman -Diana Gabaldon -Jim Butcher -Robin Hobb -Marjorie M. Liu -Jo Beverley -Mary Jo Putney -Peter S. Beagle -Jacqueline Carey -Carrie Vaughn -Yasmine Galenorn -MLN Hanover -Kristine Kathryn Rusch -Linnea Sinclair -Cecelia Holland -Tanith Lee -Melinda Snodgrass -Lisa Tuttle
Songs of Love and Hate
by Courtney MilnesteinAfter two years hunched over her laptop at home, Deanna Spenser is finally back in the office, albeit only for three days a week, and predictably, she hates it. Driven by a deep desire for change, a yearning to not go back to the way things were before coronavirus, she finds herself consumed by memories of adolescence, of a friend lost to the past. Abruptly, she is offered a chance to reconnect with her friend. Yet as the past opens up before her, she finds herself wondering if perhaps there are things that should not be revisited after all.
Songs of Love Lost and Found
by Jacqueline Carey Cecilia Holland Tanith Lee Jo Beverley Robin HobbFeaturing five deliciously romantic stories set in historical and high fantasy worlds, this exclusive eBook set is the perfect gift for any romance reader.Featuring stories by Jo Beverley, Cecelia Holland, Robin Hobb, Jacqueline Carey, and Tanith Lee, this collection of five wonderful romantic stories from five wickedly creative authors includes beautiful maids and clever minstrels, orphans destined for greatness and spies thirsting for revenge, and a pair of lovers who must struggle against the forces of magic and fate. Originally published in the anthology Songs of Love and Death (edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois), these compelling stories are specially packaged in one eBook set at a great price.
Songs of the Dancing Gods: Book Four) (The Dancing Gods)
by Jack L. ChalkerBack in Husaquahr, the other world, after a brief sojourn on Earth, Joe expected to pick up his life and go on, pretty much the same. He should have known better.To begin with, the evil Dark Baron had managed to escape and had teamed up in the far North with the Master of the Dead. Alone, either was a disaster; together, they were potential catastrophe.There were also some changes for which Joe wasn't prepared. He'd accepted the fact that his beloved Tiana now had the body of an exotic dancer. But then he discovered that she was a slave with a growing slave mindset - and would always be a slave.Worst of all, Joe discovered that there had been some highly unwelcome changes in him. In all literal truth, he could no longer call his soul his own - because it wasn't!
Songs of the Earth: The Wild Hunt Book One (WILD HUNT)
by Elspeth CooperSONGS OF THE EARTH is the most compelling debut fantasy novel since Patrick Rothfuss first hit the shelves four years ago, with the stunning THE NAME OF THE WIND. Combining superb characterisation with an epic story, it is beautifully told and engaging from the very first word.Gair is under a death sentence. He can hear music - music with power - and in the Holy City that means only one thing: he's a witch, and he's going to be burnt at the stake. Even if he could escape, the Church Knights and their witchfinder would be hot on his heels while his burgeoning power threatesn to tear him apart from within.There is no hope . . . none, but a secretive order, themselves persecuted almost to destruction. If Gair can escape, if he can master his own growing, dangerous abilities, if he can find the Guardians of the Veil, then maybe he will be safe. Or maybe he'll discover that his fight has only just begun.
Songs of the Earth: The Wild Hunt Book One (The\wild Hunt Ser. #1)
by Elspeth CooperSONGS OF THE EARTH is the most compelling debut fantasy novel since Patrick Rothfuss first hit the shelves four years ago, with the stunning THE NAME OF THE WIND. Combining superb characterisation with an epic story, it is beautifully told and engaging from the very first word.Gair is under a death sentence. He can hear music - music with power - and in the Holy City that means only one thing: he's a witch, and he's going to be burnt at the stake. Even if he could escape, the Church Knights and their witchfinder would be hot on his heels while his burgeoning power threatesn to tear him apart from within.There is no hope . . . none, but a secretive order, themselves persecuted almost to destruction. If Gair can escape, if he can master his own growing, dangerous abilities, if he can find the Guardians of the Veil, then maybe he will be safe. Or maybe he'll discover that his fight has only just begun.
