Bøker utgitt av Austin Macauley Publishers

dear reader, i must warn you that the following may entice you to a collection of stories that could leave you feeling curious and even a little odd. in these pages you will meet the part of me that is still a littlie, who often played alone finding solace in the sanctuary of imagination, yet struggled with the desire for a friend. don't be fooled by the seemingly ordinary plot lines, there is more to these stories than meets the eye. within these pages you will find contentious topics that challenge societal norms, or stories that encourage children to think critically and form their own opinions, all in the hope to provide a neo-pedagogy-of-mutual-child-adult-parenting-experience. while these stories are perfect for littlies who may be eager to explore the weird world of the self, this children's book is for all. and while the tales may seem strange, they are full of magic, dreamy adventures of self-discovery and journeys of growth, hope and renewal. you'll learn the joys of decluttering the mind from dull forgettable thoughts. you'll witness the magic of watching something grow and thrive. you may learn the lesson that true comfort can come in the simplest of forms. the endless, arduous journey to search for true friendship is matched by the raw emotional struggles of our weird and wondrous mind. so if you are brave enough to venture into the world of the weirdo tarot, i invite you to turn the pages and explore the mysterious and peculiar, weirdo tales for the littlie mind. yours weirdly, the weirdo tarot (be weird it's normal)

Join the hapless William as he discovers the magical world all around him. Meet fantastic creatures from myth as William blunders through multiple adventures. William is soon joined by his elf partner Jess and his furry protector, Nina, who has a deep love of shoes. Together they encounter light vampires, sprites and all manner of creatures good and bad. Things aren't always rosy for William however as a mysterious evil figure quickly takes an interest in him. William will not only learn about the magical kingdom, he will also learn about himself.

In Full Circle: Memoir of A Vietnamese-Canadian Librarian, Vinh-The Lam tells the story of his journey from American-trained librarian in South Vietnam to Librarian Emeritus in Canada. After becoming the first US-educated President of the Vietnamese Library Association (VLA) in 1974, Lam worked alongside a team of fellow American-trained librarians to modernize and expand the South Vietnamese library system. He even founded the country's first library science department at Vạn Hạnh University. But after the fall of South Vietnam in 1975, the VLA and all of Lam's achievements were lost. He spent the next six years in poverty, before emigrating to Canada in 1981 and rebuilding his life and career. With a new start in North America, Lam made valuable contributions to the library community, eventually retiring as Librarian Emeritus from the University of Saskatchewan in 2006. When Vietnam appealed to overseas intellectuals to return and help the country move forward in the aftermath of the collapse of the Communist system, Lam and his former VLA team answered the call, ready to help Vietnam thrive in a new era of innovation and progress. This is the personal memoir of Lam's full journey, from Vietnam to Canada and back again.

In a harrowing story of lost innocence and shattered identities, two young lives are swept up in a storm of calamity and betrayal. An Iraqi child, ripped from the warm embrace of his family, finds himself in the clutches of strangers in a foreign country. While the boy's desperate family searches tirelessly for their beloved son, the kidnappers weave a web of lies to erase his past, forging a cruel destiny that will test the bonds of fraternity and love.Against a backdrop of global unrest, the stolen child and his unexpected natural brother try to forge their own paths, tied by a deep friendship, in a world torn apart by violence and deceit. From the uncontrollable violence in Afghanistan to the turbulent waters of the Euphrates, the destiny breaks the sky with a story of love between two who would never imagine loving each other. Among the rubble, death and destruction, the deepest, most real and sincere love story is born. A love rooted in the soul and deep in the heart. Love that glorifies life and means death; the threads of family, love and loyalty will be stretched to the breaking point.Tears on the Euphrates delves into the profound impact of family and identity amid the harsh realities of a world at war, intertwining the fates of two boys with the turbulent geopolitics that define the divide between East and West. Through their eyes, we explore the moving and unyielding search for truth, belonging, and redemption in a world yearning for hope.

When an unspeakable tragedy rocks the Nezami family, 15-year-old Cyrus finds himself on the verge of losing everything he ever loved. His father Sohrab reassures him that once he hears the stories about his namesake and the first ruler of the Persian Empire, Cyrus the Great, everything will make more sense. But as everything comes crashing down, Cyrus begins to lose faith. In this story of cultural duality and the significance of reputation, loyalty, family bonds, and the values they install in you, even the oldest, most unlikely stories can parallel your own, teach invaluable lessons, and end up saving you...

