Flux Destiny


Book Description

Marco and Hugo are brilliant, yet quarrelsome teenagers with powerful talents in a universe where destiny itself is a visible, controllable force. When the mysterious Board of Trials orders them and their headstrong Clockbot, Lucky, to investigate a situation at Anderes - an isolated city straddling a gigantic rupture in space-time nicknamed Big Mouth - they discover a plague of blood-thirsty, biomechanical creatures called Cankers that are wreaking havoc on the city. Marco and Hugo must put aside their dislike for each other to try and uncover the source of these mysterious attacks and save Anderes from certain destruction.Fortuna's Rings is the first in a series of fantasy/sci-fi books based on the FLUX DESTINY graphic novels by animation producer Chris Moujaes.




Flux


Book Description

Star humans were engineered to exist within the mantle of a star, mere tools of their Earth-evolved makers in a war against the Xeelee, owners of the universe. Stephen Baxter's third novel in his magnificent Xeelee Sequence is an exotic and endearing story of an abandoned people. Abandoned to their fate, their history lost along with contact with their makers, Star people survive in an environment that is possibly the strangest in science fiction. Microscopic inhabitants of superfluid air above a Quantum Sea and below the tangled Crust of the Star, swimming in an electric-blue grid, the Magfield, which is subject to violent storms, Star people struggle, like us, to make sense of their world... and the threat hanging over it. Though the truth is far more disturbing and ominous than they feared, they will confront, finally, their makers, and they will rebel against the purpose for which they were created.




Transcendent


Book Description

“Breathtaking . . . brilliantly conducted . . . Far-future philosophic space opera and near-future eco-thriller combine effectively.”—Locus It is the year 2047, and nuclear engineer Michael Poole is mourning the death of his beloved wife and doubting his own sanity. But he must stave off a looming catastrophe: vast reservoirs of toxic gases lie beneath the melting poles, threatening to contaminate the atmosphere and destroy all life on Earth. Though born five hundred thousand years after the death of Michael Poole, Alia knows him intimately. Every person in Alia’s world is entrusted with Witnessing one life from the past by means of a technology able to traverse time. Alia’s subject is Michael Poole. Chosen to become a Transcendent, a member of the group mind that is shepherding humanity toward an evolutionary apotheosis, Alia discovers a dark side to the Transcendent’s plans. Somehow, Michael holds the fate of the future in his hands, and to save that future, Alia must undertake a desperate journey into the past. “Stunning . . . engaging . . . a contrasting mix of Baxter’s customary skill at presenting a very realnear future, and his talent for high-level hardscience fiction.”—Starburst




Exultant


Book Description

“Baxter has an uncanny gift for mixing a punchy, cyberpunk cynicism with his resolutely hard SF story base. . . . [Exultant] rivals Asimov in its boundless vision for the future evolution of humanity.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) For more than twenty thousand years, humans have been at war with the alien race of Xeelee. Faced with certain death, a young pilot, Pirius, disobeys orders and travels into the future. Upon his return, Pirius is court-martialed and sentenced to penal servitude. But it is not only Pirius who pays the price. In flying into the future and back again, Pirius returned to a time before he’d left, a time inhabited by his younger self, who also receives punishment. Commissary Nilis believes that the elder Pirius, whom he dubs Pirius Blue, may know how to defeat the Xeelee. But Nilis can do nothing for Pirius Blue. Instead, he takes the younger Pirius—Pirius Red—back to Earth. There Pirius Red will discover truths that shatter his preconceived notions of all that he is fighting for, while Pirius Blue will learn even harsher truths. But the most shocking revelation of all is still to come. “Absurdly ambitious, technically brilliant, and downright exciting.”—SFX Magazine “Striking . . . chilling . . . [with] a triumphant conclusion.”—Starburst




