Thrice upon a time, their children would be armedWith the power of newfound magic...Eighty years have passed since the Mystics founded the glorious nation of Calsandria on the ruins of a fabled lost empire, and now their new order is mired in politics and bloodlines. A woman like Theona Conlan, who lacks magic powers, has no place in Mystic society. But she vows to lead the desperate search for the long-lost Crown Prince-the last descendant of Galen Arvad...In another realm the faery Dwynwyn, Queen of the Dead, must face an emerging truth: Her world's slave creatures, such as centaurs and satyrs, are mastering the magic once solely available to faeries. And this reality will shatter the fragile peace between the faeries and their vengeful enemies...In the goblin world, the little scientist Lunid wants to get closer to the god of her dreams. So she builds a device that can let her reach across worlds and snatch him back to her like a prized pet. Her masters, however, have plans for her invention that she could not have foreseen...But unknown to them all, the gates between realities are about to burst open and allow nightmare armies to pour through-plunging Mystics, faeries, goblins, centaurs, and dragons into unimaginable, devastating conflict. Soon all these entities are caught in a war that can be won only with an undiscovered magic...One that will unite-or destroy-three worlds.

SUMMARY: The start of a new epic trilogy set in the world of Dragonlance. The War of Souls The people of Krynn have known war in past ages. Some are still alive who remember the triumph of good at the conclusion of the War of the Lance. Still more remember the devastation of the Chaos War, which ended the Fourth Age of the world. But now a new war is about to begin, more terrible than any have known. This war is one for the very heart and soul of the world itself. Forty years have passed since the devastating Chaos War, when the gods departed Krynn. Cruel and powerful dragons have seized control of Ansalon, dividing the continent among them and demanding tribute from the people they have enslaved. Heroes of the past have gone to their well-deserved rest. Now new heroes take their place to continue the battle against evil. Change -- for good or for ill -- comes to the world. A violent magical storm sweeps over Ansalon, bringing flood and fire, death and destruction. Out of the tumult rises a strange, mystic young woman. Her destiny is bound up with that of Krynn. For she alone knows the truth about the future, a future strangely and inextricably tied to the terrifying mystery in Krynn's past.

End of the World The Light Reapers are a Special Operations Unit who had served numerous campaigns together. They were an expertly trained and elite group, but could they ever prepare for what was to happen next. Under a shroud of darkness and maliciousness, a viral weapon was being produced by an alliance of terrorists bent on the destruction of their respective enemies. When double-crossed by an ISIS faction, the viral weapon is stolen and prematurely unleashed on the planet. Now facing a worldwide epidemic, The Light Reapers are deployed to rescue a scientist who may be able to develop an antidote. If that wasn't difficult enough, they also must track down the ISIS faction and eliminate them. All while battling hordes of the infected.

Fantasy great Tracy Hickman teams up with the video game legend Richard Garriott in this epic novel The Eye of Scales, based on the award-winning game, Shroud of the Avatar.The sword rules all.Aren Bendis, former soldier in the Obsidian army, has managed to protect a rebel city from his former friends and now finds his fate bound to a weapon once wielded by the Avatars themselves. Now, he is being secreted away to the capital of the last alliance of free nations with the hopes that the Hero of Opalis will lead their army against his former masters.What Aren doesn't know is that his former friend Evard Dirae, a Craft Master of the Obsidian Order, is seeking Aren out. Worried that Aren is being manipulated against his will by the magic of the Avatars, Evard seeks to find the sword and break its hold over Aren once and for all.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Living on an island plagued by magic and mythical monsters isn't a fairy tale . . . it's a nightmare. Aveen is the perfect lady, placid and well-mannered, concealing her discontentment beneath false smiles and gentle nods. As the eldest, her duty has always been to her family legacy and her sister's happiness. But when she finds herself forced into betrothal to a man she loathes, she swears she'll do anything to escape. Even if it means bargaining with a wicked fae prince. Rían is a devious half-fae with a dark secret, concealing his true nature beneath glamours and lies. When a fascinating human accidentally catches his eye, it's clear he'll do anything to take her for himself. Including making promises he can't—or won't—keep. Confronting hidden dangers and haunting pasts, the two reluctantly come to rely on each other to survive a world where nothing is what it seems and darkness encroaches from all...

Powerful scions walk the streets of modern London, oblivious to their true nature. Unknowingly, they carry within them the spirits of reincarnated dragons from an age of high fantasy. As magic begins to emerge once more in the 21st century, long-dormant memories begin to flood the minds of these scions, reminding them of their mystical heritage. Welcome to the world of Fireborn! Ethan Gallows knows things about his world. He knows there is magic, and he knows he wants nothing to do with it. Yet, when he is sent on the seemingly menial job of filming a museum curator's antique art collection in London, Ethan discovers that he has much more to learn. After witnessing a violent display of sorcery, ancient memories come rushing back to Ethan - memories seen through the eyes of a dragon! With minions of the Taint now seeking him for their own twisted purposes, Ethan must put his trust in Sojourner - a woman claiming to be a draconic scion. Could he really be a dragon of old, or is this some sort of fanatic conspiracy? Embers of Atlantis is the first novel based on the acclaimed Fireborn roleplaying game setting. Written by New York Times bestselling author Tracy Hickman (Dragonlance), Embers of Atlantis introduces readers to a modern world faced with the sudden emergence of magic.

