First Cycle

A groundbreaking work of science fiction, The Left Hand of Darkness tells the story of a lone human emissary to Winter, an alien world whose inhabitants can change their gender. His goal is to facilitate Winter's inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the completely dissimilar culture that he encounters. Embracing the aspects of psychology, society, and human emotion on an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement.

For more than a century, Winged Hussars has been the richest of Earth's mercenary companies, as well as the only one to specialize in space warfare. Led by Alexis Cromwell, they have carved out a reputation in the galaxy for being dependable, unflappable, and lethally efficient. Until people began shooting at them everywhere they went.

This book was written to take the mystique off of triathlons. It is geared toward beginner and newbie triathletes, and is written to share with you everything that seasoned triathletes wish someone had told them when they were starting out. Your First Triathlon Guide: Do Your First Triathlon in 100 Days or Less will introduce you to the sport of triathlon, and distill the things you really need to know into one, compact guide. It also includes exclusive coupons and discount codes on triathlon gear that will pay for the book many times over. Your First Triathlon Guide will share with you: --...

In 2018, amateur cyclist Jenny Graham left family and friends behind in Scotland to become the fastest woman to cycle around the world. Alone and unsupported, she crossed the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin four months later, smashing the female record by nearly three weeks. With infectious wit and honesty, Jenny brings listeners into her remarkable Round the World adventure, as she takes on four continents, 16 countries – and countless cups of coffee.

Most days, Shalene Gupta was the person she’d always aspired to be. She was hardworking, excelled at work, and had a long-term boyfriend who she desperately loved. Then, every month like clockwork, it all came crashing down in fits of rage and inconsolable sorrow. Work became meaningless, and she struggled to get through the day. The lows were subterranean. After years of struggling to get an answer from doctors, Shalene learned she was one of millions who live with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS.

Periods are not funny. Or gross. Periods are just the next step in growing up. This book will cover all of the facts you need to know about starting your menstrual cycle, otherwise known as your period. Gain confidence as you learn all the stuff you need to know! ♥ What does it feel like? ♥ What happens if I have a leak? ♥ How do I know what's normal? This body positive guide will explore the tips you need to successfully navigate your menstrual cycle. You will find questions and answers along with funny and not-so-funny stories. This book focuses on your period only - we won't get ...

We use words like "honor", "loyalty", and "tradition" to talk about our families. But behind closed doors, if you listen closely enough, you can hear the muffled sounds of suffering. If you are one of those people, take heart in knowing you are not alone. The good news is that you have a choice. You can decide to do things differently, even if it means being the first in your family to do so. Join Felicia Harris and unburden yourself of the weight of family ideals, influences, and imperfections by choosing to believe that what you've always known is not all there is.

Lucian must do what no mage has ever done before: Escape the Mad Moon. But between frayed mages, violent monsters, and the hostile environment, that may prove impossible. Wandering the brutal surface, every breath is a fight for survival. And things only get worse when Lucian receives visions from the so-called Sorceress-Queen of Psyche, whose Psionic Magic is second to none. Teaming up with a dedicated captain, a frayed mage, and a former Mage-Knight of Dara, Lucian sets off on a quest across Psyche. He needs a way off the moon for good.

Kalian Gaines and the remains of humanity are forced to forge a new beginning in a galaxy that doesn't want them. After the Gomar wrought destruction across the Conclave, those taking refuge aboard the Gommarian are tainted by the same brush - humans are dangerous. After a Conclave excavation unearths an object that predates even their ancient society, Kalian Gaines and Li'ara Ducarté are allowed off the Gommarian and asked to assist in an investigation that will take them deeper into the conspiracy of their origins.

This authorised biography places Maurice Burton at the forefront of the British sporting narrative as a pioneer in our collective cultural history. It traces his experiences as the child of a Windrush-generation father and an English mother growing up in London, before moving across to the European six-day circuit, and his eventual return to South London in 1984, where he became a successful business owner and community leader.

