When you next sit down at your local coffee shop, look around you: there may just be a professional hitman sitting at the next table. As author Mark Shaw reveals in this highly original and informative book, the ‘upper world’ sails perilously close to the underworld.

Hitmen For Hire takes the reader on a journey like no other, navigating a world of hammermen (hitmen), informers, rogue policemen, taxi bosses, gang leaders and crooked businessmen. The book examines a system in which contract killings have become the norm, looking at who arranges hits, where to find a hitman, and even what it is like to be a hitman – or woman.

Since 1994, South Africa has witnessed some spectacular underworld killings associated with various industries and sectors. Drawing on over a thousand cases, from 2000 to 2016, Shaw reveals how these murders have an outsized impact on the evolution of both legal and illegal economic activity.

From the depths of the oceans to the highest reaches of the atmosphere, the human impact on the environment is significant and undeniable. These forms of global and local environmental change collectively appear to signal the arrival of a new geological epoch: the Anthropocene. This is a geological era defined not by natural environmental fluctuations or meteorite impacts, but by collective actions of humanity.

Environmental Transformations offers a concise and accessible introduction to the human practices and systems that sustain the Anthropocene. It combines accounts of the carbon cycle, global heat balances, entropy, hydrology, forest ecology and pedology, with theories of demography, war, industrial capitalism, urban development, state theory and behavioural psychology. This book charts the particular role of geography and geographers in studying environmental change and its human drivers. It provides a review of critical theories that can help to uncover the socio-economic and political factors that influence environmental change. It also explores key issues in contemporary environmental studies, such as resource use, water scarcity, climate change, industrial pollution and deforestation. These issues are ‘mapped’ through a series of geographical case studies to illustrate the particular value of geographical notions of space, place and scale, in uncovering the complex nature of environmental change in different socio-economic, political and cultural contexts. Finally, the book considers the different ways in which nations, communities and individuals around the world are adapting to environmental change in the twenty-first century.

Particular attention is given throughout to the uneven geographical opportunities that different communities have to adapt to environmental change and to the questions of social justice this situation raises. This book encourages students to engage in the scientific uncertainties that surround the study of environmental change, while also discussing both pessimistic and more optimistic views on the ability of humanity to address the environmental challenges of our current era.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction – Geography in the Anthropocene Section 1: Environmental Transformations Chapter 2: Resources – Oil and Water Chapter 3: Air – Science and the Atmosphere Chapter 4: Soil – The Political Ecology of Soil Degradation Chapter 5: Forests – Jungle Capitalism and the Corporate Environment Chapter 6: Cities – Sprawl and the Urban Planet Section 2: Living in the Anthropocene Chapter 7: Governing the Environment Chapter 8: Greening the Brain: Understanding and Changing Human Behaviour Chapter 9: Conclusions: Misanthropy, Adaptation and Safe Operating Spaces

A brand-new Egyptian novel from the master of adventure fiction, Wilbur Smith.

In the heart of Egypt, under the watchful eye of the gods, a new power is rising.

In the city of Lahun, Hui lives an enchanted life. The favoured son of a doting father, and ruler-in-waiting of the great city, his fate is set. But behind the beautiful façades a sinister evil is plotting. Craving power and embittered by jealousy, Hui's stepmother, the great sorceress Isetnofret, and Hui's own brother Qen, orchestrate the downfall of Hui's father, condemning Hui and seizing power in the city. Cast out and alone, Hui finds himself a captive of a skilled and powerful army of outlaws, the Hyksos. Determined to seek vengeance for the death of his father and rescue his sister, Ipwet, Hui swears his allegiance to these enemies of Egypt. Through them he learns the art of war, learning how to fight and becoming an envied charioteer.

But soon Hui finds himself in an even greater battle - one for the very heart of Egypt itself. As the pieces fall into place and the Gods themselves join the fray, Hui finds himself fighting alongside the Egyptian General Tanus and renowned Mage, Taita. Now Hui must choose his path - will he be a hero in the old world, or a master in a new kingdom?

Enjoy the first-ever air fryer cookbook featuring step-by-step photos of every dish–with 125 delicious time-saving recipes showing how to make the most of any machine.

In this new collection from bestselling appliance cooking gurus Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, unlock the potential of your favorite at-home appliance with 125 recipes for every occasion. Capture the perfect crunch in every bite with less oil and minimal clean up, while enjoying crunchy mozzarella sticks, crispy fish fillet sandwiches, cheesy chicken flautas, and more.

