This short excerpt from B Mathew's allegory is a recommended reading for English Literature students & lecturers.The author’s first literary work, and MASTERPIECE, written in 1981.Ambition’s Progress Part 1- what’s this book all about?This is a classical writing, a fictional poetic allegory, by a contemporary writer, B Mathew. In our present times where people only read, modern-day novels, fictions, science-fantasies, blog articles, daily news, sports, fashions, modern trends, politics, juicy biographies of movie personalities, etc, Ambition’s Progress Part 1 towers as a classic light-house in a sea of contemporary literature. The very word “Classic Writing” connotes expanded vocabulary rich & abundant, heightened imagination, that which brings about intellectual growth of the mind & inner spirit, enhanced writing & oratory skills and a capacity to develop sophisticated ideas. To put it in a nut-shell, a reading of Ambition’s Progress Part 1 would result in an enrichment and development of your mind, spirit, intellect and your overall perspective & discernment of life’s complexities. A spiritual & intellectual pauper taking a journey through Ambition’s Progress Part 1 will walk out as a Spiritual & Intellectual billionaire. A treasure and a marvelous discovery lay hidden and buried in the entire plot, story, verses and allusions in Ambition’s Progress Part 1.In this excerpt, you will see the tryst between the monster Unemployment and Sir Ambition.....

The Council of Cat Elders and the High Queen of All Cats need vital information concerning a possible threat by the Fomorians of Hazuth-Kleg, but all their other sources have yielded nothing. So they call upon Medb hErenn to perform an act of desperation, one that could destroy them all. This is a short story.In the Dreamlands, the Cats are probably the most powerful political, military, and social force extant. Even mighty rulers, such as King Kuranes of Celephais and Queen Elishat of Karchedon, bow to their will. They go where they want, do as they please, and answer to no one, except their Queen and her Council of Elders. They are quick to punish any wrong done to them, and their retribution is as brutal as it is swift and final. They fear little, and run from only the gravest of danger.So, when they summoned Medb hErenn to their council in the town of Ulthar, asking for her help, she understood that only sheer desperation would force them to call on outside aid, especially her own unique abilities, and that it likely involved great danger.The only thing she couldn't know was that it could destroy them all.

Romy became an orphan at 17. Forced to move, she hates everything. The thing that keeps her going is the desire to invent something regardless of the implications. But she has one setback after another. An inventor's show is taking place soon in Vienna. Can she complete something in time?This is a free fantasy steampunk-inspired short story based on the characters in the Amazi ChroniclesRomy was an orphan at 17 when both of her parents died from disappointment or a broken heart. Forced to move to rural Klagenfurt from urban Vienna, she feels full of hatred against the world. The only thing that keeps her going is her desire to invent something regardless of the implications. But she has one setback after another. And there was an inventor's show taking place back in Vienna. Can she finally create something, anything in time for the show? This is a free fantasy steampunk-inspired short story based on the characters in the Amazi Chronicles. The focus of this story is how a female teenager in late 19th century Austria became started on her path of becoming a competent inventor.

Upon scorched soil, a life-pod from an alternate universe is uncovered. Inside, there is a man, bringing with him an ominous message that could sway the very future of the All-Union.Meanwhile, freelance magician, Ayesha Swanson, finds herself embroiled in a plot to rob her of her magic—a plot that may lead her to discovering her true heritage!Recommended for fans of Doctor Who & Hellblazer.Upon scorched soil, a life-pod from an alternate universe is uncovered by Politruk Blinov. Inside, there is a man—a captain of sorts—bringing with him an ominous message that could sway the very future of the All-Union.Meanwhile, another dimension away, Ayesha Swanson, freelance magician for the United Kingdom Xenobiology Division, finds herself embroiled in a plot to rob her of her magic—a plot that may lead her to ultimately discovering her true heritage!Set within the Love Amongst Strangers universe, the new volume of our anthology series, Blackfriars Bestiary weighs in with nine unique stories, each detailing a unique corner of the vast series universe and featuring a diverse array of characters. Featuring authors such as Jack Buxton (Love Amongst Strangers: The Other Side), Bryn Fortey (Merry-Go-Round and Other Words), Joseph W. Patterson (Psychopomp), Jason S. Kenney (Love Amongst Strangers: Twisted) and Artifice Comics legends, Ed Ainsworth and Matthew James Pierce, Blackfriars Bestiary 2.1 serves as your jumping on point for the adventures of Ayesha Swanson and Mister Mo and the world in which they live.Recommended for fans of Doctor Who, Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and John Constantine, Hellblazer, Blackfriars Bestiary is your first port of call for all things action and supernatural!

