Hephaestus Books represents a new publishing paradigm, allowing disparate content sources to be curated into cohesive, relevant, and informative books. To date, this content has been curated from Wikipedia articles and images under Creative Commons licensing, although as Hephaestus Books continues to increase in scope and dimension, more licensed and public domain content is being added. We believe books such as this represent a new and exciting lexicon in the sharing of human knowledge. This particular book is a collaboration focused on Novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

     The second tale, "The Candle in the Cloud", is a novella of dark fantasy which follows three children who discover a magical candle that transports them to a world where a plague-cloud is destroying everything in its wake. These two tales, the first ever written by Clive, are offered here for the very first time. Their production has been lovingly supervised by Clive himself to ensure that these are not mere books, but works of art to be cherished. Complete with original illustrations and appendices on select editions, First Tales is sure to delight everyone from longtime fans to new readers. In his own words: "These two stories represent the two essential structures of fantastique literature. ’The Wood on the Hill’ is about an incursion of unearthly elements into an approximation of our world. ’The Candle in the Cloud’ is about a journey taken by people from our world into another reality. Yin and Yang, if you like. Forces pulling in opposing directions but to achieve the same end: Revelation." Clive Barker (2013)

     With nearly 1,800 reviews across all 6 books and an average rating of 4.5 stars! #1 Ranked Bestseller in Fantasy Fiction on Amazon 1. TO KILL A WARLOCK: Dulcie O’Neil is a fairy. And not the type to frolic in gardens. She’s a Regulator—a law-enforcement agent who monitors the creatures of the Netherworld to keep them from wreaking havoc in the mortal world. When a warlock is murdered and Dulcie was the last person to see him alive, she must uncover the truth before she’s either deported back to the Netherworld, or she becomes the next victim. Enter Knight Vander, a sinfully attractive investigator sent from the Netherworld to work the case with Dulcie. Between battling her attraction to her self-appointed partner, keeping a sadomasochistic demon in check, and fending off the advances of a sexy and powerful vampire, Dulcie’s got her hands full. As the body count increases, Dulcie finds herself battling dark magic, reconnoitering in S&M clubs and suffering the greatest of all betrayals. 2. A TALE OF TWO GOBLINS: When Knight Vander approaches Dulcie with a case regarding comatose victims, she agrees to help him, imagining the most difficult part will be combatting her attraction to him. But, what Dulcie isn’t betting on is the fact that the case becomes personal when she learns all the victims are somehow linked to her. When her best friend falls victim to the Dreamstalker, Dulcie must do everything in her power to ensure her friend’s survival, including associating with criminals and accepting the fact that desperate times do definitely call for desperate measures. 3. GREAT HEXPECTATIONS: Dulcie O'Neil knows she's at fault for failing to arrest a wanted criminal but when her partner gets pinned for the crime, she'll stop at nothing to ensure his innocence. What Dulcie isn't planning on is a trip to the infamous Netherworld where chaos rules. Between battling the affections of a mysterious vampire, protecting herself from monsters and ensuring the innocence of the one man who would die for her, Dulcie's trip to the Netherworld isn't sunshine and strawberry daiquiris. 4. WUTHERING FRIGHTS: Fairy and law enforcement agent, Dulcie O'Neil, has just discovered that her father is the Head of the Netherworld, and a double-dealing, illegal potions importer. Worse yet, she's now working for him. Knight Vander, Dulcie's boyfriend and Head of the Association of Netherworld Creatures, is on to her father, but, in the process, will he discover Dulcie's secret? And if he does, will it mean his life? 5. MALICE IN WONDERLAND: Fairy and law enforcement agent, Dulcie O'Neil, has to face the fact that her father, the Head of the Netherworld, is also Public Enemy Number One. In joining a group of rebels who would see her father dethroned, Dulcie will realize just what it means to go against her own blood. Throw in her tattered relationship with Knight Vander and the shock of a lifetime and Dulcie's life just went from bad to worse. 6. FOR WHOM THE SPELL TOLLS: Dulcie O'Neil thought her luck couldn't get much worse but it's about to get a whole lot worse. Forced into declaring war against the Netherworld and her father, Dulcie will find herself fighting for everything she believes in.

    Bey had spent his entire life running through the woods and never once saw anything to convince him there were creatures worth fearing. When his littler sister, Chensei, whines about the trip home at night, Bey only mocks her. Until she disappears beyond the treeline. I, PONTIANAK Everyone hates and fears monsters, except for when you’re the monster. I never asked for it, and honestly I can’t say I’ve really enjoyed it. But I am what I am, and I can’t change it. Hell, I can’t even control it. My name used to be Anastasia, and I am a Pontianak.

