Having just turned fourteen, Emily is finding life as the only human on Camillo a little lonely. When she decides to start a family she has no idea just what she is letting herself in for... Contains mild swear words and oblique sexual references. Suitable 13 years and up.Kara Laquin wanted nothing more than to forget. Forget the past, live in the present, and ignore the future. When a massive solar flare destroys all electronics and throws the country into chaos, Kara is nearly a whole state away from her lost love, Blaine. He can wait only three days before moving on. With access to fuel limited, she must do anything necessary to get to him before he is forced to move on, but society is crumbling around her. Looters and murderers prowl the cities during the day, and something even worse roams at night. Views: 821
Sycamore Tales brings you new stories of murder, crime and a surprise ending that may twist your way or not. This new collection of stories enhances your curiosity of what’s next. The stories will keep you deeply involved and at any given moment things will turn around in a different direction, with a pleasing ending.B-4John Allen leaves his apartment for a walk to get some cigarettes. Little did he know that night would determine the direction his life would take. Accused of murder, he spends twenty-five years in prison. With the help of a young energetic lawyer right out of law school, his case is reopened. John Allen is set free from a murder he didn’t commit. Or, did he?THE VOYAGE OF DEATHWho in the world would ever imagine a weekend outing, a simple cruise around the Gulf of Mexico, would end in such a tragic way. Three families leave the coast of Florida to relax in the sun and enjoy the gulf, a getaway from it all. But, unaware of what lurked in the bloody waters. Not only is the breeze of the gulf waters fragranced with salt, but also with the stench of death. All seems well at first, but when the storms began to rise, no one could turn back.FERGUSON’S TRESTLE AT SWINDLER’S POINTOllie, a young boy at the time, witnessed the murder of his mother and father. After several years on the run, he returns back home. Strangely enough, when he comes back, murders begin to happen. Is it a coincidence or has the murderer of his parents returned also. As the story unfolds, it leads you to the truth. When the truth is revealed, will it set you free?OTHER SIDE OF NOWHERE (A Parable)The Other Side of Nowhere is a short-short story of the adventures of an old man who goes out from the land of Wuz to seek the other side of nowhere. It is a fun piece, a play on words and entertaining, breaking up the rut of life. Instead of drinking black coffee each day, it’s good to add a little cream and sugar at times. That’s what nowhere is about. Change!THE GARDEN OF THE SEVENTH TRELLISThis is a short-short story with a little different layout of events. A man buys and old antique mirror trellis. When he takes it home, he admires the fine craftsmanship of this piece of furniture. But, he soon finds out that what you see in the mirror may not be you. Is what you see real or not? He may not have gotten a bargain after all.PLEA OF NOT GUILTYJeremiah is a good man, hard worker and dedicated to his family. Unfortunately, one night a murder takes place on his property; he and his family will never be the same. As the story unravels, you find that the KKK is working in the background and protecting their own. Jeremiah is found guilty and sent to prison. Butterfly, his daughter, knows her daddy well and sets out to clear his name from all the lies and mess that has come against him. Butterfly takes on a big job. Can she do it? Views: 812
While exploring an abandoned, broken down factory, two girls stumble across a mysterious package that reads, "Grum, do not open-not ready for sale." Curiosity soon prevails (as it often does) and soon... grown ups who act like children, giant slugs, magical desert restaurants, and many other amazing adventures unravel. One reviewer- " It's like Chalie, Coroline, and Wimpy Kid all rolled into one!"Grum is a chapter book for grades 3-6. It is a story of two girls who discover magical bubble gum. The gum takes them on a series of magical and hilarious mishaps, such as sleeping with slugs, a magic pizzaria in the middle of the desert, a troll who needs help fixing his bridge. Children love this book.One reader commented about her favorite part of this book, "It is as adventurous as "Coraline", as delicious as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", and funnier than "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" Enjoy! Views: 803
Jeffery considered himself a pretty good guy. He never bothered anybody and he never bothered to get involved. One day he witnesses a terrible event and does nothing. That lack of action may cost him.Jeffery considered himself a pretty good guy. He never bothered anybody and he never bothered to get involved. One day he witnesses a terrible event and does nothing. That lack of action may cost him.This short story deals with the subject of indifference, something we are all guilty of at one time or another, and what it may cost us. Views: 799
The stories in this collection of memorable children’s books will create moments of hilarious giggles and laughter. They will definitely tickle your funny bone. Rarely is so much fun found in ordinary simple stories.Wealthy, retired tycoon Charles Stanford is sneaking around behind his brother Winston's back with his wife when he finds out that Winston is terminal with cancer. Charles contacts a company that has had success fighting cancer by exchanging human and animal DNA. Instead of curing the cancer they create a chimera (animal/human hybrid) for Charles, in the form of a dog that carries much of his brother's DNA. This way Charles can still have a part of his brother that he really did love even though he cheated with his girlfriend. Things go wrong when the dog seems less like a new being and more like the reincarnation of his brother in an animal's body. This is a very real science. The University of Minnesota has dozens of pigs that produce human blood for a possible future method of producing blood for transfusions. Other companies have gotten fined for experimenting in DNA mixing that is unapproved. Views: 795
