Chaker Khazaal traveled through Europe and the Middle East in 2015 talking to refugees about their different experiences. Inspired by various stories, comes a descriptive narrative of the plight of refugees, presented in this romantic thriller novel. The story focuses on the very dark world of displacement — war, human trafficking, terrorism, organ trafficking, and the exploitation of the desperate — while humanizing refugees in this love story that is meant to be relatable to every human being.
Life over Death. Triumph over Failure. Hope over Despair.In Tale of Tala, Henry, a bestselling New York writer is trying to cope with the unexpected death of his mother and the failure of his latest book. His life a triumphant success had collapsed.Flying to Amsterdam to indulge in decadence and depravity, Henry gorges on everything from illicit drugs to vile carnal acts. Wanting more, he heads to Slovenia.Enter Tala - a strikingly beautiful but deceptively cunning prostitute.A Palestinian refugee, her tale of loss and suffering strikes a chord with Henry. The perilous journey between Turkey and Greece; the desperate search for her husband Bilal; kidnapped by human traffickers.Finding himself falling in love, Henry promises to search for the missing Bilal and vows to protect his muse from the perils of life. For a man used to winning, one might wonder how far he will go to help Tala, or will he only go far enough to keep her for himself?Three People. Three Journeys. One Tale. Lies over Truth. Murder over Safety. Crisis over Peace.When a winner loses everything will he become villain or victim?Chaker Khazaal traveled through Europe and the Middle East in 2015 talking to refugees about their different experiences. Inspired by various stories comes a descriptive narrative of the plight of refugees, presented in this romantic thriller novel. The story focuses on the very dark world of displacement - war, human trafficking, terrorism, organ trafficking, and the exploitation of the desperate - while humanizing refugees in this love story.
Queen Of The Unknown The tales tell of three sisters, daughters of the high king. The eldest, a valiant warrior-woman, heir to the kingdom. The youngest, the sweet beauty with her Prince Charming. No one says much about the middle princess, Andromeda. Andi, the other one. Andi doesn't mind being invisible. She enjoys the company of her horse more than court, and she has a way of blending into the shadows. Until the day she meets a strange man riding, who keeps company with wolves and ravens, who rules a land of shapeshifters and demons. A country she'd thought was no more than legend--until he claims her as its queen. In a moment everything changes: Her father, the wise king, becomes a warlord, suspicious and strategic. Whispers call her dead mother a traitor and a witch. Andi doesn't know if her own instincts can be trusted, as visions appear to her and her body begins to rebel. For Andi, the time to learn her true nature has come. . .
What if every story you'd ever heard was true? Jack killed the giants. Red slayed the wolf. Rapunzel fled the tower. But the greatest one of all, had yet to be told. Once upon a time, the magical Kingdom of Avalon was left to wither and die after the Snow Queen encased it in ice. Its former citizens are now refugees. Which is why crown prince Alex and his protectors are stuck in... Arizona. Tala Makiling has lived her life as an outsider. Her family curse, the one that's doomed her to be a spellbreaker, someone who destroys magic, hasn't won her too many friends. Except Alex, who trusts her and her family to keep his royal identity a secret. And then one night, a famous creature of legend, the Firebird, appears in their tiny town, reigniting hope for their abandoned homeland. Alex and Tala team up with a ragtag group of new friends to journey back to Avalon. Their path is filled with danger—from deadly prophecies, to terrifying ice wolves, a traitor among them, and the Snow Queen herself. But if they succeed... their story would be legendary. "A great read for fans of fairy tales, myths and legends... Come for the adventure, stay for the sassy jerkwad firebird."—Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series Gripping, fantastical, and delightfully funny, Wicked As You Wish is perfect for readers looking for: young adult magic, mythology, and folklore LGBTQ representation diverse characters creative new takes on classic stories fresh and dazzling world building Praise for Wicked As You Wish: "Glorious."—Shelf Awareness "Combining legends, myths, fairy tales, and classic children's literature from Oz to Neverland, Chupeco (The Bone Witch) creates an enchanting story that is both a feast for the senses and a unique spin on the hero's journey...A nail-biting quest that introduces a gripping new series."—STARRED review, Publishers Weekly "...A truly original novel. A deftly executed melding of folklore and reality grounded in contemporary issues."—STARRED review, Kirkus
Snappsy the alligator is having a normal day when a pesky narrator steps in to spice up the story. Is Snappsy reading a book ... or is he making CRAFTY plans? Is Snappsy on his way to the grocery store ... or is he PROWLING the forest for defenseless birds and fuzzy bunnies? Is Snappsy innocently shopping for a party ... or is he OBSESSED with snack foods that start with the letter P? What's the truth? Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) is an irreverent look at storytelling, friendship, and creative differences, perfect for fans of Mo Willems.
