During the time of the Massacre the Dark King reigned, declaring himself a god and securing his leadership with fear and blood-magic. Overthrown in a bloody revolt and the knowledge of the forbidden arts lost in the book burnings of the ensuing chaos, Gelendan has risen above its gruesome history. Now, hundreds of years later, its dark past forgotten, Layna is a simple maid. But as mysterious events begin to unfold, she comes to realize that nothing is ever as simple as it seems. She finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of deception, romance, espionage, and secret societies that soon has her life spiraling wildly out of control. Whilst fleeing the fury of her mistress - whose rage is fueled by Layna's budding relationship with the woman's former consort - and attempting to evade detection by the priests who want to control her new-found magical talent, Layna's problems are further compounded when she discovers a strange marking on her neck. A mark that is growing darker by the day. Who or what has marked her, and for what purpose she doesn't know. But it soon becomes apparent that whatever it is, it's after her...

The question of whether dogs should be allowed off the leash in public places has become a major political issue in cities and suburbs across the United States. In the last two decades, “leash-law disputes” have burst upon the political scene and have been debated with an intensity usually reserved for such hot-button issues as abortion and gun rights. This book investigates what has changed in American community life, social mores, and the relationship between humans and dogs to provoke such passionate responses. At its heart, the book details and evaluates the handling of three leash-law disputes, all of which were exceedingly divisive and emotionally intense. Two of the cases took place in San Francisco, a city with a reputation as one of the most dog-friendly in the United States until 2001–2002, when officials curtailed off-leash walking. The other case study occurred in 1998 in Avon—a wealthy suburb of Hartford, Connecticut,—when town officials unilaterally imposed a leash law at a popular off-leash park. This book is not only a revealing study of Americans’ conflicted attitudes toward animals and the difficult balance between individual rights and the public good in our communities. It is also a useful source of information for both dog owners and local government officials who are faced with leash-law disagreements.

Maccus Fury, a fallen angel, is trying hard to keep his sanity. Seems being an assassin might be catching up with him. Now, Heaven, or Hell, has sent a beautiful assassin to kill him. Lovely. She’s pretending to seduce him, and he’s okay with that. She’s smart and snarky—but she has no idea what she’s walked into. And he’s more than peeved that they only sent one person. They’re going to need an army if they want him dead. Morrigan Quill is one of Hell’s bounty hunters. She sold her soul to keep her sister safe, and now she’s working off her contract by catching bad guys and dragging them back to hell. When Lucifer makes her a new offer––that’s definitely too good to be true—she can’t say no. All she has to do is kill a powerful and crazy-hot fallen angel, who will totally kick her ass in battle. Good thing he won’t see what’s coming next. Each book in the Forgotten Brotherhood series is STANDALONE: * Fury Unleashed * Arctic Bite * Burning Ash * Bjorn Cursed * Ancient Desire * Hunter Avenged

The desperate battle to reclaim Earth has begun. With Gaia 2's threat looming over Earth, Captain Chase Athanatos embarks on a perilous mission to take down the evil Artificial Intelligence once and for all. The biggest battle and challenge Chase has ever faced awaits him; one where his strength of character and spirit will be tested at every turn. Can Chase best Gaia 2 on her own turf? Or has the Earth Alliance bitten off more than they can chew? Meanwhile, Oryn plans to take control of the Furies with some new technology she's been developing. When the time comes for a Fury trial, she doesn't hesitate to use her own brother, Miseo, to test its efficiency. The battle to regain Earth has begun. The stakes have never been higher, as are the dangers and consequences should our heroes fail their daring mission.

"Captain Alicia DeVries, Imperial Cadre, has been many things in her life. An Imperial Marine, dedicated to the protection and preservation of the Terran Empire she loves. An Imperial Cadre drop commando, personal liegewoman of Emperor Seamus II, whom she honors and reveres. Hero of the Terran Empire, one of only three living holders of the Banner of Terra. And now, outcast, rogue, pirate ... and madwoman." "From the time she graduated from high school, Alicia DeVries knew what she wanted to do with her life, and she did it well. On planets like Gyangtse, Chengchou, Fuller, and Louvain - in cities like Zhikotse and Shallingsport - she's put her life on the line in defense of her Empire and Emperor again and again. She's given her blood, and the lives of men and women closer to her than brothers and sisters." "But her dead have been betrayed in the name of political expediency. The justice they deserved has been denied, and a brokenhearted Alicia DeVries has resigned her commission and retired to the colony world of Mathison with her family to begin a new life." "Yet Alicia is still a warrior, and the pirates who attacked Mathison, tortured and murdered her family, and left her for dead, are about to discover just how big a mistake they made." "Imperial Intelligence can't find them. The Imperial Fleet can't catch them. Local defenses can't stop them. But Alicia has stolen an imperial A1 starship from the bleeding edge of technology and set out to teach them what vengeance truly is." "Her fellow veterans think she's gone mad, the Fleet has shoot-on-sight orders, and the "pirates" have allies at the highest levels of the Imperial government. But Alicia DeVries has two allies of her own. Allies no one knows about. Allies as implacable as she is: a self-aware computer, and a creature from the mists of Old Earth's most ancient legends."--BOOK JACKET.

In the depths of a realm where magic dances among ancient trees and mystical creatures roam, a tale of destiny and courage unfolds. It is a story that will whisk you away on a breathtaking adventure, where heroes are forged in the crucible of danger and bonds are woven through the threads of fate. Welcome to a world where the sun-kissed meadows hold secrets older than time, where whispers of enchantment carry on the breeze, and where legends lie waiting to be awakened. Step into the realm of Faerwyn, where every shadow hides a mystery and every glimmer holds the promise of extraordinary magic. In this captivating land, we meet a group of young heroes, each possessing a unique gift and a fiery determination to protect their cherished home. Aric, with his mane of fiery red hair, holds the power of flames within his fingertips. Evander, with his emerald eyes gleaming mischievously, wields a bow that never misses its mark. Astrid, her silver-blonde locks glistening in the sun, whispers incantations that breathe life into ancient spells. Cedric, the inquisitive scholar, deciphers the intricate language of magic. And Elowen, her eyes a tapestry of hidden galaxies, weaves illusions that blur the line between reality and fantasy. Unbeknownst to them, their lives are about to intertwine in a way that will forever change the course of their destinies. For within the heart of Faerwyn, a stolen artifact threatens to disrupt the delicate balance between light and darkness. The Wynstone, a symbol of harmony, has been seized by unknown forces, casting a shadow of uncertainty upon the land. But hope glimmers amidst the encroaching shadows. The Council of Elders, wise guardians of ancient knowledge, has called upon these young heroes, their lineage entwined with the very fabric of Faerwyn, to embark on a perilous quest. Guided by the majestic and venerable Zephyr the Wise, a centaur of unparalleled wisdom, they must navigate treacherous paths, face formidable foes, and unlock the secrets of the Enchanted Forest to reclaim the stolen artifact. It is a journey of self-discovery, where friendships are tested and bonds are forged in the crucible of adversity. Together, they will learn the true extent of their powers, the depth of their courage, and the unbreakable strength that lies within their unity. Dear reader, prepare to be transported to a realm where magic thrives, where heroes rise, and where the line between reality and fantasy blurs. Join Aric, Evander, Astrid, Cedric, and Elowen on a quest that will ignite your imagination, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you yearning for more. The tale of Faerwyn awaits, and the echoes of its magic beckon you to become part of its timeless legacy.

For twenty years Destiny Carlton has put family and duty ahead of her own hopes and dreams.