Andy is an elite Harrhein soldier, a Lancepesade (medieval precursor to Lance Corporal) in the Royal Pathfinders. He's injured and recovering in a frontier fort, working in the armoury, when he realises he isn't alone. Something else is there, too small and quiet to be human.Harrhein is a kingdom in a fantasy world, very much like earth but set five hundred years in the past. There are constant incursions by tribesmen and raiders from the north and east, and Andy is a soldier with the elite Royal Pathfinders. He has taken a spear through the thigh and his presence in the armoury is good for the Kingdom, when there is an infiltrator. An ordinary soldier would probably not even notice the presence of the strange being, let alone catch it.Harrhein is based on a mixture of European countries and this is a story about soldiers, from a time when professional soldiers were beginning to evolve, but the majority were still bound to their lord. The author has clearly drawn on his own experiences to give authenticity to the military angle.

Love of language, poetry prompts and openness to self-discovery guide Steve Lavigne’s latest collection of poems. Delightful twists and turns of voice, meanings and poetic devices power their way throughout this work. Unique and entertaining, this book is sure to inspire your own season of creativity as you compare the end results to the initial prompt. Will you step up to the challenge?Love of language, poetry prompts and openness to self-discovery guide Steve Lavigne’s latest collection of poems. Delightful twists and turns of voice, meanings and poetic devices power their way throughout this work as each poem is allowed to direct its own course – whatever that may be- unabashed honesty, self-effacing humor, healthy skepticism, optimistic faith. Unique and entertaining, this book is sure to inspire your own season of creativity as you compare the end results to the initial prompt. Will you step up to the challenge?

The Norfolk Probationer is a short story, a sampler about a Welsh Detective Sergeant, Catrin Sayer of the ‘Met’, and her role in solving art-related crimes. A robbery in which several paintings are taken from an old hall in Norfolk, a National Trust property, results in two elderly visitors being injured. But all is not quite what it seems.The Norfolk Probationer is a short story, a sampler ‘prequel’ to the third novel in the Catrin Sayer series, The Falmouth Model.The series is about a young Welsh Detective Sergeant, Catrin Sayer of the Metropolitan Police Service and her work in solving art-related crimes. In ‘Probationer’, a robbery of a painting by Canaletto take place at Halsting Hall, an old manor in Norfolk, during which two elderly visitors are injured. But all is not quite what it seems. Catrin works with a probationer assigned from the Norfolk Constabulary to solve at least part of the mystery.‘The Chinese Sailor’ is the first full-length novel in the series, in which Sayer transitions from a uniform role with the Metropolitan Police to the role of detective constable. It is set largely in North Wales. ‘The Scottish Colourist’, the second novel, is about the interaction of art forgery and drug gangs and is set in Scotland. The third mystery in the series, ‘The Falmouth Model’, takes place immediately after the events in this story and is set in Cornwall. Sayer is drawn into an investigation into a bizarre Facebook attack on a university student who also models for a life drawing class.If you enjoy this short story, please read the novels and follow the development of the career, cases and life of the policewoman and artist, Catrin Sayer.

To solve a high-profile abduction, one former-police officer must confront a dark past.To solve a high-profile abduction, one former-police officer must confront a dark past. A child’s abduction leads to a frightening pattern within a South Florida town where nothing is as it seems. Amidst the vast wetlands, suburban sprawl, and tropical heat, the Lee County police department knows what to expect on any given day. But when a serial child predator stakes his claim in the area, there is no knowing when and where he will strike. The parents of the latest victim are baffled to receive no ransom demands, given their wealth and influence. And the town is in an uproar as the girl marks the fifth child to vanish. In this mystery thriller, best-selling author Roger Hayden embarks on a terrifying journey through the darkest recesses of the human mind with “Abducted,” a bold new suspense series certain to have readers locking their doors at night.

Faced with the daunting task of providing a monthly information article for the local Neighbourhood Watch newsletter, Ken created the character of Ben (B.Urglar), to convey "advice" on security (or the lack of it!) in a humorous way. In these short, diary-style reports, Ben boasts of his traditional "skills", bemoans new technology and shows a mature understanding of human behaviour.Faced with the daunting task of providing a monthly information article for the local Neighbourhood Watch newsletter, Ken created the character of Ben (B.Urglar), to convey "advice" on security (or the lack of it!) in a humorous way. In these short, diary-style reports, Ben boasts of his traditional "skills", bemoans new technology and shows a mature understanding of human behaviour. The twenty-eight entries, combined into a volume, provides quick bites of insight on the simple mistakes we can make in our busy lives to make the life of a burglar an easy one. This is all couched in a tongue-in-cheek humour that will leave you with a smile on your face - as you double-check the deadbolt on your front door!!

