You may imagine, said the man in the corner, "how keen was the excitement of that moment in court. Coroner and jury alike literally hung breathless on every word that shabby, vulgar individual uttered. You see, by itself his evidence would have been worth very little, but coming on the top of that given by James Terry, its significance--more, its truth--had become glaringly apparent. Closely cross-examined, he adhered strictly to his statement; and having finished his evidence, George Higgins remained in charge of the constables, and the next witness of importance was called up.

From #1 Bestselling author Morgan Rice comes the debut of a dazzling new fantasy series. A Quest for Heroes revolves around the epic coming of age story of one special boy, a 14 year old from a small village on the outskirts of the Kingdom of the Ring. The youngest of four, the least favorite of his father, hated by his brothers, Thorgrin senses he is different from the others. He dreams of becoming a great warrior, of joining the King’s men and protecting the Ring from the hordes of creatures on the other side of the Canyon. When he comes of age and is forbidden by his father to try out for the King’s Legion, he refuses to take no for an answer: he journeys out on his own, determined to force his way into King’s Court and be taken seriously. But King’s Court is rife with its own family dramas, power struggles, ambitions, jealousy, violence and betrayal. King MacGil must choose an heir from amongst his children, and the ancient Dynasty Sword, the source of all their power, still sits untouched, waiting for the chosen one to arrive. Thorgrin arrives as an outsider and battles to be accepted, and to join the King’s Legion. Thorgrin comes to learn he has mysterious powers he does not understand, that he has a special gift, and a special destiny. Against all odds he falls in love with the king’s daughter, and as their forbidden relationship blossoms, he discovers he has powerful rivals. As he struggles to make sense of his powers, the king’s sorcerer takes him under his wing and tells him of a mother he never knew, in a land far away, beyond the Canyon, beyond even the land of the Dragons. Before Thorgrin can venture out and become the warrior he yearns to be, he must complete his training. But this may be cut short, as he finds himself propelled into the center of royal plots and counterplots, ones that may threaten his love and bring him down—and the entire kingdom with him. With its sophisticated world-building and characterization, A Quest for Heroes is an epic tale of friends and lovers, of rivals and suitors, of knights and dragons, of intrigues and political machinations, of coming of age, of broken hearts, of deception, ambition and betrayal. It is a tale of honor and courage, of fate and destiny, of sorcery. It is a fantasy that brings us into a world we will never forget, and which will appeal to all ages and genders. It is 82,000 words.

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes is the utterly beguiling tale of a ten-year-old blind orphan who has been schooled in a life of thievery. One fateful afternoon, he steals a box from a mysterious traveling haberdasher—a box that contains three pairs of magical eyes. When he tries the first pair, he is instantly transported to a hidden island where he is presented with a special quest: to travel to the dangerous Vanished Kingdom and rescue a people in need. Along with his loyal sidekick—a knight who has been turned into an unfortunate combination of horse and cat—and the magic eyes, he embarks on an unforgettable, swashbuckling adventure to discover his true destiny.

It's 2004 in America and Quentin Ross does not elect to visit Chile with his new girlfriend for spring break. Instead he finds himself criss-crossing the country with his roommate and with fellow travelers of various persuasions. However, it is through Olivia Dupree that Quentin might wonder about the narrowness of his own perspective in this novella with picaresque and coming-of-age elements.Quentin Ross is twenty-one years old and approaching the end of his college years. His (nominal) girlfriend Marcela is decidedly out of his pay grade on the scale of life ambition. In lieu of visiting her family for spring break, he crosses from one side to the other of 2004 America, with all of the anti-turmoil that implies. There are the regressive jokes and diatribes of Kjell as well as the adderall-induced conniving and philosophizing of Carson. But it is truly through Olivia Dupree, vivacious and tormented, worldly and aesthetic, that Quentin might wonder about the narrowness of his own perspective.The Glow touches on the nature of responsibility, relationships, redemption, and repetition. It contains historical, picaresque, coming-of-age, and romantic elements, and it is the first work of Dan Bryan.

