Showing results by narrator "Paul McLaughlin" in All Categories

As the inhabitants of the island of Mistmantle prepare for the coronation of Crispin the Squirrel, robes are stitched, cakes are baked, wine is brought up from the cellars, and the Heartstone—the unique gold-and-silver-flecked stone that only the priest or rightful ruler of the island can hold—is readied. But the newly established peace in Mistmantle is soon under threat.

After his last adventure, Urchin of the Riding Stars has taken his place as a trusted member of the Circle in King Crispin's court. Life on the island is back to normal, with little Princess Catkin growing up and testing everyone's patience in the process. But daily life is disrupted when Lord Arcneck and other inhabitants of Swan Isle come to Mistmantle asking for help. Their home has been taken over by bloodthirsty ravens that are attacking them and ravaging everything in sight.

A baby girl has just been born to King Crispin and Queen Cedar. She is Catkin, the heir to the throne of Mistmantle. Everyone on the island gathers for the joyful celebration of the Naming Ceremony. But that night the princess mysteriously disappears. All clues point to her caretaker, Linty, a mother squirrel who had gone mad with grief because of a tragedy that occurred during Husk's evil reign. The islanders fall into crisis as a mysterious illness takes hold and begins to spread. Tensions mount as strange sightings are reported—could Husk still be alive?

On a night of riding stars, a tiny squirrel is found abandoned and close to death on a distant beach. Adopted and raised by a welcoming colony of animals, Urchin has no idea of his powerful destiny or of his mysterious origins.

For billions of people, having a religious belief system provides purpose in life. For some, religion serves as a guide for moral behavior. After many years exploring the foundations of various world religions, Jason Boyett has written this comprehensive, easy-to-understand exploration of the 12 major world religions through a meticulous, yet unbiased lens. 12 Major World Religions offers an impartial look at where each of these belief systems intersects, how they differ, and why some have been - or are currently - misunderstood.

The impact of the autobiography wasn't limited to musicians or spiritual seekers. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., which became the world's most valuable company, was a big fan and went so far as to say it was one of his favourite books. Jobs first read it as a teenager and claimed to have re-read it every year since then.

In King Arthur’s Camelot where dragons are outlawed, a poor apprentice boy and a dragon-raised orphan girl unravel an evil plot to exterminate dragons from this world and the next. Hawk spends his days trying to survive as a lowly apprentice in the harsh employ of Master Andrew―a sly shopkeeper making illegal bargains with dragons. But when Master Andrew is hired by Lady Morgan to cheat the dragon Clefspeare out of his promised gemstone payment, Hawk’s faith in God spurs him to action.

Pretty Lizzie Higgs is gone, burned to death on her own hearth - but was she really a changeling, as her husband insists? Albie Mirralls met his cousin only once, in 1851, within the grand glass arches of the Crystal Palace. But unable to countenance the rumours that surround her murder, he leaves his young wife in London and travels to Halfoak, a village steeped in superstition.

With the wise guidance of King Crispin, the animals of Mistmantle have enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity since the violent Raven War. The tranquility is disrupted when a series of tidal waves threatens to destroy the island. The inhabitants must quickly move to higher ground to avoid the devastation. But Mossberry, an influential squirrel with delusions of grandeur, sees the impending disaster as an opportunity to rise to power...and his reckless decisions will put many citizens in harm's way.

From ambition to success, this is the complete story of Del Amitri’s rise from initial formation through six albums that took them to global recognition. From early John Peel sessions, to touring with Morrissey, to appearing on Letterman and cracking the US, the book follows every up and down of the band s incredible career, as well as providing unique and original insights into their personalities and music.

Jack Granger has done the right thing all his life, but when his life was turned upside down, forming Eidolon became his salvation. He built a team who are ready to fight beside him and die for the vow they all made—to protect the Queen. Once more his world is shattered by betrayal, his very essence is rocked as long-hidden secrets emerge, and the truth he’s always believed about himself is shaken to its foundation.

The shocking death of the popular Prince of Wales launches his young heir from innocent childhood into a roiling caldron of political jealousy and intrigue. Set in all the glory of mid-eighteenth century England, the child prince is urgently prepared for his estranged grandfather's throne. Under the wing of his godly tutor-advisor, the youth staggers through an escalating minefield of hazards.

The country is in turmoil in this thrilling historical adventure of the English Civil War. It is 1643, and the struggle between Parliament and the King erupts in the West Country, tearing families apart and setting village against village. But for some, this fight is not only about crown and country: it is far more personal than that. Royalist soldier Hugo Telling wishes Parliamentarian William Sparrow dead. This rivalry will take them across battlefields the breadth of England, and all for the love of a beautiful woman.

Rivalry and battle abound in this action-packed historical adventure of the English Civil War. 1643: Sir William Wallers army has been defeated on Roundway Down, his infantry left stranded on the bleak slopes at the mercy of the Royalist cavalry. Sir Ralph Hopton is now free to turn his attention to Parliaments bastion in the West Bristol. The city walls are strong enough, but Bristol has precious few men and even fewer guns with which to defend them.

Iago is an accomplished young Operator, harvesting corn in the name of the Collective – a hi-tech orphanage thousands of miles from civilization. After a chance encounter with Javier and Kraken – a pair of wayward boys who have escaped a brutal prison known as the Village – Iago is beginning to question his reality. Now, he must survive the cruelties of the Protocol, and discover the terrible secrets of the Collective: a long-dead trillionaire with a grim warning, a super-mind that controls fate, and a plague that kills only men.

Scotland, 1991. Dan is too busy working to have a relationship. So, when a paranormal investigation takes him to Edinburgh, at least he can catch up with old friends. But when he overhears a mysterious plot, he discovers another reason to stay.

England, 1990. Reed has travelled his whole life in search of someone who understands him. So he’s thrilled when his journey brings him to free-spirited Zoya, who shares his rare ability to dream-walk. But after his gift leads him to a hidden corpse, he becomes the prime suspect in the murder. Despite the setback, Reed resolves to use his power to help crack the case. When the real perpetrator delivers a violent threat, he’s tempted to give up, slip into his camper van, and hit the road again. After all, who would miss him?

It takes courage to survive in this atmospheric historical adventure set during the English Civil War. August 1643: the Siege of Gloucester continues. Can the weak city walls really survive against the might of the Royalists? William Sparrow and Hugo Telling may be on different sides, but their dreams and desires are the same. To find the courage to fight proudly and lead their men. For the war to be over and for the love of the incomparable Bella. But only one side can win the war, and only one man can win Bella’s heart.

In the opening days of 1644, there seems to be little hope for Parliament’s soldiers. To William Sparrow and his men, the woods of Dorset are a snow-covered sanctuary – even on Christmas Day – from the horrors of Penmethock and pursuit by the King’s men. Hugo Telling has finally returned home, ready to introduce his ‘wife’, Bella Morrison, to his family. But the Telling family is now as affected by the war as any in England; Hugo’s brother has volunteered – but on Parliament’s side.

In the late autumn of the first year of the English Civil War, William Sparrow and Hugo Telling are again caught up in the impossible confusion tearing the country and their lives apart. This time, their greatest battles, fought on both land and sea, are with a new enemy, Lord Clavincale.