Follow the deadliest man alive as he confronts old enemies and makes a few new ones in this provoking tale of deception, vengeance, and greed. Who will be there to take the purse, and who will be left alive to enjoy it? Find out who has the quickest hand, who has the strongest will, and who will survive when faced with a deadly proposition. Old debts die hard.In a world where men are known not for their words but for their deeds, Wayra is trying to step beyond the long shadows of his past. Labeled a deserter and hunted like a dog, he has made his home in the most remote corners of the land. And now, after years on the run, the infamous swordsman has crept from the folds of obscurity for an opportunity that is too good to ignore. In the village of Tiger’s Paw, where the only way for a man to rise up in this world was to work for the Smoks, Wayra has emerged with a plan, and an offer.Follow the deadliest man alive as he confronts old enemies and makes a few new ones in this provoking tale of deception, vengeance, and greed. Who will be there to take the purse, and who will be left alive to enjoy it? Find out who has the quickest hand, who has the strongest will, and who will survive when faced with a deadly proposition.Old debts die hard.

While other kids ride their bikes, Jake is learning to fly on a carpet. They're playing video games, he's being hunted by cyborg-scorpions. They face popularity contests, he is in a face-off with a Firebird. But Jake is not alone. Other kids at Hale Junior High are finding that the world is quite unusual. They must work together to save Jake's Uncle and search history to uncover their futures.“You know the stories that your ancestors tell, about supernatural-type abilities? These powers are manifesting themselves in their descendants.” Twelve-year-old Jake Bowers is severely frustrated when he finds out that his favorite uncle, the one man that has the ability to help him learn to "fit-in" at Junior High, is being deployed thousands of miles away to the US Army's conflict in Kazhiristan. Things look up though when a stranger gives him an ancient carpet that can fly. Jake is introduced into a world in which legends are reality. A world in which Jake can communicate with a rug, dreaming of future events is commonplace, and becoming invisible is a fun way to pass the time. Life in Junior High just got amazing - until strange cyborg-scorpions begin to follow him, and Uncle Mark gets kidnapped by the supposed owner of his carpet. Jake and his friends employ the help of other carpet riders, riders who are really upset that Jake has the ability to fly. The kids have to learn to work together as they attempt a daring rescue mission, and Jake tries to prove to everyone why he, of all people, is destined to be the Rider of the Carpet of Legend. See what parents are saying about Jake Bowers Versus the Firebird - "This is one of those rare books that has appeal for boys, girls, and adults. There is a little bit of everything--suspense, adventure,history, and humor. My 11-yr. old son and I both loved it!" Cydnee F. "What was amazing about this book is that we read it as a family. We have five kids, (ranging from ages 7-18) and they were all mesmerized by the book as we read it, and they all loved it. That's unusual!" Chris C. "It's nice to see my son reading again, and now he's picking up other books!" Barbara R.

When Brandy Silver picks up her friend from a party, she doesn't expect to be forcibly drugged—or pursued by a demonic wraith.What she saw makes Brandy a target for a dangerous magical underworld and at the heart of a mystery no one else wants revealed. She's been jailed for breaking parole from a past life. To earn her release, she must lead the Council to Thaimon, who will be a dangerous catch.When Brandy Silver picks up her friend from a party, she doesn't expect to be forcibly drugged—or pursued by a demonic wraith. Now she's witness to a bliss den that the police pointedly ignore and, worse, the drug can be deadly.What she saw makes Brandy a target for a dangerous magical underworld and at the heart of a mystery no one else wants revealed. She has been jailed for breaking parole from a past life. To earn her release, she must lead the White Wizard Council to Thaimon, who will be a dangerous catch.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Cold Forged Iron is the eighth episode of Season 1 of the Blissed series. There are plans for 10 seasons, with about 10 episodes per season, each episode about 10,000 words long. To catch every episode, please sign up for my newsletter.Hope you enjoy Cold Forged Iron.Nicolette

