Former Special Ops Agent Brian Mitchell was living a quiet life as a Sheriff’s deputy with his wife and daughter, until the night he awakened to find himself kidnapped and his family held prisoner by a former enemy determined to settle an old vendetta.Former Special Ops Agent Brian Mitchell was living a quiet life as a Sheriff’s deputy with his wife and daughter, until the night he awakened to find himself kidnapped and his family held prisoner by a former enemy determined to settle an old vendetta. Trapped inside a remote castle in eastern Europe, Brian must use every bit of skill, experience, and animal instinct he possesses to survive a grim gauntlet of professional killers determined to make sure he doesn’t see the end of the longest night of the year alive!

Story of a student who becomes a guardian to defend the world from the dark threat that was returning to earth. After so much time dormant, the darkness is trying again to make the earth a dark ball of chaos, where they will reign and destroy everything and everyone. The guardians must now fight to defend their home and loved one from an ugly end of the world and life itself.The story of a normal student who encounters a peculiar group of girls, called guardians, who are defending the earth from darkness itself, freed from their prison by an unknown force after millions of years of peace. Now this threat seems to be disturbing the peaceful life of humans who are unaware of this new problem, ignoring that their lives might be in danger and could end at any moment. The guardians are now trying to activate again, after years of normal life, and fight to their best the darkness that is threatening the world itself and trying to send it into a new dark era, similar to the one in ancient times when the world was just a dark ball in space with little life in it.

Stephanie is a graduating combat student of North Amber Academy with the special ability of bending water and is preparing for her final examination. But the exams are the last things in Stephanie’s mind, rumors have it that Moah has invaded the city of Aechor and soon will declare war. Will Stephanie’s abilities be put to test to defend her country even before she graduates from the academy?Each student at the North Amber Academy had an element they specialized in. Every student fit in one of four categories: water, fire, earth, and air. The abilities each received all depended on what each was born with. For Stephanie Asheron and her friends, that was a love for water. Final examinations are coming up for the graduating students like Stephanie which will have her compete with her classmates and the top tier will go on to battle the other classes. But the exams are the last things in Stephanie’s mind, rumors have it that Moah has invaded the city of Aechor and soon will declare another World War. Are there truths to the claim of war? Will Stephanie’s abilities be put to test to defend her country even before she graduates from her academy?

A dystopian story of a man and his country falling into a slow-motion crisis.A second person narrator is on a train - a seemingly normal working day in the near-future. He is alone in a carriage, reading a newspaper, ignoring the changes - domestic and abroad - all around him. He is joined by a stranger, who is wearing a fedora, a scarf - which covers his mouth and ears - and a pair of dark glasses. The stranger is also holding a purple balloon.

A young man discovers that a story told by his grandfather may not just be family legend, but a modern legend with implications for the future of the old forest where his grandfather lives.The world grew up and left its legends behind, but Jason is soon to discover that his grandfather's big deer story may be the beginning of one of the world's legend's final chapter.Development threatens Jason's grandfather's house and his aunts and uncle are threatening to put their father in a nursing home. This may seem like an odd time to go hunting, but Jason's grandfather insists, begging him to bring the Monarch of the Forest to the front porch. As Jason takes to the changing and shrinking forest, he discovers that just because he's not a legend like his grandfather, he may be the one to bring a legend to an end.

On her first day in Australia, Mairi McDonald collides with her past - or does she? Originally written for a magazine, Bronwyn's challenge was to write a romantic suspense story in just 1500 words. It's the perfect length for a short break with a cup of tea or coffee!Long before written history, when mankind was still spreading across the globe, one island was home to a race very similar to mankind. The People followed five spirits, one for each tribe: Earth, Metal, Animal, Plant, and Sun. As mankind spread and came to The Isle of Light they threatened to upset the delicate balance The People held most dear. So the High Priest of Airon, god of the sun and chief of the spirits, called together the kings of the five tribes.The Roses of Airon tells the story of how The People come together to work powerful magic to save their realm from invaders, and from dark spirits that threaten to consume them.This is the prequel to the upcoming series The Rose Garden by Casia Schreyer.

