An Epsilon Sector Novella featuring Amalie. Amalie is the last unmarried girl in Jain’s Ford settlement. Life on a frontier farming planet in the twenty-eighth century has a few complications. The imported Earth animals and plants don’t always interact well with the local ecology, and there’s a shortage of doctors and teachers. The biggest problem though is the fact there are always more male than female colonists arriving from other worlds. Single men outnumber single women by ten to one, and girls are expected to marry at seventeen. Amalie turned seventeen six months ago, and she’s had nineteen perfectly respectable offers of marriage. Everyone is pressuring her to choose a husband, or possibly two of them. When Amalie’s given an unexpected chance of a totally different future, she’s tempted to take it, but then she gets her twentieth offer of marriage and it’s one she can’t possibly refuse. FRONTIER begins with Epsilon Sector 2788 – the short story about Amalie – and continues it to be a full novella.

BONUS: This edition contains an Arcadia Falls discussion guide. Financial straits and a desire for a fresh start take recently widowed Meg Rosenthal and her aloof teenage daughter, Sally, to Arcadia Falls, a tucked-away hamlet in upstate New York where Meg has accepted a teaching position at a boarding school. The creaky, neglected cottage they’ll be calling home feels like an ill omen, but Meg is determined to make the best of it. Then a shocking crisis strikes: During Arcadia’s First Night bonfire, one of Meg’s folklore students plunges to her death in a campus gorge. Sheriff Callum Reade finds the presumed accident suspicious, but then, he is a man with a dark past himself. Meg is unnerved by Reade’s interest in the girl’s death, and as long-buried secrets emerge, she must face down her own demons and the danger threatening to envelop Sally. As the past clings tight to the present, the shadows, as if in a terrifying fairy tale, grow longer and deadlier. Look for special features inside. Join the Circle for author chats and more. RandomHouseReadersCircle.com

Ysbryd drwg… the bad ghost Ysobi har Jesith embarks upon a job far from home, where his history isn’t known – a welcome freedom. Hired by Wyva, the phylarch of the Wyvachi tribe, Ysobi goes to Gwyllion to create a spiritual system based upon local folklore, but he soon discovers some of that folklore is out of bounds, taboo... Secrets lurk in the soil of Gwyllion, and the old house Meadow Mynd, home of the Wyvachi leaders. The house and the land are haunted. The fields are soaked in blood and echo with the cries of those who were slaughtered there, almost a century ago. In Gwyllion, the past doesn’t go away, and the hara who live there cling to it, remembering still their human ancestors. Tribal families maintain ancient enmities, inspired by a horrific murder in the past. Old hatreds and a thirst for vengeance have been awoken by the approaching feybraiha – coming of age – of Wvya’s son, Myvyen. If the harling is to survive, Ysobi must help him confront the past, lay the ghosts to rest and scour the tainted soil of malice. But the ysbryd drwg is strong, built of a century of resentment and evil thoughts. Is it too powerful, even for a scholarly hienama with Ysobi’s experience and skill? The Moonshawl, an artefact of protection, was once fashioned to keep Wyvachi heirs from harm, but the threads are old and worn, the magic fading, and its sacred sites – which might empower it once more – are prohibited. Only by understanding what the shawl symbolises and how it once controlled the ysbryd drwg can Ysobi even attempt to prevent the terrible tragedy that looms to engulf the Wyvachi tribe. ‘The Moonshawl’ is a standalone story, set in the world of Storm Constantine’s ground-breaking, science fantasy Wraeththu mythos.

have been camped out in the back of Hello Yellow (the school bus her mom drives). Still, Amber, the self-proclaimed princess of hope and girl of unyielding optimism, refuses to sweat the bad stuff. But when a fatal tragedy threatens Amber's optimism—and her way of life, can Amber continue to be the rock star of hope? With an oddball cast of characters, and a heartwarming, inspiring story, this novel unveils a beautifully beaten-up world of laughs, loyalty, and hard-earned hope.

FEAR THE HEAT. . . When eighteen year old Ari Johnson is transported from her bedroom into the chilling realm of Mount Qaf - home to the terrifying and mercurial Jinn - she learns a truth that rocks her very world. Suddenly her anxiety over college and her broken friendship with Charlie seem like small change compared to the war she now finds herself stuck in the middle of. Her unease isn’t lessened any by the hot guardian, Jai, who won’t stop following her around everywhere - a Jinn whose loyalty Ari hates to question but must. She has no idea who she can trust. When the truth burns through her life in its determination to turn it to ashes, Ari will have to battle with ancient deadly creatures, epic family drama and heart-wrenching romantic entanglements.

