Irish writer Edward J. M. D. Plunkett, 18th Baron of Dunsany, ranks among the twentieth century's great masters of supernatural and science fiction. An outstanding dramatist whose supernatural plays anticipated the theater of the absurd, Dunsany was also a virtuoso writer of short stories and essays. This selection presents the finest of his works, gathered from long-out-of-print sources.Contents include the famous "Three Sailors' Gambit," possibly the best chess story ever written; the remarkable trilogy about Nuth and the Gnoles, Thangobrind the Jeweller, and the Gibbelins; exploits of the Gods, including both "The Gods of Pengana" and adventures from other books; and favorite adventures of Jorkens, prince of liars. Dunsany's spellbinding tales are complemented by the remarkable visions of Sidney H. Sime, whose delicate illustrations form an indispensable complement to the stories. Views: 435
Matt Forest, now 115, quickly learns that the key to survival in his new world can be summed up in one word, obedience. As demands are made on him physically, sexually, and psychologically, his submission must be absolute, however, he continues to believe that a means of escape must still be possible. Yet as his world continues to be transformed, we now discover the worlds of other men being similarly violated as they experience their own transformations into something most people don't even realize exists in this century, slaves. The means and methods used in altering the reality of these beautiful men are as chilling as they are creative. The world of the slave compound will become even more real, and we will begin to see just how it fits into our own. Views: 435
I’ve done bad things. I’ve lied. I’ve cheated. Whenever my family gets doughnuts, I hide the blueberry fritter so no one else can eat it. This issue of Record is all about shame, and the stories we'd rather not tell.I’ve done bad things.I’ve lied. I’ve cheated. Whenever my family gets doughnuts, I hide the blueberry fritter so no one else can eat it.And yet, it’s not me who does those things, not really. It’s another guy, another me that I push to the side of my head. I’m a nice guy. How could I do bad stuff?In this issue, we wrote about events we’re not proud of. It wasn’t easy. Dredging up those dark, wriggling bits of ourselves, throwing them into the light, taking careful pictures to record for posterity, we learned some uncomfortable truths about who we are.What we are, is stories. Some of which we’d rather not tell. It’s not easy to come to terms with the shameful parts, to admit that the same guy who gives money to the homeless guy by the subway is the same guy who undresses women in bars. But, on a positive note, I believe that by writing through them, by admitting our faults, we merge the shameful stories with the narrative of our life, and I think that makes us a bit more whole. Views: 435
Although her father is the acclaimed Music Hall performer, Keegan Kenway, his young daughter, Isla, who is ethereally beautiful, is never allowed even to go near the Music Halls, which were not deemed suitable places for a lady to be seen at. Now that her mother is dead, her father is close to bankruptcy and so desperate for the proceeds of a benefit show that, when his co-star is taken ill, he is reluctantly forced to allow Isla to take her place for the evening and he sings his famous sons Champagne Charlie and It was only a dream.After a supremely successful performance when Isla and he are acclaimed by an enthusiastic audience, Keegan Kenway disappears to a late night party and Isla, declining the invitation, goes home alone, where the party's host, Lord Polegate, arrives to inform her that her father has collapsed and is still unconscious. In her dismay and anxiety, Isla agrees to accompany the persistent Lord Polegate to his country house, where she gradually realises that... Views: 435
Everything seems to be getting back to normal as Layla and Brydon are crowned King and Queen of two kingdoms and look forward to their life of ruling together. However, the enemy has other plans which are made clear after a failed attempt on Layla's life turns into a kidnapping. She must keep faith that help will come, but not before taking matters into her own hands.Everything seems to be getting back to normal as Layla and Brydon are crowned King and Queen of two kingdoms and look forward to their life of ruling together. However, the enemy has other plans which are made clear after a failed attempt on Layla's life turns into a kidnapping. She must keep faith that her once Prince Charming, now King, will save her, and in the mean time figure out a way to stay alive while thwarting Aduhlajh's devious plans by befriending a mysterious sorceress with a common enemy. Views: 434
Neilson Hewitt has the weirdest luck in all the realms. He discovers there's more to Calida than meets the eye, when Dexter Baronsworth comes to fetch him for a private meeting. Neil's in for a crash-course on everything dragel as he meets the Baronsworth Circle. If his luck holds, the Baronsworth Circle will be powerful allies. If it doesn't--there's no way he'll survive this year.Neilson Hewitt has the weirdest luck in all the realms. His wings are giving him trouble again, but at least he's taken the first dose of prescribed elixir to help renegerate his absent magic. He discovers there's more to Calida than meets the eye, when Dexter Baronsworth comes to fetch him for a private meeting. Neil's in for a crash-course on everything dragel as he meets the Baronsworth Circle. Upon learning of his mission mentor, the tables turn in Neil's favor. If his luck holds, the Baronsworth Circle will be powerful allies. If it doesn't--he's pretty sure there's no way he'll survive this year. Views: 434
