Books with author Jo Williamson

Deemed "the greatest American novel you've never heard of" by The New Yorker, and similarly celebrated in most major publications in America and Britain (and increasingly in other countries where it has been translated), this novel by the National Book Award-winning author of Augustus and Butcher's Crossing all but disappeared after its 1965 publication

YOU HAVE ACCESSED THE INTERNATIONAL SERVER FOR THE MISSION LEAGUE. THESE FILES CONTAIN CLASSIFIED INFORMATION ON THE ORGANIZATION, AGENTS, CRIMINALS, PROCEDURES, TRAININGS, AND MISSIONS. GOD HAS CALLED. YOU HAVE ANSWERED. Mission 1: Moscow Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club. These guys mean business. Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to find the faith needed to save the Mission League from enemy infiltration. The New Recruit is the first book in a thrilling new spy adventure series designed for reluctant tween and teen audiences.

A collection of seven shorter tales, ideal for bedtime stories or just a short read. The book answers some unanswered questions from the previous stories, and introduces us to some new characters who will become significant later. We learn just how Black Whiskers set a course for a life of piracy, and what became of Captain Silk after the sinking of 'The River Prince.'We also discover how Sederic discovered his surgical skill and just how his feud with Gander began. We meet a very young Robustus of the Roes, and find out how he became chief at such a young age. As well as these familiar characters we also meet a sleepy sheep, a raging roaster and two very clever jackdaws.Ingenious Beasties has been carefully written to introduce new readers to the world of Wingtangleshire, as well as expanding on previous storylines and preparing the ground for future tales. As such each of the stories in this book make sense even if you haven't read the other books.

When three very different creatures stumble across The Festering Pheasant, a filthy, badly run country pub, they immediately settle into a life of luxury and constant feasting. It's only when a mysterious guest arrives at the pub that things begin to change. As their once perfect home becomes clean and tidy, their world is turned upside down. With so much at stake, the unlikely trio decide to stand and fight against the forces of cleanliness, right to the last mouldy pie crust!This is a fun story which takes a closer look at the creatures living in our shadow, and our attitude towards them.

When Your Life Is Not Your OwnMartyr―otherwise known as Jason 3:3―is one of hundreds of clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to “expire” in less than a month. To see the sky.Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars.As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures―the one for which he was produced and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he’s ever known.

From Waterstones Book Prize 2014 shortlisted author, Lara Williamson, The Boy who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair is perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson and Wonder by R J Palacio.Becket Rumsey is all at sea. His dad has run away with him and his brother Billy in the middle of the night. And they've left everything behind, including their almost-mum Pearl. Becket has no idea what's going on - it's a mystery. So with the help of Billy and a snail called Brian, Becket sets out on a journey of discovery. It's not plain sailing but then what journeys ever are? An extraordinary story of courage, dreams and finding your way, from the bestselling author of A Boy Called Hope (shortlisted for the 2014 Waterstones Book Prize).

The Age of the Dictators presents a comprehensive survey of the origins and interrelationship of the European dictatorships. All the regimes are addressed, with ample coverage of the period 1939-45, and analysis of the Soviet government up to Stalin’s death in 1953.Exploring their ideological and political roots, and the role of the First World War in their rise to power, David Williams identifies the dictatorships as products of their time. He examines the Soviet, Italian Fascist and Nazi dictatorships, as well as the authoritarian regimes in Spain, Portugal, Eastern Europe and the Balkans, providing an analysis of each as an entity, of how they evolved and related to one another, and to what extent they were a common response to life after the First World War.Mindful of historiographical issues, the textbook attends to the arguments of key historians, and includes a list of relevant sources to assist students in their study of the period. Combining an accessible, succinct writing style with a broad historical scope, The Age of the Dictators is an illuminating and thorough account of a fascinating period in world history.

Enter darkness...They have no choice. Chased by an evil prince, Achan, Vrell, and the Kingsguard knights flee into Darkness. They head north, for Tsaftown and Ice Island, where they must free an army that can help them fight for Er’Rets. Darkness sickens Vrell. How long can she keep her secret without being caught? Achan already suspects her of lying. If she is not careful, he will suspect her of treason as well. She hopes he will let his suspicions go until they reach her home. Achan wanted freedom, but this new journey has bound him more than ever. Sir Gavin’s claims are so far fetched. First, that there might only be one God, and second, that this God chose Achan to push back Darkness, the magnificent curse of Er’Rets. Him. Achan. Barely a man himself. Each setback Darkness brings seems minor compared to the one choice only Achan can make. What will he choose?

Darkness divides the land.Half of Er'Rets is locked beneath an impenetrable shroud. On the side that still sees the sun, two young people struggle to understand the mind-communication abilities thrust upon them.It's called bloodvoicing. Some say it's a gift. One of the newly "gifted" wish it had never come.Achan had been a slave all his life. Worse than a slave—a stray. He is consigned to the kitchens of a lord and forced to swallow a foul potion every day. When an enigmatic knight offers to train Achan for the Kingsguard, he readily accepts. But his new skills with the sword do not prepare him for the battle raging between the voices in his head.Vrell Sparrow is not who she seems. She masquerades as a boy to avoid capture by the powerful forces that seek to exploit her. But Vrell feels called to help a young squire who recently discovered his bloodvoicing gift, even if doing so requires her to work with those who could destroy her.While Achan learns to use his new ability, Vrell struggles to shut hers down. All the voices strive to learn Achan and Vrell's true identities—and a different kind of voice is calling them both.Toward a destination that is by darkness hid.

In the second of the Black Whiskers adventures, we follow the otter pirate and his crew as they battle a brand new enemy. As the fur begins to fly and the odds stack up against our heroes, the threat of an ancient enemy looms over the whole of Wingtangleshire. This is quite as action packed as the first of the series, meeting new characters on both sides. This time we get to know the crew a bit better, as well as seeing the softer side of the grizzled old pirate, who has somehow been entrusted with the title of 'defender against tyranny.' (These books are ideal for children easily bored by slower moving stories.)