Fictional Worlds

Internationally bestselling author and Dragon and Bram Stoker Award finalist Michaelbrent Collings brings you one of Scifi & Scary's Top 10 Books of the year! I am a FixIt. When the Company has a problem - a factory gone under, books that need auditing, or a rebellious planet to be destroyed - I'm there, and I take care of it. I'm the most successful FixIt in Company history, and I have NEVER failed to punch a ticket. "If one is looking for a tense read of science fiction darkness this should be first on your to-read list." Hellnotes TF-653 is different. The staff and crew of a terraforming installation on a planet so strange it cannot be described have disappeared. It's my job to go there, to find the problem, and to stop it. Or kill it. "Delivers a riveting action-packed and nerve-wracking experience start to finish." The Horror Fiction Review But some things can't be killed. Because some things are already dead. " The Darklights hit all the right notes" Scifi & Scary And some things... are even worse. Because some things can only be seen in THE DARKLIGHTS.

Philosophy | Ethics Short Story Magazine - May 2021 Prey: A young adult with a secret must attend 15 hours of counseling before the government will allow him to commit suicide. A Wolf On The Bus: A wolf rides the bus, and is subject to discrimination by riders and police. Guilt-Edge Security: A traveling salesman at the bar is cleverly pitched a new product by an emerging planet on the rim, Life. Grandma Ruth’s UP Truck Stop: Rachel is called back to her small town when she is informed her Uncle Stewart has passed away and learns the town has a disturbing secret. Abrama’s End Game: Abrama learns the gods created her dimension as their play-space to visit, and is forced to fight across realities when she discovers their plan to shut it down. A Change Of Verbs: A middle-aged professor changes his life by changing his verbs. After Dinner Conversation believes humanity is improved by ethics and morals grounded in philosophical truth. Philosophical truth is discovered through intentional reflection and respectful debate. In order to facilitate that process, we have created a growing series of short stories, audio and video podcast discussions, across genres, as accessible examples of abstract ethical and philosophical ideas intended to draw out deeper discussions with friends and family. Subscribe to the monthly magazine for $1.99/month or $19.95/year !

This novella is part of a Celtic heroic fantasy series set in 200 BC. To leave a review, please visit this book's goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60452135-tomb-of-the-blue-demons He loved her once, the dragon that she is. The Druid Ambicatos embarks on a journey of intrigue that quickly turns into war, when he arrives in war-torn Italia, under siege by the Carthaginians. While the war rages, Ambicatos falls for a mystery woman some call the Sorceress, who claims she has discovered the sight, the power of the Underworld. Ambicatos must fight friend and foe alike in this epic novella, a prequel to Hag of the Hills, the Bronze Sword Cycles duology.

Discover the Story Behind Bud, the Android with Artificial Intelligence and a Heart of Gold There are too many incoming wounded coming to the Nelson Mandela Premier Medical Space Station and not enough surgeons to handle the influx. The number of wounded, genetically-modified combat space marines being delivered from conflicts all over the USS are literally piling up. Cryopods are stacked to the ceiling! When the brilliant animal-adaptations surgeon, Dr. Hiro Al-Fadi, decides to create a surgeon android with artificial intelligence and free will, the medical station's Chief of Staff, Tobias Robinov, demands it be destroyed out of fear. Machines with sentience will inevitably destroy the flawed humans. How can Hiro save his new creation, SAMM-E 777, from annihilation and prove that he has discovered the answer to how to prevent the machines from annihilating humankind?

Amaruq, a dire wolf and the north-eastern Prime Alpha, faces a challenge for dominance unlike anything he's ever encountered before. This story's timeline takes place about the midway point of my novel Call of Titan , the first book in the Priest of Titan series. This story can be read before or after reading Call of Titan. Either way, it provides a unique perspective to the reader, experiencing the story through the eyes of the wolves.

