In ""Starlight Echoes,"" the vastness of space becomes a playground for human ambition and cosmic mystery. Zara, a skilled astronavigator aboard the interstellar vessel Asteria, finds herself at the heart of a discovery that could reshape humanity's understanding of the universe. When an enigmatic signal leads the crew to an uncharted sector, they uncover an ancient alien artifact that broadcasts memories and emotions across the fabric of time and space. As Zara and her crewmates delve deeper into the artifact's secrets, they're thrust into a web of galactic politics and philosophical quandaries. The novel masterfully weaves classic space opera elements with profound questions about consciousness and humanity's cosmic role. Readers will be captivated by the blend of interstellar adventure and the exploration of advanced AI, as the crew navigates both the physical dangers of space and the ethical implications of their discovery. ""Starlight Echoes"" offers a thrilling journey through the stars, where the echoes of extinct civilizations could hold the key to humanity's future.

This fast-paced adventure fantasy trilogy starts with murder and leads teenagers Nathan and Kelly out of their once-familiar world as they struggle to find answers to the tragedy. A mysterious mirror with phantom images, a camera that takes pictures of things they can't see, and a violin that unlocks unrecognizable voices ... each enigma takes the teens further into an alternate universe where nothing is as it seems. Find out what happens when good battles evil in an alternate universe Interfinity is imminent. In this second book in the Echoes from the Edge series, the merging of Earth and its parallel dimensions means one thing to Nathan Shepherd---he must rescue his parents while attempting to save his world and others. But signs foretell the impending collapse of the cosmos. Nathan and his friend Kelly watch the night sky transform into a giant mirror, as stars are replaced by scattered reflections of Earth. The teens are not the only ones on a mission. Mictar, a dimensional stalker who consumes the life energy of his victims, fights to control the universe---a universe Nathan knows belongs to God. Journeying through dimensional realities, Nathan and Kelly must draw on their God-given gifts of wisdom and courage and the help of faithful friends, as they battle Mictar for lives and worlds sliding toward the edge of destruction.

In ""Whispers of Stardust,"" a mesmerizing cosmic adventure unfolds as Zara, a young astronomer's apprentice, embarks on a perilous quest to save the night sky. Ancient star-beings are fading from existence, threatening the delicate balance of the celestial realm. Armed with cryptic maps and her grandmother's folklore, Zara must navigate ethereal landscapes and confront cosmic challenges that will test her resolve and uncover her true heritage. This captivating young adult fantasy seamlessly blends mythology, astronomy, and coming-of-age themes, creating a unique tapestry of storytelling. Each chapter opens with a star myth, weaving together diverse cultural folklore with Zara's journey of self-discovery. As she encounters trickster comets, wise nebulae, and the formidable Great Celestial Bear, readers are drawn into a world where constellations come to life and the boundaries between earth and sky blur. Through lyrical prose and a innovative ""constellation"" narrative structure, the story invites readers to ponder their own place in the vast, interconnected universe.

""Whispers of Obsidian,"" a captivating blend of fantasy and folklore, young glassblower Zara discovers an extraordinary gift: the ability to hear the secrets of volcanic glass. As her village faces a mysterious blight, Zara must embark on a perilous journey to unravel the truth behind her newfound power and save her home. This coming-of-age tale weaves a rich tapestry of adventure, self-discovery, and ancient magic. Set in a world where ancient stones hold reality-shaping powers, the story alternates between Zara's quest and legends of past glass-speakers, gradually revealing the connection between age-old lore and present-day events. With its unique magic system centered around the art of glassblowing and the mystical properties of obsidian, the novel offers a fresh take on the chosen one trope. Lyrical prose echoing oral storytelling traditions brings to life a diverse cast of characters, each contributing their own cultural folklore to this immersive fantasy world.

Blood and sweat. Bethany Lewis danced her way out of poverty. She’s a world class athlete… with a debt to pay. Joshua North always gets what he wants. And the mercenary wants Bethany in his bed. He wants her beautiful little body bent to his will. She doesn’t surrender to his kiss. He doesn’t back down from a challenge. It’s going to be a sensual fight… to the death. AUDITION is the new standalone from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren. This book is a spin off from the bestselling North Security series, though it can be read separately.

In this provocative study, Michael R. Trimble, M.D., tackles the interrelationship between brain function, language, art—especially music and poetry—and religion. By examining the breakdown of language in several neuropsychiatric disorders, he identifies brain circuits that are involved with metaphor, poetry, music, and religious experiences. Drawing on this body of evidence, Trimble argues that religious experiences and beliefs are explicable biologically and relate to brain function, especially of the nondominant hemisphere. Inspired by the writings and reflections of his patients—many of whom have epilepsy, psychosis, or affective disorders—Trimble asks how the human species, so enamored of its own logic and critical facilities, has held from the dawn of civilization strong religious beliefs and a reverence for the arts. He explores topics such as the phenomena of hypergraphia and hyper-religiosity, how religious experiences and poetic expression are neurologically linked with our capacity to respond to music, and how neuropsychiatric disorders influence behaviors related to artistic expression and religiosity by disturbing brain function. With the sensitivity of a dedicated doctor and the curiosity of an accomplished scholar, Trimble offers an insightful analysis of how the study of people with paradigmatical neuropsychiatric conditions can be the cornerstone to unraveling some of the mysteries of the cerebral representations of our highest cultural experiences.

One hundred thousand colonists can't disappear. No bodies. No evidence of an attack. Just gone. On what should have been a routine cargo run to the far edge of the Coalition, Captain Ethan Walker is carrying a payload of medical technology and two passengers returning home to Starlight Colony. When they arrive, they discover that everyone on the planet is missing. The company he works for wants him to leave immediately, but he's obligated to report to FleetCom that the entire population has vanished. Captain MacKenna of the Magellan, tells him stay put until they can arrive to begin an official investigation. Caught between his legal responsibilities and the need to know what happened, Walker has to resist increasing pressure to defy orders. Unfortunately, his passengers make a decision that forces him into doing the one thing he can't do. Captain Walker must risk his ship and crew to return to the surface even though it may ultimately cost him everything.