Silverberg, winner of four Hugos and five Nebulas, presents a riveting tale of an epic voyage of survival in a hostile environment. On the watery world of Hydros, humans live on artificial islands and keep an uneasy peace with the native race of amphibians. When a group of humans angers their alien hosts, they are exiled--set adrift on the planet's vast and violent sea.

I shall begin with that which is passionate and beautiful, as an old man is wont to do. Fire, who consumes and destroys even as she gives light and warmth, loveliest of the Elements. Once, she locked herself away, hidden in a land of snow and ice, fearing the power that burned within her. 's the folly: we brought her back.I've heard people say that the Forbidden City and the Elements are myths. My own grandchildren laugh at the stories my father told me, of an age when men lived in cities a thousand times the size of Eastpoint-by-the-blight or Silverfall, when they sailed the sky in ships made of metal and were masters of all they saw. Even my son considers the tales of Fire and the Second Sun or Wind and the City that Fell from the Sky to be nothing more than bedside stories or the ramblings of a senile old man. I fear that we have lost all we once were, as the Pact of the Elements fades from the memory of man, vanishing into the mists of the past. When I was but a boy, my great grandfather, lying on his deathbed, sat me down and looked hard into my eyes. He was a ferocious man who would never tell a lie, and he said to me, "Ezekiel, you listen well. Your father never held with the stories, and so now I'm telling you. Every one of them is true, sure as the sun and moon and ground beneath your feet. You mind your letters, and you keep those stories alive, or so help me I will come back and take it from your hide." I nodded solemnly; he has never yet proven himself to be a liar. So here I am, Ezekiel Masukawa, last of the true Scribes, in this two hundredth year since the Return of the Elements and the Fall of Man. I commit these truths to paper and ink, that they might be remembered and heeded in the days to come. We must never forget that we are not alone, that the Forbidden City still sits within a ring of stone and fire, shrouded in mist and guarded by air and lightning. They live in opposition to the natural order of things, waiting to reclaim the world they have lost. But I am getting ahead of myself...

It's bad enough that Zzyk pins the blame for two assassinations on Izzy and launches a full out assault on their home compound. But then, another enemy takes advantage of a security lapse to get revenge for a war that happened 20 years ago. The Wilizy are left reeling with two key members kidnapped and stashed where they can't be found, let alone rescued.INSIDE — SET FIRE TO THE RAIN: Part Two of UNCENSORED’s Exclusive Interview with Daytime’s Best Actress (And 2010’s Sexiest Woman Alive) Y&R’s Michelle Stafford In Her Most Personal and Honest Interview Ever — “I Felt Like A Failure!” Exclusive: ONE LIFE’s Trevor St. John on Todd’s Arrest For Victor’s “Murder!” Report: Is THE REVOLUTION Being Cancelled? Is GH Safe? GH’s Maurice Benard Sounds Off on JFP, Garin Wolf, Megan Ward, and Cartini! Rumour: Is Billy Miller Leaving Y&R? Find Out! Plus: Is Y&R Already Planning a Tristan Rogers Comeback? Y&R Spoiler: Find Out How Harmony Falls For: Tucker, Neil or Sarge! Plus: A Neil-Ashley Redux? B&B: Katherine Kelly Lang On Losing Her Pre-Nom! GH: The Return of Liason! Plus: More Franco! Why Tyler Christopher Wants to Finish Off GH’s Nikolas For Good! Kristian Alfonso Toronto-Bound! DAYS: Divorce for Sami and Rafe! More On The GH DVR Blackout? Plus: Last Week's Reviews, Unbelievable Blind Items, and Next Week's Cheat Sheet!

Bilingual English/Spanish. Ester learns a very important lesson about littering. How does her new kitten teach her?Alaric and Everet have begun their journey across the desolate Oresian plains back to the border, where they'll continue on to the Vasque Capitole to meet with Veld Martiale Hadryan. But issues more personal and pressing than a stalled treaty and the Holds' futures must first be addressed, and as the fury of a coming storm begins to mount, so too do the tension and uncertainty between the pair.

Princess Camryn is a kind, humble girl who is taught to believe she is a horrendous creature. AGES(7+)Princess Camryn is a kind, humble girl who is taught to believe she is a horrendous creature. Mirrors were prohibited at the castle. Although her family was revolted by the princess, the whole court loved her. Being unattractive was not acceptable for this arrogant Royal family known for their exquisite beauty. The only way to prevent Princess Camryn from becoming a Queen is to make her disappear forever. With the help of her sister, the Queen finds a warlock to cast a spell on the Princess. The princess is cursed to a sparkling rivulet form by the despicable warlock. The only way to break the spell was for a kind, handsome prince to fall in love with her in her new form before she turned eighteen and for him to seal and dry the creek’s source.

