A eclectic collection of stories from various authors. From action filled science fiction to dark sinister chills, humorous mystery, and wild impish fun. Ideal for for relaxing in the summer sun.A eclectic collection of stories from various authors. From action filled science fiction to dark sinister chills, humorous mystery, and wild impish fun. Ideal for for relaxing in the summer sun.Sarah's Tree by Paul RavenThe Kitchen Imps A. L. ButcherBoots? by Donny SwordsThe Case Of The Six Broken Milk Bottles by Chris RavenHenry's Windows by Alan HardyTalia Saran: Summer On Indigo Prime by D.C. RogersWrite What You Know by Madhu Kalyan MattaparthiDreaming by Sonya C. DoddNewport Memorial Regatta by Kristina BlasenBritish Summer Time by A.L Butcher

This collection of seven tales, sprung from the novel "The Beggars of Azure", features crocodile men, books that don't exist, portals through time, living paintings, and, of course, love. Some of the tales feature characters or detail events from the novel. Some of these tales are tangential to the mood and themes in the novel. All of them testify to the fact that reality answers to no one.This collection of seven tales, sprung from the novel "The Beggars of Azure", features crocodile men, books that don't exist, portals through time, living paintings, and, of course, love. Some of the tales feature characters or detail events from the novel. Some of these tales are tangential to the mood and themes in the novel. All of them testify to the fact that reality answers to no one. Stories include "Antinomies of Time", "The Living Dead", "The Court of Love", "The Freedom of Pavko Krizova", "Landscape With the Fall of Icarus", "Petsuchoi", and "The Book of Zambullo".

My Justice My Revenge is the story about a court system, a violent crime, and the struggles of a family that went through that system.My Justice My Revenge starts in a courtroom with the thoughts of what could be. It then goes through the journey of how everyone arrived at that point in time. It starts with Officer Tim Carver handling police calls, training new officers, and eventually meeting Jeffrey Motter. Carver always wanted to work with and help children, to be a role model. When Jeffrey Motter came to work for the police department Carver felt he had an ally, someone else who liked children.On a wonderful evening in the summer, sitting outside telling stories and laughing, Carver's son tells his mother and father, Motter molested him when he was a small child. From that moment on Carver's family begins a series of tribulations that could destroy their whole family, perhaps take away life itself. As the investigation continues Carver begins to see a Motter he never knew. How could he not see it? He was trained to spot it. He would later find out how manipulating Motter was. When Motter confesses to the crime it is thought the ordeal is over. Motter hires attorneys to ascertain that his legal rights have not been violated. But then as the trial starts Carver finds out it is not Motter on trial but him. Motter's attorneys argue Carver was the one to manipulate everything from the investigation to the confession.While waiting four years to get to trial, Carver's family has to overcome numeous obstacles. Tony has to relive incidents over and over, while in fear of his own safety as Motter is out on bail. When the trial is over will Carver have his justice, or will he need to seek his revenge? When he does find his justice or revenge, will it then be over? Or will it all just continue on?

Mikey, on watch over his post-apocalyptic town wall, is confronted in the middle of a frigid January night by a dark-clad stranger seeking entry.The town wall in the middle of a frigid January night is no place for a scared kid to be. But Mikey understands his town faces many threats. The man who approaches the perimeter wearing a dark, ragged cloak surely can't be all that dangerous. But he gets the creeping sense that this is no ordinary stranger.

