Hedwig the human and Otto the humole investigate an archeological dig in the sky. One of them will never be the same.The time is late enough that no one thinks to mention it. Hedwig is human and an archeologist. Otto is humole and a cryptotechnologist. A piece of supposedly dead technology awaits them both, at an ancient ruin in the sky. One of them will never be the same.“As Yourself” is a science fiction adventure that takes place in an imaginative, unique far future. It was inspired by the short fiction of Gene Wolfe and Robert Heinlein.

When J’s car breaks down outside the village pub Ruth the landlady has no reason to disbelieve his explanation that he was just passing through. They have an instant attraction to the other. Whilst he waits for his car to be repaired J tells Ruth of his career and background. Then the details of his job begin to change and Ruth starts to wonder if J has another reason for staying in the village.Kit needed a new start from her past. She escaped an abusive relationship and traveled from place to place for two years in fear of her ex boyfriend, Gabe, from finding her. Along her way she stops and makes an unexpected friend with a waitress, Tiffany. She feels at home in this small town and being able to have a new friend and a fresh start she feels like she has found what she was looking for. She finds a new love interest with a strong man, Steven, and they soon become lovers. But will the past come back to haunt her? Will she be able to make it out alive this time?

This poetry has been written during strong emotional times. These poems are how I interpret my feelings. They have to do with love, loss abuse. nature and more.This is a short fictional story, inspired by thinking about the words supposition and speculation. Observing people in daily life, recalling snippets of overheard conversations and the comments of strangers enabled me to stitch together a contemporary scenario wherein a woman notices a young male emerging from a public toilet in a park and notes that he looks ill or ill at ease. The woman is somehow moved to feel concern for his welfare. An older man who is known to the woman exits the toilet block immediately after the young male. This sets off a spark of curious imaginings by the woman as to what might have occurred, if anything, between the two men. Plagued by doubt and speculation, the woman begins to observe the older man at his place of work and she questions his character and possible motives.

If you ever wanted to convince someone to stop smoking, read this short story. Be careful who you offer a cigarette to. This story is based on fact.Mason was dumped at a party for smoking. Cassandra walks up and introduces herself to Mason. She asks for a cigarette then invites Mason home to her place. Cassandra’s watches over her sister from the window of the old mansion. Mason was enjoying a threesome party when he was told to leave. Walking back to the party he was warned to stay away from the girls. He can’t understand the warning till he goes to retrieve his packet of cigarettes he left behind.

Early every morning, before even the first, red moon finished rising above the horizon of his farm, Jaime Marquez worked - wanting a better life for his son than the one he himself had been allotted at birth. Then Jaime’s mind opened to the other world, and he decided. He had to escape.Early every morning, before even the first, red moon finished rising above the horizon of his farm, Jaime Marquez worked - wanting a better life for his son than the one he himself had been allotted at birth. Then Jaime’s mind opened to the other world.Jaime is the only one who can see it, when he closes his eyes. His family knows nothing about it; they see only their own world. Jaime sees the other. It’s all he can think about, all he wants. Jaime decides. He has to escape.“The Other Side of the Median” is a science fiction story that takes place in the context of two unique cultural backdrops. It was inspired by the work of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

When his eccentric, cat-loving aunt decides to go out of town for the weekend, she asks her nephew to watch her cat. He's not an animal lover and he especially doesn't like cats. He's also convinced that Bruno the cat does not like him either. As can be predicted, things do not go well for the pair during their weekend together.When his eccentric, cat-loving aunt decides to go out of town for the weekend, she asks her nephew to watch her cat. He's not an animal lover and he especially doesn't like cats. He's also convinced that Bruno the cat does not like him either. As can be predicted, things do not go well for the pair during their weekend together. I got the idea for this story while looking at a website that was advertising job postings. I saw an ad for a 'cat sitter'. I love cats so the main character is not me at all. I thought that it would make for a humourous story to pair someone who doesn't like cats with a cat who was spoiled by his owner for a weekend. There is a little bit of heart and humour but I've tried to stay away from a clichéd happy ending. . For those of us who love cats, this story will just reinforce why we think they're so wonderful and intelligent. And for those who think that cat's are devious little beings, well, you may be right as well.

