"The Iron Heel" is a dystopian novel written by Jack London, first published in 1908. The book is set in the distant future, in the year 2600, and is presented as a manuscript discovered by scholars of that time. It is a work of speculative fiction that explores social and political themes, depicting a world where a powerful oligarchy known as "The Iron Heel" has established control over society. "The Iron Heel" narrates the story of the protagonist,

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"Founded by the mysterious genius known as the Designer, the archipelago of Prospera lies hidden from the horrors of a deteriorating outside world. In this island paradise, Prospera's lucky citizens enjoy long, fulfilling lives until the monitors embedded in their forearms, meant to measure their physical health and psychological well-being, fall below 10 percent. Then they retire themselves, embarking on a ferry ride to the island known as the Nursery,...

Jason and Rachel's adventures and friendships have made Lyrian more of a home to them than they could have imagined, so now, armed with the prophecy of a dying oracle, they are ready to become Lyrian's heroes whatever the cost to themselves.

The eponymous Jim is a young, good-looking, genial, and naive water-clerk on the Patna, a cargo ship plying Asian waters. He is, we are told, "the kind of fellow you would, on the strength of his looks, leave in charge of the deck." He also harbors romantic fantasies of adventure and heroism--which are promptly scuttled one night when the ship collides with an obstacle and begins to sink. Acting on impulse, Jim jumps overboard and lands in a lifeboat,...

Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It's the highest honor they could hope for ... and the most cruel. But this year, there's a ninth girl ... and she's made of fire. Lei is a member of the lowest and most oppressed class in Ikhara. She's forced to go with the royal guards after her golden eyes pique the king's interest. Forced to learn the skills and charm that befit being a king's consort, Lei does the unthinkable--...

"In a country governed by isolation, fear, and a tyrannical dictator, seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer, but he decides to use his position to try to outwit his handler, undermine the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. Includes author's note." --

Publisher's description: In this monumental new book, award-winning author Mark Kurlansky has written his most ambitious work to date: a singular and ultimately definitive look at a pivotal moment in history. With 1968, Mark Kurlansky brings to teeming life the cultural and political history of that world-changing year of social upheaval. People think of it as the year of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Yet it was also the year of the Martin Luther...