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Julian Huxley, Evolutionism and the History of Transhumanism (Palgrave Studies in the Future of Humanity and its Successors)
by Ingrid DunérThe evolutionary biologist Julian Huxley (1887–1975) attempted to promote a “religion for the future,” which he would come to refer to as Transhumanism. Transhumanism was an attempt to unite a more traditional humanistic view of the human as containing some form of core essence or potential with an evolutionary point of view of humans as a work in progress. Before humans, natural selection had been responsible for the transformation of life. Through its ordering principles and through chance, it had given rise to humankind, which had ushered in a new phase of evolution. Humanity stood on the threshold of yet another critical point in evolution: The consciously purposive phase of evolution. This open access book explores the history of transhumanism by analyzing how Julian Huxley’s transhumanism develops and why it does at this particular point in time, by placing it firmly within the context of his specific scientific and sociopolitical milieu, starting roughly in the interwar years and stretching over the Second World War to the 1970s. Continuing, the study then focuses on the new transhumanists of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s and investigates continuity in mode of thinking, contributing to a more coherent understanding of transhumanism, its history and of modern projects of human enhancement. The book captures how scientific and technological development in relation to society and social order shapes images and expectations of the future and of what future is desirable.
Gender, Sexual Citizenship and Epistemic Injustice in the Caribbean
by Charmaine CrawfordThis book interrogates the relationship between gender, sexual citizenship and epistemic injustice as it relates to the experiences of LGBTQ persons in the Commonwealth Caribbean. Whether it is the recognition of gender/sexual identities, sexual freedom, bodily autonomy, marriage or creating a family, sexual citizenship encompasses different aspects of our intimate lives that have erotic, social, and economic value that are organised and legitimised through the family, religion, law, state, family, and civil society. Employing decolonial feminist queer perspectives, this book considers how race, gender, and sexuality intersect through matrices of power in shaping intimate life in giving more rights and freedoms to some over others. While Caribbean sexualities are rich and diverse, there still exists dominant colonial and post-colonial heteropatriarchal ideologies and practices that infringe on the sexual rights of Caribbean LGBTQ persons normalising discriminatory treatment (homophobia, lesbophobia and transphobia) against them. Despite efforts to silence Caribbean LGBTQ persons, they have politicised their cause by engaging in epistemic resistance. Caribbean LGBTQ activism encompasses a myriad of social justice efforts, incorporating intersectional politics with feminists and other groups, which validate queer identities, knowledges and lives in the region and diaspora. This book showcases how Caribbean LGBTQ activists are using strategic litigation anchored in social justice hermeneutics to upend vagrancy and anti-buggery laws, which has led to successful decriminalisation cases in the region. This book will interest researchers and students in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and Caribbean studies.
Landslides: Analysis, Modeling and Mitigation (Earth Systems Data and Models #7)
by Kripamoy Sarkar Sarada Prasad Pradhan Trilok Nath SinghThe book aims to enhance understanding of landslides by focusing on detection, prediction, and monitoring. Recently, the number of significant landslides and the damage they cause has increased globally. Landslides are among the most devastating natural hazards, resulting in widespread damage to habitats on local, regional, and global scales. Experts from around the world have shared their experiences in landslide research and practice, which may help stakeholders mitigate and predict these events. The book comprises chapters on ✔ Dynamics, mechanisms, and processes of landslides. ✔ Mapping and assessment of hazard, vulnerability, and risk associated with landslides. ✔ Geological, geotechnical, hydrological, and geophysical modelling for landslides. ✔ Numerical simulation of slope to analyse their stability. ✔ Monitoring and early warning of landslides. ✔ Application of remote sensing and GIS techniques in monitoring and assessment of landslides. The book is very much helpful for researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to adapt suitable modern techniques for landslide study.
