Cirrus@Austlit

'Have you ever felt a sudden shiver, that feeling of something behind you that's gone as soon as you turn to look? You've caught a glimpse of a world of shadows and demons that's been hidden from you by ancient bargains. At any moment of your daily life, as you study at school or stroll about town, the thin veil that protects you from devious mysteries and desperate battles could be ripped away. It is only by the unnoticed efforts of young Exorcists and other fighters that you are kept safe from the horrors that lurk within the shadow realm.

'Faustian Curiosity is an innovation of storytelling, intertwining four novellas bookended by an epic battle for the fate of the world. Debut author Aden Burg takes us on an exhilarating ride through chaos and struggle within a new world that overlaps with our own. These Faustian Curiosity Novellas are written with readers who may have ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, or other neurodivergence in mind.'  (Publication summary)

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'The controversial research and public-spirited work of Nicholas Culpeper (1616-1654) - English alchemist, astrologer, physician and free thinker - continues to divide opinions to this day. The College of Physicians despise his healing texts in layman's English that challenge their monopoly on medical knowledge. Monarchists are wary of his outspoken opposition in the Civil War. But commoners and local healers praise his tireless determination to provide the poor directly with pharmaceutical information and treatments.

'Soon after his death, a secret manuscript is published under Culpeper's name claiming his discovery of aurum potabile, the Philosopher's Stone, the source of the Elixir of Life. The sudden appearance of the most sought-after alchemical Holy Grail on the streets of London raises many questions, principally - did Culpeper really discover the Philosopher's Stone and who now stands to make a fortune from it?

'Culpeper's friend and former colleague, Zachariah Jenkin, is commissioned by Culpeper's patron to investigate the claims. Unsure who he can trust when everyone seems to have a stake, Zachariah now faces the challenge of discovering the truth, finding the secrets of the Philosopher's Stone and protecting his dead friend's legacy.

'This enthralling historical fiction by Dr Michael Noble dramatizes the story of Nicholas Culpeper's short yet fruitful life, his studies and his contentious beliefs from the copious writings he left behind.' (Publication summary) 

'Homebody follows homemaker Aaron on his unexpected path to intimate self-discovery set in a world where homosexuality is the norm. His banker husband, David, has increasingly become distant with each promotion at work, leaving Aaron alone in the apartment he is charged with keeping in pristine condition. His marriage, routine, and supporting role for David are all he knows until the idea of having children is thrust upon him. Amidst rejection by David and his own confusion, Aaron starts exploring outside his isolated world. The sudden friendship he makes with a bartender-slash-barista, Cameron, dislodges Aaron from his predictable life. He also meets Cameron's brother Jake, a returned army officer, who engages in an affair with Aaron. Their sexual encounters begin with a sneaky, drunken kiss and evolve into regular encounters comprising roles of pleasure that Aaron has never even contemplated before. David continues to restrict Aaron's allowance, leaving him no option but to find work without David or any of their friends knowing. Cameron subsequently outs himself as a proud porn actor and invites Aaron into the sex industry. Aaron accepts a position away from the cameras as an escort under the pseudonym Patrick. The money flows in with each visit to businessmen's hotel rooms until Jake's jaded ex-lover destroys Aaron's job and thus his freedom. After Aaron loses his job and Jake returns to duty, Aaron's life hits a slump that he overcomes with the opportunity to help someone else have a child through sperm donation. This deepens the gulf between Aaron and David that leads to a final altercation about the value of their marriage.' (Publication summary)