Heir to one of the leading "Four Horsemen" mercenary companies, Jim Cartwright is having a bad year. Having failed his high school VOWS tests, he's just learned his mother bankrupted the family company before disappearing, robbing him of his Cavalier birthright. But the Horsemen of eras past were smart - they left a legacy of equipment Jim can use to complete the next contract and resurrect the company.

In 1982, at the age of just 23 and halfway through her architecture studies, Elspeth Beard left her family and friends in London and set off on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6. Reeling from a recent breakup and with only limited savings from her pub job, a tent, a few clothes, and some tools, all packed on the back of her bike, she was determined to prove herself. She had ridden bikes since her teens and was well-traveled. But nothing could prepare her for what lay ahead.

They wiped out humanity's ancestors. They laid waste to the Terran Empire. They destroyed Earth. Now, they have come to harvest what remains. The Conclave has been preparing for war, but no one guessed the scale of what waits on the edge of the galaxy.

The slaughter is on! Across the galaxy, human mercenaries are being ambushed, and an ever-increasing number of companies aren't returning from their contracts. Someone even appears to be plotting the demise of the premier Four Horsemen companies, and disaster for the other three companies has only been averted by the narrowest of margins. Sansar Enkh, the president of The Golden Horde, knows her company is likely to be next, but has no idea who is behind the attacks, or when they will strike her beloved Horde.

Nigel Shirazi was first in line for the chairmanship of Asbaran Solutions, one of the prominent "Four Horsemen" mercenary companies. First in line...until his drinking and temper caused him to fail out of college and get disinherited by the family. Now he leads the life of a playboy, enjoying a stipend from the family to stay out of the way. But someone is out to get his family, and Nigel is all that stands between the hidden enemy and the destruction of Asbaran Solutions and the Shirazi family.

Peacemakers. The Galactic Union's most capable enforcers and resolute negotiators, their name alone elicits fear and awe among the Union's citizenry. Having completed a harrowing confirmation mission, Jessica Francis stands ready to become Earth's first Peacemaker and believes obtaining her commission is a mere formality. However, certain members of the Guild question her ability. Worried that she'll fall back on her mercenary ways, they want Jessica to prove her mettle.

From its inception, the 1903 Tour de France was a colorful affair. Full of adventure, mishaps, and audacious attempts at cheating, it was a race to be remembered. Cyclists of the time weren't enthusiastic about participating in this "heroic" race on roads more suited to hooves than wheels, with bikes weighing up to 35 pounds, on a single fixed gear, for three full weeks. Assembling enough riders for the race meant paying unemployed amateurs from the suburbs of Paris, including a butcher, a chimney sweep, and a circus acrobat.

Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom unlike any other. But there's a lot you need to know before heading out on your first trip. Your First Motorcycle is a beginner's guide to the best, safest, and most cost-effective ways to start riding motorcycles. Experienced instructor and enthusiast Lee Heaver takes new bikers from zero to 60. Filled with entertaining anecdotes, this audio takes all the difficulty out of learning to ride, and gives listeners the confidence to safely hit the highways and meet new amazing people.

Peacemakers. The Galactic Union's most capable enforcers and resolute negotiators, their name alone elicits fear and awe among the Union's citizenry. Except for Jessica Francis. Not only is she the newest Peacemaker, Jessica is also the first Human Peacemaker, and she commands the respect of few, both inside and outside the Peacemaker's Guild. No one believes humanity is ready to take on the mantle of being a Peacemaker, and Jessica is stuck flying a desk. That is, until a species-induction mission comes along, and she is in the right time and place to get assigned to it.

First contact has been made, and Earth's militaries and its premier mercenary companies stand ready to take their first tentative steps outside the solar system. With a galaxy of aliens to explore and fistfuls of credits to be made, follow along as the Four Horsemen select their contracts and venture forth to meet their destinies.