Welcome back, book lovers! This week, we have a fantastic selection of deals, new releases, and upcoming titles to keep your reading list fresh and exciting. Plus, we'll share some creative ideas to transform your reading nook into the perfect literary escape.
WordFire Wednesday 99 Cent Deals
A Bit of Luck edited by Lisa Mangum
History may be written by the victors, but it is not always written in stone.
It comes down to a bit of luck.
What if the histories of Billy the Kid, Vlad Dracula, and Jack the Ripper had a new twist, an alternate history? What if the fictional world of The Great Gatsby had a hidden tale?
The stories that connect the past to the present can lead us into a world we never imagined.
Get a glimpse of history in a new light.
A Bit of Luck: Alternate Histories in Honor of Eric Flint.
Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery
A lost classic by the author of Anne of Green Gables, Emily of New Moon is a coming-of-age story about newly orphaned Emily Byrd Starr, who deals with the loss of her beloved father as she tries to adjust to life at old-fashioned New Moon farm with her aunts and cousin. Emily, a budding writer with a mysterious sense of the otherworldly, makes quick friends in her new home and lands in more than her share of scrapes along the way. But she remains haunted by one thing: the scandalous mystery of what happened to her best friend's mother.
Will Emily thrive under the austere rule of her Aunt Elizabeth? What will happen when she visits her notorious Great-Aunt, Nancy Priest—rumored to be a witch? And will she learn what happened to the missing Beatrice Burnley—and at what cost?
With a new foreword by esteemed scholar Dr. E. Holly Pike, an expert with regard to L.M. Montgomery's career and works, this new edition will delight fans of all ages and introduce them to a heroine that the author felt closer to than her most famous character, Anne of Green Gables.
Urbane by D.J. Butler
“Children, there is death in the world.”
These words catapulted Dyan of Buza System into a nightmare of initiation, betrayal, flight, and murder. Against all odds, Dyan survived the Cull and so did Jak, the young man she was supposed to kill.
Now Jak and Dyan go back into Buza System. Dyan’s mother is held prisoner there and scheduled to be executed for letting her daughter live. Rescuing her will push Dyan and Jak to the limits, unveiling to them the dark secrets at the heart of Buza System, and teaching them the truth of Magister Zarah’s words:
"Every Urbane knows the secret of life--that it is cheap, and easily taken."
New Releases
The Food of the Gods by H.G. Wells and edited by Emilie Thiessen
Set to be released on July 9th, 2024
About the book:
The groundbreaking science fiction classic by H.G. Wells
Imagine a food…that could change the course of human history.
In The Food of The Gods and How it Came to Earth, legendary science fiction author H.G. Wells provocatively chronicles this very idea: a food so powerful it transforms society as we know it.
Two young scientists, Mr. Bensington and Professor Redwood, begin their study of “growth” on a whim, then proceed to develop Herakleophorbia IV, a growth serum quickly named “The Food of the Gods.” The serum is tested on chickens, who quickly grow to six times their size. It’s deemed a success, but after the serum makes its way into the local food chain, the gigantism spreads—giant plants, earwigs, wasps, and even rats. English villages are terrorized and ransacked.
But the scientists have yet to learn their lesson, administering the serum to numerous young children. “Boomfood” has now taken the entire country by storm, forcing all of England to reckon with the recklessness of the scientists. Will the giants find peace among the common citizens, or will they be forced to shed blood to ensure their own survival?
“If any writer could overcome the hurdles inherent in humanizing giants, that writer would be H. G. Wells, the fellow who practically pioneered all the major tropes of science fiction.”—Paul Di Filippo, Hugo-nominated author of The Steampunk Trilogy
About the author:
H.G. (Herbert George) Wells has long been considered the father of science fiction. Born in England in 1866, Wells authored more than 50 novels and dozens of short stories before his death in 1946.
His earlier work included some of his most famous science fiction novels, including The Time Machine (1895), The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), and The War of the Worlds (1898). Later in life, Wells shifted from science fiction to cross-genre work, including the comedy The History of Mr. Polly (1910) and the politically charged, antifascist warning The Shape of Things to Come (1933), which was soon made into a film heralded for its pioneering special effects.
As World War II broke out, Wells’ pessimistic worldview became increasingly apparent in his book Mind at the End of its Tether (1945), in which he outlined his speculation that an advanced species would soon replace humanity. By the end of his life, Wells was a worldwide celebrity for his outspoken views on science, politics, and social equality. Wells died in 1946 at the age of 79 in his London flat.
About the editor:
Emilie Thiessen graduated from St. Cloud State University with a bachelor's degree in French language and literature and print journalism before becoming a full-time writer, editor, photographer, and layout artist for various local newspapers in central Minnesota.
Emilie has since honed her editing skills with multiple prestigious certifications, including Aces Certificate in Editing and Knowadays Becoming a Proofreader.
In the spring of 2023, Emilie self-published her first picture book, inspiring her to enter academia again. Soon thereafter, Emilie started working toward her master's degree in creative writing and publishing at Western Colorado University, where she is currently operating on the editorial board for the upcoming anthology Feisty Felines and Other Fantastical Familiars. Emilie is scheduled to graduate in the summer of 2024.
Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women by George MacDonald and edited by Joshua Smyser
Released on July 2nd, 2024
About the book:
“Whatever the book you are reading now, you simply must get this at once.” —C. S. Lewis
Shun the Ash and the Alder…
Sing to the Marble Lady…
Enter the door of the Timeless…
After Anodos is visited by a fairy on his 21st birthday, his bedroom transforms into a forest, leading him to Fairy Land. With the guidance of fairies and knights, he must navigate ethereal and fantastical landscapes, face threats of evil trees and giants, search for a lost love, and conquer his own haunting shadow.
One of the earliest works of portal fantasy and an inspiration to the great fantasy authors of the twentieth century! Transport yourself into a tale of love and self-discovery with this fine new edition of Phantastes by George MacDonald, with an additional foreword by author Paul Di Filippo.
About the author:
George MacDonald was a Scottish writer and minister who lived from 1824 to 1905. He wrote sermons, poems, and works of Christian theology, but his most influential work has been his pioneering fantasy literature and fairy tales.
These seminal works laid the foundation for fantasy authors such as C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll. He was a friend and mentor to Carroll and urged the writer to pursue publication for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
With his theological upbringing, MacDonald explored themes of faith, imagination, and the human spirit. His allegorical tales such as Phantastes and Lilith delved between the spiritual and the fantastical.
MacDonald's writings continue to enchant and captivate readers, marking him as a visionary in the genre.
About the editor:
Joshua Smyser is a teacher, writer, and editor. He holds a BA in English Education from Colorado State University and teaches English literature and composition at the high school level. His current studies at Western Colorado University will earn an MA in Creative Writing and Publishing. Working with Wordfire Press, he has concurrently released two books as editor in 2024. The first is a brand-new edition of Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women by George MacDonald. As part of an editorial team, the second is the short story anthology Feisty Felines and Other Fantastical Familiars.
Coming Soon
Red Hunters and the Animal People by Ohiyesa (Charles A. Eastman)
About the book:
An ancient land, a timeless people…
From the author of Indian Boyhood and The Madness of Bald Eagle, comes a collection of twelve gripping tales inspired by Native American folklore and culture.
Who can save a starving village? What does it take to change foe to friend? What is the cost of triumph?
Learn of the people found beneath fur and feather. Each of these short stories opens a door into the world of the animals that roam this earth. Read the wisdom of nature as it was told for thousands of years before being written down.
This new edition highlights the importance of native knowledge with a new foreword by award-winning poet and author CMarie Fuhrman. The mysteries lost to the westward expansion are preserved here once more.
Turn back the page of time and hear the call of the past.
About the author:
Following the Santee Dakota (or Sioux) tradition of taking a new name after a major life event, Ohiyesa became known as Charles Alexander Eastman when he was fifteen and became more involved in European-American society. He graduated from Dartmouth College and Boston Medical School and treated survivors of the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890.
In 1901, he published Indian Boyhood, a collection of stories from his experiences growing up among the Santee in Minnesota, USA and Manitoba, Canada. He went on to publish twelve more books on Native American legends, autobiographical works, and political treatises. These included: Red Hunters and the Animal People (1904), Wigwam Evenings: Sioux Folk Tales Retold (1909), The Soul of the Indian: An Interpretation (1911), and Indian Heroes and Great Chieftains (1918).
He gave lectures on Native and European-American cultural cooperation and was involved in helping youth groups. He designed and helped set up youth camps and was a founding member of the Boy Scouts of America. He died in 1835.
About the editor:
An editor, writer, and overall creative, Tammy Lewis received a BA in English from Brigham Young University and went on to write and edit articles, papers, and technical documents with aerospace scientists and engineers. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree from Western Colorado University.
Whether in fiction or non-fiction, Tammy is always focused on the stories around her and in how to present those stories to the world so they can be learned from and enjoyed. Her latest projects include the republication of Red Hunters and the Animal People by Ohiyesa (Wordfire Press, July 2024) and Feisty Felines and Other Fantastical Familiars (Wordfire Press, July 2024).
Fresh Ideas to Step Up Your Reading Nook
1. Cozy Seating
Upgrade your reading nook with a plush armchair or a hammock chair. Comfort is key to long reading sessions, so choose seating that invites you to curl up with a good book.
2. Proper Lighting
Invest in a good reading lamp with adjustable brightness. Natural light is also great, so consider placing your nook near a window.
3. Personal Touches
Add a personal touch with cozy blankets, cushions, and your favorite framed quotes or artwork. These elements will make your nook feel uniquely yours.
4. Organized Shelving
Keep your books organized with stylish shelves. Floating shelves can save space and add a modern look, while a classic bookcase provides ample storage.
5. Greenery
Incorporate plants to bring a bit of nature indoors. Plants not only purify the air but also create a calming atmosphere perfect for reading.
6. Refreshments Station
Set up a small table or cart with your favorite teas, coffee, and snacks. Having refreshments nearby means you won't need to interrupt your reading flow.
That’s all for this week! Enjoy these fantastic deals, stay excited for the upcoming releases, and transform your reading space into a cozy haven. Happy reading!