Bøker av Jon Sparks

Ten years on from Three Kinds of North and The Sundering Wall, Jerya's life feels settled and comfortable, until a new acquaintance brings new possibilities and new dilemmas. Perhaps Hedric can become more than a friend, but only if Jerya is prepared to align herself with the owner-class.If this is isn't enough to contend with, news of a planned expedition across the mountains prompts a fateful decision. Jerya's return to the Sung Lands is meant to give warning, but will the Guild of Dawnsingers see it in that light? Not if her old nemesis, Perriad, has anything to do with it. Jerya finds herself risking everything she has come to hold dear.

A new journey of discovery begins.Having finally broken with the Guild of Dawnsingers, Jerya and Railu are joined by Rodal as they strike out into the mountains. None of them have any idea what lies beyond the borders of the map, or if there are feasible passes through the high peaks.Tensions mount under the strain of the hazardous journey, and thoughts return to their former lives and friends left behind, but Jerya's determination drives them on. Each will be tested in different ways as they draw closer to unravelling the ultimate mystery of the Unsung Lands.

A distant future. A recovering world.Remnants of a shattered moon traverse the skies, memorials to an ancient and nearly-forgotten conflict. In an isolated northern land, society is overseen by the reclusive, all-female, Guild of Dawnsingers, which holds a monopoly on advanced learning. Life seems peaceful and well-ordered. But are the Dawnsingers as benevolent as they seem? What secrets are they hiding?And what really lies beyond the mountains in the East?Orphan Jerya unexpectedly finds a home in the Dawnsingers' Guild, but her new life turns sour. Soon she finds herself struggling to reconcile the exhilaration of learning with her growing doubts about the very basis of the Guild's rule. Ultimately she faces an agonising choice which could utterly change her life, and the lives of her two most trusted friends.Award-winning outdoor writer Jon Sparks turns to speculative fiction in the first book of The Shattered Moon series

An easy-to-use pocket-book format, Off-Road Rides gives a series of expertlychosen cycle routes, featuring delightful tracks and trails in and around the LakeDistrict National Park

Manchester and Salford boast an extraordinary historical legacy. In particular, nowhere has a better claim to be regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The area played a pioneering role in transport history, with the Bridgewater Canal and one terminus of the world's first fully fledged passenger railway. It saw the collaboration of Marx and Engels, the birth of what became the Suffragette movement and the groundwork for the computer revolution. More recently Manchester saw the discovery of graphene - a form of carbon. All this and much more is reflected in the two cities' rich heritage of great architecture and urban landscapes. Much of this heritage and many of the important buildings are from the nineteenth century onwards, but there are remains dating back to Roman times. This book of exceptional photographs reflects the area through the lens of award-winning photographer Jon Sparks. Here are the contrasting scenes and buildings, old and new, that define the essence, identity and vibrant spirit of Manchester and Salford. From industry to sport, leisure to worship, culture to transport and listed buildings to modern skyscrapers, this is a stunning portrait of two eternally fascinating cities.

The 265 mile (425km) Lancashire Cycleway showcases the idyllic scenery of England's historic Red Rose County. Comprising of two distinct loops that intersect at Whalley in the Ribble Valley, the Northern Loop contrasts the quiet lanes and peaceful countryside of northwestern Lancashire with the thrill of the open moors of the Forest of Bowland AONB; the Southern weaves its way between the villages and towns in the south of the county, an area rich in social history. Easily accessible from the region's rail network, the route - which is all on-road - can be cycled either as a tour or a series of day rides. This guidebook presents the Lancashire Cycleway in 11 stages of 16.5 - 30.9 miles (26.6 - 49.7km), plus two short connections to link the loops to the major regional stations at Lancaster and Wigan, as well as 17 varied day rides for those wishing to explore the county further. Detailed route description and 1:100,000 mapping is presented alongside a wealth of information on local points of interest and facilities, and the magnificent colour photography offers a small taste of what the routes have to offer. The guide also includes useful advice for those new to cycling or cycle touring.

The town of Lancaster has long been a centre for culture, education and commerce. The Romans had a permanent settlement on the same hill as Lancaster Castle sits today. The name of the town is derived from the River Lune and caster, the Old English word for fort. In later years Lancaster developed unique ties to the British monarchy. The House of Lancaster became a branch of the royal family after being embroiled in the Wars of the Roses with the House of York. Although Lancaster has lost many treasures, there are some fine examples of change which marries the best of the old with the best of the new, such as the White Cross Mills site. St George's Quay probably looks better than at any time in its history, and there's more to come on the freshly cleared site just west of Carlisle Bridge. Lancaster has suffered some tragic losses, but it is still a graceful and humane city; it is a place to cherish, and many people do.

Helps explore the Lake District's rocky places. This book offers advice on how to get started and how to progress; routes that are safe in the wet, and those that should be saved for perfect conditions; and, where to eat, drink and sleep between the ascents.