Newt Run is a town that shouldn't exist, a town of artists, drug dealers, miners and steam. It’s a town at the center of a broken universe, and broken universes have the bad tendency to fall apart.A town at the center of a broken universe, Newt Run was never meant to exist; it is a town of artists, drug dealers, miners and steam. There are holes here, gaps in the fabric of things, and some of them are wide enough for people to slip through. Rumours have been spreading about disappearances in the mines, and someone has been defacing the town's walls with rings of painted blood. Strangest of all are the tales of outsiders - mysterious visitors who can only be seen by users of the drug known as powder.Navigating this world is C, a powder dealer who is about to discover that his profession is far more dangerous than he's ever imagined, and Isaac, a writer struggling to come to grips with the end of an affair. Inextricably intertwined, the actions of these two men will determine the fate of Newt Run.

When a young girl is kidnapped, street-smart but damaged San Francisco ex-cop California "Cal" Corwin is engaged to find and rescue her before murder raises the stakes. As a straightforward case takes unexpected twists, Cal must quell a growing fear that an anguished mother may never see her child again. Cal struggles to tie up loose ends before evil claims its next victim.Includes the bonus story - Off The Leash a California Corwin Short Story.When a young girl is kidnapped, street-smart but damaged San Francisco ex-cop California "Cal" Corwin is engaged to find and rescue her before murder raises the stakes. As a straightforward case takes unexpected twists, Cal must quell a growing fear that an anguished mother may never see her child again. With a shadowy crime lord lurking behind every unexpected clue, Cal struggles to tie up loose ends before evil claims its next victim.Loose Ends is the first book in the Cal Corwin P. I. mystery series from D. D. VanDyke, though the books can be read in any order. Set against the rich backdrop of the San Francisco Bay Area, Cal Corwin novels brim with intrigue and fully fleshed characters from cops and criminals to hit men, oddball family and unexpected allies.What people are saying about Loose Ends:"This is a real page turner and hard to put down. The characters are like people you know. I could smell the Cheetos, the computer geek Mickey was eating, in the office...an excellent mystery and the beginning of what promises to be a very good series." - Gwen N."Loose Ends was a great read, if you're looking for a solid mystery this is a book worth your time. I was hooked by the story from the very beginning and I barely put it down until I finished it." - Melissa V."There are some great fully realised characters here, and never a dull moment. Full of action, plenty of twists and turns, as well as as real shocker of an ending, this makes a strong start for what promises to be a gripping new series." - N.A. StephensonThe California Corwin P. I. Mystery Series:- Loose Ends Book 1- In A Bind Book 2- Slipknot Book 3- The Girl In The Morgue Book 4 More to come!

Icicles Like Kindling is a glimpse into Meira’s life before the events of Snow Like Ashes that was originally going to serve as the prologue to the book. In it, you will get a taste of the kingdom of Autumn, meet some of Meira’s fellow refugees, and get an introduction to the wicked danger that will soon plague them…

What happens when the zombie apocalypse turns out to be a zombie aberration?Three years have passed since the rising of the undead, and life has more or less returned to normal.Zombie encounters are now few and far between. The undead are more of a nuisance than a menace; they are less likely to sink their teeth into unsuspecting civilians than they are to be attacked by vigilantes and rabid lynch mobs.Laws have been passed for the zombies’ own protection, and they are safely and humanely quarantined from society.Dead Rite, an undead management and control firm, suddenly finds itself on the brink of bankruptcy. The zombie population is dwindling and the bills are piling up.So when a lucrative opportunity unexpectedly presents itself, it seems almost too good to be true.A tale of misfits, weirdos, outcasts, alcoholics, trust fund activists, dead-head hippies, sleazy politicians and psychotic hillbillies; all foot soldiers fighting in the war on horror.

In small town Iowa, where a family's reputation is hard to shake, Katelyn has a choice to make--Follow her sisters' lead, lose herself to love, take the drug that's offered, or pick herself up after getting knocked down. This young adult novel travels to the troubling truth of life outside high school hallways where not every family or teenager is innocent.Pick-me-up, a young adult problem novel, tells a heroic story of Katelyn fighting back against the dysfunctions of her family and her friends. While she tries to live in the right, Katelyn falls into her own problems when she hooks up with a boy full of trouble and his own addictions. This rural-Iowa teenager keeps making decisions that would lead her to the same fate of her two high school dropout sisters. Katelyn fails classes, skips school, and at one point ends up with reserved seating in the Principal's office. Katelyn’s friends back away as she begins to live up to the troubled legacy left by her family. Home life proves no better. Katelyn’s dad disappears and ends up in jail, again. The fragile relationship she has with her mother nearly breaks as Katelyn is dumped with the responsibility of caring for all her older sister’s abandoned children. Katelyn gets her own pick-me-up in the form of a charming older boy with a criminal history. Her friends and scene change as she follows him back into his bad habits. Just as she keeps faith in her family, she keeps giving Tim another chance. Only after she suffers because of her misguided love does she start to take care of herself. She's able to salvage her dignity and rebound to break the dropout streak in her family.