Enjoy the first adventure of The Toler Kid, Book 1 of a short story revolving around the story of Johnny Fortune, an eight year old boy and his friend Marie Christine, and his dog Houdini as they seek a lost golden treasure mask. A fun, educational, family friendly story.Enjoy the first adventure of The Toler Kid, Book 1 of a short story revolving around the story of Johnny Fortune, an eight year old boy and his friend Marie Christine, and his dog Houdini as they seek a lost golden treasure mask. A fun, educational, family friendly story.This book and the following stories are written for educational purposes and are completely free for your enjoyment.

The discarded chapters of writer, J.D. Benabides, these are stories of triumph, childhood, and the heartbreaking beauty of being human. They were initially cut from his book, The First Boy who was Broken, but they are being offered in this free ebook as a thank you to everyone who supported his debut novel.The discarded chapters of writer, J.D. Benabides, these are stories of triumph, childhood, and the heartbreaking beauty of being human. They were initially cut from his book, The First Boy who was Broken, but due to fan response and all those who wanted to see more of this writer’s unique style, this book was made. It’s also a special thank you to everyone who supported the initial release of The First Boy who was Broken. So thank you, and enjoy!

Trapped in a small town over the summer, a lonely, middle-grade computer nerd, risks everything to make friends in the real world. As he adapts more and more to 3-dimensional people, the friendship he comes to cherish beyond all others turns out to be the one most threatening to his new-found place in the world.In the buzzing city of New York, 12-year-old Gabriel Scott retreats from his parents' constant arguing into a virtual world of adventure and companionship. Unfortunately, as summer comes along, his parents ship him off to Kenton Woods to stay with grandparents he hasn't seen in years. Trapped in a world of small town life, Gabriel suddenly finds himself cut off from the only friends he ever had when he discovers that his grandparents don't even own a computer.After sulking in the house for a few days, his grandfather drags him outside and Gabriel takes his first steps into the real world. Gathering all his courage, he talks to Liam, their neighbors' son, who hands him a small sheet of paper and asks for his help. From that day on, Gabriel follows Liam and his friends on a treasure hunt across town. With the entire school on their heels, they rush to solve riddle after riddle, slowly closing in on that which no one has ever found before. Along the way, Gabriel meets the head-butting twins Jack and Jordan, their dog Cat, the insane story-teller Eddie and Hannah, a young girl locked up in her room.Hand in hand, they work to help Hannah escape and take her along on their adventure. Having spent her entire life cut off from the rest of the world, Gabriel finds a kindred spirit in the red-haired girl with the glowing eyes. But one day, a secret Hannah has been carefully hiding from the group rears its ugly head and threatens to shatter Gabriel's new life and the place he thought he'd finally found in the world.

Volume 2, Issue 1 of Successful Startup 101, a magazine for budding entrepreneurs, startup founders and small business owners that covers business planning, strategy, management, accounting, finance, sales and marketing.Volume 2, Issue 1 of Successful Startup 101, a magazine for budding entrepreneurs, startup founders and small business owners that covers business planning, strategy, management, accounting, finance, sales and marketing. In this month's issue:* Ten Strategic Imperatives for Every Business, by William Buist* Entrepreneurialism Is Dying. "Experts" Want To Fix It By Ignoring Small Business Startups - by Chuck Blakeman* 10 Tough Quandaries That Lead Entrepreneurs Astray, by Martin Zwilling* Avoid These 3 Mistakes As A New Entrepreneur, by Dale Partridge* The Habit of No, by Ethan Austin* 6 Stress Busting Tips for Self Employed Business Owners, by Jenny Okonkwo* Building a Business with Friends: Difficult, But Not impossible - by Cristopher Ramirez* How to Avoid Falling Short of Your Sales Goal This Year, by Jill Konrath* 5 Commonly Missed Tax Deductions for Small Business Owners, by Bert Seither* 10 Easy Steps to Reduce the Costs of Running Your Business, by Michael Evans and Peter Duff* Necessary Prerequisites to Finding Funding for Your Startup, by Kevin Carney* 3 Business Investments Every Entrepreneur Should Make, by Rieva Lesonsky* Which is the Right Startup Funding Option for You? - by Travis Levell* Crowdfunding is Unparalleled Impact on the Startup Landscape, by Matt Ward* Movie Spotlight: January's Must See Movie For Entrepreneurs: The Wolf Of Wall Street* A Blueprint for a Killer Product Launch, by Lindsey Groepper* 7 Navy SEAL Sayings That Will Keep Your Team Motivated, by Brent Gleeson* A Startup is Guide to Professional Networking, by Jason Demers* Partnership Feature: Sorority of Survivers* Facing The Inferno: Through The Eyes Of A Successful Entrepreneur* 3 Invaluable Lessons for the Hopeful Startup Founder

