Fiction & Literature - Books

Warriors 1

Fiction & Literature

Heroic tales of combatants across genres and centuries from today’s popular authors—includes a new Song of Ice and Fire novella by George R. R. Martin.From George R. R. Martin’s Introduction to Warriors:“Our contributors make up an all-star lineup of award-winning and bestselling writers, representing a dozen different publishers and as many genres. We asked each of them for the same thing—a story about a warrior. Some chose to write in the genre they’re best known for. Some decided to try something different. You will find warriors of every shape, size, and color in these pages, warriors from every epoch of human history, from yesterday and today and tomorrow, and from worlds that never were. Some of the stories will make you sad, some will make you laugh, and many will keep you on the edge of your seat.”The stories in the first volume of this book are:Introduction: Stories of the Spinner Rack, by George R. R. MartinForever Bound, by Joe HaldemanThe Eagle and the Rabbit, by Steven SaylorAnd Ministers of Grace, by Tad WilliamsThe King of Norway, by Cecelia HollandDefenders of the Frontier, by Robert SilverbergThe Mystery Knight, by George R. R. MartinMany of these writers are bestsellers. All of them are storytellers of the highest quality. Together they make a volume of unforgettable reading.

Union Pacific

Fiction & Literature

From one of the most beloved Western authors comes an epic historical tale of adventure and romance in the great wilderness.Against the epic backdrop of the building of the Union Pacific Railroad across plains and deserts and through the mountains to meet up with the Southern Pacific in Utah comes a sprawling, historical tale. Warren Neale is a brilliant civil engineer who is constantly confronted with construction problems. He is sided by Larry Red King, a Texas gunfighter and friend. Allie Lee, who is heading east from California on a wagon train, is the sole survivor of an Indian raid in the Black Hills. Neale and a small company of US cavalry find Allie hidden at the scene and nearly out of her mind in terror. Al Slingerland, a trapper and buffalo hunter, has a cabin in a nearby valley, and Allie is taken there to recover.Benton is the wild town set up overnight to service the vices of the multitude of railroad workers. The only law is that which the soldiers impose, but their concern is not really in enforcing law in Benton, but in protecting the men laying the tracks and the supply trains. In addition to the natural obstacles that impede the building of the Union Pacific, workers must contend with the equally great weight of constant graft and corruption, against which Larry Red King’s guns can afford no protection.In this magnificent panorama of constant danger and adventure, the many lives involved, including ruthless gamblers and women of the evening, and the slow but monumental progress of the laying of the track through the wilderness, Zane Grey vividly brings to life a lost time and society in a grand novel, now published as he had first written it.Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction that takes place in the old West. Westerns—books about outlaws, sheriffs, chiefs and warriors, cowboys and Indians—are a genre in which we publish regularly. Our list includes international bestselling authors like Zane Gray and Louis L’Amour, and many more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Idylls of the King

Fiction & Literature

King Arthur is one of the most famous names in history, despite his existence as mere legend. Despite that, his name still evokes visions of fantasy, chivalry, bravery, and more even today, and Arthur remains a pop culture fixture around the globe. Of course, Arthur, Lancelot, and all of the other figures were made famous in various Arthurian Legends written by writers like Chretien de Troyes. Arthur came to embody the ideals of the Middle Ages: strength, chivalry, bravery, and more. Along the way, his Excaliber sword, the Holy Grail, his queen, and more have all become household words. Others still search for the seeds of truth in the Knights of the Round Table, and the historical figure that inspired the Arthurian tales. This edition of Tennyson’s Idylls of the King is specially formatted with a Table of Contents and is illustrated with over a dozen illustrations depicting Arthurian figures.

Tortured by Her Touch

Fiction & Literature

Ex-army doc Marc Rousseau might be devastatingly sexy, but he specializes in being difficult! No longer able to practice as a surgeon, he's working with injured war veterans alongside stunning Dr. Anne Sebastian…the one woman who sees beyond his gruff exterior.Marc knows Anne is off-limits—especially as she's unlikely to trust any man again—but being around her is such sweet torture! And when a late-night swim leads to a steamy kiss, Marc and Anne start to wonder…dare they take a chance on a future together?

