Excerpt: ...you uncivil scoundrel," cried the fierce doctor, "is that the way you respond to the kindness of your best friends? Then let me tell you the truth. You have no more found the Unpardonable Sin than yonder boy Joe has. You are but a crazy fellow,--I told you so twenty years ago,-neither better nor worse than a crazy fellow, and the fit companion of old Humphrey, here!" He pointed to an old man, shabbily dressed, with long white hair, thin visage, and unsteady eyes. For some years past this aged person had been wandering about among the hills, inquiring of all travellers whom he met for his daughter. The girl, it seemed, had gone off with a company of circus-performers, and occasionally tidings of her came to the village, and fine stories were told of her glittering appearance as she rode on horseback in the ring, or performed marvellous feats on the tight-rope. The white-haired father now approached Ethan Brand, and gazed unsteadily into his face. "They tell me you have been all over the earth," said he, wringing his hands with earnestness. "You must have seen my daughter, for she makes a grand figure in the world, and everybody goes to see her. Did she send any word to her old father, or say when she was coming back?" Ethan Brand's eye quailed beneath the old man's. That daughter, from whom he so earnestly desired a word of greeting, was the Esther of our tale, the very girl whom, with such cold and remorseless purpose, Ethan Brand had made the subject of a psychological experiment, and wasted, absorbed, and perhaps annihilated her soul, in the process. "Yes," he murmured, turning away from the hoary wanderer, "it is no delusion. There is an Unpardonable Sin!" While these things were passing, a merry scene was going forward in the area of cheerful light, beside the spring and before the door of the hut. A number of the youth of the village, young men and girls, had hurried up the hill-side, impelled by curiosity to see Ethan Brand, the hero of so...

Dragor (that’s me) creates Equestria and conquers it.On one of my mind trips, I create a pocket dimension that is Equestria. I proceed to conquer it, for it is my right as its creator.*Yes; this is exactly what it sounds like. The prompt was: ‘your self-insert takes over Equestria’. What else was I supposed to do?

For Jade, there is one customer who makes going to work at the coffee shop worthwhile, Officer Alex Kane. With just a look, Constable Kane turns her body into an inferno of desire, but being too shy to make the first move she endures countless nights longing for his hard body and tender touch. Luckily, fate has plans for the sexy cop and the cute, shy girl from the coffee shop.Sixteen year old Arelia LaRue lives in New Orleans where the music is loud, voodoo queens inhabit every street corner, and the ghosts are alive and well. Despite her surroundings, all she wants is to help her Grand-mere Bea pay the rent and save up for college.When her best friend Sabrina convinces her to take a well-paying summer job at the infamous Darkwood plantation, owned by the wealthy LaPlante family, Arelia agrees.However, at Darkwood strange things start to happen, and gorgeous Lucus LaPlante insists that he needs her help. Soon, the powers that Arelia has been denying all her life, come out to play and she discovers mysteries about herself that she could have never imagined.

Despite her best intentions, Jilly finds herself drawn to Coltrane, her father's new right-hand aide, a handsome liar with his own vengeful agenda against a man whom he blames for a crime committed many years before. Original.

Zenn Bower runs a mission with Blaze, Jag's older brother, to Freedom. It's a simple get in, get out procedure. But things go wrong when Blaze breaks protocol and Zenn uses his voice to detain Blaze. Zenn's met by Thane Meyers at the drop location, and he has an interesting proposal for Zenn. Ultimately Zenn has to choose: Violet or the Resistance.Zenn Bower has spent his life falling in love with Violet Schoenfeld. After he turned twelve, he learned his father was part of an underground revolution called the Resistance, a group of free-thinking citizens fighting against mind control. He joined, putting his considerable talents to use: lying, flying, and voice control.He wishes life inside the Resistance could be easy. He yearns to tell Vi what he's doing in the middle of the night. He wants cocky leader of the Resistance Jag Barque to back off.Zenn runs a mission with Blaze, Jag's older brother, to Freedom. It's a simple get in, get out procedure. But things go wrong when Blaze breaks protocol and Zenn uses his voice to detain Blaze. Zenn's met by Thane Meyers at the drop location, and he has an interesting proposal for Zenn. Ultimately Zenn has to choose: Violet or the Resistance. This 20-page short story takes place before events in the full-length novel, POSSESSION, and provides insider information into the Resistance, as well as Vi and Zenn's stormy relationship.