Statistical and Condensed Matter Physics
by Serguei N. BurmistrovThe book outlines the fundamentals of statistical and condensed matter physics. The statistical physics is the basis of condensed matter physics and the tool for studying a variety of condensed media in the thermodynamic (heat) conditions. The statistical physics is presented within the framework of canonical Gibbs distribution entailing the relations known from the classical (heat) thermodynamics. The application of the statistical theory embraces such topics as ideal classical and quantum gases, Bose-type excitations, phase transitions and critical phenomena, normal Fermi liquid, superconductivity, weakly non-ideal Bose gases, superfluidity, and magnetism. Each section ends with one or several problems with the solutions clarifying the paragraph content and delivering some additional physical examples. The problems give an opportunity for a reader to check the own real knowledge of the material studied.
Monotone Discretizations for Elliptic Second Order Partial Differential Equations (Springer Series in Computational Mathematics #61)
by Gabriel R. Barrenechea Volker John Petr KnoblochThis book offers a comprehensive presentation of numerical methods for elliptic boundary value problems that satisfy discrete maximum principles (DMPs). The satisfaction of DMPs ensures that numerical solutions possess physically admissible values, which is of utmost importance in numerous applications. A general framework for the proofs of monotonicity and discrete maximum principles is developed for both linear and nonlinear discretizations. Starting with the Poisson problem, the focus is on convection-diffusion-reaction problems with dominant convection, a situation which leads to a numerical problem with multi-scale character. The emphasis of this book is on finite element methods, where classical (usually linear) and modern nonlinear discretizations are presented in a unified way. In addition, popular finite difference and finite volume methods are discussed. Besides DMPs, other important properties of the methods, like convergence, are studied. Proofs are presented step by step, allowing readers to understand the analytic techniques more easily. Numerical examples illustrate the behavior of the methods.
Treatment of Refractory Renal Anemia: Case Collection
by Bi-Cheng LiuRenal anemia, one of the common complications in patients with chronic kidney disease, has a high prevalence and seriously affects the quality of life and prognosis of patients. This open access book provides advanced information on clinical management of renal anemia in difficult situations, which respond poorly to the existing treatment of recombinant human erythropoietin, iron and blood transfusion. Details of treatment of renal anemia in different types of patients are presented with comments from renowned nephrologist. It will be an ideal reference for practitioners and other healthcare professionals interested in learning more about renal anemia.
Control Strategies of Electric Drives: MATLAB/Simulink Modeling and dSPACE 1104 Validation: A Practical Approach (Synthesis Lectures on Power Electronics)
by Imen Nouira Bassem El BadsiThis book delves into the intricate world of electric drives, offering a comprehensive guide to advanced control strategies. "Control Strategies of Electric Drives" provides readers with an in-depth exploration of Revised Field-Oriented Control (RFOC), Direct Torque Control (DTC), and Direct Power Control (DPC) strategies. Through this book, readers will gain a thorough understanding of these key techniques and their applications in electric drive systems. The chapters cover topics such as Rotor Flux Oriented Control of Three-Phase Induction Motors, Direct Torque Control of Three-Phase Induction Motors, and Direct Power Control Strategies for Three-Phase PWM Rectifiers. The authors, experienced practitioners in the field, present expert analyses and practical insights, making complex concepts accessible through detailed explanations, simulations, and real-world case studies. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to master the nuances of electric drive control strategies. Ideal for electrical engineering students at both undergraduate and master's levels, this book simplifies complex theories while providing practical examples that bridge the gap between academia and industry. Researchers and professionals in power electronics will find it an invaluable resource for advancing their knowledge and expertise.
Humanitäres Völkerrecht: Idee – Entwicklung – Gestaltung (essentials)
by Bernhard FrevelDas Humanitäre Völkerrecht ist, wie der Name schon sagt, ein spezielles Rechtsgebiet, das als Teil des Kriegsrechts durch internationale Vereinbarungen ein Mindestmaß an Menschlichkeit im Fall von bewaffneten Konflikten sichern soll. In diesem Essential wird jedoch nicht juristisch argumentiert, sondern sollen die Idee, die Entwicklung und zentrale Themenstellungen und Gestaltungsanforderungen aus einer Perspektive der politischen Bildung betrachtet werden.
Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology #2907)
by Ronald SluyterThis book seeks to provide an overview of traditional and emerging protocols used to examine the aetiology, mechanisms and pathophysiology of GVHD, as well as those used to identify novel biomarkers and to test existing and new therapies to prevent or treat GVHD. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Methods and Protocols aims to serve as a useful resource for current and future researchers in these and other areas of health and disease.
Memory, History, and Culture in Medieval South Asia: 8th to 14th Centuries
by Umesh Ashok KadamThis book explores the dynamic interplay between memory and history during the crucial period from the 8th to the 14th century in medieval India. It takes up an interdisciplinary approach and includes contributions from seasoned scholars and emerging researchers across memory studies, folklore, ethnography, linguistics, literary studies, intellectual history, sociology, epigraphy, and archeology. Thematically organized, the book examines how the past was transmitted through collective memory, including inscriptions, monuments, royal narratives, folklore, language, travelogues, memoirs, religious practices, and ethnography of diverse communities. Departing from conventional historiographical narratives, it analyzes the medieval politico-cultural landscape of the region through a geo-cultural lens, emphasizing historical interactions and cultural preservation in collective memory. An invaluable resource for academics and professionals in history and related disciplines, this book also appeals to general readers interested in Indian history and culture. It is a rich and informative reference resource for students, practitioners, and enthusiasts in social sciences.
Contract Farming in Developing Countries: The Promise and Its Perils (Palgrave Studies in Agricultural Economics and Food Policy)
by Sudha NarayananContract farming is an institutional arrangement between farmers and businesses to produce and transact agricultural commodities at predetermined prices and conditions, and it has recently received a heightened amount of attention despite being a relatively old phenomenon. A new wave of agricultural industrialization and the emergence of large-scale food retailing in developing countries may be precipitating the unprecedented shift in favor of contract farming. This open access book identifies the methodological differences across disciplines that have generated a false binary in discussions of contract farming. The author explains the importance of adopting a more integrated theoretical perspective, providing insights into the ways in which this can reconcile conflicting positions. Given the immense diversity of contracting schemes, commodities and contexts—as well as the substantial regional differences in contract farming experiences across a range of outcomes—a syncretic understanding of contract farming is essential to the evaluation of the promise and perils of contract farming. The resulting book proposes a way forward that is holistic in nature, framing contract farming within a comparative institutional analysis so that it can better accommodate multidisciplinary priorities.
Networking Data Integrity and Manipulation in Cyber-Physical and Communication Systems (Engineering Cyber-Physical Systems and Critical Infrastructures #13)
by Rolando HerreroThis book offers a global perspective on the latest developments in data integrity and manipulation within cyber-physical and communication systems, with a focus on analytics and networking. It examines real-time data management and communication, emphasizing the temporal and spatial nature of data for effective sensing and actuation. It presents the latest developments in the technologies that lie at the intersection of data and networking to support cyber-physical and communication systems. These latest developments incorporate data analysis and manipulation relevant to the end-system smart devices and smart applications. They also include legacy Internet and Internet of Things networking and communication protocols, which are relevant because they tie together the end systems. The book addresses the technologies from the perspective of cyber-physical architectures. The book introduces real-world applications relevant to both researchers and technologists in academia and industry.
