Houses have pasts. But they also have futures. Not every tragedy is yet to occur. Not every haunting is spiritual.Originally written for my Patreons for Halloween 2014, this story was released on 21/01/15 to celebrate an Official Short Story Day, which doesn't actually exist, after the author misread a statement by writer Cara Ellison, so that's a whole thing.

What would you do if you met the girl of your dreams and she might be just that, a dream. Or is she real?Inventor Theo Duval appeared to be having the perfect life. A locked room with the only key in the decedent’s pocket, a book on hypnotism, and one very rich and very dead inventor, present Inspector Gilles Maintenon of the Surete with a problem. Why would a young, healthy, successful man, one with a beautiful fiance, and a thriving company ever want to kill himself?Mystery lovers will also enjoy 'Redemption: an Inspector Gilles Maintenon mystery,' and 'Blessed Are the Humble' as well as The Handbag's Tale, the original noir novella that inspired the series. Available at most major online retailers.

Is Francis Napier a man or a woman? William, a young lawyer, must find the truth about the mercurial prisoner. William’s interrogation of Napier leads him into a world of doubt where he discovers the possibility for otherwise. Against the background of New Zealand in WW1, this novella weaves historical fact, fiction and Greek myth in a fractured love story and reflects on the nature of gender.Is Francis Napier a man or a woman? William Stephens, a young lawyer, is about to depart New Zealand to serve in the First World War when he is seconded to investigate the strange claims of a draft dodger. His interrogation of the mercurial prisoner leads William into a world of doubt that jeopardises his engagement to Edith, a budding artist, and his future in liberal Wellington. This novella weaves historical fact, imaginative fiction and allusions to Greek myth to show how things might prove otherwise for William. It is at once a fractured love story and a reflection on the nature of gender.

You’re standing on the corner waiting for Al, then decide to step inside Jerry’s bar and hoist a brew while keeping an eye out for Al. You watch this kid trying to come inside, but always, at the last minute, he hesitates, then walks away. You wonder, what’s his problem?The post apocalyptic world is both a hostile and beautiful place. Follow the adventures of nomadic clans, hidden worlds and the observing remains of a once untouchable technological threat. Both sides of every dilemna have answers for each other, but will they be able to overcome their fears of one another?Beautiful digital illustrations and dialogue woven by the master airbrush illustrator Paul Knipfer. CE Publishing's primary cover artist. This is his first big adventure into the sequential panel world.

Dytran and his squadron of young fliers struggle to survive in a world so ravaged by war that reality has become unhinged. His sense of superiority vanishes before an enemy who is far more than the “inferior race” of the propaganda. He becomes swept up in violence and revenge until escape seems impossible; only the tenuous bonds of friendship offer hope. New Adult / Action-Adventure / DystopianThe terrifying “Zone of Destruction” - ZOD, the absence of God. It has taken over the Raptor Aces, an elite Youth League air squadron and its commander, Dytran. They must overcome its toxic influence or face annihilation. Dytran is proud, dynamic, convinced of his superiority. Although a supporter and beneficiary of his totalitarian society, he lacks the brutal heart of a fanatic. His world unravels as a poor decision causes death and destruction. When his fighter ace brother is killed in the Eastern war, he hits bottom.An encounter with the Magleiter, leader of the nation, encourages him, and he volunteers for support aviation service. At the war front, he and his comrades encounter an enemy who is not the inferior race of the propaganda but a tough, resourceful foe worthy of respect. They are scattered to fend for themselves in a land so ravaged by war that reality has become unhinged. Dytran becomes swept up in violence and revenge until escape seems impossible; only the tenuous bonds of friendship offer hope. New Adult / Action-Adventure / Dystopian

Earth! It loomed large before them but it shouldn't. With the crippled Romulus, they had no alternative but to land. The reception they got was unexpected. Was Akrins right and this was meant to be? Futures were intertwined and lives were about to change forever but only if they could survive.The human race faced annihilation and it was time to make a stand.Earth! It loomed large before them but it shouldn't. With the crippled Romulus, they had no alternative but to land. The reception they got was unexpected. Was Akrins right and this was meant to be? Futures were intertwined and lives were about to change forever but only if they could survive. The human race faced annihilation and it was time to make a stand.

