Hal, Stig, and the others - they are the boys the others want no part of. Skandians, as any reader of Ranger's Apprentice could tell you, are known for their size and strength. Not these boys. Yet that doesn't mean they don't have skills. And courage - which they will need every ounce of to do battle at sea against the other bands, the Wolves and the Sharks, in the ultimate race. The icy waters make for a treacherous playing field . . . especially when not everyone thinks of it as playing. John Flanagan, author of the international phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice, creates a new cast of characters to populate his world of Skandians and Araluens, a world millions of young readers around the world have come to know and admire. Full of seafaring adventures and epic battles, Book 1 of The Brotherband Chronicles is sure to thrill readers of Ranger's Apprentice while enticing a whole new generation just now discovering the books.Perfect for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, T.H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire series.

    Over time he has learned to accept his confinement. After all, it is no more than he deserves given the heinous nature of his previous crimes. However, when a new member of the nursing staff begins taking an interest in Tommy, he learns things previously kept from him: Like why he is being permanently dosed with meds. How, and why, his parents really died. And is it just a coincidence his earlier crimes occurred at the time of a full moon? Nurse Jenny informs Tommy about the true nature of his world: Secret Government cabals, and their plans for a New World Order; the murder of his parents, and facing up to the reality of his life as a werewolf. Then, when she thinks he is ready, she tells him the biggest secret of all: Nurse Jenny has a way out of Broad-lands. But, as is often the case, nothing comes without a price. What is the real motivation for her aiding Tommy's escape? A tale of horror that unfolds beneath the light of a full moon.

    Nothing unusual there--this is at least the sixtieth couple the ranch has brought together! But unlike those other Loves, this one ended in disaster. It's been three years, and Faith Kalani is like 92% certain she's over her broken heart. Sure, her professional skiing dreams ended with a broken leg, but she's happy being back here at River's End Ranch, giving ski lessons... Right up until she offers to take over a colleague's snowboarding lesson, and she gets a good look at her new student.Patrick Quinn broke Faith's heart three years ago, and has never forgiven himself. But when he sees the incredulous look on his snowboarding instructor's gorgeous face, he knows he's been handed a second chance. Despite their awkwardness, the two of them are good together...too good, maybe. Faith can't decide if she loves or hates that reminder, but when Patrick is badly injured during his first lesson on the slopes, she knows she's the one who needs to step up and take care of him.Forced into close proximity, she finds herself falling fast for the man who once held her heart. But how can she possibly trust him again, after what he did? With the Founder's Day Gala approaching, Valentine's Day right around the corner, and a Leap Day birthday, Faith doesn't have time to figure out her feelings.But maybe all this couple needs is a little bit of that River's End Ranch magic!***Please enjoy this visit back to our favorite ranch! Fans of the popular series will be thrilled to catch up with their favorite characters, and meet a few more. Jaclyn, Bigfoot, fairies and root beer floats...Welcome back to River's End Ranch!

    Determined to buy back her ancestral home, Wynter turns to the only man who can lend the vast sum needed. But the collateral the arrogant Captain Cort Van Linden demands is ... her!Then an act of piracy on the high seas leaves her at Cort's mercy -- and in his wild embrace, Wynter discovers she will give anything to know the achingly sweet fulfillment of her pirate's golden promise.Originally published by Leisure Books as LOVE'S GOLDEN PROMISE.

    Life in the court of the new emperor, deranged Michael the Fifth, holds extreme danger at every turn, as Harald becomes a pawn in the various factions' thirst for power.Can he survive this dangerous place, and turn his mind towards regaining what is rightfully his?Praise for Varangian: "...perfect blend of reality and fiction. A great story from an insightful author." - Veritas Vincit Review " The author weaves a fascinating and compelling story that captures the reader instantly and never lets go. In this world, seduction is a principal instrument for control, influence, espionage, sabotage and just sheer pleasure. These characters are bigger than life itself and so were their appetites for power, control, wealth and influence. A compelling and heroic tale." - T.L. Needham, author

    The fabric that has held the Northern realm together is tearing. The sons of Erik Bloodaxe have returned and are systematically killing all opposition to the High Seat. Through treachery, Harald Eriksson slays Jarl Trygvi, an heir to the throne, and then comes for Trygvi’s wife, Astrid, and son, Olaf. Astrid and Olaf flee their home with the help of Astrid’s foster father, Torolv Loose-beard, and his son, Torgil, who are oath-sworn to protect them. The group escapes east, through the dark, forested land of the Swedes and across the treacherous East Sea, all the while evading the clutches of Harald’s brutal henchmen.But the gods are fickle and the group is torn apart, forcing them to fend for themselves in Forged by Iron, a must-read for all who enjoy action-packed historical fiction.

     Fleeing from troubles at home, young Aleyn signs on to the crew of a merchant trade cog off the coast of Eire, but he has no idea what dangers await him on the open water. Viking raiders patrol the shores like hungry wolves, taking whatever they wish, and when Aleyn's ship is attacked and the crew killed, he finds himself the helpless prisoner of Ranulf Eriksen, a ruthless, powerful Viking jarl who commands the longship Lymskyr. Aleyn expects to be killed or sold to the Saxons as a slave, but Ranulf offers him a bargain: his body in exchange for his freedom. Faced with the choice of temporary whoredom or lifelong slavery, Aleyn chooses to give himself to the handsome and oddly-compelling Northman. What Aleyn could not have foreseen was how much two lonely people in extraordinary circumstances could learn about each other in so short a time. Ranulf is also unprepared for the strength of his feelings for Aleyn. As Ranulf's Viking crew begins to suspect Aleyn of using witchcraft to meddle with their leader's wits, the jarl must defend his lover from the murderous intent of his men without further risking his own tenuous hold on power..