There is a new homeowner in Andrew Dean’s neighborhood. Being the friendly guy he is, Andrew introduces himself and strikes up a friendship with the odd man. It isn’t long before questions arise about the newest member of the community and Andrew, along with everyone he cares for, are put at risk. Dive into this thrilling short story from Christopher Lee Cousino.There is a new homeowner in Andrew Dean’s neighborhood. Being the friendly guy he is, Andrew introduces himself and strikes up a friendship with the odd man. It isn’t long before questions arise about the newest member of the community and Andrew, along everyone he cares for, are put at risk. Dive into this thrilling short story from Christopher Lee Cousino, author of the superhero novel HOMELESS, and the horror/fantasy series ZOMBIE HERO.

Three different short stories, all with a wizard theme.Wilfred the Wizard and the Big Exam - The day of Wilfred’s wizard exam has arrived but will Wanda spoil it?The Olde Shoe Shoppe - A shoe shop that never seems to sell any shoes? There must be a reason...Peta and her Missing Parents - Is it all her uncle’s fault? And what about her friend Marcie?Three different short stories, all with a wizard theme.Wilfred the Wizard and the Big Exam The day of Wilfred’s wizard exam has arrived but he is so nervous he pours milk on his toast, puts butter in his tea and then tea in his jam! But what about Wanda and her Witchy Warehouse? Will she spoil the day?The Olde Shoe Shoppe A shoe shop that never seems to sell any shoes? There must be a reason...when people try on the shoes, they find they don't fit. No matter what size they try. No matter how many sizes too big they try; the shoes are always the wrong size! But this is only half the reason... Peta and her Missing ParentsPeta's parents went on holiday but didn't come back! Did their plane really crash land on a very tiny desert island, somewhere in the middle of nowhere? Is it all her uncle’s fault? And what about her friend Marcie?

A collection of poems on various themes relating to today's times, such as individuality, nonconformity to societal norms, pursuing a dream, family relations, and others.When we made it to the top of the hill, we came down hard on our brakes.What are you …“Marty! No!” I called out, powering down on the pedals again.“What is he doing?” Kalisha screamed, riding right behind me.Marty didn’t even turn to look at me. Instead, I saw him step up casually into Bob’s van behind a little girl. Then the doors to the back of the van slammed shut. The van began to take off down the street, the music pounding.In our effort to catch up, we passed Marty’s scooter; it was lying on the footpath along with a skateboard and skipping rope.It was then that I realised the truth.When Andy and his brother Marty move to Pine Ridge, they notice strange things about the town: the playgrounds and local pool are deserted, and there’s the mysterious disappearance of a boy thirteen years ago. Then there’s Bob the ice cream man. He appears when they least expect it and disappears just as quickly. Marty might be happy about Bob’s speedy service, but Andy knows something isn't right. Then Marty is kidnapped. It’s up to Andy and his new friend Kalisha to stop Bob and save Marty and the others from his terrifying plan. The closer they get to saving Andy’s brother, the more horrifying truth is revealed about Bob and the missing boy from long ago...

Ever wonder why a man. . .Dying of cancer. . .Constantly hiding from vicious killers. . .And living in a hole in the ground. . .is called. . .LUCKY MISHKA?Ever wonder why a man. . .Dying of cancer. . .Constantly hiding from vicious killers. . .And living in a hole in the ground. . .is called. . .LUCKY MISHKA?The world has destroyed itself in a nuclear holocaust. Survivors live where and how they can. If you've never known the old world you don't miss it.Mishka has made a life for himself and for reasons even he doesn't understand, he cares for all life in any form. He lives where he can and how he can. His only true fear is the odd people who ride loud "chines" and go around killing things, including people. To protect himself, his animals, and now Plebo, his young friend, he finds a magnificent hole in the ground as his famous hider.Then the danger comes again, in force.

A somber man wishing to fulfill certain urges for the first time in his life. A wooden box containing the means for that fulfillment. An intrusive cousin. An impeccable lawn. A garden shed. An embarrassing plaster statue of the goddess Athena.The 3d in a series of 14 short stories by Abbie Joules as she recounts the exploits of her and her brother, Bendigo, growing up on a farm in east Texas in the late 40's. A cow called Two-Banger goes missing, again, and this time it is young Abbie who is sent to retrieve her. Along the way Abbie discovers a nest of baby raccoons in a hollow tree, and unable to resist, she climbs into the tree only to find herself ensnared as the night comes on. Finally discovered by her brother, he and his father go to great and heroic lengths to free her. What would you have done?

