A forgotten evil threatens Terra, her adoptive children, her friends, and her very existence. Will Edgar, Locke, and company stop the madman before Terra falls into the depths of madness?*(this is a work of fan-fiction; events take place after those of Final Fantasy VI)Terra Branford. Naïve and innocent, yet she caused so much death. Passionate and powerful, yet the epitome of purity.Now a forgotten evil threatens her children, her friends, and her very existence. Will Edgar, Locke, and company stop the madman before Terra falls into the depths of madness?Or will Edgar lose his last chance to confess his love?*(this is a work of fan-fiction; events take place after those of Final Fantasy VI)

Joey’s mother, Eden, once told her stories about a world filled with vampires, werewolves, and angels. Joey always assumed these stories were part of her mother’s schizophrenic delusions. However, when Joey is attacked a second time by unseen creatures, she begins to wonder if her mother actually knew what she was talking about.Someone is following Joey Trevor. She does not know who he is or what he wants. Able to see the truth behind the facade most people show the world, Joey cannot see this man. That frightens her more than his unknown intentions. When she is attacked in the shower of her locked apartment, her stalker, Sam, is the one who comes to her rescue. But Joey does not know if he wants to help her, or if he is after something she neither understands nor wants to understand. Joey’s mother, Eden, once told her stories about a world filled with vampires, werewolves, and angels. Joey always assumed these stories were part of her mother’s schizophrenic delusions. However, when Joey is attacked a second time by unseen creatures, she begins to wonder if her mother actually knew what she was talking about. Joey has never been able to trust the people around her. The few times she trusted—her mother, a college boyfriend—she ended up broken and confused. But trust is the only thing Sam asks of her. Can she put her life in this man’s hands? Or is he as crazy as her mother?

December 24th in war-torn and drought-stricken Muhajeria and Sharon convinces her husband to try to fix the broken village well. Jean-Marc is a busy doctor, reluctant to take time away from his patients, but disaster strikes and he must initiate a dramatic rescue. When Jean-Marc’s life hangs in the balance Sharon is filled with regrets. It just might be too late to reveal her Christmas secret.Updated cover and bibliography. COIL Extractions is a Christian Short Story Collection, Book 1, and sampling of D.I. Telbat's Christian fiction adventures and suspense. You learn that C.O.I.L., Commission of International Laborers, is an organization formed to rescue persecuted Christians in volatile countries around the world. In each of these stories, we find a unique side of service for the Lord. Included is Bonus Chapter One of bestseller Dark Liaison, a Christian Suspense Novel, Book One in The COIL Series, in which we get a peek at a COIL mission of ex-CIA Agent Corban Dowler as he uses his skills to save at-risk believers. You can now find COIL Recruits for Christ, a Short Story Collection, Book 2. We are reminded that—there is no redemption without sacrifice.

A collection of stories by Philip José Farmer.

Quiet shy girl of the town is thrown together with the town's newest resident. This twist of fate will change her life in ways she never thought possible. Had never even dreamed of.Valerie is the shy girl in town, she mostly keeps to herself and although she doesn't have any friends she doesn't mind. Other than being shy her life is normal. She goes to school does her work and goes home... Until one day a mysterious boy comes to her town. He is handsome and different and seems completely smitten by her from day one. Valerie can't help but notice how intrigued he is with her. Why her? Of all the people in the town and school why on earth her? Little does she know her whole world will soon change thanks to this mysterious boy. Become one with the characters as you descend deeper into the darkness with each book.This is the first book of the series and because I feel its very important to get to know the characters that is exactly what the first book is for... To introduce you to Valerie and Alistar.

Fun? Maybe not so much! In this sci-fi/fantasy short story, hapless home-owner Ed Rumsfeld is attacked by mutant man-eating insects. Thus begins a FREE series that will chronicle an increasingly unstable world in which nasty natural, technological and mythical forces are unleashed in response to climate change and other human induced problems.Fun? Maybe not so much! In this initial short story of a planned FREE fantasy/sci-fi series, hapless Virginia home-owner Ed Rumsfeld is attacked in his own front-yard by mutant man-eating insects. Thus begins a series of short stories and/or novellas that following completion will also then be merged into an epic novel that chronicles an increasingly unstable world in which nasty natural, technological and mythical forces are unleashed by climate change and other human induced problems. So what's 'fun' about global warming/climate change? If you’re a glass-is-half-full kind of person maybe global warming and other human-induced disasters aren’t really ALL bad, maybe they’re also opportunities: chances for mankind to further make a mess of things surely, but also opportunities for adventure, surprise, and (Maybe, maybe not!) triumph! Will humans survive? At this point even the author doesn't know; follow this gradually emerging series to find out!