A young man who escaped from drug addiction and a cyber cult must go tempt fate by entering that world again as an undercover confidential informant. His quarry: a clone created by the cyber cult that is murdering people in his name.It's time to climb back down the hole again. George has found his way into and out of addictions. His first love was Spectrum, the memory theiving drug that killed is mother. To escape Spectrum he found himself some religion. He drilled a hole in his skull and threaded a wire into his brain that wove his sensations together with the collective illusion known as the Abderan Cipher. George had thought he'd escaped from under the heel of the world's most powerful narcotic, only to find himself wrapped in a cult so pervasive that he lost all sense of whether he was old or young, criminal or saint. He'd lost himself down the hole. Then at last, he pulled himself up. There was no more Spectrum and no more Abdera, only mud and rain the early morning hours in which he lived. George was poor and alone, surviving from one brutal day until the next, but happy because he was free. But the past never lets you go. Around town there's a man dismembering people and leaving George's DNA behind. The police know that George, the mentally crippled ex druggie, is no killer. Not that they aren't above pinning the crimes on him. They've got to catch someone, haven't they? The police offer George a deal. The man killing others in George's name is somehow connected to the Abdera Cipher and the drug Spectrum as well. George has got to climb back down the hole again. He's got to take up his old addictions again to find the one living in his name, yet another thing out to steal away his identity. And George will do it - because he's poor, because he's powerless. And yet he is the only one who can stop the specter of horrific death, if only he is strong enough to withstand the forces that have brought him within a hair of oblivion. It is up to him to unhaunt the hours.

This is the tale is the end. It is the story of the death of a person in After World.A mouse named Rennet has been starving for days. Things do not turn out well for him. This is a telling of his final hours.Seek not pleasure or fancy beyond this point. These stories are not for everyone and I would warn against those that are faint of heart from continuing. The deaths contained in these stories are no pretty, glamorized, or funny. They are detailed and raw.A Death in Afterworld is a short story series that focuses on the death of a person in the After World universe. Pitfalls, deaths, and murder are commonplace and are a means of survival for others.Death is final. Death is abrupt. Death is the end of one’s story. Now these people get their last story told before the book is closed on them.

Martin is not married and has no children…or so he thought. However, Martins life changes forever – and continues to change in all manner of inexplicable ways. As the weeks go by, Martin comes to realise that he can no longer be sure of anything, anybody, or even his past life. Is he really losing his mind and going mad? Or are others now controlling his life and possibly manipulating his destiny?This is a story told through the eyes of Martin a recently retired banker. Within weeks of returning to his home village he meets up with Alistair – an old school friend. Unsure how he will make use of his free time, Martin agrees to take up the intriguing offer from Alistair and get involved in his secret project.Martin has never married, nor has he had any children. These are all facts and part of his life memories. At least, that’s what he thinks he remembers. However, since his involvement with Alistair’s project, Martins life changes forever – and continues to change in all manner of inexplicable ways. As the weeks go by, Martin comes to realise that he can no longer be sure of anything, anybody, or even his past life. Is he really losing his mind and going mad? Or are others now controlling his life and possibly manipulating his destiny?

A lighthearted short story of a god-like alien who shows up in one man's back yard with a message."The Summer Dress" is a short story that was runner up in the 2015 Hot Air "Too Write" Literary Festival held in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire. It first appeared in a book of short stories entitled "The Little Book of Dark Tales", which is available from Amazon Book Store, signed copies of which can be purchased direct from the author's website at www.wrarmstrong.comReviews of this story would be most welcome.