Overload Flux


Book Description

When the cure for a deadly disease is stolen, two misfits are all that stands between greed and intergalactic tragedy. Luka Foxe can’t let anyone know about his secret mental abilities. Debilitated by their influence when faced with violence, the brilliant forensic investigator now only takes assignments involving theft. But when he has to hunt down a hijacked vaccine for a galaxy-wide pandemic, the tragic first clue is his best friend’s brutal murder. Nightshift guard Mairwen Morganthur knows she must keep a low profile. The product of illegal genetic alteration, she’s a lethal weapon with no social graces. But when she’s tasked to protect a detective with frightening intuition, she finds herself falling for him even though he could expose her. Racing to recover the critical cargo, Luka is surprised by his developing feelings for the capable-but-mysterious guard. And Mairwen may have to risk everything by revealing her identity, with deadly mercenaries hot on their tail. Can the unlikely pair survive an interplanetary conspiracy long enough to save lives and find love? Overload Flux is the first novel in the sweeping Central Galactic Concordance space opera series. If you like haunted characters, compelling mysteries, and interstellar romance, then you’ll enjoy Carol Van Natta’s epic tale. Buy Overload Flux to uncover cosmic corruption today! "Overload Flux is a brilliant, suspenseful tale that will keep readers captivated from beginning to end." ~ S.E. Smith, New York Times & USA TODAY Bestselling Author of The Alliance series. - - - - - - - - - - The Central Galactic Concordance series: *-*-* Last Ship Off Polaris-G (Novella) *-*-* Overload Flux (Book 1) *-*-* Minder Rising (Book 2) *-*-* Zero Flux (Novella) *-*-* Pico's Crush (Book 3) *-*-* Pet Trade (Novella) *-*-* Jumper’s Hope (Book 4) *-*-* Cats of War (Novella) *-*-* Spark Transform (Book 5 – coming soon) - - - - - - - - - - The Central Galactic Concordance series: • Last Ship Off Polaris-G (Book 1) • Overload Flux (Book 2) • Minder Rising (Book 3) • Zero Flux (Book 3.5) • Pico's Crush (Book 5) • Jumper's Hope (Book 6) Extra stories with romance, pirates, and pets: • Pet Trade • Cats of War • Galactic Search and Rescue • Escape from Nova Nine - - - - - What reviewers are saying about Overload Flux - - - - - "This book offers a lot – fighting action, detective work, humans in space, humans with special abilities, a pharmaceutical conspiracy relevant to our own world, and a romance between two unique individuals. Take away the sci-fi, and you have a romantic suspense novel. But, you wouldn’t want to take the sci-fi away, because it’s well done, fun and makes for a good read." — C. E. Kilgore, award-winning author of The Ghost in the Machine and the Corwint science fiction romance series "Overload Flux is a action-packed , riveting novel. It's got great characters, lots of mystery and intrigue and is definitely well written. I absolutely loved Luka and Mairwen! A must read for sci-fi lovers!" – Ash, Goodreads "Excellent, well written, exciting, insightful. A gem. ... This is actually a mystery, romance, political commentary, genre spanning tale told by a master wordsmith." — Katy M, Davis, CA "Carol Van Natta has written a book that includes action, adventure, mystery, betrayal, space travel, danger, violence, a well written, believable love story and such amazing world building I could picture myself along for the ride. Overload Flux is now one of my favorite books." – Jenster, Georgia, USA ***** Series keywords: science fiction romance, action & adventure, space opera, romance, fantasy, mystery, corporations, pharma, pharmaceutical, detective, private investigator, paranormal, telepathy, genetic engineering, strong female lead, mental talent, mercenaries, exploration, galactic civilization, technology, suspense, thriller, interstellar travel, space battle, SFR, scifi, sci fi