When ex-pop-star Lennart Cederström finds an abandoned baby, he is uncertain what to do-until he hears her cry-a clear, haunting, perfectly pitched note. Lennart decides he will raise her in isolation: the vehicle for a pure, uncorrupted music. But like anyone brought up in a basement, young Theres develops a few idiosyncrasies. Dangerous ones.

These eleven stories describe the misadventures of the delightfully idle "Eggs," "Beans," and "Crumpets" that populate the Drones club: young men wearing spats, starting spats, and landing in sticky spots. For the first of his many appearances in the Wodehouse canon, Uncle Fred comes to what he believes to be the rescue.

As Nancy shifts into high gear as a cabdriver to run down a hit man, she uncovers corruption in the highest places, including a plot to silence her father, a reporter and herself.

As Chelsea plans her wedding, missing family members cast shadows. Eric’s unstable girlfriend Dana causes distress for Jenny and Sam, but while Jenny battles her marijuana usage, Sam realizes the best place for their youngest is the farm. Dana’s anguish threatens to overwhelm, but other sinister forces bear down on all in the Willamette Valley.In the fifth book of the series, family loyalties are put to the test; Eric and Travis fret over Tanner, while Eric’s girlfriend Dana proves Sam and Jenny’s youngest hasn't fallen far from the tree. Mitch’s tenure in Iraq continues as Chelsea marries, then receives the shock of her life.As the recession hits America, the Cassels and Smiths are faced with further joys and dilemmas; Will and Bethany give Sam and Jenny their first grandchild, but Eric is torn by his love for an injured young woman. Jenny’s aches grow worse, but help for her illness soothes Rachel’s heart. David finds Rachel’s new boyfriend lacking, but when a cousin’s life is on the line, David’s reckless nature triggers a crisis.Events in Iraq add to the melancholy, but as a family gathers for various holidays, love is paramount. Then hearts are broken when one man’s revenge explodes. Will Arkendale ever be the same?

Where to begin a tale filled with closely guarded secrets of demons, gods and men that has for the Ages been hidden from all searching eyes… This our Quest…a long and twisting road to Destiny drawing us into the past, then flinging us into an uncertain future, opening a door to a mystical world…Dare you take this dangerous journey of discovery to uncover the truth of all matters...?Where to begin a tale filled with closely guarded secrets of demons, gods and men that has for the Ages been hidden from all searching eyes…so troubling and damning that the very faith of mortals will be shaken to its core… Greatest of Ancients, the wisest of sages, beckons with a teasing riddle…“To reach the beginning, you must start in the middle.And to attain the finish, you must comprehend all things.Time goes ever forward, but knowledge learns always from the past.”…the middle - a time when the existence of all life hinges upon one thread, one decision, one choice…as men of clay selfishly pursue wealth, glory, and pleasures while others far beyond the stars fight to return to an unending life of bliss and self-indulgence. Here begins our Quest…a long and twisting road to Destiny drawing us into a distant and sordid past, then flinging us wildly toward an uncertain future, opening a door to a mystical world…Dare you take this dangerous journey of discovery to uncover the truth of all matters and meet the people who have given everything for us to gain what the future holds…?

In the fourth book in the Zigzag Kids series, it's showtime at the Zelda A. Zigzag Afternoon Center. Gina loves to sing and she's determined to be the star of the play. She's already told everybody she knows to come see her. But her friend Destiny wants to be the star, too! From the Hardcover edition.

Mystery writer Violet Carsten has spent most of her life behind the pages of a book, either reading one or writing one. When she inherits a house in the city she ends up getting much more than she bargained for! Through some amazing coffee, a real life mystery, and a little bit of pepper spray, she finds the man of her dreams. Will she take a chance on love or will old fears get in the way?Mystery writer Violet Carsten has spent most of her life behind the pages of a book, either reading one or writing one. When she inherits a house in the city she ends up getting much more than she bargained for! Through some amazing coffee, a real life mystery, an overprotective older brother, and a little bit of pepper spray, she finds the man of her dreams. Will she take a chance on love or will old fears keep her heart locked up tight?