From Publishers WeeklyNew readers may find it difficult to get into the Hickmans' second installment in their Bronze Canticles series (after 2004's Mystic Warrior), with its three complex tales set in the parallel worlds of faerie, goblin and human. In the land of the Five Domains, Dragonkings and Dragonqueens destroyed the Rhamasian Empire more than 400 years before; now they're in conflict with rebel humans who possess the Deep Magic rediscovered by blacksmith Galen Arvad 23 years earlier. Mystics can connect to the other worlds in a dream state, but this ability doesn't really add much to the rambling quest Arvad's sons, half-brothers Caelith and Jorgan, embark on to find Calsandria, fabled Lost City of Gods. In the eerie yet lovely fairie world, Princess Aislynn becomes one of the Oraclyn-loi ("Vision Pilgrims in training") to serve Dwynwyn, queen of the dead, and joins a dangerous expedition to discover another lost city. And in the amusing goblin world, Thux, grand wizard to the goblin emperor, finds himself on another life-changing quest. Hopefully, future volumes will tie these disparate elements into a satisfying whole. Agent, Matt Bialer at Sanford Greenburger. (Apr. 18) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Review"A traditional epic fantasy rife with adventure and bloodshed...riddled with rich history and magic." -- Romantic Times on Mystic Warrior

"Brave Hearted is not just history, it is an incredibly intense page-turning experience. To read what these women endured is to be transported into another universe of courage, loss, pain, and occasionally victory. This book is a triumph." – Amanda Foreman"Absolutely compelling" ― Christina Lamb, Sunday Times (UK)The dramatic, untold stories of the diverse array of women who helped transform the American West.As the internationally bestselling historian Katie Hickman writes, "Myth and misunderstanding spring from the American frontier as readily as rye grass from sod, and - like the wiry grass - seem as difficult to weed out and discard." But the true-life story of women's experiences in the Wild West is more gripping, heart-rending, and stirring than all the movies, novels, folk-legends, and ballads of popular imagination.Hard-drinking, hard-living poker players and...

In this edgy, sexy,page-turning follow-up to award-winning, bestselling author Trice Hickman's The Other Side, three friends who've shared everything—including the same birthday—bond over the triumphs, trials, and unexpected complications surrounding the men they love . . . Formerly single, D.C. businesswoman Bernadette Gibson is amazed at what a difference a year makes. Now in a committed relationship with a man who cherishes her, the practical fifty-something is thrilled with the laid-back peace and promise of her new southern small-town life. But when she discovers she's pregnant, complications she never saw coming will cause her to question everything . . . Fortyish bestselling novelist Testimony "Tess" Sinclair couldn't be happier with her engagement to successful restaurateur, Macao Dennis. But he longs to have children, and Tess fears to tell him her real story—she has difficulty conceiving. Once she...

SUMMARY: The flames of war devour Ansalon. The army of dead souls marches toward conquest, led by the mystical warrior Mina, who serves the powerful One God.A small band of heroes, driven to desperate measures, leads the fight against overwhelming odds.Two unlikely protagonists emerge. One is a dragon overlord who will not easily relinquish her rule. The other is an irrepressible kender who has been on a strange and remarkable journey that will end in startling and unforeseen fashion.The stirring climax of the War of Souls.

From Publishers WeeklyThree universes converge-faerie, goblin and human-in this impressive and provocative fantasy, the first of a new series from bestseller Tracy Hickman and [his] Dragonlance cocreator, Laura Hickman. Galen Arvad, a newly married blacksmith, struggles to discover the nature of a dream state connecting him with inhabitants of the faerie and goblin realms. Galen tries to hide this uncanny connection, but fails when he runs afoul of the Dragon Priests in Benyn Township, whose people equate magic with insanity. Galen's wife, Berkita, and his dwarf friend, Cephas, vow to rescue him. Meanwhile, Galen strives to understand how his fate intermingles with the destiny of a faerie Seeker who wishes to aid her war-torn people and a goblin toiling amid the vast mechanical machines left by Titans. This emotionally intense novel's meticulously crafted magical system and likable characters evoke an atmosphere both timely and timeless. While lively action sequences and rich descriptive passages provide plenty of excitement, mature examinations of politics and individual responsibility lend philosophical weight and emotional poignancy. Sure to hit many bestseller lists, this is a fine example of socially conscious and unpredictable imaginative fiction.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Review"Mystic Warrior is an exciting, adventure-filled read from two of the great storytellers and world builders of all time." -- Margaret Weis, author of Mistress of Dragons

