An insane and bitter cat schemes to save her beloved city by destroying it.Consider a world inhabited with only cats and dogs: a society recognizable as our own, but with its eccentricities being the norm, rather than the exception. A world where the charm of Kenneth Grahame’s Wind In the Willows meets the exotic world of Ian Fleming’s Bond. A world where fluffy just got dangerous. These are the Velvet Paw of Asquith Novels, also known as the Dooven Books: welcome to the genre of New Fable.“Attempting to eradicate an entire city’s council before hurling oneself off a cliff is odd behavior for anyone, let alone the daughter of a police chief. Nor is it helped by a determination to graffiti mis-spelt words with appalling grammar in her own manure.Politely, Oscar pointed this out to her.So she punched him and pushed him off his stool.”Oscar Teabag-Dooven is a highly trained secret agent who is convinced he’s no more than a poet. Unable to do much more than rhyme one lot of words with another, his attempts at foiling the world’s villains are, at best, tenuous. When assigned to determine the cause of brewing tensions in the exclusive seaside city of Ruen, he discovers it’s on the brink of tearing itself apart. Things become complicated when it appears those responsible are in charge of running the place. Drawn into a scandalous plot of insanity and greed, Oscar befriends the Dervy, a young revolutionary, by throwing her off a cliff, and Horace, an elderly doctor with a phobia of worming ointments.Together they battle the ruthless genius of Sedervitz Tappen-Noo and the grievous insanity of the Pyjami, in an attempt to save a beautiful city from certain destruction.But things don’t go according to plan. Principally because they don’t have one.

The disappearance of a father and then his daughter, are of interest not only to the police, but to someone else nearby. But little does the man know, how much he, a complete stranger to the area, will be dragged into the events that have unfolded. That is until he finds himself recording the whole thing.... and what a strange story it is indeed.Johanna is the daughter of a rich merchant in Saardam. As only child and without a mother, she has grown up with notions, such as that she wants to take over her father's river trade business in her own name. Courtesy of her eastern mother, she has an unusual ability. She sees things in willow wood: whenever she touches wood, it shows her what has happened around the tree or wooden object. Any kind of magic is not common in Saardam, and the Church of the Triune, which rapidly gains influence in the city, forbids it.While she goes to church, Johanna also maintains a loose network of magic-enabled people. One of those people is Loesie, a farmer's daughter from out of town.One day, Loesie comes to town after having been struck mute by magic. She carries a basket made from willow twigs that tells Johanna that a group of bandits with demons is about to attack the city.But there is no non-magical proof, so she can't tell anyone or she'd be branded a witch. The time of witch-burnings was not that long ago. Never mind that the army is still approaching, and there are increasing signs that Saardam's embattled royal family might have done something that has angered magical forces in the east. Add to this that the royal family seems to have fallen out with the city's nobility, and that the recent death of the crown princess has left the family with only one heir: the mysterious prince whom no one has seen for years and who has suddenly returned home.At the annual ball, Johanna's father has brokered a dance for her with the prince. Johanna just wants to warn people of the impending attack.

Two short stories about soldiers in a Sci-Fi/Fantasy scenario. “Untenable Situation” and “Heart Strings” reflect the true grit of the human spirit. By reflecting on the serious situations of these soldiers, we come to realize the insignificance of our own circumstances. I hope you enjoy these two short stories and will follow the series as I continue the plight of other “Warriors of Misfortune”.Two short stories about soldiers in a Sci-Fi/Fantasy scenario. “Untenable Situation” and “Heart Strings” reflect the true grit of the human spirit. By reflecting on the serious situations of these soldiers, we come to realize the insignificance of our own circumstances. I hope you enjoy these two short stories and will follow the series as I continue the plight of other “Warriors of Misfortune” in my Sci Fi/Fantasy World.

