Five Senses

Once the magnificent garden of the goddess Lyr, the land called the Ryrt lies blackened and desolate, destroyed by an ancient and cunning depravity. It is here that the beautiful child Alnosha came-to awaken, to learn… and to hone her astonishing ability to divine by touch. Now years have passed, and another has made his way to this terrible ruined place-an embittered high-born youth fleeing the bloodthirsty servants of a false god. And though he mistrusts Alnosha's powers, the fugitive Kryn is inexplicably drawn to the reluctant young heroine. For he has been chosen to serve as her sword and champion – to accompany her into the malevolent heart of an all-consuming darkness on a perilous quest for light.

A teenage orphan girl must mend a magical conflict in this "superb adventure story" from the New York Times–bestselling author of The Hands of Lyr (Science Fiction Chronicle). The king's lottery has determined that Twilla, a young orphaned apprentice of a renowned wise woman, must marry-for only the wedded can survive the terrible fate awaiting those who penetrate the primeval forest. Altered by a talisman of great power, she escapes her unwanted lot and joins a commander's tragically blinded son on a remarkable journey from peril to peril. For they are the chosen who must rescue the vanquished of an ancient war of magic . . . and shape the destiny of a bloody, disputed land.

"A heady mixture of Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and aromatherapy in this new magical adventure" from the Science Fiction Grand Master (Publishers Weekly). An orphaned child and captive scullery maid, young Willadene possesses an uncanny ability to sense and understand the magical odors that pervade her world. It is this remarkable talent-or curse-that carries her far from the fetid kitchen into an apprenticeship with a revered herbalist and ultimately to the highest circles of the Ducal court. But there is depravity lurking within the castle's walls, inspiring brazen treacheries and usurpations-and foul abduction as unthinkable as it is unexpected. And an innocent girl finds the heightened sense that has been her fortune is now drawing her down into a maelstrom of evil.

An orphan girl battles an evil mage in this "stunningly vivid" fantasy from the New York Times–bestselling author of The Scent of Magic (Starlog). A mage, seeking to enslave the Valley and destroy the Forest, has brutally sundered a family. A mother has fled into the woods with her infant girl-child, while the depraved sorcerer holds the babe's twin-a boy-captive in a black tower. The mother dies but the girl survives. Adopted by the strange denizens of the Forest-safe from the mage's malevolent influence-she grows to young womanhood, cultivating a cherished skill that has been denied the others of her kind: the ability to truly hear the sounds of her world. But her future will be fraught with trial and terror, for only she can smash the chains that shackle the Valley and its inhabitants. It is her destiny to confront sorcerer and demon minions, and to oppose the one she must conquer and free: the magician's protégé and her most powerful adversary. Her bane and blood. Her brother.

Wisteria is magically attuned to the world around her. Her senses relish the tastes of magic that the wonders of nature offer. But the peacefulness of her backwoods existence is shattered when her village is attacked by the raiding force of the bellicose Lord Purvis, who leaves only this twenty-something magic wielder and an adolescent lass as the inadvertent survivors. Wisteria has pledged herself to a mission. Now she and her young ward must brave the wilds beyond their home in pursuit of the ravager who destroyed everyone near and dear to their hearts. The woman with the Taste of Magic now has a taste for vengeance, and the blood oath she has pledged must be satisfied with the life of Lord Purvis.

There's much more to our ears than meets the eye! The human ear contains a chain of important links that work together to help us hear the world around us. From the ear's tiny bones to its fluid-filled cochlea, each part is important. In this title, young readers will learn about the small wonders inside the human ear.

The human eye is a complex machine that allows us to see the wonders of the world! The fuel for this machine is light. Each part of the eye communicates with light to allow us to see. Young readers will light up as they learn about the different parts of the human eye and how they work in this fact-filled read.

The sense of smell is one of the most interesting human senses! A familiar scent may trigger forgotten memories. The smell of smoke warns of danger. The smell of cooking food may cause hunger! This is all thanks to the relationship between the nose and the brain. Young readers will unlock the mysteries of the human nose in this sweet title.

Without the help of the nose, humans would only be able to recognize five types of tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory. But with our sense of smell, we are able to pass messages to the brain that identify specific flavors! Next time you dig into your favorite flavor of ice cream, remember it's your nose that is doing most of the tasting. This title about the connections between the food we eat and the flavors we enjoy will leave young readers craving more!

The largest human organ is skin! Every inch of skin is made up of millions of tiny receptors that allow us to feel the world around us. Each type of receptor has a job. Some tell us the texture of objects. Others sense temperature. Our sense of touch helps us live safely and comfortably. This title for young readers highlights how we touch and why it is important.