Dean loves her madly from the moment he sees her. When the guy she is with starts pushing her around, Dean has to get involved. It's quick and it's violent. Later, languishing in a police cell, he wonders if he has ruined his life, and hardly dares hope he will ever see her again. But he does, and a dangerous love grows. Half a world away, something else is growing. A new pandemic. One that will make coronavirus look like a picnic.

"UNUSUAL AND POSSIBLY UNIQUE" - The comments of a retired Metropolitan Police Dog Sergeant who had proofread a book written by Tim Clements.Discover the extraordinary life of a dedicated police officer in this captivating memoir. Unveiling experiences never encountered by senior officers, the author's manuscript has finally been published. For thirty years, the author served as a Constable in Kent Police, immersing himself in a diverse range of extraordinary circumstances alongside the routine demands of the job. From handling peculiar cases to engaging in day-to-day police work, he delves into a myriad of encounters that defined his career.As his grandson faces bullying, the author aims to inspire by showcasing that hard work, humour, and a thirst for learning can conquer anything. This expanded edition delves deeper into grassroots policing, revealing the satisfaction and worth found in one of the most challenging occupations. From bustling communities to solitary patrols covering vast areas, witness the author's time in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, culminating in his role as the community officer for the Otford area.

Humpty's feelings are weighing him down, and the weight is becoming too heavy a burden for him to carry alone. Are his worries a true reflection of his life and friendships? Or is his mind playing tricks on him? Watch what happens as Humpty learns the tremendous value one simple step can have - asking for help when we need it the most.

Life doesn't always turn out the way you think it should, does it? For instance, what happens when you get a puppy you don't want? For Simon that answer is simply: nothing good. His life as a happy bachelor is torpedoed when he reluctantly accepts a puppy of indeterminable breed who names himself Tramp and seemingly never ever stops growing - personality included. Any principles for raising a dog are put to the test, and so is Simon's state of mind when his sex-life is sabotaged, his sports car rendered useless, and Tramp is spending all of Simon's money. And then there's the women... quite a few of them, but one in particular. The angry one in the park who likes dogs and who wonders if Simon is a stripper because he flashes her his ass. But in reality, he looks like he's just escaped from an asylum. And that's just the beginning...

In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, Insurrection - Democracy Under Attack! boldly explores the urgent need to preserve and defend democracy by upholding the sanctity of election outcomes: a timely message delivered through a captivating allegory featuring anthropomorphic characters. Enter the world of Bimbo, an insatiable and power-hungry political leader whose unbridled narcissism blinds him to the true essence of democracy. Only when election results align with his interests does he grudgingly accept them. However, when the people's will takes a different course, Bimbo's fury knows no bounds. Rallying his zealous followers, he descends into the abyss of violence, striving desperately to cling to the presidency of Mukwa Island, regardless of the electorate's verdict. As anger consumes him, Bimbo shreds the nation's constitution and reduces the parliament to ashes. Yet, hope emerges in the form of Captain Eagle, a symbol of true leadership, who emerges victorious in the elections and leads a courageous uprising against Bimbo and his loyalists. In the face of unwavering unity and the resilience of democracy, Bimbo's grip on power crumbles, and he and his followers are forced to flee Mukwa Island, paving the way for the restoration of democracy.

"The industry has abused an otherwise good beer type for many years. Now consumers want the good old pilsner back." Kevin Davey, Master Brewer, Gold Dot Beer, Oregon, USA THE NAKED BEER is a book about pilsner - the most popular type of beer in the world. While other beer types have come and gone, pilsner has remained a steadfast choice for nearly two centuries. After decades of over-commercialisation, this may be pilsner's moment, as it undergoes a resurgence among craft beer brewers eager to embrace the challenge of crafting a beer that tests their technique to the full without relying on gimmicks. This book aims to illustrate that pilsner, in all its diversity and quality, deserves a central role in the ongoing beer revolution; indeed, as beer guru Jeff Alworth argues, pilsner is already the "secret weapon" in that revolution. THE NAKED BEER features: - Reports from breweries in the USA, Germany and the Czech Republic - Interviews with the best pilsner brewers in the world - Chapters covering the history, culture and science of pilsner - A deep dive into the aroma and taste of pilsner, with a new and improved tasting scheme - Reviews of 72 pilsner brands - 10 pilsner recipes to try at home! Written by beer expert Christian Andersen and Master Brewer Jens Eiken, THE NAKED BEER is set to become the go-to book for anyone interested in this most poised and subtle of beers. Born in an improbable blend of local culture, foreign espionage, and brewing ingenuity, Pilsner emerged as the 'killer app' of beers in 1842. As it raced across Europe and then the world, Pilsner swept aside centuries-old beer styles and established itself as king. Since then it's been perfected and ruined, celebrated and scorned, industrialised and crafted. Here, discover the story of - and as even many craft brewers will say - the greatest beer style in the world. GARRETT OLIVER Master Brewer and Editor-in-Chief of The Oxford Companion to Beer - The Brooklyn Brewery Pilsner is back where it belongs - in the heart of the beer revolution. Finally, the consumers and the craft brewers appreciate this sleeping giant of a beer style. Only good brewers can, and must, brew a perfect pilsner. (Our dry hopped pilsner 'Lost Lager' is an excellent example of this development, and the consumers love it!) The Naked Beer is a thorough book about this beer style, which is full of flavour and potential! JASON POND Group Brewmaster - BrewDog

