Thrust into the fighting pit is Elad, a bitter, jaded knight who remembers better days, before the Empire fell in ruin. Against him is sent a creature unlike any he has seen before, for it comes not from his world; a giant bull-man. Who lives, who dies? And is there be any hope for freedom?The Pit is a 6250 word short story.Through the ruins of a once proud empire and across a dying world travels Nhaqosa the White Minotaur, seeking the long roads home. The lawless lands that he and his companions tread are in the grip of a relentless drought, consumed by oncoming deserts and beset by bandits and monsters. Seldom does he find a place of welcome. The Pit is the first short story in The Chronicles of the White Bull collection.

All people, all children, have adventures in fantastic, magical worlds of talking animals, living legends, and myth. But all children, eventually, grow up and forget. Anthony remembered. But on his twentieth birthday, he is reminded of something missing from his childhood; something magical he was given as a gift that never quite returned to NeverEarth. Something he must find before it's too late.The third fantasy adventure story in the chronicles of Anthony Delleroe and the magical world of NeverEarth, "The Clockwork Changeling" follows Anthony back to his home at the end of another collegiate year. But this time, he's not alone. His childhood friend, the satyr: Wiste, is joining him on the interstate trip. Just in time for his twentieth birthday, he is reminded of something missing from his childhood; something magical he was given as a gift that never quite returned to NeverEarth.All people, all children, have adventures in fantastic, magical worlds of talking animals, living legends, and myth. But all children, eventually, grow up and forget.Anthony remembered. Anthony remembered and returned. For the first time, though, a native of NeverEarth has come to have an adventure in his world: a quest to find something that was forgotten and lost long, long ago.NeverEarth has come to Earth.Cover art by Louis Frank.

"Citizens are warned not to eat any meat products."Indiana is the perfect daughter girlie-girl for her mom and tom boy for her dad. While spending the weekend at her father's survival school, she returns to find the world in the grip of a bio-terrorist attack.*Recommended for 15yrs and up due to violence & language*"Citizens are warned not to eat any meat products."Indiana is the perfect daughter girlie-girl for her mom and tom boy for her dad. While spending the weekend at her fathers survival school, she returns to find the world in the grip of a bio-terrorist attack.Terrorist have infected several meat packing plants across the US. People are getting sick and dieing... then coming back.With her best friend Suzie and Hillbilly Hottie Ryan in tow she has to put her survival training to the test in order to keep them alive, in a world filling with zombies... who are trying to infect them.*Recommended for 15yrs and up due to violence & language*

Three stories, three insights into different worlds, into the minds and hearts of those some of us find 'different'.Three stories, three insights into different worlds, into the minds and hearts of those some of us find 'different'.Three perspectives on sexuality and religion for those who do not wish to conform, but wish to explore and embrace.Three tales of love in three different ways: the love of knowledge, the love that, at least here, dare not speak its name, the love that knows no numbers and no boundaries.Three glimpses at what's wrong, and what could be right: a cry against the misuse of religion, distorted by society and bigotry into discrimination, instead of being free to be what, well, the author thinks, it should really mean: the path towards acceptance and unconditional love.

Four compelling novels in the "#1 New York Times" bestselling series featuring "the spunkiest, funniest, and most engaging private investigator in Santa Teresa, California, not to mention the entire detective novel genre""(Entertainment Weekly)."

No one is an island, and private detective of the gods Tom Statford is no different. The family he was born with, the family he chose, the family that chose him, they all make him more than the sum of his parts.No one is an island, and private detective of the gods Tom Statford is no different. The family he was born with, the family he chose, the family that chose him, they all make him more than the sum of his parts.This collection of short stories is set between the first and second volumes of The Statford Chronicles, and answers some of the questions about the lives and times of some of the pivotal members of Tom Statford's life.

It’s a new year, and Harley has her spirits set on a spot of self-improvement. Things change when an acquaintance is involved in an accident, shaking things up at home and at school. Harley becomes focused on doing the right thing, which can be hard when certain people are treading all over her dearest beliefs.Will she be able to single out the source of all her worries?It’s a new year, and Harley has her spirits set on a spot of self-improvement. She knows she’s unfit, and that’s the right reason to get a bit of exercise – right?Things change when an acquaintance is involved in an accident, shaking things up at home and at school. The Hartley kids, who might just have distanced themselves from the notion that life’s too short, become focused on doing the “right” thing.But something else has been bothering Harley, and it’s about time she identified it…

A short story, loosely based on the recollections of a number of veterans, dealing with the horrors of war. The story is free to download, but if you appreciate the story then you are asked to make a small donation to a charity of your choice.A short story, loosely based on the recollections of a number of veterans, dealing with the horrors of war. The story is free to download, but if you appreciate the story then you are asked to make a small donation to a charity of your choice.The short story, The Squad, is based on the recollections of a number of soldiers and a radio discussion on firing squads. The synopsis was written on the 1st Aug 2010 and the story was published on 12th Nov 2010.

