***Wattys 2020 Winner*** Rex Fletcher is caught up in a desperate race to unravel one of the most ancient mysteries of the world. ***** Rex and his motley group of friends travel across Europe trying to stay one step ahead of a megalomaniac that wants nothing more than to reshape history in his image. Can Rex connect the clues, save an old friend's life, and track down a historic relic in time? Or will he be forced to watch as the power of the gods falls into the wrong hands? Author's note: This is a sample. If you are interested in the full novel, you can find it on Amazon in paperback and ebook.

WATTYS WINNER 2020 Two interconnected murders, 64 years apart. One woman's search for truth and identity. Readers' comments: 'a masterpiece', 'impeccably written', 'amazing', 'superbly crafted page-turner', 'hauntingly beautiful', 'tremendous plot and character development', 'one of a kind', 'fantastic story telling', 'loved this book', 'a wonderful read", 'absolutely beautiful', 'brought tears to my eyes' and many more Wattys judging panel: 'This is VERY good. We were HOOKED from the beginning, and the writing and plot hold up throughout. This is a very unique, polished, well-written and well-researched piece.' Plot Set partly in rural England, partly on the sun-kissed coast of southerm Italy, The Painted Altar is a murder mystery mixed with romantic and historical elements (World War Two). Given away at two days old, Mary Rice has spent her life in the shadows. When discovering the suspicious circumstances surrounding her biological mother's death, she embarks on a journey which will shine a light not only on the truth but also on her own identity. Brief extract Suddenly, the door had inched open, half a wrinkled face visible behind the tautened chain. "Hello. Who is it?" The words I was going to say had of course been well-rehearsed, repeated over and over in my mind like a mantra, but now that the moment had arrived I found myself struggling to remember them. "Mrs Harvey... I think that you might... well, that you might be..." The door closed, then slowly opened once more, the chain this time unlatched. And there she was before me - half a metre away, within arm's reach. Thin lips gradually crooking upwards at each corner like the slow beatific kindling of a summer's dawn. "Oh yes love, I know who you are." Length: 70,000 words About the author: Originally from England but for the last 16 years I've been living in Italy. I hope therefore that the Italian aspects of the novel will have a certain gloss of authenticity.

[Soon by WATTPAD BOOKS] In the prestigious race of stars, Sozo must hide the truth of who she is or pay with her life, but her blossoming relationship with the most talented competitor threatens everything she's worked for. ***** Every ten years, the lucky chosen bond with stars and race to win a wish. Any wish. Sozo is one of the lucky chosen, but she has a secret: as an Omen -- cursed beings that can transform into monsters -- she's forbidden from competing. Discovery would mean her death. Can she hope to keep her identity a secret, let alone win the race, especially as the talented and sunny Naqi enters the picture? When Sozo is given an ultimatum, she has to choose: betray her Omen people, or betray the people who are slowly, surely, becoming like a family to her. --- WATTYS AWARD 2020 "Bar none, this was [Senior Editorial Specialist] Amanda's absolute favourite read from the Wattys this year. It makes you cry, just from pure, uncontainable joy, and the ending kept us reading until nearly 6am. Everything about this story is beautiful. We were astounded that anyone could create something so magnificent and moving and magical. This level of storytelling mastery will never not blow us away." [Word Count: 70,500]

When powerful witch Marithyda Skyelorn becomes a participant of the Royal Exposition, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with the Prince--or to be the cause of his death. ***** Every year, the kingdom of Karvoth hosts the Royal Exposition: a corrupt carnival where a race of citizens who possess powerful magic, known as the Touched, are exploited for the enjoyment of nobles. But when Marithyda Skyelorn's grand performance ends in tragedy and pits her against the deranged King, she must make the impossible choice between remaining in exile and participating again in the dangerous competition that ruined her life--to end it once and for all. (Book One of the Skyelorn Chronicles trilogy) [[2020 Watty's winner, Fantasy]] Content and/or Trigger Warning: Some scenes contain violence that may upset sensitive readers [[Word Count: 50,000-60,000]]

(BOOK 1 - Mate Series) A merciless Alpha, notorious for hunting the mates of his enemies, uses loneliness to his advantage until his mate arrives, starting England's biggest wolf hunt. Krey Graymer is heartless and feared by many. As the new Alpha of the most powerful pack in the country, Krey rules the only way he knows how; on anger, grief, and dominance. Krey has used his lonely soul as a weapon for many years. Nobody could kill him, and nobody could target his mate because he didn't have one, until little Pippor Monty stumbles into his life.

