Bryan Wilson

The world is more than just a planet. It's an ancient tribute to the woman who guided it from ruin, a devastation she foresaw arising again. When mysterious aircraft wreak havoc across Earth's skies, it is revealed that there are clusters of other planets where humankind resides, distant worlds where the people wield the power of the stars themselves. It is an energy force that can bring about miracles or, as the alien fleet's ruthless leader displays, unleash horrors beyond imagination. After experiencing a loss during the onslaught, Colton Samson, an ordinary college student, vows to protect his loved ones at any cost. But to learn the power to do so, he must enlist into the Army of the Universal Throne-a second alien force with its own agenda. With the revelation of a secret prophecy foretelling humanity's demise and Colton's improbable role in preventing it, he embarks alongside a diverse group of friends to the Throne's capital, the planet of Vintara. There he faces prejudice from supposed allies, lifelike combat simulations that test him to his core, and the looming threat of a universal war. Only by embracing his true potential can Colton hope to secure the safety he seeks, in a universe that views him as nothing more than Forsaken.-A coming-of-age story about family, the bonds of friendship, and leaping blind into the dark to protect them both. Come learn the truth about Earth's ancient past alongside Colton, journeying with him to Vintara, where action, mystery, and a side of romance await. It's time we all begin to grasp the true power of the stars--Science Fiction blended with many of the standard elements of Fantasy, The Forsaken Planet is for adult and YA readers.-Warnings: Violence and minor profanity.-This is the first installment in a planned series.-A paperback option will be available for purchase on 6/13/2023

The discovery of humans on a planet in a distant star system by a Fleet scout ship has fatal consequences as they become involved in an ancient holy war that will eventually threaten the existence of all of mankind as a prophet seeks to destroy all false gods...The route to their salvation lies at the feet of the renegade Gedna leader, Colonel Fazi, but with his hatred of all things human after years of lies and persecution, will he be prepared to help, especially when he is also offered the prize of immortality if he joins with the prophet in his fight? Find out in part five of the stunning Gedna Chronicles.

Cello Chords is the perfect reference for the modern cellist. With 11 different chord types in all 12 keys, this is the only book on the market to focus solely on the cello's massive chordal potential. If you need a fresh way to play an A Minor 7th, you'll find 28 unique variations on that one chord. With intuitive categorization and suggested fingerings for every chord, finding new harmonic possibilities on the cello is easy. This book is suitable for cellists interested in all genres of music from rock, pop, and classical, to jazz and improvisation. Composers looking to expand the cello repertoire will also find this a handy reference. If you're interested in harmony on the cello, look no further.

Fifty years ago Soka Gakkai was an organization of a few hundred people, all of them in Japan. Today it is one of the world's most rapidly expanding religious movements with members in virtually every country in Europe, the Americas, and Australasia, in most of Asia, and in several parts of Africa. It is also increasingly well publicized, sponsoring and promoting a variety of cultural and educational causes and establishing a high profile for itself in world affairs. All of this has created a movement which is a significant social phenomenon; yet to date Soka Gakkai has received little attention from Western academics. Bryan Wilson and Karel Dobbelaere have undertaken a thorough survey of the UK membership to try to trace the source of the movement's attraction and analyse its potential. In addition to a questionnaire survey they carried out some thirty interviews with members, who were encouraged to tell their story in their own way. These interviews and the questionnaire responses are liberally quoted throughout the book and add illuminating detail to its analysis. The decline in belief in an anthropomorphic deity; the sense that traditional religious institutions have become hollow; the emphasis on the private nature of belief and on personal autonomy are all characteristic features of contemporary western values. The authors suggest that Soka Gakkai has found a ready resonance with these changing currents of thought in contemporary society and conclude that Soka Gakkai's appeal to young people in particular makes it a faith whose time may have come.

Ranging through sectarianism, monotheism, religious exclusivity, and the moral dimensions of religious commitment, the author traces new and exciting lines of sociological inquiry in the field of religion.