Stuck in a life of serving ale in the Kingdom of Harkon, fate changes for Isaac when a strange traveller enters his inn. The patrons respond violently to the stranger, only to be stopped by an armed escort. This stranger, known as Jacques, hails from Arcana, the rival nation of Harkon. Isaac ends up dragged along in a fantastic adventure, both on the roads of Harkon and through Jacques' memories.Isaac has spent most of his life serving the countless patrons of the King’s Rest inn in Harkon. It is a mundane life, and one he does not care for, since he prefers scholarly pursuits. He is obliged to aid his father in the family business, and there is no visible path for a different future. However, that all changes one night when a strange traveller enters the King’s Rest inn. His appearance prompts a violent response from the inn’s patrons, but they are stopped by Harkonian soldiers. What makes it even stranger is the appearance of Brahm, one of the great leaders of the Kingdom of Harkon. Isaac learns that the stranger, known as Jacques, hails from the nation called Arcana, the nation which is Harkon’s most bitter enemy and whose people are hated with a burning passion by the Harkonians. His curiosity gets the better of him about Jacques, and in time he pursues the Arcanian to write a chronicle about the traveller’s life.Isaac ends up being dragged along in an incredible adventure, both through the memories of Jacques and their slow passage through Harkon. In the midst of this knowledge seeking and adventure, malicious forces rise to bring about the destruction of both Arcana and Harkon. What exactly are the goals of this strange traveller, and how did he become an associate of one of the most influential figures of Harkon? Isaac has many questions, and only Jacques holds the answers.

A young lady visits a unique antique shop, not knowing that it has far more secrets than she has.When faced with a situation he doesn't understand, a little boy gives the only gift he can to an infant Jesus.This is just a short story I wrote for my family but decided to share with friends and family who live across the country. Feel free to download and enjoy it during this Christmas season.Make sure to rate and if you have a minute, review it. Much thanks.

Breakfast turns into the dissolution of a relationship, while heroin and hope collide in a gritty part of town.Youth, murder, infidelity, small clothes, green curry, and the acceptance of brothers intersect to form an exciting new collection of ten short and flash fiction pieces from the author of the novel A Butterfly Came to Rest.Breakfast turns into the dissolution of a relationship, while heroin and hope collide in a gritty part of town.Youth, murder, infidelity, small clothes, green curry, and the acceptance of brothers intersect to form an exciting new collection of ten short and flash fiction pieces from the author of the novel A Butterfly Came to Rest.Our Path is Paved in Echoes searches for commonality in disparate lives where joy, sadness, hope and redemption collide.

Cousin Elk is a short story of a man named Elk who had a vicious temper that led to troubling times in the lives of the Woodward family and the Young family. Based on a true story, Cousin Elk will transport you back to a time when life was much simpler and slower. Though it is a tale of reminiscence, there are twists and turns throughout the story that lead to an unexpected ending.Found in an old shoebox, this exercise in academic satire features the section in which an obscure medieval author travels with Geoffrey Chaucer and the pilgrims to Canterbury, as Chaucer chronicled in The Canterbury Tales. Leopold LaPied was there, although he did not make it into the Tales. Included is an afterword, commentary, and updated afterword.

A humorous book for children (ages 8-12 years).It's down to teenager, Sally, to save her home before the Sign People have their evil way. The whole of the west Cornish coast is relying on her. By the way, Sally is a seagull. So? What’s wrong with that! Seagulls are people too, you know.And who is that mysterious dog? Who knows! Who cares! Sally does and she's determined to uncover the truth.Sally began life ten years ago in Cornwall. I was planning on relocating to France but meanwhile was renting a cottage that would become awash with worms every time it rained.That’s perfectly all right except it happened inside the house!I typed the first line. Ask me how long one can stare at a monitor before going cross-eyed and I can answer that. I turned my head to look out the window and witnessed what would become the inspiration for the rest of my story. Outside on the lawn was a dog gobbling up the bread I’d left out for the gulls! And I thought only my cat did that.Snuggle down and enjoy yourself reading all about my girl and her escapades.Happy reading,Rosie.

