A collection of short science fiction takes readers on a voyage through time with St. Francis, into a brutal future city where sterilization is the only cure to poverty, and to a struggle between alien beings and the IRS. Original.

The five cousins are still trapped in the Secret Country, and must play their parts. When the King is poisoned, Ted-Prince Edward-must take the throne, even though he has no idea how to rule a country, battle magic, or inspire followers.  Soon enough he will have to do all three because the Country is on the verge of war with the treacherous Dragon King.

THEIR SOULS, REAWAKENED.THEIR POWER, UNMATCHED.THEIR BATTLE, IS ONLY BEGINNING.THEIR SOULS, REAWAKENED.When 13-year-old Lilix Morgan is found alive and floating on a bed of ice at sea, everyone counts it a miracle. Kidnapped nearly four weeks earlier, she remembers nothing of her mysterious abduction. When she tries to remember what happened, she hears only a melody – a faint and delicate set of notes, strung together in a tune she doesn’t understand. THEIR POWER, UNMATCHED.A year later and desperate to put the lingering nightmares of her past behind her, Lilix crosses the country to enroll at Baelmorte Academy, aiming to become the violinist she once dreamt of. Things seem to be finally going well, and Lilix settles into a routine of sheet music and inspiration among new friends.Then the dreams start. The melody and night terrors she thought she’d left behind return with a vengeance, threatening to ruin her fragile version of normalcy. Then an unlikely ally tells her that she isn’t alone. That there are others just like her, fighting to hide their own shocking truths from coming to light. That they know who she is, and what she’s been through. Now, accompanied by four other girls, Lilix discovers her nightmares are larger than a single trauma; they’re a window to a hidden part of her soul, a place of immense power with a destiny that cannot be ignored. THEIR BATTLE, IS ONLY BEGINNING.With this knowledge comes a new and frightening reality. For Lilix has been reawakened to stop an age-old enemy, one thought to have been destroyed centuries ago. Trapped by her destiny, Lilix is torn between what feels right and what she remembers. Her memories tell her of a star-crossed love waiting to be reunited, of friendships and trust broken in the past. But can she save that love when reality brings her an enemy, and an evil that will be the undoing of them all if they don’t destroy it?

In a world where a select set of species co-exist with humans intelligently, the first half man, half animals creatures are born. The highest form of power, the United Species Alliance, wants them dead, and an elite team has been sent to kill them. From there, it's a survival of the fittest showdown. Who will be left standing?In the twenty fourth century, a scientific experiment gave a few species the gift of intelligence, and after much struggle, they've carved out a place in society. By the thirtieth century, humans find themselves co-existing, negotiating, and residing on Earth with these animals as equals.Maya Lawton is a lonely prostitute living in this world. She gives birth to the first halfkinds, creatures who are half animal-kind, and half mankind. Since interspecies breeding is illegal, she is forced into seclusion and raises them alone. Then one day, without warning, she dies, and her death leads to their discovery. Abandoned and lost, this family of halfkinds plan to escape to a terraformed moon. But the law is after them. The order is to kill, sent by the highest authority, the United Species Alliance.The Halfkinds series is a science fiction saga filled with complex characters. It's set in a unique future where creatures are fighting for their own place in a once human dominated society. Through the point of views of several characters, you will see events unfold and think about what it truly means to have intelligence.

In this Kiwi-flavoured short story, a Maori grandmother passes on a mystical gift of time to her grandchild. 1500 words.Smoking barbecue grills and tidy mown lawns define American suburbia but hide its dark secrets. Peek behind the tranquil mask of a quiet neighborhood in this FLASH fiction story of the murder and mayhem that follow when Helen gets a new dog. Warning: if you love "pocket" dogs, you may find this story disturbing!

