Book picks similar to
Bent Larsen's Best Games of Chess by Bent Larsen


chess
chess-readlist
gift-ideas
chess-anthologies

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir: Spots on


Cheryl Black - 2016
    Pigeon, who wants to turn the capital into a huge nature reserve for the birds he communicates with. Will Paris ever be safe from Hawk Moth and his akuma? SPOTS ON, CLAWS OUT!

The Lewis Chessmen Unmasked


David Caldwell - 2010
    She came from what is perhaps the world's most mysterious and imaginatively-crafted chess set -- 73 carved pieces probably dating to the 1200's. The famous Chess men (and women) comprise the world's oldest complete chess set (or parts of several sets). The treasure trove was discovered 15 feet deep in the sand in Lewis in Scotland's northern Outer Hebrides in the late 19th century. Scandinavian outposts were known to be there as early as the 1200's when the pieces were probably crafted. That chess was played in the Middle Ages with such extraordinary works of art tantalizes the imagination. Who were these people whose likenesses have been so whimsically and realistically depicted that they come alive for us today? Who played the game? These kings and queens, bishops with miters on their heads, knights mounted on rather small horses and holding spears and shields, rooks with shields and a wild expression, and pawns in the shape of obelisks -- all so very human. Some of the pieces contain red stains, suggesting perhaps that the sets had some colorings unlike modern black and white pieces. "This is the first forensic account of modern research into the Chessmen," according to Ancientchess.com. The "unmasked" in the book's title refers to new controversies about their origin and about who might have owned - and lost - them - and about the trade and state of society where they were crafted.

A Magical Journey with Carlos Castañeda


Margaret Runyan Castañeda - 2001
    Carlos Castañeda burst onto the academic and cultural scene in 1968 when he published the first of four books detailing his supposed apprenticeship with a Yaqui Indian sorcerer named Don Juan. While academic critics contend Castañeda invented Don Juan, believers say the fog surrounding his existence express the very ideals that Castañeda attributed to his apprenticeship. Little is known of the Peruvian claiming to be Don Juan's apprentice, but in addition to leading a generation into a mystical otherworld, Carlos Castañeda was also a man. Married to him for 13 years was Margaret Runyan Castañeda. A Magical Journey with Carlos Castañeda reads partly like a love story, partly like a tell-all account of a celebrity writer. Margaret Castañeda concentrates on the years leading up to her marriage in 1960. It was then Margaret and Carlos explored many of the ideas—from controlling dreams to using hallucinogenic mushrooms—that he claims to have learned from Don Juan. Nevertheless, Margaret Castañeda believes her husband was indeed a sorcerer, and she still loves him. She insists Castañeda's academic critics miss the point. "I'm willing to accept Don Juan as a spiritual teacher, and it really doesn't matter if he's not real." But the role she claims—in developing the ideas Carlos purports to be Don Juan's—ought to be recognized, she says, so she wrote this book.

Enigma


Mazzy J. March - 2021
    No idea why I’m at a castle where things float and candles alight themselves. No clue as to my age or even my last name. At this point, I’m not for sure that I didn’t burst into being from a spark.For the record, my name is Mia.The man who drove me here handed me a suitcase and patted my shoulder before telling me good luck. The headmaster seems to think I belong here and that my powers will bloom. Sure, buddy. And donkeys will dance in tutus while a jester pushes him in a wheelbarrow.This school is like no otherThe girls at the Conjurer Academy whisper, and lines have already been drawn in the sand as far as social groups go. The students here all look like goddesses. The food shimmers as though it is enchanted. Every girl has at least three boyfriends, so maybe there’s no shortage of god-like men who can make magic? No idea, but I’ll take four if they are handing them out.What should I do?The way I see it, I have two choices... One: Try to fit in and survive here. Two: Find a way out and back to reality. Neither one sounds promising to me.Enigma is book 1 of the exciting new paranormal reverse harem series The Conjurers Academy from bestselling Authors Mazzy J. March and Jenna M. Jett, featuring a heroine who is completely out of her element in an academy where magic is the norm and up is down…or maybe sideways. It is a why choose alternate universe romance with a slow burn buildup to sizzling heat. Relationships develop over the course of this supernatural series and, of course, Mazzy guarantees an HEA.

Three for a Witch


Lucy Auburn - 2018
     I was supposed to cry my broken heart away. Instead I did a spell to draw three men to me: Orlando, Roman, and Jack. There were my best friends when we were kids. Then something more when we were all fourteen. And I still long for them. But things have changed since we were fourteen. There are cracks and missing pieces. And somewhere out there in the woods, a darkness lurks… a darkness coming for us all. I just hope we can reunite in time to face it, or we might not live to see tomorrow. Three for a Witch is a complete, standalone novel with no cliffhangers in sight.

The Greatest Power In The World


Kathryn Kuhlman - 1997
    You've been impressed by what she achieved, now learn how to receive The Greatest Power in the World.

Rye


Sadie Carter - 2016
    She doesn't know the rules, she only has herself to rely on, and the last thing she wants is to repeat the mistakes of the past. When she volunteers for a mission, it brings her in close quarters with sexy, grumpy, bossy Rye Sanchez. The man she cannot stop dreaming about. Rye doesn’t trust Elika. She’s a witch. She has a sharp tongue. And he’s pretty certain she’s hiding something. He shouldn't want her, and yet he can't stop thinking about touching her, tasting her, loving her…. What happens when a snarky witch and a bossy, Alpha male finally give in to their desire for each other…fireworks! Author's note: This book is linked to my Zerconian Warrior series, but you shouldn't have to read the other series to enjoy. There is no cliffhanger.

Oath of Blood


Jayne Faith - 2019
    . . A magical storm that rocked the supernatural world left Tara Knightley’s mother dying of a mysterious wasting ailment. No one understands the disease or how to cure it. When her mother slips into a coma, Tara decides to take matters into her own hands. In the middle of the night, she sneaks away swearing she won’t return home until she’s found a cure. Tara’s quest takes her into the dangerous world of the Fae, a world forbidden to her despite the trace Fae blood running through her veins. With the help of another part-Fae, she finds a way into Faerie and seeks out a man with Fae mob ties and a collection of rare magical things. He claims he can save her mother. But the cure comes at a steep price. And in Faerie, words are weapons and promises are forever. What will Tara have to sacrifice to save her mother’s life? The events in Oath of Blood (Tara Knightley Prequel) take place 10 years before Edge of Magic (Tara Knightley Series Book 1). Oath of Blood is a novella approximately 150 pages long.

Circus of the Dead Chronicles Book 1


Kimberly Loth - 2021
    She’s not sure about the whole island thing, but figures the world is only big enough for one ghost island.Boy was she wrong.She finds that the supernatural has followed her and Samuel—the old circus ringmaster, who she thought was dead—is right in the middle of it all.The Circus of the Dead Chronicles will be short novella length adventures that will be released every two weeks until the end of the first set. I’ll be releasing 10 novellas in this series in 2021.

Dark Lightning


Bethany Wicker - 2014
    She was just a normal girl without a passing thought that there could be something out there other than humans. Until her seventeenth birthday. In a moment of panic, something unthinkable happens: lightning surged out of her hands. Soon after, she is swept away into the world of elementals. At Westville Boarding School, she is drawn into a society full of dark secrets, power, and rivalry, and she must find her place in the battle Ms. Masters, the leader of the elementals, is set on instigating against humans. Aided by her best friend Harper McGee, she realizes her true potential and the benefits of wielding lightning. However, reoccurring nightmares are testing the limits of her sanity and the fact that an unavoidable darkness follows the lightning doesn't help. When the past and present starts to collide, secrets are revealed and fate is hard to avoid. Throw in the infuriating, but mouth-watering, Nathan Yates and life is no longer easy. She instantly feels drawn to him, no matter how rude he is or how hard he pushes her away.

Shadows Over Innistrad


Kimberly J. Kreines - 2016
    

Applebottom Magic


S. Cinders - 2017
    Did I mention that this person disrupting our lives looks like a sex god and wants to arrest my grandmother? ♥♥♥Delving into the world of magic, Apple stumbles her way through spells, prophecies, and a new fiancé. Filled with humor, and plenty of heat between the sheets, Applebottom Magic is perfect for putting a smile on your face.

Grumpy Dragon Daddy


Milly Taiden - 2021
    Her skills are unmatched. Nobody’s as good as she is. But to get her recognition, she needs to kill a dragon. On her own. Her life’s turned upside down when killing this particular dragon becomes impossible. Oh, she’s tried. But she’s strangely attracted to him. Kill him? No. Kiss him? Yes.Ancient Dragon Andorax wants Tyla. Originally, he wanted her dead. Now he just wants her clothes off. She’s his fated mate and nothing will change that. Not the fact she wants to hunt him down and definitely not the fact she’s gorgeous in her hunting gear. Once he gets her pregnant with his child, all bets are off.Tyla’s in deep trouble. She’s torn between family loyalty and the love of her life. It’s time to choose between war and peace. Time’s running out. Will it be the family she wants for herself or the one expecting her to become their prized hunter. Can Tyla and Andorax find their way to a happy ending? Or will their love doom not just themselves but both their clans to destruction?

Mass Effect 3 Collector's Edition: Prima Official Game Guide


Fernando Bueno - 2012
    Learn how the team created the Mass Effect universe from Cinematics to Characters, Art, Audio, and more• BONUS Digital Guide Access - With interactive multiplayer maps and video strategy• See Mass Effect 3 like never before - Discover environments and parts of the game you won't see anywhere else. Panoramic views will leave you amazed With this guide you will: • Fight YOUR Way - Multiple approaches to every key battle• Dominate in Multiplayer - Comprehensive maps prepare you for battle and help you survive• Choose the Best Gear - Every weapon and piece of armor revealed, including mods and upgrades• Take Earth Back - Class breakdowns and build recommendations give you the advantage you need against the reapers• Avoid Spoilers - Special callouts strategically placed and text turned upside down at critical story moments ensure your experience won't be spoiled

Origin


Lan Chan - 2020
    Mine begins with an underground cage fight and ends in a secret identity.By day I'm Willow Nguyen, not so mild-mannered teenager searching for her missing mother. By night...okay, I'm the same, but it's easier to break into banks under cover of darkness.My world is divided into the Academy and the Kings: the law and the thugs. At the centre of their power are the espers like me: the telepaths, psychics and illusionists.What I can do could change the balance of power in Melbourne. So it makes sense for me to keep a low profile. It's not my fault that I get drawn into an illegal cage fight. Yes, I did have to become a psychotic King's nemesis. No I won't stop fighting until one of us is dead.With great power comes great pain in the backside. I just have to make sure it hurts them more than me. Willow Nguyen might just be a girl, but Spectra will become a legend.Origin is the first novel in the Spectra Series. It is an Australian young adult urban fantasy series with slight Academy overtones. There are flavours of X-men and Dark Angel with a big helping of snark and a slow burn romance.