Part three of a trilogy of short stories about St Kilda.Set in modern day Toronto, the children of St Kilda still face problems in life.Part three of a trilogy of short stories about St Kilda and its people.Set in modern day Toronto, the children of St Kilda still face problems in their life.

This is the story of a unique yet beautiful friendship between a little Polish girl and her pet cow. The two form a special bond and become inseparable until the little girl's family is forced to flee Poland as World War II is set to begin. Johanna must leave her farm and her pet cow behind.Johanna is the 2nd youngest of 8 children living on a farm in rural Poland in the 1930s. She loves animals but due to her family's financial constraints, she has never been allowed to have a pet. She forms an unlikely friendship with a small cow on the farm and soon the two become inseparable. On the verge of World War II, Johanna and her family must flee Poland and their farm to seek refuge in Canada. Brokenhearted, Johanna is left to deal with life in a new country and wondering about the fate of her best friend.

Little Girl Lost! When E’steem finds Melissa, a lost little girl wandering around Times Square, she runs afoul of Brimstone Jack, a demon pimp out to get a payday at the child’s expense. Can the Devilish Diva beat back Jack and his exotic army of demon dancers and help the lost little girl get back home?Adar Rahid has only been a general for two months, but his problems are already multiplying. He has his hands full with a father who wants to kill him and Helam Morgol, another general who is secretly laying plans to take over the Rarbon city government. When Adar interrupts a brutal attack he is quick to accuse Helam of being the orchestrator, but reconsiders after a confrontation with Helam leaves him wondering if Helam is just as much of a pawn as he. While events unfold Adar Rahid struggles to find a distinction between his methods and those employed by Helam Morgol as both take drastic actions to gain the upper hand. Readers are taken on an adventure between dueling generals in this tale of epic fantasy and science fiction. This action packed story is based in the War of the Fathers universe and happens twenty three years before the events in War of the Fathers. This is the second of four parts.

A Trilogy of short stories based on the isles of St Kilda. The stories take you through the years and generations of the people of this forgotten land.A Trilogy of short stories based on the isles of St Kilda. The stories take you through the years and generations of the people of this forgotten land.***The three parts of this trilogy are published separately and are available free on Smashwords.***

Tales about space, robots, aliens, and astronauts for children.This book is a collection of 3 short stories about outer space, aliens, astronauts, and robots. Each story using science fiction to teach a valuable life lesson. The protagonists include children, a hotshot astronaut, a weird looking alien, and a homemade robot.

This E-book is a collection of short stories following the darkness within and without basic human nature, showing us how big and how small our worlds truly are. Grim tales of the unknown and a magnifying glass on the people we may be standing right next to. Chillers, Thrillers and adventures abound, but are you ready for what lies beneath the Depths?Through blackened vistas, the world appears dark and dreary. In truth, those windows are clear and truthful though. Does this mean the dark recesses of our world hide some sinister truth yet to be discovered? Is there something sinister right alongside us that we do not see? In “The Depths,” we hear the chilling final tale of Oscar Lindström, a deep sea analyst. While diving in the Baltic Sea, he discovered something neither he nor anyone would be prepared for…but what did he find?In “A Normal Life,” Calvin DeRue is invited to a neighbor’s Bar mitzvah, yet something is amiss. Someone in this party is hiding their true intentions and the devil is in the details. Who are they and what sinister truth are they hiding?Finally, in “Just a Talk,” Donovan Lemarr is in for the shock of his life. One simple day at work belies a world of trouble at home. Worse for wear, how will Don handle the struggles he isn’t prepared for?

poems about life, love, old age, death, birds, beaches, nature, chemistry, time, guns, and mice. Along with the usual unanswerable questions.Welcome to the magical town of Cottontail Pines, where animals talk, and there is always a friend around the corner. In this new story called “Blacky’s Birthday,” Blacky the skunk wakes up on his special day expecting to be lavished with attention… and cake. Unfortunately, nobody seems to want to talk to him at all, and worst of all… no cake! Have all of Blacky’s friends decided not to like him anymore? And most importantly, will he never, ever get to eat any cake?! Find out what happens in this cute new story by T.K. Wade.

