Despite her busy fall schedule, Stacey takes on the project of helping the fashion clueless newcomer Tess to become better educated about clothing and makeup, but the well-meaning baby-sitter is soon frustrated by Tess's resistance.

The Civil War isn't quite over for Wayland Brice. Not until he finds and kills the Union Colonel responsible for the death of his family. After five long years, he finally has a lead that takes him to Loomis, Texas, a town named after...and owned by his nemisis, where enemies are plentiful, and allies scarce.When Piper Blake left New York for her hometown in Port Charlotte, Florida she only expected to be away for a few days - just long enough to sell her grandmother’s house and wrap up her affairs. She expected to find a lot of old junk and sad memories. What she didn’t expect was handsome childhood friend Jackson Crawford. But the moment he walked up the steps of her grandmother’s porch she knew that he was exactly what she needed to get her through the days ahead.But things are different now for both Piper and Jackson. And while their friendship wants to take a turn towards the romantic, there might be too much of the unknown standing in the way. Will the details of the missing years quench the flames of the present moment? Or will Piper find home in the place she least expected?

Find out what happens when magic and technology clash in the world's final days!Ascended are damned souls, weapons abandoned by both Heaven and Hell in ages long past, doomed and bound to the Earth, born and reborn.But when Seven Kharaos, a unique first-generation Ascended appears, with the power to redefine the very rules of the universe, some see it as an opportunity to end their long exile.The promised day has come, when all of humanity seeks judgment for its greatest sin: existence.But there are those who oppose the machinations of Fate, and choose to bare their teeth at what lay beyond. Heretics, damned souls -- the Ascended, they are called, cursed to wander the Earth lifetime after lifetime, vestigial, humanoid weapons once wielded by both angels... and demons in a proxy war that tore the world apart.Hope lies with a single young man, blissfully unaware of the hidden world and secret war that rages around him: a first-generation Ascended with the unique power to shape and redefine the very laws of the universe.Yet Seven Kharaos vaguely does know the extent of his own destiny, haunted by prophetic dreams of pure white wings. Terrified of such portents, he chose to run from his fate. ​For Seven Kharaos, inevitably, is the man who will destroy the world.The F-Infinity Saga is an episodic series updated every few weeks! Please check back often to find more cantos, and learn the answer to the question: Who, exactly, is Seven Kharaos?

Walt Jenkins is not a nice or honest person. He can't even be a decent one. Still, he doesn't think that justifies being harassed by visitors from the future. Or having these time travelers inform him that a future religion sees him as a Christ figure. The ones that aren't trying to kill him to prevent it from happening, at least.Every Christmas Eve, Eile and Sunny of Team Girl spend the day at Pastor Sjauken's homeless shelter for single mothers and their children, preparing and serving meals, handing out presents, and generally helping everyone to make merry. In their own way, they like to remind his charges that miracles can happen.But tonight they will be involved in another miracle, as a force greater than themselves manipulates them without their knowledge, only this time it could mean the difference between life and death.

Life is not always what we want it to be. Mauricio is struggling with a life he didn't choose for himself and is about to learn an amazing lesson from the person he loves the most - Short StoryNine-year-old Neil never expects to have an adventure. He likes studying science from a safe distance – by himself, on his computer, in his room. Suddenly, he’s not alone. Two tiny wizards, Hye and Jynx, pop out of his rubber plant and need his help. They don’t have enough magic to get home and must travel to the ten natural wonders of the world to find more enchantment. They need Neil as an anchor when they travel in Magic-Time because his room is the only way back to their world. He reluctantly agrees to go with them. Their first quest is traveling to the Grand Canyon. Interrupted mid-spell by Neil’s younger sister, all four arrive in the Grand Caymen Islands instead of the Grand Canyon, thousands of miles from their destination. Neil resents being changed into a green sea turtle and being in a flash flood and being stranded in Magic-Time. He wonders if he and his sister are going to get back home.

A horror and fantasy novel from Armenian writter Suren Hakobyan.Waking up in a desert his memories wiped from his head Jonathan has to pass through a hideous town filled with different kind of demons and monsters, find out his way back to home and bring his memories back.Jonathan wakes up in a desert, his past wiped from his head. He’s alone having no clue who and what he is, where he has come from and where he should go. There is only one way – forward when he spots a little town in the distance. Empty streets, old houses, the town seems abandoned. There’s no one to ask for help, there’s nowhere to go. Jonathan wanders the town in search of any sign of life trying to bring his lost memories back, but odd visions haunt him from time to time. Soon Jonathan comes to the realization that he’s moments from death as absolutely evil dwells in the town seeking fresh souls to suck up. The seemingly dead town is only outwardly empty. Grey skies, no sun, no days and no nights. The town is stuck in time. With only one entrance and one exit, but the way leading to the exit is filled with creations that Jonathan has never envisioned, even in his worst nightmares. Who is he? Who brought him here? With a female resident – Elizabeth, Jonathan has to work his way through the horrendous town, figure out his past and find the exit.

