On Jeroun, there is no question as to whether God exists--only what his intentions are.Under the looming judgment of Adrash and his ultimate weapon--a string of spinning spheres beside the moon known as The Needle--warring factions of white and black suits prove their opposition to the orbiting god with the great fighting tournament of Danoor, on the far side of Jeroun's only inhabitable continent.From the Thirteenth Order of Black Suits comes Vedas, a young master of martial arts, laden with guilt over the death of one of his students. Traveling with him are Churls, a warrior woman and mercenary haunted by the ghost of her daughter, and Berun, a constructed man made of modular spheres possessed by the foul spirit of his creator. Together they must brave their own demons, as well as thieves, mages, beasts, dearth, and hardship on the perilous road to Danoor, and the bloody sectarian battle that is sure to follow.On the other side of the world, unbeknownst to the travelers, Ebn and Pol of the Royal Outbound Mages (astronauts using Alchemical magic to achieve space flight) have formed a plan to appease Adrash and bring peace to the planet. But Ebn and Pol each have their own clandestine agendas--which may call down the wrath of the very god they hope to woo.Who may know the mind of God? And who in their right mind would seek to defy him? Gritty, erotic, and fast-paced, author Zachary Jernigan takes you on a sensuous ride through a world at the knife-edge of salvation and destruction, in one of the year's most exciting fantasy epics.--Words of Praise:"A visionary, violent, sexually charged, mystical novel--NO RETURN challenges classification. Clearly, Zachary Jernigan has no respect for genre confines. His tale of gods hanging in the sky and a "constructed man" with glowing blue coals for his eyes and a motley band of fighters navigating a harsh landscape peopled by savage creatures and religious zealots... Well, it's pure genius. Here's hoping it's just the first of many such works from this guy." - David Anthony Durham, Campbell Award-winning author of the ACACIA Trilogy"Zachary Jernigan's genre-defying epic raises the bar for literary speculative fiction. It has the sweep of Frank Herbert's DUNE and the intoxicatingly strange grandeur of Gene Wolfe's BOOK OF THE NEW SUN, with a decadent, beautifully rendered vision all its own. One of the most impressive debuts of recent years." - Elizabeth Hand, Nebula and World Fantasy Award-winning author of AVAILABLE DARK and RADIANT DAYS"Be careful picking this one up, because once you join with the adventurers in this strange and stunning debut novel, there will be no going back to the familiar precincts of heroic fantasy. Zachary Jernigan starts at the very edge of the map and plunges deep into uncharted territory. Mages in space, do-it-yourself gods, merciless killers in love and a mechanical warrior with a heart of bronze await your reading pleasure. For thinking readers who like swashbuckling with an edge, NO RETURN delivers." - James Patrick Kelly, winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards"NO RETURN is a rich, diverse, inventive fantasy, in a style that reminds me in some ways of Tanith Lee's TALES FROM THE FLAT EARTH books. Zachary Jernigan has created a stunningly original world and I can't wait to see where he takes it next." - Martha Wells, author of the BOOKS OF THE RAKSURA"Jernigan's fiction is luminous and hallucinatory with its world-building, while still grounding readers into strong characters fully human. He scribes the future as an alien landscape with only just enough familiarity to unsettle us from our familiar, comfortable tropes. I highly recommend this gorgeous debut novel to all fans of strange fiction." - J. M. McDermott, author of the DOGSLAND TRILOGYReview"A visionary, violent, sexually charged, mystical novel... Clearly, Zachary Jernigan has no respect for genre confines." - David Anthony Durham"One of the most impressive debuts of recent years." - Elizabeth Hand"For thinking readers who like swashbuckling with an edge, NO RETURN delivers." - James Patrick Kelly"Zachary Jernigan has created a stunningly original world and I can't wait to see where he takes it next." - Martha Wells"I highly recommend this gorgeous debut novel to all fans of strange fiction." - J. M. McDermottAbout the AuthorZachary Jernigan is a 32-year-old, quarter-Hungarian, bald male. He has lived in Northern Arizona, with occasional forays into the wetter and colder world, since 1990. His favorite activities include: listening to 70s-00s punk and post-punk music, cooking delicious and often unhealthy foods, riding human-powered vehicles, talking and/or arguing about religion, and watching sitcoms.During his rare periods of productivity, he writes science fiction and fantasy. NO RETURN, his first novel, comes out March 5th, 2013 from Night Shade Books. His short stories have appeared in a variety of places, including ASIMOV'S SCIENCE FICTION, CROSSED GENRES, and ESCAPE POD.Visit him at zacharyjernigan.com* Views: 14