A collection of short stories for kids featuring elves, gnomes, fairies, leprechauns, dinosaurs, superheroes, and other supernatural themes. These are fantasy tales grounded in reality.This is a collection of six short stories for children. The stories contain ghosts, a creepy old house, dinosaurs, superheroes, elves, fairies, a gnome, and a leprechaun but at it's heart, they are about the child protagonists and the lessons they learn or the changes they bring out. The stories are about the children and what they learn and the change that they can inspire..

Rorkon is obsessed with discovering the Emoton, a fundamental particle that is the source of human emotions, much to Scythia's annoyance, especially when he is using up their life savings in search of it. After much heartache and many failed attempts, he finally detects it…but at what cost?Have you ever wanted a pet so much that your buttons were about to pop? KABOOM! Kelly asked her parents for a dog or cat. Before a decision is made, Kelly is asked to take care of Professor Hootie’s goldfish while he is away.Join Kelly as she discovers that Professor Hootie loves volunteering for the animal shelter while he is on vacation. Kelly learns that caring for an animal goes far beyond giving it food and water. When adopting, you need to be ready to provide a FOREVER home for your pet.Wowsers! What will Kelly do? Will she prove that she is responsible enough for a pet of her own? You will have to read the book to find out.I Want a Pet is another outstanding presentation. Jolly Time Books tell whimsical stories the whole family can enjoy. Jolly Time Books are full of individually hand-drawn vivid and colorful illustrations that will spark the imagination of any child.

Poems 2016After Dr Trevor Guzmán had packed his meagre belongings into the boot of his dark blue Ford Capri he bid farewell to Potchefstroom. On the road to Johannesburg he picked up a hitchhiker. Little did he know that his life was going to change in the most unimaginable way.Three Days in Phoenix seems to be on the surface a simple fictional narrative. It embodies a number of themes which have intrinsic poetic value. It involves a journey in which the destination changes, it involve identity formation and identity plasticity in which the possibility of identity transformation reaches the realm of the unanticipated. It deals with the religion and the magic of religion and it deals with religious conversion and the probabilities and uncertainties associated with conversion. But it also deals with the work of contingency in shaping lives in unexpected and unanticipated ways. It invites us to entertain possibilities which are life changing and liberating . It states that we are free or we can find kinds of meaningful freedom in our unfreedom.Three Days in Phoenix, like Jonah in the belly of the fish, Phoenix transformedTrevor into new person. Three Days in Phoenix is an unforgettable experience in the world of Magic Realism.

THE POLARIS AND OTHER STORIES is a collection of short stories ranging from suspense to fantasy. These stories, created by author Joshua Jackson are designed to take readers on a ride through the lives of multiple characters. Readers will learn about the fantasy world of The Polaris, the relationship between a horse and a fox, and a man who wakes up and believes his wife is missing.THE POLARIS AND OTHER STORIES is a collection of short stories ranging from suspense to fantasy. These stories, created by author Joshua Jackson are designed to take readers on a ride through the lives of multiple characters. Readers will learn about the fantasy world of The Polaris, the relationship between a horse and a fox, and a man who wakes up and believes his wife is missing."The Polaris" is a fantasy world ran by "King Darvo." After many years of battling in war, Darvo finally becomes king and renames the kingdom "The Polaris" as it sits under the north star. After many years of violence, Darvo makes his kingdom a land of peace and love. People no longer settle things with violence or hate. Citizens of the kingdom help each other build homes and make food, children play without a care in the world. It seems as if there is finally peace in the world. However Zull, a member of the kings staff does not like this new world. Zull fought along side Darvo for years and believes Darvo has changed for the worst and becomes jealous of Darvo. Will Zull try to become the new ruler? Will Darvo have to fight in one more war to insure peace in the world?"The Fox and the Horse" is a story of love and even a little drama. Farmer Jack learns of love and friendship when he sees his beloved horse Lucky become friend with a energetic fox. With not wanting any more animals, Jack turns away the fox every time he sees him. After seeing how his actions change Lucky's behavior, will Jack decide to allow another animal on the farm?"Lost" is a story of drama where Tony wakes up to find that his wife missing. He begins to search before a big snow storm hits Denver. As he searches he finds out the truth about his wife and his memory loss. However, after finding the truth, Tony still wakes up every day looking for his wife. Will Tony ever get his memory back?