Fourteen-year-old Emily Adams has special powers she doesn’t want, a spiteful aunt she can’t escape, and a primeval legacy she knows nothing about. But when an otherworldly being materializes, Emily discovers the true purpose of her magical blood and of the danger that threatens to annihilate her world.Can a teenage girl find the courage to face her true self in Emily's House?Fourteen-year-old Emily Adams has special powers she doesn’t want, a spiteful aunt she can’t escape, and a primeval legacy she knows nothing about. But when an otherworldly being materializes, Emily discovers the true purpose of her magical blood and of the danger that threatens to annihilate her world.Dormant for over a thousand years, an ancient evil has arisen. This time, it will destroy anyone – or anything – that stands in its way.With her two best friends by her side, Emily risks everything and embarks on a dangerous journey to Ireland and beyond where she unlocks the secrets of her Celtic ancestors. As the hour of world annihilation draws near, the fate of her friends, her family and her world lies in her hands.Can a teenage girl without hero credentials save the world? And will Emily find the courage to face her true self in Emily’s House?Join the Journey ...Gary Smails of BubbleCow Editing said:"I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed reading (and this is a rare comment to type!) this full manuscript. Overall a strong character-led narrative, one that is engaging, original and current."

Last year Viktor and Romulus broke the Silent Deal. Can their town survive the backlash? Strange things are happening in Aryk, as if history is repeating itself. Playing card graffiti sparks fear and rumors. There are whispers of betrayers, assassins, and spies. But all this pales in comparison to Viktor's new curriculum, carried out in the last place he wants to revisit--Staryi Castle itself.Last year Viktor and Romulus broke the Silent Deal. Can their town survive the backlash? Strange things are happening in Aryk, almost as if history is repeating itself. New playing card graffiti sparks fear and rumors. There are whispers of a second rebellion—and of betrayers, assassins, and spies. And when a mysterious circus pitches their tents outside of town, Viktor is sure that he can’t trust its Ringmaster … or its Magician. But all this pales in comparison to the new curriculum imposed on Aryk’s schoolhouse. A new Apprenticeship program is being created. Master Molotov is searching for students to aid in his experiments. The pool of applicants is widening, and if Viktor and his serf or Gypsy friends are chosen, they may end up facing terrors in the last place they want to revisit—Staryi Castle itself.

The last volume of my series about light and darkness; no more songs left to be published. Thanks for reading. I will (hopefully) be back next year with stories.The Jones and Wochowski clans were early adopters of Replicator technology, a technology that both precipitated the destruction of the world and allowed a few to survive. The patriarchs of the two clans helped develop the technology but a dispute has their progenitors precariously existing in a real-life situation of "people living glass houses needing to not throw stones". This dispute between the two neighbors is especially poignant for the respective children of the clans, Steve and Sally, who find themselves in love. Under the noses of their restrictive and vindictive parents they communicate via discrete means such as texting using Replicator-made cell phones, stolen binocular glances across the blasted earth between their two homes, and even tapping in Morse-code on the steel door that connected their two homes in pre-feud days. Ultimately the young couple's love demands they try and find a way out.

This story is based on a true historical event.The Sons of Liberty, a group of rebels in Boston, 1775, are determined to drive the British Army out of their city. Their youngest members, Jamie and Sarah, discover letters written in secret code by a British spy. Risking their lives, Jamie, Sarah, and their friend Joshua try to stop him as the American Revolution begins.This story is based on a true historical event about The Sons of Liberty, a group of rebels in Boston, 1775, who are determined to drive the British Army out of their city. Their youngest members, Jamie and Sarah, discover letters written in secret code by a British spy. Risking their lives, Jamie, Sarah, and their friend Joshua try to expose him and stop him from informing to the British Army. However, no one will believe that one of the Sons of Liberty and a high-ranking official is a spy. The American War for Independence suddenly erupts, and the teens find themselves swept into a violent revolution. Time is running out. Will they be able to crack the code and stop the spy in time before the British defeat the Americans?

