Would you rather be an amazing artist or a brilliant mathematician?
Would you rather lose your mother or your father?
Would you rather roast to death or freeze to death?
It’s a silly game hosted by a substitute teacher, an exercise in exploring the workings of the teenage mind.
Twenty-three students make their choices, and the game is forgotten—until the chosen scenarios start coming true. Classmates Ava, Blake, and Charlie are determined to track down the mysterious teacher and persuade him to end the curse.
But the clock is ticking, lives hang in the balance, and the foe they seek is more menacing than they could imagine.
Kimberly Baer is an author and professional editor who was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a town marginally famous for having endured three major floods.
She even lived there during one of them. She enjoys power-walking on days when it’s not too hot, too cold, too rainy, too snowy, or too windy. On indoor days, you’re likely to find her hard at work on her next novel or binge-watching old episodes of Survivor, her favorite guilty pleasure.
Kim has had her nose in a book practically since birth. Her first story, written at age six, was about a baby chick that hatched out of a little girl’s Easter egg after somehow surviving the hard-boiling process.
These days she writes in a variety of genres, including young adult, middle-grade, and adult romantic suspense. Her books are published by The Wild Rose Press and have won several awards.
Empress Nehel must navigate the complexities of ruling a Jyistereerk at war — the Deken Karsaker — while facing personal struggles and unforeseen circumstances.
The balance, once restored, shatters again with the loss of the continent of Ryza, all while a lost realm to the Gesha revives. Yet, a conspiracy within the Kingdom of Fenn ignites doubt as Nehel faces harsh decisions in the tragedy’s aftermath.
A story of coming of age, first love, and personal growth. This gripping tale will leave readers on the edge of their seats as they journey through a world of magic, intrigue and unexpected twists.
Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access on different devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contents remain unchanged from the printed version.
Four years ago, Empress Nehel’s coronation marked the establishment of the Jyistereerk. The Deken Karsaker had not yet gained control, as the Korbas continued to resist the imperial forces and taint the land. Thus, a war without war. The current was the Tikl the Second of Nehel.
The sound of the doors being kicked open by the hooded man echoed through the tavern, halting the music and conversation, and plunging the room into a tense stillness. As a storm raged in the background, all eyes remained fixed on him.
Droplets of water fell on the wooden floor from his soaked black cloak. The mysterious male began walking across the tables. He seemed to search for something, or someone, with a rough brow.
The commensals from different races and genders assumed he was heading to the counter to order a drink, but he roamed around the tavern, disrupting the waitresses’ work as they balanced brew mugs on their trays. In the end, they saw him come to a halt at a particular table tucked away in a corner.
He stood at that exact spot, the sound of a cane hitting the floor reverberated, causing him to turn his gaze towards its holder—an elder with a disfigured face that revealed the effects of his corrupted soul. “So long time, and so far, yet, you have persisted in the search, Master,” accompanied by a nod and a menacing grin, he spoke in a voice that seemed to echo from the depths of a cavern.
Alessandro Eskar, Pillar of the Jyistereerk, lowered his hood and fixed him with a suspicious gaze. “I would keep searching for you until the last corners of Sankaris, Lord Rim,” a hoarse voice emerged from him as he replied, his words were with distrust. “Ever since our last meeting in the Dri, I have been determined to make amends for my failure with the treaty, as I promised the Divine Empress.”
Kong Rim’s eerie grin vanished as he scrutinized Alessandro, examining every part of him. “Youhave grown into a mature man,” the old man pointed at him with his cane, emphasizing each word. “I could not help but notice how much more determined and confident you have become since our time in the villa, in stark contrast to your insecure past.”
“Do not speak about me,” he warned, “as I request your presence. The Divine Empress will ensure justice is served!” Some commensals left the tavern in fear as they heard the Master’s firm and authoritarian voice, feeling a chilling tension.
“The only justice in this land is Ardek Korba! Lord of the Netherworld!” His grin appeared again, but more malevolent than before. “I must warn that the death of me will cause the utter ruin of your niece’s existence!”
