Sample and discover the works of great up-and-coming science fiction and fantasy ebook authors.  Read up to 10,000 word samples here, then click to Smashwords to download additional samples, or to purchase the ebooks.

	The Blackness Within	by Gill Ainsworth Sep. 05, 2010	$4.99	73069 words	Sample 25%
	From Africa to Australasia, from Europe to the US, take a terrifying journey led by world-renowned and up-and-coming authors of horror. See how Moccus, the Celtic God of fecundity, brings His barbaric brutality to the twenty-first century.
	Apex Magazine - September 2010 (Issue 16)	by Apex Publications Sep. 04, 2010	$2.99	17885 words	Sample 25%
	Dark SF, horror, and dark fantasy from popular writers of the genre. “L'esprit de L'escalier” By Peter M. Ball “Portage” By An Owomoyela “each thing i show you is a piece of my death” By Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer POETRY —§— “The Chorus of Dead Girls” By JoSelle Vanderhooft “Ghosha” By Shweta Narayan
	The Applications of Sorcery	by Paul Edwards Sep. 03, 2010	Free!	25658 words	Read a sample
	A sequel to my first novel The Principles of Sorcery. The hero battles dragons a crazy star ship captain and an evil genius as he explores a nexus to many different worlds.
	Blood Games	by Lee Killough Sep. 01, 2010	$4.99	91939 words	Sample 25%
	Vampire Garreth Mikaelian thought he had his existence all arranged. He is comfortably settled in a town where, his nature unknown to those around him, he works the night shift as a police officer. His blood comes in bottles. He has a routine and friends. But that peace is shattered when his fellow officer and sometime lover Maggie Lebekov is killed by a lethal trio playing escalating blood games
	Forever Never Ends	by Scott Nicholson Sep. 01, 2010	$2.99	98935 words	Sample 30%
	When an alien entity lands in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, a clairvoyant psychology professor, a drunken dirt farmer, and a disillusioned tycoon must team up to stop it before the infection spreads. A science fiction pulp thriller. Revised edition of 2003 paperback The Harvest.
	Jaefa Smiota	by K. J. Hargan Aug. 31, 2010	Free!	4527 words	Read a sample
	In glorious Lanis Rhyl Landemiriam, the capital of the dwindling elf kingdom, a young elf girl sets in motion a series of events that will have repercussions two thousand years later, as chronicled in the full length novel,The Last Elf of Lanis. This short story leads us through the wonders and magic of the last elvish city, millenia before its destruction.
	The Enemy in the Mirror	by Sandra Miller Aug. 31, 2010	$2.99	11472 words	Sample 50%
	Ellane Williams bitterly hates the aliens who are invading the Earth, but when she takes a stand against them she gets more than she bargained for. Join Ellane as she struggles with an unwelcome metamorphosis, an unwanted new identity, and the end of life as she knows it. To survive, we must all fight not to become the evil we oppose...
	Sci-Fi Series 2 (Simulator, Little Angels, Esperanza)	by Stan I.S. Law Aug. 31, 2010	Free!	17668 words	Read a sample
	Esperanza is a story about love. Earth will remain unlivable for many decades to come. Pollution, global warming, reached a point of no return. Jean chooses to spend the rest of her life imprisoned in a glass dome, looking after George—without possibility of reprieve. Others choose Esperanza.
	Beneath The Surface of Things	by Kevin Wallis Aug. 30, 2010	$4.99	79268 words	Sample 30%
	A homeless man trapped in a hell of his own making finds a reason to hope in "Redemption Song." A camping trip turns into a race for survival after the discovery of a bizarre artifact in "The Taking of Michael McConnolly." A man begins to question his sanity as patrons at a cafe begin to vanish one by one in "Charlie's Lunch." Over two dozen exceptional tales of terror.
	Love Factory	by Ashlynn Monroe Aug. 28, 2010	$1.99	5409 words	Sample 10%
	What if you could buy the perfect lover. At the Love Factory, you can. Karma has had it. She doesn’t want anything more to do with The Love Factory. But will one night with her business partner, Stefan change that?