Beware the darkness...In a time before the moon and sun, dragons and blood-drinking demons freely roam the land, and two elves discover a magic that will change their world forever. But power is a tricky thing, luring friend and foe alike.Will it be their salvation or their doom?This 101,000 word epic fantasy novel is the prequel to Soul Seeker.Beware the darkness...In a time before the moon and sun, dragons and blood-drinking demons freely roam the land, and two elves discover a magic that will change their world forever. But power is a tricky thing, luring friend and foe alike.Will it be their salvation or their doom?This 101,000 word novel adventure is Book 0 in the series and the prequel to Soul Seeker in the World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series.

Bits and Pieces is a collection of poems talking about love, friendship and the beautiful seasons. It's a short read to inspire your mood and make you smile.On love, there are so many words we can use to describe Love. Bits and Pieces has a few love poems with a dash of longing.On Friendship and family, there is no greater bond than the one found with those we love. A few poems in Bits and Pieces describe that love through the author's interpretation.On Seasons of the year, watching the leaves fall in autumn is an experience that only a poet can define. Season of Sage is my favorite poem in this book.

Diane is the guardian of the vessel E.S. Horizon, but things are not quite as they should be. There is a two century gap in her memory, her space suite seems to be optional and everyone is looking at her strangely. But she has a job to do, and she will do it no matter what.Diane is the guardian of the vessel E.S. Horizon, but things are not quite as they should be. There is a two century gap in her memory, her space suite seems to be optional and everyone is looking at her strangely. But she has a job to do, and she will do it no matter what. When they start using her as a handyman she decides to find out what is going on, and she is probably going to make someone pay for keeping her in the dark. But she still can't remember anything...

When 17 year old Ellasis' village is attacked, she must help her kingdom prepare for war.Two great novels for the price of one, from the masterful story-telling pen of Deborah McNemar. Pantheon, the first in the sci-fi series of that name and Faery Tail the first in her Fae series.PantheonThey call me Athene. As a sniper with Pantheon Consulting’s special operations, I ensure that cut-throat tactics remain in the boardroom and don’t leave stains on the carpet. When I put the boss’s grandson into a virtual training simulation, I expected to be reprimanded, but I don’t think I deserve this kind of punishment. I’m on Earth with Walt, acting as bodyguard while I try to plug an intel leak that’s already led to the deaths of two of my fellow spec-ops. My partner, Pan, is impossible to ignore. The problem? It’s against the rules to fraternize. I’ve never met anyone quite like him before: intelligent, capable and he’s under my skin.The leads have taken a disturbing turn. Everything points to a company called Gaea. I’ve got Pan under my skin, Walt under my protection and a target in my crosshairs. They call me Athene and I’m going to war.Faery TailBorn a Sidhe princess, Star has done everything in her power to leave her heritage behind her. She's carved out a life for herself in the bustle of New York City, content with her books, her coffee and her few friends. But the past is about to catch up with her. The time has come for her to fulfill her duty and Queen Luna is determined to see the matter accomplished. Centauri is a warrior of the Tuatha de'. It is his task to see the reluctant princess wed to maintain the balance of the Fae kingdoms. But he is going to need all of his legendary control to deal with the impulsive woman who seems intent on unraveling all of his plans. But there are plots afoot in the Fae kingdoms, plans that go deeper than either of them realize. Only by learning to trust in one another can they avert disaster. In the magic of the Fae realms, one thing is for certain - happily ever after is never assured and true love is a prize above dragon's treasure..

This is death, I thought, but I do not want to go. I remember thinking. Sinking down to the ocean floor, I could feel my thoughts slipping, lungs filling with the sting of salted water as it took me, I drowned… I died. I became death; I became a slave to the darkness. I became a victim to my own pride, a pirate to my own ungodly misdeeds…My thoughts of you never relenting…Welcome to the new fantasy, sci-fi and supernatural fiction E-Zine Bad Moon #1 - New Moon. We bring you fascinating tales to enthral and amuse you every full moon that rises, writing them in between the changing phases in a flash of inspiration or the attempt to raise mild amusement, at least.We have stories of abstract futures and mysterious pasts, yet all pertinent to today. We will meet characters from a far future Tokyo, a near future Europe, some spectral apparitions who haunt unexpected places, reimagined Grimm Tales, amongst other mangled fairytales, myths, parables, legends and steampunk fun.Enjoy the rocking ride, and hold on tight!