Rural Nebraska teens battle for their lives against a band of resurrected Pawnee Warriors seeking to remove them from their sacred lands.Oakton is the fictional story of a group of teens from rural Nebraska. Set in the near future (March, 2029), these three best friends find themselves trapped in their tiny home town during historic river flooding and powerful thunderstorms which unleashes the spirits of numerous Pawnee warriors wanting to reclaim their sacred lands. Past town conflicts have created an environment where the adults refuse to speak but the teens are secretly best friends. Now they must battle together using the resources at hand to fight for their lives and protect their families, while their parents refuse to believe something could really be wrong in town.The teens may be outnumbered but they have at their disposal: two rifles, one crossbow, a dog and a horse, robotic spiders, and a strong friendship.

We have conclusive proof in this issue that the May issue was more than just a fluke because we have yet another month's worth of fantastic stories to deliver. This issue has some great surprises, too. Fiction Vortex publishes science fiction and fantasy. All stories in this issue appeared on FictionVortex.com during June 2013.We have conclusive proof in this issue that the May issue was more than just a fluke because we have yet another month's worth of fantastic science fiction and fantasy stories to deliver. This issue has some great surprises, too. While some seem to fit into traditional genres, such as alien invasion, fairy grove visitation, and haunting ghosts, there are also a few that defy description. For instance, what genre covers a botanist who finds more than he bargains for while searching for Ghost Orchids? There's a story that seems to be a general dystopia until you realize it's dealing with the most dystopic medium of all: reality television. And of course, how do you classify a story where the language changes as the story progresses?Now perhaps you can see why we're so proud of these stories.Of course, being the narcissistic sociopaths (say that ten times while drunk) that we are, we couldn't just let the fiction writers have all the fun, so you'll also see a few writing tips from me and the Editor-in Chief, Mike Cluff, near the end of this issue. They involve vehicular manslaughter and malicious fairy hit squads, so at least they should be interesting.Fiction Vortex publishes science fiction and fantasy short stories from writers around the world. All stories in this issue appeared on the FictionVortex.com site during the month of June 2013.

A varied selection of work from Angus Writers’ Circle, Scotland.Fiction and non-fiction, poetry and prose; this is a compilation of work written and chosen by members of Angus Writers’ Circle, on the east coast of Scotland.

Whether you prefer sadness or silliness, humor or poignancy, action or allegory: these 31 very short stories include a little something for everyone, from to the instant messaging logs of Norse deities to the struggles of a banana peel. Written entirely during July 2015 as a part of Flash Fiction Month.One month.Thirty-one stories.Fourteen challenges.Whether you prefer sadness or silliness, humor or poignancy, action or allegory: these 31 very short stories include a little something for everyone, from to the instant messaging logs of Norse deities to the struggles of a banana peel. Written entirely during July 2015 as a part of Flash Fiction Month.

A mildly satirical sex comedy, mostly humorous, occasionally painful, The Doorman looks at the desires we don't know we have and how they make themselves known.Oscar Freeland has it all: a low-wage job taking tickets at a small rundown theatre and the highly prestigious position of president of Barkie's Buddies, an Incredulous Journey fan club which he himself founded. That the only other members are children whose attendance he purchases with ice cream does not discourage him. On the contrary, as Head Doorman at the Palace, he considers it his duty to educate the young about Barkie and the Journey.Sadly, however, it is not to last. Somehow or another, in the go-go 80's, dilapidated single-screen theatres have lost their charm and Mr. Johnstone is forced to sell to Ziniplex, a large theatre chain, whose representative, the lovely Camila, stubbornly insists they show up on time, wear a uniform and not drink on the job - none of which Oscar has a problem with but several of his less diligent co-workers do. And so he is torn between his loyalty to the Palace and the affection of his friends. Which will he choose?And what about Myrtle, Pete's mom? Is she really his friend or just another Jezebel out to rob him of his virginity? What would Pastor Wilcox say?A mildly satirical sex comedy, mostly humorous, occasionally painful, The Doorman looks at the desires we don't know we have and how they make themselves known.

