In the latest of our celebrated series, you find yourself surfacing, dazed in the waiting room. You read snatches of lines over the shoulders of raincoats. In the carriage you have glimpses and visions. At your destination you can hear space, see thunder, taste realization. You are running towards something, someone in the trees who holds out to you an understanding hand. Welcome to the wonderful and sometimes frightening world of Unthology 5.

Since it was first published in 1954, William Golding's classic debut novel has remained a stark allegory of civilization, survival, and human nature. As dystopian stories like Hunger Games and Battle Royale surge in popularity, this haunting tale of a group of young boys stranded on a desert island still captivates schoolchildren around the world, raising timeless and profound questions about how easily society can slip into chaos and savagery when rules and order have been abandoned.

When a plane crashes on a remote island, a small group of schoolboys are the sole survivors. From the prophetic Simon and virtuous Ralph to the lovable Piggy and brutish Jack, each of the boys attempts to establish control as the reality- and brutal savagery-of their situation sets in.

A teacher himself, Golding clearly understood how to interest children with a gripping story and strong, sympathetic characters. The novel serves as a catalyst for thought-provoking discussion and analysis of universal issues, not only concerning the capabilities of humans for good and evil and the fragility of moral inhibition, but beyond.

The boys' struggle to find a way of existing in a community with no fixed boundaries invites readers to evaluate the concepts involved in social and political constructs and moral frameworks. Symbolism is strong throughout, revealing both the boys' capacity for empathy and hope, as well as illuminating the darkest corners of the human spirit. Ideas of community, leadership, and the rule of law are called into question as the reader has to consider who has a right to power, why, and what the consequences of the acquisition of power may be.

Often compared to Catcher in the Rye, Lord of the Flies also represents a coming-of-age story of innocence lost.

East Berlin 1968: a city recovering from the horrors of WWII and where the state police, the Stasi, cultivate a climate of paranoia and fear. In a place where your closest friend or family member could be a state informer, the threat of violence is ever present and no one knows this more than damaged school teacher Sebastian Metzger. But something evil and ancient is stalking Metzger from the shadows of war–torn buildings–something which threatens the city and perhaps even the future of humanity itself. Tiny Acts of Violence is a stunning horror graphic novel from Martin Stiff, writer and illustrator of the critically acclaimed and award-nominated The Absence. “It’s an erudite indictment of social conditioning - - it goes beyond The Lives of Others in its critique of the Stasi.” Pat Mills (Charley’s War, Spacewarp) “Has the feel of a long-unearthed Hitchcock… A highly effective thriller” Rob Williams (Old Haunts, Judge Dredd) “The atmosphere of menace and state control-induced paranoia drops from it’s pages.” Simon Furman (Transformers, To The Death) “Gorgeously moody, graphically striking and brilliantly cinematic” Andrew Cartmel (The Vinyl Detective, Doctor Who)

The characters in this delicious book are pushed to the point of no return and seek retribution. But how we get even is not always the best road to redemption. On the island of Mull, it takes an incomer to make the locals realise that they need to take matters into their own hands to maintain the community's reputation. In 'The Principles of Soap' the value of friendship overcomes adversity and opportunistic nepotism. In suburban Edinburgh opposing neighbours find out the hard way that the best method of dealing with a canine disturbance is not to bury one's head in the sand. And in the final tale we meet an author on the brink of public ruin who sees the error of his ways after an act of kindness saves the day. These four tales show that the exquisite art of getting even is a skill that sees kindness win over malice. Tantalising and amusing, these stories show off a darker side but carry with them the author's trademark warmth and humour.

Tanjiro sets out on the path of the Demon Slayer to save his sister and avenge his family! In Taisho-era Japan, kindhearted Tanjiro Kamado makes a living selling charcoal. But his peaceful life is shattered when a demon slaughters his entire family. His little sister Nezuko is the only survivor, but she has been transformed into a demon herself! Tanjiro sets out on a dangerous journey to find a way to return his sister to normal and destroy the demon who ruined his life. Their initial confrontation with Kokushibo, the most powerful of Muzan's demons, has left Tokito severely wounded and Genya cut in half-but still alive! Can his regenerative power heal even this fatal wound? The Hashira Himejima and Sanemi square off with Kokushibo and unleash all the skill they have against him. Himejima is blind, but if he can see into the Transparent World he might have a chance. Who will survive this whirlwind of flashing blades?

Aloha Comics proudly presents Heaven Official's Blessing manhua adapted from the super popular anime based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The prince had entirely forgotten that it was the eve of the Hungry Ghost Festival when he set out on his journey. On this night, one risks wandering into the Ghost Realm without a chance of returning. Narrowly escaping vengeful spirits, Xie Lian and San Lang make it to Puqi, the Village of Water Chestnuts. But before they can rest or tidy up the shrine, a frantic Taoist arrives with a plea for aid. And so, the heroes embark on yet another perilous adventure, accompanied by two volunteers — Nan Feng and Fu Yao.