New school year, same old problems . . . At Mythos Academy, everyone knows exactly who I am: Rory Forseti, Spartan girl and the daughter of Reapers. Even though I fought alongside my cousin Gwen Frost to save the mythological world from Loki and his evil Reapers of Chaos, I’m still the most hated girl at the academy because of all the horrible things my parents did. I had hoped that this school year would be different, but the other kids just won’t let me forget about my parents. But something strange is going on at the Colorado academy. First, I run into a Viking guy who dislikes me more than most. Then I notice some odd artifacts in the Library of Antiquities. And worst of all, I start hearing rumors about a new group of Reapers who can summon mythological monsters. I might be the most hated girl at Mythos Academy, but I’m also the only one who can save it . . .
At age thirty-nine, there was nothing author Donovan J. Rolle Sr. couldn't do physically. It wasn't a question of whether he would finish a competition, it was only a matter of how much time it would take. That changed months before the Spartan Beast when an injury forced him to reflect. In The Heart of a Spartan, he tells how he embraced the challenge and used it as an opportunity for soul searching and self-development. He discusses setting SMART goals, creating a plan to execute those goals, and diligently, consistently, and tenaciously doing what it takes to achieve those goals regardless of the setbacks and obstacles. Through his testimony, Rolle helps others understand they can be their authentic self regardless of external circumstances simply because they will learn to become confident in themselves, their talents, and their abilities as he has done. The Heart of a Spartan also speaks to proper physical training which encompasses a tri-fold foundational approach where one's mental, emotional, and spiritual fitness are paramount to successfully attaining physical fitness.
When you're a high achiever, especially when you're someone who works long hours to climb to the top of your field, it can be tempting to focus your time and energy there and consequently neglect your health. You may tell yourself that you feel fine, or that you don't have time to exercise, or that you'll change to a healthier diet when you're older. But poor diet, lack of exercise, and toxic stress from long hours of work can create the perfect ground for heart disease. Healing the Spartan: A Breakthrough Plan to Heart Health and Longevity by Dr. Sanul Corrielus is a great resource for people who want to get serious about their cardiovascular health. In this book, Dr. Corrielus explains heart disease, its causes, its treatments, and its prevention. With his focus on mind/body/spirit balance and integrated care, Dr. Corrielus gives you the tools to fight for your own heart health.
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep serves up a novella focusing on secondary characters from her Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. This action-packed adventure features elemental magic and an enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Charlaine Harris, and Faith Hunter. Heart stings can be the most dangerous wounds of all . . . Lorelei Parker has had plenty of “heart stings” in her life—moments that are both happy and sad. With her grandmother’s recent marriage, Lorelei has had far more good times than bad lately. That all changes when a ruthless Ashland underworld boss starts threatening her, but Lorelei is determined to figure out why the other crime boss is so interested in her thriving business. She vows to use her elemental Ice and metal magic to do whatever it takes to defend herself and her family. Also in the mix is the mercurial Hugh Tucker. Lorelei doesn’t know what the vampire is up to, or if he’s a friend or an enemy. Tucker might even be something else, something more—if Lorelei can stay alive long enough to figure out whose side he’s really on . . . Note: Heart Stings is a 38,000-word novella from the point of view of Lorelei Parker. It takes place after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. Heart Stings first appeared in the Dirty Deeds 2 anthology in 2022.
"The Fate of Sparta; or, The Rival Kings" by Hannah Cowley is a tragic tale set in ancient Greece, exploring themes of power, honor, and the destructive force of ambition. At its core are the rival kings of Sparta, Agesilaus and Agis, whose bitter feud drives the kingdom to the brink of destruction. As they vie for supremacy, their personal ambitions clash with their duties to their people, leading to a series of betrayals, conspiracies, and ultimately, tragedy. Through the intertwined fates of the two kings and those around them, Cowley paints a vivid portrait of the political turmoil and moral dilemmas of ancient Sparta. The play delves into the complexities of leadership and the sacrifices required to maintain power, while also examining the consequences of pride and hubris.
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep serves up action-packed, paranormal romance adventures with her Bigtime superhero series. Journey to a city that’s full of quirky, zany superheroes finding love while they battle over-the-top, evil ubervillains bent on world domination. Perfect for fantasy readers and comic book fans of Marvel Comics and DC Comics, along with the Wonder Woman show with Lynda Carter and the Batman show with Adam West. The Bigtime Series: Volume 1 includes the following: Karma Girl—Book 1 After a surprising betrayal, investigative reporter Carmen Cole decides to devote her life to unmasking superheroes and ubervillains in Bigtime, N.Y. But her actions put her in the middle of a battle between the Fearless Five superhero team and the ubervillains of the Terrible Triad. Hot Mama—Book 2 Fiona Fine is the hottest fashion designer in Bigtime—literally. That's because she moonlights as Fiera, a superhero with superstrength and volatile, fire-based powers. And with two new ubervillains in town, Fiona will need all of her powers just to survive. A Karma Girl Christmas—Holiday novella On Christmas Eve, Carmen Cole is assigned to guard toys, clothes, food, and more that are intended for needy children and their families. An ubervillain plans to steal and then sell the toys to the highest bidder, but Carmen is determined to stop the villain—and make sure that this Christmas is a happy one for all the kids who are counting on her.