Sol Jenkins lived an unremarkable life, plagued by mundane problems in a nondescript office. Earning just enough to get by, his world was comfortably predictable. But everything shifted the day a dishevelled stranger with frenzied eyes seized him, warning Sol to run, only to perish moments later. Those brief, startling seconds set Sol on a trajectory that could reshape the world as we know it. It certainly reshaped his...

In today's digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives. While they offer a way to stay connected with others and access information, they can also have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly for young people. In Beneath the Filters: The Dangerous Effects of Social Media on Mental Health, author Francesca Salierno explores how the beauty standards perpetuated by social media can lead to a distorted sense of self-worth and body image issues. Drawing on research and real-life stories, including her own, Francesca uncovers the toxic nature of social media and its impact on mental health. Through practical advice and guidance, readers will learn how to take control of their social media use and promote a healthier relationship with themselves and others. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the value of real beauty beneath the filters.

In Clone Ladies, dive into a near-future where medical advancements have made cloning not just possible, but commonplace. As technology evolves, it's not just organs that are replicated - entire humans can now be duplicated, possessing the same abilities, thoughts, memories, and skills as their originals. While this brave new world promises enhanced happiness and longevity, it also introduces unprecedented challenges. What does it mean to be truly unique in a world of mirrors? This gripping exploration into the promises and pitfalls of cloning raises profound questions about identity, ethics, and the very essence of human existence.

In Clone Ladies, dive into a near-future where medical advancements have made cloning not just possible, but commonplace. As technology evolves, it's not just organs that are replicated - entire humans can now be duplicated, possessing the same abilities, thoughts, memories, and skills as their originals. While this brave new world promises enhanced happiness and longevity, it also introduces unprecedented challenges. What does it mean to be truly unique in a world of mirrors? This gripping exploration into the promises and pitfalls of cloning raises profound questions about identity, ethics, and the very essence of human existence.

Bound by a shared love for the outdoors and fishing, this book is a testament to enduring friendships and the countless laughs that come with them. Dive into a world where the weight of everyday anxieties lifts and is replaced by light-hearted tales and memories. While the backdrop might often be fishing, this narrative isn't about the catch. It's about how shared passions shape bonds and how humour becomes life's most treasured anchor. It's a reminder to find joy in the little things and never let life weigh too heavily on your shoulders. Whether you're tickled by quirky tales, or find mirth in the mundane, this collection of escapades - from Irish adventures to misadventures on boat trips - is bound to resonate. Settle in with a warm drink and let these stories reel you into a world of laughter and camaraderie.

The cover of this autobiography shows I.R. Dujon at the time of publication mothering her younger, 6-year-old self. I Will Protect Her details the adolescent years in which Ingrid was subject to tragic child abuse, while the people in charge of her welfare and safety neglected their most basic responsibilities at every point possible. This led to a prolonged period of suffering for her and for so many others. After years of fighting, a full criminal investigation into the crimes was relaunched. Victims were able finally to expose the police and local authorities for their systematic failure to recognise, report, and act upon avoidable and life-altering abuse. The collation of notes, factual evidence, dates and times as recorded by herself and supported by many others affected, led to the prosecution of one of London's most notorious paedophiles, who was convicted and sentenced to 24 years in prison. Only now, after years of counselling, therapy, and personal development, Ingrid has managed to finally close this chapter of her life for good. Today Dujon is a proud mother of five children, all now adults. Dujon's goal is to share her story and inspire any and everyone who has ever been subject to any form of abuse. Ingrid hopes to educate a wider audience who may not be familiar with the patterns and signs of child abuse, and to paint a detailed picture of how people who are external to an abusive situation can still do so much to prevent or change things for the better.