Now, for the first time ever in an air fryer cookbook, follow along with photographs for every step, as you explore everything this device has to offer as well as the tips and techniques to get the most out of your Air Fryer.

You'll never be without inspiration for dinner again, with recipes like:

• Pickle Steak Fries
• Garlic Lover's Garlic Knots
• Fried Philly Cheesesteak Wrap
• Healthier Herb-Marinated Chicken Breasts
• Coconut-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
• Chinese Take-Out Baby Back Ribs
• Bacony Crab Cakes
• And sides and sweets to round out every meal

Enjoy the crispiest, crunchiest, and tastiest air-fried foods for every meal with the Look and Cook Air Fryer Bible.

In this wild and incredible tale, young Bella Baxter is brought back to life by a brilliant and unorthodox scientist.

Eager to learn and hungry for the worldliness she lacks, Bella runs off on an adventure that inspires in her a fantastical evolution leading to a fierce dedication to equality and liberation.

Academy Award winner for Best Actress, Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup & Hairstyling. Also nominated for:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor In A Supporting Role
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Original Music Score

This South African edition of Macroeconomics is essential reading for all students taking introductory economics modules on undergraduate courses throughout South Africa. It is also ideal for use with the macroeconomics component of MBA courses.

The text contains updated case studies, set against a South African context to illustrate how the principles of economics relate to your life. The news articles are based on news events in South Africa along with questions to help you apply your knowledge and to build your understanding.

This text is designed to give you the confidence and ability to think like an economist.

In the spring of 2015, Mark Beaumont set out from the bustling heart of Cairo on his latest world record attempt - solo, the length of Africa, intending to ride to Cape Town in under 50 days. Seven years since he smashed the world record for cycling round the world, this would be his toughest trip yet. And he would set a new mark that would simply break the limits of endurance.

Despite illness, mechanical faults, attempted robbery and stone-throwing children, as well as dehydration in the deserts and unprecedented levels of exhaustion, Mark completed the journey in just 41 days, 10 hours and 22 minutes, after cycling 6,762 miles, spending 439 hours in the saddle (sometimes up to 16 hours a day) and climbing 190,355 feet through 8 countries. It was an astonishing journey, and one that will fascinate and grip the reader.

From the obvious dangers of Egypt, Sudan and Kenya, over the unpaved, muddy, mountainous roads of Ethiopia, through the beautiful grasslands of Tanzania and Zambia, to riding at night in Botswana in the company of elephants and giraffes, Mark brings Africa to life in all its complex glory, friendship and curiosity, while inspiring us all to question the bounds of what is possible.

This South African edition of Microeconomics is essential reading for all students taking introductory economics modules on undergraduate courses throughout South Africa. It is also ideal for use with the microeconomics component of MBA courses.

The text contains updated case studies, set against a South African context to illustrate how the principles of economics relate to your life. The news articles are based on news events in South Africa along with questions to help you apply your knowledge and to build your understanding.

This text is designed to give you the confidence and ability to think like an economist.

A murder mystery novel like no other, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time won the 2004 Boeke Prize, the 2003 Whitbread Book of the Year award and was long-listed for the Man Booker Prize.

The detective, and narrator, is Christopher Boone. Christopher is fifteen and has Asperger's, a form of autism. He knows a very great deal about maths and very little about human beings. He loves lists, patterns and the truth. He hates the colours yellow and brown and being touched. He has never gone further than the end of the road on his own...

But when he finds a neighbour's dog murdered, he sets out on a terrifying journey which will turn his whole world upside down.

Criminal defense lawyers must make their peace with one harsh fact of life: most of their clients are guilty. Yet when William Tucker, a celebrated and self-centered star college football player, is suddenly arrested and charged with the brutal rape and murder of a college co-ed two years before, his broken-down, drunken estranged father Frank can't believe he's guilty. What father could?

But Frank is also an ex-criminal defense lawyer. Now Frank must find a way to sober up and save his son from the death penalty sought by an ambitious district attorney.

Can a father's love for his accused son save him from death?