Gabriel Joshua has risen from the Makoko slums of Lagos, Nigeria, to become an internationally acclaimed speaker on African poverty, the economy, terrorism, corruption and fraud. But being a hero for some means becoming an enemy to others who see him as a threat to their own power. An African thriller.At age fourteen Femi Akindele, an orphaned street-boy from the Makoko slum in Lagos decided to call himself Pastor Gabriel Joshua. Unqualified and self-taught and now in his mid-forties Gabriel has become a highly acclaimed international speaker on African affairs, economics, terrorism, corruption, fraud and the widespread poverty and economic migration that results. But Gabriel soon discovers that popularity never guarantees solutions or support for change. Together with his loyal, boyhood friend Tunde Oyedepo who, aged thirteen, became Solomon, Gabriel’s long ambition has been to create an alternative society funded by private donations and profits from their own company, Solomon Trading. But the area he has chosen for his economic experiment lies on the poverty ridden but dangerous northern borders of Nigeria and, if he is to achieve anything and attract investment, it’ll need defending from the ongoing terrorism that still plagues the area. With the US, UK and other Western powers still unwilling to help, Gabriel again decides to do it himself with a small, private army run by an ex British SAS soldier. But then Gabriel receives notice of an international arrest warrant falsely alleging fraud, corruption and money-laundering by Solomon Trading in connection with a big Nigerian government contract. This is followed by the murder of Solomon Trading’s London-based manager. In an attempt to understand what is going on and who is behind it, they employ the services of London-based international commercial crime investigators Asher & Asher. What Mark Dobson from A & A uncovers is a mixture of corporate politics – Russian and French – and a highly-organised group of wealthy and corrupt individuals already financing a terrorist operation (the COK) with one purpose in mind – the overthrow of the democratically elected Nigerian President and the establishment of a vast, new West African state. What stands in their way is the widespread popularity of Gabriel Joshua, the recently elected Nigerian President Hamed Massoud Azazi. and the newly appointed head of the Nigerian State Security Service, Colonel Martin Abisola. With the story covering events in London, Washington, Cairo and Nigeria, “An Honourable Fake” is a powerful follow-up novel to Terry Morgan’s “The Malthus Pandemic” and the second in the Asher & Asher series.

Wondering what happened that weekend that Tori went to visit Drew in his dorm? Well wonder no more. In a Bad Way Part One is a short story from Drew's perspective taking place between Chapters One and Two of Bad Blood.Wondering what happened that weekend that Tori went to visit Drew in his dorm? Well wonder no more. In a Bad Way Part One is a short story from Drew's perspective taking place between Chapters One and Two of Bad Blood. It's probably better if you read that first. Otherwise you're probably gonna hate Tori. Actually, you might hate her anyways. Possibly Isaac too. Basically you should just probably not read this.

Jusong, a young Firebrother who worships one of five eldritch gods that gifts mankind with magic, finds himself caught up in a political and religious plot that involves his close friend.Skyler Appleby is just a normal kid living a normal life in a normal school when her world is suddenly changed forever on her tenth birthday. Finding out you are an honest to goodness witch is enough to make any kid think they’ve won the lottery, but unfortunately it comes with bad news too...she has to move to a brand new school for magical kids and leave her ‘normal’ friends behind. While trying to deal with bullies, spells, and potion making, Skyler and her new friends must work together to save their school and teachers from the scary Grogs who are trying to steal the Scroll of Death which contains a spell that can bring back Moruga, one of the most evil witches of all time.

Three Welsh Pymke Pixies find themselves delivered to a suburban Seagull City backyard, much to the delight of Zoe, Sarah and Laura, a triplet trio of tumultuous tangental trouble.Join Spanglebean on his tour-de-force of existential self-discovery as he brainstorms a unique cosmology from his perspective within the confines of a quite large garden fence.What readers are saying about this book:"I had a Welsh Pymke Pixie once, and I never ever heard it swear.": Gordon Ramsay"The 'Big Bunnings Theory'? Mitre 10 was here WAY before them!": Stephen Hawking"I didn't understand Shakespeare when I was young, either.": John Bell"Rex, I know how you feel.": Banjo the dog."We are currently investigating this situation VERY carefully.": RSPCA, in co-operation with the Homeless Dog Welfare Society

Have you ever wanted to learn to dance? Lose those extra pounds? How about get that promotion you've always wanted? Perhaps you've wanted to know what it feels like to kill a man. Sleep with someone other than your spouse. If you have then you should contact Cyrus Tatum. He is known as many things. An accomplice to murder. Chauvinist. A man who has ruined lives. He prefers The Enabler.Behold, dear readers, my magnum opus. Girthir Norsethrust: The Trial of the Sex is an epic, rousing adventure tale set during the era of Beowulf, featuring brave warriors, mighty monsters and much sex. Girthir Norsethrust, mightiest hero in all of the Norselands, sets out to defeat monsters three. To prove himself the greatest and manliest hero of them all he must defeat these beasts, not with the sword…But with the sex.As well as being a barnstorming adventure tale in its own right, Girthir Norsethrust: The Trial of the Sex is also a subversive, multi-layered deconstruction of masculinity, and an exploration of what it means to be a manly man in the modern day.

A science fiction story about a man who overhears something.Molly only takes chances while driving. Life burned her, and she isn’t ready to open herself up to new wounds. Louis, Lou for short, knows more about the woman than she likes. When she discovers Lou crewed with her dead husband, Molly wonders how much Davis Lee told his shipmate about her. He’s supposed to be her muscle to facilitate an aircraft engine exchange. It’s a business trip into the wilds of Alaska that has them cooped up in a truck for days. Where will their road talk take them?