This is a brief glimpse into the world of Gideon Fletcher. He's a decent guy-- with a penchant for calamity. Life is just full of hiccups and never asks for Gideon's vote on anything. Neither does the sheriff. Or the judge. Or his court appointed guard, come to that.The town gossip says he's dangerous. The local law says he's trouble. The rivers say he's one of them-- whether he likes it or not. Gideon Fletcher doesn't figure what they say is worth buffalo spit. Life isn't about what 'they' say. It's about doing what you have to, with what you have, when you have to do it. It is also, in a way that only he can explain, about humanity's peculiar resemblance to poultry. And sometimes sheep. The RIVERS series is a clean read for adults to about the high school level. The descriptive writing is quirky, fun, and sometimes quite touching. The setting is loosely 18-ot American West. There are currently 3 full RIVERS novels available, with a fourth under construction. All titles can be read independently.

BASED ON A TRUE STORYThis is a story of a young girl who experiences things no child should ever experience.BASED ON A TRUE STORYThis is a story of a young girl who experiences things no child should ever experience. Lizzie tries and tries to get the attention of her mother to get it to stop, to get her to help. She is also left with the duty of protecting her sister, Rose from the monster. A man who makes both girls shiver when he comes to babysit them. If only the one person who SHOULD be there to listen, WOULD just be there for them. If only her mother would listen, just once…

In a future where people must live underground to survive, some must pay the ultimate sacrifice in order the human race to continue to exist. The banished are sent above ground so the rest of the community can thrive. Resources become the biggest hardship the colonist face and eventually it will all run out. How will humanity survive when life above ground is next to impossible?In this very short story by Rish Outfield, Wyatt is given a magical ballpoint pen, but its power is limited. Cover art by Jonathan Wilson.

Humankind’s greatest armies gathered and marked an end to the age of dragons but the great serpents carried on their knowledge and powers by mixing with human blood. Some families tried to preserve their own ancestry, though time saw fit to kill off what little remained. Now the modern age, Markell Adler responded to a survey about his own ancestry, not sure just how much dragon he had in him.Completely disillusioned and weary, Sally Wentworth a passionate Art Historian and writer is rejected by her boyfriend, lost her job and is denied publishing her book. She has a strange encounter with Pierre de Prince an artist and inventor of the 18th century who asks her to disclose the murderers responsible for his disappearance. She is to get in touch with Ambrose de Prince his grandson, who has been given a mysterious box that would reveal who the murderers are. Unknown to Sally, she does not realize that Ambrose is in the year 2009, when she corresponds with him in 2013. The two must work out their time difference before the murderers of Pierre de Prince carry out their dastardly act to silence them.

Once upon a time, a boy named Tommy lived in a forest. One night, he needs to walk through the forest to give his grandma some soup, but along the way, magical things start to happen... A huge battle takes place between shadows in order to protect Tommy. Will the shadows succeed in keeping Tommy safe? After reading this story, you might never look at your shadow the same way again...Have you ever looked at your shadow and wondered if it ever does things without you knowing? Once upon a time, a boy named Tommy lived in a forest. One night, he needs to walk through the forest to give his grandma some soup, but along the way, magical things start to happen... A huge battle takes place between shadows in order to protect Tommy. Will the shadows succeed in keeping Tommy safe? After reading this story, you might never look at your shadow the same way again...

