Bøger af Dan Decker

TWO BODIES IN A FIELD OF SNOW. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE HOW THEY GOT THERE.County Prosecutor Burke Wyatt is called out to a baffling crime scene. Two men have been executed and left in a field of freshly fallen snow. Whoever did it left the bodies without leaving a trace themselves.A HAUNTED MAN DRIVEN TO FIND THE TRUTH.Tortured by the ghosts of his past, Burke can't help himself from getting involved in the investigation, especially when the unlikeable local sheriff is unable to make headway. As a former deputy sheriff who'd stepped back into the law to have a safer job for his family, Burke finds himself looking over his shoulder as he tries to track down the culprit, every turn causing more questions and bringing him nearer to danger. Even steps forward that feel like he's closing in on the killer also make him think the killer is getting further away.A MURDERER LURKING IN THE SHADOWS.Burke soon figures out that there is far more going on than two murders, and he begins to fear they have a serial killer moving unhindered and unnoticed. Burke's skills and resolve are tested beyond what he thinks he can handle in this tale of intrigue, suspense, and thrills as he struggles to solve the puzzle. Can Burke stop the killer before the person kills again? Buy your copy today to find out!Excerpt. (c) Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.The icy wind jolted Burke Wyatt's hair as he exited his truck, surveying the frozen scene while shaking his head. Winter had come early, and he repressed a shiver as he flipped up his collar and put on his black wool ball cap against the biting cold. There had been a time when he wore a standard cap in the winter, but his wife had insisted, so he wore this because of her. It was her last gift. That made it hard to stop wearing once things warmed up, but he was forced to when it got hot. As soon as it was cold, he picked it up again. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the two bodies that were just visible. He wouldn't have known what to look for if he hadn't already known what they were. They were a hundred feet from where he'd parked his truck on the side of the road. He hadn't counted how many times he'd responded to a crime such as this. Some became desensitized, but he never had, and he hoped he never would, even though each new case was like a fresh wound. But it didn't matter. He could handle it. That's why he did this job. It was one of the few things he could imagine himself doing. Even though an enormous burden came with being the Bonneville County Prosecutor in southeastern Idaho, he couldn't and wouldn't turn from this task. The worst had already happened. Burke's job was to pick up the pieces and determine the how and the why. Today was just the beginning. It would be a long road until he saw the perpetrator brought to justice. And he would or he wouldn't stop. Like the other cases that wouldn't let him go. Especially the one. He expelled a sigh, sending a frosty puff of mist into the frigid air. The frustration and anger lasted for a moment longer, and then it was like a switch flipped. He pushed it away.

Jake Ramsey watched his parents get murdered when he was a boy. Shortly afterward he was recruited to work for Black Brick, a covert government organization. After Jake survives a shootout while protecting the corrupt executive of a powerful and well connected government contractor, his suspicions grow that the covert government organization he works for has been subverted by somebody who doesn't have the country's best interest at heart. The deeper he digs the more he fears he has been lied to about everything, including the details around the deaths of his parents. Jake doesn't know who to believe as he searches for answers, dodges bullets, and is framed for a train bombing. He soon finds himself fighting against the very organization he believed to be on the right side of the law. If you enjoy thrillers with twists and turns, this book is for you. Pick up your copy today!

THREE JAKE RAMSEY SHORT STORY SPY THRILLERS IN ONE PLACE! Meet Jake Ramsey, a rogue spy who courts trouble to get the information he needs, regardless of his own safety and the damage he may cause. Money GamesJake Ramsey is finally ready to go into the field on live missions. He has only one question: does his boss Jeff Beltran think the same? Beltran has a way of giving as little information as possible while also taking risks with the lives of his recruits. When Jake is called in to help his partner Shannon, he can't help but think this mission is another test even though Beltran claims it is real. As soon as he gets on the ground he sees evidence that this is indeed another test. Just when he thinks he has figured out the truth, things take a sudden turn and he finds himself reevaluating while also fighting for his life. This standalone Jake Ramsey short story occurs before the events in the novel Black Brick. If you enjoy thrillers with twists and turns, this short story is for you. Nameless ManJake Ramsey is on the cusp of finishing his training. In a few short years, he has already experienced more sorrow than most people see in a lifetime and he can't wait to get out into the real world to start making a difference. After quickly breaking into an office space, Jake begins the laborious task of cutting into a safe. Just as he gains access, a man appears behind him with a gun pointed in his direction. Jake cannot decide if the man is part of the training exercise or an outside party interfering with his mission. When it becomes apparent that the man is after the same thing as him, Jake decides to play for keeps. This standalone Jake Ramsey short story occurs before the events in Black Brick. If you enjoy thrillers with twists and turns, this short story is for you. Silent Warehouse Jake Ramsey is on the run. At every turn, he has people who want to kill him. After narrowly escaping an attempt on his life, Jake chases his attacker to a warehouse. Even though he suspects a trap, he follows the man inside. As Jake comes face to face with his would-be assassin, he is forced to decide how far he is willing to go to save his own life. And how much destruction he'll leave in his wake. Jake looks into the abyss of his soul as he fights his way through. If you enjoy thrillers with twists and turns, this short story is for you. Buy your copy today!

A new client with a gun...Criminal defense attorney Mitch Turner is sitting at his desk working on a pressing deadline when a man walks in and points a gun at him, saying he needs a lawyer. Mitch tells the man he doesn't work under the gun, and the man becomes more threatening. Mitch starts prodding to figure out what could have brought the man to such a low point, and just when Mitch thinks he has a handle on the situation, the police show up. Thinking fast, Mitch starts a negotiation between his new client and the police officer, trying to come up with a solution to deescalate the situation so he can get back to working on his fast-approaching deadline. If you like legal thrillers, this short story is for you. Mitch Turner is a fast-talking lawyer who takes risks where others might not. Fans of John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Scott Turrow will enjoy this story. Pick up your copy today!Sneak PeekThe front door to my office opened at the same moment I heard police sirens approaching from outside. I looked out my window and saw an officer pulling into the parking lot with his lights flashing, but thought nothing of it as I returned back to my computer, continuing to work on the motion I was drafting.When I heard somebody walk in through the front of the lobby I figured that Ellie, my receptionist, would handle it so I did not get up to see what was going on. Somebody stuck their head into my office. At first, I thought it was one of my partners or a member of the staff but when I looked up I didn't recognize them. Where is Ellie? A moment later I remembered. That's right she has the afternoon off."Can I help you?" I asked the man."Yes," the man stepped inside and pointed a gun at me. "I need an attorney."

