From a rat’s eye view of the London blitz to a cadaver with a complaint about the size of her coffin, this collection of short stories brings us into a comically surreal world that will leave you questioning your ability to tell up from down.From a rat’s eye view of the London blitz to a cadaver with a complaint about the size of her coffin, this collection of short stories brings us into a comically surreal world that will leave you questioning your ability to tell up from down.What the characters in these stories have in common is their passage through a moment of crisis: the teacher who must face down an aggressive student in the award winning Interactive Classroom; Shep, the sheep-turned sheep dog, who wants to turn back the clock and become a sheep again; or the paranoid David Vincent, who is convinced the office he works in is being infiltrated by alien imposters who are now coming for him. In terms of genre, the stories range from the post-modernist science fiction of 6 Hits from the Safe Zone, The Mission and Debt, Death and Deletion to the more macabre dark humour of Guest in the Attic and The Undertaker’s Complaint. Historical fiction is also included, with an alcoholic Churchill burping his way to greatness. Some works place comedy to the fore, such as The Interactive Sexual Attraction Device.If we tire of fiction, travel writing brings us back to the real world, in which the author offers his unique perspective on China, India and Lebanon. The Boots anthology finishes with samples from the author’s novels, converted into short stories.All the pieces in this collection have been published in various locations and are now brought together in one collection. Take your psyche for a walk with Boots.

The Shades of Gray series follows the adventures of Kat and Kim. Start by reading the first book of this serial series #1 Shades of Gray: Noir, City Shrouded By Darkness and be introduced to this world of danger and mystery and as an extra bonus enjoy the second book #2 Shades of Gray: From Moscow, With Love. Noir was a mega-city plagued by a sun blocking mass called Dry Clouds that had mysteriousThe Shades of Gray series follows the adventures of Kat and Kim. Start by reading the first book of this serial series #1 Shades of Gray: Noir, City Shrouded By Darkness and be introduced to this world of danger and mystery and as an extra bonus enjoy the second book #2 Shades of Gray: From Moscow, With Love. **Shades of Gray #1 Noir, City Shrouded By DarknessNoir was a mega-city plagued by a sun blocking mass called Dry Clouds that had mysteriously appeared three decades earlier. The Dry Clouds covered half the planet and forced those living under them to exist in endless night. On this world, corporations were in charge and breaking your contract with them could mean the termination of your life.Kimberly Griffin, a Life Closer (legal assassin) existed in a world of death. She Closed people for a living. It was a lonely demeaning existence, though she wouldn't admit it. There was nothing to drive her in the bleak reality until one day she ran into Kat.Kat, also known as the Pandora Project, was hunted by bio-mechas called Un-Men. She was an experiment of the Sphinx Corporation, and they were testing her to see if she could be the ultimate weapon. Kat refused to be a killer and tried to discover the truth behind her existence. Could she be a new form of bio-mecha?Kim discovered someone close to her had been murdered. Is Kat the key to finding out who did it? Or will her association with Kat only cause her more grief?Pandora of ancient times opened a box and let all good escape. Would Pandora be the hope the planet needed? Or would she destroy the world?**Shades of Gray #2 From Moscow, With Love bonus first half included.Worlds collide . . .A shaky partnership . . .In the second book of the Shades of Gray series, Kat found herself teamed up with Kim. Together they searched for clues to their past. Their partnership stood on shaky ground though. Kim, a Life Closer (legal assassin) known as the Phoenix, needed Kat for the moment, to help in her search for her mother's murder. Once Kim no longer needed Kat, would the Phoenix go through with eliminating her for knowing she's a Life Closer?A haunting melody . . .A forgotten time . . .Kat had discovered little about her past. Over a year ago, she woke to a world of endless night and had no memory of who she was. A music box, a letter, and a gun were her only clues. Kat discovered the melody the music box plays, put her in a trance and healed her body of any injures. Why? She didn't't know.Betrayal . . .A desperate fight . . .Voice, the one who regulated the Phoenix, had sent the Raven and the Wolf to Close her. Why? Kim didn't't know, only that she must eliminate the two Life Closers before they terminated her.Deception . . .The two women collide again . . .Kat was caught up in the struggle as the Raven and the Wolf were also hired to Close the sister of someone dear to her. Now she must protect the sister and Kim, but the Phoenix was hiding a dark secret that put the sister in an even deadlier predicament. What was Kim hiding?I will protect them all . . .No one will die today . . .Could Kat and Kim defeat the two Closers? Could Kat keep the promise to herself that no one else would die? What would happen in the end when Kat discovered the Phoenix's secret?Look for more of the Shades of Gray series.**Shades of Gray Series**1. Noir, City Shrouded By Darkness2. From Moscow, With Love3. Cerberus Versus Pandora4. Sisters