The last thing dragon shifter Stig Wyvern needs is his dead friend’s kid sister showing up on his doorstep. He’s just minutes away from entering a mating phase. Sharing his isolated house with the young woman he’s desperately lusted after for quite some time is a recipe for disaster. But Cora Cardenas has nowhere else to go. She’s in deep trouble with some really nasty people and Stig is the only one who can protect her. That he’s deliciously sexy and makes her tingle with the simplest of smiles is just a bonus. Cora quickly realizes Stig is hiding something from her. To make matters worse, she’s plagued with breathtakingly naughty dreams starring a shadowed lover who bears a startling resemblance to her host. And just what the hell is going on down in the basement at night? Stig needs to get Cora out of his house but his inner beast has other ideas. He’s found his mate and she’s not going anywhere... Views: 14
A missing child, a buried tin of coins, and a terrible secret — these lie at the heart of Muriel Macleod's powerful first novel set deep in the back country of early-20th-century Louisiana, where lawlessness still reigns and the voodoo curses and charms of the old ways hold sway. Here eight-year-old Arletta lives with her family in an isolated shack in the woods. Sometimes she sees the white men walking down the track toward her home and knows to hide. But sometimes she sees them too late, until one day she finds the strength to fight back with ferocity. The men don't return. But when years later she hears that another girl has been attacked, and past meets present, Arletta is compelled to act, plotting a revenge that will leave its mark on history. Views: 13
One summer in the life of a young teacher pulled between the needs of her biological family and those of the family she has chosen as hers. Troubled by past decisions, Keziah must find a way forward. Will she strike out on her own, into an uncharted future, or will she take the path others have laid out for her?** Views: 13
Going Home Shouldn't Be This Hard…Cassidy Lambert traded in Montana's big sky country for the big-city lights—forever. Until a potentially devastating equine illness threatens her family's ranch, and Cassidy is needed at home to help. She thinks she knows what she wants from life, but the more she's around sexy veterinarian Dan Farley, the more confused she gets.When Cassidy comes back to the open Western landscape Dan loves, she's nothing but a beautiful burr under his saddle. She stomped on his heart once before, and he's not eager for another go-around. But he just can't keep himself away from those green eyes and sweet curves. It's a good thing she'll soon be gone again. Because he can't trust her—or himself—when she's around!About the AuthorCJ Carmichael gave up the glamour of income tax forms and double-entry bookkeeping when she sold her first book in 1998. She has now written over 30 novels for Harlequin, been twice nominated for RWA’s RITA award, as well as Romantic Time’s Career Achievement award. CJ lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her partner, Mike, and the family cat, Penny. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.What did it say about her relationship with her family that the person Cassidy Lambert was most excited to see when she got home wasn't a person at all, but her border collie, Sky?Sky had been her father's birthday surprise for her fourteen years ago. Sky was loyal, loving and, most important, uncomplicated. Cassidy knew, no matter what, that Sky would always love her and think she was the most wonderful person on the planet.The same could not be said of her family.Cassidy lowered the driver's side window of her vintage 1980 Ford pickup to let in the warm spring air, then cranked up the tunes as she barreled along the 80 toward home. She knew she should reduce her speed, not only to avoid a ticket but also to prolong the drive, which she was quite enjoying.But she was on a high. After five long years she was finally done with late nights at the library, relentless assignments and tough exams. She'd worked hard to complete the Accounting Master's Program at Montana State University, but she'd done it, and hopefully soon would follow a high-paying job at one of the top accounting firms in Billings.Josh Brown—her friend and would-be boyfriend if she could make up her mind about that—also had plans to move to Billings. Josh had wanted to come with her to Coffee Creek Ranch. He said it was time he met her family."I wouldn't be so anxious if I were you," she'd told him. He thought she was teasing, but she wasn't."They can't be that bad. Look at you. Unless you were adopted?""No such luck." She had her mother's delicate features and the long, lanky body that came from the Lambert side of the family. She had a soft heart—like her father. But was also headstrong and stubborn—like her mom.Yet despite all the family resemblances, she'd always been a misfit. Part of the problem came from being the only girl in a family with three boys—four if you counted her foster brother, Jackson, who'd