Short Fiction

Fiction & Literature

Leonid Andreyev was a Russian playwright and author of short stories and novellas, writing primarily in the first two decades of the 20th century. Matching the depression he suffered from an early age, his writing is always dark of tone with subjects including biblical parables, Russian life, eldritch horror and revolutionary fervour. Lovecraft was a reader of his work, and The Seven Who Were Hanged (included here) has even been cited as direct inspiration for the assassination of Arch-Duke Ferdinand: the event that started the first World War. Originally a lawyer, his first published short story brought him to the attention of Maxim Gorky who not only became a firm friend but also championed Andreyev’s writing in his collections to great commercial acclaim.Widely translated into English during his life, this collection comprises the best individual translations of each of his short stories and novellas available in the public domain, presented in chronological order of their original publication in Russian.

Running Away from Christmas

Fiction & Literature

When Faith decides to escape Christmas and her friends' matchmaking efforts by spending the holiday alone in the big city, she never expects to find Christmas waiting there for her.A short love story by the author of Going to Liard.About Marcelle Dubé:Marcelle Dubé writes mystery and speculative fiction novels and short stories. Mostly. She grew up near Montreal. After trying out a number of different provinces and living in the Yukon for over 35 years, she now lives in Alberta—which is much like the Yukon in all the ways that count. Her short fiction has appeared in a number of magazines and anthologies.

The Other Us

Fiction & Literature

’With a brilliantly observed 90s setting and characters you’ll root for from the get-go, this is a pure joy’ - Heat‘Touching, uplifiting and emotional’ - Julie Cohen‘Essential reading for those of us who came of age in the 90s’ - Iona GreyIf you could turn back time, would you choose a different life?Forty-something Maggie is facing some hard truths. Her only child has flown the nest for university and, without her daughter in the house, she’s realising her life, and her marriage to Dan, is more than a little stale.When she spots an announcement on Facebook about a uni reunion, she can’t help wondering what happened to Jude Hanson. The same night Dan proposed, Jude asked Maggie to run away with him, and she starts to wonder how different her life might have been if she’d broken Dan’s heart and taken Jude up on his offer.Wondering turns into fantasising, and then one morning fantasising turns into reality. Maggie wakes up and discovers she’s back in 1992 and twenty-one again. Is she brave enough to choose the future she really wants, and if she is, will the grass be any greener on the other side of the fence?Two men. Two very different possible futures. But is there only once chance at happiness?Perfect for fans of One Day, The Versions of Us and Miss YouReviewsPraise for The Other Us:‘An engaging and thought-provoking read’ – Daily Mail‘What an absolutely brilliant book. It captures all the emotions of the 'what if' times in your life when you're low and wonder if you've made the right choices and dream how life could have been. It carries you on a journey in which you live Maggie's 'what if' and somehow see your own. The pages turned and each stage I was rooting for Maggie to see her way forward and was left filled with a love for this life, this now.’ Liz Fenwick‘A bittersweet roller coaster ride into the past; unexpected, perceptive and a little bit heart-breaking. Essential reading for those of us who came of age in the 90s, and for anyone who's ever asked the question 'what if…?' – Iona Grey‘Touching, uplifting and emotional—I was pulled into this moving story of a woman questioning love, and finding herself.’ – Julie CohenPraise for Fiona Harper:‘Sweet and romantic, a story guaranteed to have you smiling’ – Milly Johnson’Perfect cosy feel you want from a good book' – Paris Baker's Book Nook’A nice warm hug’ – Fabulous Book Fiend‘Fiona Harper writes with an abundance of warmth and wit’ -Dot Scribbles‘I would whole heartedly recommend this and I will be looking what else Fiona has done’ – Afternoon Bookery‘ great romantic read’ – Book Chick CityAbout the authorFiona is an established women's fiction author who has been a big digital success previously with The Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams.

Uncle Silas

Fiction & Literature

"Uncle Silas" is J. Sheridan Le Fanu's classic gothic novel narrated by the teenage character Maud Ruthyn who lives with her reclusive father Austyn Ruthyn in their mansion at Knowl. From her father Maud comes to learn of her Uncle Silas, an infamous rake and gambler and the suspicious suicide of a man to whom Silas owes an enormous gambling death. Mystery surrounds this suicide as the man is found dead in a locked room. While Austyn is convinced of his brother's innocence Maud is not and when her father unexpectedly dies, she must go to live with her Uncle. As Maud suspects that Uncle Silas has designs on her inheritance she finds herself in a dreadful situation in which she fears for her life. "Uncle Silas" is a chilling psychological thriller that is considered by many as Le Fanu's best and most popular work.