Isla is sure nothing will happen when a Halloween seance try to contact her mother’s spirit. But the séance receives a chilling reply: SHE IS NOT DEAD.Isla doesn’t want to upset her father by prying into the family's history. When the mysterious and unearthly Jack offers to help her discover the truth, Isla must master new abilities to protect her loved ones from enemies she never knew existed.Isla was content to let her father keep his secrets, but now she can’t stand the touch of iron and her dreams are developing a life of their own. Seventeen-year-old Isla Blackman only agrees to participate in a Halloween séance because Dominic, an old crush, wants to. She is sure nothing will happen when they try to contact her mother’s spirit. But the séance receives a chilling reply.SHE IS NOT DEAD.Isla doesn’t want to upset her father by prying into the family history he never discusses. When the mysterious and unearthly Jack offers to help her discover the truth, Isla must master her new abilities to protect her loved ones from enemies she never knew existed.

Ash Magazine Issue 2 has art and stories byAndrew Dimitrov,Nikole Klinkhammer,Tony Gill,Tammie Painter,Eartha Forest,Will Schmitz,Devon Amato,Brett Cihon,Patrick Logon,Elizabeth J. Sparenberg,JazzMinh Moore,Erin Kassidy,Kayla Himmelberger,Nicholas Utke,Allison Wilde,Adam Roberts,Anna Palmer,It is published byLord HaywireAsh Magazine is a magazine dedicated to exposing people to unknown writers and artists.Ash Magazine Issue 2 has art and stories byAndrew DimitrovNikole KlinkhammerTony GillTammie PainterEartha ForestWill SchmitzDevon AmatoBrett CihonPatrick LogonElizabeth J. SparenbergJazzMinh MooreErin KassidyKayla HimmelbergerNicholas UtkeAllison WildeAdam RobertsAnna PalmerAsh Magazine is published byLord HaywireAsh Magazine Issue 2 was edited by Jenn Waterman

If we can look to the future with hopefulness, we can live with dignity. Miranda has known this her whole life, and she recounts in her diary a summary of her life up to the age of fifty-one. Tragedies bring her low time and again, yet she carries on, not with superhuman strength, but with the resilience that dignity gives a person. No adult-only content. ~2,000 words.With hope, we can accomplish what seems impossible at first. This is the diary of Miranda, born into humble circumstances, and brought low time and again by tragedies in her life. Yet she never gives up, for the simple reason that hopefulness has been a central part of her character since she was a child.At the age of fifty-one, Miranda begins keeping a diary for posterity. The first entry is a summary of her life up to that point, and what she plans to do thereafter in her remaining years. Hope is a recurring theme in her life, as she returns to the well of her childhood learning time and again in order to find the will to carry on. We all benefit from the Miranda's in our midst, and without them, there might well be no hope for any of us. Hers is a life with authentic human dignity.No adult-only content. ~2,000 words.

American agent Harry Latham has penetrated the fortresslike mountain hideaway of the Brotherhood of the Watch, a neo-Nazi organization that was born in the days after the fall of the Third Reich. But on the eve of his most spectacular success, after three years in deep cover, Harry disappears. Drew Latham, Special Officer for Consular Operations in Paris, is frantic to discover his older brother’s fate. But when Drew receives the good news that Harry has surfaced, gut-twisting doubts arise. For Harry has emerged with an explosive document: a list of secret supporters of the Brotherhood, among them high-ranking officials of the United States and its allies. But is it legitimate? The search for the truth about Harry and the growing Nazi threat will plunge Drew into a labyrinth of deceit and death. And whoever makes it out alive will hold the fate of the free world in his hands. Praise for Robert Ludlum and The Apocalypse Watch  * “A powerful, exploding novel . . . vintage Ludlum in fine form.”—Booklist “If a Pulitzer Prize were awarded for escapist fiction, Robert Ludlam undoubtedly would have won it. Ten times over.”—Mobile Register  * “Bloody great fun.”—Kirkus Reviews** BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Robert Ludlum’s *The Bourne Identity.*

Aileen was supposed to grow up magical – just like the other women in her family. Unfortunately, she’s just found out that the magic seems to have skipped a generation… but that’s not her biggest problem right now. In her world, there are four Islands of Chaldea. The largest and most magical island has been cut off from the other three for decades – and is slowly draining the magic from them. But now a prophecy has come to light. Someone from Aileen’s island will gather a man from each of the three islands, bring down the magical barrier, and unite them with the fourth island again. And according to the king, that someone is Aileen’s Aunt – who insists on dragging Aileen along. AND the boy Aileen is sure she’ll marry (one day); the local boy with more brawn then brain. Someone seems to want to stop them too… someone with an interest in keeping the Islands apart. But still, with magic on their side, nothing can go wrong. Right?