The fate of many rests on Jorad Rahid's shoulders as he arrives in Rarbon to make his claim, something he swore never to do. As he faces new enemies and old, he is thrust into a position of responsibility that brings unforeseen difficulties that threaten his life, direct reports he cannot trust, and a bureaucratic process that is likely to drive him mad if it doesn't leave him dead. As he navigates these problematic waters, he faces off with a jealous grandfather in a political battle for which he is ill-prepared.Hoping to spark a fire in the people of Rarbon, Jorad boldly asserts that the Hunwei have returned, but his words are met with disbelief and open hostility. As he strives to find a way to convince the people of the truth, he becomes increasingly impatient with those who stand between him and the Rarbon Portal.Despite it all, Jorad prepares for the Hunwei invasion of Rarbon while fighting unseen enemies from the shadows that will kill him if given a chance.Jorad is pitted against his grandfather, his own men, and unseen foes as he struggles to either bring down his enemies or recruit their help in this tale of epic fantasy and science fiction. This action-packed story is the third volume in the War of the Fathers series. Buy your copy today!

Death is just the beginning. Earl Anderson takes a wrong turn and is shot dead in a mugging gone bad. The next thing he knows he is on a foreign world and has been conscripted into an intergalactic army.He fears for his wife and baby son back on earth. He will do anything to find them, even go along with his captors as he awaits an opportunity to escape. Events outpace him as he tries to figure out what happened and how to escape.He courts death at every turn as he fights his way forward in a situation that makes no sense. Unable to discern truth from fiction, Earl works to subvert his captors in a struggle for his life, not knowing how things hang in the balance for humanity or even if his family still lives. If you like space opera and military science fiction, this book is for you. Pick up your copy today!Sneak Peak"Wallets!" The mugger screamed. "Now!" Neither Sam nor I moved, something was off about his voice. "Look, friend," I said, trying to think of a way to make this easier. "Do I have permission to reach into my pocket and pull them out?""Give me your wallets, now!" I shook my head and wondered what to do next. My last mugger had been calm and professional. This experience made me think of that fondly.The mugger was taking too long. He was agitated. The last thing I would do was reach into my pocket, he'd shoot me for sure. Things are likely to go wrong either way. Sam still said nothing. I couldn't get a read on where he was because he was a few feet ahead. I took another stab. "Friend. My wallet is in my right suit coat pocket, my smartphone is in the left. You are welcome to them." I nodded at Sam. "I'm sure he'll happily give you his. You are going to walk away with everything you want. If you will calm down-" "Give me your wallets, now!" he screamed. Before I'd spoken he'd still been turning the pistol between Sam and me but now it was just on me. The strange mask had slipped, giving me a better look at his eyes. What I'd taken for bloodshot eyes before appeared to be a reflection of his mask. I'd expected to see wide unfocused eyes, but what I saw was more concerning. His eyes were calm. It was all an act. Why? A sick feeling formed in my chest, a stab of panic rising in the back of my mind. Something was very wrong. "Give me your wallet now!" I finally realized what sounded wrong with the man's voice. It wasn't his voice at all. It was a recording. Why the act? Why the recording? I looked at the wet spot on the ground. Why the puddle in the alley on a hot day?"What are you doing?" I asked the man, taking a calculated risk. "Why won't you give me instructions?" I wasn't ready to call him on the recording just yet. I wanted to make him use his voice if I could. He stepped back and pointed the weapon at me with both hands. I expected him to make another request, but he pulled the trigger. Warmth blossomed on my chest. I looked down and saw red covering my pinstripe shirt. In a distant part of my mind that was fast losing its ability to focus I realized the scarlet liquid came from me.My blood. As my knees buckled, I made an involuntary gasp. My legs crumpled. My head hit the asphalt with a crunch, but the pain was detached from me. The last thing I remembered was Sam turning as a plane flew overhead.

Monsters & Mayhem #1 features two full novels, a novella, and two short stories. Dead Man's GameDeath is just the beginning.Earl Anderson takes a wrong turn and is shot dead in a mugging gone bad. The next thing he knows he is on a foreign world and has been conscripted into an intergalactic army.He fears for his wife and baby son back on earth. He will do anything to find them, even go along with his captors as he awaits an opportunity to escape. Events outpace him as he tries to figure out what happened and how to escape.He courts death at every turn as he fights his way forward in a situation that makes no sense.Unable to discern truth from fiction, Earl works to subvert his captors in a struggle for his life, not knowing how things hang in the balance for humanity or even if his family still lives. If you like space opera and military science fiction, this book is for you.War of the FathersAdar Rahid and his son Jorad have been on the run for fifteen years, chased by servants of Adar's father who are intent on finding and killing Adar. Even while a fugitive, Adar continues to search for the secrets of their forefathers because he fervently believes that an ancient alien race known as the Hunwei are about to attack. When Adar stumbles upon large cloaked creatures in the woods, he determines that the Hunwei have returned and that drastic action needs to be taken. Just as Adar and Jorad are leaving town to seek out an ancient weapon, men sent from Adar's father show up to kill him. Readers are taken on an adventure as the Hunwei attack and a father and son struggle to find a way to fight back in this tale of epic fantasy and science fiction. This action-packed story is the first volume in the War of the Fathers series. Monster Country: RecruitA civilization in ruin, one man just trying to survive, and there are monsters of all types in the desert...Civilization collapsed when a plague of dinosaur-like lizards spread a virus that turned people into zombies. These lizards became known as zampys because of their close relation to the zombies.Parry Peters is smuggling anti-venom when he runs into a nest of zampys. He starts to think he has the situation contained when a mysterious woman almost gets him killed. If you like suspenseful zombie stories that end with a bang, this story is for you. Fans of Jurassic Park, the Walking Dead, and World War Z will enjoy this story. Nameless ManJake Ramsey is on the cusp of finishing his training. In a few short years, he has already experienced more sorrow than most people see in a lifetime and he can't wait to get out into the real world to start making a difference. After quickly breaking into an office space, Jake begins the laborious task of cutting into a safe. Just as he gains access, a man appears behind him with a gun pointed in his direction. Jake cannot decide if the man is part of the training exercise or an outside party interfering with his mission. When it becomes apparent that the man is after the same thing as him, Jake decides to play for keeps. This standalone Jake Ramsey short story occurs before the events in Black Brick. If you enjoy thrillers with twists and turns, this short story is for you. Red SurvivorThe Red Survivor is on a critical peacekeeping mission to deliver an ambassador to negotiate the end of a war that has humanity on the brink of extinction. When Captain John Marchant orders the ship to respond to a distress call, First Officer Nick Williams immediately challenges the captain's order. Nick struggles to persuade Marchant that the effort is futile and they are best served by staying on course to deliver the ambassador. Ships explode, tempers flare, and their vessel is put in danger as the two square off. Monsters & Mayem #1 is the first of many volumes to follow. Buy your copy today!

After twenty years of war, the Hunwei left suddenly. Many called it a victory, few believed that they would return. When the war between the Hunwei and the humans ceased without warning, not many people had survived. Those survivors lost much of the technology that had been commonplace in their society, sending them back to the dark ages. More than a thousand years later, when most thought the Hunwei to be a myth, Adar believed that the Hunwei would return and resume the fight. Adar and his reluctant son Jorad continued to search for a way to defend their people. This time, without that technology, there will be nothing standing between them and the entire capture or destruction of the human race.