The Gothic Vampire legend gets a demented and hysterical twist in this short story as a young teenage girl comes face to face with a tiny, tiny vampire.As a noun, time is defined as “The indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole.”As an anthology, Time is the collection of work written by award winning authors who all possess the talent, determination, and passion to bring to life the jumbled ideas contained within and present them in an entertaining and professional manner.Literary Underground is once again proud to present you with an excellent sampling of what the self published and up-and-coming authors of the world have to offer.Featured Authors:D.G. TurnerMary Ann BernalWayne DePriestV.R. ChristensenMJ HeiserBill Jones Jr.Richard SuttonJ.M. LeeM.C. ArvanitisSteven NovakCarla Hapke

In the FlashbackX series, Tilly and Elmer, a Midwestern couple in their sixties, reminisce about their awkward but passionate high school romance. Elmer knew that tradition required him to kiss Tilly on the third date. He wanted to, but when he found her dressed as a vampire for the Halloween dance, his well rehearsed strategy took a scary turn. They're still laughing about it fifty years later.If you’ve read any of the short stories in the Tilly and Elmer series, you may have wondered how much more adventuresome Tilly and Elmer must have been as teenagers. Now it can be revealed! In the Tilly and Elmer FlashbackX series, our favorite sexagenarians describe, in sometimes hilarious and sometimes scandalous detail, their slow motion coming of age in the Midwest in the early sixties. From their clumsy first date to the first time they go “all the way” (on the second try), you’ll gasp at Elmer’s inexperience, smile at Tilly’s (real or faked?) innocence, and perhaps shed a tear of empathy at the blundering beauty of their first time.Book 2, Falling for a Kiss, describes Tilly and Elmer’s third date which, by tradition, meant their first kiss. Elmer knew it would be a pivotal moment in his life, but he didn’t have a clue about how to manage it. When he picked Tilly up for the Halloween dance and found her dressed as a vampire, his task suddenly seemed even more difficult than he expected. And what happened after the kiss was even more surprising - to both Elmer, and the author!“Thanks for taking me to the dance Elmer.” said Tilly. “I had a good time.”“Yes.”“Weren’t the costumes wonderful?” Tilly asked.“Yes.” said Elmer.There was a pause in the conversation. Elmer looked down at his feet. His legs were beginning to shiver noticeably.Tilly looked up at him expectantly. Elmer looked over her shoulder and watched a car’s headlights move past her driveway out on the road.“Um... Tilly?” he said.“Yes, Elmer?”“Um... Tilly. Uh.”“What is it Elmer?” she asked.“The decorations were nice too.” he said.“Yes, they were.” said Tilly. “The cornstalks were very appropriate. For a fall dance I mean.”She looked down at her feet and noticed Elmer’s bare legs.“Elmer, you’re shivering. It’s cold out here isn’t it?”“Not too cold.” Elmer lied.“I shouldn’t keep you out here in the cold too long.” Tilly said.“That’s OK.” said Elmer, his teeth beginning to chatter.

Emi Nakano just wants to eat carrion in peace. And thanks to a business deal she had going with Goro Nanase, that was possible...until a group of teenagers posed a threat to her way of life. No big deal, though. She'll just scare them off; how hard can it be? Jikininki is eighth story in the Bestiary Tales.In Prohibition-Era Kansas City, being a part of the underworld was sometimes both a figurative and literal concept. In an underground speakeasy located just outside of the metropolis, Paul Verconi was already aware of the risks involved in simply being where he was and who he was. On this rainy night, he'd been looking for nothing more than a few drinks to soothe his nerves before heading home. However, what came looking for Paul would prove to be even tougher to swallow than the diluted bootleg whiskey swirling in his dirty glass: a drop-dead gorgeous dame that was enigmatic, curiously silent ... and perhaps even dangerous.

Can a camp change your life? Drew liked his fine just the way it was. Jake was miserable and knew camp would make it worse. Dara was chasing her life’s dream…or was it someone else’s dream? Camp brought them together, along with others. A challenge, an act of kindness, a simple question, or something else entirely would set change in motion. And then there would be choices to make.Can a camp change your life? Drew liked his fine just the way it was. At almost 15, he would probably be the oldest kid there, and he didn’t plan on wasting any part of summer break paddling a canoe or making lanyards. He would chill and sleep and do whatever he liked. Now, that’s a plan! Jake was in trouble. One of his teachers said he was trouble. His mom was forcing him to go, his dad was long gone, and there was no one he could turn to…or so he thought. Dara was chasing her life’s dream…or was it someone else’s dream? Who wouldn’t want to be in the Olympics, right? But her dad pushed and pushed, and it would be a relief to get away from home for just a little while. There were other kids, different people, different lives, and camp would bring them together. A challenge, an act of kindness, a simple question, or something else entirely would set change in motion. And then there would be choices to make.