	The Sword and the Dragon (Book One of The Wardstone Trilogy)	by M. R. Mathias Aug. 27, 2010	$11.88	235358 words	Sample 43%
	If you took every major epic fantasy that has ever been written and twisted them all into one fantastic tale of magic, sword play, and just plain old fantasy fun, you might get the first half of this monster of a read. The last half is a climax so thrilling that words can't even describe it. A new Master of Fantasy has arrived and he is delivering what fantasy fans have long been waiting for.
	Saving Faith: Beginning of The Acquisition	by ALM HLGH Aug. 27, 2010	$8.00	78299 words	Sample 15%
	This is a sci-fi adventure love story about Faith and Freewill. A modern day Virgin Mary and Joseph story follows a young predestined couple who are to become keepers of humanity’s faith and freedom to choose.
	The Copyleft Heart	by Ryan M. Williams Aug. 26, 2010	$0.99	4609 words	Sample 50%
	As a DM-1000 series android Clifford knows he lacks the smooth lines and grace of current androids. But when he sees a newer DF-3000 series gynoid wearing designer clothes he can't help but fall in love. Sharing his feelings, that's another problem.
	The Laroarian Conflict	by A. Jarrell Hayes Aug. 26, 2010	$3.99	61525 words	Sample 40%
	The magical kingdom of Laroar is without a ruler on the throne. Magicians, thieves, holy men, and others all fight for possession of the vacant throne. To achieve this end they will stop at nothing to obtain the Enigma Crystal, a powerful artifact said to contain the ability to change the entire world.
	Half Past	by C.S. Winchester Aug. 26, 2010	$9.99	62181 words	Sample 50%
	Employed by MI5 to police the supernatural community, Frankie Wright's life is far from normal but when the vampire, Joshua, asks for her help in tracking a vampire down, her life quickly begins to spiral out of control. Forced to stay away from her boyfriend, Frankie begins to realise just how important he is to her but deceived and betrayed by, she soon finds herself fighting for her life.
	The Crystal Cave	by Sandra Miller Aug. 26, 2010	$2.99	16028 words	Sample 50%
	Meet Taran. In a world where sorcery doesn't exist, young Taran is a sorcerer. He has a frightening, unique talent, powerful enemies and murderous vengeance to seek. Why was his hometown ruthlessly destroyed? Why does this bad luck continue to plague him wherever he goes? The answers await in the Crystal Cave.
	Try Not To Panic	by Tom Dillon Aug. 25, 2010	$0.99	6456 words	Sample 50%
	A darkly comic story about peering into the abyss--as it has been described on a 3"x5" notepad.
	Game Show	by Gregory Holden Aug. 25, 2010	$0.99	12073 words	Sample 35%
	Six friends traveling to the moon Titan become unknowing stars in a bizarre alien reality show and one must make an unusual choice for the other five before time runs out. A humorous and horrifying tale of friendship gone amiss.
	Sci-Fi Series 1 (Thirsty Work, The Acorn, Dare)	by Stan I.S. Law Aug. 25, 2010	Free!	12011 words	Read a sample
	If you suddenly feel an enormous weight pressing down on you, it’s probably too late. Your Umph is already inside an alien’s body. This should not scare you… “Absolutely brilliant! …a real classic, which leaves the reader wondering if we do really live on Planet Earth!” Louisa Middleton-Blake, author, Wales, UK. The other stories are about the love of life and the planet Earth.
	Frankenstein Remade	by Marly Shelley Aug. 25, 2010	Free!	78844 words	Read a sample
	Victoria Frankenstein is a driven researcher. So much so that she creates a breakthrough: a living woman. Thus begins her descent into horror, as she begins to understand just what she has done and the tragedy and terror it will bring all involved. A Gender Switch Adventure.
	Amnar: The Execution	by I J Black Aug. 25, 2010	Free!	56896 words	Read a sample
	At the heart of an ancient civilisation, a nightmare is brewing. Chosen to become the next leader of Amnar's greatest warriors, Arist is hated by almost everybody. Manipulative and hungry for power, she has started a campaign that will bring the entire civilisation to its knees. Her trick? She will use its own laws to do it.