This is the story of John Lincoln as he travels from the suburbs of Macon Georgia to New York City and finally to the Roger’s farm in Howard County Missouri. It’s on this farm a wayward spirit discovers a life he couldn’t have ever imagined, a place to heal and have his faith in mankind restored.With intense highs and crushing lows this is the story of the enduring nature of the human spirit caugThis is the story of John Lincoln as he travels from the suburbs of Macon Georgia to New York City and finally to the Roger’s farm in Howard County Missouri. It’s on this farm a wayward spirit discovers a life he couldn’t have ever imagined, a place to heal and have his faith in mankind restored.With intense highs and crushing lows this is the story of the enduring nature of the human spirit caught in the grip of addiction, internalized homophobia, prostitution, confusion, loss and adversity.From the ashes, a modern day family is forged from the fires of fate in this most unlikely of places, a cattle farm in Missouri, The Pride of Howard County.From the cotton country of Texas to the battle fields of World War I and finally a farm in God’s country sets the story of Gus and Grace Rogers. Through the floods and droughts with pure determination rises from the rich black dirt the two thousand nine hundred and sixty acre, Pride of Howard County.Now an aging farmer, Gus had never forgiven himself after losing his beloved young son in a tragic accident then followed by his daughter’s mysterious disappearance. And finally, with the death of his wife, he couldn’t imagine ever finding happiness again until he hires a young farm hand. This sets in motion a series of events that spiritually repairs the painful past. Gus’s beautiful daughter, Abigail, nearly loses everything in order to find herself and finally after many years returns to her parent’s farm to regain her father, her lost childhood and find in a stranger, her lost brother.And there’s Lucky, the fearless half starved Collie/Sheppard mix from nowhere that befriends the easy going Chocolate Lab, Muncie. And it would be this Muncie’s destiny to save the man that saved him and make it possible for this new age family to mend.

Book 6. Basil, a small, flying lizard who is searching for others like himself, discovers that there is more to him than he knows, as he becomes engaged in Avalon’s great war between the evil Rhita Gawr and the forces of good.

This must-read short story by an award-winning author bristles with intrigue and action! From Miami’s dark underbelly to the Gulf Stream to the Bahamian Out Islands, it’s easy to get swept away.After a convenient but loveless marriage, Claude doesn’t think life could get more complicated. Until his wife’s new mission — to give up on saving their relationship — exposes him to mortal danger. One quiet, ordinary afternoon changes everything. Caught in a his worst nightmare, Claude must stay one step ahead of a deadly killer — or all bets are off as to whether he’ll see another dawn. This must-read short story by an award-winning author bristles with intrigue and action! From Miami’s dark underbelly to the Gulf Stream to the Bahamian Out Islands, it’s easy to get swept away.

A moment of unthinkable rage sends Byrd Campbell "On the Run". A life of crime lures him further from his home. It is only then he realizes what he must do. The book's second story, "Habitat for Inhumanity", is a snapshot of one man's life. Within 24 minutes, he encounters hunger, depravity, filth, and even a victim of human trafficking.A moment of unthinkable rage sends Byrd Campbell "On the Run". A life of crime lures him further from his home. It is only then he realizes what he must do. The book's second story, "Habitat for Inhumanity", is a snapshot of one man's life. Within 24 minutes, he encounters hunger, depravity, filth, and even a victim of human trafficking.An exceptional pair of short stories! In his debut release, Christopher Padgett exposes the grittier side of life. Death, betrayal, and loneliness fill these dark stories. You will be begging for more!

When Kwon's grandfather dies tragically, a secret from his past is revealed. That secret propels Kwon into a conflict he's not ready for. But ready or not, this boy's life will never be normal again.It’s been twenty years since the Guardian Sages brought a bit of balance to Earth. But ever since their devastating separation, chaos has spread tenfold. When an explosion sends Kwon rushing home from town to check on his grandpa, he gets there only to find a crater where a ranch once lay and his deceased grandfather lying in the center gripping a strange medallion that he’s never seen before or heard about. Hoping to find the meaning behind the item and what it has to do with his grandpa’s death, he goes on a journey to find his grandfather’s best friend, Goopa. But he soon finds out that the medallion was not the only secret his grandfather hid from him. His grandfather was a member of the legendary Guardian Sages. Now, with an enemy from the past carrying a vendetta and the remaining sages being exterminated, who will protect the ones that once protected the planet?

