In the future, those who score high in polls, the High-Opps, live in plush apartments, with comfortable jobs, every possible convenience. But those who are low-opped, find themselves crowded in Warrens, with harsh lives and brutal conditions. When a former High-Opp finds himself fighting for survival in the city’s underworld, it is time for a revolution. And every revolution needs a leader.

Sixfold is an all-writer-voted journal. All writers who upload their manuscripts vote to select the highest-voted $1000 prize-winning manuscripts and all the short stories and poetry published in each issue.Sixfold is an all-writer-voted journal. All writers who upload their manuscripts vote to select the highest-voted $1000 prize-winning manuscripts and all the short stories and poetry published in each issue.In Sixfold Poetry Summer 2016:Sarah Sansolo | Bedtime Stories & other poemsMiranda Cowley Heller | Things the Tide Has Discarded & other poemsAlexa Poteet | Escobar's Hacienda Napoles & other poemsCynthia Robinson Young | Triple Dare & other poemsNicole Lachat | Of Infidelities & other poemsAmy Nawrocki | Bad Girls & other poemsLawrence Hayes | Winter Climb & other poemsAJ Powell | God the Baker & other poemsGisle Skeie | Rearranging & other poemsBruce Taylor | Always Expect a Train & other poemsRicky Ray | They Used to Be Things & other poemsS. E. Ingraham | Storm Angels & other poemsLaura Gamache | Outing & other poemsKeighan Speer | It Rained Today & other poemsEmma Atkinson | Grocery Stores Make Me Feel Mentally Ill & other poemsErin Lehrmann | Block & other poemsD. H. Turtel | Margaret, Again & other poemsChris Haug | Bovine Paranoia & other poemsKimberly M. Russo | Definitive Definition & other poemsHolly Walrath | A Tourist of Sorts & other poemsAngel C. Dye | Beauty in Her Marrow & other poems

Smuggling, skulduggery and scuba diving in Scotland. Steel disappeared and turned up weeks later bruised, bloody and alive, dumped high in the mountains. Relief is mixed with anger, confusion and a determination to uncover what he had stumbled upon. He had crossed a line, not his own, this time the line was his, and he was ready for whatever stepped over it.Smuggling, skulduggery and scuba diving and he was in the right place at the wrong time. A late evening encounter outside the compressor shed and a moment of panic. A tourist joins the list of missing persons, literally whisked away one night and missing for weeks. Don Steel wasn't any tourist, his new enemies may have been unknown but their ignorance of who they had snatched would prove costly. Battered, bruised and bloody he turns up in a ditch high in the mountains above Glencoe; airlifted to hospital for treatment his recuperation is disrupted by an attempt to silence him. Steel would be neither silent nor compliantly lie down. Leaving his attacker in the care of and needing the attention of the ward sister he takes to the road and begins a cat and mouse chase across the highlands and islands of Scotland to a final showdown in Tobermory Bay backed up by allies colleagues and friends, and one friend discovers just how far he will go.

Five inter-connected stories set in a mythical past focus on the experiences of the slave Gorgik and deal with aspects of the beginning of civilization. Contents: "The Tale of Gorgik" "The Tale of Old Venn" "The Tale of Small Sarg" "The Tale of Potters and Dragons" "The Tale of Dragons and Dreamers."

This is a collection of a variety of short short stories, and essays that may stir and warm your hearts. Although they may be short, they still bring a powerful message and an enduring ending. The stories are fun with plots that takes the reader on a journey of words fulfilling a message unto an enjoyable evening of reading. It is a short book with high hopes.Sophia's Garden is a short story about a young woman's look at life and her possible death. When family members are faced with the unknown, paralized by the inability to do anything but watch a loved one go through painful challenges, how does she teach them to live while looking at her own demise? What this short, poignant story might show you may change your life and those who love you if you are face insurmountable odds.