	The Parable of Two Queens	by Mary E. Lowd Aug. 23, 2010	Free!	3580 words	Read a sample
	"The guards backed away, cautious, ready to intervene. The diplomat raised his eyebrows, hopeful. Unfortunately, the aliens didn't stay still for long. The Zi'rai representative launched herself at the Zee'nee, and their fight broke out again. N-jointed arms flailed and mandibles snapped. The four human guards flew into the fray and..."
	The Glyph Saga Book Two: Mad at Truth	by D. K. N. Yuko Aug. 23, 2010	$7.96	87207 words	Sample 30%
	Book 2 of 7. After the absconders make their Great Escape from the PUA, they are lost and clueless about life outside the silvery Gates. With the cruel onslaught of a natural winter imminent, they shed their royal guises and hide in a salvage yard on the Maurasian coast, making many allies. The PUA recruits outside the NQLC for replacements and launches a new LFW scheme.
	The Glyph Saga Book One: A Great Escape	by D. K. N. Yuko Aug. 23, 2010	$7.96	91675 words	Sample 30%
	The year was 2098, SF. The planet was Ecliptic Earth. The population was approximately two and a half billion, a combination of Humanoids, Androids, and Soligrams. The problem was an egocentric and overriding Oligarchy, a dimwitted Dictatorship, and a damaged Democracy, locked in a fierce and blatantly personal fight to stay afloat in a tumultuous, combative, broken civilization. Book 1 of 7.
	Kilaal's Sword	by Richard S. Wiggins, Jr. Aug. 23, 2010	$3.99	86172 words	Sample 25%
	For three hundred years man has held the sword used by elves to wage a devastating war against them. Now Lythael’s high priest, Cosis, must return it to the elves so its true destiny can be determined. His only aid will come from a scout, a man, Evals, who has secrets and destinies of his own. Even the gods don’t know what the truth is.
	Perpetual Casino	by Darryl Hicks Aug. 22, 2010	Free!	6468 words	Read a sample
	Todd, Flo, Jade, Lucy, Randy, and others return in this new eBook short. Flo is swimming in the hotel pool when her room explodes. The bomber soon has River City in an uproar. The returning characters are joined by Fred, Dooley, and a pair of Manolo high heel pumps.
	Seraphim Dust	by Ash Stirling Aug. 22, 2010	$0.99	8569 words	Sample 50%
	When a suburban warlock juices his gang up on a cocktail of drugs and magic, hell is unleashed on the streets. Ignored by the city elite and the cops, it is only crazies the like of Braeden Wolf, a man with wires in his veins and fire in his blood, who dare to take action. He is not alone though, joined by a man who may be even crazier than him, a man who has brought a sword to a gun fight.
	Complot à Khéo	by Jean-Patrick Mallinger Aug. 22, 2010	$10.65	80815 words	Sample 20%
	1997... Zone militaire interdite, l’île de Khéo dans l’Océan Indien est le « lieu de vacances » choisi par Jérôme, un jeune ouvrier français, pour y passer quelques jours de congés. S’attendant à rencontrer quelques indigènes vivant de cueillettes et de pêche, il va découvrir une tout autre réalité : une étrange communauté noire coupée du monde (...)
	The Barbarian Prince (Dragon Lords I)	by Michelle M. Pillow Aug. 21, 2010	$5.99	75149 words	Sample 5%
	Going undercover at Galaxy Brides as one of the prospective mates to these Viking-like barbarians, Morrigan has no intention of getting chosen to stay. But when Ualan of the Draig picks her to be his wife with the aid of his mystically glowing crystal, it is all she can do to say no.
	Il pittore del cielo	by Gabriele T Aug. 21, 2010	Free!	908 words	Read a sample
	"Il pittore del cielo" è un brevissimo racconto che narra senza pretese di realismo la storia di un ex meteorologo, impegnato in un'occupazione molto suggestiva. Sullo sfondo aleggia il tema dell'inquinamento atmosferico ed è prospettato uno scenario piuttosto inquietante per le generazioni future.