Rim’s eyes turned fiery red as he shifted into a menacing black dragon, prepared to launch an attack on Alessandro, while the witnesses shrieked in terror. Determined to end him, the grotesque Korbeen jumped from his chair.
Kopel, Joseph. The Empress’ Palace: Tikl the Second of Nehel (The Nehel Series Book 2) (p. 4-6). Kindle Edition.
The Empress’ Journey
The Nehel Series Book 1
Amid turmoil and despair, a new hope arises as a young empress.
The Gesha obliterated the once thriving but ailing Kingdom of Aranka, triggering an imbalance in Sankaris. Epidemics, wars, pollution, and madness plague the land as the protagonists pursue for answers.
A glimmer of faith spreads throughout the maimed world as the Promise. Her rise to power brings a much-needed balance, ensuring a fresh start and the dawning of a new era.
Will she unravel the mysteries behind these afflictions and restore the balance to Sankaris?
Join this captivating tale of humanity, resilience, determination, and the search for truths in a world gripped by darkness.
Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access on different devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contents remain unchanged from the printed version.
“I am just a small girl with all the burden of an empire.”
Beings of pure evilness.
“I had an encounter with a wraith of nightmarish malevolence!”
Tests of loyalty.
“Do not ya see, indeed, the Promise is with this knight?”
The Gesha (Prologue)
So many stories about the Gesha spread throughout Sankaris. Unfolded in different accounts, but the same culmination.
Though restricted to half a continent, the influence reached all over the world.
None of the four moons were visible that night as dark clouds gathered over the ailing Kingdom of Aranka.
A realm so cursed by the plague and the sudden death of two monarchs in a short time.
The thunderstorm came afterward.
A massive roar echoed from the clouds, even in distant places on three continents.
The sound was too bizarre to be a rumble of thunder.
The blazing white lightning impossible to see fell to the ground somewhere in Aranka. A burning reverberation resonated, shrieking.
The powerful earthquake trembled the underground.
Twisted and massive, rapid winds danced along with the fire. It lasted a moment in time but seemed an eternity.
Then, void. Silence, darkness. Without a trace, the clouds vanished, unveiling the night sky with the imposing moons of No Sak and No Nunn.
By the morning, when the sun arose, Aranka was no more.
Nothing.
All existence of a realm gone.
Life became dead. Sand only sand. Desert.
A kingdom obliterated.
Everyone knew the morning sensed strange.
A severed balance immutably maimed Sankaris.
Excerpt from: Kopel, Joseph. The Empress’ Journey: Tikl the First of Nehel (pp. 7-8). Joseph Kopel. Kindle Edition.
“I have a feeling there is more you wish to reveal. Have you forgotten?” she said with a fixed stare. “What is my life stance?”
“Aye, Lakia,” he smiled with apprehension. “You were born as the Promise of the Jyistereerk, an empress entrusted with bringing balance to this ill world.”
The girl, feeling a sense of tranquility, turned her gaze towards the majestic Karekall Mountains. She understood what dwelt beyond the formidable mountains and knew her purpose. Still, an essence of chilling mystery hid behind.
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Joseph Kopel is an imaginative author who has transitioned from Sci-Fi to Space Opera and now ventures into the realm of Fantasy with his debut in the genre.
What began as a hobby has grown into thirty-five years of writing. Being bilingual, he switched between English and Spanish. The greatest influences on him were the Latin American literature in Mexico City’s libraries and the most famous American Sci-Fi authors.
When he is out of any fantastic realm to be in the world of reality, he enjoys his time with his wife, three kids, and his two pets.
Currently, he lives in Northwest Missouri, in a small peaceful country town of only 250 people.
He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.
