Daughter of Llathe: A Tale of the Two Rings

      Ben Cassidy
     Daughter of Llathe: A Tale of the Two Rings

Can Wayfinder Nali track down and destroy the evil creature which is stalking the jungle lowlands of the planet Llathe? Or will she become its next victim?“Daughter of Llathe” is a novella set in the space fantasy world of the Two Rings, and is the first story in the Tales of the Two Rings series. It is approximately 14,000 words long.When Wayfinder Nali is dispatched to the isolated village of Veel’na in the rainforest lowlands of the planet Llathe, she soon discovers that her task is larger than she thought. A dark terror is killing the people of Veel’na one-by-one during the Long Night, and there is no help coming until daybreak several weeks away.As Nali races to find out exactly what is responsible for these deaths and stop it, she faces rising tension from the captain of the town’s mercenary guard and the frightened villagers themselves. Will Nali overcome her own doubts and fears, or will the ancient evil that rots out in the heart of the Llathese jungle ultimately consume her?“Daughter of Llathe” is a novella set in the sword and planet world of the Two Rings. It is approximately 14,000 words long.Cover line art by Chad Dulac. Coloring by James Huang. Title and cover design by Robert Worl.

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    Journey to Ninas Twei, Book One of The Earth Woman Tree Woman Quartet

      Connie Pwll Walck Tyler
     Journey to Ninas Twei, Book One of The Earth Woman Tree Woman Quartet

When a stray kitten struts boldly into Giselle’s life, the restless young teacher finds herself compelled to “go north.” She’s drawn from the city to rural Arundel where, with the help of a man who prowls the forest as a grey wolf, a librarian who slips through the night as a cougar, and a gardener who rides the wind as a red tailed hawk, she sets out to save the world.Quartet OverviewThe Earth Woman Tree Woman Quartet is a near future fantasy with a progressive political bent, a diverse set of characters, and links to recordings of many original songs.Ninas Twei is the mystical place where all of Earth’s species dance and sing together to ensure the continuance of life on Earth – all, that is, except Homo sapiens. Greed and the lust for power has barred them from the dance.Giselle, an activist school teacher, finds herself called to a small rural community to join a group of people who, becoming their Tla Twein (mythical animals or gods), are able to travel to Ninas Twei.Gathering an increasingly diverse group of people from the city, the country, and the world, the Tla Twein engage in a life and death struggle to heal the rift in the natural order and defeat the forces of greed.Giselle, the Earth Woman Tree Woman, joins with the Wolfwind, and together they become all things – earth, air, and water; flora and fauna – a compassionate force for the well-being of the earth.Book One: Journey to Ninas TweiA stray cat struts into Giselle’s apartment bringing an elusive melody? A majestic homeless woman sings her a prophesy and a red-tailed hawk silently urges her to travel north from the city to a rural farming community on the north coast, where she finds an ocean-side house next to a hilly forest, and a new job.Three people in Arundel have been waiting for Giselle, believing that she, and two children, Enid and Jésus, are missing pieces in their attempt to bring humans back to the dance of life. Yameno, 30, the last member of the Tuwillian nation living in Arundel, is guardian of the sacred spring. His nation has a tradition of transforming into their Tla Twein and traveling to Ninas Twei to watch and guard the dance. Yameno’s Tla Twei is a large grey wolf. Dan, 50, a black gardener and scholar, is the hawk. Hazel, 47, a librarian, becomes the cougar. With subtle, often musical encounters, Giselle and the children are drawn into the group. Yameno, carves a sculpture of Giselle’s Tla Twei, the Earth Woman Tree Woman and transform to their Tla Twein and join, becoming all things – wolf and tree, earth, water, and air.But Enid’s grandfather, Gunther, who learned the secrets of the Tla Twein when married to Hazel’s sister, blames Hazel and the others for his wife’s death. When he stumbles on an encounter between Enid and the cougar he knows is Hazel, he arouses the town and a cougar hunt is planned.Ninas Twei is in imminent danger. Hunt or no hunt, the Tla Twein must travel there. On the day of the cougar hunt they meet in a forest clearing where, singing their songs, they transform to their Tla Twein, journeying to Ninas Twei through a vortex splashed with color – and sometimes pierced by tremors and sharp pain. In Arundel Jésus and Enid are reported missing and the townspeople’s hunt for the cougar turns to one for the children.In Ninas Twei they watch the incredible dance of life and find the Weaving Tree where Giselle can trace people’s stories and see the relationship between the problems on earth and the absence of humans from the dance. The source of the tremors and pain is somewhere beneath this tree and it is dying.Suddenly the ground shakes and a gapping crevice opens up swallowing the screaming children. The others are tossed back to earth in their human form just as the hunters come down the path into the clearing. Obsessed with anger, Gunther raises his gun accusing Hazel of being “the devil”. Hazel and Dan have only a moment to transform to their Tla Twein as he shoots. Hazel and Dan disappear, leaving behind the bodies of a cougar and a hawk.The children are missing. Giselle and Yameno are accused of kidnapping them. They walk back down the hill back of Giselle’s house in the custody of the sheriff.Hazel and Dan call to each other, their voices growing fainter and fainter as they float away from each other in a gray empty place.

