Bøger udgivet af Balance of Seven

"Every book lover says it at one time or another, don't they? That they want to read 'all the books'?"In 1960, junior editor Dottie Barber is up to her elbows in the slush pile of a New York publishing house. All of Dottie's friends and colleagues know her to be a book lover through and through, but what they don't know is that she has a special intuitive ability to understand pieces of a writer's life just by reading their words.Only one writer has ever baffled Dottie's empathic understanding: the mysterious author of brilliant stories submitted to the publishing house with no endings and no name. Every day, Dottie looks for a new envelope from the author, but each submission only adds to her bittersweet frustration.Nearly sixty years later, the mystery remains unsolved. Dottie's career in publishing has amassed her a wealth of bookish friends, part ownership in a bookstore, and an enormous private library full of treasures and secrets, yet she still yearns to uncover the identity of the unknown author. She's well into retirement when she meets Jim, a young playwright living in the basement apartment of her building. Despite being at opposite ends of their respective stories, the two become fast friends. Together, they search for the perfect reader-one who can help them finally decipher the author's identity.A braided narrative of interconnected lives and stories, Bookstories is an ode to the authors, editors, publishers, librarians, booksellers, and countless others who make up the ecosystem of books. After all, it takes a world of people to bring about a world of books.

Father against daughter, sister against sister.It's only been a month since Telese's life was torn apart. Once Lead Diplomat among her sister Sirens, Telese now spearheads a rebellion against her father-the ruthless Eternal Being, Alexandros. Though her efforts have resulted in little more than deep sacrifice and grief, she finds hope in a mysterious, pulsing purple stone left to her as a last gift of love.To save Sirens and humans alike from Alexandros's cruelty, Telese and her allies must deepen their connection to the Dark World. While one sister trades decades of servitude for much-needed weapons, Telese conspires with Mortimer-an obnoxious Dark Lord she's beginning to see as . . . almost human.When the Dark One himself requests Telese's presence, she discovers a secret that brings her face to face with her inner darkness. Clutching the secret close, she abandons her human friend, Eric, on his dangerous quest for the knowledge that could save them all.As the rebellion progresses around its axis, can Telese maintain her integrity? Or will she succumb to the shadow within, becoming the very monster she seeks to defeat?

In this late age, seasons have lost their steady cadence, and the Pomegranate Moon rises over the Mountain.In the Season of Shadows, a silver light is cast by a moon crowned with an ominous rainbow mist-the Pomegranate Moon. A small, fearful village crouches below, hidden in the shadow of a forbidden sacred mountain rumored to be the gate to Faerie.Out of the darkness emerges Elsinore-a dancer in a brightly colored dress and rainbow shawls. While she drums a hypnotic beat and dances with floating flames, the townsfolk watch and wonder over her origin and identity-mysteries Elsinore herself seeks the key to.A hallowed priestess and sorceress, Elsinore has spent a lifetime embracing the woman she has always known herself to be. But deep within, the painful enigma of her youth keeps her shackled to the past, haunted by guilt and grief. Disregarding the whispers and ancient warnings, Elsinore descends into the heart of the Mountain, seeking the final truths of her identity.Will Elsinore uncover what she needs to become whole, or will she lose herself to the Mountain?

Wielder and blade. One heart together.Spring 2011. Surveying the ruins of her wife's hometown, River Victoria Eginian felt useless. Still adjusting to her cybernetic prostheses-the result of career-ending combat wounds-amid coming out as trans, life was already a challenge. She hated being on the sidelines of the recovery efforts spearheaded by the Japanese and US militaries, but soon she met the local combat dolls-cybernetic beings honed in both softness and sharpness-leading the way in clearing debris and finding survivors in places that no human could reach. River felt envious, but she also saw a path to new wholeness and purpose.River's wife, Dr. Isawa Kasu-the daughter of a long, proud line of warrior-scholars from Japan's northern Tohoku region-was raised to be her demanding father's heir apparent as both head of family and director of the powerful Santaku Group. Abandoning the crushing role to be true to herself as a trans woman, she wore the name kasu-"e;dregs"e;-as a badge of honor. A brilliant cyberneticist and hands-on leader, Kasu leaped headfirst into helping her wife remake herself as a blue-haired combat doll with a new name: River M59A1.Spring 2022. Yui a -633, a retired combat doll, runs a bakery with her spouse in Sendai. With a chassis made by the defunct Nogami Corporation, Yui struggles to keep herself alive and her doors open. With no continued support or maintenance from her manufacturer and the rising costs of Nogami parts, which only appear from time to time in unseemly aftermarkets, it seems inevitable that Yui and thousands of other Nogami-type combat dolls will eventually be forced out of existence.Embracing their roles-Kasu as Wielder, River as blade-the couple fight as one heart together to bring justice and wholeness to those most in need.