Tim gets dumped by his girlfriend Jessica in the middle of the wilderness and then hears a gunshot. Fearing the worst, they hide in the bushes. Moments later serious-looking men in business suits come traipsing down the trail. While Tim and Jessica try to decide what to do next, the men return, looking for a missing wallet. Just when Tim thinks they have figured out a safe path from the forest, they are caught at gunpoint. He must think fast and speak well; otherwise, there will soon be three bodies instead of just one.If you enjoy thrillers with a witty hero that end with a twist, this short story is for you. Fans of Jeffery Deaver and Lee Child will enjoy this yarn. Buy your copy today!Sneak PeekJessica shuddered. A cold feeling swept over me. Something was wrong. Men don't hike in suits. Ever. I all the sudden wished we'd just turned and ran down the mountain when we'd heard the gunshot. My instincts had been to go for cover, but now those men were going to get down to the road and see that they hadn't been alone out here.A bead of sweat dripped into my eye, but I ignored it. I hadn't given it a second thought when I had parked my Toyota Corolla right by their car. Would they care? Would they become suspicious when they saw my car but didn't run into us on the trail? Or would they wait to see if we knew something?As we waited for the men to pass, I noticed Jessica's hand was touching lightly against my own. I wanted to yank it away but did not. It felt good, but at the same time, it filled me with bitterness."Wait here," I said once they'd disappeared down the trail. "I'm going to see if I can figure out what they were up to." It wasn't the smartest thing to do, but I needed some distance between her and me, otherwise, cracks might start to form in my ambivalent exterior."Nope, we're going down. We just need to give those men plenty of time-" "Perfect, wait here. I won't be long." I walked in the opposite direction of the men, checking every step to make sure they weren't coming back up the trail.

Jake Ramsey is on the cusp of finishing his training. In a few short years, he has already experienced more sorrow than most people see in a lifetime and he can't wait to get out into the real world to start making a difference. After quickly breaking into an office space, Jake begins the laborious task of cutting into a safe. Just as he gains access, a man appears behind him with a gun pointed in his direction. Jake cannot decide if the man is part of the training exercise or an outside party interfering with his mission. When it becomes apparent that the man is after the same thing as him, Jake decides to play for keeps. This standalone Jake Ramsey short story occurs before the events in Black Brick. If you enjoy thrillers with twists and turns, this short story is for you. Pick up your copy today! Sneak PeekMy first instinct was to reach for my own gun, but it was too late for that. Sweat crept into my eyes, and I blinked it back. I'd never before had somebody point a gun at me except in training. I tried to tell myself this was all just part of the exercise, but something in the back of my mind told me it was not.Perhaps it was the cold steel eyes of the man who held me at gunpoint. Or maybe it was the fact that the more stuff I'd emptied out of the safe, the more convinced I had become I was really emptying out Arnold Smith's personal possessions. Or it could have just been the way the man held his gun with ease, no visible sign of anxiety or emotion. "Slowly reach into your jacket and put your weapon on the desk." He must have seen my hand moving for my suit coat because I stopped.I cursed silently as I pulled out my pistol and followed his instructions. My Glock 20 held live rounds. Beltran had been adamant that even though this was a training exercise we were technically in the field, and you always went into the field with real ammunition."We can work through this," I said, feeling a little lame that I didn't feel any of the bravado I'd felt during practice. I'd faced this situation hundreds of times, but that had always been with dummy pistols. Sweat trickled down my back and formed under my armpits.This is the first time I've ever had a live bullet pointed my way, I thought.

ONLY ONE MAN UNDERSTANDS THE DANGER...Vince Carter knew that he was making a bargain for time when he decided not to destroy the eggs. He knew that it was only a matter of time before somebody got infected. He just never expected it to happen so quickly.HE THOUGHT HE COULD HANDLE THE RISK...Vince's boss Paul does not believe them when they return to Genizyz with tales of zombies and dinosaur-like creatures, but he reluctantly sets them up in a lab space. They try to do everything right, taking every precaution possible, but things soon spin out of control. As Vince fights his way through, a suspicion begins to grow in the back of his mind that somebody wants him to fail. THE DEAD SHALL WALK AGAIN.Can Vince find his way through before he turns into a zombie? Can he figure out if his suspicions are right?Buy your copy today to find out if he can! Sneak PeekHerbert looked at me as I looked back at him."You okay, Herbert?" I asked, hoping to hear a human response. Herbert just stared right back at me, his eyes glazed over as if in death.One of the things I distinctly remembered about the freshly converted zombies was that they seemed to be a little more limber and spry.Perhaps it was just my imagination, I thought, as Herbert took a step forward, blocking my pathway to the stairs."Everything okay with you, pal?" I tried again, desperately hoping to get a human response.Herbert still just stared at me, as if trying to fit me into his frame of reference for life. In his eyes, I was the alien creature, apparently.One way or another, I had to go down those stairs, if I had to go through Herbert, so be it.I held the fire extinguisher in front of me, prepared to either push him off the edge or hurl it at him, whichever the circumstances required."Easy boy," I said to Herbert, hoping that I was wrong about him becoming a zombie and that he would call me out for the condescending language.He only grunted, still staring at me as if he was trying to figure out what to do with me.Then he roared.

It comes down to the trial. Everything criminal defense attorney Mitch Turner has done to resolve the murder charge against his client has failed, so now he must fight it out in court. He has no viable alternative suspect. All evidence points to his client. The courtroom is in shock when Mitch declines to question the prosecution's expert witness, frustrating his own client who wants Mitch to fight tooth and nail. The prosecution calls its next witness. Mitch gears up for his cross-examination. Everything hinges on this. If you like legal thrillers, this short story is for you. Mitch Turner is a fast-talking lawyer who takes risks where others might not. Fans of John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Scott Turrow will enjoy this story. Pick up your copy today!Sneak PeekI studied Sandra Johnson before I stood and addressed the court. "I have no questions for this witness."A murmur ran through the crowded courtroom as I sat down. I could feel my client Mason cringing beside me, furious that I had not tried to impeach this witness.In his opinion, if I didn't take every potential opportunity to protest his innocence, I wasn't doing my job.He did not understand that it was better to be selective in what you did, especially in front of a jury. The wrong word at the wrong time could sink a case. Doctor Sandra Johnson's credentials were impeccable. Her presentation was well done, and she came off as smart and informed. I also could not disagree with her assessment of my client's state of mind at the time because our own expert agreed with her.My client had been of sound mind at the time of the murder.He had just been higher than a kite.When I glanced over at Mason, he was visibly frustrated.Timing is everything, I wanted to say to him, but instead, after a glance at the victim's parents, I faced forward and kept my emotion from leaking through.Both mother and stepfather had sat right beside each other during the two-day trial. My heart always went out to the victims and their loved ones, even when I was called upon to represent a guilty client. I could not help but wonder what they thought of this whole thing.Other defense attorneys might criticize me for my empathy, but it was essential to remain in touch with one's humanity."You have to do more-" Mason started to say."Quiet," I said to him without looking over, wishing Mason would maintain some sense of composure.I did not like the way the courtroom had responded to my refusal to ask a question, but it had been a gamble either way.This might, unfortunately, have an indirect effect on the jury but the truth was Mason had been in his right mind that night. There had been no evidence that he was crazy. I wasn't going to waste time and effort on a losing proposition.I had floated the idea to Frank early on in negotiations that we might use the insanity defense, but I had decided in my final preparations to not bring it into the courtroom because it was a losing argument."I don't like how you're handling things," Mason said to me in more of a whisper this time. "I think I might have to fire you."I shook my head slightly. "The court would never let me out at this point. Not unless you can find compelling evidence that I'm not doing my job. Trust me, the last thing you want me to do right now is try to impeach that psychologist in front of a jury that just hung on her every word. It won't work.""You better think of something."

