Books with author D. R. Nelson

A fabled magician. A legacy of protection. Will he be the last to serve?A four-book set brimming with guns, grenades, swords... And Arthurian legends- all for an unbelieving low price of $0.99!The Merlin wields his staff and pistol for the glory of the Round Table. So when tyrants and raiding barbarians invade, he doesn't hesitate to lead his powerful knights into a savage battle. But beyond the combat, a terrible darkness rises that could end the legendary sorcerer forever...Orphaned and blinded, Dante yearns for revenge. Entering the brutal knight school pushes his resolve to its limits. And with relentless assassins out for his blood, the aspiring champion may never fulfill his destiny.Though Merlin keeps watch over the boy prophesied to be his successor, all his work will have been in vain if he can't expose the realm's enemies. For if Dante falls, the Round Table will soon follow...Can The Merlin and Dante unite the power of their gallant brethren to defeat evil?The Brotherhood of Merlin Box Set contains the first three books in the action-packed Brotherhood of Merlin dark fantasy series, along with the bonus prequel of Merlin's origin story. If you like gritty heroes, gruesome battles and ruthless villains, then you'll love Rory D Nelson's epic adventure.

One American student. One semester in England. One unexpected mystery...Studying abroad at Oxford University for a term should be adventure enough in itself, right? That's what Anna Merritt thinks - and, at first, everything seems to be living up to her safe and reasonable expectations. She has an eccentric tutor, lots of opportunities for soul-searching, and two new friends with whom to enjoy the ride. But then, her tutor tells her that one of her friends is in danger - and disappears. Suddenly, Anna finds herself launched into an international mystery, including a post-term European tour, an enigmatic bowler-hatted stranger, and an adventure far and away beyond her plans...Interview with the AuthorQ: What makes the Gatekeeper trilogy special?A: Who doesn't like a bit of adventure, particularly of the European kind? The Gatekeeper series takes the reader through adventure in every form. In the first book, adventure finds us unexpectedly; in the second, we learn the dangers of trying to manufacture adventure for ourselves; in the third, we realize that the truest and biggest adventures always turn out to be rather different than what we've planned. Q: What is the main character like?A: Anna Miranda Merritt is a girl very much like me - a likeness which is the cause of most of her woes, alas. Her unquenchable thirst for beauty and meaning leads her right into the literary, cultural arms of Oxford University, a place which captures her heart and awakens new dreams in her soul. It is this love of all things British - and, more importantly, the deep and surprising relationships she discovers in England, Ireland, and beyond- that makes her coming of age story uniquely poignant.Q: Do I have to read the books in order?A: I have an abiding devotion to order, particularly of the chronological kind. I wrote these books over a period of thirteen years, so they are a kind of authorial autobiography. Ergo, reading the trilogy in order certainly gives some insight, as you can chart the personal and artistic growth of the author along with the main character. That being said...I also have an abiding commitment to personal freedoms. Do what you will; I believe you will enjoy Anna's story in whatever sequence. :-)Q: Why should readers give this series a try?A: This is a story about beginnings, endings, and all the quietly real drama that occurs in the most ordinary of lives during these "in-between" times. For anyone who's ever found themselves, lost themselves, or is still searching, these characters have something to say. I wish you joy of the journey!Gatekeeper trilogy series eBook categories:- Young adult series- Free books- Literary series- Mystery series- Europe- Culture and geography- School and education- Coming of age- Contemporary British- Fiction - Art and architecture

Little Red Hood is a modern day twist of Little Red Riding Hood, Red's mother likes to keep her safe at home. But one day Mum gives Red the opportunity to go to her go to Grandma’s on her own - as long as she doesn’t talk to any strangers along the way. Red naively tells Mr Patel, the local friendly shopkeeper (whilst buying her Gran cakes for a treat) that her Grandma has left the door on the latch because of her arthritis, unaware that their conversation is being listened to. On her journey to Grandma’s with Buster (her dog) she meets different characters. But what happens when she gets to Grandma’s? And just who is sleeping in Grandmas bed? And most importantly who is going to come to the rescue? This book is aimed at young children aged 9+REVIEW: Usborne Publishing "Original and gripping," Kate Davies, Assistant Editor, 2006

Christmas with a Lakota trick!A traditional Native American character gets a modern update in this charming Christmas taleOn Christmas Eve, Coyote wants to find some people to trick out of a hot meal. Sneaky Coyote is known in the Native American tradition as the Trickster. He knows that there’s one character people can’t refuse on Christmas Eve: Santa Claus! Using straw for a jolly belly and wool for his Santa’s beard, the Trickster fools a family into welcoming him to their Christmas meal. But just when he thinks he’s gotten away with his ruse, taking their food and leaving the family with nothing, he’s foiled by a strange occurrence. Could it be a Christmas miracle? Coyote’s antics, beautifully told and illustrated by S. D. Nelson, will delight readers, and his eventual comeuppance just in time for Christmas makes this a perfect holiday tale.