been with the family since she was nine. She knew it wasn't her imagination that her mother was harder on her than the guys. And her father had treated her differently, too, when he was alive.For one thing, he'd built three cottages by the small lake on their property for each of his sons to live in. But nothing for her.No doubt he'd expected her to one day get married and go live with her husband. But being excluded that way had hurt.And it still did.The boys had been relentless teases, too. They didn't mean to be cruel, but they never cut her a break, either. Even though she could ride as well as any of them, she couldn't match them in strength. And, oh, how they'd loved to taunt her about that. Especially Brock…Tears fogged her vision, and she slid her sunglasses up on her head so she could rub them away. Though almost a year had passed since the accident that had taken her youngest brother's life—just an hour before he'd been about to marry Winnie Hayes—the loss still felt fresh.Brock may have driven her crazy, but she'd loved him, living in hope that one day he'd stop treating her like a bratty little sister and they might become friends.Now they would never have that chance.Cassidy drove over a series of three gentle hills before arriving at the smattering of buildings and the weathered sign proclaiming that she'd arrived at the town of Coffee Creek. She put on her indicator light, intending to stop at the Cinnamon Stick Cafe for some fortification before continuing the last fifteen minutes to the ranch.It was Wednesday morning, the last week of April, an hour before noon. She'd written her final exam the previous afternoon, had spent a night on the town with all her friends, including Josh, then loaded her car for an early departure that hadn't included breakfast.So she was hungry.She angle-parked in front of the pretty cafe that was owned by Brock's former fiancée. Winnie had taken Brock's death really hard and had gone to live at her parents' farm in Highwood immediately following the funeral. Cassidy stayed in touch with her via Facebook and knew that Winnie hoped to return to Coffee Creek eventually. Apparently she'd developed some health issues that weren't serious, but required some time to settle.In the meantime her cafe was being operated by Winnie's best friend—and Cassidy's new sister-in-law— Laurel. Laurel Sheridan had flown in from New York for Brock and Winnie's wedding and had ended up extending her stay to take care of Winnie's cafe while her friend was convalescing. She'd also fallen in love with Corb and the two had been married last September in New York City.Then in March they'd had a baby—adorable little Stephanie Olive Lambert was another reason Cassidy was stopping at the Cinnamon Stick. Hopefully Laurel and the baby would be there.She was dying for a cuddle with her new little niece.Cassidy parked, hopped out of her truck, then paused to stretch her back and her arms. One thing about older trucks—they sure weren't built for comfort. Still, she patted the hood affectionately before heading toward the cafe.A hand-painted sign hung over the door, and two wooden benches promised a place to sit in the sun and enjoy your coffee once you'd placed your order.Inside she was welcomed by the scent of freshly ground coffee beans and the luscious aromas of butter, sugar and cinnamon. She'd come during a lull and the place was quiet. Two older women sat at one of the two booths, engrossed in conversation. Behind the counter, Laurel was softly singing a silly song about hedgehogs. She had her back to the door, busy with dishes, but she spotted Cassidy's reflection in a carefully positioned mirror and broke into a big smile."Cassidy! You're home!" Laurel stopped to scoop up her two-month-old daughter from the playpen. "Look who's here, Steph. It's your auntie Cassidy."Cassidy was already holding out her arms for the bundle. "I hope she isn't making shy yet.""Oh, she's still too young for that. Besides, she's getting used to new faces. We just got back to work last week and I swear our business has tripled. It seems everyone in the area is finding an excuse to drop in for a coffee and to say hello to the newest Lambert."Cassidy listened to all of this with a smile, at the same time noticing how happy her sister-in-law appeared. Pretty, too. Her long red hair was pulled back in a ponytail, but it seemed thicker and glossier than ever. And her fair skin was literally glowing.Laurel deposited a kiss on Cassidy's cheek as she handed over her daughter, who had gained several pounds since Cassidy had seen her last."Oh, you're so cute! Look—she has Corb's dimple.""I know. Isn't it adorable? And only on the left cheek, just like her dad."Cassidy sighed as Stephanie cuddled in, soaking up the smooches that her aunt couldn't resist planting on her downy soft head. Her wispy hair was coming in orange. And curly."How are you doing, precious? Do you like working with your mommy in the cafe?"The baby looked up at the sound of Cassidy's voice, and Cassidy was amused to see that she