Afghanistan, 2014. Two weeks before the final withdrawal of all Coalition forces, a small unit of Army Rangers is attacked and destroyed by a Private Army known only as Olympus. The survivors are captured and held in a fortress in the Pamir Mountains of Kazinistan. There, they must effect a daring escape from their captors and at the same time find the secret of the mysterious Code of War.The year is 2014. On the eve of the final withdrawal of all Coalition forces from Afghanistan, a small unit of Army Rangers is attacked and destroyed by a high tech Private Army known only as Olympus. The survivors, Joe Braddock and his friend, Canadian special forces soldier Danny Callbeck, are captured and held in a fortress in the Pamir Mountains of Kazinistan. There, with the help of a few friends, they must effect a daring escape and find the secret to the enigmatic Code of War. Olympus Rises is a fast-paced, action-packed, cutting edge adventure/fantasy with everything a fan of the genre could want!

Four stories. Four people. One world. This collection of short stories focuses on the lives of those people caught within a conflict that spans a universe. With safety and refuge rapidly disappearing they will find that there is one place left where civilisation remains: Ascension.At the end of the world how far would you go to achieve perfection?Four stories. Four people. One world. This collection of short stories focuses on the lives of those people caught within a conflict that spans a universe. With safety and refuge rapidly disappearing they will find that there is one place left where civilisation remains: Ascension.At the end of the world how far would you go to achieve perfection?The Ascension Collection takes the story of An Obsidian Sky and retells it from the perspective of those who came to know perfection. Witness Holly’s strife as she tries desperately to create something that has the promise of saving humanity. Voyage with Salem throughout the stars as he discovers something that will change his life forever. Observe a mother coming to terms with the price of the perfect world. Understand the torment of one who is turned into a product to satisfy the insatiable consumer.

Kristy's stepfather has invited the whole family and the baby-sitters for a vacation at his family's cabin on beautiful Shadow Lake. Campfires, ghost stories, romance--the baby-sitters will never forget their adventures this summer.

When Daniel Campbell's party is ended by a shocking disturbance he finds himself dragged into an ever more desperate and confusing web of theft, espionage and violence. Pursued from every angle and closed off from help, Campbell must rely on his wits and resourcefulness to escape a closing trap. But where do you run when you're running from everyone? And who do you trust when there’s no-one left?When a shocking disturbance ends a housewarming party, the host, Daniel Campbell, can have no idea of the chain of events that are about to engulf his life. Soon he discovers that an intruder has left behind something extraordinary, mysterious and of great value. Something that a lot of people want to get their hands on. And Daniel Campbell’s ordinary life begins to come apart. Finding himself an inadvertent witness to a crime he knows nothing about and pursued and isolated, Campbell must rely on all his wits and resourcefulness to pick his way out of a deadly maze before all his options are exhausted. But which way do you run when you are running from everyone? And who do you trust when there’s nobody left?