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    Uncanny Tales of Crush and Pound 11

      Christopher D. Carter
     Uncanny Tales of Crush and Pound 11

Crush and the beautiful giantess Beni escape from the clutches of the treacherous Mouchard, only to find themselves fleeing from a band of armored giants, the mystical Queen Dowager, and the fire-breathing dragon from beneath Scalus Mountain!!!Alice Reaver is not her real name but that's who she'll have to be at yet another new school in another new town that her fugitive father has dumped them in for her safety. It's been like this for eight long years, ever since they came home to find her mother brutally murdered. It was probably a message to her father, an almost reformed assassin. Maybe it was payback from the shady, quasi-government jokers he used to work for and betrayed or from one of his victims' families. Whatever. After spending half her life lying to everyone she meets, discarding identities and hair colors like dirty socks, and learning how to kill in dozens of different ways, "Alice" is done. She's made some friends at Oxford High - her first ever. One of them needs the help of her lethal skill sets to stay alive. And maybe she's met a boy - or two. Her father can let her have a life or he can kill her for breaking curfew and their survival protocol. But she's not leaving without a fight that will test everything he's ever taught her.

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    When the Wind Calls

      Teri J. Dluznieski M.Ed.
     When the Wind Calls

Torn between her family, and the foreign boy she was forbidden to love- she chose the wind.At 19, Kijah feels like she's outgrowing her family's small urban farm. She also has questions about her real father, a Faenyr man her mother won’t talk about. Growing up in Treyu, at least, being half-blooded is common. But she just doesn't feel like she fits. Then Zria walks into her life. A golden-fair Faenyr boy, a mirror to her own exotic looks. Everything she thought was turned upside down. Now she wonders about magic, and the nature of true power, as they explore each other’s worlds. She is swept up in newfound love that brings a whirlwind of change. For the first time in her life, she feels connected to herself, to Zria, and the world around her. She knows it is all because of Zria: magic and charming and completely foreign. In a very short time, he has become her whole world. She feels so connected to Zria, that she forgets that he is truly Faenyr, in a way that she is not. What will she do when she realizes they may be less alike than she thought?

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    Another Day

      David Levithan
     Another Day

Every day is the same for Rhiannon. She has accepted her life, convinced herself that she deserves her distant, temperamental boyfriend, Justin, even established guidelines by which to live: Don’t be too needy. Avoid upsetting him. Never get your hopes up. Until the morning everything changes. Justin seems to see her, to want to be with her for the first time, and they share a perfect day—a perfect day Justin doesn’t remember the next morning. Confused, depressed, and desperate for another day as great as that one, Rhiannon starts questioning everything. Then, one day, a stranger tells her that the Justin she spent that day with, the one who made her feel like a real person…wasn’t Justin at all. In this enthralling companion to his New York Times bestseller Every Day, David Levithan tells Rhiannon’s side of the story as she seeks to discover the truth about love and how it can change you.

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    Moonrise

      Erin Hunter
     Moonrise

Moons have passed since six cats set out on a journey to save their Clans. Now they are traveling home again, but on their way through the mountains, they meet a tribe of wild cats with a secret . . . and their own mysterious prophecy to fulfill. Stormfur can't understand their strange fascination with him, but he knows the danger they face is real. Meanwhile, back in the forest, Firestar and Leafpaw watch ThunderClan's world crumbling around them. Will the questing cats make it back in time to save the Clans, or will they be too late?