What would you do if everything you said and did was monitored and used to force you into working covertly for the government? Watch the events unfold as college student Andrew Lancaster is coerced into working for a government official known only as the Benefactor. In return Lancaster will receive the answer to the question that has plagued him for years; who killed his mother.What would you do if everything you said and did was monitored and used to force you into working covertly for the government? College student Andrew Lancaster has had enough of corrupt politicians and corporate greed, but his anger filled rants may have gone too far. When Lancaster is contacted by a government official calling himself “The Benefactor,” he learns his private communications have been monitored. And there will be consequences. Lancaster is given a choice; join forces with the government he distrusts, or face a treason indictment. As an added incentive, he’ll receive the answer to a question that has plagued him since childhood-who killed his mother. It is something Lancaster cannot live without knowing and enlists as an undercover operative in Project Justice. At first the mission seems ideally suited for his do-gooder attitude. But Lancaster soon discovers the tactics he’ll be using are not only dishonest; they’re deadly. Lancaster learns he will be an assassin; eliminating targets the Benefactor and other high ranking officials deem to be evil. Views: 434
High up in the Conrad Flats that loom bleakly over Acton, two future stars of the literary scene - or so they assume - are hard at work, tapping out words of wit and brilliance between ill-paid jobs writing captions for the Cat Calendar 1985 and blurbs for trashy novels with titles like Brothel of the Vampire. Just twenty-one but already well entrenched in a life eked out on dole payments, pints and dollops of porridge and pasta, Llewellyn and Cunningham don't have it too bad: a pub on the corner, a misdirected parental allowance, and the delightful company of Aoife, Llewellyn's model fiancée, mother of his young baby - and the woman of Cunningham's increasingly vivid dreams. Alan Warner's superb new novel sees the author of Morvern Callar at the top of his game. Views: 434
The Battle of Beirut is worse than Hell, a maelstrom of implacable hatreds and frantic love affairs, of explosions, sniper battles and deadly ambushes. Neill, a journalist on a secret mission for Britain's MI6 intelligence agency, is trying to find Mohammed, a Hezbollah terrorist who could stop the slaughter. André, a French commando, is also hunting Mohammed, to kill him for the death of his brother, blown up with over 400 US Marines and French paratroopers by Hezbollah. For Rosa, a remorseless and passionate Palestinian guerrilla, Mohammed is one of few hopes for her people, and she will die to protect him. And for lovely Anne-Marie, André is the only one who can save her from Hell. Based on the author's own experiences in Lebanon, Syria and the Middle East, Holy War has been praised for its portrayal of civil war, and for its evocation of men and women caught in a deadly crossfire. Views: 434
Blake believes in love at first sight; Stanley isn’t so sure. Their lifelong romance begins with a random meeting in a bar and ends in happily ever after. As the years pass, their resolve and relationship are tested. They must deal with frightening issues of infirmity and disability. Through it all, the two share a deep bond that strengthens their resolve to tackle all challenges together.Blake believes in love at first sight; Stanley isn’t so sure. Their lifelong romance begins with a random meeting in a bar and ends in happily ever after.As the years pass, Stanley’s struggling literary career takes off, and Blake finds fulfillment as a counselor at a local community college. When the AIDS epidemic strikes their small town in the 1980s, their resolve and relationship are tested. The only way to survive the crisis is to draw strength in the love they share.Later, as they enter their senior years, they must deal with frightening new issues of infirmity and disability. Yet through it all, the two men share a deep, emotional bond that survives and strengthens their resolve to tackle any and all challenges head on. Together. Views: 434
A collection of four novellas—"Fatherhood," "Guile," "Fidelity" and "Shopping"—where intense loneliness and desire guide an alienated cast of characters. In these poignant depictions of repression and guilt Barba captures existential mystery in seemingly banal moments of domestic strife, family tension, and romantic entanglements. Views: 434
Hidden Falls – An Exciting New 13-Part Serial Novel from Shiloh Run Studios Time marches on, even without Quinn. Four days without Quinn seems unreal, yet life in Hidden Falls must go on. Those closest to Quinn are tired of questions and desperate for answers. Sylvia tempers her anxiety with determined focus on restoring her shop and setting an example for the community that all will be well again—hopefully soon. Lauren picks up where Quinn left off in plans for the fast-approaching health fair, no matter how overwhelming the task. Amid frantic efforts to buy time and save himself from blackmail and ruin, Liam stumbles upon a clue that—with help from Sylvia, Jack, and Dani—just might lead to Quinn. Meanwhile, an impatient Nicole, a re-energized Lauren, and a reluctant Ethan take matters into their own hands in a daring move to speed up the investigation into Quinn's disappearance. They never imagined what they'd find. . . .... Views: 434