Stone of Hope
Stones of Iona Book 4
by Margaret Izard
Genre: Time Travel, Paranormal Romance
In a twist of fate, Dominic DeVolt is shown archeologist Moira Joanna White’s beauty through the Eye of Ra. Trying to save his niece and nephew from evil Fae powers, he’s sucked into the past and dumped in the middle of her Egyptian archaeology dig.
Moira fears the attractive man who appears at her dig is partnering with her archnemesis. That is until the bold fighter distracts her with a kiss. His duty as uncle tugs her heart, but is he only after her precious artifacts?
He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.
Previous books in the series, Stone of Love, book 1, Brielle and Colin’s 18th century Scottish story. Stone of Fear, Book 2, Marie and John’s 13th century Scottish story. Stone of Lust, Book 3, Ainslie and Rannick’s Viking tale. Thistle in the Mistletoe featuring a couple in the past from Stone of Love.
Next in the series: Stone of Doubt, book 5 coming 2025, Holly and Ivy, a Christmas companion book. Stone of Faith, book 6. Stone of Destiny, book 7. Evergreen Evermore, a Christmas companion book.
This series leads into another connected series, Dragons of Tantallon, a dragon-shapeshifter series revolving around the magic Iona Stones.
Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels.
She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums.
She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy.
She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.
In the world of internet legends, time traveler John Titor is the ultimate prize.
I Am John Titor
by Niamh Arthur & Sean Platt
Genre: Science Fiction, Time Travel
In the world of internet legends, time traveler John Titor is the ultimate prize.
Idealistic filmmaker Ramon Jimenez is stuck shooting mundane reality shows when he longs to create documentaries that change the world. But needing to keep food on the table has put his ambitions on hold…
Until Ramon spots a broken-down car linked to John Titor, an infamous internet legend who, at the turn of the century, claimed to be a time traveler from 2036. This could be the break he’s waiting for – if he can find a fresh angle.
RJ tracks down six different witnesses – each claiming to know “the real” John Titor.
But their stories don’t add up.
One says Titor was sent from the future to stop a world-ending war.
Another insists he was nothing more than a bored college kid creating an internet hoax to impress his frat brothers.
A third claims to have been set up to take the fall in an elaborate heist orchestrated by Titor in 1970s New York.
As RJ dives deeper, the lines between fact and fiction blur. Who was John Titor? Was he really from the future, or just a cleverly spun hoax? The closer RJ gets to the truth, the higher the stakes become.
I Am John Titor is a time-traveling epic that jumps between decades, genres, and timelines as RJ tries to solve the mystery of the true legend of John Titor.
Ramon looked at the unassuming notebook in his hand, Time Travel 0 inscribed on the top. He sat down and flipped it open to the first page where the inscription read For Amelia, and he began to read.
For some, it told a story of hope, describing a better future where community trumped competition and humanity rediscovered a way of being that they’d lost in the modern age.
For others, it was an epic romance, the tale of a man so devoted that he would move worldlines to protect the woman he loved.
For others still, it was a mind-bending story that proved reality is more malleable than we generally believe, and that one man’s heroics could save the world.
For Ramon, it was all of these and more. A story about the power of story, about how legends are born — and how they die after serving their purpose. Everyone he had interviewed needed to believe in something. Just like Ramon. Just like Titor himself. And with the prize in his hand, he thought: We’re all John Titor.
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Niamh Arthur (pronounced Neeve) is the CEO and Genre Trends Specialist at Sterling & Stone.
She moved to Ireland at 18 to attend the renowned Drama and Theatre Studies program at Trinity College Dublin, where she focused on film studies and wrote a senior dissertation on how cultural ideologies are expressed in modern Hollywood film.
She went on to study marketing with a focus on audience response, psychology, and brand bonding.
After more than fifteen years running a successful business teaching entrepreneurs how to use story to connect with an audience Niamh realized that she was missing her favorite part of storytelling: fiction.
She leapt at the chance to join Sterling & Stone as CEO and as Sean’s writing partner. She uses her deep understanding of emotional triggers, audience response, genre, and commercial trends to ensure stories hit the mark and create long lasting impact on the audience.