Triple bill of the comedy franchise starring Ben Stiller. In 'Night at the Museum' (2006), Larry Daley (Stiller) is a kind-hearted dreamer who always knew that he was destined for greatness. In need of money he takes a job as a lowly graveyard-shift security guard at the Museum of Natural History in order to provide a more stable life for his ten-year-old son. On his first night on the job, however, he finds that the guardianship of the museum is far from stable. At nightfall an Egyptian spell brings the artefacts and wax figures to life. With Attila the Hun (Patrick Gallagher) charging through the hallways, miniature Romans and cowboys embroiled in a deadly feud, and a two-ton Tyrannosaurus Rex nagging to play fetch, Larry turns to a wax replica of President Theodore Roosevelt (Robin Williams) for a little advice on keeping things intact. In 'Night at the Museum 2: Escape from the Smithsmonian' (2009), Larry receives news that the Museum of Natural History is to be closed for renovations, and the exhibits moved into federal storage at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, where the collection includes artefacts associated with many of the great figures of American history including Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), General Custer (Bill Hader) and Al Capone (Jon Bernthal). Larry must infiltrate the museum's tight security to rescue Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and Octavius (Steve Coogan), who have been shipped there by mistake. In 'Night at the Museum 3: Secret of the Tomb' (2014), as the magic of the Tablet of Ahkmenrah begins to fade, Larry travels around the world in order to reunite members of his museum crew including Roosevelt, Jedediah and Octavius and, of course, Ahkmenrah (Rami Malek) to try to save the magic before it's too late.

Springbok rugby public relations manager Annelee Murray was with the team for 244 matches, during which time she worked with seven national coaches and 21 Springbok captains.

This is a celebration of her 20 year journey with the Springboks, she has unique stories to tell and most of the photographs in the book are her own images from her collection, many of which will be published for the first time.

After the devastating events of Avengers 3: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe.

Get ready for one final stand in Marvel Studios' epic conclusion to twenty-two films, Avengers 4: Endgame.

For decades, we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. “F*ck positivity,” Mark Manson says. “Let’s be honest, shit is f*cked and we have to live with it.” In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn’t sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is—a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck is his antidote to the coddling, let’s-all-feel-good mindset that has infected society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.

Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited—“not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault.” Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties, once we stop running and avoiding and start confronting painful truths, we can begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and forgiveness we seek. There are only so many things we can give a f*ck about so we need to figure out which ones really matter, Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about experience.

A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-inthe-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them truly lead contented, grounded lives.

A revolutionary new diet program based on the latest science showing the importance of fat in weight loss and overall health, from New York Times #1 bestselling author Dr. mark Hyman.

For decades we've been told that the fat we eat turns to fat in the body, contributing to weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, and generally poor health. And yet, even with all our low-fat products, we're fatter and sicker than ever before. What's going on? Could it be that the most feared food group is actually... the most helpful? As 'Pegan Plan' creator and author Dr Mark Hyman explains in Eat Fat Get Thin, a growing body of research is revealing the immense health and weight-loss benefits of a high-fat diet rich in eggs, nuts, oils, avocados, coconut oil, and other delicious superfoods.

That's right - as it turns out, the key to losing weight, increasing overall energy, and achieving optimum wellness is eating more fat, not less. Dr Hyman debunks some of our most persistent fat-phobic myths and clearly explains the science behind fat's health benefits. In addition to learning why fat is good and which fats are best, you'll learn how to apply that knowledge to your day-to-day life.

With easy-to-follow advice, simple and flavourful recipes, shopping lists, and more, Eat Fat Get Thin will help you lose weight and stay healthy for life.

The companion cookbook to the Sunday Times bestselling Young Forever with more than 100 delicious recipes to help reverse the symptoms of aging and support a long, youthful life.

In Young Forever, Dr Mark Hyman challenged us to reimagine the process of aging as he uncovered the secrets to longevity with simple lifestyle tips and cutting-edge strategies.

Now he's feeding us with more than 100 satisfying recipes to keep us youthful.

Science today says aging is not a normal process. In this radical new Young Forever Cookbook, Dr Hyman supplies an age-defying diet so that you can eat to treat disease and live longer.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is upending life, work, and play as we know it … and it’s only just getting started. The rise of AI is a milestone on par with the discovery of fire, the invention of the wheel, and the creation of the internet. In short, AI is going to change everything. For some, that’s an exciting prospect. For others, it’s terrifying. However you feel about AI, there’s no escaping it, whether you’re in a global metropolis or a farmer in rural KwaZulu-Natal.

Dr Mark Nasila has been watching AI’s ascent for over a decade, studying its effects on everything from agriculture and aviation to healthcare, education, entertainment, crime prevention, energy management, policy creation, finance, and anything in between, and applying them to his role at one of South Africa’s most successful financial institutions, First National Bank, a division of FirstRand Group.

African Artificial Intelligence is a comprehensive and fascinating journey, tracing the rise of AI and its evolution into the emerging technology underpinning all others – from connected devices and smart chatbots to the metaverse. Mark combines unexpected use cases and tales of cutting-edge innovation with a unique and potent argument: harnessing AI to solve Africa’s problems requires embracing it from an African perspective.