Starbook tells the tale of a prince and a maiden in a mythical land where a golden age is ending. Their fragile story considers the important questions we all face, exploring creativity, wisdom, suffering and transcendence in a time when imagination still ruled the world. A magnificent achievement and a modern-day parable, Starbook offers a vision of life far greater than ourselves. Views: 794
Once upon a time, a boy named Tommy lived in a forest. One night, he needs to walk through the forest to give his grandma some soup, but along the way, magical things start to happen... A huge battle takes place between shadows in order to protect Tommy. Will the shadows succeed in keeping Tommy safe? After reading this story, you might never look at your shadow the same way again...Have you ever looked at your shadow and wondered if it ever does things without you knowing? Once upon a time, a boy named Tommy lived in a forest. One night, he needs to walk through the forest to give his grandma some soup, but along the way, magical things start to happen... A huge battle takes place between shadows in order to protect Tommy. Will the shadows succeed in keeping Tommy safe? After reading this story, you might never look at your shadow the same way again... Views: 788
Welcome to the Stone Age! Flint Dog is the story of a ten-year-old boy, Youngest. He has just two dreams — the first is to be a Hunter like his big brother and his father, and his second is to have a dog of his own. He has many adventures on the way to do with caves, a mammoth and a menhir.Flint Dog has been carefully researched. It brings to life a period in history that's often neglected.Welcome to the Stone Age! Flint Dog is the story of a ten-year-old boy, Youngest. He has just two dreams — the first is to be a Hunter like his big brother and his father, and his second is to have a new dog of his own, after his beloved White Tail dies. Both dreams are fulfilled in the form of misshapen lump of flint — the flint dog of the story’s title. On the way Youngest has several adventures concerning baskets, caves, a mammoth and a menhir.Flint Dog, set in France, has been very carefully researched. It brings to life a period in our history that is often neglected. Suitable for 7-13 year olds - young readers who are ready to be stretched. Views: 786
"The Story of the Stone (c. 1760)", also known by the title of "The Dream of the Red Chamber", is the great novel of manners in Chinese literature. Divided into five volumes, of which "The Warning Voice" is the third, it charts the glory and decline of the illustrious Jia family (a story which closely accords with the fortunes of the author's own family). The two main characters, Bao-yu and Dai-yu, are set against a rich tapestry of humour, realistic detail and delicate poetry, which accurately reflects the ritualized hurly-burly of Chinese family life. But over and above the novel hangs the constant reminder that there is another plane of existence - a theme which affirms the Buddhist belief in a supernatural scheme of things. Views: 781
Alex Mackenzie was born in 1754 in the Scottish lowlands on the border between Scotland and England. Alex, his father, and his two older brothers were members of the last band of Reivers (outlaws) that operated along the border. A few years before the start of the American Revolutionary War, Alex ran afoul of the British authorities. His only alternative was to leave Scotland for America.Alex Mackenzie was a Scottish lad born in 1754 in the Scottish lowlands on the border between Scotland and England. Alex, his father, and his two older brothers were members of the last band of Reivers (outlaws) that operated along the border. A few years before the start of the American Revolutionary War, Alex ran afoul of the British authorities; they were on his trail and wanted him dead. His only alternative was to leave Scotland for Ireland and then from there to sail to America. The colonies in America were supposed to be a place where people could get a new start in life and explore new opportunities. America was supposed to be a place where people could put down stakes and put old feuds behind them, or was it?“Och, that tears it; it’s all gang agley” said Alex’s father. “Ye are going to hae to set aff from Scotland for a wee bit, Alex, laddie.”“Where should I go?”“Ireland,” said John. “Ye can find wark at the Plantation of Ulster and get back on yer feet there. Ye might hae t’ stay in Ireland quite a spell until this all blows oer.”“How am I going to get there?”“Weel,” Hugh chimed in, “the distance from Scotland to Ireland is less than fourteen miles at the closest point, we can probably swim o’er there, just like swimming across a loch,” said Hugh with a grin and a gleam in his eye.“We,” said Alex. “Who invited you along?”“Ye don’t think Robber and I would let ye go o’er the Sheuch alane, do ye, laddie?” replied Hugh. Views: 781
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. Views: 776
Stepping Out on A Limb is a collection of new stories “with refreshing ideas.” A summary of taking the stories one more step or to the edge of exciting reading. The flavor is exciting and the plots are rewarding.ONE NIGHT STANDWhen two strangers meet in an Atlanta bar they indulge in a one night stand. Unknowingly, later on, it will involve them in an experience they never expected. JUNCTION 447, US HIGHWAY 10A surprising event unveiled in this story causes the truths of a group of people to be exposed. The awakening moments spiral out of control and cause them to take a loss.EXIT 537Each of us is on a journey, taking life as it come to us. What lies ahead appears from where we have been, directing our ways as we go. No one knows where the chips will fall. Life is unexpected; you have to be ready at all times.THE WITHERING VINEIn the valley of Uz, near the plains of Omar, a young man name Aaron lived. He was a keeper of the ground and the Lord watched over him. He was truly blessed with an enriched life until trouble came. Would he endure to the end or give up? That is his test.THE CURSE OF THE SCARECROW MURDERSThree young men start off with a bullying incident that leaves a town in ruins. The night fires and the raging flames haunt the night sky and lurk over the town as the smell of death lingers in the air. Views: 772
