Reflections from the Top of the World

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It can be climbed successfully with minimal technical skill, but the physical and mental challenges are huge. The secret to conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is to just keep going, a maxim that applies equally when facing the trials of life, such as bereavement, heartbreak, and loneliness.

Loneliness is perhaps one of the most insidious legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic. People increasingly live alone, work alone and play alone; disconnected from society through the modern cultures of home working, absolute dependence on smartphones and the ability to stream television and cinema into their living rooms on demand. These modern factors conspire to break the connections between fellow human beings, and this can render recovering from bereavement, heartbreak, and other life trials especially hard. The enforced isolation of lockdown served to strengthen and normalize human disconnection, which has arguably led to a disturbing deterioration in the nations’ mental health.

Reflections from the Top of the World presents a powerful alternative philosophy of connection, mutual endeavour, and achievement. A philosophy that does not necessarily require individuals to climb the world’s largest freestanding mountain, but one that encourages reflection on the root causes of sadness and joy. The ultimate conclusion is a convincing belief that whatever life throws you, there will always be new happiness to look forward to if you just keep going.

10 Cretaceous Dinosaurs

Join the adventure with 10 Cretaceous Dinosaurs, a delightful countdown poem from ten to none.

Each page introduces a new dinosaur with fun facts and vibrant illustrations.

Perfect for young readers eager to learn and have fun with prehistoric creatures!

They Call Me Jake – 2

“We are all wanderers on this earth

Our hearts are full of wonder and

Our souls deep with dreams”

- Romany Gypsy saying

Jakob Smith was a sometimes wild and reckless youth whose passion in life was to travel to new countries. Wherever he went, he was interested in the local history, daily life and culture of the people. During the daylight hours, he enjoyed visiting museums, religious sites, zoos and national parks.

At night, contrary to his daytime wanderings, he would enjoy drinking beer and mixing with the local people in neighbourhood bars or restaurants. He would attempt to talk with anyone despite sometimes language difficulties. Frequently these conversations took place in places of ill repute where hookers and petty criminals made up the numbers. They conned him relentlessly but their stories, true or otherwise, were often amusing and worth the few drinks they cost.

Now somewhat more mature, he looks back on such times with fond memories. So many people met only once for just a few, sometimes drunken moments, but never forgotten. Despite the odd black eye and a couple of nights spent in lock-up, was it worth it? I must say yes, as if I had my youth over, I would probably go down the same path.

The few bad times fade into obscurity, and the many good times, prone to exaggeration, just seem to get better with age.

A travel story different from most,

Entertaining, informative at times,

Jakob quite simply loves travelling,

New places and new people are his life.

God and Our Dirty Socks

God and Our Dirty Socks is a captivating exploration of everyday life, encompassing both the humorous and the poignant. From marriage and family dynamics to grief, loss, and the challenges of IVF treatment, this book delves into a wide array of topics, reflecting the intricate tapestry of human experience.

Each of the 41 chapters offers unique insights, concluding with a thoughtful reflection and a prayer. Readers may turn to this book during times of stress or uncertainty, seeking solace and guidance. Whether seeking calm, reflection, or simply a moment of respite, God and Our Dirty Socks offers a comforting presence on the bedside table, inviting readers to explore its pages and discover a sense of clarity, hope, and inspiration. 

May this book bring peace of mind, serenity of spirit, and a renewed appetite for life.

Dance of Death (these days)

Inspired by the medieval genre which cast death as the Great Equalizer in a time where brothers, mothers and others were dying in droves, this puts Death in dialogue with CEOs, oil barons, hippies and AI to see what they say when facing their own mortality.

You Won't Believe This, But ...

Jane McCulloch was once dubbed a ‘Renaissance woman’ by the great American soprano Jessye Norman, and her long career as a playwright, theatre and opera director, producer, lyricist, poet and latterly novelist is certainly testament to this.
Jane’s has been ‘a life not without incident’ – to quote her husband, the theatre director Toby Robertson. Growing up with fiercely gifted but troubled parents, she found herself with a front-row seat during a golden age of British theatre before forging her own career, running theatre companies both in the UK and abroad and working with the likes of Derek Jacobi and Judi Dench.
Inheriting her father’s ability to ‘collect’ celebrities (to the occasional exasperation of her children), Jane proves a born raconteur, describing, amongst other things, how she met Jackie Kennedy Onassis in an accidental Valium haze or managed to charm both Noël Coward and John Betjeman while still a teenager. Beyond the clear-eyed, often moving stories, however, what emerges is an inspirational tale of a woman’s fight for her survival in a very tough profession.