One born to magic in wealth and prosperity, the other to fire, abandoned and left to a life of poverty and neglect. Two men from separate worlds, take paths that lead to an inevitable confrontation between those of magic and their elemental counterparts. The story that follows is a condensed version of an upcoming novel, though loosely true to the forthcoming book.Have you ever wondered what it was like there in the Garden of Eden? To be the first human to be created by this wonderful Father of ours. Join me by using your imagination and go back there with me. Try to picture as I did what it was like. It will make a difference in thoughts about Adam and Eve.

In a land of fabled kingdoms, once respected truces are at risk of descending into all-out war following a gruesome series of murders in Liefland, the last stronghold of mythical creatures.In a land of fabled kingdoms, once respected truces are at risk of descending into all-out war following a gruesome series of murders in Liefland, the last stronghold of mythical creatures. In an effort to keep the peace, the Western Kingdom summons three valiant knights of the Royal Order to investigate and capture the deadly culprits. Knights Law, Love, and Order, accompanied by three lesser protégés, uncover a sinister Necromancer plot to subvert the Fairy King and take a once-in-a-millennia opportunity to question an extra-dimensional being. Unlikely bonds of survival are forged between former foes to keep the entire region from descending into a Necromancer hell of magic and mania. However, such alliances are fragile and easily called into question, as greed for power makes old hatreds bubble to the surface, threatening everything the Western Kingdom and knights hold dear. A battle of good versus evil is at the heart of this twisted, whimsical, fantasy tale. True character and love of humanity will push three veteran knights to the very limits of their creed, cunning, and highly honed skills. For you, choose now where your lot is cast...among the undead or with those of the living, but be warned: night is coming and there can be no rest.

Rookie pilot Hank needs to impress new infantry officer Aurora in order to take her to the graduation dance. She craves adventure, and he'll have to do more than sneak out with a hovercraft to impress her. A duel in the cramped quarters of a small aircraft may not be enough for Aurora, and Hank might have to go beyond his danger limits to get his beautiful passenger to accept the date.Rookie pilot Hank needs to impress new infantry officer Aurora in order to take her to the graduation dance. She craves adventure, and he'll have to do more than sneak out with a hovercraft to impress her. A duel in the cramped quarters of a small aircraft may not be enough for Aurora, and Hank might have to go beyond his danger limits to get his beautiful passenger to accept the date.This is a stand-alone short story set within the Skylost series. It tells a tale that enriches the Skylost storyline.

The Adversary is a short tale of a man's encounters with a mysterious demon and attempts to rid himself of a wretched curse. Why has the creature appeared? And is the evil eye to blame for those awful nightmares? A descent into anarchy ensues as the past returns to haunt and teach one final lesson.The curse of the 'evil eye' is believed by most cultures to be cast by an envious glare from someone who wishes to inflict misfortune. The insidious influence of such black magic can often derail even the most ardent of believers. But does the evil eye really exist? The Adversary is a chilling short tale of a man's encounters with a mysterious demon and attempts to rid himself of a wretched curse. Why has the creature appeared? And is the evil eye to blame for those awful nightmares? A descent into anarchy ensues as the past returns to haunt and teach one final lesson.

What is it you fear? What is it that haunts the shadows of your mind? What makes you look over your shoulder or check behind doors? The Professional Heroes must come to grips of what they fear if they wish to make it through the night alive.Brandon and Marilyn have been married for eight years, they have the perfect life, then one day she doesn’t show up to pick him up after work. A strange man calls Brandon and tells him that his wife is okay but that she is afraid to pick him up. Brandon has no idea what has happened, but apparently his wife has done something that prevents her from wanting to see her husband or family. She comes home two days later, drunk and confessing that she has had an affair with her boss. Brandon begins a long series of “very bad days.” At best his wife is acting out, at worst she is seeing other men, drinking and doing drugs.” For months, Brandon tries to figure out what is going on with his wife, then he decides to divorce her. He goes through a string of girl friends, then he meets Julie, the most beautiful woman that he has ever seen. They fall in love with each other and soon marry. Brandon’s two small children fall in love with Julie and his life seems to have turned around. But, more bad days. Then the ultimate bad day happens!