had the Lambert green eyes, as well. Stephanie was staring at her intently, and only when she raised her little hand, awkwardly reaching up, did Cassidy realize she was entranced by the sunglasses that were still resting on her head."She's just started noticing her hands a few weeks ago," Laurel commented. "Sometimes she stares at them for minutes at a time. It's so cute. But here I am, talking endlessly about my wonderful baby, again." Laurel rolled her eyes. "What's new with you? How were your final exams?""They went well, I think. I won't have my marks for a few weeks.""Can I get you a coffee and a cinnamon bun for the road?"Hearing the door open behind her, Cassidy moved out of the way so the newcomer could enter. "You read my mind, thanks.""Make that a double order, Winnie," said a deep voice behind her. "And leave some space for cream in the coffee."Cassidy knew that voice. Slowly she turned, holding Stephanie like a shield between her and the tall, broad-shouldered man who'd just entered the cafe.Sure enough, there stood Dan Farley. The local vet had some Native American blood, which accounted for his high cheekbones, jet-black hair and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Though he'd spoken to Winnie, it was Cas-sidy he was looking at, with cool dislike."Hey, Farley." Darn her voice for coming out so soft and weak. She lifted her chin. "How are things?""Busy."He knew she'd been going to college in Bozeman, and must have noticed the suitcases and boxes in the back of her truck, but he didn't ask about her studies or show any interest in whether or not she was moving back to Coffee Creek. Stepping past her as if she were nothing more than an inanimate obstacle, he made his way to the counter, where he pulled out his wallet.Heck and darn, but the man had a way about him. Cassidy glanced at the two women at the back to see if they felt it, too. Sure enough they both had their eyes on Coffee Creek's sexy vet. One of them pretended to fan her face with her hand. The other laughed and winked at Cassidy.Cassidy didn't wink back.He wasn't that good-looking.She gave him another glance, seeing only his profile and long, muscular build.Okay, maybe he was that good-looking.Still, he probably hated her and she had only herself to blame.Winnie set two coffees in to-go cups on the counter, then bagged them each one of the homemade cinnamon buns baked fresh every day by ex-bronc rider Vince Butterfield. A veteran of the rodeo circuit and a member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Vince had licked a lifelong dependence on alcohol and in his sixties had be... Views: 13
In the final showdown between the forces of dark and light, Mal and Chrysabelle face not only Tatiana, but the ancient evil that now controls her: the Castus Sanguis. Chrysabelle gathers her friends and family around her, forming a plan to bring an end to the chaos surrounding them. But the Castus is the most powerful being they've ever come up against. Defeating such evil will require a great sacrifice from someone on the side of light. One of them will change sides. One of them will die. No one will survive unscathed. Can Chrysabelle save those she cares about or will that love get her killed? What price is she willing to pay to draw last blood? Views: 13
Powerful YA novel by an award-winning writer about a teenager coming to terms with the suicide of her sister. 17 year old Tara McClusky's life is hard. She shares the care of her paralysed father with her domineering, difficult mother, forced to cut down on her hours at school to help support the family with a part-time rest home job. She's very much alone, still grieving the loss of her older sister Van, who died five years before. Her only source of consolation is her obsession with art - and painting in particular. Most especially she is enamoured with Vincent Van Gogh: she has read all his letters and finds many parallels between the tragic story of his life and her own.Luckily she meets the intelligent, kindly Professor Max Stockhamer (a Jewish refugee and philosopher) and his grandson Johannes, and their support is crucial to her ability to survive this turbulent time.NZ Post Award-wining author Mandy Hager tackles the difficult topic of suicide fearlessly, with a... Views: 13
Be With You: Book Three Loneliness Series: Chapter 1Now the trials and sentencing have been finished for both Cara Wells and Melanie Stabb, we all meet at Heathrow Airport in London so we can fly off for our first European city on our tour. This tour will last a month, more or less. While it's shorter than our U.S. tour of last year, I am now a mum to a child just over one year of age, and I am going to miss her horribly! Still, mum, dad, Marcus and I have decided that a regular schedule and consistency are the best for Lizzie, so they will take care of her while we are gone. Marcus is going on tour with us, partly to help with watching out for any more stalking issues and partly so he can help out with moving heavy equipment and such. We still feel very spooked and