The Roman and the Runaway

The Roman and the Runaway, by A.J. Braithwaite, free

In with the wrong crowd at school, Luke Brownlow is falling behind in his work. His parents take drastic action: banning him from seeing his friends and sending him to a new school. Luke falls out with his family completely and escapes from them by forming a friendship with their neighbour, Ned Kelly.

Luke's plans to get expelled from his new school have to be reassessed when he discovers that his new headmaster is the neighbour he has been getting to know over the summer. The actions of an antagonistic fellow student and the arrival of a runaway teenage girl make it harder to avoid confrontations with Ned than Luke had hoped. By the end of the school year he is in imminent danger of expulsion and is sure that he has lost the respect of the man he most admires.  A sequel, The Viking and the Vendetta, has just been published. 

Light through the Cracks

Light through the Cracks, by Rebecca Raymer, free

After surviving a horrific childhood, Lucy ends up on her own trying to find solid footing in her tumultuous life. Unfortunately, her early attempts at doing so leave her living in her car and knocked up by her drug dealer.

Being a teen-aged mother drastically changes Lucy’s life, but also allows her to view herself in a positive way for the first time. Her new perspective has changed her entire concept of love, and she is able to see that everything she was searching for was right in front of her all along.

Set in Southern Suburbia, Light through the Cracks is a story of resilience, strength, love, and the ability to not only survive in a formidable world, but to find peace and hope there, too. 

Summer of the Brother (The Seasons, Book 1)

Summer of the Brother (The Seasons, Book 1), by Ryan O'Riordan, free

Terrible things happened this summer. 18-year old Oscar Knight makes a grim discovery when he learns that he was born with an identical twin brother, who has been killed in the North of England.  Struggling with unanswered questions about his death, Oscar convinces his parents to let him go visit the family of his brother, Sebastian, and find out what really happened. Once he gets there, he finds grieving friends with their own secrets and the darkest secret of all: that Sebastian isn’t gone, but has become something else entirely...

Summer of the Brother is a paranormal vampire mystery. Expect suspense, romance and horror. It is young adult recommended for ages 15 and up. Not suitable for younger readers. 

Overcast (The 01:23am Bardo, book 1)

Overcast (The 01:23am Bardo, book 1), by Ryan O'Riordan, free

Rebecca Conner has sleepwalked through life since her older brother went missing while surfing. She frequently escapes into her daydreams where they secretly work together as detectives, in order to keep his memory alive.  When Freddie, a boy she doesn't recognise appears in her class like he has always been there, she realises the world is changing without anybody noticing.  Then one night at 01:23am, her own life changes forever when everything she imagined overwrites the true life she knew.

Overcast is a dystopian detective story. Expect mysteries, action and romance. It is young adult recommended for ages 14 and up.  Overwrite, (The 01:23am Bardo, book 2) has now been published.

Betraying Nexus

Betraying Nexus, by Richard L. Sanders, free

Jason is a member of Nexus, a secret organization with a singular purpose: eliminate crime and protect the innocent. As a Nexus operative, he is a Mind Bender and can implant thoughts into the minds of others. It is a dangerous and powerful gift that sometimes has lethal consequences, and forces even the best Mind Bender to see the world through a lens of doubt and suspicion—constantly wondering what's real and what isn't. Within Nexus, Jason is a rising star and he’s madly in love with a ranking member—the woman of his dreams. Life could not be more perfect.

But when he’s forced to take down an old friend and, as a reward, is further advanced into Nexus, he learns its darkest secret and must ask himself what he believes in. And if it’s worth turning against the woman he loves. 

Whispers in the Wind

Whispers in the Wind, by C.E. Lemieux, Jr., free

For small town girl, Abby Lynn McAllister, life is about following your heart. But what happens when your heart leads you astray? She'll find out because her heart has been set on her best friend, Henry Newburn, since the fifth grade. A preacher's daughter and former tomboy, Abby discovers that life holds lots of secrets and things simply aren't always the way they seem. Luckily she has a confidant to help her navigate the serious twists life has to offer her. J.B. is Henry's solid and rugged younger brother. A cowboy by trade, J.B. stands ready to jump to the rescue whenever Henry seems to come up short. Set in the Oklahoma Panhandle, Whispers in the Wind is Abby's story and she spins it down to the bittersweet end. 