Songs of the Earth: The Wild Hunt Book One (WILD HUNT)
by Elspeth CooperSONGS OF THE EARTH is the most compelling debut fantasy novel since Patrick Rothfuss first hit the shelves four years ago, with the stunning THE NAME OF THE WIND. Combining superb characterisation with an epic story, it is beautifully told and engaging from the very first word.Gair is under a death sentence. He can hear music - music with power - and in the Holy City that means only one thing: he's a witch, and he's going to be burnt at the stake. Even if he could escape, the Church Knights and their witchfinder would be hot on his heels while his burgeoning power threaten to tear him apart from within.There is no hope . . . none, but a secretive order, themselves persecuted almost to destruction. If Gair can escape, if he can master his own growing, dangerous abilities, if he can find the Guardians of the Veil, then maybe he will be safe. Or maybe he'll discover that his fight has only just begun.Read by Allan Corduner(p) 2012 Orion Publishing Group
Songs of the Earth: Book One Of The Wild Hunt (The Wild Hunt #1)
by Elspeth CooperThe Book of Eador, Abjurations 12:14, is very clear: Suffer ye not the life of a witch. For a thousand years, the Church Knights have obeyed that commandment, sending to the stake anyone who can hear the songs of the earth. There are no exceptions, not even for one of their own.Novice Knight Gair can hear music no one else can, beautiful, terrible music: music with power. In the Holy City, that can mean only one thing: death by fire—until an unlikely intervention gives him a chance to flee the city and escape the flames.With the Church Knights and their witchfinder hot on his heels, Gair hasn't time to learn how to use the power growing inside him, but if he doesn't master it, that power will tear him apart. His only hope is the secretive Guardians of the Veil, though centuries of persecution have almost destroyed their Order, and the few Guardians left have troubles of their own.For the Veil between worlds is weakening, and behind it, the Hidden Kingdom, ever-hungry for dominion over the daylight realm, is stirring. Though he is far from ready, Gair will find himself fighting for his own life, for everyone within the Order of the Veil, and for the woman he has come to love.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Songs of the Sea
by Dean FrechSartin’s amber eyes told his mother and the rest of the Sea People he was destined to become a great protector. Finding his mate at his twenty-third Winter Meeting, Sartin is overjoyed at finally being able to assume his destined role with Sommar by his side.However, a freak storm soon takes Sartin far away from Winter Cove, and an injury to his tail prevents him from returning. Even worse, he can no longer hear the songs of his pod and his mate in his head.Sartin finds love and acceptance from Maru, a member of the Land People, who nurses him back to health. When Maru’s people turn against him, Sartin faces a series of battles for his survival. Can the songs of Sommar and his fellow Sea People save him?
Songs of the Seven Gelfling Clans (Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal)
by J. M. LeeUncover the secrets of the seven Gelfling clans with an inside look into the world of Thra from Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, streaming on Netflix.Many trine ago, a song teller sought to explore the world of Thra and uncover the secrets of the Gelfling throughout the seven clans. Venture back in time with photos, sketches, and art from Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance in this exclusive, collectible book for Dark Crystal fans everywhere.
Songsmith (Witch World: High Halleck Cycle #10)
by A. C. Crispin Andre NortonA young singer with special powers goes on a quest to find a cure for her father's illness.
Songspinners
by Sarah AshAn alternate eighteenth-century England sets the stage for a lyrical novel by the author of the Tears of Artamon trilogy, “an innovative fantasist” (Asimov’s).Young rebel composer Amaru Khassian flees from religious persecution to peaceful Tourmalise. Crippled by horrible burns, he can no longer write down his stirring, seditious music—until he meets Orial, a girl with a unique gift that enables her to “hear” the sounds in other people’s minds.Khassian’s music could inspire his countrymen to overthrow their oppressors. But there is a price on the young composer’s head, and it’s not long before Acir Korentan, an agent of the brutal regime in Allegonde that has tried to repress Khassian’s music, tracks him down.Now Orial is in danger too—and not just from the fanatical agents from Allegonde. As antiquarians uncover mysterious traces of an ancient civilization in Tourmalise, she begins to suffer disturbing and revelatory visions. The excavations may reveal the true purpose of her gift—but is her sanity too great a price to pay? Can Orial use her gift to save Khassian and his people before it drives her mad?Praise for the Tears of Artamon Trilogy“Unusual . . . Exotic . . . Well worth the read!” —Katherine Kurtz, New York Times–bestselling author “A splendid tale . . . Sarah Ash is destined to be one of the bright luminaries of fantasy.” —Dennis L. McKiernan, national bestselling author“Rousing. . . . with its vivid 18th-century European flavor and fallen angels who evoke Paradise Lost. Lovers of big, complex fantasy sagas (think Robert Jordan or George R.R. Martin) will be well pleased.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)