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fiction books
Let's face it - we're all here because we love to read and write. There's always room in your life for a new book, so why not try out one of the ones which served as an inspiration for Shaman? The following fiction books, suitable for a wide audience, all have plots or ideas which are linked to Shaman in some way. If you haven't already read them, we recommend you check them out.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Twelve-year-old villain, Artemis Fowl, is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history. His bold and daring plan is to hold a leprechaun to ransom. But he's taking on more than he bargained for when he kidnaps Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance Unit). For a start, leprechaun technology is more advanced than our own. Add to that the fact that Holly is a true heroine and that her senior officer Commander Root will stop at nothing to get her back and you've got the mother of all sieges brewing!
From Waterstone's website

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Artemis Fowl and the Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer

Someone has been supplying Class A illegal human power sources to the goblins. Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit is sure that her arch-enemy, thirteen-year-old Artemis Fowl, is responsible. But is he? Artemis has his own problems to deal with: his father is being held to ransom and only a miracle will save him. Maybe this time a brilliant plan just won't be enough. Maybe this time Artemis needs help...
From Waterstone's website

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Artemis Fowl and the Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer

Thirteen-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has constructed a supercomputer from stolen fairy technology. In the wrong hands it could be fatal for humans and fairies alike. But no need to worry, Artemis has a brilliant plan. He's not going to use the computer; he's just going to show it to a ruthless American businessman with Mafia connections. His bodyguard, Butler, will be with him. What could possibly go wrong...?
From Waterstone's website

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Artemis Fowl and the Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer

Evil pixie, Opal Koboi, is back and she's more dangerous than ever. This time she doesn't just want power over the fairy People - this time she wants the humans too. Captain Holly Short is the only fairy with a hope of stopping her, but as Holly knows, it takes one genius criminal mastermind to fight another. But the 14-year-old genius that Holly is thinking of doesn't even remember that fairies exist. How is she going to convince Artemis Fowl to help her stop Opal? Gold usually does the trick, and this time is should be no different. Or is Artemis changing?
From Waterstone's website

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Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer

Ten millennia ago, the fairy People were defeated in a great battle with mankind, forcing them to move underground. Only the eighth family of fairies remained undefeated: the demons. But now one demon has discovered the secrets of the fairy world, and if humans get hold of this information the fairies are in big trouble. Only one person can prevent this disaster - teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl. Action packed and full of humour, it is a must-read for boys and girls aged 10+.
From Waterstone's website

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Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer

Teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has a new mission - and this time it's personal. Artemis's mother is dangerously ill, and the only way to find a cure is for Artemis - with Holly Short by his side - to go back in time to battle his younger, more evil self ...Action packed and full of humour - this title is a must-read for boys and girls aged 10+.
From Waterstone's website

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Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl has become nice. The fairies diagnose Atlantis Complex - that's obsessive compulsive disorder to you and me - dabbling in magic has damaged his mind. Fairy ally Captain Holly Short doesn't know what to do. Because the subterranean volcanoes are under attack from vicious robots and Artemis cannot fight them. Can Holly get the real Artemis back before the robot probes destroy every human and life form.
From Waterstone's website

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Pendragon: The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale

Bobby Pendragon is a seemingly normal teenager, swept into an amazing quest, and catapulted into the middle of an immense, interdimensional conflict. His success or failure will decide the course of human existence! The first book of this internationally best-selling series, each featuring a new and dangerous mission.
From Waterstone's website

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Pendragon: The Lost City of Faar by D.J. MacHale

Fresh from his adventures on Denduron, Bobby Pendragon suddenly finds himself in the territory of Cloral, a vast world that is entirely covered by water. Cloral is nearing disaster of huge proportions and is on the brink of all-out war. Bobby and Uncle Press must struggle to locate the legendary lost land of Faar, which may hold the key to Clorals survival.
From Waterstone's website

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Pendragon: The Never War by D.J. MacHale

