Books with author L. Alexander

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BUZZFEED • A companion novel inspired by Star Wars: Battlefront, this action-packed adventure follows a squad of soldiers caught in the trenches of the ultimate galactic war between good and evil.The bravest soldiers. The toughest warriors. The ultimate survivors. Among the stars and across the vast expanses of space, the Galactic Civil War rages. On the battlefields of multiple worlds in the Mid Rim, legions of ruthless stormtroopers—bent on crushing resistance to the Empire wherever it arises—are waging close and brutal combat against an armada of freedom fighters. In the streets and alleys of ravaged cities, the front-line forces of the Rebel Alliance are taking the fight to the enemy, pushing deeper into Imperial territory and grappling with the savage flesh-and-blood realities of war on the ground. Leading the charge are the soldiers—men and women, human and nonhuman—of the Sixty-First Mobile Infantry, better known as Twilight Company. Hard-bitten, war-weary, and ferociously loyal to one another, the members of this renegade outfit doggedly survive where others perish, and defiance is their most powerful weapon against the deadliest odds. When orders come down for the rebels to fall back in the face of superior opposition numbers and firepower, Twilight reluctantly complies. Then an unlikely ally radically changes the strategic equation—and gives the Alliance’s hardest-fighting warriors a crucial chance to turn retreat into resurgence. Orders or not, alone and outgunned but unbowed, Twilight Company locks, loads, and prepares to make its boldest maneuver—trading down-and-dirty battle in the trenches for a game-changing strike at the ultimate target: the very heart of the Empire’s military machine.Praise for Battlefront: Twilight Company “A novel that ties in to a video game based on a sprawling sci-fi franchise shouldn’t be this good. . . . Battlefront: Twilight Company effortlessly thrusts readers onto the frontlines of the Galactic Civil War in a gripping tale.”—New York Daily News “Compelling . . . an entertaining journey through a galaxy in turmoil . . . Battlefront: Twilight Company explores what happens to the cannon fodder fighting and dying in the background of space opera’s cinematic action sequences. Focusing on the life of a few low-ranking Rebel grunts caught up in a vast interstellar conflict, the novel is an enjoyable tale of interstellar adventure and drama.”—IGN “Satisfyingly complex, immersive and moving . . . a war story unlike any Star Wars book that’s come before it.”—Roqoo Depot “A military thriller [with] some pretty impressive actions scenes [and] the lived-in, gritty feel of the original trilogy . . . [Alexander] Freed shows us the military side of the Star Wars universe in a way that we haven’t seen much before, while also giving readers new perspectives on classic characters and moments.”—Tech Times “Twilight Company is one of the greatest Star Wars stories ever about someone doggedly, cynically coming to understand why acting according to the light side is important.”—Den of Geek “The strongest canon piece of Star Wars literature thus far . . . sure to be a fan-pleasing favorite . . . Explosive action scenes and dark humor only punctuate this character-driven tale [with] heavy world-building and cameos from other characters throughout the Star Wars pantheon.”—Alternative Nation

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Go beyond the film with a novelization featuring new scenes and expanded material. As the shadows of the Empire loom ever larger across the galaxy, so do deeply troubling rumors. The Rebellion has learned of a sinister Imperial plot to bring entire worlds to their knees. Deep in Empire-dominated space, a machine of unimaginable destructive power is nearing completion. A weapon too terrifying to contemplate . . . and a threat that may be too great to overcome. If the worlds at the Empire’s mercy stand any chance, it lies with an unlikely band of allies: Jyn Erso, a resourceful young woman seeking vengeance; Cassian Andor, a war-weary rebel commander; Bodhi Rook, a defector from the Empire’s military; Chirrut Îmwe, a blind holy man and his crack-shot companion, Baze Malbus; and K-2SO, a deadly Imperial droid turned against its former masters. In their hands rests the new hope that could turn the tide toward a crucial Rebellion victory—if only they can capture the plans to the Empire’s new weapon. But even as they race toward their dangerous goal, the specter of their ultimate enemy—a monstrous world unto itself—darkens the skies. Waiting to herald the Empire’s brutal reign with a burst of annihilation worthy of its dreaded name: Death Star.Praise for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story“One of the best movie adaptations yet.”—Cinelinx “Rogue One bridged characters and elements of the prequels and original Star Wars trilogy in a visually stunning ride, but there are even more rich details hiding in the film’s novelization, [which] reveals and expands with inner monologues and character insights, political knots, and nuance.”—The Daily Dot “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story novelization deepens a tale of hope. . . . [Jyn Erso] proves to be even more fascinating here than she was in the movie.”—New York Daily News

This is for the unforgettable. The unafraid. The undefeated.From New York Times bestselling-author Kwame Alexander comes this powerful and important ode to black history: the strength and bravery of everyday people and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest artists, athletes, and activists.With references to lyrics and lines originally shared by our most celebrated heroes, this poem digs into the not-so-distant past to underline the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present.