African nations can’t afford to simply import AI solutions from afar. Instead, Mark contends, they need to rework, remix, and refine AI so it’s able to meet uniquely African challenges in uniquely African ways, and to take advantage of the once-in-a-generation opportunity AI represents for every industry, sector, and person, everywhere.

Handbook of HIV Medicine represents the knowledge, skill and experience of more than sixty experts in HIV medicine, making it the definitive reference book for southern Africa.

This third edition remains invaluable for doctors, medical students, and primary health care workers, presenting an updated approach to critical issues. It is ideal for quick reference in urban and rural clinics and hospital wards.

The handbook is targeted specifically at the needs of the developing world and contains guidelines on antiretroviral therapy, HIV emergencies, and adult and paediatric HIV medicine.

Mapped to the new CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Certification Exam, Ciampa's COMPTIA SECURITY+ GUIDE TO NETWORK SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS, 8th Edition, thoroughly prepares readers for professional certification and career success.

The text covers general security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations, security architecture, security operations and security program management and oversight. It also includes expansive coverage of attack vectors and attack surfaces, social engineering attacks, data controls, endpoint vulnerabilities and defenses, identity and access management, infrastructure and wireless security, cloud and virtualization security, artificial intelligence and vulnerability management.

New Hands-On Projects, case activities and virtual online cybersecurity lab exercises help readers put what they learn into practice.

Master today's SQL programming principles and learn how to most effectively apply your SQL skills with Shellman/Afyouni/Pratt/Last's A GUIDE TO SQL, Tenth Edition. This edition's leading approach combines straightforward instruction and extensive hands-on exercises with a strong foundation and emphasis on today's actual business applications. This edition introduces basic SQL commands in the context of an intriguing, ongoing case in which a business uses SQL to manage orders, items, customers and sales reps. This edition emphasizes how to apply fundamental principles and strengthen your programming practices, regardless of the database environment. You work with examples from the latest versions of MySQL, the world's most popular open source, free database, as well as Oracle (R) and Microsoft (R) SQL Server. In addition, MindTap digital learning solution is available to help you strengthen your SQL skills.

Teach students to maximize their use of mobile devices, make the most of online tools for collaboration and communication, and fully utilize today’s Internet capabilities with the latest edition of Discovering Computers 2018.

Introductory computing students see how technology skills assist in employment and advancing their careers. This edition highlights today’s most current technology trends and developments. Timely coverage now emphasizes web development, how to create a strong web presence, and take full advantage of latest Windows 10. The authors provide helpful suggestions for hands-on exercises, small group activities, and discussion topics that allow students to apply and demonstrate their understanding of each module. Self-assessments open each module and enable learners to focus their study and learn more in less time.

Discovering Computers 2018 presents the key content that students need for success, using an inviting approach that ensures understanding.

The Avengers
Marvel's The Avengers is the ultimate superhero adventure. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as SHIELD, finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins. And the world's greatest superheroes will have to stand together to save us all!

Avengers 2: Age Of Ultron
When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Avengers 3: Infinity War
As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment – the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

Avengers 4: Endgame
After the devastating events of Avengers 3: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe. Get ready for one final stand in Marvel Studios' epic conclusion to twenty-two films, Avengers 4: Endgame.

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
Anakin Skywalker is young a boy with special powers, unaware of the journey he is beginning and whom he will transform him into. Obi-Wan Kenobi is a determined young apprentice and Palpatine, well know as the evil Emperor, is an ambitious Senator in the Galactic Republic. It is a time when the Jedi Knights are the guardians of Peace in a turbulent galaxy and a young Queen fights to save her people. In the shadows lurks an evil force waiting for the right moment to strike.

Episode 2: Attack Of The Clones
Anakin Skywalker has grown into an accomplished Jedi apprentice, and he faces his most difficult challenge yet as he must choose between his Jedi duty and forbidden love. Relive the adventure the way it was meant to be seen in spectacular digital clarity, including the climatic Clone War battle and Jedi Master Yoda in the ultimate lightsaber duel. Discover how Episode II unlocks the secrets of the entire Star Wars saga...

Episode 3: Revenge Of The Sith
Torn between loyalty to his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the seductive powers of the Sith, Anakin Skywalker ultimately turns his back on the Jedi, thus completing his journey to the dark side and his transformation into Darth Vader. Experience the breathtaking scope of the final chapter in spectacular digital clarity and relive all the epic battles including the final climactic lightsaber duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan.

