In January of 2011 we started posting free short stories we thought might be of interest to Baen readers. The first stories were "Space Hero" by Patrick Lundrigan, the winner of the 2010 Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Contest, and "Tanya, Princess of Elves," by Larry Correia, author of Monster Hunter International and set in that universe. As new stories are made available, they will be posted on the main page, then added to this book (to save the Baen Barflies the trouble of doing it themselves). This is our compilation of short stories for 2015.
As is usual with such copyrighted material from Baen, the contents may be copied and shared but NOT sold. All commercial rights are reserved to Baen Books. Views: 419
The sun has returned to the Land of Night and Liall has claimed a throne he never wanted, but many still oppose the presence of his beloved Scarlet at court. While the powerful barons clamor for a royal heir to secure the succession, rumors fly of Liall's marriage to a baron's daughter, driving a painful wedge between the lovers.But the proposed marriage of Lady Ressilka isn't the only reason Scarlet has grown distant. His magic is changing, mutating into a dangerous power he does not understand, and the only people who might be able to help him control it are the Ancients, who once tried to murder him.When the borders of Rshan are threatened and war looms, Liall agrees to a forbidden pact to save Scarlet, but the bargain may cost the Wolf his life. Views: 419
Environmentalist Felix and his young granddaughter Bee witness the kidnapping of 10 year-old Tuan, sole survivor of an indigenous tribe wiped out by disease. The Last Tiger follows Tuan and Bee as they grow up together in England under the harsh spotlight of celebrity. A compelling story of love and friendship in all its guises, of difference and acceptance, of betrayal and forgiveness.Environmentalist Felix persuades his young granddaughter Bee to accompany him on holiday to Malaysia, where they journey to Pulau Tua, a vast and sacred island some distance off the Malaysian coast. There they witness the kidnapping of 10 year-old Tuan, sole survivor of an indigenous tribe wiped out by disease. With a unique genetic profile and astonishing appearance, Tuan is a ticket to definitive recognition for his abductor.The Last Tiger follows Tuan and Bee as they grow up together in England under the harsh spotlight of celebrity. But while the world watches Tuan achieve acclaim and success, privately he is beginning to falter, eventually crumpling beneath a betrayal unimaginably cruel. Meanwhile, best friend Bee has her own terrible secret. Life for them both is steadily spiralling out of control.This is a compelling story of love and friendship in all its guises, of difference and acceptance, of betrayal and forgiveness. But how will it end? For love of every kind is rarely destined to be straightforward. Views: 419
Wilhem Walengrave has the title of Master of Fort Worth, but he doesn't take it very seriously. Until it gets him wrapped up in a love spell, followed by a couple of Hunters, and is needed to help stop an Elven Goddess from destroying the world.The world is coming to an end. It could be worse.The first book in the Wilhem Walengrave Vampire series. Here Wilhem meets Katie the Elf, and through her, the Goddess Desiara. Along the way we met Andy, a former Hunter, Kiletra, a fellow vampire, Sally, one of Wil's Chosen, and many others. The fate of the world hangs in the balance and Wil wants to do something about it. Just not right away.Wilhem does a little bounty hunting, ends up with a slave named Katie, and finds himself magically bound to his boss’s secretary Jackie. He also attracts the attention of a pair of supernatural Hunters, a Werebear named Raoul and a death goddess name Izumi. He also spends a bit of time with a vampire stoner named Billy and his old flame Kilestra.In this urban fantasy, vampire Wilhem Walengrave battles to keep his priorities straight. The world is coming to an end. It could be worse. Views: 419
Short tales about deadly books, by top mystery authors
A thrilling new novella from the bestselling author of the Bob Lee Swagger series
A captain in the British Army, Basil St. Florian has been tasked with a dangerous mission in the midst of World War II. He has been sent across the English Channel to find and photograph a manuscript that does not officially exist, one that may hold the key to a code that, if cracked, could prevent the deaths of millions. St. Florian’s mission presents him with one challenge after another, and it doesn’t help that the SS and the Abwehr are following his every move in a cat-and-mouse chase across occupied France. But St. Florian is willing to risk his life to get to the manuscript—even if the genius professor Alan Turing can’t guarantee he’ll be able to break the code. Views: 418
In this novella from the world of Erin Hunter's #1 nationally bestselling Warriors series, discover how Goosefeather learned of his dark and terrible future.
Goosefeather is destined to be a medicine cat unlike any ThunderClan has ever known—but will he ever come to terms with a gift that feels like a curse?
Warriors: Goosefeather's Curse also includes a teaser to Warriors Super Edition: Bluestar's Prophecy. Views: 418
How do you defeat time? Morgorth unwittingly travels back in time and recognizes a familiar face...a younger version of his mate Aishe. Views: 418
Handsome twenty-eight-year-old Will Hallerman has finally had enough of the dating world—he’s ready to find a wife and settle down. This announcement is catastrophic in Hannah Becker’s world. After knowing Will her entire life and adoring him from afar since junior high school, she realizes her chance at love with him is in grave danger. Hannah’s problem? To Will, she will never be more than his best friend’s little sister. Determined to open his eyes to her charms, Hannah sets out to sabotage Will’s wife hunt by placing nightmare dates in his path and taking his search on a wild goose chase. Her plan is risky, but she’s willing to take a chance to catch the eye of her soul mate. Despite her crazy schemes, nothing seems to be working. Hannah can’t help but wonder if it’s time to set aside this childhood crush—to move on and settle down herself. She’s ready for a fresh start with a great guy. If only Will weren’t suddenly changing the rules of the game . . . And how can Hannah move on when Will just won’t let her forget? Views: 418
Evelyn Hopkins leaves everything she knows and heads to London at the height of the Roaring Twenties, intent upon living her life to the fullest. But will the dark cloud of the Great War keep her from happiness and love?Edward Hopkins returned from the war, but he is a shadow of his former self, broken by his experiences. His sister makes him a promise: to live her life well enough for both of them. London is a colorful world of jazz, fashion, and opportunities for lust and romance at every turn. When Evelyn meets handsome, eccentric Jos—with her butch style and gentle manner—she knows true attraction for the first time. But can love sustain them through tragedy and carry Evelyn into a new life she can be proud of? Views: 418
~A Crescent City Arcana short story.~A lethal stranger hunted Bethany Hayes down and nearly killed her. But without uttering a single word, he spared her life and vanished, turning her world upside down. Left with newfound abilities and visions of her attacker, Beth tried to make the most of this second chance.Lucius Sempronius Asper learned to kill in the amphitheaters of ancient Rome. Enslaved and bound by the dark magic of a powerful witch, he spent centuries eradicating innocent witches at her command. Though made immortal by her enchantment, he was as good as dead inside.All Lucius knew, what he thought he'd become, changed with Bethany. His one impulsive act of salvation linked them in ways they never could have imagined.Will Beth be strong enough to free him, or will the hunter become the hunted?~This short story chronicles how Beth and Lucius learned of the existence of magic, and of each other.~ Views: 418