The Christmas Flower

The Christmas Flower, by Kali Seymour, free

Does love really last for an eternity? Even after the one you loved has passed on? Lillian Willard will soon find that out. A nice little short story for the Christmas season.  (The author notes that she will be grateful to readers who spot grammatical errors and send along suggestions for correction.  The author also notes that a newer version will be published soon.)

Full Moon Attack

Full Moon Attack, by N.C. Pennington, free

Halloween night at his uncle’s pizzeria, Drake Dallas wants to beat his cousin Alex in a pizza eating contest. He takes the last piece and is set to win. But before he can take a bite, three masked men burst into the store and pulverize everything with crowbars.

In the aftermath, Drake convinces Alex that they need to investigate, and they start interviewing people who they think might have it in for the owner, Drake’s uncle. However, the two are unable to pin guilt on anyone they check out, and the trouble doesn’t stop for Uncle Lenny. In fact, it gets worse—an insurance mistake means he wasn’t covered for the vandalism, and it looks like he’s permanently out of business. 

The cops are clueless. Unless Drake can figure out what’s really going on, his uncle and family will lose everything and end up penniless, living on the street.  First book in the Dallas Drake collection.

Sons and Brothers in Seattle

Sons and Brothers in Seattle, by Wilson James, free with coupon code WU44G until 2/2/12

Cameron Connors is a young father trying to deal with a mother who likes the idea of children, but otherwise appears not to like her own. Cameron has managed to get his own two young sons away from his mother, but now he needs to rescue Brendan, his younger brother. 

As Cameron has learned over the years, his mother can be quite two-faced, and heaven help anyone who crosses Mrs. Rachael Connors. Cameron and his mother are currently in a state of cease-fire, but that could change dramatically based on what Cameron has planned for the next few weeks in order to challenge his parents for custody of Brendan. 

Will Cameron succeed in creating a new family of four, or will he lose? The stakes are high, and Cameron stands to lose custody of his own two sons if he is not careful. Follow the saga of Cameron as he struggles to do what he knows he must do, and what is right.

This Special Edition of "Sons and Brothers in Seattle" includes bonus Chapters from the sequel, "Sons and Brothers Sail into Danger." The author is Wilson James, whose work has been reviewed at a major online retailer as “Very Inspiring” and “A Great Book.” This Book has been a #1 Best Seller on the adult drama list and the Young Adult fiction list at Smashwords.

Colin and The Rise of the House of Horwood

Colin and The Rise of the House of Horwood, by Michael Eadie, free

Colin suddenly finds hist life turned upside down. His friend and mentor, Grandfather Thunder, is gone, replaced by their merciless aunt Grizzelda. Transplanted to Horwood House, a Victorian mansion that has family history and secrets, his personal abilities begin to reveal themselves. He finds out that he is the great grandson of Zuhayer Horwood, and his grand father is coming for him. 

Voices, A Special Abilities Novel, Book 1

Voices, A Special Abilities Novel Series (Book 1), by Brad C. Mann, free

You’ll love this fast paced story from beginning to end packed with tons of action, romance and laughs. Wilson entered college looking for fun, pizza, and friends. But he found himself in a group of students rounded up by the government for their unique talents. In their 1^st semester, Wilson’s group would be asked to not only pass all their classes but also save the world. The second book of this series, Vision, is out now. 

League of Extraordinary Robots

League of Extraordinary Robots, by Yolanda Jackson, free

When the land of the Bots and Humans collide there will be a big bang.  War ensues for the ownership of the Bots land by a King named Alfred and a powerful wizard by the name of Whisker.  Whisker will capture the king's only son Prince Harry, who will inherit his throne and his wars, and Whisker will use Prince Harry as ransome to get king Alfred to stop the war against the land. 

Dust

Dust, by A.J. Mullarky, free

In a sleepy village in the south of England, it's easy for Don and Lottie to pretend there isn't a war going on - until it comes to their very door. 

On D-Day in June 1944, Don Oldfield is among the thousands of Allied troops who storm the beaches of occupied France, desperate to forget the life he has left behind.  With everything he has ever believed called into question, Don Oldfield reflects on the choices, and the tragedies, that brought him here. A story of first love and growing up, set against the backdrop of the Second World War. 

What drives a boy to go to war? 

Little Brother

Little Brother, by Cory Doctorow, free at author's website

(cover art depicts print edition for sale in UK)

Marcus, a.k.a “w1n5t0n,” is only seventeen years old, but he figures he already knows how the system works–and how to work the system. Smart, fast, and wise to the ways of the networked world, he has no trouble outwitting his high school’s intrusive but clumsy surveillance systems.