This dark fantasy short story takes place in a dystopian world in the near future, full of pain, suffering and demonic influence. Entering this nearly destroyed world is dangerous, since the reader is much more than a neutral observer. And beware: This story does not end once you are finished reading it.The demon’s grip tightens around the paladin’s throat. His weapon shatters on the ground, filling the otherwise completely empty cathedral with the sound of final defeat. He uses his last breath to demand an explanation for all that has happened.“Your name... Tell me… your name!” The demon laughs. “Now that your death is imminent I might as well tell you this secret! And maybe even something else! For I am sure that you will tell no living soul.” He then grins, snaps the paladin’s neck and throws his lifeless body on the ground, where it slides for a few moments before coming to an eternal halt. The demon slowly turns his head and it is only now that you realize that he was talking to you all along. ”You thought I could not see you? Just because you are not of this world. You must be new. Easy prey. Let me tell you a secret. All demons can see you. And all can hurt you. You cannot escape our gaze. You cannot escape our grasp. And if you are eager to learn my name as well...” He comes even closer until his eyes are directly in front of yours and you can feel his warm breath on your cheeks. He leans forward and slowly whispers into your ear, “My... name... is…”

When Controller Borasus receives a strange letter from Earth he is both curious and alarmed. Someone has activated an ancient machine and is using it for most trivial purposes. Surely no one would dare to tamper with Reigner seals in this way? Yet the effects of such interference resonate throughout the universe, so he decides to go to Hexwood Farm to investigate… On Hexwood Estate, Ann watches the mysterious comings and goings with interest. She knows something deadly is going on – or is Hexwood simply altering her too?

Dan Wells won instant acclaim for his three-novel debut about the adventures of John Wayne Cleaver, a heroic young man who is a potential serial killer. All who read the trilogy were struck by the distinctive and believable voice Wells created for John. Now he returns with another innovative thriller told in a very different, equally unique voice. A voice that comes to us from the  realm of madness. Michael Shipman is paranoid schizophrenic; he suffers from hallucinations, delusions, and complex fantasies of persecution and horror. That’s bad enough. But what can he do if some of the monsters he sees turn out to be real? Who can you trust if you can't even trust yourself? The Hollow City is a mesmerizing journey into madness, where the greatest enemy of all is your own mind.

Meet Michele and Gabriel: young Black Witches in a brave new world. Their mother was brutally murdered. Their father drowns his pain at the bottom of a bottle. They begin a new life in Florida, where Michele meets a White Witch boy, but the divide between Black and White Witches is as dangerous as ever. Soon Michele is caught between love and loyalty, truth and lies. Could falling in love be the deadliest mistake she's ever made?

Volonia, a magical planet, is home to millions of beautiful, charismatic expressive Witches and Warlocks. Their magic is mighty, their spells are rich in tradition and their rituals stand the test of time. The House of Lords, the governing body, is in a frenzy as one of it’s citizens, Varah Cutter, a crafty Witch, has single handily conjured a book only they can summon, The VONDERCRAT.Volonia, a magical planet, is home to millions of beautiful, charismatic expressive Witches and Warlocks. Their magic is mighty, their spells are rich in tradition and their rituals stand the test of time. The House of Lords, the governing body, is in a frenzy as one of it’s citizens, Varah Cutter, a rebellious, crafty Witch, has single handily conjured a book only they can summon. The VONDERCRAT is the most powerful book in all of Volonia. How she did it remains a mystery. Varah soon realizes The Lords aren’t the only entity after her, but an evil brigade lead by the mighty Menace seeks to capture her. Varah’s fate stands in ruins as she literally fights to protect her children, her honor and her truth.