SOMETHING WORSE THAN DEATH IS HAPPENING IN THE JUNGLE...It was supposed to be Vince Carter's last summer internship before graduation. It was supposed to be two months in the Amazon jungle before he began full-time work for the company Genizyz. Vince is counting down the days he has left when one of his teammates is injured by a strange creature that closely resembles a dinosaur. While the rest of his team is excited about his discovery and speculating about what it could mean, both for Genizyz and society as a whole, Vince worries about his injured teammate Sandy. Everything changes when Sandy kills another member of their team, it is not long before camp is overrun with zombies. Vince must face his fears as he fights these terrible monsters while grappling with other teammates about how to handle the discovery. They insist on returning with what he believes to be the zombie causing contagion while he wants to leave it all behind in the deep jungle. If you like suspenseful zombie stories that end with a bang, this story is for you. Fans of Jurassic Park, the Walking Dead, and World War Z will enjoy this novel. Sneak PeekI warned her. She didn't listen. Now look what's happened.I firmed my resolve.This is the only way.A zampy cried out, a noise like a sharp bark. The monsters could not know what I was planning but we had made assumptions about them before that proved wrong so even though I knew it irrational to think they could read my mind I was not so sure. We didn't know how they communicated with their zombie minions so I couldn't rule out telepathy.The zampys could sense my presence, even though the dungeon was windowless, of that I was sure.These lizard monsters that resembled dinosaurs were far more intelligent than any of my co-workers supposed.My bag was heavy with ammunition and my knockoff Colt .45 was carefully concealed inside my jacket. Nobody had ever thought to install a metal detector, as the remaining team leader I was above suspicion and had passed the guard without question.The thought I would destroy my own discovery was unthinkable.Thank you, Sharon.I had planned every move and needed less than a minute to dispatch the monsters on the other side. They were behind bars so it would be like shooting fish in a barrel.Easier really. I have no refraction issues.It could all be over in a minute.Yet I hesitated.I had decided to stop this madness long ago. Each time I had tried, Sharon had foiled me or convinced me to do otherwise.She cannot stop me now.And that was part of why I was finally here. Sharon was now sequestered in a windowless padded room. She could only speak with grunts and groans, assuming she still knew what it meant to be human.She could no longer use her brain. While I had already designated her a zombie, the higher-ups of Genizyz were not yet ready to accept the truth that was right in front of them.Lurching like a dead woman walking.

Jim Cannon and his coworker Melanie have been called in to rescue an injured hiker and his girlfriend. They get out of the car at the trailhead and immediately hear a wolf howling. They don't know what to make of this because wolves disappeared from this section of the forest over a hundred years ago.Armed with a tranquilizer gun and a pistol, and hoping that these weapons will be sufficient should they run into any trouble, they don't make it far before they find the torn up body of a hiker. Fearing the worst, but knowing they still have one hiker to rescue, they push forward at considerable personal risk. Minutes later they come face to face with a wolf-like creature.Jim and Melanie are forced to run for their lives.This story has many twists and turns while they fight for survival. If you enjoy suspenseful monster stories, this story is for you. Fans of monster stories will find this exciting and chilling, while also enjoying the wild ride. Pick up your copy today! Sneak PeekA wolf howled when I stepped out of the beaten Ford Explorer. A shiver ran down my spine as I shut the door. I told myself it was from the chilly evening air, not the wolf, but it was difficult to convince myself of that on a cold, cloudy night. The moon had yet to make an appearance, but I was sure if it did it would be a full moon.Just my luck, I thought. Halloween, a full moon, and I'm rescuing stranded hikers when there are wolves about. It was difficult to keep from grinding my teeth, but somehow, I managed.The animal seemed close but that might have just been a trick of the night. I had become accustomed to the intricacies of the forest over the years. On a cold still night, sound could sometimes carry for miles.The other door shut as Melanie Watkins got out of the passenger side. She stopped, cocked her head to the dark, and listened to the cry. Her black hair was pulled back and tied with a red elastic. She wore her official ranger jacket over blue jeans and a shirt. She had been at a party when I had made contact, but she had readily agreed to come.She hadn't even been with the department for six months, but what she lacked in knowledge and experience, she made up for with a firm determination.I wondered why a woman like her had decided to join the forest service, but I hadn't developed a strong enough relationship with her to actually ask the question. Melanie and I would be safe enough. We didn't look like an easy meal, and we would be armed with a tranq gun, plus the pistol I had put into the bottom of my pack. It was unlikely the wolf would bother us, but if it did, we should be able to scare it off easily enough. I felt bad for the hiker we were going to rescue; he and his girlfriend were probably petrified by the sound that had given us pause.