But his whole world changes when he and his friends find themselves caught in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco. In the wrong place at the wrong time, Marcus and his crew are apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security and whisked away to a secret prison where they’re mercilessly interrogated for days.

When the DHS finally releases them, Marcus discovers that his city has become a police state where every citizen is treated like a potential terrorist. He knows that no one will believe his story, which leaves him only one option: to take down the DHS himself.

For The Win

For The Win, by Cory Doctorow, free at the author's website

(cover art depicts print edition for sale in UK)

In the virtual future, you must organize to survive.

At any hour of the day or night, millions of people around the globe are engrossed in multiplayer online games, questing and battling to win virtual “gold,” jewels, and precious artifacts. Meanwhile, others seek to exploit this vast shadow economy, running electronic sweatshops in the world’s poorest countries, where countless “gold farmers,” bound to their work by abusive contracts and physical threats, harvest virtual treasure for their employers to sell to First World gamers who are willing to spend real money to skip straight to higher-level gameplay.

Mala is a brilliant 15-year-old from rural India whose leadership skills in virtual combat have earned her the title of “General Robotwalla.” In Shenzen, heart of China’s industrial boom, Matthew is defying his former bosses to build his own successful gold-farming team. Leonard, who calls himself Wei-Dong, lives in Southern California, but spends his nights fighting virtual battles alongside his buddies in Asia, a world away. All of these young people, and more, will become entangled with the mysterious young woman called Big Sister Nor, who will use her experience, her knowledge of history, and her connections with real-world organizers to build them into a movement that can challenge the status quo.

The ruthless forces arrayed against them are willing to use any means to protect their power—including blackmail, extortion, infiltration, violence, and even murder. To survive, Big Sister’s people must out-think the system. This will lead them to devise a plan to crash the economy of every virtual world at once—a Ponzi scheme combined with a brilliant hack that ends up being the biggest, funnest game of all.

Imbued with the same lively, subversive spirit and thrilling storytelling that made LITTLE BROTHER an international sensation, FOR THE WIN is a prophetic and inspiring call-to-arms for a new generation

Flash O'Lantern: 13+ Stories

Flash O'Lantern: 13+ Stories, by Todd Russell, free, available for a limited time only

Limited time seasonal special download! Flash fiction short stories are great for reading on mobile devices and when time is limited. Flash O' Lantern contains 13 strange, eerie flash fiction stories about spiders, snakes and shoes, haunted houses, trick-or-treating costumes gone bad, vampires, ghosts, zombies, aliens + more! 13 historical October horror events are also reviewed + author notes. 

Flash O'Lantern contains 13 original award-winning Halloween flash fiction short stories of 1,000 words or less and 13 noteworthy events that happened in October including:

Famous People in October:

Edgar Allan Poe (died), Bela Lugosi (born), Vincent Price (died) and two others!

Movies/TV released in October: 

Halloween (1978), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), The Evil Dead and Saw (2004) and The Twilight Zone (1959)

Flash O'Lantern contains flash fiction and non-fiction that will illuminate your mind. 

PinPoint: A HUNTED bonus story

PinPoint: A HUNTED bonus story, by Cheryl Rainfield, free

Teen telepath Caitlyn "overhears" someone planning to set another student up as a Para--something that could cost that student their home, their family, and even their life. Caitlyn is in a race against time to help protect another student, who might, after all, be a Para. Enjoy this free bonus short story for readers of HUNTED that gives you a glimpse into Caitlyn's world. 

Enjoy this free bonus short story for readers of HUNTED that gives you a glimpse into Caitlyn's world. 

Colt O'Brien Sees the Light

Colt O'Brien Sees the Light, by George Matthew Cole, free

Colt O’Brien doesn’t think that he has to prove anything. He is the most savvy computer technician at Highline High in Burien, Washington. When a PC needs fixing, Colt is called in to save the day. The short, energetic senior, with his bright, colorful attire and cocky attitude, knows that he is the best. He expects the respect that is showered upon him by peers and teachers. School will soon be over and freedom beckons. No more girl friend to tell him what to do. No more schoolwork to bore him to death. Colt is cruising through senior year, but his life is about to be turned upside down. Two freshman nerds start a computer class that will put Highline High on the map and challenge Colt’s credibility. Three women will show him the meaning of love. One will show him the meaning of hate. And, his hidden psychic powers will emerge when he least expects them to. Hang on Colt.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
I would definitely suggest this book for those who are looking for some excitement, interesting characters such as Colt and Colt's interesting computer life. - Susan Petrone 4 Stars