Take a walk through the park, meet a beautiful woman, feed the swan and fall in love. What sort of surprises can a simple walk through the park bring?A tale of reality not being what we see at first glance. Love can be manipulated and reality can be manufactured. Our simplest need to love and be loved can be had for a price. The feeling of falling in love may one day be had by paying an admission, drinking something the man at the gate gives you and taking a walk through the park. Claire is waiting!

Fear and chaos spread through the elven kingdoms as a dangerous scourge threatens to swallow the lands and their inhabitants. Hadrin, Prince of the night elves, embarks on a quest to end the curse once and for all. His journey takes him beyond the elven realms. Beset upon by enemies from numerous sides, the Prince must turn to whatever allies he can find for help.Fear and chaos spread through the elven kingdoms as a dangerous scourge threatens to swallow the lands and their inhabitants. Hadrin, Prince of the night elves, embarks on a quest to end the curse once and for all. His journey takes him past the elven realms and into lands both strange and distant. Beset upon by enemies from numerous sides, the Prince finds allies in a fellow elf, a hunter, a guardswoman, and three young villagers who have been caught up in their web of intrigue. Follow this unusual pairing of heroes as they set about to save the elven lands and perhaps the world itself.

Brett's lies are getting him into serious trouble. Can big brother Joe stop admiring himself long enough to help turn things around? Children's humor.Brett's lies are getting him into serious trouble. Can big brother Joe stop admiring himself long enough to help turn things around? The brothers verbally joust with each other as they travel toward the ultimate test which will decide if Brett becomes a 'person of substance' or stays the way he is. Children's humor.

Ari Mayer son of a holocaust victim returns to Paris after the war and recognises the man who sent his father to Auschwitz. Now a respected Gaullist politician this murderer has buried his past and is prepared to kill to keep his secrets. Despite his terror, Ari sets out with the help of his beautiful assistant Libby and his friend Michel Gaillard to bring Dubois to justice.France 1942. a Jewish boy Aristide Meyer, sees his father arrested and sent to Auschwitz, betrayed by double agent Jacques Marteau. Twenty-two years after the war, Aristide returns to Paris, determined to find Marteau. He relinquishes his search when he hears that Marteau is rumoured to have died in an ambush in 1944. His investigation is re-ignited when Ari recognises Marteau, now known as Victor Dubois, a senior member of the Government. Now he needs to prove that a respected member of society was a Nazi agent. As he delves into Dubois’ past, his activities attract unwanted attention and Ari begins to realise what really is at stake. Ari meets Michel Gaillard, now a lawyer, whom he first met in 1941. Michel also has every reason to want to prove Dubois’ guilt.Libby Wentworth, Ari’s English assistant finds herself embroiled in the intrigue surrounding Dubois. Can she help Ari in his quest, or does she get so deeply entangled that her life is in danger? More deaths - and the hunt is on to arrest Dubois, to avenge the lives he destroyed and prevent him from vanishing with the loot stolen from Jews during the war.Can they find him before it is too late . . . ?

