Sadistic Shorts - Tales from the Devil's Drawers Don't look out the window and, for goodness sake, don't open the door. Keep it tightly shut and bolted and...no, wait, perhaps you might need to escape in a hurry from something-or someone-already inside. Perhaps it is too late, for here are horrors too gruesome to behold alone on a stormy night, when the lights are flickering and the tree limbs are scratching against the shutters. A collection of stories of lies and deception; of cold-blooded killers; hot-tempered sailors; masochistic victims, and grotesque monsters from the past will bring your worst fears slithering after you as you scramble to get away. Here are sharp knives, last words, deeply-digging shovels, broken glass, wrecked cars, torn bodies, and shattered lives. Here are hellish demons, witches, ghosts, creatures of the night, strangers wreaking destruction, and the ones closest to you that you never saw coming. Here are twisted endings to keep you forever hoping for the dawning light of a new day. It may never come, for here are... Dig Set Spike Block Serve, Ground Rate, and Retention by William G. Sells Jigsaw, and The Summoning by Michael Koogler Liana by T.J. Lord Liar by Dan Otsuki Adding it Up by V.K. Schilling The White Squirrel by Jed Q. Peterson The Audition by Dennis W. Green The Broken People by Drew Wood The Puzzle Piece Person by William Whitehurst The Battle of the Ageless by Brian Wood and Frank LaVoie My Heart Swims in Blood: The Cerro Brujo Diary by L.G. Daleney

F or hundreds of years magic has been out of use in the known Empires. That suddenly changes with the onset of a mysterious storm that lays waste to the grand city of Kelmist, capital of the Treynen lands. Social outcast and part-time pirate Niema, along with her dedicated first mate, the ever-grim minotaur Sateb, are sailing toward the city just as the destruction begins, and are witnesses to the devastation. Meanwhile, a Treynen Ranger named Tristan and his unusual companions, a comical, color-changing dragon and a dog of unusual proportions, rush to the West Gates of the city after they see the storm from deep within Panic Wood. The two unique parties meet in the city, now left without inhabitants and smoldering in a static haze. Together, they search for the cause of the night's events and track the lone survivor through the Eastern Empires, finding conflict and strife. Far away, Kree, an ambitious court sage, delves into the mysteries of lost magic and finds himself uncontrollably linked to the same man Tristan and the others follow with such driven purpose. In the midst of it all, the world's only magic resides in a man who can't remember his name, his origins, or anything of his power. Firesoul, Book One of The Empires of Magic takes readers on an adventure through the Eastern Empires as armies fight for unknown causes, magic and evil are born, and unlikely heroes join forces to discover the truth.

In this empowering and compassionate guide, "You Are Not Alone: A Teen's Guide to Overcoming Depression," we invite teenagers on a transformative journey to reclaim their lives from the grip of depression. Packed with practical advice, relatable stories, and powerful strategies, this book is an essential companion for any teen battling depression, or anyone seeking to support a loved one going through this challenging experience. Depression can make you feel isolated and overwhelmed, but rest assured, you are not alone. Drawing from the author's own personal journey and the collective wisdom of mental health professionals, this book provides a safe space for teens to explore their feelings, find hope, and discover the strength within them to rise above depression. "You Are Not Alone" is a guidebook that not only educates but also uplifts, acknowledging the uniqueness of each reader's struggles and offering tools to navigate the dark times. Through a blend of practical advice, gentle encouragement, and relatable anecdotes, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of depression: Gain insight into the causes, symptoms, and effects of depression, allowing you to better comprehend what you or your loved ones are going through. Strategies for self-care and coping: Discover a range of coping mechanisms, self-care practices, and mindfulness exercises that empower you to take charge of your mental well-being. Building a support system: Learn effective ways to communicate with friends, family, and professionals, enabling you to create a reliable network of support. Resilience and hope: Uncover the resilience that lies within you as you explore stories of triumph and hope from others who have successfully battled depression. Taking action: Equip yourself with practical tools to set goals, develop healthy habits, and pursue a fulfilling life beyond depression. Remember, the first step towards overcoming depression is realizing that you don't have to face it alone. With "You Are Not Alone: A Teen's Guide to Overcoming Depression" as your companion, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Together, we can break the chains of depression and embrace a brighter future. Get your copy today and join the movement of teens rising above depression. You have the power to reclaim your life and thrive, because you are not alone.