MR3971XJKA-also known as Mary-is the Grays' scout, liaison, diplomat, and translator. Along with her boyfriend DuckBob and their friends Tall and Ned she has saved the universe from invasion by beings from another reality. Twice.DuckBob loves her and trusts her without question. Still, he doesn't actually know anything about her past. Which is why, when Mary asks him to accompany her to her college reunion, he jumps at the chance.That tense reunion is interrupted by a distress call-from the Grays themselves. It seems the invaders are back, and this time they're determined to finish the job.Mary and DuckBob quickly find themselves overwhelmed. To pull this one off, they're going to need help. A lot of it.Can they get their disparate allies to work together, though? Or will rivalries, dissension, and distrust do the invaders' work for them, once and for all?

KEEPING THE FLAMES ALIVE The immortal Phoenix, avatar of passion and individuality, appears at key points throughout history to inspire humanity's creative endeavors-and stop those who would quench their fire. In 1593, Christopher Marlowe struggles to complete his latest play-and battles dark forces drowning London in disease, madness, and mayhem. In Lake Geneva, in 1816, renowned poet Lord Byron gathers several friends at a villa for what becomes a harrowing experience. In 1920s Hollywood, someone is murdering young women in the silent film world-and it looks like a certain Latin Lover could be the culprit! In the 1930s, as a new form of music rises from the Mississippi Delta leads to answers, enemies, a chance to settle old scores-and a brand-new King. From bestselling author Aaron Rosenberg comes a historical dark fantasy thriller about art, inspiration, and the extraordinary sacrifices one man must make to shield mankind from all forms of darkness, even those rising from within.