The only thing she could trust was the cold steel blade in her hand. Crystal was, without a doubt, the best warrior and strategist human history had ever seen. She was part of the seventh generation of Elite humans, genetically modified to be smarter, stronger, faster, and better than normal humans. When her twin brother went missing in the Mojave Desert outside of their home in Imperial City, she was determined to do whatever it took to bring him home safely— even if it meant she had to seduce the infamous leader of the Underlings and infiltrate their military compound alone. For this to work, she couldn't have backup, and he couldn't know how much she wanted him dead. All her life, she believed Elites are better at everything than Underlings. But what if that isn't true? As Crystal wrestles with newfound emotions, she must decide whose story she' ll trust: the scientist who created her, or the Underling general who stole her heart. This high-action romance takes place in a future version of the earth as we know it, blending dystopian world powers and lively character dynamics to create a hopeful view of the future perfect for fans of Frank Herbert and Andy Weir.

The magical Tide has turned and the Immortal Lords once again have their full power. The Immortal Lord Cayal welcomes this power as a means to an end--his end, preferably. Cayal has wanted to cease his existence for longer than human history and it looks like he might finally get his wish. Rumors swirl that the Chaos Crystal, the mysterious prism that brought the Immortals to the world, has been found. Cayal is determined to seize the gem. Among those who search for this long-lost object is Cayal's former lover, the very mortal Lady Arkady. She's been captured by Jaxyn, a Tide Lord who is decidedly against Cayal and is seeking the Crystal for his own nefarious schemes. Arkady escapes, and is off on her desperate search...for if the gem falls into the hands of the Immortals, what will become of humanity? The stakes are high, with mortal and immortal fighting to grasp this ultimate prize. Whoever holds the Crystal can decide the fate of the world. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Originally pubished August 8, 1914, here is issue #100 of the famous Nickel Weekly, Nick Carter Stories. This ebook contains the complete contents of the Nickel Weekly, including the Nick Carter novel THE CRYSTAL MAZE, plus parts of 2 serialized novels (THE PERFUME OF MADNESS and THE SYNDICATE OF CRIME) as well as numerous short features.

The Scattered Gods: Awakening of the Crystal Keepers (2nd Edition) Unearth a forgotten secret and usher in a new era of harmony in this epic saga. Centuries ago, Earth was a battleground. The once-powerful civilization of Atlantis fell victim to their own ambition, their advanced technology twisting into a tool for discord. In the aftermath, the scattered Crystal Keepers, guided by a mysterious crystal resonating with harmony, rose to restore peace. Their journey, fraught with sacrifice and wisdom, laid the foundation for a golden age. Now, a golden age teeters on the edge of a new discovery. Generations have passed, and the Crystal Keepers are revered elders. Sustainable cities thrive, technology serves humanity, and the scars of the past seem a distant memory. However, a secret truth weighs heavily on them – the story of Atlantis. Knowledge can be a weapon. When a young scholar unearths whispers of a lost civilization, the Crystal Keepers face a critical decision. Revealing the truth of Atlantis could ignite fear and paranoia, jeopardizing the fragile harmony they've built. Yet, keeping it hidden leaves future generations vulnerable to repeating the same mistakes. As humanity prepares for its first interstellar voyage, a chilling question emerges. Will the spirit of harmony travel with them amongst the stars, or will the alluring darkness of the past resurface? The answer lies in the past, in the lessons learned from Atlantis and the unwavering belief in the power of unity. The Scattered Gods: Awakening of the Crystal Keepers (2nd Edition) is a captivating saga that explores: Rebuilding a harmonious society from the ashes of discord The delicate balance between knowledge and responsibility The seductive dangers of advanced technology The enduring strength of friendship and sacrifice Facing the unknown with a spirit of exploration and respect Embark on this thought-provoking journey that celebrates harmony while acknowledging the ever-present threat of discord. It's a story that will resonate with readers who believe in the potential of humanity to create a brighter future, together.

Suburban real estate, greed, and murder: welcome to the Last Land. The Last Land is the only undeveloped real estate left in elite Bestham, a trendy suburb of Boston. When the forested acreage is finally sold for development over a holiday weekend, it seems unconnected to the tragedy that follows: a dead teenager drowned in a creek on the newly sold property. Lt. Davey O'Tease's investigation soon reveals that the pristine land is polluted. As he traces the victim's steps, he soon learns that his friend, Attorney Craig Kimbrel, has become a suspect in the murder. Nothing is as it first appears as we follow O'Tease and Kimbrel through an evolving web of conspiracy, failed lives and laws, and multiple murders. The cast includes two mysterious developers, two conniving lawyers, a crooked mayor, teenagers falling in love, and the desperate lives of a family in need.

