Echoes of Aelora: The Binding Shard In the war-torn kingdom of Aelora, magic is power, and betrayal can shatter even the strongest bonds. Kael, a skilled warrior sworn to protect the realm, is consumed by guilt after a devastating loss. When a sinister plot threatens to plunge Aelora into eternal darkness, Kael must confront his past and forge an unlikely alliance with Kyara, the exiled heir to the throne. Their quest to restore balance to Aelora will lead them through treacherous landscapes, ancient ruins, and the depths of their own souls. As they unravel the secrets of the Binding Shard, a powerful artifact capable of controlling magic itself, they must learn to trust each other and embrace their intertwined destinies. But darkness lurks around every corner, and a malevolent force seeks to exploit their vulnerabilities. With the fate of Aelora hanging in the balance, Kael and Kyara must race against time to unite the fractured kingdom and reclaim the magic that rightfully belongs to its people. A sweeping epic fantasy filled with captivating characters, breathtaking landscapes, and heart-pounding action, Echoes of Aelora: The Binding Shard is a tale of redemption, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope. Key features: A thrilling adventure set in a richly imagined world Complex and morally gray characters grappling with their pasts A captivating plot filled with twists and turns Themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the power of hope Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Brandon Sanderson, and Leigh Bardugo Join Kael and Kyara on their epic quest to save Aelora from the clutches of darkness. The echoes of their journey will reverberate through the ages. Pick up your copy of Echoes of Aelora: The Binding Shard today!

The study of technical treatises in Indian art has increasingly attracted much interest. This work puts forward a critical re-examination of the key Indian concepts of painting described in the Sanskrit treatises, called citrasutras. In an in-depth and systematic analysis of the texts on the theory of Indian painting, it critically examines the different ways in which the texts have been interpreted and used in the study of Indian painting, and suggests a new approach to reading and understanding their concepts. Contrary to previous publications on the subject, it is argued that the intended use of such texts as a standard of critique largely failed due to a fundamental misconceptualization of the significance of ‘text’ for Indian painters. Isabella Nardi offers an original approach to research in this field by drawing on the experiences of painters, who are considered as a valid source of knowledge for our understanding of the citrasutras, and provides a new conceptual framework for understanding the interlinkages between textual sources and the practice of Indian painting. Filling a significant gap in Indian scholarship, Nardi's study will appeal to those studying Indian painting and Indian art in general.

Traces the life and career of the French novelist, describing his participation in the Spanish Civil War, command of a World War II resistance brigade, and his position as a government minister.

George R. R. Martin is the author of A Song of Ice and Fire - one of the most successful and beloved fantasy series ever written. With a dedicated fan base clamouring for new material, this calendar is a 'timely' addition to a franchise that has continued to grow with each passing year. Stunning full-colour paintings depict the characters and world of A Song of Ice and Fire.

Discover and explore the most incredible statues, monuments, temples, bridges, and ancient cities with this unparalleled survey of the most famous buildings and structures ever created by humans. From Stonehenge to the Sagrada Familia, from the Great Wall of China to the Burj Khalifa, Manmade Wonders of the World plots a continent-by-continent journey around the world, exploring and charting the ingenuity and imagination used by different cultures to create iconic buildings. This truly global approach reveals how humans have tackled similar challenges - such as keeping the enemy out or venerating their gods - in vastly different parts of the world. As writer, historian, and broadcaster Dan Cruickshank writes in his foreword, "reading this book is like taking a journey through the world not only of the present but also of the past, because the roots of many wonders lie in antiquity." By combining breathtaking photography with 3D cutaway artworks, floorplans, and other illustrations, the hidden details and engineering innovations that make each building remarkable are revealed. Featuring the most visited monuments in the world - such as the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, and Machu Picchu - as well as some hidden gems, Manmade Wonders of the World can help you to map out the trip of a lifetime or simply be enjoyed as a celebration of the world that humans have built over thousands of years.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse... Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone. "A dazzling fairytale full of breathtaking storytelling." --Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval Shiori'anma, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted. But it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother. A sorceress in her own right, Raikama banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes. She warns Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die. Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in a paper bird, a mercurial dragon, and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to forswear--no matter what the cost. Weaving together elements of The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang E, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Elizabeth Lim has crafted a fantasy like no other, and one that will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page. "A stunning remake of a fairytale. Six Crimson Cranes is the perfect blend of whimsy and ferociousness, with twists and turns that will tug at your heartstrings." —Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights "Fast-paced excitement is balanced with a satisfyingly intricate plot that weaves in elements from Western fairy tales and East Asian folklore." —SLJ, starred review “A richly imagined landscape . . . vibrant, fast-paced.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review