Publisher: Alien Ebooks
Delia Jones endures the relentless cruelty of her husband, Sykes, in a small Florida town. As a hardworking washwoman, she finds solace in her routine and the church, despite Sykes's abusive behavior and infidelity. When Sykes brings a deadly rattlesnake into their home to terrorize her further, Delia's fear transforms into a cold, determined rage.
Ryūnosuke Niihara was born in Kyōbashi, Tokyo in Japan on the 1st March 1892. Sadly, his mother suffered severe mental illness after his birth and so, at only eight months old, he was sent to be raised by his maternal uncle and aunt, from whom he received the Akutagawa family name. He was fascinated by classical Chinese literature from his early years and began writing after entering what was then the Tokyo Imperial University in 1913 to study English Literature. The following year Akutagawa and his friends revived the literary journal ‘New Currents of Thought’ which published their own works and translations of such icons as W B Yeats and Anatole France. Akutagawa published "Rashōmon" in 1915 and whilst it was disliked by his friends everyone else knew better. As other short stories followed so did his growing literary reputation as the father of the Japanese short story. Much of his work reinterpreted former classical works and incidents and this, melded with his strong dislike of naturalism, produced a writer of rare and genuine quality. His character palette featured strong and domineering women, mainly based on his mother and the aunt who helped raise him. In 1921, he spent four months in China as a reporter. Whilst there his health was compromised by several illnesses and both his physical and mental health spiralled downwards. He began to suffer from hallucinations and dreaded that he might have inherited his mother’s mental disorders. Although he survived one suicide attempt Ryūnosuke Akutagawa died on the 24th July 1927 in Tokyo from an overdose of Veronal, a barbiturate. He was 35. 1 - Ryunosuke Akutagawa - A Short Story Collection - An Introduction 2 - In A Grove by Ryunosuke Akutagawa 3 - Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa 4 - The Cold by Ryunosuke Akutagawa 5 - The Mine Cart by Ryunosuke Akutagawa 6 - The Socialist by Ryunosuke AkutagawaShow book
Award-Winning Author Pens a Unique Southern Tale When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just 14 years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her was filled with gold. And when he died 50 years later, he made her promise to keep his secret. She is to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contains. Now 94, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she's kept that secret. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story. His friend who joins him only wants to find the location of the gold. Neither of them knows quite who they're up against when it comes to the old woman on the mountain. As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. After all, how long is one bound by a promise? But the truth of what's really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.Show book
A beautiful story following two troubled men, separated by nearly a century, bound by the ghosts of their past When George Allenby is put in charge of building a lake in the grounds of an imposing Irish manor house, he intends to do the job as swiftly as possible and return to Belfast. Allenby is still wrestling with his time as an officer during the First World War, burdened by the many things he could have done differently. Almost a century later, Alex and Ellie are preparing for their wedding, sparing no expense to hire a venue overlooking the very lake Allenby built all those years ago. Like Allenby before him, Alex is haunted by decisions he made in the past. Now, with the wedding drawing ever closer, he is at a crossroads. Telling the truth might free him from his guilt; it might also take away everything he cares about, including Ellie. In this masterful portrait of love and betrayal, David Park reveals the many ways the past seeps into the present: destructive, formidable, but also hopeful, in the moments of fragile beauty that remain.Show book
💥💥The grand finale in JC Duncan's epic Last Viking adventure series featuring 👑Harald Hardrada ⚔️ Must-read for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Peter Gibbons and Matthew Harffy ⚔️ Born to be king. Destined to die for glory. 1066 AD, Norway Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, the Thunderbolt of the North, reigns supreme; undefeated on the battlefield and unchallenged at home. His banner, Land-Waster, flies triumphant everywhere he marches. Everything that was stolen from his brother, King Olaf, has been regained. But power does not satiate. Glory does not fill the empty void in an ambitious heart. Victory is an elixir that runs dry no matter how freely it flows. No matter the height on which the triumphant stand, there, in the corner of his eye, is the glitter of another conquest. Harald has achieved more than any man of his time, but fate is not done with him. His destiny lies on the banks of a quiet river in England’s green and pleasant land - Stamford Bridge. To finish his great story, to forge the empire he always desired, all the last Viking conqueror must do is defeat a worthy opponent; King Harold of England, and seize his country and his crown. His life changed nations. His death will change the world. The thrilling conclusion in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada 'The Last Viking'. A formidable warrior king known for his military prowess, ambition, and ruthlessness. ** 💥Praise for J C Duncan💥: 'Harald Hardrada as you've never seen him before! A fantastic story written by a fantastic author' - Donovan Cook 'Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity' - Richard Cullen 'A fresh, vibrant take on perhaps that most Viking of all Vikings, Harald Hardrada. Bloody, epic and full of detail, Duncan paints a vivid picture of Harald’s early life, as he battles his way into legend' - Matthew Harffy 'The gripping tale of the last great viking, Harold Hardrada, told in compelling style' - Tim Hodkinson 'An engrossing, epic tale brimming with historical detail and brave daring - the story of a legend' - MJ Porter 'Fantastic, a magnificent series. I have loved each book. Can’t wait to read the next in series. If you love stories of bravery and adventure you must get this!' - Reader Review 'A truly fantastic series. A must for historical fiction fans. If you haven't read JC Duncan's telling of Hardrada yet you really are missing out.' - Reader Review 'Excellent again. The pace continues on from the last book and once again it is very hard to put down. It's full of lies, decete and just flat out Brutal violence some that even makes you cringe but it is just a fantastic read.' - Reader Review 'Wow wow wow!!! This was such a ride. The character development and world building was top notch. This is a must read!!' - Netgalley ReviewerShow book
Sir John Hawkwood is not getting any younger but he is now the supreme condottiero, not only in Italy but the whole of Europe. When the two rival popes try to manipulate him he has to use new skills to outwit them. He finds himself facing almost insurmountable odds when he is attacked by the Milanese and Veronese. He faces defeat at Castagnaro but his mind is as sharp as ever. Sir John Hawkwood shows his rivals why he is the best.Show book
In "Nicholas Nickleby Volume 2," Charles Dickens continues the captivating journey of young Nicholas, a beacon of resilience in a callous Victorian society. As he battles oppressive adversaries and navigates complex familial bonds, Nicholas ultimately seeks justice and love. Overflowing with Dickensian wit and richly drawn characters, this tale weaves themes of perseverance and moral fortitude, resonating across generations with its timeless struggle for integrity and compassion.Show book