    The records that talk about him are quite conflicting as they often are with mythical and historical figures. This book will do it's best and take a closer look to his origins, family and his notable exploits. We will also catch a glimpse into the possibilities of his demeanor and behavior without moving away from the fact that he is one of the most ruthless men to ever invade England in the 9th century. It is our hope that you'll enjoy this book and learn many new and exciting things about Ivar the Boneless!

    But we don’t know the half of it.Yet.MY ship was raided. And now I’m owned by a monster.He saw me. Felt me. And claimed me.I became a pet.His property.I never broke under the lash.The pain only made me stronger.I’m determined that I will win.He will yield to the desire I bring out.His will is my command.His words are my truth.Some may think that he broke me.Other’s will think I’ve tamed him.You know what?I don’t care.All I know is this.I’ve won the love of this monstrous alien warlord.He makes me feel like someone treasured.Rather than something used.This giant brutish beast…Who has stolen a little piece of my soul.Has merged it with his own.Monster explores a much darker and grittier side of the Athenaverse. It can be read as a standalone, but it still shares the same universe that you’ve found in other books. Themes in this book should be approached with caution.

    Rider Haggard, and concerns the adventures of its eponymous principal character in 10th century Iceland. Eric Thorgrimursson (nicknamed "Brighteyes" for his most notable trait), strives to win the hand of his beloved, Gudruda the Fair. Her father Asmund, a priest of the old Norse gods, opposes the match, thinking Eric a man without prospects. But deadlier by far are the intrigues of Swanhild, Gudruda's half-sister and a sorceress who desires Eric for herself. She persuades the chieftain Ospakar Blacktooth to woo Gudrida, making the two men enemies. Battles, intrigues, and treachery follow.Excerpt from Eric Brighteyes Madam, You have graciously conveyed to me the intelligence that during the weary weeks spent far from his home - in alternate hope and fear, in suffering and mortal trial - a Prince whose memory all men must reverence, the Emperor Frederick, found pleasure in the reading of my stories: that "they interested and fascinated him." While the world was watching daily at the bedside of your Majesty's Imperial husband, while many were endeavouring to learn courage in our supremest need from the spectacle of that heroic patience, a distant writer little knew that it had been his fortune to bring to such a sufferer an hour's forgetfulness of sorrow and pain. The knowledge, to an author, is far dearer than any praise, and it is in gratitude that, with your Majesty's permission, I venture to dedicate to you the tale of "Eric Brighteyes."

    To do so, she'll need the help of a crew of badass lady pirates, vicious mermaids, and other immortals. Volume 2 will include issues 5-8, and is the second installment of the three volume series.

    His dad, Stoick the Vast, says there's no such thing as a frightened Viking. But Hiccup's about to find out otherwise. Hiccup's hilarious tale shows the true meaning of bravery, and the delights that await when one faces one's fear.

    

    His son Harald, however, has ambitions beyond just getting home. Given command of one of the ships in the fleet, Harald sees a chance to put his courage on display, unleashing consequences that will lead Thorgrim into a fight against the powerful armies of Wessex, a fight he does not want.As Thorgrim struggles to keep his men alive, his eldest son Odd leads the resistance to King Halfdan's ruthless attempts to expand his rule over Norway. When a plan to bring Halfdan to heel goes terribly wrong, Odd alone is taken prisoner, and brutally punished as an example to those who would defy their king. But Halfdan's brutality does not cow the freemen: rather it stokes their anger into a red-hot rage that only freeing Odd and extracting further vengeance can cool.

    . . with holiday cheer. Merry Christmas from the Norse Pole.Bolthor's BrideBolthor the Skald has been there for his fellow warriors, both in battle and as a friend. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride, so to speak. This gentle giant, now scarred and retired from the fray, has never found a woman who loves him despite his rough appearance—and his poetry, which is woefully bad.Enter the sexy, Saxon widow Katherine of Wickshire Manor, a woman in need of a strong man to take care of her, her four children, not to mention about two hundred chickens, in the style none of her first three husbands could manage.When Viking meets Saxon, the sparks do fly.note: This short story was originally available on the author's website for free but have since been removed.A Viking For ChristmasBodyguard Erik Thorsson, a fiftieth generation Viking, meets Jessica Jones, dressed as a cute Santa Claus, when she stages a righteous attempt to rob the local Piggly Jiggly. All Jessica wants is a refund for a Burping Bear toy, which the store refuses to honor.Fortunately, or unfortunately, Jessica takes hostage another Santa in the store, Erik himself, after accidentally shooting the Little Debbie cupcake display. For the first time in five years, since his beloved wife died, Erik finds himself head over Santa boot heels in love, but how to convince Jessica that he's not her Christmas curse, but instead a Christmas miracle.note: This story was originally titled Naughty or Nice and published in The Night Before Christmas anthology