A secret program in the United States seeks to replace human militaries with artificial intelligence-driven machines, but the machines aren't so willing to play along. *** Picture a world where humans no longer fight wars. No more families missing loved ones. No more veterans with lifelong mental and physical scars. No more conscription. For the super-secret End of War Project inside the United States government, such a reality is already here. The project models out how artificial intelligence can overcome dangerous and morally sensitive war scenarios with algorithms and automation. The centerpieces are "autonomous combat machines," or ACMs, that look like humans but function like supercomputers. After a string of brilliant successes in the field of combat, the End of War Project is preparing to reveal itself to the public, but something unusual stands in the way. Against their programming, the ACMs start exhibiting all-too-human signs of apprehension, guilt and compassion as they're pushed to perform ever more extreme tasks. The human leaders of the End of War Project race to find who "hacked" the ACMs, but what they find is even more startling--and revealing--than they could ever imagine. ***2019 Watty Award Winner - Science Fiction***

"Ethan." Aiden pauses. "I want you." He softly bites my ear. "I want to kiss you more than you will ever know." Trying to avoid the daily beatings of the school bully can be challenging. But what happens if the schools bully has a crush on you?

"It all began in a blanketing fog, between a young boy and a strange dog." There is something strange about Alex's new school. Something really wrong with it's students. They whisper about him, make fun of him, and harass him before they ever try to get to know him. Everyone except the Tea Drinkers, that is. They welcome young, naive Alex with open arms. They take him in when everyone else avoided him like the plague. But something seems wrong with them, too. They are almost too nice. Too accepting. And they keep making these strange demands while their tea leaves poor Alex weak, dizzy, and confused. Then there's the strange dog that keeps stalking him--smiling at him like it knows something he doesn't. It comes coupled with a fog that descends into Alex's life, blinding him and stealing away the students around him. Little does Alex know, these people, creatures, and events are all connected -- all working with and against one another. Vying for control and dominance through any means necessary. And, little does Alex know, they all want a piece of him. ... (Rated M for Language) [COMPLETED]

This story is being republished on wattpad! The whole series in already on Amazon and Smashwords! Enjoy :D A chain and a collar can imprison a nobleman, but what could entrap a devil? Only the innocence of a fallen angel. Once upon a time, there was a very respectful and principled young man, named Nyx. He was a nobleman in all meanings of the word. He struggled to keep his late father's fishing business alive and protect his dear mother and older sister. Between the fishermen's schemes and the selfishness of his stepfather, his task was not an easy burden to carry. One day, the fates threw him into a dangerous predicament, only to find himself being saved by the devil. Agenor (Ah-gueh-nor), Captain of the Martina pirate crew. He was strong and ruthless, which earned him a reputation across both shadowed waters and guarded islands as the 'Devil'. When the young nobleman fell into his hands, Agenor couldn't help but be enchanted by the innocent angel. He was inexplicably drawn to him. He didn't ponder much on his actions, as he was guided by a burning need to keep him for himself. It was within his rights to have the man for himself, to chain him and abuse him. He didn't listen to Nyx's pleas, or couldn't. He repeatedly denied him any chance of freedom. For deep within him, he knew. Nyx was his. This story depicts Nyx's adventure as he struggles to live among pirates, avoid their bullying and harassment, and witness his own feelings take unexpected turns towards his captor. I hope you enjoy the sexy pirates and the innocent lamb caught in between. Themes and warnings: This story is +18 Expect adult themes and graphic content. This novel is an adult, gay romance, general fiction. It depicts themes such as piracy, abuse, rape, romance, manxman, gay, travel, sail, adventure, angst, and love.

What is new about how teenagers communicate through services such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Do social media affect the quality of teens' lives? In this eye-opening book, youth culture and technology expert danah boyd uncovers some of the major myths regarding teens' use of social media. She explores tropes about identity, privacy, safety, danger, and bullying. Ultimately, boyd argues that society fails young people when paternalism and protectionism hinder teenagers' ability to become informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens through their online interactions. Yet despite an environment of rampant fear-mongering, boyd finds that teens often find ways to engage and to develop a sense of identity. Boyd's conclusions are essential reading not only for parents, teachers, and others who work with teens but also for anyone interested in the impact of emerging technologies on society, culture, and commerce in years to come. Offering insights gleaned from more than a decade of original fieldwork interviewing teenagers across the United States, boyd concludes reassuringly that the kids are all right. At the same time, she acknowledges that coming to terms with life in a networked era is not easy or obvious. In a technologically mediated world, life is bound to be complicated.

For years he was despised, loathed and hated. Those very emotions became him as he fled, vowing to never return and to be used as a spawn. But life has a funny way to put us in situations we despise, he had to return to the very thing he despised to carry out the duties which were rightfully his. She was taught to be a lady, one of status. Her sole purpose in life was to provide heirs for her future husband, nothing more, nothing less. And that is what she lived by, what she believed, until he came along....... He stirs feelings inside of her she never knew existed. She awakens feelings he thought he had buried long ago. Together, they discover each other. But old enemies are plotting. Could their beginning be their end?

Twelve-year-old Carmen has a secret: she can talk to her cat Grim. But the powerful Brotherhood has banned pets, and the penalty is death. Ward is the most wanted boy in the world. The only thing standing between him and the hangman's noose is master criminal Saint Nick. In exchange for Nick's protection, Ward must find the long-lost horn called the Oliphant, said to have the power to wake legendary beings known as the Sleepers, whom Nick believes can aid him in his guerilla war against the Brotherhood. This leads Ward to Carmen, whose family has a long and mysterious association with the Oliphant. Ward and Carmen are soon hot on the trail of the horn, but the Brotherhood are closing in on Carmen's family. Ward and Carmen realise that waking the Sleepers may be the only thing that can save Carmen's parents from certain death. If only they knew how. FOR READERS WHO LIKED Scarlett & Browne - Jonathan Stroud Fly By Night - Frances Hardinge His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman