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Wuthering Heights
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Illustrated by
ISBN: 978-1-906230-20-3
Lexile® Rating: 760L what is this?
ATOS®/AR Level: 4.9 what is this?
F&P Level: X what is this?
£7.99
I saw everything. They told me everything. I played a part in everything.
Nelly Dean has spent her life serving the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights. She has quite a tale to tell. She wants to tell it to you.
Nelly’s story is as wild and stormy as the moors on which it is set. She talks of haunting, hatred, love, grief and the desire for revenge.
Her tale begins and ends with the mysterious Heathcliff. Where has this strange, silent boy come from? Will you fear him or pity him? What drives the adult Heathcliff to destroy others, even his own son, and to dig in dark graveyards? Is it love or vengeance, or both?
This famous story of Heathcliff and Catherine will thrill you and chill you to the bone.
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Jane Eyre
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ISBN: 978-1-906230-21-0
Lexile® Rating: 630L what is this?
ATOS®/AR Level: 4.4 what is this?
F&P Level: X what is this?
£7.99
Jane Eyre is poor, parentless and plain. Her future looks bleak.
Jane’s aunt and cousin detest her. Life at Lowood School is cruel and dangerous. What inner strength can the young Jane find?
Seeking adventure and independence, Jane sets out alone. Is her new master, Mr Rochester, all that he seems? What secret does he keep locked in the third storey, where strange laughter haunts the nights?
In her search for affection, Jane faces horror, cruelty, poverty and temptation. Is she strong enough to do what is right?
Will she ever mean anything more to anybody than poor, plain Jane Eyre?
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Jesus of Nazareth
I had been given a simple but enormous task. This was the role for which I had spent my whole life preparing.
After encountering John the Baptist, Jesus’s work begins. He will meet many people; some will help him, many will need his help, and some will become his enemies.
Jesus challenges the way people live, the way they relate to God, and the way Jewish law is enforced. Although he is a man of peace, he is not afraid to challenge authority, no matter where this might lead.
What exactly are Jesus’s responsibilities as God’s son? How will he lead people towards a new relationship with God?
How much can a man achieve in one short lifetime? How much more can he achieve by his death?
Click here for the Jesus of Nazareth concordance
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Mary of Galilee
Can you spare the time to listen to my account? I should like to tell the whole story, just once before I die.
Mary is a young woman living a simple life in Nazareth, when an angel’s visit changes her life forever. She has been chosen by God to bear him a son. She alone amongst women has been chosen to bear the agony and the joy.
From the moment of his birth, she knows that Jesus’s life will be like no other: she has been warned of the pain that lies ahead. When Jesus begins his work, how will she react to her increasing awareness of the dangers facing her son?
When Mary experiences anguish that no mother should ever experience, is her faith strong enough to sustain her? Might there be grounds for joy in the midst of such brutality?
Click here for the Mary of Galilee concordance
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Simon Peter
Catching fish. That’s what I was doing on the day that changed my life for ever.
Although Simon has no idea why Jesus is beckoning to him from the beach, he agrees to leave his nets and follow him.
A robust, enthusiastic fisherman, Simon makes more mistakes and asks more questions than the other disciples. Why then, he wonders, does Jesus call him Peter, which means ‘rock’?
When Jesus is arrested everybody except Simon Peter flees, but is he brave enough to stand by Jesus until the end? After Jesus’s death, how will Simon Peter spread Jesus’s teachings? Will he make the right decisions? Can he calm the rivalries developing among Jesus’s followers?
Is he brave enough to die for his beliefs?
Click here for the Simon Peter concordance
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Mary Magdalene
My darkness lifted, never to return. This man was truly the light of the world.
Mary’s childhood in Magdala leaves her with emotional scars she fears will never heal – until she meets Jesus.
Recognising the importance of Jesus’s work, she decides to do all that she can to support him, but what good can a woman do in a man’s world?
Will Mary ever be accepted by Jesus’s other disciples? What will she learn from the miracles she witnesses and from her many conversations with the Son of God? To Mary the message seems simple, so why can’t others believe?
After witnessing Jesus’s agonising death, Mary is the first to see the empty tomb, the first to see the risen Christ. What role can she play in spreading the news about Jesus after his death?
Click here for the Mary Magdalene concordance
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Judas Iscariot
Unfortunately for me, nothing is ever simple.
Poor Judas – he just can’t decide what to do with his life. Everybody expects him to follow in his father’s footsteps, but he has too many doubts. Then one day he meets a man who changes everything.
With new hope and a new sense of purpose, Judas leaves his home and his family to follow Jesus. But for how long can Judas accept the simplicity of Jesus’s work? How soon will his mind return to its former complex ways?
Tortured by increasing doubts, troubled by rivalry within the group, and sensing that time is running short, Judas feels compelled to take action. What will he do? How will he do it?
Why has this man, so anxious to do good, become one of the most notorious people in history?
Click here for the Judas Iscariot concordance
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Paul of Tarsus
Who expects their life to change completely in one moment?
The foundations of Jewish law are under threat from the followers of a man called Jesus. These people have reached Damascus. They must be stopped. Saul, uncompromising and brutal, is the man for the job. But by the time Saul reaches Damascus he is blind and in shock. What could have happened to him on that journey?
How does a man react when his beliefs are turned upside down? Now calling himself Paul, can he convince his former enemies to trust him? Can he convince the world that Jesus’s teachings are for everyone?
Through treacherous journeys, passionate preaching and long letters, Paul tries to tell the world what he believes, but will it make any difference?
Click here for the Paul of Tarsus concordance
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Ramayana
Rama is the embodiment of righteousness, honour and valour – the perfect man and the ideal king of Kosala.
Rama’s stepmother Kaikeyi longs to see her son Bharata crowned king, and persuades King Dasaratha that Rama, the rightful heir, should be sent into exile for fourteen years.
Rama’s beautiful and devoted wife Sita, and Lakshmana his inseparable half-brother, both choose to accompany him.
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana live happily in the forest until the demon king Ravana is told by his sister that Sita is the most beautiful princess in the world. He decides to kidnap her, and lures her away to his kingdom in the south. Rama and Lakshmana must rescue Sita, and call on the great monkey army, led by the warrior Hanuman, to help them find her.
Rama uses his time in exile to learn the true meaning of devotion and loyalty, but will the lessons earn him the reward he deserves?
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Mahabharata: How It All Began
If there ever was an epic that touches upon every conceivable human emotion and poses the most complex of questions, it has to be the Mahabharata, the most famous of stories from India.
The rivalry between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, royal cousins fighting for the throne at Hastinapura, will end in a mighty battle, but what is it that makes such a conflict inevitable?
Is it the eldest Kaurava brother’s envy of his cousins’ exceptional military skills? Is it the eldest Pandava’s belief that he is the rightful heir to the throne? Or are elements beyond their control deciding the path each will take?
In the first of this exciting three-part story, meet the fascinating characters who play such important roles in escalating the tension between the two families.
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Mahabharata: Rolling The Dice
If there ever was an epic that touches upon every conceivable human emotion and poses the most complex of questions, it has to be the Mahabharata, the most famous of stories from India.
In the second book of this exciting three-part series a single roll of the dice reverses the fortunes of the Pandavas.
The peaceful years following the division of the kingdom of Bharata are soon to end because of Duryodhana’s jealousy. With his uncle Sakuni he now plots to secure the entire kingdom for the Kauravas, but will his cunning strategy work? Can the Pandavas ever win against the cunning Sakuni?
Yudhishtira, the oldest of the Pandava brothers and the architect of their misfortune, is prepared to gamble away his territory, his wealth, his brothers, himself – even his wife. What can the Pandavas do now?
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Mahabharata: The Final Battle
If there ever was an epic that touches upon every conceivable human emotion and poses the most complex of questions, it has to be the Mahabharata, the most famous of stories from India.
The deadly rivalry between the royal cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, can only end one way – in the mightiest of battles imaginable. The gods watch in dismay as the opponents draw up their forces.
Will the mighty warriors Bhishma and Drona survive to see the end? And what of Karna? Where will his loyalties lie – with his true friend Duryodhana, or with his brothers, the Pandavas? Lord Krishna sees what is about to happen, and is so concerned that he comes to earth to counsel the mortals, especially the distraught Arjuna.
In the last book of this exciting three-part series, the final battle fought on the field at Kurukshetra decides who will triumph and who will fall.
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Journey to the West
Retold by
Illustrated by
ISBN: 978-1-906230-34-0
Lexile® Rating: 910L what is this?
ATOS®/AR Level: 5.7 what is this?
F&P Level: X what is this?
£7.99
In ancient China a magical monkey appears, creating chaos everywhere he goes. The only way to put his tricks and talents to good use is to make him protector of Xuanzang, a young and handsome monk determined to travel from China to India in search of the precious scriptures.
Monkey and his fellow disciples, Piggy and Sandy, have to protect Xuanzang from monsters and demons who think they can live forever just by taking a bite out of the monk.
Can Xuanzang and his loyal disciples reach India safely and find what they are looking for? Do they have enough confidence and courage to conquer the demons, both those lurking around them and those within their own hearts?
Full of humour and adventure, Journey to the West is a story of self-discovery and the pursuit of excellence. Written by Chinese scholar Wu Cheng’en more than four hundred years ago, it reflects everyone’s pilgrimage towards truth, peace and beauty.
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The Three Kingdoms
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ISBN: 978-1-906230-35-7
Lexile® Rating: 1090L what is this?
ATOS®/AR Level: 7.1 what is this?
F&P Level: Y what is this?
£7.99
The great empire of China is in turmoil.
As the government becomes increasingly incompetent, warlords and nobles battle for power. In the north is the Kingdom of Wei, headed by cunning and manipulative Cao Cao. In the southeast is the Kingdom of Wu, ruled by masterful and charismatic Sun Quan. In the west is the Kingdom of Shu, commanded by kind-hearted and humble Liu Bei.
Cao has committed murder and betrayal on his way to glory, only to see his family’s throne overthrown by other scheming crooks. Sun and his advisor Zhou Yu have established a military stronghold, but are no match against Liu’s military strategist Zhuge Liang, who wisely advocates tolerance and mutual respect.
Full of thrilling action, sophisticated stratagems, passionate brotherhood and loyalty, The Three Kingdoms sums up all the most important lessons of history.
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Dream of the Red Chamber
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ISBN: 978-1-906230-36-4
Lexile® Rating: 970L what is this?
F&P Level: W what is this?
£7.99
Baoyu has always believed that he will marry his childhood sweetheart, Daiyu. Daiyu is beautiful and talented, very sensitive, and physically fragile. It is a huge shock to him when he learns that his parents want him to marry Baochai instead, a healthy and considerate girl.
Baoyu’s family is fast losing its fame and fortune. One by one, Baoyu’s female friends, relatives and servants are being married off or sold, and he realises just how much he values the qualities of the women in his life.
Will Baoyu surrender to life’s harsh realities and give up his true love? What can he do to protect the women he loves from violence, neglect and abuse? Full of a fiery passion for love and beauty, Dream of the Red Chamber is the story of a young man in search of what is truly important to him.
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The Water Margin
Although Song Jiang is only a lowly local government official, he is loyal to the emperor and kind to all the citizens in his care. But Song is in trouble. A series of unfortunate incidents have led to him being arrested, and his political enemies are keen to see him sentenced to death.
There is still hope, however. One hundred and eight brave bandits from Mount Liang have heard of Song’s good name – they are willing to rescue him as long as Song will lead them in rebelling against the corrupt government.
Will Song agree to become an outlaw? Will he be able to tread the narrow path between right and wrong? Will justice eventually prevail over corruption and the misuse of power?
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Far from the Madding Crowd
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Illustrated by
ISBN: 978-1-906230-38-8
Lexile® Rating: 760L what is this?
ATOS®/AR Level: 4.6 what is this?
F&P Level: Y what is this?
£7.99
‘I cannot allow any man to – to criticise my private conduct!’
Young, attractive and impetuous, Bathsheba has inherited a farm and is determined to be as independent as possible. Her natural beauty is a magnet for men; how will she choose between them?
Gabriel Oak is a young farmer, just set up in business with his own flock of sheep. He meets Bathsheba and falls in love with her, but she turns him down. He has to stand by and watch while the woman he loves is courted by others, first by William Boldwood, much older than Bathsheba; then by Sergeant Troy, young, handsome, and reckless. Who will she choose?
Throughout Bathsheba’s series of mistakes, Gabriel remains her loyal friend. But will he ever be more than just a friend?
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The Mayor of Casterbridge
Michael Henchard knew he deserved the pain he felt.
Henchard is a handsome farm labourer. When he gets drunk at a country fair, he sells his wife and child to a sailor. The next day, ashamed by what he has done, he lets people believe that his wife has died. Thus begins a chain of events which leads Henchard deep into dishonesty and betrayal.
Repentant and determined to change his ways, Henchard works hard to improve his fortunes. He becomes rich, and is elected mayor of Casterbridge – though his temper and his pride make him difficult to like.
When Henchard’s wife and daughter come back to find him, will he accept them? And what might they want from him? Will a reunion mean a happy ending?
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Tess of the d’Urbervilles
Following a series of misfortunes, Tess Durbeyfield leaves her impoverished family to seek work with her rich relations.
Her new employer, Alec d’Urberville, seems charming and kind. Tess has a mind of her own, but she is vulnerable and alone among strangers. Can she trust Alec?
A year later Tess meets Angel Clare, and they fall in love. If Angel discovers the truth about Tess’s past, will he still love her?
In this gripping story of courage, love and betrayal, Thomas Hardy asks many difficult questions. Are the expectations of women and men the same? Can we ever escape the consequences of our past actions? How much pain can one person live with?
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The Heart of Midlothian
Edinburgh, 1736.
In the town’s grim prison, the Heart of Midlothian, two prisoners await execution. Captain Porteous of the Town Guard has been sentenced to death for ordering his soldiers to open fire on Edinburgh citizens. He hopes for reprieve. The people want revenge.
Effie Deans, wrongly accused of killing her new-born baby, will die unless her sister Jeanie tells a lie. Jeanie, determined to save her sister, makes a terrifying journey as Effie’s life hangs in the balance.
Will the two prisoners get the justice they deserve?
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