99 Gods appear on modern day Earth with a mission to end national war and do good. Results don’t quite work out that way. Not only do the 99 Gods cause economic and political mayhem, they force many hidden powers into the open, including telepaths, magicians, and demon hunters. They, the Gods, and many other hidden powers and normal people find themselves trapped in a new kind of war.Dave Estrada’s cadmium poisoning threatens his life. His options gone, the successful business co-owner turns to the 99 Gods for help. Who are the 99 Gods, though?“I’ll make this short and sweet, as I’m not accustomed to public speaking in forums like this. As you’ve just seen, I can do miracles. My name is Dubuque, I’m a Living Saint directing God Almighty’s miracles, and I am but one of 99. We’re here to end national war, a new commandment sent by God, and our creators trained us in how to end wars. Beyond that, we’re here to do good.” So said Dubuque, a North American Territorial God, on the day of his arrival. The people of Earth, shocked and pleased at the sudden appearance of the 99 Gods, expect utopia. Dubuque also says: “The last thing our creators said to us was ‘Your capability to change the world does have limits. As we have hinted before, you are not alone.’ I take that as a warning to us Living Saints to be cautious, and cautious I shall be.” Who, then, are the 99 Gods peers?Dave’s decision to seek miraculous aid from the 99 Gods will thrust him into an emerging conflict involving the 99 Gods. His initial pragmatic reaction to the 99 Gods – “With the 99 Gods around, though, where’s the need for faith? You can just go ask them” – will face repeated tests. The choices he makes will irrevocably change his life.The just-starting-out Territorial God, Atlanta, is responsible for doing good in the southeastern United States. “I don’t even pretend to be as limited as a CEO,” she says. She senses some of the other Gods doing other than good, though, and decides to confront them about their activities. Her choice introduces her to God politics and puts her in danger, showing her how much more complicated the God business is than her previous profession as a Marine aviator.Nessa Binglehauser, who lives alone in Alaska, recently lost contact with her collaborator Uffie, a research primatologist. An old friend, Ken Bolnick, convinces her that one of the 99 Gods kidnapped Nessa’s collaborator. Their ability to know what the 99 Gods are doing in private marks them as special. “These Gods remind me of puppy dogs,” Nessa says. “House-training them is going to take a great many whacks on the nose. What happened to their sense of ethics and morality, anyway?” Nessa and Ken’s own sense of morality calls upon them to investigate the 99 Gods. To succeed, they will have to reveal themselves and their hidden abilities.“Thy will be done. I submit myself to you. Whatever thou wilst, let it be done to me,” John Lorenzi prayed. He, an abnormally long-lived magician hunter and holy man, initially welcomed the Gods – until one of the Gods attacked him and marked him for death. How far will he go to defend himself against the Gods?99 Gods: War investigates a near-future conflict between the 99 Gods and the people of Earth who oppose their actions, as seen through the eyes of the four people mentioned above. Hidden dangers from within and without will test all.

Urthona's private world was a place of sudden land shifts...of mountains that sank into valleys, and plans that rose into peaks. Kickaha was trapped there with Anana and they were all in desperate straits. Because there was only one gate out of that world, located within Urthona's palace. And finding that palace, which moved as often as the landscape itself, was by no means a simple task.