After an Alpha has given up looking for their mate, and they need a Luna to help run the pack, they will organise an event known as The Whipping. Female volunteers from packs around the country will put themselves forward if they wish to be in the chance of becoming a Luna. These she-wolves would be whipped in front of all the packs, again and again until their backs were red raw and blood covered. The last female remaining would be given the title of Luna as the Alpha would only want the strongest wolf to help run his pack. Most wolves gave up and quit as they couldn't take the pain, but some head-strong females would go until they were no longer breathing. It was an ugly tradition, from years ago. I had never heard of one happening in this day and age...until that day... Until I met him... On the day of The Whipping...

"Why do I remember every detail of the day I was born? It's not just because of the dream; it's because today, October 10, 1997, will be the seventh time." Eleanor Blackwell is turning seventeen and although excited about her birthday, she already knows what it will bring. At seventeen Ellie will meet the boy of her dreams, get swept off her feet, and fall in love. But Ellie won't get her happily ever after, because right before her eighteenth birthday she's going to be murdered. How does Ellie know this? Because this isn't the first time she's lived this story...it's the seventh. Every time Ellie is reborn she finds herself surrounded by the same souls of both her friends and enemies, the same love and, ultimately, the same death. Will Ellie be able to discover the secrets those closet to her are hiding? Will she finally be able to change things enough to alter her destiny this time around? Or, is she cursed to repeat the same mistakes she's made seven other times before and return once again? THE SERIES READS AS FOLLOWS: THE RETURN THE RESURRECTION THE REVIVAL THE RESTORATION

[Completed] Elysia's life is turned upside-down when she's abducted by supernatural creatures with demonic eyes and threatening fangs. What's worse is she has no idea what it is they want from her, except that it has something to do with a side of her that she's never known. The chances of Elysia getting out alive are slim, but perhaps with a bit of luck and a lot of bravery she can escape with more than just her life. Excerpt: ''What trick is this?'' The creature asked, but it didn't sound like a vicious question. He sounded... confused. When I didn't answer, he appeared in front of me, snatching my face in his hand once more and growling. ''What is that on your back?'' ''I don't know,'' I blindly answered, but corrected myself quickly when his grip tightened dangerously, ''It's a birth mark, the doctors called it a... a Lichtenberg figure. My mother said I was born with it, I swear it, even though it's usually what happens when you survive being struck-'' ''-by lightning.'' All Rights Reserved © 2014 {{Warning: Some scenes may be unsuitable for audiences below the age of 15 and offensive to those of all ages. Read at your own risk.}} Highest Ranking: Vampire #1, Teen Fiction #4 A Wattpad Featured Novel

Astrid received a strange scholarship to a private school. Which she accepted. When her first day started out great,well the next few days was strange. Faucets knobs turn by themselves,the lights switch on and off. Something tells her she's in for trouble.

Kyra was a popular, beautiful and kind person. She was best friends with the soon to be Alpha, Jason and his girlfriend Lisa. Jason is about to turn 21 and find out who his mate is. Lisa is terrified that it will not be her. Kyra promises to help her, no matter what happens. Then Kyra's life is turned upside down the night of Jason's party. The next day she is in a new city with no family and no friends. Kyra has to start her whole life over. When things are just starting to look up, the past comes calling and it looks like her heart will be torn apart again. This book is PG-13. There will be some mild language and sexual content. The R-rated excerpts will be in the private chapters book. Vote, comment and follow. Follow me on twitter. @WooleySandra