A fictional story about the Centurion who, at the foot of the cross, said, “Truly this was the Son of God.” As people leave the scene, the Centurion, known in this book as Marcus, stays a little longer. While he’s looking up at Jesus who is still nailed to the cross beams, a small earthquake happens. The crown of thorns falls off Jesus’ head and rolls to the feet of Marcus, where it stops.A fictional story about the Centurion who, at the foot of the cross, said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”As people leave the scene of the crucifixion, the Centurion, known in this book as Marcus, stays a little longer. While he’s looking up at Jesus who is still nailed to the cross beams, a small earthquake happens. The crown of thorns falls off Jesus’ head and rolls to the feet of Marcus, where it stops.As Marcus bends down and touches the crown he senses a strong power coming from it. He immediately feels clean and new, and a great peace comes over him. He doesn’t understand it but he enjoys the feeling.He takes the crown home to share his story with his wife, who wants nothing to do with it. After all, she was one of the many who were in the courtyard yelling for Jesus to be crucified. On the other hand, his ten-year-old son is fascinated by what his father tells him, and is intrigued by the crown and wants to learn more.Marcus and his son Antony become believers, and Marcus searches out ten Bible prophecies that Jesus has fulfilled. He wants to teach his son many things about their new Messiah.The crown not only gives Marcus strength and peace, but it also has healing powers that bring him and his son Antony closer in their walk with the Lord.As the story unfolds, Marcus learns how each of the ten prophecies was fulfilled. And because of this, he is now ready to completely give his life to his new God, especially after he has an opportunity to meet with the risen Jesus face to face, who tells him it is time to give up the crown of thorns.Chuck and Doni have been missionaries since 1981. They live on the Big Island of Hawaii. They have two children, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. They have helped start churches in the Philippines, Hong Kong, South Africa and also Taiwan where Chuck ministers four months each year. Chuck is the Pastor of the Kona Coast Chaplaincy on the Big Island of Hawaii, and he along with Doni are the Directors of Go Spread His Word Ministries, Inc. founded in 1990.

Imagine a world. The Imago Mundi is Natasha's personal favorite masterpiece. It has the ability to port inhabitants on Earth to an entirely new planet in a distant galaxy.However, it is also a dangerous toy that should not be left unsupervised. Her apprentice has taken liberties with the device while the static reality on Earth has been breached by a deranged mage. Monday no longer exists.Richard Ross, joiner, part-time local football referee, ordinary man, is about to get a shock.It’s time to meet the relatives. But guess what? They’re all dead. Even worse, they are his past lives and all share the same soul - his!With help from his Strange Relations, an angel named Joe, and Roberta (Australopithecus Robustus), Richard has to learn the last lesson of life so all will be allowed to journey towards the Light. Richard is the last of a very long line and everyone’s last chance.One small problem though; Richard is in a coma and time is fast running out.

Through a stone labyrinth, in an underground crypt, Hector pursues a book of legendary power. Maddened monsters strive to strike down the lone wizard. Can the Grimoire grant Hector's wish?Captain Honey Bear is caught stealing honey from a bee's nest ---he is ordered to serve as the forest superhero. Come along for the ride while Captain Honey Bear tries to save Goldie Locks the squirrel. You'll meet some interesting critters of the forest in this cute fairy tale for the young at heart.

Sidi returns to his village only to learn that an abusive archaic tradition against women, that has existed for ages still exists. His Father and uncle ask him to play part in the abuse. He is furious, angry and distraught by this but does not know how to act.Sidi returns to his village in Eastern Sierra Leone only to learn that an abusive archaic tradition against women, that has existed for ages still exists. His Father and uncle ask him to play part in the abuse. He is furious, angry and distraught by this but does not know how to act. Sidi’s hope for a change is like a mirage, sharp, distinct but seemingly unreachable. He wishes for a change, he wants it, he dreamed of the change and he finally plans it.

Follow JT Davis, and Michael Peterson back through The Mahogany Door as they risk their lives to save Kali Logan from an enigmatic, powerful force known only as "The Munch" in Book 2 of The Bruinduer Narrative.The song 'Arms of the Savior' by Elizabeth South (a companion song to the book) can be listened to here: https://www.reverbnation.com/elizabethsouth/song/12256100-arms-of-the-savior"They took her in the night." Brandy's eyes grew wide and she breathed in a mountain of salt air. "There were no usual signs of forced entry—no broken windows or doors, not even a miniscule amount of metal debris left from a key or screwdriver picking the lock. Nothing of that sort. The police did not even find a partial fingerprint or a trace of thread from any article of clothing. In a freak, blinding snowstorm Kali disappeared from her warm, inviting home outside of Baltimore, Maryland.” Follow JT Davis, and Michael Peterson back through The Mahogany Door as they risk their lives to save Kali Logan from an enigmatic, powerful force known only as "The Munch" in Book 2 of The Bruinduer Narrative.