A brand-new Christmas short in the Shifter Agents universe, set after Guard Wolf. It's Avery and Nicole's first Christmas together, but with a newly acquired family of four kids, plus all their friends and relatives, this is going to be one Christmas night that's far from silent. And they wouldn't have it any other way.A brand-new Christmas short in the Shifter Agents universe, set after Guard Wolf. It's Avery and Nicole's first Christmas together, but with a newly acquired family of four kids, plus all their friends and relatives, this is going to be one Christmas night that's far from silent. And they wouldn't have it any other way. The rest of the series can be found on Lauren's Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Esker/e/B012JAZL16/.

Providence is Quinn's fascinating memoir of his life-long spiritual voyage. His journey takes him from a childhood dream in Omaha setting him on a search for fulfillment, to his time as a postulant in the Trappist order under the guidance of eminent theologian Thomas Merton.  Later, his quest took him through the deep self-discovery of psychoanalysis, through a failed marriage during the turbulent and exciting 60s, to finding fulfillment with his wife Rennie and a career as a writer. In Providence Quinn also details his rejection of organized religion and his personal rediscovery of what he says is humankind's first and only universal religion, the theology that forms the basis for Ishmael. Providence is an insightful book that address issues of education, psychology, religion, science, marriage, and self-understanding, and will give insight to anyone who has ever struggled to forge and enact a personal spirituality. From the Trade Paperback edition.

From #1 Bestselling author Morgan Rice comes the debut of a dazzling new fantasy series. A Quest for Heroes revolves around the epic coming of age story of one special boy, a 14 year old from a small village on the outskirts of the Kingdom of the Ring. The youngest of four, the least favorite of his father, hated by his brothers, Thorgrin senses he is different from the others. He dreams of becoming a great warrior, of joining the King’s men and protecting the Ring from the hordes of creatures on the other side of the Canyon. When he comes of age and is forbidden by his father to try out for the King’s Legion, he refuses to take no for an answer: he journeys out on his own, determined to force his way into King’s Court and be taken seriously. But King’s Court is rife with its own family dramas, power struggles, ambitions, jealousy, violence and betrayal. King MacGil must choose an heir from amongst his children, and the ancient Dynasty Sword, the source of all their power, still sits untouched, waiting for the chosen one to arrive. Thorgrin arrives as an outsider and battles to be accepted, and to join the King’s Legion. Thorgrin comes to learn he has mysterious powers he does not understand, that he has a special gift, and a special destiny. Against all odds he falls in love with the king’s daughter, and as their forbidden relationship blossoms, he discovers he has powerful rivals. As he struggles to make sense of his powers, the king’s sorcerer takes him under his wing and tells him of a mother he never knew, in a land far away, beyond the Canyon, beyond even the land of the Dragons. Before Thorgrin can venture out and become the warrior he yearns to be, he must complete his training. But this may be cut short, as he finds himself propelled into the center of royal plots and counterplots, ones that may threaten his love and bring him down—and the entire kingdom with him. With its sophisticated world-building and characterization, A Quest for Heroes is an epic tale of friends and lovers, of rivals and suitors, of knights and dragons, of intrigues and political machinations, of coming of age, of broken hearts, of deception, ambition and betrayal. It is a tale of honor and courage, of fate and destiny, of sorcery. It is a fantasy that brings us into a world we will never forget, and which will appeal to all ages and genders. It is 82,000 words.

John Wayne Cleaver is dangerous, and he knows it. He's spent his life doing his best not to live up to his potential. He's obsessed with serial killers, but really doesn't want to become one. So for his own sake, and the safety of those around him, he lives by rigid rules he's written for himself, practicing normal life as if it were a private religion that could save him from damnation. Dead bodies are normal to John. He likes them, actually. They don't demand or expect the empathy he's unable to offer. Perhaps that's what gives him the objectivity to recognize that there's something different about the body the police have just found behind the Wash-n-Dry Laundromat---and to appreciate what that difference means. Now, for the first time, John has to confront a danger outside himself, a threat he can't control, a menace to everything and everyone he would love, if only he could. Dan Wells' debut novel is the first volume of a trilogy that will keep you awake and then haunt your dreams.