After Taylor Thompson receives an acceptance letter to a university an hour away, she can taste freedom. Her life is controlled by a small town and a strict father. When Taylor finds a local bar that’s hiring a waitress she applies and gets the position. However, one bartender leaves her questioning the acceptance of her new job.When addiction and obsession are confused with love, life becomes hazed.After Taylor Thompson receives an acceptance letter to a university an hour away, she can taste freedom. Her life is controlled by a small town and a strict father. When Taylor finds a local bar that’s hiring a waitress she applies and gets the position. However, one bartender leaves her questioning the acceptance of her new job.Hayze Clark, the bartender that keeps the customers coming back. His dark eyes pierce through your soul, drawing you near. The tattoos bellowing down his arms and the scar that lines his left eyebrow keep you at a safe distance; his carefree attitude lures Taylor into friendship. She's excited to have found the perfect distraction, and new friendship to pull herself from her misery. The closer she gets, the more secrets are revealed, lies are told, and tears are shed. Their relationship falters and Taylor is left unsure if she's willing to pick up the pieces of this broken guy.

Lizzie's mama has to make a decision that will change their lives forever. Will Lizzie have the courage to make an equally important decision for herself?"Jump" is a short prequel to the young adult novel, "Jack."In a dimension where dragons in human form roam, a darker species struggles to come to light. They are the chaos. They are spiteful. They have no morals. They taint whatever they touch.Seventeen years ago, a halfling was born in the human world. An abomination. Her parents were killed for committing such a crime, but Austin was kidnapped and taken in by one of them. She grew up as chaos dragons do, despite somehow remaining pure of their filth. She was, of course, rescued by the brightest minds of the opposing force. She was hidden in the human world until she would posses the power needed to defend herself.Except months before that time would come, the chaos have found her again. In order to protect her, she is brought to their home world--Affelil. In the famous stronghold, she is safe. No chaos in their right mind would dare infiltrate the city's walls, but chaos dragons aren't exactly known for their sanity.Her best friend, in love but friendzoned, plays the role of a knight in shining armor to slay the dragons that would ever dare harm her, but Austin doesn't need a knight nor prince. She isn't a damsel in distress, and her Once Upon A Time Kidnapper knows this. She's caught in her kidnapper's game, a game where she is his prize.Still, Austin isn't going down without a fight. She will learn the ways of their kind, how to defend herself, and along the way, she'll learn how to make a mean cup of tea. She is evolving. She is adapting. Still, there's a war brewing inside her; her human and dragon blood is fighting, ideals fighting against tradition. Like the chaos, her human side is fighting to be heard.

In fifty years California suffers from ongoing climate change. Though it’s not the perfect time to vacation there, Ed’s aging wife Mary insists on visiting the big trees and the Pacific coastline. Given Ed’s telepathic abilities and his alliances with rock creatures and with intelligent ants that may be set on taking over the Earth, what could possibly go wrong? Full length novel!Fifty years from now California is hotter, drier, politically unstable, and largely under the control of a biker gang. Though it may not be the perfect time to vacation in the chaotic Golden State, aging Mary Rumsfeld tells her non-aging husband Ed that it is her dying wish that they go on their long planned vacation to see the sequoia and redwood trees as well as the Pacific coastline. After all, given Ed’s political connections as a Chief of the Giants’ Rest Mountain Mohawk Tribe and his telepathic abilities, as well as his alliances with the Stone-Coat rock creatures of Mohawk legend and with the hive-brained telepathic ants called jants, what could possibly go wrong? Perhaps armed bikers, radical political enemies, and jant zombies bent on murder? This full-length novel is the fifth volume in a planned ten-release series of mostly short stories and novellas that should ideally be read in order but can also be enjoyed individually.

Book 12. A companion volume to The Lost Years of Merlin epic, Merlin's Dragon trilogy, and The Great Tree of Avalon trilogy. Maps, character descriptions, magical terms, timelines, and other tidbits from the author's Merlin saga.