Medizin und Krankheit im frühen Kino: Eine Erschließung des Stummfilms als primär-medizinhistorische Quelle
by Dennis HenkelDas frühe Kino – der Stummfilm (ca. 1895-1927) – erscheint vielen Zuschauern auch heute noch in einem unschmeichelhaften Licht. Oft wird es als eine Art unfertiger Vorläufer des Ton-Kinos, des „richtigen Films“, wahrgenommen, welcher neben der Tonlosigkeit auch noch zu theatralischem Schauspiel, Schwarz-Weiß-Optik und hektisch-beschleunigter Wiedergabegeschwindigkeit neige – „Opas Kino“, sagt der Volksmund. Doch dieses Vorurteil verblasst: Der Stummfilm wird als Kunstform wahrgenommen. Der Autor begibt sich auf Spurensuche: Welchen historischen Beitrag kann die Erschließung dieser Kunstform mit ihrer Darstellung großer Fachgebiete wie Psychiatrie, Neurologie, Innere Medizin und Chirurgie leisten? Finden sich auch Disziplinen wie Zahnmedizin, Gynäkologie oder Dermatologie wieder? In 453 untersuchten „medizinischen Filmen“ finden sich viele ethische Kontroversen des frühen 20. Jahrhunderts – z. B. Geburtenkontrolle, Eugenik oder Homosexualität – wieder, was das Potential des Kinos als Zeitzeuge unterstreicht. Seine unterschätzten Funktionen als zeit- wie medizinhistorische Quelle und Spiegel der Gesellschaft werden herausgearbeitet, zudem können neue filmhistorische Strömungen definiert und das zentrale Leitmotiv der Medizindarstellung im frühen Film abgeleitet werden: die Iatro- und Pathophobie. Diese Ergebnisse offenbaren verblüffende Qualitäten einer rasch zum Massenmedium avancierten Kunstform, die Denken und Handeln der Kinogänger – und damit die Medizingeschichte – prägte. Der Autor Dr. Dennis Henkel studierte Philosophie, Theater-Film-Fernsehwissenschaften, Kunstgeschichte an der Universität zu Köln. Er promovierte zum Thema „Darstellung von Sucht und Drogen in frühen Film“ und ist seitdem als Dozent, Autor, und Herausgeber und am Institut für Geschichte und Ethik der Medizin in Köln tätig, zuletzt zum Thema Demenzdarstellung im Film. Eine abgewandelte Version des vorliegenden Buches wurde im Jahre 2024 als Habilitationsschrift an der Medizinischen Fakultät in Köln eingereicht.
Jerome Kern’s Jewel Box: The Princess Musicals and the Little Theatre Movement
by Stephanie RuozzoJerome Kern’s Jewel Box shows how the integration of spoken and sung performances in Kern's early musicals reveals new connections between musical theater scores and “straight” (spoken) theater. Kern’s scores are foundational to the American musical, and subsequent dramatic music would be unrecognizable without Kern’s innovations. This book argues that Kern’s scores for a group of musicals staged at the Princess Theatre embody a musical corollary to the Realist drama of the Little Theatre Movement. The umbrella term “Princess musicals” includes the four musicals that Jerome Kern composed for New York City’s Princess Theatre: Nobody Home (1915), Very Good Eddie (also 1915), Oh, Boy! (1917), and Oh, Lady! Lady!! (1918), as well as Leave It to Jane (1917), a musical conceived for the Princess. Each separate Princess musical bears distinct hallmarks of Little Theatre sensibility, and that these hallmarks are overwhelmingly represented in the sung/musical portions of the drama. The book’s first chapter explores the influences of WWI and the Little Theatre Movement on the American stage (legitimate and musical). The subsequent chapters are studies of the five so-called “intimate musical comedies” that resulted from Kern’s engagement with these influences. The case studies all demonstrate how the shows’ scores advance the same artistic aims voiced by prominent members of the Little Theatre Movement. Ultimately, this project leads musical theater historians to reconsider the place of musicals in relation to the legitimate theatre and the historiography we construct around the “integrated” musical.
Superconducting Memory Technologies (Synthesis Lectures on Emerging Engineering Technologies)
by Ahmedullah Aziz Shamiul AlamThere is a lot of excitement around quantum computers that use superconducting qubits, which operate at extremely low temperatures since they are ultra-sensitive to noise. These quantum computers need a memory and control processor that can operate under cryogenic conditions. Among the cryogenic memory technologies, superconducting memories are the most efficient and compatible for these purposes. They can help advance quantum computing, facilitate high-performance computing, and explore space more effectively. However, cryogenic memory technologies currently face various challenges. This book discusses the latest advancements in superconducting memory technologies. It covers four main types of superconducting memories: Josephson junction-based, magnetic Josephson junction-based, superconducting memristor-based, and ferroelectric superconducting quantum interference device-based memories. The book explores the background, working principles, and challenges of each of these technologies, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.