Leftover from the Holidays is a selected gift from Bobby’s children’s classics. These stories are bouncing off the wall with fun twists and turns that children will enjoy. The gift is perfect for the holidays. (See also Giggles Holiday Stories by Bobby A. Troutt, published by Goose River Press)An adult fictional, short story about a man's journey of self-empowerment and discovering life. When he experiences a life changing event he re-evaluates his life and pushes himself to the limits. Throughout his journey he finds himself through past, present, and future events. The story provokes an emotional roller coaster, only to conclude that the ending is the beginning and beginning the end.After you have enjoyed this free ebook, the author would love your feedback!

Carine is volunteering at Warmth of Winter this holiday season. And as every year, Misha is there too, bossing her around. Carine does everything Misha says, because she knows a secret that could change Carine's life if anyone knew. When a handsome new guy, Flynn, volunteers at Warmth of Winter, Misha instantly commands her to stay away from him. But is this the one thing Carine just cannot do?Carine is volunteering at Warmth of Winter this holiday season, as she does every year. And, just like every year, Misha is there too, ready to boss her around. Carine does everything Misha says~ she obeys every command because she knows a secret that could devastate Carine's life if it ever got out.When a handsome new guy, Flynn, volunteers at Warmth of Winter, Misha instantly demands that Carine stays away from him. Carine feels an instant attraction to Flynn, and staying away from him may be the one thing she just cannot do~ even if it means risking her secret being exposed.Warmth of Winter is a romantic SHORT STORY. It includes the first eight chapters of Bryexe: She Lives in a Dollhouse as a free preview of Yari Garcia's first full-length novel.

El Cuerpo Muere, El Alma NoPara Gerard la vida no tenia sentido, no desde la muerte de ella, el amor de su vida, Lisa habia fallecido en un accidente de transito hace algunos dias. Gee aún podia cerrar los ojos y recordar la noche en que le llamaron a su casa para informarle que ella habia muerto, recordaba no poder creerlo y llorar toda la maldita noche. Ella se fue junto con su amor, su esperanza y un bello a...nillo de compromiso, con el cual ambos pensaban unir sus vidas para siempre…pero eso no fue posible, y ahora Gerard revisaba lo único que le quedaba en su recuerdo, un montón de fotos de ellos juntos que reflejaban la felicidad y el amor que se vio interrumpido de manera brusca apartándola de su lado para siempre. Pero quizás, esto no se quede así…y pronto Gee descubra que hay alguien que sigue dando vueltas a su alrededor, que sigue amándolo escondida en las sombras y que no puede alejarse porque su amor la mantiene atada a él…

Fucked up short stories by Pawl Schwartz. WSUANBCWAD is a zine made by Pawl Schwartz featuring his shorter experimental fiction and prose poems. This issue, #2, was published in Pittsburgh, PA at the Cyberpunk Apocalypse collective house, and has been distributed there as well as in Chicago and Louisville, KY."What I like about this author is his passion-forward prose, with a lurking profane creepiness... I cannot discount the appeal and worthiness of it. This is at many points dirty, surreal, and just plain weird, in a good way." -Rodney GardnerWSUANBCWAD is a zine made by Pawl Schwartz featuring his shorter experimental fiction and prose poems. This issue, #2, was published in Pittsburgh, PA at the Cyberpunk Apocalypse collective house, and has been distributed there as well as in Chicago and Louisville, KY. Available now for the first time in Ebook format, and with an additional short story: 'Crotch.' Pawl is for those with an affinity for the experimental, weird, and profane.Single serving mechanically separated and individually packaged short story product for safe consumption. Contains more than 5% fat. Printed on Internet product. May pose fire hazard if left unread. Do not read in unsafe area or without the supervision of an experienced or pregnant reader. No data has been submitted to the FDA regarding this product. It does not claim to cause or cure any diseases.

My First Christmas Tree is our first book celebrating the Christmas spirit with readers of all ages. In the story, a young boy finally receives the answer to his Christmas prayers as he joins his new family. Along the way, he meets a Douglas Fir Christmas tree named Dougie. Both boy and tree learn about the healing power of true Christmas spirit, especially when shared together with loved onesMy First Christmas Tree is our first book celebrating the Christmas spirit with readers of all ages. The characters are fictional, but the experience with such a wonderful Christmas tree is based on actual events with our family. In the story, a young boy finally receives the answer to his Christmas prayers as he joins his new family. Along the way, he meets a Douglas Fir Christmas tree named Dougie. Both boy and tree learn about the healing power of true Christmas spirit, especially when shared together with loved ones!

The Custom Culture guys, Nix, Clutch, Dray and Rett, are back for one final novel, and you're invited! Nix Pierce has been in love with Scotlyn James since long before he met her, and now he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. But is Scotlyn ready?

A short story looking into the lives and history of the celestial bodies that we take for granted.Millions of stars were born in the universe, but the Sun was unique. It knew there was a larger purpose to them all, and it set out to fulfill it. It will be difficult, involving harsh decisions and cosmic destruction, but it must be done. A tale of parents and children, of love and sacrifice, Children of the Universe portrays our celestial bodies as real characters who go through life changing experiences.