Murder in Bermuda is the first installment in the “Murder in Paradise” cozy mystery series by author Penelope Sotheby.If you are a fan of cozy mysteries that contain an ingenious but modest woman sleuth then you will love Anna Winters’ first adventure.Murder in Bermuda – Murder in Paradise Cozy Mystery Series Book 1.Murder in Bermuda: The first book in the Anna Winters Cozy Mystery Series.Her phone rang and she picked it up without checking the caller ID.“This is Anna.” Her focus was on the seating chart in front of her.“You’re next if you don’t let this go.” a hushed raspy voice warned and hung up the phone.Startled, she looked through the caller ID to see if it showed who made the call. Her stomach felt sick as she came across the number and the name. The killer had taken Tony’s phone and used it to call her. Now, there was no denying that the killer indeed knew who she was and knew she was still snooping into matters….Event planner, Anna Winters, wants nothing more than to ensure the wedding reception for millionaire Tony Giovani and his beautiful new bride, Meadow, proceeds without a hitch. So far, things have gone exactly as planned. The happy couple’s friends and family have gathered at the Grand Palatial, a posh hotel in Bermuda which caters exclusively to the rich and famous, and are anxiously awaiting the cutting of the cake.Just when Anna is about to call the night a smashing success, the police are summoned to investigate a murder. The cake was poisoned, the groom is dead and suddenly everyone’s a suspect. The pandemonium infuriates Anna’s boss, Mr. Puccio. He’s more worried about the hotel’s reputation than the fact a guest is dead and, to make matters worse, he’s holding Anna responsible for restoring the hotel’s good name. Now it’s up to her to find out who killed Tony or else she’s out of a job. The police order the hotel and its occupants detained until further notice and Anna discreetly enlists a few trusted employees to help with her investigation. Clues are discovered, leads are followed, and it isn’t long before Anna is dangerously close to the truth. But someone isn’t happy about her involvement and Anna has to work fast before she becomes the next victim. Murder in Bermuda is the first installment in the “Murder in Paradise” cozy mystery series by author Penelope Sotheby.If you are a fan of cozy mysteries that contain an ingenious but modest woman sleuth then you will love Anna Winters’ first adventure.Murder in Bermuda – the Murder in Paradise Cozy Mystery Series Book 1

'Lord of the Rings for the Call of Duty Generation'A young adult fantasy adventure in a world similar to our own...'Lord of the Rings for the Call of Duty Generation'At the age of fifteen, genius Benjamin Knight had developed a technology that would change the world. But when the project is sabotaged, Ben wakes to find himself in a mysterious and unfamiliar land where an uneasy peace hangs in the balance. Saved from near death by a band of traders, he joins them on their journey north as he struggles to understand the world he's in and how it happened. However, Ben soon realises that everyone has their secrets and that no one is safe, especially when one man has the power to realise his ambitions. Ben wants answers, but with war looming, he may not survive long enough to find them in this series that breaks the barrier between science fiction and fantasy! (Now fully re-edited by Hercules Editing and Consulting Services) IndieReader Approved 2014

'It's a wrecked ship, anchored over there and left alone. I don't know what it's doing there, or how on earth it has outlived storm after storm for years. They say that, sometimes, people go there and never come back. I'd like to reach it, someday, just to see.'A mermaid named Lily goes on an adventure with her dolphin friend, Cory. They see many sea creatures on their travels. Then, they go to the above ground world.

A young married couple attempt a simple Sunday outing to the grocery store but when the man's wife accuses him of flirting with the girl working the deli counter and influencing her to steal chicken for him he tries to reason with her. She's stubborn and insists that he report the incident to the store manager. Problems arise. This is a quirky odd storyA young married couple attempt a simple Sunday outing to the grocery store but when the man's wife accuses him of flirting with the girl working the deli counter and influencing her to steal chicken for him he tries to reason with her. She's stubborn and insists that he report the incident to the store manager. Problems arise. This is a quirky odd story.

Detective story were uncouth detective Kirk "the kipper" McClacket recounts to us a very unusual and dangerous situation that he found himself in. Contains some swearing.Detective story were uncouth detective Kirk "the kipper" McClacket recounts to us a very unusual and dangerous situation that he found himself in. I wrote this around 12 or 13 years ago. I remember this was part of a writing challenge (see my story "smashwords writing duel" to understand what the writing challenges where about) that I did with Mick Carter. I remember that I always wanted to create an anti-hero, someone you shouldn't like, but for some reason there was something about them that made you smile. Thus Kirk The Kipper was born.Also a big thanks to Emily Carter for suggesting the "Red legged Chilean Tarantula" as part of the writing contest. Without it, Kirk the Kipper would have been a bit of a wet fish! Contains some swearing.If you read this story then why not leave me a review to tell me what you thought. Any feedback (be it good or bad) is always most helpful.

