The second in a serious of stories about a librarian who discovers that he is a wizard. In this book a spell that goes wrong has disastrous consequences for himself and for his local village. The problem gets out of hand and the police and the Air Force are brought in to stop what they think is an invasion of the UK.

A spellbinding collection of wizardry! For centuries, people have been mesmerized by the spectacular tales of wizards. In this book, you will uncover the mystery behind these sorcerers with folklore, mythology, and poetry from every tradition in the world. From the legendary Telchines, who were entrusted with the upbringing of Olympian gods to the great, wise Gandalf in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the dazzling stories surrounding these magicians are sure to captivate anyone who has ever dreamed of mastering the arcane arts of wizardry. Whether you're interested in exploring the rich history behind these enchanting figures or want to learn more about their magical abilities, you will gain a better understanding of their impact on civilizations as you accompany these powerful conjurors on their spellbinding journeys. Complete with detailed illustrations, this book reveals the incredible power and age-old wisdom of some of the most extraordinary wizards to ever exist.

Explaining the science behind science fiction and fantasy—from the probable to the impossible From teleportation and space elevators to alien contact and interstellar travel, science fiction and fantasy writers have come up with some brilliant and innovative ideas. Yet how plausible are these ideas--for instance, could Mr. Weasley's flying car in the Harry Potter books really exist? Which concepts might actually happen, and which ones wouldn’t work at all? Wizards, Aliens, and Starships delves into the most extraordinary details in science fiction and fantasy--such as time warps, shape changing, rocket launches, and illumination by floating candle--and shows readers the physics and math behind the phenomena. With simple mathematical models, and in most cases using no more than high school algebra, Charles Adler ranges across a plethora of remarkable imaginings, from the works of Ursula K. Le Guin to Star Trek and Avatar, to explore what might become reality. Adler explains why fantasy in the Harry Potter and Dresden Files novels cannot adhere strictly to scientific laws, and when magic might make scientific sense in the muggle world. He examines space travel and wonders why it isn’t cheaper and more common today. Adler also discusses exoplanets and how the search for alien life has shifted from radio communications to space-based telescopes. He concludes by investigating the future survival of humanity and other intelligent races. Throughout, he cites an abundance of science fiction and fantasy authors, and includes concise descriptions of stories as well as an appendix on Newton's laws of motion. Wizards, Aliens, and Starships will speak to anyone wanting to know about the correct--and incorrect--science of science fiction and fantasy.

Discover a world where magic and science collide, where a courageous botanist and a wizard of medium ability must navigate perilous challenges and ancient mysteries to save their kingdoms from a devastating threat. In Plague Wizards, Alison Mackarg's journey to Scotland takes an unexpected turn when she's transported to a land with unfamiliar plant life and where people rely on magic over technology. With a magically implanted understanding of the local language and a growing fascination with the world around her, Alison gets caught up in the murder of one of the tribesmen where she is staying. Meanwhile, Royin Gredion's-Child awakens as the new Grand Master of Pangwa Household, burdened with the legacy of a catastrophic magical disaster that threatens his kingdom. All magic comes at a cost, and their world is on the brink of chaos. As Alison and Royin's paths intersect, they must confront their own traumas and differences to unravel the truth behind the impending doom. From the enigmatic kingdom of Saljashin to the peaceful village of Strick's Bolg, they face dangerous foes and unexpected allies. Plague Wizards is a riveting tale of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of knowledge in the face of adversity. Will Alison's unconventional insights into disease, Royin's mastery of magic, and a daring plan to relocate Pangwa Household be enough to thwart the devastating plagues and restore order to their lands? As ancient forces awaken and secrets unfold, they must journey beyond their worlds to secure a brighter future. This compelling and intricate fantasy novel will captivate your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Neil Gaiman, Eoin Colfer, and many more join this magical brew [that] will enchant young adult readers and their elders as well. (Publishers Weekly) In Wizards, today's master fantasists turn their hands to tales of these magical beings, living in both ancient and modern times, as well as in fantasy realms that never were. Featuring stories by New York Times bestselling authors Neil Gaiman, Eoin Colfer and Garth Nix as well as tales from Kage Baker, Peter S. Beagle, Terry Bisson, Orson Scott Card, Terry Dowling, Andy Duncan, Jeffrey Ford, Elizabeth Hand, Nancy Kress, Tanith Lee, Patricia A. McKillip, Mary Rosenblum, Tad Williams, Gene Wolfe, and Jane Yolen.

15 original stories about those who earn their living through spellcraft From a boy who discovers life can be an illusion...to a man who maintains company security through enchantment...to a young woman who inherits a real magic shop...to a gambler who needs a sure way to beat the odds...to a woman who creates unique chocolates-here are 15 imaginative tales that run the whole gamut of wizardly professions.

When young Titas awakens to find a stranger wandering into his home his world is turned into something akin to the grand stories his mother tells. Within days Titas finds himself battling for his life but he and his family are not the only ones in danger. Far to the northwest an army encampment is ambushed. In the desperate struggle that ensues the fates of three soldiers and Titas are entwined in a great war for survival and freedom.

The world's top trader's reveal the secrets of their phenomenal success! How do the world's most successful traders amass tens, hundreds of millions of dollars a year? Are they masters of an occult knowledge, lucky winners in a random market lottery, natural-born virtuosi—Mozarts of the markets? In search of an answer, bestselling author Jack D. Schwager interviewed dozens of top traders across most financial markets. While their responses differed in the details, all of them could be boiled down to the same essential formula: solid methodology + proper mental attitude = trading success. In Market Wizards Schwager lets you hear, in their own words, what those super-traders had to say about their unprecedented successes, and he distils their responses down into a set of guiding principles you can use to become a trading star in your own right. Features interviews with superstar money-makers including Bruce Kovner, Richard Dennis, Paul Tudor Jones, Michel Steinhardt, Ed Seykota, Marty Schwartz, Tom Baldwin, and more Tells the true stories behind sensational trading coups, including the one about the trader who turned $30,000 into $80 million, the hedge fund manager who's averaged 30% returns every year for the past twenty-one years, and the T-bond futures trader who parlayed $25,000 into $2 billion in a single day! "Market Wizards is one of the most fascinating books ever written about Wall Street. A few of the 'Wizards' are my friends—and Jack Schwager has nailed their modus operandi on the head." --Martin W. Zweig, Ph.D., Editor, The Zweig Forecast

This is the untold story of the small group of men who have devised the plans and shaped the policies on how to use the Bomb. The book (first published in 1983) explores the secret world of these strategists of the nuclear age and brings to light a chapter in American political and military history never before revealed.

Join Neal as she explores how key characters in the Harry Potter books, the Chronicles of Narnia, and the Star Wars movies deal with the problem of good and evil as they make choices and face difficulties--and how their choices form their characters.