In Race You, Travis and his brother race each other everywhere. That changes when Travis breaks his leg, but then he discovers there is a bright side. In The Pretender, Sam's love of pretending leads to a part in the school play.In Fitness Fanatics, Zack is the fastest runner in his grade until Ben joins his class. Ben wants to be friends, while Zack wants to win the cross-country.In Race You, Travis and his brother race each other everywhere. That changes when Travis breaks his leg, but then he discovers there is a bright side to having crutches.In The Pretender, Sam loves to pretend. Sometimes he pretends to be a knight. Sometimes he pretends to be a samurai. And sometimes he pretends to be a ninja. His older sister thinks he's too old for pretending. But then the school play begins.In Fitness Fanatics, Zack is the fastest runner in his grade until Ben joins his class. Zack realizes that Ben might beat him in the cross-country. Ben wants to be friends, while Zack wants to win. What will Zack do?

The dark, secret world of vampires, werewolves, and other paranormal beings is revealed in this paranormal series.A Quirky, Snarky Urban FantasyGilmore Girls meets Supernatural! Werewolves and ghosts and magic, oh my!When travel writer and werewolf Ashlee Scott returns to her hometown to recuperate from a shooting, she must confront a place full of painful and pleasant memories while dealing with her identical twin sister Amber and the complications of family. Throw in the full moon, old boyfriends, old ghosts and new enemies, and Knightsbridge Canyon will never be the same for her again.MoonRise is a New Adult Paranormal/Urban Fantasy story of werewolves, witches, ghosts and vampires, family, pack and kin.The Supernatural Siblings series:MoonRiseMoonFallBloodMoonMore to come!

This book brings together those unspoken and consequently speechless thoughts that everyone thinks through the frustrations and happiness in life. It reflects on some of the most prominent and troubling problems in society, including child slavery, wars and moral and ethical issues. As well as defects, this book aims to emphasize the positive aspects of everyday routines, such as hope and love.Some of the poems have won competitions internationally and nationally, but they are published here on Smashwords for the sake of messages about poverty and other such things being heard.

For centuries, small towns were the hub of family life. Generation after generation stayed close to their roots. Friends and neighbors were for a lifetime. A life with good neighbors and great friends is better than wealth. This is a story of a town that was strong. It is one of many that know the value of Community.For centuries, small towns were the hub of family life. Generation after generation stayed close to their roots. Friends and neighbors were for a lifetime. As jobs and money moved into the big city many people followed. During economic slumps, businesses often folded. More people moved away and the breakdown continued. But some held on, supporting one another and refusing to give up. They know that a life with good neighbors and great friends is better than wealth. This is a story of a town that was strong. It is one of many that know the value of Community.

Larry is part man, part turtle and Chef Jeff wants to catch him and turn him into soup! Will he escape?I was invited as a guest speaker by Mrs. Terry's and Mrs Garcia's 5th Grade classes. This story comes from their creative minds! Larry works as a transporter repair man. One day he accidentally became fused with a turtle in a faulty transporter. Chef Jeff, the creator of Jeff's famous turtle soup, found out about the big turtle and wants to make soup out of him. Can he get away?

Prequel of the Sars Springs Saga (volume 3). Before she was Alex, she was Alexis Garris and on trial for murder. Before Jim met Alex ... he was lost and searching for his Angel. Two lives, overlapping until they meet face to face.Prequel to “Unwritten Life” Experience the two paths taken that brought them into each other’s arms. Alexis’ path begins with her on trial for murder. Live through Alexis’ ordeal as she flashes to memories of her and her first love, Matthew Garris. Experience her “cop fascination” as she makes her travels across country and transforms herself from Alexis Garris to Alex Garrison, where she finally meets her destined love. Jim’s path begins with his searching for his perfect blonde, perfect woman, his destined angel. Jim’s path intercepts with Alexis Garris, but both are unknown to each other. Experience Jim’s heartbreak at the loss of his father, along with the pain of losing his best friend, Matthew Garris, while he tries to discover where he wants his life to end up. Experience Jim’s side of the story as he met Alex Garrison.

A short story set on Hirta, an island in the archipelago of St Kilda, Scotland.This is the second short story in a trilogy about these majestic islands.On the 29th of August 1930 the last remaining inhabitants left their homes for good, this short story is based at that time.Lydia, the former baker's apprentice, has grown into a powerful mage indeed. Now known as Aurora, she and her Cluster ride out into the world for the first time, hunting down magically altered monsters ravaging the countryside of her homeland. This simple and straightforward task leads the Cluster into battle with demons and other evils, including a dark mage who kills to raise power. Little do they know that the act of rescuing his next intended victim will alter all of their lives forever...Stand-alone sequel to Apprentice.