Heaven comes to the depths of Hell in this final Empyrean Odyssey adventure starring half-demon Kaanyr Vhok and his succubus lover, Aliisza Having escaped from his gilded cage in Heaven into the claws of demons, the half-fiend ruler Kaanyr Vhok is finally in position to exact revenge on his angel captors. Meanwhile, the succubus Aliisza—an escaped prisoner herself—is unsure where her loyalties truly lie. She has betrayed her lover, her son, and the angel who freed her in order to stop the dark plot to kill the goddess Mystra. She failed. Now the goddess is dead, magic is malfunctioning, and Aliisza and her companions are trapped. With nowhere else to turn, she must call upon the angels and demons she has just forsaken. Can she convince them to trust her and work together . . . before they kill each other?

From the author of The Emperor’s Arrow and Enveloping Shadows comes the tale of a young woman who brings an entire kingdom to its knees in order to save her family Ever since her family was kidnapped, Azara, a woman of fire mage stock, has survived with a warrior’s will and the hope of one day finding them. Whispers of their fate have finally led her to the Empire, where her brother and sister are now prized possessions of His Celestial Majesty’s court. Unable to immediately negotiate their freedom, Azara reluctantly agrees to the Emperor’s suggestion: accompany his devoted magus Jin across their rival’s border in search of other fire mages while her siblings remain in the Emperor’s hands. Posing as married tea merchants, Azara and Jin’s masquerade begins. For a fierce young woman devoted to a heartening cause, and a man beholden to his duties, it’s an uneasy alliance—but one that quickly turns passionate. It’s also a dangerous proposition, for although the attraction between Jin and Azara is real, both the Emperor and Azara have ulterior motives. It’s only when Azara explores her unique powers and puts her faith in Jin that their fight for family—and for their very destiny—can succeed. This book is approximately 96,000 words One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Join Elin and her friends in this coming-of-age epic fantasy trilogy and find magic, adventure, and romance In an empire where magic can only be accessed using special Crystals and all such mages bow to the High Mage, Elin is different. Shunned for her out-of-control powers, she is found by Kamaria, a mage with issues of her own. Together they will begin a journey that will take them to a land almost forgotten, through betrayal and battles with deadly mythical creatures, renegade mages, and assassins. Along the way Elin will find friendship and love to help fill the loneliness within her. Will Elin fulfil the destiny her parents foresaw for her or will evil be unleashed across the world?

• Twenty-four women martial artists discuss the physical and spiritual challenges of martial arts training and how it helps bring meaning and purpose to their lives • Women aged 12 to 83 are interviewed on the importance and meaning of martial arts in their lives. • Explores in-depth why many women are dedicating themselves to the martial arts. • An inspiration for anyone concerned with enhancing the physical, spiritual, and social dimensions of life, and for those interested in women's self-defense and safety. Sharp Spear, Crystal Mirror explores in depth how, why, and to what effect considerable numbers of women are dedicating themselves to the martial arts. The twenty-four women interviewed here discuss the physical and spiritual challenges of martial arts training and how it helps to bring meaning and purpose to their lives. Their disciplines include T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Aikido, Capoeira, Wing Chun, Judo, Kajukenbo, Jujutsu, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Kung Fu, and their backgrounds are equally diverse. Some were accomplished athletes before beginning, while others had never been comfortable with their physical bodies until discovering the martial arts. All have received deep spiritual nourishment through their practice, integrating and healing their bodies and minds as well as enriching community bonds. Those interested in women's studies will find a wonderful sample of contemporary American women who speak articulately about the forces that have shaped their lives.

Hugo and Nebula award-winning author Vonda N. McIntyre continues the bestselling Star Wars saga as the ultimate space adventure unfolds in The Crystal Star. Princess Leia's children have been kidnapped. Along with Chewbacca and Artoo-Detoo, she follows the kidnappers' trail to a disabled refugee ship, from which children are also missing. Here she learns of a powerful Imperial officer with a twisted plan to restore the Empire. Meanwhile, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker are cut off from Leia by the death of a nearby star, which has caused a disruption in the Force. They have gone to the planet Crseih to investigate a report of a lost group of Jedi. Instead they find a charismatic alien named Waru whose miraculous healing powers have attracted a fanatic following. As Leia follows the path of her children across space, Luke and Han draw closer to the truth behind Waru's sinister cult. Together they will face an explosive showdown that will decide the survival of the New Republic . . . and the universe itself! Features a bonus section following the novel that includes a primer on the Star Wars expanded universe, and over half a dozen excerpts from some of the most popular Star Wars books of the last thirty years!