In the far distant future, man is no longer man--he is Elder, awash in life-long youth, health, and Gifts of the Mind. Serving celestial beings known as the Elders, man formed the League--a collection of Great Houses scattered on numerous worlds dedicated to defending life and serving the benevolent will of the Elders. For ages League mothers have told their children terrifying stories about the Black Hats: the enemy. A sect of murderous women eager to slay anyone who falls into their grasp, always searching for their next victim. Only the League's ruling body, the Sisterhood of Light, has been able to counter their evil. When a Black Hat is taken prisoner aboard Captain Davage's ship, the Sisters have every intention of executing her, to put her to a slow, painful death. That is what's done to Black Hats. And no one would dare challenge the Sister's authority. They are astounded when the Captain refuses to allow it. Using his Gift of Sight, Captain Davage, the Lord of the Great House of Blanchefort, has gotten a glimpse of the Black Hat's face, and is shocked. Though no one but a Sister would ever willingly face a Black Hat and hope to survive, he enters her cell. The woman sitting there bears an exact resemblance to a beloved friend of the Captain's a friend who is dead, murdered, lost in space along with her ship and her crew. There she sits, Captain Davage's friend, apparently reborn as a Black Hat murderess, identical in every way except for the Black Hat's mark on her face. The Black Hat known as Sygillis of Metatron, vile and evil, immediately plots Captain Davage's killing and, though the Sisters are near, none can protect him from her fury. She will come for his soul. Is it possible that two sworn enemies may fall in love? Can remorseless evil be redeemed in the end? Good and evil, love and hate, only one side can triumph in The League of Elder: Sygillis of Metatron, a galactic journey full of romance, suspense, and the unexpected.

A feast for the senses, this sumptuously illustrated book will introduce you to some of the most infamous women throughout world history, united by their shared taste for poison. Welcome to the League of Lady Poisoners. This riveting and well-researched volume by Lisa Perrin weaves together the stories of more than twenty-five accused women poisoners, exploring the circumstances and skill sets that led them to lives of crime. You might find yourself rooting for some of them—like Sally Bassett, who helped poison her granddaughter's enslavers in Bermuda, or Giulia Tofana, who sold her name-brand concoction to women wanting to be rid of their abusive (or otherwise undesirable) husbands. Other stories, though—including that of Yiya Murano, one of Argentina's most notorious swindlers and serial killers, or the terrifying Nurse Jane Toppan—may prove less palatable. Organized into thematic chapters based on the women's motives, the book also includes an illustrated primer that delves into the origins and effects of common poisons throughout history, as well as a foreword by Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi, creators and hosts of the podcast Criminalia. It is a treat for true crime fans, feminist history buffs, and any curious readers fascinated by the more macabre side of human nature. TRUE CRIME GALORE: Women can do anything—even commit murder. This thoughtfully researched and insightful survey into the lives of the poisoners explores the toxic events that put these women in the spotlight, the deceptive methods and substances they used, and their legacies today. The League of Lady Poisoners is a thrilling deep dive for fans of true crime podcasts, docuseries, and books. EYE-CATCHING GIFT: Illustrator and author Lisa Perrin's beautiful and distinctive art style blends the romantic allure of these pop culture legends with the disturbing and twisted facts of their lives. The hardcover is decorated with shining foil, and the interior contains clever Victorian-inspired lettering, borders, and diagrams that complement the text. Readers and illustrated book collectors will love all the details honoring the Golden Age of Poison. FASCINATING, DIVERSE STORIES OF WOMEN WHO KILL: These women lived in different time periods and had varying cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds that influenced their motives. Some acted out of defiance—like the Angel Makers of Nagyrév, who taught women how to dispose of their abusive husbands in Hungary. Others schemed their way to power and money, including Empress Wu Zetian of China and Belle Gunness, who killed more than 14 people in the American Midwest. Discover all their stories in this engaging collection . . . if you have the stomach for them. Perfect for: Lovers of true crime podcasts like My Favorite Murder, Morbid, and Criminalia Readers who enjoy historical biographies, especially of women Readers who love a good villain, antihero, or underdog story Murder mystery fans Art lovers and illustrated book collectors Fans of Lisa Perrin's beautiful illustration Shoppers looking for a unique feminist gift book Fans of period dramas like The Serpent Queen and The Borgias Readers who enjoy books like Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History and The Trial of Lizzie Borden

An in-depth look at the history of the financial institution, from its 1934 establishment to the 2008 US financial crisis. The first seventy-five years for the Texas Credit Union League have been extraordinary! From its modest inception to its solid stature enjoyed today, the membership’s collective voice has guided us and served as a steadying arm. For three-quarters of a century, we’ve reached out to support one another in our drive toward improving the financial health of credit union members. This book illuminates the individuals who championed the credit union movement in Texas and who worked tirelessly to safeguard our cooperative nature and to enhance our ability to meet member needs. The League story is one of vision, faith, and the firm belief that each of us is enriched because of the sum of our cooperative experiences. Because we continue to support one another, our association lives its mission of protecting credit unions and promoting their growth, strength, and unity.

The epic tale of the five owners who shepherded the NFL through its tumultuous early decades and built the most popular sport in America The National Football League is a towering, distinctly American colossus spewing out $14 billion in annual revenue. But it was not always a success. In The League, John Eisenberg focuses on the pioneering sportsmen who kept the league alive in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, when its challenges were many and its survival was not guaranteed. At the time, college football, baseball, boxing, and horseracing dominated America's sports scene. Art Rooney, George Halas, Tim Mara, George Preston Marshall, and Bert Bell believed in pro football when few others did and ultimately succeeded only because at critical junctures each sacrificed the short-term success of his team for the longer-term good of the league. At once a history of a sport and a remarkable story of business ingenuity, The League is an essential read for any fan of our true national pastime.