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    Children of the Wolf

      Jane Yolen
     Children of the Wolf

Inspired by true events, the story of two girls raised by wolves Mohandas lives in the Home, a Christian orphanage in Godamuri, India, close to the jungle. The people of Godamuri beg the orphanage’s director, the Reverend Mr. Welles, to get rid of the ghosts, called manush-bagha, haunting their village. When the Reverend investigates, he discovers that the “ghosts” are really two human girls living with a pack of wolves. Mohandas’s life is altered forever when the Reverend brings the two girls to live at the orphanage. Reverend Welles is sure that with time and attention, the girls will learn to speak and become civilized. But the other children do not like these strange creatures who walk on all fours, refuse to wear clothes, eat raw chicken, and howl at the moon. Only Mohandas is willing to show the wolf-sisters a little kindness. But is kindness enough to make them human? This ebook features a personal history by Jane Yolen including rare images from the author’s personal collection, as well as a note from the author about the making of the book.

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    The Chronicles of Outsider: Humble Beginnings

      Justin Wayne
     The Chronicles of Outsider: Humble Beginnings

Outsider; a mixed heritage bounty hunter, finds himself caught in the middle of a much bigger plot between two ruling rival forces when he captures a wanted thief who stole from them, and must fight to survive not only his enemies but the harsh weather of the wild northern tundra.Outsider; a mixed heritage bounty hunter, finds himself caught in the middle of a much bigger plot between two ruling rival forces: the Guard and the Warriors, when he captures a wanted thief named Thom who stole a magic dagger from them. Together they must fight to survive not only the rival factions, a mysterious supernatural force, and a tribe of orcs, but the harsh weather of the wild northern tundra; all the while battling enemies both outside and within.

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    A Gift of Magic

      Lois Duncan
     A Gift of Magic

When the old woman died, she left her grandchild Nancy with the extraordinary gift of magic. Nancy can read people's minds, know their thoughts, and make them do what she wants. Will she use her gift for good, or satisfy her own selfish desire? Lois Duncan presents a paranormal rollercoaster ride with goosebumps at every turn. This edition features updated text and an exclusive Q&A with author Lois Duncan!

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    Dark Tide Rising (Book 1 of The Bright Eyes Trilogy)

      J. M. Rojas
     Dark Tide Rising (Book 1 of The Bright Eyes Trilogy)

Seasons change, and so does the world. Rebel Atlanteans, undead shape-shifters and desert djinn rally their might against the last bastion that stands in their way of conquering the modern world: The Library of Alexandria. Meanwhile, Kaelan's spies hunt for Jack, James and Alora Grey. The Dark Tide wants them, and their memories of where lies the Crown of Dreams.Seasons change, and so does the world. The rage of summer shows no reprieve as the sun scorches the earth and heralds the start of a bitter war. From out of the shadows of the old world, rebel Atlanteans, undead shape-shifters and desert djinn rally their might against the last bastion that stands in their way of conquering the modern world: The Library of Alexandria. Meanwhile, Kaelan's spies have picked up the trail of their prey: Jack, James and Alora Grey. The children of Thomas are in grave peril. The Dark Tide wants them, and their memories of where lies the Crown of Dreams.

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    Probable Impossibilities

      Steven & Margaret Larson
     Probable Impossibilities

Cody's friend, Gen, thinks she spotted Bigfoot in the woods. George Roge, an Internet blogger, is tracking the creature down. His blogs have attracted the press and curiosity seekers. George is getting close to their town. Too close. Cody wants life to return to normal, but Gen insists on going back into the woods to rescue Bigfoot.Cody’s friend, Gen, thinks she spotted Bigfoot living in the woods. The whole school hears about it, and they aren’t going to let them live it down. When Cody and Gen get caught passing notes in class, everyone gets stuck with an extra assignment. Cody’s dad tries to help him by sharing his password to an experimental program, EGOR. The program works great for the assignment. But then a blogger, named George Roge, appears on the Internet. George believes in Bigfoot. In fact, he's tracking the creature down, and the search is getting close to where Cody lives. Too close. Everyone is talking about George, even the teachers. Reporters and groups of Bigfoot hunters are swarming the town. Cody wants to avoid any more attention, but Gen insists on going back into the woods to rescue Bigfoot.

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    Re-creation: gift for a slave (The Three Lands)

      Dusk Peterson
     Re-creation: gift for a slave (The Three Lands)