Another sorry episode from the unorthodox life of Captain Hesperus, star trader. A stirring tale of contraband, mutiny, and the importance of hats.A novella set in the universe of the classic computer game "Elite", and its fan-made remake, "Oolite".Another sorry episode from the unorthodox life of Captain Hesperus, star trader, highlighting many of the difficulties faced by merchant captains in the Co-operative today. It contains interesting insights into negotiation techniques, commander–crew relations, and the importance of hats, and shows how some trades can have awkward consequences. Traders, take heed!A novella set in the universe of the classic computer game "Elite", and its fan-made remake, "Oolite".

Any scientific expedition to the Arctic expects plenty of risk. However, Dr. Welham of Miskatonic University's survey uncovers far more than the usual geologic and ethnographic samples. In the severe, rock-scouring blizzards of the far north, the team comes across a hideous object from an elder age. A relic that brings earth shattering terror in its wake...Any scientific expedition to the Arctic expects plenty of risk. However, Dr. Welham of Miskatonic University's survey uncovers far more than the usual geologic and ethnographic samples. In the severe, rock-scouring blizzards of the far north, the team comes across a hideous object from an elder age. A relic that brings earth shattering terror in its wake...  This story is loosely inspired by H. P. Lovecraft's short story, Polaris, which was written in 1918. In that story, a modern man is troubled by recurring dreams, gaining in intensity. During these visions, he assumes the role of a sentry guarding the pass against the invading Inutos people from the west. However, under the malign influence of the pole star, the watcher falls asleep. This time, when he awakes, screaming, the sentry wakes as a modern man and realises that he has failed the marble city of Olathoe in the lost land of Lomar.

In a dystopian post globalist world, grad student Zak Miller, girlfriend Kim, and their friends find themselves in an international manhunt. Facing dangers wherever they turn, they have to come together if they are going to have any chance to survive. Sweeping, stylish, fiercely intelligent, sophisticated, and expertly crafted. Powerful and explosive. A speeding train, magic and iconiAn exciting thrill ride on the leading edge of modern historical events, American students abroad become embroiled in a deadly international race to find a shadowy force for freedom able to disclose worldwide explosive revelations from deep inside China's corrupt, predatory power structure before it's too late. A fever pitched, exhilarating journey of suspense like no other, up against the gathering of darkening clouds in a world on the precipice of losing its freedom. Stanford grad Zak Miller is attending Beijing's prestigious Tsinghua University when one morning, as he studies for an exam at the University's beautiful imperial garden, an unknown man nearby is suddenly and inexplicably attacked. Zak comes to his aid. Mysteriously, as the dying man loses consciousness he calls Zak by the name Christopher Gray and slips him a thumb drive while speaking the letters U, N, K. Filled with a sense of dread, and knowing that in a country of ubiquitous CCTV, authorities will soon be seeking him out, Zak takes off across campus, depositing the thumb in a random book at the vast university library before heading to his housing complex. At his apartment Zak encounters a man who says he is Hui Lee, an officer of State Security, and his men. They attempt to detain Zak, but as they leave the building's elevator, Zak is able to elude them. Later Zak retrieves the thumb drive and finds Kim at the Library. They contact Lee and agree to meet at Muxidi bridge to hand it over. Just as they are about do so, Kim discovers that the man standing on the bridge to greet them is not actually Hui Lee, but rather an imposter. She shouts to Zak and they barely get away while being shot at. Stuck with a thumb drive that appears to motivate unknown assailants to shoot at them, Zak and Kim are left wondering who their assailant is. Figuring anyone who would shoot at them must be a criminal element, they suspect he could be a member of one of the organized criminal gangs of China, a Triad. They seek out a professor, well recognized for his expertise in the criminal underworld of China, and go to see him. Zak and Kim find Professor Wu-pen at the Public Security University nearby in Biejing. They share the thumb drive with him and he warns them that they and anyone they are in contact with are indeed in danger and probably not just from the Triads, that they must surreptitiously get out of China before being detained with the incriminating thumb, where they can fulfill the dying man's last wish by getting it to UNK. Soon, Zak and Kim are being pursued in a deadly game not only by an unfriendly Chinese Triad, but also by arms of the Chinese and American governments. Both are equally intent on supressing the information, although for different reasons. The Professor knows a friendly Triad contact in Hong Kong who can help them get out of China. In the meantime, their friends Rashida, Arjun, Ethan, Bogdan, Guillermo, Sofia, Kina, and Asobi scatter to the four winds for their own safety. Kim and Zak head to Dubai to find the mercurial billionaire Kadin Sa'd but are waylaid in Paris just as a series of lethal attacks begins one at a time on their now distant friends. Invasive surveillance and governmental control carried out in the name of national security, an over concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, rising national militarism, government sanctioned extra-judicial assassination carried out in far distant countries, interdependence of transnational corporations and leading governments, government censorship, diminishing freedom of the press and of individual expression, collide. Zak, Kim and their friends try to turn the worldwide tide toward a vast and foolish bigotry back to one of optimism and hope in a triumphant tale very much of our time.