The cover of this autobiography shows I.R. Dujon at the time of publication mothering her younger, 6-year-old self. I Will Protect Her details the adolescent years in which Ingrid was subject to tragic child abuse, while the people in charge of her welfare and safety neglected their most basic responsibilities at every point possible. This led to a prolonged period of suffering for her and for so many others. After years of fighting, a full criminal investigation into the crimes was relaunched. Victims were able finally to expose the police and local authorities for their systematic failure to recognise, report, and act upon avoidable and life-altering abuse. The collation of notes, factual evidence, dates and times as recorded by herself and supported by many others affected, led to the prosecution of one of London's most notorious paedophiles, who was convicted and sentenced to 24 years in prison. Only now, after years of counselling, therapy, and personal development, Ingrid has managed to finally close this chapter of her life for good. Today Dujon is a proud mother of five children, all now adults. Dujon's goal is to share her story and inspire any and everyone who has ever been subject to any form of abuse. Ingrid hopes to educate a wider audience who may not be familiar with the patterns and signs of child abuse, and to paint a detailed picture of how people who are external to an abusive situation can still do so much to prevent or change things for the better.

The year is 1925. In the borderlands of a newly partitioned Ireland, a doctor new to Northern Ireland begins a search for a missing patient, a young girl who has fallen pregnant. Meeting a wall of silence, she enlists the help of a local, a former IRA volunteer recently released from jail. Their enquiry brings them into contact with a community still suffering from the wounds of civil war. More worrying for them, they find they are beginning to rattle skeletons that some powerful people would prefer went undisturbed. As they slowly begin to unravel the truth of the girl's fate, they find that the traces they are following lead to some crimes more monstrous that they ever previously considered. "Some Service to the State is a superb book with dialogue that would not be out of place on the stage of the Abbey Theatre. Mick McAlinden is a former IRA man caught on the wrong side of the border and the wrong side of history: a law student who ends up working in an abattoir. Aidan McQuade has created a character whose travails highlight the thwarted dreams and the tragedy of partition for so many people in post-revolutionary Ireland." - Ronan McGreevy, journalist and author of Great Hatred: the Assassination of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson. "Like Graham Greene, Dennis Lehane, and Louise Penny before him, McQuade takes the humble crime story and uses it like a scalpel to probe and expose the darkness in human souls and human society." - Martin W. Sandler, National Book Award-winning author and historian. "The sparring sparky dialogue is a delight and never fails to vivify the darkness. McQuade shows prodigious skill in shining a spotlight on the scandal of mother-and-baby homes and in brilliantly imbuing the past with his own potent blend of heart, soul and wit." - Rosemary Jenkinson, multi-award winning playwright and author of Marching Season.

The world was in the grips of the Coronavirus pandemic, and Santa was determined to make Christmas especially magical this year. Santa read all the children's letters and wish lists and had decided that this year there would be no naughty list. Santa and the Elves worked around the clock to make sure the workshop remained open throughout lockdown.

Arabella shares a deep bond with her grandmother, affectionately known as Granny Witch. But when a twist of fate reveals Arabella's latent magical abilities, her life takes a turn she never could have imagined. What begins as a playful pretense of casting a spell in the enchanting Bluebell Woods soon unveils her true inheritance: Granny Witch's potent magical powers. However, with great power comes great peril. Arabella finds herself ensnared in the sinister cave palace of the malevolent witch, Vizula. Can she harness her newfound abilities to break free from the clutches of darkness? Dive into a tale of magic, legacy, and a fight for freedom.

There are good secrets, bad secrets, and mysteries. Two dramatic incidents happen on the same day. First, a hacker attack is carried out in England, then the old Farm Hall tapes are stolen from the National Government Communications Head Quarters (NGCHQ) - England's most secure archive. Achilles, the main protagonist of Warsecret, sees a sinister and dangerous connection between the two events. As the top negotiator of Organisation Number One (ONO) and director of the Global Agency for Informed Consent (GAIG), he must find out why and how they are linked. A series of suspenseful and dramatic actions take place in Berlin, Cambridge, London, and New York. During this sensational adventure, Achilles relies on the help of his young, stoic assistant, Lucillo, and the advice of two enlightened colonels, James Neill and Dag Olsen. The final act plays out at a global negotiation about nuclear weapons and the quantum computer, where the deep-rooted danger of scientific inventions of this type will become apparent. As will the terrifying system of secrecy that screens them from scrutiny.

