R. MartinHonesty is the bedrock for any relationship. But how can Fitz – royal bastard, trainee assassin, holder of secrets crucial to the security of the kingdom – bare his soul to his beloved Molly?Danger lies all around him – from the raiders savaging the coastal towns, and from within the court. The king has been struck down by a mystery illness and his eldest son, Verity, is bound up in the defence of the realm.When Verity leaves the court in search of the mythical Elderlings, Fitz finds himself friendless apart from his wolf, Nighteyes, and the king’s strange, motley-clad fool, exposed to Prince Regal’s malign ambitions. He will be asked to sacrifice everything – his heart, his hope, even his life – for the sake of the realm.Continue the adventure with books two and three of Robin Hobb’s magnificent Farseer Trilogy.This bundle includes Royal Assassin (book two) and Assassin’s Quest (book three).

    The science fiction/fantasy anthology ALTERED PERCEPTIONS, is kind of like a bonus DVD full of deleted scenes and alternate versions of some of your favorite authors’ books.Ally Condie: the foreword; Dan Wells the introduction; Annette Lyon: An unpublished chapter from her retelling of the Finnish fairy tale, THE KALEVALA; Aprilynne Pike: TBA; Brandon Mull: Deleted scenes from BEYONDERS 2; Brandon Sanderson: five completely rewritten chapters from THE WAY OF KINGS, where Kaladin makes the opposite choice of what he makes in the published novel; Bree Despain: an alternate ending to THE LOST SAINT, and an alternate beginning to THE SHADOW PRINCE; Brodi Ashton: the first chapter from her YA novel about an unwilling alien fighter who has to rescue the boy she loves; Claudia Gray: a deleted scene from A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU; Dan Wells: the original John Cleaver free-write that inspired I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER; Erin Bowman: a deleted scene from TAKEN; Howard Tayler: a creative non-fiction story about life with mental illness; J Scott Savage: three original chapters that led to writing FARWORLD; Jennifer Moore: a deleted scene from BECOMING LADY LOCKWOOD; Jessica Day George: a deleted scene from PRINCESS OF GLASS, where the main character plays poker with a witch; Josi Kilpack: the original opening scene to TRES LECHES CUPCAKE; Kiersten White: an original short story, set in a dystopian, sci-fi world; Larry Correia: a deleted fight scene from SWORDS OF EXODUS; Lauren Oliver: two deleted scenes from PANDEMONIUM, plus a hilarious scene about the plotting process; Luisa Perkins: a short story, “Seeing Red”–a modern-day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood; Mary Robinette Kowal: deleted scene from VALOUR AND VANITY (the scene was cut because readers thought the scene was trying to depict depression); Nancy Allen: bonus scene from BEAUTY AND THE CLOCKWORK BEAST; Robison Wells: an epilogue to FEEDBACK and the VARIANT duology; Sandra Tayler: a creative non-fiction piece called “Married To Depression”; Sara Zarr: a story featuring characters from one of Sara’s previously published novels; Sarah Eden: “Farewells” for LONGING FOR HOPE and HOPE SPRINGS; Seanan McGuire: The original opening for DISCOUNT ARMAGEDDON; Shannon Hale: ”Ravenous,” a previously unpublished scifi short story; SJ Kincaid: the original first chapter of VORTEX, before it was entirely rewritten

    What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHETA malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDYAs unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVENThe stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea's secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she's ever faced.

    R. Martin and multiple-award winning editor Gardner Dozois Burroughs’s A Princess of Mars. Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles. Heinlein’s Red Planet. These and so many more inspired generations of readers with a sense that science fiction’s greatest wonders did not necessarily lie far in the future or light-years across the galaxy but were to be found right now on a nearby world tantalizingly similar to our own—a red planet that burned like an ember in our night sky . . . and in our imaginations. This new anthology of fifteen all-original science fiction stories, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, celebrates the Golden Age of Science Fiction, an era filled with tales of interplanetary colonization and derring-do. Before the advent of powerful telescopes and space probes, our solar system could be imagined as teeming with strange life-forms and ancient civilizations—by no means always friendly to the dominant species of Earth. And of all the planets orbiting that G-class star we call the Sun, none was so steeped in an aura of romantic decadence, thrilling mystery, and gung-ho adventure as Mars. Join such seminal contributors as Michael Moorcock, Mike Resnick, Joe R. Lansdale, S. M. Stirling, Mary Rosenblum, Ian McDonald, Liz Williams, James S. A. Corey, and others in this brilliant retro anthology that turns its back on the cold, all-but-airless Mars of the Mariner probes and instead embraces an older, more welcoming, more exotic Mars: a planet of ancient canals cutting through red deserts studded with the ruined cities of dying races. FEATURING ALL-NEW STORIES BY James S. A. Corey • Phyllis Eisenstein • Matthew Hughes • Joe R. Lansdale • David D. Levine • Ian McDonald • Michael Moorcock • Mike Resnick • Chris Roberson • Mary Rosenblum • Melinda Snodgrass • Allen M. Steele • S. M. Stirling • Howard Waldrop • Liz Williams And an Introduction by George R. R. Martin!Table of contents:RED PLANET BLUES (Introduction) by George R.R. MartinMARTIAN BLOOD, by Allen M. SteeleTHE UGLY DUCKLING, by Matthew HughesTHE WRECK OF THE MARS ADVENTURE, by David D. LevineSWORDS OF ZAR-TU-KAN, by S.M. StirlingSHOALS, by Mary RosenblumIN THE TOMBS OF THE MARTIAN KINGS, by Mike ResnickOUT OF SCARLIGHT, by Liz WilliamsTHE DEAD SEA-BOTTOM SCROLLS, by Howard WaldropA MAN WITHOUT HONOR, by James S.A. CoreyWRITTEN IN DUST, by Melinda SnodgrassTHE LOST CANAL, by Michael MoorcockTHE SUNSTONE, by Phyllis EisensteinKING OF THE CHEAP ROMANCE, by Joe R. LansdaleMARINER, by Chris RobersonTHE QUEEN OF NIGHT’S ARIA, by Ian McDonald