When Prince Jen volunteers to search for the legendary court of T'ien-kuo, a mysterious old man chooses six gifts for him to bear in homage: a saddle, a sword, a paint box, a bowl, a kite, and a flute. Puzzled by the gifts but full of high spirits and pride, Jen sets of--but stumbles almost immediately into a series of misfortunes. Only with the help of his faithful servant, Mafoo, and valiant flute-girl, Voyaging Moon, and only after a breathtakingly exciting string of adventures can Jen discover the real meaning of the gifts and face his true destiny. . . .

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Go beyond the film with a novelization featuring new scenes and expanded material. As the shadows of the Empire loom ever larger across the galaxy, so do deeply troubling rumors. The Rebellion has learned of a sinister Imperial plot to bring entire worlds to their knees. Deep in Empire-dominated space, a machine of unimaginable destructive power is nearing completion. A weapon too terrifying to contemplate . . . and a threat that may be too great to overcome. If the worlds at the Empire’s mercy stand any chance, it lies with an unlikely band of allies: Jyn Erso, a resourceful young woman seeking vengeance; Cassian Andor, a war-weary rebel commander; Bodhi Rook, a defector from the Empire’s military; Chirrut Îmwe, a blind holy man and his crack-shot companion, Baze Malbus; and K-2SO, a deadly Imperial droid turned against its former masters. In their hands rests the new hope that could turn the tide toward a crucial Rebellion victory—if only they can capture the plans to the Empire’s new weapon. But even as they race toward their dangerous goal, the specter of their ultimate enemy—a monstrous world unto itself—darkens the skies. Waiting to herald the Empire’s brutal reign with a burst of annihilation worthy of its dreaded name: Death Star.Praise for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story“One of the best movie adaptations yet.”—Cinelinx “Rogue One bridged characters and elements of the prequels and original Star Wars trilogy in a visually stunning ride, but there are even more rich details hiding in the film’s novelization, [which] reveals and expands with inner monologues and character insights, political knots, and nuance.”—The Daily Dot “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story novelization deepens a tale of hope. . . . [Jyn Erso] proves to be even more fascinating here than she was in the movie.”—New York Daily News

Welcome to Torte—a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the oven is heating up as high as the body count…Jules Capshaw is still chewing over her husband Carlos’s return to Ashland, Oregon. Could there be too many cooks in the kitchen? Whatever is stirring between those two will have to wait. Despite the Oregon Shakespeare Festival being dark for the winter, the bakeshop is bustling, the dough is rolling, and there’s no rest for the weary…especially when murder is thrown into the mix. When Mindy Nolan, the owner of a new restaurant in town, turns up dead, the batter at hand thickens. Jules knows that there was bad blood between Mindy and others in town, and tracking down the killer could prove to be an unwelcome treat. And to top it all off, there’s Carlos, who is pleading—with those delicious dark eyes and sexy Spanish accent—for Jules to take him back. Is home where the heart is or will she make a fresh start…and risk getting burned?

Discover the Power of the Grimoire! A grimoire records your personal journey through the world of magick. It's where you record your favorite spells, chronicle your magical developments, and keep your most treasured secrets. And now, Skye Alexander, spellcraft expert and author of The Modern Guide to Witchcraft, teaches you how to create your own. First, you'll learn the importance and history of the witch's grimoire. Then, you'll go step by step through the process of putting together your very own book. From selecting spells to blessing your grimoire, you will be able to personalize your book of shadows and tailor it to your specific powers. With your own grimoire in hand, you'll be ready to continue your journey in learning the craft.

THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING ACCOUNT OF A NEUROSURGEON'S OWN NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE.Internationally acclaimed neurosurgeon Dr Eben Alexander always considered himself a man of science. His unwavering belief in evidence-based medicine fuelled a career in the top medical institutions of the world. But all this was set to change. One morning in 2008 he fell into a coma after suffering a rare form of bacterial meningitis. Scans of his brain revealed massive damage. Death was deemed the most likely outcome. As his family prepared themselves for the worst, something miraculous happened. Dr Alexander's brain went from near total inactivity to awakening. He made a full recovery but he was never the same. He woke certain of the infinite reach of the soul, he was certain of a life beyond death. In this astonishing book, Dr Alexander shares his experience, pieced together from the notes he made as soon as he was able to write again. Unlike other accounts of near-death experiences, he is able to explain in depth why his brain was incapable of fabricating the journey he experienced. His story is one of profound beauty and inspiration.