I felt the storyline was good, the many problems and joy that teens feel, the disappointments and letdowns, the overblown self-pride coupled with insecurity are vividly drawn in this book. The author, in this his debut novel, has immersed us into the life of teens and their struggles. The book is a fairly quick read, but there is a lot adults could learn from it, even though it is a young adult novel. - Betty Gelean 4 Stars

The Traveler: Memoirs of a Brownie from Finland

The Traveler: Memoirs of a Brownie from Finland, by K. Zazzetta, free

Tomtra and his 100th removed cousin, Mangus, have inherited a faery burgh in Lapland, Finland. After 100 years of living together, Tomtra is at his wits end with his disgruntled, grumpy cousin. When he goes to the King of the Waning Year's home in search of advice, the King suggests that he be a traveler. After pondering the idea, Tomtra agrees, and off he goes into the unusual, wacky, and adventurous world of faery folk…This book is the prequel to the faery folk series. Book 2 is called "Bridge of Sighs." 

Idol Siren

Idol Siren, by Tiffany Fulton, free


16 year old Alicia is trying to find her niche in life according to her dead mother's wishes as well as for the father she never knew. So how does she expect to do that when the all-girls' school she attends is as stiff and dull as the headmistress who runs it and her heart isn't exactly set on fulfilling anyone's expectations but her own?  Easy.  Alicia decides to turn another world upside down. 


Now, Alicia has made one of the best decisions of her young life since her father and mother left her: She's dropped out of high school and is simply trying and apparently failing at making a life for herself--one on her own terms, that is--by attempting fit in the mold of everyone else. When it becomes clear that the mundane world is not for her, Alicia ventures in another world--the one of entertainment...more specifically singing....

When the president of the recently remodeled nightclub Red Lily uncovers her talent for singing, Alicia just might have a chance at achieving her mother's only wish, one that she must first learn to make for herself in her heart. 

Shadow of the Sun

Shadow of the Sun, by Laura Kreitzer, free


Gabriella's past is a mystery, but that never stopped her from achieving her goals. As a supernatural specialist, and far more intelligent than anyone her age, she has always been ignored by her peers. Because of the isolation she has always felt, she put her life and soul into her job. Being a supernatural specialist hasn't given her the divine intervention she always longed for, until one day a shipment arrives from Italy containing three dead bodies with an uncanny ability to regenerate. Gabriella is frightened and intrigued, but not as scared as she becomes when a dark creature attacks her.

As the bodies come back to life, the plot takes an unexpected twist that you won't see coming. The supernatural world only begins to unfold before her as angels appear, her dreams start to haunt her, and the very past she has forgotten comes back with startling clarity. Romance blooms, escape plans are made, an assassin is out to kill her, and death is only around the corner. But what is more terrifying than all of it is the fact she is the chosen one, the Illuminator, the one who will save them all.

King Jimmy

King Jimmy, by Sue Verrochi, free


Boys and girls begin a dangerous game in a school yard one cold winter's day. (Short fiction) 

Raisinheart

Raisinheart, by Tom Lichtenberg, free


Three stories of a lonely youth. Jimmy Kruzel's bad luck is that his worst enemies are always his best friends, or is it the other way around, and that sometimes his darkest hours seem to come right after the dawn. In tales more bitter than sweet, Jimmy finds that you can attract more flies with honey than you can with vinegar, but really, who wants to attract flies anyway? 

Loner in Space

Loner in Space, by Steve Simons, free


Paul is a boy who is a bit of a loner at school and in life. His home life is also a bit in tatters since his mum died. The book takes up the story when he discovers something in the woods, near where he lives. Little does he know where his discovery will take him, but the title of the book gives you an idea. What will he find there? Will he still be alone? 

Unplugged

Unplugged, by Michael Agelasto, free

What might Holden Caulfield be like if he lived in the 21st Century media-infested environment? What if he does something so naughty that his parents severely punish him by taking away all his electronic devices? "Unplugged" takes place in contemporary Durham, North Carolina, and follows a few weeks in the life of a 17-year-old, Sterling Eumorfopoulos, a Mensa-registered genius. The Bildungsroman tracks him over the summer of 2009, through his training for an upcoming boxing match, his encounter with a grand jury and several sessions of psychotherapy.