In a bygone age, India's forests whispered tales of unicorns. The magic nestled within their spiralled horns was legendary, with villagers weaving tales of its mesmerizing properties. But these stories also painted targets on the creatures. Driven by greed, hunters came in droves, seeking the power in those horns. With every stolen horn, they boasted their conquests, leaving a trail of slain unicorns and bystanders in their wake. Darkness soon descended upon the forest, and the once-celebrated unicorns faded into myths. Yet hope endured through ancient prophecies predicting the unicorns' return. Symbols of their resurgence - a golden seven-pointed star and a bangle adorned with horse and unicorn carvings - were foretold to re-emerge. And in November 1861, these artifacts surfaced from the ocean's depths, heralding the start of The Alicorn Quest. This epic journey follows a young Indian adventurer's quest to an unfamiliar Oregon, where destiny awaits in the form of a unique colt. As adversaries thwart his path, this colt, unaware of his future, grazes in Oregon's

When old friend Arnold Chater Q.C. sends retired Norwegian Judge Christofferson a yellowing manuscript with the mysterious initials G.B. on the first page, the latter starts a quest to seek the truth about British composer Sir Edward Elgar's secret muse in his masterpiece, the Enigma Variations, and whether he fathered an illegitimate child. Fascinated with riddles and puzzles, the composer was in the habit of leaving a series of codes denoting the inspiration for his timeless compositions. But in the Enigma Variations, Elgar forsook his usual practice of inserting initials to honour his muse, explicitly refusing to name his great love by using a mysterious ellipsis. Cheekily, he gives a clue about his inspiration in the violin concerto with the words, 'Here is enshrined the soul of ...' Chris Nicholson's seminal musical thriller weaves an amazing tale with enigmas piled on riddles. He flagrantly delights in leading readers on a breathless chase of the women who were extraordinarily important in Elgar's life. At the same time, he also unmasks Elgar as a man who hid himself and his intimate affairs behind a mask of respectability. Nicholson is merciless in the details of Elgar's life, loves and music, deciphering all the clues and delivering the final judgment as only he can. Chris Nicholson is a retired judge and author of seven books.

As the earth's environment and ecosystems become increasingly degraded, humans must rely on the advanced technology of the unfolding METAVERSE to survive. In this thrilling and fast-moving novel, we explore the transience of human frailty through themes of lust, jealousy, greed, betrayal, intrigue, murder, and the sacrifice of immortality for love. With the limitations of our current environment, many choose to spend much of their time in virtual reality, where they can enjoy a sense of home, family, and the beauty of nature. However, as millions flock to this virtual world, it becomes increasingly likely that we, and those around us, are simply part of a virtual journey. Will you join us in the METAVERSE?

In this astonishing true adventure, follow two middle-aged, divorced pals as they embark on a journey that neither sobriety nor careful planning might have ever inspired. After reminiscing over drinks, a spontaneous decision takes them aboard a Philippine airline 747 in 1988, bound for Australia, to reunite with an old friend. But to say 'things didn't go to plan' would be the understatement of the century. The series of unbelievable events that befall these audacious adventurers will leave you astounded, amused, and at moments, deeply moved. More miraculously, they lived to recount every twist and turn. Their tale not only evokes laughter and tears but also serves as a testament to life's unpredictable wonders and the magic that can unfold when you seize the day. Join these two endearing risk-takers on a whirlwind odyssey that proves sometimes, the best stories are the unplanned ones.

Step into the mesmerizing world of Solitudes, a captivating and daring literary masterpiece that weaves an intricate tapestry of diverse emotions and themes. This thought-provoking work transcends traditional boundaries, exploring romance, fears, experiences - both sought after and unexpected - politics, theological-philosophical-spiritual matters, and all-encompassing human issues from a truly unique and otherworldly perspective. Employing a kaleidoscope of linguistic elements, Solitudes artfully utilizes words and expressions from various languages, blending neologisms, archaisms, interjections, onomatopoeias, and more, creating an innovative and evocative language mosaic. With every page, it seeks to make an indelible impact on readers of all ages, immersing them in a realm infused with a harmonious fusion of technology and melody - like strokes on a canvas, stirring the senses and igniting the imagination.

Enter the extravagant world of naughty children, school bullies and nerds, fancy cats, dirty dogs, world-record holding bubble blowers, showoffs, scary teachers, hypochondriacs, lost beloved bunnies, annoying little brothers, funky potions, heroes that come in all shapes and sizes and more. You may just find that these larger-than-life characters remind you of someone you know, maybe even a little of yourself! Read at your own risk: you must know that you may laugh aloud, so be prepared to have a tissue ready or even a spare pair of undies at your disposal. Do the good guys always win? You'll just have to wait and see. Sit on mum and dad's knee, or maybe your older brother and sister, and turn the pages if you dare to enjoy the playful and joyous rhyming tales.