Read of one of Ulysses' adventures as he struggles with the elements, his emotions and the gods to complete his king's commission.Read of one of Ulysses' great adventures as he struggles with the elements, his emotions and the gods to complete his king's commission.

In this stunning follow-up to his epic fantasy debut, Alan Campbell propels readers into a captivating city battling for its own survival—and that of humankind—in a world of deities and demons, fallen angels and killers.** **After a destructive battle, the ancient swaying city of Deepgate has been overtaken. Most of the chains that suspend it have given way, toxic fumes are emanating from blazing structures, and the temple once inhabited by the ruling Presbyter now dangles upside down above the once-uncharted abyss. The victorious Spine have initiated martial law and are ruthlessly pursuing all who attempt to leave. Amid the turmoil, two captives are returned. Arriving by ship are the young angel Dill, now toughened by war, and traitor assassin Rachel Hael. Incarcerated in the slowly crumbling temple, the two await their fate, while from the abyss beneath them ghosts rise—for the death of the god Ulcis has left open the gates to Hell. But on orders from his divine brethren, Cospinol, the god of brine and fog, is traveling the world to Deepgate to seal this breach. His great skyship is being dragged through the air by the giant John Anchor, a monster of a man enslaved to pull the god’s vessel, moving slowly, inevitably, toward the city. As the city waits, teetering on the brink, myriad plans for vengeance are set in motion, from the continent of Pandemeria to Heaven itself. Among them is a ghostly archon sent to deliver a message to the gods on earth—using Dill as his vessel. Thrust from his body, Dill’s own soul returns to Hell. When Dill and Rachel are attacked by Spine assassins, Rachel has no choice but to try to escape with the creature that calls itself Dill…and to somehow find a way to restore her friend’s soul before it’s too late. For powerful forces are stirring, and in the coming battle between gods, it is the world of men that is at stake. From the Hardcover edition.

The second novel in the Gravedigger Chronicles The Haurstaf have been decimated. The Unmer have seized the palace at Awl. Ianthe's father carries her to safety. But she is not interested in a life of treasure hunting with him. She returns to the palace, hoping to find the Unmer prince with whom she shared some of her darkest moments. Prince Paulus Marquetta discovers a friend and ally in Ianthe, albeit a dangerous one. She has the power to destroy his mind with a single thought, and yet she herself remains at risk from his own innate sorcerous abilities. The handsome young prince could murder her with a simple touch. Briana Marks, meanwhile, has escaped with her life. Fearful of Marquetta's rule, she travels to the Dragon Isles to seek out the exiled Unmer lord, Argusto Conquillas and beg him to help her assassinate Ianthe. When Granger learns of this plot to kill his daughter, he must use every scrap of his resourcefulness and cunning to protect her. Maskelyne returns to Scythe Island to study the crystal he plucked from the wreckage of the Unmer chariot. The artifact leads him to discover exactly why the Drowned continue to deposit thousands upon thousands of keys on the beach beneath his fortress. The Unmer, in their quest to unlock the secrets of the universe, forged a monster. Now Maskelyne knows where this thing is imprisoned...

In the cataclysm of the battle of the gods, a portal to Hell has been opened, releasing legions of unnatural creatures that have pushed humanity to the edge of extinction. While warring deities clash with fallen angels, the only hope for mankind’s survival lies with the most unlikely heroes: Former assassin Rachel Hael has rejoined blood-magician Mina Greene and her little dog, Basilis, on one last desperate mission to save the world from the ravages of Hell. As Rachel travels to the final confrontation she has both sought and feared, she begins to realize that time itself is unraveling. And so she must prepare herself for a sacrifice that may claim her heart, her life, her soul—and even then it may not be enough.