Mystren and her kin are from another world, one that was supposedly destroyed. Now, they find themselves in a new world dominated by destructive beings – humans. As the new long-eared race try to take over, they start a war with earth’s supernatural creatures.Mystren and her kin are from another world, one that was supposedly destroyed. Now, they find themselves in a new world dominated by destructive beings – humans. As the new long-eared race try to take over, they start a war with earth’s supernatural creatures.Vampires, gargoyles and incubi are just some of the creatures that have banded together to stop this invasion. Now Mystren is captured and alone. She braces herself for death, but her captors have other things in mind.First part of Lies and Deceit.Cover Model - Kittie GraveCover Design - Paul Woods

Jen has a problem. A huge one with big teeth and sharp claws. Her boss is a werewolf and she's falling in love. Will he notice her now that she's in fur?"When given the chance to become the “big bad wolf,” what happens is nothing short of hilarious. Ms. Raleigh drew me in and held me tight from the first word until the last, and left me wishing for more." -Bitten By BooksJen has never enjoyed the full moon. Not like her family and certainly not like her boss, Rob, whose monthly trysts leave the office in a shambles. Jen turns into a mouse on the full moon, the most disrespected form in the were-community. Her crush on Rob only makes her deep loneliness and feelings of alienation worse. When her friend steals an amulet with the power to turn were-wolf, Jen decides to try it on... only to find that being a wolf isn't all its cracked up to be.A novelette guaranteed to make you howl."When given the chance to become the “big bad wolf,” what happens is nothing short of hilarious. Ms. Raleigh drew me in and held me tight from the first word until the last, and left me wishing for more." -Bitten By Books-

God flooded the earth to annihilate humanity's sins. What if that sinful race didn't die when floodwaters covered them but instead adapted to breathe water?God flooded the earth to annihilate humanity's sins. What if that sinful race didn't die when floodwaters covered them but instead adapted to breathe water?Under the depths of the ocean one boy has raised himself, until the day when he meets a dark-skinned man with news that will change the lives of his civilization forever.Now he must save his people from another empire of water dwellers bent on enslaving the oceans and torturing his peaceful realm.Yet another question is posed as he learns that his people are descended from humans that lived on the land above the ocean; a people that were destroyed by floods made by the rage of God.If they have to, in order to escape, will they be able to breathe air and join whatever is left of the world above the waters?What would they find there? Is the mythological Noah still alive?

Set in a magical land, three young woman have escaped their village after it was ransacked by ogres and are on a quest to bring three magical items to the wizard in the east.In a magical land, three young women, Gwynn, Mirela and Rosina have escaped their village after it was ransacked by ogres and are on a quest to bring three magical items to the wizard in the east. Hunted by ogres and witches they must use all their strength and courage to make their journey.

Basileus Ondraedon, the world's most feared warrior, is also a reclusive, self-centered, arrogant jerk. Known as the Halflord for his half-elven heritage, Basileus recounts the tales that made him the man he is today, in lecherous, back-stabbing and glorious detail.Basileus Ondraedon, the world's most feared warrior, is also a reclusive, self-centered, arrogant jerk. Known as the Halflord for his half-elven heritage, Basileus recounts the tales that made him the man he is today, in lecherous, back-stabbing and glorious detail.Looking to escape his numerous enemies, Basileus, the half-human, half-elf warrior from Raven's Crest, arrives at a foreign land, seeking to make a fresh start with his trusted companion, Saras. When he learns that this new land, led by a Lord who seeks to become a King, needs a warrior such as himself, he eagerly lends himself out, for the right price. When his service to his new lord becomes more than he can bear, however, his loyalty is tested, betrayed, and broken. With his life on the line, will Basileus finally suffer the consequences of his arrogance, or will he prove once again why he's the greatest warrior he's ever known?

The small college town of Crescent has been home to many sources of evil through the years, but none can compare to what is being cultivated now, what has grown in a small potted plant. It all centers around the boarding school of Alliance, and six teens who are trying to find their place in the world, who are willing to use anything, no matter the source, to help them get there.The small college town of Crescent has been home to many sources of evil through the years, but none can compare to what is being cultivated now, what has grown in a small potted plant. It all centers around the boarding school of Alliance, and six teens who are trying to find their place in the world, who are willing to use anything, no matter the source, to help them get there. Rachel may be the beacon of morality, Bill the epitome of friendship, but can either make the right choice when offered more than they could ever dream of? Could the weakest of them actually hold the key to their salvation?This is Part One of Crescent Gorge.