DEFIANT BRIDE From the first time Jasmine's eyes met those of Lord Jamie Cameron in a smoky British inn, theirs was the wrong kind of attraction -- not gentle, slow, and easy, but hot, hard, and all-consuming. The illegitimate daughter of an actress and a duke, Jassy had dreams no man could wench from her in a moment of desire. She's resist this bold nobleman with all the strength of her soul. But her golden hair, fiery temperament, and indomitable spirit obsessed Lord Cameron... and he wanted her with him when he sailed for the new wilderness called Virginia. So he had a bargain for the spit-fire Jassy, one that only a very special woman would dare to make...

Bo Blackman is not adjusting to her new life as a fledgling vampire particularly well. Drinking blood sickens her and, despite her new enhanced physical skills and the attention she's receiving from Lord Montserrat, she's desperate to find a cure. When her illegal search takes her to the door of Fingertips and Frolics, a small family-run magic shop, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of tit-for-tat with murderous consequences. To complicate matters further, she's forced to also take on a case of apparent kidnapping. But with no ransom demand and a client she despises, it may be more of a struggle to solve than she realises.

An irresistible bind-up edition of two infectiously entertaining adventure mysteries, Spaghetti Tangle and Teacher Trouble, from the bestselling author of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, Alexander McCall Smith, and with amazing illustrations by Kate Hindley throughout. * Spaghetti Tangle * John and Nicky would give anything in the world for a bowl of chips or a piece of chocolate cake, but they live with their strange aunty and she won't let them eat anything that's not raw! One day they sneek out and slurp down a plate piled high with spaghetti. Now they want more ... Lucky for them, there's a competition to visit the spaghetti factory and eat as much as you like. What will aunty say? * Teacher Trouble * It's Jenny's first day at a new school and she looks very grown-up – her mum has made sure of it. But when she arrives at the school, she looks so smart that the rest of her class think she is their new teacher! Soon Jenny finds herself in all sorts of tricky situations. How long will it be before Jenny is found out? And what will happen then?

What Maisie Knew is a novel by Henry James, first published as a serial in the Chap-Book and (revised and abridged) in the New Review in 1897 and then as a book later that year. It tells the story of the sensitive daughter of divorced, irresponsible parents. The book is also a masterly technical achievement by James, as it follows the title character from earliest childhood to precocious maturity. What Maisie Knew has attained a fairly strong critical position in the Jamesian canon. Edmund Wilson was one of many critics who admired both the book's technical proficiency and its judgment of a negligent and damaged society. When Wilson recommended What Maisie Knew to Vladimir Nabokov, the author of Lolita, Nabokov said he thought the book was terrible. F.R. Leavis, on the other hand, declared the book to be "perfection." The psychoanalytic critic Neil Hertz has argued for a parallel between James' narrative voice and the problem of transference in Freud's Dora case. Henry James, OM (15 April 1843 – 28 February 1916) was an American writer who spent most of his writing career in Britain. He is regarded as one of the key figures of 19th-century literary realism. He was the son of Henry James, Sr. and the brother of philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James. He is best known for a number of novels showing Americans encountering Europe and Europeans. His method of writing from a character's point of view allowed him to explore issues related to consciousness and perception, and his style in later works has been compared to impressionist painting. His imaginative use of point of view, interior monologue and unreliable narrators brought a new depth to narrative fiction. James contributed significantly to literary criticism, particularly in his insistence that writers be allowed the greatest possible freedom in presenting their view of the world. James claimed that a text must first and foremost be realistic and contain a representation of life that is recognizable to its readers. Good novels, to James, show life in action and are, most importantly, interesting. In addition to his voluminous works of fiction he published articles and books of travel, biography, autobiography, and criticism, and wrote plays. James alternated between America and Europe for the first twenty years of his life; eventually he settled in England, becoming a British subject in 1915, one year before his death. James was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1911, 1912, and 1916.

Even God stays away from the village of BETHANY'S SIN. For Evan Reid, his wife Kay, and their small daughter Laurie, the beautiful house in the small village was too good a bargain to pass up. Bethany's Sin was a weird name, but the village was quaint and far from the noise and pollution of the city. But Bethany's Sin was too quiet. There were no sounds at all...almost as if the night had been frightened into silence. Evan began to notice that there were very few men in the village, and that most of them were crippled. And then there was the sound of galloping horses. Women on horses. Riding in the night. Soon he would learn their superhuman secret. And soon he would watch in terror as first his wife, then his daughter, entered their sinister cabal. An ancient evil rejoiced in Bethany's Sin. A horror that happened only at night...and only to men.