Eight new comic fantasies by short story author Pam Crane, taking you to some very unexpected - and some surprisingly familiar - places!'Out Of This World' is a collection of eight new comic fantasies by short story author Pam Crane, taking you to some very unexpected places!Three - 'Binky', 'Settled Affairs' and 'Iron' - all take place on Terry Pratchett's Discworld with brand new characters in familiar settings. 'The Real Princess' is a favourite fairy-tale reinvented, and 'Final Warning' goes back to the Ark with some serious questions! 'The Story Of Cats' was written as a tale for children, explaining why there are both large and small cats in our world. 'The Ghost In the Machine' brings romance and tragedy to one girl and her laptop, and 'The Medical' is a young man's nightmare encounter with a very disconcerting doctor.

When you have to kill the same terrorist twice in one week there's either something wrong with your world or something wrong with your skills... and there's nothing wrong with Joe Ledger's skills. And that's both a good, and a bad thing. It's good because he's a Baltimore detective that has just been secretly recruited by the government to lead a new taskforce created to deal with the problems that Homeland Security can't handle. This rapid response group is called the Department of Military Sciences or the DMS for short. It's bad because his first mission is to help stop a group of terrorists from releasing a dreadful bio-weapon that can turn ordinary people into zombies. The fate of the world hangs in the balance...

Acclaimed author Lynn Flewelling brings her beloved Nightrunners series to a close—at least for now—with a thrilling novel of murder, mystery, and magic.   The governor of the sacred island of Korous and his mistress have been killed inside a locked and guarded room. The sole witnesses to the crime—guards who broke down the doors, hearing the screams from within—have gone mad with terror, babbling about ghosts . . . and things worse than ghosts. Dispatched to Korous by the queen, master spies Alec and Seregil find all the excitement and danger they could want—and more. For an ancient evil has been awakened there, a great power that will not rest until it has escaped its otherworldly prison and taken revenge on all that lives. And only those like Alec—who have died and returned to life—can step between the worlds and confront the killer . . . even if it means a second and all too permanent death.   Praise for Lynn Flewelling’s Casket of Souls   “Full of intrigue and plots upon plots.”—*RT Book Reviews*

In a world where emotion can be a deadly weapon, one slight, battered runaway holds the key to a dark and twisted enigma. . . "Drink of me, " she whispers, her silver eyes trusting, pleading. What female dares speak such words to one of the Sange? His people are scorned by every race for their fierce sensuality, their fearful rituals. And as Prime, Reule is the most telepathically gifted of them all. But nothing has prepared him for the intensity of emotion radiating from the outlander rescued by his Pack. Terrified, tormented, but beautiful beyond measure, Mystique shatters his legendary control. As she reaches for him in the steamy heat of the healing baths, he knows this blind need can have but one end. . . In blood, in knowledge, in ecstasy.

This edition of the Grantville Gazette Volume 6 is derived directly from the online edition at http://www.grantvillegazette.com. Stories include: A Taste of Home by Chris Racciato Federico and Ginger by Iver P. Cooper Recycling by Philip Schillawski and John Rigby Old Folks' Music by Gorg Huff and Paula Goodlett Mightier than the Sword by Jay Robison Grantville is Different by Russ Rittgers The Woman Shall Not Wear That by Virginia DeMarce Live Free by Karen Bergstralh The Dalai Lama's Electric Buddha by Victor Klimov The Doctor Gribbleflotz Chronicles, Part 1: Calling Dr. Phil by Kerryn Offord Dr. Phil's Amazing Lightning Crystal by Kerryn Offord Dr. Phil's Aeolian Transformers by Kerryn Offord and Rick Boatright Exegesis and Interpretation of Up-timer Printed Matter by Francis Turner Bouncing Back: Bringing Rubber to Grantville by Iver P. Cooper On the Design, Construction and Maintenance of Wooden Aircraft by Jerry Hollombe The Jews of 1632 by Douglas W. Jones

Each year the two high mages of Wynter and Pyria come to the Neutral Lands to sign a treaty that has kept a fragile peace between the lands of ice and fire. However, climate change is destroying these two delicate societies and it's up to Asha and Shard not only to find a solution to the danger facing their people, but to come to terms with the fire and ice in their own hearts.Each year the two high mages of Wynter and Pyria come to the Neutral Lands to sign a treaty that has kept a fragile peace between the lands of ice and fire. However, climate change is destroying these two delicate societies and it's up to Asha and Shard not only to find a solution to the danger facing their people, but to come to terms with the fire and ice in their own hearts. Will these elements of love save their countries or drive a bigger wedge between them?