Retired lawyer Tom Tate is just about to call it a night when an impossible creature comes out of the bush and asks for help. It is convinced they are in danger. Tom, despite his better judgment, allows the creature in the house.His house is shortly attacked by burly monsters that look like monkey-ape hybrids, demanding he turn over the strange creature. The monsters can't just talk, some are as intelligent at Tom Tate. Tom Tate must use his wits to escape the clutches of these menacing monsters as he tries to understand the unexpected situation and how he should respond. If you like monster stories that push the bounds of your imagination, this story is for you. Fans of Planet of the Apes, the Island of Doctor Moreau, and Michael Crichton's Next will enjoy this yarn. Pick up your copy today! Sneak PeekFuzzball ran from a window to a far corner as I entered. One of the ape-monkey creatures stood in the broken window, a foot lazily hanging over the edge while a hand was propped up on the inside for balance.Becker's barking appeared to be the only thing that kept it from entering. It blinked at the barking dog."Watcha doing?" came a voice from below. "Go on, get in."The creature hissed. "There's a dog that will bite me the moment I touch the floor."I swung my ax, catching the haft in my hand. If there could be a talking bear cub, why not talking monkeys? Had Marjorie slipped something into my diet Coke before heading out for the evening? I was starting to feel like I'd been transported into a bizarre reality, with wild animals that could mimic human speech patterns."Flee, you tormentor!" cried Fuzzball from the corner. "Death take you." Strong words from a small cowering creature who had no way of fighting.I glanced at Fuzzball and did a double take, he had his paws up, four-inch claws were extended. His teeth were bared, giving me a clear view for the first time. They could have chomped my arm in half. He was also standing straight on his two feet, rising well above my waist. He looked much more dangerous than when I had first met him.I took several steps into the room, brandishing my ax as if it were a club or a baseball bat. Its handle felt familiar and was comforting. I used it every day during the winter to chop wood."Look here," I shouted. "This is no place for a brawl." I motioned with my ax at the creature. "You can leave the way you came. Take your friends with you. I won't charge you for the window."He let out a barking laugh. "Petey, you got to get up in here, there's a fleshbag with an ax who thinks he's going to scare me.""Move, move, Regey! You need help." This was a third voice. I guessed there were five, maybe six. I hadn't counted the shadows.For as fierce as the monsters looked, they sounded like teenage boys who were skipping school for the first time to have a little fun.I took umbrage at being referred to as a fleshbag, but I thought of them as talking monkeys, so perhaps it was only fair."Call off your dog," Regey said, looking at me with a mocking smile.

Jake Ramsey is on the run. At every turn, he has people who want to kill him. After narrowly escaping an attempt on his life, Jake chases his attacker to a warehouse. Even though he suspects a trap, he follows the man inside. As Jake comes face to face with his would-be assassin, he is forced to decide how far he is willing to go to save his own life. And how much destruction he'll leave in his wake. Jake looks into the abyss of his soul as he fights his way through. If you enjoy thrillers with twists and turns, this short story is for you. Pick up your copy today! Sneak PeekTHE LIGHTNING ILLUMINATED THE alleyway before me as rain trickled from my hair, down my neck, and onto my back. For a moment I saw the way in front of me clearly, a trash bin to the left and empty pallets to the right.Then it was gone, plunging into darkness as I wrapped my hand around my pistol, my finger itching for a target.I stepped up against the wall to hide my profile while my eyes adjusted to the lower level of light. I wouldn't have been able to see at all if there hadn't been a dim light halfway down the alley. Keeping my pistol up, I used my shoulder to wipe away the rainwater from my face.My instincts told me to flee, but I ignored them, knowing it was my paranoia doing the talking.I shuffled forward, not caring that I went through a puddle as cold water seeped into my shoes. They were soaked anyway; I didn't feel a difference.I could see through the pallets and was certain Gary wasn't hiding there. I was shortly on the other side of the trash bin and cleared that as well.Where had the man gone? I wondered. How had he found me?

Hank is in the prison yard when the horizon suddenly turns into a pyrotechnic display of fire and brimstone. The guards force the prisoners back inside, but not before Hank sees the prison walls crumble. He is about to escape when a guard stops him.As he is taken back to the cellblock, all he can think about is escaping. He tries to convince the guards in vain that they need to run or they risk death and destruction from whatever is outside.Just when Hank thinks that he has found a way out, things take a turn for the worse and he is pitted against a guard who is just a treacherous as any murderer behind bars. The monster inside Hank calls for the guard's blood while monsters without threaten his life and chaos reigns. In this short story of alien invasion, mayhem, destruction, Hank must walk the line between his moral boundaries and the future, facing his own internal demons as well as enemies on all sides. Fans of action-packed science fiction alien invasion adventures will enjoy this story. Pick up your copy today!Sneak peekThe sky lit up in flame from the corner of my eye. At first, I thought it was a flash of lightning. I turned expecting to see a coming thunderstorm but a wall of fire filled the horizon, reminding me of the alien invasion movies I'd seen as a kid, only those were not as powerful and striking as what now filled the atmosphere. Cries came from the other inmates but I tuned them out, my eyes unable to look away. There was a singular beauty to the event, but it was also indescribable in a way that filled me with utter horror. The prison siren went off. I'd only ever heard it a handful of times. One time, an idiot had tried to make a break for it while we were all in the yard. The guards rushed to surround him but then watched with amusement when he came to the rolls of razor wire at the top of the chain link fence. They had laughed. I didn't get to see what happened next because they rounded us up and sent us inside. The guards claimed he fell but I wasn't so sure. At the very least it was likely they'd done something to make him lose his grip. Another time, we'd all been out in the yard when there had been a tornado alert and I'd heard the same siren.The guards blew whistles and yelled. My fellow inmates ran for the door, but I stood transfixed.

ONE MAN REFUSES TO TESTIFY.The witness assured Mitch Turner he knew the truth about that night but he clammed up when Mitch got him on the stand. Mitch must figure out how to get the truth out of him, otherwise Mitch's client will go to prison for a long time.MITCH TURNER MUST FIND A WAY TO GET THE TRUTH.Can he convince the witness to testify?If you like legal thrillers, this short story is for you. Mitch Turner is a fast-talking lawyer who takes risks where others might not. Fans of John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Scott Turrow will enjoy this story. Pick up your copy today!Sneak PeekI stared at the man's face, unsure if I had heard him correctly. He was middle-aged, slightly overweight, and almost entirely bald. A sheen of sweat covered his head, beads of perspiration dripped down his cheeks. He rubbed a finger underneath his lip as he rocked back and forth in his chair on the witness stand."Excuse me," I said, sure I had misheard him, "can you please say that again?"He frowned and clasped his hands as if trying to avoid making fists."You heard me." He paused and looked away from my heady glare. "I have no recollection of that night, you filthy scum-sucking lawyer." He said this last bit under his breath and almost looked ashamed for uttering it but steeled his face as if he meant it.I glanced at the judge, who was now beside himself as he banged the gavel. "You will address the counselor with respect!" The judge leaned over until he made eye contact with the witness. "One more outburst like that and you will spend the night in jail, do you understand?"