By the year 2120, the world has changed dramatically. Few plants or animals have survived climate change and the human population has dropped to 3 billion. For those who live in the affluent northern region, life is made comfortable by an artificial intelligence called The Gaia Machine. But for people living in the southern region, life is tough. So tough, they must trade their young women as surrogates in exchange for fresh water. Ophelia Alsop, a privileged woman from the United Kingdom, and long-time conscientious objector to the surrogacy trade, takes matters into her own hands by becoming pregnant with her husband. For this, she is punished by the invisible hand of the law in a manner only The Gaia Machine could execute. When she speaks out against the injustice, she is abducted and imprisoned in a bizarre underworld where she discovers the shocking truth behind the surrogacy trade. And so much more. The question is - what's she going to do about it? If you enjoy a dark, dystopian story filled with unpredictable plot twists, this will whet your appetite and leave you wanting more. Fortunately, there are more books in THE GAIA MACHINE series.

Marc never chose this life. When he committed a grave crime six years prior, he was only saved from death by being claimed by the assassin's guild of Laiendal, the Shal Syndicate. Now, he is one of the Shal's premier assassins. He's gotten his hands dirty many times over. But he's come to a job he's not sure he can complete. A duke wants his daughter dead for being born cursed. The Shal need Marc to do the job or they risk undermining their reputation. Refusal means death, for no one leaves the order alive. Will he betray his conscience, or the only people he cares about?

He wanted peace. He found a life-changing adventure… Tristan Blake’s time in the army left him scarred and broken. Now that he’s home from war, the atheist bishop’s son wants nothing more than the peace and quiet of the New Zealand coast. When a Maori priest named Rau offers him a lift, neither of them expect a ride that could change their lives forever. On a beach up north, a mysterious man scores Rau a colossal snapper with no bait. As Joshua joins the atheist and the priest on their journey to the heart of the nation, Tristan is surprised by his provocative friendship. As word of the jean-sporting guru spreads, the prime minister and Tristan’s father take notice… Tristan is left with a choice: follow a man who demands love that could transform his life, or thwart Joshua’s influence by doing the unthinkable… A New Kind of Zeal is a spiritual and psychological suspense novel for people of all walks of life. If you enjoy compelling characters, a new take on ancient teachings, and stories with a New Zealand flair, then you’ll love Michelle Warren’s book of faith under fire. Download A New Kind of Zeal to explore a whole new world today.

Astro-miner Taven Smith has a secret. It’s in his DNA, an unsolicited gift from a woman with green eyes. Meyer Corp wants it. Murderous machines want it. Taven doesn’t. But it’s his only chance to find answers, set things right, and survive. Unwittingly tossed into yet another mind-bending odyssey, Taven must race to find Cat before his relentless assailants find him. Follow him further down the rabbit hole in Book 2 of the Sim-Verse saga. The truth can only be known by the willing.

Erin likes her life. It's simple, uncomplicated and comfortable. But all that is about to change with the arrival of her relatives from the Korean side of the family. They speak a language and have customs she doesn't understand and what's the big deal with Kimchi ? Suddenly it available for every meal including breakfast! And then there's this mysterious abandoned property she stumbled onto that calls to her. She can't stay away and isn't sure she wants to, particularly when it empowered her with magic that helps her control time. Perhaps, this is exactly what she needs to help her with her relatives and the bullies at school who've taken an interest in her. Breaking Enchantment is a young adult fantasy book. Join Erin on her journey filled with discovery and enchantments as she battles a far greater threat tied to the ancient magic threatening more than her simple, uncomplicated and comfortable life.