"Hickman proves to be a master of suspense, plot twists, exhilaration and killer climaxes." —RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars Top Pick After one too many failed relationships, businesswoman Bernadette Gibson is resigned to singlehood. Yet on the heels of her fiftieth birthday she meets Cooper "Coop" Dennis, a charismatic nightclub owner who literally sweeps her off her feet. But just as they're ready to make the ultimate commitment, a secret from Coop's past threatens to end their relationship . . . As her fortieth birthday approaches, bestselling novelist Testimony "Tess" Sinclair is hurting—especially since her ex-boyfriend got married. For a change of scenery she travels to the sleepy southern town of Bourbon, NC, to visit her cousin, Bernadette—and finds unexpected love. Yet as wedding bells promise to ring, Tess wrestles with a secret that could end their happily ever after before it begins . . . Up-and-coming...

Here is the epic tale of the Great War of the Gods--and the proud people upon whom the fate of the world depends. When the God of the desert, Akhran the Wanderer, declares that two clans must band together despite their centuries old rivalry, their first response is outrage. But they are a devout people and so reluctantly bow to his bidding. Enemies from birth, the headstrong Prince Khardan and impetuous Princess Zohra must unite in marriage to stop Quar, the God of Reality, Greed, and Law, from enslaving their people. But can Khardan and Zohra keep from betraying each other? Can their two peoples maintain their fragile alliance until the long-awaited flowering of the legendary Rose of the Prophet? Against the powerful legions of the evil Amir, Khardan and Zohra fight to save the desert people--a fight unexpectedly joined by an exiled wizard named Mathew and the mysterious powers of his alien land.

"Trice Hickman is an amazing writer and storyteller!"  —Kimberla Lawson RobyEvery joy has its challenges. . .After twenty years, childhood best friends Alexandria Thornton and PJ Brightwood have reunited—and fallen in love. Alex's artistic nature as a spoken word artist, and PJ's success as a talented surgeon promise a bright future. But their happiness brings unexpected complications for those they care about most. . .A devoted wife, loving mother, and successful businesswoman, Victoria Thornton is a pillar of her suburban Atlanta community. But when her daughter, Alexandria, becomes engaged to the son of Victoria's former lover, her past mistake threatens her orderly life. As the impending marriage reunites both families, it reignites old feelings that test all of their relationships—and all of their boundaries. . .Praise for the Unexpected Love series"Looking for Trouble is a fantastic saga about family, friendship, love, status...

The beginning of a spellbinding new trilogy by the bestselling co-creators of Dragonlance and RavenloftGamin, Maine, is a remote seaside town where everyone seems to know Ellis Harkington better than she knows herself—but she doesn't remember any of them.Unknown events have robbed Ellis of her memory. Concerned individuals, who claim to be friends and loved ones, insist that she simply needs to recuperate, and that her memories may return in time. But, for her own sake—so they claim—they refuse to divulge what has brought her to this state.Ellis finds herself adrift in a town of ominous mysteries, cryptic hints, and disturbingly familiar strangers. The Nightbirds, a clique of fashionable young men and women, claim her as one of their own, but who can she truly trust? And what of the phantom suitor who visits her in her dreams? Is he a memory, a figment of her imagination, or a living nightmare beyond rational...

Whether you're lost on your own world in a hostile society, or on an alien world amid bizarre life forms, the strangers of kindness offer salvation in many forms. We are pleased to present two such stories.People Like Them: Theo Dahl, bookseller, and Jennifer Skoada, truck farmer, are cruelly thrown together by their near-future New USA's increasingly repressive fascist laws. Theo's destruction seems to be Jennifer's only hope, until another turn of the screw threatens to destroy them both. Aided by five orphans who Theo and Jennifer take under their wings, and two brave strangers, they seek a place that will welcome "People Like Them."The Wedding Present: Pasha Sands, a sprightly blob of intelligent silicon, crash lands on Earth. Though it deplores the concept of slavery, the only way Pasha can rebuild its spacecraft is by purchasing a human to do the physical labor. Jared, the young man it buys, and Anna, "The Wedding Present" owned by Pasha's abusive neighbors, show Pasha...

When the Batman begins to investigate the events surrounding his parents' murder, he will also uncover the darkest secrets of his family's past. No fan of the Dark Knight will want to miss this one-of-a-kind window into Gotham's dark protector in this fast-paced thriller from New York Times bestselling fantasy writer Tracy Hickman. Readers of Kevin J. Anderson's The Last Days of Krypton and Enemies & Allies will know that comic book characters pack a powerful punch when they enter the pages of a novel. Wayne of Gotham is no exception: as the DC Universe's millionaire playboy journeys into the dark recesses of his own past, his a journey that could spell the end for everything he holds dear—and the end of the hero he has become: the Batman.