Bobby Pendragon isn't like other boys his age. Bobby is a Traveller and he's destined to save the world.Bobby is now back on Earth - but something isn't quite right. This is First Earth, the year is 1937 and our 21st century hero finds himself out of his depth. While dodging New York gangsters, Bobby must uncover the evil that threatens this territory First Earth, but with war brewing, is he ready to fight for the salvation, not only of First Earth, but of everything he has ever know?
From Waterstone's website

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Pendragon: The Reality Bug by D.J. MacHale

The adventure continues as Bobby Pendragon hits the territory of Veelox and discovers the ultimate virtual reality. It appears that Veelox has achieved perfect harmony and all seems peaceful. But appearances can be deceptive - Veelox is dying and Bobby must wipe-out the pending disaster of the Reality Bug. But once Bobby enters Veelox's virtual world - and sees his long-lost family - will he be able to resist the lure of the ultimate escape?
From Waterstone's website

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Pendragon: Black Water by D.J. MacHale

Just when Bobby Pendragon thinks he finally understands his purpose as a Traveller he is faced with an impossible choice. Arriving on the beautiful yet primitive territory of Eelong, Bobby finds himself at the bottom of the food chain when he is confronted by the ferocious half-human / half-cat species called Klee. But something is terribly wrong and Bobby soon discovers that the inhabitants of Eelong are in danger of being wiped out by a mysterious plague. In order to save Eelong Bobby realises he must break all Traveller rules... endangering himself, his friends and the future of all other territories ∼ but can he do it?
From Waterstone's website

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Pendragon: The Rivers of Zadaa by D.J. MacHale

The struggle for good versus evil continues as Bobby Pendragon follows the demon, Saint Dane, to the territory of Zadaa, home of the Traveller, Loor. Zadaa is on the brink of all out war and Saint Dane is ready to push things over the edge - unless Bobby can stop him. But, the rules have changed, and with the destruction of the flume on Eelong leaving two fellow Travellers trapped, can our 21st century hero find the strength to outwit an evil tyrant and bring Zadaa to a truce?
From Waterstone's website

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Pendragon: Quillan Games by D.J. MacHale

When Bobby Pendragon arrives on the territory of Quillan, he discovers a whole new meaning to the word competition! Quillan is heading for destruction, the people have lost control of their own future and are struggling just to survive. The only chance they have of finding a better life is to play the Quillan Games, but this is more dangerous than you would think. Game masters Veego and LaBerge have created a world filled with competition using the people of Quillan as pawns in their crazy computer-driven games. To triumph in the games is to live the life of a king, but to lose is to die! Pendragon realises the only way to save this troubled territory is to beat Veego and LaBerge at their own games and dismantle their nightmare fun house. But there is a lot at stake for Bobby Pendragon, more than he could ever have imagined...Let the games begin!
From Waterstone's website

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Pendragon: The Pilgrims of Rayne by D.J. MacHale

When Bobby Pendragon first arrives on the tropical world of Ibara, he finds paradise. There is beauty all around and the people of Ibara are blissfully happy. It's not long before Bobby discovers, however, that they are also blissfully...oblivious. The leaders of Ibara are keeping a devastating secret from their people, one that gives Saint Dane all the opportunity he needs to launch his final assault on Halla. While Bobby struggles to learn the truth in time to thwart Saint Dane, Courtney Chetwynde desperately searches for Mark Diamond. On the heels of a shocking tragedy, Mark has disappeared. Worse, he seems to be under Saint Dane's influence. It's up to Courtney to find Mark and stop him from making a grave mistake that could change the future of all existence.
From Waterstone's website

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Pendragon: Raven Rise by D.J. MacHale