The bus from San Antonio pulled in to the curb and stopped. The door snapped open. Half a dozen uniformed upperclassmen wearing grim expressions moved closer to the vehicle. “Roll out of it, you Misters!” bawled their leader in a voice of authority. “Shake the lead out of your shoes! Pop to it!” Barry Blake and Chick Enders were among the first out of the bus, but they were not quick enough to suit the reception committee. “Are you all crippled?” rasped the spokesman of the upperclass “processors.” “Come alive and fall in—here, on this line. Dress right! I said dress—don’t stick your necks out. Atten-shun! Hope you haven’t forgotten all the military drill you learned at primary. You, Mister! Rack it back. Eyes on a point. And out with your chest if you have any. Keep those thumbs at your trouser seams.... All right! Here’s your baggage tag. Write your name on it. Tag your baggage—and make it snappy. Stand at attention when you’ve finished. Hurry! That’s it.... Take baggage in left hand—left, not right. And wipe off your smile, Mister! ’Sbetter.... Mister Danvers, you will now take charge of these dum-dums.”

Little Lady's boring summer turns exciting all following a chase after her four legged friend.She hadn't expected it at all, what she had found on the other side of the pipe. But she discovered it and she was certain she would never forget it. Little Lady was sent to her grandmother's home for a stay and upon taking the dog for a walk, she stumbles into an adventure of a life time; discovering the veil between good and evil.

A young woman laughs it off when she's informed the room she's staying in for the night is haunted, because ghosts don't exist.Or do they?Every evening Joshua, a manager at FishBurgers, walks home alone. One night, he comes across Mariella, an unusual young woman sitting on a bench. He's thrown for a loop when she tells him where she's from, but he doesn't mind. He doesn't mind the fact that she has blue hair either, in fact it makes her all that much more interesting. The people around Joshua feel that he's a bit odd and know very little about him. Each comes to their own snap judgments about him. Sometimes love can be a little quirky, sometimes it can be a lot quirky.Blue Haired Alien Girlfriend is a stand-alone short story.

Valerie Dearborn wants a cotton candy life, but it’s more like a puffer fish: pointy, unusual, and—if not prepared exactly right—deadly. In London for graduate school, Val knows she's finally free. Her father and ex- almost-boyfriend are back in California and she's out of the vampire hunting biz for good. Or is she?Valerie Dearborn wants a cotton candy life, but it’s more like a puffer fish: pointy, unusual, and—if not prepared exactly right—deadly. In London for graduate school, Val knows she's finally free. Her father and ex- almost-boyfriend are back in California and she's out of the vampire hunting biz for good. Or is she? She draws the attention of Lucas, a 1600 year old vampire, and King to his kind. He’s also wicked hot. As golden as Lucifer, and just as tempting, he makes Valerie an offer she can't refuse: help him find out if the Others (Empaths, Fey and Werewolves) still exist or he'll stop protecting those she loves.Lucas tells her that Empaths were a vampire’s biggest weakness before going extinct hundreds of years ago. While the Fey or a Werewolf might kill a vampire, an Empath could enslave them, seducing or harming them with emotions. The one detail he leaves out? Valerie is an Empath. And after 1600 years of an emotionless existence, Lucas is drawn to Val like a recovering alcoholic to a wine cooler.Can she keep those she loves alive, stop Lucas from munching on her, survive a fanged revolution and still find a way to have that boring, normal life she’s always wanted? Probably not, but boy is she gonna try.

Some wounds never heal... She's stuck in another foster home. He's the new boy with a bad reputation. Falling in love in the wrong place and the wrong time never felt so good.

Sherry and Merrick's story continues in this sequel to Collide. In this installment, we come face to face with old acquantances and new friends and new enemies. Things will change for all of them especially when a little girl is found and everyone's loyalties are tested. A revelation may upset the delicate balance they've all tried so hard to set. There's new love, new rivalries and new transformations in the continuing series of Collide.

Thousands of them have lived underground. They've lived there so long, there are only legends about people living anywhere else. Such a life requires rules. Strict rules. There are things that must not be discussed. Like going outside. Never mention you might like going outside. Or you'll get what you wish for.