unsettled - my guess is that this feeling will slowly go away over time. I try to wrap my mind around the thought that Cara and Melanie no longer pose any danger to us, but I'm having trouble really believing it.Chapter 2Finally, the gray, cold wet of winter is over! It's May and the temperatures are now warming nicely. We go to my inlaw's home on one Saturday evening. Lizzie runs around playing while we discuss Millie's return to England. Robert Smythe, Millie's husband, is a social worker, apparently. He was able to work in the U.S., so he should be able to find a posting without too much trouble once they come home.Chapter 3Still, this means that we have to go round the elder Hadley's home several times a month. I dress as conservatively as I can and mind my P's and Q's at my inlaw's home. I monitor Lizzie very closely so she is not forced to spend any more time than necessary in her aunt's company. This is not difficult at all - after hearing her aunt and daddy in the middle of a screaming row, she refuses to have anything to do with either Millie or Robert! Because of this, I spend much of my time conversing with Ruby and Andrew.Chapter 4We finish watering outside, then, after we roll up the hosepipe, we stash it in the shed and go inside. I am quiet, wondering how two such wonderful people as Ruby and Andrew could have produced two such different children! Marcus is very loving, accepting and supportive of all those around him. Even when he disagrees with another person's point of view, he's accepting of the person. In stark contrast, Millie is very narrow-minded and places attributes upon someone based upon their occupation. In my case, to her, "singer" means that I am a loose, promiscuous slut. No matter the evidence to the contrary. No matter that I am, and have always, been faithful to Marcus. No matter that he's the only man I've ever slept with. And, no matter that I'm raising our daughter to be a loving and giving person.Chapter 5The topic wears heavily on my mind for the next several days. Marcus and I decide to ask my mum and dad to take care of Lizzie so we can visit Ruby and Andrew - on a night when we are positive that Millie and Robert will not be there. Marcus learns that Millie will be busy with membership activities at her church.Chapter 6Two weeks later at the end of a long day of practice, I announce my pregnancy to the band. Everyone is excited, and they congratulate Marcus and me. Lizzie claps, not understanding the importance of the moment, so Marcus swoops her up into his arms and tells her she is going to be a big sister.Chapter 7The weeks speed by as we prepare for our benefit concert for the homeless of Saint Albans. We select the play list - this will be different from our usual concerts. The mayor's office has been wonderful - helping us with publicity and, overall, helping us to reinforce our good image with the citizens of the city.Chapter 8I am getting excited and nervous at the same time. I love performing in front of a live audience, but at the same time, I am worried about what Millie and her group have in store for us! We arrive at the city green and Marcus drives to the area that has been reserved for the band and the city employees who have set up the stage, lighting and sound system. We walk to the stage and I hear some disturbing noises. Looking around, I spot Millie's group, holding signs and shouting pre-determined phrases. My stomach does a small flip-flop. The signs say, "Stop artist groups from benefiting! Artist groups and musicians are evil!" Individual members shout things such as, "Fight back against drug use! Protect your children!" Views: 13
The Heresy Within is the first book in the debut trilogy, The Ties that Bind by Rob J. Hayes.Thanquil Darkheart is an Arbiter of the Inquisition, a witch hunter tasked with hunting down and purging heretics. Thanquil Darkheart is also something else, expendable.When the God-Emperor of Sarth tells Thanquil there is a traitor operating among the highest echelon of the Inquisition he knows he has no choice but to sail to the city of Chade and follow the Emperor's single lead.The Black Thorn is a murderer, a thug, a thief and worse but he's best known for the killing of six Arbiters. These days he travels with a crew of six of the most dangerous sell-swords in the wilds. After a job well done they find themselves on the run from the law once again but the boss has good news; a new job, the biggest any of them have ever pulled. First, however, they need to evade capture long enough to secure travel to the free city of Chade.Jezzet Vel'urn is a Blademaster; a swords-woman of prodigious skill but she knows that for a woman like her in the wilds there are two ways out of most situations; fight or screw. Truth is, all too often for Jezzet's liking, it comes down to a combination of the two.Jezzet is chased half-way across the wilds by a vengeful warlord until she makes it to the free city of Chade. Instead of sanctuary, however, all she finds are guards waiting to turn her over for some quick gold. Views: 13