Bobby Pendragon is trapped...with a single, massive explosion of Tak the entrance to the flume on Ibara was destroyed, sealing off any means of escape for Bobby, and his nemesis, Saint Dane. Even though he had given up all hope of ever returning to his old life, Bobby was ok. He felt certain that by burying the flume, he had ended the war, and that after so many battles and so much sacrifice, Halla was finally safe. He was wrong...The final battle for Halla was already underway...territories were changing, nothing past, present or future would ever be the same. Unable to contact Pendragon, Mark and Courtney find themselves faced with an impossible task of defending their home against the inevitable wave of evil that Saint Dane has set in motion. The next target was set, but there was only one thing missing - Bobby Pendragon!
From Waterstone's website

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Pendragon: The Soldiers of Halla by D.J. MacHale

Nine battles for nine territories have brought Bobby Pendragon to where he is now: The final showdown. Bobby and the rest of the travellers must join forces in an epic war against Saint Dane, not only for one last territory, but for all of Halla. Every secret is at last revealed, the truth uncovered...But, is Bobby Pendragon ready to fight Saint Dane for everything that matters most in order to save all that was, is, and ever will be?
From Waterstone's website

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The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

'Without this child, we shall all die'. Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight. Her extraordinary journey will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world...
From Waterstone's website

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The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

'What is he? A friend, or an enemy'? 'He is a murderer'. Will has just killed a man. He's on the run. His escape will take him far beyond his own world, to the eerie disquiet of a deserted city and to a girl, Lyra. Her fate is strangely linked to his own, and together they must find the most powerful weapon in all the word.
From Waterstone's website

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The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

'We're going to the land of the dead and we're going to come back' - Will and Lyra, whose fates are bound together by powers beyond their own worlds, have been violently separated. But they must find each other, for ahead of them lies the greatest war that has ever been - and a journey to a dark place from which no-one has ever returned...
From Waterstone's website

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Inheritance Cycle: Eragon by Christopher Paolini

When Eragon finds a polished stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands
From Waterstone's website

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Inheritance Cycle: Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Darkness falls...Despair abounds...Evil reigns...Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now, Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is the journey of a lifetime, filled with awe-inspiring new places and people, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon isn't sure whom he can trust. Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle back home in Carvahall - one that puts Eragon in even graver danger. Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life...
From Waterstone's website

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Inheritance Cycle: Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

Following the colossal battle against the Empire's warriors, Eragon and Saphira narrowly escaped with their lives. But more awaits the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by promises he may not be able to keep, including his oath to cousin Roran to help rescue his beloved Katrina. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes, Eragon must make choices that take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.
From Waterstone's website

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non fiction books
A lot of history gets pumped into Shaman. If you read a historical plot and liked it, why not read around the topic a little? Or maybe you want to have a hand at reading and writing Ancient Egyptian, which the ancient fairy language is based off? Try these great works, but don't limit yourself to them. If you're really interested in a topic, search for books yourself online or at your local library.

Middle Egyptian: An Introduction to the Language and Culture of Hieroglyphs by James P. Allen

Middle Egyptian introduces the reader to the writing system of ancient Egypt and the language of hieroglyphic texts. Egyptian is the language the ancient fairy language is based off, and Middle Egyptian is the most consistent and easiest to learn of the six Egyptian languages. This book is all you need to get yourself reading, writing and speaking fairy!

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The Egyptians: An Introduction by Robert Morkot

Unlike many academic works, Morkot's introduction to the Egyptians is short and easy to read. It provides an excellent overview of Egyptian history and can be finished in a couple of days, so it's worth looking for in your local library. A good starting point for anyone with an interest in Ancient Egypt.
Egypt was, and is, the centre of the Council of Originals and of fairy power.

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Akhenaten: King of Egypt by Cyril Aldred

The revolutionary cult of sun-worship that Akhenaten introduced, and such contentious issues as the role of Nefertiti as a goddess, the dominant part played by plague during Akhenaten's reign, and likely events of the king's twilight years are treated with new insight and set within the framework of an authoritative overview of the entire period.
From Waterstone's website

Akhenaten triggered a religious revolution amongst fairykind as well as humankind, and it was this revolution which caused the founding of the Council of Originals.