Two sisters embark on a road trip to seek out far-flung relatives and uncover the truth hidden behind the painted over lives of past family members.Gaylen Syler-Boatwright flees her unraveling marriage to take refuge in a mountain cottage owned by her deceased aunt. Burdened with looking after her adult sister, Delia, she is shocked to find a trail of family secrets hidden within her aunt's odd collection of framed, painted dresses. With Delia, who attracts trouble as a daily occupation, Gaylen embarks on a road trip that throws the unlikely pair together on a journey to painful understanding and delightful revelations. Steeped in Hickman's trademark humor, her spare writing voice, and the bittersweet pathos of the South, Painted Dresses powerfully captures a woman's desperate longing to uncover a hidden, broken life and discover the liberty of living authentically, even when the things exposed are shrouded in shame.

This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. Jackson is surprised when he gets a call-up to play with United's under-eighteen team, and when everyone starts raving about his playing. But he's in for an even bigger shock when his dad turns up on his doorstep for the first time in years. Can they repair their relationship? Or is his dad out for what he can get?Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font and illustrations, The Football Trials is aimed at readers aged 12+ and has a manageable length (80 pages) and reading age (9+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch Up, a charity which aims to address underachievement caused...

The latest novel in the "enthralling" (Midwest Book Review) Annals of Drakis fantasy epic.The fates of Drakis, former slave warrior of the elven empire of Rhonas, and Soen, former Inquisitor of the Iblisi, are inexorably tied to the magic of Aether—lifeblood of the elven empire and the cause of humanity's fall. As each searches for the truth beyond legends, he must face his own destiny: Drakis amid the ruins of humanity's Lost Citadels; Soen in a desperate race to seize control of the farthest Aether Well of the empire...

This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. When Jackson's granddad is taken to hospital, Jackson's football suffers. When he looses his temper on the pitch, he puts his position on United's team at risk. Join Jackson as he struggles with the trials of football and family. Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font and illustrations, The Football Trials is aimed at readers aged 12+ and has a manageable length (80 pages) and reading age (9+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch Up, a charity which aims to address underachievement caused by literacy and numeracy difficulties.

The award-winning author of Fallen Angels, Nazareth's Song, and Whisper Town delivers the final novel in the acclaimed Millwood Hollow Series of role reversals, strange bedfellows, and ultimate redemption. Jeb Nubey and Fern Coulter are finally setting a wedding date, but their plans are derailed when a trip to Oklahoma to visit Fern's family catapults them into Fern's past'the past she would prefer remained buried. Additionally, the challenges and perks that come with the wealthy community church Jeb is called to lead give him food for growth; however, this new found enlightenment appears arrogant in light of Fern's insecurities. In the midst of their struggles, Jeb and Fern must also deal with the disappearance of Angel'Jeb' s adopted daughter. He must retrieve her from the dangerous young man who has played on her vulnerabilities and lured her away promising to fill the emptiness she feels. EARTHLY VOWS takes a look at how easily those we think we know so well can fall into behav...

When approaching life’s problems, Sophie sees in black and white. That is, when they’re someone else’s problems. So when it comes to her sister, Sophie is sure she has all the answers, and offers them without hesitation. If only her sister would listen.Then, through a series of chance encounters, she meets Sam, who is witty, kind, and downright unflappable. Sophie has the overwhelming sense that she’s known him before, and as a relationship builds between them, odd visions invade her mind. Though she tries to dismiss them, their persistence will not allow it.As someone who is quick to judge others, she is intrigued by Sam’s ability to accept people as they are. She begins to see him as a role model, but try as she may, his accepting nature is difficult to emulate.Will Sophie ever be able to put her hasty judgments aside and realize not every problem has a simple solution?

Jeb Nubey hides a secret about his past that has left him alienated from his family and hiding from the law.

Sometimes the simple truth is the hardest to face. . .From her old-fashioned name to her gentle nature, everyone in Emily Eloise Snow's Atlanta, Georgia, hometown knows her as a sweet young woman who always does what's right. That's how her wi

This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. When Jackson's granddad is taken to hospital, Jackson's football suffers. When he looses his temper on the pitch, he puts his position on United's team at risk. Join Jackson as he struggles with the trials of football and family. Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font and illustrations, The Football Trials is aimed at readers aged 12+ and has a manageable length (80 pages) and reading age (9+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch Up, a charity which aims to address underachievement caused by literacy and numeracy difficulties.

Throughout history man has revered his penis as his 'most precious ornament'. Yet, ambivalently, his penis has always been the source of man's deepest neuroses too. Do women find it, in the erect state, inherently ridiculous? Why can't a man be certain his penis will stand and deliver when he commands? If and when it steadfastly refuses, what can he do to remedy the situation? And then, of course, there's the matter of size...To possess a penis, Sophocles said, is to be 'chained to a madman'. God's Doodle examines the schizophrenic relationship between man and this madman - and the joint relationship this odd couple has with the female sex. God's Doodle is the tale of the penis and the ups and downs of history - the macabre and the bloodcurdling, the funny and the sad, distilled from myth, world cultures, religion, literature, science, medicine and contemporary life - all told with mordant wit.