A wealthy couple open their home to a few less fortunate individuals, but things don't work out the way the hosts anticipated.Introducing the field agents of the DAM (Department of Adventure and Mysteries). This is the first part of a 5-part series in which Shakespeare Crush and Isaac Maxwell Pound take on the demons of another dimension. The story begins with the mysterious disappearance of field agent Seth Hogan and leads up to the uncovering of a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government.

De oceaanstormer Mauretania wordt belaagd door gangsters die proberen twee Europese wetenschapers te kidnappen. Isaac Bell weet de ontvoering te voorkomen, maar heeft de tweede aanval niet voorzien. In de strijdt wordt een van de wetenschappers gedood. Welke kennis hebben de wetenschappers dat zij zo belangrijk zijn voor deze criminelen? Het is aan Isaac Bell om de misdadigers te ontmaskeren en hun plannen te dwarsbomen. Als hij nog op tijd is.

Before Treasure of the Mayan King there was Egypt. Chauncy Rollock needs to prove his theories about the Great Pyramid of Giza. At stake: his doctoral thesis, his money, and the girl of his dreams. With no official backing he must turn to the black markets of Cairo and Abydos. Will he find the missing capstone and get everything he ever wanted? Or will his business partners be his final undoing?There's nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away." – Sarah KayWhen Elrenia Kitrusen celebrates the first day of summer at the beach, she doesn't expect her life to be changed forever. Andrew Gritt, the picture-perfect surfer, not only saves her day, but becomes her Angel.A week later, Elrenia and Andrew meet again at a birthday party. During a Game Finale of fighting Zombies in the Forgotten Forest, a bond is formed between them. Although it's just a game, the Voices send out warnings to Elrenia whenever danger lurks around the corner. Through the Voices, Elrenia saves Andrew multiple times. After spending the night in the attic, magic sparks fly, and they become inseparable. Yet, three years later, Elrenia moves to Chicago and receives shattering news that Andrew is marrying another. Will Elrenia be like the persistent ocean in pursuing her Angel? Or will she give up and watch him go from the shoreline?

Angela, Zoe and Maddie are finally seniors and ready for the great year they deserve. After two years of fighting, experimentation and some hilarious stories, they are prepared to enjoy the fruits of seniority - even though being top dogs at school means thinking about college, sex and even the impending end of their inseparable trio.

Want to know what is haunting the attic in Abasteron House by the sea, at low tide … in a dead calm?Readers' comments: "Great tale. If you like ghost stories, worth reading this short but chilly tale. Love the little scare tucked neatly into the final line, and an effective one at that.”“An electric atmosphere from the opening lines.”Short story originally published by Every Day Fiction.Come to the Abasteron House by the sea … at low tide … in a dead calm … Is there something haunting the attic?Readers' comments: “I loved this–the writing, the pace, the detail, the word choices. A haunting tale with an underlying thread that stays with you.”"Haunting is certainly true of this piece.""Great tale. If you like ghost stories, worth reading this short but chilly tale. Love the little scare tucked neatly into the final line, and an effective one at that.”“Very good indeed, creating an electric atmosphere from the opening lines.” "An engaging read."“Brilliantly depicted.” This short story (flash fiction) was originally published at Every Day Fiction. Paula Cappa is the recipient of an Eric Hoffer Book Award, Readers' Favorite International Bronze Medal for supernatural suspense, and a Gothic Readers Book Club Award Winner.