Despite his father's desire that the imperial heir maintain a formal distance from servants, Peter finds himself drawn in friendship to the younger boy who serves as his slave. But a shocking revelation on the eve of the New Year forces Peter to confront his own motives for keeping the slave close by. And that in turn will help him understand the deeper meaning of the gift-giving festival."He could not leave this room without his father's permission. And he could not imagine going to his father and saying, 'Please let me go gather moss so that my slave can have a proper New Year for once.'"What can you give a slave who, by law, can own nothing? That is the question faced by Peter, the teenage heir to the throne of an empire. Despite his father's desire that the imperial heir maintain a formal distance from servants, Peter finds himself drawn in friendship to the younger boy who serves as his slave.But a shocking revelation on the eve of the New Year forces Peter to confront his own motives for keeping the slave close by. And that in turn will help him understand the deeper meaning of the gift-giving festival.This holiday novelette of romantic friendship and a young man's quest for true manhood can be read on its own or as part of The Three Lands, a fantasy series on friendship, romantic friendship, romance, and betrayal in times of war and peace. The series is inspired by conflicts between nations during the Roman Empire and the Dark Ages. The Three Lands is part of The Great Peninsula, a cycle of fantasy series (Young Spies and The Three Lands) about an epic battle between cultures, set at a time when a centuries-old civilization is in danger of being destroyed.ExcerptPeter looked down once more at the pathetic little object in his hand that purported to be the Balance of Judgment. Judgment weighing vengeance and mercy."We've forgotten about the Heart of Mercy," he said suddenly."I know how to make that too," Andrew replied, inspecting the tip of the clay sword in his hand."You're a wonder," Peter said, setting the lopsided Balance aside and rolling over onto his stomach. They were in his chamber, of course, which meant that the only places to sit were some stiff-backed chairs, the bed, and the floor. Andrew seemed to prefer the floor, though Peter had invited him onto the bed each day since the younger boy became his slave. Peter supposed this was due to some Koretian custom; he resolved inwardly to ask Andrew about that. After all, Peter's ostensible reason for having Andrew as his slave was to familiarize himself with his empire's southern dominion of Koretia. Peter's father – who was legally Andrew's owner – had said that mastering Andrew would help Peter learn how to rule his subjects."How did you learn to make crafts?" he asked Andrew."From a friend."Peter waited, but no further details emerged. Finally Peter said, "Was he a craftsman?""He was a boy. But he lived with the priests, and they trained him at artisan work, in case he should need such work when he grew up and—" Andrew shut his lips tightly. He bowed his head, as though concentrating all his thoughts on the clay he was flattening with his fingers.Peter felt then that he deserved the beating Andrew had received. A friend. A boy whom Andrew had known in the Koretian capital. Probably the boy had been enslaved during the final battle there, if not killed outright. And Andrew had been forced to speak of him.To Peter, Chara To Be, son of the ruler who had conquered Andrew's native land.

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    The Lovestruck Goddess

      Aimee Carter
     The Lovestruck Goddess

Don't miss this companion novella to the enthralling Goddess Test series, perfect for fans of the Covenant, Starcrossed and Mortal Instruments series, originally published in 2012 as part of The Goddess Legacy anthology! For millennia, we've caught only glimpses of the lives and loves of the gods and goddesses on Olympus. Now Aimee Carter pulls back the curtain on how they became the powerful, petty, loving and dangerous immortals that Kate Winters knows. Ava, a.k.a. Aphrodite, was the goddess of love, and yet commitment was a totally different deal. Torn between two brothers, will she ever find her own heart and home? This story can be read at any time, but was originally written after Goddess Interrupted and before The Goddess Inheritance. Don't miss any of the epic and exhilarating action in the GODDESS TEST series by Aimee Carter! The following is the complete Goddess Test series of three full-length novels and six companion novellas, in ideal reading order: The Goddess Test * The Goddess Hunt (Novella) Goddess Interrupted The Goddess Queen (Novella) The Lovestruck Goddess (Novella) Goddess of the Underworld (Novella) God of Thieves (Novella) God of Darkness(Novella) The Goddess Inheritance “A fresh take on the Greek myths adds sparkle to this romantic fable." --Cassandra Clare on *The Goddess Test *

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    Blade Heart

      Chris Lange
     Blade Heart

Because she trusted him the fate of the world is in her hands… Icon of the United States of America, New York is Cara’s city—until one sunny afternoon when she wakes up in a beautiful meadow. Light clouds float in the blue sky, a mild breeze dances in the branches of a maple tree and the air smells of freshness. But New York has disappeared. When Cara opens her eyes, she finds a complete stranger standing too close for comfort and he seems to know all about her. If she wants to find her way back home she must stay with him. Obnoxious as he appears, she has to turn to him for protection when confronted with enemies she never knew she had. These enemies know of an ancient prophecy. They believe Cara is the only one who can change it and they will do anything to stop her. As Cara tries to outwit and outrun them, her heart starts to beat for the stranger. Only to discover that his heart is dead. BLADE HEART is a stand alone but takes place in the same world as THE LORD OF THE CLANS, a few months before THE LORD OF THE CLANS.

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