Mike, is living a quiet life on his newly built farm, after defeating the evil Herobrine and saving the world from his dark reign. But Mike’s peaceful existence is shaken up when his friends, Jerry and Micah bring him news of a far away mountain that holds an unimaginable treasure.What awaits our three young questers in their new journey? Find out in “The Dragon’s Mountain, Book One(An Unofficial Minecraft Book for Kids Age 9-12)Mike, is living a peaceful life on his newly built farm, after defeating the evil Herobrine and saving the world of Minecraft from falling under his dark reign.But Mike’s peaceful existence is shaken up by two of his friends that up until that moment, he thought he had lost. Jerry, Mike’s best friend and his former enemy, turned ally, Micah, bring Mike news of a far away mountain that holds an unimaginable treasure.It doesn’t take long until Mike is convinced to embark on an adventure alongside his two buddies.What awaits our three young Minecraft questers in their new journey? Find out in “The Dragon’s Mountain, Book One: The Attacked by the Griefers.This unofficial Minecraft book is not authorized, endorsed or sponsored by Microsoft Corp., Mojang AB, Notch Development AB or any other person or entity owning or controlling the rights of the Minecraft name, trademark or copyrights. All characters, names, places and other aspects of the game described herein are trademarked and owned by their respective owners. Minecraft®/ /TM & ©2009-2016 Mojang/Notch.

An intelligent youth discovers an alien device of staggering power, and he eventually intuits its function. In doing so, he discovers that capability without wisdom is dangerous, including for him. Time, space and creation are at his command, and ultimately he does great harm before all becomes rolled up in a surprise ending.The Brane Skip device designed in the twenty-second century is intended to move a spaceship between the membranes of reality in order to get around the universal speed limit: 'Thou shall not go faster than light'. The theory behind the device is unproven, the technology experimental, but if there are side paths through the universe of normal space, there should be short cuts where speed limits simply don't apply.The unmanned tests of the Brane Skip are inconclusive. The probes wink out and then back into existence, but all they record in between is a mysterious gray haze. No one knows where they go. But they must go somewhere. The automated systems can't say. It's time to send volunteers.The Brane Skip seems like magic to Lisa Chang, the young engineer in command the first crewed test flight, and Chang doesn't believe in magic. But she does believe in the mission. Humanity must explore space in order to survive and prosper, and she feels honored to be among the first to go where no one has gone before. She does not know what will happen when the Brane Skip device engages. She thinks it will do nothing. She fears it will explode. What she does not expect is popping out adrift in space and on a collision course with a fantasy version of Earth, complete with dragons, orcs, and wizards.Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens.

With her cousin missing, Gwen’s family packs up and returns to Brighton—the town her father fled years ago after a falling out with his brother. During their stay, Gwen encounters several mysteries, like the wolves that seem to haunt the Grady’s home and the stranger her cousin was in contact with shortly before her disappearance. Secrets are being kept…ones that might spell disaster for them all.When Gwendolyn Grady gets the news that her cousin Ginny is missing, her family packs up and returns to Brighton—the town her father fled years ago after a brutal falling out with his brother. As they begin their search, the tension begins to mount between the brothers, leading Gwen and her brother Gabe to question what horrible events led to their fallout years ago. During the course of their search, Gwen encounters more than one mystery, like the ever present wolves that seem to haunt the Grady’s home and the mystery person Ginny was in contact with shortly before her disappearance. Secrets begin to collect, leaving Gwen uncertain how she and her brother and cousin fit into it all. All she knows is that her family is keeping secrets from her…dangerous ones that might spell disaster for them all.

Clan: Season 2, Episode 1. Calum’s Exile A Bitesize 1 hour Read. Season 2 kicks off at a cracking pace!Cumberland’s army, fresh from their easy victory at Culloden, is running amok right across the Highlands.And against the systematic slaughter ordered by the king, our heroes Calum Maclean and Big John Mackintosh must make a dash for Glasgow to find passage to the New World, or die tryingClan: Season 2, Episode 1. Calum’s Exile A Bitesize 1 hour Read. Season 2 kicks off at a cracking pace!Cumberland’s army, fresh from their easy victory at Culloden, is running amok right across the Highlands.And against the systematic slaughter ordered by the king, our heroes Calum Maclean and Big John Mackintosh must make a dash for Glasgow to find passage to the New World, or die trying.Their 150 miles journey is through a country swarming with English soldiers, murdering men, women and children and plundering anything of value.Every day they remain in their beloved Scotland, they’re in mortal danger, but they can’t just ride by and let the innocent perish. Colonel York is dead, but his hand reaches from the grave for one last act of vengeance. The assassin sent to kill Calum is the best of the worst. Unstoppable, and without mercy.The new journey has begun.