Adderand has lost his friend, his money, and his sight. Only thing he has left is his sword and somebody just made it on to his death list.POWERS SPLICED TOGETHER LIKE SCIONS TO STOCKTHIS IS THE FIRST MISSIONAfter years of training among splicers—a secluded community of people able to make auras of energy surround their bodies and burst into concussive blasts—Sophie is ready to run away.She has failed to become a successful splicer at every attempt while it comes so naturally to other students. Their power comes from their communion with one another, which troubles Sophie who is an outsider among a close-knit population and is prone to be alone.But on the eve of her escape, her instructor pairs her with Logan, the best splicer among her peers, in a mission to escort a group of visitors back to their village. They have made a recent pilgrimage to the tower where the splicers live and they are coming back home through a countryside riddled with bandits and an unforgiving wilderness.With the perfect opportunity to escape, Sophie must decide between her responsibilities and her true desires. Can she bring herself to risk Logan’s life and the lives of innocent visitors in order to escape?If you wish to read more, download now!BONUS FOR YOU AT THE END OF THE BOOK!EXCERPTThe sun was beginning to set and they wouldn’t be able to see the trail for much longer, especially once they reached the nearby woods.“We should stop for the night,” she said.Immediately, Logan removed his rucksack from his shoulder and set it amid the grass along the road. He extended an arm behind himself and plopped down on his haunches.Sophie tilted her head towards him. “Wow. That was easier than I expected,” she said.“What?” Logan asked, looking curious.“I just thought you would want to push onward, you know? I mean, you’re the gold standard of splicer students, right? So, I just expected more determination — not that I’m complaining. That’s all.”Logan rested his arms on his knees with a blade of grass in his fingers. He ripped it apart and then doubled the segments over and did it again until he had to grab more grass and restart the cycle.“It’s the smart decision,” he said, distracted by the grass.“Okay. Well, I’m going to go gather some firewood.”Sophie walked away, considering the option of just running away now and saving herself the effort of actually going through with the mission.“Whatever. Don’t let me stop you,” Logan said. And Sophie was glad that he could not see her growing so angry with his rude attitude again that she imagined herself with a fierce red aura.Soon, she disappeared into the woods, mumbling to herself; deciding that, yes, she would leave now and find a new home.Preferably somewhere far from the splicers, please.Download and discover why readers are raving about Elena Snowfield.Scroll up and get the book now!

When a perfect couple commits double suicide, alarms go off in the offices of the high-tech matchmaking company. Investigation into a second couple's double suicide reveals a stunning labyrinth of artificial intelligence, creative genius, and a melding of technology that does indeed deliver on the company's guarantee of a perfect, lifelong mate.

Quasar was created by a Robotic intelligence to kill their enemies, he was their latest secret weapon against an organic race that they were at war with, an empire went to the winner, unfortunately for his creators, Quasar decided to win it for himself. However he did not get it all his own way for he knew nothing about subterfuge, but he did know how to be evil.Many brave men had died fighting against Quasar, Admiral Amundsen, Captain Olsen led the list, but many others aided them, but only at the very end did they come to realise just what kind of enemy they were up against.Even his creators had not envisaged the mental power that their creation would attain, and use, when it began to draw upon the technology of the advanced organic civilization, it was awesome to the extreme. Unfortunately, for the Mechanoids and the rest of the universe, Quasar soon developed a personality and outgrew his limited programming, so he reprogrammed himself, and then he began on his relentless quest to rule over an empire. Unfortunately for him something kept on getting in his way, finally it was four people from the planet of Earth who were drawn into one man’s desperate battle to rid the universe of Quasar for ever, but how could they succeed when three empires had tried and failed.

An off-world trader and a green civil rights activist walk into a trendy restaurant on a desert planet...This unusual and provocative short story by Sara Zaske was shortlisted for The Reader's 2012 Short Story competition.After a war that nearly wipes everyone out, famine becomes the biggest problem as the toxic aftermath won't allow any growth. All of the plants and animals are nearly gone and people are dwindling. Then scientist come through by setting up farms in the vacant skyscrapers, using artificial sunlight and a sophisticated watering system. This story focuses on the regular schlubs that guard the farm. The only reason that the people that remained survived the famine was because they had slow metabolisms. The remaining society consists of former fatties. Not survival of the fittest, the narrator points out, but survival of the fattest. The two friends get themselves into a bind when one of them is challenged to an honor duel by a mutant.

Deren the squire and his Master Sir Bron have been selected for a mission behind enemy lines. The mysterious Baron Adderand will lead the mission. The Baron's reputation for brutality and sword skill proceeds him. Where would the enigmatic baron take them? What lay ahead, adventure, wealth, intrigue or death?Two scientists pull an all-nighter, desperate to complete their work before the project is terminated.Garrett was just reaching for the keyboard when the office door flew open and Harris burst in."I've got something!" shouted the scientist, his face flushed. "Quick. Come and see!"Garrett jumped up and ran for the door. Harris was already half-way down the corridor, running flat-out with his white lab coat flapping behind him like a sail in a hurricane.A 2000-word short story by Simon Haynes, author of the Hal Spacejock series.