    Landing a teaching job alongside her lifelong secret crush makes it even more attractive. While the popular girls didn’t date guys like Ergan Wakefield in high school, there’s nothing stopping Kayla from giving it a shot now. Except her past. Ergan Wakefield knows Kayla Hayward is his true mate, and he thought he’d lost her forever when she left for Boston. When she lands back in Winter Valley, he jumps on the opportunity to realize their destiny. But fate has other ideas, and Ergan must find a way to fight the evil that threatens to ruin his chance at happiness. Ekton ~Mia Maybee arrives at Winter Valley University with one goal in mind - to discover the Silver Lake Wolves’ secret and secure her future as a renowned scientist. But she uncovers much more than that, and the truth teaches her lessons she didn’t know she had to learn. Ekton Wakefield isn’t surprised to find his true mate is a girl who loves science as much as he does. Unfortunately, her passion threatens his existence, and he’ll need to show her that his animal side is worthy of love. Esher ~Andi Thompson’s days are numbered. Her cancer is back with a vengeance, and her only hope for survival pumps through the veins of her ex-boyfriend, Esher Wakefield. Back in college the werewolf saved her with a vial of his blood. But Andi took her good fortune too far, and her actions nearly revealed the Silver Lake wolves for what they really are. Esher Wakefield is a successful pediatrician and respected member of his wolf pack. The only thing missing in his life is his true mate, Andi. Unfortunately curing her years ago jeopardized his very existence and forced them apart. When Andi comes to him as her last hope at survival, he knows he must save her. But cancer isn’t the only thing that threatens to take away the love of his life.

    The roster of contributors over the years includes Mercedes Lackey, Charles de Lint, Diana L. Paxson, Emma Bull, Jennifer Roberson, and countless others. Sword and Sorceress 26 includes stories by Kat Otis, Deborah J. Ross, Jean Tatro, Jonathan Shipley, Melissa Mead, Michael Spence and Elisabeth Waters, Margaret L. Carter, Dave Smeds, Patricia Duffy Novak, Michael H. Payne, Pauline J. Alama, Steve Chapman, J.C. Hsyu, Jonathan Moeller, K.D. Wentworth, David L. Burkhead, Julia H. West, Joette M. Rozanski, and Katharina Schuschke.

    A dark ritual turns a woman obsessed with supernatural powers against the people who love her most. A possessed TV proves that old B-Movie monsters can still terrify an unsuspecting audience…Scare Street’s roster of authors brings you eleven new tales of supernatural horror, in one blood-chilling volume. This macabre collection of short stories is guaranteed to get your pulse racing, and send shivers down your spine.Each deliciously dark tale will haunt your dreams, and keep you reading long past the witching hour. But wait…What was that noise? Did something move in the shadows?Just keep telling yourself… it’s only a story.