Como Parar o Tempo

Fiction & Literature

Escrito com alma e coração, Como Parar o Tempo celebra aquilo que nos torna humanos.«Tal como basta apenas um instante para se morrer, também basta apenas um instante para se viver. Fecha-se simplesmente os olhos e deixa-se que todos os receios fúteis se esvaiam.»O meu nome é Tom Hazard. Pareço ter 40 anos, mas não se deixe iludir... sou muito mais velho do que isso. Séculos mais velho. E este é o meu perigoso segredo. Fui contemporâneo de Shakespeare, vivi em Paris nos loucos anos 20, cruzei os mares de uma ponta a outra. Eternamente a fugir do meu passado e à procura daquilo que me foi roubado. Mas sem identidade ou raízes, a vida eterna pode tornar-se um vazio.Numa tentativa de voltar à normalidade, arranjei trabalho como professor de História. (Quem melhor para relatar o passado do que alguém que o viveu realmente?) Talvez desta forma consiga perder o medo de viver. A única regra para pessoas como eu é nunca se apaixonarem. Infelizmente, descobri isto tarde demais.Escrito com alma e coração, Como Parar o Tempo celebra aquilo que nos torna humanos e ensina-nos uma verdade universal: a vida deve ser vivida sem medos.

The Fox and the Grapes (Read To Me)

Fiction & Literature

This eBook is new enhanced version with special audio originated from Aesop's story. The final pages has video for the whole story.

Sons and Lovers

Fiction & Literature

Sons and Lovers, a story of working-class England, is Lawrence’s third novel. It went through various drafts, and was titled “Paul Morel” until the final draft, before being published and met with an indifferent reaction from contemporary critics. Modern critics now consider it to be Lawrence’s masterpiece, with the Modern Library placing it ninth in its “100 Best English-Language Novels of the 20th Century.”The novel follows the Morels, a family living in a coal town, and headed by a passionate but boorish miner. His wife, originally from a refined family, is dragged down by Morel’s classlessness, and finds her life’s joy in her children. As the children grow up and start leading lives of their own, they struggle against their mother’s emotional drain on them.Sons and Lovers was written during a period in Lawrence’s life when his own mother was gravely ill. Its exploration of the Oedipal instinct, frank depiction of working-class household unhappiness and violence, and accurate and colorful depiction of Nottinghamshire dialect, make it a fascinating window into the life of people not often chronicled in fiction of the day.

Il lupo e il leone

Fiction & Literature

Il romanzo tratto dal film Il lupo e il leone del regista di Mia e il leone bianco Una straordinaria storia di amicizia! Alla morte del nonno Alma torna nella casa dell’infanzia, su un’isola in mezzo a un lago circondato dalle foreste. La tranquillità delle sue giornate è sconvolta quando all’improvviso nella sua vita fanno irruzione un lupacchiotto e un leoncino. La ragazza decide di prendersene cura di nascosto da tutti, per proteggerli dagli uomini che li vogliono catturare e rinchiudere. I due cuccioli crescono giocando insieme come fratelli. Ma un giorno il segreto viene scoperto: il lupo è rinchiuso in una riserva naturale e il leone spedito in un circo. Separati da centinaia di chilometri, da sbarre e recinti, Alma e i suoi due amici cercano disperatamente di ritrovarsi…