The tempest was only beginning to boil up. Few could see what it would engulf before exhausting itself upon a ruined land. And a ruined land it was to be…millions of lives snuffed out with countless cities buried in smoldering rubble. Yet it was going to happen, causing those involved to release a collective sigh, for the day had come at last.As if groggily rising from some drunken stupor, the whole universe was waking to reality, shaking off its former illusions of complacency and indifference. The realization of who the oldest child had really become was beginning to sink in. To publicly attempt the destruction of an innocent mind for no reason other than selfish desire had pushed their limits of tolerance beyond the breaking point. No honest person could find an excuse for Asotos’ actions. There was no longer any defense for the man’s violence committed against his brothers and sisters.A new energy filled the hearts of Lowenah’s children. War was coming. And if Asotos was not defeated, everyone surviving would be enslaved for as long as the universe remained. Freedom would disappear forever. Preventing such a thing from happening rested on their shoulders. The fate of all future history and all past life lay in their hands. The tempest was only beginning to boil up. Few could see what it would engulf before exhausting itself upon a ruined land. And a ruined land it was to be…millions of lives snuffed out with countless cities buried in smoldering rubble. Yet it was going to happen, causing those involved to release a collective sigh, for the day had come at last. Most had never lifted a hand in anger against another, and now they were prepared to kill or be killed. Billions were gathering to this coming day of slaughter, one that was to make the Great War appear as though but a small skirmish.Their waiting in suspense was over. Now duty begged them on to whatever destiny awaited them. A blood moon was rising - an omen of a savage, sanguine struggle leading to the obliteration of either the Children’s Empire or the League of Brothers.So unfolds Book III of “The Chronicles of Heaven’s War: Blood Moon Rising”, as the epic tale of mankind’s history is further revealed...that which has been hid in secrecy for millennia now coming to light. Follow those who stand as our silent sentinels as they engage in all-out warfare to eradicate evil from their Realm as well as ours, fighting to pave the way for lasting peace, where love and freedom will reign supreme.

Three unlikely detectives join forces to solve a series of brutal murders in Tudor London, and are drawn into the political intrigues of its wealthiest and most powerful families.It is 1550: a time of divisive political, economic, and religious innovation throughout England. Although the City of London is burdened with overpopulation, poverty, and crime, so far its watch and constables have managed to keep the peace. However, when the body of an unidentified man is discovered in the butcher's district, brutally murdered with a meat cleaver, tension between the City's butchers and its rising immigrant population threatens to escalate into violence. Under pressure from sheriff Sir John York to find the murderer and restore order, parish constable George Harwood enlists his friend, soldier-turned-innkeeper Thomas Whyte, into the investigation. Unwittingly, he also involves Katherine Whyte, Thomas's strong-minded and capable cousin. The three unlikely detectives follow a trail of suspicious deaths, from the affluent mansions of Walbrook to the slums of Fenchurch Street. But are they connected? What part do York's own shadowy dealings play in the drama? Is there a political dimension to the deaths, or are they just the result of the random casual violence that typifies City life? As the investigation proceeds, Whyte finds himself increasingly drawn into the unfolding series of events, making powerful enemies, and putting his own life and Katherine's in jeopardy.

The author advances a theory of human behaviour based on the concept of a primal fear of not surviving. Evidence of such a fear is presented, and the ways we assuage or suppress it are described. These reveal its relevance to the emotions of love, anger, addiction and depression. A suggestion for dealing with the fear rationally, is offered.Bundled with the Fear Psychology thesis is a review paper entitled “A Century of Psychoanalysis”, which discusses an old psychology that has not yet expired. It introduced ideas that were radical and alarming at a time when sexual matters were not for public discussion, but what was probably more alarming was the concept of 'unconscious' motivation of behavior. This aspect of the theory tends to have been forgotten or ignored.

Short story about a teen and how he became the leader of his gang.How do you catch a killer who is already dead?One year ago, the Bluebell Killer killed his last victim. He was shot and killed, leaving behind a legacy of twenty corpses and a name that people will fear for years to come…A year later, a man is shot in the back of the head and left in a field of bluebells. Is it a mugging gone wrong? A copycat killer? Or is the Bluebell Killer still out there, waiting to pounce on his next victim?For DS Evelyn Giles the solution is simple – it’s just another dirty politician caught committing an unforgiveable crime. But with the evidence stacking up against him, Giles’ suspect has one more surprise in store for her…And his words will throw everything she knows into question…‘It’s not over yet.’The past is coming back to haunt DS Giles. She’s already sacrificed much for the lie. The only question is how much more will she suffer for the truth?An ingeniously, gripping thriller, The Bluebell Informant is a dark, unexpected and emotionally charged debut.