When an unrelenting terrorist campaign pushes Moscow into chaos, Russia exacts revenge on those supporting the terrorists, conflict with NATO almost inevitable. In England, Michael Anderson investigates two deaths, both supposed accidents, and with hardliners and dissidents vying to turn Moscow's crisis to their advantage, Anderson's quest becomes a crucial element in deciding Russia's fate.Fearful of Russian expansion beyond just Crimea, elements within Eastern Europe choose to act before it is too late… When an unrelenting campaign of bomb and cyber-attacks pushes Moscow to the edge of chaos, Russia exacts revenge on those suspected of supporting and training the terrorists. Retaliation against first Lithuania, then Poland, places her into direct conflict with NATO, an escalating confrontation turning the Baltic into a potential battle zone.In England, Michael Anderson a freelance journalist, starts an investigation into two deaths, both supposed accidents, his focus the Erdenheim management training-centre in the Lincolnshire hamlet of Graythorp. Drawn into a world of lies and deceit, Anderson struggles to solve the puzzle that is Erdenheim and so uncover the truth, his sudden interest creating its own implicit dangers, both for Anderson and those close to him.With hardliners and dissidents each vying to turn Moscow’s crisis to their advantage, and secessionists starting to tear the Russian Federation apart, Anderson’s quest becomes a crucial element in helping decide Russia’s fate.The Will of the People is the first book in the Conspiracy Trilogy. The second and third parts, The Trust of the People and The Rule of the People are also available as ebooks.

Part 1Sisters, Mabel and Tess, live in what remains of southern Appalachia, eking out an existence among a small group of villagers.The earth has become flooded by never-ending rains. No one knows when the rain started, it has just always been. There is a legend passed down by the elders of a land with blue skies. Does it exist or is it just a myth? No one knows, so far no one has ever returnedPart One in the Series Water Saga Sisters, Mabel and Tess, live in what remains of southern Appalachia, eking out an existence among a small group of villagers. Abandoned by their mother, Mabel has been left with the responsibility of raising her sister. Along with this obligation Mabel puts her own life on hold, never allowing herself to take the time to explore her own feelings and needs. This is the only life she has ever known. Then along comes Jack. The earth has become flooded by never-ending rains. No one knows when the rain started, it has just always been. There is a legend passed down by the elders of a land with blue skies. Every 2 years the leaders send out a scouting party in search of this legend. Does it exist or is it just a myth? No one knows, so far no one has ever returned. This book is novelette length. written in the serial format.

Three month old alien Clem faces his first day of Kaxian duty with anxiety. What will be his assignment? If only his tail didn't have a mind of its own, he might be less anxious. This is a free 10-page short story. Hope you like it and want to read the Dog Aliens books! They are written to amuse people of all ages who love dogs. No dogs are harmed in any of these stories.Mia is an aging, often grumpy house cat. Her new sister Eve is a spunky, young excitable tabby cat. Together with their Aunts, the family sets out to the village of Helmston for Christmas shopping. When Mia and Eve arrive they meet some new friends who have lost the spirit of Christmas and need some help to find it again, including two little sisters desperate to help their father and a mean old banker with a deeper story. When the entire village of Helmston races to help a ship in the harbour, Mia and Eve will come to the rescue once again and help everyone have a Merry Christmas.