After 20 years in Ireland she now lives in Colorado with her husband and two children.
Sean Platt has always been an entrepreneur but knew he’d rather tell stories. When his wife bought him a laptop for his birthday in 2007, he dropped everything to start writing fiction.
Since making the leap, Sean has written hundreds of novels (including the international best-sellers Yesterday’s Gone and Invasion), penned dozens of scripts, and founded the IP Incubator Sterling & Stone, where more than thirty storytellers work together to create world-changing IP. Sterling & Stone’s stable of writers come to Sean for ideas, mentorship, and “better words.”
Originally from Long Beach, California, Sean now lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and dog, Fisher.
Will Dreycott is a superhero. In his dreams…and in yours.
The Hollow Boys
The Dream Rider Saga Book 1
by Douglas Smith
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
WINNER OF THE 2023 AURORA AWARD FOR BEST YA NOVEL WINNER OF THE 2023 JURIED IAP AWARD FOR BEST YA NOVEL
“Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick) “A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review) “Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books
Vanishing street kids. An ancient evil. The end of the world. Our only hope? A hero who can’t leave home.
At seventeen, Will Dreycott is a superhero…in his dreams. And in yours.
Eight years ago, Will’s parents, shady dealers in ancient artifacts, disappeared on a jungle expedition. Will, the sole survivor, returned home with no memory of what happened, bringing a gift…and a curse.
The gift? Will can walk in our dreams. At night in Dream, Will hunts for criminals—and his parents. During the day, his Dream Rider comic, about a superhero no one knows is real, has made Will rich.
The curse? Severe agoraphobia. Will can’t go outside. So he makes his home a skyscraper with everything he needs in life—everything but the freedom to walk the streets of his city.
Case, an orphan Will’s age, survives on those streets with her younger brother, Fader. Survives because she too has a gift. She hears voices warning her of danger. And Fader? Well, he fades.
When street kids start vanishing, the Dream Rider joins the hunt. Will’s search becomes personal when Case breaks into his tower to escape her own abduction. Fader isn’t so lucky.
As Will and Case search for Fader and the missing kids, an unlikely romance grows between the boy with everything and the girl with nothing except the freedom Will longs for.
But as they push deeper into the mystery, they confront an ancient power feeding on these forgotten kids to restore itself. And once restored, no one in the world will be safe.
To defeat this creature, Will must do the impossible.
Go outside.
Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).
Praise for The Hollow Boys:
“This arresting series kickoff grips from the start as it introduces its inventive milieu, its flawed but fantastically powered hero, its playful worldbuilding, and a host of tantalizing mysteries. … [A] vigorously imaginative scenario. … Takeaway: Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
“An assured, confident novel … A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review)
“Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books “A fun supernatural tale with well-developed characters and a touch of romance.” —Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Douglas Smith:
“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
“His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
Sequel to the AURORA AWARD WINNER and the Juried IAP AWARD WINNER, The Hollow Boys“Give me the Crystal Key!”
Will Dreycott is the Dream Rider, the agoraphobic teenage superhero who can walk in our dreams but never in the streets of his city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices that warn her of danger. Fader is her brother, who is very good at disappearing. Together, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world (The Hollow Boys).
Now, Case battles guilt over living sheltered in Will’s tower home while her street friends still struggle. Blaming his affliction for Case’s sadness, Will searches for a way to live a normal life with the girl he loves—a way to go outside.
But his efforts draw the attention of dark forces. Sinister figures hunt Will in Dream. Intruders scour the vast warehouse of antiquities “acquired” by Will’s missing parents. And a masked swordswoman attacks Will, demanding “the Crystal Key” before disappearing into thin air.
Are they all searching for the same thing? Something from Will’s parents’ shady past? For the swordswoman leaves behind a flowery scent, Will’s only memory from the lost expedition eight years ago that gave him powers in Dream but cost him his parents and his freedom.