When the last of the Gravediggers, an elite imperial infiltration unit, are disbanded and hunted down by the emperor they once served, munitions expert Colonel Thomas Granger takes refuge in the unlikeliest of places. He becomes a jailer in Ethugra - a prison city of poison-flooded streets and gaols in which a million enemies of the empire are held captive. But when Granger takes possession of two new prisoners, he realises that he can't escape his past so readily. Ianthe is a young girl with an extraordinary psychic talent. A gift that makes her unique in a world held to ransom by the powerful Haurstaf - the sisterhood of telepaths who are all that stand between the Empire and the threat of the Unmer, the powerful civilization of entropic sorcerers and dragon-mounted warriors. In this war-torn land, she promises to make Granger an extremely wealthy man, if he can only keep her safe from harm. This is what Granger is best at. But when other factions learn about Ianthe's unique ability, even Granger's skills of warfare are tested to their limits. While, Ianthe struggles to control the powers that are growing in ways no-one thought were possible. Another threat is surfacing: out there, beyond the bitter seas, an old and familiar enemy is rising - one who, if not stopped, will drown the world and all of humanity with it...

Alan Campbell has graced us with a 26,000 word novella, a prequel to his stunning fantasy debut, Scar Night, the first novel of the Deepgate Codex. Lye Street ends just where the novel picks up!

Suspended by chains over a seemingly bottomless abyss, the ancient city of Deepgate is home to a young angel, an assassin, and a psychotic murderer hungry for revenge—or redemption. But soon a shocking betrayal will unite all three in a desperate quest.... The last of his line, Dill is descended from legendary Battle-archons who once defended the city. Forbidden to fly and untrained even to wield the great sword inherited from his forebears, he has become a figurehead for a dying tradition. Now he lives a sheltered existence in one of Deepgate’s crumbling temple spires under the watchful eye of the Presbyter who rules the city. Spine assassin Rachel Hael has better things to do than oversee the Presbyter’s angel. Each dark moon she must fight for her life among the city chains, hunting an immortal predator with a taste for blood. But when a traitor brings enemies to Deepgate’s doorstep, Dill and Rachel are forced into an uneasy alliance with the city’s oldest and most dangerous foe. They must journey down into the uncharted chasm to save their sprawling metropolis—and themselves—from annihilation. Once they descend however, they learn that what lies below is far more sinister than what they’ve been taught to expect. From the Hardcover edition.

Tom Angleberger's latest, loopiest middle-grade novel begins when M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset (it's never been loosened before!), thereby setting off a chain of events in which all the strict rules of Smugwick Manor are abandoned. When, as a result of "the Loosening," the precious family heirloom, the Luggertuck Lump (quite literally a lump), goes missing, the Luggertucks look for someone to blame. Is it Horton Halfpott, the good-natured but lowly kitchen boy who can't tell a lie? Or one of the many colorful cast members in this silly romp of a mystery.

Tom Angleberger's latest, loopiest middle-grade novel begins when M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset (it's never been loosened before!), thereby setting off a chain of events in which all the strict rules of Smugwick Manor are abandoned. When, as a result of "the Loosening," the precious family heirloom, the Luggertuck Lump (quite literally a lump), goes missing, the Luggertucks look for someone to blame. Is it Horton Halfpott, the good-natured but lowly kitchen boy who can't tell a lie? Or one of the many colorful cast members in this silly romp of a mystery.

Tom Angleberger's latest, loopiest middle-grade novel begins when M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset (it's never been loosened before!), thereby setting off a chain of events in which all the strict rules of Smugwick Manor are abandoned. When, as a result of "the Loosening," the precious family heirloom, the Luggertuck Lump (quite literally a lump), goes missing, the Luggertucks look for someone to blame. Is it Horton Halfpott, the good-natured but lowly kitchen boy who can't tell a lie? Or one of the many colorful cast members in this silly romp of a mystery.