Boys fall in love with what they see.QUINN THOMPSONI never believed a boy would like me. When I’m around Maiken, I feel like I can conquer the world. He gives me the confidence to stand up to my enemy. I vowed to Tessa Stevens that she would see a new me. But people don’t change overnight. I’m still the same girl she knew before Christmas break. I still live on a farm, stutter when I’m nervous, spit out random facts, and avoid confrontation. I’m not the type to punch first and ask questions later. But when she lays her paws on Maiken, all bets are off.MAIKEN MAXWELLSince my dad died, I can’t seem to get my act together. I’m failing two classes. I’m suspended from basketball, and Chase Stevens makes playing the game difficult for the entire team, but none of that matters when my family is faced with yet another tragedy. My only lifeline is the girl with butterscotch hair, amber eyes, and quirky personality. The one whose flirty smiles and shy looks are only reserved for me. The girl who has a way of picking me up when I feel like I want to run and hide. The problem is I might not get the chance to see Quinn ever again when my mom has no choice but to move a thousand miles away. Reading OrderMy Heart to TouchMy Heart to HoldScroll up and grab a copy today.

This book, by Alexander S. White, is a complete, clearly written guide to the operation of the Nikon Coolpix P900 digital camera. The book explains all shooting modes, menus, functions, and controls of this superzoom camera, accompanied by more than 350 illustrations and sample photographs. The guide shows beginning and intermediate photographers how to use the camera’s many options to get the results they want.The book explains topics such as autofocus, manual focus, HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography, ISO, memory cards, and flash modes. It discusses techniques for using the P900’s phenomenal zoom lens, with a maximum optical focal length of 2000mm, to full advantage. The book also explains the camera’s features for image transfer and remote control through the P900’s built-in Wi-Fi network, as well as its features for adding location data to images.The book includes sample images taken with the creative settings of the camera, including the Picture Control options, which alter the color processing of images; the Scene and Special Effects shooting modes, with settings optimized for subjects such as landscapes, birds, pets, sunsets, and action shots; and the camera’s features for burst shooting and time-lapse photography.In addition, the book provides introductions to topics such as infrared photography, street photography, and macro photography.The book also explains the video features of the P900, which can shoot HD video with stereo sound and can record high-speed video at rates up to 4 times normal speed. In addition, the book describes procedures for playing back images and videos in the camera and for using the Filter Effects option to add special effects to images after they have been captured.In three appendices, the book discusses accessories for the Coolpix P900, including cases, external flash units, and charging and power options. The appendices include a list of useful web sites and other resources, as well as a section with “quick tips” to help users take advantage of the camera’s features in the most efficient ways possible.

This book is a complete guide to the use of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 camera, which is known as the TZ100 in Europe, and as the TZ110, ZS110, or TZ101 in other areas. The 200-page book shows beginning and intermediate photographers how to capture excellent images and video sequences with the ZS100. The book explains the camera’s controls for autofocus, manual focus, aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, white balance, and ISO, as well as many other settings. The book also discusses the camera’s many options for playback, setup, and customizing the operation of its various buttons and other controls.The book contains more than 400 color photographs showing the camera’s controls, display screens, and menus. The book includes examples of photographs taken using the many creative settings of the camera, including the Photo Style settings; the Creative Control mode picture effects, which provide the ability to customize the appearance of images in dramatic ways; and the camera’s strong array of features for continuous shooting and shooting in high-contrast lighting conditions.The book also includes a full discussion of the video recording abilities of the ZS100 camera, which offers manual control of exposure and focus during movie recording, and which provides ultra-high definition 4K recording of motion pictures. The book also explains the camera’s special features for extracting still images from 4K video footage and using the Post Focus feature to select a sharply focused image after a shooting session.In three appendices, the book provides information about accessories for the ZS100, including cases, power supply options, and other items, and includes a list of web sites and other resources for further information. The book includes an appendix with helpful Quick Tips that explain how to take advantage of the camera’s features in the most efficient ways possible.

Nightfall Academy has had its trials. From mean girls to the family I’ve made along the way, I’ve been on a nonstop roller coaster ride.I thought kidnapping was as bad as things could get, but I was so very, very wrong.Turns out, witches can make toxins to break mate bonds, but the side effects of trying to cure that are worse than the initial pain.Now my mates are left rushing around trying to save me and what we have. Will our bond survive?Will I live long enough for that to even matter?