Summer vacation is a time to relax and enjoy time off from school. But it's not always fun and games. And sometimes it can be a living hell.Free Origin Story from the upcoming novel "fiX" by Michael Golvach - https://mikegolvach.netAll Her Teeth Were IdeasBy Rebecca LooseAll Her Teeth Were Ideas is a modern adaptation of three of Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories. The collection consists of Berenice, The Black Cat and The Tell-tale Heart. This book has been published as part of a university project for the Creative Writing department at De Montfort University, Leicester.

* Grace Paulson’s train wreck of a personal life takes a turn for the better when the elementary school teacher meets a gifted artisan whose handmade jewelry boxes are featured at the local museum. Well-versed in nineteenth century Russian literature, Carl Solomon also happens to be the school janitor.* Grace Paulson’s train wreck of a personal life takes a turn for the better when the elementary school teacher meets a gifted artisan whose handmade jewelry boxes are featured at the local museum. Well-versed in nineteenth century Russian literature, Carl Solomon also happens to be the school janitor.* Following his divorce, Dr. Stanley Gilford, chief of cardiology at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, restructured his life on the guiding principle of maximum gain, minimum pain. So what is the well-heeled doctor doing with Ruby, a high school dropout and waitress at the local greasy spoon, and what are his options visa vie the pallid, five year old boy whose damaged heart beats in three-four time?* A year out of high school, Clarissa, who couldn't even score a date for the senior prom, is into tantric sex, Pablo Neruda and orgasms bordering on divine rapture. And she's still a virgin!* While studing to become a rabbi at a yeshivah in Jersusalem, Peter Ostrowski witnesses a senseless act of violence that causes him to abandon the religious life. When he stumbles across the writings of Leo Pinsker, an equally disaffected seventeenth century, Polish Jew, Peter grasps what needs to be done to salvage his fractured humanity.These are just a few of the situations you will find in this collection of bittersweet short stories, where the characters struggle to manage their lives in a user-unfriendly universe.

After stepping far beyond the warm-beer and soggy-chip comforts of England, Percy Field has finally accepted his lot. While the move to Singapore was everything Percy expected, in this new place was both inexplicable and unexpected.But life for the disagreeable expat is not destined to be easy.After stepping far beyond the warm-beer and soggy-chip comforts of England, Percy Field has finally accepted his lot. While the move to Singapore was everything Percy expected, finding joy in this new place was both inexplicable and unexpected.But life for the disagreeable expat is not destined to be easy. When providence plays an unlikely hand in the form of a manipulative elderly resident, Percy finds himself sliding towards trouble. Like it or not, there are people who think a great deal of him, but how far can friendship be pushed?

Reid Emory has never had reason to question his luck with the ladies. As the owner of a lethal set of aqua-blue eyes and a devastating grin, this Hollywood heartthrob always brings his A game…but lately his luck seems to have run out. The actor is in need of some help, and there’s only one person he can trust to take his love life—and his career—to an explosive new level. Jordan Litwright’s newest client is trying her patience. As a publicist, she’s more than content to stay in the background and let others shine. But when a publicity stunt backfires, she suddenly finds herself thrust into the spotlight—as Reid’s new love interest. And while other men usually overlook her, Reid is focusing in with laserlike intensity. There’s no denying they have serious chemistry. But once Reid breaks into the big time, can they turn their made-for-the-media romance into a forever love?