The odds of any of them surviving the night were incredibly low, her odds weren't much better. She would need to salvage as many of them as possible if had any hope of surviving until a rescue ship could be dispatched. She would have to give the humans the thing they called 'hope,' she would need to lie to them.Galatea could see a physiological response in the steward, her heartbeat and breathing slowed, she was becoming calmer. Galatea found it curious how quickly the human-mind latched onto even the faintest hope of survival. The odds of any of them surviving the night were incredibly low, her odds weren't much better. She would need to salvage as many of them as possible if she had any hope of surviving until a rescue ship could be dispatched. If it was dispatched immediately a rescue airship could take several days to reach them in this remote area. She would have to give the humans the thing they called 'hope,' she would need to lie to them.

61 people live on a remote South Pacific island.Why are they there?What does this place have to do with a drug rehabilitation institute in Birmingham, England?And why are both of these places consuming the thoughts of the British Prime Minister? For every answer this story affords you, you'll be another step away from where you thought you'd be.Welcome to Ducie!Cheeps the Chick is a gorgeous illustrated children's book about a silly little baby chicken named Cheeps. Cheeps is very adventurous and loves to explore! One day he decides to find out what is on the other side of the fence (with the help of his best friend, Chuck). Little do they know, there's a fox nearby. What happens next? The illustrations in the kid's picture book are optimized to be superior quality and vivid for tablets and e-readers to improve the story and bring it to life for early and beginner readers!This is an excellent read for beginning and early readers.This book is great for a quick bedtime story or a cute tale to be read aloud with friends and family.* Excellent for early and beginning readers* Great for reading aloud with friends and family* Cute short story that is great for a quick bedtime story* Big and beautiful illustrations for kidsThis books is especially great for traveling, waiting rooms, and reading aloud at home!

Three years after the original girls battle to save the world, a new locally produced biod has come into existence with the aid of Ellan Elore and the Lorene. Adam and Alicia don't get along at first as Adam finds her to be a horrible and manipulating girl, while she fails to maintain dominance over him and believes she is merely an organic machine. Soon they are forced to fight for their lives.Three years after the original girls battle to save the world, a new locally produced biod has come into existence with the aid of Ellan Elore and the Lorene. Adam and Alicia don't get along at first as Adam finds her to be a horrible and manipulating girl, while she fails to maintain dominance over him and believes she is merely an organic machine. Soon they are forced to fight for their lives.This is book two of the biod series.Suitable for mature teens and adults. Sci-fi, romance, fantasy.

The dead are not dead on Suicide Hill! What is the dark secret of the ancient shrine overlooking the strange village of High Church? Parental guidance suggested. READ IT FOR FREE!"The village of High Church slouched on the island’s barren curves. The hungry sea lapped at the shore, eating away at the land with a hundred foaming tongues."Note: While this story does not contain adult content (i.e. inappropriate for readers under 18 years old), it does contain themes and situations that are questionable for readers under the age of 15. Parental guidance is recommended.

In the five kingdoms, the whole civilazation was rooted in a deep magic within the books of power, that lay in The Library of Engriole. General Sarim plans to overthrow the magic of the book, and by that also the power structurein the five kingdoms.The General used Oakentere, an his tribe for his purpose, but he had not anticipated that the pity shown by a savage would ruin his plan.In the five kingdoms, the whole civilazation was rooted in a deep magic within the books of power, that lay in The Library of Engriole. General Sarim plans to overthrow the magic of the book, and by that also the power structure in the five kingdoms.The outlander Oakentere, an his tribe of savages is manipulated by the General to assist him with his evil plans. What Sarim had not anticipated, was the pity shown by a savage. When young Oakentere from a savage tribe spares the life of the queen he finds himself in the middle of a race for his own life and the future of the five kingdoms.Promise and betrayal is the first book in the series of The Library of Engriole.