The sprite Twaylee was a scout in the Royal Army of the elfin Blessed Court. She became a questing agent in its Ministry of the Eye and Ear. As Dame Aylith's companion, she serves and protects the People of Peace.The sprite Twaylee enjoys her harrowing quests with Dame Aylith but even the adventurous must sometimes rest. The two elves visit Twaylee's comrades from her days in the Royal Army of the Blessed Court. After their brief respite, the two questing agents venture into a land of goblins to foil a scheme of the dark elves. Unfortunately, the enemy is ready for them.

Sam lives outside the fence, in an area known as the de-reg zone. Here, there are no schools, no libraries, and very few books. Children must survive in any way they can. One day, trawling through the local rubbish dump, Sam comes across a book. He takes it to the one person he knows who can read - Old Man David. Old Man David will teach him to read - but is he ready to pay the price?Rather than party at his friend's house for the end of the world, Jared elects to spend his last day before the zombie apocalypse in the office in the hopes that he can get to know pretty Sheila. When the zombie's do arrive, neither he, Sheila, or their boss are ready.

An Erica Joan Stark story.Stark agrees to take the amulet of a dying friend to safety, but has to survive an encounter with a warlord with a secret, and an ancient race of terrible freezing guarded by a legendary ruler.A Gender Switch Adventure.Jessi hung up the phone. That was the fifth time she tried calling home with no answer. She had just started eating lunch when she remembered she had forgotten to call home. It was something she would never forgive herself for.It was something she would never forgive herself for…It wasn’t until lunchtime that Jessi remembered to call home. No answer. She tried calling several times while she ate her lunch. Still no answer. She closed her eyes and rested her arms and head on her desk. She breathed deeply, wishing she had remembered to call earlier. Until Forever is a story of a young family that is torn apart by the devastating effects of alcoholism. Can healing take place in a relationship when an unforgivable act is committed? Will Jessi's pain and Mark's guilt keep them apart forever, or will unforeseen circumstances bind them together? Author BioDarlene Shortridge attended Alderson Broaddus College as a voice major. She found she was more passionate about her writing classes than her vocal classes. She left college early and since that time has written various projects such as Bible School Curriculum and poetry. She has also written and recorded a CD of original music. She lives abroad with her husband and two children. Until Forever is her first novel.

Before tragedy left her crippled, Artemis “Temi” Sidaris was a world-class tennis player at the height of her career. The sport was her passion, her dream, and all she ever wanted to do. Fighting monsters… was not part of the plan. But when a pair of pointy-eared strangers offers to heal her injury if she’s willing to wield a powerful sword to protect humanity… how can she resist?