Rorkon is obsessed with discovering the Emoton, a fundamental particle that is the source of human emotions, much to Scythia's annoyance, especially when he is using up their life savings in search of it. After much heartache and many failed attempts, he finally detects it…but at what cost?Have you ever wanted a pet so much that your buttons were about to pop? KABOOM! Kelly asked her parents for a dog or cat. Before a decision is made, Kelly is asked to take care of Professor Hootie’s goldfish while he is away.Join Kelly as she discovers that Professor Hootie loves volunteering for the animal shelter while he is on vacation. Kelly learns that caring for an animal goes far beyond giving it food and water. When adopting, you need to be ready to provide a FOREVER home for your pet.Wowsers! What will Kelly do? Will she prove that she is responsible enough for a pet of her own? You will have to read the book to find out.I Want a Pet is another outstanding presentation. Jolly Time Books tell whimsical stories the whole family can enjoy. Jolly Time Books are full of individually hand-drawn vivid and colorful illustrations that will spark the imagination of any child.

LIGHTS All's quiet in the small town of Holliswood. Television sets, computers, and portable devices are aglow in every home, classroom, and store. Yet not all is perfect. Evil is lurking, just out of sight, behind the screen. CAMERA Residing in this sleepy town is a villain with more ambition than the world can withstand. Twisted beyond reason, he is dead set on throwing Holliswood into chaos and documenting the destruction of every person in it, including Daniel X. EXTERMINATION The only person who can stop this made-for-TV tyrant, Daniel must use his extraordinary power to save the town. But this devilish director has assembled an all-star team of his own creation and vows to stage the most spectacular finale the world has ever seen. Can Daniel X stop this deranged outlaw--or will he find himself on the cutting room floor?

Athena "Stormy" Sterling is coming to Dullsville, and Raven is both excited and panicked in anticipation of Alexander's little sister's visit. Alexander tells Raven that she and his sister have a lot in common, but can the mini-Raven be everything she hopes for? Alexander calls her Stormy for a reason. Stormy's visit stirs up the perfect immortal whirlwind. Raven is forced to take a good look at what it would really mean to be a vampire in the Sterling family, aside from some of the things she already loves, like shunning the sun and sleeping in a coffin with Alexander. When Raven compares her life with Stormy's, she can see that it's not all starry skies and black roses. But Raven knows she's always wanted to be a vampire. Alexander is as romantic and dreamy as ever, and though he keeps showing Raven how much he loves her, will she ultimately be able to convince him that it's the right thing to turn her? This final chapter of Vampire Kisses' nocturnal romance will keep all mortal and immortal hearts racing.

“There’s Darkness in the Wilds”The Changeling, Book 2 of the Weald Fae Journals, an Epic Fantasy SagaIt's been only one year since sixteen-year-old Maggie O'Shea moved to the Ozark Mountains and was declared guardian of the Weald, the most sacred realm of the Fae, mythical creatures with sinister powers, who often take the form of humans. Her life has been in extreme peril before, but never more so than now. Her younger brother, Mitch, has been kidnapped by a rogue band of Fae and the demand is simple: leave the Weald and her new life behind or else her brother dies. Now Maggie's on a breakneck race to save her brother, her family and friends, and perhaps all of humankind from a threat more insidious than anyone can imagine.The Weald Fae Journals continue...You may also find the beginning of the Weald Fae Journals in THE STEWARD (Weald Fae Journals, Book 1) available on Amazon. For more information about the Weald Fae Journals, including additional story, setting, and character history content, please visit: www.wealdfaejournals.comAbout the AuthorChristopher Shields lives in Northwest Arkansas with his family and three dogs. Following what he considers to be his calling, he is a professor of criminal justice at the University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville. He loves working with students during the day, and writing at night. Christopher also enjoys spending time with his circle of close friends, playing his sax, and indulging his life-long passion for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Beckett Taylor’s quest to be a better man has brought Eve Hartt back into his life, but sometimes it feels like they’re bound together with barbed wire. Though he longs to love her without causing pain, the wreckage of their past continues to crash down around them. Yet with the help of this brothers—and for his brothers—Beckett won’t stop trying. He’s determined to make them all a family, to make a life they want to live, and to make Poughkeepsie a place that’s safe to live it. He can feel their futures balanced precariously on his shoulders: Blake and Livia and their children, Cole and Kyle and the new baby they’ve just brought home, and Eve…always Eve. He wants their dreams to be real. But murderers don’t just get Happily Ever After handed to them. They have to wrench it away from Satan himself. Good thing Beckett is prepared to do just that. After all, saving Poughkeepsie is the only way his story ends. Prepare your heart and your head for a wild ride in this final installment of the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series. Debra Anastasia does not disappoint as she weaves the last chapter of a story that blends true love, turbulent emotions, and life’s harsh realities into an uplifting tale that calls to the good in each of us.