L'île mystérieuse partie II, oeuvres de Jules Verne faisant partie des "Voyages Extraordinaires"A promising gymnast, Donna Young is a shy, quiet nobody from the wrong side of town. The only exciting thing in life is her secret friendship with Ryan, her childhood crush. But after the accident—one that should have killed her—she discovers she has impossible powers! Why now, at sixteen, can she transform into something shocking and inhuman? Donna doesn’t know how to use her new abilities or who she can trust, but unveiling this mystery might lead to conclusions about Ryan that are deadly.Rich kid, Ryan Applegate is the most popular guy in town. He has a face that should be on a poster in every girl’s bedroom and dates the hottest chick in school. But ever since the big explosion at the town’s power plant, Ryan has been keeping secrets of his own, that if revealed could force him to choose between his family and the girl he's forbidden to love.As their electrifying puzzle unfolds, so unfolds a town where friends become enemies, and enemies become unrecognizable and intertwined. Tortured heroes just might be the bad guys, and Donna discovers that her and Ryan’s secrets are powerful enough to destroy everyone... including themselves. Views: 772
In the Light of Day is a collection of short stories with unexpected twists that will fill your mind with mystery and suspense. The stories will take you to the edge. How close will they take you? Read and see.Slightly BentHubert Emmitt was a tall young boy for his age. He stood a lanky six feet and four inches tall. His nickname was Slightly Bent. He loved baseball; it was his life, world and dream. He was the best and the scouts had their eyes on him. He was headed to the top until something happened and changed everything. Sometimes in life dreams don’t always come true.Sugar CreekIt was spring break. Beverly and Connie were headed to a concert in Hickory Flatts for the weekend. But, their well-planned trip changes when they have to take a detour. When they pick up a hitchhiker, they end up having a bizarre, twisted weekend at Sugar Creek.Hit and RunIt was a summer day in 1956 in Hollow Rock, Mississippi. Jerome Noles, a twelve-year-old boy was walking home from fishing. He was hit and killed by a driver who never stopped to help him. Would the driver get away with it because of who he was? Would a homeless man who witnessed the hit and run bring down the driver, a kingpin in the county?The UndertakerDecember 9, 1962 in Walnut Creek, Arkansas, a woman’s body is found at the Traveler’s Rest Motel. She is the fourth victim of a rage of murders in Walnut Creek. A serial killer is on the loose. Can Detective Hudson and Detective Durham find and stop the killer before he claims another victim?The CounselorAndy and Elaine Wilkerson had been in Sandy Oaks, South Carolina for the past two years. Elaine was from Ten Mile, Georgia. They moved to Sandy Oaks to take care of her mother who was battling breast cancer. But, little did she know by moving back her life would change dramatically.The Black BookThe year was 1951 in the small town of Long Creek, Kentucky. A serial killer was on the rampage. There had been two murders already and another body had been found. As the story unravels, the detectives begin to close in on the killer. Will a black book that was found hold the key to the bizarre murders and lead to a twisted ending?In the Bite of WinterWhen Police Chief Johnny Sloan arrives home, he finds his wife has been murdered. As the investigation goes on, Chief Sloan believes her boyfriend, Tommy Lee Lambert, killed her. With rumors spreading quickly around town and the political involvement, the case isn’t as it seems.Sunset MotelIt was 1973 in Willow Brook, Mississippi at the Sunset Motel when Diane Riddle went in to rent a room. The clerk, Jimmy, noticed nervous she was because she kept looking out the window like someone was following her. When morning came, he called her room because she had requested a wakeup call. She didn’t answer so he went to her room to make sure she was okay. But, she was gone. The room had been ransacked.Jones StreetBetty Jean lived in Spring Creek with her husband, Donald; they lived on Jones Street. Little did she know, after the death of her husband, her life would change forever. Jones Street holds a secret that will haunt her and drive her almost over the edge. Views: 769
What is life? By what traits and attributes is one thing defined as living, and another not? CCD-08, who prefers to think of herself as "Bo", muses on the subject as the civil war for robot independence rages on outside her bakery doors. She wages her own personal fight inside, trying to bring robots and humans together on either side of a table.What is life? By what traits and attributes is one thing defined as living, and another not? CCD-08, who prefers to think of herself as "Bo", muses on the subject as the civil war for robot independence rages on outside her bakery doors. Defeat could mean lobotomy at best, mass decomissioning at worst. Victory will likely only open the way for further battles. Bo, in turn, wages her own personal fight inside, trying to bring robots and humans together on either side of a table. Maybe she can't change the world on her own. But at least she can stop the fighting long enough, courtesy of a hot cup of motor oil on one side and some perfectly prepared cupcakes on the other, for robots and humans together to see that maybe they don't have much to fight about in the first place. Whatever happens next, both sides have to see that they can't coexist without the other anymore if they both want to escape the flames of war. Views: 758