Jadde – The Fragile Sanctuary is a smash through post-apocalyptic Sci-fi. Read this book to see how a genetic mutation goes horribly wrong.Millennia have passed since the twenty-first century demon wars when mankind so nearly succumbed to the Quarter-men. Now only isolated pockets of humanity survive. One insular tribe The Seconchane, are developing psychic powers but sometimes the gift fails...Jadde – The Fragile Sanctuary is a full on smash and crash through post-apocalyptic Sci-fi. If you want to see how a genetic mutation can go horribly wrong then read this book. Millennia have passed since the twenty-first century demon wars when mankind so nearly succumbed to genetically altered mutants - The Quarter-men. Now only isolated pockets of struggling humanity survive. One insular tribe The Seconchane, are developing psychic powers. Sometimes the gift fails and the unfortunates are banished from the Seconchane’s mountain valleys. Into this harsh reality comes Malkrin Owlear one of the Seconchane’s most gifted. But his incredible talent falters once too often . . .He discovers the deadlands are not as barren as the priesthood say. The quarter-men, from mans technological past have returned, intent on completing their destruction of mankind. Malkrin and his paranormally talented friends must rediscover from a time forgotten how the ancients led by the goddess Jadde prevailed over the quarter-men swarms.It was mans last chance – and Malkrin cannot fail.

That One Day business trip wasn't a complete disaster for Vince, till he took that shortcut toward "Lane 80 Gremmes" and checked into a hotel on the deserted street.Learning how to witness is a major priority for Jael, the littlest missionary. In this adventure she and her cousin Michaela learn the Romans Road. They learn a series of verses that will help them to make the Gospel of Christ clear to any boy or girl that they meet. It's important to know what to say when they talk to other about God, so Jael is really excited to have a simple plan to follow that helps her show children WHY they need Christ and HOW to get to know Him better.

Internal Security wanted a secret weapon. They didn't want witnesses. They abducted the student they thought had made a discovery and bombed the university physics lab. That didn't work well, either. The student they'd abducted was convicted of attempting to murder the others. It was standard procedure.No one got out of Horgen Field prison alive, but if Bard was right, there was a way.Science FictionContains both Pyramid Knights novels:Consensus RebellionUnder the Pall305,000 wordsParanormal elementContains relationships which may offend some readersIn Animal Farm, Orwell iterated the predictability of an elitist oligarchy in an isolated society, if all external communication and asset trade is controlled by a comparatively small group, with a perceived social difference. And that control is one.Gradeload:Internal Security wanted a secret weapon. They didn't want any witnesses. They abducted the student they thought had made a discovery and bombed the university physics lab. That didn't work well, either. IS was very displeased. The student they'd abducted was convicted of attempting to murder the others. It was standard procedure.No one got out of Horgen Field prison alive, but if Bard was right, there was a way. The six, who IS had intended to kill, began to search for what he was sure existed. The assassin could teach him to stay alive.Read as fast as you can to get the story. Read it again to see and hear them speak.

White Rabbit's failed rescue mission to Ali Baba’s house triggers off a series of dilemmas. He is obliged to postpone his return to Wonderland. Alice cannot go to Wonderland without White Rabbit to direct her. The Duchess's Tea Party is postponed until he returns. Furthermore, the publishers are unable to bring out a new edition unless they ensnare White Rabbit.The girls feel sorry for an innocent boy who is in the clutches of the bandit chief. Much against his will, they send White Rabbit to Ali Baba’s house. His first attempt misfires and he is forced to postpone his trip back to Wonderland. This triggers off a series of dilemmas. Unless he completes his mission, he cannot attend the Duchess’s Tea Party. Also, Alice is unable to go to Wonderland without White Rabbit to direct her. Furthermore, the publishers cannot bring out a new edition unless White Rabbit gets back. But he isn’t anxious to make his exit. “I find this land more wonderful and the people extremely charming,” he says, eyeing a bed of carrots and the green lawn beyond.

This E-book is a collection of short stories following the darkness within and without basic human nature, showing us how big and how small our worlds truly are. Grim tales of the unknown and a magnifying glass on the people we may be standing right next to. Chillers, Thrillers and adventures abound, but are you ready for what lies beneath the Depths?Through blackened vistas, the world appears dark and dreary. In truth, those windows are clear and truthful though. Does this mean the dark recesses of our world hide some sinister truth yet to be discovered? Is there something sinister right alongside us that we do not see? In “The Depths,” we hear the chilling final tale of Oscar Lindström, a deep sea analyst. While diving in the Baltic Sea, he discovered something neither he nor anyone would be prepared for…but what did he find?In “A Normal Life,” Calvin DeRue is invited to a neighbor’s Bar mitzvah, yet something is amiss. Someone in this party is hiding their true intentions and the devil is in the details. Who are they and what sinister truth are they hiding?Finally, in “Just a Talk,” Donovan Lemarr is in for the shock of his life. One simple day at work belies a world of trouble at home. Worse for wear, how will Don handle the struggles he isn’t prepared for?

"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you..." Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives. Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now—reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers—not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke. When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained—and captivated—by their stories. By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself. What would he say . . . ?