Episode 4: A New Hope
Nearly two decades after the rise of the Empire, young farmer Luke Skywalker meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi-Wan begins Luke’s Jedi training, telling him of the Rebels’ battle against the Empire and the power known as the Force. Soon Luke, Obi-Wan, and a charismatic mercenary named Han Solo and his Wookiee sidekick Chewbacca, join forces to rescue Princess Leia from the Empire’s massive warship, the Death Star, controlled by Darth Vader.

Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back
It is a dark time for the Rebellion. After a devastating attack on their ice base on the frozen planet of Hoth, the Rebels are scattered by Imperial pursuit. Luke Skywalker seeks out the mysterious Jedi Master Yoda in the swamps of Dagobah, while Han Solo and Princess Leia outrun the Imperial fleet to the beautiful Cloud City of Bespin. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, the evil Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap. In the midst of a fierce lightsaber duel with the Sith Lord, Luke faces a terrible truth about the Skywalker legacy.

Episode 6: Return Of The Jedi
In the spectacular final chapter of the Star Wars saga, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia must travel to Tatooine to free Han Solo by infiltrating the wretched stronghold of Jabba the Hutt, the galaxy's most loathsome gangster. Reunited, the Rebels team up with tribes of Ewoks to combat the Imperial forces on the forest moon of Endor. Meanwhile the Emperor and Darth Vader conspire to turn Luke to the dark side, and young Skywalker is determined to rekindle the spirit of the Jedi within his father.

Episode 7: The Force Awakens
Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey, a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker, the last of the Jedi Knights.

Episode 8: The Last Jedi
The Star Wars saga continues as the heroes and galactic legends go on an epic adventure unlocking mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past. Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.

Episode 9: The Rise Of Skywalker
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as an old threat makes itself known again. Journey one last time to a galaxy far, far away for the riveting conclusion of the Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.

In this unprecedented deep dive into inner-city gang life, Mark Bowden takes readers inside a Baltimore gang, offers an in-depth portrait of its notorious leader, and chronicles the 2016 FBI investigation that landed eight gang members in prison.

Sandtown is one of the deadliest neighborhoods in the world; it earned Baltimore its nickname Bodymore, Murderland, and was made notorious by David Simon’s classic HBO series “The Wire.” Drug deals dominate street corners, and ruthless, casual violence abounds.

Montana Barronette grew up in the center of it all. He was the leader of the gang “Trained to Go,” or TTG, and when he was finally arrested and sentenced to life in prison, he had been nicknamed “Baltimore’s Number One Trigger Puller.” Under Tana’s reign, TTG dominated Sandtown. After a string of murders are linked to TTG, each with dozens of witnesses too intimidated to testify, three detectives set out to put Tana in prison for life. For them, this was never about drugs: It was about serial murder.

Now an acclaimed journalist who spent his youth in the white suburbs of Baltimore, Mark Bowden returns to the city with exclusive access to the FBI files and unprecedented insight into one of the city’s deadliest gangs and its notorious leader. As he traces the rise and fall of TTG, Bowden uses wiretapped drug buys, police interviews, undercover videos, text messages, social media posts, trial transcripts, and his own ongoing conversations with Tana’s family and community to create the most in-depth account of an inner-city gang ever written.

With his signature precision and propulsive narrative, Mark Bowden positions Tana – as a boy, a gang leader, a killer, and now a prisoner – in the context of Baltimore and America, illuminating his path for what it really was: a life sentence.

Demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace must endure the terrors of Tartarus in their attempt to rescue an old friend in this thrilling adventure - set in the funny, mythical and action-packed world of Percy Jackson.

As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister, to being outed against his will, to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo. But there is a ray of sunshine in his life - literally: his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. Together the two demigods can overcome any obstacle or foe. At least, that's been the case so far . . .

Now Nico is being plagued by a voice calling out to him from Tartarus, the lowest part of the Underworld. He thinks he knows who it is: a reformed Titan named Bob whom Percy and Annabeth had to leave behind when they escaped Hades's realm. Nico's dreams and Rachel Dare's latest prophecy leave little doubt in Nico's mind that Bob is in some kind of trouble. Nico has to go on this quest, whether Mr. D and Chiron like it or not. And of course Will insists on coming with.

But can a being made of light survive in the darkest part of the world? and what does the prophecy mean that Nico will have to 'leave something of equal value behind?' Nico will have to face demons both internal and external as his relationship with Will is tested to the core in this standalone adventure featuring two of the most popular characters in the Percy Jackson saga.