Warriors

Fiction & Literature

Includes a Game of Thrones novella and a Lord John tale from Diana Gabaldon! “Entirely successful. There really is something for everybody in it.” —BooklistFrom George R. R. Martin’s Introduction to Warriors:“Our contributors make up an all-star lineup of award-winning and bestselling writers, representing a dozen different publishers and as many genres. We asked each of them for the same thing—a story about a warrior. Some chose to write in the genre they’re best known for. Some decided to try something different. You will find warriors of every shape, size, and color in these pages, warriors from every epoch of human history, from yesterday and today and tomorrow, and from worlds that never were. Some of the stories will make you sad, some will make you laugh, and many will keep you on the edge of your seat.”Included are a long novella from the world of Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, a new tale of Lord John by Diana Gabaldon, and an epic of humanity at bay by David Weber. Also present are original tales by David Ball, Peter S. Beagle, Lawrence Block, Gardner Dozois, Joe Haldeman, Robin Hobb, Cecelia Holland, Joe R. Lansdale, David Morrell, Naomi Novik, James Rollins, Steven Saylor, Robert Silverberg, S. M. Stirling, Carrie Vaughn, Howard Waldrop, and Tad Williams.Many of these writers are bestsellers. All of them are storytellers of the highest quality. Together they make a volume of unforgettable reading.“The editors succeed admirably in their mission to break down genre barriers and focus on pure entertainment.” —Publishers Weekly

Living to Tell the Horrid Tales: True Life Stories of Fomer Slaves, Historical Documents & Novels

Fiction & Literature

This unique collection of "LIVING TO TELL THE HORRID TALES: True Life Stories of Fomer Slaves, Testimonies, Novels & Historical Documents" has been designed and formatted to the highest digital standards. Contents: Memoirs Narrative of Frederick Douglass 12 Years a Slave The Underground Railroad Up From Slavery Willie Lynch Letter Confessions of Nat Turner Narrative of Sojourner Truth Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl History of Mary Prince Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom Thirty Years a Slave Narrative of the Life of J. D. Green The Life of Olaudah Equiano Behind The Scenes Harriet: The Moses of Her People Father Henson's Story of His Own Life 50 Years in Chains Twenty-Two Years a Slave and Forty Years a Freeman Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave Story of Mattie J. Jackson A Slave Girl's Story From the Darkness Cometh the Light Narrative of the Life of Moses Grandy Narrative of Joanna Narrative of the Life of Henry Box Brown, Who Escaped in a 3x2 Feet Box Memoir and Poems of Phillis Wheatley Buried Alive Sketches of the Life of Joseph Mountain Novels Oroonoko Uncle Tom's Cabin Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Heroic Slave Slavery's Pleasant Homes Our Nig Clotelle Marrow of Tradition Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man A Fool's Errand Bricks Without Straw Imperium in Imperio The Hindered Hand Historical Documents The History of Abolition of African Slave-Trade History of American Abolitionism Pictures of Slavery in Church and State Life, Last Words and Dying Speech of Stephen Smith Who Was Executed for Burglary Report on Charge of Aiding and Abetting in the Rescue of a Fugitive Slave Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases Duty of Disobedience to the Fugitive Slave Act Emancipation Proclamation (1863) Gettysburg Address XIII Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1865) Civil Rights Act of 1866 XIV Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1868) Reconstruction Acts (1867-1868)...

Essential Mythology Collection

Fiction & Literature

A collection (with an active table of contents) of books on myths, legends , and heroes from around the world: Bulfinch's Mythology Custom and Myth Legends of the Gods Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome Myths of Babylonia and Assyria American Hero-Myths

Der Musiklehrer

Fiction & Literature

Julie und Peter Walker, sie waren ein ganz normales Paar, bis eines Tages Peter die Garage aufräumte und einen alten kaputten Laptop seiner Frau dabei fand. Bevor er ihn aber wegwerfen wollte, nahm er sich vor, deswegen seine Ehefrau zu fragen, denn schließlich war es ihr Eigentum. Sie wollte aber vorher noch die Bilder auf dem Laptop retten, denn es waren Bilder aus ihrer Vergangenheit, die sie unbedingt behalten wollte. Der Musiklehrer Peter, er sprach seinen Kollegen an, der für ihn diese Bilderrettung durchführte. Peter sagte aber seiner Ehefrau nichts davon, denn er wollte sie zu ihrem bevorstehenden Geburtstag damit überraschen. Als er sich einmal die Bilder auf seinem Computer ansah, bemerkte er darunter auch Bilder, die er besser nicht gesehen hätte. Dieser Augenblick änderte sein ganzes Verhalten zu seiner Ehefrau, und es kam zu heftigen Turbulenzen in ihrer Ehe.Seine Ehefrau hatte ganz vergessen, dass auch solche Bilder auf dem Laptop waren, und kämpfte ab diesem Augenblick, um ihre Ehe. Ob sie den Kampf gewonnen oder verloren hat, das können sie hier selbst erlesen.Viel Spaß beim Lesen.Anne Simon