Artirius, a northern barbarian, arrives home after a long journey abroad in the south. Upon reaching the eastern coast of the mainland a dream comes to him. The events that unfold after and Artirius's part in them, will not only determine the fate of Norta Masa, but may finally help the barbarian understand who he really is.Artirius had never truly felt at home with his tribe of barbarians on the northern plains of Norta Masa. So, when the opportunity to leave came to him as a younger man, he did. He sojourned for many years, meeting the dwarves, elves and other humans. He even traveled beyond the mainland, to the Untamed Isles in the southern seas.But for all the time he spent away, he could never find a place or role that seemed to fit him. So after nearly ten years, he returned. Upon landing on the Eastern coast, a strange dream haunts him. At first he discounts it as little more than too much drink the night before, but when the dream continues he knows he must seek guidance.From the east he travels to the elven city of Alastrial, to meet with the great wizard Tressnou. There the wizard reveals to Artirius that strange things are occurring throughout Norta Masa and that his dream may have something to do with it. From that point on, Artirius is plunged into events that will determine the fate of all those who live in Norta Masa and will reveal to Artirius who he really is.The Lone Wolf offers spectacular places, interesting characters, and exciting battles, in the author's debut novel.

The devil wears many guises. Some of them are delicious.This is the second poem collection by the author Akshdeep Singh Narula. It is quite short by today's standards with only 50 pages of poems which won't bore you. He, inspired by positive compliments about his poem in different forums, have put together this poem collection, which you will want to read again and again, interpreting it differently every time.

A desert princess bears a foreign king's child, but his nation's scorn threatens to destroy their love.Can a desert princess find love with a foreign king? Johari lives in the shadow of her beautiful sister until a foreign king notices her, but in her haste to prove herself worthy of affection she finds herself compromised and on a difficult journey to make things right. This is a short story set in the world of Nälu years before the opening scene of Secrets Kept, a fantasy novel.