A GRIZZLY MURDER.Mitch Turner's client has been charged with murdering the next-door neighbor of his girlfriend. There is little physical evidence against him. TWO WITNESSES TESTIFY AGAINST THE ACCUSED.It is only because of the word of two witnesses that charges have been brought against the client. These witnesses knew the victim.The client did not.IT IS MITCH TURNER'S LAST CHANCE FOR JUSTICE.Mysteriously, Mitch Turner's trial notebook disappears. He is forced to handle the trial without his prepared notes. It was already an uphill battle without this loss. Can Mitch Turner prove his client is not the murderer? Buy your copy now to find out!If you like legal thrillers, this short story is for you. Mitch Turner is a fast-talking lawyer who takes risks where others might not. Fans of John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Scott Turrow will enjoy this story. Pick up your copy today!Sneak Peek"Was it one scream that continued the whole time, or was it intermittent?" I asked the witness."There were breaks. At one point, I thought that it was over, but it started up again a few seconds later. It did not take me long to recognize that it came from the floor above. I ran up the stairs to the next floor. That is when I saw your client Jimmy Franzen covered in blood."I studied Tom while giving him a skeptical look.Jimmy contended that he had been somewhere else; unfortunately, there was no way to prove it. The apartment building did not have security cameras, so there was no way to know for sure."If you saw my client, can you describe how he looked?""Oh, I saw him all right, no doubt about it. He was scared, he was pale, and it looked to me like he wanted to run but was trying to walk instead.""Are you certain you saw blood on him?""Hard to miss it. His hands were covered in blood. It went up his arms.""Could you still hear screams at this point?""No. I could not.""Did you say anything to him?""I asked if he had heard the screams.""Did he answer you?""He didn't. He just looked at me like he was afraid I was going to attack him or something. He pushed past me, elbowing me out of the way. That was how I got a smear of blood on my shirt. He touched me with his bloody arm."

Monsters & Mayhem #2 features two full novels and three short stories. Buy your copy today!Lord of the InfernoImmediately after Adar Rahid activates an ancient weapon that kills the Hunwei in Zecarani, he discovers the Hunwei have humans fighting for them. As he fights these traitors and tries to capture his wife's murderer, he finds death waiting for him wherever he turns.After Adar kills a human in Hunwei armor, he realizes he still doesn't know the full extent of the Hunwei technological capabilities. His blood boiling with rage over the death of his wife, he barely thinks about the consequences as he rushes after her murderer.Adar's character is put to the test as he is forced to choose between seeking revenge or the very fate of the human race.Adar goes through the fires of hell as he struggles with his own demons while fighting off an enemy that has no mercy and unclear intentions in this tale of epic fantasy and science fiction. This action packed story is the second volume in the War of the Fathers series. Buy your copy today!Grizzly WolfJim Cannon and his coworker Melanie have been called in to rescue an injured hiker and his girlfriend. They get out of the car at the trailhead and immediately hear a wolf howling. They don't know what to make of this because wolves disappeared from this section of the forest over a hundred years ago.Armed with a tranquilizer gun and a pistol, and hoping that these weapons will be sufficient should they run into any trouble, they don't make it far before they find the torn up body of a hiker.Fearing the worst, but knowing they still have one hiker to rescue, they push forward at considerable personal risk. Minutes later they come face to face with a wolf-like creature.Jim and Melanie are forced to run for their lives.This story has many twists and turns while they fight for survival. If you enjoy suspenseful monster stories, this story is for you. Fans of monster stories will find this exciting and chilling.The Sawyer GambitThe Red Survivor is minding its own business when the peaceful Plethki suddenly attack them. When Captain John Marchant orders the ship to prepare to respond in kind, First Officer Nick Williams immediately challenges the captain's plan, fearing there is more than meets the eye to this sudden attack.The Hikers Tim gets dumped by his girlfriend Jessica in the middle of the wilderness and then hears a gunshot. Fearing the worst, they hide in the bushes. Moments later serious-looking men in business suits come traipsing down the trail. While Tim and Jessica try to decide what to do next, the men return, looking for a missing wallet. Just when Tim thinks they have figured out a safe path from the forest, they are caught at gunpoint. Ready ShooterMorty Donaldson is studying when his roommate Pete bursts into his dorm room chased by undead zombie-like monsters. Barefoot and armed with his shotgun, Morty fights the creatures but quickly learns they cannot be easily killed.As they subdue the monsters and force them into a closet, it becomes apparent Pete knows more than he's saying. Morty struggles to get Pete to tell the truth while searching for a way to defeat the monsters as they spread through town and the United States.It becomes apparent that if the monsters are zombies, they have little in common with the B-movie variety and are more similar to vampires. But that designation is not quite right either. To make matters worse, Morty stumbles into his ex-girlfriend, a woman who doesn't hesitate to manipulate him to get what she wants.Morty is put to the test in this tale of mayhem and destruction while he struggles with an enemy that cannot be defeated through conventional means. This action packed post-apocalyptic urban fantasy thriller takes readers on a journey that rips them through the pages to the cataclysmic ending. Pick up your copy today!

Death awaits at every turn. Earl Anderson's life changed in a moment and then he jumps off a cliff. He is beyond himself as he comes to grips with the revelations about his past and present, trying to find a way forward. His problems are mounting and relief is nowhere in sight. He fears he will never see his family again, the man who is supposed to train him is focused on killing him, and it seems that everything in his new world is engineered to make him suffer and die. Just when he feels like he is starting to finally put things together the bottom falls out from underneath, sending him hurtling into despair just before he faces a terrible dilemma. Earl struggles for his life and sanity, not knowing things are about to take a turn for the worse. If you like space opera and military science fiction, this book is for you. Fans of Ender's Game, Starship Troopers, and Dune will enjoy this book. Pick up your copy today!Sneak PeekMy heart raced as I fell, anxiety welling up inside my considerable chest because I expected to die within moments of my ill-thought decision. Walking off a cliff with no idea how I would survive was the most dangerous thing I'd ever done, in this life or the previous.Not to mention the most idiotic.An unreal feeling filled my mind but it was driven out by the rushing wind. If I survived I wouldn't make this mistake again. I didn't consider myself reckless, but something about this planet and my situation brought it out. Perhaps I had more testosterone running through the veins of this mammoth-sized body, causing me to take more risks. One moment I had been on solid ground; the next, falling. One moment I was calm, certain of my decision; the next, I knew I'd been rash. My anger at Sam and John Jeffs fell with me. They taunted me while fear and frustration threatened to override my brain. It was only with great effort that I turned my thoughts to my predicament. Sam had killed me once already, it would be my own fault if he caused my death again. If the time ever came, I would repay him for what he had done, I certainly had to live today to see that tomorrow.The walls of the ravine sped past as the scant predawn light diminished, making me feel like I had fallen into a tunnel. The walls moved in, closing an inch or so at a time but at a sickening rate when compared to my speed of descent. Claustrophobia crept up the back of my mind and interacted in sickening harmony with the terror that wracked my soul. I didn't have long to figure out how to fly. Somehow, I refrained from looking down, knowing it would only make matters worse. My hop off the edge had been instinct more than anything else. Anger had been part of it as well, but I'd known from the look on Jeffords' face he wasn't going to give me the information I needed. It had been an act of defiance more than obedience to his order.If a fool like Jeffords could fly so could I. If I came back alive it would be like spitting in his face. Quite the gamble just to stick it to somebody...