Harvesting Solar Energy: Using CO₂ and H₂O as Energy Storage Materials (Green Energy and Technology)
by Ibram GaneshThis book presents artificial photosynthesis (AP) that facilitates the capture and storage of solar energy in order to meet our energy needs. Furthermore, renewable carbon-neutral high-energy-density liquid fuels used in the present existing energy distribution infrastructure can also be synthesized by following the AP process using carbon dioxide, water, and electricity derived from sunlight. The only way to make energy, environment, economy, and life sustainable is to harvest sunlight to meet the energy needs of society by using carbon dioxide and water as for energy storage.
Data-driven Modelling of Wind Farm Flow Control Strategies
by Nassir Cassamo Jan-Willen van WingerdenThis book presents data-driven algorithms used in the context of wind farm modelling and exploits their relation with concepts from non-linear dynamical system theory. The algortihms include Input Output Dynamic Mode Decomposition and their combination with the Koopman Operator theory. The latter improves on modelling and analysis of the aerodynamic interaction between wind turbines in wind farms and assists in uncovering insights into the existing dynamics and improves models accuracy. The authors introduce the topic of wind farm flow control, illustrating current strategies devised to overcome power losses in wind plants due to the aerodynamic interaction between turbines. Although controlling wind farms as a whole is becoming increasingly important, the high dimensions and governing non-linear dynamics inherent of wind farm systems make the design of numerical optimal controllers computationally expensive. This book describes a possible pathway to circumvent this challenge through reduced order models that can embed the existing non-linearities. The authors make use of high fidelity open-source simulation datasets and developed algorithms to fully show the potential of this approach using visual results. The reader is motivated to use the datasets and algorithms and exploit the potential of the reduced order models.
Antriebe und Energiesysteme von morgen 2023 (Proceedings)
by Alexander HeintzelInhaltliche Schwerpunkte des Tagungsbands zur ATZlive-Veranstaltung "Antriebe und Energiesysteme von morgen 2023" behandeln folgende Fragen: Wie entwickelt sich der Ausbau der regenerativ basierten Stromerzeugung und der Netzinfrastruktur inklusive Speichertechnologien? Gewinnen elektrische Fahrzeuge rasch genug an Marktvolumen? Welche Technologieschwerpunkte bilden sich aus? Wie beeinflussen Infrastrukturausbau und Volumensteigerung die CO2-Gesamtbilanz? Welche Rollen werden Wasserstoff und Elektrizität bei Pkw und Nfz spielen? Welchen Einfluss auf die angestrebten Transformationen übt der Endkunde aus? Wie lassen sich die politischen Zielsetzungen absichern? Die Tagung ist eine unverzichtbare Plattform für den Wissens- und Gedankenaustausch von Motoren- und Fahrzeugherstellern, deren Zulieferer und Entwicklungspartner, Lehrende und Ingenieure von Universitäten und Hochschulen, Vertreter von Behörden und Verbänden sowie für Techniker, die in diesem Themengebiet aktiv sind. Der Inhalt Wasserstoff-Brennstoffzelle.- Elektrische Antriebsstrangvarianten.- Batterieentwicklung.- Datenerfassung und -management.- Bidirektionales Laden.- Dezentrale Energieversorgung.- Antriebskonzepte der Zukunft.- Ladeinfrastruktur. Die Zielgruppen Fahrzeug- und Motoreningenieure sowie Studierende, die aktuelles Fachwissen im Zusammenhang mit Fragestellungen ihres Arbeitsfeldes suchen - Professoren und Dozenten an Universitäten und Hochschulen mit Schwerpunkt Kraftfahrzeug- und Motorentechnik - Gutachter, Forscher und Entwicklungsingenieure in der Automobil- und Zulieferindustrie Der Veranstalter ATZlive steht für Spitzenqualität, hohes Niveau in Sachen Fachinformation und ist Bestandteil der Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature. Hier wird unter einem Dach das Know-how der renommiertesten Wirtschafts-, Wissenschafts- und Technikverlage Deutschlands vereint.