"Trice Hickman is definitely ready to take the literary industry by storm." —Urban ReviewsSmart, sexy Victoria Small has come to the end of her year off—from men, that is. She's enjoyed her hiatus, the peace, quiet—and no unexpected interruptions. But now she's ready to have someone to come home to. And her timing is perfect, as not one, but two, handsome possibilities enter her life. . .Ted, a powerful, blue-eyed CEO sends a thrill of excitement through her that shocks Victoria out of her comfort zone. Meanwhile, Parker, a talented surgeon, melts her defenses with his warmth and ebony good looks. The men are as different as can be—inside and out—but they have one thing in common: they both want Victoria. And as she struggles to decide what—and who—she really wants, Victoria will have to face her deepest fears, secrets, and desires—and decide if she's brave enough for true love, no matter what color it comes in. Her answer...

Thrill, suspense, conspiracy, mystery, corporate corruption, and more clash in this new brand of thriller by New York Times bestselling author Craig Hickman. Untainted by political, journalistic, or legal manipulation and uncorrupted by fear or threat of retribution, The Insiders enthralls you with an alarming tale of how corrupt CEOs, secret societies, corporate deceit, domestic espionage, murder for hire, and cunning manipulation are destroying the American dream, influencing our daily lives, and reshaping global society.Wilson's father, Charles Fielder, one of the richest men in the world, has just murdered two women and tried to kill himself. Or did he? Lying in a coma, Charles cannot help his only son understand the mysteries of his life nor his role in founding an exclusive club of the world's most powerful CEOs--the ultimate insiders club with unparalleled perks. Wilson must face this cutthroat world of concealed machinations, corporate espionage, international finance, and economic conspiracy on his own--in order to uncover his father's real agenda, expose the secret society of insiders, and fight to change the face of capitalism. That is, if he can stay alive.Take a plunge into this dangerous and deceitful world of the rich, the famous, and the powerful. Witness the unholy alliances between business and government and the real forces behind our recent financial crisis. The Insiders is a heart-pounding tale full of twists and turns and eye-opening revelations that will make your adrenaline rush last until the very end.Sometimes, the truth can only be told through fiction...ReviewCongrats to Chicago author Craig Hickman, finalist in the mystery/suspense/thriller category of the 2009 Indie Book Awards for his new novel, The Insiders--being adapted for a Hollywood film.--Chicago Sun-TimesThere's plenty of real-life fodder to write exciting non-fiction--think Lehman Brothers, AIG, and Bernie Madoff--but those scandals only skim the surface of how manipulation takes place. The Insiders captures the corporate world.--Crain's BusinessA great thriller! As good as anything on the market today.--Rick Kogan, WGN/Chicago TribuneIf you want to delve beyond the front page news, read The Insiders--it is an eye opener.--VoiceAmerica Talk Radio NetworkFinancial malfeasance turns deadly when a brilliant businessman tries to uncover the ultimate insider traders. Wilson Fielder thought he knew his father. But when Charles Fielder is found in a coma after an apparent double murder-suicide attempt, his son soon learns that larger-than-normal problems haunt the family firm of Fielder & Co. Starting with a letter left by his unconscious father, Wilson begins to uncover a web of intricate insider trading, stock manipulation and blackmail that involves some of the most powerful executives in global finance...As Wilson learns more and picks up the crusade, he finds himself in the sights of ruthless and powerful wheeler-dealers who will stop at nothing to maintain and increase their wealth, and the power that accompanies it. In his debut thriller, Hickman, a management consultant (The Oz Principle, 2004) shows an in-depth knowledge of the corporate world from boardrooms to executive retreats, and offers an extremely detailed, realistic take on its inner machinations. However, he keeps the action moving, focusing as much on the perks of success as on the power plays--much of the book takes place in exotic places such as St. Moritz or in the blue-blood hangouts of Boston Brahmins. A well-crafted thriller. --Kirkus Discoveries About the AuthorCraig Hickman is a New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books, among them such international bestsellers as The Oz Principle, Creating Excellence, Mind of a Manager Soul of a Leader, and The Strategy Game. Currently, he is Author & Regional Vice President at Partners In Leadership, the premier provider of Accountability Training® services around the world. Clients include thousands of companies (almost half of the Dow Jones Industrial Average Companies) in more than 50 countries. Prior to Partners in Leadership, he was a company CEO at Headwaters Incorporated (NYSE:HW), where he turned around the struggling specialty chemicals division and formed a joint venture with Evonik Degussa GmbH, a Fortune Global 500 company headquartered in Frankfurt and Essen, Germany. Before that, he founded Management Perspectives Group, a management consulting firm specializing in strategic change, organizational culture transformation, and leadership development, which he later sold to SMS, Inc. A compelling and thought-provoking speaker, Craig has facilitated change in corporations and organizations around the world, lecturing abroad for the U.S. State Department, providing voluntary leadership development services in Brazil, and serving as a member of the board of directors for several companies. He earned his MBA with honors from the Harvard Business School. He and his wife, Laura, live in Chicago. Articles, commentaries, and reviews of his work have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Fortune, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Chicago Sun-Times, Crain's Business, Working Woman, Success, Industry Week, Nation's Business, Training & Development, Training, HR Magazine, Across the Board, Boardroom Reports, Journal of Business Strategy, Executive Excellence, The Times (London), Canadian Business and various other newspapers and magazines worldwide.

