Palestine, first century A.D.-the Jews have revolted against Roman occupation. The ten Greek cities of Palestine-the Decapolis-want only to continue their peaceful trading existence, but they find themselves caught in the middle of the uprisings. Apollodorus, a merchant of Philadelphia, takes a risk and rescues a man whom a Roman patrol has left to die in the desert. When Apollodorus is killed by robbers, his three sons are left almost penniless and must each find a way for themselves. Philo, the youngest, is befriended by Xenos, the man saved from the desert, who has lost his memory. From him the boy learns the art of the scribe, and together they try to find their identity-one from the past, the other for the future. A serious story of an important time in history. This is the sequel to The Ides of April.

It is A. D. 311 in West Britain and even in this far-flung province of the Roman Empire Christians are not safe from renewed imperial persecution. At Caer Taff modern-day Cardiff a brief skirmish against a marauding tribe, the Deisi, develops into a more dangerous struggle between the new religion and the dominant pagan culture of the local Roman fort. Two friends, Julius and Con, meet and befriend Brychan, a young Christian priest, who is later captured and imprisoned at the base camp of the legion. Torn between obedience to parental orders and the demands of friendship, the boys resolve to help him escape. Aided by Aaron the Hebrew, a Roman soldier who has secretly converted to Christianity after witnessing the martyrdom of St. Alban seven years earlier, they set out to rescue Brychan but with unexpectedly grave consequences. This thoughtful story highlights the boys' courage, which will impact on all the characters involved. It also plays its part in bringing about the "spring tide

Charles Graybar had all of the trappings of a financially successful existence; literally, living the American dream. As he reached his late 30's he was stunned by the realization that his life felt incredibly empty and seemingly without purpose. While experimenting with a self-designed combination of meditation techniques that he used to escape the stresses of corporate life, he stumbled upon a perceptional gateway of sorts in 1993. Through this gateway Graybar learns that communication with three advanced souls is possible. Beyond the Broken Gate is a chronicle of Graybar's search to find meaning in his discovery and the very purpose of life.

Traces the tragedy-marked 1856 journey of three thousand Mormons from Iowa to Utah, explaining how leader Brigham Young disregarded warnings and then convinced his followers that hardships and deaths were part of a higher plan.

American journalist Christopher Lucas is investigating religious fanatics when he discovers a plot to bomb the sacred Temple Mount.

In a spectacular feat of daring and magic, Elena and her army of outlaws and rebels have defeated the forces of evil and released the arcane secrets of the Blood Diary. But the Dark Lord has unleashed the Weirgates - black wells of perilous energy that are his greatest source of power. Now Elena and her companions must find and destroy the Gates, as windships carry the fight north to the frozen woodlands, south to the burning desert sands, and east to the blasted regions of dread Gul-gotha. Not all will return ... Look out for more information on this and other books on the Orbit website at www.orbitbooks.co.uk