Book 3 of The Athena Universe. Someone's been messing with genetics on Earth in Saphora's absence.The last thing on prince Xander's mind was becoming king. He'd much rather explore the world, make new discoveries. Unfortunately, he gets his wish in ways he hadn't imagined. Upon Saphora's return, he finds himself infatuated with the idea of visiting Earth. And so he does. But what he finds is unexpected. Seems like someone's found use for Saphora even in her absence. And it looks like people are lining up to get a taste of it. But what does that mean for Earth? With him being called back for the war on Athena, what will Xander do to save his newly beloved planet?

Gavin thought she was a dream come true. He was almost right.Book 1 in The Half-Breed Series.Everyday life is a mundane blur, trekking Mitchell Harper from one boring day to the next; a blessing for this introverted teenager.Overcome by a crippling anxiety, Mitchell is forced to go about his business unnoticed; hidden beneath the radar, knowing adventure and excitement only bring drama, the likes his fragile mind cannot take.But this is not to last, as his life is thrown into turmoil when he, along with his twin brother Matthew, discover that half their heritage is not of this world. With Matthew acquiring the supernatural gifts of the Celestials – an ancient race of strong, powerful beings – and Mitchell with those of the Daemons – a rival race imbued with unmatched intelligence – these 'impossible twins' find themselves caught up in a secret that has been living alongside us since the beginning of time, forcing them into a fate they cannot run from.With time ticking away, pushing them ever closer to the visions Mitchell has foreseen, the twins must team up with their fellow Half-Breeds in order to stop an upcoming threat – Mitchell's worst nightmare... himself. Diving into the supernatural, yet keeping itself with a sense of normality, Half-Breed tells a tale of Angels vs. Demons in a fresh new way, exploring the true meaning of being good… and evil.

A collection of poems about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Plus love and loss, faith and betrayal, patriotic dissidence,haves and have nots, and a couple of serial killers mixed in for fun. As the title implies, each poem attempts to paint a vivid picture, that each reader may see differently.The world of the supernatural is a place of intense horror and blood-chilling danger. Dark, twisted monsters stalk among humanity from the shadows, seeking only to devour us. Seems like somebody should make some money from all that, right? Enter Eric Margrave, semi-professional monster hunter (He'd be a professional, but they really don't have a certification process for this sort of thing.). When the things that go bump in the night start actually knocking on the door, he's the one who serves them their walking papers... for a nominal fee. Prices negotiable. No demons, please.In his debut appearance, Eric has entered the exciting world of real-estate, looking to set up a new safehouse. Good news: the house is haunted, and therefore a steal at the current price if you happen to know how to work an exorcism. Bad news... well, the house might be a bit more aggressively haunted than even a freelance slayer of the paranormal is used to...

This s a story about a woman who, at age 116, looks to be in her mid-twenties. This might be considered a blessing for some but for this woman, it is causing a great deal of trouble. Her husband leaves her; her daughter marries and moves as far away from her as she can. She asks a renowned reporter to tell her story. The occurrences in this story will haunt you.Sipe’s job: drive the crime throne heir from California back home to Seattle. The double cross: Sipe’s unaware Connie is willing to sacrifice anyone to get out of the family business for good. Sipe’s reality: betrayed, wounded, looking down the barrel of a little blackmail courtesy of the teenager that just discovered him unconscious in the tiniest of tiny Oregon towns. Tiffany’s deal: Sipe helps her locate a missing friend or the faked boob-grab pics make the rounds. The local less than honorable law enforcement...her slightly crazy uncle...Little Creek’s the kind of place the wrong kind of stranger can disappear – forever.The Lipless Gods. A noir-tinged portrait of broken families, teen prostitution, green energy, and of course, anger management challenged Olympic athletes and the mobsters who love them.

'Bennett Clay?' she asked him, keeping her voice steady despite the nerves she felt at being in this confined space. ‘You here to save my soul?' he mocked.Molly arranges stones in a circle while the city across the pond burns. Her parents wait inside and watch, deciding whether she is the reason for the world's end or the only force that can stop it. In this science fiction short story, we revisit the implications of the Sorter, the computer that can program humans, first introduced in Peter Sargent's novella Average Joe and the main topic of The Dead Reckoner.

This is a short but powerful book that brings revelation and insight into the word of God. it highlights the life that we have been called to in Christ through the instrument of salvation and also shows how we can implement the spiritual life that we have been offered in the natural realmThe 25 shortlisted and 8 winning entries from the 2014 Anti-Bullying poetry competition based on the theme ‘Let’s Stop Bullying for all’ are collated within this ebook, alongside illustrations from young people on the Isle of Wight.