A trail of dark secrets leads Will, Case, and Fader to a mysterious world. Trapped between warring cults willing to kill for the Crystal Key, the three friends must master strange new powers that grow stronger and wilder the closer they draw to the truth.
This time it’s not just the fate of the world at stake…but the multiverse.
~ ~ ~
Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).
Praise for The Crystal Key:
“The richly inventive Dream Rider adventure continues in this second appealing entry…with an exciting plot… always enlivened by the Smith hallmarks of crack dialogue, fun sleuthing and puzzle-solving, a strong throughline of emotion, a swift pace…and a principled refusal to settle for the familiar. Takeaway: This thrilling superpowered urban fantasy series continues to grip.” (New readers should start with book one.) —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
“The engrossing second installment of Douglas Smith’s Dream Rider Saga trilogy. … Smith continues to demonstrate an ability to expertly weave multiple complex fantasy elements into a cohesive whole. … This fast-paced story delivers in a big way—and Smith has all his ducks lined up for an explosive conclusion [to the series] that readers won’t want to miss.” —Blueink Review(★ Starred review)
Praise for Douglas Smith:
“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
“His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
“Stories you can’t forget, even years later.” —Julie Czerneda, multi-award-winning author and editor
The Thrilling Conclusion to the Multi-Award-Winning Trilogy
Will is the Dream Rider, the superhero who walks in our dreams but never in the streets of his own city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices warning her of danger. Fader, her brother, is very good at disappearing.
In The Hollow Boys, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world. In The Crystal Key, they battled warring cults to protect an ancient artifact tied to Will’s affliction.
The Chakana. The Crystal Key. But the key to what? To finding answers, they hope, to the questions that rule their lives.
What caused their strange powers? And Will’s crippling agoraphobia? Can he be cured? Why did their parents travel to the jungles of Peru eight years ago? Are they still alive?
Behind every question is the Chakana. What is the mysterious relic? Why will people kill to possess it? What hold does it have on Will?
As creatures from Inca myths haunt the three friends, another attack on the Chakana threatens Will’s life. To save him and solve the mystery of the lost expedition, only one choice remains.
Return to Peru. With the Chakana.
There, they find friends and foes, both old and new. And behind it all, an unseen enemy moving them like pieces on a chessboard.
To win this deadly game, Will, Case, and Fader must master new powers to defeat the most dangerous adversary they’ve ever faced—a god.
At stake this time? Every life, every world, every universe. Everything.
Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).
Douglas Smith is a five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction.”
His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga. Other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections, Chimerascope and Impossibilia; and the writer’s guide Playing the Short Game.
His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, and many others.
He is a 4-time winner of Canada’s Aurora Award as well as the juried IAP Award. He’s been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC’s Bookies Award, Canada’s juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France’s juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane.
Nine Hundred years before Christ, God has cast his wife, Asherah, out of heaven and condemned her to roam the earth as the first vampire. Over the centuries, she created other vampires.
There are also those that she left for dead but survived her attack without being completely turned into vampires. These survivors are called Cardinals. Scottish Countess Kellena Donnachaidh and Lady Suzette Allard, our protagonists, are among these cardinals. They are searching out Asherah for a final conflict.
Asherah has discovered a way back to heaven so she can exact her vengeance. Using the Amulet of Cassiel she can call the Flaming chariot of Israel to return to heaven Now, 3000 years later, there are groups working to destroy Asherah and the vampires.
The Vatican and other groups, fearing their own destruction if she ascends, simply want to stop Asherah using the Amulet of Cassiel to re-enter heaven. The race to recover the Amulet is full of intrigue, betrayal.
Ian Conner is retired and spent most of his adult life as a Marine and Army Infantry Sergeant.
A hundred percent disabled veteran after multiple head and other injuries, he is part of a growing number of vets classified as “neuro-diverse”, an MST survivor and have several issues such regarding comprehension, concentration, and vision issues that he has OVERCOME to write several novels.