Yugo the Yuletide Goat - Ice Cream Chaos

Every year, those pesky elves appear, causing trouble around the world. We’ve all heard the stories about Santa, elves, and reindeer, but now it’s time to discover the real hero of Christmas – Yugo!

Yugo doesn’t have a cape or laser eyes, just a belly full of bravery and a tongue covered in glitter! Join the super yuletide goat on his hilarious adventures as he battles the mischievous elves to save Christmas.

Once you’ve read about his incredible journey, you’ll understand why Yugo is always the first name on the nice list!

Avalon Codex

In a race against time, the Alliance of Man must locate the cradle of its birth, the Garden of Eden, or perish. Hunted by the Covenant of Nine, dark seraphim who seek to dominate and destroy mankind. Aided and guided by the Valerian, an Amazonian race of warriors whose loyalties are a mystery. Watched by the Silver Host, light seraphim who may have good intentions but seem limited in their ability to act.

In an act of desperation, a small elite group is formed with the mandate to break in to Eden. Included in this venture are the Arch Wizards of the four elemental schools of magic and the Assassins Guild.

Within its gates they seek an artifact that could save them from their fate. But Eden is a warren filled with hidden traps and supernatural creatures both terrible and powerful. Meanwhile, on another plane, the Silver Host seek to aid mankind by finishing a war that has seemed unending. Seeking to tip the balance of power on the material plane with their actions in the celestial realm.

A Fairy Tale Nightmare

The  Super Sleuths, in the midst of perfecting their grand finale for the  end-of-year school prom, find their preparations taking an unexpected  turn. Their search for costumes and props at an uncle’s house leads to a  serendipitous encounter with an ancient artefact, catapulting them from  their familiar stage into the bewildering realm of Fairy Tales. In this  alternate world, familiar characters take on unforeseen roles, guided  by the sinister forces of villains from the children’s past adventures.

This  motley crew of adversaries, blending the real with the fantastical,  launches a vindictive crusade aimed at halting the Sleuths in their  tracks. Their malevolent plot threatens to end not just the escapades of  our young heroes but their very lives. As the lines between tales and  reality blur, the Super Sleuths must navigate this twisted fairy tale  world to save themselves and preserve the magic of their story. This  thrilling adventure tests their wit, courage, and friendship, promising a  climax that seeks to bring down the curtain on their journey in the  most dramatic of fashions.”

Ruins

What came before the wastelands was almost entirely forgotten when the skies turned dark, the days cold and the nights colder. Ash fell like snow and falls still. Sunlight, clean air, clear water, healthy crops and civil society are all becoming things of the past.

Some cling to what was and rake over the ashes looking for embers to warm themselves. Some want to burn what remains to the ground.

When rumours surface of an intact entrance to the underground cities of the ancient dwarves, the dying sparks of hope erupt into a flame. Sustainable sunless settlements left untouched, ripe for research and perhaps even replication.

But first the entrance must be reached. To face a long journey across the wastes. Surviving its treacherous environment and inhabitants. A dangerous undertaking, true, but perhaps the most important since the rising cold. After all, it appears that the best chance for the world’s recovery lies in its ruins.

Al Bakr Bani Sakhar Tribe عشيرة العلي من آل بكر من بني صخر

يعد هذا الكتاب توثيقا وتأصيلا وتعريفا بعشيرة العلي من قبيلة بني صخر من أهل العُلا وذلك بناء على ما أكده المؤرخون والنسابون في مؤلفاتهم ومصادرهم التاريخية ويستند هذا الكتاب على توثيق المعلومات من خلال المراجع والمؤلفات والوثائق التاريخية القديمة والتي ألقت الضوء على جوانب متعددة للحياة الاجتماعية والاقتصادية والسياسية التي كانت سائدة. 

The Mutated Man

Join the epic adventure of two brothers who have superpowers thrust upon them – how will they react?

While still deciding what to do with their powers, they build a team to combat an evil scientist and prevent the world from falling into mutation! But when Mayhem succumbs to the allure of their newfound powers, turning to the dark side, the team faces their greatest challenge yet.

With heart-pounding battles, tough choices, new heroes and villains, and PowerSource asking for your help too, this thrilling tale will leave you on the edge of your seat, craving more. Are you ready to join the fight?