Showing results by author "Michael Stephens" in All Categories

Two million dollars in a black bag. The meaning of life hidden on a deviously encrypted website. And several dozen heavily armed guys with serious existential issues. The hunt is on for the Manuscript. The Manuscript is a philosophical cyber-thriller - a novel of huge ideas disguised as a blow-your-hair-back thrill ride.

Ever since Master Gunnery Sergeant Fick came blitzing out of nowhere in Maximum Violence (Arisen, book 4), he has emerged as the closest thing to a consensus fan favorite character for the series. He is best known and most beloved for his ribald, profane, merciless, and generally hilarious insults, quips, and bon mots, which are so characteristic that listeners have affectionately dubbed them: Fickisms.

The internationally acclaimed actress Patricia Neal (1926-2010) was a star on stage, film, and television for more than 60 years. She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Alma Brown in Hud, which earned her the 1963 Academy Award for Best Actress.

Michael Chabon, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, has joined forces with the editors of McSweeney's Quarterly Concern to create a collection of action-packed short stories by some of today's most talented names in literature.

When most parenting books were written decades ago, they did not address - nor could they address - all the issues parents would face today in the era of technology and excess. Parents do not need another article that contradicts the last one they listened to; rather, they need insights, techniques, and strategies to tackle the issues of 21st-century parenting. That's what the Understanding and Loving Your Child series of books will do.

This audio collection presents the best-of-the-best short science fiction novels published in 2013 by current and emerging masters of this vibrant form. In Earth I, by Stephen Baxter, a search among the stars to ferret out the origins of mankind amidst the Xaian normalisation digs up many surprises. In Success, by Michael Blumlein, a brilliant but erratic biologist studying epigenetics struggles to hang onto his grip on everyday life as he writes his ground-breaking tome.

Alpha team leader Sergeant Major Eric Rheinhardt is retiring from the Unit - hanging up his guns and jockeying a desk at the Pentagon. But just when he thought he was out, a ghost has emerged from his past (along with a lost love), dredging up a secret shame and past-due debt. Much worse, his old mentor and now nemesis Rod "the God" Tucker has turned up on the payroll of the messianic Iranian mullahs - training their proxy fighters in Hamas and Hezbollah.

The 40 days of fasting before Christmas are meant to prepare us for the Feast of the Nativity, but the busyness of the secular celebration can interfere with our best efforts to center our hearts on Christ. Behold a Great Light is a daily devotional, designed to help listeners contemplate the mysteries of the Incarnation, from the beginning of the Nativity fast on November 15, through Christmas and Theophany, ending with the Synaxis of St. John the Baptist on January 7.

Embark on a life-changing journey with "Stop Smoking Affirmations for New Habits", a groundbreaking book that offers a holistic approach to quitting smoking through the transformative power of the law of attraction. Here you'll discover how to break free from the grips of nicotine addiction by rewiring your mindset, transforming your habits, and manifesting vibrant health and well-being.

Analog Science Fiction & Fact Magazine has provided four edgy stories about heroism, each exploring emotional dimensions uncommon in this or any other genre.

Imagine Holmes trying to solve the case of an invisible man attacking London - matching wits with a traveler from out of time - tracking down a human/feline hybrid - using his deductive skills to help fight Martian and lunar invaders! These are just some of the stories included in Sherlock Holmes: Adventures in the Realms of H.G. Wells.

There is no higher praise we can give people than to say they have good character. But what does this mean, really? What makes this quality so essential to achieving personal success and fulfillment? More importantly, how can we build our own character and live more satisfying lives? Reflecting society's diversity, the contributors to this unique collection of essays speak from various cultural and professional backgrounds to share their observations on living with integrity, honesty, and compassion.

Responding to Mearsheimer's controversial essay blaming the West for the Ukraine crisis, McFaul and Sestanovich put the blame back on Putin and his ideological extremism, denying that NATO expansion provoked him. Mearsheimer replies.

A century and a quarter ago, Bram Stoker unleashed the unbridled horror of Count Dracula upon the world. We can only wonder if he ever imagined the impact his creation would have on not only the horror world, but across the globe. Vampires have become a foremost staple of horror stories and have been represented in both print and film countless times over the decades–and their mythos has grown unchecked, evolved, and taken root in the collective consciousness of old and young, horror fans and non-horror fans alike.

Who knew death could be so eclectic? Relish this mesmerizing murder mystery mash-up of short stories. Murder and mystery have been the staple of literature and films for years. This anthology of short stories will thrill and entertain you. Some will also make you laugh out loud. Others will stop and make you think.

Existing narratives about how we should organize are built upon, and reinforce, a concept of "good management" derived from what is assumed to be a fundamental need to increase efficiency. But this assumption is based on a presentist, monocultural, and generally limited view of management's past. A New History of Management disputes these foundations. By reassessing conventional perspectives on past management theories and providing a new critical outline of present-day management, it highlights alternative conceptions of "good management".

An extraordinary wartime memoir, combining the best kind of adventure story with a coming-of-age testimony of unforgettable resonance and poignancy.

September 2011, Halkidiki, Northern Greece: A solitary 86-year-old man gazes across an Aegean headland, knowing that he must finally confront his past. He begins to write...September 1939, Nieppe, Northern France:14 year-old Stephen is living with his family, 25 kilometres from Ypres. His French mother battles with her encroaching blindness.

Fasten your seat belts for an anthology of turbulent tales curated by Stephen King and Bev Vincent. This exciting new collection includes an original introduction and story notes for each story by Stephen King, and brand-new stories from Stephen King and Joe Hill.

Who’s behind that odd writing in the sky? What’s that strange stare in the alien’s eye? What monster spouts fake news and true lies as glaciers melt and citizens die? Is it all zombie chaos or is there a plan? Perhaps you'll find out from the self-declared Man. But if you strike poison, then try not to scream. You will live to find out who will soon gas your dreams. Or will you? Let the terror begin!

Fun and zany discussions about movies, music, books, comics, television shows and more