The Mad King
by Rebekah Mabry
Hardcover, 256 pages, $20.00
Paperback, 256 pages, $16.00
Visit The Mad King Page for excerpt, author interview, videos, and more
After a series of disastrous circumstances devastates the royal family, the citizens of Coimbra, having been so long under the crown’s protection, are seeing a great change fall over them. The royal family, once active in the city and ensuring the livelihoods of their subjects through their patronage, becomes withdrawn and reclusive, leaving Coimbra to fall into disrepair. To the people of the royal city, it is becoming more apparent that the tragedies have greatly affected Sua Alteza and the young prince. Príncipe Jônatas, Duke of Viseu and apparent successor to the throne, has been raised in seclusion within the protective walls of the deteriorating castle at Coimbra, with only vague memories of the sweet days of his childhood and no understanding of the outside world. Now almost fourteen, he is still haunted by the memories of his past as he tries to cope with the damaging trauma of the assassination. More and more, Jônatas finds himself torn between his love and loyalty to his only remaining family and that for the people who live outside the castle gates. When it is discovered the prince has been sneaking into the city, Jônatas’ friendship with a boy from the lower city causes trouble for them both as the prince’s deepest secrets become known. The prince will see just how far the crown is willing to go to keep him safe, even if it means keeping him prisoner.
“Mabry’s story takes you on a journey to the Old World, into a Portuguese kingdom rife with intrigue. If the king is truly insane, who can Prince Jônatas trust? Filled with twists and turns, bitter betrayals and unlikely allies, The Mad King is a great read.”
~Jana Oliver, bestselling author of The Demon Trappers Series
“The Mad King is compelling, extremely hard to put down, and has some wonderful twists and turns that you don’t see coming. You’ll want to stay up all night with Jônatas and his companions, and at the end, you’ll feel like you’re leaving old friends behind—and you will want more!”
~Robin Burks, author of Madame Vampire and the Alex Grosjean Adventures
Who Cares?: My Life With Tom Baker
by Courtland D. Lewis
Paperback, 112 pages, $10.00
“June 11, 2018 was a fairly typical summer day in western Kentucky: hot, muggy, and probably a few rain showers. The one big difference was that Tom Baker’s Doctor Who serial ‘Genesis of the Daleks’ was broadcast in local theaters. So, after enjoying a pleasant meal at a local restaurant, I sat down in the theater’s comfy recliners with a ‘sonic screwdriver’ and enjoyed the 40-foot-tall mass of curls and teeth that is Tom Baker. With glee in my heart, I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to write a book about Tom Baker.’” As a young boy, Courtland Lewis’ television viewing revolved around cartoons, sitcoms, variety shows, and Jerry Lewis movies. But one evening he sat down on the linoleum floor of his grandparents’ home to watch a show—and a lead actor—that would captivate his imagination. Discovering Doctor Who stands out as a seminal moment in his life, one that stayed with him through early years of rebellion, romance and near-death experiences and helped him become who he is today: husband, father, teacher, mentor, adventurer, and explorer. Having written extensively on Doctor Who, Courtland turns his attention in Who Cares?: My Life With Tom Baker to the show‘s eccentric, electrifying star and the inspiration and influence he’s had on Courtland’s life.
Lucy Can’t Dance
by R. Alan Siler and Stephanie Lane
Hardcover, 34 pages, $20.00
Visit the Lucy Can’t Dance page for reviews, playlist, videos, and more!
Meet Lucy. She’s six-and-a-half years old and she’s in the first grade. She loves books and puppies and cupcakes and her parents. Most of all, she loves DANCING! All her friends love to dance, too, and they ask her to join in. But there’s just one problem: LITTLE LUCY ROSENCRANTZ JUST CAN’T DANCE! Join Lucy as she discovers the power of dance and self-expression in LUCY CAN’T DANCE!, the first children’s picture book by author R. Alan Siler and illustrator Stephanie Jackson.
“A heartfelt story about self-discovery that needs to be off the shelf and in the lap of every child. Lucy Can’t Dance is sure to encourage and inspire your child to persevere when the things they love to do get difficult. This story is definitely a great book for teachers and guidance counselors as well.”
~Jennifer Balding, teacher at North Lee Elementary School (Cleveland, TN)
“Beautiful book. I love the subject, text and illustrations. Being shy about dancing and other things . . . a feeling many of us know well. Lucy’s bravery as a child inspires the adult in me.”
~Ellen C. Baxter, Adult Services Librarian at Fulton County Library System (Atlanta, GA)
Doctor Who’s Greatest Hits: Remastered
by R. Alan Siler
Paperback, 581 pages, $25.00
A race of war machines who conquer the Earth in the 22nd Century; a brilliant painter who perceives the world in a unique way; a reptilian species that sees the Earth as theirs and intends to reclaim it; an archaeology professor who never meets the Doctor in the right order; a dangerous world leader who bears a striking resemblance to the Doctor; amphibious aliens with the ability to shape shift; a murderous mummy on a space train; and the first woman to marry in Pakistan. With over 55 years of television stories, Doctor Who has introduced its audience to some of the strangest creatures, weirdest places, and most dangerous times. This brand-new, fully updated edition of Doctor Who’s Greatest Hits takes a loving look at some of the Doctor’s most memorable adventures. From the show’s very first episode (“An Unearthly Child” in 1963) to its most recent (“Resolution” in 2019), this book has something for everyone, whether you’re new to the show or a long-time viewer.