    For those who haven't met Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater (otherwise known as Riyria) this sampler will provide a brief introduction to them and the world of Elan. This sampler contains short stories previously published as well as a new excerpt from the upcoming book.The Thieves: A band of thieves sets upon two lonely riders in the middle of the night. They had a larger party. They had the element of surprise. There was no reason to be concerned, but they didn’t realize who they were dealing with. Origin: This was a scene written, and cut, for Nyphron Rising (the first novel in the Rise of Empire omnibus). Eventually, it became the opening of Theft of Swords when Orbit purchased and republished the series as three, two-book volumes.The Viscount: Eleven years before they were framed for the murder of a king, before even assuming the title of Riyria, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater were practically strangers. Unlikely associates, this cynical thief decides to teach his idealist swordsman partner that no good deed goes unpunished. Will Royce wind up proving his point or be schooled himself? Origin: This was published in the fall of 2011 under the title The Viscount and the Witch. It was written to provide a gift to my fans after my books were removed from the market to make room for Orbit’s versions. It’s also the seed that later became The Riyria Chronicles, and this short now appears as the second chapter of The Rose and the Thorn.The Jester: Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A thief, a candlemaker, an ex-mercenary, and a pig farmer walk into a trap…and what happens is no joke. When Riyria is hired to retrieve a jester’s treasure, Royce and Hadrian must match wits with a dwarf who proves to be anything but a fool. Difficult choices will need to be made, and in the end those who laugh last do so because they are the only ones to survive. Origin: First released in the Unfettered anthology (edited by Shawn Speakman and published by Grim Oak Press), I did something a bit unusual with this short story. Faced with a word count restriction, I wrote what is essentially the climax for what could have been a full-length novel. I throw the reader into the middle of the action and make only brief allusions to what had come before. It’s an interesting experiment and seems to have worked out well based on the high praise it has received.The Death of Dulgath: When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start their thieves-for-hire enterprise. Things have gone well enough until this odd assignment to prevent a murder. Now they must venture into a forgotten corner of southern Avryn—a place whose history predates the First Empire. As usual, challenges abound as they try to anticipate the moves of an unknown assassin before it’s too late. But that’s not their only problem. The Countess of Dulgath has a dark secret she’s determined to keep hidden. Then there’s the little matter of Riyria’s new employer…the Nyphron Church. This sample is an excerpt, not a short story. It’s the opening scene to my new novel, which will be coming out before the end of 2015. It hasn’t yet been copy edited (I’m still writing the novel), so please forgive any minor mistakes you may find. I do think it’s in pretty good shape, but I often find my opinion and my editor’s opinion are two different things.

    This collection will appeal to a new generation of Nora Roberts fans.Tonight and AlwaysWhen a renowned anthropologist agreed to help a writer research his new novel, she wasn't prepared for the passion their collaboration would spark...A Matter of ChoiceAn international smuggling ring traps a beautiful antiques dealer and a New York City cop in a web of danger and desire...Endings and BeginningsTwo Washington television reporters try to protect their love from their own professional rivalry-and the hazards of their celebrity...

    What happens next triggers a series of events leading inexplicably to the cells of Lancaster Gaol.Lancashire, 1612: The most notorious witchcraft trials in England are taking place.Among the accused, three generations of the same family. A family rooted in Pendle, tied to the infamous Malkin Towers and always followed by a whisper of evil. A family destroyed by the evidence given by a nine year old girl…

    Beagle, Elizabeth Bear, Jay Lake, Ian McDonald, Sarah Monette, Garth Nix, and Patrick Rothfuss.

    The "Monsters of Magic" is a collection of short stories exploring the strengths and weakness of the creatures that inhabit the Magic: The Gathering world. The monsters highlighted are drawn not only from Magic card sets, but from the novels as well, giving any reader broader exposure to the entire Magic world. Contents"Who is Queen?" by Scott McGough"Ach! Hans, Run!" by Will McDermott"The Reluctant Student" by Tim Ryan"Unlikely Allies and Unjust Desserts" by Brian M. Thomsen"Ereth the Mighty" by A.L. Lassieur"True Enough" by Denise R. Graham"Seasons of Slaughter" by Vance Moore"An Atog Comes to Aphetto" by Steven E. Schend"Delraich" by Jess Lebow"Tap, Kraken & Pop" by Tom Dupree"Crucible" by Stephen D. Sullivan"The Voice of Command" by Paul B. Thompson

    Read the short story, assemble the 1,000-piece puzzle, and discover the hidden clues. Then solve the mystery by putting together the pieces in the story and in the puzzle. Slick, book-like packaging and high quality artwork make these puzzles a standout. Beware: the 1,000-piece puzzle is different from the cover!

    These stories explore everything from artificial intelligence to parallel universes to video games, and each story is accompanied by an author’s note exploring the background and genesis of each story.   Howey’s incisive mind makes Machine Learning: New and Collected Stories a compulsively readable and thought-provoking selection of short works—from a modern master at the top of his game.

    They're in a race against time to rescue her sister from a serial killer. And their uneasy working relationship flares into hot passion as they navigate the dangerous waters of a beach town where nothing is as it seems.CHAINED (a novella)When death is stalking, only a phantom can save her--and love her.Fleeing to her father's abandoned Arizona ranch to hide from political assassins, Isabella is attacked by a ghost haunting the property. Ghost lover may be brought back to life--if she risks everything. HOT AND DANGEROUS (a short story)What's more dangerous--terrorists or a hot and sexy werewolf?She's on vacation, hoping for some romance. He's a werewolf, trying to outrun his destiny. When they flee from a terrorist attack on their island resort, they end up in each other's arms. What happens when she discovers her lover is more than a man?AMBUSHED (A short story)She's a target. He's her shield.Sworn to protect federal witness Elizabeth Bannerman, Decorah Security Agent Jordan Stone fights the emotions building between them. When they’re ambushed by terrorists, Jordan realizes he actually does have something left to lose–-Elizabeth.