A soldier with a curse Tala lost her family to the empress's army and has spent her life avenging them in battle. But the empress's crimes don't haunt her half as much as the crimes Tala has committed against the laws of magic . . . and her own flesh and blood. A prince with a debt Jimuro has inherited the ashes of an empire. Now that the revolution has brought down his kingdom, he must depend on Tala to bring him home safe. But it was his army who murdered her family. Now Tala will be his redemption - or his downfall. A detective with a grudge Xiulan is an eccentric, pipe-smoking detective who can solve any mystery - but the biggest mystery of all is her true identity. She's a princess in disguise, and she plans to secure her throne by presenting her father with the ultimate prize: the world's most wanted prince. A thief with a broken heart Lee is a small-time criminal who lives by only one law: Leave them before they leave you. But when Princess Xiulan asks her to be her partner in crime - and offers her a magical animal companion as a reward - she can't say no, and soon finds she doesn't want to leave the princess behind. This band of rogues and royals should all be enemies, but they unite for a common purpose: to defeat an unstoppable killer who defies the laws of magic. In this battle, they will forge unexpected bonds of friendship and love that will change their lives - and begin to change the world.
Sahara - the final installment of the Confessions of a War Child trilogy. "Fear is the only feeling that deters us from making our dreams come true." "Was it more important to live a dream than to fulfill one?" - Paralyzed by fear. Consumed with guilt. Defenseless. - Inspired by true stories, the final journey twists, and turns - at full throttle - along a bumpy trail of conspiracy, conflict, and emotion. The power of love vs. the love of power - a potent mix when intertwined with a deadly confession. A traitorous spy. His beautiful wife. Secrets and lies. One knife. Two hearts. Each stab wound brings a 'flash of life'. Their love unravels in a warm pool of blood. This was a tragic murder-suicide. A lost and broken soul, he lived his life with a dream but without a goal. He navigates his way to the World of the Dead. Searching for his beloved wife Sahara - so named after her country of birth - he casts his eyes down to his beloved homeland Sahara. Witnessing the revolution from afar - death and destruction brought about by his hand - she is the only Sahara that matters. Focused on world events, the rise of terrorist acts, ongoing troubled times in the Middle East, and inspired by true narratives of war children, Confessions of a War Child - Sahara blends fiction with real-time conflict. Narrated by a new character in the trilogy, his presence is felt from Chapters "Revelation" to "Confession." Joining others from the previous novels, their unique mix of mystery, murder, and romance has now come to an end ... or has it? Chaker Khazaal's Confessions of a War Child trilogy, inspired by current world events, Sahara is a timeless and compelling exploration of revelation, repercussion, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Enjoy the final journey." (Elissa, International Singer & MBC The X Factor Judge)
Wolf shifter children attend human public school for the first time. What could go wrong? With the king's tentative approval, Terrell, the youngest wolf shifter alpha in the world, sends the pack children to public school after Child Protection Services investigates the ranch for never registering their kids. But Terrell's concern over attending school with human students is overshadowed with worries for their safety when he finds other shifters attending the school. Buck, the future alpha of the outcast pack, isn't happy when outside wolves start attending his school. Who are they? How does their presence affect his pack? When the two teen-aged alphas collide, who wins? Who loses? The Tala Ridge Shifters Series is a spin-off of the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Series.
Growing up in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, Chaker Khazaal's mission was to escape displacement and find his rightful place in the world. This detailed glimpse into his life takes you on an exciting adventure from the Middle East to North America and beyond. All will be revealed in Chaker's pursuit of success - a journey of internal psychological conflicts. Ouch!Denied entry to his homeland in February 2020, Chaker returns to Beirut and liaises remotely with a team of lawyers to contest Israel's decision. Coincidentally, Covid-19 starts to force lockdowns around the world. Chaker quickly adapts to the restrictions and continues his involvement in a variety of global projects. Meanwhile, the world is struggling to comprehend the unprecedented occurrences taking place - from the Lebanese revolution to the Black Lives Matter protests - culminating in the Beirut Port blast on August 4, 2020. Although Chaker survives the fourth-largest explosion in the world, can he overcome his mental struggles? During the lockdown, Adam, a Palestinian waiter at the Smallville Hotel, develops a friendship with Chaker. Amid the chaos and tension, their inexplicable connection leads to an astonishing climax that no reader will ever foresee. In this psychological thriller, Chaker's painful secret is finally revealed. Ouch!
An Uneasy Marriage, An Unholy Alliance. The exciting conclusion to the story begun in The Mark of the Tala! The introverted, awkward middle princess is now the Sorceress Queen, Andromeda-and she stands at the precipice of a devastating war. For Andi, the time to grow into her true power has come. . .