	Sacrifice	by Michael Brown Aug. 21, 2010	$2.99	17393 words	Sample 25%
	The ship came down hard. Simon could see the wreckage strewn out across a wide swath of the alien landscape. Both of them made it, but Samantha is still trapped inside. Their only hope lies in the chance he can make the aid station before the coming night. He is exposed and hurt. He has nothing to protect him from the sub-zero temperatures Samantha says are coming. He is their only chance.
	War of the Worlds Refought	by Hermione Georgina Wells Aug. 20, 2010	Free!	63814 words	Read a sample
	When Martians with their battle machines and Heat-Rays invade the Earth, will any women survive? Particularly when the aliens like to eat them! A Gender Switch Adventure.
	Shades of Gray #4 Sisters	by Kristie Lynn Higgins Aug. 20, 2010	$8.99	70544 words
	A truth? Or a lie? Had something from Kat's (the Pandora Project's) past been revealed, only to be taken back? What would she do to hang on to a sliver of hope? How far would Kat go to have what she truly wanted? Two stand in the balance. . . But only one can be . . . Kimberly Griffin (the Phoenix) was torn between what she wished to be true and what she feared she'd discover. What would she...
	Shades of Gray #3 Cerberus Versus Pandora	by Kristie Lynn Higgins Aug. 20, 2010	$8.99	74402 words	Sample 10%
	An unstoppable killer . . . An inevitable battle . . . In the third book of the Shades of Gray Series, Kat finds herself hunted by Cerberus, a Council experiment sent to kill her. Cerberus is faster and stronger than her. Can Kat survive the inescapable fight? An appalling truth . . . A grim decision . . . Kim discovers her father may have had something to do with her mother's murder. She...
	Of Spells and Demons	by Kenneth McDonald Aug. 20, 2010	$2.00	102143 words	Sample 50%
	A demon attacks an outlying settlement in the mage-kingdom of Sacreth. The wizard Keric Olwyhn is sent to track the source of the attack, along with a hand-picked team of elite Border Wardens. Armed with the most potent magic that Sacreth can provide, Keric and the Wardens must confront and overcome not only demons, but dark magic and treachery as they try to unmask the cabal behind the incursion.
	The Age of Psiber Knights Volume II: Silence Through the Thunder	by Thomas John Moscato Aug. 20, 2010	$2.99	67567 words	Sample 33%
	Sir Arthur Riddle is dispatched to the Caribbean to bring the notorious pirate Cage Lambert to justice. Far removed from the law found in the heart of the Empire, he must be prepared to make sacrifices he had never considered. Princess Crystal is sent to the other side of the world to investigate a conspiracy that threatens their very way of life.
	Apexology: Horror	by Apex Publications Aug. 19, 2010	$2.99	102070 words	Sample 50%
	Contained within are twenty-one stories to showcase the unique talents that Apex has published and employed in the past five years. Apexology: Horror contains work from two Campbell Award winners, a Hollywood screenwriter, a NYT Bestselling Author, Nebula and Hugo nominees, Stoker Award winners, and Mari Adkins!
	The Age of Psiber Knights: A Place to Rule	by Thomas John Moscato Aug. 19, 2010	$0.99	66515 words	Sample 33%
	In this alternate future the English defeated the American colonist uprising in 1776. By the year 2276 the British Empire spans over half the planet. Their only opposition is the Chinese Communist Collective but for now there is a tentative peace. Sir Arthur Riddle, a distant relative to the queen, struggles against forces trying to bring his life, loved ones, and country to ruin.
	The First Dragoneer	by M. R. Mathias Aug. 18, 2010	$1.00	20795 words	Sample 33%
	When two young men go on a hunt that they know will be the last hunt of their youth, they decide they want it to be an unforgettable outing. When they cross a ridge leaving the protection of their kingdom behind, they find a cavern that looks like it needs to be explored. In the cavern they find exactly what they were looking for. In this stoney hole lives something they will never forget!
	The Adventurion	by M. R. Mathias Aug. 18, 2010	$3.88	31733 words	Sample 50%
	Fizz and Rodger, two adolescent boys, get caught up in a cutting edge, virtual reality experiment. They are thrust into the surreal Ethernet where websites and internet game worlds actually exist. A dangerous on-line dragon hunt, and a gripping space battle are but a few of the thrills they find there. Rodger pushes his luck and gets caught by ethereal aliens and Fizz tries to save the day.