Like all other young men of the Island, Cicerello wants to go to the three dances at the Royal opera house when the Princess will choose her husband. But Cicerello’s stepmother would not allow him to go. With the little help from his friends, Cicerello manages to attend the first dance and catch the Princess’ attention. But will she see him again? The greatest love story ever, completely retold.Like all other young men of the Island, Cicerello wants to go to the three dances at the Royal opera house when the Princess will choose her husband. But Cicerello’s stepmother would not allow him to go. With the little help from his friends, Cicerello manages to attend the first dance and catch the Princess’s attention. But will she ever see him again?This Cinderella-inspired tale with reversed roles takes fearless boys and girls on a journey of creative thinking, adventurous curiosity, and romantic persistence. The greatest love story ever, completely retold. It will make your child's eyes glow, and your heart melt. The short scientific and linguistic explanations throughout the book make it very tangible.

Part Three of the Angels of Destiny.Undercover and working for GIMA, Robert McPherson is sent to Moscow to find and retrieve an ancient codex, but his task seems utterly impossible.'The Nine Men' is Part 3 and the final part of 'The Angels of Destiny.' Available here as a novella.Undercover and working for GIMA, Robert McPherson is sent to Russia to find and retrieve a priceless, ancient manuscript. Disguised as the harmless Dr. Michael Waterman from Harvard University, visiting the Holy Danilov Monastery in Moscow, his task seems impossible; but with the help of the famous French archaeologist, Victor Canseliet, and a young, disillusioned monk, Robert McPherson devises an ingenious plan. Unfortunately, the Russian FSB, a Professor of Archaeology from India, Bishops from the Russian Orthodox Church and a paid assassin have very different ideas.A fast paced thriller set in and around Moscow.

If you are a fan of The Keatyn Chronicles, you will love reconnecting with your favorite characters as adults. In reality TV form, this series follows the lives and loves of those who work at Captive Films. Hot, successful, playboy Riley Johnson, whose business success far exceeds his success in love. Movie star, Keatyn Douglas, whose epic love story has spawned a series of books and movies. And Dawson Johnson, who joins Captive with a tragic past. Expect lots of drama, sex, and tabloid-worthy events. Released in serial format much like a TV series, the first season contains 6 episodes. If you prefer to read it all at once, all episodes are available as Captive Films: Season One. Season 1 Episode 2 This series is meant for readers 18+.

Johnny is a courier. He carries other people's memories, millions of them, downloaded into his brain... Working out of Beijing, he is hired to carry a package to the States. The hundreds of gigabytes stashed in his head are far beyond his capacity, but as long as he gets downloaded quickly they won't do him any permanent harm... But headaches are the least of Johnny's problems. The Americans aren't the only ones who want the data. The Yakuza are after Johnny too. Not all of him, though. All they need is his cryogenically frozen head... In Johnny Mnemonic, the science-fiction guru of our age brings his acid-drenched tale of the near future to the screen for the first time. Containing William Gibson's original short story, his full script and exclusive stills from the film, this classic of the cyberpunk era expresses the unique vision of the author who was the first to see his way into tomorrow...

Beautiful Juliana DuPres knew she should give herself to Dr. Michael "Saint" Morris body and soul. He was everything a woman could want - handsome, kind, and now her husband as well, after rescuing her from her kidnapper, the brutal Jameson Wilkes. Even as Michael held her in his strong arm and claimed her lips in a breathless kiss, Juliana could not shed the painful memory of her abductor. Little did she suspect her fears would become reality when Wilkes once again threatened her. But her beloved Michael was there to save her... to turn her overwhelming terror to tingling desire - and a love that was now free to flower like a wild blossom ....

With his characteristically brilliant wordplay and extraordinary scope, Tom Stoppard has in Hapgood devised a play that "spins an end-of-the-cold-war tale of intrigue and betrayal, interspersed with explanations of the quixotic behavior of the electron and the puzzling properties of light" (David Richards, The New York Times). It falls to Hapgood, an extraordinary British intelligence officer, to try to unravel the mystery of who is passing along top-secret scientific discoveries to the Soviets, but as she does so, the web of personal and professional betrayals—doubles and triples and possibly quadruples—continues to multiply.