Michael finds himself captured by an entity he hadn't expected. His military training had not taught him to deal with abduction on this scale. Could he escape a seemingly inescapable cell?This is a short story of 2,600 words. It is part three in the 'Origins' series of stories which connect with one another in unexpected ways.Adrienne Tellier is the owner of a brothel in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Her brother Alphonse is a wealthy lawyer who’s married to a beautiful woman named Dora. Little does he know, however, that Dora and Adrienne have been in love since the first night they met – the eve of his and Dora’s wedding.“Madam Tellier’s Lover” is a serialized story divided into three novella-length installments. Part One focuses on Adrienne’s inheritance of the brothel, as well as on her estranged brother’s wedding, where she meets Dora Wakefield for the first time – and falls madly in love.This is a fictional continuation of the short story “Madame Tellier’s Excursion” by Guy de Maupassant.

What happens when you leave the life you know for an unknown adventure? What's going to happen? Is everything going to be as fun as you might think?A Tale of Community and Corruption.2140 CEFor a Century the world has been ignorant of the life that dwells beyond Stone Hill Garrison.A community has thrived in the intervening years since The Great Pathogen, ever conscious they may one day be found by the slowly deteriorating old-world.Unknown to them, the Ministry of Defence suspects that not only is there life beyond the border, but a community able to manipulate and disperse the virus that wiped out a quarter of the world’s population a century before.The villagers carry out their lives while a countdown hangs over them, swiftly ticking to conclude in a violent and harrowing confrontation on the shores of Mortehoe.

A quick story about two women who find themselves in a world of trouble when they hop in a cab driven by a raving psychopath.What would life be like if there were no emotions?What would it be like if water washed away your feelings?For Felicity Parker this is her whole life, she is used to feeling nothing. All this changes when she meets Michael who shows her life has more to offer than she ever thought, but this comes with a hefty price. Torn between love and pain; she must make a decision that can change her whole life.

Kathleen was a strong young lady who spoke her mind and didn't care who she might hurt with her frankness. Until her candidness nearly cost her everything. She is kidnapped, locked in a cage, and finds out she's not the strong person she thought she was when she is forced to her breaking point.Perfection. Perfection is what Kathleen strived for everyday of her life. Perfection in her appearance. Perfection in her college courses. Perfection in her characteristic traits. Those traits she considered to be perfect were things like strength and assertiveness. She detested weakness in anyone and she pitied anyone who appeared timid. And Kathleen wasn't shy in pointing out to such a person their "flaws". She felt it was the only way they could become a better person. Many people called Kathleen a bully. She thought of herself as a character builder. Her belittling of the weak only made them stronger in her mind.Kathleen was content in her own self-righteous arrogance until the day she was kidnapped and forced to face her weaknesses. Only then could she see the kind of person she really was. Only then could she know what real strength was. Only then could she feel what being a victim felt like. Only then will she know her real self. Only when she is forced to her breaking point.

An ancient, dormant evil returns to haunt the spectrum. Threatening everything. And as chaos stirs, Ion, a young man with a scarred past must put away his inner woes and give himself to a greater cause ... and confront the demons of his past along the way.CRANSOF, STAR CLUSTER 24:A top secret techno facility falls prey to a sudden terrorist attack. But the attackers are no ordinary ones.The spectrum’s worst fear has been realised: this is the return of its most ancient, deadly threat … a threat that has lain suppressed for millennia. The return of the ones they call as mystics.FARNOR, THE OUTER SPECTRUM:Elderly master Mantra feels a sudden disturbance within him. One that signals towards a grave threat ahead for their entire realm… SACROGON, STAR CLUSTER 32:For two years now, Ion has lived a reclusive existence, keeping to himself … carrying the scars of a greatly dark past. But now, as chaos begins to stir in the spectrum, Ion’s life twists overnight, and he is thrust into a perilous new world. A world where good and evil clash with catastrophic proportions … while the fate of the entire realm hangs in the balance.As his life changes overnight in the face of this grave new threat, Ion must muster the courage to put away his inner woes and give himself over to a greater cause … and confront the demons of his past along the way.

collection of poignant, fresh, and delightful short storiesVoices from Beyond Volume 1 is the first volume of short stories written by J. Thorn. The set contains six titles, including "Ten Days," the 2009 New Author Short Story Contest winner."Thorn is the new, fresh face in horror and dark fantasy."JA Konrath (aka Jack Kilborn)"J. doesn't mess around, he jumps right into the action and delivers an inventive blend of genres."Scott Nicholson, bestselling author of the AFTER series"Thorn brings an intelligence and thoughtfulness to horror. Someone who treats the genre, and its readers, with the respect they deserve."David Wright, co-author of the bestselling horror and sci-fi Yesterday's Gone series"J. Thorn's dark visions make his novels a must for bookshelves of any fan of horror and fantasy fiction."Craig DiLouie, author of SUFFER THE CHILDREN