"e;Pain is pain. It all hurts the same."e;Inflicted with dark desire, one man chooses between idyllic pretense and disturbing reality. Haunted by the silence of deep space, an engineer chases an eerie melody. Torn between penance and pride, a dishonored prince challenges the course of history.Suffering cracks our hearts and splinters our minds. It scars and alters us in irreversible ways. Yet while pain breaks us apart, it also binds us together. Our broken pieces can never rejoin as they once were, but they fit together to create new and distinctive wholes. Like the Japanese art of kintsugi, we can fill the velvety darkness of our scars with gold.Inflicted with life, an intelligent machine questions the illogic of family. Tempted by the desire to die, a shop clerk confronts the promise of his life. Offered the chance to transform his disfigurement, a ruined being looks to the smallest of lives for acceptance.An amalgamation of science fiction and fantasy subgenres, Inflicted invites you to peer into your own pain, examine your scars, and remember you are not alone. Pain binds us all, and how we face our brokenness redefines us. Immerse yourself in the brokenness of others and come away with a new understanding of self.

"People who only see the bad call us cursed. Now I have a chance to change that narrative."A noblewoman struggles to mind her manners when a pack of brutes manhandles her silks.A strategist weighs the growth of her career against the fate of her humanity.A deadly huntress questions her ability to serve as a kind, gentle leader.Fearing execution, a sweet-natured jeweler hides a dark secret.Journey into the world of Dragons Within and dance with a fire that flows through the veins of powerful women. Often viewed as evil and destructive, dragons lend their strength to aid their friends and loved ones. Similarly, certain traits in women are touted as unacceptable or taboo, but the women in this anthology claim those traits for their own good and the good of those around them.A lonely healer takes on the burdens of a troubled lake and the sorrowful spirits therein. A hapless lady taken to sea turns the tide from victim to victor. A self-conscious accountant dares to delve into desires that break the rules. A puppy lover with a short fuse takes on the Underworld with a quirky conviction.Powerfully crafted by twelve new and emerging speculative fiction authors, these tales shine a beacon of hope in the face of condemnation, giving others the courage to chase their dreams with scorching determination and impenetrable resolve. Shedding their fear, the women of Dragons Within approach the all-consuming black blaze and . . .embrace their fire.

Good to the Last BiteEighteen-year-old Josh Buckmilter knows what he wants: to level up his life. Go to college (+4 INT), get a steady job (+50 GOLD), and marry his dream girl, Harriet (+20 LUK). In other words, he wants a normal life, something he missed out on growing up.But college is an epic boss battle he's not ready for yet, not without some grinding. So while he saves money delivering pizzas in a car held together by duct tape and dreams, most of his thoughts center around gaming, pizza, and Harriet.As far as Josh is concerned, pizza is a goddess and Harriet is her handmaiden. Much as he wants to, he can't summon the courage to ask her out. But he's not worried. With a little more grinding, he's sure he'll get there.Until he gets a phone call that changes the game.In his town, a long-abandoned mansion sits at the top of a hill. Kids sometimes sneak in with their friends for thrills, and it's known as a frequent party spot for the high schoolers.Only, it isn't abandoned anymore. Word around town is, a glamorous young couple has moved in: beautiful, suave, and wealthy.Most importantly, the new tenants are hungry.And they've called for a pizza delivery boy.

Beneath the streets, a feral fury stirs.Concertgoer, soul hunter, fiery redhead, wielder of weapons and wit: Fia Drake is many, many things. One thing she is not? Helpless.But when demons separate her and her low-key love interest, Max Hawkins, she is powerless to prevent them from torturing him-or worse.Fighting her way through the city's underbelly with grit and fire, Fia is painfully aware that the clock is ticking. And apart from Max's well-being, she has two other major problems on her plate.Problem #1She's got a traitor on her tail, and she still can't pin down who it is.Problem #2A deal with a boss demon threatens to turn sour if she can't keep her head in the game.In this energetic and explosive conclusion to the Fia Drake, Soul Hunter Series, every second counts. She must ensure Max's release, find her traitor, and keep up her end of the demon bargain-all while keeping her rage in check. Can Fia gain the advantage in time-or will her hands be shackled for eternity?