Born into wealth, Erica Stanford has followed in her family's successful footsteps and now runs her own upscale boutique in an affluent Washington, D.C., neighborhood. But despite her good fortune, she's still missing someone special to share her life with--until a chance encounter changes everything...Handsome, rugged Jerome Kimbrough is hard to miss among the fellow citizens serving jury duty with Erica. And as the two get to know each other over the course of a two-week trial, their relationship soon turns into a passionate romance. Although they come from opposite worlds--Jerome is a blue-collar, city sanitation employee--they're both hard working dreamers with big ambitions. Yet while their differences aren't an issue for them, their friends, family--and Erica's ex-fiancé--disagree. As all involved are forced to confront their hidden stereotypes, can Erica and Jerome endure the challenges in store for them--including a startling secret that could destroy it all?...

The town of Nazareth is beginning to feel like home to young preacher Jeb Nubey and the three Welby kids in his charge. But just as he's about to take over the pulpit, a local war breaks out - and only Jeb can make peace between the town's prosperous banker and its hungry, desperate citizens. Meanwhile, there are mouths to feed, the increasingly rebellious Angel Welby to wrangle with, and Fern, the schoolteacher, to win over.

SUMMARY: The Chronicles retold--from evil's point of view.The story starts in Neraka, where Kitiara uth Matar and Emperor Ariakas hatch a plan to retrieve a dragon orb and thereby destroy Solamnia and the Companions in one fell swoop. But the guardian of the dragon orb, Highlord Feal-Thas, disagrees with this plan. Kitiara must go to Ice Wall to force him to accept Ariakas' will, but her journey does not end there. Thrown out of favor, she conceives a daring plan to enlist the aid of the most feared beings on Krynn--Lord Soth and the Dark Queen. Meanwhile, Laurana and the Companions retrieve the dragon orb and take it back to Solamnia--not knowing that they bring their allies' doom with them.The second volume of a new trilogy from celebrated authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, The Lost Chronicles details the famed War of the Lance from the perspective of the evil that menaces Krynn. The books are written in such a way that they will be marvelous complements to the original Chronicles, while at the same time accessible and exciting to new readers. Product Description The Chronicles retold--from evil's point of view. The story starts in Neraka, where Kitiara uth Matar and Emperor Ariakas hatch a plan to retrieve a dragon orb and thereby destroy Solamnia and the Companions in one fell swoop. But the guardian of the dragon orb, Highlord Feal-Thas, disagrees with this plan. Kitiara must go to Ice Wall to force him to accept Ariakas' will, but her journey does not end there. Thrown out of favor, she conceives a daring plan to enlist the aid of the most feared beings on Krynn--Lord Soth and the Dark Queen. Meanwhile, Laurana and the Companions retrieve the dragon orb and take it back to Solamnia--not knowing that they bring their allies' doom with them. The second volume of a new trilogy from celebrated authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, The Lost Chronicles details the famed War of the Lance from the perspective of the evil that menaces Krynn. The books are written in such a way that they will be marvelous complements to the original Chronicles, while at the same time accessible and exciting to new readers.

The thrilling prequel to Shroud of the Avatar from Portalarium!The world died during the Fall. Abandoned by the mighty Avatars and their Virtues, the people who remained were left defenseless in an untamed land. That is, until the Obsidians came. Through dark sorcery and overwhelming force the Obsidian Empire brought order to chaos, no matter the cost.Aren Bendis is a Captain in the Obsidian Army who has seen enough of what a world without Virtue looks like and is willing to do whatever it takes to establish a lasting peace. But after finding a magical sword that only he can wield, a sword his trusted scout, Syenna, claims is a blade once used by the legendary Avatars, Aren is thrown into a far more unfamiliar battle. One fought with whispered words and betrayal instead of swords and arrows. Running out of allies, Aren's only hope for survival is to discover the true nature of the ancient weapon he wears at his side. In order to do that, Aren...