Naked I Came is Explicit, Enthralling, Intriguing, and an Eye-opener. An amorous start to a spiritual journey.Excerpts….The moment he cautiously slipped his fingers under her clothes, he felt the heat that had the potential of scorching the lines on the palm of his hand and change his fate forever. Very slowly, he rested the tips of his left hand fingers, on the skin of her breasts, which were moist with the sweat. She stirred slightly and her clothes made way to a deeper glance of appreciation for Justin. Her areola—the brown skin around her nipples—was now partially exposed….‘GOD WRITES YOUR destiny’ means one’s destiny takes shape according to the laid down principles of the Word of God. That is why even the predestined by God may undergo change of course during their lives based on how they align their actions with reference to the Word. It was predestined for King David of Israel that his kingdom would be an everlasting one. Nevertheless, in conjunction to various actions initiated by him during his life, King David journeyed through the valleys of trial and tribulations before his predestined life could achieve ‘the purpose’ centuries later, in the coming of the promised ‘Messiah’ to establish the kingdom….‘Am I kissable?’ she questioned, at which Justin nearly fell off his chair.‘I don’t understand what are you getting at?’ Justin said in an alarmed voice.‘A simple and straightforward question and I expect to hear a simple and straightforward answer from a man like you. Am I kissable?’ Sushmita continued her query in a very assertive way.All this talk was taking a toll on Justin. He was fighting within himself, trying hard to suppress his base instincts that by now were trying to get the better of him.‘How would I know?’ Justin said with a confused expression on his face.Sushmita was now sitting so close to him that he could feel the heat radiate from her body. Her face was close in a very titillating way; her lips, soft and parted.‘H-How would I know?’ he stammered again in a whisper.‘Find out for yourself ’, Sushmita sounded as if from a distance….After all, even Americans were not completely untouched by this globally inherent nature of human beings—segregating themselves on the basis of race, colour, nationalities, etc. In fact, segregating oneself is not as bad as harboring a biased opinion against each other is. Here in America, even though the demarcation of race, colour and nationalities seemed somewhat blurred and such practices vehemently opposed, one could definitely feel the undercurrents.The very first thing that God thought and said while creating human race is amply clear from the scriptures:Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in our image, accordingto our likeness…’. (Genesis 1: 26)It seems that nowhere in the world, be it developed world, developing world or the third world countries, the concept that everyone is created by God after His own image and likeness is really and truly understood and appreciated by us humans, to shun any thought of preeminence over each other. Even the nomenclature ‘developed world, developing world and the third world countries’ smacks of a great divide in the mind set of human beings….A ‘bubble’ is something which has virtual mass inside. No real mass, no real substance—‘Nada’. One day, all of a sudden because of the great pressure that built up, the ‘bubble’ burst and the multitude of people sitting atop and enjoying the worldview fell to the ground with a great thud. The fall was so great that the earth shook and the ripple effect traveled like a ‘tsunami’, far and beyond touching the lives of all and sundry in the nations of the world. The affluence, the surplus, the tower of Babel, everything that identified with riches vanished overnight. Cash flow stopped, aptly replaced by the deluge of the financial tsunami that encompassed all, rich and poor. From financial institutions to the man on the main street, everyone turned debtors overnight. The times became a classic case of debtors asking their debtors to repay….

Life in the Stone Age was hard for Karg and his tribe. Because of the dangers in the lower forests they were forced to live in the cold mountains where food was scarce. During a hunting trip, he came across a hidden valley with all the food, water and wood they could ever want. There was a problem though. It was the nuclear test range for the Kthpok. And the Kthpok had just learned abouLife in the Stone Age was hard for Karg and his tribe. They couldn’t go into the lower forests because of the predators there and that meant they had to stay in the cold mountains where food was scarce. Then during a hunting trip Karg came across a hidden valley with all the food, water and wood they could ever want. And there were none of the dangers of the lower forests. He was planning to move his family to the valley when he witnessed a sun being born on the ground. It rose into the sky and became a roiling black cap on a growing black stem and reminded him of a mushroom. Karg didn’t realize it but the future of his people was about to change and not necessarily for the better. He’d found a Kthpok nuclear test range and the Kthpok had just discovered that humans were living in the mountains bordering their most sensitive facility.

A shooting sapphire star blazed across the night sky as five girls were born, part of a prophecy that would someday save the land of Watreon from an evil king. Follow Ryhan, Evangeline, Alexandra, Lillian and Victoria as they face the challenge of learning and controlling their powers, experiencing love and heartbreak, and figure out that having a destiny isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.Watreon is on the brink of war. A fact that has eluded Ryhan until days before her sixteenth birthday. Drought has crippled her village and made it nearly impossible to live in. Angry and confused by what their king’s lust for power has done to their land, her family is forced to leave the only home she has ever known. Packed and ready to venture into the unknown, everything changes the night before they are set to leave. Ryhan discovers a secret that her mother has been hiding from her. Not only was she one of five girls born under a shooting sapphire star, but she possesses the elemental power of fire and is part of a prophecy about the coming war. Setting out to find the other daughters she leaves her mother and father for a journey she never expected. Along the way she faces the challenge of learning and controlling her powers, experiences love and heartbreak, and struggles to accept the life she is destined for. All the while testing the peace keeping limits of Evangeline, whose elemental power of spirit is used to bridge their powers and keep the five of them connected. Together they cross an ocean to seek out Alexandra, Lillian and Victoria. Battling evil forces at every turn, they race to meet with the magical council to start training. Each girl wrestles with the reality unfolding before them and the choices they will all be forced to make. Overwhelmed with expectations, they hope that their powers of earth, air, fire, water and spirit are enough to defeat their enemies and save not only themselves but all of Watreon.