    Fate leads to a meeting with Harry Rutledge, an enigmatic hotel owner and inventor with wealth, power, and a dangerous hidden life. When their flirtation compromises her own reputation, Poppy shocks everyone by accepting his proposal—only to find that her new husband offers his passion, but not his trust. Harry was willing to do anything to win Poppy—except open his heart. He has held the world at arm’s length…but the beguiling Poppy demands to be his wife in every way that matters. As desire grows between them, an enemy lurks in the shadows. If Harry wants to keep Poppy by his side, he must forge a true union of body and soul . . .Married By Morning (Book 4)For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters—a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges’ older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat cannot believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her response—and even more so when Leo proposes a liaison. Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine’s respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and tempting. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever—unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires . . .Love in the Afternoon (Book 5)Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. The free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted…and she has resigned herself to never finding love. Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix’s friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul—and it’s becoming clear that Christopher won’t come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru’s disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru’s letters to Christopher for her. The correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep—and when Christopher comes home, he’s determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love—and a passion that can’t be denied . . .

    The only witness is disabled vet Adam Lee—wounded in a Special Forces mission to Cuba to destroy Fidel Castro's secret Brilliant academy. Though wheelchair-bound and trapped in his seventh-story apartment, Adam Lee has a special skill, his ability as a Brilliant, that allows him to use hints and reflections to see around corners and through the smallest cracks. If he pushes his ability, he may be able to identify the murderer...but that also makes him a target.

    In this free collection of excerpts, enjoy a taste of all of Vince Flynn’s thrillers starring CIA superagent Mitch Rapp.

    Ketchum has published acclaimed novels such as RIGHT TO LIFE, LADIES NIGHT and THE GIRL NEXT DOOR.

    Taking place on the most evil of holidays, Halloween, the Dark Knight Detective confronts his deepest fears as he tries to stop the madness and horror created by Scarecrow, the Mad Hatter, the Penguin, Poison Ivy and the Joker.

    They're wrong. Get all three books in this urban fantasy romance. A Step Into the Dark (Ollie Wit Book One) Ollie Wit is the strongest Shadow Walker born in decades but it’s a gift with a steep price. Walking in the Shadowlands can bring untold powers and spells, and even greater risks. Every step into that other world brings her closer to the monsters that have haunted her since a child, destroyed her family and wreaked havoc all around her. Kane knows Ollie is the key to getting the spell he needs and he’s the answer to ending her torment. But it’s a bargain that brings her closer to her own destruction. Even if she succeeds, will she be able to walk away from the newfound power that comes with walking in the Shadowlands? Walking in the Dark (Ollie Wit Book Two) Some people find power in the light. Others are meant to walk in the dark. Ollie Wit left it all behind: a new home, friends who saw her as something more than a fragile shadow walker and a budding relationship with Kane. She did it all in an effort to shield Asher, who should’ve never been able to escape the Shadowlands. Now her money is gone, her hopes of saving other shadow walkers has slipped through her fingers, and Kane won’t speak to her. She’s been abducted by leprechauns, who think she has committed an unspeakable crime. The vampires want her dead and there’s a crawler blowing up End of the Rainbows. Kane might not want to work with her, but he’s going to have to because all hell is breaking loose in Boston. Kissed by the Dark (Ollie Wit Book Three) Life with Kane is wonderful, right up until it’s not. People like me, Shadow Walkers, who know that monsters are real and nightmares don’t only happen when you’re sleeping, are always waiting for the worst. But no one believes me when I tell them disaster is looming, not even Kane, the man who has seen more than I can imagine. When the worst does happen, I’m not prepared. Months of my life are wiped from my memory, strangers call me friend, and it looks like I’m conspiring with the enemy. I need a back-up plan. Only problem is, if I have one I don’t remember it. I don’t remember anything, like who to trust and who to hate. Someone screwed with my life and they’re going to pay. But do I trust Kane to help me when all I can remember is that I hate him?

     Lady Eugenia Price is a marriage maker who lives in Philadelphia. A romantic at heart, Lady Price introduces honorable men from out west to ladies needing a new life. This set includes: Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride Aurora, A Romantic Bride Lucille, A Lucky Bride Esther, An Easter Bride

    What you see isn't always the only thing you receive. Come for the popcorn, the show, and the animals. Stay for the Horror. We insist. Panis Et Poenam by Alex Winck Make My Escape by C.L. Williams SOLD by Katie Jaarsveld Diamonique by Samie Sands Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel by Andrew Darlington Stuff of Dreams by Rick Eddy WONDERLAND by Samie Sands The Freak by Kevin Hall Clown in the Mirror by Katie Jaarsveld Carnival Carnage by Samie Sands