Much to his regret, Gordon McKenzie eats canned soup for dinner.Betrayed - Alternate Ending gives Brook the chance to retaliate against her antagonists from the popular novel Betrayed. This is not a stand-alone publication, but starts at Chapter 49 of the novel Betrayed and then takes the tale in a new direction, with an entirely different ending. Written especially for readers of Betrayed, this alternate ending explodes with drama and suspense, and contains scenes not included in the original novel. To understand and appreciate Betrayed - Alternate Ending, the original novel must be read beforehand. Summary: After being abused for several days, Brook escapes into the snowy wilderness, where her captors assume she will perish. Then their victim shows up on the news months later, very much alive. They don't intend for her to stay that way. "I loved the original novel, but the alternate ending blew me away!" ~Randi Canning, Reviewer

Much of Herakles's life was a direct result of the circumstances of his birth. This is the story of that birth - of Zeus's duplicity and his wife Hera's anger at his betrayal of their union. Herakles, named Alkides at birth, became the focus of Hera's fury from the moment he was born.Much of Herakles's life was a direct result of the circumstances of his birth. This is the story of that birth - of Zeus's duplicity and his wife Hera's anger at his betrayal of their union. Herakles, named Alkides at birth, became the focus of Hera's fury from the moment he was born.This short novella is a precursor to the Legend of Herakles series.

A time has come when any intelligent and patriotic citizen of India has a right to be alarmed about our political system. This novel is about a President of India who is patriot enough to be alarmed at the state of political and economical situation in the country. He declares emergency, dismisses the government in power, and tries to rejuvenate the political systems.A time has come when any intelligent and patriotic citizen has a right to be alarmed at the state of our political system. As of September 2012, our political system has reached a nadir. Our political leaders from Pandit Nehru to Sonia Gandhi have never been able to put the interest of the nation above that of self, their dynasty or their party. Most political parties, there are about 40 of them, are controlled by dynasties or individuals. The Prime Minister, Finance Minister and the Chairman of the Planning Commission are Western educated neo-liberal economists who care more for big business and foreign investors than the ordinary citizen. The level of corruption in the country is simply mind boggling. There is vote bank politics. The Government stands paralyzed by internal contradictions and conflicts of sectarian interests. The law and order is so bad that the ordinary people, particularly women and children, are unsafe. Looting of Government treasuries, misappropriation, favoritism, nepotism, encroachment and destruction of government property continues unabated. There is no accountability. Government servants, even in essential services like transport, airlines and banking go on strike and hold the country to ransom. Agitators block trains, burn government property and police vehicles and beat up police personnel. The Government just refuses to act. It is indeed a sad state to be in the 65th year of independence. Parliament has become a farce.It is not that people do not know what is wrong. Millions of words have been written and said on the media about corruption in high places, about the nexus between politicians and criminals, about dividing the country on caste and religious lines in search of votes that would allow a party to rule the country or a state and enjoy perks of office. Anna Hazare and his India Against Corruption have been agitating against corruption and for political reforms. Baba Ram Dev and his followers have been agitating for bringing back Indian "Black Money" stashed in banks abroad. Can anything be done about it? Can the politicians be expected to forego their personal and party interests and work for the benefit of the country and its people?In this book the President declares emergency, dismisses the government, introduces new laws, holds fresh elections and cleans up the mess. It is a dream. But unless we dream, we will have no goals and no progress.

When Fortune McCall is asked to look into possible arsons of tenement buildings in the worst part of Sovereign City, Fortune gives the duty to his cousin Tracy Scott. As brick and steel burn around her, Tracy confronts corruption, deceit, and a madness most heated.From the waterways of Sovereign City and the explosive imagination of author Derrick Ferguson comes a Pro Se Single Shot Signature Series of digital singles featuring characters from Ferguson's The Adventures of Fortune McCall! Tales of Fortune is a recurring series of stand alone tales that will spotlight the team of friends that work side by side with Fortune McCall in his sanctioned crusade to save Sovereign City from its criminal element. From the decks of McCall's floating casino, The Heart of Fortune, to the darkest parts of Sovereign itself, the men and women who support McCall in his fight against evil now shine on their own in Tales of Fortune!The debut story in this series, For Violent Fires that Soon Burn Out, focuses on Tracy Scott, McCall's cousin and probably the second most dangerous person on the Heart of Fortune. When McCall is asked by the head of a local organization to look into possible arsons of tenement buildings in the worst part of Sovereign, Fortune gives the duty to Tracy. With her own prejudices as well very negative feelings about playing detective, Tracy takes to the streets of the city to learn who is striking out at Sovereign's poor and helpless. As brick and steel burn around her, Tracy finds herself confronting corruption, deceit, and a madness most heated. For Violent Fires that Soon Burn Out, the first digital single in Derrick Ferguson's Pro Se Single Shot Signature Series- The Tales of Fortune! From Pro Se Productions.