It appears that an ancient prophecy is about to be fulfilled as the human named Drakis—formerly one of countless warrior-slaves to the elves of the Rhonas Empire—returns from his quest in the North. Flying into the rebel camp with his surviving companions on the backs of the legendary dragons that were once humankind's most powerful allies, Drakis is hailed as the champion of all the slave races. But it is not a prophecy that drives Drakis in his war against the elves and their emperor. Rather it is his burning desire for revenge against the cruel ruler whom Drakis believes has stolen any chance he has for finding peace. And this hatred will set Drakis and his rebel army on a path that may not only bring down the emperor, but Drakis and his entire world as well....

Once humans had magic and an alliance with dragons. Now they and the other races have been enslaved by the Rhonas Empire—the elves—and can't even remember the world the way it used to be. But thanks to the intervention of one determined dwarf and the human slave warrior known as Drakis, all of that is about to change.

The third novel in the Millwood Hollow Series about an unlikely hero and a ragtag trio of orphans in racially segregated 1930s Arkansas.

As the Great War of the Gods rages, it seems as though the terrible Quar, God of Reality, Greed and Law, will emerge the victor. Even the immortals have abandoned their mortal masters to join in the battle above. Trapped without their immortal servants on the shore of the Kurdin Sea, Khardan, Zohra and the wizard Mathew must cross the vast desert known as the Sun's Anvil--a feat no man has ever performed. Like the legendary Rose of the Prophet, the nomads struggle to survive the journey. If they succeed, they will face more than combat with the enemy, for the Amir's hardened warriors are led by Achmed, the fiercest of men...and Khardan's brother.

This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. Jackson is good at football... really good at football. And when a scout from United spots him in the park, it seems like he might just have the chance to make it out of his high-rise tower block and into the premier league. But the other boys have been playing together since they were young and Jackson isn't sure he'll ever fit in – or be able to manage his fiery temper. Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font and illustrations, The Football Trials is aimed at readers aged 12+ and has a manageable length (80 pages) and reading age (9+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch...

This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. This seem to be going well for Jackson - he has signed for United and finally has the chance to go out with Lauren, the girl of his dreams. But when her ex-boyfriend finds out, Jackson is forced to choose between Lauren and his United team-mates. Can he still find a way to make it as a professional footballer?Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font and illustrations, The Football Trials is aimed at readers aged 12+ and has a manageable length (80 pages) and reading age (9+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch Up, a charity which aims to address...

After losing her mom in an accident, Sass is sent to live with her uncle in England. Far from her native Brooklyn, the rocky shores and crumbling castles of Cornwall seem like the perfect place to hide her grief. And when she stumbles across a silver horse in a sunlit meadow, Sass feels a surprising sense of peace . . . only to have it broken by a boy. Arrogant and distrustful, the horse's trainer, Alex, doesn't approve of the trespassing American. Yet after a few chance meetings, he begins to feel a connection to the curious girl with the sad eyes, and offers to teach her to ride. Sass never expected to feel anything again—least of all love—but the lessons reveal a far different Alex, and soon their friendship turns into something more. But Alex has a secret—a bombshell about his family that could shatter Sass's trust . . . and force him to abandon the one girl who made him believe in himself.

Unhonored is the second book in the intriguing gothic novel in the Nightbirds series from the partnerships of New York Times bestselling author Tracy Hickman and Laura Hickman. This gothic fantasy series begins with Unwept. Ellis Harkington is trapped in limbo between life and death, struggling to escape the domination of an evil force masquerading as her friend, Merrick. Only Ellis has ever escaped him, and now that she has discovered the truth, he wants to make sure she can never escape again.Merrick's dark power has turned the seaside town of Gamin, Maine, into a place of nightmares. The town is transformed into a decaying succession of infinite rooms, bottomless stairwells, and boundless corridors filled with never-ending masquerades, balls, and banquets. Each pageant is about the life Ellis lived before her return—each revelation more terrifying than the last.Ellis is desperate to find her missing cousin and leave, but there...

Washington has fallen! Legions of 'grays' -- dead soldiers reanimated on the battlefield and pressed back into service of the Southern Cause -- have pushed the lines as far north as the Ohio River. Lincoln has moved the government of the United States to New York City. He needs to stop the juggernaught of the Southern undead 'abominations' or the North will ultimately fall. But Allan Pinkerton, his head of security, has a plan... The Northern newspapers are heralding Braxton Wright as the Hero of Parkersburg, but the engineer who designed the Northern walking monitors -- Tall Guns -- knows the truth. He had acted more out of panic than heroism and is certain he has gotten his best best friend, physician Lawrence Hancock, killed in the cold waters of the Ohio as a result. What he would like is to be forgotten. But at Pinkerton's urging, Lincoln personally sends Braxton on a mission aboard Gen. Sherman's airship deep into Southern territory. He will find Hattie Lawton, the woman who is the North's most capable spy, and with her must stop the undead of the South from rising again! ** Washington has fallen! Legions of 'grays' -- dead soldiers reanimated on the battlefield and pressed back into service of the Southern Cause -- have pushed the lines as far north as the Ohio River. Lincoln has moved the government of the United States to New York City. He needs to stop the juggernaught of the Southern undead 'abominations' or the North will ultimately fall. But Allan Pinkerton, his head of security, has a plan... The Northern newspapers are heralding Braxton Wright as the Hero of Parkersburg, but the engineer who designed the Northern walking monitors -- Tall Guns -- knows the truth. He had acted more out of panic than heroism and is certain he has gotten his best best friend, physician Lawrence Hancock, killed in the cold waters of the Ohio as a result. What he would like is to be forgotten. But at Pinkerton's urging, Lincoln personally sends Braxton on a mission aboard Gen. Sherman's airship deep into Southern territory. He will find Hattie Lawton, the woman who is the North's most capable spy, and with her must stop the undead of the South from rising again! **