Some Heroes aren't born, they're made by the simple decision to pick up the gauntlet. Marshall Lawson was raised believing in heroes but when he never found any he decided he would just have to do. But with nobody else believing in heroes anymore does he have what it takes to challenge those who break the law? Or will he become just another punchline?A first kiss is hard to forget—and Kelsey Brian’s just walked into the bar where she works and isn’t planning to leave anytime soon. It figures. With her last semester of college finally here, Kelsey can’t wait to finish the year smoothly and start a new chapter. She doesn’t need to drive over yet another bump in the road.Ethan Connelly has spent most of his adult life trying to be accepted by his father, and now he has the chance to make him proud. He’s also just stepped into another chance with the girl who got away. Deciding who matters most to him isn’t an easy choice. If he picks his father, he’ll lose her again—if he picks her, everything he’s worked for will be for nothing.Can Kelsey learn to trust him, or will Ethan’s secret of why he’s really back in town tear them apart?

Aika Lareto’s life comes apart at the seams when her fiancé is killed in the first attacks of the Seven-Year War. Suddenly everything she thought she knew turns to chaos and smoke. When she can’t get out of London, joining the city militia seems the next best thing. It is there The Agent finds her, and recruits her into Dreamtech–would be government conglomerate with a plan to save the city. ButAika Lareto's life comes apart at the seams during one fatal trip to London. Just as her fiancé's career as a photojournalist comes together, chaos and destruction ends all their dreams. Suddenly everything she thought she knew turns to smoke.And there's a lot of smoke these days, as London is systematically destroyed in what is becoming known as the Second Blitz.Then a mysterious old man reveals she's a Keeper of the Flame, a champion destined to fight for humanity in the coming apocalypse. Aika isn't interested; what she wants is to return home to Ireland to grieve a broken heart. When she can't get out of London, joining the city militia seems the next best thing.It is there The Agent find her, and recruits her into Dreamtech--would be government conglomerate with a plan to save the city. The question is, are they saving it from war--or for themselves?

Bizarre and terrifying dreams lead a man to a lonely coastal town in the middle of the night. What will he discover on The Steps At Silloth?A free Lovecraftian short story. 3400 wordsBizarre and troubling dreams lead our narrator on a night-drive to Silloth on the Cumbrian coast-line. What he finds on The Steps At Silloth will make him question his past and its implications.This is a free weird short story [3400 words] in the Lovecraftian tradition. Previously published in "Cthulhu Cultus #11" magazine, now available for free. Any feedback is most welcome and appreciated.

Hal Junior lives aboard a futuristic space station. His mum is chief scientist, his dad cleans air filters and his best mate is Stephen 'Stinky' Binn.As for Hal ... he's a bit of a trouble magnet. He means well, but his wild schemes and crazy plans never turn out as expected!Hal Junior: The Secret Signal features mayhem and laughs, daring and intrigue ... plus a home-made space cannon!Hal Junior lives aboard a futuristic space station. His mum is chief scientist, his dad cleans air filters and his best mate is Stephen 'Stinky' Binn. As for Hal ... he's a bit of a trouble magnet. He means well, but his wild schemes and crazy plans never turn out as expected!Hal Junior: The Secret Signal features mayhem and laughs, daring and intrigue ... plus a home-made space cannon!The Secret Signal will appeal to readers with a sense of humour and a taste for adventure.No swearing and no adult concepts ... just good clean fun.

Robyn, the little fairy that cannot fly, lives close to the dark woods. She asks her friend Tavvie, the wise elf, to help her with the naughty black rabbit that lives in the woods. Jayden, a clever little boy helps them to solve their problem. Story with pictures.You will also observe a tinge of magical realism, as the events of the story unfold many unexpected situations. The pace of the story is quick,

Second book in a series of five: A novel of how God delivers thousands of children to his protected sanctuary in Sewanee, Tennessee in the last days until the rapture. The Lord's angels with the help of spirit-filled teenagers battle against Apollyon's dark legions to keep the children safe. Sometimes referred to as Christian fantasySecond book in a series of five: A novel of how God delivers thousands of children to his protected sanctuary in Sewanee, Tennessee in the last days until the rapture. The lord's angels with the help of spirit-filled teenagers battle against Apollyon's dark legions to keep the children safe. This novel portrays magnificent angel battles and great events from the teenagers who are serving God. They are able to work miracles, including healings and the raising of the dead as they protect themselves from the dark angels trying to capture them. This novel takes a reader right up to the day of the rapture. Sometimes referred to as Christian fantasy