	The Wrong God	by Paul Guthrie Aug. 18, 2010	$7.99	109788 words	Sample 50%
	Since the beginnings of history people have believed in magic, but California science writer Andy Taggart is not one of them. Until the day that John Chalk, his old friend from grad school, makes a ballpoint pen rise to stand on end – untouched. From that moment Andy is caught up in John’s mystery. Why can John do things that other people can’t? And why does he think someone is watching him?
	Julhi Refed	by Cathan L. Moore Aug. 17, 2010	Free!	12591 words	Read a sample
	A Norawest Smith story. Norawest Smith is taken by the haunters of Vongg, strange alien vampires than cross the boundaries between worlds and dimensions in this strange city. They have other victims, too, as they hunt for the hot blood of human women. A Gender Switch Adventure.
	Collection of Short Stories	by Edward J Longo Aug. 16, 2010	$15.95	27407 words	Sample 10%
	Wonderfully orchestrated in both dramatic and humorous styles over a period of many years, this book was pieced together during the author’s research phase as a mental health practitioner. It was strongly suggested that this personal collection of stories might serve as a diversion for those seeking relief from the throes of daily life.
	Last Day In Leda	by Tara Loughead Aug. 15, 2010	Free!	4821 words	Read a sample
	The partnership is split. Bulays and Emar undertake a revealing interrogation on the Slave Ship on Space to try and get a lead on the Death Queen of Neptune’s cousin. Ghaavn takes a junior agent with him to ensure Hypatia’s safety—but they disappear. Lady Gerald finds help for Bulays—in the form of hired gun Norawest Smith. A series planetary romance. Bulays and Ghaavn #21
	MARS (Part Two)	by Anonymous 31062 Aug. 15, 2010	$0.99	6770 words	Sample 35%
	CLEAR SKIES. FIFTY-TWO DEGREES. PERFECT DAY FOR A LAUNCH: Mars. Earth. Reality. (Get ready to collide this year.)
	An Unforgiving Land: Big Momma	by Jason Walters Aug. 14, 2010	Free!	11852 words	Read a sample
	This story has been excerpted from ENnie-nominated author Jason S. Walters’ adult horror collection An Unforgiving Land by the publisher for promotional purposes. Feel free to share, reproduce, or distribute this story in any way you desire. The complete book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble Online, and directly from the publisher at www.blackwyrm.com. Warning: adult content.
	Le miroir aux kamis	by J.H. McAlister Aug. 14, 2010	$7.99	89574 words	Sample 15%
	Quel étrange message s'était affiché sur leur Iphone? Se pouvait-il que Franck soit encore vivant ? Sept ans après sa disparition mystérieuse au Japon... Les jumeaux étaient partis sans réfléchir sur les traces de leur père, et ils le regrettaient presque, confrontés à la plus incroyable des aventures, alors que les kamis légendaires s'éveillent pour les guider... ou les damner ?
	Just Because	by James Baker Aug. 14, 2010	$4.95	52644 words	Sample 25%
	James Bruce Baker was best known as the editor and publisher of ProMart Publishing, but he was more than that. Jim was also a poet, a novelist, a short story writer, and an opinionated essayist. Just Because is a collection of his stories, poems, and essays put together as a tribute to a man who did so much for the small press, and so much for many small press writers, poets, and artists.
	When Twilight Falls	by Gerard Whittaker Aug. 13, 2010	$4.00	170045 words	Sample 60%
	When a starship captain and an archaeologist from Earth meet two amazing women from Sayerass they must unite to understand and protect their new world. For the tides of cosmic war were fast approaching the forgotten world, nothing could stop it and very little would survive the onslaught. For when twilight falls on the longest night of the year mankind shall become but a legend.
	Vacations Don´t Always Work Out	by CD Moulton Aug. 13, 2010	$3.00	65724 words	Sample 50%
	Flight of the Maita #25. A demon on Tlorg is threatening the entire omniverse because of what it doesn´t know? Come on!