Winner of the 2012 Crypticon Seattle Writing Contest - Gail's life is not a tragic story of a young beauty lead astray or a heartbreaking tale of how an innocent girl and her brushes with the cruel reality of the world.Winner of the 2012 Crypticon Seattle Writing Contest - Gail's life is not a tragic story of a young beauty lead astray or a heartbreaking tale of how an innocent girl and her brushes with the cruel reality of the world. It is only a series of bad decisions and worse relationships, mixed with low self-esteem and an inability to plan for the future. What happens when her path crosses with that of Frank and Steve, a duo with agendas of their own and a frightening history behind them?

In 1974 a gruesome and shocking murder stunned the small town of Bludenhale, Indiana. Three people were slaughtered in a small garage and the one accused of the atrocity, Angel Larson, was sentenced to life in a mental hospital three counties over. Susan Smith, the mother of the hideously slain Heather Smith, has been secretly visiting her daughter’s killer at the Indiana State Mental HospitalIn 1974 a gruesome and shocking murder stunned the small town of Bludenhale, Indiana. Three people were slaughtered in a small garage and the one accused of the atrocity, Angel Larson, was sentenced to life in a mental hospital three counties over. Susan Smith, the mother of the hideously slain Heather Smith, has been secretly visiting her daughter’s killer at the Indiana State Mental Hospital for over a decade. Unbeknownst to most of the people of Bludenhale, Heather and Angel were best friends and have known each other since they were five. Overcome with grief, Susan needed that connection with her daughter despite her raising Heather’s four year old daughter Amy. She knew Angel would be the one to provide that connection. Those secret visits came to an end in 1994 when Angel Larson was mysteriously murdered in her room twenty years after the Bludenhale Massacre of 1974. Since then, an endless string of tragedies have plagued Susan’s life. Her granddaughter Amy Smith was found dead behind the strip club where she worked and Susan’s husband Mark collapsed dead of a heart attack in their barn two years later. Now, twenty three years later, Susan is struggling just too even get out of bed every day. But on a warm, late September afternoon, Susan is visited by an elderly soul who claims he is responsible for her daughter’s death. From there she will have to fight not only the internal nightmare truth inside herself but also a supernatural entity of horrific proportions. Return to Bludenhale in the follow up to Joe Zito’s bloody novel ‘The Garage’.

I am Custard. I'm 11 years old and have created a treasure-hunt game. Read my paranormal-investigation notes and figure out the clues hidden within the text of the notes. These clues will lead you to a special stone hidden somewhere in the United States. If you find the stone, report it on the website (including the code engraved on the stone), and you will be paid reward money. It's free to play.My name is Custard Marks. I am an 11-year-old boy. I am the creator of CustardQuest.The game is pretty simple. I travel around the country investigating paranormal events and unexplained phenomena. Just read my investigative notes and figure out the clues hidden within the text of the notes. These clues will lead you to unique stones hidden somewhere in the United States. If you find a stone, report it on the website and include the code engraved on the front of the stone, and you will be paid via Paypal whatever the pre-announced reward amount is for that particular CustardQuest. The reward money will be relatively small at first and will increase as the number of participants increases. The smaller reward amounts will also allow me to conduct frequent CustardQuests. New CustardQuests will be released periodically, usually every few months.The notes are about 10 pages long and are written in plain English -- no ciphers or codes, but maybe a word game or two. Sounds easy enough, right? Good luck.