Sophos, under the guidance of yet another tutor, practices his swordplay and strategizes escape scenarios should his father's villa come under attack. How would he save his mother? His sisters? Himself? Could he reach the horses in time? Where would he go? But nothing prepares him for the day armed men, silent as thieves, swarm the villa courtyard ready to kill, to capture, to kidnap. Sophos, the heir to the throne of Sounis, disappears without a trace. In Attolia, Eugenides, the new and unlikely king, has never stopped wondering what happened to Sophos. Nor has the Queen of Eddis. They send spies. They pay informants. They appeal to the gods. But as time goes by, it becomes less and less certain that they will ever see their friend alive again. Across the small peninsula battles are fought, bribes are offered, and conspiracies are set in motion. Darkening the horizon, the Mede Empire threatens, always, from across the sea. And Sophos, anonymous and alone, bides his time. Sophos, drawing on his memories of Gen, Pol, the Magus and Eddis, sets out on an adventure that will change all of their lives forever.

Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick presents a gripping yet poignant novel about a 12-year-old boy and his dog who become trapped in New Orleans during the horrors of Hurricane Katrina. Zane Dupree is a charismatic 12-year-old boy of mixed race visiting a relative in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hits. Unexpectedly separated from all family, Zane and his dog experience the terror of Katrina's wind, rain, and horrific flooding. Facing death, they are rescued from an attic air vent by a kind, elderly musician and a scrappy young girl--both African American. The chaos that ensues as storm water drowns the city, shelter and food vanish, and police contribute to a dangerous, frightening atmosphere, creates a page-turning tale that completely engrosses the reader. Based on the facts of the worst hurricane disaster in U.S. history, Philbrick includes the lawlessness and lack of government support during the disaster as well as the generosity and courage of those who risked their lives and safety to help others. Here is an unforgettable novel of heroism in the face of truly challenging circumstances.

As mankind faces its deadliest battle, two young women must unite to prevent the forces of evil destroying the world as we know it. But theirs is no ordinary alliance, for these two women live at opposite ends of history, until fate brings them together and their destinies are inextricably intertwined. Leoni, a troubled teen from 21st Century Los Angeles, finds everything she's ever known thrown into disarray when a drug overdose catapults her into a parallel dimension.There she meets Ria, who is also suspended on the edge of time. Ria's world is violent and desolate in a way Leoni has never experienced - but only together can they stop the powerful demon Sulpa, the Eater of Souls.The embodiment of pure evil, Sulpa is preparing to perpetrate one final, horrific act of unspeakable wickedness, after which nothing will be able to stand in the way of his ultimate goal: the annihilation of mankind. Only Leoni and Ria can stop him...

This is Episode One told from Hendrix's point of view.Hendrix Parker believed the only thing waiting for him at the end of the world was responsibility and obligation. His life had fallen into monotonous routine and he was resigned to accepting his new, depressing fate. Until Reagan Willow tumbles into his life. She awakens a part of him that was as Zombie-fied as the rest of the world.The Zombie Apocalypse couldn’t be more boring. For the last two years, Hendrix Parker’s life rotated in a constant routine of fighting Zombies, finding a place to spend the night and keeping his family safe. While all of those things were admirable pursuits, they had begun to blur together in monotonous gray lines and a haze inducing fog. Reagan Willow and Haley Gable tumble into the Parker’s lives with helpless charm and sarcastic cynicism. The boys can’t help but feel the strong need to protect them. Especially Hendrix, who can’t ignore the irresistible pull Reagan has on him. She’s everything he never thought he would find, and the shot of life that digs him out of the corpse-like stupor he’s fallen into. She might not feel the same way, but that won’t deter Hendrix from pursuing her. Maybe there’s nothing more than friendship between them, but their futures are now entwined, one way or the other. Just as long as they can escape the Zombie horde alive first. Love and Decay, Boy Meets Girl, is the first episode in the Love and Decay, Novella Series told from Hendrix’s point of View; and a Dystopian Romance about Zombies, the end of the world and finding someone to share it with. This story takes place over multiple episodes, with a release date every two weeks. Approximately 20,000 words.