Tom Angleberger's latest, loopiest middle-grade novel begins when M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset (it's never been loosened before!), thereby setting off a chain of events in which all the strict rules of Smugwick Manor are abandoned. When, as a result of "the Loosening," the precious family heirloom, the Luggertuck Lump (quite literally a lump), goes missing, the Luggertucks look for someone to blame. Is it Horton Halfpott, the good-natured but lowly kitchen boy who can't tell a lie? Or one of the many colorful cast members in this silly romp of a mystery.

Tom Angleberger's latest, loopiest middle-grade novel begins when M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset (it's never been loosened before!), thereby setting off a chain of events in which all the strict rules of Smugwick Manor are abandoned. When, as a result of "the Loosening," the precious family heirloom, the Luggertuck Lump (quite literally a lump), goes missing, the Luggertucks look for someone to blame. Is it Horton Halfpott, the good-natured but lowly kitchen boy who can't tell a lie? Or one of the many colorful cast members in this silly romp of a mystery.

When the dead rose, all hope seemed lost. But Jared Stone has a plan. Escape from Nashville with his friends and head to the plateau, that’s the easy part. Along the way they rescue a group of children, trapped in a school. Determined to survive and protect the children, Jared and company will do anything. But the Dark, isn’t done with them and the dead are not its only weapon, it has its own servants in the world of man and one of them is determined to destroy the growing group of survivors and the children they protect.

When the dead rose, all hope seemed lost. But Jared Stone has a plan. Escape from Nashville with his friends and head to the plateau, that’s the easy part. Along the way they rescue a group of children, trapped in a school. Determined to survive and protect the children, Jared and company will do anything. But the Dark, isn’t done with them and the dead are not its only weapon, it has its own servants in the world of man and one of them is determined to destroy the growing group of survivors and the children they protect.

One Bad Day...Mega-City One, 2081, Joe Dredd's second year on the streets as a full-eagle Judge. He's got the experience, he's done the sked-time, but no Judge is infallible—all it takes is one bad day, and all those years of training can disappear in the simple pulling of a trigger.A routine arrest, an ambush, an explosion. The perp's down, but Dredd is bleeding and burned, his Lawmaster is destroyed, and he's in a bad part of town with no backup. For the first time in his career, he's truly alone...

THE MAN WHO STOLE TOMORROW IRON MAN: The Armored Crusader!THOR: The Mighty God of Thunder!THE VISION: The Sensational Synthezoid!THE BEAST: The Bludgeoning Blue-Furred Berserker!QUICKSILVER: The World’s Fastest Being!THE SCARLET WITCH: The Mysterious Mistress of the Hex! These six sensational heroes band together to save the life of CAPTAIN AMERICA, Living Legend of World War II!Travel with them two thousand years into the future—and come face-to-face with the unimaginable villainy of KANG THE CONQUERER! An Instant Collector’s Item Classic!

When the brutal murder of the only known lesbian in town jolts the sleepy community of Knell, Texas, life is turned upside down for everyone. Amidst the scandal, turmoil and heartache over the loss of her friend and part-time lover, Amelia Brandt struggles to find her identity and voice in a town torn by discrimination. Meanwhile, Dominique Velez—the leader of Texans for Equality—is determined and poised to help mend hearts and change minds in a hurting town. Hitting the road and leaving the safety of Austin, Texas, Dominique takes a risk to help the community of Knell stand up for what is right—all while attempting to help Amelia come to terms with what has happened and move forward. In the fight for equality and justice, can there be a sufficient resolution? And, while she’s drawn to Dominique’s boldness and charm, can Amelia conquer the fears that have kept her identity concealed and her heart closed off from love?

This fantastic chapter book based on the hit TV show Adventure Time, is hilarious and fun and will tempt even the most reluctant reader! There are a lot of strange creatures in the Land of Ooo, but there's no one quite like Marceline, the Vampire Queen. First, she evicts Finn and Jake from their treehouse. Then she gets Finn to agree to be her henchman and obey her every command - even if the command is evil. Is this the queen of the damned or just a radical dame who's looking for a little fun?