The Incredible Jaki has spent years enslaved by the terrible ruler Grall. Now on his own Jaki pushes forward through the burning sands to destroy the second sun that is driving all of the animals and villagers mad. Everywhere he goes the villagers know his face, they all know what will happen if they help Grall's worst enemy, but there is hope in this man.Jaki's adventures will only expand over time. This one focuses on his quest to end the eternal torment being created by the dark second sun that Grall has created. Will Jaki be able to stop this abomination and push even further in his struggle to end Grall's rule once and for all? He must first acquire some mystical artifacts to help him destroy the dark second sun. As he travels on he meets new allies, and many servants to Grall hoping to end the quest of the man determined to stop their leader's demonic rule. The Incredible Jaki will not stop for nothing.

A short story about Rose and a strange game that takes her on a journey of learning and discovery to a final 'song' to share with everyone.So what does a radio DJ's salad and Schrodinger's cat have in common? Absolutely nothing, unless you consider if one of them decides to go on vacation, the salad that is, then all you have is a cat all alone with nothing to do except ponder its existence. So what about the salad? Legend of the Salad Traveler is a lighthearted story of a salad that weighed 5.5 ounces, and it decides to go on vacation; a man unexpectedly ends up in your shower and tells you he knows how to find it. Just make sure you keep enough rocks in your pocket. That's explained later, and it has something to do with moving from universe to universe as this is a story of epic proportions - well not epic, maybe whimsical proportions and fun nonetheless.

You and your child will enjoy these cute bedtime stories. They are a perfect read before bed!* 5 cute bedtime stories for kids* Excellent for beginning and early readers* Cute short stories that are great for a quick bedtime storyAre you looking for a children's book that is highly entertaining, great for early readers, and is jam-packed with bedtime stories? This children's storybook has it all!This is an excellent read for beginning and early readers. Each story is easy to read and exciting. Cute and bright illustrations for younger readers!This book is especially great for traveling, waiting rooms, and read aloud at home.* 5 cute bedtime stories for kids* Excellent for beginning and early readers* Cute short stories that are great for a quick bedtime storyThis story is great for a quick bedtime story and to be read aloud with friends and family.

This is a short story about a teenage girl that befriends a group of Goths. One of her new companions has her questioning, is it possible that he is a vampire?When Lieutenant Adam "Hawk" Yazzie rescues Brett Weaver during a mission in Iraq, his faith in his team’s loyalty is shaken. Someone in the team attacked Cutter and left him for dead. But who?Zoe Weaver races to her brother Brett’s bedside. He stood by her while she fought her way back from a devastating injury, and she’s determined to do the same for him. Though drawn to Hawk’s good looks and steady strength, she’s reluctant to get involved with a man in uniform. But with Brett lying in a coma, Hawk may prove the key to what happened to her brother.Hawk is torn between loyalty to his men and his need to see justice done. When he tries to save a troubled teammate’s career, he unwittingly puts Zoe’s life in danger. Can he lead the rest of the team in a rescue operation to save her? Or will one of Hawk's brothers in arms destroy the woman he loves?

This is the third volume of the story Passion of the Liger. Anton Dimanlen was living a peaceful life with his wife and son when a jealous witch from his past came and turned his wife into stone! Now Anton has journeyed to the great city of Firgenduke in the hopes of finding Maruska (the very witch who petrified his wife), in the hopes that he can beg her to bring his wife back to life.Passion of the Liger Volume 3 continues on with the story that began with Volumes 1 and 2. Anton DiManlen was living a peaceful life with his wife, Ginessa and son, Narteb, when a jealous witch came and turned his wife to stone! Anton desperately wants to find a way to bring his wife back to life, as does his son, Narteb! This volume picks up with Anton in the great city of Firgenduke, where he is looking for Maruska, who might be the only person who knows how to bring his wife back to life.