La vida nueva

Fiction & Literature

Luego de mi nacimiento, el luminoso cielo había vuelto ya nueve veces al mismo punto, en virtud de su movimiento giratorio, cuando apareció por vez primera ante mis ojos la gloriosa dama de mis pensamientos, a quien muchos llamaban Beatriz, en la ignorancia de cuál era su nombre. Había transcurrido de su vida el tiempo que tarda el estrellado cielo en recorrer hacia Oriente la duodécima parte de su grado y, por tanto, aparecióseme ella casi empezando su noveno año y yo la vi casi acabando mis nueve años. Llevaba indumento de nobilísimo, sencillo y recatado color bermejo, e iba ceñida y adornada de la guisa que cumplía a sus juveniles años.

7 best short stories by Leonid Andreyev

Fiction & Literature

The literary work of Leonid Andreyev is populated with unfortunate characters who inspire compassion. Andreiev never managed to get rid of the traumatizing experiences of his past, and transmitted in his texts images of tragedy and bitterness through his vanquished characters, with a revolted, impetuous and torturously personal style.In general, Andreyev's works reflect the somber and haunted life of those who have already lost all hope and illusion. Even the mood with which he tries to impregnate some texts tends to sound ironic and somber. Andreiev always tries to draw the reader's attention to the most tragic and cruel side of life, whipping up human selfishness, impiety, cowardice and brutality.Placed among the great pessimistic writers, Andreiev descends to the heart of the miseries that surround him, not hesitating even before the morbid, and exposing everything with an almost savage rawness.Critic August Nemo selected seven short stories from this author for your entertainment:LazarusOn The Day of CrucifixionThe Crushed FlowerThe Serpent's StoryJUdas IscariotThe Little AngelA Story Wich Will Never Be Finished

Midwife in a Million

Fiction & Literature

Ten years ago paramedic Rory McIver left home, promising childhood sweetheart Kate Onslow he'd return to make her his bride. But Kate abruptly called off their engagement, and Rory, devastated, stayed away. Now he's back to ask the woman who broke his heart one simple question--why?When a medical emergency forces them together, the passion between the old flames reignites! Their grueling race against time across the rugged Outback to save a patient's unborn child challenges Kate and Rory physically and emotionally. Now is the time for them to confront their past--their future together depends upon it!

The Red Badge of Courage

Fiction & Literature

On a cold day the fictional 304th New York Regiment awaits battle beside a river. Eighteen-year-old Private Henry Fleming, remembering his romantic reasons for enlisting as well as his mother's resulting protests, wonders whether he will remain brave in the face of fear, or turn and run. He is comforted by one of his friends from home, Jim Conklin, who admits that he would run from battle if his fellow soldiers also fled. During the regiment's first battle, Confederate soldiers charge, but are repelled. The enemy quickly regroups and attacks again, this time forcing some of the unprepared Union soldiers to flee. Fearing the battle is a lost cause, Henry deserts his regiment. It is not until after he reaches the rear of the army that he overhears a general announcing the Union's victory. Ashamed, Henry escapes into a nearby forest, where he discovers a decaying body in a peaceful clearing. In his distress, he hurriedly leaves the clearing and stumbles upon a group of injured men returning from battle. One member of the group, a "tattered soldier", asks Henry where he is wounded, but the youth dodges the question. Among the group is Jim Conklin, who has been shot in the side and is suffering delirium from blood-loss. Jim eventually dies of his injury, defiantly resisting aid from his friend, and an enraged and helpless Henry runs from the wounded soldiers. He next joins a retreating column that is in disarray. In the ensuing panic, a man hits Henry on the head with his rifle, wounding him. Exhausted, hungry, thirsty, and now wounded, Henry decides to return to his regiment regardless of his shame. When he arrives at camp, the other soldiers believe his injury resulted from a grazing bullet during battle. The other men care for the youth, dressing his wound.

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