    And who is in danger of taking their final bow next! Homicide in High Heels - book #8 It's springtime in California, which means baseball season in Maddie Springer's house. But when the girlfriend of the L.A. Stars rookie MVP winds up dead at a chic Beverly Hills salon, it's suddenly up to fashion designer Maddie Springer to track down the "Tanning Salon Killer." Deadly in High Heels - book #9 When fashion designer Maddie Springer is invited to help style contestants in the Hawaiian Paradise Beauty Pageant, she jumps at the chance! But trouble follows her to paradise when one of the beauty queens winds up dead. With the televised crowning approaching, the danger escalating, and a killer on the loose, this is one beauty pageant that's about to turn ugly. Also available: High Heels Mysteries Boxed Set Vol. I (books 1-3) High Heels Mysteries Boxed Set Vol. II (books 4-6) High Heels Mysteries Boxed Set Vol. III (books 7-9) Books in the High Heels Mysteries series: Spying in High Heels - book #1 Killer in High Heels - book #2 Undercover in High Heels - book #3 Christmas in High Heels - short story Alibi in High Heels - book #4 Mayhem in High Heels - book #5 Honeymoon in High Heels - novella Sweetheart in High Heels - short story Fearless in High Heels - book#6 Danger in High Heels - book #7 Homicide in High Heels - book #8 Deadly in High Heels - book #9 REVIEWS: "A saucy combination of romance and suspense that is simply irresistible." —Chicago Tribune "Stylish... nonstop action...guaranteed to keep chick lit and mystery fans happy!" —Publishers’ Weekly, starred review "Maddie Springer is like a cross between Paris Hilton and Stephanie Plum, only better. The dialogue is snappy and the suspense beautifully interwoven with Ms. Halliday’s unique humor. This is one HIGH HEEL you’ll want to try on again and again " —Romance Junkies "It's rare to find a romantic mystery that's so funny, but this is certainly one of them. Maddie Springer (is) a ‘Versace’ Nancy Drew everyone can appreciate." —Press & Sun Bulletin

     Get all four books for a limited time. Each book is an interconnected standalone. Blitzed: “I brought Laurie back to meet her father. I brought her back to meet you.” I’m normally not into jocks, but when Troy Wood asks me out, I feel like I’m the Chosen One. After all, he’s hot as hell and Silver Lake’s best athlete, practically the King of Campus. God’s gift to women—that’s what they call him, but I’ll make a gentleman out of him. Everything is perfect, and he already practically has his ticket to the Big Leagues. There’s just one little problem . . . I’m hiding a secret that could destroy him and his future. I can’t tell him . . . I can’t tell him that I’m pregnant with his baby. Over the Middle: O. M. G. That’s the only thing on my mind when I’m assigned to help superstar tight end, Duncan Hart, rehab his elbow. With a body that looks like a sculpted masterpiece, his chiseled features melt the hearts of women everywhere, including mine. There’s just one problem. Duncan’s an jerk, with an ego the size of our football stadium. He lives for the roar of the crowd. He thrives on it. And he wants to let me experience the Hart Attack — yes, he has a name for it. But that’s not going to happen. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself… All’s fair in love and war, and I have two choices — take him down, or let him score. Rushed: They say opportunity doesn't knock twice… Yet here comes Tyler Paulson, crashing through the door of my life. I know he’ll be trouble, but I can’t escape that smile… He's our new hot shot quarterback, and I’m supposed to show him around the city, but what I really want to do is show him how much I’ve grown up. Except there's one little problem. If I screw this up, I'm out of a job. So I have to be professional. No frisky business, and no mixing business with pleasure. But Tyler doesn’t play by the rules. He’s used to getting what he wants. I’ll have to resist and not give him the upper hand, but it’ll only be a matter of time before he scores his second chance. Fourth Down Baby: He tempted me and I couldn’t resist. Now I’m having his baby. It all started out innocent. Cory helped me around the house, and I mentored him, but then things changed. I started to see desire in his eyes, and I have to admit, I liked it. I know it isn't right, but I can't help myself. He makes me feel alive again. But being with him isn’t healthy. We come from different worlds. I should let him go—let him live his life. I’ll only hold him back and keep him from achieving his dreams. It was supposed to be a fling with the forbidden. I only wanted to indulge, nothing more. I planned to say goodbye before anything got out of hand. But now I can’t… because I’m pregnant with his baby.

    The stories include:� REINCARNAL by Max Allan Collins: A young woman may be the reincarnated victim of a serial killer on the loose.� THE LATE SHIFT by Dennis Etchison: A company takes flesh-peddling to a whole new level.� A FUNGUS AMONG US by Steve Nubie: A mysterious fungus is causing people to act like zombies before their heads explode and spore�like snakes ooze out of their brains!� WOLF by Max Allan Collins: A modern�day werewolf whose appetite for beautiful young women vacationing at a lodge retreat has guests and workers panic�stricken.� LIVING SPACE by M. J. Elliott: A young couple can't believe how "lucky" they are when they find a luxury high�rise apartment in Manhattan for rent at a "slashed" price.