Jake Ramsey is on the cusp of procuring information about the man who framed him for a string of terrorist attacks when his contact's cab explodes in front of him. After Jake watches his only source of information go up in flames, he soon finds himself forced to accept help from people he'd rather not. It's that, or run the risk of never rescuing the kidnapped children. And Jake is willing to do whatever it takes to save the missing kids. Even crossing lines he's been previously unwilling to cross. As Jake zeroes in on his quarry, he finds himself doing things he never thought he'd do. And rather than try a different approach, he embraces his actions and digs in. Any cost is worth rescuing the children, even if it means losing his soul. If you enjoy thrillers with twists and turns, this book is for you. Pick up your copy today!

The invading aliens left but they would return a thousand years later.Only a few were prepared.This book features three full length novels in the War of the Fathers universe and another full length bonus prequel novel, pick up yours today!War of the FathersAdar Rahid and his son Jorad have been on the run for fifteen years, chased by servants of Adar's father who are intent on finding and killing Adar. Even while a fugitive, Adar continues to search for the secrets of their forefathers because he fervently believes that an ancient alien race known as the Hunwei are about to attack. When Adar stumbles upon large cloaked creatures in the woods, he determines that the Hunwei have returned and that drastic action must be taken. Readers are taken on an adventure as the Hunwei attack while a father and son struggle to find a way to fight back in this tale of epic fantasy and science fiction. This action packed story is the first volume in the War of the Fathers series. Buy your copy today! Lord of the InfernoImmediately after Adar Rahid activates an ancient weapon that kills the Hunwei in Zecarani, he discovers the Hunwei have humans fighting for them. As he fights these traitors and tries to capture his wife's murderer, he finds death waiting for him wherever he turns. After Adar kills a human in Hunwei armor, he realizes he still doesn't know the full extent of the Hunwei technological capabilities. His blood boiling with rage over the death of his wife, he barely thinks about the consequences as he rushes after her murderer. Enemy in the ShadowsThe fate of many rests on Jorad Rahid's shoulders as he arrives in Rarbon to make his claim, something he swore never to do. As he faces new enemies and old, he is thrust into a position of responsibility that brings unforeseen difficulties that threaten his life, direct reports he cannot trust, and a bureaucratic process that is likely to drive him mad if it doesn't leave him dead. As he navigates these problematic waters, he faces off with a jealous grandfather in a political battle for which he is ill-prepared. Hoping to spark a fire in the people of Rarbon, Jorad boldly asserts that the Hunwei have returned, but his words are met with disbelief and open hostility. As he strives to find a way to convince the people of the truth, he becomes impatient with those who stand between him and the Rarbon Portal.BONUS NOVEL: Blood of the Redd GuardAdar Rahid has only been a general for two months, but his problems are already multiplying. He has his hands full with a father who wants to kill him and Helam Morgol, another general who is secretly laying plans to take over the Rarbon city government. If you love science fiction and fantasy, these four action packed novels are for you. Buy your copy today!Sneak Peak: The leaves rustled with the breeze and flashes of moonlight splashed onto Adar's face as the movement of the trees created gaps above them. Jorad was surprised to see that Adar was calm, even contemplative. He would have expected Adar to be anxious and afraid, given that the thing he'd been paranoid about for years had finally happened."We have to get to Rarbon," Adar whispered as he stared at the place where the Hunwei had disappeared.Jorad made a face but didn't speak. He could still smell the Hunwei even though they were gone. It was a musky stench mixed with rotting flesh. He sniffed trying to imprint the smell on his memory. The return of the Hunwei changed everything. Adar hadn't expressed the sentiment yet, but Jorad knew that their time in Neberan had come to a close. His second thought was that he'd have to reevaluate his decision about returning to Rarbon to make a claim."The Rarbon Portal is our best chance now." Adar stared at Jorad.There was a loud boom of thunder and the ship disappeared.

Criminal defense attorney Mitch Turner has just left the courthouse after a long day when he hears a commotion coming from a nearby alley. He follows it and sees a woman getting mugged. He immediately heads down the alley to see what he can do to defuse the situation.The woman is cooperating, giving everything to the mugger except for her wedding ring. The thief is unsatisfied and demands the ring while escalating his threats. Just when Mitch Turner is about to make a move, the situation changes completely and he is back to square one.If you like legal thrillers, the short story is for you. Mitch Turner is a fast-talking lawyer who looks at the world differently than most and takes risks where others might not. Fans of John Grisham and Scott Turrow will enjoy this story. Pick up your copy today!Sneak Peek: I cringed inside as the mugger spun, whipping his knife around while stepping away from the woman. He immediately pointed his knife back towards the woman and shook a fist at me."Stay where you are!" the mugger said. "This doesn't involve you."I could get to him before he attacked the woman but his words also did not sound nearly as slurred as they had a moment ago.Maybe he wasn't high after all."I don't want any trouble," I said with my hands out in front of me and to either side. "I just came to help a woman in distress. I've heard what you've been talking about and I think you've got a pretty good deal. She's willing to give you everything except some old ring that reminds her of a dead husband. I suggest you take what has already been given.""I need the ring."I shifted, catching a glance of the ring, and saw that it had a rather large diamond.I reexamined the woman, expecting to see that her clothes were more elegant than I had first thought, but they were worn around the edges. Her fashion sense seemed to be off by about a decade, my girlfriend Brittany would probably have told me that I was off by a decade or two."I think you might be arguing over nothing here," I said, "that's a fake."The mugger growled and the woman looked affronted by my assessment."It looks real enough and I will have it one way or another."

Jake Ramsey has lost everything. His job. His life. His sense of self. He can't go outside unless he wears a disguise and even if he does all that, he is afraid to speak, fearing his location will be detected. When Jake finds himself engulfed in the middle of a terrorist attack, it isn't long before he suspects it is connected to him. Somebody knows Jake is in the area and is setting him up to take the fall. As Jake digs deeper, he becomes concerned that children have been kidnapped by the man behind the terrorist attack. The way becomes harder as he gets closer to the truth, facing decisions of life and death. If you enjoy thrillers with twists and turns, this book is for you. Pick up your copy today!

