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Asimov's SF, July 2009

Science Fiction. 64254 words long.
Views: 34

Love in the Afternoon

It is said that time heals all wounds, but can it give you the love of your life?
Views: 34

The Man With The Iron Fists

"GET HIM!" In a pack they rushed him. like a statue, Sloane awaited them, unmoving, expressionless. Then, when they were upon him, the statue sprang startlingly to life. Sloane's high kick shattered Surly's jaw, his right fist smashed the bearded one's nose, his left hand chopped Hare-lip in the temple, and as he dropped his right arm, Sloane shot back his elbow, sinking it deep into the Mexican's soft belly. The Mexican grunted and careened into the bar. Hare-lip fell senseless on the spot. Arms flailing, the bearded one cannon balled into the crowded tables, splattering blood on the horrified customers. The Mexican launched himself at Sloane, his hand emerging from inside his poncho with a long-bladed knife. He slashed at Sloane's throat. Sloane danced out of reach. Again the blade sliced the air toward Sloane. Again Sloane evaded it. The third time the Mexican lunged, Sloane gripped the man's wrist and applied pressure to the nerves. The Mexican threw back his head and screamed. His fingers clawed open. The knife slipped from his numbed grasp and embedded itself in the polished floor. Maintaining his grip, Sloane spun the Mexican round, doubled his arm high up his back and spun him squealing over the counter onto a shelf of bottles. He collapsed heavily onto a bed of broken glass… It was a waste, These were not the men Sloane was seeking. Only fools who felt they could taunt a lone blue-eyed "Chink." He smiled at the idea of being thought of as an Oriental. True, he would always remember Chang Fung and his family. They had literally plucked his broken body from the jaws of death when he was only twelve. But now he was ready find the vicious killers of Jim and Martha Sloane, two God-fearing homesteaders who had scraped the blistering desert with their bare hands to give their son a chance at a better life…
Views: 34

Black Wolf

So what happens if you feel like you belong nowhere… then find out you do belong somewhere… and that place should be impossible? There's no such thing as magic or werewolves, especially only a few hundred miles north of Toronto, right? And what could be in Jesse's missing past that would make him fit in there?
Views: 34

An Antic Disposition

In 1204 A.D., the Fools' Guild is on the run from an enraged Pope Innocent III and the Papal troops he's dispatched to destroy them. Now, hidden in their secret enclave deep within the Black Forest, the fools, troubadours and novitiates, including the jester couple Theophilos and Claudia, come together for their evening gathering to hear Father Gerald, their ancient leader, tell one of the greatest stories from the history of the Guild. It begins in Denmark, during a time of civil war when three men laid claim to the throne while a fourth watched and bided his time. Into the strategically crucial town of Slesvig, the Guild sends Terence of York, who is promptly dubbed Yorick by the Duke's young son, Amleth. What unfolds is a tale of treachery, tragedy and bloodshed that is the true story behind one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies. But Father Gerald's history contains secrets never known to anyone outside the Guild, and as he recounts it, Theophilos feels a chill steal over his heart. For not even Father Gerald knows the ending of this story. But Theophilos does. **
Views: 34

The Stone Girl's Story

Exploring the power of stories and storytelling, Sarah Beth Durst presents the mesmerizing adventure of a girl made of living stone who braves unforeseen dangers and magical consequences on a crucial quest to save her family.
Views: 34

Uncanny Day

Trading classmates' secrets for quick cash is simple—it's the whispering voices and nosebleeds that make it difficult. Things get worse when his latest client decides to step into oncoming traffic. Trying to unravel the mystery of why and right his mistakes, Nolan discovers a darkness lingering inside the mind that threatens human existence and forces him to confront his own broken past. Nolan's only choice is to ask his untrustworthy foster brother and a girl who's out to expose his secret for help. Although, when thoughts become deadly, who can you trust?
Views: 34

Regency Wagers

The Mysterious Miss MThe Mysterious Miss M is a living male fantasy - alluring, sensual, masked. But when Lord Devlin Steele finds himself responsible for her - and her child - he comes to know the real Maddy: the loving, passionate woman who drives away the nightmares of the Waterloo battlefield.But this aristocratic soldier can't support his new family. He'll only inherit his fortune on marriage to a suitable lady - and Maddy is far from suitable...The Wagering WidowLord Keating, laden with his father's debts, elopes with 'heiress' Emily Duprey only to discover she is as poor as he! Now his only hope of saving his family is a reluctant return to the gaming tables. But when Lord Keating recognises Lady Widow - a cardplaying masked seductress - as his mousy wife, their inconvenient marriage takes an unexpected turn...
Views: 34

The Desert Prince's Mistress

EDITORIAL REVIEW: Multimillionaire Darian Wildman made the decision instantly that he had to have Lara Black . . . both as the face advertising his mobile phone company . . . and as his mistress! Their mutual attraction was scorching hot, and they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Desire took over - until Darian made an outrageous discovery that would change his whole life - and Lara's . . . He was actually the illegitimate heir to a wealthy desert kingdom - and a desert prince!
Views: 34

College

The college years are a time of noble pursuit of knowledge, self-betterment—and unending peril! Students are at risk from the moment they receive their acceptance letters. Fortunately, the authors of the phenomenally best-selling Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook series have come to the rescue, offering all-new, hands-on, step-by-step instructions for surviving the worst that higher education has to offer, on campus and off. Learn how to identify a party school, engineer a hookup, survive 'the spins,' and escape a stadium riot. Discover the best way to sleep in class, pass a test you haven't studied for, avoid the 'freshman fifteen,' and pull an all-nighter. With practical advice for avoiding laundry and identifying unsafe institutional food, along with an appendix of excuses for missed deadlines and a back-up diploma, this is truly required reading for all college students—and a perfect high school graduation present.
Views: 34

Head in the Sand ... and other unpopular positions

Ever wonder what happens when an average wife and mother goes berserk ... and writes it all down? You're about to find out in this collection of humor essays.
Views: 34

Blood of Wolves

In the bleak northlands, Grimnir, the living god of the plundering Vanir, is leading his hordes across Cimmeria. Tales of Grimnir's fury spread as refugees scatter throughout the land to escape his wrath.In the village of Gaud, the young warrior Kern, the "Wolf-Eye," has been exiled, an outcast from clan and kin. It is he who is fated to confront the dreaded Grimnir. But as loyal friends and desperate fighters rally to his side, even Kern does not know whether he leads his people to deliverance, or certain death.
Views: 34

Racing Against the Clock

Falling in love was not an option for Dr. Tyler Fresno. Certainly not with the mysterious Jane Doe who had been rushed into his emergency room. He'd felt an instant connection to the beautiful woman, and he wanted to help her. But being her knight in shining armor could put his life -- and his heart -- in danger. On the brink of a scientific breakthrough, Hannah Zachary was now running on borrowed time. She had knowledge that dangerous men would kill to possess. She desperately needed to trust someone, and Dr. Handsome was it. But who would protect her from Tyler, who wanted her as badly as she wanted him?
Views: 34