After witnessing a lifetime of destruction, the thought of creating something tangible and lasting holds great appeal.
He finds writing a cathartic way to redefine himself both in his eyes and in the eyes of others. Writing for fun, Ian has completed seven novels with an eighth near done with two more ideas in the scribble/chapter phase. He has written across four genres Fantasy, Thriller, Science Fiction and Horror.
He uses ProWritingAid, Beta Readers and professional editors to keep the product readable, he has recently began querying in search of a professional agent and publisher.
Now living near San Diego California with his wife Bonnie, a cellist, and their two dogs, Cookie and Isabella. Conner spends his days fostering kittens, gardening, crafting beautiful stained glass and creating worlds on the page.
Ian’s inspiration for Dark Maiden comes from a Native American legend.
Among the Wabanaki,this blight occurs when an evil sorcerer refuses to stay dead.
Descendants of the Wabanaki still survive in Maine, which was one of the reasons why I set the story in the locale of Nollesemic. I felt the characters were solid enough to appeal to a large swath of readers without offending anyone. LGBTQ characters fill in the modern twists that would not have been accepted even a few years ago.
Similarly, my vampire novel Cardinals is a new take on the Stoker legend with a large dose of actual historical events. Fictional additions and twists on biblical and historical occurrences, keep the story interesting, the reader engaged. I have always been a fan of the 70’s vampire films and wrote Cardinals with that in mind. I can totally see Ingrid Pitt as Asherah.
I have taken a bit of guff over casting a scandalous shadow over the catholic church, but they have given me plenty of ammunition. The faith fills in a good part of the story and fanaticism at both ends of the spectrum also gave me much to work with.
I love casting women in strong roles and minimizing the male influence. Sadly, reality has not caught up with that idea. Amy Radigan, Lilly Pham, Kellena Donnachaid, Cassie Wells, all epitomize women I have known and respect.
After being medically retired from the military in 2010, writing became a new identity for me. I take my time writing. The Long Game, for instance, took 3 years to write. Pulling from current events as I went along.
Relations with China are now tenser than ever and the conflict in the south China sea is actually occurring almost following the theme of my story. I consider my readers intelligent enough to follow the multiple plot lines. I tend to keep the thrillers within the realm of possibility.
Sometimes it might be a reach but nothing I write is impossible. Headlines are a big help. The saying is “You couldn’t write this stuff”. Well actually I can!
The political thriller is cathardic to write. Solaris is coming out in December, complicated story lines will keep the readers guessing. Horror is a fun genre for me and I have two ideas on paper that need filled out. I have dabbled with Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Cooper’s Ridge was another labor of love and quite fun to write. I love space travel, aliens and first contact. Throw in some dystopian end of the world themes with a huge dose of multiple conspiracies and walah you have a novel. I am a huge Star Trek fan.
I love Roddenberry’s approach to everyday issues with technological spins. Solving the barriers to space travel with reverse engineering seemed obvious enough to me. The genius teenager as the underdog with a cadre of friends to help fight the faceless government what can go wrong.
Damned Yankees is a gripping tale set during America’s Revolutionary War, where loyalty is tested, and survival is anything but certain.
Damned Yankees
By Ray Deptula
Genre: Historical Fiction
Those who fight their nation’s wars are typically those least able to avoid it.
The world was, is now, and always will be a complicated and volatile place filled with those whose self-interests supersede more noble aspirations.
If history has taught us anything, it is that times may change, but human nature does not.
The competing interests and political tensions of the formation of our country were no more or less dysfunctional than they are today, with the best and worst of individual behavior continually on display.
Jack Halliday wants nothing more than to belong somewhere that provides him with security and values his worth.
In an uncaring world that devours the weak, he is forced to rely on his strongest attribute, his ability and willingness to fight, which ironically belies his benevolent nature.
Much like the fledgling union of the thirteen original colonies, Jack’s rebirth into autonomy constantly teeters on demise in a world where his decisions are all he can control.