Father John Calvin is a priest with a mission: Kill anyone the Vatican considers a threat. But when a demon possesses the young son of a Mafia strong-man his masters send Calvin on a mission of mercy. The priest must battle an ancient and familiar foe under the shadow of the boy's criminal father. In the end he will confront evil both supernatural and human. But his greatest enemy may lie within.The young son of powerful organized crime boss, Frank Mason, is possessed. Mason calls in a favor to a very special branch of the Vatican and a priest is sent. Father John Calvin must confront an ancient malice and in so doing face his own deep-seated evil. The battle between man and demon is only the beginning in this fast-paced supernatural thriller.

The Nebula nominee Lucian Merisca is coming with a post-modern story which looks like a moral experiment or like an alternative present. The setting and the personages are rather shadowy but the conflict is strong to stir the intrigue...Hey there, potential fanboy/fangirl! If you're here looking for a story with exciting butt-kicking, hilarious dialogue, and mind-blowing special effects, let me assure you that you haven't strayed too far. Stay a while and see what I have to offer? It's free! So what is -Superkid- about anyway? Is it a paranormal romance about an undead hot guy who has a thing for a sulky and homely teenage girl? Nope. Is it about a teen wizard whose destiny is to vanquish an evil sorcerer with a scary name? Wrong again. Is it a book about a young boy with superpowers who fights an oddball assortment of villains, written by a geek who has nothing better to do with his life? Well, if you're going to put it that way! Meet Aaron Purn, AKA Superkid, the fearless kid. Join him as he takes on Doctor Red, a mad scientist; the Black Belt, a master martial artist; the Vampire, a woman with a deadly touch; and the giant spider, a, uh... giant spider... in a battle for truth, justice, and all things laugh out loud. So move over, Batman! Look out, Spiderman! And put some pants on, Captain Underpants! There's a new hero in town!

As Lin struggles to hide her true identity, Golshem, the leader of the Wacken clan, has his own ideas of what Blackthorn magic should be.After spending many years living with the disguise of a mortal, Lin is happy to be in a town of open and practicing witches and wizards, Blackthorn.Despite her being magical, like them, she has a secret about her heritage that could cost her her life. As Lin struggles with hiding her true identity, Golshem, the leader of the Wacken clan, has his own ideas of what Blackthorn magic should be, and he will not stop until the town concedes. Genre: War Fantasy Age recommendations: middle grade/teen

A man running from his past comes face to face with it in the last days of his life.Following a massive plague, humanity is forced to retreat into orbit and begin searching for a new home. Quickly discovering that they are not alone, Commander Dalton James and his crew will have to lean on their extensive military experience in order to confront an enemy unlike anything we've ever seen before. Both blood and whiskey will be spilled as the fleet struggles to survive.The Fleet is a best-selling series with over 100K downloads to its credit. Continue your adventure today with the second trilogy of books.

When journalist Kevin Lee first meets retired academic Frank Peters and hears about an intelligent alien virus that has invaded the Earth, he is naturally very skeptical. However, when Peters is murdered, his skepticism soon turns to a real concern for the future of the planet and the survival of mankind.When journalist Kevin Lee first meets retired academic Frank Peters and hears about an intelligent alien virus that has invaded the Earth, he is naturally very skeptical. However, when Peters is murdered, his skepticism soon turns to a real concern for the future of the planet and the survival of mankind. Kevin joins a group of liked-minded people in Edinburgh dedicated to eradicating the virus. Returning to London, he rescues his colleague Sandi from a London hospital. Finding himself a wanted man, he seeks refuge with members of the group on a remote Scottish island. There he gains a new understanding of Frank Peters – who turns out to be much more than he first appeared. Together, the group make a final bid to eradicate the virus from humanity – and from the Universe.

There's strange things afoot on Mars. Mike must dig deep if he's going to find out what's going on, make it out alive, and locate the mysterious Rose.There's strange things afoot on Mars.In this incredibly skewed and slightly humourous tale, Mike must dig deep if he's going to find out what's going on at Mars Incorporated, make it out alive, and above all else locate the mysterious Rose.And... what's the deal with the Black Cat, and why is it so important that Mike follows it? To make matters worse, he doesn't even like cats!

These poetic gems were found like pebbles on the sands of my life. Poems of love, joy, fact, fiction, depression and inspiration. Stories of romance and tragedy, war and peace, and father and motherhood. All born from my overactive imagination and I call them "My Kinda Poetry." And I hope they are your kind too.Hell Hill Island is what I would call a place of beauty and a place of death. Any visitor or resident that stepped out of line were sure to find themselves, swinging from the Gallows on Hell Hill Island. Hell Hill Island was founded in 1863 by Marshall Sam Tucker that didn't believe in a fair trial because of his short fuse. If you back talked the Marshall he would shoot you in both legs, then drag your wounded body with a rope he held as he rode his horse up to the Gallows to be hung high and when the Marshall was through watching the dead body swing back and forth on the Gallows he would set their body on fire and light his cigar from the flames off their body. Marshall Sam Tucker would leave the charred body hanging from the Gallows and ride his horse back to town to bring the residents to see the aftermath and let them know this is how they would end up if they stepped out of line.