When she plays Chopin, Kyong thinks of her fingers as ten individual Olympic athletes. Today, she discovers what it takes to win gold.The inspiration for my stories draws from my novels and family tales of settlers who journeyed to the American frontier in the 1800s. Their accounts, passed down through the generations, paint pictures of courageous and adventurous people—a hearty lot—who had perseverance, self reliance, and, despite dangers and fears of the unknown wilderness, overcame their misgivings. Most were not famous or widely celebrated, yet they carved out homes, farms, and a life on the frontier, and, in the process, created a great nation. They are heroes in my eyes.From my research, I better understand the plight of early Native Americans. They were ultimately swept aside by the oncoming tide of settlers, despite being fierce and resourceful. There came a time for compassion by the conquering invaders. Too many times, it did not occur. Unavoidably, the stain remains a part of America’s legacy.Thank you for reading my short stories and novels. Richard PuzHere are other books for your review ~Novels in the Six Bulls Series ~Six Bulls-The OhioansRafting from Ohio to Missouri down the big rivers of America, pioneers load their families and possessions on flatboats, seeking a new life on the American frontier. Adventures abound during their exciting and dangerous trip.The CarolinianAbraham learns how to be a man during the Battle of New Orleans and applies those principles on his tobacco plantation in North Carolina. Shunning slavery, he moves his family west. Their adventures produce a riveting account of pioneer life in the wilds of a new country, while battling the ever-present Hooker, the slaver.AvengeThe theft of prized horses sets a young man on a journey of adventure. On the trail of the last outlaw, he roams the vast wild American frontier, following the murder and rapist, as they clash in an epic battle of wits. Only one can survive.Short Stories ~AbrahamYoung raw-recruit Abraham is exposed to the terror of war during the Battle for New Orleans. A frontiersman provides the wisdom to help him become a hero.Arkansas StormPioneers on flatboats are towed by a steamboat when they run into a storm that threatens their lives and the loss of all they own.Beanblossom CreekChief Black Hawk’s men are on the warpath and Captain Custis Cauley and his militiamen are waiting. The battle that follows is epic.Captain Jonathan BuzzardBrazen and courageous, the captain takes on the five outlaws threatening a pioneer’s family—exciting and action packed!Danny BoyWhimsical and humorous, a riverbank tavern is the setting for pioneers quenching their thirst after their long wagon train journey to Indiana. It’s a roaring good time, until a fight breaks out to enliven the evening.NewtoniaSettlers on the frontier are caught between warring armies as the Civil War rages. In the midst, human compassion is extended.SmokePrairies are one of God’s greatest gifts, but these can also be deadly. Pioneers take desperate measures to save everything they have created.Sourdough Wind MineThieves are stealing gold ore and come face to face with the “enforcer.” Deep underground in the mine, the encounter plays out among flying bullets.StainThe government’s Indian Removal Act of 1830 is being implemented and farmer James Stinson and his family are in the cross hairs. This is one of many tragic stories about Indian displacement in the 1800s and remains a stain on American history. Roaring RiverBushwhackers ambush two men, killing one. The survivor leads a posse to track down the band of killers, leading to an epic battle.RunawayTobacco plantation owner Alvin Tolle is confronted with a split-second decision that will effect the rest of his life.Three BellsSettlers prepare for war with Chief Black Hawk and his warriors on remote farms in Indian. What happens one fateful night changes them forever.

Alexandra, a hard working, young woman is growing her small clothing company in New York, when she starts getting harassing phone calls and emails. When the chance to come face to face with her mystery person comes, the reality of the situation becomes a bigger nightmare than Alex could imagine. The truth about Natalie brings Alex to chose between saving Natalie or herself.When growing her small clothing company in New York, Alexandra starts getting harassing phone calls and emails. When she comes face to face with her stalker, the reality of the situation becomes a bigger nightmare than she could imagine. Alexandra finally faces the decision of the court for the fate of her sister. The choices Alex makes soon makes the light shine on the truth and reveal who the true person is that is responsible for Natalie’s fate. In the end Alex is forced to make choices, which will change her life.

Teenage Zachary and his father end up in a dangerous situation when they are captured by the English.Set in the 1700's when the United States is known as the thirteen colonies, seventeen year old Zachary Siketon and his trader father,John, set out on the ocean only to encounter trouble. Zachary, John and their crew are captured by an English ship and the group suffer from disease and hopelessness to await their fate. The group realize that they have to use brain, brawn and an unlikely friend to help survive.

Ludhiana Diaries is a collection of short stories, based in and around the city of Ludhiana. With a tinge of supernatural, the stories try to capture the spirit of the city along with telling a few interesting tales on the way.The tales of Lastenberg relate the hero's on-going battle against evil. In OPON-HUL, the last of humankind is stranded around a single mountain with the rest of the world covered by an evil darkness. The Staff Keepers hold in their possession the only artifact that allows the humans to live: The Staff of Hope. Yet when The Staff is stolen their only hope is Lastenberg, lest the shadows consume them and leave the world barren of life. For ages 12 and up.