In twenty-two stories of amazing range and variety, Ray Bradbury once again works his special magic, sounding out life's mysteries in the past, present, and the future. Stories: A Piece of Wood (1952) A Story of Love (1976) variant of These Things Happen (1951) Darling Adolf (1976) Drink Entire: Against the Madness of Crowds (1976) Forever and the Earth (1950) G.B.S. - Mark V • (1976) Getting Through Sunday Somehow (1962) Have I Got a Chocolate Bar for You! (1973) Interval in Sunlight (1954) Long After Midnight (1963) One Timeless Spring (1946) Punishment Without Crime (1950) The Better Part of Wisdom (1976) The Blue Bottle (1950) The Burning Man(1975) The Messiah (1973) The Miracles of Jamie (1946) The October Game (1948) The Parrot Who Met Papa(1972) The Pumpernickel (1951) The Utterly Perfect Murder (1971) The Wish (1973)

When Annie discovers she's pregnant by her boyfriend, she's devastated. She has never felt so alone. With no one she can talk to, she pours her heart out to her diary, confiding her feelings of panic, self-doubt, and the desperate hope that some day she can turn her life around. She decides she wants to keep her baby and dreams of loving and caring for this little person. But after the baby is born, it's in her diary that she faces the agonizing question: Can she really raise this child on her own?

Frederick Forsyth,  master of the international thriller, retums with  an electrifying story of a man of immense power and  a conspiracy to crush the President of the United  States. Only one man--Forsyth's most  unforgettable hero yet--can prevent the plan from succeeding.  His name is Quinn. He is the  Negotiator.President Cormack is  bent on a signing a sweeping U.S.-Soviet  disarmament treaty, and the master conspirator is  determined to stop him. The kidnapping of a young man on a  country road in Oxfordshire is but the first  brutal step in the explosive plot engineer the  president's destruction. Enter  Quinn.  Quinn plays the  kidnappers like a master musician. . . until, in a shocking  tumabout, he discovers that ransom was not their  objection after all--and that he has been lured  into a cunningly woven web. Now he must draw upon  his deepest strengths--to save not only the victim  but the entire free  world.

"The edge of the sea is a strange & beautiful place." A book to be read for pleasure as well as a practical identification guide, The Edge of the Sea introduces a world of teeming life where the sea meets the land. Rachel Carson's books have become cornerstones of the environmental & conservation movements. Acknowledgments Preface The marginal world Patterns of shore life The rocky shores The rim of sand The coral coast The enduring sea Appendix: Classification Index

With her award-winning debut novel, Purple Hibiscus, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was heralded by the Washington Post Book World as the “21st century daughter” of Chinua Achebe. Now, in her masterly, haunting new novel, she recreates a seminal moment in modern African history: Biafra’s impassioned struggle to establish an independent republic in Nigeria during the 1960s. With the effortless grace of a natural storyteller, Adichie weaves together the lives of five characters caught up in the extraordinary tumult of the decade. Fifteen-year-old Ugwu is houseboy to Odenigbo, a university professor who sends him to school, and in whose living room Ugwu hears voices full of revolutionary zeal. Odenigbo’s beautiful mistress, Olanna, a sociology teacher, is running away from her parents’ world of wealth and excess; Kainene, her urbane twin, is taking over their father’s business; and Kainene’s English lover, Richard, forms a bridge between their two worlds. As we follow these intertwined lives through a military coup, the Biafran secession and the subsequent war, Adichie brilliantly evokes the promise, and intimately, the devastating disappointments that marked this time and place. Epic, ambitious and triumphantly realized, Half of a Yellow Sun is a more powerful, dramatic and intensely emotional picture of modern Africa than any we have had before. From the Hardcover edition.

Think yourself back in years, my friends. . . .It's New Year's Eve in Camelot, where King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and all their good Knights wait breathlessly for an extravagant feast to begin. Suddenly, a strange and frightening Knight bursts into the hall—a giant of a man, green from head to toe, who mockingly challenges the Court to a shocking game. Only the chivalrous Sir Gawain dares to take on the hideous Green Knight. But over the unexpected course of his test, will Gawain prove as brave and honest as he'd like to believe? Welcome to a medieval world full of sword fights and shape-shifting, monsters and magic, and timeless characters both gallant and wonderfully human. Written anonymously in the fourteenth century, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is retold in its entirety by Michael Morpurgo in a lively and accessible narration that captures all the tale's drama and humor. Vivid illustrations by the celebrated Michael Foreman infuse this classic tale with the...