There are different rules in the darkness. When she first starts her new job, working the night shift in a nocturnal call centre Elizabeth immediately knows something is wrong, a coldness in the atmosphere and her creepy colleagues watch her every move.There are different rules in the night.A dark secret lies at the heart of this community and Elizabeth doesn’t know if she wants to find out.SoGlog Southfield of Southfield is virtual royalty. He could swim before he could walk. Born on a flotilla of barges in the gulf, SoGlog is a trader with a purpose. He is on a mission to secure some technology for his people. He is very serious but tends to be soft at heart.This is the short story that inspired the NaNoWriMo book of the title: A Life In After World: SoGlog Southfield.

Long, long ago in a land at the edge of a desert that howls against the walls of the village, a poor young boy named Samir is sent to work for a strange old man who stays up all night listening to the stars. This imaginative reconstruction of the tale of the Magi will appeal to children aged six and over, and draws on real astronomical research into the real Christmas Star.Long, long ago in a land at the edge of a desert that howls against the walls of the village, a poor young boy named Samir is sent to work for a strange old man who stays up all night listening to the stars. In his curiosity to find out why, Samir stumbles upon a secret and is swept up in an epic journey across the ancient world. It is up to him and his brother Hamdan - with a lot of help from Munira, the camel - to deliver a very special treasure to a king and perhaps rescue their land from disaster. Can they overcome thieves and a sandstorm to reach their destination in time?This imaginative reconstruction of the tale of the Magi will appeal to children aged five and over, and draws on real astronomical research into the real Christmas Star. The story is set in the ancient Middle East, in which region the author lived for many years - although at a much later date, of course!

Mimi is a 23-year-old reality TV star with no plans to ever take anything seriously. Ky is a shapeshifter with a complicated past. When Mimi's poor dating choices bring them together, they will have to make the most of both of their talents to save the world from a power-hungry maniac.Twenty-three-year-old television star Mimi Parks has collapsed outside of a nightclub. But it's not drugs this time. And as Mimi sees herself hurtling toward the end of her career and her life as she knows it, what she doesn't see is that she has interfered with a young (five-hundred-year-old) shapeshifter's mission to save the world from a power-hungry maniac. If they are to succeed together, Ky must overcome his complicated past to make an unlikely alliance. Mimi must reconnect with her own humanity just as she is becoming a little bit more than human.

Jaded rock star, Demetri Daniels, is in Hell — also known as Seaside, Oregon. Sent to rehab after nearly getting himself killed last year, his record company wants nothing more than for him to lay low, away from the limelight. Irritated and more alone than he’s ever been in his life, Demetri tries desperately to rebuild his shattered reputation as a drug addict and player, which proves to be difficult when he meets Alyssa. Alyssa is everything he should stay away from. She’s beautiful, smart, but above all else, she’s damaged. And one thing Demetri has learned is two broken hearts don’t equal a whole. In the end, he has to decide if he can rise above the life he’s created in learning from his past mistakes, or fall into the darkness of his choices.

The best things happen while you're acting... The historic Madrigal theater, in the heart of downtown Wishful, is about to close its doors forever. A last ditch fund-raising effort, a production of White Christmas, is probably the only thing that could bring Tyler Edison out of retirement. She fell in love on that stage, but when Brody Jensen abandoned her, she lost the heart to sing and dance for the crowd. Maybe it's time to take that back... It seems like pure chance when Brody's job, which has taken him all over the world, brings him back to his little hometown to oversee his boss's latest secret project. Brody's looking for closure, planning to sell the house his parents left him and finally put his past, and his memories of Tyler, behind him. What better way than to be a part of this last show? Even though his leading lady is surely long gone... Put on your dancing shoes, auditions start at six o'clock. Be Careful, It's My Heart is a novella of approximately 39k words.

**A sibling rivalry. A forbidden romance. A spell that changes everything. In Heliopolis secrets abound and passions ignite as chaos rises. From the  New York Times  bestselling author of the Tiger’s Curse series and Reawakened comes a novella full of celestial marvel, passion, betrayal, and evil that will grow to reign over humanity forever.** Before Lily and Amon met, before the cosmos was in chaos and needed three brave brothers to fight off evil, there were four siblings who helped rule the earth. Each sibling had a special gift. Osiris, the god of agriculture, helped mortals to grow and thrive in their natural environment. Isis, the goddess of creation, fostered health and wellness. Nephthys, the seer, was able to keep the balance between all living beings and the universe. But Seth, the youngest sibling, was left without any special powers. The Waters of Chaos, which granted each god’s talent, were running dry, and Seth was paying the price. As time passed, however, Seth’s determination and willfulness resulted in a very special gift, one that should have granted him the ability to enact wondrous change. But Seth’s competitive childhood gave him a heart so cold and vacant that instead, his gift brought about great evil. Seth was now the god of unmaking, the creator of disorder and destruction. And he was ready to seek his revenge, dominating all who got in his way.