Ex lovers meet to explore the depths of the Tango. Mark and Fran find that they are unable to ignore their illicit love, whatever the consequences may be.Nankichi Niimi & Kenji Miyazawa are undoubtedly two of Japan's most highly regarded writers of fantasy fiction. Book 2 of Tales From Japan contains four stories by Kenji Miyazawa and one story by Nankichi Niimi. In addition to the title story Gauche the Cellist, this book also includes Kenji's much loved The Restaurant of Many Orders.Gauche is a hopeless musician and he's always being yelled at by the conductor. It's not because he doesn't try, it's just that there is something lacking in his music. And now the orchestra is preparing for a big concert so if Gauche doesn't improve in a real hurry he's going to be in big trouble. One day a strange cat turns up holding a tomato in his mouth and then all sorts of strange things start to happen to Gauche.A Story with a MessageThe underlying theme in Gauche the Cellist is admitting our weaknesses and recognizing our strengths. It is not easy to admit when we are doing something wrong, especially when we are putting in so much effort. But if that effort is being applied in the wrong place, then it is almost impossible to achieve the goals that we have set ourselves. Admitting to ourselves that we've been doing something the wrong way is the first step to achieving our dreams. And in the same way, it is also important to recognize the things that we've been doing right, and take pride in what you have achieved up until now.The Nighthawk StarThe nighthawk has a hard time of it. He's got a face like a mud pie, he gets teased by all the other birds and he has to put up with bullies. Hans Christian Andersen was a great inspiration to Kenji and you will recognize something of the Ugly Duckling in this story, but the setting and the finale is classical Kenji, making this story a standout favorite amongst many Japanese readers.Wild Pear (Yamanashi)A surreal tale about a family of crabs on the bottom of the river. The amazing descriptions of life under the water will leave you with a truly new perspective on the world. An extremely well-crafted fable, with a profound underlying message.The Restaurant of Many OrdersThis is perhaps the most famous of Kenji's short stories and one of his personal favorites, as it was the title story of his one and only self-published collection of short stories. Two hunters go on a hunting trip in the country and end up completely lost. Luckily they come across what appears to be an extremely popular restaurant…but everything is not as it seems.Buying Mittens by Nankichi Niimi Mama fox only wants the best for her little one, so when the cold winter arrives and her precious boy needs some mittens, then she knows what she must do. The only problem is that she is afraid and her legs won't take her any further. So her son must go on his own. The highlight of this delightful children's story is the beautiful description of the foxes' journey through the snow covered woods during the middle of the night.

After eleven years, Rushika realizes that returning home isn't that easy. Especially since she has a promise to keep.Constable Elizabeth West, Australia's greatest export, turns up in the North of England tracking a murderer across the Yorkshire Moors. Goyt Hall is a big old country house and lying dead, in front of the fireplace, is a beautiful young girl. Reviews: 'I'm delighted to have found Thorogood's books. Have raced through the Jack Hamma series and presently on 6th Elizabeth West. Googled his mini biography, fascinating! He really has been around the traps, no wonder he can produce volume after volume of improbable crazy exploits with that background to draw on, although it did have me wondering if he ever had time to sleep.''Not crazy like the rest of the books in the series but the book that inspired bedlam deserves to be read for itself alone. I'm the number one member of the Elizabeth West fan club so I had to read this book.''The stories that inspired the craziest whodunits ever written. I love the serious but tongue in cheek style.'

A 20 min read to introduce you to my " Dark Gods" series. A quick read to see if you want to invest the time n the whole series. It's the story of Seth, a young northern solider who makes a deal with a dark god of his people, the wolvern. Every person he then kills he gains their skills and memories. Lots of dark action, sword fighting and blood shed. Grimdark and demons.Polite Temper Boy Book One: The Hermit is a psychological thriller/horror novella based in a medieval fantasy setting about Vincent Fane Dagabual, a soldier in the North Vellonian Infantry who gets knocked out during battle, and wakes up tied to a dead tree. Once awake he realizes he has been abducted by an elderly hermit, an ancient medicine man from a tribe thought to be extinct. The time spend captured gives Vincent a chance to look inwards at his own life, and he finds that he does not like the monster of a human being he has become. This new-found realization spirals him into the memories of his childhood at an abandoned city where he finds that his past, present, and future are somehow intertwined with the hermit, a blind woman, a mysterious beast, and an ancient jail-cell door.