Three different stories which find a young girl called Amy facing her fear of storms, thinking she is going to see a ghost and having a complete week of disasters.AMY PLEBThis book features three stories all based around the life of a girl called Amy Pleb.The Big StormAmy Pleb is to anyone who knows her a normal 9 year old girl who lives in Cogan on the Fogan with her parents Calamity and Arthur. But Amy has an unnatural fear of storms. She has harboured this fear for as long as she can remember. She recalls it all starting when her father Arthur told her the story of the big storm he endured when he was a small boy. This had generated an interest in Amy which had turned into an obsession and then complete fear.A few days before Amy’s birthday, although she doesn’t know it her worst fears are about to come true. The weatherman forecasts the worst storm ever is heading their way. Amy becomes distraught and retreats to her bedroom with her beloved cat Tilly in tow. But the skies don’t darken and the rain doesn’t start as predicted so Amy begins to relax believing the weatherman must have got it wrong.But then out of nowhere a massive clap of thunder echoes around the village, the skies light up with lightning and the rain pours down. Amy thinks this is the end for her and her family.The Tall TowerAmy Pleb is going to stay with her Uncle Lawless in Fogan for a week. Near where her Uncle lives on the outskirts of Fogan is the Tall Tower, on a large hill surrounded on all sides by steep cliffs, the only access is up a series of some one hundred steps. Amy asks her Uncle if he will take her up there but he tells her no and that she is forbidden to go up there because it’s haunted.Amy meets up with her friend Katie Bench who lives next door to her Uncle. Amy and Katie talk about many things but then start to talk about the Tall Tower. They decide to go for a walk and end up at the foot of the Tower. They notice a fence and a no trespassers sign and Amy is ready to turn round and go back but Katie jumps the fence and begins to climb the steps. Amy follows as she is worried for her friend. Once inside the Tower they see a huge door which is open. Katie being quite headstrong continues up into the Tower with a reluctant Amy behind her. Once inside they hear noises and become quite frightened and then a ghostly figure appears.Amy is unable to tell her Uncle what has happened in the Tower as she knows she has betrayed his wishes. But before long events take a turn and she has to admit to him what she has done to save her friend. The Week of DisastersAs every child knows sometimes in life things don’t go according to plan, it’s just one disaster after another. But for Amy she really does have a bad week. It starts with a bad day at school, an awful grade, a telling off from the head teacher and a smelly class mate. She has a bad hair day, a spot that she cannot get rid of and has a fall out with her best friend over a boy. She tries to read a book but has interruption after interruption. Her parents threaten to ground her for good if she does not tidy her room. She meets up with a flatulent ferret, loses her new kitten and to top it all her dad falls off a ladder.

Yazmin lands a job in a theatre box office and gets to party with actors! She jokingly challenges colleague Suki to a contest and they end up shaking hands on it. The winner will be the girl who finds herself an actor boyfriend first. Trouble is, Suki oozes confidence and Yazmin is painfully shy with men. Will she be able to overcome her shyness and win the crazy challenge?Eighteen-year-old Yazmin is over the moon when she lands her dream job in the Two Masks Theatre box office. She can't wait to get paid to watch plays and party with actors in the most exciting place in town!On her second day at work, she jokingly challenges colleague Suki to a contest. The winner will be the girl who finds herself an actor boyfriend first. Suki loves the idea and they end up shaking hands on it. Problem is, Suki oozes confidence but Yazmin is painfully shy with men. Will she be able to overcome her shyness and win the crazy challenge?Stars and Hearts is the first book in the lighthearted Stage Door series.

Through My Rhymes is a collection of poetry written by Jesse Chamberlain. Coming off the back of Volumes One and Two, Volume Three is the latest addition in his on going Through My Rhymes collection. Using his life experiences, he taps into his heart, head and soul to craft his poetry.Through My Rhymes Volume 3 is the latest book from Jesse Chamberlain in his ever growing collection of poetry. Using his life experiences, he taps into his heart, head and soul to craft his poetry. Volume 3 contains varying poems that are mostly inspired by true events that occurred in his life. Other poems are creatively woven fictional tales to entertain. Volume 3 goes deeper into his personality and he expresses himself more personally. Volume 3 also contains more personal touches this time, where he explains certain poems to help you understand his thought process and the creativity behind his work.