In a Cosmos-wide war between merciless celestials, humans are as expendable as pawns. Until the Knights Corporealis, warriors among the people of the five realms, seize the celestials’ weapons and fight back. Book One in the Shackled Verities Series. An epic fantasy with magic, monsters, and a Cosmos-crossing adventure. Vinnr is a realm of three kingdoms, one of the five realms of the Great Cosmos. The peace between the kingdoms is stable but fragile, and the Knights Corporealis keep their distance from the fickle and divided commoners. After all, they swore their oaths to celestials, not to people. But certain doom has come. A corrupt celestial arrives with a singular focus: to conquer the people of Vinnr and spread his dominion throughout the five realms. As the battle to save Vinnr commences, the Knights quickly find that their fight is not only for their own realm—but for the Cosmos itself. Embittered and weary of endless battle, Ulfric Aldinhuus, leader of the Knights, finds his faith failing. Ready for the challenge and eager to prove herself, Mylla Evernal, youngest of the Knights, takes up her sword readily and without a thought for her own life. And Jaemus Bardgrim, a peaceful foreigner from another realm is caught unexpectedly in the midst of the chaos and just wants to know what in all the worlds is going on. But surrender is not in Ulfric and the Knights, and with catastrophe nearly at hand, Ulfric is sure of one thing… a sword will never lose its faith in the fight, even if he has. What people are saying about the Shackled Verities Series:  "I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this epic series.” “Compelling plot, intriguing characters and a pretty spectacular world.” “Such a fantastic ride for this new promising series.... cannot recommend this enough!!” “… a brilliantly executed novel.” “Honestly I’d read a grocery list if Ms. Salyer wrote it.” The Shackled Verities Series: A Knight's Calling: A Shackled Verities Story Knight Chosen: The Shackled Verities (Book One) Knight Redeemed: The Shackled Verities (Book Two) Knight Exiled: The Shackled Verities (Book Three) Knight Awoken: The Shackled Verities (Book Four)

Through force, UNUM has unified earth’s religions. The unification sealed by a global uprising resulting from humans finally unlocking the full potential of the mind. This is the first book in the Of Evil and Angels series, introducing Alyssalee Quiteria, a young novice of UNUM and avid holocade gamer, just learning of her unique abilities. Her edgy demeanor contradicts years of indoctrination at Sisters of Light orphanage. She catches most off guard, and there lies the rub—trained as a novice—living like a brawler. Alyssalee, not knowing what to do with her life, jumps at the first chance to escape the orphanage and experience the world. The opportunity—to help UNUM investigate a surge in demonic possessions. Overnight, Alyssalee’s life is transformed in this dark, futuristic world where nothing is at it seems, including her first encounters with overpowering love and raw evil. She must choose between living life, saving life, or taking life.

Blood Trail (originally titled Husk ) is set in the world of Aosia (Nameless Dwarf). Sometimes, it takes a demon to hunt a demon... "The world-building is impressive." (S.R. Manev) When a powerful demon crosses the Farfall Mountains, the task of tracking and slaying it falls to a man not expected to succeed: Jebediah Skayne, lothario, hustler, hunter of nightmares. Jeb follows the demon's "blood trail" to the fishing town of Portis, where it vanishes. All that remains are the demon's leftovers: corpses, half-dressed, killed in the throes of passion. Forced to rely on more mundane methods of investigation, Jeb uncovers a town rife with corruption, where a man will kill you for looking at a woman the wrong way. A town where his own inner demons can no longer hide. Prior consistently writes high quality, layered, adult fantasy." (Melinda LeBaron)

War on Nibiru has caused environmental damage resulting in climate disaster. The cities on the surface have moved underground, and a search for the means to restore the climate is beginning. Two brothers have entirely different ideas of how to rule the planet and save the people. Only one of them can be right. Anu wants to use the planet’s resources to further develop the infrastructure of the underground cities, whereas Alalu wants to search for the legendary planet, Tiamat. The legends tell of it having deep veins of gold. If he can find it, the gold can be used to create an atmospheric shield, and life can return to the surface.