The Social Life of Rare Disorders
by Caroline HuyardThis book is the first comprehensive study of rare disorders from a historical, political, and social perspective. It is estimated that around 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disorder today. What do patients and associations concerned by one of the 7,000 known rare diseases have in common, and what does rarity mean to them? How did rare disorders become a mainstream category in public health policy? To answer these questions, Caroline Huyard traces the history, over more than 50 years, of medical treatments for one particular disease, and that of the orphan drug status in the United States and in Europe. The book shows that public authorities had a much greater role than biomedicine in turning rare disorders into a public health problem. A comparison of patients' experiences of 6 rare diseases as well as the activities of 8 associations in France underlines the importance of isolation and care for patients on the one hand, and the role of stakeholders’ participation for associations on the other hand. This book is essential reading for researchers and students interested in contemporary healthcare systems and topics related to public policies on emerging issues, the industrialisation and regulation of medicine, the concept of care, and the governance of patient organisations.
Softwaretesting kompakt: Grundlagen von Tests und Testautomatisierung mit Java (IT kompakt)
by Pascal Moll Daniel SonnetSoftwaretests sind unverzichtbar für jede robuste Software. Dies zeigt sich durch nahezu wöchentliche Bugbedingte Ausfälle. Doch wie lassen sich diese effektiver verhindern? Nach dem Lesen dieses Buches sind Sie in der Lage, eigene Softwaretests in den unterschiedlichsten Industriebereichen mit Java umzusetzen. Dieses Buch richtet sich an alle, die in die Disziplin des Testens eintauchen möchten. Es nimmt Sie direkt an die Hand und führt Sie Schritt für Schritt durch die unterschiedlichen Bereiche, es sind keine Vorkenntnisse im Testing oder Programmierung notwendig. Lernen Sie essenzielle Testtheorie kennen und wie Sie in der Praxis verschiedene Testarten einsetzen. Die notwendigen Java-Grundkenntnisse zur Testimplementierung werden Ihnen anhand von Beispielen immer aus der Sicht eines Testers praxisnah vermittelt. Erfahren Sie mehr über Testautomatisierung mit JUnit, Oberflächentests mit Selenium und Mocking von APIs mit WireMock. Lernen Sie die Anwendung von Behaviour Driven Development mit Cucumber kennen sowie exploratives Testen.
Inside the Mind of a Voter: A New Approach to Electoral Psychology
by Michael Bruter Sarah HarrisonAn in-depth look into the psychology of voters around the world, how voters shape elections, and how elections transform citizens and affect their livesCould understanding whether elections make people happy and bring them closure matter more than who they vote for? What if people did not vote for what they want but for what they believe is right based on roles they implicitly assume? Do elections make people cry? This book invites readers on a unique journey inside the mind of a voter using unprecedented data from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, South Africa, and Georgia throughout a period when the world evolved from the centrist dominance of Obama and Mandela to the shock victories of Brexit and Trump. Michael Bruter and Sarah Harrison explore three interrelated aspects of the heart and mind of voters: the psychological bases of their behavior, how they experience elections and the emotions this entails, and how and when elections bring democratic resolution. The authors examine unique concepts including electoral identity, atmosphere, ergonomics, and hostility.From filming the shadow of voters in the polling booth, to panel study surveys, election diaries, and interviews, Bruter and Harrison unveil insights into the conscious and subconscious sides of citizens’ psychology throughout a unique decade for electoral democracy. They highlight how citizens’ personality, memory, and identity affect their vote and experience of elections, when elections generate hope or hopelessness, and how subtle differences in electoral arrangements interact with voters’ psychology to trigger different emotions.Inside the Mind of a Voter radically shifts electoral science, moving away from implicitly institution-centric visions of behavior to understand elections from the point of view of voters.
