The Forgotten Sage


Book Description

Just after the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., there lived a poor and ugly nail-maker who was also, for a time, the leading rabbi of his generation. His name was Joshua ben Hananiah, and he helped give us the Judaism we know--the complicated, word-filled tradition of debates, multiple viewpoints, and endless questions. Through his humanity, humility, and occasional audacity, Joshua helped set Judaism on its course towards becoming the decentralized, multi-opinionated, exile-surviving, other-religion-respecting, pragmatic-yet-altruistic, wounded-yet-hopeful religion that it is at its best. And yet, inside and outside the Jewish community, few people know about him. This book wants to change that. In these pages, people of all faiths or backgrounds will find accessible and vivid translations of some of the most stunning stories in the Talmud and in Midrash. Rabbi Maurice Harris is a friendly guide through the texts and dramas of early rabbinic Judaism, providing general audiences with clear and compelling explanations of complex narratives, legal issues, and historical contexts. Venture inside this book and discover Rabbi Joshua ben Hananiah, one of the bravest and humblest heroes you'll ever meet in sacred literature.




The Lost: Sage Seed Chronicles Book 5


Book Description

There are no monsters on Ose. People can be monstrous enough. Long-lost artifacts lure people from a lost population out on a secret quest. At the same time, an unexpectedly strong winter storm forces Erin to take refuge in an isolated cabin. Unbeknownst to her, this was the last known location of the missing items that Kai, one of the lost, is looking for. Dismayed to find Erin at the cabin, he reacts in the only logical way: Kill any witnesses to protect his people. With a ferocious blizzard ravaging the realm, will the sages be able to prevent bloodshed? And what would it take to avoid war with THE LOST ones?




The Forgotten Legacies


Book Description

About the Book For a recorded five thousand years, the Seven Great Gods have aided Mankind, Elves, and Mages in the fight against the Dark God. For one hundred and twenty-five years, they have remained silent. Now, in an age when the Known World is divided by greed, mistrust, and existential dread, the threads of fate slowly bind the destinies of seven men and women together. For a war that has remained latent for generations hence is about to reach its zenith... About the Author Lucas Stringer has long been in love with epic tales of adventure and heroism. One day, he decided that he should add his voice to the wider chorus of bards and orators with this debut novel. He lives in the pride and glory of the Midwest, Michigan.




Land and Spirituality in Rabbinic Literature


Book Description

This volume is devoted to the texts, traditions, and practices of the Land of Israel during the Talmudic period. Using a variety of critical methodologies, this collection offers a picture of rabbinic literature and Israelite cultures that are multi-layered and complex.




The Lost Girls of Willowbrook


Book Description

Instant New York Times Bestseller! Girl, Interrupted meets American Horror Story in 1970s Staten Island, as the New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan Collector blends fact, fiction, and the urban legend of Cropsey for a haunting story about a young woman mistakenly imprisoned at Willowbrook State School – the real state-run institution that Geraldo Rivera would later expose for its horrifying abuses. An Indie Next Pick | Peruse Book Club Pick | A Room of Your Own Book Club Pick | A Publishers Lunch Buzz Books Selection Sage Winters always knew her sister was a little different even though they were identical twins. They loved the same things and shared a deep understanding, but Rosemary—awake to every emotion, easily moved to joy or tears—seemed to need more protection from the world. Six years after Rosemary’s death from pneumonia, Sage, now sixteen, still misses her deeply. Their mother perished in a car crash, and Sage’s stepfather, Alan, resents being burdened by a responsibility he never wanted. Yet despite living as near strangers in their Staten Island apartment, Sage is stunned to discover that Alan has kept a shocking secret: Rosemary didn’t die. She was committed to Willowbrook State School and has lingered there until just a few days ago, when she went missing. Sage knows little about Willowbrook. It’s always been a place shrouded by rumor and mystery. A place local parents threaten to send misbehaving kids. With no idea what to expect, Sage secretly sets out for Willowbrook, determined to find Rosemary. What she learns, once she steps through its doors and is mistakenly believed to be her sister, will change her life in ways she never could imagined . . . “A heartbreaking yet insightful read, this novel will open one's eyes to the evil in this world.” —New York Journal of Books “Unvarnished, painful and startlingly clear.” —Bookreporter.com