Silverleaf and Amara, two overaged acolytes in the Temple of the Fist, reluctantly agree to spending the night in the city’s cemetery to catch the people who have been desecrating graves. After many hours of silence and inactivity, the half elf and the gentle giant decide to practice their stealth skills in a game of hide and seek. While trying to evade each other, they stumble upon something far more sinister than simple grave robbers. Their faith and their friendship will be put to the test in more ways than they could have ever imagined. ~ A Veil of Entropy Story ~

The world is ending, but life goes on. It is the 2200’s and the sun has turned against the Earth, ravaging it with deadly solar flares that the people have named “Solar Rain”. Unable to find a solution to their plight, humanity flees across the stars in waves of colony ships. Captain Jaysid Moors is a security officer overseeing humanity’s long departure over decades. A simple enough task if not for the constant Solar Rain and the emergence of a fanatical insurgency, intent on making sure Earth is the final resting place for the human race. Jaysid’s greatest fear is becoming separated from his family across the mind boggling reality of space travel. But as he fights harder to defend the passage of the ones he loves, his fears may end up becoming a reality.

After four centuries of absence, magic has returned. But people have forgotten about it. They have moved on, a new religion has destroyed old grimoires, and humankind now lives by coal, steel and science. In this age of machines, there is no place for old legends. But now magic is back, why not use it for profit? Scientists open laboratories to study this mysterious energy. Soon, everybody is talking about it, the loudest being those who understand little about its principles: politicians, entrepreneurs, religious leaders or fashion icons. Professor Adrienne Imlay is one of the new researchers. Born an outcast in the crumbling old city of Gandarah, she spent her childhood evading the terrible Guardians and hiding the secret of her shamanic gift. She has cheated death more times than she cares to remember while scouring the mysterious Ruins for any relic to sell. Now a brilliant scientist, she wants only one thing: to work in peace, away from politics. But with elections looming, magic suddenly becomes the chief topic of the debate. In her lab, strange things start to happen: she has to rescue the soul of one of her colleagues, trapped in a railway timetable. Another scientist wants to build a banned machine whose blueprints are buried in Adrienne’s childhood memories. This project attracts unhealthy interest. Soon, she is pursued by a charismatic politician, a magic enforcer, a sinister pack of werewolves and even an ancient god. But just like physics, magics have laws of their own. The first one is: everything has a price.

Fire and Sand is a short, action-packed prequel to the Zero-Point Awakening Series: a quirky serialized science-fiction thriller. If you are a fan of page-turning quick reads, you won’t want to miss this one. Shadowing an intelligence operative on a mission to an archaeological dig might sound like an easy gig. But the dig is behind enemy lines and the G-man is playing his cards close to his chest. For Arthur Fortunato, none of that adds up to good survival odds. An incursion into an archaeological dig. An easy gig? Ships might fly.

Astro-miner Taven Smith has a secret. It’s in his DNA, an unsolicited gift from a woman with green eyes. Meyer Corp wants it. Murderous machines want it. Taven doesn’t. But it’s his only chance to find answers, set things right, and survive. Unwittingly tossed into yet another mind-bending odyssey, Taven must race to find Cat before his relentless assailants find him. Follow him further down the rabbit hole in Book 2 of the Sim-Verse saga. The truth can only be known by the willing.

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Is the strange new warship they were fighting still out there? Will it come back for them? Commander Johnson faces a desperate race to get her destroyer back into action and save her crew. "If you liked Alien, you'll love Independence." "This is an incredible work ... suspense, mystery and intrigue." "Loved every word of it." "There's more action and intrigue packed into this story than there is in many full length novels." "Shaw's world is engaging and clearly has depth, even from this brief encounter." 'Independence' is a short story (6000 words) in the Two Democracies: Revolution series.

Original short fiction published by AURELIA LEO available through the PRIDE Unlimited book subscription.

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Water We Made to Breathe By Marisca Pichette When we were fourteen we went looking for the ocean at the heart of the woods. I remember the smell: earth and algae and damp, air thick as water. Our sweat mixing with the summer sun, our clothes in a pile on the shore. Max jumped in, […]

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