“A Blood Moon rises! For too long we have hidden from reality, fearing the loss of our past should we attempt to find our future. No more! Our day of infamy has arrived. A spark has ignited our universe and set it ablaze. From those ashes has grown a force that will crush the League of Brothers and drive it from our Realm! The decision has been made! Today we go to War! Phoenix rises!”“A Blood Moon rises! For too long we have hidden from reality, fearing the loss of our past should we attempt to find our future. No more! Our day of infamy has arrived. A spark has ignited our universe and set it ablaze. From those ashes has grown a force that will crush the League of Brothers and drive it from our Realm! The decision has been made! Today we go to War! Phoenix rises!” Tears flowed down the new king’s face as she thought of her sister, Darla, hoping beyond hope the woman might still live. This time her opponent had gone too far. There was no longer any place for negotiation. Their day of infamy had arrived. Mihai Astron, king over the Children’s Empire, had raised her fist, declaring absolute and total war with no hope of treaty or armistice. From the flames and ashes of this coming holocaust would rise only one power to rule over Heaven, Earth, and Hell - one power to rule the universe, either to its ending hour or coming glory. The Third Fleet was shattered, Admiral Euroaquilo’s heroic rescue attempt of the Shikkeron sounding his demise and the fleet’s ruin as a fighting force. But they had won, beaten the enemy back, saved the Shikkeron and its precious living cargo from capture, or had they? What of the imperial frigate, Shikkeron? Gone it was, ship and crew, swallowed up in the cosmic dust of space. Mihai shrugged. It mattered little now. She had raised her fist to the god of war, declaring the time of the world’s ending. Already her battle fleets hovered above MueoPoros, those invasion forces protected by Navy and Marine sky ships swarming the planet’s surface, engaging a ruthless enemy with no intention of surrender. In her mind’s eye, she could already see the great slaughter and the ruin of body and machine, smell the blood and gore of battle, the burning cordite and charred flesh. Had she not witnessed it so many times before, but always as the soldier faithfully obeying another’s commands? This time Mihai had raised the banner of war, declared the unholy hour of death and destruction. Now others led the charge into the slaughter, into the meat-grinder of damnation...

Nineteen-year-old Aaron Rutherford is already reeling from the loss of his mother, when the unexpected revelation of a dark secret from her past changes his world forever. As the tangled web of lies unfolds and uncertainty takes over, a startling chain of events are set in motion that will see Aaron make the journey of a lifetime to discover not only who he really is, but who he wants to be.If you live your whole life being who everyone else wants you to be, how do you know who you really are? Nineteen-year-old Aaron Rutherford is already reeling from the loss of his mother, when the unexpected revelation of a dark secret from her past changes his world forever. Forced to question everything that he has ever believed, should he simply follow the path that has been laid out for him, or will pursuing the truth help him to find what has always been missing? As the tangled web of lies unfolds and uncertainty takes over, a startling chain of events are set in motion that will see Aaron make the journey of a lifetime to discover not only who he really is, but ultimately who he wants to be.If you love engrossing books that will take you on a journey, download Finding Arun now.

Claire's having a quiet day at her job as a librarian when soldiers show up wanting to destroy the tomes of magical knowledge in her library.It's a slow day at the city library, and Claire thinks it's going to stay that way- other than a visit from her girlfriend's class to learn about magic, it seems that nothing else is going to happen. And then soldiers show up, wanting to destroy the knowledge there and rule the city. Can Claire stand up to them, or is years of history going to disappear in the blink of an eye?

Offers the proposition that the generation of wealth is the primary purpose of the state, public order simply a necessary prerequisite to this goal. Views social strife as war between prince and shaman.I point out the error of Thomas Hobbes in equating the prince with Leviathan and of parliaments with Behemoth. It is the other way around. Autocratic administration of the state is clearly the logical condition of good governance and true democracy. World history is dominated by the war between prince and shaman. Parliaments, courts, capital cities and stock exchanges are ruses behind which the shaman and his witch consort hide. I explain the true purpose of the state as a commonwealth, that is to say, a generator of wealth. I offer ways to keep the human family unit strong and to eliminate the corruption of nationalism. The nations are of the fruit of the tree of Babel and so evil like the tree that generated them. I suggest that the military should take on the role of hunter/warrior, as was the state of the warrior in the past (energy in place of meat, minerals in place of hides.) This is the best way to stay militarily secure and economically prosperous. I briefly point out that the stubborn refusal to accept the existence of witchcraft in modern life is a grievous error. These misers of the mind encourage ignorance at every turn to exalt their relative position in society.