Sketchbook for the Artist


Book Description

Develop your drawing skills and rediscover the world around you with this innovative and beautifully illustrated book. In Sketch Book for the Artist, acclaimed artist and teacher Sarah Simblet teaches you how to draw by combining practical lessons with examples of both her own work and some of the world's greatest drawings. She introduces all the key drawing materials, then shows you how to master the basic elements of drawing in a series of step-by-step drawing classes, covering topics ranging from simple mark-making to establishing form, creating tone, and conveying perspective. You will learn how to explore a wide variety of subjects, from still life, plants, and animals to portraits, the human body, landscapes, and buildings, all of which are introduced with outstanding drawings by famous artists. The bestselling author of Anatomy for the Artist and Botany for the Artist, Sarah demonstrates how she works - from quick pencil sketches to pen and ink studies - with expertise and plenty of encouraging tips, and complements them with plentiful examples from her own drawing books. Sketch Book for the Artist is for anyone who wants to draw, whether you are a complete beginner or would like to refresh your existing skills. Whatever your ability, it will inspire you to reach for a pencil and paper and start drawing.




All I Want Is You


Book Description

A USA Today bestseller’s “emotional” romance about starting over “is sure to please readers who enjoy plucky heroines and stories set in small towns” (Booklist). Sometimes you have to create your own destiny. . . . Christy Knight grew up in Destiny, Ohio, but lately she feels that her future lies elsewhere. Her parents are gone and the beautiful jewelry she creates doesn’t pay the bills. Maybe it’s time for Christy to grow up and find a guy who’s smart, sexy, and solvent. Her rugged handyman neighbor fits the first two categories, but he’s all wrong for her. If only he didn’t have such captivating blue eyes. Wary of trusting others, Jack DuVall hasn’t been entirely honest with Christy. He’s not really a handyman. He’s not really broke. And sharing the long drive to visit her beloved grandpa isn’t just about gallantry—he finds gorgeous, feisty Christy completely irresistible. When secrets are exposed, Jack and Christy struggle to find their way back to one another, but the quirky seaside town of Coral Cove could prove the perfect place to find a red-hot destiny of their own. “No one does it like Toni Blake.” —New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr




Power and Distribution Transformers


Book Description

1. provides “step by step” procedures of designing a transformer so that engineers without prior knowledge or exposure to design can follow the procedures and calculation methods to acquire reasonable proficiency of designing a transformer. 2. functions as a useful guide for the practicing engineers to undertake new designs, cost optimization, design automation etc., without the need for external help or consultancy. 3. covers in detail the design processes with necessary data and calculations of a wide variety of transformers including Dry Type Cast Resin Transformer, Amorphous Core Transformer, Earthing Transformer, Rectifier Transformer, Auto Transformer, Transformers for Explosive Atmosphere, Solid State Transformer etc. 4. includes subjects like, Carbon Footprint Calculation of Transformers, Condition Monitoring of Transformers and Design Optimization Techniques. 5. based on the 50+ years experience of the author in the Power and Distribution Transformer industry.




Coalescent


Book Description

“Lean, taut storytelling . . . breakneck stuff . . . Arguably his most accessible book to date—Baxter [is] resplendent.”—SFX magazine When his father dies suddenly, George Poole stumbles onto a family secret: He has a twin sister he never knew existed, who was raised by an enigmatic cult called the Order. The Order is a hive—a human hive with a dominant queen—that has prospered below the streets of Rome for almost two millennia. After Poole enters the Order’s vast underground city and meets the disturbing inhabitants, he uncovers evidence that they have embarked on a divergent evolutionary path. These genetically superior humans are equipped with the tools necessary to render modern Homo sapiens as extinct as the Neanderthals. And now they are preparing to leave their underground realm. “[Excels] at both action-packed storytelling and philosophical speculation.”—Library Journal “Utterly fascinating . . . constantly surprising . . . Coalescent reveals a new side to Baxter’s vast talent.”—Locus




Art Fundamentals: Theory in Practice


Book Description

Meet modern portraiture head-on with this step-by-step beginner's guide to creating stylized portrait, written by the industry's leading character designers.