“I can thoroughly recommend this book. A work of love that reads easily with lots of information. If you are a fan, get it!”
~Louis Robinson, former BBC writer and producer; film editor on Doctor Who
“As a fan of the new and classic series I enjoyed it immensely. His greatest accomplishment is making the content interesting for lifelong fans of the show while also engaging those new to the show.”
~Robert P. Levy, author and radio host
Children of Time: The Companions of Doctor Who
by R. Alan Siler and Drew Meyer
Paperback, 360 pages, $20.00
The Doctor’s Companions. They’ve been through Dalek Invasions, Android Invasions, Zygon Invasions and Christmas Invasions. They ask questions, get in trouble, get out of trouble, and challenge the Doctor to think and act in new (usually better) ways. Children of Time: The Companions of Doctor Who features profiles of companions from all formats of Doctor Who: television, novels, comics and audio dramas. Our contributors include well-known authors, four librarians, two ukelelists, a playwright, podcasters, publishers, students, and the writers and artists behind some of the Doctor’s companions.
“Covering everyone through Bill Pots, Nardole, Graham, Yasmin, and Ryan, this anthology is a delight.”
~Valerie Estelle Frankel, author
“Fun to read how variety of authors interpreted the companions.”
~Dawn Fairchild
“This is a great book, as it mentions all of the Doctor’s assistants and allies from Susan Foreman in 1963, up to Bill Potts and Nardole during the Twelfth Doctor era. It does also mention Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor’s three friends, Graham, Yasmin and Ryan, but not in detail, as this book was published five months before any TV trailers for Series 11 were shown.”
~Richard Kellow
Facing the Raven: Doctor Who Series Nine in Review
by R. Alan Siler
Paperback, 180 pages, $10.00
By taking the best of modern Doctor Who (like character drama and series-long story arcs) and the best of classic Doctor Who (multi-episode stories, cliffhangers, fewer modern-Earth settings, etc) 2015 gave us one of the greatest seasons the venerable show has ever produced. Facing the Raven: Doctor Who Series Nine In Review includes an overview of the series’ themes, in-depth analyses of each episode, exhaustive background details, a timeline of events leading up to the broadcast of the season, and exclusive interviews with director Rachel Talalay, scriptwriter Jamie Mathieson, prosthetic effects producer Kate Walshe, and creature performer Jon Davey.
Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus
by Mary Shelley
Paperback, 220 pages, $8.00
eBook $4.00
One of the earliest examples of science fiction, and one of the greatest novels of all time.
A cautionary tale of scientific responsibility…
“It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs. I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room and continued a long time.”
War of the Worlds Plus Two Other Tales of Mars
by H. G. Wells
Paperback, 220 pages, $8.00
eBook, $4.00
The citizens of Woking busy themselves in their daily routines and life trundles on much as it does every day … until the fall of the first meteor in Horsell Common. After that, everything changes. The meteors prove to be metal cylinders from which emerge the most hideous of creatures intent on wiping us out. Everything from that point on becomes a matter of survival. Is there any hope for humanity in the face of a powerful enemy?
From H. G. Wells comes three terrifying stories of our closest neighbors in the solar system and their plan to conquer Earth. In “The Star” they monitor us. In “The Crystal Egg” they spy on us. In The War of the Worlds they attack us.
“There have been many, many printings of WAR OF THE WORLDS, but rarely are these three stories presented together in one volume: “The Star,” “The Crystal Egg,” and the novella “War of the Worlds.” Editor R. Alan Siler has cannily noted that when these stories are presented together, and in this order, they suggest a larger narrative that may reveal the inner workings of the ingenious mind of H.G. Wells. A delightful idea, handsomely presented. As a devoted fan of “War of the Worlds” in all its permutations, I recommend this book with all my heart!”
~Lee Shackleford, professor and author
The Time Machine: 125th Anniversary Edition
by H. G. Wells
Paperback, 165 pages, $8:00
eBook $4.00
A gentleman inventor makes the wild claim to a collection of friends that he has created a machine that gives him the ability to travel through time. He recounts a tale of his visit to in Earth’s extreme future, in which humanity has evolved into two extreme and distinct races—the angelic, Eloi, and the monstrous, subterranean Morlocks—who represent the extremes of the duality of human nature. First published in 1895, The Time Machine is a foundational classic in the realm of science fiction that extrapolates on the unevenness of the Victorian class system. This 125th Anniversary Edition includes: * The original short story, “The Chronic Argonauts,” which Wells later expanded into the novel* The complete The Time Machine novel by H. G. Wells, including a section of text that was not included in either the original British or American publications* A newly-written essay by Dr. Lisa Yaszek, Professor of Science Fiction Studies at Georgia Tech, tracing the development between the two works.
kOZMIC CREATIVE 