As a killer hurricane approaches their town, Lysette and her mother have no trailer to transport their horse, King. They decide to ride him to shelter. Two days, down roads increasingly filled with scared, impatient people. One accident could be the end of King. Can they make it? Middle readers, (13,000 words or approx. 45 pages.)A glimpse into an insignificant life that was, at one point in history, the most significant of all. Gari Hart's new short story focuses on the life of the philosopher, inventor and diplomat once called Zindetitious; a man whose ideas brought humanity way ahead of themselves.

"B-side" poems on topics including love, politics, TV news, cat care, gun control, religion and celebrity."B-side" poems on topics including love, politics, TV news, cat care, gun control, religion and celebrity. Terry McCarty has written poems in, around and sometimes about Southern California since 1997. His poems appear in the anthologies So Luminous The Wildflowers(Tebot Bach) and The Long Way Home: The Best of the Little Red Books Series 1998-2008 (Lummox Press).

A tribal old man, after the demise of his beloved wife considered an age old giant mango tree as his lone friend in the world. Unfortunately, to get a job for his unemployed son on whose income his family depended, he had to fell this vast tree. The story describes the pain and agony of the old tribal in course of murdering his only friend in the world.They were coming, and no one could stop them.The Yellowstone Caldera has exploded, and survivors who fled the devastation made their way east. Cities such as Atlanta, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. prepared for their arrival. It meant rationing – and rational thought. People on both sides would face tests of their nerve and resilience.Only those with strong nerves would survive.Refugees, a part of David Dalglish’s 2010 anthology A Land of Ash under the author’s former pseudonym, is now complete with its original opening as well as foreword from Dalglish.

Detective Cutfield begins an investigacion involving the strange murders of young girls.This story is related with the short tale "A Rescue".NOTE: I would appreciate any comments to help improve this book.New York. After a girl related with the Mayor is found murdered, his assistant hires detective Cutfield, a former police, to conduct the case. However, what it began as a serial-murder case becomes more complicated when blackmail and prostitution make their appearance.This book is related with the short story "A Rescue".You can watch the trailer (spanish w/english subtitles) looking for "Masacre en Nueva York - Trailer #2" in YouTube.NOTE: I would appreciate any comments to help improve this book.

When hyper-intelligent mathematician David is forced to confront his own mortality, his coveted manuscript on the ‘Proof of absence paradox’ threatens to die with him. Desperate to salvage his life’s work, he realizes that his exceptional mentee and protégé, Naila, could hold the key to the salvation of his manuscript and theorem—but their strained relationship may not allow for that.When hyper-intelligent mathematician David is forced to confront his own mortality, his coveted manuscript on the ‘Proof of absence paradox’ threatens to die with him. Desperate to salvage his life’s work, he realizes that his exceptional mentee and protégé, Naila, could hold the key to the salvation of his manuscript and theorem—but their strained relationship may not allow for that.Consumed by doubt and plunged into a bewildering darkness, David is offered a glimpse into a vast interconnectedness, the likes of which outstretch his human comprehension and challenge his theorem. As nature, faith and science intertwine, David gains insights which transport him far beyond his original manuscript.

In December 2015, I started a free monthly competition challenging my blog visitors to provide me with prompts for me to choose my favourite and write their story in around 500 words. The three pieces published here are the winning prompts from the Dec 2015 / Jan 2016 competition, as well as those that came second and third. The prompts submitted can be found at the end of each story.In December 2015, I started a free monthly competition challenging my blog visitors to provide me with prompts for me to choose my favourite and write their story in around 500 words. The three pieces published here are the winning prompts submitted from 16th December to 15th January, as well as those that came second and third in that month. The prompts supplied can be found at the end of each story.The winning story, 'A Handle at One End, a Spout at the Other' features Danny and Penny, and is about two friends, a grandmother's will, a silver teapot and an abandoned shopping trolley stuck in the sand, one wheel running for its life but destined to never go anywhere other than the scrapyard if Mickey O’Flanagan got hold of it.The second-placed story, 'Don't Cry, Don't Cry', is of a couple, Mara and Jaime, skiing late in the season but making a pitstop of a Café Allongé and petit pain au chocolate, their encounter with a French family, and Mara trying to keep her composure.'Sweeping the Coast', the third-placed story, features Hugh, a disillusioned deutanope (he suffered with red-green colourblindness) whose escape to the coast doesn't go according to plan... not that he had one.