Son of the Black Sword


Book Description

#1 IN A NEW EPIC FANTASY SERIES from Monster Hunter series creator and New York Times best-selling author, Larry Correia! After the War of the Gods, the demons were cast out and fell to the world. Mankind was nearly eradicated by the seemingly unstoppable beasts, until the gods sent the great hero, Ramrowan, to save them. He united the tribes, gave them magic, and drove the demons into the sea. Ever since the land has belonged to man and the oceans have remained an uncrossable hell, leaving the continent of Lok isolated. It was prophesized that someday the demons would return, and only the descendants of Ramrowan would be able to defeat them. They became the first kings, and all men served those who were their only hope for survival. As centuries passed, the descendants of the great hero grew in number and power. They became tyrannical and cruel, and their religion nothing but an excuse for greed. Gods and demons became myth and legend, and the people no longer believed. The castes created to serve the Sons of Ramrowan rose up and destroyed their rulers. All religion was banned and replaced by a code of unflinching law. The surviving royalty and their priests were made casteless, condemned to live as untouchables, and the Age of Law began. Ashok Vadal has been chosen by a powerful ancient weapon to be its bearer. He is a Protector, member of an elite militant order of roving law enforcers. No one is more merciless in rooting out those who secretly practice the old ways. Everything is black or white, good or evil, until he discovers his entire life is a fraud. Ashok isn’t who he thinks he is, and when he finds himself on the wrong side of the law, the consequences lead to rebellion, war—and destruction. About Son of the Black Sword: "This book has everything I like in fantasy: intense action scenes, evil in horrifying array, good struggling against the darkness, and most of all people—gorgeously flawed human beings faced with horrible moral choices that force them to question and change and grow."—Jim Butcher, creator of the New York Times best-selling Dresden Files "Best-selling fantasy author Correia casts a compelling spell with this India-influenced series opener. . . . Correia skillfully sets in motion this story of plots within plots, revealing complex, sympathetic characters and black-hearted villains with equal detail and insight. Full of action, intrigue, and wry humor, this exciting series launch promises many more thrills to come."—Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Fans who like Correia’s fast-moving style will be pleased with the plethora of action scenes, and epic fantasy readers interested in delving into a new universe should be equally satisfied. A solid choice for admirers of Brent Weeks and Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series."—Library Journal "Correia is, above all, a storyteller, and he weaves a unique and entertaining tale.Without question, his action sequences pop on the page, his magic system has a nice wrinkle, and he has the foundations laid out for some excellent character growth as the series continues. . . . [A] definite hit."—Bookreporter "The lore here is fascinating and well told. I enjoyed learning the history of the world and the legend of Ramrowan. The politics are just complicated enough to feel real without being too difficult to follow. Where the book truly shines, however, is in the characters. All are well drawn and distinctively voiced."—SFCrowsnest “I loved the book, it was great, fast paced, with wonderful characters, and also a lot of wonderful scenes that screamed to be painted.”—Larry Elmore, legendary, award-winning artist, and cover artist for Son of the Black Sword. "Son of the Black Sword: Saga of the Forgotten Warrior tells of what happens after the war with the gods, when demons were cast out and fell to the world to nearly destroy these unstoppable beasts until the gods sent a hero to save them. Centuries have passed since this event and the people have regulated these events to legend. One Ashok has been chosen to be a protector with a powerful weapon in hand, uncovering those who still practice old ways and are potential dangers to the order - but when he discovers all his efforts have been based on a lie, everything's about to change. A powerful epic fantasy evolves into a solid, compelling read."—Midwest Book Reivew About the Urban Fantasy of Larry Correia: “[A] no-holds-barred all-out page turner that is part science fiction, part horror, and an absolute blast to read.”—Bookreporter.com “If you love monsters and action, you’ll love this book. If you love guns, you’ll love this book. If you love fantasy, and especially horror fantasy, you’ll love this book.”—Knotclan.com “A gun person who likes science fiction—or, heck, anyone who likes science fiction—will enjoy [these books]. . . The plotting is excellent, and Correia makes you care about the characters…I read both books without putting them down except for work . . . so whaddaya waitin’ for? Go and buy some . . . for yourself and for stocking stuffers.”—Massad Ayoob “This lighthearted, testosterone-soaked sequel to 2009's Monster Hunter International will delight fans of action horror with elaborate weaponry, hand-to-hand combat, disgusting monsters, and an endless stream of blood and body parts.”—Publishers Weekly on Monster Hunter Vendetta




A Sage’s Fruit vol.2


Book Description

For over sixty years, some of the most powerful essays written by Rav Yehuda Ashlag, known as Baal HaSulam (Owner of the Ladder) for his Sulam (Ladder) commentary on The Book of Zohar, have been sealed and concealed. In some, the text has become indiscernible and the letters barely readable. In some, the text has been torn and some was lost. For this reason, ellipses are quite common, either because the original text is incomplete, or because it cannot be read with certainty. And yet, the authenticity of the texts, and the content and message resonate from every page in this inspiring book. You cannot truly understand Baal HaSulam until you read such seminal essays as “600,000 Souls,” “Exile and Redemption,” or “One Commandment.”




Web of Deceit (Forgotten Legacy #3)


Book Description

Fakara is a desolate wasteland where law and order are foreign words. The land is ruled by tribes of ruthless bandits who exact tribute from the poor villagers. Web of Deceit tells the story of Rejji, a boy turning into a man, as his family and village are destroyed. With nowhere to turn, Rejji sets off with a young female thief in search of the Sage of the Mountain. Unknown to Rejji is the fact that he is the long-awaited prophetic figure of a Forgotten Legacy. Follow the trials of Rejji as he is chased by armies of bandits, evil magicians, and slavers. Friends are few along his journey, and even those few are suspect.




The Seven Sages


Book Description

Many world legends suggest that at any given time, seven sages walk the Earth, tasked with the responsibility to anchor wisdom on behalf of humanity. Each one stands as the personification of a different rung of human consciousness. Together, they represent humanitys innate ability to save itselfor doom itself. Earthwhisperer knows the secrets of the Earth, its pleasures, and its pains. Lila understands the nature and workings of sacred pleasure. Solomon has learned how to wield both moral and ethical power. Philomel has captured the art of immaculate loving and heartfelt joy. Dattatreya lives out his version of crazy wisdom with his innovative family. Marianina is fey, with a vast and accurate perspective on the human soul and its cosmic context. Horus is a human sun, the indicator of human destiny, well above normal human consciousness. At this time, the sages have the profound challenge to help humanity reclaim balance, compassion, and hopewhen these qualities seem lost forever. Through a whirling cascade of shifts in perception, can the sages inspire each person to embrace his or her unique brand of wisdom in time?




Bury Elminster Deep


Book Description

Elminster, having been forced to live in the form of magical ash to stay safe after the death of Mystra, is sent on a quest by the goddess that puts him face to face with his archenemy, the vampire Lord Manshoon, and tests his faith and fortitude.