The Police are stumped by a baffling dismemberment case. They turn to Akkadia, the Abracadabrical hero of "The Cowering Inferno" for help."I laughed so hard I fell to pieces." -- Patsy Cline, The Seance City NewsIn an alternate steamfunk Haiti, at the height of General Toussaint's revolution, two lovers separated by class and a young woman whose love is forbidden, are thrust into war, sorcery and a quest for liberation on their own terms. . .On the island of Saint-Domingue, in the dead of night, thousands of slaves crept silently along the path through the trees and wiry brush to Bois Caïman. In the clearing the Houngan Dutty Boukman, a huge, self-educated slave with a fierce countenance, and Mambo Cecile Fatiman, a mulatto slave woman, waited to led them in ceremony. They petitioned the Loa for protection, for deliverance from slavery’s lash—calling upon the darkest spirits. . .

Just your average boy-meets-girl, boy-kills-people story.The Native American Navajo tribe has stories of a monster so wicked, so blood-thirsty, that they are to be hunted down and slaughtered. But are they just legends? Or is something sinister lurking in the shadows?Just your average boy-meets-girl, boy-kills-people story.The Native American Navajo tribe has stories of a monster so wicked, so blood-thirsty, that they are to be hunted down and slaughtered. But are they just legends? Or is something sinister lurking in the shadows? The Yee Naaldlooshi—skinwalkers—have the ability to transform themselves. And they can be anyone. Anything.The Hunters—a group dedicated to tracking the creatures—are hot on their trail and they won’t stop until every last one is dead. But are they all as evil as foretold? Seb, alpha of the Taylor, Arizona reservation pack, begins to question the acts of their kind. But he’s broken a rule and must choose between killing the girl he loves or risking everything to save her. Cassie must fight for her survival. The pack is after her. And they’re no joke. Cass is about to find out how sadistic they can be.

Historic Heroines is pleased to release its first original fiction series: Daughter of Sparta by Kristen LePine. In Chapter Three, Gorgo, the daughter of King Cleomenes I, journeys through the Spartan village to meet her friend Phoebe, who is a priestess at the sanctuary of Artemis at Orthia.Historic Heroines is pleased to release its first original fiction series: Daughter of Sparta by Kristen LePine. In Chapter Three, Gorgo, the daughter of King Cleomenes I, journeys through the Spartan village to meet her friend Phoebe, who is a priestess at the sanctuary of Artemis at Orthia. Each month, Historic Heroines will release a new chapter in the novel.Historic Heroines is an independent publisher of historical fiction and nonfiction that champions the female perspective.

For the first time in months, I'm coming in from the darkness, away from my shadows, to find closure. He has tried to make me into a victim, but I didn't listen. I rarely do, anyway.Now, I'm going with the flames, because I can't do this alone.For the first time in months, I'm coming in from the darkness, away from my shadows, to find closure. He has tried to make me into a victim, but I didn't listen. I rarely do, anyway.Now, I'm going with the flames, because I can't do this alone.I'm going with the flames is a Fantasy short-story.It was inspired by the prompt of Goodreads user "Auntie J" in "Goodreads Friends with benefits".

Please allow me to introduce myself, I am known in this period as Eduardo Gissente, immortal monster and extinguisher of life, betrayer of lovePlease allow me to introduce myself, I am known in this period as Eduardo Gissente, immortal monster and extinguisher of life, betrayer of love and clarity to the existence of Heaven and Hell. When you become aware of my journey through history until present day you will most surely deny me as an apocryphal creature, merely an invention of an author’s imagination whose heartbeat thundered from the first written conception.