Everyone goes through something in High School and the kids of Westbrook High is no exception. Keeping your friends close but your enemies closer is an understatement at Westbrook. Lies, betrayal, and heartbreak are just a few things that you will encounter. These Young adult characters will become like your best friends and you will not want to put this book down.Freshmen Amber Styles, has had it with being a nobody. That’s why she will do whatever it takes to date a popular guy at Westbrook High, even if it means stepping on the toes of Westbrook’s most popular cheerleader, Symphony Perkins. But how is that even possible when Amber has low self-esteem and a pimply complexion?Symphony Perkins aka aspiring fashion designer, is finding it hard to keep her rep intact with all of Amber’s shenanigans. Threatening to be kicked off the cheerleading squad as captain if she doesn’t get her math grades up, she decides to put the “frenemy” thing to good use. All the while dealing with kept secrets from those she’s closest to.Roman Davis, Westbrook’s MVP football player, is not having a good school year. If it isn’t one thing it’s another. He has his own secrets he’s keeping and he’ll find out secrets that were kept from him. Even though Roman betrayed his best friend, Quincy, he tries everything in his power to right that wrong.Hunter Santos is back after being gone for a year. Something has severed her and her father’s relationship and Hunter tries her hardest to win back his affection, but does he even deserve a second chance?Enemies turn into friends and friends turn into enemies in this first Installment of the Westbrook High Series.

We've all been to Haunted House Attractions on Halloween that have people made up to be scary looking to scare us even though it is all fake, and we know it, but we don't care we just want to be scared.Meet Henry Adams he loves going to haunted attractions, but was getting bored and not scared anymore, so he decided he was going to make his own Haunted attraction that would be to die for literallyWe've all been to Haunted House Attractions on Halloween that have people made up to be scary looking to scare us even though it is all fake, and we know it, but we don't care we just want to be scared. Meet Henry Adams he loves going to haunted attractions, but was getting bored and not scared anymore, so he decided he was going to make his own Haunted attraction that would be to die for literally. Henry wanted to be the envy of all Halloween attractions and he is going to do it in a deadly way. Henry knew if he was going to pull this off it had to be done in a big way. Halloween was just a couple months away, and he had to think of something special to do that would alleviate his loneliness in the dilapidated Mansion out in the country where he was living all alone. Then out of the blue he said, "I know just the perfect thing to do this Halloween, and that would be to turn my mansion into a real life Haunted Mansion, but this has to be the real thing not just a bunch of props. That night as Henry was daydreaming about what to do on his couch he wasn't about to doze off because if he did he probably would forget. Henry immediately got off the couch, and turned on the light, and got a piece of paper to write down his thoughts, and act on them in the morning. After about an hour, and nonstop writing Henry finally passed out on the couch with a beer in one hand, and the paper he was writing down his thoughts on was lying on his chest. The beer Henry had in his hand dropped to the floor spilling everywhere, but Henry was fast asleep and didn't hear a thing.Morning finally arrived and Henry awoke to the sunlight beaming through the living room window. Henry wiped his eyes and grabbed his paper full of ideas then stepped down off the couch into a pool of beer getting his socks soaking wet. Henry said, "I must have really been out of it last night." Then he went over to the kitchen to get a towel and clean up the spilled beer. He made himself some breakfast and sat at the kitchen table going over his ideas. When he was through eating his breakfast he got on his clothes, and took his to do list with him then got in his car eager to get the things he needed to turn his Mansion into a real life Haunted Mansion.Henry went into town to the Halloween store for a fog machine to give his yard the kind of look that you would see in scary movies. He also got things from the Halloween store such as spooky music, strobe lights, black lights and cob webs. Henry was excited to see his fantasy unfolding right in front of him.

A description of my basic bio and the ideas behind the flight of the maita science fiction seriesIt is the autumn of 1864 in Richmond, Virginia. The great and glorious capitol of the Confederacy is surrounded on three sides by Union troops. This time the Yankees are not going away.Thirteen year-old Ryan and eleven year-old Matthew O’Toole, having moved from Boston to Richmond with their father, mother and big sister only a little more than three years earlier, find themselves in a dangerous predicament. As the war rages on around Richmond and it looks as if finally the Union might prevail, some of their southern friends turn against them. The two boys are considered "dirty Yankees" now and their loyalty is suspect. When the two boys help a freeman and his son to escape Richmond, the situation only becomes worse for the O’Toole family until they too must abandon their home and begin a danger-filled flight to the north and freedom.