“This is space opera at its finest.”—Ilona Andrew, #1 New York Times bestselling author on Only Bad Options New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep continues her Galactic Bonds series with a new, action-packed adventure that blends science-fiction technology and magical fantasy elements with a touch of historical romance. This rollicking space opera focuses on a fan-favorite secondary character who’s part hero, part villain, and all arrogance. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice. PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE . . . My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I’m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force. But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve. The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything I’ve sworn to protect. I’m supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, I’m forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problems—and just might end up being the death of me . . . Note: Only Hard Problems is a 47,000-word book from the point of view of Zane Zimmer. It takes place after Only Good Enemies, book 2 in the Galactic Bonds science-fiction fantasy series. MORE PRAISE FOR ONLY BAD OPTIONS AND THE GALACTIC BONDS SERIES: “Mixing sci-fi and fantasy, this space opera romance is an absolute delight.”—BookBub “I absolutely love it! This is 429 pages of reading joy.”—Smart Bitches, Trashy Books “A rocketship ride of star-crossed soulmates, Only Bad Options delighted me from start to finish! I highly recommend this romantic, action-packed space opera to all lovers of science fiction, fantasy, and romance!”—Jeffe Kennedy, award-winning and best-selling author of Dark Wizard and The Pages of the Mind “The Galactic Bonds series has everything I crave—a delicious slow-burn romance, space opera intrigue and action, tension, danger, unlikely partnerships, and sci-fi fantasy elements that keep you guessing from start to finish. I highly recommend!”—Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep blasts off with an exciting new science-fiction fantasy adventure with a dash of historical romance. This action-packed space opera features a mix of magic and technology, along with a soul mates and enemies-to-lovers story. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice. A WOMAN WHO SEES EVERYTHING . . . Few people know the name Vesper Quill. To most folks, I’m just a lowly lab rat who designs brewmakers and other household appliances in the research and development lab at the powerful Kent Corp. But when I point out a design flaw and a safety hazard in the new line of Kent Corp spaceships, everyone knows who I am—and wants to eliminate me. I might be a seer with a photographic memory, but I don’t see the trouble headed my way until it’s too late. Suddenly, I’m surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life. I don’t think things can get any worse until I meet Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord who insists that we have a connection, one that could be the death of us both. A MAN WHO CAN’T FORGET HIS PAST . . . The name Kyrion Caldaren strikes fear in the hearts of people across the Archipelago Galaxy. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’m used to being a villain, as well as the personal assassin of Lord Callus Holloway. Even the wealthy Regals who live on the planet of Corios are afraid of me. But everything changes when I meet Vesper Quill. I might be a powerful psion with telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities, but Vesper sees far too many of my secrets. Thanks to an arcane, unwanted quirk of psionic magic, the two of us are forced to work together to unravel a dangerous conspiracy and outwit the deadly enemies who want to bend us to their will.
The Philosophy of Dare, the Daring Philosophy, is all about being willing to take risks, to rise to challenges, to leave behind comfort zones and safe spaces, and seek out storms and wildernesses and mountaintops and all extreme, daring environments. One must always escape mediocrity, and wherever the mediocre congregate. Mediocrity is the original sin. The mediocre are the opposite of the daring. Danton said, "We must dare, and dare again, and go on daring!" Machiavelli said, "Never was anything great achieved without danger." Andre Gide said, "Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." The daring don't stand around. They're active, proactive, the people doing things, making things happen, shaking things up. They're not the reactive masses, those that love to sit and wait for Godot. Godot isn't coming. Haven't you heard? William Makepeace Thackeray said, "Let the man who has to make his fortune in life remember this maxim. Attacking is his only secret. Dare, and the world always yields: or, if it beat you sometimes, dare again, and it will succumb." The attackers always have the initiative. The world reacts to them. The daring decide the agenda. They force the issue. They are the organ grinders. Everyone else dances to the tune of the daring ones. "Who Dares Wins" is the motto of the Special Air Service, Britain's elite special forces unit. Theodore Roosevelt said, "Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." The mediocrities avoid conflict. They duck out. They bale out. They opt out. They don't want to exert themselves. Too much effort. Are you afraid of losing it all? Then you are not one of the daring. Goethe said, "Rest not. Life is sweeping by; go and dare before you die. Something mighty and sublime, leave behind to conquer time." The daring are absolutely committed to leaving behind the mighty and sublime. They are the only ones who conquer time. They are the immortals. The great French revolutionary Saint-Just said, "Dare! – this word contains all the politics of our revolution." Will you risk it all? Do you dare? Trigger Warning (for those of a sensitive disposition): This content contains heavy satire, irony, sarcasm and black comedy. Keep your wits about you.
It’s Halloween at Mythos Academy, and Gwen Frost and her friends are ready to have a little fun. But when a mythological monster shows up, the night turns out to be more trick than treat. Halloween Frost takes place in between the events of Touch of Frost, book #1, and Kiss of Frost, book #2, in the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series. The short story is about 6,500 words. Halloween Frost was originally published in Entangled, A Paranormal Anthology, in 2011.