Award-winning author Wendelin Van Draanen gives us a brilliantly fresh and funny story about a boy learning to become the brave hero of his own life. Perfect for fans of Counting by 7s and *The Fourteenth Goldfish. My secret life is filled with psychic vampires, wheelchair zombies, chain-rattlin’ ghosts, and a one-eyed cat. But they’re nothing compared to my real-life stalker: a sixth-grade girl named Kandi Kain. . . . Lincoln Jones is always working on the latest story he’s got going in his notebook. Those stories are his refuge. A place where the hero always prevails and the bad guy goes to jail. Real life is messy and complicated, so Lincoln sticks to fiction and keeps to himself. Which works fine until a nosy girl at his new school starts prying into his private business. She wants to know what he’s writing, where he disappears to after school, and why he never talks to anybody. . . . The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones* is a terrifically funny and poignant story about a boy finding the courage to get to know the real characters all around him—and to let them know him.

Joss is the seventh son of the Supreme Overlord of the Universe, and all he gets to do is deliver pies. That's right: pies. Of course these pies actually hold the secrets of the universe between their buttery crusts, but they're still pies. Joss comes from a family of overachievers, and is happy to let his older brothers shine. But when Earth suddenly disappears, Joss is tasked with the not-so-simple job of bringing it back. With the help of an outspoken girl from Earth named Annika, Joss embarks on the adventure of a lifetime and learns that the universe is an even stranger place than he'd imagined.

She was meant to be his destruction… A pawn played in a perilous game between father and son… Yet, her strength was more than either man could imagine. As Maddy learns to save herself… She becomes the one thing that could set the son free. Madeleine Clark was raised to become a concert cellist. Sheltered and naïve, she remains hidden behind her music, a protection from the world around her. On the night of her first solo performance, Maddy accepts the admiration of a stranger and finds herself captive in a cruel and twisted power struggle between a sadistic father and his son, Aaron. Seemingly dangerous and uncaring, Aaron manages the business operations of his father’s estate. Wanting nothing to do with the slaves kept at the Estate, Aaron refuses to take part in the deeper depravities of his father. Despite his resistance, Aaron’s father ‘gifts’ him with a petite, brunette woman he can’t refuse. A bond forged in conspiracy and deceit, Aaron struggles to save Maddy by teaching her to survive in the world in which he’d been raised. An unlikely union, Aaron soon learns that great strengths can exist within small packages, while Madeleine learns that love and light can exist in the darkest of places.

Alienated, bullied, a classic underachiever, 12-year-old Brendan retreats into his fantasy world and then faces the long and demanding journey to a real world where he belongs. No one is kind to sixth-grader Brendan Doyle: his foster mother, his teachers, his classmates, and especially the thugs who bully him. He takes refuge in books, drawing, carving, and daydreaming. When Brendan stumbles upon an old man near his tree house in the Virginia woods, he is quick to believe that this is the magical Green Man, guardian spirit of the forest. Brendan's need to immerse himself in his fantasy world becomes more acute, until he meets a girl with secrets of her own who may just keep his feet on the ground.

Christ Church, Oxford is the location of this tale of the Leigh family, set in the days of Queen Elizabeth I. In her notes about the origin of the book Elizabeth Goudge writes: "It is impossible to live in an old city and not ask oneself continually, what was it like in ages gone by? Who were the men, women and children who lived in my home centuries ago, and what were their thoughts and actions as they lived out their lives day by day in the place where I now live mine?" "Goudge brings to life a number of traditional Oxford legends. The book has that indescribable quality, charm." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board)

The father of Grimdark returns… The soldiers of the Black Company don’t ask questions, they get paid. But being “The Lady’s favored” is attracting the wrong kind of attention and has put a target on their backs, and the Company’s historian, Croaker, has the biggest target of all. The one person who was taken into The Lady’s Tower and returned unchanged has earned the special interest of the court of sorcerers known as The Ten Who Were Taken. Now, he and the company are being asked to seek the aid of their newest member, Mischievous Rain, to break a rebel army. However, Croaker doesn’t trust any ofthe Taken, especially not ones that look so much like The Lady and her sister… The Chronicles of the Black Company 1 The Chronicles of The Black Company / #2 The Books of the South / #3 The Return of The Black Company / #4 The Many Deaths of the Black Company

There have been many accounts of the return to the wild of tame animals, but since its original publication in 1960, when the New York Times hailed it as a "fascinating and remarkable book," Born Free has stood alone in its power to move us. Joy Adamson's story of a lion cub in transition between the captivity in which she is raised and the fearsome wild to which she is returned captures the abilities of both humans and animals to cross the seemingly unbridgeable gap between their radically different worlds. Especially now, at a time when the sanctity of the wild and its inhabitants is increasingly threatened by human development and natural disaster, Adamson's remarkable tale is an idyll, and a model, to return to again and again. Illustrated with the same beautiful, evocative photographs that first enchanted the world forty years ago and updated with a new introduction by George Page, former host and executive editor of the PBS series Nature and author of *Inside the Animal Mind, * this anniversary edition introduces to a new generation one of the most heartwarming associations between man and animal.