This fascinating picture book biography tells the childhood story of Buffalo Bird Woman, a Hidatsa Indian born around 1839. Through her true story, readers will learn what it was like to be part of this Native American community that lived along the Missouri River in the Dakotas, a society that depended more on agriculture for food and survival than on hunting. Children will relate to Buffalo Bird Girl’s routine of chores and playing with friends, and they will also be captivated by her lifestyle and the dangers that came with it. Using as a resource the works of Gilbert L. Wilson, who met Buffalo Bird Woman and transcribed her life’s story in the early 20th century, award-winning author-illustrator S. D. Nelson has captured the spirit of Buffalo Bird Girl and her lost way of life. The book includes a historical timeline. Praise for Buffalo Bird Girl STARRED REVIEWS "The extraordinary illustration of this handsome volume begins with the endpaper maps and features acrylic paintings of the Hidatsa world reminiscent of traditional Plains Indian art. Pencil drawings and relevant, carefully labeled photographs round out the exquisite design. All the artwork both supports and adds to the text. An extensive author’s note and timeline supplement this beautiful tribute." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review "This is a lovely and graceful introduction to a way of life that persists despite cultural obstacles and the march of time." ―School Library Journal, starred review "Nelson's quiet, respectful tone capably balances the factual details of daily life in the Hidatsa tribe with the obvious joy and nostalgia Buffalo Bird Girl feels toward her childhood." ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "As a writer, storyteller, and traditional artist of the Sioux people, his perspective is genuine and effectively portrayed. This book would be enjoyable for anyone interested in history, but would also be an effective resource in the classroom to support the curriculum.” ―Library Media Connection "Nelson's acrylic paintings and b&w pencil drawings are intriguingly interlaced with the photographs, contrasting Native American figures in blunt profile with harvest colors and background textures that mimic dried spears of grass, leather skins, and basket weaves." ―Publishers Weekly Award Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choices 2013 list - Biography and Autobiography Gelett Burgess Award - Arts & Letters category

Sitting Bull (c. 1831–1890) was one of the greatest Lakota/Sioux warriors and chiefs who ever lived. From Sitting Bull’s childhood—killing his first buffalo at age 10—to being named war chief to leading his people against the U.S. Army, Sitting Bull: Lakota Warrior and Defender of His People brings the story of the great chief to light. Sitting Bull was instrumental in the war against the invasive wasichus (white men) and was at the forefront of the combat, including the Battles of Killdeer Mountain and the Little Bighorn. He and Crazy Horse were the last Lakota/Sioux to surrender their people to the U.S. government and resort to living on a reservation. The book includes an extensive author’s note and timeline, historical photographs, a map, a bibliography, endnotes, and an index.

Pickup trucks and eagles, yellow school buses and painted horses, Mother Earth and Sister Meadowlark all join together to greet the dawn. They marvel at the colours and sounds, smells and memories that dawn creates. Animals and humans alike turn their faces upwards and gaze as the sun makes its daily journey from horizon to horizon. Dawn is a time to celebrate with a smiling heart, to start a new day in the right way, excited for what might come. Birds sing and dance, children rush to learn, dewdrops glisten from leaves, and gradually the sun warms us. Each time the sun starts a new circle, we can start again as well. All these things are part of the Lakota way, a means of living in balance. S. D. Nelson offers young readers wonder and happiness as a better way of appreciating their culture and surroundings. He draws inspiration from traditional stories to create Greet the Dawn . His artwork fuses elements of modern with traditional. Above all, he urges each of us to seize the opportunity that dawn offers each day.

Told from a Native American point of view, Black Elk’s Vision provides a unique perspective on American history. From recounting the visions Black Elk had as a young boy, to his involvement in the battles of Little Big Horn and Wounded Knee, as well as his journeys to New York City and Europe with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, this biographical account of Black Elk—an Oglala Lakota medicine man who lived from 1863 to 1950—follows him from childhood through adulthood.

A grandmother's love is forever In this mystical story of remembrance and tradition, Sister Girl and her brother, Young Wolf, wander far from their village and face great danger, including stampeding animals and a wall of fire. The children barely save themselves, and as night approaches, they find themselves alone in the barren and unforgiving wilderness. How will they find home? As the stars shine brightly, the spirit of their grandmother, Elk Tooth Woman, appears to guide them: “The Star People are always with you. Look up, and you will see me among the stars.” S. D. Nelson's compelling illustrations, inspired by the ledger-book style of the Plains Indians, capture the beauty of humans and nature existing as one.

This fascinating picture book biography tells the childhood story of Buffalo Bird Woman, a Hidatsa Indian born around 1839. Through her true story, readers will learn what it was like to be part of this Native American community that lived along the Missouri River in the Dakotas, a society that depended more on agriculture for food and survival than on hunting. Children will relate to Buffalo Bird Girl’s routine of chores and playing with friends, and they will also be captivated by her lifestyle and the dangers that came with it. Using as a resource the works of Gilbert L. Wilson, who met Buffalo Bird Woman and transcribed her life’s story in the early 20th century, award-winning author-illustrator S. D. Nelson has captured the spirit of Buffalo Bird Girl and her lost way of life. The book includes a historical timeline. Praise for Buffalo Bird Girl STARRED REVIEWS "The extraordinary illustration of this handsome volume begins with the endpaper maps and features acrylic paintings of the Hidatsa world reminiscent of traditional Plains Indian art. Pencil drawings and relevant, carefully labeled photographs round out the exquisite design. All the artwork both supports and adds to the text. An extensive author’s note and timeline supplement this beautiful tribute." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review "This is a lovely and graceful introduction to a way of life that persists despite cultural obstacles and the march of time." ―School Library Journal, starred review "Nelson's quiet, respectful tone capably balances the factual details of daily life in the Hidatsa tribe with the obvious joy and nostalgia Buffalo Bird Girl feels toward her childhood." ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "As a writer, storyteller, and traditional artist of the Sioux people, his perspective is genuine and effectively portrayed. This book would be enjoyable for anyone interested in history, but would also be an effective resource in the classroom to support the curriculum.” ―Library Media Connection "Nelson's acrylic paintings and b&w pencil drawings are intriguingly interlaced with the photographs, contrasting Native American figures in blunt profile with harvest colors and background textures that mimic dried spears of grass, leather skins, and basket weaves." ―Publishers Weekly Award Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choices 2013 list - Biography and Autobiography Gelett Burgess Award - Arts & Letters category