The second book by prize-winning Japanese novelist Fuminori Nakamura to be available in English translation, a follow-up to 2012's critically acclaimed The Thief─another fantastically creepy, electric literary thriller that explores the limits of human depravity─and the powerful human instinct to resist evil. When Fumihiro Kuki is eleven years old, his elderly, enigmatic father calls him into his study for a meeting. "I created you to be a cancer on the world," his father tells him. It is a tradition in their wealthy family: a patriarch, when reaching the end of his life, will beget one last child to cause misery in a world that cannot be controlled or saved. From this point on, Fumihiro will be specially educated to learn to create as much destruction and unhappiness in the world around him as a single person can. Between his education in hedonism and his family's resources, Fumihiro's life is one without repercussions. Every door is open to him, for he need obey no laws and may live out any fantasy he might have, no matter how many people are hurt in the process. But as his education progresses, Fumihiro begins to question his father's mandate, and starts to resist.

The magnum opus by Japanese literary sensation Fuminori Nakamura, Cult X is a story that dives into the psychology of fringe religion, obsession, and social disaffection. When Toru Narazaki’s girlfriend, Ryoko Tachibana, disappears, he tries to track her down, despite the warnings of the private detective he’s hired to find her. Ryoko’s past is shrouded in mystery, but the one concrete clue to her whereabouts is a previous address in the heart of Tokyo. She lived in a compound with a group that seems to be a cult led by a charismatic guru with a revisionist Buddhist scheme of life, death, and society. Narazaki plunges into the secretive world of the cult, ready to expose himself to any of the guru’s brainwashing tactics if it means he can learn the truth about Ryoko. But the cult isn’t what he expected, and he has no idea of the bubbling violence he is stepping into. Inspired by the 1995 sarin gas terrorist attack on the Tokyo subway, Cult X is an exploration of what draws individuals into extremism. It is a tour de force that captures the connections between astrophysics, neuroscience, and religion; an invective against predatory corporate consumerism and exploitative geopolitics; and a love story about compassion in the face of nihilism.

After the heinous murder of his grandfather, Don Patricio, Don Juan Cortez decides it's time to have a family. As a well-known Cuban treasure seeker perpetually traveling to unexplored places, he doesn't want to waste too much energy on the fairer sex. His exclusive aims are to have an heir with a noblewoman and to enrich his heritage. So he starts to have a regular correspondence with Lady Mary Hallen and, after a few months, he proposes to her to marry him. However, since Mary's arrival in Havana, Juan's existence is completely turned upside down. Despite his intention not to bond emotionally, he can't resist the young woman's charm and rebellious nature. Madly in love, he doesn't realize his wife's dark side immediately; nothing is really as it seems. In fact, the man ignores the existence of evil and of its several facets, until he knows the oldest of them: the original one.

Describes eight common personality disorders, presents Biblical guidelines for dealing with difficult people, and explains how Christian faith can help their real personalities to emerge.

A Broken Flute: The Native Experience in Books for Children is a companion to its predecessor published by Oyate, Through Indian Eyes: The Native Experience in Books for Children. A compilation of work by Native parents, children, educators, poets and writers, A Broken Flute contains, from a Native perspective, 'living stories,' essays, poetry, and hundreds of reviews of 'children's books about Indians.' It's an indispensable volume for anyone interested in presenting honest materials by and about indigenous peoples to children.

The Darkness Yearns for paradise. It tells tales of fear and love Before the sunrise.

Many Americans say they are uncertain about their religious beliefs, although they continue to attend Christian and other churches. Interdenominational minister Willis presents this beautifully written book to help questioners maintain their integrity while relating to the vast Mystery that informs the universe beyond all understanding. "We know we don't know," Willis says, "and yet we all (even atheists) must stand on assumptions that help us lead good lives." To explore these assumptions, he discusses different ways of thinking about God, scientific and mythical views, the sources of good and evil, and the need for both freedom and commitment. He assures us we can all think reasonably about Ultimate Reality and find a faith that fits. The book grew from theology classes Willis taught in Unitarian churches and universities and from conversations with discontented members of other discussion groups. His clear and engaging prose is full of lively exchanges with his students. Frequent references to the best contemporary theologians (Bishop Spong, for example) and to philosophers, physicists, mythologists, and Bible experts provide an inspiring resource for those who long to resolve the conflict between faith and reason, doubt and belief.

EVIL DWELLS HERE After a vicious shooting spree, the town of Sunnydale is shell-shocked. What could have sparked the random rampage? Buffy Summers can guess. Considering the prophetic dreams she's been having, the Slayer suspects possession by an especially malevolent force. As the police follow their typical false leads, the Slayerettes start up their own research into possible paranormal causes. But when Oz's van is discovered on the side of the road, minus one teen wolf, a distraught Willow turns on Buffy, disrupting the investigation. With the pressure in Sunnydale mounting, the residents' reactions to stress grow increasingly unpredictable. The Slayer continues her search for answers, narrowly surviving an attack by a well-trained and powerful vampire who brought a gruesome death to every Slayer who crossed her path. Is this the ancient creature behind the recent influx of evil? Or is there another influence...close to home?

It seems at some point in everyone’s life, the thought runs through the mind asking, What happened, how did things change, and how did I get here? Jeff had to confront similar thoughts after he had received Christ as Lord and Savior. He had genuinely been a good kid. He started off in life wanting to like everyone. His easygoing nature attracted his peers to befriend him. In late October 1977, all that began to change. He became self-conscious, shier, and open to the concept of violence, as bullies began to target him. He believed and evidence in the book suggests that a demonic oppression began near Halloween when he was eight years old. The Jeff that was nice seemed to invite fear that had dominated much of his thoughts since he was three years old. This is a coming-of-age cautionary testimony of a good kid dealing with fears and insecurities in the worst self-destructive ways imaginable and a young adult reaching a point of being ready to throw his and other lives away. God, however, had the final say.

Old Evil Comes to New Hope is the story of good versus evil. A centuries old Sorceress comes to the small peaceful town in pursuit of Brian, a man she is obsessed with. A man who does not wish to be found, who has hidden from her for many years. She is willing to kill everyone who gets in her way. Only three men stand between her and her desire. Will they be able to stop her from finding Brian or killing innocent people?