The hunt is on: who is the predator; who is the prey?Convents, crossbows, and creeps-all in a day''s work when it comes to hunting damned souls. Quick-witted and always on the go, Fia Drake''s whole life has revolved around independence.Now that independence is being threatened. First it was a fiery phoenix breaking through her window. Now, it''s a shimmering, winged being beckoning her back to the community she left in her teens. Worse yet, she is asked to become a mentor to a new generation of soul hunters.If it were up to her, she would just skip town.Unfortunately, two complications prevent her from leaving:Complication #1: A message from the tarot reveals someone close is plotting against her, and the best way to uncover a traitor is to stand by their side.Complication #2: The drummer in her bed isn''t going away. Max Hawkins, her unrelenting knight in scuffed sneakers, refuses to let her fight alone.With a shot of liquid courage and a blessed tattoo, can Fia work out who''s hunting her-or will it all end in flames?

Fia Drake hunts the souls of the damned, wielding a crossbow and both physical and emotional distance. When unknown enemies and allies start appearing, Fia is forced to get up close and personal, to both demons and a mysterious drummer. The break in her routine leads to potentially deadly mistakes.

Featuring stories by Celosia Crane, Kimberly Gail, Hayley Green, Kristine Haecker, Shannon McRoberts, Finn OMalley, Leo Otherland, D. Marie Prokop, Jess Reece, Theda Vallee, Deana Rose Wilson, and Amanda Mills Woodlee. Introduction by Dorothy Tinker. Cover Art by Eben Schumacher.';I am dragon. I am free. You are mine to protect.'===A truth-seeker becomes imbued with the power to tip the scales of justice.A headstrong privateer tempers her courage in the heart of a violent storm.A pair of mittens leads to a family history rich with dragons.Sparks fly when a chronically single pilot finally meets her match.Enter the world of Dragons Within: a place where woman and dragon are one in the same: reigning strong, fierce, and free. Forging bonds with the world of mankind, these unconquerable beings discover a love for the vulnerable, the fragile, the broken.A pregnant goddess seeks refuge for her children during war. A telepathic soldier finds the courage to claim her humanity. A dragon in human form uses her gifts to protect abuse victims in need. A girl chases a soldier through a desert wasteland to find her missing brother.Featuring twelve new and emerging speculative fiction writers, this power-driven book delves deep into the journey from treasure hunter to guardian, mercenary to savior, fire-breather to martyr. Transforming rage into righteousness, the women of Dragons Within claim their people, pledging their lives to...guard their own.

Featuring stories by Nyri Bakkalian, Charleigh Brennan, Celosia Crane, K. A. Fox, Patrisha Harrigan, Ynes Malakova, Dorothy Tinker, and Sarah Windsor. Introduction by Debbie Burns. Cover Art by Kali A Moulton.“I have lived alone for so long, but now that I have found you, I no longer wish for that cold existence.”A wounded Texas Ranger is sheltered by an ostracized healer. A vengeful wasteland warrior finds comfort with a colorful streetwalker. An information dealer promises life to a desperate outlaw chasing death.Rogues and Wild Fire is a beautifully crafted collection of speculative fiction stories featuring world-weary men and women with cracks in their hearts—and the steadfast rogues who rekindle their passions. The scars of former hurts fade as the couples join their beautiful, fiery spirits in body and soul.With hunters and witches, humans and shape-shifters, detectives and demons, seers and soothsayers, and soldiers from two eras, these tales illustrate the bliss that is possible when the past is overcome and love spreads unbridled and free—like wild fire.

When Chaos threatens their minds, what will become of their hearts?When Gemini Cosley and King Ferez Katani fell asleep on the night of Mid-Season, the newly courting pair was happy. True, secrets still hang between them, but Gemi and her bondmates agreed that Mid-Season was for enjoying themselves and the telling of secrets could be saved for another day.Unfortunately, that other day will not be soon. When everyone wakes the next day, Gemi is missing, her bondmates remember neither her nor each other, and the king believes himself to be the farmer he's pretended to be for half a season. Worse yet, as those who know the truth struggle to rectify the situation, Chaos breaks out across Evon, threatening the gods as much as the world they rule. Even if her allies do manage to save Gemi from their enemies, can they save her from herself? Or will they be forced to abandon her to the power that threatens both her and Evon's lost king?

War wants to play The Game, but Peace doesn't remember the rules.A month ago, Ferez Katani, young king of Evon, agreed to travel anonymously with James Caffers, advisor to the united rebellious groups. Despite their growing friendship, Ferez still hasn't learned his companion's most well-kept secret: James is actually a girl and the only remaining heir to the duchy of Kensy, Gemini Cosley.In addition to the secrets still hanging between them, the recent revelation of a powerful, otherworldly enemy named Markos follows them into Zhulan. Here, they join the nomad clans as they face a poison spreading through the province's cities. Along with their constant companionsthe young dragon, Flame Tongue; the warrior mare, Last Chance; and the facetious stallion, Shadow Racercan they find peace for themselves and the province, or will Zhulan fall to the poisonous gift of War?