Rebi is starting at a new boarding school, two months after the academic year has begun, for reasons unknown. His arrival coincides with the surfacing of a mysterious website which promises to reveal pupils secrets. Rebi's joins his newfound group of friends as they try and hunt down the owner of the website before their secrets surface.The Mason family was excited to be moving into the home of their dreams, but it wouldn’t be long before strange things started happening to shatter their dreams. Just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it is good as the Mason family is about to find out on the first day they moved into their dream home.The Mason family consisted of the father John, Terry the mother, and their three children Bobby, Jimmy and Teresa. Throughout the day, not much out of the ordinary happened other than a few doors opening and closing on their own and a few shadow figures seen by the corners of their eyes.As the family sat around the kitchen table soaking it all in how much they loved their new home, the chandelier above the table started swinging back and forth. John said, “Looks like we have a guest with us and is probably upset we didn’t set a place at the table for them.”“Oh John, you’re always a barrel of laughs,” said his wife Terry.Then the lights flickered on and off and a ghostly voice said, “Get out!”“Okay! First the chandelier swings, then the lights flicker and now a voice tells us to get out, I think the previous owners are playing some sort of trick on us, but it ain’t scaring me one bit,” said his wife.“Honey, don’t worry. I’ll call the owner on my cellphone right now and ask him if this is some kind of a practical joke.”John called the owner, but he said he wasn’t playing any practical joke on them and that it’s probably that the house is very old and there are going to be noises with old houses.John laughed and said, “You’re probably right.”Then John put down his cellphone on the table and told his wife what the owner said and they both laughed and proceeded to finish their meal. After they finished, the kids played games upstairs in their new room they shared together while their parents cleaned the dishes.

A World of Kedra StoryKayden was captured by pirates and sold as a slave in a far off land. He is forced to fight for the entertainment and benefit of others. Strange customs, strange people and stranger beings. At least he has ale!He meets the giant Rulaf, the swift Shadi and the bestial Torassh. They become a slave arena band as never seen before!- ROTMS#1 is now PG13A World of Kedra StoryRaiders of the Middle Sea begins by following Kayden, a sailor who was captured by pirates in a ship to ship battle and sold as a slave in a far off land. He is then thrown into an arena to fight for the entertainment and profit of others. Fear, instinct and a fair bit of swordsmanship sees him through his first battle.That was the easy part.Kayden is far beyond the borders of the Kingdom of Railor, his home. Besides losing his rights, there are strange creatures in this land that are not human and Lords who conspire to agendas that he cannot comprehend.Together with the giant Rulaf, the brown skinned southerner Shadi and the bestial Torassh, this marks the start of the strangest slave arena band in the Eleven Cities.The journey begins.- Note that ROTMS#1 has been removed from the Adult content section as it contains no graphical sexual content and is far safer for young readers than other Adult content books. This book contains violence and I rate it at PG13. (Would fit in well in the Teen Fiction section of my local library)

Paisley Morro has been in love with Eli since they were thirteen-years-old. But after twelve years of only being his best friend and wingman, the heartache that comes from watching him with countless other women becomes too much, and Paisley decides its time to lay all her feelings on the table. Eli Jenkins has a life most guys would kill for: Dream job, countless women, and his best friend, Paisley, to be the girl he can always count on for everything else. But one conversation not only changes everything between them, it threatens to make him lose the only girl who has ever meant anything to him. When tragedy strikes his family and Eli is forced to reevaluate his life, he realizes a life without Paisley isn’t a life at all. Only now, he may be too late.