A cold-hearted murderer. A vicious abuser. A young man hiding a shameful secret. A bewildered immigrant. A pure-minded spy. All of these men have found their appointed places at Mercy Prison, where it is easy to tell who your enemies are. But a new visitor to Mercy is about to challenge decades-old customs. Now these men's worst enemies may be hiding behind masks...and so may their closest allies."'You have committed a vile and savage act, one that any other nation would punish with death. Our punishment, on the other hand, will only be to give you what you want. You have sought to live in a world without boundaries of civilization, and such a world shall henceforth be your dwelling place.'"A cold-hearted murderer. A vicious abuser. A young man hiding a shameful secret. A bewildered immigrant. A pure-minded spy.All of these men have found their appointed places at Mercy Life Prison, where it is easy to tell who your enemies are. But a new visitor to Mercy is about to challenge decades-old customs. Now these men's worst enemies may be hiding behind masks . . . and so may their closest allies.A runner-up in the Rainbow Awards 2014, the book bundle "Mercy's Prisoner" can be read on its own or as the first volume in the Life Prison series. Friendship, desire between men, and the costs of corruption and integrity are examined in this multicultural speculative fiction series, which is inspired by prison life at the end of the nineteenth century.VOLUME CONTENTS"Life Prison." In the unmerciful world of Mercy Prison, there is no rule but unending pain. For Merrick, the arrival of his new guard provides hope that he may break beyond the boundaries of his life prison. But appearances can be deceptive, and Merrick does not yet recognize the danger this guard poses to his future."Men and Lads." Two guards. Two prisoners. A multitude of problems."Milord." He was the model prisoner, respectful to his guards and loyal to his fellow prisoners. What no one knew was that he held the key to destruction."Isolation." Being locked in a prison cell can cause a man to re-examine his priorities. Especially when the door never opens."Curious." His job is to guard the prisoners. But against what?"Mercy's Prisoner: Epilogue.""Mercy's Prisoner: Historical Note."REVIEW"Liveprison. Der Name sagt alles. Sehr düster." - Mllesatine: Empfehlungen.PREVIEWHis face came full into the light as he stepped forward. Wearing the uniform of a Compassion guard, he looked even more like his father: he had the same thin lips and the same straight eyebrows. But the eyes were empty of all coldness – indeed, of all expression of any sort – and there was no smile on his lips, cruel or otherwise."My name is Thomas," he said. "I'm your new guard."I noted the use of his given name rather than his paternal name, and with the instinct of a veteran fighter I dropped and made my attack accordingly. "Ah, yes," I said. "The son of Compassion's Keeper. I can expect great deeds from you, I'm sure."His lips grew even thinner, but that was all; it seemed that he was well used to this mode of attack. He said, as though I had not spoken, "My job is to provide service to you during your stay at this prison, and to make your stay as comfortable as is possible under your circumstances. If you have any needs, I hope you will let me know of them."I stared at him open-mouthed for a moment, and then I gave a hoot of laughter that resounded through the entire level. The early-morning conversations across the fire-pit paused briefly, and Sedgewick, who was passing my cell, glanced in with narrowed eyes before continuing on."Let me – let me understand you correctly," I said, struggling to gain control of myself. "You'll give me any service I want?""Any service that is in accordance with the rules of your stay.""But the only rule is that I should not be permitted escape, either through death or any other means. So you'll give me anything else?""If it's within reason, yes.""Anything at all?""Tell me what you want, and I'll be able to give you a firm answer." His patience, I saw with delight, was wearing down."Fine," I said, leaning back and pulling off the blanket to reveal my body underneath. I had given up wearing clothes at bedtime several guards before. "I want you to come over here and service me on your knees."

Two FREE novels by #1 bestselling author, J.R. Rain, including:MOON DANCEDARK HORSECollection of two FREE novels by #1 bestselling author, J.R. Rain, including:MOON DANCE(Vampire for Hire #1)Six years ago federal agent Samantha Moon was the perfect wife and mother, your typical soccer mom with the minivan and suburban home. Then the unthinkable happens, an attack that changes her life forever. And forever is a very long time for a vampire.In Moon Dance, the world at large thinks Samantha Moon has developed a rare skin disease, a disease which forces her to quit her day job and stay out of the light of the sun. Now working the night shift as a private investigator, Samantha is hired by Kingsley Fulcrum to investigate the murder attempt on his life, a horrific scene captured on TV and seen around the country.But as the case unfolds, Samantha is about to discovers that Kingsley isn't exactly who he appears to be; after all, there's a reason why he survived five shots to the head...DARK HORSE(Jim Knighthorse #1)Dark Horse takes place in Huntington Beach, California. Surf City, U.S.A. Written in the tradition of Robert B. Parker's Spenser and Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe, Dark Horse introduces a new hard-hitting, wise-cracking hero with a modern twist.When high school student Derrick Booker, the only black student at a posh Orange County high school, is accused of killing his white girlfriend, ex-college football hero and detective Jim Knighthorse is hired to dig a little deeper into the murder. It doesn't take long for Knighthorse to realize that not all is as it seems at tranquil Huntington High, from a band director who preys on the innocent to a vice-principal with a secret agenda of her own. Not to mention someone's hired a professional killer to keep Knighthorse permanently off the case.As the investigation continues, Knighthorse's personal life is shattered by the discovery of new evidence relating to his mother's unsolved murder, a murder dating back twenty years. Reeling from the discovery, a determined Jim Knighthorse sets out to bring two killers to justice.