And then there were three... It's been two years since Johnny Mayfield's murder rocked Amber, Alabama. His death, along with the illicit personal scandals that preceded it, created more drama than the town had ever seen. But now life is back to normal, at least for his widow, Geneva. Or so it seems. Happily remarried, Geneva has to admit her life is better than ever. Her upscale salon is thriving, and she finally has the baby she always wanted. But when she hires nanny Morgan Whitman, she discovers the deceptively matronly woman is stirring up drama, causing Geneva to question many things--including who really killed Johnny. Add local gossip columnist Shartell Brown and tell-it-like-it-is Donetta Pierce to the mix, and soon vicious rumors, terrifying threats, and long held secrets may add up to another shocking murder--one that will rival even Johnny Mayfield's.

"I can't wait to see what Trice Hickman does next!"--Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author Two couples, two unhappy spouses--one shocking solution... Five years into her happy marriage, Geneva Mayfield is devastated to find that things have taken a turn for the worse. Her husband, Johnny, is suddenly hard to reach, distant, and works late too often for Geneva not to be suspicious. Is it because she's been pressuring him about having a baby? Feeling lonely and neglected, Geneva bonds with Samuel Owens, a colleague who is having marital trouble of his own. Soon, their relationship blossoms into an uncontrollable affair. Bored with her husband, Samuel, and dead set against having a child with him, Vivana Owens is biding her time until she's ready to leave--and she's spending it with Johnny Mayfield. It's just a fling--until Vivana becomes obsessed with Johnny, especially once he tries to win back his wife. But...

The Great War of the Gods means nothing to the proud people on the mortal plane--until Akhran the Wandering God decrees the union of two mighty feuding clans. Though the families are fierce warriors, they are few in number. Even the marriage of Khardan and Zohra is not enough to overpower the strength of the invading army or prevent the imprisonment of their peoples. Now, with Khardan and Zohra mysteriously missing--seeming cowards who hid from certain defeat--the two clans have lost all hope of ever again seeing their beloved open skies. But Prince Khardan and Princess Zohra, aided by the wizard Mathew, have been given another mission...a mission that at first seems less useful than counting the many grains of the desert sands, but soon proves to be of far more lasting importance.

The Bronze Canticles are an expansive new saga chronicling the world-altering changes that take place in three connected universes that are slowly drawing together-the human world, the goblin world, and the faerie world. The story of Book 1 will mostly focus on the changes to the human world, which will be influenced by catastrophic events taking place in the other two worlds. Young Galen Arvad has a beautiful new wife, Berkita, and a thriving job as an iron craftsman with his dwarf friend, Cephas, in the small town of Leeside. But Arvad guards the ugly secret of his own magical ability. The community views magic powers as a sign of lunacy, and at a yearly ritual they offer up their local crazies to the Dragon Priests, who take them away to the city. This year, Berkita and Cephas are devastated to see Arvad being hauled away with the other "insane" and vow to follow and rescue him. Arvad, meanwhile, arrives at a camp outside the city where he learns all the new draftees are to be trained in the arts of war. But Arvad soon realizes that the "war" is a sham-the Dragon Kings have genocidal plans for their magical subjects.

Some secrets set you free. Some destroy your world. After six years of marriage, Victoria and Ted are the ultimate power couple. She's a beautiful, business savvy sister who owns one of Atlanta's hottest event planning companies. He's a blue-eyed CEO who knows how to take care of business in and out of the boardroom. But their happy life quickly begins to unravel when long held desires and decades-old secrets come back to haunt them.It starts when Parker Brightwood re-enters Victoria's life. She thought she'd gotten over the handsome surgeon who once stole her heart, but unusual circumstances bring the ebony prince back on the scene—and this time he's determined to win her at any cost. Ted's undoing begins with his mother's sudden death and a mysterious secret—one that will lead to a truth so shocking it threatens the life and marriage he holds dear.Facing a road filled with uncertainty, Victoria and Ted must confront their deepest, most hidden...