Hidden by wards from the human eye Dawn and the others begin their life with those that are outcasted and marked for death by the Queen's Army. When the fourh is found Dawn is faced with a new challenge. With two Warden's seemingly against her she must fight to maintain the balance.Hidden by wards from the human eye Dawn and the others begin their life with those that are outcasted and marked for death by the Queen's Army. When the fourh is found Dawn is face with a new challenge. With two Warden's seemingly against her she must fight to maintain the balance. When Wesley sends news of his location it is up to Dawn to take on a new form and infiltrate the enemy camp in order to release him from Miranda's grasp. The empending war has begun and now she must do everything in her power to make sure that the Allies win.

In Lyarne, refugees are first pitied, then assimilated. For Mieshka, this means acting like everything is normal.For Mieshka and her dad, "normal" is good. "Normal" was what they'd come here for. "Normal" is the best way to move forward. But things in Lyarne, she soon finds out, are far from "normal."In Lyarne, refugees are first pitied, then assimilated. For Mieshka, this means acting like everything is normal when it's really gone to shit. Why should she care about school? Mom's dead, Dad's useless, and the only thing stopping the war from hitting Lyarne is the fancy, Mage-powered shield that protects the city. With it around, things like air raids and fire balloons are little more than fireworks shows. Lyarne is safe. Secure. Normal. "Normal" was good. "Normal" was what they'd come here for. "Normal" is the best way to move forward. But things, in Lyarne, are far from "normal." And so, she discovers, is she.About 56,000 words. Contains mild swearing and violence.

How do we find the courage to always be true to ourselves--even if we are unsure of whom we are? That is the central question of international bestselling author Paulo Coelho's profound new work, The Witch of Portobello. It is the story of a mysterious woman named Athena, told by the many who knew her well--or hardly at all. Among them: People create a reality and then become the victims of that reality. Athena rebelled against that--and paid a high price. Heron Ryan, journalist I was used and manipulated by Athena, with no consideration for my feelings. She was my teacher, charged with passing on the sacred mysteries, with awakening the unknown energy we all possess. When we venture into that unfamiliar sea, we trust blindly in those who guide us, believing that they know more than we do. Andrea McCain, actress Athena's great problem was that she was a woman of the twenty-second century living in the twenty-first, and making no secret of the fact, either. Did she pay a price? She certainly did. But she would have paid a still higher price if she had repressed her natural exuberance. She would have been bitter, frustrated, always concerned about 'what other people might think, ' always saying, 'I'll just sort these things out, then I'll devote myself to my dream, ' always complaining 'that the conditions are never quite right.' Deidre O'Neill, known as Edda Like The Alchemist, The Witch of Portobello is the kind of story that will transform the way readers think about love, passion, joy, and sacrifice.

**AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN eBOOK! ** In Barcelona, an aging Brazilian prostitute trains her dog to weep at the grave she has chosen for herself. In Vienna, a woman parlays her gift for seeing the future into a fortunetelling position with a wealthy family. In Geneva, an ambulance driver and his wife take in the lonely, apparently dying ex-President of a Caribbean country, only to discover that his political ambition is very much intact. In these twelve masterly stories about the lives of Latin Americans in Europe, García Márquez conveys the peculiar amalgam of melancholy, tenacity, sorrow, and aspiration that is the émigré experience.

The Hurlingford family have ruled the small town of Byron, nestled in the Blue Mountains, for generations. Wealthy, powerful and cruel, they get what they want, every time. Missy Wright's mother, a Hurlingford by birth, has been shunned by her family since marrying for love, not money. Now widowed, the women live a quiet existence in genteel poverty. Plain, thin and unforgivably single, it seems Missy's life is destined to be dreary. But then a stranger arrives in town. A divorcee from Sydney. And she opens Missy's eyes to the possibility of a happy ending. This is an endearing tale, full of wit, warmth and romance, from the bestselling author of THE THORN BIRDS.

Millions of people around the world have found inspiration and enlightenment in the wise words of Kahlil Gibran. One of the great philosophers of the last Century and bestselling author of The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran's writings have touched the hearts and souls of people across many nations and generations. The Little Book of Life's Wisdom is a unique and accessible collection of his thoughts and meditations offering spiritual insights and guidance. It provides an essential and inspiring source of understanding and comfort to anybody involved with the stresses and strains of modern life.