Distant Echoes (Aloha Reef Series #1)
by Colleen CobleIt feels like paradise, but deadly secrets lie beneath the waves off the coast of Kauai.Sometimes Kaia Oana thinks her dolphins are more humane than humans. As a mammal intelligence researcher, Kaia has learned a thing or two about the goodness and intelligence of dolphins—and as a natural scientist in close proximity to weapons developers, she&’s learned a thing or two about humans as well.When a tourist catamaran explodes off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, Kaia and her trained dolphin, Nani, rush to aid the search and rescue effort. After hours of searching, an exhausted Kaia is pulled from the water by Lieutenant Commander Jesse Matthews of the U.S. Navy.Lieutenant Matthews is accustomed to following protocol—and a civilian-dolphin rescue is not typical operating procedure. But when his colleagues ignore the possibility that missile research had something to do with the sunken catamaran, Jesse recruits Kaia and her dolphin to help him conduct his own investigation. The olive-skinned mermaid had impressed him—in more ways than one.As their rogue investigation takes them into the waters surrounding the sunken boat—and their personal chemistry takes them into other uncharted territory—Kaia and Jesse discover that they have become targets themselves. Someone doesn&’t want them snooping around that wreckage . . . someone desperate enough to kill.
Midnight Sea (Aloha Reef Series #4)
by Colleen Coble"Lani opened her eyes fully, straining to see something, anything. It was as though she swam in a black sea that blacked out all light, all visual sensation. 'I can't see,' she whispered. 'I can't see!' Her shriek rose and echoed off the blackness."A seemingly random shooting at her aunt's coffee farm has left Lani Tagama blind. Now she must learn to navigate in a world of darkness. With the help of an embittered ex-cop, Ben, and a half-trained guide dog, Fisher, Lani discovers she can regain a shadow of her former independence.But strange and dangerous secrets lurk behind the beauty of this seaside paradise. Suspicion grows that this was not a random shooting, but an attempted murder, one with its roots in a hippie commune burned over thirty year ago. Lani realizes she is a target, and that she must find the shooter before he strikes again.
Black Sands (Aloha Reef Series #2)
by Colleen CoblePage-turning romantic suspense set amid the gorgeous beauty of Hawaii and the impending danger of a volcano. A brainy—and perpetually single—volcanologist, Annie Tagama works alongside her father at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But despite her pedigree, Annie has lost her passion or volcanology. She's quietly grieving the mysterious loss of her brother in the Middle East.When Annie discovers that her brother might still be alive—and in trouble—she shakes off her malaise and joins forces with Mano Oana, the unnervingly handsome family friend she had always blamed for her brother's death.As Annie and Mano investigate—and find that they have a lot more in common than tragedy—an evil force gathers strength on the main island. An ancient cult has reemerged—and Annie's little sister is somehow involved. As the old religion bubbles to the surface like lava, the old practices are not far behind . . . including human sacrifice.Annie and Mano are desperate to find her brother and save her family from destruction before the ancient evil smothers them all in an earth-shattering eruption.This full-length romantic suspense can be read as a standalone, but is also part of the Aloha Reef Series.Book one: Distant EchoesBook two: Black SandsBook three: Dangerous DepthsBook four: Midnight SeaIncludes discussion questions."Wow! Reading Colleen Coble's Black Sands is like taking a romantic excursion to Hawaii's rugged shoreline. Coble brings the setting to life, draws engaging characters, and spins an intricate web of intrigue." --Denise Hunter, author of The Convenient Groom and Summer by the Tides "Filled with the spirit of aloha and page-turning twists and turns, Black Sands is romantic suspense at its thrilling finest. A can't-put-down read!" --Linda Windsor, award-winning author of Paper Moon "No one take you to a setting like Colleen Coble, and what better place to be than the Black Sands of Hawaii? Reading the book was like a cool dip in the balmy ocean—under the lurking shadow of a volcano in shark-infested waters. Enjoy, but beware!" --Kristin Billerbeck, author of The Theory of Happily Ever After
Dangerous Depths (Aloha Reef Series #3)
by Colleen CobleSometimes life&’s most precious treasure lies at Dangerous Depths.Leia ditched a promising medical career to settle on a secluded island of Hawaii. She ditched Bane, too, and he&’s come to the island to find out why. He&’s also in search of a fortune rumored to lie offshore. But an act of sabotage that pushes Bane closer to Leia plunges them both into a tangle of emotion—just as a series of threatening events grip the island.Theft, a friend&’s death, a bizarre intruder, hints of a second treasure . . . and even murder—how can they sort it all out when everyone on the island has something to hide?