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S DAUGHTER HAS JUST BEEN MURDERED.Audrey Spencer has landed her dream job as a Deputy District Attorney and is settling into the career change when the daughter of District Attorney Gregory Pope is found stabbed to death in a nearby park.THE NEWEST DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY IS ASSIGNED TO THE CASE.Nobody could have been more surprised than Audrey when Pope assigns her to handle the case. Uncertain about Pope's motivation and assuming he hopes to influence how the case proceeds, Audrey jumps in with both feet to the most high-profile case of her career. It isn't long before Audrey realizes this case comes with more obstacles than she initially realized. The list of potential suspects is pages long. She must deal with office politics, something she hates. Her boss Gregory Pope--good intentions notwithstanding--is doing more harm than good.CAN SHE BRING THE KILLER TO JUSTICE?Armed with only her wits, experience, and determination to find justice, Audrey will see this through to the end, whatever the cost. Just when she thinks she has the case figured out, the murderer strikes again, throwing cold water on her theory. Can she catch the killer before he murders a third time? Pick up your copy today to find out! Sneak Peek Based on what little she saw poking out from underneath the plastic sheet, Audrey deduced Rachel had been jogging through the park when she was attacked. A knife was five feet away in the dirt with the point down. The handle made her think of a medieval dagger. It was possible the perp had dropped it, but more likely, he'd stabbed it into the ground before fleeing. Why? Audrey's eyes narrowed as she looked from the body to the knife's position. Accidental or intentional? She forced herself to remain open to both possibilities, even though she naturally gravitated toward one. Did the perp want the knife to be found? Was he concerned it might be missed? She refrained from glancing at Gregory Pope. Or was it a message to the venerable District Attorney? That was probably going too far, but she made a mental note of it still the same. She took in a deep breath as she tried to soak it all in. It was now just after 2:45 PM. It was fifty-five, maybe sixty degrees. Jacket weather for some, but not coat. It had been half an hour since Walzer had found Audrey in the prison parking lot. She pegged the time of death between 12:30 PM and 1:45 PM. But it's the middle of the day, Audrey thought, looking around. It's busy here. It was more likely from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM. She doubted Rachel could have been here longer than forty-five minutes without being discovered. There was blood on the trail, a smear on the ground to where Rachel lay. The river hawthorn tree itself looked unharmed. Did the perp drag her body over there? If so, why? The tree was ten feet high and thick, but it didn't hide the body, not even close. Rachel was on her back with her hands at her side. She probably would have been on her belly if she'd moved herself.

Morty Donaldson is studying when his roommate Pete bursts into his dorm room chased by undead zombie-like monsters. Barefoot and armed with his shotgun, Morty fights the creatures but quickly learns they cannot be easily killed. As they subdue the monsters and force them into a closet, it becomes apparent Pete knows more than he's saying. Morty struggles to get Pete to tell the truth while searching for a way to defeat the monsters as they spread through town and the United States. It becomes apparent that if the monsters are zombies, they have little in common with the B-movie variety and are more similar to vampires. But that designation is not quite right either. To make matters worse, Morty stumbles into his ex-girlfriend, a woman who doesn't hesitate to manipulate him to get what she wants. Morty is put to the test in this tale of mayhem and destruction while he struggles with an enemy that cannot be defeated through conventional means. This action packed urban fantasy thriller takes readers on a journey that rips them through the pages to the cataclysmic ending. Pick up your copy today!

Three Red Survivor short stories in one book: The McClellan Colony, The Phantom Torpedos, The Ambush on Kural 2!The Red Survivor has responded to an emergency alert from the McClellan colony on Neptune 4. When they show up, nobody responds to their messages and Captain Marchant orders Commander Nick Williams to take a team down to investigate.Almost as soon as they arrive, things go wrong.Nick almost gets killed by a large rodent and then later at the door of somebody's home who refuses to come out. When they finally find a survivor of the McClellan colony, the man is crazy and cannot answer any questions.Nick and his team must expand their minds to understand the situation and the strange alien race they are dealing with.In the Red Survivor universe, these standalone space opera short stories focus on the inherent tension between Marchant and Williams. Buy your copy of this short story collection today! Sneak PeekThe gate in the wall hung open, one door wholly torn off and flung to the side. As we approached I noticed a corpse on the ground that appeared to be the remains of a furry creature."Hold up." I took a step forward, peering to the side while trying to get a clear look at it. "I think that's one of them.""The vicious rodents?"I nodded as I marveled at how well it camouflaged with the ground. When we had started out it had looked like it was just part of the land, yet it was now distinguishable as a dead creature.Hopefully it's dead, I thought, as I took another step forward."Don't you think we ought to shoot it?" Ensign Marchant asked.I shook my head. "No, it's dead. I'm sure of it." I took several more steps forward before turning back. "Let's go."I walked purposefully forward, making a wide berth around the creature just in case, and as I got closer I saw a stain on the ground that I assumed had formed when it had bled out. Surely this had been killed and left to die.It had been described as a large rodent, but the only thing that made me think of a rodent was the size of its front teeth. The ears were long and pulled down the back of its head, it did not have the typical shape you might expect from a rodent back on earth, it was leaner, and had longer legs. If anything, it reminded me more of an antelope.An antelope with big buck teeth.It was difficult to imagine the creature being so vicious, but as we passed by I aimed my gun at it just in case I was wrong.Once we got to the gate, I let out a small sigh of relief, turning back to the others. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"There was a scuffling sound and I turned just in time to see a living creature jump on top of me.

Immediately after Adar Rahid activates an ancient weapon that kills the Hunwei in Zecarani, he discovers the Hunwei have humans fighting for them. As he fights these traitors and tries to capture his wife's murderer, he finds death waiting for him wherever he turns. After Adar kills a human in Hunwei armor, he realizes he still doesn't know the full extent of the Hunwei technological capabilities. His blood boiling with rage over the death of his wife, he barely thinks about the consequences as he rushes after her murderer. Adar's character is put to the test as he is forced to choose between seeking revenge or the very fate of the human race. Adar goes through the fires of hell as he struggles with his own demons while fighting off an enemy that has no mercy and unclear intentions in this tale of epic fantasy and science fiction. This action packed story is the second volume in the War of the Fathers series. Buy your copy today!

Death comes quickly.Just when Earl Anderson thought he was finally about to get some answers, an impossibly large force of enemy spaceships appear on the horizon, tossing the training camp into turmoil. At a moment when he thinks his commanding officer John Jeffords and he are about to finally cooperate, Jeffords once again gives him an order meant to kill him. Earl Anderson has no choice but to obey, fearing that death is just a few steps away. He now faces a battle for which he is not only ill-trained, but he is also unarmed. He must use his wits and what abilities he has to struggle for survival. If you like space opera and military science fiction, this book is for you. Fans of Ender's Game, Starship Troopers, Old Man's War, and Dune will enjoy this book. GRAB THE THIRD EPISODE OF DEAD MAN'S WAR RIGHT NOW.Read the third installment to find out what happens next in this epic saga. Buy your copy today!Sneak PeekThe ground shook as the lurker came down outside, roaring again.The nearby gunfire went silent.I was halfway through when the tent shook.The metal frame was torn from the ground as light flooded in behind me where the lurker had uprooted the tent. The stakes dangled down as the lurker held it up with a leg that it once again used like an arm.I dove under a cot and kept crawling forward, hoping that the creature might lose sight of me and would be drawn to other soldiers who were renewing their attacks on it after apparently shifting to have a better angle, if the gunfire I heard outside was any indication.It would be nice to have a rifle. I shook my head. Of course, I might've tried to fight instead of run and would be dead by now.The tent shook as I crawled out from under one cot and made my way underneath another. When the lurker roared, a ghastly rotten stench filled the tent. The wind picked up bits of sand and slung them into my face as I came to a tent wall. The cot right above me was torn away, its legs scratching my back as I lifted a flap of canvas and rolled underneath the wall to the chaos outside.