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The Confident Hope of a Miracle: The True Story of the Spanish Armada by Neil Hanson

Combines historical fact with a wonderful narrative style to give the colourful story behind the Spanish Armada. An intriguing point in both English and Spanish history from a well-written book by a well-published author who has received many glowing reviews.
Relates to the 2010 Spanish Special.

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A History of Greece: The Byzantine Empire Pt. 1, A.D. 716-1057 by George Finlay

One of the few sources of information available for this period of Greek history, this academic work provides excellent detail and has a second and third part for anybody with a deep-seated interest.
Relates to the 2010 Christmas Special.

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dvd
Film and TV can be just as inspirational and enjoyable as books. Why not try out one of the DVDs which inspired Shaman? Only one series of each TV show is shown here, but if you're interested you can search for more series online or at your local DVD rental shop.

Eragon

You are stronger than you realize. Wiser than you know. What was once your life is now your legend.

In his homeland of Alagaesia, a farm boy happens upon a dragon's egg - a discovery that leads him on a predestined journey where he realizes he's the one person who can defend his home against an evil king...
From Play website

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The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass is an exciting fantasy adventure, set in an alternative world where people's souls manifest themselves as animals, talking bears fight wars, and Gyptians and witches co-exist. At the center of the story is Lyra, a 12-year-old girl who starts out trying to rescue a friend who's been kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as the Gobblers - and winds up on an epic quest to save not only her world, but ours as well!
From Play website

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Race to Witch Mountain

Disney's Race To Witch Mountain is a modern re-imagining of the classic 1975 adventure movie Escape to Witch Mountain about a pair of siblings, endowed with paranormal powers, who go on the run from a diabolical group of men who wish to exploit their abilities.
From Play website

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Doctor Who: The Complete Second Series

The complete second series featuring David Tennant as the tenth 'regenerated' Doctor Who. In 'The Christmas Invasion' Christmas trees and seasonal Santa Claus impersonators begin wreaking havoc on the residents of London. Meanwhile the TARDIS lands on Earth with a new Doctor aboard. The Doctor is not yet fully recovered from regeneration. An invasion of the planet threatens mankind and there's only the Prime Minister to battle it out.
From Play website

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Red Dwarf: Complete Series 1

Three million years ago, a radiation leak killed the crew of the mining ship, Red Dwarf. The only survivor was Dave Lister, the chicken soup machine repairman. He spends his time on the ship with a holographic projection of Arnold Rimmer (his dead bunkmate), Cat (a life-form that evolved from his cat) and Holly (the ship's senile computer)...
From Play website

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Inception

Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible-inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one.
From Play website

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music
Inspirational music or music which is easy to write to. Of course, we couldn't leave out Santana's "Shaman" album, which was actually what our Shaman was named after.

Shaman by Carlos Santana

Genre: Latin Rock
16 tracks

Buy from: Amazon

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Soundtrack by Hans Zimmer

Genre: Soundtrack, orchestra
12 tracks

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Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End by Hans Zimmer

Genre: Soundtrack, orchestra
13 tracks

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Gladiator: Original Soundtrack by Hans Zimmer

Genre: Soundtrack, orchestra
17 tracks

Buy from: Amazon



Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron Soundtrack by Bryan Adams and Hans Zimmer

Genre: Soundtrack
15 tracks

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In and Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990-2010 by Robbie Williams

Genre: Pop, rap, swing
2 discs, 18 + 19 tracks

Buy from: Amazon





other
Jewellery, PC stuff and other bits and bobs we just like!

Adobe Photoshop Elements 9

An excellent, user-friendly photoediting software. This is a cheaper version of the Photoshop CS package, but it does more or less the same things and is recommended for amateurs. If you don't want to fork out on the latest version, you can search for cheaper, earlier versions which start at prices less than £10. Definitely worth considering if you want to make your own, pretty layouts instead of nagging your friends for pictures!

Buy from: Amazon